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Mid East Info
24-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Maraska Maraschino: Connecting Bartending Communities and Pioneering Industry Initiatives – A Landmark Year in the UAE
Just one year after its launch in the UAE, Maraska Maraschino – the iconic liqueur made from maraschino cherries from Zadar, Croatia – is redefining the global spirits landscape through a unique blend of heritage, innovation, and community-building. Now firmly established in Dubai's world-class bar scene, Maraska is not only delighting palates but also creating powerful cross-cultural connections between bartenders from the UAE and Croatia, with a clear focus on empowering women in the industry. From the Atlantis The Royal and Armani Hashi to Billionaire Mansion and the Burj Al Arab, Maraska Maraschino has quickly become a favourite in some of the UAE's most prestigious bars and hotels — a fitting chapter for a liqueur once savoured in Europe's royal courts over 300 years ago. What sets Maraska apart is not only its distinctive flavour but also its innovative Edutainment strategy — an industry-first approach to launching a beverage brand in the market. By seamlessly blending interactive education with engaging entertainment, Maraska introduces its brand to new markets as more than just a liqueur. It serves as a platform to empower bartenders, foster community, and celebrate creativity. Through hands-on masterclasses, spirited competitions and cultural exchanges, Maraska breathes life into its brand story while nurturing the bartending craft across continents. One of the year's standout highlights was the Cherry Blossom Bartender Competition, held at the start of 2025 with the support of Juicy, MMI, Focus Brands, and Chef Middle East. Over 57 bartenders from Dubai's top venues submitted original cocktail creations. Notably, six of the eight finalists were women — underscoring Maraska's commitment to championing female talent in the bar industry. The ultimate winner, Zahra Erfanian Azmoodeh from Atlantis The Royal, excelled in both the cocktail and mocktail categories, earning her a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Croatia during the Maraska cherry blossom season. There, Zahra visited the world's largest Maraska cherry plantation, explored the historic Maraska Distillery, and immersed herself in Croatia's rich heritage. Her journey formed a central part of Maraschino Legacy Week — a vibrant programme of events spanning seven days, five cities, four bar takeovers, and four masterclasses across Dubai and Croatia. Alongside celebrated bartender Luca Cinalli and Maraska's partners, Zahra shared insights from Dubai's cutting-edge bartending scene with Croatian bartenders and hospitality students in Sibenik. 'Visiting Croatia was a dream come true,' Zahra said. 'I was captivated by the beauty of the country, the warmth of its people, and the opportunity to connect with fellow bartenders on such a meaningful level.' Maraska's year culminated with a dynamic presence at the Gulf Bar Show — the UAE's premier beverage industry event — where Zahra joined Luca Cinalli at the Maraska stand to showcase the brand's legacy and versatility to visitors from across the region. Looking ahead, Maraska is committed to deepening its mission of empowerment and education. A series of upcoming initiatives will shine a spotlight on female bartenders, providing a forum to discuss their challenges, achievements and ambitions while fostering an inclusive and supportive network. Importantly, Maraska is also preparing for an exciting expansion into the US market later this year, bringing its distinctive liqueur to new audiences and establishing its presence in one of the world's most dynamic cocktail scenes. Building on the success of its UAE debut, Maraska will continue to champion its innovative approach — as it introduces both its product and its values to a fresh community of bartenders and enthusiasts. 'We believe in more than just great cocktails — we believe in creating connections, sharing knowledge and empowering people,' Marketing Director, Nina Stanic shared. 'By bringing together bartending communities from diverse corners of the world, we are shaping not just the future of our brand, but the future of the industry.' Maraska's remarkable first year in the UAE signals just the beginning of an exciting future — one where history, innovation, and community converge in every glass and empower bartenders around the world.
Metro
24-05-2025
- Metro
Move over Dubai – the Middle East's ‘Pearl of the Gulf' is more interesting
My eyes race to keep pace with the scene whizzing past the taxi window. Sleek glass skyscrapers shimmer in the sun, twin sail-shaped towers scrape the clouds, and beyond the road we are driving on there is nothing but lunar-like desert. I'm in Manama, Bahrain's up-and-coming capital. For a moment, I imagine I boarded the wrong Gulf Air jet and landed in Dubai instead. But this tiny Gulf nation, which has been at the crossroads of global trade since antiquity, offers something more interesting and less pretentious than its better-known neighbour. Like an oyster, Bahrain is rough around the edges and tricky to crack. But underneath is a multicultural country full of ancient history and a blossoming food scene that's often overlooked by tourists. I arrive without expectation, and leave with a new favourite city break. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Manama's opulent Ritz-Carlton is so beautiful, I toy with the idea of reading by the pool before exploring the city. But Zahra Almoamen, my guide and Bahraini cultural guru, does not believe in slow starts. I have barely taken the last sip of cardamom coffee when she rushes me out the door and into the bustling heart of the souk. Eyes boggling at the colourful fabrics, lamps and jewellery that adorn every stall, we meet Maram Maher, from Pink Alien Food Tours, at the twin-arched gate of Bab Al Bahrain. Hand in hand – a testament to the warmth and openness of Bahrainis – we wander through a maze of narrow streets sampling traditional fare such as halwa, a sticky, sugary paste rich with saffron, rose water, cardamom and nuts. Sipping on tea at the Al Namliti Café, Zahra and Maram give me a masterclass in Bahrain that covers everything from local gossip to the history of the nation. Secrets I refuse to spill, but the fact of the matter is that this is a fascinating place. The only island nation in the Arab world is made up of 33 natural islands and a few man-made ones. This tiny state first traded in gold and pearls, before it became the first Gulf country to discover oil in 1932 — then everything escalated. Eager to showcase the culture that makes Bahrain unique, Zahra arranges for us to spend the following day in Muharraq. The former capital is the home of the Pearling Path, a UNESCO world heritage site that tells the story of Bahrain before it found oil. It takes the form of a two-mile route that threads through the low-rise streets of the old city, linking markets and mosques with cultural venues. Pearl diving in Bahrain was first mentioned in Assyrian texts as far back as 2000 BC. Its peak ran between 1850 and 1930, when pearls were more precious than diamonds. Jewelers like Cartier flocked to the region. We begin at the sandy beach, where divers once started from, and proceed to tour impressive merchant residences. 'Follow the lampposts,' Zahra tells me, pointing at lights made to look like floating pearls. Aside from being a major tourist attraction, the project is symbolic. Bahrain is sensitive about protecting its culture and embracing tradition, even though Manama is one of the most modern cities I have ever explored. Like many Middle Eastern countries, Bahrain has its fair share of misconceptions. In contrast to neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Qatar, alcohol is available in licensed venues, women are not required to wear abayas, and mixed‑gender socialising is common, especially in Manama. Bahrain also has one of the most religiously diverse populations in the Gulf. Zahra and Maram take me to meet members of the community at the Hindu Shrinathji Temple, Manama Synagogue, and the architectural wonder that is the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, which can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers. However, like anywhere that has undergone rapid transformation, Bahrain is a place of contrasts — especially when it comes to freedom of expression. @voyagefox The best 5 places to visit in Bahrain 🇧🇭 1. Al Fateh Grand Mosque 🕌 the biggest & most impressive mosque in Bahrain 2. Jarada Island 🩵 a small uninhabited island off Bahrain's coast, is perfect for a boat trip with amazing blue water & white sandy beaches (unfortunately we had to skip this tour 🥹) 3. Haji Café 🫓 for the amazing authentic food. A family owned restaurant run in the third generation which is beloved for breakfast among locals. 4. Bab Al Bahrain ⚱️ the biggest souk in Bahrain where you can get EVERYTHING 5. The Bahrain International Circuit 🏎️ to watch the Grand Prix OR even better: drive on the kart circuit yourself 🚀 🏨 The best place to stay in Bahrain: The Four Season Bahrain has the perfect location in the capital Manama, incredible dining possibilities, a beautiful beach & a relaxing spa and pools (also shown in this Reel) 😊 Find many more things to do in my Bahrain story highlight 😊 #bahrain #visitbahrain #middleeast #arabia #hiddengem #traveltips ♬ Arabian Nights (2019) – Will Smith As a journalist, I am lucky to travel here and write freely, but some of my colleagues in Bahrain are not afforded the same right. In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, Bahrain ranked 157 of 180 countries. Until recently, China and India have been the major markets for Bahraini tourism, but strides are now being made to enhance its appeal in Europe and the UK. In March, Gulf Air launched a new flight route from London Gatwick to Manama, in addition to the airline's twice-daily flights from Heathrow. Tourist numbers had surpassed pre-Covid highs by 2023, and as traditional destinations push back against visitors, Bahrain could benefit. The next morning, I find myself almost on the other side of the country at the Tree of Life, a 600-year-old Prosopis cineraria tree shrouded in mystery. Surrounded by oil wells, it rises 32 feet in the middle of the Arabian Desert. Legend has it that it thrives without any source of water, though a friend who has been visiting Manama for years later tells me that she has seen a gardener hosing the roots on more than one occasion. So much for mystery. We also stop by the Bahrain Fort, properly called Qal'at al-Bahrain, a world heritage site in the Northern Governorate. Dating back to around 2300 BC, you can see evidence of the ancient ancient Dilmun empire that once reigned here, as well as previous civilisations including the Greeks, Portuguese and Persians. Since opening as an archaeological site in 2008, it has become one of the most photographed places in the country (just check Instagram or TikTok). A 40-minute drive takes us back to Manama, where it seems there is always something happening. My visit comes just after the Bahrain Grand Prix, a lavish spectacle that draws Formula 1 fans from around the world. But tonight the city is buzzing over another sporting event: the finale of the World's Strongest Man. As the sun vanishes over the waterfront, people flood the stands at the outdoor arena opposite The Avenues Mall. Fans chant as a line-up of muscle-bound men grunt with the strain of dragging cars and throwing tires in the air. Jarada Island in one of Bahrain's best kept secrets. It deserves a full, dedicated day on any itinerary. Just a 40-minute boat ride from Amwaj Marina, this small shimmering island in the Arabian Gulf appears and disappears with the tide. This is a beach experience you've never had before. It is visited by Bahrainis and tourists in the know, who barbecue on the sand and blast music until the sun goes down. Manama might be small, but it has a big appetite for entertainment. The city prides itself on world-class dining, and the many shisha lounges and rooftop bars seem to be full, 24/7. So is the Time Out Market (of Lisbon fame), which has quickly become one of the most popular attractions since opening in December. Manama's culinary scene is heavily influenced by its expat community: an estimated 11,000 Brits live in Bahrain, but the largest communities come from India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Egypt. More Trending That diverse mix has resulted in vibrant restaurants that draw inspiration from Middle Eastern, Indian and European flavours. Some of the recommended dishes to try in Bahrain are machboos, the national rice dish, and traditional sweets such as ghreybah. I end my journey with a hearty brunch at Green Bar Café, the best meal I've had since arriving. I leave Bahrain wanting more. I feel I have only scratched the gilded surface of this multilayered nation, but what will stay with me is the warmth of its people. Gulf Air flies direct from London Heathrow and Gatwick to Manama from £569pp return in June. Gergana Krasteva was a guest of Bahrain's Tourism Board. She stayed at the Ritz-Carlton, where rooms start from £287 a night. MORE: I visited the UK's best service station — couples even go on dates here MORE: The 'charming' Italian island where colourful houses are required by law MORE: Universal's Epic Universe theme park is finally open – the queue was my favourite part
Herald Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Victoria Derby hopeful Thunderbolt Way to debut at Flemington
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Long term plans aplenty could form after Saturday's Trevor Clarke Handicap (1400m) at Flemington. The 1400m contest for two-year-olds will be the point at which sprinting or staying futures are decided for many of the 14 acceptors for the $150,000 race. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Flemington trainer Simon Zahra expects to follow the staying path with his charge Thunderbolt Way, who will debut on his home track on Saturday. Thunderbolt Way is a son of the former smart sprinter Pariah, who twice won over 1100m in his racing days, but Zahra said the youngster showed all the attributes of a distance prospect. 'He's got stayer written all over him,' Zahra said. 'He's got good ability and might be a Derby horse as a three-year-old.' Thunderbolt Way is a longshot chance to make a winning debut at Flemington but Zahra said the chestnut would improve sharply on whatever he did first-up. • Singapore champ has mountain to climb at Flemington He said Thunderbolt Way's jumpouts indicated the stable had plenty to work with but time would produce an imposing specimen. 'He jumped out well but he's got a lot of improvement to come,' Zahra said. 'He's going to be a really nice horse next time in. 'He's got a bit of presence, a good action and a great attitude. 'We might get a couple of runs into him now and he'll be back in the spring.' Drawing barrier 13 made Thunderbolt Way's task more difficult over the Flemington 1400m course, which presents a long sweeping turn soon after the start. However, Zahra said the draw would present an opportunity to continue Thunderbolt Way's education. 'He'll go back from the wide draw and we expect to see him running on well in the straight,' Zahra said. 'That will be the best thing for him, to teach him to relax and finish the race off strongly.' Originally published as Thunderbolt Way to start on possible Victoria Derby path at Flemington
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pahalgam terror attack casts shadow onLahore bride's visit to hubby in Jaunpur
1 2 Lucknow: As ties between India and Pakistan hit a new low over the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the wait for Andleep Zahra, who married the son of a BJP corporator from Jaunpur in an online 'nikah' ceremony, to meet her husband Mohammad Haider Abbas has extended further. Married in Oct, Zahra from Lahore has been awaiting visa clearance since then. Now, with the fresh diplomatic deep freeze between the two nations, her hope of coming to India has been shattered. Talking to TOI, her father-in-law Tahseen Shahid said: "Zahra had applied for a visa twice in Islamabad. The first application before the marriage was rejected. She had re-applied for a visa one month back, enquiry was going on, but some things are beyond one's control." "The deadly Pahalgam attack has flared the tensions between India and Pakistan once again... What can we do in such a situation? Whoever did wrong should be punished. Our hearts are seething with rage. We want stringent punishment for those spreading terror in India. We are with the govt in this hour of crisis. Bahu aaye ya na aaye par aman bana rehna chahiye (Whether our daughter-in-law comes to India or not, but peace should prevail)," he said as his voice choked. Left with no option, the couple has been maintaining their relationship through video calls after their 'nikah'. "Allah is benevolent. But, we cannot choose our own destiny. Nothing is in our control. Ours is a typical cross-border relation which is very tough to maintain. So to be in touch, we communicate via video calls," Haider told TOI. Amid strained relations between India and Pakistan, the elder son of Shahid, married a resident of Lahore in an online nikah following visa delay. Shahid had fixed the marriage of his son, employed with an Indian e-commerce company, with his elder sister's daughter, a professor with a private university in Lahore. Despite applying for a visa, Haider was heartbroken as he couldn't obtain it due to the strained diplomatic ties between the two nations. The situation turned worse for the families when Zahra's mother, Rana Yasmin Zaidi, was admitted to the ICU of a Pakistan hospital following health concerns. Left with no choice, Shahid had to conduct the ceremony online on Oct 18 last year. Shahid said: "My 'phuphu' (paternal aunt's husband) shifted to Lahore during the Partition. In 1986, my elder sister got married to his son. To take the relationship forward, I decided to marry my elder son to Zahra."
Courier-Mail
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Charm Stone claims Robert Sangster Stakes to give Mark Zahra Group 1 double at Morphettville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Brilliant mare Charm Stone flew home to snatch Saturday's $1m Robert Sangster Stakes as jockey Mark Zahra ruled Morphettville for a day. The Melbourne Cup-winning hoop secured a treble on day one of the Adelaide racing carnival, winning both the Group 1 Sangster and Australasian Oaks, along with earlier success aboard a dominant Legacy Bound in the Group 3 Breeders' Stakes. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Charm Stone's Sangster triumph made it an incredible four wins in the race for gun trainer Mick Price, who was full of praise for the daughter of I Am Invincible post-race. 'The very pleasing thing is she's a beautiful mare. We've had her since she was a baby,' Price, who trains in partnership with Michael Kent Jr, said. 'She's one of Sheamus' (Mills) yearling buyers and look, he's one of the main players in the stable with Heath Newton and Anthony and it's just very, very satisfying to get a Group 1 for those guys, the mare has deserved it.' As for his star rider, Price had a short and sharp assessment. • What the jockeys said: 2025 Robert Sangster Stakes 'Zahra is Zahra, he just lives in the Group 1 world, doesn't he? But really, really pleased for the mare and the owning group,' he said. Fellow interstate raiders Ameena and Commemorative filled out the placings in the Sangster, Royal Ascot winner Asfoora finished seventh. Zahra has every reason to keep coming back to the Adelaide racing carnival, he has now won three Group 1s over the last two carnivals, along with an SA Derby win aboard Jungle Magnate in 2022, also for Price and Kent Jr. 'It's special. A bit of luck this time last year, a bit more luck this year, but nice to get a couple of good rides for people I ride for, and the races have just worked out, everything went in my favour today,' Zahra said. Mark Zahra celebrates after winning the Robert Sangster Stakes aboard Charm Stone. Picture: Makoto Kaneko Charm Stone will now head to $1m The Goodwood (1200m) on March 10, but Zahra may have another ride in the Morphettville sprint. 'I might have already locked into one, but we can see,' he said. 'I think Giga Kick's coming that day. Anyway, we'll celebrate about this one first. We'll worry about what's happening in two weeks.' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Interest rising in Reserve Bank - Brad Waters Exciting three-year-old Reserve Bank roared into The Goodwood contention with his dominant win in the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m). In a prophetic pre-race interview, co-trainer Mick Price said Reserve Bank would remain in Adelaide for The Goodwood on May 10 had he won the Tobin Bronze Stakes. Price even perfectly described the run Reserve Bank would have, three-wide with cover from his wide gate, in his pre-race chat. The tactics left star jockey Blake Shinn with one job – ensure Reserve Bank had clear running to work into the race from the home turn. Shinn perfectly carried out his task, ensuring Reserve Bank found no traffic problems, enabling the colt to work through his gears in the straight to score by 1½ lengths over Sabaj ($9) and Winnasedge ($16). 'Well, he jumped, which was good, and gave Blake Shinn an option to be midfield,' Price, who trains Reserve Bank in partnership with Michael Kent Jr, said. 'He got cover, but he was strong to the finish and was strong 1200 (metres). 'So, I'll leave him here with Chris Bieg and we'll train him together and hopefully he can run in Goodwood and run well.' Bookmakers promoted Reserve Bank to the third line of Goodwood betting at $8. The Everest winner Giga Kick is the $2.70 favourite in early betting on the $1m feature. Price and Kent Jr will shoot for their second win in The Goodwood after the pair completed a minor upset with Lombardo in 2022. Price also won The Goodwood twice when training alone from his previous base at Caulfield. He prepared three-year-old colt Perfectly Ready to win The Goodwood from barrier 18 in 2006 and with the classy mare Velocitea in 2010. The Bjorn Baker-trained Imperial Force started as the $3.70 favourite but finished ninth with Jamie Melham in the saddle. Originally published as Charm Stone claims Robert Sangster Stakes to give Mark Zahra Group 1 double at Morphettville
