Gulf Insider

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Gulf Financial Insider

GulfInsider The Arabian Review

Issue 92

Bahrain

Office Market Review

Qatar

Business Optimisation

Technology

Charging Ahead!

Page

41

Cars

Mercedes-Benz GLK

The next big step for Islamic Banking

36

Page

Travel

Eid Getaways Bahrain BD2

KSA SR20

Kuwait KD1.75

Oman RO2

Qatar QR20

UAE DHS20

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Gulf Financial Insider

GulfInsider

September 2012 more inside...

Cover Story

24

The next big step for Islamic Banking

Contents

10

Bahrain Offices Market Review

16

Global Air Traffic Outbound Passengers

28. Turkey

Alcohol Apartheid

20

Arab Women

Market Dynamics

26

Social Media Influencing the Arab World

41. Cars

Mercedes-Benz GLK

46. Art

18 Qatar

Business Optimisation

Kiteography

36 Travel

Eid Getaways

48. Technology Charging Ahead!

49. Lifestyle

For Him and Her

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.

- Francis Bacon Gulf Financial Insider

GulfInsider Publishers Nicholas & Rebecca Cooksey Editor in Chief Nicholas Cooksey Editor Redia Castillo Assistant Editor Arlene O’Neill

Letter from the Editor...

September, where did the summer go? We have a packed edition of Gulf Insider for you this month, with all out regular features and many more.

We’ve gotten through Ramadan and one set of Eid holidays, but here we are already looking forward to Eid Al Adha. In case you need some inspiration, we have provided you with a selection of getaway destinations, deals and a personal recount of a visit to Istanbul.

The banking section has focused on Islamic finance this month, to bring you up to speed on the latest developments. It includes a brilliant article by guest contributor Wasim Saifi of Standered Chartered Bank. This is of course in addition to our usual supply of business and finance features, including a review of the Bahrain office and rental market and the influence of Arab women and social media in the Arab world.

Turn to the back and you will find a range of luxury cars including the new Mercedes GLK, the J Craft luxury powerboat, and technology and lifestyle pages. All in all, there is plenty for you to peruse for business and pleasure.

As ever, we love to receive your feedback, what you have enjoyed and what you would like to see more of. Enjoy this issue, and have a great September!

Editorial Contributors Wasim Saifi Dorian Jones Nicholas Chorier Layout Designs Dhanraj S Admin & Finance Nikesh Pola Business Development Manager Redia Castillo

Printed at Awal Press, Kingdom of Bahrain.

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Tel: +973 1782 2388, Fax: +973 1772 1722 www.ArabianMagazines.com The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Gulf Financial Insider

GulfInsider The Arabian Review

Ministry of Information approval no. TFI-431© Copyright 2009. Arabian Magazines is a division of CG Arabia WLL. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Issue 92

Bahrain

Office Market Review

Qatar

Business Optimisation

Technology

Charging Ahead!

*Articles by these correspondents are the copyright of

Page

41

Cars

Mercedes-Benz GLK

Telegraph Media Group, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0DT, England.

The next big step for Islamic Banking

36

Page

Travel

Eid Getaways Bahrain BD2

KSA SR20

Kuwait KD1.75

Oman RO2

Qatar QR20

UAE DHS20

Visit...www.gulf-insider.com for more interesting features and news...

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Inbox Readers’ Letter

Send your views to gulfinsider@ArabianMagazines.com The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Gulf Financial Insider

GulfInsider The Arabian Review

Issue 91

Bahrain

Real Estate Market Overview

Investing in Bahrain

Economic Development Board

Technology

Summer Splash

44

Page

eGovernment

Cars

The Porsche Experience 12

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Strategy 2016 CEO Mohammed Ali Al Qaed

Bahrain

Tamkeen Promotes Success Bahrain BD2

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Working it

It is good to see a feature about someone who has worked their way up through the ranks of a business to reach a top position (Bell Boy to GM, Kempinski: Reaching the Top). I have always felt that these are the people who make the best managers, as they completely understand the needs of all ranks of employee. Today, too many people think they can go to university and step right in at the top spot without doing the necessary leg work to make them a good manager.

Blown away

The images created by Jeffrey Faranial in your Art Space last month were absolutely phenomenal! I didn’t know it was possible to create something that looks that life like, although the laborious process behind their creation doesn’t sound like much fun. Rather him than me.

Impressed, Saar.

Richard, Manama

Real issue

After reading the ‘Bahrain Real Estate Market View Q2’ last month, I breathed a sigh of relief. It is about time the real estate sector turned a corner in Bahrain, it is nothing short of depressing seeing the amount of unfinished and abandoned building work around the Island. Here’s hoping the predictions are correct!

Noor, Adliya

Lots to offer

It was interesting to read The Bahrain Economic Development Board interview with Vivian Jamal last month. So much more goes on behind the scenes than you ever realise, and it is great to see that the government is being so proactive at attracting inward investment to the country. It was encouraging, though surprising to read that no companies pulled out of negotiations during the unrest in recent years. It just goes to show how much Bahrain has got offer to start up businesses, even when the situation is far from perfect.

Mohammed, Seef.

Would you like to be a PUBLISHED Photographer?

If your photos of Bahrain and the region are good enough, they could be published in Gulf Insider/Areej/Bahrain Confidential magazines. Each month we publish the most impressive images we receive and give full credit to the photographer.

Images must be at least 1mb and can be e-mailed to submissions@ArabianMagazines.com with the subject ‘PHOTO’.

6

Gulf Insider September 2012

Business News McLaren, Manama on taking delivery of the 100th 12C in the region

Loay Mamdouh, Human Resources Manager, Marriott

Human Resources Leader of the year 2011 The Marriott Executive Apartments Manama Bahrain and Residence Inn by Marriott Manama Juffair, celebrated the success of one of its employees who received a prestigious award at the Human Resources Conference at the Renaissance Doha City Center on 4th June.

Loay Mamdouh, Human Resources Manager, has been named “HR Leader of the Year 2011” for Marriott Hotels, Middle East & Africa. This award is the highest recognition award in the Human Resources Field across the region. Mr. Mamdouh was recognized for his high level of leadership and for achieving an exceptional quality of life for all the associates on the property. It also recognizes his continuous support and active participation in all the Human Resources projects and talent development in the region.

“I am very proud of this prestigious award. I have worked for the company for more than six years and I believe that Marriott International is a “World of Talents”. I encourage everyone seeking caring culture, career development, and many opportunities of professional growth to find their world with Marriott.” said Loay Mamdouh.

Potential Bahrain Air Merger Bahrain Air, is considering a merger with local competitor Gulf Air, according to managing director Ibrahim Al-Hamer.

Al Hamer’s comments came a week after Gulf Air’s CEO, Samer Majali, said the country cannot afford two carriers.

Bahrain Air and Gulf Air have been struggling to compete against GCC rivals amid rising fuel prices and declining passenger numbers. Both carriers were also hit hard by last year’s regional political instability.

8

Gulf Insider September 2012

Less than one year since the first Middle East customers received their MP4-12Cs, McLaren Automotive handed over the 100th 12C in the region to the official McLaren retailer in Manama, Al Ghassan Motors. This number represents almost 10 per cent of total McLaren 12C sales worldwide since the manufacturer delivered the first of its new range of cars in 2011.

The arrival at this landmark figure also follows the announcement

by Al Ghassan Motors last month to locate the McLaren Manama showroom at the site of the Bahrain World Trade Centre.

This year has been one of incredible successes for the automotive manufacturer, which has seen the company mark 1,000 MP4-12C cars sold worldwide. With just one year operating at full capacity, McLaren has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most exciting sports car companies.

Commenting on the arrival of the car in the Kingdom, Mark Harrison continued, “Our success is only possible through our retailers’ dedication to establish McLaren in the competitive high performance sports car market. We have to earn the right to challenge much-loved rival sports car brands and can only do this by offering a better car and a better level of customer service.

Handing over the keys for the 100th 12C to our Bahrain retailer, Al Ghassan Motors, indicates the appeal of our product among the region’s discerning sports car fans. They understand the innovation, exclusivity and dedication to great levels of service McLaren strives to deliver along with cars that offer Formula 1-inspired technology and everyday usability,” he concluded.

Al Ghassan Motors is one of an initial five retailers appointed in the Middle East to sell McLaren’s debut model the 12C, the recently launched 12C Spider and its future range of high performance sports cars. The Middle East is a key market for McLaren Automotive and in addition to the showrooms already open in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (Al Habtoor Motors), Kuwait (Ali Alghanim & Sons) and Jeddah (Al Ghassan Motors), the company’s full regional network will include retailers in Doha (Al Wajba Establishment) and Manama (Al Ghassan Motors). There is also a service centre in Beirut (Saad & Trad Sal).

Business News

Bahrain Financial Exchange The Bahrain Financial Exchange (BFX), the first multi-asset exchange in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, announced that it achieved a key milestone with the cumulative (single-side) trading turnover value crossing the USD 10 billion mark last month, with the total trading volume increasing to 196,431 contracts.

The highest (single-side) daily trading turnover was USD 400.63 million, with a trading volume of 7,199 contracts achieved on the 27th of July 2012. The cumulative trading turnover of the BFX Futures reached the first USD 5 billion milestone in 146 trading days; whereas, the next USD 5 billion was achieved in the subsequent 33 trading Arshad Khan, MD & CEO days. This indicates the growth in the momentum BFX and BFX BCDC of the trading activity, largely due to the narrow bid-ask spread and higher liquidity for the BFX Futures.

The BFX trading turnover in July 2012 was almost 8.50 times the total trading turnover in the entire Q1 2012 and is already at 64.33% of the total trading turnover for the entire Q2 2012. Similarly, the BFX trading volume in July 2012 was almost 6 times the entire trading volume in Q1 2012 and is already at 59.47% of the total volume in Q2 2012. The average daily trading turnover increased by almost 46 times from USD 3.66 million (Jan 2012) to USD 167.98 million (July 2012). The average trading volume increased by 30 times from 100 contracts (Jan 2012) to 3,019 contracts (July 2012).

As on the 1st of August 2012, the largest traded contract was the BFX USDINR Index Futures, with a total trading turnover of USD 6.28 billion and volume of 112,709 contracts (since its launch on the 12th of March 2012). The BFX Gold Futures clocked a trading turnover of USD 3.57 billion with volume of 69,887 contracts.

Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons Signs an Apprenticeship Scheme with Tamkeen Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons (YKA) has entered into an agreement with Tamkeen to train and recruit 30 unemployed Bahraini nationals. The initiative supports the vision of Mr. Farouk Almoayyed, Chairman of Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons to support and train Bahraini nationals and provide them with career opportunities.

The training will be delivered by the National Institute for Industrial Training (NIIT) which has vast experience in the field of training in automotive and mechanical engineering.

The agreements were signed on 15th August 2012, between Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons, Tamkeen and NIIT by Mr. Mohammed Farouk Almoayyed, Director Of Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons, Mr. Mahmood Alkoohiji, Chief Executive for Tamkeen, Mr. Emad Almoayed, Chairman for NIIT and Mr. Declan McCluskey , Chief Executive for Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons in presence of the officials from the Company, Tamkeen and NIIT.

Gulf International Bank Reports First Half Profit Of USD58m GIB reported consolidated net income after tax of USD58m for the six months ended 30th June 2012, compared to USD62.4m HE Jammaz Alin the prior Suhaimai, year period.

GIB Chairman Net income after tax in the second quarter was USD26.2m.

Year-on-year increases were recorded in all income categories with the exception of net interest income. Fee and commission income was 4 per cent higher than in the prior year period, almost one quarter of total income. Trading income was up 64 per cent up on the prior year period. Total expenses were 13 per cent up on the prior year period. The year-on-year increase in expenses reflected ongoing investment in the implementation of GIB’s new GCC-focused universal banking strategy. A net provision release of USD1.6 million was recorded in the first half of the year. The absence of any provisioning requirement reflected prudent and conservative provisioning actions taken in prior years. Consolidated total assets at the half year end were or 7 per cent higher than the 2011 year end level.

Gulf International Bank (GIB) is a leading bank in the Middle East with its principal focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The Bank is owned by the six GCC governments, with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia holding a majority stake (97.2 per cent). In addition to its main subsidiary Gulf International Bank (UK) Ltd., the Bank has branches in London, New York, Riyadh and Jeddah, in addition to representative offices in Beirut and Abu Dhabi.

Gulf Insider September 2012

9

Bahrain Commercial Market

Bahrain Offices – Market Review Prime monthly office rents are now BD9 per square metre Vacancy rates are on the rise again as new delayed stock is completed  Tenants are in a strong negotiating position, typically demanding smaller fitted out units  Landlords are realising incentives must be offered in order to secure new and retain existing tenants  Older properties, with what are now considered to be dated fit-outs, have been worst affected  Over supply of new and existing stock continues to exert downward pressure on achievable rental rates, carrying on the observable trend since the bull market of 2008  Despite the global economic downturn and the negative news from Europe, leasing activity has increased over the past quarter though it remains a tenant’s market  Demand for office space is restricted to small units with good quality fit outs, as tenants seek to avoid the large upfront costs associated with relocation  Older buildings have become increasingly hard to let due to the quality and age of the fit out which has resulted in a significant increase in vacancy rates in these properties  

Average rents for shell & core offices

Current demand by occupier in H1 2012

Indicative office rents by district (per sq m)

10

Gulf Insider September 2012

Government Departments

10%

Overseas Companies

32%

Bahrain Private Businesses

52%

Other

6%

Commercial Market Bahrain

Total vacancy rates

Market view  Rental rates continue to slide as

landlords compete for prospective tenants, the majority of whom are relocating within Bahrain to better quality space  Demand for commercial space from multi national occupiers is limited as firms look to rationalise operations, adopting a ‘wait and see’ policy  The practice of offering tenant incentives has started to gain traction despite landlords continuing to seek higher than achievablerents for shell and core space  Due to the age and quality of buildings being offered in a fitted out condition, the premium that was seen for a fit out over shell and core space has been eroded  Improved access and egress at Bahrain Financial Harbour looks set to underpin the Harbour Towers as Bahrain’s prime commercial location  Some owner occupiers are now looking to off set their building’s running costs by reducing the amount of space they occupy and leasing the vacant space to third parties  Falling rents and weak occupier demand looks set to continue in the short to medium term as the country struggles to absorb surplus levels of stock  Bahrain’s Government is considering regulatory reform in the real estate market, seeking to boost international investment and improve transparency GFI

Size requirement (sq m) in H1 2012

Bahrain office stock (2008-2015) 0 – 100

17%

100 – 500

46%

500 – 1,000

19%

1,000 – 5,000

13%

5,000 +

5%

Source: Knight Frank This report is prepared by Knight Frank. For further information phone+973 1710 7337, or email jim.lynn@me.knightfrank.com

Key market indicators To CAT A fit out

Rents

Trending

Prime

BD 9



Grade A

BD 7



Grade B

BD 3



Availability/vacancy 30%



Average rent free



20%

Gulf Insider September 2012

11

UAE Real Estate

Rents fall 6% as

Sharjah clamps down on tenants sharing Apartment rents slide as tenants are turned-off by poor utility connections.

12

Gulf Insider September 2012

Real Estate UAE

A combination of increasing vacancy rates in certain areas and the introduction of stricter tenancy Emirates rules in the emirate were cited as the main reasons for the decline.

D

ownward movement in the rental market in the Northern Emirates, especially in Sharjah, has seen apartment rates fall by an average of 6% over the last three months, reversing the static trend of the previous two quarters, according to the Northern Emirates Q2 2012 report from UAE property management company, Asteco.

A combination of increasing vacancy rates in certain areas and the introduction of stricter tenancy rules in the emirate were cited as the main reasons for the decline, after a positive start to the year.

“New regulations regarding shared accommodation have been introduced with tenants in Sharjah required to disclose their salaries and confirm that people living together are family members only. Subsequently, we have seen tenants who previously shared accommodation, move independently to more affordable smaller units,

prompting a decline in rental rates,” said Elaine Jones, CEO, Asteco Property Management.

Buildings along Mina Road and in Al Yarmouk, which were previously at the top end of the rental market, have seen the largest drops at 21% and 12% respectively for all unit types. The large amount of vacant units in the area, coupled with a lack of parking and facilities has seen residents seek better value for money elsewhere in the emirate.

The commuter belt of Al Khan (Mamzar) and Al Nahdah faired better, with only a 1% drop, while the more desirable Corniche area, which has the highest rents in Sharjah ranging from AED22,000 - AED54,000 for studios to three-bedroom units, saw a marginal gain of 2%. Elsewhere in the emirate, rents for a three-bedroom apartment ranged between AED28,000 and AED63,000.

The Sharjah villa market reported little

change quarter-on-quarter, with rental rates for three-bedroom properties in Al Khan (Mamzar), Shargan and Al Quz remaining in the AED 70,000-77,500 bracket.

Neighbouring Ajman also saw a slight downturn in Q2 2012 with decreases in apartment rental rates for studio and one-bedroom units, particularly in the Al Naimia area and new buildings on the Corniche. While there was no change in rental rates along major - thoroughfares such as Sheikh Khalifa Road, Al Quds and Al Nakheel in Q2, both Sheikh Hamid Road and Corniche Road rents fell by an average of 6%.

“Ongoing issues with utility connections, especially those in new buildings, is still a major issue for prospective tenants who are placing generator-powered buildings firmly at the bottom of their housing wish lists,” said Jones.

The apartment market in the other Northern Emirates, namely Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, have seen little or no movement in rental levels in the last quarter, while Ras Al Khaimah saw a slight dip in Q1 but began to stabilise by the end of Q2.

Transaction volume in the Sharjah office market followed Q1 trends with limited movement and rents remained static across the major commercial hubs, with the exception of Al Wahdah, which dropped by 5% to AED 484 per square metre. The Corniche area is still commercial market leader at AED 592 per square metre, mirroring the popularity of the residential rental market. GFI

Gulf Insider September 2012

13

Advertorial Elite Crystal

Awtar by Elite Awtar is the newest and most exclusive Arabic nightspot to open on the Island and I got the chance to try it out.

By Arlene O’Neill

A

wtar opened its doors over Eid to bring Bahrain its most exclusive Arabic nightspot yet. Stepping into the ornately carved and leather upholstered surroundings beneath the Elite Crystal Hotel you can immediately feel the effects of the recent renovations. No expense was spared to ensure that the venue exudes a quality and luxury, in keeping with the other entertainment venues in the complex.

The strict dress code in observance, results in a noticeable absence of jeans and trainers which only adds to the chic and tasteful ambience.

A distinctly Arabic space, the nightspot serves outstanding Lebanese cuisine,

including hot and cold mezzes, mixed grills and traditional desserts in what seems like a never ending stream of plates. The beverage menu offers a broad spectrum of choice, at the higher end providing up market indulgences running into thousands of dinars for those who really want to splash their cash.

To compliment the food and drinks, a programme of Arabic entertainment is on offer throughout the evening, with a mix of Bahraini and Lebanese artists, bands and DJ’s. This is where the venue really comes into its own. As the lights dim and the music starts, the atmosphere thickens and the fun begins. This is a place where music is not a spectator

sport, and as the artists mingle with the crowd, the dance floor fills up and the party continues until 2am.

With a capacity of around 150 people there are a number of seating options where you can relax and enjoy the full range of food, drinks and entertainment on offer. Different price packages are available for bar, table or VIP locations, starting at around BD5 for couples at the bar, BD 10 for men and free for ladies. The set menu starts at BD20 per person. GFI

Bookings can be made by calling +973 1734 0360 or +973 3433 3222. Follow them Twitter and Facebook: AwtarBahrain

Trans Middle East Bahrain Exhibition & Conference

T

rans Middle East is the biggest annual container ports, shipping and logistics trade exhibition and conference in the Middle East.

The 8th Trans Middle East 2012 Exhibition and Conference will take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain generously hosted by the General Organisation of Seaports Bahrain at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Bahrain on Tuesday 20th to Wednesday 21st November 2012 attracting 500 international sea freight conference delegates.

14

Gulf Insider September 2012

Over the two days of the exhibition, more than 80 international companies will provide an ideal marketing platform to promote your products and services to a dedicated target audience of senior executive conference delegates from Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

The concurrent two day conference will feature 30 world-class senior executive level speakers highlighting latest issues effecting the development of cargo shipping and transport logistics throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa as well as latest developments

in cargo shipping; direct connections to main and feeder air and sea ports worldwide and the application of rail and road as part of the intermodal logistics chain.

You are invited to reserve your first choice of exhibition booth and to register a delegation to attend the two day Conference Programme. GFI

For more information visit www.transportevents.com

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Providing and installing swimming pool safety fences, covers, and nets.

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Airline Travel Analysis

Global Air Traffic Saudi Arabia and the UAE among countries showing highest growth in outbound passengers.

A

sia leads the world’s growth in travel and holds seven out of the ten busiest inter-city routes.

In addition to the BRIC markets, Indonesia, the Philippines and Chile showed an impressive growth, according to analysis by the market intelligence solution Amadeus Total Demand. The review looks at trends in worldwide passenger demand*1 between regions, countries and specific airports, comparing the full 2011 passenger volumes with 2010 data**2.

All figures relate to outbound passengers travelling between a given origin and final destination airport, irrespective of the number of connecting stops.

The most important inter-regional growth patterns of last year are led by Asia. Traffic between Asia and Europe, and between Asia and North America, grew by 9%. Traffic between Asia and the 16

Gulf Insider September 2012

Middle East grew 6% reaching 38 million travellers in the year. Compared with the previous year, 2% fewer passengers travelled between Africa and Europe in 2011; this was the only region pair with a significant traffic flow decrease over the period.

Traffic between North America and Europe remains the busiest inter-regional flow at a global scale with over 60 million passengers in 2011, followed by Asia and Europe with over 53 million, and Latin America and North America with 47 million passengers.

The 2011 country statistics***3 reveal, unsurprisingly, that the strongest growth in absolute passengers is led by the BRIC countries. China registered an additional 19 million in 2011 than 2010, Brazil, 12 million, India 8 million and Russia 6 million. Indonesia was the 5th strongest growth market with an additional 5

million passengers in 2011.

Brazil (17%), India (13%) and Russia (15%) also featured in the top ten fastest-growing countries by % growth.

Chile (21%), the Philippines (15%) and Indonesia (11%) are also among the fastest growing travel markets. Egypt and Japan are among the fastest shrinking markets, probably due to the Arab Spring and the Tsunami.

Regionally, Saudi Arabia took giant strides towards tourism prominence.

The analysis see growth figures of the Kingdom reach 15% in 2011, putting Saudi Arabia amongst the top 5 countries showing highest percentage growth in passengers between 2010 and 2011.

Another regional player is the UAE, who achieved 10% growth in visitor departures in 2011, securing a place in the top 15 fastest-growing countries by percentage growth.

Travel Analysis Airline

The Middle East is in prime position to become one of the most prominent travel hubs in the world.

Countries showing highest % growth in outbound passengers between 2010 and 2011 (excluding markets with fewer than 5 million annual passengers)

Country

Pax 2011 (000s)

Growth vs 2010

Chile

9,306

21%

Brazil

82,334

17%

Philippines

24,392

15%

Russian Federation

44,541

15%

Saudi Arabia

23,345

15%

Turkey

34,398

15%

India

71,634

13%

Vietnam

16,097

12%

Indonesia

53,701

11%

It is interesting to note that the strongest traffic in between cities takes place within the same country. From the world’s top ten inter-city routes, seven are within the domestic borders of Asian countries, out of which three are in Japan. In terms of volume, the route between Jeju and Seoul is the most important (almost 10 million passengers) followed by Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo (circa 8 million passengers).

In the Middle East region, while the volumes are smaller, the following trends can be highlighted:  Growing traffic in Middle Eastern inter-city routes rose predominantly between Dubai and Jeddah, followed

by Dubai - Doha. Busiest routes with other regions are London-Dubai and Bombay-Dubai.  Increased traffic to and from Jeddah with other regions was registered, a growth certainly supported by religious travel.

“The weight of the region in terms of tourism potential is increasing very fast.

The Middle East is confirming its prime position towards becoming one of the most prominent travel hubs in the world.

This is mainly due to its infrastructures, its strategic location as well as a strong commitment and vision by the region’s rulers. We at Amadeus are committed to continue supporting the travel sector growth in this part of the world and beyond. Analysing and sharing key trends is a critical step for us to ensure that provided technology solutions meet the industry needs and enable its players to gain competitive edge” , says Antoine Medawar, Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, Amadeus. GFI

1*Passenger demand is measured in terms of Origin and Destination (O&D) traffic e.g. passengers travelling between a given origin and final destination airport, irrespective of the number of connecting stops.

2**All percentages make reference to the difference between 2011 full year passenger volumes and 2010.

3***Only countries with more than 5 million inbound and outbound passengers have been taken into account.

Gulf Insider September 2012

17

Qatar Business

Business optimism for Qatar’s business community declines in Q3 2012

Q

atar’s GDP grew 6.9% in Q1 2012 compared to Q1 2011, driven by government services (13.9%), transport & communications (12.7%), trade, hotels and restaurants (11.4%) and financial & business services (7.2%).

The mining & quarrying sector grew 4.6% in Q1 2012. In 2011, overall real GDP growth was 14.1%. The economy witnessed a six year period (2006-11) of high annual double digit growth, but this high growth period has now moderated, attributed mainly due to the culmination of the decade long expansion of LNG and a self-imposed moratorium on new developments. In 2012, GDP growth is expected at 6%, led by an ambitious multi-year infrastructure investment program, which will support growth in the non-hydrocarbon sector. In addition to infrastructure, government spending on transport, education, health and welfare, underpinned by large budget surpluses, will be the key to this growth.

However, projects specifically related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup are unlikely to commence before 2015 as they are still in the planning stages. Nonhydrocarbon growth for the current year is projected by the IMF at 9%. Locked in export contracts for LNG and a firm hydrocarbon price outlook will contribute to a sustained fiscal surplus in 2012.

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Gulf Insider September 2012

 The Composite Business Optimism Index for the non-hydrocarbon sector has moderated to 27 due to uncertainty concerning the global economy  Business expansion plans have improved as 46% of the non-hydrocarbon respondents plan on investing compared to 36% in the last quarter  The composite index for the hydrocarbon sector has dropped to 4 as the outlook for selling prices has dropped significantly

Factors impacting business

Among the issues expected to adversely affect operations in Q3 2012, the overall business environment was ranked as the primary influence on operations by 30% of the respondents.

Availability of skilled labour, availability of finance, delay in existing projects and no new projects are cited as a challenge by 6% of the respondents in each category.

The remaining 12% of the respondents have identified other factors including the impact of the global financial meltdown on regional economies through trade and investments, currency fluctuations and uncertainty in the Euro region. However, 40% of the respondents do not anticipate any factors affecting business operations in Q3 2012. A substantial 46% of the respondents plan business expansions in Q3 2012 whereas 32% do not plan any investment, commensurate with this period.

In the oil & gas segment, 38% of

the respondents have identified the current business environment in Qatar as a key factor influencing their business operations whereas the same percentage of respondents do not anticipate any negative factors adversely impacting business operations in Q3 2012. 10% of the respondents foresee project delays and lack of new projects as a leading cause of concern in Q3 2012 while 8% expressed concerns relating to the availability of skilled labor. The remaining 6% of the respondents are concerned about issues including the fluctuation in the exchange rate and uncertain global economic recovery. GFI

This article is an edited extract for Gulf Insider of the full report by Dun & Bradstreet South Asia Middle East Ltd (D&B) in association with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority released the D&B Business Optimism Index for Qatar for Q3 2012.

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GCC Arab Women

Women in the Arab world are building higher public profiles and look to be creating their own space and image.

Arab Women Influence Changing Market Dynamics

T

he region’s female population is making waves that are washing up new demands on products and services, according to Steve Hamilton-Clark, CEO of TNS MENA, the world’s largest custom market research organisation, He said that in the midst of social change, young women are not shy of individualism and communicating self-identity.

“Global figures suggest that women account for consumer spending worth US$ 20 trillion and a recent study of the female consumer has revealed that women are indeed becoming a major retail influencer in the region.”

Hamilton-Clark was citing the Arab as a Consumer (ARAC) study carried out

by TNS in Saudi Arabia, recently. The research among female consumers in the Kingdom unveiled the emergence of new trends and behaviours influenced by sweeping change in the region’s approach to education, an increasingly relaxed press censorship and the empowerment of women.

He said that the report throws the

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Gulf Insider September 2012

spotlight on interesting trends that will help regional marketers understand this growing market better and in turn change the way they do business.

“Women in the Arab world are building higher public profiles and look to be creating their own space and image.

Lists such as the ‘100 Most Powerful Arab Women 2012’ reflect the essence of our findings; women are demanding respect in all aspects of their lives, especially in terms of expressing opinion, and being valued for what they do.”

Hamilton-Clark stressed that this change marks the redefinition of family values and personal relationships as a result of external pressures, and said that traditional husband and wife roles are evolving, and the woman’s role in areas such as child development are also changing.

“This change can be attributed to the awareness of women’s rights influenced by religion, technology, TV, education, and career development.”

Indeed, ARAC findings show that while women currently represent 40 per cent of the global workforce, this figure

 Women control $20 trillion of global consumer spending  Women represent 40% of the global workforce  Women account for 65 % of college enrolments and graduations in the UAE falls to just 20 per cent in the Middle East. Hamilton-Clark said that this is set to increase as active participation by women in learning, development and the workplace continues and thus positively spurs economic growth.

“In the UAE, women now make up as much as 65 per cent of college enrolments and graduation. Organisations, marketers and governments need to recognise this, and fast.

“As the spending power of women increases, marketers too must acknowledge women as an important growing customer segment that need specific understanding and marketing strategies,” he concluded. GFI

Banking Islamic

Islamic Banking

Islamic Banking Milestones in Bahrain: 2001 - Bahrain became the first

Islamic banking is banking activity that is consistent with the principles of Islamic law (Sharia).

2001 -Sukuk bonds (similar

in Bahrain

I

slamic rules on transactions are derived from the Quran, the Sunnah, and other secondary sources of Islamic law such as opinions collectively agreed among Shariah scholars (ijma’), analogy (qiyas) and personal reasoning (ijtihad).

The core concept is that money has no intrinsic value - it is only a measure of value - therefore, there should be no charge for its use. In reality this means that the banking system is asset based, not currency-based and investments are structured on exchange or ownership of assets.

Key deviations from conventional banking include the prohibition of:  Fixed or floating payment or acceptance of specific interest or fees (‘riba’ or ‘usury’) for loans of money.  Transactions with excessive risk that have the potential to foster uncertainty and fraudulent behaviour.

These include ‘Maysir’ which describes contracts where the ownership of a good depends on the occurrence of a predetermined, uncertain event; and ‘Gharar’ which describes speculative transactions.  Investment in businesses deemed contrary to Islamic principles, for example businesses selling alcohol or pork, or those producing media such as gossip columns.

Islamic banks operate under the same principal as conventional banks, in that, they aim to make money by lending out capital. In order to achieve this, whilst adhering to the strict laws and procedures Islamic rules on transactions 22

Gulf Insider September 2012

The global financial crisis and obvious flaws in the conventional banking model, have created great interest in the Islamic finance system.

Fiqh al-Muamalat) have been created.

To avoid the strict prohibitions, a system of profit and loss sharing is used, via terms such as profit sharing (Mudharabah), safekeeping (Wadiah), joint venture (Musharakah), cost plus (Murabahah), and leasing (Ijar).

In the late 20th century, a number of Islamic banks were created to cater to this particular banking market. Islamic banking is still a relative newcomer to the market and despite recording impressive growth rates, its current stand at USD1 trillion assets remain relatively small at a global scale.

The global financial crisis and obvious flaws in the conventional banking model, have created great interest in the Islamic finance system and this should provide the basis for sustained growth at least for the remainder of this decade, predicts a CBB report into Islamic finance at the end of last year Islamic banking assets in MENA region alone reached USD416 billion in 2010 (Ernst & Young’s World Islamic Banking Competitiveness Report 2011), and as new geographic territories open up to

country in the world to develop and implement regulations specific to the Islamic banking industry. Since then the CBB Rulebook has undergone significant refinement, and is widely considered as the benchmark for Islamic banking regulation. to Western Bonds, but Sharia compliant) were effectively pioneered in Bahrain when the Central Bank’s predecessor, the Bahrain Monetary Agency, became the first central bank in the world to develop and issue them.

2005 -The first ever comprehensive regulatory framework specific to Takaful and re-Takaful companies was introduced in Bahrain providing a robust, focused framework for the industry.

2008 - The CBB declared launched

the Islamic Sukuk Liquidity Instrument (ISLI) to providing Islamic financial institutions a muchneeded liquidity management tool.

It enabled financial institutions, both conventional and Islamic, to access short term liquidity against Government of Bahrain Islamic Leasing (Ijara) bonds (sukuk), issued by the CBB.

Islamic banking, this is expected to more than double to USD990 billion by 2015.

This corresponds to an Islamic banking market share of 14% of total banking assets in MENA, compared to the GCC alone where the market share reached 25% in 2011.

Bahrain has a strong enabling environment for Islamic banks. At present there are more than 29 Islamic Finance institutions in Bahrain, the largest concentration in the Middle East, including commercial, investment and leasing banks, insurance companies, and mutual funds. However the CBB caution that the industry is still fragmented with most Islamic banks holding less than USD13 billion in assets. GFI

Banking Islamic

The Next Big Step for

Islamic Banking

By Wasim Saifi Global Head, Standard Chartered Saadiq, Consumer Banking

F

ifteen years ago, Muslims wishing to take out a home finance, use a credit card or deposit money into a current account would have been hard pushed to do so and stay compliant with Shariah law. With few Islamic banks around – and a limited range of Shariah products – banking as a Muslim invariably involved compromising either your faith or your financial needs.

Today, in many markets, such compromise is no longer necessary.

Islamic banking is becoming a part of the mainstream, widely available across financial products and geographies.

In 2012, Islamic banking assets are expected to reach USD1.1 trillion globally,

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up 33 per cent on 2010, according to Ernst & Young. Within just a few years, Islamic banking has transformed into a global industry.

What’s driving Islamic Banking?

There are three major drivers behind this extraordinary journey – three reasons why I believe Islamic banking will keep on growing far into the next decade.

First, increased competition has resulted in a widening of the Islamic product offering, bringing it within scope for larger numbers of Muslims. In the

early 2000s, a move by Islamic banks to make Shariah-compliant products more commercially compelling was a real game changer in the industry. For the first time, Islamic Banks were reaching customers for whom the commercial aspects of banking were just as important as Shariah compliance. Conventional banks, keen to retain their Muslim customers and make the most of the Islamic opportunity, have subsequently joined the fray, helping to grow the total market around the world.

Second, as the Islamic banking proposition has become more attractive, Muslims have converted from conventional banking at a rapid pace, spurring the industry to make the product

Islamic Banking

offering even more sophisticated.

Muslims who have been accustomed to using credit cards, for example, will not want to lose this benefit when switching to Islamic banking. Whether in terms of access, technology, products or services, they expect nothing less than they have been getting from conventional banks, and Islamic banks are responding.

Muslims now have a choice: to bank in a Sharia-compliant way, they no longer need to sacrifice the convenience, products and services they have been used to in the past.

The next big step for the global Islamic banking industry will be to close the remaining gap with conventional banking.

Third, the industry is receiving increasing regulatory support with governments in many markets actively encouraging the development of a healthy Islamic banking ecosystem. In the UAE, all new local banking licenses granted in the last 15 years have been for Islamic banks. Countries such as Oman, Uganda and Nigeria are opening up their markets. Issuance of Sukuk, or Islamic bonds, has become widespread, and Islamic finance is used increasingly for government support programmes. In Bahrain for example, Standard Chartered Saadiq now works with independent employment authority Tamkeen to provide Shariah-compliant financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Malaysia – probably the world’s most successful Islamic banking market – shows what can be achieved. Here, concerted government action has pushed Islamic banking past the tipping point to represent around a quarter of total banking assets.

The next step

The next big step for the global Islamic banking industry will be to close the remaining gap with conventional banking when it comes to the range of products and services on offer. Islamic wealth management, for example, is clearly lagging behind, with Shariah-compliant funds comprising less than 0.25 per cent of total assets under management.

It is a classic chicken and egg story.

To attract wealthy Muslim clients, you need a competitive range of products and services, but to get this, you need scale. However, with the strong growth

in Islamic assets and Islamic banking providers putting increased pressure on fund managers to respond, there is a good chance Islamic wealth management will catch within the next few years.

For all the industry’s recent growth, Islamic banking still represents a fraction of total banking assets globally, and the far majority (it is estimated that roughly only 1 in every 8 Muslim with a bank account, banks Islamic) of Muslims still bank conventionally. Penetration remains low in some of the world’s largest Muslim countries, such as Pakistan and Indonesia at 9 and 4 per cent respectively. There are several reasons for this, the most obvious being a simple lack of awareness of what Shariah banking has to offer.

Regulatory barriers also persist in some countries. While different markets will develop at different speeds, support from governments and regulators will help keep up the pace of change. Opening markets to international Islamic banks will help, too. International providers tend to accelerate development in individual markets with their ability to migrate best practice, product sophistication and banking expertise between geographies.

At Standard Chartered, for example, we work with regulators in a number of countries to help develop their framework for Islamic banking, using our experience from other markets.

Clearly, by tapping into their global networks, international Islamic banks also play a role in facilitating cross-border banking for Islamic customers. This is essential if the industry is to attract more fast-growing SME customers as well as high net-worth individuals who wish to stay Shariah-compliant without missing out on growth opportunities in foreign markets.

The purpose of all banking, Islamic or conventional, is to help people to reach their aspirations. It is about connecting with customers and meeting their financial needs in a way that fits with how they live their lives. In the last few years, Islamic banking has caught up fast to meet this core requirement.

It is still very early days for Shariah banking, but one thing is clear: with around 1.6 billion Muslims in the world, the upside for Islamic banking is huge, and the best is yet to come. GFI

Gulf Insider September 2012

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Social Media Arab World

Social Media

Influences in Arab World Twitter registers two million Arab active users while Facebook claims over 45 million.

T

he use of social media continues to grow rapidly and influence cultural and societal changes in the Arab world. The number of Facebook users in the Arab world reached 45.2 million at the end of June 2012, marking an annual increase of 50 per cent and tripling since June 2010 while Twitter has registered over two million active users in the region.

Additionally, more than four million Arabs use LinkedIn according to the latest Arab Social Media Report (ASMR).

Interestingly, the report reveals that the Arabic language is now the fastest growing on different social media platforms in the region.

Fadi Salem, Director of Governance and Innovation Program, DSG and coauthor of the report, said: “Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube continue to serve as primary avenues for over 12 per cent of Arab population for raising awareness, disseminating information and mobilizing community.

“The increased use of Arabic suggests that social media in the Arab region has

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Gulf Insider September 2012

The report reveals that the Arabic language is now the fastest growing on different social media platforms in the region. clearly outgrown the perception of being a platform for ‘the elite’. Notably, it has now become a tool for the masses for engaging in civil activities and influencing change in Arab societies.”

The report found that Arab social media users’ connection with, understanding of, and contribution to their societies and fellow citizens has enhanced through the use of social media.

Racha Mourtada, Research Associate

with the Governance and Innovation Program and lead author of the report, said: “Most respondents thought that their ‘national’ identity and a sense of being a ‘global citizen’ were reinforced by social media. On an even more personal level, many among those surveyed claim that social media and its ability to expose people to a variety of ideas and opinions, has helped them become more open and tolerant towards different views.”

Among other findings in the report, the Arab uprisings continue to be the primary discussions on Twitter. For instance, in March 2012, active Arab Twitter users generated over 172 million tweets, with ‘Bahrain’ and ‘Syria’ hashtags in Arabic and English remaining the top popular trends on Twitter across the Arab region. Furthermore, around a quarter of Arab Facebook users come from Egypt and another quarter are in the GCC countries with Saudi Arabia and the UAE making up 80 per cent of users in the Gulf region. GFI

The full report can be accessed at www.arabsocialmediareport.com

Turkey Alcohol Apartheid

Alcohol Apartheid:

The New Turkish Laws That Segregate Drinkers

T

he Muslim holy month of Ramadan can be a time of heightened friction in Istanbul, when the beliefs of the pious clash with the lifestyle preferences of secular-minded Turks.

This year, Ramadan has been marked by a secularist outcry over recent efforts to restrict the consumption of alcohol.

Tension erupted over a two-day international rock concert at Istanbul Bilgi University in mid-July that kicked off just before Ramadan began. Just half an hour before the concert an alcohol ban was enforced by University authorities under pressure from the Islamist-rooted ruling AK Party. Ironically the “One Love” concert was sponsored by the country’s largest beer producer, but the thousands of parched rockers had to make do with lemonade and water instead.

The decision provoked an uproar. “This is not a battle about alcohol, but about freedom” wrote a leading columnist, Hasan Cemal, in the Milliyet newspaper on July 17. A nationwide debate ensued during the weeks of Ramadan over the direction of the country, and, in particular, its largest city, Istanbul.

The concert was held in the Eyup District of the city, which has a large religious community where Ramadan is strictly observed. The local authorities, dominated by the AK Party, defended the ban, citing the religious sensitivities of the locals. Yet in reality, local sensitivities in Eyup seem mixed.

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Gulf Insider September 2012

Istanbul’s religious teetotalers, newly powerful with Islamism’s rise, want to separate out the sinners.

By Dorian Jones “People in the neighborhood organized a petition to stop alcohol being sold at the concert,” said a 40-yearold shopkeeper, who is fasting. “But I didn’t sign it. Because I don’t believe you should interfere in other people’s lives.” A woman dressed in religious garb interjected, “This is a predominantly Muslim area. So the ban was necessary out of respect for us.”

Representatives of the pro-secular main opposition People’s Republican Party (CHP) in the Eyup District, sees the alcohol ban at the concert as part of a wider policy extending beyond Ramadan.

The objective is to turn Eyup into a “dry” neighborhood, citing the closing down of the few remaining alcohol outlets.

“Neighborhood pressure by religious people and the religiously controlled local authority are having a growing effect on secular locals,” warned Inan Celiker a local CHP party official. “It’s

pushing people to drink illegally in the back of shops.”

“Neighborhood pressure,” a phrase coined by one of the country’s leading sociologists, Serif Mardin, is becoming a major factor in the civic debate.

Mardin maintains that more than any deliberate policy by the Islamic-oriented government, pressure in areas where the majority are pious, forces secular people to adopt a more religious way of life.

The devout Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has waded into the controversy. “They want all our youth to be alcoholics. What on earth is this? I told the university authorities we were upset over the festival. For Allah’s sake, how can this occur? Can anyone allow alcohol to be sold on a school campus? Will the student go there to get drunk on alcohol or find knowledge?” Erdogan declared during a late July television interview.

Following that verbal broadside,

Alcohol Apartheid Turkey

The concert an alcohol ban was enforced

by University authorities under pressure from the Islamist-rooted ruling AK Party.

Istanbul Bilgi University authorities announced that alcohol would no longer be served at future concerts on campus.

Istanbul is home to some of Islam’s most important mosques, along with a large pious Muslim population. But it’s also famous for its vibrant nightlife with its bars and restaurants that have long been part of the city’s fabric. Meyhane restaurants serving tasty tapas-like dishes, accompanied by the national drink of raki, a potent aniseed spirit, date back to the 19th century.

And fears are growing that Istanbul’s delicate balance is reaching a tipping point.

Even in areas long associated with foreigners and Western ways, pressure is mounting against those who like to consume alcohol. On the night of August 14, for instance, Beyoglu authorities removed bar and restaurant

signs, claiming that such signage was incongruent with the historical appearance of the area. “In Beyoglu, they [authorities] don’t say [anything] directly, but the right to drink alcohol in public places is diminishing, and that is an entertainment area,” said Gokhan Tan, a media studies teacher at Istanbul Bilgi University.

While neighborhoods controlled by AKP members are tightening restrictions on alcohol, in sectors of the city controlled by the pro-secular CHP there’s been an explosion in the number of bars, in particular meyhanes. In the Kadikoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul, for example, dozens of bars and restaurants have opened in the space of a year.

People sit drinking beer and raki and eating day and night, even during the holy month of Ramadan. A significant number of people are willing to commute to such neighborhoods in order to enjoy a drink.

“It’s 25 km from here to where I live.

But I can’t drink in my neighborhood, so I come all the way here for alcohol. Does that make sense to you?” one customer at a Kadikoy bar said.

Influential Islamic intellectual Hayrettin Karaman sees voluntary segregation as a way to defuse tension over Istanbul’s different ways of life. “Those who don’t believe in Islam can freely live according to their own beliefs. But if this kind of living will negatively affect the life, morality, religiousness and the education of new Muslim generations, measures need to be taken to create ‘special regions’ for their improper actions,” Karaman wrote August 12 in the Islamic Daily Yeni Safak.

“Now, we live with many people side by side in an apartment building, on a street, in a neighborhood, from gays to drunks, to unmarried couples,” Karaman continued. “A Muslim won’t like these actions, they hate them and if there is opportunity, he keeps the intention to correct and prevent these actions.”

For Tan, the Bilgi university professor, Karaman’s words are a depressing, but a prophetic prediction for the future of Istanbul. He fears voluntary segregation is already replacing tolerance.

“We feel that our lives are being confined to parts of the city, this is your area and this your area,” Tan said. “It’s not a good thing, we are all the same people, but we can have different feelings, different beliefs and different lives.

We live in the same city, but why should I restrict myself to only my neighborhood.” GFI

This article originally appeared at EurasiaNet.org Gulf Insider September 2012

29

Middle East Auto Show

The International Automobile Show 2010 at Expo Centre Sharjah

International Automobile show Middle East Motor Awards promises to be even more exciting and successful this year.

T

he 11th International Automobile show is scheduled to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 28th November to 1st December 2012, and the organizers are busy putting together an exhilarating event.

Following the success of the previous event in 2010, a range of new models will be unveiled at the show later this year.

If you are planning to change your car this year then the IAS 2012 will be the perfect place for car shopping.

Alongside the auto show, the third successive edition of Middle East Car Of The Year a.k.a Middle East Motor Awards 2012 ceremony will be held.

Being the biggest and the most coveted new cars award in the region, all the latest car models currently available in the MENA market are vying to win the titles of being the best cars in their respective categories.

A plethora of newly introduced models will be seen competing head to head such as the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider,

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Gulf Insider September 2012

which carries on the legacy of the Italian thoroughbred against its British rival, an engineering manifest, the McLaren MP4-12c. Hyundai Veloster, a worldwide hit from crafty Korean designers thanks to its unique & ingenious styling will be going all out against the new and tech packed Ford Focus. The all new Porsche 911 Carerra S, the latest incarnation of the legendary German supercar will be taking on Bentley’s refined Continental GT which gets a new V8 heart.

When it comes to SUVs, the Middle East is spoilt with choice as the newly introduced Audi Q3, which sets the benchmark for innovation and engineering, will be eyeing the top spot against the Range Rover Evoque, which defines the new age of Premium SUVs with its bold and distinctive designing.

Also at logger heads will be Chryslers mighty Jeep Cherokee SRT8 against the all new Mercedes ML 63 AMG, both of which promise the practicality of a family vehicle with the thrills of a sports car.

Following the stiff yet healthy American – German competition, Chrysler’s elegant performance sedan, the powerful 300c SRT8 will be seen going head to head with the new & magnificent BMW M5, which is truly the ultimate driving machine.

These are just some of the new vehicles that the judges have nominated and are currently scoring. The entire Middle East car industry is waiting with bated breath for the results which will be announced on the first day of the highly anticipated International automobile show in Sharjah.

The organizers of auto show are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that the event delivers an exhilarating experience for the general visitors as well. GFI

For more information, please contact: P. Ravi, Director Marketing, Expo Centre Sharjah Tel: 06-5991177. Mobile: 050-6269781

Social issues UAE

Social Issues On the Rise in the Gulf Study finds purpose to be an emerging force behind corporate and brand marketing in the Gulf.

C

onsumer interest in social purpose marketing is on the rise in the UAE, according to Edelman’s 3rd annual goodpurpose® study, conducted in the UAE and across the globe. More than half of UAE residents believe their responsibility to address societal issues has increased in the past year, and almost 6 in 10 think they have more power and influence to make a difference on those issues compared to five years ago.

“According to the goodpurpose study, when quality and price are the same, a commitment to social purpose can trump design, innovation and even brand loyalty as a sales trigger for UAE consumers” said Allie Holmes, UAE goodpurpose Liaison and Healthcare Lead, Edelman UAE. “In a competitive market, brands are always looking for ways to differentiate their product from the competition, and a commitment to social purpose wields that power.”

But the study reveals something deeper about regional consumers themselves that might seem counterintuitive. Three quarters of UAE consumers say they would choose to live in an environmentally friendly house even if it meant sacrificing space. Almost the same proportion would choose a brand that supports local producers over a designer brand. Even when it comes to their cars, 64 percent of UAE residents say they would choose a hybrid over a luxury marque.

“Discussions about the UAE consumer tend to focus on their affinity for luxury brands and their desire to express their social status through their purchases, but this study shows that the true picture is more complex, said Fergus Clarke, head of StrategyOne Abu Dhabi. “Marketers who rely on the clichéd view of UAE consumers are likely to experience a disconnect with how consumers perceive themselves.”

UAE trends not reflected in western markets

Unfortunately, trends in the UAE are not necessarily reflected everywhere.

Social purpose marketing trends seem to be reflective of socioeconomic trends in regions across the globe. In bull markets such as China, Brazil, India, UAE, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where economies are stable and on the rise, consumers are more bullish on ‘Purpose’.

In bear markets, such as the U.S. and Western Europe, where economies have stagnated or appear uncertain, consumer and business interests in Purpose appear to be stagnating as well.

However, Purpose bull markets seem to be buoying the global average, as brands aligning themselves with causes are not only securing more consumer consideration, but are also earning their dollars and support across the globe. Nearly half (47 percent) of global consumers have bought a brand

More than half of UAE residents believe their responsibility to address societal issues has increased in the past year. at least monthly that supports a cause, representing a 47 percent increase from 2010. Over the years, since the study’s inception, consumers have taken increased action on behalf of brands with Purpose: 39 percen39 percent increase in “would recommend” cause-related brands 34 percent increase in “would promote” cause-related brands 9 percent increase in “would switch” brands if a similar brand supported a good cause This shift in UAE consumer values and behaviors will likely lead to a shift in business or brand values and behaviors as well. GFI Gulf Insider September 2012

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Bahrain Bahraini Nationals

Bahraini Nationals and the Gap Between Education and Job Requirements

Bahrainis continue to report lower levels of work engagement.

Q

udurat, the largest workplace study in the region, focused on the advancement of national talent, the single biggest HR issue in the region. Qudurat – meaning ‘capabilities’ in Arabic – sought the opinion of more than 20,000 employees across seven countries (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Egypt). With final results expected to be announced regionwide by December 2012, insights from the study are expected to significantly impact HR practices and human capital development in the region.

The study was first launched in 2011, and produced many counter-intuitive findings which surprised and challenged the preconceptions employers had in the region about local talent and nationals in the workforce. Among the most unexpected findings were that Bahraini Nationals reported lower levels of engagement in the public sectors than they did in the private sector, and that less than half had confidence in the most senior leadership in their respective organisations.

The preliminary results of this year’s report reveal that Bahraini Nationals are reporting a growing disconnect between their job requirements and the preparation they have received for those 32

Gulf Insider September 2012

requirements through their education, compared to foreign workers. In addition, Bahraini nationals continue to report lower levels of work engagement than expatriates, which could impact their longer term motivation, performance and productivity at the workplace. The report shows similar results for nationals across all seven countries involved in the study.

Commenting of these initial findings, Radhika Punshi, Aon Hewitt’s Head of Applied Research (MENA) said, “As Bahrain’s and the region’s economy continues to recover, there will be a renewed and exponential growth focus on attracting, motivating and retaining top talent within all industrial sectors, with a greater emphasis on quality. However, more than ever before, there is a greater urgency for alignment and collaboration between the education system and the demand from employers, as an increasing number of young men and women seek opportunities for positive and productive employment.”

This year’s Qudurat study already has over 15,000 responses from approximately 100 participating organisations in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Egypt. The first wave of the study, concluded last year had over 4,600 respondents in total.

Bahraini nationals continue to report lower levels of work engagement than expatriates.

The study has also received strategic support through partnerships with a host of governmental organisations across the participating countries, including Abu DhabiTawteen Council, which spearheads the efforts of the Abu Dhabi government in sustainable Emirati workforce development; TECOM Investments in Dubai, a diversified conglomerate with strategic investments in sectors that contribute to the development of Dubai’s knowledge-based economy; Tamkeen Bahrain, which is tasked with supporting Bahrain’s private sector and positioning it as the key driver of economic development; Bahrain’s Institute of Public Administration, which aims to enhance the skills and competencies of government employees in the Kingdom, in addition to the American Chamber of Commerce Egypt and Egyptian Human Resource Management Association. GFI

Middle East Intelligent Enterprises

Middle East Open Source Technology Accelerates

Building of Intelligent Enterprises

W

ho could have predicted the impact on Middle East businesses of data coming in via social media and mobile technology, the escalating importance of trends such as ‘big data’ or the move towards cloud computing that is now gathering momentum?

The sources of data coming into the enterprise IT infrastructure are proliferating, with new channels and touch-points constantly emerging at an unprecedented rate. Clearly, in an uncertain world, flexibility is a critical component of any business IT strategy.

George DeBono, General Manager, Middle East & Africa at Red Hat says that with today’s customers choosing to interact through multiple channels, businesses are wasting time and budget ‘hand-carrying’ information from application to application, frequently without adding value at best and introducing human error at worst.

Most organisations today don’t lack data; they lack information. Take your average Middle East bank with a high-street presence. Any one of thousands of customers might choose to interact by phone, post or email, online or in branch at different times. They might have a query about interest rates, request a loan application or ask about remortgaging. If there is someone manually transferring all the data related to this customer that is coming in through different channels, then the bank is wasting an enormous amount of resources.

There’s bound to be a time-lag,

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Intelligent Enterprises Middle East

between data being captured in one part of the organisation and becoming available elsewhere.

The result is a lack of joined-up corporate thinking that leads to slow, patchy decision-making and mounting customer frustration.

In contrast, enterprises that are both intelligent and integrated are eliminating unnecessary labour, removing bottlenecks and ensuring a high quality response to every business event. Business rules consistently applied across the organisation improve and automate decision-making, while manual effort is removed. Resources are freed to focus on handling the exceptions and high value transactions that genuinely require their skills.

In the past, reliance on proprietary software has meant that developing and maintaining the IT architecture that underlies the intelligent, integrated enterprise has been both complex and expensive.

This has made it the preserve of corporations with substantial IT budgets and IT teams..

Now, open source technology brings the intelligent, integrated enterprise within the reach of mid-tier businesses, by offering straightforward building blocks allowing organisations to develop, automate, review, audit and modify business rules to ensure that every operation from a simple transaction to a complex business event is handled efficiently, consistently and correctly.

Open source business process management and automation means organisations never have to reinvent the wheel, as replicable business process can be identified, standardised and automated.

These and other solutions can be configured to create the intelligent, integrated enterprise, are affordable and come with open source licensing and a subscription purchase model.

Some open source customers, for example, pay a yearly subscription for a certified platform with professional support with high levels of support available within an hour 24x7, rather than paying to use the software. Certification of elements such as Java Virtual Machine, platform and database configurations is included with the subscription,

which reduces risk and saves time and money.

In the event of dissatisfaction with the product or support, customers have the freedom to ‘walk’ without incurring high exit costs. This completely changes the customer-supplier dynamic. Proprietary software vendors can view licence fees as a ‘licence to print money’, knowing that inertia will keep many customers locked into their products.

It’s a model of doing business that’s guaranteed to keep any vendor on their toes! GFI

Open source technology brings the intelligent, integrated enterprise within the reach of mid-tier businesses.

Gulf Insider September 2012

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Travel Eid Getaways

EID Getaways A selection of destinations to inspire your Eid Al Adha travel plans.

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his Eid Al Adha, enjoy a holiday experience like no other with Oman Air Holidays. Dates are expected to be from Friday 26th October.

Benefit from the special rates available at a range of superb hotels and resorts in over 20 different destinations.

Oman Air’s Holiday Packages Include:  Return flights from Bahrain on Oman Air  High quality hotel or resort accommodation for two nights

Muscat - Sultanate of Oman

Duration

Adult*pp (BD)

Crowne Plaza (4*)

2 Nights

107

 Hotel transfers in most destinations

Muscat Holiday (4*)

2 Nights

114

Shangri-la Al Waha (5*)

2 Nights

183

Salalah - Sultanate of Oman

Duration

Adult*pp (BD)

Juweira Hotel (5*)

2 Nights

174

Salalah Marriott (5*)

2 Nights

180

Crowne Plaza Salalah (5*)

2 Nights

186

 Full touring programmes where applicable  Daily Buffet Breakfast – eat all you want!

GFI

For more information and more holiday options and destinations Tel. +973 17500020 or e-mail eric@omanair.com 36

Gulf Insider September 2012

Eid Getaways Travel

Hong Kong, BD472pp for three nights and four days in a three star hotel.

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ong Kong is Cathay Pacific’s featured destination for Eid Al Adha. For BD472 per person, this break includes air tickets, three nights and four days in a three star hotel, breakfast and hotel transfers. To keep the whole family entertained, the price also covers a full day pass for Disney Land Hong Kong. Make this Eid one to remember. GFI

3 Nights / 4 Days starting from BD491 (flight+hotel)

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atar Airways Holidays, are committed to making sure that every part of your well earned break is organised to your satisfaction.

With plenty on offer for all tastes and budgets they can help you indulge and discover.

For the upcoming Eid Al Adha vacation, passengers travelling with Qatar Airways can take advantage of great savings with special holiday packages being offered by Qatar Airways Holidays. These fabulous deals and many more, are available for travel between 25th October – 3rd November 2012. GFI

For more information visit www.qatarairways.com/holidays-bh

Kuala Lumpur Room type Single Hotel: (BD)

Twin share (BD)

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur (5*)

Guest Room 565

491

Crowne Plaza Mutiara (5*)

Deluxe

492

575

5 Nights / 6 Days starting from BD453 (flight+hotel) Phuket Room type Single Hotel: (BD)

Twin share (BD)

The Village Coconut Island (5*)

Deluxe Suite 529

453

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket (5*)

Superior Sea 588 View Room

482

3 Nights / 4 Days starting from BD548 (flight+hotel) Maldives Room type Single Hotel: (BD)

Twin share (BD)

Kurumba Maldives (5*)

Deluxe Room 738

548

Velassaru Maldives (5*)

Deluxe Bungalow

588

783

Gulf Insider September 2012

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Travel Eid Gateways

Discover Istanbul

By Nick Cooksey

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had the absolute pleasure of visiting Istanbul last month. One of my favourite cities, it is a place that no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to see and new experiences to have.

A four hour flight on Turkish Airlines, Istanbul is only a short hop away and on the same time zone as Bahrain, which adds even more to its charm as a short break destination. What’s more the weather is nearly always wonderful (perhaps cold and rainy in the winter, but coming from the Middle East, is that not wonderful?) so, if not for anything else, you’ll love Istanbul for the weather.

What is it about Istanbul?

Istanbul is culturally, historically and artistically diverse, effortlessly blending old and modern into a city that has the best qualities of all the great cities of the world in one.

It has a brimming heritage created out of the remains of the Ottoman Empire and Byzantine Empire forming a rich tapestry of discovery as layer upon layer of history combine. It has natural beauty with rolling hills sweeping down behind the Bosphorus that on a good day can take your breath away.

Not only this, but Istanbul is an architectural gem. It has the well known monuments such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque and Topkapi Palace. There are also less famous sights, such as the wooden mansions along the Bosphorus, Parisian style buildings (Istiklal street) and traditional Turkish wooden houses (Zeyrek) which make this city undeniably beautiful.

Shopping is also an adventure. The modern side has all the brands you could imagine, from high end stores to high fashion, and the city even hosts a shopping festival every June. Come off the commercial retail track and the experience is in a different league altogether as you step into the old world. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are the

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Eid Gateways Travel

Istanbul is culturally, historically and artistically diverse. most well known features, with tastes smells and sites that give you the real taste of Turkey, but there are also many smaller markets well worth a visit.

If you feel like a bit of indulgence, why not sweat in a historic Hamam to discover the soothing effects of a Turkish rubdown, and relax and unwind in this traditional ritual.

Or, enjoy some of the wide range of cuisine available in the city where east meets west.

Another aspect I loved on my last visit, which was during Ramadan, was the freedom from religious compulsion. Coffee shops and bars were open as usual, and those fasting were mixing openly with others that were not and it didn’t seem to be a problem for anyone.

The hotels and nightlife are also exemplary.

With a wide range of choice, you can go for quirky, traditional or ultra modern, with many budget options also available. The nightlife is very vibrant and colorful – the locals definitely have their own way of going out and having fun, and there is something for every taste.

All in all, Istanbul is a fantastic choice for a short break destination, there is something for everyone. GFI

For information on trips to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines visit www.turkishairlines.com

Gulf Insider September 2012

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Luxury Power Boats

The Depths of Luxury With a focus on beauty, quality and perfection, it is little wonder that J Craft have cornered the market in luxury power boats. I got to put the J Craft Torpedo to the test. By Nick Cooksey

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had a fantastic weekend on the French Riviera last month, topped off by the chance to take the Rolls Royce of power boats, the J Craft for a spin - now don’t go accusing me of having a jet set lifestyle!

I don’t make the Rolls Royce comparison lightly, in fact Rolls Royce has entered into an informal ‘brand affinity’ with J Craft. This is perhaps in recognition of the craft‘s incredible feat of craftsmanship.

The traditional qualities of Swedish boat building have been combined with ultra-modern technologies to create a vessel of unbridled luxury and unrivalled design.

The company was founded in 1998 in Gotland, Sweden and their first prototype, the Cabrio Cruiser was the genesis of a new wave of luxury powerboats. Johan Attvik took over the company in 2000 and the brand is now internationally acclaimed and synonymous with excellence and beauty. The fleet currently consists of the 13 metre Torpedo and the ‘racier’ Torpedo R. The vessels can be used as day boats, but coming it at prices in excesses of USD 1 million means that the majority of J Craft’s customers are yacht owners and so their use tends to be as tenders or toys.

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Attvik has in the past stated that “There is no natural competitor for J Craft as no one builds anything with the same combination of style, power, speed and technology.” Each boat represents around 4,000 man-hours, equating to around five to six months build time, depending on specification. The end result is a delicate combination of classic looks that work in harmony with the latest in technology and engineering techniques giving them tremendous style, comfort and usability a significant accomplishment for a vessel of this size.

At the Wheel

The J Craft lived up to all my expectations of a boat whose reputation precedes it. In the stunning setting of the French Riviera, with the sun shining, great people and champagne on ice, there can’t be many better ways to spend a late afternoon.

We left Nice to head to a restaurant in Monaco; it’s not far – in fact, we could have done the journey in 20 minutes – but where would the fun have been in that! Instead we took our time enjoying the journey (and the champagne) and putting the boat to the test.

“There is no natural competitor for J Craft” The two powerful Volvo Penta Motors roared to life as we started up to leave the Port, softening to a commanding hum as we made haste through the sea. There was plenty of room for everyone as we reclined in the beautifully upholstered interior to chat and laugh and await our turn behind the wheel.

At the helm of the Torpedo, I finally understood exactly why this is the boat to be seen in. It is a working piece of art.

You could feel the power as it effortlessly glided over the water, responding to the slightest instruction with maneuverability sharpened by its IPS drives.

If the J Craft’s goal is the pursuit of perfection, then it is my opinion that they are not far off the mark. They certainly haven’t missed a trick basing themselves in the Mediterranean, as the boats lend themselves perfectly to the lifestyle and scenery GFI

For more information about J Craft, visit www.j-craftboats.com, Tel. 46 (0) 735 073 441 or e-mail mail@j-craftboats.com

Al Haddad Cars

Mercedes-Benz GLK

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he GLK combines classic elements of all-terrain vehicles with the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz models.

Stringent lines, expansive surfaces and the smooth-surfaced, volume-emphasizing front and rear areas harmonise with the hallmark GLK body features. The high seat position provides a commanding view of the traffic situation, with the body lines also designed for excellent visibility.

The GLK comes with a three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colours and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fibreoptic technology. The range of engines provides for drive comfort and attractive performance in all GLK models. Low emissions and fuel consumption is underpinned by a comprehensive package of Blue EFFICIENCY measures as well as by this state-of-the-art engine technology. In addition to the ECO start/ stop function that comes as standard, these measures include the sevenspeed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Low-friction axle drives, electric steering and tyres with low rolling resistance also play their part in reducing fuel consumption.

Assistance systems familiar from the S- and E-Class feature as standard to enable a further improvement in active safety and driver-fitness safety and take the compact SUV to the top of its market segment. Electric steering with steer control, supports the driver in unstable

driving conditions, Brake Assist (BAS) provides additional brake power when emergency braking is detected.

The standard of active safety is ensured by the Agility Control suspension with selective damping system, the ESP Electronic Stability Program with integrated trailer stabilisation and tyre pressure loss warning and, on the 4MATIC models, by permanent allwheel drive and the 4ETS electronic traction system.

A highly robust occupant cell provides an effective basis for occupant protection.

Optional equipment includes the Attention Assist drowsiness detection system and the Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system. Also available is Active Parking Assist, enabling automatic manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces. To facilitate manoeuvring when visibility is poor there is a backup camera with guide lines or – for the first time from Mercedes-Benz – a 360° camera.

Additional systems are optionally available as individual items or in special packages.

The Driving Assistance package Plus

The new Mercedes-Benz GLK is displaying its full credentials on- and off-road. comprises Distronic Plus including Bas Plus, Pre-Saf® Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. The Parking package combines the 360° camera including Active Parking Assist and Parktronic. The Lane Tracking package includes Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. Another new development is the Off-road Engineering package in combination with the Intelligent Light System (ILS). Off-road Light is available here for trips in difficult terrain. Specific headlamp settings provide for better off-road orientation by more widespread illumination of the field of vision.

The revamped GLK-Class incorporates the integral safety concept in keeping with Mercedes-Benz’s brand philosophy, which is based first and foremost on real accident scenarios. The GLK’s highly robust occupant cell provides an effective basis for occupant protection in conjunction with the front and rear deformation zones. The GLK comes with multiple [passenger protection features, in addition to airbags, pelvis bags and side bags for driver and front passenger, there are also window bags for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers as well as a knee bag for the driver. An active bonnet serves to reduce the risk of injury for the more vulnerable road users. GFI

For more information visit www.alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com or Tel. +973 1778 5454 Gulf Insider September 2012

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Cars Porsche Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car driven by Daniel Lloyd

Porsche At Goodwood Gulf Insider visited Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012 to see Porsche reveal its incredible story.

Porsche Highlights from the Festival:

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driven by Daniel Lloyd joined the 1962 Porsche 804 F1 car, the 917K from 1970 and 1987 Le Mans-winning 962 Group C racer on the roll call of Porsche racing machinery.

• The Festival saw the debut of the latest Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe and Carrera Cabriolet in the Supercar Run. • In the First Glance category, the 430 hp Panamera GTS made its first appearance at Goodwood.

• The Porsche Cayenne was the star attraction at the Porsche Experience Centre Goodwood area.

• The Porsche display in the Moving Motor Show showcased the latest Boxster to celebrate company’s roadster heritage.

• The Porsche Museum celebrated F1 and Le Mans success at Goodwood, again bringing cars from its renowned collection in Stuttgart to fascinate old and young enthusiasts alike.

• Many former factory race drivers were in attendance, not least among these was Richard Attwood, former F1 driver and 1970 Le Mans winner.

orsche once again showcased their exciting array of new, iconic and historic models at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. The 2012 theme was ‘Young Guns – Born to Win.’ Goodwood was the perfect platform to see the latest Porsche supercars in action. The Supercar Run was a prime attraction, showcasing the fastest and most exclusive road-going sports cars. Making their debut this year and taking pride of place was the new Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe and 911 Carrera Cabriolet.

First Glance of the Panamera GTS

The latest addition to the Panamera range of Gran Turismo sporting saloons, the new GTS is the four door sports car for fast roads of every description A powerful 430 hp 4.8-litre V8 offering an intense level of responsiveness sits under the bonnet, and the lowered, uprated chassis has been tuned for added dynamism and agility. It impressed spectators on the famous hill climb and in front of Goodwood house.

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• The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car

Porsche Cars

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Dynamic Cayenne Demonstrations

The Porsche Cayenne was put through its paces by consultants from the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone. They demonstrated the power, performance and handling of the Cayenne on a specially designed dynamics course laid out in the Porsche Experience area of the festival. The outstanding dynamic ability of the immensely versatile Porsche 400 hp V8-engined Cayenne S models was showcased on the grass-surfaced course. With its sporting, driver-oriented chassis, the Cayenne has been designed to combine sports car handling with the added versatility of being able to cover ground quickly, regardless of the terrain

Porsche 918 Spyder

The Porsche 918 Spyder Concept made its UK debut at the Festival of Speed offering a first look at the upcoming plug-in hybrid supercar.

Revealed in concept form at the 2010 Geneva Show, Porsche is currently completing the development of the production model that will go on sale in November of 2013.

They claim that it can hit 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in less than three seconds and can lap the N端rburgring Nordschleife in under 7:22 minutes (Carrera GT: 7:32 minutes). Average fuel consumption is estimated at around 3.0lt/100km (equal to 78.4mpg US or 94.2mpg UK) with the use of the batteries that allow for an all-electric range in excess of 25 kilometers (+16 miles). GFI

Porsche 918 Spyder

Spyder interior Gulf Insider September 2012

43

Cars Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Coupe Nick Cooksey tries Hyundai’s latest sports car.

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or Hyundai, the Genesis is breaking the mould, as the brand is not generally known for its sports cars. In this respect, the Genesis may seem expensive for a Hyundai, but the brand has been going above and beyond in their latest designs to provide excellent quality products with impressive specifications and design. As a result, the Genesis Coupe is nothing short of all it aspires to be.

The 2013 model is a mid-cycle update which boasts 350 brake horsepower, a full 42 brake horsepower up on the previous model. It also has eight speed auto transmission with the option of paddle shift. This new version is much more powerful than its predecessor and makes an impressive engine sound with a high-revving howl. Larger tuned mufflers and a sound generator have been added for a more aggressive engine note It features new and improved wheels in addition to an updated front fascia, with the new lights and hood balancing form and function to complete an all round more aggressive ‘bad ass’ look. Further, the air intake opening has been made

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larger to feed more air to the engine and the large grille has been given blackout treatment, making it look ‘uber cool’.

By the way - the coupe also comes in three package options and a two litre version, which from a distance looks almost identical – but looks can be deceiving. I’ve driven the two litre and it’s a great car for what it is, but the 3.8 litre is a different beast altogether.

Hyundai claim that the new Genesis can do 0 to 100 kph in five seconds, which is impressive, but since I was testing it on the roads of Bahrain (… not in optimal sports car driving conditions!), I was unable to properly put this to the test, though I do not disbelieve the claim. I felt this car would be fun to push hard on race circuit conditions, and that it was made to do so, but again, being on Bahrain’s roads was not the best place to put this to the test so I don’t know exactly what this car is capable of. I did however get a good feel for what it was like for daily driving, and it was solid, well built and handled well.

The 2013 model is a mid-cycle update which boasts 350 brake horsepower, a full 42 brake horsepower up on the previous model.

The Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Coupe, 2013 model is available for BD12,490 off road and BD 13,000 on road (including registration and insurance fees). For more information on the car and the options available contact First Motors Tel. +973 1712 1121 or e-mail sales@1stmotors.com

Saudi Arabia Art

Artists from Saudi Arabia

Reflect on the Middle East’s Cultural Dichotomy

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thr Gallery, a leading contemporary art gallery based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, recently showcased works from twelve of Saudi Arabia’s most recognized as well as emerging artists at Art Dubai. Spanning a cross-section of mediums including mixed media, sculpture, installation, print, and canvas, exhibiting the paradox of life in the Middle East, while creating an opportunity for dialogue, discussion and reflection on the harsh realities of the world around us.

The artists represented included Ibrahim Abumsmar, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Musaed Al Hulis, Maha Malluh, Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang, Raouf Rifai, Nasser Al Salem, Jowhara AlSaud, Rashed Al Shashai, Sami Al Turki, SaddekWasil, and Shadia Alem. GFI The supreme kaba of God - Shadia Alem Food for thought 7000 - Maha Malluh

Gulf Insider September 2012

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Art Kite-ography

Kite-Ography The stunning aerial photos taken with just a camera and a kite - by the inventor of ‘kite-ography’ Nicolas Chorier.

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01

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hese incredible aerial photographs have been taken with the aid of a simple kite.

Soaring high above temples, coastlines and cities, the giant kite enables photographer Nicolas Chorier to manoeuvre his lens where no camera has been before.

His stunning pictures cast new light on iconic buildings and give a bird’s eye view of landscapes in India, Uzbekistan and Laos. ‘From above it’s a completely new vision, new perspectives, new ways to understand the landscape and heritage,’ said Nicolas. ‘Every place has something interesting to show from above. The results are full of discovery, showing new perspectives, new shadows.

‘Getting so close to subjects is magical,

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Gulf Insider September 2012

exquisite and thrilling.’

Photography has always been a part of Nicolas’s life. The 47-year-old grew up in France with weekly slide shows around the fireplace.

He was given his first camera when he was 12-years-old and quickly became a photography enthusiast.

As a teenager he also loved flying kites and one day decided to combine his two passions.

Nicolas, who lives in Pondicherry, India, makes his own kites using siliconised nylon and carbon sticks.

The photographic equipment is mounted in a small cradle hanging on a line under the kite. Only when his kite is in position and flying smoothly does he send the camera up.

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Kite-ography Art

Photo captions 1. Let’s go fly a kite: Photographer, Nicolas Chorier takes a picture with his kite camera 2. It also allows him to capture simpler compositions from unique angles, like this image of a fencing match on a beach in India 3. Perspective: This image shows a huge kite flying below the camera.

Palm trees can also be seen on the ground 4. Eco-snaps: Part of the beauty of Chorier’s style is it allows him to shoot buildings such as Udaipur Lake Palace in Rajasthan, India, from the air in an ecological way without resorting to helicopter or plane

05 An air-to-ground video link beams live become very touchy at times.’ images back to a portable TV screen It’s not just getting close to his subjects strapped around the photographer’s Nicolas enjoys about kite photography, it’s the ecological benefits of what he neck. Nicolas then uses a remote control to move the cradle and camera into the does. ‘I’m very concerned about ecology best position to take the picture. and saving our natural resources,’ he said.

‘Each site has its own challenges,’ he ‘I love the idea of using only the wind to said. ‘I have to consider the atmosphere do such activity, compared to burning temperature, the crowds, winds, kerosene with a helicopter, or wasting electrical wires and obstacles. It can helium with a balloon.’ GFI

5. Stunning: The kite camera took amazing images of the Poli-Kalon masoleum in old Bukhara town in Uzbekistan 6. Eye in the sky: Chorier’s method of photography enables him to rise above buildings to capture vast landscapes, as he does here with Jamia Masjid in Old Delhi, India

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Technology Charging Ahead!

Tech picKs Charging Ahead!

Love your smartphone or tablet, but fed up with the hassle of recharging? Here are some ingenious solutions that make keeping a full battery much easier.

Samsung SLATE PC Series 7

The Smart Crossover Notebook is designed for users in need of maximized productivity in a mobile working environment. It is based on the Windows 7 operating system and delivers the desired performance and productivity of a desktop PC with the usability of a tablet. Powered by an Intel Core i5/i3 processor and a SuperBright Plus 11.6” HD display, the device is powerful enough to handle demanding computing programs and deliver a computing experience similar to a desktop PC. With a battery life up to 7 hours on a single charge and weighing only 860g with just 12.9m (0.5’’) thickness, this gadget ensures true portability.

When connected to a docking station – complete with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse – the SLATE operates as a desktop PC. In case you are called for an unexpected meeting, you can easily detach the SLATE PC from the docking station and use it as a tablet. The touch screen interface can be used with your fingers or use the digitizer pen for more precision.

Powermat 3X

A simple, mat which, when paired with the appropriate receiver, provides wireless power to devices. Using induction technology it transfers electricity from the charger to your phone through magnetic fields so charging can begin even without precise, contact with a conductive surface. The Powermat is compatible with nearly every major smartphone in circulation, from the iPhone to the Blackberry Curve and even for Nintendo DS and DSi. An additional feature is its internal battery - so the mat can be charged itself and then taken with you for on-the-go re-powering.

The Sanctuary Charging Station

An innovative solution from Bluelounge. Hiding multiple charging cables, the sleek design allows simultaneous charging of a number of items whilst still leaving room for your wallet, watch, keys and other things that can end up cluttering your dressing table.

MiniDock

The MiniDock from Bluelounge allows your apple device to sit upright in the while it charges directly into the wall socket, allowing you to free up counter or tabletop space. The ideal travel companion it is light weight, small, practical and versatile - no more phones lying on the floor or dangling cables!

Mycharge 6000

A 6000 mAh portable battery, that when fully charged, can fully repower the average smartphone from empty, four times. It has multiple integrated connectors, including iPhone, iPod, USB and micro USB, and vocally tells you when charging is complete and what percentage of charge remains.

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ur 7 ho e on ry lif batte ingle as e g char

Feature Lifestyle Luxury

Lifestyle A selection of items designed to make your life feel that little bit more luxurious.

For Him…

Weekender by Prada Leather weekend bag with heat embossed logo.

Statement Watches, by Harry Winston Opus 12 Overturns perception of time with an improbable mechanical concept, drawing inspiration from the Copernican revolution.

Opus V A horological complication in collaboration with the masterwatchmaker, F. Baumgartner Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight in Paris Cufflinks Ties Only by Hermes Travel pouch for six ties features ebony trekking leather, silverand palladiumplated hardware.

Opus Eleven An engineering puzzle that resolves itself on the hour.

For Her…

Envelope iPad case, Victoria’s Secret

The Duchesse Bracelet, in diamond and platinum watch by Harry Winston

Gold plated keychain, Prada

Gulf Insider September 2012

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Last Word

Sleep Your Way To Improved Performance Why we shouldn’t judge a colleague napping at their desk…

Biphasic sleep Facts:  A nap markedly boosts the brain’s learning capacity.  Sleep clears the brain’s short-term memory storage and makes room for new information.  Napoleon napped between battles while sitting on his horse.  Churchill maintained that he had to nap in order to cope with his wartime responsibilities.  Einstein napped frequently during the day to help him think more clearly. He would sit in his favourite armchair with a pencil in his hand and purposefully doze off. He would wake when the pencil dropped, ensuring he did not enter a deep sleep from which it would be difficult to wake up.

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ammals are bi-phasic, meaning that we need more than one session of sleep in any 24 hour period, just have a look at your dog or cat. It is a natural thing, and while some countries have a culture of napping (think siesta, qaylola) many of us, particularly in British and US culture, struggle through this natural tiredness.

The second wave of tiredness happens about eight hours after we wake up in the morning. By having just a 10-20 minute nap as part of our lunch break we can restore our energy levels for the afternoon and be far more productive. “Sleep not only rights the wrong of prolonged wakefulness but, at a neurocognitive level, it moves you beyond where you were before you took a nap,” said Matthew Walker, an assistant professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the lead investigator of recent break through sleep studies.

NASA has undertaken significant research to determine what the best sleep patterns are to maintain maximum performance for astronauts and pilots.

They discovered that after a short nap there was a 34% improvement in performance and 54% in alertness. It is hard to imagine any other method of productivity enhancement having such profound effects. GFI

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