Gulfinsider Magazine October 2015

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

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Business with Style

Issue 129

Affairs

Salaries expected to increase in Bahrain Interview

Mohammad Ali Al Areen Palace Resort & Spa Motors

Bahrain real estate

Cover Image: Arif Feroze

Frankfurt Motor Show 2015

Confidence returns as investors see increased development

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Bahrain Real estate Special Feature

13 Cover Story

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Contents October 2015

WORK Special Feature

Investing in Bahrain Real Estate Telecoms

53

Talent is at the Heart of VIVA Business

A Fresh Start at Al Areen Palace Resort & Spa Business

Global Islamic Economy Summit Finance

HSBC Talks Digital Banking Affairs

54

Bahraini Vice Gang Targeting Teenage Girls

PLAY

13 43 20 44 29 46

Life

30 47 32 50 34 54

Style

Zero Gravity Life

World’s Top Windsurfers Visit Oman Insider Profile:

Mohammad Qahtani

Ulysse Nardin Timepieces

Motors

Frankfurt Motor Show 2015

Art

The Most Beautiful Mosques in the World – Part 2

B u si n ess w it h S t y l e

Comment...

Publisher & Editor in Chief - Nicholas Cooksey Editorial - Abeer Saeed Parkar

Dubai’s real estate market has been a roller-coaster ride of boom, crash and recovery. Property values halved between 2008 and 2010, then rose to regain most of their losses by 2014. The rallying prices of 2013-14 set off the alarm so authorities reacted to prevent a market boom-and-crash cycle. Dubai’s market regulators, wielding mortgage caps and a doubling of transaction fees, stepped in to reduce speculation.

This combined with deteriorating oil prices, currency fluctuations, a strong US dollar, and a series of economic and political failures in different parts of world, means lower levels of demand from international buyers. Add an excess of new-build supply and the net impact has been a 12% fall in mainstream property prices over the 12 months to June 2015.

Regular Contributors - Hugh Haskell-Thomas - Nicholas Cortes - Bill Daly Guest Contributors - Tariq A. Al Maeena - Rich Hutchinson - Loe Babauta Sales Executive - Gerivi “Via” Battung Layout Designs - Dhanraj S Business Development - Redia Castillo Admin & Finance - Nikesh Pola Photography - Shareef Panhatt - Harold Tejada - Bench Medina

Ne falling prices are not totally bad news. With the government stepping in to curb speculative activity through tightening mortgage regulations and capping price increments, it is evident that lessons has been learnt from the 2008 downturn and the market is heading steadily to be more mature and better controlled.

Distribution Executives - Mohammed Yousif - Muhammed Shareef - Rafnaj K P

Published by:

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

Printed at Awal Press, Kingdom of Bahrain.

WORK

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

PLAY

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

WORK

PLAY

for PLAY see page 37

BusIness wIth style

for WORK see page 08

Business with style

Issue 129

Issue 129

Also inside:

Affairs

Travel Insider - Around Bahrain Motors - Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 Art - The most beautiful mosques in the world

Salaries expected to increase in Bahrain Interview

Mohammad Ali Al Areen Palace Resort & Spa

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

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

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Confidence returns as investors see increased development

Cover Image: Arif Feroze

Frankfurt Motor Show 2015

Bahrain real estate

Arabia’s most intelligent magazine

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Registered with Ministry of Information approval no. TFI-431©. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. *Articles by these correspondents are the copyright of Telegraph Media Group, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0DT, England.

Elite from VIVA reflects your status

Introducing Elite from VIVA, our special programme for premium customers. Elite is our way of appreciating our customers by offering a world of benefits and privileges, which complements their lives.

Some of these include a dedicated customer care center, priority queuing, exclusive discounts and membership card offering worldwide airport lounge access.

Simply put, Elite is service at its very finest.

To find out more about VIVA Elite visit viva.com.bh/elite.

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The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

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The Arabian Review

It was a pleasure to read about my friend Ali in your magazine, he’s an amazing and hardworking individual with so much going on.

Please continue featuring the multitalented folks of our beautiful country.

Cover Image: Harold Tejada

Issue 128

Bahrain to End SuBSidiES?

Lower oil prices adds pressure on GCC over subsidies

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Another Dubai Debt Crunch One of the most successful cities of the GCC has got the media and investors concerned once again. I feel Dubai is here to stay, and the dropping oil prices and slowdown in real estate are just hiccups along the way. I believe Dubai will overcome this small obstacle soon.

- Hugh L.

- M.

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The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

Bahrain to End Subsidies?

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The Arabian Review

+ Review of 10 best apps to be organized and save time!

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Can you trust your employees qualifications?

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- Worried for Expats

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The Arabian Review

Issue 126

- Hamad al Mo ay ye d

baHrain leGal 2015:

Red Tape Blues

Mo na

Legal firms advise on regulatory challenges faced by businesses

Is Red Tape Holding Back Bahrain?

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We ask Four business leaders: Mona Almoayed Mohammed Dadabhai Suhail Algosaibi Hamed Fakhro

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10 Books that Changed History Have you noticed that the book recommendations in last month’s issue are all authored by men? There are more than 70 books written by women who have also changed the world’s perspective on various political and moral issues. It would have been lovely to see some recommendations for books by Maya Angelou or ‘Silent Spring’ by Rachel Carson about the balance of nature and effects of pesticides, fallout and industrial wastes.

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BOGUS DEGREES

Thanks for highlighting the worrying issue of subsidies. Glad to know the decision has been postponed. Really hoping the government comes up with a fair solution for all.

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Gulf Insider October 2015

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News

GULF ROUNDUP news around the GCC and beyond

business & Affairs

Batelco Drives Digitisation by Expanding Bahrain’s First Cloud Services Platform Keen on empowering businesses to digitize their processes and improve their operational efficiencies, Batelco now offers services on Cloud-based solutions. The first in the Kingdom to provide such services, where customers are invited to request a Cloud experience. Batelco is focusing more on the Small Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in Bahrain, while also reinforcing its offerings for large enterprises.

A team of technical experts will offer Cloud consultation services and customize innovative solutions for businesses to enhance their digitization efforts. The telecom’s comprehensive Cloud portfolio boasts a range of services for enterprises such as Cloud eCommerce, Security as a Service, Software as a Service, Cloud Infrastructure as a Service, and Cloud Collaboration Services. To suit the organization’s diverse needs, enterprises can fully customize the specifications for these services, as well as store any data they deem necessary.

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Gulf Insider October 2015

GIB Wins Award for Fastest Growing Asset Management Bank Gulf International Bank (GIB) has won the “Fastest Growing Asset Management Bank, Saudi Arabia” award from the international business magazine, ‘Global Banking and Finance Review’, for its efforts in developing asset management products for the Kingdom and the bank’s wider client base. GIB UK, the London based manager of the assets, succeeded in achieving a growth rate of 28% in asset management revenue in 2014 and 16% in the first six months of 2015.

GIB UK, a five year old establishment, has been applauded for development of its Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund (EMOF) and the introduction of several new services for institutional clients. GIB is owned by the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund owning 97%.

Bahrain discusses downsizing government departments King Hamad, the country’s Prime Minister Prince Khalifa, and the Crown Prince, Prince Salman, met to discuss ways of reducing public expenditure, according to local reports. One way that’s being considered by the country’s leaders is to merge some ministries, thereby reducing administration expenses.

The kingdom has already taken steps to cut public spending by scrapping meat subsidies, which come into force this month. Like other oil exporting Gulf states, Bahrain has for many years subsidised goods and services such as meat, fuel, electricity and water, keeping prices ultra-low in an effort to buy social peace. – Arabian Business

News

Qatar to spend $220bn on major projects Qatar is prioritizing existing development projects in view of falling oil prices and plans to award about $220bn worth of large-scale investment projects over the next 10 years. The investment programme will focus on infrastructure, education and health, says global credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s, affirming stable outlook ‘AA/A-1+’ ratings on Qatar.

The programme will support medium-term real economic growth, although it will contribute to a decline in fiscal and external balances, aggravated by large fall in oil prices, according to S&P. Their report cites Qatar as a wealthy economy and estimates the per capita GDP (income) at $81,000 this year.

However, it added that Qatar’s economy remains undiversified with hydrocarbon sector creating about 55% of its GDP and 90% of government revenues, and 85% of exports. Qatar’s economy grew by about 6% over the past three years but growth is expected to slow down to 4% between 2015 and 2018. The hydrocarbon sector will likely continue to stagnate. The non-oil sector should, meanwhile, remain buoyant, thanks to public investment and growing population. - Zawya

Citi Bahrain Wins Global Finance Awards 16 awards received by Citi across the MENA region for World’s Best Corporate/Institutional and Consumer Digital Banks competition.

Citi Bahrain specifically won in the “Best Consumer Digital Bank” category for the fourth year and “Best Corporate/Institutional Digital Bank” for the third time.

“These awards recognize the progress we are making in this area and our ongoing commitment to becoming the world’s leading digital bank”, said Navneet Kampani, Consumer Banking Head at Citi Bahrain.

Country winners for Citi include branches in Algeria, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Tunisia, Jordan and Lebanon who won Best Corporate/ Institutional Digital Bank Awards in their respective markets. Citi also won in many regional subcategories for Best Investment Management Services, Best Online Cash Management, Best Trade Finance Services, Best Website Design, Best Online Treasury Services, Best in Mobile Banking and Best in Social Media.

Winning banks were selected based on strength of strategy for attracting and servicing digital customers, success in getting clients to use digital offerings, growth of digital customers, breadth of product offerings, evidence of tangible benefits gained from digital initiatives, and web/mobile site design and functionality. Category winners, such as “best in social media” were selected based on the relative strength and success of those web products and services.

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. For more info visit www.citigroup.com

Saudi and Venezuela discuss oil price recovery, OPEC

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Saudi King Salman have spoken on the phone and discussed OPEC, according to the South American country’s government, which is pushing for action to boost low oil prices that have battered its economy. “Both heads of state agreed to deploy joint efforts to recover the stability of the oil market and strengthen OPEC,” Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez said on Twitter recently.

Maduro has already traveled to the Middle East and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in his bid to prompt oil action. Saudi Arabia has said it sees no need to hold a heads of state summit nor interfere in the oil market.

One OPEC source said that such a meeting would produce no concrete outcome and would have a negative impact on prices. While Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has said his country had rejected requests from Venezuela and other OPEC member states to cut oil output, saying Moscow believed such a measure was unnecessary. – Gulf Business

Gulf Insider October 2015

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News

Expats take 95pc of Kuwait private sector jobs

Tamkeen’s annual report wins prestigious global award Tamkeen’s 2014 annual report* won the Silver Award in the category of “non-traditional annual reports” for government agencies and offices at the 29th ARC International Awards - the world’s oldest and largest annual report competition. Entitled Empower, the 62page award-winning report emulates the look and feel of a modern lifestyle magazine in which it presents a timeline of the organization’s evolution and future roadmap, as well as detailing how it enhanced its operations and support programs to become more customer-oriented and results-driven, in line with its 2015-2017 strategy.

Over 2,000 entries from 35 countries around the world competed in the awards’ various categories this year, aimed to set standards of excellence in the communications fields.

The 2014 annual report can be viewed on Tamkeen’s website (www.tamkeen.bh).*

There is an urgent need to revamp employment policies, a senior official has said. There are currently a total of 1.466 million foreign workers employed in the private sector, while the number of Kuwaitis accounted for less 5%, according to the latest employment figures, prompting authorities to call for urgent reorganization in the country’s recruitment and employment policies.

Officials say the move is necessary to ensure that only skilled labourers are brought into the country. The work permits of 22,019 expatriate workers has been cancelled as of this month for staying outside the country beyond a specified period, and a further 27,425 work permits were terminated after the workers decided to permanently leave the country. Employers with governmental contracts are now able to complete their transactions electronically including the renewal and cancellation of their employees’ work permits. – Trade Arabia

Boards of GCC businesses becoming more professional Businesses across the GCC are increasingly adopting more rigorous corporate governance standards and are becoming more transparent in their communications to win deeper public trust, and the shift is being driven by chairmen and more professional boards. The issue of building more effective boards was debated by more than 60 chairmen and CEOs of regional leading organizations at the 3rd Chairman Summit

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Gulf Insider October 2015

hosted by the GCC Board Directors Institute (BDI) in Riyadh in partnership with Investcorp. The summit featured panel discussions with each focusing on a specific aspect of the role of the chairman: the value of reputation, the chairman’s role in enhancing board effectiveness, and the board’s role in leading companies through change.

News

Capital Club Bahrain Partners with Samara for transportation solutions

HSBC Middle East to move head office to Dubai from Jersey HSBC Holdings’ Middle East business will move its head office from Jersey to Dubai’s financial free zone next year, the bank has announced. Mohammad Al Tuwaijri, deputy chairman and chief executive of HSBC in the Middle East and North Africa, said it made sense for HSBC Bank Middle East’s business to be regulated in Dubai.

The bank said the move, which means it will be regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, would not affect its customers or its regulatory relationships in other countries outside of the UAE. The Dubai International Financial Centre, set up in 2004, has its own labour laws and court system separate from the wider UAE. Since opening, it has become the most prominent financial hub in the Middle East, with many international banks, law and advisory firms and insurance companies using it as their regional base. HSBC Private Bank has been based there since 2006. – Emirates 24/7

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Gulf Insider October 2015

Capital Club Bahrain, the Kingdom’s Premier Private City Club, announced its new partnership with Samara, a leading transportation services provider based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that will offer Club Members luxury transportation solutions. The new partnership will pave the way for members to get fast, reliable and safe ground transportation service. Boasting a team of highly accomplished chauffeurs trained to provide customers with an exceptional experience. Members can expect knowledgeable, safety- conscious and customer-service oriented chauffeurs.

Etisalat shares up 1.8% as foreigners start trading Etisalat shares jumped 21 per cent since the government-controlled company announced three months ago it would allow foreign nationals direct ownership in the firm. Shares rose 1.8% as foreign and institutional investors were allowed to trade its shares directly for the first time last month.

Stock markets in the GCC have stepped up efforts to attract foreign investment to their capital markets amid the slump in oil prices, one of the region’s biggest sources of income. Etisalat is expected to attract foreign funds into the company, which has operations and subsidiaries in 17 countries. Stocks in the UAE were included in MSCI’s emerging market index last year. The nation’s sovereign wealth fund, the Emirates Investment Authority, which owns 60 per cent of Etisalat, has said it doesn’t plan to reduce its holdings. – Khaleej Times

Telecoms

Special Feature

Bahrain Real Estate As investors see political stability returning to the Kingdom and calls to diversify the economy to compensate falling oil prices, many are well-assured that Bahrain’s Real Estate sector shows the most promise and growth for the economy. With a number of projects in the pipeline, many developers feel confident about the country’s property market. Gulf Insider presents a comprehensive look at why Bahrain, comparatively, is the smartest place to invest.

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Gulf Insider October 2015

Cover Image: Arif Feroze

Confidence in Construction & Property Market Increasing

Special Feature

BAHRAIN REAL ESTATE

Investing in Bahrain Real Estate Gulf Insider looks into Bahrain property and how it compares internationally as an investment, with views from a prominent property developer.

B

ahrain is seeing a return of investor and developer confidence, according to Dr. Bashar Ahmadi, CEO of Orchid Developers Bahrain, who claims the kingdom is currently the best place for property investment compared to the rest of the region and globally.

“I invest all over the world, but I can only see growth here with an increase of 25% in property value and 50% in land prices” he tells us. “I believe Bahrain’s real estate market is very stable and currently the only place in the world where investors can expect a return of 8-10%.”

He explained and compared the kingdom with other countries to validate his claims further. “The UK’s real estate market is inflated and has been stagnant for the past couple years. I believe it might even drop 5-10% in prices.

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Gulf Insider October 2015

“I believe Bahrain’s real estate market is very stable and currently the only place in the world where investors can expect a return of 8-10%.”

Investors, if lucky, can generally expect a return of 2-4% maximum.”

He highlighted that Dubai is also facing challenges due to oversupply and

artificially high prices against a falling demand. “The prices in Dubai are higher than they were pre-recession,” which he says is borne out by low rental returns.

Dubai has doubled property registration fees and the UAE federal government has raised the minimum mortgage deposits, therefore, dampening demand.

Dr. Ahmadi doesn’t forecast much appreciation in the US either, telling us that the only US states seemingly showing signs of any appreciation are California and New York. Therefore, he claims that for him, the best and most stable market is Bahrain, where according to reports, there has been a 7% increase in construction permits in the first quarter of 2015, reflecting investor confidence in the country and the government’s development efforts.

However, according to a recent market report by property consultants and

Special Feature

estate agents Cluttons, the strong turn around in 2013’s residential market was largely attributed to oil exports. With the prospect of oil prices remaining low for the foreseeable future there is a risk of the real estate market losing its momentum.

Cluttons latest Property Market Outlook report further claims that although there is returning stability in Bahrain’s residential market, it is still vulnerable. Rental value growth in expat dominated submarkets such as Juffair, Saar, and Amwaj islands is dependent on how the oil price story plays out, the report suggests.

That said, changes in government policy has helped sustain a relatively positive sentiment. According to Cluttons, the sales market is slightly more stable with stalled residential projects such as Villa Mar, Marina West and Riffa

Views seeing a possible resumption in work. International retailers are also entering into emerging retail projects in Bahrain such as Dragon City in Diyar Al Muharraq, and have so far taken-up 60% of its 750 retail units. “We now have new laws to protect investors and with this, the market has seen an increase of 7-8% in returns,” Mr. Ahmadi said.

According to a report by Zubi & Partners, Bahrain’s oldest law firm, the new Investor Protection Law in Bahrain, which came into force in

January this year, will prohibit main and sub developers from promoting any off-plan sale of property units without government approval being obtained.

The law also includes substantive guarantees to protect investors from improper planning causing completion delays, fund mismanagement, and force majeure.

Regardless of the words of caution from the Cluttons report, Dr. Ahmadi told us that his confidence in the Kingdom of Bahrain and its real estate market remains positive.

7-8%

Bahrain market has seen increase of 7-8% in returns Gulf Insider October 2015

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Special Feature

BAHRAIN REAL ESTATE

“Safe from Global Market Plunge” A Bahrain based economist brushed aside consumer concerns that dropping oil prices and the tentative global market might have a drastic effect on the country’s re-emerging real estate industry.

Akbar Jaffari (Jafcon)

G

ulf Insider asked Dr. Akbari Jaffari, Chief Executive of productivity consultancy JAFCON, if investors should be concerned about investing in Bahrain’s real estate, given the current global market. He responded; that Bahrain’s real estate sector is in fact, over active.

“The growth of Bahrain’s real estate market has been well aboveaverage for some years now,” Dr. Jaffari stated, “Within this year we have already seen a 12% increase, whereas only a 4% increase was forecasted. This means our real estate sector has multiplied three times its expectations.”

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Gulf Insider October 2015

Special Feature

He mentioned there are many reasons for this increase, starting with the government, which is currently spending more on housing projects due to rising pressure and demand from the citizens of Bahrain. “We will see many projects completing shortly,” Dr. Jaffari said, “Many investors are motivated and approaching banks to initiate a joint effort with the government and together spending millions of dinars to develop Bahrain’s residential sector. This in turn, appreciates land prices and is bringing figures back up to and more than the pre-2008 financial collapse.”

“Bahrain is a center of social elegance; people want to live here,

not always permanently, but definitely longer than the average holiday period.

Many Gulf nationals and others want to own property in Bahrain for themselves and that’s why prices and projects are on the rise,” Dr. Jaffari reiterated, indicating towards prestigious developments such Durrat Al Bahrain, Amwaj, Riffa Views and Reef Island.

In terms of development in the commercial sector, he confidently pointed out that recent construction of towers in Seef, Bahrain Bay, six new hotels and the prospective Murjan Towers easily conclude the nation has a vibrant real estate economy. Alba is also set on spending BD 3.5b in its Line 6 expansion, where again, profits will be well spent and re-invested within the country.

The Economic Development Board and Tamkeen are headed towards a knowledge industry where you’re pushed to beat time.

Dr. Jaffari explained that the drop in oil prices is a political move and shouldn’t be considered a crucial indicator of the GCC’s or OPEC’s fall. “Fuel costs were dropped in an attempt to curb and exhaust the economies of certain countries in support of the war in Syria.

As a result, a slight backsplash occurred.”

He refutes approaches the current media and International Monetary Fund is taking in highlighting the issue. The drop in oil prices shouldn’t be a reason for the Gulf states to diversify its economy.

Diversification is a paradigm nations should aim for worldwide, regardless of decline in certain markets.

“The GCC has been enjoying subsidies

and the high income and comfort zone of the oil industry for 42 years. The wealth accumulated from all this oil cannot be depleted in one year,” he explained.

“We have well-protected reserves. The governments are intelligent in guarding the economy at its core, currently only our outer layer is suffering, kind of like an onion,” Dr. Jaffari continued. “We are in a different arena; this is not Greece, Spain or Ireland. The recurring news fact that 80% of our economy depends on oil is creating a man-made anxiety.”

When discussing Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, Dr. Jaffari indicated that the nation has been diversifying its economy for the last 50 years; however, since the growth of oil was ten times faster, its diversification was also faster. “We have ship building and aluminum as well, but the focus on oil didn’t give other industries time to grow as quickly,’ he said.

“We can create solutions for higher productivity and higher utilization of resources if we focus on educating and enabling humans to get more out of people,” Dr. Jaffari advised. “Take Europe for example, it’s a poor continent with not many resources of its own, yet it’s the richest. Whereas Africa is full of resources, but it’s still the poorest of continents.”

He gave an example of Norway, its oil income has always been isolated and invested for future generations. “In fact, many Scandinavian nations are poor, but they have been successful in creating a knowledge industry, Finland is most renowned for its education.” Dr. Jaffari explained that a country doesn’t need more resources to improve its productivity; they simply need to reduce wasteful spending.

“The Economic Development Board and Tamkeen are headed towards a knowledge industry where you’re pushed to beat time. Training for productivity is a slow process, organizations have to increase their pace and keep on the rail in order to succeed.” Dr. Jaffari concluded by praising the GCC as a role model for affluence, however, he urged this power is reinvested in the economy correctly.

Gulf Insider October 2015

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Special Feature

Development in retail and hospitality is driving new projects as stability continues, report suggests.

Development in the retail and hospitality sectors has continued to gain pace and shows no sign of slowing.

Cover Image: Arif Feroze

BAHRAIN REAL ESTATE

B

Bahrain – Confidence Returns

ahrain’s economy has finally seen an increased contribution from the non-oil sector with 2014’s main drivers being construction, hospitality, transport, communications as well as social and personal services.

So far, the government has reported a 2.9% growth in Q1 2015 and forecasts an overall 3.6% by year end. However, independent parties predict a modest 2.7% due to falling oil revenues and cuts in government spending.

The dropping prices however, have not impacted the real estate sector since construction across the region is seeing evident growth in an attempt to reduce reliance on the hydrocarbon sector. Although, there is possibility the Kingdom might see drop in demand within residential and

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commercial office segments as affected businesses address their staffing levels and accommodation. There has been no significant change in office rental rates and talks of new supply are in the pipeline. Meanwhile, development in the retail and hospitality sectors has continued to progress and is driving new projects.

With about 50,000 Bahraini nationals on waiting lists for social housing, the government has been pushed to address the issue and has recently finalized a $1 billion project with the Ministry of Housing to fund 3,100 homes in Diyar Al Muharraq, as well as invest in improved infrastructure. While the second quarter saw completion of Tubli Gardens, a 77 villas development worth BD6.5 million.

Efforts to increase investor confidence

Special Feature

in the real estate market has seen the introduction and refinement of new development laws to provide more security to buyers, particularly for off-plan projects. Attention has also been drawn to stalled developments such as Villamar at Bahrain Financial Harbour which has affected the Kingdom’s reputation, following the global financial crisis.

Development in the retail and hospitality sectors has continued to gain pace and shows no sign of slowing. There have also been several announcements in the luxury hotel segment within the last quarter about large scale, four and five star developments on the way.

Although the Kingdom’s outlook seems stable, an impact on an already strained financial position is possible as oil prices drop lower.

development both in the destination and community mall segments. New neighbourhood retail and food and beverage offerings are now being introduced. Galleria in Zinj, Wadi Al Sail in Riffa and The Courtyard in Seef are all due to open before or by 2016, while a First Bahrain project in Janabiya is currently in its planning stage.

Hospitality Sector The second quarter of 2015 saw the busiest time of the year in April during Bahrain F1 Gulf Air Grand Prix, where

Marriott, The Address and Vida have also announced their introduction into Bahrain. All in all, it seems five star properties are leading development in the hospitality sector.

Residential Rental Market There has been little change quarter on quarter, terms of rental rates and demand. However, occupancy levels in Juffair, Seef District, Reef Island and Amwaj Islands remain strong, along with popular expatriate residential compound areas in the north-west areas such as

Office Market The commercial office sector has remained stagnated with limited movement quarter on quarter. Although, established market leading office developments such as Al Moayyed Tower and WTC are achieving high occupancies comparatively. While newer developments that have failed to carve out a niche in less popular locations, are struggling to attract occupiers. Seef district continues to be a popular choice, whereas Diplomatic Area and Central Manama are hindered due to access and parking issues. Overall, quoted rents continue to sit at BD5.5 – 8 per sq/m for Grade A and B properties.

Landlords that are demonstrating flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing market needs are continuing to fare better with many local businesses occupying aging or Grade B sub prime office space of low rents.

This is not to say that new market entrants will be unable to attract tenants, but there is a clear divide between buildings that hit the right note, in terms of efficient, affordable space that meet occupier requirements and offer facilities to consumers on site or within the vicinity.

Retail Market The retail sector continues to witness

hotels reported 90-100% occupancy across all classes. However, this percentage fell to 40-60% during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Despite reported challenges in achieving optimum occupancy levels, the momentum of new proposed developments show no sign of abating.

Four Seasons at Bahrain Bay and ART Rotana at Amwaj Islands have launched earlier than predicted with another Rotana: Downtown due for completion by year end in Bab Al Bahrain.

More brand properties such as

Saar, Budaiya and Janabiya since civil unrest has decreased significantly.

Ultimately, as The Bahrain International Property Exhibition returns to the Kingdom after a five year hiatus, many investors and observers are now noticing that confidence has overall, increased for Bahrain’s market.

Based on CBRE Research Marketview Report: Bahrain, Commercial & Residential, Q2 2015.

Gulf Insider October 2015

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Special Feature

BAHRAIN REAL ESTATE

Changing Skylines A look at the Kingdom’s recent and upcoming property developments.

Hospitality Sector

space and a 900 sqm ballroom on the building’s top floor, offering stunning sea views.

The Address Marassi Al Bahrain

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Bold architectural statement rising 68 storeys from its own manmade 5 hectare island in the capital city of Manama.

Towering above a lushly landscaped private island, easily accessible via causeway to business, commercial and shopping as well as historic and cultural sites and numerous recreational opportunities.

When inaugurated, The Address Marassi Al Bahrain will feature 110 rooms, with oceanfront restaurants and lounges, as well as other amenities. The hotel will have direct access to the lifestyle mall and a beachfront area. There will also be 130 residential serviced apartments, overlooking the waterfront; which will be available for purchase and rental.

Residential and Mixed Reef Island

Wyndham Grand Manama More than 260 spacious guest rooms, covering 14 floors of a 50-story mixed use development, it will also comprise 500 sqm of meeting

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Gulf Insider October 2015

Located on Manama’s northern shore, and minutes away from the new Bahrain Financial Harbour, Reef Island is ideally situated in the heart of Manama. Reef Island offers its residents, and guests, all the convenience of easy access to a bustling cosmopolitan city complimented with the tranquility of a tropical island getaway. Conceived to be Bahrain’s

benchmark of luxury living, serenity and relaxation, Reef Island presents its discerning clientele with an exclusive living experience, on a purpose-built atoll and state-of-the-art amenities.

Diyar Al Muharraq

At 12 square kilometres and with an investment value of BD1.2 billion, it is one of the biggest mixed-use urban developments ever undertaken by the private sector in Bahrain, with reasonably priced housing across all income levels. A cohesive mix of residential and commercial properties with the potential for around 30,000 dwellings housing for over 120,000 people (around 10% of Bahrain’s current and growing population). The various housing options will all share the same high standard of living and amenities. Amenities will include over 40 km of waterfront, together with sandy beaches – among the most extensive publicly accessible waterfront in the Kingdom.

Special Feature

10 minute drive to Manama center, Blue Water Marina View is a modern architectural design offering the finest residential and commercial lifestyle.

A 10 story residential and commercial building consisting of 35 two-bedroom apartments and a penthouse, a ground floor commercial showroom , parking spaces, reception, swimming pool and health club with total project cost 2.7m BD , making it the ideal living space for the modern couple or family.

Water Bay

Ten storeys of residential and retail units, each one with your comfort and satisfaction in mind. From cozy studio apartments to sprawling three-bedroom flats and four-bedroom penthouse suites, plus space for high-end retailers, the Waterbay covers over 25,500 sqm within its state-of-the-art curtain wall exterior.

Al Madinah Al Shamaliya

Retail Sector The Avenues Regenerating a stretch of waterfront in Manama which will feature retail and leisure facilities The Avenues will also have public access to a 1.5km stretch waterfront corniche with children’s outdoor play areas, a jogging track and outdoor gym sets as well as waterfront restaurants and cafes, retail outlets, a souk area, an indoor market, movie theatres and arcades framed by a public park.

are a refreshing sight when compared to other closed recreational spaces.

Conceived as a boutique mall, Galleria sprawls across a plot area of 30,000 sqm and boasts a total built-up area of over 40,000sqm. This includes a hypermarket, extending over two floors, and shopping & dining spaces, which will feature prominent fashion brands and food & beverage.

Dragon City

The Courtyard Nestled in the new Northern Town Island around spectacular beaches and magnificent views. In early 2017, these new homes will carry the preferred address for families seeking an ideal combination of community neighborhoods and privacy from congested town centers. Naseej is developing over 350 residential units consisting of apartments and villas. The island is accessible from the main roads on the west coast of Bahrain.

Blue Water Marina View Strategically located in Amwaj islands close to the Bahrain international airport and

Retail and dining spaces, spread across three levels, benefiting from numerous terraces, outdoor seating areas and rooftop spaces. An internationally-renowned bakery, revered for its delicious pastries, desserts and cakes and featured on the TLC hit show Cake Boss, will open its first location in the Gulf at ‘The Courtyard’. Carlo’s Bakery’s Bahrain will be its flagship store in the region.

Galleria – Zinj Galleria’s distinctive modern-esque architecture and deliberate open layout

A large-scale commodities distribution center encapsulating wholesale with retails of Chinese products, integrated with China-style architect, being a key tourist attraction and leisure entertainment functions. It is a unique concept and business model that has been successfully running and proven in Dragonmart Dubai. Dragon City Bahrain comprises of four parts: 53,670 sqm market area, 4,500 sqm of warehouse space, a massive Leisure and Restaurants Street and 300 Apartments for the tenants who are doing business in DCB. Gulf Insider October 2015

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Property

UAE real estate Falling oil prices create headwinds for UAE real estate markets.

W

ith a 54% decline in the price of oil prices during the past 12 months the UAE real estate market is now beginning to feel the effect with property transaction levels falling across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, according to the latest research from international real estate consultancy, Cluttons.

Cluttons’ annual 2015 UAE Property Report reveals that the direct correlation between hydrocarbon revenues and state spending will put pressure on the rate of job creation. A further reduction in oil prices is also likely once Iran receives the green light to begin oil exports.

In turn, this will impact on the rate of office space take up and subsequently, the creation of households and overall residential demand. The impact is expected to be variable across the three largest emirates. However, the return of an Iranian variable to the national real estate equation could be particularly momentous for the real estate market.

Steve Morgan, Chief Executive, Cluttons Middle East said: “We see a number of economic factors at play which will impact the level of transactions in the near term. The decline in oil prices has seen the government take necessary fiscal measures to boost its financial position, including the deregulation of fuel prices and the much talked about future move towards the introduction of VAT and corporation tax. These initiatives will likely cause consumer price inflation levels to increase, resulting in a reluctance of tenants to pay higher end rents and families to purchase homes.

However, some of the rises may be offset by the fall in diesel prices, helping to maintain the UAE’s competitive edge, which is unchallenged in the region.

“With the expected lifting of Iranian trades sanctions, it is our view that Iranian nationals will seize the opportunity to make significant real estate investments 22

Gulf Insider October 2015

in the UAE, particularly Dubai, pushing them back up the buyer nationality league table. In 2010, Iranian nationals accounted for 12% of Dubai’s real estate transactions, positioning them in fourth place behind Indian, British and Pakistani nationals. Data from the Dubai Land Department on investment volumes showed investment from Iranian’s had dwindled to a low of just 3% during the first quarter of 2015.”

The decline in oil prices has seen the government take necessary fiscal measures to boost its financial position, including the deregulation of fuel prices and the much talked about future move towards the introduction of VAT and corporation tax.

Residential In Abu Dhabi, house prices across the capital slipped by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2015, the first contraction

Property

since Q3 2012, and leaves the current average house price standing at AED 1,336 psf. Demand remains stable in the top-end luxury market according to the report, and more affordable sub AED 1,000 psf properties. This is driven by affluent Emirati and GCC buyers continuing to home in on schemes based on perceived exclusivity, while the large expat population that is being squeezed out of the rental market due to rampant rental growth, is targeting more affordable properties that are perceived as better value for money.

The Cluttons report points to a 1.5% rise in average rents, registered during the second quarter, pushing annual growth in the capital up to 3.9%. Hydra Village was the strongest performing submarket, with rents for three bedroom for villas surging by almost 32% during the first six months of the year to AED 125,000 per annum.

Faisal Durrani, Head of Research at Cluttons said: “With government spending subsiding, the rate of job creation and residential demand is also expected to stabilise. With this in mind, it is our view that the residential market will see further slight to moderate price falls over the remainder of 2015. Overall, quarterly house price declines of between 0.5% and 1% can be expected in both Q3 and Q4, while rents are expected to remain largely flat during H2.”

In Dubai, the total number of residential real estate transactions has remained fairly stable this year, according to data from Reidin. There has been almost no change in average apartment values during H1 2015, with a 0.6% fall recorded between January and June.

Durrani added: “The villa market continues to bear the brunt of the Federal Mortgage Cap restrictions, which have made affordability a central issue for potential buyers who are now required to hold significant equity to fund upfront costs. Values on average declined by 3.4% during Q2, bringing the annual rate of change down to -7%.

We expect a further 5% to 7% fall in villa values is expected this year as supply levels rise and affordability issues challenge buyers”.

Gulf Insider October 2015

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Property

Cluttons’ report shows that during the second quarter of this year, average rents in Dubai declined by 0.9%, taking the overall change in the six months to June to -1.3%. Apartments in affordable communities have held steady in 2015, while the villa market has witnessed a 1% drop during Q2. Looking further ahead, the rental market is set to be boosted by Expo 2020 moving from being on the medium-term event horizon to the short term, with infrastructure projects moving forward and in turn supporting job creation. The expected population growth to 2.8 million by 2020 will also help to increase demand for space.

Durrani continued: “We expect the sales market to weaken further this year based on a combination of the Federal Mortgage Cap, affordability challenges and a strengthening supply pipeline, which has seen 41,000 new units announced already this year. It is our view that the rental market will continue to perform at a reasonably stable level, with further declines in the region of 1.5% to 2% likely during the second half of the year. The severity of the decline is being hugely offset by the strong rate of job creation and population growth, which remains stable, strong and diverse”.

In Sharjah, tenants are now firmly in the driving seat as the lettings market slows in response to declines in Dubai and the introduction of what is perceived to be high-quality accommodation in neighbouring Ajman. The Emirate 24

Gulf Insider October 2015

recorded a 2.3% dip in average rents, yet these still stand 3.3% ahead of this time last year. Apartments registered a 4.2% decline during the second quarter, while villa rents edged up slightly by 1.4%.

“In the sales market, world-class master planned communities such as Al Zahia and Tilal City are quietly growing in popularity and setting the benchmark

The rental market is set to be boosted by Expo 2020 moving from being on the medium-term event horizon to the short term. for future master planned communities.

These affordable upscale developments, which are designed around the emirate’s rich Islamic heritage are allowing for the emergence of a niche residential market that caters for families who have been priced out of other UAE markets and those that have been waiting for more affordable communities in surroundings that echo their more traditional lifestyles”, said Durrani.

Commercial The report indicates that the lifting of trade sanctions on Iran could boost the UAE’s economic activity. Prior to the introduction of the sanctions, Iran was the UAE’s biggest trading partners, while in the past both local and global businesses hubbed any Iranian operations out of Dubai.

Morgan continued: “We have already noted an upturn in speculative requirements from Dubai-based Iranian businesses looking to expand their premises in anticipation of a resumption in normal trade with Iran. Furthermore, we have also already noted several instances of Iranian businesses in the emirate approaching banks for loans to fund planned expansion”.

In addition, Cluttons anticipates an upturn in international businesses looking to service any Iranian operations out of Dubai, which will once again place upward pressure on Grade A rents in sought after submarkets, particularly the city’s primary free zones such as the DIFC, the Internet and Media Cities, D3 and Dubai Airport Free Zone.

Cluttons latest research also shows that in Abu Dhabi the office market’s recent stagnation is in large part linked to the slowdown in public spending, which has translated into a drop in demand for new office space.

Telecoms

Advertorial

Talent is at the

heart of VIVA

T

he telecommunications industry is fast evolving and along with it customer demands are also shifting at a rapid pace. In this challenging environment, it becomes imperative for a leading telecom operator such as VIVA to deploy a strategic approach to attract and identify the right talent in line with its leadership as an employer of choice in Bahrain and across the region.

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the way companies approach their talent search and digitalization of the recruitment and hiring processes is now essential. In line with this, VIVA has adopted a full in-house sourcing and recruitment strategy with the creation of a unique, and innovative platform trough VIVA Careers at careers. viva.com.bh and its Onboarding Portal.

Both the sites are ‘mobile optimized’ to enhance the user experience and also to provide the flexibility to the applicants to access the information, apply for the job openings even while they are on the move.

VIVA Careers VIVA Careers is geared towards ensuring a timely and quality hiring,

VIVA Careers ensures timely and quality hiring, enabling the company to attract the best talent through a transparent hiring process. enabling the company to attract the best available talent from the market through a transparent hiring process, where job seekers have immediate and greater access to opportunities to join VIVA. Moreover, the portal enables job seekers to better understand the company’s culture and working environment, as well as obtain additional informative tools during their application process.

Applicants are able to track the progress of their application having a 360 view of each stage of the process through their dedicated applicant center in VIVA Career portal by receiving ongoing notifications by email and sms.

They can also book interviews online based on their availability.

To date, the portal has attracted talents across various regions with over 44,000 applicants having registered for positions.

VIVA Onboarding Portal Leveraging from the success on VIVA Careers; in early 2014, VIVA launched its innovative Onboarding Portal. The portal fully showcases VIVA’s brand and culture and greatly contributes to the new-hire’s opinion of the company with communication of important policies and procedures, benefits’ information, and tasks to complete, being centralized in one location.

Showcasing employees from over 19 different nationalities, the content of VIVA’s Onboarding Portal is tailored to the profile of each applicant, including Bahraini nationals, local and overseas expatriates, consultants and GCC nationals, as well as graduates.

The onboarding journey commences upon acceptance of the job offer when applicants get full access to the portal which showcases the following sections: About Bahrain, providing relevant information and key facts about life in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

About VIVA – detailing the multi-cultural profile of the company with information on VIVA’s milestones, key facts and data, the organizational structure and messages from the management. It also displays messages from employees sharing their personal experience when joining VIVA. You & VIVA – enlists the important policies and procedures to be followed by the applicant once joining the company. The section also highlights the key benefits that will be provided and provides access to relevant management performance information.

Joining us – highlights the relevant documentation that will be required at each stage of the hiring process, including traveling and visa details, relocation information and even a ‘savings calculator’ providing a generic

VIVA Careers 26

Gulf Insider October 2015

Telecoms

VIVA Onboarding Portal view on the savings to be derived by a selected applicant by comparing the earnings in comparison to the cost of living in the Kingdom.

New joiners can also keep track of their onboarding process through each stage, upload required documents, request for help and access Frequently Asked Questions.

By digitalizing VIVA’s onboarding process, new hires are able to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors to become effective organizational members and insiders since the initial stage, ensuring a successful and swift transition into VIVA. Mohammed AlKushail, VIVA’s Chief Human Resources, highlights

that “Both, VIVA Careers and VIVA Onboarding Portals have set VIVA as a regional benchmark for its recruitment and hiring process. As an innovative and progressive organization both portals evoke the personality of the company and appeal to the type of candidate we are seeking to attract.

VIVA’s capacity to attract, retain and manage executive talent fully relies on getting the best people, at the right time, by using the most innovative digital tools. Adding to this, VIVA’s ability to create opportunities for professional development of the talent it acquires is combined with the transparency in the hiring process to create long-term relationships with its potential and existing employees.

This contributes to our endeavor to offer a better customer experience to drive future business growth, which makes VIVA’s human capital an irreplaceable and our most valuable asset.”

The Bahrain based lifestyle and luxury magazine with style and editorial flair that is enjoyed by affluent customers - both

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www.bahrain-confidential.com Gulf Insider October 2015

27

Business

Bahrain Asian Traders Committee Requests Priority Service A group of Asian businessmen has asked the government to introduce ‘privilege cards’ as an incentive for foreign investors.

“W

aiting in queues at institutions and receiving mediocre treatment can be disheartening for a businessperson who has invested millions in the country,” cites Mr. Mohammed Sajid, committee head of BATC, an organization that falls under the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He along with a prominent group of Asian executives have proposed the introduction of privilege cards for foreign investors who have contributed at least 1 million USD in cash or assets towards the kingdom.

“Similar to banks where certain customers get premium services, the cards will offer expatriate general managers, business owners and executives a designated area and separate service at government institutions, airports and other official sites,” shares 28

Gulf Insider October 2015

More than 7000 Asian businesses already exist in the country and more can be encouraged to invest if privilege cards are introduced.

Mr. Sajid. He believes this prospect will attract more investors to Bahrain and can be awarded by the government and the Economic Development Board as a token appreciation and added value for

Mr. Mohammed Sajid

major players in the kingdom. Mr. Sajid also spoke on behalf of the 80 expatriate families who have been running commercially registered businesses in the country for more than 100 years, he urges they be rewarded for their contributions.

As well, he mentioned that the current proposal of lifting subsidies will lessen monopoly and open opportunities for many foreign investors who can help diversify the kingdom’s economy.

Therefore, the use of privilege cards is needed now more than ever before.

This proposal by BATC will be among the subjects discussed at their first “Gateway to the Gulf” forum scheduled for January next year. It will be attended by more 50 top Asian businesspeople from 17 countries including China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the GCC region.

Countries such as Jordan, Pakistan and recently Vietnam, are known to provide similar services to their foreign investors who seem very satisfied with such an incentive. Mr. Sajid explained Bahrain as an ideal business platform and gateway to the Gulf with its low overhead costs and skilled local workforce. More than 7000 Asian businesses already exist in the country and more can be encouraged to invest if privilege cards are introduced.

Established in 1994, BATC is a permanent committee of BCCI and works closely to revitalize trade and investment links between Bahrain and Asian Countries to support the “Economic Vision 2030”.

Business

A Fresh Start at Al Areen Palace Resort & Spa Senior management is confident stability has returned to the kingdom and says it’s time for the only desert hotel in Bahrain to become more than just a weekend destination.

G

ulf Insider spoke to Al Areen’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Mohammad Ali about what new goals they have for the resort.

“There’s a lot more to this place than people know,” said the recently appointed DOSM Mr. Ali. “The resort has been around for a while. However, after the change of hands, and also due to the political crisis that followed the property faced some challenges in the last two years.”

“Some people complain we are too far from the city,” Mr. Ali mentioned, “But we’re supposed to be far, because we are a resort. If you want a quiet, serene place to unwind you have to drive a little - away from the city.”

Regardless of location, Al Areen saw high occupancy in August. “We were one of the most successful sellers this season; we were sold out for 12 days continuously during the month of August,” he claimed. Al Areen’s average room rates are typically higher as they are a villa only property.

Now that they’re moving towards a slow leisure season between October and December, Mr. Ali hopes to attract business from other sources. “We want to create a healthy mix of leisure and corporate clientele,” he said, “It’s all about how you convey and convince people.”

We were one of the most successful sellers this season; we were sold out for 12 days continuously.

The next step for them is to appropriately promote events, spa and food & beverage. With these goals in mind, they plan to revive their elevated function space Retaj with monthly ladies nights. “In addition, we are reaching out to various associations in Bahrain and offering packages which include transportation to the resort along with a combination of offers catering to the needs of local Bahrainis to help us reengage with the market,” Mr. Ali said.

Similarly, Al Areen wants to host more functions for organizations such as The American Women’s Association who held their 41st anniversary just last month. The resort has six banquet halls with a ballroom that can accommodate 250 people, three meeting rooms and a tent area that can host up to 300 people.

“We have three restaurants and we look forward to introducing weeklong

Mohammad Ali food festivals featuring world cuisines.

Our aim is to allow our patrons to experience culinary elements of different cultures through food & beverage as prepared by talented chefs, complemented with entertainment, art and music,” Mr. Ali shared.

“Al Areen hosts the largest spa in the region and we have been awarded ‘best’ in various categories by globally recognized hotel awards for the past four years,” he said. Last year they received the best “Luxury Private Pool Villa” Award from The World Luxury Hotel Awards, this summer they won the title of Best Luxury Resort Spa during The World Luxury Spa Awards and also a Certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor.

The new DOSM brings with him more than a decade of luxury hotel management experience from Dubai and Mumbai. He mentioned that Al Areen is keen to explore other segments. “We are in the process of hiring and bringing the right people on board, eventually it’s them who determine the quality of this resort. We shouldn’t disconnect with our audience and clients. I’m motivated to rebuild relations for the resort and same will be achieved through the full-fledged team onboard by Q4. It’s time to connect with new and old clients for a fresh start at Al Areen Palace & Spa.”

Gulf Insider October 2015

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Business

Global Islamic Economy Summit Second edition of Global Islamic Economy Summit set to address key growth drivers and advance the sectors within.

F

ollowing on from its inaugural edition in 2013, the 2015 Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES), organized by the Dubai Chamber, the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC), and Thomson Reuters, is set to gather over 2,000 policymakers, thinkers and business leaders on 5 and 6 October, 2015 to build a roadmap capitalizing on the opportunities within the growing global Islamic economy.

The summit will feature more than 60 international speakers across 15 sessions, offering comprehensive insights on seven core “pillars” within the Islamic economy: Islamic Finance, Halal Industry, Family Tourism, Islamic Knowledge, Islamic Arts and Design, Islamic Digital Economy, and Islamic Standards.

The insights shared during the first edition of the summit in 2013, recognizing the potential of the Islamic economy to drive global growth for years to come, and the key findings of GIES roundtables held last year have contributed positively in the build up to this year’s summit.

GIES 2015 aims to take forward the ideas brought to table in the last two years, supported by sound statistics

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Gulf Insider October 2015

GIES 2015 aims to take forward the ideas brought to table in the last two years, and launch innovative initiatives that address gaps in the needs of consumers of Islamic products and services around the world. emerging from Thomson Reuters’ research reports, and launch innovative initiatives that address gaps in the needs of consumers of Islamic products and services around the world.

Amongst other highlights, winners of the ongoing Innovation 4 Impact competition – organized in partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority – will

be announced at the summit, whose business propositions will serve to enhance the digital technology landscape for a Muslim audience. The competition will effectively serve as an incubator for SMEs across the world that aim to serve the Islamic economy with their innovations. The incubation services that will be awarded to the winner of the competition, worth over $10,000, will support them in establishing a presence in Dubai and bringing their idea to fruition.

Islamic Art and Fashion, a niche industry witnessing growing popularity outside of the Middle East region as well, will be highlighted through an exhibition at the venue.

As in the past edition of the summit and last year’s roundtables, the Islamic Economy Awards will recognize initiatives and ideas pertaining to eight key categories that have served to enhance bilateral trade and investment relations between Islamic nations.

Additionally, the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ will be given to a business leader for outstanding contributions to the Islamic Economy.

Learn more about GIES 2015 by visiting giesummit.com

The Best of Bahrain Entertainment, Shopping, Dining, Nightlife

Bahrain101, reveals the best in dining, nightlife, and events in Bahrain.

Issue 06 - October 2015

We do not try to include all places, just the best places.

Juffair’s New Night Spot Insider Guide to the Best…

Entertainment

04

Dining

08

Events, Sports, Clubs, Hotels and Spas

Fine Dining, Cafes, Romantic, Friday Brunches, ‘Hidden Gems’

Shopping 12

Nightlife 28

What’s New!

Lively Places, Cozy Places, Ladies Nights

no padding, just info!

www. Bahrain101.com

www.Bahrain101.com

Finance

Advertorial

HSBC Talks

Digital Banking Gulf Insider speaks to Shakofa Asghar, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, who shares her thoughts on how the ‘electronic age’ has evolved.

and enjoy a secure connection when banking,” Ms. Asghar said, “We provide a two phase security system, the strongest there is.” She addressed that people can sometimes be concerned and reluctant, especially some of the senior patrons, when dealing with finances online. However, there are representatives allocated at branches to conduct walkthroughs for customers to understand how to use the system.

Ms. Asghar explained that digital banking is a convenient option for clients who travel often or have children studying abroad. In fact, she claims HSBC is the

230,000 transactions were made online, 40% of which were through mobile.

H

SBC has been at the forefront of digital banking and have recently witnessed an uptake in users in Bahrain according to Ms. Asghar. She told us; “There was a time when customers dealt directly with a teller, then ATMs were introduced for standalone transactions.

At first the facility accommodated withdrawals, then deposits, to transfers, and now we have expanded to internet and mobile banking.”

She explained that there is increased investment and development in the bank’s online and mobile banking

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Gulf Insider October 2015

platform, in line with evolving customer trends. “Customers have become more reliant on out of bank services; where more than 50% of our clients use their desktop and mobile for online transactions since we first introduced the digital option in 2008.” She explained that so far this year, 230,000 transactions were made online, 40% of which were through mobile. “Growth has picked up in the last two years as we see that an average of 10,000 customers have moved to digital banking.”

“Our customers are engaged with technology, they want to save time

only bank that offers a system where users can view multiple accounts they have across the globe under the “Global Viewing” platform. “Parents can pay for their child’s school fees, their holiday home in another country and utilities at their resident country all under one platform,” she said.

She explained that Bahrain has seen aggressive growth, with the country being amongst the top five MENA countries to use digital banking. “There are 2.2 million mobile subscriptions in Bahrain against a population of just 1.3 million people,” Ms. Asghar stated, “On average, there are two mobile devices per person. This is a good indication of how society is evolving and we have to match their needs as technology progresses.”

“We continue to invest in enhancing our digital banking, offering and mirroring the needs and demands of our customers,” she claimed. Ms. Asghar highlighted that HSBC is highly committed to its customers being the largest and most widely represented international bank in the Middle East for the last 70 years.

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Affairs

Dr. Sharifa Swar

It has been claimed that a network of mostly Bahraini men are luring local girls from broken homes into prostitution, alcohol and drug abuse.

Bahraini Vice Gang Targeting Teenage Girls 34

Gulf Insider October 2015

Affairs

O

ne of Bahrain’s leading consultant psychotherapists, Dr. Sharifa Swar has voiced concern over the emergence of what appears to be a dangerous network of mostly Bahraini men and some women who are tempting teenaged local girls with gifts and other incentives in order to force them into prostitution and vice.

It has been uncovered that about 20 girls aged between 14 to 17 year old have been victims of vicious activities carried out by a gang run by men and women aged between 18 to 23 year old, of which one man is 28. Dr. Swar was approached by a 15 year old girl for help in August, through whom, she came to know of more victims. “One girl shared an incident of being taken to an open beach area in Busaiteen on a weekend night at 3 a.m. There was a huge gathering of men and women who were taking drugs at the event and also engaging in sexual activities,” Dr. Swar shared.

After details of gang related activities about underground parties were shared with the authorities, police were able to

track down and rescue two teenaged girls abducted and hidden in a Juffair apartment. Two gang members were arrested as well.

Dr. Swar mentioned that most of the victims come from broken or dysfunctional homes where one or both parents are the least concerned about their children. “There are Bahraini girls 11 to 18 year old who come from

that the main organizers are usually individuals with a clean police record, making it less likely for them to be held for questioning and easier to receive bail”.

Investigators along with Juvenile Prosecution head and Advocate General Shaikha Noura bint Abdulla al Khalifa have been informed and are dealing with the case.

The Bahraini girls, it is claimed, are aged between 11 and 18, come from a broken homes, and are tempted into vice by expensive iPhones and monetary gifts.

Dr. Swar cites concern for the need to establish a rehabilitation centre for young victims of sex crimes. “The Young Offenders Institute is not the right place for these victims,” she said. As a behavioral science specialist, Dr. Swar wants the victims’ mental needs to be addressed. Low-income women, both young and old do not have a place of refuge where they can be at ease in a therapeutic and safe environment.

Through government aid she hopes to create a center where individuals can receive the correct treatments.

Although there are a few known therapists in Bahrain, Dr. Swar noted that most of these services are unaffordable for these girls. “Nobody comes down to the streets to help the poorest,” she complained.

a background of domestic violence and have no one to look after them. Of course they will be tempted by the expensive iPhones and monetary gifts offered by these sick men,” she said.

“I cannot say how big this network is,” Dr. Swar commented, saying further

A total of 373 boys and 168 abused girls were referred to The Social Development Ministry’s child protection centre last year, for all kinds of abuses.

Gulf Insider October 2015

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Affairs

Salaries in Bahrain

expected to increase by 4.7% in 2016

A

GCC-wide survey of 600 multinational companies and locally-owned conglomerates the largest study of its kind in the Gulf region - has forecast that salary increases will average 5% in 2016, down from an anticipated 6% in 2013, 5.5% in 2014, and 5.1% in 2015. Among the participating GCC organizations, companies based in Bahrain predicted the lowest increases in the Gulf region at 4.7%, which is slightly higher than last year’s predictions of 4.5%. In 2015, Bahrain-based firms reported actual salary increases at 4.7%.

According to the latest GCC Salary Increase Survey conducted by Aon Hewitt, the global talent, retirement and health solutions business of Aon plc (NYSE: AON), GCC states have seen GDP levels drop due to weak global oil prices, with less foreign direct investment being recorded amidst security concerns in the region and struggles amongst large economies such as Russia and China.

The situation, however, has clearly had a somewhat limited effect on firms,

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Gulf Insider October 2015

with most by leading employers still planning to increase the salaries of their employees by a good amount next year.

Clearly, the impact of lower oil prices can be felt across the region, with governments cutting back on subsidies, reducing spending on larger projects and thinking about introducing some form of taxation. All these factors will have a direct or indirect effect on industry sectors, and will continue to put pressure on profit margins and operating costs for organizations. Despite this, the GCC is faring much better than

other oil producing countries in the Middle East and predicted increases in compensation will also help to ease inflationary pressures on employees while markets rebound.

Meanwhile, Kuwait-based companies gave the highest salary increase projection for 2016 at 5.2%. This is a slight decrease on 2015’s 5.3% predicted raise. Kuwait’s actual salary increase figure for 2015 stands at 4.7%.

Qatari and Omani firms, on the other hand, estimated 5.0% salary growth for 2016, lower than 2015 predictions which stood at 5.2% and 5.4% respectively.

Actual salary increase figures for 2015 stand at 4.7% and 4.6% respectively.

UAE companies also projected 5.0% growth for 2016, up from the 4.8% projection made for 2015, while firms in Saudi Arabia forecasted a 5.1% figure for 2016 -- down by 0.3% on this year’s 5.4% projection. In terms of actual increases for 2015, however, the UAE stands at 4.8% while Saudi Arabia recorded the highest level of actual pay rises at 5.2% for this year.

Robert Richter, GCC Compensation Survey Manager, Aon Hewitt Middle East, said: “Salary increases typically take into consideration a number of other factors which go beyond the general economic climate. These include company performance, the need to reflect promotions and the need to ensure that employees at the same grade remain within a single pay band.

Overall the outlook for 2016 may not be as positive as recent years, but the news that employers are predicting salary increases in the 5% range next year should come as a comfort to employees, suggesting that there is still optimism in the market.”

GCC Countries Projected Salary Increase 2015

Actual Salary Increase 2015

Projected Salary Increase 2016

Bahrain

4.50%

4.70%

4.70%

Kuwait

5.30%

4.70%

5.20%

Oman

5.40%

4.60%

5.00%

Qatar

5.20%

4.70%

5.00%

Saudi Arabia

5.40%

5.20%

5.10%

UAE

4.80%

4.80%

5.00%

The multi-award winning Arabian magazine

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News

GULF ROUNDUP news around the GCC and beyond

life in the gulf

First Emirati woman at United Nations HQ Hind Abdulaziz Alowais became the first Emirati woman to be posted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York as a senior advisor since the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became a member of the United Nations in 1971.

Alowais was selected for the post of Senior Advisor in the Office of the Deputy Executive Director, Lakshmi Puri, Assistant Secretary-General for Intergovernmental Support and Strategic Partnerships, at the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

This appointment comes shortly after the UAE declared August 28 as Emirati Women’s Day, and coincides with the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the UAE General Women Union (GWU). It also represents an opportunity for recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the UAE Women since the establishment of the GWU. – Emirates 24/7

Alert over water wastage in Bahrain Batelco and Gulf Air Partner for On-Board Technology Solutions Bahrain’s leading communications solution provider, in its efforts to support digitisation in the Kingdom, is collaborating with Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier. The partnership deal was sealed through the signing of an agreement during a meeting at Batelco’s Hamala Headquarters recently. Through the agreement Batelco will provide iPads for Gulf Air’s cabin crew team to maximise their efficiency and support the national carrier’s drive to digitise their operational processes.

The crew members will benefit from the use of the latest iPad technology with access to Batelco’s dedicated 4G data network and tailor-made packages for the airline.

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Gulf Insider October 2015

A new conservation alert has gone out after it emerged that people in Bahrain use 252 litres of water a day on average.That is almost twice as much as people in Singapore, which is roughly the same size in terms of land mass. The warning was issued

by Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) conservation Rana Salloum, who said Bahrain needed to drastically cut down on water usage. – GDN

News

Saudi says it has taken in 2.5m Syrians since conflict began This comes as the first official response to suggestions that Gulf states should do more to address the plight of Syrian refugees. The official Saudi Press Agency quoted an unnamed official at the Foreign Ministry late Friday saying the kingdom does not consider those taken in as refugees and does not house them in camps “order to ensure their dignity and safety.”

It says they are free to move around the country and that several hundreds of thousands who have chosen to stay have been granted residency status, giving them access to work, schools and free medical care. There were no details on how many of the Syrians remain in the country. – Khaleej Times

Most Palestinians no longer support two-state solution A little more than half of Palestinians no longer support a two-state solution to the conflict with Israel, a survey released last month showed, rejecting the goal that has underpinned four decades of international diplomacy.

The poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 51% of Palestinians oppose the two-state solution while 48% support it.

The figures were down from 51 percent support and 48 percent opposition three months ago. The survey was carried out on 1,270 people in the occupied West Bank and in Gaza.

The two-state solution — an independent Palestine existing side-by-side with Israel — has been the broad objective of negotiations since the mid-1970s and the overriding focus of US-led diplomacy for the past 20 years. Perhaps more worrying from a sentiment point of view is that nearly two-thirds of those surveyed (65 percent) said they did not believe the twostate solution was any longer practical because of Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank. – Arab News

Remembering Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum The eldest son of Shaikh Mohammad was a keen sportsman with many honours in international Endurance events. Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was born on November 12, 1981.

He completed his schooling in the UAE, and graduated from Britain’s Sandhurst Military Academy in 2001.

Shaikh Rashid was a sports enthusiast and used to play football for Dubai Club. He was also president of the Dubai Club. He took part in many endurance rides and won several races, including the 120km Pyramids International Endurance Championship at the Giza pyramids in Egypt. Shaikh Rashid owned many race horses and won prestigious races. He also owned Zabeel Stables. With his strong string of horses, he won the UAE Owner’s Championship consecutively from 2000-2005.

Shaikh Rashid was the lead campaigner of Dubai Cares, when it was launched in 2007. He reiterated: “Educating children can have a very real impact on all our lives” while appealing to the retail sector during the campaign. “Our futures and our own children’s futures are linked to what happens in the rest of the world. Through the education that Dubai Cares intends to provide, we may well lay the foundations that will provide a scientist, sometime in the future, whose work will save your or my grandchildren from death and disease,” he said. – Gulf News

Gulf Insider October 2015

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News

Dubai’s smart palm tree technology revealed

Qatar coral reef at risk from warming seas High sea temperatures off the coast of Qatar are threatening precious coral reef and have caused mass deaths among some 20 types of fish, Doha-based marine researchers said. A study carried out by experts from Qatar University and the environment ministry has revealed that water temperatures during the fierce Gulf summer have passed 6 degrees Celsius.

Researchers said there is a cause for concern to marine life once sea temperatures pass 34 degrees. Although the phenomenon can occur once every two or three years at the height of the summer, researchers said they are concerned about the potential long-term impact on the coral reef in waters surrounding Qatar. – Khaleej Times – both stories seem interesting

Smart Palm harnesses the sun’s energy to allow people to look up city information, access Wi-Fi, and charge their phones, all for free.

Topped with nine leaf-shaped photovoltaic modules, a six-meter-tall Smart Palm can generate around 7.2 kilowatt hours per day, enough to operate without ever drawing off the grid. The two prototype palms that have already been installed - one at a beach near the Burj Al Arab hotel and other at centrally located Zabeel Park - each carry a Wi-Fi hotspot, eight charging stations for phones and tablets, and a touchscreen panel giving local details on things like weather and transportation.

The company behind the device, Dubai-based D Idea, says connectivity is just the start of the Smart Palm’s potential. – Arabian Business

Bahraini artists to take center stage at the first edition of Artbahrain 2015

Art by some of the participants 40

Gulf Insider October 2015

Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Sheikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King of Bahrain and President of the Supreme Council for Women, the first edition of ArtBahrain will be held from October 13 to 16, 2015. The exhibition, set to take place at a specially constructed marquee in Manama, will feature works from acclaimed artists from around the world and their Bahraini peers and will aim to further enhance the art scene in Bahrain.

ArtBahrain aims to be a meeting place for artists, gallerists, cognoscenti and art lovers from around the world to share space, ideas and inspiration. Participating in the exhibition is the prestigious Bahrain Arts Society whose section in the exhibition will showcase the works of some of the biggest names in the Kingdom’s art scene.

Travel

Twin Tower – The Bahrain World Trade

Center located in Manama is 240m high.

Built in 2008, it is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design.

King Fahad Causeway

Around Bahrain

– Opened in 1986, this remarkable 25km feat of engineering links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and is one of the most expensive bridges in the world.

Bahrain Fort & Museum

Explore history and heritage with city tours to some of the Kingdom’s most famous sites.

– Thought to be once the centre of power for the ancient Dilmun civilization, Qal’at Al Bahrain has UNESCO World Heritage status.

Excavations have revealed soldier’s barracks, horse stables, an ammunition depot, a secret passageway, ceramic utensils and Islamic and Chinese currency coins.

Ahmed Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Royal Camel Farm

– Set against a backdrop of palm trees and the sea, the mosque strikes a beautiful picture. With its exquisite Bahraini architecture, crowned by the world’s largest fiberglass dome, the Grand Mosque lives up to its name. Though non-Muslim visitors are welcome, it is important to dress modestly, women should cover their head and everyone should take off their shoes before entering.

– This farm was owned by HH Late Shaikh Mohamed Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the uncle of the King of Bahrain. There are more than 500 camels here.

Al Jasrah House & Handicraft Center

of the island’s most attractive pieces of architecture and is home to a valuable collection of Islamic manuscripts, collected from all around the world.

– Constructed by Shaikh Hamad Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa in 1907, it was later used as a summer residence for Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, ruler of Bahrain from 1942 to 1961. The current ruler’s father the Late Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa was born in this house in 1933. Local materials such as coral, gypsum and palm-tree trunks were used for its construction and truly represent the traditional Bahraini house.

Bahrain National Museum – One of

Burial Mounds

Bait Al Quran – House of Qurans is one

the first museums in the Gulf opened in 1988, the site itself, on the edge of the sea, is a tremendous attraction. It’s the place to learn Bahrain’s history, culture and traditions.

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Gulf Insider October 2015

– These archeological mounds go back to the Dilmun civilization in the third millennium BC. The most imposing mounds are those believed to be the Dilmunite Royal Tombs seen in A’ali, close to modern dwellings.

Farhat International Tours & Travels offers various city tours around the country.

For more information call +973 1721 1501 or visit www.farhat-tours.com

Life

ZERO GRAVITY Zero Gravity announces an incredible winter line-up of international artists – and the world’s highest quality entertainment experience.

T

he world will be watching Zero Gravity this winter. In the final months of 2015, Dubai’s most talked about beach club, bar and restaurant will not only reveal its 2,000sqm expansion, including a 39m glass-fronted infinity swimming pool, but an 800sqft multi-use stage, along with a permanent installation of the highest quality audio/visual equipment available to purchase across the globe.

The state-of-the-art L-Acoustics K2 and Arch Wide system will put the clarity and depth of sound of all Zero Gravity events at recording studio quality. The internationally-lauded system has been used to transform audience experiences at the Olympic Games, Coachella Festival and Eurovision Song Contest, but will be the first of its kind to be permanently installed at any venue in the MENA region.

In addition to the K2, Zero Gravity has selected Clay Paky lighting, Kvant lasers, Universal Effects and much more, to revolutionise the visual experience of both its large and smaller scale events from November – from DXBeach festival right through to the intimate live music of Drift, every Saturday. It is also working hand-in-hand with global noise and vibration consultancy Acoustic Logic, to ensure this ultimate audio experience will also produce minimum disturbance.

For example, there will be more than 100 sound boxes covering the new outdoor space, to assist the control of sound.

With anything from two to five international artists performing at Zero Gravity per week (the full winter line-

up of events is detailed overleaf) – this world-class audio/visual overhaul could not have come at a more impactful time.

“Our events will look, sound and feel like something most people have never, ever, experienced,” explains Peter Skudutis, General Manager at Zero Gravity since its inception.

“We have spent at least the last six months researching the technology available and our competitors, on a global level. We went to who we believe are the five leading audio suppliers in the world and gave them the same brief – ‘get us the best’. And I can say with great confidence – this is the best.”

“L-Acoustics has a standard two-year waiting list for the K2. Zero Gravity was fast-tracked through the process, and that’s because every party involved in this set-up is aware of just how spectacular, and unique, it will be. We haven’t forgotten about a single square metre of the place.”

Peter Owen, Sales Manager at L-Acoustics says: “The sound design and installation done by Delta Solutions for Zero Gravity is nothing short of unique. It will be one of the first locations globally to feature speakers from our brandnew X Series, coupled with our awardwinning K2 and Arcs boxes. Patrons of Zero Gravity will easily benefit from the best sound on the market, and I am proud to have been a part of this flagship project.”

EDITOR’S NOTES: Zero Gravity’s muchanticipated outdoor events return for an unprecedented winter season from

Thursday October 1. Following a special launch event (as detailed below) on this night, award-winning outdoor club concept Velocity will then return to Thursday nights, running alongside The Zero Gravity House Party*, from 8pm to 11pm.

Friday’s day-to-night Aurora events also return from Friday October 2, flowing seamlessly from The Onshore Social* Friday brunch, from 3pm to 6pm.

Zero Gravity’s laid-back Saturday afternoon series, Drift*, returns from Saturday October 3. Led by homegrown live looping musician Adam Baluch, Drift gets bigger and better for the winter season. Working in collaboration with non-profit community platform, Freshly Ground Sounds, Drift will feature a regularly rotating line-up of live, local musicians, and remains a free-to-enter event.

For further information and artist interviews, contact Sarah Walker-Dufton by email to: sarah@mediamavenuae. com and on +971 56 609 3878.

Gulf Insider October 2015

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Life

World’s top windsurfers visit Oman

T

he world’s top-ranked windsurfers will descend on Al Mussanah Sports City, Oman, in October for the 2015 RS:X World Windsurfing Championships, the final major meeting before the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August 2016.

The event is organised by Oman Sail under the umbrella of Oman Sailing Committee. The top 50 ranked athletes, including 24 women, will be sizing up the conditions in Oman to prepare for the competition in Rio where the winds and tides are likely to be similar, making this event the perfect warm up event.

“With the Olympic Games just a few months off, the RS:X World Championships will offer a chance for

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Gulf Insider October 2015

Many of Oman’s windsurfing youth will also be watching closely, seeing the world’s best in action in local waters where their own careers are being nurtured.

the world to see who could be winning medals in Rio as well as what Oman can offer as a world-class racing venue which is of Olympic standard,” said David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail, which has recently also established a Youth Windsurfing Club.

“We have worked hard to build the infrastructure and capability to host globally-renowned sporting events and, as the Laser World Championships proved in 2013, we can now compete with any venue in the world to

Life

successfully stage these international events,,” said Rashid Al Kindi, Chairman of Oman Sailing Committee.

Oman’s top windsurfer, Waleed Al Kindi, who is campaigning to be part of Oman Sail’s first ever Olympic squad in 2020, will be watching closely though a recent back injury means his focus is on recovery, shifting his attentions to the ASAF Asian Championships 2016, an Olympic qualifier which will be held in Abu Dhabi next March.

Many of Oman’s windsurfing youth will also be watching closely, seeing the world’s best in action in local waters where their own careers are being nurtured. Up to 40 international coaches will also be on site, as well as back up

staff and race teams from the leading national sailing authorities in the world.

“Oman is fast-becoming one of the top venues for international watersports competitions and it is not difficult to see why, since the conditions are superb,” said Carlo Dalla Vedova, President of the International RS:X Class Association.

The 2015 World Championships will start on October 19 at Al Mussanah Sports City, which was completed in 2010 in preparation for the 2nd Asian Beach Games. It is part of the Millennium Resort Mussanah which was speciallydesigned to accommodate world-class events and expand Oman’s tourism industry.

Gulf Insider October 2015

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Life

24

o.

N e l i f o r P Insider

Mohammad Qahtani 2015 World Champion of Public Speaking at Toastmasters International, Software Security Engineer and Standup Comedian.

Y

ou grew up with a speech impediment and have shocked the GCC community with your prestigious award in public speaking at the recent Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas, US. Please share you motivation behind pursuing this extreme passion.

I didn’t speak until the age of six

and when I did, it was combined with a severe stuttering problem that didn’t diminish. When I was 16, one of my high school teachers noticed how difficult life was becoming with daily bullying and embarrassment caused by classmates.

He pointed out that my stuttering is triggered by the fear of talking. He advised me to face it and go on stage for a public speaking event, believing it was the only way my stuttering would lessen or stop.

How did you feel when you began public speaking?

The first time I went on stage, I stuttered a lot, I even cried. But I dared to go again. The third time I went onstage to speak, I realized I was less frightened and even stuttered less. From then on I took an interest in school plays and reading aloud morning announcements.

I then discovered a passion for humour and comedy while attending university in the US and began participating in standup shows. When I leave the stage for too long, my stuttering comes back but I’ve come to understand that the more I speak, the more I’m cured.

Tell us about your participation at Toastmasters International Convention.

I joined the Toastmasters Club in Dhahran, Saudi six years ago and have been competing for the championship every year. This year I advanced following the long process of elimination through club, area, district and semifinal competitions. I came second in the district competition, but luckily, the finalist who beat me called two weeks before the convention and asked if I can take his place instead, since he had personal commitments.

What was your winning speech “The Power of Words” about?

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Gulf Insider October 2015

My speech was about the simple choice of words and how you can change lives and nations by controlling and being careful of how you say something and to whom. I spoke about three cases in my speech to point this out.

The first incident was about my son; I caught him drawing on the walls once and got really angry at him, telling him not to repeat it. However he was back at drawing a few days later. This time I kindly explained to him that he is smart boy and shouldn’t draw on the walls.

He stopped after that. The second case I presented was about global warming and how such an important subject is ignored by viewers because most of the people featured on television news are scientific experts who use a lot of jargon.

I explained the need to discuss global warming in a simpler way for people to understand.

My third story was about a university friend who always idealized his father.

It was very hard to impress him, so in an attempt to make his father proud, my friend studied really hard the first year and got straight A’s. When he called his father about the good news, my friend received a cold response. That short conversation triggered sadness and my friend began on a journey of drugs and alcohol. He later died of a drug over dose.

How has life changed after winning the championship and what’s next?

The unexpected and recent accomplishment is opening doors for me; I’m invited by organizations to speak at events. Recently, I gave a talk at a Saudi institution for children with speech impediments. My aim is to teach the world that someday, someone’s life can be changed or saved just because of what you say and how. My dream wasn’t to win the championship; it was to make a change. If I can do it, so can you.

Style

Ulysse Nardin Timepieces Celebrate precious moments with your loved ones, Ulysse Nardin offers the perfect gifts for any occasion. Men can choose from a selection of timeless, elegant watches from the Marine Chronometer Manufacture and Marine Diver to the Dual Time Manufacture and El Toro. For ladies, the beautifully designed options include the Jade and the Lady Diver.

Lady Diver BD7,371

Jade BD6,747 Marine Chronometer Manufacture BD8,429

El Toro BD20,979

Marine Diver BD8,391

Dual Time Manufacture (Limited Edition to 500 pieces) BD7,219

* Prices subject to change Gulf Insider October 2015

47

Motors

CAR NEWs covering the latest updates from the region

The new Lexus ES 2016 now in Bahrain The 2016 ES provides a refined expression of the Lexus L-finesse design language. The strong dynamics of the low set ‘spindle grille’ immediately identify the ES as a new generation Lexus including headlamps with integrated arrowhead shaped LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights) heighten the sculptured styling. The LED rear combination lamps illuminate in an L-shape array symbolizing Lexus.

To complement the impactful new form, two 17-inch wheel options with directional spoke patterns have been added. The ES is the first production model to introduce the Lexus Safety System +, which combines key innovative safety technologies into a single networked package. Among them are the Pre-Crash Safety System, and the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Lane Departure Alert (LDA), as well as the Automatic High Beam (AHB).

For more information, visit the Lexus showroom in Sitra, call +973 1773 7773, or www.lexus.com.bh.

SsangYong Tivoli 2016 Unveiled A “smart” SUV that delivers bestin-class safety and dynamic handling along with a distinct styling, the new SsangYong Tivoli exudes confidence and excitement with a can-do approach to crossover motoring. Specs include a 1.6L 128HP engine, stylish interior appointments, vast storage options, sunroof, cruise control, leather upholstery and 18” alloy wheels.

Starting from BD5, 650. Visit www. motorcity.com.bh or call the Sanad showroom at +973 1762 1162.

Test Drive in a real F1 Car Infiniti’s ‘Ultimate Test Drive’ campaign will provide one lucky motorist from the Middle East the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a real Formula One car with instruction from Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver Daniil Kvyat. Customers can visit any Middle East Infiniti centre and complete an Infiniti Q50 test drive and enter into a prize draw. From there, 25 selected finalists will go head to head at Dubai Autodrome to be assessed on all aspects of their driving ability and car control by a panel of judges, including Infiniti Red Bull Racing Test & Reserve driver Sebastien Buemi. One Middle East winner will then join winners from Russia and the UK for the ultimate prize. They will be trained in the Infiniti Red Bull Racing simulator at the team’s factory in Milton Keynes, then flown to Dubai to test drive a real, fully race specification Formula One car with personal guidance from Daniil Kvyat. After that, they will experience a VIP hospitality weekend for two at the Grand Prix from the 27th – 29th November. The ‘Ultimate Drive’ campaign will close on 10th October.

For more information, go to http://www.infinitibeats.me.

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Motors

Infiniti Q30: a new type of premium compact car Making its world premiere at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show last month, the Infiniti Q30 is a new type of premium compact vehicle for a new type of consumer and will be available in two versions; ‘Premium’ and ‘Sport’ offering a choice that is specific to their personal needs and preferences.

Representing Infiniti’s first global entry into the fast-growing premium compact segment, the Q30 will play an important role in helping the company realize its plans for global growth.

Audi Q7 arrives in Bahrain The new Q7, sports a dynamic new look, the premium SUV has gained recognition as the lightest and most efficient car in its class - 325 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, introducing a number of innovative new driver assistance and infotainment systems. Its spacious interior meets the highest standards of luxury and functionality, comfortably accommodating up to 7 passengers.Now available with a starting price of BD 28,500.

For more details or to book a test drive of the new Audi Q7 please visit the Audi Centre Bahrain showroom in Sitra or call +973 1745 9933.

Lexus Design Award 2016 On behalf of Lexus International, Ebrahim K. Kanoo, the sole distributor of Lexus in Bahrain, has announced the Lexus Design Award 2016 to design enthusiasts in the Kingdom. Entries will be accepted until October 18, 2015.

First launched in 2013, this international competition aims to support up-and-coming designers from around the world. This year’s theme is “Anticipation”; Lexus strives to develop products and services by anticipating the needs of people and society.

Twelve finalists from the Lexus Design Award 2016 and their works will be introduced to the design community and beyond at Milan Design Week 2016. In addition, four of the finalists will develop prototypes of their designs while receiving support from globally recognized design mentors. The maximum production budget allotted to each prototype’s development will be around USD24, 000. The finalists will present their designs in the Lexus booth, after which a Grand Prix winner will be selected.

For more information, visit www.lexus.com.bh/lda.

Global Unveiling of Jaguar Land Rover Bond Cars Recently, Jaguar Land Rover celebrated their vehicles appearing in the new Bond adventure, SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond film. Cars, including the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and the iconic Land Rover Defender, stole the show as they were unveiled in public for the first time at the palatial Thurn und Taxis in Frankfurt.

Gulf Insider October 2015

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Motors

Frankfurt motor show 2015 Gulf Insider was at this year’s event – and here are the new cars that most impressed!

T

he annual Frankfurt Motor Show is the big show for the mighty German car industry, and there were lots of new German cars on display. Most notably amongst these were the new BMW 7, the strikingly beautiful Mercedes S-class Cabriolet, and the long awaited new Porsche 911. Did you know that all new 911s are now turbocharged?

The biggest crowd puller was a new Bugatti concept which not only happens to be even faster than the already crazy fast Veyron, but it is claimed by Bugatti to be more ‘practical’, like as in a daily round-around (just kidding).

Porsche also launched their new Mission E, a new 4 door salon that is smaller and, according to many, looks better than the Panamera.

The non-German stars this year, certainly when it comes “mass-production” models, were probably the new entrants from Alfa Romeo and Jaguar.

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Motors

Alfa are hoping the new Giulia may finally bring them sales success, though they regularly hope this with every new model launch. Alfa Romeo makes beautifully and stylish looking cars but unfortunately have attained a reputation over the years for bad reliability in their cars, along with other problems. That said, the Giulia is a beautiful saloon and if this drives as well as it looks, it should bring the company success, and it seems that it does. Alfa announced at the Frankfurt show that a Giulia lapped the famous Nurbürgring in an incredible 7 minutes and 39 seconds (12 seconds faster than the new BMW M4). While Alfa didn’t confirm the exact specifications of the Giulia responsible, it’s likely to have been a Giulia Quadrifoglio, the 510hp twin-turbo V-6 which has 85 more horsepower than the M4.

Jaguar showed off the F-Pace, which is both beautiful while practical in offering lots of space. Jaguar are pitching this model against the Porsche Macan. It would be interesting to review the two against each other.

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Motors

Here’s 25 stars of Frankfurt, in A – Z order: 1. ALFA ROMEO Giulia – The company’s latest great hope for market success.

2. BENTLEY Bentayga - A very, very fast, and big, SUV 3. BMW - 3-series facelift 4. BMW 7-series - taking on the S-class 5. BUGATTI Vision Gran Turismo - A concept that may be the Veyron successor 6. FERRARI 488 Spider - New turbo 7. FIAT 500 - facelift 8. FORD SUV - facelifts 9. HYUNDAI i20 WRC – A tough rally car 10. INFINITI Q30 - Competition for the German luxury brands 11. JAGUAR F-Pace SUV - Jag’s first-ever SUV 12. KIA Sportage - New crossover 13. LAMBORGHINI Huracan Spyder New soft-top 14. MAZDA Koeru - Crossover concept from Mazda.

15. MERCEDES-BENZ C-class Coupe – Smooth lines, 2 doors 16. MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG Coupe - 2 doors with a 4 litre bi-turbo V8 17. MERCEDES-BENZ S-class Convertible - The first convertible S-class 18. MINI Clubman estate – Minis just keep getting less ‘Mini’ and BIGGER! 19. NISSAN Gripz crossover concept Sporty crossover 20. PORSCHE Mission E - new 2+2 sports electric sports car 21. PORSCHE 911 991.2 - The naturally aspirated 911 is no more. They are now all Turbos 22. RENAULT Megane - competition for the VW Golf 23. ROLLS-ROYCE Dawn - Possibly the most luxurious cabrio in the world!

24. TOYOTA Prius - New fourth generation hybrid 25. VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI Clubsport The GTI just got even sportier

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Gulf Insider October 2015

ed in

Motors

Super Car Fire in UK Bahraini businessman victim of suspected arson attack that destroyed £1 million worth of luxury cars.

A

string of luxury cars were destroyed at a city centre building in Birmingham owned

by Mohammad Shaikh in a suspected arson attack last month. While two vehicles belonged to Mr. Mohammad, 18 of them were a fleet of super-cars stored for VIP Chaffeurs, a first-class chauffer and car rental business run by Mr. Hussain.

The wrecking spree, suspected to have been carried out by five raiders who used an industrial grinder to enter the building, included luxurious models Lamborghini Hurucan, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Ghost, Mercedes, Hummer, BMWs and limousines.

VIP’s boss, Mr. Hussain, says the attack has affected the future of his 15 year old business. “We cannot operate from these premises because of the damage and it will take months for the insurance claim to be sorted out. “I’ve no idea who has done this as we’re a successful business and get on with everyone,” he said. “I don’t know if we were deliberately targeted or if it was yobs messing around.”

Dramatic pictures, taken by The Birmingham Mail inside VIP’s premises, showed charred remains of a £205,000 Lamborghini and a Rolls Royce Phantom, worth £150,000.

Since 2013, close to £195,000 has

been spent on the building, including a state-of-the-art roof that was also destroyed in the supercar fire.

Forty firefighters were sent to the scene on the night of the attack and it took around three hours to douse the flames.

A joint fire and police investigation is under way. A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “It’s being treated as arson and an investigation has been launched.” - Birmingham Mail

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Art

The most beautiful mosques in the world - Part 2 Hassan II mosque, Morocco The Grande Mosquée Hassan II proudly supports the world’s tallest minaret, at 210 metres. The world’s third largest mosque, it is the only such building in Morocco that nonMuslims can enter. It stands proud on the seafront in Casablanca, and the seabed is visible through the glass floor in the hall.

Ibn Tulun Mosque, Egypt Slightly more lowkey but no less beautiful is the Mosque of Ibn Tulun in the Egyptian capital. It was commissioned during the Abbasid era, and although it is believed to be Cairo’s oldest mosque, it has undergone several restorations. It featured in the James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me.

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Al Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem

AlMasjid anNabawi – Medina, Saudi Arabia

The third holiest place in Islam is inside the alHaram alSharif, or the Noble Sanctuary, in the Unescolisted Old City of Jerusalem.

The AlAqsa mosque – destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt several times throughout history – was used as a palace by the medieval Crusaders, but subsequent Islamic caliphates carried out repairs and restored it as a place of worship.

Jerusalem’s Old City is currently under Israeli control, and worship at the Noble Sanctuary is limited to Muslims only, but tension between Palestinians and Israelis mean that restrictions are sometimes imposed on Palestinian access to the site for security reasons.

Built by the Prophet Muhammad circa 622, this is the second holiest site in Islam after the AlHaram Mosque in Mecca. It now houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, inside the Green Dome. It has 10 minarets – the tallest of which is 105 metres tall – and a capacity of 600,000, increasing to one million during the annual Hajj period. NonMuslims are not permitted to enter some parts of the Medina.

Al Haram Mosque, Saudi Arabia The Sacred Mosque, or Great Mosque of Mecca, can accommodate up to four million people, and surrounds the Ka’aba – a cuboid building that is the holiest place in Islam. It covers 400,800 square metres (99 acres), and has outdoor and indoor praying spaces. The mosque is also home to the Black Stone, set into the Ka’aba’s wall by Muhammad before his first revelation, and the Maqãm Ibrahim (Abraham’s place of standing). NonMuslims are not permitted to enter Mecca.

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Bahrain’s Photo History

Each month Gulf Insider will publish photos showing Bahrain in past times. To view many more visit Gulf-Insider.com and LIKE Gulf Insider on Facebook to receive new (er… old) Bahrain photos almost daily.

Cartier and Sheikh Khalifa AL Ghatam yusuf kanoo and jacques cartier 3rd & 4th from the right with Sheikh khalifa bin ahmed al ghatam and three of his sons, rashid, yusuf, and ahmed respectively Bahrain ruler’s kin at Sheikh khalifa’s hunting camp in A’ali near the famous dilmun burial mounds where the Sheikh hosted a lunch banquet in honour of jacques cartier and then instructed his sons to give him a tour of the burial mounds and the surrounding area, the man on the far left along with the other two men on the far right are unidentified march 1911.

Two of the Arabian Gulf’s leading merchants From left to right: Salman Bin Hussain Matar (1848-1944) and Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo (1861-1945) may 1939.

(Yusuf Kanoo’s date of birth has been disputed by various sources but in the light of a recent discovery of new historical documents the date stated in the description above is the most likely to be true) 56

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Bahraini students in India Seated from left to right: Khalifa Ebrahim Matar, Qassim Mohamed Behzad, Hussain Ebrahim Matar.

Standing from right to left: Youssef Ahmed Matar, Khalifa Abdulrahman Al Zayani, unidentified, Mohamed Youssef Jalal in Delhi, India 1937.

Bahraini students in India Seated from left to right: Khalifa Abdulrahman Al Zayani, Youssef Ahmed Al Zayani, Hussain Ebrahim Matar.

Standing from right to left: Mohamed Youssef Jalal, Youssef Ahmed Matar in Delhi, India 1938.

Jacques Cartier (1884–1942) Jacques Cartier on the boat to the island of Muharraq (Bahrain’s capital from 1810 to 1923) March 1911.

Bahraini Pearls Cartier’s assistants with a local expert evaluating and categorizing pearls at al thukair’s house in Manama, March 1911.

Pearl Diver Back to the surface after a short dive March 1911.

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Last Word

Morning Routines Why creating a meaningful morning routine will make you more successful.

The First 60 Minutes of my day: Stretching

- A little light stretching in the morning is all it takes to shake off grogginess and limber up for the day ahead. It only takes a few minutes but by doing basic stretches.

Meditate

- Perhaps the most important part of my routine is clearing my mind so that I can gain focus for the day. Since beginning the daily habit of meditation I have seen a big improvement in my focus, productivity, and stress levels.

Reading (20 mins)

F

or the majority of my child and adult life I never considered myself a “morning person.” I was a night owl. I conformed to getting up at 7 a.m. on workdays… but I didn’t enjoy it.

I would get up as late as possible, skip breakfast, rush to work, and then feel like I was trying to catch up the rest of the day. This type of routine will take its toll on your physical and mental well-being and majorly impact your productivity.

Now, I happily wake up around 5 am each day. Even on weekends, I’m usually up by 7 am. I’ve learned so much about how creating good habits and a morning routine sets the tone for the whole day, and if you do each day right, you’ll do life right.

It started whenever I read “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod. I knew that not having a good morning routine and feeling overwhelmed and disorganized were connected. I needed to work smarter, not harder, and the first step was to create good habits.

I began working on “habit stacking” to craft myself a good morning routine.

Habit Stacking is a way to build a new habit into your life by stacking it on top of something you’re currently doing.

For example, before I brush my teeth in the morning (current habit) I will

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Habit Stacking is a way to build a new habit into your life by stacking it on top of something you’re currently doing. meditate (new habit) for 3 minutes. I’ve discovered the personal ritual I have set up for myself has helped put me in the right mindset.

We only have a certain amount of energy and willpower when we wake up each morning, and it slowly gets drained away with decisions. This is especially true if you’re making hundreds of small decisions in the morning. Try to have the first hour of your day vary as little as possible with a routine.

Knowing exactly how the first 90 minutes of my day looks like is powerful, as it helps me feel in control, which in turn reduces anxiety and ensures I’m more productive throughout the day.

- This 20 minutes of reading has been huge for me. Not only is it enjoyable, but reading books on personal growth, and business, inspires me in the beginning of my day and gets the creative juices flowing.

Goals (5 mins) - Each morning I write

down my goals. First, I write down a long-term goal that I’m working towards.

I write this down each day to keep me mindful of my direction so that I don’t go off track. Then, I write down the day’s targets, which are 3 things I need to accomplish to move me further toward my long-term goal.

I then schedule out my tasks for the day. I always put the most important (coincidentally usually the least enjoyable) first so that I ensure it gets done. Then I begin working. I don’t look at my phone, email, facebook, or twitter until after I’ve completed that first big task of my day.

I can’t stress enough to you the importance of a great morning routine, as it will set you up for a successful day — and life. What I do isn’t for everyone. I experimented with a few different things and figured out what worked for me. You should do the same. Soon you’ll know what things work for you, and you’ll enjoy starting your day.

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