Gulf Insider - February 2022 by Gulf Insider Media

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FEBRUARY 2022 | ISSUE 199

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Gulf Financial Insider

Contents February 2022 Issue 199

06 26 Simply unparalleled online presence that connects region’s most inspired communities.

06 08 12 16 18

BenefitPay’s remittance service Protecting you and your digital identity: BEYON Learning Music for Life at ASB How is Diyar Al Muharraq achieving sustainable living? Tips for buying an apartment as an investment in Bahrain - Kazerooni

The Epitome of NYC Luxury: Four Seasons New York Downtown

Checking into The Ritz-Carlton’s Flagship Property at New York’s Central Park

26 28 30 32

Italian style, luxury, and speed in Dubai - Portofino M Audi Q5 Sportback Chery Pro range: Premium yet economical Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost – The Purest One Yet

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Comment... A picture is worth a thousand words. Here's last month’s most 'Liked' #theoldbahrain picture posted to our social media.

Publisher & Editor in Chief

Nicholas C. Cooksey

Editorial

Angela Acosta Elyzabeth Ramirez

Editorial Contributors

Atharie Al Salem Nicholas Cortes

Sales & Business Development

Charlie Cooksey

Layout Designs

Dhanraj S

Admin & Finance

Nikesh Pola

Photography

Angelo Jose A

Distribution

Mohammed Yousif Aramex Al Ayam

For advertising contact Charlie Cooksey +973 3652 0004 charlie@gulf-insider.com

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

King Hamad and Queen Elizabeth - a decades long friendship

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FEBRUARY 2022 | ISSUE 199

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Gulf Insider February 2022

Money & Business

BENEFITPAY’S REMITTANCE SERVICE: ACCESSIBILITY, CHOICE, CONVENIENCE Gulf Insider speaks with Ahmed Al-Mahri, Senior Manager at BENEFIT’s Financial Development Services Department, on the newly launched BenefitPay remittance services.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Money & Business

For efficiency, people can go on the app, compare prices, and choose which companies they want to remit with.

How safe and secure is the new service? It’s all governed under the Central Bank of Bahrain’s regulation and rules. So, all rights and regulations are in place to govern and protect our customers. The wallet is linked to a single device – and cannot be accessed unless given authorisation by the account owner. We have the pin and biometric authentication, plus, a validation by OTP verification. All the steps are taken to ensure maximum security for the user.

How is sending money via this service different from visiting a remittance outlet or via the remittance’s own app? It’s more of a matter of convenience to the customer. We can guarantee that we have implemented all levels of self-service within the app, providing accessibility as well as a range of choice for our users.

The BenefitPay app provides many services from quick money transfers and bill payments and even easy petrol payment. Any additional services we should look forward to?

Being one of the first in the region to provide such service, we provide our customers with choice as well as accessibility and reach.

s Bahrain’s leading regional player in electronic financial transactions, how do you aim to improve efficiency with the new digital remittance

service?

Being a national platform, we always aim to provide efficiency and accessibility to services to our clients as well as our members and financial institutions. Our ‘marketplace’ concept is designed to add efficiency to all parties involved. Being one of the first in the region to provide such service, we provide our customers with choice as well as accessibility and reach.

Not to reveal anything too soon, but we have a list of services en route as well as a major revamp for the look and feel of BenefitPay coming up. This will come with a lot of interesting new features that address our customers’ needs and requirements. When all of this is happening – let’s let that be a surprise.

What is your vision for Bahrain’s financial sector in the next 5 years? We’ve seen a lot of improvement and evolution in the sector over the recent years. As Bahrain’s leading regional player in electronic financial transactions, aim for the coming years is to have empowered and keep empowering other players in the market to maximise their reach and innovation.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Money & Business

PROTECTING YOU AND YOUR DIGITAL IDENTITY Gulf Insider’s Charlie Cooksey interviews BEYON Connect CEO, Christian Rasmussen, during the launch of Batelco’s three new digital companies.

arking another major milestone in its digital transformation journey, Batelco launched three new independent digital companies – BEYON Connect, BEYON Cyber and BEYON Solutions. With stateof-the-art solutions and professional services, the companies aim to cater to the current and emerging needs of today’s businesses in areas such as digital identity, secure communications, cyber security, ICT and cloud computing.

Gulf Insider February 2022

What is the drive and purpose behind BEYON Connect? We wanted to take a step back and look at the missing pieces in society. Our mission is to create better and more inclusive digital societies for the people and businesses in the MENA region. To do so, we offer digital seamless communication solutions, in which transparency, security and efficiency are key elements. Coming from Northern Europe, we found that a number of society-created infrastructures have large potential here. These infrastructures have

been a driver of building better digital societies for Denmark and the Northern countries, which rank high in terms of eGovernment rankings in the United Nations. Our response was to build a strategy pinpointing the missing elements in order to move up the ranks in comparison to the leading countries. We identified strategic areas focusing on citizen-centered communication, business-oriented communication, providing a digital identity for everyone, and later on utilize these with innovative smart cities integrations.

Money & Business

Charlie Cooksey with BEYON Connect CEO, Christian Rasmussen

Our mission is to create better and more inclusive digital societies for the people and businesses in the MENA region.

Essentially, we want to build an ecosystem where you, as an individual or business owner, have any kind of digital proof or digital communication from your life—your family, wife, and kids, insurance, company, health organizations, your car or house—which is injected into your personal digital mailbox, which will be granted to you for free. Trust and data privacy are of critical importance and to this end, we have implemented the highest level of security and personal data protection in our platforms. You always know who the sender is, and the public institutions and business’ can easily find you, as your identity is verified through the secure digital identity we provide to our users. So, no more forgetting traffic fines or court notices. Also, if you have an important appointment like with your hospital or bank, you will always be able to find it in your digital postbox. No matter where you are and when you want to access it.

Is Bahrain your sole focus, or are you taking your solutions and services across the GCC? While we are headquartered in Bahrain, we have agreements in place with a number of countries in the GCC and MENA regions where we will provide our solutions as new national portals, either on an identity basis or communication basis. We will be able to share a number of significant announcements over the next few weeks and months.

How do you see BEYON Connect evolving over the coming year and five years from now? Over the coming year, our focus is on rapid growth and establishing lighthouse transformations within private sector businesses and public sector institutions. We have plans to announce subsidiaries across the MENA region during 2022. We intend to take Gulf Insider February 2022

Money & Business

By 2030, all the countries in the MENA region have an increased obligation to take care of the environment, fighting for people’s rights and equality between men and women.

Gulf Insider February 2022

the bottom out of the market, especially for identity solutions by providing highly secure, technically robust and commercially compelling solutions. One of the main issues of digital banking is the privacy aspect. To ensure data privacy, at BEYON Connect, we develop products and solutions using industrialized methods and utilize the leading technologies in the field. We own the proprietary software, can do both cloud, hybrid and on-premise installations, and we can guarantee that the data stays within the country, even if you are moving to another country. This is something entirely new. Also, by developing it ourselves, we can be more flexible in the implementation. On the cost side, our solutions are delivered at one-tenth of today’s existing market fees which means we deliver the highest quality at a highly competitive price. In the next five years, we intend to continue launching new products and verticals and rethinking how we communicate. Our driving mission is to continue working on how you, as an individual as well as your identity, can be protected.

Is there anything else you’d like to add or share for our readers to look forward to? I think it’s important to note that we have a sustainability focus. By 2030, all the countries in the MENA region have an increased obligation to take care of the environment, fighting for people’s rights and equality between men and women. We see the support of these goals as part of our core values. Bahrain is, of course, one of the higher-ranking countries in this region with regards to this agenda, but we have an opportunity to rank higher. We intend, with our products and services that support this national, societal shift. Already this year, we are moving to eliminate paper-based non-secure communication as we transition into secure digital correspondence. We want to invest in a society where we focus on the whole cycle of sustainability through harnessing the power of digital. It has already been proven in other leading countries across the world and now we would like to elevate the Kingdom of Bahrain and the MENA region as a whole to reach their sustainability goals.

School search made easy...

Education

TUNEFUL, BEATFUL, AND ARTFUL: LEARNING MUSIC FOR LIFE AT ASB Gulf Insider speaks to Alicia Pashby, Elementary Music Teacher and Scott Rogal, Music & Band Teacher at American School of Barhain (ASB).

he beauty of music is that it connects people with one another and to one’s self. We recently sat down with two of the American School of Bahrain’s music teachers to learn more about their passion for music, why it’s essential in the early years of childhood, their music programme at the school, and their 30-year plan.

Alicia Pashby Why is music essential for elementary school? I think that music is essential because music can help us understand the world around us. It can create a way for 12

Gulf Insider February 2022

children to find themselves. Especially for elementary school, the children need something to look forward to. They need a reason to get up every day… I was one of those kids who got out of bed because of music. We are working towards the 30-year plan, and we believe that it’s really essential that children be tuneful, beatful, and artful. This is building the foundation for them to be able to match pitch and sing for their whole life.

What is the 30-year plan? The idea of the 30-year plan is that in 30 years, the philosophy of being tuneful, beatful, and artful permeates within our students’ lives.

Being tuneful means that they can match pitch, sing melodies with their voice, and think melodies in their head. It means that they would be able to start singing and do so beautifully. To be beatful means that they’re able to keep a steady beat in groups of twos and threes. So, we really focus on that, starting with the youngest kids. The artful aspect is that they appreciate the beautiful and artistic qualities of music.

How do you incorporate movement into the music programme? Why is it important? I think of movement as our reason for being. It’s so important because movement is not part of a lot of our

Education

eventually ukuleles. We are working as an ensemble in preparation for Grade 5, when our Band Program begins.

Can you tell us about the specific curricular programmes that you’re running?

Alicia Pashby

If the musical person is not fostered first, the musician is not going to be a musician.

day these days, especially in a school setting. Kids might move from room to room, but they might end up in a stagnant position for a lot of the day. Movement in music is how we express what we hear. It is also essential to understanding beat. With the younger children, we have something called ‘movement exploration’ which is using different prompts to get them to explore different types of movement and tempos. This helps them explore the artistic expressive qualities in the music. We also do traditional folk dances, which are very fun for the kids and get them get them feeling the beat in their bodies. What instruments do the students play at the elementary level? First and foremost, the voice instrument. It is the most important initial instrument and commonly overlooked by a lot of people in the general public. It’s important to normalize singing for the younger children. So, for children in Pre-KG, KG1, KG2, the most focus is on their voice instrument and as well as on moving their bodies. Then, we add Orff instruments, percussion instruments, recorders,

We do a lot of singing and music making with instruments and with movement. In addition to that, with the students in Pre-KG, KG1, and KG2, we are running a programme called ‘First Steps in Music’ which is an eight-part musical “workout”, that was created by Dr. John Feierabend, one of the leading authorities on music and movement development in childhood. This is the technique that permeates my teaching and where the “tuneful, beatful, artful” philosophy originated. It mimics language learning. When they’re in Pre-KG, KG1, and KG2, we are trying to foster, celebrate, and bring out the musical person and normalize being musical. Once they get to grade 1, they are on a journey towards becoming young musicians and they’re starting to become musically literate. Those skills are being supported through beginning to read music and playing Orff instruments, recorders, and ukuleles in an ensemble. If the musical person is not fostered first, the musician is not going to be a musician. They’re going to be a notation reader. So, this is kind of the overarching the summary of the philosophy.

Do you have any exciting projects coming up? At the end of February, we’re going to start term two of Extra Curricular Activities (ECA). I’m going to continue with the Elementary ASB Singers which is for students in Grades 2-4. Any child who wants to join, can join. We’re also going to try to beef up our secondary choir. So, any student in Grades 5-10 who wants to join the ASB Show Singers, that’s going to be on the horizon here. Another passion of mine is to create choirs and a community within the choir. We now have a small choral programme growing here at ASB.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Education

in a community band or orchestra and I hope they have their instrument with them forever.

ASB music students just recently showcased their skills at the winter music concerts. Any other exciting activities you have in store? The kids are continuing to learn and we still practice virtually, so the students are practicing at home. We’re also practicing here at school. We’ll have our Spring Concert in May, and as students improve, each performance is a bit more sophisticated and enjoyable.

When did your passion for music start? I think through the end of elementary school and high school. I was involved in lots of different activities, but I really enjoyed my time in music and I was encouraged by good teachers and so I kept going. I really loved going to band practice, playing my instruments, being with friends and making music. I still do!

Was that what inspired you to become a music teacher yourself? Scott Rogal

Scott Rogal What makes the ASB music programme different than other music programmes in Bahrain?

The joy of teaching, in a nutshell, is to see your students grow as people and grow as musicians.

All of the students from Grades 5-9 take music and they all get an instrument to play, be it a trombone, flute, drum set, saxophone, or trumpet, and it’s not an extra cost. Music is a regular part of their day. Not many schools in the world have musical opportunities like we have at ASB.

What level of musical skill can we expect from an ASB graduate who was part of the programme since kindergarten? I think the students at that point would have an instrument for life. I still play my saxophone with friends and with family and my wife has just learned the violin. I would hope our students would be able to continue with their music and play with friends, maybe play

Gulf Insider February 2022

I think it’s quite a perfect combination for me. I really enjoy being around kids and I love music, so it’s a pretty natural thing for me to be doing. The joy of teaching, in a nutshell, is to see your students grow as people and grow as musicians. I’m really lucky because it’s so obvious. When I first hand them a trumpet, they don’t even really know its name or what to do with it. A couple years later, they’re sounding really good and in a group with all the other kids. Knowing that I’ve taught them how to play those instruments is very, very rewarding.

To know more about ASB’s music programme, call 17211800 or visit https://www.asb.bh/.

Apply for the spring semester today.

At the American University of Bahrain, it is a core part of our mission to provide quality education and prepare our students for an evolving and competitive job market. AUBH students have access to a wide array of opportunities to realize their professional and personal goals, in a student-centric, multicultural, and flexible, American-style University environment, on par with the best universities around the world. Beyond academia, they also have access to social, athletic and other extra- curricular activities making AUBH home.

For a lifetime of success. | Apply now: +973 7799 9997 | aubh.edu.bh | #AUBH

Property

HOW IS DIYAR AL MUHARRAQ ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE LIVING? Diyar Al Muharraq is a progressive urban development mixed-use city with a fusion of traditional and modern features in its engineering and architecture.

iyar Al Muharraq is masterplanned to be a fully integrated modern city with amenities to provide convenience to its residents and visitors. It is planned in a way that centralizes community facilities, encouraging sustainability within its neighborhoods. As a reclaimed island, Diyar collaborated with experts to ensure that suitable practices are used to minimize impact on the environment. It has continued its efforts towards sustainability of marine resources by placing fish farms and artificial reefs around the island. Environmental management plans were developed 16

Gulf Insider February 2022

Artificial Reefs

Property

Deep Gravity Sewer

by which it continues to construct its projects. A ‘smart city’ has been created through a variety of pioneering projects, initiatives, and smart and sustainable solutions. Diyar prioritizes provision of complete infrastructure and a convenient transportation network including pedestrian and cycling, air-conditioned bus shelters among other methods for usage of more sustainable transportation. Treated sewage effluent is used to water the landscaping which Diyar invests in. The Deep Gravity Sewer system adopted throughout the development eliminates use of mechanical lifting stations. This will serve over 100,000 inhabitants, extending the service-life for robust sewage system that is one of the key global KPI for a modern developed city, leading to reduced electricity consumption and bills, thereby reducing demand on the Kingdom’s national grid. Diyar has implemented several initiatives that play a significant role in creating a sustainable future, such as investing in innovative research projects for environment preservation and recycling. Recent initiatives include the use of solar lights throughout public areas

A ‘smart city’ has been created through a variety of pioneering projects, initiatives, and smart and sustainable solutions. in Diyar Park and solar streetlights on the roads of the gated Al Naseem community. Solar energy trees with a capacity from 2kW-3kW were installed to generate power to primary irrigation controllers as well as actuator valves to secondary asset connections. The use of smart bins has been implemented at Diyar Park, which remotely notifies the waste management company of the level of waste, signaling when the bins need to be emptied, doubly functioning as Wi-Fi connectivity for park users. To lower Diyar’s carbon footprint, Smart Meters have been implemented in smart homes which monitor electricity consumption, enabling

tenants to connect to an off-grid power source (solar, wind). External Insulation System (EIFS) have also been implemented at Al Naseem and Al Bareh communities. Diyar uses LED spotlights and sustainable technology to highlight the city’s aesthetics and reduce energy consumption, particularly in the Hadiqat Al Diyar, Al Bareh, and Al Qamra projects. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, they have launched innovative services like the Diyar Virtual Property Adviser, wherein customers were able to meet virtually with the sales representatives and experience 3D virtual journeys of show villas, as well as submit requests online via the virtual Technical Interface Office (TIO). Diyar continues to monitor the latest technologies and legislations to ensure it is a front runner in implementing sustainable initiatives in the kingdom of Bahrain.

For more information on Diyar Al Muharraq, call 80008880 or visit www.diyar.bh/en

Gulf Insider February 2022

Property

TIPS FOR BUYING AN APARTMENT AS AN INVESTMENT IN BAHRAIN Rushing in without considering all the elements at play can steer you towards a bad investment.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Property

nvesting in real estate can offer greater diversification to your portfolio, lower risks, and better returns, under the right conditions. Here are some tips for buying an apartment as an investment and why Kazerooni Heights, Amwaj could be a good option.

Research your options There are several options for investments in the market, some offer a guaranteed good-value return such as those offered at Kazerooni Heights: •

Invest for 5 Years and get a guaranteed 8% Return

•

Buy-Back Option with a guaranteed 6.5% Return on Investment for 5 Years

Consider your locations One of the most important factors to consider when investing in real estate is the location. The neighbourhood status and easy access to amenities and facilities play a large role in determining whether a property is worth investing in. Kazerooni Heights’ amenities include a rooftop temperature-controlled pool, steam and sauna facilities, BBQ facility with dining room at the pool deck, and a state-of-the-art gym. It is also within walking distance from the Lagoon,

which offers a variety cafes, restaurants, and retail stores.

Inspect before buying Before making any kind of purchase, we normally do an overall inspection to ensure that we are getting the best quality of product. This goes for residential purchases as well. What sets Kazerooni Heights apart is their quality construction and attention to detail. Each apartment is fitted with high-quality equipment and finished to the highest standards – ensuring quality starting from the building materials down to the most minute detail.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Property

Investing in real estate can offer greater diversification to your portfolio, lower risks, and better returns, under the right conditions.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Research your developer

Price versus size

Choosing the right developer is vital to maximise the benefits of your investment and rest assured that you are getting the best quality for the best value. The Kazerooni Group has made its mark in Bahrain’s market and has built a solid reputation, being widely known for their quality, international-grade projects and services for great value since 1973. Each property is built and designed as if they were building their own home. Providing hassle free investments to their clients, apartments will be handled by the developer – meaning that you won’t need to worry about finding a tenant. In addition, all service charges and maintenance expenses will be covered by the developer when choosing throughout the 5-year investment period.

Another important factor to consider when looking for an apartment is the size. Some properties offer regular-sized apartments at an overly priced rate, which could be disadvantageous in the long-run. Kazerooni Heights offers ideal values for price per square meter and a variety of apartment size options – all designed with livability and guaranteed to generate high returns on investment: • • • •

One-bedroom suite Two-bedroom suite with optional maids’ quarters Three-bedroom suite with maids’ quarters Three-bedroom suite duplex with maids’ quarters

For more details about the ownership and investment options, visit https://kazerooniheights.com or call +973 3977 0009.

Travel

THE EPITOME OF NYC LUXURY:

FOUR SEASONS

NEW YORK DOWNTOWN Charlie Cooksey spends two days soaking in the luxury of Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.

owntown Manhattan, New York, is famous for its bustling energy and locals that are always on the go due to its 24/7 lifestyle. Manhattan is often synonymous with New York State as most think of this neighborhood as the epitome of New York, and it’s easy to see why. While the city may be buzzing, the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is a luxurious respite to enjoy a relaxing stay in the heart of the city. This 5-star luxury hotel is located 22

Gulf Insider February 2022

in the financial district, a few blocks from the iconic Woolworth Building, Central Park, North Cove Marina, and Wall Street. It features 157 private apartments, 24 floors dedicated to hotel rooms, and a modern, sleek design that creates a plush feeling. This hotel is often frequented by business travelers, though it is also ideal for families and solo travelers. Upon arrival, I was stunned by the property’s appearance and greeted by the helpful and friendly staff. Checkin was incredibly smooth. I was able

to head to my room earlier than the expected time as it was ready for me two hours prior to my arrival. This fit perfectly into my schedule as I was ready for a much-needed rest and relaxation period before exploring the busy streets. I met an accommodating gentleman at the check-in desk who lit up after I mentioned I was visiting Miami after my trip to NYC. He told me he was from there and created a list of every location I should check out as he is very familiar with the city.

Travel

This is not my first time staying at a Four Seasons Hotel, so I’m familiar with their level of service and cleanliness. Previously, I’ve stayed at the ones in Bahrain, Dubai, Lebanon, Bali and U.K. Each one is immaculate and something I personally regard highly; well-equipped with a Nespresso machine. My first activity was making a cup of coffee, settling onto the corner sofa, and FaceTiming my mother in England to show her my room and stunning view of New York City. I was delighted with the room overall. It had a large amount of space and was very comfortable. The bathroom was modern and spacious, making me happy to call this room home for two nights. There was excellent technology throughout the room, including a flat-screen tv, with nearly everything controlled by a tablet next to the bed. This made it convenient to do anything from ordering additional Nespresso capsules and complimentary water bottles, breakfast from room service, extra pillows, and more. I felt this system was seamless, easy-to-use, and responsive to anything I needed. As far as convenience during the pandemic, it was a great addition to the room as it allowed for minimal contact.

The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is a luxurious respite to enjoy a relaxing stay in the heart of the city. In the morning, I had a delicious breakfast delivered to my room. I ordered the “Big Apple,” which was very tasty. Their onsite restaurant features a nature-inspired décor with African acacia trees and windows that allow plenty of sunlight to shine through, appropriately named “The Garden”. Their onsite bar called “Ty Bar” offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere with options to sit nearby the fireplace or at the bar while sipping curated cocktails. I received a tour from Kristi, the head of Marketing and PR which allowed me to explore the property and all its available amenities. The gym was wellequipped and kept very clean.

The globally inspired spa offers treatments for solo travelers and couples with the option to spend time in the sauna and steam room. There’s also a pool available onsite with a swimup bar and poolside service, creating a luxury feel. Other room amenities include, but are not limited to, a jacuzzi, minibar in the room, hair salon, indoor lap pool, and pet-friendly rooms. New York is an exciting place to visit in the summer. The days are longer, there are plenty of fun festivals to attend, and the temperatures are pleasant. It’s well worth considering a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel, New York during your next trip for an elegant stay with luxurious amenities, spacious rooms, an indoor pool, accessible Manhattan room options (like the Liberty Suite), and exceptional guest reviews.

For more information, call +1 646-880-1999 or visit www.fourseasons.com/ newyorkdowntown/

Gulf Insider February 2022

Travel

CHECKING INTO THE RITZ-CARLTON’S FLAGSHIP PROPERTY AT NEW YORK’S CENTRAL PARK Charlie Cooksey spent a summer getaway in the iconic New York City, staying at The Ritz-Carlton Central Park, New York.

ention The Ritz-Carlton, and images of luxe suites and Central Park are conjured into mind. These idyllic images are not far from my experience while staying at the well-known Ritz-Carlton Central Park. This 5-star luxury hotel is located in Midtown Manhattan, offering ample opportunities to discover nearby restaurants and attractions like Rockefeller Center. The Ritz-Carlton Central Park is about a 30-minute drive from LaGuardia Airport, achieved via taxi or rental car. It is located alongside Central Park, accessible by simply crossing the street. 24

Gulf Insider February 2022

I was fortunate to land a room with a stunning overlook of Central Park and its lush summer greenery. This incredible location offers the ability to roll out of bed and enjoy an early morning walk through the park. While there are 111 Ritz-Carlton company

locations, this is their flagship property, and rightfully so. Upon arrival, I was greeted by an incredibly friendly staff and shown to my room by Jeremy. I was pleasantly surprised by a champagne bottle on ice waiting for me when entering my room. A few steps further into the room provided an incredible display of candies, chocolates, and sweets with edible Bahrain and British flag decorations. My photo was included, providing the perfect personal touch to the warm welcome display. My experience was enhanced by the bed of my dreams… The unbelievably comfortable bed offered me the perfect

Travel

night’s sleep which was much needed after my 18-hour journey from Bahrain. I was fortunate to land a room with a stunning overlook of Central Park and its lush summer greenery. Some rooms also offer views of the iconic NYC skyline, accented by modern art. Each room is decorated with an elegant and attractive décor modeled after NYC penthouses. There is ample space in each of the suites and guest rooms, with most offering marble bathrooms and tubs, creating the perfect environment for a relaxing stay with a view.

During my stay, I was taken on a tour of the hotel, providing me a look into the Presidential Suite and Royal Suite. Both suites were incredibly spacy – unbelievably so. Imagine these lush rooms which have held every celebrity you can imagine! Beyond the accommodations, it has quite a few room amenities that you can take advantage of. For those who enjoy working out while traveling, the Ritz-Carlton Central Park has a recently renovated gym that you can enjoy. All the equipment is brand new, sparkling, and ready for travelers to use. A movement studio is also available, which features virtual classes for guided workouts. On the premises nearby the fitness center is La Prairie Spa, which boasts excellent guest reviews. Guests can indulge in massages and facials in a serene setting that allows travelers to escape the city’s liveliness for a few hours. It’s also a great stop after a particularly long flight or day of exploring the city. Additional amenities include a business center, valet parking, and room service. I headed to the Contour Lounge to finish the evening, a sleek and new gastro lounge with a restaurant/bar found inside the hotel. It has a relaxed atmosphere open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a nightcap. Here, I enjoyed a delicious charcuterie board and cheese spread. I also indulged in a “Manhattan” cocktail – their signature drink which uses local bourbon whiskey. Each item was delicious and helped curate the perfect ending to the night. Overall, I was very pleased with the hotel, its amenities, and the proximity to Central Park. As far as a summer getaway, this is one location that will not disappoint. New York is full of attractions and restaurants featuring some of the best food in the country. The summertime is one of the best times to visit, as you’ll be able to see the park’s lush greenery.

For more information, call +1 212-308-9100 or visit their website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/ hotels/new-york/central-park.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Motors

ITALIAN STYLE, LUXURY, AND SPEED IN DUBAI WITH THE

PORTOFINO M

Gulf Insider’s Charlie Cooksey goes to Dubai to experience a very special drive...

Gulf Insider February 2022

Motors

recently went to Dubai to experience the latest Ferrari Portofino M. Ferrari booked me into the beautiful Bulgari Hotel which was quite possibly the most stunning and luxurious hotel I have ever stayed in… residing on its own private island in Dubai. The Bulgari hotel is an excellent match to the luxury standard to that of Ferrari. The next morning, the Portofino M was delivered to me – loaded onto a flatbed truck. Usually, I prefer my Ferraris in traditional red, but I must admit to being strongly drawn to the unique dark grey paintwork of this particular Ferrari. After it was unloaded and I had signed the relevant paperwork accepting responsibility for it, the car was mine for the day to take wherever I wanted to go. I always enjoy cruising and driving around Dubai, up and down Sheikh Zayed road, and in the cool winter sunshine, it’s even more enjoyable to take the roof down to feel the speed, wind and the sun… However, when you start climbing over 120kph it can mess up your hair style! It was a working business day for me, getting around Dubai for a day of meetings in a Ferrari once seemed like a crazy idea, but the Portofino M was so smooth and

The Portofino M is everything a Ferrari should be: sexy, powerful, and fast. Its twin-turbo V-8 churns out 612 horsepower. comfortable, I occasionally forgot I was behind the wheel of one. The Portofino M is everything a Ferrari should be: sexy, powerful, and fast. Its twin-turbo V-8 churns out 612 horsepower—up from 592 in last year’s model—and hit’s 100 kph in the lowthree-second range. The small back seat and trunk won’t fit much, but practicality has never been a Ferrari selling point. So, how else does the new Ferrari Portofino M differ from its predecessor? Well, it has a redesigned powertrain, a new eight-speed gearbox and a fiveposition Manettino that includes a Race mode. The ‘M’ stands for ‘Modificata’, which in Ferrari nomenclature refers to cars that have undergone an evolution that

has boosted their performance. The exterior is also subtly changed and looks even sportier and more aggressive than the previous model, with a new design of the front of the car – the bumpers in particular. This is an authentic coupé with its top closed and a genuine spider when it is open, thanks to its Retractable Hard Top (RHT). With the roof down, I was better able to bask in the beautiful sound made by the twin turbo V8 engine. Ferrari claims that the new model delivers both superior handling whilst enhancing on-board comfort, courtesy of specific new optional features, such as ADAS, as well as ventilated and heated seats. This model is often called the ‘every day drive Ferrari”. Less ridiculously powerful than the likes of the 812 Superfast – power can never be utilized on roads anyhow. But the Portofino M has far more power than you can use on public roads no matter how advanced a driver you are, and is as manageable when driven around town as much as it is on the race track. This car enables the most exhilarating drive in even the most mundane of environments.

For more information, and to arrange a test drive in Bahrain, contact Euromotors on +973 17 734 734.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Motors

AUDI Q5 SPORTBACK: YOUR DYNAMIC DRIVE TO ANY DESTINATION By: Atharie Al Salem

udi Bahrain has announced yet another quattro drive as part of its S line package for the year 2022, and it is called the Audi Q5 Sportback. The sleek car finished with a Daytona Grey Pearlescent exterior was given to me for the day and I decided to take it to the desert to test its limits. As a huge fan of race cars, I was pleased by the graphic interface that offered a speedy cruise mode as soon as I entered the car with other mode options to choose from. I was not 28

Gulf Insider February 2022

expecting such a menu from an SUV, but this is not your average coupe. I immediately selected the “dynamic” drive on the highway, which gave me a feel of the Q5 45 TFSI engine through its speed and powerful output as if I were driving on an actual racetrack. Through the ease of acceleration and speed, it was extremely comfortable as the car moved along the road like butter on toast. The Audi Q5 Sportback delivered a relaxed experience while the car revealed its sporty character. The Audi smartphone interface was

Motors

All in all, I would say this car is perfect for the everyday driver that likes to switch up their cruising style and find new ways of enjoying their daily routes.

high-tech and easy to use, and the sound system was crystal clear as I played my favorite music on the way with no fuss whatsoever. Once I arrived at the desert, I decided to kick it up a few notches with the off-road drive option and tested the true durability of this SUV. What resulted from a reckless and daring drive through the rocks and sand of the rough Bahraini terrain was a safe and easy release from strong braking points. This is attributed to the balanced chassis control, the sporty grip steering wheel, the tread of the Pirelli tyres on the Audi Sport GmbH alloy wheels, and the athletic seats which provide 4-way lumbar support.

All in all, I would say this car is perfect for the everyday driver that likes to switch up their cruising style and find new ways of enjoying their daily routes. The functionality of the vehicle is endless, and it suits beginner to advanced users with sophisticated parking, driving and lane change assistance accompanied with a 360-degree camera and a speed output of 252HP in its 2000cc capacity engine. I thoroughly enjoyed this vehicle and its convenient setup.

For more information on the Audi Q5 Sportback, visit https://audiis.me/Audi_ Q5_Sportback.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Motors

CHERY PRO RANGE:

PREMIUM YET ECONOMICAL The latest Tiggo4 Pro, Tiggo7 Pro, and Tiggo8 Pro are now available in Bahrain at the Motorcity showroom in Sanad.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Motors

Chery has substantially improved their production from basic low-price cars to modern designed, high-quality, hightech cars at unmatched prices in the Middle East.

he Pro range is the third generation of Chery’s production line featuring characteristics of premium brands at affordable rates. In our recent experience driving the new Chery Tiggo7 Pro and Chery Tiggo8 Pro, we were greatly impressed. The cars look and feel like luxury SUVs, and come with genuine luxury features… Winning in both interior and exterior designs. In just a few years, Chery has substantially improved their production from basic low-price cars to modern designed, high-quality, hightech cars at unmatched prices in the Middle East. The new award-winning seven-seater SUV flagship model – Tiggo8 Pro, equipped with the 1.6L TGDI engine (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection), is the first to be fully produced and conceptualised in China, which earned the title of ‘Strongest China Core’. The compact SUV Tiggo4 pro, and mid-sized SUV Tiggo7 Pro, easily surpass others in their size range and challenge them in affordability. Chery is the top selling Chinese brand in Bahrain and has been exclusively distributed by Motorcity for the past 15 years.

For more information on Chery vehicles in Bahrain, visit the Motorcity showroom in Sanad, or call 17500900. You can also visit https://chery.motorcity.bh/ and Follow Chery on Facebook and Instagram at @CheryBahrain.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Motors

ROLLS-ROYCE BLACK BADGE GHOST

THE PUREST ONE YET The Black Badge Ghost is powerful, agile, and fearless… it is the most potent manifestation of Rolls-Royce yet — a drive defined by unrelenting force and finesse.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Motors

The purest and most technologically advanced Black Badge motor car yet, Black Badge Ghost.

new, post-opulent expression of Black Badge joins the family. The purest and most technologically advanced Black Badge motor car yet, Black Badge Ghost. The capacity of the Rolls-Royce twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine was deemed sufficient. However, the flexibility of this celebrated power plant has been exploited to generate an extra 29PS, creating a total output of 600PS. The sense of a single infinite gear has also been dramatised with the addition of a further 50NM of torque, for a total of 900NM. The powertrain has also received Bespoke transmission and throttle treatments to further enhance the engine’s increased power reserves. The ZF eight-speed gear box and both front- and rear-steered axles work collaboratively to adjust the levels of feedback to the driver, depending on throttle and steering inputs. All 900NM of torque is available from just 1700rpm and, once underway in Low Mode, gearshift speeds are increased by 50% when the throttle is depressed to 90%, delivering Black Badge Ghost’s abundant power reserves with dramatic immediacy. Black Badge Ghost is available to commission now.

For more information, visit www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en_GB/ home.html Gulf Insider February 2022

Motors

LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH LPI 800-4 ON THE ROAD FOR THE FIRST TIME From the first to the last edition, three generations to a timeless icon celebrate together.

F The electric motor is powered by a supercapacitor that gives three times more power than a lithium-ion battery of equal weight.

Gulf Insider February 2022

or the first time since its unveiling at Pebble Beach on August 13, the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 has taken to the road. The brand-new super sports car was accompanied by two of its most important predecessors: the first Countach LP 400 and the last 25th Anniversary Countach produced. The Countach LPI 800-4 produces a total output of 814 hp; it is powered by a Lamborghini 6.5-litre V12 engine, delivering 780 hp, combined with a 48-volt electric motor mounted directly on the gearbox, which provides an additional 34 hp of power for instant response and increased performance. The electric motor is powered by a supercapacitor that gives three times more power than a lithium-ion battery of equal weight. The car will be produced in a limited edition of just 112 units, all of which were already sold before its presentation. The number of units is a reference to “LP 112”, the project name used internally during the development of the original Lamborghini Countach. Deliveries of the Countach LPI 800-4 will start from the first quarter of 2022 to customers around the world, who will have the privilege of driving a piece of automotive history reinvented for the future.

For more information, visit www.lamborghini.com/en-en

Motors

BENTLEY TO LAUNCH 5 NEW ELECTRIC CARS FROM 2025 The first Bentley electric vehicle will be designed, developed, and produced from 2025.

entley Motors announced its Five-in-Five plan committing to launching new electric models each year from 2025 – all designed and developed in Crewe, accelerating its Beyond100 strategy and redefining its credentials as the benchmark manufacturer in sustainable luxury mobility. Bentley recently revealed a £2.5 billion sustainable investment to realise this strategy which will allow a fundamental reinvention of the Crewe manufacturing infrastructure, and help secure Bentley’s future at Crewe for the next generation of products and colleagues. Crewe will become a ‘Dream Factory’ – a digital, zero environmental impact, flexible and highvalue manufacturing facility. The new investment and acceleration of the Beyond100 strategy will be the basis to reduce Bentley’s carbon footprint across all products and non-

factory operations, in line with Bentley’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030. On Bentley’s model range, the luxury marque already leads the way in the luxury hybrid car sector and will further cement that position with the release of the Flying Spur PHEV in 2022, as well

as five additional derivatives, added to the current Bentayga PHEV to meet the diverse needs of Bentley’s discerning customers. It is anticipated that more than 20% of sales this year will come from Bentley’s hybrid cars.

Gulf Insider February 2022

Motorsports

MERCEDES-EQ FORMULA E TEAM SEES 1-2 WIN AT DIRIYAH E-PRIX The Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team celebrated its success at the opening rounds of the new ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season in Saudi Arabia.

he team secured an 1-2 win in Round 1, with driver Nyck De Vries claiming his second ever victory for the MercedesEQ Formula E Team in Diriyah, followed closely by teammate Stoffel Vandoorne as runner up. Both cars finished in the points in Round 2, as Stoffel Vandoorne claimed P7 after starting twelfth on the grid, and Nyck De Vries dropped down to P10 from pole position following contact with Jean-Eric Vergne (DS Techeetah). The Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team leave Diriyah with a total of 57 points after the double header, currently sitting in second position in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship standings ahead of Round 3 in Mexico in two weeks’ time. Ahead of the Diriyah E-Prix, key personnel from the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team attended a workshop for the NEOM GrOW (Graduate Opportunities in Work) program in Riyadh. The GrOW program is an initiative designed to offer Saudi graduates the opportunity to work alongside some of the world’s brightest minds at NEOM and play a part in shaping the future of the Kingdom. 36

Gulf Insider February 2022

Car Bahrain

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Jeep Wrangler Photo by @shift_mootark | Car owner @ghada.ahr

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

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Car Bahrain Gulf Insider February 2022

Social Media is changing business

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING CORPORATE BRANDING GRAPHICS AND WEB DESIGN CONTRACT PUBLISHING ARABIC TRANSLATION PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Most businesses in Bahrain lack advanced digital and social media marketing skills to expertly manage a successful digital strategy, so missing major opportunities they don’t even realize. The good news is we can inexpensively create an effective digital strategy for your business, and manage it for you, for less than the salary of an employee - freeing you to run your business. We also build beautiful websites optimized to generate income for businesses, and provide online services including SEO, design, e-commerce, photography and video production.

For a FREE evaluation of your businesses digital marketing needs. call +973 36 188 100 | 1700 4575

Gulf Insider - February 2022

Articles inside

Italian style, luxury, and speed in Dubai - Portofino M

Audi Q5 Sportback

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