New set of challenges

GW: How do you conquer your fears having a son as a racing driver?
Like all mothers I experienced a huge mix of emotions when Salman announced that he wanted to become a racing driver after graduating from the University of Tampa, Florida.

His late father had supported his dream in attending motor racing schools during the holidays but when I realised that this was to be his career, I initially found it a difficult challenge. But after Rashid’s death, I took over his support and followed Salman to European circuits where I saw first hand how his skills matured due to the huge exposure he gained facing tough competition and racing in difficult weather conditions and am now an avid fan of the sport. I was the proudest mother ever, when Salman won the Formula BMW Asian 2005 Championships. Salman is young, determined and capable and has my full support.

GW: Your eldest son, Hassan, also has an unusual career?
Hassan is a very shrewd businessman! Whilst at university in the US he formed a rock band, Brother Man Dude (BMD) using the stage name Shake! BMD has toured the States where it has a huge following including internet fans who visit his website: (www.bmd.com) and is now attracting fans in Europe.
After the loss of his father, Hassan put his musical career on hold to take over the running of Al Rashid Group (ARG) founded by my late husband in the 1970s which operates Marina Mall, Riffa Mall and other companies.  Hassan now combines a dual career as a successful businessman and rock musician. He composes music and lyrics for BMD and is currently in London to produce a second album which will launch this year when they tour the US, Europe and the Middle East.

GW: Do you like his music?
I love it!  The first time he played for me I found the melodies particularly moving and recognised that his repertoire is so varied that it appeals to all ages. My grandchildren think it’s great!

GW: Has your daughter followed your footsteps into charity work?
Yes, Marwah my eldest, is a dedicated philanthropist who loves helping the local community and encouraging the youth to be self sufficient. Many parents in our society are overprotective of their daughters and want to plan their lives but I believe that this limits their ability to face challenges. Marwah was given a free choice in selecting her university, Emerson College in Boston, where she graduated in Communications.
Marwah now lives in Bahrain and is married with three children who are the joy of my life.  It’s a blessing to have a daughter who is also a friend and Marwah and I are very close.

GW: It must have been extremely difficult for you when your husband died so suddenly?
It was very tough. Rashid was my cousin so we were friends since childhood and both studied in Lebanon. After graduation, we married in Bahrain and my husband joined Gulf Air as a pilot. He became a Fleet Captain and after 14 years, took early retirement to concentrate on his business.
When my husband died, I was working as Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, heavily involved in the Productive Families Project and other community affairs. I needed to find a balance in my life to bring me back to reality, so I decided the best solution was to remain in my job and direct my energy into my work until I had reached a realm of reality and could move forward.  I then joined Hassan in running ARG.

GW: Tell me about your childhood?
I grew up in an extended ‘nuclear’ family in my grandmother’s house in Muharraq.  Although we had our own house, my six siblings and I spent our time at grandmother’s, surrounded by cousins, uncles and aunts, sharing meals, games and cultural events which instilled in me the importance of family ties and social interaction. As the fourth child squeezed between two elder and two younger brothers and two sisters, it was quite a struggle to survive! Luckily, I am very outgoing and having brothers, helped me compete in a man’s world.
I come from a long line of strong women.  My progressive grandmother educated her sons in Egypt which was then, more educationally advanced than Bahrain and my mother Shaikh Lulwa bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, founded The Children’s & Mother’s Welfare Society, which nurtured my future interest in helping the underprivileged.

GW: Which stage of your life has been the most exciting?
I felt privileged to have attended the American University of Beirut, which had a profound influence on my life. It was a pioneering and symbolic experience for me, as an Al Khalifa girl, to be part of a large campus where people from different races and cultures mingled freely, exchanging ideas and ideologies. I still treasure those moments, making new friends, many of whom are still good friends today.
I studied Social Anthropology which examines man’s environment; the social, political, economic, educational and religious systems and patterns of life and development of society. I could relate much of what I learnt to Bahrain’s progress and on a wider scale, to events unfolding universally today that affect us all.

GW: How do you view the current controversy surrounding women and the veil in Bahrain?
Bahrain is a free and tolerant society. We have freedom of choice to do what personally suits us. Nothing is enforced. Despite some regional influences, we are fortunate to have inherent values that are part of our upbringing. Appearance does not affect your values; it’s how you view yourself that influences your values.

GW: Are you content with your life now?
I’ve now reached a stage of serenity. I have a loving family, I enjoy my work and feel at peace with the world. It’s a good feeling.
GW: What are your favourite travel destinations?
My house in the South of France where my family join me during the summer.
I love travelling and next on my list is South Africa. I love the Spa Resorts of Asia and Europe and in Bahrain have regular treatments and workouts to relax and rejuvenate. Combined with a healthy diet it all helps to create serenity in my life.

GW: What is your favourite colour?
Orange! It contains more variations than any other colour and creates energy, happiness and peace, which reflects my state of mind.

Maeve Kelynack Skinner asks the questions