Business in Gulf - February 2013

Business a Business magazine for today’s entrepreneurS

Feb / MAR 2013

in gulf

February / MARCH 2013 / Vol-7 No:03

VOLUME-7 NO.03 Qatar:Riyal 20.00 - Oman:Riyal 2.00 - UAE:Dirhams 20.00 - Kuwait:KD 2 - Saudi Arabia:Riyal 20.00 - Bahrain:BD 2

Bahrain’s Top Telecom

players 10 Smart phones You must now about!

How they Connected people!

The Nokia Story Doing a Presentation?

Careful what you say!

www.maxmediaco.com

Looking for Custom made jewelry!

La Boutique 92

PUBLICATION

Batelco

Still going strong Rashid Abdulla, CEO

VIVA

The new contender Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, ceo

Contents Business in gulf

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

COVER STORY

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32 10 of Bahrain’s leading Telecom companies We look into the telecom companies that have established themselves in the market. With an overwhelming number of telecom companies present in such a saturated market, it is the consumers that end up getting the bad end of the deal.

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44 The top 10 Smartphones From the iPhone 5 to the Lumia 920 we look at all the current smart phones available in the market and rank them up so you don’t have to.

FEATURE 38 Rashid Abdulla One of the most influential and powerful figures in Bahrain’s telecom industry.

Rashid Abdulla, CEO of Batelco, talks about being the industry leader and a few things we can look forward to.

42 Ulaiyan Al Wetaid Find out how VIVA took the Bahrain market by storm and why they don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.

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SECTIONS

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Gulf Industry Fair The GCC’s premier industrial event, geared to boost business and knowledge from industry experts.

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10 Lessons Learned in 2012

We look at the top 10 lessons learned in 2012 and how not to repeat them in 2013.

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Nokia Looking back on Finnish company’s humble beginnings and its rise to international fame.

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La Boutique 92 Founder Azza Al Hujairi designs and sells fine high end jewelry and accessories. La Boutique is located in La Fontaine, center of contemporary art located in the heart of Manama.

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5 Ways To Ruin Employee Morale It’s counter productive and inefficient.

Avoid destroying your employee’s work self esteem.

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Confidence, a presentation killer Find out why just having the confidence to conduct a presentation can work against you.

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BIG Autos Top 10 affordable mid range SUVs.

84 Hotel Outlet Guide

Your guide to the Kingdom’s hotel outlets for dining, shopping, nightlife and spa.

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Whatever are your needs we can help you in Bahrain, GCC & all Middle East Countries: • Formation of onshore, offshore & free zones companies.

• Adding branches to existing companies.

• Adding activities to existing commercial registration.

• Changing of commercial registration address.

• Conversion of sole individual establishment to a company.

• Opening of a branch of a foreign company.

• Changing of partnership and capital structure.

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Offshore Corporate Services: • Formation of new offshore companies in all international offshore jurisdictions as: bvi, rak ic, seychelles, hong kong, cayman, ..Etc. • Providing company`s nominee shareholder services.

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• Property holding structures.

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• Citizenships and passports programs for investors Call us now for an initial chat, free of obligation or charge: Nabil Khoury: +973 17 15 15 71, Wassim El Sayegh: +973 17 15 15 72 Sovereign Trust & Consultancy (Bahrain) W.L.L., 5th Floor GBCORP Tower, Bahrain Financial Harbour, Manama, The Kingdom Of Bahrain Bahrain@SovereignGroup.com

www.SovereignGroup.com Providers of Intelligent Offshore Tax Planning for 25 Years

Abu Dhabi, Bahamas, Bahrain, British Virgin Islands, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Dubai, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Malta, Mauritius, The Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Portugal, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Turks & Caicos Islands, United Kingdom & Uruguay.

Telecommunication has come to play an important role in our lives.

Business would die out, relations would wither and nations would crumble. We take the important of communication and its many impacts for granted. If the world would stop all flow of information for 1 minute, the entire world would fall into discord. We spoke to the CEOs of Batelco and VIVA, about the telecom industry, its competitive nature and what the consumers get in return. Suffice to say Bahrain would not have made such rapid progress in 30 years without its telecommunications infrastructure. Find out our pick of the top smart phone, why you should encourage your employees and maintain a healthy online presence. Whether you like it or not Big brother IS watching us, and they might not like what they see.

Jakrapong Saengnuan

Contributors Kevin Abdulrahman is a celebrated Leadership Speaker and a World Class Public Speaking Coach. Those serious about wanting to Present With Power and Speak to Impact, Inform, Influence & Inspire can reach Kevin at http://www.OwnYourCrowd.com

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MAXMEDIA PUBLICATION

Business in gulf

Bahrain’s premier entreprenurial lifestyle magazine Publisher / Editor in Chief Sameer Uchi Managing Partner / Group Editor Mohd. A. Kayani EDITORIAL Coordinator Jakrapong Saengnuan SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Tarek Rashdan Production Manager Sachan Chandran Graphic Designer Haroon Rasheed

Neil Fogarty is an international speaker, adviser, mentor, consultant and the author of Crack On and Kill Your Salesman. For more information visit www.neilfogarty.com.

You can also visit his blog sparkglobalbusiness.com/wp/blog.

Lewis Howes is lifestyle entrepreneur and former pro athlete. He builds million dollar businesses, is an author and teaches people how to grow their online business from anywhere in the world at http://lewishowes.com

Mike Figliuolo is the Founder and Managing Director of thought LEADERS, LLC. He is also the author of One Piece of Paper: The Simple Approach to Powerful, Personal Leadership . You can reach him via email at info@thoughtleadersllc.com

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2012 February / March 2013

Photographer Mani T. Distribution Controller Salah Abdulla Hassan

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{ASK BIG}

HOW SHOULD TECH EDUCATION (FORMAL AND INFORMAL) CHANGE TO KEEP PACE WITH BUSINESS’ GROWING TECHNOLOGY NEEDS?

Question by: Ashley

TEACH SOME CURIOSITY

MORE PRACTICE, LESS THEORY

EMPHASIZE PROJECTS IN EDUCATION

TECHNICAL MEETS BUSINESS

"Within a single course structure, It would be impossible to address the myriad technologies available today, across diverse verticals. Instead, tech education within and outside of the classroom should focus on encouraging all people to have a robust interest in technology tools and applications. We need to create more early adopters -- being excited about trying technology is the first step."

Doreen Bloch | CEO / Founder, Poshly Inc.

"I want students to be playing with technology -- using it, finding out what they like, what they don't like.

Get their creativity started and they'll come up with ideas how they can improve technology. At the very least, they'll speak the tech language and be willing to try to work in a tech company."

Nathan Lustig | cofounder, Entrustet

"Technology changes too quickly for curriculums and even for informal education to keep pace. But by assigning practice projects, rather than reading or follow along homework assignments, we can let students find their own way to get something done with whatever the latest technology might be. It's necessary to point students towards resources, but it isn't always necessary to choose tools for them."

Thursday Bram | Consultant, Hyper Modern Consulting

"Educational outlets need to look at what Mark Zuckerberg has done with Facebook and understand that our economy needs this single founder model on a much smaller scale to prosper.

In other words, teaching business/marketing to web engineers is vital.

Additionally, business executives or marketers in the tech space should learn the basics of web development."

Logan Lenz | Founder / President, Endagon

SIMULATED SITUATIONS WORK

PROGRESSIVE FORMAL LEARNING

MORE DOING, LESS "INSTRUCTIONS"

A LITTLE BIT OF LIBERAL ARTS

"I owe a lot of where I am to taking a class in my graduate year of school that was strictly a real-life class project. We had to build a website, and promote it without spending any money.

This opened my world to social media and its impact on business. This is the type of education students should have. Force them to discover the technologies of the time, adapt with them and then learn to apply."

Justin Beegel | Founder, Infographic World, Inc.

“Every elementary school student should learn the basics of computer programming.

Every middle school student should be exploring different coding languages.

Every high school student should be building product. It really should be part of the standard curriculum. “ Brent Beshore | Owner/ CEO, AdVentures

"The best way to learn is to actually do something.

Your education should be tied to dealing with new technologies and getting your hands dirty with trial and error.

If someone tells you (teaching) the solution, then all you are required to do is regurgitate that solution (college). The real learning comes from doing and creating your own solutions."

Lucas Sommer | Founder CEO, Audimated

"A great developer can build anything. The next step is being able to do creative analysis of complex problems, particularly those in business.

Beyond teaching technical skills, a developer's education should teach empathy, opportunity recognition and deep strategy. Successful techs have the skills to partner with the "business" people."

Aaron Schwartz | Founder and CEO, Modify Watches"

The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs.

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NEWS

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Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons Inaugurates Showroom in Sitra BAHRAIN: Y.K. Almoayyed

& Sons (YKA) opened its “All Honeywell ProductsSystems Under One Roof” showroom in Sitra. The showroom is a culmination of the long term partnership between YKA and Honeywell that began in 1978 when Chloride Gent appointed YKA as their exclusive and sole distributor of the ‘Gent’ brand of fire alarm and detection in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Mr. Farouk Yousif Almoayyed, Chairman of Y.K. Almoayyed of Sons, officially inaugurated the showroom in the presence of the members of the YKA Board of Directors, representatives from Honeywell, management and staff of YKA and guests.

Mr. Ajit Bolar, the General Manager of YKA-Industrial and Building Systems division, said “The Honeywell showroom is the best place for customers who are looking for technologies that tackle

tough challenges like security (CCTV, Access Control, Intrusion Alarm, Visitor Management), life safety (fire detection & alarm), building and home automation, energy controls and management, intelligent life care, and lighting controls. Clients from business, government and residential sectors will get first-hand experience from our real-time live working models and demo kits of all Honeywell products-systems.”

The showroom will showcase industry leading brands like Gent (fire alarm and detection), Honeywell Security Group (CCTV security cameras, intrusion alarms and visitor management systems), Trend Controls (integrated building energy management systems), Alerton (BACNet based IBEMS), Ackermann (intelligent life care systems), EX-OR (lighting controls) and PEHA (home automation).

Saudi-Bahrain pipeline project work on target Bahrain:

Abdul-Jabbar Abdul-Kareem, general manager for mega engineering projects at the Bahrain Petroleum Company BSC (Bapco), has affirmed that feasibility studies, predesign, and technical designing of the pipeline project between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have been completed and detailed engineering stage would start as early as the first quarter of 2013 at an estimated cost of $ 350 million.

Abdul-Kareem said that Bapco has almost completed its ambitious 10-year strategic investment program for modernization of Bapco refinery at a total cost of more than $ 1.2 billion.

He said Bapco applies Chevron’s plan for developing and implementing operations

Civil Aviation Affairs Reviews Aviation Law Bahrain: Acting Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation (MOT), Mr Ahmed Nemat Ali officially opened the seminar on ‘Developments in Civil Aviation Law’ at the Movenpick Hotel Bahrain in co-ordination with Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO).

The seminar was attended by 36 participants, including representatives from all GCC countries as well as senior officials from the Ministry

big -tionary Describing business terminology

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Last Fiscal Year - LFY

The most recent 12-month accounting period that a business uses when determining its annual financial performance. The SEC requires businesses to list their last fiscal year’s revenue (in addition to other financial figures) in their 10-Q filings.

February / MARCH 2013

under the technical services agreement signed with Chevron for the purpose of applying this plan as the main technique to develop, modernize the Bapco refinery program. Chevron’s plan comprises five major stages, which focus on steps to implement the project from the alpha to the omega, including three initial stages that are connected with the launching of the project’s implementation process.

The plan has now ushered into the second phase of its implementation. The fourth phase of Chevron’s plan pertaining to implementation aims to construct the project through specific phases so as to strengthen aspects of financing and optimum utilization of resources. Initial construction operations are expected to start by 2017 so that the final construction jobs will be finished by 2020.

of Transportation, Gulf Air, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), BAFCO, and General Directorate for Security Exits, and Customs Affairs The seminar being held from the 5th-7th of February will review the latest developments in the laws and regulations pertaining to global civil aviation as well as their impact on air travel movement and the adherence of national legislation and regulations with international requirements and standards.

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Bahrain begins 2013 with several industrial projects Bahrain: Having

commenced 2013 with a number of new and noteworthy industrial projects in both private and public sectors, Bahrain should be able to continue to diversify its portfolio and expand its industrial base.

In terms of recent public projects, there are three sizable investments in the pipeline expected to come to market between the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of 2014: US$ 4.8 bn in funds for expansion and modernisation efforts at the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO); US$ 2.5 bn for new developments at Aluminium Bahrain( Alba ); and $1.2bn for the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company ( GPIC ).

The BAPCO Modernisation Programme (BMP), which originally planned to inject $8bn-11bn in new projects through joint ventures, will now proceed with a $4.8bn target to be financed through bonds and sukuk offerings.

The company is currently appointing an advisory bank to oversee the financing.

In the second of the

Kingdom’s recent industrial developments, Alba hosts the world’s fourth-largest aluminum smelter, announced in December that it had hired Bechtel Canada to carry out a feasibility study for its $2.5bn smelter expansion project, the firm’s sixth.

The potential US$ 1.2 bn injection for GPIC could provide a strong boost for the petrochemicals company after an already profitable 2012. According to Abdulrahman Jawahery, president of GPIC, last year the firm produced around 1.5m tonnes of ammonia, methanol and urea and exports exceeded the estimated quantity by 1.1mn tonnes, highlighting the growing regional and international demand for petrochemicals.

The efficacy of each of these investments, however, is predicated on long-term, low-cost natural gas contracts between each firm and the sovereign. The government will most likely have to priorities investments amongst each company with respect to potential profitability.

New Investment strategies for 2013 Bahrain: ARINDON,

the Bahrain-based investor relations company’s annual Investors Conference was held on January 30 at the RitzCarlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. The conference is better known for its full-day panelstyle delivery, which brings together asset managers, corporate, institutional investors and family offices to discuss investment strategies and opportunities for the year ahead.

The forum will showcase panel discussions on alternative investments, Islamic finance, capital markets and the Mena market outlook.

“The panels will assess the future fiscal crossroads of the Middle East, the leading drivers for growth in this complex environment, where the smart money is heading, what asset classes are expected to outperform and

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what strategies top investors are planning to put to work in 2013,” said ARINDON director and convenor of this year’s conference Tijjay Mitchell-Majiyagbe.

Alba, Albaraka Banking Group, Bahrain Economic Development Board, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and Securities and Investment Company sponsor the conference and the expert panels.

FDI for Bahrain’s private sectors Bahrain: Foreign direct

investment (FDI) and industrial investments from the private sector, several projects have emerged that highlight regional demand for manufacturing, which grew 13 per cent in the first quarter of 2012 over the last quarter of 2011, according to the Bahrain Economic Development Board’s second-quarter 2012 economic outlook (the most recent available). The board expects manufacturing growth to pick up further this year.

The polymer industry leads the way, with German firm BASF, the world’s largest diversified chemical company,

opening the doors to its new manufacturing facility at the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) in late December 2012.

JBF Industries, an Indian polyester firm, commenced construction of its 65,000-sqmetre facility in July 2012 and is due to go into production in March 2013, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Hassan A Fakhro, the minister of industry and commerce, told OBG that the new plant is expected to provide 300 jobs and will have a production capacity of 90,000 tonnes of polyester per annum.

Solidarity, Inaugurates its sixth Insurance Services Centre BAHRAIN: Solidarity General Takaful, a subsidiary of one of the largest Takaful groups in the world, Solidarity Group Holding, has opened its sixth Insurance Services Centre in Al Hamala last week. The Insurance Services Center was inaugurated

by Mr. Abdul Rahman Al-Baker, Executive Director of Financial Institutions Supervision, Central Bank of Bahrain in the presence of Mr. Saleh Hussain, Chairman of Solidarity General Takaful’s Board and Mr. Ashraf Bseisu, Solidarity Group’s Chief Executive. Mr. Nader Al Mandeel, Director of Insurance Supervision Directorate, Central Bank of Bahrain, other CBB officials and the Board and Management of Solidarity also attended the Inauguration ceremony.

Mr. Hussain said “we are

delighted to announce the launch of our new Insurance Services Centre which can only strengthen our reach to be closer to our customers”.

He added “This initiative is part of an expansion strategy Solidarity has embarked upon to expand its retail network and proximity to its increasing customer base”.

“This Insurance Services Center in Al Hamala is strategically located in Al Dhila’a complex serving a large geographical population base”, said Mr. Bseisu. He added “The new Insurance Services Center is designed to provide Solidarity’s customers with an enhanced customer experience and to service all their Takaful insurance needs from Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm”.

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Bentley Motors announces record sales across the Middle East Bahrain: Bentley Motors

AJM Kooheji Group supports the Ministry of Interior Bahrain: AJM Kooheji Group

is helping the police in their efforts to hinder the progress of crime by providing the Ministry of Interior with a fleet of motocycles.

The XJ 900 is Yamaha’s top-ofthe-line police bike model with ample displacement suited even for high-speed riding. It has a specially designed large size fairing, which provides effective wind protection. These models are custom built by Yamaha to specifications ordered by the

individual police department. A uniquely designed police bike that is stable and comfortable. The Yamaha XJ 900 Diversion has been used as a police motorcycle all over the world.

AJM Kooheji Groups Marine Division was awarded the tender to custom make 20 - 900cc XJ 900 Yamaha Motorcycles for the Ministry of Interior. The Motorcycles were handed over to Officer Abdul Aziz Buanain in the Ministry of Interior premises.

has announced its best ever year in the Middle East, with an increase in sales of 44 % in comparison to 2011. The year has seen a significant increase due to the arrival in the region of the award winning, New Bentley Continental GT V8, which accounted for 20% of sales. 2012 has been an excellent year for Bentley Middle East with 815 customers taking delivery of a new Bentley model.

Globally, deliveries were up in every international region as Bentley increased its global sales network by 10 per cent.

Bentley Motors completed the year on a high with a sales growth of 22% with total of 8,510 cars delivered. With this sales success Bentley maintains its position as the leading manufacturer of luxury vehicles in the world.

The Continental GT and GTC W12 continued to be the top model for Bentley in the Middle East, contributing 27% of the total sales. This was reflected on the global stage with these models accounting for a third of all sales.

The Mulsanne finished 2012 with healthy sales, with over 130 being sold across the region. Globally the Bentley flagship enjoyed 10% growth. Regional Director for the Middle East, Chris Buxton said: “This has been a remarkable year for Bentley in the Middle East, with showrooms opening in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia testament to our rapid expansion in the region.”

Bentley Middle East have dealerships in Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

PineBridge opens Mena office Bahrain: PineBridge

Investments, the global asset manager, officially opened its Mena headquarters in the GBCORP Tower at the Bahrain Financial Harbour in Manama.

Dignitaries and leading executives from the firm, including PineBridge Investments Middle East chief executive Talal Al Zain, joined Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) governor Rasheed Al Maraj as he officially opened the office. The establishment of the headquarters will spearhead PineBridge’s expansion in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. The firm will offer worldclass investment management services including innovative, core and alpha-orientated solutions.

“As one of the leading independent asset managers, PineBridge Investments possesses the expertise and capabilities that support the thriving financial ecosystem in the kingdom,” said Mr Al Maraj. “We are pleased with PineBridge’s decision to locate their Mena headquarters in Bahrain which is a strong validation of Bahrain’s open business and strong

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regulatory environment, highly skilled work force and proximity to other GCC markets.”

“Today we celebrate an important milestone that demonstrates our belief in and commitment to the growth of this vibrant region,” said Mr Al Zain. “PineBridge Investments has experience and presence in developed and emerging markets spanning more than 60 years. The Middle East and North Africa was a region where we have not had a substantial presence. We see significant opportunitiaes for investment and substantial liquidity across Mena and Turkey, which have many underpenetrated markets across all assets classes.”

In July 2012, PineBridge received a Category 1 Licence from the CBB. PineBridge Investments Middle East will cover the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, and is well positioned to serve a diverse set of clients in a broad range of investment categories, including large institutions and private clients looking for differentiated products and competitive risk return.

Saudi women allowed to work in pharmacies Saudi Arabia: Commercial pharmacies are being added to the list of places where Saudi Arabian women will be allowed to work. The Minister of Labour Adel Fakeih is finalizing employment conditions to allow women to work in a privately owned chemist. Women in Saudi Arabia are already permitted to work in public hospital pharmacies but according to a report by Arab News there is an oversupply of females

graduating from university with pharmacy degrees compared to the number of jobs available to them.

The female unemployment rate is significantly higher at 36 per cent according to the Central Department of Statistics and Information.

So far, Saudi women are allowed to work in jobs such as salespeople in lingerie and cosmetic stores and in government-run, allfemale factories.

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Supperclub is set to open in the Middle East

UAE: Supperclub, the worldfamous address for fine dining and entertainment which originated in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is set to open its first destination in the Middle East.

The restaurant and lounge concept, the Middle East’s first Supperclub, will open in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and is being brought to Dubai by Supperclub Middle East Facilities Management.

The Dubai outlet follows in the footsteps of venues in Amsterdam, Istanbul, San Francisco, Los Angeles and London.

Bert Van der Leden, the brain behind the supperclub franchise, and partner at owners IQ Creative, added: “supperclub was born out of our desire to be different,

to offer our guests unexpected, unconventional venues highlighted by fine food, creativity and a sense of experimentation.

“The city’s burgeoning art scene, its position as the region’s cosmopolitan hub, and stunning Zabeel Saray setting made Dubai an obvious choice for our new venture.”

The Dubai venture offers six dining and entertainment options where guests can indulge in experimental dishes from famed head chef Dom Robinson.

The entertainment will range from aerial and acrobatic artists, inspiring musicians and showcases by international and local creative talent, the statement said.

Kuwait Airways halts legal action with Iraq Airways Kuwait: Kuwaiti MPs have

ratified a US$500m settlement deal between the Gulf state and Iraq’s national airline, bringing to a close a debt dispute ongoing since the first Gulf War. As part of the deal reached in July, Iraq Airways agreed to pay US$ 500 mn in compensation to Kuwait Airways for damages caused by Iraqi troops during the 1990-91 invasion of Kuwait.

Kuwait’s Communications Minister Salem Al Othaina, said that the “Iraqi government has shown goodwill and deposited all the claim funds agreed” to a special bank account.

Iraqi Airways director general in December said the deal will allow the carrier to begin flights to the UK and Frankfurt by the end of January.

The airline will also start a threeyear program to train 500 pilots and build the largest air training

Economy boost to reach US$ 3 trillion by 2050

Bahrain is out of the red.

Bahrain: The Central Bank of Bahrain has welcomed the decision of rating agency Standard and Poor’s to revise the outlook of Gulf kingdom from negative to stable. At the same time, S&P affirmed the country’s long- and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings at ‘BBB/A-2’.

The rating agency said: “The outlook revision reflects our view of Bahrain’s stable growth, the likelihood of no further deterioration in the political environment, the inflow of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) development

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funds, and our medium-term assumption of higher oil prices of about $111/barrel.”

S&P added that it believed that although Bahrain’s 2011 political crisis weakened growth potential and damaged the country’s reputation as a business services hub, a post-crisis status quo has been established.

In its report, S&P said Bahrain’s fiscal vulnerability to oil prices remains high, with oil- and gas-related revenues accounting for 88 percent of total central government revenues.

and development institute in the region, said Saad Al Khafaji.

Kuwait Airways had initially sought US$ 1.2 bn from Iraq for the ten jets that were taken by Iraqi forces during the invasion of Kuwait.

Two-and-a-half years ago, the airline won a court order in the UK that led to the freezing of Iraqi Airways’ global assets.

Kuwait Airways ceased legal action against Iraqi Airways after a deal on compensation was reached in July and endorsed by the oil-rich Gulf state’s emir in October.

Saudi Arabia: Predicted

to be the 18th largest economy in the world by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Saudi Arabia’s economy will more than treble to US$ 3 trn by 2050.

The oil-rich gulf state will grow by 230 per cent to US$ 1582 bn by 2030 before doubling in the following 20 years, PwC’s biannual The World in 2050 report says.

Saudi Arabia had the 20th largest economy in 2011 but PwC expects the country to record an average annual growth of 4 per cent over the next 37 years, making it the seventh fastest growing market

worldwide. Other Middle East economies, including Egypt and Iran, were not included in the top 20 forecast despite oil and gas creating flows of cash in numerous areas.

The report says emerging economies will outperform developed countries, growing by 4-6 percent compared to an average 2 percent.

“However, even in 2050 average income per capita will still be significantly higher in the advanced economies than in the emerging economies – the current income gap is just too large to bridge fully over this period,” the report says.

Saudi’s growth prospects are limited by its investment, which as a percentage of gross domestic product is expected to be an average of 11 percent per year until 2025, significantly lower than other economies such as Indonesia (28 per cent), France (24 per cent), Germany (22 per cent), Russia (20 per cent), Brazil (19 per cent) and the UK (17 per cent).

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UAE grocery market at $9.5billion

Etihad Airways turns profitable

UAE: Canadian-owned grocery chain to invest Dh200m in 500 stores in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Government regulations to raise the standards of traditional groceries are providing an opportunity for international established grocery chains to enter the UAE market, analysts say.

The UAE’s grocery market reached US $9.5 billion in 2012, with traditional or independent groceries making up 8,454 out of the 9,397 grocery outlets in the country, according to data by Euromonitor International. Only 943 are modern grocery outlets.

Many local groceries are unable to afford the changes required by Abu Dhabi’s regulations that aim to improve their appearance and standards.

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways made a profit for a second year running, its president said, adding that the airline will release formal figures for 2012 in February.

The UAE flag carrier, which has expanded globally through stake purchases in the likes of airberlin and Virgin Australia, has over US$6.5bn in funding from more than 50 financial institutions, James Hogan said at conference in Dublin.

“We are set to post our second successive profit which is rare in the current uncertain economic climate and illustrates the impact and success that the Etihad Airways’ unique business model has made,”.

Etihad Airways, which posted profits of US$14m for 2011, is looking to extend its geographical reach as it competes against Qatar Airways and Dubai’s Emirates Airline.

New Investigation into Qatar’s World Cup Bid QATAR: FIFA ethics investigators have confirmed they are going to examine claims of wrongdoing in the bidding process for the 2022 World Cup finals that was awarded to Qatar.

Allegations regarding Qatar’s winning bid have circulated since the Gulf state’s organizing committee awarded the tournament in December 2010 despite numerous denials.

Now, FIFA has said that a fresh investigation will take place into the bidding process for the 2022 World Cup and the 2018 tournament which was won by Russia.

In a statement, the chairmen of FIFA’s Adjudicatory and Investigative Chambers — Judge Hans-Joachim Eckert and Michael J Garcia - said: “As has been publicly announced, certain

big -tionary Describing business terminology

20

allegations regarding events surrounding the bidding for the World Cup 2018 and 2022 were referred to the Ethics Committee

by FIFA following media reports.

“We intend to conduct a thorough review of those allegations, including the evidentiary basis for and credibility of any allegations of individual misconduct.”

In November last year, organizers of the Qatar 2022 World Cup tournament hit back at bribery allegations published in UK media, calling the reports “malicious and reckless”.

The Sunday Times newspaper claimed Qatar officials considered offering $1m to the son of Amos Adamu, a member of the FIFA Executive Committee that handed the tournament to the Gulf state in December 2010.

Qatar has consistently denied any suggestion of foul play accusing those who tried to undermine its bid of a smear campaign.

Many critics have called into question Qatar’s size, its lack of footballing heritage and the hot summer weather as barriers to hosting the tournament.

Rent-A-Crowd A group of people rented to make a business appear busy. Rent-a-crowds are sometimes employed on the grand openings of a new business to give the appearance that something is attracting people to the store, which then potentially attracts real customers, who come to see why the crowd has gathered.

February / MARCH 2013

The Bab Market

Bahrain: The Ministry of Culture is hosting an event entitled ‘The Bab Market’ with the hope of restoring the Manama souq by promoting the area to attract residents and tourists. The event, which will be held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during March, will begin on February 28 from 4pm to 10pm.

Director of the Bab market, Frances Stafford, said that the event is a government initiative to promote Bab Al Bahrain and tourism in the area.

“The event will also promote artisans, product designers, jewellery designers, novelists, poets and t- shirt designers who will be provided with stalls free of cost so they may sell their products,” said Ms. Stafford.

The participants must be Bahrain-based and create the items themselves.

“Depending on the success of this years event, we may host it annually or bi-annually,” she said.

Investcorp to expand into Italian luxury and retail brands Bahrain: Investcorp, one of the Middle East’s largest private equity firms, is on the lookout for Italian luxury and retail brands that want to expand internationally.

The Bahrain-based firm, which has stakes in French group PPR’s Gucci unit and US group Tiffany & Co, had US$ 11.5 bn in assets under management as of end-June.

Italian luxury brands such as Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Missoni, and Ermenegildo Zegna have been reluctant to sell and are still controlled by their founding families.

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Yas Waterworld Opening Abu Dhabi: Yas

Waterworld, opened to the public on January 24, will be profitable within its first year of operation and is already planning on expansion with two more phases, the park’s general manager told Arabian Business.

The AED900m (US$245m) attraction was developed by government-owned developer Aldar Properties and is managed by Farah Leisure Management, operators of fellow Yas Island attraction Ferrari World.

General Manager Mike Oswald said the park was forecast to attract 700,000 visitors in 2013 and is expected “to be profitable very soon

after opening - within year one”.

Oswald also revealed developer Aldar is planning two more phases to the park as part of its AED900m investment, without providing further details.

“In ten to 15 years we will cover the entire AED900m investment as well as two planned expansions. We are planning expansion one in 2016 and other will come a few years after that,” he confirmed.

Tickets to the park will be AED225 for general admission and AED185 for children, and Oswald said all the rides will be fully operational when it opens to the public.

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Firms could start with GCC national, rather than UAE partner UAE: A committee was formed

by Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai to study requests from GCC nationals to allow them to set up partnership firms with foreigners - without a UAE partner. Criteria which will be considered as part of the plan will be whether proposed projects include transfer of knowledge and technology or a well-known company to the UAE - and whether the project is a priority for the emirate’s economy. The minimum capital in each project would be Dhs10 million.

An economic feasibility

study - and compliance with existing legislation on the establishment of such firms - will also be compulsory for the project to be considered by the committee. Committee head Ahmed Ibrahim, Director of Business Registration in the Business Registration & Licensing (BRL) Sector at DED, said the initiative was part of an ongoing bid to create “a competitive and attractive business environment for regional and international investments.” He said: “Dubai is a unique and diverse commercial centre - not only in the GCC.”

Hilco frontrunner in battle to save HMV LONDON: Restructuring specialist Hilco is the frontrunner in the battle to

save music retailer HMV from administration. Hilco, which bought HMV Canada in 2011 and salvaged home goods firm Habitat, is favored by an industry consortium, said the Sunday Times. The paper said music labels and film studios, such as Universal, Warner, Sony, and 20th Century Fox were preparing a rescue package, keen to keep the 92-year-old retailer alive.

Options for the suppliers include cutting the prices of discs and giving the retailer generous credit terms, it said. HMV, which has 223 British stores, is the country’s last major specialist high street retailer of CDs and DVDs. It went into administration last week, putting over 4,000 jobs at risk.

Phase Eight opens seven stores in the UAE

UAE: British retailer Phase Eight will open seven stores in the UAE as it moves to boosts its international presence. The women’s wear retailer, which opened its first overseas store last year in Switzerland, will initially concentrate on stores in Dubai, said a spokesperson.

“International growth is a key focus for Phase Eight over the next few years, and we recognize a significant

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February / MARCH 2013

opportunity to build our presence globally, through a multi-channel and multi-format approach,” a Phase Eight spokeswoman said. Dubai is enjoying a retail and tourism boom with passenger traffic passing through its airport rising 13.2 percent to 57.6m passengers last year, overtaking Hong Kong International Airport to become the third busiest airport in the world.

Magnolia Bakery Opens in Qatar Doha: The New York cupcake maker made famous by the US television series Sex and the City, opened its largest store in world the Qatari capital Doha, part of its expansion across the Middle East.

“We’re very excited to be opening our Doha store this Wednesday, January 16. The store is located in the Dar Al Salam mall in Doha Qatar,” the company said on its website.

Bobbie Lloyd, Magnolia Bakery’s President and ‘Chief Baking Officer’ said her team has “been busy teaching our Qatar team how to make our handmade baked goods, ice cupcakes using our “signature swirl” and decorating the store”.

The iconic New York City bakery lauded for launching the “cupcake craze”, opened its first overseas outlet in Bloomingdales Dubai in 2010.

It is planning to ramp up its global expansion and is eyeing 120 stores worldwide over the next five years.

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Bleak winter for British retailers

Johnny Rockets doubles in size!

LONDON: Four big British high-street retailers had to call in administrators this winter as cashstrapped, web-literate consumers proved unforgiving of stores failing to adapt to fast-evolving markets.

DVD rental chain Blockbuster became the latest casualty on Wednesday, with its British arm entering administration - in which a troubled firm brings in independent financial help in a bid to stay operational - a day after music chain HMV made the same move.

Camera chain Jessops went into administration on January 9 and

UAE: Restaurant chain Johnny Rockets said it is looking to nearly double its number of outlets in the UAE. The company, which runs eateries resembling the 1960s diner in the US, said six new locations would be added over a period of five months.

This will bring the total number of Johnny Rockets restaurants in the UAE to 13, the company said in a statement.

Wael and Zaher Samman, co-managing directors of Johnny Rockets UAE said: “The announcement of the expansion of Johnny Rockets is testament of our gratitude to the country, its leadership, people and guests who have been loyal to the brand for the past 16 years.”

“This is a clear indication that the UAE, under its wise leadership has grown into a very mature market, in all its sectors, and has thus attracted a more demanding population mix, with higher disposable income, and this is key in helping various business sectors grow and flourish.”

The statement said that Johnny Rockets UAE has seen an increase in overall revenues of 63 percent in the last three years.

A report from Euromonitor indicated that the market for restaurants in the UAE was worth $1.21bn in 2012 and is expected to increase by 23 percent to $1.42bn in 2013.

closed its 187 shops shortly after, while electrical firm Comet shut its 235 stores in December. The failures have cost Britain 9,025 jobs, with another 7,780 in the balance.

Britain’s still-struggling economy, which climbed out of double-dip recession in the third quarter of 2012, faces at best sluggish growth this year.

Retailers, meanwhile face stiff competition from supermarkets and online sales, especially in entertainment, where downloads and streaming are eroding markets for physical products.

Top 15 companies to work for in 2013 UAE: Great Place to Work Institute UAE, part of a global research, training and consultancy firm that recognizes the best workplaces in over 45 countries worldwide, revealed its third annual list of ‘Top 15 Companies to Work For in the UAE’ during an awards ceremony at The H Hotel (formerly The Monarch) in Dubai yesterday.

Reclaiming the number one position in 2013 was inaugural winner Microsoft Gulf. Having been edged out by FedEx Express last year, the company put significant effort behind many of its workplace programs such as its Work-Life Balance Charter, which according to the Institute helped the company to achieve the highest score in its proprietary trust measurement tool, The Trust Index.

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February / MARCH 2013

Following increased participation in this year’s program, the annual benchmarking study - which assesses the level of credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie within an organization – has expanded from a list of top 10 companies to a list of the top 15.

Only companies that achieve 75 points or higher appear on the list with scores based on a confidential employee survey and an audit of management and HR practices by the Institute.

This year’s runner-up was Marriott, which climbs one spot from its 2012 result, followed by last year’s winner FedEx Express in third position. THE One and DHL came in fourth and fifth places respectively.

Breakdown of news and numbers from around the globe

Snippets

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The Swedish investment company Hakon Invest agreed on Monday to buy the remaining stake in the Nordic retailer ICA it did not already own for 20 billion Swedish kronor, or $3.1 billion.

450,000 The new design will enable BAPCO to increase production of 267,000 barrels per day (bpd) to more than 450,000 bpd.

721,000

The new development, a 721 000 sq. ft outdoor leisure facility, will complement the wide range of entertainment, sporting, shopping and leisure amenities available at DUBAILAND.

0.2%

U.S. stock futures advanced, signaling that the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index will extend a five-year high, as euro-area finance ministers prepared to meet to discuss aid to Cyprus and Greece.

US$23 bn Dell Inc. neared an agreement to sell itself to a group led by its founder and the investment firm Silver Lake for more than $23 billion, in what would be the biggest buyout since the financial crisis.

Dhs4.65bn

US$3.1 bn

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) posted annual profit for 2012.

The state-run utility made a net profit of Dhs4.65bn ($1.27bn) last year after sales revenues and cash generated.

Sinopec to Raise US$3.1 bn The China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, the state-owned oil and refining giant better known as Sinopec, is selling new shares worth up to 24 billion Hong Kong dollars, or $3.1 billion.

February / March 2013

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A smashing Success The Region’s Premier Industrial Event

Innovative, interactive, informative – three adjectives which define Gulf Industry Fair (GIF) 2013 as it opens its doors today at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

T

his year HCE promises to raise the bar yet again, with priority given in particular to encouraging more meaningful and valuable engagement between exhibitors and visitors. To this end, for the first time the fair featured an innovative ‘Industry Week’ concept, which included industry seminars and site visits to world-class industrial facilities.

The seminar series was hosted by leading exhibitors including Aluminum Bahrain (Alba) and Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), and will aim to share knowledge on the latest projects and trends with visitors.

Complementing the seminars, site visits will be organized for local university students, graduates and interested visitors. More than

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February / March 2013

just a PR exercise to promote Bahrain’s worldclass industrial capabilities and heritage, the visits will serve a broader strategic economic purpose by highlighting the sector as a viable and rewarding career option to the potential work force of the future.

Visitors got the chance to witness new product launches and live demonstrations from almost 100 exhibiting companies, of which about a fifth are from overseas.

For the first time, a Dutch Pavilion hosted 12 specialist companies showcasing the European country’s industrial expertise and heritage in oil and gas, water and electricity, process management, and training and education. The Pavilion is an initiative of the country’s consulate in Bahrain, working in partnership with two

Dutch consultancies based in the Kingdom.

The overseas exhibitor contingent will also be represented by companies from Saudi Arabia, Germany, the UAE and the UK, all of whom will be looking to raise awareness of their capabilities and/or reinforce their market presence in the booming Northern Gulf.

Regional governments, keen to diversify their economies, have identified the industrial sectors as key future revenue drivers. New world-scale manufacturing projects, including aluminum smelters and petrochemical plants, are being built. New transport and logistics nodes are being created to connect new economic clusters, and port facilities and free zones are being expanded. Vibrant downstream sectors are evolving to support these developments.

Achieve Your Potential Overwhelming support for Tamkeen’s first Expo

Participants and visitors alike praised the Tamkeen Expo 2013, which was held at the Gulf Hotel on the 7th and 8th of January 2013. Held under the patronage of Tamkeen Chairman Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa under the theme “Achieve Your Potential”, the two-day event was met with overwhelming interest with many wanting the event to be an annual affair. Around 2,000 people participated and attended the integrated event which brought together Bahraini entrepreneurs, members of the business community, and an elite group of entrepreneurship experts conference a in a unique knowledge-sharing opportunity

T

amkeen Expo 2013 commenced with a conference that was attended by about 400 people and focused on the leading role played by Tamkeen in the overall national economic development roadmap, and the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic progress and innovation development and key challenges facing start-ups in the region.

In the inaugural speech, HE Sheikh Mohammed underlined the strength of the Bahraini economy and highlighted the measures taken by Tamkeen to create its various programs that seek to enhance the capabilities of Bahraini enterprises and individuals in line with the labor market requirements. He also noted Tamkeen’s efforts in advocating paradigm shifts in business concepts such as micro-financing, SME funding, entrepreneurship, leadership continuous learning and training, women economic empowerment, employment support, work ethics, and best management practices.

Keynote speakers of Tamkeen Expo 2013 Dr. Saad Al Barrak, Chairman of ILA Group in Egypt, and Ms. Rama Chakaki, Co-founder and CEO of Dubai-based Baraka Ventures, discussed the vital role of entrepreneurship in economic development. Dr. Saad focused in his presentation on the art of leadership and change management, While Ms. Rama explained the importance of empowering women in driving the growth of the private sector, and provided guidance and tips on how to address challenges facing startups.

In conjunction, a series of interactive workshops were held over the two days of the event that were led by a group of experts. Hundreds of attendees learned key aspects of entrepreneurship, including setting objectives and priorities, improving quality, increasing profits, using social media, applying to electronic tenders, and developing marketing techniques.

More than 66,000 Bahraini individuals and enterprises in Bahrain have benefited from Tamkeen programs to date, and more than 100,000 beneficiaries are set to benefit from these programs in total.

February / MaRCH 2013

27

The Swiss

Fondue

is back Experience the warm culinary and Swiss fondue evening at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Unforgettable Swiss Fondue culinary served every Night except Mondays and Thursdays at the elegant Silk’s restaurant, offering a wide range of finest Swiss Fondues. As it’s the coldest months in Bahrain and there would be no better option than tasting the Swiss cheese Fondue, combining the best cheeses as Gruyere, Tomme, Emmenthal and Appenzeller cheese.

D

ifferent varieties of Fondues are available as well such as Fondue “Borguignon” with the tender beef cubes dipped into hot oil and your choices of multi different type of sauces. Last but Not least, a fondue “Chinoise” the light option with beef, veal, chicken and fish dipped into a broth filled with hot pot will leave you wanting more.

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February / March 2013

Swiss Fondues are served at the Silk’s restaurant every night starting from 6th January until the 20th February 2012 except Mondays and Thursday, priced at BD 12.500++ per person. For booking and additional information dial +973 17460000.

For more information and booking, call +973 17460000 or e-mail hotel.bahrain.fb@ moevenpick.com.

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3 new start ups announced

Tenmou Business Angels initiative announces new start up projects.

Following the success of last year’s initial group of investments, Tenmou - Bahrain’s first Business Angels - has announced details of three more start-ups who have received an investment boost to commence full business operations. The announcement was made by Mr. Sami Jalal, the Chairman of Tenmou, at a media roundtable held at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Bahrain.

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February / March 2013

W

ith a doubling in applicants since the initiative started in 2011, the selection process continues to be highly competitive. Recipients include a mobile catalogue application (Doocan), a tire retreading factory (Ringco) and an indoor location system (Arteleus).

Applicants were evaluated

based on the uniqueness of their ideas and the potential for regional, and perhaps global, expansion.

Established with a start up of BD1 mn, Tenmou invests an average of BD20,000 for a stake of on average 20% in each project that meets its criteria and provides a three month mentorship period, including support services at no cost to the entreprenuers.

The Beauty of Nature Van Cleef & Arpels showcases in Bahrain an enchanting collection inspired by Nature Reputed French Maison Van Cleef & Arpels hosted an exclusive event in Bahrain on January, with their local partner Asia Jewellers. The event held in the boutique provided a unique journey in the enchanting world of the Maison inviting the guests to discover beautiful jewellery inspired by Nature.

N

ature is a long-standing source of inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels, imbuing extraordinary creations that seem to capture movement suspended in time, butterflies and birds constantly in flight, flowers blossoming.

Van Cleef & Arpels was introduced in the Bahraini luxury market in 2009 with a boutique located at Moda Mall, Manama’s prime destination for luxury.

On the occasion, the boutique was transformed into a poetic world of nature with butterflies ornamenting the VIP room, creating a dreamlike atmosphere to host a jewelry collection of ultimate femininity and elegance.

February / MaRCH 2013

31

t h g i Ins the Telecom

t o t in unication

u m m o c e l e T

y r t s u d In ’s n i a r h a B t A look aotable most nnies in the compa munication telecomy. industr

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February / March 2013

be if it were Where would we technology? n not for informatio ependant on Our lives are so d pid facilitation the smooth and ra at if just the of information th down our phone lines were to a dead e world would com of the most stop. Here are 10 munication notable telecom ahrain. providers in B

Batelco

Once a monopoly, The Batelco Group has grown significantly since the introduction of MTC Vodafone, later Zain and now VIVA. After 30 years of service, Batelco still maintains a strong lead over its competitors. Proving that a little competition can go a long way. Its services include fixed lines, mobile packages and Internet solutions for both business and residential users.

Batelco employs approximately 1,500 people in the Kingdom of Bahrain, of which over 90% are Bahraini nationals.

In addition to Bahrain, Batelco also maintains its presence across the MENA region.

Batelco’s overseas operations continue to add value to the Group and in 2011 contributed 37% of revenues and 30% of Operating Profit.

The Group’s successful expansion strategy is establishing the Batelco name as a dependable and reliable Company throughout the MENA and Asian regions.

Located: Umniah (Jordan) Qualitynet (Kuwait) Etihad Atheeb (Saudi Arabia) Sabafon (Yemen) Batelco (Egypt)

VIVA HQ in Seef District

“VIVA has thrived to provide in consumers h es fr a in ra Bah approach ”

Located: Kuwait (STC) India (STC) Indonesia (STC) Malaysia (STC) Turkey (STC) South Africa (STC) Bahrain (VIVA)

VIVA

Headquarters Seef District, Bahrain

VIVA Bahrain is the third largest telecommunication company after Batelco and Zain. It is a part of the STC Group, launched commercial services in Bahrain in March 2010 with the aim of transforming the telecommunications landscape in the Kingdom.

Since launching services, VIVA has thrived to provide consumers in Bahrain a fresh approach to mobile telecommunications services.

Launched with the latest innovative technologies they have managed to capture a fair amount of the market, which is not an easy task.

VIVA has built a simple and easy to understand customizable product portfolio that gives high value for money to our subscribers. Exposing the market to the first HSPA+ network, the fastest broadband service in the Kingdom at 42Mbps, and the launch of the latest high-tech devices such as the Nokia Lumia 920 and the iPhone 5.

February / MaRCH 2013

59 33

Zain Zain Group is a mobile

telecommunications company founded in 1983 in Kuwait as MTC or Mobile Telecommunications Company, and was later rebranded to Zain in 2007. Zain has commercial presence in 8 countries across Africa and the Middle East with about 37.6 million customers as of 31 March 2011. It employs 6000 people. It was responsible for removing Batelco’s monopoly in Bahrain.

Zain started operations in the Kingdom of Bahrain in December 2003 as MTC-Vodafone. Since then, it has introduced 3.5G, WIMAX and ‘One Network’ services to Kingdom. Zain’s network covers 100% of the Bahraini population for both 2G and 3G services.

Located: Kuwait (STC) India (STC) Indonesia (STC) Malaysia (STC) Turkey (STC) South Africa (STC) Bahrain (VIVA)

Menatelcom

In January 2007 menatelecom successfully secured a nationwide Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) license in Bahrain that will allow the company to provide customers with the full range of fixed and nomadic telecommunications services throughout the Kingdom. Menatelecom is a subsidiary of Kuwait Finance House (Bahrain). In partnership with Motorola, menatelecom has rollout the nationwide of its FWA network, deploying a world-class technology solution based on state-ofthe-art WiMAX technology.

Menatelecom provides convenient Internet solutions for both personal and businesses that focuses on being mobile. Motorola was selected as its technology partner because it is universally acknowledged throughout the telecommunications industry as the leading supplier of WiMAX technology based on the very latest IEEE802.16e mobile WiMAX standard. The wireless nature of the WiMAX network introduces an inherent Located: nomadic mobility.

Bahrain

Kalaam Telecom

Kalaam is the first, alternative and fully licensed telecommunications provider based in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Having launched operations in March 2005, Kalaam serves both small & medium business customers and large corporations across different industries in Bahrain. Kalaam Telecom offers advanced voice, internet, data, and value added services to business customers.

Kalaam’s network is a state-of-art Next Generation Network (NGN) deployment, capable of supporting both traditional and non-traditional voice traffic. With direct interconnects to than 30 operators worldwide and direct routes to more than 150 countries.

Located: Bahrain

Lightspeed Communications Founded in September 2003, Lightspeed Communications is a subsidiary of Orange Jordan. Jordan Telecom Group, which is majority-owned by giant global player France Telecom Group, provides fixed, mobile, Internet, content and wholesale activities in Jordan and the Middle East. The partnership combines this international expertise, with a deep understanding of the local markets, and access to the existing infrastructure.

Lightspeed Communications provides its customers with quality broadband, voice and Internet services.

These broadband services are target towards, small and medium enterprises, and the corporate sectors.

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February / March 2013

Located: Orange Jordan

2Connect 2Connect is a true global carrier, specializing in data

connectivity to the Middle East.

Founded in 2004, 2Connect’s network is a true in-house end-to-end delivery. From the point-of-interconnect, your critical traffic travels over the 2Connect international backbone/Middle East regional access network directly to the end-customer premises enabling us to provide industry-leading SLA’s, delivery timescales and cost-effective circuits.

2Connect now boasts a fullyprotected international IPLC, Ethernet-over-SDH (EoS) and MPLS capable submarine/terrestrial fibre-based network, with PoPs in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Chicago, Toronto & Singapore, to deliver your services - quickly, securely, reliably. Our Middle East fibre-based access network infrastructure delivers carrier-class connectivity terminating directly in your customer’s server room/datacentre location.

2Connect on 12th Floor of NBB Tower

North Star Communications Since its inception in March 2005, North Star

Located on the 12th Floor of the Almoyed Tower

Communications has been actively implementing various telephony and Internet related solutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. North Star Communications is licensed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to provide Internet, telephony and VSAT services in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Through the effective use of broadband services in partnership with industry leaders, North Star can offer a range of services, which will provide cost effective solutions to the corporate sector and residential users.

Located: London Singapore USA Bahrain

Greenisis

Located: Bahrain

Nuetel has both “Nuetel bility and a p the ca to offer you ce experienthe Kingdom’s one of advanced most ons municati telecom vices” r se

The name Greenisis indicates the genesis

of green broadband.

Additionally, ‘green’ refers to the environmentally friendly characteristics of our technology, whilst ‘isis’, originating from Ancient Egyptian and GrecoRoman mythologies, is the matron of nature.

Founded in May of 2011, Greenisis aims to provide a new global standard in providing the highest quality, most secure and best value wireless broadband services, whilst preserving the health of our environment.

Utilizes cutting-edge Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA) technology, which offers many advantages to existing GSM, 3G, LTE and WiMax broadband networks.

In addition to providing the most advanced wireless platform in the region, Greenisis delivers low-radiation and environmentally friendly services.

The company was founded in 2006. The company operates as a subsidiary of OSSIS Property Developers. Nuetel Communications has strategic partnerships with Cisco Systems and British Telecom. It was formed to sustain the country’s first “Intelligent City” at Amwaj Islands, over a fiber optic Next Generation Network infrastructure. These intelligent utilities are all managed from a core Network Operation Centre at Amwaj Islands.

Today Nuetel has both the capability and experience to offer you one of the Kingdom’s most advanced telecommunications services.

Whether you’re in the business of real estate development and wish to set up a dedicated telecommunications facility in your next project; or wish to upgrade the telecommunication services within your company’s existing network or have a newly established business that needs to connect to offices and branches elsewhere. Nuetel can deliver an end-to-end service tailored to your needs.

Located: Bahrain

Located: Bahrain

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Bahrain’s

oldest and

Largest Telecom Company

30 Years later, Batelco is still the number telecom service provider in Bahrain.

Batelco (Bahrain Telecommunications Company) has been the leading integrated communication services provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain, since its establishment 32 years ago.

Batelco serves both the corporate and consumer markets in the most liberalized and competitive environment in the MENA region, delivering fixed and wireless telecommunication services cutting-edge to its customers.

At the end of 2011, Batelco Bahrain’s customer base stood at over 738,500 mobile customers, over 89, 000 Broadband customers and 171,000 fixed line connections, making it an industry leader.

Batelco also offers end- to- end telecommunications solutions to its residential, business and government customers. These services include Next Generation, all IP fixed and 3.5G wireless networks, MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) based regional data solutions and, GSM mobile and WiMax broadband services across the countries in which it operates.

Origin

Bahrain’s first telecommunications link to the rest of the world dates back to 1864, when the island was connected to the Indo-European undersea telegraphic cable. This remained the only telecom medium until 1931 when Cable & Wireless’ predecessors started to operate radio links that provided telegram and telephony services.

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February / March 2013

During the 1930’s the Electricity Department operated the country’s first telephone exchange with 15 staff members, two motorcars and 39 lines in operation. The first telegraphic office opened in 1947, closely followed by the installation of Bahrain’s first automatic telephone exchange in 1949. The company was known at that time as the Imperial and International Communications Company, later to be incorporated in the Wireless Telegraph Company in early 1949.

The 70’s

In 1969 Bahrain entered the age of Satellite communication as the late Amir HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa at Ras Abu Jarjour inaugurated the Middle East’s first satellite station.

In 1979 Bahrain became a partner in the Gulf submarine coaxial cable linking Bahrain to Qatar and the UAE. Then a year later the first digital telephone exchange was put into use.

The 90’s

In 1990 Fiber Optic cables that had been laid along the 26km long King Fahad Causeway becomes operational.

This opens a world of opportunities for Bahrain and the Middle East. A year after Batelco establishes the first 128 kbs data circuit in the Arabian Gulf, to the UK. The 90’s saw the world shifting from analog technology towards digital media and Bahrain was quick to adopt this philosophy as well. Completely digitalizing its national and international telephone switches, at a total cost of over BD17 million.

Batelco joins the Information Superhighway with the launch of inet and becomes the first Telecoms Company in the Middle East to qualify for ISO certification, recommended by the British Standards Institute.

A New Millennia

Formation

Batelco was established with the help of Cable & Wireless in 1981.

Cable and Wireless staked a 40% claim on the infant company.

1982 saw the 50,000th fixed telephone line in Bahrain by Batelco.

Bahrain begins the foundation work laying the coaxial cables linking Qatar and the UAE in 1983. A few years later Bahrain begins installing the first section of its Fibre Optic infrastructure.

Infrastructure

In 1987 phase 2 of construction on the new 11 storey building begins in the Diplomat Area. This building continues to serve Batelco’s customers to this day.

After 7 short years, construction on Batelco’s headquarters finally begins. The location for the headquarters is situated in Hamala. In 1989, the Cable & Wireless sells off 20% of its shares to Bahrain Government.

In 2001, Batelco launches Speednet, which is based on ADSL technology. Several KwikServe Autopay machines are installed across Bahrain.

Batelco feeling the need to renovate their image establishes a new company identity. Incorporating the colors and design of the Bahraini flag.

Bahrain welcomes the Formula One in 2004, while Batelco provided the complete telecoms infrastructure for the first-ever Bahrain Grand Prix.

Batelco was declared the overall winner in the Best Business Transformation Category of the Landor Awards beating out such global brands as Frito-Lay, Smirnoff, Bailey’s and Japan Post, in 2005.

In order to expand its borders Batelco acquired 96% share of Umniah Mobile Communications. Other acquisitions included Sabafon (Yemen) S Tel (India) Mobile operator, with licenses to operate in 6 Indian states.

Looking Ahead

In 2011, it paid out over BD2.1 million to health, education, sports and cultural initiatives. Batelco Group today is a diversified regional telecommunications operator with a market leading position in the Kingdom of Bahrain and a strong and growing presence across the MENA region and neighboring markets of opportunity.

Batelco remains among the leading philanthropic companies in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Company aspires to have a positive impact on all segments of the community and reach all areas of Bahrain via its annual CSR program.

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“People’s access to information is considered no longer a privilege but more a human right” 38

February / March 2013

Leading the

Charge!

Find out why Batelco is still the top telecommunication company in Bahrain.

How does a company maintain its position in the market? Is it the product, service, employees or the management? So we decided to ask Mr. Rashid Abdulla, the CEO of Batelco, what’s the secret to becoming an industry leader?

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39

Telecommunications is a very fast paced industry, how does it feel at the helm of Bahrain’s largest telecommunications giant?

It’s very exciting but also very challenging. Arguably there is no other industry that is moving at the pace of the telecommunications industry with its rapidly changing communications devices and services which are quickly embraced by the public who are ever hungry for the newest and the latest.

It is our responsibility to ensure that Batelco is always looking to the next big development in the trade and working to roll out a constant stream of must have products and services.

You are a company stalwart and have over 30 years experience with the company. Could you tell us about how you started your career?

Were things simpler then? Did you ever think about making it to your present position?

I joined as a student in 1979 and was sent overseas to the UK, to train first at the Cable & Wireless Telecommunications College and then on to Thames Polytechnic to complete a BSc (hons) in Electrical & Electronics Engineering. Such training provided an invaluable stepping stone to kick start my career. It has been an exciting journey being a part of the early development of Batelco, participating in the company as it has grown from being a local company to become a regional and now global organization. As Batelco has grown so has my career and I never imagined when I joined Batelco all those years ago that one day I would be in command of Batelco Bahrain, and I have never regretted being in this exciting industry.

How many retail outlets do you currently have in Bahrain and are there any plans for more?

We have 26 retail shops, which includes 5 outlets within BBK Financial Malls throughout Bahrain. We continue to review all opportunities for reaching our customers including better serving them online.

If you were asked about a favorite decade or period at work, what would that be? And why?

The 1990’s was the best decade with Batelco leading the region in

launching GSM and also Internet, the start of revolutionary changes to our regional industry.

On the journey to where you are today, we are sure you have many interesting stories, can you tell us of one?

The turning point for Batelco was the launching of Internet in Bahrain as the first country in the region to launch commercial Internet beyond some Internet applications mainly in educational and university campuses.

It was very interesting with the debates and resistances we faced regarding whether a telecom operator should go beyond traditional voice dominating services; I am very glad we persisted and that we won.

In one sentence how would you describe the impact of information technology on people?

People’s access to information is considered no longer a privilege but more a human right, hence the impact has been huge with the merge of information technology and telecom access to such information.

We know how much emphasis Batelco spends on training locals, but can you give us some numbers and statistics?

Providing training and development opportunities for our employees is a long term investment and is a top priority for Batelco. In Bahrain during 2012 Batelco invested BD560,000 in training and development to deliver almost 55,000 training hours, benefitting 1,100 employees.

Companies say competition is always good, bearing that statement in mind, do you think it was easier running the show before the advent of competitors?

During my career I worked in a state monopoly environment before the current competitive environment, the latter being much more challenging and more exciting as you need to be more innovative, think outside the box and never underestimate your competitors.

Competition has been a blessing for the Kingdom and the community as it has pushed all providers to deliver the latest communication technologies, which

positions Bahrain as a leading business hub of the region. Additionally, it ensures a fantastic variety of world class products and services for all residents at very competitive prices with high quality of services.

How do you gauge competition? Do you try out their services? i.e. do you have a Zain or Viva chip? Would you mind having one?

We always try out the products and services of our competitors in order to ensure that our offerings are equal to or superior to theirs.

How does Batelco CEO respond to comments from friends who sometimes say they are unhappy with their Batelco services?

Of course if any customer, friend or otherwise approaches me, I would have their issue investigated and resolved by the relevant members of the Batelco team. It is not possible for any company to have 100% of their customers satisfied 100% of the time. However, we really strive to keep up a good record of customer satisfaction and we achieved a very high customer satisfaction level in our recent Voice of Customer survey which is carried out annually by an external organisation. On an ongoing basis, keeping our customers satisfied is a commitment made by every Batelco employee from the executive teams down to general staff.

Does your mobile also get bombarded with marketing text messages?

I receive a number of marketing texts just like all mobile users. If I receive advertising messages about products a lot are interesting and the ones I am not interested to continue receiving, I simply block the sender id using Batelco’s convenient SMS Filter Services. All you have to do is send the message ‘Block (sender name)’ to 5000.

It has been a year since Batelco started work on Fiber Network project, when can the public expect to see Internet packages that fully utilize the infrastructure’s capabilities?

A lot has been achieved particularly for newly developed areas. Batelco is currently actively working with the concerned governmental parties

“I worked in a state monopoly environment before the current competitive environment, the latter being much more challenging and more exciting as you need to be more innovative...”

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February / March 2013

to introduce higher speed Internet packages that will fully utilize our infrastructure’s capabilities. We hope to be able to offer higher speed packages to our customers in the very near future.

Will Batelco provide LTE coverage in Bahrain anytime soon?

The process to award frequency spectrum licenses, which is crucial for commercially launching LTE in Bahrain beyond the trials or misleading publicities that have been made so far, is still ongoing. Batelco is ready with the network technology in place and being enhanced for the launch of LTE and is awaiting the availability of the spectrum.

Confidently I can see Batelco will maintain its leadership.

Why should the consumers come to Batelco for their telecom needs?

Batelco has a long established reputation for its high quality brand of products and services and the company is well known for its very reliable networks and infrastructure. Our reputation exceeds the boundaries of Bahrain and in many cases we set and are taken as the benchmark for highly

professional and reputable companies.

Aggressive competition within the local market has taught us to provide best-inclass services.

Since the telecom business is constantly evolving with latest advances being unveiled year on year. How do you personally keep up?

Sitting in my seat as Chief Executive I have the opportunity to experience all the latest products and services first hand which is very exciting. There is no business quite like the telecoms industry; the speed and efficiency of how we communicate these days is a top priority for businesses world wide in order for them to remain competitive, so product and service developers are constantly trying to upgrade on current offerings and it is in our best interest to be always up to date.

As a CEO would you say that Batelco has fulfilled its targets in the Bahraini market? Are your products evenly spread across all sectors or is there still something more to be gained or desired?

Definitely, Batelco has not only

fulfilled its targets but exceeded them in many cases. As a Bahraini company we are very committed to the local marketplace and since the beginning we have invested millions of dinars and continue to do so, in our people, our networks, our product/services and last but not least our community. We never sit back and rest on our success; we continuously review, upgrade and enhance our offerings and delivery.

It is every CEO’s desire to leave his or her footprint on their tenure with a company. What would you like yours to be? Are you working towards a goal or a target apart from the usual upgrades and advances? Where would you like Batelco to be when you decide to call it a day?

I would like Batelco to always be a company respected and admired by all and be the best in class brand for providing total solutions with high grade customer services, thanks to our people.

I would like Batelco to retain its position as the market leading telecoms brand in Bahrain and be the customers’ first choice for all their communications needs.

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push to the top

Why VIVA’s the fastest growing telecom company in the market?

Since taking the market by storm in March of 2010, VIVA has gone from being the new guy to a formidable contender. Its attractive and carefully tailored offers being the main reason for its unprecedented and quick success, gaining market share and improving consumer satisfaction in the Kingdom. We spoke with VIVA’s CEO Ulaiyan Al Wetaid about the company and its aggressive marketing strategy.

Please share with us your professional experience?

I have more than 12 years of extensive experience in the telecommunications sector including Business modeling, Organization Effectiveness, Strategic Planning, Regulatory Affairs and Human Resources roles.

Prior to my appointment as VIVA Bahrain CEO, I was part of the setup and launch team of VIVA Bahrain as the Chief Human Resources Officer. As the CEO of VIVA Bahrain, I have been responsible for leading the company’s overall strategic direction to achieve solid financial and commercial growth and profitability.

What is VIVA’s vision for 2013?

We will continue to focus in offering innovative and valuable products and services to our customers through the relentless deployment of the latest technologies. VIVA will continue to invest in network expansions and upgrades to ensure that our rapidly growing subscriber base continues to enjoy unmatched coverage and quality of service. One of the key objectives for VIVA in 2013 is the commercial launch of 4G LTE services following the spectrum auction in the coming months. Furthermore, like any maturing operation, VIVA has a strong focus on increasing its profitability and we aim to achieve this through revenue enhancement and diversification initiatives as well as managing our costs.

How many employees does VIVA currently employ?

VIVA’s headquarters are located in the Seef area and host a diverse and talented workforce of over 700 employees responsible for the operations of the company. All team members work together under one roof contributing to the creative thinking that has assisted VIVA into achieving its current market leadership. In terms of our retail presence, VIVA has an extended network with presence across the Kingdom throughout 18 VIVA outlets that provide easy and convenient access to all customers.

Do you think VIVA has achieved its objectives since its launch in 2010?

Within our first 2 years of operations, VIVA moved from being a third entrant challenger to becoming a market leader. As we reach our 3rd anniversary, VIVA has reinforced and strengthened its position across voice

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February / March 2013

and broadband services and has achieved the strategic objectives set at the outset. Our success has come about with the support and vote of confidence from our customers, the professionalism of our team, the positive relationship with our business partners, along with the extensive array of resources, advanced technology and the robust network that VIVA enjoys.

What is VIVA doing to maintain its presence in Bahrain’s competitive market?

We continuously strive to give our customers a superior communication experience with best in class customer service. We continue expanding our retail and distribution networks to offer diverse and convenient touch points to our customers. In terms of products and services, VIVA continues offering the latest technologies with an enhanced portfolio and flexible pricing plans. Our offerings allow customers to benefit from innovative and high quality communication services while getting the best value for money. To ensure we have a robust technology infrastructure that allows us to meet and exceed our customers’ needs and expectations, we continue investing in our network to enhance its reliability, performance and high quality connectivity.

What is your opinion on the telecom market in Bahrain?

When VIVA launched commercial operations three years ago, the Bahraini telecom market was not as competitive as today. The market has greatly evolved since then, currently there is larger saturation and greater competition. At the end of 2009, mobile voice penetration in Bahrain was 119% whereas broadband penetration was 13%. In two and a half years since VIVA’s launch (till June 2012) mobile voice penetration increased to 158% whereas broadband penetration increased to 34%.

What used to be a low competitive 2 player market has rapidly transformed into a highly competitive market. This increased competition has strongly benefited customers as they now have a wider array of options available to choose from in terms of products, services and price-plans. In addition, usage tariffs for both voice and data services have declined significantly making communication services more affordable for subscribers.

What are VIVA’s plans with regards to LTE? Early in 2012, VIVA was the first operator in Bahrain to carry out the successful testing and showcasing of its 4G/LTE network.

A full-scale commercial launch of LTE is planned for this year following the Telecom Regulatory Authority’s (TRA) spectrum auction and release. Over the past few months there has been significant progress with regards to LTE with the TRA finalizing the available spectrum bands, auction rules and starting date. The auction is scheduled to commence from 31st March 2013 and once the acquired spectrum is allocated it is expected that all the operators will make a strong push to launch LTE. How is VIVA being socially responsible?

In 2011, we launched our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, VIVA Jusoor, in line with our mission to ‘Make a positive contribution to the local community by promoting a knowledge based society and participating in community development programs’. Since then, VIVA has been actively involved in various CSR initiatives that have engaged the company and its employees in meaningful, sociallyimpactful projects that have created lasting change by connecting us to the wider community in Bahrain. VIVA has also achieved strategic partnerships with Manchester United, the Bahrain International Circuit for the VIVA Karting Track, the Royal Golf Club and the Bahrain Football Association. These partnerships have assisted us in establishing a sustainable platform for local Bahraini talent to be showcased and to have access to unique opportunities. Under the Jusoor umbrella VIVA has also launched multiple campaigns aiming to raise awareness about autism in Bahrain. In addition, VIVA has also sponsored a skill building and empowerment program with the Bahrain Deaf Society and through a partnership with the Ministry of Social Development we offer 50% discount on all services to “People with Special Needs”.

Does VIVA actively engage in local talent and how does it contribute towards its development?

As one of the fastest growing telecom companies in Bahrain, we are always on the search for young talent who can support VIVA with great passion and that

have a strong desire to be creative and innovative in their thinking and approach.

In line with this, VIVA participated and sponsored the Kingdom’s biggest academic and professional annual event, Career Expo 2012. At the event, our team offered career advice and guidance to the Bahraini youth. To ensure access to the best talent, and in line with our drive to reinforce VIVA as the ‘Employer of Choice’, the company has developed a ‘Graduate Development Programme’. This initiative from VIVA targets young graduates offering them unique career opportunities, together with an on-the-job learning experience and a well-thought out development and growth plan. As part of the programme we have outlined professional and technical training for young Bahraini graduates through a range of learning resources, leadership initiatives and advanced IT tools combined with work-related projects and assignments.

On completion of the one year-long program, trainees with exceptional on-the-job performance and skills qualify for an internal career opportunity with VIVA and placements offered through the normal selection process to secure a regular employment contract. In addition, we have also partnered with the University of Bahrain to host training seminars offering guidance to students to be better prepared when seeking for job opportunities.

“Our success has come about with the support and vote of confidence from our customers...”

VIVA’s achievements

VIVA has positively impacted the telecommunications market in Bahrain by introducing a number of FIRSTS including:  First operator to successfully test

and showcase its 4G/LTE network in early 2012.

 First to launch 42Mbps high speed

network, making it the fastest mobile broadband for home, business and mobile users alike across the Kingdom.

 Being at the forefront of innovation

by being the first to introduce the latest devices such as the BB 10, iPhone5, the iPad fourth generation, the SIII mini and more.

 Launch of a comprehensive

Wholesale and Enterprise portfolio with national and international services in March 2012.

 Several network upgrades in

3 years of operations to keep enhancing quality of services and technology delivery to our customers across Bahrain.

 Entered into key strategic

partnerships with Manchester United, the Bahrain International Circuit for the VIVA Karting Track, the Bahrain Football Association and the Royal Golf Club to uplift the sporting talent of the local community.

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The Top

Smart Phone Smart phones compared, which is the best for you?

Mobile phones are not just phones anymore, they’re Smartphones!

Just back in 2001 we had black and white screen cell phones now a phone can even replace a computer. In 2012 many cool and exciting phones were released. We’ve all got at least one mobile phone each, right? The trouble is, how do you decide which is the best one for you?

Here we have our top 10 best smartphones currently in the market.

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Samsung Galaxy S III (S3) The Galaxy S III takes everything that worked in Samsung’s earlier Galaxy smartphones, and brings it up to current, high-end standards. Its bright, sharp AMOLED display is one of the largest on any smartphone, at 4.8 inches; it boasts one of the best cameras we’ve seen on a phone.

It has great voice quality; and it can effortlessly handle the most demanding apps. It’s also lighter than its predecessors, weighing in at about 4.7 ounces, compared to the Galaxy Nexus’s 5.30 ounces.

While Samsung has stuffed it with social, sharing, and voice-control apps. The real value of the S III is as a solid, well-designed, high-end smartphone, it will even work with the high-speed 4G networks that are currently in development.

Specs: Operating system: Android (Jelly Bean [4.1]) Screen Size: 4.8 inches Screen resolution: 1280 x 720 Internal memory: 16 GB Camera: 8 megapixels

Apple iPhone 5

2

When deciding how to overhaul the iPhone 5, Apple left no stone unturned. The famously crack-prone back of the 4 and 4S has been replaced by a matte aluminum body that helps make it both thinner and lighter than any previous iPhone (and most of its competition). It feels truly remarkable and the taller (but not wider) screen, strong battery life, upgraded processor and graphics, and improved low-light photography make it a worthy upgrade, even for many people who purchased a 4S last year. It is also compatible with faster 4G LTE wireless. If you’re already an iPhone (or iPod) user, the iPhone 5 heralds Apple’s latest big switch, this time upgrading the aging, ubiquitous 30-pin connector to a tiny, versatile new Lightning port and its iOS 6 operating system. While largely an improvement over iOS 5, now features turn-by-turn directions, but significantly poorer maps and directions. The iPhone 5 is thoughtfully designed from the inside out and Apple’s attention to detail shows. It’s by a wide margin the best iPhone ever built and is one of the best smartphones ever made.

Specs: Operating system: iOS (6) Screen Size: 4 inches Screen resolution: 1136 x 640 Internal memory: 8 GB Camera: 8 megapixels

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3 HTC One X

+

The HTC One X+ adds a faster processor, more storage, and updated versions of Android and HTC’s Sense UI to one of our favorite smartphones, the One X. The Android 4.1 and Sense 4+ updates make the One X+ an even slicker, smoother and more powerful customer than its older brother.

However, the phone does have an improved front camera, and thanks to its faster processor, the autofocus and burst mode performance are significantly boosted.

Specs: Operating system: Android (Jelly Bean [4.1]) Screen Size: 4.7 inches Screen resolution: 1280 x 720 Internal memory: 64 GB Camera: 8 megapixels

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4

HTC Windows Phone 8X HTC’s latest smartphone is much smaller than the company’s recent flagship models, such as the One X+, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Its 4.3-inch HD display is one of the sharpest and brightest available on a smartphone, eclipsing even the Retina display on the iPhone 5. It includes a very good camera, a fast processor. The 8X runs on Windows Phone 8, which improves on earlier versions of Microsoft’s mobile OS with a more customizable start screen, a new version of Internet Explorer, and good parental controls. While the Windows Phone app ecosystem isn’t quite as robust as iOS or Android, many key apps are already available for the OS, and more are being added daily. The 8X has half as much storage as you’ll find on the Nokia Lumia 920, its chief competitor in the Windows Phone space.

Its screen is also slightly smaller, and it lacks some of the 920’s other unique features, such as a camera with optical image stabilization. However, it’s also much lighter than the 920, which can be a real issue for a device you’ll be carrying all day. If you’re ready to make the jump to a Windows phone.

Specs: Operating system: Windows Phone (8) Screen Size: 4.3 inches Screen resolution: 1280 x 720 Internal memory: 16 GB Camera: 8 megapixels

5 Nokia Lumia 920

The Nokia Lumia 920 has some features you won’t find on most other smartphones, including wireless charging; an incredibly sharp, high-resolution 4.5-inch display that’s so bright that you can actually use it outdoors in bright sunlight; a touchscreen that works even when you’re wearing gloves; and a camera with true optical image stabilization and amazing low-light performance. It also includes a very fast processor, plenty of internal storage, and very good battery life. The 920 runs on Windows Phone 8, which improves on earlier versions of Microsoft’s mobile OS with a more customizable start screen, a new version of Internet Explorer, and good parental controls. The phone also includes Nokia’s own very good navigation and transportation apps. While the Windows Phone app ecosystem isn’t quite as robust as iOS or Android, many key apps are already available for the OS, and more are being added daily. The 920’s main downside is its weight. At 6.5 ounces, it’s one of the heaviest smartphones around, especially compared to ultra light models like the 3.9-ounce iPhone 5. It’s even heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Note II, which has an enormous 5.5-inch display. We think the Lumia 920 is one of the best Windows phones currently available, but if you’re put off by its weight, and want a Windows-based smartphone, you should also consider the 4.6-ounce HTC 8X, which lacks some of the 920’s more unique features like OIS, and has a slightly smaller display, but which is otherwise its equal when it comes to most other functions.

Specs: Operating system: Windows Phone (8) Screen Size: 4.5 inches Screen resolution: 1280 x 720 Internal memory: 32 GB Camera: 8 megapixels

6

Samsung Galaxy Note II Let’s get this out of the way: The Galaxy Note II is a very big phone. It’s tough to use with just one hand, and you may even feel a little ridiculous holding it up to your ear, so be prepared to use a headset. That said, Samsung has done an amazing job minimizing the phone’s heft and keeping it extremely slim, and it is easier to hold than you’d expect.

It will fit comfortably in a jacket pocket, and only slightly uncomfortably in a pants pocket. If you’re prepared to carry it, you’ll be rewarded with a bright, sharp 5.5-inch display that’s great for watching movies, playing games, reading and writing email and texts, and taking notes using Samsung’s unique S Pen stylus. You’ll also get very good battery life, a fast processor that can handle the most demanding games and apps, and software designed to take advantage of the S Pen -- though some of it comes with a bit of a learning curve, and not all apps are stylus-friendly. If you want a phone that will double as a small tablet, or like the idea of using a stylus to take notes or sketch on your phone’s screen, you won’t find a better option than the Galaxy Note II. Just try it out first, and make sure your pockets are big enough to both pay for it and carry it around.

Specs: Operating system: Android (Jelly Bean [4.1]) Screen Size: 5.5 inches Screen resolution: 1280 x 720 Internal memory: 16 GB Camera: 8 megapixels February / MaRCH 2013

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LG Nexus 4 With the Nexus 4, Google and LG have created one of the best Android smartphones yet. The Nexus 4 has a bright, high-resolution 4.7-inch display, the latest version of Android, a fast quad-core processor, wireless charging, a good camera, and NFC for mobile payments and other close-up data-transfer functions. While the Nexus 4 is a great phone, it does have some faults, the biggest one being its lack of support for high-speed LTE data networks. The Nexus 4 also has limited storage capacity, and its battery life isn’t on par with some other newer Android phones.

Specs: Operating system: Android (Ice Cream Sandwich [4.0]) Screen Size: 4.6 inches Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080 Internal memory: 16 GB Camera: 13 megapixels

Sony Xperia T The Sony Xperia T takes over from the Sony Xperia S as the Japanese company’s new flagship device, but borrows the design found on the popular, but now aging Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc and Arc S. It runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, with a 4.6-inch display boasting Sony’s Bravia TV technology and on the back of the handset you’ll find the 13MP camera – one of this phone’s best features. Sony has produced another impressive smartphone that offers the functionality and performance. That being said, when compared with the earlier Sony Xperia S, or some of the other flagship Android handsets, the difference is negligible. Quick verdict The Sony Xperia T is a very, very good phone. Everything about it is slick and well-executed and the performance is certainly what we expect. However, the Xperia S was a very, very good phone.

When a new model comes out, we look for it to improve upon the previous one and unfortunately, hand on heart; this doesn’t improve on the last generation of smartphones as much as it should - so that’s why it just pips the S, but doesn’t challenge the leading pack in our book.

Specs: Operating system: Android (Jelly Bean [4.1]) Screen Size: 4.7 inches Screen resolution: 1280 x 720 Internal memory: 8 GB Camera: 8 megapixels

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8

Samsung Galaxy Nexus The Samsung Galaxy Nexus was the world’s first phone to run Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich and now just under a year later it’s the first phone to run Android 4.1: Jelly Bean. It’s an upgrade that keeps it as relevant. The big selling point here is not so much the handset – it’s what powers the Galaxy Nexus. With Android 4.0 Google redrew its Android OS in probably the biggest overhaul since it launched and the Galaxy Nexus was the flagship device for that OS. On top of that, the specs include a fantastic Super AMOLED HD screen, dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 5MP camera, to name a few.

Specs: Operating system: Android (Jelly Bean [4.1]) Screen Size: 4.65 inches Screen resolution: 1280 x 720 Internal memory: 16 GB Camera: 5 megapixels

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10 Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX HD Like the RAZR HD, but need longer battery life? Then the RAZR MAXX HD is for you. Like the original RAZR MAXX, this version adds a more powerful battery to Motorola’s flagship phone, making it slightly more hefty, but giving it enough power to easily run a full day on a single charge, something many other smartphones find challenging. Motorola claims that the 3,300mAh battery will provide 17.6 hours of talk time, which blows its rivals, such as the Samsung Galaxy S3 (11.6 hours) and iPhone 4S (8 hours), out of the water. The rest of the internal specs are identical to the Razr, so you get a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB RAM, 8MP rear camera with LED flash and 1080p video recording, front facing 1.3MP camera and Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system. However, an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is now available.

Specs: Operating system: Android (Jelly Bean [4.1]) Screen Size: 4.7 inches Screen resolution: 1280 x 720 Internal memory: 32 GB Camera: 8 megapixels February / MaRCH 2013

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Nokia HQ, Finland

Connecting

People The story of how a galoshes manufacturer turned into a multinational communications corporation.

Nokia has come a long way in the past 150 years. Starting off as a riverside paper mill in south-western Finland and transforming into telecommunications leader connecting over 1.3 billion people across the globe. They have made rubber boots and car tires.

Generated electricity. Even manufactured TVs. Nokia’s record of sustainability can be attributed to their capability to adapt and thrive in any market situation.

Origin Story

Mining engineer Fredrik Idestam sets up his first wood pulp mill at the Tammerkoski Rapids in south-western Finland, in 1865. A few years later he opens a second mill on the banks of the Nokianvirta River, which inspires him to name his company Nokia Ab. In 1871, Idestam, with the help of his close friend statesman Leo Mechelin, renamed and transformed his firm into a share company, thereby founding the Nokia Company, the name it is still known by today. How apt that Nokia begins by making paper – one of the most influential communications technologies in history.

Left Image: Fredrik Idestam, Right Image: Leo Mechelin

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Tires and Galoshes

In 1898, Eduard Polón founded Finnish Rubber Works, which later becomes Nokia’s rubber business, making everything from galoshes to tires. Nokia rubber boots becomes a bona fide design classic, and is still on sale to this day – though Nokia themselves no longer makes them.

The Electronics boom

In 1912, Arvid Wickström sets up Finnish Cable Works, the foundation of Nokia’s cable and electronics business. By the 1960s, Finnish Cable Works – already working closely with Nokia Ab and Finnish Rubber Works – starts branching out into electronics. In 1962, it makes its first electronic device in-house: a pulse analyzer for use in nuclear power plants.

In 1963, the company starts developing radio telephones for the army and emergency services – Nokia’s first foray into telecommunications. In time, the company’s MikroMikko becomes the best known computer brand in Finland. By 1987, Nokia is the third largest TV manufacturer in Europe.

And then there was one

Having been jointly owned since 1922, Nokia Ab, Finnish Cable Works and Finnish Rubber Works officially merge in 1967. The new Nokia Corporation has five businesses: rubber, cable, forestry, electronics and power generation. But as the 1980s come into view, it’s an entirely new

industry that makes Nokia a household name around the world. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the boom of technology.

The new Nokia Corporation was ideally placed to take a pioneering role in this new industry, leading the way with some iconic – and by today’s standards, very large – products.

September 2002 its first video capture phone, the Nokia 3650.

However, it was when Nokia launched its first 3G phone, the Nokia 6650, in 2002 that things really take off. With 3G technology, phones can now be used to browse the web, download music, watch TV on the move, and more. Mobiles will never be the same again.

The mobile era

One billion and counting

Nokia got the ball rolling in 1979, creating radio telephone company Mobira Oy as a joint venture with leading Finnish TV maker Salora.

1981 then saw the launch of the Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT) service, the world’s first international cellular network and the first to allow international roaming.

The NMT standard catches on fast and the mobile phone industry begins to expand rapidly. In 1982, Nokia introduces the first car phone – the Mobira Senator – to the network. That same year, the Nokia DX200, the company’s first digital telephone switch, goes into operation.

Good enough for Gorbachev

In 1984, Nokia launches the Mobira Talkman portable car phone.

Resembling a military field telephone, it’s a fairly cumbersome piece of kit – but it’s a start.

Then in 1987, Nokia introduces the Mobira Cityman, the first handheld mobile phone for NMT networks. Despite weighing in at 800 grams and a price tag of 24,000 Finnish Marks (around USD 6,162), it goes on to become a classic. The Cityman even earns a nickname, the “Gorba”, after Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev is pictured using one to make a call from Helsinki to his communications minister in Moscow.

Over the next decade, millions of consumers worldwide enjoy their very own Gorbachev moment as the mobile revolution takes hold.

In 1987, GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is adopted as the European standard for digital mobile technology. With its high-quality voice calls, international roaming and support for text messages, GSM ignites a global mobile revolution.

As a key player in developing this new technology, Nokia is able to take full advantage.

In 2005, Nokia sells its billionth phone – a Nokia 1100 – in Nigeria, and global mobile phone subscriptions pass 2 billion. Two years later, Nokia is recognized as the 5th most valued brand in the world. Things have come a long way since Fredrik Idestam opened his paper mill.

Treading lightly

For years, Nokia has been working to make its business practices and products as environmentally and socially responsible as possible – from creating eco friendly handsets and establishing phone recycling schemes to bringing the benefits of mobility to emerging markets. This commitment to sustainability is recognized in a number of prestigious rankings. For example, in 2009 and 2010, the Dow Jones Indexes ranks Nokia as the world’s most sustainable technology company.

In contrast, Nokia’s position in the mobile market faces its toughest challenge to date as competition intensifies in the burgeoning smartphone segment. Once again, the company’s ability to adapt is put to the test…

By 2010, having dominated the mobile world for over a decade, Nokia no longer has things all its own way. In the all-important smartphone market, competitors such as the iPhone and Android-based devices now pose a serious challenge. Clearly, it’s time for a rethink…

The good news is this is nothing new for Nokia. Adapting and transforming the business, finding innovative ideas and solutions, rolling up our sleeves and getting on with things: it’s in the company’s DNA.

New Management

In September 2010, Nokia appoints Stephen Elop as President and CEO. Formerly head of Microsoft’s business division, following roles at Juniper Networks and Adobe Systems Inc., Elop has a strong software background and proven record in change management.

Think Tank

In February 2011, Nokia announces it is joining forces with Microsoft to strengthen its position in the smartphone market. The strategic partnership sees Nokia smartphones adopting the new Windows 7 operating system, with the Symbian platform gradually being sidelined.

Mobira Talkman, Nokia 8810, Nokia 6110 and Mobira Cityman

A new direction

On July 1, 1991, Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri makes the world’s first GSM call, using Nokia equipment. And in 1992, Nokia launches its first digital handheld GSM phone, the Nokia 1011.

That same year, new Nokia President and CEO Jorma Ollila makes a crucial strategic decision: to focus exclusively on manufacturing mobile phones and telecommunications systems. Nokia’s rubber, cable and consumer electronics divisions are gradually sold off.

Let the battle commence

Symbian OS is the dinosaur of mobile phones operating systems, but it was an important step in the evolution from feature phone to smartphone when Nokia first launched it. E series and N series offered a new and improved experience, but when Apple launched iPhone, the Finnish producer was over-passed.

Anyone who used mobile phone technology in the last ten years probably had at a certain point a Nokia device. But the last years were not a success for the company, fact that they are trying to change with the help of Windows Phone Nokia Lumia and Nokia 808 Pure View, a device with an impressive 41 MP photo camera. Nokia sold 2 million Lumia phones, device that was made in partnership with Microsoft. Windows Phone OS is beginning to become a stronger competitor to iOS and Android on smartphone market, and Nokia plans further investments in Lumia series.

Nokia hopes that Lumia will be the future of the company, and will bring them in the top once again.

On top of the world

By 1998, Nokia has become the world leader in mobile phones. The strategic decision to focus on telecommunications, plus early investment in GSM, has paid off. Between 1996 and 2001, Nokia’s turnover increases almost fivefold from EUR 6.5 billion to EUR 31 billion.

As the new millennium dawns, everything changes. New technology enables the Internet to go mobile, opening up a world of possibilities for mobile users. No longer are phones just for phone calls.

Multi-tasking mobiles

In 1999, Nokia launches the Nokia 7110, a phone capable of rudimentary web-based functions, including email. Then in November 2001 Nokia launches its first phone with a built-in camera, the Nokia 7650, and in

The Symbian OS

Windows 8 OS, Lumia 920

February / MaRCH 2013

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Towards a Superior Experience

Providing a superior experience is no longer about simply offering telecom services and devices; today it is much more about delivering the full gamut of products, services and solutions for customers who have complicated requirements, yet need them to be addressed in a simple manner. Thus telecommunications companies are going the extra mile to provide innovative new services.

BATELCO as the Kingdom’s leading integrated telecommunication services provider has created an array of innovative and convenient solutions to enhance its customers’ lifestyles and deliver the optimum experience for them.

Beside providing all types of telecom services including a wide array of business solutions, Batelco has always been successful in staying ahead of the game by providing innovative premium and value 52

February / March 2013

added services to meet the requirements of all its customers, with basic services starting from new packages and top of the line devices up to personalized and customized value added services.

A Smart Service 101 or ‘Smart Guide’ is one of the recently launched services that is D oUVW RI LWV NLQG LQ %DKUDLQ DQG aimed at enhancing customer lifestyle. The new service available

on Batelco premium telephone number 101, provides detailed information on places such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, oWQHVV FHQWUHV KRVSLWDOV FDU rentals and also information about special events and activities taking place in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Additionally, Batelco Call Agents, who have been fully trained to handle the new Smart Guide

BlackBerry Smartphone yet, and offers customers a smarter experience that continuously adapts to their needs.

The BlackBerry Z10 Smartphone delivers a powerful new platform for BlackBerry customers.

Combined with network and service plans from Batelco, BlackBerry Z10 customers will be delighted with a re-invented communication experience, seamless multitasking, easy access to multiple social networks, and the peace of mind that BlackBerry security gives them. & much more

Service, have the facility to guide customers to their desired destinations through an application built on Google Maps.

The service is available seven days a week from 7am to 10pm in both English and Arabic.

Batelco’s 101 service is the place to FDOO LI \RX FDQ W oQG WKDW URPDQWLF Italian restaurant for your wedding anniversary or if you are wondering which 5 star hotels have a spa.

Even if you are lost in Muharraq DQG FDQ W oQG \RXU ZD\ WR 5LIID Golf Club, Batelco 101 can help you oQG \RXU ZD\ 7KH QHZ VHUYLFH ZLOO be free until end of Feb and will be FKDUJHG DW oOOV SHU PLQXWH thereafter.

Stay in control One more value added service Batelco has provided its customers with is the e-Billing service, enabling them to access their accounts anytime and anywhere. The e-Billing service is free of charge and it provides customers with their monthly bills

electronically via their email account on top of around the clock access and electronic payment through the e-Services online portal. In addition, this service enables customers to archive their monthly bills for records and make it easy to have them all stored electronically at one place.

The registeration to the service takes only a few minutes by simply loging on to Batelco’s e-Services Portal and following the steps under the ebilling section. %H WKH oUVW %DWHOFR ZDV WKH oUVW WR ODXQFK WKH new BlackBerry® Z10 Smartphone powered by BlackBerry® 10 in Bahrain. The new BlackBerry Z10 LV WKH oUVW 6PDUWSKRQH EDVHG RQ the re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry 10 platform, giving customers a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience. The BlackBerry Z10 Smartphone is the fastest and most advanced

The company has provided its FXVWRPHUV ZLWK WKH oUVW ORFDO YLGHR service in the Kingdom that is enabled through any Internet connection. ‘Batelco Play’ has been launched as the ultimate entertainment experience, enabling any broadband subscriber from any network to enjoy a wide range of services and features. The service can be accessed anytime with a Broadband connection and from any device such as tablets, laptops and Smartphones, giving a massive choice of different movie titles, sports events, TV shows in addition to pay per view service.

On top of that, Batelco is also providing various services and attractive packages for Mobile, Mobile Broadband, Fixed Broadband as well as other business solutions such as BulkSMS packages which help customers who need SMS texting in their daily life to reach large groups of people in a very convenient way.

For more details on the latest deals and promotions at Batelco visit www.batelco.com or any Batelco Retail Shop.

February / MaRCH 2013

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Offshore Solutions It has never been easier to set up your company

The core business of Sovereign is setting up and managing Onshore, Offshore and Free Zone companies, trusts and other structures to meet the specific personal or business needs of their clients (Individuals and Corporate). Typically these needs would include Trading, Consulting, Bank Accounts, Residency, Citizenships, and Insurance, tax planning, wealth protection, foreign property ownership and facilitating crossborder business.

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S

overeign was established in Gibraltar in 1987 and now the company has offices in all the major international finance centers.

It has a total of 27 offices till date with offices in Bahrain, Dubai, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, etc. Sovereign currently manages over 7,000 structures for a wide variety of clients worldwide. The majority of the clients are individuals, expatriates, entrepreneurs, freelance consultants, private investors, or wealthy persons and their families.

Sovereign have developed a wide range of supporting services embracing asset management, corporate finance and fund raising, specialist tax advice, ship and yacht registration, insurance broking, credit cards, as well as trademark and intellectual property registration and protection.

Offshore Companies are often demonized in the media, which paints a picture of investors

illegally stashing their money away in banks located on an obscure Caribbean island where the tax rate is next to nothing. While it’s true that there will always be instances of shady offshore deals, the vast majority of offshore investing is perfectly legal. In fact, depending on your situation, offshore Companies may offer you many advantages. Such as:

Minimizing Taxation: Offshore companies established in low or zero tax jurisdictions may reduce, delay or even completely eliminate the tax burden on the company.

Holding Company: The offshore

company can easily hold shares in Bahraini Companies (As WLL or SPC), and in other companies outside Bahrain at the same time.

So it can act as A Holding Company for an individual`s shares in different entities. The following diagram illustrates the example.

"While it’s true that there will always be instances of shady offshore deals, the vast majority of offshore investing is perfectly legal."

Which are the most popular offshore jurisdictions?

British Virgin Islands (BVI), Ras Al Khaima (UAE), Hong Kong, Seychelles, and Cayman Islands.

What makes the British Virgin Islands such prime location for offshore banking?

British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a British dependency located in the Eastern Caribbean; the government is stable and promises to remain that way. There is a good commercial and professional infrastructure and the government is actively encouraging the development of the offshore finance business. BVI became the clear market leader for corporate services in the Caribbean after the introduction of the International Business Companies Act in 1984 which created the International Business Company (IBC). This IBC became the industry preferred offshore company.

BVI Company Characteristics Ò Shareholder: A minimum of one

Asset Protection:

Placing your personal assets into a separate legal entity is generally a good idea whether you place them in a traditional company within your home country or you place them in an offshore company. Offshore centers are popular locations for restructuring ownership of assets. Through trusts, foundations or through an existing corporation individual wealth ownership can be transferred from people to other legal entities.

Simplicity: One often overlooked aspect of offshore company incorporation is the relative simplicity of the process. Offshore company formation in many jurisdictions is a quick and seamless process and Sovereign aims to make your offshore incorporation as simple as possible. Additionally, ongoing requirements for offshore companies are often more relaxed than for “onshore” companies.

Confidentiality: Many offshore jurisdictions offer the complimentary benefit of secrecy legislation. These countries have enacted laws establishing strict corporate and banking confidentiality. If this confidentiality is breached, there are serious consequences for the offending party. An example of a breach of banking confidentiality is divulging customer identities; disclosing shareholders is a breach of corporate confidentiality in some jurisdictions.

shareholder is required, any nationality. Ò Directors: A minimum of one director is required, can be the shareholder. Ò No Taxation Ò No cash capital required Ò No Physical Office required Ò Incorporation time 48 hours Ò Business activity can be one or more at the same time. Ò Very useful tool to hold shares, open a bank account, set-up a representative office in Bahrain, own assists, property, yacht, piece of art etc. Ò Total incorporation fees including first year government fees in around: BD700 with no hidden costs.

Sovereign Trust & Consultancy (Bahrain) WLL 5th Floor, GBCORP Tower, Bahrain Financial Harbor.

Email: Bahrain@SovereignGroup.com

February / MaRCH 2013

55

La Boutique’s

Independent

Quest

When art and jewelry come into place 56

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stablished since 2009, La Boutique 92 holds its promise of being inimitable with the jewelry and accessory products it sells. But it takes more than creativity to come up with concepts and designs as entrepreneur Azza Al Hujairi has her eye on distinct pieces to resell from around the globe. With a touch of her Bahraini roots, she keeps the traditional setting by having her store at one of the most iconic and traditional landmarks in the Kingdom, La Fontaine, at the heart of Manama. Packed with passion and charisma, it is with ease that she introduces what she does to BIG.

How did you start La Boutique 92?

The concept of opening up this type of business was inspired by my love for travel, jewelry and art. Also, there weren’t any independent boutiques in Bahrain, like those you would find in Europe with character, charm and an interesting selection of fascinating and unique pieces from international independent designers.

How did you get suppliers for La Boutique items?

I started sourcing by visiting London Fashion Week and the studios independent artisans and artists in Europe.

What qualities of the items do you look for to sell in La Boutique?

There are various factors that I look for in products - exclusive materials, fine finish, unique design, and most pieces are one-offs with their own story behind the journey to create them. fascinating

Where are your items from?

Everywhere. I have worked with designers from all over - the list includes UK, Sweden, Italy, Poland, Kuwait, Bahrain and more.

Do you design accessories too?

I design two lines: Azza and Ninety Two. Azza is a collection of fine jewelry that I launched after completing my education with the Gemological Institute of America in Diamond Grading, Colored Stone Grading, and Pearl Grading while Ninety Two is a collection of costume jewelry and handbags.

Is there a reason of choosing to sell your products in La Fontaine and not in other places in Bahrain?

Unique Gemstone Earings

Not only is the art center the most interesting place on the island, but also it is the perfect space to create a platform for regional and international independent designers.

Chic Haraka Watches

How is the market trend in Bahrain for jewelries and accessories?

The market trends in Bahrain have been something we have naturally adjusted to from the start. The standards we follow are of the international retail industry, following fashion seasons and trends. Carrying a variety of designers that are new to the market has been challenging, although the response from consumers has been very positive, which is why we have successfully started our fourth year with many plans coming up ahead.

When did you start to open a branch in Dubai?

We launched our accessories collection in the DAS Flagship store in Dubai on July 2011. We launched it because our customers grew in number. Basically we expanded our branch because of increasing demand.

What are your favorite pieces?

My favorite is the handmade Envelope handbags, made from %100 lambskin.

They are weightless and the perfect everyday handbag.

What is La Boutique famous for?

It is famous for the unique jewelry that makes the perfect finish to your outfit or gift.

What items do you consider your best seller?

Currently our best selling items are the fine jewelry collection using rough diamonds.

What are your plans for La Boutique?

Robust Golden Studded Bracelets

This year we put our focus on our e-boutique which can be found on our website www.laboutique92.com.

“There weren’t any independent boutiques in Bahrain, like those you would find in Europe with character, charm and an interesting

selection of fascinating and unique pieces”

February / MaRCH 2013

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5 ways to ruin employee morale You have a job to do, and you’re focused on getting it done. You rightly expect your employees to be useful and on board with the tasks. But in your focus on the job at hand, do you speak before you’ve thought it out and destroy the morale of your employees?

C

heck out these five ways to create resentful, unappreciated workers.

Then turn it around so you can build a strong team who will follow you to the top.

“That’s a stupid idea!” Strong negativity crushes future good ideas.

It stops risk-taking and leaves you 58

February / March 2013

with too much of the burden to carry.

Workers will shut up rather than face criticism. Recognize you need to wade through the bad ideas to find the gems. Perhaps your employee hasn’t explained the idea clearly enough to see its merits. Be open to off-the-wall ideas that may revolutionize.

Ask follow-up questions: How will this work? My first concern is XX. How will your idea address that?

“That’s what I’m paying you for.”

This kind of statement broadcasts the boss/employee relationship. No one likes to feel inferior. It creates resentment and ruins morale.

Instead, focus on team building.

Recognize the value your employees bring to the table. When staff members are acknowledged for the good things they are doing or for the strengths they add, you have more willing workers.

“If you can’t get this done on time, maybe you don’t belong here.”

Don’t expect stellar performances to occur under threats or duress. This ineffective motivational tool creates insecurity in your workers. They worry about discipline or getting fired instead of the project at hand.

Better motivation comes from trusting your employees. Might they be overworked?

Consider asking: What would it take to get this done when I need it? How can we all pull this together? I know you’re doing your best. When is the earliest I can expect this?

“Don’t bother. Your work probably won’t make any difference.”

Don’t invalidate your employees.

Morale tanks when employees feel useless or unappreciated.

Take the time to express appreciation. A genuine “thank you” takes two seconds of your time, and the rewards are well worth it when your staff feels valuable. You’ll want to look them in the eye, smile, and sincerely express your appreciation.

“I haven’t gotten around to reading it.”

Do you act like you’re indifferent to things that are important to your staff? If you don’t care about them, they are not likely to care about you.

Recognize those things that are important to your employees. Their task may be a small part of your responsibilities, but it’s a large part of theirs. Respect and value both them and

their work. While you don’t have to get deeply involved in the lives of your employees, a sense of caring will go a long way.

Eliminate these five disasters that ruin employee morale, cause lower productivity, higher turnover, and greater headaches for you.

Criticism, condescension, threats, invalidating, and indifference lead to unproductive workers.

Instead, use appreciation, trust, respect, and praise to build a strong, effective work force that will showcase your dynamic leadership.

Joel Garfinkle is the author of seven books, including “Getting Ahead: Three Steps to Take Your Career to the Next Level.” More than 10,000 people receive his Fulfillment@Work newsletter. Subscribe and you’ll receive the free e-book “41 Proven Strategies to Get Promoted Now!”

February / MaRCH 2013

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How To Get People To Do Things They Don’t Want To A reader recently asked me a pointed question: “I’ve read your work on creating user habits. It’s all well and good for getting people to do things, like using an app on their iPhone, but I’ve got a bigger problem. How do I get people to do things they don’t want to do?” Taken aback by the directness and potentially immoral implications of his question, my gut reaction was to say, “You can’t and shouldn’t!” To which his response was, “I have to; it’s my job.”

By: Nir Eyal 60

February / March 2013

Nir Eyal writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and business.

This gentleman, who asked that I not disclose his name, is the corporate

equivalent of the guy the mob sends to break kneecaps if a worker doesn’t do as they’re told. For the past decade, he has run the same methodical process of cajoling, and at times threatening, people to do things they don’t want to do. “It’s really unfair and mean. I know it is,” he said. “But people have to comply or else people get hurt.”

This man is an identity and access management auditor at a well-known public accounting firm. Not exactly Good Fellas, but high-stakes nonetheless. His Fortune 500 clients pay his firm to ensure managers complete lengthy inquiries involving hundreds of employees collecting thousands of pieces of information, usually on tight deadlines. “Ever since Sarbanes-Oxley, these user access reviews just have to get done.” m

Though the auditor’s job is unique, getting others to do uninteresting tasks (specifically those that are infrequent and involve work done outside normal responsibilities) is a common challenge.

A SHOT IN THE ARM

I pondered this question and searched my mental database for examples of companies I’ve worked with or could reference as case studies. But instead, I thought about the last time I saw someone willfully doing something they didn’t want to do; my four-year-old daughter came to mind.

We had recently taken her to the pediatrician for a final round of shots before kindergarten and, to our surprise, she left the doctor’s office with a spring in her step and a smile on her face. To a child, there are few things more terrifying than getting stuck with needles, and it was the closest equivalent I could think of to completing the auditor’s “user access reviews.”

What made my daughter’s visit to the doctor so painless helps illustrate three tactics anyone can use to get people to do things they don’t inherently want to do.

1

ONE P R I CK A T A TI M E When the nurse stepped into the examining room, my daughter knew something was up. On a small tray, she carried four intimidating syringes. But instead of showing them all to my daughter, she thoughtfully kept them out of view.

At the appropriate time, she reached for a needle, one by one, careful to consider how her actions would be perceived by my daughter. She tamed the instruments of toddler torment through what designers call progressive disclosure; to the nurse, it was just considerate common sense.

Managers pushing down tasks know all the level of details and tend to think everyone else should, too. But that’s just not the case. Most users just want to know what to do next, and flooding them with too much information induces stress and fear. Having the forethought to appropriately stage the work can reduce this fear, which ironically, in both children and adults, is often much worse than the prick of the needle itself.

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REDUCE THE PAIN W I T H P R O G R E SS In the auditor’s case, his requests were particularly painful because they were too infrequent to become skill-building routines.

Whereas many tasks become easier with time as people improve their abilities, corporate fire drills are dreaded for many reasons. For one, they distract workers from their regular duties. They often require learning new processes or hunting down long-discarded information. And worst of all, they can last for an undefined period of time, providing little visibility into when the pain will end.

Just as parsing tasks into smaller chunks can make a job seem more achievable, providing greater insight into the progress made is another way to reduce cognitive stress. In the pediatrician’s office, the thoughtful nurse asked my daughter to count to five as she administered each shot, giving my daughter an idea of how long the pain would last and creating a sense of control.

For years, game designers have utilized mechanisms to track advancement. Progress bars help players understand where they are in the game just as tracking and estimation tools could help workers better plan their work.

These tools help inform how much time the next task should take and its relative place in the entire job. Providing a sense of progression is a form of feedback and is a key component of making unpleasant tasks more manageable.

“you’ll get to pick anything you’d like from the treasure chest.” Offering prizes for the completion of certain tasks is effective in both children and adults, but beware, there is risk in rewards.

Numerous studies have shown that extrinsic rewards — incentives that are separate from the activity itself — often backfire. Reinforcing behavior this way tends to extinguish the pleasure of doing something for its own sake. For example, studies of children rewarded for doing activities they already enjoyed — like playing drums or drawing pictures — resulted in less motivation to do the activity later on.

Where long-term behaviors are the goal, more purposeful incentives are better.

Self-Determination Theory, as espoused by researchers Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, contends that people are motivated by deeper psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Clearly, making sure people know why their work matters is always the first step.

But while motivating through meaning is preferred, there are circumstances when prizes are in fact appropriate. When it comes to tasks people don’t want to do, specifically infrequent and uninteresting assignments, utilizing extrinsic rewards is safe because there is no existing behavior to de-motivate or extinguish. Shots in a four-year-old’s arm and the boring, routine work doled out by the auditor qualify as just such occasions.

What are appropriate rewards? Like everything in design, that depends on the person. Making a game out of the task doesn’t necessarily mean giving away points and badges if the user doesn’t find those incentives appropriate. However, utilizing other incentives, particularly those awarded with an element of variability, can be highly encouraging, just as long as they’re used only in this very specific condition and not as part of day-to-day operations.

BETTER BEHAVIOR DESIGN

Staging tasks into small conquerable chunks is so basic yet so underutilized. Who wouldn’t take the time to ease a child’s fear with a little well-planned parsing? Yet in the office, it is all too common to lob large complex requests at our colleagues and be surprised by the ill-will we get in return. In the auditor’s case for example, he admitted that his clients start by sending long memos accompanied by even longer spreadsheets detailing the entire tedious task. No wonder their emails are met with contempt.

3

GET OUT THE T R E A SU R E C H E ST To our amazement, even after receiving four shots, my daughter left the doctor’s office without shedding a single tear. The nurse used staged disclosure and eased the pain through progress indicators, but the final secret sat just outside the examination room.

There, on her way in, my daughter ogled a mysterious box she knew was filled with prizes. “After your visit,” the nurse told her,

Unfortunately, the corporate norm remains drawing up a long list of what ne. throwing it over the email wall to be completed … or else! There will always be tasks people don’t want to do. But there are better ways to motivate others, principally by designing conditions where people actuate themselves.

Fundamentally, people resist being controlled and both the carrot and the stick can be tools for unwanted manipulation. Instead, designing behavior by putting in the forethought to appropriately stage tasks, providing progress indicators, and finally, offering celebratory rewards under the right circumstances, are easy ways to motivate while maintaining a sense of autonomy.

Whether in the doctor’s office or the corner office, it is the job of the person inflicting the pain to do their utmost to ease it. Not doing so is intellectually lazy, whether to a kid or to a colleague.

Considering how the receiver could more easily comply with the request is at the heart of inspiring action.

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Confidence

A presentation killer

Walking into a kitchen is one matter. Delivering a tasty dish is another.

Walking into the kitchen is easy. Delivering a dish that tantalizes your taste buds requires both the right knowledge and a certain level of developed skills.

onfidence is often thought to be the key when it comes to giving a public speech or delivering a presentation.

Many professionals truly believe that confidence is the be all and end all. All you need to present and speak in public is confidence. Have that and you are set. A professional feels that he or she is confident enough to get up 62

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and present or give a public address (walking into the kitchen), and automatically makes an assumption that they are good at it (delivering a tasty dish).False! This couldn’t be further away from the truth.

Forget about the lack of confidence issue some professionals have. Indeed, it is an important part of what I refer to as ‘The Inner Game’ which must be developed. After all, you need to be able walk into the kitchen in order to

get to the pantry and start cooking.

But the assumption that a confident professional equates to a good presenter or speaker is an undermining reality I witness every day. I see many smart, sensible, savvy and seasoned professionals continually making this fatal assumption. This costs them in how their audience begin to perceive them. Their image, their value proposition, their credibility and their competency, all take a nose dive.

Confidence is important, and if you have it then great, because confidence is required.

Confidence is a key ingredient.

But it is not the only ingredient. o have the confidence to stand up and deliver a presentation or make a public address on stage is commendable.

But realize that there is much more for you to master in order to present with power and speak with impact. There are many more ingredients within ‘The Inner Game’ and ‘The Outer Game’ that must be utilized in order for you to be presenting with power and speaking to impact.

et make my point by sharing with you an ingredient of ‘The Outer Game’. Presenting and public speaking requires you to have developed the ability to know what to say, what not to say (the last thing you would want is the entire pantry in your pan), how to say it, and the purpose of why you are even saying it in that order.

Time and time again I see far too many professionals confidently get up

to present but do a terrible job with the content they delivered. They lack the finesse to impact, inform, influence, engage, excite, and inspire.

The last thing you would want to do is walk into the kitchen without having developed and refined the skills to cook. Though you will assume and marvel at the thought that you have delivered well (both on stage and in the kitchen), your audience will have a completely different view.

Confidence is not the be all and end all.

I am yet to meet a professional who is a great presenter and speaker and has not taken the time to develop their skills. Indeed they have gained a great level of confidence, but they understand that it is only one part of the the game. It is not their entire game.

Walking into the kitchen is no guarantee for a tasty dish.

I look forward to hearing how this thought has helped you Own Your Crowd.

Let’s Speak

Kevin Abdulrahman is a celebrated Leadership Speaker and a World Class Public Speaking Coach whose client list include ambassadors, associates, athletes, CEOs, CFOs, delegates, diplomats, directors, entrepreneurs, investors, managers, partners, politicians, VPs, presidents and royalties. Those serious about wanting to Present With Power and Speak to Impact, Inform, Influence & Inspire can reach Kevin at http://www.

OwnYourCrowd.com

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How about walking up to a beautiful girl in a bar and, before you speak, she tells you what she thinks of you.

Or hey, how about this one… you want to work with a senior executive but, after a few clicks of a mouse, he has a ‘story’ about you.

Welcome to the new world – a world where online reputation is slowly becoming king (or queen).

This is a world where your date for the evening will have Googled you; where a potential customer has checked your LinkedIn profile, your website, your Twitter feeds… and where prospective employers will have checked your Facebook wall to see what kind of person you are.

Online Reputation

Management Imagine walking into a shop and, before you can buy something, the retailer tells you that you’re not welcome.

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“Welcome to the new world – a world where online reputation is slowly becoming king (or queen)” Whilst this content may be company-published materials (such as white papers and positive customer testimonials), there are other ways to address your online reputation:  Publish new positive websites and

According to a 2010 study by Microsoft and Cross-Tab Market Research, 70% of companies rejected candidates based on their online reputation (even though only 7% of Americans believed it affected their job search).

Negative suggestions which are harmful to your reputation can be caused by negative contents on personal blogs, complaint sites, forums and comment sections. Another hazard facing your online reputation is, simply, who you are connected to. Check your Facebook friends – how well do you know them? Are their walls and pictures helping or hindering your reputation? How about your Twitter feed? Are you seeing who retweets your tweets?

Apart from seeing who we are connected to (as we are often judged by the friends we keep), if we are being pre-judged based on what is said on the internet, can we take advantage of this?

Don Sorenson, president of the corporate online reputation management company Big Blue Robot says, “you’ll never be able to just get

rid of negative stuff you can’t control, but you can at least balance it with positive content you do control.”

For example, there are instances of companies offering discounts on its eBay transactions as long as you gave them good / great feedback.

You will see on LinkedIn that, if someone provides a testimonial / reference on you the very first thing is that you can accept or decline the opportunity to make it public (basically, you can vet it). The second thing would be that LinkedIn then invites you to return the favour.

In both cases, “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” serves to undermine the strength and validity of ‘the testimonial’ so what can we do instead?

In such cases where it is not possible to ask for the negative comments and contents to be taken down, it seems that the best thing to do is to push down the visibility of potentially negative search engine results by proactively publishing useful, positive information: produce your own interesting content.

social media profiles that outperform negative results of the old ones  Submit online press releases to respected and authoritative websites  Get mentioned in third-party sites that rank highly in search engines  If possible, have a great Wikipedia entry!  Have other sites to ‘link’ to yours as a way to tell search engines that you are trustworthy  Proactively respond to public criticism  Have multiple social media streams to reinforce your message / content / brand

Online Reputation Management companies will also recommend the legal route – submitting legal take-down requests if you believe you are being libelled.

I guess a key point of this column is that every situation is different: an individual may have personal reasons to want to manage their online reputation whilst a business stands to win or lose sales (for this, it’s a good idea to manage your Search Engine Optimization too).

Neil Fogarty is an international speaker, adviser, mentor, consultant and the author of Crack On and Kill Your Salesman. For more information visit www.neilfogarty.com. You can also visit his blog sparkglobalbusiness.com/wp/blog.

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10 TOP LESSONS LEARNED IN 2012 (AND HOW TO CRUSH IT IN 2013)

by Lewis Howes

Life is an interesting journey.

One day you think you’ve finally got it all figured out and the next moment something unexpected happens, which completely shatters your reality.

Every year should be a year of growth and goals, but 2012 has taught me that life doesn’t always go according to plan, which in itself is one of the most powerful lessons we can learn.

I don’t know where your struggles or triumphs were this year, but for me, every area of my life was challenged. Beginning with my personal and professional relationships and then moving into my health and business.

2012 was a relentless teacher, but like Friedrich Nietzsche said, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 THINGS I LEARNED IN 2012.

01

02

03

Never allow your emotions to run your life. It’s ok to feel things, but don’t allow your feelings to take charge. This is a powerful lesson I had to re-learn this year as I allowed my emotions to take control of a few areas of my life. I like to remind myself how the best quarterbacks in the NFL play when they’re under pressure. It doesn’t matter how great or terrible the game is going – they remain focused and move confidently towards the goal.

Make no mistake – your body is a machine. If you want to be a high-performing individual in sports, business and life, you need to feed your body the proper fuel. I strongly recommend the documentary Food Matters – it will change the way you approach food by understanding how it shapes your body and mind.

Challenging your body with a workout program that works for you will help in so many areas of your life. The same discipline and commitment it takes to finish a workout are the same skills needed to follow though with anything else you want in life. CrossFit played a huge role in getting me through my hardest moments of 2012. Check out this article by Dan Martell on why CrossFit is the workout choice for entrepreneurs.

Balance Your Emotions

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Fuel Your Body with Amazing Nutrition

Charge Your Life With Physical Power

Committing yourself to being physically challenged is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. But if you don’t think you can stay committed – get a coach. Coaching is one the best ways to keep yourself motivated and experience growth. I highly recommend reading and following anything by Bob Harper, Jamie Eason, John Romaniello or Adam Bornstein to help whip you into shape.

04

Your Brand Is Your Reputation – And Your Reputation Is Your Brand

An incredible website or catchy mission statement are no substitutes for an outstanding reputation. Choosing to build a reputation on honesty, service and being a man or woman of your word will build your brand faster and stronger than any social media tool or seminar.

No matter which direction your professional life goes, you’ll always take your reputation with you. So ask yourself – what do I want to be known for?

07

Invest in Yourself

Investing in healthy foods and coaches for both fitness and business will have a massive ROI. We are products of what we consume, so pay close attention to the foods you eat, the books your read and people your hang around with. Your goal should be to become the best version of yourself, and it’s impossible to do that without investing in yourself.

I’m happy to share my success with others and I do my best to demonstrate I truly care about the hopes and dreams of my audience.

Every human being has hopes, fears and struggles. You might be surprised with some of the things I struggle with and I’m sure I’d be surprised with with some of your struggles too. So the way I see it – we’re in this together.

10

Be Grateful

05

08

The great Zig Ziglar said, “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” I’ve noticed the more I give unconditionally to others, I’m somehow supplied with everything I need. This doesn’t mean you should go around helping people with an expectation of getting something in return. Your spirit of giving should remain pure with “no strings attached.” But don’t be surprised if unexpected blessing show up in your life.

Maintaining strong relationships is important, but you’ve got to be picky with the types of people you’re building a relationship with. Are they holding you back or are they supportive of your efforts and pursuing their own growth as well? The last thing you need in your life is someone who makes you feel like crap for trying to move your life forward. So be honest with yourself and with others and let people know exactly what you need and what you are willing to give in any type of relationship. Distance yourself from those that aren’t supporting you, and focus more on those that do.

Give, Give, Give

06

Focus on Self Growth

It can be a scary thing to look deep inside yourself and face who you really are. Most people look away or distract themselves by accumulating “toys,” chasing praise or pursuing pleasure. But in order to grow you must first accept who you are and where you need to change. 2012 was a year of deep change for me, but it was much needed work that only I could do. Everyone has fears, issues, and things that hold them back, but have the choice to face those fears or walk away. I suggest making 2013 the year of facing your fears.

Relationships Are Everything

09

There’s no such thing as too much gratitude.

We should never underestimate the power of gratitude in our lives, nor should we stop finding things to be grateful for. Every luxury, comfort and freedom you enjoy today is a result of someone else’s courage and innovation in the past.

Continue to focus on being happy for the things you have and stop paying attention to the selfish voices in your head that point out the places you lack.

As I mentioned earlier, your goal should be to create the best version of yourself, so don’t go chasing anyone else’s dreams and don’t allow yourself to be controlled by your own fears and emotions.

We’re in this together. Let’s crush 2013.

What’s your big fear you want to overcome and the big goal you want to accomplish in 2013? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and lets make in an amazing year!

Show Others You Care

Theodore Roosevelt said “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

Here’s a secret – I’ve never been the smartest guy in the room. I didn’t have best grades in high school, and it took me almost seven years to graduate college. But I learned very quickly that people care more about who YOU are, once the feel you care about who they are and what they want.

Lewis Howes is lifestyle entrepreneur and former pro athlete. He builds million dollar businesses, is an author and teaches people how to grow their online business from anywhere in the world at http://lewishowes.com

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Ho w to h a n dle ge t tin g l ayered at w o r k Things are awesome at work until that dreadful day your boss (with whom you have an awesome relationship) tells you “Hey, I’ve hired a new person who will be reporting to me and you’ll now report to that person.” You’ve officially been layered and we all know getting layered is only good if we’re talking about cake.

Y

our head likely swirls at first wondering why this happened.

“Does the boss not like me anymore? Why didn’t the boss put me in that role instead of bringing in someone new? Are they bringing in the new person to replace me and the next step is I’m getting fired? My team is going to lose respect for me and I’ll lose influence in the organization.”

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We have a tendency to go to negative and neurotic places. I know that – I’ve been layered before as have many of my friends and colleagues.

And I know many of you dread it based on the recent SmartBrief on Leadership Pulse Survey I conducted.

42% of respondents said getting layered was more awkward than a peer becoming your boss or you becoming the boss of your peers.

Getting layered (or, if you’re the boss, layering members of your team) isn’t what’s important. What’s important is how we handle getting layered or layering our team. Do it wrong and your new boss will resent you, your old boss (now another layer above you) will be disappointed and frustrated, and your team will lose respect for you. If you’re the boss, if you handle layering members of your team wrong you’ll alienate them, frustrate them, and lead them to look for new job opportunities where they’ll feel appreciated (plus you’re setting up your shiny new hire up for failure). So how should you handle these situations? Allow me to offer some thoughts.

You Just Got Layered

Your boss introduces you to your new boss. You’ve fallen back a rung on the corporate ladder and you’re upset (somewhat justifiably so). If you don’t handle this transition gracefully, your new boss will likely see you as

a threat especially because you have a good relationship with the big boss.

Take a breath and try the following:

1

Let your new boss know you fully support them. Acknowledge

the discomfort and concerns up front. “Hey, I know you’re my new boss and I fully support helping you be successful. I know it’s a little weird that I used to report to Bill but now you report to him but I don’t want you to have any concerns that I’ll go behind your back to Bill or anything like that. The way I see it, if you’re successful, I’m successful.” Then live up to supporting them. Don’t you dare go behind their back to the big boss just because you have a good relationship there. There’s no faster way to build mistrust with your new boss than doing something like that.

2

Learn from your new boss. They were hired

for a reason. They probably possess skills you lack (otherwise you would have gotten the position). Figure out what they bring to the table and learn as much as you possibly can from them. Think about it this way – if they leave the organization (or if Bill leaves and your new boss takes Bill’s role) you’ll be well-positioned to advance into that bigger role. If you fail to better yourself and learn from your new boss, you’re just going to get layered again.

3

Be a resource for your new boss. Let

them know you’re happy to help them succeed. You know Bill better than your new boss does. Tell them you’re happy to help them understand Bill, how he does things, what he wants, and how he thinks. Let your new boss know you’re a valuable resource for helping them build their own relationship with Bill. In making this offer, you’re demonstrating a great deal of maturity, professionalism, and courtesy. You’re also increasing your own value to your new boss, to Bill, and to the organization.

You’re Doing the Layering It’s a tough decision bringing in a new team member and having your existing direct reports now report to someone new. Do it right and you’ll have strengthened your team. Do it wrong and you can cause an exodus of talent. I’m pretty sure you’d prefer the former so here are a few ways to get headed down that path.

1

Tell your current direct reports what’s happening and why.

Authenticity is key here the same way being an authentic leader requires you to know who you are and what your standards are (and to learn how to do that, I strongly advise following the method laid out in my book). Do it in face to face, one on one meetings.

Explain your rationale for the reorganization, let them know why you’re bringing in someone new, explain what that person brings to the table, and let the person know they’re still valued by you and the organization. Don’t be a coward and have the new boss explain things to your people. There’s no faster way to build resentment. You’ve made a decision to bring on someone new. The least you can do is own it and show your people the respect of explaining it to them and understanding their concerns with the change.

2

Set clear expectations. Tell your

team members that you expect them to fully support their new boss and that you won’t tolerate them going around the new boss to get to you. They need to know that’s your expectation and you need to enforce that new standard of behavior. If the come to you, ask if they’ve spoken to their boss already.

If the answer is no, you need to tell them to go talk with their boss about the issue first.

3

Show your appreciation.

Pay attention to how your team members are supporting their new boss (or not supporting them for that matter).

Acknowledge positive behaviors and tell them you appreciate their support and professionalism in bringing on the new boss.

If you see dysfunctional and unsupportive behavior, nip it in the bud and set your people straight on the standard. You owe it to them as well as your new hire to make sure the team falls into line.

The bottom line is layering is always difficult but if you focus on setting standards, putting the organization first, and acknowledging good behavior, the new boss and the rest of the team will be humming along quite nicely before you know it.

Mike Figliuolo is the Founder and Managing Director of thought LEADERS, LLC. He is also the author of One Piece of Paper: The Simple Approach to Powerful, Personal Leadership . You can reach him via email at info@thoughtleadersllc.com

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Top Image: Corporation known as Sta California, o was formed antitrust brea Rockefeller's Company in

Right Image predictions o the rise, com increasingly establishme sources of e wind, solar, among othe

Pioneer

Marketer in MENA Region Nazih group started diversification of its business a decade ago and is now serving a wide variety of markets and customers.

There are many firsts in the history of Nazih Group. It is the pioneer marketer of professional salon products and equipments in the MENA region. The first company to set up a beauty training institute to train salon technicians. Even becoming the first company of its to have its own infrastructure like offices, fleet, sales team and trainers in every major city in the region.

After more than three decades of its inception, the group is the unrivalled market leader in the professional beauty market. It has made rapid inroad into other markets as well such as retail, wholesale, consumer, healthcare and lifestyle and pharmacy.

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Market Diversification

Nazih group is now an established marketer to ladies and gent salons, supermarkets, retail chain and pharmacies. The group has its own retail chain showrooms, which cover all the major cities in the MENA region.

CAGR35%

Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region holds the potential to become the fastest growing cosmetics markets in the world, with an expected CAGR of not less than 35% for 2011-2014.

Cosmetics industry in the MENA region is divided into organized and semi-organized sectors and the main classification of the market is further divided into professional and retail market. Professional cosmetics market serves gents and ladies salons, and thanks to stout the dedication from the Nazih group, has become highly organized. The retail market is also an organized sector at the high-end channel, which serves supermarkets, consumer stores, large groceries and chain stores.

Unique Arabian culture

The beauty culture of the region is unique and very delicate. This is due to the orthodox living practices present in the region. It is the corner stone of understanding the market correctly. Invested on the roots of the Arabian culture, products such as facial, eye, and nail cosmetic products are the ‘most moved’ in the MENA market (2011-2012).

The GCC Market Value

It is projected that the market value of cosmetic products in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will reach US$ 1.88 billion, by the year 2014. These countries include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.

The great potential for cosmetic products in the region couple with rapidly expanding access of the Internet, which is approximately 65 million users, makes the market very attractive.

It is estimated that the Internet users in the region will reach 260 million by 2020. Paving the way for new marketing channels and high quality services and products, especially in the cosmetics industry where the young generation form the largest group of customers.

The Personal Touch

The group’s main focus is to ‘go closer’ to its clients, customers and end-users by dedicating more skilled and trained human resources for this purpose and by using intelligent new technologies. Each Strategic Business Unit in the group is encouraged to confluence their strategies together, and offer solutions and not just products.

Strategic Plan 2020

Nazih group’s visionary strategic plan for MENA region is aimed at making the group a household name in the cosmetic industry by the end of 2020.

In order to take advantage of the great potential in the region, Nazih group has already formulated a diversification strategic plan aimed at reaping the market benefits till the year 2020. This strategy incorporates both product and market expansions along with creating new and innovative channels of distribution to serve customers.

Based on each specific market, the group has created separate Strategic Business Unit (SBU), which works cohesively to generate synergy and add to the competitive advantage of the group. The business strategy of each SBU is in turn formulated by strengthening the functional areas of marketing, supply chain, information technology, and human resources in order to add value to the customers, by keeping in mind that our customers are ‘informed and knowledgeable customers’.

Most Preferred Marketer

Owns more than 50 exclusive distribution rights of famous and internationally reputed brands.

Nazih group aims at attracting more suppliers to this high potential

region. Our selection of collaboration with supplies is based on our strategic outlook for MENA region and supplier expectations. Nazih group believes in long term relationship with its suppliers, based on mutually accepted measurable benefits for both parties.

Professionally Organized

The group’s continuing success can be attributed to its professional management style and effective organizational structure with fewer hierarchies to weed out, delay in decision making and implementation of plans. This type of organizational structure of Nazih group enables it to maintain close relationshp with customers and suppliers and maintain 24/7 communication line with them.

Nazih Strengths

Nazih marketing process is dynamic in nature and its strategically formulated for the region and is separately made for each brand. Each brand is positioned by understanding its strengths and weaknesses and also considering its relative position with respects to its competitive brands. Nazih group always works closely with its supplier to provide them a clear view of their brand position in the market. Their brands which we distribute in the market always carry “Nazih signature’, which speaks about the measurable success factors in the market like sales growth, brand reach, brand support and training, and customer satisfaction level.

The story of Nazih group does not end here, but we keep on making history by achieving each milestone, which is yet another father in the cap of Nazih group.

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BIG Autos - Minivans

u

Mini Machines These Mini vans come

highly recommended The minivan rarely gets respect,

Chrysler Grand Voyager

Chrysler puts a luxurious spin on the minivan with the Grand Voyager. Innovative seating and upscale features inside and out set this van apart from the competition. The most important feature is that this van features Stow’n Go seats. The second and third-row seats can be folded into the floor.

A 3.6-liter V6 sends power through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. All trims come equipped with features such as a tilt and telescoping steering column, remote keyless entry, steering wheel mounted audio controls, tire pressure monitor, a navigation system, power sliding doors and a remote start.

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The Carnival, also known as Grand Carnival or Sedona in some markets, is undoubtedly Kia’s largest non-commercial vehicle, being a full-size minivan. With three rows of seats, there is no shortage of space.

Powered by a 3.8-litre V6, it comes with features such as 16inch alloy wheels, AM/ FM radio with CD, front and rear a/c with tri-zone control, ABS brakes, automatic light control system; reverse warning system, electric folding mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, hidden radio antenna, power sunroof and an automatic gearbox.

Safety features are surprisingly limited to only ABS brakes, the optional airbags and an energy-absorbing steering column.

Toyota Previa

The Previa is roomy, comfy and does everything well.

It is easy to live with and it comes loaded with features that make life easier and more convenient. Everything operates exactly as expected, so equipment struggles are rare. Its smoothness and convenience allows the vehicle to fade into the background while you go about your life. Its 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and 3.5-litre V6 with six-speed automatic offers adequate throttle response. The Previa offers seating for seven or eight passengers, HID headlamps with adaptive light system and auto leveling, front fog lamps, CD player with 6 speakers, cruise control and automatic rear doors.

u

yet nothing else matches its practical utility when it’s time to move a lot of people or a lot of stuff, and this is something that parents, carpoolers, business owners or yard-sale junkies can all appreciate. The minivan’s sliding rear doors and low step-in height afford easy access for passengers, while its assortment of storage spaces and reconfigurable seating arrangement deftly solve transportation problems you didn’t even know you had. Here are some of our top selections of minivans that deserve some respect for the expert way it meets such a wide array of challenges.

Kia Carnival

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Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey has always been a refined design with creative storage solutions, and not forgetting the spirited driving dynamics that makes it stand-out from the crowd. It comes with a 248hp 3.5L V6 engine that features Honda’s variable cylinder management system (VCM), which allows the engine to switch among cylinders to increase fuel efficiency. The interior features a seating capacity of eight with a third-row Magic Seat (that folds into the floor), an 8” i-MID screen, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, USB Audio Interface, 2-GB CD Library and a rearview camera.

Mitsubishi Grandis

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The Grandis is a slick minivan that offers buyers a genuine three-row seating configuration. The vehicle is kitted out with a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, and gets a standard 4-speed automatic with manual shift capability, transferring its engine power to the ground via the front wheels. With seating for seven, standard safety features include front airbags, though front side and curtain airbags are optional, ABS-assisted disc brakes, dual sunroofs, leather, CD changer and more.

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Suzuki APV

The budget APV multi-purpose people carrier has a name that stands for All-Purpose Vehicle and offers eight seats. The APV has Suzuki’s proprietary TECT body, which is a structural design that’s supposed to redirect collision energy away from occupants. The roomy interior accommodates eight adult passengers and luggage space is limited with the third-row seats up, but can be expanded by folding the rear seats forward. Available features include rear air-conditioning, power windows, electric mirrors, central locking with remote control and a 1.6L engine with either a manual or an automatic transmission.

CMC Z7

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The CMC Z7, new in the GCC, is actually an iteration of a Taiwanese model called the Mitsubishi Zinger, and sharing a chassis with the Mitsubishi Nativa. The Z7 people-carrier is powered by a Mitsubishisourced 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, mated to a 4-speed automatic.

Features include four forward-opening doors with a rear tailgate, eight seats, cloth upholstery, parking sensors, keyless entry, power windows, power locks, power steering, rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels. Higher trim levels get climate control, HID headlights and leather upholstery. Safety features include ABS and one standard airbag, with a second one optional.

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Fashion

The latest and trendiest way to dressing up BIG brings to you the latest fashion from the top brands in the fashion world. v

Virevolte between the finger ring Van Cleef & Aprels

The collection is inspired by the graceful feather, re-interpreted in two original and contemporary pieces.

This graceful ring takes the form of a slender feather in white gold, sparkling with diamonds. vancleefarpels.com

To Boot New York ‘Carr’ Wingtip To Boot New York

Aged suede forms a cool, casual wingtip with sweet brogue detailing. Suede upper/leather lining/rubber sole. Made in Italy. toboot.com

Signature Gold 3-Button Jacket Jos A. Bank

Superior superfine year round merino wool has rich hand and fluid drape. 3 button. Center vent with tailored shoulders and interior pockets. Premium jacquard signature Bemberg lining and pick-stitched detailing. Sleeves constructed for the addition of custom working buttonholes. Dry clean. josbank.com

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Two Butterfly Between the Finger Ring Van Cleef & Aprels

The Maison revisits a favorite theme in the Two Butterfly collection, with dazzling pieces that reinterpret the grace and beauty of butterflies in flight. Two whimsical butterflies offer a striking contrast for this enchanting ring combining diamond-set white gold and pinksapphire-set pink gold. vancleefarpels.com

Suunto Core All Black Suunto

Jimmy Choo ‘Clue’ Slingback Pump Nordstorm

The award-winning Suunto Core is a sophisticated outdoor instrument that gathers a range of data to help you navigate your way through the wilder parts of the world. It features an altimeter, a compass with semi automatic calibration and a digital bearing. suunto.com

Smooth leather outlines a gorgeously glittering fabric pump styled with a flirty peep toe and narrow slingback strap. The strap is adjustable with a buckle closure and it is approx. heel height is 4 1/2” with a 1” platform (comparable to a 3 1/2” heel).

It is made out of glitter fabric upper/leather lining and sole. It is made in Italy. shop.nordstrom.com

Cordoba Clutch Elliot lucca

Their best selling shape seamlessly converts from a daytime shoulder bag to an evening clutch. The Cordoba clutch is available in textured, exotic or new colorblock color ways. elliottlucca.com

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Lifestyle

Stuff we like Check out the latest gadgets and a host of other items for executives on a break or having some family time Montblanc Pen The POINT MKII Evolution The Swedish audio manufacturer PERFECT8 has now introduced ‘The POINT MKII Evolution’. This music sculpture of glass has actually been redesigned using a brand new custom air motion transducer optimized for dipole applications and it’s been carefully engineered to eliminate any rattle or unwanted noise.

perfect8.com

Sennheiser

Momentum Black headphones

Experience premium sound in style with the brand-new Sennheiser MOMENTUM Black headphones that features sleek look and combine pure design and uncompromising performance. This beautiful new addition to the Sennheiser Style Selection impressively delivers a ‘perfect fusion of style and substance’, notably an urban minimalist design that promises no compromise on sound.

sennheiserusa.com

ÒSIM2’s

limited edition projector

SIM2 now introduces the completely hand-built, limited-edition LUMIS Fuoriserie 1080p, 3-chip DLP projector. It comes with a new, much improved light engine for maximum performance and adaptability. This powerful and unique projector crafted with the finest materials, coupled with a stunning red finish will be produced in a limited edition of just 30 examples.

sim2.com

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ÒSilver

by Aston Martin

The British automaker has taken up the creative services of London’s finest silversmiths Grant Macdonald to come up with an exclusive silverware collection dubbed ‘Silver by Aston Martin’. From luxury picnic hampers to replicas, tableware to gifts, and travel accessories, this collection of handcrafted silverware for home actually celebrates the very best in contemporary British design. grantmacdonald.com/astonmartin

Samsung’s Curved OLED TV Samsung has unveiled the world’s very first Curved OLED TV which provides crystalclear depth to the visual content displayed for more real, life-like viewing experience. This innovative television has been designed to deliver truly immersive viewing experience by creating panorama effect, especially when watching captivating content such as breathtaking scenes from natural environment and expansive landscapes.

samsung.com

Celsius

X VI II’s limited edition OptiC GMT

Combining 21st Century mobile technology with centuries-old Swiss horological micro-mechanics.The all new OptiC GMT is the second generation of Celsius X VI II’s mechanical phones that are truly a delightful synthesis of emotion and technology.

celsius-x-vi-ii.com

Evian’s limited edition bottle by Diane von Furstenberg The renowned French brand of premium natural mineral water now carries on its celebration of purity and youth with the introduction of 2013 Limited Edition Bottle by American designer Diane von Furstenberg. Her design for the Evian’s bottle symbolizes Furstenberg’s youthful mindset and inspirational way of life.

evian.com

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Appointments The

We keep track of promotions as people in the Gulf move up in the world

Norton Rose

Ahli Bank

Bahrain - International legal practice Norton Rose announced that David Johnston has joined the projects and infrastructure practice in its Bahrain office as an associate. He joins from DLA Piper in Scotland and specializes in the transport, infrastructure, power, gas, state utilities and waste sectors. David is a UK qualified lawyer. David’s appointment further strengthens the Norton Rose practice in the Middle East and particularly the team in Bahrain.

QATAr - Ahli Bank announces the appointment of Salah Murad as its Chief Executive, effective January 29, 2013. The appointment of Mr. Murad, an experienced banker, signals a renewed focus toward continuous delivery of outstanding shareholder value.

Salah Murad has over 29 years of commercial banking experience in the Gulf region, including 3 years as the CEO of Ahli Bank in Qatar, achieving historical record core earnings for the Bank, whilst ensuring strong corporate governance and high asset quality. Salah Murad has received an MBA from Strathclyde University, UK.

Covi Larxe-Rey

Bahrain - The hotel welcomes Covi Larxe-Rey as Director of Sales. Covi is a graduate of Business Administration Major in Hotel & Tourism Management, holding a diploma in Protocol & Etiquette Studies. She has worked in various international hotel chains including Marriott, Ritz Carlton and Shangri-La where she has gain 13 years’ experience working in Sales, Marketing & Events in different countries round the globe.

Sofitel Bahrain - Also welcomed is Rajan Gosain as Director of Rooms. Rajan has been with Accor since 1995 and most recently opened the Sofitel Mumbai in India prior to which he was in Toronto, Dubai and Doha. He is a post graduate of the Cardiff Business School, Wales and holds a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and an Associate Degree in Hotel Management from the Hotel Institute Montreux, Switzerland.

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A.T. Kearney

UAE - A.T. Kearney re-emphasizes its commitment to the region with new office openings in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in 2013, and further strengthens its Middle East Energy and Process Industries team with the arrival of Bernhard Hartmann. Hartmann, previously the managing partner of the company’s China operations and leader of the firm’s Asian Energy team, brings with him more than 16 years of consulting and industry experience in the Utilities, Chemical, Engineering, and Oil and Gas industries.

Gulf Investment Corporation Kuwait: Gulf Investment Corporation, GIC, announces that its Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Ibrahim A. Al-Qadhi as the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation effective February 4th 2013.

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Standard Chartered Bank

BAHRAIN - Standard Chartered Bank has appointed Noora Al Nusuf as the head of corporate affairs for its Bahrain operations.

She was previously the executive adviser at Brash Brands in Dubai. In her new role, she will be responsible for managing the bank’s external and internal communications, boosting its sustainability efforts, and building on its strong reputation in the kingdom, said the bank in a statement.

Rotana

UAE Announcing the new appointment, Omer Kaddouri, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, said the moves come in the light of the brand increasing its footprint across many vibrant markets in the region in 2013 with the launch of several new properties across the Middle East, which will take the number of rooms under its management to more than 14,500 by the end of the year.

Acer UAE - Acer is pleased to announce that Ali Nemati has been appointed as General Manager for Middle East, reporting directly to Amin Mortazavi, Vice President of Acer Middle East and Africa.

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Spice Art Spice Art Charity Auction at Kempinski Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre

Opened temporarily to great success during the Holy Month of Ramadan last year, the Kempinski team was excited to officially launch Baharat and make it a permanent fixture within the niche Arabic fine-dining circle on the island.

T

he concept behind Baharat is creating traditional Arabian dishes with a modern twist. Led

by Chef Issam Seddoq, the Baharat culinary team has crafted a menu of dishes with origins spanning the entire Arab world.

A feast for the eyes as well as the palate, the grand launch was accompanied by a Spice Art Exhibition.

Baharat, as the name suggests, is about a blend of spices. Kempinski invited Bahrain-based artists to create art pieces using spices, an invitation which many inspired people embraced with an open heart.

Wonderful and diverse pieces of art were created with a selection of spices, and these “paintings” were displayed in an exhibition outside T-Spoon Café of the Kempinski Grand Hotel, in the Bahrain City Centre Mall, from 17 January to 22 January.

The exhibition culminated in the official VIP opening with an auction where the Spice Art creations were auctioned to the highest bidder. Half of the proceeds were donated to Al Noor Welfare Charity organisation and the other half went to the deserving artists.

Baharat is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am, with the dinner buffet at BD 16++. Entertainment includes DJ Ricardo and Thais, the Brazilian Belly Dancer.

For additional information or to make your reservation at Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre call (+973) 1717 1000, email reservation.bahrain@kempinski. com or visit www.kempinski.com/bahrain

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Kenza Restaurant

The most authentic Arabic fine dining experience

The latest addition to The K Hotel’s collection of Food and Beverage outlets is the Kenza Restaurant.

The restaurant features Lebanese and Arabic cuisines that are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

S

ituated on the first floor of the K Hotel, Kenza Restaurant provides an authentic experience in fine Arabic dining. The interior is filled with Arabesque designs, which reflects in the colors on the wall and patterns of the upholstery. The inclusion of live music sets off just the right mood and ambience for a great night out. Outdoor seating is available,

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where you can enjoy traditional Arabic Shisha. Small groups can also enjoy some privacy with 3 private rooms to choose from. Whether you are with family or friends you can be assured that Kenza Lounge will leave you with an enjoyable and exhilarating experience.

Open Tuesday to Sunday between 07:00PM - 02:00AM

For More information and reservations: The K Hotel Bahrain P.O. Box 1412, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Telephone: +973 1736 0000 Fax: +973 1736 0049 Email: info@thekhotel.com www.thekhotel.com

4

Star Hospitality

Exquisite service and spacious rooms

Situated in the heart of Bahrain’s vibrant entertainment district, Juffair. Al Safir Hotel offers a stylish blend of cosmopolitan living with 4 star deluxe hotel service.

The hotel has been in service for 12 years and had recently under gone extensive renovations last July. Bringing the hotel into the 21st century while keeping its identity and outstanding service.

Al Safir Hotel

T

here are a total of 126 spacious suites, which have been divided into 2 categories, the deluxe single and the deluxe double or twin room. They are all fully furnished and are completely equipped with the basic modern amenities, such as satellite TV, a minibar, a safe for your belongings and free access to the Wi-Fi network.

The rates of the rooms range from BD50 to BD 95.

In addition, Al Safir Hotel has finally opened the doors to its latest dining outlet, Yalla Yalla.

The venue focuses on Arabic cuisine and the kitchen brigade is led by head chef Zaher Al Kurdi and assisted by executive chef Jude Jayasekera. The restaurant includes a

fresh juice bar and a live Turkish coffee station. A long with a wide selection of international and Arabic breakfasts, guests can also enjoy some live saxophone music. For lunch and dinner patrons can opt for a selection from the buffet or an a la carte menu. You can also enjoy a selection of coffees and tea brews from our barista’s station.

A take away menu is also available.

Al Safir Hotel and Tower Tel. +973 17827999 Fax. +973 17827888 P.O. Box 55222, Building 670, Road 2411, Manama Town 324, Kingdom of Bahrain alsafirh@batelco. com.bh

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the

guide hotel

Your guide to the Kingdom’s hotel outlets

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Fiamma: Italian Restaurant

Designed with an indoor and an outdoor seating area, this outlet will serve authentic Italian food.

Dining Sheraton Hotel Bharain Al Safir Restaurant

Gastronomical buffets for breakfast lunch and dinner as well as superb á la carte options.

Soie Chinese Restaurant

Wok: South East Asian Restaurant

Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM Closed on Fridays

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 7:00PM to 11:00PM Wok is closed on Tuesdays

Discovery of traditional Iranian dishes with freshly oven-baked breads served at the table.

Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday Lunch 12:30 PM – 2:45 PM Dinner 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 PM Friday: Lunch 12:30 PM – 3:45 PM Dinner 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM Closed on Saturdays

Espressamente Illy

A perfect place to meet and enjoy a cup of espresso, refreshing beverages and light snacks.

Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM For Information & Reservations Al Safir: +973 17533533 ext 259 Soie Chinese Restaurant: +973 17 533 533 ext. 497 Golestan Restaurant: +973 17 533 533 ext. 375

February / March 2013

Exquisite buffets with flavors from across the world. Available is breakfast, lunch and dinner and also a la carte and live cooking station.

Opening Times: Daily 6:30AM to 10:30 AM (11AM on weekends) Lunch: 12:30PM to 3:30PM Dinner: 7:00PM to 10:30PM

Golestan Restaurant

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Saraya: All Day Dining / International

Opening Hours: Breakfast 6:30 AM -10:30 AM Lunch 12:30 PM – 3.30 PM Dinner 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM Relax in the dramatic ambience with dark wood floors, oriental ornaments and lanterns.

La Med, Ritz Carlton

Opening Hours: Thursday - Saturday 12:30PM to 3:00PM Every night except Sunday: 8:00PM to 11:00PM Fiamma is closed on Sundays

Espressamente Illy: +973 17 533 533 ext. 1790

The perfect combination of stones and wood in the décor to reflect an Asian feeling is defiantly there.

Tapas: Restaurant

It services a wide range of exciting tapas, and the best cocktails on the island. Tapas bar has a truly vibrant and lively atmosphere with its Cuban band.

Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30AM to Midnight

La Mer: Seafood Restaurant

It is the signature restaurant of the hotel, guests will enjoy the freshest seafood and catch of the day cooked at the live cooking station with a French savoir-faire to please all tastes.

Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00PM to 11:00PM

Pashawat: Arabic Restaurant

It is open in the evenings and offers a delightful Lebanese cuisine. Guests will enjoy large varieties of Mezzah as well as delicious charcoal grilled specialties.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00PM to 1:30 AM (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays) For Information & Reservations Hotel: +973 1763 6363 Concierge: +973 39349659

China Garden

The restaurant, which is designed in a modern oriental style, offers a varied selection of food influenced by distinct Chinese regions creating Cantonese, Szechuan and Peking specialties.

Klouds Restaurant, The K Hotel

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday Lunch 12:00pm to 3:00pm Dinner 7:00pm to 11:00pm Closed on Sunday

Fusions

The K Hotel Klouds

Enjoy an assortment of culinary delights with their special Themed Nights everyday of the week.

Opening Hours: Daily: 7PM to 11PM

Friday Brunch

Discover The K difference in Friday Brunch!

Plums

The specialty being premium beef and fresh, top quality seafood, it provides guests with the ultimate in dining pleasure.

Opening Hours: Dinner: 7 PM to 11:30PM

Primavera

Primavera, the ever popular Italian restaurant offers a very exciting menu.

Opening Hours: Friday, 12:30PM to 4:30PM

Opening Hours: Lunch: Noon to 3PM Dinner: 7PM to Midnight

The K lounge

Nirvana

Some new dishes include the world famous Angus steaks and exceptional desserts with that extra K flavor.

Our ongoing promotions include: Daily Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm Coors Light & Burger Treats Ladies Night from Saturday to Wednesday all cocktails free of charge for Ladies.

Nirvana brings royal flavors to The Ritz-Carlton for a dining adventure rarely enjoyed outside of India.

Opening Hours: Daily: 11AM to 2AM

The Ritz-Carlton has a dedicated cigar lounge with a cellar of premium malts, cognacs and vintage wines.

Kenza Lounge

Outdoor seating and Arabesque interiors, experience the finest Lebanese dining.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 7PM to 2AM For Information & Reservations K Hotel: (973) 1736 0000 Klouds: (973) 1736 0000 ext. 4019 K Pool: (973) 1736 0000 or email banquet@thekhotel.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN hotel & spa Overlook Café

The perfect place to relax by the water and enjoy a variety of light lunch items, refreshments, beverages and cocktails with a tropical flair.

Opening Hours: Daily: 10 AM to 6 PM

La Med

Casual dining in generous surroundings is brightened with natural sunshine and views of the turquoise blue waters of the Gulf.

Opening Hours: Continental and Arabic Breakfast: 7AM to 10:30AM Lunch Buffet: Noon to 3:30PM Lunch Express: Noon to 3:30PM All Day Dining Menu: 3:30PM Dinner: 7PM to 11:30PM Friday Brunch: 12:30 PM to 4PM

Opening Hours: Lunch Noon to 3PM Dinner 7PM to 11:30PM

Burlington Club

Opening Hours: Daily: Noon to 2AM

The Lobby Lounge

The traditional high tea is served daily in the Lobby Lounge and boasts all the luxurious delicacies that you would expect.

Opening Hours: Daily: 8AM to Midnight

The Ritz Gourmet Lounge

Experience authentic chic ambience like in a Parisian along with homemade pastries and richly decorated desserts.

Fusions is a contemporary and stylish rooftop restaurant boasting unrivalled views over the hotel’s tropical gardens and Manama skyline.

Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday 6pm – 12am Closed on Saturday

La Pergola

Renowned for being one of Bahrain’s oldest Italian eateries, the intimate restaurant offers a fantastic Mediterranean ambience with a vaulted roof and striking wall murals depicting scenes of ancient Rome.

Opening Hours: Lunch 12:00pm – 3:00pm Dinner 7:00pm – 11:00pm

Margarita Mexicana

All dishes, including tortillas and guacamole, are freshly prepared at guests’ tables to guarantee that the menu and fine dining experience are as authentic as possible.

Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday 6:00pm – 12:00am Closed on Saturdays

Royal Thai

The restaurant is situated in a grand pagoda in the grounds of the hotel’s tropical gardens and provides scenic views overlooking the turquoise waters of the outdoor swimming pool.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday Lunch 12:00pm – 3:00pm Dinner 7:00pm – 11:00pm Closed on Mondays

Sato

It is favored by Japanese Embassy staff who are said to love its peaceful Zen-like surroundings and exquisite features, including teppanyaki rooms and an authentic robatayaki grill and a Sushi bar with a smoking section.

Opening Hours: Lunch 12:00pm – 3:00pm Dinner 7:00pm – 11:00pm

Takht Jamsheed

Taking inspiration from Persia’s royal palace of Takht Jamsheed, the Gulf Hotel’s chic restaurant offers a fine dining experience fit for a king.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday Lunch 12:00pm – 3:00pm Dinner 7:00pm – 11:00pm Closed on Mondays

Zahle

The menu boasts an extensive selection of hot and cold mezze, grilled meat and regional Lebanese fare, such as beautifully presented shish kebab served in a golden box atop warm Arabic bread and burning coals.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday Weekdays: 7:00pm – 1:00am Weekends: 7:00pm – 2:00am Saturday Lunch 12:00pm -3:00pm Dinner 7:00pm – 2:00am

For Reservations

Al Waha: +973 1774 6425/26 China Garden: +973 1774 6423/24 Fusions: +973 1771 3000 La Pergola: +973 1774 6419/20 Margarita Mexicana: +973 1774 6462 Royal Thai: +973 1774 6421/22 Sato: +973 1774 6429/30 Takht Jamsheed: +973 1774 6431/32 Zahle: +973 1774 6417/18

Golestan, Sheraton Hotel Bahrain

Opening Hours: Daily: 7AM to Midnight For Information & Reservations Hotel: +973 1758 0000

Gulf Hotel Al Waha

Diners are spoilt for choice with an extensive array of buffet fare featuring local and international dishes, as well as an impressive variety of Bahraini hummus.

Opening Hours: Breakfast 6:00am – 10:30am Lunch 12:00pm – 3:30pm Dinner 7:00pm – 11:00pm Friday Brunch: 12:30pm - 4:00pm February / March 2013

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Golestan, Sheraton Hotel Bahrain

Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel T-spoon

Conveniently located on the ground floor of Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre with direct access from the mall, bringing flavours that will delight your sweet tooth.

Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00am – 11:00 pm

Mezzanine Lounge

The comfortable lounge setting features a media wall with 11 mounted screens; complemented by a collection of innovative food design of tasty salads and platters.

Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00am - 1:00am

Nasmat - Lounge & Restaurant

The al fresco poolside Mediterranean ambiance offers a haven in which to escape and unwind from Manama’s buzz throughout the day.

Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Saveur

Contemporary international cuisine and luxurious ambience ensure its place as Manama’s restaurant of choice for special occasions.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday Breakfast 6:30am - 11:00am Lunch 12:30pm - 3:30pm Dinner 7:00pm - 10:30pm

Opening hours: Daily: 7:00pm - 12:00am

Zytoun

Mediterranean Grill buffet restaurant serving a variety of Mediterranean and international foods.

Opening hours: Daily: 6:30am - 11:00pm For Reservations

Hotel: +973 1729 8008

Al Safir Hotel Yalla Yalla

In place of Savoy Café, Yalla Yalla offers lunch and dinner bufftets as well as an ala carte menu.

Opening Hours: Daily: 6:30AM-Midnight

Bennigan’s

Enjoy tasty food and spirited conversation.

Opening Hours: Daily: 6AM-2AM

Cucina Italiana

The place where Italian Food is served with style and passion.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 6:00AM - 1:00AM

Baharat

Experience Arabian fine dining that promises to deliver a new, exceptional culinary adventure for the whole family.

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday 7:00pm - 01:00am For Information & Reservations All restaurants: +973 1717 1000

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Silk’s restaurant

Experience fine dining and sample creative menus prepared by seasoned and culinary experts. The unique show-kitchen/live-cooking concept provides an exciting and lively setting.

Opening Hours: Daily: Breakfast 9:00am - 10.30 am Lunch 10:00am – 4:00pm Dinner 5:00pm – 12:00am For Reservations

Silk’s restaurant: +973 17460017

Shopping Sheraton Hotel Bharain Alhilal Bookshop Opening Hours: Daily: 9AM to 9PM For Information

Alhilal Bookshop: +973 17 531 665

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN hotel & spa Chopard Boutique Opening hours: Daily: 7AM to Midnight

Mohd Sharif Hatam & Sons

Novotel Al Dana Resort La Perle

Enjoy a delicious range of culinary specialties with an extensive selection of appetizers, salads and desserts to complement your choices Seafood and fishes.

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February / March 2013

Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday: 10AM to 2PM – 4PM to 8PM For Information

Chopard Boutique: +973 17 580 667 Mohd Sharif Hatam & Sons: +973 17 580 889

Spa & Salon Sheraton Hotel Bharain Image Spa & Leisure Opening Hours: Daily: 6Am to 10PM

Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Pure Spa Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm For Information & Reservations +973 1717 1122

Sheraton Health Club Opening Hours: Daily: 7AM to 10PM

Sheraton Fitness Opening Hours: Daily: 9AM to 8:30PM For Information

Image Spa & Leisure: +973 17 524 570 Sheraton Fitness: +973 17 524 570 Sheraton Health Club: +973 17 533 533

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN hotel & spa Elie & Jean Beauty Center Gents Saloon Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday: 9:30AM to 8PM Friday: 10AM to 7PM

Sports Club & Spa (Membership only) Opening hours: Daily: 5:00AM to 10:30PM For Information

Elie & Jean Beauty Center - Gents Saloon: +973 17 580 798

Thalassotherapy

(Call for Appointment) For Information & Reservations Hotel: +973 1763 6363 Concierge: +973 39349659

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN hotel & spa Elie & Jean Beauty Center Gents Saloon Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday: 9:30AM to 8PM Friday: 10AM to 7PM

Sports Club & Spa (Membership only) Opening hours: Daily: 5:00AM to 10:30PM For Information

Elie & Jean Beauty Center - Gents Saloon: +973 17 580 798

Al Safir Hotel Ann Beauty Salon

Come in and relax to soothing music as our therapists provide the perfect treatment.

For Information & Reservations Al Safir Hotel & Tower: +973 1782 7999 Email: alsafirh@batelco.com.bh Bennigan’s: +973 1781 3750 Website: bennigans.com.bh Cucina Italiana: +973 1700 1317 Website: cucinaitaliana.com.bh

The K Hotel The K lounge Opening Hours: Daily: 11AM to 2AM

Champions Sports Lounge Opening Hours: Daily: 11AM to 2AM For Information

K Hotel: (973) 1736 0000

Gulf Hotel Sherlock Holmes Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00pm – 2:00am

Typhoon Bar and Lounge Opening Hours: Daily: 5:00pm – 1:00am Happy Hour: 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Vintage Wine Bar Opening Hours: Daily: 5:00pm – 1:00am

For Reservations

Pure Spa, Kempinski

K Lounge, The K Hotel

Nightlife Sheraton Hotel Bharain An Nada Lounge Opening Hours: Happy Hour: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm Daily 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM For Information

An Nada Lounge: +973 17 533 533 ext. 293

K Hotel: (973) 1736 0000 Sherlock Holmes: +973 1771 2450 Typhoon Bar and Lounge: +973 17 746 395 Vintage Wine Bar: +973 1774 6461

Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Boudoir Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00pm - 2:00am

Bizarre Lounge Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00pm - 2:00am For Information & Reservations Hotel: (973) 1717 1000

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Amber Bar Opening Hours: Daily: 6PM to 2AM

Lagoon Pool Bar

Novotel Al Dana Resort Le Bellevue

A relaxed yet elegant bar offering one of the most stunning views of the sea and city skyline. Light live music in the evenings.

Opening Hours: Daily: 8AM to 8PM

Opening hours: Daily: 4:00pm - 2:00am

Lobby Lounge Bar

Pool Bar

Tapas: BAR

Pool bar is open on weekends during December- February and every day from March 1 until November. (Closed during Ramadan).

Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30AM to Midnight

Opening hours: Daily: 9:00am -8:00pm

Opening Hours: Daily: 8AM to Midnight

For Information

Hotel: +973 1763 6363 Concierge: +973 39349659

For Reservations

Hotel: +973 1729 8008

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Quoted “People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.”

Mother Teresa

“If you have a goal, write it down. If you do not write it down, you do not have a goal -- you have a wish.”

Dr Steve Maraboli

“Immature people always want to win an argument, even at the cost of a relationship. Mature people understand that it’s always better to lose an argument and win a relationship.”

Unknown Author

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Winston Churchill

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february /2012 February March 2013

“The only way we’re going to survive is by making the customer the one who wins.”

Ethan Imboden, founder of Jimmyjane

“I hire for attitude.

Skills can be learned. I’ll take attitude any day over a good skill set.”

G.J. Hart, CEO of California Pizza Kitchen

With all our service offerings, we work to provide you with a stress free solution customized to your property requirements. Our team works as an extension of yours; a partnership that ensures the delivery of cost effective facilities management solutions designed to meet all your property needs.

P.O.BOX: 10144 | Manama | Kingdom of Bahrain | Tel.: +973 69694000 | Fax: +973 69694001 | www.circofm.com