Arts Culture Clubs Sports Interviews Lifestyle Dining Nightlife bahrainthismonth.com Digital Edition Since 1997 October 2022 | Vol. 26 | Issue 10 | BD2 / SR20 ONYX BAHRAIN BAY PEOPLE WTM Winners of the ‘Best Luxury High-Rise Penthouses in Bahrain 2022’ RHF Secretary General Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed Indonesian Ambassador HE Ardi Hermawan Yasmin Drummond on MIND Bahrain We chat with Miss Universe Bahrain - Evlin Khalifa Dr. Taghreed Almahmeed on Breast Cancer In Her Shoes–May Marzooq YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
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4 October 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander 65th National Day of Malaysia On the occasion of the 65th National Day of Malaysia and the 48th Anniversary of Malaysia-Bahrain Diplomatic Relations, Malaysian Ambassador, HE Shazryll Zahiran, and his wife Zuraina Abd Ghani, hosted a reception at Crowne Plaza Bahrain.
www.womanthismonth.com October 2022 5 October 2022 Bahrain This Month George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman COVER Cover Picture: ONYX Bahrain Bay 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. Welcome to another very exciting edition of Bahrain This Month. The weather is finally cooling down and events are in full swing all across the Kingdom. These are exciting times! As someone who has lived in Bahrain for over 40 years, and is a proud Bahraini, I can safely say that living in Bahrain has always been a pleasure. While there’s plenty that makes the island such a wonderful place to live, there’s no denying that the main factor that makes it so special is its people; their warmth, kindness and generosity is second to none. On that note, in this edition, you can read our interview with a man who is a true representative of these qualities – the Secretary General of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed. His natural knack for philanthropy, and efforts through the RHF have created a lasting impact on societies in Bahrain and around the world. We have always been quite connected to every community in Bahrain. This month, we had the pleasure of speaking to the Ambassador of Indonesia, HE Ardi Hermawan, who enlightened us about the Indonesian community in Bahrain, trade figures between the two countries and more. Mental health has been at the forefront of global conversations this year, and it’s for a good reason. We speak to Yasmin Drummond, wife of the British Ambassador HE Roddy Drummond, about the pressing topic and her proposed mental health charity, MIND Bahrain. Other interviewees include one of the Kingdom’s finest lawyers, Rashed Abdul Rahman Ebrahim, and the talented saxophonist, Elton Shera. In our dining section you’ll find plenty of fantastic listings from some of the very best restaurants in the Kingdom. We also had the pleasure of experiencing Primavera’s delectable business lunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. In our motoring section, Kristian Harrison puts the new hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB through its paces thanks to the Maranello marque’s exclusive dealer in Bahrain, Euro Motors. As always, you’ll also find plenty of exciting events to attend this month. In addition, you can stay up-todate with motoring and business news. Woman This Month continues to be the ultimate source of fashion, beauty and parenting in the region. This month’s edition is even more special, though, as we interviewed the second ever Miss Universe Bahrain, Evlin Khalifa. The pageant contestant speaks to us about her thoughts on representing the Kingdom, the causes she hopes to champion and more. October is an extremely important month when it comes to breast cancer awareness. So, in the best interest of our female readers’ wellbeing, we spoke to Consultant General Surgeon and Breast Cancer Specialist, Dr. Taghreed Almahmeed. She provided us with extensive insight into the symptoms of breast cancer, how often women must get checked, common concerns and the surgical approach to fighting cancer in a very informative chat. It’s an issue with plenty to look forward to, so needless to say, Bahrain This Month continues to be Your Guide to a Great Way of Life! THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Editor Farah Baig Assistant Editor Kristian Harrison Online Editor Farrah Saville Media Assistant Alya Al-Mutairi Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Bill Grieve, Pria Masson, Ouiam El Hassani, Simran Tiwari 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 Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales Director Anuradha Manhas [email protected] Media Sales Executive Safia Dawani [email protected] DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Digital Marketing Director Farah Baig Social Media Managers Simran Tiwari, Rohit Reghunath
6 October 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com 22 18 28 34 36 35 16 11 OCTOBER HAPPENINGS FEATURE MOTORING DINING ISSUE 302 CONTENTS www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth bhthismonth 20 The Height of Luxury Onyx Bahrain Bay Project by Kooheji Development has been awarded the ‘Best Luxury High-Rise Penthouses in Bahrain 2022’ by Luxury Lifestyle Awards Fast, Green, Magnificent Machine! We put the new hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB through its paces. An Outstanding Ambassador Indonesian Ambassador, HE Ardi Hermawan, on current trade figures, potential commercial collaborations, and more. The Rule of Law Rashed Abdul Rahman Ebrahim, one of Bahrain’s finest lawyers, tells us about his history in the field. A Life of Giving RHF Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed on charitable giving, the foundation’s impact and more. Mental Health on our MIND Yasmin Drummond about her history of charitable work and how she is changing the conversation about mental health in the region. The Sax Sensation! Saxophonist, Elton Shera, on turning talent into a successful career. A Magnifico Business Lunch! A great business lunch at Primavera at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Let’s Eat The very best of dining this month. The Secret to Successful Businesses Pria Masson on why questioning is critical for success. The best of nightlife and family entertainment 22 51 16 20 18 28 34 35 36 48 11 INTERVIEW COMMERCE 51
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October 2022 www.womanthismonth.com 8 OCTOBER ISSUE 234 CONTENTS Liberating Fashion Inspired by the flowing breeze and golden hour, we felt the need to delve into Johanna Ortiz’s elegant AW collection which is rooted in freedom. Ethnic Elegance Add a few Indian accents to your living spaces to set a festive tone to this Diwali season, and watch your home come aglow. In This Together We speak to Consultant General Surgeon and Breast Cancer Specialist at Al-Zahra Hospital Dubai Dr. Taghreed Almahmeed about breast cancer. In Her Shoes GM of Marketing & Business Development at Kooheji Development, May Marzooq is passionate about formulating winning marketing strategies. Let’s step into her shoes! Out of this World We speak to Miss Universe Bahrain, Evlin Khalifa, who will compete in New Orleans for the crown title of Miss Universe in January 2023. She talks about her meteoric rise, representing her country and more. Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills - What’s More Important? Our fast-paced society may give you the impression that your child needs to constantly focus on academic skills, but this shouldn’t always be the case. Ouiam El Hassani tells us why. Beauty Essentials Looking for the next best beauty product to pop into your bag? Check out our top picks this month! 64 70 72 73 62 68 66 FASHION PEOPLE BEAUTY LIFESTYLE OPINION www.womanthismonth.com womanthismonth rhmbahrain 66 73 70 64 72 62 68
10 October 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander National Day of Nepal On the occasion of the National Day of Nepal, Ambassador Designate of Nepal to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Tirtha Raj Wagle and Bimala Dhakal Wagle, hosted a reception at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa.
happenings www.bahrainthismonth.com October 2022 11 DON’T MISS THIS! OCTOBER 7 D-UNITY IN BAHRAIN! JUFFAIR BOULEVARD HOTEL This month, OFF Global Group and Project VOID are teaming up to bring world-renowned techno DJ & Producer, D-Unity, to the Kingdom of Bahrain. This is a party you definitely don’t want to miss out on! D-Unity’s extensive self-taught career is based on a long-lasting belief in quality music. It has led him to a consolidated position as one of the world’s most prolific and acclaimed producers in the electronic dance music scene. That’s not all, there will be a fantastic line-up of regional DJs! Line-up: D-Unity Julian Mesa INFRARED Charlie Cooksey Sam Gino Pre-sale tickets are priced at BHD 15 until midnight on Friday following which they will be priced at BHD 20 at the door after midnight! Make sure you grab yours before they’re sold out. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased on Resident Advisor: https://ra.co/ events/1589573. Call 33 189-318 or 32 226-113. SUN, SAND AND SEA OCTOBER 6 TO 8 LA PLAGE BEACH FESTIVAL SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA A NIGHT OF HOUSE AND TECHNO OCTOBER 14 EUPHORIA ELEVATED CALEXICO BAHRAIN ‘Euphoria Elevated’ is back for a night of eclectic house and techno. Experience a phenomenal underground party at Calexico, where they’ll be playing only the best of the best. This time, Euphoria will feature an international artist coming to Bahrain for the first time: Levi Oi. She’s bringing her signature style of pumping techno and playful house with her, so you know it’s going to be one wild and euphoric night! Line-up: Levi Oi Sam Gino F Jay INFRARED Levi has a truly unique story to tell, and so does her music. Born and raised in Germany with years abroad in Melbourne, Dubai and London, she decided to explore her own roots and moved to Vietnam. After only a few months, she was featured on vice.com as one of Saigon’s most important underground figures, Ho Chi Minh City boiler room sets were played, and Vietnam news labelled her one of the big newcomers. Tickets are priced from BHD 10 onwards. Doors open at 9pm. Call 33 737-417. OCTOBER HAPPENINGS You know what’s better than a free beach day? A free beach day with food, fun, games and activities, as well as entertainment for all ages! That’s right: Sofitel is providing you with the opportunity to take in the captivating beach at their property along with lots of fun activities! You can enjoy their stunning pool and facilities, and enjoy special discounts on their ‘La Plage’ memberships. This event is exclusively open to couples and families. So pack your bags and head down there for a relaxing weekend getaway that will make you feel like you’re on vacation! The festival will be held from 1pm to 7pm.. Call 17 636-363.
happenings www.bahrainthismonth.com 12 October 2022 A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME EVERY THURSDAY PAST MASTERS SHERLOCK HOLMES, THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN Enjoy an evening of live music, and delectable food and drinks at Sherlock Holmes Bar and Restaurant with your friends and loved ones! Take a trip down memory lane with live, classic rock from the 70s, 80s and 90s with the Past Masters. This is your chance to relive some of your favourite tunes from a bygone era or discover new ones that you never knew existed. Call 17 713-000. Bahrain, are you ready for this? The acclaimed Abdul Majeed Abdullah will perform at the spectacular Al Dana Amphitheatre on Friday, October 14. Abdul Majeed Abdullah is known to be one of the most significant figures in the fields of art and music as well as one of the most influential voices in the evolution of Arabic music. Gates open at 7pm. Attendees are requested to arrive at least an hour before the concert, which begins at 10pm. Visit https://www.aldana.com.bh. THE BEST OF ARABIC MUSIC OCTOBER 14 ABDUL MAJEED ABDULLAH AL DANA AMPHITHEATRE GET YOUR GEEK ON OCTOBER 28 AND 29 BAHRAIN COMIC CON BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT The most anticipated event in the Kingdom, Bahrain Comic Con is back! Over 25,000 attendees are expected to visit the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) on October 28 and October 29 to catch a glimpse of some of the biggest celebrities, and enjoy a weekend of activities! The event is being organised by DALLAH in partnership with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA). Celebrities at this year’s event include actor Paul Anderson who’s known for playing Arthur Shelby in Peaky Blinders, and the amazing Leilani Shiu who’s known for playing Teeka the Jawa in Star Wars and Actor Paul Anderson known for playing Arthur Shelby in Peaky Blinders. David D’Angelo Roman the artist from Rick and Morty will also be at this year’s event while Just Sul, who rose to fame for his comical antics is this year’s social media star. This is in addition to WWE superstars who are soon to be announced! The two-day event will feature a huge array of activities from cosplay showcases to gaming tournaments, workshops about sound dubbing for cartoons, writing scenarios, facial expressions, sketching anime, Q&A sessions and more! Don’t miss out on the opportunities to meet these celebrities and enjoy everything Comic Con has to offer! Tickets for the event can be purchased through Bahrain This Month’s website. Follow @bahraincomiccon on Instagram.
happenings www.bahrainthismonth.com October 2022 13 PUMP IT UP EVERY WEDNESDAY DIZ & DAT WEDNESDAZE ICON LOUNGE BAHRAIN Get your weekend off to an early start every Wednesday with an iconic night of music with Julian Mesa in collaboration with OFF Global Group! Dance the night away and groove to the very best of electronic music at ICON Lounge in Adliya. The lounge is open until 2am, so you can have an epic night out without having to worry about going home early. Just make sure you get to work on time the following morning! Call 38 225-500. THE BEAT OF THE DRUM OCTOBER 6 THE TAIKO ENSEMBLE “WAGAKU*MIYABI” CULTURAL HALL The Japanese Taiko ensemble “Wagaku*Miyabi” is back in Bahrain! The band presents a sophisticated and powerful performance of traditional Japanese drums “Taiko”, which will surely delight fans of Japanese music. The ensemble combines the sound of the “Taiko” drums with other Japanese musical instruments, their repertoire extending to modern music as well, as they spread this important aspect of Japanese culture around the world. This event is being held in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Japan. Doors open at 8pm. This event is free of charge and is suitable for individuals who are 8 and older. Visit www.culture.gov.bh. MAGNIFICENT MUSIC OCTOBER 7, 8PM NOEL KHARMAN CULTURAL HALL In her first concert in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Palestinian singer Noel Kharman comes in strong with her melodious voice, enthralling audiences with her songs that mix Arabic and Western music, blending the two worlds. Her career breakthrough took place in 2015 when she published her first mash-up cover, which was a mix of ‘Hello’ by Adele with ‘Kifak Inta’ by Fairuz. The cover went viral overnight, gained over 33 million views on YouTube, and since then she has been an internet sensation. Her vision to bring the Middle Eastern sound and culture to international and influential platforms is truly coming to life. You can catch Noel performing live around the region, but for now, you can enjoy her music right here at the Cultural Hall, and keep an eye our for the release of new original music. Doors open at 8pm. Entry is free for all. This event is suitable for those aged 10 and older. Visit www.culture.gov.bh. LAUGH OUT LOUD! OCTOBER 27 MICHAEL MCLNTYRE AL DANA AMPHITHEATRE Comedy Superstar Michael Mclntyre will be performing at Al Dana Amphitheatre this month! Expect a night of gutbusting laughs as he shares stories from his life, including his rise to fame, his family life, and his experiences as a father. The British comedian and actor, is known around the world for his hilarious stand-up routines and has hosted award winning shows such as the Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Michael Mcintyre’s The Wheel and more! Michael has become one of the most successful comedians in the world, with his tours selling over four million tickets! Don’t miss your chance to see this comedy genius perform live at Al Dana Amphitheatre! Doors open at 6pm. Visit https://www.aldana.com.bh/event/michael-mcintyre.
happenings www.bahrainthismonth.com 14 October 2022 TRICK OR BEAT OCTOBER 27 VORTEX HALLOWEEN AL DAR ISLANDS A TRIBUTE TO THE GREATS OCTOBER 28 TRIB FEST BAHRAIN BAHRAIN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB It’s time to get your family together for a weekend of music and fun! Trib Fest Bahrain will feature a number of world-renowned tribute acts brought in specially for your entertainment from the UK and Europe. It’s 12 hours of live music, with plenty of opportunities to dance and sing along with your favourite artists—or try something new! There will also be a family fun zone with inflatables, jumping castles, Disney characters and much more. Line-up: Queen & Freddie Mercury (Europe #1 Tribute) The Beatles (UK’s No.1 Tribute Act) The Killers The Artic Monkeys Elton John (UK’s Star Struck) Bon Jovi Bruno Mars (UK’s No.1 Tribute Act) Bryan Adams David Bowie (UK’s No.1 Tribute Act) Stereophonics (UK’s No.1 Tribute Act) Paul Weller & The Jam Brit Pop (a tribute to the classics: The Verve, Cast, Pulp etc.) The Billy Black Band – Masters of Rock! Lady Gaga Kylie Minougue Olly Murs There will also be Disney princesses and Barbie for the kids! Trib Fest Bahrain promises to be an amazing day out for everyone. You won’t want to miss it! The event will take place from 10am to 10pm. Visit www.tribfestbh.com. The Vortex Halloween party is here! Om’s Events is taking over Al Dar Island to bring you a night of techno and trance music. They’re going to have two stages featuring upbeat tracks to get you moving, lots of great food and beverages, and plenty of space for you to dance the night away. Line-up: Sub Nation Kakatazee Mualim Hse Expect plenty of surprises throughout the night, so make sure you’re ready for anything! Put on your best costume and grab your friends for a spooktacular night. The night kicks off at 8pm. For tickets and more information, get in touch with Om’s Events.. Call 33 085-400 or 33 449218. MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOVEMBER 10 AND 11 FAULTY TOWERS DINING EXPERIENCE GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL BAHRAIN We are excited to announce that ‘Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience’ will be coming to Golden Tulip Bahrain this November! This interactive dining experience brings the magic of the classic British comedy series “Faulty Towers” to life in a three-course meal and two hours of hilariously inept comedy. You can expect to see all your favourite characters come to life. Expect nothing short of guaranteed fun and a brilliant night out as you step into the legendary TV program and experience it from the inside out. Tickets are priced at BHD 25 per person and there are limited spots available! Be sure to get yours as soon as possible. The event starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the Bahrain This Month website. Visit www.bahrainthismonth.com/events IT’S SPOOKY SEASON OCTOBER 31 HALLOWEEN PARTY TYPHOON, THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN It’s the most spooktacular time of the year: Halloween! Head to Typhoon Bar on October 31st for a spooktacular party. Come dressed to impress and ready to party! Get ready to groove to incredible beats and get ready to dance like there’s no tomorrow. Call 17 713-000.
October 2022 15 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander 77th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia On the occasion of the 77th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, Indonesian Ambassador, HE Ardi Hermawan and Yuline Puspasari, hosted a reception at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel.
interview www.bahrainthismonth.com 16 October 2022 AN OUTSTANDING AMBASSADOR The Kingdom of Bahrain and Republic of Indonesia have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1984. The Indonesian community in Bahrain now consists of 5000 people while trade relations, too, have diversified over the years. Bahrain This Month speaks to the Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Ardi Hermawan who enlightens us on current trade figures, potential commercial collaborations, and more. Your excellency, could you tell our readers about yourself and your life growing up in Indonesia? I was born in Padang, West Sumatera, but I spent my youth in Surabaya, East Java. I met my wife and now we are blessed with three daughters and two grandchildren. Since then, we lived in Jakarta. Being a government official is no stranger to me. My father worked as a civil servant and always moved from one city to another in Indonesia. None of my daughters follow my path career, though; two of them are working for start-up companies and the youngest is working for a British consultant. What does it take to become an ambassador? Can you give us an overview of your diplomatic missions to date? I earned my BA in International Relations at Universitas Airlangga in Surabaya following which I pursued my postgraduate in Australia, Diploma at the Australian National University, and Masters from the Monash University. My first diplomatic service was at the Indonesian Embassy in Paris from 1994 to 1998, then at the Embassy in Budapest from 2001 to 2005, and Tokyo from 2008 to 2011 where I became the Deputy Chief of Mission. After that, I served as Indonesian Consul General in San Francisco from 2014 to 2017. Prior to holding my post here in Bahrain, I was assigned to the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia for three years, from 2018 to 2021, first as the Director of Asia Pacific Tourism Marketing and then as the Director of Investment Management. I started and spent most of my career for 35 years at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2021, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo officially inaugurated 17 extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors (LBBP RI) at the state palace. How did you feel being among those honoured? I felt proud and honoured as I believe being an ambassador is the golden achievement for every diplomat. Yet, at the same time, I felt humbled. I realised I could not get to this position today without the support of those close to me, my family, and my previous teams - whether it be the one in Jakarta or at the Embassies and Consulates. To me, being an ambassador is not only an assignment but an Amanah (a trust) from the President that has to be returned through the benefit of the people of Indonesia in Bahrain.
interview www.bahrainthismonth.com October 2022 17 What does your role as an ambassador in Bahrain entail and what has been your most significant accomplishment to date? I was tasked with various assignments, but the most important was strengthening the bilateral relations of Indonesia and Bahrain in every sector as well as delivering protection and citizen service to Indonesian nationals in Bahrain. Since I arrived here, I have made courtesy calls to His Majesty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. In addition, I have met with with ministers, parliament members, businessmen, the Chamber of Commerce, labour authority, culture authority, members of the media and more. The message is always encouraging and positive - Bahrain is ready to enhance its relations and cooperation with Indonesia. In addition, we had an exchange of visits from the dignitaries, businessmen, sport athletes, as well as culture delegation. We also actively participated in a number of cultural festivals including the recent Bahrain Summer Festival last July. In addition, we conducted trade promotion activities, including the famous Indonesian Tea and Coffee Promotion last May which concluded with a trade deal for six tons of a single origin Indonesian Arabica Specialty Coffee. Further, we look forward to the Indonesia – Bahrain 2nd Joint Political Consultation which will be held in Manama this year. We are proud of the Bahrain Indonesia Business and Friendship Society (BIBFS), which has been in existence since 2017, and is as one of the prime movers behind our task to increase culture and economic networking and activities. What are the current trade figures between Indonesia and Bahrain? During 2021, based on the data of the Ministry of Trade of Republic of Indonesia, total trade volume between Indonesia and Bahrain reached USD267 million, an increase of 57 percent compared to the total trade volume on 2020. In 2022, up to July, it has shown a 49 percent increase compared to the same period in 2021. The trade figures of the two countries look promising and keep increasing each year. The main import commodities from Bahrain are crude oil, aluminium, and iron products. Meanwhile Indonesia exports motor vehicles, palm oil, and paper products. Nevertheless, there are also some other potential commodities that have emerged and are being explored including blue crab from Bahrain, and Arabica specialty coffee, snacks or confectionaries from Indonesia. How many Indonesians are currently residing in Bahrain? What are the key sectors that they are engaged in? As per the latest data from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority dated December 2021, there are more than 5000 Indonesians residing in Bahrain. Most of them are semi-skilled to professional workers, among others in hospitality sectors (308 persons), seafarers (116 persons) and traders (99 persons). There are also Indonesian professionals who are working as IT consultants posted in the Royal Court (14 persons), real estate (8 persons), mining and quarrying industries (three persons), and professors in universities (three persons). Since Indonesia has a lot of professional workers who can compete globally, I would like to further promote the hiring of professional workers including Indonesian nurses, baristas, and coffee roasters. Similarly, how many Bahrainis are currently residing in Indonesia? Is it considered to be a popular holiday and business destination in the Kingdom? People in Bahrain are gradually learning more about Indonesia beyond Bali and Jakarta. Bahraini travellers can enjoy the visa on arrival facility to enter Indonesia with the duration of stay being 30 days extendable by an additional 30 days. Prior to the pandemic era, there were 2000 to 3000 Bahrainis travelling to Indonesia annually for various purposes. Compared to other countries the number is relatively low. However, Bahraini visitors who visit Indonesia have the most potential. Bahrain business delegation is known as one of the frequent visitors of Trade Expo Indonesia. How do you intend to strengthen the level of bilateral relations between Bahrain and Indonesia? Since the establishment of our bilateral relations in July 1984, both countries have agreed to set up mechanisms to facilitate the communication between the officials of both countries. Having said that, the way I intend to strengthen the level of our bilateral relations is always to look for potentials of cooperation and breakthroughs in the economy, trade, investment, education and tourism. We will assume the Chairmanship of ASEAN next year. We will render our full support for Bahrain’s interest of becoming the Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and its effort to enhance cooperation with ASEAN Member States in all pillars of ASEAN Communities; Political Security, Economic, and SocioCultural Community. Is there anything you would like to add? Indonesia is proposing the re-opening direct flight between both countries. Having said that, I would like to encourage Gulf Air to re-open the Bahrain-Jakarta route. It will not only increase and intensify people-to-people contact, but also ease the movement of commercial goods further promoting trade relations. In addition, Bahrainis who would like to travel to other destinations in East Asia and the Pacific will transit and visit Indonesia before continuing their journey. Furthermore, there is a captive market of around 1.2 million annual Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia which could be tapped into by the Gulf Air, which has been seized by airlines of other GCC countries. Some of those airlines also offer city tours after Umrah. I hope Gulf Air will offer Indonesian jamaah a transit after their pilgrimage, so more Indonesians stay and visit the beautiful Bahrain.
www.bahrainthismonth.com 18 October 2022 You are quite renowned in the Kingdom, but could you kindly give our readers an overview about your distinguished career to-date? How did you get involved with the Royal Humanitarian Foundation? I had a very challenging childhood, I was born into a poor family and my father died when I was just five years old. Two months before his death, our house was burnt in a big fire and thus we lost everything and had to start from zero. Hence, now I feel the requirements and aspiration of poor orphans and children and do my best to help them. Over the years I have also learned of the goodness that people have in them through various situations in my life. For instance, my neighbor who would tell me to go home when it was late at night, or the engineer who saved my life when I was working with high voltage switch gear and pointed out the hazards to me, and people who encouraged me to become a better and successful person. If you genuinely treat people well, with kindness and compassion, I believe you will receive heavenly rewards in return. What inspired your dedication to a life of charitable work? I helped in forming the Bahrain Safety Society in 1979. It was then that I understood the satisfaction of saving lives though informative lectures, writing books and voluntary work. You feel good when you go to bed at night, realising that you have helped others and impacted their lives positively. Seeing smiles on the face of children or appreciation from elderly people made me happy. In fact, I had an interview with an Arabic newspaper in 2005 at the very peak of my professional career as the President of Bapco. At the time, they asked me what my ambition in life would be and I said it was my dream to have a beautiful nursery for orphans. This was in my heart at the time, and today I have not just one nursery, but one in every governorate. The Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) has been widely recognised for its philanthropic efforts that have had a lasting impact on societies in Bahrain and across the world. This month, we speak to one of the most recognised representatives of RHF with a natural penchant for charity - RHF Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed. He tells us about what sparked his interest in charity, the foundation’s impact and his inspirational children’s books too. interview By Farah Baig A LIFE OF GIVING
interview www.bahrainthismonth.com October 2022 19 There’s a lot of prestige working in the oil industry, but I thank God that I ended up here looking after the orphans and widows, it is so rewarding. Now, as part of the RHF, I experience true joy. In fact, the foundation doesn’t only work with orphans, but handicapped children, widows, the poverty stricken and elderly too both in Bahrain, and otherwise too, with great patronage from His Majesty King Hamad, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and under the dynamic leadership of His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Can you tell us about the children’s books that you have written? Regarding children’s books, I wrote the first in 1994. I had a draft for the book ready for six months, and following the encouragement of my daughter Manar decided to publish it. Since then, I have written ten children’s books which teach them about good manners, good values, safety, social values, how to care for the environment, and exposes them to exciting adventures in order to expand their horizons. One of the books that I›m very happy to finish writing is called ‘The Principles of Humanity’. It educationally teaches people how to become good citizens and volunteers. If it can be distributed at schools in countries where I have good connections like Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan and the UAE, we can fill people’s hearts with love and compassion so that there is no room for hatred and extremism. What is the Royal Humanitarian Foundation’s main initiative? It looks after 11,000 widows and orphans in various ways including a monthly salary and free healthcare. Over 4000 beneficiaries have received scholarships while more than 8000 people have received healthcare. In addition, over 36,000 people have received humanitarian aid in the form of medical, cost of living and marriage assistance. There are several children in our care who are brilliant and wish to go to private schools and get an international baccalaureate. And to achieve that, we have an agreement with several private schools who give us scholarships for our outstanding students. How do you prioritise what you focus on most at the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF)? You have to raise the level of humanitarian work to a professional standard to avoid criticism, and to avoid even yourself being unfair as we all have tendencies to support a certain group. We have a very professional and fair approach while sticking to our values and ethics. We conduct a study for each case and have criteria based on which we help people. Through this approach we have helped thousands and thousands of people of all nationalities. For instance, we helped rebuild 500 houses when the Philippines was struck by a tsunami, and provided water and other supplies to ten villages in Pakistan. Some of the places we have been to are quite dangerous, but the joy of positively impacting these communities and making a difference is unbelievable. According to a British charity organisation, the Royal Humanitarian Foundation was rated number 11 in the world and number one in the Arab world for humanitarian works. This is not due to the amount of money donated, but rather the lasting impact, quality, and the way we treat people. Through our initiatives, we also witness touching acts of kindness on the part of Bahraini citizens who come forward to support our causes. In addition to giving material things to support people, it’s important to empower them through education to boost their dignity, moral and help them succeed in achieving their aspirations. In Bahrain, despite there being plenty of training centres and educational facilities, we built a vocational training center where orphans have the opportunity to become the first choice in the industry. Notably, through the vision of His Majesty King Hamad, we have also built six schools in Jordan with four of them being built on the border with Syria. Some of the students who went to these schools, have now received scholarships to study in Europe and the US. What can you tell us about the support of refugees by the RHF? Bahrain is a leader in this aspect as we have a very creative approach in helping refugees. Through His Highness Shaikh Nasser’s creative approach, we have not only built schools but teachers training colleges too as there is no point in having a school if there are no local teachers, like in Somalia. I believe you worked with King Charles III on various Islamic committees’ initiatives related to humanitarian works. Could you kindly elaborate? Yes, King Charles III is a close friend of our Royal Family. A memorable time was when His Majesty was a prince and a sponsor of the Islamic World Society in the UK and they were presenting an award for a humanitarian project that Bahrain had done in Palestine and Syria. Out of everybody present, we were awarded a prize for our outstanding work there where we were building schools and libraries to promote peace and sustainable development while people were talking about the war. His Majesty has a wonderful personality, he is hardworking, kind and very intelligent. I congratulate the UK for having such a remarkable man as King to follow a very memorable and unforgettable Queen. You refer to Bahraini orphans as your children. Do you have any of your own children? Yes, I have four. They are beautiful and successful and I love them tremendously. In fact, I also have grandchildren. Since I don’t see them as often, as my work has always involved a lot of travelling, I make up for it by cooking for them every Friday. They may joke about its colour or taste, but they got used to eating it!
THE RULE OF LAW Rashed Abdul Rahman Ebrahim is one of the Kingdom’s finest lawyers. An arbitrator, licensed before the Court of Cassation and the Constitutional Court, he has a storied history in the field. George Middleton spoke to him to learn about his career and law in a sit-down chat this month. Could you tell our readers about yourself and your firm? Law is not just a career but rather a way of life, passion for negotiation and a strong belief in ethics. I graduated with LLB from the University of Baghdad in 1968, and later continued my education at London School of Economics and Kings’ College in the United Kingdom. I played a prominent role in the establishment of notary public offices and was appointed as the first notary public at the Ministry of Justice in 1971 - the same year in which I was appointed as a Director of Bahrain courts. In 1974, the Rashed Abdul Rahman Ebrahim law office was established in Bahrain to specialise in advising corporations and individuals on matters related to banking law, Islamic finance, insurance law, construction law, commercial law, corporate law, company registration and international commercial arbitration. Over the course of a 48-year career, I have participated in many local and international arbitration cases as both, counsel and arbitrator, in Bahrain and abroad and had the pleasure of meeting many local and international clients. In 1971, you became the first ever notary in Bahrain. How did this pioneering move change and develop law in the Kingdom of Bahrain? The idea came up during a consultation between myself and a member of the Ministry of Justice at the time. The establishment of the notary offices were looked into and approved shortly after, so I was sent to the Kuwaiti Notary Public for training, as they had the model that we were looking to replicate, and later appointed as the first notary in Bahrain. The establishment of the Public Notary in Bahrain, was a great development in the legal sector as it provided an official notarisation and attestation services office for the public that is easily accessible to issue and notarise various certifications, powers of attorney, contracts and memorandums etc. What we established greatly streamlined procedures. You were appointed to be part of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris in early 2012. What can you tell us about this? ICC appointed me a member of its Court of Arbitration and I participated for seven years as a member, travelling to Paris every other month to attend court meetings. As an arbitrator, I had to be aware of the constitution of the court and all countries who are members of the ICC, which required a lot of hard work on my end. This was the beginning for me in the realm of international arbitration which paved the way for my participation in ICC Bahrain. In 1999, the Kingdom established ICC Bahrain which I joined in 2012 as a member of the court. The establishment of ICC Bahrain is significant for the promotion of international arbitration more broadly, as a conduit for strengthening the rule of law in the region and beyond. You have participated in many local and international arbitration cases as both: counsel and arbitrator. How has this participation been instrumental in your career? interview www.bahrainthismonth.com 20 October 2022
When I started in the international arbitration field, arbitration was a little-known field of practice in the region. The few of us who were doing it were nearly all general practitioners, and arbitration was just a side-line. In subsequent years, arbitration has developed into a sophisticated and important practice area and has now become one of the principal means in resolving high level commercial disputes. As a founding member of the Bahrain Bar Association, member of the International Court of Arbitration at ICC, the GCC Arbitration Committee, member of BCDR board of trustees, the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration and a lawyer in general, I learnt to keep in mind that the law and the needs of clients are always evolving. Ultimately, the objective is to distinguish oneself in the practice, which requires an ability to embrace rejection with persistence and resilience. In the race to do well, it is critical to be patient and to work hard. Over the last 48 years, what are some of the greatest developments you have seen in Bahrain, where law is concerned? From 1968 to 2022 there have been a whole lifetime of developments! Of course, there are key judicial and legislative developments that changed the legal system in the Kingdom such as the issuance of administrative reform decrees by HH the late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. Decree No. (2) stipulated the establishment of a justice department that includes three departments: the courts, the real estate registry, and the funds of minors. in 1971, the Ministry of Justice was established, which replaced the Department of Justice and the Notary Public Act (Notary Public) was issued. 1989 was very exciting, when the court of cassation was created to monitor the application of the law itself and the highest level of the judicial system. For lawyers, that was a great achievement for Bahrain’s legal and judicial system and we were very proud to be a part of it. During that period, and until the late 90s, many laws were issued including civil and commercial law and all the other laws that we work with today. Later in the 2000s we witnessed a new chapter of developments by HM King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa beginning with the establishment of a supreme judiciary council followed by the new action charter and the establishment of a constitutional court. This is in addition to several developments and achievements regarding laws, and the judicial and legal system which followed. The establishment of ICC Bahrain in 1999 and BCDR in 2009 was a huge leap in the development of international arbitration and dispute resolution in the kingdom and the region. It was a great opportunity for us lawyers to have the option of alternative dispute resolution in commercial and international cases right here at home! The developments from the 70s until now are huge and I am grateful for being a part of and witnessing such great leaps in the history of the legal and judicial system in the kingdom. How has the trend changed in terms of women seeking careers in law over the years? If I remember correctly. there was a study which showed that more than half the lawyers and many judges in Bahrain are women. Legally, Bahraini women are recognised in the Bahraini Constitution as equal to Bahraini men with equal opportunities in their professions. In my personal opinion the legal system in Bahrain supports women in their career development as lawyers, arbitrators and judges, we have a number of practicing lawyers, judges and public prosecutors all hardworking, extremely professional high achievers. We are encouraging the promotion of women in these sectors and there is no limit to what they can achieve. My daughter and wife are both lawyers, and two of my grandchildren are studying law too! As one of the most prolific commercial lawyers in the Kingdom, what is some of the best advice you can give people who would normally seek your service? My best advice for anybody with a legal issue is to try and settle it amicably rather than through litigation. It’s not because courts are complicated, but the timing and costs increase exponentially the longer it goes on. Settling amicably avoids lengthy litigations, time is money too! You were previously the director of courts at the Bahraini Ministry of Justice, and a member of the board of directors of the Bahraini Bar Association. What would be your advice to young Bahrainis pursuing a career in law? For those wishing to practice law, a graduate needs to acquire litigation experience, which can be acquired domestically or internationally. Having litigation skills prepares a lawyer well for any field of law including arbitration. It is further, of course, highly desirable to have a good knowledge of different languages specifically English since many documents and contracts are now drafted in English. It also helps if you can find intellectual satisfaction in your chosen field of practice as I have been lucky to do in the fields of commercial law and arbitration. It makes it so much easier to work when it is a pleasure to do so! Finally, I would advise any upcoming lawyer never to stop reading to educate themselves further as law is a continuously developing subject. So, my advice is be patient, informed and flexible. You have had a very illustrious career to date. As someone who has already achieved so much, what are your ambitions in the near future? To see my children and grandchildren take over from me so I can take a back seat or maybe specialise in arbitration only! In all seriousness, my ambitions are very simple - to continue working; my work is my happy place and I’m most comfortable when I’m busy solving a problem or planning a case strategy. interview www.bahrainthismonth.com October 2022 21
www.bahrainthismonth.com 22 October 2022 THE HEIGHT OF LUXURY Onyx Bahrain Bay Project by Kooheji Development has been awarded the ‘Best Luxury High-Rise Penthouses in Bahrain 2022’ by Luxury Lifestyle Awards The iconic project, Onyx Bahrain Bay by Kooheji Development, was awarded the ‘Best Luxury High-Rise’ for its penthouses by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. The award comes after the successful launch of the penthouses which Kooheji announced in June 2022. Luxury Lifestyle Awards is renowned internationally for connecting people with the best of luxury through extensive evaluation. The global award selects, recognises, celebrates, and promotes the best of luxury goods and services all over the world. The victory brings companies status and recognition, global promotion, and exposure to an entirely new market of customers. The penthouses, which redefine the concept of a luxury lifestyle in residential towers, are the crown jewels that showcase Kooheji’s extensive real estate experience and capabilities in its most recent project, Onyx Bahrain Bay. The spectacular penthouses are an exclusive collection of the most luxurious and unmatched penthouses in the real estate sector in the region. A Prestigious Project Ideally located at Entrance 2 of the picturesque Bahrain Bay, Onyx Bahrain Bay offers easy access to the King Faisal Highway and Bahrain Airport, and proves to be a gateway to the best of Bahrain’s food and leisure destinations. The towers of Onyx Bahrain Bay are the height of elegance, adding a new aspect to Bahrain’s skyline. These freehold residential towers offer many firsts for Bahrain’s residential developments, including a 50-metre infinity pool, indoor gardens, and the exclusive residents-only Onyx Club Lounge. “Our experience in managing luxury residential towers will ensure that these towers are of the highest quality. At Kooheji, we strive to create experiential residential projects that reflect our 14 steps of harmonious series of real estate solutions for each stage of the project’s life cycle. This approach establishes a solid platform capable of achieving the most luxurious high-rise residential towers in the region,” says CEO of Kooheji Development, Eng. Mohamed Abdulghaffar AlKooheji. feature Eng. Mohamed Al Kooheji
feature www.bahrainthismonth.com October 2022 23 “Our understanding of what customers value and market opportunities has set our projects as the first choice for customers, whether people are looking for a new home with luxury lifestyle or investors are looking to achieve strong ROI,” he adds. The iconic property offers Bahrain the most luxurious of penthouses with six unique layouts from 220 sqm to 850 sqm. These include 3.5 bedroom apartments, Duplexes, and Bahrain’s largest penthouse spreads over three floors with panoramic views of the breath-taking Manama skyline and infinite sea views. Onyx Penthouses – Truly Unique The penthouses at Onyx Bahrain Bay provide a definite statement of luxury and style. They offer unmatched comfort, a resort-like lifestyle, and spectacular views of the city and sea. This project has great value represented through the unique designs and luxury finishing of the penthouses in Onyx Bahrain Bay. Each penthouse was carefully designed to optimally utilise space, considering homeowners’ needs and expectations during spatial design and distribution. The stylish residences in the striking twin towers of Onyx Bahrain Bay offer the ultimate luxury resort-style living in an unrivalled location with personal service and amenities which are usually only found in the world’s most opulent hotels. Hence the panel of experts at Luxury Lifestyle Awards have named Onyx Bahrain Bay the winner in the category of ‘Best Luxury High-Rise Penthouses in Bahrain 2022’. This is the second time the project has received the prestigious award, after winning it for the first time in 2020. Commenting on the award Kooheji Development General Manager of Marketing and Business Development, May Marzooq, says: “We are delighted that Onyx Penthouses have been recognised by the experts at Luxury Lifestyle Awards as a winner in the category of ‘Best Luxury High-Rise Penthouses in Bahrain 2022’. Onyx Bahrain Bay is a truly unique development located at Bahrain’s most prestigious address that offers its residents an impressive selection of facilities and apartments of the highest standards. We are proud that the judges have rewarded our efforts to create the best of the best.” Celebrating the Team Eng. Mohamed Abdulghaffar AlKooheji says: “We at Kooheji Development are committed to delivering the highest standards while developing our projects. We have demonstrated our unique philosophy of backward integration and forward thinking with our 14 steps, from market requirement to feasibility studies that achieve the highest standards of execution and attention to detail.” He highlighted that the team is highly experienced and dedicated to providing the best possible project delivery standards. “I would like to congratulate all the teams from various disciplines of Kooheji Development for contributing to delivering the highest standards with commitment to quality and attention to details that delivers unique lifestyle experiences,” he says. “These teams are gathered to add value with our 14 steps offer which includes cost control to working with partners of supply chains, to ensuring the use of the best raw materials. In addition to our key strengths, having Kooheji Contractors as our construction arm with its extensive in-house capabilities that deliver beyond conventional contractors’ capabilities.” The appeal of quality of life the residential developments offer is clear, as they cater to the growing demand for higher living standards. The future of residential developments of gated communities’ compounds, high-rise residential towers and town houses, can offer the absolute best in lifestyles and sustainability. “The team worked tirelessly to create highend luxury standards, and has received a tremendously positive response from the market. This shows that there is a real need for luxury residential towers that offer the best in community living. We will continue to challenge ourselves to create unique real estate products that add value to Bahrain’s market,” concludes Eng. AlKooheji. The Kooheji Development marketing team
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