DT NATIONAL DAY 2012 by Rakesh Ramesh

Together Towards Tomorrow

BAHRAIN NATIONAL DAY

2012

41 Glorious Years &

Beyond...

On the occasion of Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Day we wish to convey warmest greetings and our good wishes to

His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa King of the Kingdom of Bahrain His Royal Highness

Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa The Prime Minister

His Royal Highness

Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa

The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander

spac

and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain

CONTENTS

Honorary Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer Responsible Editor Mahmood Al Mahmood Managing Editor Soman Baby Chairman ,Managing Board P Unnikrishnan Director Latha Unnikrishnan

Majesty in poor, rural areas. KingHis Bhumibol Adulyadej Among the and was born on 5 best-known December 1927. most successful After his schooling of His Majesty’s in Bangkok and projects is the Switzerland, Royal Rainmaking heLausanne enrolled Programme. In in 1962, His Majesty University to study began to study Science and then how clouds Law and Science. Political might be seeded Album to produce rain. After preliminary After his tests in 1969 at Editorial coronation on Khao Yai National 5 May 1950,King His Park, northeast Majesty of Thailand, His A Walk Down the Majesty Memory Lane Bhumibol has spent devoted his life succeeding years and resources to refining the CPISPtechniques to the development of Thailand and suit varyingand cloud the improvement conditions of the Thai to geographic areas. Committed Serve people’sToday livelihood. The success of the there Royal Rainmaking are some four Programme has Woman, the Worthy Partner thousand projects been recognised of Hisinitiatives, Majesty’s both domestically and internationally. The Royal Care including The Programme irrigation, water was registered conservation, with the World Oil..Meteorological flood prevention, cropself-sufficient substitution, Organisation in 1982 and today farming, mobile shares research medical units, data with similar distance learning. bodies around Theseimproved projects the world. In have 2001, His Majesty the livelihood of was awarded millions of Thais, the Gold Medal particularly those with Mention at

Creative Head Satya.. Compiled and Edited by Raji Unnikrishnan J John Photographs by Biju Haridas Mohammed Thasleem

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Royal Moments

Marks of Wisdom

Future is Bright

Role Models

Editor’s Note

A RESILIENT NATION

he challenges faced by governments in the Middle East since the ‘Arab Spring’ began, are too many, and too varied, to make generalisation. And the way this little Kingdom of Bahrain has been meeting its own challenges is indeed raise-worthy.

SOMAN BABY Managing Editor

As we celebrate National Day 2012, we must collectively embrace the optimism expressed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, last week, when he firmly stated,“Those who think that it is difficult for Bahrain to restore its social cohesion and preserve its national and territorial unity are driven by delusion, illusion and hesitation, which have no place in the solid and brave hearts of the Bahraini citizens.” His keenness for political reform, towards a stronger and more united Bahrain, is evident from his words, “Democracy and respect for human rights will always be the wings with which Bahrain flies towards a better future.” While countries like Tunisia, Egypt and Libya are struggling hard to cope with the enormous changes that revolutions brought out there, Bahrain here, since February 2011 protests, has organized a National Dialogue, set up the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, and has been patiently calling the opposition to shun the violence and come to the table. While Yemen went off the front-pages of newspapers, giving place to Syria which is reaching a dangerous boiling point, Bahrain here, has been keeping law and order under control battling street violence, vandalism, tyre burning on roads, and some violent attacks on police and expats. Despite attempts by some unruly elements to harm Bahrain’s social fabric, and its growing economy, the manner in which this country is resiliently managing itself is truly admirable. Today, Bahrain ranks first, as the most economically free nation in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, and the seventh freest economy in the world, according to the Economic Freedom of the World: 2012 Annual Report, published in September 2012 by the Fraser Institute, a leading international think tank. And according to the World Bank’s Doing Business project which measures ‘business regulations and their enforcement’ across 183 economies, Bahrain ranks fourth in the MENA region and 38th worldwide.

Bahrain’s real gross domestic product (GDP) rose 3.1 per cent year-on-year in July-September 2012, according to this month’s report by the Central Informatics Organisation (CIO). This growth was due to non-oil economic activities, because the output in the hydrocarbon sector, which accounts for almost a third of the $29 billion economy, fell 7.1pc year-on-year due to a roughly 10pc decline in crude production from the Abu Safa field. Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has very often lauded Bahrain’s reform steps as well as political, economic and social achievements in the prosperous era of HM the King, which have boosted the Kingdom’s status at the regional and international level. In the recently concluded Manama Dialogue, which the global leaders and strategists attended, the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa stressed that “dialogue is the only way forward”. The five main opposition societies in the Kingdom later welcomed this call for dialogue . This shows the willingness of many sides to work out a peaceable solution for Bahrain. This year’s success of events like Bahrain Formula 1, Bahrain International Air show, Cultural festivals, and global summits, are open proofs that Bahrain will remain the ever-friendly destination for business and pleasure. Despite political upheaval, the economic growth is being managed very well. And according to Economic Development Board (EDB)’s 2012 second quarter report, “Growth is likely to pick up further in 2013 due to a growth in infrastructure spending, as more than 20,000 housing units are set to be built by the government in the coming five years.” And, I believe, there will be acceleration in the economic growth, if all people, think beyond the sectarian lines, with the primary focus on the growth of a united Bahrain, strong and vibrant, not in a divided one, weak and shaky. As Bahrain celebrates the 13th Accession Anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and 41 glorious years of its status as an independent nation, let me salute the leadership of this great nation and wish all its people many many years of togetherness and prosperity.

Chairman’s note

MISSING ROSES

he scented memories of young boys selling roses on Bahrain’s roads flashed through my mind. During most evenings, on my way back home from work, when I’m parked at the traffic signals, young boys knock at the car door to sell me a flower along with a smile. However of late, I don’t see them anymore. Just wondering where those boys are! The key significant aspect about the nation’s National Day is that it lures all Bahrainis in unison.The National Day is also an occasion when there exists no sectarian discord, as well as when we must echo on the National Charter of Bahrain, which His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa had instigated. Bahrainis are by and large meticulous as well as learned people. However this nation desires further edification and prospects for local people. We definitely possess scores of unrefined talent here. The potential of the younger generation here is extraordinary, but we require the prospect to attest ourselves and exhibit what we are competent of. I believe Bahrain has a superior, concrete standing in the world, and I am swollen with pride to be part of this country. ‘The government has done a great many things for the people, from providing housing, controlling the cost of living and encouraging businesses to locate to Bahrain, and we do have a lot of foreigners who like living here. I think this is mainly because Bahrain is a lenient and unbiased society which is reverential of all religions, backgrounds and types of people, which is why we have such a congruous and multi-cultural society in Bahrain today. Year 2012 has witnessed violent terrorist acts that have, to a considerable extent, managed to tarnish the socio-economic fabric of this exquisite country. The civil disputes and discord cannot be considered graver when compared to the strong signals of terrorist acts that target the innocent citizens and expatriates. Bahrain needs to enact tougher laws in order to tackle this situation. This simply means - to find the true culprits, bring them to the law with ample evidence to prosecute and punish them. The law of the land must protect its people and their true interests devoid of human rights violations. A tough law will ensure the safety of the nation, their people and property as well as amplify the power

of democracy. A tough law is one that reflects, checks and balances the realms of democracy. Every crisis encounters a turning point when the media of the land quits being a spectator and turns out to be emotional and for real. Like every being in Bahrain, for DT too this is a tough era to acknowledge and comprehend the phases of violence as well as the intrusion of certain foreign countries in the business of this land. Besides the recent spate of bomb blasts made a terrible impact on the social security of the land that was well-known as the abode of the white dove. Recently, I had an opportunity to be part of a Bahrain delegation to the United Nations and Gaza. This helped me understand the vision and focus of our leaders and intellectuals at a global forum. Bahrain manages to control the heartbreaking situation without violating any human rights, thus struggling to resolve security issues. I hope and pray that I wrongly presume that expat businessmen who met regularly at coffe shops might be fewer in the future. However I know that travelers in search of Bahrain will soon be back in en masse. People refusing to be intimidated by terrorism reflect the resilience of a united Bahrain powered by deep rooted relationship with countries whose people too suffer here. For sure, the wise leadership of the nation, the effective administrative system and the dedicated government officials, especially the Interior Ministry shall overcome this ill-fated era before long. I hope and wish 2013 will be a year of dialogue, negotiations and amicable settlement. And I hope to see those boys selling roses on the road soon and promise to buy a flower of love and harmony.

P. UNNIKRISHNAN Chairman DT Management Board

Message

CELEBRATING GROWTH

SHAIKH KHALID BIN AHMED AL KHALIFA Minister of Foreign Affairs Kingdom of Bahrain

n the occasion of the 41st National Day, Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa extends his sincere congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Bahraini citizens on this joyous occasion. The National Day is not only a celebration of growth and developments achieved in all fields in the Kingdom in line with the leadershipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keen interest and efforts to bolster all aspects of Bahraini life and the aspirations of all its citizens for further prosperity and stability; but a celebration of Bahrainis genuine love for the country, unity and solidarity exemplary in times of hardship. Lessons learned in the past 41 years will continue to guide Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path to progress and prosperity for years to come, and to forge its way proudly towards national, regional, and international acclaim.

Heartiest Congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa The Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander The Government and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of The National Day of The Kingdom of Bahrain.

Congratulations and Best wishes to His Majesty

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain His Royal Highness

Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa The Prime Minister

His Royal Highness

Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander

and to the Government and the People of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of

Chairman and Board Members of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, The Employees and All Portfolio Companies www.bmhc.bh

Message

SALUTE TO CONTRIBUTIONS

n this joyous occasion, when the Kingdom marks its 41st National Day, I share the pride of being a Bahraini woman born and bred in a land that has made me what I am. I am proud of my culture and tradition and I am sure that every true and loyal Bahraini shares my sentiments. Let us together pledge to help shine this beautiful ‘sunshine’ island, once again like a pearl in the region. I take this opportunity to salute the leadership His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for their leadership which has led the Kingdom through a path of glorious reforms and proud achievements. I congratulate the people of Bahrain – citizens and residents alike – who have contributed to the building of our dear nation. Let us love our country and commit to lend a hand to its growth and prosperity.

SAMEERA RAJAB Minister of State for Information Affairs and Official Government Spokesperson

Aviation

BAHRAIN’S FLYING AMBASSADOR

TRACING GULF AIR’S EVOLUTION INTO AN INDUSTRY ICON

t has been an eventful 62 year journey for Gulf Air- the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Since March 24, 1950, when Gulf Aviation Company, the predecessor to Gulf Air, was established with a modest one aircraft ‘commuter’ service from Bahrain primarily to serve the oilfields in the region and some local customers, Gulf Air has come a long way.

Today, Gulf Air is more than just an airline carrying passengers; it is the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain

Once owned by four neighbouring nations - Oman, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain- Gulf Air became fully owned Bahraini organisation in 2007 after partner countries withdrew over the years.

Today, Gulf Air is more than just an airline carrying passengers; it is the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain representing the country as the ‘flying ambassador’ connecting the Kingdom across the world. The airline has grown to become one of most recognisable and respectable brands in the aviation industry with its Golden Falcon image etched in the minds of almost

every traveller flying into or out of the region. Headquartered in Bahrain, Gulf Air feeds in nearly 70% of the Bahrain International Airport’s traffic and takes pride of the fact that most travellers are choosing to fly with Gulf Air. The Kingdom’s location is a great advantage for Gulf Air; strategically perched at the doorstep of Saudi Arabia- the region’s biggest country both in terms of area as well as market size - giving companies unparalleled access to the booming MENA markets – a 400 million person market and, Gulf Air is the key link to access this huge market. The airline is proud of the fact that it operates the largest network in the Middle East with non-stop flights while providing seamless onward connections to other international destinations. As such for passengers from Europe, North Africa, the Far East and the Indian subcontinent, wishing to do business or visit key primary and secondary cities in the region, Gulf Air provides unbeatable choice of flights at convenient timings in brand new, compact yet comfortable fleet.

One of the core strengths of Gulf Air is its adaptability to the changing needs of markets and customers. Through creating a targeted, more focused international network, a superior, more consistent product, a modern and efficient fleet, the airline is aggressively seeking to differentiate from its competitors to establish its niche position in the market. The airline is well known for its hall mark Arabian hospitality and offering state-of-the art products and services on the ground and in the air. With over 60% of its fleet being brand new the airline operates one of the youngest fleets in the region with an average age of just 4.2 years. The airline’s newly introduced commercial initiatives such as ‘Family Friendly’ and ‘Business Friendly’, ‘Falcon Gold’ and ‘Falcon Flyer’ products have been well recognised among customers and the trade by winning a few awards in recent times. While proud of its achievements, Gulf Air continues to be a reliable, convenient, professional and value-driven service and is proud to be a regional leader and the preferred airline of choice in the region for its customers.

Interview

DOWN THE MEMORY LANE… K

FARAH BAIGH

nown to most as Abu Nabeel, Administration and Finance In-charge of the Palestinian Embassy, Mohammed Ali Rabah, cherishes the memory of interacting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during his school years.

Rabah.

A resident of Bahrain for the past 59 years, Mr. Rabah came to Bahrain on September 29,1953 from Lebanon after being recruited by the then Education Minister, Ahmed Al Omran.

“After 35 years of service in the educational field, a law of retirement was passed meaning I would have to return to my country but at the time I could not return to Palestine given the state of matters there. I had no place to go and considered Bahrain my home,” he recalls.

“I had fled to Beirut when my country was in turmoil and was 26 years old when I first came to Bahrain. I was immediately taken in by the Kingdom’s hospitality, felt safe and soon considered it my home,” says Mr Rabah.

King Hamad left for further education in the year 1965 while Mr. Rabah continued to work at the school, completing 12 years of service there.

On explaining the situation to the Bahraini government, he was granted permission to continue residing in Bahrain.

He began teaching at Muharraq’s Hidaya Al Khalifiya School for Boys, a boon for the Bahraini people and the first school in the Arabian Gulf built in 1919.

“I began working at the Palestinian Liberisation Organisation (PLO) in the year 1988 which was raised to the status of embassy once Palestine was liberated,” he adds.

“After working there for a year I was transferred to the Eastern School in Ras Rumman and Abu Baqer Western School where I worked for three years the following year. In 1958, five years after I set foot in Bahrain, I was transferred to the Manama Secondary School, one of two secondary schools at the time, where I was promoted to the position of Administrative Supervisor,” he says.

Three years ago, Mr. Rabah welcomed the Palestinian president, Mahmood Abbas, to Bahrain along with a delegation from the embassy.

Being the administrative supervisor meant he was responsible for six classrooms’ issues including attendance and discipline. During the year 1963, King Hamad enrolled in the school. Mr. Rabah would be in contact with him every day during the break as he would be out on rounds ensuring students returned to class on time. “I remember him being quite generous, often treating his comrades to refreshments during the break. He was polite, hardworking and possessed the traits of a true gentleman,” reminisced Mr

Mr. Rabah

“It was then that I saw His Majesty again. I’m not sure how, but even after all those years he recognised me and breaking protocol, came to greet me,” says Mr Rabah. He explained that on that day, King Hamad praised the role of Palestinian teachers in Bahrain. “I can easily say that he has been true to his personality and portrayed it through his ruling of Bahrain,” he adds.

INTERVIEW WITH ABU NABEEL, SCHOOL SUPERVISOR DURING KING HAMAD’S STUDENT YEARS

Aviation

FLYING INTO THE FUTURE

ahrain Air, the private national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain has established itself as a favourite for its customer friendly service within the region. Restructured as a hybrid airline offering both Business and Economy Class service, Bahrain air has introduced a new dimension and brought back ‘style’ into regional travel. Bahrain Air now operates to 18 scheduled and seasonal destinations and plays a major role in linking Bahrain, the financial center of the Middle East, to major cities in GCC, Levant, Africa and Indian Sub-continent. Bahrain Air operates a fleet of modern narrow bodied Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. Bahrain Air has been structured to fill a market niche as a Premium Value Carrier in the region with value for money pricing and a unique touch of friendliness.

duced o r t n i s air ha on and Bahrainnew dimensi le’ into ty a back ‘s al travel. t h g u bro region

Richard Nuttall, CEO of Bahrain Air, stated “We are continuously working towards providing added value and running a variety of promotions for our customers onboard our aircraft. Our most popular promotion involves a generous loyalty rewards program, whereby we offer a one way zero fare ticket for 7 boarding cards and a return

ticket for 11 boarding cards to any destination on Bahrain Air.” Passengers travelling Business Premium Class can enjoy a range of additional premium benefits including dedicated check-in counters, priority baggage handling plus extra baggage allowances and priority boarding” stated Mr. Nuttall. Business Premium Class passengers have exclusive access to various lounges among several of its destinations, offering complimentary Wi-Fi use, snacks and beverages together with relaxation areas and shower facilities. Business Premium Class passengers can exploit the new spacious 45 inch seat pitch to sit back and enjoy their flight, including the usage of tablets for entertainment purposes and newly added features to boost the ambiance. On board, both Business Premium and Economy Class passengers are provided with a comprehensive range of in-flight services including hot meals on long haul flights, a variety of snacks on short haul destinations, a complimentary copy of the in-flight magazine Reesha and duty-free shopping. Bahrain Air’s reservations system gives its valued customers flexibility and versatility. With customer-led features including the ability

to change reservations within three hours of departure, for example, the system offers our customers a better choice. Bahrain Air encourages its customers to book early to avail the early bird incentive, where a portion of our tickets are sold at up to 35% less than usual market rates. The airline’s website has also been enhanced, with sections for both B2C (Business to Customer) and B2B (Business to Business). The website is available in English, Arabic and in the process of installing a Malayalam version; including future regional customization in the pipeline.

We offer our heartiest congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Khalifa, Prime Minister His Royal Highness

Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the loyal people of Bahrain on the occasion of the 41st National day.

CPISP

PAR EXCELLENCE CPISP CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR TOP SCHOLARS

he Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Programme (CPISP) is proud to celebrate Bahrain’s national day and contribute to the Kingdom’s notable achievements under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Established in 1999 by HRH the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the programme awards ten scholarships on an annual basis to outstanding Bahraini students from both governmental and private secondary schools to study at top international universities. Since its inception, 126 of Bahrain’s brightest secondary school graduates have been selected on merit to receive the HRH the Crown Prince’s scholarships. The CPISP currently supports 65 scholars, who include 15 students pursuing post-graduate degrees, studying at top schools and universities in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Australia. A feature that sets the CPISP apart from other scholarship programmes is that its scholars can choose their own desired fields of specialisation, as well as the university and country where they would like to pursue their degrees. The CPISP is dedicated to supporting its scholars in achieving their aspirations, as their success contributes to Bahrain’s progress and development. CPISP scholars have dedicated themselves to a diverse range of majors and degrees, and which include engineering, law, management, international relations, political science, mathematics, finance, business, computer science, economics, physiotherapy, biology, biomedical research, and environmental science. Scholars from the Ministry of Education schools are placed into prep and boarding schools for a period of two years, where they obtain either an American High School Diploma or complete their A-Levels, before applying to university. This experience allows them to adapt to living abroad, improve their writing and research skills, and prepare for university life. The results have proven to be outstanding when it comes to obtaining a seat in prestigious universities.

CPISP

. . . . .

PROGRAMME FEATURES HRH the Crown Prince meets all students sponsored by the CPISP twice a year during their holiday breaks to personally follow-up on their progress. The CPISP provides its scholars with internships and career development guidance, and facilitates them with job placement after graduation. Students choose their own desired field of study and accredited university they gain acceptance to, provided that it is outside of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the region, to ensure international cultural exposure. Students are not required to return to Bahrain after graduation or work for a particular organisation. In fact, the CPISP welcomes international work experience. The programme organises courses and training for all qualifying candidates applying for scholarships, as part of the overall selection process.

Once scholars have completed their university degrees, they are free to follow their desired career paths and pursue employment opportunities either in Bahrain or in the global arena, where they receive international work experience and exposure. A total of 57 graduates have joined the workforce in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, the UK, and the US. In Bahrain, CPISP scholars have gained employment at various esteemed organizations, including the Court of the Crown Prince, Ministry of Justice, Aluminum Bahrain (ALBA), Mumtalakat, Economic Development Board, Central Bank of Bahrain, Bahrain Defense Force Hospital, Bahrain Airport Company, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Gulf Technics, and other private sector international institutions. Internationally, scholars have joined major corporations such as Merrill Lynch/Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Google, Viacom, Citigroup, A. T. Kearny, Price Waterhouse Cooper, BNP Paribas, and Deloitte Consulting. Application and Selection Process CPISP has developed its own specialised process to shortlist scholarship candidates and select the final recipients. First, CPISP staff brief qualifying 11th grade students about the programme and its application criteria through presentations and school visits. Students then submit their applications to the Scholarship Office and sit for a Qualifying English Language Test administered by the CPISP. To qualify as a CPISP applicant, students must be enrolled in the 11th grade and have a 97 per cent or higher cumulative GPA for grade 10 and the first semester of grade 11, as well as Bahrain citizenship. The top 60 students are then shortlisted based on their GPAs and English Test scores. These candidates are then given the opportunity to benefit from various educational workshops administered by the programme over the summer and throughout the academic year, before selecting the final recipients based on their GPA, IELTS and SAT scores, and their performance in specified training programmes. The selection process, including all student scores and grades, is reviewed by an independent auditing firm to ensure accuracy and transparency. Final Selection Criteria Grade Point Average IELTS Score 25% SAT – Critical Reading score SAT – Math score 25% SAT – Writing score 5% Leadership Training Score Critical Thinking Score

Percentage 30 % 5% 6% 4%

For more information on the programme and application deadline, please visit www.cpisp.bh

On the occasion of Bahrain始s National Day we wish to convey warmest greetings and our good wishes to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa The Prime Minister

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain

BFC_070_National Day Ad_21cmW_X_30cmL_AW.pdf

12/4/12

10:53 AM

Congratulations and best wishes to

CMY

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa The Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of the 41st National Day From all at BFC

The BFC Values Care. Trust. Efficiency

SCW

WOMAN, THE WORTHY PARTNER

SCW’S CONTINUED PROGRESS IN EMPOWERING WOMEN RAJI UNNIKRISHNAN

“Our aspirations for

women are for them to

contribute, as effective decision makers, in the development of the

Kingdom.

racing a progressive graph through focused projects and programmes the Supreme Council of Women (SCW), stands at a juncture today, with its vision reasserted – women as capable partners in building the State. The Bahraini Women’s Day marked by the Council annually on December 1, since 2008 had set themes which enabled women to aspire higher and render their best as equal and worthy partners in all walks of life in the Kingdom. This year, which has marked the celebrations under the theme ‘Women and Sport ... Will, Achievement and Ambitions’, the Council’s charismatic woman leader Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman, said that “female athletes have played a significant role in empowering women and strategically placing the country in the international arena”. “We at the Supreme Council for Women highly appreciate women’s devotion and dedication to success and will not stop providing them with all the necessary support. “We want Bahrain to be a model for women empowerment that gives them due respect in line with principles outlined in the Constitution and the National Action Charter,” she said. The Council had started with the theme ‘I Read, I Learn, I Participate’ in 2008 where it reached out the message to the Bahraini women on the importance of being literate and forthcoming. In 2009, the day was marked under the theme ‘women and health security’ which highlighted women’s outstanding achievements in the health sector and their success stories as midwives, nurses, technicians, doctors and ministers. 2010 was a dedication to ‘Bahraini Women and Voluntary Work - 55 years of Participation and Giving’ and paid tribute to the Bahraini women for their dedication and devoted participation in building up a framework of voluntary work over the past five decades.

Last year was set apart to laud the Bahraini woman’s role in economic development as ‘effective partners contributing to the national economy’ stressed on the National Strategy for the advancement of Bahraini women. The celebrations focused on seven areas of empowering Bahraini women - economic empowerment, political empowerment, family stability, health, education, civil society and environment.

PROTECTION, EDUCATION AND WELL-BEING The mission of the Council is to work to nurture women by protecting, and raising awareness of their rights, as well as ensuring their well-being in both health and environment. It also pledges to work to enhance their capabilities through knowledge and skills to make them qualified contributors in building the family, the society and the State. “Our aspirations for women are for them to contribute, as effective decision makers, in the development of the Kingdom. This will lead to further developing women to be qualified and capable partners in building the nation. We will reach out to women to address their issues and those conditions that are of concern to them. We will work closely with the government and civil societies, who are looking towards the prosperity of our Kingdom, to plan, execute, monitor and assess all initiatives that will lead us to achieve our goals,” says the Council’s Mission Statement.

SUPPORT CENTRE The Women Support Centre, which started as a ‘Complaints Unity’ today, serves as a center point that directly receives the complaints and grievances of Bahraini women in order to help resolve them through the available means and mechanisms, within the SCW’s authority. The diversity of complaints and applications forwarded to the centre, and the critical need of

SCW

Bahraini women for better support and attention, led to the formation of the centre in April of 2011. The Centre provides counselling and guidance and receives complaints. Its objectives are to provide women with the support needed to help resolve women-related issues and to ensure women’s rights protected as guaranteed by the constitution and all international conventions and agreements signed by the Kingdom.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ‘Comprehensive and sustainable development of Bahraini society cannot be achieved without fair partnership between women and men, where women participate in development plans and programs as well benefit from its outcomes’ says the Council. As part of mainstreaming women’s needs in the development plan which requires national collective efforts, the council set up the ‘equal opportunities’ plan which refers to ensuring equality and indiscrimination in offering opportunities in all areas, such as family, education, work, securing senior positions, while taking into consideration the needs, competence and abilities. Equal Opportunities Units were set up to implement the National Model for Mainstreaming Women’s Needs in Development by integrating the needs of women in all fields related to the work of the concerned ministry or organization. This is in addition to working towards

achieving equal opportunities amongst employees. Gender Sensitive Budgeting, its goals and Mechanisms for the Implementation of the National Model for Mainstreaming Women’s needs in Development are of top p-riority to the Council. Princess Sabeeka chairs the council which includes 16 members, representing public female figures experienced in women’s affairs. Their membership term is three years and can be renewed. A Royal Order appoints the members, while Princess Sabeeka appoints the Deputy President of the Council.

Regional

FOSTERING UNITY

BAHRAIN’S KEY ROLE IN BONDING THE GCC

other areas diplomatically,” Mr. Al Amer explained. But while regional security is seen as a hot topic for the union, there are other big projects that will continue to blur the borderlines across the region and foster further unity.

AIMING FOR A COMMON MARKET

ROBERTO CARRILLO

n Bahrain’s current presidency of the 33rd Session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Kingdom hopes to foster further unity amongst Gulf States amidst growing need for regional security and cooperation in various civic affairs. “It is our primary goal to foster further unity between the members of the GCC. There are many developments that we are working on. Some of these include infrastructure and highways, the limitation or removal of trade restrictions or tariffs, education, culture and even defence,” says Foreign Affairs Ministry Regional and GCC Affairs Undersecretary Hamad Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Amer. At the moment Mr. Al Amer sees regional stability and closer relations between the GCC states as the most important step in achieving many of the proposed projects. He cited the assistance provided by the GCC’s Peninsula Shield Force during the 2011 unrest as one of the greatest shows of unity by the GCC. “This force has been put in place by a treaty should any of the GCC countries be under threat. But this is not just the first time the Peninsula Shield was used. In the Kuwait Invasion, the GCC Peninsula Shield Force was active,” he recounted.

REGIONAL WORRIES

The threat from Iran has always been present, said Mr. Al Amer. “There is no confidence between the GCC and Iran. Iran’s hand in the internal affairs of each of the GCC states as well as the continued Iranian occupation of an island belonging to the United Arab Emirates has forced us to pursue our agenda in the United Nations as well as in

“The GCC Monetary Union is still a top priority for Bahrain. At the moment, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar have backed the proposal. We are still trying to get the United Arab Emirates to join although they may still need some convincing,” said Mr. Al Amer. The UAE’s decision not to join was allegedly linked mostly with the collective decision to make Riyadh as the headquarters of the Gulf Central Bank despite UAE’s wish to host the headquarters. Oman has also chosen not to join in the tentative agreement for adopting the currency. “Having a currency union will bring us a step closer to becoming a common market. It is mostly in the local legislations and making them in tune with the rest of the other GCC states that is delaying the achievement of a common market like in the European Union. As I mentioned earlier, further unity by the GCC will ensure that GCC citizens can have more freedom in moving around the region, in setting themselves up in other GCC states or investing in others,” he said. In general, the freedom of mobility is in practice however, he said that there is still a need for streamlining of the whole process through easing up on local legislations.

SHARING POWER

At present, there is also cooperation in areas of energy where GCC states have agreed to share power amongst each other. Since Bahrain was connected to the GCC Power Grid, power outages have become rarer. It was only several years ago that momentary blackouts were common especially during the summer season when demand for electricity would increase to power air-conditioning units across the country. At the moment, efforts are being made to connect Oman in the power grid.

RCO

THE ROYAL CARE

RCO INITIATIVES STAND TESTIMONY TO BAHRAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHARITY RCO focuses on improving

the standard of living,

rehabilitation of needy

families, fostering

community partnership

and developing a spirit of solidarity in the Bahraini society.

ZILIA MONTEIRO

lmost 12 years since its inception the Royal Charity Organization (RCO) has been the leading charity organization in the Kingdom supporting global causes through the majestic efforts of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. HM established the organization on 14th July 2001 for the purpose of caring for the Bahraini orphans coming from eligible families. On 4th November 2001, another Royal Decree was issued by HM to assign the organization with providing care for the widows as well. In November 2007, yet another Royal Decree was issued to re-organize the RCO, with HM the King as the Honorary President of the organization and HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The RCO works under a policy to ensure the quality of services provided to orphans and widows and all other deserving segments served by the organization, either directly or indirectly through support and funding for projects that serve them. A number of initiatives and aid were provided to needy people in the Gaza Strip in collaboration with the Bahraini National Committee for the Support of the Palestinian people. Bahrain was the first country to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza including the signing of several agreements for the implementation of development projects in Gaza, signing of an agreement with Islamic Relief Worldwide to manufacture and install artificial limbs for 1000 disabled women, men and children, with rehabilitation at a cost of USD 550,000.

RCO

MESSAGE FROM RCO SECRETARY GENERAL The agreement was signed with United Nations Agency for the Relief and Work of the Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for the implementation of several development projects. These included building a school at a cost of USD 2.25 million, building a health center consisting of three floors in Khan Younis costing USD 2.64 million and a library for children in the Fakhoura school yard, with furniture and books at a cost of USD 500,000. In addition was the processing of scientific laboratories of the Islamic University in Gaza at USD 372,000. In November this year, Shaikh Nasser inaugurated the Bahrain Educational Complex set up to educate over 400 students at the Al Zaatari Camp. The Republic of Pakistan had been another project destination where shipments of food and relief were sent to help shelter victims of the

floods that swept several areas in the North-west. RCO Secretary General Dr Mustafa Al Sayed who facilitated many of these campaigns also visited the Somali people this year with a total of BD 2million spent towards their cause. In Bahrain, the RCO focuses on improving the standard of living, rehabilitation of needy families,

fostering community partnership and developing a spirit of solidarity in the Bahraini society. It provides services to more than 10,000 orphans, widows and many needy and deserving individuals with the support of the Royal benefactors. Shaikh Nasser inaugurated Bahrain National Institute for Vocations Training last year with the aims to provide education for students who missed out on early study opportunities giving them a second chance for training and a rehabilitation opportunity to prepare them for the labour market. In November this year Shaikh Nasser met President of Worldskills International to discuss their ongoing efforts of collaboration to develop skills for the youth. The RCO also donated $1m to fund the Shaikh Isa Humanity Service

Award encouraging those who serve humanity at the regional, Arab and international levels. The award was established in 2009 in memory of the late Amir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. It is presented every two years to individuals, organizations and authorities working in the field of humanitarian services.

“On the occasion of National Day and the succession of HM the king I wish to congratulate HM, the Government of Bahrain, the Prime Minister, the Crown Prince and the people of Bahrain on the occasion of this historical milestone. RCO’s charity gestures have been tremendous, especially during 2012; a year that we concentrated on giving quality service to the needy people of Bahrain’s orphans and windows through social support, financial support and health support in all aspects of their needs to make their life comfortable. In addition, it has been a historic year for Bahrain, a great contribution as directed by HM the king, the Honorary president of the RCO under the leadership of HH Shaikh Nasser who have managed to succeed in implementing very useful projects in Palestine, Turkey and very recently the Bahrain Educational Complex; a very useful school which caters for 400 students at the Al Zaatari camp in Jordan. The RCO has been a beacon of hope spearheaded by HM the King.”

Security

COMMITTED TO SERVE

“Amidst the turmoil that the Kingdom has been

going through of late, it was nothing less than a

rollercoaster ride for us at the Interior Ministry,” a policeman shares his thought.

One would have to accept that balancing

the security and stability, maintaining

law and order and enforcement of the law

simultaneously, is more than the art of juggling. This poses a question before us - How do they

manage it?

RAJI UNNIKRISHNAN

he smiling face of the calm and collected man at the helm of affairs of the Kingdom’s Interior Ministry – Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa says it all. Taking a closer look, one can read from the leader’s face - far from a juggler’s job it is more of committed and concentrated efforts and a process of learning. Looking back at the past eight years, ever since Shaikh Rashid took over the reins of the Ministry in 2004, the scene has witnessed an overall advancement in various fields, including the security department. Focus was more on the human resource development with the introduction of specialised courses and the integration of the latest technology, leading to excellence and the improvement of efficiency.

STRATEGIC APPROACH

The ministry’s achievements - the improvement in its workforce with an optimum use of its financial resources and fulfilling the policies of the government in line with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 – resulted from its strategic approach. Under the support and guidance of the wise leadership of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Ministry has adopted a policy of modernisation and development to improve efficiency and by using the latest technology, in order to save time and effort and improve the quality of its services and mission and fulfill its duties. Plans that embrace all aspects of security work and being ready to deal with the latest happenings and changes locally and regionally, and a review of these formulae regularly, in order to attain the best results, helps to sustain this approach.

OBJECTIVES The ministry aims many goals under the umbrella of three key objectives – Human Resources Development, Making a Secure Environment and Security Preparedness.

Security

Staff is supported to attain their best performance level through academic and vocational training with focus on developing police characteristics, developing the ability to act in the right way in all situations, adopting high levels of efficiency and by being flexible in thinking and acceptance. Through the prevention of crime and securing general safety an appropriate environment for growth and development in all fields is ensured, while training in combating violence, crisis management to combat natural and industrial disasters and provision of excellent police helps it to ‘be prepared’ always. Swift response, effectiveness, transparency, accountability, humanity and community partnership under the slogan ‘Security is the responsibility of all’ are the principles that the Ministry remains committed to.

FUTURE VISION Achieving a balance between maintaining security and stability and respecting human rights and freedoms, commitment to legal and ethical standards and implementation of the principles of equality and transparency, keeping up the high spirit of policemen and achieving a high level of readiness through preparation, improved qualifications and training are among the visions that the Ministry foresees. Deploying high technology and advanced systems in the field of security-related work, building channels to connect with all sections of society, embodying the concept of community partnership and cooperating and coordinating with other official authorities also are of priority.

HISTORY The police system in the Kingdom, aged over 140 years ago was established in 1869 by the then ruler Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. ‘Afdawiya’ (the Shaikh’s Guards), were introduced to maintain security and order and were mainly stationed in Manama and Muharraq. I n 1919 when Bahrain set up the Manama Municipality, the first administrative

establishment, records say that security affairs and police duties were under it. Subsequently, Afdawiya was renamed as Natoor guard and they were brought under the Training and Operations Directorate and this continued until 1930 when the first law to regulate police was passed and the directorate renamed the Bahrain Police Directorate. Wisdom and capabilities of the Royal Family commanded the police department and Shaikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa who was appointed Police and Public Security Chief in 1937, who reorganized the system and introduced laws to develop the force. In the late 1930s, the Mounted Police Section - the oldest section in the system and responsible for protecting the northern and western coastline was created. It developed into ‘Al Hajana’ which patrolled along the coast and guarded oil installations. The Coast Guard was installed in 1940s and in 1961, UK educated HRH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa was appointed the Chief, who established new and important security management system. Bahrain Police Directorate was renamed as the Ministry of Interior and the Police System changed to Public Security in 1971. Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa was appointed Minister of Interior before the independence of Bahrain and this phase is considered as the new phase in the history of security work that led to many achievements in the security field.

Oil

OIL WEALTH AND BEYOND

ENERGY SECTOR EYES ATTRACTING $20BN INVESTMENT IN 15 YEARS AVINASH SAXENA

ahrain’s energy sector will attract about $20billion investment over the next 15 years, according to National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) Officials and the Energy Ministry. Official reports quoting senior ministers and officials have said, “It is estimated that between 2011 and 2015, about $530bn will be invested in the energy industries of the Middle East. About 60pc of these investments will take place in the GCC countries”.

SHAIKH AHMED BIN MOHAMED AL KHALIFA MINISTER OF FINANCE & MINISTER IN CHARGE OF OIL AND GAS AFFAIRS

Another key message said, “Bahrain to a small extent, and the Middle East to a large extent, are contributing towards the security of supply of natural resources.” Significant efforts are underway to move into more lucrative petrochemicals value-adds and the expansion of the refining project at Sitra. The prospect of building an LNG receiving terminal is another potentially significant landmark, and the government has served notice that a decision on who to build it is expected soon. A significant development during the year was the appoinment by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalia via a royal decree, of Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, as the Minister in charge of Oil and Gas Affairs and Chairman of the board of directors in the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA). Experts see Bahraini oil production rising to as much as 95,000 barrels per day (b/d) by 2021, in line with efforts to boost output at the mature Bahrain field. On the other hand, domestic oil consumption is expected to grow to almost 60,000b/d over the same period.

In the month of June 2012, the

Oil

Kingdom of Bahrain celebrated

over 80 years of the discovery of oil, being the first country in the Gulf

Cooperation Council (GCC) to hit oil. Gas production and consumption are likely to grow in tandem to around 19.5bcm by 2021. In the month of June 2012, the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrated over 80 years of the discovery of oil, being the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to hit oil. The Kingdom is actively engaged in increasing its oil and gas supply through various enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, undertaken by the upstream exploratory company, Tatweer - a joint venture between NOGA, Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) and Mubadala Development Company - as well as through the development of a large-scale liquefied natural gas import terminal. Tatweerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success in increasing fossil fuel production is likely to continue with production increasing by 33% in 2011 to 45,000b/d. Bahrain Petroleum (BAPCO) and Saudi Aramco are considering a scheme to replace, upgrade and redirect a pipeline that links Saudi oil fields to Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only refinery. The project is expected to increase the capacity of the pipeline to 350,000b/d. The two countries are expected to finish the frontend engineering and design, or FEED, by the end of 2012, and open the tender in 2013. The estimated cost is around $350mn.

We offer our warm greetings to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Khalifa, Prime Minister His Royal Highness

Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the loyal people of Bahrain on the occasion of the National day .

Oil

BAPCO is planning a major overhaul and expansion of its refinery at Sitra, with the aim ofadding some 100,000b/d of capacity and additional petrochemicals production. The project is expected to cost US$6.5bn and will take 18 months to complete. Thanks to the wise leadership, Bahrain witnessed in 2010 the birth of Tatweer. Its stated goal is to triple the production of oil and double the production of domestic gas to 2.7billion cubic feet by 2024. These

commitments require a huge investment, it is expected that invest about (15) billion dollars to develop our national resources during the next two decades borne by the oil companies. The Kingdom of Bahrain provides an excellent example of the opportunities and challenges in a non-OPEC Middle East country. Its proximity to Saudi Arabia as well as its cultural closeness has fostered many new opportunities and opportune business dealings between the two countries. Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership has followed the policy of market related behaviour in the oil and gas sector within the confines of political acceptability in the country. The pivotal roles of the National Oil and Gas Authority, and of BAPCO in the Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic Vision 2030 have engendered many new initiatives most notably the promotion of new upstream business through new offshore concessions, and enhancing the current production of the Bahrain Field through increased investments and introduction of new technologies by international players. Bahrain provides opportunities for other major investments in lube oil, asphalt production, and petrochemicals.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of the

National Day and the 13th Accession Day of H.M.the King

National Day and the 13th Accession Day of H.M.the King Nat

spac

Tamkeen

EMPOWERING THE NATION

TAMKEEN’S KEY ROLE IN SHAPING BAHRAIN’S ECONOMIC FUTURE

asked with enabling individuals and enterprises in Bahrain to grow and develop as part of the Kingdom’s wider reform initiatives in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, Tamkeen’s ongoing support of Bahrain’s enterprises and individuals within the private sector and driving entrepreneurship has laid a solid foundation for the Kingdom’s private sector to become a key driver of Bahrain’s economic development. Over the past few years, Tamkeen’s name has become synonymous with development and prosperity, thanks in large part to more than 180 innovative support programmes and large contingent of beneficiaries. These pioneering initiatives, carefully designed based on thorough studies and consultations with stakeholders, have benefited nearly 65,000 Bahrainis and enterprises across all sectors. In 2012 alone, Tamkeen added 24 new support initiatives to its Human Capital Development programmes, and 47 more to its Private Sector Support programmes, opening up new growth and development opportunities for Bahrainis and enterprises.

SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN AUGUST OF 2006, TAMKEEN HAS BEEN A KEY FORCE SHAPING BAHRAIN’S ECONOMIC FUTURE.

By adopting an integrated approach and conducting thorough studies and consultations with stakeholders, Tamkeen’s programmes form a continuous chain of positive change, starting from school children all the way to senior professionals, and from fresh business start-ups to established large enterprises.

FOCUS ON YOUTH From the outset, Tamkeen recognised that Bahrain’s sizable and growing youth population constitutes an integral part of the march towards economic growth and prosperity, and thus placed high amongst its list of priorities. In designing the programmes, Tamkeen is careful that they engage today’s youth in order to maximise their impact, and present them in a way that is in tune with their interests as they mature and enter into the workforce, with the ultimate aim of properly equipping the next generations of Bahrainis with the skills know-how to thrive in the labour market. Thousands of young Bahrainis from primary school to university students, fresh graduates, and job seekers have benefited from these programmes. These programmes encompass a wide range of areas, including local and international internship opportunities, professional training at leading accredited institutes, promoting best practices in the workplace, and fostering the

entrepreneurial spirit, to name a few.

Examples include Employment Support Programme to populate vacancies with trained Bahrainis, the “a9eel” Campaign to instill sound work ethics amongst school-age children, the “Mashroo3i” Business Competition to promote entrepreneurship, “Afterschool” magazine to promote career opportunities and successful practices in workplace, “Discover Life @ Work” to help young Bahrainis find exciting careers in growing fields, and many others. In addition to these Tamkeen-led initiatives, there are other programmes that came as a direct collaboration between Tamkeen and youth-targeted organisations, such the General Organisation for Youth and Sports, inJAz Bahrain, AIESEC, as well as private sector companies such as Zain.

CREATING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE To affect the larger change within the private sector that it seeks, Tamkeen also strives to spread the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation within the Kingdom in order to foster the creation of and development of enterprises leading to more robust private sector growth. Entrepreneurship, after all, is the catalyst which fuels the growth of modern economies. By creating numerous dedicated programmes for this purpose starting the early school years all the way to graduation from university and beyond, Tamkeen is successfully steering more and more Bahrainis into choosing entrepreneurship as a lucrative and viable career option instead of relying on traditional employment. One of Tamkeen’s key programmes in promoting the entrepreneurship is the Start-up Support Scheme, a multi-scheme flagship programme which is set to provide 160 entrepreneurs with training and funding to maximise the success of their business venture. Services provided under this programme include providing initial seed money, co-financing feasibility studies, and subsidising fixed costs through incubation centers such as the Bahrain Business Incubation Center. Another key multi-scheme programme is the Enterprise Development Support Scheme, which to date has benefited in excess of 4,500 enterprises. The programme enables businesses to become more sustainable by supporting

Tamkeen them in several critical areas, including marketing, business planning, quality management, and technical capabilities.

Evaluation Model to help its partner banks properly evaluate the applicant SMEs and provide them with suitable financing solutions.

BRIDGING THE FINANCING GAP

In addition to this scheme, Tamkeen offers specialised financing schemes such as the ICT financing scheme, whereby business owners can access capital needed to upgrade existing ICT solutions leading to enhance their enterprisesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; resources.

One of the most important issues facing the reformation of the private sector was the financing gap that existed in the market to SMEs. Like all enterprises, SMEs require access to capital to carry out their expansion plans and compete on the local, regional, and international levels. However, this segment of the market was perceived as too risky for most banks, and thus was either charged very high rates or shunned altogether. Tamkeen was instrumental in bridging this critical gap by launching innovative programmes such as the BD210 million Enterprise Financing Scheme portfolio and Micro-Finance Scheme in partnership with several leading local banks. Through these programmes, Tamkeen acts as the facilitator, connecting enterprises and financial institutions in a way which meets the requirements of both parties involved. What this did, in effect, aside from enabling SMEs access to capital, but also institutionalise a culture of SME financing within the Bahraini market, opening up an untapped market for Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lending institutions. So much so that Tamkeen created a special programme called the Business

To date, over 5,000 enterprises have benefited from these scheme, over 1,000 of which are business start-ups. Women also constitute nearly one-third of the business owners who benefited from these schemes.

CONTINUING THE MOMENTUM Looking ahead, Tamkeen will carry on its enabling role to both individuals and enterprises through its existing programmes and initiatives, and continue to closely engage with its stakeholders to identify new support opportunities. WithTamkeen allocating BD87 million for on-going and new projects and programmes to serve more than 29,000 Bahrainis and private sector enterprises in 2013 alone, and more than 100,000 Bahrainis and enterprises set to benefit in the longer term, Tamkeenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact continues to touch all sectors and segments of society to achieve their potential.

MOIC

TOWARDS INDUSTRIAL EXCELLENCE

RAJI UNNIKRISHNAN

I DR FAKHRO

ndustrial development, compatible with the regional demands, sustainable market growth through focused programmes and attractive opportunities for investors - 2012 was a combination of these, which ensured the Kingdom’s return to fullfledged business. The route-map that was laid out by the Industry and Commerce Ministry team under the visionary leadership of Dr Hassan Fakhro, which initiated with the ‘Investment Gateway – Bahrain’ in January 2012, enabled this a reality. Over the period of a year, the ministry lead the commercial and industrial segment of the Kingdom through a holistic development, ranging from projects like foreign business group exchange programmes that aimed business boost on corporate levels to those that support the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector to enhance their capacity and competitiveness not only locally, but in a global scale. The integrated plan and strategy adopted by the Ministry which is currently being implemented in cooperation and coordination with the private sector and institutions, the New Economic City Project, projects at the Bahrain International Investment Park and the Jewellery Arabia 2012 added to the growth. Worth mentioning is the New Economic City Project , a dream project of His Majesty the King aims primarily to develop Bahrain economically and enable it to compete internationally in attracting foreign investment. ‘The vision of this city is to be an economic city with unique, balances and sustainable character with world class infrastructure and with responsive environment and

encouraging for investment and provide a high standard of living,’ said the Ministry. The ministry spares no effort to keep pace with its mission, especially its key aspect – ‘to take an active role in developing the national economy by encouraging and promoting inward investment’, without losing focus on its vision – to aspire to be a model for timely customer service and to contribute towards achieving a private sector driven, globally competitive, sustainable, diversified and knowledge economy , whilst shifting focus from the role of an operator to that of an enabler and a regulator. With clear strategic objectives - foster fair and transparent regulatory environment; increase level of competition; facilitate entrepreneurship in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Sector; strengthen the manufacturing sector; maximize benefits from Foreign Trade Relations and improve the quality and efficiency of MOIC services using IT – the ministry is on a steady pace, moving towards further heights and glories.

Labour

EXPATS’ PARADISE

RAJI UNNIKRISHNAN

he Kingdom is known for its hospitality towards foreign workforce and has been rated third in the world, after Thailand and Canada, in its adaptation and acceptance of expatriates’ workers and communities in their host countries. ‘We are proud of this proven fact and it reflects the Bahraini society’s acceptance of others, regardless of their race or religion, and this makes the Kingdom a desired work destination for expatriates,’ said Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan. “The major development projects taking place in the country promises a future for investment and the migrant workers prefer a country with a promising economy, because it achieves its stability at work. The existence of legislation helps preserve and maintain the rights of foreign workers. We have an advanced labour law (2012) and an inspiring labour legislation, which helps us to set the priorities right – while welcoming expatriate labour, we ensure that it does not negatively impact the Bahrainisation strategy of jobs.”

ENHANCING MANPOWER Mr Humaidan pointed out that investment in man power and training of national workforce has raised the bars of the Kingdom in terms of its

labour market, when compared with other countries in the region. The government, over the past years has done much in the development of human resources, because it recognises that the existence of a qualified national labour workforce would mean increased foreign investment opportunities. “We would be denying the truth if we say that there is a distinction between the countries of the region in the labour sector, as the economies of these countries are analogous. But probably the advancement of Bahrain comparable to its GCC neighbours lies in a foundation that is backed by systematised and sophisticated legislation and laws in the Kingdom, along with the presence of highly trained national personnel in a variety of sectors, such as the banking and financial sector. The investors in the financial sectors, for instance, consider the country having competent national bankers as financially safe.”

POSITIVE CHANGES Bahrain has recorded fundamental changes over the past years and particularly since the launch of the Reform Project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain. Many changes in respect to political, economic and social aspects have moved the country through this project from one reality to another on

Labour

“THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TAKING PLACE IN THE COUNTRY PROMISES A FUTURE FOR INVESTMENT AND THE MIGRANT WORKERS PREFER A COUNTRY WITH A PROMISING ECONOMY, BECAUSE IT ACHIEVES ITS STABILITY AT WORK.

the development level. According to Mr Humaidan, the direct effects on the development of the social and economic situation of every Bahraini played a role in the positive changes that impacted every citizen and resident. “Those changes had important implications on the environment of the national and expatriate workforce through the enactment of necessary legislation to ensure the development of the workplace. The Kingdom signed several international agreements aimed at creating a safe and sound working environment, as well as the induction of development programs to advance the private sector through a policy of specific vocational training that go with the requirements of the labour market, wage subsidies and unemployment insurance. The Kingdom was a pioneer in the region to the changes that took over work environment and the consolidation of trade union freedoms.”

EMERGING STRONGER The recent crisis that rocked the Kingdom left a major mark on its labour front in terms of the file of dismissals. Commenting that ‘political, economic and natural crises’ were a normal situation for developed countries, Mr Humaidan pointed out the many crises the country had been through in the past. “But those crises had all passed and Bahrain remained great with its prudent leadership and kind people. After every crisis, Bahrain had emerged stronger than it was to continue its developmental march and during the latest sad events, although were harsh and tactless, especially with regard to

the dismissals’ file, thankfully Bahrain was able to overcome this juncture by achieving positive results. Bahrain was able to quickly restore confidence in its labour market and statistics at the Ministry revealed that the unemployment rate remained unaffected.”

OPPORTUNITIES WAITING Great opportunities await the Kingdom in light of endeavours for achieving comprehensive developmental plans, opined the Minister. “We believe the coming period will see a growth in all the sectors of Bahrain from establishing a sophisticated infrastructure and creating a secure environment that entices investors. The Government is working to make our country a developed regional center in banking, insurance and training, health, tourism and other sectors for attracting investments, and without any doubt the policy of national income will enhance the diversity of these opportunities.”

LMRA

OPTIMISING THE LABOUR MARKET LMRA MOVES A STEP CLOSER TO VISION 2030 in 2013. The highlight of the achievement lies in the fact that this was done while number of staff in the operations department was reduced by 18pc, whereas the number of applications had increased by 2pc in 2012. Over 95pc of services are offered online. The qualitative and quantitative increase of services provided at the Client Services Department (including those done manually and provided electronically), catered to the lowest common denominator.

MR AL ABSI

A full-fledged Immigration Services Office manned by 27 staff from Nationality, Passports and Residence Authority (NPRA) launched during the year made it easy for clients to meet all their

A ground breaking customer satisfaction survey was conducted through an international house of expertise that covered a scientifically selected representative sample of over 2,100 customers of all sizes, economic sectors, and geographic locations. The findings of the survey will constitute the base of LMRA’s 2013 developmental work. A survey of the users of the services of recruitment agencies concluded of late will be the launching pad for reorganising this sector in the coming few months. Communicating - collectively and individually

RAJI UNNIKRISHNAN

arking an evolutionary 2012, one of the key players in the Kingdom’s economic and social development - the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has moved a step closer to the reality of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. With the focus on how to provide faster, accurate, transparent and balanced services, LMRA engaged in a series of analytical and diagnostic exercises, said its Chief Executive Officer, Ausamah Al Absi. Explaining the process that guided the dynamic entity through a remarkable growth process, Mr Al Absi highlighted that these exercises led to a series of fundamental developments. Business Process Reengineering led to a reduction of the processing time from five days to three, with a new target to further reduce that

requirements in one visit to a single location. The reliability and availability of the service is paramount to the LMRA; therefore in 2012 the Information Technology platform migrated to a new, state-of-the-art mainframe that will provide faster services for the coming years. The client interface saw an expansion of tools to allow users to access any operating system and through mobile devices. The airport services were equipped with redundancy systems to ensure there will be minimal waiting.

- with its cliental base of both employers and employees in the Bahraini Labour Market has lead to innovative thinking in its outreach. The measure to use all possible media to educate and inform all segments of its clients has lead LMRA to receive the Pan-Arab Awards in the use of Social Media. The strong relationship which the LMRA maintains with Embassies and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) makes sure that no one is left without access to its services. Guided by the its values of quality, transparency, humanity, continuous improvement and consistency, the LMRA remains committed to serve its clients and community with devotion and optimum quality.

LMRA – A BRIEF OUTLINE Established on May 31, 2006 through a Royal Decree in the interest of reform, the LMRA is a government body with a corporate identity that is endowed with full financial and administrative independence, under the authority of a board of directors duly chaired by the Labour Minister. An authority that is mandated with the same authorities and powers as any other government ministry, LMRA is also authorized to issue work visas, regulate and control manpower licenses, recruiting agencies, employment offices and business practices of self sponsored expatriates. The law authorises the LMRA to be the central body to implement the reform programme aimed at the labour market within the Kingdom.

Energy

ENERGISING THE NATION

ELECRICITY AND WATER ACHIEVMENTS DISCUSSION DEMAND OF ELECTRICITY & WATER

DR. MIRZA

Bahrain’s annual growth rates in the maximum demands has been very typical of other GCC countries with the growth rate averaging 5.5 % per annum in the eighties and nineties, but hitting double this growth rate ( 10% and beyond) in 2003 – 2007. Such phenomenal growth rates posed unique challenges to the expansion requirements in the main infrastructure of electricity and water. Due to rapid economic development, the electricity consumption levels per capita in the Kingdom, has averaged around the level of some 9,260 kilowatt-hours per capita. This figure is exceeding the world’s consumption average, and higher than the industrialised nations consumption, such as US, Japan, and Germany.

AL DUR POWER AND WATER PLANT - PHASE I The growth rates that we are experiencing are far beyond what developed countries witness, and investments required in new assets to cater for anticipated demands are quite large.

The latest major development which came on stream was Al Dur Power and Water Plant - Phase I at a cost of $ 2.2 billion. This plant is a greenfield project, located in the south of Bahrain, natural gas-fired installation that will guarantee the delivery of 1,234MW of electricity and 48 MIGD water (218,000 cubic meters per day). The plant was inaugurated by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa on 30th April 2012 in the presence of his highness the prime Minister. The contract to build, own and operate Al Dur phase 1 power generation and seawater desalination plant in the Kingdom of Bahrain was awarded to a consortium of ownership. The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) is the sole off-taker of the plant production as stipulated in the 25 year Power and Water purchase Agreement (PWPA).

THE SCARCITY OF WATER AND THE SOLUTIONS Water supply in Bahrain is largely from sea water desalination and ground water resources which are treated to a certain standards before delivering to customers. Groundwater resources are depleting and

Energy

restrictions are in place to prevent over extraction of ground water. Bahrain has presently a total water production capacity of the order of 210 Million Imperial Gallons per day (MIGD), of which 90 % of it comes from desalinated water and the rest comes from natural resources (i.e. ground water abstraction) (Refer to table below). Water consumption per capita for Bahrain has been similar to other GCC countries, and is one of the highest in the world. In the case of Bahrain, the consumption level is currently approximates to 125 imperial gallons per day, which is some 5 times the average level of international standard.

WATER PRODUCTION CAPACITY Water demand in Bahrain is expected to rise at an average rate of 3-4 % per annum, despite the various control and conservation measures that are being adopted to curb the rise without sacrificing the social development. The peak water demand is expected to reach some 345 MIGD in 2030, which amounts to twice the present water Capacity and availability level. EWA is presently evaluating all options with regard to the water production assets that it owns. Many of these assets are expected to reach their end of life expectancy, and strategic decisions are required to determine whether the way ahead will be to retire these assets or to rehabilitate them to suffice operation for at least a further 15 years.

VISION 2030 AND EWA MASTER PLAN The Vision 2030 aspires to stimulate the economy and create new business opportunities and job opportunities for the citizens, and coincides with the leadership aspirations for sustainable and strong economy and is based on three pillars, namely: the diversification of energy for better security of supply, the reduction in the dependence on fossil fuels and environmental consideration for lowering CO2 emissions.EWA is in the process of appointing consultant for developing a long term master plan (2015-2030) for electricity and water. The focal terms of reference for the development of national master plan are as follows: The consultant has to review the Existing Master Plan and forecast the population in various areas of the Kingdom of Bahrain and

study the other related (demand-intensive) developments and develop optimum production and transmission plans to meet the demands. Further, development of a phase-wise program for the implementation of works needed along with the preparation of cost estimates for implementation program under the Master Plan period and the respective cash flows. The Master Plan should report the development of Electricity and Water Production Plants, Electricity Transmission Networks and Water Transmission Networks. The consultant should also explore and investigate use of renewable/ Nuclear and other alternative energy in Bahrain and develop implementation plan for its introduction.The master plan is expected to be ready by the third quarter of the year 2013.

ELECTRICITY AND WATER SECTOR DEVELOPMENT Building on the government long term strategies and the hard work of the previous electricity ministers and senior officials responsible for the development of the sector, we are actively pursuing a number of key expansions projects in the production, transmission and distribution of the network to ensure the required reliability of these networks. The following is a brief on the key initiatives that we are undertaking: During 2012, the consultant undertook the consultancy Services to the Development and to design a new 400kV network to meet the foregoing objectives.Important work was carried out in 2012 to define the exact network requirements of this development and hence determine the scope of work for the project as this was not initially known. The studies carried out by the consultant have shown that The scope of work covers the establishment of three (3) 400/220kV substations in critical areas in Bahrain comprising 400kV switchgears, 400/220kV transformers, 220kV switchgears and associated control, protection and auxiliary equipment to be integrated with the existing 220kV network.

SYSTEM CONTROL CENTRE PROJECT: Launching of a new State-of Art System Control Centre in Bahrain for close monitoring and best management system of existing and upcoming power and water projects in the country. The existing System Control Center was established in the eighties and was upgraded at the turn of the century. Further steps are being initiated aimed at required expansion and reinforcement of the existing 220kV & 66kV Transmission Networks of Bahrain in order to overcome the overloading problem of some of 220kV and 66kV existing substations and to meet the normal load

Energy demands of new developments as well as the total load demands required by the Strategic Housing Projects. The new 220kV & 66kV substation will be established in the various governorates of the Kingdom as per the condition of the existing substation and load growth due to special development projects such as housing projects. The cost of the expansion during the past three years and the forthcoming three years may reach more than $ 800 million. On the 220 kV transmission system development alone, fifteen 220 kV Bulk Supply Transmission Substations (referred to as BSPs) are either under construction or has been completed during the past three years.

DISTRIBUTION NETWORK REINFORCEMENT: Large distribution network development is also underway associated with the commissioning of the new 66 kV

energy mainly solar and wind energy as it is available in abundance throughout the year in Bahrain and the region. In line with Vision 2030, EWA has undertaken to explore the potential for renewable energy sources to the energy mix in the country, particularly solar and wind to produce electricity and possibility for water desalination.

OUTLOOK FOR PRIVATIZATION FOR ELECTRICITY AND WATER ASSETS This year, our Kingdom celebrated the 80th anniversary of the first oil discovery in the resource-rich Arabian Gulf region in 1932. Until today Bahrain’s Government revenues remain highly dependent on oil and natural gas. But the country is also helping to pioneer the way toward a renewable energy future.Electricity and Water sector is considered a highly capital intensive expenditure sector. Optimizing the financial resources available to this sector while maximizing the expansion of the required assets to ensure the required reliability of the supplies in the network is therefore a vital agenda in my responsibility for the development of this sector.

WATER AND ENERGY SECURITY FOR LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY

I have served in the Energy sector for the past half a century in both Bahrain Petroleum Company “BAPCO” for forty years and thereafter as a Minister with various portfolio in Bahrain since 2002, and presently as the Minster in charge of the Electricity and Water sector.

transmission stations and there are some three hundred new 11 kV outlets being installed in a timely manner related to the commissioning schedule of the new primary substations. There are strong interests both internationally and regionally in the issue of Electricity and Water green energies and other environmental consideration issues such conservation and issues of enhancement of energy efficiency. Various initiatives are being undertaken at different levels within the Government at the moment to address environmental requirements. Bahrain’s electricity requirement is largely met through power plants which are run with natural gas. Reserve of natural gas in Bahrain is depleting and there might be indications that in the future we will be forced to import natural gas for running these power plants to supply electricity to domestic, commercial and industrial customers, if efforts for discovering new sources do not bear fruit. Therefore it is very important that concerted efforts are made to harness other sources of renewable

The water and energy security is a vital and strategic issue in the long term sustainable and flourishing economy in Bahrain. We all know that the largest proportion of the Electrical energy and water supplies are provided by natural gas as prime fuel supply. During the past seven years, and with the establishment of NOGA in 2005, which I had the honor to be in charge of in the period 2005 to first half of 2012, the Oil and gas sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain witnessed a unique and remarkable expansion with modernization of the existing facilities and strategic expansion by building vast new facilities that will ensure the sustainable oil and gas production and output for the next few decades. The Government’s vision for the Energy and Water long term security are two folds. First, ensuring long term availability of the natural gas supplies for power and water production for the next 20 to 30 years; and second, to expand the share of renewable energy resources and achieve a target of some 10 to 15 % composition during the next 20 years.

Media

KEEPING UP WITH THE GIANTS BAHRAIN’S PROGRESS IN THE MEDIA SECTOR RAJI UNNIKRISHNAN

The Kingdom has witnessed a leap in the media front over the past few years, keeping itself abreast of the fast growing developments in the field of information, communication and the new media. Breaking news is the contemporary trend and it has become more of a demand from the public to know what is happening now.

“The regional and national scenario also added to the growth of the media in the Kingdom and one has to accept that it was a tremendous stride during the past two years. “When situations in our dear country caught us off-guard, when the international media giants attacked us mercilessly, we realised the need to chisel and fine polish our media segment. “We braved through situations where we understood or limitations and learning from mistakes, today we stand competent enough to face the media demand of the world. Definitely, there is always a chance to improve further and much more could be done.” she said.

MS RAJAB With the world at one’s fingertips and social media kicking the pace of information availability up a few notches, the Kingdom too was not spared from the pressing demands of a generation that was born and living in an online era, and for whom a news, late by minutes, is already stale. It is indeed interesting to note that the media system in our country has evolved, slowly but steadily and still on the evolving process, to effectively cater to these needs, stated the Minister of State for Information Affairs and the Official Government spokesperson Sameera Rajab.

Pledging on transparency and committing on the ethics of the fourth estate, Ms Rajab noted that Bahraini media will advance further in the coming days. “The new media law that will soon be in place in the country aims to reach the ideal formula that guarantees freedom, pluralism and independence of mass media as well as protect social rights and national interest.” The media law comes within the framework of the Kingdom’s plan to carry out the recommendations of Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI), will bring about a quantum leap in the media sector by promoting competitiveness, creativity and quality.

The National Consensus Dialogue visions on freedom of media, the recommendations of the French media experts regarding reforming the media sector and upgrading legislations, supervisory systems and professional criteria in compliance with Bahrain’s international human rights obligations are also under consideration. The law will put in place a Supreme Media Council, the organisation of audio-visual and electronic media and news bulletins, which is part of the country’s commitment to boosting media and press freedom within the framework of pluralism and national responsibility. “On this joyous occasion, when the Kingdom marks its National Day, I share the pride of being a Bahraini woman born and bred in a land that has made me what I am. I am proud of my culture and tradition and I am sure that every true and loyal Bahraini shares my sentiments. Let us together pledge to help shine this beautiful sunshine island, once again like a pearl in the region.

LuLu

BAHRAIN IS LULU GROUP’S ISLAND OF PROMISE LULU HYPERMARKET TO CELEBRATE BAHRAIN NATIONAL DAY WITH THE THEME ’I LOVE BAHRAIN’ “At LuLu, we believe in top-class customer care and that means sharing in our customers’ special moments. Festivals and patriotic occasions are times to get together and enjoy - and that’s what we intend to help our customers to do!” The retail mammoth has, since it set foot on the island, changed the face of the industry. “We look forward to a continuing programme of expansion in Bahrain as an expression of our confidence in the nation’s future,” Yusuf Ali concluded, “We would like to wish the leaders, the government and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain a very prosperous 41st National Day.

uLu Hypermarket, one of the Kingdom’s leading supermarkets will be flying the flag for Bahrain and celebrate the Kingdom’s 41st National Day with colourful activities and showcasing locallyproduced goods as the country celebrates the National Day festival. All the four outlets of LuLu in the Kingdom will line up a host of activities and promotions that will get customers celebrating with them, as the hypermarket group patriotic shoppers will flock to the store on December 16th. Customers going to Lulu during the National Day holidays will be greeted by staff wearing ‘I love Bahrain’ T-shirts and they will be given the red-and-white national flags. There will be a special promotional area in the store showcasing locally-produced goods. The joyful occasion will be celebrated with a host of fun activities such as face-painting and henna stalls as well. The fun is set to continue till the end of the month because of Christmas and New Year festivities. “LuLu Hypermarket really comes into its own during festival times because we have so much to offer customers. We have a team of the best in-store chefs and for Christmas, our confectionery counter will be working round the clock to keep up with the demand for our range of delicious Arabic sweets and festive cakes, according to the spokesperson of LuLu. “There are promotions throughout the store in all our departments so customers can get the best deals for everything from gifts to party decor to fashion. And of course, because we want to make the festive shopping season a time for family togetherness, we have a whole package of activities for all - clowns, face-painting and fun to keep kids happy while parents shop.” LuLu Hypermarket has managed to carve a niche for itself and redefine shopping for millions of shoppers in Kingdom. In the process, the group has contributed richly to the national economy. The hypermarket has made itself a part of the community by tapping into the unique Bahraini culture and promoting it. Every year, National Day is celebrated with a colourful and patriotic “I Love Bahrain” festival that highlights the richness of Bahraini crafts, culture, business and development. “Bahrain is a promising retail market because of the Kingdom’s young demographics, growing middle class and continuously improving quality of life and incomes,” said Lulu Group Managing Director Yusuf Ali M.A., “In addition, the leaders and Government of Bahrain have been very supportive of our business

Mr. Yusuf Ali and we also have the added advantage of a hard-working Bahraini workforce with access to specific retail industry training.” Yusuf Ali, added: “We are also proud of Lulu Hypermarket’s track record in generating employment for Bahrainis who are employed with the hypermarket’s various branches and the number is rising. We have a continuous training programme for our staff which empowers them and helps us to deliver the best to customers. LuLu Hypermarket works closely with Ministry of Labour to train Bahrainis and maximise Bahrainisation.” According to the Managing director Yusuf Ali M.A :”Our customers have taken to the LuLu shopping style in a grand manner - they have come to look forward to our unique service that focuses on customer needs and delivers top quality and best prices. That’s why, in addition to the New Year and Christmas bonanza, we have planned a very special National Day festival at which we are going to showcase the kingdom’s products and get people to enjoy the patriotic spirit of the occasion.” “The theme of the celebration will be ‘I love Bahrain’ and the whole store will be decorated to reflect this!, he added.” “It’s going to be a celebration like no other,” added Mr. Yusuffali.

Health

QUANTUM LEAP IN HEALTHCARE

MR AL SHEHABI

RAJI UNNIKRISHNAN

arking a unique place of its own in the growth track of the Kingdom and contributing services without compromise, the health sector of Bahrain stands a class apart, proved 2012. The country’s health sector has been witnessing steady progress and achieved a quantum leap in providing quality health services to its people, amidst global challenges, stated Health Minister Sadiq Al Shehabi. “The Kingdom’s health services have, over the years, evolved with the development of its cultural, civilizational and economic arenas. Today we can be proud that Bahrain is a regional leader and globally in par with many developed nations in terms of service, medical training, health centres, hospital supplies and in the use of modern medical technology,” said the Minister. Many projects during the year, including the unit of seven new outpatient clinics worth BD2m opened in the Jidhafs Maternity hospital became a reality in 2012. “These projects are proof to the attention that the Bahraini government places for its mothers and children, similar to that of the youth and the elderly. This reflects the keenness of Bahraini rulers on the welfare of their people,” said the Minister. The health of the population of Bahrain has improved rapidly over the last years and as a result, life expectancy has increased to 73.1 for males and 77.3 for females. To ensure continued improvements, the Ministry has adapted the best technology focusing on linking the individuals of Bahrain to all Health providers, Health care services, up-to-date health information, news, policies, rules and regulations.

HEALTH SEGMENT ‘SAFE’ AND UNDER VIGIL The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Baha Eldine Fateha is clear on the purpose of the regulatory body and ‘nothing at the risk of patient safety’ is the motto that the team under him proclaims. The body regularly conducts inspection and assessment checks on private hospitals in order to ensure that the health sector is fool proof.

During the year, NHRA issued warnings to several clinics and hospitals and closed down three pharmacies which were being run without licenses. “The health segment in the Kingdom is absolutely safe and we at the NHRA are completely committed to keep the scrutiny levels high so that we face minimum risk in terms of patient safety,” he said. The actions of NHRA are proof to authorities’ serious concern about the health care of the people. The team of inspectors at the NHRA has the power to go in for surprise visits though usually the NHRA visits are planned.

ALL SET FOR 2013 With rapid improvement registered throughout the year, the Ministry is all set to kick off 2013 by hosting with two major events in the region – the Conference of Arab Health Ministers in January 2013 under the theme ‘health financing’ and the world’s largest Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Conference in February. The Arab Health Ministers’ Conference will discuss the best ways to finance health systems, explore the experiences of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the options available to them to ensure the sustainability of funding for universal health coverage. The SCD Conference to be held under the slogan ‘Hand in hand for a better life for Sickle Cell patients’, is expected to witness the presence of a large number of doctors and consultants in genetic blood diseases and specialists in the regions. “These major events stands testimony to the fact that the Kingdom had made its mark in the regional health map,” said Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for Primary Health Care Dr Maryam Al Jalahma. “The Ministry’s vision to improve the health of population in Bahrain by partnership with stakeholders, in order to provide accessible, responsive, high quality service for all through their lifetime, is our goal and we at the Ministry spare no efforts to realize the same,” she said.

Insurance

TOWARDS EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES DT talks to Nagib M Bahous, President & Chief Executive Officer MIG Group, Bahrain

he insurance industry landscape that has emerged from the turmoil of the financial crisis is different from what it used to be. The overriding challenges are how to maximize the limited investment return and how to make underwriting profit. Nagib M. Bahous, President and CEO of MIG Holding, The Insurance Holding Company of the Mawarid group, believes that the Gulf will continue to be the main focus of new insurance operators in the MENA region because unlike other parts of the world, the GCC economy is still showing steady growth. In addition, with foreign companies targeting the GCC, regional companies are investing more in their own markets to cope with the competition from foreign companies. The MIG Holding CEO is an insurance veteran with over 30 years of experience in Europe and the Middle East. His successful achievements were mainly at the ACE Group where he gained most of his experience and where he is proud to be part of the team that contributed to the success and growth of the group. Mr. Bahous strongly believes that with the vision and support of shareholders, the Group will vigorously pursue new opportunities and new ventures. The group continues to rely on profit maximisation and its geographical and portfolio diversification policy; a strategy followed by shareholders, which has yielded excellent results. Talking about Saudi Arabian Insurance Company (SAICO), he said it is a closed joint stock company incorporated in Bahrain to transact all classes of insurance. SAICO has a network of established offices operating within the GCC. Its sister company in Lebanon is Saudi Arabian Insurance Company. SAICOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international connections for complex and specialised risk placement are impeccable. SAICO deals in Medical as well as all other lines of insurance, and has an excellent reputation in the region. SAICO has a long successful history in the region as its predecessors have been in existence in the Middle East for nearly half a century.

Insurance

“The Middle East is the primary market for SAICO’s operation

where the medical business

is one of the fastest growing

areas for the company.

The MIG Holding CEO is

an insurance veteran with

over 30 years of experience

in Europe and the Middle

East.

ON Cigna and SAICO’s joint venture agreement to extend its partnership and Offerings across the Middle East.

partnership with Cigna, SAICO will be able to improve on cost containment through clinical and claims management,” said Mr. Bahous.

He said the Global Health Benefits business unit of Cigna and Saudi Arabian Insurance Company (SAICO) had signed a jointventure agreement to enhance their current partnership in developing their portfolio of health, wellness and insurance products targetted to regional and multi-national employers and organisations across the Middle East, expanding the 11-year business relationship between these two companies.

Cigna and SAICO each will own half of the joint venture partnership. The JV partnership is committed to continuing to invest, growing further its product offerings and service capabilities in the Middle East and gaining market share in this geography.

Mr. Bahous added, “SAICO is a well-regarded general insurance company in the region and we have developed a solid reputation in the marketplace through our collective strength and focus, market knowledge, vast network and combined service proposition.” “The Middle East is an important part of Cigna’s global growth strategy, and the new joint venture demonstrates our deepening commitment to investing in the region. We want to deepen our commitment to serving the local population as well as the globally mobile workforce on assignment in the region,” said Andrew Kielty, President of Cigna Global Health Benefits, said in a statement issued after the announcement of the JV on December 10. “The Middle East is the primary market for SAICO’s operation where the medical business is one of the fastest growing areas for the company. SAICO is committed to servicing clients in the health insurance business as it does in other insurance lines. The joint venture combines the strengths of our two organizations and aligns the current partnership around a common goal of meeting the needs of customers and clients located in the Middle East for enhanced customer service and efficiency. In this

The joint venture is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. Once the formalities are finalised, the joint venture will announce its official name, headquarters, and other pertinent details.

Education

“WE LOVE BAHRAIN” A

s we celebrate National Day, we are once again reminded that the fabric that unites the people of Bahrain is their love for their country and for its ruler, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, whose wisdom and vision provides continued growth and prosperity. We are indeed fortunate to live in a country which provides economic stability, a strong and well-developed infrastructure, numerous business opportunities and ample career prospects. Bahrain remains the pearl of the Gulf region. May it continue to shine and dazzle everybody fortunate enough to set foot on its soil. We would like to extend our gratitude to His Majesty King

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of BDF of the Kingdom of Bahrain for guiding Bahrain towards a bright and prosperous future.

“We would like to wish everybody in this beautiful country peace and harmony as we celebrate the Kingdom of Bahrain’s 41st National Day”

We would like to wish everybody in this beautiful country peace and harmony as we celebrate the Kingdom of Bahrain’s 41st National Day.

Heartiest Congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa The Prime Minister

His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander

The Government and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of

National Day of Bahrain and the Accession Day of H.M. the King

spac

P.O. Box 1557, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T +973 17490090, F +973 17490098

Infrastructure

CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT

leader in strategic planning, designing, developing, constructing, managing and maintaining projects, the Ministry of Works fulfills its mission to provide high quality public works services and to enhance quality of life in Bahrain, in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. The Ministry is one of the few organisations that have earned the ISO Certification, and it has a strategic plan with objectives reaching to 2015. The Ministry of Works builds public infrastructure for the betterment of Bahrain, and it is also socially responsible and works to shape the future through partnerships. Moreover, the ministry has the largest number of electronic services, more than any other organisation, which contributes effectively to saving time and reducing carbon emissions. The Ministry is constantly seeking to improve its services in the following fields: 1. Plan, develop and maintain roads. 2. Plan, develop and maintain sewerage networks. 3. Develop and maintain public buildings like schools and hospitals. 4. Manage strategic projects like transport and sports projects, in addition to reclamation works implemented by the Government sector. 5. Inspect and approve building materials and other quality related materials. 6. Coordinate operational planning processes between the parties concerned with infrastructure projects, which is done through the Central

Planning Office at the Ministry. Some of the mega projects which have been implemented in 2012; are as follows:

KING FAISAL DETOUR ROAD King Faisal Detour Road consists of four lanes carrying traffic from east to west towards King Faisal Corniche. The highway expanded from 6 lanes to 10 lanes; transforming the current 6 lanes into a highway that carries traffic from west to east. The BD5 million project also included increasing parking spaces along the corniche.

THE RING ROAD CONNECTING BAHRAIN BAY AND THE FINANCIAL HARBOUR

The project is part of North Manama Causeway Project, and is expected to be complete in December. Phase 1 comprises the marine causeway at a length of 51.5 m, in addition to roadworks stretching from Bahrain Financial Harbour to the one-way causeway heading towards Bahrain Bay. Phase 2 comprises the one-way 237m causeway and the part located north of King Faisal Highway; from North Manama Causeway, in addition to the works stretching from the one-way causeway to King Faisal Highway.

Infrastructure

â&#x20AC;˘ PALACE AVENUE JUNCTION/SH. DUAJ AVENUE

The improvement of Shaikh Duaij Avenue/Palace Avenue junction is the last in a string of projects designed to replace roundabouts in Manama with traffic signals. The project comprised replacing the roundabout with a traffic signal, re-constructing parts of Sh. Duaij Avenue and Palace Avenue, in addition to constructing a rainwater drainage network, lighting network and replacing a number of service networks. The ministry, represented by the roads maintenance section (The Roads Upgrade Unit), also implemented a number of roads revamp projects, some of which have been completed like Sh. Isa bin Salman Highway Project, and others are still under implementation such as Sh. Salman Highway Project (West Riffa- Awali), Sh. Hamad Highway Project (Hamad Town), Al Mazaria Avenue Project (Jasra- Hamala) and King Hamad Highway Project (leading to Durrat Al Bahrain). The maintenance unit had in place a number of tenders for the revamp of secondary roads; covering selected blocks in every Governorate, in coordination with the Municipal Councils. The revamp works aim to improve service on these roads by reconstructing them and modifying slopes to avoid rainwater floods.

THE MINISTRY ALSO OPENED 30 NEW ROADS, AS FOLLOWS: 1. The revamp of Sh. Salman Highway- Phase 2remaining works. 2. The revamp of Imam Al Hussain Avenue from Sh. Mohammed Avenue to Bab Al Bahrain. 3. The revamp of Al Ghous Highwayand Avenue 9 (in addition to Road 2651)- Muharraq. 4. The revamp of Zaid bin Omaira Avenue- Phase 1 5. The revamp of Salman Ahmed Al Fatih AvenueSitra- Phase 1 6. The construction of the road leading to King Hamad University Hospital

THE EXTENSION OF THE DRY DOCK HIGHWAY- PHASE 1 Phase 1 of the Dry Dock Highway Extension Project will provide additional entrances to Northern Muharraqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s villages; namely Qalali, Samaheej and Al Dair. Work was completed in July 2012. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion on the internal roads of the nearby villages and Rayya Avenue (previously Arados MINISTER Avenue). Work extended from the Dry Dock Highway Interchange with Sh. Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway, where the Dry Dock Highway slope towards the north was expanded to 3 lanes on each direction. The highway was also expanded from the end of part 1 until the entrance to Amwaj Islands; improving Amwaj/Galali Interchange. The third part of the project comprised revamp works spanning Amwaj/Galali Interchange and Diyyar Al Muharraq, in addition to the implementation of safety barriers and constructing the entrance to Samaheej.

ESSAM KHALAF WORKS

ESTIQLAL HIGHWAY

The revamp of Estiqlal Highway; the part located between Al Hikma Junction and Isa Town Gate Interchange, is considered to be the final phase of revamping the old Highway. The project comprised enhancing safety levels, revamping the old asphalt layers, improving lighting and replacing a number of service networks, in addition to replacing the Information Roundabout with a traffic signal.

7. Opening new roads in Manama (Juffair)- Block 324, Road 2408 and the surrounding roads. Within the Villages Revamp Program 2012, the Ministry revamped 19 villages and is presently working on 11. A total of 30 out of 70 villages are included in the programme, which costs BD28 million. The villages currently being revamped at a cost of BD15.554.000 are Karbabad (phase 1, Blocks 431 and 434- Cost BD1.245.000), Busaiteen (Block 227- Cost BD618.000), Buquwa (Blocks 447, 455 and 457- Cost BD1.248.000), Sehla (Block 439- Cost BD1.494.000), Tubli (Phase 1 Blocks 701, 705 and 709- Cost BD2.374.000), Salmabad (Blocks 706 and 708- Cost BD1.245.000), Wadyan in Sitra (Phase 2, Block 608- Cost BD961.000), Jaw (Block 960- Cost BD2.323.000), Riffa (Blocks 902 & 904- Cost BD2.045.000), Nuwaidrat (Cost BD1.224.000) and Sitra (Cost BD768.000).

IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, IN 2012 THE MINISTRY ACHIEVED THE FOLLOWING: HAWAR JETTY The BD2.5 million Hawar Jetty Project, adjacent to the Hawar Island Project, should be able to moor 20 vessels up to 90ft long with deep water access and navigation markers, while marine works comprise of beakwaters to shelter the marina, reclamation platform for buildings, harbour basin dredged to -3.5m chart datum, access channel dredged to -3.5m chart datum, and navigation marks in accordance with GOP requirements. Work in the project commenced in May, 29, 2011. The project also includes pontoon works, which comprise of Floating Pontoons for 2 vessels @ 90ft,

Infrastructure

2 vessels @ 60ft, 2 vessels @ 50ft, 14 vessels @ 30ft, and 2 Coastguard vessels @ 52ft. The Pontoon Works contract was awarded to Systems & Technology.

BAHRAIN TRAINING INSTITUTE REVAMP PROJECT (ACADEMIC BUILDING) The Ministry is to complete the revamp of BTI by the end of December 2012, at a cost of BD6.115.590 million. The project consists of a 3 storey academic building covering an area of 16,170 m2. The building includes 45 classrooms, 33 labs for different engineering specializations (Civil, mechanical and electronic engineering), administrative and academic offices, in addition to storerooms, toilets, multi-purpose halls and external facilities.

GHAZI AL QUSAIBI SECONDARY SCHOOL PROJECT IN HAMAD TOWN The project was completed in October 2012 at a cost of BD2.067.012 million. The school covers an area of 10.308 m2. The project design combined all classrooms, the administrative building and the multi-purpose hall into one 4 1/2 storey building stretching over an area of 13.850 m2, in line with the Ministry of Education’s requirements. The building consists of 50 classrooms, electronic classes and activity

rooms and scientific activities, labs, computer labs and teachers rooms. The multipurpose hall is part of the building and has a number of entrances. The hall comprises various sports such as basketball and volleyball, in addition to all other related facilities such as toilets and storerooms. As for the external facilities, the school is supplied with a secondary power station, guard room, central store, shaded parking lot for teachers, parking spaces for visitors, external fields, shaded spots and rest lounges, in addition to other related external works. Furthermore, the schools is being equipped with firefighting systems, acoustic, intercom, telecom and computer systems, in addition to an advanced IT network and Closedcircuit television. All systems are environment-friendly and conform to international standards.• The National Theatre The National Theatre has been implemented in line with the announcement of the Bahrain as the Arab capital for Culture. The National Theater is the third largest theater in the Arab World. It was opened in November 2012, costing BD19 million and large enough to accommodate 1,000 spectators.

ISA TOWN SPORTS CITY Isa Town Sports City Project in Riffa comprises the revamp of Bahrain National Stadium, which comprise replacing the stadium roof, replacing and installing new spectator and VIP seats, improving the stadium lighting to suit the HD TV system, painting lighting towers, constructing a new field, new toilets, and new canteens.

The Ministry of Works is also paving the VIP and spectator parking lot, in addition to increase parking spaces to 1,300 and will prepare the surrounding roads to accommodate traffic during the championship. Works also include improving current entrance and exit points and opening a new exit point on Muharraq Avenue.

HALAT BU MAHER HEALTH CENTRE Pile foundation work for Halat Bu Maher Health Centre commenced in April 2012. The health center is considered to be one of the biggest health centers in Muharraq. The BD4.2 million project serves Muharraq citizens, especially Blocks 206 & 216. A highly qualified team of specialists are to be employed at the centre; amounting to 80-100 employees. There are also special declines dedicated for the disabled at all entrances and exits. A special architectural design has been chosen for the project, which goes in harmony with Muharraq’s tradition. • Schools Maintenance Project 20122013 The Ministry carried out maintenance works at 42 government schools at a cost of BD2.5 million, in preparation for the school year 2012-2013. The strategic importance of the schools maintenance project, which is owned by the Ministry of Education, lies in the planned and systematic maintenance works.

SANITARY ENGINEERING SECTOR • Al Ma’ameer Industrial Sewage Treatment Plant Project and the sewerage network for Al Ma’ameer Industrial Area The project consists of 2 important projects, the first of which is the implementation of a sewerage network, a rainwater drainage network and roads in Ma’ameer Industrial Area, while the second part of the project is the implementation of a sewage treatment plant in the same area. Part 1 of the project serves 500 real estates in Blocks 633 & 643. Work commenced in December 2008 at a cost of BD8 million. The treatment plant is worth BD6.4 million. The first project comprises the establishment of a sewerage network at a length of 24km, with diameters varying between 150-600mm, a rainwater drainage network at a

Infrastructure length of 19km with diameters varying between 150-800mm, and 8 pumping stations, in addition to replacing the old network with a new network at a length of 10km. work also include implementing a new road network at a length of 13km.

plant is estimated to be 2500m3/ day, which can be increased to 3,800 m3 a day. The project also provides a center for collecting treated waters.

The second project comprises the implementation and operation of Maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ameer Sewage Treatment Plant. It is also the first of its kind in Bahrain, as it does not emit odours and has no environmental effect and damage. The water treated in the plant are suitable for irrigation and industrial uses. The capacity of the

By the end of 2012, the Ministry will complete the implementation of the sludge dryer Factory at Tubli Plant, where a 3rd sludge dryer unit has been installed. The BD2.7 million project will contribute effectively to reducing foul emissions and smells.

INSTALLATION OF 3RD DRYER AT TUBLI PLANT

The project comprises of the following: 1. 3rd Sludge Dryer 2. Rehabilitation of Existing Rapid Filter 3. Improvement of the Scum Removal System of the Clarifiers 4. Supplement of O2 in Aeration Tanks 5. Improve Grit Removal at Existing Preliminary Treatment 6. Secondary Effluent Pumping Station and Balancing Tank 7. Improvement of Ozone Plant

Education

TRANSFORMING HIGHER EDUCATION

HEENA PARKAR

student-centered 2012 has been a year of achievements for the Education Ministry in general and the Higher Education Sector in particular. The last 12 months have been a period where the focus has been on improving the overall quality of the sector by putting the student at the heart of all decision-making. According to Education Ministry’s Higher Education Council (HEC) Secretary General Riyad Hamzah, this should be the case to ensure overall enhancement in the higher education sector of Bahrain. “Through the HEC, I was able to instigate a policy of support and challenge to the sector with clear aims to equip students with skills that are relevant to the 21st century and provide qualifications that have international value,” he said. This stance has been supported by the council working in partnership with universities and institutes both from inside and outside Bahrain along with international experts. Regulation and comprehensive audit of universities has been important in taking a step towards improving standards. “The HEC has taken firm and decisive action based on clear evidence to stop student enrolment and suspend programmes in those universities that are not meeting required standards and in other cases to cap student admission in order to ensure quality,” said Mr. Hamzah. These measures promise a positive transition since 2000 when private universities were set up in the Kingdom with large-scale expansion in the higher education sector. The needs of the 21st century have changed with the Economic Vision 2030 being the foundation for every project. A continuous strive to create a balanced higher education sector is being worked at by the HEC, said Mr. Hamzah. “With the current market saturated with

business related programmes, we have to produce a report following analysis of labour market information, student data and the views of employers to establish what gaps exist in terms of current courses offered,” said Mr. Hamzah. “Whilst it is clear that gaps exist in health, engineering, science, telecoms and arts sectors what is more apparent is that students need to be equipped with the key skills of problem solving, critical thinking, problem solving and leadership in order to thrive, essentially the skills for the 21st century.” Therefore, the focus for the HEC is to ensure any new programmes meet the future needs of Bahrain and that current programmes firstly meet quality standards and also embed key skills that employers require. “A strong message has been sent to universities that they need to raise their levels and that tough decisions will continue to be MR HAMZAH taken to protect student’s futures. Employers in the GCC countries and the rest of the world must have total confidence in the students that Bahrain produces and that is what the HEC is working towards,” added Mr. Hamzah. In order to reach the goals set for universities, series of high profile improvement workshops that has involved bringing internationally recognised Universities and experts to Bahrain to share their knowledge and expertise, have taken place. “This recently included bringing the world’s number 1 ranked University MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to Bahrain for a series of intensive and focused workshops with all universities.

The workshops were well received. We hope that all these measures help Bahraini universities to show results and improvements quickly,” he said. Analysis of the current system allowed for the views of stakeholders to be taken into account as the HEC aims to achieve the vision of a world class higher education system by 2030. “As a result of this, 2013 will see some fundamental changes. An updated set of regulations will be introduced which will give the HEC increased powers to deal with underperformance and bring the regulations in line with international practice,” informed Mr. Hamzah. In 2013, institutional accreditation will also be introduced by the HEC which will have a significant impact on the sector. “Quality of teaching will also be high on the agenda with the development of teaching modules that must be completed by all faculty staff in order to be permitted to teach,” said Mr. Hamzah. This approach aligned with the introduction of the Bahrain qualifications framework will introduce international standards for teaching and for programmes taught with a firm eye on employers’ needs and the economic vision of Bahrain, he noted. “It is of paramount importance that the higher education sector are able to produce students who will become future leaders, employees, entrepreneurs and citizens that will help the country achieve its long-term economic vision,” he added. The new year will also see the launch of the first national scientific research strategy, which will provide the higher education sector with clear areas of focus and guidelines for conducting research. “Research must take a higher profile with universities if they are to be recognised internationally and Bahrain has potential to become a research hub in the gulf region,” he pointed out.

Education

INSTILLING VALUES

AMA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL’S MISSION TO TRAIN RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS H ow do you develop self-reliant students who can face the challenges of the dynamic world? How do you instill in them a genuine love for the society and their country amidst materialism and false ideologies in an ever changing world? How do you arm them with confidence to rise up to the call of the modern times? To address these challenges and more, the AMA International School vows to commit itself to developing responsible and innovative citizens among its students by teaching them not only the basic skills but also the values and ideals necessary to make it in life, today.

2012.

In the WRO International in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, AMAIS was the only Middle East school to have landed on the Top 22 in the Elementary Regular Category, and our senior team ranked Third Place in Cluster 15 of the General Football category. Overall, these feats have placed the Kingdom of Bahrain on the Sixth Place and the only Middle East country to have scored 210 points out of a perfect 220. This coming 2013, as the Kingdom of Bahrain gears

“The core of this vow is to engage students in timely innovative learning that allows them to imbibe life skills and technological intelligence – two of the most important tools necessary to be successful in these times. This we do in the hope of providing our students that ‘stamp of relevance. “Perhaps it requires a village to raise a child, and at AMAIS, we require small groups to build and raise robots. Building and raising robots in the classroom has been a regular practice in our school since 2010. “Since our students started toying with robots, they have found relevance in the national and global stage, the latest of which are their accomplishments in recently concluded World Robot Olympiad - Arabia in Qatar and World Robot Olympiad – International in Malaysia, which brought honor not only to us but to our beloved Kingdom of Bahrain as well.” says AMA. Of the more than 70 teams from the Middle East and South Africa (MENA) Region that competed in the WRO Arabia, the AMAIS elementary team won Third Place in the Elementary Regular Category. The competition was held in Doha, Qatar on October 12,

up to host the regional WRO – Arabia in September, and the national WRO in March, AMAIS is doubling up its efforts to surpass its accomplishments and to be the relevant educational institution it has vowed to be. AMAIUB business programmes undergo ECBE reaccreditation visit AMA International University Bahrain (AMAIUB) underwent a re-accreditation by the European Council for Business Education (ECBE) for its business programmes offered under the College of Administrative and Financial Sciences on December 5-6, 2012. Formed in 1995 to promote and support quality

business education internationally, ECBE is a European accreditation standard for professional business education and is an affiliate of the European Association in Higher Education (ENQA). ECBE also recognizes academic quality among its member schools. At present, ECBE serves as an external examiner of AMAIUB for its business programmes.

This ECBE visit reexamined the AMAIUB’s Bachelor of Science in Business Informatics and Master of Business Administration programmes which were awarded full accreditation and the Bachelor of Science in International Studies programme which was granted accreditation with Candidacy Status during the ECBE team’s first visit in February 2011. University Head of Administration Madam Buena Canzana received the accreditation certificates awarded by the ECBE Board of Commissioners at a ceremony held in Budapest, Hungary in May 2011. Chaired by Prof. Vladimir Kureshov with Prof. Bob Johnson and Prof. Robert Rietbroek as panel members, this two-day visit entailed thorough scrutiny of documents and a series of interviews with the University administrators, heads, faculty, support staff, and students. An exit conference attended by University administrators concluded the ECBE visit. Positive results of the re-visit will entail a maximum of five-year ECBE membership to the University’s business programmes. This move for ECBE re-accreditation is one of AMAIUB’s noble endeavors towards achieving its vision to be a recognized dynamic provider of relevant, innovative and quality education in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the GCC region.

On the occasion of Bahrainʼs National Day we wish to convey warmest greetings and our good wishes to

His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

HRH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa The Prime Minister

HRH Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa

The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain

P.O. Box : 85, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 17736773 Fax: 17735650 Email: roonlasc@batelco.com.bh Web : www.alnischool.com

A School with a diﬀerence

spac

Al Noor International School

Alba

ALBA- BOOSTING BAHRAIN’S METTLE A

luminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) consistently ranks as one of the largest and most modern aluminium smelters in the world. Known for its technological strength and innovative policies, Alba enforces strict environmental guidelines, maintains high track record for safety, and is widely regarded as one of the top ten performers on a global scale. It supports numerous community oriented programmes and social activities that have underlined its status as one of Bahrain’s leading industrial organisations that remains committed towards upholding its corporate social responsibilities. Alba’s inception marks the beginning of Bahrain’s strategy to diversify its economic base and reduce its dependence on oil. The aim was to establish an industry that would provide valuable export earnings, develop the country’s resources and create training and employment opportunities for a large number of Bahrainis. Alba was therefore incorporated by Charter in 1968 and officially commenced operations in 1971 as a 120,000 tonnes per annum smelter. Alba today produces more than 880,000 metric tonnes per annum of the highest grade aluminium, with products including standard and T-ingots, extrusion billets, rolling slab, propertzi ingots, and molten aluminium. Around 50 per cent of output is supplied to Bahrain’s downstream aluminium industry, with the rest exported to regional and international customers in the Middle East, Europe, Far East, South East Asia, Africa, and North America. The Alba plant comprises five reduction lines, three cast houses, a dedicated carbon plant, a 550,000 mtpa coke calcining plant, a water desalination plant, 11 fume treatment plants, a marine terminal, and a 2.225 MW power plant, consisting of 4 power stations. The plant also features a 10 hectare ‘green’ oasis, with more than 7,600 trees and shrubs, a fruit and vegetable garden, and an artificial lake. Alba’s early success established a blueprint for other non-oil industries to follow, including a thriving downstream aluminium industry. Today, Alba is a major contributor to the social, industrial and economic development of the Kingdom of Bahrain, employing over 3,000 people, of whom around 87 per cent are Bahrainis. The shareholders of Alba are Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (69.38%), SABIC Investment Company (20.62%) and the General Public (10%). DT spoke to the Alba management in the run-up to the National Day 2012 celebrations. Excerpts: How important is the industry to the economy of the country? Alba has remained true to its original mandate and is widely recognised as a flagship asset of Bahrain’s economy.

Alba supplies around 50 per cent of its output to the downstream companies in Bahrain, created a virtual ecosystem, and is single-handedly responsible for the continued growth and success of Bahrain’s aluminium industry. Today, aluminium is the second major export after oil and the sector contributes almost 12 per cent to the GDP. To date, the aluminium sector employs close to 10,000 employees. As Alba gains international prominence for its high quality aluminium products, the opportunities for career advancement for our Bahraini employees is immense. It enables them to be at the cutting edge of the aluminium production technology, develop world class skills, and enhance their employability on a global scale. What is Alba doing to stay ahead of the competition? Line 6 expansion project subject to board’s approval will bring an additional 400,000 metric tonnes to the current capacity hence bringing Alba’s total production to almost 1.3 million metric tonnes.

THE MISSION IS TO: · Deliver a wide range of high-quality aluminium products that enable us to meet the diverse requirements of a varied customer base · Focus on value-added products which represents almost 70% of our sales · Focus on our strengths that add value to the community, strengthen goodwill amongst our customers and stakeholders How do you see your business, Bahrain and the world, shaping up in the next five years? Aluminium industry is highly vulnerable to LME price fluctuations; and with the current downtrend of LME prices, western smelters are either shutting down or reducing their capacity – hence creating a golden opportunity for the smelters in GCC as they will be willing to capture the global market with their cost advantage of energy.

Alba

ALBA TIMELINE: 1968 The company was formed by charter 1971Alba begins operations with annual capacity of 120,000 mtpa as His Highness the late Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa pours the first ingot produced by Alba. Alba becomes the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East, and the first non-oil industry established in Bahrain 1976 Alba’s inception spurs the growth of a thriving aluminium industry as the downstream industry begins to expand – Bahrain Atomisers International (1972), Balexco (1972), Midal Cables (1977), Balco (1978), Garmco (1981), AluWheel (1992). Training gains priority with the launch of new apprenticeship system to support Bahrainisation of the workforce 1979Saudi Public Investment Fund acquires a 20 per cent stake in Alba 1981Alba’s production output touches 170,000 mtpa with the opening of Pot Line 3 by His Highness the Late Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa 1992 Potline 4 and the 800 MW combined cycle power station 3 comes on stream one month ahead of schedule. 2001 Alba commissions the new Coke Calcining plant at Alba’s artificial island, which also includes the 41,000 cubic metre per day sea water desalination plant and an upgrade on the marine jetty facilities. 2005 Alba breaks world record by 180 days when the company commissions the new Pot Line 5 in just 77 days .t 1.5 km, Pot Line 5 achieves the distinction of becoming the world’s longest reduction line facility. Alba commissioned its newest reduction line, Line 5, to bring its annual production capacity to more than 870,000mt.There are plans to raise the level to 1.2 million metric tonnes 2010 Alba takes decision to be a public company, launches its first IPO, receives overwhelming support from retail and institutional investors, and is listed on the Bahrain Bourse and the London Stock Exchange 2012 – December 05 Alba launches Line 6 bankable feasibility study

Housing

PROMISING FUTURE

6000 - 8000 HOUSING UNITS TO BE BUILT STARTING 2013 RAJI UNNIKRISHNAN

ousing for citizens has always been the top priority of the Kingdom and the Housing Ministry since its establishment in 1975, has enabled the country maintain a steady paced progress in slowly achieving its goal – a house for all. While the ‘waiting list’ for housing peaked in 2011, the past year witnessed major projects to ease the crisis and 2013 has sets targets towards additional housing units and partnership with private sector. According to Minister Basim AlHamer the ministry in the coming days will be finalising on agreement of understanding with the private sector for the construction of homes starting next year. “Between 6,000 - 8,000 housing units would be built each year, starting from 2013. Currently 4,000 housing units are under construction in all parts of Bahrain with 1,400 in Muharraq,” said Mr Alhamer. The ministry is trying its best to accommodate all housing requests and is working to provide and invest all the tools and mechanisms that will help the ministry to achieve its objectives, he said. Diversified methods of solving the housing problem and cooperation with the private sector are among the tools.

WAITING –LIST TO REDUCE BY 2016 The strategic five year plan put in place by the Housing Ministry seeks to reduce the waiting lists for houses by the end of 2016, which includes new building and city projects with the backing of the Gulf Marshall Plan. The five-year Public Private Partnership (PPP) that the Ministry signed with real estate and infrastructure development company Naseej in January, 2012 encompasses building 3,110 social housing units and more than 1000 affordable homes across three different locations: North Bahrain New Town, Al Buhair, and Al Lawzi. The BD208million deal, which is the first of its kind in the Gulf, aims to provide cheaper housing to needy citizens within three years. This project is the biggest undertaken by the ministry thus far, and the ministry pledges to continue cooperating with the private sector in order to eliminate the housing waiting list. November 2012 witnessed the completion of reclamation work at site which aims to build 1500 holes, as part of its first phase.The package cost BD24.4 million, and the company in charge of

MR ALHAMER reclamation is scheduled to complete protection of the coastal area in January 2013.

GULF MARSHALL SUPPORT Five hundred housing plots will also be demarcated, funded through the GCC Marshall Plan, in addition to a Kuwaiti financial contribution. “The Housing Ministry is now co-ordinating with other ministries and service authorities to issue the tenders according to plans,” Mr Al Hamer said. The city will accommodate 4,500 to 5,000 housing units capable to house more than 30,000 people on 227 hectares. The scheme will also feature shopping malls, mosques, public parks and schools - to ensure a balance between economic and social aspects. “The success of these projects depends on the cooperation of the citizens, the representatives and other governmental bodies. We, at the Ministry, hope to achieve the challenging goals which we ever faced, slowly but steadily under the guidance of the wise leadership,” said Mr AlHamer.

ASRY

REDEFINING ‘YARD’STICKS

ASRY’S GROWTH INTO A REGIONAL HUB

rab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) is the Arabian Gulf’s most experienced ship and rig repair yard. Founded in 1977 in Bahrain, ASRY has over 35 years of experience in marine asset optimisation. Its leading range of facilities includes a 500,000dwt drydock, two floating docks of 252m and 227m in length, 15 repair berths with a total length of approximately 4,000m, twin 255m slipways, as well as a full range of workshops and service centres. The yard’s portfolio of capabilities is not only the largest in the Arabian Gulf, but also includes jack-up rigs and other offshore assets, due to a dedicated division – ASRY Offshore Services. Combined with a series of other diversifications including an Energy Division dedicated to the production of unique power generation barges, ASRY is a multi-functional marine services hub committed to providing international standards to global shipowners operating in the Arabian Gulf. Recapping the year thus far, ASRY CEO Chris Potter says that the company realised positive results during the first quarter of the current year.

MR. POTTER

During the period 1 January to 5 May 2012, the yard saw 60 vessels being repaired and 13% higher sales in comparison with last year’s sales of $168.755 million which in turn were higher than 2010 sales of $149.174 million. The number of ships repaired during last year reached 200 vessels in comparison with 210 vessels for the year 2010 and 168 in 2009.

ASRY

As part of the company successes in 2012, Mr. Potter revealed the signing of an agreement with Maersk Company, involving maintenance of its vessels over the next coming four years, and also he highlighted the establishment of a consulting division to assist the company in the implementation of projects needed to boost the Company’s competitive edge regionally and globally. He further reasserted the fact that the experience acquired by the Company over the past thirty five years would place it in a position to maintain its pioneering rank at the top of the ship repair docks. He further said that, ASRY certainly boasts of lofty position in the region market and does attract operations in the oil fields of the Eastern Province where it maintains more than 100 oil well drilling rigs operating in the area, which renders the market good for the Company. Regarding the Consultancy Division, Mr. Potter disclosed that the company had initiated the new project for the purpose of developing and maintaining its engineering capacities in the field of design. In the past ASRY sought help form sources outside the company. However, owing to the sheer expansion of the company’s ship repair dock, the Company had to maintain such engineering capacities which will be undertaken by this consulting division, and whose expertise will be marketed to outside firms. Meanwhile, the CEO confirmed the company had signed an agreement with a British power generation company to set up an equal stakes joint venture named ‘Asry- Centrax’. The deal involves production of barges which constitute the

foundation for floating power generation platforms. He said that this agreement represents a key factor in the company’s new strategic approach which targets entry in fresh investments and projects in support of the company’s core business. This partnership comes at a time when the world is experiencing some great demand for such product. The project will certainly transport the company into a new era of investment on account of being part of the company’s strategic options for diversification of its income and beefing up the lucrative returns and profits of the state which has a stake in the company.

TRAINING PROGRAMMES ASRY is also engaged in the training efforts with specialised scheme to train local Bahrainis in collaboration with Tamkeen. Enrolment for the first cycle has already started and commencement of enrolment in the second cycle is being scheduled to proceed soon in tandem with the first one. Mr. Potter underscored the importance of training 50 Bahraini graduates of the Company’s industrial schools and training institutes in preparation for having them replace the expatriates in electrical and technical persuasions in the various workshops of the company. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the program which started early this year and stressed the need for on-going evaluation and gauging the degree of its success on the one hand and the extent of compatibility of the practical training and theoretical study with the progress in the company’s operations to realize the objectives of the program.

ASRY The number of ships

repaired during last year reached 200 vessels in comparison with 210

vessels for the year 2010 and 168 in 2009.

He further confirmed that ASRY is quite serious in offering employment opportunities in the various work sectors in the company, especially the mechanical and electrical trades and installation of the metal plates used in ship building and repairs considering the fact that there are major fields for attracting more high school and industrial training graduates. He also made it clear that the company targets in the first phase training of 50 Bahraini industrial institute and school graduates in collaboration with Tamkeen and the National Institute for Industrial Training, which will contribute to funding the project the cost of which amounts to 3 million and 800,000 dollars over a span of three years. He added that the trainee student who is enrolled in the program would receive financial reward in the amount of 150 Bahraini dinars a month, which will be hiked to 170 dinars in the second year and then to 200 dinars in the third year. The project will be equally funded by TAMKEEN (50 %) and the company (50 %) on the understanding that the training would be taken in cooperation with the National Institute for Industrial Training and the company’s training centre in Khalifa bin Salman Port area as well as at ASRY’s training centre, amplified by hands-on and practical training in the various divisions and organisations of the company. Where nationalisation of jobs is concerned, ASRY’s Chief Executive Officer also confirmed the company also made advanced strides in the field of job Bahrainisation in general and the higher administrative level in particular, without being oblivious to the woman’s share in this Bahrainisation and upper positions drive. The company paid due attention to the woman as part of its comprehensive care of the corporate work force.

Bahraini nationals in ASRY at 45% as of the end of December 2011, which is regarded as a high percentage in a very specialised sector, thereby adding high value to its contribution to the national economy.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS He stated that the company had spent more than $3 million over the past two years either in execution of environmental projects or enhancement of some of the projects which needed enhancement of their environmental standards and requirements to ensure a healthy environment at the work sites. All this goes to highlight ASRY’s keen desire and commitment to care for and protect the environment which receives the full support and follow-up by the Chief Executive Officer as a company contribution to improvement of the environmental status of the Kingdom of Bahrain. He further stated that part of this expenditure is dedicated to the construction of a state of the art sanitary water drainage treatment facility and introduction of environmentally - friendly devices for disposal of industrial wastes. The plant, with its organic water treatment system which uses reed bed technology, is the first of its kind and will go on stream soon. He added that the implementation of the project was initiated early last year to keep pace with the increase in the sanitary drainage water produced by the Company on a daily basis to the tune of more than 1000 cubic meter. This will make the environmental accreditation certificates of the dry dock compatible with the highest international standards on account of its being one of the most active industrial complex in the region which fact mandates compliance with the best sustainable practices as an integral part of the Company’s strategy. Owing to the Company’s anxious desire to enhance commitment to local and international environmental requirements in the environment of the plants and the Company, ASRY applied in the waste water treatment plant highly sophisticated technology for water treatment and purification known by the name “Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor MBBR”, in addition to organic treatment process of the sludge in bamboo beds where the sludge is circulated and settled as sediments on a biofilms on the beds, thereby producing zero waste. The system will operate at a capacity of 1,500 cubic meter a day.

Mr. Chris Potter puts the percentage of the

Where the other projects are concerned, he said that the Company had installed filters, at a total cost of 15000 dollars, in the sandblast treatment plants to prevent dust from being expelled into the outside space, in addition to minimizing consumption of the sand used in blasting and paint removal.

Culture

THE GULF’S CAPITAL OF CULTURE

Its recent crowning jewel was the unveiling of the

Bahrain National Theatre

which is expected to

further uplift Bahrain’s

cultural sophistication.

ROBERTO CARRILLO

anama may have held the title of Arab Capital of Culture this year, but Bahrain has always been a capital of culture in its own right. Bahrain’s central and strategic role in the region has given it a special place in Arab history. Starting from the 5,000-year-old Dilmun-era, this land has been important to the region. It is therefore not surprising that despite its small size, Bahrain has managed to produce two World Heritage Sites; the Bahrain Fort and the recently-inscribed Pearling Trail which was only included this year. There are also currently five sites that are on the tentative list for World Heritage Site status; the Hamad Town Tumuli Moundfield, Barbar Temple, Saar Heritage Park, Hawar Islands Reserve and the Burial Ensembles of Dilmun and Tylos. Only recently, the headquarters of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage was opened. Bahrain’s hosting of the important UNESCO centre is a testament to Bahrain’s central role in Arab culture. Bahrain’s international cultural standing is largely due to the efforts of the Ministry of Culture which has not only made efforts to promote Bahrain’s

Culture

culture into the world platform but also educated Bahrain and its residents of various cultures by bringing international cultural performances many of which have been subsidised to make it affordable for the public. Cultural programmes are organised almost on a monthly basis. Some programmes have even been known to draw audiences from across the region especially during the annual Bahrain Summer Festival, the Spring of Culture and the Bahrain International Music Festival that have become staples in the regional cultural scene. While the Culture Ministry has sometimes been criticised for its efforts especially from the conservatives who claim over budgeting and the dilution of Bahraini culture through the introduction of foreign performances, many culture vultures have remained supportive and appreciative of the untiring efforts largely lead by the Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. Its recent crowning jewel was the unveiling of the Bahrain National Theatre which is expected to further uplift Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural sophistication. The cultural community is absolutely ecstatic as Culture Ministry officials have announced that the creation of resident performing companies are part of their long-term strategy for the development of the theatre. However, despite Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent cultural exploits, Bahrain has always held its standing long before. Currently, the Bahrain-based Beit Al Quran holds the largest collection of quranic manuscripts in the world, an achievement not widely known. Even the Bahrain National Museum is known as the best museum in the region. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Wherever Bahrain is

headed, one thing is certain; Bahrain will

always retain its image as a cultural hub. It can only

get better from this point on.

Food

DISCOVERING BAHRAIN’S DELICACIES FARAH BAIGH

iven Bahrain’s warm hospitality and vibrant culture, dining on a traditional Bahraini meal is always a memorable experience. Although similar to most GCC countries, Bahraini cuisine has managed to attain an identity of its own due to its endless fresh ingredients. Being an island, Bahrain is famous for its bounty of seafood which brings to mind Hammour, Safi, Channad and Sheri apart from hoards of shellfish and shrimp. In ancient Bahrain, fishermen would grill freshly caught fish on bon fires with a light sprinkling of spices and salt after which they would be left to cook in the heat of an impromptu oven made using hot coals and large rocks. Another widely available ingredient in Bahrain’s market is dates, which are a staple during the holy month of Ramadan and in most traditional homes where they are eaten during afternoon tea or used in desserts. Bahraini cuisine, undoubtedly, is greatly influenced by a host of traditions. Spiced rice garnished with wholesome servings of slow cooked meat or fish, known as Kabsa, is almost necessary when marking auspicious occasions in traditional Bahraini families. The meat is cooked in simmering water along with onions and a variety of spices including cinnamon, cardamom and cloves after which it is rubbed down with a mixture of black lemon, rose water and saffron. This dish is enjoyed by families and their guests from large plates holding servings for up to eight people creating a lively bond between those present.

THE CROWNING GLORY OF THE KINGDOM’S DELECTABLE DESSERTS WOULD BE BAHRAINI HALWA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS SHOWAITER HALWA. THIS DESSERT IS SOFT AND JELLY-LIKE, AND USUALLY CONTAINS

And while you may not easily find yourself seated at one of these divine meals, you can treat yourself to an equally appealing plate of beef, chicken or fish Machboos at several traditional restaurants located in Bahrain. Also available are a wide range of grilled fast food including tikkas, kebabs, oven cooked chicken and Shawarmas which are available throughout the country. As if your palette wasn’t pampered enough already, Bahrain’s unique sweets will provide the perfect finish. Sweets that are commonly consumed at Bahraini households are Balaleet which is sweetened noodles topped with scrambled eggs, Rahaash made from Tahina and usually sprinkled with chopped Pistachios and sweet sago. The crowning glory of the kingdom’s delectable desserts would be Bahraini Halwa, commonly known as Showaiter Halwa. This dessert is soft and jelly-like, and usually contains a generous amount of cashews or almonds which are stirred through the sweet during the cooking process. The owner of one of the most popular producers Hussain Moh’d Showaiter Sweets, Mohammed Ghareeb, stated that they are the halwa-producing pioneers in Bahrain, producing varieties of Halwa for 160 years.

Food

AS IF YOUR PALETTE WASN’T PAMPERED ENOUGH ALREADY, BAHRAIN’S UNIQUE SWEETS WILL PROVIDE THE PERFECT FINISH

“Halwa, which is available in different varieties including Royal or Malaiky Halwa and Red Halwa, is popular with locals and expats alike. Arab families often gift boxes of Halwa to their relatives or friends on special occasions,” says Mr Ghareeb. He explained that making Halwa is a process that requires patience and stamina. The ingredients which include rose water, cardamom, saffron, corn starch, sugar and nuts are stirred in large pans over high flames until they come to a rolling boil. This is done using three rounded spatulas of different shapes. As the mixture thickens additional ingredients are added before it attains the desired texture. The shiny and steaming hot halwa is then scooped into large containers. “While the halwa is still hot we spoon it into smaller containers and garnished with chopped or crushed nuts,” he says. Halwa is best enjoyed with a cup of Qahwa, traditional Arabic coffee.

Fashion

A PASSION FOR FASHION

ZILIA MONTEIRO Kubra Al Qaseer believes that daring to come out in public, despite her family’s concern of being a woman, has helped shape her personality and contribution to Bahrain’s fashion industry. “Competition in the 80s was none and nobody even took fashion seriously in the Gulf,” said the Bahraini fashion expert and designer. Regarded as an industry pioneer, one may think that it would have been an easy beginning. But on the contrary she recollects battling against traditional mindsets of male family members that made her initial steps much harder. “When I first started up my eight brothers were so protective of me, they would not even let me travel on my own to my factory in India. The person to have supported me the most was my mother,” She believes those initial bold steps paved the way for future women like her to gain independence in today’s industry and society. It has been more than 25 years now since she took that decision and she says “no one dares to say anything to me now. I have more than 500 staff under my care and several outlets.” She developed a flair for fashion and designing since the age of four, also motivated by an aunt who taught her to stitch. By 1987, she established her first fashion outlet in Bahrain and quickly spread her wings throughout the Gulf and later internationally in 2000. Her designs have become a fusion of traditional with contemporary western haute couture. “I believe a woman can make a successful living in the fashion industry in the Gulf since there is always a demand for it.” Transitions in styles and mindsets have defined the way the modern woman dresses.

In the past it was all about simplicity, says Ms. Al Qaseer. “But all that changed very quickly. Now the black abaya is no longer considered home wear, but a party fashion statement for even royal family members from across the Gulf.” In one of her variations of the abaya, she redesigns it with a handmade knit work giving it a transparency so it could be worn indoors without needing to be removed. She believes that women of the present are bold and different from women of the past. “They exercise great care and concern for their looks. “Jelabiyas which once used to be worn by people like my grandmother are now being festooned with embroidery to become glamourous party outfits.” In the last five to seven years, many young fashion designers have entered the industry. She believes the future is in these young men and women who require support from industry experts and more college or university programs to develop their skills. Many have looked to her for motivation, which she often imparts when she is not busy preparing for a fashion show. Ms. Al Qaseer has been awarded in Saudi for being an industry pioneer and will be the first woman from the Middle East to hold an exhibition in Delhi. Her advice to new designers is to dive right in to the industry without thinking they need lots of money to start up. “That’s how I did it. Even though my family were all in to business, I worked a regular day time job, saved just enough and made it to the top the hard way.”

UAE

ACHIEVING SUCCESS BY RISING ABOVE THE CHALLENGES

range of products and services in its segment. No wonder it is considered as a financial supermarket of sorts.

hallenges make life exciting. The tougher they are, the tastier success will be. Who can understand this better than the Kingdom of Bahrain, which has overcome all obstacles to emerge into a triumphant nation. The saga of this great nation teaches that only when one takes challenges head on, can one’s goals be achieved. Sharing a similar storyline of success is UAE Exchange, the leading global remittance and foreign exchange brand, which has a threedecade history to its global operations. The Bahrain operations of UAE Exchange started in 2007. In a very short span of time, UAE Exchange Bahrain emerged into a favourite of customers, thanks to its high quality products, services, promotions and more, offered across Mr. Deepak Nair its 11 branches. Expatriate customers, who form about 50% of the total population of the nation, turn to The world connected with the Kingdom of the global money transferrer because it connects Bahrain instantly, for it offered business-friendly them with their families, back in their home atmosphere. In a similar fashion, UAE Exchange countries, by getting across their love in the form too offered customer convenience by bringing of hard-earned money. Then be it in any part of various services like payment of air line tickets, the world, the trusted remittance brand could credit card bills and more under one roof. Nation’s reach out, thanks to its 650 direct offices across 30 first ISO certified remittance brand partners with countries, various like-minded entities to offer the widest the largest global network in its class.

The nation called Bahrain has always encouraged innovation. One could find the latest and the best here and its lifestyle was always in sync with times. Like the land it dwelled in, UAE Exchange too thrived on being innovative. This penchant for novelty was centred on customers’ requirements. This thinking for the customer has given birth to revolutionary products from its quality stable, which include Money2anywhere.com, the online money transfer portal which enables remittance from an internet environment anywhere; Smart Pay, the industry-leading payroll solution; FLASHRemit, the facility for real time account credit; gocash, the prepaid travel card; and XPay, the product for easy bill payments using mobile phone. Bahrain is home to millions of expatriates from world over, for whom it offers a wide range of promising opportunities. Similarly UAE Exchange too brings delight to over 4 million customers, worldwide. Towards this aim, a thoroughly professional team of over 8000 people representing over 40 nationalities strives round the year, across the world. UAE Exchange has always been conducting responsible business by adhering to the laws of the land. It shares the same strong values, which the Kingdom of Bahrain has ingrained for the welfare of one and all. Swimming against the current, Bahrain has emerged into a strong hold and a force to reckon with. UAE Exchange salutes this great nation and wishes it a bright and prosperous future.

Heritage

A WALK THROUGH THE PEARL TRAIL

ROBERTO CARRILLO

The Bahrain pearling trail is a 3.5 km trail located in

the island of Muharraq, in

Bahrain, that was used by pearl divers during much

of Bahrain’s history until

the early 1930s

magine yourself 150 years back in the alleyways of Old Muharraq. This was a time when Bahrain’s entire economy was based on pearling with the day-to-day lives of the people revolve around the industry that has brought their little islands fame and wealth. It’s early June as you walk past through the sandstone houses linked together side-by-side, divided only by the narrow winding streets. It is the beginning of the pearling season and the women and the children head towards the ruins of the beach-side Bu Mahir Fort in the southern tip of Muharraq to climb its crumbling tower and walls to say goodbye to their fathers and brothers who will be gone for three months at sea. The mothers remind their children that it’s time to go home as the tide will set in once again leaving the Bu Mahir Fort in its own island. The seashore was definitely closer then. Another ship has sailed. But more will go soon. You walk back to the downtown heading north where, not far after just crossing the sandbar disappearing into the tidal waters, you pass upon the quaint house of a pearl diver. The matron of the household enters the Al Ghus House, no doubt after just bidding farewell to her husband at sea. One of the elders of the town has just invited you to their home which was slightly north of the Al Ghus house. He is a member of the Jalahma family quite prominent in the area. As you enter the Jalahma House, inhabited by several branches of their family, you can see the role women played in the pearling season. With the men away for up to three or four months, the women of the household were left to manage affairs of both the home and the community. Women were already empowered long before as decisions were left up to them. The family was kind enough to provide shelter for the night as in the custom of Arabic hospitality. The next few days you observe the daily workings of the town. Right across the Jalahma’s is the Badr Ghuloom House which is the town’s doctor. Using

folk medicine, he treats not only the ill but most especially pearl divers who meet with accidents at sea. Various herbs, oils and minerals are used in the unique oriental system. Only a few blocks north from the Jalahma and the Badr Ghuloom House is the Al Alawi Merchants House. Every now and then, the middlemen who just bought pearls from the captains of the ships at sea would go to the Al Alawis to sell the crew’s find. Their house is very easy to spot with the iconic windtower. Not all homeowners can afford one which speaks of their wealth. North east of the Al Alawi House is the Fakhro House. The wealthy family has undoubtedly one of the largest compounds in the island. Their neighbours relate that the house started with only the main building and as the family grew, more extensions were added. A freshwater swimming pool was even rumored to be inside the extensive compound. Several blocks north east of the Fakhros’ residence is the Murad House which have been merchants that have benefited from the pearl industry. They provide a valuable service providing both local and imported wood vital to the ships as well as for the local construction of homes.

Heritage

The Murads have just recently dispatched several supplies of wood to the local market known as the Souq Al Qaisariya east of their house. Back then it was right at the coastline with several Amarat or warehouseshops by the seaside. Boats regularly pass by and drop their goods in the Amarat. The souq is bustling with activity as people go about their daily lives. Several shops are organized as if in a long bazaar with each shopkeeper having different goods. Another famous pearl merchant family holds several shops. The Siyadi Shops are scattered in the souq each selling different items. The Siyadis have their residence far north from the souq. Their wealth is well represented by their house which was four-stories high and was at that time, a veritable skyscraper. Its ornate majlis building is heavily decorated with finely decorated sandstone walls and stained glass windows. Attached to their home is a mosque. Its iconic minaret, austere and simple, calls the town to prayer. Despite the minaret’s design being very different from modern styles, it is actually a representative of what a traditional minaret would look like. Near the Siyadi House is the house of one of the pearl fishing boat captains, the Nukhidha House. He will be leaving tomorrow for the pearling season. He recounts that it is a dream

job that is the envy of many as being captain, he makes a good profit from the sale of pearls to the middlemen. But it isn’t an easy job as well. He doesn’t only have to ensure he gets a good profit for himself, he has to make sure he adequately pays his divers. As a manager, he also oversees hiring of his crew which consist of several lean-bodied divers to collect the pear oysters, strong helpers to pull the divers from the water with their rope and a good singer which entertains and uplifts the spirits of the ship especially in the months of not seeing their families. All the mentioned houses and sites are a walkthrough of the Pearling Trail that has recently been inscribed in the World Heritage List. While some sites such as the Bu Mahir Fort is still under restoration, sites such as the Suq Al Qaisariya and the Nukhida House are already open for visitors. The Bahrain pearling trail is a 3.5 km trail located in the island of Muharraq, in Bahrain, that was used by pearl divers during much of Bahrain’s history until the early 1930s, when the pearl market in Bahrain crashed as a result of the introduction of cultured pearls from Japan. Pearling in Bahrain has occurred since 2000 BC. The pathway consists of 17 buildings in Murharraq, 3 oyster beds located in the nearby sea, a segment of the coast and the seafront Bu Mahir fortress in the southern tip of Muharraq.

Pearl

PRESERVING THE HABITATS

ZILIA MONTEIRO

magine lazing on islands with fine sands and lush green palm trees, taking camel rides out in the open desert, roaming with the dugongs, dolphins and charting the famous pearl trail with a chance to dive for one in Bahrain’s turquoise waters. These are just some of the future dreams of Bahrain’s pioneering environmental consultants whose work consists of a fine balance between the development and protection of Bahrain’s rich environment. While Bahrain’s coastal regions are expanding and boosting the economy, certain projects they say have been harmful to the some of the natural treasures that exist. “We are not tree huggers but appreciate and value what we have in the country, because we want to protect it for the benefit of people,” says Halel Engineer, the Managing Director for Bahrain’s first environment consultancy PHE Gulf, now called Environment Arabia. “I remember as I was growing up the beautiful mangroves along Tubli bay and the thriving palm trees along Nabi Saleh which I heard about from my dad.” Her sentiments were also echoed by Marine consultant and resident of the island for 31 years, Michael Arora, who said their job has evolved to become more than just preservation of natural beauty. “Twelve years ago we started talking about the socio economical aspects of our job; and now that’s the key part of our studies. Archeological, historical and cultural aspects, environmental, social and politics are all so closely linked.” He recollects that when the environmental agency first started they received a lot of criticism from people who believed their efforts would be in vain. “People used to say why do you bother doing what you’re doing? You’re not going to make any difference at all.”

But 12 years down the line and they feel they are now highly appreciated for their noble efforts. One of the biggest projects they are undertaking this year is the deployment of artificial reefs in various locations of the sea. The project is a positive step towards increasing fish stocks and boosting marine ecosystems whose natural habitats have been destroyed through bad fishing techniques, dredging and climate change. They believe that the future of environmental life in Bahrain has huge potential if coupled with the right amount of education and awareness. The Government has also taken several positive steps towards environmental issues and especially in the last five years policies have become very stringent. “We try to educate people as much as possible now. We try to come up with alternatives when we need to. The environment authorities and people appreciate what we do. But I guess if it was easy we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing,” he says. While some have been looking for monetary benefits through development projects, the environmentalists believe there is always scope for a worthwhile trade-off that would also benefit the environment. Tourism potential for the country is very high and the island has all the in-house knowledge and skillsets required to facilitate implementation. Under water fishing tours and bird-watching trips are all part of an optimistic future, which will ultimately boost Bahrain’s tourism making it a sustainable income.

Pearl

PEARL TRADE FLOURISHES T

HEENA PARKAR

“Once the oyster is made to produce pearls in this manner, the product can no longer be called jewelry”

he pearl industry in Bahrain will always flourish as the demand for this natural gem is increasing internationally year after year. Mattar Jewelers owner Talal Mattar speaks about how a tremendous increase has been experienced in the demand for the natural Bahraini pearl in the last few years. “The cultured pearl industry, especially in countries like China and Japan, are facing a crisis due to several reasons which forces them to use ceramic and plastic to produce the gem. Once the oyster is made to produce pearls in this manner, the product can no longer be called jewelry,” explains Mr. Mattar. The present generation clearly values quality over quantity, he adds which is a very important factor affecting demand of pearls. “The new generation is keen to own the gem and jewelry related to it because they consider it as an investment. Over the years, the kind of preference that customers have shown is very specific. If we keep Bahrain in mind, earlier any heavy and magnificent looking jewelry was ordered for weddings, even if it meant compromising on the quality, purity or colour. Now they prefer to

have good value,” says Mr. Mattar. Though the younger generation shows very positive attitude towards the gem, they are restricted to venture into this business, he added. “There are many youngsters interested but they cannot directly start it. In order to do so, a person needs to have a stock of these pearls. Let’s say that someone manages to buy it from a Pearl dealer but still the person cannot manage to make profit,” explains Mr. Mattar. “My grandfather started collecting pearls, then my father added to the collection and now I am doing the same. With about 2-3 pearls coming in every day, it takes about 10-15 years to complete one necklace. So, this strictly becomes a family business.” Mattar family has been in the pearling business for more than 150 years. “We, my sister and me, are the sixth generation. There are not more than 50 families involved in this business from all over the world,” he adds. Sticking with tradition Another unaltered factor resulting in the progress of the industry is the way some Bahraini families see diving for pearl as a hobby. “Most of those people who get

Pearl

pearls to us are just following their hobby. It is not their main business. Very few are involved in this activity for business. Generally, just after the weekends, we get more pearls than on other days. It’s their sport and they enjoy it,” he adds. In the earlier days, around 7,000 Bahrainis used to dive in search of oysters at a time. “Of course we need more people to do so in the present time because for over 10,000 oysters we are getting 25 pearls with commercial value which is generally the 2mm one. Then there are big ones, good quality round ones and so the value increases,” he says. However, the number of people practicing it as a hobby is already sufficient and the skill is further passed on to the next generation, says Mr. Mattar. “Many divers take their young children and teach them to open oysters and classify pearls. This is a good sign and an important step taken to pass the skill to the next generation. Another positive mark is the development in technology. Earlier, the divers had to face a lot of hardship to reach to the oyster beds. It was a difficult occupation. Now they have good boats and they can easily

go for it,” he adds. Positive impact The oyster beds have experienced a constant healthy growth in the sea surrounding the island, says Mr. Mattar. “Whether reclamation or water pollution, take any factor, it hasn’t affected the pearl industry. The proof that pearl divers manage to find one or two pearls everyday is a proof. We get five to six people coming to us with them, even rare ones,” he added. In fact, pollution is actually affecting the fish population and many people are shifting towards diving for pearls, says Mr. Mattar. “The last two years, has experienced this shift as people have to go far for finding fishes due to low water level near coasts. But oyster beds are plenty. Clearly none of these environmental changes have affected the structure of the pearls though change in colour has been noticed. “We are getting a dark creamish, yellow coloured pearls but that’s the only difference,” he said.

“Of course we need more people to do so in the present time because for over 10,000 oysters we are getting 25 pearls with commercial value which is generally the 2mm one. “

Parliament

FOR THE PEOPLE SAFEGUARDS TO PARLIAMENTARY POWERS RAJI UNNIKRISHNAN

he Bahraini political scenario has been eventful during 2011 - 2012. Following the recommendations of the National Dialogue, the Independent fact finding commission led by Prof Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni and the National Commission – His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa endorsed constitutional reforms, marking a turning point in the history of the Kingdom. The well-studied reforms and amendments, reviewed and redrafted by the people’s representatives at the Parliament (Nuwab) and accepted by the upper house – Shura Council – were embraced whole-heartedly by the leadership. His Majesty described the move as a ‘qualitative leap’ of which he said the Kingdom was proud about. “This move proves the exercise by our people of remarkable dialogue and exchange of views with genuine patriotic intentions, within the constitutional institutions,” said King Hamad.

5. a. Amendment – Every five MPs can seek for investigation with any Minister and his ministerial duties, within eight days from the date of application, subsequent to the respective parliamentary sub-committee approving the ‘need’ of the request – rejected. b. Proposal - MPs can question the ministers directly in the parliament and not through the sub-committee. 6. a. Amendment - If 20 members show disagreement with the government, it is transferred to the general session for voting (within seven days) and with 2/3rdmembers approving, it is transferred to the King to dismiss / establish a new government or dismiss the parliament – rejected. b. Proposal – Seven days revised to two weeks, as the decision to dismiss the government is too big to be decided in a week’s time. 7. a. Amendment– Time frame for the government to reply to any queries from the MPs was revised to six months - rejected. b. Proposal - Time frame to revert with yes/no and reasons revised to four months. 8. a. Amendment - Shura Council will not have the power to question the authorities of the parliament, against the current status – approved. 9. a. Amendment - Discussions on laws (specifically related to economic and financial affairs) which were limited to a discussion time frame of 15 days for theparliament and further 15 days for the Shura Council and if no consensus reached, further referred to the national assembly (Shura and Parliament) and if both reject in unison, the King will have a final say - rejected. b. Proposal –Time frame to be extended to 25 days each to parliament, Shura Council and the national assembly. (With an exception to the national budget).

Highlights:

10. a. Amendment - National Assembly will be chaired by the head of Parliament (current status - head of Shura Council) – approved.

1.a Amendment - Decree No 42 D – The King has the right to dissolve the Parliament in consensus with the Shura Council and the Supreme Court – rejected.

11. a. Amendment – If either of the houses disagree on constitutional changes the move will be dismissed and will not be referred to the national assembly – no consensus.

b. Proposal – to exclude the Supreme Court, as the Court is above the political powers and the independency of the Judiciary needs to be protected.

b. Proposal - the matter will be debated further.

2. a. Amendment – The basic qualification of a parliamentarian should be bachelor’s degree as minimum – rejected. b. Proposal – minimum qualification should be a high school degree (following leading democracies’ examples and taking into consideration that MPs represent people, regardless of their educational qualifications). Ability to write and speak Arabic is a must. 3. a. Amendment - Citizenship of the Parliamentarians – Anyone who holds a dual citizen ship from the GCC can partake in the election – rejected. b. Proposal – The person contesting should be an ‘original Bahraini’ with a Bahraini passport and should not be holding any other citizenship, as he /she is a part of an important institution of the country and is a law maker. An added amendment said that any candidate to contest in the election should have 50 references to support his application - approved. 4. a. Amendment – In case of resignation / death of an MP, the next person with maximum votes in the election shall take up the seat – rejected as the members found it illogical. b. Proposal - Re-election.

12.a. Amendment - Government must put its programmes to the parliament prior to its establishment and if rejected, the King will appoint another government, which will resubmit another programme and if rejected again, the King has the authority to dismiss the government or the parliament – no consensus. b. Proposal - This part of the constitution has been accepted, with some members objecting to the dismissal of the parliament, as they opined that it is like ‘punishing’ the parliament for rejecting the government.

Tourism

TRAVELLERS’ DELIGHT

DISCOVER THE KINGDOM’S ATTRACTIONS By Roberto Carrillo

espite Bahrain’s relatively small size, its huge role as a tourism destination in the region cannot be denied. DT has narrowed down several must-dos in Bahrain for any tourist or newcomer or simply any long-time resident who hasn’t had the chance to explore Bahrain’s sights. Must Visit

1. Bahrain Fort – formerly known as the Portuguese Fort, it is arguably the most important archaeological site in Bahrain as the site is a representative of all the mysterious Dilmun civilisation to the Hellenic Tylos Era up to the Islamic and European colonial periods. Named as Bahrain’s first World Heritage Site, the ruins of the old Dilmun civilization hidden under the fort is considered highly valuable to the region’s heritage. 2. Pearling Trail – The pearling trail is expected to be completed within less than a year and has already been included in the list of World Heritage Sites. The trail is a representative of Bahrain’s pearling legacy and will be an educational tour of the production of pearls. Bahraini pearls were held with so much value worldwide before the advent cultured pearls and was a lucrative industry for the islandnation. At the end of the trail is a restored Bu Maher Fort which is an important coastal defense. 3. Arad Fort – As another fort built by the Portuguese, the structure is reminiscent of postrenaissance European military architecture. The usage of local materials made it highly adaptable to the local climate and provided shelter from the hot Arabian summer. Bahrain’s strategic importance was highlighted by the fort’s position overlooking the sea protecting from pirate raids and overlooking the town protecting against land incursions. 4. Manama Souq – Of course a tour in the Middle East will not be complete without a trip

Tourism

to the Souq or marketplace. Most would call it a bazaar. The Manama Souq will not be a disappointment for someone interested to pick up some souvenirs and fascinating finds. The place is also known for its jewellers because despite its expert craftsmanship, jewellery from Bahrain is considered cheaper due to the lower labour costs. Just a tip: Haggling is expected. Always quote your price 50-25% lower of the price that you originally want to pay to meet the dealers halfway. 5. Bahrain National Museum – Those interested to go deeper into Bahrain’s history can get a quick trip to the National Museum where Bahrain’s historical development is expertly illustrated and summarized. It is also known as one of the best museums in the region. 6. Saar Archaeological Site – This site is perhaps the most extensive showcase of the Dilmun Civilization. It encompasses a town

performance as it hosts international and local performances. The impressive landmark building’s architecture itself is enough reason to visit. The new National Theatre is located beside the National Museum. Must Eat Eating out is always part of the deal when touring around. Eating itself can be an experience and is always a reflection of a country’s culture. 1. Mohammed Noor – If you want a taste of traditional Arabic and Bahraini cuisine, Mohammed Noor is a top choice. Its central location near the Exhibition Road coupled by the manner of service and the food is a definite must try for visitors and those who want to get more acquainted with the traditional ways. Instead of going to a table, why not sit on the floor and try eating with your hands? 2. Block 338 Adliya – This entire block has been recently developed as the new ‘food

and a temple as well as burial areas. It is best to visit the area after visiting the National Museum to get a better idea of the Dilmun way of life. 7. Riffa Fort – The Riffa Fort is more modern compared to the previous other forts. Built in 1812, its architecture is a bastion of a later Islamic military design. Being the residence and effective palace of the island’s princely rulers at the time, it gives a great idea of the Arabian rulers’ way of life in the 1800s before the advent of oil. 8. Burial Mounds – The extensive necropolis in the south is popularly known as one of the largest cemeteries in the ancient world. Since the Dilmun times, Bahrain’s reputation as a ‘paradise island’ made it a perfect final resting place. 9. Bahrain International Circuit – Bahrain sees itself as a capital of the region’s motorsports industry. Hosting the annual Grand Prix draws thousands of tourists every year. Even if it isn’t the racing season there are many activities lined up all year round including Kkarting, Caterham sports car rides, and even experience driving vehicles at the track. 10. Bahrain National Theatre – The newest addition to Bahrain’s cultural scene is definitely a must see. Catch the latest

central’ of Bahrain. Several restaurants of various cuisines can be found from the traditional Arabic shawarma to the more expensive five star sit down dinners. A short walk around will give you plenty of choices. 3. Felfela – This little gem of a place in Ghufool has been operating for more than a decade and serves some of the best falafel in the country. If you don’t know what to get, go crazy and try the sheep brain sandwich. Where to Stay Accommodation is a big part of a trip. Bahrain’s hospitality industry is booming and it doesn’t only cater to the rich. Those who are looking for budget accommodation can look around the Manama souq and Gudaibiya areas where you can get rooms for as low as BD 15 per night. Those looking for mid-range prices can go for day apartments in Juffair or Hoora. Those who wish to splurge can head to the Seef and Diplomatic Area where several international chain hotels are located.

Sketches

BAHRAIN SKETCHES M

SATYA

an started his drawing quest by scribbling his memories on the the walls of the caves he lived in. However, history is almost silent regarding the question, when and where this actually began. He used all kinds of tools he could find in his surroundings, including stone chisels and sharp edged colour stones. The famous cave paintings of El- Castillo is a standing proof to this art quest of mankind. A recent study dates its origin back to a period, some 40,000 years! These drawings, or more correctly, the scribblings- are now providing mankind priceless glimpses into his forgotten past. Now the art has developed, taken a new shape and form and has bifurcated into different sectors. The interest in recording live happenings also paved way for yet another class. My interest in recording the panorama of this pearl island is based on that...

WORLD TRADE CENTRE MANAMA

Sketches

TREE OF LIFE

WATCH TOWER KING FAHAD CAUSEWAY

ANDALUS GARDEN SIGNAL

Technology

EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY

RAKESH

hrough the years, we’ve watched technology grow like a child budding into adulthood: It starts out mostly crying, then crawling, gradually learning to walk, and finally able to run at a speed we all wish we could keep up with. We’ve seen technology fail, and we’ve seen it succeed. We’ve poked fun at it when it doesn’t make sense, and we’ve praised. We’ve yelled at it and we’ve fixed or replaced it when it gets run down. We treat technology as a family member—even if that is a little co-dependent. It has certainly made aspects of our lives easier. We’re no longer forced to send letters through the postal service, book vacations through travel agents, shop in stores, visit the library for research material, or wait for our photos to be developed. Thanks to technology, all of these activities can be performed either digitally or online. At the same time, technology can make life more convoluted— especially when something doesn’t work right or doesn’t do what it’s supposed to: Say, for instance, a GPS device tells you to turn the wrong way on a one-way street!! Or a computer erases all of your important data??

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to understand how a product or service works, not to mention whether or not to hold off on adopting it until a better, shinier thing comes along. A perfect example is the ever-evolving video format. It can take years before a technology catches on, and even more time before we see a significant price drop. For the most part, however, technology does us more good than harm. It has reconnected us with old college roommates, helped us learn a foreign language, and encouraged us to exercise. Over the last five years, technology has been rapidly changing and expanding in every field imaginable. Smartphones are now capable of acting as standalone computer devices that can take pictures, search the Internet, send emails and text messages and yes, they even make phone calls. While it might seem that the technology of today has reached its limits, it is still actually spreading its proverbial wings. Only twenty or so years ago, personal computers were becoming small enough and

Technology

affordable enough for families to buy them for home use. Since then, the world of technology has shown no signs of slowing down and practically every device available today is somehow tied to computer technology. It seems hard these days to fathom the original size of computers and how small they have become in the last ten years, but within the last five years they have become even smaller and somehow more powerful and faster than ever before! The Internet allows people to connect with family, friends, and work colleagues from across the globe in the push of a button. Communication options have literally exploded in the instant avenues of text and video based chat as well as the near instantaneous method of email. Automobiles are now being manufactured with standard GPS and emergency call features for the convenience and safety of drivers and their passengers, making the days of carrying a map completely unnecessary and improving the peace of mind of anyone who must travel the roads alone or at night. Computerised cars are now potentially at risk in much the same fashion as a personal computer as a moderately skilled hacker can theoretically take over basic functions of a vehicle - including its engine. Yes, technological advancement has changed our lives completely, and not always in a good way. Fortunately, there are many people focused on securing our networked technology and police officers as well as trained hacking and computer programming expert’s work to provide safe and secure technology to the masses. New technology in computer forensics has even opened up the world of police investigations, as personal computers, cell phones, and other portable electronic devices can now be searched in an effort to reliably solve crimes that seem to have little other evidence.

REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY PIONEER B

ahrain boasts the Middle East’s most liberal and advance information, communications and technology (ICT) infrastructure and policies. The island has one of the highest mobile and internet penetration rates in the region. The Kingdom has always been the Gulf’s technological pioneer. With their open and forwardthinking approach, Bahrainis have proved to be an ideal testing ground for the introduction of new technologies to the region and Bahrain has experienced a fast rate of innovation.

role in e-governance such as you can pay your utility bills with a few mouse clicks. Thanks to the basic features of internet such as widespread usability and access which in turn reduce waste of paper, save time and money with online bill paying. As per my opinion, life is so easy if you really utilise the features available more effectively. And as you all are aware that Bahrain is the financial hub of Middle East, citizens can enjoy the flexibility of banks and good thing is that all banks are adopting the latest technologies to make life simple.

Bahrain’s eGovernment strategy aims to have over 90% of key services available online. For business this includes business and office registration, work permits, banking services, environmental compliance and the eTendering of government contracts. With the advent of technology nowadays you can do almost all the government/personal related needs using your Pc/smart devices such as applying visa, renewing visas, checking your legal status etc through internet. Also www.bahrain.bh is playing a big

I just want to say life is so simple and easy in Bahrain! Najeeb M.V System & IT Specialist Matrook Group

BIC

MOTORSPORTS PIONEER BONNY MASCARENHAS

he Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), made history when it officially opened on April 4, 2004 to be the first-ever country in the entire Middle East to host a Formula One. Since then it has raced on to build itself a formidable reputation in the international world of motor racing sport. Its tradition of being a pioneer in the world of motor-sports in this region continues. Less than a decade after the opening of the F1 circuit, it has this year yet again done another first, when it opened the the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first and only world-class Karting facility which has the required capabilities to stage a CIK (Commission Internationale de Karting) level event. This time though itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a first not just in this region but in the international world of motor-sports. The facility named VIVA Karting Track hosted this year the inaugural CIK-FIA U18 World Karting Championship and Karting Academy Trophy. This was the first-ever CIK level event to be held in the entire Middle East. It was also made history as being the first-ever CIK races to be held at night. In addition to the Karting facility and being home to one of the most challenging Formula One Grand Prix track, the BIC is also home to several other events of global motor-racing. The prestigious races include the V8 Supercars Australia Championship, the GP2 Series, the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, and just this year, the FIA World Endurance Championship which was held in September.

BIC HAS RACED ON TO BUILD ITSELF A FORMIDABLE REPUTATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL WORLD OF MOTOR RACING SPORT.

BIC

ANOTHER FACET OF MOTOR-SPORTS THAT WAS ADDED TO THE BIC WAS A QUARTER-MILE DRAG STRIP, WHICH WAS COMPLETELY REVAMPED IN 2010 TO MEET THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARD.

Another facet of motor-sports that was added to the BIC was a quarter-mile drag strip, which was completely revamped in 2010 to meet the highest international standard. The strip was resurfaced with a special Superflat concrete and a new four-storey building overlooking the drag strip was built. The building houses a level for race control for when drag racing events are held, another floor for media and a third for VIP guests and features a roof top viewing area from where all the action can be enjoyed at a drag racing event. These events plus the large number of regional and national racing championships have helped BIC solidify its status as ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’ and to ensure its place in the world of motor sport not just in the region but globally. But the circuit is not just a location that will satisfy the needs of a petrol-head. It has with its various international events attracted a wide range of opportunities for both sport and business, not only for the circuit but also for the entire Kingdom. It has with its successful hosting of the F1 Grand Prix, firmly entrenched itself as among the major contributors to the Kingdom’s economy.

BIC

BIC A FACILITY ON WHOSE TARMAC ARE WITNESSED SOME OF THE FIERCEST BATTLES IN MOTOR-SPORTS

BIC by hosting the very best of international and regional motorsport including major events such as the Bahrain Grand Prix have helped generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the national economy each year, such as in 2008 when the total BIC economic Impact was US$595.5m. The track and Bic facilities also provide the perfect venue for the launch of new vehicles. It allows the manufacturer and dealer to showcase on the track the best qualities of their vehicles. In addition the circuit also gives back to the community by allowing

fundraising event to be hosted in its premises. These include the annual Wheelathon and the Cherry Trot race. Apart from this the circuit hosts Open-track days, where people can register and drive their own cars on the track. All of this has made the Bahrain International Circuit an indispensable part of the Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabric. In the end the BIC a facility on whose tarmac are witnessed some of the fiercest battles in motor-sports, ironically works to bringing together the various communities and also segments of society.

Sports

READY FOR BATTLE!

BAHRAIN PREPARES TO HOST GULF CUP IN JANUARY AIDAN PAYNE

OLYMPIC JOY P

he terms that normally come to one’s mind when thinking about Bahrain’s role in sports are equestrianism, football and motor sport. Middle distance runner, Maryam Yusuf Jamal, has not only added to that list but brought immense pride to the Kingdom through her victory at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Bahrain has participated in eight summer games. On August 10 this year, Ms. Jamal (formerly Ethiopian) became the first Bahraini athlete and first female athlete from the Gulf to win an Olympic medal by winning a bronze medal in the 1500m women’s race. Prior to her race, she had suffered an injury which prevented her from training for two months. In an interview following her

winning race, she stated that, despite the injury, her determination did not waiver as she wanted to bring home a medal for Bahrain.

On returning to Bahrain, Ms. Jamal was greeted with a warm welcome from HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and other top officials who were pleased with her Olympic achievement. HM King Hamad hailed Maryam Jamal’s Olympic achievement stating that it had further promoted Bahrain’s international sport status. Maryam Jamal’s Olympic victory has proved to be an inspiration and priceless example for aspiring athletes in Bahrain.

reparations are well

underway for the prestigious 21st Gulf Football Cup to be hosted by the Kingdom next month from January 5-18 and promises to be a highly anticipated affair on a grandeur scale with thousands of fans from all over the region expected to watch the tournament. This will be the fourth time Bahrain will stage the event, both the National Stadium and the Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town will stage the matches. Both venues have been upgraded and renovated over the past months, along with first class facilities for the local and international media. This is all a far cry from the very first edition of the Cup which Bahrain hosted back in 1970 when it was still a British Protectorate. The first tournament matches were played at the old Isa Town Stadium and featured the hosts Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with Bahrain finishing runners-up to winners Kuwait after losing 3-1 in what was the decisive match in the roundrobin format. The cup expanded in the next three editions with the UAE making its debut in 1972, Oman in 1974 and Iraq made it seven entrants in 1976, but despite the expansion Kuwait dominated the competition and had notched up four titles after the first four editions. Iraq hosted the 1979 edition and broke the domination of Kuwait for a first time win, only for Kuwait to regain the title in 1982.

Bahrain had its best position since 1970 finishing runners-up in the UAE-hosted tournament. In 1986 Bahrain hosted the event for a second time, this time at the new National Stadium opened in 1982 and though they finished a disappointing fifth, the highlight was a dramatic 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. Bahrain had taken an early firsthalf lead and held on until nearly the final whistle when Saudi Arabia equalised, but straight from the restart Marjan Eid slotted home a dramatic stoppage time winner to the delight of the capacity crowd. By the time of the 1990 edition, Kuwait (1982 World Cup qualifiers) had won seven titles and Iraq (1986 World Cup) three titles the balance of power was shifting. Qatar won its first title on home soil in 1992, while Bahrain and Saudi Arabia finished joint runners-up. Bahrain hosted for a third time in 1998 but finished a disappointing fifth in the final standings. Saudi Arabia won three titles between 1994-2002 while qualifying for the World Cup in 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006. Yemen joined the tournament in 2004 and maiden titles were won by UAE in 2007 and Oman in 2010. Bahrain, with former Argentine World Cup finalist in 1990, Gabriel Calderon the new coach since October will be hoping to break Bahrain’s duck in the competition. Group A: Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, UAE. Group B: Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen.

Sports

GALLOPING TO GLORY A LOOK AT BAHRAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PRESTIGIOUS HORSE RACING SCENE AIDAN PAINE

orses and racing has been an integral part of Bahraini culture for more than two centuries during the rule of the Al Khalifa dynasty and a unique collection of pure-bred Arabian horses has been preserved on the island during this time by the rulers of Bahrain. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa AlKhalifa is the most recent ruler to continue the tradition who decreed that the stud to be relocated to its present site at Rowthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Alghar to ensure the protection and the integrity of their breeding program. The stud presently consists of more than 300 registered horses, 20 of which are stud stallions and are registered under the World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO). Horse racing before 1948 was originally conducted as private meetings and all horses were pure Arabians. This was all about to change in that year when a committee was formed to organise horse racing in the country under one authority. The earliest race track was located in modern Adliya in the 1950s on a sandy route which ran between what was the old British Bank building (now an exchange company) and the old Juffair Power Station, near the British Club. The finish line was near the entrance to the old Radio Bahrain station just before what is now Osama bin Zayed Road. In those days the riders/jockeys would ride bareback in national dress and though they had a whip, it was for show and was never used on the horses. When HH the late Amir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa succeeded his father Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa following his death in 1961 horse racing

was about to take off in Bahrain. The main racecourse shifted to Safra near Riffa and the rise in profile of horse racing in the country was set in motion. Two stables were opened by The Amir in the early 60s. The West Stable was run by Hassan Mussalah Al Ruwi and the East by Fatis. The Amir and other members of the ruling family were keen followers of horse racing and in 1977 an Amiri decree was issued to establish the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club in Sakhir to be the only racing authority in Bahrain. The Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club is recognised and accepted internationally as the sole body governing horse racing in Bahrain. It administers all aspects of the sport, including the Rules of Racing, registration of horses for racing, as well as the licensing of jockeys, officials and stable personnel and administers the international approved Stud Book. It has an active role in international racing activities and is as a member of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities and the Asian Racing Federation. Racing has certainly moved on from a sandy track in Manama and in 1981 racing shifted from Safra to its present facility. Racing takes place from October to April each season every Friday with around 300 horses participating. Each meeting attracts large crowds and usually comprises at least five or six races for local and imported thoroughbreds and one for Arabians with around 75 horses in the fray. A number of foreign trainers and jockeys contribute to the success of the sport in Bahrain alongside local riders, trainers

BAS

WORLD CLASS SERVICE FOR FLYERS E

stablished in 1977, Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) is built on the foundations of excellence. For the past four decades this highly recognized company has delivered attention to detail, safety and consistency. Through state-of-the-art, IATA/ISAGO awarded facilities BAS provides a comprehensive range of aircraft and passenger handling, in-flight catering, cargo and logistics, as well as aircraft engineering and line maintenance solutions. BAS has garnered respect, regionally and globally, for its continuous strive in improving its quality and customer service and its uncompromising stance towards integration of the highest safety and security standards available.

Engineering Training Centre (BAETC) under EASA Part-147 approval and External Catering targeting the industrial, commercial, and healthcare sectors.

As the world of mass transportation experiences new and exciting changes, BAS stands ready to exceed the needs of today’s carriers with its modern fleet of over 600 specialized Ground Support Engineering (GSE) Units supported by a seasoned team of over 2000 multi-national staff. Witnessing unparalleled growth over the years to an annual handling volume of over 9 million passengers, 35 airlines, 10 million items of baggage, 280,000 tons of cargo and 90,000 flight movements, BAS has never lost sight of its vision; to always deliver at the highest levels of quality and safety.

THE CARGO TERMINAL

BAS cargo terminal encompasses an area of 19,000 m2 with multi-bay storage racking and an assortment of special facilities for perishables, valuables, dangerous goods and livestock in addition to commercial cargo. BAS guarantees a customer centric approach and ensures optimum efficiency in managing this multi-faceted operation by using the latest computing, communication and web based applications.

IN-FLIGHT CATERING

In addition to receiving several prestigious international Awards in recognition of its innovation and superior service quality, BAS Catering has recently diversified to hospital catering with great success. The spectrum of world class services offered by BAS includes: · Airport Operations · Full Passenger and Ramp Handling · In-Flight & Terminal Catering · Cargo & Logistics · Engineering / Line Maintenance under EASA Part 145 & BCAA Approvals · Aircraft Cleaning and grooming (interior and exterior) · Premium / VIP Lounge Operation · EASA Accredited, BAS Aircraft Engineering Training Centre (BAETC) Never resting on its laurels and with a focused vision of growth, BAS has recently entered in a joint venture with leading global logistics group to form the National Aviation Services (NAS), aimed at providing integrated Ground Handling services at the Kuwait International Airport. Regionally and globally, BAS has diversified its services into Aeronautical Engineering Training, through its subsidiary BAS Aircraft

The Award-Winning Catering Division has a modern infrastructure covering an area of approximately 11,000 m2, with a daily production capacity of 25,000 meals per day from an assortment of 165 diverse menus. The highest level of quality and safety is guaranteed through a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), implemented to comply with rigorous international hygiene regulations and standards.

AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING BAS’s Aircraft Engineering division provides highly qualified Line Maintenance and is an EASAapproved Part-145 organization currently handling a total of 90,000 flight movements annually. Supported by an international team of veteran CSR engineers and expert mechanics it offers world class and swift turnaround technical services, troubleshooting and rectifications for a range of carriers demanding the highest quality services.

DILMUN LOUNGE

Operated by BAS and located in the Bahrain International Airport is the prestigious Dilmun Lounge, offering a haven of relaxation and first-class services for our top tier passengers.

Amongst multiple awards for excellence and distinction, The Dilmun Lounge has been named “Lounge of the Year – Middle East & Africa” for the past 6 years. The Dilmun Lounge reflects the global standards and careful attention to detail that have become synonymous with the BAS name.

BAS AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING TRAINING CENTRE (BAETC) In line with a vision of growth and progress BAS has established the state-of-the-art BAS Aircraft Engineering Training Centre (BAETC), obtaining one of the first EASA Part147 approvals outside Europe. Using technologically advanced facilities and equipment, BAETC offers courses in aircraft engineering, avionics and maintenance training, as well as specialized aircraft type-ratings and more. Accredited by Edexcel to award the UK Higher National Diploma (HND) in Aeronautical Engineering, BAETC aims to increase its positive contribution to the industry and local community.

MAJOR RECENT AWARDS; · Ramp Safety Middle East & Africa Region Award by Ground Handling International · High Standards & Support Award by Cathay Pacific · Lounge of the Year – Middle East & Africa for BAS Dilmun Lounge by Priority Pass for six consecutive years · Airline Caterer of the Year – Middle East by Pax International Magazine · Best In-Flight Catering Provider in the Middle East by Pax International · Catering Best Performance – Mid Year Award by United Airlines · Catering Best Reliability – Mid Year Award by United Airlines · Outstanding Aircraft Line Maintenance Performance from Etihad Airways · Performance Excellence by Cathay Pacific · Best Cargo by Air Cargo World · Outstanding Cargo Performance from Gulf Air Cargo · Cargo Performance Excellence by Lufthansa Airlines · Award of Excellence by Air India · Award of Excellence by British Airways

Heartiest Congratulations to

His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa The Prime Minister

His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa

The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander The Government and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of The National Day of The Kingdom of Bahrain.

M.R.S FASHIONS W.L.L. Block. 1215, East Riff, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel. : +973 17768100, Fax : +973 17760620

Warmest Greetings His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of the

41 st National Day

Laurels

CAPTURING THE KINGDOM’S BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS RAJI UNNIKRISHNAN

“My memories of childhood are those that dwned with the beautiful perfection of the golden sunrises and the orange sunsets, over the Bahraini sealines… Yonder the horizons of the crystal clear, bluish green coral waters of the Island, the night sky of Bahrain ever left me amazed… Looking through my lens, I first realised my passion for these celestial bodies…

Laurels

he Bahraini Women’s Day marked by the Young Indian astronomy photographer Jathin Premjith is in love with Bahrain.

Nothing that he spoke of was away from the milieu of Bahrain. Looking back at the vast number of photographs that the 16-year-old had clicked, each shared the fragrance of the Bahraini soil, its breeze; the enchanting beauty of its wildlife and the pulse and race of its culture – ancient and modern, alike. “I have lived most of my life here and my hobbies originated here. Obviously Bahrain had a huge impact on my imaginations. My craze for astronomy photography started with the sunsets and sunrises and the time I spent in the beaches. I developed my passion on three levels – astronomy, wildlife and sports – all of which has a signature influence of Bahrain in them. “Bahrain over the horizon was always and ever been, an absolute fascination for me. Being an island, the sunrises and sunsets are often crisp for shots and I am never tired of capturing them through my lens. Each time I see Bahrain through my lens, I see a novel frame – inexplicably beautiful.” The shot that he remembers first clicking in Bahrain was that of a sunset theme with a man on a jet ski at the backdrop. The Riffa Fort with Jupiter and moon behind and the Venus transit over the Amwaj islands were also great moments, he reminisced. “All my award winning pictures, except the Auroras, were clicked in Bahrain. I love the culture of the country and the warmth of the people, just beautiful like the way they appear in my frame. The city and the bay frame from Manama is my another favorite. The night shots of Bahrain have an exclusive charm which leaves me spellbound. “The Al Areen Park has ever remained the best inspiration for my wildlife photographs. Though I got opportunities to see many wildlife reserves in the world including my own country India, the gazelles and the ostriches in the arid background of Al Areen always looked more live to me. “I feel myself lucky to be part of Bahrain for yet another important reason which is the F1 Circuit. Each time I clicked a ‘vrooming’ race car, I feel a thrill which no words can explain...” Jathin looks forward to a future where he could ‘give back’ to the country – his home away from home - in terms of a dedication, a collection of underwater photographs of the Bahraini waters. A travelling freak, the youngster also has a passion for music – he plays the violin and the keyboard and has passed 7th Grade Exam of the Associated Board of Royal School of Music, (ABRSM), London held in 2011 in Bahrain (violin) and the 5th Grade Exam of the Trinity College, London held in Bahrain (keyboard). A Brown-Belt holder in kickboxing, Jathin also has to his interests kayaking, rowing, pencil drawing and loves to watch movies belonging to the genres of classics, sci-fi, documentaries and so on.

The Bahraini sky had cast a magic spell on me right from my early school days, which has now become an integral part of life…”

Laurels of Jathin, a class XI student of Indian School in Bahrain: · First Formula-1 photo was published in the Canon Edition International magazine ‘PhotoPlus’ from UK (2009). · Awarded the Highly commended ‘Young Astronomy photographer of the year – 2009 for the ‘Full Moon’ photo. (Competition amongst 400 amateur astronomers from 25 countries in four categories - Earth and Space, Our Solar System, Deep Space and Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year - below 16 years). · Three Formula-1 photos published in the Canon Edition International magazine ‘PhotoPlus’ from UK (2010). · Award winning photo ‘Full Moon’ was published in the 2010 calendar launched by the Royal Observatory Greenwich and BBC Sky at Night magazine, London. · Received the award for the 2nd time ‘Highly Commended Young Astronomy Photographer ‘ of the year 2010 for his ‘Half Moon Terminator’ photo. · Royal Observatory selected ‘Half Moon Terminator’ photo in their banner (2 x 3 meters) for the Astronomy Photographer Exhibition (2010). · Reached the position of the Semi-Finalist in the ‘Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year-2011’ launched by the National History Museum and BBC Wildlife magazines for the photo of ‘Cheetah cub”. · Canon Edition magazine PhotoPlus selected Jathin to be included in the ‘50 Favourite Canon Photographers’ from around the world (2011). This was published in their July edition and he is the only youngster among the 50 professional photographers selected around the world. · Winner of Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2011 for the Photo of “Lunar Eclipse and occultation”. · Received the award for the 4th time in the ‘Highly Commended position of the Young Astronomy Photographer ‘ of the year (2012) for the Photo of the “Aurora” or the Northern lights.

Congratulations We extend our best wishes to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, The Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of National Day

PO Box 804, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T +973 1771 2303, F +973 1771 2404 www.dadabai.com

Heartiest Congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa H Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa a His The Prime Minister His H Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander The Government and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of The National Day of The Kingdom of Bahrain.

Contest

FATIMA ESMAIL ADBULRASOOL PHILIPPINE SCHOOL BAHRAIN

NEETHU N.R THE INDIAN SCHOOL BAHRAIN

NAWAL GUL PAKISTAN URDU SCHOOL

ALI ISMAIL

BADER ALI

KOOKIE

Contest

PEARL OF MIDDLE EAST

BAHRAIN: RARE AND PERFECT BLEND

er head held high in joy and pride, she walks tall - sure and steady –a beautiful bride, with no pretence to feign, pure and true, she is dear Bahrain. Small enough to be missed on a map, large enough to leave an indelible imprint on your heart, Bahrain is a rare and perfect blend of contemporary and conservative.

CA SANDIP RAJPOPAT

eople say ‘size does matter’, but I don’t; and my belief proves to be so true when we look at this tiny little island and its countless achievements, as against its neighbouring countries in the entire Middle East!

Bahrain’s ethos is deep, mesmerizing and fragrant as the henna on her palms. Her eyes lowered demurely; guard her rich heritage of natural and manmade brilliance. Her forehead is creaseless, free of doubt and unafraid to face the world. Yes, the past months have made her vision misty with the blood and pain of her people, but that does not deter her from forging on towards advancement. Her lips, set in a welcoming smile, usher in new ideas that lead her onto progress.

Her unique flora and fauna form the tiara perched delicately on her head. Sweet, ripe dates are the rubies that adorn her ears. Her golden sands shimmer under the rays of the sun, superbly complemented by her turquoise waters. Her inhabitants are her diamonds, who form her soul; warm, patient and enduring, like a mother with her child. Her trousseau is woven by countless hands; a multicultural warp and weft bedecked with iridescent pearls of talent and ingenuity. Her open arms applaud and accept the love and labour that explorers coming from far-away lands bestow her with. I wish this bride success at her endeavors. I wish her peace with her children she so lovingly shelters. I wish her contentment and fulfillment under the

BEHNAZ SANJANA wise and able guidance of her monarchs. I wish the meaning of her name “Two Seas” to translate as “One Spirit”, as we sing to her our ballad of affection and trust.

Bahrain, compared to other Middle Eastern countries, is one of the smallest in terms of area as well as population, but stands tall when it comes to recognitions and laurels! Just like a pearl, Bahrain is very rare, fine, admirable and valuable, because it is one of the most hospitable, kind, compassionate, understanding and accommodative country. Where else in the world can we find a country with more than 50 per cent expatriate population. Yet the local people are so warm, friendly, embracing and appreciative of expatriates contributions.Having lived here for five years, Bahrain to me literally seems like my ‘Second Home’ and definitely a ‘Home away from Home’. Having lived most of my life in world’s largest democracy (India), I’ve heard the term ‘Unity in diversity’, but in Bahrain, I’ve actually witnessed it and that too! This wonderful lovely Island is truly cosmopolitan. It houses over 20 nationalities co-existing in absolute harmony and who are allowed to practice their religions, festivals and cultures. Moreover, the whole nation is built on solid religious and cultural values and this fact is further evident from its national flag, which prominently symbolizes five pillars of Islam. Unlike other Middle Eastern countries, Bahrain is one of the very few countries which is equally balanced in terms of its revenue streams and houses manufacturing, services, trading, tourism, banking and petroleum industries. This goes on to show country’s visionary leadership and goes a long way in ensuring a resilient, sustainable and balanced economy for the years to come. To conclude, I certainly feel that Bahrain is Middle East’s “Priceless Pearl” and I wish good luck to Bahrain’s leadership as well as people and pay my tributes saying: “East or West, Bahrain is the Best!”

A TRULY GLOBAL NATION Bahrain is home to myriad nationalities

where the dunes arc gracefully under a sky of red and gold, are symbols of the amazing diversity this small, but significant island country hosts.

AKSHITA AGRAWAL

‘H

orizon of Sea & Sand, Made beautiful by a fairy’s wand, Gleaming pearl in a shell, Peace and prosperity, here they dwell’. The Kingdom of Bahrain is a place synonymous with warmth, joy, beauty and hope. It’s cool, crystal encrusted tranquil seas adjoining an ocean of sandy expanse

Bahrain is a melting pot of different cultures, people and ideas, a delightful mix of the old and the new. A place where the line between locals and immigrants blur as every resident proudly calls this beautiful kingdom their home. It’s no secret why Bahrain is called ‘the land of golden smiles’. Whether in the narrow streets of Muharraq, the bustling souks of Manama or the fast paced lanes of Juffair, a smile full of warmth is the dress code everywhere. From the delicate and stunning architecture of mosques, with their carefully carved domes to the cement and glass skyscrapers which dot the unique skyline, Bahrain is an exemplary blend of a country paving its way, into a fast tracked world while still

honouring traditions, values and morals. In a sea of changing worlds where traditional values usually take a backseat, this island country progressed while still holding on to its culture. The people of Bahrain have always believed in peace, prosperity and a harmonious co-existence. It is because of this, that this nation is home to people of hundreds of nationalities, who while blending with the country’s existing culture, also manage to add some of their own flavour, making it a truly global country. The kingdom is like a necklace of pearls, each jewel a representation of justice, hope and freedom. In this era, Bahrain is indeed Dilmun. It is truly a scintillating pearl, emerging from its shell and dazzling the world with its luminous radiance.