HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, The Prime Minister, Kingdom of Bahrain
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa The King, Kingdom of Bahrain
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa The Crown Prince & Deputy Supreme Commander, Kingdom of Bahrain
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
A Global Character ‘The idea that we can bring so much more innovation to the market in Bahrain, through introspection, is a great opportunity’ Welcome to the second edition of BEST OF BAHRAIN, a global corporate and lifestyle publication that traces the journey of a nation across its diverse spheres of socio-economic activity. The process has been exciting and not without its challenges. For their unstinting support, we wish to thank all our editorial participants, as well as Middle East Media for joining forces with us to present the highest potential of what Bahrain can be; progressive, innovative and always open for business. The first edition of BEST OF BAHRAIN was launched in 2010, as part of the global business network that forms the backbone of the BEST OF series (creating annual maxiformat publications in over 50 countries worldwide). Then came the worldwide recession and with it dawned the stark realization that Bahrain – like any other international power — was an intrinsic part of the global economy. Since then and despite the political unrest of 2011, we, the citizens of Bahrain have been called upon to develop our own personal perspectives and to give back socially to preserve and uphold the unique characteristics of this nation, which we have come to value so much. Bahrain never was a little nation with a local mentality and as time unfolds, Bahrain is proving, through the stories recounted in this volume, that it is worthy of recognition and to be considered as a benchmark in the fundamental human attributes of kindness and tolerance, rightfully expected in a civil society. The Government, corporations and personalities whose pursuits we chronicle, are all actively engaged and passionate about the harmonious growth and development of Bahrain, ensuring that the ideals of collaboration, preservation of its heritage and democracy are an intrinsic part of its bright future. We are particularly encouraged by the prominent women of Bahrain. Especially with our Key Sponsor HH Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Executive Director of INJAZ Bahrain, who is a valued catalyst for the vibrant diversification of the economy with exciting new programmes that encourage Bahrain’s youth to compete in line with global standards. BEST OF BAHRAIN Volume 2 is a result of the wonderful collaboration between Bahrain’s Government, corporations and people who together with our team of writers, photographers and designers have delivered a book that the nation can be proud of.
International Group Publisher Bahrain Publisher Partner Publisher & Chief Editor Project Manager
Lisa Durante Middle East Media Marketing L.L.C Rawia Beyhum Lisa Ashworth
Production Production Manager Creative Direction
GVP Progeny, a division of GVPMedia FZ LLC Ritesh Matlani Heena Makhijani
Images Information Sources
See Index on page 208 for Contributors Economic Development Board (EDB), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Vision 2030
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in BEST OF BAHRAIN Vol. 2. Neither BEST OF BAHRAIN, Middle East Media Marketing L.L.C. nor GVPMedia FZ LLC, assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. All rights reserved: No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.
Contact Details: Ms. Rawia Beyhum Middle East Media Marketing L.L.C. PO Box 10688 Al Matrook Bldg. 9th Floor, Flat. 101 Tel: +973 17536535 Mobile: +973 39785868 Fax: +973 17533511 www.middleeastmedia.co.uk Email: rawia@membah.com
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Best of Bahrain
Key Sponsor of BEST OF BAHRAIN VOL. 2, HH Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Executive Director of INJAZ Bahrain
W
ith a growing number of youth population in Bahrain combined with a more challenging and competitive environment worldwide, Government supported opportunities for entrepreneurship are taking root at every level of society in order to accelerate economic diversity and prosperity for all. Young people today may become entrepreneurs even before they achieve their driving licences and within a globally competitive economy, young entrepreneurs will become more and more the visible norm. Being the first country in the GCC with the foresight at bringing Bahrain into the global arena of economic and social development, INJAZ Bahrain established in 2005 is grooming the future entrepreneurs of Bahrain towards these aims. As a national responsibility, it is of utmost importance for the Government and business community to likewise promote young achievers by working with them to provide the knowledge and skills demanded by global market needs. After seven years in operation, INJAZ Bahrain’s mission to inspire and prepare young Bahrainis to succeed in a global economy has been adopted by many locally based organisations that share our vision providing youth with the opportunity to experience how business works. This encourages youth to value free enterprise in its role for providing employment and creating prosperity also inspiring their natural innovative and proactive spirit with the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence needed to implement their goals. In turn INJAZ Bahrain ensures the increased productivity of Bahrain’s private sector allowing Bahraini youths to evolve their confidence and skill set in order to become the employees of choice, or the entrepreneurs they are destined to become. Through the resources available at INJAZ Bahrain and with on-going public and private collaboration we will succeed in building a generation capable of bringing the country into the global arena of economic and social development.
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Pg 94-107
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Bahrain Overview In many ways, Bahrain has created a distinctive identity that marries tradition and modernity, symbolising a beacon of progress for the region.
Reader’s Tip: See Bahrain’s Royal Family blogs on www.theroyalforums.com
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T 1783.
he Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago
Conference, which promotes Muslim solidarity of
man-made islands located in the Arabian
affairs (for further information see
comprising 36 islands including 3 recent
56 member states, in economic, social and political
Gulf ruled by the Al Khalifa Dynasty since
www.oic-oci.org).
Bahrain became a British protectorate in the
19th Century and gained independence in 1971.
Background on Bahrain
Bahrain is an Arabic word meaning “Two Seas”,
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa,
referring to freshwater springs that may be found
of democratic reform, on-going today. Through the
referred to as the Persian Gulf). The Kingdom
title went from Emir to King. Since that time, the
peninsula and Saudi Arabia. Bahrain’s main island
strength through its financial sector and infrastructure
coastline of 161 kilometres. The Kingdom of Bahrain
Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, The
causeway, which opened in November 1986, creating
Government consists of a Shura Council (Majlis
Kingdom of Bahrain and work in Dhahran, Saudi
assumed the throne in 1999 and instituted a process
within the salty waters of the Arabian Gulf (also
change to a constitutional monarchy in 2002 His
of Bahrain is located midway between the Qatar
Kingdom of Bahrain has moved from strength to
is 48 kilometres long and 16 kilometres wide, with a
development. The Head of Government is His Royal
is connected to Saudi Arabia by a 23-kilometre
Prime Minister and uncle of the current King. The
easy access for many businessmen who live in the
Al-Shura) with 40 seats, elected by The King and the
Arabia’s Eastern Province.
40 seats elected by absolute majority vote for a term
home to an ancient civilization that played a central
Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is both
Valley (now India) to the south and the people of
of The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) and next in line
was a major port whose remains are visible today
and His first wife HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim
(Qal’at al Bahrain). The Bahrain National Museum
Supreme Council for Women in Bahrain, which has
of the island some 9,000 years ago.
women to vote in the 2001 elections and training
and most enduring pieces of literature – the Epic of
government positions, ensuring the first Bahraini
of eternal youth. The tale is believed to refer to the
also the chief patron of the Society for Women and
one of the Bahrain’s biggest exports for generations.
Nations General Assembly on topics such as in
UNESCO World Heritage Site, officially recognized
Council of Representatives (Majlis Al-Nuwab), with
Bahrain was once known as Dilmun and was
of 4 years per representative. His Royal Highness
trading role between the settlements of the Indus
The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander
Mesopotamia (now Iraq) to the north. Dilmun’s capital
as heir to the throne. He is the eldest son of The King
at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bahrain Fort
Al Khalifa. HRH Princess Sabeeka is the Head of the
also exhibits artifacts ranging from human inhabitants
initiated expansion of women’s rights, encouraging
Bahrain also features in one of the world’s oldest
women on their equal representation within elected
Gilgamesh, where the island was home to the source
women elected MP since 2004. Princess Sabeeka is
pearls from the island’s shallow waters, which were
Children in Bahrain and has addressed the United
Northern Pearling beds represent Bahrain’s second
programme implementation for the future of Children.
since 2012.
She is fluent in Arabic, English and French.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is a member of the
United Nations, the Arab League, the Gulf Co-
operation Council and the Organization of the Islamic
As per its economy, Bahrain has been a regional
pioneer, notably as a specialist business and financial centre. The Kingdom also has a whole series of Gulf ‘firsts’ under its belt - from discovering oil, to
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diversifying the economy, providing education for both males and females from the 1920s onwards and becoming the first democracy with universal suffrage in the region. Today, Bahrain continues to boast itself as one of the most diversified economies in the GCC. Its economy depends largely on oil and gas with a close second in the construction and financial industries. In 2011, Bahrain’s economy experienced a large setback due to internal unrest. However Bahrain continues to make strong strides especially in the Islamic banking sector and to seek new natural gas supplies as feedstock to support its expanding petrochemical and aluminium industries. Meanwhile corporations have increased their training facilities in order to qualify Bahrain’s growing youth population for the workforce. Towards this aim Bahrain’s government-owned energy companies spend over $25 million each year in training employees. Bahrain’s liberalization with relaxed tax policies continues to encourage budding small and medium size enterprises within various industries. In further efforts of diversification, the Government of Bahrain has provided over $4 million in grants to non-governmental organisations in 2012.
Official Name: Kingdom of Bahrain
and humid summers from July to September.
Khalifa
pleasant winters from December to March,
Head of State: H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Al Capital City: Manama Area: 760 sq km
Population: 1,248,348
Ethnic Groups: Bahraini 62.4 per cent,
The Kingdom also experiences mild and
making it a much-desired vacation destination for those living in regions where the winter can be much harsher.
Non-Bahraini 37.6 per cent
Average Temperature in ˚C:
Official Language: Arabic
Summer highs: 36 ˚C
Time Zone: UTC/GMT +3
Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Winter lows: 10 ˚C
Country Dialing Code: +973
Medical Facilities
• 0-14 years old: 20.5 per cent
medical care and medicines through various
People Age Ratio:
• 15-64 years old: 77 per cent,
• 65 years and over: 2.6 per cent Gender Ratio: 1.25 male/female
Ethnic Groups: Bahraini 62.4 per cent, Non-Bahraini 37.6 per cent
Religions: Muslim 81.2 per cent, Christian 9 per cent, Other 9.8 per cent Literacy: 86.5 per cent
Exports: $ 20.23 billion Imports: $ 16.8 billion
Exchange rates (Bahraini Dinar (BHD) as pegged per US Dollar): 0.376
Climate
Dust storms from Iraq and Saudi Arabia
transported by north-westerly winds cause reduced visibility from June to July. The
Kingdom of Bahrain is generally considered
a hot, arid country. While it does see very hot
The Kingdom of Bahrain offers modern
hospitals in the country. Several government and private hospitals provide a wide range
of medical services. Many expatriates prefer private hospitals such as the American Mission Hospital in Manama
(www.amh.org.bh). For more information see the Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Health website (www.moh.gov.bh).
National Anthem
“Bahrainona” (“Our Bahrain”)
National Flag
The flag of the Kingdom of Bahrain is made
up of a white band on the left, separated from a red area on the right by a zigzagging line.
The five white points of the line represent the five pillars of Islam.
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BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
multi-asset exchange in the Middle East and
national Vision 2030 (see:
Banks and Foreign Exchange
Bahrain Financial Harbour in Manama.
agreements were also established in 43
The Kingdom of Bahrain is host to world-class financial institutions, including the highly
regarded Ahli United Bank (AUB), which has won ‘Best Foreign Exchange Bank in the
Middle East’ for several consecutive years. The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) also
provides comprehensive banking services.
Other financial institutions in the country
fall under the following labels: investment
banks, commercial banks, specialised banks, offshore banking units and money and
foreign exchange brokers. Islamic Banking is taking precedence recently, with prominent
banks such as Al Baraka Banking Group and Al Salam Bank leading the way forward. The
Bahrain Financial Exchange (BFX) is the first 16
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North Africa (MENA) region, located at the
Credit Cards and Cash
All major credit cards can be used in the
Kingdom of Bahrain. Cash is preferred in the local currency which is the Bahraini Dinar.
Doing Business in the Kingdom of Bahrain
In 2001, Bahrain implemented a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the USA, relaxing barriers to trade and strengthening ties
with global multinationals. Also creating
a ‘Business Friendly’ front, developed by Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB), along with further expansion
and privatisation plans described in its
www.bahrain.com) Bilateral trade
countries, including China, France, India, Singapore and the United Kingdom. As a
result Bahrain’s goods and services have
access to quite a large market worldwide. According to a 2011 index Bahrain
is the 10th freest economy in the world and the freest economy in the Middle East. This means that businesses are allowed to operate freely with
minimal red tape and foreign ownership restrictions. In 2012, restrictions on
hiring a specified Bahraini ‘employee quota’ has also been relaxed. On
the other hand, with such a strong educational system, Bahrain has
managed to develop the most highly
Zain Bahrain Reader’s Tip: For regular updates on political, economic and cultural activities in Bahrain, visit the state-run ‘Bahrain News Agency’ portal on www.bna.bh/portal/en
skilled workforce in the GCC. Via
THE MEDIA
terrestrial TV networks that include, BTV
Bahrain will be spending over $100
Radio
BTV International, BTV Quran and Bahrain
nationals, over the next 4 years.
are state-run, with the Bahrain Radio and
Natural Resources
general programmes in both Arabic and
its national Labour Fund (Tamkeen), million, in sector-specific training of
Most radio stations in the Kingdom of Bahrain Television Corporation (BRTC) broadcasting
Oil is the Kingdom of Bahrain’s first
English. The Arabic stations include 93.3
production and processing accounting
Arabic talk show called ‘Shebab’ on 102.3 FM.
over 30 per cent of the country’s
on 96.5 FM. Radio broadcasts from within
Government’s cashflow. Other natural
broadcasting ‘Studio 1’ on 91.4 FM and
source of revenue, with petroleum
FM, a Quran Channel on 106.1 FM and an
for about 60 per cent of export receipts,
The English station is called ‘Radio Bahrain’
GDP and over 80 per cent of the
the region, such as nearby Saudi Aramco
resources in Bahrain include, Aluminium,
‘Studio 2’ on 101.4 FM, are also available.
Primary Ammonia and Hydraulic Cement.
Television
Locally, the state-run Bahrain Radio and
Television Corporation (BRTC) operates five
Channel 44, BTV Channel 55,
TV Sports. Satellite TV systems are also
available, providing access to international broadcasts.
Internet Users
694,009 (as of Dec. 31, 2011)
Since the opening of the first daily Arabic newspaper, Akhbar al Khaleej, in 1967,
print media has progressed steadily in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Approximately half a
dozen dailies in English and Arabic as well
as an approximate dozen monthly magazines circulate the Kingdom.
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Best of Bahrain
Dailies include Akhbar Al Khaleej, The Gulf Daily News, Daily Tribune, Al Ayam, Al Wasat, Al Watan and Al Bilad, most prominently. Monthly magazines include, Time Out Bahrain, Bahrain This Month, Woman This Month, Bahrain Confidential, FACT, Sabaya and Sayidaty, amongst others. Regional and international newspapers and magazines also circulate in the country, whereby minimal censorship is practiced.
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COMMUNICATIONS AND Telecommunications
The Kingdom of Bahrain has a welldeveloped telecommunications system, privatised to include several competitive providers including Batelco, VIVA, Zain, Menatelecom and Nuetel. The landline phone system connects most parts
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) was established for protecting the interests of subscribers and users, and promoting effective and fair competition amongst established and new licenced operators (for more information see www. tra.org.bh/en/).
Public Transport
The country’s small size allows for easy
of the country, while mobile coverage
access to almost all parts of the nation.
stretches across the island. The Kingdom
The Government sponsored road network
of Bahrain is well-connected; it is fairly
provides the major link between residential
easy to connect online at most cafĂŠs and
and commercial areas, as well as connects
five star hotel properties. The Bahraini
to airports, seaports and industrial zones. In
domain suffix is .bh
terms of international access, the Kingdom of
World Trade Centre, image courtesy of Mahmood Qurban
Bahrain has no shortage of options: the Mina Salman seaport, the King Fahd Causeway (connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia) and the Bahrain International Airport, complete with its own carriers like Bahrain Air and Gulf Air, provide instant gateways to the world outside the country’s borders. Buses run regularly with links between most towns to Manama and Muharraq, running from 5.30am until 9.30pm. Timetable information is provided at the bus terminals. The Government has aimed
newly developed property and ‘satellite cities’
available but visitors cannot hire a car using a
such as Bahrain Bay, Reef Island and Durrat
foreign driver’s licence (other than from GCC
Al Bahrain, amongst others. Planned ease of tourism is expected with the inauguration of a new bridge and/or railway connecting Qatar to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, (no date for completion has been determined
countries). According to Bahraini law, only an International Driving Licence is acceptable and must be obtained before entry into the Kingdom.
to date).
Postal Services
Private Transport
The Kingdom of Bahrain’s Postal Directorate
Like much of Europe and all of North America,
to privatise the public transportation for the
driving in the Kingdom of Bahrain is on the
private sector to develop the service and raise
right side of the road. Road rules are strictly
its efficiency and effectiveness to fully serve
enforced. These include the mandatory
the residents. Currently new expansions and
wearing of seatbelts, speed limits and a zero
developments of internal road network are
tolerance for drink driving. Violators may be
underway within Bahrain aimed at connecting
fined on the spot. Rental cars are readily
has established post offices in many parts of the island nation. In addition, the country makes various internationally recognised services available to its residents to ensure the highest levels of quality and efficiency in communicating with the outside world. 19
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TOURISM AND CULTURE Accommodation
The Kingdom of Bahrain provides various options for visitors, from furnished apartments to an
impressive range of local and international hotels.
The country hosts well-known hotel names such as The Ritz–Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Fraser
Suites, Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City
World Heritage Sites
Initiated in 2006 under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, the Investing in Culture project, organised by the Ministry of Culture, is aimed at enhancing an active partnership between the private and public sectors to financially and morally support new
Centre and Movenpick Hotel. The island will be
cultural projects aimed at human development with
of a greater range of five-star properties by 2014,
www.investinginculture.bh). UNESCO has listed
is currently the only boutique hotel in Bahrain,
Qal’at Al Bahrain, as a World Heritage Site, also
the available niche segment.
the nation’s second recognized World Heritage Site.
extending its hospitality offering with the opening
preservation of national identity (see more on
including the Four Seasons in Bahrain Bay. L’Hotel
one of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s many ancient forts,
posing an opportunity to develop more options for
recently listing Bahrain’s Northern Pearling beds as
Tourist Destination
Bahrain Airport Company is assigned to expand the
facilities and trade of Bahrain’s International Airport, to triple its current size. A large number of visitors
throughout the year are received from surrounding Arab states especially to mall destinations such
as Bahrain City Centre and seasonal attractions
such as the Grand Prix Formula One at Bahrain’s
International Circuit (BIC), the Bahrain Boat Show
and the Bahrain International Airshow. The Ministry of Culture promotes tourism with cultural events,
recently developing Manama as the Capital of Arab
Culture 2012 (For more information see the Ministry
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
One other heritage site notable to the Kingdom of Bahrain is the, approximately 400 year old tree, The Tree of Life (Shajarat Al Hayat), near Jebel Dukhan.
Popular Mosques
Bahrain is noted for its mosques, which are also somewhat ancient. • Al Fateh Grand Mosque - Manama • Al Khamis Mosque – Al Khamis • Al Shimali Mosque (Sabika Al Ansari Mosque)
Old Isa Town • Kanoo Mosque – Hamad Town • Sheikh Isa Mosque – Muharraq Arad Fort
of Culture www.moci.gov.bh/en/ and www.manamaculture2012.bh/en/).
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Arts and Culture Best of Bahrain
Traditional Bahraini art and culture consists of Quran readings, public poetry performances, ceremonial dances, and storytelling. In addition, Bahrainis are well known for their work in handicrafts like gold and pearl jewellery and their craftsmanship as demonstrated in their boatbuilding, pottery and carpentry tradition. Local music falls under the Khaleeji category, which is indigenous to the Persian Gulf area as a whole and mixes Arab, Persian and African musical traditions. Music is played on the oud (an ancestor of the lute) and the Rebaba (a one-stringed instrument). The Kingdom of Bahrain also has a folk dance tradition. The Ardha is a men’s sword dance, which is accompanied by traditional drummers and a poet, who sings the lyrics. The Bahraini male pearl diving tradition is known for songs called Fidjeri, which involves singing, clapping, drums and dances with earthen water jars. In its traditional context, the performance of the women’s dance follows the women’s times of celebration. The dance is usually accompanied by tasfiq (a rhythmic clapping) and zaghareed (vocal sound) to the sound of oud and/or drums. The dances themselves are performed in pairs or groups, with walking movements back and forth, slight hip and torso movement, with hands and most notably the toss of the head. Football is the most popular modern sport in Bahrain, while traditional pastimes such as falconry, horse riding, gazelle and hare hunting are still practiced. Horse and camel racing are popular, traditional and public entertainments.
Pearling shaped the economic and social identity of the Kingdom of Bahrain before oil was discovered in 1932. Oyster beds located off the coast of Muharraq are deemed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Remnants of this cultural identity and its spirit remain in the passed down skills of dhow construction, the available22 divingBest material and equipment and training of the individuals involved in of Bahrain harvest and trade of these precious sea jewels. Reader’s Tip: Walk down the Pearling Trail in Muharraq to relive Bahrain’s pearling heritage.
Traditional Dresses
The typical Bahraini woman dresses conservatively, usually wearing the
daffah, a long loose-fitting black gown. However, there is no formal dress code for Bahraini women, except on special occasions where Bahraini
women may be found wearing the thobe nashal - a traditional celebratory
Cultural Attractions • Bab Al Bahrain • Bait Al Qu’ran • The Gold Souq
loose fitting outer gown worn over a full-length party dress, or a matching
• Siyadi House
men, are seen wearing modern (but modest) outfits for almost
• Al Jasra House
caftan called an umaasah. Generally Bahraini women, more than Bahraini all occasions.
Bahraini men often wear the Thobe and the traditional headdress,
which includes the Keffiyeh, Ghutra and Agal.
• The Thobe, or ‘Dishdasha’ is a loose, long-sleeved, ankle-length garment. Summer Thobes are white and made of cotton and Winter Thobes can be darker and made of wool.
• The Ghutra is a square scarf, made of cotton, and is folded in a triangle and worn over the Keffiyeh. In Bahrain, it is usually red
and white checked or all white. There is no significance placed on which kind the man wears.
• The Keffiyeh is a white knitted skull cap worn under the Ghutra.
• The Agal is a thick, double, black cord that is worn on the top of the Ghutra to hold it in place.
• On some occasions, Bahraini men wear a Bisht, which is a cloak made of wool, over the thobe. Unlike the thobe, the Bisht is thin, and is usually black, brown, or grey.
• Sheikh Isa’s House • Mattar House • Al Khamis Mosque • Barbar Temple • Museum of Pearl Diving • Bahrain National Museum • Qalat Al Bahrain Site Museum • Bahrain Fort “Qalat Al Bahrain” • Arad Fort “Qalat Arad” • Riffa Fort “Qalat Al Riffa” • Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort “Qalat Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh” • Saar Burial Grounds • A’ali Burial Ground • The Pearling Trail
‘Beginning of Day at the Tree of Life,’ image by Melanio D. Siwa, jomel692000@yahoo.com
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Loomi, the Bahraini equivalent of Black Lime.
Tipping
This is prevalent but not as standardised as in North America. Many hotels and
restaurants include a service charge of 10-15 per cent though it is customary to leave a small extra tip to the waiting staff at the discretion of the patron. Taxi
drivers and other service workers will expect small tips of around 10 per cent.
Luxury in the City
Located on the ground floor of the iconic Bahrain’s World Trade Centre (WTC),
Moda Mall has attained the status of an ultra exclusive shopping complex, thanks to its tenants. Offering about 16,500 square metres of retail space, Moda Mall houses some 160 high-end brands including Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani, Versace, Just Cavalli, Hermes and Stella McCartney, under its roof.
Hypermarkets in Bahrain
EMKE Group opened their fourth and largest Lulu Hypermarket located in Hidd, Bahrain, in 2007. The Bahrain City Centre shopping mall is the largest mall with 340 international brands, 20 cinema screens, the Middle East’s largest indoor/
outdoor waterpark, 60 restaurants, a large Carrefour supermarket and recently with adjoining Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel. The mall has been successful in
attracting quite a number of tenants who are major players in the GCC region and internationally. Other malls are mostly located in the Seef District and include
Al Aali Shopping Complex, Seef Mall, Bahrain Mall, Marina Mall and Dana Mall.
Future of Retail Growth
With a growth in population and influx of five star hotels and restaurants in Bahrain, there is, with it, a growth in market demand of convenience foods and high-end food produce. International firms such as US-based Kraft foods invested in a
60,000 sqm food processing plant in Hidd, Bahrain to meet this need. Other local food importers/producers include Al Ghalia Group, which manufactures its own produce locally through newly-developed hydroponic farm technology.
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Plums Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
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SPORT
of the 2010 season as well and Round 4 of
is the Bahrain Grand Prix, an annual Formula
Bahrain, is held by Michael Schumacher who
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). In 2004, One World Championship event held in the
• Awali Riding Club specialised in Trail
The most famous sport event in the country
the 2012 season. To date, the lap record in
One racing event that takes place at the
in 2004 recorded: • Lap record 1:30.252 h/m/s
grown into the premier private club in
Bahrain organised the first FIA Formula
• Laps 57
Bahrain, located in Saar, near Budaiya.
• Circuit Length 5.412 km
The ‘Dilly’ is its sports and social club.
Middle East that was later awarded the “Best
• Race Distance 308.238 km
• Twin Palms Riding Centre is the largest
In 2006, the Bahrain Grand Prix which is
Equestrian
• Sakhir Race Track, with its unique Arabic
Organized Grand Prix” an award by the IFA.
Riding, Show Jumping, Polo, Dressage and Cross Country. • The Dilmun Club, founded in 1974, has
riding and livery centre on the island.
usually the third race of the Formula calendar
The Kingdom of Bahrain is well known for its
tent design, houses International Show-
swapped places with the traditional opener,
love of horse-riding and equestrian heritage
Jumping and Endurance Races, usually
the Australian Grand Prix and opened the
plus scuba diving and golfing activities. Riding
every Friday during horse racing season
Formula One calendar. In 2007, the BIC
clubs and events include:
from April to November.
became the first circuit to receive the ‘FIA
• Amiri Stables, home to many equestrian
Institute Centre of Excellence’ trophy. The
Kingdom of Bahrain staged the opening race 26
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events where visitors can view some of the world’s finest Arabian breeds.
Scuba Diving
Because of its geography, diving is popular in
Bahrain. The warm, shallow waters (referred
off the coast of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Golf Club, built next to Jebel Al Dukan near
to as Fasht) of the Bahrain archipelago are
This concrete and steel structure is home to
the oilfields. Recently, Bahrain has hosted
teeming with oyster beds and fish nurseries.
a numerous species of fish. Fasht Najwah
some major golf events such as the Senior
Scuba diving is generally done from boats
is located at 50 nautical miles north of the
Tours Championship at The Royal Golf Club,
and average underwater visibility is about five
Kingdom of Bahrain. Najwah is an excellent
which is a PGA, 18 hole, par 72 golf course
metres. Scuba Master (www.scubamaster.ws)
dive location for advanced divers and
featuring five lakes and 72 bunkers, plus the
in Manama teaches PADI and SDI training
photographers. During peak season, Najwah
option to play in the evening under the floodlit
in English and Arabic, with regular boat trips
is an excellent location to spot whale sharks.
course (for more information see
offered.
Fifi wreck is located 5 miles off the east coast
www.theroyalgolfclub.com)
Popular Dive Sites in Bahrain
Bulthama is a small dive site abundant with pearls and marine life that can be spotted near this reef. Bulthama is about two-hour
of the Kingdom of Bahrain. This location is especially popular for night dives.
Golf
Desert Sports
There are many types of desert activities, whether to watch or participate in:
Golf can be enjoyed at any level and on one
• Camel riding
boat ride north of Bahrain. The best seasons
of the oldest courses in the Gulf to one of the
• Adventure Drive Arabia – this is for self
for reaching this area are around March and
most innovative. Golf started in the 1930’s
October. Caisson wreck is located 20 miles
with the first three-hole golf course, the Awali
drives on quad bikes • Falconry 27
Best of Bahrain
Best of Bahrain Ras Sanad Mangroves in Tubli Bay, image courtesy of PH Environment Gulf
Environment
of Bahrain’s first woman Marine Biologists)
Seef, Adliya and Jidhafs. The Muharraq
working closely with the UN on issues of
Gulf, hope to set the foundations for an
The Southern Governorate includes Riffa,
The United Nations Environment Programmes
Bahrain’s natural heritage as a blessing for
Kingdom of Bahrain, and from there works to
or www.reefarabia.com).
and technology transfer in the priority areas
Nature’s Attractions:
programmes.
•
international organisations, such as BAPCO,
•
threats in the country, as this is the first
•
sustainability. By focusing on issues like scarcity of fresh water, desertification,
Major Locations (All locations are visible via GPS satellite)
individuals,such as Ms. Reem Al Mealla (one
The Capital Governorate includes Manama,
The Kingdom of Bahrain has been
and groups, such as PH Environment
environmental preservation and sustainability.
environmental movement that can keep
Regional Office for West Asia is located in the
generations to come (see: www.unep.org.bh
provide advisory services, capacity building of the region under a series of umbrella
•
Al Areen Wildlife Reserve
The Government, along with local and
•
Budaiya Botanical Gardens
are making efforts to address environmental
•
step towards long-term environmental
dredging and pollution from oil production,
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Janabiyah Camel Farm
Bulthama Pearl Diving Site Tree of Life
Ras Sanad Mangroves
Bahrain is split into 5 Governorates.
Governorate includes Muharraq and Hidd. Sakhir, and Al Hawar Islands. The Central Governorate includes Al Dar Island, Isa
Town, Sitra, Hamad Town and A’ali, and The Northern Governorate includes Janabiyah, Saar, Budaiya and Umm Al Nassan (the
island leading on route to Saudi Arabia).
National Capital Manama
Other Cities
Samahij, Barbar, Sar, Al Qurayyah, Al
Jasrah, Jurdab, Karzakkan, Al Malikiya, Askar, Zallaq, Jaw, Durrat Al Bahrain,
Diyar Al Muharraq, Amwaj, Bahrain Bay.
Bahraini Biryani
FOCUS ON DINING
serve international food are famous for their
Alcohol
•
Bahrain has more of a cosmopolitan approach than many of its GCC neighbours. There
Friday brunch buffet, such as:
La Med, The Ritz-Carlton,
Bahrain Hotel & Spa
•
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel,
five star hotels, as well as in licenced stand-
•
The Movenpick Hotel, Bahrain
displays of drunkenness and drink driving
Traditional Bahraini Dining
are many lively bars and clubs in four and alone restaurants. Please note that public
are not tolerated and can result in fines or prosecution.
The Taste of Bahrain
As a multi-cultural haven that is home to
•
•
people from around the world, the food of the cuisines such as Indian, Thai, Chinese,
•
traditional Arabic fare. Some of the popular
•
restaurants in the Kingdom of Bahrain that
‘Machboos’, an interesting dish that is made up of fresh fish or meat and is served with fine rice and dates.
Bahraini Biryani, a dish of chicken or
meat served with fine rice and Bahraini Masala - herbs and spices that often
Kingdom of Bahrain features many different Continental and regional food, as well as
Residence & Spa
include cumin seeds and cashew nuts.
‘Muhammar’, a dish of sweet rice served
•
•
onions and deep fried.
‘Khubz’, a flatbread that can be found in
any of the numerous bakeries throughout the country, baked in a special oven.
‘Samak’ (fresh fish) of the Gulf, which is
served grilled, steamed or fried according to one’s choice. Popular meats available in the local market include Safi (rabbit
•
•
fish), Chanad (mackerel), and Sobaity.
‘Gahwa’ (coffee), the traditional welcome drink that is often served with cardamom and saffron added to it.
‘Mua’sal Bahraini’ (Bahraini flavoured tobacco) famously used around the MENA region with the Shisha pipe,
otherwise known as Hubbly Bubbly.
with dates or sugar.
Reader’s Tip: Try out the newly opened Villa
pastry stuffed with meat, pepper and
cuisine.
‘Samboosa’, a semi-circular or triangular
Mamas, in Sar, serving traditional regional
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Nightlife
The Kingdom of Bahrain is a melting pot of diversity with superb international live
bands from jazz to duets and Philipino acts, singing cover songs at various hotels or
bars in Manama, such as the Gulf Hotel,
Movenpick Hotel and Rock Bottom CafĂŠ.
There are sports bars and Arabic and Indian themed clubs as well. The clubbing scene
is mainly available in Juffair, also known as the Latin Quarters, where you can find the
newly opened, Club 360 and VIP, which are a must see. Late-night restaurant/bars are
available in Adliya, including Zoe’s, The Meat Co., Camelot and various others in the same location. Trader Vics at The Ritz-Carlton,
Bahrain Hotel & Spa complex in Seef District, as well as nearby Bushido restaurant and lounge, are also common favourites.
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Useful Phrases • Yes: Na’am • No: La
• Hello: Marhaba
• Good-bye: Fi aman Illah
• Good-morning: Sabah al-khair • Good-evening: Masa’al-khair • Thank you: Shokran
• How much: Bi-kam?
• Never mind: Ma’lesh / ma yikhalif
• Please: Min fadlak (m) Min fadlik (f)
• I have no money / cannot increase my offer: Mafeesh flous • Call me a taxi: Areed taxi
• I want to buy: Areed ashtiri
• May I have the bill please: Mumkin el-hisab, min fadlak? • God willing: Insh’allah
• Congratulations: Mabrook • Go: Imshi • Stop: Qif
• I don’t speak Arabic: Ma atkallam Arabi • Market area: Souk • One: Wahid
• Two: Ithnain
• Three: Thalatha • Four: Arba’a
• Five: Khamsa • Six: Sitta
• Seven: Sab’a
• Eight: Thamaniya • Nine: Tis’a
• Ten: Ashara
• Hundred: Mi’a • Thousand: Alf
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CHAPTER 1
Government
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33
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Government
Overview The unification of the Gulf States is a very strong dynamic encouraging individuals and corporations today to persevere towards the goal of economic sovereignty.
In 2010, a GCC Monetary Council (GMC) meeting was launched with a subsequent official budget approved for plans to meet at least six times a year in order to further progress the formation of a unified GCC Central Bank. In 2012, GCC leaders attended the 14th consecutive GCC Summit, hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to strengthen further ties between the GCC states and encourage further development of Bahrain’s legislative and political stability.
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T
he Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] was established on 25th May 1981 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE, primarily to provide a joint defence network and common defence planning council for the Gulf States. The unified economic agreement between the countries was followed on and signed in Abu Dhabi on 11th November 1981 set up to utilize the geographic proximity between the nations implementing free trade and economic policies. Amongst the various economic and political objectives stipulated under the GCC in 1981, was towards formulating similar regulations in various fields such as economy, finance, trade, customs, tourism, legislation, and administration; fostering scientific and technical progress in industry, mining, agriculture, water and animal resources; establishing scientific research centres; setting up joint ventures; unifying military presence (Peninsula Shield Force); encouraging cooperation of the private sector; strengthening ties between their peoples and in 2001 agreeing to work towards forming a common currency. In an effort to foster further unification promoting GCC trade growth, a 2009 GCC summit held in Kuwait highlighted four member states, including Bahrain, as endorsing a Monetary Union Treaty to include a GCC common currency set to be established by 2010. Included in the Treaty was a GCC monetary council (GMC) comprising a board of central bank directors from the four member states, assigned to determine the policy and technical steps towards monetary union, including the name of the new currency, its design, safety specifications and denominations. The GMC executive body would set the foundation for the region’s first GCC Central
Bank agreed to be situated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, assigned to determine “convergence criteria” placing limits on public debt, budget deficits, inflation and interest rates across member states. Continuous debate surrounds the establishment of a GCC monetary union, however the merits of collaboration through trade, regardless of slight variations in political and social infrastructure, are indisputable and continue to instigate further Gulf Monetary Council (GMC) meetings. Currently Bahrain continues to call for the establishment of the GCC union describing the federation as, “the cherished hope of the people in the region”, in accordance to national newspaper, Gulf Daily News (GDN) article, dated 22nd May 2012. HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, encourage the union in order to surmount Bahrain’s current political, economic and security challenges. Having said this, as noted by The Prime Minister’s Court, Bahrain’s systematic democratic developments are regarded internationally as a model for the region. Active government grants in 2012 included approximately $4 million (BD 1.5 million) spent on Bahraini initiated NGOs, which participated in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) held under the UNHCR. Also notable are Bahrain’s energy companies spending over $25 million, per year, in training and education of Bahraini employees, whilst NGO’s such as INJAZ Bahrain focus on training and empowering Bahraini youth. Bahrain’s local workforce is consequently being recognized as the most competitive workforce in the region. As a pioneer across various facets of political, social and industry development, Bahrain’s progressive contribution to GCC member states appears increasingly encouraging.
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Government
Bahrain Pride
A meeting of the Cabinet.
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The Prime Minister visiting a new public healthcare centre.
B
The launch of the ship ‘Bahrain’s Vision’, the first oil, gas and petrochemical products carrier of its kind.
ahrain is an open society. For centuries, the country has embraced diversity as an island-nation composed of multiple ethnicities, religions and cultures. In recent years, Bahrain evolved into a constitutional monarchy, beginning with the launch of the National Action Charter in 2001 that established the modern constitution of Bahrain. The constitution has enshrined within it peoples’ rights, laying the groundwork for current social, economic and political development, including the establishment of an elected Chamber of Deputies and an appointed Consultative Council, Bahrain’s upper and lower houses of parliament. Bahrain’s democratic developments are regarded internationally as a model for the region. During His Majesty King Hamad’s reign, parliamentary elections were held three times, and the Supreme Council for Women was established to protect women’s rights and empower them in the public and private realms. In addition, the Office of Financial and Administrative Control was created, guaranteeing transparency in government. Importantly, the independence of the
Discussing a development project in the Muharraq municipality.
The Prime Minister’s surprise visit to the Bahrain City Centre.
judiciary was upheld and legal protection enhanced. More judicial reforms were made following the National Dialogue of 2011- in which all segments of society participated in order to contribute to the reform process- and the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) Report in 2011, such as guaranteeing prosecutors undergo a special training programme with the International Institute of Higher Studies in Criminal Sciences and the American Bar Association. In the same vein, the response to recent events has been to further develop the political system and reform the different institutions of government according to current needs and human rights. Civil society organisations have almost doubled in quantity over the past ten years and greatly diversified qualitatively. Several important advocacy organisations have emerged in the process. There has been a proliferation of print media following the amendment of a law in 2002 on the regulation of press, printing, and publishing. Later, as a further testament to openness and democracy, amendments were made in 2011, creating a self-regulating media body comprised of members of 37
Best of Bahrain
Government Government in addition to the board of the Bahrain Journalists Association. Bahrain has been progressing steadily on its path of development, through the work of notable organisations such as the Bahrain Institute of Political Development and the Economic Development Board. The local health facilities are considered amongst the best in the region, with Bahrain being the first Arab country to receive the Canadian Accreditation Certificate. Healthcare is a serious investment and a National Health Regulatory Authority was established to licence all healthcare professionals and regulate private and public healthcare of the island. In addition, education has been a primary focus for the Government and the Quality Assurance Authority for Education and Training was established to monitor and ensure the best quality of education. In fact, Bahrain ranked 42nd worldwide in 2011 in the UNDP Human Development Index, with scores in health and education respectively well above the world average and above the average for Arab states. The country’s welfare-oriented system of governance ensures that residents and citizens alike have access to free and
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Best of Bahrain
high class education and healthcare, with social welfare extending to subsidies on housing, fuel and food. As a result of His Majesty’s reform policies, unemployment decreased from 15 per cent in 1999 to 3.6 per cent in 2010, and the Bahraini workforce is now recognized as the most competitive local workforce in the region. Importantly, the Ministry of Culture was established to stimulate creativity and cultural dialogue, as well as the preservation of numerous national heritage sites. Given the country’s rich history, Manama’s selection as the Capital of Arab Culture in 2012 was greeted with an innovative and diverse cultural exchange programme, which includes important infrastructural developments. The Kingdom of Bahrain has been successfully progressing along its path towards democracy and further economic liberalisation. The country’s achievements over the past ten years in the political, social and economic fields affirm its commitment to democracy and development. National values of tolerance and dialogue must be preserved by continuously striving towards a Bahrain that lives up to both its history and its enormous potential.
My duty was, and remains to protect this country, I will do this until the last day of my life. I am very proud of Bahrain’s achievements and the role I have played in realizing them. HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister
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GCC The Prime Minister delivering a speech in the House of Representatives.
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The Kingdom of Bahrain has been successfully progressing along its path towards democracy and further economic liberalisation. The country’s achievements over the past ten years in the political, social and economic fields affirm its commitment to democracy and development. National values of tolerance and dialogue must be preserved by continuously striving towards a Bahrain that lives up to both its history and its enormous potential. 41
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CHAPTER 2
Hotels & Hospitality
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“We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen.� The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
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Hotels & Hospitality
Overview As the Economic Development Board continues to seek a new visionary tag line for the Kingdom, the former ‘Business Friendly Bahrain’ still resounds strongly within both the social and professional domain. According to recent surveys, Bahrain is continually ranked as one of the friendliest countries to expatriates and foreign businesses.
Club Round Room, The Ritz Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
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Best of Bahrain
Hospitality in Bahrain is founded upon a desire to establish trust and build future relationships with people before doing business. Loyalty and honour are seen as very important within this regard, thus resounding is Bahrain’s provision of a friendly and honest environment that keeps old and new residents and tourists coming back for more.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Infinity Pool planned for completion in 2013.
B
ahrain is one of the most developed and fastest growing states in the GCC. Its hotel and hospitality sector is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the Kingdom, as identified by Bahrain’s Labour Fund. Amongst the backdrop of beautiful weather, turquoise coloured waters, island ambience and a steady increase in the number of tourist and trade opportunities, the hotel and newly developed real estate ‘satellite cities’ such as Amwaj Islands, Riffa Views, Durrat Al Bahrain, Diyar Al Muharraq and Bahrain Bay, are thriving. Contributing to the growth of the sector is the number of individuals and foreign companies that continue to invest in Bahrain, setting up offshore headquarters and bringing with them a steady increase of international immigrants and migrant workers. Motivating factors, such as low taxes and relatively low set-up costs have solidified Bahrain’s attractiveness, inevitably increasing its business opportunities while hotels reap the rewards of the influx, collaborating to host a multitude
The Turkish Suite, Sofitel Bahrain
of internationally renowned summits, business conferences and other activities. Hotels also prepare annually for Bahrain’s most prominent touristic attractions, Formula One, the Bahrain International Airshow and the Bahrain Boat Show. In addition to existing hotels, there are several international hoteliers who have invested within the newly developed ‘satellite cities’ such as the Four Seasons Hotel, due to open in Bahrain Bay by 2014. As laws are more relaxed in Bahrain compared to regional GCC states, tourism to Bahrain from the region continues to retain high demand. The King Fahd Causeway connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, led to a booming increase in tourism since inception in 1986. Today the Ministry of Transportation has initiated a bridge between Qatar and Bahrain, which, when and if successfully completed, will further solidify regional inter-trade and tourism, contributing to further growth in demand for Bahrain’s hotel and hospitality sector. 45
Best of Bahrain
Hotels & Hospitality
In the embrace of luxury “We are always looking into enhancing our guest experiences, creating unforgettable memories and guests for life.” -Mr. Mark Neukomm, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
The perfect place for leisure and business travellers
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa is situated in the heart of Seef District, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, catering to high-end business and individual luxury travelers alike. Operating more than 78 hotels worldwide, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. As for The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa; The World Travel Awards 2012 has recognized the venue as ‘Bahrain’s Leading Hotel,’ for the 16th time over the past years. What continuously underlines the success of The Ritz-Carlton is found within its philosophy to customer experience, “We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen” - an approach The 46
Best of Bahrain
Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa embraces with delight and high spirits. The hotel offers 245 rooms, suites and The Ritz-Carlton Club. The resort complements a range of popular restaurants and bars, fully equipped meeting facilities including beautifully decorated ballrooms. With more than 24,000 square feet of meeting space, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa is an ideal choice for important regional and international meetings. The Sports Clubs & Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments and facilities such as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a magnificent Turkish bath. Besides the rooms and suites, 23 villas, each with their own swimming pool, private beach, and 24-hour lifestyle butler exudes a relaxed elegance throughout - the perfect place for leisure and business travellers.
Every Friday, La Med, the hotel’s popular all-day dining restaurant hosts a leisurely brunch for family and friends to enjoy with delectable food and live entertainment in a relaxing yet chic ambience. La Med brunch is available every Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. For further information and reservations, please call +973 17586499.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa includes several dining venues such as La Med offering the best of Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine in stylish surroundings with views of the pool and the lavish gardens. Guest may enjoy extravagant buffets for breakfast and lunch, an a la carte menu for dinner and chill out evenings on the lounge terrace overlooking the poolside. La Med is open daily from 6:30 a.m. till 11 p.m. Nirvana is a tribute to the private dining rooms of the Indian Maharajas palace. The private dining area is an elegantly designed environment in which to relax and sample authentic Indian dining in its finest form, whether during business lunch or dinner. Plums Steakhouse serves prime cuts of beef and seafood delicacies offered in a contemporary jazzy design ambience. Favourites on the menu include dry aged prime natural certified Angus beef, Wagyu beef and natural veal - grilled on wood burning fire, served with a selection of natural sea salt and the famous Chef’s Plums sauces. The Lobby Lounge serves traditional afternoon tea or a beverage and a light meal whilst guests can experience the grandeur of the expansive lobby and view of the refreshing outdoor swimming pool. At The Lobby Lounge, Arabic warmth blended with The Ritz-Carlton hospitality creates an ambience and abundance of style and comfort for local guests and visitors alike. Overlook Café is the poolside restaurant that features healthy, fun and fabulous spa cuisine to satisfy your appetite after a workout, or whilst relaxing at the pool. Nestled between the pool and white sandy beach, this spectacular view takes in the resort’s beautifully landscaped gardens. The Burlington Club is a retreat into the sophistication of days gone by when the simplistic beauty of the perfect martini and a handrolled cigar were the signature of quality. Rich mahogany furnishings, low oversized sofas and deep-buttoned armchairs add an air of sophistication to this classic lounge. Burlington’s boasts a freestanding humidor stocked with premium cigars and a panoramic view of the magnificent gardens. Since moving to Bahrain in 2010, Mr. Mark Neukomm, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa has been renovating and enhancing the hotel’s leisure and business facilities, across the board from the hotel’s rooms to the ballrooms and villas. Mr. Neukomm has already managed the renovation of three of the hotel’s five food and beverage facilities, including introducing the new design and concept of Primavera, where authentic flavours burst through an unforgettable encounter with the finest cuisine, enjoyed against a backdrop of an open show kitchen and breathtaking views over the lagoon. Another recent addition, on the way for completion by end of
2012, is The Ritz Gourmet Lounge serving traditional French dishes alongside with pastries, cakes and breads. An elegant, upscale Shisha lounge on a newly designed terrace overlooking the resort’s swimming pool will complement the resort offerings. Also on the horizon are plans modernizing the Overlook Café by providing assorted live cooking stations and open grills with a revised design plan allowing for full sea view, visible from the hotel lobby lounge. One highly important influence by The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa has been by way of, company-wide, Community Footprints Initiatives, over time emphasizing those areas within its own corporate value threshold. Recently partnering with Al Noor International School, the hotel organised a gardening day at The Bahrain Friendship Society for the Blind. With 20 employees and 35 students from Al Noor, together they planted almost 80 varieties of plants donated by the hotel. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, aimed to, not only embellish the garden area, but also to enhance the sense of smell and touch of the visually impaired children and adults attending the Bahrain Friendship Society for the Blind, also providing impactful learning experiences about the nature and its flora. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has also been supporting R.I.A., as its own adopted charity, for over six years. R.I.A. initiated by Dr. Emad Al Attar and his wife Christine Gordon, caters to the needs of mainstream learners as well as students with special needs. In 2012 The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain surprised R.I.A. kids with over-sized chocolate cakes created by its Pastry Team under the guidance of Executive Pastry Chef, Antony Fernandez. For genuine care and comfort, contact The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa.
Tel +973 17580000 info.bahrain@ritzcarlton.com www.ritzcarlton.com/bahrain Twitter ID http://twitter.com/RitzCarlton View our channel at www.youtube.com/RitzCarlton Connect with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/RitzCarlton Mobile APP www.ritzcarlton.com/app 47
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R.I.A. project adopted by The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
Club Suite, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
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The Hammam
Mr. Mark Neukomm, General Manager
VALUES & PHILOSOPHY The Gold Standards are the foundation of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. They encompass the values and philosophy by which the company operates and includes:
THE CREDO • • •
The Ritz-Carlton is a place where the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambience The Ritz-Carlton experience enlivens the senses, instils well being and fulfils even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests
THE MOTTO •
“We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen”
THE EMPLOYEE PROMISE • • •
At The Ritz-Carlton, our Ladies and Gentlemen are the most important resource in our service commitment to our guests By applying the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity and commitment, we nurture and maximize talent to the benefit of each individual and the company The Ritz-Carlton fosters a work environment where diversity is valued, quality of life is enhanced, individual aspirations are fulfilled and The Ritz-Carlton Mystique is strengthened
True to its employee promise, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain aims to nurture and maximize talent to the benefit of each individual as well as of the company. It is the employed Ladies and Gentlemen of the hotel who play an instrumental role in creating unique offerings, working strategically as a team to maximize guest experiences. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, a few of these considered Ladies and Gentlemen are: Mr. Mark Neukomm, General Manager Continuously cultivating a fresh perspective on The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain facilities, Mr. Neukomm ritually takes a morning walk through the resort premises, providing a first hand perspective on required developments in order to consistently enhance guests’ experiences and satisfaction. Hailing from Switzerland, the most crucial aspect of his role is to paying heed to the guests’ needs. He emphasizes, “The secret of our developments and improvements comes from the sentiments of our guests first.” Ms. Claudia Hardt, Director of Public Relations With a bold experience in travel throughout various Ritz-Carlton locations worldwide, Ms. Hardt has developed a keen eye for the intricacies, nuances and demands of each culture. Originally from Germany, she continues developing unique initiatives in PR and CSR that bilaterally instill the hotel’s values of well being, to enliven the senses and to fulfill the unexpressed wishes of Bahrain’s community. Ms. Elvira Khalifa, Head of Quality Ensures that there is no compromise on the quality level of each of the hotel’s departments from its professional appearance, cleanliness and accident-free environment. Her Russian roots ensure she is meticulous about assessing customer satisfaction, making sure that guests are happy and that the hotel is not only implementing corporate rules and guidelines but also surpassing these on any occasion possible. Mr. Guy Gateau, Executive Chef With Michelin-starred training, he oversees the daily culinary operations of all dining venues such as Plums, Primavera, La Med, Nirvana, Overlook Café, Burlington Club, Lobby Lounge, The Club Lounge, in-room dining, catering and special events. As he is French, his love for food and quality promises guests the highest quality of dining seen on the island. He explains, “Serving only the freshest products and ingredients; our philosophy is to showcase a display of fine selected dishes, prepared a la minute for the guest’s highest dining pleasures.” Mr. Kashif Khan, Director of Engineering Bringing a culture of conservation and efficiency from Canada, Khan implements North America’s benchmark of strict guidelines for energy consumption, with new systems for recycling, efficient use of lighting, etc., he ensures to be in line with the new government requirements on environmental protection and energy savings. The Villa in the evening
Hotels & Hospitality
Life is Magnifique The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is set on a coastline of dream beaches offering guests a paradise setting to enjoy an idyllic stay. The hotel is an exclusive resort catering to both leisure and business travellers, reputed for its elegance, refinement, attentive service and attention to detail. This hotel is an example of the kingdom’s legendary hospitality, enhanced by a touch of the French savoir-faire cherished by Sofitel.
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Get Sofitel updates on
S
ofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is the first hotel in the GCC to offer thalassotherapy. The Thalassa Sea & Spa complex covers 2,000 square meters on two floors of the hotel. The complex features 14 treatment rooms using sea products, massages and wellness programmes with a fitness evaluation area for personalized routines. Guests can also enjoy a seawater hydrotherapy pool, a freshwater
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SofitelBahrainZallaqThalassaSeaSpa and
pool, saunas, steam rooms, hairdresser for men and beauty salon for women, as well as a Yoga & Pilates studio. A specialised dietitian will be dedicated to advise general body condition; body mass index and tailor-made fitness programmes. Within the hotel are 262 rooms and suites, combining comfort and elegance, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. Each of the hotel’s rooms boast cutting edge technology
SofitelBahrain
and a private balcony with sea view. Counted amongst its rooms are 21 Prestige Suites and 6 rooftop Opera Suites individually themed in distinctive variations of Moroccan, Nubian, Turkish, Gulf Arabic, Indian and Levant designs; each with adjoining private terrace and infinity pool. The Royal Suite, is one of a kind in the Kingdom with 500 square meter of space, breathtaking views across the Arabian Gulf, 24 hour butler service and private
terrace with infinity pool and Jacuzzi. The 32 Club Millesime Rooms provide exclusive access to the Club Millesime Lounge, offering an open buffet, an outdoor terrace, complimentary wine and a selection of cocktails every evening. Sofitel Bahrain also features a business centre, valet parking, limousine service, baby-sitting service, and also offers meeting rooms and banquet facilities, which can accommodate up
Suite with adjoining private terrace and infinity pool
La Mer - seafood restaurant
to 1,000 guests and feature top-of-the-range audio and video equipment. The vast ballroom alone, which covers 1,100 square meters can seat approximately 840 guests. Sofitel Inspired Event Managers are ready to assist in tailoring events of all kinds that meet guests’ desires. Sofitel Bahrain boasts 5 restaurants and 4 bars for different culinary experiences. Pashawat is an intimate lounge with cozy atmosphere perfect for discovering the aromatic delights of Arabic cuisine with the most popular oriental
tunes and belly dancing. Wok offers authentic South East Asian cuisine with a kitchen that can be viewed from the dining room. It’s a spectacle of lights and flavours to be enjoyed indoors or out on the terrace. Fiamma serves genuine Italian cuisine indoor and outdoor, and features fresh pasta and antipasti counters, complemented by a Pizza oven. At La Mer guests may savour the very best culinary delights of the sea, from fish to shellfish and seafood, while overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Tapas Bar is a restaurant /
The Royal Suite - dining room
Suites are individually themed in decorative variations of regional designs.
bar serving a wide variety of creative and unusual tapas. The cocktails are well reputed to be the best on the island and can be enjoyed indoors or on the panoramic sea-view terrace with music from resident the Live Cuban Band. Saraya offers flavours from all over the world, presented in the all day dining restaurant as well as numerous cocktails that await guests in the hotel’s bars including the Pool Bar and Amber Lounge. Also available to complement the hotel’s offering is the Macaron Pastry shop. The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq
Thalassa Sea & Spa can be reached by the main ‘Khalifa Bin Salman’ highway or by the ‘King Fahd’ Causeway, through a series of bridges connecting the islands and linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. The hotel is located 30 minutes from Bahrain International Airport, 25 minutes south-west of the capital Manama and just 5 minutes from the Bahrain International Circuit (Formula One racetrack).
Tel +973 17636363 www.sofitel.com 51
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Hotels & Hospitality 52
Gold standard hospitality Constant innovation, an eye for detail, personalized service and dedication towards complete customer satisfaction is the ethos that has helped make Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain a name to recon with among leisure and business travellers.
Best of Bahrain
Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain is located adjacent Seef Mall and in the most cosmopolitan area of the Kingdom Al Seef District. Get Fraser Hospitality updates on FrasersHospitality and on fraserapartment
F
rasers Hospitality brand is reserved for select luxury properties in key gateway cities around the world, and Bahrain is certainly one of these. The Kingdom’s growth, predicated on a rapidly diversifying economy with impressive expansion into new areas such as tourism, manufacturing, trade and commerce, together with a healthy growth in international travellers, set the stage for the successful establishment of Frasers Hospitality in 2009. Today, Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, with adjacent shopping mall and complimentary shuttle service to the nearby business district, plays a large role in satisfying the demand for highend, luxury-serviced apartments in the most cosmopolitan area of the Kingdom – Al Seef District. Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain is a one-stop shop for both business and leisure travelers with a full range of top-end services and facilities. Ms. Juliana Mateva, Director of Sales explains, “We
cater to all kinds of tastes and our guests benefit from a Gold Standard service experience within a homely ambience that is habitually personalized. We strive to be a true home from home. To that end, we are continuously developing products and services to meet the unique needs of our corporate clients and leisure guests. Whether they are using us for a short-term rental while attending conferences & meetings, a weekend or for an extended stay, our guests all experience what we call “The Fraser Difference” - those little bespoke touches that make an apartment hotel feel like home. This quest for excellence has earned our brand numerous awards and is testimony to the strength of our belief in delivering total customer satisfaction.” Giving a sense of peace and tranquility with a touch of a Far Eastern Zen-like mood, Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain apartments are decorated with plentiful light
and warm natural materials, warm brown parquet flooring, contemporary artwork on the walls, floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views, open plan living, dining and kitchen areas, providing guests a more spacious, cozy and quality driven option than standard hotel rooms. Each apartment at Fraser Suites is experienced with a fully equipped kitchen with full-size fridge, washer/drier, combined oven and microwave, Schönwald porcelain and glassware, Sambonet cutlery, electric kettle and toaster. The high quality furnishings throughout the property include luxurious king size bedding, Bose Home Theatre System, iPod docking stations, LCD TVs, Herman Miller ergonomic desk chairs, and are provided with free high-speed wi-fi for all guests. Guests of Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain can choose from an impressive range of lifestyle facilities including four meeting venues, The Retreat on the 7th
floor offering 2 boardrooms with massage chairs and soothing music, the Gallery Lounge for a leisurely breakfast and the Residents’ lounge. Guests can also relax in separate Male/ Female spa facilities, which feature a sauna, steam rooms, spa pools and changing rooms also accompanied by a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, state-of-the-art gymnasium and the Ladies & Gents Hairdressing salon including top hairdressing services by Fadi Harb. Children are also catered to with a variety of entertainment options at the Fraser Kid’s Club and with babysitting services upon request. Experience The Fraser Difference.
Tel +973 17171626
Within Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, the natural light from the atrium ceiling along with the sounds of the reflecting pool and water feature offer relaxing vibes and a sense of contentment, combining the natural elements of wood, water and metal.
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CHAPTER 3
Dining & Entertainment
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“Part of the Buddha-bar network, but on a different league: at Bushido we follow the exemplary of the Samurai code of conduct in all aspects of our existence.”
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Dining & Entertainment
Overview The dining and entertainment sector in Bahrain offers a kaleidoscope of variety that is ever expanding.
During the month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast, the eating habits of the country change. Iftar is the first meal eaten at sunset, usually with the fast broken by dates and water. After evening prayers, the Ghabga is a traditional late night fiesta, of food, drink and socialising that takes place most prominently at hotels lasting until the wee hours of morning. Check the media, during the month of Ramadan, for best hotels serving late-night Ghabgas.
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Wok at Softel, Bahrain
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he country harbours an array of exotic hangouts, upscale eateries, casual restaurants, enigmatic coffee shops and of course, traditional Arabic bistros. Being a cosmopolitan country, there is a multihued array of cuisines, offering everything from authentic Japanese to French, Lebanese to Continental. Even though eateries can be found in any corner, the higher concentration of restaurants and cafés are found in Adliya, Amwaj Island and Juffair, which have lanes festooned with ethnic and fast food restaurants. Sheesha is popular amongst
locals and expats, and Sheesha cafés are often places of large social gatherings. It is well liked for the assortment of fruity tobacco flavours on hand. Though there are dozens of cafés located in different vicinities, Al Bindaira’s cafés are reckoned to be pro choice when it comes to Sheesha. One can settle for local specialties such as Harees and Machboos, made of rice and chicken served in most Arabic restaurants or maybe try some spicy Thai food at Honey, situated within the weaves of the Manama Souq. While some may fancy hot Kebabs, served at Ramla in
Muharraq, others may prefer authentic Teppanyaki and Robata – Japanese charcoal grill served in style at Bushido. The city comes alive at night as the clubbing scene offers a range of nightclubs and parties. Newly opened clubs such as Club 360 and VIP are quickly gaining status for their selection of music paired with a funky vibe. Clubbers can choose from chic lounges to Wild West themed saloons. A lot of international parties are held regularly and alcohol is served openly. Words by Puja Tiwari pujatiwari1991@gmail.com 57
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Dining & Entertainment 58
True Spirit of the Samurai
Best of Bahrain
Japanese cuisine, while commonly thought of as sushi, has so much more to offer. With centuries of history behind it, there is an etiquette that it flaunts that is rarely seen in other cultures. One of the secrets to the delectable dishes is the traditional culinary style in the kitchen and live-cooking stations.
O
After only three years since opening, Bushido has been nominated and has won numerous awards including: • •
•
TimeOut Award for Best Japanese Restaurant 2011 and Best Business Lunch 2010 and 2011 Fact Award for Best Japanese Restaurant 2010 and 2011
Listed on Askmen.com as #5 Bar in the Middle East
ffering the quintessential break from the frenzy of urban life and inspired by the mysticism of Japan is a chic and trendy lounge and restaurant in the heart of Seef – Bushido. It is a blend of the 21st Century setting with the way of the warrior combining concepts of chivalry with the serenity of Buddhism. A small moat and the landscape that surrounds Bushido prepare you for the rich and vast space within. Once you’ve stepped in, you will feel like you’ve been transported to a different world – one with a perfect balance between austerity and richness. The colours and architecture of feudal Japan greet you, as do the Samurai-armoured alcoves. What makes this venue stand out from the rest is the stairway of wroughtiron balustrades from the restaurant that leads you to the mezzanine bar. Dark woods, dim lighting and deific silks help you give in to your senses. Bushido is more than dining. It is a rare indulgence in class, virtue and sophistication. In Japanese tradition, ‘Bushido’ translates to ‘the way of the warrior’. Many Samurai devoted their lives to the strict code that demanded them to keep the seven virtues of rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honour and loyalty till their death. The team at Bushido have taken up the same oath and have adopted this concept through its seven sections; The Main Dining Room The Mezzanine Bar and Lounge, The Sushi Bar, The Teppanyaki Room, The Terrace and Terrace Lounge, and Bushido’s private rooms, The Oda Room and Tenshu Room. The Main Dining Room, located on the ground floor, offers the possibility to dine by the window with views of the lagoon, in front of the Samurai Wall, by the enchanting staircase or in intimate corners. Within this venue of premium silk fabrics finishing, dark wood furniture and intricate décor the chefs at Bushido deliver an astounding menu, experimenting with exotic delicacies and highend cuisine. The Bushido menu serves a good choice of Nipponese classics and Robata – Japanese charcoal grill, with some interesting European combinations and the Spirit of Samurai experienced in the multiple ranges of exotic cocktails and extensive choice of sake. The Mezzanine Bar and Lounge serves a restricted menu from noon until 1:30 am every day. The music that seeps from behind the DJ Booth on this second level lounge is an eclectic mix that adds onto the overall ambience. Towards the night, Bushido’s resident DJ, Dara Singh slowly drives the mood to a more dynamic ethno house style. He is regularly accompanied by the most popular DJs of the world who fly in to distil their musical creations infusing Bushido 59
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Dining & Entertainment
“
Offering the quintessential break from the frenzy of urban life and inspired by the mysticism of Japan is a chic and trendy lounge and restaurant in the heart of Seef. ~ Bushido
“
Tenshu Room
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Prepare to lose yourself in a realm of sensuality, with eclectic blend of world lounge music, from noon to early evening.
with the best of the lounge genre. As part of its philosophy, Bushido regularly provides promotions and hosts top events including an exclusive event in partnership with FashionTV, such as THE AFTER RACE PARTY - an annual tailor-made party to welcome the international Formula One track crowd to Bahrain, while displaying the best of Bahrain’s nightlife also featuring numerous worldrenowned celebrities, DJs, Top Models, Dancers and Musicians. Year-round, Bushido hosts various DJs including those who have visited in the past, such as DJ Ravin of Buddha Bar, DJ David Vendetta and DJ Joachim Garraud, amongst many more. Also a regular event and crowd favourite at Bushido is PINK FRIDAY’S with fashion prizes for women, every Friday, to be won! At the exclusive Sushi Bar, you will sit atop high chairs to view one of the secrets of the traditional culinary styles - a live cooking display. The delectable dishes are prepared right before your eyes, with rice expertly prepared by Bushido chefs
rolled with an extensive range of seafood, meats and vegetables that are finally doused with the inexplicable magic of special sauces – that set your taste buds dancing! The Teppanyaki Room provides a marvel of knifewielding chefs displaying the authentic Samurai dining experience in a live cooking show. With two large counters that accommodate up to 24 guests at a time, Bushido’s chefs prepare a wide selection of sauces and meat to taste, at the same time juggling, in the air, extremely sharp kitchen knives and eggs! Bushido warns you to remain on the other side of the hot iron table, for a safe and enjoyable, absolute thrill! When the weather’s right and the stars and the moon oblige for a dazzling night out, Bushido’s Terraces are an enchanting retreat. The pleasing view of palm trees and the waters of the bay sets the mood only to be enhanced by the unique lounge tracks that wafts through the French windows on both levels. Bushido’s ground level Terrace
seats approximately 50 dinners or a reception of 150 guests and is ideal for a Ceremonial meal, informal Business dining and/or Banquet reception, with flexible space, also providing the possibility to project on the outside walls. The second level Terrace Lounge provides a reception for approximately 50 guests, ideal for a Cocktail reception. Bushido’s private Oda Room contains a private bar and direct access to the outdoor terrace with its spectacular view of the lagoon. Bushido encourages private business conferences and breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings providing a boardroom that seat 40 guests, a sitdown dinner for 70 guests or a reception for 150 guests. Features of the Oda Room include a discrete access from Bushido’s entrance, direct access to the ground floor terrace, a private bar, rentable fully equipped A/V equipment, adjustable lighting, podium and WiFi, coupled with Bushido’s A-class dining experience Bushido’s Tenshu Room is
another private affair that has swashes of light decorating the ceiling and walls as they bounce off the water from the glass floor below your feet. Nestled by the surrounding moat, the Tenshu Room, with its see-through glass floors, gives you a feeling of floating on water offering a meeting room that is the perfect setting for a brainstorming session. The Tenshu Room provides a boardroom and/ or sit-down dinner capacity of 20 guests, with a reception capacity of 30 guests. The room features natural daylight, discrete access from the entrance, seethrough glass flooring, rentable fully equipped A/V equipment, adjustable lighting, podium and WiFi and again, coupled with Bushido’s A-class dining experience. Come down for a Taste of Traditional Japanese Cuisine with a Twist.
Tel + 973 17583555
reservation@bushido.com.bh www.bushido.com.bh
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Since opening in 2009, Bushido set a benchmark for the Japanese restaurant scene throughout the Middle East. Get updates on Bushido973 @Bushido973
Dining & Entertainment 62
Made in Italy A visit to BiCE Bahrain will truly bring you to the world of Italian northern regional cuisine.
Best of Bahrain
The BiCE Team
With a unique theme each week, join BiCE Lounge Wednesday’s Activities, exploring masterpieces of Italian cuisine and wines, accompanied by BiCE’s own Live Piano Entertainer, each Wednesday from 7pm to 9:30pm.
In addition to savouring the choicest sophisticated Italian cuisine, you can also sip on some Italian coffee at BiCE Bahrain (WTC).
B
iCE Bahrain is an incomparable Italian
restaurant of impeccable
character, located in the heart of
Manama on the second and third floor of the World Trade Centre (WTC) overlooking incredible
views of the Arabian Gulf and
adjacent to the upscale boutiques and department stores of Moda Mall.
Launched in 2011, BiCE
Bahrain, has managed to
capture the iconic achievement of founder Bice Ruggeri’s
formative restaurant in Milan, which rose to its zenith in the 1970s amongst an emerging
opulence behind Bahrain’s fastgrowing economy.
At BiCE Bahrain, the specialty
banking centre and European
is attention to details. BiCE
it a new and very discriminating
with its exceptional hospitality,
fashion industry, gathering with international clientele that
included the continent’s reigning
designers. BiCE Bahrain dubbed by BiCE franchisor statement as ‘the World’s Number One BiCE,’ based on the exclusivity of the interior design and its prime
location, is the restaurant that
today signifies the reflection of
embraces the local community inviting and timeless décor and impeccable service. From the marbled lighting at the main
entrance to the soft lighting and clean dark wood finishing, the décor at BiCE offers the most
sophisticated good taste. Ideal for special occasions, BiCE promises to reward diners with a discovery of a true Italian dining experience, reminiscent of the Italian northern regional cuisine along with a unique selection of global wine. BiCE Bahrain is open seven days a week from 12:00 to 15:30 pm for lunch and from 19:00 to 23:30 pm for dinner.
elegant and warmest dining
Tel +973 17533666
BiCE exudes elegance and
www.bicegroup.com
experience in town. Inside,
restaurant@bicebahrain.com 63
Best of Bahrain
CHAPTER 4
Retail
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Retail
Overview
Moda Mall at the World Trade Centre (WTC)
R
etail has been one of the fastest growing industries in Bahrain for the past few years. Bahrain’s retail sales are pegged to grow from $4.33 billion in 2008 to $4.80 by 2013 as per Research and Markets reports. Favourable government policy, positive longterm economic outlook, growth in western styles of retailing and active participation of the private sector has facilitated one of the world’s most desirable environments in terms of investments and revenue generation. Bahrain has been ranked 3rd among 100 countries for providing higher salaries and
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greater disposable income, making it the perfect haven for both local population and expatriates and thereby leading to a more conducive environment for retail to flourish. Further the rapid development of modern retail infrastructure in Bahrain is luring consumers towards convenient shopping experiences thus transforming into high retail spending. The trend of urbanization is a definite contributor towards this vibrant retail sector. Bahrain has a rich culture and long established respect for diversity, the country is a veritable melting pot of boutique
restaurants, a thriving art and café culture, sprawling malls, world’s top hotels, and spa, international fine dining and a vibrant night life, making it a very attractive tourist destination. Bahrain has some spectacular shopping options. Here the old world converges with the high tech seamlessly. Manama souk, located just beyond Bab Al Bahrain, is the perfect first stop. The shops, ranging from tiny open-air stalls to leading department stores, are packed with everything from clothes to electronics, spices, tobacco to incense and
While gold is hugely popular with residents and tourists alike, Bahrain is one of the few countries where one can buy natural rather than cultured pearls, again a plus for the discerning buyer.
antiques to gold and a delight for all who like a good bargain. Another great buy would be the numerous carpet shops located in Manama and Adliya and Isa Town, they stock exquisite Persian rugs apart from the equally gorgeous carpets from Turkey, Afghanistan, Baluchistan and China. Gold City is the place one goes for the jewellery requirements. Designed par excellence and lavishly adored in marble and glass, Gold City is indeed a world class gold shopping complex. The City hosts 152 shops displaying a wide variety of glittering ornaments. One can choose from 21K, 22K, 24K, 18K Gold, White Gold, Platinum, Silver, Gem Stones, Diamonds, Natural Pearls, Gift Items, Watches, Crystal Figurine, and latest leather wear. The relaxed and friendly Bahrain Craft Centre, managed entirely by Bahraini women, is home to a variety of studios and workshops,
and promotes the contemporary revival of traditional crafts, such as weaving, palm-leaf papermaking, pottery and ironwork. Bahrain has both its traditional heritage intact along with modern retailing formats. Bahrain is truly the shoppers paradise, some of the best and most famous shopping malls include, Bahrain City Centre, Bahrain Mall, Dana Mall, Moda Mall, Seef Mall, Al Aali Shopping Complex and Marina Mall. There are many other retail outlets such as the Al Jazeera chain of supermarkets, Yateem Centre, Oasis Mall, Gosi Shopping Complex and Sitra Mall. A must visit is also the Bahrain Duty Free, located at the Bahrain Airport. Bahrain Duty Free has been bestowed with several awards during the past couple of years, including the award for “Best Duty Free in Middle East & North Africa� for the year 2008. Indeed Bahrain is the rising star for retail and tourism in the coming years. Despite the
slump in the economy, the Bahrain retail sector has demonstrated a high degree of resilience. Developers and retailers are continuing with their regional expansion plans as consumer confidence returns with huge strides. Furthermore the new city developments and the Government’s commitment to making Bahrain a truly global destination coupled with a strong awareness of global brands among the populations will provide even greater opportunities to retailers in years to come. Bahrain is positively a shoppers delight, with the old merging with the new, offering a plethora of shopping options and thus making Bahrain one of the most luxurious countries to live, visit and shop in. Words by Pooja Rajpal Kasala poojarajpal21@gmail.com 67
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Retail
Italian finesse Nest, founded in 2010, is an amalgamation of beautiful pieces from Italian companies with a high quality finish. Meant for the true connoisseurs of sophisticated style, Nest is the new kid-on-the-block when it comes to furniture stores.
T
rendy, chic and bubbling with fresh ideas, Nest exclusively offers a range of international brands including names such as MDF Italia, Glas Italia, Casamilano, BPA International, Emmemobili, Minotti Cucine, Serralunga and Oluce - each a leader in its niche and therefore representing the various possibilities within the furniture industry. Along with furniture, you can also find one-of-a-kind accessories from Bitossi Ceramiche, Frederique Morrel, Astier de Villatte and carpets from Iwan Maktabi. With the design sensibility at Nest leaning towards clean lines, you can use the furniture and
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accessories to style your house to your own tastes. You can also get the furniture customized to your needs. Take your pick from Casamilano’s stylish range of living and dining furniture to Glas Italia’s artisanal furniture mirrors made using glass to Emmemobili’s handmade avant-garde style of furniture, which is truly unique. Then there are the Oluce’s lights, made with materials such as crystal, aluminum and steel. Meanwhile, Minotti Cucine offers a line of high-end kitchens using luxurious materials, while Serralunga has a range of outdoor accessories, and MDF Italia’s intense search for simplicity has resulted in the
creation of functional and visually pleasant products. Nest continues to offer a different solution for the prospective buyer in Bahrain and in some cases to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, because of its flexibility in offering more than one brand. The strength that Nest has acquired is due to the high quality finish of the represented brands. Each company puts its items through a very careful quality control system in order to make sure that the end buyer is purchasing a piece of furniture worthy of being passed down from one generation to the next. Founder and Director of Nest, Dahlia Abdul Jawad, applied for
registration of Nest in 2008 after experiencing a need for itemized luxury interior design brands in Bahrain. She has a double major in Finance and Marketing from Boston College. She pursued a career in Finance while working at Goldman Sachs in London for three years. Her move to Bahrain and her time spent away from the Banking industry made her realize that her interests lay elsewhere.
Tel + 973 1779 0082
info@nestbahrain.com www.nestbahrain.com
Nest is located at No. 6, The Villas, Entrance 1321, Road 2527 Saar 525, Kingdom of Bahrain. Open Saturday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm.
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Retail
Jardin d’Eden Garden of Eden, by Marcel Wanders, silverware engraved by Nature.
The Garden of Eden silverware collection is available at Christofle at Jashanmal Al Aali.
H
andles and backs are decorated with a single engraving. Patterns of interlacing, leaves, flowers and curls are inspired by a lush garden. Each spoon, fork or knife is flawless. Pure poetry. These extraordinary pieces were created by Marcel Wanders, who mark his debut with Christofle. Known for his extravagant and poetic creations, he has created silverware consistent with his fancy, yet sensitive to the history and tradition of Christofle.
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A Baroque style With Garden of Eden, Christofle displays its one hundred and eighty years of savoir-faire, expertise and success. An anniversary that coincides with the launch of this new line that revives the charm of bygone days without being excessively nostalgic. Garden of Eden demonstrates Christofle’s appreciation of the silversmith’s craft. It highlights the critical importance of handcraft, patience, slow observation of things and
attention to detail to everything produced in Christofle’s workshops.
The grace and beauty of embossed engraving The engraving on the back is embossed. It is the fruit of complex, precise and delicate labour that requires the silversmith to place the silver leaf on a template and beat it to obtain the desired form and decoration. It all depends on the accuracy and gentleness of the gesture, which gives each spoon’s
bowl the same relief and produces an overall harmony. On closer inspection, the engraving reveals its secrets: it is composed of a blend of granulation, polishing and filaments.
Variations on the theme of the Seven Deadly Sins
Temptation is however not absent from Christofle’s latest creation. On the contrary, this theme is developed by variations on the seven deadly sins, symbolized by a line of
accessories created solely for the launch of the silverware and its scenography. “The notion of Paradise does not exclude the notion of good and evil, declares Marcel Wanders, but in this case, we approach it with a touch of humour.” The designer portrays avarice as a magnifying glass, all the better to see if one is being robbed; Sloth by an ashtray; Wrath by a mask, to hide one’s face; Envy by a carriageclock; Pride by a mirror reflecting one’s narcissism.
A biography of Marcel Wanders
Born in the Netherlands in 1963, he graduated from the Arhem Academy of Art and Design in 1988. His first success came in 1996 with his
Knotted Chair, initially produced by Droog design, then by Cappellini. In 2000, he became art director for the successful design label Moooi. Collaborations with the leading labels followed: Baccarat, B and B Italia, Magis, Skitsch, Cappellini, Moooi, Xo, Alessi, Rosenthal… He has also worked on theatrical and surrealist interior design projects: the Mondrian South Beach hotel in Miami, a Villa Moda flagship store in Bahrain, the Mandarina Duck showroom in London, the decor of the luxury Lute Suite boutiques-hotels. With Philippe Starck and the English designer John Hitchcox, he co-founded Yoo: a brand specialised in interior design. The Philadelphia Museum of Art recently presented a retrospective of his work, Daydreams. 71
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CHAPTER 5
Travel & Tourism
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“The success enjoyed by Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has led to the construction of several other similar racing tracks around the Gulf, but despite this, BIC remains The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East.� Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, CE, BIC
Travel & Tourism
Overview High-end touristic activities have secured Bahrain’s economic and social development beyond its available natural resources.
Check them out: www.bahraininternationalairshow.com www.bahrainboatshow.com www.equestrianbahrain.com www.bahraingp.com www.bahrainroadrunners.com
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The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain
W
ith the highest influx of tourists arriving from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain has managed to sustain a regular growth in its consumer market base. Currently with expected developments towards further GCC union, the regional market poses the greatest expected opportunity for Bahrain’s continued economic/ social evolution. Meanwhile, high-end touristic activities, have managed to draw in an international crowd from further away, including the annual Spring of Culture, Bahrain Grand Prix Formula One World Championships, Bahrain International Airshow, the Bahrain Boat Show and the International Pro-celeb Golf Tournament, amongst other upcoming events and activities. The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) brought forward a major touristic boom to the Island, with various events organised from drag-racing and go karting to the annual, internationally recognized, Bahrain Grand Prix. In 2007, BIC outperformed itself and other international circuits, receiving the FIA Institute Centre of Excellence trophy, as the first ever issued globally. The Royal Golf Club, built as an 18-hole Montgomeriedesigned championship course in Riffa, is also a very popular touristic destination that supports corporate Golf Tournaments as
well as the annual International Pro-celeb Golf Tournament, further drawing on Bahrain’s international acclaim. Bahrain’s Ministry of Culture, supported by the Economic Development Board, has initiated and maintained Bahrain’s cultural centres, art galleries and museums, ensuring access available to the public. Also initiating the stunning and memorable Spring of Culture, a festival that takes place each year starting 1st March to mid April, providing well-renowned artists like Andrea Bocelli and Julio Iglesias, who performed for The Spring of Culture in 2012. These performances including song, music, theatre, dance and visual arts from around the world serve to create an inter-cultural dialogue between Bahrain’s residents and the international art scene. The Festival has also served to put Bahrain on the global map for art and also provides Bahrain’s residents with the experience of first class performances. The Bahrain Maritime Association supports a Bahraini delegation to the annual GCC Sailing Championships, which draws on sailors from across the Gulf to compete in a series of races. Other water-based attractions found around Bahrain’s archipelago of 36 islands, including Hawar, Al Dar and Jarada islands, are daily
beach excursions whereby lucky visitors have experienced swimming with dolphins, exploring Bahrain’s oyster beds or spotting whale sharks! Tourists also have a chance to enjoy water fun in either the Bahrain’s first fully themed waterpark, The Lost Paradise of Dilmun, or to splash around at Wahooo!’s, temperature controlled, indoor/ outdoor waterpark located at Bahrain City Centre, the country’s largest cosmopolitan shopping mall, in the heart of Seef District. Other internationally acclaimed tourist attractions to Bahrain include, the Bahrain International Airshow hosted in January each year and exhibiting a spectacular array of civil to military aircrafts performing mesmerizing acrobatic displays. Also picking up international attention is the Bahrain Boat Show, hosted in April each year and exhibiting the latest luxury mega-yachts and marine technologies by manufacturers from around the world. To keep an eye on, is Bahrain’s growing attention for sport activities, led by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Commander of Bahrain’s Royal Guard, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Bahrain Royal Equestrian Endurance Federation. He is also the unofficial spokesperson for Bahrain’s age-old traditions in poetry writing and public
recitation. Through training of potential young athletes and referees, supervised by the Ministry of Education and the General Organization for Youth and Sports (GOYS), there is over-riding government encouragement towards national sport federations and the Bahrain Olympic Committee, responsible for organizing Bahrain’s involvement in the Olympic Games. Also important to the Kingdom of Bahrain is Bahrain’s Royal Equestrian Endurance Federation appointed to upgrade the endurance, show jumping activities and horse shows provided in the Kingdom, preserving a tradition that was introduced to Bahrain since 1976. Finally the Bahrain Marathon has been a tradition on the island since the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Bahrain in 1979, currently organised by the Bahrain Road Runners each year in February.
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Travel & Tourism 76
Pride, passion and performance Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East,’ is an ultra-modern, world-class motor racing facility. It is a pioneer in its industry, a leader of the pack. It is a venue where dreams are born and memories are made, and its relevance to the Kingdom of Bahrain nearly a decade after its first opening in 2004 is unmatched.
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ehind the wise leadership of the BIC Board and Executive Management, the circuit has become one of the country’s strongest pillars. It has established itself as a top tourist attraction in the Gulf – a mustsee for any visitor to the island – and it constantly builds on its stature as the leading regional destination for international racing championships, including the grandest of them all: Formula One.
Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
The Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the region’s largest sporting, social and business-networking event. It will forever be known in sporting history books as the first-ever Formula One race to be held in the Middle East. The Bahrain Grand Prix has impacted the Kingdom and the entire region in many different ways. The three-day spectacle generates hundreds of millions of dollars for the country each year, and it has established Bahrain as a regional tourism hub. The Formula One event has also sparked a greater interest in motor racing amongst the region’s youth, which has contributed greatly to the sport’s rapid development ever since its first edition on April 4, 2004
(04/04/04). “The Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is without a doubt the most eagerly anticipated yearly event in Bahrain and the wider Gulf area,” said BIC Chief Executive Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. “Not only do the people enjoy the pinnacle of motor racing that is Formula One, but they flock to the Sakhir circuit in the tens of thousands for a chance to enjoy all the fun and entertainment that is held off the race track. “There is certainly nothing like it, and it’s always a special time for the Kingdom of Bahrain whenever the Formula One weekend approaches.” Organised, promoted and hosted each year by BIC, the Bahrain Grand Prix is without a doubt the jewel in its crown. It is now a favourite on the FIA Formula One World Championship. The race has been dubbed the sport’s “Friendly Race”, and it has won many prestigious awards, including Formula One’s Best Organised Grand Prix. In 2012, the Bahrain Grand Prix was the fourth round of a record-breaking 20-race season, and plenty of thrills were enjoyed by all motorsport fans during the Grand Prix weekend from April 20 to 22.
BIC ‘Xperiences’
While BIC is celebrated for catering to the biggest and most elite of clients, it is what it offers everybody else that keeps it close to the hearts of many. BIC provides a wide range of activities that draws in tens of thousands to Sakhir throughout the calendar year, and these events look out both for petrolheads and thrill-seekers as well as those in search for elegance and sophistication. Activities range from racing at one of the most advanced karting tracks in the world or enjoying an off-road drive on a Quad Bike, to touring the entire facility or hosting VIPs for meetings or conferences. There is nothing that cannot be done at BIC, while the circuit’s undying commitment to quality motorsport and entertainment keeps it a class above the rest. Karting: Karting is one of the most popular attractions at BIC.Being the purest form of motorsport from which many of the world’s top drivers develop their craft, BIC places great importance on this category, and in 2011, it added a major new feature to its already state-ofthe-art facilities with VIVA Karting Track Now fully operational, VIVA Karting Track has been designed
to the highest of standards, and it boasts over 10 different circuit configurations, including the CIK Track which is its main circuit. The CIK Track is 1.414 kilometres in distance and it features 14 turns. It is set to be the venue for many upcoming international karting races, one of which is the CIK-FIA Under-18 World Championship and Academy Trophy, which will be taking place in Bahrain for the first time ever later this year under the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK) and Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).VIVA Karting Track can also accommodate night racing with its series of powerful flood lights located all around the track. It is therefore adept to holding all sorts of races, including sprints, 24-hour endurance events and others. BIKC can also host public activities for individuals, groups or even corporations, and because of all it has to offer, it has already registered a massive total of 15,000 members in only several months’ operation. Open seven days a week, the track can be booked for private gatherings such as children’s birthday parties, product launches, etc., making it a worthy mirror image of its big brother, BIC. 77
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For regular updates follow Bahrain International Circuit on
On the Track and at the Drag Strip: Also drawing in customers in the thousands each season is the Open Track Day at BIC. This activity allows members of the public to bring their very own road cars or motorbikes and drive them along the same track that is raced on by star drivers from around the world. The Open Track attracts close to a hundred participants from all across the Gulf each time it is held, and it never fails to give its participants an enjoyable experience with the most unique thrills of motorsport. A similar activity to the Open Track is the BIC Drag Night. This gives race enthusiasts the chance to drive their road cars or motorbikes down the circuit’s quarter-mile drag strip, which is a member of the prestigious Worldwide Network of the United States-based National Hot Rod Association. The strip offers a completely different adrenaline rush as compared to the race track, as fans will be powered down a straight in mind-boggling pace (a quarter-mile run can be over in just eight seconds or less!). Apart from these driving experiences, BIC also has a number of captivating passenger rides on offer.
One is within the Track Xperience package. This allows you to get into a Mitsubishi Evo X while a driving instructor takes you around the track in a blistering speed. You can then get behind the wheel of a Hyundai Genesis 2.0T and a Caterham G7, before enjoying another passenger ride in a supremely powerful V8 Lumina SS, which can generate velocities of up to 270km/h. Another newer passenger ride is the Dragster Xtreme, which puts race fans in a three-seater Top Fuel Dragster that can power down the quarter-mile strip in seven seconds or less. Meanwhile, guests to BIC can also enjoy a couple of thrilling activities off the race track with a 4X4 Off-Road Passenger Ride in a Land Rover LR4, or a drive in the desert on one of BIC’s stateof-the-art Quad Bikes. Both are greatly enjoyable events and each provides its own unique thrill, calling on the client to take on challenging terrain. Everything else: Apart from all the spectacular action to be had on four and two wheels, BIC is more than just a provider of motorsport – it is also a favourite venue to host all sorts of events, be it in a business or social setting. The circuit’s luxurious and
ultra-modern facilities, coupled with five-star catering and unrivalled hospitality, make it the perfect place for companies to stage important functions such as product launches, conferences, high-profile meetings, and the like. This is particularly true for car manufacturers, who use BIC’s world-class race track as a venue for clients to test drive their newest models within a safe and controlled environment. BIC is also the ideal venue for special occasions such as exhibitions, public festivals, music concerts and even private parties and weddings. Examples of such events held in the recent past include the Bahrain International Motor Show, Bahrain Marathon Relay, Bahrain Charity Wheelathon and the Close a Chapter & Build a Nation Festival, all of which had participants in the tens of thousands. Also on offer to the general public is an Open Tour of the entire BIC where guests will be given an exclusive and comprehensive look into the circuit’s facilities and operations. They will be able to visit locations such as the iconic Sakhir Tower where the BIC administration is based, the Race Control Tower
OfficialBahrainInternationalCircuit
@BAH_Int_Circuit
which houses the most modern technology for motorsport management, and Media Centre which is home to several hundred media professionals each year during the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The success enjoyed by Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has led to the construction of several other similar racing tracks around the Gulf, but despite this, BIC remains ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’. “There are ‘Three Ps’ at BIC that we live by, and that’s what sets us apart from everybody else; these ‘Three Ps’ are Pride, Passion and Performance,” explained Sheikh Salman. “At BIC, we take pride in what we have to offer to Bahrain and to motorsport fans worldwide, we have a passion to get the job done and to get it done right, and we make sure that our performance meets nothing but the highest of standards at all times.”
Tel +973 17450000 www.bahraingp.com 79
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CHAPTER 6
Art, Culture, Museums & Galleries
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“Art is an accepted medium to express thoughts and can make a difference.” Ms. Bayan Kanoo, Director, Al Riwaq Art Space
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Art, Culture, Museums & Galleries
Overview Bahrain’s culture is as old as Enki the Sumerian water god who thousands of years ago chanted, “Let the city of Dilmun become the port for the whole world.”
Jasra Craft Center, image by Reem Tawfiqi
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ahrain, formerly known as Dilmun was a historical trading port. Ancient Indus Valley and Mesopotamian traders arrived in Dilmun to trade copper and returned home with Dilmun seals featuring stylized animals and feasting gods. Kassite, Assyrian, Greek, Parthian and Portuguese invaders in turn built their settlements and contributed to the island’s growing encyclopedia of pottery and artifacts. Tarafah ibn al ‘Abd (549AD) was Bahrain’s first recorded poet. Over the last two centuries,
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under the ruling Al-Khalifa family, Bahraini artists, architects and poets enjoyed their hiatus on the world stage to quietly develop their own Bahraini perspective. In the 1970s, painter and sculptor Rashid Al Oraifi inaugurated his private museum and cofounded the Contemporary Art Society. Photographer Khalifa Shaheen, star of the Disney film Hamad and the Pirates, opened the predecessor to KSDi. Poet Hameed Al Qaed published Lover in the Era of Thirst in Arabic. In 1983, the Government
funded the non-profit Bahrain Arts Society. President and artist Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa along with thirty-four preeminent Bahraini artists held their first exhibit. The Bahrain Annual Fine Art Exhibition has run continuously for 37 years. The Government of Bahrain later added The Heritage Festival in 1992, Book Fair in 1997 and the International Sculpture Symposium in 2006. The Indian community sponsors classical Indian dance and plays. Several internationally recognized painters, ceramists, glass-
artists and photographers live in Bahrain and sell their works to private collectors. Fuelled by informal art studios, a vigorous trade of amateur artists’ works takes place in private villas, cafés and small galleries. But Art is not limited to visual arts. Free to the public, in 2012 the Bahrain International Music Festival will host its 22nd year of classical music. The Bahrain Police Force Band performs for formal occasions. Classical Arab, Indian and Western music is played in hotel ballrooms and at corporate and embassy functions.
Jasra Craft Centre, image by Reem Tawfiqi, reemt.86@gmail.com
Pop and rock never stops. Every weekend clubs and restaurants fly in bands and DJs for live dance events. Aspiring musicians thrive in Bahrain. The popular Bahraini rock bands Osiris, jazz ensemble 13th Note and oud player Husan Hujair perform at public and private events. Traditional Bahraini women’s groups sing at weddings. St. Christopher’s School’s Youth Musicians of the Gulf is an annual competition for school-age musicians. The 30year old Manama Singers choir performs several times a year. Over the past fifteen years
private galleries primarily run by women have dominated the cultural scene. The Al Riwaq Art Space with founder Ms. Bayan Kanoo aims at promoting youth talent on the world stage and Dar Albareh directed by Hayfa Aljishi places Adliya as a cultural hub, not to be missed. Historic buildings were renovated into the La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art owned by Ms. Fatima Ali Riza and the Sheikh Ebrahim Center founded by Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. Both becoming architectural landmarks. Over the past decade
Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, a historian, personally salvaged Bahrain’s architectural history. Through her direction, The Sheikh Ebrahim Center for Culture and Research used private funds to restore sixteen buildings in Muharraq, each showcasing a different aspect of Arab culture. In 2008, Sheikha Mai became Bahrain’s Minister of Culture. Under her leadership, Bahrain’s international profile was raised when the Qal’at Al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) Museum was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Spring of Culture and Summer of Culture
has brought international musicians, dancers, singers, plays, lecturers, and art workshops to Bahrain. Twelve cultural projects including a National Theatre by December 2012 and a Cultural Heritage Center are in development. For 2012 the Arab League and UNESCO named Manama the Arab Capital of Culture.
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Art, Culture, Museums & Galleries
Ministry of Culture Interview with Her Excellency Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister, Ministry of Culture
Sheikh Salman bin Isa House in Muharraq, which was opened in 2012 as part of the programme for the Capital of Arab Culture and the Ministry’s commitment to cultural infrastructure and heritage preservation.
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Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture
Qaisariya Suq
In what specific ways is MOC successfully contributing to positioning Bahrain uniquely within the region?
Bahrain is a unique island in the Arabian Gulf, unique in its multi-cultural setting, 5000-year old history and diverse legacies. The Ministry has been investing heavily in Bahrain’s cultural infrastructure, developing key heritage sites and areas both for local audiences and tourists. An island rich in history and heritage, our work is to preserve and endorse that heritage and promote Bahrain as a cultural tourism destination. We have invested heavily in dynamic projects through an alliance with members of the private sector overseeing the development of museums, festivals and facilities in collaboration with local partners. Bahrain’s Spring of Culture, which takes place in March and April every year is one such initiative. Coordinated between the Ministry of Culture, the Economic Development Board, the Sheikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research and notable local galleries, the Spring of Culture draws audiences from across the region as they vie for tickets to exclusive performances and vibrant workshops such as Andrea Bocelli’s inimitable concert and the hands-on drama workshop by the Kennedy Centre in 2012. Similarly, the Bahrain Summer Festival, another annual event, ran for a month catering to children and families across the region and brought with it creative arts and puppetry workshops in addition to the spectacular performances of the renowned clowning troupe, Slava’s SNOWSHOW and the West End’s best-loved Sound of Music. More importantly though, our heritage preservation undertakings have ensured that our historical sites are accessible to the world with important ventures such as the Bahrain Fort now listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the adjacent Bahrain Fort Site Museum, which examines the ancient history of the island within the region, in addition to the conservation and restoration of the Qaisariya Suq in Muharraq, another important trading place reflecting on the customs and practices of the more recent pearling heritage of the country. This restoration project aimed to boost Al Qaisariya’s role in the marketing of traditional goods and handicrafts as well as promoting tourism on the island.
Can you provide examples of the new projects that MOC has signed in order to encourage culture and tourism? When are the proposed completion dates for these projects?
We are always working on new projects to encourage cultural exchange and awareness as well as tourism. This year has been exceptionally busy as we have decided to use the opportunity of Manama’s selection as the Capital of Arab Culture to enhance some of our initiatives and foster more creativity and dialogue. Some of the projects currently underway within the year-long programme of Manama, the Capital of Arab Culture include the building of the National Theatre, scheduled to open in November 2012, the development of the Bab Al Bahrain building and opening of an information centre there for tourists before the end of the year and the development of the Pearling Trail, a dynamic walk through the heart of old Muharraq in which the restored and opened buildings of the golden age of pearling will evoke the pearling economy and heritage of Bahrain’s past. In addition, the Riffa Fort will also be opened to the public by the end of the year, showcasing the history of Bahrain’s royal family. Undertaken by the Arab League under the auspices of the UNESCO Cultural Capitals Programme, every year a different Arab capital is awarded the opportunity to engage in a cultural dialogue with local and regional audiences. Manama was elected as the Capital of Arab Culture in a meeting of Arab ministers of culture in 2004. The Bahrain Ministry of Culture has developed an innovative agenda for the year, which seeks to invite Arabs to discover the cultures, heritages and identities of different parts of the Arab world. The year-long programme for Manama, the Capital of Arab Culture 2012 is broken up into 12 different cultural themes according to the months of the year and is designed to foster an environment of multidisciplinary learning with an appeal to all sectors of society.
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Art, Culture, Museums & Galaries The Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, ARC-WH, a category 2 UNESCO centre.
What is MOC’s strategy towards catering to Bahraini citizens?
The Ministry caters to all the inhabitants of Bahrain. Our programmes are diverse and innovative and designed to enable and maintain cultural exchanges in addition to heightening awareness of the local heritage and traditions. Bahrainis benefit from the continuous world dialogue through events, workshops and talks held throughout the year, which shed light on and reflect upon the different cultures and understandings in varied parts of the world. In this way, we try to present learning opportunities and our approach is consistently multidisciplinary. Our heritage programmes are also multi-faceted with the Ministry actively protecting and preserving both tangible and intangible features of the local heritage. For example, this year we showcased 400 funerary artefacts dating to the ancient civilization of Tylos (3rd Century BC) in the Bahrain National Museum. Tylos: the Journey beyond Life was an important exhibition retelling archaeologists’ findings in relation to the beliefs, relationships, trade and practices of the inhabitants of Tylos. To ensure that the widest possible segment of the local population understood their heritage we also launched a travelling museum targeting a wide selection of
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Bahrain’s schools in an attempt to introduce children between the ages of 7 and 11 to this ancient history. In addition, after extensive conservation work, we opened the historic Sheikh Salman House in Muharraq, in 2012. The meticulous restoration brought to light the house’s original decorative and architectural features and today provides a glimpse into the life of the ruling family during the 19th and early 20th Centuries. We also inaugurated the first house on the Pearling Trail – the Nukhadha House, which commemorates the traditional pearling economy of Bahrain through an insight into the sea captain’s commercial and professional life at the turn of the last century. In this way, Bahraini citizens and indeed all inhabitants of the island can learn about the local history and heritage and engage in its various forms.
Tel 80008001 manamaculture@moc.gov.bh
www.manamaculture2012.bh/en /www.moc.gov.bh/en
Ministry of Culture MOC_BH
Bringing the ancient civilisation of Tylos to life for school children during one of the school visits organised by MOC.
Opening ceremony for the Capital of Arab Culture 2012, a spectacular performance on the seafront of the Bahrain National Museum.
A map of the Pearling Trail, which traverses the heart of historic Muharraq to recount the history of Bahrain’s distinguished pearling economy.
Inside the travelling museum about the Tylos civilization.
Spring of Culture 2012: Taiko Legend, image courtesy of Sakae Oguma
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Spearheading art and creativity As a leading establishment in Bahrain’s art and cultural scene, Al Riwaq Art Space is a non-profit organisation supporting contemporary art practice and encouraging creativity and passion for the arts in the Bahraini youth.
Best of Bahrain
ALWAN338, providing a public arena for youth artists to display their work throughout the surrounding hospitality neighbourhood of Block 338. Follow Al Riwaq Art Space on Al Riwaq Art Space @alriwaq
In what specific ways is Al Riwaq Art Space successfully contributing to positioning Bahrain uniquely within the region?
By providing an appropriate atmosphere for free expression, group interaction and constructive questioning in a fun and easy environment appreciative of diversity and originality, we at Al Riwaq Art Space are encouraging genuine growth for a nationally borne art movement by Bahrain’s youth population. By introducing creative workshops we underline making art responsible and thought provoking, changing the idea of just ‘art for beauty’, but also insisting on the development of conceptual art, based on a reflection of Bahrain’s touristic and economic needs today. In order to flourish, we have found that Bahraini youth in particular command an artistic playground to exercise and evolve their creative ability thereby learning to communicate their conceptual perceptions audibly and confidently to a listening and discerning audience. Towards this aim we have developed art residencies whereby we provide the opportunity for international artists to come to Bahrain, stay at our premises and provide workshops to Bahraini artists. We also send local talent abroad, who return with fresh thoughts that serve to influence Bahrain’s contemporary art scene. The interaction between cultures is very important in introducing awareness of Bahraini art on a global level. Today, through various projects we have observed a synergy of educational development amongst Bahraini artists who are providing original and creative ideas applicable to Bahrain’s touristic and economic outlets. Consequently we have witnessed a need to develop and encourage wider integrative participation from all industries within Bahrain injecting Bahraini art into the heart of these industries. As a non-profit organisation Al Riwaq Art Space currently aims to recruit and encourage the support of Bahrain’s private and public sectors, encouraging collective sponsors, members and volunteers for projects that will assist in raising the bar of creativity and originality in Bahrain’s touristic and economic infrastructure as a whole.
Can you provide examples of the new projects that Al Riwaq Art Space organised in order to ensure success of its operations?
Our projects currently focus on youth and education concentrating on the youth’s ability to evolve personally through their art and through its communication to a wider audience. We’ve had several workshops and
exhibitions in the past in which artists can communicate and interact directly with members of the public, such as MARKET338, developed in 2011 which provided a venue for artists to showcase their work and interact with the wider public for sales of their artwork. With ‘Doodlefest’ a project to inaugurate the opening of Al Riwaq Café, artists were invited to showcase the art of doodling by sketching on the gallery walls which became the theme of the café. With our project ‘Jumble’, we exhibited the art works of students in schools around Bahrain. Many of their works were sold and appreciated which gave the artists further incentive to develop their abilities. Our aim recently has been, on a grander scale, to collaborate with the hospitality industry of Block 338, with the over-riding goal of preparing Bahraini youths for work within the hospitality service sector, by developing their skills and appreciation for the artistic merits of the sector. We are encouraging the surrounding hospitality industry of Block 338 to open their doors by integrating youth talent ideas for menu designs and dishes to be served on their menu. For this aim we are planning a food festival in the future, which will provide a platform to encourage youth to interact with the sector. This goal has manifested most recently, in 2012 with our latest project ALWAN338, providing a public arena for youth artists to display their work throughout the surrounding hospitality neighbourhood of Block 338, creating more attendance and interaction to the area, which indirectly helps to develop trade and tourism.
How do you instigate interest in the new projects created by Al Riwaq Art Space?
Teamwork from the community is crucial to the growth of our business. We primarily search for more members, volunteers and sponsors who share our goals for developing youth artistic talent in Bahrain and for integrating their capabilities within Bahrain’s workforce. In developing new projects we always research the existing artists who are suitable for the project, also contacting the media through Hill and Knowlton to create the appropriate awareness for the project within Bahrain and globally. We rely on social media to contact the youth artists and to connect to the public, also distributing a monthly newsletter to friends’ of Al Riwaq Art Space.
Tel +973 17717441 www.alriwaqartspace.com
Work by Miguel Martinez Caraballo, resident artist from Spain
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image courtesy of Kelly Lynn Hubert
Art, Culture, Museums & Galleries We have already observed a great shift in artists’ attitudes realizing that art is not only used for trade but that it can carry forward an idea. Through this realization Bahraini artists are now more creative producing more of their original work instead of copying what they see. Artist: Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada
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Image courtesy of Kelly Lynn Hubert
“
The interaction between cultures is very important in introducing awareness of Bahraini art on a global level.
“
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Art, Culture, Museums & Galleries
For the love of performing arts Ballare School of Performing Arts is the place to go whether you want to perfect your technique or simply to enhance your creative ability in dance theatre and music. Ballare School of Performing Arts was launched in September 2011 aspiring to be recognized as the institute of performance and creative expression for those, in Bahrain, with a passion for dance, music and theatre. Located in the tranquil Palace Garden 1 in the heart of Saar, Ballare creates a gorgeous first impression with its clean lines, minimalistic décor, and studios that are fresh, airy and uplifting. Hala Al Zayani, the founder and director of Ballare, is completely dedicated to offering Bahrain the best of performing arts. She explains, “Bahrain has a great number of artistic talent that is just waiting to develop. As a result we at Ballare are delighted to provide a well-structured, creative curriculum with highly qualified trainers and excellent facilities, to students of all ages and abilities. In order to nurture their talent Ballare instills within them an inspiration for music and dance and provides a variety of offerings that drive their confidence and enjoyment in the performing arts.”
Since its establishment and a current client base of more than 400 students, Ballare has exceeded expectations by taking dance and theatre to a whole new level in Bahrain. Firstly, the selection of classes provide a syllabus of authenticity accredited by the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) with a team that consists of IDTA certified and qualified instructors. Ballare’s wide variety of classes, ranging from highly technical to fun and easy-going, cater to individual goals, needs and skills for students of all ages and abilities. Piano lessons are also provided at the school with two exam classifications, which include the Associated Board of Royal School of Music (ABRSM) and the Associated Russian System - Life in Music. In its first year, Ballare students also managed to be a part of leading events in Bahrain including Bahrain 2011 Olympics, Bahrain National Day, Bahrain’s Got Talent, Bahrain Boat Show 2011 and ‘Path of Pearls’ - a contemporary artistic production launching Manama as the Capital of Arab Culture 2012. Followed by its yearly IDTA accredited examinations, Ballare plans to hold annual performing art events, having the first of these successfully performed in April 2012 at Bahrain’s Cultural Hall, called ‘THIS IS IT’ - a Contemporary Dance Show featuring Ballare students.
Follow Ballare on
www.facebook.com/Ballare and
Ballarestudio
Tel +973 17300021 info@ballarestudio.com www.ballarestudio.com 93
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Bahrain Talent
Bahrain Talent
‘The Saudi Hawks Aerobatic Team Painting the skies above Sakhir with their smoke ballet,’ image by Rashid Alghatam, rashid.alghatam@gmail.com
T
alents in the Kingdom haven’t always been at the forefront of society, until today art in Bahrain was considered a hobby for most. But with a new millennium came a growing number of young talents growing side by side with the Kingdom’s political, social and economic growth. Bahrain today houses many galleries and art societies with a key initiative for producing cultural value within Bahrain’s community and worldwide. BEST OF BAHRAIN, likewise, sees a hidden potential in the value of arts and what Bahrain’s unrecognized talents have to offer, not only at home, but to the global community. BEST OF BAHRAIN’s goal
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is to enhance the perception of Bahrain’s homegrown art on a global basis. The ‘Bahrain Talent Competition’ (BTC) is its flagship in this effort. Initiated in 2010 The Competition was in its infancy, providing entry submissions in Graphic Design, Painting, Computer Generated Imagery (CGI), Photography, Creative Writing and Architectural Design. In 2012, BTC simplified the submission categories to four including, CGI, Painting, Photography and Creative Writing, however increasing its social out-reach with a newly developed website (www.bestofbahrain.org), created by site
developers 4SPOTS, a platform facilitating submissions and anonymous voting for the most favored pieces by the viewing public. BTC has also collaborated with new social media partners, the new kids on the block, Bahrain Stories, who have introduced The Competition to a whole new platform of Bahrain’s community via Facebook and Twitter, and who will interview and promote BTC’s Competition Winners on their own platform (www.bahrainstories.com). In 2012 Competition, the majority of submissions received by BTC were in photography - it is obvious that the digital industry has superseded all other art
‘Busaiteen beach at sunset,’ image by Hesham Al-Ammal
Al Fateh Mosque, image by Hesham Al-Ammal, heshaaam@gmail.com
CGI by Mohammed Alsager, alsagerfx1980@gmail.com
mediums. However we still aim to encourage submissions within the remaining three categories, including Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) - a medium that is today globally recognized and supported, along with the rise of social media and digital applications. What you are about to see in the next few pages, from BEST OF BAHRAIN ‘Bahrain Talent Competition’ hosted between 4th April 2012 - 29th April 2012 midnight, are the Winning Entries of 4 Categories of submissions in CGI, Painting, Photography and Creative Writing. The BTC’s Winning Entries (one per Category) were selected upon three critical criteria, in mind: 1. Merit is defined by the complexity and thoughtfulness of the work, reflecting the theme to promote Bahrain artistically.
2. Number of voters who responded to the art piece and voted for it. To us this reflects the influence of the art piece, over the viewer, enough to interact with and vote for it. 3. The aggregate total numerical vote out of 5 stars, which reflects a measured standard of the selected art piece. In our Photography Category, three additional Editor’s Picks have been selected, since the Category received multiple submissions. For further reflection on Bahraini home-grown talent, we have also showcased the work of five selected photographers from Bahrain, including, award-winning Bahraini photographer, Ghada Khunji, who in 2006 was named the ‘Lucie Discovery of the Year’ and recognized as a master photographer. Also
featured is Latifa Al Shakar, commissioned as the Lead Photographer, overlooking a team of three other independent photographers, Perryhan Al Ashmawi, Mariam Al Umran and Reem Tawfiqi, for a project designed by BEST OF BAHRAIN to document the various districts of the Kingdom. BEST OF BAHRAIN has also selected images to feature throughout the publication courtesy of Bahrain’s various talents. All works have been accredited as such. Enjoy!
www.bestofbahrain.org
www.facebook.com/BestofBahrain @BestofBahrain
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BAHRAIN CATEGORY: CGI
Mohammed Rashed Alsager / Kingdom Of Bahrain Bahrain Coins
“Bahraini coins resembles more than just a financial value, its memories and stories,
the sound that it makes as we shake it, the beautiful texture, the elegant colours, the design, all of that has become part of the culture we live in. The anticipation of kids
in Eid, the change we get at the cold store or the end of a wait to see which team we
will play with at a soccer match, all of that and more makes our beloved Bahraini coin an entity that we want to have in our lives.� Software used
3Ds Max & After Effects Tel +973 39166108
alsagerfx1980@gmail.com 96
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TALENT CATEGORY: PAINTING
Catherine Bassig-Paje / Philippines Joyful Living
“Bahrain is one of the best places in the world where you meet friendly people. A place full of hope and a bright future awaits the young generation.” Medium used
Acrylic on canvas/40 inches x 40 inches Tel +973 39890694
cathypaje@yahoo.com
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Bahrain Talent
‘Beginning of Day at the Tree of Life,’ image by Melanio D. Siwa, jomel692000@yahoo.com
The Land with a
SOUL
CATEGORY: CREATIVE WRITING
BAHRAIN TALENT
“Its name was Dilmun years before Tylos followed when Greeks came ashore Deep in the sea is sweet spring water By the name Bahrain it is known all over.”
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ong before the aircraft banked to make its final descent toward the runway of Bahrain International Airport, letting in a glimpse of brick and concrete structures, tied by neat geometrically arrayed streets, through the open window, the waters of the Arabian Gulf shimmered into view. Reflected sunlight from the sparkling blue water of the shallow sea and the yellow sand beneath it, melded like primary colours on an artist’s palette to lend a brilliant emerald hue to the aquatic expanse. It was a bright and sunny morning in the month of June and the descending aircraft offered a splendid view of the surroundings. Cocooned within the temperature-controlled interior of the aircraft, I was yet to experience the searing summer Best of Bahrain
heat of the island nation that was destined to become my home in the following years. It was 1996 and the now familiar landmarks like the World Trade Center and the Bahrain Financial Harbour were still a decade away. “Now let me see, hmmm….., taib that seems to be the name,” said the official escort, scrutinizing my passport as I entered the airport terminal. Glancing at the sign that he held in his hand, I noticed that he had my name wrong. Nevertheless, his alertness had enabled him to pick me up promptly from within the crowd, as a newcomer. Arrival in an unknown country always stepped up my adrenalin and I was indeed relieved to meet this man in uniform who saw me through the Immigration with a friendly wave of his hand, the necessary visa neatly stamped on my passport without a hassle. The people of Bahrain never ceased to touch my heart with their graciousness and understanding. Their deep rooted humane nature stands firm
today, even in the midst of unending misery and pain inflicted by man against man all over the world. On the way to my designated residence at Um-Al Hassam, the near-total absence of pedestrians on the streets, in contrast to the teeming cities back home in India, as also the bustling neighbourhoods of Bangkok and Lagos - overseas cities that I happened to stay in earlier - baffled me. Before long, I sensed Bahrain’s love for automobiles. In a city where self esteem found expression through possession of motor cars, pedestrians were bound to be outnumbered by them. The plethora of models on the streets overwhelmed me and so did the magnanimity of their drivers. Each time one pulled up his vehicle to let me cross the street with a generous wave of his hand, a silent prayer left my lips for him. Malini taught at the Indian School’s Sitra Campus. When the radiator of her vehicle
Chandan Sen Gupta / India Tel +973 39595932
chandansengupta2001@gmail.com
started belching steam one morning as she drove to work, the lady pulled up on the emergency lane of Al-Fateh Highway in a rush, mistaking the gushing vapour for smoke from the engine. Stumbling out through the door, she stepped on to the highway in a daze, causing the onrushing traffic to swerve wildly as it evaded her at the last moment. The lights turned red right then, bringing the cars to a halt. As she looked around nervously, unsure of herself and wondering on the next course of action, a booming voice thundered from the adjacent lane, “Get inside.” The well meaning command, however, failed to register with the stunned woman who still thought that her vehicle was on fire and would turn a smouldering wreck in no time. “Get inside,” came the holler again. Malini did not move. The concerned Bahraini, sitting at the wheel of his car at the signal, would not give up. Raising his voice once again, he commanded in Hindi this time, “Angrezi nahin malum?? Andar jao !! (Don’t you follow English? Get inside). The command found its mark this time, shaking Malini out of her stupor. As she stepped inside her vehicle, she noticed that the vapours had died down. The lights turned green and her well wisher, at peace with himself now, sped off. Help came a half hour later, in the form of her husband who arrived with a mechanic. Malini still recalls the benevolent Bahraini who shook her out of her trance that day through relentless instructions and saved her from getting hit by the rush-hour traffic. Close on the heels of this New Year my eighteen year old son left for India to pursue higher studies at college. Concern writ large over her face, my wife stood at the mouth of the winding, roped off, corridor as the lad proceeded toward the baggage
x-ray. Reading a mother’s heart precisely, the kindly security enquired in Hindi, “Do you wish to go in?” The offer was like a Godsend. He stepped aside to let the grateful lady pass. Those few minutes of togetherness could hardly be measured on any scale, yet were immensely satisfying to an anxious mother whose heart longed to see her son through safely as he traveled alone for the first time. The tree of life epitomizes Bahrain which has been a beacon of hope and survival to ocean voyagers due to its numerous fresh water springs, amidst an arid surrounding, for more than four thousand years. Like an unassuming altruist who never speaks of himself, Bahrain’s fame spread through the words of those who benefited from its presence. Its heritage as an emancipated society, unrestricted by sectarian or nationalistic views, remained unscathed through the various phases of its history. Standing on the threshold of Vision 2030 today, Bahrain is a living example of the triumph of humanity, hand in hand with modernization and economic advancement. The neatly planted date palm trees bisecting its highways have fascinated me ever since I came to this country. Bedecked with lights, shimmering like bridal jewellery, during the Eid and the National Holiday, they touch one’s heart invariably. The seasonal flowers, painting the sidewalks and traffic roundabouts in the country’s National Colours every winter, bring a freshness eagerly awaited after the dreary summer. The liberal land, the magnanimity of its people and the simple, yet vibrant, life which is admired the world over, brings a spontaneous heartfelt tribute:
Where the streets are lined with Date Palm trees And flowers that sway in the winter breeze Roads that roll in the desert forever By the name Bahrain it is known all over. Muharraq, Manama, Sitra, Hawar These islands’ names are known quite far Where many a people do live together By the name Bahrain it is known all over. At Marina do the dolphins dive While brilliant lights set malls alive Its parks I love like the birds that hover By the name Bahrain it is known all over. I love this land deep in my heart And its people right from start May peace and joy reign here forever By the name Bahrain which is known all over. 99
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CATEGORY: PHOTOGRAPHY
Glenn Wesley A. Dulay / Philippines Progress Bahrain
BAHRAIN TALENT
“Transition from old to new Bahrain, without sacrificing any traditional heritage.”
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Camera Used Canon 40D
Post Production
Adobe Photoshop Tel +973 39178356
info@glenndulay.com www.glenndulay.com
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Michael Ryan G. Borja / Philippines Bahrain Sunset
“Bahrain landmarks captured in its greatest view of a sunset that reflects all the lights on the sea that surrounds the island.� Camera Used Nikon D90
Post Production
Adobe Photoshop Tel +973 36588802
borjamichaelryan@gmail.com
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Michael Ryan G. Borja / Philippines In a Merchant’s Hand
BAHRAIN TALENT
“Every weekend we go to our Market to buy our necessities in life. This photo
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represents how one of our necessities is prepared.” Camera Used
Canon Powershot G12 Post Production
Adobe Photoshop Tel +973 36588802
borjamichaelryan@gmail.com
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Richard Codero Martin / Philippines Alignments
“A calm and peaceful morning in Askar, the alignments of the fishing boats shows how Bahrain is progressing, aligning itself with the rest of GCC countries. Aligning peacefully.� Camera Used
Nikon D90 with ND 8 0.9 3 stops filter Post production
Adobe Photoshop contact@rcmartin.com www.rcmartin.com
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Bahrain Talent
Ghada Khunji Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center, Muharraq, image by Ghada Khunji
What first interested you in photography?
As early as I can remember, there was a camera floating around our house so it is no surprise that I was handed a camera at a very young age. My mother was a huge influence on my love for photography, even before I was born. Recently I asked her what made her so interested in photography. I fondly remember albums of pictures she would have and a suitcase full of vintage negatives, from 35 ml to 5x7 negs! She told me that when she first married my father and they were on a ship traveling from Dubai to Bahrain, my father gifted her with her first camera… and the rest is history, I suppose it’s in my blood.
What subject most interests you and why?
I’ve always been interested in taking portraits of people, especially people I don’t know. When you know someone the pre-judgment of what they should like is already engrained in one’s mind. When you just photograph someone randomly, there is a lot more of a fresh reflection… an unassuming one. In the past decade though, I’ve been photographing more still lives, void of people, because even a subject as trite as a toaster has it’s own personality if one looks closely; put in it’s own context and surrounding it lives and breathes and has its own story to tell like any other living being. 104
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Who are your influences?
I admire many photographers of many different genres, Diane Arbus being at the top of my list. I also admire the work of the late Lillian Bassman, August Sander, Shirin Neshat, just to name a few. It’s not only photographers who have influenced me; for example, news anchor Christiane Amanpour, writer and political activist Arundhati Roy, cinematographer Darius Khondji and mostly war journalists, like the late Marie Colvin, whom have sacrificed their own lives to help others. All that said, I get influenced by everything and everyone around me; what catches my eye is the unexpected moment where my subject and I become one.
In your experience how accepting is Bahrain to photography as a profession?
When I was growing up in Bahrain, circa 70’s, 80’s, photography was everywhere… for personal use that is, to immortalize ones family and fill up the albums. It filled the need of having a visual diary. Point being, it was not the time where it was considered an art or even a profession. I am very thrilled to say that all that has progressed and changed for the better, not only here, in Bahrain, but everywhere in the World. This region itself has seen a surge in money and appreciation for art and photography as a genre, which now demands its own space. The difference
in prices that photographs are bought for has skyrocketed… in a mere 25 years!
What was your best shooting experience in Bahrain?
I went to a village one day during a celebration, not only did they allow me to photograph them but they also sent me home with a dish of delicious homemade food; that’s Bahraini hospitality.
What drives you to do what you do?
It is so relevant to my being and makes me so happy that I can’t imagine how my life would be without it. The bonus being that I get to put names to faces and faces to names otherwise unknown and unheard of. A photograph is multi-lingual, timeless, and has no borders. Words, by contrast, are moving but can you imagine a newspaper without pictures?
What do you hope to achieve with your art?
• A better future… I believe it can happen, not merely in a “Hallmark card” way. • The rebirth of compassion and the choice for everyone to have an equal opportunity in this world. • My greatest achievement would be that one of my photographs will create change.
ghada@ghadakhunji.com www.ghadakhunji.com
Perry El Ashmawi Image by Perry El Ashmawi, perryhan@perryhanart.com
What first interested you in photography?
While I was attending University and pursing a Fine Arts degree, I registered for a photography class believing it would be a simple course. However, I learned that there was a lot to it technically and creatively. In photography, creativity doesn’t come as easily as it may seem. And for that reason, I was driven to appreciate the art of photography and continue capturing beautiful stills in life.
What subject most interests you and why?
I work on capturing artistic imagery that is very much focused on emotion. And for me, photographing portraits or figures drives real emotion and personality in images. I always try to work on the closeness or intimacy of a subject.
Who are your influences?
Definitely, Iranian artist Shirin Neshat; as she was the only famous photographer I knew of
in my beginning stages of photography. The second I looked at her work in an exhibition I was inspired! From then on she has always been a main reference to my work.
In your experience how accepting is Bahrain to photography as a profession?
I think Bahrain is coming along really well with photography as a profession. Whether its editorial, fashion, or art photography, Bahrain is discovering many young talents that are skilful in these fields and are in time given a good chance to be exposed.
What was your best shooting experience?
The very first time I held my father’s vintage Nikon film camera. It was before I knew about the technical skills required in photography, yet thankfully my images turned out better than I expected! I carried the heavy camera everywhere with me on my summer vacation, and shot everything and anything I found
beautiful to capture. The image presented was one of the photographs I took from that proud experience.
What drives you to do what you do?
The consistent drive to be creative. Being able to sculpt a concept from our surrounding. Always searching for a new way to see the world is what motivates me to continue taking pictures.
What do you hope to achieve with your art?
Photography is forever a learning experience. I always work hard to develop a style that sets me apart from the rest. Being able to have your own vision is the most important part of pursing art, because without it, you’re just part of the herd.
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Bahrain Talent
Mariam Al Umran
Tubli, image by Mariam Al Umran
What first interested you in photography?
When I was in college studying art, I was practicing many forms of media and started to go into photography. What most interested me about the idea of photography was the ability to catch moments within time without revealing the whole picture, giving us glances of reality but leaving room for the imagination. In every image lies a memory of some kind and a speculation of the reality that surrounds that image.
What subject most interests you and why?
People; their reactions, their features, races, nationalities and their place on earth and the reason why people of different cultures exist. I feel like people are the flavour of our universe, they make, they break, they rebuild and move on. Their visual appearance, the way they move, their different personalities are a fascination to me. 106
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Who are your influences?
My greatest influences are contemporary Photographers and artists, like Shirin Neshat and Steve McCurry. I think I admire that both of their works involve people.
In your experience how accepting is Bahrain to photography as a profession?
I think, recently, photography, as a profession in Bahrain, is starting to pick up and become more accepted. I’ve seen a lot of new talented Photographers exhibiting their work and many more areas of media, art and culture providing opportunities in this field.
What was your best shooting experience in Bahrain?
It was definitely when I had to take pictures in Tubli, the place had a sort of energy to it and that is when I was able to take my favourite images and especially my favourite image (the one of the man on the donkey in the sea). I’ve never really explored Tubli before so I guess that’s why it was of greater interest to me.
What drives you to do what you do?
I love it. Art flows in my veins and its something I really never can get bored of. Whether its painting, photography or Installation Art, I enjoy every moment of it. It also encourages me to be more adventurous and to look for different moments to capture. It pulls me out of my comfort zone and makes me explore. Honestly, it’s who I am.
What do you hope to achieve with your art?
Ever since I started practicing, my art has been a reflection of my thoughts, and a study of things that surround me. I like my work to be visually and mentally interesting, to have depth and a purpose behind it. I like it to make people think and analyse the messages around it, or for people who don’t do so to appreciate its visual aspects.
Tel +973 39445553 meemo135@hotmail.com
A’ali, image by Perry El Ashmawi
Budaiya, image by Latifa Al Shakar
Bait Al Jasra, image by Reem Tawfiqi
Bani Jamrah, image by Latifa Al Shakar
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Bahrain Talent At first glance, Bahrain appears no different than other Gulf States. It has similar weather and architecture, mixing slow living and heritage with newly erected modern buildings in the middle of a desert landscape surrounded by the smooth Arabian Gulf waters. But living in Bahrain was a completely different experience than living in the rest of the Gulf. It allowed me to discover not only the feeling of utter peace and serenity that envelops you when you live in the GCC but also the enchantment of this tiny island. I fell under the spell of Bahrain’s people. Walking around its souks, visiting its art galleries, and discovering the little coffee shops scattered here and there allowed me to meet many interesting people. Their diverse stories gave me an insight into a magical world, be it tales centered on life, love, history, traditions or travel. Each person I met had a fascinating story to share and an amazing background be it their families, their culture, their homes or their achievements no matter how small. The simplicity of the approach and the amazing hospitality I found in the soft-spoken elders and the country’s passionate youth overwhelmed me. As I sat once in a tiny rustic cafe in Manama souks near Bab Al Bahrain with a bunch of elderly men in their traditional thobes (robes) listening to them talk, I thought to myself: “Isn’t it amazing how each person I meet here, be it Bahraini or foreigner has a wonderful story.” I couldn’t help but feel absolute warmth and closeness to the inhabitants of this island. I finally felt like I understood their love for the place and I respected their attachment to it. I grew attached to it myself and felt suddenly protective of it and its people.
“
That’s when the idea for the Bahrain Stories came to life. I no longer wanted to be a passive witness. I wanted to share these stories with the world and highlight this magical aspect of a land often misunderstood and recently misrepresented. Bahrain Stories was born! Its mission is to highlight all that is good and wonderful in Bahrain through the stories of the people who love it the most. People who have nothing but good things to share and the platform to express themselves and their love to this tiny island in the middle of the Arabian Gulf. These are their stories…
Each person I met had a fascinating story to share and an amazing background be it their families, their
culture, their homes or their achievements no matter how small.
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“
Our Story We are Bahrainis. We are Arabs. We are British. We are Europeans. We are Asians. We are Americans. We are Indians. We are Australians. We are Pakistani. We all call Bahrain our home. These are our stories. Over the past year, Bahrain has made a lot of news in the international press, news that has caused a lot of grief and hardship at home. Violence does not represent us. Such bad news is not representative of the true Bahrain. Bahrain is a beautiful, peaceful country. Our ancestors were pearl divers and fisherman. The name of our country Bahrain means “The Two Seas.� Today, we still make peace with these two seas, and try to live in harmony in a diverse and cosmopolitan community. While many of us were not born here, we all call it home.
www.bahrainstories.com twitter.com/bahrainstories facebook.com/bahrainstories
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CHAPTER 7
Empowering our Future
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Overview Over the past few decades, Bahrain’s education sector has made colossal progress in all respects.
B
ahrain is among the top performing countries in achieving the goal of education for everyone, with regard to parameters such as gender equality, illiteracy and assimilating students with special needs, introducing free public education in the Gulf Region since 1919. The Kingdom has more than 200 government schools and over 40 private schools offering curricula from the UK, the USA, France, India, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines and Pakistan. All schools and universities fall under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education.
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Public school levels are divided into primary, secondary and high school; mandatory for all Bahrainis and free of charge as well, the sector is segregated into schools for boys and girls. According to a 2011 UNESCO report, the illiteracy rate for Bahrain had shrunk down to 2.46 per cent as compared to 23 per cent in 1990. This is due to continuous specialised developmental reforms in terms of education and training programmes aimed at empowering the youth. In order to ensure qualityteaching standards in
educational institutions, the Quality Assurance Authority for Education and Training (QAAET) was launched in February 2009, which reviews and assesses schools, universities and training institutes based on strict procedural norms. The components of assessment include school review unit, vocational review unit, higher education review unit and national examinations unit. There are also many voluntary operated infant schools, kindergartens and play groups which allow mothers who are not working the opportunity to socialize.
Due to a large expatriate community, private schools are common and known for their world-class excellence and variety of curricula that is offered. International standards are incorporated at Riffa Views International School, Sacred Heart School, AMA International School and St. Christopher’s, which was ranked among the top eight best international schools offering a British curriculum in the world in 2006 and many more. These schools offer new age teaching facilities, a host of varied extracurricular activities and regional field trips
to integrate a global level of learning. The largest national university in the Kingdom is the University of Bahrain (UoB), which has over 12,000 students from all walks of life and was founded in 1986. The college is further divided into nine separate colleges, such as Arts, Science, Law, Business Administration, and more. It offers a multitude of undergraduate, doctoral, diploma and masters degrees. Private universities include Royal University of Women, Ahlia University, Delmon University for Science and Technology, AMA International University, Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom University, University College of Bahrain and Applied Sciences University, which offer various programmes and degrees.
There are several institutes and centres affiliated to International universities that offer distance education with flexible class timings. In order for Bahraini students to excel in their field of study and avail International qualification, several training programmes and scholarships are granted by organisations like INJAZ Bahrain, Tamkeen, Bahrain Financial Exchange (BFX), Crown Prince’s Scholarship Programme (CPISP) and the Ministry of Education. Tamkeen is an independent authority, which formulates strategic and operational plans, to enhance the overall prosperity of Bahrain, providing 18,000 Bahraini nationals with sectorspecific skills training via a fouryear plan.
The American Embassy offers Fulbright scholarships to Bahraini applicants who secure outstanding grades, funding their university education through all the semesters and the application deadline is usually in May every year. BFX offers courses and certificates accredited by International bodies in the sector of Islamic finance, accounting, auditing, credit management, insurance, leadership, management, sales and marketing. CPISP offers 10 fully funded scholarships each year to Bahrain’s most outstanding students and applications are accepted between February and March for the following year. The criteria is that the applicant has to secure a cumulative grade
point of 97 per cent in grade 10 and the first semester of grade 11. The CPISP sponsorships are categorized according Platinum, Gold and Silver scholarships ranging from BD 250,000 to one million plus. INJAZ Bahrain is a nonprofit organisation which works in partnership with the private sector to aid the youth in gaining insight on business works, entrepreneurship and provides financial literacy. The education sector continues to witness a continuous boom towards betterment with the aid of technology and the government, offering world-class education to the masses. Words by Puja Tiwari pujatiwari1991@gmail.com 113 Best of Bahrain
Empowering our Future
For a better tomorrow INJAZ Bahrain’s ambitious plans to train a target of 52,000 students by year 2014 is essential to continued economic growth in Bahrain, providing the next generation of workforce to its business community. The provision of training by INJAZ Bahrain provides a much-needed outlet for Corporate Social Responsibility and for the spirit of volunteerism, which form the back-bone of INJAZ Bahrain’s successful operations.
114 Best of Bahrain Keeping up with the accelerated growth of the global economy and rising consumer standards, Bahraini youth have both the capacity and the will to meet the increasing economic demands.
In what specific ways is INJAZ Bahrain successfully contributing to positioning Bahrain uniquely within the region?
Bahrain’s immense importance at the centre of the global economy between east and west has always rendered it an important hub for trade and financial services. As the growth of the global economy accelerates and consumer standards rise, there is a continual requirement to prepare the Bahraini youth to meet these increasing economic demands, whereby the next generation is equipped to uphold Bahrain’s on-going economic success while ensuring prosperity for all of its residents. Today, amongst the backdrop of a well-established economic infrastructure, cross-industry Telecommunications and IT provision support from the Ministry of Education for in-class training and a prominent English literacy amongst Bahraini locals, INJAZ Bahrain is inspiring and preparing Bahraini youth to succeed in the global economy. With new corporate partnerships and a growing student demand for its services, INJAZ Bahrain in year 2012 will have reached its target of training 13,000 Bahraini youth in all secondary schools, 80 per cent of intermediate schools across the island, with an outlook to increase its training capacity to a target of 52,000 students by year 2014 introducing further training potential in both primary schools and universities across Bahrain.
What global benchmarks are incorporated in INJAZ Bahrain that reflect global service standards and meet growing consumer demands?
INJAZ Bahrain was established in 2005 as an NGO member of Junior Achievement Worldwide (www.ja.org), recognized in over 124 countries worldwide for its in-schools training programmes that were inaugurated in the USA since 1919 with the aim of empowering the youth to own their own economic success. Junior Achievement Worldwide running with the slogan ‘Love your Job – Share it with a Kid,’ sets a global benchmark for instigating the vital spirit of volunteerism, encouraging the support of the corporate sector for developing the community and inspiring corporate leaders to interactively prepare the next generation of viable workforce that will soon graduate to enroll in the corporate workplace. The cumulative world impact of Junior Achievement programmes on students is currently nearly 80 million and growing.
Can you provide examples of the programmes that INJAZ Bahrain has incorporated through Junior Achievement (JA)?
Along with volunteers from the private sector and support from in-class educators, INJAZ Bahrain creates a new generation of businessoriented youth to become employees of choice for corporations. The programmes offered by INJAZ Bahrain, directly implemented from JA, enable students to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship and acquire the necessary skills and aptitudes to continue learning in a fast-changing world. Students progress through learning how to manage their own budget and following the stock market in the newspaper. They learn about competition, ethical decision-making, marketing and banking. They set up real companies and community projects to develop their skills in entrepreneurship, planning, leadership and teamwork. They acquire other success skills in communicating effectively, giving presentations, CV writing and job hunting. Through
the various programmes INJAZ Bahrain focuses on three key pillars: Work Readiness, Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy. Each semester, staff members from leading businesses and companies participate with INJAZ Bahrain as volunteers to deliver these programmes in both Bahraini public schools and universities.
In what ways do members and volunteers join INJAZ Bahrain?
Firstly, by joining as a board member of INJAZ Bahrain, heads of leading corporations are inspired to strive in their own personal capacity as role models to instill an entrepreneur spirit in young Bahrainis. Beyond that they are able to fulfill corporate aspirations in Corporate Social Responsibility providing investment within a programme or providing a donation or pledge to support youth to make great strides in the entrepreneurial workplace. Secondly, the volunteers provided by the private sector embody the heart of INJAZ Bahrain by relaying a message of opportunity and economic understanding to a classroom in their community, no matter what their profession is. Volunteers take time out of their busy schedule to interact with students sharing their professional know-how and secrets of success. They utilize INJAZ Bahrain’s FUN and EASY programmes to talk to the students about their contents and lead them through the hands-on activities. INJAZ Bahrain provides all of its volunteers with a training session to get them started then volunteers go into the classroom for 2 hours every week, for a minimum of 6 weeks and as long as 15 weeks depending on the selected programme. An overall improvement of volunteers’ skills within their own work capacities has been noted as an indirect outcome of training sessions and the delivery of the INJAZ Bahrain various programmes. INJAZ Bahrain owes its success to the organisation’s Board Members for their continuous support whether financially, through their expertise, mentorship and internship programmes, events and corporate-driven volunteer competitions that have kept their enumerable INJAZ Bahrain volunteers engaged. INJAZ Bahrain Board Members as of 2012 are notably, Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company, Tamkeen, The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), FortunePromo 7, HSBC, Alba, BBK, Al Salam Bank, Batelco, Citibank, Qays H. Zu’bi Attorneys & Legal Consultant, Kuwait Finance House( KFH), Ithmaar Bank, Ernst & Young, Gulf Air and Banagas.
What is INJAZ Bahrain’s strategy towards its customers?
INJAZ Bahrain is open to any opportunity of partnership that will expand its capability to inspire and prepare Bahraini youth to succeed in a global economy, especially with partnerships that are in alignment to INJAZ Bahrain’s three pillars of Work Readiness, Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy. INJAZ Bahrain has integrated its mission with various industry initiatives hereby participating, as of 2012, in the Global Entrepreneur Week (GEW) 2012, organised by Young Arab Leaders (YAL), the Ripples of Happiness (visit for more information www.ripplesofhappiness.com) educational programme spearheaded by Coca-Cola foundation and represented in Bahrain by INJAZ Bahrain and with Youth City 2030 organised by the General Organization of Youth and Sports (GOYS) with support of Tamkeen (Labour Fund) and the Economic Development Board (EDB), to name a few. 115 Best of Bahrain
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Empowering our future
Board Members of Citibank during INJAZ Bahrain Programme, Banks in Action
Our Purpose •
To inspire and prepare young Bahrainis to succeed in a global economy
Our Goals • • • • • • •
To train a total of 52,000 Bahraini youth by year 2014 To encourage active heads of corporations to inspire the next generation To extend our programmes in 100 per cent of intermediate schools To grow within the primary schools and universities in Bahrain To activate fund-raising activities for essential expansion and sustainability To call on more volunteers To strategize for growth
Our Ethos • • • • • •
Belief in the boundless potential of Bahraini youth Commitment to the principles of market-based economics and entrepreneurship Passion for what we do and honesty, integrity and excellence in how we do it Respect for the talents, creativity, perspectives and backgrounds of all individuals Belief in the power of partnership and collaboration Conviction in the educational and motivational impact of relevant, hands-on learning
Investing in our human capital
As with Junior Achievement we will help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs, which make their communities more robust and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace.We will inspire leaders of corporations to utilize their leadership skills in building the next generation of the Bahraini workforce. We will encourage our volunteers by providing them with educational opportunities that surpass their on-the-job responsibilities and make them a fundamental part of enriching their community. We invite you to take up the challenge with us. 117 Best of Bahrain
Empowering our Future
Imparting skills of the trade
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In what specific ways is Bahrain Polytechnic successfully positioning Bahrain as a leading centre in both trade and tourism areas within the Gulf Cooperation Council and globally?
Bahrain Polytechnic was established by Royal Decree No. 65 in 2008 to support the emerging Labour Market needs resulting from the diversification and growth of the economy. In particular, the Polytechnic seeks to fill an identified gap in the Labour Market for Skilled Technicians and Applied Professional Graduates. As part of this mandate, Bahrain Polytechnic offers a Bachelor in International Logistics Management to support the growing international logistics hub in Bahrain. In this programme students study transport, freight, security and international geography, which are all critical aspects of promoting trade. In addition, Polytechnic Bachelor of Business students study international trade as part of their economics and law courses. The School of Business is currently researching the possibility of offering a Business Tourism major and has identified a strong demand for cadetship provision for the Hotel Management and Hospitality sector. The Polytechnic’s Strategic International Relations Plan facilitates the integration of an international, intercultural, and global dimension into all Polytechnic activities, through teaching, research and service to society. It ensures that the international dimension remains central and linked to Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which places importance on the Kingdom’s geographic location as the gateway to the Gulf. The plan establishes strategies to internationalize the experience of our Bahraini students and faculty members and to ensure that international learners from both the Gulf region and further afield can access the high-quality and flexible education, training, research, and scholarship opportunities that Bahrain Polytechnic facilitates. To this end, a secondment to the role of International Coordinator has recently been made to support the activities of the Internationalization Committee as it seeks to realize these aspirations. As part of this initiative, a number of students have received international scholarships to New Zealand, the United Kingdom and America. Some staff have had the opportunity to present research findings at overseas conferences, and study education provision related to Problem Based Learning (PBL), a student centered delivery that facilitates work-ready graduates.
Can you provide examples of the new policies and procedures, recently introduced by Bahrain Polytechnic, to develop high service standards for growing student/consumer demands?
We have already in place a full Quality Management System (QMS) that encourages student feedback through regular course surveys and provides policies and procedures to deal with concerns, complaints, review of grades and appeals. Every programme has a Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising industry members who ensure that Bahrain Polytechnic stays up to date with changes in the Labour Market.
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Empowering our future His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, officially opened Bahrain Polytechnic during a grand ceremony in November 2008.
What is Bahrain Polytechnic’s role in promoting its students’ success above and beyond university?
All students gain employability skills as an integrated part of their programme of study. These are the ‘soft skills’, the generic competencies for work effectiveness: teamwork; problem solving; communication; initiative and enterprise; planning and organisation; self-management; learning and technology. Secondly, together with Work Integrated Learning and a Problem Based approach, this strategy is being employed by the Polytechnic as a teaching approach to develop work-readiness in its graduates. Finally, the Polytechnic recently won funding from an overseas aid programme to develop an Enterprise Development Centre. This will accommodate those students who wish to develop their own products, businesses and livelihoods not currently provided for in the job market.
What partnerships with local, regional and/or global stakeholders have Bahrain Polytechnic fostered recently, and why? Bahrain Polytechnic operates within an ecosystem in which it partners with Government, other Higher Education providers and Industry. Critical to its programme provision are Curriculum Advisory Committees (CAC), which are run by experts from industry and community organisations. In Bahrain, for example, we partner with Batelco, Bahrain Development Bank, Kuwait Finance House and Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC). We also have a number of international partnerships.
How do the nation’s various training programmes for developing the skilled human capital in Bahrain (such as INJAZ Bahrain) coordinate with your own strategies for economic expansion? What training programmes are you affiliated with? What recognized training programmes do you employ internally? Bahrain Polytechnic integrates an international, intercultural, and 120 Best of Bahrain
global dimension into education delivery through the employment of staff from all over the world, at present more than 20 different nationalities are represented, and through the building of strategic alliances and international relationships. These relationships include, Monash University (Australia), Otago Polytechnic (New Zealand), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT - Canada), Christchurch Polytechnic (CPIT – New Zealand), Auckland University of Technology (AUT – New Zealand), University of West England (United Kingdom), Bristol University (United Kingdom), University College Dublin (Ireland), amongst others. Internally we have embedded internationally recognized professional programmes, such as those accredited by CISCO (Computer Information System Company), Microsoft, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and others as appropriate, within our programmes. We also recognize students’ prior learning through application of our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
In what tangible ways does Bahrain Polytechnic use e-commerce and how?
Today’s students use the Internet for communication, collaboration and entertainment as well as an information source. Informal learning using web resources such as open courseware sites, social media websites, online encyclopedias and blogs occurs alongside access to traditional sources of information as part of Problem Based Learning, which encourages students to evaluate the quality of information and to think critically. The Polytechnic has an e-Learning strategy that encourages flexible delivery, which is a mix of both face-to-face and online learning that occurs as a result of interaction with electronic teaching resources. There are both formal and informal learning opportunities available and, as well, the Polytechnic has an online student registration system. One example is the use of Intuition in the Bachelor of Business degree: this is a global online training provider for the Banking and Finance industry.
Tel +973 17897000 www.polytechnic.bh
Well-designed work related problems stimulate learning to ensure that students develop technical knowledge and skills, as well as employability skills
Work Integrated Learning
Directed or supported education activities that integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace (industry projects, work experience, simulations)
Employability Skills
Employability Skills – Generic competencies for effectiveness: teamwork, problem solving, communication, initiative & enterprise, planning & organisation, selfmanagement, learning & technology
WORK READY GRADUATES
PBL
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CHAPTER 8
Small & Medium Enterprise
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Small & Medium Enterprise
Overview Small-small things are never small. Small-small things make a nation perfect and that perfection is never a small thing.
“The only difference between an entrepreneur and an 124 124 Best of Bahrain employee is confidence. The spirit of entrepreneurship can be trained and makes the difference between a successful and rich economy and one that obeys the strengths and weaknesses of uncontrollable forces.� Anonymous
matured and promising nation like Bahrain can seldom afford to undermine the potential that lies with its Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. A series of analysis proves that the SME sector acts as a backbone – not only of Bahrain, but of almost all GCC economies, since it plays a pivotal role in the nation-building process through large-scale employment generation, spurring the entrepreneurial initiatives, maximizing the industrial output and ensuring industrial diversification. Large-scale companies and governmentowned entities no doubt contribute in a big way to the country’s exchequer, but the SME sector also equally justifies its existence, since it compliments the growth of these organisations by providing them vital business integration, sub-contracting and other relevant support. Statistically speaking, the SME sector in Bahrain contributes approximately 28 per cent of the Kingdom’s nominal GDP and also provides jobs to around 73 per
cent of private sector employees. Significant SME industries which contribute to the country’s GDP in a big way are construction, trading and manufacturing; whereas opportunities are still there for hospitality, jewellery, transportation, crafts, pottery and other industries to enhance their visibility by contributing more to the country’s GDP. Bahrain has natural advantage of reaping the benefits from the SME sector, since approximately 50 per cent of its population is under the age of 25 years. If trained and groomed professionally, this age group may be tilted towards entrepreneurship in the SME sector and today’s youngsters may prove to be tomorrow’s business leaders, who might attain success in the international arena as well. With regards to setting up an SME enterprise, one would agree that establishing an SME company in the GCC region is like a double-edged sword, since it comes with certain inherent merits and demerits. The merits predominantly include
relatively low investments, limited legal & operational formalities and a lower gestation period; whereas the demerits include lack of economies of largescale, difficulties in obtaining bank finances due to limited or no financial records and vulnerability to continue the businesses in the long-run due to intense competition, challenging working capital management, difficulties in obtaining goodquality human resources due to budgetary constraints and lack of technological support to carry out business operations. In order to overcome the aforesaid limitations and to support the SME sector to transform its participants to largescale organisations, the country leadership and government agencies across all GCC economies are highly active in introducing innovative solutions and robust reform measures. These include simplification of legal formalities, guiding & counseling the local workforce to instill entrepreneurial abilities & skills, ensuring adequate credit
availability for the SME sector as well as subsidizing the financing for this sector. Bahrain has been a frontrunner in developing its SME sector and boasts of perhaps the best possible reforms in the region. In fact, the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Economic Development Board, Bahrain Investors Centre, Labour Market Regulatory Authority, UNIDO and Tamkeen are the leading organisations, which are highly committed and determined to take the SME sector of the country to a different trajectory and to unprecedented success levels! With untiring efforts of the aforesaid organisations and the active support from the business community of Bahrain, as well as financial institutions, the SME sector of the Kingdom of Bahrain is set to make its mark and leave a legacy for the other countries to follow. Words by CA Sandip Rajpopat srajpopat@gmail.com 125
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Small & Medium Enterprise
Fostering industrial cooperation “We aim to highlight our Kingdom’s intellectual power, we neither lack the tools nor the talent.” - Dr. Hashim Suleiman Hussein, Head of United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Dr. Hashim Suleiman Hussein, Head of United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Bahrain
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he United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) - Investment & Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) Bahrain was established in 1996, with the aim of facilitating the mobilization of foreign resources to enhance industrial partnership and cooperation between companies in both the Kingdom and other nations. As industries throughout the world confront the growing challenges of international competition; investment and technology are proving to be two essential components to success in the global market. However, many developing countries and countries with economies in transition face enormous difficulties in attracting investors as well as in gaining
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access to technology markets. In 1999, in order to continue to stimulate a growing body of new, locally-grown Bahraini entrepreneurs, equipped for foreign investment and continued industrialization efforts of Bahrain, UNIDO ITPO Bahrain in cooperation with Ministry of Industry & Commerce, the UNIDO’s Inter Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship and Investment Training (IRC), together with the Government of India and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, established the “Arab Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship and Investment Training (ARCEIT)” in Bahrain. ARCEIT established to effectively organise & support the Investment & Technology
Promotion and Entrepreneurship Development Initiatives throughout the Arab region is closely coordinated by the UNIDO – ITPO in Bahrain and UNIDO HQ in order to ensure maximum synergy among the institutional participants. ARCEIT’s vision is to serve as a centre of excellence to foster entrepreneurship development and promote domestic investment into the Arab region. To accomplish this vision ARCEIT aims at facilitating new enterprise creation in the SME Sector; enhance the competitiveness of existing enterprises through enterprise upgrading and the development of a pool of resource persons to initiate and implement a variety of initiatives.
Since inception UNIDO ARCEIT initiated and developed what is known today to be the Bahrain-Arab Model for Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion programme (EDIP), which is aimed at assisting potential entrepreneurs (micro, small & medium) translate their ideas into commercial ventures in manufacturing and service sectors, in addition to support existing enterprises to expand and attain sustainable growth. Today EDIP is being replicated in 37 countries worldwide and known internationally as EDIP’s ‘Bahrain Model’. The EDIP ‘Bahrain Model’ is based on a package approach that consists of four steps namely Preparation & Empowerment,
Vision • •
•
• •
A Centre of Excellence to foster Entrepreneurship Development in the Arab region An originator of Investment & Technology Promotion (ITP) and Entrepreneurship Development (ED) activities A repository of knowledge and information on industrial investment opportunities, technologies and markets A forum for exchange of experiences and insights into entrepreneurship development A resource institution to support, nurture and institutionalize the ITP and ED activities in the region
Mission •
• • • •
• • • •
Augment the supply of entrepreneurs through education, training and business advisory services Tap the latent entrepreneurial potential amongst the youth in the Arab region Facilitate New Enterprise Creation (NEC) in the SME Sector Enhance the competitiveness of existing enterprises through enterprise upgrading Promote partnerships amongst entrepreneurs within Arab region also between entrepreneurs of Arab region and their counterparts elsewhere in the world Develop a pool of Resource Persons to initiate and implement a variety of ED & ITP initiatives Facilitate replication of development initiatives throughout the Arab region Generate, document and disseminate knowledge/ information related to ITP and ED Facilitate creation of a conductive business environment for emergence, sustenance and growth of SMEs
Business Counseling & Technology Tie-up leading to full-fledged joint ventures, Financial linkages, Incubation and Growth programmes that ensure an increasing number of available channels for global market trade. Since the inception of EDIP, in Bahrain alone; 4,400 micro, small and medium size entrepreneurs have been assisted, helping to establish 650 new enterprises,
UNIDO entrepreneurs with dignitaries at the Bahrain International Garden Show 2012.
UNIDO Director General Mr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella meeting with HRH the King of Bahrain.
encouraging SME investments within Bahrain totaling US $ 1.4 billion and creating 14,500 new jobs for Bahrainis. Nevertheless with cooperation of Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry & Commerce and other various entities in the region, concerned with the development of SMEs, UNIDO - ITPO Bahrain has been establishing groundbreaking partnerships with national
and international financial institutions, including, to name a few, Kuwait Finance House which helped to develop a venture capital fund to invest in entrepreneurs in select Arab countries; Bahrain Development Bank who are regularly funding Bahraini SMEs; Islamic Development Bank, which jointly with UNIDO ITPO Bahrain developed investment promotion initiatives in a number
of countries; Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, which through a trust fund developed Bahrain’s business incubator and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa for the development of domestic investment into selected African countries.
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Small & Medium Enterprise
Unifying the GCC through land, sea and air Ms. Huda Janahi, owner and managing director of Global Cargo Services, became a household name in the Arab world, ranked as the top 50 most powerful Arab women. Starting with a capital of BD1,000 in a one person office, today Ms. Janahi is managing a BD1 million enterprise of six companies which has expanded to include a Traveller’s Service and a media and marketing arm.
Global Cargo & Traveller’s Services offers the fastest delivery service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in Bahrain and throughout the GCC.
Engraving her name as one of Bahrain’s most influential women, Ms. Huda Janahi overcame obstacles and paved the way for future powerful women.
G
lobal Cargo & Traveller’s Services has a strong global network of partners and agents that support its forwarding services, ranging from Door-to-Door, Airportto-Airport, Seaport-to-Seaport, and Land-to-Land services. The company’s activities include Import and Export, 40’ Trailer transportation inside and outside Bahrain, Warehousing & Distribution, Customs Clearance and Delivering, Packing & Removals, Door-to-Door delivery, Travel and Tourism, Exhibition handling and larger Project handling. Global Cargo & Traveller’s Services offers the fastest delivery service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in Bahrain and throughout the GCC, with pick up within 60 minutes of the customers’ call, same-day delivery within Bahrain and nextday delivery within the GCC, with immediate proof of delivery confirmation provided. With the help of the United Nations Development Organisation (UNIDO), Ms. Huda Janahi was able to relieve prejudices of a woman opening a business in the cargo industry and was granted a commercial registration (CR) in 2001, after graduating from UNIDO’s Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion Program (EDIP). In an interview with BEST OF BAHRAIN, Ms. Janahi highly recommends that, “entrepreneurs reach out and share their ideas and problems with other established international entrepreneurs, as well as seeking as much support from establishments such as UNIDO, Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Women and NGOs such as INJAZ Bahrain,” she further explains that, “establishing a business always requires passion and a well-planned strategy to achieve success.” In fact, since inception, Ms. Janahi has re-evaluated her company sectors every two years, implementing improvements and expanding upon new and current business practices, creating joint ventures and establishing new business relationships as the company continues to grow.
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93 years & going strong Founded in 1919, with a single general store in Basra, Iraq, the Jashanmal Group today is a corporation with multi-channel activities in the GCC and India and with headquarters in the UAE.
Mr. Tony Jashanmal, Executive Director, Jashanmal Group
What strategy of success has the Jashanmal Group implemented in order to maintain a strong presence in the region throughout its 93 years in business?
Business is partly due to hard work and partly due to circumstances. Rao Sahib Jashanmal started the Jashanmal & Sons consumer store in Basra, Iraq in 1919. In order to expand his services it was essential to have people who he trusted and whom better than his five sons? He trained each to help him run the business and to expand throughout the GCC as oil was discovered and while the demand for international 130
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consumer goods rose. With the luck that each GCC state discovered oil in stages, Jashanmal was able to expand in increments sending one of his sons to open and operate in each country. Consequently, Jashanmal & Sons opened in Kuwait-1934, Bahrain-1935, Dubai-1956 and Abu Dhabi-1964.
What developments took place allowing Jashanmal Group to expand to Bahrain in 1935?
The process for expansion into Bahrain was the same as with other GCC states. In 1935, Bahrain including other GCC states were governed by a viceroy representing
the British Monarch, however administrative positions were largely held and strongly influenced by British Indians from the region. Responding to an invitation and demand required by the oil industry of Bahrain, Jashanmal & Sons represented a bridge between the requirements of local traders and the Westerners who arrived, providing consumable products to suit their international tastes.
Please list the pros and cons of conducting business in Bahrain, versus other GCC environments? Bahrain’s business regulations are the
easiest, most organised and most readily accessed. Unlike the separate Ministry departments found in other GCC states, Bahrain’s Business Investment Center (BIC) located in Seef Mall, pools together officers from each ministry, under one roof. These officers are equipped with all the information required to start a business, greatly facilitating the process. However, although we consider Bahrain to be the most pleasant place to live in and to start a business, it is still the smallest of the GCC markets in retail consumption.
With 77 years of experience in Bahrain, how has Jashanmal Group managed to remain sustainable especially during economic downturns?
What most people don’t know is that only 35 per cent of Jashanmal & Sons is retail and the other 65 per cent is distribution. We have 140 stores at the moment and 12 department stores in three countries. We own specialty shops such as Calvin Klein, Clarks and Jashanmal Bookstore - as we are the main importer and exporter of all foreign press and books to and from the Gulf region. We also own joint ventures with companies such as Burberry and several others. Through our experience Jashanmal & Sons believe that one should not over invest, as this represents high risk. Any investment needs time to grow and should be monitored whereby it does not represent a large percentage of the company’s expected ROI. In other words, any investment should affect the company in increments without being too risky to the overall well being of the company.
Please define the brand promise that inspires consumers to pick Jashanmal & Sons as opposed to a competitor?
The backbone to our company is comprised of three principles. Firstly, is our perceived value for money, whereby we don’t over-charge on products sold. We believe that the value paid should represent the product and not the product name. Secondly, we are in service to the customers’ needs as well as to that of the community. Thirdly, since we were initially invited to Bahrain to serve a need, we make sure to do so with the best service possible. We do so by bringing the right people onboard.
Jashanmal & Sons has evolved over three generations of family members, what is the secret of entrepreneurship that keeps this family enterprise flourishing in an era where the MultiNational Corporations (MNCs) are gaining pre-eminence? There are two types of businesses; Family Businesses and Non-Family Businesses. In the USA, at least 65 per cent of businesses are family run. Some might be small and others that are large, publicly listed, multinationals. Jashanmal family members share the same principles when considering
The first Jashanmal, Dubai 1956.
Third from left Rao Sahib, Jashanmal Founder.
their method for growth. We know that we can develop our company into a MultiNational Corporation however risk losing control of our values. Our strategy for sustainability is, therefore, to run a company based on our values and to hire managers that are able to develop new possibilities for the company. It should also be noted that a family business can easily survive for two generations but once you reach the third generation it gets tougher. In 1973, in order to avoid conflicts of interest within the family we turned the family business into a family of shareholders. Many family members who did not want to work in the business were involved as shareholders. The family members, who did enter the business, did so from entry position, working their way up by reporting to managers. We further specified that no Jashanmal family member could ever become CEO. We have kept this rule allowing the company to grow with objective and neutral decision-making power deliberated by the CEO.
What role does CSR play in the fabric of your organisation? Can you give some examples please? Jashanmal family members were brought up with the knowledge of service. Other than our business, which is to service the needs of the consumer, we also encourage the development of bodies and minds. Most of
our board members are part of school boards and take part in various sporting activities within the community. By being part of the school boards, we provide, not just, financial support but also our time and effort as members of the community.
How do you see the Jashanmal Group progressing in generations to come? Jashanmal has been operating in the region for just over 90 years and we hope that this will continue providing our services for at least another 90 years. Our aim is to remain a family business growing gradually, sustainably and professionally.
What challenges should new entrants to the Bahraini market be aware of? New entrants should be aware that most of big business booms in the Gulf are not sustainable. Large Multi-National Corporations from abroad may not succeed if they lack necessary knowledge of the consumer base. In order to be sustainable, there should be a boom of local and homegrown businesses that know the area, know the people and reflect on their true desires and needs.
Tel +973 17582424 www.jashanmalgroup.com 131
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CHAPTER 9
Women on Top
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Women on Top
Overview The road to democratic representation has had its inevitable twists and turns but in Bahrain at least, the curve remains an upward one.
134 134 Best of Bahrain 134 Image by Perry El Ashmawi
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omen have traditionally had to struggle for equality throughout history, fighting for the right to vote, the right to education, competing for the top jobs and equal rights under the judicial system. Bahrain is no different and has also taken its time to evolve into a fair society for its female citizens, however through political reform, education, a number of key, influential females and a proactive Royal family and Government, the Kingdom can now boast as being one of the most forward thinking and liberal countries for the development of women’s rights in the GCC. In 2001 Bahrain held a historic national referendum, where an overwhelming majority of nationals, both men and women, endorsed the National Action Charter put forward by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. This became the basis of the Kingdom’s reform programme, with the amended 2002 Constitution taking a significant step forward by allowing women to participate and vote in municipal and parliamentary elections, a first of its kind for women in the Gulf region.
A strong influence at the time was and still is, the Supreme Council for Women, established in 2001 by HRH Princess Sabeeka which acts as an advisory committee to the Government, assisting with female related policies and strategies and counselling on amendments required to existing legislation. In 2004, Bahrain appointed its first female minister, Dr. Nada Haffadh, followed by Dr. Fatima Albalooshi, as the second in 2005. That year also saw Alees Samaan chair the Shura Council, the first woman in the Arab world to chair a parliamentary session. In March 2005 the Supreme Council for Women launched the National Strategy for Empowerment of Bahraini Women, proving itself effective in the 2006 elections with an increase of women candidates and one woman winning a seat in parliament. The country took its second major step forward, this time under an international spotlight, in June 2006 when Bahrain was elected Head of the United Nations General Assembly, with Sheikha Haya bint Rashid
Al Khalifa chosen as the Assembly’s President, making her the first Arab woman and third woman in history to have the position. The Royal University of Women (RUW) was also opened in August 2006 in Riffa and is the first University in the Kingdom dedicated solely to educating women. Education is seen as one of the most powerful tools for empowering women, a catalyst for economic and social change and is key to the production of proactive, confident and smart young women in comparison to more passive older generations. The year 2007 saw the appointment of several women in various positions of power, including the first female President of the University of Bahrain, a female Ambassador for Peace by the International Union of Religions for Global Peace and three female Bahraini Prosecutors. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa also appointed the first Bahraini Jewish woman to the position of ambassador in Washington in 2008, showcasing equal rights as well as freedom of religion in
the Kingdom. Bahrain is defying the stereotypes and cultural norms of the Arab world, leading the way to establishing a democratic society and has been widely accredited with encouraging women’s rights activists in the rest of the Arabian Gulf to demand equality also. The year 2011 saw the Kingdom’s 10th year anniversary of celebrating National Women’s Day, a day only acknowledged by a few countries worldwide. As of today, 90 per cent of Bahraini women aged 15 and above are literate, the country produces 52 per cent female graduates versus 48 per cent males and in November 2011 women held a total of four parliamentary seats which is 10 per cent of the total 40. Bahraini women are making significant progress at work, education, and in socio-economic development, with Bahrain boasting 22 per cent of the countries legislators, senior officials and managers represented by females, the highest percentage in the GCC. Words by Louise Doyle
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HH Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa Inspiration is the greatest repercussion that I have observed through my own personal education in free enterprise and through INJAZ Bahrain, a medium to raise levels of confidence in the business skills of Bahrain’s youth.
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s the Executive Director of INJAZ, Bahrain I would say that I’m in this position as a result of a good education. INJAZ Bahrain is the implementation of my own inspiration in starting up a non-profit organisation that influences the confidence of Bahraini youth who make up over 55 per cent of the population of Bahrain. Without role models that instill confidence in this generation’s capabilities and provide opportunities for their growth we will not be able to compete on a global stage. Therefore it is with the collaboration of the Ministry of Education, INJAZ Bahrain staff, members, educators, volunteers and students that we, collectively, are able to provide so much inspiration, turning out better citizens and future employees who are intrinsically aware of their role towards the development of Bahrain’s economy and community as a whole.” Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, born in August of 1976, attended primary school in Bahrain until the age of 14, after which she pursued her secondary education in the United Kingdom. She joined Westonbirt Girls School in Gloucestershire where she gained her GCSE’s and then moved to Cheltenham Ladies College for sixth form and gained three A Levels in Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology. In September 1994, Her Highness commenced her higher
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education at the London School of Economics and Political Science where she completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Management. In 2001 she continued her higher education at the London school of Economics to pursue her master degree, and qualified for an MSc in Social Policy and Planning. The focus of her dissertation was on “Islam and Social Policy”. Upon returning to Bahrain, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa commenced her career with the Supreme Council for Women. In 2002, assigned to be part of the official delegation to the People’s Republic of China and a member of the Supreme Council for Women social committee with full engagement in research focusing on Bahrain. In 2004, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa was appointed by HM the King to be a permanent board member of the Supreme Council for Women. As the youngest member of the board, she participated actively in setting strategies of the council particularly in legislative fields that affect the status of women in Bahrain. She also represented the Supreme Council for Women in the UN at the 49th session, “Ten years after Beijing”. Her Highness Sheikha Hessa later helped found the Mother and Child Education Program (MOCEP) in Bahrain, adapted from Turkish into Arabic and localized providing an alternative widespread, non-
“
It is with the collaboration of the Ministry of Education, INJAZ Bahrain staff, members, educators, volunteers and students that we, collectively, are able to provide so much inspiration, turning out better citizens and future employees who are intrinsically aware of their role towards the development of Bahrain’s economy and community as a whole.
formal education model to those who do not have access to formal education, by training the mothers of preschool children in a 25-week programme. In January 2005, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa founded INJAZ Bahrain and is presently the Executive Director. INJAZ Bahrain is part of an international organisation called Junior Achievement that has a network in more than 124 countries around the world. The mission of INJAZ Bahrain is ‘To Inspire and Prepare young Bahrainis to Succeed in a Global economy’. As an NGO, INJAZ Bahrain is governed by a board of directors representing leading corporations and individuals that share a passionate dedication to the development of young people. With her experience in developing the skills of young women, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa was invited to be a speaker at the Global Leadership conference at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates, in March 2006. She spoke on cultivating leadership skills in young ladies. As a result of her active role on the development of the economy through the enterprise education of young people, Sheikha Hessa was invited to be a panelist at the World Economic Forum (WEF) regional meeting of November 2005 in Bahrain where she spoke about the challenges that youth face. In May 2006, at Sharm El Shaikh, she was
“
a panelist at the Education session, alongside Ministers of Education from the MENA region.
In 2007, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa was invited to be a part of the Young Arab Leaders Chapter in Bahrain and elected to be a member of the Young Global Leaders. The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a unique, multi-stakeholder community of the world’s most extraordinary leaders who are below 40 years old and who are ready to dedicate a part of their time and energy to jointly work towards a better future. In 2011, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa was appointed by HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Women, to Head the committee of young women entrepreneurs, with a focal theme of ‘Bahraini Women’s Day,’ of 2011. Most recently, in 2012, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa was invited by Dr. Hassan Fakhro, the Minister of Industry and Commerce to be an active member of the committee for Small and Medium size enterprise in Bahrain. On 5th April 2012, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa was elected as the Chairperson of the new Board of Al Salam Bank, after being also re-elected as Director on the Board of the Bank for the second consecutive term since 2009. 137 137 Best of Bahrain
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Art with an aim “Until we feel that Bahraini artists are recognized as part of the international art scene we will not stop in our endeavour to promote their work.” – Ms. Bayan Kanoo, Director, Al Riwaq Art Space.
Al Riwaq Art Space located in Adliya District at Block 338, open Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm
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Ms. Bayan Kanoo, Director, Al Riwaq Art Space, image courtesy of Ghalib Zuhair
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n 1998, Al Riwaq Art Space opened to initiate and organise, with local and international partners, exhibitions, discussions and workshops of contemporary art, music and literacy events as well as art courses aiming to promote Bahraini art and the perception of the arts in Bahrain.
Where does Bahrain stand as an artistic hub in the Middle East and the world?
Bahrain has always had strong roots in traditional arts and crafts. Currently we have many talented Bahraini artists who strive to develop on a global scale. With the onset of Manama Capital of Arab Culture 2012 and the annual Spring of Culture organised by the Ministry of Culture, there is a growing national support for art as a crosscultural bridge for communication. We have seen a rush of new galleries opened here recently and more art events and auctions established locally.
In your opinion, what is the importance of art?
Art can appreciate culture and can promote the feeling of belonging. Through growing dialogue and acceptance of artistic expression the artist can connect with their own culture and use their roots and traditions to express their ideas through new and modern mediums. Artists can also use their artistic ability to create something completely new thus reflecting on themselves as unique individuals within a community. Art can make a difference in its ability to transform perceptions and catalyse maturity of a society and its people.
In the past decade, how according to you has art in Bahrain developed to create new opportunities?
Since Bahrainis are technologically equipped, the Internet is playing a large role in exposing Bahraini artists to global art concepts. There are a lot of artists in Bahrain creating great works of art who are setting their benchmarks from knowledge obtained through global interaction. By uploading their own work to various platforms, artists are obtaining constructive reviews from the global arena therefore encouraging their development.
What was your intent in establishing Al Riwaq Art Space?
My intent is to be an active member of the art scene, encouraging the collaboration of various industries across Bahrain to participate in encouraging young Bahraini artists to flourish. Through Al Riwaq Art Space we are able to create much needed awareness to the public about the art and artists who are available in Bahrain. These artists need to see that there is support, appreciation, local understanding and the facility for international promotion of their work.
What does the future look like for art in Bahrain?
We are very optimistic when it comes to art in Bahrain. We have the talent so we just need to ensure that as many platforms are available for these talents to prosper. We need to encourage artists to be more expressive and original and I believe Al Riwaq Art Space, with collaboration from the community of its members, sponsors and the public is slowly but surely paving the road for that.
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Women on Top
Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society (BBS) The Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society (BBS) was established in 2000 to empower Bahraini businesswomen and to encourage and promote their business skills, in order to become competitive members of the global economy.
Ms. Mona Al Moayyed, Founder, Bahrain Businesswomen's Society (BBS)
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he main goals of the BBS are to promote and improve the economic and business relationship of Bahraini businesswomen, from all backgrounds. BBS develops women’s roles in commercial, social and financial activities, encouraging participation of businesswomen in leadership positions within the Chamber of Commerce, the Arab League, banks and investment companies and supports the participation of businesswomen in conferences, working to establish cooperation and economic partnerships for members amongst the GCC, MENA and the rest of the world. Since its inception, the society has provided various services to Bahraini women including support of all businesswomen with their new businesses/projects, coordinating between ministry officials and business ladies, providing training, counseling and mentoring services to help women start and/or expand businesses, hosting lectures by various official bodies such as LMRA, and Tamkeen to educate businesswomen on their rights in the economy, offering information about national and local resources to meet constituent needs and creating/organizing programmes and policies that
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help female entrepreneurs become full partners in the national and global economies. Towards this end BBS has worked closely in Bahrain with UNIDO, The Bahrain Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Bahrain Development Bank and with Tamkeen to train and finance women to start entrepreneurial activity. BBS has, also in cooperation with Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen’s Network (MENA BWN), held its inaugural conference “Unleashing the Economic Potential of Women in the MENA Region” in Dubai on April 12 and 13, 2012 under the patronage of UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi to enable participants to share their experience and knowledge on the forefront of social and economic development in the region while providing hands on skills and contacts to transform and grow their businesses. Notable conferences run by BBS in the past include, seminars educating women on family laws, programmes under the LMRA Labour Market Regulatory Authority, methods in effective management and a meeting for female candidates of Bahrain’s Parliamentary Election. At present the Women Gateway, which was established in 2002
Members of Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Chairman of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board.
is fully owned by the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society (BBS). In 2003 it was re-launched as a bilingual portal designed to aid businesswomen by providing them with information, business and trade opportunities with the focus being on women’s issues and women empowerment in the region. Women Gateway has evolved from being a portal initially aimed at businesswomen of Bahrain, to one that provides a more horizontal vision of attracting women from all walks of life in order to encourage women’s empowerment. Ms. Mona Al Moayyed founder of BBS explains, “Through Women Gateway, BBS aims to be an exclusive portal that will serve the Arab Women community by providing unique content and services, in order to ensure the complete well being of women. Our objective is to aid women in extending their activities locally and globally through the provision of valuable information and reliable services to help them expand their vision. Our primary objective is to promote women’s empowerment.” She adds, “My personal challenges and aspirations are to empower women by helping them to be financially independent from men. Women Gateway’s ultimately creates an environment that liberates Arab Women from
the constraints of traditional society into the vast, unrestrained world of information. Having said this, today, Bahraini women have higher administrative positions in both the private and public sectors such as ministries and institutions because of high educational levels that enabled them to upgrade their positions from the status of recipients to the status of real and effective participants in decision-making.” In 2005, only three years after its inception, the Women Gateway portal won the ‘National Award for e-Content’ and the ‘Global Summit Award for e-Content’, both in the Inclusion Category. To become a member of BBS or to fund-raise for the cause, kindly contact us.
Tel + 973 17721188 info@bahrainbusinesswomen.com www.bahrainbusinesswomen.com 141
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Women on Top
Nurturing the role of women “Children & Mothers Welfare Society works to provide a permanent income and social standing to Bahrain’s indigenous sector.” - Sheikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa, President, Children & Mothers Welfare Society
C
hildren & Mothers Welfare Society was established as far back as 1953 today considered as one of the leading women’s societies in Bahrain with over 400 active members. Since its headquarter inauguration in 1966, by Sheikha Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa, the wife of His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, former King of Bahrain, the Society has aimed at involving both workingwomen and housewives in voluntary activities with the aim of benefiting from their talents and potentials. Through its working committees the Society aims to raise women’s cultural standards and enhance their awareness of social issues and their rights and duties as active individuals in the Bahraini community, which has always sought to achieve progress. The Society’s structure consists of the President and 13 office bearers who are directly responsible for carrying out various tasks through several working committees: The Social Committee provides material and financial support for families in accordance to their needs assessed through research
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as well providing awareness and guidance for financial spending. Assistance is also extended in emergencies such as fires and other disasters. Seasonal contributions including food, clothes or gifts are provided during the month of Ramadan and in other occasions such as Eid. The Social Committee also provides and receives Zakat payments - the obligatory charity upon Muslims during the month of Ramadan. The Social Committee is also responsible for inspecting dilapidated homes and renovating these to render them habitable. The Activities Committee organises various activities and projects including concerts with the aim to fund raise for the Society’s account. The main activities under the committee include the Charity Dish Festival held in December, the Cultural Season which holds various lectures and exhibitions annually in January, the Eve Market introduced in 1993 and held in support of the Information Centre for Women & Children* which gives opportunity to traders and owners of businesses to display their goods and products for a nominal fee, the International
Charity Bazaar whereby foreign embassies in Bahrain display and sell their country’s products to raise funds for the Society and finally the Wednesday Market held at the beginning of every month. The Planning Committee draws up plans for developing activities and projects and to supervise the publication of the Society’s brochures. This committee had setup the Information Centre for Women & Children* in 1995. The Cultural Committee promotes the members’ cultural standards by screening educational and cultural films. The committee plays a vital role in holding discussions and seminars as part of its cultural events. The Public Relations Committee promotes the Society’s activities in the news and on television. Through educating the public, the committee seeks to increase its member base. The Financial Resources Committee collects donations in cash and
in kind by permission of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. In this way, letters are sent to local companies and banks urging them to donate. The Workshop & Small Project Committee trains and educates women in handicrafts and tailoring enabling them to raise their living standards. The Magazine Committee oversees the publication of the Welfare Magazine also sponsored by the Ministry of Information and The Maintenance Committee supervises the maintenance of buildings and premises of the Society including gardening and landscaping.
Tel +973 17689909/17245734 infocent@batelco.com.bh
Institutions set up by the Society include: • • • • • • • •
Kindergartens: Opening the first privately owned kindergarten in 1965 and since 7 more throughout Bahrain. There are 1,000 children registered in these kindergartens, which have employed 54 women teachers. Training of the teachers is established by the Society in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Tailoring Workshops: Opening the first of these in 1975 and a second in Muharraq in 1981, now called the Productive Girls Centre. Cultural Centre for Children: Opened in 1987 marking the Third Arab Gulf Social Work-Week held in Bahrain. Information Centre for Women & Children*: Opened in 1995 to serve the needs of scholars and researchers in economic, social and cultural topics regarding Women and Children. Hope Institute for the Handicapped: Opened in 1977 with expansion in 1995 to provide specialised educational services to the handicapped. Paper Manufacturing Centre: Launched in 1990 to supplement economic development projects supervised by the Society and to raise standards of living. This project runs in collaboration to the Ministry of Development & Industry and uses palm frond as a raw material in manufacturing paper. Koran Recital Centre: Opened in 1985 for children to learn Koran recital and Prophetic traditions in principles of jurisprudence. Microstart Project: Initiated in 1997 in an agreement between the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), to finance individual start-up and small business projects to create permanent income and employment within the community.
Total Cost of the Annual Social Committee Budget 2010 Activity
Spend
Percentage of Spend
Monthly Salary (provided to 178 Bahraini families throughout
4,9140
73%
Home Supplies (ie: A/C, Fridge, etc…)
3,312
5%
Home Renovation
3,000
4%
Eid Allowance
3,000
4%
Medical Aid & Emergency
274%
0%
Ramadan Food Supplies
2,900
4%
Annual Zakat during Ramadan
5,500
8%
Total Spend
6,7126
Bahrain)
Once known as ‘the country of one million palm trees’ a girl utilizes the fibre of this abundant resource in Bahrain to make paper at the Manama Handicraft Centre.
Kindergarten Majid Al Zayani overseen by Children and Mother’s Welfare Society.
Reading Week at the Hope Institute for the Handicapped.
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THINK PINK BAHRAIN “Breast cancer is not race, religion or class orientated.It is only with research, education, early intervention and public awareness that we can fight this disease.”Julie Sprakel – Founder, Think Pink Bahrain Think Pink Bahrain is a non-profit organisation that was founded by Ms. Julie Sprakel in 2004. The first five years were dedicated to raising money which was directed towards the National mammography drive. Here after the money has been raised for the two funds: education and digital MRI. Think Pink Bahrain is dedicated to increasing the breast cancer awareness issues, especially early detection, thereby saving lives. What started as a one off event to mark our founder’s 30th birthday is now a nation-wide awareness campaign. Since inception, Think Pink Bahrain has raised over BD 500,000. This money has supported various breast cancer initiatives on the island specifically early intervention, education and awareness.
VISION
The Think Pink Bahrain Team
The core principle of Think Pink Bahrain’s philosophy is education. Education is the first step to prevention. When we educate our mothers, daughters, sisters and nieces, we can help them make informed decisions, which may ultimately save their lives. Our ongoing investment in education will enable the people of Bahrain to receive and have access to the best healthcare professions with a holistic approach to breast cancer treatment.
MISSION OBJECTIVES
Think Pink Bahrain aims to empower people at grass root levels through collaboration with local affiliates to continue to promote the importance of education and screening programmes and community based outreach projects.
AWARENESS
Think Pink Bahrain has pioneered the move to heighten breast cancer awareness in Bahrain. Since inception eight years ago, Think Pink Bahrain has stressed the importance of spreading breast cancer awareness in the community, through PR and advertising campaigns, lectures, events, participation in walk-a-thons, fitness days, open days, and school visits. Each October the Kingdom decks itself in pink to support the charity and the fight against breast cancer. It has been a slow process to break down the taboos and stigma about breast cancer. Our team has put a face to the disease by sharing personal experiences and therefore placing it into the public forum. Sharing our experience with the community has enabled people to come forward and talk about a sensitive topic that in the past was inappropriate to mention.
EDUCATION
Education is a core principle of Think Pink Bahrain’s philosophy and empowerment at a grass roots level is a continuous focus. The Think Pink
Bahrain Education Fund has seen six Bahraini healthcare professionals
successfully receive their Lymphedema Certification from the Foeldi
Clinic in Hinterzarten Germany. Currently Think Pink Bahrain has also funded three Bahraini staff nurses (x2 from Salmaniya Medical Hospital
& x1 from the BDF) through their Masters in Nursing (MSc) programme at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI
Bahrain). Think Pink Bahrain believe that education is a powerful tool and will continue to raise funds in support of training and higher education 144 Best of Bahrain
towards maintaining a high standard of breast cancer care in the Kingdom.
MRI FUND
Annual screening is recommended for women at the age of 40 and older who are at average risk of getting breast cancer. But for women at high risk, i.e. those with a strong family history of the disease or with a genetic mutation that predisposes them to breast cancer, a digital MRI breast scan is highly recommended as they have shown to be more sensitive than a mammography for finding a breast tumor. Alarmingly, statistics in Bahrain have also indicated that younger women are increasingly getting breast cancer at the tender age range of late 20s –30s with the youngest Bahraini to have breast cancer being 19. A digital MRI breast scan is also recommended for younger women. Think Pink Bahrain was asked to purchase a digital MRI machine to assist the fight against breast cancer, and with the support of the local community is 80 per cent of the way there. Upon purchasing this equipment, it will be available for free for breast cancer patients.
GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
Sami Kooheji is Think Pink Bahrain’s 2010/2011 goodwill ambassador. Using his position and influence as a professional Bahraini athlete Sami helps spread the message of awareness and early detection through the world’s sports arena.
Tel +973 17351450 www.thinkpinkbahrain.com
The survival rate of breast cancer can be up to 98% if detected early. Monthly breast self-examinations can save your life. A touch is all it takes.
LET’S SHARE THE LIGHT.
www.thinkpinkbahrain.com www.facebook.com/ThinkPinkBahrain
CHAPTER 10
Banking, Finance & Investment
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Banking, Finance & Investment
Overview
B
ahrain was always a central trade link between the east and the west. Since 1932 its significance increased due to the discovery of oil and Bahrain’s close proximity to other major oil producers. Since the 1970s, Bahrain was able to attract another big role to the region‌as its financial hub. Two significant circumstances helped cement Bahrain’s financial role. First was the ArabIsraeli conflict and the subsequent hike in oil prices in 1973, creating a large excess in disposable funds for oil-exporting countries,
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such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The surplus of funds generated a need for utilization of these in the local economies. Second was the Lebanese civil war, which broke out in 1975. An Arab financial centre itself, Lebanon suffered from internal struggle that put an end to its status and moved the focus to Bahrain. The island subsequently created the right environment to build a longstanding financial service hub not only for the region but also for the global economy. With the continued rise of oil trade to the global
market, Bahrain consequently grew to fulfil this purpose even further. Bahrain established itself as an offshore centre for the regional and global financial service institutions and as of December 2011 documented more than 300 institutions actively operating from its shores. As the global financial role of Bahrain grew there was a need to create a solid authority. In 1973, the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) was created to oversee the industry through the implementation of a prudent
regulatory environment for which the banks and insurance companies could operate in. A few of these regulations rolled out by the BMA included the Basel I and Basel II - issued by the Switzerland-based Bank of International Settlements (BIS), an intergovernmental organisation of Central Banks. As of September 2006, BMA transformed itself to become the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and today provides the licences available for banks to operate in Bahrain. These licences consist of, fully commercial Banking Licences, offshore banking unit and Investment Banking Licenses.
Since gaining independence in 1971, Bahrain has come a long way in placing itself as a global financial centre, attracting investments to the $1 trillion economies of the GCC. So what lies ahead? The GCC is becoming a destination not to be disregarded for its pivotal role in international trade and finance. With the emergence of other regional centres competing for the international capital markets, Bahrain positions itself with a competitive edge towards that end with Islamic banking. Islamic banking has come out of the region’s spectrum to be considered a global financing option for countries and institutions alike. Nurturing the new banking
area will definitely add value to Bahrain and to the region as a whole. Today, the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has laid enormous pressure on the global economy, and increased the importance of concrete regulatory frameworks on the ground, including the most recent implementation of Basel III. Towards this goal, Bahrain continues to develop its existing partnerships with the global financial landscape, and at the same time creates new ones to maintain the same high standards of corporate governance, and improve the legal framework for the sustainability of the financial system and the county as a whole.
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Banking, Finance & Investment
Leading banking in Bahrain The Central Bank of Bahrain is internationally recognised as the most successful monetary authority in the Arab world in terms of regulation, innovation, non-discriminatory treatment, licence management, and operational efficiency, whose regulations has created a business friendly environment to international standards. In interview with Khalid Hamad A. Rahman, Executive Director - Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Bahrain
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The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has a solid international reputation based on high standards of transparency and solid governance. In what specific ways has the CBB successfully positioned Bahrain as a leading banking hub in the region?
Khalid Hamad A. Rahman
Bahrain has almost 40 years track-record as a financial centre and the foundation of our success has been a tradition of sound and transparent regulation. Financial firms value operating in an environment where the rules are clear and they know that they will be consistently applied. We have also been an innovator in the development of new regulatory standards, especially for the Islamic financial sector.
How has Bahrain’s financial infrastructure effectively added value to the economy and global profile of the country? What measures are being implemented to cement this growth?
The financial sector in Bahrain now accounts for one quarter of our national output and employs over 14,000 people, of which two-thirds are Bahraini nationals. Many of the firms located in Bahrain use it as a hub from which to serve clients located in the wider Middle East North Africa region. We are also internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading centres for Islamic finance. This position is founded on our track-record as a regulatory agency and in future we will aim to ensure that we continue to uphold the same high standards of regulation as we have done in the past.
How is the CBB dealing with the recent global economic crisis and in what ways has it been affected, if any?
The Government of Bahrain has sought to limit the impact of the global economic downturn by engaging in a programme of counter-cyclical public spending that is intended to upgrade Bahrain’s infrastructure for the future. This policy recently won praise from the IMF. The Central Bank’s role has been to support the Government’s programme, which we do through organizing regular auctions of government bonds and by keeping interest rates at a low level that is consistent with maintaining the peg to the US dollar. These measures have been successful in moderating the impact of the global downturn on Bahrain’s domestic economy. I should also add that during the financial crisis itself we did not consider it necessary to take some of the measures, such as blanket guarantees and recapitalization of banks, adopted elsewhere in the world.
What measures is CBB taking to protect the economy from future financial/banking vicissitudes? The first and most important measure is to continue to apply high standards of supervision and regulation as we have always done. Banks in Bahrain have avoided the worst of the global financial crisis because they entered it with strong capital and liquidity buffers. In the longer term, we are looking at various socalled “macro prudential” measures as a way of moderating the credit cycle and guarding against asset price bubbles. However, our thinking on this topic is still in its early stages, so it would be premature to discuss it in detail now. 151
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Banking, Finance & Investment What is the CBB doing to regulate banking liquidity requirements and to accurately assess banks’ current positions in this regard?
We monitor banks’ liquidity through a variety of measures, including a mismatch ratio and the loans-to-deposit ratio. We increased the intensity of our monitoring at the height of the financial crisis, when we were requiring weekly, and in some cases daily reports, from banks. We recently consulted on proposals to strengthen our regime of liquidity supervision, and are studying the relevant recommendations of the Basel Committee in Basel III.
What checks and balances has CBB put in place to deal with the most recent phenomenon of ‘Zombie Banks’?
It is a CBB requirement that all banks should maintain adequate capital, liquidity, and systems of control on an on-going basis. If banks fail to do so we will require various remedial measures to be taken, and in the last resort will put a bank into administration.
What are the implications of Basel III on Bahrain’s local banks?
Basel III has only recently been finalized and we are still studying the detail of the document. Our initial assessment is that our banks will be able to comply with Basel III, although for some measures a transitional period may be required as the Basel Committee itself recognizes.
What part is the CBB playing in assisting the Government to increase Bahrain’s competitiveness both regionally and internationally? Our role as a regulator is first of all to maintain high standards of supervision and regulation. Regulation should not be seen as a tool of competition if this means that standards are diluted in an attempt to attract firms. We have seen the consequences of “light touch” regulation elsewhere in the world and firms in any case gain significant benefits by being located in a jurisdiction that is regarded as well-regulated. Of course, the CBB works closely with the Economic Development Board to examine ways to enhance Bahrain’s competitiveness as a financial centre. These discussions cover a wide range of issues that go far beyond financial or regulatory matters. 152
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What is the position of the CBB regarding a possible monetary union of GCC national currencies? What are the perceived benefits/disadvantages to further GCC coordination for CBB?
The monetary union project remains an essential plank in the deeper integration of the economies of the GCC. This makes sense if we are to realise the full benefits of a regional economy which now amounts to over US$1 trillion. However, there are many detailed technical issues to be resolved before the monetary union can become a reality. It is important that we get the technical preparations right rather than trying to rush such an important project.
How can banks in Bahrain improve on their innovative product and services offerings? What suggestions does the CBB give if any to encouraging leadership in banking innovation?
Product innovation is primarily a matter for the private sector rather than for the regulator. In a competitive market banks should have sufficient incentives to develop new products to serve the needs of their customers, to offer existing products at lower cost, and to improve the quality of their service. As a regulator our prime concern is to make sure that the process of innovation does not threaten the stability of the financial system or result in products that are against the interests of consumers.
How does CBB regulate ethical practice in Bahrain banks? Is there a formalised process of checks and balances?
Banks are subject to detailed rules on business and market conduct. If we become aware of unethical behaviour it obviously could have implications for whether a firm meets our supervisory standards. For example, unethical behaviour by the senior management may lead us to question whether they are “fit and proper” for the position they occupy. Ensuring high standards of ethical behaviour should be in the commercial interest of the firm, and thus the lead on these issues needs to be set by the bank’s Board of Directors. For Sharia-compliant firms, the Sharia Board also obviously serves as an important source of moral guidance.
Tel +973 17547357 www.cbb.gov.bh
The first and most important measure is to continue to apply high standards of supervision and regulation as we have always done. Banks in Bahrain have avoided the worst of the global financial crisis because they entered it with strong capital and liquidity buffers. In the longer term, we are looking at various so-called “macro prudential� measures as a way of moderating the credit cycle and guarding against asset price bubbles.
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CHAPTER 11
Construction & Design
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Construction & Design
Overview “A successful society is characterized by a rising living standard for its population, increasing investment in factories and basic infrastructure, and the generation of additional surplus, which is invested in generating new discoveries in science and technology.� -Robert Trout
The Bahrain World Trade Center was the first progressive commercial design construction of its kind ever implemented globally.
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All developers must seek municipality approvals before constructing any project, in Bahrain. Projects submitted undergo municipality inspection for meeting regulations in safety and building standards.
I
n accordance to Bahrain’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy, Bahrain’s construction industry had been a focal point for investment prior to the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008. In order to stimulate growth on a multinational level, Bahrain was vigorously developing its infrastructure segment, with efforts, that at the time resulted in more tourism from the region and gained awareness for Bahrain on a global podium. The Bahrain World Trade Center (WTC) project, implemented in 2004 and opened for business in 2008, set Bahrain’s benchmark in pioneering design and construction on a global level, utilizing three wind turbines to generate electricity to its twin office high-rise. Located in the country’s capital Manama the centre was designed by multinational firm, Atkins, to simulate the striking silhouette of two sails, referencing Bahrain’s Maritime traditions, whilst at the same time implementing sustainable features that would encourage further developments
in the use of ‘Green Technology’. At the time prior to the economic meltdown in 2008, construction projects in Bahrain were mainly targeting the industrial and financial segments of the market, with the aim to increase industrial parks available for internal manufacturing, increasing foreign investment and expertise residing and/or transiting locally and with the moral aim to increase the number of jobs available to Bahraini citizens and its growing youth population, which today constitutes 55 per cent of the population under the age of twenty-five. Unfortunately, with the onset of the global recession in 2008, Bahrain’s infrastructure development took a major hit resulting in an inevitable liquidity crisis, with decreased foreign investment and the cancellation or postponement of many construction projects. One project initiated at the time, with no re-set completion date yet known, is the Bahraini-Qatari Bridge that would serve to link further ties between GCC states, encouraging further market and economic growth. Another notable project,
inevitably postponed, is the Kuwait Finance House (KFH) venture with partners UNIDO and with collaboration agreements between leading technology parks, including the world famous Sofia Antipolis Technology Park, in France and the Middle East University Park, in Turkey. A first of its kind in the region, Bahrain’s planned technology park, was aimed to encourage innovation jointly with capital provision, resulting in more opportunity to develop local expertise and entrepreneurship, for economic growth throughout the region. Fast forward to 2010, the industrial construction market in Bahrain constituted the smallest portion of the construction industry, with moderate growth driven only by the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bahrain and the USA and other such countries. Instead the Government re-emphasized spends primarily within its Residential Construction Program, to provide affordable housing for its own growing population. Educational, research and health care facilities also began to crop up through
government spending, including The King Hamad University Hospital. Face-lifts and ongoing construction visible in the commercial market segment have been continuously on-going albeit on the backburner. Notably the mixed-use development, Bahrain Bay and the man-made residential complex, Reef Islands, weathered the storm well, actively initiating the completion of projects with minimal or otherwise unavoidable delays. As of 2012, Bahrain continues to make progress, with the Government actively providing more affordable housing, expecting to provide 23,000 new units by 2016. At the same time, developers are featuring new premium residential and commercial developments that cater to the Real Estate and expected tourism segment of Bahrain. Overall there is still an underlining encouragement to replenish sales as investors re-gain trust and overall global liquidity strengthens. 157
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Construction & Design
Building a Nation Interview with Stefanos G. Zachariades, Managing Director G. P. Zachariades (Overseas) Ltd., Civil Engineering & Building Contactors
Twin Buildings in Diplomatic Area
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In what specific ways has GPZ successfully contributed and continues to contribute to Bahrain, positioning it uniquely within the region?
During the 70s, when Bahrain and other Gulf states enjoyed a boom in their respective construction industries and when the quality standard of many projects completed at the time was in many instances not on global standards, we believe that GPZ helped to upgrade building standards by introducing high quality workmanship and professional management of construction projects not yet prevailing in the industry. During recent times, when many luxurious developments have been built all around the Gulf, including numerous mega-projects, where higher budgets have been allocated, we are of the opinion that Bahrain still stands out compared to other countries in the region, not in terms of number or size of projects, but in terms of the overall quality standard of many of its prominent buildings and infrastructure works. GPZ feels proud to have had the opportunity to execute and successfully complete a number of such prestigious projects in Bahrain, implementing high standards of workmanship and building durability through professional management and attention to detail. Examples of such projects include, five-star hotels, government buildings, bank headquarters and financial institutions, hospitals, universities and schools, shopping complexes, commercial and office buildings, residential developments, as well as electricity, water treatment, industrial and infrastructure projects. GPZ would not have been able to establish such a track record and make this contribution to the Kingdom without the full trust of its highly esteemed Clients, the good professional collaboration with third parties (consultants, suppliers and subcontractors) and the continuous support of major local and international banks established in Bahrain.
Can you provide examples of projects that GPZ has undertaken in order to encourage health, education and tourism in Bahrain?
GPZ has the in-house capability to undertake different types of civil engineering and building projects. As a matter of policy, GPZ has focused and continues to do so, on undertaking a number of community projects related to Health and Education. GPZ has vast experience and expertise in the construction of hospitals and clinics, such as the BDF Military Hospital and Bahrain Specialist Hospital. The company also has a significant track record in the construction of schools and universities, such as the Medical University of Bahrain for the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Al Jawhara Centre and the Royal University for Women.
Twin Buildings in Seef Area
Concerning the tourism sector, which is vital for the Bahrain economy, our company has acquired a unique specialisation in the construction and complete refurbishment of five-star hotels, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa and the Movenpick Hotel. GPZ has also recently completed the extensive refurbishment of the Regency InterContinental Hotel, including all internal areas, electrical and plumbing installations, leisure and business facilities and a facelift to the façade, offering a modern appearance to the landmark hotel. Whether a beach resort with beautiful landscaping, or a hotel conveniently located next to Bahrain International Airport or in the heart of Manama, all of the above hotels have the highest level of design, construction and services to encourage leisure or business travelers to visit Bahrain.
What innovative facilities or environmental benchmarks are being adopted by GPZ to reflect high service standards and meet growing consumer demands?
In order to meet the growing demands of the construction industry, GPZ has implemented an Integrated Management System (IMS) meeting the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management, ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management and OHSAS 18001:2007 for Occupational Health and Safety Management. Through this system, GPZ extends its focus beyond quality management, encompassing other essential aspects such as prevention of injury and ill health, handling/disposal of hazardous materials, minimization of harmful emissions, waste reduction and energy conservation.
GPZ is a key part of the overall community development of Bahrain as an island and there are a number of other civil engineering and building contractor companies throughout Bahrain such as Nass Group and Akar Contracting Company. What are the unique characteristics of GPZ with relation to these other companies? The company’s history extends over 60 years of successful operation (with over 35 years operation in Bahrain) since the founder of the company George P. Zachariades began his contracting operations in Cyprus in the 50s. Years later, the ownership of the company still remains with our family, while other similar companies with such a long history have either been merged with other companies or raised funds through the stock market.
Bahrain National Holding Headquarters
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Construction & Design Movenpick Hotel
Three generations of family members have been involved in the running of the company, starting from the founder George P. Zachariades, current top management Stefanos G. Zachariades (Managing Director) and Kostis Pallikaropoulos (Director) as well as many representatives of the 3rd generation, namely George S. Zachariades (Director), Eleana Zachariades (Senior Administrator), Stelios Lampaditis (Interior Design Manager) and Michael S. Zachariades (Construction Engineer). Working closely together ensures that the values and dedication towards the successful continuity and future of the company are adopted thoroughly by each consecutive generation. In the construction industry there are a number of specialisations, such as Civil and Infrastructure works, Buildings and Housing, Mechanical-Electrical-Plumbing (MEP) Works, Interior Decoration Works and others. It is quite common in the industry that most construction companies specialise in one or two fields of construction activity, whereas our company has specialised in Civil and Infrastructure works, Buildings and Housing and MEP works for about 60 years. Our company has also specialised in Interior Decoration, including design & build, fit-out and complete refurbishment works, for about 30 years. This broad range of specialisations has given us the ability to offer all rounded services to our Clients. One of the main competitive advantages that the company possesses is the vast degree of vertical integration. As part of our Manufacturing and Logistics (M&L) facilities, GPZ effectively operates five factories including structural steel, aluminum, reinforcement, woodworks/joinery and sheet metal/duct fabrication as well as several supporting workshops including marble, gypsum, shuttering and scaffolding. Additionally, GPZ operates a thorough logistics department with up-to-date systems for inventory control, material, plant and resource distribution, as well as maintenance. These vertically integrated functions facilitate our product delivery mechanisms and enhance our ability to exercise control on quality and time in the execution of complex projects.
Describe your corporate vision/ethos?
As one of the market leaders, GPZ aims to set new benchmarks for the construction industry. By systematically reviewing and improving work methods, practices and procedures, GPZ aims at being the definitive organisation able to deliver on the promise of exceptional quality and timely delivery. Our corporate strategy is formulated around customer satisfaction and to this end, our main objective is to identify the needs and expectations of our Clients and consistently strive to exceed them. In order to fulfill our corporate vision, GPZ is dedicated 160
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to the development of a proactive corporate culture that can attract, encourage and reward individuals best able to realize potential and deliver superior performance.
What is GPZ’s strategy towards its customers?
GPZ continuously strives to develop in every aspect of its business to deliver exceptional quality, operational efficiency, reliability and local expertise to ensure the highest levels of Client satisfaction. It is our policy to liaise with our esteemed Clients in a spirit of partnering in order to offer them practical solutions at the highest quality and at competitive prices. We follow a teamwork approach with the appointed architects and engineers by participating in the design development stage and providing value engineering, technically innovative solutions and state of the art proposals throughout the project, always endeavoring to provide the best product and service to the Client.
What is GPZ’s Human Resources policy?
GPZ’s strategic directions are implemented based on the belief that our people are our most valuable asset and are the key factors contributing to our organisation’s history of success. We have a broad international and multicultural base for our managerial and engineering staff, comprising mainly of Bahrainis, British, Cypriots, Egyptians, Filipinos, Greeks, Indians and Pakistanis among others, creating a pool of information and experience from around the globe. Our reputation for quality is attributed to our focus on hiring the best people available in the market, retaining them and most importantly training them to embrace the GPZ philosophy through workshops and knowledge transfer sessions where the in-house expertise of our most tenured staff is shared. Our focus currently is to secure GPZ’s talent pool for the next decade of the Company’s operations and beyond. We believe that nothing can beat experience and this is reflected in the high number of long-serving GPZ staff which have been with the company for more than 20 or 30 years in many cases. As such our younger staff at all levels are being challenged to become the next generation of GPZ leaders through opportunities for work across functions, and for those with strong potential, earlier leadership positions are allocated under the guidance of our most senior managers.
Tel +973 17598800 info@gpzgroup.com www.gpzgroup.com
Arab Bank PLC
Regency InterContinental Hotel
Al Ezzel Power Plant, Civil Works
Hidd Power Station Desalination Plant, Civil Works
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Bushido Restaurant
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Bahrain Specialist Hospital
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“Our investment in the infrastructure and expansion is heavily based on the increasing demand and projections from our customers and our belief that we all grow and succeed together.� Gordon Dewar, CEO Bahrain Airport Company
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Bahrain International Airport
Transport & Logistics
Overview “All human beings prefer meaningful work as opposed to meaningless work” – Abraham Maslow, 1962
Image by Yusuf Maklai
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ver since its independence from the British Empire in 1971, Bahrain longed for connecting its borders with its neighbouring countries that shared the same history and heritage. The need to connect Bahrain to the Arabian Gulf was later reaffirmed with the creation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1981, with concurrent work towards monetary, logistical and political cooperation for
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solidifying the shared cultures and histories between Bahrain and other GCC nations. Soon after gaining independence from Britain, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication was established in 1971 not only to serve the needs of the local economy, but also to connect Bahrain to the world and set the infrastructure for a stable, attractive economy. Connecting
Bahrain to other economies was established through the following routes:
Post
Bahrain was the first Middle Eastern country to introduce the Postal Services in 1884, in Manama, creating a milestone for the country and for the region. Postal services were the fastest way to communicate with friends, family and businesses from
and to Bahrain. The Bahrain Post today is working in parallel to the country’s expansion in population and service needs. Plans are already underway to increase the services provided by Bahrain Post to include further automation of the postal services, as well as to continue to transform the postal offices to service centres for meeting the growing demands of the public and private sectors.
Bahrain International Airshow 2012, image by Yusuf Maklai, macklaiy@gmail.com
Air
Ever since the evolution of airline operations in the world, and in the region in the 1930s, Bahrain saw the opportunity to grow with the newly developed means of travelling. Twenty years later the first airplane touched down on Bahrain soil, Bahrain International Airport became an important refueling stop for many transatlantic flights. In the early fifties, a British pilot and entrepreneur named Freddie Bosworth began an air taxi service within the region and registered it under the name Gulf Aviation. This was the birth of the international flight carrier Gulf Air, which was jointly purchased from Bosworth by the governments of four rising stars of the region, namely Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Oman and the Qatar. Today the Kingdom of Bahrain is the sole owner of Gulf Air, with destinations such as London, Paris, Dubai, and Mumbai making up just four out of its 40
destinations worldwide. In 2008 Bahrain Air as the second flag carrier for the Kingdom, started operations initially as a low cost airline that developed to a full service operation soon after. As a result of significant growth in airport operations and increased regional competition, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) initiated by Mumtalakat was officially given the task to manage Bahrain International Airport’s logistic, retail and control operations. The ongoing main task for Bahrain Airport Company is to raise the operating standards of Bahrain International Airport to a globally competitive entity, able to generate profits and become a self-sufficient institution, which is expected to take place by the end of 2014.
Sea
As an island, the sea border of Bahrain was naturally an area for growth. Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) was formed
in 1974 as the first shipyard in the Middle East and ‘the best’ according to ‘Lloyds List Middle East & Indian Subcontinent Shipyard of the Year Award,’ for 2011. ASRY provides repair services for the vessels coming in and going out of the Arabian Gulf. ASRY never had humble beginnings; it started as an investment of $340 million in 1974 and soon afterwards moved on to accept the biggest tanker in the world in 1979, called the Petronas, and the list goes on visible by the achievements that the company has made throughout its short history. ASRY plays a big role in the Bahraini economy; it is today one of the leading companies in the country, generating jobs for the local population as well as providing a significant proportion to the growth in Bahrain’s economy via its continually rising profits.
Land
The road network for Bahrain has seen a significant increase throughout the last decade. The reason being is the growth in population and the setting up of new cities such as Durrat Al Bahrain and Bahrain Bay, but the most crucial factor driving the expansion in the road network is the growth in tourism coming through the King Fahd Causeway, connecting Bahrain to mainland Saudi Arabia. The causeway was commissioned to start building in 1981 to strengthen the ties between the two countries; it was completed and opened to the public in 1986. The Causeway serves an annual traffic of 12 million passengers crossing back and forth between the two countries as stated by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), as of 2011.
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Connecting Bahrain and the world “The plans we are initiating for an expanded international airport are essential to Bahrain’s continued development, not only in providing businesses in Bahrain with the access they need for the future, but also in bolstering the aviation and logistics industry in the Kingdom. The extension will also provide passengers with an improved experience, a better operational environment and increase the opportunities for BAC to generate revenue to reinvest in the airport.” – Gordon Dewar, CEO, Bahrain Airport Company
In what specific ways is the Bahrain Airport Company successfully contributing to positioning Bahrain uniquely within the region?
The Middle East in general is crucial to global commerce and we believe that Bahrain offers the best platform from which to reach this multi-billion dollar market. Bahrain’s pivotal position in the geographical centre of the Gulf made it centuries ago a logical choice for sea trade which later developed into the first airport in the region. Catering initially to flying boats from Europe and further afield, the airport offered a friendly hub and convenient transit point for 166
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passengers and cargo destined for the Northern Gulf as well as the huge markets of Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC. Today, Bahrain International Airport is building on this proud heritage by facilitating passenger and cargo operators offering a modern, user friendly and convenient destination with excellent road and sea links to the region. The Kingdom’s MICE facilities are unique, with a range of cost-effective conference and award-winning exhibition facilities on offer, simple visa application systems, a range of cultural and entertainment facilities and the best communication services in the region – all features that strongly differentiate us from others.
Can you provide examples of the new projects that the Bahrain Airport Company has signed in order to facilitate trade and tourism? When are the proposed completion dates for these projects? We are building an extension to the airport that will take the airport capacity from 9 million passengers to 13.5 million passengers per year. We are adding more facilities and improving the quality of the facilities already in place for every aspect of the airport. Customers will see more checkin desks, more gates, better security facilities, bigger retail opportunities and better restaurants. The expanded airport will increase the Airport footprint by an additional 40,000m², including more than 3,000m² of new retail facilities. It will also create 4 to 5 additional contact gates and 9 remote gates as well as an enlarged transfer facility amongst several other capacity improvements and value added facilities. This project starts in 2012 and will conclude in end of 2014. However there are many projects in place. We have about 130 ongoing initiatives at the moment improving different aspects of the airport. We are bringing about 17 additional aircraft parking stands and are also in the process of developing new commercial partnerships in the airport with retailers and providers. Furthermore, we are talking to new airlines that intend to expand their reach in the region, an example of that is the latest addition to BIA is Felix Airways, which operated its inaugural flight on 28th of FEB 2012. We are also proud that the latest 747-800 Freighter from British Airways is on a weekly route to Bahrain.
What innovative facilities or environmental benchmarks are included to these new projects that reflect high service standards and meet growing consumer demands?
Like other developing nations, the Kingdom of Bahrain is in the early stages of implementing sustainable practices, and is actively seeking ways and means of protecting the environment. We are evaluating a number of ‘green’ initiatives including recycling of paper, plastics and aluminum, which accounts for the bulk of disposable items from flights. By 2015, we will also be connected to the new sewerage treatment plant under construction
Gordon Dewar, CEO, Bahrain Airport Company
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Get regular updates from BAC on
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@BahrainAirport
in the Governorate of Muharraq, and this will allow us to receive a considerable amount of recovered water to use in our landscaped areas as well as others. Additionally, our new terminal building and other facilities will use the latest in insulation and heat- retardant construction techniques, enabling us to make considerable energy savings. As a company, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and working towards energy efficiency, and this process is already under way.
The airport is a key part of the overall development of Bahrain as an island and there are a number of companies such as Bahrain Duty Free or Bahrain Airport Service (BAS) that operate around the airport. What is the relationship between BAC and them?
We are all part of the Bahrain International Airport family and work towards shared goals and desired achievements. The airport partners are many, and we in Bahrain Airport Company play a central part in developing our partnerships both operationally and commercially as we work together to jointly grow the business of the airport.
What is BAC´s strategy towards its customers?
We are very much focused on our customers and our strategy is closely tied up with our customer’s developments as well as optimizing their business through consistent communications. Our investment in the infrastructure and expansion is heavily based on the increasing demand and projections from our customers and our belief that we all grow and succeed together.
www.bahrainairport.com
Our Purpose •
To connect Bahrain with the rest of the world
Our Vision •
To be the best airport for Bahrain by being professional, friendly, profitable and future-ready
Our Goals
• To hold the highest professional Standards • To develop a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally friendly airport • To achieve sustainable profitability • To grow our commercial services • To optimize our revenue • To improve our efficiency • To develop current and future assets • To optimize existing facilities for short-term growth • To plan for major developments for long-term growth
Our Ethos • • • • • • •
Environmental Responsibility We will reduce our environmental impact We will work towards being an energy efficient airport Investing in our human capital We will implement policies that actively engage employees and improve job satisfaction We will enable our people to enhance their leadership skills We will facilitate employee careers by offering educational opportunities 169 Best of Bahrain
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Bahrain on time
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1950's
The postal service in Bahrain, first established in the GCC under the title ‘Postal Directorate.
1979
The Postal Directorate created its first relationship with the Ministry of Interior for renewal of car licences with a vision of becoming a ‘one-stop-shop’ and towards this aim was renamed ‘Bahrain Post’ in 2007.
1982
Bahrain developes a comprehensive nation-wide road networking and block numbering system that facilitates delivery of express mail to every Bahraini household.
1986
Bahrain’s excellent road networks including the Saudi Causeway opened in 1986, expanding on postal networks between Gulf states.
2010
The Ministry of Transportation along with the Civic Bureau become ISO certified.
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HH Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa stamp, issued 15th February 1953.
ahrain has always been a pioneer and leader in postal services for the region and, as an island, has always had a natural strategy for its own trade infrastructure. Consequently, Bahrain’s Postal Service was first established in the GCC in the early 1950s under the title ‘Postal Directorate.’ It was encouraged at the onset by the early establishment of Gulf Aviation (today known as Bahrain’s national carrier - Gulf Air and official distributor of Bahrain’s Post throughout its GCC network), the steady growth of Bahrain International Airport and by the establishment of Bahrain’s excellent road networks including the Saudi Causeway opened in 1986. As early as 1982, with its unique positioning as a small and manageable geographic territory and with the assistance of the Central Informatics Organization (CIO) then known as the Central Statistics Organization (CSO), Bahrain developed a comprehensive nation-wide road networking and block numbering system that facilitated delivery of express mail to every Bahraini household. Until today, in order that each household is recognized
for receipt of express mail it carries with it a house number, road name and/or number, block number, town and city name. On the corporate side, facilitated by a small geographic territory, each business district was in close proximity to airport sorting hubs and centralized delivery locations that allowed for the establishment of central PO Boxes, still in use throughout Bahrain today. In 1979, the Postal Directorate created its first relationship with the Ministry of Interior for renewal of car licences with a vision of becoming a ‘one-stop-shop’ and towards this aim was renamed in 2007 as ‘Bahrain Post’. In 2010, the Ministry of Transportation along with the Civic Bureau became ISO certified. The roadmap for growth as a customerfacing outlet or boutique shop continues today in on-going dialogue with Bahrain’s ministries to narrow the gap between the customer and government services. Today Bahrain Post performs over-the-counter services for GOSI, The Ministry of Electricity and Ministry of Commerce amongst others. These services include, renewal of driving licences, car registration, GOSI staff salary payments, electricity bill payments and 171
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Transport & Logistics A Bahrain Post outlet located at Bahrain Financial Harbour. Open Saturday to Thursday from 7am to 2pm.
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Commemorative 25th Anniversary, Gulf Cooperation Council stamp, issued 25th May 2006.
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other money transfers, etc. By 2013, Bahrain Post hopes to simplify car registration and insurance renewal times by transferring car inspection services (conducted currently by the Traffic Directorate) to multiple independent garages and dealers across Bahrain. Today negotiations with various Ministries are still underway to fully automate Bahrain Post’s over-the-counter services whereby the customer submits applications online with any physical deliverables handled through Bahrain Post’s back-end. Bahrain Post postal services have evolved considerably with the onset of the eGovernment Authority (www.bahrain.bh), which in its initial phases provided kiosks located at specified Bahrain Post outlets
to train customers on its use. Today fully-automated postal services include, the renewal and payment of mailboxes and the tracking of postal packages currently conducted using Express Mail Service (EMS). EMS track and trace facilities use handheld devices that monitor and register the delivery of mail with links to the centralized Universal Postal Union (UPU) – a specialised agency of the United Nations, charged with improving the global performance of mail services. Recently, with the support of the UPU, Bahrain Post has been implementing a new system called the RadioFrequency Identification (RFID), which will track the entire postal movement electronically. At any point of time an administrator can get the status of a particular mail
bag and the country it’s located in without any manual supervision. On a further note of expansion, Bahrain Post has a substantial network in place for the development of door-todoor over-the-counter services expanding to reach corporate headquarters and new satellite cities throughout the Kingdom should the demand arise. Currently underway, Bahrain Post will be initiating a centralized delivery location in Riffa Views, whereby residents will come to pick up their mail from the hub, this will serve as a prototype for other private satellite cities such as Amwaj Islands and Durrat Al Bahrain to follow on demand. Continuous expansion plans of Bahrain Post branches is also ongoing with a total count of 16 branches, as of 2012, located
across Bahrain’s neighbourhoods and shopping malls, provided with ample car parking spaces. In the region, Bahrain was the first to introduce drive-through branches with two currently existing in Sanad and on roundabout 17 in Hamad Town. His Excellency Kamal bin Ahmed has extended His thanks for the ongoing efforts of Bahrain Post to evolve its services. He stated that He will endeavor in His position to continue to improve and facilitate Bahrain Post’s development while increasing its communication and relations between the public and private sectors throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Tel 80001100 www.bahrain.bh
Signifying Bahrain’s immense economic importance due to its strategic positioning within the GCC and region is an original letter dated approximately 1884, posted to Bahrain through the British Royal Mail - today exhibited in The Postage Stamps Permanent Exhibition located at the Ministry of Transportation Building, Diplomatic Area, Kingdom of Bahrain. The Exhibition is open Saturday to Thursday from 7am - 2pm Tel +973 17523403.
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State-of-the-art marine services Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard Co. (ASRY)
In what specific ways is ASRY successfully positioning Bahrain as a leading centre for both trade and tourism within the GCC and Globally?
A state-of-the-art marine repair and fabrication complex is a vital part of positioning the Kingdom of Bahrain at the forefront of the global maritime industry. Supported by world-class maritime infrastructure, which includes a modern port (Khalifa Bin Salman Port - KBSP) and leveraged by Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ), the Kingdom is on track to becoming the premier transshipment hub for the Northern Gulf markets. 174
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Bahrain, through its port regulatory authority, General Organisation of Sea Ports, is taking several measures, including the further deepening of the Approach Channel to more comfortably receive and serve larger, new generation vessels. Bahrain is also a popular tourist destination in the region and is a major attraction for cruise ships. The maritime profile of the Kingdom will, therefore, be incomplete without the availability of speedy and cost-effective ship repair services to vessels calling Bahrain or elsewhere in the region and ASRY fulfills this vital requirement.
Can you provide examples of the new policies and procedures ASRY has introduced recently in order to further develop on the high service standards met with growing consumer demands?
By strengthening the management and technical expertise and capabilities, targeting naval repairs, and particularly diversifying into the offshore market, the yard has been catering to an expanded and highly specialised client base and thereby has proved resilient to the downward pressures being faced by the industry. With the celebration of the company’s 35th year of operations in December 2011, came the final phase of a large-scale expansion programme aimed at modernising the yard, expanding its capabilities, and fortifying its position as the yard of choice in the Arabian Gulf. A surge in annual revenues, combined with some global award accolades, is an evidence of the success of the yard’s $188m investment programme, which this year saw the Royal opening of a new 1.38km quay wall, and the establishment of the new ASRY Energy Division delivering bespoke power barges under a joint venture agreement with Centrax, the British power generation packaging specialists. The barge is designed to meet a broad range of power-generation requirements and provides
the flexibility to be positioned rapidly. This is a new specialised area that ASRY is entering into which reflects ASRY’s capabilities, professionalism and adaptability to changing market conditions. Apart from the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards mentioned earlier, the yard also won the Lloyd’s List Middle East & Indian Subcontinent Shipyard of the Year Award for 2011.
What is ASRY’s role in promoting and/or utilizing CLEAN ENERGY such as wind and solar energy in Bahrain and the region?
As the industrial capabilities of the yard broaden, so too does ASRY’s dedication to leading the way in environmental sustainability. Ongoing projects such as a new water desalination plant, a new sewage treatment plant and an expanded grit blasting plant form the cornerstones of our corporate responsibility endeavours and signal our intention to lead the way in clean industrial operations. The importance ASRY attaches to the welfare of the local community responsibility will be evident from the fact that it won the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards of the Lloyd’s List Global Awards for 2010 and the Seatrade Middle East & Indian Subcontinent Awards for 2010.
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Transport & Logistics His Excellency Sheikh Daij bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Chairman, ASRY
What partnerships with local, regional and/or global stakeholders have ASRY fostered recently, and why?
ASRY is committed to an integrated approach to improving Bahrain’s marine services, and as such have entered into co-operation agreements with local partners such as the General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP). ASRY also ensures that it complies with the highest international quality standards and best practices through global accreditation firms such as Det Norske Veritas and adherence to the latest ISO quality, environment, health and safety certifications, as well as coherence to the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code, which considers all the security aspects of ship repair, docking and other related services. We also have ongoing relationships with some of the largest fleets in the world through Fleet Service Agreements, which we are constantly updating to remain internationally competitive. Most recently, Maersk and Eitzen Chemical have joined the reputed list of firms that have entrusted ASRY with their assets on a long-term basis.
How do the nation’s various training programmes for developing the skilled human capital in Bahrain reflect upon your strategies for economic expansion? What training programmes are you affiliated with? What training programmes do you employ internally?
A strategic policy of investing in the nation’s workforce by ASRY has now reached a total spend of seven million US dollars in five years, with more planned, resulting in an extensive range of human resources benefits across the firm and the entire industrial sector. One of ASRY’s specific initiatives in this period of reinvestment is the commitment to Bahrainisation as directed by the Board of Directors under the chairmanship of His Excellency Sheikh Daij bin Salman Al-Khalifa, who has recently confirmed “ASRY is keen on attracting competencies in general and Bahraini competent employees in particular in the various business areas of ASRY”. Emphasizing that Bahraini competency is given priority and that Bahraini manpower is instrumental to the yard’s success, Sheikh Daij has also confirmed 176
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that productivity at ASRY has seen tangible improvements due to the in-house training imparted at ASRY’s Training Centre in conjunction with external training courses and participation in training courses conducted by reputed overseas training and development institutions specializing in shipbuilding and repair work. Bahrainisation at ASRY now stands at 45 per cent, which is especially impressive considering the largely industrial nature of ASRY’s labour and operations. This provides a leading platform to contribute to the national economy, especially by providing employment and training opportunities to Bahrainis. ASRY has also signed a partnership agreement with Tamkeen and with the National Institute of Industrial Training (NIIT) to train 50 Bahraini graduates of secondary technical schools at a cost of some US $3.8 million over the next three years.
How does OAPEC (Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries) still play an important role in the present and future growth of ASRY?
The Board of Directors of ASRY is comprised of representatives of the seven-shareholding OAPEC states (United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Iraq, State of Qatar, State of Kuwait and State of Libya) and benefits from their advice, participation and support, which provide strategic direction to the company. The yard also benefits enormously from the co-operation and support of the OAPEC as an organisation. The original mandate of the yard was to provide a repair hub for the Arabian Gulf, and over the past 35 years of the Board’s direction, it has established its status as that repair hub and is now surpassing it and evolving into a multiservice facility dedicated to optimising a host of marine assets across the Arabian Gulf. As mentioned earlier, the yard has also diversified into new and specialised areas such as naval and offshore repairs and energy sectors through which the company can become stronger and more resilient and can adapt itself to changing market conditions.
Tel +973 17671111 www.asry.net
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CHAPTER 13
Information & Communication Technology
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“The values of Zain Bahrain are reflected within its services and the company’s focus on the development of Bahrain’s youth and the Kingdom overall. Further, Zain Bahrain encourages the innovative aspect of Bahrain’s telecom market through its services, advertising and CSR.” Mohammed Zainalabedin, General Manager, Zain Bahrain
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Information & Communication Technology
Overview
Reader’s Tip: Pay your utility bills on www.bahrain.bh
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ahrain boasts being the best in the GCC for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure, affordability and overall skills according to the Global Information Technology Report for 2012. The report places Bahrain 27th in the world which is an improvement on 2011. The country falls under the transitional group, which contributes to the GCC being very comparable to advanced economies. This is in large due to the commitment from the
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Government, which is evidenced by the report ranking Government support and use of ICT in Bahrain at 4th in the world. In 2002, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) was established to protect the interests of the people by promoting fair competition. Where Batelco previously held a monopoly, today there are many players in the market including Zain, Menatelcom and VIVA. To further encourage fair trade, number portability was introduced
in 2011 where subscribers can move across providers while still maintaining their phone number. With a population of approximately 1.2 million people, in 2011 there was a staggering 1.7 million mobile subscribers according to the TRA. Approximately 75 per cent of households in Bahrain have Internet access with 45 per cent of them having speeds over 1 Mbps. The eGoverment Authority was established in 2007 with the goal of transforming the
provision of government services to the people of Bahrain. There are almost 200 services provided online through www.bahrain.bh including payment of traffic fines, vehicle registration renewal, utility bill payment and eVisa application for visitors. The eGovernment also hosts a forum every year where speakers from all over the world share their experiences regarding eGovernment technologies. Government departments pride themselves on being at the forefront of technology and are regularly testing out new technologies for suitability. Bahrain was one of the first countries in the GCC to introduce smartcards in 2005. The smartcard combines the Immigration ID card, driver’s licence and Central Population Registry (CPR) card into
one and can be used for health services, voting at elections and as a travel document within the GCC. The use of social media is prevalent in Bahrain and is accordingly ranked 21st in the world. Aside from personal use many business and government departments are also taking advantage of the benefits that social media offers. The Ministry of Interior uses twitter to give official updates on current events. This demonstrates the transparency of the Government and helps to dispel any false rumours because the information comes directly from the source. Currently, the construction of a world class TechnoPark is in progress. The Park is expected to host and attract science and technology companies to Bahrain. The
purpose of this project is to provide the infrastructure for the development of the technology sector and promote innovation in technology and scientific research. The Bahrain Government in collaboration with the private sector, political leaders and international bodies created a vision for Bahrain. ‘Vision 2030’ is a comprehensive economic vision providing clear direction for the continued development of Bahrain. With this initiative Bahrain is poised to reach even greater heights by enhancing the lives of the people of Bahrain and creating future prosperity.
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Bahrain gets talking Zain Bahrain is focused on competing with itself, continuously improving on its services and suite of products, to ensure that its offering is rich enough for its stakeholders to utilize effectively at the forefront of future developments of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Perfect for incoming travellers, Zain Bahrain has tapped technology to create a rich suite of Roaming Services, which allow visitors to instantly connect with family and friends around the world when they visit the Kingdom without any reduction in the quality or the number of services in the bouquet.
I
n 2003, when Zain Bahrain became the first telecommunications service provider to break the monopoly and herald the liberal era of the ICT sector in the Kingdom, its management made a promise to keep the Kingdom in the lead. Zain Bahrain believes it has kept this promise because it has used its operations in Bahrain to push the envelope with regard to interpreting new technology. Zain Bahrain has put the Kingdom on the global telecoms map with several firsts – the world’s first nation-wide 3G, first nationwide WiMAX and the region’s first LTE (Long-Term Evolution) upgrades which
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holds the promise for vastly improved voice, data and multimedia services. This means Zain customers are better placed to take advantage of and be a part of the exciting ICT developments in Bahrain which have seen the Kingdom emerge with a premier eGovernment infrastructure.
Zain Bahrain has always played a prominent role in projecting a positive image of the Kingdom.
In 2007, the Zain Group selected Bahrain as the place from which to globally
launch its new identity and brand. Zain Bahrain managed its brand launch event at Arad Fort, in 2007, beaming the event worldwide. The launch event showcased the history and heritage of Bahrain to visiting delegates and journalists and promoted Bahrain as an attractive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions) destination. As a follow on from its event, in 2008, Zain Bahrain sponsored the lighting of the Bahrain National Museum, helping authorities to invest in safe and sensitive illumination of the historic treasures and collections at the Museum.
Zain Bahrain supports innovation of Bahrain’s telecom market through sponsorship of youth activities that include new tech inputs for reaching out to fans. Since 2008, the company has sponsored the Bahrain Basketball Association, which made the Zain Basketball Championship tournaments a huge success, with fans cheering from all over the country.
Zain Bahrain offers a robust business sector service catalogue called BLife, which offers tailormade solutions for businesses.
Like all telecom service providers, Zain Bahrain does not specifically undertake projects for certain sectors of business only, however, it does have a robust business sector service catalogue called BLife which offers tailor-made solutions for businesses. To give an example, Zain Bahrain was the first to introduce VPN or Virtual Private Network for businesses so that teams can be linked by Zain and have an efficient and cost-effective communications network. Zain Bahrain offers excellent flexibility in the building of a dedicated service so that the user decides how to use his telecoms system – whether more data is the need or more talk time. This allows businesses – especially SMEs – to have access to cutting-edge telecoms technology at very affordable prices. Telecoms experts agree that the future of telecoms depends on creating exciting products and services with broadband technology. Broadband service powered by Internet is the buzzword in the telecommunications industry. Naturally, all telecoms companies are pushing their Internet technology and services to stay ahead of the rest. However Zain Bahrain took the initiative to harness the Internet in many different ways from the first. Powered by 3G and 3.5G, Zain Bahrain made it possible for people to move beyond voice services and into mobile data sharing. Then the company introduced WiMAX and now leads in wireless-
powered full-service provision in Bahrain. Zain Bahrain has given the country the best mobile connectivity tools with its WiMAX network with its e-Go and rich content. Again, with Zain Bahrain’s LTE upgrade, the benefits of speed, clarity of quality and low cost is now at customers’ fingertips more than ever before and Zain Bahrain plans to keep enhancing its Internet and broadband services to continue its positive impact on their lives. Zain Bahrain also has an annual programme of supporting conferences, exhibitions and seminars that promote ICT, e-security, e-governance and business.
Zain Bahrain is more driven by consumer demands than other telecoms service providers. Zain Bahrain’s customers are its partners
in development, leading the way when it comes to facilities and service improvements, which has led the telecom company to develop new services and products ahead of others. At the core of the company’s business is its promise to customers that it will interpret telecoms technology into a qualitative superlative for its customers so that they can live better, work better and enjoy life better. Zain Bahrain therefore invests its resources on dynamic product innovation and service upgrading so that customers get the best technology and the best service from the company. Zain Bahrain customers are also usually in the lead when it comes to having applications at their fingertips, which
As Zain Bahrain was the first to step into the newlyliberalised telecoms sector in Bahrain and has retained the first-mover advantage till today, the company navigates the technology wave with skill and has brought passion and focus to its customer service. Leading the way forward, Zain Bahrain has a pro-active CSR game plan which has truly contributed to society in core areas of nationbuilding through education, youth empowerment through sports, environmental care and support of people with special needs. These qualities resonate with the company’s corporate values of Radiance, Heart and Belonging and have helped Zain Bahrain to build a great brand that resonates with the community, making the company truly unique. enhance the quality of life, such as music
downloads, ringtones and ringback tones,
special services for Ramadan such as Dua’a and traditional songs. Also, Zain Bahrain’s success is in enhancing customers’ online experience with its Windows Live Service Provider and nationwide programme, our
nationwide WiMAX network etc. Zain Bahrain believes that attention given to implementing the latest telecoms technology supports the
Kingdom’s ICT vision and its excellent efforts
to put in place an accessible and transparent eGovernment service for its citizens.
Zain Bahrain sets an environmental benchmark for the telecom industry. Zain Bahrain invests in a successful and unique CSR initiative called the Zain National Mobile
Phone and e-Waste Recycling Campaign. Now in its second year, the campaign was the first
ever to offer the public an opportunity to safely dispose old and unusable mobile phones and
encouraged several hundred people to dispose e-waste in a responsible manner in designated boxes in the Zain stores network. In addition, the telecom provider promotes its e-invoice
programme under which customers can opt to receive invoices in the mail, thus saving many tons of paper annually. Zain Bahrain also has
an internal ‘Go Green’ initiative through which it focuses on reducing and recycling office paper.
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Information & Communication Technology
Our Vision & Ethos
Zain Bahrain has built its corporate persona around three core organisational values that remain constant irrespective of the different countries were Zain operates and the cultures and identities that it shares These values are: Radiance, Heart and Belonging: • Radiance is about leading the way with imagination and vision, bringing joy, colour, and richness to the business environment • Heart represents living lives with courage and resolve, engaging the spirit and touching emotions • Belonging means being part of the fellowship and community spirit that knows no territorial boundaries At Zain Bahrain, we all respect and practice these values that have been integral to our success to date. We have adopted them as our corporate ethos, which we share with our colleagues and customers, all of whom are, like Zain, progressive achievers and dedicated to realizing their goals. We also never lose sight of our role as a global citizen, building, supporting, providing for, working with, and strengthening communities in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Our Purpose
To establish Zain as a key stakeholder in the ICT sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We aim to achieve this by providing innovative mobile and data services to all our customers and exceeding our customers’ expectations, rewarding our employees, and improving the quality of life of the community.
Our Goal
To be the finest mobile telecommunications service provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain, bringing innovation, quality of coverage and services, and an exemplary customer service experience to all our customers, anytime, anywhere.
Investing Human Capital
At Zain Bahrain we are passionate about our business and our people. We have always believed in and supported the HR principle, that a company is best served by the community where it operates, and thus we have embraced Bahrainisation from the start and invested in training and mentoring Bahrainis to become part of the Zain family, bringing expertise, passion and innovation to their work. We also carry out developmental and training programmes for employees (where the company’s true wealth lies). These programmes generate a sense of belonging and a strong commitment within the administrative structure. Zain Bahrain is totally convinced that the more it enhances the skills and competencies of its human capital, the more successful it will become. We have extended such developmental programmes to university students, which are the foundation of tomorrow. Our Future University Network (F.U.N.) is a unique mentoring programme through which Bahraini undergraduates get hands-on, realtime work experience and guidance from Zain experts. This prepares them for the workplace in the future and for playing an active role in building the nation.
Zain was rewarded as Platinum Sponsor of the Bahrain International e-Governance Forum 2012. Soaring data use and the advent of smart phones have made Bahrain’s excellent eGovernment services more accessible to the public. Seen here is Corporate Communications Manager Samya Hussein 184 Best of Bahrain accepting the award from Bahrain’s Deputy Premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa.
Zain Bahrain has a carefully structured support programme that helps to build ICT awareness and push new technology through seminars, highly-visible promotions and innovative products and services.
Zain Bahrain has placed Bahrain on the world telecoms map with
bold technological breakthroughs and positioned the Kingdom as a leading ICT hub in the region with cutting-edge product and service interpretations.
Tel +973 36031000 www.zain.com ZainBahrain
Zain Bahrain was the first in the region to invest in an ambitious network Long Term Evolution (LTE) upgrade worth BD 25 million in 2009. The upgrade has enabled faster data downloads and enhanced customer experience.
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In interview with Mr. Srusti Ranjan, Founder of 4SPOTS
I
founded 4SPOTS in 2008 with my associate Rashmi Ramachandran. We decided to go interactive at a time when not many in the region believed in it. We are happy that we had taken some key decisions going forward and the fact that other offline agencies are setting up their interactive arm, is a silent acknowledgement to what we had visualised years before. What sets us apart from the others is our taste for high quality and uncompromising production. Our driving forces are our passion, our process and our dedication. It is difficult for any traditional agency to keep pace with today’s growth in web, mobile apps, social media and much more. Many sacrifice the quality and some make a smarter choice of partnering with specialised interactive agencies. Traditional agencies need specialised resources to visualise the requirement and to communicate with an interactive agency. Often the requirement of the client does not match the result, as some key deliverables tend to get lost in translation. So, it is important for a client or their offline agency to work closely with the interactive agency in order to achieve the success the client needs and deserves.
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At 4SPOTS, there is a conscious strategy to do the best work possible and to push the limits on what we can achieve. The various awards won by 4SPOTS are just by-products of the effort we put in. There are many sites we have developed that haven’t got the recognition we would have liked them to, but we still love those sites. Last year alone we have won 11 major awards including World Media Web Award and Interactive Media Award. While we are thankful to the community for the appreciation and recognition, we are not carried away. We know we have much more to offer. Our greatest satisfaction comes from projects that push our creative limit. We also love working with clients who are in sync with us. It helps when the client works with us for the project. The team takes every project personally and it becomes their identity. Besides, projects that bring great return on investments for our clients, are our favourite projects. It feels nice to see our project contributing to the company’s growth and we cherish that.
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Information & Communication Technology 4SPOTS is an interactive agency that specialises in digital strategy, website design and development, mobile application design and development, especially for iPhone and iPad, integrated campaigning for web, mobile and social media.
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4SPOTS PRODUCTS & SERVICES Mobile Applications 4SPOTS development into Mobile application services was accidental. In the last few years, 4SPOTS noticed that there was a constant rise in the visitors coming from mobile devices. Myself and my team felt that companies should also cater to these users and so presented the idea to one of our clients, namely Kuwait Finance House. Luckily for us, they agreed and we never looked back. Now we have developed dozens of mobile applications and there are many interesting ones in the pipeline. In the process, we have created a dedicated team to speed up the development.
Social Media 4SPOTS introduced Social Media into its list of offerings with Seef
Mall’s Facebook page, whilst in the process created the largest fan base ever by a Bahrain company in the first few months of involvement. Recently though we have many clients who have provided us with more creative freedom in executing campaign ideas. At 4SPOTS we are happy that most of the campaigns are bringing good return on investments for our clients. A Social Media project worth noticing was the launch of Nissan’s new car, the Juke, which became a huge talking point around the country. 4SPOTS took advantage of this by advertising online and creating an innovative campaign to work in line with it. The Juke car was launched at Bahrain City Centre and at the Nissan Showroom.
During the month users could go look at the car whilst having their photo taken in the driving seat. 4SPOTS created an app on facebook that displayed all these photos for users to like, and the winner to be the one with most likes for his/her photo at the end of month. The idea here was to create a viral campaign. The users who got their photos taken were then encouraged to let their friends know and to get them to like their photo within the app. The moment this was done, a story was posted onto the friend’s wall encouraging his friends to like the photo. This allowed Nissan Bahrain to access the 3rd and 4th level networks of fans. We could not have guessed how extremely successful this campaign would be. Thousands of people from all over the world liked the page in order to vote for their friends. In the end, the winner had over 5,050 likes for his one photo and he walked away with an iPad 2 and the Juke for a weekend. This was a mini campaign and all such campaigns combined over a period of 3 months boosted not only Nissan’s brand but also gave the company a chance to interact with customers, discuss specific models and their features as well as provide better customer service. Having such a large presence on Facebook undoubtedly gave Nissan an edge over other automotive competitors in the region, ensuring users always think of Nissan first. Not to forget user growth on the page. At the beginning of July, Nissan’s fan base was just 211 fans, by October the fan base was over 13,200. In the pipeline for 4SPOTS, is a big investment on HTML5, which will be the standard very soon, even though I feel a lack of awareness in the region. Augmented reality both in web and mobile apps are going to be the future. We are honing our skills to educate and spread awareness in the market – as we always do.
When asked to select between the company’s greatest projects, Mr. Ranjan explained, “It is hard to choose between sons when reflecting on our greatest projects. I love most of the projects we are involved with.” Here are a few: • Tejaraty.com: a portal to help Bahrain’s SME to go ecommerce. • Velloci.com: a growing online fashion store with great potential to become a leading online fashion store • Whatsup Bahrain: an event portal that keeps you updated with latest events and is now expanding to the GCC • Filoosy.com: a very user-friendly product comparator portal
Mr. Srusti Ranjan, Co-Founder, 4SPOTS Bahrain
Although 4SPOTS have been involved in developing many portals, many agencies in the region are not involved in developing them. According to Mr. Ranjan, “Portals tend not to provide financial gain for an agency, but developing portals gives tremendous satisfaction to the agency and•to the team that works on them.” portal.
Tel +973 36477687 info@4spots.com www.4spots.com 4spots 4spots 189
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CHAPTER 14
Energy, Manufacturing & Environmental Care
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“GPIC has proven beyond doubt that a responsible petrochemical industry can successfully co-exist with high profile environmental care. New developments and changes will come to the complex in the future but the company shall keep following its well established and time proven path of sustainable development to ensure achieving maximum benefit for the Kingdom of Bahrain, the people and the environment.� Mr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, President, GPIC
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GPIC Headquarters in Sitra, Bahrain
Energy, Manufacturing & Environmental Care
Overview Bahrain has always attracted attention for its riches in pearls and trade route between Asia and Europe. This attention has been significantly elevated with the discovery of Black Gold.
Image by Emelito l. Durano Jr., emildurano@gmail.com
O
il was first discovered in Bahrain in 1932, and has driven Bahrain’s growth and prosperity for the past century. The expedition, in Bahrain, paved the way for other countries to follow suite, namely Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The discovery of oil in Bahrain created revenue for the Government that helped ignite the development of the Bahraini social and economic infrastructure. The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO)
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is the wholly owned government entity responsible for the exploration, drilling, export and refining of oil in Bahrain. Established in 1929 as a joint venture with the Standard Oil Company of California (USA), The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) has grown to become a flagship among global oil industry leaders. It refines around 270,000 barrels of oil per day and its main exporting partners are the Far East Asia and Africa. BAPCO’s contribution to the
Bahraini economy surpasses numbers and figures; it has indeed become an economic shoulder to the Bahraini market by increasing oil revenues and increasing Bahraini employment. The energy industry in Bahrain does not stop at oil; the chemicals associated with the discovery of oil led to the creation of an adjacent industry of Petrochemicals. The Bahraini National Oil & Gas Authority, Saudi Basic Industries (SABIC) and the Petrochemical Industries Co. of
Kuwait (PIC) jointly founded the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co. (GPIC) in Bahrain, in 1979. GPIC originated as a response to the rising demand of fertilizers and chemicals created as a byproduct from oil and gas such as Ammonia, Urea and Methanol. These chemicals have become leading components in numerous industries. Today, GPIC is a successful model of GCC cooperation, leading partnerships and strengthening ties within the region. Gas was found with oil when
Image by Aathira Sreenivasan, aathira.s@live.com
BAPCO aims to expand its capacity of processing crude oil, from 270,000 barrels per day to 450,000 barrels per day.
it was first discovered in 1932. This natural resource, however, was being laid to waste due to the exploration process, until the late King, Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa initiated a project to utilize gas and founded Bahrain National Gas Company (Banagas) in 1979, aimed at benefiting from the extracted gas of existing oil fields and channeling it to be sold in the local and global markets. Banagas plays a key role in turning the gas extracted into marketable use,
and contributes to the local economy through profits and Bahraini employment. The company is 75 per cent owned by the Government of Bahrain with the remaining owned by Chevron, Bahrain and Kuwaitbased Boubyan Petrochemical Company (K.S.C.). Finally, The National Oil & Gas Authority (NOGA) is the Government authority to oversee the industry. NOGA has three main objectives: To maximize long-term financial returns of the sector (through
“Today the GCC countries export 28 per cent of the global oil needs, and have 59 per cent of global oil reserves.�
nogaholding) and to improve its contribution to the Bahraini economy; To enforce the laws and regulations related to oil and gas exploration, export and local economy consumption and; To create joint ventures and strategic co-ordination with other GCC oil and gas companies that enhance the business standards. NOGA has recently partnered with BAPCO and GPIC to explore alternative energy sources available to the Kingdom. Wind and
Solar Energy have gained significant attention due to the environmental hazards accompanying manufacture of conventional energy resources. NOGA is currently in the process to establish The Royal Charity Academy, paving the way for training the next generation of well-equipped industry employees.
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Energy, Manufacturing & Environmental Care
Energy with a difference “GPIC looks towards the future with confidence and fervour. The management strongly believes that their approach for a safe, reliable and profitable industry, while at the same time taking responsible care of the environment at all times, as well as pioneering corporate social responsibility strategies, is a practical and successful model that will ensure the establishment of a healthy and sustainable industry for generations to come.” -Mr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, President, GPIC
“While other plants shutdown unnecessarily, experiencing problems in quality control, GPIC emphasises high quality management and investment strategies for plant upgrades, allowing GPIC to always meet customer and market needs at premium prices.” - Mr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, President, GPIC
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GPIC has established a solid internal procurement procedure for all its critical spares and material needs. In recent years, GPIC has also initiated an e-procurement method for processing and follow up tasks including, request for quotation, vendor expedition, bid opening and comparison, placement of purchase orders and goods receipt notes. The e-procurement benefits to buyers include: • • • • •
Streamlining the external communication with vendors on the procurement process Improved and faster communication A common repository for all documents and communications related to a particular procurement Developments in the Bid Opening and Bid Evaluation processes A ‘paper-less’ work environment
GPIC is also currently working with Tamkeen and large companies in Bahrain to establish an e-marketplace that utilises e-commerce facilities, wherever possible.
G
ulf Petrochemicals Industries Company (GPIC) was established in 1979 as a joint venture between GCC member States as a manufacturer of fertilizers and petrochemicals, equally owned by Bahrain’s Government, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represented by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and the State of Kuwait represented by Petrochemical Industries Company, (PIC). Apart from the manufacture of Ammonia, Urea and Methanol, GPIC’s main focus for a safe, reliable and profitable industry is on updated business strategies, effective maintenance plans, and investment in modernisation of plants and equipment. In addition GPIC adopts robust inspection schedules in all areas, strengthened by Risk Based Inspection (RBI) studies. Mr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, President of GPIC explains, “We have been very pro-active in investing on replacement of equipment through our 10 year rolling plan. These plans have enabled us to replace equipment when 100 per cent inspection is not possible due to various constraints and based on its life span. By focusing on these areas we achieve a high degree of reliability and increase utilisation of resources. Further, our investment strategies in human resources training and development create a capable and talented manpower to complement our maintenance and modernisation strategies leading to OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE. This is also supported by GPIC’s adoption of the Responsible Care policy of RC14001, adherence to Corporate Social Responsibility Standard ISO 26000 and issuance of the company’s Sustainability Reports.”
In 2012 GPIC increased production as a result of installing a Carbon Dioxide Recovery Unit (CDRU), at a cost of US$ 50 million. The unit recycles 450 tonnes of Carbon-Dioxide per day and despite the fact that GPIC installed this unit as part of its environmental drive to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions, it is actually providing an IRR of over 22 per cent. The unit recovers the Carbon Dioxide from the flue gases and uses it to increase the production of Urea and Methanol by 80 and 120 metric tons respectively per day. From the onset of production in 1985, GPIC has increased its profitability year after year and paid generous dividends to its shareholders. Furthermore, out of the 475 employees, more than 95 per cent are Bahraini nationals who contribute directly to the national economy. Local contractors and suppliers are also given priority to supply and carry out services, thus further invigorating the local economy. As company policy, GPIC donates more than one million US Dollars annually to scientific research institutions, charities, cultural and sport activities. To complement this, GPIC shares its experience with other organisations and institutions to modernise education, training, safety and environmental systems at the national level, enhancing further its support to the economy. The company is well represented in national teams and committees, reviewing and developing safety, training, education and environmental legislation in the country. Mr. Jawahery says, “It is our policy to contribute and participate in local, regional and international related forums. The exposure enables us to build a contact network of professionals that
we can collaborate with and together make improvements to our industry, people and the countries in which we operate. This is a crucial element in business success especially for those who operate locally and compete internationally. We have built strategic partnerships with key industry leaders, educational institution, associations and NGOs, some of which are as follows: a mutually beneficial partnership with the Bahrain Polytechnic where we assist in developing relevant curricula related to our industry and coordinate and develop with them an in-house bridging programme for GPIC. The National Initiative for the Development of the Agricultural Sector promotes greenery in Bahrain and we help to create awareness of this in the community. We fully support His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s ‘Crown Prince International Scholarship Program (CPISP)’. We also fully support INJAZ Bahrain through annual sponsorship of at least 35 of our employees as volunteers to teach their educational programmes and assist the students with their assignments. Since inception GPIC has fully supported the Quality Assurance Authority for Education and Training (QAA), in particular the Vocational Review Unit (VRU). The VRU seeks to ensure that the quality of vocational training provisions is at a level required by employers and that they provide the range and level of skills required by our dynamic economy. GPIC provides vocational experts who support the VRU during their rigorous audits of vocational training establishments.” GPIC is very much involved with the National Safety Council, USA (NSC) and is committed
to promote and practice the NSC’s mission: To educate and influence people to prevent accidental injury and death. GPIC’s President is also the Lead Ambassador of the NSC’s Robert W. Campbell Safety Award Programme. As a founding member of the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association and the Responsible Care Committee, GPIC believes it has a duty to promote responsible care in the work place and in the community. GPIC’s belief in the teachings and culture of the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety & Health, UK (NEBOSH) was so strong that the company sponsored the translation of the courses and examinations into Arabic so they would be available to non-English speakers. Further, GPIC membership of the Bahrain-Japan Business and Friendship Society and the US-Bahrain Business Council is to promote bilateral trade and exchange visits and knowledge. GPIC organises many regional and international conferences for its sector in Bahrain inviting thousands of professionals from around the world to attend. While being here, guests are taken on visits to famous tourism locations. GPIC pays great attention to minute details and unrivalled hospitality, ensuring a memorable trip; the amount of positive feedback received from GPIC guests indicates a fervent desire to return to Bahrain.
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Energy, Manufacturing & Environmental care
Striving for collaboration
Mr. Jawahery comments on merits of GCC Monetary Union “The Gulf countries share several homogeneous aspects including the same language, culture and history. Additionally, the GCC countries face a similar set of economic challenges therefore the argument in favour of a stronger economic integration in the future cannot be ignored.� -Mr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, President, GPIC
For the last three decades a growing interest has been witnessed in monetary integration and currency unification. The successful move by the Europeans in 1999 has revitalised the efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to push along the awaited Gulf Monetary Union (GMU). As GPIC is a GCC joint venture company that has achieved great business success through the collaboration of people across three GCC States, we feel that there are many positives to be derived from the GMU. We encourage further partnership and cooperation between GCC States at a business level for the following reasons:
More bargaining power
A single currency will help GCC members widen their scope of collective bargaining power with other economic blocks. This will result in more access to the developed markets with more favourable terms.
More intra-trade
Given that all GCC countries have firm plans to diversify their revenues by developing their industrial sectors and the fact 196
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that trade is cheaper between countries that use the same currency, the GMU seems to present a brighter future for more intra-trade. A single currency will bring more synchronisation of business cycles across the Gulf and a unified monetary policy, further facilitating intra-trade.
Economies of scale and ease of comparison
As cross border barriers get dismantled the whole region will become one big market where trade will be enhanced and producers will likely gain economies of scale. Another benefit will be the ease of price comparison brought about by the single currency and in the absence of any form of monopolistic practices, theoretically speaking; the increase in competition is more likely to bring up benefits to customers in the form of lower prices. In addition, there would be more flexible prices since suppliers of goods and services will no longer have the power to set prices, as would be the situation when markets are fragmented. Launching a common currency promotes regional competition in the banking and financial services and the quality of services introduced, which will reflect positively on customers in the GCC countries, reduce costs, and lead to the diversification of services. This could lead to further integration between their institutions at the regional level to take advantage of the size of their economies.
Partial release of foreign exchange reserves
The monetary union will allow GCC firms to pay for their regional imports in the new currency so that national central banks will no longer need to keep aside some of their foreign exchange reserves for the purpose of settling intratrade transactions. Using a single currency eliminates the risks related to currencies exchange rates between the GCC countries. Additionally, the common currency will contribute effectively to the development and integration of financial markets, especially the bond market and the stock market.
More potential investments
The GMU will make GCC economic prospects more promising for both domestic and foreign investors, by lowering search costs, administrative procedures and offering a bigger market. A more crucial factor is the prospects for repatriation of GCC national funds held abroad.
The integration of financial markets in the GCC countries
This integration coupled with its positive effect at the level of monetary and fiscal policies will enhance financial transparency discipline at the regional level, a necessary condition for financial stability in the region. These are all factors that help attract more investment from national, regional, and international levels to the GCC countries.
More disciplined economic policy
It also promises to offer more disciplined economic policy management (e.g. prudent fiscal policies) by having members adopt appropriate policy measures that take the whole union into consideration. In spite of these perceived positives there are also some major costs associated with the adoption of a single currency and GMU. These include relinquishing monetary autonomy by the member States by surrendering exchange rate and monetary policy instruments, and also lowering the flexibility of member markets in making adjustments to economic shocks. Moreover, the central banks will no longer be allowed to unilaterally take the initiative of altering exchange rates of the single currency or change the interest rates. In such cases the responsibility of taking these actions will fall squarely on the newly established union-wide central bank. To summarise the argument, the GMU and setting up a single Gulf currency is an attractive proposition which can have potential benefits for the member States but at the same time the policy makers will have to be wary and look for ways to control the negative outcomes of such a move.
Inspired to succeed
Mr. Jawahery comments on GPIC role in Training and Education “As you can no doubt surmise training and development of our human resources is of the upmost importance and is strongly linked to the economic growth of the country” – Mr. Jawahery, President, GPIC.
GPIC Management considers training and development a top priority and has therefore invested a substantial amount of money in the Bahrainisation of its operations through employee development and succession programmes. The percentage of Bahrainis in GPIC is currently approximately 95 per cent and this percentage is rising annually. A considerable number of Bahraini personnel have been trained to take up permanent senior positions in the company’s organisation. In addition, the GPIC Academy of Leadership and Learning arranges a large number of development courses every year to ensure a welleducated workforce, able to meet the high technology demands of the international petrochemical industry. In-house training is complemented by the use of local and international institutions, together with company sponsorship of staff in local and overseas universities.
The Academy of Leadership and Learning at GPIC has state of the art facilities to train its employees and keep them abreast of the latest developments in the field of fertilizers and petrochemicals. There is a top class theatre hall, a central library, plant models, training simulators, audio visual centre, classrooms and the e-Learning centre which is the first of its kind in such an industry in the entire Arabian Gulf region. In 2008 GPIC was honoured the First Place for ‘The Outstanding Companies in Training and Human Resources Development’ 2008 Awards by the Ministry of Labour, Kingdom of Bahrain. In 2009, GPIC was awarded the Middle East ‘Best Learner Adoption Statistics’ Award in the category of Biggest Usage Statistics by a Company for e-Learning Solution Users from CAFE-ME. “Several studies have been carried out” states Mr. Jawahery, “and it is expected that there will be rapid growth in the Bahraini workforce over the next ten years as a larger young population grows up to working age, with higher participation rates among women.” The Bahraini working age group of 20-64 is expected
to grow to over 390,000 by 2020, an estimated 29 per cent increase from 2010. Initiatives by INJAZ Bahrain, Tamkeen and Takween Programmes will empower Bahrainis to prosper and contribute to the national economy. Training programmes have been devised in several areas such as Banking, Finance, Marketing, Retail, Administration and Engineering. The new generations of workers will on average be better educated and trained than the generations they replace, and the workforce as a whole will become somewhat younger. Towards this end, GPIC works closely with INJAZ Bahrain and participates in all their programmes such as ‘Be Entrepreneurial, Job Shadow, Economics for Success, the Company Programme, Business Ethics and Success Skills. At least 35 GPIC employees volunteer their free time to actively participate, mentor and guide students for the duration of the programmes with GPIC doors always open for guidance.” As the Chairman of INJAZ Bahrain, Mr. Jawahery’s mission through GPIC is ‘To inspire and Prepare Young Bahrainis to succeed in a Global Economy. In addition to GPIC’s
strategic partnership with INJAZ Bahrain, the company also has similar arrangements with the Ministry of Education’s Takween Programme, University of Bahrain, Bahrain Polytechnic, Bahrain Training Institute, Bahrain Institute of Public Administration and many other international educational entities such as the University of Virginia, USA. For all these organisations, GPIC provides the perfect ground for ‘on-the-job’ training for students.
“As the Chairman
of INJAZ Bahrain Mr. Jawahery’s
mission through GPIC is ‘To Inspire and Prepare
Young Bahrainis to Succeed in a Global Economy.”
GPIC is strongly committed and believes in equal employment opportunities men 197 Best for of both Bahrain and women. The rising numbers of women employees on the company payrolls each year highlights the steps taken by the company in this regard.
Energy, Manufacturing & Environmental Care
Energising Bahrain Interview with Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive, Banagas
The Bahrain National Gas Company (Banagas) is 75 per cent owned by nogaholding, 12.5 per cent by Chevron Bahrain and 12.5 per cent by Boubyan Petrochemical Company, a Kuwaiti Shareholding Company, who acquired the Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation (APICORP) shareholding in September 2011. The primary objective of the Company is processing associated gas into marketable products, propane, butane and naphtha, and supplying residue gas for local industrial use and providing employment and training opportunities to Bahraini nationals. The initial facilities, a processing train, four compressor stations and storage facilities, were officially inaugurated in 1979 and the first shipment made in early 1980. Propane, Butane and Naphtha are exported worldwide while the residue gas is routed to Aluminum Bahrain, the Bapco refinery and Riffa power station. Banagas also operate and manages the Bahrain National Gas Expansion Company, which was incorporated in 2008.
How does Banagas service the general public?
The foundation of Banagas was indeed a milestone in serving the general public of Bahrain. The Company was founded in 1979, with the primary objective of using the large quantities of associated gas extracted from Bahrain’s oil field, which for more than forty years had been flared to the air creating an environmental hazard. Through an optimal set of processes, Banagas managed to convert such an environmental hazard into a substantial contribution to the national economy, at the same time, creating employment opportunities for the national workforce and significantly contributing in protecting the environment from air pollution. Banagas has developed into a socially responsible and caring company and is always looking for ways to 198
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contribute to community affairs and activities. Supporting local, social and charitable events through participation or through providing generous financial support.
Can you provide examples of new policies and procedures introduced by Banagas recently in order to further develop on the high service standards met with growing consumer demands? Banagas was recently awarded the ISO14001 certification for its excellent implementation of the Environmental Management System (EMS) and the ISO18001 certifications for the Occupational Health
and Safety (OHSAS) international standard. The Company further ReCertified its long hold ISO9002 quality management system and has implemented an Enterprise Risk Management System (ERM) with solid codes of business conduct and Corporate Governance.
How does Banagas promote the use of CLEAN ENERGY, such as wind, solar power, in Bahrain and in the region?
Banagas is part of the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) and has been very active in supporting all of NOGA’s efforts towards the production of CLEAN ENERGY. The Company has sponsored several conferences and events promoting and discussing the use of CLEAN ENERGY in the GCC and Arab region such as the Arab Regional Conference for Solar Energy and The International Conference & Exhibition on Green Industry. In addition, Banagas has donated a generous grant to the University of Bahrain (UOB) to complete a prototype for a mobile power generation station using solar and wind energy.
Does Banagas support industry privatization? What are your perceived benefits or disadvantages to privatization?
In our business domain of oil and gas, we have recently witnessed successful privatized business examples such as the establishment of Tatweer Company with international investors to operate the Bahrain Oil field. In my view, the success of privatization largely depends on the dynamics of the targeted business sector.
How do the nation’s various training programmes for developing the skilled human capital in Bahrain reflect upon your strategies for economic expansion? What training programmes do you employ?
Training programmes in Bahrain are inclined towards Bahrainization and equipping the local workforce with the right skills and attitude toward the work environment, making Bahrainis globally competitive. Within Bahrain’s efforts towards Bahrainization, lies our belief that economic expansion can be achieved through a highly skilled and knowledgeable local workforce. Banagas has contributed to Bahrainization programmes by providing financial support, well-skilled human resources for successful knowledge transfer and presentations of live case studies from our own work environment to encourage
aspiring students and participating trainees. For technical & nontechnical training programmes, we are affiliated with many training institutions such as: Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE), Bahrain Society of Training & Development (BSTD), Bahrain Training Institute (BTI), Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance (BIBF) and many others. In association with the Ministry of Education, Banagas provides many training opportunities for secondary school students like the Takween Program, the Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) Program and the Community Service Program. In addition, Banagas provides a two-month training session for local university students to assist them complete their graduation requirements.
In what tangible ways has the onset of e-commerce changed the way Banagas does business?
Banagas is an active member of a national initiative for establishing an e-commerce portal for enabling suppliers to conduct business with the largest companies in Bahrain. The initiative is called the B9 project, referring to the nine largest companies leading the project including Banagas, GPIC, Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), Alba and Batelco, amongst other participating companies. One of the key outcomes expected of the B9 project is to establish a national programme for developing and enabling local suppliers to be more competent in the local and regional markets.
Does Banagas support GCC Monetary Union? What are the perceived benefits disadvantages to further GCC coordination?
In our view the monetary union is unavoidable as the GCC economies comes closer and coordination on all aspects between the GCC states continues. As we understand it, the key benefits of monetary union are the elimination of the transaction and foreign exchange costs as well as standardization of our monetary policies. However, in the case of Banagas, all products are currently transacted in USD currency, so we see no direct affect due to monetary union on the company’s business procedures in the short term.
Tel + 973 17756222 bng@banagas.com.bh www.banagas.com.bh 199
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Driving trade and cooperation “Anything that drives trade and cooperation is good for the country� - Mr. Gordon Smith, Chief Executive, The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO)
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ith several organisations working under the umbrella and investment portfolio of the National Oil & Gas Authority (NOGA) chaired by Bahrain’s oil Minister Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, and including companies such as GPIC, Banagas, BNGEC, BAFCO, BAPCO and technical partners Chevron, there is solid emphasis on the oil & gas sector in Bahrain to form a strategic part of the growing economy not only through oil revenue but through the training & development of employee cadres who become viable members of Bahrain’s technical work force. Caltex of USA initiated BAPCO in Bahrain shortly after the First Oil Field was discovered. The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) today manages its own ‘Dar Al-Naft’ Oil Museum located in Jabal ad Dukhan and organises group tours on request. Caltex left its legacy in Bahrain, as an image of other Caltex complexes located around the world, by building Awali’s community district where over 500 BAPCO employees live and work today. One can today find located in the Awali community the BAPCO club and HRH Princess Sabeeka Park, built by BAPCO in 2009 to inspire a ‘green generation’. Mr. Gordon Smith was assigned position as Chief Executive of The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) on January 1st 2012. We interviewed Mr. Smith on March 15th 2012, within two months and 15 days of his newly appointed designation. “I knew a lot about BAPCO before I ever came here,” said Mr. Gordon Smith, “it is a very famous company apart from being the first oil company in the Middle East. So over the course of my career I have met many people who started in BAPCO.”
In what specific ways is BAPCO successfully contributing to positioning Bahrain uniquely within the region?
With the onset of the Bahrain Oil Field discovered in 1932, The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), wholly owned by the Government of Bahrain, was initiated standing today as the only refinery in Bahrain constituting an average of 34 per cent of the country’s GDP and 80 per cent+ of the Government’s cash flow. With the capacity to store up to 14 million barrels of oil, BAPCO processes an average 270,000 barrels per day of crude oil with local consumption averaging 20,000 barrels per day and with the remaining leaving by way of FOB sea export to various key clients in the Gulf, East Africa, Pakistan, Singapore and the Asian markets, to name a few. Mr. Gordon Smith, Chief Executive, BAPCO
Around 40 years ago BAPCO employed an average of 8,000 people, with training & development programmes geared to building the next generation of technically skilled oil 201 Best of Bahrain
managers and operators. Today with the onset of technology BAPCO employs an average of 3,000 and will utilize its training & development experience in the newly inaugurated training academy “The Royal Charity Academy” is set for launch by September 2012.
Energy, Manufacturing & Environmental Care As of January 2012 Tatweer uncovered significant quantities of crude oil found in Bahrain’s “rubble layer”. Tatweer collaborated to produce a relatively cost-effective technology called steam flooding whereby pushing steam into the reservoir fluidizes the oil facilitating extraction.
Amongst BAPCO’s key roles are the exploration and prospecting for oil, refining, distribution of petroleum products and natural gas throughout the island and sales and exports of the crude oil and refined products. Apart from owning Bahrain’s oil refinery, BAPCO also owns a marketing terminal and a marine terminal for its petroleum products.
Can you provide examples of the new projects that BAPCO has signed in order to ensure expansion of its services?
Exploration of new oil sources in Bahrain is at a peak with new technological advancement. Since 2009 under the business and investment arm of nogaholding, and external management of Mubadala Development Company, BAPCO has been working closely (in a ‘DPSA’ contract with technical experts Occidental Petroleum Company) in a joint venture named Tatweer. With the Bahrain Oil Field seeing significant decline BAPCO has been conducting further explorations of new oil fields in Bahrain, having recently drilled three new offshore wells towards the south east, south west and north of the island, this is excluding Bahrain Oil Field’s deep gas, recently identified by BAPCO, well below the oil base. As BAPCO secures these oil fields and prospects for more locations, Tatweer utilizes the latest oil enhanced recovery technology available with a contracted quota to extract oil from Bahrain’s oil field. As stated on Tatweer’s website, “With investments of billions of dollars over the next 20 years, Tatweer aims to unlock the full potential of the Bahrain Oil Field, tripling oil production and doubling the gas delivery capacity”. By March 2012, Tatweer were extracting an average of 40-45,000 barrels per day. (Key statistics are available on www.tatweerpetroleum.com.) With Bahrain having an under developed production range of oil products, BAPCO is consistently on the look out for new external expertise from oil & gas suppliers and contractors worldwide. Tenders for external experts are generated through BAPCO website whereby international firms are invited to submit their proposals for partnership. An example of BAPCO’s recent product expansion is in the field of advanced premium Grade 3 Lube Oil now produced in Bahrain at approximately 400,000 tons per year. In 2011, BAPCO commissioned a Lube Oil refinery plant built by the Korean firm Samsung along in a joint venture with Neste Oil of Finland, bringing with them a great amount of expertise in the Lube oil manufacturing and marketing business. Other BAPCO projects underway include the concurrent expansion plan of its oil refinery plant with expected capacity of the expanded refinery to reach up to 450,000 barrels a day, and the ongoing look 202
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out by “nogaholding” for tenders to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Bahrain, with the capacity to import 400 million cubic feet of natural gas. The LNG partnership is to be awarded by the end of 2012.
What innovative facilities or environmental benchmarks are included to these new projects that reflect high service standards and meet growing consumer demands? Committed to providing renewable energy generation, as of 2012, BAPCO partnered with Petra Solar (www.petrasolar.com) and the University of Bahrain in a prototype project to develop a solar plant firstly within the district of Awali, generating an initial 5-mega watts of electricity to the district. If the solar plant is successful BAPCO is committed to bringing up production to and average of 50-mega watts over a period of time.
BAPCO is a key part of the overall development of Bahrain and there are a number of training & development programmes, which it deploys for the career development of its employees. What progression have you made towards this aim? Since inception, BAPCO has been well renowned as being in many ways at the forefront of the countries training & development infrastructure. BAPCO’ s training & development programmes for one aim to develop Bahraini employees throughout their entire career and is evident in the number of former BAPCO employees who have gone on to hold senior positions in various industries throughout Bahrain. In recent co-ordination with the National Oil & Gas Authority (NOGA), The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) will apply its training & development experience to a newly planned training & development institute, The Royal Charity Academy, intended to benefit the oil companies and the community through the development of national teams trained for management and operation of the Bahraini oil sector. The Royal Charity Academy scheduled to start by September 2012 has a five year plan to train 600 artisan welders, carpenters, pipefitters etc, utilizing BAPCO’ s good reputation and experience for training its own workforce, in-house, over the years. Aiming to close the gap between required industry skills and the growing Bahraini youth generation, BAPCO is committed to providing scholarship experiences to a substantial number of undergraduates,
providing these students who choose to study abroad with a comprehensive package of financial benefits. In addition, the firm offers valuable work experience at BAPCO during summer vacations and allows the opportunity for rewarding career options to those who demonstrate excellence and passion for contributing to the growth of BAPCO and with it the Bahraini economy.
What is BAPCO’ s strategy in e-commerce and towards its suppliers and customers?
The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) is currently sponsoring an e-procurement business with a company called Achilles Interactive to develop a centralized purchasing portal for all NOGA companies, creating a streamlined servicing and product acquisition that is quantifiable across NOGA companies. As for its customers, BAPCO is also committed to providing its internal and external customers with quality products conforming to agreed specifications and applicable regulatory requirements. Furthermore, BAPCO manages and operates a Quality Management System meeting ISO 9001 requirements to ensure that the quality standards are met on a consistent basis throughout the manufacturing process. Following legislative decrees since 2002 for conducting tenders on a Government framework of diplomacy and transparency and whereby BAPCO initiates its bid invitations to contractors and suppliers on the Bahrain Tender Board (www.tenderboard.gov.bh) demonstrates BAPCO’ s integrity, competitiveness, fair treatment and equal opportunities to all of its suppliers.
Tel +973 17755000 www.bapco.net
Our Purpose •
To collaborate and engage in all aspects of the petroleum and related industries, with the aim of maximizing contribution to the national economy
Our Vision •
Striving for Excellence
Our Goals • • •
To manage and operate an integrated oil & gas business To supply crude oil, petroleum products and get them to the international and local markets To create value for shareholders, customers and employees
Our Ethos • • • • • •
Protection of the Environment Health and Safety of its Employees, Contractors, Customers, the community and general public Generating Renewable Energy Investing in our human capital Providing our experience in training & development to The Royal Charity Academy Providing Scholarships with further career opportunity
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The power of human energy Interview with Mr. Majeed Al Shafea, Country Chairman, Chevron Bahrain
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Chevron revives its product offering continuously with the vision of remaining the global energy company most admired for its people, partnership and performance.
Chevron Vision •
To be the global energy company most admired for its people, partnership and performance
Chevron Mission • • • • •
Safely provide energy products vital to sustainable economic progress and human development throughout the world; To become people and an organisation with superior capabilities and commitment To be the partner of choice Earn the admiration of all our stakeholders — investors, customers, host governments, local communities and our employees — not only for the goals we achieve but how we achieve them; Deliver world-class performance
Chevron Values •
•
•
Partnership We have an unwavering commitment to being a good partner focused on building productive, collaborative, trusting and beneficial relationships with governments, other companies, our customers, our communities and each other Protecting People and the Environment We place the highest priority on the health and safety of our workforce and protection of our assets and the environment. We aim to be admired for world-class performance through disciplined application of our Operational Excellence Management System High Performance We are committed to excellence in everything we do, and we strive to continually improve. We are passionate about achieving results that exceed expectations — our own and those of others. We drive for results with energy and a sense of urgency
A
s part of the global conglomerate for finding, producing and marketing oil and gas related products, Chevron has been in partnership with the people and Government of Bahrain, through its then joint venture subsidiary CALTEX and since before the discovery of oil in Bahrain in 1932. This partnership representing an intrinsic value of the Chevron brand has included, community engagement, contribution to the growth of the economy and most importantly development of business and community leaders, since inception. Until today there is a mutually cherished and nurtured relationship between Chevron and key energy providers of Bahrain. Even as the nation and people have grown and matured into a centre of excellence at the regional and international levels, Chevron continues to provide high-tech performance energy related products such as DELO Lubricants – premium motor oils and coolants, quality additives, A-grade aviation fuel, marine fuels, premium base oils, amongst other products provided from its worldwide and trusted family of brands Chevron, CALTEX and TEXACO. Chevron, not only takes pride in providing safe and reliable energy related products, but also places a large focus on the safety of the people, assets and the environment, which outweigh all other
considerations. For instance, Chevron considers, among other things, motor vehicle safety of permanent importance. Likewise all employees within Chevron, irrespective of their job requirements, are required to adhere to strict safety procedures and processes and are regularly trained and tested for compliance. A company-wide loss prevention system is in place that mitigates risk to people, assets and resources and protects the public and the environment. Within Bahrain, Chevron deploys multiple approaches to satisfy the training and development of its people and is almost entirely self-sufficient in this domain. Ongoing performance management programmes conducted internally help identify training and developmental needs. All Chevron employees are assessed and counseled on this basis regularly, incorporating the values of Chevron’s foundation, the ‘Chevron way’.
Tel +973 17709017 www.chevron.com
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Tales of Oil
‘Dar An-Naft’, the Oil Museum of The Bahrain Petroleum Company B.S.C. (Closed), was inaugurated on 2nd June 1992 by The Late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa. After considerable research, ‘Dar An-Naft’ opened its doors to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil in Bahrain.
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Image courtesy Reem Tawfiqi, reemt.86@gmail.com
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eing maintained and administered by BAPCO, over the years, ‘Dar AnNaft’ has developed into an educational centre and a major tourist and educational attraction, catering to the curiosity of the visitors on matters connected with oil in Bahrain. It holds the exhibits collection as a sacred trust for the country. In the process, it seeks to preserve and disseminate knowledge on a theme so significant, not only to Bahrain but also to the oil rich GCC region. ‘Dar An-Naft’ meaning ‘House of Oil’ says it all. It is dedicated to the theme of oil, its search, discovery and development in Bahrain,
and its impact on the life of the Bahraini People. It seeks to tell a story - that of Bahrain’s transformation from a ‘pearl state’ to ‘oil state’. It also traces how a search for drinking water led to a search for oil, owing to a time honoured Arab tradition‘a given word is written in stone’, in this case the word of the Late Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, given to a New Zealander, Major Frank Holmes. ‘Dar An-Naft’ houses an evocative picture gallery, historic documents and maps, objects of historic interest relating to petroleum exploration, Bahrain’s rock, mineral and oil samples and
models of oil well drilling and well logging. As the Greek word ‘petroleum’ (meaning ‘rock oil’) implies, the earth and its constituent rocks are the home of oil, thus ‘Dar AnNaft’ houses many exhibits connected with rocks and the earth’s history. Appropriately located adjacent to the Discovery Well # 1, at the foot of Jabal adDukhan, ‘Dar An Naft’ is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am – 5 pm and by reservation on other days of the week.
Tel + 973 17757676/ 17757670 207
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PARTICIPANTS
4SPOTS .......................................................................................................................... 186 Al Riwaq Art Space ......................................................................................................... 88, 138 Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard Co. (ASRY) ................................................................. 174 Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) ..................................................................................... 166 Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society (BBS) ....................................................................... 140 Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) ................................................................................... 76 Bahrain Polytechnic ......................................................................................................... 118 Bahrain Post .................................................................................................................... 170 Bahrain Stories ................................................................................................................ 108 BiCE Ristorante ............................................................................................................... 62 Ballare ............................................................................................................................. 92 Bushido ........................................................................................................................... 58 Central Bank of Bahrain .................................................................................................. 150 Chevron .......................................................................................................................... 204 Children & Mothers Welfare Society ............................................................................... 142 Christofle ......................................................................................................................... 70 ‘Dar An-Naft,’ the Oil Museum of The Bahrain Petroleum Company B.S.C. (Closed)..... 206 Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain ............................................................................................. 52 Global Cargo ................................................................................................................... 128 G.P. Zachariades (Overseas) Ltd. (GPZ) ........................................................................ 158 Gulf Petrochemicals Industries Company (GPIC) ........................................................... 194 INJAZ Bahrain ................................................................................................................. 8, 114, 136 Jashanmal Group ............................................................................................................ 70, 130 Nest ................................................................................................................................. 68 Porsche Design ............................................................................................................... 212 Prime Minister’s Court ..................................................................................................... 36 The Bahrain National Gas Company (Banagas) ............................................................. 198 The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) ................................................................... 200 The Ministry of Culture (MOC) ........................................................................................ 84 The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa ........................................................................... 46 The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa ............................................................. 50 Think Pink ....................................................................................................................... 144 UNIDO ............................................................................................................................. 126 Zain ................................................................................................................................. 182 Bahrain Talent Competition Winners CGI Mohammed Alsager – alsagerfx1980@gmail.com Painting Catherine Bassig-Paje – cathypaje@yahoo.com Creative Writing Chandan Sen Gupta – chandansengupta2001@gmail.com Photography Glenn Wesley A. Dulay – www.glenndulay.com Editor’s Pick 1 & 2 Michael Ryan G. Borja – borjamichaelryan@gmail.com Editor’s Pick 3 Richard Codero Martin – www.rcmartin.com Image Credits Aathira Sreenivasan - aathira.s@live.com Emelito L. Durano Jr. - emildurano@gmail.com Ghada Khunji – www.ghadakhunji.com Hesham Al-Ammal - heshaaam@gmail.com Latifa Al Shakar - alshakar@gmail.com Mahmood Qurban - mr.qurban@gmail.com Mariam Al Umran - meemo135@hotmail.com Melanio D. Siwa - jomel692000@yahoo.com Perry El Ashmawi - www.perryhanart.com PH Environment Gulf – phegulf@batelco.com.bh Rashid Alghatam - rashid.alghatam@gmail.com Reem Tawfiqi - reemt.86@gmail.com Yusuf Maklai - macklaiy@gmail.com Text Credits CA Sandip Rajpopat - srajpopat@gmail.com Eva Burns - evalburns@yahoo.com Gabriel Jansen - g_jansen81@hotmail.com Hasina Patel- thirtysumting@gmail.com Karim S. Anabtawi – kareem.anabtawi@gmail.com Louise Doyle - louella1981@hotmail.com Manayel Alameer - manayela@gmail.com Pooja Rajpal Kasala - poojarajpal21@gmail.com Puja Tiwari - pujatiwari1991@gmail.com Distribution & Promotional Partners 4SPOTS – www.4spots.com Al Riwaq Art Space – www.alriwaqartspace.com Bahrain Stories – www.bahrainstories.com Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain – www.bahrain.fraserhospitality.com Jashanmal Book Division – www.jashanmals.com Middle East Media (MEM) – www.middleeastmedia.co.uk Ministry of Culture – www.moc.gov.bh/en/ The Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa – www.ritzcarlton.com The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa – www.sofitel.com
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Art, Culture, Museums & Galleries
porsche design
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