Daily Tribune National Day Magazine 2021 by newsofbahrain

REDEFINING LUXURY

he largest Rolex Boutique in the Middle East, made when the founder of Rolex Geneva, Hans Wilsdorf, the Modern Art Studio and Rolex boutique were officially appointed Modern Art Studio as the first meticulously designed to embrace Arabian and only Rolex agent in the Gulf. Operating from his heritage while maintaining the exclusivity synonymous store on Government Avenue, Murad promoted and with the Swiss watchmaker, serving its discerning sold watches in Bahrain, as well as to his sub-agents clientele from its accessible location in City Centre, in other GCC countries. He later recommended them Bahrain. to Rolex to become official agents, many of whom are still distributors of Rolex today. Another milestone was The boutique, which features an exclusive VIP suite reached in 1978 when Modern Art Studio’s new Rolex for private viewings, offers a one-of-a-kind experience showroom was opened by Mr Andre Heiniger CEO of for visitors. An extensive collection of over 800 Rolex Rolex. Genuinely impressed by Modern Art Studio at watches adorns the boutique, beautifully displayed the time, Heiniger proclaimed it “One of the best Rolex in expertly crafted walnut showcases. Customers shops in the World.” One of its notable showcases was can admire the exquisite interior design, created in a display of the exclusive watches cleverly arranged collaboration with Rolex Interior Design Specialists into individual letters to spell the name Rolex. Today, using the highest quality materials. The wall panels were Modern Art Studio maintains its legacy as a family manufactured in Switzerland and the Murano chandelier business as it continues to operate under the wise in Italy. The atmosphere illustrates the world of Rolex leadership of Richard and David, the sons of Naji Murad. and offers privacy and professional advice, with many Hans Wilsdorf went on to found Tudor watches in staff who have been with Modern Art Studio for over 1946, and the first Tudor watches in 1946, and the first 30 years. In addition to being the largest one in the Tudor Boutique in Bahrain and the Gulf was opened Mideast, it is also one of the largest Rolex boutiques by Modern Art Studio in December 2014. To this day, in the world. Modern Art Studio continues to be leaders in promoting The story of Modern Art Studio dates back to 1936 Rolex and Tudor watches in GCC. For more details visit when its founder Naji Murad had his original shop in www.masbahrain.com. Government Avenue, Manama. By 1940, history was

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National Day Supplement 2021 Honorary Chairman

Najeb Yacob Alhamer Chairman & Managing Director

P Unnikrishnan Editor-in-Chief

Mahmood Al Mahmood

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NAJEEB ALHAMER Honorary Chairman

Salute to pioneers of development The Kingdom is resolved to continue the march of sustainable development as part of the wideranging recovery plan, lining up an ambitious $30 billion strategy aimed to bolster economic and social stability and achieve fiscal balance by 2024

t’s time to celebrate Bahrain’s National Day in commemoration of the establishment of the modern Bahraini state as an Arab and Muslim country founded by Ahmed Al Fateh in 1783, the anniversary of its full membership in the United Nations, and the anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. On this momentous occasion I would like to stress the importance of the National Day celebrations, which promote community partnership and foster the spirit of patriotism and cement national unity. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa addressed the nation as the Kingdom celebrated its National Day last year with the following message: ‘’We renew with you our common determination to enrich our path to modernisation and development, building on the achievements of the founders of our long-established state that were inspired by our faith, values and traditions, and shaped by our moderate, tolerant and civilised approach. We will remain faithful and contribute to their blessed journey, which started more than two hundred years ago, as we build our homeland of the future for the next generations of Bahrainis.’’ On this special occasion, I extend my utmost congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the people of the Kingdom. I would like to thank His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness

Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their leadership, forward thinking and professionalism in handling the response to the pandemic. This year’s celebrations would comply with the mandatory measures on combating the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Strategic Projects Plan and comes as part of the government’s priority projects that are worth more than USD 30 billion. The plan to develop an integrated public transport network will contribute to raising the efficiency of transport services in the Kingdom. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom of Bahrain remains faithful to religious tolerance and harmony. Bahrain supports all efforts that seek to promote interfaith tolerance throughout the world, based on the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, his approach and his keenness to spread the values of tolerance and coexistence among different peoples and promote constructive co-operation between countries.

THE SPIRIT OF BAHRAIN IS TO BE TOLERANT TO ALL RELIGIONS AND CULTURES. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS ON DISPLAY EVERYWHERE IN BAHRAIN

The Kingdom led by HM the King with the support of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is resolved to continue the march of sustainable development as part of the wide-ranging recovery plan, lining up an ambitious $30 billion strategy aimed to bolster economic and social stability and achieve fiscal balance by 2024. New projects include the creation of five cities situated on newly constructed islands, increasing Bahrain’s total land area by more than 60 per cent. Fasht al Jārim, the largest of those planned, will span 183 square km, providing a residential, logistics, and tourism hub that will house a new airport. The new 25km, four lane King Hamad Causeway will facilitate cross border trade and travel with Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, and strengthen political, strategic, economic, and cultural ties. The Strategic Projects Plan is an investment not only in Bahrain’s physical infrastructure but in the future prosperity of the Kingdom’s people.

The Bahrain Metro project is one of the most important land transport projects providing a new sustainable mode of transportation in the Kingdom, aiming to achieve Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. The project is part of the

In this context, I would like to mention that Bahrain National Day expresses its unique spirit, tolerance and economic opportunities. The spirit of Bahrain is to be tolerant to all religions and cultures. Religious freedom is on display everywhere in Bahrain. Let’s celebrate with great jubilation the National Day with a spirit of patriotism and resolve to keep moving forward under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The National Day celebration is an opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the pioneers of our national development, men and women; thanks and praise to all those who have made serving Bahrain and its advancement a great honour. Happy National Day! Thank You

Building a peace bridge The steps and efforts from the part of the Kingdom to resolve a 54-year-old conflict is beyond any reckoning. This has been the biggest and long-lasting political problem that exists in the present century. If the Nobel Peace Prize Committee is monitoring world happenings, they can’t have selective blindness towards the Kingdom’s efforts to uphold peace and security in the region.

P UNNIKRISHNAN Chairman & Managing Director

small group of mourners clustered under the boughs of several towering beech trees. Nearby stood an old masjid, under an arched canopy formed by a black mulberry tree. Something was written in carved letters on the stone, placed above the doors of the masjid, but it was unreadable. And all I could see was a group of people, some standing in absolute silence and the rest praying. “It is a usual scene over here,” my friend, who was, like me, part of the Bahraini delegation, told me in a muffled voice. I was in Gaza for the opening of a preparatory boys’ school built by the Kingdom’s Royal Charity Organization. While walking through the corridors of the school I met an English teacher who spoke to me about their problems in length. “I am not able to meet both ends as I have 14 kids. We decided to have more kids because we have no guarantee that how many would survive.” I could read the fear, dominating his eyes. All of a sudden, thoughts of the ‘Hello Peace’ project filled my mind with renewed hope. It’s a joint project by Palestinian and Israeli parents, nearly 400 of them,

who have lost their children or any close family member in the conflict. This project enabled any peaceloving Israeli or Palestinian to simply pick the phone and ring someone “on the other side” and talk about peace, and that too at no charge. “Hello Peace” is based on an automated telephone system using an interactive voice response.

I MAY BE ONE OF THE FEW EXPATRIATES WHO HAD THE RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF THE BAHRAINI DELEGATION TO GAZA AS WELL AS TO THE STATE OF ISRAEL. I COULD WITNESS THE EMPATHY, CARE AND SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE BAHRAIN GOVERNMENT TO PALESTINIANS. THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN HAS CONSISTENTLY SUPPORTED THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE SINCE THE CATASTROPHE OF 1948.

After dialing 6364, one would identify himself/herself as an Israeli or Palestinian before expressing their desire to engage in a conversation after revealing their personal profile. A computer-linked network would automatically connect them to someone “on the other side” who fits the profile and has expressed willingness to talk. More than 210,000 conversations have been placed through this system, which has had an extraordinary response. This gives

clear evidence that many Palestinians and Israelis wanted peace and stability in their countries.

If anyone cites religious differences as the sole reason behind the conflict, I would abruptly reject that observation. All religions have common grounds, but it is the differences that are being highlighted. All religions are deeprooted in philosophies that emphasize the mysteries of life and death and the quest for happiness in the face of suffering. Unfortunately, the religious differences created more divisions within communities and societies, perpetuating intolerance and leading to violence. The world would be a better place if there were greater religious tolerance. But the question always remained - who will start the foundation for building such a bridge between these two countries? Many had the fear to touch this sensitive

Mr Unnikrishnan with children and residents inside a Gaza neighbourhood

matter ignoring the fact that conflict has claimed more than 14,000 lives since 1987. I have always resorted to a belief that honest communication and empathy could build roads of hope into the darkest of situations, which might seem insurmountable and reconciliation impossible. The story of Patrick Magee and Jo Barry would further cement this belief. Patrick Magee was an Irish Republican Army affiliate, who sought freedom for Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom. In 1984, he planted a bomb in the Grand Hotel in Brighton targeting Margaret Thatcher and her Cabinet colleagues. Though Thatcher escaped unhurt, five prominent individuals including parliament member Sir Anthony Berry were killed in the attack. Patrick was arrested and sentenced to a minimum of 35 years in prison. Upon Sir Anthony’s death, one of his daughters, Joanna Cynthia Berry committed her life to the peaceful resolution of the conflict. In 1999, in line with the Good Friday Accords, Patrick was released from prison after serving only 14 years. Upon knowing the news, Jo Barry sought an appointment with Patrick, who was initially reluctant to meet her. But she persisted and the meeting became a reality. It culminated in a physical act of reconciliation as they hugged each other and Patrick expressed his apology. “They were at the beginning of a long journey, which continued in the form of countless meetings between them.” They made multiple public appearances and in 2009 they started a not-for-profit together called “Building Bridges for Peace”. Jo Barry is undoubtedly one of the exceptional human beings, who gave importance to the lives of millions affected by the conflict while ignoring her personal emotions. Years later, when I landed in Israel as a part of the first Bahraini delegation, I was very much curious to hear and understand the perceptions and issues from the other end as well. We had chances to interact with the top officials from Israel, surprisingly, some of them were very open and keen to find an immediate solution for the long-lasting problem. “It is time to solve the conflict and find peace. We have more than one million Muslims living in Israel and they are our brothers. What

we must seek is peace and economic prosperity and not conflict. We shouldn’t be wasting money on defence,” said one of the senior-most members of the Israeli Government during a private interaction. I could feel honesty in his words. All I could sense was there were many, who were keen on resolving the matter and their intentions were honest. I may be one of the few expatriates who had the rare opportunity to be a part of the Bahraini delegation to Gaza as well as to the State of Israel. I could witness the empathy, care and support given by the Bahrain government to Palestinians. The Kingdom of Bahrain has consistently supported the Palestinian cause since the catastrophe of 1948. ‘The Peace to Prosperity’ workshop organised by the US government and hosted by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister showcased many new ideas to improve the overall economy of Palestine. It was a clear roadmap to resolve many of their financial issues. I am really proud of the bold steps taken by His Majesty for normalising the ties with the State of Israel. It is definitely a confident and timely decision that will be recorded in history forever. In fact, the Kingdom managed to create a hidden bridge to connect and correct, between the two countries. Maybe Bahrain is a small country, but certainly it is a country with a big heart; a heart to understand the problems of those suffering, a heart filled with empathy towards the poor and needy, a heart to care and protect its citizens and also, a heart to unconditionally love the expatriate community. A traveller to more than 50 countries, I did not see any other place where expatriates get the kind of respect, dignity and religious freedom they receive in the Kingdom. The steps and efforts from the part of the Kingdom to resolve a 54-year-old conflict is beyond any reckoning. This has been the biggest and long-lasting political problem that exists in the present century. If the Nobel Peace Prize Committee is monitoring world happenings, they can’t have selective blindness towards the Kingdom’s efforts to uphold peace and security in the region.

CAPT MAHMOOD AL MAHMOOD Editor-in-Chief

Let’s together fight the Covid threat Throughout the Kingdom’s history, it has been known for its religious pluralism and coexistence in its society

he Kingdom’s National Days are being celebrated with patriotic ornaments and decorative lights lining the capital’s highways and avenues. Bahrain, every year, on December 16 and 17, celebrates its National Days, in commemoration of the establishment of the Bahraini state as an Arab and Muslim country founded by Ahmed Al Fateh in 1783, the anniversary of its full membership in the United Nations, and the anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne. On this special occasion, I extend deepest congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, citing the Kingdom’s achievements through the comprehensive visions of His Majesty the King, that absorbed the civilized values underpinning the spirit of the Bahraini identity. Throughout the Kingdom’s history, it has been known for its religious pluralism and coexistence in its society where mosques, churches and temples are built nearby each other. The reform approach by His Majesty the King was keen to preserve and promote the values of tolerance and respect for religious freedoms, making the Kingdom a model for religious coexistence and tolerance. The economic progress witnessed by the Kingdom led by His Majesty the King and in the light of the Bahrain Vision 2030, which is based on the principles of competitiveness, justice and sustainability, has greatly contributed to the Kingdom’s economy in achieving steady growth despite the decline in oil prices in the past years. This could be attributed to the economic policy of rational leadership to diversify sources of income. The entire year has been dominated by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and many countries in the world are experiencing new waves of COVID-19 cases and the Omicron variant. The decrease in active cases over the past period indicates the Kingdom is moving in the right direction, and citizens and residents continue to follow measures to maintain the downward trajectories of cases. I would like to highlight the importance of continuing to adhere to precautionary health measures, as well as getting vaccinated and receiving a booster shot in order to protect public health. The Kingdom of Bahrain has witnessed a remarkable leap and a set of reforms at all levels, many of which were achieved in the last few years. On this special occasion, I congratulate the Daily Tribune for bringing out a National Day Supplement 2021, which portrays the Kingdom’s achievements over the years. Happy National Day!

THE GREAT LEADER OF A GREAT NATION His Majesty has always emphasised on renewed thinking to preserve the Kingdom’s continuous progress

he Kingdom is surging ahead, exemplifying a welfare nation in all aspects and its growth saga reflects the far-sighted vision and wisdom of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Majesty’s usual keenness to confirm the positions of the Kingdom and its policies towards domestic and international issues and global challenges. In line with His Majesty’s call to continue the united national march on the path of progress, stability and prosperity, the Kingdom has achieved spectacular successes both on the domestic and international fronts. “Having realized many developmental achievements of which we are proud, we look to the future with great optimism, towards further strides forward in building the modern civilized state that keeps pace with the scientific and technical advancements which characterize global development,” His Majesty said during the opening of the present House of Representatives. Knowledge-based society has always been one of the top priorities of His Majesty. “In light of our serious endeavors towards a modern, knowledge-based economy, we direct the government to undertake the development of a comprehensive national plan to ensure that we are fully prepared to meet the needs of the digital economy, by adopting and employing artificial intelligence technologies in the production and service sectors, through the establishment of the necessary systems and technical frameworks, as well as through encouraging quality investments, in order to guarantee the maximum benefit to our national economy,” His Majesty had highlighted at one of his speeches to the nation.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

In light of the ongoing global efforts to find solutions that enhance the quality of human life and ensure the enjoyment of decent living, especially in the area of achieving food security, Bahrain is taking serious initiatives to adopt appropriate solutions to develop self-sufficiency

Under His Majesty’s great leadership, the Kingdom continues to pay close attention to the oil and gas sector and the government has directed the pace of development of oil and gas projects to be accelerated, with the launch of a series of major development projects, including the largest expansion of the Bapco refinery, the expansion of Banagas, the opening of the liquefied gas terminal, Alba’s Line 6 project, and the operation of the new pipeline with

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The transportation sector has also witnessed a huge growth with the implementation of a number of projects, including the expansion of Bahrain International Airport and the official start of executive studies for the construction of the King Hamad Bridge, all within the framework of strategic investments to support the national economy. In light of the ongoing global efforts to find solutions that enhance the quality of human life and ensure the enjoyment of decent living, especially in the area of achieving food security, Bahrain is taking serious initiatives to adopt appropriate solutions to develop self-sufficiency. To this end, His Majesty has issued directives to develop and implement a “strategic project for national food production”, to include the allocation of multiple sites for

aquaculture and plant production. The project aims primarily to develop the capacity of national food industries, to increase the proportion of local production, and to preserve the expertise of the professionals who play such an important part in the success of these projects. With regard to global issues, the Kingdom under the great leadership of His Majesty, shares the international community’s concerns about rapid climate change, and follows its approaches to mitigate the effects on the environment. “We hereby direct the continued development of our policies to combat this challenge, and to protect our country’s environment and climate through the intensification of projects by the competent authorities to improve climate conditions and cool the atmosphere, such as those involving waterfronts and areas of water, as well

as the diversification and expansion of agricultural spaces,” His Majesty had said. His Majesty’s leadership has also offered many advancements in the legal and justice segments, be its institutions, services or procedures. The Alternative Sentencing Law is a perfect example. “We direct all relevant parties to extend full cooperation in applying its provisions that consolidate social stability and recognize the circumstances of those convicted by giving them the opportunity to resume their positive role in society. We extend our thanks here to the judiciary and its officials for their efforts to strengthen the pillars of justice and safeguard rights and freedoms,” His Majesty had directed.

His Majesty has always emphasised that prosperity and human security can be achieved only by continued economic growth, whether in the Middle East or in the world at large. “One fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply is launched from the waters of the Arabian Gulf, and any threat to the freedom of navigation is therefore considered a disruption to world trade, a disturbance to oil prices, and a challenge to the global order. Accordingly, the international community must come together to take firm steps to deter the aggressor, and oblige it to respect international maritime safety laws and treaties, in order to maintain international peace and security,” His Majesty said. His Majesty has always praised the contributions of the defence personnel to the Kingdom’s national

security. “Our defence and security forces are the stronghold of our blessed path of reform and national renewal.” The King has been a pioneer in democratic reforms. His Majesty always appreciates the outstanding role of the Kingdom’s legislature in strengthening and reinforcing the nation’s deep traditions and in enhancing the national development, “the horizons of which are truly limitless”. In the words of His Majesty, achieving national aspirations requires evergreater coordination and cooperation between the authorities, with each authority fully and independently assuming its constitutionallymandated responsibility.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

TRANSFORMING THE NATION INTO A WELFARE STATE His Majesty’s great vision and reforms have transformed the Kingdom into a most modern state. The Kingdom is in the forefront when it comes to all aspects of human development that include education, health, public housing and social security

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

PEOPLE’S PREMIER HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister has implemented a clear vision for the development of healthcare, education, labour and many other sectors in the Kingdom

is Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom, plays the most important role in promoting development within the Kingdom as well as supporting key development of economic, education and health services. As the head of the Economic Development Board, Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and Labour Fund (Tamkeen), His Royal Highness has initiated a wide range of policy initiatives aimed at broadening the economic base, enhancing business competitiveness and improving education and skills training. In 2008, under the chairmanship of the Crown Prince, the EDB launched Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, a comprehensive strategy for the Kingdom’s economic development which aims to enhance the standard of living of all Bahrain’s citizens and increase diversification. Related to these efforts, the Crown Prince also chairs the Higher Committee for Natural Resources and Economic

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

His Royal Highness Prince Salman continues to drive forward the Kingdom’s programme of health regulation through a range of healthcare initiatives and objectives devised by the EDB, including strengthening the role of the Ministry of Health in developing policies and governance

Security, which sets strategies for economic security and the protection of natural resources and energy sources. In April 2018, Bahrain’s Higher Committee for Natural Resources and Economic Security announced the discovery of a new tight oil and deep gas resource in the Khaleej Al Bahrain Basin, located off the west coast of the Kingdom. The discovery came after an uplift in oil and gas exploration projects undertaken in response to a directive from His Majesty King Hamad to the Higher Committee for Natural Resources and Economic Security to increase exploration activities. As Chairman of the EDB, Prince Salman has implemented a clear vision for the development of education, providing future generations with the qualifications and skills needed to face today’s global economy. The launch of the National Strategy for Higher Education has seen a variety of programmes implemented to further develop Bahrain’s schools, enhance professional education and training and improve students’ performance. These efforts have resulted in the establishment of the Education and

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

Training Quality Authority alongside the Bahrain Teachers College. His Royal Highness is committed to providing quality healthcare services to all Bahraini citizens. His Royal Highness Prince Salman continues to drive forward the Kingdom’s programme of health regulation through a range of healthcare initiatives and objectives devised by the EDB, including strengthening the role of the Ministry of Health in developing policies and governance. These efforts have also served as the foundation for the Kingdom’s first national healthcare programme, which is designed to ensure health insurance coverage for all citizens and residents Another key priority for the Crown Prince is the completion of significant housing, infrastructure, and social development projects being conducted under the GCC Development Programme. HRH Prince Salman continues to chair meetings of the Government’s Executive Committee and receive updates on, which has been integral to supporting the programme’s implementation that aims to provide a better quality Kingdom’s goal of life

for all Bahrainis’ long-term, sustainable economic growth. His Royal Highness also heads the High Urban Planning Committee, a committee responsible for upgrading Bahrain’s planning laws to ensure sustainable urban development. In early 2014, the government’s Tawasul platform was launched under the supervision of the Government’s Executive Committee. Tawasul, meaning “to be connected”, enables citizens to anonymously submit complaints about government services. Any government entity that has received a complaint is compelled to respond, and all required actions must be processed within a clearly defined schedule. As part of his personal drive to provide greater opportunities and skills development for Bahrain’s youth, in 1999 His Royal Highness established the Crown Prince International Scholarship Programme (CPISP). CPISP gives Bahrain’s most gifted and talented youth the opportunity to study at some of the world’s leading educational institutions. To date, more than 140 students from across Bahraini society have been awarded the scholarship, and have had the opportunity to study abroad including the UK, US and France. His Royal Highness holds a weekly Majlis, based on the culture and traditions of the Kingdom, which is attended by a wide cross section of

Bahraini society including members of the royal family, senior government officials, community leaders and Bahrain’s citizens. His Royal Highness continues to welcome world officials to Bahrain and to lead delegations abroad in his concerted effort to further improve political relations and boost economic ties with the Kingdom’s global partners. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister has played a fundamental role in positioning Bahrain as the region’s pioneer for motorsport. It was His Royal Highness’ special efforts that led to the establishment of Formula One track in the Kingdom.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

EMPOWERING WOMEN, EMPOWERING NATION HRH Princess Sabeeka’s vision has served strong pillars for the SCW to implement a plethora of women empowerment programmes

RH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and the President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), has been pioneering the implementation of a national strategy approved by His Majesty, aimed at the overall empowerment of Bahraini women. The SCW under the leadership of HRH Princess Sabeeka now develops long-term plans to offer the right tools and skills to Bahraini women, in accordance with the country’s economic vision. According to HRH Princess Sabeeka, the SCW will be better able to empower women and simultaneously strengthen the economy of the Kingdom. As a result of specialised programmes implemented by the SCW, the Kingdom has been able to decrease the rate of unemployment among women. The SCW contributes to this effort by offering comprehensive programmes aimed at the economic empowerment of women to create new opportunities for them in cooperation with the concerned organisations in the Kingdom. It has recently launched several projects to assist low-income families to start their own businesses, taking into consideration the need to make new business choices that are compatible with market demand. Since then, the SCW has succeeded in attracting a significant number of women from different areas of the country to participate in these economic empowerment programmes. Grooming women entrepreneurs is another area, which is of great importance to HRH Princess Sabeeka and the SCW. “SMEs offer a certain type of economic independence for Bahraini women that allow them to play an important role in developing the national economy. These businesses can also further develop when the proper platform for growth is provided.” In the Kingdom, many public and private organisations such as Tamkeen, Bahrain Development Bank, UNIDO and Ebdaa Bank

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

are strategic partners in implementing economic empowerment programmes for women with the council. There are also a number of examples and success stories of women who managed their own businesses and, today, are regional businesswomen. Such projects, if sustained, should allow women to participate in developing the economy while controlling capital and managing their lives, says HRH Princess Sabeeka. The SCW is currently working on an economic empowerment programme using a comprehensive economic system, either by administering training programmes and providing qualifications in managing small businesses and projects, or by providing financing opportunities that can be facilitated through funds that capital entrepreneurs need subject to basic rules and regulations. In addition to establishing a fund, financing can be provided through the launch of economic incubators that offer a number of consultative services such as training, financing and promotion all offered under one

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

The SCW is currently working on an economic empowerment programme using a comprehensive economic system, either by administering training programmes or by providing financing opportunities that can be facilitated through funds that capital entrepreneurs need subject to basic rules and regulations

umbrella called the “Bahraini Women Development Centre”, which is currently in its early stages. Being established by SCW in cooperation with the Bahrain Development Bank, the centre is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2012. HRH Princess Sabeeka has also highlighted the challenges faced by Bahraini women in her earlier interviews with media. “There are bound to be challenges in every work environment that serve as lessons to grow from. Furthermore, Bahraini women’s aspirations are continuously developing, which adds impetus to our goal of providing them with the tools necessary to pursue their ambitions.”

One of the most significant challenges confronting Bahraini women today is the issue of the availability of opportunities that will allow them to become valuable resources at the national level. “It is equally important to guarantee the enforcement of the constitutional laws that ensure women, given their social roles as mothers, can balance between their family lives and continue working and contributing to the broader society. This matter requires a significant amount of work and a great

consolidating Bahraini women status. The award reflects the belief of HRH Princess Sabeeka in the effective role of women in the society, the keen interest to support and empower working Bahraini women, integrate them in the national development plans, achieve higher standards of holding leading and executive and decision- making positions, as well as the commitment of institutions towards the complete policy of non-discrimination against women.

The award reflects the belief of HRH Princess Sabeeka in the effective role of women in the society, the keen interest to support and empower working Bahraini women, integrate them in the national development plans, achieve higher standards of holding leading and executive and decision- making positions

deal of follow-up to ensure that women are given this opportunity in a way that preserves their role as an important part of the workforce today while also allowing her to be a key player in ensuring family stability as a wife and mother.” The Award of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa for Bahraini Women Advancement was launched as one of the important initiatives achieved by the Kingdom in the field of supporting and

It is also a realistic reflection of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s democratic reform programme who issued Royal Decree number 5 for 2014 to establish the Award which is held each two years for the best ministries and public and private institutions in the field of supporting and empowering working Bahraini women. Throughout the past terms of the award, it witnessed continued development reflected in the clear rise of participating parties on public and private levels.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

SUSTAINABILITY THE KEY WORD HH Shaikh Abdulla has championed the concept of sustainable development in the Kingdom

H Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) President, is the Kingdom’s global envoy when it comes to protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity. The Supreme Council for Environment work as a team to promote a sustainable environment which ensures the quality of life for everyone, protect, conserve and the natural habitat and environmental resources, encourage the use of environmentally friendly technologies, consolidate community partnership, and disseminate environmental culture and awareness of the necessary conservation of our environment in Bahrain. According to HH Shaikh Abdulla, the SCE’s paramount aspiration is the provision of a safe and sustainable environment in the Kingdom, not only for ourselves, but also for our future generations by safeguarding their right to bask in this safe and sustainable environment, with the good living standards which we all seek to enjoy. “To achieve all this, we are determined to benefit from all regional and international experiences, and particularly those of our brethren in the Gulf Cooperation Council, assured that this regional and international coordination will significantly contribute to the protection and development of our environment and environmental resources.” The SCE has attained many achievements that add to the kingdom’s rich record in the field of biodiversity. It has prepared a draft-law on regulating and controlling international trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, in accordance with the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and referred to the National Assembly. The SCE has been working with the Arab Regional Centre for

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

HH Shaikh Abdulla has been in the forefront of organising Bahrain International Airshow. The Airshow has succeeded in attracting major world civil and military aviation companies, promoting Bahrain as the home of the aerospace industry citing the wide media coverage of the event and the keenness of major companies to participate in it

World Heritage to prepare the file of the Hawar Islands Reserve to be declared a biosphere area and a region with natural world heritage under the umbrella of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The SCE has prepared a document that aims mainly to assess the economic, social and vital importance of the pearl oyster regions in the Kingdom to ensure the sustainable fishing of the pearl oyster Bahrain, by reviewing the available data and information and conducting interviews and field surveys. HH Shaikh Abdulla plays a vital role in ensuring Bahrain’s constant interest in co-operation with the UN Environment’s West Asia Office, regarding its studies and projects to confront environmental crises and challenges resulting from the high rates of extinction among animals and plants, as well as global warming 32

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and climate change. Besides, HH Shaikh Abdulla has been in the forefront of organising Bahrain International Airshow. The Airshow has succeeded in attracting major world civil and military aviation companies, promoting Bahrain as the home of the aerospace industry, citing the wide media coverage of the event and the keenness of major companies to participate in it. A motorsport enthusiast and promoter, HH Shaikh Abdulla plays a vital role behind the success of Bahrain 1 Racing team. Its drivers, Jeffery Barker and Stevie Jackson, clinched the first and second positions, respectively, in the drag race held at the Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, within the 2021 NHRA Pro Mod Series, the world’s most prestigious drag racing championship.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

A ROLE MODEL FOR THE YOUTH HH Shaikh Nasser has been a great inspiration to the Kingdom’s youth to achieve success in different areas

he different roles performed by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the nation-building process bear testimony to his highly-versatile personality. He is the Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council. Holding the title of Major General, HH Shaikh Nasser is the National Security Advisor as well as the Commander of Royal Guards. In addition to this, HH Shaikh Nasser is the representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports. HH Shaikh Nasser’s contributions towards the youth empowerment in the Kingdom has no parallels. As of now, there are 36 youth centres that provide 867 different programmes for 50,000 members. The Kingdom has, in recent years, constructed and built comprehensive clubs, developed sports stadiums, football pitches and multipurpose sports halls in addition to Olympic swimming pools, youth centres and youth sports grounds. The Bahrain Olympic Committee is supported by a robust operating infrastructure, with a Secretariat comprising

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

Under the guidance of HH Shaikh Nasser, the Royal Charity Organisation has been pioneering charity activities in the Kingdom as well as abroad. The support offered by the RCO to children of Palestinians in Gaza, including the setting up of a school, health centre and library has been widely acclaimed

administrative, financial and liaison functions; plus technical centres of excellence covering sports performance and assessment; sports training and development; sports medicine and rehabilitation; and anti-doping governance. The Committee has established enduring relationships with leading international, continental and regional sports bodies, through which to encourage the exchange of sports

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expertise and experience. The BOC is a member of the Association of National Olympic Committees, the Olympic Council of Asia, the Arab Sports Games Federation, the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation. Under the guidance of HH Shaikh Nasser, the Royal Charity Organisation has been pioneering charity activities in the Kingdom as well as abroad. The support offered by the RCO to children of Palestinians in Gaza, including the setting up of a school, health centre and library has been widely acclaimed. Besides, HH Shaikh Nasser is a successful athlete winning many domestic and global titles. HH Shaikh Nasser made international headlines after winning the 2018 Ironman World Championship title in his category with a personal best time in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

A DOYEN OF YOUTH PROJECTS HH Shaikh Khalid has been in the forefront of many youth projects and initiatives

is Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) has always emphasised on projects and initiatives catering to the youth to continue the sustainable development success march in the Kingdom. The vision put forward by HH Shaikh Khalid aims to support Bahraini youth in order to develop their capabilities, improve their skills, raise their efficiency, empower them and give them confidence to participate actively in the development of the national economy. The youth and sports movement in the Kingdom has made great strides on the way of progress in recent years through the significant development in supporting both sectors, which would not have been possible without the guidance of HH Shaikh Nasser and HH Shaikh Khalid. Under the leadership of HH Shaikh Nasser and HH Shaikh Khalid, the SCYS have striven to craft and clear strategy for the youth and sports movement in the Kingdom. The Kingdom’s sports strategy underlines the Supreme Council Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

Leading from the front, HH Shaikh Khalid is an athlete by himself. HH Shaikh Khalid was given a heroic welcome after he swam for 35 hours non-stop to raise funds for cancer patients. He rose successfully to the “Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge” by undertaking the toughest swimming test and crossing the stretch of water between Sunset Resort in Saudi Arabia and the Sofitel Resort in Zallaq

for Youth and Sports support to the largest segment of the Bahraini society through instilling the concepts of belonging and loyalty to the nation in the young people and involve them in a variety of interesting sporting activities that are beneficial to them, physically and intellectually. Leading from the front, HH Shaikh Khalid is an athlete by himself. HH Shaikh Khalid was given a heroic welcome after he swam for 35 hours non-stop to raise funds for cancer patients. He rose successfully to the “Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge” by undertaking the toughest swimming test and crossing the stretch of water between Sunset Resort in Saudi Arabia and the Sofitel Resort in Zallaq. Praising the humanitarian and athletic initiative of HH Shaikh Khalid, His 40

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Majesty had said: “The honourable achievement was an outstanding accomplishment for Bahrain, an inspiration for young Bahraini sportsmen and sportswomen and a motivation for young people for more achievements and successes.” The challenge offered “an opportunity that brought together swimmers from diverse backgrounds in a show of mutual tolerance and support and in a remarkable display of deep commitment to serving people in need.” In 2016, HH Shaikh Khalid established Brave Combat Foundation with a vision to create a global sports property, which would unite nations through the celebration of competition and turn athletes into champions. And, as of now, it is one of the fastest growing sports property in the world.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

Bahrain 50th National Day 2021

BOLD STEPS TOWARDS A PROSPEROUS FUTURE The Bahraini Dinar is the second-highest-valued currency unit in the world; latest government strategies are expected to reap better economic rewards

he Kingdom is emerging from the pandemic with a bold ambition that looks beyond economic recovery to a more prosperous future. Bahrain’s transformative investment will raise education and lifestyle opportunities for young people and provide quality healthcare, homes, and career paths for them as the progress into adulthood. New and existing industries are being stimulated and private sector growth in the tourism and entertainment sectors will be driven forward by infrastructure and telecommunications investment with connectivity both within the Kingdom and overseas elevated for the efficient movement of goods, services, and people. This comes in line with the Strategic Projects Plan announced by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy. The plan is an investment not only in the Kingdom’s physical infrastructure but also in the future prosperity of the Kingdom’s people, he said. The Strategic Projects Plan will see over $30 billion invested in Bahrain’s national infrastructure and its strategic priority sectors. The new multi-year projects represent one of Bahrain’s most significant ever injections of capital investment and will drive the Economic Recovery Plan, designed to enhance the longterm competitiveness of Bahrain’s economy, and stimulate post pandemic growth. According to Ministry of Finance and National Economy Bahrain Economic Report, the preliminary gross domestic product figures for the second quarter of 2021 are testament to the strength of the Kingdom’s economy and its ability to recover and bounce back to 2019 levels; with Q2 2021 GDP figures registering the highest levels since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. The economic growth over Q2 2021 was a result of the robust and comprehensive stimulus package initiatives aimed at providing the support necessary to sectors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and driving sustainable economic growth, as well as the significant efforts to contain the spread of the virus. The report states: “The Bahraini economy registered annual nominal growth of 20.7 per cent and real growth of 5.7pc in Q2 2021 compared to Q2 2020; thanks to the progressive normalisation of economic activity at home and externally. The GDP rebound was significantly driven by a growth in the non-oil sectors, whereas the oil sector saw a noticeable nominal growth of 98.3pc, reflecting the increase in global oil prices from a year ago, while it declined in real terms by 2.4pc due to seasonal fluctuations in production levels.” It further points out: “The non-oil sector recovery of 12.8pc in

Shaikh Salman Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

nominal terms and 7.8pc in real terms in Q2 2021, comes as all the major economic sectors registered an annual growth. The rebound was broad-based with the largest improvement seen in sectors that had been hardest hit by the pandemic. The transportation and communications sector posted the highest growth level followed by the hotels and restaurants sector.” The Information and eGovernment Authority’s preliminary National Accounts for Q2 2021 indicate that the Bahraini economy expanded by 20.7pc in nominal terms and by 5.7pc in real terms compared to Q2 2020. On a quarterly basis, nominal GDP grew by

Bahrain improved by nine spots to rank 66th among the top 100 countries in the Startup Ecosystem Index 2021 issued by StratupBlink, Manama’s ranking also improved significantly to 337 out of 1000 cities covered in the index. Countries and citties are ranked based on three measures

6.4pc while the real GDP expanded by a 3.5pc compared to Q1 2021. Growth was broad-based across the non-oil economy which expanded by an annual 12.8pc in nominal terms and 7.8pc in real terms. By contrast, the oil sector recorded a small 2.4pc real YoY decline, although it expanded by 98.3pc in nominal terms. Economic activity benefited from solid progress by the National Vaccination Campaign as well as the ongoing support under the stimulus package. In addition, the robust growth rates reflect base effects since Q2 2020 saw the sharpest contraction of activity at home and globally due to the pandemic. However, the normalization of activity in areas previously disrupted by public health intervention allowed the Kingdom’s GDP to return to the prepandemic level recorded in Q4 2019. In nominal terms, the quarterly GDP was 1.5pc higher than in Q4 2019. In real terms, it remained very slightly -- 0.8pc -- below the pre-pandemic reading. The non-oil economy of Bahrain experienced a broad-based rebound during the second quarter of 2021. The normalization of activity was particularly pronounced in sectors that had seen the sharpest disruptions a year earlier due to the pandemicinduced restrictions on mobility. The

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transportation and communications sector saw the fastest annual growth at 44.9pc in nominal terms and 47.9pc in real terms. The hotels and restaurants sector posted nominal growth of 45.2pc YoY and a real GDP growth of 47.9pc YoY, with average hotel occupancy registering growth of 47pc and 33pc in four- and five-star hotels, respectively. The Kingdom held its place as the 3rd GCC country in terms of Foreign Direct Investment inflows (FDI) as a share of nominal GDP in 2020 according to the World Investment Report 2021 issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The report focuses on trends in FDI worldwide and at the regional and country levels. According to the report, FDI inflows to Bahrain in 2020 were $1,007 million. The report noted that foreign investment in Bahrain in 2020 were mainly directed to the manufacturing, education, healthcare and ICT sectors. The Global Cybersecurity Index 2020 released by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) saw Bahrain’s rank improve by 8 spots to rank 60th out of 194 countries, with an overall score of 77.86/100. The index monitors and compares countries’ level of cybersecurity commitment based on five main pillars: Legal, Technical, Organizational, Capacity Building, and Cooperative. Bahrain achieved a full score of 20/20 on the Legal pillar, a reflection of the Kingdom’s robust cybersecurity legislation. Bahrain improved by nine spots to rank 66th among the top 100 countries in the Startup Ecosystem Index 2021 issued by StratupBlink, Manama’s ranking also improved significantly to 337 out of 1000 cities covered in the index. Countries and citties are ranked based on three measures: Quantity, Quality, and Business Environment. Bahrain is ranked as 2nd on the GCC level and 4th in the Middle East. The index highlights that Bahrain’s ecosystem is designed to help incubate startups and offers early stage business support. In the Global Youth Development Report 2020 published by The Commonwealth, Bahrain ranks 47th out of 181 countries, with a score of 0.779/1. The report categorizes Bahrain as a country with ‘High Youth Development’. Bahrain ranks 1st in the Arab World and 4th globally in the Health and Wellbeing domain of the index. The index ranks countries according to developments in youth Health and Wellbeing, Education,

Employment and Opportunity, Equality and Inclusion, Political and Civic Participation, and Peace and Security.

Jarim Area, Suhailia Island Area, Fasht Al Adhm Area, Gulf of Bahrain Gulf of Bahrain Area, and Hawar Islands Area.

The Digital Trends in the Arab States Region 2021 report issued by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) ranks Bahrain as the 1st out of 22 member states of the Arab region for ‘Penetration of Advanced ICT Skills as a Percentage of Population’.

Khalid Humaidan, Chief Executive Director of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, says: “This new investment platform is a critical component in implementing the Economic Recovery Plan. With the recent announcement of the strategic projects, ensuring investors have access to current investment opportunities, as well as future planned projects gives them direct access to strategic investment opportunities and offers us a platform to engage directly with prospective partners.”

The report provides an overview of trends and development in ICT infrastructure, access and use in the Arab Sates region. The Economic Development Board has announced the launch of the investment platform invest.bh that allows investors to access investment opportunities in the Kingdom’s strategic projects as part of Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan which saw the announcement of strategic projects worth more than USD30 billion. The platform enables investors to explore current investable and future planned projects in the Kingdom across a wide range of sectors including industrial, infrastructure, tourism and housing projects.Investable projects include Bilaj Al Jazayer Tourist City, Bahrain Metro, USA Trade Zone, Aluminium downstream zone and Sports City. Future planned projects are the new planned cities of Fasht Al

“Our Economic Recovery Plan aims to drive economic growth and boost non-oil sectors in the Kingdom as we emerge from the pandemic. Through the platform we are encouraging the private sector to play a bigger role in economic development.” The Kingdom’s Economic Development Board provides support for investors interested in these opportunities and enables them to benefit from the competitive advantages available to them in the Kingdom, including an agile business environment, competitive operating costs with no corporate or income taxes, and a highly skilled workforce.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

BAHRAIN YESTERDAY The Kingdom has a rich cultural heritage as it remained a great centre for culture and trade around 2,000 years ago. The towering symbols of Dilmon and Tylos still exist very much today

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

REVISITING THE ANCIENT GLORY The burial mounds bear witness to early Dilmun civilization, which flourished around 2000 BC

escribed as the place ‘where the sun rises’ and ‘the land of the living’, the Kingdom is the land of one of the oldest civilisations – Dilmun. Despite its deep history and significance, very little is known about the Dilmun civilisation. And this factor is fuelling the researchers to dig deeper and unfold the greatest mystery in history. Dilmun is the Sumerian name of an ancient independent kingdom that flourished in BC 2000. The place is mentioned as a commercial centre and was a transhipment point for goods between Sumer and the Indus Valley. According to historians, copper and a variety of other goods, including stone beads, precious stones, pearls, dates, and vegetables, were shipped to Sumer and Babylonia in return for agricultural products. Barbar, the remains of an ancient temple, largely built using limestone, and many thousands of burial mounds attest to the island’s prominence. Qala’at (fort) al-Bahrain, a large low tell covering about 18 hectares on the northern coast of the island, is the largest site and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. It comprises a city dating from about

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

The Kingdom’s government has taken many initiatives along with many foreign governments and international agencies to protect the historic burial mounds. According to the Head of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the historic burial mounds are a “living proof of Bahrain’s distinguished cultural heritage”

sites located in the western part of the Kingdom. Six of the selected site components are burial mound fields consisting of some dozen to several thousand tumuli. Together they comprise about 11,774 burial mounds. The remaining 15 site components consist of 13 single royal mounds and two pairs of royal mounds, all embedded in the urban fabric of A’ali village.

2800 BC that had seven major building phases including, in its second phase (2300–1800 BC), city walls; other artefacts found dating to this phase are chert weights of the Indus Valley type, distinctive round steatite stamp seals, and quantities of copper.

The Dilmun Burial Mounds were constructed during the Early Dilmun Period over a period of 450 years, approximately between 2200 and 1750 BC. The property encompasses the most representative sites of Early and Late Type Dilmun Burial Mound construction. The burial mounds bear witness to the flourishing of the Early Dilmun civilization around the 2nd millennium BC. During that period, Bahrain gained economic importance on an international level as a trade hub which led to population growth and, as a consequence, to a more diversified social complexity.

The Dilmun Burial Mounds is a serial property formed by 21 archaeological

Archaeological evidence shows that the burial sites were originally

Shaikha Mai

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not constructed as mounds but as cylindrical low towers. The royal mounds, characterized by their pronounced sizes and elaborate burial chambers, were constructed as twostoreyed sepulchral towers forming a ziggurat-like shape. Two of the last Dilmun kings have been identified as Ri’ Mum and Yagli-‘El in relation to the royal mounds 8 and 10. The Kingdom’s government has taken many initiatives along with many foreign governments and international agencies to protect the historic burial mounds. According to the Head of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the historic burial mounds are a “living proof of Bahrain’s distinguished cultural heritage”.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

A UNIQUE LAND STEEPED IN PEARLING HISTORY The pearl fisheries of Tylos finds an important place in Mideast history

very ancient author who wrote on Mideast history and geography did not miss Tylos (the ancient name of Bahrain) and its pearling marvel. Among those authors one can find renowned Roman author, naturalist and philosopher, Pliny. Modern research and excavations prove that the Kingdom has over 4,000 years of rich pearling history. The Kingdom’s pearls have long held legendary status for their purity, brilliance and stunning beauty. And according to experts, this is somewhat due to Bahrain’s oyster bed locations being situated near to underwater springs. The pearls, known as Natural Arabian Gulf Pearls, are famous for their high lustre and range in colour from white to light yellow. They command a higher price than cultured pearls those created by oyster farmers under controlled conditions. Until the middle of the twentieth century, diving for pearls was the main resource for income in the Kingdom. The pearling journey takes at least three to four months. Usually starting in June and ending in October. Bahrain’s pearling trail offers a key testimony to the Kingdom’s pearling history. It has been officially recognised by UNESCO on its world heritage list. Pearling is a 3.5-km trail, which includes 17 buildings in Muharraq such as pearl merchant houses, shops, stores and a mosque, three offshore oyster beds, a section of seashore, as well as the Qal’at Bu Mahir fortress from where boats used to start their journey to the oyster beds.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

The pearls, known as Natural Arabian Gulf Pearls, are famous for their high lustre and range in colour from white to light yellow. They command a higher price than cultured pearls those created by oyster farmers under controlled conditions

A visit to this beautiful site would offer a feel of the time when pearling was the foremost part of the Kingdom’s economy. The Ministry of Culture has drawn up a vision for the development of Old Muharraq – both the sites and the entire area of old Muharraq that surrounds them, which includes the buffer zone. This sets out a holistic approach for preserving the historic character of Muharraq under two key ‘perspectives’, legal and societal. The new laws to limit the increase in unplanned construction or population,

prevent the deterioration of the special character of the urban fabric, and protect sites, urban settlements and antiquities are in place.

In line with its rich pearling history, the Kingdom established its Pearl and Gem Testing Laboratory in 1990. This is now part of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. A law prohibiting anyone from altering a testing certificate has been issued by the laboratory. Subsequently, Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones was set up.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

SHOWCASING THE CULTURAL SPLENDOUR The Kingdom’s rich culture and its traditions are on full display at the Bahrain National Museum

he Kingdom has always been known to the world as a land of great culture and traditions. As part of preserving its rich cultural heritage, the Bahrain National Museum was set up in the late eighties. Now considered one of the finest museums and cultural landmarks in the region, it was officially inaugurated by the late Amir HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa on 15 December 1988. Designed by renowned Danish Architectural firm Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen, the ever-enchanting building is characterized by its white travertine marble facade and is centrally located on an artificial peninsula overlooking Muharraq. The museum complex comprises two connected buildings with a floor space slightly over 20,000 square metres. The main building houses the permanent exhibition area, temporary exhibition halls, an art gallery, a lecture hall, gift shop and café. The administrative offices, curatorial research areas, conservation laboratories, exhibition construction and collection storage areas are located in the administrative building.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

According to the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the museum is the repository of 6,000 years of Bahrain’s history. The Kingdom’s rich culture, history and tradition come to life in the Halls of Graves, Dilmun, Tylos and Islam, Customs and Traditions, Traditional Trades and Crafts, and Documents and Manuscripts. The refurbishment of the Bahrain National Museum Hall of Dilmun Graves came to a completion three years ago with private sector support. The new display was designed to keep up with the latest developments in the museum field and to provide a new enhanced and engaging museum experience to the visitors. The new Hall of Dilmun Graves, designed by French architect Didier Blin, preserves the original reconstitution of the Dilmun Burial Mounds that were the focus of the first exhibition, while enhancing the presentation and interpretation of the collection

The refurbishment of the Bahrain National Museum Hall of Dilmun Graves came to a completion three years ago with private sector support. The new display was designed to keep up with the latest developments in the museum field and to provide a new enhanced and engaging museum experience to the visitors

and introducing new multimedia installations. In addition to displaying the latest results of excavations, the new exhibition has been curated to engage a wider audience. Any visitor will be subjected to a clear itinerary that focuses on the burial traditions from the Dilmun period and that allows the visitor to understand the historic value and uniqueness of the iconic Burial Mounds of the Kingdom - currently listed on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage list. The Hall of Dilmun illustrates the island’s cultural supremacy and trade hegemony. The display traces the chronological development of Bahrain from the Neolithic period to the Late Dilmun (5000 BC - 400 BC), and features the most important archaeological sites on the island and their distinguished findings. In addition to the unique collection of Dilmun stamp-seals, the Barbar temple treasures, the Saar settlement finds and the distinguished Dilmunite pottery constitute the highlights of the display.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

The Hall of Tylos and Islam offers a tread through the history. In the 2nd century BC, Bahrain - thereafter referred to as Tylos - became part of the emerging Hellenistic empire and regained contact with major international trade. The former heart of the Dilmun culture remained a prosperous realm on the path of trade to the north and witnessed an exceptional phase of prosperity under the tutelage of the Seleucid Empire in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC and later within the Characene kingdom. The distinguished glass vessels, glazed pottery, alabaster containers and fine jewellery on display attest to the complexity of Tylos’ trade network. The artefacts from Al Khamis Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Bahrain

and the Arabian Gulf, take centre stage at the Islamic section, which highlights the important episodes in the history of the Kingdom from the 7th century to the 18th century AD. Quranic manuscripts’ collection on display originates from various parts of the Islamic World and illustrates different calligraphic traditions at the Hall of Manuscripts and Documents. It reflects the splendour and diversity of Arabic Calligraphy and the skills of calligraphers. Some rare and valuable manuscripts and holy Qurans dated to the 13th and 14th centuries constitute the masterpieces of the display. The Kingdom’s unique geographical position and natural wealth have

attracted people to the island since ages. It has always been open to all people and goods, which eventually contributed to the island’s cultural diversity, which is showcased at the Hall of Customs and Traditions. This hall illustrates different aspects of life on the island before the discovery of oil in 1930 by recreating varied daily events and special occasions in the lives of the Bahraini people. Birth ceremonies, traditional weddings and festivities, local medicine and religious practices featured in the hall translate the local traditions and beliefs on the island. The Hall of Traditional Trade and Crafts throws light on the Kingdom’s rich commercial past. A major marketplace since the Bronze Age, the Kingdom maintained its thriving commercial role through to modern times. The display recreates a traditional Bahraini souq, revealing its bustling atmosphere and highlighting local craftsmanship. The display also elaborates on the pearling heritage of Bahrain. Throughout the centuries, the island of Bahrain has developed a socio-cultural system based on pearling, which would shape life on the island for several millennia.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

A WALK THROUGH MILITARY HISTORY A visit to the museum would offer a peep into the region’s military history

glance through the Mideast history would reveal the integral role played by the Kingdom’s defence force over the centuries. Situated near the Riffa Fort, the power and might of Bahrain military is on full display at the Bahrain Military Museum. A visitor could find an enthralling display of Arabic architecture at the two-storey building, which houses various kinds of weapons, paintings and military documents since the inception of Bahrain Defence Force 45 years ago. The structure is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the Kingdom. Different army vehicles could be seen parked on both sides of the entrance, highlighting the transformation of the military automobile units over the past decades. The reception hall is filled with large paintings, emphasising the scenes of battles fought by the Kingdom over the centuries. Paintings of naval battles fought by the Kingdom are an added attraction. An antique land rover used by late HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa brings special glory to the reception area. The first hall displayed the portraits of all great rulers of the Kingdom from late Hakim Ahmed ibn Muhammad ibn Khalifa until His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. A special room is dedicated to the magnificent forts located across

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

the Kingdom and among them the Bahrain Fort, constructed during the times of Dilmun, around 2,000 years ago, outside the Manama city, stands tall due to its historic value. The Hall of Documents showcase the original legal documents that decided the destiny of the Kingdom. From there, a visitor can enter the Hall of Horses, which carries detailed information on different breeds celebrated over centuries by the great Arab warriors. Next comes the most important hall: The Hall of Weaponries, which features rifles used before 15th century to the most advanced German rifles now used by the BDF men. The first floor showcases various battle scenes with life size mannequins in the army, naval and air force halls. Rifles, machine guns and armouries used over the centuries are displayed in the Hall of Army. Muqammas – long rifles that were used during the battles across the Arabian peninsula between 1820 and 1860 steals the show due to its aesthetic advantage. Martini Henry rifles that were brought from Germany demand special attention for their historic importance in the

into the room where different medals of gallantry are on display. The stunning display of various weaponries at this museum would leave any visitor spellbound as the history of battles in the Arabian Peninsula would unfold before him, throwing focus on the Kingdom’s strategic significance and prominent role in the regional and world map.

Different army vehicles could be seen parked on both sides of the entrance, highlighting the transformation of the military automobile units over the past decades. The reception hall is filled with large paintings, emphasising the scenes of battles fought by the Kingdom over the centuries

use of battles in the Arabian peninsula during the nineteenth century. Very rare and unique rifles from the fifteenth century that are on display here at the museum would also catch the attention of any lover of history and weaponry. The Hall of Air Force had models of airplanes used during World War II and from the Royal Air Force. It would be of great interest to a visitor to find a gigantic piece of Scud missile that landed in Bahrain during the war of Kuwait in 1991, sitting in one of the corners. The Hall of Navy also offers a special view into the transformation of the Kingdom’s naval force from historic naval vessels to the most sophisticated present ones. An exhibit of the uniforms from the Army, Navy and Airforce is unique to this military museum. A room for ammunition showcases various kinds of explosives and torpedoes. From there, one can step

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

BAHRAIN TODAY Today the Kingdom is a leader in the region in many areas including public health, public housing, education , tackling unemployment and generating jobs platform for the youth and skilled workers

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

THE GUARDIAN OF PUBLIC HEALTH Ensuring good health and well-being of people in the Kingdom has been the Health Ministry’s top priority

he four key words that are sacrosanct to the Ministry of Health and its employees are Sustainability, Accessibility, Equity and Quality, for they have always been striving to achieve them hundred per cent. The Health Ministry carries out every drive with prime emphasis on its vision: “All populations have access to quality healthcare throughout their lifetime.” The ministry in partnership with stakeholders leads an informed, integrated, regulated, sustainable, equitable and affordable health system to ensure the availability of high-quality service to all populations. It plays a major policy making role, promotes health and ensures that resources are used efficiently and effectively for a high standard evidence-based care. The Kingdom has three stages of healthcare within the system maintained by the Health Ministry, namely; Primary, Secondary and Tertiary and the ministry has made great effort to provide health information and services online. Thanks to the ministry’s efforts, the Kingdom has advanced and comprehensive healthcare systems in the region. It has a unique governance model headed by the Supreme Council of Health to set the national strategy and directions, the National Health Regulatory Authority as a regulator of the health sector, and the Ministry of Health as key operators to manage the health sector. Healthcare is available through public and private institutions. Healthcare is free of charge in the public hospitals and health centres for Bahraini citizens and with nominal fee for nonBahraini per visit. The government has introduced the National Social Health Insurance Programme, which is mandatory for all individuals living in the Kingdom. The government will cover the Bahrainis and domestic workers, while expatriates will be covered by their employers. Primary healthcare is the cornerstone of the healthcare system available in the Kingdom. The ministry provides the Primary Health Care services through 25 health centres and three health clinics. Primary care represents the first line of contact supported by a good referral system which has been established with the secondary care. A range of curative, preventive and promotive services are provided. The curative services include all variety of health problems, like the management of chronic diseases, acute illness, urgent care, minor surgeries, elderly care, sickle’s clinics in three health centres, labours services, oral health services, and home visits. Preventive services include maternal and child health, like antenatal services, periodic children screening, immunization, postnatal services, family planning services, periodic women services, premarital services, and ultrasound

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister receives the Covid vaccine

Healthcare is free of charge in the public hospitals and health centres for Bahraini citizens and with nominal fee for non-Bahraini per visit. The government has introduced the National Social Health Insurance Programme, which is mandatory for all individuals living in the Kingdom. The government will cover the Bahrainis and domestic workers, while expatriates will be covered by their employers

examination for pregnant ladies. Preventive services also include oral health services like fissure sealant programme, fluoride application, educational activities, maternal and child dental services, diabetics, elderly and clients with special needs. Other supportive services like physiotherapy services, diagnostic services, pharmaceutical and social services are provided. Promotive services are provided through health education services in addition to community participation educational and promotive services. There is a dedicated unit in each hospital for Mother and Child healthcare. It is part of the preventive healthcare provided by the Ministry of Health to ensure the good health and wellbeing of all mothers and children before and after birth. The healthcare services provided by Bahrain are not limited to infants and children only, but the cycle starts from the close attention to pregnant women through motherhood and child care programmes. There are numbers of

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health services dedicated to expecting women such as vaccinations, followup during pregnancy and checking on their health status. In addition, the programme includes awareness sessions for post pregnancy such as breastfeeding, children vaccinations and other related matters. Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), the major and most important hospital in the Kingdom, strives to continuously meet the secondary and tertiary health care needs of the citizens and residents of Bahrain in the most effective and efficient manner possible and at the highest level of quality within its available resources. Additionally, SMC functions as a teaching and research centre for health professionals. The Bahrain Defence Force – Royal Medical Services (BDF-RMS) commenced in 1968 as a small clinic. In 1979, the BDF-RMS grew from a small operation into a 120-bed hospital. It has since continuously grown and expanded its services, becoming the second largest hospital in Bahrain with 481 beds to date. The three major components

A parking facility at the BDF Hospital was converted into a large intensive care unit to handle the Covid situation

Kingdom’s health minister. A highly successful minister, she has directly led many of the health drives and campaigns apart from pioneering major health policies beneficial to both citizens and residents.

of the BDF-RMS include: The Military Hospital, Shaikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa Cardiac Centre and the Field Military Battalion. Apart from these, the private sector hospitals in the Kingdom are also increasingly playing a great role in providing health services to the citizens and residents. The private hospitals in the Kingdom provide primary, secondary and tertiary services as they host best doctors, equipment and paramedics. Faeqa Al Saleh is currently the

The World Health Organisation opening its office in the Kingdom bears testimony to the efforts and commitment of the ministry in maintaining public health as the top priority. These efforts by the ministry were very much visible in its campaign against Covid-19. The ministry’s efforts received accolades from across the world including WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“I am delighted and honoured to be in the Kingdom of Bahrain to open the WHO’s 152nd country office. I would like to thank His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as the government and people of Bahrain, for their hospitality,” Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “Bahrain has always been one of the pioneering countries in the COVID-19 global collaborative response. Bahrain implemented a comprehensive package of public health measures to control transmission in the country from the

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

Dr Ghebreyesus opens the WHO office in the Kingdom in the presence of Ms Saleh, Health Ministry officials and dignitaries

very start, before the first case was detected in-country. Bahrain’s approach has been holistic, evaluating the social and economic impact of all health measures. Efforts have also been made to ensure full continuity of treatment for other health conditions. Bahrain has managed to vaccinate more than one million people with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines were provided free of charge, regardless of citizenship status. Bahrain’s approach has been fully in line with the WHO’s mandate for universal health coverage.” The WHO also declared Manama a “Health City 2021”, the first capital city in the Middle East to have received such an honour, adding a new international achievement to the Kingdom’s rich record of accomplishments. Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh noted that the establishment of the WHO office will serve to enhance and strengthen the national capacity for proficient health service delivery and help in advancing the global health agenda as stated in the UN SDGs. It will also further enhance Bahrain’s position as a regional health policy leader. The WHO office will be headed by Dr Tasnim Atatrah, who has presented her credentials to Minister Al Saleh. “Under the leadership of our WHO Representative, Dr. Tasnim Atatrah, the new country office will deliver strategic, technical, policy, and service delivery 66

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

support to the government in its work to advance health and well-being nationally, regionally, and globally. One of our key goals in our work with the Ministry of Health will be to identify key areas where Bahrain can act as an incubator for best practices, as a regional capacity-building hub, and to expand its role in policy dialogue and health diplomacy,” said Dr Ghebreyesus. In its ongoing battle against Covid-19, the Kingdom is applying a comprehensive package of public health measures to control transmission in the country, including close monitoring of the epidemic situation to inform the response while also taking to account the economic and social impact of these measures. Efforts have also been made to ensure full continuity of the essential package of health services so that people requiring treatment for other health conditions can continue to receive treatment without interruption. “I would like to congratulate Bahrain on being one of the most successful countries in the Region and worldwide in terms of population coverage of the Covid-19 vaccine,” said Dr Tasnim Atatrah. “This momentous achievement is attributed to the country’s farsighted leadership and the multisectoral whole-of -government and whole-ofcommunity response adopted in line with WHO recommendations.”

Standing tall and proud with ‘52 years’ of excellence

Fares Yactine, Area General Manager, Bahrain and Dubai

ahrain’s very first five-star hotel, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa, offers state-of-theart facilities, in one of the most modern locations on the island. When it first opened its doors in October 1969, the waters of the Arabian Gulf was just a stone’s throw away. Over the years, the property has seen extensive modern changes and refurbishment, while continuing to remain the country’s most loved and popular Hotel. With 361 rooms, The Gulf Hotel is undoubtedly Bahrain’s largest hotel. Given the wide choice of facilities and services, the Hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers. Situated just 15 minutes from the Bahrain International Airport and 5 minutes from Central Manama, the Gulf Hotel is located in the heart of Adliya, Bahrain’s most happening area. Journey through the world, with authentic culinary delights to please your senses, at our 16 restaurants and bars, boasting of a selection of diverse cuisines such as Iranian, Thai, Lebanese, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Western-Asian fusion, Japanese, Continental and Indian. Be it casual or formal, onsite or offsite, the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa always delivers one of the finest dining experiences in the region. Gulf Convention Centre, located in the Hotel complex, is the largest and most impressive meetings and events facility on the island. With its 33 venues, all equipped with the latest and modern technologies, our Convention Center offers an extended range of options that can cater every event need: private parties, business meetings, conferences or exhibitions, from 2 to 3,000 guests, including a choice of indoor or outdoor gathering. Other exclusive additions to the Hotel’s leisure facilities are the Gulf Spa and the Body Zone Health and Fitness. Whether you want a place to relax and rejuvenate or stay active and fit, The Gulf Hotel has got you covered. For more information, call +973 1771 3000 or visit gulfhotelbahrain.com. Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

SURGING AHEAD IN EDUCATION The leadership’s initiatives to improve education infrastructure and teaching standards have reaped huge benefits for the sector

he Kingdom has one of the most developed education systems in the region, and has recently made strong advances in the use of information technology in schools, due to the advanced educational system. His Majesty has launched King Hamad Schools of Future, which aims to connect and link all schools within the Kingdom while being administered a highlyadvanced digital education. The BD 2.6 million project, is introducing electronic teaching methods, would be applied initially in 11 secondary schools in the coming school years. Over 11,000 students will benefit from the first phase of the project and 1,371 teachers will be using its methods. This is a major shift from traditional teaching methods to an education based on IT and communications. It aims providing the electronic system and operating it in government schools, training teachers and specialists, converting over 420 textbooks into e-books and multi-media sites through 2,240 e-learning sites. According to the project, students would get their lessons and do their exams on a special online network. A more flexible education system is also being implemented in the Kingdom, according to which a student can select the Unified Track or the Vocational Track. While the students who selected Unified Track could obtain degrees in conventional subjects including science, literature and commerce, the Vocational Track students would be able to pursue technical subjects which will enable them for apprentice programmes. The new system aims to facilitate the easy entry of all graduates into the job market. The Kingdom’s education is going under huge reform initiatives seeking to develop the education system at all levels and will begin with four main initiatives: Strengthening the teaching profession through improved recruitment, training and employment conditions, improving Secondary Vocational

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

Education aiming to bring these programs closer to the needs of the private sector, establishment of courses in industrial aligned with the applied sciences, which will enable students to obtain professional qualifications though to degree level, with an emphasis on the development of practical skills directly applicable to the job market and, finally, creating an Independent Quality Assurance Authority which will be responsible for conducting inspections of schools, secondary

The Kingdom has had a long journey in the field of education. Quranic schools (Kuttab) were the only form of education in Bahrain at the beginning of twentieth century. They are traditional schools aimed at teaching children and youth the reading of the Holy Quran

vocational institutions and universities, higher education units, and for running school level examinations. The Education Ministry has also recently launched the school improvement programme, which has been designed to lift the performance of all Bahraini schools and to improve future career outcomes for students through a number of projects that would affect the whole process of the learning and teaching. These four initiatives are the first part of what will be a long journey of reform. They were selected as they were aligned with the national strategic plan in order to improve the quality of learning in Bahrain’s education and forming the foundations for future reforms. The Kingdom has had a long journey in the field of education. Quranic schools (Kuttab) were the only form of education in Bahrain at the beginning of twentieth century. They are traditional schools aimed at teaching children and youth the reading of the Holy Quran. Before 1919, a number of prominent citizens in Muharraq Island had discussed and agreed to establish a modern formal school. A number of the Royal people (Shaikhs) has endorsed this call and contributed for this project. The year 1919 marked the beginning of modern public school system in Bahrain. Al Hidaya Al Khalifia School for Boys was opened at the northern tip of Muharraq. The first Committee of Education consisted of several leading merchants and was presided over by the late Shaikh Abdulla

bin Isa Al-Khalifa who was popularly known as ‘the Minister of Education’. He was also responsible for the management of Al Hidaya school. In 1926, the Education Committee has opened the second public school for boys at Manama. In 1928 the first public school for girls was opened at Muharraq. Due to the financial and administrative difficulty faces by the Education Committee, the schools came under the direct control of the government in 1930 and since then there has been an education revolution in the Kingdom through which the Kingdom became a premier centre of learning and research in the region. There are over 110 public primary schools operating in the Kingdom as of now, including 57 boys’ schools with 35,190 students and 55 girls’ schools with 35,807 students. An additional 37 schools cater to the primary and intermediate levels, including 20 girls’ schools with 8251 students and 17 boys’ schools with 5,797 attendees. A further 20 schools with 26,437 students serve the intermediate level only: 12 boys’ schools with 12,108 students and eight girls’ schools with 14,329 students. There are 30 secondary schools operating in the Kingdom, including 11 boys’ schools teaching 9,571 students and 19 girls’ schools with 16,237 students enrolled. There are also four technical schools – all boys’ institutions – with 5392 students, as well as three boys’ religious schools with 1,876 attendees. There are three types of private K-12 schools in Bahrain: national private schools, foreign private schools and foreign community schools. National private schools are established and operated by citizens, often in collaboration with non-Bahraini partners. Employing national or MoE-approved curriculum, these schools cater primarily to Bahraini students. Foreign private schools are established, financed and operated by foreign players, awarding certificates from their country of origin and catering primarily to expatriate students. Arabic language and Islamic education courses are taught at all foreign schools accepting Arab and Muslim students. Foreign community schools, meanwhile, are established and financed by foreign communities in Bahrain “for the purpose of educating their children only,” according to the MoE. Private school enrolment has also been

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

expanding. Non-Bahraini students account for the majority of private enrolment, at 35,176 in 2013/14 and growing to 45,455 in 2017/18. The number of Bahraini children attending private institutions, meanwhile, rose from 25,473 to 37,046 over the period. Although private schools are able to offer their own curricula, study plans, courses and textbooks, all plans and

education – and one period of Islamic instruction each week for Muslim students in the K-12 system. There are 11 private universities operating in the Kingdom, with enrolment at these institutions standing at 14,410 students in 2018: 6,999 female and 7,411 male. Bahrainis account for the majority of enrolment, at 12,358 students, and undergraduates comprise

The Directorate of Private Education, operating under the MoE, is responsible for overseeing Arabic language, Islamic education and social studies at private schools, with the MoE providing textbooks and specialist supervisors for the administration of these courses

learning materials must be approved by the MoE. The Directorate of Private Education, operating under the MoE, is responsible for overseeing Arabic language, Islamic education and social studies at private schools, with the MoE providing textbooks and specialist supervisors for the administration of these courses. All private schools must comply with Arabic and Islamic education requirements set out by the MoE, as well as Bahraini history and geography. Foreign private schools must teach six periods of Arabic language per week during the first three grades of primary school, four periods of Arabic during the second cycle of primary education – as well as in intermediate and secondary

13,515 of the total, according to the EDB. Private university enrolment has declined by 3 per cent since 2012, dipping from 14,848 that year to 13,362 in 2015 and rising back to 14,410 in 2017. Four public universities exist in the Kingdom – Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain Polytechnic, the College of Health Sciences and University of Bahrain, while Bahrain Training Institute and Bahrain Teachers College also receive government support. Public university enrolment has risen significantly in recent years, demonstrated by student numbers at Bahrain Polytechnic rising by 17.7pc between 2013 and 2017, from 1880 students to 2213, and UoB seeing enrolment rise from 15,665 students in 2012 to 26,803 in 2017, a 71pc increase. Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

BETTING BIG ON ALUMINIUM Alba is widely regarded as one of the top ten players in the aluminium sector on a global scale; is known for its technological strength and innovative policies

,Shaikh Daij bin Salman bin Daij Al Khalifa, Alba Chairman

Ali Al Baqali, Chief Executive Officer

detailed study into the key contributors of the Kingdom’s economy would take anyone by surprise as the aluminium sector constitutes around 12 per cent. Aluminium Bahrain or Alba gives the Kingdom a different face – the shining nonoil face of the country. The planned Aluminium Downstream Park, situated in the vicinity of Alba campus in Askar, will further increase the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national income and grow the exports of the Kingdom through setting-up of different Aluminium manufacturing and recycling projects. Alba, one of the leading aluminium smelters in the world, is listed on both the Bahrain Bourse and the London Stock Exchange, with its shareholders being Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (69.38 per cent), SABIC Industrial Investment Company (SIIC) (20.62pc) and the General Public (10pc). Alba is widely regarded as one of the top ten performers on a global scale and is known for its high track record for safety, technological strength, innovative policies and strict environmental guidelines. Alba was incorporated by Charter in 1968 and officially commenced its operations in 1971 as a 120,000 tonnes per

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annum smelter. Today, it is the world’s largest aluminium smelter outside China with a production of more than 1.548 million mtpa of the highest-grade aluminium, with products including standard and T-ingots, extrusion billets, rolling slab, properzi ingots, and molten aluminium. Around 50 per cent of its output is supplied to Bahrain’s downstream aluminium industry, with the rest exported to regional and international customers in the Middle East, Europe, Far East, South East Asia, Africa, and North America.

Safety is a priority in Alba. The Company has received many awards for its efforts towards maintaining a safe and healthy work environment -- 2016 Gold Award for Occupational Health and Safety by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA); Green World Award 2016 for Environmental Best Practice; 2015 Occupational Excellence Achievement Award by National Safety Council – USA; 2015 International Safety Award by British Safety Council; and Gulf Aluminium

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Alba is also highly committed to clean energy and sustainable development efforts in the Kingdom. The company has collaborated with a top-class sustainability consultant to develop a fully-fledged roadmap to realise its ambitious ESG goals in line with Bahrain’s commitment for ‘Net Zero Emissions’ by 2060

Council’s 2014 Health & Safety Award under the Smelters Category. Alba’s Line 6 Expansion Project is one of the largest brownfield developments in the region and was inaugurated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. This project is aimed to boost the smelter’s per-annum production by 540,000 metric tonnes, bringing its total production capacity to over 1.5 million metric tonnes per year. With a CAPEX of approximately US$ 3 billion, the Line 6 Expansion Project involves the construction of a sixth pot

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

line utilising EGA’s proprietary DX+ Ultra Technology, a 1,792 MW power station and other industrial services. Bechtel is the EPCM contractor for the Line 6 Expansion Project smelter. For Power Station 5 (PS 5), GE and GAMA Consortium was awarded the EPC contract, while Siemens is the Power Distribution System contractor. J.P. Morgan, Gulf International Bank (GIB) and National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) are the Financial Advisors for this Project. The Bankable Feasibility Study was completed by Bechtel in December 2014. In June 2015, Alba Board approved the Line 6 Expansion Project and in November 2015, Alba secured the natural gas supply for this Project. The Line 6 Expansion Project will make Alba the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter and be a significant economic boost for the Kingdom due to the many co-investment opportunities through local and foreign aluminium

investments. Alba is also highly committed to clean energy and sustainable development efforts in the Kingdom. The company has collaborated with a top-class sustainability consultant to develop a fully-fledged roadmap to realise its ambitious ESG goals in line with Bahrain’s commitment for ‘Net Zero Emissions’ by 2060. Alba’s roadmap will lay out quick wins, short-term and long-terms goals in line with the Company’s Mission to inspire change and boost its status as an Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certified aluminium producer. Alba is under the process of installing solar panels for its Solar Farm with a view to diversify its energy sources and adopt clean energy in line with the Kingdom’s Economic Vision 2030 and its Green/Renewable Energy Targets led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and

Prime Minister. The Solar Farm project will have a capacity of more than 5 MW and cover an approximate surface area of 37,000 sq. mts. spread over operational areas, car parks and Alba Club. Alba also has signed an MoU with Bahrain’s Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) to seek opportunities that will help it leverage SEA’s expertise to find sustainable energy solutions. With more actionable plans in the pipeline to address Climate Change such as clean energy, environment protection, waste management, responsible sourcing, etc. Alba will be using its resources under the leadership of its Chairman of the Board Shaikh Daij bin Salman bin Daij Al Khalifa to play a leading role across its supply-chain to make a difference in what really matters the most – be the ESG change we want to see in the world.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

EXPLORING IDEAS FOR GROWTH The company’s inception in 1929 marked the start of a radical transformation towards the industrial economy

Abdulla Jehad Al Zain, Chairman

Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, Chief Executive Officer

ahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) is recognised as one of the main architects of the modern Bahraini economy owing to its leading role as the first company in the Arabian Gulf to export oil. Presently, Bapco along with its affiliates remains one of the key contributors to Bahrain’s GDP. Bapco owns a 267,000 bpd refinery — over one-sixth of the crude originates from Bahrain while the rest is pumped from Saudi Arabia. Over 85 per cent of Bapco’s refined products and crude oil are exported to countries across Africa, the Middle East, the Far East and South East Asia. The company’s inception in 1929 marked the start of a radical transformation whose impact was felt in Bahrain and across the region. From a country known for its pearl trade, the Kingdom became a pioneer in the oil and gas sector and led the change towards an industrial economy. The Standard Oil Company succeeded in securing onshore oil concession agreements for Bahrain and history was made in 1932 when oil was discovered at Well Number One in Jebel Al Dukhan - marking the first such discovery in the Arabian Gulf. In June 1934, the first ever shipment of Bahrain crude oil was exported to Japan from the Sitra terminal on El Segundo, the Standard Oil Company’s tanker. The Bahrain refinery was opened in 1936 with a capacity of 10,000 barrels per day. Increased activities at the refinery meant the need for more trained and qualified oil workers to move to Bahrain with their families. From temporary housing near the first oil well in 1933, the foundation for a dedicated township was laid and was named Awali by the then Ruler of Bahrain, HH Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Awali grew with modern facilities and amenities, and was the first in Bahrain to have central airconditioning plants.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

The effect of the oil discovery could be seen on the streets of Manama as well. Yateem Gas Station was opened in 1938 in what is now the Government Road making it the first ever such facility in the whole of Bahrain. For Bahraini nationals who suffered as a result of the collapse of the pearl trade, Bapco became a reliable job provider. Many Bahrainis were given additional training that equipped them for the challenges of this new industry that was slowly but surely changing the contours of Bahrain’s economy. With rise in demand for crude oil in the post-war years, major improvements were made to the refinery power plant, crude distillation units, SO2 plant, cracking plant and the pitch pond. The Sitra and Zallaq wharf facilities were altered, pipelines were re-routed and a storage tank was constructed at the Zallaq marine terminal. The year 1948 marked the discovery of natural gas and it proved to be another major milestone in Bapco’s history. Natural gas served as a fresh income generator and helped in meeting the

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demands of a fast-paced society that was growing in the aftermath of the Second World War. The Kingdom was declared an independent state in 1971, and soon became a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, the World Health Organisation as well as the Food and Agricultural Organisation. The Bahrain National Oil Company (BANOCO) was formed in 1976 and then in 1980, the Supreme Council for Oil was established under the chairmanship of then Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The following year, the Bahrain Government increased its shares in Bapco to 60 per cent while the remaining 40 per cent were owned by Caltex, a successor to the Standard Oil Company. As part of streamlining the oil operations, BANOCO was given full and direct responsibility over oil and gas production in 1982. Bapco was also reconstituted as a joint venture between the Bahrain Government holding 60 per cent shares while the remaining 40 per cent were held by Caltex.

The BAPCO Strategic Direction was inaugurated in 2002 to see how best the company was able to address new opportunities and enhance its core competencies. It has provided the seed for the ambitious Bapco Modernization Programme (BMP) that will soon see the company increase its capacity, explore new markets, and establish state-of-the-art operations that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. In 2010, Tatweer Petroleum Company was formed, and was given the stewardship and redevelopment of the Bahrain Field. The transfer of Bapco’s upstream activity to sister company Tatweer was completed during 2018, allowing Bapco to focus its operations on downstream activity and the BMP. In 2011, the US$430 million Lube Base Oil plant was inaugurated, and Bapco saw the very first shipment of Group III Very High Viscosity Index Lubricant Base Oils. The Lube Base Oil plant was part of a Strategic Investment Programme in excess of a billion US dollars between 2004 and 2014, which also saw low sulfur diesel production. The programme included other environmentally friendly investments such as a wastewater treatment plant, refinery gas desulfurization unit and enhanced sulfur handling facilities.

The Bapco Modernization Programme (BMP) which is currently underway, is one of the Kingdom’s priority development projects that will inject newer product streams, bring in additional processes and skilled job opportunities, and bolster the company’s credentials as a company dedicated to sustainability

To mark the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil, the oil museum Dar Al Naft was inaugurated, and provided a showcase of some of the more interesting developments in Bahrain’s journey. In 1997, the Government of Bahrain assumed complete ownership of the Bahrain Refinery that provided the stage for the next big change two years later. BAPCO and BANOCO merged to form a new company to be ready for the challenges of the new century. In 2000, Bapco began petroleum products inline-blending and introduced unleaded gasoline to the local markets. Kerosene Merox units were also commissioned as part of the refinery modernisation plan.

Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, launched in October 2008 by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is a comprehensive economic vision for the Kingdom, providing a clear direction for the continued development of the Kingdom’s economy and, at its heart, is a shared goal of building a better life for every Bahraini. The Bapco Modernization Programme (BMP) which is currently underway, is one of the Kingdom’s priority development projects that will inject newer product streams, bring in additional processes and skilled job opportunities, and bolster the company’s credentials as a company dedicated to sustainability. Former Prime Minister late HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa laid the foundation stone for BMP in March 2019 during the company’s 90th anniversary celebrations. It marked a promising step towards the setting up of one of the largest and most advanced refineries in the region.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

EQUESTRIAN HEARTLAND The Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club is recognised and accepted internationally as the governing body for horse racing in Bahrain

orses have always been part of Bahraini culture. A unique collection of pure-bred Arabian horses has been preserved on the island for over 200 years by the Kingdom’s leadership. In 1948, a committee was formed to have horse racing conducted under one umbrella. With the support of the Royal Family, racing prospered and in 1977 the Amir of Bahrain issued a decree to establish the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club to be the only racing authority in Bahrain. The Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club is recognised and accepted internationally as the governing body for horse racing in Bahrain. It administers all aspects of the sport, including the Rules of Racing, the registration of horses for racing, as well as the licensing of jockeys, officials and stable personnel and administers the international approved Stud Book.

Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Executive Director, Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

Also, REHC takes an active part in international racing activities and as a member of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities and the Asian Racing Federation. With the establishing the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club and keen interest and support of the royal family and the people of Bahrain, racing prospered from a small track and stand with modest facilities in Manama (the capital), to Riffa and then to the present site in Raffa in 1981. The Bahrain Turf Club’s purpose is to run and promote horse-racing events in the Kingdom,

bringing to the forefront the best horses, jockeys and trainers to participate in one of the most exciting emerging racing jurisdictions on earth. The BTC boasts one of the finest grass tracks in the Middle East with a splendid intimate grandstand. There are two turf tracks measuring about 2,400 meters and a sand track for training with excellent stabling and alternative treatment facilities such as horse walkers and a swimming pool. According to BTC, it also acts as a concierge for both horsemen and owners, providing first-class administration to ensure that owners and trainers travel into and around Bahrain with ease. Ten new races have been introduced to the Bahrain race programme specifically targeting international horses. The Bahrain Turf Series will be linked together and run alongside the best racing in Bahrain, including the prestigious King’s Cup, Crown Prince’s Cup and National Day Grade One.

HRH the Crown Prince presents a race trophy to HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club High Committee, after the completion His Majesty King Hamad Cup races

The race series will have a total of £550,000 prize money fund. £50,000 is allocated per series race with a minimum of £30,000 to the winner. The turf series will also have a bonus point system attached depending on where horses finish. The points will be added and at the end of the series the owner of the horse with the most points in each pot will get £15,000 and the trainer of the horse with most points will get £10,000.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

‘OUTSIDE THE BOX’ THINKING MATTERS Derasat is committed to contribute to building shared visions for secure and peaceful coexistence by establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with like-minded organizations throughout the world

Dr Shaikh Abdulla

T We strive for excellence in our work and are committed to developing the capacity of our staff, whom we consider to be our greatest asset and who ultimately reflect our ideals, our standards and our vision to society. Dr Shaikh Abdulla

he word ‘Derasat’ means ‘Studies’ in Arabic. This reflects the organisation’s dedication to conducting rigorous research in the pursuit of independent new knowledge and understanding that can make a difference. A think tank in the Kingdom, Derasat analyses and researches strategic developments on a national, regional and global scale that have relevance to Bahrain’s stability, prosperity and sustainability. The research at Derasat is structured around strategic security and energy issues with a mission to not only generate knowledge but to use this knowledge to inform discussions, encourage new thinking and to influence policy making. And this is achieved in three main ways; firstly, Derasat disseminates information in published articles and papers. Secondly, the organisation fosters informed debate at national, regional and international levels with policy makers, academia, civil society and the business community. Thirdly, it provides a forum in which thinkers and policy makers can think ‘outside the box’, who can generate the new ideas that the world needs in order to find fresh approaches to on-going challenges and innovative solutions to emerging issues that impact the region.

Derasat is committed to contribute to building shared visions for secure and peaceful coexistence by establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with like-minded organizations throughout the world and it has an extensive network of research, diplomatic and academic contacts. Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa is the Chairman of Derasat. He says: “We strive for excellence in our work and are committed to developing the capacity of our staff, whom we consider to be our greatest asset and who ultimately reflect our ideals, our standards and our vision to society. “Our intention is to represent Bahrain as a focal international think tank and to contribute to finding a way forward towards a more secure world, in which mutual understanding takes centre stage in the preservation of peace, security and stability in an ever-changing world.”

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

STRATEGIC INVESTOR Mumtalakat has achieved a number of key milestones; adding value to its portfolio companies

T 84

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he story of Mumtalakat, the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, began in 2005, at an economic reform workshop held under the patronage of HRH the Crown Prince. Open to participants from ministries and government entities in addition to representatives within the private sector, the workshop focused on enhancing the private sector’s role in future economic growth in the Kingdom. There, a vision was launched to form the basis for the next phase of the national economic reform initiative. From this dialogue, eight public and private committees were formed, tasked to identify areas for the development of the nation’s companies, its investment environment, economic growth and others. Within this overarching vision of economic reform to meet the requirements of the future, the Economic Development Board (EDB) worked hand in hand with the

Ministry of Finance to set up a holding company focused on developing a diversified economy for Bahrain to grow the wealth of the country. And the result was the creation of Mumtalakat through a Royal Decree in June 2006. Set up to align and implement the execution of the government’s initiatives, to pursue value-enhancing opportunities, improve transparency and help achieve operational excellence for its state-owned, non-oil and gas related assets, the Arabic name “Mumtalakat” (or assets) was chosen to reflect the importance of the new holding company’s mandate. Upon its establishment, 29 commercial assets were transferred to us from the Ministry of Finance, along with a capital of BD5 million. These assets included Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), Gulf Air, Bahrain Real Estate Investment

Upon its establishment, 29 commercial assets were transferred to us from the Ministry of Finance, along with a capital of BD5 million. These assets included Aluminium Bahrain, Gulf Air, Bahrain Real Estate Investment, Bahrain Telecommunications Company and the National Bank of Bahrain

(Edamah), Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) and the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB). Looking to improve the operations of its assets and enhance governance and transparency, Mumtalakat appoints a representative Board member to help work with the executive management of each company and monitor their performance. In this way, the organisation help to improve the growth of each business. With no government contributions (excluding its founding capital),

Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer

Mumtalakat has focused on securing sustainable returns and wealth generation for Bahrain and its people from the outset by developing and diversifying its portfolio of assets. This has also meant that the organisation has funded ourselves through international financial markets and by generating returns from its investments. Over the years, the organisation has achieved a number of key milestones that helped in adding value to its portfolio companies, built sector expertise and added new companies to its portfolio. Khalid Al Rumaihi was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat, with effect from September 2019. Prior to joining Mumtalakat, he served five years as the Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) where he was responsible for channelling inward investments into the country. He continues to play an active role as a Board member of the EDB.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

REGULATING THE WORLD OF LABOUR LMRA envisions an organised labour market that preserves the rights of all its parties, achieves social security and ensures economic growth

eing one of the main pillars of the labour market reform project in the Kingdom, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority seeks to regulate the local labour market through fair laws and transparent, durable, dynamic, and effective services, taking into account the preservation of societal and human rights. The authority works within an integrated governmental group to provide quick services to employers and expatriate employees. It introduced the one-transaction system for issuing work permits, where it seeks through its services to establish solid bases for the labour market that preserve the rights of expatriate employers and expatriate employees alike. The authority is considered a legal personality that enjoys administrative and financial independence under the supervision of the Minister of Labour and Social Development. In addition, it enjoys the same privileges as the other ministries, governmental organisations and public bodies in the Kingdom.

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for expatriate employees, handle licenses of manpower agencies and employment offices, and handle work permits for the expatriate employers in the Kingdom.”

Jamal Al Alawi, CEO, LMRA

The authority is also concerned with developing a comprehensive national plan for the labour market that includes the general strategy and policy regarding local and expatriate employment, in addition to collecting and analysing data, statistics, and information related to the economic situation in the Kingdom. The authority issues reports regarding this matter to be published via the appropriate means and in a manner that is accessible to all.

The authority is considered a legal personality that enjoys administrative and financial independence under the supervision of the Minister of Labour and Social Development. In addition, it enjoys the same privileges as the other ministries, governmental organisations and public bodies in the Kingdom

The authority was founded in the year 2006 following a decree issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa regarding the regulation of the labour market, which stated: “The authority will assume all the tasks and specialties required to organise the labour market in the Kingdom, regulate work permits

Being a central entity, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority supervises issuing entry visas to the Kingdom and residency permits, issuing official identity cards for expatriate employees in coordination with the concerned authorities, such as the Nationality,

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Passport and Residence Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the Information and eGovernment Authority and the Social Insurance Organisation. The authority issues work permits for domestic expatriate employees and those of similar status, requests medical examinations and necessary tests for expatriate employees in coordination with the concerned authorities, collects all fees related to work permits and licenses issued in accordance with the provisions of the law, and proposes programs and policies to develop the labour market in matters unrelated to it specialties and provides them to the concerned authorities.

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The authority envisions an organized labour market that meets the needs of the labour market, preserves the rights of all its parties, achieves social security, and ensures economic growth. Its mission is to achieve the satisfaction of citizens, employers and expatriate employees by providing distinguished services via professional national efforts and simplified procedures. The authority is proceeding in an integrated format with its partners in (Team Bahrain), based on the government action plan and Bahrain’s strategic economic vision 2030, in order to ensure providing a distinguished service that contributes in turn to providing all local economic growth possibilities and facilitates doing

business in the Kingdom. This is achieved by ensuring effective and humane management that is focused on facilitating businesses for all categories of employers, citizens, people of determination, and the elderly, in addition to continuous follow-up on expatriate affairs. According to the authority, it adopts a set of foundations, principles and values that guide all its work and services; these are represented in humanity, transparency, quality, continuous improvement and social responsibility. The authority made great efforts in committing to these principles. This has reflected positively on the Kingdom’s reputation and international position as a distinguished work environment that enjoys flexibility, justice, continuity, and safeguards the rights of work parties without discrimination The authority also educates expatriate employees and their families coming to the Kingdom, in order to guarantee their rights and achieve a community partnership based on fair foundations that guarantees the rights and duties of all parties in cooperation with the embassies of labour-exporting countries and foreign communities’ civil society institutions.

The authority is proceeding in an integrated format with its partners in based on the government action plan and Bahrain’s strategic economic vision 2030, in order to ensure providing a distinguished service that contributes in turn to providing all local economic growth possibilities and facilitates doing business

The authority has unremitting efforts in promoting community awareness by launching a competition in this matter and spreading a culture of respecting the rights and duties of expatriate employees as an important category of society. This was achieved by motivating Bahraini and GCC youth to produce educational media materials that include short films, producing advertisement posters, organizing school visits, and hosting university trainees to learn about the authority’s work mechanisms. With the advent of the twenty-first century, the Kingdom witnessed radical political, economic and social changes brought by the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. His Majesty’s project is a pioneer project

that allowed the Bahraini citizens to contribute positively, effectively and regularly in the process of social development. The reform project was manifested in a host of complementary reforms in the economic, political and social spheres, which opened new horizons and released the latent creative energy of the citizens of Bahrain, especially the youth factions. Due to the importance of the labour market and the various future challenges, which influence the efficiency of the Bahraini economy, the project of the reformation of the labour market has seen the light under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. As a result, the National Employment Programme and Unemployment Insurance Act were born. The interdependent institutionalised co-operation between the Ministry of Labour, Labour Market Regulatory Authority and Labour Fund is the key to success and efficiency in the administration of the labour market. A key milestone in labour market reforms has been the introduction of Flexi Permit by the authority. It is a permit that allows an expatriate worker to live freely in the Kingdom and work in any non-specialized occupation without a sponsor for a renewable period of one or two years. A legalised worker is not eligible for the permit.

Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

BAHRAIN TOMORROW Th e Kingdom is a rising star in many areas including latest technologies; Kingdom is a regional leader in Artificial Intelliigence; its space programme is catching speed. The nation is all set to explore emerging opportunities

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A WORLD-CLASS ‘CIRCUIT OF EXPERIENCES’ Bahrain International Circuit, “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, continues to make waves as one of the most popular venues in all of racing, hosting a multitude of leading championships at all levels, highlighted by Formula 1, along with a wide range of exciting activities for all kinds of speed enthusiasts

ahrain International Circuit (BIC) continues to further cement its status as “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, having hosted and gearing up to stage a number of all-new experiences and events this season at its world-class race track in Sakhir. Ever since it opened its doors in 2004, BIC has already acted as a pioneer in the sport, introducing the FIA Formula 1 World Championship to the region as well as holding all kinds of races at the international, continental, regional and national levels. BIC’s 2021/2022 campaign promises to be the biggest yet, and it has already kicked off in spectacular fashion. Set to be the highlight is the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2022, taking place 18 to 20 March next year. It will be the first of a record 23 rounds in the 2022 F1 season, and it will be the firstever event of F1 in its new era, with new cars, new rules and a number of all-new driver partnerships. The Bahrain Grand Prix is always the most highly anticipated occasion in the Kingdom, and next year’s event will not only have F1 action on track, but also racing in the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 championships, as well as in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East, the region’s premier one-make series.

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Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive

The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2022 promises to be something extra special. It marks a new and exciting era for the sport, offering fans this once-in-alifetime opportunity to be the first in the world to witness these incredible new cars racing right here at ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’. Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

BIC has already generated plenty of excitement for the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the recent launch of its Early Bird discount on tickets. Under this offer, ticket prices are slashed by up to 20 per cent for a limited period only. BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa commented: “Our 2022 race promises to be something extra special. It marks a new and exciting era for the sport, offering fans this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to be the first in the world to witness these incredible new cars racing right here at ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’. “Ticket prices for our race are amongst the most competitive on the F1 calendar and fans can benefit further by securing their tickets now to take advantage of our Early Bird offer. “We are working on an exciting package of concerts, family entertainment and fan experiences and look forward to updating further with our plans over the coming weeks.” For full ticket prices or to purchase tickets, visit the circuit’s official website bahraingp.com or call the BIC Hotline on +973-17450000. Joining F1 as another major global racing series at BIC is the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), which has already shone bright under the circuit’s state-of-the-art floodlights with its final two rounds of the 2021 season. These events included the Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain and the Bapco 8 Hours of Bahrain, both of which took BIC by

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storm over successive weekends and decided the WEC’s newest champions. It was yet another historic achievement for Bahrain as hosts, as the doubleheader marked the first time ever that back-to-back WEC races were held at the same venue. Meanwhile, a pair of other international meetings are set to be hosted by BIC for the first time. Taking place 11 to 18 December is one of the biggest karting events in the world: the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, to be held at BIC’s world-class karting facility, Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC). Bahrain will be welcoming close to 400 participants for the event, together with over 2,500 team members and guests. Individual country-based qualifying competitions have resulted in the very best karters from over 75 countries being invited to Bahrain for the Grand Finals, which will also mark for the very first time competition exclusively for electric karts—this will be the first-ever electric race of any kind in Bahrain. Then, on 29 January next year, BIC will be hosting a brand-new event, the Bahrain ProAm 1000—a groundbreaking 1,000km GT endurance race dedicated to ProAm cars. It will become the only global GT endurance race open exclusively to ProAm and Am driver combinations, and it will take over 185 laps along BIC’s 5.412-kilometre Grand Prix circuit, open to GT3, GT4 and Cup classes.

Amongst the teams that are set to compete in this event are BahrainiBritish outfit 2 Seas Motorsport, who are race winners this past season in the International GT Open championship as well as the British GT Championship in their Mercedes AMG-GT3 cars. National championships have also already lit up the circuit this season with many leading competitors from Bahrain and across the region. These include the BIC 2,000cc Challenge, the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship, and the various karting championships such as the Sakhir Rotax MAX Challenge. BIC has introduced a couple of fantastic, all-new experiences for thrill-seekers to enjoy, to add to its already spectacular line-up. In partnership with Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons, BIC has rolled out the Y.K. Off-Road Experience. This takes place along an incredible, purpose-built course where those taking part are able to sample the true ability of the Ford Expedition and the Nissan Patrol vehicles.

Another thrilling new offering is the McLaren Experience Bahrain, featuring the very impressive road cars produced by McLaren Automotive. Last year, BIC was delighted to welcome McLaren Automotive to their new home just by the entrance at BIC. This season, BIC has announced this exclusive new track driving experience, organised in collaboration with McLaren Automotive. Participants are able to drive a worldleading supercar, the 600LT, along BIC’s F1 circuit. The experience is open to drivers of all abilities, with expert tuition to guide clients around the circuit and help them get to grips with the car. Aside from these all-new experiences, fans can still also enjoy their favourite, long-established activities, such as Open Track, E.K. Kanoo Drag and Drift Nights, the Ultimate Track Experience featuring driver and passenger activities in a Clio Cup car and Radical SR1 and SR3 prototypes, as well as the new Batelco Fitness on Track programme. All this is part of the more-than-400 events hosted by BIC each season, all through the calendar year. BIC is certainly a “Circuit of Experiences”, and there is always something to enjoy for all both on and off the race track. For more information on everything on offer at BIC, visit bahraingp.com or call +973-17450000.

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THE SKY HAS NO LIMITS! BIAS 2022 will mark more than 10 years of bringing together the best of the aerospace industry in an intimate platform to do business

ince its inception in 2010, the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) has been a platform of business generation for the global leaders of aerospace in the gateway to the Gulf. The biennial airshow has drawn hundreds of companies and tens of thousands of visitors. It is an event that connects the world’s aerospace industry in a prestigious environment, offering access to high-level delegations and opening new avenues of opportunities to businesses of all sizes. The 2022 Airshow will see further development, a new look and feel with BIAS after undertaking a programme of significant investment, enhanced show features and more opportunities for business, networking, growth and knowledge sharing, all taking place in a Covid-safe environment.

Bahrain International Airshow has already signed eleven industry-leading contracts ahead of its 2022 event during its presence at Dubai Airshow 2021. The world leaders in the aviation and aerospace sectors including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, TAWAZUN, Indra Spain, DHL, DFS Aviation Germany, Etihad Engineering, Lockheed Martin, UAE Space Agency, Boeing, Thales, Texel Air, and MENA Aerospace have confirmed their attendance for BIAS 2022. These organisations join the likes of Bell Helicopter, Chevron, BAE Systems and Leonardo as exhibitors. Taking place on 9-11 November 2022, the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) will mark more than 10 years of bringing together the best of the aerospace industry in an intimate platform to do business. Focusing on the future of airports and airlines, and women in aviation, the 2022 edition of BIAS will see industry-leading professionals and organisations gather at the Middle East’s gateway to the Gulf for unrivalled business and networking opportunities.

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With over 150 companies expected to exhibit across the defence, business and aviation sectors, the boutique aerospace event offers visitors the opportunity to strengthen existing business connections and meet key senior decision makers and stakeholders of aerospace businesses operating in the Middle East and internationally. Organised by the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Airforce in association with Farnborough International, BIAS has been designed to reflect industry demands and will harness global expertise to provide thought leadership and opportunities on two main topics: the future of airports and airlines, and women in aviation. To provide additional improvements to its firstclass experience, extensive investment and refurbishments have been made to the airshow exhibitor chalets and show features, such as the Cargo Hub to allow for more opportunities for business, networking, growth and knowledge sharing. Commenting on the 2022 event, Kamal Ahmed, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications had spoken to the media: “Connectivity is at the key of Bahrain’s economy, and the 2022 Bahrain International Airshow is back to connect the world to the Gulf region. We have taken advantage of the past couple of years to vastly improve the Bahrain International Airshow’s quality and value in line with our goal of delivering a business-conducive five-star environment in which to connect the global and regional aerospace industry. “Our show has welcomed over 70 per cent of the top global aerospace companies in previous years, and we are looking forward to welcoming more companies to a show which aims to provide you with a boutique feel and a value-

Transportation and Telecommunication Minister Kamal Ahmed signs the contract with Gareth Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Farnborough International 98

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Offering one of the most internationally renowned aircraft displays on the airshow circuit, BIAS will also host an impressive static showcase and daily flying displays featuring the latest in both military jets and commercial aircraft

added business platform in a country that prides itself for its hospitality.” Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has renewed its long-standing partnership with leading aerospace event organiser Farnborough International to organise the 2022 and 2024 editions of the Bahrain International Airshow. The twoevent contract was signed in London by Mr Ahmed and Gareth Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Farnborough International. Building upon the success of the 2018 event, which saw more than 54,000 trade visitors, 11 of the top 15 global aerospace companies attending and over $5 billion worth of aerospace orders and commitments confirmed, BIAS 2022 will provide viable

networking opportunities and facilitate the development of relationships between the leading players within the industry. Priding itself on organising and delivering the world’s most pioneering and respected aerospace and aviation events which connect the global aerospace and defence communities, Farnborough International will support the Bahraini Ministry in strengthening the position of BIAS as a principal platform in the Middle East. Offering one of the most internationally renowned aircraft displays on the airshow circuit, BIAS will also host an impressive static showcase and daily flying displays featuring the latest in both military jets and commercial aircraft. Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

THE VOYAGE TO SPACE! NSSA aims to promote space science, technology and applications at the national level

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ne of the remarkable achievements the Kingdom made in the science and technology sector is the establishment of Bahrain National Space Agency (NSSA) in the year 2014. NSSA was established by a Royal Decree, with His Majesty’s vision “to promote Bahrain to a position of international prominence in the field of space science for the purpose of achieving comprehensive and sustainable development”. NSSA’s focus is on harnessing space technologies for national development, promoting space science and applications, developing advanced space research programs, ensuring capacity building and creating a new space sector in the Kingdom. The organisation is working closely with ministries in the Kingdom, identifying their needs, and planning to provide enhanced space-based technology services for governance and development. It is also working with universities on exciting potential new space missions to advance research and

development in space sciences. Supporting research in space science, technology and applications is an integral part of NSSA’s mission. Furthermore, research in space science and technology can also help achieve national research strategy’s objectives in line with Bahrain 2030 vision. NSSA engineers and technicians have published more than 10 scientific papers in 2020, while work is underway to publish another 20 scientific articles this year in international peer-reviewed journals and international conferences specializing in the field of satellite

construction and their applications, in addition to participating in conferences specializing in satellite applications. artificial intelligence in the field of space sciences, data spatial analysis and images. NSSA CEO Dr Mohammed Al Aseeri says this volume of research has resulted in cooperation with various parties under internal and external cooperation agreements. “One of the research studies came in collaboration with the University of Bahrain to study the use of artificial intelligence techniques in detecting gas leaks in

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Minister Kamal Ahmed signs a co-operation agreement with the UAE Space Agency officials.

Some NSSA research studies dealt carefully with solving problems related to satellite systems, such as improving the quality of the communication system and increasing the capacity of the data that are carried in the EO ground stations. Among the best research studies was the development of a control system and setting directions for the satellite using the “FPGA Board” that depends on the processing technology

automatically controlled airplanes. Further research has been carried out in cooperation with Khalifa University of Sciences and Technology focusing on micro-satellites, designed and developed by the Bahrain Space Team in cooperation with many specialized international studies.” Some research studies dealt carefully with solving problems related to satellite systems, such as improving the quality of the communication system and increasing the capacity of the data that are carried in the EO ground stations. Among the distinguished research studies was the development of a control system and setting directions

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for the satellite using the “FPGA Board” that depends on the processing technology. In parallel, the results of this research proved that the time taken to obtain satellite direction is faster than the programs deployed in the market while ensuring the required accuracy. Some of the research studies carried out have specialized in artificial intelligence applications, such as designing artificial intelligence algorithms to classify the pilot who operates an aircraft, the control mechanism while maintaining the accuracy of the mission in realtime, pointing to the multiplicity of research in the fields of satellite data analysis such as applications of artificial

intelligence in the detection of oil slicks using multiple technologies and software. NSSA assures promoting research in space science within the Kingdom through the release of various research announcements in a wide range of science and technology disciplines. Among its achievements, the National Space Science Agency recently celebrated the graduation of the Bahrain Space Team member, Amina Al Balushi, after completing her educational and training programme and obtaining a master’s degree in systems management and engineering with a specialization in space science

NSSA aims to promote space science, technology and applications at national level. It also gives emphasis on promoting remote sensing applications for comprehensive and sustainable development and highlights benefits in many fields

developing national skills in a new sector in the industry regionally and internationally and establishing the foundation of a new space sector in the Kingdom. Launching the Kingdom’s first space mission has been considered a foundation stone for space science and technology for the Kingdom. NSSA ongoing mission includes initiating lowcost, educational nano-satellite projects with a focus on capacity building, establishing a well-qualified team who can help NSSA achieve its current and future objectives, gaining necessary skills for designing, assembling, testing, launching and operating cube satellites for future more complex missions, developing national skills in a new sector in the industry regionally and internationally, establishing the foundation of a new space sector in the Kingdom apart from supporting scientific research. The mission also aims to establish a simple ground station for operating and tracking owned satellites.

and technology from Khalifa University in the United Arab Emirates. Her thesis focused on risk management in space projects. The training programme provided Amina Al Balushi the opportunity to participate in building and designing several satellites, one of which is the “DhabiSat” satellite, which was launched into space in February 2021. Engineers of the Bahrain Space Team together with space engineers from the UAE Space Agency and Khalifa University cooperated in designing and developing “DhabiSat”, a micro-satellite. The main task of DhabiSat is to design and develop software related to control and directional systems, which will be evaluated by taking pictures, by using a digital camera installed on the satellite, after the satellite is directed on specific paths. NSSA aims to promote space science, technology and applications at national level. It also gives emphasis on promoting remote sensing applications for comprehensive and sustainable development and highlights benefits in many fields such as agriculture, urban planning, natural resource management, seas and coastal monitoring, disaster management, environment and more. Other goals include developing space research programmes, promoting innovation in space related subjects,

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CHAMPIONING THE MEGA INFRA PUSH The Transportation and Telecommunication Ministry plays an important role in the Kingdom’s ongoing behemoth infrastructural developmental activities

he Kingdom has established an economic vision that is aimed to make the country fully sufficient on diversified sources by the year 2030. And the Transportation and Telecommunication Ministry plays a vital role in this mission as an efficient public transportation system and infrastructure have to be in place to accelerate diversifying the economy. The ministry has done a great job by attracting the private investors’ involvement in the provision of public services and provide a better life for all citizens and residents. The function of the Land Transport Sector at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications is to enhance and regulate all the relevant aspects of land transportation in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The government of Bahrain has already considered developing the public transport in the Kingdom. The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT) has made some progress into developing Bahrain’s public transportation in order to achieve Bahrain Vision 2030. As such, MTT has established a strategic plan to develop the current public transportation system, infrastructure and regulate the land transport sector. The first phase of this plan has already been accomplished by enhancing the current bus system in Bahrain, terminal refurbishment and reconstruction of the bus shelters additional to establish a ministerial decreed to regulate the internal transport sector, tourism and the international transport for passengers. The second phase of the plan, however, is still being implemented with a long way to go. This phase has a set of projects, such as the light trail project and BRT that will enhance urban transit in Bahrain. Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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The Land Transport Sector is responsible for the development and regulation of the transportation infrastructure and systems. The Land Transport Sector has set a strategy to execute and regulate transport projects and improve the public transport sector in Bahrain, in order to provide an alternative sustainable transport mode for the citizens and residents. The GCC Rail Project is an integrated regional project that would cater for the transportation needs of the GCC countries. The project will connect all GCC countries and will provide an alternative mode to road, air and sea transportation. It is also expected to significantly contribute to the region’s economic growth and diversify of transport modes and reduce cost. The project will also promote and facilitate regional trade and support the national industries of the GCC and neighbouring countries, as well as providing employment opportunities for the GCC nationals, and building the required institutional capacity for the development of the railway industry. King Hamad Causeway project will connect the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a causeway that will be constructed parallel to King Fahd Causeway and will include four lanes road and two rail tracks. The 75-kilometer railway

Minister Kamal Ahmed

will link the proposed freight yard at Khalifa Bin Salman Port to the existing railway line in Dhahran passing by the proposed King Hamad International station in Ramli area in Bahrain. The line is eventually linked to Dammam railway station. The number of passengers using the GCC railway is expected to reach about eight million passengers per year by 2050. Dammam railway station will be connected to all domestic railways in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while the passenger terminal at King Hamad International station in Ramli will be connected to the passenger terminal at Bahrain International Airport and other commercial and residential areas

The Phase One of Bahrain Metro Project has received a green signal from the government

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Airport Modernisation Programme has been one of the most important national developmental projects in the Kingdom’s history

The Bahrain Metro Phase One represents the first phase of the Government’s ambitious plans of developing a 109 km rail based urban transit network (Metro) and consists of an elevated corridor with two lines having an estimated length of 28.6 km with 20 stations and two interchanges

in the Kingdom through the proposed Bahrain Metro Network. The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kamal Ahmed has announced that the Government of Bahrain has approved the start of Phase One Bahrain Metro Project. The Bahrain Metro Phase One represents the first phase of the Government’s ambitious plans of developing a 109 km rail based urban transit network (Metro) and consists of an elevated corridor with two lines having an estimated length of 28.6 km with 20 stations and two interchanges. The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, which is managing the project, aspires to develop a state-

of-the-art rail transport network. Ridership in the initial few years of operation is expected to be around 200,000 per day, with growth expected as more travellers shift from using their private cars to the Metro system. The project is expected to be procured through a two-stage global and competitively bid public tender process comprising Request for Qualification followed by the Request for Proposal. The US$1.1 billion Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP) is one of the most important national development projects in the Kingdom’s history. Designed with projected passenger demands and aviation trends in mind, the AMP includes several strategic projects that enhance Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) infrastructure, facilities, and services. The crowning jewel is the 210,000 sqm passenger terminal, which increases the airport’s capacity to 14 million passengers per year. The state-of-theart facility positions BIA as the most modern boutique airport in the Gulf and reinforces its reputation as an attractive hub for airlines and passengers.

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THE PARADISE OF MIDEAST The tourism sector finds a special place in Bahrain Economic Vision 2030

e it the story of “Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden” or “Noah and the Great Deluge” or “Epic of Gilgamesh”, Bahrain, which was known as Dilmun has been a place of great spiritual, historical and cultural attraction. Five thousand years ago, Bahrain was famous for its dazzling natural pearls, which owe their special lustre to oysters found only at the confluence of two seas. Since then, Bahrain has remained a tourism centre with its gems and pearls being sought after by royalties including Queen Elizabeth I, Napoleon Bonaparte and wealthy maharajas of India. The country was a major strategic trading point between Mesopotamia and Indus Valley.

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As the Kingdom is endowed with rich history, its historic sites form the basis of its tourism potential. The tourist sites in the Kingdom encompass forts, museums, entertainment areas, mosques as well as shopping corners. Strategically located as a sea passage, Arad Fort is a classic example of Omani military architecture from the end of the 15th to the early 16th centuries. Although it is not clear when it was constructed, this fort was once the site of fierce battles, playing a major role in the defence of Bahrain against marauders through the centuries. Restored in the 1980s using only authentic material, the fort is beautifully

illuminated at night and hosts seasonal festivals throughout the year. Located in the area of Seef and previously known as Portugal Port, the Bahrain Fort or “Qal’at al Bahrain ‘’ is built over 180,000 sq ft. Occupation of the fort has been recorded from 2300BC to the 16th Century. The fort is named for the Qal’at al Burtughal and was located at the capital of the Dilmun civilization. The excavated site at the fort reveals that the fort was used for residential, public, commercial, religious, and military purposes. An archaeological dig revealed various tools and artifacts;

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Dilmun Stamp seals, fishing tools, pots used for cooking and for transport of food from Oman and Mesopotamia. Inscribed as one of the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bahrain, the Bahrain Fort is an incredible structure that pays homage to the deep-rooted history of Bahrain. Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort is also known as Riffa Fort due to its location in Riffa. This historic landmark bears witness to one of the most important junctures in Bahrain’s history - within its beautiful architecture lives the memory of the ruling family of Bahrain, the Al Khalifas. The fort also houses Saffron Café, which overlooks the picturesque Al Haniniya Valley. Another tourism milestone, The Bahrain National Museum was officially inaugurated by the late Amir HH Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa on 15 December 1988. It was considered one of the finest museums of its kind in the Gulf region. Conceived and designed by Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen, the outstanding building is characterized by its white travertine marble facade and is centrally located on an artificial

Dive Bahrain is another adventure attraction. The world’s largest underwater theme park covers an area of 100,000 square metres. The dive site has a 70-metre-long decommissioned Boeing 747 as its centrepiece, the largest aircraft ever to be submerged. The site provides an exceptional diving experience

peninsula overlooking the island of Muharraq. The Kingdom is now famous for family tourism. Adhari Park is a brand-new visitor attraction in Bahrain adjacent to the existing Adhari National Park. Spread across 165,000 square meters, it provides a complete leisure experience for the whole family, aiming to become the number one family attraction in the GCC, with 38 exciting outdoor and indoor rides for people of all ages, a Family Entertainment Centre, 10 food outlets at the Food Court, Dine in a restaurant, Coffee Shops and a lot more. Al Areen Wildlife Reserve is home to wildlife in Bahrain, where plant and animal species have been protected and cultivated for over 30 years. Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is an ultramodern motorsport facility that is located in the heart of the Sakhir desert. Designed by the renowned German engineer Hermann Tilke, the circuit incorporates many features of local culture. Costing approximately $150 million, the entire facility took less than 18 months to build – quite a feat considering the massive undertaking that was needed to develop the land. Central to life in Bahrain for centuries, pearl diving has to be the quintessential Bahraini experience. The beach resort of Al Dar Island offers regular pearl dives and cruises to Jarada Island. In addition to pearls, one can also get the chance to see up to 30 types of coral and more than 200 species of fish. Dolphin watching along the many surrounding coral reefs is another popular pastime

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and they are best spotted at sunrise or sunset. The Kingdom is also at the forefront of adventure tourism. One can experience the feeling of free fall at ‘Gravity Bahrain’ – the indoor skydiving facility located in Zallaq. At Gravity, they have one of the tallest wind tunnels in the world. Made of tempered glass, it

space often hosts varied art exhibitions while housing a small mosque, distinguished library, and learning environment for Islamic teaching. The Kingdom offers unparalleled shopping experience to its visitors. Bab Al Bahrain is located at the entrance of the Manama Souq in Bahrain’s capital city Manama. Built in 1949,

Built around 692 AD, Al Khamis Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the Arab world. Its foundation dates back to the 11th century and was rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries. During this reconstruction, identical twin minarets were added, making the ancient Islamic monument easily recognizable

measures 12 meters high, producing strong winds that enable guests to have a “free fall” experience under the guidance of safety instructors. Dive Bahrain is another adventure attraction. The world’s largest underwater theme park covers an area of 100,000 square metres. The dive site has a 70-metre-long decommissioned Boeing 747 as its centrepiece, the largest aircraft ever to be submerged. The site provides an exceptional diving experience. Al Fateh Grand Mosque is Bahrain’s largest place of worship and is one of the largest mosques in the world. It was built under the patronage of the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1987 and was named after Ahmed Al Fateh. With its walls beautifully ornamented with Kufic calligraphy, the mosque accommodates up to 7,000 worshippers and is crowned with the largest fiberglass dome in the world. Built around 692 AD, Al Khamis Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the Arab world. Its foundation dates back to the 11th century and was rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries. During this reconstruction, identical twin minarets were added, making the ancient Islamic monument easily recognizable. Housed in a spectacular Arabic script engraved building, this distinguished museum showcases a significant collection of Quranic manuscripts and scriptures dating back to the seventh century. Many copies of the Quran are works of art in themselves. Some miniature copies can fit in the palm of the hand and Quranic verses have even been inscribed on a grain of rice. In addition to its important historical collection, the Bait al Quran exhibition

it once overlooked the sea, housing the government’s administrative offices. Behind Bab Al Bahrain is the old Manama Souq. This is a vibrant collection of shops offering a wide range of goods such as textiles, spices, incense, perfumes, handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as more modern products from all over the world. Also located in the Manama Souq are a number of traditional coffee shops. The souq is quintessentially Bahrain; a place that visitors will be sure to enjoy. Located in the business district of Seef, the Al A’ali Shopping Complex provides a unique and elegant shopping experience. With its plush environs, sophisticated atmosphere, and abundance of luxury labels, this elegant space lives up to its commitment to glamour, fashion, and timeless luxury. Established as a high-end shopping destination, the 52,000 square meter complex opened in 1996 with a unique architectural design that gracefully combines contemporary architecture with the traditional Arabic style. The new extension showcases the more contemporary aspect of the Complex, integrating modern with traditional. The central atrium features a magnificent glazed canopy, filtering light into the shopping space and giving an openair experience that extends into the contemporary Saraya wing. Al A’ali Shopping Complex is the location for home furnishing stores, luxury gift shops, pearl traders, and a spa. Dragon City is a first of its kind development that encompasses over 787 commercial units, making it the largest wholesale and retail trading centre in the Kingdom. Situated to the South-West of Diyar Al Muharraq

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Gravity Bahrain is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Kingdom

in close proximity to Bahrain’s International Airport, the stateof-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port and Manama, Dragon City caters to customers from both the Kingdom and beyond. Dragon City is infused with Chinese architectural and cultural aspects and offers Chinese products of the highest quality to local consumers, trade customers and tourists. The Bahrain Mall – the ultimate family shopping experience in the heart of Bahrain’s retail district. With over 120 international brands, Bahrain’s first hypermarket, and exciting events all year round, The Bahrain Mall is the shopping hub for families and visitors from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. The ethnic fortress-like red brick façade captures the legendary culture of Bahrain. Desert palms, water features, flaming torches, and tent structures of the Centre Court evoke the Arabian heritage. Located in the heart of Manama, Block 338 is a charming pedestrian quarter crammed with international restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops. Known as Bahrain’s hot dining district, Block 338 offers a wide range of restaurants appealing to all ages and tastes, offering a variety of options ranging from a fancy meal to traditional Bahraini food or just a soothing drink.

In addition to this distinguished eating experience, Block 338 has a number of good retail opportunities tucked along its side streets and has grown over the years into a vibrant space for art lovers. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA)’s scope of work includes all sectors related to national tourism affairs in the Kingdom: organize conventions and trade exhibitions in the Kingdom of Bahrain; attract international, regional and local conferences to be hosted in the Kingdom; establish, manage, promote and maintain the Authority’s conventions and exhibitions centres directly or through specialized companies or firms BTEA establishes solely or in partnership with others for the same purpose; grant licenses for conventions and trade exhibitions, supervise and assess them. The tourism sector aims to attract prominent international events that engage large numbers of tourists and strengthen the position of Bahrain as an important tourism attraction on a regional and international level. BTEA also aspires to boost the Tourism sector’s contribution in the national economy, in line with the Bahrain Economic vision 2030 and towards achieving the goals of the Economic Development Board.

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BRAVING THE NEW WORLDS! BRAVE CF has become a focal point for Mixed Martial Artists from across the world

ixed Martial Arts (MMA) is fast becoming one of the world’s favourite sports and the Kingdom’s BRAVE Combat Federation is doing a great service to MMA fans by showcasing the ultimate global talent as mixed martial artists from more than 40 nations spreading across five continents are being featured in the event. Established by HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the year 2016, BRAVE Combat Federation was built as a global Mixed Martial Arts organisation, with the focus on developing and promoting the growing MMA scene, regardless of the region of which the talent was coming from. Since then, BRAVE CF has become a focal point for Mixed Martial Artists, especially from those regions that have been long neglected by Western-based promotions. BRAVE CF has proven that there’s a lot more in the MMA world than one would’ve thought. Headed by Mohammed ‘The Hawk’ Shahid, BRAVE CF has had unparalleled accomplishments since its inception. The first event took place in Isa Town, Bahrain, on September 23, 2016 and since then it has gone on to conquer the world with debuts across continents and countries ranging from Brazil to Indonesia. Serving a rare treat to the mixed martial arts enthusiasts of Europe, BRAVE CF has held many events across the continent. Serbia has become the 10th European nation to host a show overall. Back in January 2021, BRAVE CF kicked off the year making its debut in Russia with a card in the Olympic city of Sochi. The organisation returned to the world’s largest country last November, this time in Rostov-on-Don, which hosted World Cup matches in 2018. In June, it was Belarus’ time to host a BRAVE CF card, in the capital Minsk. Two months later and the fashion capital of the world Milan hosted Italy’s very first BRAVE CF event. September marked the introduction of Poland to the BRAVE Combat Federation, with a fight night held in Konin, the historical central Polish town. Serbia’s debut is the next step into the already consolidated BRAVE CF European takeover, the fastest and broadest expansion in Europe’s MMA.

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Brazil was chosen to be the first country to host a BRAVE event outside its homeland, with future Lightweight champions Lucas “Mineiro” Martins and Luan Santiago, as well as former Welterweight titleholder Carlston Harris among the fighters who made their promotional debuts at BRAVE 3: Battle in Brazil

This follows a steady growth that began back in 2018, when BRAVE CF hosted its first European fight night, with BRAVE CF 13 taking place in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Since then, the organization has done shows in England, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden, which add to the events in Russia, Belarus, Italy, Poland, and now Serbia. In Latin America, Brave CF has visited Brazil and Mexico. Brazil was chosen to be the first country to host a BRAVE event outside its homeland, with future Lightweight champions Lucas “Mineiro” 116 Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

Martins and Luan Santiago, as well as former Welterweight titleholder Carlston Harris among the fighters who made their promotional debuts at BRAVE 3: Battle in Brazil. The fight card was also the first appearance of former UFC champion and KHK MMA fighter Frankie Edqar as a color commentator. After Brazil and the United Arab Emirates, BRAVE continued to travel around the world, as India, Kazakhstan, and Mexico were all treated to events. BRAVE 5: Go For Glory took place in Mumbai, India. Brave 6: Kazakhstan was held in Almaty, where future Super Lightweight world champion Eldar Eldarov bested Brazilian Henrique Rasputin by TKO. It was also home to the first-ever BRAVE female fight, as Flyweight Mariya Agapova beat Yulia Litvinceva by TKO in the first round. Finally, BRAVE 7 took place in Mexico, and future world title challenger Alejandro “Pato” Martinez came out

victorious in a match against Fabian Quintanar. In May 2018, BRAVE travelled to Jakarta, Indonesia, for BRAVE 12: KHK Legacy. In the main event, Eldar Eldarov continued his winning streak by outpointing Brian Hooi in the scorecards, going 3-0 for BRAVE CF. BRAVE Combat Federation became the first global MMA promotion to do a show in Africa, as the organization hosted BRAVE 14, in Tangier, Morocco, on August 18 in the same year. The event was hosted under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco. In the main event, then-Lightweight

South Korea will be hosting a Road to BRAVE event in the early days of 2022. Road to BRAVE is a series of events held in regional markets with the intention of fomenting the MMA scene locally and showcasing the best talent to the global market, scouting potential future stars for BRAVE Combat Federation

champion Ottman Azaitar moved up to Welterweight to face Danijel Kokora and came out victorious via first-round TKO. BRAVE 19 took place on December 8, 2018, in Sun City, South Africa, another country which hosted an international MMA show for the first time with BRAVE Combat Federation. BRAVE Combat Federation, keeps extending its footprints throughout the world. South Korea will be hosting a Road to BRAVE event in the early days of 2022. Road to BRAVE is a series of events held in regional markets with the intention of fomenting the MMA

scene locally and showcasing the best talent to the global market, scouting potential future stars for BRAVE Combat Federation. Such initiatives, once again, reinforce BRAVE Combat Federation’s commitment to the development of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts worldwide, from the grassroot level to the heights of global MMA, opening the door to young MMA talents around the world.

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GreenFX, a pioneer in IT innovations

reen FX Team has been in their IT innovations Since 2007 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. During this period, the company has served with their solutions to 2000+ small, medium and large organizations in the Kingdom, which is the highest by any technology company in records. Green FX develop simple, reliable, flexible and cost-effective solutions which are adaptable to the client’s environment. Our team are always equipped with the global technology updates; we evaluate and review our processes and knowledge base to implement the best available solutions that can bring value addition to our customers. Green FX approach focuses on novel methods

of business combining IT innovation and adoption, keeping in purview an organization’s current IT assets. Green FX provides the solutions on Microsoft .NET, PHP, Java, Angular, Android and Tally Platforms that are reliable, robust and scalable for a dynamic environment where people, process & technology blend seamlessly. Green FX is serving on Cloud infrastructure development, Payment Gateway, Web Solutions, E-commerce, Mobile Apps, IT Security, and Encrypted Server Backup Solutions, by partnering with the Global Products, Eset, Xopero , Safetica , Calvister etc. The company gradually built and formed multiple joint ventures,

Partnerships and Client base across GCC, India, Africa and US. Our diverse and highly skilled global workforce consists of shared resources. As a company and as individuals, we take great pride in contributing to the growth of our clients, employees, and communities where we live and work. Our persistent efforts to improve on our employee skills in a good work environment continue to pay off. We have always been recruiting with great employment opportunities with very high potential to learn, work and earn. It’s our opportunity to show our gratitude for the great Investment atmosphere and support of the Authorities and the Royal Family of this Great Kingdom.

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Businessman, philanthropist Dr Varghese Kurian, a prominent businessman in the Kingdom, contributes to various charity causes in Bahrain and India

KL Holdings and Al Namal Group of Companies is extremely popular for its real estate, property development and management, construction, health and hospitality divisions. By making use of the most advanced techniques in all of its numerous divisions, VKL Holdings have carved its own niche in and around the Kingdom. Dr Varghese Kurian is the chairman of the VKL Holdings and Al Namal Group of Companies whose business include real estate, property development and management, construction, health and hospitality divisions. Dr Kurian has been involved in real estate development for the last 20 years, having successfully developed, managed, marketed and sold over 200 commercial and residential buildings across the Kingdom with property values in excess of BD 100 million. Through their intricate network of suppliers, service providers and industry professionals, the clients of VKL Holdings enjoy excellence and convenience at competitive prices, taking complete advantage of opportunities and the economy and provides a timely delivery —the simple reason why VKL Holdings are consistently preferred by several leading consultants as their main developer. The company has expanded across the Middle East and India, employing over 7,000 workers and has recently initiated a new project in Tbilisi, Georgia.

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Dr Kurian, a qualified civil engineer, continues to steer the group to the forefront of its businesses in the Gulf and abroad, with his vision and understanding

His Majesty receives Dr Varghese Kurian

of the needs of his clients. His hard work, determination, and quest for perfection are the other qualities that make these groups pioneers in their respective fields. The Group includes VK Universal Property Management Co, VK Universal Hotels and Restaurant Management, Al Namal Contracting and Trading Co WLL, Middle East Hospital and Middle East Medical Centres, SAACH Interior Designers, New Horizon School and VKL Hotel and Resorts. The Middle East Hospital, one of the prominent healthcare institutions in the Kingdom, provides trusted healthcare for life. The hospital is an 85-bed acute general facility, and addresses the major medical problems facing the population in Bahrain and the Gulf. The hospital is considered among the most advanced in equipment, and staffed with the best qualified in the area, to generate a service that is highly demanded by the populous in Bahrain and beyond. Moreover, while it is the most equipped and staffed, it provides its services at affordable cost to individuals, corporates and insurance companies alike – thanks to modern management systems that emphasize efficiency and quality of care. This hospital constitutes an integral component of a health services group under the umbrella of Middle East Medical facilities, which include the Middle East Medical Centers in Al Hidd, and Salmabad, with more facilities on the way to provide the needed medical care to the people.

The Middle East Hospital provides trusted Dr Varghese healthcare for life. Kurian is the VKL Group’s foray into the education sector was quite accidental. Opening as a kindergarten catering to value based schooling for children in the age group three-six located in Salmaniya in the year 2000, the institution expanded its services in the year 2003 to educate children in the age group three-12, obtaining the official approval of the Ministry of Education with the new name, the New Horizon School. Dr Kurian contributes to various charity causes in Bahrain and India. He has helped with the repatriation of stranded Indian workers and provided educational assistance to Indian students, medical aid to the poor, as well as housing to the homeless in India. He has also provided financial support for the marriage expenses of children of Indian expats. He has also established a charitable fund in the name of his parents aimed at pursuing welfare programmes for the poor.

chairman of the VKL Holdings and Al Namal Group of Companies whose business include real estate, property development and management, construction, health and hospitality divisions

Amidst the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has provided eight multistorey buildings around Hidd and the four-star deluxe Park Regis Lotus Hotel in Juffair to Bahrain’s Ministry of Health to accommodate COVID-19 patients free of charge. Dr Kurian is married to Lizhy Varghese and the couple has three children named Sija, Jeeban, and Vishakh. He was awarded Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Indian government in the year 2014. Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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The complete entrepreneur A leading commercial organisation in the Kingdom, the Dadabhai Group is present in key sectors in Bahrain’s economy, providing quality products and impeccable service

Mr Dadabhai

djectives would often fall short to describe the success saga of Mohammed Dadabhai, the Chairman of Dadabhai Group, as he keeps on widening his horizons both in business and social life. Mr Dadabhai now heads a diversified set of companies offering commercial construction services, and travel and hotel management services. He is also the former president of BahrainIndia society, a social grouping to enhance understanding between the both nations. A leading commercial organisation in the Kingdom, the Dadabhai Group is present in key sectors in Bahrain’s economy, providing quality products and impeccable service. Having achieved many accolades and recognitions towards maintaining business excellence, the group continues

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its growth in newer areas and opportune sectors. Joining hands in partnership with many organisations, entities and individuals across the globe, the group always maintains its proficient standards of operation benefitting all entities involved. Back in the 1940s, Mr Dadabhai was the eldest of six children, and so was expected to work alongside his father, Ahmed Ali Dadabhai, who owned a small toy shop in the heart of Manama’s old souk. He finished his secondary schooling but rather than going to the university, decided he was ready to work full time. And so, at 16, he started running the shop, gradually taking control of all the operations. A few years later he bought his first house, gaining his first taste of the construction

business and developing a new interest in real estate development and management. He began with apartment buildings and graduated into hotels: today the Dadabhai Group’s assets include some of Bahrain’s best-known hotels and resorts. “Dadabhai Group began its journey as a modest trading house more than fifty years ago in the Kingdom. With a firm belief in our ability to achieve higher we started to venture into unknown territories. New business opportunities opened up and inspired us to diversify. Bahrain’s economic environment turned vibrant and compelled us to capitalise on the changing market dynamic while satisfying our rapidly

quality of our planning and implementation. Each project is meticulously executed with the same uncompromising standards WE HAVE that have become our trademark in the EARNED commercial sector,” says Mr Dadabhai. AN ENVIABLE Infrastructure works and services works predominantly related to the building works were forming part of the operations of Dadabhai Construction. With the project sizes and number increasing day by day, the Dadabhai Group has recently decided to administer the infrastructure works as a new distinct division under Dadabhai Construction and has set up a team of experienced engineers and highly skilled workforce. With its unrivalled service levels, stateof-the-art technology, formidable buying power and a global reach through a wide range of affiliated travel partners, Dadabhai Travel has become an agency of choice for so many people across the GCC Region. It has expanded from a single office location in 1981 to its current network of 13 branches, 15 implant locations and 5 GSA offices encompassing Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

increasing customer base became the motivating factor for all our efforts.” Dadabhai Construction, established in 1977, is one of the Kingdom’s oldest and most well-known companies in the construction industry. Dadabhai Construction is an ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certified company for Construction of Buildings, Project Management, Infrastructure Works, Interior and Electro-Mechanical Works. The success story of Dadabhai Constructions include the classic projects such as Abraj Al LuLu, Dana Mall, Elite Crystal, Elite Resort and Spa, Juffair Heights and Office Building Dubai. It has been categorized as Grade AA Construction Company by the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning and as Grade A Construction Company by Military Works Directorate and the Ministry of Housing. Dadabhai Construction has an impressive list of landmark projects behind its name. “We have earned an enviable reputation within the industry for excellence in the

REPUTATION WITHIN THE INDUSTRY FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE QUALITY OF OUR PLANNING AND EXECUTION. EACH PROJECT IS METICULOUSLY EXECUTED WITH THE SAME HIGHEST STANDARDS THAT HAVE BECOME OUR TRADEMARK IN THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR

The Company’s Vision of becoming the epitome of success in the travel and tourism industry through a customercentric approach built around unparalleled service coupled with innovative concepts is underpinned by its Core Values – integrity, customer care, teamwork and reliability. Elite Hospitality Group, the hospitality wing of Dadabhai Group, has maintained an excellent reputation as the most preferred destination for short and long-term guests. Having developed a large segment of loyal customers from across the world, it continues to cater to all requirements of travellers, and offer modern hospitality concepts. Elite Hospitality Group operates four hotels and three service apartments positioned in various vital locations in the Kingdom such as Muharraq, Seef District and Juffair to meet all requirements and special needs. All five hotels offer an array of specialty restaurants, as well as a range of executive lounges, state-of-the-art health clubs, wellness spas, conferencing and banquets facilities and nightclubs. The group has also set up a $2.2 million institute to train Bahrainis for hotel and catering jobs. Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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Steels of strength SULB is the region’s leader when it comes to manufacturing structural steel; it now has exports to more than 40 countries

mong the firms pioneering the Kingdom’s manufacturing revolution, SULB stands tall for all reasons. The company exports 99 per cent of its products to customers in more than 40 countries located across the broader MENA region, South East Asia, Americas and Europe. And, today, nearly 50pc of all structural steel sections used in the GCC’s infrastructure development are manufactured by SULB in the Kingdom. The first fully-integrated medium and heavy beams and structural steel sections producer in the Mideast region, SULB is a joint venture between Foulath (51pc) and Japan-based Yamato Kogyo (49pc). The company has two rolling mills, one in the Kingdom and the other in Saudi Arabia. It is a fully integrated producer from iron ore

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to finished steel products. According to SULB, which boasts a strategic location, its positive forecasts are further reinforced with cutting-edge technical know-how from Yamato Kogyo and shareholders who are among the region’s most reputable and committed investors. The light to medium structural mill situated in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, previously known as UGS, became Saudi SULB following its acquisition by SULB in 2011. It has a production capacity of around 400,000 tonnes. Consisting of a hot rolling medium and light section continuous mill, the facility utilizes steel billets supplied from SULB’s Bahrain-based facility, which is situated in the Kingdom’s Al Hidd Industrial Area. In the Kingdom, SULB’s facilities consist of a direct reduced iron (DRI) plant, a melt

shop (MS) and a heavy and medium section rolling mill (HSM). The Heavy Section Mill in the Kingdom will achieve 600,000 tonnes at full capacity. The combined structural steel capacity of the two facilities will ultimately be one million tonnes per annum. Chief Executive Officer Ravi Singh is at the helm of affairs at SULB. He says green steel is the future and SULB is very well positioned to champion this green drive among the steel manufacturers. “If you take a look at the global steel industry, it releases 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide for one tonne of steel manufactured. We have been very careful when it comes to our process route. Since we have a gas-based DRI Electric Arc Furnace, our greenhouse gas credit is half of the global average. We measure it every year and we do a greenhouse gas audit. But we don’t want to sit on laurels. We want to reduce it further as greenhouse gas emissions are a global issue. We are in the process of having our studies done to reduce them further.”

WE HAVE ABOUT 600 EMPLOYEES HERE AND NEARLY 200 EMPLOYEES IN SAUDI ARABIA. AND APPROXIMATELY 45 TO 50 PER CENT ARE BAHRAINIS

Mr Singh

SULB are already below this level. This is a major Strategic Advantage for GCC steel producers.

“Right now, if we want to switch, we can switch to hydrogen also. The plant has the capability to switch to hydrogen if hydrogen is available at an affordable price as a fuel. We can’t have direct hydrogen because the cost of hydrogen will be almost half the cost of steel itself. Unless there is government policy within an international carbon tax framework the shift becomes very difficult,” he points out.

“Unless a carbon tax becomes a reality in all major markets the transition becomes difficult. It’s a loss-making proposition. The major consuming countries will have to make regulations that will aid in the transition,” Mr Singh says, adding that the future holds good potential for exploring solar as well as wind energies for the functioning of steel plants.

The World Steel Association, which is the largest association of steel companies across the world, has set the target to reduce greenhouse emissions by 50pc by 2050 and that means containing carbon dioxide to 925kgs per one tonne of steel produced and many GCC players including

He highlights that, in line with the green drive, recycling of steel is of immense importance. “The world needs metals. Currently, 35pc of the world’s steel is made from scrap iron. We would be very happy if the Bahrain government bans export of scrap iron. And when we make steel from

SULB is committed to employing best talents from the Kingdom and training them to work in skilled operational areas Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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scrap iron, there is less greenhouse gas emission. Most of the steel plants in the region are scrap based. Steel is a futuristic material because it is a material that can be recycled 100pc any number of times.” Mr Singh says that SULB stands to benefit, in the longer run, from the infrastructural development push, happening across the world as the company is a pioneer in manufacturing steel columns and beams. “There is no infrastructure development without steel. Most of the beautiful buildings across the world including Burj Khalifa are steel structured buildings. Most of the glass covered buildings are steel structured buildings.” He emphasizes that many Western countries, with the UK being prominent among them, are now embracing steel-friendly architecture, “which is welcome news for companies like SULB”. W i t h re g a rd t o t h e partnership with Japanbased Yamato Kogyo, Mr Singh says, “The Yamato Group of Japan has been in

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the steel sector for a long time. Bahrain plant is one of their investments while Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and the US plants being the other. A significant player in structural steel, they give us global benchmarking information. And most importantly the world is always happy with Japanese quality standards.” SULB has a track to be emulated by other companies when it comes to Bahrainisation. “We have about 600 employees here and nearly 200 employees in Saudi Arabia. And approximately 45 to 50 per cent are Bahrainis. Starting with General Manager, Operations, we have Bahrainis at the top level and the same goes to the middle and bottom levels. This shows that there is no lack of talent in this country.” Mr Singh says that SULB will continue its forward success march despite all the challenges including the recent Covid-19 pandemic. “SULB will take ‘Brand Bahrain’ across the nations and continents. People would be surprised to know that we are the top steel exporter to South Korea, which is a major industrialised nation.”

Congratulations and best wishes to

HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa The Crown Prince and Prime Minister The Royal family, Government and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occassion of the

50th National Day

CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL DAY OF BAHRAIN

P.O. BOX 50177, Hidd, Kingdom of Bahrain Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021 Tel. +973 17352406 | info@sulb.com | www.sulb.com

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Committed to investing in professional growth KPMG in Bahrain employs over 350 professional staff and partners and provides a suite of Audit, Tax and Advisory services

rom the foundation of a small local accounting firm, setup in 1968 by two university friends Jassim M Fakhro and Hussain Kasim, KPMG in Bahrain has grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious professional services firms in the country. The firm has served clients, the marketplace and the communities for over 50 years and has earned the trust of their stakeholders through their commitment and dedication. KPMG in Bahrain employs over 350 professional staff and partners and provides

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a suite of Audit, Tax and Advisory services. The firm consistently aims to recruit the best and brightest talent from around the world, and currently has a multicultural resident team representing over 60 nationalities within their workforce. Empowering the indigenous community in Bahrain is a critical focus for the firm, and Bahrainis within the firm’s talent represent over 60 per cent of the workforce at all levels including the partnership and senior leadership.

The firm combines their best in class of international talent with the strength of the national workforce to address and support key opportunities and challenges within the marketplace and community. Lifelong Learning is a core commitment for the firm both internally within their workforce and externally in the community. The firm works closely with universities across Bahrain on creating work experience within the future generation of leaders through their Hussain Kasim Internship programme. The firm is also committed to developing the national talent pool in relation to professional skills, and has been supporting young Bahraini graduates including financing their endeavors in higher education through the flagship programme - Jassim Fakhro Fund. The programme has also supported the recipients by ensuring they receive ongoing technical training and experience. The fund programme was established in 2001 to honor Jassim Fakhro, the co-founder

Jamal Fakhro

of KPMG in Bahrain, and with the ambition to support the professional development of young talented Bahrainis. It provides financial support, coupled with coaching and mentoring from more experienced colleagues to help talented youth to pursue and successfully complete any professional qualification of their choice. Till date, over 160 Bahraini professionals have benefited from the programme at a total investment of USD $ 1.8 million.

LIFELONG LEARNING IS A CORE COMMITMENT FOR THE FIRM BOTH INTERNALLY WITHIN THEIR WORKFORCE AND EXTERNALLY IN THE COMMUNITY

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Retailer with strong social commitment Babasons-MegaMart continues to provide high quality services with competitive pricing to their customers, ensure environment sustainability and contribute to the community while expanding its business

ore than two decades of success have secured Babasons-Mega Mart a household name in Bahrain. In 1993, Babasons, backed by the internationally renowned T Choithram Group of Companies, set up their first grocery store at Salmaniya. With high standards of quality and service inherited from Choithrams, Babasons-Mega Mart continues to be one of the leading supermarket chains in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Today, with 14 Mega Marts and two Macro Marts, Babasons-Mega Mart is one of the biggest retailers and distribution networks with imports from Australia, the UK, the US and South Africa. It prides itself on serving the local community with the highest quality fresh produce from around the world and its ultra-modern, European style supermarkets. Post Covid era, Babasons-MegaMart is now stronger than before and for that, they have expressed their gratitude to the Bahrain government and the community. “Bahrain government has done commendable work at mitigating the spread of Covid-19 virus, ensuring protection of all residents by offering free vaccines and by supporting the businesses through various reliefs. We are working to return the kind gesture by increasing our community services and to optimize our expenses and upgrade our stores to better hygiene standards in order to protect our consumers,” said Mr Anil Nawani, General Manager for BabasonsMega Mart.

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By 1996, Babasons-MegaMart expanded into three outlets with the addition of two stores, one in Muharraq and the other in Hamad Town. Motivated by strong market demand for a bigger, better department store in the Kingdom, in 2000, it presented Bahrain with its first single biggest department store covering a 50,000 sq. ft. area in Lulu Center. This store continues to provide ample car parking space and all that the shoppers need, under one roof. By 2002 another store in New Juffair was added. This covers a 30,000 sq. ft. area and is within easy access of the American

Anil Nawani, General Manager

Naval Base. The product profile caters to the demands of Mega Mart’s growing American and European clientele. In 2011, anticipating market trends and the busy lifestyles of customers, a smaller version of the stores was developed. This provides essentials, faster quality shopping and a handy location. Thus, Mega Mart Express was introduced at Abraj Al Lulu and is around 6500 sq ft. Its success has prompted the opening of an outlet at Galali in 2013 with an area of 7500 sq ft. and another at Segaya in 2014. Mega Mart Segaya has now become well known for its chaat & sweets counters, hot food deli and take away meals. In 2016, Mega Mart Amwaj was inaugurated in Amwaj Lagoon followed by another outlet in Budaiya in 2018. In 2020, 2 outlets were added in Sanad and Bahrain Financial Harbour. Mega Mart BFH offers an outdoor seating area and in addition to daily essentials, it offers salad bar and good selection of take away meals. This year, 2 new outlets in Busaiteen and Sehla have been added. Busaiteen outlet is located in the center of new and old Busaiteen thereby providing an easy access to communities in both these areas. “Further expansion plans continue for the future to cater to our growing client base,” added Mr Nawani. Mega Mart and Macro Mart’s aisles feature an impressive assortment of brands; one of

the most popular is Tesco products from the UK. Other internationally recognizable brands include Tate Lyle, Natco, Ocean Spray, John West and much more. In addition to import brands, it also has a wide range of food products under inhouse brands such as Goodness Food, Baba and Gold. “We intend to serve all communities with a range of products from fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and fresh bakery products. This differentiates us uniquely as retailers from our competition. Recently we have also developed our inhouse brand “GOODNESS FOOD” range which caters to all customers with a combination of good quality products with pocket friendly prices,” said Mr Nawani. The various communities in Bahrain are small so it is challenging to have all the agencies and to bring goods directly from manufacturers, thus, to meet consumer expectations we have mixed containers coming from Europe, the US, Australia, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and India. This ensures every community has options in terms of brands and products. Due to direct imports and no ‘middleman’, costs are kept low, which therefore does not affect consumers and we are able to offer better prices for consumer needs, according to Mr Anil Nawani, General Manager Megamart. Prices throughout Macro Mart and Mega Mart are cost-effective and competitive and currently all supermarkets in its network

BAHRAIN GOVERNMENT HAS DONE COMMENDABLE WORK AT MITIGATING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 VIRUS, ENSURING PROTECTION OF ALL RESIDENTS BY OFFERING FREE VACCINES AND BY SUPPORTING THE BUSINESSES THROUGH VARIOUS RELIEFS MR NAWANI

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are performing impressively, owing to carefully selected locations that have been strategically designed to cater to consumers in the vicinity. Through changing times and trends, the primary focus for Babasons-Mega Mart is their customers and their principals while continuing to serve the communities in which they operate their businesses. The company has remained firm to this philosophy and pledges to always be dedicated to it. Babasons-Mega Mart continues to build on its strengths and capabilities to maintain their position as a leading name in the hearts of customers and partners, fulfilling their mission to deliver absolute customer satisfaction in terms of product quality, range and competitive pricing. To increase its reach to the customers, it is also exploring e-Commerce platforms such as Instashop, Talabat and has its own mobile app in the pipeline.

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“At Babasons-Mega Mart, we care about the planet and environmental sustainability, so this year we have initiated a series of activities to do our part for environmental sustainability such as community beach cleaning, waste management and recycling, promoting reusable bags, etc.” says Mr. Nawani. “We will continue this initiative and will look into partnerships with reputable organizations to maximize impact,” added Mr Nawani. They have also initiated a series of fun activities and competitions under “Goodness Campaign” to engage and reward its workforce. In 2022, they are also planning to apply for prestigious HACCP certification for its outlets. With Mr Nawani at the helm, the way forward for Babasons-Mega Mart is to continue providing high quality service with competitive pricing to their customers, ensure environment sustainability and contribute to the community while expanding its business.

Five years of great success D

ar Al Shifa Medical Center in Bahrain was established at a time when the healthcare industry was becoming more and more commercialised. Our goal was to provide patients with everything they need under one umbrella at an affordable price. With God’s help, we, as beginners, have been able to move forward as much as possible without having a great tradition in the field of healthcare.

Mohammed Ali K.T, Managing Director

Al Shifa Medical Center is also celebrating its fifth anniversary of excellence in hygiene and care. Looking forward, Dar Al Shifa aims to offer the best and specialized healthcare services to the citizens and residents of the Kingdom while opening more branches across the country.

Celebrating

Twenty-four hours of doctor service, excellent lab, pharmacy and experienced staff make the services at the clinic best and unique and our medical team went to the homes of the patients who could not come to the hospital and examined them. Discounted loyalty cards were given to the less-privileged patients to ease their burden of treatment and immunizations were given at the clinic.

BD ONLY

Located in Al Hidd, Dar Al Shifa has a wealth of great doctors in the fields of gynecology, orthopedics, ENT, dentistry, ultrasound and dermatology and pediatrics. It also offers Covid tests as part of the national initiative to contain the Covid-19 spread.

. .

We have been approved for preemployment, pre-marital check-up and housemaid medical check-ups, which are carried out in full compliance with all the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Health in the country. Dar

FREE DOCTOR CONSULTATION

VALID UNTIL

31 ST DECEMBER 2021

*Terms& Conditions apply *Teeth Cleaning on Appointment Basis Only

HIDD

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‘Entering 2022 with strong momentum’ GFH, a pioneer in the Islamic finance sector, has been named the top Islamic bank in the region for 2021 by MEA Finance

ith $12 billion worth of total assets and funds under management, GFH Financial Group (GFH) is a leading and dynamic financial group in the GCC region, with a diversified offering and pioneering track record. Headquartered in Bahrain’s Financial Harbour, the company is listed on three stock exchanges in the GCC, including the Bahrain Bourse, Boursa Kuwait and Dubai Financial Market (DFM). The GFH approach to Islamic investment banking services has

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been recognised on the global stage over the past two decades. This underscores the company’s ability to identify and capitalise on diversified investment opportunities in some of the world’s most competitive markets. In an exclusive interview, Hisham Al Rayes, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, says that the company will enter 2022 in a very solid position with a strong vision and pipeline of opportunities for continued diversification, expansion and value creation. Excerpts:

? The word ‘volatility’ is of the most

villainous nature in the finance and investments sector. How does GFH, being a highly dynamic financial group, handle this ‘villain’

While volatility is of course challenging, we have honed our skills at effectively navigating the markets and looking for and seizing opportunity even in the most turbulent times. Most importantly though, in order to combat volatility, we have long shifted our investment focus into sectors that we know to be resilient. We favour what we call future-proof investments in defensive sectors – this includes education, healthcare and technology, among others. We are confident this strategy will continue to enable us to deliver strong value and returns whatever the market environment may be.

? Could you tell us about the role

played by GFH in reaffirming the Kingdom’s position as the financial hub of the region?

With our base in Bahrain, the success of GFH has in no small part been supported by the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional financial centre and hub. We have an exceptional regulatory environment, supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain, and a history and reputation for innovation and the best talent in the region. We have benefited greatly from all these factors and as a result have established GFH as a strong and well-known global investor. In every major investment we make around the world, we fly the flag of Bahrain and reinforce the strong business and investment climate from which we come from. Furthermore, we continue to invest in the kinds of financial innovation and human capital development that will help ensure Bahrain’s financial sector stays on top.

development of a broad array of Islamic financial products and structures over the years. The support of the CBB and robust regulatory environment we enjoy in the Kingdom has been essential to our success. It provides the market and investors with the kind of confidence they need and it has enabled us to continue to attract interest and capital to help us grow, expand and further innovate for the benefit of our investors and shareholders but also for the benefit of the industry itself.

? How do you handle competition

in the area of wealth management and asset management; especially this being a segment where a new competitor is born almost every day?

WITH OUR BASE IN BAHRAIN, THE SUCCESS OF GFH HAS IN NO SMALL PART BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE KINGDOM’S POSITION AS A LEADING REGIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE AND HUB.

We believe our track record, legacy as well as our vision for the future continues to set us apart no matter how crowded the space gets. We have shown the remarkable resilience of our business and delivered value and solid returns for our shareholders and investors even during the most challenging of market conditions, with the pandemic being the latest example. Through our performance and ongoing progress across the business, we have

? Could you tell us about GFH’s contributions as a vital player in the Islamic finance sector and the Bahraini government’s support in this regard?

GFH has long been a pioneer in the Islamic finance sector, most recently named the top Islamic bank in the region for 2021 by MEA Finance. With the support of the Central Bank of Bahrain, our regulator, we have invested in innovation and in the

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NUMBERS SPEAK $323m

The company’s income in 2020 shows the resilience of its business model

$6.59bn

The total assets reflect the company’s strategy of dynamic diversification

$ 2.8bn

The fund raised during the year for all business line activities

gained the confidence of the market including some of the world’s leading international institutional investors. We will continue to build our business on the strong brand recognition and trust the GFH name carries. This is our biggest advantage and one that will enable us to maintain market leadership well into the future.

? Looking forward, what are the future plans for GFH?

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We’ll be entering 2022 with very strong momentum. We will continue to build on the solid foundations we have established and our focus will remain firmly on further expansion and growth across our core business lines and the geographies we are active in. We will continue to seek out opportunities in the GCC, US, UK and greater Europe within sectors that are well positioned for steady, long-term growth. We are on course to keep announcing exciting new opportunities and partnerships and further diversifying our business and the unique investments we bring to shareholders and investors across the region. A few examples where we expect to see growth are in our education, technology, healthcare and logistics portfolios and investments both in the region and globally. We’ll enter 2022 in a very solid position with a strong vision and pipeline of opportunities for continued diversification, expansion and value creation.

Best of comfort, service and style From great service to never ending entertainment, Pars International has everything to make guests stay in the Kingdom with rich memories of great hospitality

ars International Hotel adds further glory to the Kingdom’s unchallenged position as the leader in the region’s hospitality sector. Overlooking the crystal blue waters of Manama Bay, the Pars International Hotel is a four-star property offering clean and comfortable accommodation in the commercial and residential area of Juffair. The hotel features

101 guest rooms and suites in total, each of which is neatly decorated in a warm, contemporary style. Guests can enjoy panoramic views over Manama Bay or the Juffair skyline from the comfort of their rooms. From great service to never ending entertainment, Pars International has everything to make guests stay in the Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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Mr. Shaker Al Sayed, Managing Director

Pars International Hotel offers its customers a choice of health and recreation facilities with modern range of equipment.

Kingdom with rich memories of great hospitality. It offers a world of unparalleled hospitality and gracious living with guest rooms, all of which are decorated in warm, contemporary tones offering a haven of comfort and modernity. Along with a choice of spacious deluxe and standard rooms, the hotel also offers a range of executive suites for those who wish to indulge in the best of Comfort, Service and Style. The Pars International Hotel is less than 4km away from many of the city’s top business areas, including the Bahrain World Trade Centre and Bahrain Financial Harbour. Boomers - the European specialty restaurant, is inspired by European flavours. The menu reflects the culinary spirit of European generous serving, explosions of flavour and a huge choice of dishes. “So, if you crave the flavours and tastes of classic European food, or are simply curious to experience genuine food, we will definitely keep serving you your favourite dishes, but at the same time we would like to offer you a bigger variety. We have decided to bring you the best - the heart, what European cuisine can offer its fans.” The atmosphere is welcoming, much like a neighbourhood, classic, sophisticated and full of casual elegance at Rogina Restaurant Lounge. Best of Lebanese and Middle Eastern traditional Cuisines are served alongside the many other exciting

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Mr. Uday Mahar, General Manager

and delicious dishes, filled with vegetables, salads, lean meats, plenty of olive oil and lemon. Menu items include shawarma, salads, seemingly endless mezze selection such as tabuleh, seafood and specialty drinks. For a non-foodie, there are ultimate shows waiting. The Arabic word “sahar” translates as “entertainment” which is performed at night. With live Lebanese music and belly dancing, the atmosphere is upbeat and energetic. It conjures up images of sitting down with friends, followed by music, dancing and finished with a relaxing shisha which goes well into the early hours of the morning. The business lounge offers a full range of services including comfortable, wellequipped workplaces, afternoon pastries, tea and coffee and evening canapes and other drinks. “Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, relax along the way in our contemporary space for our guests to enjoy business discussion and debate over wonderful food and even better wines. Our focus is to make sure our guests are given the opportunity to build great long-lasting business relationships with like-minded peers and enjoy dining in some of our light snack menu. For those looking to work no matter where you sit you will be able to access our free Wi-Fi internet to make getting jobs done easy. While those looking

to sit back and watch we have a wide screen that allows our guests to keep up with international current business news and events. Pars Business Lounge, your space to relax or complete work, be inspired, learn and connect with other businesses.” Z-Lounge is the most phenomenal and hottest club in the Kingdom, where the most sensational people come to party. “Guaranteed wide variety of great music played by the best DJS, danced into the beat by the party people, guests and performers. Throughout the party, from the very start till the end, there’s always a lot of exciting things going on...no matter what your definition of nightlife is.” Best of all, Z Club is the only best place where you can party from dusk till dawn. Whether guests are looking for a coffee with friends, a weekend brunch or a three-course dinner Mayan -All Day Dining Restaurant has something for everyone. Mayan has perfected the all-day dining experience in the Kingdom. Delicious Middle Eastern

and International cuisine are served all day, seven days a week, encompassing breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as an amazing weekend brunch. With an emphasis on simplicity and quality, our food brings the best and serves it with impeccable style. Great food, good wine and friendly service is the order of the day. Parsia–The Café offers everything a guest would want in a neighbourhood coffee shop: plenty of seats, wi-fi, good coffee, friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, and tasty food. It offers guests a menu to suit every taste featuring family favourites like burgers, pastas and signature sandwiches. Customer service is a priority at the Parsia Café. It’s a place to unwind, grab a seat and enjoy a really wonderful cup of coffee. MASTI offers the best of classical Indian cuisine in traditional style, with live Bollywood music. The restaurant is famous for the legendary North-West Frontier cuisine, with certain recipes dating back to the time of the royal Mughals.

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Offering the finest electrical solutions Palace Electronics aims to provide complete integrated solutions with its quality products and services to meet the varied requirements of clients installations with all the detailed planning and resource utilisation.

Rakesh Sharma, Director

Balbir Kaur, Director

‘P

alace Electronics’, established in the year 1985, is recognised as one of the most reliable distributors and wholesalers of electrical and electronics products. Its wide range of electrical products includes switchgear accessories, networking accessories and electrical and lighting accessories.

Its wide range of electrical products includes switchgear accessories, networking accessories and electrical and lighting accessories.

CCTV and Security Surveillance: Palace Electronics has extensive experience in designing and installation of different CCTV security surveillance solutions. By carefully assessing our clients’ requirements, we design, install and maintain cost-effective security systems which achieve and exceed our clients’ expectations. Structured Cabling Solutions: We are experts in providing well-designed, carefully implemented structured cabling systems that meet your data and communications needs. We are specialised in the installation of copper network cabling to ensure long term performance, system integrity, and investment protection. Palace Electronics Business System specialists are experienced in carrying out major Fiber Optic network

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Access Control/Time Attendance and Security Systems: We design and implement different access control systems based on solutions from multiple vendors. These can include standalone card readers up to complicated networked solutions consisting of tens of card and biometric readers, door controllers, turnstiles, road blockers and sensors. Whether your organisation is large or small, the importance of managing access to your premises cannot be overemphasised. Therefore, we design our solutions based on the understanding that every organisation or company operates differently, and each has individual needs and requirements. A time and attendance system enables an employer to have full control of all employees working hours. It helps control labour costs by reducing overpayments, eliminating manual processes. We provide time attendance systems from Watchnet, Schneider and 2ktech. Public Address System: A public address system is an electronic sound amplification and distribution system with microphone, amplifier, loudspeakers, mixing console, etc. PA systems with many speakers are widely used to make announcements in public, institutional and commercial buildings and locations. Palace Electronics also provides high-end voice evacuation systems with PA systems, primarily in places of assembly. Palace Electronics provides public addressing solutions from BOSCH, TOA or PASO, IC Audio, Interm, KEF-UK. SMATV and IPTV solutions: Cable television (SMATV) is a system of delivering television

programming to paying subscribers via radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted through coaxial cables or light pulses through fiberoptic cables and Internet Protocol television (IPTV) is a system through which television services are delivered using the Internet protocol suite over LAN or the Internet. Palace Electronics provides turnkey, centralized, professional Satellite SMATV and IPTV systems using top-of-the-line equipment from industry leading manufacturers. Building Management System: We provide independent control systems house specialising in Building Management Systems for the building services industry. We provide the expertise to supply, design and install Environmental and Energy Management Control systems to build a complete ‘intelligent building’ applying best in class, market leading products that utilise open protocol platforms. Lighting Control System: We offer a wide variety of lighting controls that combine sophisticated design with state-of-the-art technology. These include architectural controls, daylighting controls, dimmers, fan speed controls, occupancy sensors, relay panels, timer switches and more. Our lighting controls provide precise, dependable control and complement any residential or commercial application, while offering the potential for significant energy savings. Schneider C-Bus and KNX. Guest Room Management System: We offer a complete solution for guest room management system in hotels including, lighting control, access control, curtain, AC and HVAC, Courtesy, Bedside console, integration with smart phones, integration with PMS and BMS etc. The different ranges of switches and varying layers of control inside hotel rooms depending on the budget and requirements. Saving energy is vital. Audio/video door entry system: We offer a complete range of door entry systems for the domestic market. From the basic model single station door entry residential kits to the sophisticated video entry systems, most access control applications are catered for.

points of factories, office complexes, corporate houses, residential buildings, parking lots, toll tax plazas or any road - way entry where medium to heavy traffic is expected. They are made of a motor body and control unit, protected by a case with different finishes, for applications in critical environment conditions, like heavy traffic areas. Vision, BFT and Genisus Professional Light and Sound System: Palace Electronics provides full-service lighting and audio equipment provider. We provide full lighting and audio service for a wide range of events. We specialise in Stage, Pro Audio and Lighting that addresses every technical and logistic need of our clients We also operate a large and well-maintained inventory

of state-of-the-art and well reputed brands of audio, video, lighting and trussing equipment. Networking Active Co m p o n e n t s : Wh e n yo u r Network delivers, your business thrives. Efficient networking connects people to people, people to machines; and machines to machines. But if your network falters, none of that can happen. So, when it comes to implementing or enhancing a solution to connect your workforce, increase their productivity, and maintain a high level of performance look to a recognized network consulting company. Cisco, Alcatel, Netgear, Linksys. L o c a te d i n M a n a m a , we can be reached at info@ p a l a ce e l e c t ro n i c s .co m o r (telephone) 17261131/17261132.

CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL DAY OF BAHRAIN

Congratulations and best wishes to

HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa The Crown Prince and Prime Minister

The Royal family, Government and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occassion of the

50th National Day

Wireless Call Bell System: We offer a Wireless Call Bell System to improve customer satisfaction, speed of service, increase efficiency, decrease labour cost and profits. Traffic Barriers: Palace Electronics offers efficient security at the exit and the entry Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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Al Noor pioneering in quality education Al Noor International School is the first school in the Gulf region to have been awarded the Oxford Quality Programme

Mr Ali Hasan with dignitaries, students and members of the senior management

l Noor International School has become one of the top international schools in the Gulf. Recently the twenty second batch of IGCSE, twenty first batch of AS Level and twentieth batch of A Level students successfully completed the Cambridge Assessment International Examinations. Students at Al Noor International School are celebrating the exemplary IGCSE results. These are phenomenal results and they have led to a combined outcome of 72% of all students achieving A*, A and B in the Cambridge IGCSE examinations held in June 2021. The school continues to set a benchmark and remains a leader in the field of education in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In almost all the subjects, the school averages

for the students securing Grades A*, A, B & C which are well above the respective world averages. Around 91% of IGCSE students secured grades between A* to C indicating excellent performance. • • • • •

33 students secured a percentile of 100% with GPA 4 9 Students 7A* 72% secured A*, A & B 100% Pass 284 A*, 424 A and 318 B grades

THE SCHOOL CONTINUES TO SET A BENCHMARK AND REMAINS A LEADER IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION IN THE KINGDOM

Advanced Level 2021 Students at Al Noor International School are celebrating the exemplary Advanced Level results. These are astonishing results and they have led to a combined outcome of 57 % of all students achieving A*, A and Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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Part of the school’s mission is to provide a comprehensive education to the students of Indian curriculum within a conducive multicultural environment, aiming at their all-round development

B in the Cambridge A Level examinations held in June 2021. The school continues to set a benchmark and remains a leader in the field of education in the Kingdom of Bahrain and in almost all the subjects, the school averages for the students securing Grades A*, Grades B & above, and Grades C & above are well above the respective world averages. Around 80% of A Level students secured grades between A* to C indicating excellent performance. • • • •

8 Students 3A* 57% secured A*, A & B 100% Pass 44 A*, 83 A and 86 B grades

Advanced Subsidiary Level 2021 Students at Al Noor International School are celebrating the strong Advanced Subsidiary Level results. These are remarkable results and they have led to a combined outcome of 50 % of all students achieving A and B in the Cambridge AS Level examinations held in June 2021. The school continues to set a benchmark and remains a leader in the field of education in the Kingdom of Bahrain and in almost all the subjects, the school averages for the students securing Grades B & above, and Grades C & above are well above the respective world averages. Around 77% of AS Level students secured grades between A to C indicating admirable performance. • • • •

18 Students 3A 50% secured A & B 100% Pass 89 A and 70 B grades

It was the vision of its Founder and Chairman, Mr. Ali Hasan, which saw Al Noor emerge in 1993 from its humble beginnings in Mahooz to the vast institution it is today, supporting the families of a very large section of the population. At the time, Mr. Ali recognized the need for a school which would provide a family ethos and access to a range of curricula, while remaining affordable to those who would otherwise not have the funds for a private education. With this in mind, he sought the guidance of the University of Cambridge to provide the British Curriculum starting from Kindergarten and culminating in Advanced Level qualifications. Al Noor has been recognised as a Fellowship Centre 144 Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

for Cambridge International Exams, a distinction shared by very few international schools in the Gulf. Besides the British Curriculum, Al Noor offers as other options, both the Bahraini and the CBSE curricula. This means that students, on completing their KG years, are able to choose from three curricula, all of which effectively prepare students to enroll at Universities and colleges throughout the world. Al Noor is also a recognized Exam Centre for the Ministry of Education Examinations for Grades 9 to 12. The fact that the fourteenth group of Bahraini section Grade 12 students appeared for their final year exams in June 2021 and achieved a 100% pass with high marks, is equally remarkable and noteworthy. Being a recognized CBSE Centre, the fourteenth batch of Grade 10 and eleventh batch of grade 12 students who wrote the exams in March 2021 have achieved an excellent pass rate. Our school is also a Cambridge Professional Development Centre. Over the years, the management has given prominence to modern trends in education and this focus has resulted in further assistance and commitment from Cambridge. Greater emphasis was placed on teacher training and development, recognising the need for well-trained, confident teachers. Al Noor has responded positively to the need for greater emphasis in the area of information technology and it is now possible for students throughout the school to qualify for Cambridge ICT diplomas at various levels, in addition to their IGCSE, AS and A Level qualifications. These certificates provide an added incentive to students to improve their proficiency and ultimately keep up with the pace of technological developments. The school is the first school to date in the region to have been awarded the Oxford Quality Programme in recognition of the strong emphasis it places on the effective teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and the high standard of its practice and pupil outcomes in these areas. The Oxford Quality Programme is an agreement between Oxford University Press and selected schools worldwide who share a commitment to excellence in education practices and the teaching of English.

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LuLu Exchange: Saluting the indomitable spirit of Bahrain Happy 50th Bahrain National Day!

or a nation celebrating just its 50th National Day, Bahrain stands tall as an epitome of contemporary people-first development. Guided by strong leadership and a visionary ambition to ease the lives of all those who call it their home, Bahrain has been a fine example of harmony, tolerance, and socio-economic growth in the MENA region and beyond. The country’s world class infrastructure, connectivity, business environment and community-led living has made it an ideal place to live and work for people from all walks of life. As a responsible financial services provider, LuLu International Exchange is honored to have played its part in developing the payments ecosystem of the country which has over the last few years come to be known as among the most forward thinking globally. Both for its adoption of technology and diversification of value-led offerings in tandem with modern systems, specialized human resources and fintech institutions. On the glorious occasion of the 50th National Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain, we convey our heartfelt wishes and congratulations to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Bahrain, other members of the royal family, Government leaders and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain for nurturing such a great nation, and for

Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director 146 Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

providing us the support to efficiently deliver our responsibility to our consumers.

enterprising regulatory authorities, financial institutions, and people.

LuLu Exchange owes its progress to the ambitious mindset ingrained in us by the leaders and people of Bahrain, as well as its

We are honoured to be a part of this great nation and reaffirm our commitment to the growth of Bahrain through our positive, actionable ideas.

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Bhavans promoting holistic education Bhavans Bahrain Indian School is a name synonymous with quality education

ahrain Indian School- Bhavans with its competence and dedication has shown a remarkable growth since its inception. Today it occupies a prominent place among the most prestigious institutions in the country. The school provides a plethora of opportunities for students not only to pursue academic excellence but also

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explore their co-scholastic potential so that, each child develops into a competent individual. Even the pandemic did not become a hurdle in sustaining Quality Education. The endless possibilities of digital platforms were used in an optimum way to sustain a congenial and growth mind-set learning environment in virtual classrooms. The ‘new

The school provides a plethora of opportunities for students not only to pursue academic excellence but also explore their co-scholastic potential so that, each child develops into a competent individual

Himanshu Verma Director

Ritu Verma Director

normal’ paved the way for commencing new initiatives and conducting activities in more creative way.

The all-rounder!

The major achievement of the year was the spectacular performance of the first batch of Grade 10 students in All India Secondary School Examination 2020-21. The school topper registered an outstanding score of 99% to make the result an iconic one. The other outstanding performers scored 94.8% and 94.4% respectively. 50% of the students scored above 90% marks. All other students scored above 80% of marks.

Commencement of Senior Secondary Classes: BIS has added another feather in its cap by securing CBSE Affiliation up to Grade XII. The first batch of Grade XI classes commenced this year successfully. All major steam options with a variety of subject combinations are offered to suit the individual interest of the students. To make quality education affordable, BIS Management has announced attractive FEE DISCOUNTS to all students seeking admission in Grade XI. Facilities for regular Career Counseling, Integrated coaching to prepare students for various competitive examinations like IIT- JEE, NEET, SAT and availability of admission experts to support students with their University Applications make BIS the most sought – after school in the Kingdom.

BIS is focused upon creating a strong balance between academic excellence and co-curricular achievements. This means around 50 per cent weightage is given to promoting co-curricular activities, sports, games as well as emphasising critical thinking. Regular life skills sessions helps in inculcating the moral values and team building skills. Range of extra-curricular & club activities activities like Hatha Yoga, Cricket, Kalakshetra, Classical Dance, Music & Public Speaking helps in honing the skills of students. Youth Leadership Programs (YLP) sessions by Toastmasters help students in becoming excellent orators. Workshops by school counselors on age appropriate topics are conducted time and again. Smart classrooms helps in delivering the concept in varied ways to enhance the understanding of Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic learners. Community services and charity drives on various occasions like Ramadan, Think Pink, Labour Day etc. are done to imbibe the moral values.

State-of-the-art facilities The school’s teaching mechanism is very well-adapted to the technological era and have implemented a “digital campus” system which allows parents as well as teachers and the school management to remain fully integrated and updated on the Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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The accessibility to parents allows them to know the progress of their child, as well as having accessibility to all that is being taught in case a child is absent

lessons and study plans for each class on a weekly basis. All classrooms are well-equipped with visual audio facilities, having projectors and interactive boards. The accessibility to parents allows them to know the progress of their child, as well as having accessibility to all that is being taught in case a child is absent. School also has a mobile app for

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this very reason, making it extremely easy for parents to access whatever is needed for their child’s progress and communicate with the teachers when needed. Admissions are continuing for the academic session 2022-23 from Pre- KG to Grade XI. Application forms are available online at www.bhavansbahrain.com along with detailed admission procedures.

Marching forward to greater success Shakeel Trading strives hard to offer customers, a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of superior quality products from world-wide suppliers

s this great kingdom celebrates its golden year, Shakeel Group pays homage to the remarkable journey of Bahrain in building a nation bound in spirit and resilience, inspired by tradition and driven by innovation. This year, let’s remember the historic relevance of the occasion and honour those who were the masterminds in building this rising Kingdom. “On this occasion I extend my utmost congratulations to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, The Crown Prince and Prime Minister for their visionary leadership and the people of this great country for their love and support,” said Shakeel Group Chairman and MD Mr Shakeel Ahmed. “This is a day to celebrate and pay tribute to a country known to and have always been supporting the growth of its people and we are forever grateful to the great leaders of this nation. This beautiful Kingdom is the epitome of coexistence and tolerance for religious freedoms and cultural values. Bahrain has always been committed to providing and bolstering the advantages that it already has in order to become the most attractive business and investment hub in the Middle East. The people of Bahrain and the workforce are very friendly, well-educated and experienced and greatly respect one another- with this Bahrain adds real value and competes on a global level. Let’s renew our pledge to always uphold our national unity so that we can live together in peace and harmony.” “The last two years have been dominated by Covid, however despite the global

Shakeel Ahmed Sabrahdi, Managing Director

challenges we faced, Bahrain remains united as one nation in fostering peace and bringing the people together by proving maximum aid alongside boosting the economy. We have full faith in the leadership vision and the business-friendly economic environment in Bahrain. We wish the Kingdom continued peace, health and prosperity.” “Our journey in this industry began over three decades back and today we are one of the oldest and largest distributors of office and school stationery, toys, household items, food and furniture in Bahrain and now in the UAE.” Shakeel Group is known for quality products sold at competitive prices. This is further backed by the vision

Shakeel Group pays homage to the remarkable journey of Bahrain in building a nation bound in spirit and resilience, inspired by tradition and driven by innovation

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of Mr Shakeel towards business expansion, exceptional customer service and support for social and multicultural activities in Bahrain. Shakeel Trading was primarily involved in the wholesale distribution of stationery. Today, it deals in both retail and wholesale supply of stationery and other consumer products to small, medium and largescale supermarkets and showrooms across Bahrain. The company has eleven retail and wholesale outlets situated at prime locations of Bahrain. “Recently we opened our new branch in Sehla and we aim to further expand our footprints in the Kingdom and capture the market.” On the other hand, our sister concern, Bahrain Pride was established in 2003 as a one-stop shop offering a wide range of goods at the best prices. Today, it continues to be one of the leading supermarket chains in the Kingdom of Bahrain catering to all the communities. Shakeel Trading strives hard to offer customers, a diverse and comprehensive 152 Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

portfolio of superior quality products from world-wide suppliers. The Shakeel Group has its own brand of products such as: SADAF (Stationery), EMAN (Food), Home Care (Household) and Mai Bahrain (Water) found to be listed in most of the key retail and wholesale outlets providing its customers the best quality and service. It also enjoys strong support from suppliers and manufacturers from around the world and is an exclusive agent of many wellknown international brands like CASIO, Helix, UniBind, Sunpet, Nataraj, Golden Plus, Golden Star, KidArt, Eagle’s Henna, Kangaro, Taj Mahal Rice, Rasna, Intex, HP, Lineplus, Dong A and so on from countries like UK, Belgium, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, India, EU and China. In order to further increase our reach and to make shopping easy, we have also recently launched our app called BAHRAIN PRIDE (Available on both Play Store & App Store) so customers can now shop online at the comfort of their home.

THE LAST TWO YEARS HAVE BEEN DOMINATED BY COVID, HOWEVER DESPITE THE GLOBAL CHALLENGES WE FACED, BAHRAIN REMAINS UNITED AS ONE NATION

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The perfect insurer LIC (International) wishes all the Bahraini Nationals a Heartfelt Congratulation on the occasion of Bahrain’s 50th National Day

LIC International Bahrain CEO and Managing Director Sunil Kumar Thakur along with senior staff

IC International is a leading Life Insurance Company in Bahrain since more than three decades, fulfilling the life insurance and saving needs of its customers including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Bahraini Nationals. LIC International was established in Bahrain on July 23, 1989, in partnership with International Agencies Co (Intercol), with the objective of providing Life Insurance for the Indian Diaspora in GCC countries. However, the Company got license to sell Life Insurance products to residents of any nationalities in few markets, from then it has become a household name for both NRIs and GCC nationals leveraging the well-known Indian brand, its parent company, state-owned LIC of India which is the strongest and the largest Life Insurer in India with the market share of more than 70 per cent. The Company is committed to raise awareness of the importance of Life Insurance, especially in these volatile

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times, individuals and families should have a security blanket since it’s not known what tomorrow has instore. LIC International has suitable products for everyone, be it low income, high income or anything inbetween, there are products that will cater to the need of the customers. An individual should have an optimum mix of various asset classes. However, the role of insurance as an asset class in meeting your or your family’s financial goals is undeniable. Life insurance products can help to address an array of financial needs and goals as they can be customized for specific purposes. Be it life insurance plan, health plan, retirement planning or plans for children and family welfare, LIC International has plan to suit all types of need. The plans combine flexibility and value, and the best thing is that they are well suited to the expat lifestyle. If one is relocated back to India, some of LIC International’s Policies can be transferred to India and premiums

can be paid in India and also all services and payments can be received in India. LIC (International) started its operations with USD 0.245 million of asset base, the company has grown to more than 1.9 Billion Dollar Company today and servicing 117,000 Policies in the GCC countries. With the market share of 50.53pc and 81.14pc in Gross Written Premium and Policies respectively as at 31st of December, 2020 (based on – CBB Insurance Market Review 2020), the Company has also increased its paid up capital from US$ 53,051,640 (BD 20,000,000) to US$ 173,583,109 million (BD 65,439,300) as on 26, May, 2021. LIC International has been the market leader in life insurance in Kingdom of Bahrain for past many years. The company has over 20 products which can cater to client’s needs, there are education plans like Professional Education Plan (PEP) and Participating Marriage / Education (PME), plans for Saving, Health, Pension like: Participating

Endowment (PEN), Jeevan Anand (JA), Deferred Annuity, Silver Anniversary Health Insurance (SAHI), and Pure Term Assurance (PTA). All products are unique and issued in USD, there is something to offer to all customers which would leave them satisfied, be it life cover at reasonable risk premium, providing returns, liquidity, health cover, pension and provisions that would protect children’s education and life expenses.

Be it life insurance plan, health plan, retirement planning or plans for children and family welfare, LIC International has plan to suit all types of need

LIC International would like to send its warm regards to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) Governor Rasheed Al Maraj and the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry for their continuous support and guidance through the company’s successful journey. On behalf of LIC International, we extend our heartiest congratulation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for completing its 50th Golden Jubilee.

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Fuelling the private sector growth engine

Tamkeen has emerged as a key player in shaping the Kingdom’s economic future

usain Mohamed Rajab is the Chief Executive of Tamkeen, having been appointed to this role by Royal Decree in March 2021. In his role, he is responsible for managing all facets of the organization, including setting and implementing its strategic objectives, in line with its developmental mandate. Mr Rajab has a proven executive management track record and extensive experience in strategic planning and execution spanning more than 18 years. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience having worked at some of the leading institutions in Bahrain. Prior to his appointment at Tamkeen, he served as the Chief Business Development

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Officer at Bahrain Development Bank from (October 2020) to (March 2021), where he oversaw the development of the bank’s 3-year strategy (2021-2023) and led its transformation programme. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Bahrain’s economy over the course of his career, Mr Rajab was honored and awarded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa with the “First Class Proficiency Medal” in 2018. In an exclusive interview, Mr Rajab says that Tamkeen is in the process of relaunching its revamped programs and initiatives that are designed to reflect the evolving realities of local and world economy.

Tamkeen’s role has become more vital, and the shift of focus proposed in its new strategy came at the right time. Tamkeen’s role has grown from building awareness, through to expanding its outreach and growth of local businesses by supporting and providing programs that enhance the private sector’s ability to increase its economic activity. As the world is recovering from the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, Tamkeen’s role has become more essential for a whole host of reasons: rapid technological change, need for focus on the potential of new investments offered by emerging sectors, changing behavior of the market and business models.

What is Tamkeen working on at the moment? What is your vision for the future?

In connection with its efforts to build on the achievements made to promote sustainable economic growth in the private sector and the national economy, Tamkeen is in the process of relaunching its revamped programs and initiatives that are designed to reflect the evolving realities of local and world economy. As highlighted by Tamkeen’s New Strategy 2021 -2026, creating a shift in focus and in the perception of Tamkeen’s support is very much needed to incentivize driven change in the private sector. Change itself is no longer options as the economic growth dynamics and business models are being transformed. Impact comes from productivity, prioritizing both sectors that

How has Tamkeen progressed over the years?

Since its establishment in 2006, Tamkeen has served the development of more than 230,000 individuals and 53,000 enterprises with total funding reaching more than one billion Bahraini Dinars. Tamkeen’s goals of making the private sector the engine of economic growth and Bahrainis the preferred choice for employment is being fulfilled through a journey based on consecutive strategy cycles with an evolving focus that serve the changing needs and topical reality of the market. Husain Mohamed Rajab, Chief Executive

53,000

53,000 enterprises have received funding support from Tamkeen since its inception

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are productive but also behaviors that can boost productivity within companies, such as the adoption of digital technology. With this in mind, Tamkeen is prioritizing spending on high-potential sectors and scalable projects that can create greater impact on the economy; digitization, innovation and market expansion. With the challenges imposed by the pandemic in the job market across major economies, creating high skill jobs and support of professional development to create also the needed leadership talent are top priorities of the coming phase in Tamkeen’s journey.

How did the pandemic affect Tamkeen and how are you overcoming it?

Of course, Tamkeen was actively involved in supporting the business community during the pandemic in order to mitigate economic disruptions where possible. But this extraordinary shock also delivered important lessons, above all the need to innovate, build nimbleness and resilience, and strengthen our readiness in the face of adversity. Digital technology was a lifeline to many businesses during the crisis and has helped trigger broader business model changes. By investing more in technology, companies can become both more productive and more nimble and resilient while cutting their traditional reliance on low cost labor. Perhaps even more importantly, the crisis taught companies to ask and answer questions. Businesses that evolve and grow are once that are constantly looking for new and better ways of working. One way of ensuring the optimal use and impact of the Tamkeen’s budget is to address the need of investing in sectors and projects that are ready to excel in the market, and to achieve broad growth opportunities at the level of the national economy and at the level of employment of Bahrainis. What we are looking for is a promising economy for the Kingdom, for the citizen and for the market.

What are your achievements over the year please?

Af te r a d d re s s i n g t h e n e e d s o f enterprises affected by the COVID-19 related disruptions, Tamkeen relaunched its standard programs. We recognize the need to support individuals and businesses at a challenging time of transition. However, we were also keen to understand how business behavior 158 Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

had changed as a result of the pandemic. We have taken these insights to enhance our program design going forward. In keeping with our new strategy and transition of the economy to the postpandemic era, we have dedicated most of 2021 to adapting our support solutions to better match the new economic realities. At the same time, the importance of the original vision of putting the private sector at the forefront of driving growth is greater than even. We are keen to channel more of our support to areas and activities where it can really make a difference while of course keeping in mind that there our programs that have to be inclusive. Human capital support is available to and through support to things like digitization, we want to help all willing companies to embrace technology to become more productive and nimbler. We are particularly keen to help accelerate the development of high-potential sectors that are underpinned by productivity, aligned with national priorities, have export potential, drive quality diversification, and offer intrinsic dynamism.

New fragrances from Asgharali Asgharali launches a new category in time for Bahraini Women’s Day and National Day celebration

s g h a ra l i ’s j o u r n ey started in 1924 by the Late Asghar Ali, Asgharali perfumes has paved its way to becoming one of the largest retail stores in Bahrain and with a network of 100 stores worldwide including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Pakistan.

musky scent, SAMIA TUL KHULQ a scent that restores the fragrance of a dreamy Oriental, Floral, Amber, and WARD with its original fragrance of Floral spectrum with notes of fruity and vanilla. In today’s challenging markets, Asgharali is delighted to introduce a new trend that could change the

phase of the perfume industry and continually grow and understand along with consumer feedback for further suggestions and improvements, after all the customer is always right! For more details on AsgharAli products visit our social media accounts @ asgharalico or visit our website www. asgharali.com

Asgharali known for its innovative and evolving fragrances which can range from oriental or western, while also introducing a fusion of both and is pleased to announce the new launch category, which is specifically tailored for the women, it’s very first perfumed gel in a compact and handy packaging, bids goodbye to carrying fragile bottle of fragrances. Perfume gel in 15grams creates a creamier texture and a unique experience in fragrance, as a cushion applicator is needed to absorb the fragrance by gently pressing pressure on the puff till a gel texture appears, and the gel base can caress the neck, nape, arms, and wrists to perfume yourself and can be applied again for a retouch. This consumer experience product with its latest perfume gel cushion collector presents the fragrances of some of the best-known perfumes from AsgharAli such as SAMIA AL TEEB an enchanting and mystique oriental floral ambery, SAHAR AL FAIROOZ that blends femininity and modernity with the fragrance of oriental floral, ZIKRIYAAT a powerful luscious floriental Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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Empowering learners to excel cel as global citizens NMS has always lived up to its mission, vision and motto

he New Millennium School–Bahrain, established in the year 2004, functions under the banner of Knowledge Management Group, led by the Honourable Chairman, Padmashree Dr. Ravi Pillai−a visionary entrepreneur, passionate educationist, pioneer par excellence in industry, charity and education. The school has carved a niche for itself with an indomitable progress and an unparalleled track record of excellence under the strategic planning of the seasoned Managing Director, Ms Geetha Pillai and the dynamic leadership of the Principal Mr Arun Kuumar Sharma, whose foresighted vision, selfless service and innovative guidance in teaching and learning practices is the fruition of the school to be accredited ‘GOOD’ by the BQA. The New Millennium School–Bahrain is poised towards progress and success with the commitment to constantly evolve and innovate so as to bestow the best to the learners. The learners are exposed to outstanding educational facilities in a

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STUDENTS’ INITIATIVES • INVESTOPAEDIA- Online Pseudo Banking Club • Self- Scripted Class Assemblies • Commerce Kitchen • Charity Drive • Launching campaigns on environmental sensitivity, safety and healthy life style. • Maintaining the school garden. • DEAR Time • CURA (An initiative for recycling paper) • Earth Hour • E-magazine • Model United Nations • Technozone • Radio NMS • Happiness Club

REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Dr. Ravi Pillai, Chairman

•

Outstanding result in CBSE Board exams.

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Highest Subject Average and School Average among all the CBSE Schools in Bahrain.

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Gulf Toppers and Island Toppers in different years.

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Excellent performance in International Benchmark Tests (ACER/ IBT), PIRLS JEE, SAT, NTSE, Sastra Pratibha Contest (SPC), Olympiads and ASSET examinations.

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Perfect scorers in SAT (2400/2400) every year.

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High Performance Level in Science and Mathematics in TIMSS (Trend in International Mathematics & Science Study) examination 2019 & 2015.

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Highest Achievement in PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) 2016.

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First Place in Bahrain Students’ Innovation Congress -2017 & 2018.

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School Alumni placed in some of the world’s best colleges and universities like Oxford, Caltech, Stanford, UC Berkely, University of Toronto, Michigan, and many more.

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Outstanding performance in CBSE Cluster Meet.

Geetha Pillai, Managing Director

disciplined, invigorating, blissful environment of unconditional love and care, twinned with careful mentorship with respect for all. Smart classes conducted through flip and blended learning that features interactive activities, online assignments, individual projects and enriched learning resources from KG to Grade 12, through the digital platform and the school portal, have been successful in meeting every child’s learning needs and engage the learners enthusiastically.

Crowning Glories of the school Only private school in the Kingdom, to be selected to present the Action Research project (Flip Learning) in the BQA 6th Forum of Government Schools and Private Schools & Kindergartens Reviews Directorates under the topic ‘ENHANCING QUALITY

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MECHANISM IN SCHOOL WORK THROUGH ACTION RESEARCH’.

Digital Transformation Felicitated with an award of ‘Best Digital Transformation in Education’ in a formal ceremony titled ‘SMB-SMART SUMMIT & AWARDS 2020,’ organized by BUSINESS M E D I A I N T E R N AT I O N A L u n d e r t h e patronage of H.E. Dr. Abdul Hussain Bin Ali Mirza, President of Sustainable Energy Authority. The school has launched ‘AI Continuum’, an Annual Inter- School AI contest inviting participants from all the CBSE schools in the Kingdom. NMS has always lived up to its mission, vision and motto. With the continuous support of the Management, the guidance of the Principal and the collaborative efforts of the parents, staff and students, the school is bound to reach many milestones in the future.

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TEACHER EMPOWERMENT • Regular workshops conducted for teachers by renowned Resource Persons in and out of the Kingdom. • All teachers have been trained to use interactive projector, electronic pen, educational software, enabling them create and upload educational contents for effective teachinglearning process. • Intensive training in curriculum designing and planning of Daily Lessons Plans. • Teachers’ participation in programmes and workshops conducted by the MOE.

DIGITAL SERVICES • School Website • School Portal which can be accessed by parents, students and staff. • School Mobile App • Digital weekly newsletter to parents • Worksheets and Assignments are available in digital format on the portal. • NMS Picture Gallery • Quality Digital Contents for the students and teachers. • Online attendance view by parents • Digital Timetable • Examination module is completely digital including online view of academic report card • Facebook Page and Instagram Page. • Live Streaming of events and activities on official FB page for parents.

On behalf of the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors, the Executive Management team and all Ithmaar Bank employees, we extend our best wishes to

HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa the Crown Prince & Prime Minister the Royal Family, Government & the people of Bahrain on the occasion of our Kingdom’s

50th National Day

Ithmaar Bank celebrates the Kingdom of Bahrain’s 50th National Day

thmaar Bank is honoured to join the Kingdom in celebrating its 50th National Day and, on this occasion, the Bank’s Chairman and Board of Directors, the Executive Management Team and all the employees wish His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness, The Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Government and the people continued peace and prosperity. Ithmaar Bank, a Bahrain-based Islamic retail bank, has played a pioneering role in the establishment and subsequent development of Islamic banking in the region. The Bank continues to play a key role in the Kingdom’s development and is, for example, a key participant in the Mazaya scheme, a national initiative designed to help Bahrain nationals buy their first homes. Th e B a n k a l s o co n t i n u e s to contribute to helping reinforce

next-generation Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and other exciting new branch automation and customer service solutions.

Ahmed Abdul Rahim, Ithmaar Bank CEO

This continues a long-standing tradition of innovation and of playing a real and meaningful role in the community. Ithmaar Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ithmaar Holding, a Bahrain-based holding company that is licensed and regulated as an Investment Firm Category 1 by the Central Bank of Bahrain and listed on the Bahrain Bourse and the Dubai Financial Market. Its history dates to 1982 with the incorporation of the Shariagoverned Faysal Islamic Bank of Bahrain, the predecessor of Shamil Bank and later Ithmaar Bank.

the Kingdom’s already prominent position as a key banking and financial hub in the region by ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of technology. This was most recently demonstrated with the commissioning of two new fullservice, digitally-focused branches To d ay, t h e B a n k re m a i n s a s at the end of 2021. The new branches committed as ever to continuing – the new Main Branch in Seef Mall to play a pioneering role and to and the new Arad Branch - both helping reinforce the Kingdom of feature sophisticated, cutting-edge Bahrain’s position as a key banking technology, including sophisticated and finance hub in the region. self-service banking machines, Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021 163

Bringing laurels to your new age life

Laurels focuses on student-centric approaches; teaching methods are specially tailored to meet the needs of different types of learners

eaching methods consist of principles and methods to enable student learning. Untested and unmonitored teaching or training methodologies can worsen the learning experience, in turn reversing the intended results. At Laurels Centre for Global Education, we believe that the success of our courses is mainly because of the student centric approach. We understand that like children, most of the adults ‘learn reading by actually reading’ and not by just the drill of phonemes of lexis. The course materials, that are prescribed by the affiliated boards and the ones that are designed by our teachers, are designed and tailored whenever a need arises, with careful consideration of various aspects which are not limited to different types of

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learners, their cultural background, their prior knowledge of the subject. At Laurels, we believe in what Frank Smith, a Canadian psycholinguist said - “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way. ”Learning a new language or a skill not only improves creativity but also it helps in the strong functioning of brain. In the process of learning a language, its widely believed that fluency is more important than being accurate. But anyone who has learnt a new language would realise that to get by in a new country, it’s not possible to be fluent to start with but it’s easy to practise functional language. One should be able to use the language in brief occasions to keep it from

Abdul Jaleel Abdulla, Laurels Director and CEO, along with Director Latha Unnikrishnan and staff

becoming rusty. In an ethnically diverse country like Bahrain, some pick a language as they visit places whereas some need formal training. As the present adult population struggle to figure the situation, we have already created a path for the younger generation. Now more than ever we have understood how important it is for the children to start acquiring basic language, technical and life skills at the early years. We don’t have to speak the language to teach the kids. We don’t have to be a tech savvy to introduce coding to them. We don’t have to be a successful entrepreneur to guide them in their business studies. Rather, all we must do is to set a stage for them to learn and put the learning into practice. It’s still fresh in our memories how few decades back, our mothers supported us in tutoring the basic lessons though most of them have not received formal education. We offer IT and language courses for the kids from the age of six and we hold their hands and take them to the next levels one at a time. We also provide extra guidance to kids who fall between the cracks in schools to help them cope with academic pattern of assessments. For the tweens, early teens and for anyone who missed their formal education for some unfortunate reason, we provide NIOS (National institute of Open School – one of the biggest open

school systems) classes to help them earn their secondary and senior secondary qualifications. With the world changing from the classic three-stage model (education – work – retirement) to a multistage model (education – work – break to pursue passion – freelance –work – lifelong learning), the NIOS program helps many adults gain experience and qualification simultaneously. Along with the language courses for English, Arabic and French, we also provide an array of Accounting, IT, UK MBA, and MBA(Jain University) courses to increase the employability of the residents and expats. We don’t just stop there. We provide long term support to the students with our Alumni associations, English and French clubs and Coterie of Rhetoricians (public speaking group) to keep their skills UpToDate and alive helping in the continuous professional development.

We offer IT and language courses for the kids from the age of six and we hold their hands and take them to the next levels one at a time

This 50th National Day, let’s get a step closer, join hands and move forward towards a better future and contribute for the vision Bahrain 2030 with fair,sustainable, and competitiveeducation and employment opportunities. Wishing everyone a very happy 50th National Day! And don’t’ forget to give us a call on 36458340 or 33609501 whenever you look for guidance in education.

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Mother of all expat clubs A variety of cultural, social and entertainment programmes are provided by the Club for its members and their families throughout the year

Mr. K. M. Cherian, President

ounded in 1915, The Indian ClubB a h ra i n i s o n e o f t h e o l d e st community clubs in Bahrain and is regarded by many as the ‘mother’ of all Indian clubs and associations in Bahrain. The Club takes a very pro-active role in promoting relations and assisting the development of the Indian community in Bahrain. Originally known as the Bahrain Sports Club, the main focus is to provide sporting facilities for the member. A variety of cultural, social and entertainment programmes are provided by The Club for its Members and their families throughout the year and, in particular, on the occasion of all major Indian and Bahraini festivals and celebrations; these Programmes include participation by a wide range of high profile Indian personalities and cultural

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Satish Gopinathan, General Secretary

performances by local and international artists. The Club has a number of active sports sections including the Badminton Section, which is The Club’s largest section with over 200 members, the Tennis Section and the Indoor Games Section; regular Members’ events are organised for each of these sections. Promotion of the talents of its Members and their families is high on The Club’s list of priorities with coaching and instructional courses organised for a number of activities such as badminton, karate, cricket, dancing and fitness, the hosting of the regular meetings of The Indian Club-Bahrain Toastmasters and the organisation of an Annual Children’s Summer Camp.

Social facilities at The Club comprise: •

The Sanskar Hall comprising a stage and auditorium with a capacity of approximately 800 people;

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Outdoor paved area for cultural, social and entertainment programmes, with a capacity of approximately 2,000 people;

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Members’ TV and social area, library, family room, conference room and cafeteria.

•

The Club’s sports facilities comprise:

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Two international standard badminton courts;

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Two full-sized tennis courts;

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Outdoor paved area for a wide range of sports activities including football,

softball cricket, hockey, volleyball and ‘street’ basketball; •

Snooker room, indoor games’ room, activity room and fully equipped gym.

In addition, The Club has an administrative area which houses the Executive Committee Offices and office facilities. The new committee led by Mr. K. M. Cherian as President and Satish Gopinathan as General Secretary, has taken charge of the club since October 2021 for a two year term. Mr Cherian says that main aim for the new committee is to further improve the facilities of the club and provide the ultimate experience for its members.

Promotion of the talents of its Members and their families is high on The Club’s list of priorities with coaching and instructional courses organised for a number of activities

We wish, on behalf of the Executive Committee Members, a Very Happy 50th Independence Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain to His Majesty the King, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, the Royal Family and citizens of this lovey Kingdom.

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Only the best! Ambassador Stores was founded in the early 1950s by Victor Murad

mbassador Stores has been offering its discerning customers in Bahrain the best brands in musical instruments, high quality home entertainment systems, elegant and much desired watches and clocks and the very latest high-tech gadgets and accessories. Ambassador Stores was founded in the early 1950s by Victor Murad in Bahrain. During the initial years, main products distributed and sold used to be multi brands of premier Swiss watches Brands like Zenith and Rotary; T-shirts, Vinyl Records and famous audio brands like Lowe

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Opta – tape recorders and radios, ILFORD films and photography accessories etc. Seiko Watches and Yamaha Audio products were added to this collection later. With the passage of time, other world famous audio visual brands like Akai, Sansui and Nakamichi were added to Ambassador Stores repertoire for distribution and sale in Bahrain. Ambassador Stores has been the exclusive distributor in Bahrain for Seiko Watches, Clocks and Time Pieces and Yamaha Audio Video, Musical Instruments, and Professional Audio equipment for over 60+ years.

We are also dealing with other top brands like Shure and Sennheiser microphones, musical accessories like D’addario, Hercules and Lazer, Klipsch home audio speakers, RCF, Proel pro-audio equipment’ s and Alba watches, to name a few. Ambassador Stores Showroom is located in the heart of Manama near Bab-Al-Bahrain including an up to date and full after-sales-service setup with highly trained and skilled service staff, for all products sold. Additionally, you can also visit our outlet for musical instruments at Bahrain Citi Center within Virgin Mega Stores.

Business idol Bahrain-based entrepreneur K G Baburajan’s contributions to social causes have been outstanding

G Baburajan, BKG Holding Chairman, has been an integral part of the infrastructural development projects carried out by the Kingdom for the past four decades. Starting from Saudi-Bahrain Causeway, his contributions as an engineer, subject expert and entrepreneur have been vital in the development of iconic projects that include Shaikh Khalifa Port, Airport Terminal Modernisation, Almoayyed Tower, Shaikh Isa Bridge and Sitra Bridge. The winner of prestigious Pravasi Bharatheeya Samman, Mr Baburajan crossed the seas and reached the Mideast in the early eighties to take up a project in Saudi Arabia with

Mr. K G Baburajan

Stanger Industries’ joint venture partner Al Hoty Stanger Limited. He would work on the Causeway Project from the very beginning till its completion before setting up his base in the Kingdom.

Starting with Saudi-Bahrain Causeway, his contributions as an engineer, subject expert and entrepreneur have been vital in the development of iconic projects

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The safety provider S

et up in 2002 in the Kingdom, National Fire Fighting Company WLL and the National Fire and Safety - both risk management organisations - uphold the mission to be the ‘number one ‘in fire protection, detection and extinguishing systems in the deployment of access control and security systems. The company was established by V K Rajasekharan Pillai, who hails from the South Indian State of Kerala. Today he owns a vast Business Empire, comprising of fifteen companies spread across India, UK, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. The numerous projects executed by the group in both the private and government sectors throughout the globe are classic examples of its professional competency. These projects include residential

Mr Pillai

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buildings, commercial edifices, industrial manufacturing plants, power generation stations, and oil and gas installations. As a provider of total fire protection systems, the company undertakes viable projects from design to supply, installation, testing and commissioning of various systems like fire detection, fire alarm, fire suppression, and firefighting systems. The company has executed more than 500 projects successfully and is currently engaged with another 48 projects. The company would be one of the topmost leading providers of fire protection and security systems in GCC countries by 2017 with established operations across the region providing quality products and services that are suitable, effective, and environmentally sustainable.

An institution par excellence Pakistan School delivers education to more than 2,000 students from 20 different countries

Board of management members: from left, Sadaf Arif, Ahmed Asif, Qaiser Mahmood, Sami ur Rahman (Chairman BOM), Shah Jahan (Vice-Chairman), Muhammad Naseem and Abdul Qayyum

akistan School wishes His Majesty, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, The Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, the members of the Royal Family and the people of Bahrain, a very happy National Day. Let Bahrain achieve greater heights under the leadership of His Majesty, the King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. We are happy to present a synopsis of Pakistan School, Bahrain on this joyous occasion. The history of Pakistan School goes back to the 60’s when the leading visionary members of the community realized the need for a schooling system for their children, leading to the establishment of a small primary school in 1968 in a rented building in Fariq Fadil area of Manama.

Sami ur Rahman, Chairman of the Board of Management

After a few years the school was upgraded to secondary level education following affiliation with the Federal Board, Islamabad, Pakistan. Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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An award ceremony at the school

Pakistan School has laid down a welldefined and practical network of extra and co-curricular activities for the personality and the character building of students. These activities are conducted on inter class, inter house and inter school levels. Pakistani students have been performing tremendously in the Bahrain level sports, academic and cultural activities.

Attiq ur Rahman, Pakistan School Principal

In 1984, the new campus of the Pakistan School was constructed in Isa Town, which was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, the Deputy Supreme Commander and the First Deputy Premier. Two new blocks, Jinnah Block and Sir Sayyed Block were constructed in the Isa town campus, between 1994-95. Today Pakistan school has two wings, Manama (Primary) and the main campus, Isa Town. Besides Pakistanis, the school is delivering education to more than 2,000 students from 20 different countries.

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Under the able leadership of the sitting Board of Management, Pakistan School has covered many distinctive landmarks over the last five years in academic and administrative areas. Pakistan School’s Federal Board results have shown consistent and impressive improvements over the last four years where a large number of students achieved A and A+ grades. Pakistan School has earned a name of its own for participation in the national, cultural and social festivals to strengthen the bond of its deep love and affiliation with Bahrain. Students who excel in the Board exams are awarded scholarships, while the school spends thousands of Bahraini Dinars for fee concession to support the most deserving and financially backward students. The high achievers are appreciated through appreciation and Graduation ceremonies for better performance in future.

The sole aim of Pakistan school is to create a new generation inculcating in them qualities needed to be visionaries to lead their country in the future. Pakistan School participates in all the state level functions and events such as Thank You Bahrain, Bahrain For All, All For Bahrain and Meethaq-Al-Watani very enthusiastically. Pakistan School has shown and proved its resolve, determination and unrelenting efforts throughout the Pandemic situation. It has been imparting uninterrupted quality education to its students within the SOP’s of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education. Pakistan School spares no efforts to enhance the quality of education and to uplift its students to a level where they may keep pace with modern and fast changing needs world. Right from sudden outbreak of Covid-19, Pakistan School devised effective and practicable strategies of teaching within the SOP’s of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. The following steps were taken within a short span of time: •

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All window AC’s have been replaced with new Split AC’s. It has improved the classroom environment tremendously as there is least noise of Split AC’s as compared to window AC’s.

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The paint of the whole school buildings have been refreshed which makes the school look more presentable.

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One window operation has been made possible and now parents find everything under one roof and get their things done instantly.

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03 Hotline numbers have been fixed and circulated to parents which give ease and convenience of instant communication to parents.

Pakistan School spares no efforts to enhance the quality of education and to uplift its students to a level where they may keep pace with modern and fast changing needs world

Board of Management, Administration, staff and students of Pakistan School wish a very happy National Day to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Paid version of Zoom was immediately arranged,.

•

Google Classrooms were activated.

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School’s official website was made actively functional to ensure timely information and guidance to parents and students.

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24/7 Official WhatsApp numbers were circulated to parents to give them ease and convenience of communication with the school without any need to visit school.

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Following are some of the many steps taken so far:

Around 100 Computer Systems were purchased to facilitate uninterrupted quality education.

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Smart Projectors have been fixed in classes to make sure Hybrid mode of teaching.

•

All possible online teaching tools and platforms are being utilized in the best interest of the students.

CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL DAY OF BAHRAIN

The Board of Management, Principal, Staff & Students of Pakistan School, Bahrain

Congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa The Crown Prince and Prime Minister The Royal family, Government and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occassion of the

50th National Day

Moreover, Pakistan School always makes purposeful, dedicated and tireless efforts to provide a peaceful and conducive teachinglearning environment to its students. Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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First medical care giver! As a healthcare institution, AMH continues to play a significant role in containing the pandemic in Bahrain by participating in the testing, tracing and quarantine facilities alongside the government

stablished in 1903, the American Mission Hospital (AMH) has been serving the community of Bahrain for almost 120 years. As one of the premier medical institutions in Bahrain, we have helped prevent the spread of pandemics, as early as 1918 and 1919, when the first Spanish flu pandemic swept across Bahrain. Back then, we were the only healthcare institution that existed, public or private, so we certainly have experience in dealing such situations in the past. Fortunately, a 100 years on now, technology and advances in medical sciences have greatly contributed to the speed with which the pandemic has been dealt with. A lot of appreciation is due to the national taskforce which has led the efforts to contain the local effects of the pandemic. As a healthcare institution we continue to play a significant role in containing the pandemic in Bahrain by participating in the testing, tracing and quarantine facilities alongside the government. The major challenges facing not only AMH but also other private and public hospitals in Bahrain is that the cost of medical care is rising significantly. The second challenge is hiring and retaining highly qualified healthcare specialist in a small country like Bahrain. Even though the Kingdom is producing its own doctors and nurses, it is going to be at least 10 to 20 years before the Kingdom becomes self-sufficient in this regard. The third challenge is how to combat and control the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. For example- Bahrain has the highest number of type 2 diabetes cases 174 Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

Dr George Cheriyan, CEO and CMO of AMH

in the world, which leads to complications such as renal failure or eye problems. These so-called lifestyle diseases are best tackled through prevention rather than cure, and it is one of our major challenges to lead people to healthier choices. Digital advancements are completely transforming the way that healthcare is delivered. Patient experience takes center stage, allowing patients to book appointments, schedule follow-ups, manage prescriptions and more, through digital platforms. The care provided is also highly specialized due to advances in technology – the latest MRI and CT scan machines have AI capabilities which not only make them more effective at diagnosing illnesses but can also help to create treatment plans that are precisely tailored to each patient’s needs. Going forward, we will also see a focus in preventative measure to combat the development of non-communicable diseases.

As one of the premier medical institutions in Bahrain, AMH has helped prevent the spread of pandemics, as early as 1918 and 1919, when the first Spanish flu pandemic swept across Bahrain

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Crossing milestones JP Group of Companies is investing in the Kingdom’s youth power to groom tomorrow’s top leaders From higher education with a perfect campus experience to skill development and banking consultancy services, J.P. Group of Companies plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the youth power of Bahrain. We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity of the community. Starting his career in the Middle East as a banker and spending decades in the region, Mr. J.P. Menon’s ambition was to make some contribution to the region where his career 176 Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

and profession blossomed. It is this dream that paved way for establishing in Bahrain, J.P. Group of Companies, comprising, UniGrad Education Center, Coral Training Center, UniGlobal Consultancy, EqBox Software Solution in the UAE for Banks Reporting Solutions, Prompt Software in Kuwait to cater ERP for business entities. Today, J.P. Group is actively involved in the youth power development programmes across the region. UniGrad Education Center concentrates on higher education and Coral Training Center is devoted to vocational training and

skill development programmes. UniGlobal Consultancy provides consultancy services in the banking sector. Education is the foundation on which the progress of a society rests. Though there are many schools in the region till the senior secondary level, the number of institutions providing quality education in the higher education sector and skill development areas are very few. UniGrad Education Center, functioning in an easily accessible location of Adliya, caters to the higher education requirements of all strata of society- those who wish to have university services staying in Bahrain, without compromising on quality education and those who desire to have a taste of foreign universities by travelling abroad. In these tough times of pandemic, UniGrad is actively engaged in providing university services in the online mode to aspirants who wish to stay in the safety of their homes and have quality education using world-class LMS. Study abroad programs provided by the center guide students who wish to travel to countries outside Bahrain and pursue higher education from reputed universities of countries like U.S.A, Canada, Germany and Poland. For a successful personal and professional life, the holistic development of personalities is very important. A wellequipped cricket practice area and ‘UniGrad Acoustics’ that gives music classes ensures that sports and arts are not neglected. The center has its own music band UniGrad Musicosis. Seminars and interactive sessions with professionals who are experts in their respective fields are also conducted in the center. Thus, UniGrad ensures best campus experience to the young talents of Bahrain. Coral Training Center serves ambitious aspirants who wish to take roads less travelled, leading to successful destinations. The vocational, skill development and professional training programmes take care to promote and provide the extra edge needed to develop successful careers in the IT field and various other professions. In year 2022 we have huge plan for expansion in the education sector which will benefit nationals in obtaining their dream employment in various sectors. Banking sector is the heart and soul of Mr. J.P. Menon. UniGlobal Consultancy is

Mr JP Menon

his pet project. His genius is in developing finance- IT solutions. It is National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) which recognized and guided him in developing his career in the field of ‘finance- IT solutions’- a concoction which very few have mastered. Gulf International Bank (GIB), Bahrain, further enhanced his skills. He is much ahead his contemporaries in the field of Banking Consultancy; currently providing various consultancy services to MNCs and Corporates which includes National Bank of Bahrain too which is the prime bank in the Kingdom. While providing consultancy services, he also guides his team by his knowledge and professionalism, so that his knowhow in the field is passed on to the next generation of talented and ambitious youngsters.

UniGrad Education Center concentrates on higher education and Coral Training Center is devoted to vocational training and skill development programmes.

EqBox Software Solution in UAE caters to Banks Regulatory and Statutory Reporting needs and Prompt Software in Kuwait to ERP for corporates. It has been a long journey. But Mr JP Menon’s dreams, hard work and above all an uncompromising attitude towards quality and accountability for all his actions has made the tough journey worthwhile and has taken him to the heights from where the view is quite beautiful. Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

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Home away from home MP Raghu, a long-time resident in the Kingdom, says no country welcomes expatriates like the Kingdom does

aghu Ettan (Ettan means elder brother in the South Indian Malayalam language) is an elder brother to the prominent Malayali expatriate community in the Kingdom in all aspects. A calm and composed individual whose identity is synonymous with his beaming smile, he has been serving the social and cultural sphere of the community for more than four-and-a-half decades now. Mr Raghu, whose original name is MP Ramanathan, says he is fortunate to have been living in the Kingdom for 46 years. He is a proud expatriate having seen the Kingdom develop into a modern welfare state under a great leadership. Mr Raghu hails from Palakkad in South India’s Kerala. He began his career in 1975 at an entry-level position at the Modern Art Studio, which is the official dealer of luxury watch Rolex in the Kingdom. With his dedication, hardworking nature and

Mr Raghu

commitment, he would rise to the position of General Manager. Apart from his successful professional life, Mr Raghu has been able to lead several community service activities among the Indian community in the Kingdom. He has repeatedly served as President, VicePresident and General Secretary of the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, the largest grouping of Malayalee community in the Kingdom. Mr Raghu, who is an ardent fan of Indian music and culture, is also proficient in the South Indian temple artform called Panchavadyakala. At the age of 68, he performed in front of hundreds of people in a highly-dignified event held at the Indian School Grounds.

Mr Raghu in his office, a picture taken in the year 1994 178 Bahrain’s 50th National Day 2021

MP Raghu is married to Shanthakumari, a native of Guruvayur in Kerala. Their eldest son Anoop works as a banker in London while his second son Prasobh runs his own business in the Kingdom.

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On the 50th National Day, our best wishes to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the people of Bahrain for their contribution towards moulding a bright future for the nation

KNOWLEDGE DEFINES TOMORROW www.laurelsworld.com

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Daily Tribune National Day Magazine 2021

Articles inside

PAKISTAN SCHOOL

AMERICAN MISSION HOSPITAL

NAFCO

AMBASSADOR STORES

RCSI

LIC

INDIAN CLUB

BAHRAIN PRIDE / SHAKEEL TRADING

LULU EXCHANGE

BAHRAIN INDIAN SCHOOL

AL NOOR SCHOOL

MEGAMART

GFH

GREEN FX

EXCEED

SULB

PARS HOTEL

PALACE ELECTRONIS

KPMG