Hey fellas, well I thought havin an events thread is cool, anythin that's goin on to suit all tastes. To kickstart this, here ya go:


POPULAR Egyptian singer Ehab Tawfik will be performing at Teatro, Al Dana Mall, tomorrow.

Ehab's love of music began when he was just nine-years-old. He started singing at primary school and attended the college of musical arts.

In 1995, he received his Master's Degree for his thesis on The Egyptian Song in the Second Half of the Twentieth Century.

Not satisfied with just a Master's, Ehab also received his Doctorate in Music and Arabic singing in April of 2002. The theme of his doctorate was The Methods of Performing Arabic Singing in Egypt During the Second Half of the Last Century.

Ehab, a pop idol in his homeland, is seen as one of the top singers in the Arab world.

His concert at Teatro begins at 10pm.

Tickets for the star's Bahrain show are priced BD30, BD40 and BD60.

For more information, contact the mall on 17558500.

Party-goers on the ball
SAINT Andrew's Night is to be celebrated by the Awali Caledonian Society tomorrow at the Bapco Club Ballroom, Awali.

The annual event marks the first in a series of activities being organised by the society to commemorate its 70th anniversary.

St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland (and Greece and Russia), with St Andrew's Day celebrated on November 30.

The Awali Caledonian Society is celebrating its historic anniversary during the current term 2005-2006, making it one of the oldest expatriate societies in Bahrain, if not the Gulf region. The society was founded by a small group of Scots in Awali in 1936.

Tickets for the ball are BD18, which covers the traditional reception and five-course meal - including the usual refreshments and music from the Glencraig Scottish Dance Band, who are being flown in from Scotland for the occasion.

Organisers are promising enough room for dancing on the night.

As with all the society's events, the St Andrew's Night Ball is open to all, irrespective of nationality.

For further details, contact Nancy Shepherd on 17449802 and 39176909, or Hugh Cannon on 17755773 and 17754136.

Details of the society's other functions, including its Burns Supper at Riffa Golf Club, will be announced soon.

UK quartet tribute to 70s pop legend
A MESSAGE is going out to all dancing queens: "Bootleg Abba are coming to Bahrain!"

Next Wednesday Agnetha, Frida, Bjorn and Benny (a.k.a. Sarah, Clare, Steve and Jon) take to the stage for their stunning tribute to the legends of 70s pop, Abba, at BJ's.

As the UK's leading Abba tribute, Bootleg Abba performs a show second to none.

The UK quartet have risen to the top of the tribute scene and with the last decade's revival of 70s music - in particular Abba - they have been in great demand throughout the UK and abroad.

Bootleg Abba have been together for over 10 years and perform a flawless show that exudes energy and creates the very best in party atmosphere.

Rather than just a playback of the great Abba hits, Bootleg Abba provide the real Abba experience with their accurate renditions, dance routines and costumes.

"This is their first visit to the Middle East," said a tribute spokesperson.

"We are so excited about our forthcoming gig in Bahrain, we are sure that everyone present will find themselves up and dancing as soon as we get on to the stage.

"Our show is very upbeat and while we don't overlook some of Abba's greatest ballads, we concentrate on the disco orientated tunes such as Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Take A Chance, SOS and Voulez Vous to make sure the party goes at full throttle all night.

"We are also up for any requests that the crowd may have".

Superbly choreographed and slickly produced, Bootleg Abba have thrilled and entertained audiences all over the world, adding their own glitz and glamour to this stunning performance, which won them the accolade of The Best Abba tribute in the UK.

As well as the outstanding Bootleg Abba, BJ's is keeping in theme for the night with the venue in full 70s mode for the event.

The staff will be dressed up for the event and all Abba and 70s fans are encouraged to dig out their best 70s gear and get involved on the night.

Bootleg Abba follows on from the success of Tina Turner Tribute act Niqi Brown earlier in the month and precedes December's tribute to Gwen Stefani, the talented Gwen Ste-Phoni. It is a series of early door entertainment events at BJ's.

The show starts at 11pm and doors are open from 10pm, with new resident DJ Paul Caplin setting the mood for the main event. Ladies and members will be charged BD3, while non-members will be charged BD5. For more information or table reservations, contact 39649590.

Top British DJ to perform
WORLD renowned British DJ Spencer Parker is set to rock BJ's on December 2.

The DJ, who has been performing for over eight years, has played at venues such as Ministry of Sound, the Cross, the End, Heaven and Fabric and began his career playing warm-up sets at clubs such as Venom, the House of Windsor, Maximus and the Gardening Club.

He was invited to work at the Velvet Underground and played there for three years before he began playing at different international venues in Shanghai, New York, Miami, Dubai, Slovenia, Hamburg, Moscow, Dublin, and Ibiza.

The British DJ has worked with famed DJs such as Pete Tong, Deep Dish and Radio Slave, and is currently producing tracks for other artists.

Fans can expect a set featuring melodic vocals, tough tracks and the latest upfront electronic house music using an array of accapellas and effects.

Doors open at 10pm and the show starts at 11.30pm. Tickets are priced at BD2 for ladies, BD3 for members and BD4 for non-members. For further information, contact Rich on 39649590.

'Godfather of House' is back
MARSHALL Jefferson, described as the "Godfather of House", is set to perform in Bahrain this Friday at Likwid, City Centre Hotel.

The Chicago native, who rose to fame when he included a piano sample in a house track over nine years ago, is performing for the second time in Bahrain and has influenced several famous DJs including Roy Davis Jr, Felix Da Housecat, Lil Louis, Frankie Knuckles and Steve Silk Hurley to name a few.

The DJ is known for creating classic tracks that are essentially groove oriented and has been resident DJ at some of Europe's biggest dance festivals, including Big Love.

He has also been credited for being instrumental in the mutation of house music to its other forms, such as deep house, garage, techno and acid.

Tickets, priced at BD5 or BD3 for ladies and Likwid ID holders, are available at the door.

For more information, contact Arun on 36766627 or log on to www.likwid.net

A FREE family festival promises visitors a variety of acts, music and cultural programme during the month-long National Day celebrations next month, it was announced yesterday. December Wonders, organised by MEM Corporation, will feature 70 international entertainers and performers at Seef Mall from December 5 to 20.

Information Ministry Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood said the festival aims to promote family tourism and boost the economy in the country.

"The ministry will continue to support private companies in such projects and we encourage more to follow," he said. "A variety of events catering to all tastes are being held to celebrate the National Day and entrance is free to the general public."

Mr Al Mahmood called on visitors to visit the mall and experience Bahrain's hospitality and enjoy the events lined up this year.

He was speaking at a Press conference held at the Gulf Hotel's Awal Ballroom.

MEM Corporation general manager Mohammed Murad said the festival aims to promote family fun with a focus on children, who have been ignored in past festivals.

"We chose to hold the festival at a private venue because we've noticed that previous events that have failed were all held at public places," he said.

"We feel the children and youth that are targeted for this festival will get the most out of the experience when it is held at the mall."

December Wonders will include a variety of shows and performances in various sections at the mall from 4pm to 10pm daily.

These include stilt walkers, jugglers, snake shows, clowns, magicians, adult and children circus shows, mono cyclists, face painting, acrobats, cartoon characters, a Jazz band, a Snow White show and folk dance shows.

Ministry public relations director Ebrahim Noor said other events being held during the month-long celebrations include Bahrain-China, India and Sudan friendship weeks, featuring cultural programmes from each country.

"This is the first time the expatriate community actively takes part in the national day celebrations and we have many embassies that are hosting activities and programmes," he said.

This year's National Day fireworks will be held on December 16, 17 and 18 behind the Marina Club, picked for its easy accessibility and minimal traffic congestions.

"On December 19, at the same location, there will be a show of one of the biggest water fountains in the world and a laser show," he said.

Mr Noor said Bahrain is also planning to break into the record books with the Rope of Good Deeds project that would stretch from the Marina Club to the Museum along to Al Fateh Highway.

"Cash will be attached to the rope and at the end all the money will go towards charity projects in the country," he said.

"There will also be a carnival parade with a marching band and scouts as well as a top class Indian fashion show.

Jewellery worth $2 billion on display.

Jewellery Arabia 2005 is a glittering global showcase for Bahrain, said the Premier yesterday. The Mideast's largest jewellery exhibition was opened yesterday by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

It runs until Sunday and features more than 500 exhibitors from 28 nations displaying their goods on a floor area of 14,000sq m.

It is the largest-ever exhibition in the event's 14-year history.

The Premier billed it as the best event of its kind in the region.

"The variety of exhibitors taking part from all over the world is an indication of the speedy growth of the sector," he said.

"It also points to Bahrain's success in its ability to host such major exhibitions, which attract a large number of visitors and create unprecedented investment opportunities for participants."

Shaikh Khalifa said the government supports exhibitions of this kind for the investment benefits and for its support of Bahrain's tourism industry.

He added that Bahrain's status as a financial centre also offers support to the exhibitions sector.

In addition, he said he had been impressed with the show's expansion over the years and said it proved businessmen's confidence in the event.

He said that Bahrain is keen to host such exhibitions because they allow for networking among participants.

He then toured the expo accompanied by ministers, businessmen, senior government officials and other guests.

He also said he was proud to see Bahraini companies displaying their goods and creativity alongside major international ones.

"The private sector has a role to play in supporting the government in developing the exhibitions industry," he said.

Glittering expo 'is world class'

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NEXT year's Jewellery Arabia exhibition will be even bigger with organisers planning to make full use of the 3,000-square-metre expansion of the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).

The exhibition, now in its 14th year, has grown from 3,000 square metres gross floor space to its current 16,500 square metres.

This includes a 1,650 square metre temporary expansion of the centre used to house a few jewellers and industry publication stands.

The BIEC's expansion will be ready in time for next year's event.

Arabian Exhibition Management chairman Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said he doesn't expect that there will be any trouble finding exhibitors to fill up 1,500 or so square metres of extra space.

"The upcoming expansion on the south side of the centre is needed for our exhibition, which continues to grow," he said.

The exhibition has also become much more high profile with international celebrities beginning to make appearances.

"In addition to pop star Elissa, we also had Ms Lebanon 2003 Marie-Jose Hnein adding glamour to the event," Shaikh Mohammed said.

"The exhibition is now recognised as one of the best in the world. Yves Piaget, who founded the brand Piaget, said he considers it to be the number three exhibition in the world for the jewellery and watch industry.

"This is pretty good considering that we are only 14-years-old."

He said that early indications showed sales would be up this year for exhibitors.

"The exclusive ladies mornings are very important for sales. The women from Saudi especially seem to appreciate it," added Shaikh Mohammed.

The company hopes to repeat the success it has had with Jewellery Arabia with the first Beauty Arabia beauty and cosmetics event scheduled to be held from February 21 to 25 next year.

Despite competition from a similar event in Dubai, Beauty World Middle East, Shaikh Mohammed was confident that the Bahrain expo would be able to attract quality visitors and exhibitors.

"The reason is that this type of thing cannot be held in Saudi Arabia for various reasons, so Beauty Arabia will be the cosmetics event for Bahrain and Saudi at the same time," he said.

Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar said that Jewellery Arabia 2005 was particularly aimed at reinforcing Bahrain's position as a centre for conferences and exhibitions.

WOMEN rights activists, decision makers and members of the public are to engage in a three-day forum, opening in Bahrain tomorrow.

The Women Voices Forum will focus on women's rights in politics, education, business and art.

It is being organised by the French Embassy and the Supreme Council for Women and will be held at the Bahrain National Museum, in Manama.

The forum will feature four round table discussions under the themes women's rights; women and political institutions; women, education and training; and women artists.

At each round table discussion there will be Bahraini and French specialists, who will each present a 10-minute speech about the topic.

There will also be a lunchtime debate on women in business.

Several short movies from the French International Festival of Women's Films highlighting women's issues will be shown at the event.

The forum, which is expected to be held annually, will be attended by Supreme Council for Women and Shura Council members, representatives from women's societies, lawyers, Education Ministry specialists, Bahrain University lecturers and members of the public.

The forum, which is open to the public, will be presented in French, Arabic and English languages.

The opening ceremony for the forum is at 7pm on Sunday, followed at 9.30pm with a round table on Women's Rights.

On Monday at 1.30pm there will be a lunch-debate on Women in Business.

At 7pm the same day, the second day of the forum will officially open, followed at 7.30pm with a round table on Women and Political Institutions.

The second round table at 8.40pm that evening will be on Women, Education and Training.

The last day of the forum will open at 7pm on Tuesday, and a round table discussion on women artists will begin at 8pm.

A five-day workshop beginning this Saturday on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bahrain and the US will focus on six private sector industries. The workshop is being organised by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) for the private sector.

The programme will concentrate on information and communication technology, healthcare, education, legal, architecture and engineering and textiles sectors.

It will discuss how to fully benefit from the FTA and aims to develop individual business action plans for companies that need assistance in growing their business and increasing their capacity for cross-border trade, according to a statement by organisers.

It is hoped that the participants will reach an agreement on formulating specific initiatives and activities in each sector, as well as at the business level, with individual companies using the study as a framework.

Consultants from the international firm Booz Allen Hamilton will run the workshops after conducting a study on Bahrain based on interviews and extensive research.

The opening day, starting from 11am at the Sheraton Hotel's Al Taj Ballroom, will feature presentations by Bahrain's public and private sector representatives.

The second day will be held from 9am at the Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir.

It will consist of six classrooms with experts and representatives from the public and private sectors.

Days three and four will feature events where every consultant will work with two or three businesses per day at their respective premises to develop an action plan that will help the business achieve expansion goals and feed into the action plan of the sector.

The concluding day will feature a focus on presenting common themes on competitiveness, cluster development ideas, common themes and ideas created for action plans initiatives important to increasing exports by sector and how the EDB can assist with action plan implementation.

It will be held from 11am at the Sheraton Hotel's Awal Ballroom. Registration can be done by e-mailing raeda.alwan@bahrainedb.com.