Gulf Insider - January 2019

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Contents January 2019 Issue 167

13 50 Facebook Followers

367,409 Simply unparalleled online presence that connects region’s most inspired communities.

NRI Business Leaders in Bahrain

14 20 23 24 25 26

Dr. Ravi Pillai Chairman

M. A. Yusuff Ali Alukkas Varghese Joy Mohammed Dadabhai & Dr. Varghese Kurian B R Shetty & Dr Azad Moopen Micky Jagtiani & The Devjis

People and Culture

30 Indian Feast at Al Areen Palace & Spa 32 Bahrain National Day celebration 35 Careem

Car News & Reviews

49 50 54

Audi Bahrain BMW 3 Series International Launch

‌and much, much more!

Formula E in Saudi Arabia

Knowledge is power

Comment...

Publisher & Editor in Chief

- Nicholas C. Cooksey

Editorial Contributors

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

Sales & Business Development

- Charlie Cooksey

- Dhanraj S Layout Designs Admin & Finance

A picture is worth a thousand words.

- Nikesh Pola

- Aneesh Mathew Photography - Rafnaj K P Distribution Executive

- Mohammed Yousif

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

For Advertising Opportunities Call Charlie Cooksey

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M. +973 3652 0004

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Friends oF Bahrain

The wizard who believes in making other’s life better

Celebrating bahrain’s national Day Complimentary Copy

Chairman, rP Group of Companies GulfInsider

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Banking & Finance

Leaders in the downstream industry Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco)

 Fintech and the cashless Society  arab Bank Receives 14 international awards

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 interview with aFS ceO Mr. B. chandrasekhar

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YOUR HOME IS EVERY SHADE OF YOU INTRODUCING IDENTITY. THE 2019 JOTUN COLOUR COLLECTION. Designed exclusively for your home by Jotun, this collection is your starting point to create your very own personal space.

Enjoy the ideas and inspirations for a home that reflects your personality and tells your unique story.

Discover our 2019 colour collection by visiting www.jotun.com or a Jotun store near you.

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Events

Day & Night 5,000 Years of Pearls from Bahrain When: 01st to 10th January 2019 Where: Bahrain National Museum The 5,000 Years of Pearls from Bahrain exhibition celebrates the opening of the second visitors’ centre of the ‘Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy’ in the heart of Muharraq. The exhibition showcases an exceptional selection of pearl jewellery from the collections of the National Museum of Bahrain, Mattar Jewelers and the Cartier Collection.

For more information: culture.gov.bh

Food is Culture IV When: 20th to 24th January 2019 Where: Bahrain National Museum Foyer Every year five artists and five chefs get together and work to produce a creative product; be it a painting, installation, video, cake, drink, all or something completely different. The result of their two months’ work, which is documented in a short film and a publication, will be presented during the course of the week, where they share and display their collective creations.

For more information: culture.gov.bh 8

Gulf Insider January 2019

MEVS - Middle East Vape Show

Bahrain Schools Expo

When: 17th January 2019 Where: Bahrain International Circuit

When: 17th to 19th January 2019 Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

Middle East Vape Show 1st and largest Vape Event in the Middle-Eastern Region, right in the heart of Bahrain the fastest-growing country in GCC, easy to access with a lot of offers from WorldClass Vape Industry Player.

For more information: 3413 3443

The Bahrain Schools Expo features education system, curriculum, facilities, costs and advantages, education system, development, from the Education & Training industries.

For more information: bcci.bh

Social Media is changing business

Most businesses in Bahrain lack advanced digital and social media marketing skills to expertly manage a successful digital strategy, so missing major opportunities they don’t even realize.

The good news is we can inexpensively create an effective digital strategy for your business, and manage it for you, for less than the salary of an employee - freeing you to run your business. We also build beautiful websites - optimized to generate income for businesses, and provide online services including SEO, design, e-commerce, photography and video production.

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

Fabianca.com

Society

Bahraini-German Business Network Reception

12

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Bahrain Electronic Wallet Payment System (BenefitPay) Press Conference

NRI Business Leaders in Bahrain Gulf Insider honours the top Non Residential Indian (NRI) leaders in Bahrain on the occasion of India’s 70th Republic Day celebrations.

NRI Leaders

Dr. Ravi Pillai

Chairman, RP Group of Companies Gulf Insider meets with Dr. Ravi Pillai Chairman of RP Group Bahrain, whose vision and hard work have intensified the unique relationship between India and the Middle East.

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Gulf Insider January 2019

NRI Leaders

R

We have around

150,000

employees out of which majority are Indians.

P Group of Companies has played a major role in the economic development of the Middle East and India for four decades. The company stands as a prominent example of India-Middle East relationship with 20 affiliated companies and businesses in 9 diverse sectors of Industrial Construction and Infrastructure, Real Estate Development, Hospitality, Tourism, Trading, Retail, Education, Health Care and IT.

also to our operations in rest of the countries. It is considered the gateway to the GCC due to its strategic location in the center of Middle East and provides convenient connectivity to the region.

However even more importantly, I have always found the Bahrain Government and the community in Bahrain to be very supportive and conducive, both on a personal and professional level. The Government of Bahrain and the warm and friendly people here have always shown us

Our ongoing project is the ALBA Plotline 6 where we have employed more than 3,000 employees.

their support and solidarity since the day we set foot in the Kingdom. The Bahraini Government has also taken several initiatives to create a Business Friendly environment in the Kingdom.

The institutional framework here makes investment and growth possible with relatively lower operating costs. It is also a powerhouse of skilled workforce in addition to being a great place to live and work for expatriates that makes Bahrain the ideal choice for any business.

Dr Ravi, why did you choose Bahrain to base RP Group?

What are your current and future projects in Bahrain?

A reasonable portion of our Oil and Gas Industrial Contracting operations are in Saudi Arabia, which is managed out of our setup in Eastern Province of the Kingdom. Bahrain has always offered a great link to this setup and

Our on-going project is the ALBA Plotline 6 where we have employed more than 3,000 employees. The Line 6 expansion project is one of the largest Brownfield expansions in the MENA region. We will be also joining hands Gulf Insider January 2019

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NRI Leaders

with BAPCO for their upcoming $5bn modernization project. Due to the large scale investments from Government initiatives in Bahrain, it will certainly give a strong boost to Bahrain’s economy in multiple ways, including real estate. We have already made investments on the Real Estate sector in Bahrain, and also considering more in months to come.

We are also looking to invest more in the education sector. We already have presence in this sector through New Millennium School – DPS, and I think Bahrain’s placement as a regional hub has the potential to attract highly rated educational institutes. I can already see that Bahrain has a strong primary education system in place and I believe this sets the tone for welcoming high end academia through top ranked Universities and Institutes.

We are also involved in vocational training through our company in Australia. We have already brought this company to KSA, and successfully implemented vocational training in the region by establishing skill building centers in KSA. The next step is to add programs offered and expand the operations to rest of GCC, including Bahrain. Another focus area for RP Group is the IT Sector. Bahrain has already shown a warm welcome to transformation through ecosystem to support IT, and I am looking forward to introducing my Tech initiatives to join the Kingdom’s foray in this sector.

I’m also open to more investment ideas as I’ve mentioned that Bahrain 16

Gulf Insider January 2019

For me credibility is very important. If I failed even in one project, I would have lost my name. Getting

a good name is very difficult, but losing your reputation is very easy. has a unique advantage as the region’s central hub and its business friendly environment and supportive government.

How do you see the future for Indian expats in Bahrain?

The relationship between Indians and Bahrainis goes back several generations. Our nations have been closely connected for centuries and we have developed a strong bond with each other. This age old association has led the Bahraini and Indian communities to have blended into each other on political, socio-economic and cultural levels and we continue to march forward hand in hand. My own group is an example of the interconnectivity

between Indians and Local Community.

We have around 150,000 employees where expatriate as well local workforce come together to deliver very highly demanding projects, to the satisfaction of most stringent industrial contracting requirements in the world.

We were recently awarded by Saudi ARAMCO’s In Kingdom Total Value Add (Iktva) Program which recognizes prioritization of domestic value creation and integration of localized talent, which makes us a proud employer, and a testimony of Indian and local community coming together to deliver world class results. I wish to recreate a similar setting all over the GCC including Bahrain and support the local talent while ensuring that we deliver the best results to our clients.

I also sincerely endorse the findings of the 2018 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey which ranked Bahrain as the No. 1 best place to live and work for expats.

This itself is a testimony to the levels of freedom, respect and openness enjoyed

by Indians and other communities in Bahrain. The kind heartedness and generosity of the Royal Family and the Government of Bahrain allows Indians and other communities to feel at home with a strong sense of safety and security. I can personally testify to this through my personal experiences as I have many friends in Bahrain that are like my own family to me. I do not think the rest of the world knows enough how great of a place Bahrain is to live and work.

NRI Leaders

island and are competing for a viable spot. There is also a lot happening in the Technology space with Amazon recently selecting Bahrain as one of the AWS regions and other advances in the Fintech arena.

All of these show positive signs for Bahrain’s economy. EDB, Tamkeen and other Government Agencies are working very effectively to support new initiatives and empower & supporting the youth with training and entrepreneurship skills. It makes me very happy to see such an enriched ecosystem being developed in Bahrain and I commend the Government on

building such a strong vision for the future of the country.

You have hotels in India and UAE. When will you venture into the hospitality industry in Bahrain?

Do you see that Bahrain is diversifying its economy?

The Kingdom’s attempt at diversification is nothing new and years of efforts are now being recognized globally. I have been travelling all over the world for over 3 decades, and I see a high level of acceptance and awareness of Bahrain’s initiatives in various fields. While Bahrain strongly continues its investment in the oil and gas sector, an equal amount of effort is put in various other sectors. For instance, ALBA’s expansion program is a good example of the diversification.

Bahrain continues to be a gateway for the rest of the world and I can see a lot of focus on developing the travel and tourism sector with many attractions

Iktva recognition to us is a testimony of how expat and local workforce can come together to deliver world class results. being designed to appeal to foreign travelers, starting from building the new airport. Some of the best international brands are already here or are trying to establish a foothold in Bahrain. Many luxury resorts and world renowned hotel chains have already entered the

My venture into the Hospitality industry begun as a passion project to build a world class hotel in my hometown in Kerala. From there, I invested into several other projects such as the Raviz Leela Kovalam – our flagship property, which is today, one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in India and globally. As of now, we have four five star luxury hotels and resorts in India and three five star luxury hotels and resorts in Dubai.

Through these hospitality initiatives my main aim was to showcase the Best of Kerala – its unique culture, the wholesome and flavorful food and specialty Ayurveda treatments to the rest of the world. I am still rather young in the business of hospitality. It is an exciting industry and I am further Gulf Insider January 2019

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NRI Leaders

evaluating growth plans out of which Bahrain could be a potential option in the future.

What do you most like and dislike in your business?

I always like to see the happy face of my employees. The greatest satisfaction to me comes from meeting all my commitments – making sure all my employees are safe and well taken care of, all my vendors are paid on time and of course, my clients by giving them the highest quality work in the fastest possible time and at the best commercial terms. With more than 100 million Safe Man-hours without Lost Time Injury project execution our group has received numerous international awards and accolades for excellence including ExxonMobil’s global Best Contractor award and Samsung’s Best Partner Award globally.

Likewise, what I dislike is when my I see threat of commitments not being met on time. If we are not progressing as per the desired schedule – this is something I will never accept. Fortunately, I am blessed with a committed and skilled workforce who have always exceeded the client’s expectations. Due to this reason we have been able to gain a good reputation in the market. If we had failed even one job, we would have lost all credibility. Getting a good name is very difficult, but losing your reputation is very easy. I would rather lose money than reputation.

What do you consider will be the impact of VAT in Bahrain’s business sector?

Value Added Tax has been applied in Saudi Arabia and UAE since the beginning of 2018 and there hasn’t been any major impact on our operations in these countries. Additionally, the structure of VAT is Bahrain is quite reasonable as real estate, basic necessities and school fees are exempt from Tax. I rather feel that VAT will bring more efficiency in the business world and more opportunities for efficient organizations. For instance our core operations run on SAP ERP, which has helped us manage the change swiftly 18

Gulf Insider January 2019

with least disruption. I have seen the positive benefits a strong internal infrastructure which ensures a smooth transitioning and does not create much of negative impact either operationally or commercially.

VAT is applicable in more than 160 countries all over the world, and many of those countries have a lower Per Capita income that GCC countries. I feel that this step would have a net positive impact in the long term for everyone.

What are the most satisfying projects for you so far?

Me and my team always put complete heart and soul into every project that is undertaken. All the work that we do, is directly linked to the strategic development of the nations and visibly contributes to national economy. It takes no less than all your commitment to live up the stringent standards required to deliver the results. If I take you around the oil & gas infrastructure in the region, you will be amazed to see the complexity of the jobs executed by us and there is an immense sense of satisfaction you feel once you deliver these important high value projects.

Over the past 40 years, our team has delivered several significant turnkey projects and you will find it very difficult to choose from among them. Having said that, I would like to highlight a few recent projects undertaken by our Industrial Construction division in the GCC, namely Saudi Aramco’s JAZAN Refinery Project, KNPC’s Clean Fuel Refinery Project and the Sadara Project which is the world’s largest chemicals complex built in a single phase with 26 Plants which are mega- projects due to their rigorous demand for the highest level of their quality and safety.

How do you find time to relax while managing all these demanding business sectors?

In truth, there is no time to relax as much as I want to do so. There are 150,000 employees working in RP Group companies all over the world and I am responsible for each and every one of them. When you invest all your

energy and passion into you work, your relaxation comes from seeing the results of your efforts – seeing the job getting completed on time with the best quality, highest level of safety and the happy faces of your employees around you.

What do you dream for the future of RP Group of Companies?

We continue to be are on growth path in the Middle East as well as globally. I see opportunity in the Oil & Gas Sector in GCC for the next atleast 7 – 8 years and continue to invest in our core business in the Middle East. Bulk of our operations are undergoing a progressive change, more than a disruptive changes and we continue to align ourselves with the various technological, industrial, political and socio-economic changes that impact us. We have plans to invest in our other group verticals and continue to look for growth opportunities.

My Son, Ganesh Ravi Pillai, who has worked with Citibank and completed his MBA from IE Business School, Spain has joined the business. He has been listed as one among the 100 next generation business leaders and young professionals from India in the Middle East and Africa. My daughter Dr. Arathi Ravi Pillai is currently doing her Masters in Medicine and would also be soon joining me. I look forward to handing over the reins of the business into their capable hands. Together, I am confident that they will take RP Group to the new and higher realms.

Dr. Ravi Pillai renowned for his numerous contributions to CSR activities. The RP Foundation, a charitable foundation, works under the ideology that ‘Serving the poor equals serving God.’ RP Foundation’s activities have so far assisted many people in need of rehabilitation, education, medical situations and to eradicate poverty to a significant portion. The foundation also assists the funding of thousands of marriages for underprivileged couples. The Indian Government honored Dr. Ravi Pillai with the Hind Ratna Award in 2003, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in 2008 and the Padma Shri in 2010.

NRI Leaders

M. A. Yusuff Ali

MD & Chairman of Lulu Group International Gulf Insider interview with M. A. Yusuff Ali, MD & Chairman of Lulu Group International, and boss of the EMKE Group, reveals how he created a retailing giant.

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Gulf Insider January 2019

NRI Leaders

W

hat is the role played by Bahrain in the growth of Lulu International Group?

Over the 11 years that we have been in Bahrain, we have grown tremendously and I would like to believe that we changed the way the retail industry served customers. Seven of our 158 hypermarkets worldwide are in Bahrain – and we are still growing.

There are plans for warehousing and entering the food processing sector in the Kingdom. We have exceeded our promise of investing over BD 100 million in Bahrain because of our faith in the vision of the leaders of Bahrain, the efforts of the government to keep the promise of business-friendly environment and above all, the people of Bahrain who have welcomed us so warmly, who give us the powerful catalyst of their custom and who make up a significant portion of our multinational team of employees.

All these are factors in our overall growth and Bahrain contributes richly towards how we structure our development, how we understand the future and prepare for it.

What makes Lulu different from its competitors?

Two non-negotiable beliefs underpin our entire service ethos: the first is that Lulu believes in quality and cost-effectiveness. We deliver variety, top quality and affordability and none of these three elements of the retail experience are compromised.

The second is that the customer comes first and is at the centre of the whole Lulu experience. From the shop-floor assistant all the way up to the Board of Directors, we believe that our goal is to serve the customer.

Whether it is about stocking what our customers tell us they need or just leading the customer to the right aisle in the hypermarket, we take pride in making the customer’s shopping a quintessential ‘Lulu’ experience.

The customer feels reciprocated for choosing Lulu for a retail experience.

Finally, we augment these two core values with every effort to make shopping in Lulu an immersive

experience. Whether through our different national product spotlights which include the food and cultural shows of countries as varied as Italy, Thailand, America, the Philippines and India or just our reputed Hot Foods section in all the hypermarkets which serve up delicacies from all over the world, everybody who comes to Lulu experiences a unique retail event that makes for an enjoyable shopping interlude.

That’s what makes Lulu stand out in a retail space crowded with many hypermarkets and stores that are very similar. It’s the emotional connection.

To narrow down the specifics to “Indian” business leaders is incorrect. Bahrain’s leaders and Government policies are a combination of ease and flexibility, of a strong legal framework and transparency.

What are the current trends in the retail market?

The retail market today places great emphasis on convenience. The retail market of the future will leverage this emphasis on convenience with a re-engineering of the whole retail experience through technology. Online shopping is already a current thing. In the coming immediate future, we shall also be looking at mining customer preferences through tapping The Internet of Things - since The Internet of Things connects over 11 billion everyday products, like home speakers, TVs, and cars, to the internet, retailers can collect

hoards of data that provides context about their customers’ product usage.

Technology will help the retail industry to personalize the retail experience and we should all be prepared for it.

How are changing economic conditions regionally effecting business?

I do not believe in running a business based on micro-economic situations.

There is always an ebb and rise in regional economics but the way to safeguard one’s business from the shocks of changing economic conditions is to have strong core business values, a well-crafted vision for future development and consistency of implementation. In 1990, the Lulu Group started its retail business with a string of supermarkets and department stores just when the Gulf War began.

Conventionally speaking, it was probably the worst scenario for a new business – but look at how our group has thrived.

So its not about the economy - every business needs long-term vision and the capacity to manage change to succeed.

How does the Bahrain government support Indian business leaders?

To narrow down the specifics to “Indian” business leaders is incorrect.

Bahrain’s leaders and Government policies are a combination of ease and flexibility, of a strong legal framework and transparency. All this makes it very easy to invest in Bahrain and see results, regardless of the nationality of the investor. In addition, Bahrain has a growing middle class that assures the retail business and service industry of returns. The other advantage for foreign investors is that Bahrain’s leaders are accessible and flexible. We can be true stakeholders and contribute more than just investment dollars – we can suggest changes and have the confidence that we shall be heard, our ideas given a sound hearing and change implemented if needed. It is an environment of holistic growth.

What do you believe Bahrain can do to attract more international investors, and specifically Indian investors?

I am happy to see that Bahrain Gulf Insider January 2019

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NRI Leaders

is doing lot of media campaign and roadshows to attract international investors, going forward I would love to see more road shows, seminars and workshops being organized in India also to get support from Indian industrial houses to explore the investment opportunities in Bahrain.

What do you enjoy the most during your free time?

I love to read. Books, to me, are a gateway to a wider world, to knowledge and understanding. So despite my very busy schedule, I always make time for books. But Nowadays the most happiness I derive is when I spend my free time with my 10 grandchildren, there is no amount words can describe the sheer joy and pleasure and in fact some information and knowledge also I get when i interact with my grandchildren.

Can you detail some of the CSR initiatives

by Lulu International Group?

Lulu Group believes in giving back to the community and in every country that we work in, we bind our CSR not just to charity but to the process of nation-building and community service.

In Bahrain, we work closely with strengthening the avenues of characterbuilding for youth – I am honoured to personally contribute to HRH the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Programme that gives bright Bahraini youth access to some of the greatest

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Gulf Insider January 2019

Lulu Group believes in giving back to the community and in every country that we work in, we bind our CSR not just to charity but to the process of nation-building and community service. seats of learning around the world; Lulu is a regular supporter of the activities of the Royal Charity Organization (RCO) and we host youth from RCO for on-job training; we underwrite the summer camps for the orphans of RCO who get an immersive experience of characterbuilding values and edutainment there.

Lulu is also a sponsor of the Iron Man sporting event which is all about focus, training, determination and physical fitness and a pet project of Bahrain’s very own Iron Man, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa – young people need such role-models to develop their interest in physical health and fitness.

Bahrain was also the place where we developed the Joy of Giving Ramadan programme, an outreach that sees

thousands of Iftar food packs distributed to the public at sunset. It connects us to the community and helps us to reach into the heart of the community with the sacred act of sharing the Iftar meal.

Lulu also works closely with the UN offices and the Ministry of Health to take the messages of sustainable living to the public – green living, environmental awareness and healthy lifestyle knowledge are broadcast to the public because we transform the footfall in our hypermarkets and malls into a listening public space.

What’s next for Lulu International Group?

The world of retail is a swift-changing one and we are always on the move to keep abreast of change. We are also getting increasingly involved in food production and processing as part of our effort to contribute to food security of nations where we have a presence.

That means we will invest more in warehousing, food logistics and meat processing just as we have in grains and oil production and packaging in our India operations.

Underscoring our every effort is the vision to be a humane operation – to inspire our thousands of employees to give their best and create a chain of prosperity in every country that we work in. At the end of the day, I believe that even an act as mundane as buying the week’s provisions is remembered not for the brand that you buy but for the emotional exchange that marks the transaction.

NRI Leaders

Our recognition as one of the most awarded and trusted retail jewellers is a testament to our commitment towards our patrons.

What is the role played by Bahrain in the success of Joyalukkas?

Bahrain was a key destination in our expansion. Bahrain jewellery lovers love to us since the beginning and they continue to be so. We will continue to serve them with the best experience in jewellery shopping. From a single showroom, we have now grown to 3 showrooms in Bahrain.

What is the difference in Jewellery preferences in India and Middle East?

Being a vast and diverse country, jewellery tastes in India differ from state to state, as every state have their

We further expanded our presence across 12 countries and have diversified our business interests to several verticals.

Joy Varghese Alukkas Chairman, Joyalukkas Group

C

an you detail the unique story of Joyalukkas Group?

Hailing from an entrepreneurial family, I started learning the basics of business while I was still in school. In fact, I spent more time with my father at his business establishment than at school. I joined my family business as soon as I quit school.

In 1987, I decided to explore new opportunities. I felt a certain chemistry, on the minute I landed in the UAE. My instinct proved to be right. The success of our showroom in UAE encouraged me to expand and establish our presence across the GCC. Our unique mix of Design, Trust, Service, Price and Innovations along with superior customer service, focus on quality, great offers and a collection of exclusive inhouse brands made us popular in GCC We ventured into the Indian market soon after our success in GCC. We managed to shift the customers’ priorities of buying jewellery from traditional neighbourhood family jewellers to organized retail brands in India.

We further expanded our presence across 12 countries and have diversified our business interests to several verticals. At every Joyalukkas showroom, you see collections from across the world while also catering to the designs inspired by the regional cultures and traditions.

own culture, tradition and heritage. Keeping that in mind, Joyalukkas showrooms in India have specific collection of jewels that cater to the demographic demands.

The Middle East has a cosmopolitan culture with expats from numerous countries. To cater to this challenging market, we have specialized in designs and patterns popular from across the world while also specializing in jewels from Arabia and different parts of India.

What do you believe will be the impact of VAT in the jewellery sector?

Gold, across the world, has sentimental value attached to it.

I don’t believe the introduction of VAT will affect since this has been experiences in UAE as well. The initial drop in demand, came back to normal in a period of 2 months. There will be a similar impact in Bahrain and we are ready for this. Also, refund of VAT to tourist will ensure that they keep jewellery on top of their shopping list.

What’s next for Joyalukkas?

I see an exciting future for Brand Joyalukkas, and we have drawn aggressive growth plans across the world. At the same time, we are working relentlessly every day to enhance our customers experience with Designs, Exciting Promotions, Best Service and various other innovative initiatives. My target is 200 showrooms, across 20 countries and achieve a turnover of $3 billion by 2020, and we set plans in motion to accomplish this.

Gulf Insider January 2019

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NRI Leaders

Mohammed Dadabhai

Dr. Varghese Kurian

Chairman of Dadabhai Group

Chairman of the VKL Holdings and Al Namal Group

E

V

stablished in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the early 1950’s Dadabhai Group is now engaged in multiple businesses comprising construction, real estate, hospitality (hotels, serviced apartments, resorts and spa), travel and tourism, manufacturing, communication and advertising.

Dadabhai Group, under the guidance of Mr. Mohammed Dadabhai, an exceptionally gifted visionary and business leader, is committed to sustain its business viability and as a leading commercial organization in the Kingdom,

Having achieved many accolades and recognitions towards maintaining business excellence, the group continues its growth in newer areas and opportune sectors. the Dadabhai Group is present in key sectors in Bahrain’s economy, providing quality products and impeccable service. Having achieved many accolades and recognitions towards maintaining business excellence, the group continues its growth in newer areas and opportune sectors.

Joining hands in partnership with many organizations, entities and individual’s across the globe, the group always maintains its proficient standards of operation benefitting all entities involved.

Seef Terraces, Juffair Heights, Pegassus Real Estate, Dadabhai Travel are some of the prominent projects under Dadabhai Group.

Mohammed Dadabhai is named as one of the 50 richest Indians in the GCC. He is also the Chairman of the Bahrain India Society.

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KL Holdings and Al Namal Group was established as a construction contractor in 1986 and later became popular for its real estate, property development and management, construction, health and hospitality divisions. Today, VKL Group has expanded across the Middle East and India and employing 3,000 employees worldwide.

Dr. Varghese Kurian has built the business empire with sheer dedication and hard work and played an integral role in the development of both Bahrain and India. His vision to

Following its success, Al-Namal Group also has opened the Middle Esat Medical centre in Salmabad and the multi-specialty hospital. provide the best facilities for both the communities include an establishment of University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) campus, and Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) campus.

The Middle East Medical Centre is the first healthcare venture of Al Namal & VKL Group.The facility has attracted top doctors and nurses from around the world, with an abundant background of successful experience. Following its success, Al-Namal Group also has opened the Middle Esat Medical centre in Salmabad and the multi-specialty hospital, Middle East Hospital near Salmaniya Medical Complex.

Dr. Varghese Kurian has won many awards such as the Human Rights Award in 2012, the Outstanding Pravasi Entrepreneur Award in 2009, and P.V. Sami Memorial Industrial and Socio Cultural Award in 2013.

NRI Leaders

B. R. Shetty

Dr. Azad Moopen

Founder and Chairman, Abu Dhabi NMC Healthcare

The Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare

B

avaguthu Reghuram Shetty is an Indian born Billionaire settled in UAE and named as one of the 100 richest Indians in both 2015 and 2016.

He is the founder of eleven different companies including, NMC Healthcare, UAE Exchange, Neopharma, Finablr and BRS Ventures.

Former pharma salesman B. R. Shetty immigrated from Karnataka in south India to Abu Dhabi in 1973 to set up a healthcare empire. His net worth, as of March, 2018 has been recorded as $4 Billion. In 2003, Shetty founded NMC Neopharma, a UAE based pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Inaugurated by the then President of India, A. P. J. Abdul

Always capitalize on any opportunities that come your way and have the utmost faith in yourself.

Kalam in Abu Dhabi, Neopharma is centered on using the concept of modular manufacturing following global benchmarks in manufacturing technology and putting in place efficient control mechanisms.

In the words of Mr. Shetty, “Always capitalize on any opportunities that come your way and have the utmost faith in yourself.”

Shetty is currently funding $150 million in India’s most expensive film. He also owns the 100th floor of the world’s tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa. Over the years, he has won many awards including, Entrepreneur of the year, CEO of the year and C3 Global Lifetime Achievement Award.

“It is in your private moments of solitude that you face life and its challenges.”

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he Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, Dr. Azad Moopen, is an Indian physician and philanthropist and a developer of healthcare facilities. Awarded the Pravasi Bharataya Sammam and Padma Shri by the Government of India, he is ranked 29th position in the ’50 Richest Indians in the GCC’. His total wealth constitutes to approximately $5.9 billion by Forbes in 2017.

Dr. Azad has directly been involved in the development of healthcare facilities in India. One among them is the Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) hospitals, which employs about 3,000 people. He has also shown a huge participation in establishing a 600-bed tertiary care at the MIMS at Kozhikode in Kerala. His humanitarian activity counts in the establishment of a rural health care center at a panchayat in Kerala, where nearly 7,000 BPL members were provided with free out-patient and in-patient care.

A $90m worth investments were announced for three projects in Kerala, which includes a 500-bed super specialty hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, 250 bed multi-specialty hospital in Kanuur and a 200 bed specialty hospital in Kozhikode.

Achieving a milestone of nearly 30 years since the foundation of the Aster DM Healthcare, the company has seen a remarkable progress with around 317 health facilities, including 18 hospitals, 98 clinics and 201 pharmacies across three brands: Aster, Medcare and Acess.

Dr. Azad Moopen has been spotted as the largest employer in the healthcare sector. The company has employed early 20,000 health care professionals are employed across the Middle East and India. The company moved into Bahrain in 2015 and increased its stake in Sanad Hospital in Riyadh. It also has a handful of facilities in both Oman and Qatar alongside ambulatory clinics are also being built in the Philippines.

Dr. Moopen is also recognized for his compassion and humanity, for giving away about 20 percent of his wealth which includes a donation of $2.7m to Al Jalila Foundation, a UAE –based charity that promotes medical education and research.

Gulf Insider January 2019

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NRI Leaders

Micky Jagtiani

The Devjis

Chairman and Owner, Landmark Group

The Devjis-Bhaskar Devji, Prakash Devji and Mahesh Devji

M

ukesh Wadhumal “Micky” Jagtiani is a UAE based Indian billionaire businessman. Having a net worth of $4.4 B, as of March 2018, he is named the 30th richest Indian by Forbes. Born on the 15th of August, the 67 years old makes his fortune being the founder of the Landmark Groups. His wife, Renuka Jagtiani is currently the CEO and Chairwomen of the multi-billion-dollar empire.

She is named one among the 50 most powerful people and 100 most influencers in the UAE. Landmark suspended sales of all Trump-branded products in its stores after the U.S. president made anti-Muslim remarks during his election campaign. With estimated

Landmark has 2,300 stores spread across 22 countries in the Middle East, Africa and India annual revenue of $6 billion, Landmark has 2,300 stores spread across 22 countries in the Middle East, Africa and India. The closely held company manages its own brands and has franchise rights for international names, including shoe designer Steve Madden and health club Fitness First.

He also has a stake in retailer Debenhams.

Micky Jagtiani did his schooling in Madras, Mumbai and Beirut before moving to London, where he joined an accounting school from which he eventually dropped out. In 2000, he established LIFE (Landmark International Foundation of Empowerment), to support underprivileged children in India, through school and healthcare development programs, homes for destitute children, vocational and non-formal schools, community clinics and medical camps for slum-dwellers and an old age home Chennia. Due to his charity work and exceptional success story, he was won many awards. He was named one the 6 most inspiring Indians at The Power List Gala Dinner.

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Gulf Insider January 2019

S

hri Devji Ramji Sagar established The Devji Group in Bahrain with the deep-rooted heritage in gold jewelry.

The second generation of Devji Family – Mr Bhaskar Devji (Chairman of The Devji Group), Mr. Prakash Devji (C.E.O Retail), and Mr. Mahesh Devji (Managing Director) continued the legacy and have expanded the business across the GCC & India with more than 21 retail and wholesale locations.

Devji Group has recently opened two facilities at the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) in Salman Industrial City Bahrain with a total investment of BD8million.

The infrastructure, built over 6,000 sq metres currently

The Devji Group also plans investments to enhance the superiority of the product qualities and to strengthen the business ties that exist between Bahrain and India. employs 130+ highly skilled artisans. They manufacture handcrafted, eye-catching designer bridal, fashion diamond and gold Jewellery.

The Devji Group also plans investments to enhance the superiority of the product qualities and to strengthen the business ties that exist between Bahrain and India.

The group has further expansion plans in the MENA region and to enter new markets in the west and far-east. The group will be participating in various prestigious international jewellery exhibitions to showcase best quality “Made in Bahrain” jewellery.

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News Roundup

Bahrain: Homework is banned; Students happy!

Bahrain had banned homework for students and ruled to make school assignments an integral and inseparable part of class activities.

Student home assignments will be replaced by daily hands-on exercises implemented under teachers’ supervision inside the classroom before the end of each lesson in order to consolidate knowledge and hone skills as well as answer the queries of students.

This innovative approach is compatible with efforts to develop academic curricula to suit the requirements of the twenty-first century and to instil the requisite skills, according to international standards of teaching the basic subjects of mathematics, science and languages.

Qatar has burned its bridges with GCC – Bahrain FM Qatar has burned its bridges with the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and aligned itself with “enemies of the region like Iran,” Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Al Khalifa has said.

“These issues do not indicate that Qatar will remain a member of the GCC, but we are dealing with this topic realistically,” he said.

The minister said that Qatar had “burned all ships of return to the Council,” and that a new agreement and system are needed in order to solve the crisis. He also said that Doha should be scrutinized and put under a “microscope.”

Speaking ahead of the GCC summit set to be held in Riyadh, Al Khalifa said that the hostile policy pursued by Qatar against other GCC states is clear, notably Doha’s hostility toward Saudi Arabia.

He added that the most important topic to be discussed at the upcoming GCC summit is strategic military cooperation between GCC states and that decisions will be made regarding this.

Bahrain: Labour law misused to lay-off employees A prominent trade union in the Kingdom lashed out at companies for misusing an article in Bahrain’s Labour Law to sack employees in an “unfair” manner and deny them proper compensations.

Urging the government to take strict actions against such practices, Karim Radhi, the General Secretary of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU) claimed that there is a widespread increase in the number of such cases where the article 110 in the Labour Law No 36/2012 has been misused to lay off workers.

The article, Karim Radhi said, allows companies to downsize in times of financial difficulties but are currently being employed as an ‘excuse’ to fire employees.

“Many of the companies are making the plea that it is a matter of restructuring or full or partial closure making laid-off workers eligible for the least compensation which is 12 days per service year with a maximum of 6 months salaries,” GFBTU said in a statement.

Radhi claims companies are using layoffs as a pretext to hire cheaper labour or to replace Bahraini workers.

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Gulf Insider January 2019

147, Gudaibiya 147, GudaibiyaAvenue, Avenue, Manama, Manama,Kingdom KingdomofofBahrain Bahrain Tel+973 Tel+9731774 17742544 2544 sales@nationalgroupbahrain.com sales@nationalgroupbahrain.com www.nationalgroupbahrain.com www.nationalgroupbahrain.com

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People & Culture

INDIAN FEAST AT

Saffron

Gulf Insider tries out the Indian Feast at Saffron restaurant, Al Areen Palace and Spa.

W

ith its array of spices, condiments and experimental attitude, Indian cuisine gets creative and adventurous. Saffron restaurant at the Al Areen Palace and Spa brings a live imperial experience through their striking dishes from the Indian kitchens. ‘Saffron’ is a traditionally used ingredient in Indian dishes which provides a favorable aroma with an appealing

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Gulf Insider January 2019

colour. With recognition to its name, the restaurant also imparts similar experiences.

Located at the majestic Al Areen Palace and Spa, the interior of gold and maroon shades welcomes the visitors to an extraordinary platform of a wonderful dining. The restaurant also offers a spectacular view of the resorts grand outdoor pool with their own artistic designs.

Indian Feast We visited the restaurant to try out the Indian feast. Executive Chef.

Janardan Das welcomed and greeted us with some signature and colorful drinks. The feast provided us with an experience to explore the popular Indian dishes. The menu consists of some fine healthy salads, Chicken Biryani and Raita, Lamb Royash, Chicken Tikka, Fish Tikka, Dal Fry and Chicken Butter Masala. The dishes were served

People & Culture

along with hot butter naans and rotis, traditional Indian breads.

The different variety of freshly prepared kebabs was an exemplary choice to our taste buds. The tandoori chicken denoted its authentic Indian flavors and spices with each bite. The warm serving gesture and the beautiful presentation was another highlight of their dishes. The ‘Chicken Biryani’ needs a special detailing here as it is prepared in the traditional Indian clay pot which enriches the aroma and the

The interior of gold and maroon shades welcomes the visitors to an extraordinary platform of a wonderful dining. taste. Moreover, what seems more impressive is the good service we experienced during the lunch. We were ensured with a comfortable dining of some tasty Indian delicacies.

The sweet ending to such a perfect lunch was by relishing their ‘Saffron

Pistachio Cheesecake’. The well layered dessert was topped with some almond milk and decorated with saffron, pistachios and rose petals. The cheesy and fluffy cake is a perfect choice after a fabulous lunch at Saffron.

The feast is an ideal choice for business groups who wish to conduct any business meeting and as well as for family gatherings. The pleasing gesture of the staffs and their prompt service right on demand meets the visitor’s expectations. The best Indian

ingredients are blended perfectly by the master hands at Saffron. The royal look is well portrayed through the taste and its appearance.

The reservations can be done in advance for any meetings or lunches and the team will ensure to provide the best support and service to carry out the discussions.

Royal Drinks The signature drinks were the lemon and mint based drink which is a special introduction from “Live Your Life” @ Al Areen Spa and Wellness. It includes a special ingredient of ‘Butterfly pea flower’. The flower has been widely used for Ayurveda treatments and the usage of this ingredient is a clear symbol of the genuine care for the visitors at Saffron.

Gulf Insider January 2019

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People & Culture | Advertorial |

Bahrain National Day Celebrations

City Centre Bahrain celebrated the National Day with fun-filled entertainment activities.

C

ity Centre Bahrain, celebrated the occasion of Bahrain National Day on 16 and 17 December acknowledging the

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Gulf Insider January 2019

independence of their home.

The mall which provides various activities and entertainment facilities for both children and adults, serves approximately 340 different retail

outlets. It also offers its customers around 60 different dining outlets providing all sorts of cuisines in just one establishment.

This joyous occasion attracted several residents and tourists. The mall was adorned with beautiful animated lights and the Bahraini flags on every corner of the esteemed facility. City Centre Bahrain’s West Station, located on the Ground Floor near Gate One, was transformed into a dynamic family space where visitors could enjoy this blissful occasion with their loved ones.

“We are proud to celebrate the momentous occasion of Bahrain’s National Day together with our visitors.

City Centre Bahrain extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and to the Kingdom of Bahrain on this

| Advertorial | People & Culture

A traditional Emirati Band joined in the Kingdom’s celebrations with a thrilling Yoola dance performance at the West Station on December 16. Making this occasion more memorable and worth attending, City Centre Bahrain also had special promotions and exclusive offers across the mall’s outlets and entertainment centres for its shoppers on National Day holiday in celebration of this National occasion.

About City Centre Bahrain

joyous occasion. We have enjoyed celebrating our country’s special day with great moments and special promotions for the whole family to enjoy.” said Duaij Al Rumaihi, Senior Mall Manager, at City Centre Bahrain.

Visitors also had their hands painted with beautiful intricate henna designs at the Henna Station. Children let their inner artist bloom at the arts corner where they painted their own masterpieces on pottery money banks.

In addition, female visitors had fresh Mushroom and Jasmine flowers braided into their hair.

This joyous occasion attracted several residents and tourists. The mall was adorned with beautiful animated lights.

City Centre Bahrain is the largest shopping, leisure and entertainment destination in Bahrain, attracting more than 14 million visitors annually.

Spread across more than 158,000sqm of retail space, City Centre Bahrain offers an international mix of more than 340 exclusive brands including 60 dining outlets, with major stores such as the Kingdom’s largest Carrefour hypermarket, Saks Fifth Avenue, Debenhams, Centrepoint, Pottery Barn and Home Centre. The mall’s integrated family leisure offer includes Wahooo Waterpark, the Middle East’s first and largest indoor-outdoor waterpark, a 20-screen Cineco Cinema, and a Magic Planet. The mall is also adjoined by two premium hotels, the 5-star Westin Hotel City Centre Bahrain and Le Meridien Hotel City Centre Bahrain.

Gulf Insider January 2019

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News Roundup

UAE leaders click selfie with Bahrain King Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain in December. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed accompanied the King of Bahrain to the heart-shaped “Love Lake” near Marmoum rest house in Dubai.

New parliament elects first female speaker Fouzia Zainal received the votes of 25 of the 40 members of the Council of Representatives to become only the second woman in Arab world to hold the position of House speaker, following Dr Amal Al Qubaisi in the UAE’s Federal National Council.

She heads a Council of Representatives with more female members – six – than any time since Bahrain held its first parliamentary election in 2002.

The kingdom held simultaneous parliamentary and municipal elections on November 24, with a runoff vote on December 1 for 31 parliamentary seats and 23 municipal seats that were not decided in the first round.

Her counterpart in the Kuwaiti parliament, Marzouq Al Ghanim, congratulated Ms Zainal, saying that her victory represents the progressiveness of Bahraini women and their role in society.

Justice Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, head of the Supreme Elections Committee, said the elections were notable for the greater participation of women and youth and increased voter scrutiny of the candidates. There were 41 women among the 293 candidates for the 40-seat Council of Representatives, and about 200 standing for council seats.

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Gulf Insider January 2019

People & Culture

Commuting Made Easier Careem’s new budget package for Bahraini commuters.

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ith a mission to certify quality of transportation all across the world, Careem, the region’s leading technology enabling platform for the greater middle east has launched KM bundled packages in an attempt to make commuting more affordable.

These packages will not only help the commuters travel easily, but will also bring a prominent change to their monthly fare rate. The affordable monthly packages are available to buy in 50KM, 100KM and 150KM bundles and will allow the customer to save up to 15% every month.

Package Description Careem packages work just like a mobile monthly plan, where the desired bundle selected will give the customer a definite number of KMs they are to spend in the prior time of one month per bundle. KMs totally depend upon the sort of package you see fit best for yourself. The bigger the package selected, the more KMs or rides can be redeemed and the bigger the discount on overall rides. Customers will need

The launch of monthly packages by the ride-hailing company is also helpful with the increasing cost of car ownership and congestion in the city, with lack of parking space increasingly becoming a problem. By just one touch, have a captain at your doorstep in a short span of 15 minutes.

Purchase the Careem packages in the Careem app by clicking on the packages in the Home menu.

to pay upfront for the package and KMs they prefer, by either using their credit card or Careem credits. And now, with Careem’s official app, make travelling even easier. Careem has also provided its customers with a variety of additional benefits such as no peak charge, no airport surcharge and a one-time payment for future rides and discounts.

“A lot of the products and services we offer are based on intensive consumer feedback. We launched packages to help the everyday Careem user manage their monthly budget on rides and take advantage of our discounted rates,” said Khaled Nuseibeh, GM of GCC, Careem.

About Careem Careem is the leading technology platform in the greater Middle East.

A pioneer of the region’s ride-hailing economy, Careem is expanding services across its platform to include mass transportation, delivery and payments. Careem’s mission is to simplify and improve the lives of people and build a lasting institution that inspires. Established in July 2012, Careem operates in more than 120 cities across 15 countries and has created more than one million job opportunities in the region.

Gulf Insider January 2019

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People & Culture

Friday Family Brunch Make Fridays exciting with the ‘Friday Family Brunch’ at the Elite Resort and Spa

C

elebrate Fridays and make them the highlight of your week by enjoying a leisurely Family brunch in the most beautiful setting at the Elite Resort and Spa, Muharraq. With a relaxed atmosphere and a fiesta of a Buffet at the poolside, families and their friends can enjoy this glorious weather and a day full of fun, excitement and great food featuring something to satisfy all tastes.

The Elite Resort and Spa promises the most lavish international buffet on the island, a scrumptious desert buffet, wonderful service, and best of all the spectacular scenery of the sea to unwind and refresh your senses to welcome a new busy week ahead.

It is no ordinary Friday brunch as it is a great combination of fabulous food and a variety of entertainment for all; featuring fun activities for children to enjoy splashing in the temperature controlled pools,. An ice cream corner and the presence of their most

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Gulf Insider January 2019

favourite cartoon characters to keep them fully entertained.

Don’t miss the finest Friday family brunch at The Elite Resort and Spa Muharraq to discover a brunch that you have never experienced before, bring the whole family to indulge in a Friday fiesta like no other, it is how Fridays should be.

For more information and reservations call: +973 17 313333

News Roundup

Saudi: “No plan to change expat fee policy”

Bahrain: Revamp of old Manama market in full swing The revamping of iconic market in the heart of Manama is right on track in it first phase, said the Vice-Chairman for the Development of Old Manama Market National Committee, Mahmoud Al Namlit.

The renovation project is part of government efforts to preserve and highlight the Kingdom’s history and heritage. The first phase revamping includes the development of walkway, setting up new shops as well as a unique gold souq, according to Mr Namliti.

Manama Market is one of the most important markets in the Kingdom with a diverse and vibrant variety of shops offering a variety of goods including textiles, spices, perfumes, handicraft and other items.

The renovation plan also includes the restoration of the Bahrain Hotel, the first hotel in the region, and the transformation of the old heritage postal building into a museum.

Saudi Arabia will keep its policy of imposing fees on expat workers despite complaints from businesses but is open to reconsidering them if there’s an economic need, Economy and Planning Minister Mohammed Al Tuwaijri said.

The government charges fees for hiring expatriates and obtaining visas for their dependents, and they are due to rise next year as part of a policy to encourage the hiring of local citizens in preference to foreigners. The private sector has lobbied for the fee rises to be delayed.

Fuel prices are reviewed regularly, but there is no intention to increase other energy prices in 2019, Jadaan added. Under previously announced policy, domestic prices of fuels including gasoline, diesel and kerosene may be raised in 2019.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s economy minister said five sectors are prepared for privatisation in the first quarter of 2019. The comments by Mohammed al-Tuwaijri came a day after the government announced a $295bn budget, the kingdom’s biggest ever.

Abu Dhabi to cut financial support for emiratis who won’t work Financial support for unemployed Emiratis in Abu Dhabi will be axed unless they can prove they are not fit to work, a top government official has said.

Citizens will need to accept one of three offers of employment or see their benefits end under new plans to ensure everyone is contributing to society. The move is part of a government plan to ensure all citizens contribute to society, Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, chairman of Abu Dhabi’s new Department of Community Development said. He said the UAE wants to avoid a society dependent on social welfare.

Healthy Emiratis will be given three chances to accept a job arranged for them or will see their benefit payments discontinued. The drive is not targeted at stay-at-home mothers or people who are out of work for medical reasons.

While financial benefits for unemployed Emiratis varies, some earn between AED6,000-8,000 a month. The minimum wage for Emiratis set by the Abu Dhabi government stands at AED10,000.

Gulf Insider January 2019

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Gulf Insider January 2019

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News Roundup

Uae: Man fined dh300,000 for abusive video on instagram The Abu Dhabi Court of Appeals upheld the ruling issued by the lower court regarding a social media influencer who was fined Dh300,000 for insulting an Emirati actress on Instagram for hailing the Saudi government’s decision to allow women to drive cars.

The Emirati man had posted a video on Instagram insulting an Emirati social media personality who goes by the name “Kashoona”.

The court ordered the video clip to be deleted, the man’s social media account to be closed for two months and the confiscation of the mobile phone used to post the clip.

The defendant was also ordered to pay Dh21,000 in temporary civil compensation for damages, according to the publication.

The insulting video came in response to Kashoona’s attendance of an event celebrating the lifting of the female driving ban in Saudi Arabia over the summer. During her visit, she was claimed to have become the first Emirati woman to drive a car in the kingdom In response, the man posted a video on Instagram where he hurled abuse at the star, it was reported.

The UAE’s cyber and hate crime laws are among the strictest in the world and can see people fined heavily and jailed for comments deemed insulting that were made through social media and other digital channels.

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Gulf Insider January 2019

Red Sea mega tourism project to create 70,000 jobs Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Development Company has unveiled its tourism master plan, which seeks to create 70,000 jobs in the sector and contribute $5.86 billion to the kingdom’s GDP. It will not just contribute SR22 billion ($5.86 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, but play a major role in the kingdom’s economic-diversification drive – a chief objective of Vision 2030 – by attracting approximately one million tourists per year.

The Red Sea development project will turn jointly 22 islands into tourism resorts that will feature 3,000 hotel rooms, an airport, marinas, residential properties, recreational facilities etc. The project is scheduled to emerge by 2022 as part of Phase One of the mega blueprint.

Red Sea Development Company CEO John Pagano was speaking at the visual presentation ceremony held in the presence of King Salman bin Abdulaziz at Araqa Palace in Riyadh.

He underlined its economic and development goals and the project’s objective to become a global destination for luxury tourism.

News Roundup

Visa-Free travel between Bahrain and India?

Bahraini diplomatic and private passport holders can now enjoy visa-free travel to India.

Allowing the privilege is a new mutual exemption from entry visa for diplomatic and special/ official passport holders signed by Bahrain and the Republic of India.

The deal, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, reflects the mutual desire of Bahrain and India and their keenness on enhancing bilateral relations at all levels.

A similar arrangement has been made by the Kingdom with China, with the agreement effective on 25 October 2018. Bahrain News Agency, quoting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, the deal allows diplomatic and special passport holders a 90-day stay from the date of entry, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As of October 2014, 113 countries from around the globe are eligible to apply for eVisas for visiting Bahrain, which can be obtained by paying a total fee of BD29 or USD77, according to the eVisas website. Once approved, the document allows the holder to stay in the Kingdom for 1 month. An extension can be obtained for another 2 weeks by visiting NPRA in Bahrain. (Some nationalities can stay longer).

The Visit eVisa is able to be used for multiple entries. eVisa approval usually takes 3 to 5 working days. The Kingdom extends visas on-arrival facility to 66 countries.

GCC residents, according to officials website, enjoy the right to get eVisa for 1 month, if travelling through Bahrain International Airport, which, however, is not required to be stamped in passport prior to arrival in the Kingdom. A person of any nationality who has a Resident Permit for a GCC country in their passport is eligible for a GCC eVisa. An extension can be obtained for 2 weeks by visiting NPRA in Bahrain.

BD 800 reward for information on cat killer A student at the University of Bahrain (UoB) allegedly beheaded a kitten and kept its bloody remains on display at one of the campus aisles. The ‘display of cruelty’ went on for nearly two weeks with many posting pictures online.

Angered by the act, it was announced a BD800 reward for leads on the culprit.

An official spokesperson for Bahrain Adoption, an animal rights organisation, said a few days ago he was alerted over a UoB student torturing a cat by burning it with cigarettes.

“A few individuals contacted me on Instagram and informed me about this cruelty. They knew the person behind the act, but did not want to reveal as it would affect his future. “I reported the incident on all social media networks to obtain enough information to pursue legal action against the culprit.

“Initially, I announced BD50 reward for leads. But many angered animal lovers joined my call taking the reward to BD800. “The student is mentally ill.

He needs professional help, he can be a danger to society, fellow students and innocent animals.”

Supermarket Chain Manama Shuts Outlets After Owner ‘Flees’ UAE An Indian supermarket chain that runs more than 20 supermarkets and hypermarkets in the UAE shut down most of the branches after the owner allegedly fled the country.

The local sponsor, suppliers and employees of Ajman-headquartered Al Manama Group alleged that the managing director of the group had left the UAE two months ago without paying salaries and pending payments.

Addressing the media, a group of around three dozen suppliers claimed that the 40-year-old company, which never had any previous history of bounced cheques and delayed payment, sank in the past few months.

Stanley Rodrigues, general manager of Datar and Sons Limited, said many suppliers including him were told that they would be paid by the end of November. “But on November 25, we heard that something wrong was going on and when most of us went to their head office, we found it closed.”

Since then, nobody from the management has been answering calls, the suppliers claimed. Naveen S. Gopalan, sales manager of Seven Harvest Trading, said some suppliers whose cheques have bounced have filed complaints.

When contacted, however, the local sponsor said the group run by Abdul Khadar Sabeer, hailing from the South Indian state of Kerala, has gone bankrupt and Sabeer, the managing director, has fled the country. He claimed that he has settled the payments of around 600 employees though he was not obliged to do so.

Gulf Insider January 2019

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Experts Reveal Life Secrets

Part 10 NEW!

Part 10

How to Win in Business and Life Every pages thatthat reveal brilliant secrets Every month month Gulf Gulf Insider Insider publish publish 4information reveal brilliant secrets for winning in business and life.

The techniques are provided by top for winning in business and life. The techniques are provided by top international international experts experts and and we we will will often often summarize summarize an an entire entire book book into into aa single single page page so so you you can can learn learn the the essence essence of of their their wisdom wisdom in in minutes minutes instead of hours. instead of hours.

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Take Take the the time time to to learn learn what what we we reveal reveal each each month month and and you you will will be be rewarded a thousand times over! rewarded a thousand times over!

15 things you need to stop doing if you want to be successful

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oo often we act as if time is infinitely available. There’s always another day, right? But that’s a huge mistake. Whether you’re working or having fun, being mindful about how you spend your time is one of the best things you can do for your

life. Here are 15 time-wasters to stop cutting out today.

1. Running from problems - Sooner or later, you will run out of places to run to. Confront your problems and get it over with. We all have struggles

and failures, but if you can focus your energy on a solution — even a small one — you’ve started the process of finding your way out.

2. Lying to yourself - The truth really does set you free. The beliefs and thoughts that limit your options are keeping you from realizing your visions.

3. Fear - It is human nature to feel fear, and most of us tend to fear what we don’t understand. If you can understand your fears, you can free yourself.

4. Negativity - Focus on yourself

with optimism and positivity instead of dwelling on the things that are holding you back. There’s no bigger impediment to any achievement than not trying at all, or trying and giving up.

5. Winging it - Success favors those who work hard, put in plenty of time, and do whatever it takes to make it work. When you do your part, success has a way of showing up.

6. Distraction - Stop wasting your time chasing shiny objects and focus on what you really need in your life.

7. Selfishness - A truly successful life

is made of giving, sharing, and praise, not taking, demanding, and criticizing.

Human understanding and kindness are at the core of the happiest people.

8. Overthinking - Stop overthinking everything because that just makes things worse. Think good thoughts and good things will happen.

9. Hoarding - Any form of hoarding is unhealthy and wastes your time, whether it’s possessions, information, wisdom, or emotion.

10. Denial - Look at your life and ask

yourself whether what you are doing is truly representing what’s within you; if not, stop denying what you really want and need.

11. Criticism - It’s easy to criticize, but

it’s rarely helpful. Praise is far more powerful and rewarding for everyone all around.

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Gulf Insider January 2019

Experts Reveal Life Secrets

12. Comparison - Remember,

everyone has a unique situation and is fighting their own battles. Stop comparing yourself to others, it’s never productive.

13. Procrastination - There’s no bigger waste of time than putting things off — it adds stress and takes away options for solving problems.

14. Complaining - Taking responsibility today is the first step in accomplishing something great tomorrow.

15. Perfection - Remember, those who seldom make mistakes seldom make discoveries. Instead of searching for perfection, take this moment and make it perfect.

And, above all, stop squandering your gifts. This life is about making yourself useful and necessary, so find your purpose and run with it. Who knows what you’ll find time for when you let go of all the time-wasting negatives in your life?

5 bedtime routines to make your mornings easier

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ith all the hype on what successful people do in the first few hours of their days, it’s no wonder that we’re associating mornings more and more with productivity. (Hint: A simple search of “morning productivity” on Google will swamp you with more than enough results.)

After all, if there are people out there being extremely efficient before breakfast, squeezing in 11 to-dos before going to work, and, dare I say, getting 90% of their tasks done before noon, surely we can be just as productive, right?

Yes! Especially if we give ourselves a head start by doing a few things for tomorrow before we go to bed tonight.

The best part? All of these things can be completed within five minutes. Well, apart from the last one, but you’ll see why when you get there.

1. Plan Your Three MITs - Setting your MITs (or Most Important Tasks) before getting shut-eye probably isn’t the most relaxing activity. But you’ll thank yourself tomorrow morning when, after waking up with a foggy mind, you see the three major tasks of the day clearly laid out before you.

Leo Babauta, creator of zen habits, describes his MITs as “the three things I must accomplish today.” These are, by no means, the only things Babauta does that day, but they’re the items he wants to “be sure of doing.” If you, too, want to wake up knowing your priorities, write down your nonnegotiable to-dos before hitting the hay.

2. Collect Your Mind’s Residue - Ever feel like there are too many random thoughts and unresolved issues flowing through your brain? If this sounds familiar and you’re constantly trying to clear your mind before sleeping, consider collecting the day’s residue in a journal. Besides there being proven evidence that writing has therapeutic benefits for your body, the process of documenting your thoughts can free up your mind to think about other, lessstressful things.

3. Pick Out Your Clothes - The more you get done before sleeping, the less you have to do in the morning, right?

You can select your outfit and save

the time you would’ve spent fumbling around the closet.

4. Declutter Your Handbag or Briefcase - Every quarter, I start off

carrying a light bag. By the end of the quarter, however, my bag is almost always overflowing with coins, random flyers, and receipts from no-idea-where, and I end up wasting time digging for the important items. Do yourself a favor and remove unwanted items from your handbag or briefcase. That way, you don’t have to start your day searching beneath random things and layers of germs for your valuable belongings.

5. Relax With Your Favorite Activity

- Finally, to jump start tomorrow, you should get plenty of rest tonight — even before you actually go to sleep.

And there’s no better way to relax than by spending time on your favorite activity. Whether that’s reading a book, watching an episode of “Game of Thrones,” or talking to a loved one on the phone, make an effort to lock in time, even just 30 minutes a day, for what you love. By removing yourself from the hustle and bustle of the day and giving your mind the rest it deserves, you’re much more likely to get a better night’s sleep, too.

Even if your evening routine currently includes nothing — well, nothing productive — it’s not too late to introduce these habits into your life.

At the end of the day, an intentional evening ritual will help you take better control of your time and help you move closer to your long-term lifestyle goals.

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News Roundup

Oman considers extending expat visa ban for another 6 months Oman’s Ministry of Manpower is considering extending the expatriate visa ban that was implemented early this year, the national daily Times of Oman reported.

The six-month ban will expire at the end of January 2019, but may be extended for another half year, Salim bin Nasser Al Hadhrami, Director General of Planning and Development at the Manpower Ministry told Times of Oman.

Some of the professions fall in sectors such as information systems, accounting and finance, sales and marketing, administration, human resources and insurance. The decision will depend on the success of providing job opportunities to locals in the 87 professions.

“The decision to regulate the labour market, provide job opportunities for job seekers in these disciplines, reduce the recruitment of labour force in the country, and the ban for a period of six months can be renewed based on the results of the study and the success in providing job opportunities in these disciplines,” Salim bin Nasser Al Hadhrami, Director General of Planning and Development at the Manpower Ministry told the daily.

Earlier, the Ministry of Manpower announced that companies will have to secure the ministry’s go ahead before they can hire expats.

A new traffic light-themed online system is currently being rolled out in Oman, in which companies’ Omanization quotas are being monitored.

Under this new system, companies that meet Omanization standards set by the government will receive a green signal online, allowing them to proceed with hiring expat employees.

These steps taken by the government are part of the Omanization drive to recruit more of its citizens in private companies, a similar push is underway across the GCC where countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have also been trying to increase the number of nationals in private sector employment.

Revealed: Most trending google searches in Saudi, the uae Google has revealed the most popular search queries in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt during 2018. The search engine giant has produced top 10 lists for both countries, showing the most trending queries.

In the UAE, the Passport Index was a popular search as the country rose up the global rankings to become the most powerful passport.

The Federal Tax Authority also figured prominently in the year that the UAE introduced VAT and, later, implemented a scheme to allow tourists to claim back VAT on purchases.

In Saudi Arabia, e-commerce giant noon made the top 10 as did Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi journalist who was killed in Turkey.

Google said the lists had a few things in common, especially between Egypt and Saudi Arabia where the more traditional songs dominated the top songs list.

Football was also a common theme between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who both competed in this year’s World Cup. Saudi Arabia 1. The national address 2. Jadara 3. Hulool 4. Jamal Kashoggi 5. Noon 6. Noor system 7. Iqama expiry 8. Weather in Jeddah 9. Rayat 10. Kalam Asfar TV series

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UAE 1. World Cup 2. Indian Premier League 2018 3. Sridevi Kapoor 4. Priyanka Chopra 5. Passport Index 6. Fortnite 7. Bitcoin Price 8. Federal Tax Authority 9. Indian currency rate 10. Dubai Frame

News Roundup

Saudi: Shop faces legal action for false promotions on social media The Ministry of Commerce and Investment has taken legal action against a jewellery shop in Riyadh after it announced misleading discount offers through the social networking sites.

On its Twitter and Instagram, the shop claimed that its prices were the cheapest in the Kingdom. Considering the unreasonable offers to be a delusion and an attempt to deceive the consumers, inspection teams from the ministry started monitoring the shop.

Upon raiding the shop, the inspectors found 3,144 pieces of jewellery that did not bear the trademarks of the importer or the factory where they were made. The shop even could not produce documents to prove the source of origin. The inspectors seized a number of such pieces and sent them for analysis by the concerned laboratory.

The ministry summoned the owner of the shop for further investigations, after which the case will be referred to the Public Prosecution.

Saudi Arabia plans to introduce road tolls by 2020 Saudi Arabia’s minister of transport has confirmed the kingdom is studying plans to implement road tolls across the kingdom, according to reports.

Nabil Al-Amoudi told Arabic publication Makkah that six roads had been identified to start charging fees from 2020.

He said the proposed road toll fee will be submitted to the high commissioner for approval after the study is completed).

He said the new King Hamad Causeway (running parallel to King Fahd Causeway), which was put out for tender recently, is being considered under a publicprivate investment model, with foreign investment also a possibility. A full feasibility report is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

Man arrested for using drone to smuggle drugs into Kuwait A man was arrested by the Kuwaiti authorities who used a drone to smuggle in drugs from a neighbouring country, the anti-narcotics department said.

It said the department had seized four kilogrammes of amphetamine and one kilogramme of hashish. Kuwait’s interior ministry posted a picture of the drone and the drugs on its Twitter handle.

The authorities have regularly reported drug seizures at the airport and border crossings, but this was the first time they say a drone was used. Drones are sold in Kuwait but authorisation is required from the interior ministry for their use.

Under Kuwaiti law, operating a drone without permission can result in a three-year jail sentence or a 3,000-dinar ($10,000) fine.

Gulf Insider January 2019

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Society

Swiss-Belhotel International and HRR Properties Co. Wll signing ceremony

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Gulf Insider January 2019

Embassy of Japan - 85th Birthday of His Majesty Emperor Akihito

CAR News

& reviews

BMW 3 Series International Launch

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS

The All-New Lexus UX

Audi’s 2019 models

Society

YK Automall Inaguraution at Janabiya

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Launch of Lamborghini Urus at The Ritz-Carlton private island

Car Bahrain

Audi Bahrain

reveals new 2019 models

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udi Centre Bahrain thrilled its 300 guests that attended the “Bahrain has gone Audi� event, where they experienced the past, present and the future of the brand.

The event started with a presentation of Audi history followed by the launch of the all-new Audi A6, A7 and the Q8 and finally the electric future of Audi with a sneak peek of the all new Formula E e-tron FE05, that raced in the inaugural Formula E event in Riyadh in December.

Gulf Insider January 2019

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Car Bahrain

All New BMW 3 Series International Launch

Gulf Insider goes to Portugal to test drive the latest BMW 3 Series.

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he first generation BMW 3 series was launched in 1975 and in mid-November last year I was invited over to Portugal for the international media launch for the new 3 Series… the seventh generation! The world premiere was in October 2018 at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris with the market launch planned for March 2019.

Upon arrival at Faro airport I was greeted by two smiling attractive ladies holding a bold BMW sign. I was then

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chauffeured in a 5 series from Faro to the hotel where I would be staying for the next couple of nights – Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa. The event took place a short drive from Faro airport – the southern coast of Portugal. The hotel and scenery was stunning and the hotel seemed almost colonised by BMW! Brand flags and signs in every direction.

They had flown in some of their top engineers, designers and project managers for this event and for many of them this car has taken up a big part of

their life for the last several years.

The new 3 series scores well in the looks and aesthetics department. Clear lines and taut surfaces showcase the car’s modern aesthetic, sportiness and emotion-packed presence. The exterior is striking. Highlights include slim L-shaped three-dimensional rear lights, new interpretation of the LED twin headlights, T-shaped air intakes and also the ‘Welcome Light Carpet’ – the cool feature you notice at night when you open the car door.

Car Bahrain

It didn’t take long to feel that the BMW engineers had put great effort on the driving dynamics.

A short presentation and a cup of coffee later I was handed a set of keys (330i) and it was go. It didn’t take long to feel that the BMW engineers had put great effort on the driving dynamics. They’re noticeably sharper in comparison to the 6th generation due to extensively upgraded chassis technology and new damper technology,

stiffer body structure, minimised weight and 50:50 weight distribution. After 10 minutes of narrow roads making my way out of the local town to the highway, I slipped into ‘Sport plus’ mode. Seriously - woah. It was like a whole different car. The feel, the sound, the handling and most importantly the acceleration took me totally by surprise… ‘Sport plus’ mode turned the car into a rocket.

Meanwhile in the interior and comfort department there is no compromise.

Newly designed seats for the driver and front passenger that offer more shoulder and elbow room with optimised seating comfort in the rear.

Thoroughly revised control and display system - standard specification includes instrument cluster with screen size increased from 2.7 to 5.7 inches and Control Display with screen diagonal up from 6.5 to 8.8 inches.

A couple of cool features on the car that came in handy was the new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and Parking Assistant. The intelligent PA is digital personality integrated into the car will do just about anything you ask it to do relating to the vehicle including ‘BMW make me warmer’ or ‘BMW how is the traffic looking ahead’. An excellent feature that doesn’t require you moving your hands off the wheel.

The parking assistant makes parking and manoeuvring easier – this is a tool that will sure come in handy in Bahrain.

It takes over steering, acceleration, Gulf Insider January 2019

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Car Bahrain

BMW 330i Specifications: • Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission • Capacity: 1,998 cc, output: 190 kW/258 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm • Max. torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1,550 – 4,400 rpm • Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 5.8 seconds • Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) • Fuel consumption combined: 6.1 – 5.8 l/100 km (46.3 – 48.7 mpg imp) • CO2 emissions combined: 139 – 132 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6dTEMP

braking and gear changes with the Steptronic transmission when driving into and out of a space. Its range of functions also includes the Reversing Assistant, which can reverse the vehicle for distances of up to 50 metres by steering it along exactly the same line it has just taken when moving forward.

With the great adventure we had and with far too many features to include in this article, I would strongly 52

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encourage you to book a test drive with BMW EuroMotors once the demo car is available in Bahrain so you can experience it for yourselves.

Starting prices expected to be from BD17,995

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

Car Bahrain

Their Royal Highnesses at the Ad Diriyah Formula E racetrack

WHY FORMULA E AND SAUDI ARABIA ARE BECOMING FAST FRIENDS

HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, Vice-Chair of the Saudi Arabia General Sports Authority, speaks about the biggest festival of Formula E racing action, culture, international music acts and entertainment Saudi Arabia has ever seen.

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hy Formula E, and why now for Saudi Arabia?

Our ambitious new future is one built on social, economic and technological development and Formula E comes to Saudi at a pivotal time as progress plans are being implemented.

The transformation includes a sustainable sports industry, one economic pillar which holds the keys to unlocking the country’s vast potential.

The Kingdom is innovating too, opening up new sectors for development from tourism to technology while sport and

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entertainment lie at the heart of the transformation. So, it’s very fitting as Formula E spans all these. That’s why we have a long-term partnership.

How important an event is this for the Kingdom?

This will be a festival that will unite and excite, both through the sporting action and the incredible line-up of culture and arts, entertainment and some of the world’s biggest names in music, David Guetta, OneRepublic, The Black Eyed Peas, Enrique Iglesias, Amr Diab and Jason Derulo. We want to

bring fans and families from around the world together here in Ad Diriyah.

This will be the first time Saudi Arabia has invited international fans to travel to the Kingdom, tell us more about that?

The Ad Diriyah E Prix will see fans from around the globe able to come to Saudi Arabia without restriction to watch this epic sporting and entertainment spectacle, with action on the track and global superstars performing on stage, through our new event visa platform called Sharek, with that your ticket is your visa.

Car Bahrain

To date, hundreds of international tourists have purchased their ticket at http://fiaformulae.com/Ad-Diriyah and secured their visa. We have travellers coming from 70 countries worldwide.

That global mix of race fans and adventurous tourists hail from Europe, Central and South America, Africa, the Caribbean and Asia, including China, Japan and Singapore.

So far, the USA holds the top spot for the largest number of visa holders, followed by the United Kingdom, Russia and Germany.

Will this put Saudi Arabia on the global sporting map?

We recognize the power of sport more than ever and the potential for the nation to play an even bigger part on the world stage.

Formula E joins sporting powerhouses such as WWE, ATP Tennis and European Tour Golf who have forged long-term partnerships with the KSA as we seek to achieve our goals under Vision 2030.

This is the first time Formula E has been staged in the Middle East, but that’s not the only debut happening is it?

Formula E is a race of firsts, both for us and for the motorsport. It will be the first time the championship has been staged in the Middle East, the first time the teams compete in the Gen 2 car, the first-time women drive competitively in the Kingdom and the first-time fans from around the world can visit Saudi. With all these firsts come opportunities, a new car, new experiences and new ways for Saudi and motorsport to work together.

Is there a passion for racing in Saudi Arabia?

The passion for motorsport in the Kingdom runs deep, we love cars and now happily we can all love driving. I speak as one who was so swept up by that love, I became a professional racing driver and pursued my dreams on the track. That strong connection to the sport lives in the hearts of many fans in Saudi Arabia, young and old, male and female.

HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal Al Saud, President of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation talk about their passion and the importance of the 2018 ‘Saudia’ Ad Diriyah E-Prix.

What do you think the impact of the ‘Saudia’ Ad Diriyah E-Prix will be on Saudi Arabia?

Our staging of Formula E this year is the start of a legacy that over the next 10 years can inspire so much, from the sheer thrill of sport and the togetherness of sharing such moments as families, as fans and as a community, to the opportunity to reach beyond the track.

Over the course of the 10-year partnership with Formula E, Saudi Arabia is signaling its commitment to the future of sustainable technology.

Education and opportunity will grow from the seeds planted here in Ad Diriyah. This will change lives and will change perceptions, both for the sport and of Saudi Arabia.

Formula E is all about electric cars, but Saudi Arabia doesn’t have this yet in the Kingdom, so why the partnership?

In January, our Saudi Electric Company signed a deal with Nissan, the Tokyo Electricity Holding Company, and Takawaka Toco, to develop charging stations for Saudi Arabia. Our authorities are well-advanced too with regulation for licensing electric vehicles to drive on our roads.

And very recently, our Public Investment Fund (PIF) invested with Lucid, a US-based electric car maker, as well as owning a stake in Tesla.

So, we are putting our money where our mouths are. You will see electric vehicles in Saudi Arabia in the very near future.

Alongside our investment in cleaner driving, we are invested also in safer driving for all in Saudi Arabia.

A future-facing motorsport set in a truly historic setting, tell us more about the venue, Ad Diriyah and the technical aspects of hosting this race?

The seeds planted in Ad Diriyah are already growing, the track is taking shape, all with the approval of UNESCO, it is progress and preservation in one.

For us, this stunning location is a jewel and our country’s roots run deep here, and we are excited to share this treasure with the world.

This is year one but we will set the bar high, we want all who come to be amazed by what they see. We are determined that fans and families will be amazed, they will be entertained, and they will be happy they were part of the first step in our journey with Formula E.

What does this mean to you, as the head of the Saudi Arabian Motorsport Federation?

This event marks an evolution in racing in the Kingdom. The passion is deep, from karting to rallying, it has grown. This year saw fans watch the epic Race of Champions, staged in Saudi Arabia for the first time at the King Fahd International Stadium here in Riyadh in February – that was the first time in the event’s 30-year history that it had taken place in the Middle East.

The Ad Diriyah E Prix is another milestone in our burgeoning motorsports industry in the Kingdom.

And as the drivers accelerate up the longest stretch of any track in Formula E so will our dreams for motorsport accelerate.

We truly are racing into the future with Vision 2030.

Gulf Insider January 2019

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Car Bahrain

2019 MercedesBenz CLS The All-New Lexus UX

The new generation Mercedes-Benz cls will help you make an entrance wherever you go.

The Compact Crossover for a Refined Luxury Drive

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brahim K. Kanoo, the sole distributor of Lexus vehicles in the Kingdom of Bahrain, launched the all-new Lexus UX, an innovative addition to the Luxury Compact Crossover segment. The all-new model combines the latest luxury offerings and safety means in a package which includes new charismatic design elements and ultraefficient powertrains.

While the UX name is derived from the guiding concept of the vehicle’s design team and describes the vehicle’s mission as Urban + X-over (crossover), the model delivers a quick and engaging driving experience with a Lexus-smooth demeanour, making it a unique entry in the crossover segment.

The lightweight yet super-rigid structure has a refined suspension tuning and provides the UX with exemplary handling and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality.

Powered by a new high-efficiency 2.0 litre, four-cylinder engine, which is coupled with a new 10-speed Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT), it offers a host of exciting features including a Direct Select Controller. The exquisite interior provides a range of advanced features that offer a refined cabin experience.

It includes 10.25-inch multimedia display, 10.2 inch coloured and adjustable head-up display, 7-inch multi-information display, wireless charging system, analogue clock with GPS correction function.

The car features a comprehensive array of safety features which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with pedestrian detection during daylight and certain low-light conditions, as well as daytime cyclist detection, all-speed range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and adaptive high beam system (AHS). The model is available in 13 distinctive exterior colours.

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aunched at the Bahraini-German Business Network Reception at The Ritz Carlton, the new generation sets the bar higher by matching the model’s distinctive shape and captivating appeal with new enhanced comfort and technology features.

The third generation seamlessly connects every unique element of the CLS and elevates it by setting new standards in design, safety and technology.

The striking exterior features are characterized by the high, arching waistline and sporty frameless side windows. The sharpened front end appears longer thanks to the fully inset bonnet. The edges and lines are greatly reduced, and the surfaces are generously arched.

The completely redesigned interior offers an oasis of tranquillity with intuitive and user-friendly technology, safety and comfort features that are designed to keep you engaged, connected and in charge.

The cabin blends exclusive materials and finishes with exceptional ambient lighting that can be individually set in 64 colours. For the first time, this extends to the turbine-style air vents, where they visualize whether the temperature is being set to a warmer or colder level.

Powered by completely new engines, with in-line four and six –cylinder petrol units, it also characterises the extensive range of 4MACTIC models. The optional Energizing Comfort Control feature offers up to six programs that intelligently consists of rejuvenating programs of sound, lighting, seating and climate comfort.

Car Bahrain

Lamborghini Urus

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he Lamborghini Urus is the company’s first Sport Utility Vehicle, and creates a new niche in the luxury segment.

It features a 4.0 liter V8 twinturbo engine delivering 650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm, maximum 6,800 rpm, and 850 Nm of maximum torque already at 2,250 rpm. With 162.7 hp/l the Urus claims one of the highest specific power outputs in its class and the best weight-to-power ratio at 3,38 kg/hp.

The Urus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12,8 seconds and with a top speed of 305 km/h it is the fastest SUV available.

The Lamborghini Urus is as much a luxury SUV as the most powerful, with a super sports car dynamism to be enjoyed by both driver and passengers.

Its low-line coupé styling and commanding road position belie the very comfortable ride, higher ground clearance, and luxurious space within together with the latest technologies.

The Urus provides easy driving in the city, maximum comfort during long journeys, thrilling super sports car

dynamics on the road and track, and versatile off-road abilities in a range of environments.

The Lamborghini Urus has a dual personality: it is multi-dimensional. It can be specified to be as sporty or as elegant as the owner wishes, and can

equally be used as a daily luxury drive or provide an exhilarating super sports experience.

Prices in Bahrain start from BD105, 000.

Photos from Uru’s Bahrain launch in December Gulf Insider January 2019

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Car Bahrain

Nissan 350Z Gulf Insider shares the thoughts on a 14 year old sports classic!

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his car was previously owned as a company car and used by my company’s co-founder, though it had not driven much for the past few years.

Despite this, about three grand was spent on it about a year ago, giving it new suspension and all sorts of other jobs that needed doing on it.

Anyway, as it was now surplus to requirements I decided it was time to put this 2004 350Z up for sale. But just before I did I thought it would be fun to drive the 350Z for a few days. I am very glad that I did!

When I collected the car it was covered in dust, untouched for months.

Despite this, the engine roared into life the moment I switched on the ignition.

In my line of work I drive all sorts of new cars, from the basic to the super exotic. Despite this, I can say that I am impressed with this Nissan 350Z. It’s deigned to be a fun car to drive with a powerful V6 3.5L engine that knocks out 278 bhp. Credit to the engineers at Nissan for creating a car that drives so well after 12 years. This is a well-built car indeed. Everything works perfectly and it drives like a new car.

Nissan’s Z range have an impressive pedigree, starting with the iconic 240Z which was introduced in the mid-1970s to great international acclaim and which revolutionized the affordable sports car market. The 240Z remains an iconic

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Credit to the engineers at Nissan for creating a car that drives so well after 14 years. car to this day and I see a couple of these classic still being driven around Bahrain. The latest Z is the 370 which has superseded this 350. It has changed little in general appearance, but has an extra 200cc engine, more horse-power, and a more ‘luxurious’ interior – though I actually like the fairly basic and ‘classic’ interior of the 350Z. This two-seat

sports car marked the fifth generation of Nissan’s Z-car line.

I hired Croftgate to valet clean the car to make it look like ‘brand new’. It was convenient since they come to you. Two guys from Croftgate spent a couple of hours working hard on both the inside and outside of the car to make it glow.

So my final thoughts; I’m very happy that I didn’t sell this car as planned, and think I will keep it for a while – at least for as long as I find it a delight to drive.

Croftgate USA Bahrain provides waterless wash and wax services for cars, boats and bikes every alternate day, at your doorstep with monthly packages starting from BD10.

Why Packages?

We’ve made daily transportation a lot easier. Just buy Careem kilometers in advance in the app and use them as payment whenever, wherever.

Benefits: • No Peak/No Airport Surcharge • Great savings with each package