HalaBahrain - Jan 2009

HalaBahrain Magazine | January 2009 1

HalaBahrainHalaBahrain MagazineMagazine Lifestyle - Culture

Entertainment - Events

Your Local Bahraini Guide!

Jan 2009 - Volume 1 - Issue 7

Events & Events &

HappeningsHappenings We cover events at the We cover events at the

BIC, National Day events, BIC, National Day events,

and more!and more!

ElhamElham We speak to Ali Al

Saeed about the

creative arts group

Places to Go

Things to Do

Events

Tradition

And much more!


HalaBahrainHalaBahrain MagazineMagazine Lifestyle - Technology -

Entertainment - Events ©

Happy New Year!Happy New Year! Dear Readers,

Wow; after a busy month, we manage to get a bit of a rest to

start off 2009! December was full of events and happenings,

and with every other day being a holiday meant everyone

had a chance to go out and enjoy! January is going to be

more of a calmer month, and there is still quite a bit to do;

events at the BIC, Elham events, the Autumn Fair; read all

about it on the upcoming events page.

This month we’ve interviewed Ali Al Saeed, a founder of the

creative arts group, Elham; if you don’t already know Elham,

they’re one of the very few organizations in Bahrain catering

to artists. Read the interview, and come down for their event

at the end of this month!

We’re also proud to note the achievements of the Bahrain

football team at the start of GCC 19! A terrific start, and with

your support, hopefully they’ll make it all the way to the finals!

Again, we would love to hear from you about anything; send

us your emails with thoughts about the magazine, letters,

ideas, and let us know what you’re thinking!

Till next time,

Ammar Al-Aradi

Editor In Chief

The Team

Editor-in-Chief

Ammar Al-Aradi

Creative Director

Fardan Raffi

Public Relations

Amal Fareed

Copyright Information © All Rights reserved. This

publication may not be

reproduced or transmitted in

any form in whole or in part

without the written permission

of the publisher. Liability: While

every care has been taken in

the preparation of this

magazine, the publishers

cannot be held responsible for

the accuracy of the

information herein, or any

consequence arising it.

HalaBahrain is a fully registered

online publication with the

Bahrain Ministry of Information,

under registration number

EQHBH210

HalaBahrain is published

monthly; to view the magazine,

for a free subscription, or to

download a copy, please visit

www.halabahrain.com. For

advertising and all enquiries,

please contact

[email protected]

www.HalaBahrain.com

[email protected]

Editorial


Autumn Fair

Location: Bahrain Exhibition Center

Timing: 10:00am-1:00pm

4:00pm-10:00pm

Contact: +973 - 17550033

News, Events News, Events

& Happenings& Happenings

January is definitely quieter compared to

the busy time we had last month! But again,

that is a good thing, as we all need to

relax a little from Decembers schedule!

This month there’s still quite a bit to do,

but on a more relaxed note. A good number of events going on at the Circuit, ranging from the

4th round of the Batelco 2000cc challenge and National Sprint, Round 3 of the Drag Championship,

and more notably, the Grand Racing Weekend, which should be a fun day out for the whole family,

with the GP2 Asia Series, Speedcar Series, kart zone, kids area, music, and much more.

Also, we’re hoping you haven’t managed to spend your December salary yet, because the Autumn

Fair is back in town! Electronics, food, furniture, cosmetics and much more from 27 countries, turning

the Bahrain Exhibition Center into a global village. Whether you want to or not, you’re bound to find

something to make you spend your hard earned cash. For those who would rather use their mind

rather than their wallet, head down to the Bahrain Chess Club to witness some of the world’s top

players battle it out in the game of kings.

Art lovers should head down to Albareh Art Gallery to catch the Elham gathering; this month features

paintings by Anne Thackery, live drawing by Moh’d Al Mahdi, a reading by author Reena Abraham,

and music by Padmini Rao. Finally, for those who need to expend whatever energy they have left,

visit Al Areen Park for a Bahrain Road Runners event; a 10km race to help support the park (there is a

3km race for those under 16, so bring your kids along!).

21-29 January

Upcoming

Bahrain Grand Racing Weekend

Location: Bahrain Int’l Circuit

Contact: +973-17450000

[email protected]

23 January - 3 February

27 January

Bahrain Drag Championship - Round 3


Contact: +973-17450000

28-30 January

Elham Monthly Gathering

Location: Albareh Art Gallery

Timing: 7:00pm-10:00pm

Contact: [email protected]

International Chess Championship

Location: Bahrain Chess Club

Contact:

[email protected]

9 January

Batelco 2000cc Racing Challenge



23-24 January

Al Areen Run (Bahrain Road Runners)

Location: Al Areen Park

Time: 1:00pm

Email: [email protected]

6 February

Batelco 2000cc Racing Challenge




Got something to say? Anything specific you’d like to see in Got something to say? Anything specific you’d like to see in

the magazine? Or maybe you just love our magazine? Hate it? the magazine? Or maybe you just love our magazine? Hate it?

Or just need someone to talk to? Whatever it is, let us know, Or just need someone to talk to? Whatever it is, let us know,

email us on: email us on: [email protected]@halabahrain.com

————

FROM: Maher Al-Mallah

SUBJECT: Nice Effort

Hi all, really nice effort from

all of the team. Wish you all

the best!

Much appreciated, Maher!

We also wish you the best in

whatever you do! :)

————

FROM: Karim Miknas

SUBJECT: Well Done

Well Done!!! Every issue gets

better and better!!!

Thanks Karim! We strive to

improve every issue; if

there’s anything you think

would make the magazine a

better one, feel free to let us

know at any time!

————

FROM: Hisham Khalifa

SUBJECT: Good stuff

Good stuff as usual… Keep it

up!

Thanks Hisham… Err.. We

seem to be getting quite a

lot of compliments this

month. What’s going on?

————

FROM: Hailey

SUBJECT: Error!

Your most recent issue states

that "December 2008 has

been dubbed as the

‘Golden Month’ because of

[...] New Years, etc ...".

In fact, New Years day is on

January 1, 2009, which is not

only not in this month, it is

not even in this year! Unless

you are talking about the

Islamic new year, which is

not really celebrated, and

so shouldn't count.

Very clever! We actually put

that in there on purpose to

see who would notice, and

we’re giving away a million

dinars to whoever does spot

it first! Please make your way

to our prize-collection office,

located in Anchorage,

Alaska to collect your

winnings. You have one hour

to collect, after which the

prize becomes void.

————

FROM: James Pearce

SUBJECT: Halwa

Me again! Tried Halwa as

you guys suggested, and I

must say, it’s very different

than what we’ve been used

to! Took a while to get used

to it but eventually we fell in

love with it! Thanks for a

great tip!

Glad you enjoyed it! Now

head over to the Souq (as

we’ve covered it this issue)

to get your fill of Halwa and

tons of other Bahraini

snacks!

HalaBahrain MailHalaBahrain Mail Mail



2000cc Racing Challenge2000cc Racing Challenge With the 2000cc racing challenge well underway, the BIC saw the third round

of the races on the 19th of December; with the CRC National Sprint on the

same day, the track was busy with people and the sound of roaring engines

and cars zooming down the track.

Not a regular visitor to the BIC? Make sure to catch this months races, and even

race your vehicle on the track with the National Sprint if you think you have

what it takes (just bring your car/bike down to the track, and carry a helmet

along!). See you there!

Events


Events


On the 16th of December, Bahrain

celebrated it’s 37th national day. The

whole country was lit up with bright

lights to note the occasion, and there

were different events and festivities

going on around the country, from

traditional music and dance at the

Arad Fort, to street carnivals in

Manama, music concert in the Isa

Town Stadium, fireworks, and a general

feeling of unity and love for Bahrain as

everyone waved their red & white

flags around!

Events

Bahrain National DayBahrain National Day


Events


Events

Russell PetersRussell Peters After the staggering success of ‘Bahrain Comedy’

with the Axis of Evil back in October, comes another

world-class comedy act; Russell Peters. With a sell-

out crowd of 5,000, the Bahrain Exhibition Center

was packed with an audience anticipating laughs

from Russell. An opening by Ahmed Ahmed, and a

bombshell of a show by Russell himself meant a

great night full of laughs for everyone!



Events

Najwa KaramNajwa Karam Performing live on stage at the Bahrain

International Circuit was Najwa Karam;

an Eid concert that had the crowds

singing along to the Arab music divas

songs late into the night at this desert festival.


Bahrain was busy with the

vibes of Egyptian superstar,

Tamer Hosni, as he entertained

the crowds with his hit songs

late into the night. The concert

was held on the 10th of

December at the Gulf Hotel.

Events

Tamer HosniTamer Hosni


Whispers The new album by Ala Ghawas.. Out now

www.alaghawas.com


Events

SherineSherine The famous Egyptian superstar, Sherine,

performed for the first time in Bahrain on

the 18th of December, in a concert that

had people dancing and singing along

late into the night



Sure, Bahrain has a hundred and one shopping malls. But if

you want more of an authentic shopping experience,

there’s no place better than the Souq in downtown

Manama. Souq is the Arabic word for market, and although

partly under renovation (which feels like it’s been ongoing for

the past 10 years), there is still a large part of the Souq which

has remained untouched.

An excellent place to get a bargain, the Manama Souq offers

shoppers quite a lot; a huge variety of herbs and spices, thobs

and abayas (traditional clothes), fabrics, handicrafts,

souvenirs, halwa (Bahraini sweets), and much more! With the

current cool weather, a visit to the Souq in the afternoon would

be ideal, but plan on spending a few hours, probably till closing

time! Also, get a good photo of Bab Al Bahrain (Doorway to

Bahrain), which actually used to be right on the beach years

ago! The entrance to Manama Souq is located right opposite

the Financial Harbor; shop timings differ but most open from

8:00am-1:00pm, and 4:00-8:30pm.

Tradition

Manama SouqManama Souq


Visit the world of hidden

Bahraini Talents...

www.BahrainTalent.com


Bahrain's opening match at GCC 19 held in Muscat, Oman was against

Asian Champions Iraq, at the Sultan Qaboos Stadium in Bowsher. The

stadium was already packed as hosting nation Oman had tied with

Kuwait 0-0 earlier in a match that saw 4 yellow cards being handed out. The Iraqis were determined to prove themselves against the Bahraini

side early into the game and in the 17th minute a yellow card was

given to Haytham Taher, with a second yellow also given to the same

player in the 25th minute, resulting in him being sent off. Abdulla Omar

scored the first goal for Bahrain and the first goal in the Championship in

the 27th minute, Sayyed Mohammed Sayyed Adnan put in the second

goal in the 65th minute. Young Abdulla Al Dakheel replaced Alaa

Hubail and scored Bahrain's third and final goal (and his first goal in a

GCC competition) for the match in the 90th minute, with a resulting win

of 3-1 to Bahrain! Well done to the Bahraini team and let’s hope to see

you all the way to the finals!

Sports Bahrain vs IraqBahrain vs Iraq By Yasmin Al HilliBy Yasmin Al Hilli


Once a month, an event is held by the creative

arts group, Elham. They bring together different

artists from around the island, to expose their art,

be it music, paintings, stories, or anything else. A

place for artists to get together and discuss ideas,

thoughts and share their work.

This issue we talk to Ali Al Saeed, one of the

founders of the creative arts group. An artists

himself, Ali is a author of two books, QuixotiQ and

Moments. We get together to find out more

about the concept of Elham, what it is, and it’s

visions for the future in Bahrain.

Local Talent


Local Talent

- Tell us a little about Elham; what is the concept behind it?

Well, it started over two years ago by a group of artists and writers

coming together, and deciding to create a platform and

engaging circle for creative people in Bahrain. We started meeting

up once a month to showcase local talent; some of them were

amateurs, some professionals and some upcoming artists, but all

came to gain experience and showcase their work. Over the

months we developed and expanded, and now we have a variety

of activities; we hold workshops, photography and art exhibitions,

music events, stuff like that. Generally it’s a platform for young

upcoming talent and a motivator of art, a sort of "muse" if you may,

for artists, to push them to create, hence our new slogan "Let's

Create" which truly sums up what we are about.

- Nice! So, what sparked the idea for Elham? Who came up with it?

It was 3 people; me, an artist and another writer. We were sitting in a

gallery talking one day, and started meeting up every week to talk

about arts and so on. We figured there might be more people who

would want to do that; meet up together to exchange ideas and

show their work. It started just like that, I personally always thought

there was a need for that; I needed that when I started writing, a

place to go to meet like minded people.

- What does Elham do at the moment?

We’ve actually come a long way from our first event, which was

around 30 people, to now an average of 100+ for every event, and


that is changing the mechanism of it; we have to be more serious about it, it has to be more organized. It was much more free-

flowing; whatever comes along comes along. Now we are more structured, more organized, and we’re almost trying to push the

standard, push the people who come to develop their work and themselves, stuff like that. So even now, in our line ups you see

stronger and stronger people showing their work, and that’s a reflection of people learning more about and having faith in Elham,

whether they are artists or just visiting our events.

- How do you contact the artists or people who showcase their work? Do they approach you, do you approach them, etc?

It’s a mix, really. Sometimes we hear of someone, or visit an artist, other times we get emails from people. It’s a mix. We always

encourage people to get in touch with us and send us samples of their work. Whatever it is you do or create, we'd love to see it!

Copyright; Carla Saliba


Local Talent

- Has there been much support for the Elham concept in general?

It’s been well received. We’ve gotten support from a lot of people and venues, including previously Alriwaq Gallery and now Albareh

Gallery, other venues such as Cocoon, all the magazines and publications, the media, so that’s how the word gets out and gives us

more exposure. The word about Elham has gone across the border, and no people from Texas to Auckland have heard about us! But

now, to reach the next level, as Elham grows it needs to be funded to support its growing size, and so we have to try and secure

sponsorship. For Elham to survive and reach the next stage, funding is a must.

- How has the process of getting sponsorship been going so far?

We are now beginning the process. So far we managed to receive funding for a couple of our events, which was through Aliyah-Marie.

It's a great start but we have to keep going and secure funding for our upcoming events, specifically our larger projects over the

coming months. We're also looking at putting together our festival event upcoming in end of April/early May, which won't be possible

without funding.


Local Talent

- How can people find out more about the events going on, or

participate in a future event?

People can reach us mainly online through our website at

www.elhambahrain.net, on our Facebook group, or by simply

sending us an email at [email protected] to register for

updates and receive our monthly e-magazine.

- So how about the future? What’s upcoming for Elham in the next

few weeks or month?

Lots and lots of exciting stuff! In January we have an exciting trip

organized generously by Al Dar to visit 3 islands and see the habitat

and surroundings; a group of photographers, filmmakers and artists

will spend the day out at sea making art which will then be show-

cased at a unique event held in March. In February we have an

exicting line up of artists to take part in our 17th edition of the

monthly gathering, and we are also planning to host our 2nd Open

Mic night sometime in April, following the success of the one we had

last year.

In the pipeline we are also putting together our first edition

anthology featuring the works of Elham members, as well as a CD

featuring original music by local talents. The 4-day festival we are

currently planning will be a culmination of our season long activities

and will be the first of its kind in Bahrain.

- Sounds like there’s a lot coming! Great stuff. Thanks Ali, it was great

talking to you!

Your welcome! There's more, but I guess you'll just have to wait and

see!


Documents

HalaBahrain - Jan 2009