Gulf Insider - May 2019

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The Future ICT Hub

Bahrain will soon emerge as the regional ICT hub.

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Gulf Financial Insider

Contents May 2019 Issue 171

38 52 Facebook Followers

397,082 Simply unparalleled online presence that connects region’s most inspired communities.

Money & Business - ICT in Bahrain

22 24 26 28

I C Tomorrow

People and Culture

32 34

Royal Al Qasr - Ramadan Tent

Car Bahrain

44 46 48 50 51 52

Ferrari F8 Tributo launched in Bahrain

Bahrain: The Future ICT Hub of the GCC? From Cost Centre to Innovation Enabler Bahrain Property Market

Celebrate Ramadan at Elite

Big Boys Toys Nissan Maxima SR The New Porsche Macan Now in Bahrain New NMW 330I BMW 7 & 8 Series Test Drive in Portugal

‌ and much, much more!

Knowledge is power

Comment...

Publisher & Editor in Chief

- Nicholas C. Cooksey

Editorial Contributors

- Sawsan Abu Omar - Ryan Ernst - Dhanyasree M - Hugh Haskell-Thomas - Nicholas Cortes - Bill Daly

Sales & Business Development

- Charlie Cooksey

- Dhanraj S Layout Designs Admin & Finance

A picture is worth a thousand words.

- Nikesh Pola

- Aneesh Mathew Photography Distribution Executive

- Mohammed Yousif

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

For Advertising Opportunities Call Charlie Cooksey

Dhanyasree M

M. +973 3652 0004

M. +973 3612 8111

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sales1@gulf-insider.com

Published by:

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

Registered with Ministry of Information approval no. TFI-431©. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Revolution foR the PRecRafted houses

The FuTure ICT hub

bahrain will soon emerge as the regional ICT hub.

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15-18 APRIL 2019 BAHRAIN

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Events

Day & Night Confluence Art Exhibition When: May 1st to 2nd 2019 Where: Bahrain Financial Harbour Gate Bahrain Writers Circle presents ‘Confluence – Where Words and Images Meet,’ under the patronage of Shaikha Lulwa Al Khalifa, a celebrated artist. Confluence features 23 teams of writers and artists who have come together to create around 33 works of art either inspired by words or art that has inspired words.

For more information: www.bahrainwriterscircle.net

The Bahrain National Museum: A 30th anniversary retrospective When: 1st to May 15th 2019 Where: Bahrain National Museum Marking the 30th anniversary of the National Museum, the exhibition traces the trajectory of the Bahrain National Museum and highlights major milestones. Over the course of its eventful history, the museum has continuously redefined itself to meet its mission and to remain relevant to its audiences.

For more information: www.culture.gov.bh 10

Gulf Insider May 2019

Celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Bahraini Diplomacy

Middle East Plastics Packaging Forum

When: 1st to May 3rd 2019 Where: Bahrain National Museum

When: May 1st to 2nd 2019 Where: The Westin City Centre

Bahrain’s longstanding history of foreign relations and diplomacy, conveys a unique approach towards nation building, which in many ways echoes the spirit of the country itself. Witness the celebration of Bahrain’s rich cultural framework that is still prevalent today at the National Museum.

SPE Middle East Plastics Packaging Forum will cover topics like global trends in plastic packaging, regional challenges, and opportunities impacting the plastic packaging sector, latest innovations, developments and more.

For more information: www.culture.gov.bh

For more information: www.4spe.org

Business Society

The Information & eGovernment Authority hosts the awarding ceremony of the eGovernment Excellence Award 2019 at The Gulf Hotel Convention Centre

12

Gulf Insider May 2019

Global Entrepreneurship Congress Bahrain 2019 held at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

News Roundup

Around 27,000 Filipino expats leave Kuwait in 9 months

Kuwait: ‘Expat-Friendly’ plan to increase holidays scrapped Kuwait’s parliament has scrapped plans to increase the number of holidays for private sector workers from 30 to 35 days.

The National Assembly decided to rescind its earlier approval for the move, local daily Kuwait Times reported. The amendment had been approved by the health and labour committee about two months ago and was passed by the National Assembly in the first reading in March, the report said.

The assembly was due to pass the amendment – considered the first ‘pro-expat’ legislation in nine years – in the second and final reading weeks ago, but the vote was delayed by the government.

“The government clearly told the panel that the amendment harms the interests of Kuwaiti businessmen against a minor benefit to a small number of Kuwaitis employed in the private sector,” the report stated.

The main beneficiaries of the move would have been the 1.7 million expats who work in the private sector.

The Kuwait chamber of commerce and industry and the banking association also stepped up pressure to block the amendment, the report said. MP Hamoud Al-Khudhair, head of the health and labour committee, said the decision had been reversed back to the original provision of 30 days of annual leave.

The number will not include Fridays and public holidays, he added.

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Gulf Insider May 2019

The number of Filipino expats in Kuwait dropped by around 23,000 in nine months, according to statistics by the central statistics department.

Sources analyzing the situation said the reason may be related to the crisis over domestic helpers that flared up last year. The number of Filipinas dropped from 161,500 at the end of 2017 to 138,500 by the end of the third quarter of last year.

The total number of Filipinos of both genders dropped during the same period from 243,400 to 216,200, ie 27,000 (12%), who left the country in nine months. The percentage of females in the total Filipinos who left the country is 86%. Filipinos form the fourthlargest nationality among expat workers after Indians (889,000), Egyptians (484,000) and Bangladeshis (271,000).

Statistics showed the total number of domestic helpers at the end of the third quarter of 2018 was 689,000, an increase of nearly 9,000 compared to the end of 2017, distributed equally between males and females. Four nationalities – Indian, Filipino, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan – comprise 89% of the total domestic help and private sector workers.

Oman Aviation seeks up to $6 billion for airline & airport expansion Oman Aviation Group is seeking to raise up to $6 billion to finance the expansion of state-owned Oman Air and Oman Airports up until 2030, its chief executive reported.

Request for proposals have been issued to local and international banks and the first tranche is expected to be raised by mid-2020 with planned financing spread over several branches.

Government entity Oman Aviation Group was formed in February 2018 and includes Oman Air, Oman Airports and Oman Aviation Services. Oman Airports operates and manages four airports in the country, including Muscat International which is the base of Oman Air with 18 million passengers in 2018 and forecasts handling a total of 40 million a year by 2030 and has 20 Boeing 737 MAX in possession and four 787-8 aircraft on order, according to Boeing’s website, which will require financing. Oman Air is currently not ready for privatization until its restructuring is completed and there are no plans to privatize Oman Airports, said a senior official.

Oman, which is less wealthy than its oil-rich Gulf neighbors, is relying increasingly on borrowing to offset a widening budget deficit caused by a slump in oil prices. The government of Oman expects to raise a total of around $6.2 billion in domestic and foreign debt this year, according to its 2019 state budget.

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News Roundup

Bahrain Airport soars in profit with increased traffic Bahrain Airport Company has reported a 49 percent increase in yearly profit as the region serves as a hub to many commercial and freight airlines.

Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and chairman of Gulf Air Group Holding (GFG) said the airport has reported a profit of $51 million (BD19.3) with an estimate of 49 percent. The airport increased its revenue by 21 percent, to $135m (BD51m) due to the surge in cargo traffic.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has also attracted a number of new airlines to operate through its airport which has increased revenues from landing fees, passenger service charges and heavier footfall through retail areas.

The airport’s non-aero revenues have also increased by 28 percent, largely due to property and real estate income (33%) and retail concession income (31%).

The launch of the new passenger terminal building later this year, which will increase BIA’s capacity to 14 million passengers a year, is expected to generate even further growth across both aero and non-aero revenue streams, said the minister.

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Gulf Insider May 2019

Kuwait biggest source of foreign direct investment to Bahrain Bahrain recorded a foreign direct investment (FDI) of BD11 billion during 2018 in which Kuwait was the biggest contributor with over BD 3.1 billion, according to the kingdom’s Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) in a new report.

The GCC countries remained the biggest source of FDI to the Kingdom, according to the statistics released as part of the findings of Foreign Investment Survey carried out by the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA).

Direct investments from Kuwait accounted for the highest rate of BD3.1 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia which came in second with a value that reached BD2.8 billion. Libyan Arab Republic positioned as the third with approximately BD1.3 billion during 2018 – raising GCC investments by 65% from the total direct foreign investments.

The growth reflects the Kingdom’s efforts in attracting more foreign investment and an increase in the capital flows.

The Foreign Investment Survey, conducted in collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Economic Development Board, measures the volume of the foreign investment of key entities in various economic sectors.

The statistical data of the volume and flows of these investments in an initiative that aims at assisting decision-makers to set appropriate policies so as to attract more investments to contribute in advancing development wheel witnessed by the Kingdom.

The report indicated that the volume of the direct foreign investment flow to Bahrain in 2018’s financial year reached nearly BD570 million in the top two sectors – banking and manufacturing.

The survey had been conducted to determine the Kingdom’s foreign investment sources according to the country of residence of investors; as well as define the attracted sectors for investments in order to focus and become directed to develop other sectors. The survey comprises active entities in all economic activities while considering the volume of capital, ownership, and employment.

The Foreign Investment Survey is considered as one of the most important economic surveys conducted by the Authority.

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Money & Business

client miss three installments during the tenor of RTD, then the RTD would be be broken before maturity. In such a case the accumulated principal and accrued interest, will be credited to the client’s saving or current account, after deduction of the early break up charges.

For more information about Recurring Term Deposit (RTD), please visit www.sc.com/bh.

What is Upfront Term Deposit (UTD)?

Standard Chartered Recurring Term Deposit (RTD) and Upfront Term Deposit (UTD)

W

hat is Recurring Term Deposit (RTD)?

It’s a special kind of term deposit offered for 12, 18 or 24 month, and provides customers the convenience to deposit a fixed amount every month and earn interest at an agreed rate. The principal amount at maturity will be paid back to the client with accrued interest.,

How do Recurring Term Deposit (RTD) benefit clients?

This product creates convenience for customers, who may not have sufficient balance in hand, by allowing them to deposit a fixed amount on a monthly basis. This provides the customer with an investment opportunity to earn interest at competitive term 18

Gulf Insider May 2019

deposit rates. The customer would be paid the the full invested amount as accumulated over the term, along with interest accrued at maturity of the tenor.

Is the option of early withdrawal (upliftment) available for Recurring Term Deposit (RTD)?

Yes, the option of early withdrawal is available to the customer but is subject to early withdrawal charges, similar to market practice.

What will happen if the client missed an installment?

If the client miss one or two installments, then the interest payout for those installments will also be excluded from consideration. If the

Upfront Term Deposit (UTD) is a unique TD product that pays Interest amount on Day 1 of the Term deposit.

The TD can be offered over a tenor ranging from 3 month to 5 years.

This distinct feature allows a client to immediately use the interest amount, unlike a conventional TD where a customer has to wait for the maturity of the TD to use the interest amount.

In case of premature withdrawal by the client, the interest for the remaining period along with the premature withdrawal penalty will be deducted from the principal amount and balance proceeds will be credited into the client’s account.

When the interest and principle will be paid to the clients?

Interest is paid to the client on Day 1 of the Term Deposit Account opening.

On maturity, only the principle amount will be credited to CASA account.

Is the option of early upliftment available for Upfront Term Deposit (UTD): Yes, the option of early upliftment is available to the customer but is subject to some early withdrawal charges.

How much is the breakup /upliftment/ penalty charges for Upfront Term Deposit (UTD): The break up / upliftment charges are explained to the client at the account opening stage. A break up of the TD will result in the reduction of the interest rate offered on the TD facility.

For more information about Upfront Term Deposit (UTD),please visit www.sc.com/bh.

People & Culture

Careem PAY Careem launches Careem PAY in Bahrain

A

new feature called Careem PAY has been noticed on the latest update of the Careem app. Careem customers has the ability to easily and instantaneously transfer Careem credit through their wallets to friends and family. For example, it will allow a parent to send credit to their child to take a Careem ride back home, or for companies to transfer credit to their out-of-office sales force to simplify their claims and reimbursement process.

It can also come in handy when you’re out of cash and have no balance in your wallet but need a ride urgently.

Or it could be as basic as saying “thank you” with a little token of appreciation.

It’s easy to sometimes forget that bank accounts and cards that many of us take for granted are not available to everyone. In fact, according to the

20

Gulf Insider May 2019

World Bank, only 14 percent of people in the Middle East have access to a bank account. That means there are hundreds of millions that have no means of storing cash in a secure manner or the ability to make digital payments.

Cash is still the main form of payment in the region including for Careem rides.

But with smartphone penetration on the rise, Careem PAY is going to be an increasingly common way of paying in the coming years. Careem wants to stay ahead of this change and is working to bring new payment services to their customers which will ultimately help them simplify the lives of people.

Right now, the peer-to-peer credit transfer feature is being tested, but soon it will be available to all the customers as it is progressively rolled out across the entire base in all cities.

About Careem Careem is the leading technology platform in the greater Middle East. A pioneer of the region’s ride-hailing economy, Careem is expanding services across its platform to include mass transportation, delivery and payments. Careem’s mission is to simplify and improve the lives of people and build a lasting institution that inspires.

Established in July 2012, Careem operates in more than 120 cities across 15 countries and has created more than one million job opportunities in the region.

Money & Business - ICT

ICT in Bahrain

I C Tomorrow Interview with Rashed Al-Snan Rashed Al-Snan, CEO of Etisalcom, Board Member of BCCI Technology Committee, and Board Member of B.Tech shares his views on the ICT sector in the Kingdom.

W

hat’s the role played

by Etisalcom W.L.L in Bahrain’s ICT sector?

Etisalcom started business in 2005 after legislation opened up competition in the telecom sector in 2004. We worked towards ICT services since then and launched ICT services in 2011. We have contributed in most of the ICT projects within Bahrain, establishing ourselves

We have contributed in most of the ICT projects within Bahrain, establishing ourselves as a key provider of the ICT industry in Bahrain. as a key provider of the ICT industry in Bahrain.

We achieved the status because telecom must lead to ICT. All telecom companies in Bahrain are involved in ICT now and we had started earlier because of our vision and we built on it. If you look at our logo, it is “I see tomorrow” or “ICT”.

The first ICT project that we were involved was in 2007. We provided ICT solutions for the Bahrain World Trade 22

Gulf Insider May 2019

Money & Business - ICT

AWS now. This will make Bahrain as the ICT hub in the region.

The government is also interested in having multiple uplinks in the country.

More cables from different routes available, further putting focus on Bahrain being an ICT hub.

What challenges and opportunities do you foresee for the ICT sector in Bahrain?

One of the major ICT problems in Bahrain is that you cannot define ICT. It penetrates into everything as in health, education, etc. If we cannot see ICT as a separate entity, how do we make

Center in partnership with Telecom Malaysia. Now, you see Etisalcom in all major ICT tenders.

Technology is taking this sector in different ways. Things like digital transformation and artificial intelligence is taking this sector far beyond where it is now. Things we once never imagined we now take for granted - and we are always connected. Now, what else can you do? You build up the value of services. People talk of smart cities; all these are coming up in a direction that pushes ICT in a wider scope than where it is today.

How do you believe Bahrain’s telecommunications sector can make Bahrain the ICT hub of the region?

There is a very good focus from the government in the establishment of an independent national network with the split of Batelco. This network will provide fiber optic to every industry thus enabling high-speed connection, better utilization, and efficient data transfer.

We have done the infrastructure, everybody is connected, and now we are adding a portfolio of better services.

Telecom providers like us will be bringing in more services in this aspect.

We also have Amazon Web Services (AWS) along with this. AWS data center in Bahrain is the first in the region.

Being the host of the AWS data center will attract other companies and data centers to come in. Earlier, there was a migration to data centers outside Bahrain. However, many government entities in Bahrain have migrated to

We offer unique cloud time and attendance solutions. It allows users to have a single attendance system from multiple locations and countries. No one else has this in Bahrain or the region and puts us in a very good position in the market. it grow or improve? That is one of the major problems.

As for opportunity, we will always have new technologies and the opportunity for companies like us to deploy it to society. Nobody can stop technology from changing and improving. If you don’t update the technology that you have, you will be left behind. The scope of technology goes vertically and horizontally. Aside from upgrades, new industries always pop-up.

Cyber security is a challenge as well as an opportunity. As you put your business online, there is always a risk.

The career opportunities to tackle the situation is expanding.

How do public-private partnerships advance the country’s ICT sector?

One major element in the private sector that the government focuses is on the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). You will see a major presence of SMEs in every economy. There is much more focus in growing startups in the country by entities like Tamkeen and EDB. This means bringing in private entrepreneurships involving ICT. Recently, more than 9000 people wanted an early retirement and it would be best to encourage these retirees to enter entrepreneurship and create startups that will employ more people.

These would answer problems arising from unemployment and growth while contributing to the country and the national economy.

What’s next for Etisalcom?

Onset of the Batelco Split, we will be focusing our activity on our services.

We pride ourselves on our own products. One among them is a cloud service that is unique in this region.

Other telcoms use ready-made cloud services. We, on the other hand, use our own.

We offer unique cloud time and attendance solutions. It allows users to have a single attendance system from multiple locations and countries. No one else has this in Bahrain or the region and puts us in a very good position in the market. It also enables us to ‘white label’ our products, which means our clients are able to rebrand our services as part of their own corporate identity.

Our vision is to inspire growth and expansion by continuously introducing new services, adding to our portfolio of ICT solutions. Through strategic alliances and key partnerships with major international carriers and providers across the world, Etisalcom will deliver competitive end-to-end information and communications solutions globally.

Gulf Insider May 2019

23

Money & Business - ICT

ICT in Bahrain

Bahrain:

The Future ICT Hub of the GCC? It is hoped that by increasing foreign investment, a competitive telecommunications sector and developments in cybersecurity, Bahrain will emerge as the regional ICT hub.

I

nformation and Communications Technology (ICT) has a prominent role to play in Bahrain’s development and currently comprises 7% of Bahrain’s GDP. Key aspects of the National strategy include the advent of the Kingdom as the ICT hub for the region.

Telecommunications Sector The telecommunications sector is

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Gulf Insider May 2019

the major provider of ICT and ranks fourth in the UN Department of social and Economic Affairs global index of telecommunications infrastructure.

The Kingdom has No.1 ranking in the ICT Development Index (IDI) of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications prepares the legislation and policies for the telecommunications sector. The National

Telecommunications plan (NTP) as prepared by the MTT is currently on its fourth stage.

There are 25 telecommunication firms operating in Bahrain with three - Batelco, Zain and VIVA - licensed to provide mobile services.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has recently marked the objective of the government’s Fourth National telecoms Plan (NTP4) by announcing the final consultation

Money & Business - ICT

on Batelco’s plan to separate into two diverse legal entities - Retail and Wholesale (NBNetco BSC) with the latter taking charge of the infrastructure.

The NTP also strives to make Bahrain one of the first countries to provide

criminals who can cause havoc in the business networks. The online attacks have caused major problems in the MENA region since 2016. Cybersecurity is a prime segment for development in the ICT sector and Bahrain has entered into tie ups with some international companies and increased the training for the professionals in the field to tackle the situation. Career opportunities in the cybersecurity have increased more than in any other IT segment in the Kingdom.

The information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) is developing the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Investors in the sector

The Kingdom has No.1 ranking in the ICT Development Index (IDI) of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). commercial 5G services. The rollout of 5G services will make way for the cutting-edge technology based around machine-to machine communication.

It is estimated that the TRA will award the 5G licenses by June, 2019. The major mobile operators have already undertaken successful trials for 5G technology and are ready to provide the 5G services with the availability of consumer handsets. Three major smartphone manufacturers have stated their intention to launch devices with 5G connection capability in 2019.

The ICT sector brings in more international companies and foreign investment to the Kingdom. The government is also focusing on startups as they can play a major role in the ICT sector.

A surge in cloud and data center management can be seen with Amazon Web Services coming into the scene.

Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB) is coming up with growth opportunities for foreign investors in the field of cloud, e-commerce, gaming and business segments such as business process outsourcing (BPO). BPO has a growth potential in the Kingdom only if they are competent enough in prices with their Asian counterparts and set their targets beyond the Kingdom.

Tamkeen, the government-backed agency, will support local businesses with 100% of the cost involved in using AWS for the first 18 months of the three-year contract.

StartUp Bahrain, an initiative by EDB, Tamkeen, Bahrain Development Bank and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism was launched in 2016 and has experienced a steady growth. In line with this, the Kingdom is also attracting accelerators and incubators in the ICT sector.

Cybersecurity The rise of innovative digital technologies has made way for the increase in the number of cyber Gulf Insider May 2019

25

Money & Business - ICT

ICT in Bahrain

From cost centre to

innovation enabler The image that IT functions have in popular culture, including evil hackers in many Hollywood movies, suggests IT may have an image issue.

How can this be overcome?

I

n an increasingly connected and globalised world that is overwhelmingly dependent on internet technology (IT), how can IT functions within organisations establish a reputation for excellence and an awareness of the value they add, both internally and externally?

First, we should acknowledge that IT has an image issue. Without that, progress will be tough and slow. If, however, we can accept that there is an

26

Gulf Insider May 2019

issue, it should quickly become obvious that IT – internal or external, in-house or outsourced – is the most critical function in nearly every organisation in the region. Just think back to the last time your email didn’t work and it is blindingly obvious that, without IT, we would all need to find a new way to work. (okay, so a world without IT may occasionally seem very attractive!)

Every day, IT – and the people and (increasingly) the artificial intelligence

that power that IT – comes up with new solutions to problems and issues that we may never have realised we had.

In travel, we have seen an inexorable rise in electric vehicles and self-driving cars. In communication, we are seeing the growth of voice command controls like Alexa into smart homes. In finance, we are constantly bombarded with media updates on NFC payments and mobile wallets. These are innovations enabled by – and dependent – IT.

Money & Business - ICT

With Bahrain about to become one of the first countries in the world to offer a nationwide 5G service, what does this seemingly unstoppable flood of innovation mean for us, the ordinary man or woman in the street? It means we are seeing science fiction become reality every day.

Blockchain, the internet of things (IoT), cloud and wireless energy transfer – just years ago – were pie in the sky, unattainable fantasies. These are now real – and impacting each one of us in a myriad of ways. This generation of

With Bahrain about to become one of the first countries in the world to offer a nationwide 5G service.

school-leavers has experienced more change than their counterparts even 50 years ago could have dreamed possible.

On a national level in Bahrain, the Economic Development Board has identified the opportunities that innovation offers, pushing (as an example) the public sector to invest in cloud solutions. For some governmental organisations, this has simply meant upgrades to websites. For others, it has meant the adoption of new digital solutions and wholesale changes to processes and procedures that were written twenty years ago and last looked at ten years ago. We have seen the establishment and ongoing success of Bahrain FinTech Bay, with its impressive expansion plans.

Leading financial establishments – both conventional and Islamic – are changing

their focus from what has worked in the past to trying to predict the applications (and the ways of life) that we are more likely to use as we move towards a post-industrial economy. And we have seen new legislation, such as Bahrain’s personal data protection law which comes into effect on 1 August this year.

The PDPL is an important change to Bahrain’s business infrastructure – and a useful warning to key decision makers that – with the introduction of new digital solutions - the regulatory environment is changing. The PDPL envisages new roles for sector-specific regulators, such as the Telecoms Regulatory Authority for the telecoms industry and the CBB for the financial services sector. The Central Bank of Bahrain has been updating its Rule Book to address the issues and challenges that cyber-crime brings.

Fundamentally, these are IT issues that are only going to be manageable with the sustained and tenacious application of IT solutions. How are we going to deal with the threats that come with the growth of artificial intelligence, big data and compliance? By using artificial intelligence and big data!

So - how can IT move from being a cost-centre – a fathomless black hole into which countless dinars are sunk year after year in a never-ending attempt to at least catch up with what other companies are promising – into an innovation enabler? Simple – believe!

The 2000s saw article after article in business magazines telling readers that it was the era of the CFO. If that was ever true, there is a strong argument that it isn’t anymore. Future trends include the shift of virtual reality from your son’s (or daughter’s) VR game to an indispensable, undistinguishable dayto-day tool, growing human/computer interfaces, the ongoing, accelerating replacement of human effort by robot labour and the emergence of AI-based predictive cyber security solutions.

Now truly is IT’s time to shine.

Srikant Ranganathan is a senior director and the head of IT consulting at Keypoint, a leading professional services firm in Bahrain. The views expressed in this article are his own.

Gulf Insider May 2019

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Money & Business

Bahrain Property Market Overview

Prices continue to fall in sales and rental markets.

T

he real estate market has witnessed a number of changes in Bahrain. With more and more development projects taking shape, the implementation of RERA and regulation in the market, as well as the changing geopolitical nature of the region, there has been a shift in prices. However, the market has seen increased activity, and a number of transactions continue to take place.

While new and emerging areas are starting to gain more popularity in

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Gulf Insider May 2019

Bahrain, the top searched areas in the country remain somewhat unchanged, with Al Juffair being the top searched area when it comes to apartment rentals. Saar remains the number one area for villas for rent. Al Juffair once again, topped the list for top searched areas for apartments for sale, while Amwaj Islands tops the list as the number one searched area for villas for sale.

In this issue of Trends, we will be displaying actual asking prices for rental units, as opposed to average price,

giving readers a better understanding and more accurate insight into the prices of the market. Prices for sale remain at the average price per square metre.

The general trend for prices in both the Bahrain rental and sale markets have seen an overall decline across all four main governorates, with the exception of the Capital Governorate, which recorded an increase in the villa sale market only.

Money & Business

Properties for rent:

Apartments: When it comes to apartment rentals, prices in all four Governorates have declined, with Al Muharraq Governorate and the Southern Governorate affected the most, at 2.4% and 12.7% respectively, when comparing January – June 2018 and July – December 2018, as affordable units become more appealing to tenants.

Apartment prices in Al Galali recorded a minor decrease from BHD 350 to BHD 346, and prices for apartment

Villas: Demand for affordable properties is on the rise, and prices for villas for rent across all four Governorates have continued to decline, with the most significant drop taking place in the Capital Governorate, at 4.2%. Prices in the Southern Governorate remained the most stable, with only a 0.5% change, when comparing January – June 2018 and July – December 2018.

Jannusan, located in the Northern Governorate had the most significant drop in price during that time, falling from BHD 1,192 to BHD 980, which is still considered to be somewhat of a higher price, compared to other areas such as Saar, Mahooz and Al Hidd.

Adliya also recorded a price change from BHD 1,167 to BHD 1,094 in asking price for villa rentals, mainly due to lack of stock, as the area is known more for offering apartments. Barbar, known for its lavish villas, also recorded a price decrease from BHD 904 to BHD 832

Properties for sale:

The general trend for prices in both the Bahrain rental and sale markets have seen an overall decline across all four main governorates.

rentals in Al Busaiteen also decreased from BHD 475 to BHD 450.

Known for being areas that offer more of a mix between affordable and higher priced properties, Reef Island, Tubli and Um Al Hasam, all located in the Capital Governorate, as well as Al Riffa (Southern Governorate) were the only four locations that recorded an increase in price between January – June 2018 and July – December 2018.

Hoora, located in the Capital Governorate, recorded the most significant decline, dropping from BHD 446 to BHD 393 which is largely due to the emergence of newer properties and as well, more affordable units in other areas in the country.

Apartments: Once again, we can see a declining price trajectory recorded for the four Governorates, with the most significant decrease recorded in the Southern Governorate at 4%, when comparing January – June 2018 and July – December 2018. The Capital, Muharraq and Northern Governorates all recorded minor decreases which are under 2% for the same time period, as prices remain on the same trend. This is a good start for price regulation and transparency in the market, which RERA will be implementing. Known for villas over apartments, Al Muharraq recorded a significant price decrease from BHD 1,149 to BHD 986. Seef is another area where average prices per square metre decreased, from BHD 947 to BHD 921.

For those looking for a more affordable investment, prices in Al Busaiteen have decreased from BHD 688 to BHD 661 when comparing January – June 2018 and July – December 2018, which could attract the interest of investors.

Bahrain Bay is credited with rejuvenating the sale market in Bahrain, as it is offering a number of luxurious high-end properties in one of the Gulf Insider May 2019

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Money & Business

countries newest freehold areas, which has prompted both local and regional investment. Bahrain Bay was one of the few areas to record an increase in average price per square metre during that period, with prices increasing from BHD 1,312 to BHD 1,377 which is mainly due to the high number of development projects that are nearing completion in the area.

Villas: There has been increased interest in areas within the Capital Governorate when it comes to finding villas for sale, with locations such as Reef Island and Seef offering a number of high end homes for sale. And with the exception of the Capital Governorate, which recorded a price increase of 6.8% for villas for sale between January – June 2018 and July – December, the three other Governorates recorded a decrease in price, with the Northern Governorate

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Gulf Insider May 2019

There has been increased interest in areas within the Capital Governorate when it comes to finding villas for sale, with locations such as Reef Island and Seef. decreasing 3.2% in price, which is the most significant drop in price for that time period.

More interest can be seen in Bu Quwah (Northern Governorate), which

was the only neighbourhood which recorded a slight increase in average price per square metre, increasing from BHD 577 to BHD 582, while all other locations recorded price reductions.

A’ali (Northern Governorate) recorded the most significant price decrease, from BHD 605 to BHD 468 when comparing January – June 2018 and July – December. A’ali is known for offering affordable villas for sale, and as other areas in the country dropped their prices, we have seen further reductions in A’ali.

Galali (Muharraq Governorate) is another area which recorded a significant decrease in average price per square metre, which decreased from BHD 684 to BHD 602 in the same time frame.

Information provided by Property Finder’s Trends Report from propertyfinder.bh

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People & Culture

Royal Al Qasr

RamAdan Tent Celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan at Al Areen Palace and Spa’s brand new Al Qasr Tent.

A

l Areen Palace and Spa celebrates the holy month of Ramadan by bringing in a new luxurious Ramadan Tent, Al Qasr. With a backdrop of the palace, fountain and lake garden, the season of rich Arabian culture is celebrated in a lavish setting.

With a space of 35x35 meters, the Al Qasr tent can accommodate 1000 people and seat up to 800 people. The tent welcomes the guests to enjoy the authentic Ramadan atmosphere along with exciting offerings.

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Gulf Insider May 2019

The tent is further highlighted with Tarabeesh band from Lebanon and thrilling raffle draws. The guests can also indulge in an extensive culinary feast infused by the traditions of Bahrain.

The sundown specials features a notable spread of buffet, live cooking stations, traditional sweets and special Ramadan juices. The Iftar and Ghabga buffet is priced at BD18++ per person on weekdays and BD20++ per person on weekends; children from 6 to 10 years old can avail a 50% discount while those below 5 years can enjoy for free.

Be it an individual, group or corporate bookings, the Al Qasr tent is an ideal choice to enjoy an amazing festive gathering. Stunning interiors, spotless services and delicious dishes makes your Ramadan celebrations magnificent.

The Al Areen Palace and Spa adds a touch of majesty to this season of togetherness with their traditional Arabian hospitality at the Al Qasr tent.

For more information: reservations@alareenpalace.com +973 1784 5000

News Roundup

Cost of construction in gulf countries set to pick up soon

Saudi tourist drowns in river nile while taking selfie A Saudi tourist slipped into the River Nile and drowned while apparently attempting to take a selfie.

“The Saudi national was on a tour on Uganda. He drowned as he was taking a selfie on the River Nile and the water swept him away,” Uganda police spokeswoman Hellen Butoto told AFP. A combined team of marine police and local fishermen recovered the body some 10 kilometers (six miles) away.

The tourist was with a group of friends visiting Kalagala Falls in central Uganda, a popular spot whose raging rapids are popular among kayakers, when the accident happened.

“The tourist slipped because the surface is wet and he had leaned backwards to take a selfie of fastrunning water in the background,” said Butoto.

A study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 2018 found there had been 259 selfie deaths around the world over the previous six years. The highest toll was in India, followed by Russia, United States and Pakistan.

The cost of construction in the Middle East is set to pick up in 2019 after a period of stagnation, according to new research.

Global professional services firm Turner & Townsend said improving commodity prices will shore up fresh investment and development activity in the region. The International Construction Market Survey 2019 revealed that the previously stagnant construction markets of Muscat and Riyadh are showing signs of awakening due to improved oil revenues and economic diversification programmes. It added that the price of construction in the UAE will rise 2 percent this year, up from 1.5 percent during 2018.

The report noted that market confidence in the UAE is being buoyed by significant projects in Dubai and large-scale infrastructure investment in Abu Dhabi.

It added that Riyadh is expected to see the greatest construction cost inflation in the Middle East in 2019 at 5 percent – outstripping the average global construction cost inflation of 4.1 percent forecast for this year.

The cost of building in the Middle East is still lagging considerably behind other key locations in the global rankings. After a 1 percent fall in construction prices during 2018, Muscat sits 44th in the league table, with an average cost of construction equivalent to just a third of that in New York City.

Globally, San Francisco has overtaken New York as the most expensive city in which to build worldwide, followed by London, Zurich and Hong Kong.

Overall, two-thirds of the markets surveyed by Turner & Townsend reported a labour skills shortage, but the muted levels of construction demand in the Middle East in recent years means the crisis isn’t yet being felt as acutely as in other global markets.

It said the UAE is in balance while Muscat and Riyadh are two of only five markets worldwide to report a surplus of construction trade labour.

Adam Ralph, director and head of real estate, Middle East at Turner & Townsend, said: “The rallying of oil prices in the short-term has provided fresh impetus and opportunities in the region, but ultimately it is diversification of the economic base away from oil and gas that is set to be the key driver of construction demand across the Middle East in the long term.

Gulf Insider May 2019

33

People & Culture

Celebrate Ramadan at Elite Elite Hospitality Group launches Ramadan Offerings 2019.

T

he Elite hospitality group launched its Ramadan offerings for the year 2019.

Hosted by Elite Management, a Ramadan theme dinner reception was held for media and corporate clients at Noor tent, Elite Resort and Spa-Muharraq. “After the massive success of our Ramadan activities in Noor tentElite Resort & Spa Muharraq during the past years, we have decided to continue this year by adding tremendous improvements to the tent to accommodate approximately 700 guests during the Holy Month. The Noor tent welcomes our dear guests to enjoy authentic Ramadan atmospheres and breathtaking views and will be offering Iftaar, Ghabgaa and Suhoor Buffets infused by the traditions of Bahrain.�

Said Mr. Sarosh Aibara, Chief Operating Officer of Elite Hospitality Group.

During Ramadan, the ambience at Noor tent will be further accentuated with unique entertainment and art forms, that will thrill not only the corporate but get the families entertained as well-there will be activities planned for kids and ladies as

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Gulf Insider May 2019

well. With seating choices for smoking or non smoking, daily surprises and corporate packages will keep Noor tent busy every single night.

Elite Resort and Spa is a preferred destination for many families and corporate for its proximity to Bahrain International Airport and commercial

district, The Resort also offers special room packages with Iftar and Suhoor during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

To make your reservations, call Tel: +973 17 313 333 To know more on our special packages, please visit www.elitegrouphotels.com

Relish the true serenity of Ramadan at Elite Seef Residence & Hotel Join us the entire holy month & experience the delectable feast of “Iftar Buffet, Ghabga & Suhoor�

Iftar : BD 8.9 Net Ghabga : BD 7.9 Net Suhoor : BD 4.9 Net all prices mentioned above are inclusive of soft beverages For Reservations +973 17583388 EliteSeefResidence&hotel

EliteSeef

eliteseefresidenceandhotel

www.elitegrouphotels.com

News Roundup

More than 1000 millionaires moved to Dubai last year Dubai attracted more than 1,000 millionaires from outside the country in 2018, surpassing major cities like Los Angeles, Melbourne, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Sydney, according to the ‘Global Wealth Migration Report’ for 2019.

The report, developed recently by AfrAsia Bank and New World Wealth, highlighted Dubai as the most prominent financial centre in the Middle East, and one of the safest cities in the region as well as a popular destination for high-net-worth-individuals (HNWIs) and wealthy expatriates.

It also said that Dubai is an example of the power that business incentives have in encouraging business formation. The city offers many advantages that make it a haven for the world’s wealthy.

Millionaires flock to the emirate due to a range of exceptional business incentives, robust foreign trade and international connectivity. Dubai attracted over 16 million tourists in 2018 and has the ambitious target of welcoming 25 million tourists by 2025, the Wam report said.

Approximately 2,000 HNWIs, each with at least $1 million worth of net assets, moved into the UAE in 2018, boosting the local economy. The number of affluent migrants in the UAE rose by two per cent in 2018, compared to the previous year, according to the report.

The 2019 ‘Global Wealth Migration Report’ said that global wealth migration saw an acceleration in 2018. Approximately 108,000 millionaires (HNWIs) migrated in 2018, compared to 95,000 in 2017. China saw a mass exodus of 15,000 millionaires in 2018, the most significant of any country in the world, followed

by Russia, which saw an exodus of about 7,000 millionaires. India saw an exodus of 5,000 millionaires, while Turkey saw 4,000, and France and the UK 3,000 millionaires each.

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Gulf Insider May 2019

Dubai to London may take only 29 minutes soon Ultra-fast spacecraft could one day soon see passengers traveling between Dubai and London in just 29 minutes, according to a new report from UBS. The UBS report said high-speed travel through outer space will represent an approximately -$20 million market in ten years and will compete with long-haul airlines, which would be considerably slower alternatives.

“While space tourism is still at a nascent phase, we think that as technology becomes proven, and the cost falls due to technology and competition, space tourism will become more mainstream,” said UBS analysts Jarrod Castle and Myles Walton.

“Space tourism could be the stepping stone for the development of long-haul travel on earth serviced by space.”

As an example of the possibilities, UBS pointed to Elon Musk’s California-based SpaceX, which has said that its ‘Starship’ rocket will eventually be able to transport 100 people around the world in minutes.

The Starship rocket is designed to exit and reenter the earth’s atmosphere, with a passenger pod traveling to its final destination at maximum speeds of 27,000 km per hour.

According to SpaceX estimates, this speed means that a trip between Dubai and London could be accomplished in 29 minutes. Currently, a conventional flight between the two locations takes 8 hours.

The company says that the flights – which would encounter no wind resistance – would be able to cut virtually every trip possible on earth to under an hour, with most flights taking less than half an hour. New York to Shanghai, for example, would take 39 minutes, as opposed to the current 15 hours.

News Roundup

Bahrain: More than 100 warnings issued to schools & institutions The Ministry of Education has issued 110 warnings to private schools and educational institutions after discovering violations while carrying out inspection visits, sources said.

The visits were made during the period from January 2018 to February 2019.

Unsafe electrical connections, employees residing on the school campus and changing buildings without permission were among the violations found at the educational institutes, the sources added.

“One hundred and ten warnings were sent out to private schools and institutions in the country after the authorities made nearly 850 follow-up visits.

“Out of the inspection visits, 811 were made to private schools while 41 visits targeted educational institutions under the Ministry of Education itself.

According to the Ministry of Education officials, a number of violations were noted and the concerned schools and institutions were warned. The ministry is taking every required measure to end all violations across all educational institutions of the Kingdom, they said.

“The inspection teams could spot many violations including unsafe electrical connections, employees residing on the school campus as well as some schools changing buildings without permission. “The violations noted also included lack of proper emergency exits, poor storage facilities, and the construction of facilities without proper permits,” a ministry representative said.

Bahrain: Over 12 million people visit the Kingdom annually According to the latest research report released by global real estate consultancy firm CBRE, the hospitality industry continues to be one of the prime drivers of Bahrain’s recent economic growth with over 12 million people visiting the country annually.

CBRE’s 2019 Bahrain Market Snapshot for the first quarter of the year reveals that tourism numbers have aggregated to an average increase of 8 per cent year-on-year since 2012.

Among those visiting Bahrain, residents from Saudi Arabia stand out as the most frequent travellers to the kingdom entering the country via the King Fahd Causeway – forming 87 per cent of the total inbound tourist numbers in 2018.

James Lynn, head of strategic advisory at CBRE Bahrain, said: “The dynamics of the hotel industry are evolving. Tourism is a key aspect of Bahrain’s 2030 vision and as the tourism figures continue to rise, it is important for developers, operators and service providers to have a thorough understanding of changing consumer habits, to ensure they are wellpositioned to deliver a strategy that serves the needs of travellers and the market alike.”

CBRE’s records show that the majority of the visitors travel to Bahrain for the purpose of holiday and leisure, comprising 63 per cent of the total number of people entering the country, while the second main reason for travel is to visit friends and relatives, constituting 17 per cent of the market.

The majority of tourists – comprising 71 per cent of the total – seemed to prefer to stay in hotels when visiting Bahrain while 17 per cent opted for more affordable and spacious furnished apartment options, with the average length of stay rising up to approximately three nights across the market in 2018.

Lynn added: “With a 5.2 per cent year-on-year increase in five-star hotel key supply and a 4.9 per cent year-on-year increase in occupancy rates indicated in performance figures, the hospitality industry is expected to carry on creating genuine value for the country’s economy with a collection of niche development opportunities across the resort and city hotel markets.”

Gulf Insider May 2019

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Lifestyle

44mm watches have hand wound mechanical movements. They are probably among the most sought-after Panerai models because in many ways they define the brand. The 113 has a white face and a clear crystal back exposing the watch movement. The 005

Panerai 243

Panerai 005

What makes

Panerai Different?

Gulf Insider publisher Nick Cooksey, on why he’s a Panerai fan.

I

’m not someone who collects things. I like to live as simple and unencumbered a life as is possible.

But I have one exception to this, and that is luxury watches - they don’t require much storage space, require minimal maintenance, don’t devalue (provides you buy them right) and I love looking at them as object of art.

I first became aware of the Panerai brand in the early 2000’s. Panerai, a small Florentine watch manufacturer, was established over 150 years ago.

They supplied watches for the Italian Navy before and during World War 2 and were particularly favoured by military frog divers because of their large size, robustness, and highly luminous numerals which makes it easy to see in the dark underwater.

Panerais are instantly recognizable due to their distinctive design and famous patented crown protection guards – often copied by other brands.

In 1997 the company was taken over by the Richemont Group, resulting in their

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Gulf Insider May 2019

value and brand image moving upwards.

Panerais are designed to easily change straps and a secondary industry of independent leather craftsmen supply a myriad of strap styles to Panerai owners. I have various straps and regularly interchange them. For some reason I don’t like metal straps when it comes to this brand. They just don’t seem right.

I am now the happy owner of four Panerais that I’ve had for many years.

They have each been consistently

Panerai 113

has a black face and solid back.

Panerai 243 - This chunky 44mm

automatic is designed to go to ridiculous depths of up to 1,000 meters where light no longer penetrates. It has a super thick 5mm crystal and a helium escape Valve (something only a serious diver would ever need). I confess the deepest I’ve taken it so far is along the bottom of the deep end of my

Panerai 049

swimming pool (2 meters!).

Panerai 049 - At 40mm this automatic is considered small for a Panerai yet is the same diameter, but noticeably chunkier, than a Rolex Submariner. This model is now out of production.

The official dealership for Panerai in Bahrain is Asia Jewellers. Tel. 1753 5344

reliable and a pleasure to own:

Panerai 005 and 113 – both these

Business Society

Benefit Food Pay festival near NBB Tower

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Gulf Insider May 2019

Media Lunch hosted by Batelco at Batelco Hamala Staff Centre Lounge

Money & Business

Bahrain: No airfare for expat employees violating contract According to new legislation passed by lawmakers, runaway expat employees will have to pay for their air tickets to fly back home. The MPs argued that employers should not have to pay the amount when the employee violates the contract.

The House passed the proposal in this regard, adding a paragraph to Article (27) of Law No (19) of 2006 on the regulation of the labour market.

Speaking at the Parliament, MP Ahmed Al Ansari said: “The worker is responsible for his actions from the moment he decides to violate the contract and run away. In this situation, the employers’ rights must be taken into account. “The employer must not suffer the consequences of the worker’s actions.”

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) had previously expressed its support for the proposal: “It is unreasonable for the employer to have to bear the cost of sending worker in these cases where the worker violated the contract without a legitimate reason.”

Bahrain’s Gulf Air signs codeshare with Oman Air Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier and Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has expanded their existing codeshare agreement to fly beyond Muscat and Bahrain effective from the upcoming summer schedule.

Gulf Air will place its ‘GF’ code on Oman Air flights from Muscat to Salalah and Khasab in Oman, Nairobi in Kenya, Zanzibar in Tanzania, Goa and Lucknow in India, Kathmandu in Nepal and Jakarta in Indonesia. On the other hand, the extended codeshare agreement will see Oman Air place its ‘WY’ code on Gulf Air flights from Bahrain to Tbilisi in Georgia, Baku in Azerbaijan, Gassim in Saudi Arabia and Beirut in Lebanon.

Commenting on the codeshare extension, Gulf Air’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Krešimir Kucko said,” Gulf Air passengers can explore more destinations beyond Muscat as they fly on Oman Air to different destinations in Oman, Africa, India, and the Far East.”

Ahli United Bank

to Launch AI-supported Chatbot Service on Whatsapp for Business

A

hli United Bank (AUB) announced the launch of their Artificial Intelligence (AI) supported Chatbot service via WhatsApp for Businesses to ensure that the clients are served with the latest banking services.

Being the first bank in Bahrain to integrate its system with an AI supported chatting service via WhatsApp, AUB’s current clients and prospective clients will be able to complete many of their banking inquiries through the chatting service. Banking inquiry topics include MyHassad program prize winner list, information about Current Accounts, Savings Accounts, Personal Loans, Car Loans, Money Transfers, Branches and many other banking services.

This new service offering will complement our existing digital channels in a secure and convenient way.

Designed to provide the same ease as speaking with friends online; this service is considered friendly, and secure with 24/7 availability. Anyone can access the chatting service by simply adding the bank’s number 34221999 to their Phone’s Contact List and then opening a chat with the saved contact, just like chatting with a friend on WhatsApp. On the launch event, Mr. Samih Abutaleb, Group Head Digital Transformation for AUB commented, “Following the successful launch of the first phase for the chat solution via WhatsApp Business solution, we look forward to the upgrade and growth of the WhatsApp based chatting services in order to deliver a consolidated and unified digital client experience.

This new service offering will complement our existing digital channels in a secure and convenient way.

Gulf Insider May 2019

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News Roundup

The all-new Genesis G90 Launch at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Bahraini Entrepreneur Wins Appeal In Stolen Cheque Case A Bahraini entrepreneur was shocked to learn that a cheque had been presented on behalf of a company, which he had closed down over a decade ago.

This came to the man’s notice when he was demanded to pay BD5,000 in return for a cheque that had been allegedly issued under the company’s name without his knowledge in 2014, five years after the business was closed and liquidated. The man had earlier reported to the police that the cheque book of the company was stolen from his office.

The matter was taken to the court, as an unknown individual used the cheque to purchase a vehicle from another man, who demanded that the amount should be paid by the defendant, being the owner of the company. The lower court ordered the defendant to pay the amount to the plaintiff, which was challenged before an appeals court.

Aisha Thani, the defendant’s lawyer, explained that her client had shut down the construction and building company he owned back in 2009, adding that he also canceled the company’s bank account. However, she also said that the cheque had been stolen and misused by an unknown individual to purchase the vehicle from the complainant for BD5,000.

The lawyer said the previous verdict was issued by the court without investigating the authenticity of the cheque and only reviewed a copy that the complainant had provided.

As the case was referred to the Civil Court of Appeal, an expert’s report was requested. The report mentioned that the cheque was issued on January 26, 2014, five years after the defendant’s company was officially closed.

The report also showed that the complainant has changed the date on the cheque. The prosecution confirmed that the court accepted her client’s appeal, acquitted him from paying the amount mentioned in the cheque and rejected the plaintiff’s lawsuit.

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Gulf Insider May 2019

CAR News

& reviews Nissan Maxima SR

Ferrari F8 Tributo

Chevrolet Silverado

BMW 7 & 8 Series

Car Bahrain

Ferrari F8 Tributo launched in Bahrain

Gulf Insider meets Dieter Knechtel, Head of Far East and Middle East at Ferrari, on the sidelines of the Middle East launch of the new Ferrari F8 Tributo.

S

o you decided for the Middle East launch of the F8 Tributo to be in Bahrain!

Yes. Following its global debut at Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, the Ferrari community in Bahrain is able to view the Ferrari F8 Tributo before anyone else in the region.

What makes this new Ferrari special?

The F8 Tributo is the best 8-cylinder in the world. It’s also the most aerodynamically efficient seriesproduction mid-rear-engined berlinetta ever designed. It offers unprecedented handling and superior ride comfort, has 44

Gulf Insider May 2019

The F8 Tributo is the best 8-cylinder in the world. It’s also the most aerodynamically efficient seriesproduction mid-rearengined berlinetta ever designed.

unique characteristics and, as its name implies, is an homage to the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history. It allows its owner to experience a significant improvement in their ability to hold the car when it’s closer to its performance limits thanks to the increase in power, weight reduction and improved aerodynamic coefficient.

The F8 Tributo features state-of-the-art aerodynamics, integrating innovations and expertise developed thanks to the company’s involvement in the GT and Challenge championships. The solutions have been honed to create a seriesproduction mid-rear-engined berlinetta with the highest level of performance available.

Car Bahrain

How does the F8 Tributo compare with the 488 GTB The F8 Tributo replaces the 488 GTB and, in the range, is the model with the highest performance matched by the greatest driver involvement. There are significant improvements across the board aimed at providing even better control on the limit along with greater onboard comfort.

Overall performance levels are significantly higher than those of the 488 GTB, thanks to the increase in power, weight reduction and improved aerodynamic coefficient. That performance is also now accessible to a larger number of drivers thanks to vehicle dynamics systems that make driving on the limit an easier and more confidenceinspiring experience.

In the automotive world, Ferrari’s V8 engine is seen as the very epitome of sportiness and driving pleasure.

What makes Ferrari’s V8 engines so spectacular?

In the automotive world, Ferrari’s V8 engine is seen as the very epitome of sportiness and driving pleasure. This is particularly the case when it is midrear-mounted in a two-seater. Ferrari has been honing the scope of abilities of this architecture, which creates an optimal weight balance, and thus delivers unparalleled thrillingly sporty driving.

The all new Ferrari F8 Tributo was unveiled

by Euro Motors, the sole authorised dealer of Ferrari in Bahrain, in an exclusive event held at Hotel Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa.

Gulf Insider May 2019

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Car Bahrain

Big Boys Toys Gulf Insider takes the new Chevrolet Silverado for a desert drive.

M

en in this region love driving full-sized pickup trucks, even if they don’t need them. I’m not one of these men, but I know several who are and I listen to them rave about which pickup trucks they’d ‘love’ to own. When I ask why they need a pickup, bearing in mind they typically work in a bank or an office, they look at me like I don’t know how to live.

So when I was invited to Abu Dhabi to drive the new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado I thought about offering one of these guys to take my place – I knew they would have been super excited.

But I was curious enough to want to experience this for myself, just to see what I have been missing.

What I learned is that people buy pickups to have fun, and they are highly regarded for their practicality, off-road

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The latest Silverado has been totally redesigned and has lots of new technology. The front is completely different and it’s bigger, taller, and wider than the previous model. ability, comfort, and they appeal to varying lifestyle needs.

Two models of the Silverado are

exclusive to the Middle East –the Silverado Trail Boss Regular-Cab and the Silverado RST Regular-Cab The latest Silverado has been totally redesigned and has lots of new technology. The front is completely different and it’s bigger, taller, and wider than the previous model. It also have 17% improved aerodynamics.

Doors, tailgate and bonnet are now aluminum, helping to make it up to 240 kg lighter despite it being longer, taller and wider than before. It’s also stronger.

There’s a choice of 5 different engine and transmission choices, starting with a new 2.7 liter turbo four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 348 lb-ft) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s specially designed for trucks with a high torque.

Bigger engine options include new 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines. The 6.2L engine is paired with a new Hydra-

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Matic 10-speed automatic transmission, as well as start/stop technology to reduce fuel consumption for optimum performance and efficiency. The 6.2-liter V8 is a monster of an engine, offering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

There’s excellent fuel economy thanks to Dynamic Fuel Management which actively shuts off any number of cylinders between 2 and 8, making the 2019 Silverado’s fuel economy top of its class.

Chevrolet say they have changed the interior as little as possible so as to retain its familiar look, and that the changes they did make were based on extensive customer feedback. To be honest it seems rather plane, but if that’s what the customers want then who am I to argue?

Driving the new Silverado on both road and in the Abu Dhabi desert I found it nicely balanced and easydriving. It’s certainly comfortable with lots of interior room and good seats that were supportive. There’s an abundance of storage cabins and the climate control system kept me nice and cool while the desert outside was roasting.

The Silverado can be bought as a bare-bones work horse, or it can be fitted out with all sorts of luxuries, technology, and fashion statements.

Options include various axle ratios, off-road-oriented tires, larger wheels, tow mirrors, power-retractable side step rails, sunroof, trailer monitoring systems that allow for trailer tire-pressure sensors or trailer rearview-camera connections.

Safety options include lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with lowspeed emergency braking, lane keeping assist, forward pedestrian detection with braking, automatic high beams, and a safety alert seat. The Technology package adds an in-mirror rearview camera display, a driver head-up display and a 360-degree parking camera.

Middle East owners love to customize these vehicles and there are currently 116 custom accessories to choose from, with more on the way, for anyone who buys a Silverado and wants to really stand out from the crowd!

According to the dealers, the car has not been launched yet in Bahrain.

For more details, National Motor Company, contact Tel +973 17457211

Alternatives

Ford F-150

RAM 1500

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Nissan Maxima SR Gulf Insider spends 3 days in Dubai with the hottest Maxima.

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he Maxima has built itself a reputation as a large sized salon that offers sporty performance. It is one of the fastest salons of its class on the market. In fact, Nissan describe it as a “four door sports car”. Well, not everyone will agree with that, but if you’re looking for a large family salon with sporty performance that won’t break the bank, the Maxima is worth checking out – especially the extra sporty SR which we spent three days

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driving around the UAE and got to know fairly well.

The SR has the same engine as all the other Maximas – a front wheel drive 3.5 litre V6 engine providing an impressive 300 horse power/261 poundfeet of torque that drives the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

So the SR has the same engine, but distinguishes itself with retuned dampers, stiffer springs, and a larger front stabilizer bar to optimize the

car’s handling ability. It also has paddle shifters for more driver control. There’s 19-inch wheels (as opposed to 18” on other models), active engine sound enhancement, and a few braking-based features that improve ride and handling.

On the road it’s relatively quiet, even in Sport mode, but the steering grows weightier when Sport mode is activated, which makes this car much more fun.

Inside, the cabin is spacious and comfortable. There’s an 8 inch touchscreen, and in the SR we

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The top of the line Platinum does away with some of the SR’s performance add-ons but adds automatic wipers, surround-view parking camera, a power-adjustable steering column, driver-seat memory functions, power-adjustable passenger seat, upgraded leather upholstery and trim, and a rear power sunshade.

The boot is not particularly large though the rear seatbacks will fold down to accommodate larger items, and it has an opening wide enough for golf clubs.

According to the dealers, the car has not been launched yet in Bahrain.

The SR has the same engine as all the other Maximas – a front wheel drive 3.5 litre V6 engine providing an impressive 300 horse power /261 pound-feet of torque .

were driving there was rich leather upholstery. There’s plenty of space, though headroom is at best average.

There are 5 model types: S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum.

The S comes with LED headlights, remote engine start, keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, adjustable driving modes, leather-wrapped steering wheel, poweradjustable front seats, 60/40-split rear seat, navigation system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and an eight-speaker audio system, a rearview camera and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

The Maxima SV adds navigation, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, leather upholstery, and an upgraded driver seat.

The SL further adds dual-panel sunroof, active noise reduction, front and rear parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, and a Bose premium audio system.

For more information contact Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons Tel. +973 1773 2732

Alternative options: Alternatives to this car are the Toyota Camry and Dodge Charger, both of which have virtually identical engine size and power.

Toyota Camry Starting Price: BD 8,925

Dodge Charger Starting Price: : BD 10,999 Gulf Insider May 2019

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The New Porsche Macan now in Bahrain

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ne of Porsche’s most popular models, the Macan, is now available in Bahrain. With performance credentials that underline the model’s position as the true sports car in its segment, the latest generation was showcased to guests at a special event held by Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers. The brand’s compact SUV has evolved in terms of comfort and driving dynamics, with two engine versions available at launch, the Macan and the more powerful Macan S. Powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 252 hp and delivering a maximum torque of 370Nm, it accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 227 km/h.

The vehicle dynamics of the Macan remain a principle feature. The revamped chassis increases driving pleasure, offering stability and improved comfort thanks to newly developed mixed-size tyres, enhanced brakes and the intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system. All combined the Macan feels even more like a sports car than ever before.

The range of standard equipment has been further enhanced, thus

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Two engine versions available at launch, the Macan and the more powerful Macan S. increasing the attractiveness of the new model. Customers can now enjoy features, such as a panoramic sunroof, automatically dimming mirrors and ParkAssist in front and rear with reversing camera, at no extra costs.

A further evolved design language is visible in the new Macan, giving it

an even more distinctive and confident appearance. The front end of the Macan has been comprehensively revamped and now appears wider. Redesigned main headlights feature LED technology as standard, whilst a three-dimensional LED light panel on the rear of the vehicle is also incorporated in the new range. Drivers have more scope to express their personality too with the addition of four exterior colours – Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue and Crayon.

Inside, the new Macan offers highquality equipment as standard. The seat surfaces are covered with Alcantara® and the steering wheel, selector lever and armrests are finished in leather with additional full-leather interiors also optionally available. Porsche’s sports car DNA can be found throughout.

The new Porsche Macan and Macan S are now available at Porsche Centre Bahrain. Basic retail prices (VAT inclusive) are as follows: Macan BHD 22,242 Macan S BHD 29,310

For more information, contact Porsche Centre Bahrain, tel: +973 1745 9911

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New BMW 330i Gulf Insider drives a motoring icon.

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t isn’t exaggerating to say that the BMW 3 Series is a motoring icon that has become a standard by which other manufacturers judge their own cars against. There are few other such icons but they include the VW Golf, Porsche 911, Range Rover, and Mercedes S-Class.

With this in mind, BMW markets their cars as “the Ultimate Driving Machine” - so they have to be better than just good. The company certainly won’t risk messing with the 3 Series and so

this new generation of the 3 series is not a revolution but an evolution on the previous generation. That said, its component parts are almost entirely different from the last model, with the exception of engines and transmissions - but these have also been improved.

BMW’s already super smooth 2 liter 4 cylinder now offers even better efficiency, and power has grown to 255 hp and 295 lb-ft, offering zero to 100 kph in 5.6 seconds. The M Sport Plus package comes with adaptive damping,

19-inch wheels, M Sport e-differential and upgraded brakes.

The suspension and drivetrain have more aluminum, and the hood and front wings are now aluminum helping make the car lighter. The ride is notably taut.

The steering’s sharp and accurate. I was able to enter sharp corners at ease, the car just handled so well and felt solid at all times.

The body is stiffer and larger. In fact the 3-series keeps getting bigger.

Today’s model may be only slightly bigger than the last model, but seven generations of incremental size increases have resulted in it’s now being roughly the size of a 2003 5 Series.

It’s certainly big enough with plenty of adult-size rear legroom, and there’s also a generous sized boot with folding seat-backs if you need more space.

Quietness and refinement are superb. The center console follows the usual BMW layout and includes the rotary iDrive knob that enables the driver to operate functions without having to look down. There’s a new cloud-connected voice-command system called Intelligent Personal Assistant that allows you to say “Hey BMW” followed by a speech command.

There’s high-def screens and ambient lighting strips and lots of metallic highlights.

So, if you want a mid-sized car offering it all - refinement, engagement, luxury, and style - from one of the world’s most prestigious car companies that has dominated this segment of the market for literally decades, then this latest 3-Series may be exactly what you are looking for.

Starting prices in Bahrain: BD 23,500 Dealership Warranty and Maintenance Coverage: 

5 Years Warranty or 100,000 kms



5 Years Warranty or 200,000 kms



Free insurance and registration 1st year

To arrange a test drive in Bahrain contact, BMW EuroMotors on +973 17 750 750.

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A LUXURY SALOON LEGEND, A POWERFUL TWO DOOR DROP-TOP AND A SUN TAN IN THE ALGARVE Charlie Cooksey test drives the new facelifted BMW 7 series and all-new 8 series convertible in Portugal for the international media launch.

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he 7 series is one of the biggest selling BMW models in the Middle East so when they announce a new generation with a major facelift it’s a big deal. I was one of the lucky select few from the region to be invited and flown over to Portugal to test

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drive this new super luxurious saloon.

But it gets even better, and exciting. This trip was extra special since I was also to test drive the new 8 series convertible.

Double whammy!

BMW never fail to pick beautiful locations for their test drives. We were put up in the Conrad Algarve, a stunning

5 star hotel that had been colonised by BMW with a parade of shining new 7 and 8 series lined up at the front of the hotel. There was also the new X7 which drew a lot of attention – it was the first time I’d seen it.

My first day began with the 7. . The new 7 shouts luxury and comfort (and

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BMW have taken luxury and comfort to the highest possible level with this car. The interior offers loads of space – especially for rear passengers.

delivers it). I couldn’t help but notice the grille – it’s 40% larger. Yes, 40%!

Oh, even the BMW logo is bigger. This enlargement may sound a little extreme to our readers and 7-series-lovers but I can tell you it works beautifully. The car also sports new slimmer and precise

looking headlights and redesigned taillights which are linked with a narrow strip of red light, and stands 50mm taller. All this enlargement makes a statement that it is distinct from others models.

BMW have taken luxury and comfort to the highest possible level with this car. The interior offers loads of space – especially for rear passengers, superbly comfortable Nappa leather seats and head cushions, generously sized 10” touchscreen screens in the back of the seats and plenty of storage. You can even talk to your 7 series and say things like “Hey BMW, I’m tired” after which the car will amend the lighting, climate system, seat massager and fragrance to lift the mood. This is a handy feature that enables you to keep your hands on the wheel at all times and the car acts almost as your PA. What a time to be alive!

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Onto the 8…

The second day was all about the 8 Convertible, and oh boy what a car it is.

After just a full day behind the wheel of this two door drop-top I came home with a tan.

Firstly I need to highlight to the petrol heads how monstrous this car sounds when you slip it into ‘Sport Plus’ mode it transforms into something special.

The sound and performance changes into something of a supercar and it makes this wonderful crackling sound (it’s difficult to put into words – just book a test drive!).

The car looks even better with the roof down and that’s the first thing I did when I entered the vehicle. The convertible is a soft top with the roof capable of being operated at speeds up to 50kmh and can be lowered or raised completely in just 15 seconds. The interior is a hybrid between luxury and sporty. The seats are comfy, a decent amount of space and storage, a classy crystal gear stick and an attractive steering wheel. The model I was driving even has a ‘neck warmer’ located just below the headrest – great for the colder days.

I was driving the M850i xDrive which packs more of a punch than the entry level model. Under the long bonnet are a herd of horses generating 530 horsepower which does 0-100kmh in just 3.9 54

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I thoroughly enjoyed both cars on this trip and the hard work the engineers have dedicated over the years is proven.

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The sunburn after the 8 series convertible’s test drive.

seconds. The car is powered by a 4.4 litre V8 twin-power turbo charged petrol engine. There are two engine options available, both with an eight speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifts on the wheel.

There’s no better place to test this car than on beautiful straight and winding mountain roads. I was able to test its seamless handling and cornering and also put my foot down to feel the acceleration and hear the V8 on the straights.

I thoroughly enjoyed both cars on this trip and the hard work the engineers have dedicated over the years is proven. Technology in the new BMW models has made huge leaps and it’s getting ever easier to use… such as BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional, safety features, and intelligent PA. So much incredible technology is packed into cars now and once upon a time (way before my time as a driver!) this didn’t exist. It leaves me wondering – what more could we possibly need?

Starting prices: 7 Series; starting from BD 36,000 8 Series Convertible; starting from BD 52,000

For more information call BMW EuroMotors on +973 1775 0750.

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Business Society

Behebehani Bros hosts the launch of the new Porsche Macan at their centre in Sitra

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Euro Motors hosts the BMW X Regional Roadshow 2019 at The Bahrain International Circuit

Last Word

The above image is one of the Bahraini fisherman’s hut which is located near the coastline.

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Ramadan Careem This Ramadan don’t worry about parking trouble, just book a Careem! ;)