Gulf Insider-February 2023

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Publisher & Editor in Chief Nicholas C. Cooksey

Editorial Deepika Rao

Editorial Contributors Vinita V Andrea Stephanie Raj

Sales & Business Development Charlie Cooksey

Layout Designs James Dhanraj

Admin & Finance Nikesh Pola

Photography Angelo Jose A Fadhel Yusuf

For advertising contact Charlie Cooksey +973 3652 0004 charlie@gulf-insider.com

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

Printed at Awal Press, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Registered

AUB H INTERNATIONAL DAY 2023

“ON E WO RL D, DI V ER S E N AT ION S”

ABOUT

Under the Patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs.

AUBH International Day is an annual community-wide event that celebrates “One World, Diverse Nations” by highlighting two of the University’s values: diversity and inclusivity. The Kingdom will come together on the AUBH Campus to discover and experience unique cultures through food, music, fashion, language, and art.

TRADITIONAL COSTUME PARADE

LIVE MUSIC

INTERNATIONAL FOOD

GAMES

EXHIBITION OF DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Follow @Gulf Insider

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

HOW WILL AI CHANGE OUR LIVES?

The meteoric rise of ChatGPT has been a watershed moment for artificial intelligence as it enabled millions of users, regular people, to experiment with AI and witness its astonishing capabilities firsthand.

And as Statista’s Felix Richter notes, while there are still limitations, ChatGPT delivers impressive results, making people aware of how far artificial intelligence has already come.

It’s no coincidence that both Alphabet and Microsoft named the shift to AI as one of the biggest challenges their facing when they announced their restructuring plans earlier this month.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella even spoke of an upcoming platform shift, likely referring to AI-enabled services as the next big change in tech after the shift to mobile.

But what do consumers ultimately expect to change due to the increased use of artificial intelligence and which areas of life will most likely be affected in the next three to five years? Ipsos carried out a global survey on the subject in late 2021 and the following chart sums up the results.

“[AI] is going to change the world more than anything in the history of mankind. More than electricity.”

It’s no coincidence that both Alphabet and Microsoft named the shift to AI as one of the biggest challenges their facing.

EVERY LEARNER MATTERS: CREATING ALTERNATIVE MODELS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Written by Dr. Bradley Cook - President, American University of Bahrain

The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) is in the process of creating its 20222027 Strategic Plan. As such, it has an opportunity to do something new and possibly create an alternative model of higher education in Bahrain better designed to meet the changing educational demands of both learners and employers.

There is growing global scepticism about the conventional model of higher education and whether its relevance and value proposition still holds in today’s context. Both public and private enterprises need graduates who are ready to add value immediately by having both the necessary high-demand technical skills as well as having badly

AUBH has an opportunity to adopt the best in what higher education has to offer and leave behind some of the long-held assumptions about how universities ought to operate.

Dr. Bradley Cook

needed qualitative skills. Many argue that universities are too slow, tone-deaf, and non-responsive to the real needs of the job market and employers. In many cases, this argument is warranted by universities that hold too tightly to practices and processes that can be argued are outdated and overly bureaucratic.

AUBH has an opportunity to adopt the best in what higher education has to offer and leave behind some of the long-held assumptions about how universities ought to operate. To be clear, AUBH’s core education value is immovable: every learner matters, deserves individual attention and support, and it should develop the entire person and not simply provide siloed short-term skill sets. We reject that Artificial Intelligence replaces faculty, that all education can be delivered through technology, or sideline the humanities. Let me describe how we are conceptualizing this at AUBH.

First, AUBH will place students at the centre of all we do. As such, we focus

on the science of learning with a faculty that is teaching-focused. There are plenty of research-focused universities, and AUBH feels that Bahrain needs a university that rebalances teaching and research and broadens the definition of research to embrace different types of scholarly contributions. Promotions and advancement will privilege high-quality teaching and learning over everything else. The faculty at AUBH should be first and foremost master teachers with student learning taking up 80% of their focus. We make it clear at AUBH that teaching and learning are related, but they are categorically not the same thing. We seek faculty that are not only experts in their fields, but passionate about their teaching, comfortable with digital technology, practised in modern learning environments, and trained in the science of learning.

Second, we also believe universities cannot be ‘all things to all people’ and should provide a distinctive value proposition to their students. At its core, an American-style education strives for

There is growing global scepticism about the conventional model of higher education and whether its relevance and value proposition still holds in today’s context.

a more holistic approach to education to provide essential and transferable skill sets for success in the world today. AUBH believes there is a difference between education and training, between vocational skills and life skills, and between working and creating. American general education is unique in that it requires students to not only be intensely trained in a discipline, but also broadly educated by exposing them to natural sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences. It is in these types of courses that students are best prepared in areas such as critical thinking, writing, and communication.

We believe fundamentally in the importance of holistic education because it not only enables graduates to provide a higher level of value to their employers but also enables students to live more fulfilling and successful lives. Career and professional-oriented education is indeed the right type of education for AUBH for self-evident reasons. However, industry-facing education with a strong general education foundation makes for a powerful and superior learning

experience. General education helps students better understand themselves, discover the important traditions and values of their past, and cultivate a sense of social responsibility to the present and future.

A general education develops the capacities needed by every adult: analytical skills, effective communication, flexible tools for problem-solving, empowerment, and global thinking. As AUBH seeks to realize its goals and mission, career/ professional and general education combined with a conscientious applied

research commitment is eminently important for this part of the world. AUBH is uniquely positioned to provide the type of graduates who have the well-rounded skills needed for one’s private, public, and professional success which in turn can translate into positive local, national, and regional development.

Third, AUBH feels that certain degrees can and should be modularized with the conventional degree divided into micro-credentials (e.g., a certificate) that can be “stacked.” Each microcredential is comprised of courses, with each fitting into themes that place students in a better position for employment for various specializations, particularly in Industry 4.0 fields (i.e., cybersecurity, cloud-based computing, data analytics, programming, etc.). A certificate can provide great value as it demonstrates specific skill sets but also offers marketable value to students who might leave the degree program without finishing. In this model, faculty would team-teach courses related to a microcredential. For example, a robotics micro-credential might involve courses

AUBH is uniquely positioned to provide the type of graduates who have the well-rounded skills needed.

in mathematics, computer science, psychology, and ethics. Faculty from these fields would work together to create a rich interdisciplinary experience that reflects a more realistic view of the complex and interrelated nature of all fields.

Fourth, AUBH intends to provide opportunities to a broad range of learners, not just traditional-age students. Indeed, Bahrain has a great need to provide educational opportunities to non-traditional students: working learners, placebound parents, those that have some college but no degree, etc. These types of potential learners suffer because conventional universities expect them to adapt their schedules and lives around the operations of the university. AUBH wants to find ways to adapt itself and better accommodate the busy, complicated lives of mature students. Technology can help with the appropriate design of hybrid programs (a mixture of in-person instruction and online), and creative scheduling after hours and on the weekends. Upskilling and reskilling working learners also

means that what might be needed is not necessarily a degree, but a shortterm certificate or micro-credential might be more appropriate to give them that ‘edge’ in the workplace.

I sincerely believe that the American University of Bahrain is positioned to be a well-spring of innovation and creativity and stands on the verge of shaping a new era for Bahrain and the region. AUBH has the potential of becoming an extraordinary place with a distinctive mission. The future is very bright for this young, but remarkable, university, and the 2022-27 Strategic Plan offers great promise in creating the distinctive, high-quality university it aspires to be. Now it is up to AUBH to seize upon this moment and convert it into reality.

I sincerely believe that the American University of Bahrain is positioned to be a well-spring of innovation and creativity and stands on the verge of shaping a new era for Bahrain and the region.

GEAR UP FOR F1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2023 P

reparations are underway for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2023, which is set to take place from 3 to 5 March, including even bigger plans for entertainment on and off the track.

Formula 1 is one of the world’s most prestigious motor racing championships, and this year’s race is set to feature a special mix of the most exciting racing and off-track entertainment. Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is the setting for the Grand Prix spectacle.

Major highways connect the track to the airport, with five-star hotels, beautiful coastlines, and city hubs easily accessible for tourists who are flying into the Kingdom to experience and enjoy the event, as well as what the

country has to offer outside the races. Car and motorsport enthusiasts will be flocking to BIC on 2 March to enjoy a close-up view of the F1 pit lane. The Kingdom looks to boost its tourism sector and has planned for a larger surplus of entertainment.

Bahrain Grand Prix ticket-holders are excited following the announcement that DJ Snake, a French rapper who received widespread fame when he earned two Grammy Award nominations for his composition and production skills, will perform as the first act at F1 weekend.

DJ Snake has won numerous distinctions including the Top Dance Artist on the Billboard Music Awards in 2016 for his song ‘Lean on’, the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Direction for his song ‘Turn Down’, and

the Best French DJ in 2018 at the NRJ Music Awards.

Throughout his career, DJ Snake has earned over 37 billion audio streams, more than 100 platinum single certifications internationally, and seven billion YouTube views. The Daily Tribune earlier reported that signs have pointed to an even bigger number of F1 goers at this year’s F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, as BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said that the circuit has enjoyed record ticket sales from its Early Bird offers.

The Kingdom aims to promote and highlight Bahrain as an attractive tourist destination for visitors attending the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2023.

The Kingdom aims to promote and highlight Bahrain as an attractive tourist destination for visitors attending the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2023.

NEVER JUDGE A BUYER

With over two decades in the automotive industry, including nearly 10 years at Porsche Bahrain, Colin Sattar was recently appointed General Manager of the Bentley and Lamborghini dealerships in Bahrain. In his last stint, Porsche Bahrain was recognised as the top dealership in the GCC for its customer service.

Gulf Insider caught up with the automotive veteran to talk about his experiences, his plans for the dealerships and some of his favourite cars.

As the new GM, what are the top priorities on your “to-do list” for Bentley and Lamborghini in Bahrain?

I’m aiming for Bentley and Lamborghini to exceed customers’ expectations. Over the last 10 years that I’ve been in Bahrain, I learned that if one customer isn’t looked after, none are. Word travels fast when someone’s bought a car and soon the next person comes in looking for the same. I believe it’s important to offer great service and not just a great price. A month into my new role, we’ve put together a roadmap for both dealerships – Bentley and Lamborghini. We’ve got some exciting events coming up so I would urge the

readers to stay tuned and come along to engage with the two brands.

You’ve headed Porsche Bahrain for nearly a decade. What have been your biggest highlights in that role and in Bahrain?

My biggest accomplishment over the last decade is growing Porsche’s sales and exceeding customers’ expectations year after year. We always found a way to outperform ourselves each year and Porsche Bahrain has certainly been the top dealership in the GCC for delivering outstanding customer service. Spending almost a decade in the GCC, had I known I was going to spend all this time

Gulf Insider interviews Colin Sattar, the General Manager of Bentley and Lamborghini Bahrain.

Colin Sattar

here, I’d have probably learned a little more than functional Arabic. However, it hasn’t held me back; being in the multicultural society that is Bahrain, I’ve always found the people and the place to be welcoming.

Both “top luxury” brands are in many ways opposites. How does this influence your marketing and general management of the division? In what ways do the customers of the two brands differ from each other?

Bentley and Lamborghini have separate locations and customers. However, the same customer may drive different cars. The world has changed in the last 10 years and so have customer profiles. Never judge a customer when they come into the showroom. Apart from focusing on new customers, I believe in valuing and nurturing the existing relationship we have with them. In the decade I’ve spent at Porsche, knowing my customers and keeping my doors open were key to a lasting relationship with them. I intend to continue doing this now with the two brands as well.

Personally, what is your favourite model from the two brands and why?

For Bentley, it’s the Continental GT. When it comes to an everyday drive, it just ticks all the boxes for me – a great family luxury car, similar in style to the Bentayga. For Lamborghini, it’s the Urus. Again, it’s an everyday car I can drive on the track, off the track, and makes for a great weekend drive, when I’m heading out to golf, driving on empty roads with the sea view on either side. I’m spoiled with choices from both the brands – Bentley and Lamborghini.

How do you ensure your team’s growth while building a successful dealership?

I believe in mentoring and coaching to help the staff deliver the best. It’s not about putting pressure on them but expecting certain energy about them when they come into work. The focus is always on having a stable team and successors within the business who are ready to take on management roles. In doing so, we make sure that customers always have familiar faces to assist them over the years and experience good customer service.

My biggest accomplishment over the last decade is growing Porsche’s sales and exceeding customers’ expectations year after year.

UNPACKING THE BFC PAY TRAVEL BUDDY

Gulf Insider Interviews Davis D. Parakal of BFC Pay

BFC Payments recently launched an advanced multi-currency Visa card – the BFC PAY TRAVEL BUDDY that offers international travellers the convenience of digital payments. The card features fast top-ups anywhere, instant currency conversion, worldwide shopping and dining in multiple currencies at any of Visa’s 80-plus million merchant partners worldwide, and provides cardholders access to Visa Platinum loyalty programs.

We got in touch with BFC Pay’s General Manager, Davis D. Parakal to find out more about the financial tool and its many benefits.

What was the idea behind launching the BFC Pay Travel Buddy?

Travel Buddy is a niche product we’ve brought to the Bahrain market, targeting the travel segment and international shoppers of the Kingdom. BFC has been established for over 100 years and is not a new brand in Bahrain, offering our customers unparalleled Forex services. Having understood this market through decades of experience, we set out to curate a digital product on top of that particular customer need (Forex). This led to the creation of Travel Buddy. Anyone who wants to use a currency other than the Bahraini Dinar can use this multi-currency card. It’s packed with a lot of economical solutions for the customer.

You don’t have to visit the centre or call anyone. You have complete control over your money and your card through our mobile application –BFC Pay.

What are the key benefits that Travel Buddy offers?

Travel Buddy, is like I said, a multicurrency card. What this means is that customers can load money into the card through different methods – benefit pay or the Benefit Payment Gateway. We give the privilege to customers to choose what kind of currency they would want to save that into. Currently, we support exchanges to the US Dollar, Euro, AED, and Saudi Riyal. So customers can have the flexibility to move money between these particular ballots, which we offer. And the beauty of our product is all of this is done digitally. You don’t have to visit the centre or call anyone. You have complete control over your money and your card through our mobile application – BFC Pay. We can move money from BHD to USD on our application or reverse it in less than 30 seconds.

How is the user protected from foreign exchange volatility while using the card in other currencies?

When it comes to foreign currency, volatility is a major concern our customers have. Let’s assume I’m planning to visit London over the summer. Typically, I’d start planning early – places to visit, things to do, where to stay, the best deals on flight tickets, etc. At the same time, I would also start my financial planning early and buy GBP (Great Britain Pound) currency at the best rate and use the “lock-in” feature on the Travel Buddy application to store the currency. Even

While working on this product, the BFC Payments team made sure that every single touchpoint of the customer is digital.

Davis D. Parakal

if the GBP fluctuates or the market remains volatile before my travel, I won’t lose any money and use the currency for all my purchases while I’m in enjoying London! Needless to say, this lock-in feature is the most promising one on Travel Buddy, making you immune to currency volatility.

What new features are in the pipeline for Travel Buddy?

The journey has just begun and there’s a lot to come. We are soon introducing Apple Pay on Travel Buddy along with Samsung Sync Pay. We are also working with Google to

integrate Google Pay as a payment mode too. BFC Pay Travel Buddy will be collaborating with travel partners to give customers exclusive deals and packages.

How is BFC Pay differentiating itself from other digital payment solutions available in the market today?

It’s definitely a very competitive market. While working on this product, the BFC Payments team made sure that every single touchpoint of the customer is digital. The card is designed in a way that you can download the application on your mobile and get a virtual card

in about two minutes. Bahrain is very well equipped with new technologies and the Government is supporting us in terms of EKYC, the most advanced artificial intelligence system which recognizes your identity through your CPR details.

After the customer receives the card, all the touchpoints are again digital. So the user experiences convenience in the way they want to use the Travel Buddy. We differentiate this experience from the rest of the market.

BFC Pay Travel Buddy will be collaborating with travel partners to give customers exclusive deals and packages.

CELEBRATING CULTURAL DIVERSITY AT THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BAHRAIN

Expanding on the success of its community-wide events, the American University of Bahrain (AUBH) is hosting its Annual International Day on 11 March. The event celebrates “One World, Diverse Nations” highlighting two of the University’s values: diversity and inclusivity.

During the gala, the campus will become a melting pot of diverse cultures through AUBH’s student body and experiences in the Kingdom of Bahrain, through gastronomy, music, language, and art. In addition to the international exhibit of world cultures, the day-long event will be activities such as a traditional costume parade, an international food court, games, live performances, and a photo booth.

“We are honoured by the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as he represents the values that are the essence of the

AUBH International Day. We are also proud to have a diverse community here at AUBH representing 23 nationalities. We cannot wait to welcome guests from all over Bahrain on the 11th of March,” said Dr Bradley J. Cook, AUBH President.

The countries participating this year include Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Germany, France, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, India, Africa, Egypt, Jordan, and Palestine.

The event underscores the confidence, tolerance, positive thinking, and communication skills necessary for a lifetime of success, and to maximize the impact of this student-centric initiative, this event is open to the public. All embassies, charities, nongovernmental organisations, and food and beverage vendors are welcome to join the extravaganza.

To sponsor the event or register, visit www.aubh.edu.bh or email the Marketing department at marketing@ aubh.edu.bh.

The event celebrates “One World, Diverse Nations” highlighting two of the University’s values: diversity and inclusivity.

A NATURE LOVER’S DREAM IN THE CONCRETE JUNGLE OF LOS ANGELES

Gulf Insider’s Charlie Cooksey checks into 1 Hotel West Hollywood, LA

If you’re visiting Los Angeles, feeling a bit glam is all part of the experience, isn’t it? You want to be kissed by the sun and surrounded by leafy palms, good vibes, and an urban atmosphere. The stunning, 5-star 1 Hotel West Hollywood provides just the right effect. With a rooftop pool and lounge bar, sprawling Los Angeles views, and natural elements at every turn, here’s why I recommend 1 Hotel West Hollywood when looking for a hotel in downtown LA.

This luxury Los Angeles hotel is nestled right on the famous Sunset Blvd, located in West Hollywood, which is well positioned between Beverly Hills and Hollywood. It’s hard to miss it as you drive up to this leafy, richin-nature building. While surrounded by restaurants, shops, and celebrity influence, 1 Hotel West Hollywood feels

like a secret escape.

You walk into the cosy lobby and are greeted by friendly staff and natural elements of wood ceiling beams, hardwood floors, leafy plants, and exposed brick. The hustle and bustle of Sunset Blvd. begin to fade. It’s seriously a true nature lover’s dream, and you don’t even have to get outside the city for it.

During my two-night leisure stay, I booked a bright room with floor-toceiling windows that looked out over downtown. Plants fill the space and those natural elements from the lobby trickle into the headboard display, modern bathroom details, and in-room furniture alike. As expected, the room’s comfy king-sized bed provided a good night’s sleep, especially after rounding out 25,000 steps each day or the long 20-hour trip from the Arabian Peninsula.

Despite my LA visit being one of leisure and involving lots of walking, I still kept up with my morning gym routine. The hotel offers state-of-the-art weight training and cardio equipment at its 24/7 gym. There are also complimentary group classes available and personal training sessions.

The Pool Deck is easily one of the best amenities at the hotel. Sunkissed, scenic, and with a touch of luxury, this is a great place to catch the sunset over a cocktail or two, simply take in LA views with a relaxing swim or, as I did, check into emails whilst battling the 10-hour time zone difference between California and Bahrain! While the pool isn’t exactly large, it still evokes that Hollywood glam factor. Plus, it’s an ideal spot to mingle with other guests and enjoy some essential sunshine.

Needless to say, I loved my stay at

this 5-star hotel in downtown LA. If you are looking for a chic hotel in LA with an urban, nature-focused, youthful atmosphere on your trip to the city, I would recommend 1 Hotel West Hollywood. This is the second time I’ve stayed at a 1 Hotel location, firstly at their NYC property, and the 1 Hotel brand is quickly becoming my go-to choice when I’m travelling. If I see this brand in the next city I visit, you can be sure I’m going to check in for a night or two.

For more information, visit https:// www.1hotels.com/west-hollywood or call +1 310-424-1600

If you are looking for a chic hotel in LA with an urban, naturefocused, youthful atmosphere on your trip to the city, I would recommend 1 Hotel West Hollywood.

A BIG LUXURY 8-SEATER WITH THE OFF-ROAD ABILITIES OF A JEEP

This is the biggest and most luxurious model in the Jeep range, but you will find it difficult to find the Jeep badge. Grand Wagoneer, a name revived from the brand’s past, is its own brand.

It’s spacious three-row cabin seats up to eight, although there’s an option of second-row ‘captain’s chairs’ which reduces seating to seven. There is lots of cargo space, especially when the third row is folded down.

The interior is covered extensively by screens, with a central 10.1-inch infotainment display and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display offering readouts

for the driver. Even the front-seat passenger has their own display with an optional 10.3-inch screen integrated into the dashboard to provide navigation and entertainment functions.

There’s lots of luxury - leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, ambient interior lighting, a three-zone automatic climate control, and an excellent 19-speaker stereo system developed with high-end audio equipment specialist McIntosh.

Power comes from a new Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder with 420 hp and 468 lb.-ft. of torque. It may be smaller, but there’s plenty of power and much better gas fuel

Gulf Insider visits the UAE to drive the new Grand Wagoneer.

The Grand Wagoneer offers a smooth, quiet ride with all the trappings of a luxury vehicle that happens to have genuine offroad capabilities.

economy than the older V8 it replaces.

The Grand Wagoneer offers a smooth, quiet ride with all the trappings of a luxury vehicle that happens to have genuine off-road capabilities. This makes it stand out among its rivals such as the Cadillac Escalade, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and GMC Yukon - all giant and sometimes luxurious SUVs, but which lack the offroad capability of the Wagoneer.

Standard safety equipment includes blind spot warning with rear crosstraffic alert, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking obstruction warning and hill assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, intersection collision assist, active parking assistance, automatic high beams, drowsy driver detection and traffic sign recognition.

The Grand Wagoneer is the most offroad capable SUV of its size, and looks and feels every bit a luxury vehicle.

To arrange a test drive in Bahrain contact www.jeep-bahrain.com