Gulf Insider - October 2018

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Bahrain BD2 KSA SR20 Kuwait KD1.75 Oman RO2 Qatar QR20 UAE DHS20

164

Issue

knowledge is power

Leaders in the Downstream Industry Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) Follow us on

GulfInsider

www.Gulf-Insider.com

hublot.com

Classic Fusion Titanium Blue.

Titanium case. Self-winding movement. Blue sunray dial. Blue alligator strap stitched to rubber.

Gulf Financial Insider

Contents October 2018 Issue 164

22 50 Facebook Followers

346,131 Simply unparalleled online presence that connects region’s most inspired communities.

Money & Business

14 24 26 28 30

The Leaders in the Downstream Industry- Bapco Jeremy Canivet, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain VAT in Bahrain Touring Bahrain - Prima Emirates and Etihad

People & Culture

34 36 38 42

Expat Quality of Life in GCC Bahrain outperforms other GCC states A Noble Cause - Careem The Perfect Family Holiday Destination

Car News & Reviews

50 52 54

Hybrid Dominance 2 Days in Dubai

‌and much, much more!

Bentley Bentayga V8 - The Ultimate SUV?

The new Continental GT. Be Extraordinary.

Designed to take your breath away. Discover more at Bentley Bahrain Book your test drive now

Bentley Bahrain

Comment...

A picture is worth a thousand words.

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

Knowledge is power

Publisher & Editor in Chief

- Nicholas C. Cooksey

Editorial Contributors

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

Business Development

- Charlie Cooksey

Layout Designs

- Dhanraj S

Admin & Finance

- Nikesh Pola

Photography

- Aneesh Mathew - Rafnaj K P

Distribution Executive

- Mohammed Yousif

For Advertising Opportunities Call Charlie Cooksey

Dhanyasree M

M. +973 3652 0004

M. +973 3612 8111

charlie@gulf-insider.com

sales1@gulf-insider.com

Published by:

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

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

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Bahrain BD2

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Bahrain BD2

KSA SR20

KSA SR20

Kuwait KD1.75 Oman RO2 Qatar QR20 UAE DHS20

Issue

Kuwait KD1.75 Oman RO2 Qatar QR20 UAE DHS20

163

knowledge is power

Issue

164

knowledge is power

Expats Leaving Bahrain Banks & Economy

Leaders in the downstream industry

Includes

Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco)

'Here comes winter' - Photo by Bill Greive

Follow us on

GulfInsider

www.Gulf-Insider.com

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Bahrain BD2

Follow us on

GulfInsider

www.Gulf-Insider.com

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Bahrain BD2

KSA SR20

KSA SR20 Kuwait KD1.75 Oman RO2 Qatar QR20 UAE DHS20

+ Inside

+ Inside

400 Reactions, Comments & Shares

Send us your own photo – it could be featured next!

161

knowledge is power

Issue

162

Issue

12,806 People Reached

Kuwait KD1.75 Oman RO2 Qatar QR20 UAE DHS20

knowledge is power

BisB

Outstanding Schools in Bahrain Al Areen Palace and Spa Ferrari Portofino

General Manager

Euro Motors

General Manager

Royal Golf Club General Manager

Ramadan Car Deals

Quality education assured!

Bahrain’s Best institutions for the right courses Follow us on

GulfInsider

www.Gulf-Insider.com

Waqfe: Helping banks go digital WitH certainty Follow us on

www.Gulf-Insider.com

GulfInsider

www.Gulf-Insider.com

Inbox

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

Highlighted Posts:

109,877hed

81,679

38,892

5,030

d people reache

people reac

video views

reactions, shares comments &

3,034

reactions, shares comments &

Facebook Fans

346,131 44,139

d people reache

2,450

reactions, shares comments &

8

Gulf Insider October 2018

Follow us on /GulfInsider

@GulfInsider

@GulfInsider

Events

Day & Night International Brands & Franchise Expo

Bahrain Hospitality & Restaurant Expo

GDA Downstream International Conference & Exhibition

When: 7th to 9th October 2018 Where: Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre

When: 15th to 17th October 2018 Where: Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre

When: 23rd October 2018 Where: Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre

The expo will have on board the biggest and largest brand marketers in the Middle East showcasing brands from all major sectors seeking B2B and B2G opportunities. This promising event is going to be the most business focus oriented expo on networking, lead generation, investments, franchising, latest technology, innovation, workshops, and Start-ups.

The Expo will provide participants a unique opportunity to meet and greet, network, and showcase their products and services to key decision makers in the restaurant and hospitality industry from Bahrain, the Gulf region and across the globe. It’s the largest gathering of industry thought leaders, restaurant owners, hospitality specialists and industry suppliers in the Kingdom.

The GDA Conference is the leading Middle East strategic platform for Downstream professionals to address business challenges, share best practices & unlock potential opportunities through collaboration and partnerships

For more information: ibfex.com

Kingdom SME Summit When: 24th October 2018 Where: The Gulf Hotel Bahrain The summit celebrates the hopes and ambitions of each entrepreneur who strives in the challenging environment to win the race. It cherishes every innovative mind that seeks to bring change, every leader who aims to rise, and every investor willing to take risks to create value.

For more information: eventbrite.com 10

Gulf Insider October 2018

For more information: info@btea.bh Tel. +973 1755 8800

For more information: Tel. +971 4427 0739 alexis@mee-events.com

The All-new Volvo XC40 Everything You need. Nothing you Don’t.

BD

199

*

No Down Payment Buy back Guaranteed

Introducing the new Volvo XC40, winner of the 2018 European Car of the Year award.

In an age where choices are limitless, possibilities endless, maybe what we really need is less. From convenience to performance, from smart storage to smart technology, the new Volvo XC40 was designed for simplicity. So you can live more.

Made by Sweden Visit www.volvocars.com/bh to book a test drive today.

*Terms and Conditions Apply.

motorcity.com.bh

MotorcityBahrain

MotorcityBh

Sitra

17 736 222

Downstream

Towards a Leading Downstream Innovative Developments in the Sector

M

ajor steps are being taken by the downstream industries in order for the development of the sector. The volatile oil prices, alternative and sustainable energy contribution to the power and major launches or projects will have a major impact on the downstream segment.

As Bahrain is on the line to diversify its economy, the downstream industries present clear opportunities. The availability of the source materials and locating related industries nearby increases efficiency and cost reduction.

The growing refining capacity provides the opportunity to expand exports and direct additional refined oil towards the local downstream industries like lubricants and petrochemicals.

Fluctuating oil prices The fluctuating oil prices had a drastic impact on the global energy industry as well as in Bahrain. Companies relied on oil either for revenue or for energy had to adjust to this situation. The oil price volatility has however had two main consequences. It has helped in developing both efficiency and a sustainable energy mix. Firstly, there has been a push for the implementation of new technologies and a better usage of crude to reduce the energy consumptions and emissions produced during the recovery and refining process. Secondly, the sector got diversified by the new sources of energy production.

Alternative Energy source Even though there has been a considerable shift towards renewable

12

Gulf Insider October 2018

energy for the next two decades, oil and gas are set to remain a significant energy source through 2040, making up at least 50% of the global energy mix. The different forms of energy will compete on affordability, sustainability and security of supply.

The latest in line with regard to alternative energy is the solar power projects was the 100-MW high-tech solar power plant which was announced in September, 2017. Bahrain’s first solar power plant was completed in 2014 by the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) and US- based Petra Solar. The 5-MW facility utilises Petra Solar’s smart-grid technology to provide energy and delivers in excess of 8000 MWH of energy a year with an energy offset of around 67bn Cu feet of natural gas as well as cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 6900 tonnes a year.

To find out more, visit our website: www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com MULTIBEAM LED headlights enablea clear vision ahead. The new C-Class. and Energizing Comfort, define the next level of driving - while updated A new sporty design and advanced driving features, like Intelligent Drive

Never stop improving.

Never stop improving.

A new sporty design and advanced driving features, like Intelligent Drive and Energizing Comfort, define the next level of driving - while updated MULTIBEAM LED headlights enablea clear vision ahead. The new C-Class.

To find out more, visit our website: www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com

Downstream

The Leaders in the Downstream Industry The Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), wholly owned by the Government of Bahrain plays a major role in the economy of Bahrain and has never stood still since its inception.

T

he first to discover oil in the Arabian Peninsula in 1932, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) started exporting in 1934, and refining in 1936.

Bapco is engaged in the oil industry, including refining, distribution of petroleum products and natural gas, sales and exports of crude oil and refined products.

Bapco has helped shape the modern Kingdom of Bahrain, not simply

14

Gulf Insider October 2018

through the generation of wealth, but through the development of Bahrain’s manpower. Many of this highly skilled and sought-after elite employees now occupy senior positions in the Government and private industries in the Kingdom.

More than 80 years after the company’s establishment, the adventure continues with new ambitions in exploration, new initiatives in oil and gas field development, and new global

markets opening up.

The company owns a 260,000 barrela-day refinery, storage facilities for more than 14 million barrels, a marketing terminal, and a marine terminal for its petroleum products. 95% of Bapco’s refined products are exported. Bapco’s prime customers for crude oil and refined products are based in the Middle East, India, the Far East, South East Asia and Africa.

Downstream

Refining The Bahrain Refinery - one of the largest in the Middle East and the oldest in the GCC - refines over 260,000 barrels of crude every day. About one-sixth of this crude originates from Bahrain Field, the remainder is pumped from Saudi Arabia.

Storage There are more than 170 storage tanks at different sites with a total capacity of over 14 million barrels.

Products Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Naphtha, Gasoline, Kerosene, Aviation Turbine Fuel, Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel, Heavy Lube Distillate, Fuel Oil and Asphalt.

Marketing Bapco exports crude oil to world markets and sells petroleum products locally and internationally. It also supplies and sells aviation fuel at the Bahrain International Airport through its affiliate, The Bahrain Aviation Fueling Company (BAFCO), in which the company is a 60% shareholder.

The company also provides the full requirements of natural gas to the

power generating plants and other industries in the country.

Learning and Development Bapco is advancing ahead with its ambitious human resource management programme to ensure that the skills of its workforce match the technological and business demands of this new millennium. In addition, its scholarship and sponsorship programmes support more than 300 students in higher education in Bahrain and abroad.

Environment, Health & Safety Protection of the environment continues to be a major focus of the company’s policy. In line with best practice, Bapco has created an EHS policy that integrates the functions of Occupational Health, Industrial Safety and Environment. A founder member of the Regional Clean Sea Organization (RECSO), the company remains at the forefront of technical expertise in oil spill response. A clearly set out policy, a range of protective clothing and equipment, full training and strict monitoring form Bapco’s ongoing commitment to the prevention and control of accidents and emergencies.

Gulf Insider October 2018

15

Mission

To sustainably manage and operate an integrated energy business, leveraging best practices and creating value for shareholders, customers and employees.

Downstream

Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) Mr. Audah Al Ahmadi, Secretary General of the Gulf Downstream Association explains the major role played by The Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) in bringing together the leading downstream companies to develop the industry.

18

Gulf Insider October 2018

Downstream

M

r. Al Ahmadi is an active member of many professional and charity associations and was Chairman of MEPEC Conference and Exhibition 2013 & 2015.

He is a Senior Member of AIChE, a Board Member in the Saudi section of AIChE, a member of the Saudi Council of Engineers, a member of the Cancer Society in the Eastern Province, KSA and a Board Member of the National Retiree Association in Dammam among others.

Tell us about the Gulf Downstream Association.

The Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) is a non-profit organization established by a Cabinet decree in 2016 and was founded by Saudi Aramco, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI), Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) with the aim of bringing leading Downstream Players together to further develop the industry and draw mutual benefits of sharing knowledge and best practices.

How do you plan to develop the industry?

GDA’s mission is to provide a platform for sharing knowledge, experience and best practices by connecting Downstream Companies, technology and service providers, consultants, professional entities and academic institutions.

We have already formed technical committees in 9 different streams: HSE, Technologies, Operational Excellence, Industry Trends, Plant Reliability & Integrity, Energy Management, Project Management, Commissioning & Start-up and Leadership & People Development. These committees are currently made up of 70 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) taken from our Founding Companies and our other members. Together they represent about 1,400 man-years of technical experience. These SMEs meet several times a year to execute an agreed plan of action in creating best-in-class work practices, white papers, case studies, articles and much more. They have

formed a strong network of expertise between member companies through which they share their issues and exchange valuable solutions and ideas.

Besides these Technical Committees, GDA Website provides many interactive portals to capitalise on member’s individual knowledge and expertise such as Lessons learned, Discussion board, Bite-size Videos, Ask the Experts and many more.

I would like to highlight that the GDA Conference 2018 will include many exclusive opportunities like Meet the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) where anyone attending can meet the SMEs and interact with them.

What else does GDA do?

We conduct regular courtesy In-House training courses for GDA Members by in-house experts and external courses or workshops with selected partners for GDA Members at reduced rates. We plan to hold more technical workshops, seminars, symposiums in the future.

What’s next for GDA? Under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, Kingdom of Bahrain and

with the support of the National Oil & Gas Authority (NOGA), our upcoming flagship event, the ‘GDA International Downstream Conference & Exhibition’ (GDA Conference 2018), is scheduled to be held in the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre on the 23rd – 25th October.

It is poised to become the leading Middle East strategic platform for downstream professionals to address business challenges, share best practices and unlock potential opportunities through collaboration and partnerships. Striving towards excellence, our Conference aims at engaging regional and international stakeholders across the business, academia and technology providers capitalize on investment, innovation and growth.

I would like to highlight that the GDA Conference 2018 will include many exclusive opportunities like Meet the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) where anyone attending can meet the SMEs and interact with them, they can gain first-hand experience of building a Robot to detect an oil leak in the pipeline or print a spare-part through a 3-D Printer in 1-hour session without any prior knowledge in our ‘TechXperience’ Zone, delegates can share their industry challenges in a drop-box and GDA will then consolidate and publish top industry challenges on our website with contributor’s credit. Delegates can also discuss with GDA officials how to collaborate and benefit from GDA membership.

We are also honoured to have the Leadership Excellence for Women Awards & Symposium (LEWAS 2018) under the patronage of H.E. Sh. Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Oil, Kingdom of Bahrain running on the sidelines of our conference. Since its inception in 2013, LEWAS with the objective to Empower, Engage and Elevate women has recognized and honoured both men and women who are not only making a mark in the Energy industry but are also being an advocate for women empowerment in the GCC.

Gulf Insider October 2018

19

Downstream

Bapco

global icon in refining industry Gulf Insider meets Nawaf Hussain Sultan Al-Ghanem, Corporate Communications Manager at Bapco.

W

ith the valued guidance and support of His Majesty the King of Kingdom of Bahrain HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, First Deputy of the Premier HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, and with the directives and follow up of His Excellency the Minister of Oil , HE Shaikh Mohamed bin Khalifa

20

Gulf Insider October 2018

As one of Bahrain’s oldest and most trusted companies, Bapco has a unique role in the kingdom’s socio-economic development.

bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) has steadily progressed from strength to strength over its eighty-plus year legacy.

How would you describe the role of Bapco in Bahrain’s economy?

Bapco takes great pride in being one of the key pillars of the national economy of the Kingdom. Bapco assumes the role of a major contributor of the sustainable development in Bahrain and a key supporter of the Kingdom’s aspired growth and

Downstream

prosperity. The national industrial icon has set a number of strategic goals which aim at maintaining a strong position in the refining business, improving gross margins and remaining competitive at regional and global markets.

What about the future?

The oil industry has always been challenged by technological advances, and the need for bringing most efficient ways of producing oil and gas as well as transportation efficiency, in addition to the challenges from renewable and alternative fuels. Over the past decades, the availability as well as the retention of the qualified technical talents/skilled expertise has become

Bapco Receives CSR Gold Award Bapco received the Golden Award & Recognition Certificate in the field of social corporate responsibility (CSR), as part of the activities of the Regional Forum for Social Responsibility, organised by the Arab Organization for Social Responsibility, held in Sharm el Shaikh, Egypt.

Bapco’s Wellbeing Project 2020 Bapco has set its main target in providing a healthy working environment for its employees, which assists the company to reduce employees’ risks exposure physically and mentally. With WBP 2020, Bapco ensures that employees’ health & wellbeing initiatives are backed with strong and visible support from the Management. The project further develops and implements an evidence-based improvement plan for employees to meet the company’s needs.

a serious challenge to the industry.

Bapco’s strategic approach for the future widely includes finding new technologies, improving the education and welfare of its national calibre.

What about Bapco’s Empowering initiatives?

Bapco has a long proud history of providing personal and professional growth opportunities to encourage employees to see themselves as part of a culture that values their professionalism and discipline. Bapco has launched an ‘Empowering Progress’ policy which aims at getting employees ready and committed to meet the challenges of the future. Bapco’s

vision is to be a strategic partner to business; satisfying customers by being a recognised centre of excellence for world-class learning; being an enterprising team committed to growth.

Does Bapco invest in modernization?

The Bapco Modernization Program (BMP) represents a major expansion and upgrade of the facility that will increase the total Refinery throughput.

The Bapco Modernization Program (BMP) consists of a group of related projects managed in a co-ordinated way to create the Bapco of the future.

It is one of the largest projects ever undertaken in the Kingdom, which will lead to a more advanced refinery with increased exports of higher value products which will generate substantial benefits and gains for the country.

What about Bapco’s efforts regarding CSR? It comes as no surprise that Bapco, serving as a key national economic figurehead and leading employer in Kingdom of Bahrain, possesses a unique responsibility, whereby it takes care of and caters to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in an ambitious framework that aims to support the national economy and Bahrain’s aspirations in supporting the sustainable development in the country. Bapco plays a leading role in incorporating the concept of CSR, which highlights its prestigious position as one of the leading companies on a national level.

As a proud organizer of an effective nation-wide Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) program and a major national headliner which strives to highlight key EHS issues throughout the course of its day-to-day activities and the overall functioning of the company, Bapco continues to make great strides in Bahrain’s sustainable development and economy, with the unceasing guidance of the Wise Leadership of the Kingdom, and the limitless support of His Excellency the Minister of Oil, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bapco HE Shaikh Mohamed bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa.

Gulf Insider October 2018

21

Lifestyle

BIG BANG UNICO RED MAGIC Making the impossible possible, Hublot Creates the first Vibrantly Coloured Ceramic.

A

fter Hublot’s invention in 2011, Magic Gold, the world’s most scratch resistant 18K carat Gold, thanks to an alloy between boron carbide (ceramic) and 24K carat Gold, the Swiss watchmaking brand has devoted its innovative approach to ceramic. By creating a new material – the first vibrantly coloured ceramic – Hublot has once again used its limitless imagination to achieve a world’s first.

Exclusively designed and produced in-house, in the Hublot Research & Development (R&D) department, this invention has been patented. A triple tour de force, the coloured ceramic invented by Hublot is innovative both in terms of the material itself, and the manufacturing process. In addition to the vibrant colour it is also harder than conventional ceramics.

Hublot brings depths of colour to ceramic The Hublot R&D department and Metallurgy & Materials laboratory have succeeded in inventing a magic formula that allows the creation of vibrantly coloured ceramics. This has previously not been done in industries 22

Gulf Insider October 2018

using technical and aesthetic ceramics.

In addition, Hublot has refined all the procedures necessary to produce every component of the watch case from this special material. In total, it took Hublot four years to master this discovery and develop it from initial idea to its industrialisation. The invention is 100% Hublot and the expertise has been patented. Hublot continues to make strides in the research into materials.

This newly developed ceramic is incredibly dense, boasting a hardness of 1500 HVI compared to 1200 HV2 of conventional ceramics. This results in an extremely resilient material.

The colour is achieved through a major innovation whereby a fusion of pressure and heat sinters the ceramic without burning the pigments.

Having mastered the basic hues with this method Hublot is now ready to introduce a whole new world of coloured ceramics to its watch collections.

The first vibrant colour release is vibrant red, which also increases the hardness of the Hublot ceramic.

The power of red For this first coloured ceramic, Hublot has chosen a vivid red, which

symbolises power, passion and glory.

The Big Bang Unico Red Magic is undoubtedly an ultra-resilient ceramic watch full of fire.

With just 500 pieces released, its 45 mm case and bezel are made from Hublot’s patented red ceramic, boasting a polished finish. The flange, indexes, minute and seconds counters, Arabic numerals and hands all match this hue, adorned in the same red to highlight the contrast with the mechanism of the Unico HUB124 manufacture movement and its column wheel, visible on the dial side through the sapphire crystal. This theme encompasses the entire watch, matched with a lined structured red rubber strap.

Drawing attention from every angle, and captivating all who see it, the red ceramic is set to be a showstopper.

A major invention which once again demonstrates that Hublot is continuously pushing its Art of Fusion further, and that, under its impetus, the world of materials and alloys will never cease to be reinvented. This is a material true to the Hublot motto: “be the first, be unique, be different!”

For more information: Hublot Boutique Moda Mall 1752 0080

Say hello to a whole new way of feeling welcome.

Š2018 Ramada Worldwide Inc. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and operated. A limited number of international hotels are managed by an affiliate.

Money & Business

Jeremy Canivet Director of Sales & Marketing at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain.

24

Gulf Insider October 2018

Money & Business

J

Jeremy Canivet tells us that he believes the best way to take care of guests is to first take care of staff and fellow team members, and then empower them.

eremy Canivet is the new Director of Sales and Marketing at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain. The Canadian brings nearly twenty years of experience and he has worked in Toronto, London, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat – where he was based for five years.

He joins the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain at a time of great change for the property with the recent appointment of a new

it’s not unusual that he be contacted at strange hours, but thanks to his team and their professionalism many of those pressures are relieved.

Though he has only been in Bahrain a very short time, he feels comfortable as does his family. His wife has already made good friends, as has his two children who are now settled into a local school. Though new to Bahrain he’s not new to the region and describes his move to Bahrain as the easiest

GM Mr. Bernard de Villèle, and other key management changes.

Jeremy Canivet tells us that he believes the best way to take care of guests is to first take care of staff and fellow team members, and then empower them. He cites the RitzCarlton policy, enacted worldwide, of allowing staff to access up to $2,000 per month to spend on improving individual guest experiences. This can be used, at the staff member’s discretion, to solve a guest problem or to just improve an individual guest experience.

He says that the property is already operating at a very high level so his main task is to ensure standards remain high while overseeing appropriate new innovations. The nature of his work means that he is constantly on call and

transition he and his family have ever made.

He tells us that he developed a ‘love affair’ with luxury hotels as a child when he travelled the world living an expat lifestyle. His father was an airline pilot and so introduced the young Jeremy to five star hotels at an early age. Thereafter all the jobs he did from collage onwards were hospitality related.

He loves the constant interaction with people and also enjoys the travel his work brings. He’s currently preparing for a trip to Moscow where he will first and foremost be promoting Bahrain as a great holiday destination. He sees growing demand with new visitors coming particularly from the UK, Germany, Russia, and China.

Gulf Insider October 2018

25

Money & Business

VAT in Bahrain Bahrain Should Postpone VAT Implementation, Experts Say.

A

midst plans in place to introduce the Value-Added Tax (VAT) in early October 2018, economic analysts and experts are urging the government to postpone the move, citing that the businesses in the Kingdom are not prepared for the consumption tax.

The Kingdom is all set to become the third GCC country to implement VAT after Saudi Arabia and the UAE and the economists are of the opinion that the implementation of VAT will only have a short-term impact on the economy.

Speaking to Tribune, Economic and Political Analyst Dr Yousef Hamed Mashal said, “The VAT is being implemented in agreement with other GCC countries. Although the date is not fixed, the Finance Ministry has issued statement regarding its decision to go ahead with the implementation.

“There won’t be any long-term impact on the economy once the VAT gets implemented. But the consumer spending will see a decline in the first few months following VAT implementation.

26

Gulf Insider October 2018

The five per cent VAT is a crucial decision, something that should be implemented considering the high budgetary deficit the Kingdom has.

“Considering the present economic conditions, the private sector can’t afford a reduced consumer spending and hence my opinion as an economic analyst is that the ministry should postpone its decision.

“It can implement VAT as soon as the economy is back on track with private sector prepared to accept the consumption tax. If you see, South Africa took a long seven years to implement this tax after making the decision.”

The economist said the government must be expecting annual revenue, somewhere in the neighbourhood of BD 500 million, once the VAT is implemented.

“The five per cent VAT is a crucial decision, something that should be implemented considering the high budgetary deficit the Kingdom has.

But we should acknowledge that it is the consumer at the tail end of the consumption chain, who bears the burden of paying this five per cent.

The businesses will continue to make profits but consumer will suffer a lot.”

He said there is much confusion prevailing, especially among small businessmen, over calculating the VAT once it is implemented. “Many small businessmen are in a well of confusion, for they can’t appoint accountants to do the calculation.”

Another economist Arif Khalifa said the authorities will have to list rules and regulations regarding the consumption tax, before VAT is implemented. “I think we need a whole year before it gets implemented. Both the traders and consumers are not ready, considering the present economic situations. The authorities can monitor the effect of VAT on local economies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE before implementing it here.”

Jasim Hussain, also an economic analyst, said VAT is a worldwide phenomenon and the Kingdom is not the first country to implement it. “In some countries it is as high as 25 per cent. So implementing VAT is a normal measure from the part of authorities.”

“The move is certainly going to adversely affect the middle class. But what the authorities can do is to avoid some sectors like the healthcare, education from this taxation to ease the burden off their shoulders,” he pointed out.

END OF SUMMER

BD 149++ INCLUSIONS : Breakfast Lunch or Dinner BD 20 Spa Voucher 2 tickets to LPOD Waterpark

Valid only for every Saturday-Wednesday until October 31st,2018.

Money & Business

Touring Bahrain Prima’s brand-new Juffair Mall branch offers a glimpse of Bahrain.

P

rima opens its latest branch at the Juffair Mall by its General Manager, Mr. Hussain Mohamed – further extending the reach of its services in Bahrain. Prima was founded at 2011 and now operates a huge fleet of transportation vehicles to cater to everyone’s preference. Its services ranges from individual to group rentals, catering to corporate businesses, private clients, and tourists. The company fleet has a choice of small/ medium cars, luxury vehicles, mini-vans, and 45-seater couches guaranteeing the client’s needs and comfort is met.

Prima aspires to offer superior, efficient, reliable, and, most importantly, safe services to its growing client-base.

The Tourist Transportation and Car Rental Company offers daily tours that visit the most picturesque and iconic sites in the Kingdom. Tourists and locals alike can visit and learn of Bahrain’s history at the heritage sites and marvel at the ancient and modern architecture present in the Kingdom.

28

Gulf Insider October 2018

The tour starts at the Juffair Mall and visits the Bahrain National Museum, Old Houses of Muharraq, Arad Fort, Bob Al Bahrain, Bahrain Fort, and City Center before finally returning back to the mall. Discover Bahrain’s history and experience what the Kingdom can offer in comfort and style.

Prima offers guided sight-seeing tours for individuals or groups with fully customizable destination inclusions and travel time-frame. You can also

enjoy the numerous malls of Saudi Arabia in convenience with Prima’s private car rentals for all-day shopping sprees offered for only BD60++ per day. Company excursions, leisure trips, or any other transportation assisted endeavors, Prima brings you to the best Bahrain can offer.

Tel: +973 17 000 939 www.prima-bh.com

Under the Patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Prime Minister, Kingdom of Bahrain

Host Sponsors

Towards a Competitive Downstream through Innovation, Collaboration and Technology FEATURED MINISTERS AND PANELISTS

Topics: 1. Integration

Value Chain, Molecular Management, Petrochemical Integration, Crude to Chemical, Upstream-Downstream, etc.

Bakheet Al-Rashidi

Minister of Oil, State of Kuwait

His Excellency Shaikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

Minister of Oil, Kingdom of Bahrain

Charles J. Reith Jr. Chief Executive Officer Solomon Associates

Nooruddin Ahmed

Co-Founder CERTERO Business Corporation

David M. Johnson

Othman Al-Ghamdi

Jean-Jacques Mosconi

Suleyman M Ozmen

President & CEO Achates Power

Chief Executive Officer S-Oil Corporation

Senior Vice President, Refining & Petrochemicals TOTAL

Vice President - Downstream Licensing (Retired) Shell Global Solutions International

Jean Sentenac

Dr. Prof. Riyad Yousuf Abdulaziz Hamzah President University of Bahrain

Chairman & CEO Axens

Norm Gilsdorf

President, Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia Honeywell

3. Energy

Alternative, Clean Energy, Renewable, Conservation, Efficiency, Sustainability, Transportation Fuel Demand, EV Penetration, etc.

4. Innovation & Technology

Technology Advancement, R&D, Academia & Industry Collaboration, Catalyst Advancement, etc.

5. Improvements

Plants/Process Improvements, Systems Enhancement and Other Add-Ons or Changes to Increase Reliability and Assets Returns, etc.

Dr. Sun Xiansheng

Secretary General International Energy Forum (IEF)

Suleman A. Al-Bargan

Vice President, Domestic Refining & NGL Fractionation Saudi Aramco

Platinum Sponsor

2. Digitalization

Big Data, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, IR 4.0, Advanced Control, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Process Automation & Optimization, Disruptive Technology, etc.

Gold Sponsors

REGISTER NOW !!

www.gdaconference.org Silver Sponsors

Academic Partner

Strategic Partner

Money & Business

Emirates and Etihad to merge into one airline?

billion. Emirates is a bigger and better buyer of aircraft, and a critical customer for both planemakers’ biggest jets.

Much of the potential for efficiencies in a merger would come from reducing overlap on routes, which would lessen the need for more aircraft.

“There’s a bit of complimentality but also quite a bit of overlap in those structures,” Peter Harbison, chairman of the CAPA Centre for Aviation, said in a Bloomberg Television interview. “So if you do start to rationalise you’re talking about probably removing quite a lot of aircraft from the fleet initially.”

E

xecutives at Etihad and Emirates have been quietly laying plans to create what would be the world’s biggest airline by passenger traffic, according to people familiar with the discussions. The group would have combined revenue of $29.3 billion and control almost 5 percent of the world’s airline routes.

Etihad and Emirates publicly deny merger talks, but an exploratory look at Emirates taking over Etihad’s airline operations remains on the table, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private considerations. Talks have occurred on-and-off for some time, one of the people said, and any deal would face antitrust as well as political challenges.

Here are five ways a tie-up would transform the airline industry: Higher Fares: Passengers in Europe and Asia can expect ticket prices to rise, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analysts, as the merger partners take capacity out of the market. That would lower pressure on competitors such as Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Air

30

Gulf Insider October 2018

France-KLM that fly similar routes.

Almost every route flown by Etihad is also flown by Emirates, and more than half of Emirates’ routes are duplicated

by Etihad.

Mega-Hub: A deal would inject life into the Gulf’s hub model by giving the combined group control over two major connecting airports.

“The airlines could split focus by airport to different regions, with Abu Dhabi concentrating on US passengers, as it already has a US pre-clearance facility that speeds passage,” according to BI analyst George Ferguson. “Dubai could focus on European travelers.”

Dubai-based Emirates used the hub concept to transform itself into the world’s largest long-haul carrier. But it’s facing pressure with the rise of competing airports in Asia and the small but fast-growing number of low-cost direct long-distance routes.

Planemakers Get Squeezed: With Emirates’ backing, Etihad would gain more clout negotiating with Airbus and Boeing to cancel part of an order book which now totals 174 planes worth $46

Antitrust Woes: One reason for caution about a tie-up is the overlap on routes.

Emirates is already the dominant carrier for many destinations in the Middle East, India and Australia. That means the carriers would likely be forced to drop routes or slots at major hubs, according to Bloomberg Opinion columnist David Fickling.

Politics: Oil-rich Abu Dhabi helped bail out Dubai after the 2008 financial crisis and remains the linchpin for the United Arab Emirates’ oil reserves. Yet Dubai has done a better job of developing a tourism industry and has the stronger airline. While the two sheikdoms have cooperated in the past on consolidating businesses, any deal would require delicate compromises.

Then there’s the US, whose carriers have waged an ongoing protest over allegations of billions of dollars of state subsidies to Emirates and Etihad. An agreement that provides for greater transparency in financial reporting by the government-owned carriers was reached this year, but a combination of the two Gulf carriers could be seen as a bailout for struggling Etihad. – Arabian Business

Money & Business

Payment International Enterprise (PIE) Payment International Enterprise (PIE) provides Talabat with new Fintech solution for a seamless digital experience.

P

ayment International Enterprise (PIE) has announced its partnership with the largest online food ordering platform in the Middle East, Talabat. Through its “TAM Here” self-service payment kiosks located across Bahrain, PIE has developed a service allowing Talabat drivers to deposit the cash they collect from deliveries. The newly added service will make the cash collection process more efficient for Talabat and help optimize their operations for more traceable cash deposits. This strategy will ultimately lead to a more measurable and seamless experience.

PIE’s underlying message is Fintech empowerment, and how it allows companies to take strides and run their operations more efficiently.

Bahrain is on route to becoming a digital and innovation-driven economy.

Fintech players such as Payment International Enterprise (PIE) are one 32

Gulf Insider October 2018

of the main catalysts for a successful transformation. PIE is leading the way in the present and future of Fintech and finding ways to embrace new innovations that compliment other companies’ goals for expansion and growth. This partnership is part of the organization’s focus on fostering technological innovation within the regional Fintech landscape. PIE’s active approach starts with allowing their digital services to be easily accessible to give regional players in the market a competitive edge.

Fawaz Ghazal, CEO, PIE stated “We are very excited to have Talabat on board with us; our objective is to empower the market players with Fintech solutions that will allow them to optimize their daily operations.”

Mr. Hesham AlSaati, Managing Director, Talabat added “Our partnership with PIE helps strengthen Talabat’s continuous pursuit of being at the forefront of food delivery technology.

We strive to make the process of ordering and delivering food online seamless and secure for our partners and drivers. This in turn contributes to providing our customers the best possible food delivery experience.”

PIE has been investing heavily in infrastructure development, thus making high-value commitments to the future and striving to provide its customers with end-to-end services as a single provider. One of the company’s major projects in 2016 was the launch of eGov kiosks and TAM-Dinar project for government institutions in Bahrain to facilitate payments for government services. This successful project is one of many strategies PIE is undertaking to lead the way in moving towards a cashless society and innovating alternative payment options for a modern world.

www.pie-int.com www.talabat.com

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

Gulf Insider - Advert 200x265mm - 3mm bleed.pdf

1

9/17/18

8:49 PM

Under The Patronage Of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain 26-28 NOVEMBER 2018

ART ROTANA HOTEL & RESORT

KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Islamic Finance & Sustainable Economic Growth in the Age of Disruption 26-28 NOVEMBER Key Speakers

C

2018

ART ROTANA HOTEL & RESORT

KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Islamic Finance & Sustainable Economic Dr. Issam Abousleiman Country Director – GCC Growth in the Age of Disruption World Bank Group

M

Y

Key Speakers

CM

MY

Dr. Issam Abousleiman Country Director – GCC Galiev World Bank Group

CY

Insaf First Deputy Chief Executive Tatarstan Investment Insaf Galiev Development Agency

CMY

K

First Deputy Chief Executive Tatarstan Investment Development Agency Mustafa Ansari

Omar Deputy Secretary General: Omar Mustafa Ansari Accounting & Governance Deputy Secretary General: AAOIFI Accounting & Governance AAOIFI

wibc2018.com

wibc2018.com

@WIBC2018 #WIBC2018 #25YearsOfWIBC #25YearsOfWIBC @WIBC2018 #WIBC2018

To explorepartnership partnership opportunities: To explore opportunities: +9714 4414 946 partnerships@meglobaladvisors.com or

partnerships@meglobaladvisors.com or

+9714 4414 946

People & Culture

Expat Quality of Life in GCC – Bahrain is best, Kuwait is worst

F

irst overall in the Expat Insider 2018 survey, Bahrain is the stand-out performer.

Despite stronger-than-average personal finances, expats in the Gulf States struggle with poor job satisfaction and high costs.









Expats in Bahrain settle in seamlessly and enjoy working abroad.

Oman is the most peaceful nation among the GCC States.

Five out of six GCC States are in the bottom 10 for online freedom.

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia slip to the last two places in the overall ranking.

In terms of quality of life, the Gulf States represent a truly split picture.

Bahrain and the UAE offer an aboveaverage quality of life, ranking 20th and 25th, respectively. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum are Saudi Arabia (67th) and Kuwait (68th), which provide the worst quality of life among all 68 countries included in the survey.

The region struggles to perform well in the Health & Well-Being subcategory: the best-performing country is Bahrain, ranking 25th overall, while Kuwait comes second to last. The best and most affordable healthcare in the region can be found in Qatar, where 64% of expats say that the healthcare is affordable, and seven in ten attest to its 34

Gulf Insider October 2018

high quality. These results are tempered

by Qatar’s 50th rank for the quality of the environment, though. Oman is the GCC States’ standout performer for this factor, with more than eight in ten (81%) rating the environmental quality well.

Safety & Security is undoubtedly the Gulf States’ strongest subcategory, although there is again a big disparity between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and the other countries in the region.0 The UAE (9th) and Oman (10th) both rank in the top 10. An impressive 61% of expats in Oman give the political stability the best possible rating, while an almost unrivaled 94% of respondents attest to the peacefulness of the country. In the words of an Indian expat in Oman: “It is a peaceful and easygoing country, with tremendous natural beauty and super friendly people.”

These results stand out against the respective global averages of 30% and 78%. Similarly to Oman, expats in the UAE rate the political stability very highly (10th), but the UAE stands out particularly for personal safety, with 97% of expats feeling safe. Both Bahrain and Qatar also rank comparatively well in the same subcategory, placing 23rd and 21st, respectively.

In the Family Life Index, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait place 49th and 48th out

of 50 ranked countries, while Oman doesn’t do much better, ranking 42nd.

Bahrain (7th) is the only Gulf country to make it into the top 10, while Qatar (27th) and the UAE (31st) perform slightly below average.

Bahrain (3rd) leads the way in the Quality of Education subcategory, followed by Qatar in a respectable 14th place. Parents rate the quality worst in Saudi Arabia (48th), where almost two in every five (39%) are dissatisfied, compared to 16% worldwide. Similarly, only 36% of expat parents are satisfied with education options in the country in general, compared to a global average of 67%. In Kuwait, this figure is even lower with 33%. The same can be said about childcare options, with just 39% satisfied in Saudi Arabia and just 36% in Kuwait.

Across the region, performance is similarly split regarding family wellbeing. Bahrain (8th), the UAE (21st), and Qatar (23rd) are all found in the top half, with parents there particularly appreciating the local attitude towards families with children (87–95% satisfied vs. 83% globally) and the safety of their children (57–65% give the best possible rating).

In all six Gulf States, finances were among the three most important reasons for expats to move there.

Bahrain and Oman lead the GCC States,

People & Culture

settle down there, compared to a global average of 59%, and over half (51%) say that it is difficult to get used to the local culture. This is a significantly larger share than the global average of 21%. The same problems are evident in Kuwait, where just a quarter of respondents say they feel at home in the local culture, compared to 60% of respondents worldwide.

The process of settling in can be helped by making new friends and being surrounded by friendly people,

ranking in 22nd and 24th place out of 68 countries. Qatar (30th) and Saudi Arabia (31st) do not fare too much worse, and certainly much better than Kuwait, which comes in 50th.

The UAE ranks only 59th and is as such in the bottom 10. Only 57% of respondents there are satisfied with their financial situation, compared to 67% globally, and more than a quarter (26%) say that their disposable household income isn’t enough to cover everything needed for daily life.

An expat from the Philippines adds that in the UAE, “the salary is not really enough to sustain daily living”.

Expats in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait find it harder to settle down than anywhere else, with the countries ranked 67th and 68th in the Ease of Settling In Index. Qatar also performs poorly in 41st position. In the Feeling at Home subcategory of this index, Saudi Arabia is the worst-performing country overall. Not even a quarter of expats (24%) believe that it is easy to

Bahrain remains the only haven of job stability in the region, with seven in ten expats saying that they feel secure in their job. two factors which expats in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have extreme difficulty with. Almost two-thirds of respondents in Kuwait (65%) say that making local friends is difficult, while 44% are not satisfied with the opportunities to make new friends in general. Respondents in Saudi Arabia attest to the same difficulties, albeit to a lesser extent, with 57% and 35%, respectively. The

significance of these figures becomes clear when compared with the respective global averages of 36% and 25%.

The results of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which slip down to the last two places in the Expat Insider 2018survey, couldn’t contrast more with those of Bahrain, which places first overall in the Ease of Settling In Index, followed

by Oman in 16th and the UAE in 26th place. Bahrain ranks first or second in all of the subcategories of the index.

“Bahrain is a good median between eastern and western cultures,” shares a British expat.

When it comes to learning and/or getting by without the local language, four of the six states place inside the top 15: Bahrain (1st), the UAE (6th), Qatar (13th), and Oman (14th). Although not spectacular, Kuwait (43rd) and Saudi Arabia (49th) perform markedly better in the Language subcategory than in many other subcategories of the survey.

Globally, 40% of expats cite work or their partner’s career as the main motivation for their move abroad.

However, in the Gulf States, 50% or more expats in each individual country say the same. Apart from Bahrain, which places first in the Working Abroad Index, there is clear dissatisfaction among expats in the Gulf States regarding their working life, though.

Qatar (35th), Oman (39th), and the UAE (46th) all perform below average, with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia once more at the back of the pack in 64th and 66th place, respectively.

Over a third of respondents in Saudi Arabia (35%) are dissatisfied with their jobs, compared to 18% of expats worldwide, while satisfaction levels among expats in Oman (62%), Qatar (59%), the UAE (57%), and especially Kuwait (46%) all fall below the global average of 65%.

Overall job satisfaction across the region is low, however, overall job security is even worse: Bahrain remains the only haven of job stability in the region, with seven in ten expats saying that they feel secure in their job compared to 59% worldwide. All five remaining Gulf States rank inside the bottom 15 countries for this factor.

Gulf Insider October 2018

35

People & Culture

Bahrain outperforms other GCC states, says study

B

ahrain is in the 2nd quartile globally when it comes to well-being according to a recently released report by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Striking a Balance Between Well-Being and Growth: The 2018 Sustainable Economic Development Assessment. Bahrain outperforms other GCC countries in several dimensions, notably education and employment, but is losing ground in income and governance.

The report found that wealthier countries show higher well-being levels; overall, Bahrain’s well-being performance is good and improving.

However, the country is below global average when it comes to converting wealth into well-being, and of countries with a similar starting level of well-

36

Gulf Insider October 2018

Bahrain is good and improving in the dimension of employment and economic stability, and weak but improving in education, equality, and to some degree health and infrastructure.

being, Bahrain is in the 2nd quartile of change.

The finding runs counter to conventional wisdom that countries must make trade-offs between policies that support economic growth and those that elevate the well-being of their citizens. The research, based on BCG’s proprietary Sustainable Economic Development Assessment (SEDA), that assesses the relative well-being of countries, reveals that there is actually a virtuous cycle between well-being and growth in which gains in one power progress in the other.

“BCG has been a strong advocate of the need for countries to focus policies and development strategies on improving well-being,” notes Joao Hrotko, a BCG partner and coauthor of the report. “But there remains a belief

People & Culture

and environment dimensions.

“Bahrain performs particularly better than its GCC peers in the dimensions of income and employment,” said Alexander Tuerpitz, Partner and Managing Director at BCG Middle East.

Bahrain Performance Over the Past 10 Years

for development and each country’s circumstances require different policy responses. However, these results yield an important insight for policymakers: the dimensions that distinguish countries that performed better are areas that, if overlooked, can become bottlenecks and constrain progress.

Bahrain is making stronger progress in the education and infrastructure

that policies aimed at improving wellbeing may lead to weaker GDP growth.

Our analysis finds this tradeoff can be avoided. In fact, an approach that balances both well-being and growth is not just advisable under normal circumstances—it is equally important during times of crisis. In such periods, countries must resist the temptation of pursuing policies that come at the expense of promoting well-being.”

Bahrain is good and improving in the dimension of employment and economic stability, and weak but improving in education, equality, and to some degree health and infrastructure.

Conversely, the country is good but losing ground in income – it continues to outperform global counterparts in this dimension – and is weak and losing ground in the civil society, governance

dimensions, lesser progress in economic stability and employment, and the country is receding in the dimension of governance. Over the last ten years, Bahrain has improved most in the dimensions of infrastructure and education at 20 points and 18 points respectively. To a much lesser extent, Bahrain has shown improvement in the dimensions of environment at 4 points, employment at 3 points, equality at 2 points, and civil society, economic stability and income at 1 point each.

However, the country has shown negative growth in health (-1 point) and governance (-10 points).

Addressing Barriers to Progress Certainly, there is no blue print

About SEDA SEDA is a fact-based analysis that assesses well-being based on ten key dimensions, including health, education and infrastructure. SEDA scores 152 countries on a relative basis in terms of their current well-being and the change in their well-being over time. It also measures how well countries are able to convert the wealth they have into well-being, regardless of their income level.

About The Boston Consulting Group The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and the world’s leading advisor on business strategy with offices in more than 90 cities in 50 countries. For more information, please visit bcg.com Gulf Insider October 2018

37

People & Culture

A Noble Cause Careem set to hire and upskill 200 refugees across the Middle East.

C

areem, the leading tech platform for the Greater Middle East, in collaboration with UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) has committed to hiring and upskilling 200 refugees, over the next year five years. The announcement was made

by Magnus Olsson, Careem Chief Xperience Officer and Co-founder at an event held by the World Bank and Tent Partnership for Refugees, on the margins of the United Nation’s General Assembly in New York.

Careem is the first of a handful of companies from the Middle East to commit to the empowerment and upskilling of refugees at such a large scale.

“We don’t believe that integrating

38

Gulf Insider October 2018

We started Careem with the mission to simplify and improve the lives of all people across our region and refugees are very much a part of that. refugees in our business is a noble cause. We believe it is our duty, responsibility and it makes business sense,” said Olsson. “We started

Careem with the mission to simplify and improve the lives of all people across our region and refugees are very much a part of that. If organizations at our scale can empower all communities, only then can we say we have truly achieved our mission. In addition to this, we also believe that we have previously been missing out on an entire pool of talent, that is diverse and rich; programs of this nature have internationally demonstrated that they have stronger staff retention and benefits to all involved.”

As part of its commitment, Careem will involve refugees within its operations by providing opportunities for hiring, internships as well as workshops and mentoring, across its operations spread over 100 cities in 14 countries.

People & Culture

Supply and Captains (drivers), call centres and tech are some of the teams that the company will open up to this initiative. Careem’s main goal is to showcase how this mutually-beneficial partnership can have positive impacts in the refugee community and also to its business creating positive experiences across all stakeholders involved.

Careem was one of few Middle Eastern companies invited to the high profile event, and joining the Tent Partnership for Refugees.

“Careem’s announcement today is testament to the role and desire of the private sector in supporting refugees in the region. UNHCR’s partnership with Careem has always been about finding holistic and sustainable solutions for the livelihood of refugees, and this is the next step in bringing to life these ambitions. The refugee crisis is one that is very close to home to the people and corporations of the MENA region, and one that cannot be solved or supported by one entity alone. We require the help of the private sector, governments, international organizations and the public, to be able to provide those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes with a decent and dignified way of living.” Says Khaled Khalifa, Regional Representative of UNHCR in the GCC.

“We thank Careem for their bold and inclusive vision, and invite other corporations to join them in including refugees and the added value and talent that they can bring to any organization, in their thinking and strategy.”

Careem was invited by UNHCR to attend an event organized by the World Bank and Tent Partnership for Refugees , a non-profit organization founded by Hamdi Ulukaya, the founder and CEO of Chobani Yogurt, on the margins of the United Nation General Assembly in New York . The event featured Jim Kim, President of the World Bank and Hamdi Ulukaya, the CEO of Chobani. Ministers from the UK and Dutch governments, Kelly Clements, the Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees at UNHCR,and David Miliband, the President of the International Rescue Committee. Careem was one of few Middle Eastern companies invited to the high profile event, and joining the Tent Partnership for Refugees - a coalition of 85+ companies - including IKEA, Airbnb, Starbucks, MasterCard and Unilever.

Careem is an advocate for refugees, signing a long-standing partnership with UNHCR last year. As part of this, Careem launched a UNHCR car type during Ramadan, encouraging customers to donate to refugees in the region. Customers had the option of selecting the car type, which was priced the same as an economy car type, with an additional donation fee.

The campaign which ran in several of Careem’s markets, raised more than $300,000 and is still available on the app.

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the refugee situation, Careem also included an organized field visit to a refugee camp in Lebanon along with UNHCR and soon after collaborated with Youssef, an 18-yearold refugee, allowing him to showcase via a smartphone what life was like in a refugee camp. The project was highlypraised for its creativity on social media as shedding light on the refugee crisis with audiences urging other companies to get involved in the refugee crisis.

www.careem.com @careembah

Gulf Insider October 2018

39

People & Culture

Kaneka has brought in global fashion mogul JJ Valaya to curate the project.

The design guru and luxury fashion icon aims to work closely with Bahrain’s craftsmen and women and assist them where required to develop a contemporary designer touch.

Valaya believes that “for craft to stay relevant, it has to step into the realm of modernity”.

The project involves craftspeople from the Jasra Handicrafts Centre, Capital Mall, and the Manama Handicrafts Centre.

The project not only pertains to the resuscitation of handicrafts in the kingdom but also to display a contemporary portrait of Bahrain, one where timeless crafts meld with today’s

Aims:  Focus on Bahraini Artists  Strengthen the artistic roots of Bahrain  Create a platform for buyers

Artisans

Across Borders Gulf Insider meets Kaneka Subberwal, Fairs and Programs Director of ArtBab

T

hough the Kingdom of Bahrain is only roughly about 765 km², it has a history and cultural heritage that far exceeds its size and that could fill volumes. Home to numerous crafts and arts, it could be argued that Bahrain has much to offer the world… but that the world has yet to recognize it.

Enter ‘Artisans Across Borders’, an exciting new initiative led by ArtBAB

40

Gulf Insider October 2018

Fairs and Programs director Kaneka Subberwal!

Kanaka Subberwal’s tells us that her aim is to help recognize the potential of Bahrain’s arts and crafts and to elevate them into luxury acquisitions that will be sought after in branded stores across the world.

She also seeks to develop a renewed appreciation towards the islands timeless craft traditions.

To achieve her ambitious aims,

world. its tastes, and sensibilities.

The project leverages the increasing organic growth of ArtBAB to construct this commercial identity without compromising on the quality of the art itself. The initiative will unfold in three parts, the first an Artisanal Room which will feature dramatic masterpieces with their origins in Bahraini crafts.

The second a portfolio of stylish commercial interpretation of Bahraini craft pieces, and third a book of Bahrain that will encompass various angles of Bahrain’s’ persona, its architecture, history, portraiture, and cityscapes.

Held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeekha bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the King of Bahrain and a keen supporter of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and along with their strategic partner Tamkeen, the project will assume its first appearance at the ArtBAB 2019.

For more information Contact Tel. +973 1725 2403 Email. genevieve@artselectbh.com

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

FollowUsUs Follow

People & Culture

The Perfect

Family Holiday Destination An ideal blend of calm and wholesome family filled activities await the visitors at Al Areen Palace and Spa for the upcoming days.

T

ravelers are always on the hunt for new and exciting adventures to break away from their busy and overwhelming business schedules. As the new season brings cool winds, one such resort appeals to all those seeking a one-stop holiday destination - the time to explore an all-round world of possibilities are within easy reach and available at your doorstep, at Al Areen Palace & Spa, Bahrain. Unwind yourself with your family in complete intimacy in an alluring, peaceful retreat that is rich in its provisions at Al Areen Palace and Spa. The five star resort offers exclusive retreat solutions such as a private heated swimming pool, steam, and Jacuzzi while ensuring each and every member of the family is well entertained even as they step out of their cozy premise.

42

Gulf Insider October 2018

People & Culture

Plunge into the Water wonderland Bahrain’s biggest water park, the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park is the first fully themed water park which covers approximately 77,000 square metres. The park is derived from the history of the Dilmun period reflected by unique stone sculptures and architecture that encapsulates the theme. All age groups can enjoy over 18 slides ranging from tube, sleep and full body slides, super bowls, sandy beaches, family raft rides, aqua loop water rides, rain fortresses and other attractions seamlessly integrated to create a desert oasis. Additionally, circus events, weekend DJ’S and community celebrations are guaranteed to serve a memorable time to all.

Visit the Home of Wildlife The home of wildlife in Bahrain where all plant and animal species have been under strict protection and care for over 30 years. Visitors can take a walk around the park and get closer to the unique birds that wander freely and happily around. A bus tour is also provided in the reserve and visitors get to know the different kinds of endangered animals such as the Arabian Leopard, the Ostrich, the Arabian Gazelle, the Oryx and many more.

Royal Golf Club The Royal Golf Club is home to Bahrain’s only 18-hole championship standard golf course and to a par 3 9-hole course, both designed by course architect and golfing legend Colin Montgomerie.

Indoor Skydiving The first indoor skydiving experience brings the incredible feeling of a freefall in one of the tallest wind tunnels in the world. The family can purchase the flying gear, receive instructions through a briefing session and earn a flight certificate apart from the 90 minutes experience for two flights in the wind tunnel.

Land Rover experience This facility is first of its kind in the Middle East and is located in the heart of the Sakhir desert. The unique setting offers 3.5 kilometers of varying terrains such as sand, rock, hill and water landscapes. Al Areen can provide access to off-road activities with the Land Rover.

Karting Adrenaline Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) is a state-of-the-art, world class facility that caters to the grassroots level of motorsport. BIKC offers a wide

range of experiences for the avid Karter, including a Formula One- inspired mini Grand Prix.

Al Dar Island Scuba life is the premier diving and watersports center in the Kingdom of Bahrain which offers watersports activities where visitors can jump into the water and join the fun by riding a towable. A mask and snorkel followed by a life vest and fins will be provided for the visitors to enjoy the lying underwater experience and also find some interesting array of fish in their natural habitats. An exciting opportunity is also offered for the dolphin lovers where they can watch their favorite warm blooded mammal close and also get personal. The Al Areen Palace and Spa supports all the visitors and directs them to a safe an exciting trip out in the sea.

Wander the mystic roads Travelers get to witness Bahrain’s true hospitality and city splendor through personalized tours by exploring the exotic forts, shopping malls and proud heritage spots.

So pack your bags and fly to the awe-inspiring beauty of the stark desert panorama where one can wrap themselves in sheer luxury at Al Areen Palace and Spa. Gulf Insider October 2018

43

Experts Reveal Life Secrets

to remove yourself electronically from your work, then you’ve never really left work.

Part 8

How to Win in Business and Life Every month Gulf Insider publish 4 pages that reveal brilliant secrets for winning in business and life. The techniques are provided by top international experts and we will often summarize an entire book into a single page so you can learn the essence of their wisdom in minutes instead of hours.

This month we reveal how successful people work less and get more done, jerry seinfeld‘s secret to productivity, 10 things the best of the best do differently, the 4 most common negotiation mistakes - and how to avoid them, the ‘2-minute rule’.

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

How Successful People Work Less and Get More Done

By Dr. Travis Bradberry

S

tudies have found that productivity per hour declines sharply when the workweek exceeds 50 hours, and productivity drops off so much after 55 hours that there’s no point in working any more. That’s right, people who work as much as 70 hours (or more) per week actually get the same amount done as people who work 55 hours.

Successful people know the importance of shifting gears on the weekend to relaxing and rejuvenating activities. They use their weekends to create a better week ahead.

This is easier said than done, so here’s some help. The following list contains 10 things that successful people do to find balance on the weekend and to come into work at 110%.

1. They Disconnect - Disconnecting is

the most important weekend strategy on this list, because if you can’t find a way

44

Gulf Insider October 2018

2. They Minimize Chores - Chores have a funny habit of completely taking over your weekends. When this happens, you lose the opportunity to relax and reflect. What’s worse is that a lot of chores feel like work, and if you spend all weekend doing them, you just put in a seven-day workweek.

3. They Reflect - Weekly reflection is

a powerful tool for improvement. Use the weekend to contemplate the larger forces that are shaping your industry, your organization, and your job.

4. They Exercise - Getting your

body moving for as little as 10 minutes releases GABA, a soothing neurotransmitter that reduces stress.

Exercise is also a great way to come up with new ideas. Innovators and other successful people know that being outdoors often sparks creativity. The key is to find a physical activity that does this for you and then to make it an important part of your weekend routine.

5. They Pursue a Passion - You might be surprised what happens when you pursue something you’re passionate about on weekends. Indulging your passions is a great way to escape stress and to open your mind to new ways of thinking.

6. They Spend Quality Time with Family - Don’t let this bleed into

your weekends. Take your kids to the park, take your spouse to his or her favorite restaurant, and go visit your parents. You’ll be glad you did.

7. They Schedule Micro-AdventuresStudies show that anticipating something good to come is a significant part of what makes the activity pleasurable. Knowing that you have something interesting planned for Saturday will not only be fun come Saturday, but it will significantly improve your mood throughout the week.

8. They Wake Up at the Same Time - It’s tempting to sleep in on the

Experts Reveal Life Secrets

weekend to catch up on your sleep.

Though it feels good temporarily, having an inconsistent wake-up time disturbs your circadian rhythm.

Your body cycles through an elaborate series of sleep phases in order for you to wake up rested and refreshed. One of these phases involves preparing your mind to be awake and alert, which is why people often wake up just before their alarm clock goes off (the brain is trained and ready). When you sleep past your regular wake-up time on the weekend, you end up feeling groggy and tired. If you need to catch up on sleep, just go to bed earlier.

9. They Designate Mornings as Me Time - It can be difficult to get

time to yourself on the weekends, especially if you have family.

Finding a way to engage in an activity you’re passionate about first thing in the morning can pay massive dividends in happiness and cleanliness of mind. It’s also a great way to perfect your circadian rhythm by forcing yourself to wake up at the same time you do on weekdays. Your mind achieves peak performance two-to-four hours after you wake up, so get up early to do something physical, and then sit down and engage in something mental while your mind is at its peak.

10. They Prepare for the Upcoming Week - The weekend

is a great time to spend a few moments planning your upcoming week. As little as 30 minutes of planning can yield significant gains in productivity and reduced stress. The week feels a lot more manageable when you go into it with a plan because all you have to focus on is execution.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Travis Bradberry is co-author of the #1 bestselling book, Emotional Intelligence 2.0. His books have been translated into 25 languages and are available in more than 150 countries.

Jerry Seinfeld‘s Secret to Productivity

By James Clear

Jerry Seinfeld

J

erry Seinfeld is one of the most successful comedians of all-time. He is regarded as one of the “Top 100 Comedians of All-Time” by Comedy Central. He was also the co-creator and cowriter of Seinfeld, the long-running sitcom.

Seinfeld reached his peak in earnings when he made $267 million dollars in 1998.

(Yes, that was in one year. No, that’s not a typo) and is still typically pulling in a cool $85 million per year.

By almost any measure of wealth, popularity, and critical acclaim, Jerry Seinfeld is among the most successful comedians, writers, and actors of his generation. Compare his results to where you and I often find ourselves. I recently discovered a story that revealed one of the secrets behind Seinfeld’s incredible productivity, performance, and consistency.

The “Seinfeld Strategy” - Brad Isaac was a young comedian starting out on the comedy circuit. One fateful night, he found himself in a club where Jerry Seinfeld was performing. In an interview on Lifehacker, Isaac shared what happened when he caught Seinfeld backstage and asked if he had “any tips for a young comic”: He said the way to be a better comic was to create better jokes and the way to create better jokes was to write every day.

He told me to get a big wall calendar that has a whole year on one page and hang it on a prominent wall. The next step was to get a big red magic marker. He said for each day that I do my task of writing, I get to put a big red X over that day.

“After a few days you’ll have a chain.

Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You’ll like seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job is to not break the chain.”

You’ll notice that Seinfeld didn’t say a single thing about results. It didn’t matter if he was motivated or not. All that mattered was “not breaking the chain.” And that’s one of the simple secrets behind Seinfeld’s remarkable productivity and consistency. He simply focused on “not breaking the chain.”

Top performers in every field -athletes, musicians, CEOs, artists -- they are all more consistent than their peers. They show up and deliver day after day while everyone else gets bogged down with the urgencies of daily life and fights a constant battle between procrastination and motivation.

The Seinfeld Strategy works because it helps to take the focus off of each individual performance and puts the emphasis on the process instead. It’s not about how you feel, or how inspired you are. Instead, it’s just about “not breaking the chain.” All you have to do to apply this strategy to your own life is pick up a calendar and start your chain. You need to pick a task that is meaningful enough to make a difference, but simple enough that you can get it done.

No matter what your definition is of “success,” you’ll have to battle procrastination to make it a reality.

Don’t break the chain on your workouts and you’ll find that you get fit rather quickly. Don’t break the chain in your business and you’ll find that results come much faster. Don’t break the chain in your artistic pursuits and you’ll find that you will produce creative work on a regular basis.

So often, we assume that excellence requires a monumental effort and that our lofty goals demand incredible doses of willpower and motivation. But really, all we need is dedication to small, manageable tasks. Mastery follows consistency.

Gulf Insider October 2018

45

Experts Reveal Life Secrets

10 things the best of the best do differently

By Matt Mayberry

S

omething that has always fascinated me over the years is what are some of the things that the best of the best do differently than everyone else.

While there are many different qualities and habits that the best possess, here are 10 of some of the most common things that I have found that have helped them differentiate themselves from everyone else:

1. They constantly expand their vision - Instead of letting their past

mistakes, failures and hardships define their destiny, they constantly expand their vision as to what’s possible.

2. They are extremely goal-oriented

- They visualize what they want in their

lives. Once they know what they want, they plan everything they have to do for it to become a reality.

3. They take massive action - They understand that absolutely nothing will work if they don’t work.

4. They surround themselves with supporters - They have friends and people in their inner circle that help them grow. They want nothing to do with people who suck the life out of everyone they come in contact with.

5. They are lifelong learners - They are constantly searching for ways to grow and get better. They work harder on themselves than they do anything else.

6. They serve others - They understand that true success and fulfillment comes from serving and helping others get to where they want to go.

7. They work harder than anyone else - Many people at the top of their

game and dominating their selected field work harder than anybody else.

They have a ridiculous work ethic.

8. They don’t let failure stop them from taking action or trying something new - The best of the best thrive under pressure. They understand that the trials they go through help mold them into something better.

9. They work toward a vision bigger than themselves -

Instead of being temporarily pushed by motivation or some exterior reward, they are being pulled by their powerful mission or cause.

10. They never give up - This last one sounds so cliché but it’s unbelievable the amount of fight, persistence and perseverance that the best of the best display.

Nothing will stop them from waking up each morning and getting ready to work.

Adopt these 10 things into your life and maybe you too could eventually be among the best of the best.

46

Gulf Insider October 2018

The 4 Most Common Negotiation Mistakes - And How To Avoid Them

U

niversity of Michigan Ross School of Business professor George Siedel has taught negotiation classes around the world. Siedel is currently teaching 50,000 students in his course “Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills,” which is available as a free online course. You can finish the relatively short course at your own pace, as long as you complete it by November 30th.

We spoke with Siedel about the four most common mistakes amateur negotiators make and how to avoid them. Here’s what he said:

They don’t listen - Siedel

recommends that you ask plenty of questions to understand where the other side is coming from and what they’re trying to get out of the deal. You should be trying to gain the upper hand through the accumulation of knowledge regarding the deal at hand rather than just focusing on the sound of your own voice.

Experts Reveal Life Secrets

They get straight to business - If

you and your team are meeting with representatives of another company, consider meeting them for drinks or dinner the night before the negotiation. If it’s just you and you’re going to see your boss to negotiate a raise, ease into it with some chit-chat.

It’s about building trust and easing tension.

They go in without a clear sense of what they want - Before

entering the negotiation, determine your target point, which is your ideal situation. Balance this with a reservation price, which is the point that you won’t cross. If you’re in a position to sell, this would be the minimum you’re willing to part with your assets. And if you’re in a position to buy, this would be the maximum you’re willing to spend.

Don’t be caught off guard by anything the other side proposes, and don’t get manipulated beyond your limits.

They don’t have a best alternative prepared - One of the

fundamental aspects of Siedel’s course is using your “BATNA” as a secret weapon. It stands for the “Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement” and refers to what you have to fall back on if the negotiation results in no deal. If you’ve got a strong BATNA, you should let the other side know. In the course, for example, Siedel says that if Ford approaches a supplier it may say that if they do not agree on a price Ford is happy with, then it will take its business to one of five other suppliers it is ready to go to. If you can’t use your best alternative as leverage, refrain from explaining it to your opponent. Siedel also recommends trying to find your opponent’s best alternative (or lack thereof) so that you can attempt to use it against them.

If you’d like to go beyond the fundamentals but don’t have time for Siedel’s class, you can check out his book, “Negotiating for Success: Essential Strategies and Skills.” – Available from Amazon.com

The ‘2-Minute Rule’ ….. The Easiest Way To Quit Procrastinating For Good.

By James Clear

R

ecently, I’ve been following a simple rule that is helping me crush procrastination and making it easier for me to stick to good habits at the same time. It’s a simple strategy that couldn’t be easier to use.

I call this little strategy the “2– Minute Rule” and the goal is to make it easier for you to get started on the things you should be doing. Here’s the deal… Most of the tasks that you procrastinate on aren’t actually difficult to do, you just avoid starting them for one reason or another. The 2–Minute Rule overcomes procrastination and laziness by making it so easy to start taking action. There are two parts:

doing something, it’s easier to continue doing it, and all sorts of good things happen once you get started.

Want to become a better writer? Just write one sentence (2–Minute Rule), and you’ll often find yourself writing for an hour. Want to make reading a habit?

Just read the first page of a new book (2–Minute Rule), and before you know it, the first three chapters have flown by.

The 2–Minute Rule isn’t about the results you achieve, but about the process of actually doing the work.

The focus is on taking action and letting things flow from there. The most important part of any new habit is getting started. It’s not about performance, it’s about consistently taking action.

Try It Now. I can’t guarantee whether or not the 2–Minute Rule will work for you. But, I can guarantee that it will never work if you never try it. What’s something you can do that will take you less than two minutes? Do it right now.

Part 1 — If it takes less than two minutes, then do it now. It’s surprising how many things we put off that we could get done in two minutes or less.

For example, washing your dishes immediately after your meal, cleaning up clutter, sending that email, and so on. If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, then follow the rule and do it right now.

Part 2 — When you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do. Can all of your goals be accomplished in less than two minutes? Obviously not. But, every goal can be started in 2 minutes or less. And that’s the purpose behind this little rule.

It might sound like this strategy is too basic for your grand life goals, but I beg to differ. It works for any goal because of one simple reason: the physics of real life. As Sir Isaac Newton taught us a long time ago, objects at rest tend to stay at rest and objects in motion tend to stay in motion. This is just as true for humans as it is for falling apples. The 2– Minute Rule works for big goals as well as small goals because once you start Gulf Insider October 2018

47

Society

Behbehani Bros hosted the launch of all new Jeep Wrangler at Reef Resort

48

Gulf Insider October 2018

Wyndham Garden Manama Blood Donation Drive

CAR News

& reviews

Bentley Bentayga V8

Ferrari 812 Superfast

Porsche

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

Car Bahrain

Hybrid Dominance Porsche demonstrates efficiency doesn’t cut performance.

P

orsche has added another impressive accolade for their unrivaled lap records at world famous race tracks.

Clocking at 02:18:96, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid established the fastest completion of a lap for a luxury four-door hybrid saloon at the Bahrain International Circuit. The record stands alongside a wider programme within the Middle east, India, and South Africa, achieving top marks in six racetracks for this model category. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer puts its performance credentials to the test and 50

Gulf Insider October 2018

once again reinforces the benefits of utilizing technology developed for the track to road-legal models.

As a descendent of the successful 919 Hybrid race car, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is the fastest and most fuel-efficient Panamera to-date and forms an important part of the brand’s E-Performance strategy. Performance, comfort, and efficiency form a perfect three-way combination in the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. Porsche’s Performance Electrified campaign advocates a communication platform that demonstrates how the combination

of an electric motor and combustion engine results in the delivery of impressive power. It starts in the purely electric “E-Power” mode as standard, traveling locally with zero emissions for up to 50 kilometres. When a specific pressure point is pressed on the accelerator pedal, or when the battery charge level drops below a minimum value, the Panamera switches to “Hybrid Auto” mode, at which point the power of both the combustion engine and electric motor, are made available.

For performance, the Panamera’s electric motor provides extra boost to

Car Bahrain

FZE, said setting the benchmark lap time offered a unique opportunity to showcase the Performance Electrified campaign. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid was also chosen for the feat for it bridges the 70-year history of sports car innovation to the future of sports mobility. The model’s outstanding credentials is further demonstrated in surpassing expectations on six highprofile racetracks across the region.

Porsche has continuously been at the forefront of advancing hybrid sports cars. Collin Sattar, General Manager, Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Bros. w.l.l., said: “We often talk about

the V8, four-litre twin turbo combustion engine, enabling the luxury saloon to complete a 100 km/h sprint in just 3.4 seconds and offer extraordinary tractive force at higher speeds. It also delivers a top speed of 310 km/h, setting unparalleled benchmarks in its class.

Larks Kern, testing and development driver of Porsche, took the challenge of setting record lap time using a standard production version of the four-door sports car at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. The FIA certified track, which hosts Formula One races, is highly regarded by global and regional drivers alike. The lap record was set on the GP configuration of the circuit with its 14 turns, using standard road tyres. Markus Peter, Marketing Director at Porsche Middle East and Africa

Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is the fastest and most fuel-efficient Panamera todate and forms an important part of the brand’s E-Performance strategy.

the pedigree of Porsche sports cars as well as the impressive output of the brand’s hybrid models. The newly set lap time is therefore the perfect example of performance promises brought to life.” Today, electrification continues to form a crucial part of its product offering, with the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid as resounding proof of what electric technology represents for the brand.

As part of the overall Performance Electrified campaign, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid also set benchmark lap times at: Yas Marina Circuit, UAE (2:31:79), Kyalami, South Africa (1:59:08), Buddh, India (2:12:56), Dubai Autodrome, UAE (2:19:15) and Losail, Qatar (2:24:12).

Gulf Insider October 2018

51

Car Bahrain

Bentley Bentayga V8 The Ultimate SUV? Hugh Haskell-Thomas spends some time with this VIP of the road.

T

he launch of the Bentley Bentayga W-12 in late 2015, heralded the arrival of the Super Luxury SUV genre into the world’s auto markets.

Other luxury marques rapidly followed suit, Maserati, Lamborghini and Rolls Royce to name a few, which will soon to be joined by Aston Martin, Ferrari and others. However, what appeared to be a very large gamble appears to have paid off with over 12,000 of the cars passed to customers over the past 3 years and, due to its maturity, Bentley have been able to offer derivatives of the initial model with diesel, plug-in hybrid and most recently V8 variants, the latter being the subject of our review.The initial differentiating points

52

Gulf Insider October 2018

to mention are the gloss black trim and twin tail pipes on the exterior of the car and significant amounts of carbon-fibre throughout the interior, both combining to underline the ‘sportier’ look and feel of the car. We much preferred this to the chrome of the original and believe that these changes are as much to do with attracting slightly younger customers as they are about differentiation. An optional Black Package removes all of the remaining chrome, which I felt would further improve its looks and its possibly younger target clientele.

Regardless of these minor changes from the original, it is still arguably the most luxurious SUV in the world with its unsurpassed levels of leather, metalwork and detailing. Inside and out

the VW Group heritage of the car are clear to see, from the chassis (used by the Cayenne, Urus and Q7), through the interior switchgear to the engine, however, none of this detracts from the overall quality and uniqueness of the finished product; it is exceptional.

Let us move on with some comparative numbers. The 2019 V8 features a twin turbocharged 8 cylinder engine producing just over 540BHP, that’s only 10% less than the flagship W12 version and, more importantly with such a heavy car, almost 570lb/ft of torque. All of this combines to push this two and a half ton car from 0-100 kmh in a little over 4 seconds, running on to a top speed of over 290kph! However, the more important number for most is the

Car Bahrain

price difference, with the base model V8 being delivered to your door for almost BHD 30,000 less than the W12 equivalent, a significant saving; enough to buy a Porsche Cayman for your other half! So, what are the real differences between this sibling and the original and is there this amount of difference in daily use? We set off across Bahrain to find out….

As usual with all Bentleys, the torque delivery allows all of their cars to hustle along their huge bulk with not much more than a purr from the engine, on the V8 maximum torque is delivered at less than 2000 rpm!

Notwithstanding the refined level of noise at normal cruising speeds, when the revs start to climb the difference between this and the original can more easily be identified with a definitely

more characterful exhaust note than the larger engine in its predecessor.

Although the car has four cylinders less, the fuel consumption is only around 15% better, though this does increase its range by over 100km from the 85 litre fuel tank. However, when the car is pressed forward, I was sure that I could see the fuel gauge move, this is not an economical car by any measure, but most who own one will not care for the prestige and comfort delivered by the car to balance this exorbitance!

The new 10-pot ceramic brakes, clamping down on probably the largest discs of any car on the road, combined with the very responsive steering, help to deliver confidence when pushing the car along at high speed and twisty roads. Most definitely the entire package belies the weight of the car

and also assists in putting a smile on your face every time the revs climb over 3,000, as well as leaving more traditional sports cars and other SUVs in its wake. As usual in modern cars at this level, there is of course adaptive cruise control and lane assistance, both of which worked predictably and immediately provided me with the confidence to use them. There is also a collision avoidance system, which thankfully for this driver remained untested, but am sure that it will equally work as promised. It is worth pointing out that the ceramic brakes mentioned earlier are an optional extra, though one that we strongly believe needs to be the first box checked when specifying your car… 2.5 tons, 180mph… you can understand I am sure!

For driver and passengers, the level of technology in the car further underlines the attention to detail that exists in the mechanical systems of the car. An eight-inch touch screen in the centre of the dash provides access to the infotainment system. It is straight-forward and easy to use with menus that are clearly labelled and selfexplanatory. Apple CarPlay compatibility comes as standard, but the system isn’t compatible with Android Auto and most likely won’t be anytime soon; we found something to complain about at last!

For rear seat passengers, there are huge 10.2 inch screens, which also add internet connectivity via the car’s inbuilt Wi-Fi network. As well as general access to media, passengers can also check the outside temperature, change the climate control settings, turn on the seat’s heating, cooling, or massaging functions, from the clever remote control which can be removed from the rear console.

In summary, there is really very little difference between the V8 and the W-12, apart from the bragging rights!

After almost a day behind the wheel of this new variant, it is the one that I would take out of the showroom, regardless of the price difference. Pop along to the showroom and see if you agree!

For more information, please contact Bentley Bahrain on +973 1723 8822

Gulf Insider October 2018

53

Car Bahrain

2 Days in Dubai Nicholas Cooksey experiences 2 new Ferraris – the 812 Superfast and the GTC4 Lusso.

I

n September I was invited to spend a couple of days in Dubai to experience these two great new cars from Ferrari, one for each day.

It worked like this. The Ferrari team put me up in a beautiful hotel – the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on the Palm, and each morning gave me a key and had me sign a form. Therafter the rest of the day was mine to drive anywhere I liked and have as much fun as is legal – provided I didn’t exceed 200 km each day! Yes – aren’t I lucky to have such a great job☺ Day one was spent with the 812 Superfast. I’m always overly cautious when I collect an expensive car for a test drive. It takes me a while to get a feel for the vehicle before I feel 54

Gulf Insider October 2018

Driving a Ferrari is making a statement to everyone else on the road that you are not a normal traffic user. comfortable enough to start ‘pushing it’. But I had just spent 36 hours with a Superfast less than a week earlier while overseeing a photoshoot for our sister magazine Bahrain Confidential so as

soon as I climbed into the cockpit it felt familiar and comfortable, like meeting up again with an old friend.

This is a front-engined, rear-drive, twoseat super GT. There’s a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Power steering is electric.

As all things Ferrari, it is a brilliant marvel in automotive engine, and immensely pleasing on the eye. It is big, ridiculously powerful, and crazy expensive.

Driving a Ferrari is making a statement to everyone else on the road that you are not a normal traffic user. On one occasion I looked into the rear view mirror to see the man in a Toyota behind earnestly taking photos of me (er… I mean the Ferrari) with his smartphone.

Car Bahrain

This Ferrari has a new four-wheel steering system and is currently the most powerful Ferrari in the range.

This Ferrari has a new four-wheel steering system and is currently the most powerful Ferrari in the range. It can go from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.9 seconds. That’s not just superfast but ‘crazyfast’. It offers 789bhp from its 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, and has a top speed of 333 kph. It’s really, really fast.

And yet this car feels so light to drive despite it weighing more than 1.6 tons.

But it does feel big, as in long and wide.

The next day it was the turn of the GTC4 Lusso. This car replaces the FF (which itself replaced the 612 Scaglietti).

The Lusso looks similar to the FF, but better and with major engineering improvements including both four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. It’s lower,

wider, and more aggressive than the FF. Major engine improvements call for more cooling so the grille opening has been widened to cater for this.

The Lusso offers a choice of two engines – a 680 bhp 6.3-litre V12 and a turbocharged 3.9-litre V8, offering 602 bhp. The 6.3-litre naturally aspirated twelve-cylinder unit makes its peak power at 8000rpm and runs into the limiter at 8250rpm, while the V8 produces 602bhp at 6500rpm and can achieve zero to 100 kph in 3.5 seconds - the V12 does it in a tenth of a second quicker.

This is the ‘family Ferrari’ as it genuinely seats four adults, and there’s a 450-litre boot. Rear seats split and fold to increase the volume to 800 litres should you need it.

Both cars sound great, but they are not noisy – especially inside the cabin… well that’s until you put your foot down hard on the accelerator. Then they scream like a Ferrari should!

Siting in them is like being cocooned in luxury leather interiors, the steering wheels are functional works of art – come to think of it I cannot think of any other car brand with cooler steering wheels.

The experience of driving these two amazing cars, the power and all round capabilities, whether it be power, acceleration, braking, steering precision… all surpass anything you could possibly need for normal road driving. But that’s what makes them awesome.

It was a most enjoyable couple of days.

To arrange your own test drive in Bahrain contact Euro Motors on +973 17 734 734.

Gulf Insider October 2018

55

Society

EK Kanoo hosted the launch of the all new 2019 Lexus ES at Lexus Showroom, Sitra

56

Gulf Insider October 2018

The Yallah Banat press conference at The Gulf Hotel

SIZZLING SENSATION

Every Saturday of this Month | 7pm - 11pm Choose from a wide range of Sizzling Sizzlers with a perfect accompaniment of side dishes and sauces of your choice.

Starting: BD 2.5++

Call: 3888 4415

Last Word - Social Media Advice

How Much Does It Cost To

Build A Business Website?

Social Media for Business - Insider Advice No. 6 View all our Insider Advice FREE by visiting Fabianca.com

I

f you’ve looked around for a good web developer, you’ve probably noticed that prices are all over the place, from super cheap to super expensive.

On the lower end of web design pricing, competitive industry pressure and advancements in web design tools have pushed pricing down.

If you’re looking for a basic site, your professional website design cost will be more affordable than ever before as free tools and templates have made it easier for web designers to create great looking websites for less price. But websites built on free templates only allow a certain extent of customization.

A professional 10-page website with standard customization is going to cost less to build than a highly customized 50-page website with all sorts of extra features.

Be careful with “budget pricing”. As with most things in life, you usually get

58

Gulf Insider October 2018

what you pay for and we’ve lost count the number of websites we built for clients after they’d previously been with someone who quoted an extremely low price but failed to deliver a correctly functioning website, resulting in the client losing time, money, and suffering much frustration.

A realistic price in 2018 for a professional business website is typically anywhere between BD800 – BD2,000 depending on the amount of customization required, such as:

provide the functionality you want.

Other times you may need trial and error testing.

Design revisions - with most website projects its standard to have 1 or 2 design revisions. After that, each change comes at a price.



Content creation - if you’re launching a new site, content will need to be developed, or if you have existing content but it’s stale or outdated it’ll need to be improved.



Custom layout and page volume - the more pages and customization (volume and complexity) the greater the cost.



Images & graphics - sophisticated visual effects often require special software or the services of a graphic design specialist.



Programming - sometimes you can get plug-and-play applications that



Fabianca is a Bahrain based digital marketing specialist. For a FREE 30 minute digital strategy session for your business visit Fabianca.com or call +973 36 188 100.