Bahrain Science Centre relocates the scary skeleton exhibition

April 20, 2014Leave a comment

Staff at the Bahrain Science Centre moving the skeletons

Bahrain Science Centre, a part of Ministry of Social Development, has relocated the famous scary skeleton exhibition around the centre to accommodate the new theme for May and June 2014 ‘Alternative Energy’.

A squawking pelican greets you when you enter through the main door of the centre. A giant ostrich glares down at you in the ground floor foyer, and a Dama gazelle meets you in the first floor lift lobby. An Arabian oryx, flamingo, glossy ibis and dugong guide you through the first floor foyer, and on the Biodiversity Gallery a ‘Noah’s Ark’ of animal skeletons is there to welcome you.

Visit the Bahrain Science Centre again and experience our exciting new look and feel. Interested visitors can download the weekly programme on the website www.bahrainsciencecentre.com for more information. The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

– ENDS –

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com. For information on the weekly programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre, please contact Amna Aldoseri at amna@mtestudios.com

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):

The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

Gig – Rock Camp for Girls UAE

April 15, 2014Leave a comment

The Rock Camp for Girls ends today and it ends with a gig…if you want to see young talent rocking it, below are the details:

The Fifth Unit of the Popular 60 Sunreef Power Catamaran Just Launched

April 12, 2014Leave a comment

Sunreef Yachts is delighted to announce the launch of another unit of its popular motor catamaran model with an unconventional interior solution.

The company, once again, proved that it is the undisputed leader in construction of custom and semi – custom catamarans and superyachts.

Upon the client`s request Sunreef`s interior design team prepared a “tailor made” project with open salon combined with lounge area and bar instead of interior navigation station where some additional storage, small fridge and ice maker were fitted, so that there is an easier access to refreshments for guests, as the galley in down in the aft of the portside hull. The interior decor is made of the highest quality materials, the furniture and walls are in white lacquer with oak elements, as well as white upholstery. All arranged in marine style with a touch of indigo, noble blue and deep red colors.

The interior layout configuration is adapted for 8 guests (+2 kids) with a master cabin and portside guest cabin that has double beds and small kids bed/sofas, as well as the starboard hull with two cabins, the aft one with a double bed and the middle one with a single bed and bunk beds. There is also a TV lounge next to the entrance to the master cabin. The yacht has all the facilities that will provide comfort for its guests. The crew quarters are separated from the guests and are in the starboard forepeak with a bunk bed and its bathroom.

The concept of 60 Sunreef Power was made in response to the growing demand for compact yet highly impressive powerboats.

This yacht has all the features of the popular 70 Sunreef Power, except its slightly smaller 27.8 ft / 8.5 m beam that makes it more convenient for crowded marinas. The aim of 60 Sunreef Power line was to be one of the most successful models in upcoming years and this goal has certainly been achieved.

My top 4 cars at DIFC Motor Village

March 31, 2014Leave a comment

So despite my diva infused hectic schedule from yesterday (I had to wear orange to spruce things up today), I managed to hang out at the Dubai Motor Village with my favourite brands. While I was a guest of the fabulous team from McLaren, it was great to catch up with the reps from Aston Martin who have much to my delight have spoilt me with some of the best cars recently, with DB9 being my utmost favourite….my next tryst is with a Vanquish or a Rapide (Love life when i hear the roar of a strong engine)

Meeting with McLaren’s Regional Director, Ian Gorsuch, years after doing a cover story on him during his Bentley days was awesome – what a small world. It was just like yesterday and now his kids are all grown up and abroad since I last met his family – time flies. He had some exciting news on the new hot orange McLaren on display about which you will read more in September when the car gets to the Middle East. Naturally diva is always scouting for an exclusive when it comes to cars.

Being a Porsche chick now, despite my challenges with a Cayenne Turbo engine which will undoubtedly cost me heavily in fines, I met with the Porsche team and I have to say, I am super impressed with how much they know about where I’m from, what I like, what i dislike and what is the latest story on my blog and my car preferences (10 points to you Porsche for making my evening just perfect – i left the Motor Village with a huge grin). And I loved all the cars you had on display as well…especially the Panamera and the Cayenne.

The super car exhibition is still at the village until the 3rd of April so do visit.

The Middle East’s First Rock Camp for Girls Returns to Dubai

March 30, 2014Leave a comment

Little diva has always been a pianist but last year, she left her comfort zone at the Middle East’s First Rock Camp and realised she also enjoyed drumming as much as playing the piano. Back by popular demand now, the camp premise is simple: pick up an instrument, form a band, write an original song and perform it in front of friends, family and fans on the final day.

Camp for Girls UAE (RCFG UAE) announces the second edition of its popular and groundbreaking music education project, set to launch on April 11th. Organised by women and catering to all girls aged from eight to 18, RCGF UAE is an in-depth, five-day course for wannabe female rockers – the first of its kind in the Middle East.

As a parent, I loved the fact that Natasha came out of the camp more confident, found a love for a new musical genre and instrument and highly recommend the camp to other parents.

“This is not just a music camp,” said Zahra Soar, Dubai Eye radio presenter and camp founder. “This is a not-for-profit mentoring program that will empower girls and galvanise them into action. If a student graduates from RCFG UAE with greater confidence to perform, and wants to form her own band, then we have done our job.”

The tuition is on a very personal level; girls are split into bands, each band guided by its own experienced mentor. UAE-based performers like Noush Like Sploosh, Fatiniza and Carla Saad, all well-known names on the Middle East music scene – will pay close attention to each girl’s musical development.

Alongside band rehearsals, girls attend a series of specialised workshops, with instruction on setting up PA systems, lyric writing, creating fanzines, as well as partaking in self-defence classes and band photo-shoots.

And the highlight of the week-long event is the camp finale, which will tie together everything the girls have learned with a headline performance.

We connected really well with organisers behind the camp. Rock camps catering specifically for girls are nothing new. North America and Europe have seen the rise of girl-only rock camps over the past decade, all in the hope of encouraging more girls to pick up instruments, join bands and write their own music. Singer Kate Nash has recently launched an after-school club for girls in the UK.

RCFG UAE receives regular advice and updates from the mentors at the original rock camp for girls in Portland, Oregon and has recently applied to join the internationally accredited Girls Rock Camp Alliance.

For more information about RCFG UAE please call organiser Zahra Soar on 055 9359982 or visit the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RockCampforGirlsUAE

MET Opera time again at the Meydan IMAX

March 30, 2014Leave a comment

It’s that time of the month when my darling daughter pesters me about seeing MET Opera and convinces me why it being on a school night is actually a good thing and does not interfere with my weekend plans – this kid would do anything for performing arts.

So…the fabulous “Meydan IMAX Theatre presents the Met Opera’s seventh installment, Jules Massenet’ WERTHER this coming week – on April 6th.

Director Richard Eyre returns to the Met with a new staging of Massenet’s tragic romance Werther, starring Jonas Kaufmann and Sophie Koch in their first Met performances as the brooding poet Werther and his unattainable love, Charlotte.

Lisette Oropesa sings the role of Sophie, Charlotte’s sister; David Bižićmakes his Met debut as Charlotte’s fiancé, Albert; and Jonathan Summers is Charlotte’s father, Le Bailli.
Alain Altinoglu conducts the first new Met production of the opera in more than forty years

Show Begins: 6.04.14 at 19.30
Show Ends: 6.04.14 at 23.00

STUDENT: AED 125 – One ticket (complimentary drinks)
REGULAR: AED 150 – One ticket (complimentary drinks)

Hope to see you there!

Carnival unveils amazing Spring Summer Collection

March 26, 2014Leave a comment

Carnival Dubai

Tonight I enjoyed meeting with Gul Zeb, Owner & Founder of Carnival, a premium multi-brand boutique for high-end luxury fashion wear in Dubai that started with a small retail outlet and has now grown in to a full-fledge multi-designer boutique.

Carnival fashion house is famous for its select intricate pieces, from prêt-a-porter to haute couture; this outlet offers a lot of variety when it comes to Asian wear. Tonight they unveiled the best of Asian Designers’ Spring Summer Collection 2014.

The outlet is not far from my house so I now have made a point to check them out during my evening walks. Many celebrities such as Abhay Deol, Siddharte Roy, Adnan Siddiqui, Ahsan Khan and many others have visited the outlet on their trip to Dubai.

A talented figure, Zeb designs a signature line under her very own name, Gul Zeb. By balancing modern designs with traditional elegance, she has acquired a large fan following, particularly amongst the Arabs and Asian community.

She mainly focuses on bridal wear, designing exquisite and breath-taking pieces, her devotion & commitment reflects in her work. Most of the top-notch Asian designers currently stock at Carnival such as Faraz Manan, Rana Noman, Nomi Ansari, Zehra Saleem, Priyanka Avasti, to name but a few.

With Gul Zeb being such a warm and friendly person, tonight’s ceremony was attended by crème de la crème of Dubai. “Kashmir Collection” by Crescent, whose brand ambassador for the past two years is Kareena Kapoor, one of the most talented Bollywood Actors, was show cased during the event.

The lawn collection, which sells out like hot cakes in Pakistan, is one of the top-selling brands at Carnival.

Crescent’s Spring Summer Collection 2014 is inspired by flowers, birds and the natural beauty of Kashmir. Priya Awasty, the naturally talented designer, introduced white chickenwork and woven Banarsi textured shirts complemented with vibrant chanderi veils during the launch.

Carnival was recently awarded by Rashid Paedriatic for their generous contributions to the organization and has been actively supporting causes initiated by Care Foundation. The multi-designer boutique is situated on main Al Wasl Road. For more information please call at 04-385 4040.

A Fortnum and Mason experience

March 22, 2014Leave a comment

This week was awesome as I spent some quality time my awesome editor from MADAME magazine at the new 9,400 sq ft Fortnum and Mason store and café next to The Address Downtown Dubai. The iconic British brand opened its second store in Britain last year, after having a single outlet for nearly 307 years and now they have ventured into Dubai….so we in Dubai are extremely lucky to the brand right at our doorstep (I can say that now that I live in Downtown)

As expected, the store had its usual iconic hampers, teas and preserves but we also loved the stock of scented candles and soaps. The ground floor is more of a retail space, similar to the London stores’ food hall.

Upstairs, The Tea Salon is inspired by the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly and its here both me and Catherine became trendy models for the official photographer as we sampled the exotic Royal blend tea and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Dubai Fountain.

We decided to burn some calories from the delectable pastries by taking the stairs to the 3rd floor Ice Cream Parlour, which is touted to offer the finest ice cream in the world. This I have to try on my next visit and will strive to think of better ways to burn calories after I have my Fortnum & Mason indulgence with my little British diva next weekend.

Family fun time at Dubai International Horse Fair

March 21, 2014Leave a comment

The 10^th Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) held today provides the ultimate arena for the regional equine industry where the latest technological advancements can be accessed together with the most exquisite Arabian beauties on show. Meanwhile the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, held alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair, is set to unveil the world’s best purebred Arabian horses that will be judged for their beauty, agility and heritage with prize money of USD4 million (AED15 million) up for grabs.

Currently taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre until tomorrow (23 March), the Dubai International Horse Fair showcases the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East. Additionally, event will also provide several exciting activities for families and the general public including polo demonstrations, an equestrian-themed Art Gallery, Heritage Village and Horse Auction for Arabian Purebred Horses (Saturday 22 March) among others.

We love Racewood’s Interactive Jumping Simulator and RS Racetrainer at the exhibition. The jumping simulator can be used by beginners and professionals alike and offers the rider the most realistic and interactive riding experience in a safe and controlled environment. The simulator aims to perfect the rider’s technique skill and positioning due to sensors on the head, saddle, neck, bit and leg, which mimic the exact movement of a real horse. The RS Racetrainer is an unmotorised gym trainer used by jockeys to improve technique, increase stamina and lose weight and can be interactive using a smart phone or iPad or tablet device.

Last year my favourite part of the exhibition was the vibro gym type of floor – we were allowed to try it even though the promotion was actually for horses. This year, the latest in fitness equipment is the “TheraPlate” Vortex Wave Circulation Stimulation Technology, which can be compared to the vibrating Power Plate equipment we use in gyms. The TheraPlate is a large vibrating plate that offers several benefits to horses including increased blood circulation, improved joint health and function, faster healing, reduction of swelling and inflammation, pain relief among several others.

Spas are not only meant for pampered human beings – horses also get five-star treatment with the Khail Spa Equine Hydrotherapy Spa System distributed by Al Khail Equestrian Equipments. Taking a natural approach to healing, horses can use the spa, which is a deep long trough of water, to mimic the motion of sea currents as this was the traditional method of training and easing stress in the legs. The cold salt water spa is regarded as a vital treatment in reducing inflammation in lower leg injuries and accelerating the body’s natural healing processes.

You can also enjoy the Fair tomorrow so keep an eye on it.

ART Dubai 2014 in images

March 21, 2014Leave a comment

I love anything to do with the sea

The last 3 days have been loads of fun…from the opening of Peru’s master weaver, Eddie Sulca’s exhibition at the Artissima Art Gallery to the amazing array of art infused events at Art Dubai. The 2014 edition of Art Dubai features three gallery programmes–Contemporary, Modern and Marker; the winners of The Abraaj Group Art Prize; commissioned artists’ projects; the critically acclaimed Global Art Forum; live radio; film and more.

Taking place at Madinat Jumeirah until 22 March 2014, this year’s edition of Art Dubai builds on its reputation as a fair of discovery and is the most global fair to date with 85 participating galleries from 34 countries; more than 500 artists are participating in the gallery halls and across the not-for-profit programmes. The eighth edition of Art Dubai is held in partnership with The Abraaj Group and is sponsored by Cartier and Emaar. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is the strategic partner of Art Dubai and supports the fair’s year-round education programme. Art Dubai Modern is sponsored by Mashreq Private Banking. Maserati is the Car Partner of Art Dubai 2014. Rothschild joins Art Dubai as a Corporate Patron of the 2014 fair.

New for this year, the galleries are presented in three distinct programmes – Contemporary; the inaugural Modern; and Marker – the curated section of invited art spaces and galleries focusing in 2014 on Central Asia and the Caucasus. It has been a great place to meet interesting art enthusiasts from all over the world…highly recommended exhibition if you love art. Although there was a lot I loved at Art Dubai, these pieces were my favourite: