Gulf Insider - January 2016

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Contents January 2016

14 Modernizing Tradition WORK Special Feature

Modernizing Tradition Business

46

Enter the Dragon

Business

Bahrain’s Agriculture Sector Finance

GCC Countries Must Impose Taxes Property

Bahrain’s Latest Premium Hotel to Open Soon Affairs

56

Women go to the polls in Saudi Arabia

PLAY

14 40 18 42

Travel

20 48

Motors

Travel Bans Now Harder to Impose Style

Rolex vs. Omega vs. Breitling

Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4

22 52

Life

24 56

Art

31 58

Last Word

Recalling the Caliphate – Decolonisation and World Order “My Love Affair Continues…”

by Thajba Najeeb

10 Bad Habits You Should Break in 2016

B u si n ess w it h S t y l e Publisher & Editor in Chief - Nicholas C. Cooksey

Comment...

Business Development - Redia Castillo Editorial - Abeer Saeed Parkar Regular Contributors - Hugh Haskell-Thomas - Nicholas Cortes - Bill Daly

Our 2016 message

Guest Contributors - Tariq A. Al Maeena - Rich Hutchinson - Loe Babauta

As we leave behind 2015 and start a brand new year, we wish all our readers a happy, safe, and prosperous 2016. None of us, despite our best laid plans and intentions, can ever know what the year has in store for us. So let us remember that with every challenge, no matter how daunting, comes accompanied with at least one opportunity – and often more if we can only see them. The New Year gives us 365 days to play with. How many of these 365 days we use productively and wisely, and how many we squander, is mostly up to us. So fill the days up with whatever your heart desires, and strive to have no regrets at the end of this year.

Layout Designs - Dhanraj S Admin & Finance - Nikesh Pola Photography - Shareef Panhatt Distribution Executives - Mohammed Yousif - Muhammed Shareef - Rafnaj K P

Published by:

Media From all the team at Gulf Insider magazine – HAPPY 2016

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

Printed at Awal Press, Kingdom of Bahrain.

WORK

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

PLAY

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

WORK

PLAY

for PLAY see page 35

Business with style

Issue 132

for WORK see page 08

Business with style

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.

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One Brilliant Design Concept: BLACK PEARLS The Interior Architect talks about Modernizing Tradition

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.

Complimentary Copy

ADNAN MAGBOUL

Arabia’s most intelligent magazine

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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.

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Send your views to info@Gulf-Insider.com The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

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Business with style

Issue 131

Manama Dialogue 2015 Friends oF Bahrain Bahrain BD2

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A look at the bilateral relationships between Bahrain and some of its major trading partners.

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Although diplomats from across the world converged for the dialogue and shared their thoughts on managing conflict in the region, the question still remained, “what’s next?” I was glad but unconvinced. A few weeks later, Canada with their new “Liberal” PM Justin Trudeau began welcoming 25,000 Syrian refugees into the country in the most clear and organized manner.

Their reception at Toronto’s airport was awe-inspiring. Now that’s what I call a “solution”.

– Najeeb A.

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Beyond the Skies

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BusIness wIth style

Issue 130

Business

Lifting Iran’s Sanctions Travel

Halal Tourism Leads Global Travel Sector

Motors

Expert views on Bahrain’s economy and agricultural sector

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Are SubSidieS “bAd”?

Cover Image: Arif Feroze

Volvo XC90 Review

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The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

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BusIness wIth style

Issue 129

Affairs

Salaries expected to increase in Bahrain Interview

Mohammad Ali Al Areen Palace Resort & Spa Motors

Bahrain real estate

Cover Image: Arif Feroze

Frankfurt Motor Show 2015

Confidence returns as investors see increased development

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Gulf Insider January 2016

As a pioneering airline close to 30 years ago, Captain Nasser Al Salmi mentions that a career with Gulf Air was a an opportunity not to be missed. It was refreshing to read about his journey with the airline and to see that there still are people who believe in the organization’s core values. Sort of like the Apple employees who stuck around after Steve Jobs was taken off the board abruptly, because they still believed in his vision. I think Gulf Air holds a lot of potential, we just need the right Jobs to do the job. – Phil

Emirates New Airbus

Economic Insight

Most people can only afford Economy class fares, I’m sure that’s why they have so many seats for it. Not all of us have the comfort of snoozing away in private cabins. I’m happy to see that an airline will be wholly dedicated to their guests in economy class.

– Lamya

As Skero mentioned, the GCC has sufficient wiggle room to make its way out of the current gloomy atmosphere created due to low oil prices. UAE has announced that it will invest Dhs 300bn into their knowledge sector, while similar initiatives are popping up around the region. These are all positive moves, but let’s all be real and wait before we celebrate; Iran is set to be a game changer in the new year. – Mitchel D.

Follow us on www.facebook.com/GulfInsider

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News

GULF ROUNDUP news around the GCC and beyond

business & Affairs Fuel Prices to Increase

Gulf airlines in talks for a stake in India’s SpiceJet Gulf carriers have expressed an interest in acquiring a stake in Indian budget airline SpiceJet, its chairman revealed in Dubai recently.

“Some of the Gulf airlines have expressed an interest in SpiceJet as we have come back into the market, but this is not the right time to be diluting the equity,” Chairman Ajay Singh was quoted as saying by Bloomberg, without naming the companies.

“There is some dialogue which is ongoing and we continue to explore other types of relationships we could have.”

Gulf carriers already have relationships with Indian carriers. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways bought a 24 percent stake in Jet Airways in 2013 and Qatar Airways said recently it would be interested in buying a 49 percent stake in Indian budget carrier IndiGo. Arabian Business 8

Gulf Insider January 2016

Starting January, kerosene, diesel and jet fuel prices in Bahrain will increase and would continue to do so for the next four years. Speaking in a press conference Energy Minister Abdulhussain Mirza announced that the increase would be gradually implemented, saving the country BD91 million in the next four years.

Dr. Mirza confirmed that the price hike would not include local bakeries and fishermen.

“Implementing the decision would have a positive impact on strengthening the national economy, rationalising the consumption of these fuels, curbing the smuggling of subsidised diesel and the drainage of national resources and decreasing the public debt by saving funds,” the Minister said, confirming that the increased prices would not affect the livelihoods of citizens. “The main beneficiaries of kerosene, diesel and jet fuel are not the citizens, as majority of these fuels are consumed by the establishments in the industrial field.”

Dr. Mirza also revealed that “a study has been conducted in cooperation with the University of Bahrain and the National Oil and Gas Authority to observe the effects of the price increase on citizens’ livelihoods.”

According to him, the results of the study showed that implementing the decision would have a very limited impact on citizens’ livelihoods (less than 0.05%). – Daily Tribune News, Bahrain

News

Dubai residential sales continue slide in Q4

Kuwait non-oil sector eyes 5pc growth The non-oil private sector growth in Kuwait this year remained resilient despite pressure from lower oil prices, said a report.

The growth is set to pick up pace and is poised to hit 4 to 5 per cent in 2016 and 2017, according to a report by National Bank of Kuwait (NBK).

The economic activity is expected to improve over the next two years, boosted by an increase in public investment and steady growth in consumption, the country’s top lender has stated in its review. – Trade Arabia

Dubai’s residential sector experienced further declines during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2015 over the previous quarter, marked by a four per cent drop in sales rates and lower volumes, a report said. The sector is expected to see further sales price deflation in coming months as supply levels gradually pick up, resulting in further falls for both rentals and sales values, according to the Dubai Annual Market Update Report by global real estate advisor CBRE. Approximately, 48,000 units are expected to be delivered between 2016 and 2018. Average residential sales rates have fallen 16% and 14% year-on-year for apartments and villas respectively, while overall unit transactions declined by 33% year-on-year. With Dubai continuing to attract a rising number of tourists, the retail sector is expected to maintain current performance.

However, there are some potential headwinds to consider, specifically the US dollar strength which could have an impact on retail sales. – Trade Arabia News Service

Tamkeen Advisory Services Launched Tamkeen’s Advisory Services is a new platform which provides advisory and consultancy services to businesses, job seekers and employees working in the private sector. This comes as part of Tamkeen’s continuous efforts to support businesses and individuals across all stages of development.

It will provide eligible business owners and individuals with advisory services in collaboration with experts at no cost. For businesses, Tamkeen’s Advisory Services will include business mentoring, which targets enterprises seeking direction and expert advice to improve and grow their businesses through long-term direct interaction with experienced mentors. Additionally, businesses requiring more focused and on spot advice will be able to avail business coaching services through the platform.

For individuals, Tamkeen’s Advisory Services platform will provide the opportunity to receive long-term career mentoring from industry veterans and professionals.

Individuals who wish to receive general direction and guidance will be able to use the platform’s career coaching service. In addition, the platform will provide job seekers with internship and volunteering opportunities across various sectors in Bahrain.

Furthermore, the platform will provide all customers with the opportunity to build career or business-related connections, as well as provide online toolkits and guides that cover important entrepreneurial and career-related topics.

Gulf Insider January 2016

9

News

New tourism regulations for Saudi Arabia in 5 months T h e C o m m i tt e e on Tourism at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, i n coordination with the branch of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) in Riyadh, recently held an introductory workshop where new regulations pertaining to tourism, antiquities, museums, and national heritage were discussed.

The new regulations, which will take effect in 5 months, are related to plans of the tourism authority which aims to consolidate the sector and attract investment in order to boost competition and draws on the experience of countries with broad and deep-rooted tourism sectors, and would be based on supply and demand in setting prices.

All businessmen and professionals working in the tourism sector are urged to review the new regulations on the SCTNH website and to prepare for implementation by ensuring technical or administrative arrangements are in place by this coming Ramadan. – Zawya

Waste management signing

Largest waste management organization in GCC partners with Bahrain Leading waste management provider, averda, has added the Kingdom of Bahrain to their growing list of partners in the GCC following an international tender which averda won on technical and financial merit. In a 5 year contract signed in Bahrain last month with the Ministry of Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning, averda will deliver a range of waste management and sustainable solutions using proven systems and technology tailored to the kingdom’s specific needs.

The partnership is timely as environmental issues in the GCC are becoming ever more important, with member states now seeking sustainable solutions using proven methods and technology to safeguard the environment for future generations. This development is in alignment with Bahrain’s 5 year environmental plan and will ensure that the kingdom benefits from the best solutions tailored to fit its specific needs, while offering the best return on investment. It is envisaged that a cleaner, greener and safer environment will help attract visitors, while giving Bahrain an advantage where foreign direct investment is concerned.

Iranian oil and gas to open first to foreign investment Iran’s economy is set to open to the world for the first time in decades early this year when sanctions against the country are lifted following June’s nuclear accord with world powers including the United States. Since the June deal, foreign governments and companies have been lining up, eagerly awaiting to capitalize on one of the world’s most economically isolated countries.

Iran’s oil and gas sector will be the first to open up to foreign investment, generating much needed cash to fund other infrastructure projects, a panel of Iranian experts said on Wednesday.

Iran has the second-largest proved gas reserves and fourth-largest crude reserves, which are expected to generate substantial revenue once sanctions go despite the current period of sustained low energy prices. But with the focus on the country’s oil and gas sector, other heavy investment projects such as information technology, infrastructure, airports and roads will have to wait until the government has raised enough finances. – Gulf News 10

Gulf Insider January 2016

News

Dubai FDI bids to draw investors from Italy, Japan A delegation from the Dubai Investment Development Agency, or Dubai FDI, an agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED recently visited Italy and Japan to address investors and government officials and familiarize them with highgrowth sectors and economic opportunities in Dubai.

In Japan, the Dubai FDI delegation had two meetings to explore coordination and investment facilitation while in Tokyo, the delegation held meetings with leading Japanese businesses. In Italy, the Dubai FDI team met with representatives of 30 companies from the healthcare, fashion, construction, information & communication technology (ICT), heavy engineering and electronics industries across four cities Rome, Ancona, Florence and Brescia. – Khaleej Times

Dubai’s movie-based theme parks to generate $5bn by 2020 Theme parks in Dubai can attract 18 million visitors and help in generating $5 billion (Dh18.35 billion) in revenues by 2020, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Currently, there are three developments being constructed in the UAE, mostly revolving on Hollywood blockbusters: IMG Worlds of Adventure, 20th Century Fox World and Dubai Parks & Resorts.

DEAL 2016, which will be held from April 19 to 21, 2016, will introduce the amusement operators & franchise showcase pavilion, which is set to host visitors of various profiles such as investors and decision makers in the amusement franchising industry: real estate firms involved in shopping centers and mixeduse developments; theme park and FEC operators; retailers and education providers; event organizers and government figures. – Emirates 24/7

UAE to set up Yuan clearing hub

Unskilled foreign workers ‘hurt prospects of talented citizens’ Nidal Radwan, chairman of the National Committee for Labor (NCL), says that unskilled foreign workers are harming the careers of talented Saudi nationals. He charged that expat workers accepted lower salaries so that they are chosen by employers, hurting the prospects of citizens expecting better pay scales.

He, however, said that adoption of modern technology in various sectors of the Kingdom could help cut the demand for unskilled foreign workers. The recent establishment of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) will support the private sector, he added. The authority will help the small and medium enterprises grow by standardizing systems and eliminating problems to encourage local entrepreneurs to invest in this sector, Radwan said. – Arab News

The hub will be the second one in the Middle East and signals Gulf countries’ growing interest in Renminibi trade. Qatar opened the first Yuan clearing hub in the region earlier this year.

The UAE’s central bank said that the agreement was signed during Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visit to China in the first week of December. Officials did not mention a specific date by which the hub will open in the country.

Both countries also renewed a currency swap deal during the Crown Prince’s visit that will allow the UAE central bank to provide up to 35m yuan to settle bilateral trade dues.

The agreements come as the UAE and China seek to increase trading levels in the coming years.

Currently China is the UAE’s second largest trading partner after India. Trade between the two countries is set to reach $60bn by the end of this year, according to government estimates. – Gulf Business

Gulf Insider January 2016

11

Opinion

Catching Up a 120 speed limit slows down traffic). So does driving above an arbitrary set speed limit automatically mean you’re being reckless? How is it determined what’s too fast? Will allowances be made and variable speed limits set based on weather and road conditions? And why is there such a focus on speed yet so many other types of inconsiderate and dangerous driving – such as driving so close to the car in front that there is little

Although these cameras have been installed, their implementation has yet to begin.

The Ministry of Interior will launch a campaign soon to provide information about the new speed cameras on Bahrain’s roads, but is speed really the biggest danger on Bahrain’s roads? By Noor Ali

T

he kingdom reformed its traffic laws around the same time last year and launched ReThink, a national campaign to educate drivers about new rules on the road.

We might see a similar program set off again to address speeding violations and explain the huge number of speed camera boxes popping up around the kingdom. We got in touch with the Ministry of Interior who let us know that although these cameras have been installed, their implementation has yet to begin. The ministry will start with a campaign to spread awareness about the new speed cams first, which we’re guessing come as the next stage of last year’s revised rules.

All we know so far is that the cameras

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Gulf Insider January 2016

are supposedly very high tech and that there are folks in Bahrain who are a bit concerned, (especially those who think

chance of avoiding a collision if that car makes an emergency brake, seemingly never enforced?

Then there’s the law of unintended consequences to consider. For example, there are numerous cases in countries where speed cameras have been responsible for potential accidents when a driver sees a speed camera and presses too hard on the brakes, forcing the car behind to emergency brake.

We have far too much reckless driving in the GCC because too many people are uncourteous and inconsiderate.

I don’t drive, but I can spot a reckless driver. A good driver has good judgment; judging when to slow down, when to speed up, when to stop and when to go.

Speed can be dangerous, yes, but so is not focusing on driving safely, or not using lanes correctly and hogging the overtaking lane at slow speed causing traffic to build up from behind, and so many other examples of inconsiderate driving. Yet it’s the fast drivers who are seemingly looked upon as causing all havoc on roads.

BLACK PEARLS The Arabian Gulf has long been known for its precious pearls. Pearls were the inspiration for this unconventional concept, the black pearls in particular being the rarest. The structure was designed to hold together commercial units like hotel, entertainment and recreational facilities alongside residential units. Around this structure will arise more constructions that will form the community of BLACK PEARLS. The designer hopes to see his ambitious project take life, hopefully in any of the Gulf countries where it can be a true landmark. www.adnanmagboul.com

adnan_magboul

Special Feature

MODERNIZING TRADITION

W

Adnan Magboul holds a degree in Interior Architecture from Dammam University. He has over 10 years of professional experience in commercial and residential undertakings.

He manages his own company, ADNAN MAGBOUL DECORATION & INTERIOR DESIGN. 14

Gulf Insider January 2016

hat is your design philosophy?

In designing spaces, I believe there should be a balance between the three elements – shape, color and material. It is when they are used proportionately that purpose is served.

Do you think the Arabs can have their own modern style?

I think we can have our own distinct modern style. All it takes is an open mind as it calls on updating our culture and tradition. Then we can have something that we can be proud of.

How do you differentiate between classic and modern design concepts?

Classic design is a refined style, its rich in details, almost traditional. In contrast, modern designs emphasize simplicity, clean-cut designs which are associated with the current lifestyle.

What sets you apart from the other designers in the Middle East?

I take each work with a careful understanding of the client’s individuality.

It takes an intuitive mind to come up with something that will be appreciated. It’s not following the norm but serving an individual with distinct personality and style, creating an ultimate haven for that person.

Why do you think Arabs go for classic over modern designs?

There is that notion that if you want something luxurious, the only way is to go classic. People do not realize that you could combine design elements to come up with concepts that are modern and luxurious.

What is the biggest challenge for you as a Designer?

Keeping up with the evolving trends is a challenge for many interior designers here in the GCC. It takes an understanding of

Special Feature

one’s faith, culture and tradition to be able to translate and eventually come up with suitable concepts.

“I believe we can have our own distinct modern style. All it takes is an open mind as it calls on updating our culture and tradition.

Then we can have something that we can be proud of.”

What’s the most challenging work you have taken so far?

I have designed for a couple who somehow had opposite interests agreeing only on one thing – a very simple design. It was quite a challenge to come up with something that would work for them. What worked? I took what was most important for each, sort of combined them and came up with something they both appreciated.

Who are your clients?

Mostly the daring ones, those who really want something unconventional.

Why hire an Interior Designer?

For good reasons, the most important one being that it could help you avoid costly mistakes thereby saving you money and time, it also increases the value of your home.

If you were to design your own place, how would it be?

I think I would have another designer work that out for me. There are too many ideas in my head, I don’t think I would ever finish (laughs at the question).

Gulf Insider January 2016

15

Business

War Strategies

That Will Help You Win In Business

Avoid “groupthink”

- Avoid chaotic collective decision making.

Avoid micromanaging

- create independent groups that can accomplish tasks on their own.

Transform your war into a crusade The way to keep people motivated is to align their personal interests with those of the group. Determine a worthy cause that everyone will want to fight for.

Pick your fights - Know which battles are worth fighting and which are worth avoiding. Keep the long term in mind.

Lose battles but win the war

- People will inevitably get the best of you at times. Keep a cool head and stay focused on long-term goals and let your opponents enjoy their small victories.

Know your enemy

In Robert Greene’s “The 33 Strategies of War,” the author analyzes the tactics of history’s greatest military leaders in a way professionals can use. We’ve summarized some of Greene’s best strategies below:

B

- Avoid projecting your beliefs onto that person, instead observe how he thinks and behaves.

Defeat them in detail - Break down your challenge into smaller parts.

Know how to end things - When you

engage in battle, you put your reputation at stake. Never put yourself in a situation that you cannot remove yourself from.

efore you can defeat your Don’t lose your ‘cool’ - Unexpected will tempt you to respond with Penetrate minds - If you want to enemy, gain control over setbacks anger. Don’t act emotionally. See things influence people, avoid being preachy or yourself – Determine what you objectively and react with a calm mind. overly personal and instead say things in a way that gets people to reach your stand for and against, and use Create a sense of urgency - Even if you conclusion on their own. You will not be them to motivate you. are optimistic, you will never become able to get people to do their best work Learn from Experience – don’t let past successful if you do not have something for you through aggression. Smile and

failures weigh you down, and cherish your victories, but do not let them make you complacent.

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Gulf Insider January 2016

compelling you to take action. Create deadlines to push yourself forward.

be pleasant as you get them to do your bidding.

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Business

ENTER THE DRAGON Bahrain’s new mega project, Dragon City, opens to the public.

So what does it mean for Bahrain?

H

RH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa last month officially opened the Dragon City mega project, affirming Bahrain-China relations and Bahrain’s reputation as a location for investors. Built by Diyar Al Muharraq on a land area of 115,000 square metres and at a total cost of $100 million. The Premier stressed that the inauguration of more mega investment

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Gulf Insider January 2016

projects in the kingdom reflects investors’ confidence in the strength of the Bahraini economy, and that such projects consolidate the kingdom’s competitive potential in attracting capital, supporting the government’s strategy aiming to diversify sources of income.

“Dragon City is an iconic project that adds value to Diyar and Bahrain,” commented Aaref Hejres, Managing Director of Diyar Al Muharraq, adding;

“The response has been great.” Hejres confirmed that local and regional traders will find Bahrain’s Dragon City a closer market than Dubai or China, specifically for building materials. It is the first of its kind in Bahrain, offering wholesale and retail opportunities to local consumers, trade customers, and tourists on a huge scale, and encompasses Dragon Mall and a themed “Dining Village”.

The mall design is influenced with

Business

while Dragon City is a distribution center for Chinese products created under this background and has received firm support from the Chinese and Bahraini government.”

He mentioned that although only 250 Chinese businessmen have set up shops and companies in Dragon City so far due to a delay in commercial registrations, he expects the number of Chinese companies to double once operations are in full swing.

Meanwhile, Dragon City reports having a 95% occupancy with 20% of the retail space reserved for Bahraini traders. The mega project began in May 2012 after an agreement signed between Diyar Al Muharraq and Chinese company Chinamex, with construction work allocated to Nass Contracting. Officials

Bahrain’s location at the heart of the Gulf gives it an advantage to becoming the hub of the region.

Chinese architectural and cultural aspects and boasts over 740 wholesale and commercial outlets, and additionally a 4,500 square meter area designated for warehouses, 300 apartments to house shop staff, and a car park to accommodate 1,500 vehicles.

A BCCI board member has reportedly stated that he expects the number of Saudi visitors entering Bahrain to double from 50,000 to 100,000 because of Dragon City alone, though there was no explanation given as to how this figure was calculated. If correct this would certainly translate into big traffic problems at the King Fahad Causeway and major parking issues at the mall.

However, Hejres stated; “Should we need more space, there is extra land adjacent to Dragon City which has been allotted for a multistory car park.”

H.E.Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong

expects Dragon City Bahrain to become another large scale trade platform for Chinese companies and goods after the success of Dragon Mart Dubai which was also designed and operated by Chinamex. “It proves that the Dragon City model can be suitable for the whole region,” he said. The Chinese Ambassador also commended Bahrain’s regulated and transparent banking sector which makes the country one of the easiest places to do business in the Arab world.

“The government has taken many steps to simplify investment procedures with convenient policies and low costs and taxes… [which] gives it an advantage to becoming the hub of the region,” said Ambassador Zhenhong.

“Bahrain is an important intersection along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road,

reportedly anticipate that this project will stimulate the nation’s economy by creating new job opportunities, increase the flow of business into the country, and highlight Bahrain’s lucrative investment options.

A huge variety of shopping is available and divided into 10 categories; electronics, sports and leisure, textiles and garments, children’s fashion, home furnishings, building materials, machinery and hardware, food court outlets, lightings, and furniture & kitchen ware.

Dragon City Mall is open from 10am to 10pm Saturday to Wednesday, and 10am to midnight on weekends.

For more information, visit www.dragoncitybahrain.com

Gulf Insider January 2016

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Business

Bahrain’s Agriculture Sector During research for previous reports, Gulf Insider was under the impression that the Kingdom doesn’t have a developed agricultural sector, however we were mistaken…The agriculture sector in Bahrain is simply one that’s overlooked.

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s EDB’s Chief Economist Dr. Jarmo Kotilaine explained, “Few countries have maximized their potential. People are usually kept busy with bigger issues.”

He assured that although free trade is the best guarantee for food security in Bahrain, there are indigenous resources that can also be developed. Factoring in the country’s land and water scarcity issue, alternative farming techniques such as hydroponics allow certain crops to be produced with limited water usage and is also profitable.

Gulf Insider also met with Grahame Dunling, Chief Operating Officer Peninsula Farms who stressed the

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Gulf Insider January 2016

Grahame Dunling importance of investing in horticulture, alternative farming techniques and educating the people of Bahrain.

Hydroponics & Aeroponics Technology Grahame came to Peninsula Farms from Europe two years ago as a consultant to give advice on crop quality and found many areas that needed improvement in the organization. A third generation grower, Grahame has 40 years’ experience in large scale commercial growing and runs his own company Local Salads. “One of the

main issues I noted in Peninsula Farms is that the greenhouses and technology used here are 30 years behind European standards,” he says. Grahame was hired soon after to head operations.

Peninsula Farms is now a hydroponic agricultural farm, which uses the latest technology to provide locally fresh produce on a daily basis against the desert climate of Bahrain. With a commercial hydroponic production 180,000 sqm facility situated close to the Sakhir Airbase, the farm produces 5000 tons annually of high quality vegetables, herbs and fruits to serve the demand of the Bahrain market for fresh produce.

Hydroponic plants can be grown

Business

anywhere, where no soil exists and light is available, therefore making it viable irrespective of the value of land.

A properly designed hydroponics system uses a lot less water and nutrients than soil culture, it also has a largely reduced chance of disease. Grahame has also introduced an aeroponics system that uses one tenth of the water required for hydroponics.

Education Planning & Creating Awareness in Market “The farm’s turning over 400% than what it was before, with 90% of grown produce grown being sold in the local market,” he comments. They now massproduce seven kinds of lettuces, cherry and beef tomatoes, peppers, chilies and micro herbs.

Grahame knows how to use his resources to their full potential and is strict about the order in which work is done. His thorough methods are evident in the rows of perfectly levelled punnets of lettuce, natural pesticide solutions and even a simple idea such as white tarp flooring in the tomatoes greenhouse to keep insects out. A general sense of cleanliness and consistency is visible everywhere.

He stresses that horticulture technology in the GCC is far behind other countries and that is why product quality suffers. Grahame believes in the farm’s philosophy of growing local food for local people and hopes to see more schools, universities and investors being educated on what they have in their own backyards. He sees a great potential in Bahrain’s agriculture sector that can be

reached through more awareness and investment in technology, in addition to implementing efficient work methods that reduce task time.

Grahame recently met with 35 delegates from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi, Dubai & the UAE who were showcasing the introduction of Hydroponics in an event organized by the Ministry of Agriculture. “We brought the

Bahrain’s agriculture sector that can be reached through more awareness and investment in technology, in additional to implementing efficient work methods that reduce task time. delegation to the farm for a tour and they were amazed, commenting that they never knew GCC had such potential.”

Local Enthusiasm & Support Available While Grahame’s hard work pays off on a mass scale reaching local supermarkets, more than 35 Bahraini farmers are currently participating in the Bahrain Farmer’s Market to provide a variety of local agricultural products.

The market helps farmers promote their products and also highlights

development in this sector.

Located near the Budaiya Highway, the fourth edition of the Farmer’s Market started earlier last month and will run till April. The market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon and according to local reports has been a hit amongst the expat and Bahraini community.

Further on, in view of demographic and economic challenges, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of the King of Bahrain, and the President of the Supreme Council for Women, undertook pioneer role in protecting and developing the agricultural sector some years back.

NIAD (National Initiative for Agricultural Development) is a national non-forprofit organization that works with high professional standards to enhance the rights of small farmers, support the State’s strategies for a sustainable development of the agricultural sector, unify the efforts to empower small and micro projects, and enlarge the green spaces in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

According to their website, NIAD is also working with various stages of education, the Ministry of Education, universities and institutes to develop curricula in agricultural science which guarantees the availability of skilled graduates who can be depended upon in the development and implementation of agricultural strategies in the future.

Bahrain to Remain Import Dependent “There are various efforts underway to address innovation and we’re seeing a high number of pilot projects,” EDB’s Dr. Kotilaine says, “International investors are looking to come here.”

Despite developing economic incentives to attract companies, universities and labs to look into Bahrain’s agriculture sector, Dr. Kotilaine addresses the reality that the country is import dependent. He suggests Bahrain continues to deepen relationships with other countries in the GCC, Africa and South Asia to outsource agricultural production by acquiring land abroad.

However, this goal in no way obviates the need for greater efficiency and long-term sustainability in domestic agriculture.

Gulf Insider January 2016

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Finance

GCC countries

“must impose taxes” While lower oil prices are expected to slow down the GCC economies, it should be seen as an opportunity for countries to restructure and broaden revenue sources according to speakers at a panel discussion organised by ICAEW’s Corporate Finance Faculty in the UAE.

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CAEW members and guests gathered at The Oberoi in Dubai recently (4th November) to discuss how fiscal reform will affect businesses in the GCC countries. Panellists included Jeanine Daou, Partner and Head of Indirect Taxes at PwC; Gary Dugan, Managing Director – Global Wealth, CIO and Head of Investment Strategy at NBAD; Trevor McFarlane, Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Markets Intelligence and Research; and Ashok Hariharan, Partner and Regional Head of Tax MESA at KPMG. The discussion was moderated by David Staples, Managing Director Corporate Finance EMEA at Moody’s.

The panellists and invited guests debated what fiscal reform will mean for business in the region.

Panellists agreed that the lower oil price is not a disaster for GCC counties as they have more than US$2.5 trillion in reserves and very low percentages of debt. However, for long-term economic sustainability, GCC countries must continue, and accelerate diversifying their revenues.

Panellists agreed that imposing tax is the best solution for GCC countries to broaden revenues as other approaches, such as cutting subsidies or spending, will be difficult to implement at this stage.

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Gulf Insider January 2016

Michael Armstrong, FCA and ICAEW Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), said: “There is growing international focus on taxation. Countries are looking for more information on multinational companies who are shifting their profits to countries with lower tax rates. Now is therefore a

For long-term economic sustainability, GCC countries must continue, and accelerate diversifying their revenues. perfect time for GCC countries to start levying taxes. This will be in step with international trends and will also help to diversify revenues.”

Speakers said that GCC countries have been discussing a common tax framework for the past 10 years, which

is now reaching its final stages. Based on the core principles of the framework, each country will have the choice to implement its own tax legislation and system.

Panellists explained that value added tax (VAT) is a viable option – and some form is expected to be introduced in the near future. This could be at a 3-5% rate initially, but there are likely to be some exceptions to the levy. If introduced, VAT could generate up to 4-5% of GDP. Speakers also noted that countries most likely to impose VAT are the UAE and Oman. Other GCC countries are likely to follow, although Qatar is unlikely to introduce taxes at this stage.

However, speakers agreed that the GCC countries are not ready to start imposing taxes right now as they are currently at different stages of preparation. The biggest challenge they are facing is resources, both in terms of infrastructure and expertise.

Finally, panellists warned that if the tax systems were not well designed there would be the potential for aggressive tax avoidance as has been seen in some countries in the West.

The event was attended by almost 100 ICAEW members and senior business representatives from the major global and regional financial organisations.

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Property

Bahrain’s latest premium hotel to

open soon

Gulf Insider talks with Urs George Platz, GM of the new ‘Ramada City Centre’ hotel in Seef.

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Gulf Insider January 2016

U

rs George Platz proudly describes himself as the ‘Ramada City Centre’ hotels’ first employee, arriving in March last year. The German has twenty three years’ experience in the hotel industry, having previously worked with Hyatt, Accor, and Hilton groups. His job description is described as; “being responsible for defining and delivering the hotels’ pre-opening critical path, building a

Property

the award winning Wyndham Rewards Program - ‘You’ve earned this.’

The hotel’s furniture is made by ‘one of the best carpenter in Bahrain’. It is certainly heavy. Most of the tiles are imported from Italy, and the marble is from Spain. Meanwhile, Urs George Platz is on the lookout for the right qualified staff to complete the team that will work in the property after it opens.

He says he is impressed with the team he has put together so far, especially the Bahraini workforce he has recruited.

As we talk there is lots of work going on around us, tradesmen going about their business, and lots of noise - and the road outside is not yet even finished. I ask how come he doesn’t look

Urs George Platz

high performance team and setting the hotel up for future commercial success” – no small feat.

This is his first experience working in the Middle East. He tells us he loves Bahrain, loves the people because they are so friendly, though admits to finding the hot summers oppressive and the relaxed attitudes prevailent in this region pertaining to deadlines sometimes a challange. That said, he quickly adds that he accepts this is a different culture and will just get used to continuing working as a German works, but as he politely puts it; “in a relaxed business environment in comparison to Germany”.

I ask what it is that he believes makes the ‘Ramada City Centre’ hotel special.

Urs George Platz points out its great

location in the Seef across the road from City Centre and Seef Malls. That the property will be part of a the largest hotel group in the world – Wyndham Hotel Group, which will attract both leisure and corporate guests, that its four star status means it can offer great value and be highly competitive against more expensive Five Star properties, and that the ‘Ramada City Centre’ hotel will host Bahrain’s first Reem Al Bawadi, a Middle Eastern themed restaurant renowned for its authentic cuisine and hospitality’ that’s widely popular in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. There will also be a spa specializing in Thai and sports massage, a rooftop pool, BBQ area, and gym.

Finally he adds that guests staying at the 140 room/suite property will benefit from

I ask how come he doesn’t look stressed? He smiles at my question and says this job is his favorite hobby, and overseeing this project is like rearing a baby or young child. stressed? He smiles at my question and says this job is his favorite hobby, and overseeing this project is like rearing a baby or young child. Regarding the unfinished road, he says there were a number of people who asked him with concern how he could open a hotel when it had no road to it, but that when the ministry finally got round to putting in the foundations and compacting the earth recently they were superb and pretty much completed the job within a month. He assures me that it just needs the top coating. He expects the hotel to be open for business during the first quarter of this year.

For more information visit www.ramadamanama-citycentre.com

Gulf Insider January 2016

25

Property

Dubai residential market continues to soften

House price growth in Dubai appears to be slowing, with a bottoming out in the market likely to happen at the tail of 2016, according to international real estate consultancy Cluttons.

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ccording to Cluttons’ Dubai 2015/16 Winter Residential Property Market Outlook, values for both apartments (-0.8%) and villas (-0.5%) dipped marginally during Q3, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of price falls. House price declines in the region of 3% to 5% are expected over the next 12 months, impacted by faltering global growth and supply levels creeping upwards. But at the same time infrastructure investments planned around the looming Expo 2020 will boost the rate of job creation and the rate of new households created.

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Gulf Insider January 2016

Steven Morgan, CEO of Cluttons Middle East said: “We expect 7,400 units to complete in 2016, 10,300 in 2017 and a further 13,600 in 2018, with the new schemes launched during the past quarter, helping to even out the balance between villas and apartments. Over the next three years, 48% of the units delivered will be villas.�

The report highlights that away from the top end of the market, the vast majority of residential submarkets have seen little or no change in values this year. This is partly attributed to the steady appeal of apartments to the buy-to-

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let investment community and reflected in by the total number of apartment transactions during the first nine months of 2015 being 6.6% higher than the same period in 2014.

Morgan added: “We’ve seen the popularity of off-plan property sales persist, partly fuelled by the fact that off-plan residential property prices are often 20% to 30% lower than completed secondary stock, which in essence might allow buyers to bypass some of the stringent lending criteria and also possibly avoid the need for a mortgage altogether.”

Since the introduction of the Federal Mortgage Caps almost two years ago, the issue of affordability and accessibility

Economy’s 2008 Household Income Survey, average annual expat incomes across the UAE currently stand at around AED 199,000. Average residential rents in Dubai’s freehold areas at the end of Q3 stood at AED 181,000 per annum, highlighting the disparity between incomes and the cost of housing.

According to the Cluttons’ report average mortgage multipliers in the region are around three to four times average income.

Durrani adds: “In the UAE this is approximately AED600,000 to AED800,000, which would typically buy a studio or one bedroom apartment in peripheral submarkets such as International City, IMPZ, Dubailand or

the biggest declines recorded by lowend three-bedroom villas, encompassing the Springs, Jumeirah Village, Al Reem, Falcon City and The Villa, where rents slipped by nearly 6% between January and September.

Dubai Silicon Oasis, leaving many people little option but to continue renting. The rent to own model has been successful in the past and has the added advantage of helping developers build an income generating portfolio that could potentially be traded as investment grade stock.

Such tenanted asset sales are common in the city’s commercial market, but we are yet to see this in the Dubai’s residential market.”

Tenants can take comfort in the fact that rents have for the most part stabilised, with no growth recorded during Q3. This now leaves average rents across the city’s freehold areas 3.2% down on the same time last year with

Morgan said: “The term luxury is of course very subjective on a global level and compared to other major world cities such as London, Dubai still offers what is perceived to be good value for money, which is aiding the performance of this segment of the market.”

In London’s prime core for instance, the average price of an apartment stands at AED 4.9 million, which equates to between AED 4,500 psf and AED 7,400 psf. The average value of residential property in Dubai stood at AED 1,441 psf at the end of Q3, with the Burj Khalifa (AED 3,700 psf) being amongst the city’s most expensive schemes.

Luxury segment offers value for money According to Cluttons’ report, at the opposite end of the market, high end apartments at Dubai Marina (-3%) and apartments on the Palm Jumeirah (-2.5%) have recorded the most significant price decreases during the first nine months of 2015.

House price declines in the region of 3% to 5% are expected over the next 12 months, impacted by faltering global growth and supply levels creeping upwards. to Dubai’s housing market has dominated headlines.

Faisal Durrani, Head of Research at Cluttons, commented: “Several developers have brought schemes to the market that they present as being “affordable”, but true affordable housing remains a vastly underserved segment of the market. The authorities need to formalise the definition of affordable housing, in terms of those who could qualify and the type of housing that needs to be created, otherwise there is a real danger that the term ‘affordable’ will be permanently diluted.”

According to analysis carried out

by Cluttons on the UAE Ministry of

Gulf Insider January 2016

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Property

Saudi Arabia’s billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal speaks to reporters during a press conference in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, ©Fayez Nureldine (AFP/ File)

4.6 billion Costs for the project had

previously been estimated at 4.6 billion riyals ($1.2 billion).

Kingdom Tower Saudi Arabia to build world’s tallest skyscraper 170-storey tower rise more than 1km and surpass Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

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ingdom Holding Co, chaired by billionaire Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, said its affiliate Jeddah Economic Company had reached a more than $2 billion financing deal with Saudi Arabia’s Alinma Investment to finish the Jeddah Tower in the Red Sea city.

Previously dubbed ‘Kingdom Tower’, the 170-storey building is to rise more than a kilometre, surpassing Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the world’s highest building.

Costs for the project had previously

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Gulf Insider January 2016

been estimated at 4.6 billion riyals ($1.2 billion).

‘Alinma Bank will finance the fund, to be managed by Alinma Investment, while Jeddah Economic Company will be the master developer of projects that will draw on the fund’s credit lines,’ the statement said.

The 8.4 billion riyal ($2.24 billion) fund, compliant with Islamic sharia law, will also be used to develop the first phase of Jeddah Economic City, an urban project surrounding the tower in the Obhur area

north of Jeddah, the statement said.

Alwaleed said a year ago that the tower, which will feature a hotel, apartments and offices, was slated for completion in 2018.

At that time the four-storey foundations of the building were finished and Alwaleed said ‘now we are on the verge of building a floor every four days’.

That pace would have put the skyscraper at around 90 floors now, but the statement last month said it is ‘currently at its 26th floor’.

Mounib Hammoud, chief executive officer of Jeddah Economic Company, said he expects the project to be finished on time ‘now that the agreement has been signed and required funds secured’.

‘The overall layout of Jeddah Economic City is designed to accommodate a comprehensive, multipurpose environment, replete with aspects of a modern lifestyle over its 5.3 square kilometers, supported by world-class, state-of-the-art infrastructures.

‘The first phase, to be constructed over 1.5 square kilometers, will accommodate more than 3.3 million square meters of modern, multipurpose structures, which will form the nucleus of northern Jeddah’s downtown, bolstering the city’s standing in the world.’

Property

Removal of subsidies

likely to impact Bahrain’s real estate market, says Cluttons Industrial sector set to benefit from removal of fuel subsidies in the short term.

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lans by the Bahraini government to remove fuel and utility subsidies are likely to have a long term impact on the Kingdom’s industrial and residential property markets, according to leading international real estate consultants, Cluttons.

Harry Goodson-Wickes, head of Cluttons Bahrain and Saudi Arabia explained, “For a country as reliant on hydrocarbon income as Bahrain, the continuing slide in crude prices is driving the need for additional income streams.

With oil prices hovering at around $40 per barrel, the timing for a removal of the fuel subsides seems appropriate as it would most likely minimise the impact felt by households. And with the government estimating a 60% to 70% decline in oil revenues so far this year, there is a clear sense of urgency to diversify revenues.

In the residential market, the removal of fuel and utility subsidies will of course increase costs for households and in turn threaten to reduce Bahrain’s competitiveness as a destination for expatriate workers. In the long term, this may lead to a decline in rental yields and capital values in the Kingdom.”

Faisal Durrani, Cluttons’ head of research added, “We have already seen the successful implementation of fuel subsidies in the UAE, where energy subsidies formed a sizeable proportion of GDP. In fact, before fuel subsidies

were ended on August 1, the IMF put this figure at 7% of GDP, or $106 billion, which also included utility subsidies.

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have led the charge in the region to remove utility subsidies for expats, while fuel subsidies were dropped for the entire population and are now reviewed on a monthly basis. It’s only a matter of time before

And with the government estimating a 60% to 70% decline in oil revenues so far this year, there is a clear sense of urgency to diversify revenues. other Gulf states follow suit and drop fuel and energy subsidies as they try to rebalance their economies in this era of cheap oil.

“The price of diesel in the UAE has subsequently fallen by 30% to 40%, which has a clear upside for the industrial sector, with lower manufacturing and

transport costs likely to be passed on to consumers. In the long run, cheaper production costs helps with competitiveness and drives demand, which filters through in the form of stronger demand from industrial occupiers. And for Bahrain, which is an unchallenged logistics hub in the central gulf, cheaper diesel prices could help give the sector a shot in the arm and put it on the road to being a key economic driver. This is something the government of Bahrain has being trying to unlock for some time.”

Goodson-Wickes concluded: “Warehouse lease rates are already amongst the most attractive in the Gulf, ranging from BD 2 psm to BD 3.5 psm.

And with the continued buoyancy in the retail sector, warehousing demand continues to rise. Any move by the government which reduces overhead costs for the industrial sector will boost manufacturing activity and the appeal of Bahrain amongst the region’s industrial occupiers. The advantage Bahrain offers is a strong platform, with established industrial estates and easy access into Saudi Arabia, putting it at an advantage over some other regional locations.

“The level of adjustments made to utility subsidies will go a long way towards telling if the changes help Bahrain to remain as an attractive destination for expatriates to live and work in.”

Gulf Insider January 2016

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Property

GEOPOLITICAL Stormclouds WEIGH HEAVY ON MIDDLE EAST CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Survey reveals sharp drop in optimism, longer payment periods, less favourable contract conditions and rising disputes as market conditions harden.

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snapshot of opinion from the GCC’s construction sector has shown a dramatic drop in optimism over the last year.

Pinsent Masons’ Annual GCC Construction Survey shows that just 32% of respondents are optimistic about the year ahead. This compares to 77% stating that they were optimistic about 2015 when asked the same question a mere 12 months ago.

This sudden shift in sentiment is consistent with the industry’s responses to questions about order books, contract conditions, payment periods and disputes, which are all less positive than a year before.

16% of those surveyed said that their 2016 order books had declined by over 10%, which compares to just 4% who said the same thing a year earlier.

Asked about contract conditions, 93% of businesses said they had become less favourable during 2015, representing a 14% increase on a year earlier. In addition, 95% said payment periods were longer this year, and 60% said they 30

Gulf Insider January 2016

Optimism surrounding Saudi Arabia saw a pronounced decline. Asked what country will provide the strongest growth opportunity in 2016. were involved in more disputes during 2015 than had been expected before the year started.

The results are indicative of a hardening economic environment as the construction industry, like many others, grapple with the impact of ongoing low oil prices, simmering geopolitical

tensions in parts of the MENA region, and a general concern related to emerging markets from many global investors.

Optimism surrounding Saudi Arabia saw a pronounced decline. Asked what country will provide the strongest growth opportunity in 2016, just 12% stated Saudi Arabia, representing a substantial drop from the 40% of respondents who believed it would be the strongest market during 2015.

In contrast, a growing portion of the industry now views Qatar as offering the strongest regional opportunity, rocketing up in positivity from 14% of respondents last year to 33% in this year’s survey. The UAE is considered the strongest market opportunity in 2016.

By sector, real estate saw the largest single reversal in sentiment, with 26% of those surveyed considering it to offer the strongest commercial opportunity next year, falling from 48% of respondents the year before. This may be due to the uncertainty around oversupply in places like Dubai in particular.

Affairs

Women go to the polls

in Saudi Arabia for first time

Faweyza al-Hurdi meets her campaign manager in a Riyadh mall

W

omen in Saudi Arabia voted in elections for the first time last month. Less than 10% of registered voters are woman. A total 20 woman candidates were elected out of more than 900 woman candidates in a field of nearly 6,000 men in the local municipal elections, vying for around 2,100 council seats with an additional 1,050 seats appointed with approval from the king.

And while they may be campaigning for local issues - the councils chiefly deal with neighbourhood concerns - it’s been welcomed as a positive step in terms of opening up Saudi society for women.

Campaigning has been challenging for the candidates, as they navigated strict gender segregation laws, which saw men and women cast their votes at separate polling stations.

Women also had to rely on men to drive them to polling stations.

Women aren’t allowed to directly

Women aren’t allowed to directly address male voters at campaign rallies, instead relying on a male representative to stump for them, or make their pitch from behind a screen. address male voters at campaign rallies, instead relying on a male representative to stump for them, or make their pitch from behind a screen, meaning most

used social media to get their message across.

‘We’ve been waiting for this opportunity for the past ten years to be able to participate in the political and social decision-making of the country,’ said Faweyza al-Hurdi, a candidate in Riyyadh as she met with her campaign manager.

‘I think there are limitations in being able to meet with the public so I decided to go to malls to meet with the community and this is what prompted me to focus on social media in my electoral campaign, where everyone can communicate so I can get the largest number of voters,’ she told France 24.

‘To tell you the truth, I’m not running to win,’ said Amal Badreldin al-Sawari, 60, a paediatrician in central Riyadh told AFP. ‘I think I have done the winning by running.’

Not only have legal barriers made campaigning difficult, the women have also had to battle conservative male voters, who oppose women’s participation in mixed society.

Abdullah Al-Maiteb made his way into a polling station in the capital Riyadh on election day, expressing a widely held sentiment about why women shouldn’t be on the ballot.

‘Her role is not in such places. Her role is at home managing the house and raising a new generation,’ he said. ‘If we allow her out of the house to do such business, who is going to take care of my sons?’

While the municipal councils do not have legislative powers, they do oversee a range of community issues, such as budgets for maintaining and improving public facilities.

All major decision-making powers rest solely in the hands of King Salman and the all-male Cabinet of ministers.

Gulf Insider January 2016

31

Affairs

Tariq A. Al-Maeena

Beware of the phony bounty

I

f you are like most people, chances are that you may have at one time or the other been solicited by offers of massive generosity in an email addressed to you by total strangers.

All of them are willing to share their wealth with you unconditionally, and all you have to do is answer a few simple questions.

I have had my fair share of such offers and solicitations some which end up in my inbox rather than my spam folders. I hit the delete button right away, sending these scam messages into Internet oblivion. But for the fun of it, I decided to hang on to a few of these preposterous lures.

Sent primarily from various sources purportedly in Africa and Asia, I have received several proposals that would have made me a very rich man and with little effort. The senders deemed me worthy and noble enough to be entrusted with some very large fortunes.

The first one was from a Soha AlRasheed from Libya.

Apparently her husband had been killed when Gaddafi fell, leaving behind the sum of $182 million that she would like to put toward a noble cause. She had recently discovered that she was dying of cancer and wanted to do something good.

Believing me to be an honest soul, I would be her channel in setting up such a

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Gulf Insider January 2016

course of transaction, and for my efforts I would be rewarded 25 percent of the total amount. That’s over $45 million for a few days’ work folks!

A corporate lawyer from Singapore was very persistent. He told me that I had been issued an ATM card from one of their banks with a generous donation

A study conducted in Sweden discovered that some 10 to 15 percent of people scammed by such offers fall prey to these get-richquick schemes. of dollars in that account from some very large Chinese corporations. He insisted that I speedily forward him the required information such as my name, passport number, nationality and bank account number to process this generous gift from Chinese industry tycoons. Why

would he need my name if the ATM card had already been issued?

And finally, from Anisa Makhluf, the widow of the late President of Syria, Hafez Al-Assad. She must have really been smitten by my character, as she had sent me five emails within three days.

Pity her husband isn’t alive.

Maybe she would have persuaded him to appoint me minister of finance or something. With a fortune totaling $382 million, she is so convinced of my integrity that she is prepared to turn over 20 percent of her funds and a steel plant in Russia if I agree to be of assistance. I suppose being a steel magnate and with a bank account of over $76 million is the next best thing to becoming a finance minister.

These “get rich” offers are, of course, nothing but a scam. Often referred to as 419 scams, such offers begin with an unsolicited email sent to many in the guise of a very handsome offer. Quite often, facts from actual events such as a plane crash or a revolution are interspersed in the contents. Invariably, they ask you to send them personal details such as your passport or ID number and bank account details which are then used to fleece your personal accounts.

Readers beware of these generous emails. In 2003, a study conducted in Sweden discovered that some 10 to 15 percent of people scammed by such offers fall prey to these get-rich-quick schemes with the result that crooks defraud them of their entire savings.

The author can be reached at talmaeena@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @talmaeena

Affairs

Here are some other key findings from the report:

Global philanthropic giving among the world’s ultra wealthy totaled US$112 billion in 2014, equivalent to the GDP of Morocco.  The typical UHNW philanthropist donates $28.7 million in his or her lifetime.  UHNW individuals each contributed, on average, US$530,100 last year in the form of donations and pledges to philanthropy.  America’s ultra wealthy women who inherited their wealth give nearly 19% of their fortune to charitable causes, more than any other UHNW donor group.  73.2% of UHNW philanthropists are self-made.  65% of UHNW individuals donate over $1 million throughout their lifetimes.  Based on total donations, India has the most generous donors, followed by the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.  Based on total donations as a percentage of net worth, the United Kingdom has the most generous donors, followed by the United States and Hong Kong.  Education remains the most popular cause that UHNW individuals donate to, followed by health. 

GCC’S ULTRA-HIGH NET WORTH INDIVIDUALS … On average give over us$10 million in their lifetime, according to new report.

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ccording to a new report by Wealth-X and Arton Capital, GCC ultra-high net worth (UHNW) philanthropists donate on average US$10.2 million per person over the course of their lifetime.

According to the report, UHNW individuals globally donate US$112 billion to charity each year, about 18% of total philanthropic giving, which was just over US$625 billion. Billionaires are responsible for a large share of this giving, donating US$75 billion annually.

Education remains the most popular

cause those UHNW individuals donate to, followed by health, but study has found the current refugee crisis is also a top priority.

The report, titled ‘Philanthropy Report 2015’ found that The Wealth-X and Arton Capital Major Giving Index, which has tracked trends in UHNW charitable giving since 2004, was up 6.4% year-over-year.

The index has hit an all-time high at a level of 234, up 25% since its inception.

Wealth-X records more than 211,000 UHNW individuals globally with at least US$30 million in net assets.

Gulf Insider January 2016

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Off Topic

If I was CEO, I would…

Satvinder Sandhu is a passionate public relations marketing communication consultant, who has an idiosyncratic view of how those at the top in the corporate world should operate.

1.

Integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into the fabric of any and every aspect of business life and specify on hiring that prospective employees must be fully on board with this concept, committing to an annual 50 hours of charity work for a cause of their own choosing.

2. Ensure every team member is clear about the type of business and clientele sought in order to promote a close fit between values and cultures of both companies; and mandate a four-week introduction programme for new clients to open up our company to theirs, covering working practices, corporate and CSR culture and one-toone networking.

3. Design the office to foster a comfortable environment where staff can feel at home, and encourage them to bring in a member of their family to work on a nominated day.

4. Promote harmony by nominating candidates for promotion and then letting every team member vote on their suitability, rather than by leaving the decision up to the Human Resources department and management team.

5. Set aside one day for ‘Celebrating Us’ where the financial results of the company are shared, along with the top 50 non financial successes recognised as cause for celebration.

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Gulf Insider January 2016

6. Support a smile culture, whether through common courtesies or the exchange of humour and small things that make us laugh.

latest formats to facilitate this, while also building a global network of specialists online that can be accessed by team members.

7. Ban emails or at least make it part of corporate culture that teams do not spend more than one hour each day responding to emails in order that they return to the habit of face to face meetings, telephone conversations, etc.

13. Ensure that myself and senior management are evaluated twice a year with honest and confidential feedback.

Never personally usurp the role of senior team members - if they are the right people for the job, they have earned the responsibility to act on their own initiative in tandem with corporate culture and policy.

8. Look after my team - mind and body - by including psychotherapy in the medical coverage for all employees and negotiating with the insurance provider to allow the primary person insured to include any number of his family members into his insurance coverage at a reduced rate.

9. Design and commit to an ‘open door policy’ but guarantee any team member who feels the system is flawed has a confidential avenue for feedback.

10. Energise my team through sport - whether through team building, supporting local and regional events or sponsorship.

11. Set up an ’Entrepreneurship Fund’ with partners and think tank groups to encourage ‘out of the box’ ideas, whether for corporate gain or for CSR purposes.

12. Investigate the viability of a four-day working week, using technology in all its

14. Integrate internship into the corporate culture, working with universities who share our values.

15. Direct all team members to sign up for annual financial and personal planning sessions with qualified life and financial planning coaches.

16. Put in place a three-month post resignation/termination programme for staff who resign or are asked to leave, to ensure they are taken care of in every way possible.

17. Never promise what I cannot deliver or preach what I cannot follow, and make this part of the company commitment to clients, team members and customers.

Satvinder Sandhu is a public relations and marketing communication consultant, email quepasasat00@yahoo.com

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News

GULF ROUNDUP news around the GCC and beyond

life in the gulf

Kuwait to expel foreign government employees aged over 50 Expatriate government workers in Kuwait aged over 50 will be made to leave the country under new plans to reduce the number of foreign workers, according to local media reports. The age limit would be applied to public sector workers in professions where roles can be filled by Kuwaitis.

The new measures are to be implemented from March 1 and will cover all nationalities, a government source reportedly said. Over the last year, the government has been attempting to reduce its reliance on foreign workers, who are believed to make up about 31 per cent of Kuwait’s total population of three million.

In April this year, the government announced plans to freeze the numbers of expats moving to Kuwait, allowing people into the country only to replace those leaving. Three months later, the government stopped issuing visas to expats’ parents and reduced the validity of a family visit visa from three months to just a month. – Gulf Business

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Gulf Insider January 2016

Galleria on track to start receiving customers by early next year The all-new family shopping and recreation destination is strategically located in Al Zinj on the Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Highway that links Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, the retail centre has been conceived as a boutique strip mall, sprawling across a plot area of 30,000 square metres and boasting a total built-up area of over 42,000 square metres.

LuLu Hypermarket has been announced as the anchor tenant and will be spread over two floors covering 12,000 square of superior interior fit-out and shelving space.

Galleria will also host a variety of food and beverage brands.

Expansive glass facades, elegant tree-lined walkways and tranquil water features, harmoniously combine to bring alive a destination that sublimely merges the charm of the outdoors with elegant designs that can be experienced indoors. The mall is expected to attract customers from all over Bahrain and its main catchment areas of Al Zinj, Al Mahooz, Adliya, Umm Al Hassam, Tubli, and Gudaibiya which house a substantially large cosmopolitan population.

- Daily Tribune News, Bahrain

News

Qatar’s new residency law in force from last month

Electronics-focused iMall to open in Sharjah next year The Dh180 million iMall will welcome electronics-savvy shoppers in the first quarter of 2016, iMall director Nadeem Balash, said in a statement.

Balash disclosed that more than 60 per cent of leasable area has already been booked and another 20 per cent booking is expected before the official opening. It includes 85 stores, six restaurants, a pharmacy, parking space for 230 cars and an entertainment area designed especially for children.

The launch of iMall comes in line with the growing demand for technology products and devices in the UAE, which is expected to grow faster than other retail categories. Balash said that iMall is a real addition to the electronics retailer and modern technology sector, being the first specialised technology and electronics centre in the Middle East. The mall will also provide free Wi-Fi services. – Khaleej Times

Issued on October 27, the law replaces the Kafala (sponsorship) system with a contractbased system and cancelled the exit permit system. It has also removed the two-year period required for an expatriate worker to return to the country to take up a new job, after his departure. As per the new law, the worker can return to the country two or three days after his departure if he gets a new contract and fulfils entry visa requirements and if there is no court verdict against him.

There will be a job contract to be signed by every expatriate worker with his employer which will rule the relation between the two sides. Both sides are obliged to respect the contract period, whether it be two or five years.

An exit permit from the sponsor will no more be required for an expatriate worker to leave the country. He only needs to inform the employer that he will be leaving, the daily quoted the official as saying.

Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates will come in force on December 14, 2016, Al Sharq reports.

– Zawya

Marassi Al Bahrain’s first reveal Eagle Hills, the private real estate investment and development company based in the UAE and developer of Marassi Al Bahrain, in partnership with Diyar Al Muharraq, announced that both residential unit sales and development work for the first phase of the master planned community are set to launch during the first quarter of 2016. A kilometre stretch of sandy beach and F&B outlets, will also open soon alongside the sales centre, allowing the public to experience what the vibrant waterfront lifestyle has to offer.

Promising a sophisticated new lifestyle choice, the first phase of Marassi Al Bahrain includes iconic landmarks such as a lifestyle shopping complex anchored by two luxury hotel brands The Address Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts, seafront residential apartments, a canal waterfront promenade and a

community mosque, with all related roads, utilities and other infrastructure.

A total of 480 serviced and residential apartments offer access to the beach and outstanding views overlooking one of Bahrain’s most spectacular sea fronts. The first of the five development phases will be completed by 2019.

Potential investors can register their interest online and visit the recently launched website www.marassialbahrain.com for more information, ahead of the sales launch which will be announced soon.

Gulf Insider January 2016

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News

Deadline Alert: Report foreign income or lose your US passport

It is possible that the United States expats could have their passports revoked next month if they fail to comply with their tax and financial obligations under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), according to Jim O’Niell, Vice-President of US Financial Advisory and Audit Firm (USFAAF).

The Act stipulates that Americans – whether they are resident in the US or not – must report their worldwide income as well as their foreign bank accounts to pay taxes in the United States if they opt to retain their passports. “The US law says that American citizens living around the world with a balance of $10,000 at any giving day per year in their bank accounts are required to submit FBAR. The FATCA also mandates financial institutions around the world to submit annual reports on their customers who are required to comply,” he added.

It is expected that nearly eight million US citizens who live overseas will be affected if they fail to comply with the Act. It is estimated that around 250,000 US nationals are based in the GCC. The IRS has collected $8 billion in taxes and penalties under its offshore account programmers during the past few months.

Under the new Act set to take effect on January 1, 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will compile a list of Americans in violation of the new rule. - Emirates 24/7

More information available on www.usfaaf.com/fatca.

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Gulf Insider January 2016

Hundreds of run-down villas to be demolished in Dubai An estimated 250 dilapidated villas across Dubai pose a public health risk and are to be demolished, Dubai Municipality has reportedly announced. The villas have been abandoned and may be being used by criminals to store drugs, house illegal workers or for sexual abuse, according to a report in UAE daily 7Days.

Many of the properties are caught up in inheritance disputes between family members and the rightful owner has neglected them, making them a threat to security and public health.

The municipality intends to demolish a “remaining” 256 houses, by issuing an order stating that the house must be renovated or demolished by the owner and then intervening if they do not comply. The owner is charged for the demolition and ordered to pay administration fees. – Arabian Business

Discussions on Filipina maid shortage continue UAE and Philippine labour officials will hold their second round of discussions on the issue of re-sending Filipino maids to the UAE in the first quarter of 2016.

UAE employers have not been able to hire maids directly from the Philippines since June 2014 due to conflicting recruitment rules from the UAE and laboursending countries like the Philippines.

The issue arose when the Ministry of Interior introduced a unified contract for domestic workers that led to the suspension of various embassies’ role in verifying and attesting contracts, including the Philippines. But the Philippines insists that based on their domestic laws, they are mandated to verify and record these contracts to protect their workers. With the suspension of contract verification, no maids could be hired directly from the Philippines legally. This is a problem for many residents since Filipina maids are the preferred house help in the country.

Labour attache Delmer Cruz said major points on the domestic workers’ issue were discussed in the two-day meeting. Once all matters are agreed upon, an agreement is expected to be signed between the two countries in the following months. – Gulf News

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Travel

Travel Bans Now Harder to Impose

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Gulf Insider January 2016

Lawyer and Associate Hasan Al Ajooz, Al Jabal Consultancy, explains how the revised laws help bring more justice and order to Bahrain’s court procedures.

Travel

D

iscovering that you have a travel ban, in addition to the understandable trauma it causes can also be quite an embarrassment, especially when you’ve packed your bags, made your way to the airport, waved goodbye, gone through check-in and waited in line at immigration just to find out that you can’t leave the country. And the reason may be simply because you were still being charged monthly administrative fees for a bank account you thought you closed years ago.

This is the plight of just one person we heard from last year, a former resident of Bahrain, who decided to break her trip and stopover in Bahrain after several years away to catch up with some old friends. But sadly was unable to leave when she went to catch her flight home and ended up paying BD600 to cover years of accumulated charges to a bank for an inoperative account that she thought had been closed for years, as well as for extended hotel accommodation, taxi fares to go around solving the issue, and huge amounts of frustration and stress.

Lawyer Hasan Al Ajooz explains that prior to the changes in laws that came into effect in October, it was easy for companies and plaintiffs to impose a travel ban on a foreigner. Defendants had no legal protection since they usually discovered they are banned from travelling when they step in front of an immigration officer.

“Anyone who intended to charge a foreign defendant could take an order from a judge to impose a travel ban on him or her within two days. Regardless of how serious or minor the reason, you could travel ban a person forever unless they pay the full amount,” he said, “To balance this, the Bahrain Civil and Commercial Procedures Act (CCP) have

reconsidered legal regulations.”

The amendments aim to avoid causing harm to a person and giving him the chance to defend himself. The new legislation gives the court the right to order a travel ban, but it also requires the plaintiff to notify the defendant about his/ her travel ban within eight days (through

Regardless of how serious or minor the reason, you could travel ban a person forever unless they pay the full amount.

she won’t return to the country to pay off their debt, even if they go elsewhere and start to work and earn again.

“In the end, even if the defendant offers a settlement that doesn’t satisfy the claimant, the court still has the upperhand in passing judgment on the matter.

The new online service is also a great way of letting anyone with a valid CPR to check their travel ban status. The legal modifications are helping the honest defendant but at the same time, there might be some who will take advantage of the system,” Hasan commented.

At the time of this report, there were reportedly a total of 4,500 expatriates banned from leaving the country due to pending payment of debts.

Online Travel Ban Services The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments has launched an online service in cooperation with the Informatics and eGovernment Authority to assist citizens and residents with information concerning their legal status in relation to travel bans before traveling abroad.



 Using their valid CPR, citizens and

express-post), otherwise the ban will be abolished. The defendant then has eight days to pay his debt or submit a grievance to the same court to remove the ban. They can submit an acceptable guarantor or cash deposit. The judge possesses full discretion either to dismiss or accept the claim and abolish the travel ban based on valid reasons provided by the defendant.

“In the latest amendments, one of the restrictions imposed is that the travel is abolished after one year of issuing. The judge can cancel a travel ban order if it has been proved that the debtor has no assets inside or outside the country to pay his dues,” Hasan explained.

He pointed out that this a major concern for banks and creditors since it means that a foreign defendant who proves he has no hidden assets can leave Bahrain after a year. It is most likely he or

residents have access to a highly secured and regularly updated centralized system to confirm that they are not banned from travelling by any court order starting from July 2008.

Individuals can settle outstanding financial claims online without resorting to a court order in order to lift the travel ban, effectively streamlining the process and reducing procedural costs.



Once all dues are settled online, a text message is immediately sent to the individual confirming that the travel ban has been lifted.



 The Travel

Ban Service is available on www.bahrain.bh and is currently only accessible in Arabic, with the English language version coming soon.

Gulf Insider January 2016

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Style WATCH insider

Rolex Submariner vs Omega Seamaster vs Breitling Superocean Three iconic men’s diving watches reviewed.

The Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamaster, and Breitling Superocean are three of the most iconic mens dive watches in the world today. In this review we ask how, in our own humble opinion, each watch meets three important requirements: Looks, build quality, and price/value.

ROLEX SUBMARINER The Sub is a true classic. The Submariner’s simple, elegant look has remained iconic for over 50 years, and there’s no reason it will not continue to be one of the most popular watches in the world as long as Rolex continues to produce it. It comes in a variety of metals and dial colors, and is equipped with a superb in-house movement, an extremely solid feel (especially the bezel!), and one of the most comfortable bracelets you will ever wear. This watch initially gained popularity among divers because of its durability and quality.

Rolex is the most successful luxury watch maker in the world, but in many watch collector’s minds these watches do not warrant such high prices. Rolex charge the customer a hefty premium for being able to wear the little crown on their wrist. A new Sub will cost at least $7,000 (for the base model), and can cost upwards of $30,000 when gold gets involved. You might want to consider buying this watch used (yes, used) if you don’t want to fork out too much money, but only from a reputable seller, as this is probably the most counterfeited watch in the world.

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Style

OMEGA SEAMASTER The Seamaster is beautiful. Omega took the basic look of Rolex’s Submariner, and actually made it better. The dial catches the light at all angles because of what Omega calls the “wave motif,” which makes looking at your wrist every five minutes almost a rewarding experience. Yes, this is another James Bond watch, but don’t let that fact turn you away. Omega’s designers really hit a home run with this watch.

The Seamaster has a great in-house movement, which stand up really well to the shocks and bumps of life. Like any good watch should, it feels great on the wrist, and really feels like a quality piece. If you buy this watch new, it will cost somewhere near $4,000, and you will be the owner of something very beautiful. There are people who will preach to you about how Omega is just another victim of the evil of product placement (Bond, the Moon, the Olympics, etc...), but do not listen. Unlike Rolex, Omega does not abuse their popularity by charging three times more than what a watch should cost.

BREITLING SUPEROCEAN The Superocean captures everything that people love to hate about Breitling. They take a classic look, and make it as flashy as they can. The Superocean comes in many more colors and styles than the other two watches, and this may appeal to a lot of people, so if you love variety you may want to give this watch a look.

The movement of the Superocean is durable, and does hold up over time, but the feel of the watch is not comparable to the Rolex or the Omega. The bezel feels a bit too loose, and the bracelet does not quite as comfortable. This is the least expensive watch compared to the Rolex and the Omega with prices starting around $2,500.

Conclusion Dealerships in Bahrain: Rolex Kooheji Store Company, Tel: +973 1753 0303 Omega Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Tel: +973 1752 0052 Breitling Yaquby Stores W.l.l., Tel: +973 1722 3000

It would be wrong of us to say that any one watch is any better than another as so much is down to personal preference. Though the Rolex costs a lot (A LOT!!!) more than the Omega and Breitling, Rolexes are known to hold their prices better than just about any other brand. That said, the Rolex seems to be of no discernable better build quality than the Omega. The Breitling, on the other hand, though arguably not to quite the same quality standards as the Rolex and Omega, is the least costly by far. So it’s really a personal choice. You pay your money, and you take your choice!

Gulf Insider January 2016

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Motors

FIA WEC Six Hours of Bahrain Gulf Insider last month visited the biggest endurance racing event in the region: the FIA WEC Six Hours of Bahrain, the eighth and final round of the 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) held at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).

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Gulf Insider January 2016

Motors CAR insider

V-Interesting!

Gulf Insider’s Hugh Haskell-Thomas spends a day at the Yas Marina track with Cadillac’s new ATS-V and CTS-V Sedans. Great cars, but can they compete?

Cadillac ATS 46

Gulf Insider January 2016

Motors

C

adillac’s V-series highperformance models aim to challenge the peak of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz’s model lines. The CTS-V aims to compete with the Audi RS 7, BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz AMG E63, which all offer an exquisite combination of performance and luxury, while the ATS-V has the BMW M3 and M4 squarely in its sights. A(nother) sunny day at the Yas Marina Circuit, putting both cars through their paces, provided an interesting challenge when asked “Which would you take home?”, read on….

With 640 horsepower on tap, from the Corvette Z06’s supercharged 6.2L V8, the CTS-V leaves the M5 and E63 trailing 80+ horsepower behind. Combining this with a completely re-engineered chassis, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, an eight-speed, paddle-shifted automatic transmission, magnetic suspension, and the five-mode Performance Traction Management system, 100kph is reached in 3.7 seconds with the quarter mile point flying eight seconds later to top out at a little over 320 kph. It would be great to see a dual clutch transmission, but at $10,000 cheaper than its rivals I guess something had to be left out!

So, faster than an M5 and within a hair of the E63, this is certainly a contender in the performance sedan race and with the handling to match, delivered in a usable unflustered way. Saying that, the German camp’s models are a little over 5 years old now, so Cadillac will probably still have some way to go once the new models are released in a little over a

year’s time, with both rumoured to have 600+ horsepower.

Getting into the ATS-V, following a few hours in the CTS, the difference is marked, but with a smaller twinturbocharged 3.6L V6 outputting a little over 440 horsepower and only 150kg lighter than its sibling, you would expect that. What I and my partners in crime at the track did not expect, were the huge smiles after driving this car; it’s just brilliant! I found that leaving the

The other area, still losing out to its German rivals, is the interior and exterior design; it just misses the mark for me. transmission in automatic and setting the Performance Traction Management to level five, so-called race mode, gave the best performance. A minor gripe, but manual shifting introduced a discernible lag, something that needs fixing, so I just let the software and electronics handle it. The higher specification car that we drove had the optional Track Performance package that includes a low-mass battery, the Performance Data Recorder video

system (just plug in a USB and replay the fun), and a carbon-fiber aero kit. Side by side, on the track I believe the ATS would squeeze out the M3 – a truly remarkable achievement for Cadillac.

In both cars, there were a few gripes.

The awful CUE system controlling all the electronics, albeit capable, is just too difficult to use while driving – it would be great to see the odd button or knob to control the more common functions. The other area, still losing out to its German rivals, is the interior and exterior design; it just misses the mark for me. Given its driving and performance prowess, it deserves to stand out in a crowd; it just doesn’t. The Track Package helped, on the ATS, but the CTS doesn’t have the option. Even though aggressive looking from the front, both cars have slab like sides and rear that show its heritage and need some work.

With both cars, Cadillac has ‘rebooted’ the range and clearly raised the bar in the engineering department. It is a shame that the same cannot be said for the cabin and exterior, which just do not do it for me, but perhaps that’s the next evolution; just leave the engineers alone, they’re doing a fantastic job. And, in answer to the question, which to take home, it would be the ATS-V every time for this writer; well done Cadillac!

To arrange your own test drive in Bahrain (on normal roads) contact National Motors +973 1745 7212 Gulf Insider January 2016

47

Motors CAR insider

Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Gulf Insider’s Hugh Haskell-Thomas finds out what the new Lambo is ‘made of’.

F

or many years, Lamborghini have been known as ‘cars for show-offs’, not for people that really want to drive them to the limit. Whilst that may be true for some old models, it’s definitely not true for the current cars in the Lambo range.

The Aventador, especially the SV, is more nimble and quick than most of its competitors and the Gallardo has developed over the years into an outstanding track car.

The Huracán seems to be the first Lamborghini that lives up to the promise of its striking, gorgeous design bringing together performance, handling and looks to deliver a car that is as exciting and refined on a road as it is on a track. Some would say that this refinement, probably due to Audi’s involvement, diminishes the breed; I beg to differ. At last, we have a Lamborghini that can be used everyday and will outperform most of its peers on the race track at the weekend. But, I hear you ask, has this removed Lamborghini’s edge – producing insanely designed cars - not

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Motors

great on either road or track, but which were, for the most part, icons of their respective era’s adorning bedroom walls for decades. Replacing the Gallardo, for sure, the Huracán doesn’t look as dramatic or crazy as its predecessor, but when you see it in on the road, it is a low, wide, lean, and very pretty car, certainly one of the best looking cars you can buy today.

With the opportunity to test the car on both road and track, thanks to Al Ghassan Motors, I had the privilege of understanding how it behaved at both ends of the scale, crawling through the streets of central Manama, a quick run down to Durrat and several quick laps at the BIC. You might think that a

flick of a button – at last, some electronics that actually work! It can be configured to show a tachometer, speedometer, audio, phone, and navigation maps and directions, all where they need to be, in front of the driver.

If I had to moan, the only minor thing would be the fixed paddle shifters. Not really noticeable on the road, but on the track, accelerating out of a bend, I missed the ability to push it up a gear when my fingers could not quite reach even the extended paddles; maybe I need bigger hands! However, it’s a small point that I am sure others might not notice, the rest of the package is pretty much perfect. Also, the inability, for me anyway, to get the rear end out

the all wheel drive, but, the noise, the noise, it’s just breathtaking! The naturally aspirated 5.2L V10 howls like a banshee, a proper supercar sound, as the digits on the dash become a blur and the car hurtles towards its top speed of almost 320 kph calmly and with no drama at all; just another day’s work for this great piece of machinery.

On the track, it is equally in its element.

Refined. Predictable. Precise. The slight lack of confidence on the road, due to its width and lack of visibility, disappears to be replaced by an ever growing trust in the car and its ability to go faster and faster. Hurtling down the main straight at Sakhir, with the twin clutch ensuring that terminal velocity was reached near then

left something missing, though I have to admit, I probably went quicker because of it! Who knows, perhaps the team at Lamborghini will produce a version with just drive at the rear wheels; rumours are that they will.

When on the road, the unrelenting performance has to be carefully managed, if you want to keep your licence. The smallest dip on the throttle sees triple digit numbers, big ones, appear almost instantaneously, it’s quick, very quick! From a standing start, with the launch control engaged, 100 kph is achieved in a little over 3 seconds with almost no perceptible effort thanks to

end, before the carbon-ceramic brakes join the party to haul speed off into the turn. Exhilarating, you bet!

So, has this German-controlled engineering diminished the brand? It certainly doesn’t seem so. Agreed, it’s not an Italian Spaceship, like the Countach, but then it’s designed to make money, not lose it! Arguably, I believe that this may be the best car that Lamborghini has ever produced.

Regardless, as the foundation for 5-7 years of production, one wonders what can be done to improve it in the later models. Time will tell. For now, it’s simply an amazing car!

The Huracán delivers that evocative feeling that is at the very heart of the breed. Even with all-wheel drive, it feels wild and untamed while still being controllable.

610 horsepower Italian missile would be boring on the road unless you were going 300+ kph; you’d be wrong, very wrong. Somehow, at speeds that aren’t the speed limit but also aren’t going to get you sent to prison, the Huracán delivers that evocative feeling that is at the very heart of the breed. Even with all-wheel drive, it feels wild and untamed while still being controllable.

From the cockpit the visibility is not that great, especially in a wide car with disappearing corners, but it doesn’t take long to get used to this. In direct view is the new Virtual Cockpit, straight from Audi, where everything is available at the

Gulf Insider January 2016

49

Life

Paige Spiranac hits back at critics claiming she’s only at elite Dubai tournament for her looks

P

aige Spiranac has defended her right to be among golf’s elite at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters after shooting an opening round

of 77.

The 22-year-old social media phenomenon, who has more than 480,000 followers on Instagram alone, made her debut at a top event in the UAE. After her round she told her Twitter followers that she’d been through the ‘hardest days’ of her life.

After facing criticism for her inclusion in the event, although no players have gone on record to voice their disapproval, Spiranac appeared relieved to have 18 holes carded.

Better known for her model looks and poses on Instagram, along with videos of her golf trick shots that are approaching two million views on YouTube, she was able to let her golf do the talking for most of the day.

She told reporters that she understood critics’ motivation but was intent on making her name in the game for the right reasons.

‘I understand where they are coming from. I mean, I’ve played golf and have had good results, but when you look at my game compared to the top players in the world, I’m not in the same league.’

‘But I wish they could see that I’m working as hard as I can. I may make it, I may not make it. But I’m just trying to focus on what I need to do to get to the next level and trying not 50

Gulf Insider January 2016

to focus on what they say.’

Spiranac was open about the tension she felt in the lead-up to the tournament.

‘I am so glad to have it out of the way,’ she tells dubailadiesmasters. com. ‘I wouldn’t say I was dreading this, but certainly was nervous and anxious thinking about this for the last couple of months. So, to have it kind of over, it’s a relief and I am really excited about my second round.’

Spiranac’s round included one birdie, four bogeys and a double bogey after starting on the 10th. A horror four holes from the 16th did the worst damage with three shots dropped but after battling nerves she’s more or less satisfied.

With her short game being Spiranac’s strong suit, it was no surprise her first professional birdie came on the par-three fourth. A double bogey on the ninth undid the good work though.

‘Overall, it was a pretty good round except for the shot on the last hole where I hit into the water. Yes, I am pretty happy with how it went for my first round and considering how nervous I was,’ she says.

Spiranac turned professional in August. She’s been labelled among the ‘hottest’ athletes on the planet but this, the fourth-richest tournament on the Ladies European Tour, is her first senior pro event.

Life

Recalling the Caliphate

‘This is the best attempt at decolonising the Muslim mind and politics. But it is much more than that.

It is a complex and powerful rendering of a Muslim contribution to a new non-liberal cosmopolitanism, and should be read by all.’ — Boaventura de Sousa Santos, Professor of Sociology at the University of Coimbra and University of Wisconsin-Madison

Decolonisation and World Order

A

s late as the last quarter of the twentieth century, there were expectations that Islam’s political and cultural influence would dissipate as the advance of westernisation brought modernisation and secularisation in its wake. Not only has Islam failed to follow the trajectory pursued by variants of Christianity, namely confinement to the private sphere and depoliticisation, but it has also forcefully re-asserted itself as mobilisations in its name challenge the global order in a series of geopolitical, cultural and philosophical struggles. The continuing (if not growing) relevance of Islam suggests that global history cannot 52

Gulf Insider January 2016

S. Sayyid

simply be presented as a scaled up version of that of the West. Quests for Muslim autonomy present themselves in several forms—local and global, extremist and moderate, conservative and revisionist—in the light of which the recycling of conventional narratives about Islam becomes increasingly problematic.

Not only are these accounts inadequate for understanding Muslim experiences, but by relying on them many Western governments pursue policies that are counter-productive and ultimately hazardous for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Recalling the Caliphate engages critically with the interaction between Islam and the political in context of a

post colonial world that continues to resist profound decolonisation. In the first part of this book, Sayyid focuses on how demands for Muslim autonomy are debated in terms such as democracy, cultural relativism, secularism, and liberalism. Each chapter analyses the displacements and evasions by which the decolonisation of the Muslim world continues to be deflected and deferred, while the latter part of the book builds on this critique and attempts to accelerate the decolonisation of the Muslim Ummah.

‘S. Sayyid has written a highly insightful exploration of Muslim identity (“the ummah”) in the modern world.

Unlike many who have pontificated on Islam and Muslims, Sayyid is very well informed on Islamicate and European history, and has an impressive command of contemporary critical theory. The result is an excellent book.’ — Talal Asad, Graduate Center of the City University of New York‘Original and provocative, Sayyid’s evocation of the Caliphate heralds a new generation of intellectuals equally at home in discourses of postmodernity and the Islamic ummah.

A significant intervention into current post-colonial debates.’ — Susan BuckMorss, Professor of Political Philosophy and Social Theory, Cornell University, and author of Thinking Past Terror: Islamism and Critical Theory on the Left.

S. Sayyid is the author of A Fundamental Fear. He was formerly the Director of the International Centre of Muslim and NonMuslim Understanding at the University of South Australia and is currently based at the University of Leeds.

Life

The First World War in the Middle East

Medina in Birmingham, Najaf in Brent

Kristian Coates Ulrichsen

Inside British Islam Innes Bowen

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he First World War in the Middle East is an accessibly written military and social history of the clash of world empires in the Dardanelles, Egypt and Palestine, Mesopotamia, Persia and the Caucasus.

Also documented are the enormous logistical demands placed on host societies by the Great Powers’ conduct of industrialised warfare in hostile terrain.

The resulting deepening of imperial penetration, and the extension of state con-trols across a heterogeneous sprawl of territories, generated a powerful backlash both during and immediately after the war, which played a pivotal role in shaping national identities as the Ottoman Empire was dismembered.

This is a multidimensional account of the many seemingly discrete yet interlinked campaigns that resulted in one to one and a half million casualties. It details not just their military outcome but relates them to intelligence-gathering, industrial organisation, authoritarianism and the political economy of empires at war.

Interlopers of Empire The Lebanese Diaspora in Colonial French West Africa Andrew Arsan

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uslim intellectuals may try to define something called British Islam, but the truth is that as the Muslim community of Britain has grown in size and religiosity, so too has the opportunity to found and run mosques which divide along ethnic and sectarian lines.

This book, of which no equivalent volume yet exists, is a definitive guide to the ideological differences, organisational structures and international links of the main Islamic groups active in Britain today.

T

his work is the first comprehensive history of the Lebanese migrant communities of colonial French West Africa, a vast expanse that covered present-day Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea, Benin and Mauritania. Where others have concentrated on the commercial activities of these migrants, casting them as archetypal middlemen, this work reconstructs not just their economic strategies, but also their social and political lives. Moreover, it examines the fraught responses of colonial Frenchmen to the unsettling presence of these interlopers of empire––responses which, with their echoes of metropolitan racism, helped to shape the ways in which Lebanese migrants represented themselves and justified their place in West Africa. This is a work which attempts not just to reshape broader understandings of diasporic life—of Janus-like existences lived in transit between distant locales, and dependent on the constant to-and-fro of people, news, and goods—but also to challenge the way we think about empires, and the relations between their constituent territories and diverse inhabitants.

For further details on these titles visit Amazon.com

Gulf Insider January 2016

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Art

Dubai Fog Low cloud illuminated by the traffic below in beautiful photographs of Dubai.

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Gulf Insider January 2016

Art

T

hese stunning photographs capture the towering skyscrapers of Dubai and a blanket of glowing fog illuminated by the traffic below. Zohaib Anjum, 29, from Dubai, waited until dawn was breaking over the city before taking a series of pictures of the skyline last month.

He climbed to the 94th floor of the Princess Tower and was able to look out across the city as he captured the panoramic images with only the city’s skyscrapers breaking through the clouds.

The photos were taken between 4am and 7am while the sun was rising and as traffic started to build on the streets below.

Anjum said: ‘Seeing the city engulfed in all the fog was surreal and such a serene setting.

‘It looked like the fog was running around the towers and it was cool to see how the traffic and street lights illuminated patches so you could see where the roads were laid out.

‘After a friend said to me that it would be a particularly foggy day in the city, we climbed to the 94th floor to make sure we could get some shots looking out across the entire city. ‘I’ve seen Dubai in fog before but never so colourful, it was amazing. Because I work in real estate, I get to see the city from loads of vantage points but going up the Princess Tower is always one of my favourites.’

Images: Caters News Agency Gulf Insider January 2016

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Art

“My Love Affair Continues…”

Bahraini artist Thajba Najeeb’s latest collection is a continuation of her last series entitled “My Love Affair” where her love for the city of Lahore, Pakistan is expressed on canvas with rich colours, textures and vividness.

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Gulf Insider January 2016

“T

he ‘Love Affair’ series is about the feeling of nostalgia when I think about Lahore’s Kites Festival, the sweet jalebis and kheer sold by street vendors and the rows of colourful bangles displayed during “Chaandraat”, the night before Eid,” says Thajba.

Bahrain is her home, where she spent most of her childhood and continues to live with her husband and children.

At the same time, she recalls Lahore as a vacation home, her parents’ old

Art

Pakistani hometown which she visited every summer while growing up.

Inspired by Pakistani artist Dr. Ajaz Anwar three years ago, Thajba’s memories of the relaxing summer holidays were rekindled.

She decided to break into her language and culture barrier with Pakistan through art.

“There are people who came up to me and said they can taste and smell Lahore in these paintings. It’s a great feeling when someone can understand and relate to your artistic expressions.”

Thajba teaches art at school and runs classes at her studio “Artology” thrice a week. All works from her current collection are on sale and displayed in Bahrain Financial Harbour’s West Tower till 6th February.

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Last Word

5. Taking too many meetings - Nothing

disrupts productivity like unnecessary meetings. It’s best to only use meetings for introductions and serious discussions that can only be held in person and that have a clear and stated agenda and time limit

6. Sitting all day -

You’ll be surprised at how getting up and moving about drives fresh thinking. It’s also healthier.

7. Failing to prioritize -

10 bad habits

you should break in 2016 to be more productive

B

eing more productive is about working smarter, not harder.

Getting more done in less time is a much more attainable goal if you’re not sabotaging yourself with bad habits. Here are 13 things you should stop doing right now:

1. Impulsive web browsing -

Since most of us have access to the internet at work, it’s easy to get side-tracked looking up the answer to a random question that just popped into your head. Better to write down these thoughts or questions on a notepad and look up the information later when you’re not trying to get work done.

2. Multi-tasking - While many people

believe they are great at doing two things at once, scientific research has found that multi-tasking is a bad habit that decreases our attention spans and makes us less productive in the long run.

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Gulf Insider January 2016

3. Checking email throughout the day - Constant internet access can also

lead people to check email throughout the day. Sadly, each time you do this, you lose up to 25 minutes of work time. Instead, consider quitting Outlook, closing email tabs, and turning off your phone for chunks of deep focused work.

4. Putting off your most important work until later in the day - People

often start off their day by completing easy tasks to get themselves rolling and leave their more difficult work for later. This frequently leads to the important work not getting done at all. As researchers have found, people have a limited amount of willpower that decreases throughout the day, so it’s best to get your most important tasks done at the beginning of the day.

Billionaire Warren Buffett, on seeing that his personal pilot was not accomplishing his life goals, asked him to make a list of 25 things he wanted to get done before he died. Buffett then advised the pilot to pick five things he thought were most important and ignore the rest.

8. Over-planning -

Many people try to maximize their productivity by planning out every hour of their day.

Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned, and a sick child or unexpected assignment can throw a wrench into their entire day. Instead, try planning just four or five hours of real work each day, that way you’re able to be flexible later on.

9. Under-planning - With

that being said, take time to strategize before attempting to achieve any long-term goals. Harvard lecturer Dr. Robert Pozen recommends you first determine what you want your outcome to be, then lay out a series of steps to achieve it.

10. Perfectionism -

More than laziness, procrastination is the fear of not doing a good job, says British philosopher Alain de Botton. “We begin to work only when the fear of doing nothing exceeds the fear of not doing it very well … And that can take time,” he writes. The only way to overcome procrastination is to abandon perfectionism. Pretending the task doesn’t matter and that it’s OK to mess up could help you get started faster.

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