12 minute read
SENSATIONAL, STYLISH AND SPORTY
Sensational,
Stylish and Sporty
Bentley Motors is one of the most sought-after luxury car brands in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe, UK, is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production. However, it also has a home in Bahrain thanks to the iconic marque’s exclusive distributor Behbehani Brothers, who this month launched the new Bentayga S at The Royal Golf Club, Riffa Views. Bahrain This Month was there to see the new model in all its shiny glory.
With striking design cues and unique detailing, the Bentayga S is the latest version of Bentley’s benchmark, go-anywhere luxury SUV, designed and engineered in the UK and manufactured in Bentley’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe. Building on Bentley’s established ‘S’ brand, this new enhanced sports Bentayga provides an even more engaging drive, with Bentley Dynamic Ride active antiroll control fitted as standard and an enhanced Sports chassis mode. A 15 percent increase in damping stiffens the chassis and provides a platform for a more dynamic SPORT mode ESC tune. Bentayga S also features a revised visual presence through the distinctive addition of black details, and a more sporting soundtrack courtesy of a newly designed, free-flowing sports exhaust – both of which increase the Bentayga’s already imposing presence on the road. The Bentayga S is distinguished by a range of distinctive exterior features, including new unique 22” wheels with three finishes, innovative ‘S’ badges positioned on the lower edge of the front doors, and Blackline Specification as standard. Inside a luxuriously refined cabin, bespoke style can be found with new seats, unique stitching, a new colour split and colour accents on the instrument panel, centre console, door pads and seat bolsters as well. Bentley’s sector-defining and market-leading luxury SUV is available in four, five or seven seat configurations and this fourth model in the Bentayga range joins the efficient plug-in Hybrid, the 4.0-litre turbocharged V8, and the powerful 6.0-litre, 12-cylinder Speed. The Bentayga S features Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine, combining immense power with impressive fuel economy. The latest-generation engine develops 542bhp and 770Nm of torque, with a 0-60mph (0–100 kmph) time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 180mph (290kmph). This class-leading performance is complemented by a range of 654km, with CO2 emissions of 294g/km. Of course, with this model’s sporty design, how the car drives is of utmost importance. In SPORT mode, there is improved steering feel, greater turn-in response and further reduced body-roll is possible due to an additional 15 percent increase in air suspension damping and a unique Electronic Stability Control and Bentley Dynamic Ride tune. A new sports exhaust is included as standard, with freeflowing primary and secondary pipes improving flow and combining with reduced perforations in the muffler to deliver enhanced character and volume, giving a more performance-oriented feel. The Bentayga’s comprehensive off-road abilities remain, with the optional All-Terrain Specification bringing four dedicated off-road modes (Snow and Wet Grass, Dirt and Gravel, Mud and Trail, and Sand) along with a 500mm wading depth. As far as infotainment goes, the Bentayga S shares a fully digital driver’s information panel with the Bentayga Speed, with pronounced dial graphics that take influence from high-end chronographs. The display brings a contemporary look to the cockpit, can be customised to the driver’s requirements and features real- time lighting effects with elegant animations. The high-resolution screen can be viewed in either Classic or Expanded format. In Classic, the display shows the traditional two-dial design of speedometer and tachometer. In Expanded, the right dial is replaced with an area for maps and media information.
For more information on this spectacular Bentley, call 17 459-999.
F R I E N D S
When it comes to motorsport, the relationship between Bahrain and the UK has always been incredibly strong. We spoke to Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit, to find out more about the fascinating history the two nations share both, on and off the track.
The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marks the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne in 1952. By coincidence, 1952 also happened to be the year that the Bahrain Motor Federation was formed, which formalised Bahrain’s growing interest and participation in motorsport. The club’s first Vice President was an Englishman, Sir Charles Belgrave, and to this day, 70 years later, the links between the two countries remain significant and varied. Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: “Since its beginnings in 1950, Formula 1’s spiritual home has been the United Kingdom. Silverstone held the first ever Grand Prix back in 1950 and is a circuit that remains at the heart of the sport. Further, not only is the UK home to seven of the current F1 teams as well as being the global headquarters of F1 itself, the vast majority of suppliers and manufacturers that provide technology to Formula 1 are based in the UK, in an area known as Motorsport Valley. “To be even involved in the pinnacle of motorsport therefore intrinsically ties you to the UK.” Bahrain’s motorsport ties to the UK stretch beyond just F1 and is based on deep-rooted historical and long-lasting ties which endure to this day. Current partnerships with UK organisations such as Prodrive have been going for decades, stretching back to the days of rally driving in the early 1980’s and continue to this day with the Bahrain Raid Xtreme Dakar Rally entry. Bahrain’s part-ownership of the UK-based McLaren marked, through its sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat, not only covers F1 but championships all around the world including Indycar, Extreme E and, from next year, Formula E. The BIC itself has had links with the UK since it was first opened in 2004. The surface of the track is made of greywacke aggregate, a special type of stone shipped to Bahrain from Bayston Hill quarry in Shropshire. This surface material is highly acclaimed by circuit bosses and Formula 1 drivers for the high level of grip it offers. Shaikh Salman explained: “At the circuit itself, we retain strong ties with a number of UK organisations within the sport. We are actively involved with the Motorsport Industry Association in the UK, which offers a platform for us to engage with motorsport businesses from the UK and beyond. Given the UK’s role as the current and historic centre of motorsport, we always believe we can benefit from those experiences and individuals and continue to learn as a motorsport venue. “Further, it is always a pleasure to welcome the many British visitors who choose to come and visit the BIC. Every year, we welcome guests from all over the world to the many events we hold annually at the circuit and there is never a shortage of the British contingent, especially during F1. Outside of the GCC, our biggest fanbase every year comes from the UK, bringing their passion and understanding of decades of motorsport. “Finally, we offer Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as well as citizens of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, our warmest congratulations and best wishes on this special occasion.”
UK in Bahrain GRAFF Graff’s new high jewellery campaign harnesses the fantastical beauty of one of the greatest gatherings of gemstones ever seen in a high Introducing Graffabulous jewellery collection.
An ode to the formidable force of nature and the majesty of natural diamonds and gems, Graff’s high jewellery campaign for 2022 is an unrivalled display of high jewellery wonder that expresses the pure fantasy of the most fabulous jewels in the world. Photographed by rising star Carlijn Jacobs, GRAFFABULOUS presents a peerless trove of extraordinary stones, showcased in more than 80 pieces of high jewellery, each one of a kind. All of the precious stones for which the House is renowned appear in the campaign, revealing the full spectrum of rarity at Graff. An unprecedented 3,600 carats of diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires are featured, making this among the greatest gatherings of gems ever seen in a single high jewellery campaign.
A TOUR-DE-FORCE OF DESIGN AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
Some of the most audacious jewels ever crafted by the House, dreams and desire converge in these intensely precious new creations, which reveal the true artistry of high jewellery at Graff. Displaying a never-before-seen level of intricacy, diamonds and gemstones are forged into unique designs with myriad layers of detail that push the possibilities of Graff’s craft like never before. Necklaces feature prominently in the collection, carefully orchestrated to display a captivating rhythm that flows with a beautiful fluency from one gem to the next. “As designers, we listen to the songs the stones are singing, focusing on the music and the rhythm,” says Anne-Eva Geffroy, Design Director at Graff. “Like the ripples that emanate outwards when a stone is dropped in water, the tempo increases as the jewels graduate in size until they reach a crescendo: a central motif where the full force of these natural gemstones is concentrated.” Contemporary motifs first seen in the Tribal collection have been further explored and expanded upon, challenging Graff’s artisans to custom cut diamonds into innovative shapes to realise these creative arrangements of stones, which are breath-taking in their threedimensionality. Illustrating the excellence of Graff’s craftsmanship and highlighting their textural complexity, an array of high jewellery rings sculpt the light into brave, new forms, with contrasting diamond cuts enhancing the exhilarating sense of perspective.
A SUPERB COLLECTION OF DIAMONDS AND GEMSTONES
The House of Graff has always stood for the finest, the rarest and only the very best gems, and in these fantasy pieces, this passion for the exceptional really comes to the fore. Every high jewellery creation begins with the stones and their power to enthral, from a perfect 38 carat D Flawless ExEx Type Ila cushion cut white diamond to an unheated 109 carat Sri Lankan sapphire, a rare treasure that is emblematic of this unparalleled collection of high jewellery. Equally sublime is Graff›s virtuoso use of colour of the most precious kind. Collected and cared for over many years, breath-taking sapphires, emeralds, rubies and yellow diamonds are masterfully combined in blazing displays of bravura. These include a phenomenal collection of Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds, transformed by the House›s designers into the fiery highlight of a masterpiece necklace.
THE PLACE OF USEFUL LEARNING
Elvin Joseph, the Director of Business Development for the University of Strathclyde in Bahrain, spoke to us about the offerings from the university›s international Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme.
Can you tell us about University of Strathclyde and how long it has been operating in Bahrain and the region?
The university is based in Glasgow, Scotland, and was founded by Professor John Anderson in 1796. We have had a presence here in the Middle East for more than 25 years, beginning with Bahrain and Dubai in 1995 and in Oman since 2001.
What are some of the most recent coveted academic awards won by the university?
One of the most recent awards was our third Queen’s Anniversary Prize. The award, which is the highest national honour in the sector, was conferred on Strathclyde for excellence in advanced manufacturing. In 2020, we also received the accolade for its excellence in Energy Innovation. Furthermore, we are the only university to win the ‘University of the Year’ award twice, in 2012 and 2019.
Can you elaborate on some of the different programmes offered by Strathclyde in Bahrain and regionally?
We have two different programmes running in Bahrain. The first is our MBA which has been running for more than 25 years. Then, in 2020, we launched the Strathclyde FinTech programme in Bahrain and this has been a huge success in shaping the economic landscape of the Kingdom.
The University of Strathclyde’ motto is ‘The Place of Useful Learning’. What does this actually represent?
This was decreed by John Anderson when he founded the university. We here are connected in terms of business, industry and a high number of professional accrediting bodies. This ensures that students are updated, as well as guaranteea our programmes are up-to-date and fit for purpose. This helps us build the skills that students need for their career opportunities and engaging with professionals, so we can set them up for future careers. Furthermore, the programme is constantly being refined so that it will be of value for students throughout their lifetime. The skills and knowledge they gain from us will be useful in their workplace, long after their academic studies are over.
How many students from Bahrain and the region have successfully completed Strathclyde’s programmes?
Over the span of the last 25 years we have had more than 6,000 alumni residents across the Middle East, with more than a thousand of them from Bahrain. One of the quirks of Bahrain is that we have students coming in from Saudi Arabia who study here as well.
Why should people choose Strathclyde over alternative MBA programmes?
Simply put, the University of Strathclyde is a multi-award winning university, as I mentioned earlier. We have been particularly commended as the Business School of the Year, the Workplace of the Year, and most importantly, our Executive MBA was ranked in the Financial Times’ Top 100 ranking of the best international executive programmes and in the Top 10 of the UK. These are outstanding achievements which I believe are unrivalled in the Middle East by anywhere else.
What message does the university have for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee celebration?
On behalf of the University of Strathclyde, I would like to congratulate Her Majesty on the remarkable Platinum Jubilee milestone, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to her for her continuing support to the university.
The final word in business education
As a well-established top 10 UK business school* within a leading international technological University, Strathclyde understands the business needs of organisations: from start-ups and SMEs to global players.
Our triple accredited and globally ranked Executive MBA is available at our international centres in Dubai, Oman and Bahrain. We also offer a dynamic, fully-rounded and innovative portfolio of specialist postgraduate programmes. New for 2020, in partnership with Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), is the MSc Financial Technology, fully delivered in Bahrain on a part time basis.
