Gulf Insider December 2017 by Gulf Insider Media

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

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155

Issue

knowledge is power

+ Inside Award-Winning Hospitality Extraordinary Coffees The Spread of Fake News

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Contents December 2017 Issue 155

18 56 Facebook Followers

300,191 Simply unparalleled online presence that connects region’s most inspired communities.

Lifestyle

12 14 20

Holiday Specials An Artful Christmas

Money & Business

40 46

Cyber Security

People & Culture

Manama Shapers

It’s Tee Time

Applied Science University

Car Insider

54 56

F1 Done Right!

…and many, many more

Thrills and Spills

Comment...

Knowledge is power

Publisher & Editor in Chief

- Nicholas C. Cooksey

Editorial

- Ainne Frances dela Cruz

Regular Contributors

- Hugh Haskell-Thomas - Nicholas Cortes - Bill Daly

Guest Contributors

- Sawsan Abu Omar - Ryan Ernst - Dhanyasree M - Angela Acosta

Business Development

- Charlie Cooksey

Layout Designs

- Dhanraj S

It’s the holiday season and this month we give you a shortlist of places to go and things to do to celebrate the holiday season. In addition, we’ve put together a primer on Islamic banking to give you an idea of the trends and opportunities in this sector. As always we have our dedicated motor section which will please the car enthusiast. We also invite you to visit us online and on our thriving Facebook page where you will find other features and useful information not covered here.

Admin & Finance

- Nikesh Pola

Photography

- Rafnaj K P

Distribution Executives

- Mohammed Yousif

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

Published by:

Dear Reader, Greetings and a warm welcome to a new issue of Gulf Insider!

For Advertising Opportunities Call Charlie Cooksey

Dhanyasree M

M. +973 3652 0004

M. +973 3612 8111

charlie@gulf-insider.com

sales1@gulf-insider.com

Media

Wishing all of you a great month ahead!

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

The Insider Team!

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

Bahrain BD2

Bahrain BD2 KSA SR20

Kuwait KD1.75 Oman RO2 Qatar QR20 UAE DHS20

Issue

154

knowledge is power

Issue

155

knowledge is power

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

KSA SR20

+ Inside

Award-Winning Hospitality

Raising the Steaks

Extraordinary Coffees

Subaru WRX STI

The Spread of Fake News

Gulf Expat Insider

trends & opportunities

interview with Complimentary Copy

islamic banking

AsrAr mirzA bAig visionary CeO, Ctm360

www.Gulf-Insider.com

GulfInsider

www.Gulf-Insider.com

GulfInsider

www.Gulf-Insider.com

GulfInsider

www.Gulf-Insider.com

islamic banking

Photo: AsrAr Cover mirzA bAig visionary CeO, Ctm360

interviewShareef with Panhatt

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.

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.

www.Gulf-Insider.com The Spread of Fake News

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trends & opportunities

Arabia’s Intelligent Magazine

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

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

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Inbox

Follow @Gulf Insider A few of our social media posts from last month. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to like our Facebook page!

Highlighted Posts:

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Gulf Insider December 2017

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Mark your dates for the coming festive season at ART Rotana, where we have pulled out all the stops to bring you a full month of joy and cheer. With the best in traditional festivities and choice menus full of familiar festive flavours, you can rest assured of a fabulous Christmas and New Year Celebration like no other. please contact us via email at fb.art@rotana.com or call 16000111.

P. O. Box 50949, Amwaj Islands, Bahrain, T: +973 16000111, art.hotel@rotana.com

Events

Day & Night Fuego: Antonio Gades Company When: 1st December, 2017 Where: Bahrain National Theatre The Antonio Gades Company, a major pillar of Spanish flamenco dance, will be presenting “Fuego”, which is inspired by the work of the late Spanish legendary composer, Manuel de Falla.

For more information: Bahrain Cultural Authority www.culture.gov.bh

Light Festival (B-Light) When: up to 2nd December, 2017 Where: Bahrain Bay An exciting showcase of lights and colours await tourists and residents as the ‘Bahrain Light Festival’ opens at Bahrain Bay. The outdoor festival will introduce the latest innovations in lighting by international contemporary artists and it will include technical artistic dynamics in addition to remarkable artistic performances.

For more information: Light Festival (B-Light) calendar.bh/light-festival

Ebrahim K. Kanoo Drag & Drift Nights When: 4th December, 2017 from 5:00PM to 11:00PM Where: Bahrain International Circuit Choose between two of the most popular and exciting forms of motorsport today – drag racing and drifting – and then show off your skills! Can’t decide? Then compete in both! This exciting doubleheader, sponsored by Ebrahim K Kanoo and powered by Motor City, is open to the public. Drivers take part in their own car or motorbike, where they can push the limits and be in for a surprise

For more information: EK Kanoo Drag & Drift Nights info@bic.com.bh, Tel: +973 1745 0000 8

Gulf Insider December 2017

Choco and Coffee Expo When: 7th to 9th December, 2017 Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre The chocolate and coffee expo brings under one roof beautiful and unique concepts for chocolate and coffee lovers. The exhibition provides exhibitors an ideal platform to build long-term business relationships and partnerships and for expo-goers to see the diversity of cultures and tastes and sectors involved in the chocolate and coffee business.

For more information: Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority info@btea.bh Tel: +973 17558800

Events

Sole DXB 2017

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

Rufus Wainwright at Dubai Opera

When: 6th December to 13th December, 2017 Where: Madinat Jumeirah

When: 6th December, 2017 Where: Dubai Opera

The Dubai International Film Festival is a platform for Arab filmmakers and talent from around the region to come to the fore. The opening ceremony and main events are glittering affairs, rolling out the red carpet for international stars, awards, premieres and honours.

For more information: Dubai Film Festival dubaifilmfest.com

Dubai Dash When: 6th November 2017 Where: TBA The Dubai Dash is a sport and wellness event that encourages team work through competition in a supportive and friendly environment. The event format includes a short distance team relay race for teams of 8-10, where each runner will cover a 1.5k course.

For more information: Racethedash.com/dubai-dash Tel: +971 4 458 0922 10

Gulf Insider December 2017

Canadian-American singer Rufus Wainwright will be taking to the stage at Dubai Opera for one night only on 6 December. He’s perhaps best known for his cover of Leonard Cohen’s song Hallellujah, but he’s also recorded seven studio albums and three live albums, as well as written a classical opera and set some of Shakespeare’s sonnets to music.

For more information: Dubai Opera dubaiopera.com Tel: +9714 440 8888

When: 7th to 9th December, 2017 Where: D3 Sole DXB has everything to do with the soles of your feet – and more. Over the past seven years, Sole DXB has evolved from a celebration of sneakers to a festival dedicated to art, music, food, and all aspects of street culture.

For more information: Soledxb.com Tel: +971 4 433 3000

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Lifestyle

Festive Activities

Keizo Lake View

Holiday Specials Experience Bahrain at its most magical with a visit at Al Areen Palace & Spa! RIMAL

7:30PM – 11:00PM for only BD9++. Our talented chefs will treat you to a plethora of authentic Asian street food delicacies and give you a sneak peek into the cultures of China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, & Philippines. This features BBQ, several sushi prepared by culinary ninjas, and interactive cooking stations.

Turkey-To-Go at Rimal: By ordering a festive takeaway turkey from us, you can have the best of both worlds this Festive Season. Order a Whole Roasted Turkey with Trimmings throughout the month of December. BD 45++: 5-6 kg good for 10 people

Christmas Eve Dinner at Keizo

Market Friday Brunch at Saffron & Rimal Make the most of your weekend with our weekend brunch in the heart of the desert, Al Areen Palace & Spa. We invite you to explore the cuisines of the world every Friday from 12:30PM – 4:00PM and indulge in various sushi, seafood and barbeque grills plus Italian, Indian, American and Arabic delicacies. For BD 14++, enjoy music from our live DJ, free indoor pool access, kid’s corner, special shisha offers, welcome mocktails and raffle draw with exciting prizes!

Rimal International dishes, Turkey with carvings plus live cooking stations from 12:30PM – 4:00PM. There will be a Santa Claus, live entertainment from our DJ, face painting, mascot, kids’ corner & activities, and many more. Diners will have access to the indoor swimming pool during the period of brunch. You can also stand a chance to win exciting prizes from our Spin & Win contest!

Christmas Carnival Brunch at Saffron & Rimal

KEIZO

Have a Merry Christmas and celebrate the most joyous time of year at Saffron & Rimal Restaurant. Join us for a Christmas Carnival Brunch on Monday, December 25 with special

Throughout December, eat at the bustling streets of Asia at Al Areen Palace & Spa! Indulge in the taste of flavorsome delicacies from across the streets of Asia every Friday from

Gulf Insider December 2017

Street Food Festival at Keizo

Join in the revelry at Keizo and make this a night to remember. Enjoy Christmas Eve with a mouthwatering dinner 5 course set menu, featuring some selection of gastronomic delights and live entertainment to serenade you on Sunday, December 24 from 7:30PM – 11:00PM for BD18++.

AL QASR TENT New Year’s Eve Concert at Al Qasr Tent Count down to the New Year with an enchanting evening filled with golden festivities and a mesmerising buffet spread while enjoying the celebrative entertainment at Al Qasr tent. Enjoy a live show with excellent music courtesy of world-known artists.

For info and reservations, call Tel. +973 1784 5000

Lifestyle

Festive Activities

An Artful Christmas ART Rotana doles out the Christmas cheer with festivities that will warm your heart and entice your palate!

Events: Get ready to rock your Christmas with the glitz and glamour with these spectacular parties!

Christmas Tree Lighting When: 3rd December 2017 at 4:30PM Welcome the long awaited festive season with a spectacular tree lighting ceremony. Santa will bring joy & gifts for the little ones while the choir and in-house band performs the most festive songs and carols of the season. 14

Gulf Insider December 2017

Delectable Christmas cookies, canapes and drinks will be passed around during the event.

Santa & Santarina Christmas Night Out @ Cellar 59 When: 22nd December, 2017 from 9:30 PM to 2:00 AM Whether you were naughty or nice this year, come to Cellar 59 to welcome Santa and celebrate this occasion with festive vibes and delightful drinks while DJ Amm & Katrin perform their best tunes to spice up the night. Get ready at

midnight for an outstanding raffle draw and a sizzling dance from Santa and his lady helpers. All ladies can enjoy a complimentary Christmas cocktail or a bubbly glass before midnight.

***Free entry for all guests! VIP Tables are available.

Hollywood Glitz and Glamour @Cellar 59 When: 31st December, 2017 from 9:30 PM to 4:00 AM Say Goodbye to 2017 and welcome

Lifestyle

2018 in style with Fashion TV and the best DJs in B-Town. Aside from special performances by dancers and singers, a highly specialized paparazzi team will also take photos of guests during the night. BD20 net with one complimentary drink.

Dining: Christmas is a time of being with family and friends amidst good conversation and good food. ART Rotana offers many options to honor this tradition.

Christmas Day Italian Brunch @ Rosso Restaurant When: 25th of December, 2017 from 12PM to 4:30PM Celebrate a jolly Christmas Day Brunch with a modern Italian twist. Bring your family and friends to enjoy all your favorite Christmas items along with some exceptional Italian dishes, live cooking stations and entertainment suited for an Italian festivity.

New York Night @Flames

New Year’s Eve @Choices Terrace

When: 31st of December, from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM Enjoy a sophisticated New York rendezvous at Flames. Featuring a customized four course set menu with a lavish take on New York specials and a distinctive performance by the house band, this will surely be a memorable night. Just before midnight, all guests are asked to join the special countdown at the musical fountain for a toast. Afterwards, everyone is invited to Cellar 59’s NYE party.

When: 31st December from 7:30PM to 12:30 AM Savor an elegant and indulgent lavish NYE spread along with impressive decorations and unlimited drinks and dishes. Dining guests are able to enjoy a complimentary entrance at Cellar 59’s NYE party.

BD35++ for the four course set menu

New Year Evening @ Rosso

Night of Stars @WU When: 31st December, 2017 from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM Celebrate the evening with an

BD 22++ with Non-alcoholic drinks BD 35++ with house drinks BD13 Net for Kids from 6 to 12 years. Kids below 6 dine for free.

When: 31st December from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM Is there any better way to enjoy the last evening of the year than to be with your family over heartwarming

BD19++ with non-alcoholic drinks BD29++ with unlimited premium drinks. BD12 for kids from 6 to 12 years. Kids below 6 dine for free.

Christmas Day Brunch at Choices Terrace When: 25th of December from 12:30 to 5:00 PM Celebrate this joyous occasion with your loved ones at ART Rotana’s Christmas Day Brunch in Choices Terrace. With many enticing live cooking stations, an in-house band and choir that will perform the most popular songs and carols of the festive season you will surely feel indulged. Kids will also enjoy their time with the exceptional area set for them with many games, activities and gifts from Santa. BD27++ with non-alcoholic drinks BD35++ with unlimited premium drinks package BD16 net for Kids from 6 to 12 years. Kids below 6 dine for free.

extravagant Asian flair and enjoy a culinary journey through WU’s Asian cuisine with a distinctive set menu. A memorable performance will take place by a professional violinist along with the incredible singer Yeminlyn while DJ Katrin spins the latest hits to welcome everybody to 2018. Complimentary sparkling wine. BD 29++ for a Set menu with a welcome drink & mid night toss

scrumptious Italian dishes? Rosso four course set menu along with the live entertainment is the perfect way to welcome the New Year with your family. Rosso’s private terrace provides the best view to the musical fountain for the New Year Countdown. BD19++ for set menu with nonalcoholic drinks BD 29++ for Set menu with house drinks. BD 9.5++ for Kids from 6 to 12 years. Kids below 6 dine for free. Gulf Insider December 2017

Lifestyle

Festive Activities

Enjoy the festive season at

The Domain

December is the time of year when we seek the very best in dining and entertainments. Here are some very special packages for everyone to enjoy on offer at The Domainâ&#x20AC;Ś Christmas Concert The Domain Prive - 7th December, from 7:00pm Celebrated musicians Michelle Miles and Erika Nottingham perform Christmas songs and carols followed by a 3-course set dinner at Le Sauvage, Level 34. An exquisite and intimate dining experience on the 34th floor overlooking the lights of downtown Manama. BHD 30++ per person including welcome Gluhwein, BHD 15++ per child (6-12 Years) children under 6 are free.

Christmas Classics The Domain Prive - 5th and 19th 16

Gulf Insider December 2017

December, from 6:30pm The Domainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular Movie Nights in the Sky are perhaps the most sophisticated (and comfortable) way to enjoy a movie in Bahrain. Guests relax on sofas, nibble on canapes, and enjoy some of the most classic films ever made. Price BD5 includes pop-corn + soft drinks (or BD10 includes cheese platter + glass of wine). Optional dinner at Le Sauvage or Imari BD30++ per couple excluding beverages, or BD50++ includes bottle of wine.

Christmas Karaoke Txoko - 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd December, 4:30 - 8:30pm Christmas Karaoke competition open

to all! There will be 3 weekly winners who will go to the Grand Finale on the 22nd December to win cash prizes of $500, $300, and $200!.

Tasty Turkey Takeaways 25th November to 25th December Celebrating Christmas at home? The Domain can prepare your traditional Christmas dinner and deliver it to your door. Price BD 60++ for 7KG turkey, includes all the trimmings.

Christmas Friday Brunch Le Sauvage - 22nd December, 12PM - 4PM A special Festive feast with a

Lifestyle

selection of treats including chocolate yule log, turkey carvings, and much more. Price - BHD 19 ++Excluding Beverages BHD 27 ++ including beverages. BHD 36++ including premium beverage and pairings beverages, or BD36++ includes premium beverage and pairings.

Christmas Eve Sushi Buffet Imari - 24th December, 6:30- 10:30pm Master Chef Riichiro will prepare a unique sushi buffet featuring live stations, homemade tempuras, and more. Price BD20 ++ includes selected beverages. BD10++ per child (5-12 years old).

Christmas Dinner Le Sauvage - 24th to 26th December, from 6pm Delicious four-course Christmas menu, served within a festive atmosphere, prepared by The Domain’s culinary experts. Price BD19++ includes selected non-alcoholic beverages. Add BHD19++ for beverage pairing.

Christmas Day Dinner Imari - 25th December, from 12.00 Impressive seven course Christmas Set menu, served within a festive atmosphere. Price BD20++ per person including selected beverages. BD17++ per person includes soft beverages. BD8++ per child (5-12 years old).

New Year’s Eve dinner Le Sauvage - 31st December, from 7 pm (diners receive complimentary entry to The Domain’s NYE Party) Evening begins with a welcoming bubbly reception followed by a glamorous night of fine dining and live entertainment. As the bells chime, celebrate 2018 with yet more bubbly and dance the night away at The Domain’s unique three floor NYE mega party. BD30++ (3 courses) or BD40++ (5 courses). Add 19++ for beverage pairing.

Confidential Tip: Going to The Domain’s NYE party? Then you’d be crazy not to attend this lavish NYE dinner beforehand as diners get free entry to the party - tickets for which are almost the same price – Ed. For more information: The Domain Hotel & Spa Tel: +973 1600 0000

Gulf Insider December 2017

Lifestyle

Meet the farmers behind Nespresso’s extraordinary coffees Nespresso’s latest campaign shows how uncompromising choices on coffee quality can lead to amazing consequences for farmers and their communities.

espresso believes quality does not happen by chance, but by choice. The search for the highest quality coffee has led to a series of choices, like the one to create the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program. Created in 2003 the AAA Program works directly with farmers to create sustainable coffee farming practices that increase coffee quality, farmers’ productivity and the viability of their farms.

Helping farmers save up to 5 hours a day Working directly with farmers in Colombia, Nespresso realized that coffee was processed differently on each farm, making it hard to guarantee consistent coffee quality. To address the issue, the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program worked with a local cooperative in Jardin to build a 18

Gulf Insider December 2017

Community Mill, where farmers could bring their coffee cherries and have them transformed into coffee beans in the most consistent and qualitative way. Not only did the Community Mill help preserve the inherently high quality of the coffee, it did much more.

Meet the farmers behind Nespresso coffees Meet Humberto, a dedicated coffee farmer who benefits from the Community Mill. He has been able to support his daughter’s passion for butterflies all the way to University where she is currently studying biology, thanks to the time and resources he saved by processing his coffee centrally. Luis can now pass on his passion for fishing to his son Mathias, spending much more time outside together. Another benefit of the Community Mill is it has improved water management practices and helped clean up rivers in

the region: “Before, if you wanted to go swimming in the river, you had to leave your shoes on, that’s how polluted it was. The Community Mill has had great impact on the community, we’re helping to keep rivers clean and preserve the environment as a whole.” Alfonso Gonzalez, Nespresso Chief Marketing Officer explains “All these stories showcase just how much our choices to preserve the best quality coffee through a sustainable approach can have amazing consequences on the people who grow and nurture it. We wanted to bring them to coffee drinkers to help them understand what is behind the coffee they enjoy every day. In the end, we believe that we are the choices we make.”

For more information: Soj Bahrain W.L.L. (Nespresso Exclusive Distributor) Tel: +973 17723171

Lifestyle

A LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON Artists Craig & Karl add a pop of colour to the latest Nespresso Limited Editions.

Variations Confetto Liquorice

Variations Confetto Orangette

Variations Confetto Snowball

A tasty combination of spices and liquorice candy notes.

The bittersweet flavour of orange peel and a hint of chocolate are vibrant in this flavoured espresso.

A delicious espresso pairing sweet coconut notes with a touch of vanilla.

Touch Espresso Cups

Vertuo Travel Mug

Set of two Espresso cups made from a mix of black porcelain and soft-touch silicone.

A contemporary travel mug (400ml), perfect for the daily commuter.

o create the ultimate gift collection, Nespresso has teamed up with design duo Craig & Karl. Craig Redman and Karl Maier are transatlantic-based university friends turned creative collaborators who have a love for simple shapes paired with wildly colourful patterns and a wry sense of humour.

Nespresso Limited Edition Variations Confetto The holiday period is a time for unique experiences and the range of Nespresso Limited Edition Variations Confetto coffees do not disappoint with their surprising candy flavoured aromas combined with the highest quality Pure Arabica. There are three Original [and three Vertuo] Variations to try, each with a Craig & Karl designed capsule.

Limited Edition Accessories The latest Limited Edition Les Collections range from Nespresso is full of one-of-a-kind gifts, including unique designs by Craig & Karl. The range includes:

Touch Lungo Cups Set of two Lungo cups made from a mix of black porcelain and soft-touch silicone.

Touch Travel Mug A sleek and stylish travel mug in a matte black finish.

Touch Nomad Dispenser For the travel lover in your life, there is the Touch Nomad Dispenser.

This holiday season, bring joy to every cup with the exclusive Nespresso Festive Collection available at Nespresso Boutique Level 1, Bahrain City Center, Nespresso Booth, Gate 5, Seef Mall; Customer Care Tollfree 8000 1999 or online at www. buynespresso.com Gulf Insider December 2017

Lifestyle

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tee Time Gulf Insider meets with Zander Potgieter and Marc Arnold, academy instructors at the Royal Golf Club.

ith an 18-hole, par 72-championship golf course designed by international golfing legend Colin Montgomerie (Monty); The Royal Golf Club has, without question, the best course on the island. It has seen its share of legends such as Monty himself along with Paul Casey, Thomas Bjorn, and Suzann Pettersen. However, the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication to the sport extends far beyond publicizing the pros. They are also passionate about helping newbies get into the swing of the game.

Gulf Insider December 2017

Offering 5 and 10 lesson packages which include both group and individual instruction at a reduced rate, individuals can choose to enroll into a ladies only group, a Bahraini beginners group, and the juniors group which is for young people aged 7 to 13 years. The club employs the very latest technology to help beginners make the fastest progress possible. There is video analysis to work out the perfect swing, flightscope technology which measures the launch and flight of balls and clubs and provides quantitative data about player and equipment performance. In addition, beginners are

advised on how to select the perfect set of golf clubs for their own personal physical dimensions. The Academy instructors go out of their way to make the lessons fun. People who join often are surprised at how fast they progress. The instructors confided that beginners often make the fastest progress. The ones least likely to make progress are the juniors who are pushed into the game, against their will, by their parents. Within a few initial sessions in the driving range, where people are taught the basic movements; they are usually confident enough in their ability to go

Lifestyle

onto the greens where they then really learn the game. Lessons for more advanced players are availableâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the instructors will analyze your playing abilities and help you develop. For those who are still of two minds about playing golfâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;consider that not only is it an excellent exercise (a 9-hole course can burn 721 calories), it is also known as a great stress reliever, a great antidote to the stresses of life.

For more information: The Royal Golf Club Tel: +973 1775 1266 www.theroyalgulfclub.com

The club employs the very latest technology to help beginners make the fastest progress possible.

Gulf Insider December 2017

People & Culture

EXPO 2020 DUBAI Gulf Insider was invited to witness the partnership of Nissan and Expo 2020 Dubai.

xpo 2020 Dubai is joining forces with leading vehicle manufacturer Nissan to demonstrate and showcase the future of intelligent mobility – starting with a fleet that includes electric vehicles. This is the first time in Middle East that the second generations of the electric car have been unveiled. Nissan LEAF is the world bestselling electric car. Learnings from the partnership will help accelerate the electrification of mobility in the region. Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology will also be extensively showcased at the mega-event taking place in 2020.

Gulf Insider December 2017

Expo 2020 Dubai is committed to building a legacy that is sustainable, enduring and will set a benchmark for future World Expos.

The World Expo is one of the world’s oldest and largest international events, taking place every five years and lasting six months. It is a festival for all, where everyone can learn, innovate, create progress and have fun by sharing ideas and working together. Over the course of six months from October 2020, Expo aims to bring together hundreds of countries and millions of people to celebrate human ingenuity: ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. Bahrain Confidential went to the site of where the Expo 2020 will take place. The Expo site is located in the area known as Dubai South, close to

People & Culture

Work on Progress

Al Maktoum International Airport. The site covers 4.38 sq km and has four main entrances. The Dubai Metro Route 2020 will take 46,000 passengers per hour to and from the Expo site in under 16 minutes from Dubai Marina. Currently, it’s just a busy desert with ongoing construction for the site development. The pace of construction continues to increase and visitors will have to wait to see what Expo 2020 will reveal to the world. There is a countdown clock in the site office above a scale model of Expo 2020. It counts down not just the days and hours, but also the minutes and seconds! In less than 3 years the dusty desert we inspected will be transformed into an iconic 4.38 square kilometer city hosting the biggest and most technically advanced international expo the world has ever seen!

What will happen after the Expo 2020? The Expo 2020 will, for the first time, allow all 180-member countries to have a pavilion of its own. What will happen to the 4km long and 1.8km wide site once the expo actually wraps up? When asked about the after effects of the world expo, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Integration Manal Al Bayat told us “We are aware of the risks and stakes involved and conscious of the fact. 80 percent of the expo’s infrastructure will have practical value long into the future.” She added, “the site buildings and infrastructures will be transitioned into a combination of commercial, social, educational, hospitality and recreational development. Expo 2020 Dubai is committed to building a legacy that is sustainable, enduring and will set a benchmark for future World Expos.” Gulf Insider December 2017

Lifestyle

A Passion for Art Nabeela Al Khayer talks about art, business and success.

s. Nabeela, you are both a successful businesswoman and a successful artist, what has enabled you to marry these two contradictions? Being an artist is something I was born with, it is a childhood dream, a wish I always had. I started painting from a young age then I stopped for a while in order to raise my children. Later with my husband’s support, I returned to the world of art. My husband encouraged me to paint and express myself. To me, being an artist and a businesswoman is not a contradictory matter. In my line of business where I work with jewelry and furniture design, art is an important aspect of both of these businesses.

Your work speaks of the heartaches, joys, and struggles of all women regardless of all culture. Where do you draw your inspiration? I draw my inspiration from the originality, depth and beauty of Bahraini heritage. I love to show the beauty of my country’s heritage, and I love to express through art how life struggles are converted to joy at the end of the day.

Gulf Insider December 2017

Continuing on building my artistic vision is the most important thing to me for art cannot be constrained by limits. You have held sold-out exhibits in many different places and it’s quite rare for an artist to be both critically and commercially acclaimed. What would you say is the secret to your success? There is no secret in the process of marketing works of art. What makes an artist stand apart from his or her peers is the style of work, the subject matter, the respect and acknowledgment of what art connoisseurs expect, and most importantly, the credibility and hard work of the artist.

You have been on fire many times for the subject matter which your paintings cover. How do you respond to such criticism? In my opinion it doesn’t matter if

the criticism is constructive or not. Continuing on building my artistic vision is the most important thing to me for art cannot be constrained by limits, it has a life of its own.

What is your advice to aspiring artists who like you, would like to be both critically and commercially acclaimed? This new generation of artists holds so much talent and potential. They are able to produce great works of art delivered in a modern context and I think they will succeed in introducing their art to the entrepreneurial world. And as the Vice President of the Bahrain international federation of business and professional women, where we offer opportunities such as economic incubators to young male and female entrepreneurs, I have observed the enthusiasm and willingness of the new generation to excel in their work, and I predict that they will successfully launch their own concepts and projects in the near future. My advice to them is to work diligently and always be on the lookout for what is new and happening in the art arena. That will allow them to always raise their standards and be unique in their work.

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Islamic banking … international roundup Gulf Insider reviews the latest international developments in the Islamic banking industry to coincide with the World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) 2017 which is expected to draw over 1,300 global industry leaders from Dec. 4 to 6 2017 at the ART Rotana Hotel in Amwaj Islands, Bahrain.

In search of a global Islamic finance hub With Islamic finance assets leaping to an estimated $2 TRILLION for both banks and non-bank financial institutions, and forecasts putting the volume at $3.2tn by 2020, voices have grown louder to establish a global Islamic finance centre that could be home to a central regulatory body, the frequently mentioned envisaged Islamic mega-bank, as well as central 28

Gulf Insider December 2017

supervisory authorities. However, bringing together all these factors under one centrally administered roof is a tricky venture. This has to do with regional preferences, macroeconomic challenges and – evidently – political interference. Currently, the largest and most influential Islamic finance hubs are arguably Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Riyadh, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Istanbul, Teheran, Karachi, Luxembourg, London and Dublin.

This indicates that the industry is split into three global regions, namely Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Western Asia, as well as Western Europe. Naturally, there is competition between those regions and disagreement on many aspects, for example that Middle Eastern decision makers in the industry most likely wouldn’t accept a global Islamic financial hub being located in a non-Muslim country in the West.

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Or given the current tensions between certain Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, not even consent on a joint location within this region seems to be achievable. The same is true for the wider area including Pakistan, Iran and Turkey, whose Islamic finance system has a different structure compared to their peers, which would create complex problems for a centralised Islamic finance body. There are also macroeconomic conditions to take into account. For example, the current structural changes in Saudi Arabia that also affect the country’s financial markets, or London’s potential loss of influence as a financial hub due to Brexit. Or, in the case of Kuala Lumpur, which is undoubtedly among the candidates for a global Islamic finance hub, the reputation damage for its financial industry as a result of the scandal surrounding the government-backed development fund 1MDB. The current regional markets as such are also lacking international outreach compared to the conventional finance industry with the latter’s large globalised banks such as, for example, Citibank, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse or Standard Chartered and their global networks in retail and commercial banking. This brings with it also a lack of overall liquidity for Islamic banking, which, in turn, dampens the growth of retail and capital markets within the industry. Without a mutually accepted and globally operating Islamic finance centre, the Islamic finance industry will keep missing out on the critical mass it takes for Islamic finance to catch up to the size and depth of conventional finance and the chance of balancing the risk of global financial crises. This also hampers the growth of the industry in general by hindering product innovation, skills development and a generalpurpose legal and regulatory framework. It might be argued the Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank (IDB) could be a driver to create a global Islamic finance centre or could be – in an extended version – fill the role itself. That, however, is quite unrealistic since the IDB has been designed as

a development finance institution and accepts only member countries that are also members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Similarly, influential Islamic finance organisations in Malaysia are lacking requirements to qualify for a global Islamic finance centre, namely a strong domestic currency, transparency and independence of the legal system from political interference. “Hard” requirements for a global Islamic finance centre are an excellent financial market infrastructure, a well-developed legal system, high quality and integrity of financial market regulations, conformance to international accounting practices, availability of a skilled workforce and a

Middle Eastern decision makers in the industry most likely wouldn’t accept a global Islamic financial hub being located in a non-Muslim country in the West. high grade in ease-of-doing business and cross-border financial activity. “Soft” requirement are policies to support and incentivise the building up of a critical mass which – in turn – creates economies of scale and would attract more financial firms and with them clients and investors. That said, the existing Islamic finance centres fulfil some of the requirements, but not all. Thus, the establishment of such a centre remains a tough task. It is probable that the answer may be by creating a global Islamic finance centre based at three locations with shared regional responsibilities.

Addressing the digital revolution… Islamic banks have typically been behind their conventional banking counterparts when it comes to implementing the latest technological innovations, but many in the Gulf and Middle East are taking a more agile approach and re-engineering their business models to retain a competitive edge. Speaking on behalf of WIBC’s Islamic banking technology partner, Mohammed Kateeb, group chairman and CEO of Path Solutions, said, “The Islamic finance industry is going through drastic changes as a consequence of evolving customer behavior, channel proliferation and the digitization of operations in general.” “It’s important to recognize the common challenges and opportunities facing the industry at large. The Islamic finance industry has a lot of catching up to do in terms of placing an emphasis on customer and market evolutions and process change requirements,” he added.

Difference between Conventional and Islamic Banking Conventional Banking Pre-determined rate of interest Debt-based Risk transfer (lending on interest) Money makes money Based on traditional laws Creating medium of exchange and only aims at maximizing profit

Islamic Banking Free from the use of Riba (interest) Asset-based Risk-sharing (profit-loss system) Money for real-sector development Based on Shariah principles Avoidance of economic activities involving oppression Gulf Insider December 2017

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India “will not pursue Islamic banking”

Malaysian Islamic banks merge

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it will not pursue a proposal for introduction of Islamic banking in the country. The central bank said the decision was taken after considering “the wider and equal opportunities” available to all citizens to access banking and financial services. The issue of introduction of Islamic banking in India was examined by the RBI and the government of India, it said. In late 2008, a committee on Financial Sector Reforms, headed by former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, had stressed on the need for a closer look at the issue of interest-free banking in the country. “Certain faiths prohibit the use of financial instruments that pay interest. The non-availability of interest-free banking products results in some Indians, including those in the economically disadvantaged strata of society, not being able to access banking products and services due to reasons of faith,” the committee had said. Later, on the instruction of the central government, an interdepartmental group (IDG) set up in the RBI examined the legal, technical and regulatory issues for introducing interest free banking in India and has submitted its report to the government. The RBI had in February last year sent a copy of the IDG report to the finance ministry and recommended an “Islamic window” in conventional banks for gradual introduction of Sharia-compliant banking. “In our considered opinion, given the complexities of Islamic finance and various regulatory and supervisory challenges involved in the matter and also due to the fact that Indian banks have no experience in this field, Islamic banking may be introduced in India in a gradual manner. “Initially, a few simple products which are similar to conventional banking products may be considered for introduction through Islamic window of the conventional banks after necessary notification by the government,” it had said in a letter to the ministry. The letter further reads: “It is also our understanding that interest free banking for financial inclusion will require a proper process of the product being certified as Sharia complaint will be required both on the asset and liability side and the funds received under the interest free banking could not be mingled with other funds and therefore, this banking will have to be conducted under a separate window.” Managing Director of Bombay Mercantile Bank - a cooperative bank for the minority, has expressed optimism about the introduction of Islamic banking in India, despite Reserve Bank of India categorically denying permission for it recently. “BMB has constituted a committee of experts who are going to submit their report on the implementation of the Sharia banking in India,” said MD, BMB, ShahAlam Khan. “Although recently RBI has denied permission to Islamic banking, but we are optimistic that in one way or the other we would get approval to start Sharia banking,” he said.

Malaysia Building Society (MBSB) is a step closer to becoming a full-fledged Islamic bank after the proposed acquisition of Asian Finance Bank. The move would allow MBSB a cheaper funding source and offer more fee-based products by inheriting AFB’s banking license. The entry of MBSB as the second-largest stand-alone Islamic bank by assets could spur competition for low-cost deposits in an already matured market but would probably not spark broader sector consolidation unless bigger banking groups in the country make their moves, according to analysts. MBSB has entered into a conditional share purchase agreement with Middle Eastern investors in AFB to acquire the Islamic lender wholly for 644.95 million ringgit ($152 million). The proposed merger, when completed by the first quarter of 2018, will transform MBSB into a full-fledged Islamic bank, allowing it to offer retail and wholesale banking services, including deposit taking without restrictions, wealth management, foreign exchange, investment banking, debt capital management and trade finance. Moody’s Investors Service said the proposed merger would be credit-positive for MBSB, giving the group access to cheaper funding sources and broadening its revenue stream, the rating agency said in a report in July. Access to current account deposits would help lower funding costs for MBSB, said Moody’s, adding that the group’s current source is mainly from fixed deposits, which is costlier. MIDF Research said MBSB will need to strengthen its digital capacity post-merger in order to capture more fee-based income from both retail and corporate customers. In addition, it will solidify its presence in the “niche segment” of property, housing and infrastructure lending.

Gulf Insider December 2017

Special Supplement

Islamic banking in Bangladesh

Islamic banking recognized in Russia

Islamic banking was first introduced in Bangladesh way in 1983 by foreign investors from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Currently, eight full-fledged Islamic banks are operating with 1,068 branches in the country, says the latest data of Bangladesh Bank (BB). The banks are Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL), Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited, Social Islami Bank Limited, Export Import Bank of Bangladesh Limited (EXIM Bank), Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited, First Security Islami Bank Limited, ICB Islamic Bank Limited and Union Bank Limited. Moreover, 19 Islamic banking branches of nine commercial banks and 25 Islamic banking windows of eight commercial banks are also providing Islamic financial services. With a workforce of 30336 people, Islamic banking covers 22.72% market share of the country’s entire banking sector in terms of deposits and investments. Md Yasin Ali, supernumerary professor of Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) said: “Most of the Islamic Banks in Bangladesh are not Shariah compliant. They cannot maintain Shariah in banking operation like profit sharing, lending and other issues. Shariah-compliant banking covers less than 2% of the Islamic banks’ lending portfolio.” “In fact, the banks are fooling their clients taking advantage of their religious sentiment. They are actually exploiting the religious belief of the clients, which is not good for Islamic banking,” he opined. He also underscored the need of establishing good governance in conventional banking, which in phases would eventually eliminate the other ‘bad’ practices. A BB official anonymously said banks in the Islamic banking system do not have to fix the interest rate to the clients since they collect deposits in the profit-loss system. Using the method, the banks can easily deceive the deposit holders by showing a thin profit margin, he stated. BB Executive Director Subhankar Saha said: “As there is no law, we are taking care of the issues related to audit and monitoring of the Islamic banks as per the existing guidelines. If any bank is found violating the guidelines, we are taking punitive actions against that.” BB Deputy Governor Abu Hena Mohd Razee Hassan said: “Despite lacking a complete law, Islamic banking is still an important part of the country’s banking sector.” “We are working to formulate a proper regulatory framework for Islamic banking,” he added.

In 2009, Russia didn’t have a single Islamic financial company, and today there are a number of them, they work, they sign contracts. A significant breakthrough was made during these eight years. Although there is no legislation that determines the order of work of Islamic banks yet, over the last three years a special group under the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and an expert council under the State Duma have been working on this topic. In 2014-2015, both for political and financial reasons, Russia became interested in alternative sources of financing and conducting financial activities, and today the state officially recognizes such concept as partner banking, which can be called Islamic banking. It’s important, since operation of any financial mechanism begins when it’s recognized, even if it’s under a different name like partner or ethical banking. This year one of the federal banks proposed a new product - an installment plan. It’s a simple product for most banks, especially popular ones, but this bank developed halal installment plan, removing all elements prohibitied from the point of view of Islamic standards. So banks are gradually testing new products. The main issue to be resolved is how an Islamic financial system will move forward in the banking sector, whether it will be done through the creation of Islamic branches within the existing bank or in the non-banking sector. A lot of experts say that it should be done through a non-banking sector, but it’s very difficult to change mentality, and when the entire system works based on percentages, it’s very difficult for bank’s employees to change the pace of their work. Second, goals and principles of contracts of the entire banking sphere are completely different from Islamic banking. It’s difficult to separate halal and non-halal finances. An important element is that for the first time all international Sharia standards of Islamic financing were translated into Russian. This helps the market, since all the latest works and developments in this field are now in Russian.

Gulf Insider December 2017

Special Supplement

Islamic banks in Bahrain urged to fully comply with new standards Islamic banks in Bahrain have until June-end next year to fully comply with new standards mandated by Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), a top official has warned. CBB executive director for banking supervision Khalid Hamad says that the new Islamic banking legislation, under which independent external scrutiny is a mandatory requirement, will promote corporate governance and compliance with Basel III norms. Mr Hamad said the CBB is also preparing comprehensive and detailed risk management legislation and will develop appropriate remedies for the management and use of investor accounts, principles of dividend distribution and the formation of appropriate reserves. Reviewing performance of the Islamic finance industry, the official said growth had slowed down significantly over the last two years, mainly on account of a slowdown in economic growth due to lower oil prices and increased regulatory pressures. “Now is the time to consolidate and address deficiencies in order to prepare the industry to resume future growth,” he added. Talking about key issues that needed attention from Islamic banks, Mr Hamad said top of the list was reducing use of commodity Murabaha and looking at alternatives in personal finance, financing education and health care. “Sovereign and semi-sovereign institutions and Islamic banks should issue more sukuks to address the shortage of liquidity instruments. To enhance governance and performance, Islamic banks are required to obtain a credit rating. The industry also needs to work on building the capacity of board members, senior management and officials, particularly those in risk management, through qualifications and training. “Industry players must also co-operate fully with the AAOIFI, the International Islamic Financial Market and the Islamic Financial Services Council by adopting their standards, membership and participation in the development of future standards for stability and resilience.” “The business environment and corporate culture in banks also need to change. The board of directors is responsible for creating a culture of ethical conduct and compliance, and present itself as a role model,” he added.

Islamic banking grows in UAE

Gulf Insider December 2017

Islamic banking in Pakistan While still quite new in Pakistan, Islamic banking is moving ahead in all segments of their operations, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), reported recently. The network of Islamic banking institutions (IBIs) has expanded. Now it consists of 21 IBIs, five full-fledged Islamic banks and 16 conventional banks having stand-alone Islamic banking branches. IBIs have expanded their branch network to 2,320 branches. The SBP says 55 per cent of these branches are based in five cities Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Faisalabad. The number of Islamic banking windows, operated by conventional banks, is now at 1,255. “This growth helped Islamic banks improve their asset base,” the SBP says. The SBP says the market share of IBIs in the overall banking industry was recorded at 11.6 per cent and deposits 13.7 per cent at end-June 2017.

About 52 per cent of UAE consumers have an Islamic banking product now, compared to 47 per cent consumers in 2015, indicating increasing popularity, a survey from Emirates Islamic Bank revealed. “The results of this year’s Islamic Banking Index clearly show that more people in the UAE are recognising the positive attributes of Islamic banking, leading to a wider adoption of Sharia-compliant products and services. This is a welcome trend that bodes well for the future of the Islamic banking sector,” Jamal Bin Galaita, CEO of Emirates Islamic, said in a statement. Significantly, there has been a seven-point increase in the adoption of Islamic products by non-Muslim bank customers, demonstrating Islamic banking’s broad appeal and value proposition. About 29 per cent of non-Muslim consumers believe Islamic banks offer the best profit rates on deposits, while 24 per cent believe that to be true of conventional banks.

Money & Business

Award-Winning Hospitality

Luxury, service, and a lifestyle experience combine to form the core of the Elite Hospitality Group.

Gulf Insider December 2017

Money & Business

Elite Hospitality hotels have topped 80% scores on all online channels. Commenting on this fact, Aibara said that the group will “continue on the momentum that we’ve built.”

lite Hospitality Group, a luxury four-star hotels group in the kingdom of Bahrain is a leading name in the hospitality business. Famous for the friendly and efficient service provided by its highly qualified staff across all its hotels and residences, the group welcomes both business and leisure guests to a customized experience. It’s perhaps no surprise that Elite has garnered many accolades over the years. Just recently, the group scooped up nine prestigious awards given by international award-giving bodies. Gulf Insider sat down with the General Managers and COO of Elite Group to talk about Elite’s award-winning service. The group has been honored with international recognition from the “World Luxury Hotel Awards” as voted by guests and travelers from across the globe. In addition, Elite Resort & Spa— Muharraq, Elite Crystal Hotel in Juffair, and Elite Grande Hotel all individually won this international award which will be presented this December in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Luxury Travel Guide Awards

We asked Sarosh Aibara—COO of Elite Hospitality Group what sets the group apart from other hotels. Aibara said “It’s all about service & all about people. We have a fantastic team that we’ve developed over the years. It’s a matter of pride that the effort we have put into training our staff has paid back by the service we give to our guests”. Another international accolade was won by Elite Resort & Spa. The hotel garnered the Best Resort & Spa in Bahrain awarded by Luxury Travel Guide, a UK based award giving body for luxury travel. We asked Puneet Saigal—General Manager of Elite Resort & Spa what makes their hotel awardwinning and how are they continuously innovating their hotels. Saigal recounted being hand-picked for the London based award and being slightly on-edge as his hotel was subjected to on-the-spot inspections. He said that in addition to the things that they already do well which was service and a lifestyle experience; this year they will also be launching a Wellness Package, which is the first for Elite and Sparadise (the award-winning Gulf Insider December 2017

Money & Business

Elite Crystal Hotel

Elite Grande Hotel

Unique Selling Point

Elite Seef Residence & Resort spa located in the hotel). By bringing the hotel & spa experience together, guests can be totally pampered, detoxified, and treated. Package features include a Royal Hammam, meditation classes and detoxifying waters in the rooms. Guests will come away from the hotel a changed man/ woman. The packages start from BD79.

Haute Grandeur Hotel Awards A source of pride for the group is the Haute Grandeur Hotel award which was given to Elite Crystal Hotel in two categories—Best Lifestyle Hotel in Bahrain and Prime Location Hotel in Bahrain. We asked Lalima Mathur— General Manager of Elite Crystal what are the things that make Elite Crystal the top lifestyle hotel in Juffair. She gave us a warm smile and said that “In view of the location, we meticulously plan our requirements. Guests don’t just want a room. They want a lifestyle experience”. This is something that Elite Crystal can definitely deliver with their Waikiki Kitchen—an authentic Polynesian restaurant with an interactive “kitchen” where guests can go inside to talk to the chef about their meal. This boutique restaurant also features unique artifacts like hand-painted surfboards and 36

Gulf Insider December 2017

Elite Group’s Future Plans In terms of future innovations, there will be a new outlet planned in Elite Seef Residence & Hotel in addition to an Arabic lounge that will open in Elite Resort & Spa. Further, the owners have invested in 3 stand-alone restaurants in Galleria Mall which will be supervised by the Elite Group. The group will also be opening a hotel in Mecca, the first phase of which will open in the 3rd quarter of 2018. They are also developing a 4-star property in Dubai in time for the Dubai 2020 expo. authentic Hawaiian shirts making it both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Elite Seef Residence & Hotel also won the Haute Grandeur Hotel Award for Best Hotel Residences—Middle East and best All-suite Hotel in Bahrain. We asked Fadl Adib—General Manger of Elite Seef Residence & Hotel what keeps them in the top spot year after year. He talked about how Elite Seef Residence has become the top family destination in Bahrain even having a “Kid’s Club” to cater to that particular niche.

Aibara adds that each hotel has a unique selling point that focuses on a particular segment; and this is what they build upon. In addition, the lifestyle experiences they offer are unique. Aibara cites the Oasis in Elite Resort & Spa as an example. “We didn’t just name it Oasis, when people walk through, they really feel as if they have discovered an oasis”. In addition, the COO cites the combination of “hardware & software” as the main factors behind their success. The hardware: all of their accommodations are suites with a lavish bathroom space. There’s a flexibility given to guests in terms of dining, laundry, and other living essentials. The software is the people they hire. Aibara is especially proud of their training and recruitment as they handpick employees who will fit into the Elite mold. The GMs themselves are not exempt, with Saigal recounting his own training as taking a month or more before he formally sat down to the role of General Manager.

Consistently happy guests Two hotels of Elite Hospitality Group were recognized as two of the top 12 hotels in Bahrain by Agoda, and awarded with “Customer review certificates” for 2017 by the travel portal Agoda.com. This recognition is based on guest reviews posted online and is given only to hotels that have consistently scored above 80%. Elite Hospitality hotels have topped 80% scores on all online channels. Commenting on this fact, Aibara said that the group will “continue on the momentum that we’ve built.” More new hotels will come and go, but Elite may well be one of those iconic hotels that people remember for a long time.

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Money & Business

The Spread of

Fake News Distribution of fake news and underlying scams have escalated to not only affect the public, but also the political and business world. Here’s how to protect yourself, according to CTM360 - a cybersecurity firm from Bahrain.

he spread of fake news has been seen to influence opinions of the masses, mislead financial investors, shape politics and sway perceptions. The relative ease with which these scams are perpetuated is alarming and viable action by all those affected still remains a topic of debate globally. CTM360, a cybersecurity startup from the Kingdom of Bahrain, proactively hunts and neutralizes fake news and the infrastructure involved in disseminating it. From website and social media monitoring to domain registration monitoring and page pattern recognition, CTM360 has been at the forefront of tackling this malicious trend as part of the company’s holistic cyber security offering. The CTM360 service capably supports online Ad platforms (such as Google AdWords, Outbrain, RevContent,

Gulf Insider December 2017

etc.) and ensures continuous prevention in an ever-evolving threat landscape. Since fake news may often go viral it can easily ruin an organization’s or individual’s reputation. Overall, fake news is often seen to have a hidden motive - which may be financial, political or intended to damage the value of a brand. CTM360 was set up in 2014 to tackle such threats as part of the company’s Brand Protection service for VIPs, corporates and the business world. Among the wide variety of scams conducted using fake news advertisements, one of the most blatant investment scams remains binary options trading, a form of unregulated trading of stocks, that offer get-rich schemes to the average user. Fake news articles are typically set up to give the impression that binary options trading is being used by high-profile

individuals, touting mostly global or regional icons who are claimed to have made a fortune from these schemes. The involvement of public figures in such trading schemes is fictitious, and for luring potential victims. These scams are also supported by legitimatelooking websites complete with fake testimonials.

Tips to Identify Fake News Ads Identify and find out more information about the author. Make sure they have a history of reliable and valid articles.  Investigate the claims they make. Real news would provide multiple sources for facts.  Check the background of the publisher. Ensure that the publishers have a reputable background, are legitimate, and have a strong fact checking record. 

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General Practices for the average user Different online Ad platforms reporting mechanisms may vary:  Google AdWords: Individuals report ads by clicking on the ‘x’ icon displayed on the photo of the ad followed by a ‘Feedback on Adword Ad’ form. Users may report an ad if it violates trademark policy or counterfeit goods policy.  Outbrain: Individuals may report an ad by emailing support staff.  RevContent: Ad Content may be reported if it is categorized as fake news, misleading, not interesting, offensive, repetitive, or other.

Crowdsourcing: Crowdsourced vetting allows the public to assess the news and rank its validity. Unfortunately, it could lead to people promoting fake news or automated systems promoting clickbait.

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Flaws in Reporting Mechanisms All public mechanisms are found to be deficient due to several reasons:  These systems rely heavily on numerous users to responsibly report misguided information. This sort of feedback reporting system is unrealistic due to its assumption that a significant number of end-users will be both savvy enough to be aware that they are looking at a fake advertisement, and proactive enough to take the time to report the ad.  Due to these reporting mechanisms’ reliance on individuals, there is no coherent framework in place for organizations to report when they are being targeted or impersonated by Ads displayed. Such a gap results in brands and organizations being victims and facing severe losses in terms of their reputation and credibility.  Ad generating companies distributing fake news do not have an effective procedure in place to verify facts. They lack concrete monitoring and any news verification process.

Challenges Faced by Online Ad Platforms in Preventive Solutions Hiring human editors: Human editing depends on trained professionals to assess news articles before they are entered into news streams. This method is viewed as more reliable than algorithms, however this is not a cost-effective solution due to the large number of manpower needed.

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CTM360 has been at the forefront of tackling this malicious trend as part of the company’s holistic cyber security offering. Algorithmic mechanisms: Companies such as Facebook are in favor of using algorithms to vet news articles for validity. However, they struggle to identify and downgrade such news. Algorithms happen to be much more inexpensive and easier to manage than human editors, although they reflect the subjective decisions of their designers.

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Who is responsible? It is every individual’s personal effort to be vigilant with regards to online malicious and fraudulent practices. However on a grand scale, the solution lies in the hands of Ad-generating companies, registrars, and hosts. Ad companies (such as Google AdWords, Outbrain, Revcontent) and registrars/hosts have been indirectly

gaining from the distribution of fake news and related scams - however, they are not proactive in taking responsibility for distribution through their mediums. It is important for Ad companies to take a stance and maintain a collaborative effort to work alongside cybersecurity firms such as CTM360, that specialize in brand protection, offensive defense, prevention, detection and cyber incident response. Such an effort involves monitoring companies who distribute fake news and effectively filtering news out. This also includes taking proactive preventative measures to stop end-users from receiving such fake news. This is possible by maintaining vigorous fact-checking protocols in place to display credible content at all times.

Best Practices For Individuals:  Raise awareness about fake news, especially to friends, family and colleagues who might believe or share it.  Do not support fake news sources by clicking their links, which in turn grants them further visibility and ad revenue.  Before sharing articles, make sure the content is from a credible source. For Organizations: Employee awareness training: Inform employees and conduct awareness training about these kinds of threats, enabling them to be vigilant and proactive.  Communicate the business’ values across different mediums, so when individuals cross check, they can be sure about the information.  Prepare responses to deal with fake news articles, instead of waiting for internal approval and delaying corrective measures. 

CTM360 continues to fight the spread of fake news and ensures that the company’s subscribed members are not exposed in these scams. Such threats are seen as a moving target and agility in response remains key. Individuals or corporations who have been exposed to fake news are encouraged to report such cases to CIRT@ctm360.com Gulf Insider December 2017

Money & Business

Sustainable Futures The first international Conference on Sustainable Futures (ICSF) was held to great success and gives great lessons to oil dependent economies who are looking for alternate energy sources.

pplied Science University (ASU), Kingdom of Bahrain in association with London South Bank University (LSBU), United Kingdom and under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi hosted the first International Conference on Sustainable Futures (ICSF 2017). ICSF was conducted on 26th and 27th November 2017 at the Grove Hotel in Amwaj Islands with the opening remarks delivered by Prof. Ghassan Aouad, Conference Chair and President of Applied Science University. Dr. Abdulghani Ali Al Showaikh, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council represented the inauguration event on behalf of H.E. Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi. The conference was supported by Nass Group, Higher Education academy, AARU and other Universities in the

Gulf Insider December 2017

Kingdom. Sameer Nass, Chairman of the Board of Directors--ASU and Professor Waheeb AlKhaja, Chairman of the Board of Trustees--ASU were the Conference Honorary Chairpersons. Professor Ghassan held the Conference Chairperson position with Professor Charles Egbu, Dean at London South Bank University, UK. Chris Blythe, CEO of The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) was the Chairperson for the session covering sustainable buildings and infrastructure; he also chaired the Panel Discussion. Dr. Roy Blatchford, Executive Director of Education, office of the First Deputy Prime Minister gave the keynote speech on “Success is a Journey”. Professor Mustafa Alshawi, gave the keynote speech on “Achieving Competitiveness and Sustainable Environments through BIM: A Client Persepctive”. Dr. Farzana Al-Maraghi, Director of Scientific Research at the Secretariat-General of

the Higher Education Council delivered the keynote speeches on Research strategy.

Conference to attract more investors The two-day conference covered topics on the effects and incorporation of green school environment in the econeighborhood; sustainable buildings and infrastructure; sustainable education and a comparative understanding of student’s sustainability knowledge; the role of banking & the finance sector in achieving a sustainable real estate project environment and subsequent impact on climate change; and sustainable planning to ensure equivalent entrepreneurship for the ethnic minority and women in four sessions. The 65 research papers submitted during the conference covered

Money & Business

The research papers and findings discussed during this conference is expected to help GCC and oil dependent economy countries to look into alternate energy sources and to cope with difficult economic conditions.

important topics on the developments in sustainable energy related to technology, environment and economics. ICSF indeed attracted attention to Bahrain as the knowledge hub in the GCC. The conference is expected to attract more investors and researchers with practical knowledge generated in the field to Bahrain, and which will be beneficial for the Kingdom as well as the entire Gulf region. The research

act for the future level of Bahrain’s education. H.E. also emphasized the importance of recognizing the women in the fields of science and technology. He cited that the increase in the number of young Bahraini women in the Science and Engineering sectors is a welcome sign and aptly supported by Bahrain Universities. 15 different British Universities have prepared the research papers and the intellectual content and became part of

papers and findings discussed during this conference is expected to help GCC and oil dependent economy countries to look into alternate energy sources and to cope with difficult economic conditions.

the scientific communities at the ICSF 2017. This participation validates the need for similar conferences and the timely actions of the organizers.

Innovative Research “British Universities remain as the preferred educational destination for Bahraini students. Statistically, one in every 500 Bahraini students studying in any of the UK Universities is equivalent to 60,000 British people studying in one of the overseas Universities, anywhere in the world,” said His Excellency Simon Martin CMG, British Ambassador to Bahrain as he described the importance of the joint collaboration of the British Universities during the inauguration speech. ICSF 2017 hosted 22-60 representatives from 15 British Universities. H.E commented on this participation as a historic fact and an

A Holistic approach Professor David Phoenix, Vice Chancellor and CEO of LSBU commented on the importance of the collaboration between Applied Science University (ASU) and LSBU. ICSF 2017, jointly organized by ASU and LSBU is the fruition of a dream of developing research and innovation aspects for a sustainable future. “Research and innovation is a spectrum. At one end we have research, which means seeking out and creating knowledge. At the other end is innovation, taking new knowledge and creating new things for the benefit of society. One path cannot be better or worse than the other. What Gulf Insider December 2017

Money & Business

differentiates the universities is that they combine the research and the innovation into their teaching methods in an academic environment.” Professor Phoenix added that universities need to create knowledge for the innovative use of the business sector in the society. The power of research and innovation from universities is achieved only through a holistic approach. The impact of the knowledge and the innovation will improve the productivity in the country, leading to the services that the community and the citizens require.

The role of professional bodies Blythe emphasized the role of professional bodies in supporting sustainable futures. He mentioned that professional bodies are social enterprises for public good. The professional bodies should consider a sustainable future while discharging their services because that is where the public interest and welfare rely on. This is applicable to all professions from construction, law, engineering to medicine. There is a common link between these professions in this aspect of learning and method of work. “The professional bodies are well known for the conversion of knowledge into practice. In the current scenario, professional bodies have to keep in mind the wider impact of their role. There is a need to look beyond the immediacy of the current task. To achieve a sustainable future, the professionals leading their 42

Gulf Insider December 2017

professional institutions should use a moral compass. The society deserves nothing less in return for the status and privileges they provide to these professional institutions.” Blythe mentioned that to achieve the above, the professional institutions sometimes would have to face the uncomfortable truth that what is legal is not always right. However, if they use the moral compass what is legal and what is right in the professions will eventually converge.

Towards a Sustainable Innovative Future Professor Egbu discussed in his research paper the holistic approach to address the impact of the Built and Natural Environments on Health & Wellbeing of the society. He detailed that sustainable future is a topic that has to be approached

holistically since it affects not only a region but has global impacts. Each action that we do has its impact not only in our immediate areas but has a wider reach. “The activities of the human beings contribute to the impact on sustainability and invariably affects the health and wellbeing of the society. Everyone has a responsible role to improve the impact of sustainable future on the society. “ The professor’s research in areas such as sustainable development, resilient communities, construction economics etc. has attracted national and international acknowledgment. He concluded that ICSF has a prominent role in this situation, since it brings together academicians, business persons, industrialists, and government bodies. “They can together think and move towards the progressed areas of sustainability.”

Money & Business

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

ICSF 2017

Gulf Insider December 2017

Money & Business

Gulf Insider December 2017

Money & Business

Crowning Glory

Gulf Insider meets with Gilles Nicolas, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Bahrain, who reveals the work going on in the hotel, upcoming plans, and what he loves and hates about his job.

our hotel has gone through some major renovations. How are things going?

One of the key highlights of this year is that we are on a full renovation in some of our rooms in the hotel. The renovation project started in June 2017 and is progressing quite well and will include a refreshed new look for 138 rooms with a “modern, contemporary” design. The newly renovated rooms will open on the 1st of March, 2018 and will be a lot better for families with more suites and connecting rooms. However, our main focus is on business/ corporate travelers.

Are there any further improvements in connection to the renovations? Yes, we are opening a dedicated club lounge in the lobby. This will be the most exclusive area in the hotel which we will offer to our elite guests. Guests will be able to enjoy breakfast and snacks throughout the day. In addition, they will benefit from personalized check-in and check-out services.

Do you have much planned for this December?

We will of course be celebrating the

festive period in style at the Crowne Plaza with much going on including a tree lighting event on the 5th of December, Christmas Day brunch and a big New Year’s Eve “Glow-in-the-dark” themed party.

What are you most proud of about your hotel? I’m sure every General Manager will say this but I sincerely consider that I am lucky to be the GM of this hotel—to be working with such engaged people. The staff here are extremely friendly and committed and this hotel has achieved its highest guest satisfaction level according to the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) guest survey, to my great delight.

What do you most hope to achieve while General Manager? My dream is for Crowne Plaza Bahrain to become the best and busiest conference center in the island. We are ideally placed to facilitate MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and have a 1,200 square meter ballroom which, subject to the clients’ needs, we can divide into smaller units along with many small meeting rooms all with first class

facilities that can cater to many types of events. The Crowne Plaza also has the advantage of being a recognized international hotel brand.

What is it that you most love and hate about your job and your industry? I love that every day is different and offers a different challenge because I hate routine. I used to be employed working on the financial side of the hospitality industry and I broke away from that routine to do what I am doing now. I also hate internal obstacles that are often found in the hospitality industry, such as old ways of working which serve no useful benefit to either the guests or the company. However, such old and ineffective ways can be changed though it often means that you are changing the culture of a company.

For more information: Tel. +973 17531122 info.cpbahrain@ihg.com www.cp-bahrain.com

Gulf Insider December 2017

Money & Business

Building a Foundation in

Cyber Security

aspersky Lab, in cooperation with regional governments, is forging ahead to develop cyber awareness and provide reliable protection against cyber threats across the Gulf. Maxim Frolov, Managing Director, for Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Kaspersky Lab, discussed several regional cyber security initiatives during a recent meet up at the Capital Club in Bahrain. Frolov characterizes the Middle East as, “one of the fastest developing regions in the world and one of the most advanced in terms of technology adoption,” as well as being “targeted by a myriad of cyber threats.” Kaspersky Lab is well-known within the security community for sharing collected intelligence regarding global and regional cyber threats. Kaspersky recently reported elevated malicious activity by the Gaza Cybergang which targets commercial and government sectors in the GCC and Northern Africa. Threat information includes specific indicators of compromise and is provided openly to the general public 46

Gulf Insider December 2017

enabling security professionals to detect and block attacks. Saudi Arabia receives a large number of targeted cyber attacks each day. Kaspersky Lab presented their message on awareness to representatives from over 50 organizations at a cybersecurity forum in Riyadh earlier this year under the auspices of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia. The summit was hailed as a strategic step towards building a culture of cybersecurity necessary to achieve the national cybersecurity mandate of Saudi Vision 2030. In Bahrain, Kaspersky Lab and the Information eGovernment Authority hosted a Cyber Drill for the Cyber Hawks program, a team of IT professionals from the Kingdom’s public sector spanning aviation, education, energy, and healthcare. The purpose of the exercise was to simulate online threats to illustrate the importance of securing modern computer systems. Kaspersky contends cyber security consciousness and education as essential pillars in combating cybercrime, both in the public and

private sectors. Kaspersky is also promoting programs designed to inform and safeguard consumers. Frolov explained, “Kaspersky Lab has many initiatives to educate the public – especially children, on practicing safe online behavior and we also inform the public through the media about the dangers of cyberbullying, phishing, etc; and tips on how to be protected against them.” Frolov continued, “The good news is that the Middle East consumers are quite tech-savvy and many are already aware of the threats posed by irresponsible online behavior. However, only a few have taken strict measures to protect themselves and their devices from said threats.” Kaspersky Lab efforts extend past security awareness through a newly available product - Kaspersky Free. The software provides consumers safehaven from most common cyber threats and is offered free of charge. The software reportedly leverages the same threat detection engine used throughout the Kaspersky line of personal products. Wielding a range of awareness programs, Kaspersky Lab is taking bold steps to develop a foundation in cyber security within the GCC from the national level down to the individual consumer.

Ryan Ernst - Affectionately known as the Tony Stark of Bahrain” is an Enterprise Security“ Consultant at Sword & Shield www.sworshield.com

People & Culture

The Enlightened Entrepreneur

Focus On What Makes You Awesome

“W

ow Mohamed! That was awesome. You’re so talented”. Those were words of compliment I used to hear from my colleagues when I was an employee. And although they pointed at certain strengths I had, some of them made it a point to bring my attention to what I NEED to have, and focus on. “You see Mohamed, it’s good to have these talents. But in the end, your focus should be on what makes you a fully competent as a professional in this position, so that you can advance to the next level and get promoted” What they were really saying is: Good for you, but your talents aren’t going to do you any good! I believed them; almost. Gradually, I started to go back to the basics, to do what’s necessary to keep me in the circle; to fit in. But something in me told me otherwise. I wasn’t really comfortable, conforming with the status quo. Plus, my passion, which manifested through that specific talent, was just too overwhelming to ignore or put aside. So I insisted. And I persisted in unapologetically using and investing in my strength. Eventually, not only was my specific strength my ticket to the next level, and promotion at work; but, today, this particular talent, and my passion for it, became the seed and success for my business idea and brand. Be careful of good people, giving you bad advice, especially in the workplace. Just focus more on what makes you awesome.

Virality: Myth or Marketing?

ny brand’s dream is for its campaign to go viral overnight. Waking up to hundreds of thousands of views and shares across all social media platforms would be a dream come true. Thus, the theory of “viral marketing” evolved, whose concept revolves around turning a certain form of content into a phenomenon through distribution and the good ol’ word of mouth. But after close observation, and some research, we can confidently say that viral marketing is in reality a viral myth. Here is a breakdown of how a video “goes viral”: A video is posted online. The video is quietly distributed here and there. And then an “explosion” takes place in the form of two or three famous celebrities who share that video with their millions of followers. These millions of followers consequently share that same video across their social media platforms. And that’s how the video “goes viral”. This proves that it is not a stroke of luck or some of sort of magic wand that you jiggle around and mumble a few words before you click “post”. The viral myth gives a false sense of online democracy. That with one awesome idea and perfect timing, the post will no doubt be the talk of the town within a few hours. Even though this is definitely an optimistic outlook that gives hope to any content creator out there, be it a writer or a photographer or a videographer, it is just that: A myth. Therefore, we need to stop chasing after the mirage that is “going viral”. Ask any social media manager what their pet peeve is, and their first answer will be “being asked by senior management to create a post that goes viral”. And if they guarantee they won’t get fired, they would follow Rob Flaherty’s footsteps when he said: “The best answer to the question ‘How do I create a viral video?’ is ‘Shut up’.”

Sawsan Abu Omar, MCIPR Mohamed Shukri – Author, corporate consultant, award winning speaker. mohd.a.shukri@gmail.com

Gulf Insider December 2017

PR & Communications Professional www.sawsanabuomar.com contact@sawsanabuomar.com

People & Culture

GLOBAL SHAPERS COMMUNITY MANAMA

Manama Shapers Interview with Nada Darwish, Brand & Digital Communication Specialist, Gulf Business Machines.

hat does your work as a Brand & Digital Communication Specialist in Gulf Business Machines

entail?

Gulf Business Machines (GBM) is a regional IT company founded and operating since 1990. My role is to support GBM branches across six countries in all their marketing, internal and external communication needs. I design digital marketing campaigns and assist branches on branding their local events or participating in exhibitions. This role is fast evolving and you have to quickly learn the IT demands that GBM provides in every market as well as the rapidly growing global trends in in ICT, Fintech, IoT (Internet of Things) or Blockchain.

What’s the greatest lesson you have learned regarding communication?

Communication is not just about writing or speaking, it is also how you connect to people visually. An important part of delivering a consistent experience with visuals is branding. A brand makes sense to everybody despite cultural, geographical, ethnic

or language differences among people. As the late Paul Arden said: “Don’t give a speech. Put on a show”, meaning, to connect with the audience, entertain them visually!

Tell us about some of the high-profile projects you’ve worked on—the challenges you’ve faced, and the achievements that you’ve had.

I have been exposed to different industries, whether they were F&B, IT, Banking, Manufacturing or Education. From local and regional SMEs to big international brands like IBM, Cisco and McLaren. The most challenging and enjoyable project I’ve taken on was a collaboration between the Manama Hub and the British Council, wherein we organized a roundtable discussion called, ’Empowering Communities for Positive Change’ in the span of a few days! The event was attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and ministries from the Bahraini government. The roundtable discussion included a diverse group of Bahrain’s society in an effort to explore ways to gain greater role in advancing development.

Speaking of advancing development, The Global Gender Gap Report 2017 by the World Economic Forum has recently been published. What are your views on the report?

The report covered 144 countries and Bahrain ranked very low as #126. According to the report, the MENA region is likely to close the gender gap in 580 years! What we have to do is to integrate women and girls to help build a dynamic and inclusive future economy by ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity. By not taking into account the perspectives of women, we lose talent and skills that are critical for addressing the region’s challenges.

Why did you join Manama Shapers?

The Global Shapers is a diverse community centered around shared values. The voice of youth is becoming more and more influential, Shapers is not only a thriving movement, but an equally important growing international community. As a Bahraini woman and a feminist, it’s great to be around the Manama Shapers, a group of aspiring individuals who shares your beliefs and work together towards the same socioeconomic vision for Bahrain. Gulf Insider December 2017

People & Culture

Claim men face more harassment than women sparks row A row erupted in the Shura Council as some members claimed men faced more harassment in Bahraini society than women. The heated exchange happened during an hour-long debate on amendments to the 1976 Penal Code. The amendments in question related to punishing those harassing women verbally, or physically in public or a confined place with a jail term of three months up to a year and a fine between BD100 and BD500. The other punished offenders who open letters not addressed to them or respond to calls intended for others with a fine between BD50 and BD200 and if the information is made public then an additional jail term of three months up to a year is added. During debate, Human Rights Committee Chairman Ahmed Al Haddad questioned the wording of the amendment tackling harassment. “There are males who are attacked as well, so why are they left out of the amendment?” he asked. “Why is there this discrimination? We call on those concerned to provide us with statistics on males who are harassed”. The debate was stopped once the error was brought to the attention of the chamber, prompting Shura members to vote on the two other amendments, which punish those that encourage others to commit immoral acts with a jail term between three months and six months or a fine between BD200 and BD500, while those who invade people’s privacy and post private pictures or news on public platforms with the intent of harm would be jailed between three months and a year and fined between BD200 and BD500. 50

Gulf Insider December 2017

MPs plan to further hit expats on electricity costs rejected Not content with Bahrainis paying 3 fils per Kwh compared to Expats having to pay 29 fils per Kwh, MPs sought to further tilt the balance against Bahrain’s expats by voting in May to reduce domestic electricity charges for Bahrainis by a third and pass the additional burden onto expats and the private sector. Their plan was vetoed by the Shura Council. Parliament in May approved reducing the electricity tariff for Bahrainis from 3 fils to 2 fils per unit, despite government warnings that it would undermine a national austerity drive. MPs’ amendments to the 1996 Electricity and Water Law would have seen one fil added to the annual increase in electricity charges for businesses and expats over four years, meaning they would end up paying 33 fils per unit by 2019–with Bahrainis paying just two fils per unit for the same service. The government in March last year increased electricity rates for expats in the private sector, in a move which will eventually see the cost gradually rising to 29 fils per unit by 2019.

People & Culture

Kuwait to deport expatriates who break traffic laws twice

Expats in Bahrain could be forced to pay BD500 for a driving licence EXPATS in Bahrain could be forced to pay BD500 to obtain a driving licence under proposed amendments to the 2014 Traffic Law. The amendments also state that foreigners have to pay BD50 annually to renew the licences. Expatriates currently pay BD20 – the same rate as Bahraini’s – to get a new driving licence issued for five years and upon renewal pay BD12. Those excluded from the increase in fees are expatriates registered as drivers and GCC nationals. Under the proposal, expats with more than one car will also have to pay BD50 monthly for the additional vehicle.

Kuwait said that it would deport any foreign driver caught a second time not wearing the seatbelt or holding a cell phone. “The expatriate who breaks twice the law by not wearing the seat belt or using a mobile phone should be in his home country,” Brigadier Adel Al Hasshash, the head of public relations and security media, said. “Article 207 of Traffic Law allows the impounding of vehicles while other articles give the interior minister the right to deport those who do not comply with public order and break the laws,” he said during a TV interview in Kuwait. Al Hasshash said all Kuwaiti citizens and foreigners should fully comply with the law and cooperate with the public security in its application. Several Kuwaitis have expressed anger at a decision to impound cars for months after drivers were caught not wearing seatbelts, using cell phones, or parking on sideways or in no parking areas. The interior ministry started impounding cars last week, triggering a wave of protests. However, the ministry remained unfazed and insisted on the application of the new decision. “The Traffic Directorate will not accept any mediation by anyone not to impound vehicles or to release cars,” Al Hasshash said.

Gulf Insider December 2017

People & Culture

whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening

Filipino Fiesta brunch at Al Areen Palace & Spa The Filipino Fiesta brunch at Al Areen Palace & Spa opened to a full house and was graced by the Philippine ambassador himself.

Maserati and Ferrari Showroom Opening at Euromotors Euro Motors celebrated the grand opening of their new Maserati and Ferrari showroom located in Sitra.

Gulf Insider December 2017

People & Culture

ASIS Middle East 2017 ASIS Middle East 2017 is an exhibition conducted in support of the strategic initiatives across GCC.

The Domain Breakfast Club

The Domain launched the all-new Saturday breakfast club at Le Sauvage.

Gulf Insider December 2017

Car Insider

F1 Done Right! Gulf Insider visits 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit

e had the pleasure of attending the last race of the F1 season at Yas Marina circuit in November to see Valtteri Bottas bring the field across the finish line as the teams head home for a well-deserved rest. The atmosphere of the entire Marina area and the general support for the event from the country provides a lesson to all on how to deliver a successful and exuberant event! We noticed, brilliant traffic management and free shuttle services to move fans around the huge area, taxi fares that were the same as at any other time of the year, a hugely diverse set of pre and post-race entertainment delivered by international superstars and even food & beverages that were not overpriced. We understand that the UAE Government financially supported many of the external events to ensure a level of quality and production that matched the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high standards for tourism and ensured that visitors were given the best possible value for money and experience to ensure their return in 2018. We were lucky enough to watch the race from a yacht moored in the Marina â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yes, we did this F1 in style! A professional food

Gulf Insider December 2017

Car Insider

Even food & beverages that were not overpriced. delivery service offered spectators a choice of delicious delicacies and all sorts of beverages, efficiently and at reasonable prices. Example, good quality wines priced at 39dhs (BD3.9) PER BOTTLE! Not once did we feel like we were being exploited. It was also pleasing to note that the hotel rates in the country, excluding the few hotels directly attached to the circuit, were charging almost standard rates, with no premium for the F1 circus being in town â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exceptional! The vibrancy of the whole event transfused into the Formula 1 fans and was responsible for developing a wonderful ambience and camaraderie. We very much look forward to attending again next year and also hope that others learn from their lead in how to deliver a spectacularly successful event. HHT Gulf Insider December 2017

Car Insider

Thrills & Spills Gulf Insider was invited by Porsche to witness the much anticipated FIA WEC Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain.

ince its inception in 2012, Bahrain has been a part of the annual FIA WEC calendar, hosting its own endurance event that boasts its unique characteristics. Known as the FIA WEC Bapco Six Hours of Bahrain, this race ensures plenty of thrills and spills from an enormous grid of more than 30 challengers. The Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain marked the ninth and final round of the 2017 FIA WEC season. The action was intense and hotly contested in the three supporting series, including the World Series Formula V8 3.5, the MRF Challenge and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. The World Series Formula V8 3.5 was holding the final round of its 2017 campaign, while the MRF and Porsche GT3 Cup were each staging their season-openers.

The Victors Rene Binder, Julien Falchero, Rinus

Gulf Insider December 2017

van Kalmthout and Tom Oliphant were all victorious in their respective championships.

World Series Formula V8 3.5 Starting from pole, Binder did well to hold on to his lead until the chequered flag, despite the tough challenge of newly crowned world champion and

race one winner Pietro Fittipaldi who finished 2.542 seconds behind. Ace rookie Tatiana Calderon claimed third 13.573s back, and they completed the podium for the last time this season. With his title-winning performance this weekend, Fittipaldi, who is the grandson of two-time Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi, will have

Car Insider

. The Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain marked the ninth and final round of the 2017 FIA WEC season.

a chance to test the 919 Hybrid of WEC champions Porsche.

MRF Challenge French GP3 driver Julien Falchero won his first race of the MRF Challenge in Bahrain when he got past Rinus van Kalmthout in the final race of round one. Van Kalmthout had earlier dominated race three, winning ahead of championship leader Felipe Drugovich and Falchero. In the opening race of the day, van Kalmthout made the perfect getaway to lead into the first corner with Drugovich

holding off Falchero. Behind them Alex Karkosik managed to pass Dylan Young as Martono lost places. Van Kalmthout pulled away with Drugovich and Falchero locked in battle. He was not troubled and crossed the finish line more than eight seconds ahead. Falchero came alongside Drugovich but was unable to pass the Brazilian and had to settle for third.

Team Bahrain’s Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa was the winner in the Silver category. He finished the race sixth overall 13.252s behind the victor.

Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Meanwhile, Tom Oliphant clinched a fine victory in race two of the seasonopening round of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, held as part of the FIA WEC Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain. The Briton snatched away the lead from pole-sitter Zaid Ashkanani and did well to hold on until the chequered flag. Oliphant triumphed just 0.527 seconds

ahead of Ashkanani, who was 1.636s in front of third-place Al Faisal Al Zubair. Each of the top three overall were also the leaders in the Gold class. Team Bahrain’s Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa was the winner in the Silver category. He finished the race sixth overall 13.252s behind the victor. Khalid Al Wahaibi clinched first place in the Bronze class. He finished 22.612s off the winner’s pace. Team Bahrain’s other driver, Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, was the Bronze category’s runner-up. He completed the race 33.697s behind Oliphant.

Pit Walk and Autograph Session Race-goers who attended the 2017 FIA WEC Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain had a pair of fantastic chances to get up close and personal to the sport’s teams and drivers. As part of the weekend’s events, BIC has organised a WEC Pit-Lane Walk at noon, to be followed immediately at 12.10pm by an Autograph Session. The Pit-Walk gave fans an opportunity to personally experience the WEC Pit Lane and see their garages and team members hard at work preparing for all the action ahead of the weekend. Gulf Insider December 2017

Last Word

Happy National Day

Bahrain!

Bahrain National Day is one of the most widely celebrated events in Bahrain with fireworks, operettas, folk dances, and an aerobatics air show!

ahrain National Day is almost a month-long celebration of freedom for this intensely patriotic island nation.

Brief History Bahrain is the first site of the ancient Dilmun civilization. Then came the conversion to Islam and a period of Arab rule in the 600’s AD. In 1521 Bahrain came under Portuguese rule, followed by a period under Persian rule in 1602, and the Bani Utbah clan in 1783. During

Gulf Insider December 2017

the 1800’s the British steadily gained influence in Bahrain. After a United Nations survey of the Bahraini population and the withdrawal of British troops that had been stationed in the island; Bahrain independence was announced on the 15th of August, 1971. However, National Day is celebrated on the 16th of December because this was the date when the first Bahraini king was coronated.

Widespread Celebrations December is an exciting month for

the whole island as a wide spread array of events are prepared every year including fireworks, folk dancing and singing, carnivals, “air parades”, heritage shows, and numerous speeches detailing the accomplishments of Bahrain and its citizens. Residents and visitors can also expect concerts, festivals, food trucks, family events, water sports shows, and even medical missions and campaigns. The whole island will also be bedecked in Bahrain’s national colors, from the lights to the landscape.

Kingdom of B ahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Day

All the management and staff of C.G. Arabia WLL, the holding company of Arabian Magazines, takes this opportunity to congratulate His Majesty the King Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa His Highness the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa His Highness the Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the people of Bahrain. We pledge our continuing support to the King, his Government and people, and look forward to our contributing to the prosperity of the nation both now and in years ahead.

P O Box 26810, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, Tel. +973 1782 2388 Fax. +973 1772 1722 e-mail: info@ArabianMagazines.com www.ArabianMagazines.com