Gulf Insider Issue 178 (December 2019) - Ithmaar Bank ( The region’s first biometric bank )

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The region’s first biometric bank Interview with Mr. Ahmed Abdul Rahim, CEO December 2019 | ISSUE 178

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Ithmaar Bank

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Contents December 2019 Issue 178

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World Islamic Banking Ithmaar Bank: The Region’s First Biometric Bank Keypoint: The Importance of Trust at Work Friends of Bahrain - Bahrain National Day An Elite Festive Season G4S- Facilities Management Services

Car News & Reviews

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

46 50 54

Rolls Royce: A Luxury Penthouse on Wheels Volvo S60: The Viking Lamborghini Huracan Evo: Fast and Furious

… and much, much more!

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Knowledge is power

Publisher & Editor in Chief

- Nicholas C. Cooksey

Comment...

Editorial - Aswini Vijayakumar

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Photography - Angelo Jose A

Editorial Contributors

- Sawsan Abu Omar - Hugh Haskell-Thomas - Nicholas Cortes - Bill Daly

Sales & Business Development

- Charlie Cooksey

Admin & Finance

- Nikesh Pola

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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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Bahrain Bd2 | KSA sr20 | Kuwait Kd1.75 | Oman ro2 | Qatar Qr20 | UAE dHs20

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Interview with Mr. Ahmed Abdul Rahim, CEO

49,710 People Reached 4,906 Reactions, Comments & Shares

Complimentary Copy

The region’s first biometric bank

Photo by M Aria White

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Ithmaar Bank DEcEmBEr 2019 | ISSUE 178

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NOvEmBEr 2019 | ISSUE 177

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the multi-award winning Arabian Magazine

the multi-award winning Arabian magazine

OctOBEr 2019 | ISSUE 176

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Utility Bills Taking a Toll on Everyone SEptEmBEr 2019 | ISSUE 175

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Events

Day & Night 26th World Islamic Banking Conference

Chocolate and Coffee Expo 2019

When: 2nd – 4th December 2019 Where: The Gulf Hotel

When: 4th – 7th December 2019 Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

The 26th edition of The World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC)-the largest gathering of Islamic banking and finance leaders of the world in the Kingdom of Bahrain, is strategically positioned to deliver a comprehensive view of the Islamic Economy, its future potential to facilitate investments and boost industry growth

For more information: wibc2019.com

Bahrain International Property Exhibition (BIPEX) 2019 When: 7th – 9th December Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre As Bahrain’s leading property exhibition, BIPEX holds a significant spot in the Kingdom’s real estate industry calendar of events. Being a professionally organized non-profit event, it offers a platform to the current happenings of the industry and the directions it is heading to, and promotes the region’s major infrastructures and real estate properties.

For more information: bipex.org 10

Gulf Insider December 2019

The Coffee and Chocolate Expo is here with the most unique and flavorful concepts from around the world, all under one roof for your enjoyment. A festival where chocolate and coffee lovers meet in “one cup” to rejoice the beauty and sophistication of their passion

For more information: chocoandcoffeeexpo.com

Five P.M. at Bab When: 1st – 31st December Where: Bab Al Bahrain The weekly activity “Five P.M. at Bab” returns once again for the second year in the heart of Bab Al-Bahrain, offering visitors in the area diverse cultural activities that represent the dynamics of the venue and its historical value, while targeting different age groups through the designated space, which is dedicated to practice creativity in its various forms.

For more information: culture.gov.bh

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News Roundup

Dubai welcomes 12 million tourists in 9 months A surge in arrivals over the summer months accelerated Dubai’s tourism momentum, as the city welcomed 12.08 million international overnight visitors in the first nine months of 2019, according to official figures.

The total number of international overnight visitors grew 4.3% year-on-year to 12.08 million, with visitor numbers increasing from Saudi Arabia, Oman and China even as tourism numbers from the emirate’s biggest source market, India, declined.

The number of visitors from Saudi Arabia grew 2% year-on-year to 1.25 million, making it the secondbiggest source market. Despite a 5% decline on the back of an slowing economy, India remained the biggest source market for visitors during the ninemonth period to 1.39 million visitors. The UK is the third-biggest source of overnight tourists, but visitor numbers from there also dropped 2%, to 851,000.

Oman ranked fourth and the number of visitors from the sultanate jumped 28% to 778,000, while the arrivals from China increased 14% to 729,000. Other source markets reporting double-digit growth include the Philippines (29% to 352,000), Nigeria (34% to 168,000) and Kazakhstan (24% to 106,000).

The supply of new hotel rooms continued to rise in the run-up to Expo 2020, the global trade fair that is expected to bring 25 million visitors to the emirate over a six-month period, with the number of rooms increasing by 7% year-on-year.

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Gulf Insider December 2019

9.8 million Indian tourists expected in GCC by 2024 Indian visitors travelling to the GCC are expected to increase to 9.8 million by 2024, marking an increase of 81 per cent from 5.4 million in 2018, a new report has found.

The UAE welcomed 2.89 million Indian tourists in 2018, with that number estimated to grow to 5.29 million by 2024, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11 per cent.

Looking specifically at Dubai’s inbound tourist traffic, close to one million Indian visitors flocked to the emirate during the first half of 2019.

Other GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait are expected to post an increase of 10 per cent respectively in Indian tourists between 2018 and 2024.

Relaxed visa regulations for Indian nationals, additional airline routes, increasing business opportunities, a renewed focus on Indian weddings and the MICE segment and also the increasing popularity of adventure and eco-tourism in countries including the UAE and Oman are some of the reasons behind this growth.

The UAE now grants visas on arrival – valid for a maximum of 14 days – to Indians who are either UK- or EU-residence visa holders, US green card holders or have US visit visas, provided that the passport and visa or green card is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE, according to the UAE government’s official portal.

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News Roundup

Saudi: “Expat fees will continue in 2020 as planned” The fee charged on expatriates in Saudi Arabia will continue as planned, the kingdom’s finance ministry has said.

Saudi currently levies an expatriate fee on companies and as well as a dependent’s fee on foreign nationals.

The ministry said the kingdom will continue with initiatives aimed at “developing and diversifying sources of non-oil revenues” such as the expat fees, Saudi Gazette reported.

Kuwait: MP urges to impose tax on expat remittances A senior Kuwaiti MP has urged the government to approve a draft law to impose taxes on expat remittances.

Kuwaiti MP Safa Al-Hashem, who has been appointed the head of the National Assembly’s financial and economic affairs committee, said lawmakers will push to approve the bill, Kuwait Times reported. The bill states that foreign workers would be taxed on their money transfers abroad, on top of normal commissions and charges by banks and exchange houses, based on the amount sent.

Transfers of up to KD99 ($330) would be taxed at 1 per cent, transfers of KD100-299 ($334-$997) at 2 per cent and transfers of KD300-499 ($1,001-$1,664) at 3 per cent. Those of KD500 ($1678) and above would be taxed at 5 per cent.

The draft law received strong support from lawmakers who complained that expats were sending most of their money to their home countries. Foreign nationals are not allowed to buy a property or launch small businesses in Kuwait at present.

Saudi: Domestic travelers to pay airport tax from January Domestic travelers will have to pay SR10 every time they make use of any local airport in the Kingdom, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said.

Makkah Daily quoted GACA authorities as saying that the tax will be levied from Jan. 1, 2020 on all domestic passengers entering or exiting any airport in the Kingdom. The tax is regarded as charges for using the lounges and other utilities. The money thus earned will be used to finance the development of the basic infrastructure of the airports and improve services, GACA said.

The authority made it imperative on all airlines using local airports to collect the tax from passengers whether they are arriving or departing warning them that they would be penalized if they failed to do so.

GACA said the tax will be reviewed once every three years according to the inflation rates.

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Gulf Insider December 2019

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Business Society

Batelco hosts the exclusive launch of Apple Watch Cellular at Capital Club

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Gulf Insider December 2019

Bahraini - German Business Network Reception at La Plage, The Ritz Carlton

Under the Patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain 26TH ANNUAL

WORLD ISLAMIC

BANKING CONFERENCE

02 - 04 DECEMBER 2019 | THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

MEGA TRENDS IN BANKING & FINANCE

The world’s most influential and longest running Islamic banking conference The 26th Annual WIBC is in Media Partnership with

GULF INSIDER - the award winning Arabian business and current affairs magazine based in Bahrain. Print copies distributed to Bahrain’s high spending consumers and decision makers + the largest social media following in Bahrain (413,000 followers on Facebook, 8,500 followers on Instagram). www.Gulf-Insider.com

@wibc2019 #wibc2019 #26YearsOfWIBC To explore partnership opportunities: partnerships@meglobaladvisors.com or +971 4 4414 946

Money & Business

World Islamic Banking Conference

(WIBC) 2019

The world’s largest and most prestigious gathering of Islamic banking and finance leaders meet in Bahrain.

H

eld under the Patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Strategic Partnership of the Central Bank of Bahrain, the 26th Annual World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) – the flagship offering of Middle East Global Advisors (MEGA) and the largest and most prestigious gathering of Islamic banking and finance leaders in the world - takes place on December 02nd, 03rd & 04th 2019 at the Gulf Hotel in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Over 1000 global industry powerhouses, policy makers, innovators and stakeholders will converge for the three-day long forum that will focus on the theme of “Mega trends in banking & finance” in line with its steady vision to serve as a compass for the global Islamic finance and banking industry.

WIBC has annually reaffirmed its reputation in generating breakthrough thought leadership. H.E. Godwin

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Gulf Insider December 2019

WIBC has annually reaffirmed its reputation in generating breakthrough thought leadership.

Emefiele, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria will deliver the keynote address at the 26th WIBC that will be followed by an on-stage interview with H.E. Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor, Central Bank of Bahrain.

Other confirmed speakers at WIBC include: Yasmeen Al Sharaf, Head, Fintech Unit, Central Bank of Bahrain; Hassan Jarrar, Chief Executive Officer, Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB); Nitish Bhojnagarwala, Vice President - Senior Credit Officer, Financial Institutions

Group, Moody’s Investors Services Middle East Limited; Bashar Al Natoor, Global Head Islamic Finance, Fitch Ratings; Mustafa Adil, Head of Islamic Finance, Refinitiv & Omar Mustafa Ansari, Secretary General, Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), among others.

Industry leaders will also be recognized for their excellence through the WIBC Performance Awards 2019, and the winners at the Gala Dinner on December 03. This year’s performance awards will see a special award conferred on “Islamic Banker of the Year”. Confirmed partners at WIBC 2019 so far include: Kuwait Finance House, Ithmaar Bank, Khaleeji Commercial Bank (KHCB), Bank ABC Islamic, Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), First Energy Bank, Al Baraka Banking Group, GFH Financial Group, AAOIFI, The Perth Mint, Moody’s Investors Service, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Eiger Trading,

Money & Business

DDCAP Group, Fitch Ratings, Keypoint, Tejoury, GPS, Directorate of International Programmes, ANO, Sadad, IMTF Sinnad & Mazars.

Over the last few years, a key focus area for WIBC has always been to connect the industry with leading pioneers and innovators in the FinTech space and forge a fresh, innovative and technology-enabled phase of the industry’s development. In the age of rapid financial advancements, Bahrain, the host nation of WIBC for the past 26 years has emerged as a global leader in Islamic finance, with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) continuing to provide

strong support to the financial industry by actively shaping the fintech of the region. A number of initiatives that have been launched include the Bahrain FinTech Bay, the Regulatory Sandbox, Crowdfunding Regulations, a cloudfirst policy & crypto-asset regulations, among others.

“For over a quarter of a century, WIBC has been the definitive platform for C-level executives to discuss strategies to navigate the myriad complexities and subtle nuances of the global economy – and given the uncertain economic environment that we find ourselves in, these discussions will prove even more critical to better understand the shifting economic, demographical, technological and regulatory landscape. 2019 marks the 26th edition of the World Islamic Banking Conference – a testament to its continued significance as an indisputable compass for the industry to gather and share critical insights going forward.

The conference this year will promote standardization and harmonization of the Islamic Finance standards, value-creation via M&A and consolidation, sizing up the Sukuk market and 360-degree solutions to industry challenges.” - Ehsan Abbas, Chairman, Middle East Global Advisors

The 25th WIBC proved to be the ideal launch pad for a number of initiatives, notably the launch of 3 financial intelligence reports namely The Global Report on Islamic Finance – 2018: The Role of Islamic Finance in financing Long-term Investments by Islamic Development Bank Group; The Global Islamic Finance Development Outlook 2018: Building Momentum by Thomson Reuters & Islamic Finance in Africa: The upcoming Frontier by Casablanca Finance City (CFC) Authority & Thomson Reuters, arming industry leaders with critical insights going forward. The conference also witnessed the launch of Emerico’s R35 Self-Service Robot, with dual functionality of a Virtual Teller Machine (VTM) and a customer service agent.

An event that has truly broken borders, WIBC has emerged into a global spectacle that has brought some of the sharpest minds under one roof, attracting a wide array of speakers from across the globe. WIBC 2018 registered participation from an impressive 1000 delegates, 70+ partners, 75+ high profile speakers from across 50 countries, further boosting the powerful WIBC brand and its legacy.

To find out more about the 26th World Islamic Banking Conference, visit: www.wibc2019.com Join the global conversation on @WIBC2019

“Every year at the WIBC we have addressed the most pressing issues facing the Islamic banking industry.

This year’s edition will focus on harmonization of Islamic finance standards, the digital transformation, sustainable finance and M&A and consolidation in the GCC region. There will be a special session on where the industry is headed with respect to the objectives of Shari’ah. International experts will present their assessment of the global economic outlook and highlight the opportunities for Islamic finance presented by the Belt & Road Initiative of China. As in earlier years, WIBC will also host a CEOs’ power table to discuss what keeps the CEOs awake at night.” Khalid Hamad Abdul-Rahman Hamad, Executive Director Banking Supervision at the Central Bank of Bahrain Gulf Insider December 2019

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Money & Business

Bahrain leads the charge on

innovation in banking and finance Ithmaar Bank: the region’s first biometric bank.

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Gulf Insider December 2019

Main Headquarters

Money & Business

His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister launches region’s first biometrics service.

This year’s event addresses the growth of global Islamic finance industry through strong investments in the Halal Sectors, infrastructure, and support from Sukuk market.

B

ahrain, which once helped reshape the region’s economy by leading the charge on diversification away from oil, is now helping reshape the global banking and financial services industry by leading the charge on innovation in the industry.

Speaking to Gulf Insider, Ahmed Abdul Rahim, the Chief Executive Officer of Ithmaar Bank, a Bahrainbased Islamic retail bank, said that, long before diversification became a twobillion dollar buzz word in the oil-rich Arabian Gulf region, Bahrain had already created a thriving banking industry and established itself as a key financial hub in the region. This, in addition to Bahrain’s investments - as far back as the early seventies - in education, infrastructure, and industrialization, effectively helped create a model for the region’s diversification initiatives.

“Bahrain has, historically, played a pioneering role in the region’s development,” said Mr. Abdul Rahim.

“This is as true for the banking and financial services industry as it is for

a very wide range of industries; from aviation to motorsports. This rich legacy of innovation is part of our very fabric, and I am pleased that, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and guidance of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the Kingdom’s banking and financial services regulator, we are continuing to build on our history. In particular, I am proud that the Kingdom continues to lead the charge in financial innovation, with both local authorities as well as banks and other financial institutions making major contributions to reshaping the industry.”

Ithmaar Bank, with 16 branches and 42 ATMS, operates one of the largest retail banking networks in Bahrain. It was recently named “Best Bank for Personal Finance in Bahrain” by the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB) at a high-profile ceremony attended by senior bankers from across the Gulf Insider December 2019

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Money & Business

Ithmaar Bank Branch

It was recently named “Best Bank for Personal Finance in Bahrain” by the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB).

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Gulf Insider December 2019

Middle East. Ithmaar Bank earned the prestigious award following a comprehensive selection and review process that was conducted by a committee of high-level economists and banking professionals, as well as the research department of the Union of Arab Banks (UAB) and the WUAB. Ithmaar Bank is a Founding Member of Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB), one of the region’s most advanced Financial Technology (FinTech) ecosystems. The Bank, which played a pioneering role in the establishment and subsequent development of Islamic banking in the region, continues to invest heavily in ensuring it remains at the very forefront of the industry.

Working with local authorities, including the CBB, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Labour Fund “Tamkeen”, for example, Ithmaar Bank and Eazy Financial Services, a Bahrain FinTech company focusing on providing biometric technologies, formally announced in May the region’s first biometric-enabled ATM network. His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin

Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, had in March 2019 inaugurated the Eazy biometric payment network by making Ithmaar Bank the first biometric bank in the region.

This, and other similar innovations have helped earn Bahrain international praise and recognition with the CBB being named “Most Innovative Fintech Regulator Of The Year” by Fintech Galaxy, a digital crowdfunding platform, during FinX 2019, a Fintech event held in October 2019 in Dubai, UAE. The Award recognises the regulation entity that is actively investing and improving their FinTech start-up seamless experience and was conferred on the CBB for its initiatives in introducing and developing both the regulatory framework and ecosystem needed to support the ambition of FinTech start-ups and existing financial institutions.

“As a pioneering Islamic retail bank, Ithmaar Bank recognises the important role we must play in reinforcing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s leading role as a key banking and financial services hub in the region,” said Mr. Abdulrahim. “Our continuous support for Bahrain’s various

Money & Business

DCEO, Abdul Hakeem Al Mutawa receives the award from World Union of Arab Bankers

We remain as committed as ever to playing a key role in promoting Bahrain’s banking and finance industry.

initiatives and the close work we do with the regulator as well as with local authorities underscores how seriously we take this commitment,” he said.

“We are delighted that these efforts are paying off and that, under the leadership and guidance of the CBB, Bahrain is earning the recognition it deserves,” said Mr. Abdul Rahim.

“FinTech is reshaping the banking and financial services industry globally and we are helping lead the charge.

This close collaboration between the banks, the regulator and the other national authorities, creates a powerful competitive advantage for Bahrain and helps keep the Kingdom at the forefront of innovation,” he said.

Bahrain, which is this year formally celebrating 100 Years of Banking, is also hosting the World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC), a major international Islamic banking conference. Hosted in strategic partnership with the CBB, the WIBC has been contributing to the development and expansion of scope of the Islamic finance industry for over the past 25 years. This year’s event addresses

the growth of global Islamic finance industry through strong investments in the Halal Sectors, infrastructure, and support from Sukuk market.

“The WIBC, which is widely recognised as one of the most important events on the global Islamic banking calendar, provides a valuable opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s contributions to the global Islamic banking industry,” said Mr. Abdul Rahim.

“Ithmaar Bank has been a long-standing supporter of this key annual conference, and we remain as committed as ever to playing a key role in promoting Bahrain’s banking and finance industry. Our continued support for the WIBC is in line with our long-standing commitment to playing a real and meaningful role in supporting the development of Bahrain’s banking and finance industry. It is a commitment we take very serious and, as a pioneering Islamic retail bank, we recognise the important role we must play in supporting our community,” he said.

www.ithmaarbank.com Tel. +973 1758 5000 Gulf Insider December 2019

23

People & Culture

WHERE THE GRASS IS

ALWAYS GREENER

T

he winter season in the Middle East signifies the start of the peak golfing season here in Bahrain. The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain recently undertook its annual winter overseed procedure to plant our winter grass for the season, ensuring the finest playing conditions of any course in the Middle East for the golfers of Bahrain to experience and enjoy.

What sets The Royal Golf Club aside from other courses in the region, is that the Royal Golf Club overseeds with winter grass on all areas of the golf course including; tees, rough, fairway and greens. The Royal Golf Club is the only golf course in the region which performs this to all grassed areas. The

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Gulf Insider December 2019

The Royal Golf Club overseeds with winter grass on all areas of the golf course.

Championship Course re-opened for play on Friday November 8th, and is now arguably the finest conditioned golf course in the entire Middle East region.

The overseeding process is also extended to the Wee Monty par-3 golf course providing opportunity for golfers

of all levels to enjoy the experience of playing golf on the finest condition course the region has to offer.

Best available rates can be booked online through the clubs website www. theroyalgolfclub.com however if you are a non-golfer and wish to enjoy this experience, the club has PGA certified professionals available to teach and develop your golf skills. There are no restrictions on who may visit the club and play, The Royal Golf Club is open to all.

To experience the regions finest facility or for more information on any programs or offers at the club, call +973 1775 0777.

News Roundup

Bahrain: Employer jailed for contract forgery

Bahrain: CCTV camera use in shops regulated As per the implementation of the decision of the Interior Minister on the regulation and the use of CCTVs and obligement of shop owners to install them when issuing or renewing CRs, the General Directorate of Civil Defence has launched an awareness campaign on this regard in cooperation with Police Directorates.

The Director-General of Civil Defence highlighted that the installed cameras should fulfil the required conditions and specifications, including keeping the recordings for 120 days and not to make any changes on them. It is prohibited to install cameras at bedrooms, physiotherapy rooms, toilets, changing rooms and places allocated for women. It is also forbidden to send or post those recordings by the owners for any source before the approval of the General Directorate of Civil Defence and permission of the Chief of Public Security or his deputy.

An owner of a desalination company has been sentenced to six months behind bars for forging an employee’s contract. The defendant is said to have registered the employee with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) using a contract, which mentioned a salary quite lower than the actual salary the employee was drawing from the company.

The employee discovered the misconduct of his employer after he went to the LMRA and extracted a copy of his contract, only to find out that it was mentioned that he was earning BD50 monthly only, although he was drawing a salary of BD200 as written in the agreed contract.

It was later identified that the owner of the company forged the contract in an effort to avoid paying a huge amount of indemnity in the event the employee served for many years. The owner of the company later accused his clearance employee of committing this crime, stating that he was one who forged the document and uploaded the submitted contract with the LMRA. He was, however, charged in connection with forging the contract.

Bahrain: Officials prepped for 4 month camping season The Ministry of Interior in line with the beginning of the camping season which is started on November 20 and ending on March, while registration started on November 14, discussed the arrangements of various directorates of the Ministry for the four-month camping season 2019-2020 during the Radio Show “Al-Amn�.

The show hosted various officers and officials organized by the General Directorate of Media and Security Culture of the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Radio Bahrain, in which Captain Abdullah Al-Moaili, called on parents to contribute to maintaining the safety of their children, where it is their responsibility to provide safety essentials when using motorcycles and guide them to drive in the appropriate areas designated for this. All preparations have been made for the success of the season and a clear strategy aimed at providing all services and safety precautions for the camps is in place. The General Directorate of Traffic has also confirmed that police patrols have intensified on the internal and external roads in addition to the continuous awareness campaigns for road users and camp visitor.

Gulf Insider December 2019

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Finance

The importance of trust at work

T

rust can have different meanings for different people in different contexts. Without trust, people feel vulnerable.

When people feel vulnerable, they are less likely to contribute to team discussions or to exert that vital extra effort when it is needed and are more likely to focus on leaving the organisation or justifying their continued employment – all of which have a negative impact.

Conversely, organisations where there are high levels of trust are more likely to be open, honest, empathetic, collaborative and constructive – all of which lead to higher levels of innovation and productivity. Trust, therefore, is a critical workplace issue – and one that it

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Gulf Insider December 2019

Trust is a key factor in management as, without trust, there can be no genuine leadership. is surprisingly easy to get wrong.

Workplace theorists will tell you that there are two types of trust – practical (you get the job done) and emotional (people think you are on their side). Both are key in a successful organisation – and tend to be missing in failing organisations. In the workplace,

trust includes the feeling that bosses will back you up, that employees will be treated fairly and that setbacks will be generally understood, rather than becoming a font of criticism.

Trust is the foundation for building strong teams, developing effective relationships with both peers and the work itself, creating a positive work culture, encouraging people to work more effectively and boosting productivity. Trust is a key factor in management as, without trust, there can be no genuine leadership.

How can leaders – at any level of an organisation – build trust in the workplace? In essence, it comes down to doing what you say you are going to do. Some important ways of building

Finance

trust include: • Understanding that trust must be earned – and that respect works two ways • Telling the truth – not telling people what you think they want to hear • Engaging in honest dialogue – which means (actively) listening, not just talking • Doing what you say you will do consistently • Modelling the behaviour you are trying to build – if people can see what you are doing and understand

Trust, of course, is a two-way street.

Remember that it is hard to win and easy to lose.

why you are doing it, they are more likely to trust what you are doing • Acknowledging mistakes as well as achievements – people who believe they are never wrong are highly irritating • Taking responsibility for failures – people like honesty and transparency • Being predictable – making a habit of not doing what you say you will do leads to an instinctive mistrust Some theorists argue that trust within an organisation can be measured and therefore can be improved and developed. Charles Green has developed a trust equation that combines the perception of credibility

(trusting what someone says), the perception of reliability (trusting what someone does); intimacy (entrusting someone with something) and the perception of self-orientation (whether your focus is primarily on yourself or others). In essence, because credibility, reliability and intimacy are summed and then divided by self-orientation, the quickest way to increase levels of trust in you is to focus on others.

The Edelman trust barometer is an annual survey of trust globally, analysing how over 33,000 respondents (divided into the informed public and mass population) feel about economic well-being, national security and public policy, information and knowledge and social causes and issues. Trust at work matters – in fact, 75% of respondents said they trusted their employer more than non-governmental organisations (57%), business (56%), government (48%) or media (47%). Apart from being enough to make your editor choke on his cornflakes (how can one in two people really believe what is written in Gulf Insider?), it underlines the importance of trust at work in a seemingly increasingly untrustworthy world.

Trust, of course, is a two-way street.

Remember that it is hard to win and easy to lose – and once it is lost, it is even harder to re-establish – as the old Arabic proverb goes: la yuldagh al momen min johr maratain (The believer is not stung twice from the same hole, or fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me).

Tom Gilbert is the head of business development at Keypoint.

For more, please see keypoint.com or @keypointme. follow us on Gulf Insider December 2019

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News Roundup

Bahrain: Dead turtle washed up on beach An amateur found a dead turtle on the beach near Busaiteen, northwest of Bahrain. This went viral and received a huge number of comments, as it is the second incident in less than two months.

The Bahraini amateur seems to be the first to see the dead turtle who thought it to be a dead fish. On closer inspection, he discovered that it was a dead turtle.

Initiatives were taken to help the turtle but it turned out that the turtle was dead with its shell broken.

However, though the incident is already reported to the official and competent authorities, no responses or comments were recorded until the moment of publishing this story from the Coast Guard Command or the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE).

Bahrain hosts first-ever international horse racing trophy Creating a milestone in the history of horse racing, the Kingdom is all set to host the Bahrain International Trophy. World-renowned international runners, jockeys, owners and trainers have arrived in the Kingdom for the first time to participate in the race, which will be held tomorrow.

Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club’s Executive Director, Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa, had affirmed that hosting an international horserace for the very first time in Bahrain is considered an unprecedented achievement in the history of Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club. The 200,000 Pound cash prize race was announced in Newmarket, England last July.

Bahrain: Contestants walk out of beauty pageant Eight out of the nine contestants at the finals of the Bahrain leg of Manhunt International 2019 boycotted the event after claiming that the judges were “of no great standards”. It is learnt that except Omar Al Mohammed, an ex-model and a judge at similar competitions, other members of the jury were from diverse backgrounds.

Contestant Belal Mohammed, 22, said he staged the boycott after getting dispirited. “It is a grave injustice to us, who have been investing days or months of hard work into the competition. How are these judges going to evaluate our skills without having any knowledge of fashion or modeling?” However, the organizers of the beauty pageant dismissed the allegations as baseless saying that judges with diverse backgrounds were intentionally chosen.

Manhunt International is a male beauty pageant which began in 1993, conceived by Metromedia Singapore and Procon Leisure International. Manhunt International is organized to promote new faces for the male modeling and fashion industry.

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News Roundup

World’s biggest flower carpet in Dubai

Kuwait: Both sponsors & employee presence required for visa transfer Transfer of domestic visa – both sponsors should be present along with the domestic worker.

In a move aimed to stop human trafficking, a circular has been issued stating that the domestic worker (male or female) may be transferred from one sponsor to another in the presence of concerned sponsors along with the domestic worker.

This procedure is to stop the abuses associated with the transfer of domestic workers between sponsors or so-called sale of maids, without the presence of the domestic worker or their approval in transfer and agreeing to work with a new sponsor.

This procedure is similar to what is done in the General Directorate of Traffic regarding the transfer of ownership or sale of vehicles, as it requires the presence of the seller and buyer and sign before the traffic officer.

The UAE is all set to roll out the world’s biggest natural flower carpet, as part of the National Festival of Tolerance and Human Fraternity. Employing 5,000 volunteers from 150 nationalities, organizers of the event hope to complete the carpet in one hour; from 4 pm onwards at Dubai Festival City.

A distinctive design is chosen for the flower carpet to deliver the message of the UAE heritage, in addition to the most important landmarks of the country, such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Burj Khalifa.

A whopping 50 tonnes of flowers, imported from India, Kenya and other countries, will be used for this purpose. The event will take place in Festival City’s outdoor parking area and UAE visitors and residents can check out the flower carpet until Sunday.

The carpet will be bigger than the area of two large football playgrounds.

The carpet shall be drawn first on the ground, then the volunteers would arrange flowers according to their colors in the designated places under the supervision of a specialized team and in the presence of a committee of the Guinness World Records.

Kuwaitization: Annual fees imposed on expat work permits Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) affirmed readiness to fully implement Decision No.1868/2019 that determines the employment ratio for non-governmental agencies based on their employment rate and other economic activities under the “Kuwaitization” system, in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce.

An annual fee of KD 300 will be imposed on the agencies that do not abide by the national employment quota for every extra work permit issued to a non-Kuwaiti employee. A fee of KD 500 was proposed earlier but it was reduced to KD 300 per worker registered in the companies and institutions.

Gulf Insider December 2019

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People & Culture

Friends of Bahrain

Celebrating Bahrain’s National Day

On the special occasion of Bahrain’s National Day, Gulf Insider takes a closer look at relationships between Bahrain and some of its major trading partners.

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United States H.E. Justin Siberell, Ambassador

the International Maritime Security Construct, whose headquarters was just opened here in Manama.

We want to increase the 5,000 Bahrainis who visit the U.S. annually by extending our visas from five to 10 years’ validity and making it easier to get a visa in the first place. As it stands, some visa holders can now renew their visas online without setting foot in the Embassy.

Bahrain and the U.S. have a long and fruitful friendship and I look forward to all the opportunities to enhance and strengthen that friendship. And again, congratulations on Bahrain National Day!

F

irst, let me congratulate Bahrain on your National Day. You have much to be proud of.

Bilateral ties Between Bahrain and the United States are growing in many ways. Under the Free Trade Agreement, two-way trade grew to over $3 billion in 2018, including nearly $1 billion dollars’ worth of Bahraini exports to the U.S. Over two hundred U.S. firms have invested $647 million in Bahrain-based operations, a 53 per cent increase over 2017.

Meanwhile in the field of education over 420 Bahraini students are studying in the U.S., and seven US universities are partnering with Bahraini counterparts to offer an American-style learning experience here in Bahrain. There are also the robust academic and professional exchange programs, such as the Fulbright and IVLP programs. Every year Bahrainis participate in these programs and bring their experiences back to Bahrain, further strengthening our connections.

This was a good year for information technology and education. U.S. firm Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched new cloud computing technologies for the region with Bahraini partners, while Rain Financial, located in Bahrain Fintech Bay, became the first cryptocurrency exchange to earn a regulatory license in the Middle East region. AWS established courses on cloud-computing at the University of Bahrain. And the new American University of Bahrain opened its doors to students.

In the traditional area of gas and oil, American firms and Bahraini partners are exploring exciting, newly announced hydrocarbon reserves off the Bahraini coast.

To enhance Bahrain’s security in a volatile neighborhood, His Majesty the Crown Prince traveled to the U.S. and signed an agreement to acquire Patriot Missiles that will defend the country’s air space. Bahrain has also received three new state-of-the-art Coast Guard patrol boats to secure the surrounding waters and will receive three more next year.

In the field of civil aviation, U.S. firms play prominently in Bahrain. Among them, Boeing is supplying national carrier Gulf Air with a fleet of new 787-9 Dreamliner long-haul aircraft. We look forward to the establishment of direct flights between the U.S. and Bahrain in the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, GE Aviation plays a role in supporting Gulf Air engines, and Sabre Travel Network is providing reservations systems for Gulf Air and other global carriers.

Bahrain and the U.S. are both leading members of

France

B

H.E. Jérôme Cauchard, Ambassador

ahrain and France have maintained close relations for more than a century. The jeweler Jacques Cartier came to Bahrain in 1911 for the famous pearls that the French women were so fond of!

Bilateral relations continued and significantly improved with the creation of the Alliance française in 1969 as a cultural and linguistic center. Diplomatic relations were officially established in 1974. Since then, Franco-Bahraini cooperation has been based on trust and friendship.

In terms of economic relations, nearly forty French companies have a presence in the country. In the last five years, some prominent French companies have played a significant role for the national economy, notably Aéroports de Paris, which is designing the new airport terminal, that will be inaugurated next year, and Airbus that took part in the renewal of Gulf Air’s fleet with the purchase of 29 Airbus aircrafts.

Cooperation between Bahrain and France relies also on culture and education. Since the Royal Decree issued in 2009, French has become the third language taught in schools, after English and Arabic. The French Arabian Business School (FABS), a school located in Bahrain with a regional dimension, delivers an ESSEC-MBA. On the cultural level, a French archeological mission was launched in 1977, notably concerning the fort Qal’at Al Bahrain. An agreement was signed between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and the Louvre Museum to display items from the Dilmun and Tylos civilizations in a department of the emblematic French museum.

Starting my mission in Bahrain, I am already impressed by the broad diversity of cooperation projects. We can still do better and we are dedicated to this objective on a daily basis.

Gulf Insider December 2019

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People & Culture

United Kingdom H.E. Roddy Drummond, Ambassador

I

am honoured to pen a few words for Gulf Insider as the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates its 48th National Day, which also celebrates the 20-year accession of His Majesty King Hamad. I am very proud of the historic UKBahrain relationship, which goes back over 200 years.

I have been impressed by the passion and maturity shown by Bahraini youth to offer ideas on important issues, including climate change. A delegation visited the UK to observe a Youth Parliament and are working on a similar initiative in Bahrain, with the full support of Her Excellency the Speaker. Our Defence relationship goes from strength to strength, with HMS Montrose and other RN vessels based from Bahrain through this eventful year.

I was pleased to welcome the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, making Bahrain his first overseas visit. Mr. Chishti saw religious leaders and places of worship and meeting halls from all the main faiths that are freely represented in Bahrain.

Korea

Germany

H.E. Hyunmo Koo, Ambassador

H. E. Kai Boeckmann, Ambassador

T

he Kingdom of Bahrain and Korea enjoy long and strong friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1976. According to the Korean statistics, the two way trade volume between the two countries in 2018 reached 755 million US dollars. The Embassy in close cooperation with the BACA and related Authorities hosted many cultural activities in Bahrain in 2019.

Beginning with the ‘QUEEN’, the Korean fusion traditional music group performance in April, ‘Beauty of Korea’ photo exhibition in September, 2nd Ambassador’s Taekwondo Championship in November which will be followed by Korean 32

Movie Weeks in December. One particular cultural exchange worth mentioning is the first Korean drama’ Love in the Moonlight’ was aired by the Bahrain TV in June and will be re-run in November.

The Korean GS construction company has been building the LNG Import Terminal at sea adjacent to the Khalifa bin Salman port, which recently started its commercial operation. Samsung Engineering & Construction Company, one of the main contractors for the BAPCO Modernization Project, has just begun its work at the site which will be completed by the year 2022.

The third Bahrain-Korea Business Forum was successfully held here in the Kingdom on 6 October this year. 23 Korean companies led by the Vice Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry have participated at the Forum. I hope this new tradition of alternately hosting business forum in Seoul and Manama will continue in the years to come.

The number of students learning the Korean language is growing fast. We now have about 250 students attending the Korean language courses at the University of Bahrain, the Ahlia University and the Bahrain Polytechnic.

Taking this opportunity, I wish all the Bahraini people a Happy National Day. Under the wise leadership of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and HRH Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain has become an exemplary country where people live together in peaceful harmony regardless of their race, religion and origin.

Gulf Insider December 2019

B

ahrain and Germany established diplomatic relations more than 47 years ago. Today, both countries are linked by a close partnership built upon high level contacts, economic investment and cultural exchange. German companies in Bahrain are providing services and producing goods not only for the Bahraini market, but to the Gulf and beyond. Hundreds of Bahrainis are studying the German language in language courses provided by the Embassy, by the University of Bahrain and the Bahrain School.

We were moved by how people in Bahrain shared our

commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Also, thanks to the Bahraini Authority for Culture and Antiquities, outstanding German artists have performed in Bahrain during the Spring of Culture and the Bahrain International Music Festival. Last but not least this year’s Manama dialogue was characterized by a strong presence of German government representatives and experts from Germany.

On the occasion of the 48th National Day of Bahrain, I would like to congratulate the people of Bahrain and its government under the leadership of His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for their achievements.

Philippines H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand Agbayani Ver, Ambassador

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Italy H.E. Domenico Bellato, Ambassador

O

ver the past 12 months, the close and friendly relationship between Italy and Bahrain has continued to flourish. At a political level, the Bahraini Embassy in Rome will soon become fully operational, and this will represent a real milestone that will no doubt boost our relations in all fields.

Italy and Bahrain also enjoy strong economic ties: major Italian companies are taking part in the most important industrial projects in Bahrain, such as the modernization of the BAPCO refinery, and a new partnership was sealed in 2019 in the energy sector for pursuing oil exploration and possible production. The untapped potential is still huge, considering the complementarity of the two economies, and we’ll jointly explore further avenues of cooperation.

In the cultural sphere, cooperation is also on good track as testified by the beautiful cultural and artistic exhibitions organized in 2019 in Florence and in Turin by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, as well as by the participation of Italian artists and musicians in the festivals in Bahrain. Other milestones in 2019 are the launch of the first ever Centre of Italian language and Culture at a Bahraini University, hosted by the Royal University for Women, and the first summer school of the King Hamad Chair for InterFaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence at the La Sapienza University in Rome.

he relations between the Philippines and Bahrain have always been friendly and cordial. Even before the formal establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1978, the peoples and governments of both countries have interacted closely on all fronts and at all levels of cooperation.

Total bilateral trade was valued at US$41.75 million. The Philippines main export items to the Kingdom of Bahrain are fruits such as Bananas, Pineapples, Coconuts and other tropical fruits; food products such as processed marine products like sardines, tuna and shrimps, pastries and biscuits, sauces and condiments and personal care and other health and wellness products. The Philippines main import items from the Kingdom of Bahrain are semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, Aluminum; Butanes, Propane, glass fibers and articles, and paints and varnishes.

The Philippine Embassy launched in 2018 the Flexi Visa Financial Assistance Program to assist out of status Filipino workers in availing of the LMRA Flexi Visa and allow them to regularize their status in Bahrain. As of date, the Embassy was able to assist a total of 927 Filipino workers, who were previously illegally working in Bahrain, to regularize their status and allow them to work and live legally in Bahrain.

Malaysia H.E. Agus Salim Bin Yusof, Ambassador

M

alaysia and Bahrain shares warm and cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1974. Malaysian Embassy was established in Manama on 16 September 2003, while Bahrain reciprocated in 2018.

Trade between Malaysia and Bahrain is encouraging but Gulf Insider December 2019

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People & Culture

does not show a steady trend. Malaysia exports electronic products, furniture, foodstuff, vehicle spare parts and timber to Bahrain and imports petrochemical products and aluminium from Bahrain. The total trade between both countries in 2018 was around USD 100 million.

Even though there is not much cultural exchange between the two countries, Malaysia holds cultural performances in Bahrain every now and then. The latest was the participation of a cultural group from Johor State, Malaysia, at the Bahrain Summer Festival in 2018.

Despite unfavourable trend of trade figures recorded since the past years, Malaysian companies and businesses are still present in the Bahraini market, namely, MALAKOFF in Hidd Power Company, and construction developers, SF-MGC and Millenium Façade.

Malaysia and Bahrain celebrated the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2019. Next year, Malaysia’s biggest tourism campaign-Visit Malaysia 2020 will take place. The Embassy wishes to invite all readers to visit Malaysia in 2020 as it is declared as the Visit Malaysia Year. A lot of activities and special offers have been lined up for tourists. Malaysia also offers internationally recognised education opportunities and high quality medical facilities at reasonable costs.

Japan H.E. Hideki ITO, Ambassador

J

apan has been a long - standing major trade partner of Bahrain. The latest statistics shows that there was a huge increase of export from Bahrain to Japan in 2018 and that the total trade volume reached around two billion dollars. Japan’s main export items are vehicles and machinery, while Japan’s main import items from Bahrain are oil, petrochemical products and aluminium. Japan is the sixth largest exporter to Bahrain.

The Embassy of Japan worked hard in the past year to offer people in Bahrain as many chances as possible to appreciate Japanese culture, so that they understand the thoughts and everyday lives of Japanese people who are behind various Japanese products Next year in 2020, Tokyo will host Olympic and Paralympic Games in July and August. I look forward to seeing many Bahraini athletes competing in Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Also I hope that many Bahraini people, in addition to the official delegation will visit Japan on that occasion and enjoy Japanese hospitality.

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Turkey

T

H.E. Kemal Demirciler, Ambassador

urkey and Bahrain enjoys friendly relations for so many years. On 23 August 1971, the Republic of Turkey recognized the State of Bahrain by having acknowledged her proclamation of independence.

His Majesty King Hamad was one of the leaders who visited Turkey in order to show solidarity with the Turkish Government after the failed coup d’etat of 2016, which was orchestrated by the members of terrorist group, called FETÖ.

The President of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan reciprocated His Majesty’s visit in February 2017.

Turkey mainly imports aluminium and petro-chemicals from Bahrain and exports electrical and mechanical spare parts, foodstuffs, textiles and garments as well as tobacco products. Turkey’s export is $ 336,1 million and import is $241,9 million; totalling to $ 578 million in 2018. The first 9 months’ turnover reached $ 356.3 million this year. I believe that these figures do not reflect the real potential and can be improved. For this end, a delegation consisting of the members of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) visited Bahrain on 3-4 November 2019 to have business-to-business meetings with their Bahraini counterparts.

Turkish contracting firms are proud to have contributed to the Bahraini economy. Turkish firm GAMA completed its contract within the commissioning of the Line 6 of ALBA. Another Turkish contracting firm TAV, in conjunction with its partner ArabTec, has been in the last phase of the modernization of the Bahrain International Airport.

Turkish universities offer different degrees to international students both in Turkish and English language. Bahraini students are welcome to choose suitable undergraduate and graduate programmes among 130 state run and 73 private Turkish universities.

Turkey is one of the preferred destinations by Bahraini tourists. Number of Bahrainis visiting Turkey is on the rise: 59.442 in 2017; 77.075 in 2018; 73.087 in the first nine months of 2019.

Bahrain will celebrate 48th anniversary of its independence in December. We wish all the best to His Majesty King Hamad, and to HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, as well as to HRH Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Turkey believes that Bahrain will continue to enjoy prosperity and democracy under the able leadership of His Majesty King Hamad in the years to come.

Y

Netherlands

Yemen

Mr. Jaap W Vaandrager, Honorary Consul

H.E. Ali Hassan Mohammed Al-Ahmadi, Ambassador

ou have probably never realized it, but a lot of the products being sold or used in the Bahrain have their origin in the Netherlands. In 2017 the Netherlands ranked 18th as the most significant import partners of Bahrain with a total amount 70 million Bahraini Dinar. Agro-food products comprise an important part of this trade, followed by machinery and chemicals. If you stroll around in one of Bahrain’s many supermarkets, a lot of the fresh products you see will have Holland – our nickname - stamped on it as place of origin. This is not surprising if you know that tiny Netherlands is the second largest agricultural exporter in the world in spite of being one of the most densely populated countries in the world!

Not only the products that are being used in daily life have their origin in the Netherlands, the geographical shape of Bahrain itself has a Dutch touch. Renowned Dutch dredging companies, such as Royal Boskalis Westminster and Royal Van Oord, have played a crucial role in one of Bahrain’s many fascinating land reclamation projects. Those who have driven to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway, have also experienced firsthand the marvels of Dutch civil engineering.

The highlight of the bilateral relations this year was the Dutch Healthy Food Week that was organized in October for the first time to promote a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle in Bahrain. In cooperation with the Al Jazira Supermarket and the renowned Capital Club, the Embassy organized a series of events to raise awareness of this issue and to promote healthy products. It was such a success that the Dutch Healthy Food Week 2019 will have a successor the upcoming year.

One interesting fact about the Dutch community in Bahrain is that a large portion of them are resident in Bahrain, but are employed just across the border in Saudi Arabia. These expatriates have found themselves living in Bahrain due its relaxed atmosphere and high standard of living.

T

he commercial relations between Yemen and Bahrain have been deeply rooted since ancient times especially in the coastal areas. Bahraini ships arrived at Yemeni ports loaded with dates and marine products and returned with Yemeni goods like coffee and the grains.

After the discovery of oil in Bahrain in 1933, the presence of Yemenis increased in Bahrain. Since then, there are thousands of Yemeni families who have settled in Bahrain to work in oil facilities and other various sectors.

The Embassy of the Republic of Yemen was inaugurated in Bahrain on July 1990 and it strengthened trade and cultural relations between the two countries. Trade exchange and tourist traffic increased between along with some Bahraini companies opening their branches in Yemen.

Economic relations developed since the early 1990s with the establishment of a joint bank between the two countries, a company to market and support Yemeni exports and the signing of the mutual tax exemption agreement in November 1998.

Political relations between the two countries are at their highest levels. However, economic relations deteriorated during the war years as it prevented the arrival of goods due to the suspension of airlines between the two countries.

These conditions are temporary and will change with the end of the war, which we hope will happen soon.

Finally, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin lsa Al-Khalifa, His Highness the Prime Minister prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Highness the Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa for their support towards Yemeni legitimacy under the leadership of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi to restore state-control over the entire Yemeni soil for the return of security, stability and development in Yemen.

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People & Culture

Czech Republic Mr. Georgios Antoniou, Honorary Consul

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e have signed bilateral agreements with the Kingdom of Bahrain on Avoidance of Double Taxations, Protection of Investment, Air Traffic Agreement, Medical, Education, Opened a section in Sh. Isa National Library of Czech Books.

We provide assistance for Bahraini citizens and residents in Bahrain for travel, medical, certification of several documents like translation, verification of signature and legalization of documents. We are supporting Czech community in Bahrain by providing all the necessary assistance and support in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

We had a recent visit from our Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic to Bahrain in the month of October 2019. This meeting was to reflect the depth of the friendly relations between the two countries and the development of bilateral ties at all levels and keenness of both sides to develop all the aspects of cooperation and mutual coordination on issues of common concern.

Switzerland

S

Mr. Humbert Vincent Buemi, Honorary Consul

witzerland and Bahrain are both relatively small countries in size. Despite this fact, the trade volume between both countries is constantly rising since 2006. In 2018, our shared trade volume was USD 333 Mio. Many famous Swiss enterprises are also represented in Bahrain, covering financial, industry, food, and pharma industry sectors. The potential to extend bilateral trade flows remains significant.

Additionally, we are eager to expand our relationship in new fields. One promising area is the rise of the Fintech Hub “Bahrain FinTech Bay”, which started

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in November 2017. We see interesting opportunities to exchange experiences in key public and private sectors of both countries, as Switzerland also hosts the Fintech Hub “Crypto Valley” in the Canton of Zug, attracting many international start-ups and talents. For the coming year, we are also exploring new ways to enhance our cultural relationship with Bahrain.

On the occasion of Bahrain’s National Day, Switzerland wishes the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people peace and prosperity. We are looking forward to strengthening our relations and engaging in various new fields over the coming year.

Sri Lanka

S

H.E. Pradeepa Saram, Ambassador

ri Lanka and Bahrain established the formal diplomatic relations on 27 June 1992, yet the relations between the two countries go back to early 1970’s as it was one of initial Gulf destinations identified by Sri Lankan expatriates. Since then, the two island nations; which are known as “Pearl of the Gulf” (Bahrain) and “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” (Sri Lanka) share close and cordial relations in all aspects including trade, cultural, people-to-people contacts and etc.

The total bilateral trade between Bahrain and Sri Lanka in 2018 was US $ 49.25 Mn, which is a 73% growth compared to the previous year. Miscellaneous electronic edible preparations and other equipment can be considered as main Sri Lanka’s export items to Bahrain over the last five years, which accounts more than 50% of the total value of Sri Lanka’s exports to Bahrain in 2016 and 2017. Tea, solid tyres, vegetables, fruits, spices, live fish, virgin coconut oil, are the other major export items to Bahrain from Sri Lanka. Imports from Bahrain include Aluminum & articles, Iron and Steel articles, and Petroleum bitumen.

Similarly, Bahrain is home to approximately 9,000 Sri Lankans and there are considerable number of Sri Lankans who have been living in Bahrain more than 20-30 years.

Marking the establishment of 28th Year Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Bahrain and also in line with the 72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka Celebrations, a mega Cultural Show has been scheduled in the Kingdom of Bahrain in February 2020.

Greece Mr. Konstantinos Pallikaropoulos,

I

Honorary Consul

n recent years there are many cultural and trade activities between Bahrain and Greece, mostly based on private interests.

Greek agricultural and dairy products are imported and distributed in the Bahrain market. Greek professionals of various sectors have selected to offer their services in the friendly environment of Bahrain. In the past, there were visits of Greek groups and entertainers who performed in Bahrain at private and public venues. The presence of Greeks in most of the relevant official exhibitions of products and services (like jewellery, real estate, educational etc.) was noticeable in the recent years. Greeks, Cypriots and other expatriates of Greek origin and those speaking the Greek language has formed a Hellenic community that supports and organizes relevant community social events. Gulf Air has direct flights to Greece and both countries have simplified the visa system to facilitate the movement of visitors.

In 2019 the new Greek Ambassador in Kuwait, His Excellency Mr Konstantinos Piperigos , who is also covering Bahrain, has concluded the process of submitting his credentials in Kuwait, and is expected to submit the same to Bahrain Authorities very soon.

Bahrain is being strengthened through benefitting from the Jordanian educational expertise that the Ministry of Education in Jordan provides. According to latest statistics, there are around 1200 Jordanian school and university teachers working in Bahrain, while the number of Jordanian students in Bahrain is estimated at around 2000 in private and public schools, and 500 in universities. Jordan is also considered one of the main destinations for Bahraini students, as it hosts around 1000 students enrolled in different Jordanian universities.

87 Bahraini investors are currently registered in the Ministry of Industry Trade and Supply with a total capital of JD (702.2) million. The total value of Bahraini investments amounted to about JD (716.7) million at the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) at the end of June 2018.These investments came in fifth place among the foreign investments in ASE. Trade balance between the two countries amounted to $ 67.68 million as of the end of August 2019.

Major Jordanian exports to Bahrain include vegetables and fruits, chemicals for industrial use, medicines and natural potash salts and fertilizers.

Imports from Bahrain include jewellery, aluminium bars and wires, pipes and tubes and electrical lighting devices.

Libya H.E. Fawzi Taher Abdelalli, Ambassador

Jordan H.E. Rami Saleh Wriekat Al Adwan, Ambassador

T

he Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan enjoys a distinguished and historical relation with the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is reinforced by the deeprooted fraternal ties between Their Majesties King Abdullah II and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

On the cultural levels, cooperation between Jordan and

T

he bonds of brotherhood between the Libyan and Bahraini peoples are rooted in history. The Libyan people will not forget the support given to them by Bahraini dignitaries during the Libyan jihad against Italian colonialism.‏Also, the people of Bahrain are the closest Gulf people to Libya in terms of character and even language and dialect.‏ The relations between the two countries during the year 2019 witnessed an important development at the diplomatic level, where the Kingdom of Bahrain appointed H.E Mr. Ibrahim Mahmood Ahmed as non-resident ambassador to Bahrain in the State of Libya for the first time in the history of relations between the two countries and we appreciate the balanced positions of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

I would like to extend my greetings to the Kingdom of Bahrain, on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the glorious National Day and the 20th anniversary of the seating of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Gulf Insider December 2019

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Special Feature

People & Culture

Special Feature

People & Culture

Palestine H.E. Taha Mohamad Abdulqader, Ambassador

C

ultural relations between Palestine and the Kingdom of Bahrain are distinguished and continuous and there is permanent cooperation at all levels with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and the Shaikh Ebrahim Center. Palestine and the Palestinian embassy participates in all cultural activities, heritage festivals, educational and literary activities.

Trade relations are limited between the Palestinian state and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Restrictions on Palestinian trade and the movement across the borders have created issues in the import and export of goods from Palestine.

The Palestinian-Bahraini relationship is old and for decades it had been a relationship based on mutual respect between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as well as between the people of both the lands. The Bahraini-Palestinian visits especially in 2019 for sports, political and cultural activities affirm the depth of this. The relationship between both leaderships and the people are well established and there are bilateral agreements and cooperation agreements signed between the two sides in various fields. The Palestinian leadership and the Palestinian people trust the Arab and Islamic nations to support our just cause. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has emphasised that the Palestinian issue will remain the central issue of the Arab and Islamic nations.

Bangladesh H.E. Maj. Gen. K.M. Mominur Rahman (Retd) Ambassador

B

angladesh has signed an Agreement with the Kingdom of Bahrain on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments. However, Bangladesh’s enormous potential for Bahrain still remains untapped, particularly in the garments, 38

Gulf Insider December 2019

pharmaceuticals and, hospitality and tourism sector. On cultural front, a MoU on Cultural Exchange Programme is awaiting to be signed to enhance people-to-people contact. A number of Bahraini nationals passing from the famous Govt. medical colleges of Bangladesh are now serving as specialist doctors in the Govt. hospitals of Bahrain.

Bangladesh shines in the global ranking of Garments export (2nd largest), rice production (4th largest), fresh water fish production (2nd largest), vegetable production (3rd largest). Bangladesh is now exporting pharmaceuticals to more than 140 countries. Cheapest labour is one main reasons for low production cost which thereby offers enormous opportunities to Bahrain in business and commerce. Indeed, strong tie with Bangladesh is likely to become a game changer!

Nepal H.E. Padam Sundas, Ambassador

T

he Government of Nepal opened its embassy in Manama, Bahrain from 01 September 2013. The establishment of the new embassy has opened new avenues of cooperation between the two countries in trade, tourism economic cooperation, and employment opportunities for Nepali nationals.

In 2018 and 2019 total export from Nepal to Bahrain was worth USD 6,142 and USD 4,102 respectively. Furthermore the import from Bahrain to Nepal in 2018 and 2019 was worth USD 713,738 and USD 511,890 respectively.

The export articles to Bahrain are textile articles, carpet, textile floor coverings, printed books, newspaper, etc. whereas import articles to Nepal are mineral fuels oils, copper articles, aluminium articles, dairy products and confectionary items etc.

News Roundup

SMS scam in Bahrain

Bahrain EWA: No extra fee to replace meters Minister of Electricity and Water Wael Al-Mubarak said that the plan to replace all the traditional electromechanical meters with smart meters has started already.

According to the plan, the project is supposed to be completed within three years from now.

He explained that no extra fee is charged to replace the meters, pointing out that the smart electricity meters are accurate, and the meters used in Bahrain are imported from leading international companies, stressing that these meters are used in many countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and others.

The public is being warned over SMS messages being sent to them by fraudsters imitating the authorities. Text messages are being sent to citizens and residents by fraudsters who are claiming to be Bahraini security authorities. The fraudsters are sending messages to the public about bank transactions claiming to be from the Crime Investigation Department.

The public is warned to be on alert and not to be scammed by such fraudsters.

Fraudsters send text messages; claiming to be official security authorities and requesting to call them back to process bank applications. Such scam messages are not to be dealt with and senders should not be provided with any bank and personal details.

This comes after the Central Bank of Bahrain made a similar warning about fraudsters claiming to be bank officials. Citizens and residents in Bahrain are being targeted with SMS and phone calls from a fraudulent financial institution in an attempt to bamboozle them. An unlicensed financial institution that markets investment in securities in the Kingdom has targeted people through shortmessaging services (SMS), telephone calls and websites.

Bahrain: Ma’ameer waterfront development project reaches final stage “The Ma’ameer Waterfront Development project is in its final stages,” announced the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Eng. Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

The undersecretary of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs stressed that the Ministry, with the support of the esteemed government, pays great attention to the establishment and development of waterfronts in various areas of the Kingdom so as to be inclusive of all services and recreational and general requirements that meet the needs of citizens and residents in accordance with the economic vision 2030 and the strategic structural plan.

Gulf Insider December 2019

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People & Culture

An Elite Festive Season Elite Hospitality is planning to get you in the holiday spirit with extravagant specials this December!

E

lite Resort & Spa will start the month by celebrating Christmas with a tree lighting and carol singing on 3rd December at the lobby while all the guest will enjoy a treat of hot chocolate with home baked ginger cookies.

The festive songs of the season at Elite will be played all along! Santa will surprise you with his mysterious appearance and is sure to bring joy to your hearts. Kids will also enjoy a fun filled activity program helping the elves, playing games, puzzles and a spectacular chance to win great prizes.

Also, they will get to spend a couple of enchanting minutes with Santa Claus

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Gulf Insider December 2019

It’s no surprise that Elite happens to be Santa’s favorite hotel. and shall receive a special Christmas present from him.

And while the stars twinkle on the tree every night, the chefs will be arranging an amazing Christmas brunch at the poolside priced at BD 15++ per adult and BD 7.5 ++ for children aged between 6 and 11 years. Visit the hotel on December 25th from 12:30pm

onwards for Elite Resort and Spa’s Christmas brunch.

It’s no surprise that Elite happens to be Santa’s favorite hotel. Elite Grande Hotel and Elite Seef Residence Hotel located at Seef district area will be expecting Santa and Mrs. Claus to be checking in. The Christmas tree lighting at the Elite Seef Residence will be on 4th December and 5th December at the Elite Grande Hotel.

Celebrate the festive season the ‘elite’ way!

To view more on the hotels, please visit: www.elitegrouphotels.com

News Roundup

Nationality-based recruitment for teachers in Kuwait Parliament’s Education Committee has approved the proposal to specify a quota for teachers based on their nationalities in order to ensure the availability of varied experiences and pave way for recruiting teachers from countries that top in indexes related to the quality of education.

The proposal states certain criteria that the committees, which are assigned to recruit teachers from overseas, should commit to. These criteria include – the teacher must have at least ten years of experience in order to sign a contract with the Ministry of Education. The teacher must also have a masters’ degree for the specialization that he/she chooses to teach. The evaluation of the teacher’s bachelor and master’s degree certificates must be “Very Good”.

Saudi: Instant visa service for small businesses Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to launch an instant work-visa service next month, through its Qiwa platform, that is specially designed to help new small businesses.

Ahmed Al-Rajhi, the minister of labor and social development, said that this move enable young Saudis to launch start-up projects, open small businesses, boost economic growth and accelerate business expansion plans, which will have a positive impact on national development.

The ministry will provide a comprehensive set of integrated tools for small-business owners, along with a framework for nationalizing the workforce of such enterprises, after an initial grace period, under the Saudi nationalization scheme, Nitaqat.

This will help to maintain the stability and continuity of the business during its early days.

Saudi: 5 Officials accused of corruption sentenced to jail Five officials accused of financial and administrative corruption have been given a 32-year collective prison sentence and were fined a total of SR9 million.

The prosecution found 300 items of evidence against the defendants and funds in their personal bank accounts were seized. One of the officials was accused of receiving bribes, committing forgery, and exploiting his position to achieve personal favors. He was given a 12-year jail sentence and fined more than SR1 million.

Another official was accused of connivance in forging a document (reached amicably through traditional means), receiving and possessing the proceeds from a bribe, and engaging in commercial activities despite being a government employee. Charges against the defendants included wasting public funds, unjust enrichment, and selling government property.

Gulf Insider December 2019

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Business

Facilities Management Services G4S now offers solutions for the effective management of your facilities.

G

4S, the leading global integrated security company, recently expanded its Bahrain business and now offers solutions for the effective management of your facilities and services which will have a significant positive impact on operational efficiency and business performance. The list of facilities management services they provide are:

Residential and Commercial Cleaning Landscape Care and Maintenance  Office Support Personnel  General / Room Attendants  

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Gulf Insider December 2019

Receptionists Drivers / Messengers  Housekeeping  Trolley Management Services  Document Check, etc.  

G4S delivers individual customer requirements of flexible service and dynamic performance. Successful organizations entrust them with their assets and services, safe in the knowledge that they are managed to the highest standards by committed and skilled people. These services ensure that you always present a professional, well-managed and clean workplace to

both your employees and customers.

G4S’s strategic aim is to demonstrate the values and performance that make G4S the company of choice for their customers and employees. With a 100year legacy of innovation in the security business, they aim to deliver expert, innovative solutions and outstanding service to their customers and provide an engaging and rewarding environment for their people.

As the leading global security provider, G4S has a unique global footprint with operations in over 90 countries. They have a truly global business with large established market positions in developed markets and outstanding positions in fast growing emerging markets. With a team of more than 550,000 employees globally and over 500 professionals locally, G4S provide tailored security and facility management solutions for buildings, infrastructure, valuables and people, committed to supporting their partners.

Established in Bahrain since 1993, G4S is one of the Kingdom’s most recognised and respected private security companies in the country.

A market leader known for its dependability and quality driven ethics, its main areas of operation are: manned security services; event security, cash, valuables and ATM management; supply, installation, integration and maintenance of various customizable electronic security systems, firefighting systems and products, emergency response, risk consultancy and facilities management services.

For more information, call +973 17 714 409, +973 17 710-994 or visit www.g4s.com

News Roundup

Bahrain: Free registration for camping season 2019-20

Bahraini diver finds rare pearls

During a meeting held by the governorate, Southern Governor, HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa revealed that registration for the camping season 2019-2020 will be free of charge. He added that the governorate will allocate more and specific sites for families and individuals.

The governor stated that the season starts on November 20 and continues until March 20 next year. The governor also revealed the launch of “Khayyem” initiative, which includes bouquets of electronic communication channels. He stressed on the governorate’s keenness on maintaining communication with citizens to provide the best services in smart and accessible ways.

A Bahraini diver, Sanad Abdullah bin Juffin, found two rare pearls, weighing 18 carats and 9 carats respectively, in the northern oyster beds (Hayrat) at a depth of 18 meters. The average size of pearls in Bahrain is between 1 and 2 carats.

The larger, 18-carat pearl will be prized by jewellers and collectors not only for its size and weight but also for its rarity and unique complexion.

Approximately one hour by boat from the Kingdom’s northern coast, the Hayrat area is known for its abundance of oyster beds, which host several species of pearl-producing oyster. The pearling industry continues to be a valuable source of income for many Bahraini families given the existence of numerous, healthy oyster beds within the Kingdom’s territorial waters Juffin’s finds have been certified by Kingdom’s world-class Institute for Pearls and Gemstones, DANAT, confirming the pearls as natural saltwater pearls of the Pinctada Radiata species. The detailed report includes further details of the pearls’ characteristics.

Bahrain: Ministry of Education will not reduce school hours A proposal urging to reduce the number of working hours to four at primary schools and five at intermediate and secondary schools has been rejected by the Education Ministry, stating that there is currently no evidence to suggest that a change in timing is necessary.

“The ministry is committed to keeping the current school hours. Any reduction in hours would be to the detriment of the students’ educational needs,” the Education Ministry stated in a statement issued. Despite resistance from the ministry, the parliamentarians passed the proposal, which may go to the Cabinet for being considered.

Gulf Insider December 2019

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News Roundup

BENEFIT / BAPCO PARTNER FOR CASHLESS PAYMENTS AT PETROL STATIONS

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ENEFIT, Bahrain’s leading company, and major regional player in electronic financial transactions has partnered with BAPCO to provide cashless payment solutions at all petrol service stations in the kingdom. BENEFIT CEO, Abdulwahid Janahi and BAPCO General Manager, Khalid Buhazza signed an official agreement announcing their strategic partnership.

This partnership will enable customers to pay through the

BenefitPay QR Feature at all petrol stations. The newly added service will create an enhanced customer experience by enabling them to pay with their mobile phones. Additionally, customers will have the opportunity to register for new Sadeem cards, plus add their existing Sadeem Cards in their BenefitPay application. Exciting offers and perks will be part of BENEFIT’s roll out plan to the public; to increase awareness of the new service in an engaging, and informative manner.

Commenting on the partnership,

BENEFIT CEO - Abdulwahid Janahi said, “Through this partnership with BAPCO; cashless petrol service stations will become a reality.”

BAPCO General Manager, Khalid Buhazza stated, “This step will not only create a simpler, and more convenient experience for consumers. It will also empower Petrol Station owners via safe and faster payment methods, while creating long-lasting relationships with their customers.”

Saudi: “Premium” residency granted to 73 foreigners Saudi Arabia has granted 73 foreigners “premium” residency under a new programme to attract overseas investment by enabling selected people to buy a property and do business without a Saudi sponsor.

The first batch of recipients come from 19 countries and include investors, doctors, engineers and financiers, according to a statement yesterday from the government’s Premium Residency Centre.

The kingdom received thousands of applications after offering permanent residency for 800,000 riyals ($213,000) or a one-year renewable permit for 100,000 riyals. These applications are handled by a specialized team to analyze and communicate with the applicants in order to ensure a smooth application process in accordance with the Premium Residency regulations.

The center also said that the Kingdom welcomes everyone — whether already residing in the Kingdom or based abroad — as the Premium Residency is open for anyone who meets SAPRC requirements.

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Gulf Insider December 2019

Car News & Reviews

Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge

Lamborghini Huracan Evo

Volvo S60

Mercedes-Benz Service Center

Car Bahrain

A Luxury Penthouse on wheels Gulf Insider drives one of the most luxurious SUVs money can buy.

Nicholas Cooksey, the author of this article is the publisher of Arabian Magazines, Gulf Insider Media, and a jury member with the Middle East Car of the Year Awards (MECOTY).

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Gulf Insider December 2019

Car Bahrain

L

ast month we were invited

by Euro Motors, the official dealer of Rolls Royce Motors in Bahrain, to drive the new Cullinan Black Badge.

We were among other journalists and there was a small fleet of Cullinans that we drove in convoy from the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay to Bahrain Fort, and back again. It was a short drive designed just to give us a general feel.

By sheer co-incidence it was exactly one year to the day that we had test driven the ‘entry level’ Cullinan, also at the Four Seasons.

The Black Badge is Rolls Royce’s ‘special’ badge designed particularly with the company’s younger customers in mind. Rolls Royce’s that are so designated are even more posh, stylish, faster… and cost more.

They have extra power and, supposedly, offer even more exclusivity than an ‘ordinary’ Rolls Royce. The Cullinan Black Badge has a darkened grille and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament with a new high-gloss black chrome chemical finish. The alloy

The Black Badge is Rolls Royce’s ‘special’ badge designed particularly with the company’s younger customers in mind. wheels are unique to this trim, and a “Technical Fiber” (a type of carbon fiber) trim comes standard.

Each of the Cullinans offered to us journalists to drive came with a different colour interior. All were extremely bright colours that we wouldn’t normally associate with Rolls Royce’s traditional brand image. The vehicle we drove had bright orange and black leather. Other vehicles had flashes of yellow, blue, and mauve - all with fluffy matching lamb’s wool carpets.

Rolls-Royce’s signature “Starlight Headliner” is built into the roof interior and consists of over a thousand individual fiber optic cables. I’ve visited the Rolls Royce factory at Goodwood in England, and personally witnessed the pain-staking handwork involved in producing this. It is customizable so you can, for example, select the star pattern for the day and location you were born, married, or any other day that has personal significance. There’s also a new “shooting star” feature. Press a button and a stream of light shoots across this artificial sky. If you haven’t seen this for yourself and can’t picture what we are even describing it’s understandable and something you maybe need to see with your own eyes.

Under the bonnet there’s a huge and powerful 6.7-liter V12 producing 600 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. This is noticeably more powerful than for non Black Badge models.

The ride was smooth – actually super smooth – at all times.

Rolls-Royce doesn’t specify the time it takes to go from zero to 100 kph, nor its top speed. But trust us, it’s fast.

The Cullinan may be sporty, but doesn’t have steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Apparently Rolls Royce believe that to offer them would be inappropriateon for such a luxurious vehicle.

If you want to own one of these very special cars, you better have lots of money. Prices in Bahrain start from around BD 170,000 though you can easily pay up to BD 220,000 with added options.

To book a test drive, contact Euro Motors on: +973 1775 0750

Gulf Insider December 2019

47

Read our Reviews Online (Scan the QR Codes for the Review)

Ferrari 812 Superfast Price on Application

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso 2 Reviews

Price on Application

Volvo V40 Cross Country From BD 9,995 Motorcity, 17 736 222

Euro Motors, 17 734 734

Euro Motors, 17 734 734

Mercedes Benz A – Class

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan 2020

Chevrolet Silverado

From BD 15,530

From BD 14,700

National Motor, 17 457 211

Price on Application

Al Haddad Motors,17 785 454

Al Haddad Motors 17 785 454

Ram 1500

Porsche 718 Cayman GTS

BMW 5 Series

From BD 16,800

From BD 31,787 Porsche Centre,17 459 911

From BD 19,995 EuroMotors, 17 750 750

Universo Ferrari Event in Italy

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Behbehani Brothers, 17 459 955

NEW

MG HS and RX8 2020 From BD 7,349 (HS), BD 8,925 (RX8)

Zayani Motors, 1770 3703 48

Gulf Insider December 2019

From BD 12,995 Behbehani Brothers,17 459 955

Car Bahrain - Read Our Reviews Online

Audi’s new RS 6 Avant

Volvo S90

Hyundai Sonata

Price on Application

From BD 19,900 Motorcity, 17 736 222

From BD 8,600

BMW 3 Series

Porsche

BMW 7 Series

Audi Bahrain on 17 459 933

Panamera GTS

2 Reviews

First Motors, 17 121 121

From BD 44,500 EuroMotors, 17 750 750

Euro Motors, 17 750 750

2 Reviews From BD 43,702 Porsche Centre,17 459 911

Genesis G70

Nissan Maxima SR

Bentley Continental GT

From BD 15,540

From BD 12,000

Y.K. Almoayyed,17 732 732

Price on Application Behbehani Brothers, 17 459 800

AUDI A8

Volvo XC 40

Mercedes GLE 450

From BD 35,700

From BD 16,900 Motorcity, 17 736 222

From BD 31,995

From BD 17,995

First Motors,17 121 149

Audi Behebani, 17 459 933

Al Haddad Motors,17 785 454 Gulf Insider December 2019

49

Car Bahrain

The Viking Sweden’s new compact luxury sedan arrives in Bahrain.

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Gulf Insider December 2019

Car Bahrain

The model I was driving was the entry level T4 which handled perfectly fine, but if buying I’d probably opt for the T5 that uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged fourcylinder engine (254 horsepower, 350nm of torque).

T

he 2020 Volvo S60 is an all new luxury sedan and a true contender in the luxury sedan class. It offers performance, comfort, and lots of high-tech

features.

It’s available in various trim levels and comes with All Wheel Drive (AWD).

This came in particularly useful when the S60 I was driving nearly got stuck in deep soft sand while parking on wasteland being used as a temporary car park at last month’s Jewelry Arabia.

The AWD enabled me to quickly free myself. Numerous other drivers in standard two wheel drive cars were not so fortunate and got stuck, needing police assistance – including our own Gulf Insider photographer.

Features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, sunroof, selectable drive modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument panel display, four-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, driver-seat memory functions, split-folding rear seats with power-folding headrests, and an autodimming rearview mirror.

On the tech front, you also get a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen with Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, and a 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

Advanced safety features include forward collision warning, full-speed automatic emergency braking, run-off road mitigation, lane keeping assist, a road sign reader, a drowsy driver warning system, and remote vehicle controls.

There’s plenty of leg and head room for adults sitting in the back, and rear seat passengers have access to AC vents and power points. There’s also a fancy pull out arm rest seat divider in the back with cup holders The model I was driving was the entry level T4 which handled perfectly fine, but if buying I’d probably opt for the T5 that uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (254 horsepower, 350nm of torque).

Gulf Insider December 2019

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Car Bahrain

There’s plenty of leg and head room for adults sitting in the back, and rear seat passengers have access to AC vents and power points.

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Gulf Insider December 2019

Zero to 100 kph can be achieved in a highly impressive 6.4 seconds. It’s also chunkier looking with bigger (19”) wheels and all sorts of sporty looking exterior and interior design elements.

All trims are eligible for the Premium package that adds a handsfree trunklid, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning system with automatic braking and steering assist, and an automated perpendicular and parallel parking system. Also available on those trims are a 14-speaker premium Harman Kardon audio system and the Multimedia package that includes a navigation system.

Any complaints? Just one - I found the infotainment interface a bit difficult to use and wished I could just press real buttons for some things. But I guess once you’re used to it than this stops being a problem.

Arrange your own test drive at Motorcity showroom in Sitra. For more information, visit VolvoCars.com/BH or contact: +973 17736222.

Expected price in Bahrain: BD 15,900

Alternative options: BMW 3 Series Starting Price BD 13,900

Mercedes C-Class Starting Price BD 15,700

Read our Reviews Online (Scan the QR Codes for the Review)

Lamborghini Urus

Audi Q7

MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4

From BD 95,000 Behbehani Brothers, 17 459 800

From BD 30,300 Audi Bahrain, 17 459 933

From BD 15,000 Euro Motors on 17750750

Camp Jeep

Volvo XC90

BMW X7

For info on Jeep models

Behbehani Brothers, 17 459 955

From BD 23,900 Motorcity, 17 736 222

From BD 40,000 EuroMotors,17 750 750

Dodge Challenger

Porsche 911

Ferrari 488 GTB

From BD 12,555 Behbehani Brothers,17 459 955

From BD 49,146 Porsche Centre,17 459 911

Price on Application

Euro Motors, 17 734 734

NEW

BMW 8 Series From BD 44,500 EuroMotors, 17 750 750

New Bentley Flying Spur 2020

Ferrari Portofino

Price on Application

From BD 95,000

Behbehani Brothers, 1745 9111

2 Reviews

Euro Motors,17 750 750 Gulf Insider December 2019

53

Car Bahrain

Fast and Furious Gulf Insider discovers that the new Lamborghini Huracan Evo is not a normal car.

I

had never before been invited as a motoring journalist to drive a Lamborghini, so was delighted to be invited to fly down to Abu Dhabi for a weekend last month to experience the new 2020 Huracan Evo on road and racetrack.

Until very recently, Lamborghini has been fairly quite in the Gulf region. But now they seem to be waking up. The company has had a very successful decade worldwide, today producing 800% more vehicles than just ten years ago (from 1,302 to 8,000+ and growing).

This is the second generation Huracan, and it has major improvements - all wheel steering, seven times more down force at front. It’s full of all the latest technology with an advanced

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Gulf Insider December 2019

computer system (with a long Italian name I can’t pronounce) that puts you in charge and makes you a far better driver.

It looks fantastic – far more dramatic than its sister, the Audi R8 on which it’s based. There’s no need to look at the badge to know that this is a Lamborghini. It’s very low, so you need to practice getting in and out so as not to look like a geek. The colours this car comes in are as dramatic as the performance, and the 20 inch alloys and carbon ceramic brakes do the job as well as look perfect.

The afternoon was spent driving the roads of Abu Dhabi and the car handled perfectly fine. But what with me not knowing the roads of Abu Dhabi that well, and aware that the UAE is full of speed cameras but not knowing where

they are located, I took things pretty easy. But later, in the evening, I was able to do ‘hot laps’ on the Yas Marina F1 Circuit and it was a different story.

This car really came into its own when I took it out on the race track. It handled brilliantly and the sound of the engine is as awesome as any super car I’ve ever driven.

The steering is superfast, and the grip when cornering is incredible. This car is mid-engine and feels very stiff and secure when pushed. The naturally aspirated V10 engine provides up to 640 horsepower.

There are 3 driving modes – Strada, Sport, and Corsa. On the streets I drove 90% of the time in Strada, which is the tamest mode. But on the circuit I drove 100% in Corsa mode (‘Violent’ mode).

Car Bahrain

and not surprisingly due to the extreme design, rear visibility is terrible, though the large side mirrors compensate for this to some extent.

This was the first Lamborghini I have ever driven, and I was impressed. The company say that this is the model designed for daily use, though I suspect most buyers will likely have other cars as daily rides and that this will be their fun car.

To arrange your own test drive in Bahrain, please contact Behbehani Brothers W.L.L on +973 1753 1502 or +973 1753 1550

This car really came into its own when I took it out on the race track. It handled brilliantly and the sound of the engine is as awesome as any super car I’ve ever driven.

If you must, there are all sorts of incredibly expensive extras you can choose from. If you don’t like the standard paint you can opt for special colours at a cost of around $18,000 extra. If you want a special carbon skin interior it will cost you an extra $8,000. But one essential extra I would recommend is the lift button which raises the car, useful for normal road driving where we face pot holes and speed humps - cost $4,000.

Sitting inside this car I felt comfortably cocooned. The interior looks and feels great. There’s an 8.4 inch screen and a red alloy guard key that must be lifted to press the start button. It serves no real purpose other than it feels nice to switch it up and it looks great.

There’s no heads up display on the windscreen which was disappointing, particularly on a car like this where you would most likely particularly need it,

Expected price in Bahrain: BD 89,000

Alternative options: Aston Martin Vantage Starting Price BD 50,500

Bentley Continental Starting Price BD 80,000

Audi R8 Starting Price BD 56,900

Gulf Insider December 2019

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Car Bahrain

AL HADDAD UNVEILS NEW MERCEDES-BENZ SERVICE CENTER

Exclusive preview of all new

Volvo S60

T

he newly renovated state-of-the-art MercedesBenz service center was recently unveiled by the German Ambassador, His Excellency Kai Boechmannt, as well as the Al Haddad Motors Chairman, Mr. Rasool Al Haddad, Vice Chairman, Mr. Abdulla Al Haddad, Director and Head of HR, Ms. Deema Al Haddad, General Manager, Mr. Warren Hudson, and Certified Aftersales, Mr. Ian Beattie.

The service center, located in Salmabad, was refurbished in line with the Mercedes-Benz MAR 2020 concept. Al Haddad Motors is working towards the implementation of the Mercedes-Benz MAR 2020 concept, starting with the service center and continuing with the Mercedes-Benz showroom.

MAR 2020 is a new concept that helps in enhancing the customers’ experience by eliminating the traditional purchasing experience and implementing a digitalized and personalized experience.

For more information, please contact the Mercedes-Benz service center on +973 1778 5999.

M

otorcity, the exclusive distributor of Volvo cars in Bahrain debuted the all new Volvo S60 at a private viewing event at Gallery21 in Adliya.

Customers, VIP guests and management from Motorcity and Volvo were serenaded in the art deco style gallery by the brilliant Bahraini jazz artist Ahmed AlQassim. The new Volvo was on display and available for immediate test drive for guests of the event.

Arrange your own test drive at Motorcity showroom in Sitra.

For more information, contact +973 17736222 or visit VolvoCars.com/BH. See our Volvo S60 Car Review on Page 50

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Gulf Insider December 2019

Read our Reviews Online (Scan the QR Codes for the Review)

BMW X3 and X4 M

Porsche Macan

Hyundai Palisade

From BD 35,500 EuroMotors, 17 750 750

From BD 22,242 Porsche Centre, 17 459 911

From BD 19,000

Audi e-tron

Mercedes AMG GLE 43

Porsche Cayenne

From BD 29,995

Porsche Center ,17 459 911

BMW X2 M Sport

Jeep Wrangler

Bentley Bentayga V8

From BD 17,995

Euro Motors, 17 750 750

From BD 12,799 Behbehani Brothers,17 459 955

Behbehani Brothers,17 459 955

Renault Duster

Audi Q8

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

From BD 5,875

From BD 32,490

From BD 170,000

From BD 35,000

Audi Bahrain, 17 459 933

First Motors, 17 121 121

From BD 32,954

Al Haddad Motors,17 785 454

Renault showroom,17 705 705

Audi Bahrain, 17 459 933

Price on Application

Euro Motors, 17 750 750 Gulf Insider December 2019

57

Car Bahrain

Photo of the Month

Domitille (left), representing Rolls Royce, with Josie (right) from The Four Seasons, attending the Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge event at The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay on Sunday 25th November 2019.

Got some cool car photos we can feature? Send them our way!

Editorial@gulf-insider.com

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Gulf Insider December 2019

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Car Bahrain

Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Day

All the management and staff of C.G. Arabia WLL, the holding company of Arabian Magazines, takes this opportunity to congratulate His Majesty the King Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa His Highness the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa His Highness the Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the people of Bahrain.

We pledge our continuing support to the King, his Government and people, and look forward to our contributing to the prosperity of the nation both now and in years ahead.

P O Box 26810, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, Tel. +973 1782 2388 Fax. +973 1772 1722 e-mail: info@ArabianMagazines.com www.ArabianMagazines.com

THE All NEW S60

FOLLOW NO ONE Balance, comfort, and performance – nothing was sacrificed in the creation of the new Volvo S60 sedan. From the panoramic moonroof to the 12.3inch Sensus Touchscreen, the S60’s interior was crafted using the principles of Scandinavian design to deliver an exceptional driving experience.

Made by Sweden

Trade-in available

VolvoCars.com/bh

VolvoCarsBh

VolvoCarsBh

Sitra

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