Gulf Insider February 2018

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

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157

Issue

knowledge is power

+ Inside EDUCATION REVIEW

CONSUMER TEST

Government agencies encourage the public to contact them online, so we did… with ‘surprising’ results Follow us on

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Under the Patronage of H.E. Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi The Minister of Information Affairs

OPENNING THE OUTDOOR EXHIBITION 40 selected photos taken by National Geographic and launching the book Faces of Bahrain

Opening on 22nd of February 2018 at 8.00 PM at Avenues - Bahrain / park area by entrance 3 / Bay Gate

Exhibition will be open from 22nd of February till 7th of March 2018

Organized by Diplomatic Protocol Society® in partnership with National Geographic

OFFICIAL SPONSORS:

GOLD SPONSORS:

S I LV E R S P O N S O R S :

Bahrain airport services

Gulf Financial Insider

Contents February 2018 Issue 157

16 Lifestyle

22 Facebook Followers

307,746 Simply unparalleled online presence that connects region’s most inspired communities.

12 16 24

Bahrain’s government agencies Head to the Beach at Rotana Amwaj Fine Flying with Falcon Gold

Money & Business

32 34

The British School of Bahrain What course is right for you?

People & Culture

44

Jobs Scams in the healthcare sector

Car News & Reviews

54 56

Tesla, Car of the Future?

...and many, many more!

Supercar Blondie

Comment...

Knowledge is power

Publisher & Editor in Chief

- Nicholas C. Cooksey

Editorial

- Ainne Frances dela Cruz

Regular Contributors

- Hugh Haskell-Thomas - Nicholas Cortes - Bill Daly

Guest Contributors

- Sawsan Abu Omar - Ryan Ernst - Dhanyasree M - Angela Acosta

Business Development

- Charlie Cooksey

This month we take a look at things to see and do for Valentine’s Day. In addition, our team has put together an education guide that will help parents and students make a decision about where and what to study in the coming school year. Our cover story—The Best and the Rest, is a survey of government agencies and their responsiveness. You might be surprised at the results!

Layout Designs

- Dhanraj S

Admin & Finance

- Nikesh Pola

Photography

- Aneesh Mathew - Rafnaj K P

Distribution Executives

- Mohammed Yousif

Follow us online and on our Facebook page to read more stories relevant to Bahrain and the GCC.

Charlie Cooksey

Dhanyasree M

M. +973 3652 0004

M. +973 3612 8111

charlie@gulf-insider.com

sales1@gulf-insider.com

Dear Reader, Hello and welcome to another issue of Gulf Insider!

For Advertising Opportunities Call

We are happy to have you as a reader of Gulf Insider!

Published by:

Wishing you all the best for the month ahead!

Media

The Insider Team!

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

Printed at Awal Press, Kingdom of Bahrain.

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

Bahrain BD2

Bahrain BD2 KSA SR20

Kuwait KD1.75 Oman RO2 Qatar QR20 UAE DHS20

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157

Issue

knowledge is power

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

KSA SR20

156

knowledge is power

Issue

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

+ Inside EDUCATION REVIEW

trends and ChallenGes

GCC property 2018

CONSUMER TEST

Government agencies encourage the public to contact them online, so we did… with ‘surprising’ results

+ Inside

Porsche Cayenne 2018 Where coffee began

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CONSUMER TEST

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

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

Subaru WRX STI

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with ‘surprising’ results to contact them online, so we did…

Government agencies encourage the public

Arabia’s Intelligent Magazine

Subaru WRX STI

+ Inside

Where coffee began

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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2018

property GCC

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

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Follow @Gulf Insider A few of our social media posts from last month. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page!

Highlighted Posts:

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Events

Day & Night 10th Gulf International Industry Fair

Bahrain International Garden Show

When: 6th to 8th February 2018 Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

When: 22nd to 25th February 2018 Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

The 10th Gulf International Industry Fair covers key industrial segments including aluminum, steel, alloys, metal, automation, metrology, energy, logistics, manufacturing and industrial security and safety.

The Bahrain Garden show introduces the very latest in garden and landscaping technology, trends and equipment. It had over 32,000 visitors in 2015-16 with a record breaking 45,000 visitors in 2017. This year it once again plans to draw in the crowd with the latest in garden design and development.

For more information: Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions Tel: +973 1729 9123

Drag & Drift Nights When: 5th February 2018 Where: Bahrain International Circuit Drag and Drift, sponsored by Ebrahim K Kanoo and powered by Motor City, is open to the public. Drivers take part in their own car or motorbike, which they can push to the limits! The drag racing takes place at BIC’s quarter-mile drag strip while drifters powerslide along a designated course along the BIC car park.

For more information: BIC Head Office Tel: +973 1745 0000 8

Gulf Insider February 2018

For more information: Bahrain International Garden Show Tel: +973 1717 1620

Raj Kapoor Musical Tribute When: 2nd February 2018 Where: Crowne Plaza Bahrain Raj Kapoor was one of Bollywood’s most successful stars acting in numerous films and famous as much for his singing as his stage presence.

Now, the master is brought to life by playback artist Nitin Mukesh in a night of musical tribute at which Randhir Kapoor, the legend’s son, will be the chief guest.

For more information: Raj Kapoor Musical Tribute Tel: +973 3720 9729

Events

Best of Dubai Here are our top picks in Dubai you would want to fly out for.

Ballet under the Stars 2018

Dubai World Cup Carnival

When: 15th to 16th February 2018 Where: Desert Palm Hotel & Resort

When: 17th February 2018 Where: Meydan Racecourse

Ballet under the Stars 2018 is two nights of performances by the Covent Garden Dance Company, all the way from London. The price of a ticket also includes a three-course set dinner in an open-air setting on the lush lawns of the hotel. Guests will be able to watch 12 world-class dances, including a performance by special guest star Marra Galeazzi, who’ll be joining the dancers of the Covent Garden Dance Company.

The best horses on the planet compete for a staggering US$10 million in prize money on Meydan’s world stage during the World Cup Carnival race series.

Running simultaneously with the domestic Meydan Racing Season, the Carnival series consists of 10 global race meetings, which allows international equine stars to compete against each other and gauge how they will fare on the final big day of the Dubai World Cup (31 March).

For more information: Desert Palm Hotel Tel: +971 4 323 8888

For more information: Dubai Racing Club Tel: +971 4 327 0077

Dubai Food Festival 2018 When: from 22nd February Where: Citywide Stop your diets and prepare to load up on delicious food from all cuisines- Dubai Food Festival is back for another exciting edition. Look forward to Food Festival favourites such as Restaurant Week, where foodies can enjoy gourmet three-course menus for only AED199 at some of Dubai’s hottest eateries, and Beach Canteen, where all your favourite food trucks and cafes transform to pop-up venues on the sand.

For more information: Visit Dubai www.visitdubai.com 10

Gulf Insider February 2018

Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival When: 21st to 23rd February 2018 Where: Media City Amphitheatre Music lovers will be able to see a spectacular line-up of international bands and singers taking to the stage over the three days including Duran Duran, John Legend and Ricky Martin along with many other jazz acts which will soon be announced.

For more information: ChillOut Productions Tel: +971 4 391 1196

The GCC Financial Forum 2018 Tuesday 20 - Wednesday 21 February 2018 • Manama, Bahrain

Business Card Revised

The world of finance is changing. Fast. Are you keeping up?

Fintech and innovation are driving a fundamental re-structuring of the financial services industry – creating opportunities for new players and threats to incumbents. The seventh GCC Financial Forum will give C-level financial professionals from the Gulf and beyond an excellent strategic overview of how these changes will affect their businesses and their roles. We will consider phenomena such as blockchain, AI and big data in the financial context. We will look at regulatory sandboxes and innovations such as peer-to-peer, pay tech, regtech and more.

Charter Sponsors:

Media Partners:

@euromoneyconf #emGCC

For more information or to apply for your place, please visit the website: www.euromoneyconferences.com

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Cover Story

Bahrain’s government agencies invite the public to contact them online … so we did, and waited for a reply...and waited...and waited

G

ulf Insider was inspired by an article published by a Saudi newspaper known as ‘Makkah’, who tried to find out who is the most ‘silent’ out of all the government spokespeople. By conducting a survey, this Saudi newspaper tested the responsiveness of different government departments by sending questions to the official email addresses of each spokesperson, unless asked to use a different means of communication.

Those who failed to reply were named and shamed, including publishing the photos of the governmentspokesmen whose responsibility it was to handle enquiries.

We decided to conduct a similar test on different Ministries and Government Entities in Bahrain. However, we have

12

Gulf Insider February 2018

not named and shamed any individual government spokesmen unlike the mentioned survey.

The Method Out of the total number of Bahrain’s Ministries and Government Entities, we sent one question each to 18 ministries.

Questions were sent through the official email addresses provided on the eGovernment website. All of the said inquiries were sent to the ministries on the same day.

The questions sent were constructed in English and consisted of queries a citizen or resident of Bahrain might ask--the entire data gathering and analysis were done in a span of 3 weeks.

Cover Story

Responsive Ministries/ Government Entities

Auto-reply stating “recipient’s mailbox is full and can’t accept messages now”.

THE BEST Labour Fund (Tamkeen) 1 hour and 27 minutes – THEY ANSWERED OUR QUESTION

Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (inbox is full)

Q: Can a non-Bahraini apply for “Accounting & Auditing”

Q: Who requires a Visa to enter Bahrain and who is eligible for a Bahraini citizenship?

support for a startup business?

A: Kindly note that any Bahraini CR can benefit from Tamkeen's enterprise program.

Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications 2 hours and 31 minutes – THEY PASSED US TO ANOTHER DEPARTMENT Q: Does the ministry have any highway cameras available for

viewing on the internet?

A: Thank you for contacting the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications. The Ministry is not the responsible entity for surveillance/speeding cameras on the roads. You may contact the Ministry of Interior for further assistance.

Labour Market Regulatory Authority

A: “recipient’s mailbox is full and can’t accept messages now”.

Ministry of Labour and Social Development (inbox is full) Q: How is overtime calculated? Is it upon the basic salary or

gross salary?

A: “recipient’s mailbox is full and can’t accept messages now”.

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (inbox is full) Q: How does the consumer know whether the supplier has

registered their equipment with TRA? A: “recipient’s mailbox is full and can’t accept messages now”.

8 hours and 26 minutes – THEY ANSWERED OUR QUESTION Q: How long does it take to transfer a Work Visa to a

Dependant’s (housewife) Visa?

A: LMRA’s total processing time is between 1 and 10 business days (providing that all the submitted information and document was correct and clear and that the requirements were fulfilled at the time of submission.)

Gulf Insider February 2018

13

Cover Story

Unresponsive Ministries/ Government Entities … AND THE REST NONE OF THE BELOW REPLIED:

Ministry of Education – NO REPLY How does a student apply for a School Leaving Certificate?

Ministry of Energy – NO REPLY What are the e-services provided by the Ministry of Energy?

Electricity & Water Authority – NO REPLY Does EWA have any guidelines relating to the installation of solar panels and other equipment?

Ministry of Foreign Affairs – NO REPLY What documents do I need when traveling with a pet?

Ministry of Health – NO REPLY What financial saving schemes do you offer to help cover hospital bills?

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism – NO REPLY How much is the starting price for a new Commercial Registration and how can a company best prepare for the imposition of VAT in 2018?

General Directorate of Traffic – NO REPLY What safety measures do new drivers need to follow after acquiring their license?

Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf – NO REPLY What is the procedure for non-Muslims to follow the faith, and what are the steps for that?

Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs – NO REPLY What is the procedure to apply for grant funding?

Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquity – NO REPLY What is the role of the Authority in the youth and community development?

Bahrain Internet Exchange – NO REPLY For technical problems, who will arrange the cable management?

Supreme Council for Women – NO REPLY How does the Supreme Council for Women empower Bahraini women and assist their needs?

14

Gulf Insider February 2018

The Result Of 18 ministries, only 3 replied – and only 2 answered our question. The remaining 15 either ignored us or sent an auto-reply stating their mailboxes were full.

Out of 18 Ministries and Government entities, only three answered our queries: 1. Labour Fund (Tamkeen) 2. Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications 3. Labour Market Regulatory Authority - though only 2 departments actually answered our question.

This meant that not even a quarter (16.66%) of the 18 ministries replied.

The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs as well as the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority had an automated reply stating that the “recipient’s mailbox is full and can’t accept messages now”, and the remaining 12 Ministries and Government entities did not respond to our emails at all.

Similarly, the results of the survey conducted

by Makkah newspaper found that only a minority of those charged with speaking to the press responded. Out of the 18 assessed, only 4 spokespeople (22.22%) replied within the first three days, while the other 14 did not respond within five working days. In comparison with the results of our survey, the Saudi spokespeople did 5.55% better at responding to its citizens.

Telecoms

Life

Style insider

Gulf Insider August 2017

48

Lifestyle

Head to the Beach at

Art Rotana Amwaj The Beach Club at Art Rotana allows you to explore 150 meters of pristine beach front with watersports activities to keep fit and revitalize your body and skin at Bodylines Fitness and Wellness.

A

rt Rotana’s pristine beach is an excuse to relax and rejuvenate. The Beach Club facilities include a private beach and lagoon, a kid’s club & waterpark, 3 temperature controlled swimming pools, an outdoor sunset bar and Jacuzzi along with many water sports activities to choose from.

with a comprehensive range of the latest state-of-the-art Technogym equipments. They provide both group classes and one on one sessions with personal trainers. Their staff are well experienced and trained to help all their clients reach their fitness goals by customizing known regimen to the abilities and likings of the clients.

Bodylines Fitness & Wellness

Wellness Facilities

Bodylines Fitness and Wellness is designed with the frequent traveller in mind, it is the destination for the health conscious. Fitness facilities are open 24 hours while the Wellness facilities are open daily from 10 am until 10 pm for all guests.

Rejuvenate and unwind at Bodylines Fitness & Wellness where a wide selection of body treatments and massages awaits you. Take refuge in a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the day amidst serene surroundings and subject yourself to the warmth of healing hands. There are seven spa treatment rooms including two couples’ suites. The wellness

Fitness Facilities The spacious gymnasium is equipped

16

Gulf Insider February 2018

center uses Elemis (the #1 luxury British skincare brand) in their treatments to ensure the best results and experience.

The brand retail items are also sold in the wellness facility.

Beach Club Membership Art Rotana’s Beach Club offers you the opportunity to take full advantage of their magnificent recreational facilities that will cater to your every requirement.

The Beach Club and Restaurant benefits include 15% concession on kids camps at Flipper’s Kids Club and Water Park, 10% concession on water sports activities, 10% concession on Beach Club retail items and 15 complimentary beach club guest passes.

In addition, you get to enjoy

Lifestyle

benefits from Bodylines Fitness & Wellness such as 25% concession on spa treatments, complimentary 6-week periodic wellness checks, complimentary group exercise classes and access to gym facilities as well as 2 complimentary training sessions when booking a block of 10.

Ladies Beach Membership promotion 50% off annual membership fees for single ladies—pay only BD550!

Laze by the pool, groove to the DJ, revitalise yourself with a spa treatment or work out and stay fit.

Do just that and more as a Beach Member of the Beach Club.

Annual Beach Membership benefits include: Unlimited access to Bodylines Fitness & Wellness facilities  25% Concession on massage treatments  Free access to the adults pool and Cabanas  And much more 

For more information: Art Rotana Amwaj Tel: +973 1600 0111

Valentine’s Exclusive Offerings Art Rotana wins your heart and indulges your palate with some passionate offerings in honor of the season.

Chocolate Treatment

(available for the whole month of February only) Where: Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Price: BD120 for 2 people for 2 hours.

BD 70 per person for 2 hours.

Enjoy a sensational chocolate treatment with your friend or loved one.

Indulge in a one-hour relaxing massage followed by a 30 minutes scrub with chocolate and sugar. In the end, you will both be cocooned in a nourishing body wrap for another 30 minutes.

An Italian Valentine’s (14th February 2018 from 7:00PM to 11:00 PM) Where: Rosso’s Price: BD30++ per couple inclusive of selected non-alcoholic beverages and BD40++ per couple inclusive of selected alcoholic beverages. BD10++ for children aged 6 to 12 yrs. old.

Whether celebrating with family or a special someone, indulge in the warm and friendly atmosphere of Rosso this Valentine’s with a “sharing” set-menu consisting of three courses including welcome drinks of sparkling rose.

The talented “alfonso” will play the sweetest Italian melodies to ignite your kindling love.

A Night of Love

10:30PM) Where: Choices Restaurant Price: BD22++ inclusive of selected alcoholic beverages and BD17++ inclusive of selected non-alcoholic beverages. Children under 12 years old dine complimentary.

Spark the fire of love this year at Choices with a romantic evening of red roses, champagne and delicious creations by the chef as part of an elegant buffet for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

A Night in Barcelona (15th February 2018) Where: Cellar 59 Price: Free entrance for ladies and BD 10 for gentlemen, inclusive of one complimentary drink. VIP table package is available Romance with a Spanish twist awaits you this Valentine at Cellar 59.

Be captivated as it is transformed with Barcelona themed decor and fountains complete with a garden paradise perfect for selfies and capturing memories of the evening. Dance the night away to the tunes of Soneando, a visiting violinist and the spectacular DJ Amm with your special someone.

For more information or reservations: Art Rotana Tel: +973 16000111

(14th February 2018, from 7:00PM to Gulf Insider February 2018

17

Lifestyle

Indulge in Relaxation This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself and your loved one to a couple’s massage and chocolate bath.

T

he benefits of massage are manifold: you get pampered while your blood circulation is stimulated, you are soothed and relaxed and the tension in your muscles and mind just fades away.

Al Areen goes the extra mile by introducing a couple’s massage that allows you to share the benefits of being pampered with your partner.

18

Gulf Insider February 2018

Couples can experience the luxury of the spa’s Royal Pavilion Couples Treatment Rooms as they are taken care of by expertly trained masseurs.

For complete indulgence, a chocolate milk bath awaits at the end of the massage. Herbal tea and fresh exotic cut fruits are also served after treatment.

This is indeed an awe-inspiring treat. From the moment you step

into the courtyard, it looks as if you are in the setting for a story in the Arabian Nights. The whole design of the five-star hotel was inspired from the gardens of the Royal Arabian palaces. Before we started, we were given a tour of the spa—the largest spa in Bahrain which is spread over 10,000 square metres with a Garden Hammam pool and a Hydrotherapy garden. We were shown the spa

Lifestyle

if you think about it, massage is one natural way of healing the body and calming the mind.

The massage itself was very relaxing, the masseuse kneaded all the tension away from our bodies. The stresses of urban life are such that we have a lot of tension points within the body itself so massage first-timers will experience spots of soreness after the massage.

But after the masseuse started massaging our head and temples, it felt as if all our cares and troubles melted away. This was a great state to enjoy the chocolate milk bath which followed.

Advice & Follow-up

pavilions each with twin rain mist shower beds, the hammam garden, and the ladies beauty garden and Gentleman’s salon. Grand, airy and luxurious, you will definitely feel at home in your surroundings.

Personalized Care At the start of the session, the masseuse asked us when our birthdays were as the oils used during the treatment are personalized to your sign.

As I was born in June, my treatment oil was a mixture of geranium, jasmine, and orange—which I loved.

The masseuse asked about trouble or tension areas in the body, if you sleep well and if you have any aches

Al Areen goes the extra mile by introducing a couple’s massage that allows you to share the benefits of being pampered with your partner. and pains. This is the kind of thing that a doctor or a healer would ask and indeed

After the massage session, our masseuse came back and told us that a sedentary lifestyle leads to the body being tense and the bones becoming a little bit brittle. But through stretching and regular massage, this can be resolved and the body will be more springy and flexible. I personally liked the fact that they give body counseling and health tips.

Al Areen Palace & Spa is definitely a place of respite and relaxation, a great way to unwind and recover the vitality of your body and mind. Worth noting is that Al Areen was recognized

by World Luxury Hotel Awards, global organization providing luxury hotels with recognition for their world class facilities and service excellence provided to guests. In 2016, Al Areen won Luxury Private Pool Villa in Bahrain and World’s Luxury Spa Award.

Gulf Insider February 2018

19

Lifestyle

Elite celebrates

Valentine’s Elite Hospitality Group has put together a series of fun, fabulous promotions for the month of February.

Elite Grande Hotel

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday

H20 - located on the 11th level of Elite Grande with a magnificent view of the Seef District, the rooftop poolside bar and lounge features a warm ambient atmosphere with refreshing musical entertainment, drink specials and distinctive selection of bites.

“Hi Tea and Coffee”—special coffee price with free cookies BD3++

Pizzaria “Pizza Bites” crazy offer at BD3.5 net

Every Sunday

Every Wednesday from 8PM to 12Midnight

Every Wednesday “Seafood Night” live cooking stations of a wide variety of seafood at BD12++

“Taste of Italy” –choice of pasta or pizza with one soft beverage at BD5++ Zodiac - famous in-house lounge bar.

Every Tuesday

Every Thursday

“Bubble Night” ladies’ night free of charge with unlimited selected beverages.

“Red Velvet Night” with choice of grills (limited) and glass of red wine at BD10++

For info and reservations: Tel: +973 1756 5888

Every Friday and Saturday

Elite Seef Residence & Hotel

“Grill and Chill” with unlimited grills at BD12++ Ahlan Café - cozy in house tea and cake place.

20

Gulf Insider February 2018

Oasis Pool - outdoor swimming pool that recreates a lush oasis situated at Elite Seef Residence Hotel.

Daily from 11AM to midnight

“Ladies Night” live entertainment with live grills at BD14 net.

Every Thursday from 8PM to 12Midnight “Layali AL Bazerkan” live entertainment with live grills at BD14net.

Every Friday from 7PM to 11PM “Grills and Taarab Nights” live Arabic entertainment with live grills at BD14 net.

For info and reservations: Tel: +973 1758 3388

Lifestyle

Elite Crystal Hotel Waikiki Kitchen - a Polynesian themed restaurant that will become your tropical escape in the island. Featuring a tiki bar, a seafood restaurant, a poolside lounge as well as pool parties and special events, this is a very hot destination!

9th February from 1PM to 7PM “Valentine Traffic Light Party” featuring DJs Santi and Goose with a live band,

live band. Steaks and seafood buffet with live BBQ at BD10++ with unlimited house beverage at BD15++.

Every Friday from 1PM to 7PM “Drunch”—The Boozy Brunch. Liquor buffet with unlimited sangria, capirinha and house beverages plus a lavish multicuisine food buffet and live grills with DJ & special guest performances. Brunch at BD15 net, Boozy Brunch at BD25 net per person.

Elite Seef Residence & Hotel

unlimited house beverages and lavish buffet. Dress code is green, yellow and red. Food and drinks package BD25 net.

Ladies free entry plus welcome drink.

Gentlemen BD10 entrance.

14th February from 6:30PM to 10:30PM

Every Saturday from 6PM to 10:30PM

“Sushi Love”, enjoy unlimited Japanese sushi with your choice of house wine.

Unlimited sushi at BD10++ with unlimited house wine BD15++ per person.

“The Valentine Eve” classic five course gourmet dinner with unlimited beverages and live band BD30++ per couple

The Lotus - contemporary restaurant with excellent atmosphere and vibrant colors. There’s a mini garden outside the restaurant where guests can relax.

Every Wednesday from 6PM to 10PM

14th February from 6:30PM to 10:30PM

“Flavors of Hawaii”—unlimited hot Hawaiian snacks and draught beer

Every Thursday from 6:30 PM to 11PM “Steaks and Seafood” an extensive steaks and seafood buffet with live BBQ, unlimited house beverages and

“The Valentine Eve” –lavish dinner buffet with unlimited house beverages & live violinist BD25++ per couple.

For info and reservations: Tel: +973 1736 0360

Elite Resort and Spa Al Naseem - Beautifully nestled between the bay waters and the swimming pool, the Al Naseem poolside bar offers mouthwatering cocktails and delightful poolside bites.

Valentine’s at Elite Resort and Spa

Set menu for two, a bottle of selected beverage, live entertainment, Cupid, a fortune teller and some other fun surprises BD30++ per couple.

Elite Resort and Spa

Shift 7 Lounge - dressed for speed with a distinctive exhibit of motorsports collectibles and spectacular views from the 15th floor, Shift 7 is simply the perfect sports bar.

Valentine’s at Elite Resort and Spa

Lounge and enjoy at Shift 7 with finger bites, one bottle of selected grape plus live DJ performance BD30++ per couple.

Every Friday 9:30PM to 12:30PM

“Wings and Drinks” (unlimited wings and one pitcher for two) BD15++ and 20% discount for ladies.

Every Sunday 9:30PM to 1:30AM

“Cheese and Wine” Cheese platter plus a bottle of selected grape.

For info and reservations: Tel: +973 1731 3333 Gulf Insider February 2018

21

Lifestyle

W

hat inspired you to go into the art business?

Abdulla Ahmed

Enliven your Walls Abdulla Ahmed took his love for art and interior design one step further by going into an art design business which he calls Posters Bahrain.

22

Gulf Insider February 2018

I’ve always been interested in interior design. I am inspired to design homes that are more than just walls and a roof over your head. I believe that the way a place is decorated leads people to get to know the personality of the owner or designer.

The idea for Posters Bahrain came to me when I noticed an empty wall in my home office (which at that time I was renovating) and decided to fill the gap with a painting. I was searching and searching for just the right image and design but I couldn’t find the perfect fit.

So I thought, “If you can’t find it, make it yourself”.

The process wasn’t as easy as I thought: I had to look for a highresolution image (of The Godfather-which I loved), print it on canvas, then customize the frame myself. When the print image of The Godfather was on my wall, I could not have been more satisfied.

I like business and I also like art, the idea of helping people express themselves by creating their own personal space appealed to me. It was also a great way for me to get my foot into business. The rest as they say, is history. I have been in the business for 5 months designing, selling, and shipping my designs in Bahrain and across the GCC.

How is Posters Bahrain making art accessible for everyone?

First of all, the price for some artworks range from BD50 to BD3,000 or more. In Posters Bahrain our prices start from BD16. I don’t believe that art should be so expensive as to put it out of reach of the ordinary consumer.

In addition, we can customize the posters to reflect our customer’s taste, interior, and lifestyle. We also work with people’s budget and can tailor our products so that it meets their needs.

In addition, Posters Bahrain shop will open soon so fans or our work can have a place to shop for their favorite posters.

Lifestyle

What’s your favorite part of the design process?

I really love designing quote posters wherein I take a great quote—for example, Harvey Specter’s “Let them hate and just make sure they spell your name right” and design a poster around it. I believe people select quotes that resonate with their personality, so it is interesting to make designs that will appeal to many people.

What do you like best about what you do?

I really love receiving pictures of our posters displayed on customers’ walls— they always brighten my day. Getting

I don’t believe that art should be so expensive as to put it out of reach of the ordinary consumer. feedback from customers and knowing how satisfied they are with our work is the best reward is very satisfying for me and keep me going forward toward expanding the business in the short term.

Any advice to budding art entrepreneurs like yourself?

Authenticity! If you can’t find it, make it yourself. Find something you’re passionate about. People want to see something unique. It does not necessarily have to be a new idea, but find a way to make it your own.

For more information: Abdulla Ahmed Founder, Posters Bahrain Tel: +973 3224 0821 abdullaswezo@hotmail.com @posters_bah

Gulf Insider February 2018

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Lifestyle | Advertorial |

Fine Flying with

Falcon Gold Luxurious Travelling with Gulf Air

A

s a 6’ 2” and fairly broad male, travelling economy class can be a little uncomfortable and it’s certainly daunting when it’s a long haul flight. It can make it difficult to get proper sleep if I haven’t pre-reserved a window seat which offers something to lean against - I wouldn’t recommend nodding off on a strangers’ shoulder.

I had an economy flight booked with Gulf Air heading back from Bahrain to London Heathrow on the 10:10am flight, just before Christmas to see family and celebrate the festive season in weather very foreign to that of Bahrain. Fortunately for me though, I was offered an upgrade to Gulf Air’s Falcon Gold class (their brand name for their premium business class offering – which competes with and surpasses the business class offering of most other airlines) which was a whole new experience to what I’m normally used to. I learned that there is a lot more to flying business than just larger seats and enhanced comfort…

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Gulf Insider February 2018

| Advertorial | Lifestyle

1,720

sq. ft. Falcon Gold Lounge, a place that makes waiting in airports dreamy

Pre-departure: I’ll have to skip to air-side as it was later in the check-in process that I got upgraded, but for those who have already got a business class ticket you’ll experience a far smoother and more efficient check-in as you glide through the ‘First & Business Class’ check-in procedure; meaning no queuing and super speedy airport security. Once through, you’ll have access to the 1,720 sq. ft. Falcon Gold Lounge, a place that makes waiting in airports dreamy… a truly remarkable and game-changing airport business lounge; a cut above other airport lounges I’ve experienced.

How so? Well, for starters the coffee was incredible (LavAzza), there was a tasty breakfast with plenty of options, comfortable seats with power sockets to power your devices, super-fast Wi-Fi, excellent service from the staff, and panoramic views of the runway so you can watch planes take off and land (with a fine cuppa joe at hand!).

Side note; something I noticed in the Gulf Air Falcon lounge in Bahrain (there’s two more Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounges: one in Dubai International Airport and one in London Heathrow Terminal 4) which I thought was really cool – there’s an old photo of Muhammad Ali exiting a Gulf Air plane from their old fleet. Make sure you look out for it when you’re next in the lounge!

take-off and throughout the flight. Gulf Air’s Falcon Dining menu was handed out which offered a variety of European and Arabic dishes – everything on the menu had been specially created by Gulf Air’s ‘Sky Chefs’ using quality ingredients from local markets. Having a Sky Chef onboard the plane serving all the drinks and food is a nice touch they seem to know the menu inside and out and the service was flawless. The Sky Chef was recommending the lamb chops as my main course so I followed his recommendation, it was delicious and beautifully served on china plates with steel cutlery – yet another small touch that makes all the difference.

I should also add that the seats turn into flat beds with a built-in massage feature, I of course caught a few hours

Having a Sky Chef onboard the plane serving all the drinks and food is a nice touch - they seem to know the menu inside and out and the service was flawless.

Onboard the A330; After boarding the plane I was guided to my seat, 1D, and I quickly noticed that the Falcon Gold cabin offers plenty of space and comfort for its passengers.

I was provided with noise cancelling headsets and endless amounts of entertainment on a 15.4” screen… despite my TV at home being slightly larger, it was as if I was flying my Amwaj living room back to London – it was that comfortable!

Renowned for their trademark Arabian hospitality I was given a warm welcome and afforded every possible comfort from the moment I was seated, through

shut-eye to make the most of this feature and it’s safe to say there was no stiff neck when I woke up!

While all this makes for an incredibly luxurious trip, there’s more to come with Gulf Air. As the airline prepares to receive a new incoming fleet, of which 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 2 Airbus A320Neos will enter Gulf Air’s fleet by end-2018, both their Falcon Gold and Economy class offerings will undergo an unbeatable transformation with new seats, enhanced products and services and much more. Keep an eye out on their network too, as that’s sure to expand with their new aircraft deliveries.

Gulf Insider February 2018

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Lifestyle

Oman: Longtime expats call for

right to citizenship

Expats who have worked for more than 20 years in another country often feel more at home there and understandably get sad when they cannot renew their residency. But is the GCC ready to change its residency laws?

S

ayyed Hassan, 56, left his native Syria to work as a schoolteacher in Oman when he was just 26 years old. Now, after 30 years of service to the country’s education system, he believes he has earned the right to Omani citizenship.

“Three decades in Oman. That’s a lifetime. I worked only two years in my country but 30 years here. All my students are now working and contributing to the economy, some of them as senior managers and government officials,” Hassan, who was born in Damascus said. “But I am still considered as a Syrian teacher. How I wish I could be granted citizenship as a recognition for my long contribution.”

Oman requires all employers to end the contracts of foreign workers when they reach the retirement age of 60, with retired parents not able to gain residency as dependants of their working children. Expats wishing to remain in Oman can, however, buy a property, enabling them to obtain a so26

Gulf Insider February 2018

called “investor residence” visa.

Some expats deem the law on citizenship to be unfair.

“I have to get married to an Omani and stay married to an Omani for 20 years to get Omani citizenship. I am here working for 27 years so why is my contribution to the development of the country not considered? ” said Abduljabber Hameed, 54, a Muscatbased Indian national working as a financial consultant.

“I am more an Omani than an Indian national simply because have I lived here more than in my country. Why can Oman not consider that?”

Hameed, who lives in Oman with his wife and two children, is determined to retire in Muscat before he reaches the age of 60 by buying a property.

“This is the only way my wife and I can stay in the country we love so much. We saved enough to buy an apartment, which we are going to do in the next couple of years,” he said.

But Omani law only grants residency to married couples who own property in

the country and their children below the age of 18 — something that has posed a problem for Australian computer engineer Harry Tomlinson and his family.

“The next best thing if an expatriate cannot get citizenship after years of hard work in this country is to buy a property,” said the 59-year-old who lives in Muscat. “But we have a 19-year old son and a 17-year old daughter. Our son needed to get a university visa where he studies to stay with us and our daughter next year must leave or get a job to be with us.”

“It is quite frustrating because it splits up the family. Citizenship would have solved that problem,” Tomlinson added.

He urged the government to change the law to allow longtime expats to apply for citizenship. “Allowing citizenship to long-serving expatriates would open the doors for experts such as doctors, scientists, academics and entrepreneurs to improve the economy,” he said.

Source credit: The National

Telecoms

Education insider

Gulf Insider August 2017

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Education

Top Schools in Bahrain

With the next school year in three months, it’s time for parents to find the right educational institution for their kids. Below is our list of some schools that offer a great curriculum and a well-rounded experience for kids .

British School of Bahrain (BSB) Curriculum: British Fee Structure: From BD867 per terms for KG to BS2,242 for Year 13 Accepts: all nationalities, co-educational Extra-curricular activities: Sports, Creative, Music & Arts Facilities: iPad Mobile labs, Astro Turf Pitch, Food Technology lab, Swimming pool, Sports halls Involvement in international competitions: Yes The British School of Bahrain is an innovative, caring, truly international school. It follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, adapted to the local context. It is part of the ‘Inspired’ family of premium international schools.

For more information: British School of Bahrain Tel: +973 1761 0920

St. Christopher’s School Curriculum: British Accepts: all nationalities, co-educational Extra-curricular activities: Computing and design, theatre, concerts and fairs Involvement in international competitions: Yes In 2006, the Guardian newspaper listed St. Christopher’s among the top eight best international schools offering a British curriculum around the world while in 2013, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II recognised the school’s long term principal, Ed Goodwin, with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contribution to British education in the Middle East; which just goes to show how exceptional St. Christopher’s School is.

For more information: St. Christopher’s School Tel: +973 1760 5000 28

Gulf Insider February 2018

Education

Abdulrahman Kanoo International School Curriculum: Cambridge Fee Structure: From BD1066 per year for Nursery to BD2690 per year for Grade 12 IB Accepts: all nationalities, co-educational Extra-curricular activities: Model United Nations, CAS Charity Trips, Student Council Involvement in international competitions: Yes AbdulRahman Kanoo International School is the 1st school in Bahrain to receive joint accreditation from CIS (Council of International School) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges).

For more information: Abdulrahman Kanoo International School Tel: +973 1787 5055

Bahrain Bayan School Curriculum: Arabic and American English-based curriculum Fee Structure: From BD 3,362 for KG1 to BD 4,415 per year for Grade 12 Accepts: all nationalities, co-educational Extra-curricular activities: Bayan Trips, Sports, Art, etc.

Facilities: Robotics Lab, Bayan Mosque, Al Bayan Hall (main theatre) Involvement in international competitions: Yes The Prestigious Crown Prince Scholarship has consistently been awarded to a Bayan student every year. 58% of Bayan’s students continue their higher education abroad with 48% of students eligible for partial and full scholarships yearly.

For more information: Bahrain Bayan School Tel: +973 7712 2247

Al Noor International School Curriculum: Bahraini, British and CBSE Accepts: all nationalities, co-educational Extra-curricular activities: Sports, Science & Technology, Music Facilities: Separate laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Biology The congenial atmosphere at Al Noor International School provides a fertile ground for the happy development of every child. The highly qualified and dedicated staff enables children to learn faster and more efficiently.

For more information: Al Noor International School Tel: +973 1773 6773 Gulf Insider February 2018

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Education

Naseem International School (NIS) Curriculum: bi-lingual International Baccalaureate (IB) Fee Structure: From BD1898 per year for Nursery to BD3,732 per year for Grade 12 Accepts: all nationalities, co-educational Extra-curricular activities: Student Council, Peer Mediation, Annual Musical Productions, etc.

Involvement in international competitions: Yes Naseem International School was established in January 1982 by Sameera AbdulJabbar Al Kooheji, to answer a pressing demand for quality, ‘world’s best practice’ bilingual school. NIS is accredited by the Ministry of Education Bahrain and Middle States (MSACS).

For more information: Naseem International School Tel: +973 1778 2000

Ibn Khuldoon National School (IKNS) Curriculum: bi-lingual Fee Structure: From BD 3425 per year for KG1 to BD4640 per year for Grade 12 Accepts: all nationalities, co-educational Extra-curricular activities: Student Congress, Honor Society, School Clubs Involvement in international competitions: Yes Ibn Khuldoon National School won the Best Private School Award for the Academic Year 2016-2017. Fifty-two students also obtained the IB diploma with a passing rate of 98%. 2017 was indeed a year of great achievements for IKNS.

For more information: Ibn Khuldoon National School Tel: +973 1778 0661

Indian School Curriculum: CBSE Fee Structure: From BD33.9 monthly for Lower KG to BD60 per month for Grade 12 Accepts: all nationalities, co-educational Extra-curricular activities: Sports, French, Festivals Involvement in international competitions: Yes The Indian School, founded in the year 1950, was initiated by the efforts of the Indian community in Bahrain. With 63 years of successful existence, the school has made a significant contribution towards educational excellence in the Kingdom.

For more information: Indian School Tel: +973 1768 4166 30

Gulf Insider February 2018

Limited places available in some year groups for September 2018 entry!

Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Admissions: +973 1761 0944

British School of Bahrain

admissions@thebsbh.com

BritishSchoolBahrain

www.britishschoolbahrain.com

Thebsbh

Education

The British School of Bahrain

gets Inspired

The British School of Bahrain is proud to join the Inspired family of international schools.

A

s the world seems to become smaller and technology is used in new, more innovative ways, the level of interconnectedness between global communities is significantly higher. The children of today are expected to not only grow accustomed to, but thrive in it. Seeking to prepare children for this future, the British School of Bahrain (BSB) has taken a step forward in joining a broader group of premium schools worldwide, the ‘Inspired’ family of international schools.

Inspired (www.inspirededu.co.uk) is a leading group of premium schools

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Gulf Insider February 2018

Education

in the UK, Europe, Australia, Africa and Latin America, with 30 schools worldwide, 5 early learning schools, and a large extended international family of over 23,000 students. Each school, while rooted in its community, forms part of a global network, providing regular opportunities for the exchange of ideas and best practice--of pupils and their teachers. This is precisely the sort of 21st century education that will be of such an advantage in tomorrow’s world, and from which we are certain the pupils and teachers of the BSB will derive great benefit.

Uniquely among international school groups, the group is led by top educationalists who are well-versed in all major school qualifications. Inspired’s Founder and Group Chairman is Nadim M. Nsouli, who has led the growth

Their aim is for the British School of Bahrain to be the leading school in the GCC within four years. and strategic direction of the group since inception. Inspired’s President is Graeme Crawford, a renowned educator, who has started over 14 schools in the past 20 years while the Group Education Director is Dr. Stephen Spurr who led Westminster School for 10 years (the #1 ranked academic school

in the UK with many international links).

Since the start of the term, senior members of the team at Inspired have spent several weeks at the school, meeting with parents, teachers, students and the school leadership to plan the way forward. Educationalists on the team have spent much time in lessons, getting an in depth knowledge of how the school works so that they can put a strategy for development in place. Their aim is for the British School of Bahrain to be the leading school in the GCC within four years.

Head of School Mrs. Julie Anne Gilbert commented “We are delighted to become members of the Inspired family and we are already benefitting hugely from the senior teams’ depth of knowledge and experience”.

From left to right: Dr. Stephen Spurr, Group Education Director; Clarissa Farr, Senior Adviser; Nadim M. Nsouli, Inspired Founder & Group Chairman; Graeme Crawford, Reddam House Founder & Inspired Group President.

Gulf Insider February 2018

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Education

What course is right for you?

Choosing a right course is a big decision and can impact your future success and career. Below are some ideas to help you find the right college course.

Are you good in numbers?

Do you want to start your own business someday?

And market it and eventually sell it to an investor?

If so, consider…

Business graduates can go to a very diverse range of careers from accounting to Human Resources.  Business graduates are often highly paid. 

Where to study Business in Bahrain?

University of Bahrain College of Business Administration (Marketing, Accounting, Banking & Finance, Business Management, Islamic Banking & Finance)  Arabian Gulf University’s French Arabian Business School  Ahlia University College of Business and Finance (Accounting & Finance, Banking & Finance, Economics & Finance, Management & Marketing, Management Information Systems)  Bahrain Polytechnic University College of Business (Marketing, Management, Banking & Finance, Accounting) 

Business Studying business in college will give you a foundation in many aspects of the business world before choosing a specialization. Specializations range from Human Resource Management to Entrepreneurship. From there, you can decide if you want to join a big corporation or strike it out on your own.

Perks  Business graduates are in high demand worldwide (and more so if you’ve finished your MBA).

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Gulf Insider February 2018

Applied Science University (Accounting & Finance, Management Information Systems, Management & Business Studies)  Kingdom University College of Business Administration (Business Management, Finance & Accounting, Finance & Banking)  AMA International University College of Administrative & Financial Studies (International Business, Business Informatics)  Royal University for Women College of Business & Financial Studies (Banking & Finance, International Business, Marketing, Human Resources)  Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance (Banking & Finance, Accounting & Finance, Islamic Finance, Economics & Management) 

Education

Do you like tinkering around with technology making websites and apps?

Do you dream of ways to improve life and career productivity?

Do your friends call upon you to solve computer-related problems?

Do you dream of treating patients?

Do you want to be called a Doctor?

Do you want to be held in high esteem by society and your peers?

If so, consider…

If so, consider…

Information Technology (IT)

Medicine and Medical Studies

Perks  In the world we live in, information is the currency of life; thus the job market in information and computer technology is growing.  Many of these careers offer a hefty financial reward.  You get the opportunity to make and create things.

Perks  You have the chance to give back and help society.  Financial gain-- as a lot of people in the medical profession are highly paid.  You can enjoy diverse career opportunities from MD to Physiotherapist.

Where to study IT in Bahrain?

University of Bahrain  Ahlia University College of Information Technology (Distributed Systems & Multimedia, Information Technology)  Bahrain Polytechnic University College of Information and Communications Technology (Management Information Systems, Networking, Programming, Database Systems)  Applied Science University (Computer Science)  AMA International University College of Computer Studies  Royal University for Women College of Information Technology 

Where to study Medicine in Bahrain?

University of Bahrain College of Health Sciences (Nursing, Allied Health, Integrated Sciences, Educational Development)  Arabian Gulf University College of Medicine & Medical Science  Ahlia University College of Medical & Health Sciences (Physiotherapy)  Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI) (Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery)  British Council (MRCP, MRCPCH, MFDS, FRCS, MJDF) 

Gulf Insider February 2018

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Education

Are you creative and like thinking out of the box?

Do you express yourself artistically?

Do you want your designs to be seen in social media and maybe across the world?

If so, consider…

Graphic Design and Visual Communication Perks  Work anywhere in the world (as long as you have a MAC and an internet connection)  Work-life balance (there are many opportunities for creative to be their own boss or to freelance).  Exciting job opportunities as graphic designers are always in demand.

Have you ever wanted to build a bridge like the Golden Gate Bridge?

Did you ever dream of being an astronaut or a payload specialist in space?

Are you logical and have good decision making skills?

If so, consider…

Engineering Perks  Acquiring complex problem-solving skills  Financial security—the most common undergraduate degree among Fortune 500 CEO’s is engineering  You get a chance to improve the world by building things.

Where to study Engineering in Bahrain?

University of Bahrain College of Engineering (Electronic, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical & Process Instrumentation)  Ahlia University College of Engineering (Mobile & Network Engineering, Computer & Communication Engineering)  Bahrain Polytechnic University College of Engineering Engineering Technology (Mechanical & Electronic)  Applied Science University College of Engineering (Architectural Design Engineering, Civil and Construction Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications and Networks Engineering & Mechanical & Design Engineering)  AMA International University College of Engineering (Informatics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering)  Kingdom University College of Architecture Engineering & Design (Architecture Engineering)  Gulf University (Architectural & Interior Design Engineering) 

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Gulf Insider February 2018

Where to study Graphic Design in Bahrain?

Bahrain Polytechnic University (Visual Design & Web Media)  Royal University for Women (Graphic Design)  University College of Bahrain (Information Technology, Communication & Multimedia)  Applied Science University (Graphic Design in Arabic)  Tamkeen (6-month Graphic Design course)  Training Plus Institute (Microsoft, Autodesk, Adobe, Cisco) 

Do you want to build modern homes that fit the needs of growing families?

Do you want to craft a city’s skyline through the creation of iconic buildings?

Do you want to impact your community and be written in history books?

If so, consider…

Architecture Perks  Your work might get to be one of the places that travelers often visit, like the Taj Mahal, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even the Pyramids of Egypt.  This is another high paying profession with the opportunity to earn more as your portfolio becomes more impressive.  You have the chance to create something that has never existed before.

Where to study Architecture in Bahrain?

University of Bahrain (Architecture)  Royal University for Women (Architectural Design) 

Education

Are you interested in government, politics, international relations, international trade and/or human rights?

Are you interested in debate and do you like crafting arguments and counter-arguments?

Do you have an appetite and a capacity for reading?

If so, consider…

Law Perks  You can contribute to shaping the development of the law.  When you graduate from law school you already have super research, critical analysis, synthesis, presentation and writing skills.  And thus, you will be more respected by employers.

Where to study Law in Bahrain?

University of Bahrain College of Law  Royal University for Women College of Law  Kingdom University College of Law 

Are you interested in travel and knowing about other cultures?

Do you want to speak and be articulate in more than one language?

Do you dream of being a diplomat?

If so, consider…

Languages and Literature Perks  You have a competitive edge in your career as some businesses prefer bilingual employees.  Your world will open up and you will begin to enjoy more art, music, dance, films, etc. that you didn’t understand before.  Studying languages and literature will prepare you for a career as a writer, poet or diplomat.

Where to study Languages and Literature in Bahrain?  University of Bahrain College of Arts (Arabic, English Language and Literature, History, Islamic Studies)

Do you want to shape the lives of the next generation?

Do you want to have a meaningful career?

Do you want to be able to work anywhere in the world?

If so, consider…

Education Perks  Teaching certificates are recognized internationally and you’ll have no trouble getting a job in case you move across countries.  A teaching diploma will help you stand out professionally as you will have strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.  Teaching will always be an indemand profession.

Where to study Teaching in Bahrain?  University of Bahrain Teacher’s College

Gulf Insider February 2018

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Over 40 competencies for exemplary communication Credentialing, ethics and contracting information Development Needs Analysis psychometrics and other diagnostics Deep dives into theory, research and coaching competencies Behavioural Psychology, Gestalt, Somatic and Systems Intelligence Peer coaching, feed-forward and action learning support as a CoachME ‘Clan’ Ways to reduce toxicity One-to-one and group Mentor Coaching (coaching on coaching

•• •• •• ••

••

Proven to achieve impact within organisations CoachME team can assess your oral examination for Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential with ICF Package includes the required Coach Mentoring/Supervision and Knowledge Examination preparation Programme designed for leaders, Entrepreneurs, Managers, HRD professionals, Supervisors, Trainers, Business and Executive Coaches as well as Life Coaches Rigorous high-performance leadership and coaching methodology Office: +973 17590135 Mobile: +973 38377186 Email: coachme@beckett-mcinroy.com

Education

Learning about

Entrepreneurship Warren Rustand headlines Entrepreneurship Organization’s seminar.

T

he Entrepreneurs’ Organization is an international organization, with various chapters worldwide, that acts as a catalyst to enable leading entrepreneurs to learn, grow and strive to develop measurable success. With 167 chapter locations in 52 countries, EO supports leading entrepreneurs in all corners of the world. It was founded to help leading business owners on their path to greater professional success and personal fulfillment. The organization is a global community that enriches members’ lives through dynamic peer-to-peer learning, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and connections to experts.

The first Entrepreneurship Organization (EO) event of 2017 was headlined by Warren Rustand, entrepreneur, educator and public servant who served as the appointments secretary to United States President Gerald Ford. He is the past Chairman of the World Presidents’ Organization and has served as CEO or Chairman of 17 companies and was on the Board of Directors for 50 public, private and non-profit organizations.

This initiative from the EO—in

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Gulf Insider February 2018

This initiative from the EO—in collaboration with Tamkeen, is geared towards educating and revitalizing the entrepreneur’s community in Bahrain. collaboration with Tamkeen, is geared towards educating and revitalizing the entrepreneur’s community in Bahrain.

The event was held on the 15th of January at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and was attended by 66 EO members and guests.

asking questions and sharing their own personal experiences as well.

Suhail AlGosaibi, President of The Entrepreneur’s Organization said that “Hosting Rustand was very beneficial to the entrepreneurs and young leaders striving to improve and grow the economy. His experience and advice was immeasurable and it was a true pleasure to have him speak at our event”.

The EO will continue to hold events and seminars throughout the year that assist the development of the skills of entrepreneurs, students, organizations and many other key entities in the economic market.

Tamkeen is a semi-governmental organization in Bahrain, established in 2006 as part of the country’s national reform initiatives. Tamkeen is tasked with making the private sector the key driver of economic development.

Work-Life Balance Rustand shared his experiences on maintaining a successful business and family life. The attendees interacted by

For more information: Entrepreneurs’ Organization www.eonetwork.org

Telecoms

people &

culture insider

Gulf Insider August 2017

48

People & Culture

what’s happening

Black and White Gold NYE Al Areen Palace and Spa hosted its special Black and Gold NYE event to welcome the New Year.

Launch of Mobile Payment SolutionbWallet Batelco and Arab Financial Services launched the Mobile Payment SolutionbWallet at The Four Seasons Hotel.

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Gulf Insider February 2018

People & Culture

Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) Monthly Lunch Meeting The BBBF held its monthly lunch meeting —along with a presentation by Simon Galpin, the Mananging Director of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, at The Gulf Hotel.

Re-Asian Cuisine’s Exclusive Menu Tasting To celebrate Chinese new year, Re/Asian cuisine hosted an exclusive menu tasting event to sample Chef Brian Becher’s Chinese New Year dishes.

Gulf InsiderFebruary 2018

43

People & Culture

Job scams

in the healthcare sector Have you ever wondered if a job is real or a scam?

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

R

ecently cybersecurity has made headlines, especially in the financial sector due to the rise in cybercrimes involving banks, ATMs and other financial institutions.

The healthcare sector has also seen targeted attacks, largely due to very low levels of security for highly confidential information such as patient records and test results.

Of note are job scams that are related to the healthcare sector such as medical-billing job scams or workat-home schemes. There are hundreds of incidents seen annually across the 44

Gulf Insider February 2018

region, and the numbers are constantly increasing due to the lack of awareness of the risks from such fraudulent scams.

CTM360, a cybersecurity firm from the Kingdom of Bahrain has been tracking and taking action against such scams as a part of its 24 x 7 x 365 service, whilst remaining determined to spread awareness.

The main victims of job scams are expatriates who are unaware of the company that is offering them employment. Common targets also include unemployed medical students and minimum wage workers, such as non-office staff. With a highly

competitive job market, the supply of graduates often outweighs open positions, leaving a high number of job seekers who cannot continue on their chosen career path. Parallel to this, unskilled workers at the entry level also often fail to find work in their own home town. These two categories remain ripe targets for scammers who are looking for easy money.

The scammers initially contact the candidates via email, offering a job, with benefits that are usually too good to be true. To someone who is in desperate need of a job, this may seem very tempting; however one

People & Culture

Most emailed job scams can be spotted easily; they all seem to offer premium employee benefits, with unreasonably high salaries. The email also seems to insist on urgency to complete the recruitment process.

Ideally, recruiters do not ask candidates for any form of payment, but in this case the email will state that they require payments for materials, visa processing and more.

Under no circumstance, should individuals pay employers during the recruitment phase, especially potential

websites. Ignoring such situations could damage a brand’s reputation and affect customer loyalty. Organizations who are being impersonated should: Follow up with candidates who have reported such emails to gain more information.  Provide a disclaimer on the company website regarding employment scams using the company name.  Address the situation holistically and ensure all relevant cyber threats are neutralized 

CTM360, a cybersecurity firm from the Kingdom of Bahrain has been tracking and taking action against such scams as a part of its 24 x 7 x 365 service, whilst remaining determined to spread awareness. should always be wary of unsolicited emails. The email is written in a way to make the candidate feel special and chosen out of many when in reality it’s completely bogus. To date there have been many scams that offer jobs in hospitals to doctors, nurses, admin, maintenance and so on from foreign countries to defraud them. These job scams also continue to offer help via fake travel agencies, visa services and accommodation offerings. The whole package is offered in a manner to seem as lucrative as possible to a specific potential victim. Criminals also continue to ask for more personal details which include the date of birth, address, bank details, phone numbers, passports and social security numbers.

Such information can be sold online for profit and can lead to identity theft, impersonation, financial loss and even stalking.

employers who are complete strangers.

Individuals that come in contact with such fraudulent emails should: Contact the legitimate company that has been mentioned in the email to confirm/ report the email job scam.  Refrain from responding to such emails or pass any personal details without verifying who the recruiter is.  Not send any amount of money online to an unknown recipient.  Avoid clicking any links or opening any attachments that are sent, as this may lead to a phishing site or download malware on to your machine. 

Organizations need to be more aware of and deal with email scams that use their domain names for impersonation, employment scams or phishing

CTM360 takes action against such threats through strengthening its member’s security posture and providing constant situational awareness. With an ecosystem built in the cloud, the company operates a 24 x 7 x 365 Cyber Incident Response Unit solely outside the perimeter of any organization. Providing a comprehensive offering of subscription-based interconnected modules, CTM360 protects its members from a wide array of cyber threats. By constantly evolving to the latest threat trends, CTM360 has proven to be agile and innovative within the cyber threat landscape.

For more information: CTM360 www.ctm360.com

Gulf Insider February 2018

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People & Culture

The Enlightened Entrepreneur

Invent Your Own Wheel

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love learning and have no issue with learning new information, especially if it prevents me from reinventing the wheel. However, friends keep sharing with me valuable business tips and ideas that they come across in social media such as how-to articles, proven models, and best practices by experts and gurus who’ve been there and done that.

Yet sometimes I feel oversaturated and unsatisfied with learning that comes to me from outside of me. When that happens, I think to myself: it’s time I try my way, create my own models. In other words, it’s time to learn by doing, by me doing.

When am I going to be the guru who can teach others what worked for me?!

Besides, what worked for others may not necessarily work for me.

Tons of new ideas and information inundate us daily, and this is exactly the reason why we aren’t necessarily sold on things that may become obsolete in the near future.

Learning from others’ experience makes you a successful student. Learning from your own experiences makes you a school.

Thus, do learn from others to avoid reinventing the wheel. But remember others will also need a wheel that you’ve invented.

So go ahead: invent your own wheel.

Mohamed Shukri – Author, corporate consultant, award winning speaker.

Our Brand is in Crisis!

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rand image and how to maintain it as well as its reputation will always remain at the forefront of PR discussions due to its enormous importance.

Seasoned and experienced PR professionals’ core competencies should include the ability to handle a company in crisis and after the damage is done. At this time and age, there is no doubt that brand image, brand equity, positive brand recognition, and customer loyalty are what makes or breaks any company or organization.

And rebuilding a ruined brand image requires effort and extensive knowledge.

So let’s say the worst has actually happened and the company is in crisis: Faulty products, health scare, ethical scandal, let your imagination run wild as the list is long.

Ideally, the PR experts should be contacted first, not lawyers or the company’s legal department. The idea is to communicate with the concerned stakeholders and to maintain the company’s integrity in the eyes of said stakeholders. The company’s integrity involves a sincere public apology and an open two-way communication with the general public. Do not hide behind lawyers and vague statements. Your customers and stakeholders deserve to be in the know.

Make sure that a crisis plan is in place; a contingency plan should be developed along with the annual PR plan; however, it is bound to be tweaked, amended, and revised to fit the situation at hand. Nonetheless, being prepared helps you move forward with confidence. Later on, a content strategy should be devised whereby stories are posted online and offline to promote the company’s efforts with a positive outlook in mind.

Monitoring social media and websites is imperative.

Everything should be taken into consideration and documented, and also handled by the PR professionals.

One of the stakeholders that should be handled with care is the workforce. Trust between the organization and the employees has been broken; thus, communication here plays a big role too. An open dialogue between senior management and the rest of the employees helps in rebuilding the bridges of trust, boosting their morale, increasing productivity, and ultimately retaining employees and decreasing turnover.

mohd.a.shukri@gmail.com

Sawsan Abu Omar, MCIPR PR & Communications Professional www.sawsanabuomar.com contact@sawsanabuomar.com

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People & Culture

Modern Zombies

I

have always liked the idea of “monsters within” – how every single one of us has something dark and mysterious hidden inside like a Quentin Tarantino movie character. But oh, I did not expect my fantasy to materialise in the form of a brain-eating monster. Zombies have taken over the streets of Bahrain! You see them wandering down the streets, heads bowed as if in prayer, making an occasional grunting noise.

Of all the things in the world, late night walks and drives were what I enjoyed most. There’s nothing like the feeling of the wind blowing my pixie cut while admiring the beautiful dusks and skylines of this little island. Tall light poles leading the way, the moon shining through the clouds and the palm trees forming dense silhouettes that fade into distance – the city looks beautiful at night. You’ve read “enjoyed” correctly… emphasis on the past tense. I can’t seem to appreciate those activities anymore without fearing that I’d get myself into an accident.

People are so oblivious nowadays – everyone has become so fixated on

their phones that nobody wants to put it down even when crossing the street, getting through sidewalks and driving! When you do these activities while slouching to meet your mobile, you are essentially acting like a zombie.

A distracted walker drifting the city’s sidewalks seemingly unaware of everything except the latest notification on their phone. I too, am hardly innocent. My phone bears scars that looked like I got into a brawl – actually, I walked into a wall while scrolling through Facebook.

Close your eyes and count five seconds… Open them. That’s the average amount of time people take their eyes off the road while using their mobile devices when driving. In just one of those seconds, catastrophe can strike. In a matter of seconds, you could ruin lives forever. “Smombies” or zombies on smartphones are walking into accidents. These individuals are on their way to a literal “crash course”, as if the lack of countdown timers on the signals wasn’t enough.

According to Marshall McLuhan from the never-ending communication

classes at the university, “we shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us”.

Thanks, Marshall, I think we’ve finally got the message now. Even the strongwilled are susceptible to a buzzing gadget but one could at least try to be more responsible and aware (in the real world).

Angela Acosta is a 20-year-old dedicated naptime advocate who thrives on karak tea, poetry, and good music.

She can be reached at editorial@arabianmagazines.com @ag.acosta Gulf Insider February 2018

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People & Culture

New Year, New Cyber Crisis

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he ushering of a new year brings with it the promise of change. Most eagerly look forward to the coming year full of hope. This year hasn’t started quite as one would wish. We’ve been greeted by yet another global cyber security crisis and this one is epic. Security researchers at Google’s Project Zero published their discovery of processor side channel attacks, named Spectre and Meltdown, within days of the final note of Auld Lang Syne.

Computer processors, or chips as

The hacker doesn’t require Administrator access to perform a side channel attack, only standard user level access. Cloud computing environments, including Amazon and Microsoft Azure, are especially concerning as their shared computing resources create a path to steal information from other customers’ virtual machines.

Let’s consider an everyday analogy to clear things up a bit. Suppose you phone in a daily order for two chicken shawarmas from your favorite Lebanese restaurant. The restaurant employee

they are commonly referred, are at the heart of everyone’s PC, laptop, or phone. Modern chips utilize an intuitive capability called ‘speculative execution’ designed to complete tasks quicker. Speculative execution predicts what code a program will use next.

The prediction isn’t always right and the unused data is discarded. Herein lies the crux of the problem; due to hardware flaws, the unused data can be viewed by programs which should be restricted from doing so.

An attacker is able to leverage these flaws by running malware locally or via Javascript in a browser from a malicious website. The attack has the potential to read sensitive data, including passwords and cryptographic keys, from memory.

is used to seeing your number come up on caller ID. When they see you calling, they immediately begin writing your order as they greet you. To their surprise, you made a New Year’s resolution to eat falafel sandwiches.

The employee dutifully pulls out a new order form and throws the incorrect form in the trash. This action creates an opportunity for someone walking past to see the discarded order form with your contact information.

Nearly every modern computer chip is susceptible to speculative execution side channel attacks. Intel processors are vulnerable to all variations of these attacks to include chips manufactured as far back as 1995! AMD processors are vulnerable to only one of the variants.

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However, all mainstream chips should be considered at risk unless confirmed otherwise.

Chip manufacturers are offering updates to firmware to resolve the flaws at the hardware level. However in most situations, updating firmware will be challenging at best and could result in hardware failure if done incorrectly. Alternatively, software patches to operating systems and Internet browsers are being made available to mitigate the flaws. These software patches implement very small time delays in the processor to thwart unauthorized data viewing.

There is a downside in taking this approach to patching; millions of tiny delays add up resulting in significant performance impact. Various online researchers floated initial estimates of 5-30% reduced chip performance.

Equally unsettling, Google first reported the flaws to chip manufacturers in June 2017 - yet vulnerable chip sales continued without issuing consumer warnings.

There are presently no known instances of Spectre or Meltdown in the wild. However, this is likely to quickly change given the extent of the vulnerabilities. Recommended best security practice is to apply patches as soon as they become available.

I don’t know about you, but this article has made me hungry for a chicken shawarma...

Ryan Ernst - Affectionately known as the “Tony Stark of Bahrain” is an Enterprise Security Consultant at Sword & Shield. www.swordshield.com

People & Culture

Technology and the

future of finance Will your banker become a robot?

And is this such a bad thing?

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he application of technology to finance has gone mainstream. Investors (speculators, really) are lining up to be fleeced on the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges all over the world. On the same day that Bitcoin slumped to half its December value – it was just over $10,000 per coin on January 16th - so one Saxo Bank analyst predicted it could rise to $100,000 per coin at some point.

Blockchain, the algorithmic foundation under Bitcoin, however, continues to be applied to an increasing number of truly valuable functions across finance, commerce and government. In a recent report to the UK Government, the Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Sir Mark Walport, wrote: “[blockchain technologies]… should not be seen as an end in themselves.

It is only when they have other applications — such as smart contracts — layered on top of them, that their full potential can be realised.”

And blockchain is just one of several umbrella terms to describe technologies reshaping the way finance will work: robotics, AI, big data and cloud computing are others. Anyone who actually works with or near these technologies realizes that these umbrella terms are as imprecise as using the word ‘finance’ to describe a myriad of functions performed within, for example, just one bank – let alone a national or global system. But it is true to say that Fintech (financial technology) is an increasingly important part of the future of finance.

What you do with technologies is vital However, the point Sir Mark is making is that, whilst the technologies themselves are important, it’s what you do with them that’s vital.

Technology, particularly digital technology, almost always starts as a way to do something you already do

more efficiently than you already do it.

A spear is more efficient than a rock in hunting deer. In the same way, a simple computerised ledger with manual input is more efficient than a man in fingerless gloves writing in a big book with a quill pen. And blockchain is way more efficient than a computerised ledger held in one place with data punched-in manually.

Blockchain and fintech in the wider sense are still mostly at the ‘doing the same thing better’ stage. But the word ‘doing things better’ in business is often a euphemism for ‘firing workers’ - so will we use these new financial technologies to put people out of jobs?

In short, will your banker become a robot? And is that a bad thing?

Much of the current media narrative is about the threat that these technologies pose to employment and thereby to societal cohesion, economics and even the capitalist system itself. But I believe that threat to be overdone. The bank of the future will use robotics, AI and many other new and emergent technologies but your banker, she is unlikely to be a robot.

Richard Banks is consulting editor to Euromoney Conferences. The opinions voiced in this article are his alone.

The GCC Financial Forum 2018 - cohosted by Euromoney Conferences and the Economic Development Board of Bahrain - will be held in Manama on 20 -21 February 2018.

Further details can be found at www.euromoneyconferences.com Gulf Insider February 2018

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People & Culture

Hope for Tomorrow With the slogan “Start Tomorrow Today”, eleven active community members and business people announce their candicacy for the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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leven businessmen and women have announced their candidacy to the board of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) under the coalition name “Al Ghad” (Arabic for “Tomorrow”).

The coalition’s spokesperson Hamed Fakhro, an experienced entrepreneur, active writer, and community member joined the BCCI board last term as an independent candidate. He soon realized the power in numbers to efficiently enact change and support policymaking, a role the BCCI has been criticized of failing to do in the past.

Fakhro said “We decided to run together as we have immense respect for one another and a history of excellent communication and healthy debate. Our joint passion for problem solving and each member’s inherent commitment to the values of transparency, accountability and efficiency made it an easy decision to run as a bloc”.

The coalition members have between them over two centuries of experience in the business world and in various industries, though they are the youngest group of candidates for the board

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“The variety of the fields we work in means we can represent all sectors of businesspeople in Bahrain”. Coalition member Eman Nooruddin this term. They believe it is now the responsibility of the current generation of businesspeople to represent business needs and inform economic policy. Coalition member Abdulrahman AlMoayed said his career prepared him to give his time and effort back to the community. “Our plans for the BCCI are active and ambitious- we are committed to represent Bahraini businesspeople for the betterment of our economy, as their concerns are our concerns”.

The “Al Ghad” coalition expects the BCCI to resume its responsibility

working to propel the entire Bahraini economy. They stressed the need for constant research to inform healthy economic policy and continuous collaboration between government, parliament, and enterprise to create sustainable regulations. Their platform includes a promised 24/7 “Open-DoorPolicy” and transparency in reporting research findings. They stress the need SMEs have not only for funding but for accessible information, a network of contacts and a support system, like legal assistance and liaisons to government.

Coalition member Eman Nooruddin said that “The variety of the fields we work in means we can represent all sectors of businesspeople in Bahrain”.

As a business coach, Nooruddin has broad and firsthand knowledge of obstacles businesses face and opportunities for growth. Running alongside her, Hamed Fakhro and Abdulrahman AlMoayed in the “Al Ghad” coalition are the experienced business people who teamed up with Hassan Kaiksow, Hatim Dadabhai, Mohammed Shirazi, Mohammed AlAali, Mohammed Mustafa AlKooheji, Yaqoob AlAwadhi, Omar AlKhan and Ali Lari.

Telecoms

CAR News &

reviews insider

Gulf Insider August 2017

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Car Insider

The all-new

SsangYong Rexton Motorcity announced the arrival of the all-new 7-seater SsangYong Rexton with major advances in style, quality, safety and technology.

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ith its sheer presence and beautifully balanced exterior, the new Rexton comes in three main trim levels: Low, Mid and High, and offers a prestigious cabin for passengers to travel in supreme comfort, while disguising its tough and rugged exterior.

The new Rexton is powered by G20DTR DI, a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine, delivering maximum power of 225HP and maximum torque of 350Nm, with an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. It measures 4,850mm in length, 1,960mm wide, 1,825mm high, and has a 2,865mm wheelbase. It also features a body-on-frame construction to create an extremely robust and durable car, yet features a dignified and beautifully balanced style throughout.

The car’s safety features include brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and ABS, traction control, active rollover protection, front airbags and an emergency stop signal. SsangYong has also added new driver assistance safety features such as lane departure warning and high beam assistance.

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We have seen a high demand for quality vehicles at affordable prices in Bahrain and the Rexton is the perfect fit in the 7- seater segment.

Game-Changer The Rexton really moves the game forward for SsangYong technologically.

The advanced infotainment system includes DAB radio, excellent connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto for device mirroring, a rear view reversing camera, all displayed on an 8.0” screen.

The top of the range Rexton adds

front and rear cameras, blind spot detection as well as rear cross traffic alert to provide a clear view of the area surrounding the car to increase safety and driver convenience during lowspeed driving and parking.

Motorcity Senior General Manager, Dr. Bijan Majidi said “Rexton is the second addition to the all-new model line-up from SsangYong. We have seen a high demand for quality vehicles at affordable prices in Bahrain and the Rexton is the perfect fit in the 7- seater segment. SsangYong Motor Corporation is committed to introducing a new car every year for the next three years, and is also focused on creating further growth by developing petrol powered, EV and other eco-friendly vehicles.”

The SsangYong Rexton starts from BD8,995 or BD131* per month, at zero down payment, a 5-year /or 150,000km* warranty, and 5 years of roadside assistance.

For more information on the SsangYong Rexton and other models, visit the Motorcity showroom in Sanad or call 17621162 to book a test drive.

Car Insider

Supercar Blondie The female supercar driver whose Instagram account is rocking Dubai.

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s a young girl, Alex Hirschi drove a plain-Jane Mitsubishi for years. Now, at 30, she corrals a supercar stable that would make anyone jealous. A popular social influencer in Dubai, Hirschi is living what many car-lovers would consider the dream — she drives supercars for a living. “I’ve driven Ferrari 488 GTB, the 488 Spider, the Mclaren 570s and 540c, the Bentley GT3R, GT Speed and V8s, Mercedes AMG GTs, Lamborghini Huracan, and many others.”

“The best thing about driving supercars is the way it makes me feel. It’s so much fun that I often find myself laughing behind the wheel. I’ve always loved driving, even when I was driving my very first car — a Mitsubishi Lancer,” says the keen motor enthusiast, who grew up in Queensland, Australia.

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Car Insider

She did laps with Stig from Top Gear on a track in the UAE, and even drove the Batmobile — the apotheosis of beautiful, fast cars — from the 1989 Batman movie. For car fangirl Hirschi, four-wheel driving is not a transport mode, but a machine to be enjoyed.

She says, “In Dubai, we spend too much of our lives in cars; we shouldn’t be wasting it on something boring, but rather enjoy every minute in something we love and appreciate.”

Source Credit: Forbes

Gulf Insider February 2018

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Car Insider

Tesla

car of the future?

What are the pros and cons of buying an electric car?

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n Europe, electric and hybrid cars account for about 5% of new vehicle sales. But these numbers are set to spiral as manufacturers power ahead with new models against the background of Government commitments to end the production of new petrol cars by 2040.

Businessman John Quinn is a proud owner of a Tesla Model S that takes him 285 miles on a single charge. The car does not come cheap – he paid about £90,000 – and that includes a Government discount of £4,500. John, 62, has owned the car for six months and is already making savings.

He says: ‘It costs me roughly £20 to fully charge compared to £100 to fill up my previous car, a Bentley convertible, for the same mileage.’

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Businessman John Quinn is a proud owner of a Tesla Model S that takes him 285 miles on a single charge.

He adds: ‘With no road tax or congestion charge when I drive to London and free use of Tesla Superchargers at motorway services I am already seeing cost savings.

‘I go to Swansea once a week, some 180 miles. I tend to stop for a coffee at

the services on the way back, plug the car in and have enough charge to get me home. The cost of a round trip is about £20, compared with £140 in my Bentley.’

John says his insurance bill is about the same as for the Bentley. He says: ‘It’s green and it’s fast – doing nought to 60 in less than three seconds – and it comes with advanced technology such as free wi-fi. I love the idea of electric – we will all adopt it in time.’

The safest car in the world Designed to be the safest car in the world, the Tesla Model S owes a large part of its 5.4-star NHTSA safety rating to its electric drivetrain that resides beneath an aluminum occupant cell in

Car Insider

to expand to Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

Jaguar’s chief executive said recently: ‘One thing is clear, the future is electric’, as he announced that by 2020 the luxury car maker would produce only electric or hybrid cars.

The Snags Although more affordable than hydrogen-powered vehicles, there stands a lot of dispute over the longterm environmental benefits of electric vehicles, especially when factoring in the production, charging, and disposing of batteries at the end of their lifecycle.

HIGH UPFRONT COSTS: Owners can pay thousands more to buy an electric

The High Notes Packed with interesting technology Safest car ever tested by the NHTSA

the subframe - contributing to its low center of gravity and reduced rollover risk. Factor in six airbags, in addition to features such as collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking, and its safety medallion stands well justified.

This car is convenient with GPS memory for automatically raising and lowering ride height. The front and rear trunks have 31.6 cubic feet of storage— meaning you can pack what you want.

Chok-full of technology, there’s over-the-air software updates that add features and enhance performance, maps and navigations with real time traffic information, 400KWH of free annual Supercharger credits, a GPS enabled homelink for opening and closing garage doors and a center console with removable dividers.

The future is electric As of December 2016, Tesla has sold over 186,000 electric cars worldwide since delivery of its first Tesla Roadster in 2008. The company has a goal of producing 500,000 cars annually in 2018.

California-based Tesla is accepting online orders from customers in the United Arab Emirates, a pop-up store in the Dubai Mall and a Tesla service center on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.

Tesla will open a store and service center in Abu Dhabi in 2018 and plans

This car is convenient with GPS memory for automatically raising and lowering ride height. car compared to a conventional motor.

Colin McKerracher, of research group Bloomberg New Energy Finance, says plug-in battery prices explain the higher cost. He adds: ‘The battery pack makes up between 30 and 40 per cent of the car price. But costs are falling fast. By 2030 we expect the battery to represent 18 per cent of the total.’

INSURANCE: Pure electric cars cost more to insure. The higher premiums reflect the scarcity of electric cars, their higher upfront cost and the use of battery technology that requires specialist repairers. This hurdle will diminish as electric vehicle sales grow.

Pricing in the region starts at 275,000 dirhams (~$75,000) for the Model S-not very different from the company’s pricing anywhere else. Presumably, the only differences from the US are due to shipping and import taxes/fees.

Gulf Insider February 2018

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Last Word

days after the Revolution ( a picture paints a thousand words...)

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n 8 March 1979 more than 100,000 women gathered on the streets of the Iranian capital to protest against the new Islamic government’s compulsory hijab ruling, which meant that women would henceforth be required to wear a headscarf. Soon female government workers were forced to observe Islamic dress code; women were barred from becoming judges; beaches were sex-segregated; the legal age of marriage for girls was reduced to 9 (later raised to 13); and married women were barred from attending regular schools.

(Photo credit: Hengameh Golestan)

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A lifestyle vista in Bahrain

Features: • The best in events, dining & nightlife • A blog that provides unbiased reviews • Discounted vouchers and coupons for fantastic dining experiences!

Join us as we search for the island’s best parties, restaurants, and deals!

Never miss a single deal!

www.bahrain101.com

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We ideate for your brand and create an identity for your business that boosts your business.

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