United Kingdom in Bahrain - April 2020

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A SP EC I A L S U P P LEM ENT B Y B A H R A I N THIS MO NT H

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CONTENTS

Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton

UK IN BAHRAIN

THE TEAM

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DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Farah Baig Art & Animation Director Hatem Monem Videography Danny Sokov

An Unprecedented Situation British Ambassador, HE Roddy Drummond, on supporting Bahrain’s British community during a difficult time.

BBBF Past, Present and Future Bahrain British Business Forum Chairman, Khalid Zayani talks about the organisation’s history and going forward to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

From Bahrain to Birmingham Gabriella Liandu shares her operatic endeavours as a student in the UK and fond memories of growing up in Bahrain.

UK Certifications Bring Jobs for Bahrainis Dr Suzanne White explains how her institute is training the local workforce.

British Bites Business news from across the UK community.

Laid-Back Britain Travel and chill across the UK.

11 Charles Russel Speechlys 13 St Christopher’s School, Bahrain BC Strathclyde Business School – Bahrain April 2020 3

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AN UNPRECEDENTED SITUATION British Ambassador, HE Roddy Drummond, talks crisis management, trade and more.

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fter eight months in post, how are you finding the role in Bahrain?

I’m really enjoying it and people have been so friendly and so welcoming that the first six months were an absolute joy; getting to know people and seeing collaboration in so many different fields. That’s been really helpful in enabling me to work through the implications of the current crisis because the connections are there.

What are the greatest challenges you’ve faced?

This virus is the biggest challenge that we’ve all faced. It’s a challenge internationally as well individually in different societies; how we deal with it and work through it all. We’re trying to get international action through the G7 and the G20 to help cope with this, across the world.

Developed societies like the UK and Bahrain have their own challenges and ways of dealing with it but also have the resources to grapple with it and to engage the right scientists and technology and so on. But, there’s a huge amount of work that we’re all going to have to do internationally to support the developing world as it hits countries in parts of the world that are less able to handle it.

Are there any particular issues requiring action for British residents in Bahrain?

In the short term, I would just say keeping an eye on FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) travel advice and listen to the very good public health advice that’s coming out from the Bahraini Government. Such as, the measures launched now to limit business hours and enforce social distancing. Everyone needs to play their part in that and work together to combat the virus. We’ve been sending out a series of messages on social media to provide information and answer questions. It’s designed to reassure the community that Bahrain continues to be a good place to be.. The embassy is operating, albeit it slightly differently, we’re staying safe and working for home. Our first priority is support for the British community.

How is the embassy supporting the British community in terms of the virus?

I think it’s about the information flow. We’re helped hugely by the fact that the advice that the Bahrain authorities are giving us is very similar to the advice in the UK. We are also able reassure our community, for example, early on in the crisis we were able to clarify with the Bahraini authorities that the health support for anyone that is potentially effected

by Covid 19 in Bahrain is available to residents as well as Bahrainis [free], we’re all covered by the same regulations.

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We have also been posting answers to a series of FAQs we have been receiving from concerned residents, including a short video featuring embassy colleagues. I have also been coming to grips with technology and filmed a series of info-messages.

You posted a series of videos about your own isolation following your recent trip to the UK, what inspired you to do that? And how did you find your isolation?

I got back two weeks ago and the immigration regulations had just changed as part of the Covid19 measures. I was screened and tested on arrival and asked to self-isolate for 14 days. I realised that many others, including British nationals, were also facing this new requirement and may not have access to as much information as I had on why this was happening. I hope I have been able to reassure the community with regards to the process and ways to occupy yourself in those 14 days.

Self-isolation has not stopped me from working, although in a different way. My interactions with colleagues at the embassy were conducted by video conference and telephone, which have since continued as most of the Embassy staff have moved to working remotely from their homes.

I hope they have been well received, we have had some good positive feedback. It has also prompted some good questions that we’ve been able to respond to and answer. The safety and welfare of our British Nationals in Bahrain remains our number one priority and any, and

all, engagement from our British nationals is always welcome There seem to be a lot of British expats leaving the kingdom. Can you share the current numbers?

The current number is around 5,000 to 6,000, which is roughly what it was before. We are aware of a few people who were on short-term contracts or who were out here visiting for business purposes or tourism who have made their way home or making their way home.

But that’s relatively small numbers. The vast majority of the settled population have decided to get through the crisis here, which seems to me to be very sensible.

In terms of generally, if you compare numbers to, say, 10 or 20 years ago, yes, there’s probably been a long-term decline in the proportion of Western expats with Bahrainis taking on increasing leadership roles in so many areas and companies such as medical institutions and everything else. So, the number is probably half what it was a decade ago.

What are the current trade figures?

Before the crisis hit, we were looking at going up to 1.5 billion pounds Sterling annually. That’s two-way in goods and services. So, quite a well-balanced trade picture with investments in both directions. It’s growing at about two to three per cent a year in bilateral exchanges.

The challenge is to try and take it above that and find new areas of activity that will be mutually beneficial.

We’ve been excited to see areas where British www.bahrainthismonth.com

unitedkingdomsupplement companies can develop Bahrain as a hub for their operations here in the region in fields like logistics and manufacturing. I think there’s scope for more such investments or expansion, in a way tracking some of the things in Vision 2030, the sectors that the Bahrain Government has identified as areas it wants to develop. IT services could be another one and so on.

When I look at things like education, it’s been really good to see more exchanges. Mainly Bahraini students going to the UK to study in big numbers, and so British institutions running courses here, notably the British University of Bahrain (BUB).

The next logical development would be more postgraduate specialist education, beyond the basic undergraduate, in specialised areas like engineering, tech, bio sciences, medical; areas where we’ve got real expertise in the UK. We’re also looking at renewable energies, how to deal with waste in all different forms and turn that into energy as a resource. Those are the kind of areas where I think the UK can support a range of development – smart development for the rest of the 21st century.

the DSAME (Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East). Can you update us on what was discussed and any plans for increased defence cooperation?

We had a series of meetings in London.

Shaikh Nasser, the national security advisor, was visiting and he met a range of decision makers, including our own national security advisor, the minister for the Middle East and other ministers and business partners.

They were able to have an exchange on a positive perspective on our intention to develop cooperation across a range of fields – primarily civil. Most of the collaboration we’re looking to develop is in the fields of trade investments, education, research, science, technology, those kind of areas.

There is also some collaboration in the defence side of things; Bahrain occupies a central strategic position, that we very much recognise with our naval support facility here and a naval presence in the Gulf operating out of Bahrain to protect navigation, so, that

There’s a good synergy between areas where the UK has real expertise and areas where there’s a real need and the opportunity to do things here that achieve success on a national basis.

Because of the size of Bahrain one can trial approaches and develop new technologies here and it works for a whole country.

That has a really powerful message to then do the same thing, on a bigger scale, in other parts of this region.

Is there any trade investment or HH Shaikh Nasser meets British MP Conor Burns cultural news you can share?

I think it’s interesting, at the remains very important. We continue to deepen moment, to see in education that everyone’s that collaboration, but I wouldn’t put more having to adapt and work out how to do emphasis on that. I would say the primary it. The British council has been teaching collaborations that we’re going to take forward online, continuing its courses, which often are going to be in the civil sphere. prepare people for higher education or further education. They’re developing new offers in There was also an insight into the work of online education, so that that can continue. the UK Parliament hosted by the Bahraini Similarly, BUB is teaching online and they will Parliament with Alistair Burt, Margaret Curran be able to assess students so that they move on and Lord Jeremy Purvis. What was the aim at the end of this year. They’re also developing of this and how was it received among local a foundation year course, recognised by most members in Bahrain?

British universities for those going to study in This visit formed part of a larger programme the UK. we have embarked on, working with an organization that utilizes former UK British education institutions didn’t want parliamentarians to support Parliament and young people to put their lives on hold or have Governments overseas. It is an opportunity for delays in preparation for future studies and the UK to share its knowledge and experience future careers. with our Bahraini counterparts, especially as In early March, there were a number of they look to improve and diversify the work they meetings between members of the British are already doing, including use of its specialist Government and their Bahraini counterparts committees and scrutiny of legislation to take – such as Conor Burns, James Cleverly and www.bahrainthismonth.com

forward continuing reforms in Bahrain. This project is still continuing and another example of people being flexible in how they work. We are organising video conferences with some of our partners in parliament later this week. So, if we can’t meet them in person,my team and I at the embassy will still be engaging with them.

Work cannot stop completely, but mightslow down a little bit while we work out different ways of collaborating.

Are there any other visits planned?

We were planning some visits at the end of March and in April which we have postponed because of the virus. We’ll look to reinstate those as soon as possible. We also, sadly, had to postpone the Queen’s Birthday Party event in April but we have special dispensation to celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday at some time later.

Bahraini MP Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee Chairman Mohammed Al Sisi called on the UK to take tougher action against the London-based coalition of Bahraini opposition and other groups such as Al Ashtor and the Al Mokhtar Brigades. What’s been the response?

We take that very seriously. It’s something that the government and the parliamentary officials have asked us to look at. We look very carefully at the activities of any opposition groups from any country in the UK to ensure that they do not break the law in any way. If there was any support towards illegal or prescribed groups or terrorist organisations we investigate closely and would take action accordingly. It is an area that is under constant review.

Anything else to add?

Just that I’m very impressed by the positivity that people are showing in dealing with this. So far, in both my own team and their families and the community that we’re in touch with, people are finding ways to engage positively. It’s bringing people together, friends and families are connecting and staying connected, despite distances and enforced isolation. We’ve got to continue to pull some of the positive things out of this as we work through what’s a very difficult situation because it’s clearly going to be something that we are dealing with for a long time yet. We’re still only at the start of the global pandemic.

But, to finish on a note of humour, in the absence of a visit to the barber’s, I’m considering in a few months’ time, what kind of ponytail I will have – and I will definitely show it off on social media if I don’t get to a barber before then.

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BBBF

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Khalid Zayani, Chairman of the Bahrain British Business Forum, spoke to Liz O’Reilly.

I understand BBBF is celebrating a big anniversary this year?

Yes. We are celebrating a 25-year milestone of BBBF serving the business community.

How long have you been involved?

I joined as a member in 2005 and took over the leadership as Chairman in 2009 How and why was the BBBF founded? By whom?

A steering committee in 1994 was formed by a small group of businessmen with the British Embassy in Bahrain, and in January 1995 the first forum AGM to elect a committee took place. The forum was set up to support and offer a networking/communication platform for businesses and to promote trade and investment relationships between Bahrain and the UK. How many members did it originally have? Are any of them still there today?

The BBBF started with 25 members and some are still members today, such as Jamal Fakhro, George Middleton, Mohammed Dawani, Ameen Budagher, Raymond Nakfour, Joseph Dunn, Ismail Khonji, Richard Monkhouse and Adrian Pinto. Today we have 425 members, the largest group by far, I believe.

How has the organisation evolved over the years?

It has grown from being like a social club to become truly a mix of businesspeople getting together to act for their own benefit. We created special interest groups (SIGs), in which people from certain sectors of the business community, for example IT or engineering, get together, aside from the main BBBF, and create the focus for their meetings. They can invite ministers and other experts to come and address them on their specific areas of interest and often ministers will interact with them directly. This is unique and other societies are

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trying to replicate it. It means that members are active, not just the committee, and it is what has brought us such a large membership. A major change has also been the increase in the number of Bahraini members.

What has kept BBBF going when other national societies have failed?

Members come because they see that their interests are important. Also, because we deal with real issues. Every meeting that we have for lunch or dinner is usually addressed by a person of importance within the community or we have a subject of major interest to our membership.

The forum is regularly addressed by visiting VIPs from the UK and we are blessed with the support we receive from our own ministers and government. We have never yet been refused a request for a speaker. The British Embassy is also very supportive.

In times of crisis, such as now with the Coronavirus, for example, our members within the health sector SIG are creating information for all members and, before the restrictions, we were expecting a visit from the health minister.

We have dialogue with ministers in all areas relevant to our members. We are credible with government, society and members – that’s what keeps us going.

What does the future hold for the organisation?

I hope to see tighter relations with the Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that chamber members are welcome to come and join us. I also would like to see more Bahraini participation and we are encouraging that, it is very important for the future.

What I’m trying to say is that when I joined the organisation, I was slightly critical, I said: “I don’t see many Bahrainis on the board, on the committees.” I’m happier now that many Bahrainis have joined us. We should be a true

Khalid Zayani at BBBF functions mix. Unfortunately, in the last [board] elections, not many Bahrainis got through, partly because they did not concentrate on the numbers so the vote got diluted among them. Partly also because you have the British members unsure of which Bahraini to vote for. I hope in the next election we will correct that situation.

Also, I would also like to see a new chairman at the next election. I believe it’s time for a new face – something I put in place in my own company, that the chairman should step down at a certain age – to bring new energy and new leadership. I had hoped this would happen at the last election, but nobody wanted to stand!

How will BBBF be celebrating its anniversary?

[Virus permitting] We plan to hold 25 different events including a 25-years gala dinner to celebrate this milestone. I was asked by the Royal Court to lead the initiative for the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of Bahraini-British relations and we exceeded our own expectations. I hope we can do the same for our 25th anniversary.

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bystander unitedkingdomsupplement

British Embassy hosted the BBBF F1 Grand Prix Night and Balti Curry Evening to celebrate the British BBBF F1 Grand Prix Night The community in Bahrain and the important bilateral trade relationship between the two countries

Exchange - An English Pub hosted a musical Reggae Night The themed evening

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery www.bahrainthismonth.com

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FROM BAHRAIN TO BIRMINGHAM

Gabriella Liandu, shares with Behnaz Sanjana her operatic endeavours as a student in the UK and fond memories of growing up in Bahrain.

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abriella Liandu’s destiny panned out when she made it to the semifinals of the Young Musicians of the Gulf competition in 2016. “One of the adjudicators, John Thwaites, Head of Keyboard Studies at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), suggested I audition at RBC,” she says. “Within two weeks I had been offered a place on the Vocal and Operatic course! So here I am, four years later, at the end of my undergraduate course.”

A Scottish national with Zambian heritage, Gabriella got her primary education at The International School of Choueifat Manama, and studied for GCSEs and the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma from St Christopher’s School.

The young singer’s typical day at university may have an audition lined up, along with a series of language classes, solo singing lessons and group rehearsals.

“I like to end my day by going to my favourite jazz bar to enjoy some live music or do a performance myself,” she says.

By the time this interview is in circulation, Gabriella will have finished wrapping up her third opera of the season - RBC’s production of The Enchanted Island, with music written by the likes of Handel and Vivaldi, and a storyline that harks back to Shakespeare’s The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“My Conservatoire career has gifted me with many unique opportunities, one of which has been working with conductor, Tony Kraus, and acclaimed opera director, Daisy Evans, and also with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and one of my favourite out-of-the-box companies, Birmingham Opera Company.

The next RBC Opera is a double-bill of Lennox Berkley’s A Dinner Engagement and Castaway, which will be very exciting. “It’s

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so rare to get these opportunities so early on in one’s music career; choosing to study at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire was the best decision I could have made and I am very thankful to have been afforded the opportunity to get this far.”

Music has been part of Gabriella’s upbringing, and she is grateful to her parents for having given their children the freedom to flourish and thrive, and to pursue whatever they set their hearts and minds on. “I first learnt to play piano, and later guitar and flute, but I’ve been singing since before I could walk!” she remembers. “I was into amateur dramatics growing up, and I thank St Christopher’s for giving me the chance to find myself through music.”

On what she misses the most about Bahrain, she says: “The hardest thing about being in the British West Midlands is being so far away from the sea. Birmingham is super up-and-coming and life is extremely fastpaced, but in a way that is exciting and refreshing. I loved seeing Bahrain expand in different ways whilst I was growing up there, yet it will always be that tiny island I came to know 13 years ago.” Besides seeing her parents, Gabriella is looking forward to sunshine and the cool heat during her visit this month. “First things first; to the beach!” she exclaims.

MUSIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY DEEPEST PASSION — IT’S A LANGUAGE THAT TRANSLATES FAR BEYOND ANY OTHER AND I HOPE I CAN USE THIS CALLING TO INSPIRE OTHERS, AS I HAVE BEEN INSPIRED. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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UK

CERTIFICATIONS BRING JOBS FOR BAHRAINIS

Dr Suzanne White

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leading training institute is offering internationally recognised courses to supplement the Kingdom’s Bahrainisation drive at the same time as providing graduates with a stepping stone on their way to successful careers.

Oasis Training Centre, a professional training services provider based in Bahrain, has been operating since 2015 and continues to expand its portfolio, which incorporates a range of professional, technical, soft skills, English, Arabic and international certification courses.

As part of a national initiative to get the unemployed into the workforce, Tamkeen and the Ministry of Labour and Social Development are sponsoring a programme that helps unemployed Bahrainis to get recruited, trained and qualified by approved training providers.

This is where Oasis comes in, providing the training necessary to facilitate the readiness of employees without companies needing to spend time, effort and money searching aimlessly.

Dr Suzanne White, Oasis Managing Director, said: “Our English language courses are certified under the prestigious City & Guilds awarding body in the UK. Our course graduates not only benefit from international certifications, but their opportunities in the labour market also increase significantly with many employers acknowledging these www.bahrainthismonth.com

internationally-certified courses and seeking out candidates with global qualifications.

“In addition, we offer industry-related, professional training programmes which equip working professionals and job-seekers alike with coveted skills and knowledge from UK awarding body certifications. These include awards and certificates from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), Institute of Risk Management (IRM), and Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).”

In essence, Oasis will hold a consultation period with a partner and establish their current Bahraini recruitment needs and unique requirements. Candidates are then sourced and screened according to these criteria and once a shortlist is selected, they meet with the client to discuss programme dates and content.

Oasis then trains the candidates on a customised curriculum to match their core job skills and competencies and, upon completion, candidates receive certificates and are offered employment by the client.

Furthermore, clients benefit from Tamkeen wage support over a three-year period.

Indeed, a number of graduates from Oasis have gone on to find employment or discover alternative, improved career paths as a result of its programmes and the experienced industry

experts who facilitate them.

All courses are offered internationally, particularly in the greater GCC region, with a global network of expert trainers across a plethora of subjects.

Suzanne explained: “With local labour funding made available to enterprises and Bahraini employees to stimulate continuous professional development, we at Oasis are here to help our clients with strategic advice on the best options for optimum training and development results, and return on experience.”

Like a number of enterprises and individuals in the Kingdom, Oasis has been affected by the extraordinary events and circumstances brought on by the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.

The team has adapted to enable more virtual learning options for enterprises and individuals, and has doubled-down on efforts to support clients with virtual learning suites to match their individual needs and circumstances both at this time and in the future.

Suzanne said: “We believe that resilience and creative teamwork will take us – and our valued learners and clients – through these challenging times.”

For more information, visit www.oasistrainingbahrain.com or call 17-330-823 April 2020 9

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Strathclyde Business School – Bahrain

LEADING THE WAY IN EDUCATION Multi-award-winning institution, Strathclyde Business School, revels in its double success as the coveted ‘University of the Year’.

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eating off stiff competition from universities around the country, the University of Strathclyde has become the first to win the coveted title of ‘University of the Year’ for a second time, from the Times Higher Education Awards 2019. The first award was bestowed back in 2012.

Among its many accolades, the university also boasts other rankings and felicitations as the first business school in Scotland to be awarded the Small Business Charter Award, ‘Scottish University of the Year’ 2020 by The Sunday Times Good University Guide, five-star QS-rate university (2017-20), ranked first in Scotland and top 10 in the UK for business school research

by Times Higher Education (based on REF2014) and featured in the top 95 European business schools (Financial Times, 2019).

Strathclyde Business School (SBS) has been offering postgraduate programmes worldwide since 1988. Bahrain is one of eight international centres and first launched its MBA programme in 1995.

The SBS MBA programme is designed for busy executives who need to combine career and family commitments with the demands of MBA studies. Wherever you undertake the qualification, you study the same programme and the SBS faculty members travel to the international centres to run intensive seminars, with continuous support for students provided by local centre staff. Students in Bahrain have the opportunity to take electives in summer school classes in Glasgow.

Strathclyde Business School is triple accredited by the three international accrediting bodies: Association of MBAs (AMBA), European Quality Improvement System and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AMBA specifically accredits its MBA programmes. All teaching is supported by the strong research carried out by the university’s faculty.

As one of only 68 business schools in the world with this standing, and the only business school in Scotland to be accredited so highly, Strathclyde continues to lead the way in highquality business education.

Graduates from its MBA programme join a network of thousands of alumni around the world. Over the past 25 years, SBS in Bahrain has graduated 500-plus graduates and more than 2,000 graduates across the GCC region, who hold senior executive positions in corporates and government.

SBS is presently partnered with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), which plays a vital role in the training and development of human capital in Bahrain.

It serves as a partner to numerous world-class institutions; delivering thought leadership, research and advisory assessment and training in the areas of accounting and finance, academic studies, executive development, banking, leadership and management, insurance, Islamic finance and information technology; resulting in a complete business solution.

Since its inception in 1981, BIBF has grown from training 450 applicants a year, primarily within the banking industry, to drawing 16,000 participants from all sectors of the economy and the institute is proud to have qualified more than 200,000 learners in the last three decades.

directives to bring economic diversifications by moving from an oil-dependent economy to becoming a regional financial hub by advancing expertise in fintech innovations, with Bahrain being the pioneer.

It is no surprise that a university such as Strathclyde, which is at the forefront of fintech in the UK, was deemed the best choice for offering the same programme in Bahrain.

The Central Bank of Bahrain has created a regulatory ‘sandbox’ that provides a secure, virtual space allowing fintech companies to test and develop digital banking products; this enables universities such as Strathclyde to advance research opportunities for academics and benefit recipients.

Call 17 815-555 / 17 816-338 or email strathclyde@bibf.com.

BIBF is under the supervision of the Central Bank of Bahrain, which is operating under

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2014 rated Strathclyde Business School in the top 10 UK business schools for the quality and breadth of its research, the impact of its research on practice in business was also recognised.

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www.bahrainthismonth.com

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

EXCELLING IN LEGAL SERVICES

Patrick Gearon

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Soaring to new heights, this international law firm intends to strengthen existing and forge new ties within the GCC.

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harles Russell Speechlys LLP (CRS) is an international law firm headquartered in the UK with offices throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

East Awards 2019.

It provides a comprehensive range of legal services for governments, sovereign wealth funds, businesses, financial institutions, families and individuals.

The Bahrain office has grown to become the leading international law firm in the Kingdom, winning ‘Bahrain Law Firm of the Year’ in both 2018 and 2019 at The Oath Legal Awards. The company offers clients efficient and cost-effective legal services in sectors such as telecommunications, aviation, banking and manufacturing, as well as providing access to UK and European expertise.

CRS undertakes some of the highest value transactions and cases in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and the wider MENA region.

The company’s Bahrain practice is noted as “Head and shoulders above the competition” in the independent legal directory Chambers Global 2020. In addition, it is highly ranked across multiple disciplines in all of the major legal directories and was awarded ‘Bahrain Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year’ by the Chambers Middle

The Bahrain office was launched in 2006 and CRS moved to the iconic Bahrain World Trade Centre in 2008.

Patrick Gearon, Head Partner of CRS Middle East says: “It is our intention to continue to grow and strengthen our business and our relationships in the region over the coming years and we hope you can join us on this exciting journey.”

Call +973 17 133-200.

A leading law firm combining specialist business law and private wealth advice internationally For more information, please contact Patrick Gearon Head of Middle East Practice Patrick.Gearon@crsblaw.com +973 17 133203 LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

BAHRAIN

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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Forum Success for media

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) recently welcomed journalists and media commentators from across the Middle East and North Africa to its second UK Arab Commentators Forum, as part of the UK’s commitment to increasing its ties with its partners in the region.

According to its mission statement, the forum was ‘A key moment in revitalised collaboration and dialogue between the UK Government and MENA media professionals’. Participants gained an insight into the social, economic, cultural and political structures of the United Kingdom.The FCO has also announced a partnership with Cardiff University School of Journalism to deliver workshops and seminars that address current issues affecting media institutions and government.

Royals Hail Strong British Links

National Security Adviser and Commander of the Royal Guard Major General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa recently held key talks with top officials on strengthening security ties with Britain. On a visit to the UK, Shaikh Nasser met International Trade Minister Conor Burns and reviewed ways to enhance cooperation whilst praising historical relations between the two kingdoms. He also visited the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre of the British Armed Forces, accompanied by the Duke of Westminster Hugh Richard Louis Grosvenor.

Expansion on the cards

Bahrain-based independent security, health and safety and emergency planning adviser, The Blackthorn Consultancy, has marked its first anniversary with the launch of two new UK offices in its first overseas venture.

After starting in February last year, the firm has vastly exceeded its own expectations, and those of shareholders, by taking a dominant position in the island’s banking sector within months of its launch.

The Blackthorn UK project has been in development since September last year when chief executive Andrew Stephenson was appointed to lead the project.

The London Covent Garden office will focus on the main Blackthorn offering of security and safety management consultancy to blue-chip clients and GCC inward investors in the UK. The Blackthorn rural practice, based in the Yorkshire Dales, is to specialise in security, safety and emergency planning for country estates, shoots, stately homes, agriculture, the horse racing industry and the heritage sector

Huge Boost for Supercar Powerhouse

The McLaren Bahrain Tower, close to the Bahrain International Circuit, is up and running despite its opening ceremony being postponed due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis. Encompassing an area of approximately 8,000sq/m across eight floors, it is the brand’s third largest global facility after its technology and production centres in the UK. Phase I has seen the relocation of the regional office for McLaren Automotive’s Middle East, Africa and Latin America division from its temporary home at Bahrain Bay, plus a McLaren Special Operations (MSO) facility on the top floor.

Embassy Advocates Stronger Ties

British Ambassador to Bahrain, HE Roddy Drummond, has emphasised that the British Embassy will continue collaborating with Bahraini and British businesses to help foster even closer UK-Bahrain business relationships, especially harnessing the opportunities provided by Brexit.

At a recent Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) meeting, he said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the BBBF on its 25th anniversary this year. It’s a remarkable milestone and it’s my pleasure to be associated with the forum during this special year.”

He also highlighted the latest international trade developments and discussed the environment and economy.

12 April 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com

St Christopher’s School

DELIVERING OUTSTANDING EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS

Leading educational institution, St Christopher’s School, Bahrain, is on a mission to provide an ‘Education for a Shared Humanity’.

F

rom humble beginnings in 1961 to almost 60 years later, the name St Christopher’s School is synonymous with exceptional standards of teaching and learning. Consistently awarded ‘Outstanding’ in school inspection reports, St Christopher’s School leads the way in providing a British-style education in the uniquely international setting of Bahrain.

The school’s continuing success lies in a commitment to learning and a steadfast dedication to the students.

To be a St Christopher’s School student is to be part of a close-knit community that upholds and models the core values of caring, honesty and mutual respect. Every member of the community, students, staff, parents and caregivers alike, is unified in one collective objective, that young people become competent individuals, autonomous learners and global citizens.

Every St Christopher’s student learns to understand and implement the core values of compassion, confidence, commitment, courage, creativity and curiosity. These traits combine to create the strength of intellect and character that a student will need to take responsibility for their actions and decide how they will contribute meaningfully to a global society, because a St Christopher’s student’s aim is to become a role model for the world.

Call 17 605-050.

Offering the very best British style education to the Kingdom of Bahrain since 1961.

Education for a Shared Humanity st-chris.net @stchrisbahrain T. +973 17 605 000

www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2020 13

unitedkingdomsupplement

Spread Eagle Hotel

Varsity Hotel Cambridge

Scottish Highlands Eco Yoga Saddle Skedaddle

14 April 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com

unitedkingdomsupplement

Laid-Back Britain

Why not cut through the current viral gloom and start planning a wellness break in the UK for when the restrictions are lifted?

A

Wildnerness Scotland

Khudava’s Danish Cabin

Mandarin Oriental www.bahrainthismonth.com

stay at Kudhva’s Danish Cabin in Cornwall makes getting back to nature more stylish than ever. Visitors looking to feel at one with the great outdoors will love the foldable walls and windows, which blur the lines between living space and the surrounding forest. Designed to incorporate living trees and featuring a composting toilet, a warming fire pit and the chance to meet the resident goats, the cabin offers a luxurious retreat for environmentally-aware folk.

For a more traditional break incorporating nature’s healing powers, plan a stay at The Spread Eagle Hotel, one of England’s oldest coaching inns, nestled in the South Downs National Park. Here, you can enjoy open fires, cosy rooms, chilled-out courtyards and a modern spa, as well as the opportunity to try one of 2020’s most on-trend wellness activities – forest bathing. Originating in Japan and organised by the hotel in the surrounding West Sussex forest, the two-hour morning sessions are run by expert Helena Skoog, who invites you to mindfully explore the natural world around you.

If you’re more inclined to stay in the heart of the city, then kick back in style at The Varsity Hotel & Spa, Cambridge. Offering spa treatments galore, a pool with riverside views and comfortable double beds as standard, this hotel is a tranquil sanctuary in the middle of the world-renowned university city.

London-bound visitors can choose to relax at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. In addition to a choice of opulent art deco-inspired rooms and suites, the hotel spa offers 13 individual treatment rooms, an amethyst crystal steam room, a sauna and a vitality pool. Add to that a range of fine-dining restaurants, including the acclaimed Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, then clearing your mind in the lap of five-star luxury has never been easier.

If refocussing and rebooting is on your agenda, book a short yogafocussed stay at Nova Milesko’s nurturing eco farm. Hidden in the depths of the New Forest, daily yoga is complemented by massages, meditation and countryside walks.

Or, visit the other end of the country; the incomparable Scottish Highlands and their EcoYoga retreat. Choose from practices including Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Iyengar in this carbon-neutral countryside centre surrounded by Scottish hills, impressive lochs and enchanting forests.

For a wellness break with a touch of adventure, Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes are ripe for exploring on a Wilderness Scotland walking holiday.

With more than 100 departure dates throughout 2020, scenic locations including Skye and The West Highland Way are waiting to be discovered with all routes, food, travel and accommodation planned to perfection as part of a range of ‘all-inclusive’ breaks.

Finally, for those who prefer to get around on two wheels rather than two legs, a therapeutic three-day cycling holiday called Saddle Skeddale is pedalling off in the Peak District. This will take cyclists across Derbyshire gems such as the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones, Manifold Valley and the historic Tissington Trail, a cycle path that started life as a train line.

Nova Milesko Eco Farm April 2020 15

International Enterprising Impactful Leading Strathclyde The final word in business education

As a well-established top 10 UK business school* within a leading international technological University, Strathclyde understands the business needs of organisations: from start-ups and SMEs to global players.

Our triple accredited and globally ranked Executive MBA is available at our international centres in Dubai, Oman and Bahrain. We also offer a dynamic, fully-rounded and innovative portfolio of specialist postgraduate programmes. New for 2020, in partnership with Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), is the MSc Financial Technology, fully delivered in Bahrain on a part time basis.

Make Strathclyde your destination

www.strath.ac.uk/business *Financial Times European Business School rankings 2018