Digital Edition / NFT Cover bahrainthismonth.com September 2022 | Vol. 26 | Issue 9 | BD2 / SR20 ANNIVERSARY EDITION THE REGION′S FIRST NFT MAGAZINE COVER 25th YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
4 September 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander India’s 75th Independence Day Reception On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence, Indian Ambassador, HE Piyush Srivastava, and his wife Monika, hosted a reception at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa.
www.bahrainthismonth.com September 2022 5 George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman COVER Cover Picture: 25th anniversary edition 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. Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Editor Farah Baig Assistant Editor Kristian Harrison Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Bill Grieve, Eman Deabil, Pria Masson, Ouiam Charkani El Hassani, Simran Tiwari, Sravan Kumar. Intern Debra Okera 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 & Social Media Director Farah Baig Online Editor Farrah Saville Media Assistant Alya Al-Mutairi Social Media Managers Simran Tiwari, Rohit Reghunath When I look back, a quarter of a century ago, to the time when we started the first ever monthly magazine (of any language) in Bahrain, I am filled with nostalgia; and terror! I remember canvassing potential advertising support from popular restaurants and watering holes in Manama who wondered whether there was enough happening in Bahrain, on a monthly basis, in order to justify that frequency of periodical. At the time when we decided to launch Bahrain This Month, there was a quarterly magazine in existence called ‘This is Bahrain & What’s On’ run by a popular socialite, Finola Flanagan. Her popularity as an ‘IT Girl’ was considerable and, for a time, she enjoyed significant success in her endeavours. Unfortunately, this media pioneer passed away a few weeks ago after a long illness and I am grateful to her for her contribution to our industry. After the first issue was launched on 8th September 1997, I remember examining the multitudinous errors, including misnumbered pages, missing articles and duplicate forms (one of which, incidentally, was inserted upside down). Unfortunately, it was (by no means whatsoever) a pretty sight to behold. Severely embarrassed by this outcome, I tried to think of a way to recover from the ignominy of publishing failure and hit upon the notion that people would forgive almost anything as long as they could see themselves in the pages of a glossy magazine. We managed to include pictures of social activities, parties and events from the previous month to the appreciation of the Gulf Daily News subscribers at the time who took to the social photography element of the new publication in the same way that ducks take to water! In essence, Bahrain This Month’s ‘Bystander section’ became Bahrain’s very own social media platform before the advent of online media; and therein lies our success as it seemed to work even a quarter of a century on. Our forgiving audience were patient enough to bear with us as we committed to employing our first professional editor, the late Roy Kietzman; an American writer from Indiana, USA who put his heart and soul into the development of the magazine for the first eight years of its existence. Without the concise administrative support and loyalty of our first ever employee, Samson Vaz (who is still with us today), I know that this venture could never have survived the volatility of fate and circumstance especially over the past couple of years. From being the first monthly magazine in the State of Bahrain 25 years ago, to launching the first magazine website in Bahrain, and now, the first NFT magazine cover in the region, Bahrain This Month has always been at the forefront of developments in the Kingdom’s media industry. It is due to the very nature of Bahrain and its people; not only Bahraini nationals whose natural traits emit kindness, compassion, gentleness of spirit; but also Bahrain’s expatriates from all walks of life and countries from around the globe, who also seem to reflect the benign elements of graciousness inherent in Bahrain society when compared to other communities throughout the world. Bahrain This Month, often imitated but never duplicated, looks forward to another quarter-century of media success; not only in print, but now in digital format, online at www.bahrainthismonth.com, via social media digital extensions ranging from LinkedIn to Facebook to Instagram and more recently TikTok; as well as emailed newsletters and WhatsApp subscriptions on a regular basis. With a genuine total monthly reach of over half a million individuals, Bahrain This Month is delighted to embrace a new era in media convergence through our proactive digital media marketing strategies and filming, editing and animation expertise. Since 1997, to the present and beyond, we always were, we still are and will continue to be, “Your Guide to a Great Way of Life”. THE TEAM September 2022
www.bahrainthismonth.com 6 September 2022 12 50 20 24 22 34 26 38 36 SEPTEMBER ISSUE 301 CONTENTS 12 20 50 22 24 26 34 36 38 HAPPENINGS The best of nightlife and family entertainment! FEATURE 301 and more to come! The team behind Bahrain This Month, the Kingdom’s first-ever monthly magazine in any language, is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary. We are happy to share some of our most cherished memories and exciting developments. Best of Bystander INTERVIEW Reinventing the Wheel Al Haddad Motors, the exclusive distributor of Mercedes-Benz, is one of the island’s most prosperous dealerships. Kristian Harrison sat down with General Manager, Warren Hudson, to find out the secrets behind the success. The Unstoppable Bahrain Cricket Juggernaut Chairman of the Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) Advisory Board, Mohammad Mansoor tells us about the growing popularity of cricket in Bahrain and the rise of Bahraini teams in the international arena. A Champion for the Arts On the occasion of our silver jubilee, we speak to one of the most prolific artists in the Kingdom - Chairman of Bahrain›s National Council for Arts and Honorary President of the Bahrain Arts Society, Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Reinvigorating Bahrain’s Hospitality The Kingdom’s first pet-friendly hotel, Hilton Bahrain, recently opened in Juffair. The establishment’s General Manager, Tamer Farouk, who brings over 25 years of Hilton experience to Bahrain tells us what to expect. A Natural Leader Al Namal Group is one of the Kingdom’s most renowned business entities with several divisions. Executive Director, Jeeben Varghese Kurian, tells us about the company’s continued success and his personal goals. Bahrain’s Dairy Queen Story This year, the American fast-food restaurant, Dairy Queen is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its opening in Bahrain. Chairman of Jawad Business
REDEFINED DOORS OPENING Urban Living 10th August Building 4672, Road 2468, Block 324, Juuair, Manama, Bahrain | www. bahrain.hilton.com +973 77010100 | [email protected] Get Social WIth Us @HiltonBahrain WE’RE LIVIN’ THE BRUNCH LIFE Get Into The Urban Brunch Experience LIVE COOKING STATIONS | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BHD 27 net with Soft Beverages Fridays, 1:00PM-4:00PM BHD 39 net with Bubbles & Hops BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW +973 3369 2013 Hilton Bahrain, 6th Floor, Building 4672, Road 2468, Block 324, Juffair, Manama, Bahrain
www.bahrainthismonth.com 8 September 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth bhthismonth 44 40 46 48 42 68 70 72 79 80 82 83 Group, Faisal Jawad, tells us about his journey to opening the first Dairy Queen branch. Leading the Community Bahrain and Pakistan enjoy a long-standing diplomatic partnership. Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Muhammad Ayub, speaks about his diplomatic career and plans to bolster ties between the two nations. Taking YOU to the Top! After one of the most successful market launches of recent times, the YOU app has been garnering quite the fan following. CEO, Noor AlSaati, talks about the app’s benefits and future plans. A Culinary Legend The legendary Cico’s Italian Restaurant, established in 1978, revolutionised Bahrain’s dining industry. We speak to the man behind the celebrated restaurant, Ettore ‘Cico’ Cicognini. Dancing Queen Ranya M. is one of the most renowned performers and artists managers in Bahrain. She tells us about her love for dance and efforts to create an inclusive agency. LIFESTYLE Royal Ambassador… Redefining ‘Luxury Living’ We discover the Royal Ambassador lifestyle experience at one of their most exquisite properties in Juffair – Fontana Infinity. DINING Turkish Delight at Baharat We check out the newly launched ‘Turkish Night’ which was recently launched at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain’s restaurant, Baharat. #grab a bite! Herb Crusted Steak, Grilled Salmon and Rich Chocolate Brownies were just some of the dishes we tried at #grab this month. Dining Stars of September The very best of dining happenings this month COMMERCE Start-up Smart – Lean, Viable and Flexible Pria Masson explores the concept of ‘Lean Startups’, and how to effectively start one. Business Bites Metaverse: What’s all the buzz about? The internet has been going crazy about the Metaverse. Here’s why. MOTORING 44 40 48 46 68 42 72 70 80 83
www.bahrainthismonth.com 10 September 2022 SEPTEMBER ISSUE 233 CONTENTS Iconic Fashion We explore the Genny AW 2022/2023 collection which brings you the best of both worlds – weaving together minimalist silhouettes and strong colour palettes in a rich variety of fabrics. Designing for Women of Substance Noon By Noor is an exquisite clothing brand that has produced collections. Farah Baig speaks to its designers, Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa. Beauty Essentials Combat summer with these fantastic cosmetics, haircare, and body care products. Skincare Game Changers These 5 products drastically improve the appearance of your skin. Bring on the Bling We’re feeling celebratory on turning 25, so we show you how to bring the party home with a little bit of bling! Women Representation in Bahrain’s Boardrooms Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) and Accredited Chartered Manager (CMI), Eman Deabil, looks at the current situation of women in the boardroom. What are Defensive Detachment Meltdowns? Has your child ever had a meltdown? Ouiam El Hassani explores why it happens. In Her Shoes – Cristalyn Pastrana Complex Director of Marketing at The Westin and Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain, Cristalyn Pastrana is one of Bahrain’s most renowned hospitality professionals. We take a walk in her shoes. 98 96 104 106 108 102 110 113 PEOPLE LIFESTYLE FASHION BEAUTY OPINION In Her Shoes www.womanthismonth.com womanthismonth rhmbahrain 106 113 108 96 104 98 102
September 2022 11 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Les Clefs d’Or Global VIP Concierge Association held a Les Clefs d’Or meeting at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. Les Clefs d’Or (translated as The Golden Keys) is a professional association of hotel concierges, with approximately 4000 members working in over 80 countries and 530 destinations. shop.fakhroo.com 17259534 39461024 @mfakhroobh
happenings www.bahrainthismonth.com 12 September 2022 SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS Enjoy doing some hands-on work when you build a wooden boat during this workshop! Participants will learn to recognise the many types of wood used to make model ships, how to cut wood to construct ship models, how to mould the ship’s accessories, and how to draw, carve, and sand a piece of wood. Bahrain has a long history of shipbuilding, an important traditional industry where Bahrainis have thrived and left notable legacies. Al-banush (dhow), bloom, Albaghlah, and other types of ships have been used for passenger and cargo transportation as well as fishing, diving, and pearling through the centuries. The workshop is from 10am to noon. Be sure to register through the website to ensure your spot. Call Visit www.culture.gov.bh. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN TRADITION SEPTEMBER 30 DANDIYA RAAS INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY HOTEL, MANAMA This September, you can enjoy an enchanting dandiya night featuring groovy and traditional beats by DJ Nirmal, live percussion by Anand and a garba competition! Dandiya Raas is the traditional folkdance originating from Gujarat, India. The special feature of Dandiya dance is the vibrant attire worn by dancers and the colourful sticks carried by them. Grab your dandiya sticks and get your moves ready for an unforgettable night with friends and family. Doors open at 7pm. Call WhatsApp 33 259-981. A FANTASTIC FIESTA! SEPTEMBER 15 TO 23 MEXICAN FESTIVAL THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION AND SPA SET SAIL SEPTEMBER 10,17 AND 24 BOAT MAKING WORKSHOP AL JASRA CRAFTS TRAINING CENTRE TIME TO PARTY SEPTEMBER 29 OKTOBERFEST’22 THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION AND SPA Want to enjoy an authentic German experience? We’ve got you covered. The Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest, featuring a brew festival, food and live music. The best news is you don’t have to go halfway across the world to enjoy it—you can celebrate it right here in Bahrain! At the hotel’s Gulf Convention Centre, enjoy a night of live music from the German band ‘Lasterbacher Musicanten’ while sampling a variety of brews and food. Don’t miss out on this authentic Oktoberfest experience! The event charges start from BHD 28 onwards. Call 17 713-000. Indulge in a week-long technicolour Mexican food and cultural festival! Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at Margarita Mexicana with spectacular food, music and dancing. Let your soul revel in traditional folkloric dancing, mariachis, fiestas and Mexican art this September! The Mexican Independence Day is an important national holiday in Mexico. It occurs on September 16th and celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain. The festivities include parades, concerts and fireworks displays. You can expect to experience the true spirit of this momentous occasion right here in the Kingdom at Margarita Mexicana! Call 17 713-000.
happenings www.bahrainthismonth.com 14 September 2022 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 9 DISORDER THE ART HOTEL AND RESORT The visionary folks at Disorder are shaking things up on the Bahrain entertainment scene and are back with another night you’ll never forget! With a powerhouse of international DJs gracing the decks, Disorder promises to pay an ode to the mighty cornerstones of underground music, ensuring an absolute belter of a night for fans of this genre. Groove to house, techno and electronic beats at a venue that is classy yet snazzy. The night kicks off at 6pm. Check out the link below for tickets. You don’t want to miss this! Line Up: Ahmed Zainal (Bahrain) CHKLTE (USA) NFTO (Romania) Saif and Sound (Oman) Vinyl Mode (KSA) Visit https://ra.co/events/1571636 DID YOU KNOW? RAVEN’S NEST TRIVIA NIGHT SEPTEMBER 15, 22 AND 29 RAVEN’S NEST, BUDAIYA This is not your average trivia night. Be tested on everything you know about the iconic show of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ on the 15th and check if you really know all of Dunder Mifflin’s employees from ‘The Office’ on the 29th! Marvel fans can join in the fun with a trivia night about all things multiverse on the 22nd! Test your knowledge with a chunk of trivia questions that range from easy to hard and everywhere in between. Prizes are up for grabs for the smartest among the lot! Who do you think is going to win between you and your friends? Trivia Nights start at 7.30pm. Call 33 448-477. WHAT A VIBE. SEPTEMBER 12 EUPHORIA CALEXICO Experience pure euphoria this September with another unforgettable night brought to you by PROJECT VOID. Immerse yourself in euphoric beats in a booming venue that is famed for its electrifying social nights. Euphoria is just the ticket for dancing denizens and underground music lovers as talented DJs promise to make it a night to remember. Line-up: Amani Lape Infrared Sam Gino Call 32 226-113.
A feast for the eyes and the palate, the Friday Brunch at Bahrain Bay Kitchen is reason enough to count down for the weekend. The splendid buffet offers delights from the Wok, Tandoori, Carving, and Seafood Stations, as well as assorted Sushi, Bao Buns, and Italian classics like the Pinsa Romana and Fresh Pasta. If you have a sweet tooth, the dessert station with Japanese Cheesecake, Sicilian Cannoli, Red Velvet Cake, and much more will be your favourite stop. Last but not least, our youngest guests will have the best time in the Kids Club and at the special buffet for children. Every Friday, between 13:00-16:00, with live entertainment. Per Person Price: BHD 35, including soft beverages, BHD 48, including the selected beverage package Reservations: 00973 17115500 [email protected] EVERY FRIDAY, WE MEET AT THE AWARD-WINNING BRUNCH
happenings www.bahrainthismonth.com 16 September 2022 Summer’s not over until the Art’s pool and beach parties say so! Don’t miss out on the best music by celebrated DJs and musicians that’ll have you dancing all day. The fun doesn’t end there in this all-day event that’ll feature a saxophonist and percussionist, carnival Brazilian dancers, fire shows, and more, making it a pool and beach party to remember. Head to the stunning Art Hotel & Resort for an unforgettable 11-hour party experience from noon to 11pm. Tickets start at BD 10 (presale). Music & Entertainment by: * DJ Mysterioo Arif (Bahrain) DJ B.A (USA) * Hassan (France) * De Cat (France) * DJ Kristina V (Belarus) * DJ Serena (Canada/Lebanon) * Madani (Sudan) * Nacim (Algeria) * Reema (Bahrain) * Kumru (Turkey) * Sam Aujan (Bahrain) * DJ Soufee (Russia) * Trumpet: Szabi Saxophonist Hassan Hajji (Bahrain) * Maxeem Ghawas (Greek Bazooki) * Violinist Laura (Cuba). This event is open to couples and mixed groups. Call 37 777-845. ONE FOR THE ART LOVERS SEPTEMBER 1 TO 27 VARIATION AND AUTONOMY EXHIBITION BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM Are you an art enthusiast? Check out Kyoji Takizawa’s exhibition ‘Variation and Autonomy: The Prints of Contemporary Japanese Painters’. The exhibition features the work of ten artists who, in the 1970s, used prints to explore a variety of possibilities and broaden the scope of expression in contemporary art. It aims to re-evaluate the history of modern Japanese prints by focusing on art created by painters who drew inspiration from contemporary art movements. Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and the Japanese Embassy are collaborating to host this exhibition as a way to commemorate the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Japan. Exhibiting artists: Masanari Murai Toshinobu Onosato Yasukazu Tabuchi Yayoi Kusama Natsuyuki Nakanishi Hitoshi Nakazato Tomoharu Murakami Naoyoshi Hikosaka Kosai Hori Toeko Tatsuno Visit www.culture.gov.bh. ONE MOMENT IN TIME SEPTEMBER 9 WHITNEY HOUSTON TRIBUTE BRITISH CLUB BAHRAIN The most popular Whitney Houston tribute act in the UK is coming to the Kingdom! Marcia Lynette is a soulful and heartfelt singer whose career has taken her all over the world. She will honour the legendary Whitney Houston right here in Bahrain with a fantastic performance. Marcia has collaborated and performed alongside artists like Incognito, Rick Astley, and Mica Paris. Her musical prowess can be attributed to her traditional gospel music and passionate vocals. Expect to enjoy some of Whitney’s most popular songs, such as ‘Run to You’, ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’, and ‘I Will Always Love You’. The event starts at 7pm. Tickets are available at British Club from noon to 8pm. Prices start from BHD 12 onwards for members and BHD 15 onwards for non-members. Call 17 728-245. SUN, SAND AND BEATS SEPTEMBER 9 ART POOL AND BEACH PARTY THE ART HOTEL & RESORT AMWAJ
happenings www.bahrainthismonth.com 18 September 2022 GO BACK IN TIME! SEPTEMBER 9 BACK TO THE 90’S MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN Get ready to break out your best 90’s gear, because Mövenpick is taking you back to the 90’s! DJs will be spinning some of the best 90’s jams all day long. You can look forward to being wowed by their live performances, which will include violinists and dancers. Make sure you bring your best moves—it wouldn’t be a 90’s party without them! Brunch guests can avail a 50 percent discount on tickets which are priced at BHD 15 inclusive of one selected beverage. This event is free of charge for Mövenpick hotel guests and will take place from 3pm to 9pm.. Call 33 640-032. DANCE FOR A GOOD CAUSE! SEPTEMBER 23 ILA DANDIYA NIGHT 2022 CROWNE PLAZA MANAMA MARK YOUR CALENDARS! NOVEMBER 10-11 FAULTY TOWERS - THE DINING EXPERIENCE GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL The popular British comedy classic tribute Faulty Towers - The Dining Experience will be held at the Golden Tulip Hotel Bahrain on November 10 & 11, 2022, and will serve as the official launch event for ALIST MEDIA founded by Bahrain’s very own media personality Mr. Ahmed Alsayed. Tickets for the two-day event are available exclusively at alistmedia.bh and cost BD25 including dinner and show. Visit www.aldana.com.bh. Are you ready for some dandiya? The Indian community comes together to celebrate their Navratri festival with an evening filled with music and dance thanks to the Indian Ladies Association (ILA), who are bringing back their renowned dandiya night at the Crowne Plaza, Manama, Bahrain. Participants dance with decorated sticks in a choreographed manner to vibrant folk music. The event will feature traditional and fusion performances, a rangoli competition, raffle draws, a live dhol band and more! It is the perfect way to embrace the festivities with your family and friends. Being one of the most prominent social and philanthropic organisations in Bahrain, ILA has made a considerable impact on some important causes revolving around special needs children, domestic workers, education, and more. Be sure to support this fantastic fundraising event!. Call 39 475-574.
www.bahrainthismonth.com 20 September 2022 A Time to Celebrate A quarter of a century ago, a certain George Middleton began publishing the first monthly magazine of any language in Bahrain; an English language monthly entertainment publication produced in the preKingdom State of Bahrain. Inspired by the new phenomenon of www.theworldwideweb, the publication was named “Bahrain This Month” (BTM) although the cover masthead was written in all lowercase letters, much to the consternation of many unknowing readers. In the foreword of the trailblazing first issue, George wrote that his team of journalists and media professionals’ primary goal was, “to provide our readers with local leisure and entertainment information.” Of course, BTM still continues to do this 25 years later in both: the pages of its physical magazine and across its extensive range of digital platforms, which have emerged out of the Internet aether ever since. Whilst BTM no longer asks its readers to ‘fax’ or ‘snail-mail-in’ (ask your parents, kids!) their thoughts and opinions to the editor, and cover stars Boyzone are banished to the playlists of middle-aged women’s high school reunion discos, many of George’s words in his opening salvo still ring true to this day. Perhaps most strikingly, Bahrain This Month was positioned from the outset as a publication “of value and relevance to Bahrain’s entire range of multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities who, together, combine to make Bahrain the unique oasis of tolerance, friendship and tranquillity that so many countries in the world today can only envy.” This could not be truer all these years later, with the magazine appealing to both locals and expatriates alike. BTM’s monthly features and interviews cover the spectrum from local businessmen to international artists, former residents, regional figureheads and everything in between. 2011-A time of turbulence which we eventuially overcame Lanterns on Budaiya Road has always been a favourite Across a plethora of digital platforms including the BTM website, www.bahrainthismonth. com, Facebook and Instagram, the publication has accrued a substantial global following with frequent interactions from readers as far away as Canada, New Zealand and especially India. The magazine has always proudly positioned itself as a magazine for everyone, a lens through which readers can see the beauty, brains and brilliance of Bahrain. The team behind Bahrain This Month, the Kingdom’s first-ever monthly magazine in any language, is proud to celebrate its 25 th anniversary. We are happy to share some of our most cherished memories and exciting developments with our readers who have been with us throughout the years. 25th Anniversary Celebratory Issue
www.bahrainthismonth.com September 2022 21 As with any successful venture, BTM did not rest on its laurels. Now in its fourth decade of existence, it has since added a successful sister print publication, Woman This Month, to its portfolio, plus a raft of consumer guides, supplements and event calendars that continue to inform readers and viewers throughout the year. It does not stop there. As BTM commemorates its Silver Jubilee with a celebration of the past 25 years and a look back at history, its eyes are also fixed firmly forwards as it continues to grow. On this occasion, BTM is pleased to announce the inception of the ‘Best in Bahrain Brand’ awards; a spectacular annual consumer-based quality awards programme which will take place in January 2023, celebrating the best in consumerrelated products and services, such as hospitality, automobiles, healthcare, education, entertainment and the retail sector. Furthermore, to mark the momentous milestone, BTM has spearheaded a unique project; the launch of an NFT digitalised, animated, virtual front cover of the magazine – the first of its kind in the region. Iconic images chosen from the 300 preceding issues have been reinterpreted by selected local and international artists with a Bahrain connection and form the basis of the NFT. The project will donate 50 percent of proceeds to be shared between four Bahrain-based charities to support and empower these communities. The project is under the patronage of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation. In addition, all commercial and editorial participants in this edition will share ownership of the NFT when launched. Bahrain This Month, often imitated but never duplicated, looks forward to another quarter-century of media success; not only in print, but digitally as it continues to add to its portfolio with an account on TikTok as well as emailed newsletters and WhatsApp subscriptions. With a genuine total reach of more than half a million individuals on a monthly basis, Bahrain This Month›s integrated offline and online media network is currently the 11th most popular website accessed in Bahrain and the premium choice for consumers offering an events portal as well as social media digital extensions for the benefit of the our audience and clients alike. BTM is delighted to embrace a new era in media convergence through our proactive digital media marketing strategies and filming, editing and animation expertise. Since 1997, to the present and beyond, it has always been, still is, and always will continue to be ‘Your Guide to a Great Way of Life’ in Bahrain. Bahrain This Month is immensely proud to present this souvenir publication to stand as testimony for the next 25 years, and as a gift to our audience across all our platforms. Enjoy! BTM staff celebrate seasonal festivities early BTM & WTM team at Juffair office at 2005 RHM staff celebrate their success 2018 Visits to BTM offices by government VIPs and vocational training heads Production Manager Lini with founding editor Roy Editor Heidi Al-Khajah around 2000 A youthful Samson Vaz - RHM’s first employee and still going strong Being surrounded by beauty is an occupational hazard at WTM Surrounded by media executives with a purpose
Reinventing Bahrain’s motoring industry stands as one of the Kingdom’s proudest commercial pillars, with a wealth of automobiles from across the globe being sold on the Kingdom’s forecourts. Al Haddad Motors, the exclusive distributor of Mercedes-Benz, is one of the island’s most prosperous dealerships. This month, Kristian Harrison sat down with General Manager, Warren Hudson, to find out the secrets behind the success. Wheel the interview www.bahrainthismonth.com 22 September 2022
Can you tell us about your career to-date and how you ended up in Bahrain? I started life in the motoring industry in the early 1980’s as an apprentice car mechanic. I rose up through the service department via ‘Right First Time Repairs’ and was instrumental in the successful production of an in-depth quality control programme that was rolled out to the entire dealer network group I worked with. As technology moved forward faster than ever, I realised there was a shortage of skilled staff in the market. In particular, there was a need to look at mechanics and technicians differently in order to elevate the status and career paths for technically-skilled personnel. I therefore embarked on a design and production dealer apprenticeship programme, which alongside the aforementioned quality control initiative, was picked up throughout the group and by a number of premium brand manufacturers to train and develop their own staff. On the back of these successful programmes, which still operate today albeit tailored hugely by various manufacturers, I advanced to management and roles which encompassed all the various revenue streams in the industry from service to new and used car sales, eventually leading to general management. I have no doubt that starting out on the workshop floor has given me a much stronger depth of knowledge of the automotive industry and of course both: staff and customer management principles. Since you took over at Al Haddad, it has become arguably one of the most successful dealerships in the Kingdom. What do you believe are the reasons for this success and what did you implement to facilitate it? Of course, I am working with MercedesBenz, the worldwide German premium brand manufacturer for 10 years straight, so I had great foundations to work with. There was also a strong, well-experienced team at Al Haddad Motors when I arrived, but change was needed in the corporate philosophy, particularly being a more customer focus-driven business. We updated our extended warranty and service programmes, re-iterating the brand’s quality and longevity principles to cost of ownership. We turned the general business pyramid upside down, giving more autonomy to those in the customer touch points. Finally, an emphasis was re-established in the training and development of our staff and promotion from within. This included non-manufacturer programmes such as ‘Behavioural Coding’; enhancing our customer-facing staff’s body language for improved stature and confidence when supporting our customer’s needs. Last month, you launched a new Chinese vehicle agency. Can you tell us more about this and how it is a new concept that will perhaps change consumer practices? Indeed! We proudly launched as the sole authorised distributor for the Bestune part of the China FAW Group Import & Export Company. This acquisition is the latest in the Al Haddad Group’s recent diversification throughout the automotive sector. Best of all, our valued Bestune customers at launch and for a limited period will benefit from a region-leading lifetime warranty, a five-year service package and VIP insurance with various additional benefits. This represents a unique suite of packages offered in Bahrain and we aim to provide high quality cars with peace of mind and value for money to our customers through the Bestune brand. What are Al Haddad›s plans to introduce electrical vehicles to the market? What challenges do you think you›ll face with this in Bahrain? Certification for manufacturers in Bahrain has been somewhat protracted in reality, but we are now seeing various marques launching EVs in 2022 and I am sure most of them will have EV options in 2023. For Al Haddad Motors, our first EV models will arrive very soon. EVs are of course the future, and we are already seeing huge uptake especially in Europe. Mercedes-Benz themselves have confirmed they will cease ICE (internal combustion engine) development in 2025 and be a fully-electric manufacturer by 2030. I believe in this region there will be slower uptake than experienced in other markets but I know from our MercedesBenz EQS, EQE and EQC product reveals in Bahrain that the market will receive these vehicles with open arms. How has the market changed since COVID19, and by extension, how has Al-Haddad adapted to this? At Al Haddad Motors we have, as with practically all manufacturers, suffered from sporadic production of vehicles. For example, in many cases 15-20 of the same vehicles would arrive at the same time instead of various model segments being available all the time. This has naturally impacted sales targets both monthly and yearly. Things are improving now but stocks remain low and model mix remains the major concern. On the customer service side, we are seeing a slowdown in the parts supply chain, with parts being sent to production lines as opposed to parts warehousing which is causing delays in the normally fast-moving arm of the business and unfortunately leading to some delays in repairs. What are your plans for the future in terms of continuing to expand Al Haddad›s portfolio? We as a dealership are always looking to diversify our portfolio. Bestune follows on from our acquisitions of both Avis Vehicle Rental & Leasing and Topaz Detailing, with additional ventures planned. For obvious reasons I cannot mention the brands and areas we are hoping to complete on shortly, but believe me there are strong market opportunities being offered to Al Haddad Motors that will further enhance our automotive footprint in Bahrain. What advice would you give to someone wanting to get involved in your industry, whether that›s customer-facing in the dealership or more behind the scenes? I would always look to a brand that has a good name in the market, with a strong emphasis on training and development. It’s easy for a manufacturer to say: ‘Yes we are’, so you have to do research and talk to people who work within the company of interest before you take the leap. Do not be scared to ask questions on how they are treated and if they get the tools to do the job right first time. Asking if an employee has been on training courses recently or when their last personal appraisal was are important questions. interview www.bahrainthismonth.com September 2022 23
www.bahrainthismonth.com 24 September 2022 Can you tell us a little about your fascinating career and achievements? Bahrain has been my home since 1987. I was initially a software engineer, working with several leading banks and hotels. During the Gulf War, when many software firms left the island, I found a window of opportunity when I got a call from a leading bank to fix a critical flaw in their system. I offered to solve their issue, only if they would sign an Annual Maintenance Contract with me. They were taken aback by my audacity as they would have preferred to pay me for a one-time job. Unwilling to settle for less, I chose to repair the problem for no payment instead. This astounded them and they went on to sign a contract with me and thus began by entrepreneurial journey. I now run an oil and gas maintenance firm contracting out of Saudi Arabia and India, a real estate venture, and recently entered the clean energy space with an electric vehicle company based in the US. However, sports is my passion and I was the person behind the Bahrain Premier League in 2018, which led to the revamp of the Bahrain Cricket Federation. None of this would have been possible without the vision and support of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. I must also mention Mohammad Shahid – CEO, KHK Sports & President, BRAVE Combat Federation, who has been a great pillar of strength. What is your role within the Bahrain Cricket Federation? The BCF is flourishing; within a year of its formation, our national team won the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Doha, while the women’s team have broken several world records. We built Bahrain’s first women’s cricket team in six months - women empowerment is one of our key agendas. Bahrain achieved global recognition by being awarded the ‘100% Female Cricket Initiative’ by the International Cricket Council. It makes me proud that we have accomplished so much in one year despite facing many challenges. We lack proper infrastructure to take our team to the next level. We play on sandy or cement grounds, which is not ideal. What are the plans to combat these challenges? Our plans include coming up with state-of-theart cricket facilities in Bahrain and hosting international cricketing events in Bahrain. We plan to promote sport tourism and, once facilities are ready, hope to host big tournaments. Currently, we send our coaches to various schools so we can participate in bilateral tournaments between different countries. We would need support from the business community and corporates to realise our vision. What is your advice for young and aspiring entrepreneurs? Money should not be your sole focus. Starting a business begins with an idea, followed by hours of research and reaching out to people that can help. Having a solid concept, wellresearched information and a strong network will set your future business up for success and for that you need to be your biggest critic. Finally, surround yourself with the right people, especially ones who will tell you the truth. With 2.5 billion followers, cricket is the second-most popular sport in the world. With the revamp of the Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) and the growing popularity of the game in the Kingdom, the rise of Bahraini teams in the international arena has been a source of immense pride. Farrah Saville speaks to the Founder and CEO of Saara Group, Mohammad Mansoor, who is also the Chairman of the BCF Advisory Board, about his efforts to further the game and his extensive professional career. interview Unstoppable The Bahrain Cricket Juggernaut
September 2022 25 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander We’re Livin’ the Brunch Life Hilton Bahrain held a ‘We’re Livin’ the Brunch Life’ brunch at the Origin Kitchen and Culture where guests enjoyed live entertainment, mouth-watering live cooking stations and much more.
interview www.bahrainthismonth.com 26 September 2022 by Farah Baig As we celebrate 25 years of Bahrain This Month, we speak to one of the most prolific artists in the Kingdom who has made tremendous contributions to Bahrain’s art scene - Chairman of Bahrain’s National Council for Arts and Honorary President of the Bahrain Arts Society, Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. He takes us on a journey through his creative life, and shares his top priority in the interest of Bahrain’s budding artists. for the Arts A CHAMPION Their vivid imagination and ability to create breathtaking works of art on a ‘canvas’ of their choice has made artists a subject of interest for the longest time. What people don’t always realise, though, is the sheer importance of art in our day-to-day lives. Think about the last time you took a moment to step back and marvel at a work of art. Did it invigorate your thoughts, make you experience a strong emotion, inspire you or perhaps provide you with a mental escape? It’s vital, isn’t it? Bahrain’s art scene, too, has been a source of inspiration, and there’s no denying that one of the most inspiring Bahraini artists of our time is none other than Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. His extensive artistic journey began more than 50 years ago when he held his first exhibition at the age of 18. Since then, he has been a part of more than 60 solo and group exhibitions, in Bahrain and across the world, at some of the most prestigious galleries. With an extremely proactive approach, Shaikh Rashid is undeniably a champion of the arts movement in Bahrain having made several efforts to grow and develop the art scene, including the development of the picturesque RAK Art Foundation in Riffa. WHERE IT ALL STARTED Like most people, it was when Shaikh Rashid was in school that he realised his talent was appreciated. “Our teachers would ask us to paint, and on seeing my paintings I was told to persevere by them and my family,” he says. Soon after, Shaikh Rashid participated in a school art exhibition which was attended by the then Amir of Bahrain, HH the late Shaikh Isa bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the former
www.bahrainthismonth.com September 2022 27 Prime Minister, HRH the late Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. “They tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘Carry on.’ When two of the most important figures in the country attend a school exhibition, approach a youngster and say to him ‘Carry on,’ you carry on,” he says. “Having their appreciation was extremely encouraging.” He was soon awarded a scholarship by HRH the late Shaikh Isa to pursue his art education in the UK – a gesture which helped him pursue his career. As the years went by, and with each successful exhibition, Shaikh Rashid attained a high profile in the international art scene. Speaking about the most memorable of his stellar achievements, he says: “In 1994, the Bahrain Art Society had an exhibition which was inaugurated by HRH the Duchess of Kent which was very special. Then in 1986 or 1987 we participated at London’s Saatchi gallery. In fact, Mrs. Saatchi came to one of our exhibitions which was in 1993. More recently, in 2018, I had a solo exhibition at Saatchi Gallery in London which was a very big thing for me.” FINDING INSPIRATION At the time when he first started, Shaikh Rashid considered the hazy paintings of the famous 18 th century British artist, William Turner, to be some of his favourites. He interpreted the foggy and smoky depictions of sceneries to be more like the sandstorms and heat here. As for inspirational local artists, Shaikh Rashid views the late Dr. Ahmed Baqer, the late Karim Bostar, Karim Orayedh and other artists as peers that he looks up to, mentioning that they have somehow guided his career forward. “Regionally, we have artists from Egypt and other countries such as Diya Azzawi from Iraq and Nasser Al Riffai who were all sort of an inspiration for young artists in the region,” he says. “I believe you must have inspiration all the time, otherwise you just become a closed box. The air that we breathe, what we see around us, what we hear - this all gives one inspiration to make art,” he says. Shaikh Rashid also has an avid interest in design, interior design and architecture as he finds it to involve more than painting and be positively challenging. “The things that inspire us includes activities around us, sceneries and the use of materials. Since I do design, I find that materials also give you a different approach to implementation. For instance, when I did the convex versions, I initially started with canvas stretched on timber and moved on to aluminium as I found it to more robust, flexible and related to the design,” he explains. “With materials, one leads to another. So, you need inspiration you need to always think out of the box - how to improve and how to create new artworks,” he adds. BAHRAIN’S ART SCENE As a founding member and Honorary President of Bahrain Arts Society, Shaikh Rashid has identified several talented artists in Bahrain. “I see the artworks of prolific talent in Bahrain being exhibited at the Annual Fine Art exhibitions and follow them on Instagram. Many of them are extremely talented; we just need the opportunities for them to progress even further, whether it be through regional or international participation,” he says. One of the key observations that Shaikh Rashid has made over the years is that more women are entering the art scene leading to a growing interest in Bahrain’s art movement and a consequential increase in attendance at exhibitions. Shaikh Rashid was also at the helm of developing the stunning RAK Art Foundation, which has grown to be a source of inspiration for artists and art enthusiasts alike. “When I first acquired my family home in Riffa, my first intention was to preserve it. However, when we converted it into an art foundation, what came to my mind was our goal to promote art aside from emerging and established artists in Bahrain. This was in addition to educating and showing the importance of art in our society. You need to appreciate art; it is all around us... we just need to preserve it and show it correctly.” THE DREAM – A LEAP FORWARD Sharing his thoughts on being named the Chairman of the newly established National Council for Arts, Shaikh Rashid says: “I am thankful to His Majesty King Hamad who trusted us to be in this council. I hope we can achieve what we have in mind for Bahrain, our top priority which has to do with arts education.” While art programmes currently available at schools in Bahrain are considered to be good, Shaikh Rashid states that there isn’t a dedicated body for teaching arts for school graduates. “Hence, we need a proper college that artists can go to. We have wanted this body to be set up for a long time, so I hope that we can collaborate with relevant institutions to establish this for future artists,” he says. Speaking about his main aspirations for Bahrain’s art scene he concludes: “I want to see an art college in Bahrain. Let’s push for it. That’s number one because this has been my dream for a very long time. Then of course, to have art and artists in Bahrain and watch them achieve an international level and be exhibited somewhere, not only in Bahrain, as they deserve to be abroad.” interview Shaikh Rashid’s submission for Bahrain This Month’s 25th anniversary NFT initiative.
25 Year anniversary www.bahrainthismonth.com 28 September 2022 In celebration of our 25 th anniversary, Bahrain This Month launched an NFT front cover which was digitalised and animated. As part of the NFT project, local and international artists with a connection to our beautiful Kingdom were given an opportunity to reinterpret any of our 300 preceding issues. Here are some of the artists who presented their stunning submissions: Puja Tiwari (@1800.weirdo) – Night Blooms (January 1998) Born in India, raised in Bahrain and now based in Dubai, Puja, aka @1800.Weirdo, bases her works on her vivid and elaborate dreams and nightmares. She originally started to invest her time in art last year as a creative release from her corporate job, and she now thrives on the power and endless possibilities of digital collage art. Puja is driven by a desire to allow viewers to experience new and unusual feelings, such as a longing to visit somewhere that doesn›t exist or missing someone they don›t really know. Her work has previously been shown at prestigious NFT exhibitions across Dubai and Bahrain. She is a huge fan of Postwook, Marc Savoia, and The Altered Diary.
25 Year anniversary www.bahrainthismonth.com September 2022 29 Eskander Dawani (@iskander.dawani) Grand Mosque (January 1998) Navigating through different facets and forms of art painting, illustration and poetry, Eskander continues to discover and evolve within all these realms of expression and creativity. His contemporary portraits are at once arrestingly life-like and gothically evocative, conveying a sense of immediacy in each piece, as they draw you into the canvas. The background swallows all the surrounding and takes you to the very centre of the piece. They invoke a gut reaction, which differs from each perspective. There is an undeniable strength in the images Eskander conceives, as well as deep-rooted sense of respect, courage, empathy and natural beauty. Eskander cites the works of Gustav Klimt, Francesco Clemente and Lucian Freud as influences on his work as well as the love of music that varies from day to day. He admires anyone who takes a chance and creates something without caring what people think. Anisha Khan Land of Palm Trees (August 1999) Anisha feels like she was born to create and express what she sees and feels. Since the age of 15, she has been interested in art, particularly print on fabric, and is inspired by magic and intuition. Jacqueline M. de Freitas (@jacqueline_de_f) – Jet Skiing Around Bahrain (October 1999) Jacqueline’s work has been accepted and featured in small group exhibitions, such as the 43rd Fine Arts Exhibition, and appears annually at the AWA Visions Art Exhibition. She is a Bahraini artist born in the UK and, in her words, is “in the last quarter century of life.” She started painting in 2006 and thrives on being able to paint and continuously explore various mediums, with acrylics and oils being her favourites. More recently, she has been experimenting with Lino print art. Artists she admires include Abdullah Al Muharraqi, Vincent Van Gogh and Abbas Al Mossawi. Her next work is a series of four views from windows in Old Bahrain and a series of Lino prints.
25 Year anniversary www.bahrainthismonth.com 30 September 2022 Ajai Gautham (@artofajai and www.artofajai.com) – Shades of Bahrain (August 2008) Ajai is a self-taught visual artist and has been freelancing for the last six years. He loves exploring multiple styles and mediums of art. Ajai Says: “Since I was a child, art has been an escape from reality into a fantasy world. I have spent many hours at home sketching and building sand sculptures from my imagination.” Besides Visual Arts, he is a passionate vocalist and performs for charity fundraiser concerts in his home city of Chennai. He is currently working on a series of NFT artworks based on the elephant god, Ganesha, and cites Kim Jung Gi as his role model. Anju Kapoor (@anju13) Autumn Foliage (June 2009) Art has always inspired Anju to feel liberated. She finds it to be a creative process and enjoys engaging with a palette of colours and transferring emotions of what she deeply feels from her muse onto her canvas. She likes to speak through her canvas and create a poetic rhythm. “I began my first sketch at the age of 10, and vividly remember sketching my grandfather’s portrait in my drawing book,” she says. She is inspired when imagining a visual which she can adapt from her day-to-day life or perhaps from an image she sees online. Her greatest inspiration is Vincent Van Gogh; particularly his use of striking colours and quick brush strokes. Her next work will be a painting of a woman draped in a feathered dress on canvas. Reham A. (@rehamayamarts) – Elegancy in Charcoal (October 2010) Reham is currently working on a mosaic using recycled elements, which along with calligraphy are her strongest passions. She has had a keen interest in art since she was in school. Reham is inspired by nature, folk stories and patterns, particularly ancient mosaic artists and crafters. Isa Abdulla Almutawa (@isa.abdullah) – Gazelle (June 2011) Isa started creating artwork in school after being inspired by oriental artists. He usually paints whatever he sees in his mind’s eye. Amal ‘Amy’ Alshaikh (@amyalshaikh) – Festival of Dreams (June 2012) Amy is currently creating surreal dark paintings, illustrations and scary sculptures. Some of these will be sold online and some will be featured at the ComicCon 2022 convention. She is a self-taught artist, who experiments with pop and surreal art. “My work tends to be dark and eerie, based on concepts from ancient mythology or ideas inspired from history, supernatural folklore stories and current events,” says Amy. She is heavily influenced by music, movies, Japanese comics and books which she enjoys reading.
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