Leisure Listings

To celebrate Manama being named the Capital of Arab Culture 2012, the month of February has been dedicated to the topic of architecture. The theme will focus around the notion of public space and its contemporary practices in Arab cities around the region.
 
In collaboration with the Japanese Embassy in Bahrain, and in celebration of 25 years of Bahraini-Japanese bilateral relations, an exhibition entitled Parallel Nippon: Contemporary Japanese Architecture 1996-2006 will be held at the National Museum of Bahrain until February 27. The exhibition explores various themes and the evolution of Japanese architecture over the span of a decade. Architectural drawings, photographs, models, and film footage will bring to light a unique design aesthetic, known for its fusion of craft and innovative materials.

The Ministry of Culture has also organised an open ideas competition for the re-design of the Bab Al Bahrain Square, pictured left, stretching from Bab Al Bahrain to the south, to the King Faisal Highway northwards.

Swimming lessons for children are being offered at Wahooo! WaterparkBahrain. Children are taught how to swim under the careful eye of Wahooo!’s instructors who have international certification from the STA (Swimming Teacher’s Association, UK). For details, call 17173000.

Reiki guru Frank Arjava Petter will visit Bahrain to teach Jikiden Reiki at levels Shoden (Level 1) and Okuden (level 2). There will be an open night from 6.30pm at the Bahrain Wellness Centre, Janabiya Highway costing BD8. His five-day course runs from Friday to Tuesday costing BD435 which includes light lunch, snacks, manuals and registration to the Jikiden Reiki Institute Japan. For further information contact Julie Lomas on info@conscious-connections.com or Janet Chua eightmansions@batelco.com.bh

Artist Irina Averinos is hosting an exhibition called Sun Splashes at the World Beat Fitness Cafe. The event opens at 4pm. Entry is free. For details, call 17612576 or visit www.worldbeatfitness.com

Bab Al Bahrain Open Air cinema will screen the film Hamad and the Pirates (1971) at the Bab Al Bahrain Square Pavilion from 6pm to 9.30pm.

Ministry of Sound’s Housexy brings DJ Shane Kehoe to Karma Lounge outdoor terrace on February 23. Tickets are available in Coral Bay at the door for BD5 for men, ladies entry is free, plus unlimited free selected beverages. For further information, call 39649590.

World Beat Fitness Centre will hold a coffee morning with guest speakers Seema Al Shirawi and Samantha De Zoysa on the theme of biodynamic craniosacral therapy. The pair are experts in Reiki and remedial massage. The event starts at 9.45am and costs BD2 for members and BD3 for non-members. For details, call 17612576.

A range of sporting activities are being held throughout the year to support Bahrain Cancer Society and the Ria Autism Centre. The first event ‘Run, Walk for Charity’, takes place on March 30 at 9am at Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Park. The English Project at the British Council is organising a ‘kids read’ event which allows children aged five to 15 to listen to stories in English and be involved in educational activities. Entry is free. For any further details, call 17266166.

Cocoon Lounge in Juffair presents Salvation Ibiza Republik with Paul Darey on February 29.

Albareh is hosting a solo exhibition titled Papier Mache by artist Assem Sharaf. The exhibition will run until March 7 at Abcad/ Albareh, Saturdays through Thursdays, from 10am – 1pm and from 4-8pm.

Middle East Film and Comic Con, the first pop culture and entertainment event in the region is back on track for the weekend of April 20. Mina Seyahi Hall at the Dubai International Marine Club is set to host the event, with celebrity signings, panels and workshops. Single day tickets and weekend tickets are priced at 55 dirhams and 100 dirhams respectively. Limited 500 dirhams VIP tickets will also be available on a first-come first-served basis. For details, visit www.timeouttickets.com and tickets.virginmegastore.me or visit Virgin Megastore.

The 49th Bahrain Open Golf Championship will take place at Awali Golf Club on March 9-10.

The annual competition is open to professional and amateur golfers (with a handicap of 12 and below). Prizes will be awarded for the lowest gross and nett scores. In addition, there is a car on offer for the first person who records a hole in one on the sixth hole.

Entry fee is BD35 which includes a championship shirt, two lunch tickets and an invitation to the evening social event. Entry forms are available at the Awali Golf Club clubhouse or can be downloaded from www.awaligolfclub.com.

For more information, call 17756770.

Awali Thrift Shop is having a sale on February 25 to sell the items which were donated by the City Centre Ramadan Drive. All money collected will be donated to charity. BD1,000 has already been donated for Somalia as a token amount.

The thrift shop is tucked in the middle of the sprawling Bapco compound and has been operating in Awali’s community for decades selling a range of items from books to bags, shoes, clothes, household goods and children’s games at reduced prices to low income families, consequently generating money to help charitable organisations in the kingdom.

Everything at the shop is priced between 100 fils to BD2.

The shop is open every Sunday and Tuesday from 8.30am to 10.30am and on the first Sunday of every month from 4pm to 6pm (except public holidays).

For more information or to make a donation or volunteer, call Rose on 39058982.