Gulf Insider Magazine April 2016

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ARABIA’S INTELLIGENT MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS

April 2016

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16 20 28 30 34 34 48 52

Life:

DUBAI JAZZ FEST… A GREAT SHOW WITH SOME AMAZING ARTISTS Opinion:

WHEN BLAIR CAME TO BAHRAIN… PERSONAL VIEWPOINT Motors:

MCLAREN… BRITAIN’S SUPERCAR Off Topic:

JENSON BUTTON… A ONE ON ONE Telecoms:

BILLING WOES… BAHRAIN’S TELECOM COMPANIES TO FACE MORE SCRUTINY Motors:

THE SAUDI BILLIONAIRE… AND HIS GOLDEN SUPERCARS Life:

THE MAN BEHIND INTERNATIONS… A ONE ON ONE

… AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

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estimated readers

60,000 +

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

ARABIA’S INTELLIGENT MAGAZINE

Publisher & Editor in Chief - Nicholas C. Cooksey

COMMENT...

Editorial - Abeer Saeed Parkar Regular Contributors - Hugh Haskell-Thomas - Nicholas Cortes - Bill Daly

Technology Doesn’t Change Everything We’re in the 21st century. Leaders around the world boast about the benefits and advancement of technology. We have gadgets that can keep our loved ones safe at home and monitor movement in the house when nobody is inside, yet at the same time a delusional ex-husband hijacks a plane and causes an unnecessary fright around the world.

Guest Contributors - Tariq A. Al Maeena - Rich Hutchinson - Loe Babauta Layout Designs - Dhanraj S Admin & Finance - Nikesh Pola Photography - Shareef Panhatt Distribution Executives - Mohammed Yousif - Muhammed Shareef - Rafnaj K P

The need to boost tourism is discussed all year long, but by the time it’s F1 season again the sole addition to the sector is an indoor skydiving facility, with a nice café. Technology is usually paired with the notion of things moving faster and becoming greater than before, yet when applications evolve from paper to web platforms, people are still made to wait a long time.

For Advertising Opportunities Call

Does it make sense to be ‘smart’ in one sector and not the other? Where’s the unified strategy that facilitates various public and private entities to work together towards change.

P.O. Box 26810, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 1700 4575 Fax: +973 1772 1722

Yulia Trubnikova

M. +973 3678 8748 Published by:

Media

Printed at Awal Press, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Distribution Bahrain: Al Hilal Corporation, Tel. +973 1748 0800 UAE: Jashanmals, Tel. +971 4341 9757

Arabia’s Intelligent Magazine Established since 2004, Gulf Insider is the multi award winning Arabian business and current affairs magazine that also covers property and expat news, interviews, car reviews, travel features, even a bit of art and fashion.

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

ARABIA’S INTELLIGENT MAGAZINE

Issue 135

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Cover Image: Yulia Trubnikova

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The monthly print edition of Gulf Insider is distributed to Bahrain’s highest spending consumers and decision makers. There’s also limited distribution in other GCC states via airline lounges, duty free, ARAMCO in the KSA, and other strategic locations.

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. *Articles by these correspondents are the copyright of Telegraph Media Group, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0DT, England.

Under the Patronage of

His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board

Congratulations to the 2016 Award Winners

Ahmed Mansoor Al Aali Lifetime Achievement Award

Alia Almoayed Alia Almoayed Nutrition Consultancy

Khalifa Al Mannai Mannai Technological Facilitations W.L.L.

Dr. Lamya Mahmood Dr. Lamya Specialist Dental Center

Micro-Enterprise of the Year

Start-Up of the Year

SME of the Year

Mohamed Rafea Midal Cables Ltd.

Hala Almoayyed Almoayyed Contracting Group

Dr. Sara Al Reefy London Breast Care Centre

Enterprise of the Year with International Footprint

Sustainable Business Award

Female Entrepreneur of the Year

Strategic Partners:

Knowledge Advisors:

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Send your views to info@Gulf-Insider.com THE EYE-SORE

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

ARABIA’S INTELLIGENT MAGAZINE

Issue 135

Grand property developments in Bahrain and projects in the pipeline are great to read about – I really look forward to Bahrain Bay in a year.

It’s assuring to see movement at construction sites and I’m sure investors feel the same way; the sights don’t come across as eyesores. But the $650 million project Villamar sure ticks me off every morning as I drive down BFH. Cranes were moved back and work was to restart at the site eight months ago, according to reports. So why hasn’t it?

- Abdullah

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Inspirational to learn Hamad’s app is gaining popularity around the region and world.

Saddened to hear nobody stuck by him while he worked so hard on it. That is the problem with this part of the world – nobody believes in the importance of allowing the youth to be different and explore a world outside the institutionalized educational realm. The boy created an app for a system run by Apple, an empire created by a college dropout.

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

ArAbiA’s intelligent mAgAzine

A WORD WITH THE ‘CODING GEEK’

Issue 134

- Nawaal

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WORK for PLAY see page 31

Business with style

Issue 133

I hope workaholics learn from this poor man’s tragedy. In the excitement of pursuing great things in life, we often forget that are bodies are not equipped to act like machines.

We take so many privileges for granted. A healthy body doesn’t necessarily mean longevity. I’m sure this man’s story is a wake-up call for most of us, including myself. Let’s all take a step back and realize that everything can be taken away in just a minute. My condolences to Mr. Ranjan Das’s family and friends.

PLACES YOU WON’T BELIEVE ARE IN THE MIDDLE EAST One word. Flabbergasted.

- Rose

- Rachel

Warning Complimentary Copy

Life’s about to get more expensive for expats

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Art

SAUDI ARABIA

By French photographer Eric Lafforgue (Part 2 – of 2)

‘Al Hamra Open Air Museum is the largest open-air art gallery in the world. Jeddah contains a large number of modern open air sculptures and works of art. Subject matter is often elements of traditional Saudi culture. Islamic tradition prohibits the depiction of living creatures including humans’.

‘Rijal Alma village has been turned into a tourist attraction. It is 45km west of the tourist city of Abha.

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Gulf Insider April 2016

Art

The 1,100 mile Hijaz Railway was built in 1900, connecting Damascus to Medina. Its strategic importance was recognized by the British in the First World War and a sabotage campaign was launched

by Lawrence of Arabia and his Arab guerrillas. So successful were these raids that when the war ended in 1918 the Hijaz Railway was effectively destroyed, just 10 years after it opened. This picture was taken in Al Ula’.

The Nafud desert covers about 55,000 square kilometers at an elevation of about 1,000 metres (3,280 feet). Iron oxide gives the sand a red tint, particularly when the sun is low.

Old Jeddah has grown vertically through the ages and is close to the sea, so many terraces were built to take advantage of the water views.

Historic Jeddah. Nowadays, most of the buildings house Somali refugees, Yemenis and Pakistanis and are regularly flooded by the rains’

Gulf Insider April 2016

11

Affairs

BAHRAIN IN THE TOP FIVE

T

he findings of the 2015 Expat Explorer Balancing life abroad report offer an insight into what motivates people to live abroad and the kind of experience expats have. Moving to improve job prospects is only the third biggest reason to relocate behind having a new challenge and improving quality of life.

Dean Blackburn, Head of HSBC Expat, said: “Regardless of where they choose to move, expats are seeking a balanced experience in their new home. This report shows that, rather than aiming purely for higher wages or instant career success, many expats move to improve their quality of life, seek a personal challenge or learn new skills.”

The report also found that the benefits on offer to those relocating to the Middle East were among the best. Financially, Bahrain offers several benefits. The straightforward financial landscape means just 7% say their tax situation is more complicated than at home, compared with the global average of 27%. Seven in 10 (70%) say they are able to save more than at home (compared with the global average of 52%) and 68% that they enjoy more disposable income.

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Gulf Insider April 2016

Only Oman (72%) and Qatar (76%) are home to a greater number of expats who say their disposable income is higher.

Some living costs are high, such as housing which 57% say they spend more on than at home, but others are less so – for example, only 23% of expats say they spend more on utility bills. Any additional living costs are not a strong concern though, as nearly nine in 10 (86%) believe Bahrain is improving or remaining steady as a place to live.

Bahrain is a popular destination beyond just financial considerations. Settling into the country is not a challenge and nearly half (47%) of expats say the country felt like home within six months (compared with the global average of 31%).

Nearly two thirds (66%) say finding accommodation is easy and only Bahrain 11% found integrating into the country’s culture and lifestyle difficult. Finally, as far as parents are concerned, Bahrain offers a better quality of life for children.

Nearly two thirds (65%) of expat parents believe their offspring enjoy a higher quality of life in the country. One aspect of this is health and wellbeing, which 57% of parents state is better than at home for their children. In contrast, only

Bahrain is an easy and stable choice for expats, offering a smooth transition and a warm welcome, report reveals.

8% believe the opposite is true.

The Expat Explorer survey, now in its eighth year, is one of the largest independent global expat surveys.

Hints & Tips by Bahrain Expats 1. “Bahrain is a great place to bring up a young family, but make sure you can get a place at one of the schools before you arrive. It can be difficult.”

2. “An international driver’s licence is a must.”

3. “I believe Bahrain to be the most progressive, liberal and familyoriented country in the Gulf region.”

4. “Be aware about social clubs, it’s not easy to find friends in Bahrain.

Plan your vacations during summer due to extreme weather conditions.”

5. “Immerse yourself in the local culture, people, food and enjoy it.”

Business

TOURISM CAN DRIVE

GROWTH IN BAHRAIN

Richard Thompson, Editorial Director, MEED presented his thoughts on the impact of low oil prices and how Bahrain’s travel & tourism sector can boost the economy.

D

uring the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference’s regional briefing in Bahrain this past February, Richard shared his views on the country’s market outlook mentioning that the fall in oil revenues is pressuring GCC governments to make savings. Bahrain is actively responding by cutting public spending, slashing water and electricity subsidies and pushing the private sector to drive growth.

He pointed out Bahrain as a key tourism destination, particularly for Saudi Arabia. “Over three fourths of the state’s visitors are accounted for by Saudis who visit Bahrain throughout the year for business and leisure. Tourism accounts for about 4.1% of the country’s GDP and is expected to contribute 5.1%, or BD877m ($2.3bn) by 2024.

This is an 8% annual growth starting in 2015. The sector will directly employ 44,000 people by 2024, up from 30,000 14

Gulf Insider April 2016

Bahrain’s biggest strategic project is for the estimated $1.1bn expansion of Bahrain International Airport (BIA). in 2013. It will then account for 4.1% of total employment, corresponding to an annual growth of about 3.3% over this period,” he presented.

Richard mentioned key drivers of growth include the estimated $30bn infrastructure and industrial sector spending in the country over the next 10 years, adding that Bahrain has been

tapping the private sector in building infrastructure that is directly related to travel and tourism including new hotels.

He says there are many projects to look out for in the coming years which are focused on infrastructure, in a bid to create job opportunities for the local population. “The Economic Development Board (EDB) says the kingdom plans to invest more than $22bn in key infrastructure projects to boost public and private sector participation across the manufacturing, energy, healthcare and education sectors. In recent years it has shown encouraging signs of activity, as the project funding pledged by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE following the 2011 protests in Manama began to be used.”

Bahrain’s biggest strategic project is for the estimated $1.1bn expansion of Bahrain International Airport (BIA).

Upon completion in 2020, BIA will be four times the size of the existing facility and will create jobs and drive growth in Bahrain’s travel and tourism sector. The new terminal will increase BIA’s capacity to 13.5 million passengers a year, twice the current capacity of 8.5 million passengers.

About 70% of the project is being funded by the GCC Fund, primarily by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), with the rest being provided by the Bahraini government.

Designed with a capacity to handle 14 million passengers annually, the new airport will enable Bahrain to offer better services for the next 15 to 20 years. The existing terminal will be demolished starting in 2019, when 80% of the expanded BIA will have been completed.

Richard Thompson is the Editorial Director of MEED and will be speaking at the annual Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in Dubai this month, April 26-28.

Life Performing with Chris Botti Sting

DUBAI JAZZ FEST Gulf Insider visits the Dubai Jazz Fest, a great show with some amazing artists.

N

ot sure why they call this great event a “Jazz” fest, as there’s little jazz played and it’s mostly what would best be called popular, or “pop” music.

Anyway, what’s in a name, we were impressed and pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of music the event brings down to Dubai. This year’s theme was “Much More Than Jazz”, so justifying the rock, pop and urban music during the three-day fête.

It was a thrill to watch Grammy Award winner and smooth-jazz man Chris Botti and British rock icon Sting vibrate the space with positive energy. The show kind of manifested a role-reversal for Botti, who first performed in the UAE as part of Sting’s band at Dubai Aviation Club in 2001. This time around, Botti, the world’s greatest trumpet player got to steal the show.

On the other hand, it was painful to watch TOTO’s poor execution style – 60 year-olds trying to pass as teenagers?

NO. Just no. Vintage 1982 hits Rosanna and the encore Africa were obviously high-points during the show, but we personally found ourselves largely indifferent to everything else.

James sounded great, we’re just

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Gulf Insider April 2016

glad it was decided to fly this UK band down for the show. They’ve been on and off for three decades. The 80s and 90s performers certainly carried an element of nostalgia with them.

We were pleasantly surprised by PMJ, better known as Postmodern Jukebox from the US, who rose to fame thanks to YouTube and made their way into Dubai Media City’s Amphitheatre this year

The 80s and 90s performers certainly carried an element of nostalgia with them. to steal away the show with radically reworked jazz-hits.

English indie rock singer-songwriter David Gray, award winning guitarist Carlos Santana and 14-piece percussion troupe La Bomba de Tiempo also did their part in keeping the crowd delightfully entertained and mesmerized.

There are no words to describe Santana’s performance on stage,

surrounded by some of the best session musicians on planet earth, he casted his heavy “shadow” on them and the audience, that didn’t stop dancing and singing for two and a half hours. Carlos Santana is one of the few remaining legends of rock and roll and his place in the hall of fame reserved and definitely well deserved.

The festival had a good turnout of fans although it wasn’t packed out. There was still a lot space to join the crowd of thirty something mostly expats.

Overall the venue is well-organized and comfortable to be in; with cafes and food concessions around if you want to grab a bite between shows and shops for fun knick-knacks and souveniers. Launched in 2003, the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival or Jazz Fest as it is popularly known now, has attracted thousands of music lovers through the years.

The 14th edition this year was built on years of success, creating a one-of-akind experience for fans and artists alike.

Music lovers enjoyed an undeniably great line-up.

With ticket prices ranging from AED 300 to 1200, dates for next year’s show have been announced for February 22-24, 2017.

Life David Gray

La Bomba De Tiempo

James Santana

Post Modern Jukebox Toto

Gulf Insider April 2016

17

Work

POSITIVE OUTLOOK

BY BAHRAIN’S EMPLOYEES Close to a quarter of Bahrain respondents expect the country’s overall economy to improve in the near future 22% of Bahrain respondents have a very positive outlook on the future of the economy in Bahrain, according to the most recent Bayt.com Middle East and North Africa Consumer Confidence Index survey, which was conducted by Bayt.com, the Middle East’s number one job site, and YouGov, a leading market research agency.

PERSONAL ECONOMIC SITUATION According to 39% of respondents in Bahrain, their financial situation is the ‘same as six months ago’. On the other hand, 13% say it is ‘better’ now than it was six months ago, while 42% claim that it is ‘worse’. 30% of respondents believe that their personal financial situation will ‘improve’ in the next six months, while 32% say that it will ‘remain the same as it is now’. When it comes to the cost of living in the next six months, 85% of respondents expect it to increase, while 4% expect the cost of living to remain the same.

When it comes to personal savings, 66% of Bahrain respondents say that their savings have ‘decreased’ when compared to last year. Only 5% of respondents claim that their savings have ‘increased’, while 24% reveal that they have ‘remained the same’.

CONSUMER SPENDING IN BAHRAIN 21% of those surveyed in Bahrain are planning to invest in a motor vehicle in the next 12 months. Of those, 37% are planning to buy a new vehicle, while 31% are planning to buy a used one.

65% of respondents in Bahrain are not 18

Gulf Insider April 2016

planning on purchasing a vehicle.

When it comes to investing in property, 20% are planning to invest in the next 12 months. Of those who are planning to buy property, 44% will invest in an ‘apartment’, while 31% plan to buy a ‘villa/townhouse/bungalow’, and 19% will purchase ‘commercial property’.

Half of respondents who are planning to invest in property in Bahrain plan to buy new property in the next 12 months, while 28% will invest in pre-owned property.

Regarding consumer goods, 24% of Bahrain residents plan to purchase a ‘tablet or smartphone’ in the next six months, while 22% will invest in ‘furniture’. 14% of respondents from Bahrain are planning to buy ‘a desktop or laptop’ over the same period. An ‘LCD or Plasma TV’ (10%), washing machine

“Despite the positive outlook on the future, the rising cost of living is negatively impacting residents’ ability to save.” - Elissavet Vraka, Research Manager, YouGov

Work

(10%) and cooking range (10%) are also on the respondents’ list of consumer goods to buy this year.

CURRENT JOB PERS PECTIVE IN BAHRAIN Presently, 18% of respondents surveyed believe that there are plenty of jobs available in Bahrain, with 8% claiming availability across multiple industries and 10% claiming availability, but only across a limited number of industries. 15% of Bahrain respondents expect the job availability to ‘increase’ in the next six months.

21% of employed respondents feel that the number of employees in their company over the past six months has ‘increased’, while 41% believe the

opposite to be true. Over the course of the next six months, 28% of employed Bahrain respondents expect the number of employees in their organization to ‘increase’.

With regards to satisfaction levels, 44% of employed Bahrain respondents are ‘satisfied’ with career growth opportunities, and 36% are satisfied with their current compensation. On the other hand, 42% are dissatisfied with their current salary and allowances.

When it comes to non-monetary benefits, 39% of employed Bahrain respondents are satisfied, while 41% feel the opposite. 41% of employed respondents in Bahrain feel secure in their jobs.

“While the region as a whole has seen a relative dip in consumer confidence, future expectations

amongst respondents remain positive and bright,” said Suhail Masri, VP of Employer Solutions, Bayt.com.

“Gauging consumer opinion is a powerful tool for revealing the current attitudes and sentiments about the business and economic conditions in a specific country. Despite the positive outlook on the future, the rising cost of living is negatively impacting residents’ ability to save,” Elissavet Vraka, Research Manager, YouGov, said.

Data for the Bayt.com Middle East and North Africa Consumer Confidence Index survey was collected online with 3,905 respondents from across the region, including males and females aged 18 years old and above, of all nationalities.

Online edition at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com

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FASHION & LUXURY

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IN BAHRAIN

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Opinion

WHEN BLAIR

CAME TO BAHRAIN Last month Nick Cooksey was invited by the International Peace Institute (IPI) to attend a talk given by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

T

he event was held last month at the Harbour Tower at Bahrain Financial Harbour where Tony Blair spoke to a relatively small invited group of about 160 people.

The title of the talk was; “Opportunities and Challenges Facing the Middle East”, and he was speaking in his capacity as the former “peace envoy” for the Middle East. The meeting was conducted under “Chatham House Rules”, according to which information disclosed during a meeting may be reported by those present, but the source of that information may not be explicitly or implicitly identified.

Blair looked fit and relaxed, was smiling, charming, and mildly witty.

Everything discussed in the meeting was reasonable and hard to argue with; evolution is better than revolution, countries must build good relations with each other, the value of education, the need for tolerance, the importance of openess, that we must all work together to combat extremism, the dangers of radicalization.

Iran was criticized for exporting its radical ideology and for backing Hezbollah. Developments in various Middle East countries were also discussed.

And yet despite general agreement of the topics discussed, in Mr. Blair’s role as ‘peace envoy’ for the Middle East it is widely accepted that not only was there little progress over his eight years in this position. In fact the peace ‘process’ ground to a halt.

The session lasted just one hour,

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Gulf Insider April 2016

Opinion

He claims that Blair presided over a fractured and incompetent government

of which about twenty minutes were allocated for questions and answers.

I had prepared a couple of questions I had wanted to ask him but unfortunately there was not time after the assembled ambassadors and VIPs, who were given priority, had asked their questions.

With one exception, all questions were respectful and polite.

The Exception was the only question asked in Arabic, which was actually more of an accusation (in essence, about the consequences of Blair’s actions affecting this region). The questioner’s voice got ever louder and more emotional as he spoke and on completion of his question he stormed out the room.

I do not believe I am breaking Chatham House Rules in saying that to this onslaught Blair was relaxed, smiled, and explained that he was used to tough questions, though usually those asking them waited for an answer. This drew polite laughter.

I would have liked to have got his view regarding the new biography of him by Tom Bower, which was being serialized in newspapers around the world at the same time as this event. Bower, one of the world’s most respected biographers, had interviewed more than 200 civil servants and insiders for his biographer.

He claims that Blair presided over a fractured and incompetent government, that during his years in power presentation counted for him far

Despite general agreement of the topics discussed, in Mr. Blair’s role as ‘peace envoy’ for the Middle East it is widely accepted that not only was there little progress over his eight years in this position. more than substance, that he politicized the civil service, involved Britain in unnecessary wars, that vital decisions affecting the country, not least the decision to go to war with Iraq in 2003, were made without any consensus or expert advice – in the case of Iraq that so many senior government officials and military commanders were kept ‘outside the loop’ they were unable to properly prepare for the military invasion resulting in many unnecessary deaths and injuries of British soldiers.

He further accuses Blair of ‘presiding over a silent conspiracy’ that allowed over

two million immigrants to enter Britain to make the country ‘multicultural’, and that he ordered the government not to publicly discuss the issue.

I would have very much valued the chance to have asked him about some of these things, but it was not to be.

At the end of the session, those who wanted had the opportunity to briefly meet him, smile and shake hands, and have their photo taken with him. I choose not to do so.

Gulf Insider April 2016

21

Opinion

By Dr. Sonia Selwin and Mr. Harris Saseendran

T

here’s an old joke in business circles that goes like this- “Conferences on Entrepreneurship and Business Start-ups are the only events where there is never a queue to the ladies’ restroom...” Men might still enjoy sharing this one, but times have certainly changed. It would be an under-statement to say that these are certainly exciting times for Arab women entrepreneurs. According to a 2014 report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido), women entrepreneurs in Bahrain have become more successful than men in the previous seven years. With the average spending capacity of mothers in the Middle East being three times that of European women, investors have finally taken notice. So all you women out there, ever dreamt of having your own business? Well, now is about time!

Let’s have a look at some of the reasons that women today are more businessoriented than ever before.

Vision 2030: Over the past decade,

WILL THE REAL BUSINESS WOMAN PLEASE STAND UP? 22

Gulf Insider April 2016

GCC governments have invested heavily in girls’ education and STEM fields. The governments have been very supportive of new start-up projects, bringing together the banking sector and women entrepreneurs in need of funding to create a self-sustaining region of citizens for the post– hydrocarbon economy.

Bahrain government’s most successful initiative Tamkeen, boasts beneficiaries that include 47% women.

Education: Women here have never

found it easier to stand on their own feet than in the present decade, with the region taking giant leaps forward in women empowerment. Bahrain has one of the highest literacy rates

Opinion

for women at 91.6%. A recent study, ‘Maximising GCC Women’s Employment and Economic Contribution’ found that women university graduates outnumber men with 60% of university students across all GCC nations being women.

World Wide Women Web: With a

new generation of consumers who are tech savvy, it is uncommon to see young Bahraini women without a Samsung Galaxy or an Apple iPhone. Thus there is a huge untapped market for new apps and technology customized to take care of their needs. No wonder that 35% of technology entrepreneurs in the MENA region are women with more flocking into the industry at a rate outpacing the rest of the world.

Of course every coin has two sides.

The traditional mind-set in the region is still a challenge for women. “When everybody I know, including my parents, relatives and husband expect me to be a stay-at-home-wife, what other option do I have?” asks Ayesha, a final year business studies diploma trainee. She adds, “There are very few female business role-models here for the modern Arab woman to look up to. Added to this is the male-bias where bosses usually prefer the guys in the team to take on responsibilities while we women are expected to play the supporting role.

This is certainly a glass-ceiling that will take time to change. Starting my own business would give me the freedom to make my own decisions without having to put up with such issues.” Women are also prone to investor prejudice against their business ideas. Sara who owns a head scarves store in Riffa says that in the beginning she found her friends laughing about the fact that most women like her always go for a “soft” un-serious business.

Instead of brooding about the challenges, successful women are those who find ways and means to overcome them. Here are 5 effective tips to stay ahead:

1. Work-Life

Balance: A well organized work-schedule really does wonders for business women who are under constant pressure to spend more time with their family and kids. The

Time Management Matrix developed

by Stephen Covey is an apt tool for daily use, letting women to focus on those things that are really important in life by pushing aside business requirements that are not urgent for later and using that time to be with her family.

2.

Inspirational

networking:

Discussing own challenges with other professional women can open up a lot of solutions as each person can provide a new angle and view point about the issue at hand.

You can also build a wide network by simply participating in forums, e-mail discussion lists, and chat

Remember that expectations have to be realistic. Not everybody can be a Huda Janahi or a Mona Al Moayyed. It should be clear that most new entrepreneurs won’t be immediately successful in the first year. rooms that are related to your business or the type of customer you wish to attract.

3. No crowd-pleasers:

Many women start businesses for the wrong reasons which results in the venture taking a nose dive after a period because the boss itself is not dedicated to seeing it grow. The idea is not to convince the world, or the mother-in-law, the family or your neighbours. A woman who plans to venture into setting up a new organisation has to understand that running an independent business requires a lot of dedication from her side.

4. Crocodile skin: Taking every

downfall and criticism personally is going to end up giving us sleepless nights and a lot of headaches. The business world demands thick-skinned individuals who are not ashamed of their failures, open to the opinions and ideas of others, willing to accept their own errors in judgement and ready to change depending on the tide. Women are supposed to be more caring and humane than their male-counterparts. By embracing this characteristic, by showing that you value the opinions and advice of others, you will appear more approachable to your peers, employees, and customers.

5. The stars are not the limit:

Remember that expectations have to be realistic. Not everybody can be a Huda Janahi or a Mona Al Moayyed. It should be clear that most new entrepreneurs won’t be immediately successful in the first year. Nor should you have the constant fear of failure. If for some reason you find your sales graphs not reaching projections, or you find yourself unable to achieve goals you set out for yourself, rather than panicking or imagining that it might have something to do with your limitations as a woman, ask an impartial business advisor to review your management goals and strategies.

The globalised Arab woman is blessed with more options than her previous generation counterparts could ever have dreamt of. Women today are ready to stand up and take the lead. Go for it gals!

Dr. Sonia Selwin and Mr. Harris Saseendran are Business Studies trainers at Bahrain Training Institute, Ministry of Education, Bahrain, handling UK based Edexcel and CIPD Diploma Programs for Human Resource Management specialization courses.

Contact details: Dr. Sonia - +973 3330 1855 soniaselwyn@gmail.com Mr. Harris - +973 3630 5218 simply.harris@gmail.com

Gulf Insider April 2016

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Life

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o.

N e l i f o r P Insider

SHANTHINI RAJA Chairperson and CEO of Rsquare Technologies, Entrepreneur, Social Worker, Teacher, Mother.

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hat intrigues you most about technology? Who or what keeps you motivated?

Whatever the technology, there should be innovation, uniqueness in what we offer. Our clients and competitors keep us motivated and encourage us to move forward. Earning a good name or reputation is itself difficult, so when we receive a warm appreciation, it encourages us to sustain and focus our energy more.

Please share the Rsquare vision, what makes your company different?

We design and develop our own software unlike other re-selling options, we conceive the challenges faced in real operations that we translate into technology based solution. Instead of performing routine monotonous office work like writing the cheques, form by hand, storing and managing enormous paper documents, we automate the whole process, hence our solutions focuses on office automation.

What are some obstacles you had to tackle during your career?

Obstacles are challenges that trigger our energy to perform better every time.

As a women entrepreneur, I faced no challenges in GCC where women are given great respect and especially in business, there is an additional respect which we enjoy.

Please list your top three achievements.

The privilege of catering to prestigious clients with unique and customized solutions, our growth in terms of team size, product range and 400+ clients and an industry award for our most innovative concept software.

How is working in Bahrain different

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from other Gulf countries you’ve lived and worked in?

I always feel that living in Bahrain is like living in our home town. We can eat, dress and worship as we want. Bahrain provides complete freedom to us. As a business women here, the country is extremely encouraging and promising.

If working mothers are called “Superwomen”, shouldn’t working fathers be called “Supermen”? Please share your thoughts.

Women have in-born capabilities to multi task and deliver their best unlike men who mostly focus their energy into completing one task – be it at work, or at home managing the child. But I would like to call them super men for their moral support and motivation that fuels us to excel in any field we are in.

Hobbies & Interests: Music, traditional Indian dance and film making.

Paradise, just a few hours away...

Dutch Bay Resorts, Sri Lanka

Set within an oasis of mangrove forests, and water reservoirs you will find Dutch Bay Resorts, a tranquil sanctuary of 16 Signature Hideaway Mangrove Chalets of 5 star boutique standards.

Come escape from the world and pamper yourself with ageless Holistic Spa Treatments.

Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit by selecting from a variety of spa packages and treatments to help restore your natural balance.

Dutch Bay Resorts Exclusive VIP Club - Designed for high net worth individuals who care for nature, we provide specifically designed facilities to allow our members to enrich their lifestyle and well-being.

Motors

CAR INSIDER

NEW CAR LAUNCES IN BAHRAIN

THE NEW-GENERATION AUDI A4 MAKES BAHRAIN DEBUT

MITSUBISHI ATTRAGE DEBUTS AT ZAYANI MOTORS Drivers of every experience level will find the new Attrage an absolute breeze to handle. An extremely tight turning radius, among smallest in its class, makes the Attrage easy to maneuver through narrow city streets and crowded parking lots of Bahrain.

Audi A4 and Sales Manager Allen Blake Claimed to have the best drag coefficient in its class, top score of 5 stars in Euro NCAP for active and passive safety, new equipment concept with sport and design lines and fuel consumption reduced by up to 21%.

MOTORCITY UNVEILS THE ALL-NEW CHERY ARRIZO 7

TOYOTA BAHRAIN UNVEILS ALL-NEW FORTUNER The new Fortuner is a second generation model which builds on its heritage of being a durable sport utility vehicle (SUV) with impressive off-road capabilities.

The vehicle features eagle eye headlights with a high-tech chrome-plated design, dynamic rear design and smart LED lights and an ultra-large 455 litre trunk.

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Gulf Insider April 2016

You may have great managers and great leaders BUT do they think like entrepreneurs – real business people?

Managers spend their budget, but would that decision be different if it was their own money?

Thought provoking isn’t it?

The programme takes 2 weeks. Week one starts in the UK and week two extends into Dubai.

Delegates learn about key business options from sector experts and they will also attend a networking event at the British Embassy in Dubai.

After the programme has concluded, each delegate will shortly thereafter present a report to their management board in the presence of the programme director plus each delegate will receive ongoing one-to-one coaching for set periods for a further 3 months.

For e-brochure visit www. westendtraining.co.uk/pdf/e-Broucher.pdf

Motors

WHAT MAKES MCLAREN DIFFERENT? Gulf Insider speaks to Andreas Bareis, Managing Director for McLaren Automotive Middle East & Africa, on how he plans to continue building the McLaren brand across the region.

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Gulf Insider April 2016

Motors

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cLaren produced 1654 cars last year (its best ever year for sales) and saw a 9% increase in retailers across the Middle East region, but that figure will likely double this year with the introduction of the Sports Series which entails production to hit 3500 units.

Rivalled against the Porsche 911 and Audi R8, the 570S has already bagged ‘BEST SPORTS CAR’ AT WHEELS CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS this year.

A fairly new company from Britain launched in the early 1990s, McLaren entered a market dominated by established British, German and Italian brands. Andreas joined McLaren three years ago as Executive Director of Quality.

McLaren policy is to create a new model or variant each year, starting with the groundbreaking and successful 12C in 2010, followed by the 12C Spider, 650S and the 675LT Coupe which saw all its 500 units sold out upon announcement, and the recent addition of the 570S. “All our models are exceptional,” says Andrea.

McLaren is closely connected to Bahrain, Mumtalakat being a major shareholder in the company, with McLaren Automotive regionally headquartered in Manama.

Andreas was a key member of the Executive Committee and has been part of the team responsible for steering

future product and brand strategy including the establishment of a threetier product line up this year, which will set the course for the next decade or more.

The company has recently announced details of its Track22 Business Plan, taking it through the next six years

[on customization] “we like to say yes, as long as the customer’s special request is legal and safe.” through to 2022. Maintaining a spotlight on the development of the world’s best drivers’ cars, McLaren Automotive will continue to focus purely on the development of two-seater sports and supercars. At the heart of the Business Plan is a commitment to its industryleading 20-25% of turnover invested in Research and Development for future products and technology. Over the next six years, this represents an investment of £1bn and will lead to the launch of 15 all-new cars or derivatives.

The launch of the new 570GT at the

Geneva Motor Show represents the culmination of new model introductions for 2016. McLaren also confirmed the addition of a Spider derivative within its Sports Series family in 2017. Following the positive reception of the 675LT Coupé and Spider models, which sold out in a matter of weeks, McLaren has also announced that ‘LT’ (standing for Long Tail models) will become a trackfocused, yet road leagl, sub-brand with further models in the future.

Subsequent to the global success of the petrol-electric hybrid-powered McLaren P1TM, McLaren Automotive has confirmed that at least 50% of its cars will feature hybrid technology by the end of the Business Plan period.

While in his previous role of overseeing and benchmarking quality, Andreas was able to integrate robust and demanding processes to ensure that customers received the highest quality product possible. “I have gained valuable insights into the needs, desires and expectations of all our customers, in the Middle East and the rest of the world. To be able to use these insights to maximize McLaren’s competitiveness in this strategically important region is a great opportunity that I will relish”.

He’s very informed about the various preferences customers have across the world. Andreas told us, for example, that while Japanese clientele are most particular about paint finish and fitting, Americans are more technology driven and looking for a great entertainment system and Europeans focus on performance. For clients in the Gulf however, the top priority is usually the overall looks and image of the vehicle.

Many customers, not least from the Gulf, ask for customization of their cars. “Be it extra carbon options or customized interiors, we like to say yes, as long as the customer’s special request is legal and safe.”

Andreas says he wants to focus on customer satisfaction, quality, and increased sales performance. We tell him with a smile that this is what every executive from any other car company – or come to it any other commercial company will typically say. He smiles and tells us to take his word for it and see how he does.

Gulf Insider April 2016

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Off Topic

ONE ON ONE WITH

JENSON BUTTON Also known as JB, Jenson is a British Formula One driver from England currently driving for McLaren. He is the 2009 Formula One World Champion, driving for Brawn GP. Here’s his take on travelling around the world, food, F1 driving…and dopplegangers.

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1. You must be an expert at coping with jetlag, what are your top tips for travelling?

Jetlag is a tough one and definitely an occupational hazard. One trick I’ve learned over the years is to base your meals around the time zone of your destination, so if when you get on the plane it’s the middle of the night where you are but it’s breakfast time where you’re going – try and eat, as for me

Off Topic

personally if you get that right it makes it easier to sleep or wake up. I also like to try and do some sort of exercise as soon as possible once off long haul flight.

2. You’ve obviously got a taste for speed as an F1 driver - but if you were not one, what else would you have been?

I’ve been asked the “what else would you have been” question so many times and it’s one I’ve never been able to answer as I’ve been racing since I was 8 years old and not only have I not known anything else I’ve never even thought about it. That said I’d love to have a go at taking off in a plane, that and landing have got to be the fun parts right?

3. What are your favourite London restaurants to visit and why?

London is one of my favourite places in the world and the food is definitely a part of that. It really depends on what sort of mood I’m in but a handful of favourites that never let me down are The Wolseley – this is the place where I would normally come with family for a meal around Christmas time, it’s such a brilliantly quintessentially British restaurant and the food is incredible.

If in the mood for some sushi then Zuma is always a real treat. London also has some incredible pubs, one of my favourite’s is the Walmer Castle in Notting Hill – a great pub and they used to have a fantastic Thai place upstairs, which I was sad to see go. I also need to throw in a place based around a good Sunday roast, which is right up there as one of my favourite meals and that’s Paradise in Kensal Rise, great fun and great food.

4. You spend a lot of time flying what’s your funniest memory from your time in the skies?

I had a funny encounter not that long ago when a lady who was on my flight came up to me a few hours in and said that her sons were fans and would I mind signing something for them. Now I had noticed the lady in question had an American accent so was surprised as, although it’s growing, F1 isn’t as big in America as other countries. As I was signing she followed up with “they’ll be

so excited, they’ve got all your albums, when’s the next one due out?” It’s not the first time I’ve been mistaken for the lead singer of Coldplay and when I’d finally convinced her I wasn’t Chris Martin she still looked confused and asked “if you’re not Chris Martin who are you as you seemed happy to give me your autograph?!” - I explained that I’m an F1 driver and she said “well I don’t think my sons watch it but sign them anyway” - brilliant!

5. The Bahrain GP has really established itself on the race calendar since its introduction in 2004 - what do you like most about it?

Bahrain is always a great spectacle under the floodlights. There’s a good mix of corners at this circuit and it’s really fun to drive full of high speed sections. It’s always a really great event for the fans and it’s a fun track to race on – I won there in 2009 and I always enjoy driving there.

6. Have you ever or would you like to drive across America and if so what route would you take?

I haven’t ever really looked into it. I’ve obviously heard of the famous route 66 but have never been on it. There are some fantastic routes down the west coast of the States that I’d love to drive, or even ride on a Harley. In fact I’d love to cycle some of it as well. I did a half Ironman in a place called Oceanside in San Diego and that was great fun, travelling along coastline is always such a pleasure.

7. If you were to explore Europe by road, what are the best countries to take in for incredible views?

I’ve driven a lot of Europe and one route that I love to drive is the South of France to Italy and regularly drive to the race in Monza. Also driving through France to the wine region is a stunning drive. If you head into Italy from Monaco, you have the Stelvio Pass, which is one of the most famous roads in the world.

8. Cycling is a huge part of your life what are your top five routes to ride in Europe?

Bahrain is always a great spectacle under the floodlights. There’s a good mix of corners at this circuit and it’s really fun to drive full of high speed sections.

Five is a bit tough as due to time restrictions I’m normally just taking what I can get in terms of training and cycling.

There’s a great gang of us in Monaco made up of current and ex drivers and even some pro cyclists who all go out riding together and we usually ride into Italy – stop at a café where coffee is €1 and still some of the nicest coffee you’ll ever have and then ride back. That’s always great fun and a beautiful ride as well.

9. What’s the most challenging drive you’ve experienced (off the racetrack) on a road trip? What made it so thrilling?

For my 30th we flew out to Sweden and spent a day out on some ski-doos.

Driving across the frozen lakes and through the forests in deep powder snow was pretty challenging but great fun.

10. What’s the one gadget that you can’t travel without? Why? I do love my iPad – great when you’ve got a show that you love and you can relax into your seat and start a new episode. Makes travelling a little easier!

11. Where do you go to escape the crowds in your hometown?

Out on my bike up into the mountains, peaceful and beautiful.

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Work

CLAMP ON

MANPOWER AGENCIES Bahrain’s Migrant Workers Protection Society urges companies to be vigilant about staff treatment and business practices when outsourcing cleaning and administrative jobs to manpower agencies.

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he MWPS met with Gulf Insider and explained that business entities should consider it a Corporate Social Responsibility when conducting due diligence before awarding an outsourcing contract to manpower agencies. Otherwise, they indirectly give manpower agencies the leeway to adopt unfair practices and abuse workers’ rights.

“While most of these agencies are fair and honour the employment contract, there are some agencies that are not paying salaries on time, not renewing visas on time, illegally retaining passports, not paying for air tickets, not honoring accrued paid holiday entitlements, withholding gratuity payments and not giving their staff sufficient time off work,” a MPWS representative said. She explained that agencies are willing to undercut their own workforce, breach local employment laws in order to retain contracts with their clients. “We would like to emphasize that not all manpower supply agencies are unethical, but there are a few who have not been able control the pendulum between offering a reliable service to their client whilst at the same time meeting the minimum obligations which they owe by law to their work force.”

The MWPS informed us that some agencies may be charging upward of BD200 per worker from the company requesting cleaning work, but actually only paying BD 60 to 80 as basic

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According to latest reports, the LMRA has stated that there are 208 manpower agencies in Bahrain, of which 158 are compliant. salary. Working hours will be long at around 12 hours a day with extra work on the weekends and the overtime will be minimal. A few agencies justify low basic salaries by stating that they provide accommodation and food, but the accommodation may be cramped, with workers scrambling for kitchen space and bathroom every morning.

Also, if an employer is not going to give a reasonable fixed monthly food allowance, then consideration must be given to the food that is being provided in place of the allowance. For example, an African employee cannot be expected to eat Asian food on a daily basis or vice versa. But this is not given due consideration and the desire to capitalize by buying bulk cheap food instead of giving a monthly reasonable cash allowance trumps what is right. “If you think about it, what a low income

outsourced worker wants is so little - simple food, a place to stay, and an acceptable wage,” the representative pointed out.

“Bahrain has very good laws in place that cover all aspects of employment.

Bahrain is continuously striving to adopt global best practices. However, as can be expected with any system, implementation can be a hurdle. The new LMRA Expatriate Grievance Unit, opened last year, will assist with honing in on a real time basis on any possible loopholes,” she continued. According to latest reports, the LMRA has stated that there are 208 manpower agencies in Bahrain, of which 158 are compliant.

At present, in this region, the organization outsourcing work is not held accountable. Internationally, this is changing with increasing awareness about abuse of worker rights by suppliers. MWPS urges organizations to take responsibility as ethical work environments are necessary for a holistic co-existence. The organization outsourcing a job should conduct due diligence before any contract.

Otherwise, they are indirectly giving manpower agencies the leeway to adopt unfair practices and abuse workers’ rights.

Companies who are seeking to adopt or refine their current procurement models and implement more ethical standards can contact MWPS at +973 1782 7895.

BAHRAIN

TELECOM INSIDER SUPPORT TO ENHANCE BAHRAIN’S ICT SECTOR

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amkeen and Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on discussing means to support and develop information and communications technology (ICT) firms in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The MoU comes as part of Tamkeen’s commitment to support initiatives aimed at serving private sector enterprises and fulfilling businesses’ needs in light of ICT advances in the Kingdom.

Many countries in the world have provided all types of support for ICT, overcoming challenges and mobilising capabilities to motivate the society and its institutions to adopt and develop technological options.

Based on that, the Kingdom of Bahrain has sought to draw up plans to develop and expand the ICT sector to meet economic, social and education requirements, and encourage entrepreneurship and investment in these areas.

ICT sector MOU

BATELCO GROUP AGM APPROVES BD41.58M CASH DIVIDENDS

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atelco Group’s 36th AGM saw shareholders approve the recommendation of the Board of Directors for a full year cash dividend of BD41.58 (US$110.29M), at a value of 25 fils per share, of which 10 fils per share was already paid during the third quarter of 2015 with the remaining 15 fils to be paid in the coming weeks.

Batelco AGM - CFO and Group CEO and BOD Secretary

MINISTER DISCUSSES FUTURE OF BAHRAIN TELECOM WITH ZAIN

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ahrain’s Minister of Transportation & Telecommunications, HE Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed, discussed the future of the Kingdom’s telecom sector with Zain Group’s management while visiting them at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) held in Spain.

The meeting also discussed the latest details pertaining to the 4th National Telecommunications Plan spearheaded by the Ministry which will set out the strategic objectives and the work plan for the sector for the next three years. HE the Minister outlined the key themes of the plan, including the provision of high-quality telecommunications services based on competitive prices, studying the position of the infrastructure as well as safe and highspeed data services coupled with increasing consumer confidence in telecommunications services in Bahrain.

HE Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed visiting Zain Group’s booth at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) held in Spain this February.

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Telecoms

BILLING WOES Bahrain’s telecom companies to face more scrutiny and regulation as the TRA prepares to tackle increasing consumer complaints pertaining to wrongful billing and invoicing.

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he Telecommunications Regulatory Authority will establish a framework to ensure the accuracy of the billing and invoicing systems of operators in Bahrain. The move comes after billing and invoicing complaints topped the list of grievances handled by the TRA in 2014 and 2015 and pertain to all major telecom companies in the Kingdom. A total of 401 complaints were received last year, of which 34% were related to billing, 21% for Quality of Service and 11% for Roaming. A majority of the

Telecoms

roaming complaints were received from customers who travelled within the GCC simply because their frequency of travel is more, however, the most financially damaging roaming charges are those incurred by customers who travelled outside the GCC, due to less partnership deals established with foreign networks.

Consumer Affairs Manager Amjad Elnayal explained that it’s difficult to pinpoint one root cause of why there are so many billing and invoicing complaints.

“One major factor is that Bahrain’s retail telecommunications market is highly competitive as well as price sensitive,” he explains, “Different terms and conditions do apply for different services, offers and promotions.

Consumers have to make sure they fully understand their rights and the true measure of a service based industry, is the level of education and awareness of its consumers. As such, it is our duty at the TRA to ensure consumers in Bahrain are fully empowered and aware to make decisions.” Amjad clarifies that operators may not be 100% clear on explaining terms and conditions to their customers and that’s how a person can end up using a service unintentionally, not knowing or misunderstanding the details of the package they’ve signed for.

Referring to postpaid services, Amjad explains that when used locally, consumers are duly notified about their data limit and usage. But, data roaming being a premium service is considerably high, where costs depend on the visiting country’s network and this is where the situation can get tricky. “Bills are issued after the fact and customers don’t receive real time notifications.” He calls for real time notifications for consumers who instead of receiving an SMS about how much data they have used up, is informed and receives a monetary figure of how much that usage has cost them.

The TRA aims to create a roaming transparency regulation this year Amjad shares, wherein in addition to real time notifications, subscribers will also be offered a cap on data roaming services which are suspended when the bill or usage reaches BD50.

New GCC roaming rates effective April 1st will also ensure that customers are being charged fairly for roaming services across all operators in the GCC. “To a certain extent, placing a cap for telcom

companies will limit the damage,” Amjad says. The new regulation on maximum caps for roaming services is similar to those applied by operators in the European Union, he continues.

“Of the 401 complaints received by TRA, 136 were related to billing and invoice,” Amjad highlights, “This figure doesn’t reflect a clear picture of how

“Subscribers will also be offered a cap on data roaming services which are suspended when the bill or usage reaches BD50.” many complaints were actually made to operators. TRA only receives cases of escalated complaints forwarded to us by aggrieved customers when their service providers were not able to solve their issues. The operators therefore receive a much larger amount of complaints which are solved internally.”

The Authority hopes to restore confidence in the operators’ billing systems by checking their accuracy to help seek well-informed and clear solutions to this issue by working

on a regulatory framework this year and implementing it by early 2017, he confirms. The Billing & Metering Initiative will eventually release a regulation for operators that ensures they follow and use methods which are up to international standards and don’t put the credibility of those systems in doubt, implementing utmost accuracy.

Did You Know? 

Data roaming services cost up to BD8 per MB – this means uploading just one photo to Facebook or Instagram can cost you more than BD24!

 Bahrain

has a population of 1.3mn people and 2.5mn mobile subscriptions.

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

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There are 2mn fixed and mobile broadband subscribers and 240,000 fixed telephony subscribers in Bahrain.

Roaming users in Bahrain will benefit from lower GCC roaming prices for voice, SMS and mobile data, effective April 1st.

The application of lower wholesale and retail prices will be gradual over a period of three years for voice and SMS, and five years for mobile data. (Data services will cost 490fils per MB now and will decrease to 160fils per MB by 2020).

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IN SI DE R TE LE CO M

ADVERTORIAL

INTRODUCING MODERN

LIFESTYLE IN BAHRAIN

Home Security Devices – Monitor your home anytime, anywhere

VIVA launches the Kingdom’s first-ever ‘Connected Life’ digital solutions, with smart technologies tailored for homes and cars, and portable devices for child tracking and health monitoring.

Eng. Ulaiyan Al Wetaid,VIVA CEO with VIVA representatives

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orking with global pioneers on home automation technology, VIVA is offering connected security and energy solutions to provide customers a modern 21st century home experience. Customers can ensure the security of their home with an intelligent door lock, which includes advanced access features, and smart surveillance cameras packed with sensitive sensoractivated features. VIVA Connected Life also delivers effortless energy-saving benefits with a smart LED home lighting system and Wi-Fi thermostats.

Additionally, VIVA is introducing Bahrain to connected car solutions powered by Vinli. The hi-tech device

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Gulf Insider April 2016

turns any car into a connected smart car within seconds of installation. It unlocks virtually unlimited possibilities and onboard entertainment with 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi connection. Paired with an endless range of apps, Vinli by VIVA also assists with concerns related to safety, security, and car diagnostics.

As part of VIVA Connected Life, VIVA has also partnered with King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) and iHealth to introduce the all-new VIVA Connected Health devices. The award-winning blood pressure and glucose monitors featured in the kit, assist individuals of all ages to take an active role in managing their personal health. With an application on handheld devices, it allows customers

to easily track, view, store and share health records on-the-go.

Catering to a wide spectrum of age groups and their requirements, the new unified digital solutions include the VIVA Child Malak-e Tracker. The innovative technology consists of a stylish kids’ smart-watch for parents to easily monitor, locate, track and ensure their child’s safety at all times.

“We wanted to introduce a whole new modern lifestyle to Bahrain that maximizes comfort, flexibility and connectivity in today’s fast-paced world,” comments Andrew Hanna, VIVA Bahrain Chief Commercial Officer. “To do so, we handpicked the best devices from pioneers across the world to connect the primary corners of an individual’s life under one unified network. Your home, car, children and health are now only a touch away with VIVA Connected Life, and we look forward to including more devices in the near future.”

Malak-e Watch – Monitor your children anytime, anywhere

Work

THE BAHRAIN AWARD FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP 2ND EDITION The award aims to cultivate a stimulating business environment in Bahrain, one which impassions entrepreneurs towards leadership and innovation and inspires them to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit.

The Award was launched by Tamkeen in line with the Bahrain Economic Vision for economic development driven by innovation and partnership. It encourages the active engagement of the public and private sectors in laying the groundwork for economic development, ensure its sustenance, and serve as engines of growth.

The Award’s second edition is a testimony to the success achieved during its first edition, on which it received favourable response from participants across all sectors. The patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, further ensured the participation of a

greater number of entrepreneurs, who entrusted their hopes and aspirations on his sincere intention to uphold the objectives of the Award in championing entrepreneurship, and in serving as a catalyst in transforming their aspirations into realities.

The Award enjoys the support of strategic partners which include Economic Development Board, Bahrain Development Bank and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with knowledge advisors comprising of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Tourism, EY Bahrain and UNIDO AICEI. The Award’s strategic alliance is

primarily geared towards the objective of cultivating better opportunities for Bahraini entrepreneurs, enabling them to identify and seize opportunities, and adapt new strategies in accordance to changing business conditions.

Applicants were subjected to a rigid criteria-based performance evaluation by an international jury panel comprising of distinguished personalities and prominent entrepreneurs.

The ceremony and subsequent celebrations of the annual Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship took place last month on March 6th, 2016.

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS ARE:

Dr. Lamya Specialist Laser Dental Centre for SME of the Year Award Alia Almoayed Nutrition Consultancy for Micro-Enterprise of the Year Award

Khalifa Al Mannai - Mannai Technological Facilitations for Startup of the Year Award Dr. Sara Al Reefy - London Breast Care Centre for the Female Entrepreneur of the Year

Mohamed Rafea - Midal Cables for Enterprise of the Year with International Footprint AwardAward

Hala Almoayyed - Almoayyed Contracting Group for Sustainable Business Award

Ahmed Mansoor Al Aali Group for the Lifetime Achievement Award

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Life

DUBAI

FOOD FESTIVAL 2016 Gulf Insider was at the opening weekend of DFF last month which showcased a long lineup of events and activities, providing both residents and visitors numerous opportunities to discover why Dubai is a diner’s delight.

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hree words.

“WE ARE IMPRESSED.” It was evident right away that the festival was well-organized, it was definitely a big affair and they most certainly went to town with it.

Hosted under the new ‘Celebrate Taste’ theme, the third edition of the Dubai Food Festival showcased the emirate’s diverse culinary offerings during a 17-day run across the city.

The festival also saw the return of the popular Etisalat Beach Canteen and featured some amazing new attractions such as the Dubai Restaurant Week, ‘Dine with the Stars’ event, alongside an array of Masterclasses with iconic international and local chefs, and a number of signature events and family

Gulf Insider grabbed a rare opportunity to enjoy one of the longest dining experiences at the first-ever Long Table… The event invited and seated, 1,000 guests.

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oriented activities in restaurants, malls and favourite hotspots in the city.

Many of the leading hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and malls in Dubai were supporters of the delicious Food Festival, hosting various activities and promotions throughout the two week celebrations.

The Kids Dine Free promotion for example invited families to enjoy a free

three-course menu for children under 12 at 50 of the city’s most beloved family dining restaurants when accompanied by a paying adult. Participating restaurants throughout the city offered a “taste of their best” with limited edition signature dishes or menus. Even the Global Village took a part and marked its milestone 20th season by joining hands with DFF to offer authentic street food

Life

dishes throughout the festival at its restaurants, cafes and kiosks.

Possibly, the highlight of it all was Dubai Marina Mall’s Chocolate Fiesta where the wonderful world of chocolates was exhibited through a showcase of chocolate sculptures, tastings, chocolate menu offerings, demonstrations on how chocolates are made, unique fashion, stage shows, competitions and much more.

But for now, here are our highlights…

Dubai Long Table by Dodge, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard Gulf Insider grabbed a rare opportunity to enjoy one of the longest dining experiences at the first-ever Long Table set up outside along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai.

The event invited and seated, 1,000 guests who chose from six specially created three-course menus by awardwinning chefs of The Address Hotels + Resorts, and Vida Hotels and Resorts.

The food was obviously mind-blowing.

And the weather was perfect until 4 pm – the end of the event, when it started raining. Perfect timing!

of Culinary and Finishing Arts (SCAFA).

MasterChefs George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Manu Feildel, Matt Moran, Manal Al Alem and Shannon Bennett were teaching fans their top tricks and tips. But we did shake hands and exchange greetings; that’s just as amazing right?

Night, and a range of fitness classes to burn off those added calories.

Visitors to the beach were lucky to witness a gorgeous sunset towards end of the kick-off weekend, and even more lucky as it started to rain just as everyone was making their way back home.

Eat the World DXB, Burj Park Eat the World DXB promised an exciting food and music event where high-quality, authentic food was the star of the show. They brought in 15 international street food traders, including food trucks, a majority seemed to be from the UK. Set against a backdrop of great music and a lively family atmosphere, the event definitely offered foodies great fun including a curated market, children’s activities and chef demo theatre with celebrities including Andy Bates, John Quilter, Eric Lanlard and Suzanne Husseini.

The Dubai Food Festival is organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

Etisalat Beach Canteen, Kite Beach The Beach Canteen was the festival’s free to attend, go-to destination that served as the official hub and main ticket booking platform. Families, foodies, fitness fanatics and fashionistas were in for a treat with 15 delicious home-grown restaurant concepts, demonstrations

by Dubai Restaurant Week’s chefs and Australian Master Chefs, a Food & Film

Masterclass Series by Al Islami; SCAFA Since we were too caught up with all the great food, we missed the Masterclass series of sessions and demonstrations by stars of the Australian MasterChef at Dubai’s School

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Life

CHEF RUKMAL’S BAHRAINI-BRITISH FUSION MENU

The Domain Hotel & Spa is participating in UK and Bahrain’s 200th year anniversary of partnership through special food promotions this month…Senior Chef De Cuisine, Dushan Rukmal tell us more.

W

ith 14 years of experience in the industry, Chef Rukmal has successfully brought some unique concepts to the kitchen at The Domain’s Le Sauvage, a leather-bound masculine grill room with an open kitchen serving curated cuts of meat and classic French sides. He ages his own signature meat, makes his own salts and gets experimental dishing out fun foods like liquid olives. You can expect nothing but the best from a chef who has “literally” faced the heat working with British chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay. (Yes, you read that right).

This month, The Domain has collaborated with the UK Embassy in Bahrain and will be offering an exclusive fusion menu orchestrated by Chef Rukmal from April 10th to 30th. “I guarantee our guests great flavours and a memorable experience,” he says.

As the concept “fusion” suggests, Chef Rukmal’s dishes for the month have been paired using popular ingredients from both British and Bahraini cuisines to create something new. He claims he has never reused any of his dishes and promises what guests at La Sauvage find this month, will be original taste.

A selection of olive oils and homemade dried salts will already be placed at every table, you will first be served the pre-appetizer concoction which is Reverse spherical olives, Cinnamon

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“I guarantee our guests great flavours and a memorable experience.”

Infused Apple Juice with a rimming of Zatar & Pine Nut Salt and Wild Lemon.

Once your palettes are cleared and all set for the meal, you will brought the next course which is the typical Scotch Egg spin-off with a Kibbeh meat covering served with various greens and vegetables.

The soup comes next, a Potatoe & Scallion with Halloumi Tortellini, followed by the main course which is Chef Rukmal’s signature aged meat with a Middle Eastern wow factor. The beef tenderloin has been aged for 20 days and marinated in a special rub made with Bahraini spices, served with a Classic Yorkshire Pudding. It’s not common to find aged meat in Bahrain, The Domain is most likely the only place where a chef is utilizing this particular method and they’re typically very proud of this culinary achievement. “I’m very lucky that the hotel’s management decided to invest in such expensive kitchen gadgets and equipment when they were opening

two years ago. It certainly gave me an opportunity to follow my passion and experiment with ingredients that help bring forth unusual, yet delicious meals,” he shares. “Everyone was amazed at the tasting, when I first served the Beef Tenderloin to my managers and representatives from the UK Embassy; the meat’s texture, presentation and aroma was perfect and I’m certain it will be our star dish this month.”

Ending off with a revolutionary Granny Smith Pie with cinnamon and a pistachio tart base, guests can enjoy their meal 34 floors high while overlooking the Bahrain landscape below. The space is well-lit with comfortable seating, classy private dining rooms and an easily accessible bar.

Cost per person – BD 17++

PROUD TO SUPPORT

CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF

BRITISH – BAHRAINI RELATIONS

Hosted under the Patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Bicentenary Celebrations commemorate the bilateral relationship between the UK and Bahrain which began officially in 1816.

A year-long series of events, the Bicentenary Celebrations are a showcase for the UK-Bahraini relationship across a wide range of areas including culture, business, arts, sport and education.

As part of the Celebrations, April is set to become the BHUK 200 Food Month, with a selection of The Kingdom’s hotels, restaurants and super-markets presenting a wide range of traditional and bespoke menus, fusion dishes and food related promotions throughout the month, designed to demonstrate the quality, variety and creativity that earmarks both the British and Bahraini hospitality and food sectors.

THROUGHOUT APRIL

Date and Walnut English Tea Cake Slice Sticky Date Cake with Earl Grey Costa Coffee or English Breakfast Tea BCC, Seef Mall, Saar Mall, Passion Restaurant and Café Al Hayat Mall (Sagaya), Adliya The Square (Salmadad) Friday 1st– Saturday 30th April Friday 1st– Saturday 30th April All Day All Day

British / Bahraini Fusion Dishes Nicole’s Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge Adliya Friday 1st– Saturday 30th April Monday– Saturday Noon – 2am Sunday 6pm – 2am

BH & UK 2016 Menu The Domain Hotel and Spa Le Sauvage, Level 34 Sunday 10th – Saturday 30th April ( Not Mondays ) Evenings

British / Bahraini Fusion a la Carte Menu Lumee Street Cafe Seef Friday 1st– Saturday 30th April All Day

Alosra Supermarket Saar, Riffa,Juffair Amwaj, Aheel Centre Sunday 10th – Saturday 16th April

British AfternoonTea Enjoy Your Night at Downtown with UK The Westin Bahrain City Centre Band The Expressions and British Bites Mezzanine Lounge InterContinental Regency Bahrain Friday 1st– Saturday 30th April Downtown Noon – 4pm Saturday 9th – Saturday 30th April 9pm - 1am

Bahraini Afternoon Tea The Palace Boutique Hotel The Orangery Tearoom & Patisserie Sunday 3rd – Thursday 28th April ( Not weekends ) 3pm – 6pm

Sky High, High Tea The Domain Hotel and Spa Domain Privee, Level 36 Sunday 10th – Saturday 30th April 3pm – 6pm

THROUGHOUT APRIL

MegaMart Bahrain Segayar Plaza, Saar, Juffair, Riffa Sunday 3rd – Saturday 9th April

British Pub Menu The Westin Bahrain City Centre Mezzanine Lounge Friday 1st– Saturday 30th April Noon – 11pm

British Classics with a Bahraini Twist The Palace Boutique Hotel Polo Gastropub Sunday 3rd – Saturday 30th April Noon – 2am

Classic British ‘Saturday’ Roast The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Fiddlers Green Every Saturday in April Noon – 5pm

Traditional English Greasy Spoon Breakfast The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Fiddlers Green Every Friday and Saturday in April 9am - Noon

SHOW-CASING OF BRITISH PRODUCTS

Jawad Supermarket Budaiya Sunday 17th – Saturday 23rd April

Lulu Hypermarket Juffair, Ramli Mall Hidd, Saar, Galleria Sunday 24th – Saturday 30th April

Al Jazira Supermarket Zinj, Juffair and Jasra Sunday 1st – Saturday 7th May

PROUD TO SUPPORT

1st APRIL TO 14th APRIL

Bahrain – British Relations Bicentenary Celebration Brunch and Upstairs Downstairs 40th Anniversary Party Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant Adliya Friday 8th April Noon – 4pm

Traditional Fish and Chips The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Fiddlers Green Sunday 10th – Thursday 14th April Noon – 11pm

Machboos and Fish and Chips Special Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay The Bahrain Bay Kitchen Sunday 10th – Saturday 16th April Lunch and Dinner Buffets

The Friendship Brunch The Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa Lemon Tree Friday 8th April 11.45 am – 3.30 pm

Bahrain & Britain Gala Dinner at Legendz InterContinental Regency Bahrain Legendz Thursday 14th April 7pm onwards Great British recipes

by Alexandra to celebrate British Food Week

Bakewell Tart with Custard

15th APRIL TO 21st APRIL

Celebrating

200 Years of Bahrain-UK relations

PROUD TO SUPPORT

Great British recipes

by Alexandra to celebrate British Food Week Bakewell Tart with Custard

Great British recipes

by Alexandra to celebrate British Food Week Celebrating

200 Years of Bahrain-UK relations

PROUD TO SUPPORT

The Great British Brunch Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre Baharat Friday15th April 12.30 pm – 4pm

Great British recipes

by Alexandra to celebrate British Food Week

Great British recipes

by Alexandra to celebrate British Food Week Summer Pudding

Lancashire Hot Pot

Summer Pudding

PROUD TO SUPPORT

PROUD TO SUPPORT

Celebrating

200 Years of Bahrain-UK relations

Toad-in-the-hole with Gravy

Toad-in-the-hole with Gravy

Celebrating

200 Years of Bahrain-UK relations

PROUD TO SUPPORT

Great British recipes

by Alexandra to celebrate British Food Week

Celebrating

Celebrating

200 Years of Bahrain-UK relations

Great British recipes

by Alexandra to celebrate British Food Week

British Recipe Demonstrations The Jawad Dome Barbar Tuesday 19th April 200 Years 200 Years 10am and 6.30pm Celebrating

of Bahrain-UK relations

of Bahrain-UK relations

PROUD TO SUPPORT

Celebrating

Heritage Afternoon Tea The Ritz –Carlton, Bahrain The Lobby Lounge and The Ritz Gourmet Lounge Thursday 14th – Saturday 16th April 3pm –7pm

PROUD TO SUPPORT

Great British recipes

by Alexandra to celebrate British Food Week

200 Years of Bahrain-UK relations

Lancashire Hot Pot

Champagne & Seafood 5 Course Menu at Legendz InterContinental Regency Bahrain Legendz Saturday 9th April Noon – 4pm

British Themed Sundowners / Duppers Party The Westin Bahrain City Centre Nasmat Thursday 21st April 5.30pm – 11pm

PROUD TO SUPPORT

22nd APRIL TO 30th APRIL

British ‘St George’s Day’ Brunch ART Rotana Hotel & Resort Choices Friday 22nd April 12.30pm – 4pm

British Dish of the Day The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Fiddlers Green Sunday 24th – Saturday 30th April Noon – 11pm

Performance by The Royal Marines Band Lulu Hypermarket Hidd Branch Sunday 24th April 5.30pm – 7pm

Bahrain British Brunch The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Friday 29th April Noon–3.30pm

We've not mentioned the prices on these pages as quite a few of the rates were not available when the magazine went to press. Readers are requested to call up the respective hotels and restaurants to confirm details.

Style

SPRING IN STYLE New in shoes, bags, fashion jewellery and more‌ Salvatore Ferragamo’s Accessories Collection Spring-Summer 2016.

BD470

BD546

SHOES

The stars are a host of brightly-coloured designs embellished with intricate weaving: the perfect match for the modern man seeking comfort and dynamism. Ultra-soft materials with a sensuous nappa texture come with natural finishes, creating flexible footwear which fits like a glove.

BD285

BD125 - 220

BD190

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Gulf Insider April 2016

Style

BD624

BD47 each

FASHION JEWELLERY

The world of accessories is enriched with miniature lucky charms, the distinctive feature of the stunning new Salvatore Ferragamo collection for men.

Included in the collection are brooches, pendants in antiqued brass and precious hand-enamelled artisan pieces produced with the lost-wax casting technique. Dual colour is the collection’s unique trait, found here in all its versions.

Cool references to tropical plants and sophisticated mini cactuses are turned into original pendants for necklaces, brooches and cufflinks.

BAGS

With the business world in mind on one hand, it reflects the needs of metropolitan globetrotters: bags sport multifunctional details, compartments and iPad, laptop or smartphone pockets. Streamlined designs in brand new bright colours include practical business bags with exclusive matching document cases and other accessories. On the other hand, there is an amazing choice of summer bags reworked with unique creative flair.

BD80

BD76 each

Find your style at Salvatore Ferragamo, City Centre Bahrain.

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Style

PIAGET AT Stunning creations unveiled at the Maison last month highlighted the savoirfaire and the vision that propelled Piaget from its humble beginnings in the Swiss Jura to becoming an unstoppable creative pioneer all over the world.

W

ith the preservation of the skills linked to the rare metiers d’arts, the Piaget style continues to evolve today as its distinctive legacy design codes are reimagined through expert goldsmithing and gem-setting.

Silklike shimmering fabrics and intricate lacework are woven from the finest gold and masterfully embroidered with a profusion of diamonds and other colourful stones to create the lavish necklaces, cuffs and earrings from the new Extremely Piaget collection. As the design codes that are so distinctively Piaget are reimagined, Georges-Édouard Piaget’s original motto to “always do better than necessary” lives on. While in the world of art, imagination, creativity and flawless technique give birth to great masterpieces, in the world of Piaget audacious creativity paired with the finest craftsmanship make the impossible possible.

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PHOTO CREDIT: PHILIP GARCIA

ART DUBAI 2016

Motors

SAUDI BILLIONAIRE FLIES HIS

FLEET OF GOLD SUPERCARS TO LONDON FOR HIS HOLIDAY Britain’s flashiest tourist, from Saudi Arabia, arrived in London at the end of March with a fleet of gold cars worth more than US$ 2million.

His vehicles include a $500,000 Mercedes G63, a six-wheel off-roader, a Bentley Flying Spur, worth $400,000, a $500,000 Rolls-Royce and a $600,000 Lamborghini Aventador SV. They were spotted parked outside the five-star Mandarian Oriental hotel near Hyde Park over the Bank Holiday weekend before being driven through Kensington.

It is believed he is an early arrival for London’s supercar season, when wealthy Arabs flee the scorching hot temperatures of the Gulf and cruise around the British capital in their 48

Gulf Insider April 2016

ostentatious vehicles. The arrival of the supercars has become a regular event in recent years, with rich Gulfies seeking to out-do each with their souped-up vehicles. They are often spotted waiting in gridlocked traffic in some of central London’s most popular areas or parked up outside designer shops and luxury boutiques, including Harrods.

It is thought owners pay in excess of $30,000 to fly their vehicles around 3,000 miles to London. Qatar Airways is one of the operators that facilitates the transportation, with airport staff securing vehicles to the floor of the relevant aircraft before flight.

Last year, following numerous complaints, the Royal Borough of

Kensington and Chelsea introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order in Knightsbridge. Motorists are now banned from revving their engine, rapidly accelerating, racing, performing stunts, sounding horns or causing obstructions.

They are also prohibited from leaving the engine of a stationary car running.

The PSPO came into place to deal with the ‘excessive level of noise nuisance, annoyance, danger or risk or harm or injury’ caused by the drivers. Motorists who breach the order face a maximum £1,000 fine or fixed penalty notice of £100. Over the past three weeks seven drivers have been handed fixed penalty notices.

Motors

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49

Style

Gulf Insider meets with Ali Abbas Abusaeya, Operations Manager Alpha Atelier at Corneliani, Manama, who shared some thoughts on what makes for the perfect gentleman’s suit.

SUIT UP!

C

orneliani is an Italian menswear manufacturer best known for its suits and sport coats. The family-owned firm from the 1930s currently distributes its products in over 70 countries worldwide through multi-brand stores and around 90 single-brand boutiques; Corneliani also manufactures and delivers made-tomeasure suits.

Ali, who is a fan of made-to-measure, owns 25 suits himself. He comments that since none of us are perfectly symmetrical, made-to-measure clothing compensates and provides a perfect fit for the body. There are various grades

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Style

of fine wool that one can choose from.

“Despite the common conception, wool is in fact the lightest material in the world,” Ali informs us, adding that the best wool comes from Australia and New Zealand due to the region’s climate.

While the world’s best factories and mills are in England and Italy. Ali explains that while the English style of suits is considered conservative, the Italian style boasts a more artistic flair, and typically made with lighter wools.

Most suits are made with a Super 100 grade of fine wool, preceded by Super 150, Super 180 and most recently introduced, the Super 210 – “It feels like you’re wearing a shirt,” Ali says. “A good quality suit when worn and then hung overnight, should decrease by itself the following morning,” he points out.

“There is a significant difference in

custom-made fit for your body which is obviously unique for everyone. It takes four weeks and costs BD700 to BD3,000 depending on the fabrics chosen. The suit is also personalized with your name stitched inside.”

Ali has been in the industry for 25 years and witnessed many changes in style and innovation. He is responsible for launching some of the world’s top brands in Bahrain – Corneliani being the most recent in 2012. So what was his

best ever day in the business? Ali said; “Immediately after the Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli visited Bahrain to perform in concert I sold 20 suits the next day.

I hope he comes back to visit Bahrain again soon.”

Corneliani is located at the Moda Mall, Bahrain World Trade Centre. For more information, call +973 1752 2842.

A good quality suit when worn and then hung overnight, should decrease by itself the following morning. prices of fine wool that come with the various grades. The price of the Super 150 is up to 30% more than the Super 100, the Super 180 is 40% more than the 150 and the Super 210 is 50% costlier than the 180,” he explains. Another very recent technological feature is water resistance that help the wearer preserve his charm and style even if caught in the rain.

In line with current trends, customers can choose from three styles of suits; Academy is a tight fit wear with smaller lapels, Leader is a fitted suit while Manatova gives a more classic look. He recommends his clients to go for madeto-measure suits which cost 10 to 15% more than buying on the peg. “You get a better choice of lining, colours and a

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Life

Burak Aydin, Hanan Abu-Hadba and Malte Zeeck

THE MAN BEHIND INTERNATIONS How an idea in 2007 a website for expats grew into a multimillion dollar business. InterNations Co-founder Malte Zeeck visited Bahrain last month, where he met Gulf Insider.

I

meet with Malte Zeeck at Art Rotana on Amwaj shortly before an Internations event. Not only has he in just a few years developed an evergrowing business, but it’s a business that has had a major influence on the lives of people all over the world. First a bit of background…

Malte and his business partner Philipp von Plato, two young Germans, met while enrolled in a university program in Switzerland in 1997. They became friends and experienced living abroad in an international environment. After a decade of parting ways to pursue different career paths around the world, they met again.

The two men shared stories of their expat lifestyle and struggle of starting anew every time they moved to a new country. They decided to launch InterNations, a platform where expats 52

Gulf Insider April 2016

from countries everywhere could feel connected.

InterNation members meet to socialize, network, and there are now many cases where couples have got married after having met at an InterNation event.

“We currently have 2 million members across the globe in 390 cities, with potentially 60 million more expats who can join the network,” Malte says, “30% of these would usually be locals, or repats - people who have moved back from overseas and want to get in touch with an expat crowd.”

An InterNation ‘Albatross’ membership costs USD70 for a year. A basic membership is free, but you have to pay for events you’d like to attend, meanwhile Albatross members receive more networking privileges and a reduced fee or free entry to events. Malte explains

that although their web based business is in direct competition with leading social networking sites, being able to focus on a niche market helps business thrive.

InterNation operates on a “freemium model”: basic membership is free, but all members have the option to upgrade to our premium Albatross Membership.

Albatross Members receive additional benefits for a small monthly fee. Up to 15% of newly registered members in very active communities upgrade to premium memberships, with many other communities following this trend.

The business is run from Munich with a staff of just over one hundred.

Local branches are managed by “Ambassadors”.

The InterNation network in Bahrain is represented by two ‘ambassadors’, which is the title bestowed on local organisers; Mr. Burak Aydin, from Turkey, and Mrs. Hanan Abu-Hadba, from Jordan who both join us. The ambassadors are volunteers who take up responsibility to organize and host exclusive events for the members and invite new expats into the community.

“I learned about InterNation while I lived in Moscow,” says Burak, “I wanted to contribute and develop it in Bahrain when I moved here.” He says there’s a lot of work involved being an ambassador, but he enjoys it. “Our numbers have grown from 500 members to 7500 in the last five years,” Burak continues.

“The role of ambassador calls for extremely good social skills,” Hanan adds.

Malte says he’s now looking to use the network to promote charitable causes. “I want to use InterNations as a platform that can create a positive impact by focusing on problems suffered by many people in the world who are not as privilidged as our members.”

Malte seems to enjoy his first Bahrain Internations event and is happy that people who despite his never having met, he has had a major influence on the lives of.

InterNations is the world’s number one Expat Community online. For details visit https://www.internations.org/ bahrain-expats

Life

Bin Faqeeh organized the Kingdom’s first “Dining in the Sky” event and carnival, as part of the groundbreaking Layan Project Launch.

BUSINESS EVENTS InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s General Manager, Jan Ifcic along with staff members at an exclusive and lavish Red Carpet Gala Dinner hosted for its patrons and loyal customers last month.

Dinner to celebrate the success of Shop Bahrain

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Life

Bahrain’s stylish new five-star hotel, Downtown Rotana, was officially inaugurated last month Exclusive Q&A & lunch with Renault F1 team driver Jolyon Palmer to celebrate the participation of Renault in 2016 F1 season

2016 Bahrain Bay Business Forum brought together partners, associates and dignitaries involved with Bahrain Bay, a luxury waterfront development.

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Life

THE PERSIAN FACTORY

M

ost art forms in Iran are closely monitored and artists have to perform discretely, staging shows in caves, private art galleries or isolated fields where officials won’t see them.

Tehran is the vibrant epicenter of arts and creation in Iran—for both the official and the underground scenes producing their passions outside the confines of censorship .

Although the Islamic Republic has established a number of rules and limitations regarding arts, some are stricter than others and navigating these restrictions has become an art form itself.

Authorizations to perform plays are not easy to obtain. To go public, a play has to be approved by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. In addition, there are rules actors and playwrights must follow. For instance, female performers must be covered (arms, legs and head) and actors of the opposite gender must not touch each other. Furthermore, the play should not mention anything related to politics, religion (unless it’s in a laudatory way) and nor should it talk about sexual issues.

The famous director Ali Raffi said, “The censors interfere with your work, watching your every move and ultimately the final decision is up to them, in other words, it is up to them if your work will develop or not.”

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An actress getting dressed for a rehearsal of Ali Raffi’s adaptation of “Yerma”. Agents from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance regularly attend rehearsals to ensure that female performers in Iran cover their hair and bodies at all times, and that other rules and guidelines are being followed.

Life

The Nyia theatre group rehearse in a private studio in Tehran.

The AV theatre group performs its play “Melpomene” in old underground thermal baths in the center of Tehran.

Actresses from AV theatre wear masks inspired by traditional fashion from Bandar Abbas in southern Iran.

Following its success in the ancient baths of Tehran, the AV group this time performs in a natural arena—the first of its kind in Iran. The performance was legal but closely watched by agents of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

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Last Word

EFFECTS OF COFFEE Harvard scientist who studied coffee for 20 years explains why it’s amazing.

D

r. Frank Hu just finished a 20year study on the effects of coffee on the human body.

People who drink more coffee it turns out, live longer.

Specifically, Hu’s study found that coffee-drinkers have lower risks of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as suicide.

The research began in 1976, and involved nearly 210,000 people. With all the follow-ups over the years, the study includes 4.7 million person-years of data. The scale meant it took several generations of scientists to complete the study. Hu, a researcher and professor at Harvard Medical School, himself joined in 1996. The enormous amount of data was useful, because coffee is an extraordinarily complicated drink.

“Coffee is certainly a very complex beverage,” Hu told INSIDER. Besides caffeine, it contains hundreds, perhaps thousands, of bioactive compounds. So it’s very difficult, perhaps impossible, to tease out the effects of individual compounds or chemicals.”

Coffee’s health benefits derive from

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Drinking coffee regularly is associated with a decreased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, and liver disease, including liver cancer. not just a few compounds, but more likely the synergistic effects of many different compounds, minerals, and antioxidants.

And while most people think of caffeine when they think of coffee, both regular and decaf coffee have the same effects when it comes to blood diseases and diabetes.

Hu noticed that it’s really hard to study coffee because so many coffee-drinkers smoke.

“We found that the health benefits of coffee are more pronounced, or evident, in people who don’t smoke,” Hu said. “In other words, smoking actually masks the potential health benefits of drinking coffee, and it’s really important to separate the effects of coffee from smoking.”

In addition to Hu’s new study — which had ten co-authors in total — previous research shows that drinking coffee regularly is associated with a decreased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, and liver disease, including liver cancer. It’s also associated with a decreased risk of depression and suicide, helps the body metabolize blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity, and can even reduce inflammation.

Hu cautions that not everyone’s body responds to coffee in the same way — as with anything, drink in moderation according to your health habits.

THINK DIFFERENT...

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