Gulf Insider April 2021 by Gulf Insider Media

SPECIAL RAMADAN CAR EDITION APRIL 2021 | ISSUE 190

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Contents April 2021 Issue 190

10 12 Simply unparalleled online presence that connects region’s most inspired communities.

06 08 10

Does the Covid-19 vaccine break a fast?

12 16 18 20

Car Reivew - Ferrari Roma

A true Ramadan experience - Elite Hospitality Group Why is it important to choose a trusted property developer? - Kazerooni

Car Reivew - Porsche Taycan Car Reivew - MG6 Car Reivew - Tiggo 7 Pro

Knowledge is power

Publisher & Editor in Chief

Nicholas C. Cooksey

Comment...

Editorial

Angela Acosta Elyzabeth Ramirez

Editorial Contributors

Nicholas Cortes Bill Daly

Sales & Business Development

Charlie Cooksey

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Layout Designs

Dhanraj S

Admin & Finance

Nikesh Pola

Here's last month’s most 'Liked' #BestInBahrain picture posted to our social media.

Photography

Angelo Jose A

Distribution Mohammed Yousif Aramex Al Ayam For advertising contact Charlie Cooksey +973 3652 0004 charlie@gulf-insider.com

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P.O. Box 26810, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 1700 4575 Fax: +973 1772 1722 Printed at Awal Press, Kingdom of Bahrain. Registered with Ministry of Information approval no. TFI-431©. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Bahrain Bd2 | KSA sr20 | Kuwait Kd1.75 | Oman ro2 | Qatar Qr20 | UAE dHs20

April 2021 | iSSUE 190

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Gulf Insider speaks to Manfred Bräunl, CEO of Porsche, Middle East and Africa FZE JAnUAry 2021 | ISSUE 187

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Drive Defines Us FEBrUAry 2021 | ISSUE 188

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Gulf Insider April 2021

People & Culture

DOES THE COVID-19 VACCINE

BREAK A FAST?

There has been some concern recently in the Muslim community over whether getting the Covid-19 vaccine while fasting during the holy month of Ramadan would break the fast.

ccording to Islamic Society of North America’s executive director, Basharat Saleem, multiple Islamic law scholars and Muslim community leaders such as Imams have assured that taking the vaccine will not break a fast. When fasting, a Muslim is not allowed to have food, fluids or medicines through open passages, i.e. the mouth or nose. The Covid-19 vaccine is injected intramuscularly. The National Muslim Task Force on Covid-19 announced that a shot ¬ will not invalidate the fast because it has no nutritional value and it is injected into the muscle − a ruling that in the past has covered flu shots and other vaccinations.

Gulf Insider April 2021

In fact, it is advisable to take the vaccine while fasting as the immune response is said to be twice as effective during this time. In addition, a fatwa was issued by the Grand Mufti and Head of the Fatwa Department at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, stating that taking the Covid-19 vaccine will not

break a Muslim’s fast during Ramadan as it is administered through the muscle of the arm from where it spreads into the body, and does not reach the stomach from the mouth. Therefore, scholars agree that it is similar to all non-nutritious intramuscular and intravenous needles that a fasting person is permitted to take. In fact, it is advisable to take the vaccine while fasting as the immune response is said to be twice as effective during this time. Individuals should not delay their Covid-19 vaccinations on the account of Ramadan, the British Islamic Medical Association said.

RAMADAN

Kareem

Elite Resort & Spa welcomes you to a lavish & scrumptious Ramadan at Al Naseem Poolside.

Iftar & Ghabga Set Menu at BD 9.000 per adult & BD 5.000 per child inclusive of taxes

Call: +973 3888 4415 www.elitegrouphotels.com

People & Culture

A TRUE RAMADAN EXPERIENCE

his Ramadan, Elite Resort & Spa invites their guests to overlook the Arabian Bay while dining at the Al Naseem pool side restaurant from Futoor until Gagbha. The Elite Resort & Spa is a luxurious all-suite 4-star resort which provides all the contemporary facilities to accommodate you and your family this Ramadan with their Iftar and Ghabga menus. Al Naseem pool side restaurant will feature a deluxe traditional atmosphere with a large array of Arabic cuisine as well as rich Ramadan food items and juices. The feast will be accompanied with authentic Arabian tunes to further accentuate a true Ramadan feel under the sky and looking over the calm Gulf waters.

Gulf Insider April 2021

People & Culture

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Resort offers special room packages with Iftar set menus.

Guests will also be able to enjoy Bahraini Traditional Ramadan dishes such as Thareed and Harees. Qamar Al Deen, Jallab, tamarinds and laban will also be served with refreshing special drinks. Elite Resort & Spa promises their guests a new dimension of dining experience all while abiding with the social distancing measures and following the health regulations. Elite Resort & Spa is a preferred destination for many families and corporations for its proximity to Bahrain International Airport and commercial district. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Resort offers special room packages with Iftar set menus. The Iftar set menu is priced at BD 9 net per adult and BD 4.5 net per child,

starting from Maghreb prayer until 8:00 PM. The Ghabga set menu is priced at BD 7.9 net per adult and BD 4 net per child, starting form 9:00 PM. Elite Resort & Spa also offers takeaway boxes at BD 9.900 net for two persons.

For individual and corporate booking requests at the Noor Tent, please call: +973 3888 4415. For more information on the special packages, please visit www.elitegrouphotels.com

Gulf Insider April 2021

People & Culture

Why is it important to choose a trusted

property developer?

uying, investing, or renting a property is an important decision which involves looking at many factors. One of the most important factors is choosing the right developer – something which many people overlook. Kazerooni Group has been making a mark in Bahrain’s real estate industry with their quality projects for over four decades. Since its inception in 1973, the group has been providing international-grade civil construction services in the Kingdom. Here are the reasons why they should be your first choice.

1. They design and build properties like how they’d like to live in themselves Excellent real estate developers don’t just build a place for you to sleep. When they develop a property, they transform the area and your own quality of life. What sets the Kazerooni Group apart is their quality 10

Gulf Insider April 2021

People & Culture

Kazerooni Group has been making a mark in Bahrain’s real estate industry with their quality projects for over four decades.

construction and special attention to detail in all aspects. This is evident in their comfortable, functional designs and spacious layouts – no matter what residential area they are creating.

2. They have an excellent reputation as a trusted developer A reputable real estate developer can serve as a measure of the value of the property. Kazerooni Group is continuously making a mark in the business for over 40 years because of their solid reputation for providing an amazing value for the price of all of their properties.

3. They build long-term relationships Kazerooni Group is reliable which is why their relationships with their tenants, clients and investors continue to flourish. Moreover, they are not only committed to delivering projects without faults, they’re also dedicated to fix any problems if they arise. When you put your trust in the hands of the group,

you can rest assured that the services don’t stop once you’ve settled in.

4. All of their properties have quality fittings/finish Kazerooni Group makes sure that the luxury properties built by them have state-of-the-art amenities. Furthermore, all of the group’s properties are designed with luxury and livability in mind. From the building materials to the minutest detail, you’ll find that everything has been taken into consideration when it comes to comfort and style.

5. They feature investment options with high returns If you are planning to invest in real estate, you should choose one that provides a high internal rate of return. Kazerooni offers investors apartments that are guaranteed to generate high returns. Check out this article to learn why an investment at Kazerooni is considered superior.

Gulf Insider April 2021

Car Bahrain

If La dolce vita were a car, it would be the…

Ferrari Roma Review by Charlie Cooksey

Gulf Insider April 2021

Car Bahrain

Ferrari say they expect 70% of Roma customers to be new to the brand.

remember attending the EuroMotors launch of the new Ferrari Roma at the Bahrain International Circuit in late 2019 or early 2020 (pre-Covid days). The theme was La dolce vita (“the sweet life”), the iconic 1960 Italian movie directed by Federico Fellini that came to symbolize Italian style and attitudes for over a generation. It was a fun evening held outdoors in the Paddock area and we were treated to delicious Italian cooking, music, and there were lots of posters of Italian movie stars from long ago. Of course, the star of the night was the Roma. It was not for driving that evening, just for admiring. I remember looking forward to getting the chance to get behind the wheel, I just didn’t think it would take so long – over a year. The Roma, though understated compared to other Ferraris, is a beautiful car. I personally loved this particular car’s grey paintwork – the car I and everyone was admiring at EuroMotor’s La Dolce vita launch was this same rare colour so I’m guessing that this is the same car. So where does the Roma fit into the Ferrari family? I suppose it could

Gulf Insider April 2021

Car Bahrain

I noticed the car seemed to negotiate obstructions such as speed bumps with far more comfort and ease than other Ferrari’s I’ve driven.

Gulf Insider April 2021

be described as being the company’s “compact GT”. It’s aimed to appeal to those looking for a Ferrari that can be a daily drive so are prepared to trade some of the brand’s legendary hyper performance for a bit of extra comfort and practicality. Ferrari say they expect 70% of Roma customers to be new to the brand. That said, it’s powered by a 3.9-litre twin turbo V8 that knocks out 612bhp enabling zero to 100 kph in 3.4 seconds – so lots and lots of power! Ferrari describe it as one of the world’s cleverest engines that has zero turbo lag and Variable Boost Management software which adjusts torque delivery to suit whichever gear you’re in. 70% of the components are totally new, and include the latest weight reduction and production techniques. I found it a highly enjoyable car to drive with pinpoint steering, a solid feel, and superb brakes. The sound of the

engine was better than playing music! I noticed the car seemed to negotiate obstructions such as speed bumps with far more comfort and ease than other Ferrari’s I’ve driven. Any criticism? I found the instrumentation a little confusing. Ferrari have replaced traditional switchgear with latest technology multi-touch controls. Maybe I’m a traditionalist, but I prefer proper buttons and switches that I can press and click, but that’s just my personal opinion so each to their own. The photoshoot took place at the American University of Bahrain, and turning up in the Ferrari Roma caused quite a stir among the students, many coming out to get a closer look of the car.

To find out more about the Ferrari Roma, call EuroMotors +973 1775 0750.

GOLF

TUITION

Birdie Package 5 x 50 minute lessons

Members: BD162 / Guests: BD190

Eagle Package 10 x 50 minute lessons

Members: BD302 / Guests: BD355

Albatross Package 20 x 50 minute lessons

Members: BD570 / Guests: BD670

Learn to play golf with one of our PGA Professionals. Golf lessons specifically tailored to suit your ability. +973 17750777 academy@theroyalgolfclub.com All prices are inclusive of 5% V.A.T

Car Bahrain

AN ELECTRIC DRIVE Gulf Insider drives the only Porsche Taycan in Bahrain

lectric cars are coming whether we like it or not, and this is Porsche’s first all-electric car. Currently – in 2021, it’s generally accepted by those with an interest in EVs (Electric Vehicles) that the Porsche Taycan is the ultimate fully electric performance car. Why? Well, what sets it apart from other super-fast electric cars, such as the Tesla, is its level of superior handling and luxurious comfort.

Gulf Insider April 2021

Car Bahrain

The Taycan isn’t just designed for speed. Its benchmark standard while in its design stage was to handle as close as possible to a 911.

The Taycan isn’t just designed for speed. Its benchmark standard while in its design stage was to handle as close as possible to a 911, and the its low center of gravity massively influences the car’s agility. It is fantastically fast, fun to drive, and practical enough to be the car you drive every day. It has four doors and enough space for a couple of adults to sit behind the driver and front passenger, and plenty of storage capacity in the boot. There’re four versions available of the Taycan:  The rear-wheel drive Taycan  The all-wheel drive Taycan 4S (the model I drove)  Turbo  Turbo S

If you’re wondering how an electric motor can have a “turbo”, the word is simply used by Porsche to denote the fastest cars of a particular model range. Power ranges from 321bhp (= 0-100 kph in 5.4 seconds) in the Taycan, to 750bhp (= 0-100 kph in a hair raising 2.8 seconds) in the Turbo S. Even in the less powerful Taycan 4S, floor it from a standstill and it takes off like a silent missile. The kick-back is violent. Even though I didn’t drive anywhere near to this car’s abilities, I noticed my passenger nervously clinging to the side when I accelerated. Despite its immense performance capabilities, it handles impeccably in day-to-day traffic. It is beautifully built, and its interior is what you would expect of any top range luxury car. The only negative, apart from its price, is that the Taycan isn’t yet on sale in Bahrain because the infrastructure and costing for an island-wide charging system is still to be agreed by the government. The Dubai-registered Taycan I drove was only in Bahrain for a few days, so the media and potential customers could experience it. It is now gone. Prices still to be confirmed.

For more information, call +973 1745 9911 or visit www.porsche.com/middle-east/_ bahrain_

Gulf Insider April 2021

Car Bahrain

MG6

LOTS OF CAR FOR LITTLE MONEY Gulf Insider drives MG’s latest mid-sized salon

G was a famous English car maker renowned for its inexpensive 2-seater sports cars such as the MG Midget and MGB GT. The company, now under Chinese ownership, stopped manufacturing sports cars and instead focused on producing high volumes of familyfriendly affordable motors – and the company has ambitious plans, so expect MG to sell well in the price-

Gulf Insider April 2021

Car Bahrain

Powered by a new 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, it produces 133kW/285Nm, offering 169bhp and zero to 100kmh acceleration in a very respectable 7 seconds.

conscious Bahrain market. Last month, I had the opportunity to drive on Bahrain’s roads the new MG6, a model that was originally launched in 2011 and keeps getting better with each revision. Powered by a new 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, it produces 133kW/285Nm, offering 169bhp and zero to 100kmh acceleration in a very respectable 7 seconds. I found it a surprisingly enjoyable drive. Okay, it’s not a sports car, but it’s quite fun and even corners quite nicely. It is a front-wheel drive and has a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. The aggressive looking blacked-out front grill proudly bears the historic MG badge, and there’s decent amounts of driver, passenger, and boot space inside. It comes with standard fitted LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a

rear spoiler on the headline high-spec ‘Trophy edition’ which is the version that I was driving. There’s comfortable seating for five adults and lots of space in the boot. There’s also lots of built-in storage spaces. There’s a 7.0 inch touchscreen media system, paddle shifts, a flat bottom sports steering wheel, leather seats, dual zone climate control, rear parking camera, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an electronic parking brake. This is a decent value-for-money car and it comes very well equipped. If you’re on a budget, it’s going to be hard to better the MG’s equipment and performance for money.

To arrange your own test drive in Bahrain, call Zayani Motors on +973 1770 3703 or visit www.mg-bahrain.com Gulf Insider April 2021

Car Bahrain

CHERY

KEEPS GETTING BETTER Gulf Insider drives the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

didn’t use to be a fan of the Chery brand. I considered them to be boxy and cheap Chinese cars. But like Japanese cars of years ago, they just keep getting better. Driving this latest Chery impressed me greatly. It looks and feels like a luxury SUV, and comes with genuine luxury features. There’s a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, soft leather seats, multicolor ambient cabin lighting, keyless access, push button start, 360-degree camera, power tailgate… I could go on and on. It’s loaded. The interior dash has a 10.25-inch infotainment display, 7-inch instrument cluster, and 8-inch A/C full touch panel.

Gulf Insider April 2021

Car Bahrain

Driving this latest Chery impressed me greatly. It looks and feels like a luxury SUV, and comes with genuine luxury features.

It wins both for exterior and interior design. There’s a cool matt and chrome grill and full ‘matrix’ LED headlamps. The chassis is built on shared Jaguar Land Rover technology, and it comfortably seats 5 adults + there’s lots of storage space. It’s powered by a 1.5 liter turbo charged engine providing 145 horsepower and 210 NM of Torque, so it’s not what you could call ‘high powered’, but for getting about, it’s fine. Chery’s really starting to get its act together, and their cars keep getting

better. This is the most impressive Chery yet. Price starts from BD 7,595 (VAT inclusive).

For more information on Chery vehicles in Bahrain, visit their website or contact +973 17500900, or visit the Motorcity showroom in Sanad.

Gulf Insider April 2021

Car Bahrain

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Photo by: By @shift_mootark | Owner @khalid_alalawi | Graffiti @016er

Got some cool car photos we can feature? Send them our way! editorial@gulf-insider.com

Gulf Insider April 2021

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Car Bahrain

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