Gulf Insider February 2017 Issue

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

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145

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knowledge is power

+ Inside Valentine’s in Bahrain No Money, No Honey Porsche Races for Glory

Interview with

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Contents February 2017 Issue 145

16 18

Health

26

52 Facebook Followers

143,089

Partner Workout

28

32

36

46

52

Simply unparalleled online presence that connects region’s most inspired communities.

56

Hotel Review

Escape to Al Areen

Money

No Money, No Honey

Affairs

The World’s most powerful passports

Life

Sledging in the Sahara

Motors

Redefining an Icon

Motors

Cruising in the Batmobile

Art

At the heart of Arcadia

…and much, much more!

Comment...

Knowledge is power

Dear Reader,

Publisher & Editor in Chief

- Nicholas C. Cooksey

Editorial

- Ainne Frances dela Cruz

Regular Contributors

- Hugh Haskell-Thomas - Nicholas Cortes - Bill Daly

Guest Contributors

- Sawsan Abu Omar - Tariq A. Al Maeena - Rich Hutchinson - Loe Babauta

Greetings and a warm welcome to a new issue of Gulf Insider.

This month we explore the world of motors with reviews of new and vintage cars. We sat down with HH Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa to talk about MMA and how it is transforming Bahrain culture and tourism. We also give you our carefully curated list of Valentine get-aways, surprises, and activities to do with your partner. Inside these pages, you will find other articles written by real people—most of them in Bahrain. Please also visit us online and on our thriving Facebook page where you will find other features and useful information not covered in these pages.

Layout Designs Admin & Finance Photography Distribution Executives

- Dhanraj S - Nikesh Pola - Shareef Panhatt - Yulia Trubnikova - Mohammed Yousif - Muhammed Shareef - Rafnaj K P

For Advertising Opportunities Call

Yulia Trubnikova

M. +973 3678 8748

We are happy to have you as a reader of Gulf Insider!

Wishing all of you a great month ahead!

Published by:

Media

The Insider Team!

P.O. Box 26810, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 1700 4575 Fax: +973 1772 1722

Printed at Awal Press, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Distribution Bahrain: Al Hilal Corporation, Tel. +973 1748 0800 UAE: Jashanmals, Tel. +971 4341 9757

Bahrain BD2

Bahrain BD2 KSA SR20

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145

Issue

knowledge is power

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

KSA SR20

+ Inside

144

knowledge is power

Valentine’s in Bahrain

+ Inside

No Money, No Honey

Fashion Trends

Porsche Races for Glory

MMA and the Rise of Bloodsports

Issue

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Lounging at The Domain

hh ShaIkh khalId

Complimentary Copy

IntervIew wIth

The expaT dilemma

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Front Cover Credits:

Valentine’s in Bahrain Photographer: Yulia Trubnikova

ypoC yratnemilpmoC

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@yulia_trubni_photostream

The expaT dilemma

Porsche Races for Glory

Lounging at The Domain

No Money, No Honey

MMA and the Rise of Bloodsports

Interview with Shaikh Khalid

Fashion Trends

www.Gulf-Insider.com + Inside

+ Inside

Arabia’s Intelligent Magazine Established since 2004, Gulf Insider is the multi award winning Arabian business and current affairs magazine that also covers property and expat news, interviews, car reviews, travel features, even a bit of art and fashion.

The monthly print edition of Gulf Insider is distributed to Bahrain’s highest spending consumers and decision makers. There’s also limited distribution in other GCC states via airline lounges, duty free, ARAMCO in the KSA, and other strategic locations.

Registered with Ministry of Information approval no. TFI-431©. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. *Articles by these correspondents are the copyright of Telegraph Media Group, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0DT, England.

Inbox Facebook Followers

Follow @Gulf Insider

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A few of our social media posts from last month. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page!

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Events

Day & Night Chinese New Year When: up to February 4th Where: Gulf Hotel Bahrain A portent of good things to come, Chinese New Year is celebrated in many countries and coincides with the arrival of spring. Celebrate this occasion at Gulf Hotel’s award-winning China Garden. The 10 day celebration will feature special traditional dishes from Chef Ding with New Year favorites!

For bookings, Tel. +973 17713000 or visit gulfhotelbahrain.com

Creating Change—The 4th International Self Development Conference When: 7th to 9th February Where: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry The Bahrain Meditation Centre for Self Development, under the patronage of His Excellency, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is organizing the Creating Change Conference to empower individuals, organizations, and communities to create a better future with confidence, happiness, and clarity.

For more information, visit creatingchangebahrain.org

Drag & Drift Nights When: 6th and 27th of February Where: Bahrain International Circuit Motorsports enthusiasts, mark your calendars as Motor City once again brings Drag & Drift to the BIC. Open to the public, drivers can take part in their own car or motorbike, where they can push their wheels to the limits. Taking place at the BIC’s quarter-mile drag strip, drifters powerslide along a designated course along the BIC car park. For an additional thrill, the Dragster Xperience is available throughout the night. This exhilarating ride takes you from zero to 100kph in just one second.

For more information, Tel.+ 973 1745 0000 or email sales@bic.com.bh 8

Gulf Insider February 2017

Bahrain International Garden Show When: 23rd to 26th February Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre Bahrain’s largest flower, lifestyle, and garden show is back! Since its establishment in 2004, the Bahrain International Garden Show has become a platform for experts and enthusiasts to further develop their expertise and knowledge with the latest best practices in the industry.

For more information, visit bigs.com.bh.

Cupid’s Romantic Spa Break BD280 net per night

Cupid’s Ultimate Villa Package BD230 net per night

(includes villa,dinner,breakfast, 45-min spa & special arrangements)

(includes villa, dinner, breakfast, special arrangements)

Spice Up Your Valentine’s at Saffron BD 25 net per person 4-course Arabic set menu

Valentine’s Dinner at Keizo BD 25 net per person 4-course set menu & live singer

Tel: +973 17845000

Valentine’s Day Island Dining at Keizo BD125 only Gazebo rent & food

www.alareenpalace.com

Events

Dubai Food Festival

Best of Dubai Here are our top picks of events in Dubai you would want to fly out for.

Virgin Radio RedFest DXB 2017

Omega Dubai Desert Classic

When: 1st to 2nd February, 2017

When: 1st to 4th February, 2017

Chris Brown and Demi Lovato headline this year’s RedFest, the UAE’s number one hit music festival. They will be joined by Australian electropop duo The Veronicas, Daya, Tove Lo, Alessia Cara, and Mike Posner. Aside from music, the festival attracts some of the best street food vendors across the Middle East with plenty of eye-catching interactive installations and activations.

Bringing some of the biggest names in golf together for another fantastic tournament featuring a $2.5 million dollar prize pool. Tiger Woods has featured in the event six times since 2001 and has won it twice. The most successful golfer at this event has been Ernie Els who has played in 12 different years and has won the competition three times.

Visit refestdxb.com

Visit dubaidesertclassic.com

Gulf Photo Plus Photo Week When: 10th to 17th February, 2017 The MENA region’s longest running international photography festival, Gulf Photo Plus invites budding Instagram stars and photography aficionados to attend this week long festival with a series of photography seminars and workshops led by renowned international photographers. Also look forward to artist talks, photography walks, and product launches. Best of all, some activities are free.

Tel.: +97143808545 Visit gulfphotoplus.com 10

Gulf Insider February 2017

When: 23rd February to 11th March, 2017 This festival turns the city into a gastronomic paradise. It is the only city-wide food festival in the Middle East. Offering a calendar of exciting food-related events and promotions, highlighting Dubai’s unique food scene, it is a sumptuous and indulgent treat for the whole family.

Visitdubai.com/en/discover/festivals/ dubai-food-festival

The GCC Financial Forum 27-28 February 2017 • Manama, Bahrain Khalid Al-Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board and H.E. Mr Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain to speak at the GCC Financial Forum 2017.

Euromoney Conferences and the Bahrain Economic Development Board are excited to present a new and significantly upgraded event for 2017.

We are also delighted to announce two international keynote speakers who will bring a global perspective to the discussions:

The Forum will bring together a top-tier audience of 600 business leaders, financiers and policymakers to discuss the future of financing in the GCC. The event will explore how financial markets in the Gulf are evolving, and how the region’s funding challenges can be met through innovation and new approaches in financial intermediation.

Francis Fukuyama, internationally renowned futurist and author of The End of History and the Last Man Lord Adair Turner, Chairman of the New Institute for New Economic Thinking and former chair of the UK Financial Services Authority.

Charter Sponsors:

For more information or to apply for your place, please visit the website: www.euromoneyconferences.com/bahrain

@euromoneyconf #emGCC

Watch Review

Watch to

Watch…

Each month our publisher, Nick Cooksey, reviews a watch from his personal collection. This month he talks about his IWC Mark XVl.

“The Mark is more than a watch; it is an homage to the tradition of fine Swiss watchmaking. The Mark is the ordinary watch par excellence’“- Michael Friedberg, moderator of IWC’s

‘in-house’ forum.

T

wo years ago I was wearing this watch when sitting next to a Saudi gentleman in Business Class on a flight from Dubai to Bahrain. He offered me $5,000 in cash for it - about $2,000 more than its value. After confirming he was serious I politely refused his offer. I’m not averse to the odd trade, but a watch is personal – it touches the body. It travels with you and offers memories, good and bad.

I know many will not understand my reasoning to turn down such easy money, but the transaction just didn’t feel right even though I would have happily sold this watch, for less, to someone I knew and liked.

In the history of wristwatches, few designs have been more archetypal than IWC’s Mark series. They have remained in production from 1936 until today with only relatively minor changes.

The beauty of this watch is its

12

Gulf Insider February 2017

In the history of wristwatches, few designs have been more archetypal than IWC’s Mark series. simplicity. It sticks to the basics and doesn’t try too hard. It’s solidly made and has a soft-iron cage inside to protect the movement from magnetism, a traditional feature of pilot’s watches.

The case measures 39 mm but looks bigger thanks to its narrow bezel. At only 11.5 mm thick Its slim enough to easily fit under cuffs and be worn as a dress watch.

It’s powered by the 21 jewel selfwinding Caliber 30110 movement, one of the most reliable Swiss movements ever and has a 42 hour power reserve.

A nice touch is that the crown has a small fish emblem (to indicate water resistance) and Latin motto ‘Probus Scafusia’.

IWC watches are available in Bahrain at branches of Asia Jewelers.

Next month

I planned to review my Panerai 012 this issue but at the last moment when the time came to write I realized it might be more interesting to write a review + comparison of 2 Panerais. This involves a fair bit more work so I will set about writing it for next month’s issue.

Sports

Adrenaline Dates Try something new and exciting for a change

Go-karting at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) Remember the bumper cars that were a fashionable sport in the 90’s?

This is its updated cousin. The gokarting track at the BIKC is the region’s fastest growing karting track and can also host events at night. With a club house area and an open terrace, you can enjoy coffee, lunch, and dinner when you visit. Make a bet and see who the go-kart champion is.

Tel. +973 1745 0000 or email info@bic.com.bh

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Gulf Insider February 2017

Kite surfing at SkateShack Amwaj

Indoor Skydiving at Gravity

Flying a kite is awesome, but flying a kite on the water is even more so. This ancient Polynesian sport, where you are strapped on a modified surfboard and given the controls to an inflatable power kite, is now very popular in Bahrain. Get yourself and your date over to Skate Shack, where you can get lessons and they’ll also rent you the equipment for kite surfing.

This is Bahrain’s first indoor skydiving experience and has already gathered a lot of hype. You will experience freefall at one of the tallest wind tunnels in the world; with an overall height of 12 meters. This bodyflight experience is one of a kind, and might even whet your appetite for more of these types of adventures like parachuting. Gravity provides lessons pre-flight, as well as gear.

Tel. +973 3923 4187 or visit skate-shack.com

Tel. +973 1310 0000 or visit gravitybah.com

Style

Mohammed’s mirrored sunglasses is definitely on fleek.

His casual, groovy look is a weekend winner!

Street Style Gulf Insider spotted these men with inimitable style walking along the bustling streets of Block 338, Adliya.

Shaek Ar looks very stylish in his printed tank, black blazer, and white jeans.

A contemporary twist on the Canadian tux, Fawaz from Kuwait, definitely knows how to wear chambray and ripped jeans.

This father and son duo (Ashraf and Ahmed) look particularly stylish, and ready to brave the winter cold!

Gulf Insider February 2017

15

Sports

A Brave New World HH Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa ushers KHK MMA to the future.

A

couple of years ago, the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) was relatively unknown in Bahrain. With the creation of Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa MMA (KHK MMA) by HH Shaikh Khalid and the subsequent introduction of the Brave Combat Federation as the first-ever Bahrainbased professional MMA promotion, that scenario has changed a lot. From a handful of practitioners, there’s now a whole infrastructure built into this exciting sport. Denzin White, CEO of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) has said that “Bahrain MMA is developed”.

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Gulf Insider February 2017

At the helm of this movement is HH, who has been the visionary, guiding and leading KHK MMA into new avenues for growth. HH said “MMA has always been my passion. I understand what it takes to be an MMA fighter and all the top executives in KHK MMA were fighters who have stepped into the cage”.

In fact HH’s passion for MMA has gone viral and trends worldwide. While KHK MMA and its sub-brands develop, Shaikh Khalid’s story has spread rapidly and every new step draws the attention of international and local media. HH said “Bahrain is becoming a hub for mixed martial arts and sports in general. A lot

of people have their focus on Bahrain at the moment. The Brave Combat Federation fights was aired live in 30 countries and we are proud of this achievement. For this, I am truly grateful as I am open to any opportunity that serves the country and its youth”.

Get ready to rumble With a roster of international fighters who are also deeply committed to teaching the stable of Bahraini fighters, KHK MMA is fully loaded with talent.

They even recruit fighters from as far away as Brazil! Brave Combat Federation President Mohammed Shahid said “To find a fighter as young

Sports

as Julio Neves (their newest recruit who is 22 years old) with such a packed record is remarkable. This is the quality of talents we are looking for, these are the warriors who will get the chance to shine on our world class platform”.

When asked who he thinks are KHKMMA’s most bankable fighters, HH said “New young talents are always being recruited to the team. I personally think we have some world champions in the making. Hamza Zrira, Abbas Khan and Nayef Fekrey will be some of the fighters that will make some impact this year on the international amateur MMA scene”.

These athletes are given some of the best facilities and mentoring support in the world to hone their craft. HH said “The requisites for MMA to develop is to have a great team that will lift you up and motivate you as well as a great set of coaches and the right sparring partners. I believe we have some of the best coaching staff and a very motivated team ready to help and support each other. It’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world sees what we can do”.

2016 was a phenomenal debut year for the Brave Combat Federation, with big achievements in the fighting and training front! Commenting on these big leaps for KHK MMA, HH said “I am glad that KHK MMA was able to add value to the sport of mixed martial arts and its athletes. The goal remains the same, to build an infrastructure that will act as a platform for the youth to bring out the best in them”. HH’s advice for aspiring young fighters? Be patient and determined. Challenge the norms. Have a strong heart.

I personally think we have some world champions in the making. Hamza Zrira, Abbas Khan and Nayef Fekrey will be some of the fighters that will make some impact this year on the international amateur MMA scene.

have made a mark here in Bahrain and 2017 will have a great impact on the kingdom as we host the IMMAF amateur world championship. Athletes from all over the globe including Bahraini nationals will compete to earn the prestigious title of “World Champion”. Exciting times indeed.

Sky’s the limit The Brave Championship is slated to expand to various countries, giving the world a chance to experience a Bahraini MMA championship for professionals, and have a positive impact on supporting Bahrain’s position in international sports, especially MMA. HH said “KHK MMA has not only been developing the sports and entertainment industry in Bahrain; BRAVE Combat Federation was able to bring international exposure and attention to the Kingdom. The promotion was able to create opportunities, show our passion and share the Bahraini culture with the rest of the world. We

KHK MMA has been considered one of the biggest cultural shifts in the story of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Different from other type of events, KHK MMA was conceived and created in Bahrain, growing from the inside until reaching worldwide recognition.

Today, present in four different continents and with a massive number of followers, KHK and Brave have been proudly carrying the Bahraini flag around the globe.

Gulf Insider February 2017

17

Health

Partner Workout Bahrain-based “Fit Aussie” Hayley Biddle teaches us how to help ourselves and our partners get the health and body we want.

O Now it’s time for you to get out there and sweat with your partner!

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Gulf Insider February 2017

ne of the best things about being in a relationship is that you always have the perfect workout partner.

Your special someone already loves you and can encourage, support and help push you to reach your fitness goals-all while you help them do the same.

The only hard part in working out with your partner is trying to think of effective exercises that you can do together. Look no further because here are seven fun exercises couples can do to strengthen both their bodies and their relationship. You can even try these workouts with your sibling, co-worker, or parent.

Health

come up. Repeat this same motion with your opposite hand and continue to alternate.

4. Couple’s planks.

This exercise can be done by facing each other and holding the “plank” position with your elbows on the ground with your legs and back kept straight. You can even grab hands with your elbows down with your partner to help support and balance one another. This workout can also be done side by side if you’re too tempted to laugh while facing your partner and staring into their beautiful eyes.

5. Squat-and-throws.

Stand facing your partner about 8-10 feet apart. One of you will start holding a medicine ball and together you will do a synchronized squat. When you come up from the squat, whoever has the ball will throw the ball to their partner and then he or she will do a squat with it before throwing it back.

6. Connected sit-ups.

1.Wall sits.

Sit next to each other with your backs straight and pressed flush against the wall. Ideally your legs should be at about a 90 degree angle. If this is too difficult then you can practice leaning up higher against the wall until you’re able to work up to a 90 degree angle.

2. Resistance push-ups.

This is a simple exercise that involves one’s partner lightly pushing down on their spouse’s back while he or she does a push-up. The person with their hands on their partner’s back creates resistance as their spouse pushes up. The more resistance, the more effective the exercise will be.

3. Hand shake push-ups.

This is another variation of push-ups designed to strengthen the upper body. Start by facing your partner while both of you are in the pushup position. Together, go down for a pushup and shake (or slap) right or left hands with each other as you

Sit down facing each other and put your feet together.

You can then choose to either do sit-ups simultaneously or take turns alternating. Toss a medicine ball back and forth to intensify this work out and make it even more effective.

7. Lying leg throw downs.

For this exercise, one partner lies on the ground while the other stands directly over the head of the other. The person on the ground will grab their partner’s ankles and raise their legs toward their partner while keeping them as straight as possible. The person standing will then repeatedly push their spouse’s legs back down. Switch positions after completing the desired number of reps.

Since you already spend most of your time together, you can also help one another eat better and make other healthconscious choices while at home.

fitaussie_in_bahrain

Gulf Insider February 2017

19

Affairs

GLOBAL SHAPERS COMMUNITY MANAMA

Manama Shapers

Interview with Shaheen Shaheen - Portfolio Manager, Central Bank of Bahrain

W

hat does your role as Portfolio Manager at the Central Bank of Bahrain entail?

As part of the portfolio management team, I look over the foreign reserve at the Central Bank of Bahrain. My role consists of managing liquidity, capital preservation and generating steady returns over the medium to long-term. I also conduct macroeconomic research, seeking investment opportunities in various asset classes: mainly fixed income, in the global and regional markets.

What does being a Series 7 and Series 79 holder contribute to your professional career?

Professional qualification act as enablers for your career progression.

It also enhances your technical ability to make calculated decisions. The Series 7 and Series 79, which are exams given by the General Securities Representative (GSRE) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), have equipped me with the necessary tools to make proper investment decisions and further build my credibility in the field.

20

Gulf Insider February 2017

However, I believe that in one’s career an individual must always work on developing not only their technical ability but also their team work and leadership skills. Therefore I am constantly looking for opportunities to develop both my technical and interpersonal skills.

I believe that in one’s career an individual must always work on developing not only their technical ability but also their team work and leadership skills.

It must be exciting to be a Fellow at the First Deputy Prime Minister’s office. Can you tell us more about what you do there?

I have had the honor and privilege to be 1 of the 14 trainees selected from a pool of more than 700 applicants from

the public sector as a fellow at the First Deputy Prime Minister’s office. My main task is research, which I do in various fields such as Economics and Politics.

I also conduct policy analysis and proposals on a national level. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to interact with the kingdom’s key decision makers at the highest level of government. In addition, I have recently completed a Leadership and Negotiation training course which was taught by leading professors from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. This for me is the highlight of my fellowship and a high point in my career.

Do you still have free time? And if so, what do you do with it?

One thing you learn from being involved in various things or wearing different hats is time management.

Throughout my career I learned that to ensure a work life balance it is important to know when to switch off and look for things you personally enjoy. In my free time I enjoy traveling, playing sports and doing all sorts of outdoor activities.

I mostly enjoy mountain climbing and have a passion for snowboarding. Best of all I like going on new adventures.

K

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COM B

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Fundamental Entertainment

ATHL AT

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PRESENTS

Submit. III DUBAI 03.04.2017 6:00PM AT

CENTREPOINT THEATRE Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre

01.28.2016

Style

Faerie Watch from Van Cleef & Arpels This beautiful, collector’s edition watch from Van Cleef & Arpels is sure to appeal to her romantic side. Inspired by fairytales, this beautiful watch is inlaid with precious stones and has a dandelion dial design.

Items available from Asia Jewellers.

Chopard Imperiale watch Timepieces fit for royalty! The 36mm watch is made of 18 ct. rose gold, and diamonds. The sculptural play of curves and straight lines on this self-winding watch is a sophisticated blend of materials up to and including the delicate mother of pearl on the silver dial.

Items available from Bahrain Jewellery Centre.

Gifts for

Her

Some gift ideas for your favorite lady.

Pomellato rings These rings can be mixed and matched to make a contemporary fashion statement.

They are stackable or can be worn on different fingers or hands. Made of rose gold, white gold, and/or silver and inlaid with precious stones, it makes for a great gift for a great gal.

Items available from Asia Jewellers.

Di Go Ring This stunning rose gold and 7.18 ct pink sapphire ring studded with diamonds will surely put you in her good graces.

Items available from Bahrain Jewellery Centre.

22

Gulf Insider February 2017

Dining

The Domain Le Sauvage

Keizo at Al Areen Palace and Spa

Le Sauvage is a sophisticated steakhouse with an oldworld feel. Views of Manama, comfortable cigar chairs, an excellent chef with a delightful repertoire of dishes artfully described by the dashing sommelier; this is a place to linger and indulge.

Pull out all the stops and take her to Keizo. Featuring a small island overlooking a lake, this intimate set-up is ideal for a romantic date. You can opt for tailor made settings to set the perfect mood or ask the chef to serve you some of the best sushi in town.

Romancing Bahrain Despite its small size, Bahrain has many romantic places that would constitute a memorable Valentine’s day date.

Flames at Art Rotana Best grills, a contemporary setting, and excellent service make up Flames Steak and Seafood Restaurant. Intimate booth tables makes it ideal for a romantic Valentine’s date dinner. Sit at the dancing fountain whilst sampling the most decadent dessert menu in Bahrain.

La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art

Blue Moon at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Dating back to a 150 years, this imposing structure has hosted weddings, dinners, and launches throughout the years. In keeping with their art advocacy, dining is also treated as an art form, with indoor and outdoor dining areas that exude romance and style.

The Blue Moon Lounge and Café is moody, Moroccan-inspired, and opulent.

Relax and enjoy the spectacular sunsets and the twinkling lights above the bay. Enjoy an inventive menu of Asian delights complemented by a wide selection of cocktails.

Gulf Insider February 2017

23

Hotel

In Vino, Veritas

P

erhaps, the old adage that “In vino, there is truth” has merit. And indeed when Gulf Insider sat down with Domain Sommelier, Chad Cloete to talk about his favorite topic, we were bowled over by his knowledge, extensive research, and romanticism in this area.

Chad is a South African sommelier with over ten years of experience in the trade and hospitality industry with excellent qualifications. His ambition and enthusiasm about grapes stems from two other passionate sommeliers: Christine Parkinson and Ian Cable, his mentors. In The Domain, Chad offers his culinary and gastronomic experience on the restaurant floors of the hotel.

Being a colorful storyteller, he enchants 24

Gulf Insider February 2017

The Domain Hotels aims to bring back the grand old days when the hotel was an integral part of café’ society.

Gulf Insider sat down with Sommelier Chad Cloete to talk about his plans to achieve this.

Sommelier Chad, and Domain Restaurant Manager Edwin Sarmiento.

Modern Day Elegance guests with his knowledge and passion for the vine and is especially sought after for advice on vino and food pairings.

Chad wants to create a culture where grapes are at the forefront. In short, he is creating excuses for people to drink vino. One such cause for celebration is the Masters Dinner, a truly gastronomic experience that was dreamt of by the dynamic trio of Master Chef Rukmal,

In making the Domain a cultural destination in Manama, the Domain’s signature restaurants Imari and Le Sauvage, come into the fore bringing a tradition of elegance and grandeur.

It is clear that The Domain aspires for historical significance in modern Bahrain, and with the new changes coming up, they are closer than ever to their goal.

Into this untapped grandeur, the Domain introduces the Masters Dinner, which combines a night of gastronomic

Hotel

adventure within the dynamic atmosphere of Le Sauvage. Priced at BD39++ net per person, it’s a great way to experience the vine culture at an inimitable price.

The Vintage inspired dinner starts off with Yellow Fin Tuna & Blue Crab Carpaccio with an avocado & mango salad paired with a 2012 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Bordeaux Blanc. It’s round and refined with fresh and floral notes that mirror the carpaccio and tropical salad. From freshness to richness, the second course is a wild chicken roulade and foie gras with dark chocolate and rum truffles paired perfectly with a 2010 Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico. This grape is an expression of prestige has ripe cherry and earthy flavors which complement the truffle and chocolate.

Everything tastes better The next course is a perfect foil to the second, with Seared Norwegian Salmon paired with a 2007 Jean Claude Boisett Nuits St George. The light red fruit and savoury nature of the grape is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, slightly sweet pink meat of the salmon.

Guests then move on to the next course which is Grilled Black Angus Medallions with 12 months aged Beef Prosciutto and potato fondant. The meat and potatoes found its match in a 2008 Chateau Marjosse Grand vin Bordeaux.

The harmonious reaction between the muscle in the meat and tannin in the grape make for a scintillating pairing.

Finally, guests are treated to Goat Cheese Cake with Blueberries & Cognac Compote. The pairing for this dish is a 2005 La Fleur d’Or, a timetested vino from the legendary slopes of Sauterns, riding the line between sweet and tart, making it the perfect ending to a memorable meal.

Aside from the dinners, Chad is also putting together a vino calendar that would highlight and celebrate the great ancient grapes of the old world, such as Sauvignon Blanc, the infamous Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé as well as the ever adaptable and well travelled Chardonnay and Merlot varietals.

Apart from all the history and culture you will get, there’s nothing quite like

The Master Trio:

When Gulf Insider sat down with Domain Sommelier, Chad Cloete to talk about his favorite topic we were bowled over by his knowledge, extensive research, and romanticism in this area. savoring fine vino in the presence of other culturati. We are predicting that Chad’s Open that bottle night, where fine vintage grapes will be taken out of the cellar and sold at a reduced price, will take off very quickly. Don’t forget to watch out for Chad on Social Media as he will explain to the unitiated answers to your deepest vino questions, for example “What grape do I pair with sushi?” Check out their page for more details. www.facebook.com/ TheDomainBahrain

Chad Cleote, Chef Rukmal, & Edwin Sarmiento

Valentine’s at The Domain The Domain is a place of unparalleled elegance year-round, but they pull out all the stops on Valentine’s Day: The Domain’s Romantic Retreat (BHD99) includes an upgrade to a premiere room, a tantalizing, three course dinner prepared by Master Chef Rukmal at Le Sauvage, and a couple’s Chocolate Massage at Vie Lifestyle Lounge. The romantic retreat ends with a sumptuous breakfast in bed and a late checkout. This room package is available for the entire month of February 2017.

The Suite Hearts (BHD145) package is specially designed for the hopeless romantic who can enjoy the Luxury Suite, with heart-shaped chocolates, a Jacuzzi bubble bath, and breakfast in bed. A three-course dinner at Le Sauvage and late check-out are de rigeur. This package can be booked from February 12-18, 2017.

For bookings & reservations The Domain Hotel & Spa Tel. +973 1600 0000 Gulf Insider February 2017

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Hotel

Bow n’ Arrow An indulgent retreat awaits you at Al Areen Palace & Spa.

S

ince the creation of Al Areen Palace and Spa in 2007, it has continued to deliver exceptional service through its villas, restaurants, spa and recreation facilities. In addition, the hotel has received three accolades from prestigious award-giving bodies in recognition of its food, accommodation, and spa.

The hotel was cited as Favorite Gulf Restaurant at the Citi FACT Dining Awards 2016. In addition, World Luxury Hotel Awards, a globally renowned awarding body, has recognized Al Areen as Luxury Private Pool Villa Country Winner and World’s Luxury Spa Award Winner.

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Gulf Insider February 2017

This month of love, whisk your loved one away for a luxurious stay, dining, and spa packages.

An expression of understated charm and Arabian elegance, Al Areen Palace & Spa offers the perfect blend of relaxation and intimacy to the traveler.

It borders the spectacular grounds of

the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary, Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park and Bahrain International F1 Circuit and is 25 minutes away from the city center of Manama and 20 minutes away from King Fahad causeway. Spanning over 131,000 square meters, the resort features 78 luxuriously appointed villas on a total built-up area of 32,000 square meters. This includes 22 two-bedroom Royal Villas and 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas each with their own private courtyard, swimming pool and jet-pool.

The resort offers indulgent relaxation whilst on a desert adventure.

This Valentine’s season, Al Areen Palace & Spa shows you three different ways to wow your partner!

Hotel

Epicurean Pleasures

Arabian Retreat

Choose from any of Al Areen Palace & Spa’s exquisite dining venues and discover a whole new culinary experience. From elegant indoor dining to romantic outdoor settings, the resort has a perfect option for every mood and occasion

Al Areen’s Desert Pool villa is a secluded, intimate sanctuary with a spacious Arabian style courtyard, complete with a temperature controlled swimming pool and a Jacuzzi to transport you to a state of blissful tranquility. Experience the promise of comfort and privacy, in your very own contemporary haute chic villa featuring the warmth of distinct style and unrivaled Arabian Hospitality.

Spice up your Valentine’s at Saffron.

Celebrate the magic of romance this Valentine’s Day with an evening of exquisite cuisine, champagne, and a passionate feast in the unrivalled ambiance of Saffron for only BD25 per person. The restaurant staff will guide you through a curated four-course Cupid inspired set menu featuring Arabic, Bahraini, and Khaleeji cuisine.

Keizo is delighted to offer an alluring menu of far Eastern cuisine and nonalcoholic bubbly pairings for the bold hearted. Experience an exceptional Valentines with a four-course set menu and romantic songs by a talented singer for only BD25 per person.

Book your very own island this Valentine’s at Keizo. Reserve one of the three gazebos available and dine in a romantic island setting complete with rose petals, centerpiece, flowers, candles, and more upon request for only BD125 net.

Cupid’s Ultimate Villa Package allows you to enjoy a romantic dining package in the comfort of your Desert Pool Villa for BD230 net per night. The luxurious villa features a luxurious marble courtyard, heated pools and Jacuzzi, living room, dining room with pantry, majlis, and outdoor shower.

Romantic Rituals Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul with world-class spa treatments and fitness programs at Al Areen.

Valentine’s Couples Massage Packages: Indulge in a romantic couples’ spa date this Valentine’s and book a Couples Massage for BD 85/60 minutes or BD 125 net/90 minutes.

Romantic Rituals Escape the limits

of time and share the experience with your loved one. Refresh your mind and soul with a special couple package of Rainmist, Rose Exfoliating Salt ScrubRain Shower, Body Ritual Massage, Nourishing Milk Bath and Relaxation and Refreshments for BD 204/120 minutes.

Cupid’s Romantic Spa Break This month of love, whisk your loved one away for a luxurious stay, dining, and spa packages for BD280 per night.

Enjoy a four-course dinner for two at Keizo or Saffron restaurant, a special breakfast, and a spa treatment with your partner for 45 minutes. You will of course stay at the Desert Pool Villa and be welcomed with a non-alcoholic bottle of champagne, cake, and special decorations upon your arrival.

Private Hammam Garden Rental To cast away the cares of urban life, register in advance to experience and enjoy a romantic private Hammam Garden retreat for couples. You get a day pass to enjoy the private hammam garden and heated pool; access to the Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam rooms, a 90 minute massage treatment for couples at BD100 net or a 60 minute massage for BD90 net.

For reservations & bookings Al Areen Palace & Spa Tel. +973 17 84 50 00

Gulf Insider February 2017

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Money

No Money, No Honey The recent slew of holidays has left us all impoverished and with new celebrations coming up (e.g. Valentine’s Day), Gulf Insider asks the ageold question, can money really buy happiness?

Image : Yulia’s personal archive

A

lthough happiness may mean different things to different people, a common constant is the question of money. Andrew Blackman, in an article for The Wall Street Journal, stated that money does make people happy to some extent but “you may not be getting the most bang for your buck”.

Many people around the world believe that retail therapy, buying a new car, a new pair of shoes, or a new gadget can make them happy. In addition, because

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Gulf Insider February 2017

of the advent of social media, where every day there is always the latest “must-have”, or “must-buy”, people buy things they don’t need or want to impress people they don’t even know or like. Keeping up with the Joneses has never been so flagrant.

After the brief thrill of the purchase, once the pictures are up on Facebook and Instagram, people revert back to the same level of happiness as before.

Psychologists call this the hedonic adaptation, we soon adapt to material

purchases, no matter how grand the new house is, or how fast a ride the new car is.

Self-Actualization Ryan Howell, associate professor of Psychology at San Francisco State University decided to investigate how people spend money and the levels of satisfaction and happiness they feel after purchase. His findings are very interesting and show that people believe

Money

that material purchases offer better value for money because experiences are fleeting whereas material goods like a car or a laptop will last longer. So even though people will occasionally splurge on a big vacation or concert tickets, when they are in money-conscious mode, they will stick to buying material goods. However, when people look back on their experiences, they find that these trips, concerts, or bonding time with family actually made them happier than material purchases.

According to Abraham Maslow’s Self-Actualization theory, people need to take care of their physiological and safety needs before moving to the next three layers which are love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. If we follow this theory, then money can indeed buy happiness. To take care of physiological and safety needs, you would definitely need money. It is

When people look back on their experiences, they find that these trips, concerts, or bonding time with family actually made them happier than material purchases.

Figure 1: Abraham Maslow’s Selfactualization theory

Selfactualization Esteem Love / belonging Safety Physiological

Insider Feedback What’s the point of money if you don’t have good friends? – Mary Annin Jacob, Project Manager, Arabian Magazines I think money is not only about nice things but also the opportunity to enjoy life and the freedom to do whatever you want. It’s about getting different experiences.

It opens up the world to you and yes, for me, it’s the road towards happiness. As for love or friendship, you might find it or not, regardless of money. – Yulia Trubnikova, Sales Account Manager, Gulf Insider In this day and age, money is a highstress factor, either individually or in your household. Of course, there are things in life that are priceless like love, but I think it’s ignorant to dismiss the facet of money. Money drives ambition, it drives people’s outlook on life; it also drives individual creativity: fashion, social media, style; this all comes with a price tag. – Jayne Green, Editor, Bahrain Confidential Money can buy food and food makes me happy. – Bribin Matthew, Web Developer, Arabian Magazines

interesting to note that although money is not directly tied to love/ belonging, esteem, or self-actualization; if you do have money that is not income based, you can pursue the things that are most important to you like taking care of your family, being an artist, or traveling around the world.

Happiness Payback

Given that we all have limited resources, the question is how do we put what we have to work, to give ourselves a happiness payback?

One advice is to attain all the three layers in the sequence. Overspending before you have a nest egg stashed up (to ensure your quality of life, even if you lose your job) is not a good option.

Another idea is to buy things that are in accordance with your values.

If you value traveling, buying a plane ticket to an exotic destination is sure to make you happy. Ditto if you bring your friends and/or family along for the experience. If you like helping people, then consider putting in volunteer time and donating to a worthy cause. All of these things, as long as they align with your personal values are sure to give you a psychological boost.

If money has the ability to make us happy, the lack thereof, many experts say can make people miserable. Being in debt, is a strong unhappiness factor.

In this case, your savings are your shield. Michael Norton, co-author of Happy Money: the Science of Smarter Spending says “Though it is not fun to save, having saved money is fun. It is a preventive measure”. To make things easier, automate when you can.

Gulf Insider February 2017

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Property

Super Rich buying

UAE Real Estate Dubai and Abu Dhabi have both featured on a new ranking of the 50 most important cities for property ownership among the world’s wealthiest people.

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Gulf Insider February 2017

Property

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he Alpha Cities Index, created by consultancy Wealth-X, is a ranking of the cities that ultra high net-worth individuals (UNHWIs) – those with a net worth of US$30 million or more – believe to be most attractive when considering property purchases. Cities were rated on a series of practical, emotional and cultural factors.

Three Middle East cities made the top 50 with Dubai securing the highest regional placing at 36th. Abu Dhabi was ranked 50th and Kuwait City was ranked 42nd.

Three Middle East cities made the top 50 with Dubai securing the highest regional placing at 36th.

Abu Dhabi was ranked 50th and Kuwait City was ranked 42nd.

US cities dominated the list, with 12 out of the top 25 locations, but only one US city appears in the top five – New York, which was ranked second. London was named as the top city for wealthy buyers.

The index appears in Wealth-X’s new Global Property Handbook guide, which was compiled alongside the US-based brokers Warburg Realty and the Paris-based Barnes International Realty.

It found that 10 per cent of UNHWIs own five or more properties. It also said the market for luxury residential property had been

buoyant between the aftermath of the global financial crisis and 2015, but had started to slow in the first half of last year.

Sameer Lakhani, the managing director of Global Capital partners, said that Dubai’s property market has traditionally been “top heavy” in building a higher proportion of luxury properties than in other cities in the world. This was due, he argued, to the commodity boom that took place between 2002-12.

“That oil boom had beneficiaries in the region, in countries like Russia and some North African countries.

That boom then fed into luxury properties. You had a lot of holiday homes and an investor effect that was coupled with a dollar that was weakening.

“It wasn’t just Dubai – you saw it in Spain, in America and in Egypt.”

He said this trend has started to reverse more recently as developers cater more to UAE residents by providing more affordable property.

For instance, some 77 per cent of existing villas are priced in the Dh2 million and above bracket, but 63 per cent of all villas currently under construction in Dubai are being sold for between Dh1m and Dh2m.

“You’re seeing a structural shift,” he said.

Speaking at the launch of CBRE’s Dubai Annual Market Update last month, the firm’s UAE head of research and consultancy, Matthew Green, said that many developers who had operated at the premium end of the market “are now starting to try and squeeze construction costs and deliver a product that is maybe slightly cheaper to build” to appeal to a wider group of buyers.

CBRE is predicting that 70,000 units are due for completion in Dubai over the next three years.

“With so much competition between multiple, master-planned developments and everyone with the same view that they need to deliver product in time for [Expo 2020] the residential space has become increasingly competitive,” he said.

Gulf Insider February 2017

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Affairs

The world’s most

powerful passports revealed

G

ermany has the most powerful passport in the world, according to the results of a 2017 travel ranking. Coming a close second is Sweden, followed by Singapore, which overtook South Korea as the most powerful in Asia this year.

The rest of the top 10 is made up of European countries including Denmark, Finland, France, Spain, Switzerland, Norway and the UK. Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries rated poorly, with Afghanistan having the least powerful passport out of 199 countries, allowing its nationals to travel to just 23 countries and regions without having to obtain a visa beforehand.

It’s followed by Pakistan, Iraq and Syria, which are open to 26, 28 and 29 countries and regions respectively.

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Gulf Insider February 2017

The Islamic country with the most powerful passport is Malaysia, open to 154 countries.

Among GCC countries, the UAE has the 58th most powerful passport (122 countries), followed by Kuwait - 98th (82 countries), Qatar - 99th (77 countries), Bahrain - 104th (73 countries), Oman 107th (67 countries), and Saudi Arabia - 112th (67 countries).

The latest ranking, released by Passportindex.org, takes into account the number of visa-free regions and countries that a passport has access to.

It includes destinations that are completely visa-free and the ones that require visa on arrival.

Germany’s passport, which allows its holders to travel to 158 countries around the world without having to get a visa before departure, is top of the list.

The country held the same position

last year but it now offers one less destination compared to 2016.

The Swedish and Singaporean passports both allow its holders to visit 157 destinations.

However, Sweden ranks higher on the list because 123 of these destinations are completely visa-free (rather than visa on arrival) while for Singapore, it’s 122.

South Korea, which had previously been the most powerful passport out of the Asian nations, fell to 24 this year.

The list is updated each year and will vary according to the visa-waivers that were signed during the year.

According to a new World Openness Score forming part of the rankings, which measures the freedom of mobility around the globe, there has been an increase in open borders since last year.

Affairs

WORLD’S 25 MOST POWERFUL PASSPORTS 1. Germany (158) *

13. Netherlands (155)

2. Sweden (157)

14. Belgium (155)

3. Singapore (157)

MENA Ranking

168. Jordan (46)

58. United Arab Emirates (122)

179. Yemen (40)

15. Austria (155)

184. Lebanon (38)

4. Denmark (156)

16. Luxembourg (155)

98. Kuwait (82)

5. Finland (156)

17. Portugal (155)

99. Qatar (77)

185. Palestinian Territories (37)

6. France (156)

18. Japan (155)

104. Bahrain (73)

7. Spain (156)

19. Malaysia (154)

107. Oman (70)

8. Switzerland (156)

20. Ireland (154)

112. Saudi Arabia (67)

9. Norway (156)

21. Canada (154)

125. Tunisia (61)

10. United Kingdom (156)

22. New Zealand (154)

139. Morocco (55)

11. United States of America (156)

23. Greece (153)

162. Egypt (48)

12. Italy (155)

24. South Korea (153)

165. Algeria (47)

25. Australia (153)

187. Libya (37) 188. Iran (36) 196. Syria (29) 197. Iraq (28) 198. Pakistan (26) 199. Afghanistan (23)

Source: www.passportindex.org *number in brackets refers to the total number of countries and regions that passport holders can travel to without getting a visa. This includes visa-free and visa on arrival destinations. The ranking is based on both figures.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF FACEBOOK LIVE It has been said that one of the most prominent trends of 2017 is live-stream videos, which is true, especially as we recently witnessed the growth and popularity of Facebook Live.

F

acebook Live is considered a promising tool with unlimited possibilities and opportunities that if utilized well can help both people and brands reach their goals and objectives.

However, just like with any tool or platform out there, there are many who don’t grasp the actual benefits of Facebook Live and misuse it as well as abuse it. Many approach Facebook Live the way they would Snapchat, so our Facebook newsfeed and notifications are cluttered with our friends’ Facebook Live videos that should be limited to the Snapchat world. Also, there are people and brands who have good content, but are not knowledgeable about how to properly leverage this tool in order to reach their audience and ultimately their goals.

For the perfect Facebook Live video, you first have to decide on the topic you

want to discuss along with an outline.

Secondly, to generate more views, inform people beforehand about the date and time of the video. You can use other platforms to alert your followers there and invite them to watch the Facebook Live video as well.

Another important step is rehearsing before you go live, to make sure that the sound is clear and that there is no background noise or any other distractions that can affect the delivery and quality of the video as a whole.

(Tip: Now, you can shoot Facebook Live videos on your laptops and not only smartphones).

During the live video, it is advised to acknowledge the commenters by name and address their questions and discussions. At the end of the video, there should be a “call to action” where the viewers are asked to share the video once it is available on the

newsfeed. And of course, just like with any activity, or initiative, evaluation is a very important step that shouldn’t be ignored, for the sake of continuous improvements and enhancements.

Sawsan Abu Omar, MCIPR, is a PR and Communications professional. www.sawsanabuomar.com Gulf Insider February 2017

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Society

what’s happening

A Diplomatic Affair

The Gulf Hotel & Spa hosted an exclusive dinner for the French ambassador to Bahrain.

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Gulf Insider February 2017

Goddag!

A cocktail reception for the Danish consulate was held at The Domain Hotel & Spa.

Society

Bahrain Heritage

A press conference was held at the National Museum highlighting 2017 as Bahrain’s “One Year of Archaeology”.

Impressive Performance

The all new 2017 Subaru Impreza was launched to the media at the Motorcity showroom in Sitra.

Gulf Insider February 2017

35

Life

Ain Sefra is pretty much the last civilisation before the Sahara, which stretches out for thousands of miles to the south

Sledging… in the

Sahara!

Desert region hit by biggest snowfall in living memory with snow up to a METRE deep.

T

he Sahara Desert recorded the biggest snowfall in living memory last month after a winter storm in Algeria.

Incredible pictures show the desert town of Ain Sefra surrounded by snow which is at least a metre deep.

The snow caused chaos in the town, with passengers stranded on buses after the roads became slippery and icy.

Children made the most of the precipitation and built snowmen in the desert town and enjoyed sledging down the sand dunes for the first time in their lives.

Photographer Sekkouri Kamel, 38, said: ‘It’s absolutely incredible to have so much snow.’

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Gulf Insider February 2017

Snow has not been in Ain Sefra since February 18, 1979, when they had a flurry which lasted just 30 minutes.

Ain Sefra, not far from the Moroccan border, is around 1,000 metres above sea level and is surrounded by the Atlas Mountains.

The Mediterranean experienced unseasonably cold weather this year with Majorca and Ibiza also seeing considerable snowfall The Sahara Desert covers most of northern Africa and it has gone through shifts in temperature and moisture over the past few 100,000 years.

Although the Sahara is very dry today, it is expected to become green again in about 15,000 years.

Life

The town is surrounded by the Atlas Mountains but the area around Ain Sefra never gets snow Images: Zineddine Hashas/Geoff Robinson Gulf Insider February 2017

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Gulf Review

Saudization begins to the detriment of millions of expats In a report by the Saudi General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), around 34,500 Saudis are paid less than SAR2,000 per month; whereas the salaries of more than 128,000 Saudi local workers do not exceed a sum of SAR3,000. It is stated that around 250,000 Saudis as well as 230,000 expatriates are currently receiving monthly salaries which are either SAR10,000 or more. Given these statistics, will Saudization (equivalent to throwing out expatriates from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), achieve the objectives of betterment for Saudi? It is also worth noting that local Saudis would not like or wish to work for a monthly salary that is lower than SAR5,000 a month.

Instead of sending expatriates back home, a suggested solution is to allow these expats to start their own businesses in Saudi Arabia. This will supposedly help the Saudi market to grow immensely and attract foreign investment as well as investment from the local expatriate community living in the Kingdom at a much higher scale than it is today.

Bahrain to impose new airport taxes A new airport tax charge of $26 or BD10 is being considered by the Muharraq Municipal Council as part of a wider plan to increase revenue. This new income stream could generate over $2 million per year if Bahrain gets approval from the Works, Municipalities, and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry and the Transportation and Telecommunication Ministry.

Muharraq Municipal Council chairman, Mohammed Al Sinan, who proposed the idea, said “Municipal tax is imposed on plots (of land) being used, whether they are built up or empty, on the basis of occupancy. In the case of the airport, actual space is used by aircrafts but no payments are being made. Airlines should be paying tax for their occupancy of government property and we are proposing BD10 per plane.”

Al Sinan said that the charge might not apply to Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, which accounts for 43 percent of commercial traffic at the airport.

In addition, Bahrain’s government announced it will more than double passenger departure tax, a fee that airline passengers using the airport must pay, from BD3 to BD7. Further, transit passengers will now be required to pay BD1. The tax is collected by airlines on behalf of the government with the new fees become effective in 3 months.

Saudi Mufti warns of depravity of cinemas and concerts “Singing concerts and cinemas are a depravity”, Grand Mufti Abdulaziz Al Sheikh said in a television interview. The head of the Saudi Supreme Council of Clerics was responding to a question about the plans of the kingdom’s General Authority for Entertainment to license concerts and study the opening up of cinemas.

He warned that cinemas “might show movies that are libertine, lewd, immoral and atheist, because they rely on films imported to change our culture”.

The Grand Mufti insists that opening cinemas represent “a call for the mixing between sexes”. “At the beginning they would assign areas for women, but then both men and women will end up in one area.

This corrupts morals and destroys values,” he said. However “entertainment through cultural and scientific media is okay”, he said urging the authorities not to “open the doors for evil”.

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Gulf Review

Priceless map with wifi passwords for airports around the world now online A computer security engineer and blogger, Anil Polat, has done the world a huge favor by creating an interactive map (which goes by the name of WiFox) that contains WiFi passwords to free networks in most large airports around the world.

This is what it looks like: the little plane symbols on the map indicate airports, and to the left is a list of the names of all the Wi-Fi networks and their passwords.

The service’s information is constantly being updated, with new information on new airports and cities often added — so it’s worth remembering when you next go on a trip.

Qatar net worth $355 billion Qatar, a country with a population smaller than Houston, Texas has amassed $355 billion in assets around the globe, making its Sovereign Wealth Fund the 15th largest in the world, according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute.

The country has deployed billions in trophy investments in Europe such as German carmakers, Italian fashion designers, and football clubs. It has also made huge investments in Russia, agreeing to buy 24.9 % of the St. Petersburg airport in July as well as committing $2 billion to the state-run Russian Investment Fund in 2014.

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is scouring the globe for possible investments. Fund executives said in 2014 they planned to place as much as $20 billion in Asia over six years, and expand its offices in Beijing and New Delhi.

Pakistani villagers attack convoy of Qatar royal hunting rare bird A group of Pakistani villagers brandishing guns and knives attacked the convoy of a Qatar royal family member on an expedition to hunt the houbara bustard, a rare bird whose meat is prized by Arab sheikhs. A Qatari official confirmed the attack by a large group of men on the convoy.

“Qatari hunters apply and pay for government hunting permits and donate to local communities and wildlife conservation,” the official said. “Unfortunately there have been attacks led by armed groups.”

Critics say that hunting with falcons, a practice Arab nomads used to survive life in the desert, is today a reckless hobby that threatens the houbara and funnels money into areas controlled by militias as in December 2015, about 100 gunmen kidnapped at least 26 Qataris from a desert hunting camp in Iraq near the Saudi border.

Follow us at Gulf Insider for more great posts. /GulfInsider

@GulfInsider

@GulfInsider Gulf Insider February 2017

39

Life

Thanks to expats

for a job well done

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Gulf Insider February 2017

Life

brought here to perform tasks that for the most part are not attractive or rewarding enough for Saudis to do.

This army of workers that primarily comes from Asia and Africa is not invisible. They can be seen everywhere.

Many silently toil on the side of streets and roads often in the heat of the day picking up litter that motorists fling out of their car windows. They can be seen picking up trash in neighborhoods and on street corners, silently and without complaint.

By Tariq A. Al-Maeena

High risk jobs There are others who perch precariously on scaffolds working on high rises and taking risks we Saudis would not dare to consider. They are busy building our homes and buildings.

Others from this legion of workers prepare roads for re-surfacing or lay

They guard our homes and clean the toilets in our malls. They clean our schools. They drive our families around and clean our homes.

N

ot unlike most other countries in the GCC, the expatriate workforce in Saudi outnumbers citizens often by a handy margin.

While there are highly qualified and trained expatriates working in our industrial and commercial sectors, they are far outnumbered by millions of semi-skilled and unskilled workers who have been

electric lines or install a water network of pipes.

They guard our homes and clean the toilets in our malls. They clean our schools. They drive our families around and clean our homes. In restaurants, they cheerfully guide us to our table and serve us food without much fuss or bother.

These semi-skilled or unskilled expatriates cannot dream of the luxuries granted to their Western or skilled Asian counterparts who enjoy comfortable amenities and accommodation with even more comfortable salaries. Many of their housing compounds are of

substandard status. But they persist without a complaint. They have mouths to feed back home, and they are on a mission to accomplish just that. Their personal comfort is not on the list of their priorities. We tend to look at them as background fixtures, as we are used to their presence everywhere. But in fact these fixtures are human beings.

Unsung heroes

Some are married with young and growing children. Others have the responsibility of providing for their aged parents or younger siblings. All have come to this part of the world to try to put food on the table for their loved ones back home and provide their families with some of the comfort and hope that they have denied themselves.

In the past, many fell victim to unscrupulous manpower agents or employers and then found themselves at the end of a worthless contract signed back in their home countries with promises of much higher salaries than they finally received when they came to this part of the world. The packages offered to them to lure them away from the comfort of their loved ones was altered to their disadvantage once they arrived at their destination, leaving them without many alternatives.

Their personal sacrifices are often untold or unheard of beyond their limited circle, but they exist and they work under conditions that are unacceptable to most of us. Without these workers, most of the Arabian Peninsula would still be a barren desert. And without their support, the machinery that moves us forward would grind to a halt. Do we as hosts take the time to think about their living and working environment? How many of us lend a compassionate ear to their problems? How many of us help them out in their time of need?

This country would not have moved forward without their participation in its development. I offer these workers my deepest gratitude and appreciation for a job well done.

The author can be reached at talmaeena@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @talmaeena Gulf Insider February 2017

41

Sports

more deaths in doha Why are so many people dying in the World Cup 2022 construction site?

Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar

A

British man died while working on a stadium which will be used for the 2022 World Cup, organisers said.

The unnamed 40-year-old man was working at Khalifa International Stadium, which is due to stage games up to the quarter-final stage in 2022.

The worker fell when a catwalk collapsed at the stadium while he was fixing lighting and sound equipment.

Despite wearing a safety harness, the man was killed when it was cut during the platform collapse, construction firm Midmac-Six Construct said.

Most Historic Stadium A statement from Qatar confirmed that ‘The relevant authorities have been notified and the next of kin has been informed. An immediate investigation into the cause of this fatality is under way and further details will be released in due course. The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy shares our deepest condolences with the family for their loss.’

The Khalifa Stadium is due for 42

Gulf Insider February 2017

competition at the beginning of this year, according to Qatari organisers.

The project to renovate the stadium, which is described by organizers as ‘Qatar’s most historic stadium,’ is being supervised by Belgian company Besix in partnership with local company Midmac Contracting.

Controversy FIFA, which awarded the World Cup to Qatar in a 2010 vote, said it ‘deeply regrets the loss of life’ at the stadium.

Khalifa, which will also host the World Athletics Championships in 2019, was the centre of human rights abuse allegation by Amnesty International last year, amid claims of some cases of forced labour.

The 2022 World Cup has been mired in controversy since it was awarded to Qatar in 2010 by FIFA. Allegations of corruption and bribery are being investigated by Swiss prosecutors regarding the selection process. Appalling human rights abuses involving the use of ‘slave labour’ from countries such as India and Nepal have

also been reported.

The focus of the scrutiny has been on Qatar’s use of a low-paid, migrant workforce to build the sites for the first World Cup in the Middle East, but the organisers are also relying on expertise from Europeans to oversee projects.

Organisers have previously rejected claims that as many as 7,000 workers will die during the construction of the venues and associated infrastructure.

The International Trades Union Conference made the claim in 2015. ‘The International Trade Union Confederation’s claim... represents a deliberate distortion of the facts,’ the government said in response.

Qatar has previously announced the death of four stadium workers, with one fatality the result of a work-related accident.

Jaleshwar Prasad, 48, died of a cardiac arrest after falling ill at the Al Bayt stadium.

The tournament has also been moved to November and December to avoid the scorching 40C conditions of the summer months.

Al Jabal Consultancy Attorneys and Legal Consultants

Mohamed Al Wasti

Khadija A. Al Hussain

Mansoor Nadhar

Mohamed Ismael

Partner

Partner

A full service law firm for Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, founded in 1995 by

Mr Ali Al Jabal

Saleh Al Nashabh Lawyer

Lawyer

Lawyer

Areas of Specialisation: Banking & Finance

Project Finance

Bankruptcy & Corporate Restructuring

Property & Real Estate

Corporate & Commercial Litigation

Oil & gas

Dispute Resolution

Maritime

Intellectual Property Rights

Aviation

Insurance

Debt collection

Mergers & Acquisitions

Legal drafting & Contract Reviewing

Private Equity

Telecommunication Law

Office No. 703, 7th Floor, Diplomat Tower, Diplomatic Area, PO Box 11455, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 17 530 400 E-mail: info@aljaballaw.com Website: www.aljaballaw.com

Opinion

Ask

Each month we will be putting a legal problem to consultant Ali Al Jabal to answer.

A full service law firm for Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, founded in 1995 by Mr Ali Al Jabal

This month - Contractor’s Agreement Ask AJQ: I decided to have my own villa built instead of buying, therefore a contractor was hired and we both signed a Contractor’s Agreement. One of the terms of the agreement was that the contractors will be paid in installments, after finishing each part of the construction. After a few months of work, when half the undertaking was nearly completed, the contractor requested for the remainder of the outstanding balance to finish the construction of the villa. I agreed to this, only to find that once the contractor received the outstanding balance the work on the villa ceased. I repeatedly demanded that the contractor finish the job, but he has now requested that I

provide him with further funds, stating the work agreed upon in the contract is already completed. On the contrary, it’s quite the opposite, what should I do? I am really stressed.

Answer: In these types of cases you are required to file a law suit to substantiate your position in the court of Urgent Matters, demonstrating that the work done by the contractor was in accordance with the mutual agreement between both of you, as well as to determine the value of the work completed. Thereafter, the court will appoint an expert to inspect the quantity and quality of the work that has been completed and not completed at

Another Milestone for

Bahrain Duty Free Watch out for their new watches selection.

B

ahrain Duty Free has unveiled the latest addition to its upgraded departures retail outlet at Bahrain International Airport, with the opening of a dedicated premium watches boutique.

The 64 square-metre space, which enjoys a prominent location on the main passenger promenade, is home to an exciting selection of international brands (including Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Hublot, Tudor, Tag Heur, Longines, and Raymond Weil) specifically chosen to appeal to both a travelling audience and collectors of luxury timepieces alike.

According to Deloitte’s Global Powers of Luxury Goods 2016 report, the travel retail channel currently 44

Gulf Insider February 2017

accounts for around 40% of total global sector spending, and with positive growth forecasts for international air traffic through to 2020 and beyond,

the construction site.

After receiving the report, you should file a civil lawsuit demanding the monetary amounts the contractor received, as he is in breach of the terms of the Contractor’s Agreement. Moreover, you could seek compensation, for the damages and harm caused to you as a result of the contractor’s failure to complete the work.

To contact Ali Al Jabal at Al Jabal Consultancy Attorneys and Legal Consultants Tel: +973 17 530 400 E-mail: info@aljaballaw.com www.aljaballaw.com luxury goods are retaining purchase appeal within the duty free trading environment.

“Luxury very much has its place at Bahrain Duty Free, and by showcasing the most sought after watch brands, we are fulfilling our commitment to delivering simply better retail experience to our customers at Bahrain International Airport,” remarked Bassam Al Wardi, Bahrain Duty Free General Manager.

Motors

INSIDER

MOTORS Automotive News and Reviews

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Motors

Redefining an Icon Hugh Haskell-Thomas takes to the roads of Dubai in the Porsche Panamera 2017.

Porsche Panamera 4S

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four-door luxury sedan from Porsche? The world looked on in amusement in 2008 when it was announced and ate a lot of humble pie when they got to drive it in 2009; it worked! Upsetting many of the Porsche traditionalists with its engine in the front and coming fully loaded with technology and a comfortable plush interior, the sedan gradually won over many of its doubters and established itself arguably at the top of the High Performance Sedan segment. Personally, I loved the idea of the car, but never really fell in love with its design.

The new Panamera, launched in mid-2016, has, according to Porsche, only three things from its predecessor, the Badge, the Name and the Goal.

Completely re-engineered, the new model more closely follows the lines of its 911 sibling, with a stubbier nose and a longer overhang at the rear its looks have improved immensely. We tested two models, the 4S and Turbo, both

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BD 50,100

featuring an eight speed dual clutch transmission and permanent all-wheeldrive, although a rear wheel drive only version is rumoured for release later this year, the Panamera 4 rear wheel drive only version is the new Panamera, with a 330 hp V6 turbo petrol engine.

The 4S produces 440 bhp from the new 2.9 liter engine, with the Turbo’s V8 delivering 550 bhp, 100kph arriving in

4.2 and 3.6 seconds respectively, both now using twin-turbos, though uniquely the Turbo model features the new Cylinder Deactivation to improve fuel consumption. The 4S has a maximum speed of almost 290 km/h, with the Turbo reaching almost 310, it is worth remembering here that these are both four door, full four seat sedans!

Motors

Porsche Panamera Turbo

BD 70,400

Turbo Technology The completely redesigned interior is an audiophile and technophobes dream. One of my complaints in the older generation was the sheer number of buttons in the central console, these have now been replaced by a completely touch sensitive interface focused on the huge 12.5-inch touchscreen and the glass central console, the latter vibrating when a ‘button’ is touched; cool! The rear seat passengers are equally well looked after with their own glass control panel that is also able to interact with many of the systems available to the driver as well as the amazing sound system controlled by Apple’s Car Play.

With both cars weighing in at over 1800kg, the handling is simply astounding. The Turbo’s recent outing at the Nurburgring delivered a 7min 38 sec lap, that’s 4 seconds faster than a Cayman GT4! Translating this to the road, driving is precise and effortless, moving this wide, long car effortlessly

The new Panamera has truly redefined itself, both in its design and engineering levels, delivering a rapid, comfortable Grand Tourer. through traffic and blisteringly quickly on more challenging roads. The Turbo’s rear wheel steering provides an additional level of refinement which delivers an extreme level of confidence when cornering tightly, bringing the rear of the car round just as you think it is going to let go. Additionally, on bendy roads, the Dynamic Chassis Control reduces body roll when you begin to push the car towards its limits,

the system also helping to negate the effects of a softer suspension used to improve drive comfort on bumpy roads.

Disconcerting at first (for the unbeliever) the new Panamera introduces InnoDrive, Porsche’s new Adaptive Cruise Control function, which delivers an almost autonomous driving experience. Using the data from the GPS and Navigation systems together with the camera and radar, the cruise system reads the road for the next 3 kilometres and selects correct gear, engine and road speed. During our drive in Dubai I put this to the test, including the ‘Stop-Start’ Beach Road, and was completely amazed to see the journey managed by InnoDrive, braking, accelerating and stopping throughout.

You still have to steer the car but the rest is managed by the plethora of electronics; simply effortless and a real “crystal-ball” view of the future of automotive technology. I equally liked the Blind-Spot indicators that light on the wing mirrors and in the console to warn you of cars out of view to your left and right, certainly a feature that has been needed on every car for years. Adding to this, the Night Vision Assist, uses a thermal imaging camera to identify potential obstacles beyond the range of the headlights, producing visual and audible warnings even differentiating between people and other objects! The lane departure warning system being offered for the first time in the Panamera reduces the risk of unintentionally leaving one’s own driving lane – one of the most frequent causes of accidents on country roads.

In summary, the new Panamera has truly redefined itself, both in its design and engineering levels, delivering a rapid, comfortable Grand Tourer capable of whisking four adults effortlessly and in comfort across any continent.

This new model very much moves the Panamera closer to its goal of delivering a four door 911 experience; it’s certainly not far off and I for one long for the opportunity to put it on a track to really find out how close it has really got to that aim. Certainly on the road, it’s pretty close!

To book a test drive contact Porsche Center Bahrain , Tel. +973 1745 991 1 Gulf Insider February 2017

47

Motors Starting price:

BD 17,995

Luxury Redefined The new Volvo S90 is the Volvo cars’ entry ticket to the premium sedan club.

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quipped with a host of new technologies, ranging from cutting edge safety to cloud-based apps and services, the S90 is further proof of the Swedish brand’s continuing transformation.

The S90 is Volvo’s new premium 4-door, 5-seat flagship sedan. It is built on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), Volvo’s advanced modular product platform that will underpin all new Volvo cars in the 90 and 60 Series.

Like its siblings, the XC90 and the V90, the S90 carries the proud and confident face of Volvo’s new design language, along with classic Volvo styling cues. Key features include the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, the new grille and Volvo Iron Mark, and the expressive use of the Volvo word mark on the rear.

Elegance meets connectivity Understated elegance underpins the design strategy of this car. The Scandinavian furniture style known as Danish modern that relies on pure, unadorned, yet beautifully executed 48

Gulf Insider February 2017

access to a host of functions and features. Best of all, the infotainment screen operates much like a tablet.

Be IntelliSafe

shapes is apparent. A mix of light and dark leather, matte-finished, open pore-wood trim, and polished aluminum complete the interior.

All new Volvos are now connected, thanks to Volvo’s connectivity offering called Sensus. It delivers an intuitive touch screen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment applications such as Spotify, Pandora, Baidu or TuneIn. The portrait-oriented touch screen enables easy and fast

Volvo’s leadership in the field of automotive safety is confirmed in the S90. Volvo’s City Safety Technology, standard on all Volvo models, combines automatic breaking functionality and collision avoidance systems to cover a range of potential accident scenarios to help keep you safe.

Volvo’s overall safety offering, called IntelliSafe, encompasses both active and passive safety systems and forms the groundwork for Volvo’s leadership in the field of autonomous driving. The S90 already offers semi-autonomous drive with Pilot Assist, which works up to 130 km/h on clearly marked roads. Pilot Assist is another step towards Volvo’s Vision 2020, which states that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by 2020.

For more information or to book a test drive, visit Motorcity showrooms in Sitra or call 17736222 or visit www.motorcity.com.bh

Motors

AUDI-tion Dubai Gulf Insider was invited by Audi to test drive 6 cars from their range as part of the Middle East Car of the Year competition. The freedom to drive these excellent cars across the UAE gave us a very real world view of their different qualities and capabilities. The motoring range covered by this group of cars went from the sublime, in the A4 2.0 TFSI, to the ridiculous, in the S8 Plus and the R8 V10 Plus underlining the breadth of design, performance and handling that Audi is able to deliver to the motoring world. They are to be applauded. HHT

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Motors

Porsche races for glory

Q&A with Walter Lechner, founder and organiser of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.

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he Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East season got underway on 18th November at Bahrain International Circuit as part of the well-known World Endurance Championship.

Regarded as the purest form of racing with all drivers competing in identical fifth generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cups, the unique one-make series consists of 12 races between November 2016 and April 2017.

With the eighth season of the championship continuing with the aim of providing a platform to establish more homegrown Arab racing talent, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East also plays host to some of the leading up-and-coming drivers from Europe and around the world.

Walter Lechner, the owner of Lechner Racing, founder and manager of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East explains how the series has helped popularise motor racing in the region.

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Gulf Insider February 2017

Motors

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East is in its eighth season, what are your expectations for this year?

I believe this season the championship has really come of age with more drivers from more countries than ever before. We’re accelerating towards a bright new future especially with an exciting trio of teenagers new to the grid. All making their debuts, all very talented and all from the region. To be in this position of growth doesn’t come overnight. It comes from years of hard work and commitment to developing motor racing in the region but this could be a special time with the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East leading the way.

This has been one of the most popular series in the Middle East. What do you attribute this appeal to?

The series is of a high professional standard but at the same time it’s open to anyone in the region. It’s for all backgrounds and levels of racing experience and we are able to train up drivers and work with them to ensure that required licenses are achieved.

They just need to have the passion, the commitment and a desire to learn.

The series is now very well established. So it is regarded as a proven pathway to international motor racing but also the ultimate opportunity for passionate racers to experience professional motorsport.

What are the strengths of this series?

What makes it so appealing?

Ten years ago we wanted to create a professional racing series here in the

The series was designed to provide a platform for young Arab racing talent from the region to really progress in motorsport by driving on their own local tracks.

Middle East. It took a lot of time and effort to establish but our efforts have paid off. We adhere to all FIA regulations within the series to deliver global standards for racing conditions. To add to that, the cars that the guys are driving are elite racing cars and we provide highly trained engineers.

Some series have come and gone with time but the Middle East does not have any other motorsport championships which can claim to match the standards delivered by the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and we are very proud of that fact.

We’ve grown with time and gotten stronger.

The series was designed to provide a platform for young Arab racing talent from the region to really progress in motorsport by driving on their own local tracks. In the past anyone from the Middle East with a passion for

motorsport had to travel to Europe to get experience and develop. There was and remains a lack of racing in the region so giving these guys a professional set up in which they can grow and develop has really helped the series to become successful. There is now a structure and an easier pathway.

We have teenagers who are students come in from Sundays to Thursdays and racing drivers take their place on Fridays and Saturdays. That was unheard of before the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East was established.

To learn more: www.gt3cupchallenge-me.com /porscheGT3CCME @PorscheGT3CCME @porscheGT3me Gulf Insider February 2017

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My Ride

Engine: 305 cu LG4 V8 Horsepower: 180 hp Transmission: 3 speed hydramatic Wheels/ Tires: P225/ 70R-15

A Cruising in the

Batmobile

Many men idolize the Batman, not only for his suave personality and billionaire bank account, but also for his awesome car. Gulf Insider checks out Mohammed Alansari’s ride which is close to the original.

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Gulf Insider February 2017

t 44 years old, Alansari is a dashing man who adds character to his car. His job as a Security and Fraud Risk Manager in an international bank has taken him places and has actually lent context to his motoring.

In 2004, he was selected to be one of the board members of the Bahrain Drag Racing Club (BDRC). Through this initiative, they were able to launch the first ever Ebrahim Kanoo Drag Race in the BIC. After switching jobs to a new bank, he established the WOLF bike group in 2010 alongside his childhood friends Rayan Askar, Redha Almass, Arif Alkhaja and Fadhel Haji. This is when he got his collector-item Harley Davidson Crossbones bike from the Softail family which he says is a keeper.

The car which he calls his baby is a 1980 Corvette with a top down feature.

The gleaming black exterior houses a classy black and white interior.

The engine is composed of a 305 cu LG4 V8 with 180 horsepower and a 3-speed hydramatic transmission. The wheels and tires are P225/ 70R-15.

He plans to restore this car in the SMS garage to look like the original car from the wheels to the fixtures.

(From the start, this was Alansari’s dream car but he initially got resistance from his father in owning this beast

My Ride

machine so he contented himself with having a Transam GTA and a modified Convertible 1998 Camaro).

Rewiring the Classics In the future, he wants it to be changed to a red color from the inside, and this exciting project he wants to undertake in partnership with SMS garage. He dreams of an engine powered by the new generation of GM motors with an LS or LT engine and transmission. Of course he will look to local legend, “the” Ebrahim Kanoo for advice. He also wants to add hidden gadgets like a great stereo like Bose system AUX and a rear camera.

This project of his is estimated to cost somewhere around BHD12 to BHD18,000.000 because it’s a complete

Classic is always best, and a good vintage car, refurbished to look like the original will stay with you and/ or your family for decades. overhaul: engine, transmission, rear end, suspension, moldings, weather straps, new paint, fully new interior as well as gadgets.

Alansari’s advice for anyone who wants to customize their car is: stay close to the original. Classic is always best, and a good vintage car, refurbished to look like the original will stay with you and/or your family for decades.

To learn more about how to customize your own Corvette, vist ecklerscorvette.com.

Gulf Insider February 2017

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Telecoms

New Samsung 8 on Beast Mode?

The new Samsung 8 has already received its share of rumors and speculation even before its release. Prior to appearing at CES (a global consumer electronics and consumer technology tradeshow that takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada every January), Samsung applied to trademark the term “Beast Mode”, a smartphone technology that could “enhance the speed and performance of a mobile phone through software”.

A Wall Street Journal report said “Samsung executives have delayed the development of the Galaxy S8 device by two weeks as engineers work to get to the bottom of the Note 7’s overheating problems, according to a member of the Galaxy S8 development team”.

Rumors as to its appearance are circulating online. The home button and navigation keys are removed from the front allowing for an end-toend curved screen. A fingerprint scanner could be on the back or under the glass. Samsung may have also developed a full-screen mode that manually activates, which allows for an end-to-end screen. Rumors suggest Samsung will unveil the phone next month.

100% Telecom industry Saudization starts 100% Saudization for the telecom industry has already started with hundreds of expats with jobs in the telecom sector being displaced by Saudis. Arab News has said “The nationalization decision aims to create more job opportunities for Saudi citizens, both men and women, who wish to work in this sector for financial returns and job stability, and also to maintain the professions of this sector for their security, social and economic importance”.

Officials from the Ministries of Labor and Social Development, Municipal and Rural Affairs, and Telecommunication and Information Technology are collaborating in inspection campaigns in order to combat commercial concealment. A statement from the ministry said that “there will be no tolerance in applying the sanctions on those who violate the law, which can be a prison sentence for two years, and a SR1 million (BD10, 000) fine, irrespective of the nationality of the violator”.

Batelco to launch Bahrain wifi across Seef Malls Batelco is set to cover Bahrain with WiFi. The telecoms company has just signed a partnership with Seef Properties to launch “Bahrain WiFi” across the three Seef Malls in Seef, Isa Town, and Muharraq. Bahrain WiFi aims to position the Kingdom of Bahrain as ‘one home with internet access’ and is currently available across a number of Hotspots including shopping malls and key commercial and touristic areas.

With Bahrain Wifi, any WiFi enabled device will be able to connect to the Bahrain WiFi Landing page and benefit from a limited daily complimentary allocation, following which they will be directed to the Bahrain WiFi portal with easy payment options to continue using the service. Batelco’s mobile customers will be automatically connected to the service whenever they enter one of the WiFi Hotspots.

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Technology

A New iMac Rival?

Take a look at the gorgeous new computer that could potentially rival the iMac.

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here are desktop computers, and then there’s the Microsoft Surface Studio.

This computer is designed for the creative process with a 28” Pixel Sense Display that gives you a huge canvas for all kinds of work.

You can use it upright or draw on it like a drafting table. The incredibly thin display lets you visualize ideas as you paint, edit, and design. You can then watch those ideas leap off the screen with 13.5 million pixels of vivid color and clarity.

This is Microsoft’s first-ever desktop PC running Microsoft 10. Microsoft’s

promise is that “every Surface device takes full advantage of every current innovation”. With Intel core processors, and an NVIDIA® GeForce® dGPU (graphics processing unit), plus up to 32GB of RAM, your work gets backed up with professional grade power and performance.

A standout feature of the Surface Studio is a flexible hinge that allows the desktop to fold down nearly flat, (which artists, architects, and other creative would appreciate). In terms of positioning flexibility, the Surface Studio wins over iMac. The Surface Studio is also compatible with the Surface Pen, Microsoft’s Stylus accessory. It also has the thinnest LCD monitor ever built, at just 12.5 millimeters.

Making Work Accessible The Surface Studio is perfect for remote work, or conglomerates with branches abroad because of its 1080p camera and speakers powered

by Premium Dolby Audio which will

make video calls feel like face-to face meetings. It also features the enterprise-grade security of Windows Hello2, which quickly signs you in with just a look.

This computer will also come in handy after work as you and your friends can watch movies in the generously wide screen. You can also play your favorite games with a paired Xbox Wireless 3 controller. The Surface Studio computer can seamlessly integrate the whole family. Your kids can use the Studio to draw pictures and play World of Warcraft while you can use this to edit documents or videos. Reviewers have claimed that this computer “makes you want to do cool stuff”.

This pricey desktop Windows PC comes in at $2,999.00 starting price.

The most expensive version is $4,199, packing an Intel Core i7, 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. In this price range and with the flexible hinge and Dial accessory, the Surface Studio is aimed squarely at creative professionals. Do you think its high price is justified?

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Art

Arcadia ,2016,oil and charcoal on canvas,202x188.5

At the heart of

Arcadia

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bed Al Kadiri’s Arcadia is on show at Albareh Art Gallery until the 10th of February. Al Kadiri, who is a Lebanese artist and curator, established the FA gallery in Kuwait, taking on the role of Director at Contemporary Art Platform in early 2012. His latest exhibit Arcadia, speaks of his metaphorical arrival at an Arcadia of his own, an unspoilt, harmonious wilderness replete with color; that resonates with his own psyche.

*Albareh Art Gallery is a cutting-edge art gallery located in the heart of Adliya.

Visit albareh.com or call +973 1771 7707.

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Reunion1,2016,oil and charcoal on canvas,200x140

Art

unity4,2016,oil and charcoal on canvas,40x35 Gaze on the horizon,2016,oil and charcoal on canvas,108x202

unity5,2016,oil and charcoal on canvas,40x35

Reunion2,2016,oil and charcoal on canvas,130x90

Reunion3,2016,oil and charcoal on canvas,130x90 Gulf Insider February 2017

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Last Word

Samsung

SAMSUNG’S BIXBY

Samsung’s Siri competitor will be able to SEE … and will even be able to read text.

S

amsung has fired the latest salvo in its AI phone battle with Apple, revealing more details of Bixby, it’s competitor for Siri.

The AI is said to have visual search capabilities to analyze the images, identify objects and perform optical character recognition on visible text.

The latest rumors were first revealed by SamMobile, which stated that the Galaxy S8’s camera app will be home to Bixby – users activate the AI simply by opening the app.

Once activated, a search tool will appear allowing users to search for specific objects or ‘use optical character recognition to process any text you point the phone at,’ Michael G with SamMobile explained.

Samsung’s AI is being compared to Google Goggles, which has similar functionalities such as object and text recognition.

However, Bixby will be equipped with ‘a high degree of interconnectedness to other applications’.

For example, the technology will show you where to buy an object in an image and can also complete the transaction for you.

It’s believed that the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus will be the new home for Bixby, but will perhaps make its way to other devices in the future.

Samsung is expected to unveil its new line on Mach 29, which is said to have an edge-to-edge screen.

And because the screen will cover nearly 90 percent of the front, the home button may not be in its traditional spot.

For many Samsung customers, the Galaxy S8 isn’t just the firm’s next phone, but a chance for the smartphone maker to redeem themselves for the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco.

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Bixby could be used for a wide variety of functions in a similar way to Apple’s Siri.

The latest rumors suggests Bixby will have visual search capabilities to analyze the image, identify objects and perform optical character recognition on visible text.

Once activated, a search tool will appear allowing users to search for specific objects or ‘use optical character recognition to process any text you point the phone at.

It will be equipped with ‘a high degree of interconnectedness to other applications’ For example, the technology will show you where to buy an object in an image and can also complete the transaction for you.

And will be activated once users open the handset’s camera app.

MORE GALAXY S8 RUMORS l New renders of what could be Samsung Galaxy S8 surfaced in October and they suggest the device will incorporate a dual-lens camera design and remove the home button for an edge-to-edge screen. l It’s speculated that Samsung could design a fingerprint-sensing display or place the feature behind the tempered glass. l Because levels of concentration will be increased with ‘full screen’, pictures and videos should be much clearer and even go so far as to produce a 3D effect. l Rumors suggest that pixels of the dual-cameras will support 16 megapixels and 8 megapixels. l Another new addition to the Galaxy S8 could also be an upgraded Application process (AP) that corresponds to handset’s brain. l Sources say Samsung is going to start massproducing 10-nano Snapdragon 830s, which will be used for Galaxy S8, at the end of this year at the earliest. l The artist impression also shows the handset in four vibrant shades of red, blue, purple and yellow - another feature yet to be seen by Samsung users.

We are not an agency.

We are an emerging creative culture.

We are creative minds put together.

We ideate for your brand and create an identity for your business that boosts your business.

For design requirements

Call 1700 4575 www.fabianca.com