ARTIQAZ JEWELRY COMES TO BAHRAIN FOR ITS FIRST-EVER LAUNCH EVENT
The United Kingdom’s fashion brand makes its debut in this Kingdom

MAY 2015 – Manama, Bahrain: Artiqaz Jewelry held an exclusive launch event May 20th at The Domain Hotel & Spa to raise awareness about the brand’s introduction to Bahrain.
Bahrain’s fashion industry gets even more glamorous with a new brand all the way from the United Kingdom. Artiqaz Jewelry showcased its three collections of nature-inspired, hand-crafted jewelry for sale at a 15% discounted price. Attendees enjoyed light bites, beverages and an exceptional shopping experience as they perused through the display of unique pieces.
To further highlight the beauty and intricate detail of the individual items, well-known bloggers and influencers doubled as models for the event. Each blogger chose an item from one of the collections and styled it by creating a coordinating outfit. These models added another dimension to the event and displayed the merchandise in an innovative way.
Nida Arshad, the young entrepreneur who began the fashion line in June 2012, was elated at the interest generated by Artiqaz. “Moving the brand from the United Kingdom to Bahrain was a daunting task because I knew I had to break into a brand new market,” says Arshad. “However, it was much easier than I expected, and I am absolutely delighted with the results. The event generated lots of interest from Bahraini women. It gave me that little extra motivational push. The future of Artiqaz Jewelry looks quite bright.”
Arshad’s brand is geared towards women who find their happy place in nature. The target audience is primarily young, vibrant women who use fashion to make a statement.The fashion jewelry line embodies the concept of Mother Nature, a feminine interpretation of the natural world. The line offers earrings, rings, neck pieces and bracelets incorporated into three collections: La fleur, papillon and celeste. The adornments are made from sterling silver, semi-precious stones, and fresh water pearls in 24 karat gold plating to create these one-of-a-kind pieces.
“Designs need to have a definite language, says Arshad. “I believe in reinventing the past along with creating something new. I make jewelry to make a statement.”
Arshad is currently working on a fourth collection and utilizing bolder designs. For more information about Artiqaz Jewelry, visit http://www.artiqaz.com. Like or follow on social media @artiqaz for all the latest updates.

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For media enquiries, please contact:
Obai & Hill
Design and PR Agency
Dalal Ameen
www.obaiandhill.com
accounts@obaiandhill.com
17536092
Ithmaar Development announces the sale of Major plot on Dilmunia at Bahrain with a Sale vale of BD 8.84 million.

MANAMA, BAHRAIN – 14 May, 2015 – Ithmaar Development Company announced today the sale of a strategic plot on the Dilmunia island in Bahrain to renowned Kuwaiti Developer and Hospitality Investor, Kuwait Resort Company K.S.C.P. (an affiliate of “Al Tijaria” The Commercial Real Estate Co. K.S.C.P) with a sale value of BD 8.84 million.
The Preliminary Agreement signed at the final day of the Gulf Property Show by Mr. Mohammed Khalil Alsayed, Chairman of project owners Health Island B.S.C (c) and Mr. Ibrahim Al Ghanim, Deputy Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Resort Company and Board & Executive Committee Member of Al Tijaria.
The seafront property will be developed to offer waterfront villas, city villas and a range of luxury apartments overlooking the Dilmunia Canal waterfalls. The development is set to include more than 300 residential offerings set in lush landscaped surroundings.
The new development is the latest to join the Dilmunia family, alongside the sold out Temara and Seavilla projects developed by Ithmaar Development Company (IDC), The Treasures project by Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company and the Essence of Dilmunia by Cooperation Investment House.
“The uniqueness of our conceptual identity and our delivery of progress continues to attract residents and in turn developers to Dilmunia. We are pleased to welcome the Kuwait Resort Company, and Al Tijaria Commercial Real Estate Co to Dilmunia” said Alsayed. “we’re confident that this new partnership will be a worthy addition to Dilmunia” he added.
The USD1.6 billion Dilmunia at Bahrain development is a mixed-use project built on a man-made island off the coast of Muharraq. With a unique health and wellness anchor, Dilmunia will include residences, hotels, and leisure and shopping districts anchored around a health and wellness cluster.
“Bahrain’s property market is now on a growth track, as reflected by the evident demand for properties in established master-planned neighborhoods such as Dilmunia,” said Al Ghanim “What attracted us most to Dilmunia is its planned and quality driven social infrastructure, which creates long term value to developers and residents alike”
“Our apartments, which will have sea and canal waterfall views, are going to be specifically designed to capitalize on these idyllic surroundings, while our villas will offer some of the best waterfront living anywhere in Bahrain” said Al Ghanim. “we’re expecting to commence full designs within weeks and expect construction to commence within 2016”
The ambitious 125-hectare man-made Dilmunia island is a project of master developer IDC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ithmaar Bank, a Bahrain-based Islamic retail bank traded on both the Bahrain Bourse and the Kuwait Stock Exchange. Ithmaar is also the Dilmunia Investment Manager.
Dilmunia is located close to the Bahrain International Airport, with easy access to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahad Causeway. The name Dilmunia is inspired by Bahrain’s ancient civilization of Dilmun, which is believed to have been the inspiration for the mythical Garden of Eden. Dilmunia seeks to create a modern Garden of Eden, balancing the need for growth with the need for a healthy, sustainable ecology and leisure spaces.
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Pictured Right to Left: Mr. Ibrahim Al Ghanim, Deputy Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Resort Company and Board & Executive Committee Member of Al Tijaria and Mr. Mohammed Khalil Al Sayed, Chairman of Health Island B.S.C and CEO of Ithmaar Development Company.
About Ithmaar Development Company:
Ithmaar Development Company (IDC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ithmaar Bank BSC and acts as its developer and manager of major real estate projects spanning residential, commercial, hospitality, wellness/healthcare facilities, and infrastructure sub-sectors.
About Ithmaar Bank:
Ithmaar Bank is a publicly held company listed on the Bahrain and Kuwait Stock Exchange.
Ithmaar Bank B.S.C. (stock code “ITHMR”) is a Bahrain-based licensed Islamic retail bank that is regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain and provides retail, commercial, treasury & financial institutions and other banking services.
Ithmaar Bank is a subsidiary of Dar Al-Maal Al-Islami Trust (DMI), and has a paid-up capital of US$757.69 million, total shareholders’ equity of US$546.34 million (as at 30 June 2014) and is listed on the Bahrain Bourse and the Kuwait Stock Exchange.
Ithmaar Bank provides a diverse range of Sharia-compliant products and services that cater to the financing and investment needs of individuals and institutions.
Ithmaar also maintains a presence in overseas markets through its subsidiaries, associated and affiliated companies. These include Faysal Bank Limited (Pakistan), Faisal Private Bureau (Switzerland), Bahrain-based BBK, Ithmaar Development Company Limited, Solidarity (an Islamic insurance company), Naseej and Ithraa Capital (Saudi Arabia).
Kuwait Resort Company K.S.C.P
Kuwait Resort Company is engaged in operating Investing and renting in hotels motels clubs resorts parks, exhibitions restaurants commercial complexes and sport clubs. Also the company Purchase, sale and development of real estate and properties in or outside the state of Kuwait. Moreover the company management Property, own & trade in real estate share and bonds for its account inside and outside Kuwait. Preparing studies & offering consultations in all types of real estate solutions. Also Owning managing leasing & renting hotels health clubs. The flagship enterprise of the company is Hilton Resorts Kuwait.
“Al Tijaria” The Commercial Real Estate Co. K.S.C.P
The Commercial Real Estate Company, K.P.S.C (Al-Tijaria) has been established since February 4th of 1968 and has been in business for over 44 years now. Al-Tijaria was listed in the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE ) towards the end of 2004. Al-Tijaria is considered one of the largest real estate company’s in the state of Kuwait with regards to paid up capital. Our main focus of Al-Tijaria is directed towards commercial property investment in the state of Kuwait and the Gulf regions. It is a multi -faceted organization. All financial aspects are governed by the Islamic Sharia (laws).
Al-Tijaria has been awarded ISO 9001:2008 Certification.
Capital Standards Rating Co. (CSR) has assigned a corporate issuer rating of ‘BBB+’ and a National rating of ‘A+kw’ to Commercial Real Estate Company K.P.S.C. (“Al-Tijaria”). The outlook for the rating is stable. Al-Tijaria’s ‘BBB+’ rating is mainly supported by the strong market position in Kuwait as one of the largest property traders and developers.
The restaurant that serves old-fashioned italian recipes using local meat , produce and cheese has now launched its exclusively manufactured ice tea.
It comes in four fruit flavors, including Green Tea (Lemon Prickly Pear), Red Tea ( Pomegranate) , White Tea (Elderflower Mint) and black Tea (Peach Vanilla). Each flavor is available in a 500ml glass bottle and is made with carefully selected ingredients to provide a quick jolt of refreshment.
Vapiano Bahrain closed off 2014 on a high note after being awarded “Excellent Service in the Region” by Vapiano International. Vapiano and their staff, known as Vapianists, live by the Italian proverb “Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano” which means, “if you have an easy-going and relaxed approach to life, you’ll live more healthily and longer” and that attitude, earned Vapiano Bahrain this award. In addition, they’ve been awarded for their excellent, friendly, and welcoming service, dedication, and expertise in their trade with specialists dedicated to their stations of pasta, pizza, and salads freshly prepared to order.
Vapiano is a casual dining Italian restaurant with made-to-order fire roasted pizzas, fresh house-made pasta and hand tossed gourmet salads. Vapiano Bahrain, located on the first floor of City Centre, puts a new spin on the dining experience with its urban upscale Italian decor and its modern customer service. The food is made in front of your eyes, using only fresh made pasta and ingredients to create exotic and mouthwatering dishes.
JANUARY 28TH 2015 – Manama, Bahrain: Barrel and Drum proudly announced the launch of their inaugural collection of wooden sunglasses, after an exciting launch party that took place on the 28th of January at Ezmeel in Riyadat Mall, Aali.
Founded by a group of young and passionate design professionals, Barrel and Drum is the brainchild of a desire to bring a fresh, contemporary and environmentally friendly eyewear alternative to the GCC.
This debut collection, dubbed “The Classic Collection” consists of tried and tested styles, repurposed with their signature wooden frames. Each piece highlights the beauty of natural wood, in the form of iconic styles that can suit any gender. The collection includes timeless styles such as the Black Sandal Wayfarer, Bamboo Wayfarer, Zebra Wood, Ebony Wood Metal Rimless and Ebony Wood Rims, all brought together in a perfect fusion of form meets function.
Barrel & Drum’s glasses are constructed meticulously out of high quality eco friendly materials like bamboo and natural wood.
“I am so thrilled to finally announce the launch of Barrel and Drum! We live on an island that has rich natural resources, and we wanted to create a brand that was earthy, natural and would offer a cool local eyewear alternative in Bahrain and the GCC. My team was really passionate to brand, market and create a full collection that would appeal to the younger generation ” – said Wafa Al Obaidat Creative Director of Obai and Hill and chief founder of Barrel and Drum.
Barrel and Drum is a brand that goes back to basics. Believing in stripping back the pseudo-glamour and grandeur of designer eyewear to create pieces that are grounded, natural, yet still utterly stylish. Designed with contemporary and simplistic sensibility – Barrel and Drum can be worn by people from all walks of life who seek to do things a little differently.
Barrel and Drum sunglasses will be available to purchase online at www.barrelanddrum.me as well as select retailers across the GCC.
Follow them on social media for the latest updates on Instagram – @barrelanddrum and Facebook – www.facebook.com/barrelanddrum and Twitter – @barrelanddrum
Juffair, Bahrain; January 27, 2015: ZOOM Market, the distinctive supermarket concept that has been sweeping through the United Arab Emirates, is finally opening its first outlet in Bahrain at Al Fateh Service Station in Juffair.
Defining the future of grocery shopping, ZOOM Market has won praise for its 24-hours service, 7 days a week, wide selection of quality products that meet the complete range of home needs and convenient delivery services. The new branch will also have dine-in options for customers. ZOOM promises to deliver a fast, easy shopping experience to customers seeking convenience and value.
An established supermarket concept that further builds on the ZOOM convenience stores with over 165 locations in the UAE, ZOOM Market’s Bahrain branch brings with it a café-bakery concept – the first of its kind in Bahrain
ZOOM Market aims to providing home-based fundamentals, such as fresh food products to customers with the highest level of efficiency and service, in an elegantly designed environment. Their products range from fresh fruits and vegetables, to meat and poultry, as well as other household and grocery items.
The outlet aims to provide further convenience through its extended ZOOM services counter where customers can pay their various utility bills and avail a host of other services.
The brainchild behind ZOOM’s presence through a franchise agreement in Bahrain is Bukhowa Investments Holding Company, one of Bahrain’s leading organizations and pioneers in the food and beverage industry successfully operating Yum Yum Tree food court for the last two decades.
“We are very excited to be opening our first ZOOM Market location in Bahrain,” said Chairman of Bukhowa Investments Holding, Dr. Adel Bukhowa. “Bahrain is such an amazing country with many different successful concepts and we are confident there is a place for ZOOM and are excited by the challenge.”
Burhan Al Hashemi, ENOC’s Managing Director of Retail, said: “We are thankful to Bukhowa Investments Holding for the partnership that expands our ZOOM retail concept to Bahrain. ZOOM Market has redefined the concept of neighborhood shopping with our focus on delivering fresh, high quality products with efficiency and the highest standards of customer service. We are confident that ZOOM Market will set a new benchmark in retailing
in Bahrain.”
ZOOM Market is located at Al Fateh Service Station, Juffair and opens 24 hours a day, seven
days a week.
MALJA – A RED BULL SPACE:
COUNTDOWN TO OPENING ON JANUARY 30TH
First community hub in the Middle East to support and connect
all types of Art in the most innovative way
Bahrain 18th January 2015-
Nested under the trees at the entrance of Amwaj Islands, Malja, Bahrain’s first open creative space is set to open its doors on January 30th at 4 pm with it’s first show Double tap and live graffiti performances, followed by the opening ceremony at 6:00 pm.
After taking over Al Osra’s old supermarket, creative hands and minds have been working for the past three months to transform this hidden place into a communal location to create, promote and support Arts in Bahrain and the Middle East:
spoon Consultants are leading the design of the 350 sqm multi-functional project space featuring their unique façade installation. The indoor and outdoor space is brought to light by LumenArts Lighting Consultants who are responsible for all the illumination.
Jody Peck [Artist] and Noof Al Refaei [Sikkeh Gallery] contributed with some of the interior featured furniture, while Sara Valente [spoon] andReine Lahoud took lead on the Landscape side.
On the curators’ front, Tarik Omar and Hasan Hujairi are consulting on the sound room equipment and developing workshop ideas related to music and studio production. Meanwhile, Frances Stafford and Yasmin Sharabi art consultants, will manage the annual gallery which will be held in Malja’s main hall.
A team of story tellers are documenting Malja’s coming to life. Behind the camera, JEO’s Productions team of producers and cameramen are capturing every moment from the construction to the people involved.
In photos and writing, Noor Noorudin, Quentin de Pimodan, Melchior de Tinguy and Ali Haji are telling the story of Malja, on the blogwww.maljabahrain.com designed by Maroon Frog.
It will be a place for creative minds to learn, create, develop and perform by supporting and connecting all types of arts in the most innovative way.
For that Malja will be home to:
- RBMA Quarter Tone Frequency Sound Space: 28.5 sqm dedicated for an Electronic Music Production facility and general music usage.
- An Art Room: 33 sqm, room that gives space for special projects, creation and dance groups
- The Gallery: 215 sqm with a stage available to host concerts for up to 250 people and art galleries
Part artist incubator, part gallery and art cultural curator, Malja’s core purpose is to give critical acclaim to involved artists, while breaking down regional barriers as well as financial and institutional constraints between them. It is a place to give artists a space, tools, and intimacy to unleash their creative side.
By mixing these different types of art, Malja wants to offer the creative minds with a unique experience and captivate art aficionados with concepts that take their passion to a whole new level.
On the opening week (Jan 30th – Feb 4th), Malja’s program will feature several artists from different disciplines who will give a sneak peek into the type of programs to expect at Malja.
To learn more about the opening and the full program visit:www.maljabahrain.com and join the conversation on social media;
Facebook: www.facebook.com/maljabahrain
Instagram: @maljabahrain
#Maljabahrain #Bahrainculture
Malja is a non for profit venue and is opened from 12:00pm to 10:00pm 7 days a week. For more information you can call: 32-323-000
Malja partners include: BMMI; Amwaj Islands Management, Batelco, Virgin Megastore, Likwid Productions, Hala Bahrain Show and Time Out Magazine.
Al A’ali Thinks Pink!
Al A’ali Shopping Complex Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Week
OCTOBER 2014 – Manama, Bahrain: Al A’ali Shopping Complex in collaboration with Think Pink Bahrain announces the launch of an exciting campaign under the title “Al A’ali Thinks Pink!” The campaign entails a week full week of exciting activities to help raise awareness for a worthy and honorable cause including a Walk-a-Thon as well as two “Bike for Breast Cancer” stations situated around the complex. The activities of the week encompassed a new approach of melding health and fitness with Breast Cancer Awareness, in line with Think Pink Bahrain’s new ethos and strategy for the year.
Shoppers and passers by at Al A’ali Shopping Complex can visit one of two Bike for Breast Cancer stations in the complex. The stations, located at gate 2 near Swirl Café and in the mini atrium near Café Lilou, respectively, allow shoppers to challenge friends and colleagues to see who can cycle the longest.
Both stations are outfitted with top of the range stationary exercise bikes, generously provided by FIT Gym and Spa. A fun photo booth and polaroid cameras are also available along with a series of appropriately pink props to adorn participants who wish to take photos.
“We are so excited to have collaborated with Think Pink Bahrain for this event and charity fundraiser. Staying active is sometimes hard in Bahrain’s heat, which is why we were delighted to set up the bike for breast cancer stations indoors. We hope to make this an annual campaign moving forward” said Shafeeka Fakier, Centre Manager at Al A’ali Shopping Complex.
The pledge is just 1 BD per kilometer, and all proceeds will go towards Think Pink. Prizes will also be given for the longest distances cycled throughout the week – this is definitely an opportunity not to be missed.
Located in the Seef district, the Al-Aali Shopping Complex, with its plush vicinities, sophisticated atmosphere and abundance of labels, beckons all of the Kingdom’s shoppers to participate in this year’s Al A’ali Thinks Pink Campaign which will be running from the 18th until the 25th of October For more information, please call 17581000, and don’t forget to follow the complex on Instagram @alaalishoppingcomplex.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Obai & Hill
Design and PR Agency
Zainab Alebrahim
PR and Events Coordinator
www.obaiandhill.com
zainab@obaiandhill.com
17536092
SEPTEMBER 18TH 2014 – Manama, Bahrain:
The Design District group in collaboration with T&J Vestor announce the launch of the esteemed Missoni Home concept into Bahrain after a grand opening launch event that took place on the 18th of September.
The space, located in on the Ground Floor, new extension of the prestigious Al Aali Shopping complex, offers a view of the multicolored world of Missoni Home extending over 160 square meters of lifestyle, furnishing and outdoor products displayed alongside the world- famous brand’s classic panorama of home textiles and linen. This is a full-immersion experience of Missoni Home’s kaleidoscopic colors and designs, packed with ideas and décor proposals and the chance to experience textures and materials. The space promises to be a point of reference for design professionals and brand lovers with discerning taste in the Kingdom.
Carrying the unmistakable geometric pattern and ethnic élan of the over-arching brand, Missoni Home holds true to the very same values on which the Italian company was built. Sporting the effortless combination of patterns and bold colors, it is a true delight for the visual senses.
Designed by Rosita Missoni, and in production since 1983, the home collection is produced and distributed by T&J Vestor. This flawless collaboration between two family-owned businesses steeped in tradition and regarded as some of the best in their fields has translated into some of the finest and distinguishable pieces of furnishing available on the market.
Now producing everything from carpets, bathrobes and linen to throws and poufs, the home collection is large yet each item is perceptibly Missoni.
Taking inspiration from North Africa, Central Asia and South America, the collection on show at the Bahrain showroom truly embraces a fusion between east and west.
“It is such a wonderful experience to be absorbed in such a extraordinary palette of colors that inject an elegant and refreshing vibe of happiness into our daily lifestyle. Life is definitely a lot more interesting with color!” – said Basma Nass Creative Director of the Design District Group.
Located in the most elegant and sophisticated cities worldwide, a truly considered and intelligent approach to textiles color and to pattern pervades every Missoni Home collection. The team behind the brand approaches home wares in the same exacting, bespoke way it does fashion, by continuously adding, subtracting, tweaking, reinventing and developing tactile new weaves and new color combinations. Missoni Home develops pieces that are as dramatic in isolation as they are layered and grouped together.
“I am especially pleased to announce the opening of Missoni Home in Bahrain, as I believe this will be a true crowning jewel in the interior scene here in Bahrain. Missoni Home is a dynamic and exciting concept that I am honored to be able to help bring to the Kingdom of Bahrain”– said Feryal Nass, CEO of the Design District Group.
Located in the Seef district, the Al-Aali Shopping Complex, with its plush vicinities, sophisticated atmosphere and abundance of luxury labels, beckons the crème de la crème of the Kingdom’s shoppers. Those looking to visit the Missoni Home store in Al A’ali Shopping Complex should head to the Ground Floor, new extension and should expect nothing less than the utmost elegance and style in line with the world-famous fashion’s brand’s illustrious status. Missoni Home also relaunched it’s showroom in the KSA, which was inaugurated by his excellency the mayor of Jeddah Dr Hani Aborass On Tuesday September 16th.
ABOUT MISSONI
Tied to the aesthetic innovation and technical invention that have always changed the identity of knitwear, Missoni is one of the best known, loved and recognized fashion and design brands in the world. Missoni style is the result of a partnership between two people. Tai and Rosita decided to set up a knitwear business in the sixties, and were soon at the cutting edge of Italian fashion. Missoni inaugurated and affirmed an unmistakable way of dressing and living: with a colorful “put-together” of zigzag motifs, stripes, waves and slub yarns in a patchwork of geometric and floral jacquard. The couple started a family and their children Vittorio, Luca and Angela, the brand’s creative director since 1996, grew up in direct contact with their parents’ work. Closely involved with the business, they took on increasingly responsible roles, becoming co-creators in a project that continues to seduce and excite today. Missoni is now one of the best representatives of Italian fashion and design excellence around the world. With its pioneering multicolored aesthetic vision, it continues to influence the contemporary lifestyle, thanks also to the success of the Missoni Home line.
Salad Boutique is originally a Kuwaiti franchise founded in 2009, it opened in Bahrain in 2011. It is a family owned business owned by six sisters who share the passion of offering good fresh food to their customers. Salad Boutique is the result of the owners’ bold imagination and creative concept of food and service.The restaurant is differentiated by its extensive “salad as main course” menu. They offer all kind of appetizers, and soups. They serve all day western and eastern breakfast, and for lunch, they proud themselves by serving a wide range of salads, sandwiches, mini burgers and risottos. Party platters and deserts are also available as Salad Boutique aims to be an all-purpose restaurant. For drinks, they offer fresh juices and innovative energy drinks that are made from fresh fruits.
At Salad Boutique , they love creating food that appeals to all. Their quality and passion is what intrigued us the most. We consider Salad Boutique ‘a piece of art’, and art is boundless and universal. Conceived and established in a tiny country, we pursue a dream – to take Salad Boutique beyond the borders of Kuwait and into the global arena.
We are glad to say that they are now one of our clients. We look forward to working with them as we can sense their creativity and innovation. We also highly regard their values of giving back to the community, inspiring others and serving healthy yet luxurious food.