Gulf Insider Magazine March 2017 by Gulf Insider Media

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

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146

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knowledge is power

+ Inside Million Dollar Birds Expats Take Flight Colored Adrenaline

Interview with

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Contents March 2017 Issue 146

36 14

Sports

Endurance

44 Facebook Followers

158,191

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

Style

Watch to Watch

Travel

Cool places to travel in the region

Hotel

Frank’s Domain

Affairs

Expats take flight

Op-Ed

In-house PR or PR agencies?

Motors

Chopard partners with Delmonya race

Last Word

Improve your relationship in 60 seconds

…and much, much more!

Comment... Dear Reader,

Knowledge is power

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 welcome again to another issue of Gulf Insider. This month, we highlighted the impact of sports in Bahraini culture with an interview with HH Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and how his advocacy for youth and sports has paved the way for many young people to lead healthier lives. In addition, we explored how the ancient art of falconry is now a multi-million dollar industry. We also give you carefully curated information on current business news, trends, and money matters. 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.

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

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Media

Wishing all of you a great month ahead!

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

The Insider Team!

Printed at Awal Press, Kingdom of Bahrain. Distribution Bahrain: Al Hilal Corporation, Tel. +973 1748 0800 UAE: Jashanmals, Tel. +971 4341 9757

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146

Issue

knowledge is power

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

KSA SR20

145

knowledge is power

Issue

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

+ Inside Expats Take Flight Colored Adrenaline

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

IntervIew wIth

Complimentary Copy

IntervIew wIth

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Photographer: Yulia Trubnikova @yulia_trubni_photostream

IntervIew wIth Porsche Races for Glory

www.Gulf-Insider.com Colored Adrenaline Expats Take Flight Million Dollar Birds

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No Money, No Honey Valentine’s in Bahrain

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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.

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Arabia’s Intelligent Magazine

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.

Get your chill on Join us on the beach on 28th April 2017 for the official CafĂŠ Del Mar world tour, featuring DJs and live performers straight from the iconic Ibiza bar. Entrance starting from BD20 per person, book online via Virgin Megastores from early March. For ticket sales and more information, email fb.art@rotana.com or call +973 16000111 Extension 3112 P. O. Box 50949, Amwaj Islands, Bahrain, T: +973 16000111, art.hotel@rotana.com

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Events

Day & Night Middle East Oil Show

Brazilian Carnival

When: March 9- 7, 2017 Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

When: 9th March 2017 Where: The Ritz Carlton

MEOS is the premiere oil and gas event in the Middle East; which is the most established event showcasing oil and gas products and services in the Middle East attracting NOC’s, IOC’s, and major operating companies. MEOS is privileged to receive support from all 6 GCC National Oil Companies.

Indulge in this Latin carnival of colors and flavors at the opening Beach Party of Ritz Carlton this 2017. The Ritz will be flying in entertainers for this event, headlined by Joshua Roberts, accompanied by Chris Sharp, and Danni Veal as well as a team of dancers who will also provide a fire display for the evening. There will also be a Brazilian themed buffet and bar. (BD25 net for members/ BD35 net for non-members).

For more information, Tel. +973 1758 0000.

The Seafarers (Theatre Production) When: March 22- March 25, 2017 Where: Windsor Room, British Club The Seafarers is a 2006 play by Irish playwright Conor McPherson. It’s set on Christmas Eve in a coastal suburb north of Dublin. The play centers on James “Sharky” Harkin, an alcoholic who has recently returned to live with his blind, aging brother, Richard Harkin. It broadly talks about the working class in Dublin and presents some magical realist qualities of Irish life as well. This play was nominated for multiple Tony awards as well as the Olivier Award and Evening Standard Award for Best Play. 8

Gulf Insider March 2017

Art Bahrain Across Borders When: March 22-26, 2017 Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre ArtBAB is Bahrain’s foremost contemporary art fair with the mission to attract leading international galleries to the Kingdom, thereby powering the expansion of the art market whilst facilitating the development of local Bahraini artists. ArtBAB aims to be the bridge between Bahrain and the world. Entrance is free!

Events

Bryan Adams

Best of Dubai Gulf Insider picked some great events in Dubai you wouldn’t want to miss.

Dubai International Boat Show When: Up to March 3, 2017 Get ready for a multitude of ocean adventures as the MENA Regions No. 1 marine luxury, leisure, and lifestyle event returns to Dubai. Show stopping super-yachts are the main attraction with live shows, exciting prizes, and marine talks and lectures on the side. There’s also the Marine Art Gallery and the Middle East Yachting Conference to look forward to. This event is a mustsee for boating enthusiasts.

Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature When: March 2 to March 10, 2017 The Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word is back. Bringing people of all ages together with authors from around the world to promote education, debate, and above all, a love for reading and writing in a celebratory and enjoyable way. Famous authors are in attendance and there will be literary debates, readings, and workshops for all to enjoy.

Taste of Dubai When: March 8 to March 10, 2017 Now on their 10th year, and with a great line up of celebrity chefs Taste of Dubai promises “more food, music, and fun” in this year’s edition. Billy Ocean himself will headline this year’s show whilst world class fine-dining and exclusive dishes from Dubai’s most talented chefs and restaurants remain the highlight of the event. 10

Gulf Insider March 2017

When: March 9, 2017 In another rock coup for Dubai, one of the most successful rockers in history Bryan Adams brings his Get Up world tour to the Autism Rocks Arena. Adams has made music history achieving superstar status in over 40 countries over four decades around the world. His enormous oeuvre is full of songs you didn’t realize you knew all the words to, and there’s nothing quite like singing along with thousands at a great concert. And if you want to catch him in Bahrain, he will be performing on the 13th of March at the BIC.

Sports

Gulf Insider March 2017

Sports

Endurance Gulf Insider sat down with HH Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa to talk about sports culture and how it is benefiting Bahrain.

orse racing has been one of the more popular and historical sports in the Middle East. Why do you think its stature was unchanged from ancient to modern times?

Since ancient times, the Arabian horse has been an important part of Arab life. Since the time of our ancestors, the Arabic Bedouin, horses were with us in our journey from one place to another. Horses have also played a big part in Arabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment and have stayed with us through war and peace. This relationship has survived for thousands of years, with horses being considered as our most prized earthly possession.

Your Highness has won many awards for horse racing, what has inspired you to pursue this sport? Horse racing is not just a sport for me but it is a part of our culture and ancient tradition which has been passed on from generations. His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has taught me the sport that I have come to love from a very young age. He is my main source of inspiration in any thing I do.

You have been an outspoken champion of sports for young people. How do you think the pursuit of sports will help the youth in their lives and professional careers? There are many things that one can learn and develop through sports that will help the youth in their future endeavors. Through sports, we can nurture a culture of hope, respect,

dedication, discipline and diversity. These are some of the main habits and traits that are essential in life and in establishing a career. Being immersed in a team of diverse individuals with different cultures, personalities and traits creates a wellrounded person. In sports, one has to maintain a healthy lifestyle and has to have the utmost dedication towards his/her sports. All of these are vital in a work environment.

There is no such thing as age, nationality, body size, financial status or any other requirement to start working on the sport you love to do. Also, reinforcing the importance of sports and a healthy lifestyle for society, giving the youth a chance to live a healthy disease free life, will in return reflect on them giving their best and contributing more to the development of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the future.

One of the main deterrents for youth in sports is the expense. Is there any help that young people can get if they wish to engage in sports? Passion in sports is the most

Gulf Insider March 2017

Sports

important aspect that will help the youth overcome limitations including expense. There are quite a number of options available for young people who wish to engage in sports. The Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs have several programs like the Sports Talent Identification Program that provides assistance to promising athletes. These organizations offer training camps, workshops, and tournaments in and outside the country to help develop the youth’s athletic skills. All the sports federations under the Bahrain Olympic Committee are also running various programs and events to support local Bahraini athletes. I encourage the youth to seek assistance through these channels, to not give up the sport they love, to keep their passion in sports burning and be an inspiration to the rest of their peers.

Do you think Bahrain has potential to be a sports hub in the Middle East? And if so, for which sports? It is my dream for Bahrain to be a sports hub in the Middle East and we are realizing it by bringing triathlon, cycling, MMA and other international sports in the country. My main goal is to create a culture of sports and healthy lifestyle in the country by bringing events that will be a source of inspiration for everyone to live healthy. It will be a dream come true if Bahrain becomes a hub for all types of sports. But whatever sport it may be, our 14

Gulf Insider March 2017

main objective is to gather everyone in the community to participate and put Bahrain in the international sporting map.

Aside from horse racing, you are also involved in other endurance sports like Ironman, and cycling. How have you trained to be able to compete and win in such events? I dedicate certain times of the week in training and make sure I commit to it 100 percent. There’s no easy way or shortcut to success, even I have to go through rigorous training and maintain a healthy diet to get what I aim for. I train like any other sports man.

Do you have any advice for anyone (young or old) who wish to engage in sports but are overweight, lacking in money, and/or initiative to start training? Do not let your limits hinder you from getting what you want. There’s a saying that goes, ‘we are the master of our ship.’ As long as you continue to nurture that passion in sports within you, everything will come into place. There is no such thing as age, nationality, body size, financial status or any other requirement to start working on the sport you love to do. You only need the will, passion, interest and dedication to begin.

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Style

Your Guide to Cocktail Attire From the shirt to the shoes, we got you covered.

Not overly formal, the cocktail attire is a refined nod to the past with a contemporary feel. These are all the elements you need for a great cocktail outfit.

Something tailored (suits & blazers) Opt for a slim fit. Black, navy, or gray is sophisticated and fresh. Instead of prints, opt for texture, mohair, herringbone, or tweed works.

Accessories Keep it simple and classy, a nice leather belt, silver cuff links, and maybe a nice watch is all you need to look refined.

Shirts Fitted dress shirts are in order under your suit. You can opt for fail-safe white options or go crazy with modern or brighter patterned button-down shirts for an edgy take on cocktail attire.

Ties/pocket squares If you have on a simple shirt, you can go for a bolder tie and conversely if you went for a patterned shirt, the tie should be simpler in a bold or black color. No to bowties unless youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re wearing a tux, but yes to pocket squares which should be silk and neutral in color.

Shoes Fragrance & Cologne A nice cologne will offset your look and make you feel like a million bucks. Go for a clean yet memorable scent, not too strong or else thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all people will remember about you.

Gulf Insider March 2017

To round out your look, go for traditional brogues, Oxfords, or loafers. Leather will never go out of fashion and will be something you can use for years to come.

Style

Faisal looks on fleek with his fur covered parka and Ray Ban. A great winter outfit!

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

Faiselâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s embroidered denim and cut-off pants caught our eye. His hair on the side part, is also very trendy!

Abdulkarim braved the chilly weather and wore shorts topped with a camo jacket and a statement shirt.

Amer and Osama happily posed for Gulf Insider in their winter threads. Such good old friends.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Style

Watch to Watch Each month, our publisher, Nick Cooksey, reviews a watch from his personal collection. This month he talks about his Officine Panerai watches collection.

anerai is a small Florentine watch manufacturer. The company was founded over 150 years ago and they supplied watches for the Royal Italian Navy before and during World War 2. Panerais were particularly favoured by military frog divers because of their large size, robustness, and highly luminous numerals which makes it easy to see in the dark underwater. Panerais are instantly recognizable due to their typically large size, traditional design, and famous patented crown protection guards – often copied by other brands but never improved upon. In 1997 the company was taken over by the Richemont Group, resulting in their value and brand image moving upwards. Another aspect making this watch maker unique is a strap ‘culture’ that surrounds the brand. Rolex owners for example, rarely changed the bracelet that came with the watch. Panerai, on the other hand, are designed to easily change straps and a secondary industry of independent leather craftsmen supply a myriad of strap styles to Panerai owners. I have various straps and regularly interchange them. For some reason I don’t like metal straps when it comes to this brand. They just don’t seem right. I’m the lucky owner of a total of 4 Panerais - models 005, 049, 113, and 243 (all shown opposite). I‘ve owned them many years and they have all been constantly reliable, not one of them letting me down even once. As for my ‘favorite’ of the bunch, honestly it’s whatever one I happen to be wearing at the time.

Panerai 005 from Asia Jewelers Aged Italian leather vintage strap by Corrigia visit Corrigia.com 18

Gulf Insider March 2017

Style

Panerai 243

Panerai 049

This chunky 44mm automatic watch is designed to go to ridiculous depths of up to 1,000 meters where light no longer penetrates. It has a super thick 5mm crystal and a helium escape Valve (something only a serious diver would ever need). I confess the deepest I’ve taken it so far is along the bottom of the deep end of my swimming pool (2 metres!).

At 40mm this automatic watch is considered small for a Panerai and it looks small compared to the others, yet is the same diameter but noticeably chunkier than a Rolex Submariner. This model is now out of production.

005

113 Panerai 005 and 113 Both these 44mm watches have hand wound mechanical movements and are very similar to each other. They are probably among the most sought-after Panerais because they are ‘entry level’ models and in many ways define the brand. The big difference between the two is that the 113 has a white face and a clear crystal back exposing the watch movement. The 005 has a black face and solid back.

The official dealership for Officine Panerai in Bahrain is Asia Jewelers. Tel. +973 1743 1166 Gulf Insider March 2017

Affairs

GLOBAL SHAPERS COMMUNITY MANAMA

Manama Shapers

Interview with Farah Mohamed Behavior Therapist, British Preparatory School.

hat inspired you to become a therapist?

I have always been the listener in my social circle and sought to help them with any hardships they were going through which brought me a sense of accomplishment and happiness. This led to my interest in studying psychology, particularly the development of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thoughts, behaviors and emotions. As a behavior therapist I am able to fully involve myself the wellbeing and struggles of the children that I work with and help them through it.

Can you tell us what your work entails? I was previously trained in Applied Behavior Analysis therapy which uses unique techniques to create positive changes in behavior. Currently I work in a mainstream private school with the special needs students using these techniques. I help them one on one with their daily work such as writing or mathematics. I also help them integrate into the classroom and develop their social skills with the other students.

Gulf Insider March 2017

What is it like being an AIDS peer educator in an Islamic country? Unfortunately many people still think of it as a very taboo subject so it is very rare to get an opportunity to spread the information. I hope this will not always be the case and we would be more aware of the facts about AIDS. This is very necessary as the statistics show that it is more prevalent than we think, even within the Middle East.

I truly believe the first step in reducing stigma for any cause is raising awareness. What do you hope to contribute in the field of child development? In the future I hope to continue studying abroad, furthering my knowledge in the field, learning about childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mental and emotional growth. I want to bring this awareness and experience to the Middle East

where I hope to effectively counsel children suffering mental illnesses and developmental delays.

What steps can be taken to eradicate the stigma of mental disease in Bahrain? I truly believe the first step in reducing stigma for any cause is raising awareness. So many people are unaware of the range mental diseases, the causes and what can be done to help people suffering from them. By raising awareness and then providing the proper facilities and support needed, we can make a positive change and impact on the lives of the next generation where the stigma is not as prevalent.

Why did you join Manama Shapers? When I first graduated from University I found this amazing network of people reaching out on a global scale to better impact their communities which is something that resonated with me. I wanted to create a change in the community of Bahrain through my knowledge of special education and child development by getting involved in unique projects.

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Sports

Million Dollar Birds The â&#x20AC;&#x153;sport of kingsâ&#x20AC;? is now a multi-million dollar industry with drones, tracking devices, and the birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own seat on a plane.

or the Bedouin tribes who first started hunting with falcons and other birds of prey (raptors), it was a necessity and a way of life in the desert, to augment whatever food they were able to reap and gather. Falconry is one of the few pastimes permitted in the Koran, which even includes a verse about its practice.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Falconry is now a multi-million dollar industry with all the equipment used, from the drones and tracking devices to the lures, leather falcon hoods, leg restraints and gloves sold in markets and shops throughout the world. In fact, many Arabic nationals spend a fortune on their falconry equipment, which includes radio monitors, 4 x 4 trucks, walkie-talkies, and other hightech gear. The reason for the costly

gadgets is so the hunters can arrive right when the bird is taking down its prey, so they may separate the animals and kill the prey according to Islamic customs. Dr. Mike Nicholls, anthropologist, said that the sport saw an unprecedented, monumental rise of practice during the latter half of the 20th century which has continued unabated into the 21st. This is true

Sports

not only amongst the nations with a strong heritage of falconry, but also increasingly by new practitioners in countries such as southern Africa and Malaysia where there is little or no ancient historical record.

Intangible Heritage Today, falconry is a rite of passage for many young men with groups of friends regularly meeting in the evening to train their birds. Needless to say, this involves a considerable amount of time, especially if the bird is caught in the wild. One of the techniques involves

keeping the bird on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arm for several hours a day, which aside from being painful, would obviously pose a problem to someone who has a regular job. The high prices of some falcons - with some rarer breeds costing millions of Saudi riyals - do not seem an obstacle to many of the sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s enthusiasts, who are willing to pay lots of money to obtain themâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;sometimes at all costs. Andrew Dixon, editor of Falco 46 notes the threat posed to migratory falcons by falcon trappers. This is most prevalent in North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, with the birds

51,517 People Reached

being transported to Gulf States for the Arabian falconry market. For species like Sakers Falcon, in the former Soviet Union, trapping is believed to be a major factor driving population decline.

The Cost of the Sport Clandestine smuggling of falcons across international borders is often cruel and results in many casualties. The trade also risks transmission of zoonotic diseases (a disease that normally exists in animals but can affect humans e.g. anthrax), threatening the health and welfare of falcons in the recipient

29,362 People Reached

Gulf Insider March 2017

Sports

countries as well as the humans who own them. “All this reflects badly on the image of falconry and Arabian falconry in particular”, continued Dixon. The high cost of obtaining falcons often reflects on the excesses taken to maintain them. In Qatar, you can still purchase falcons in downtown Doha at falcon souqs or through private dealers. Raptors may even be issued their own passports to ensure they are not stolen or taken out of the country without the owner’s permission. Instances like this are not unheard of, in fact, just recently a Saudi prince transported 80 birds of prey on a commercial airline. A Reddit user even noted “If you fly Etihad or Emirates or Qatar enough, you will eventually see someone flying in first class with a falcon sitting next to them”.

Current and Future Threats The most popular prey, the houbara bustard, a large, fast bird which lives throughout the Middle East is now being hunted to the point of extinction.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Clandestine smuggling of falcons across international borders is often cruel and results in many casualties. Because of their desire for the sport, falconers must constantly travel the globe to search for new hunting grounds. In the Arabian peninsula, huge projects have been established to breed houbara bustards in captivity and restock the bird in their natural habitats. The UAE funded the Emirates Center for Wildlife Propagation in Missour, eastern Morocco, which produced more than 20, 000 houbara bustards in 2014. This remarkable survival rate of released birds suggests a second wind for Arab Falconry.

However, critics say that hunting with falcons, is a reckless hobby that threatens species of rare birds, and funnels money into areas controlled by militias as in December 2015, about 100 gunmen kidnapped at least 25 Qataris from a desert hunting camp in Iraq near the Saudi border.

Al Areen Falcon Hospital Al Areen Falcon Hospital is considered as one of the finest specialized hospitals in the Gulf region offering the finest and best quality of healthcare for falcons in and outside the Kingdom of Bahrain. The hospital issues passports to falcons, vaccinates and inoculates for possible diseases, and treats sick falcons brought in by owners.

For appointments, call Tel. +973 1783 8678

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Travel

Cool Places

to travel in the region You don’t need tons of cash to travel to these cities.

Morocco

Oman

Where: Between Northeast Africa and the Middle East

Where: Northwest of the UAE

Cool factor: Fez, Marrakech, Casablanca

Cool factor: Historical, Cultural, and Outdoor Adventures

One of the most picturesque places on our list, Morocco is a traveler’s delight. From the postcard-perfect pictures to the air of mystery and intrigue that surrounds this place, you won’t be short of things to see and do. Haggle in the marketplace, stay at the memorable hotels, and walk the winding pathways of this beautiful place. Take lots of pictures, they’ll immediately go viral on Instagram!

If you’re a sports buff, you will like Oman for all the swimming, diving, rock climbing, camping, and safaris you can do there. Spend the night in the desert under the stars and definitely swim in one of the sinkholes. Go to the top of Nizwa Fort and drive to Jebel Shams for a photo-op session. Finish off your tour with a trip to the souk for a spot of shopping.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Travel

Egypt

Jordan

Where: between Northeast Africa and the Middle East

Where: Asia Minor

Cool factor: Pyramids of Giza, Myths and Legends

Cool factor: Immortalized by Lawrence of Arabia

One of the oldest civilizations in the world, Egypt is a land that beckons to the traveler. The Pyramids, steeped in myth and legend, are of course a must-see; you should also go sailing along the Nile River on a felucca (traditional boat). Finally there are many museums that highlight the history and lore of Egypt, and you’ll go home brimming with stories, memories, and adventure.

Ancient monuments, nature reserves, and seaside resorts… an adventure in Jordan is a thrilling experience indeed. Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the more popular destinations and you can do this in a 4x4 with Bedouin guides. A must-try!

United Arab Emirates

Cyprus

Where: 30 minutes flight from Bahrain

Where: Mediterranean

Cool factor: Ferrari World, Art galleries, and Abras (water taxis)

Cool factor: Beaches and Parties

For a cool, weekend jaunt, hop on over to the UAE which is an exciting mix of the old and the new. From the construction of the Louvre Abu Dhabi (which was monitored by the Louvre Museum, Paris) to desert safaris; you will find that the Emiratis keep their culture alive while also moving towards progress. So many things to see and do; in fact a weekend isn’t enough but you can always go again the next weekend.

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches (check out the Blue Lagoon) and the parties, you’ll find that Cyprus also has castles and archaeological parks worth exploring. Watersports is a must of course, and you must also explore the sea caves. Great place for a family adventure.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Events

Saudi

comic book event 7,000 fans flocked to the first-ever Saudi Comic Con in Jeddah By Aisha Fareed

n estimated 7,000 Saudibased comic fans flocked to the Kingdom’s first Comic Con event last month. “Saudi Comic Con looks exactly like every other fan convention I’ve ever been to. What an amazing turnout,” said Maxwell Alexander Drake, or Drake as he prefers to be called, an American award-winning Science Fiction/Fantasy author, graphic novelist and playwright best known for his fantasy series The Genesis of Oblivion Saga. The three-day festival of anime, pop art, video gaming and film-related events is part of a government initiative to bring more entertainment to Saudi Arabia. Both men and women Comic Con fans attended the event. The event was so popular that the queue to enter the building stretched for more than 100 yards when the event opened in mid-afternoon. Inside the darkened hall, rock music blared. The American author Drake was the

Gulf Insider March 2017

first to open the sessions on creative writing and dynamic story creation. “I already knew before coming to Saudi Arabia that the youth make up a big number of the Saudi nation,” he told Arab News. Convention attendees listened carefully to Drake’s tips and advice on how to be a creative writer. Choosing

the genre, theme, type of readers and many more were addressed in the oneand-a-half-hour session. Two open panel discussions were held. The first panel featured the moderators and speakers from the “Bewitched” show and “Takki” YouTube series. The second session hosted local directors who discussed their experience the film industry. Several other discussions was held over the two next days covering topics such as comics, video games and production. With loud cheering and yelling, Saudis offered the warmest welcome for two “Game of Thrones” actors: Julian Glover and Charles Dance. The actors said they were impressed by the Saudis’ enthusiasm in their reception. The two stars visited Saudi Arabia for the first time to mark an exceptional era in the Entertainment industry of the Kingdom. “Saudi Arabia should have many more of these events,” said Julian Glover. “It should bring films into this country very soon.”

Hotel

Frank Norman Eikeland

Frank’s Domain After a year of being the General Manager of The Domain Hotel and Spa, Gulf Insider revisited Frank Normann Eikeland to talk about his one year anniversary.

year after our first interview, we met once again with The Domain’s Frank Normann Eikeland. The dapper and charming Norwegian is as cheerful as ever and welcomed us by saying “I am ready for you”. The first year of Frank’s term involved a lot of integration and getting acclimatized with the culture of the hotel as well as a new team. Frank approached this venture with an open mind saying “We found our way very quickly”. One of the first successful initiatives driven by Frank was for The Domain Hotel and Spa to become part of The

Gulf Insider March 2017

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Group. “This opened up global accounts that we did not have access to before and we became recognized as a hotel preference for global travelers”, Frank explained. The Preferred Hotels & Resorts represents the world’s finest luxury hotels and resorts having an extensive global collection and representing more than 85 countries. The Domain is the only property represented in Bahrain.

Performance Indicators This year, the hotel had two key indicators for growth. In terms of

market share increase, The Domain has increased occupancy by 12% year on year. (This is according to STR, a global data benchmarking company that works globally with hotel chains). The awareness of the hotel’s Spa and Food & Beverage outlets has also increased. The growth in revenue for food and beverage is mainly due to their signature restaurants Le Sauvage and Imari as well as signature bar Txoko Sky lounge on level 36 which has now achieved regular and loyal customers. Despite the economic challenges in Bahrain and the GCC, The Domain has enjoyed steady growth. Initiatives within food and beverage include monthly

Hotel

Masters Vino Dinners in their signature restaurant Le Sauvage hosted by Domain’s own sommelier, Chad– who brings his innate knowledge and passion about vino to the guests, with a menu paired by Executive Chef Rukmal. Le Domain [34] Friday Brunches continue to be popular with returning guests week after week. The Friday Brunch is renowned for those who wish to experience a sophisticated “grown up affair”, with sky high panoramic views and a gastronomical journey. Frank says “We have found a formula for Friday Brunch and guests come here to stay and return because we cater to their needs.” Imari, an authentic Japanese restaurant and Imari Lounge mastered by Japanese Chef, Riichio offers spectacular sushi nights and specialty menus in addition to sumptuous business lunch bento boxes to tempt and delight guests.

Timing and Message The message is consistency and quality. The Domain is a lifestyle hotel, an adult based grown up place. On weekends it is very popular with Bahraini and Saudi guests, as a destination location.

Growth and development of initiatives continue to be planned throughout the year. Summer 2016 saw the inauguration of the Summer Art Exhibition with a collaboration of exhibiting European, Bahraini, and Saudi artists. Currently, at Reception on the 16th floor, there is an exhibition with Monika Vaziri, an American decorative artist who resides in Bahrain. Continuing in the Art Lounge on the 16th Floor, there is an exhibition of paintings from artists from Europe, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Over the past twelve months The Domain has introduced Movie Nights, which they call ”Classics at The Domain”. Taking place every other Tuesday, guests are able to relax and

In terms of market share increase, Frank is proud to say that The Domain has increased its occupancy by 12% year on year.

enjoy a curated pick of Hollywood’s classic movies in comfort and luxury, all with butler service, surrounded by the wonderful breath taking view of nighttime Manama. With ‘staycations’ becoming popular, The Domain also offers luxurious weekend stay and corporate business packages to their guests.

A League of Its Own An example of providing a more personalized service is the addition to the food and beverage team of Neale, a South African trained coffee roaster and barista, to give the guests another layer to the experience and service at breakfast and dinner. As Frank says; “Not a lot of people will care whether the coffee is ready-made or brewed, but the connoisseurs will care, and they will notice…” The Domain can be happy about their emerging clientele. As Frank said “we have a mix of guests, those older and sophisticated; and also an emerging crowd of the next generation.” Frank praises The Domain’s incredible staff saying “I have a very strong, strategic, and creative management group that has been with me since Day 1”. Bravo Frank!

Gulf Insider March 2017

Hotel

Sarosh Aibara

Gulf Insider March 2017

Hotel

A Cut above the rest Gulf Insider sat down with Sarosh Aibara, Chief Operating Officer of the Elite Hospitality Group Bahrain, to ask him some tough questions about the market.

ibara revealed that 2016 was a “revelation” for the Elite group, saying “you cannot rely on weekend business and traditional regional markets anymore”. This challenge has led his group to eye expansion and to look at new markets. For example, he revealed that the biggest emerging outbound markets now are Russia, China and India, while Saudi and Kuwait make up nearly 80% of the Bahrain market. So how does an innovative hotel like Elite, take advantage of this opportunity? Well, for starters, Aibara will be targeting the Russian market through events such as the Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (MITT), and see how this can drive business to the country. He plans to use his Indian connections to drive footfalls from there, and later explore the Chinese market. He said that Bahrain Tourism has now opened offices in these new markets which will, he hopes, help in improving the awareness for Bahrain. The Elite group has always prided itself on innovations especially digital world innovations, which as Aibara said “we had to create ourselves, being a local player”. Typical of these innovations is the ease with which you can book rooms and services/ outlets through the hotel website. Aibara reveals that “a large budget has been created for 2017 to go digital and enhance the experience of guests”. Work is also easier for the team. “You can’t stop progress and innovation,” he adds.

Forward Thinking The COO is now on his 13th year at the Elite Hospitality Group, the longest tenure he’s held at any job. Before that

he has worked 12 years with CBRE’s Ellis Hospitality in Thailand, moving around where the job took him. As a COO, he’s in charge of managing most aspects of the company especially sales and marketing. He came from a world that believed that for a company to be successful, it has to be market driven rather than finance driven. Today, with the government levy being doubled, average rates are down, and the market shrinking, Aibara said that the way to develop business now is

We are the only local 4 or 5 star hotel chain with an all-suites product. Nobody else can boast of that”. through passion. With lower occupancy rates not making new hotels feasible, Elite Group decided to concentrate their efforts on drumming up its food and beverage outlets. The group opened up the Waikiki Kitchen Polynesian Restaurant in Elite Crystal Hotel, which serves Polynesian food with flair. It was so successful that they were then inspired to open Ahlan Café’s in all their hotels. The other Elite hotels have planned new dining outlets where guests can chat and talk and stay. Aibara says that there will be no overlap as the different venues serve different clientele.

Above and Beyond This constant drive for innovation must be the reason why they are rated highly time and time again in Booking. com and on various social media. Aibara says that it’s their flexibility that makes them a favorite with customers, going out of their way to meet guests’ expectations. “This has already become a culture in our hotels, because if guests feel comfortable and cared for, they will come again and again.” What Aibara wants to create is awareness. He said awareness will create more business for Bahrain, and this in turn will be reflected in the hotels occupancies’. He believes that Bahrain needs both the software and the hardware to make this happen. The software being events and things to do, like what would make people come to Bahrain from other continents just to experience it? The hardware is beaches, and more and better recreation facilities. He says it’s about developing a story for Bahrain, creating a local brand and then marketing it outside. The challenge is definitely to bring more people to Bahrain and Aibara is actively and enthusiastically taking on the challenge. When asked what he loves about the Elite Group he said “My people, they are our biggest asset. Dadabhai family, the owners have always been supportive which has resulted in employees staying on with our group for many years with great commitment. Lastly we have a unique product. We are the only local 4 or 5 star hotel chain with an all-suites product. Nobody else can boast of that”, he added with pride.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Dining

A Jazzy Brunch Brunch has always been an important weekend affair in Bahrain. The Royal Golf Club aims to take this experience to the next level.

ost brunches are crowd and family pleasers. Buffet tables teeming with food and servers guaranteed to overfill your plate. None of that here in Links Restaurant at the Royal Golf Club. Aside from the spectacular scenery, which lends an air of natural elegance to the scene, they are re-introducing an a la carte brunch which is something that might make the regular brunch-goers question why. The reason? Paul Gindra, Director of Food and Beverage—Executive Chef says that a la carte brunch allows for more emphasis on quality and preparation. With the food freshly prepared, you won’t need to worry about cold food or food that has lost its freshness, taste, and integrity by sitting for a long time on the hot plates. In addition, the smaller portions mean that you can sample a lot more dishes and even ask the chefs to personalize them for you. This kind of service endears Links to its customers. And it’s not just for members either! The Royal Golf Club boasts of fine food outlets that make

Gulf Insider March 2017

the drive from Manama to Riffa well worth the effort. The focus is on food, and what they want to give their guests is the 5 star experience. And indeed, with its relaxed atmosphere, premium items like sparkling wine, foie gras, and oysters that come in from France weekly they already have the makings for a royal treat. Links serves breakfast, Continental meals and Arabic dishes in addition to a fabulous dessert selection. You can enjoy all of this for BD30 net. In addition, groups of eight or more

people can get free transportation to the Royal Golf Club. Links at the Royal Golf Club has an upmarket feel, and is perfect for an intimate affair. The crowd at any Friday brunch goes to 70 or 80 so reservation is key. You can walk around the grounds after brunch and relax or linger in Repartee Lounge.

For more information: The Royal Golf Club Tel. +973 17 751262

Links is open for nonmembers too.

Affairs

breitling flying high Legendary Breitling DC-3 aircraft to visit Middle East during record-breaking world tour.

wiss luxury watchmaker and aviation chronograph specialist, Breitling has announced that the Breitling DC-3 aeroplane will embark on a record-breaking world tour from March to September 2017. Celebrating its 77th birthday this year, the DC-3

will become the oldest plane to circumnavigate the world and will touch down in Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. The world tour, which will take place in the Middle East, India, South-East Asia, North America and Europe, will begin and end in Breitling’s home

country of Switzerland, taking off from Geneva in March and landing back in September at the Breitling Sion Airshow 2017. The DC-3 will stop in Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and Dubai from mid to the end of March, providing selected VIPs with the opportunity to get up close to this legendary aeroplane. Aed Adwan, Breitling Middle East, commented: “As a privileged partner of aviation, Breitling has demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding aeronautical heritage by supporting the restoration of legendary aircraft such as the Douglas DC-3. Through this world tour, Breitling is once again displaying its determination to share its passion for aviation with a broad audience, especially in the Middle East where we have specifically included stop-overs in four different countries.”

The art of predicting markets Gulf Insider meets with Diego Wuergler, Managing Director and Senior Adviser of Julius Baer (Middle East) Ltd., to discuss investing in turbulent times.

ig things happened last year in the world of politics and economics - we live in interesting times and investors are trying to find ways to profit. Wuergler admitted that he had failed to predict both Donald Trump’s ascension to power and Brexit, and further confides he was particularly confounded by the relaxed market reaction to these seismic events. The Dow Jones once went on to record highs . So what should investors do now? Wuergler tells us that the consensus has been to stay on the sidelines and watch, but his bank took an active approach, making some very good strategic calls, making up to 20% investor returns on the stock market and

drastically outperforming most others who were holding on to their cash. Looking further back, Wuergler tells us that the bank called the high and low points correctly for oil and gold, and also called the Japanese market correctly. He says his bank is currently very bullish on the US dollar, believing that this is one of the best opportunities around at the moment. In terms of real-estate, Wuergler says that this is strongly linked to interest rates i.e. if interest rates were to rise, it will have a negative effect on real-estate prices. When asked what a good return for clients is, Wuergler says 5 - 8% per annum is a very good return. Wuergler says that the time to be scared is when everybody is certain and there is a consensus of public

opinion and that in negative situations, there’s always room for opportunities. He added that 2016 was a “difficult” year but his bank didn’t cut equity exposure—instead they invested and made healthy returns in the stock market. Another socio-political question that would surely affect the market is if the EU falls apart, as many are now predicting. I ask him if he believes the European Union will still be in existence in five years. He’s surprised by my question and replies that he is 99% sure that it will, leaving me to wonder if this might be the next big world event he fails to predict. Time will tell.

*The Julius Baer Group is a global Swiss private bank for private and institutional investors. Gulf Insider March 2017

Affairs

Gulf Insider March 2017

Affairs

Expats take flight

as Abu Dhabi tightens purse strings Austerity driven by low oil price prompts highearning foreigners to quit the emirate.

here are few bigger attractions for expatriates seeking a top-paying job in the oil-rich Gulf than the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. But as Abu Dhabi implements a string of cost-cutting measures even Adia’s staff are starting to feel the pinch. Along with other government employees in the United Arab Emirates’ capital they now have to pay their own utility bills, which in some cases can exceed $20,000 a year, and cover more of their medical expenses. “The purse strings are tightening,” says a senior investment banker in the emirate. Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s top oil producer and the wealthiest of its seven emirates, has long epitomised the petrodollar wealth of the Gulf — Adia manages assets estimated at $800bn. But government austerity measures now illustrate how the region’s leaders are being forced to take radical action in response to prolonged low oil prices and implement politically sensitive policies that were once considered a taboo in societies where government largesse has been the norm. Living costs have soared as civil servants’ packages have been trimmed and electricity tariffs driven up in reforms to government subsidy programmes. At the same time, delays to multibillion-dollar projects and spending cuts have triggered widespread redundancies, not least in the oil and gas sector. Adnoc, the state oil company, has shed 5,000 jobs in the past 18 months, The result is the flight of expatriates who had descended on Abu Dhabi during the oil boom of the 2000s as the emirate embarked on an ambitious programme to transform itself into a luxurious business and tourism destination. “2016 was a nightmare, the worst year in three decades,” Gulf Insider March 2017

Affairs

said a headhunter who recruits for senior positions in the emirate. “The top and bottom end of expats are on their way out, leaving a squeezed middle, rather like in the 1980s and 1990s.” The highest paid European general managers were leaving and being replaced by cheaper staff, he said. Projects valued at $81bn have been put on hold while others worth $69bn are continuing, according to the Middle East Economic Digest, a business intelligence provider. Those delayed include some showpiece plans, including a Louvre museum on Saadiyat Island that was supposed to begin welcoming visitors in 2012. Contracts for the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim, which are also integral to Abu Dhabi’s efforts to become a regional cultural hub, have yet to be tendered. Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, says: “The economy is very much driven by government, state-related entity spending, and the focus has been on fiscal consolidation and adjusting to the lower oil price environment. “There has been a marked slowdown

Gulf Insider March 2017

Foreigners are also being hit by a new municipality tax of 3 per cent on annual rent, backdated to February 2016. in economic activity, and the focus will probably remain on further adjustment albeit at a weaker pace in 2017.” Fitch, the rating agency, says Abu Dhabi government spending shrank 10 per cent last year and 18 per cent in 2015, slowing non-oil GDP growth to 3.5 per cent last year from 7.6 per cent in 2015. The government has also sought to raise revenues to bolster its coffers. Electricity prices for expatriates rose 30 per cent this year, while Emiratis’ power and water tariffs, which are lower, were increased by 34 per cent. It was the third year running that such raises were imposed. A sales tax is due to be introduced in the UAE and other

Gulf states for the first time in 2018. Foreigners are also being hit by a new municipality tax of 3 per cent on annual rent, backdated to February 2016. “You feel the impact from the slowdown and rising costs, with people leaving or sending their families home — there are empty houses in my compound for the first time in many, many years,” says an Abu Dhabi-based banker. More job losses are expected as the government looks to rationalise its diverse range of affiliated companies. Bankers estimate there could be more than 2,000 job losses caused by the merger of National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank, including a cull of expensive senior management and cuts across the national branch network. Mubadala and Ipic, the Abu Dhabi state investment firms, are also being merged in another cost-saving measure. Ripple effects are being felt across the emirate. Dentists complain that families are no longer opting for as many expensive procedures, such as brace fittings for children. “They are already calling it the Adia effect,” the investment banker adds.

Al JAbAl ConsultAnCy Attorneys and Legal Consultants

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

Mr Ali Al Jabal

Mohamed Al Wasti

Khadija A. Al Hussain Partner

saleh Al nashabh Lawyer

Mansoor nadhar Lawyer

Mohamed Ismael Lawyer

Partner

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

Contributor

GCC REVIEW

Fees on expatriates Saudi Arabia’s general budget for the fiscal year 2020 targets to generate about SR65 billion in revenues annually through fees levied on expatriate workers and their dependents, according to foreign consultancy firms that formulated these plans.

he imposition of the fees on dependents will start by the middle of this year and the fees imposed on every expatriate worker will go up to SR400 a month from early next year and will culminate in SR800 a month after three years. The projected revenues from these fees will begin with SR1 billion this year, will go up to SR24 billion next year and to SR44 billion in the year after and so forth. This theoretical presentation seems logical considering the current number of expatriates in the country. But a valid question rises here: Will the number of the expatriates remain the same in the coming years? Will the businessmen and industrialists just sit aside and watch what is going on without doing anything? Are they going to retain all their expatriate workers by paying the fees or will they gradually retrench workers to cut costs? This is exactly what is happening these days. Many companies have already started reducing the number of their expatriate workers. They did this either through reducing their production or closing some factories that make little or marginal profits. Therefore the supposition that SR65 billion could be collected annually after three years from fees imposed on expatriates is fictitious because it is based on the present number of the expatriates in the Saudi labor market. This number

Gulf Insider March 2017

is something that cannot be guaranteed. The same applies to the fees on the dependents of expatriates. Many of them may decide to keep their families back home to avoid paying the hefty fees. This also undermines the accuracy of the projected revenues from fees to be collected from expatriates for their dependents. The matter that raises more questions is the possible reaction of Saudi businessmen and industrialists regarding these measures. They have two options: relieve their workers gradually and reduce their commercial activities, which is definitely going to hurt the economy, or hike the prices of goods and services. The natural outcome of this will be economic recession, which is likely to hit a number of manufacturing and service sectors because of people’s purchasing power will be greatly diminished. All these possibilities should be taken into account when imposing fees on expatriate workers and their dependents.

By Yousuf Al-Muhaimeed Al-Jazirah

Bahrain among the most “toxic” environments on Earth Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have been named the most “toxic” nations on Earth in a new report. According to the data, Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest oil producers but also has some of the world’s lowest renewable energy contributions, despite having weather conditions ideal for solar energy. The Eco Experts says this suggests a disregard for the environment and the population’s health. The 10 most toxic countries were: 1. Saudi Arabia 2. Kuwait 3. Qatar 4. Bahrain 5. United Arab Emirates 6. Oman 7. Turkmenistan 8. Libya 9. Kazakhstan 10. Trinidad and Tobago

Kuwait turns on its expats Opposition members want the labour law to be amended, raising the minimum wage for expats, and also taxing them on the remittances they send home, all to discourage the hiring of foreigners for all but the most highly-skilled jobs. Among the more imaginative suggestions is to tax expats 100 fils for walking on roads and pavements, as part of a broader plan to make taxation so onerous that foreigners would stop coming to work in Kuwait – an idea proposed by Safa Al Hashem, the only woman MP and a liberal. She believes the country has reached “danger level” with its population ratio, and that Kuwait no longer needs foreigners, most of whom should be deported. “Nationals’ frustration with expats is something we don’t hear much about in the Gulf simply because there’s not much of an outlet for it other than Twitter,” said Courtnery Freer, a researcher at the London School of Economics Kuwait programme. “Because Kuwait has an institutionalized place for these arguments to be made, we’re understanding a bit more of what’s going on.”

Opinion

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

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

This month - car lease AJ Question: I am the owner of a small, car-rental business. I recently leased one of our cars to a foreign G.C.C national. However, upon receiving the car, the interior was badly damaged and the car seats were stained and full of cigarette burns. After trying to resolve the issue, things have escalated and he now says that he will not pay for the damage and for the two weeks that he rented the car stating, that there is nothing I can do about it even though, he has signed a rental agreement holding him liable to the damage caused and for the days he rented the car. What legal action could I bring against

the debtor and could I impose a travel ban to insure that he doesn’t leave the country? AJ Answer: As time is of the essence, you will have to submit an urgent order at the civil court against the debtor, stating the necessity of imposing the travel ban and the near likelihood of the debtor leaving the country. Whereby, the judge at his discretion may issue the travel ban as well as other legal penalties, if so requested by the claimant. Moreover, in some cases, the court will appoint a Car Expert and will request that you bring

witnesses to testify for the damage sustained. As the debtor has signed a rental agreement, this will further permit you ‘the claimant’ to make a claim for compensation for the damages sustained to the car and the outstanding rental amount.

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

Doubling of beach club fees enrage residents of Dubai apartment complex

esidents of Shoreline, a luxury residential complex on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah claim they are being held to ransom by developer Nakheel after this year’s beach club membership fees were doubled without warning, and prompted some to say they will move away from The Palm. “It has come as a shock because there was no forewarning, or explanation as to why there was an increase,” said Irish tenant David, who received an email demanding the new payment of Dh9,000 (BD900). “As far as I’m aware there have been no improvements in the facilities and there are none planned, so to double the fees seems unjustified.” The fee had remained the same for at eight years, and covered pool and beach

access and the use of gym facilities. There is also a function room available. Clubhouse passes expired on December 31, and tenants have had to present new ones to gain beach access since then, as long as their landlords were up to date with paying the new charges.

By Nick Webster

Nader Ahmed has been paying an annual fee of Dh5,700 since 2008. That jumped to Dh11,400 for this year. Mr Ahmed went to the Land Department for guidance but he was told that it was not their jurisdiction. Failure to pay the revised fees could result in the developer withholding a no-objection certificate should they wish to sell the flat in the future, hindering any sale. “Services have deteriorated in the past four years with costs increasing,” another resident said. “Nakheel said we have been receiving discounted rates but it is the first we heard of that. Frankly, it’s despicable.” Nakheel announced that last year was its most successful year to date, with record profits of Dh4.96 billion, up 13 per cent from Dh4.38bn in 2015.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Contributor

GCC REVIEW

THE ENDLESS DEBATE: IN-HOUSE PR OR PR AGENCIES?

he debate whether in-house PR departments or PR agencies are better and more effective doesn’t show any sign of slowing down any time soon. It is one of the most popular discussions that the jury is still out on without a definitive and final verdict, for each side has strong and valid arguments. One of the issues that makes organizations root for having in-house PR professionals is the ease of access to management, executives, as well as information that PR agencies might need time to reach and take the required action. In-house PR professionals also have the opportunity to focus on one brand (the company they are working for), consequently making them an expert in that specific brand. On the other hand, agencies have more in-depth experience due to their work with several clients; some of them develop niche knowledge that in-house PR professionals don’t necessarily possess. Furthermore, their relationship with the media, across multiple industries, surpasses the ones in-house PR professionals have. PR agencies are known for being abreast of all the latest trends, which is mandatory to enable them to properly counsel and offer a constructed opinion and direction to their clients. One pressing issue, however, is the budget organizations allocate for PR. Many companies, especially small ones, cannot afford to

Gulf Insider March 2017

outsource PR services, which forces them to rely solely on their PR team, or hire someone on freelance basis. The aforementioned argument, of course, does not mean that in-house PR teams are not as important and beneficial as agencies, since both have their pros and cons. It is about finding that healthy balance between the company’s PR department and the PR agency it is hiring for support. Also, each has its own unique opportunities and challenges that must be taken into account. But the most important thing is that one day we should understand – and hopefully stop- this mentality where PR is always in defense mode, always trying to either justify its importance or to prove the significance of its practices and practitioners regardless which side they work on. Only then will PR reach its full potential.

Bahrain traffic fines may come down by 50% MPs will discuss a proposal to reduce fines for traffic violations by 50% if paid within 15 days of committing the offence, and to extend the period granted to pay minimum fines to 45 days, instead of 30 days currently. “The current life expenses and financial situations of individuals may not allow them to pay the fines within the periods mentioned in the existing law,” said MP Khalid Al Shaer (who submitted the proposal), adding that extending the periods will improve the reconciliation strategy of the General Directorate of Traffic and benefit both sides. The long list of traffic violations include transporting passengers in the exterior part of the vehicle, damaging public or private property and driving a motor vehicle without a helmet. In addition, drivers should be careful that their vehicles do not make noisy sounds or emit excessive exhaust smoke. The vehicles should not be used for a purpose other than what’s mentioned in the driver’s license. Driving a vehicle without a registration certificate or driving an unlicensed vehicle are also punishable by law.

Bahrain’s coldest weather in 50 years Sawsan Abu Omar, MCIPR PR & Communications Professional www.sawsanabuomar.com contact@sawsanabuomar.com

Bahrain experienced its chilliest weather in 50 years with temperatures as low as 2C and gales of 35 knots. The weather has come from Siberia and also effected Oman and the UAE that escalated to snow. The cold weather has led Bahrainis to use irony, wit, and humor in social media with statements like “The spell of cold is a consolidation of the special and enduringly strong relationship between Bahrain, Russia, and northern countries,” on social media. Fareed, a veteran journalist said “Everybody is having a field day sharing with relatives and friends the impact of the worst cold snap”.

Motors

INSIDER

MOTORS Automotive News and Reviews

Gulf Insider March 2017

Motors

Chopard

main partner of Delmonya Tour World-famous luxury brand Chopard partnered with SuperCars Club Arabia to present the Delmonya Tour.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Motors

hopard has partnered with Supercars Club Arabia for their ‘Delmonya’ tour that started from the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Manama on February 14, passing by Doha, Abu Dhabi and ending in Dubai on February 20, while covering 1,400km over 6 days. The tour took place over three countries: Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involving three circuits: the BIC, Losail, and the Yas Marina Circuit. Open to the public, the event has welcomed race enthusiasts and car lovers from the entire region. The partnership between Chopard and Supercars Club Arabia has been renewed this year, after the first successful partnership in August 2016 for the Scandiera European Tour. During the Delmonya tour’s stop at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, guests had the unique chance to experience the performance of the committee members’ super cars at the iconic circuit. They also discovered the latest Chopard Classic Racing collection, highlighting the Superfast line. An exclusive Chopard Superfast timepiece, created for Supercars Arabia Club featuring the club logo was gifted to the

Chopard shares common values with the motorsport world, represented by a constant quest for performance and excellence and a passion for motor racing. winner of the Track Experience category during the closing ceremony held at the Palace Hotel in Dubai. The Supercars Club Arabia (SCA), based in Bahrain, has been hosting numerous successful supercar events in the GCC, Middle East and Europe providing an exclusive atmosphere for its members and fans. With a global networking community comprising members from Royal Families and top VIPs from different business communities, the Club exclusively

selects the list of cars entitled to participate in each of its tours. From one success to another, SCA has become the most exclusive supercars club in the Middle East with a huge global networking community.

A Unique Adventure Depending on the selected destinations, each tour offers a unique and adventurous experience to the participants. Prior to this tour, the SCA has already managed and organized a combination of Middle Eastern and European tours such as: Desert Run (2014), Euroabia (2015), Omanya (2016) and Scandiera (2016). Chopard shares common values with the motorsport world, represented by a constant quest for performance and excellence and a passion for motor racing. For many years, the House has been a partner of legendary car races including the Mille Miglia and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique in addition to its collaboration with Porsche Motorsport.

For more information: Bahrain Jewellery Centre Tel. +973 1752 0052 Gulf Insider March 2017

My Ride

The Dodge Challenger This classic muscle car has met its match in petite and pretty Olga Sitinscaiaa.

hen asked why she chose a Dodge Challenger over other more “feminine” options, Olga said “The car and I have certain similarities. We are powerful and attractive, strong yet humble. It’s always fun to drive such a car”. She continued “For me a Challenger represents speed, comfort, confidence, elegance and enhanced adrenaline level. (Its styling is more true to its predecessor than the other muscle cars). I believe all girls are looking for the same but

Gulf Insider March 2017

maybe not in cars; driving a car is an everyday experience which is fulfilled with a Challenger. Some girls are into shopping or travelling. I am passionate about cars”. The Dodge Challenger is a car that has attitude. On the road, its performance and power is unbeatable. It has a built-in 3.6 liter engine, which means it already has ferocious speed. But this is not enough for Olga, she wants to customize her engine to 5.0 liters. She said “Why not? If I can control a 3.6, I can control a 5.0. It’s time for the next level”. When asked what

other upgrades/ improvements she wants to make, she said “I want to go for the sound-upgraded exhaust system”. This full-throttle performance is something you can expect from an American classic. Its size is better suited to cruising or drag-racing or drifting, which incidentally is something Olga is fond of. When pressed about her interesting hobby, she said “I am just a beginner really. For now it’s just more of power sliding but I do have tons of fun doing it and it fuels my adrenaline rush”. The Challenger’s front axle can effectively

My Ride

“The car and I have certain similarities. We are powerful and attractive, strong yet humble. It’s always fun to drive such a car”. freewheel, which means when slippage is detected at the rear wheels or the temperature drops below a certain level, a clutch reconnects the front axle; a decidedly good feature to have in a car when drifting is your hobby.

Drives like a dream Engine : 3.6L V6 24V VVT Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic (845RE) Horsepower : 375 hp Top Speed : 155 mph Net Torque @ RPM : 268 @ 4800

We asked Olga how’s it like driving the Dodge in Bahrain which has admittedly tight roads and ever increasing traffic? She said it’s still fine with the 3.6, but will admittedly be a challenge after getting a bigger engine. The Challenger is comfortable and welltrimmed enough for everyday driving. It has normal driving, performance, and track settings. The performance settings are great for cruising around and the daily commute. Her dream car is of course a Lamborghini, but at the moment Olga is content to drift through the streets of downtown Manama on her Dodge Challenger. Gulf Insider March 2017

Motors

Continuing to Impress This award winning car continues to impress.

otorcity, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Kingdom of Bahrain, unveiled the all- new 2017 Subaru Impreza, featuring several first-of-its-kind features, including Subaru‘s exclusive new Global Platform architecture. This new technology is designed to deliver significantly higher levels of driving agility, increased protection against crashes, and added levels of ride comfort, making this the most high-tech Subaru to date. It will be the underpinning platform in a variety of upcoming Subaru vehicles. The new model also emphasizes Subaru’s current design language, which incorporates the brand’s signature hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights into a more

Gulf Insider March 2017

The Subaru Impreza was recently named 2016–2017 Car of the Year in Japan. This is the second time Subaru has been awarded the honor, following the Legacy’s win in 2003.

sculptural body, with an increase in body structure rigidity of over 70 percent, and a 40 percent improvement in crash energy absorption compared to the previous model. The Subaru Impreza was recently named 2016–2017 Car of the Year in Japan. This is the second time Subaru has been awarded the honor, following the Legacy’s win in 2003. Since its launch in Japan, the new Impreza outsold its monthly sales targets of 2,500 units by more than fourfold, with 11,050 orders. Demand from customers switching from other brands has been especially notable, representing 51% of all orders and indicating that the new Impreza is attracting an ever-wider range of customers in the country. 95% of this Impreza is new, from

Motors

the curved skeletal members baked into the floor and designed to better manage impact pulses, to the super-stiff firewall, to the stouter suspension subframes and flowing exterior lines. The new Impreza is handsome and sleek with a dynamic sophistication to match.

Best Car in its Class

SPECIFICATIONS Engine

Horizontally-opposed, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, petrol engine

Capacity (cc)

1995

Max Output (HP/rpm)

154 HP / 6,000 rpm

Max Torque (Nm/rpm)

196 Nm / 4,000 rpm

Max Speed (Km/h)

208

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres)

All Wheel Drive System (AWD)

Active Torque Split AWD System

Motorcity Senior General Manager, Bijan Majidi said â&#x20AC;&#x153;Subaru has developed a very loyal customer base in Bahrain, which is a reflection of our continuous efforts to offer one of the best cars in its class with the highest levels of customer service and satisfactionâ&#x20AC;?. Starting at BD6,195, the Impreza 2.0i and 2.0i Sport are available as 4-door sedans, with a revised version of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine that now gains from direct fuel injection and other performance boosting enhancements, to generate 152 horsepower compared to its previous output of 148. The Impreza Sport features 17-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension and Active Torque Vectoring, exclusive exterior styling and upgrades such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, keyless access, push-button start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and many other features. With all these new upgrades, the Impreza is gunning up to be a serious challenger to the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3.

For more information or to book a test drive, visit Motorcity showrooms in Sitra or call 17736222. Gulf Insider March 2017

Motors

Interview with

Carlos Ghosn

Carlos Ghosn heads 3 major car manufacturers – Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi, as well as the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the fourth largest automobile group in the world. After his radical restructuring of Renault that returned the company to profit in the late 1990s, Fortune identified him as one of the 10 most powerful business people outside the U.S. He’s been asked to run at least two other automakers, General Motors and Ford.

hat does every CEO need to have?

Unfortunately, to do this job there are a couple of preconditions: No matter how smart or gifted you are, you cannot do the job if you’re not able to sleep anywhere, anytime. If you can’t do that, don’t even try to be a CEO. You’re gonna have a hard time. You also need to be extremely organized and disciplined. People think if you’re disciplined that means you’re programmed, but no. You also have to be able to make U-turns and listen to a lot of different ideas.

When was your toughest time as CEO? Probably the first three months at Nissan in Japan because I had to learn the company very fast. It was on the verge of a cash crunch, and we didn’t have much time to fix it. And I had to do it with all of Japan looking. 50

Gulf Insider March 2017

I was the ultimate outsider: I was not Japanese. I was not part of Nissan. I was just arriving in the country, and I had three months to announce my plan. Everybody was saying, “OK, what’s this guy gonna do?”

You were born in Brazil, raised in Lebanon, and live in Japan. Which culture has the right approach to life? There is not one best approach. I’m very connected to Brazil because it’s made up of people from all over the world living peacefully together. The Lebanese part is also important because it’s a very old country — people of different origins and beliefs, Venetians, Arabs, Jews, and Christians. It’s a place of perpetual conflicts and wars. But when I go to Japan, I see one culture, one people, one history, a country that has never been invaded or colonized. It’s a shock. But it’s a refreshing shock. In Japan you invite people to dinner 7 to

8:30 pm, everybody’s waiting before 7. At 8:30, everybody leaves. That’s Japan. In Brazil, you invite people for 7 pm, the first guy shows up at 9, and then you have some people come at 10:30 and people leaving you at 3 o’clock in the morning. But this is expected. So you adapt to both.

What’s the most prized car in your personal collection? Well, the car I’m most attached to is the 350Z because it was the first year of the new Z and it was a symbol of the revival of Nissan. We brought the Z and the GTR back again, and I have both.

Motors

DRIVERLESS MEGADRONE TO ARRIVE IN DUBAI IN JULY

World’s first self-driving taxis in Dubai within 3 years

The world’s first ever fleet of self-driving cars will likely be deployed in Dubai. The cars will initially be used on ‘autopilot’, meaning a human driver has to be behind the wheel for emergencies, but will come with the hardware needed for full self-driving capability. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to do a test run on the cars’ autonomous driving mode, with the goal of making Dubai the ‘smartest city’ by 2020, Gulf News reported. RTA is buying Tesla Model S sedans and Model X SUVs to be used by the Dubai Taxi Corporation, which operates taxi services, RTA said in a statement. The purchase is part of the ‘Dubai Smart Autonomous Mobility Strategy aimed at transforming 25% of total journeys in Dubai into autonomous journeys by 2030. In October last year, Tesla founder Elon Musk announced that all future Tesla models will come equipped with hardware that can be upgraded to give the cars self-driving capabilities. The government of the UAE bought the taxis just a day after Tesla announced it would open its first Middle East office in Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, instructed local authorities to provide Tesla ‘with the services and logistic support’ it needs, the Media Office said. Official figures released by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority show that the number of vehicles in Dubai had doubled over the past eight years, leaving the emirate with more cars per person than New York or London.

A Chinese drone maker has revealed a giant quadcopter big enough to fit a passenger will be buzzing through the Dubai skyline in July. Dubbed EHang 184, the drone is described as the world’s first ‘Autonomous Aerial Vehicle’ for transporting people. The rider punches in a destination on a touch screen in front of the passenger seat, then the drone will fly there automatically. The all-electric vehicle has four arms with a total of eight propellers at the end. The company says the 184 is autonomous, so all the passenger has to do is enter in their destination in the smartphone app, sit back, and let the drone take over. ‘You know how it feels to sit in a Ferrari? This is 10 times better,’ said George Yan, co-founder of Ehang.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Telecoms

Samsung to trial 5G fixed wireless Samsung, which has already announced 5G trials in the US will now be deploying 5G fixed wireless trials in London. The trial will be conducted alongside communications provider Arqiva and will see an early 5G prototype deployment come to the UK’s capital. Samsung is positioning the trial as a potential replacement for residential and commercial fiber optics. Fixed wireless works by using high capacity radio as the principal access medium instead of running fiber or copper wirelines into the premises. It presents a very viable alternative to wireline infrastructure and FTTH. The level of access speeds potentially available to 5G networks are in the multi-gigabit region and could dwarf those of existing wireline networks which will make it a more efficient and far reaching next generation broadband access platform.

Blackberry launches KeyOne Blackberry’s latest mobile launch is the KeyOne, a Smartphone launched in February 2017. The phone comes with a 4.50-inch display with a resolution of 1620 pixels by 1080 pixels at a PPI of 433 pixels per inch. The Blackberry KeyOne is powered by 2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor and comes with 3GB of RAM. The phone packs 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 2000GB via a microSD card. It also packs a 12-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 8-megapixel front shooter for selfies. It packs in a panel of full HD resolution (1620 x 1080), with an impressive pixel density of 434 pixels per inch in the LCD display. Unlike classic Blackberry handsets, the screen won’t be square but will adopt a more regular touchscreen aspect. The BlackBerry KEYone runs Android 7.1 and is powered by a 3505mAh non removable battery. It measures 149.30 x 72.50 x 9.40 (height x width x thickness) and weigh 180.00 grams.

Nokia 3310 set for relaunch The Nokia 3310, the iconic feature phone launched by the Finnish mobile pioneer in late 2000, is set for a comeback at this year’s Mobile World Congress. The resurrection of the 16 year old classic ahead of the show’s official opening has mobile enthusiasts genuinely excited. It will be relaunched in an event organized by the brand’s new owner HMD Global. Early reports suggest that HMD has replaced the 3310’s monochrome display with a color screen and the new version of the handset will be thinner and lighter than the original. HMD Global, a Finnish phone manufacturer, announced a deal in May to acquire rights from former owner Microsoft to produce mobile phones under the Nokia brand for 10 years. The deal was completed in December.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Technology

Samsung’s Galaxy S8 Samsung’s Galaxy S8 leaked in firm’s OWN software as it emerges make or break handset that could cost BD500.

new report has suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Apple’s iPhone will have something in common – a hefty price tag. It is believed that the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus will start at $950 and $1,050, which matches Apple’s planned price increase for its upcoming flagship handset. An image was discovered in Samsung’s Galaxy S7 Secure Folder app that has confirmed previous Galaxy S8 design rumors – a near bezel-less design. For many Samsung customers, the Galaxy S8 is not just the firm’s next phone, but a chance for the smartphone maker to redeem themselves for the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco - 2.5 million devices were recalled after reports of some phones exploding. And although other rumors speculate the handset won’t be out until mid-April, it has been one of the most talked about devices for the past few months. The reports also suggest that the handsets will come in Black, Gold and Orchid Gray

SAMSUNG’S GALAXY S8 RUMORS New renders of what could be Samsung Galaxy S8 have surfaced and they suggest the device will incorporate a duallens camera design and remove the home button for an edgeto-edge screen. It’s speculated that Samsung could design a fingerprintsensing display or place the feature behind the tempered glass. Because levels of concentration will be increased with a ‘full screen’, pictures and videos should be much clearer and even go so far as to produce a 3D effect. Rumors suggest that pixels of the dual-cameras will support 16 megapixels and 8 megapixels. Another new addition to the Galaxy S8 could also be an upgraded Application process (AP) that corresponds to the handset’s brain. Sources say Samsung is going to start mas-producing 10nano Snapdragon 830s, which will be used for Galaxy S8, at the end of this year at the earliest. 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. Although users may be frustrated about price increases for Samsung’s and Apple’s flagship smartphones, the iPhone 8 is said to cost users $1,000, as a result of the cutting-edge technology and innovative design that the firms have promised. It’s believed that the iPhone 8 will have a wraparound OLED screen and facial recognition technology. Whereas, Samsung could release massive 5.8-inch and 6.2inch displays that also have the edge-to-edge screen. Although there have been numerous images and renders floating around the web claiming to be the Galaxy S8, this is the first to come directly from the smartphone maker itself. Gulf Insider March 2017

Art

Colored Adrenaline

n Touch Gallery is a cuttingedge art gallery featuring new and exciting artists at the heart of In Touchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Integrated Chiropractic Spine Center. The gallery was founded by Frances Stafford, Curator, who is also one half of Stafford and Sharabi Art Consultants. This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibit features Jesus Ramos Tejada, an art educator, muralist and artist who is currently working at Al Wisam School.

For more information: In Touch Clinic/ Art Gallery Tel. +973 1769 0100 54

Gulf Insider March 2017

Art

Gulf Insider March 2017

Society

whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening

BMW Series Launch

Hot Wheels

AJM Kooheji Group launched the new Yamaha showroom in Sitra.

The BMW5 Series was launched at their showroom in Sitra.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Society

Launch of Gulf Air Grand Prix

The exciting launch of Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was announced in a press conference at the BIC.

Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show

The Saks Fifth Avenue Show wowed the crowd with its elegant and innovative fashions.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Last Word

How to Improve Your Relationships in

Just 60 Seconds

Bela Gandhi reveals the secret of how to improve any relationship in just 60 seconds. It turned out to be much easier than we’d imagined.

How to strengthen your relationship with your partner 1. Give your partner a 60-second hug. Hugging someone you love

increases your body’s levels of oxytocin and dopamine, hormones that are responsible for the feelings of pleasure and attachment. It feels like you’ve wrapped yourself in a warm blanket, and that feeling will stay with you for the rest of the day.

2. Send your partner a text telling

them something you appreciate or love about them. You can also remind your partner of some beautiful moments of past that you share. It will charge your beloved with positive energy in an instant.

3. Stop at the store, and buy your partner’s favorite drink, snack, or dessert. Touching gestures like these

are extremely important for romantic relationships. People love being taken care of and having things done for them.

Gulf Insider March 2017

Don’t forget about your friends

...and yourself

1. If you want to revive a friendship with someone, send your friend a short

1. Make a list of 7 things that make you happy. Try to do at least one per

nice text. Something as simple as “I heard your favorite song on the radio today, and it made me think that we need to meet. How about going out to dinner today?”

3. Send your best female friend flowers for no reason. Attach a card to

the bouquet, and tell her how much she means to you in it.

3. Leave your best friend a voicemail telling her how important she is to your life. You can even sing it to her. It

will definitely make your friend smile.

day during the week.

2. Giving feels better than receiving.

Purchase a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop. The smile of the stranger will warm your heart, and your day will be brighter.

3. Make a list of 5 good qualities you

love about yourself on a credit cardsized slip of paper. Put it in your wallet. Every time you pay by card, read what is written on that sheet. It will increase your self-esteem and improve your mood.

Here are 9 incredibly simple techniques that help you build a long and happy relationship with your partner and strengthen relationships with your friends, children, colleagues, and even with yourself.

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

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