Gulf Insider December 2015 by Gulf Insider Media

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

WORK for PLAY see page 37

Business with Style

Issue 131

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

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Economic Insight Middle East 14

Contents December 2015

WORK Business

Beyond the Skies Special Feature

Friends of Bahrain

Business

Ease of business in Bahrain Finance

Economic Insight: Middle East Q4, 2015 Telecoms

Kalaam Telecom Celebrates 10 Years Affairs

Manama Dialogue 2015

PLAY

14 42 16 44

Travel

22 48

Style

26 54

Motors

30 56

Art

34 58

Last Word

Emirates New Airbus A380 Insider Profile:

Faeq Alolaiwat

Hublotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big Bang Collection for Men

Dubai Motor Show 2015

Farben Berlins by Lara Daskalou

by nick cooksey

B u si n ess w it h S t y l e Publisher & Editor in Chief - Nicholas Cooksey Business Development - Redia Castillo

Comment...

Editorial - Abeer Saeed Parkar Regular Contributors - Hugh Haskell-Thomas - Nicholas Cortes - Bill Daly

Welcome to our final issue of the year!

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

In celebration of Bahrain’s National Day, we wanted to highlight achievements between the Kingdom and some of its major trading partners. We’ve got in touch with a quite a few representatives from embassies here, to ask them for their views on developments and bilateral relations between their country and Bahrain.

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

We wish to have featured congratulatory messages from more ambassadors, but it seems they were caught up with other important events. Hope you enjoy what we have to offer this month and we’ll see you in 2016!

Published by:

Media

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 37

Business with style

Issue 131

for WORK see page 08

Business with style

Issue 131

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

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

Complimentary Copy

Friends oF Bahrain

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

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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 Lifting Iran’s Sanctions

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

WORK for PLAY see page 35

BusIness wIth style

Issue 130

Business

Lifting Iran’s Sanctions Travel

Halal Tourism Leads Global Travel Sector

Motors

Volvo XC90 Review

Expert views on Bahrain’s economy and agricultural sector

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Are SubSidieS “bAd”?

Cover Image: Arif Feroze

Halal Tourism

www.Gulf-Insider.com

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

WORK for PLAY see page 37

BusIness wIth style

Issue 129

Affairs

Salaries expected to increase in Bahrain

Thanks for such a detailed report on the opportunities and challenges of this leading sector within Islamic economy. It comes as a relief to read that the Middle East is a highgrowth market for major hotel brands amid the anxiety of people talking about falling oil prices and its drastic effects on the region’s development. I hope Bahrain takes advantage of the niche market demands and becomes one of the popular destination countries for Muslim tourists as well.

I think a bubble of growth is imminent from our neighbours once the sanctions are lifted, but whether Iran will boost all of the GCC economies, remains a question. Given the current political climate, it’s uncertain what sort of restrictions the Iranian government might impose on its own people regarding business with the GCC or its specific members. It’s too early to say what will happen. So let’s just wait and see. - Mohamed

- Haleh

Interview

Mohammad Ali Al Areen Palace Resort & Spa Motors

Frankfurt Motor Show 2015

Bahrain real estate

Cover Image: Arif Feroze

The Problem in Working From Home

Confidence returns as investors see increased development

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The Arabian Review

Issue 128

The amount of work I get done within five hours at the office will take me more than a day to finish at home. Working from home doesn’t work for everyone; it comes down to each individual’s time and stress management levels. Work and home used to be separated spheres of life. It’s now become easier to check our emails at the dinner table and then fret about the issues you have to face the next day. Save yourself an emotional and physical burn-out and work only within the time frame you have signed for. Health over wealth!

Bahrain to End SuBSidiES?

Cover Image: Harold Tejada

- Rose

Lower oil prices adds pressure on GCC over subsidies

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Gulf Insider December 2015

Are Subsidies “Bad”? Although it’s a good start to cut on government costs as way of stepping towards reform, I worry if our salaries will be increased too? With the ongoing disparity between nationals and expats regarding the compensation program, I urge the rightful authorities to resolve this matter in a way that benefits all those who reside in the Kingdom. - Abdul Salam K.

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@GulfInsider

News

GULF ROUNDUP news around the GCC and beyond

business & Affairs UAE to invest Dhs 300bn to boost knowledge-sector UAE has announced that it will invest over Dhs 300bn on the adoption of a new science, technology and innovation higher policy which will include 100 national initiatives, official news agency WAM reported. The new policy, revealed by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will focus on sectors such as education, health, energy, transportation, space and water. The plan will see new national policies in legislation, investment, technology, education and finance. Its goal is to boost the UAE’s knowledge economy, the report said. Overall, the policy aims to increase investment on research and development in the UAE by threefold and boost the percentage of knowledge-sector workers in the country to 40% by 2021. – Gulf Business

Gulf Insider December 2015

Tamkeen 2015 Consultation Forum with the Public Tamkeen held a forum last month with various stakeholders from different sectors to collect feedback and recommendations around Tamkeen’s programmes and 2016 priorities. The feedback will form a core part in the enhancement of Tamkeen’s operations to ensure the provision of the best possible support for the private sector and for Bahraini citizens across all stages of their growth and development. The forum included around 600 participants from all economic sectors and brought together professionals of different backgrounds including business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, job seekers, students and other stakeholders. As part of the consultations, Tamkeen presented the participants with an overview of 2015’s achievements with its 2015-2017 strategy of enhancing quality, achieving more impactful results and putting additional focus on customers. Tamkeen also shared upcoming initiatives for 2016, which was followed by exclusive sessions with representatives from 15 different sectors to collect feedback around these initiatives.

Entrepreneurship Forums The Bahrain SMEs Society organized the 3rd Annual Ambassadors Forum for Entrepreneurship Forum last month, where the Turkish, Filipino and Indonesian ambassadors to the Kingdom shared their experience and thoughts on their countries’ various initiatives that nurture the entrepreneurship spirit among citizens and encourage the growth of SMEs. Additionally, the society also hosted a Youth Entrepreneurship Forum where panelists discussed the role of Bahrain’s universities, the government and private sector in supporting youth entrepreneurship.

News

Citi Bahrain launches Citiphone Call Center Citiphone Bahrain is the latest addition to Citi’s global call centers, and falls in line with the bank’s strategy to offer comprehensive and scalable distribution channels to its clients. Through Tamkeen’s Customised Employment Programme, Citi Bahrain is supported to recruit and train young Bahraini university graduates to work in the Citiphone call centre at the bank. The center currently employs 98 Bahraini agents. The inauguration event was hosted by Atiq Rehman, Citi’s Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa region, and Usman Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Citi Bahrain. The event was also attended by HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chairman and Acting Chief Executive of Tamkeen, HE Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Capital Governor as well as other dignitaries.

Standard Chartered slashes 100 jobs in UAE

New PPP laws to help drive ME construction boom Most of the governments in the Middle Eastern region have started to put the necessary frameworks in place to facilitate Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and drive an increased flow of such projects, said experts at a key forum hosted by global law firm Dentons in Dubai. The event saw banking, projects and construction specialists from across a number of industries discuss both the opportunities and challenges facing major PPP projects across the region. Speaking at the seminar, experts pointed out that already new PPP laws have come into force in Dubai and Kuwait this year, while Oman has implemented a new five-year plan to encourage such partnerships. – Trade Arabia

As part of the global management overhaul the bank expects further 15,000 gross headcount reductions across the group by 2018. Job cuts at Standard Chartered follows a similar acknowledgement of 150 job losses at the UAE operations of HSBC Middle East a week earlier in November. Job cuts at Standard Chartered are part of a widespread reshaping of the lender under its new chief executive, William T. Winters. In a recent strategy update the bank said that it would accelerate its cost cutting, upgrade its technology and reduce exposures to riskier assets. – Gulf News

Seminar for Family Businesses Mr Ian Partridge, from Loedstar, a Genevabased company that connects a wide network of family firms led a seminar on the “Pitfalls for family businesses and how to avoid them.” He shared his experience of working with hundreds of family businesses around the world to suggest some of the main pitfalls for Gulf families such as uncomfortable and unresolved family business tensions. The event was attended by members of some of the leading families in the Gulf such as YBA Kanoo, Al Zayani and Al Haddad. Gulf Insider December 2015

News

Diyar Al Muharraq signs $32 million development Islamic Financing Agreement Diyar Al Muharraq, one of the leading urban developers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced the signing of a corporate agreement with Al Salam Bank-Bahrain for the part-financing of Dragon City. Being developed with a total project cost of $100 million, the terms of credit facility agreement entails that Al Salam Bank-Bahrain will provide finance to fund $32 million of that amount for the project. Spread over a total land area of 115,000 square meters, Dragon City will offer unique wholesale and retail opportunities to local consumers, trade customers and tourists.

Oman plans to develop aviation sector A new passenger terminal with annual capacity of 12 million travellers at Oman’s main airport is due to open by the end of 2016. Oman’s airport operator wants to earmark a large area of land to develop aviation facilities, including a maintenance hub and free trade zones, as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on oil, an aviation official said. The airport operator proposes to set aside 4,500 sq km near five local airports, all of which are under construction or being expanded, for long-term development of the aviation sector. Facilities planned for development on the land include maintenance and repairs, a flight school, a commercial complex, conference buildings and dedicated free trade zone areas for direct and transshipment of goods. – Khaleej Times

Gulf Insider December 2015

Bahrain travel ban status available online The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments has launched a new online service in cooperation with the Informatics and eGovernment Authority that assists citizens and residents to obtain information concerning their legal status in relation to travel bans before considering traveling abroad. The new online services will allow individuals to settle any outstanding financial claims online without resorting to a court order in order to lift the travel ban, which will effectively streamline the process and reduce procedural costs. Once all dues are settled through the online system, a text message (SMS) is immediately sent to the individual confirming that the travel ban has been lifted. The Nationality, Passports and Resident Affairs will be notified to ensure that all issues are resolved with immigration authorities at any port of departure, including Bahrain’s International Airport. The new Travel Ban Service is available on www.bahrain.bh and is currently only accessible in Arabic, with the English language version obtainable soon online. – Khaleej Times

News

Saudi cabinet imposes 2.5% yearly fee on undeveloped land An annual 2.5% fee on undeveloped urban land designated for residential or commercial use will be imposed as a major step in addressing a shortage of affordable housing and developing the tax system, state media has informed. Much urban land in the world’s top oil exporting country is owned by wealthy individuals or companies that have tended to hold or trade it for speculative profits rather than developing it for housing. In 2013, the Housing Ministry estimated empty plots made up around 40% of the capital city Riyadh. By changing the economics of holding empty land, the fee may make more space available for real estate developers and boost tax collection in a country where state finances are being strained by low oil prices. – Arabian Business

Lulu’s Yusuff Ali MA with Indian PM Narendra Modi and Malaysian PM Najib Abdul Razak.

UAE’s Lulu Group to expand into Southeast Asia UAE-based Lulu Group has announced it plans to venture into retail business in Southeast Asia with 10 new hypermarkets to be built in the next two years, beginning with an initial investment of close to Dh1.1 billion in Malaysia. The first hypermarket will be built in Kuala Lumpur and will start operations by February 2016, and new recruits from Malaysia will be brought to its retail outlets in the Middle East for training, an announcement said. The Malaysian Prime Minister had visited Lulu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi last year. Lulu Group said that it is one of the biggest importers of Malaysian agricultural products and non-food products to the region and currently operates 118 hypermarkets and shopping malls in the Middle East and India. – Emirates 24/7

GCC investors top international buyers of Turkish property A quarter of Turkish real estate, sold to foreign buyers, is purchased by GCC investors according to official figures. Following the 2012 liberalisation of foreign investment law in Turkey, there has been a 500% increase in investment from the GCC, according to figures released by REIDIN, the leading real estate information company. Trade volume between Turkey and the GCC was close to $16 billion in 2014 and as Turkey is classed as the 17th biggest economy in the world, it presents a healthy investment destination that straddles both Europe and Asia. At Cityscape Global 2015 in Dubai, 52 stands out of 369 in total were from Turkey, showcasing the increased interest from regional investors. Classed as the world’s most popular tourism destination in 2014, Istanbul has a strong appeal for visitors from the region, with a 450% increase in tourists from the Gulf in the last two years. - Zawya 12

Gulf Insider December 2015

Business

Beyond the Skies A look at Captain Nasser Al Salmi’s three decade journey from pilot to Chief Operating Officer with one of the Middle East’s first carriers, Gulf Air.

“I

never thought I would be here when I first graduated from university,” says Al Salmi. After obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from the Oxford Air Training School (now Oxford Aviation Academy) - United Kingdom, he was awarded a scholarship to become a pilot with Gulf Air in 1988. “As the pioneering airline in the region this was not an opportunity to be missed and, along with many others, I embraced the chance to be a member of Gulf Air’s flight operations team. I joined the company as a fresh graduate and I am still here 27 years later, a proud member of Gulf Air’s global family and the pioneering spirit that the airline embodies till today.” At that time, the airline was owned by Oman, Al Salmi’s home country, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. “It was always my ambition and dream to become a pilot. It’s not uncommon for youths to dream of flying and navigating the skies. I was fortunate enough to have various opportunities presented

Gulf Insider December 2015

to me that brought me to where I am today. It is a dream that I live out, day by day.” The ambitious Al Salmi continued flying as a pilot until 2002. In the years that followed, he was quickly promoted to Manager Pilot Training, Chief Pilot, Head of Flight Operations, and Director of Flight Operations and then in 2009, awarded the role of COO. “This achievement reflected the true progression of my career growth and development since joining Bahrain’s national carrier and was a testament to the experience, knowledge and skills that I had acquired up to that point in my

profession,” he says. Al Salmi continues to fly on a regular basis to maintain his license requirements, however his primary focus is on managing the various operational teams within Gulf Air. “I have taken on this responsibility with the utmost dedication, drive and commitment, my role is both challenging and highly rewarding. I’m pleased to say that we enjoy excellent synergy and while flying is a rewarding career path, managing the operational function of an airline is even more so, for me. It poses a multitude of different challenges and requires different skillsets and managerial capabilities in order to direct a team towards operational excellence,” he shares. Since he began his journey, Al Salmi has witnessed Gulf Air’s fleet, network, operations and a host of other variables develop over the years. “It is important to remember that this is not a stagnant industry but one that continually evolves. I have both witnessed the airline’s evolution and been a part of it. The pioneering spirit remains, Gulf Air continues through the ages to strive for excellence in all that it delivers.” He believes amassing operational knowledge and skills is not enough to successfully drive an airline’s operations function. It requires patience, diplomacy, understanding, leadership and recognizing the need to evolve, improve and develop oneself for the benefit of the organization. “The biggest challenge by far was going through the airline’s recent restructuring process – recognizing that change was crucial to the company’s existence and accordingly, realizing the necessary positive changes to ensure Gulf Air’s longevity. I’m delighted to see the success to date of what the entire Gulf Air family has and continues to achieve for our airline.”

An avid reader of a variety of industry publications, Al Salmi keeps abreast of aviation developments and trends. Apart from planes, he’s also passionate about cars and enjoys watching football, while regular workouts at the gym help him keep fit and deal with his sometimes stressful job.

Special Feature

Friends of Bahrain Celebrating Bahrain’s National Day

On the special occasion of Bahrain’s National Day, Gulf Insider takes a closer look at bilateral relationships between Bahrain and some of its major trading partners. We wish to have featured congratulatory messages from more ambassadors, but it seems they were caught up with other important events.

Germany One on One with Alfred Simms-Protz

H “On this auspicious day, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to his Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Government and the people of Bahrain. May you enjoy your celebration of independence in peace, prosperity and national unity!” - German Ambassador to Bahrain 16

Gulf Insider December 2015

ow is the current state of relations between Germany and Bahrain? Germany established diplomatic relations with Bahrain in 1972 and opened an embassy in Manama in 1986. Throughout the years, we have enjoyed warm and friendly ties with the Kingdom in all areas: political, economic and cultural. In these troubled times, we particularly value Bahrain as a voice of reason and moderation in a region riddled with crises and conflicts. Its open, tolerant and liberal society can serve as a model for other countries in the region. What have been the major changes effecting the relationship over the past year, and what are the plans for the future? The highlight of the year was the recent visit of the German Minister of Defence, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, who attended the Manama Dialogue last month. She met with His Majesty the

King, H.R.H. the Crown Prince as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Interior. The intensive exchange of views that took place on this occasion confirmed that we share similar interests and goals, in particular a fervent desire to see peace and stability restored to the region. By working together as partners in the various international fora, we can make an important contribution towards achieving this goal. I hope that the coming year will see many more highlevel visits in both directions and further growth in trade and investments. What are the most unique aspects of the German - Bahrain relationship? Germany has never been a major player in the region. In our case, this is an advantage: The absence of any historical baggage enables our relationship to be built on mutual trust, respect and sympathy. Also, Germany’s role within Europe and internationally is well recognized by our Bahraini friends.

Special Feature

United Kingdom One on One with Simon Martin CMG

H As the Kingdom of Bahrain marks its 44th year of its independence, it is rightly proud of its achievements during this time, particularly under the leadership of His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The UK is proud of its close relationship with Bahrain and its people. I wish all Bahrainis a Happy National Day! - British Ambassador to Bahrain

ow is the current state of relations between UK and Bahrain? The UK-Bahrain relationship is a close one: we have known each other for nearly 400 years, following the establishment in 1616 of the first East India Company in the Gulf. There is a familiarity between the UK and Bahrain that is rarely matched elsewhere in the region. And relations between our royal families are very close. There’s a strong trading relationship and it’s increasing but it hasn’t risen to its peak. There’s definitely more that can be done. British companies are always welcome here –you will find yourself “welcome and understood” here. That’s a good start for companies looking to invest. I attended the Global Islamic Finance Awards recently where a number of British companies were represented. The British Government has recently issued its first Sukuk (Islamic bond) and we are hoping to have a visit from the Mayor of London in the future which will be finance focused. Upon your recent appointment in the country, what are some major milestones you have set for the coming year between the UK and Bahrain? As most Bahrainis and Brits in Bahrain will now know, 2016 marks the bicentenary of our two kingdoms’ friendship. The very successful Great British Week last year was the forerunner and we will build on that with 200 events including the Bahrain International Airshow, the Grand Prix and the Queen’s birthday. We have the opportunity and enthusiasm to broaden celebrations in

terms of culture and education. There is huge enthusiasm, from His Majesty King Hamad, “to make it a year to remember.” What are the most unique aspects of the UK - Bahrain relationship? Most of the British nationals I meet in Bahrain say that Bahrain is the place where they feel most welcome, most at home. And for Bahrainis London remains a ‘home from home’. Bahrainis study and work in the UK; they own property and businesses; they holiday there. When the British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond was here for the Manama Dialogue, 2014, he said: ‘Your security is our security’ and signed an agreement for a British naval base in Bahrain for the first time in 40 years. He then took part in a ground breaking ceremony for the base. There is constant interaction between the British and Bahraini armed forces. There are British personnel here and there are a number of serving Bahrainis who have been to Dartmouth and Sandhurst, including the son of HRH Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad. There’s a lot of joint training in a whole range of areas which shows the depth of the Bahraini/British relationship. We are also, at the invitation of the Bahraini government, helping in a number of other ways such as with the reform programme, which is being led with great foresight by HRH the Crown Prince. We are committed to continuing that support, for example in the development of a number of institutes in the fields of human rights, prisoner rights and special investigations which come under the BICI (Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry).

Gulf Insider December 2015

Special Feature

Japan One on One with Kiyoshi Asako

ow is the current state of relations between Japan and Bahrain? Bahrain and Japan have a long and great relationship. The diplomatic relations between Japan and Bahrain were established in 1972, but in reality date back to 1934 when the first Bahraini oil export was shipped to Japan. Considering our long-term business relationship, the year 2008 witnessed a remarkable event when a group of Bahraini businesspeople established “The Bahrain-Japan Business Friendship Society” (BJBFS) which greatly contributed in boosting the business relationships between the two countries. Accordingly, in 2012 BJBFS’ representatives had the opportunity to accompany His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in his key visit to Japan, the Japanese counterpart of BJBFS was established at that time.

I would like to extend my most sincere and warm congratulations to H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the auspicious occasions of the 16th anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne and the 44th National Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain. - Japanese Ambassador to Bahrain

Gulf Insider December 2015

What have been the major innovations effecting the relationship over the past year, and what plans are there for the future? I feel bilateral relations between Japan and Bahrain have been developing especially in the recent years as a result of mutual visits by VIPs and delegates. In August 2013, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time ever as Japanese Prime Minister. In addition, H.H. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa visited Japan the following month. We also receive high level delegations every year to attend Manama Dialogue which is hosted by IISS. For the contribution towards safe passage in the sea, the Japanese

Maritime Self Defense Force has dispatched minesweepers in the past years to take part in international sweeping training. As a result of these activities, we have established concrete bilateral cooperation in various fields, including political, security, economic, trade, investment, education and culture. My mission is to realize and materialize projects and plans. What are the most unique aspects of the Japanese - Bahraini relationship? There are number of Bahrainis who are increasingly studying the Japanese language; a course has been offered by Nomura Bahrain Japan Friendship Fund (NBJFF) and Ministry of Education of Bahrain since 1990. Furthermore, the University of Bahrain offers Japanese Language as an elective course, many students join it every year. Bahrain’s focus on the importance of education is remarkable as you find many Bahrainis active in various professional fields. Our government offers the Japan Scholarship Program to Bahraini citizens every year, wherein two Bahrainis are selected to study in the various fields of medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, economics, management and pedagogy. In total, 31 Bahrainis have had the opportunity to study in the top universities of japan. I’m glad to hear that Bahraini graduates of the Japan Scholarship Program are playing important roles in different public and private sectors in Bahrain. Additionally, the annual SWY (Ship for World Youth) program, which consists of onshore, onboard, and overseas training sessions, attracts many Bahrainis every year too.

Special Feature

France One on One with Bernard REGNAULD-FABRE

ow is the current state of relationships between France and Bahrain? Relations between Bahrain and France are excellent. His Majesty King Hamad met with the President of the French Republic on several occasions. Their last meeting took place in September this year. These meetings have generated initiatives that strengthen cooperation between our two countries and provide opportunities for detailed discussions on regional and international issues. France participates actively in Gulf security. The aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle made a visit to Bahrain in February and crossed into the Gulf waters to take part, with our allies, in the fight against Daech.

On this National Day we can only wish the best for Bahrain, its Monarch and its people in peace, security and prosperity.

What have been the major innovations that have defined the relationship over the past year, and what plans does the future hold? In the economic sphere the major achievement has been the creation of the French Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain. It will be instrumental in boosting exchanges between businessmen of both countries. France aims to strengthen its position in trade

with Bahrain and to participate in the country’s development by investing in major projects such as the expansion of Bahrain Airport, the urban planning program, and in industrial sectors such as aluminum. Culturally, France is a very active partner, and we wish to increase our presence in Bahrain in this area. Many cultural events were held this year, such as the Barbara-Fayrouz show which recently filled the cultural hall, or the promotion of young Bahraini cinema and in many other sectors such as linguistic or academic cooperation. The subjects of cooperation abound and we are willing to assist Bahrain in its cultural choices and higher education policy. What are the most unique aspects of the French-Bahraini relationship? The relationship between France and Bahrain is solid and well-established. It is characterized by mutual respect and openness. France is concerned about preserving the quality of its relationship with the Kingdom of Bahrain and improving it wherever possible. I would also mention the deep attraction for the French language and “The art de vivre à la française” (French way of life).

- French Ambassador to Bahrain

Gulf Insider December 2015

Special Feature

Republic of Turkey One on One with Hatun Demirer

I am delighted to extend my sincere congratulations for the National Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Kingdom of Bahrain is developing and prospering steadily for the better interests of the Bahraini people. - Turkish Ambassador to Bahrain

Gulf Insider December 2015

ow is the current state of relations between Turkey and Bahrain? Turkey supports the ongoing reform process in Bahrain under the guidance and wise leadership of His Majesty the King. On this occasion, we reiterate our solidarity with the people of Bahrain in its fight against terrorism and our support to the peace, security, stability and national unity of Bahrain. Turkey’s bilateral relations with Bahrain are based on strong cultural and historical ties. On this basis the two countries have close and brotherly relations both in the governmental and grassroots levels. These relations are solid in all fields and developing further for serving the interests of the Turkish and Bahraini nations. Turkey sees Bahrain as an important regional partner, the two countries share similar visions on regional and international issues. We are also pleased to see that the two countries are closely cooperating in regional and international platforms

as well. What have been the major innovations effecting the relationship over the past year, and what plans are there for the future? Economic relations between Turkey and Bahrain have also been further enhancing in recent years. Our bilateral trade volume has reached almost half a billion USD in 2014. In the last decade Bahraini companies invested more than $360 million in Turkey, mostly distributed in financial services and real estate sectors. In return, Turkey’s investments in Bahrain surpassed $180 million in ten years. As Turkey’s contracting firms are increasingly undertaking major infrastructure and transportation projects worldwide, including the GCC countries, there is a vast potential for cooperation in “EPC” projects, build-operateturnover model enterprises or joint ventures between Turkey and Bahrain. We believe that this potential would be a springboard for the private sectors of the two countries to cooperate closely. What are the most unique aspects of the Turkish - Bahraini relationship? Our excellent relations in grassroots level is reflected in touristic and cultural relations between Turkey and Bahrain. The number of Bahraini visitors to Turkey reached 24,000 in 2014 while it was only 3,155 ten years ago in 2004. Daily flights conducted by the Turkish Airlines, the Gulf Air and Pegasus, a private Turkish carrier company, have played major role in the increase of touristic visits exchanged between the two countries.

Special Feature

People’s Republic of China One on One with Qi Zhenhong

I humbly wish prosperity to the friendly Kingdom of Bahrain. -Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain

ow is the current state of relations between China and Bahrain? The two countries have maintained high-level exchanges and strengthened political trust. In September 2013, His Majesty King Hamad visited China and attended the opening ceremony of the first ChinaArab States Expo in Yinchuan, Ningxia. President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and CPPCC(Chinese People’s Political Consultative conference) Chairman Yu Zhengsheng met and had talks with King Hamad respectively, and in November last year, Mr. Yu Zhengsheng also visited Bahrain. Secondly, the two countries have further developed their cooperation in economy, trade, education, media and culture. Bilateral trade volume reached 1.42 billion USD last year, despite the plummet of international oil prices. There also hundreds of Bahraini students currently studying in China. In addition, projects undertaken by Chinese enterprises in Bahrain have progressed smoothly. What have been the major innovations over the past year and what are some

plans hoped for the future? In order to realize common development between our two countries, I hope to see the Bahraini Government taking a more active part in China’s initiative “The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road”. We should work out effective plans to maximize synergy between China’s “One Belt and One Road” initiative and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, I think it will lay a sound foundation for both countries. Dragon City will open soon, promoting Bahrain’s economic development and providing more jobs. I’m also happy to know that the Sino-Bahrain joint venture CPIC Abahsain Fiberglass W.L.L will add 100 million USD to its investment in Bahrain next year. What are the most unique aspects of the Chinese - Bahraini relationship? China and Bahrain enjoy a long-term friendship and share mutual support on issues related to core interest and major concerns. China has always attached importance to the development of the China-Bahrain relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. We support the efforts made by the King of Bahrain and the Bahraini Government in maintaining domestic political stability, seeking national reconciliation and developing national economy. We both shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, sharing mutual support, communication and coordination on international and regional issues.

Gulf Insider December 2015

Business

Ease of Business in Bahrain The Kingdom remains one the easiest places to do business in the region with a global ranking of 65, World Bank Report says.

oing Business measures aspects of regulation affecting 11 areas of the life of a business; ten of these areas are included in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ranking on the ease of doing business. Compared to the ease of doing business in neighbouring economies, Bahrain received a global ranking of 65, coming second in the region after the UAE, with a rank of 31. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a summarized breakdown of where the kingdom stands in each category and why it matters:

Starting a Business

140

Bahrain made starting a business more expensive increasing the cost of 189 by the business registration certificate. Formal registration of companies has many immediate benefits for the companies and for business owners and employees. Legal entities can outlive their founders. Resources are pooled as several shareholders join forces to start a company. Formally registered companies have access to services and institutions from courts to banks as well as to new markets. And their employees can benefit from protections provided by the law. An additional benefit comes with limited liability companies. These limit the financial liability of company owners to their investments, so personal assets of the owners are not put at risk. Where governments make registration easy, more entrepreneurs start businesses in the formal sector, creating more good 22

Gulf Insider December 2015

jobs and generating more revenue for the government.

Construction Permits

On the ease of dealing with construction permits. of construction 189 is Regulation critical to protect the public. But it needs to be efficient, to avoid excessive constraints on a sector that plays an important part in every economy. Where complying with building regulations is excessively costly in time and money, many builders opt out. They may pay bribes to pass inspections or simply build illegally, leading to hazardous construction that puts public safety at risk. Where compliance is simple, straightforward and inexpensive, everyone is better off.

Electricity On the ease of getting electricity. The rankings also assess how easy it 189 is for an entrepreneur in Bahrain to connect a warehouse to electricity. Access to reliable and affordable electricity is vital for businesses. To counter weak electricity supply, many firms in developing economies have to rely on self-supply, often at a prohibitively high cost. Whether electricity is reliably available or not, the first step for a customer is always to gain access by obtaining a connection.

Business

Registering Property Bahrain made registering property easier by reducing registration fee. The 189 the rankings also assess how easy it is for an entrepreneur in Bahrain to transfer property. Ensuring formal property rights is fundamental. Effective administration of land is part of that. If formal property transfer is too costly or complicated, formal titles might go informal again. And where property is informal or poorly administered, it has little chance of being accepted as collateral for loans—limiting access to finance.

Getting Credit Bahrain improved access to credit information by approving the credit 189 bureau’s collection of data on firms. The rankings also assess how well regulations and institutions in Bahrain support lending and borrowing. Two types of frameworks can facilitate access to credit and improve its allocation: credit information systems and borrowers and lenders in collateral and bankruptcy laws. Credit information systems enable lenders’ rights to view a potential borrower’s financial history (positive or negative)—valuable information to consider when assessing risk. And they permit borrowers to establish a good credit history that will allow easier access to credit. Sound collateral laws enable businesses to use their assets, especially movable property, as security to generate capital— while strong creditors’ rights have been associated with higher ratios of private sector credit to GDP.

109

Protecting Minority Investors

111

On the strength of minority investor protection index. Protecting minority 189 investors matters for the ability of companies to raise the capital they need to grow, innovate, diversify and compete. Gulf Insider December 2015

Business

Effective regulations define related-party transactions precisely, promote clear and efficient disclosure requirements, require shareholder participation in major decisions of the company and set detailed standards of accountability for company insiders.

Taxes

On the ease of paying taxes. Taxes are essential. The 189 level of tax rates needs to be carefully chosen—and needless complexity in tax rules avoided. Firms in economies that rank better on the ease of paying taxes in the Doing Business study tend to perceive both tax rates and tax administration as less of an obstacle to business according to the World Bank Enterprise Survey research.

Trading Across Borders In 2011, Bahrain made it easier to trade by building a modern new 189 port, improving the electronic data interchange system and introducing risk-based inspections. In today’s globalized world, making trade between economies easier is increasingly important for business. Excessive document requirements, burdensome customs procedures, inefficient port operations and inadequate infrastructure all lead to extra costs and delays for exporters and importers, stifling trade potential.

Contracts

101

On the ease of enforcing contracts. Effective commercial 189 dispute resolution has many benefits. Courts are essential for entrepreneurs because they interpret the rules of the market and protect economic rights. Efficient and transparent courts encourage new business relationships because businesses know they can rely on the courts if a new customer fails to pay. Speedy trials are essential for 24

Gulf Insider December 2015

Bahrain received a global ranking of 65, coming second in the region after the UAE, with a rank of 31. small enterprises, which may lack the resources to stay in business while awaiting the outcome of a long court dispute.

Insolvency

On the ease of resolving insolvency. A robust bankruptcy system 189 functions as a filter, ensuring the survival of economically efficient companies and reallocating the resources of inefficient ones. Fast and cheap insolvency proceedings result in the speedy return of businesses to normal operation and increase returns to creditors. By clarifying the expectations of creditors and debtors about the outcome of insolvency proceedings, well-functioning insolvency systems can facilitate access to finance, save more viable businesses and sustainably grow the economy.

Labor Market Regulation Bahrain reduced the cumulative duration of

maximum fixed-term

contracts, made third-party notification mandatory for redundancy dismissals and increased paid annual leave. Employment laws are needed to protect workers from arbitrary or unfair treatment and to ensure efficient contracting between employers and workers. Many economies that changed their labor market regulation in the past 5 years did so in ways that increased labor market flexibility.

Conclusion A quick look at the list of economies at the top of the ease of doing business ranking reveals that the best 30 performers are not those with little regulation but those with good rules that allow efficient and transparent functioning of businesses and markets while protecting the public interest. Economies that have efficient regulatory processes as measured by Doing Business have high regulatory quality. Those that rank high on Doing Business indicators tend to perform well in other international data sets, such as the Global Competitiveness Index and Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

Economy Profile 2016 – Bahrain. Doing Business 2016 is the 13th in a series of annual reports investigating the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. (A World Bank Group Flagship Report.)

Finance

Economic Insight Middle East Q4, 2015

Nina Skero, ICAEW’s economic adviser and Economist at Cebr, says Middle East growth still solid and better prepared to handle new situations and challenges.

peaking at a special briefing session held at the Gulf Hotel, Skero launched the ICAEW’s latest Economic Insight report and shared key details on the game-changing global events of 2015 and how they impact the regional outlook. The report suggests that despite a number of uncertainties in the global economic landscape, the GCC+5 countries are better placed than many other parts of the world to face these changes and should continue on a strong, if slightly altered, growth path.

Lower Oil Prices Across the Middle East, governments have publicly stated that their economic growth plans will not be compromised by lower oil prices because a combination of diversification and fiscal reserve utilization will allow them to cover existing spending obligations. Numerous governments have already started the process of pulling back on subsidies. “Cutting subsidies and government backed projects isn’t a popular measure, but it’s necessary,” Skero explained. Speaking about Bahrain in particular, she called for a means-tested subsidies reform instead of compensation for nationals across all income brackets. The report suggests if the transition of public spending reforms is handled in a timely and gradual manner, strong economic growth across the Middle East should continue.

To Peg or Not to Peg Out of 11 GCC+5 countries, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan and Lebanon are pegged to the US dollar. As such, when the US Federal Reserve raises interest rates, by early 2016, an impact on countries across the Middle East can be expected. Since the US lowered its interest rates to almost zero seven years ago, emerging markets have relied on cheap financing options to fuel economic growth. However, the GCC countries benefit from large sovereign wealth funds and trade surpluses, which minimizes their dependence on external financing and are therefore, better able to withstand monetary policy tightening in the US. But due to the currency pegs, large interest rate gaps with the US leave the GCC countries vulnerable to destabilizing 26

Gulf Insider December 2015

Finance

capital flows. Unfortunately, raising interest rates at a time when economic growth is already being dragged down by lower oil prices is not ideal. The GCC countries will want to take advantage of greater exchange rate flexibility in the medium and long term. They can follow the Kuwait route and establish a peg to a basket of currencies, thereby reducing fluctuations. They can also establish a common regional currency that oil prices and revenues could be denominated in – however this involves a lot of cross-country challenges, or lastly, let currencies float. However, the latter complicates oil pricing which is linked to US dollars, therefore, an unlikely scenario.

Slowdown in China will affect GCC Being the world’s second largest economy, China’s domestic developments have a great bearing on the rest of the world. In 2013, nearly 12% of Middle Eastern exports were sold to China; a large portion being oil. Asia has become an increasingly important destination for the region’s commodity exports, especially as import demand in the US has slowed down due to better domestic production the report states. China and the rest of Asia are also important markets for the GCC+5’s nonoil exports. China is the second largest market for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports such as plastics. However in January, these exports were 23% lower than in the same month a year earlier. Several GCC countries and numerous businesses have been in the process of diversifying their investments by shifting their focus eastward. In April, Qatar opened the region’s first centre for clearing Yuan-denominated transactions with the aim of boosting economic links between China and the Middle East. But, in light of the Chinese slowdown, there may be less appetite among local governments and businesses to establish or deepen links with the country. Skero affirmed that they expect the Chinese economy to slow down, and not come to a screeching halt. Therefore, as the report suggests too, establishing closer ties with the Far East is a viable

economic growth strategy for the Middle East, if practiced with caution.

Will Lifting Iran’s Sanctions Create Opportunities? In July, Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent UN Security Council members, plus Germany) reached a deal which sets out how Iran will limit its nuclear capacity in exchange for a relaxation and eventual lifting of international economic sanctions. “Iran opens a door of opportunities for the GCC, exposing the region to a massive consumer pool. However, there are varied levels of enthusiasm from some countries, such as Saudi Arabia,” Skero pointed out. Due to the region’s diversity

against Iran will be lifted. For example, the US will maintain sanctions relating to Iran’s alleged involvement with terrorism and human rights violations. This means that many firms will still have only a limited capacity to work with the country.

Steering around Risks Skero noted that many countries are taking numerous steps to adjust its economy in preparation for a prolonged period of lower oil prices. Saudi Arabia opening the stock market to nonnationals in June, the UAE’s continuous investment in infrastructure projects and non-oil sectors and Qatar’s substantial investment in rail network improvements and reservoir construction are some examples stated in the report.

“If the transition of public spending reforms is handled in a timely and gradual manner, strong economic growth across the Middle East should continue.” and at times, complex intraregional relations, not all countries have greeted the nuclear deal with the same dose of enthusiasm, the report suggests. While various nations can benefit from a trade boost as a major market opens up on their doorstep, oil exporters may feel the added pressure of another supplier entering the market. This boost in supply will further intensify the need for the public spending reviews described in detail at the start of this report. Those firms that do consider entering the Iranian market should keep in mind that, even with sanctions relief, it will probably take time for the country to adjust to an increase in international business activity. Additionally, not all levels of sanctions

Despite the many factors that may influence the Middle East’s economy, Skero is certain the region can navigate around the current challenges given its strong growth record and opportunity to learn from the past economic slowdowns and reforms in other parts of the world.

Cebr - The Centre for Economics and Business Research is an independent consultancy with a reputation for sound business advice based on thorough and insightful analysis. ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organization that promotes, develops and supports over 144,000 chartered accountants worldwide.

Gulf Insider December 2015

Property

Multinationals Return to

Bahrain Real Estate Market Report indicates return of this important occupier group to the office market is a result of widespread re-emergence of social stability across Bahrain.

nternational real estate consultancy, Cluttons, has welcomed the resumption in activity from multinationals in Bahrain. In general, about 25% of all shell and core space requirements stem from the oil and gas sector, with multinational organizations accounting for a further quarter of demand. According to the report, resumption in activity from the multinational cohort comes after a lengthy period of inactivity from this important occupier group and is a direct result of the widespread return of social stability across the Kingdom, which has boosted confidence levels and in turn, helping to support residential property demand. The biggest office occupier group by far remains small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who account for almost half of all activity in general. The country’s appeal has also been boosted by being voted as the fourth best country for expats to live world-wide, and the top destination among Gulf Countries by HSBC bank.

Gulf Insider December 2015

COMMERCIAL MARKET - Growth spurt for some office rents

Office market - Stability hinged

Rents across Manama’s main office submarkets have been relatively stable for the past 12 months, however in some submarkets such as Al Seef, rents for fitted shell and core space have crept up over the last three quarters from BD4.5 and BD5.5 psm, to between BD5.5 and BD6 psm, suggesting that the market may have bottomed out. The report shows that retail market penetration continues to rise, with developers keen to introduce retail schemes designed to offer everyday conveniences such as gyms, supermarkets, cafés and pharmacies. The market also continues to witness strong growth in the appetite for space with activity particularly buoyant to the north east of Manama. Previously undeserved residential submarkets are now seeing a slew of retail developments.

The ability of the office market to sustain the slight turn around seen so far this year very much depends on how the global economic story plays out. With challenges ahead for China and the EU and commodity prices not expected to stage a comeback in the near term, the global economy is now expected to grow by a downwardly revised 3.1% according to the latest IMF forecasts. This is likely to filter through to Bahrain’s economy in the form of reduced business activity from the multinational segment and perhaps even a period of consolidation of space, which we are already seeing in the hydrocarbon sector. Overall, the performance of the retail sector has remained ahead of expectations. With consumer demand showing no signs of weakening, the growth prospects remain bright, particularly as new residential communities continue to emerge, which

on global economy

Property

will drive the need for further localised retail offerings.

RESIDENTIAL MARKET - Average

rents stagnate

In the residential market, average rents in Bahrain’s prime residential areas dipped by a marginal 0.1% during Q3 2015, after growing for three consecutive quarters. While apartments were solely responsible for the slight decline in average residential rents, the fall was confined to Al Seef. Despite this, yearon-year rents in Al Seef are 2.4% up on Q3 2014. The latest change does however leave the overall annual growth rate in residential rents at 6.7%, slightly down from the 6.9% recorded at the end of the second quarter. On the apartment front, Reef Island retained its position as Bahrain’s most expensive submarket, with one-bedroom apartments letting for about BD 700 per month, while three bedroom apartments on average let for BD 1,300 per month during Q3. By contrast, average monthly rents for one bedroom apartments on Amwaj Islands stood at BD 500 and rose to BD 900 for three-bedroom apartments, positioning it as one of the more affordable prime apartment submarkets in Bahrain. Villas on the other hand on Amwaj

Islands held their position as the Kingdom’s most expensive, with fourbedroom villas topping out at BD 1,500 per month. The 6.3% rise in rents here over the past 12 months underscores the area’s increased desirability amongst Bahrain’s expat families. Furthermore, Amwaj Islands’ proximity to Bahrain International Airport, emerging shopping and retail areas such as Dragon City and The Lagoon, combined with the family oriented community feel, have meant that demand has continued to outstrip supply.

Residential capital values slip In the sales market, average residential

The report shows that retail market penetration continues to rise, with developers keen to introduce retail schemes designed to offer everyday conveniences.

capital values in Bahrain’s prime residential submarkets slipped by 0.7% during the third quarter, following the 4.6% drop in Q2. The latest change now means that values have, on average, fallen by 5.3% during the first three quarters of 2015.

Weakening residential market outlook Despite the relative stability in the lettings market, the long sustained period of low oil prices is likely to start impacting overall business activity. In the first instance, as with other oil based economies, underlying market confidence in Bahrain is expected to weaken as organizations, particularly those in the hydrocarbon sector, consolidate activity and reduce head count. This behavior will of course be preparation for a longer than expected period of low oil prices, despite the record high government spending levels. What this means for the Kingdom’s property demand is a slowing in the rate of job creation and therefore a reduction in the rate of household creation, a phase we have already entered.

Cluttons’s Bahrain 2015/16 Property Market Outlook

Winter

Photography: Arif Feroze

Gulf Insider December 2015

Telecoms

Kalaam Telecom Celebrates 10 Years

Gulf Insider asked Chairman Nezar Al Saie how the telecom company grew into becoming the Kingdom’s second largest Internet Service Provider.

alaam Telecom offers voice and data services to the corporate, retail and residential sector, with a majority of their revenue coming from more than 4000 large to medium organizations in the corporate industry including banks, insurance companies, hotels and family businesses. “Because we focus on a limited number of corporate clients, we can pay better attention to developing innovative ways to serve our customers quickly and with the best quality of service,” Mr. Al Saie explained. Following the liberalization of Bahrain’s telecom sector in 2005, Al Saie, a banker and entrepreneur by profession, seized the opportunity by launching Kalaam with his Saudi partner the Shoaibi family, becoming one of the first companies to apply for a voice calls’ license. Three years later as regulations opened up, Kalaam ventured into the data sector. “We became a profitable company by 2011. However, the most crucial milestone that propelled us was the

Gulf Insider December 2015

Data is generating a bulk of revenue with the advancement of wireless technology known as LTE or 4G. acquisition of Lightspeed Telecom in 2014, doubling the size of our corporate customers.” Kalaam currently holds licenses for domestic and international voice calls, internet and wireless services and value added services such as pre-paid calling cards. Mr. Al Saie explained that since telecommunications technology advances quickly and requires less equipment, Kalaam doesn’t have much deadweight and overhead costs, helping them maintain competitive prices. “For example, a server would have taken up

half the space of my office ten years ago, that dimension has now decreased to the size of a laptop,” he illustrated. Data is generating a bulk of revenue with the advancement of wireless technology known as LTE or 4G, drastically increasing data speed and reliability over the last decade. This sector is particularly important to Kalaam which has established a wireless infrastructure by placing transmitters on high rise buildings, basically creating an invisible web of connections, as compared to traditional copper wires and fiber optics running through the ground. Kalaam also prides itself in providing cost-efficient, industry-based solutions to their clients in hospitality, education and finance. “We understand their language and needs,” Mr. Al Saie noted. He commended the quality of Kalaam’s workforce, the healthy environment and their fostered teamwork in helping the company stay ahead in their game. Initially, coming into a new industry, Mr. Al Saie’s biggest challenge was recruiting a competent and professional management. “We made mistakes that cost us. It took time to settle, but we survived. The market was good, so we still made money.” He mentioned that although Bahrain was one of the first countries in the Gulf to open its telecom market and remains the most liberal, one area stills need more improvement. “I know the government plans to roll out fiber optics since we don’t have a reach everywhere, but we need to move more quickly. It’s of national and strategic importance to our various industries, similar to having roads and highways,” Mr. Al Saie said. He also highlighted the over-abundance of ISPs for such a small market, “I think the existing three mobile operators are enough for Bahrain, but we don’t need more than three ISPs. However, market forces will dictate the over-carded telecom sector with time.” With regards to the current economic climate, Mr. Al Saie noted that in order to cut costs, many organizations sector will be looking for cost-efficient and effective telecom services. “This gives us a great opportunity to target and grow in the government and private sector,” he mentioned.

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STC Group CEO, Dr. Khaled Al Biyari with VIVA Bahrain team

VIVA Bahrain Celebrates success

s one of the fastest growing operators in the Middle East, VIVA Bahrain welcomed STC Group CEO, Dr. Khaled Al Biyari to celebrate its success to date. Within five years of operations, VIVA has experienced phenomenal growth which has been achieved with the full support of STC’s state-of-the-art global telecommunications infrastructure. Marking his first official visit to the Kingdom, following his appointment earlier this year, Dr. Khaled Al Biyari was welcomed by the management and staff of VIVA Bahrain to its headquarters in Seef. As part of his visit, he toured VIVA’s Call Centre, its Network Operating Center and VIVA’s flagship store in Bahrain City Center. Dr. Al Biyari’s visit was complemented by a special gathering hosted for VIVA employees to celebrate

the milestones achieved to date. At the staff event, Dr. Al Biyari highlighted the way in which VIVA has positively impacted the telecommunications

market and has been at the forefront of technology innovation since its launch.

Eng.Ulaiyan Al Wetaid,V IVA Bahrain CEO, Dr. Khaled Al Biyari, STC Group CEO & Eng. Abdulla Al Zmame, Chairman Board of Directors, VIVA Bahrain.

VIVA enhances partnership with KHUH

IVA Business continues its cooperation with King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) and expands its dedicated highspeed Internet to 100Mb. This enhancement ensures a faster and smoother flow of online information between various health entities and allows KHUH to access vital information and data to improve patients’ experience. Complying with KHUH’s green initiative and eco-friendly objectives, VIVA Business newly implemented Internet speed will actively assist in

Gulf Insider December 2015

replacing paper waste with faster and more reliable internal and external online communications. VIVA’s pioneering improvement will additionally support KHUH and related health entities to stay ahead of the technology curve by providing best-in-class global ICT solutions. The higher speed Internet access will further maximize the efficiency of Bahrain’s health system and end-to-end patient experience on the Kingdom’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network.

Major General. (Dr.) Salman bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa, Commander of King Hamad University Hospital and Eng. Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, VIVA CEO.

Affairs

Manama Dialogue 2015 Organized annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Manama Dialogue provides a unique forum made up of governmental delegations from over 20 countries to exchange views on regional security challenges.

he heavy security at the gate, distinguished black VIP cars continuously streaming in, a packed car-park and the crowded hotel lobby was an overwhelming sight. However, the hustle-bustle atmosphere at the 11th Manama Dialogue organized by IISS was an indication of just how significant this event is not just to the Kingdom of Bahrain and its neighbours, but also the many outside powers with security interests in the Gulf. UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Philip Hammond , Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence

Gulf Insider December 2015

“Arab regimes cannot stay as they are and protect themselves through a policy of retreating inward.” Dr Ursula von der Leyen, , Riyadh Yaseen Minister of Foreign Affairs - Yemen and Antony Blinken Deputy Secretary of

State, US are just a few of the many prominent officials who were at the dialogue this year. Spanned over three days, this year’s dialogue began with a keynote address by Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Following sessions highlighted key issues of conflict and coalitions in the Middle East, challenges of extremism, political Islam, stabilization of weak states and the future of the region. During the final plenary session, Nohad Machnouk, Lebanon’s Minister of the Interior and Municipalities, asked the regional powers to look at Beirut as a model that has hosted Palestinian refugees since 1948 and simultaneously tried to control infiltration of terrorism. “Arab regimes cannot stay as they are and protect themselves through a policy of retreating inward. We must abandon the idea of working unilaterally and clinging to individual decisions,” he stressed, “We need to create a solid nucleus based not on daily or circumstantial alliances, but on strategic alliances.”

Affairs

Dr John Chipman, Director General and Chief Executive IISS, explained that a number of countries appeared to be content with political or military projects of containment, only to discover that the strategies of containment that they had put forward were not unsuccessful. “This has caused immediate travails in the region with an extraordinary displacement of people into neighbouring countries and has resulted in an unprecedented refugee crisis in Europe,” he said. He agreed with Germany’s Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen’s stance on the importance of developing partnerships that are focused not just on the containment of conflict but also on the early resolution of conflict, so that societies, their neighbours and those further afield do

disaster,” he said. Blunt addressed that although there are countries who are welcoming towards the influx of Syrian refugees and other conflict states, their response is commendable through a human perspective, but definitely not strategic. He went on to mention that though Germany has responded by inviting migrants to settle in the country; “Their policy response is entirely understandable in human terms, but of course entirely wrong because there are now millions of other people who want to try their luck, because they have been given a huge incentive to do so,” he remarked. Diplomats from various host countries highlighted they are not receiving enough help from the international community.

half of them are children and youth. Lastly, Hee-seog Kwon representing the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged monitoring the education and mental well-being of Syrian refugee youth after migration, since they are carriers of conflict and are vulnerable to brain wash. He reminded the audience of the 1979 Soviet invasion when millions of Afghan refugees made their way to Pakistan. Afghan teenagers went on to attend madrassas, where so called religious scholars took advantage of their susceptible psychological state and disseminated brainwashing, extremist ideologies, turning a generation into Taliban fighters. This diaspora perpetuated the Afghan conflict, instead of managing it within borders.

Syria crisis: Fast facts 12 million Syrians have fled their homes due to conflict; half are children.  4 million Syrians are refugees; most are in Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan.  Children affected by the Syrian conflict are at risk of becoming ill, malnourished, abused, or exploited. Millions have been forced to quit school.  More than 700,000 Syrian refugees and other migrants risked their lives this year to travel to Europe. 

not suffer exceedingly. Crispin Blunt, UK’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee called on the great powers of the region, namely Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to become a P4 for the region. “If you continue to leave a vacuum of decently coordinated regional policy between the regional powers, don’t be surprised if the policymakers of the P5 continue to make mistakes, sometimes catastrophic, because their attention is constantly being dragged elsewhere,” he said, indicating the involvement of the West. “The first place of safety for people fleeing a conflict are the neighbouring states, and they should have been assisted properly by the international community to look after the displaced people. The cost should have fallen on the whole of the international community; Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon have every reason to demand that the world helps them manage this human

They insisted that apart from inviting and supporting the migrants, it is crucial that safe zones are established within Syria since host countries have their own people to look after. “There are 1.4 million Syrian refugees in Jordan; this affects finance, education, health and definitely security and labour, and our meagre water resources. One out of five people on Jordanian territory is a Syrian. 78% of costs are borne by the Jordanian government,” Muhammad Ali Siraj, the Jordan Ambassador to Bahrain said for example. Similarly the Turkish Ambassador Hatun Demirer stressed that the international community should also be focusing on creating safe zones in Syria. “I am afraid there will not be any Syrian living in Syria, there will be not be no need for political solution for anything at A boat carrying refugees and all, because all the Syrians will be out of a rescue theirmigrants, country,”seen she from forecasted. Turkey is vesselhosting in June 2.2 2014. currently million refugees, (Italian Navy/Massimo Sestini)

www.worldvision.org

What is the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) – Middle East? 



The Manama office serves as a base for the Institute’s many research programmes and activities throughout the region. It acts as a link to IISS initiatives in Europe, North America and Asia. Headquartered in London, IISS is the leading authority on global security: facts, analysis, influence.

Gulf Insider December 2015

Affairs

The Region’s First

Knowledge Management Conference Can Knowledge Management help organizations face problems such as the loss of experts, rapidly changing technologies, changes in oil prices, and gaps in scientific expertise?

PQC, a global leader in knowledge management (KM), in partnership with Projacs Academy, a business training and development company in the Middle East, brought the first KM Conference from the U.S. to Dubai last month. “There is a growing realization by leading organizations in the Middle East of the real value knowledge management provides,” shares Dr. Carla O’Dell, APQC CEO. Speakers explained how organizations from any industry can benefit by applying KM and bring the region to new levels of innovation and productivity. Through workshops and keynote presentations, the 2015 APQC MENA Knowledge Management Conference provided attendees an understanding of what knowledge management is, why KM is good business, how to build a business case for KM and how KM supports an organization’s core processes. Keynote speaker Ed Hoffman, Chief Knowledge Office at NASA explained that Knowledge Management is important in a world where workloads rely on different people, probably globally and with a complexity that can lead things to go wrong. “It is about managing the know-how of how to be more effective in the work we do; it includes the ability to collaborate, use technologies and digitals to help find answers to issues and to bring people together in solving those problems and share the innovation,” he said. In supporting the core processes of an organization, knowledge management is applied to look at the larger system, to

Gulf Insider December 2015

learn lessons from that system and be able to more effectively learn how to get better in the projects and missions we’re doing. “Some of the key aspects of KM also include being able to use approaches that build the ability to converse and to have collaboration that are leveraging tools or technologies that help us come together more effectively. It is really about accessing what the work force or leader sees as key challenges and to identify that to move forward,” Hoffman continued. He believes organizations in the Middle East can benefit from KM, especially where there is a need to learn, to improve and to be able to use information technologies to access information and solve problems. “There is a natural tendency to focus on our own work areas. If you look at a project, it has engineering, business management, projects, and safety. There is a natural tendency for people to focus more on their own area. KM helps people work across those lines, to tap integrated solutions and collaborate. Sometimes people feel that it is better for them to hold on to their own knowledge; they don’t want to share it because maybe they feel that it will help them in their career.” Speaking of his own role as Chief Knowledge Officer, Hoffman illustrated how is job requires him to understand what his workforce sees as the things that make the organization effective, and what are the things that get in the way. “I try to be a catalyst for energy and new ideas, and new initiatives; I try to be a facilitator of pulling the community together,” he concluded.

Ed Hoffman, NASA Knowledge is what employees know about their customers, each other, products, processes, mistakes, and successes, whether that knowledge is tacit or explicit. Knowledge management is a systematic effort that enables information and knowledge to grow, flow, and create value. Organizations implement KM programs to institutionalize and promote knowledge-sharing practices.

APQC’s roots in knowledge management date back to 1993, when Dr. O’Dell helped found it as a business discipline. Over the last 30 years, APQC has helped hundreds of companies worldwide establish and grow KM practices.

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News

GULF ROUNDUP news around the GCC and beyond

life in the gulf

Dubai taxi fares increased by 5% This is the second increase in taxi tariffs in Dubai in the last 12 months. In December last year, the RTA hiked taxi flag-down charges from Dhs 3 to Dhs 5 during peak hours, the flag-down rate of orders from the booking and dispatch center were also increased from Dhs 6 to Dhs 8 during off-peak hours and from Dhs 10 to Dhs 12 during peak hours. The RTA said Dubai’s taxi fares are the cheapest when compared to rates in other global cities such as London, New York and Amsterdam. The cost of living in Dubai is steadily rising even as the emirate starts preparing to host Expo 2020. Dubai ranked as the 23rd most expensive city worldwide to live in, according to a recent survey by research firm Mercer. – Gulf Business

Gulf Insider December 2015

Bahrain’s jobless rate kept at 3.1% Bahrain registered unemployment stood at 3.1% by the end of the third quarter (compared with 3.6% in September 2014). Unemployment has dropped from 3.3 to 3.1% from June to September as a result of the substantial decrease in the number of jobless, on the one hand, and the steady increase in hiring, on the other. Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan said that Bahrain has a strong vital economy capable of creating attractive job opportunities for its citizens. He said Bahrain has maintained the rate of unemployment within internationally familiar safe low limits. – Khaleej Times

Expat subsidy cuts agreement in Bahrain ‘imminent’ Negotiations are underway between Bahrain’s MPs and the government to scrap electricity and water subsidies for expatriates and big businesses. Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Adel Al Asoomi, who also chairs the special sub-committee formed to study subsidy cuts, revealed that an initial agreement had been reached with Energy Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza during a closed meeting recently held at the National Assembly Complex. – Trade Arabia

News

Shisha obsession destroys Somali forests

Doha Metro to reach 50% completion by next year More than 61km of tunnels have been completed, with 37 stations currently under construction at the multi-billion dollar Doha Metro project, according to Qatar Railways Company. It said the project has more than 27,000 work force on site, adding that tunneling for the Lusail light rail system is 100 percent completed. The company said in a statement that among next year’s milestones will be the completion of all the tunneling on the Metro and overall project completion hitting 50 percent. – Arabian Business

Sharjah to host its first shopping festival

Somalia has blamed Saudi Arabia for contributing to the decline of 90% of the forests that once covered the country. In an official report, submitted to the United Nations, the African country has alleged that one of the main reasons for deforestation is cutting of trees, particularly the mahogany species, to meet the charcoal demand of hookah or shisha smokers in the Kingdom. The report, which comes ahead of the conference on climate change to be held in Paris, says that only 10.5% of Somalia’s dense forests remain — a very different situation from what existed prior to the outbreak of the civil war in that country in the 1980s. The report indicates that charcoal is exported in enormous quantities to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to be used for shisha. – Arab News

The first edition of Sharjah Shopping Festival will be held from March 3 to 19, 2016 at the Expo Centre in the emirate and will be held across 17 days in March, about a month after the end of Dubai Shopping Festival. The festival will offer discount sales, various entertainment activities and will also have themed pavilions and lucky draws and prizes. Sharjah Expo Centre will be the venue and the organizers are hoping that they can rope in about 200 to 300 traders to participate in the festival. – Emirates 24/7

Egypt to control prices of commodities Egypt will control the prices of 10 essential commodities, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office has said, as the country tries to keep inflation in check amid a shortage of foreign currency. The list includes livestock and frozen meat, poultry, fish, oils, sugar, rice, beans, corn, soybean and wheat. The statement did not specify what measures would be taken to keep prices under control. It follows a speech this month by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi promising greater state intervention in curbing price rises. Egypt’s annual consumer inflation rose to 9.7% in October, from 9.2% in September. – Zawya

Gulf Insider December 2015

News

Tamkeen Partners with “Emirates Foundation” for Youth Entrepreneurship Competition In-line with its efforts to support individuals across all stages of development, Tamkeen partnered with the Emirates Foundation as part of the Awards for Arabian Gulf Youth regional entrepreneurship held recently in Abu Dhabi. Tamkeen’s Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Amal Kooheji, joined a regional panel of judges in this year’s edition of the competition. For its efforts in joining the initiative, Tamkeen was awarded in recognition for its one year partnership with the Foundation. A number of regional institutions and partners from around the GCC also attended in support of this youth initiative. The partnership with the foundation comes as part of Tamkeen’s various initiatives to prepare the youth for the labour market and instill a spirit of entrepreneurship that allows them to grow and become productive individuals in the economy.

Bahrain Shopping Festival Announces 2015 Dates The second edition of Bahrain Shopping Festival, ‘Shop Bahrain’, is set to be the biggest nationwide festival with a unique 30-day celebration of Bahrain’s heritage, hospitality and tourism offering for the entire family running from December 24th 2015 until 23rd January 2016. Shop Bahrain will mirror the Kingdom’s position as a welcoming, accessible, family destination with an incredibly diverse range of retail experiences from luxury malls to traditional souks to luxury boutiques coupled with unbeatable bargains and promotions. The events includes ‘VIVA Shop & Skate’ the largest outdoor skating rink housed outside Al A’ali Shopping Complex and ‘The Family Fair’ an exciting carnival held during the New Year’s Eve Weekend at Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park in Hidd. Other highlights include the return of Al Riwaq’s ‘The Nest’, showcasing local and regional talent, in addition to ‘The Taste Tour’ taking place in the center of it all - Adliya. Mega raffles will also offer visitors and residents the opportunity to win big and amazing prizes.

GCC expats sent home $80 billion

Amal Kooheji

Gulf Insider December 2015

According to a labour expert, foreigners working in the GCC sent home $80 billion last year. Cash transferred from the GCC accounted for onefifth of remittances to developing countries, said International Organisation for Migration (IOM) labour mobility and human development division head Laurent DeBoeck during a forum held in Bahrain. The forum focuses on tackling corruption and exploitation in manpower recruitment. – Gulf Daily News

Travel

10 Things

You Didn’t Know about Ras Al Khaimah Just a 45-minute drive from the fast-paced city of Dubai is the culturally rich emirate of Ras Al Khaimah…Offering an authentic insight into Arabian traditions and heritage, packed full of fun activities with something for everyone.

1 2

The Arabic name ‘Ras Al Khaimah’ means ‘top of the tent’, referring to its location in the Northernmost part of the UAE. Ahmad Bin Majid was an Arab navigator and cartographer born in 1421 in Ras Al Khaimah. He is known as the first Arab seaman and became famous in the West as the navigator who helped Vasco da Gama find his way from Africa to India.

Ras Al Khaimah is home to the highest mountain in the UAE. Standing tall at 1,910 meters, Jebel Jais is ideal for both mountain climbing and mountain biking with impressive views from the summit.

Al Wahabiyyah is one of the oldest art forms in Ras Al

Khaimah and is unique to this emirate. This folkdance is usually performed on special occasions, feast days and at wedding parties.

5 6

The emirate is home to one of the top date farms in the UAE, offering no less than 18 different types of dates.

The historical fishing village of Al Jazirat Al Hamra, sitting just outside Ras Al Khaimah city, features traditional coral-block architecture and is now a reminder of life before the oil boom.

Ras Al Khaimah boasts 62 kilometers of white sandy beaches, with clear blue water and watersports aplenty from banana boat rides and body boarding to wakeboarding and windsurfing.

The Ras Al Khaimah National Museum features traditional weapons, which belong to the ruling family as well as archaeological displays illustrating the earliest settlers in the area.

Ras Al Khaimah has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age, which makes it one of the few places in the world that has been continuously lived in for over 7,000 years.

There are 18 historic fortifications, castles and towers still standing in Ras Al Khaimah.

To learn more about Ras Al Khaimah and its activities visit: www.rasalkahimahtourism.com

Gulf Insider December 2015

Travel

Emirates new Airbus A380 Has a record 615 seats (after ripping out First Class)

mirates have reconfigured its new Airbus A380-800 planes to hold the most seats ever for an airliner. Already the world’s largest passenger plane, the new two-class A380 will hold a staggering 615 passengers in business and economy –

but travelers will not lose any legroom inside Emirates’ overhauled cabin, which has made room for 130 additional economy seats, or 13 rows with 10 seats in each, by scrapping the spacious first class cabin and trimming 18 flat-bed seats from business class. Unveiled at the Dubai Airshow last

month, Emirates’ two-class A380 has 557 seats in economy and 58 seats and a lounge in business – carrying enough passengers to rival the population of a small village. The two-class planes will carry about 100 more passengers than the existing three-class fleet. Emirates sets a record with a Superjumbo Jet that holds 615 passengers The luxury carrier’s new two-class A380 carries nearly 100 more passengers than its largest threeclass configured plane.  Two-class A380 (business and economy)  Total passengers: 615  Business class: 58  Economy class: 557  Three-class A380 (first, business and economy)  Total passengers: 517  First class: 14  Business class: 76  Economy class: 427

In the two-class configuration, Emirates’ Airbus A380 planes will carry 58 passengers in business class, which offers lie-flat seats 42

Gulf Insider December 2015

Source: SeatGuru.com

Travel Battle of the Superjumbo Jets: The world’s largest passenger planes 1. Airbus A380-800 (Capacity of 525 passengers) 2. Boeing 747-8I (467 passengers) 3. Boeing 747-400 (416 passengers) 4. Airbus A340-600 (350 passengers) 5. Airbus A350-900 (325 passengers) 6. Boeing 777-300 (314 passengers) 7. Boeing 777-200 (280 passengers) 8. Airbus A333-300 (277 passengers) 9. Airbus A340-300 (267 passengers) 10. Airbus A340-500 (240 passengers)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum (middle), the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Dubai, greets a flight attendant while touring Emirates’ new Airbus A380 during the Dubai Airshow The website said the seat pitch (the space between the back of one seat and the back of the seat behind it) will remain 32-34in and the width will be slightly smaller at 17.5in – half an inch less than Emirates’ three-class A380s, which have fewer economy seats. Emirates’ existing A380s have two different configurations with three

classes – first, business and economy – seating 489 or 517 passengers. If an airline decided to scrap first and business classes and convert an entire A380-800 into an economy-class only configuration, it could hold 853 passengers. While it may be ‘cattle class’, Emirates’ economy cabin is among the best in the

Emirates’ business class lounge is stocked with premium spirits, exclusive wines, Champagne, cocktails, beer and non-alcoholic drinks

* Based on a typical three-class seating configuration (first, business and economy)

industry, taking seventh place in this year’s Skytrax World Airline Awards. One of its biggest perks is an in-flight entertainment system that has been named the world’s best for a record 11 consecutive years. It has more than 500 films on offer, and it displays incredible scenes from on-board cameras that show the pilots’ view or the ground below, said Emirates. Emirates’ first two-class A380 was delivered to the Dubai Airshow straight from Airbus’ plant in Hamburg, Germany early last month. Visitors were among the first to get a look inside the double-decker, although they didn’t have the luxury of leaving the ground. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid alMaktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Dubai, spent time touring the superjumbo jet and meeting Emirates staff. Emirates was the first airline to order the original A380 and is the largest operator of the aircraft, carrying almost 47 million passengers since the revolutionary aircraft was introduced to its fleet in 2008. It has 68 of the airliners in its fleet with 72 more on order, flying to 34 destinations from Dubai, including London, New York and Sydney. Gulf Insider December 2015

Life

o. N e l i f o r P Insider

Faeq Alolaiwat Chief Executive and Creative Officer of DaDeDo, and one of Bahrain’s leading public intellectuals on design innovation.

hy ‘DaDeDo’ - what does it stand for? We used to be called ‘Do’, an acronym for DarOtakwin. Reinforcing our brave and fluid agency culture, we decided that to “Do” is not enough, “let’s DaDeDo!” It’s a universal lyrical name that describes the creative frontier where no one has gone before.

Can you mention one of the first projects you were assigned when you started work? One of our early milestone projects was a9eel for Tamkeen, the campaign was based entirely on content and entertainment; 3-strip comics instead of ads, animated skits for digital networks, entertaining and engaging activations at malls and a 15-episode sitcom that was voted as the second most watched sitcom on Bahrain TV in Ramadan of 2010. Our agency was transformed into a production studio with actors, directors, comic artists and more. It reinforced the culture of the agency as an innovative content-oriented creative communication agency. Who has been your greatest inspiration in pursuing creative strategy; how do you create a balance between media planning and creative direction? The Kelley brothers of IDEO on the design front, Droga5 in creative and strategy; in agency management, I am indebted to my mentor Mr. Akram Miknas, the founder of FP7. And in entrepreneurship, my role model is who else, but Steve Jobs. Balance comes from delegation and mentoring, it’s not really all about me. I am indebted to a great team, starting with my wife, Zainab Al Hassan, who is also my Chief Operations Officer at work and at home.

Gulf Insider December 2015

What are the most difficult and exciting parts about design innovation? It’s always thrilling to solve problems starting from a blank page, with the intention to design something which nobody has even thought of before, especially in a world where creative revolution is continuous. It’s a huge challenge to create uniqueness and novelty, I enjoy crafting a very basic idea and deriving a unique and powerful concept from it. Is your passion for art and design boosted towards cultural enhancement and improving lives? What’s the point of our personal and organizational growth if it doesn’t contribute to the growth of our community? I am especially motivated by socio-economic projects and public service. We are a young region, which is growing fast in terms of economy and infrastructure. Sometimes, I think the impact of this growth is too much to bear for our culture and environment. This places a great demand on all local innovators, designers and strategists to create macro and micro solutions for modern everyday living and working conditions. What would you consider your biggest achievement? Firstly, my personal growth and continuous improvement, secondly, my two wonderful children Hend and Faisal, whom I believe are already more mature and brilliant than I was at their age. Lastly, creating the first regional agency, DaDeDo, with a Khaleeji DNA. What do you enjoy outside work hours? What is your ideal life goal? Motorcycle riding, scuba diving, photography and music playing are some of my top interests. I am also a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization’ (EO), a global organization that has contributed immensely to my learning, networking and growth. I recommend it for every entrepreneur. My life goal is to live life to the fullest, love and help others and create beautiful, useful things.

Life

7 books

that will train your brain to overachieve

The human brain is the most powerful tool you can possibly possess. Are you training and using your brain to its full potential? These seven books will help you achieve the peak performance you’ll need to compete, today and in the future.

“Curious” The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends On It Author: Ian Leslie 5 Second Summary: Harness your natural curiosity to develop the ability to think more broadly and deeply. Best Quote: “Curious learners go deep, and they go wide. They are the people best equipped for the kind of knowledgerich cognitively challenging work required in industries such as finance or software engineering. They are also the ones most likely to make creative connections between different fields, of the kind that lead to new ideas and the ones best suited to working in multidisciplinary teams. Consequently, they are the ones whose jobs are least likely to be taken by intelligent machines. In a world where technology is rapidly replacing humans even in white-collar jobs, it’s no longer enough to be merely smart. Computers are smart. But no computer, however sophisticated, can yet be said to be curious.” Fun factoid: Your brain stopped growing when you were 18 but continues to make new neurons throughout your life in response to mental activity.

“Think Like a Freak” The Authors of Freakonomics Offer to Retrain Your Brain Authors: Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner 5 Second Summary: A blueprint for coming up with new solutions to old problems, accompanied by amusing examples. Best Quote: “It’s tempting to run with a herd. Even on the most important issues of the day, we often adopt the views of our friends, families, and colleagues. On some level, this makes sense: it is easier to fall in line with what your family and friends think than to find new family and friends! But running with the herd means we are quick to embrace the status quo, slow to change our minds, and happy to delegate our thinking.” Fun factoid: According to one study from theLondon School of Economics and Political Science, liberal atheists have IQs that are six points higher on average than devout conservatives. 46

Gulf Insider December 2015

“Thinking, Fast and Slow” Author: Daniel Kahneman 5 Second Summary: Your success in life depends upon mastering your brain’s two systems, one of which is fast, intuitive and emotional, and the other of which is slow, deliberate, and logical. Best Quote: “When confronted with a problem — choosing a chess move or deciding whether to invest in stock — the machinery of intuitive thought does the best it can. If the individual has relevant expertise, she will recognize the situation, and the intuitive solution that comes were mind is likely to be correct. This is what happens when a chess master looks at a complex position: the few moves that immediately occur to him are all strong. When the question is difficult and a skilled solution is not available, intuition still has a shot: ad answer may come to mind quickly-but it is not an answer to the original question. This is the essence of intuitive heuristics: when faced with a difficult question, we often answer an easier one instead, usually without noticing the substitution.” Fun factoid: The human brain activates (fires) roughly 20,000,000,000,000,000 neurons every second.

Life

“The Power of Habit” Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business Author: Charles Duhigg 5 Second Summary: A guide for using the human tendency towards habitual behavior to positive use.

“A Mind for Numbers” How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra) Author: Barbara Oakley 5 Second Summary: An engineering professor provides alternative and often simple strategies for learning complex subject matter. Best Quote: “Mathematics, as it’s generally taught in American school systems, can be a saintly mother of the subject. It climbs logically and majestically from addition through subtraction multiplication, and division. Then it sweeps up towards the heavens of mathematical beauty. But math can also be a wicked stepmother. She is utterly unforgiving if you happen to miss any steps of the logical sequence-and missing a step is easy to do. All you need is a disruptive family life, a burned-out teacher, or an unlucky extended bout with illness-even a week or two at a critical time can throw you off your game. Or as with the case with me, simply no interest or seeming talent whatsoever.” Fun factoid: Some researchers believe neurons are quantum computers, which means your brain is more powerful than all the digital computers in the world combined.

Best Quote: “In the past decade, our understanding of the neurology and psychology of habits and the way patterns work with in our lives, societies, and organizations has expanded in ways we couldn’t have imagined fifty years ago. We now know why habits emerge, how they change, and the science behind their mechanics. We know how to break them into parts and rebuild them to our specifications. We understand how to make people eat less, exercise more, work more efficiently, and live healthier lives. Transforming a habit isn’t necessarily easy or quick. It isn’t always simple. But it is possible. And now we understand how.” Fun factoid: Your brain uses 20% of the total oxygen in your body and 20% of the blood circulating in your body.

“Moonwalking with Einstein” The Art and Science of Remembering Everything Author: Joshua Foer 5 Second Summary: A journalist is coached by the world’s foremost “mental athletes” on the latest methods for improving memory. Best Quote: “The brain is like a muscle and memory training is a form of mental workout. Over time, like any form of exercise, it’ll make the brain fitter, quicker, and more nimble... But while there is much solid science to back up the dementia-defying effects of an active brain, [the] most hyperbolic claims about the collateral effects of ‘brain exercise’ should inspire a measured dose (at least) of skepticism. Nevertheless, it was hard to argue with the results. I just watched a forty-seven-year-old competitor recite, in order, a list of 100 hundred random words he’d learned a few minutes earlier.” Fun factoid: While awake, your brain generates up to 23 watts of electricity, which is roughly enough energy to power three iPhones.

“The Future of the Mind” The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind Author: Michio Kaku 5 Second Summary: The latest breakthroughs in neuroscience and physics suggest that several science fiction tropes (mind control, telekinesis, etc.) might eventual become realities. Best Quote: “To witness the mystery of our mind, all we have to do is stare at ourselves in the mirror and wonder, What lurks behind our eyes? This raises haunting questions like: Do we have a soul? What happens to us after we die? Who am ‘I’ anyway? And most important, this brings us to the ultimate question: where do we fit into this great cosmic scheme? As the great Victorian biologist Thomas Huxley once said, ‘The question of all questions for humanity, the problem which lies behind all others it is more interesting than any of them, is that of the determination of man’s place in nature and its relation to the Cosmos.’” Fun factoid: The first successful brain surgeries took place during the stone age, roughly around 7,000 B.C. Gulf Insider December 2015

Style WATCH insider

Hublot’s Big Bang Collection

Must Haves Tourbillon Power Reserve 5 Days Full Magic

With its unique “sandwich” multicomponent construction and a mix of traditional and state-of-the-art materials, the Big Bang is nothing short of a modern icon.

Unico Full Magic Gold 48

Gulf Insider December 2015

Style

Unico Haute Joaillerie White Diamonds and Blue Sapphires

Unico Haute Joaillerie Black Diamonds

Unico Haute Joaillerie White Diamonds

Starting Price BD5,000 Find your style at Bahrain Jewellery Centre. Gulf Insider December 2015

Motors

CAR NEWs covering the latest updates from the region

Lexus LX 570 Lexus Bahrain took the wraps off the new 2016 LX 570 last month, unveiling a premium, full-capability three-row luxury utility vehicle that combines the brute strength of a massive V8 with the grace of an eight-speed automatic transmission. As a Lexus first, the LX features an under-floor view that allows the driver to check both conditions under the vehicle and tyre positions while driving off-road.

The Third Generation All-New Tucson The cabin features include a newly designed dashboard featuring an 8” display and extended super vision cluster and new door trims for a sportier feel. For the first time on a Hyundai Motor Company compact SUV, the All-New Tucson introduces a smart powered tailgate that opens at the approach of the key-holder, and a Blind Spot Detection system that monitors the side and rear of the vehicle for approaching vehicles.

Nissan Patrol ‘Desert Edition’ The renowned Nissan Patrol has been made even more capable off-road with the World Premier launch of the Desert Edition – a new model conceptualized and developed in collaboration with the Middle East’s most famous and influential motorsports personality, Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Visually identifiable with special ‘Desert Edition’ and ‘MBS’ badges, this new model is based on the Nissan Patrol LE, powered by Nissan’s powerful 5.6L V8 engine that generates a formidable 400hp and 560Nm of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission that incorporates manual mode and synchronized rev control – a set up that guarantees unmatched driving enjoyment, whatever the terrain. 50

Gulf Insider December 2015

Motors

Jaguar Land Rover Shows Off British Innovation at the Dubai International Motor Show 2015 Jaguar Land Rover revealed its highly anticipated all-new Jaguar F-PACE performance crossover to the MENA region at the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show. The company also unveiled its most powerful and luxurious Range Rover ever, the Range Rover SVAutobiography, adding even more luxury, design sophistication and performance to an enhanced line-up. Jaguar F-PACE - Dynamic five-seat performance crossover that will be available in the regional market from the third quarter of 2016. Range Rover SVAutobiography - Available in duotone, with a 550ps supercharged V8 engine, and hand-finished at SVOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oxford Road facility.

All-New 2016 Lexus RX Luxury Crossover The Lexus RX is available with two engine choices: the RX 350 model comes with a 3.5-litre, V-6 petrol engine mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, while the RX 450h is equipped with a 3.5-litre, V-6 petrol engine and revised hybrid powertrain components.

The First Turbo-Charged Lexus IS200t The first-ever turbo-charged IS200t with a new 2.0-litre petrol turbo-charged engine. This sports sedan delivers 241HP and a top speed of 230 km/h. with its 8-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission originally developed for the RC F. The rear wheel drive IS 200t is the first Lexus sedan to vary gear shifting in accordance to G-forces. Featuring a breakthrough combination of a water-cooled cylinder head, integrated exhaust manifold and twin scroll turbocharger, this all-new Lexus 2.0-litre turbo engine delivers fast throttle response, performance and high torque at low engine revs.

New BMW 7 Series Euro Motors launched the sixth generation BMW 7 Series. The new model also comes armed with two comprehensively revised engines: the 6 cylinder 740iLi and 8 cylinder 750iLi xDrive, with the latter accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and the former offering an impressive 326hp.

Gulf Insider December 2015

Motors

Porsche 918

Meanwhile, in

Dubaiâ&#x20AC;Ś

Porsche 918

Dubai police adds environmentally friendly $1 MILLION Porsche 918 Spyder to its fleet of supercars.

he latest vehicle to join the astonishing police fleet is the most expensive Porsche available, only 918 of the hybrid vehicles were ever manufactured. It will be used to patrol tourist areas. Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, the Dubai Police Chief, said the car will be linked electronically with the command and control centre of Dubai police and shows the forceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to a sustainable environment. Only a few months ago did the Dubai police force add three Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrids to its fleet. The amazing luxury collection already featured a Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Aventador, a Ferrari FF, a Chevrolet Camaro SS, a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a Bentley Continental GT, and a limited edition Aston Martin One-77.

McLaren MP4-12C 52

Gulf Insider December 2015

Images: SWNS.com & CEN

Bentley Continental

Aston Martin One-77

Mercedes SLS Gullwing

Ferrari FF, right, and Lamborghini Aventador, left,

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Motors

Dubai Motor Show 2015

Lincoln Continental

Gulf Insider was at this year’s Middle East car extravaganza, held last month at Dubai’s World Trade Centre - and here’s what most caught our eye...

Mini Countryman

Lexus RX

Jaguar F-Pace Alfa Romeo Giulia 54

Gulf Insider December 2015

Motors

Lamborghini Aventador

Audi RS3

Mercedes-Benz 6500

Bentley SUV

Mercedes-AMG S63

Chevrolet Camaro

Ford GT Porsche 911

Gulf Insider December 2015

Art

Farben Berlins : the Colours of Berlin by Lara Daskalou

An exhibition hosted by the German Ambassador Mr. Alfred Simms-Protz and the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage last month, featuring paintings by the German artist and graphic designer. 56

Gulf Insider December 2015

s the daughter of a German mother and a Greek father who lived and worked abroad, Lara grew up in a multicultural environment spending her childhood and youth in various countries, such as Bulgaria, Japan, Egypt and Greece. She is currently studying at HMKW University, Berlin. Laraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art is strongly inspired by her multicultural influences which are heavily reflected in her paintings. Over

Art

the last four years, she has managed to make a name for herself in the lively and dynamic Berlin art scene. Her latest collections, such as “Farben Berlins (Colours of Berlin)” and “Pulsierende Körper (Pulsating Bodies)” have been widely acclaimed. Her artwork can be described as a mixture of different styles and techniques. Based on graphic studies, she draws mostly with hard outlines combining them with watercolour techniques and perspectival distortion. Her paintings reflect the eternal conflict between clearly structured design and the intense emotion of free art. They assimilate the emotions and events in her everyday life. She calls it “brain yoga”, losing herself in her emotions and just letting go.

Over the last four years, she has managed to make a name for herself in the lively and dynamic Berlin art scene.

Gulf Insider December 2015

Last Word

LAST WORD from our publisher, Nick Cooksey MPs Want to Ban Pork (again)

Stupid Driving

Of all the serious challenges facing Bahrain that MPs could focus their time and energies on, what seems to be getting many hot under the collar at the moment is a desire to ban pork, and to make eating pork a criminal offence. Such a move has been attempted before - and rejected, but MPs are not giving up, hence they are again raising this issue. Fact; nobody is forced to eat pork, it’s an individual’s personal choice. Fortunately the legal spokesman at the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs has stated, in response to the MPs demand, that such a ban would be in clear violation of human rights and had no relation to the Islamic religion.

My biggest complaints about driving in Bahrain concerns lack of ‘road courtesy’, which is a polite term for driver stupidity. Why do so many drivers clog up the overtaking lanes at slow speeds? And in traffic jams, why do so many drivers not leave spaces so drivers entering the traffic from another road can move past them to turn left or right? Are they not aware that they are clogging up the traffic with no benefit to anyone?

Bahrain has a well-deserved reputation as a place where people respect each other and believe in the right to live and let live. I hope that will never change.

Chicken Surprise

Meeting Steve Maxwell Last month I spent an interesting weekend learning the art of kettlebells with Steve Maxwell, who was visiting Bahrain. Steve’s recognized as one of America’s top one hundred fitness trainers, is a ju-jitsu master trained by the famous Gracie’s, and is credited with introducing kettlebells to America and the West. Kettlebells originate from Russia, look like cannonballs with handles attached, and have been used for strength development for over a hundred years. Steve is 62 years old but has the body of a super-fit man in his thirties. He travels the world teaching people physical skills with all his worldly possessions in his back-pack, believing that the danger of possessions is they end up possessing us. He says that if you can’t carry them with you, then you don’t really need them and that we waste time and energy storing things we don’t need and which only clutter our lives. He travels the world experiencing people and life as a free nomad. I will be conducting a Skype interview with Steve Maxwell for publication next month.

Gulf Insider December 2015

The people in this region are amongst the nicest people in the world. It’s just that when some get behind the wheel they change into something else. Okay, rant over!

I was told this story from someone who works at one of Bahrain’s top five star hotels. A Saudi gentleman had checked out after a weekend stay without clearing his safe. Hotels have a standard policy in such cases; a maintenance man will open the safe in the presence of two senior hotel employees. A detailed record of items retrieved is then recorded for the guest’s protection. Upon opening this particular safe all were shocked to find stuffed inside a frozen chicken (now thawed). Why? Did the gentlemen mistake the safe for a microwave? Was he concerned someone may attempt to steal it? And if the chicken was so valuable, why did he leave it behind? I guess we will never know the answers.

And finally… Last month in Seef Mall car park I saw a bumper sticker calling for a boycott of American products… on a US made Buick.

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