BROUGHT TO YOU BY UK IN BAHRAIN A Special Supplement celebrating the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and the historic relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom bahrainthismonth.com
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Congratulate His Majesty King Charles III on the occasion of his coronation We are proud to have prepared a commemorative media project highlighting the close friendship and association between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Bahrain bahrainthismonth.com
Printing Press Union Press, Bahrain Published monthly by RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777 Email: [email protected] www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2023 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission. • Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24 Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Editor Farah Baig Assistant Editor Kristian Harrison Online Editor Farrah Saville Contributors Ouiam El Hassani, Pria Masson, Eman Deabil Editorial Consultant Ahdeya Ahmed Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Art Director Hatem Monem Webmaster Nishad Eapen Production Manager 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] Digital Media Executive Amina Syed [email protected] Media Executive Dheeptha Shetty DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Director of Film Danny Sokov Social Media Managers Shilu Babu, Rohit Reghunath www.bahrainthismonth.com UK IN BAHRAIN CONTENTS Diplomatic Excellence We sat down with the British Ambassador to Bahrain, HE Roderick Drummond, to discuss the historic coronation of HM King Charles III and the state of his current ambassadorial term which will end later this year. 8 Channeling Her Love for Bahrain As one of the pioneers of Englishlanguage television programming in the country; writing, producing and presenting for Channel 55 television, Heather Harper recently became Chairman of The Bahrain Society based in the UK. We caught up with her this month on her recent visit with 36 members of the society to discuss her decades old connection with Bahrain. 13 Crowning Glory The history between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom has intertwined diplomatically and culturally since the two kingdoms formally began relations more than 200 years ago. With the coronation of HM King Charles III, the two Kingdoms are sure to enjoy a new era of friendship. Here’s a look at the most recent visit of the monarch to the Kingdom of Bahrain. 10 Generational Ties Nasser Al Arayedh, the Chairman of Al Arayedh Group Holding reflects on the renowned business family’s close ties with the UK. 14 Fostering Trade Relations As the Chairman of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF), Khalid Al Zayani is one of the most important figures in relations between the Kingdom and the UK. With both the organisation set to become an official Chamber of Commerce and the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III this month, he shares his thoughts about these momentous occasions. 12
May 2023 7 www.bahrainthismonth.com Serving the British Community The British Club of Bahrain is one of the world’s oldest expat clubs and boasts a multicultural membership and family-friendly atmosphere. Club Chairman, Chris Woodrow, shares his thoughts on the coronation and discusses the club’s plans for the historic occasion and his own personal honour bestowed upon him by the new monarch. 24 Motoring with the Monarchy Kristian Harrison takes a look at the storied history of the British monarchy’s love for cars and takes a peek into the many garages of the new sovereign. 34 A World-Class Education With an outstanding global reputation and a 62-year history of being the stepping stone to the world’s top universities, we take a look at why St Christopher’s School Bahrain is the best choice for a successful future. 18 A Historic Move From humble beginnings in 1978 with 29 students and four teachers, Nadeen School is about to make the biggest move in the school’s history. Director Pauline Puri and her daughter, Shanee, share their thoughts about the school’s historic transition. 20 Exploring the North If you plan on visiting the UK, you won’t want to miss out on exploring the North. Check out these suggestions for the best attractions and districts up north. 40 Being an Industry Leader Al-Ansari Group Chairman, Abduljalil A.K. Ahmed Al-Ansari, talks about the company’s success, its portfolio of UK brands and more. 15
DIPLOMATIC EXCELLENCE As part of Bahrain This Month’s special ‘UK in Bahrain’ feature to celebrate the coronation of HM King Charles III, we sat down with the British Ambassador to Bahrain, His Excellency Roderick Drummond, to discuss this historic event and the state of his current ambassadorial term which will end later this year. What are your priorities as the British Ambassador to Bahrain? I believe that I have three significant baskets in which I gather my goals. The first is prosperity; working together on shared relations between Britain and Bahrain. The others are shared security between the two nations and looking after British nationals and the community here. We have a very diverse collaboration with Bahrain and things really are in a very positive space at the moment. How do you see the current state of relations between the United Kingdom and Bahrain, and what steps are being taken to enhance these relations further? We have had some very good high level visits recently, such as the visit of the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, for the Manama Dialogue, with more planned in the next couple of months. Chief of these is His Majesty King Hamad attending the coronation of HM King Charles III in early May, for which we’ll also be holding a big celebration here in Bahrain. So, it's going to be a really positive last few months for me in the Kingdom. King Charles III has visited Bahrain on a number of occasions and has a strong personal relationship with the Kingdom’s top leadership. How do you think this familiarity can contribute to the relationship between the two Kingdoms, which stretches back 209 years? It's absolutely at the heart of it. I'm very privileged to be part of some of the exchanges between the royal families. There’s a real deep friendship between both sides and shared interests in so many different fields, whether that's sporting or charitable work or environmental consciousness. There's a lot of private discussion and collaboration, which I think is very positive and forward-looking. It is interwoven with our 209-year relationship, and it helps make it warmer and stronger. Do you have a message for our readers on the occasion of the historic coronation of King Charles III? The transfer of office has happened already, automatically upon the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. However, the symbolism of a coronation is important in the life of any nation because it then enables the monarch to show the values and the causes that are www.bahrainthismonth.com 8 May 2023 UK in Bahrain
important to them. Many of the events which will unfold over the weekend of the coronation will highlight areas that His Majesty is engaged in, such as the environment, small island developing states and the Commonwealth. I think it may surprise people with how modern and 21 st Century-focused it is rather than just pageantry. How many British nationals are currently residing in Bahrain? What are some of the key industries that they are involved in? There are approximately four to five thousand, which is a mixture of those who are here permanently and those who are semi-permanent working across the Eastern Province. They are employed in most professional fields you can imagine, whether that’s education, accountancy, law, medicine, engineering, architecture and more. What are the current trade figures between Bahrain and the UK? How do you believe these figures can further be enhanced? We’re in a really positive trajectory. In my time here alone, trade in terms of goods and services in both directions has doubled to a value of GBP2.6 billion. That exemplifies the shared prosperity goals that we have with Bahrain. Britain has interest in the huge infrastructure projects that are due to happen soon, such as the Bahrain Metro and the future Causeway, whilst education links are expanding rapidly with new schools and university associations. Furthermore, science and technology is going to be a major area of growth as Bahrain embraces its net zero goals and starts work on decarbonisation and transitioning to greener energy use in Bahrain over the coming decades, an area in which British firms have strong expertise. How has Brexit impacted the UK's relationship with Bahrain and the wider Gulf region? It has actually been a net benefit here in Bahrain. It has enabled us to just push on with our bilateral collaboration and we are pressing ahead with a free trade agreement. Bahrain is playing a very positive role in that and recently facilitated three rounds of negotiations with the GCC over the last six months, which are making real progress. A progressive deal will open up even more avenues for trade and investment in both directions, particularly opportunities for Bahraini businesses in the UK and vice-versa. What initiatives have been undertaken to promote cultural exchange between the two countries? I have witnessed numerous British orchestras, jazz bands and theatre groups coming here, whilst Bahrainis have performed in the UK too. One of the real joys for me here is that Bahrain is a very cultural place. It's somewhere that really appreciates other cultures whilst maintaining a very rich culture itself. How do you view the UK’s role in regional security and stability? We have a very strong security partnership with Bahrain, most obviously in areas including the Royal Navy support facility here, which is fantastic and enables us to work with partners and covert operations across this whole region. Of course, we do this in partnership with all of the Gulf navies and our American cousins. Every time you see a shipment of narcotics seized on the high seas, or a merchant ship is supported, that is part of the working together that comes through Bahrain. We also work very closely on cybersecurity and helping improve the resilience of the IT infrastructure in Bahrain, which is constantly under threat. Both countries trust each other, and with this security partnership we are able to then move forward in areas such as Visa arrangements. Your tenure in Bahrain will end later this year. Could you summarise your experience in Bahrain for us? Both my wife, Yasmin, and I have really enjoyed our time here, which was blighted only by the wretched COVID-19 virus, which curtailed things for a period. Nonetheless, it has been an absolute joy to be here as ambassador. It's a place that really takes you to its heart very quickly and we felt at home almost instantly. We have made a lot of friends who I hope will be friends for life and have never felt any barriers. People have been so kind and helped us through any difficulties and answered all questions we may have had. I commend the lucky man who is going to take over from me because I am sure he will have a lot of fun and contribute a lot to this important role. It is truly one of the best jobs I can imagine, so thank you Bahrain for having us! www.bahrainthismonth.com 9 May 2023 UK in Bahrain Scan for the filmed interview
www.bahrainthismonth.com 10 May 2023 UK in Bahrain The history between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom has intertwined diplomatically and culturally since the two kingdoms formally began relations more than 200 years ago. With the coronation of HM King Charles III, the two Kingdoms are sure to enjoy a new era of friendship. In 1816, Bahrain and the United Kingdom reached a preliminary agreement to strengthen their alliance and protect their joint interests. The agreement became official in 1820, when the two sides signed the General Maritime Treaty. Since then, bilateral relations have gone from strength to strength. The special status of the long-standing Bahraini-British ties is reflected in the depth of distinguished relations of friendship and respect between the two Royal Families. In fact, HM King Hamad is set to attend HM King Charles III’s coronation this month, continuing a strong relationship which began when the late Queen Elizabeth II paid her first official visit to Bahrain in 1979 during the era of HRH the late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. In 2016, the then Prince Charles along with the Duchess of Cornwall, now Camilla, Queen Consort, visited Bahrain to CROWNING GLORY
www.bahrainthismonth.com 11 May 2023 UK in Bahrain celebrate the 200th anniversary of its relations with the UK. Meanwhile, King Hamad frequently visits Britain, as recently as 2022, where he attended the international Royal Windsor Horse Show and meetings to strengthen bilateral relations. The kindred spirit between the two nations is not just shared diplomatically, but in many other ways. From education and healthcare to culture and business, it is a partnership that will continue to nurture and grow for many years to follow. Bahrain This Month is proud to present its UK in Bahrain supplement, featuring numerous photographs detailing the history between the two kingdoms, interviews from important figures with a presence in both countries, and a look ahead to the historic coronation this month. Cheers!
www.bahrainthismonth.com 12 May 2023 Alongside accumulating more than 50 years of international business acumen in fields such as banking, motoring, manufacturing and more, one of Mr. Zayani’s crowning achievements is growing the BBBF from its beginnings as a social club of 16 members in 1995 to a fully-recognised Chamber of Commerce encompassing around 500 members. “Previously, the BBBF was regulated by the rules of the Ministry of Social Affairs as a social club,” he explains. “In reality, it was so much more than that, conducting high-level meetings with people in government, both in Bahrain and the UK. Becoming an official branch of The British Chamber will give us access to all its activities in the UK, introduce us to its members, partners and associates, while opening its business database to us. This, in turn, will benefit business in both Bahrain and the UK.” “The UK’s recent exit from the European Commission has substantially boosted trade relations between Britain and Bahrain, by removing EC levies on Bahraini aluminium and petrochemical exports to the UK. We can now cash in freely on an existing goodwill between our two kingdoms.” It is a timely reminder of the excellent relations between the two countries just as His Majesty King Hamad prepares to attend the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey this month. Mr. Zayani has met the new monarch on numerous occasions, both socially and on business, in the UK and in Bahrain when he was the Prince of Wales. “It is an absolute honour to have made acquaintances with HM King Charles III. I regularly reminisce having dinners with him at St. James’s Palace, Windsor Castle and other locations and hold such events as my most cherished memories.” “I found him a very knowledgeable and wellread person, in business, Arab culture and Islam. I was amazed! “My favourite anecdote with him was over an intimate dinner in London, just four of us, at the private residence of Nemir Kirdar, CEO of Investcorp Bank. He queried me on why Arab architecture and calligraphy has not developed in centuries since Andalusian Arab rule in Spain. He believed that it needed revising. He asked us if we would be willing to co-invest with his Prince’s Foundation into a college, teaching postgraduate studies in these fields and promising to match every pound we deliver. We did and that was how the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts started and very successfully runs to this day, generating numerous graduates from the UK, the Arab world and far beyond, amongst whom is my niece, who finished her Master’s there! “I wish to congratulate His Majesty King Charles III on this truly momentous occasion. I strongly believe that he will be a great successor to Queen Elizabeth II, especially as he has had so long to learn!” FTRoreasl dat eteir oi nn gs As the Chairman of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF), Khalid Al Zayani is one of the most important figures in relations between the Kingdom and the UK. With the organisation set to become an official Chamber of Commerce as well as the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III this month, he shares his thoughts about these momentous occasions. UK in Bahrain
UK in Bahrain CHANNELING HER LOVE FOR BAHRAIN In the early nineties Heather Harper was one of the most prominent members of Bahrain’s media. As one of the pioneers of English-language television programming in the country; writing, producing and presenting for Channel 55 television, she recently became Chairman of The Bahrain Society based in the UK. We caught up with her this month on her recent visit with 36 members of The Bahrain Society to discuss her decades old connection with Bahrain. Mrs. Harper first came to Bahrain in 1980 with her husband, an innovator in the early days of solar power, to attend an energy exhibition. Two years later, she saw an article in a local newspaper mentioning that Bahrain Television was going to open an Englishspeaking station, called Channel 55. “I contacted them because my background was in advertising, producing television commercials,” she remembers. “They welcomed me with open arms and it was an amazing beginning. Then I started writing, producing and presenting a magazine programme whereby I interviewed hundreds of people on the island. “When I left Bahrain in the early 1990s, I had heard about The Bahrain Society, which was set up as a friendship society to promote relations between the UK and Bahrain for British expats who had lived or worked here. “It’s a purely social society, with no political aims or ambitions, and has a particularly close relationship with the Bahrain Embassy in London. Membership currently stands at approximately 250 members and my aim is to grow this higher, boost ties between former Bahrain residents, and enable opportunities to reconnect as much as I can. Furthermore, we have supported a number of cultural and charitable events that have taken place in London supporting Bahraini students studying at British academic institutions.” Mrs. Harper holds many fond memories of her time in Bahrain. With such a significant career, it was difficult to pick her favourite, but she did settle on one factor immediately, the weather! “Being back in the UK, you do miss it. Waking up in the morning to those blue skies, it’s easy to take it for granted when it’s every day! In all seriousness, it’s the way of life and the friendships that I really miss. I don›t think it›s so easy to make friendships and keep them over a long period, but Bahrain makes it so much easier. It›s a very open society, a very cosmopolitan mix of cultures, and everybody knows everybody. In the UK, unlike Bahrain, you could live on a street and never interact with any of your neighbours. “When I worked for Channel 55 it was really interesting because I was open to all sorts of different nationalities and cultures. We celebrated everybody›s national days, bouncing between receptions and meeting totally different types of people, often on the same day. It really broadened my horizons.” The Bahrain Society prides itself on providing Bahraini hospitality to members, with a number of different functions throughout the year. There is a gala dinner and summer party and many Speaker events every year, with the main aim of spreading the word of Bahrain and its way of life. “It’s a way of networking, but more like social networking rather than business,” Ms. Harper explains. “Of course, we do emphasise how easy it is to run businesses in the Kingdom, and occasionally deconstructing misconceptions and answering questions about what it’s like to live and work in the Middle East. “One of the main goals I›d like to achieve in my role is to branch out a little bit further from London as our members come from all over. For instance, there are a lot of ‘Bahraini’ British expats who live in Spain and retired to other parts of Europe. Ultimately, we are all what I like to call ‘global citizens’, with one shared of love of this beautiful island and its people,” she concludes. To find out more about the Bahrain Society visit bahrainsociety.uk. www.bahrainthismonth.com 13 May 2023
www.bahrainthismonth.com 14 May 2023 UK in Bahrain GENERATIONAL TIES On the occasion of the coronation of King Charles III, Nasser Al Arayedh, the Chairman of Al Arayedh Group Holding reflects on the renowned business family’s close ties with the UK. The Kingdom of Bahrain is home to several families that are engaged in various business sectors. Among them is the Al Arayedh family, which is known for their enterprising efforts across generations that have made a lasting impact. Over time, the family has grown and diversified their activities with investments in countries across borders, including the UK. “Our history with the UK goes a long way with members of our family not only investing and trading with businesses based in the UK, but pursuing their education in the Kingdom too. In fact, it started with my grandfather, the honourable Mansoor Al Arayedh, who used to deal with jewellers in the UK. He would be entrusted with providing them with pearls and dealt with them for diamonds and other precious stones settings for high-end jewellery,” narrates Chairman of Al Arayedh Group Holding, Nasser Al Arayedh. His father, Mohamed Jameel Al Arayedh, pursued his education at Millfield School in the UK in 1948. “Given his pioneering nature and business roots, he then imported materials from the UK and established in Bahrain what would be the first fresh dairy factory in the Arabian Gulf region,” he says. As for Mr. Nasser Al Arayedh, who also did his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the UK, his business started with the import of cleaning chemicals for commercial and industrial use, followed by the establishment of a training centre with UK-certified courses. “Currently our connection with the UK is through investments for which we have representatives in London who are responsible for long-term strategies,” he says. The family’s various businesses have now been merged under the banner of Al Arayedh Group Holding (AAGH), which was officially formed in 2008. “We operate in several sectors including trade and investments, real estate and travel and tourism. Hence, it took us five years to structure all these family assets under this wing which manages them collectively,” he explains. “By doing so, we have been able to examine our assets in order to diversify and increase our investments.” The company’s board consists of Mr. Al Arayedh, Deputy Chairman Maryam Al Arayedh and Director Jehan Al Arayedh, in addition to three other executives who are selected on a periodical basis. “Our primary areas of business are now real estate and investment, both local and international,” he states. Sharing his thoughts on the UK’s business sector, he concludes: “The United Kingdom has long been known for their products, which may have changed over time but are known for their exceptional quality – a key reason for which they have maintained their global position. Furthermore, there’s no denying that the country is also a leader in the education sector. It is a rule of law for us to invest in countries where there is not only investment protection, but unique and sought-after brands. As our business continues to grow in the years to come, I look forward to continuing our dealings with the Kingdom and wish them the very best under the rule of King Charles III.”
www.bahrainthismonth.com 15 May 2023 UK in Bahrain With palatial chandeliers, contemporary lamps and everything in between, Al Ansari Lighting has been the prime choice in Bahrain’s lighting industry for over 50 years. Farah Baig speaks to Al-Ansari Group Chairman, Abduljalil A.K. Ahmed Al-Ansari, about the company’s success, its portfolio of UK brands and more. Al Ansari Group is a long-time member of the Bahrain British Business Forum and also partakes in activities at the British Club. “We first established an agreement to distribute British products in Bahrain in 1964 following the signing of an agreement in Cardiff, Wales. British products are known for their durability and reliability, and meet required safety standards. Furthermore, these products are interesting to our customers in terms of latest designs and colours, and are always upgraded to suit market requirements,” he says. “McIntosh Furniture located in Kirkcaldy, Scotland was another collaborative company which was famous for its teak dining and living room furniture designed by Tom Robertson in 1970. The company always used the best Scottish craftsmanship to create beautiful designs,” he adds. This was in addition to Stanley Wire Ltd., a Yorkshire-based company specialising in the manufacture of all forms of bright and black annealed wire. “They used the highest quality steel, which was manufactured into a flawless, high-quality wire product which we then used at our local mattress factory in Bahrain,” he explains. “Last but not the least, we collaborated with Mikel Carpet Factory in Edinburgh, Scotland.” Notably, Al-Ansari Lighting Company has signed agreements to handle major projects for the Royal Court, palaces, mosques, hotels and private villas too. The company has undeniably grown to be renowned for importing top-quality products that are capable of bringing clients’ designs to life. “The quality of our products, aftersales support and service, and representation of brands as their local agent has led Al-Ansari Lighting Company to be a leader in the industry. We have a fully dedicated team which is committed to serve our clientele, and will always ensure to go the extra mile to make our customers happy,” he concludes. BEING AN INDUSTRY LEADER Al-Ansari Group Chairman, Abduljalil A.K. Ahmed Al-Ansari (centre), with Richard Bird (left) and Keith Evans (right) of Evans Contract Furnishers Ltd., in Wales, UK. Al Ansari Group has had a storied history of over 100 years having been established in the year 1904 when the late Abdul Karim Ahmed Al-Ansari established his family business with a small shop in the old town of Muharraq in Bahrain. At the time, the business sold products ranging from groceries to hardware, laying a sound foundation for a business that was to grow and diversify. Al-Ansari Industries, formerly known as The Bahrain Bedding Factory, was set up with the know-how shared by the famous Silentnight Mattresses, UK – a company that was owned by Tom and Joan Clarke which started in 1946 as Clarke’s Mattresses Ltd. The group now trades in lighting fittings, accessories, switches, sockets, branded fashion goods (partner of Gucci in Bahrain), and has a significant presence in the real estate sector. In 1970, Al-Ansari Lighting Company was established in Bahrain. “We consider ourselves the pioneer in the lighting field, having served the local market, GCC and beyond for over 50 years. It has always been our objective to not only be the undisputed leader in the field of lighting, but also to establish an unmatched reputation for reliability and friendly service,” explains Al-Ansari Group Chairman, Abduljalil A.K. Ahmed Al-Ansari. Today, Al-Ansari Lighting Company offers several outstanding products with innovative designs from renowned brands. This includes German brands - Bega, Glashutte Limburg and Staff Zumtobel, Italian brands - Targetti Spa, Duralamp and Surya Srl, and UK brands - R.Hamilton Ltd., IBL, ACDC, Orbik and Chelsom Lighting.
www.bahrainthismonth.com 16 May 2023 For over half a century, the British brand Graff has operated at the very pinnacle of the high jewellery industry. At Bahrain Jewellery Centre, we discover what makes Graff special, and its latest collections. Founded by Laurence Graff OBE in 1960, Graff remains a family business with Francois Graff (son of Laurence) as CEO and two further family members directing design, merchandising and production. With over 60 stores worldwide, Graff has ambitiously grown from its foundation in the UK to achieve a global presence. Throughout its rich history, Graff has become the world leader for diamonds of rarity, magnitude and distinction. Their unique high jewels are designed and manufactured at their London atelier, where their master craftsmen employ stone-led design techniques to emphasise the beauty of each individual stone. LUXURY AT ITS FINEST LAURENCE GRAFF SIGNATURE COLLECTION This collection features a striking array of everyday jewels that celebrate the hypnotic beauty of a diamond’s facets and Laurence Graff’s legacy for cutting and polishing the world’s most beautiful stones. Named after the founder of the House, the collection is inspired by Mr. Graff’s dedication to seeking out the rarest and finest diamonds over the last 60 years, by showcasing the sculptural silhouette of the diamond itself. Featuring a range of scintillating band-style rings, delicate necklaces and bracelets, stud earrings and contemporary bangles, each design showcases a graphic and modern faceted edge. UK in Bahrain Bold and Vibrant Bands Stylish rings crafted in two widths are available in white, yellow or rose gold, designed to be worn together in graphic combinations of contrasting tones. Sleek, all-metal versions are complemented by pavé diamond-set designs, adorning each facet with exceptional brilliance. The bands are also available in versions set with vibrant pink and yellow diamonds – rarified jewels celebrated for their precious scarcity. Each band is engraved with the GRAFF logo upon the interior of the shank, a discreet reminder of the rings’ exceptional provenance and a signature touch.
www.bahrainthismonth.com 17 May 2023 UK in Bahrain Sculptural Allure Each piece showcases a sculptural bezel setting, handcrafted with angular, architectural facets, and elegantly encases a scintillating solitaire diamond. Stones range up to 1.5 carats and are each framed by the Laurence Graff Signature setting – a modern companion to the timeless and classic round diamond. Contemporary Classics These signature motifs are suspended on delicate white gold chains for necklace and bracelet designs, and make for bold and eye-catching stud earrings. A semiflexible bangle set with two scintillating solitaires showcases Graff’s diamond setting expertise, as a delicate stream of diamonds leads the eye towards the hero stones, each embraced by their faceted halo. GRAFF MASTERS THE ART OF JEWELLERY LAYERING Graff’s new yellow and rose gold jewels offer more ways to wear two of their much-loved motifs. In this new age of layering and stacking, where mixing and matching styles and combining metals is encouraged, Graff is expanding two of its collections with designs in yellow and rose gold. Previously available in diamonds and white gold only, the new pendants and earrings present new ways to wear two iconic design motifs for the house. An enduring influence on Graff, the butterfly has inspired a whole universe of jewels, including the Butterfly Silhouette collection. Capturing the perfect symmetry of a butterfly as it flits elegantly through the air upon fluttering wings, the collection is infused with an uplifting energy and delicate beauty. New additions to the collection trace the butterfly’s iconic spread-wing silhouette in 18 carat yellow and rose gold. True to nature, each wing is delicately angled for a beautiful sense of three-dimensionality. Upon the largest of the two gold pendants, the wings are outlined in pavé diamonds, breathing fresh life into this signature. Graff motif Floral silhouettes, too, have long inspired Graff’s designers, who closely study the petals and forms of different blooms to create elegant interpretations of nature. A joyful tribute to the English Garden, the Wild Flower collection revisits this theme with carefree charm and contemporary spirit. Distinct yet complementary, new Wild Flower pendants and earrings in 18 carat yellow and rose gold bloom along the collarbone and upon the ears. Each golden petal is uniquely handcrafted to burst with life, with the petals edged in diamonds on the larger pendant. Floral silhouettes, too, have long inspired Graff’s designers, who closely study the petals and forms of different blooms to create elegant interpretations of nature. A joyful tribute to the English Garden, the Wild Flower collection revisits this theme with carefree charm and a contemporary spirit.
www.bahrainthismonth.com 18 May 2023 UK in Bahrain Led by a team of nearly 400 world-class teachers, faculty and staff, the school is a vibrant educational institution that strives to provide a highquality education that not only equips its students to achieve their academic goals, but also to comprehend and foster outstanding humanitarian values that connect us all. Since its foundation in 1961, St Christopher’s School has come a long way and currently serves more than 2,300 children and young adults aged three to 18, representing a diverse 70 nations, making it one of the most multinational schools in the country. St Chris has placed an immense emphasis on the school’s family community and is thriving through the PTO as well as the large-scale community and cultural events it hosts. The school has a rich history in the Kingdom of Bahrain and is synonymous with world-class education – a beacon for innovation and excellence in the region. St Christopher’s School has been recognised as one of the World’s Top 100 Private Schools by Spear’s School Index and Carfax Education for two consecutive years. Its students have consistently earned top marks in exams and are attending some of the top universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, University of London, Harvard, Yale, Stanford and MIT. The school has also achieved the coveted ‘Gold Standard’ – the highest possible ratings in all their school inspections. With a commitment to the positive mental health and wellbeing of the school community, St Christopher’s was delighted to have recently been awarded the highest entry award in the School Mental Health Awards from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health. Furthermore, St Christopher’s School is recognised as being one of the top international schools in the region. Multinational organisations are able to attract their best executives to Bahrain because St Christopher’s is able to provide a first-class education for their children. Furthermore, the school’s outreach to the community has benefited both local and expatriate communities over the last 62 years. Service to others is a key part of life for St Christopher’s students and staff, following the realisation of the mission for ‘An Education for a Shared Humanity’; all students are engaged in service activities and fundraising for local and global charities. In the past few years, St Christopher’s has built schools in Thailand, Nepal and Cambodia and is committed to funding the yearly running costs of these facilities as well as funding the education for several needy students, both locally and abroad. The school has developed a bespoke curriculum, the Future Ready Curriculum (FRC) – a one-of-a-kind holistic framework that goes beyond just academic preparation. The FRC prepares and equips students with contemporary skills, knowledge, and understanding to ensure success in further education and future careers. In addition to providing pupils with a worldclass education, the school has a rich extracurricular programme giving students the opportunity to engage in a diverse curriculum of sports, music and drama. The successful development of the school’s extensive extracurricular programme led to the formation of the St Chris SPARTA Academy, providing the highest quality sports coaching to children of all ages, not just for St Chris children. It is certainly exciting times for St Christopher’s as its Senior School’s new state-of-the-art campus is currently under construction, which is sure to allow the school to reach even greater heights. With an outstanding global reputation and a 62-year history of being the stepping stone to the world’s top universities, we take a look at why St Christopher’s School Bahrain is the best choice for a successful future. A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION
www.bahrainthismonth.com 20 May 2023 UK in Bahrain A HISTORIC MOVE From humble beginnings in 1978 with 29 students and four teachers, Nadeen School is about to make the biggest move in the school’s history. Director Pauline Puri and her daughter, Shanee, share their thoughts about the school’s historic transition. Pauline joined Nadeen School as a teacher in 1982 and, when the original owner left Bahrain in 1984, was entrusted with keeping the school’s holistic, childcentred and family-focused ethos going. Shanee joined Nadeen School in 1998 due to her passion for the school’s vision and a desire to help create an inspiring place for children to thrive. Under Pauline’s guidance and Shanee’s care over the years, Nadeen School has remained dedicated to fostering and nurturing each child’s individuality, unique passions, abilities, gifts and interests. “As the school celebrates its 45 th anniversary, I think of all of the people who have walked through our doors,” Pauline reminisces. “I have seen numerous changes, both at the school and in Bahrain, and marvel at how many dear children, parents and families we have had on our journey. “Throughout the years, one thing has remained constant – our dedication to maintaining a safe, happy, inspiring and exciting environment where all children can learn, develop and achieve with confidence and personality.” Both Pauline and Shanee have also ensured a sincere dedication towards personal development, social responsibility and service learning, and care for the environment. “We consider these to be our three guiding principles which continue to be embedded in everything we do,” Pauline explains. “None of this would be achievable without the caring and dedicated teaching and support teams; our supportive parents who are our partners in education; our community who have always believed in what we do; and mostly our students. They continue to inspire us each day.” They both keenly remember stories and anecdotes about the children and families who have passed through the school. “It is such an honour and delight to reconnect with our former students and their families” Shanee said delightedly. “Just last week we welcomed back a family who was with us over 19 years ago and it felt like no time had passed. I love to hear about what our former students are doing and am so proud and amazed by the wonderful things they are doing now: from award-winning designers and journalists, to doctors, musicians, social justice campaigners, pilots, engineers, entrepreneurs and so much more. We are so humbled to be a part of our students’ stories and we also have alumni who have children of their own at Nadeen, and it is so wonderful to see generations of the same family come through our doors. It really is a special connection.” In 2017, the school was informed that it had to leave its current campus in Um Al Hassam and relocate to a purpose-built facility. A project of the heart six years in the making, Nadeen School is about to move into a new state-of the-art campus in Dilmunia. Shanee explained: “We are delighted that Principal, Dr Paul Walton, will be leading the school into its exciting future. Our new location in Dilmunia is perfect in so many ways; we are truly in the centre of a community and our students will be able to experience so much both inside and beyond our campus walls. Our students will have wonderful facilities to pursue different interests and passions, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation into our collective family!” “To move from converted villas to a purpose-built campus, which will allow us to expand all the way up to Year 13, is a dream come true,” Shanee posits. “All the while, we will be keeping our dear students, our core principles and our ethos at the heart of what we do.”
[email protected] @nadeenschool +973 17728886 Join us as we move to our new state of the art campus in the heart of Dilmunia in 2023, where we will continue to offer an outstanding British education to students from Nursery to Year 13. 1. our holistic approach to education since 1978 Nadeen School has a holistic approach to education. This means that we focus on and develop all aspects of the child and treat each aspect with equal importance. 2. our caring and supportive community We take pride in offering a caring and supportive community by the way we support, encourage and help one another. 3. our enriching international experience With over 50 nationalities and a range of events, celebrations and key days making this a true international experience. Our students have many opportunities of a range of cultures, countries and languages from around the world. Respect - Unity - Compassion - Growth What makes our school unique 4. our extensive English provision We offer a high-quality provision for English across our entire school in class and through our EAL programme. Students make rapid progress in their acquisition and application of English. 5. our progressive and innovative learning opportunities for all Our qualified, dedicated and committed staff members model our philosophy each day. Our students enjoy ‘hands on’ learning, collaboration and enquiry through an inclusive and positive learning environment. 6. our nurturing and personalised approach Knowing every individual, what they enjoy, their passions and how they learn best. Rated 'outstanding' by the Bahrain Quality Authority and British Schools Overseas [email protected] @nadeenschool +973 17728886 Join us as we move to our new state of the art campus in the heart of Dilmunia in 2023, where we will continue to offer an outstanding British education to students from Nursery to Year 13. 1. our holistic approach to education since 1978 Nadeen School has a holistic approach to education. This means that we focus on and develop all aspects of the child and treat each aspect with equal importance. 2. our caring and supportive community We take pride in offering a caring and supportive community by the way we support, encourage and help one another. 3. our enriching international experience With over 50 nationalities and a range of events, celebrations and key days making this a true international experience. Our students have many opportunities of a range of cultures, countries and languages from around the world. Respect - Unity - Compassion - Growth What makes our school unique 4. our extensive English provision We offer a high-quality provision for English across our entire school in class and through our EAL programme. Students make rapid progress in their acquisition and application of English. 5. our progressive and innovative learning opportunities for all Our qualified, dedicated and committed staff members model our philosophy each day. Our students enjoy ‘hands on’ learning, collaboration and enquiry through an inclusive and positive learning environment. 6. our nurturing and personalised approach Knowing every individual, what they enjoy, their passions and how they learn best. Rated 'outstanding' by the Bahrain Quality Authority and British Schools Overseas [email protected] @nadeenschool +973 17728886 Join us as we move to our new state of the art campus in the heart of Dilmunia in 2023, where we will continue to offer an outstanding British education to students from Nursery to Year 13. 1. our holistic approach to education since 1978 Nadeen School has a holistic approach to education. This means that we focus on and develop all aspects of the child and treat each aspect with equal importance. 2. our caring and supportive community We take pride in offering a caring and supportive community by the way we support, encourage and help one another. 3. our enriching international experience With over 50 nationalities and a range of events, celebrations and key days making this a true international experience. Our students have many opportunities of a range of cultures, countries and languages from around the world. Respect - Unity - Compassion - Growth 4. our extensive English provision We offer a high-quality provision for English across our entire school in class and through our EAL programme. Students make rapid progress in their acquisition and application of English. 5. our progressive and innovative learning opportunities for all Our qualified, dedicated and committed staff members model our philosophy each day. Our students enjoy ‘hands on’ learning, collaboration and enquiry through an inclusive and positive learning environment. 6. our nurturing and personalised approach Knowing every individual, what they enjoy, their passions and how they learn best. Rated 'outstanding' by the Bahrain Quality Authority and British Schools Overseas [email protected] @nadeenschool +973 17728886 Join us as we move to our new state of the art campus in the heart of Dilmunia in 2023, where we will continue to offer an outstanding British education to students from Nursery to Year 13. 1. our holistic approach to education since 1978 Nadeen School has a holistic approach to education. This means that we focus on and develop all aspects of the child and treat each aspect with equal importance. 2. our caring and supportive community We take pride in offering a caring and supportive community by the way we support, encourage and help one another. 3. our enriching international experience With over 50 nationalities and a range of events, celebrations and key days making this a true international experience. Our students have many opportunities of a range of cultures, countries and languages from around the world. Respect - Unity - Compassion - Growth What makes our school unique 4. our extensive English provision We offer a high-quality provision for English across our entire school in class and through our EAL programme. Students make rapid progress in their acquisition and application of English. 5. our progressive and innovative learning opportunities for all Our qualified, dedicated and committed staff members model our philosophy each day. Our students enjoy ‘hands on’ learning, collaboration and enquiry through an inclusive and positive learning environment. 6. our nurturing and personalised approach Knowing every individual, what they enjoy, their passions and how they learn best. Rated 'outstanding' by the Bahrain Quality Authority and British Schools Overseas
www.bahrainthismonth.com 22 May 2023 UK in Bahrain Since its establishment in 2008, BPS has nurtured a special bond with the British Embassy, becoming a hub for cultural celebrations and charity fundraisers. The school was inaugurated by the then British Ambassador to Bahrain, HE Jamie Bowden, and has since marked important milestones with the presence of British Ambassadors. This year, as BPS celebrated its 15 th anniversary, the British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Roddy Drummond, joined Principal Jasmine Smith. “15 years of the British Preparatory School Bahrain. Amazing children, gifted staff and smart facilities. A small school with a big heart,” HE said on the occasion. BPS places great emphasis on developing young children’s awareness of the world beyond their immediate surroundings, providing a unique opportunity for its young students to broaden their horizons and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. The school’s strategic partnerships have enabled it to leverage the expertise of the British education systems and professionals, allowing BPS to deliver a highquality education that meets international standards. At the core of BPS’s educational philosophy is a commitment to providing the best possible foundation for its children. The school’s curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and British National Curriculum, and its teachers are highly qualified and experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential. What sets BPS apart from other schools is its focus on making learning fun. From the moment children set foot in the school, they are greeted with bright, colourful yet calming classrooms that are designed to inspire creativity and curiosity. The school’s dedicated team of teachers are passionate about making learning enjoyable, and they use a range of teaching methods to engage children and keep them interested. “Allowing children to think creatively and critically from a young age is the key to nurturing future leaders. BPS is an early learning centre where children, from 18 months to six years old, can learn through exploration and discovery,” says Mrs. Smith. ”BPS is a place the children can feel safe and happy, only then can true learning happen.” Through their partnership with Royal Life Saving Bahrain, BPS helps raise awareness about life saving skills and water safety. In addition, all the teachers are First Aid practitioners. BPS offers a range of opportunities to help build core muscle strength and develop good motor skills as physical activity is considered to be just as important as academic development. Children can also enjoy a wonderful indoor soft play area. Through a focus on character development, children also learn the importance of respect, responsibility, and resilience. They are encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with others. On the occasion of the coronation of King Charles III, BPS reflects on its commitment to building strong relationships between the UK and Bahrain over the years. The school remembers, with fondness, the letter received from the late Queen Elizabeth II thanking the children for their Jubilee wishes. BPS is the perfect choice for parents who want their children to thrive both academically and personally. Who knows? Maybe one day, one of BPS’s children will become a diplomat or ambassador themselves! If you are a parent looking for a high-quality education for your child in Bahrain, the British Preparatory School (BPS) in Saar is an exceptional option. Not only does BPS offer a top-tier British curriculum, it also has a special connection with the British Embassy.
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