Bahrain showcases its trade and POWER investment potential in China
Sept-Oct 2015 Sept-Oct Technology and real estate marketing Issue 9 | Volume 2 | BD 1 BD | 2 Volume | 9 Issue SECTOR A NEW ERA OF DEVELOPMENT CBRESept-Oct Real 2015Estate Analysis1 Moda Mall: 17534444 Al-Aali Mall: 17581444 Seef Mall: 17587888 Ritz- Carlton Hotel: 17580123 City Centre: 17179009 www.asiajewellers.com
2 Sept-Oct 2015 Moda Mall: 17534444 Al-Aali Mall: 17581444 Seef Mall: 17587888 Ritz- Carlton Hotel: 17580123 City Centre: 17179009 www.asiajewellers.com
Sept-Oct 2015 3 CONTENTS September-October 2015
08 | Exclusive Article Bahrain’s power sector embarks on a new era of development With the private sector responsible for around 80% of the total electricity generation capacity, Bahrain has embarked on a new era of modernisation and development of the existing power infrastructure.
10 | Exclusive Feature Interview Government plans to develop the power sector to new heights of excellence H.E. Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza Minister of Energy
FEATURES
14 | The new face of Cosmetic Surgery Dr. Abeer Isa Alkobaisi Cosmetic surgeon
18 | Biz Property Shada Dweik Country Manager, YourAmlak.com
20 | Bilateral Commerce Bahrain showcases its trade and investment potential in China
26 | CBRE Real Estate Analysis Developments in information technology must be embraced but cannot replace traditional relationships in real estate
28 | Biz Real Estate Insights How to close a residential deal
bizbahrain is also digital Follow us for instant updates at: Call / Subscribe: +973 3383 6777 4 www.flipsnack.com/bizbahrain Sept-Oct 2015 bizbahrain [email protected] Give your business the right start-up! Tamkeen’s Business Incubator Scheme supports start-ups by giving them access to work environment at reasonable rents thus allowing them to attain basic stability levels and targets.
Please contact us to know more about this scheme.
1738 3333 @tamkeenbahrain www.tamkeen.bh
Incubator Centres available across Bahrain: • Bahrain Business Incubator Centre (BBIC), Hidd • Riyadat, A’ali • Rukn, Manama • BPW Al Jasra Incubator Centre, Al Jasra • Retail, Shopping malls within Bahrain
• Tameer, Hidd Sept-Oct 2015 5 SECTORS MORE IN THIS ISSUE
32 | Banking & Finance: 30 | Marketing at its Best 2 Citigold global banking simplify the customers' banking experience 2 CrediMax launches MasterCard corporate credit card 2 KHCB and T'azur Islamic insurance company signs agreement 2 BDB signs MoU with Mannai Techonological facilitations 2 GFH distributes USD 53 million to its funds' investors
36 | Telecom: 2 Batelco and Huawei successfully test 40Bbps fiber technology 2 Batelco offers first cloud services platform 56 | Startup Tips 2 VIVA partners with Azadea to expand benefits for VIVA Elite members 2 VIVA Bahrain provides host of business solutions for Gravity indoor skydiving 2 Zain Bahrain partners with NAFEX 2 Zain Bahrain enhances customer experience with new services
40 | Real Estate: 2 Restructuring agreement turns lights on Villamar again 58 | Biz Dashboard 2 Impact Estate to launch a new residence in Amwaj Islands 2 Cluttons to launch Lagoona Beach Luxury Resort in Bahrain 2 Naseej and BBK signs financing agreement for Yasmeenat Saar project 2 BaPDA publish first edition of property development magazine 2 InterContinental Regency Bahrain wins Human Resources award
44 | Technology: 2 MECOS appoints new General Manager 60 | Tweets on Biz 2 BARCO system for News & TV studio at IAA 2 Online marketplaces to lead digital growth in MENA 2 Technology integration empowers middle east organizations to prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats 2 Pacific Controls obtains equity in WSO2 for delivering managed cloud services 2 TP-LINK appoints new regional marketing manager for MENA
48 | Government: 62 | The Biz Scene 2 Bahrain ranked 1st in the Middle East & 5th in the MEA for cost competitiveness and FDI strategy 2 Over 10,000 benefit from amnesty period to correct their situation 2 BPTC completes refurbishment of main bus terminals 2 MTT launches radar device to measure atmospheric wind and temperature 2 Tamkeen supports international Helmets factory project 2 INJAZ Bahrain looks to build on momentum of record-breaking year
52 | Others: 64 | Letters & Comments 2 Project Titan cost-improvement program on track 2 Gulf Air and Batelco partner for on-board technology solutions 2 Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover receives multiple honours in the 2014/15 MENA marketing awards 2 New Lexus ES 2016 launches in Bahrain 2 First Motors meets the requirements of commercial and industrial transportation sectors in the kingdom 2 Jinbei H2, driven for all your needs
6 Sept-Oct 2015 Trust our reliabilty...our clients do!
Contact us on +973 380 000 02 or email us on: [email protected] P.O. Box 20007, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
@binfaqeeh_co www.binfaqeeh.com Sept-Oct 2015 7 Editor's Note
Chairman & Publisher Ahmed Khalifa Khalfan [email protected]
General Manager Write to the Editor: [email protected] Jay Bhagawati [email protected] The Power of Business Production Manager It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you our latest issue covering one of the most Sameer Butt pressing topics in town; Power. Power means everything to us humans. Without a [email protected]
sustainable supply of power or energy, we cannot survive as a civilization. That is why Senior Editor it is crucial to be aware of where we stand as a nation when it comes to our flow of Mahmood Rafique energy such as electricity. We are grateful to have such wise leadership that provides [email protected] us with the comfort and confidence that we will rest assure our nights will stay bright Art Designer and our days cool. Ashjad Azeez
Our first interview with H.E. Dr. Abdul Hussain Ali Mirza, Minister of Energy, Digital Agency reaffirmed the aforementioned where he provided us with information on how the 4Spots [email protected] government is developing the Power sector to new heights of excellence. All the content you will find in our dashboard is actually extracted from this interview. A Contributors wealth of knowledge can be found here and we hope that you, our readers, benefit from Ahmed Al Akber - ACK Solutions such information. Roberto Carrillo, Mohammed Baqer, SN Kala Ammar Al Raees, John Taylor, Bassam Kamashki Reena Abraham, Anna Romanska, Steve Mayes The next interview is a follow through of our special arrangement with the Capital Heather Longden, Anceeta Martis, Nigel Rodrigues Club Bahrain, where we had the pleasure of interviewing the new face of cosmetic surgery, Dr. Abeer Alkobasi. This interview provided great insight on how your inner Publishing House charisma can make the difference between success and failure in any practice.
Following this interview, we were continuing our role in providing various opinions on the real estate sector through such article as CBRE’s Heather Longden in addition Production & Layout Designed by to YourAmlak.com’s Country Manager, Shada Dweik, as well Bassam Kamashki, an Independent Real Estate Professional.
This month also witnessed an outstanding development in our beloved kingdom’s Cover Design & Concept by business relations with China, where we showcased our trade and investment potential at the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT). It is notable Printed at that a high-level Bahraini delegation led by His Excellency Zayed R. Alzayani, Oriental Press, Kingdom of Bahrain Minister of Industry and Commerce, participated as Guest Country of Honour in In Association With Xiamen, the first ever Middle Eastern country to be awarded that honour.
To conclude, I hope you have an enjoyable read and would love your comments in order to further improve the quality of this business publication. Thanks again go out to all
my colleagues for their persistence in quality and content. Farouk Almoayyed Honorary Chairman Warm regards, Ahmed Sabah Al-Saloom Chairman of the Society
+973 3383 6777 bizbahrain Ahmed Khalifa Khalfan [email protected] www.bizbahrain.com
Chairman and Publisher The opinions and views contained in this publication by the journalists, writers 8 and the Interviewee are not necessarily those of the publishers. All effort have Sept-Oct 2015 been made to ensure accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However bizbahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission. For Group bookings, private screening, gift vouchers, school trips & venue hiring at Novo Cinemas Please contact: [email protected] Tel: +971 4 368 8995 Ext: 236 Sept-Oct 2015 9 For Group bookings, private screening, gift vouchers, school trips & venue hiring at Novo Cinemas Please contact: [email protected] Tel: +971 4 368 8995 Ext: 236 Exclusive Article
Bahrain’s power sector embarks on a new era of developmentt
he Kingdom of Bahrain has facilities to the private sector. The The official believe that the private Tembarked on a new era of private sector is responsible for around sector investment in the electricity modernisation and development of the 80% of the total electricity generation and water infrastructure is very much existing power infrastructure to meet capacity and this has been in the form safeguarded by the Government the increasing demand due to population of Independent Power Production through legislation and the government growth and industrial expansion. (IPP) or Independent Water and Power guarantees in the form of the long term Production (IWPP). The official studies power and water purchase agreement The Government has allocated $4 indicated that involvement of the with the private companies. Where the billion to be invested in the power and private sector would reduce the public Government is trying to enhance the water sector by the year 2020. In this, exchequer bill, in form of salaries of the scope of attracting foreign or domestic the private sector role remains crucial in staff, low expenditures on maintenance investments by making the power sector implementing the strategy especially at side while bringing more efficiency an attractive sector. The power and a time when the public sector spending through an open competition. water sector is facing great challenges is being squeezed due to the record and including the massive growth in demand persistent low oil prices. Statistically, Al-Dur Electricity and and the associated required expansion Water Company (ADEWC) owns nearly of the networks and the investments The private sector’s participation in 31% of the power generation capacity in to satisfy these demands to achieve the power and water sector reflects the Bahrain and Hidd Power Company (HPC) the required performance standards as Bahrain Government’s national strategy and Al Ezzel Power Company (AAPC) spelt out in the Electricity and Water that clearly advice outsourcing most owns each nearly 24% of the power Authority’s (EWA’s) corporate plan and of the electricity and water production generation capacity. the National Strategy 2030.
10 Sept-Oct 2015 Exclusive Article
consideration of adoption of tariffs the allocation of BD7.5 million to carry closer to the cost, thereby leading to out the maintenance of the distribution greater awareness on the part of the networks comprising 8560 distribution consumers of the consumption patterns substations and 345 running Kilometers and enforcement of few initiatives of distribution feeders. to enhance consumption efficiency, conservation, and load management. The procedures for emergency fault EWA is working on introducing repairs entails the temporary supply various awareness campaigns for the using diesel generators with various conservation of energy, electricity and capacities according to the type of fault water. and the anticipated repair time. EWA has recently added 169 diesel generators The Kingdom of Bahrain’s available costing BD1.8 million, to its existing fleet, generation capacity at the moment bringing the total number of emergency is 3922 MW during high summer hot diesel generators to over 300 units with season, with around 600 MW of spare various capacity sizes. emergency import capacity via the GCC interconnection from neighboring The issues related to energy and countries, which can be imported in water efficiency and conservation are of emergencies or via prior arrangements. paramount importance to the strategy formulation of the Ministry of Energy. Domestic sector consumption makes Several measures are being undertaken up around half of the total energy sold in by EWA to achieve the most efficient the system. The domestic consumption usage of water and power consumption. pattern is very sensitive to the climatic conditions and hence the consumption EWA is constantly putting in efforts shoots up during the summer period to implement measures, techniques, (May to October). Air conditioning laws and regulations to ensure alone is responsible for more than consumers attention to the critical 60% of electricity consumption and issues of demand side management, this demand is very seasonal during and conservation to meet the national the summer where people use air demand efficiently. In line with the national strategy and conditioning on a large scale. the guidelines from the leadership for Decision makers in the Energy ensuring the provision of basic facilities The Kingdom of Bahrain is working sectors in GCC countries realise the such as power and water, the power on the revamp of the transmission high per capita electricity consumption sector faces major challenges such as, and distribution networks; partially in all the GCC states. This is attributed maximising the utilisation of available associated with the commissioning of to several reasons, including rising financial resources and reduction of a number of new 66 kV transmission domestic consumption due to rapid production cost of the electricity unit stations and there are a large number population growth, harsh and extreme delivered to the customer as well as of new 11 kV outlets being installed summer weather conditions with record reducing the gap between the level of in a timely manner related to the high temperatures and humidity, in the cost and the average cost of unit commissioning schedule of the new addition to the rapid growth in economic sold. There are various opinions that primary substations. sectors like industrial and commercial such high demand for power is not only fields. attributable to the ensuing fast economic The distribution network growth, but may also be as a result of reinforcement over the past three years The GCC needs to focus seriously the cheap tariffs which may encourage has witnessed the increase of the 11 kV on two vital themes of sustainability, wastage, with the resulting depletion substations by nearly 1500, new 11 kV namely raising the efficiency of of natural and financial resources, at substations amounting to an increase of production and energy conservation, the expense of social and economic 26%, coinciding with the commissioning adjusting the tariffs and devising development. of new primary substations in various methods and systems that can better areas across the country and the facilitate the options of alternative The Government is required to associated connection of the feeder energies, including renewable energies. address the increase in demand for outlets. the financial resources available for the sector through strengthening the The planned and emergency collection of the debts efforts and the maintenance got EWA’s attention with
Sept-Oct 2015 11 Exclusive Feature Interview
reduction of the cost of electricity unit Exclusive Feature Interview delivered to the customer, and to reduce the gap between the level of the cost and the average cost of unit sold.
“There are various opinions that the such high growth rates are not only attributable to the resulting of the fast economic growth, but may also be as a result of the cheap tariffs which may encourage wastage, with resulting the depletion of the natural and financial resources, at the expense of social and economic development.
“We are required to address the increase in demand for the financial resources available for the sector through strengthening the efforts of debts collection and the consideration of adoption of tariffs closer to the cost, thereby leading to greater awareness on the part of the consumers of the consumption patterns and enforcement of few initiatives to enhance consumption efficiency, conservation, and load management. We are currently embarking on a huge campaign for the conservation of energy, electricity and water.
“Decision makers in the Energy sectors in GCC countries realise the high per capita electricity consumption H.E. Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza in all the GCC states. This is attributed Minister of Energy to several reasons, including rising domestic consumption due to rapid population growth, harsh and extreme Government plans to summer weather conditions with record high temperatures and humidity, in addition to the rapid growth in develop the power sector to economic sectors such as industrial and new heights of excellence commercial. “Given these unique GCC conditions, he Kingdom of Bahrain needs in demands and the associated required it is important to focus seriously on two Tto invest $4 billion to meet the expansions of the networks and the vital themes of sustainability, namely projected demand for electricity and investments to satisfy these demands, raising the efficiency of production water by the year 2020, according to His (which has been calculated at some and energy conservation, adjusting the Excellency the Minister of Energy, Dr. $4 billion in the period up to 2020), tariffs and devising methods and the Abdul Hussain Bin Ali Mirza. to achieve the required performance systems that can better facilitate the standards as spelled out in the EWA’s options of alternative energies, including In an exclusive interview with corporate plan and the National Strategy renewable energies.” Mahmood Rafique, Senior Editor 2030. bizbahrain, HE the Minister of Energy Following are the details of the says the electricity and water sector is Dr. Mirza believes that the focal interview with HE the Minister facing great challenges in the upcoming challenges is to maximise the utilisation conducted at the NOGA offices at period considering the massive growth of available financial resources and the Bahrain Financial Harbour:
12 Sept-Oct 2015 Exclusive Feature Interview
Your Excellency, as Bahrain is initiative being undertaken is the start Your point of view on the Energy planning to lift subsidies on Meat of construction of a 400 kV transmission Sector in Bahrain and how we system which will provide the future and as reported, gradually from the are coping with the power sector, main backbone of the transmission power sector, please share with us especially in the summer, peak the facts of what the government system. This is estimated to cost BD 280 million. consumption of the year? spend on generating one unit of electricity and how much subsidy The existing 220kV network has We witnessed the highest peak there is per unit. Is this the right grown substantially and has become system demand so far in 2015 on time to lift the subsidy to make the fully intermeshed leading to excessive Saturday, 1st of August 2015, at one power sector more efficient? short circuit currents in several o’clock in the afternoon, at 3335 MW sections of the network, which render compared to last year’s peak system The electricity tariff in Bahrain is unsafe, unreliable operation and lead to demand on 26th of August 2014, at sold for the domestic sector in the lower uneconomical maintenance. We have around 2:45 p.m. at 3152 MW. This means embarked on establishing a new 400kV bandwidth (1-3000 kWh) @ 3 fils per that the highest recorded system peak transmission network to overlay the kWh, in the consumption bandwidth has increased by 5.8 % compared to last existing 220kV transmission network 3001 - 5000 @ 9 fils per kWh and in above year. This coincided with a severest to mitigate the high-fault level problem, 5000 bandwidth @ 16 fils per kWh, whilst unpleasant weather since mid-July to allow resilient future expansion the average cost to the government is 29 of the 220kV System and to facilitate with highest temperature recorded at fils per KWh. economical transfer of bulk power the “Central Control Center” in middle within the Kingdom of Bahrain and with of Manama 46 °C and typical humidity The electricity cost of the unit, GCC grid. exceeding 40%. Bahrain’s annual growth like any other product or commodity, rates in the maximum demands has always includes the cost of production, The number of the so called bulk been very typical of other GCC countries transmission and distribution. supply points 220 kV substations has with the growth rate averaging 5 – 6 The electricity tariff in Bahrain is increased to 25 substations, i.e. an % per annum over the past eight years substantially subsidized by the state, increase of some 66% over the past three and also in the eighties and nineties, as the price of the sold unit represents years. but hitting double this growth rate (10% a small fraction of the total cost to the and beyond) in the period 2003 – 2007. state, the actual cost is represented Further steps are being initiated In our annual plans for 2015, we further in fact by the capital expenses of the aimed at required expansion and expect the peak system demand of 3400 required expansions for the production, reinforcement of the existing 220kV MW in the coming weeks, i.e. a growth transmission and distribution facilities, & 66kV Transmission Networks of of 7.9% compared to last year. However, or what is called the investment cost Bahrain in order to overcome the I am pleased to report that so far we and the cost resulting from the operation overloading problem of some of 220kV have coped very well with the increase of these assets, namely the operation, and 66kV existing substations and to in 2015 summer demand, and so far the maintenance and fuel costs (here, it is meet the normal load demands of new imperative to take into consideration the developments as well as the total load records show a reduction in the number actual cost of the unsubsidized fuel). On demands required by the Strategic and durations of electricity disruptions the other hand, the median actual cost Housing Projects and the demand compared with all previous years. of the electricity unit delivered to the increases taking place in the domestic, customer has been calculated at 29 fils commercial, housing and industrial In terms of power generation, Your sectors of the kingdom. per kWh (2014 prices). Excellency give us an update on On the 66 kV transmission the total power generation capacity, Please give us details of some of system development, (16) 66 kV sub- both by public and private sector, the major upcoming projects in the transmission substations has been and if there was any shortfall this power sector in next four years? under various phases of construction year? over the past three years, the last of Through the Government’s wise which were commissioned recently were I wish to confirm that the available policies, the development of electricity two new substations in developments generation capacity at the moment and water infrastructure in Bahrain southern of Bahrain. Construction is 3922 MW during high summer hot since the economy boom in the eighties of additional 66 kV transmission has been to the best world practice substations is well underway within the season, and we had around 600 MW of and to international standards to same development to cater for the rapid spare emergency import capacity via the ensure the required reliability of these growth of distribution load in the main GCC interconnection from neighboring infrastructures, and hence minimize large housing and investments projects countries, which can be imported in supply interruptions. An important presently underway. emergencies or via prior arrangements.
Sept-Oct 2015 13 Exclusive Feature Interview
The strategy that the Bahrain within the organization. As the electric CAIDI can also be viewed as the Government has undertaken is to utility industry demands improved average restoration time. CAIDI is outsource most of Electricity and Water performance, we are pushing daily measured in units of time, often minutes production facilities to the private operational responsibility and decision or hours. It is usually measured over the sector. This has been in the form of making both at the technical level as course of a year, and according to IEEE IPP (Independent Power Production) or well as customer interaction level via Standard, the median value for North IWPP (Independent Water and Power Call Center, to the lowest levels in the American utilities is approximately Production). The private sector presently organization in an attempt to achieve 82 minutes. In Bahrain, we have seen owns around 80% of the electricity faster and improved performance. The Substantial Improvement in CAIDI from generation capacity. utility's access to accurate and timely 138 minutes in 2013 to 85 minutes in outage information is critical in order to 2014. Al-Dur Electricity and Water maximize daily operational efficiency, Company (ADEWC) owns nearly 31% minimize customer complaints and Electricity demand during the of the power generation capacity in maintain electric system reliability. summer shows substantial rise in Bahrain and Hidd Power Company (HPC) network loads and thus the higher and Al Ezzel Power Company (AAPC) likelihood of electricity interruptions owns each nearly 24 % of the power due to higher system loads throughout generation capacity. The private sector Al-Dur Electricity the network, requiring unique efforts to investment in the electricity and water reduce the impact of any interruptions, infrastructure is very much safeguarded and Water Company and ensuring continuity of service in by the Government legislation and the the event of loss of supply, while at the government guarantees in the form of (ADEWC) owns same time putting efforts to restore the long term power and water purchase network supplies as per the “(CAIDI) KPI agreement with the private companies. nearly 31% of the targeted times”. Within the annual EWA preparations for electricity and water Domestic sector consumption makes power generation interruptions and sudden breakdowns up around half of the total energy sold in capacity in Bahrain which may occur in the transmission the system. The domestic consumption and distribution networks, the various pattern is very sensitive to the climatic and Hidd Power concerned operations departments conditions and hence the consumption review and update all precautionary shoots up during the summer period Company (HPC) emergency plans, to take care of all (May to October). Air conditioning alone necessary actions to restore electricity is responsible for more than 60% of and Al Ezzel Power to customers in fastest possible time. electricity consumption and this demand Since the end of summer 2014 and is very seasonal during the summer Company (AAPC) up to May 2015, substantial work was where people use air conditioning on a owns each nearly completed on the establishment and large scale. operation of 11 new main transmission 24 % of the power substations at 220 and 66 kV. These Were there any power outages this stations reinforce the network reliability in the corresponding regions where summer, can you give us some generation capacity constructed, as well as provide network figures in comparison with previous support in the area of nearby stations. years’ peak summer months? Today, it is fairly common practice In order to improve our response As earlier indicated, I have issued in the electric utility industry to use and services, we established a number directives to EWA to pay special attention IEEE Standard 1366 (US Institution of of regional depots in different parts of to the reliability and the continuity of the Electrical and Electronic Engineers Bahrain. We now have four well equipped supply to customers, and to minimize Standards) reliability indices (CAIDI) maintenance depots, in Muharraq, interruption times, and expand the to track and benchmark reliability Riffa, Budaiya and the main depot in required resources for fast pace repairs performance. These indices serve Manama. We have also increased the that will ensure minimum interruption as valuable tools to compare utility resources, these depots now share times. We have expanded the required reliability performance year on maintenance resources of 50 engineers logistics from the financial and the year, as long as similar data is being and 410 technicians who work on 24/7 human resources to achieve this. Many matched. The CAIDI (Customer basis. We also have a prequalified list of utilities simply report reliability indices Average Interruption Duration Index) contractors to assist in the emergency at the corporate level. Such limited is a reliability index calculated as the repairs. reporting forgoes the potential benefits, average Outage duration that any given data could provide at working levels customer would experience.
14 Sept-Oct 2015 Exclusive Feature Interview
These efforts undoubtedly lead to The issues of energy and water efficiency conservation of electricity & water. substantial improvement in restoration and conservation are of paramount We are in the process of introducing times and the reduction of outage importance to the strategy formulation of more stringent requirements and duration and frequency. the Ministry of Energy. Several measures specifications for the efficiency of air are being undertaken by EWA to achieve conditioners, to advance what we have During one of the post Cabinet the most efficient usage of water and in place at the moment. This is because briefings, Your Excellency, you power consumption, we want to make sure that customers At EWA we are constantly putting refrain from buying low efficiency mentioned that the total revamp of our efforts to implement measures, cheap air conditioning, which have power distribution was on the way. techniques, laws and regulations to high consumption of electrical energy. Can you give us an update on this ensure consumers attention to the critical We wish to demand better standards front? issues of demand side management, for this. In this respect, all Government ministries are required to replace their Large revamp of the transmission Tungsten lights with LED lights, and it is and distribution networks is underway; now compulsory for all buildings to use partially associated with the The electricity tariff insulations. commissioning of a number of new 66 kV transmission stations and there are a in Bahrain is sold 2) Awareness campaigns are being large number of new 11 kV outlets being conducted to help in achieving installed in a timely manner related to for the domestic conservation goals. the commissioning schedule of the new sector in the primary substations. On the Water side: lower bandwidth The distribution network 1) Supplementing efforts to realize early reinforcement over the past three years (1-3000 kWh) @ detection and repairing of water leaks, has witnessed the increase of the 11 kV optimization of water use which also substations by nearly 1500 new 11 kV 3 fils per kWh, in help in the efficient use of ground water substations amounting to an increase of resources. 26%, coinciding with the commissioning the consumption of new primary substations in various bandwidth 3001 - 2) Protection of ground water resources areas across the country and the by adopting restrictions to prevent associated connection of the feeder 5000 @ 9 fils per over extraction of ground water and outlets. permission from the relevant authorities kWh and in above is required to be taken for extracting the Planned and emergency maintenance ground water. has also its share of EWA’s attention 5000 bandwidth @ 16 with the allocation of 7.5 million dinars 3) Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) water is to carry out the maintenance of the fils per kWh, whilst being supplied for agricultural purpose distribution networks comprising 8560 the average cost to in some areas of Bahrain to reduce the distribution substations and 345 running consumption of ground water. In future, Kilometers of distribution feeders. the government is 29 it is planned to supply other areas with TSE water to reduce consumption of The procedures for emergency fault fils per KWh. ground water resources. repairs entails the temporary supply, using diesel generators with various 4) Adopting state of the art technology to capacities according to the type of fault improve services and attract customer’s and conservation to meet the national and the anticipated repair time. EWA attention to these precious resources demand efficiently. The measures we are has recently added 169 diesel generators including the implementation of smart undertaking are as follows: costing 1.8 million dinars, to its existing meters, GIS and fast customer interaction fleet, bringing the total number of and on-line servicing and invoicing. emergency diesel generators to over 300 On the Electricity side: units with various capacity sizes. 5) Campaigns and exhibitions in malls 1) Introduce and implement laws, policies and schools to promote conservation. Power conservation and awareness and regulatory framework governing stricter specification requirements for about this subject is very crucial, lighting and air-conditioning to address please share with our readers your demand side management by way of thoughts on this subject? using latest efficient technologies for
Sept-Oct 2015 15 The new face of Cosmetic Surgery
New laws will help to restore the sanctity of cosmetic surgery
ew legislation to check the rampant Nmedical malpractices in plastic and cosmetic surgery, a discipline particularly vulnerable to misuse, will help regulate the profession and maintain its ethical sanctity, says Dr. Abeer Isa AlKobaisi, Bahrain’s first female plastic surgeon.
A pioneer in aesthetics and a growing force in the highly competitive, male dominated world of cosmetic surgery, Dr. Abeer began her journey in Bahrain. Today she is the CEO and founder of Dr. Abeer Cosmplastic, and Dr. Abeer Isa Alkobaisi Cosmetic surgeon 16 Sept-Oct 2015
The new face of Cosmetic Surgery " affiliated to various prominent hospitals And it would seem so as she in the region. describes it. A young Arab girl struggling You always have to to find her place amongst confident follow the rules & In the cool, elegant confines of the French male colleagues could not have Capital Club, the country’s premier been easy. And then again, after having regulations of each venue for high net worth professionals achieved that adjustment, it could not country, and I am and business people, Dr. Abeer looked have been easy coming back to Bahrain someone who strives to perfectly at ease as she struck up a and working in Saudi Arabia as well. conversation with Mahamoud Rafique, do so. I never go beyond Senior Editor bizbahrain. “It was also not easy being the only the rules. Though it female. It gave me a feeling that I have to “I am glad we decided to meet really work hard to convince my patients is very difficult, your here”, she says. “It fits a certain type of that I am just as qualified and capable as commitment will show thought in my head. We needed a place my male colleagues.” where people with the same mentality, just how successful you and standard of life can connect. An Preconceptions of how a doctor are" exchange of knowledge occurs when should look were also an obstacle to you talk to other club members, a type Abeer with her young, and attractive of mutual education. This is a true club, appearance, quite contradictory to the determination, which come from deep in the sense that you need to have a normal expectations. “Looking younger, within, from one’s genetic pool. resource of support, and the Capital Club maybe they think, I may not have is the right place to offer such support to enough experience.” In this she has been more than lucky. its members.” To keep her head high amongst her “I think it was my destiny to be “My path in life has not been as successful male colleagues, Abeer has a doctor. It was decided since my easy as you would imagine,” says Abeer, had to work hard, going the extra length, childhood and to be a surgeon was talking about the path that has led her establishing herself in several countries decided while I was studying… During from an enchanted childhood spent in to prove herself. my practice in surgery I found myself Bahrain, to long years of study in Paris to be passionate about correction, fixing and then full circle back to Bahrain. “To be kept in this position of defects and problems, specifically due to success is a huge commitment, so I car accidents and injuries, and from that “I am blessed in many ways. In always aim for perfection. I think I set up moment I realized that this is a great medical school I found studies very easy my practice in Dubai to prove something field.” and I thought, why do people say that to myself. It has been a struggle to medicine is a difficult profession?…But understand the rules of each place Everything seemed almost there in Paris the life wasn’t as easy. In and how bureaucracy works as I am predestined for the talented Abeer. The fact they live in a different world (from practicing in so many countries, Saudi, scholarship, the admission into the ours). There is a different language, Bahrain, Dubai and sometimes even prestigious school, the training under different culture, different people… in Paris. You always have to follow the renowned teachers. but I loved it and found it a logical life. rules & regulations of each country, and I However, the transition and achieving am someone who strives to do so. I never “Knowing the language and loving the know-how was a struggle.” go beyond the rules. Though it is very the place (Paris) again was a very good
difficult, your commitment will show opportunity for me to try it, and when I " just how successful you are.” completed my studies in Bahrain I got the acceptance and there started my life It certainly is not just All through the years, her father has and my career.” your qualifications been a guiding force in her life. or your environment She is a great advocate of Arab talent “I think he had exactly the same and expertise. There are so many Arabs that makes you what structure in life, the power of decision she says who are excellent in their you are, it is the inner and ambition; starting from nothing yet profession and would be able to provide aiming high.” the kind of service that one could get qualities, the charisma, in the most developed countries of the the personality and the It certainly is not just your world. Talking about the popular trend of qualifications or your environment people in the region to go abroad to seek determination, which that makes you what you are, she treatment. come from deep within" emphasizes. It is the inner qualities, the charisma, the personality and the
Sept-Oct 2015 17
The new face of Cosmetic Surgery "
family bonds. In this part of the world we The new regulations which in the end will restore the image are so bonded. One of the major reasons of this field.” proposed by the though was that my country needed me. government, will I am the only female plastic surgeon and A former consultant in plastic and I have a duty to serve my country.” reconstructive surgery at the Saad safeguard the patients. Specialist Hospital, a state-of-the-art It will discourage those Highlighting the importance of the hospital in the Eastern Province, Saudi proposed legislation regulating the Arabia, Dr. Abeer is presently affiliated not qualified to carry out medical profession in Bahrain, she spoke with the Bahrain Specialist Hospital, procedures from doing it" passionately about the need to restore and in various prominent hospitals in the image and sanctity of the profession Dubai where she conducts cosmetic and so that people will stop looking at it as plastic surgery procedures, as well as “Why should anyone go elsewhere just a lucrative business. being an active member of the French unless it is for a specific disease that Society of Plastic Surgeons, Bahrain cannot be treated here? In this part of “Plastic Surgery is a source of money Medical Society and the Bahrain Society the world we are striving for excellence and it can make you blind and you can of Plastic Surgeons. and if you are in this situation you must forget that you are a doctor; and you can succeed and you must prove yourself forget the rules that should guide you Passionate about her work she by going the extra mile to prove your when you are operating. founded the self-titled "Dr. Abeer mettle….We study abroad to get the extra Cosmplastic Clinic", a pioneer Bahraini education…and when we come back “Surgeons needs to be selective project, and now the Dr. Abeer Al-Qubaisi we bring a wealth of experience and with their patients. One should not Plastic Surgery and Multi-Specialty knowledge.” take on just anyone in order to make Center in Dubai. a quick buck. Cosmetic surgery is not Of course there is the fact, she says, for everyone, many factors need to be “The only message that I would give that cosmetic procedures are still a bit considered before you accept a patient to young people getting into this field of a taboo. People would not want to for surgery.” is that you need to have an artist inside perhaps reveal the cosmetic procedures and you have to be passionate about that they have had, and going abroad Procedures that have caused this field. Take this field as the passion and getting it done in relative anonymity damage to health and appearance have source of your life, not as the money is an alluring prospect. And then there made this one of the most talked about source.” is the whole psychological aspect of branches of medicine. “Liposuction, for comfort level for the patient with his instance, is a very simple procedure As Joseph E. Murray, Plastic surgeon doctor. These are valid reasons that but can be very dangerous, as you are and Nobel Prize winner, reminded us: need to be taken into consideration removing the fat out of a human being in “We have to be careful that our when discussing why patients seek help a few minutes and by doing so depleting educational efforts do not lead us into outside their own country, but there the body of essential fluids…which can producing not surgeons but technicians is a whole other ethical facet to the affect the system and risk the patients’ selling their skills in the market place. discussion that makes it questionable. health.” We are physicians primarily, surgeons by choice and plastic surgeons for the “When I used to work outside of The new regulations proposed by the joy of living…The prime purpose of the Bahrain, there was a perception that in government says Abeer, will safeguard medical profession is to give trustworthy this part of the world people have a lot the patients. It will discourage those not service of the highest quality in matters of money so why not to use them to get qualified to carry out procedures from of health.” that money? The cost for a cosmetic doing it. “I am part of those regulations
procedure abroad is double if not more and I really honestly support the move " Dr. Abeer Alkobaisi certainly seems for a foreigner.” to live by the advice.
Once she had qualified and finished You need to have an her training in Paris, Abeer returned artist inside and you home. Despite a strong comfort level and a feeling that in Paris she had found the have to be passionate place she most would like to live, there about this field. Take were no doubts that she would come back to Bahrain. this field as the passion source of your life, not “I had to come back home, where I have strong roots and we enjoy strong as the money source "
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YourAmlak.com to bring efficiency, transparency to the realty market
Shada Dweik Country Manager, YourAmlak.com
ourAmlak.com is an online portal catering to the property industry in Bahrain. YourAmlak.com is driven by the passion to Ymake the property market in Bahrain more efficient and transparent. The website serves real estate brokers by allowing them to effectively get their properties in front of thousands of potential consumers. From a consumer's perspective, YourAmlak.com enables consumers to make informed decisions by providing a one-stop solution with thousands of listed properties under dozens of categories. With YourAmlak's in-depth listings, buyers, sellers and renters can find the property that fits their needs perfectly, whether it's renting an apartment or buying a villa, YourAmlak.com has got it covered.
20 Sept-Oct 2015 In an exclusive interview with investments pouring into Bahrain and and will have a Bahrain based office bizbahrain Shada Dweik, the Country the online real estate niche is yet to by the end of October which non of our Manager at YourAmlak Spoke to us be perfected here. We, with our team competitors have. about this exciting new project. of industry veterans, look at that as an opportunity to provide value to the Real Challenges Concept Estate Agents,developers and consumers Well, it has just begun but we already YourAmlak is a Bahrain-based online here. had a fair amount of challenges that we portal and we provide our customers – have weathered through. Everyone on the real estate agents in Bahrain – with Competition our team has a passion for startups and the opportunity to get their properties We are a customer-service oriented is excited by the challenges it presents. in front of tens of thousands of active operation and the aim of YourAmlak. There are obviously going to be lots of consumers. The model is fairly simple; com is to help realtors, developers and twists and turns down the road and the portal publishes thousands of real estate consumers connect and that’s precisely what excites all of us. properties (from real estate agents conduct transactions in a more effective in Bahrain) which are accessible to way. In fact, we always prefer to hire Expansion Plans interested buyers, sellers and renters account managers over sales managers Our Journey has just begun but across Bahrain. This tremendously – because we truly understand the value we have some very ambitious plans. helps agents and developers move in not only bringing on new realtors but After Bahrain, we are looking towards their properties quickly and it helps the enabling them to succeed as well – and Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar and Egypt. consumers find the perfect real estate we do that by sending highly qualified Obviously, these are exciting times for without too much of a fuss. YourAmlak traffic to their listings through all us. charges a monthly fee to the agents and relevant online channels. developers while keeping it totally free Official launch for the consumers. Oh, and did I mention We have also gone the extra mile We anticipate our launch on October the first 45 days is Free for the agents by focusing, to the point of obsession, 7th 2015, and will hold a launch event at and developers too. on the quality of our listings by making the Four Seasons. Our aim to host the sure, that the pictures and specifications key real estate players and introduce Doing business in Bahrain etc. are of top notch quality. We have what we are all about! That’s Easy – Bahrain has a (and will continue to) tailor the site and population of around one and a half its features to how the average Bahraini Thank you for taking the time to talk million and is one of the most important thinks and in order to provide better about YourAmlak. We wish you and your countries in the GCC in terms of Real customer support we have employed team all the best. Estate. There are a lot of property-related the best of digital experts in Bahrain
Sept-Oct 2015 21 Bilateral Commerce
investment opportunities and the Bilateral Commerce advantages Bahrain offers to Chinese and international investors. CIFIT offered Bahraini businesses and Government officials the opportunity to engage in high-level talks and meetings with Chinese officials, private sector leaders and Chinese businesses looking to access the Gulf market. In particular, the EDB invited guests of CIFIT to the Bahrain Pavilion to learn more about the numerous investment opportunities in high growth sectors in which Bahrain can offer Chinese businesses significant advantages, including financial services, tourism, ICT, manufacturing and logistics.
“Bahrain is keen on continuing its bilateral cooperation with China and strongly supports China’s vision of ‘One Belt One Road,’ which aims to build a community of shared interests between the Arab World and China. This roadshow emerged as the perfect opportunity to further strengthen our commercial ties and we look forward to helping many more Chinese businesses to take advantage of investment opportunities that the fast-growing GCC market presents, by using Bahrain as a base for their GCC operations,” His Excellency Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry and Commerce said.
H.E. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry and Commerce (left) and “China and Bahrain have been Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive, EDB trading partners for thousands of years and Bahrain was an important maritime hub along the first Silk Road. That A high-level Bahraini delegation led relationship has continued to evolve, by His Excellency Zayed R. Alzayani, and today China is one of Bahrain’s most Minister of Industry and Commerce, important trading partners. In fact, non- participated as Guest Country of Honour oil trade has grown from US$890 million at the China International Fair for in 2009 to more than US$1.98 billion in Bahrain Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, 2014,” said, Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief the first ever Middle Eastern country to Executive of the EDB. showcases be awarded that honour. The Bahrain Pavilion is organised Under the aegis of the Bahrain by the EDB in cooperation with its trade and Economic Development Board (EDB), the strategic partners Tamkeen, UNIDO, delegation visit is the culmination of the Bahrain Airport Company, Aluminium official visit of His Majesty King Hamad Bahrain (ALBA), Batelco, National investment bin Isa Al Khalifa in September 2013, and Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Kuwait Finance a successful business roadshow held in House Bahrain (KFHB) and Al Salam October 2014. Bank. Chinese companies Huawei and potential in Chinamex are also participating in the The Bahrain Pavilion at CIFIT, roadshow. Bahraini SMEs representing China showcased Bahrain’s success story, sectors such as manufacturing, ICT and
22 Sept-Oct 2015 Bilateral Commerce
tourism among others are also featured at the pavilion.
The Bahrain delegation comprised of representatives from Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Al Zayani Investments, Haji Hassan Group, Al Arayedh Group Holding, BFG International, Projects Construction and AJM Kooheji Group among others.
“As Bahrain’s leading provider of retail and commercial banking services, we are excited to be here in China to showcase Bahrain’s long history as an established financial centre for the Middle East. Bahrain’s more than 400 financial institutions and world-class regulation stand ready to assist Chinese businesses as they look to access new business opportunities in the Gulf,” Mr. Abdul Razak Al Qassim, Chief Executive Officer and Director of National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) said. region. In ICT, Bahrain has some of the Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive region’s most advanced infrastructure of the EDB and His Excellency Dr “Bahrain has been a pivot of trade and regulation and is home to Huawei’s Anwar Al-Abdulla, Ambassador of the connecting East and West for thousands Middle East headquarters. Bahrain is Kingdom of Bahrain to China. The forum of years and the country’s excellent land, also a logistics and manufacturing hub also featured a panel discussion on sea and air transport links have played in the Gulf. Chinese manufacturers CPIC the Kingdom’s business environment an essential role in developing Bahrain’s and MRS Fashion, a Hong Kong based and moderated by Ms. Vivian Jamal, position as a prime Gateway to the Gulf,” garment manufacturing company, both Executive Director of Marketing and said Mr. Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, have facilities in Bahrain and the latter Communications at the EDB. Panelists CEO of Bahrain Airport Company. exports clothing to the US under the were Dr. Samer Al Jishi, Managing Free Trade Agreement between the two Director of BFG International; Mr. Adel “Bahrain has some of the most countries. Al A’ali, Director of Haji Hassan Group; sophisticated ICT infrastructure in Mr. Paul Fengnan, Country Manager the Middle East and a liberal and Tourism is another sector that is of Huawei Bahrain; Mr. Yousif Ali, competitive telecoms market. As experiencing rapid growth in Bahrain. Executive Director - Customer Service Bahrain and other countries around the Between 2013 and 2014 more than 10 and Support Engagement at Tamkeen; Gulf continue to strive to introduce new million people chose to visit Bahrain and Mr. Hussain Al Hussaini, General technologies, an exciting opportunity and tourism revenues grew 17.4%. In 2015 Manager, Treasury Overseas and exists for Chinese ICT and telecoms the Kingdom’s first Four Seasons Hotel Investment Banking Group at National businesses, well-known around the opened for business. A number of other Bank of Bahrain (NBB). world as pioneers of new technologies in major tourism projects are also planned this field,” said, Mr. Ihab Hinnawi, Batelco over the coming years, including new The forum also saw the signing of Group Chief Executive Officer. resorts by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and various agreements between the EDB One & Only. and Chinese businesses, including Bahrain’s open business Letters of Intent (LOI) by two Chinese environment has attracted international Bahrain-China MoU opens new companies, Jinlou Water and World businesses from around the world Wide Logistics, each announcing plans avenues of co-operation in trade looking to access the fast-growing GCC to establish operations in Bahrain to market. and investment access the fast-growing Gulf market.
The Kingdom, known as the ‘Gateway A Bahrain China Business & Three MoUs were signed during to the Gulf’, has been a financial centre Investment Forum in Xiamen showcased the forum, with the first agreement for the Middle East for over four decades Bahrain’s investment opportunities. between the Bahrain EDB and the China and was the location of the Bank of Keynote speech was delivered by HE International Investment Promotion China’s first representative office in the Alzayani as well opening remarks by Centre- Xiamen aiming to strengthen
Sept-Oct 2015 23 Bilateral Commerce
Mr. Rumaihi said, “The agreement between the EDB and CCPIT will build on China and Bahrain’s already strong economic and trade partnership and will deliver high value added jobs for Bahrainis and significant returns for Chinese investors.
“Today, China is the second largest economy in the world and the third largest country investing abroad and this represents a great opportunity for Bahrain. China’s foreign direct investment reached its highest levels in the past decade, and is currently valued at USD $100 billion annually.”
Bahrain has been a trading nation for thousands of years and played a key role in the development of the maritime trade routes that connected China to Europe along the old Silk Road. In fact, trade ties between China and Bahrain. China) aimed at further improving there is evidence of trade between The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and bilateral relations between the two Bahrain and China as early as the 8th Industry (BCCI) and the China Council nations. century AD. Today, along the 21st century for the Promotion of International Trade Silk Road envisioned under China’s ‘One – Fujian (CCPIT-Fujian), also signed The MoU, signed by Mr. Khalid Belt, One Road’ strategy, Bahrain is a an agreement of bilateral cooperation. Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive, Bahrain hub for a number of Chinese businesses The third MoU was signed between EDB and Mr. Jiang Zengwei, Chairman looking to access the fast growing Gulf the Bahrain’s Businesswomen Society of CCPIT China, paves the way for the and wider Middle East region. and Xiamen Association of Women terms and conditions for the bilateral Entrepreneurs. The agreement looks cooperation between the two parties, in A large number of Chinese to establish a practical framework of order to promote investment projects in businesses, including Huawei, Bank cooperation for the empowerment and various sectors, including banking and of China, China Harbour Engineering entrepreneurship of businesswomen finance, manufacturing and ICT among Company Ltd and (CPIC), have already of the private sector of the Kingdom of others. established operations in Bahrain as Bahrain and Xiamen. a means of accessing the wider Gulf
The forum also witnessed Chinamex signing three MoUs in Xiamen, to provide logistic services to the Bahrain Dragon City, to be opened later this year. The agreements will have the companies involved in the development of the Bahrain Dragon City, including providing import and export services, building online sales network and e-commerce platform services to the tenants. The three companies are: Fujian Quanzhou Dragon City Import & Export Trading Company, Beijing Dragon Commerce Company, and China Dragon Mart Information Technology Company.
EDB on the sidelines of the China- Arab States Expo in Yinchuan signed an MoU with The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT-
24 Sept-Oct 2015 Bilateral Commerce
There’s thinking ahead and there’s thinking beyond. The Mulsanne.
Mulsanne fuel consumption in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 11.2 (25.3); Extra Urban 24.0 (11.8); Combined 16.8 (16.9). CO2 Emissions 393 g/km.
AHMED ZAYANI & SONS W.L.L BENTLEY BAHRAIN 131 SHK. Salman Highway, Zinj 358, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain P.O. Box 26332, For information call +973 17 238822 / 17 238190 or visit www.ahmedzayani.com Sept-OctAHMED ZAYANI2015 & SONS W.L.L25 Bilateral Commerce
market, which is now worth US$1.6 trillion and expected to reach US$2 Pick It trillion by 2020. GET IT Bahrain is home to more than 400 financial institutions and is one of OR Swipe It the leading global centres for Islamic finance and a knowledge hub for the industry. Bahrain is home to the largest concentration of Islamic financial REGRET IT institutions in the world and is at the Drive It heart of the industry’s international development. As Ningxia region seeks to develop an Islamic financial centre for China new opportunities exist for Ningxia and Bahrain to cooperate and strengthen ties.
The Kingdom’s strategic geographical location, excellent transport infrastructure, as well as its free and open economy makes Bahrain a advantages, including financial services, Minister of International Trade and logistical hub for companies. tourism, ICT, manufacturing and Industry of Malaysia, Mr. Dato 'Seri logistics. Ong Ka Chuan and his accompanying The delegation visited a number delegation, Her Excellency Madam of key commercial centres in China Mr. Al Rumaihi also held a meeting Wang Lixia, Vice Governor of Shaanxi including the provinces of Xiamen and with the Deputy Governor of Xiamen Province and high ranking officials the capital Beijing. Throughout the visit, Madame Ni Chao focused on developing from Guangdong Automobile (GAC). Bahraini businesses and government greater cooperation between the A meeting was also held with His representatives were engaged in Kingdom of Bahrain and the People's Excellency Li Yong, the Director General high-level discussions and meetings Republic of China, and the significance of The United Nations Industrial with Chinese officials and business of choosing Bahrain as a guest of honor Development Organisation (UNIDO), leaders looking to access the Gulf at the China International Fair for where Mr. Al Rumaihi delivered a speech market. The EDB showcased investment Investment and Trade (CIFIT). at the new Silk Road development opportunities in high growth sectors symposium “Sea Meets the Land.” and areas in which the kingdom can He also held a series of separate Now only at Ahmed Zayani & Sons! offer Chinese businesses significant working meetings with the Deputy Drive away your new Chrysler 300C with an easy swipe of your CrediMax Credit Card. No hassle & No extensive paper work! All CrediMax Credit Card holders are welcomed; N ew CrediMax Card applicants can apply today at our showroom.
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Tel: 17 238822 Sept-Oct 2015 27 CBRE Real Estate Analysis
Developments in information technology must be embraced but cannot replace traditional relationships in real estate
A fast paced world – led by technology population are notably quick to adopt new technologies and have the highest Advancements in technology have percentages in the gulf for internet and changed and continue to change the smart phone users. way business interact with customers, whether it be business to business Technology and Real Estate Marketing or to consumers. The pace at which technology is developing is undeniable; When it comes to real estate and the internet and the changes it has marketing communications, the internet brought to the business world, including and social media create challenges the real estate sector, is not news but it for real estate professionals as well as is easy to underestimate how quickly an ever growing number of mediums advancements in information technology to reach customers and communicate become the established norm. As an offerings and services. Access to example, the iPad was introduced to information on line provides customers the market, just five years ago and it with greater choice and access to market is now difficult to imagine a world information, which enables them to make Heather Longden without tablets, both in the home and more informed decisions and quite often Associate Director, Sales & Agency, as a business tool. Bahrain and its will reduce real estate firms’ ability to CBRE Bahrain
28 Sept-Oct 2015 CBRE Real Estate Analysis
that are being targeted. For businesses, The importance of the human element – applying the tools that technology tried and tested business relationships brings to improve efficiency with the end result of enhancing the service and This brings us back to the human value provided to customers, should be element and how customers benefit from constantly under review when it comes to finding a balance between engaging with business planning. companies, specifically in this case, real estate, whether it be for a larger business Reliable ICT systems, accounting investment or looking for an apartment to programmes and customer relationship lease or buy online and finding a trusted management systems are all par for the professional to guide your decisions course in business. A crucial aspect and support individuals and businesses for international real estate firms, is through the decision making process. online presence. The wide ranging scope of services offered by leading In an ever more globalised property consulting firms, such as: marketplace, researching property online valuations, asset services, research, as provides access to a confusing and often well as agency and brokerage services, overwhelming amount of choice. As an means that online marketing efforts individual it is possible to search the must cater for these different types of world of investment opportunities from customer (including B2B and B2C) yet your desk. This puts the customer in remain integrated and effectively project a position of greater power but it would the brand’s vision and ethos across all be unwise to make property asset or aspects of marketing activities. investment related decisions without consulting industry professionals that When it comes to agency and can provide insight and advise, not only brokerage services and considering both on the purchasing decision, but the investments on a larger scale through process to avoid common pitfalls. It is to individuals searching for a home to also likely that leveraging a relationship buy or let, real estate firm’s websites, with a broker, who has their finger on communicate on a personal level with property search portals and social media the pulse and access to the latest market those making real estate decisions and sites have changed the game, certainly in information, will allow investors to tap investments. favour of the customer, who are now more into off market or hot ticket deals. informed than ever. Engaging with customers is however It is questionable, at times, whether key to the success of service providers The virtual world allows access access to such a large volume of and in turn customers should be made to historical data, statistics, market information enhances the customer aware and reminded that the benefit trends and more transparency when it experience. Technology certainly of consulting with an experienced, comes to assessing value and market makes for a more savvy customer, established real estate professional is prices. Online presence is an important when experience or guidance provided invaluable – in short, the relationship, and necessary spend for real estate by professionals allows for filtering face to face interaction and the human firms and has effectively become the and narrowing down options. With factor, have not lost their place in a ‘shop window’ and in most cases, the day to day life and business being technology driven world. first point of contact with customers. gradually dominated by email, web Ensuring that those casual online web communications and applications Utilising ICT effectively and to the browsers are converted to leads and the value of the personal relationship advantage of both businesses and eventually a business relationship is still has its place and it may be said customers the challenge, but where the leading that a face to face meeting and real firms stand apart, is being successful in conversation is a breath of fresh air for all Real estate brands must embrace doing so. What differentiates businesses concerned. the changes and adopt new technologies that concentrate on blanket marketing in order to stay competitive and remain and branding and those that create relevant within the market place. It is and implement a strategy that focuses essential not to lag behind and protect on client engagement, is that they are their market share by tailoring how these customer focused. Successful firms technologies are used according to the realise that, in service industries, the area of the business; employing a strategy relationship is a key factor that sets them that has front and centre, the customers apart from the competition.
Sept-Oct 2015 29 Biz Real Estate Insights
Biz Real Estate Insights
How to close a residential deal
Bassam Kamashki Independent Real Estate Professional
Within the residential property preference do you have? This is in case sector, one of the most challenging if the client knows Bahrain very well. matters is to get the right home. I always For new comers’ expats in Bahrain, get the complains from agents that what features of an area would you be buyers "the clients" aren't clear in terms interested in? Are you looking for water- of what they are looking for, on the other front areas, are you looking to reside hand, I always listen to my friends and within business district nearby your new contacts complaining that they cannot workplace or nearby your kids’ schools? find the right "agent” who can get them the right home options. 2. Are you looking for a villa or an rental case, you need to give the agent apartment? This is very important an indication when can you move out For a small country and market such question as not all areas has a mix of of your current property (based on your as Bahrain, I can see that there is a high both options. For example, it’s difficult notice period) and whether you need a density of property agents, especially to find villas for sale in Juffair or a high- grace period or not on the residential market side, of which end compound down in East Riffa area good number of them are professional 6. In case of renting a property, what individuals and larger specialized firms. 3. Is the preference to buy or rent? tenure/tenancy period are you looking This will dictate which area you should for? Is it one year or more, usually There can be a gap between be looking at, for locals they can buy for residential property rental, lease the client and agent in case of not and rent at anywhere in Bahrain, but contracts are annual with one month following the right communication for expats buying option is limited to notice period allowing both parties to channels and not applying professional certain areas only break/revise the lease work standards. The matter of not understanding the client’s specific 4. Once you made up your mind on 7. Before signing on any buy or rent requirements is the agent’s issue, but where to be and what is your preference contract, please read carefully all not being able to secure the client’s (buy or rent, villa or apartment), do you clauses, use the agent to clarify any requirements is a clear indication that have budget in mind? This will help the concern you might have, they are the clients have a core issue of not agent to screen the options down within paid commission to do so, in case of knowing what he wants. In some cases the preferred areas you are interested complex contract, take an opinion of a clients need to be guided/coached to in that should lead to easier decision professional lawyer in order to protect determine what they should go for, this making yourself from legal point of view. Make only can be done by a professional and sure that the contract get notarized and knowledgeable agents who can act as an 5. If you are planning to buy the is complaint under the law of Kingdom advisor. property over a mortgage, you need of Bahrain to inform the agent ahead about To break this never-ending story, I your financing status, this will be The agents’ side: have gathered a simple general guideline communicated to the seller in order to for both the client and the agent that if give an indication when can he expect to 1. Get your questionnaire ready for the applied, the home selection process/deal close the deal in case you are interested client, ask him what his priorities are? will conclude successfully: to proceed forward with the property, in (same as the questions above). This will many cases buyers put a non-refundable dictate if he knows what he wants or The client side: down payment and after that the bank not! doesn’t approve the financing, the buyer 1. The most important fundamental loses the deposit and the seller might 2. In the first meeting, take him out for question is, what geographical areas lose other interested buyers. In the a coffee and get a Bahrain map (in case
30 Sept-Oct 2015 Biz Real Estate Insights
he is new-comer expat) and be prepared person, make the client feel that you way around. Sometimes agents think to explain the features of different areas are providing a concierge service, allow that the more expensive the deal the in Bahrain, if it requires to, you can take the client a day or two to go through the more commission to get, forgetting that him for a drive all around Bahrain for options before you follow up to set up a by saving the client’s money they will better understanding. If the client knows viewing date retain him as a loyal customer with the Bahrain really well, you need to focus potential to get referred to his contacts purely on the priority questions in order 6. For the viewing, check the for you to narrow down the options to availability of the landlord/seller before 11. When signing the contracts, make match his preferences within no time committing to the client, in the case of sure that all your clients’ points/ property is vacant, try to get the keys in requirements are incorporated; liaise 3. During preparation of the options, advance, this will give your client more with the second party on finalizing please keep the client updated on what flexibility the contracts in professional manner is the update from your side; clients without any battling that may lose you don’t like it when agents disappear for a 7. On the day of viewing day, be on the the deal. Many agents get to the final while. If gathering the options is going site earlier than the agreed time, this stage of a big deals but when it comes to to take you a quite a while, then you will give you the chance to enter the finalizing the contract the deal goes-off need to inform the client up ahead, don’t property first and make sure it’s tied-up due to conflicts promise to get back to him “soon” of it is going to take more than a week 8. If the client is new in Bahrain, The above guideline sound simple either print him the property location and common since, but I am sure not all 4. Make sure to explain to the client beforehand or send him the location on clients and agents follow these steps the commission structure to get google maps over mobile so it can guide and thinking approach, many of them away from any embarrassments or him to you easily get drifted with the time pressure over misunderstanding, professional agents quality of closing the deal. At the end, get their clients to sign an appointment 9. After finishing the viewing of the client always seeks an agent that he agreement (usually one simple page multiple options, ask the clients which feels comfortable with, and the agent agreement) to protect their rights. On options he liked the most, you can also prefers a client with a clear idea of what the other hand, local agents depends on ask him when he expects to take a call, he wants. the traditional “handshake” way in doing and whether if there is any additional their business, it will always depend on information you can supply him with for I hope the above was useful and what type of client you are dealing with better and faster decision making l look forward to receive any further thoughts or comments. You can always 5. After preparing the options, send the 10. During the negotiation period email me on [email protected] “teaser information” in a proper format (whether rent or buy deal), remember presentation whether by email or print whose your client, always proof that you them and hand the hard copy over in are protecting his interest not the other
Sept-Oct 2015 31 Marketing at its Best
The need to market constantly
he most successful companies all the time with regards to making Sure people would still recognize it, Twill attest to the fact that marketing a daily habit: but steadily, day by day, the brand marketing is not an event. It’s a would start to disconnect from process that constantly happens. ‘Why do we need to constantly the customers that believe in it so Each and every day, we should take market our business every day?’ dearly. Until one day, a competitor time out of our busy schedules to The answer could lie in the link will take its position. That’s not my spend as little as twenty minutes between marketing your business opinion, it’s the law of marketing! on something that will help us to and your revenue. The revenue you generate more revenue to be made. generate is in direct proportion ‘How do you find the time to market to how much you market your your business every day?’ Those that are successful business. You need to be making Firstly, make sure you commit to realise that this twenty minutes money constantly, and therefore you doing it every day. You’ll then find a day, (which should be seen as need to be marketing your business a way. Second, schedule it. Have the minimum investment of time), constantly too. marketing activities booked in your doesn’t just happen. It’s scheduled. calendar, so you don’t have to think If something urgent pops in the ‘When do we stop?’ about them. diary, it’s not put off till another day. You don’t. If Apple stopped It’s done no matter what. Here are marketing, the company wouldn’t ‘I run a large business and we have some questions I’m asked by people be the giant that it is currently. dedicated marketing staff. How do I
32 Sept-Oct 2015 make sure they are spending their relax on your holiday!’ he exclaimed. time wisely?’ My response: ‘I haven’t touched my Set clear and aggressive results that blog in over a week!’ My blog is not you need that are linked to your physically updated by me, though growth plans. Do not expect them I write all the content it contains. to know what those are! Then break Not all marketing activities need to those down into objectives that they be carried out by you. You can do must achieve. Finally, have all the the main strategic elements, and activities that they are supposed to outsource the rest. Think of what carry out to achieve the objectives you can do that takes you little to outlined. In summary, results are no time but would be valued by your achieved by achieving objectives, customers. Outsource the rest. which are achieved by carrying out a set of activities.
‘I run a small business and have Ahmed Al Akber is the Managing Director of ACK Solutions, a firm that helps very few employees. How do I companies to dramatically improve their marketing and sales results by offering balance between spending time on more effective ways attracting customers and significantly better products and operations and marketing?’ services. While on holiday I met up with a relative that told me I was very Ahmed has worked internationally in marketing, sales, and strategic planning at companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, Philip Morris International and Dell. active posting articles on my blog Questions or comments can be sent to Ahmed on [email protected] the same week. ‘Ahmed, you need to
Sept-Oct 2015 33 biz sector highlights
Banking & Finance Citigold Global Banking simplify the customers' banking experience
itigold Banking, a premium personal Cbanking and wealth management service is available exclusively to Citigold clients around the world. This globally integrated offering provides seamless access to a wide range of financial services that fully leverage Citi's unparalleled reach and expertise. From day-to-day banking and global services to investments, the focus is on what matters most to Citi’s customers. The Bank’s global offering for its Citigold customers provides enhanced level of services, access and Hussain Al Baluchi, Head of Wealth Management and Branch Banking, Citi Bahrain (left) convenience for today's mobile customers, and Harpeet Arora, Head of Citigold Segment and Business Development, Citi Bahrain anytime anywhere.
“Today we live in a global village. - Your own Relationship Manager wherever they may be. As the world gets smaller, the needs of supported by a team of experts affluent clients get bigger. The number - International banking in a variety of Citigold clients also have access to a wide- of people travelling or relocating outside currencies range of other exclusive services: their home countries for business, - A wide range of investment products in pleasure, or for studying is growing rapidly all major currencies - Global Support and World Class Services: and there growing needs for managing - Global banking and investment services Citigold clients have access to logistical a sophisticated investment portfolio," - Unique opportunities and personalized and emergency support through an said Hussain Al-Baluchi, Head of Wealth privileges unparalleled network of more than 4,000 Management and Branch Banking at Citi - Access to offshore wealth management Citibank branches in 43 countries. Citi Bahrain. "Our Citigold Global Banking - Multi-country Pre-account Opening has also established four Global Support offering not only simplifies these and Instant Fund Transfers: For those Centers in Asia, North and South America customers' banking experience wherever who live in multiple countries, have a with teams of specially-trained staff they are, but also further strengthens our child studying abroad, or simply find members to assist Citigold customers ability to anticipate and meet the needs of themselves maintaining financial moving to new countries by offering this fast-growing customer segment." interests in different countries, Citigold personalized account opening assistance Global Banking makes it easy to open throughout the entire application process. Harpreet Arora, Head of Citigold bank accounts in the destination country. - Emergency Cash Withdrawal: When Segment and Business Development Where local regulations permit, Citi will unexpected emergency situations arise, at Citi Bahrain added, "As people move even open the account before they arrive. such as the loss of one's wallet, Citigold or travel around the world, they want Citi’s unique capability of instant online customers can get up to US$10,000 to maintain their 'home' banking fund transfers across Citi accounts in emergency cash from their accounts relationship, credit and above all, quick 27 countries gives it an edge over other at any of the 4,000+ Citibank branches and easy access to their accounts. Today, players in the market. located around the world. Citigold Global Banking allows our - Credit Transportability: Citi can leverage - Free Citigold Center Access: Citigold customers to take advantage of these and a customer's credit history from their customers have free access to 574 Citigold other world class services, 24/7 all over home to their destination country, Centers in 36 countries, many of which the world. Citigold Global Banking delivers providing them local assistance towards feature lounges and meeting rooms as well a new level of value, performance and their credit card application and access to as free use of telephone, fax and Internet access that very few banks in the world credit upon arrival, where local regulations services. can match." permit. - Multi-Currency Accounts: Citigold - Global Recognition: Whether relocating, customers can open multi-currency Citigold Banking combines the travelling or living in multiple countries, accounts in 4 different currencies that local expertise with global products a customer's Citigold status will be enable them to take advantage of shifts in and services and packages them into a recognized from country to country so currency values and help them meet their premium global offering that includes: they will continue to enjoy their privileges financial needs better.
34 Sept-Oct 2015 Banking & Finance
CrediMax launches MasterCard corporate credit card
rediMax and MasterCard launched Cthe “MasterCard Corporate Card” - a simple, safe and secure payment solution for corporate customers.
Bahrain’s thriving business sector is driving the need for innovative and diverse corporate payment solutions, which address the unique needs of businesses, such as allowing them to streamline the flow of payments to and from their suppliers, customers, and other key stakeholder groups. By Yousif Ali Mirza, CEO, CrediMax (left) with Raghu Malhotra, Division President partnering with MasterCard, CrediMax MENA, MasterCard is able to provide tailored solutions that can have an immediate, positive impact at CrediMax are happy to announce, and and automated, and we are committed on operations and financial results for all it will enable our corporate customers to to meeting the unique and changing parties involved. have the best financial solutions that fit needs of businesses in the market. In their business needs.” cooperation with our longstanding “The launch of MasterCard Corporate partner Credimax, we are pleased to Card is part of CrediMax’s strategy which Raghu Malhotra, Division President – introduce this innovative commercial focuses on offering superior customer Middle East and North Africa, MasterCard payment solution which will make service and developing financial tools for said, “We are witnessing a global shift electronic payments simpler, safer and CrediMax’s corporate cardholders,” said taking place in the corporate payments more secure for corporations across Chief Executive of CrediMax, Mr. Yousif space – a move from the physical to Bahrain.” Ali Mirza. “This addition to our portfolio the digital. Payments are migrating of cards is another achievement that we from cash and cheque to electronic KHCB and T'azur Islamic insurance company signs agreement haleeji Commercial Bank’s (KHCB), Ksigned an agreement with T'azur Islamic Insurance Company, to provide Comprehensive and Third Party insurance services for vehicles, property, travel and tourism including other personal insurance products at KHCB’s branch in Budaiya.
Elaborating on the collaboration, Mr. Khalil Al Meer, Chief Executive Officer of KHCB said, “We are pleased to join force with a prestigious institution Yahya Nooruddin, CEO, T'azur (sitting left) signing agreement with Khalil Al Meer, such as T’azur. This cooperation will CEO, KHCB (sitting right) help in easing the completion of all the necessary insurance requirements for T’azur Company is a Bahraini closed Headquartered in the Kingdom of our clients. We have achieved one of joint stock company incorporated under Bahrain, Khaleeji Commercial Bank B.S.C. the most important goals by presenting the laws of the Kingdom of Bahrain and is a fast growing Islamic retail bank that our customers with further benefits and licensed and regulated by the Central endeavors to achieve its vision to be a features as well as providing the T’azur’s Bank of Bahrain. T’azur provides Family leading domestic and regional Islamic insurance services in a highly convenient and General Takaful products for Bank, providing a comprehensive range and easily accessible way, enabling them individuals and businesses. All T’azur of high quality Shari'a compliant banking to process all their financial needs under products abide by the principles of and investment products, services one roof. Moreover, we look forward the Islamic Shari’a law and are under and investment opportunities to their to expand this partnership into other the supervision of T’azur’s Shari’a customers and corporate clients. branches in the future.” Supervisory Board.
Sept-Oct 2015 35 Banking & Finance
BDB signs MoU with Mannai Technological Facilitations
ahrain Development Bank (BDB) and considered as a successful and specialist BMannai Technological Facilitations project which aim to provide value signed a memorandum of understanding, added services for SMEs, especially in which aims to improve the performance Bahrain market. It support Bahraini and development of small and medium entrepreneurs in developing and enterprises (SMEs) through providing expanding the performance and activities appropriate and modern solutions. of their various enterprises by adopting technological systems for reasonable The MoU states that Mannai cost, benefiting from the free consultancy Technological Facilitations shall provide services that the clients of BDB may free of charge consultancy services in the obtain in this field." field of information technology (IT) for enterprises and entrepreneurs from BDB Shaikh Hesham explained that this clients through coordination between the is a part of BDB Group endeavors to Shaikh Hesham bin Mohammed Al both parties. In addition, the clients will enhance the developmental services, Khalifa (right) and Khalifa Al Mannai benefit with a discount of 25% of the total provide new programs and services cost of Technology solutions required for that contribute in developing and will work hard to support BDB clients in the institution. enhancing the performance of SMEs terms of SMEs sector through what we and keep pace with the accelerated provide in the advanced services in the Shaikh Hesham bin Mohamed Al technological developments both locally technological solutions field to develop Khalifa, deputy general, Development and internationally. enterprises performance and to put them Services Division in BDB said, on the right track in order to enable them On his part, Khalifa Al Mannai, to accomplish to the fullest." "This initiative in cooperation with Managing Director of Mannai Mannai Technological Facilitations, is Technological Facilitations said, "We
GFH distributes USD 53 million to its funds’ investors
FH Financial Group (GFH) distributed (MEDZ) Project capital, which sums to GUSD 53 million to its funds’ USD 43 million, which was returned over investors who currently have underlying several payments ending with the recent investments in Bahrain, UAE, USA and distribution of USD 28 million. MEDZ India. is GFH’s flagship project in India and is comprised of two core components - the Based on its revised strategy, GFH Energy City Navi Mumbai (ECNM) and has over the last 18 months invested Mumbai IT & Telecom City (MITTIC) in projects which provide steady cash projects covering nearly 1,300 acres of yields for its investors. In line with this, prime development land at Navi Mumbai Diversified US Residential Portfolio in the Indian state of Maharashtra. (DURP) an investment in the multi- Hisham Alrayes, Chief Executive family US residential assets distributed Officer, GFH Financial Group Hisham Alrayes, Chief Executive dividends of USD 1.3 million to its Officer of the Group, said, "With these investors. The portfolio consists of two with a capacity of up to 1900 students. cash distributions we were able to fulfill multi-family residential properties, one our promise to our investors which based in Houston and the other based in Focusing on the industrial sector, confirms the flexibility and the efficiency Atlanta. The properties together comprise Cemena Investment Company has of the Group’s strategy. During the year nearly 1,300 apartments and have an distributed dividends of USD 7.9 million. we have also invested in an operating overall occupancy of 94%. The GFH Cemena owns Falcon Cement Company’s mall in Jeddah and another British Group has also distributed semiannual (FCC) which is Bahrain’s first integrated curriculum school in Dubai, dividends dividends of USD 1 million for the year cement plant and Aluminum Extrusion for which will flow to investors from 2014- 2015 for Philadelphia Private Company (Balexco). next year. We will continue to look for School (PPS) based in Dubai - UAE. The promising investment opportunities estimated worth of the school is AED Furthermore, during the last three which are expected to provide the Group 140 million which provides excellent years GFH has been able to return part of and our co-investors with high cash education for a growing base of students Mumbai Economic Development Zone’s yields and double digit total returns."
36 Sept-Oct 2015 Sept-Oct 2015 37 Telecom
Telecom
Batelco and Huawei successfully test 40Gbps fiber technology
atelco and Huawei announced a Bsuccessful speed trial of 40G TWDM PON (Time and Wavelength Division Multiplexing Passive Optic Network) technology which provides up to 40Gbps speed to deliver seamless ultra- broadband, future Cloud & ICT solution, future IPTV, voice over IP and digital services.
Batelco is first in Bahrain to successfully trial this technology on its network which is the next step towards preparing for the future in line with Feng Nan, Country Manager, Huawei Bahrain (left) and Muna Al Hashemi, CEO, Batelco's continuous efforts to maintain Batelco its position as a pioneer in introducing new technologies with relevant offers for committed to bringing its customers GPON 2.5G & 10G technologies with its customers. the latest and most advanced services. the future expansions, as it provides a We have focused on constantly transmission platform that will allow The new 40G technology will enable enhancing our networks, creating strong several technologies to co-exist in Batelco to maintain a platform that partnerships, and bringing innovative parallel. is able to support the delivery of next technologies to our markets. Huawei's generation, cutting-edge consumer and technical expertise and their experience Huawei Bahrain Country Manager, enterprise communication services in cutting edge communications Feng Nan said, "The 40G TWDM PON at affordable prices and will support solutions will be invaluable attributes in technology will further enable Batelco to cutting edge services of the future which supporting our goals." integrate future upgrades with existing will drive the rapidly growing customer GPON deployment plans, giving more demand for higher bandwidth. "The availability of 40Gbps will help control over the total cost of operation to ensure that Batelco's investment in its throughout the entire life cycle of the Batelco Bahrain, CEO, Muna Al fiber network is future proof, through the network. Hashemi said, "Batelco remains integration of the company's existing Batelco offers first cloud services platform
atelco, keen on empowering corporations. The telecom's experts Bbusinesses to digitise their are available to customise innovative processes and improve their operational solutions for businesses to enhance efficiencies, now offers services on their digitisation efforts. Cloud-based solutions. Batelco is the first in the Kingdom to provide such As the innovation driver in Bahrain, services, where customers interested are Batelco was the first in the Kingdom to invited to request a Cloud experience. launch a series of Cloud-based services. This also comes at a time where Batelco The telecom's comprehensive Cloud is focusing more on the Small Medium portfolio boasts a range of services for Enterprise (SME) sector in Bahrain, enterprises such as Cloud eCommerce, while also reinforcing its offerings for Security as a Service, Software as large enterprises. a Service, Cloud Infrastructure as a Service, and Cloud Collaboration Batelco has a team of technical Services. All are solidified by Batelco's experts offering Cloud consultation widely acclaimed Information and services for both SMEs and large Communication Technology (ICT)
38 Sept-Oct 2015 Telecom
services. To suit the organisations' against vulnerabilities. As such, and emphasises its support towards diverse needs, Batelco offers enterprises Batelco 's expansion includes DDoS the digitisation drive in Bahrain. As the ability to fully customise the mitigation solutions and a Vulnerability demonstrated by the prestigious ICT specifications for these services, as well Management System for increased web award given to HRH the Prime Minister as store any data they deem necessary. security. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa by the International Telecommunication Batelco recognises the importance The national telecom operator Union (ITU), Bahrain is a leader in of having all Cloud services available reiterates the alignment of its goals shaping the digital services market in on a secure platform that is protected to those of the Kingdom of Bahrain's the region. VIVA partners with Azadea to expand benefits for VIVA Elite members
IVA Bahrain signed an agreement Vwith Azadea Group, one of the leading fashion and lifestyle retail companies in the region, to further expand the range of benefits and privileges offered to VIVA Elite members.
VIVA Elite members can now enjoy discounts at Azadea’s premier fashion retail shops including Boggi Milano and Salsa, along with refined restaurants Kosebasi, The Butcher Shop & Grill and Columbus Café.
Andrew Hanna, VIVA’s Chief Commercial Officer said, “We are pleased Pierre Fourie, Country Manager Bahrain, Azadea Group (left) with Andrew Hanna, to have Azadea joining the exclusive Chief Commercial Officer, VIVA line up of VIVA Elite partners. This addition introduces fashion and lifestyle With their VIVA Elite membership, preferred discounts at The Domain’s retail for the first time into the benefits customers can look forward to a variety restaurants and lounges, priority our Elite customers can enjoy and we of world-class exclusive benefits and reservations and VIP access to all its trust this will add value to their overall privileges handpicked to complement facilities. experience.” their lifestyle, from travel to hospitality and sports. Amongst the many benefits, VIVA Elite customers will also Pierre Fourie, Country Manager members can enjoy savings at the benefit from complementary access of Bahrain at Azadea Group said, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa to the finest lounges at international “This partnership with VIVA is a true restaurants and to access the Spa airports around the world with Bahrain reflection of what we, at Azadea, are here & Sports Club. They can also enjoy Concierge and can also pursue their for: to provide customers and people discounts at the Intercontinental passion for golf by taking advantage with an entertaining and exciting way Regency Bahrain’s restaurants and of special rates and privileges offered of life. We always strive to drive this preferred rates to join the hotel’s health at the Royal Golf Club to play on the mission to various levels, whilst creating club. To add to this unique experience, Montgomerie-designed Championship value.” Elite members can further enjoy course. VIVA Bahrain provides host of business solutions for Gravity indoor skydiving
IVA Bahrain will provide a host Through this partnership, VIVA with Vof Business Solutions to Gravity the fastest and most reliable network Indoor Skydiving. This is the first center in the Kingdom, will offer a variety of for indoor skydiving in the Kingdom business communications solutions for of Bahrain, with the tallest indoor Gravity Indoor Skydiving including high skydiving tunnel in the world at an speed internet services through a secure overall height of 12 meters for the glass and reliable end-to-end network and flight chamber. comprehensive phone calling systems
Sept-Oct 2015 39 Telecom
through the internet protocol. learn to fly without the need to wear a unique facility. The project for the first parachute or boarding an aircraft. and tallest indoor skydiving tunnel is As one of the projects of Samhaan located in the Southern Governorate of Holding Company, Gravity Indoor Samhaan Holding Company has Bahrain and is scheduled to open its Skydiving will provide the public a new been working on this project and is in doors to the public by the end of the and exciting experience as customers the final stages before launching this current year.
Zain Bahrain partners with NAFEX
ain Bahrain announced its Zpartnership with the National Finance and Exchange Company (NAFEX), one of the leading providers of currency exchange and money transfer services in Bahrain, as part of its strategy to cater to the needs of the expatriate community in the Kingdom.
Under this partnership, customers will receive special telecom benefits when making remittances back home.
“Our relationship with one of the country’s largest exchange companies friends and family back home” said customers. As the market leaders in comes as part of our strategy to serve Zain Bahrain’s Sales and Customer Care each of our respective sectors, it is a Bahrain’s multi-cultural community, by Director, Arslan Khan. logical step for NAFEX and Zain to join providing a set of innovative services its hands together in offering this unique enabling expatriate customers to “At NAFEX, we are always looking promotion.” NAFEX Director, Daniel effectively communicate with their at innovative ways to reward our loyal Cohen.
Zain Bahrain enhances customer experience with new services
ain Bahrain has launched a series meet and greet environment, fitted with Zof exciting new services to enhance self-service machines, device displays customer experience across its and demos, and interactive product widespread retail footprint. screens. It has also recently opened up new a new outlet in Seef Muharraq Mall The company has deployed a state- as well as a new flagship experience of-the-art Customer Visit Management shop in Bahrain’s City Centre. system allowing for quicker seamless service and higher levels of care when Smart Desk has also been introduced visiting any of Zain’s twenty-two retail at Zain’s experience shops, which experience shops across Bahrain. For provides for dedicated after-sales added convenience, Zain customers can technical care to customers with Smart now also book and schedule their visits Phones, Laptops, Tablets, Broadband in advance to any retail experience the needs of our growing customer base. devices and other services. shop through visiting www.bh.zain. Driving innovation is our passion and com, calling 24/7 helpline or at any we continuously challenge ourselves to Customers will also be delighted shop premises. Customers under the introduce the service and technologies with self-service Live Chat recently exclusive Signature VIP program are that is truly customer focused. This introduced at eight main experience also instantly provided priority access to is the key to our success,” said Zain’s shops, whereby customers can chat service and care at any Zain’s experience Director of Sales and Customer Care, on-line with dedicated service agents for shop. Arslan Khan. their queries and customer care matters, and at their convenience. “Our top priority at Zain Bahrain Zain Bahrain has completely is to provide the best experience, offer re-branded its retail footprint, with a more ease and better convenience to vibrant colourful theme, set in a friendly
40 Sept-Oct 2015 Real Estate
PRIMAVERA INSPIRES A TASTE OF SOUTHERN ITALY
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has welcomed two Michelin starred lemon risotto with raw seafood. Cold, unadorned and virtually Chef Oliver Glowig as consulting chef at its signature restaurant unseasoned, the seafood draws its flavour when combined with Primavera. The German-born maestro, who has been making the warm tangy rice, taking on a ceviche-like quality. waves in his adopted home of Italy, was brought in to give In many ways Primavera adheres to the very essence of its Primavera’s menu a facelift. The restaurant is glossy with its new name…a sense of renewal and beginning, with food that is fresh Trattoria Moderna concept. and bright. The restaurant has chosen a line of whimsical, But rather than taking the hyper chic route, Glowig has infused beautifully hand-painted ceramics to flaunt off its cooking. The his vision of unassuming, yet irresistible cuisine. Take the pesto bold colours and animal motifs of Solimene pottery frame the linguine – a pure Italian tradition served on your plate. Pasta rustic cooking of this modern trattoria and make such a statement cooked to the definition of al dente, tossed into a freshly blended that it’s a running conversation topic throughout the meal. emulsion of basil, cheese, olive oil and pine nuts. Comfort food Rounding off the traditional experience, Ritz-Carlton’s legendary that can come only when the cooking is honest and service is led by a pre-dominantly Italian team, bringing to life the unpretentious. Trattoria Moderna experience, where guests are completely Part of the charm of this restaurant is the mix of what is familiar immersed in Italian charm and flavours. Described by the and what excites. The tomato risotto with buratta and anchovies Michelin guide as “one of the best interpreters of Italian cuisine”, caresses the tongue with creaminess then tickles it with the Chef Glowig’s creative menu will tantalise the tastebuds with a brine of fish. Yet the dish pales in comparison with an innovative slice of Italy. For information, please contact +973 1758 6499 Sept-Oct 2015 41 Real Estate
Real Estate
Restructuring agreement turns lights on Villamar again
ulf Holding Company (GHC), Al Rajhi Bank added, “As one of the Gdevelopers of the Villamar world’s largest Islamic banks, we look for project, with support from Al Rajhi opportunities to drive the development Bank (original majority financiers of of innovative projects being structured the project), GFH (the project’s new and financed in line with Shariah financiers) and Al Hamad Construction standards. We are especially focused (the project’s contractor) announced the on those in regional markets, including signing of restructuring agreements, Bahrain, where Al Rajhi has a long which started remobilization on the standing track record of success and mixed-use, residential project based in recognition. We look forward to seeing the Bahrain Financial Harbour. Lights on Villamar develop according to the the Villamar building have been seen in highest standards.” operation and cranes have moved on the site in order to advance development. It Mr. Nashat Sahawna, Chairman of is expected that the project will now be Al Hamad Construction said, “With this completed in approximately 24 months. agreement now in place, we are able to luxury penthouses and Sky and Terrace advance construction and work toward Villas to apartments and luxury hotel Mr. Hisham Alrayes, Chairman the completion of another landmark rooms integrated with numerous other of Gulf Holding Company said, project in Bahrain. We’re especially facilities including health club and spa, "With the signing of this agreement, proud to be undertaking work with swimming pools, and other recreational we’re delighted to announce that this group of world-class partners who, and commercial amenities. The publicly remobilization and development of like us, are dedicated to delivering accessible sea front boardwalk, will Villamar have begun. This is a strategic value, contributing to the economy allow visitors and residents to enjoy project, located in the heart of Bahrain, and supporting the Government’s indoor and outdoor cafes, restaurants, and we are proud to be working with visionary and strategic plans for further and boutique retail shops. Villamar world-class partners to now advance infrastructure development and growth aims to break into the world of exotic quickly towards completion.” in the Kingdom.” developments through its sophisticated architectural design, multi-services, Mr. Adnan Al Olayan, General The Villamar project is planned to accommodation and its presence in Manager for International Banking at feature over 800 residential units from Bahrain’s growing financial district. Impact Estate to launch a new residence in Amwaj Islands ward-winning property to create a comfortable and lavish Amanagement company Impact living. High-quality finishing with Estate and the prominent Bahrain-based the finest materials, including lights developer Zahed Modern Properties fittings, custom-made furnishing W.L.L. introduce a new bespoke supplied by Modern Woodworks, fully residential development, Modern equipped kitchen with appliances, Residence-2. high specification leisure facilities and flexible payment schedule make this Designed by Elevation Architects property an attractive investment. The and Engineers, Modern Residence-2 building is due for completion in June offers spacious and luxurious 2016. apartments with sea-views for sale. Located in sought-after Amwaj Islands This is the second project of Zahed and sold out in a matter of weeks. apartments and penthouses range Modern Properties W.L.L. The first from over 87 sqm to 198 sqm in size residential building, Modern Residence Residents of Modern Residence-2 and have been thoughtfully designed -1, was successfully launched in 2014 will have access to the facilities which
42 Sept-Oct 2015 Real Estate
include a swimming pool and fully joinery works the company has worked high-end product. With the increasing equipped gymnasium. The building on major projects such as Novatel beach interest in Amwaj Area this building will offer 24-hour security with CCTV resort, The K Hotel, Ramee Grand Hotel will be popular with discerning home cameras, high quality entrance door & Spa as well as on many high-end owners.” access system, covered parking and residential buildings in Juffair and Seef, lobby. Interiors fit-out and joinery villas in Riffa views, Durat al Bahrain All apartments are fully furnished work is being tastefully designed and and many other projects in Bahrain. and will be ready to move in right after executed by the Modern Woodworks the handover. Additionally, terraces and team. Known for high quality fit-out Oksana A.K., General Manager balconies of four Penthouses provide works, Modern Woodwork is one of the of Impact Estate said, “All properties stunning views of the sea and Amwaj leading interior contractors in Bahrain developed by Zahed Modern Properties Island. The prices start from BD. 75,879/-. and KSA. With the vast experience in W.L.L. are tastefully appointed and boast
Cluttons to launch Lagoona Beach Luxury Resort in Bahrain
nternational real estate consultancy, ICluttons, has been appointed to launch the Lagoona Beach Luxury Resort & Spa Residences - a new luxury living experience, offering residents five-star facilities and access to a beach island with serene views.
The collection of 100 luxury apartments, which are available for long-lease, are the first of their kind in Bahrain. Forming part of the Lagoona Beach Luxury Resort & Spa, set to open in Q4 2015, residents will have access to exclusive privileges and round-the-clock services at the adjacent five-star hotel. a five minute drive from the King Fahd The appeal of the residences is that Residents will also enjoy access Causeway, with excellent connectivity they offer a stylish solution for tenants to the hotel's dining destinations and to the rest of Manama. They offer a seeking convenience combined with leisure facilities including - gym, four contemporary style with fully-furnished year-round refined living, not found in swimming pools (one indoor), mixed studio, one, two and three bedroom traditional residential environments. and ladies spas, water sports activities, apartments all available for long lease squash and tennis courts, plus access to starting from BD500 per month. Beach access is extremely rare, and a unique beach island along with round- with their high spec design, we expect the-clock 24 hour security and concierge Harry Goodson-Wickes, Head of the development to be in high demand, service, twice-weekly house keeping, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia for Cluttons particularly as tenants continue to hone internet and satellite TV. said, "The Lagoona Beach Luxury Resort in on high quality schemes that offer & Spa Residences offer the complete community living, which is rising in The Lagoona Beach Luxury Resort & lifestyle experience that simply isn't popularity, particularly amongst the Spa Residences are located in Janabiyah, available anywhere else in Bahrain. expat population."
Naseej and BBK signs financing agreement for Yasmeenat Saar project
aseej BSC (c) announced the signing to prospective home buyers wishing to among several retail, commercial and Nof a MoU with Bank of Bahrain & purchase their homes within Yasmeenat services amenities within the area. The Kuwait (BBK) to provide housing loans Saar; a project that is located in Saar, villas are priced between BD199,000 and for the homes offered for sale within just opposite to saar mall. With an BD320,000 depending on the number of Naseej's project, Yasmeenat Saar. area size of 17,000 square meters and bedrooms, build-up and land sizes. valued at BD 6 million, Yasmeenat Saar According to the agreement, BBK will comprises of 27 villas located opposite Ahmed Al Hammadi, General offer financing plans with special rates to saar mall and strategically situated Manager Naseej said, "we are delighted
Sept-Oct 2015 43 Real Estate
to announce another key agreement with Mohammed Malik, BBK GM retail BBK, which is an important milestone banking said, " We at BBK, aim to always of the project, enabling home buyers provide the best financing solutions access to attractive financing schemes especially for home buyers as we believe at special rates from BBK. We are also that it is a very important aspect of grateful for BBK's continued support people's lives and we wish to always and commitment to our projects and in support them in their endeavor to own Yasmeenat Saar in particular. This will a property. Providing a home to every undoubtedly enable homebuyers to avail citizen goes along with Bahrain's vision better financing plans to purchase the which we are big supporters of; BBK has home of their dreams." supported the "social housing program" whereby the bank has joined forces with "Over the last few weeks Naseej has the Ministry of Housing and Eskan bank been very successful in selling over to finance affordable housing aimed at Ahmed Al Hammadi 85% of the villas within the project to encouraging Bahraini citizens own their General Manager, Naseej Bahraini and GCC buyers," he added. homes.
BaPDA publish first edition of property development magazine
he Bahrain Property Development and initiatives of the association and TAssociation (BaPDA) issued its also contribute to boosting suitable first edition of Property Development legislative environment for real estate magazine which provides a media development. outlook onto this major economic sector. The magazine discusses the The real estate development solutions offered by experts and the Arif Hijris sector which is considered the second relevant sides about the problems, Chairman, BaPDA largest sector in Bahrain after Banking, includes digital reports about Bahraini contributes 14% into the Kingdom's GDP and GCC real estate industry, boosts the new edition with the editorial theme and operates 16 other sectors. relations with partners and association "New Steps" in which he reviewed members and brings the efforts of all the development of the legislative BaPDA Chairman, Arif Hijris said, real estate development firms to the environment in the light of the issuance the new magazine aims to promote the limelight. of Property Development Law 28/2014 property development industry, provide and Law 66/2014 regarding stalled media platform to showcase the efforts The association's chairman launched property projects and its ramifications. InterContinental Regency Bahrain wins Human Resources award
nterContinental Regency Bahrain, believe ourselves to be an integral part Iwon The Specific Council For Training of the local community and we are and Development Bahrainization Award dedicated to continue empowering for its Human Resources Department’s Bahraini nationals with the necessary distinguished record in terms of training vocational training and skills mindset and developing the skills of Bahraini to assist them to further progress their nationals. careers in the hospitality industry”. are dedicated to superior, understated On this occasion, Hotel Manager of The Specific Council For Training service and outstanding facilities, with InterContinental Regency Bahrain, Mr. and Development Awards Ceremony a great focus on the genuine care and Mohammed Sanad said, “This is indeed is an annual event, held to honour the comfort showed to their guests. an outstanding achievement for us, as Outstanding Hospitality Establishments the Human Resources Award recognizes in Bahrain for training, diligent and long There are over 4,800 InterContinental our efforts in training and developing service employees. Hotels and Resorts around the world the skills of the Bahrain Youth. We at with a further 1,261 hotels in the InterContinental Regency Bahrain, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts development pipeline globally.
44 Sept-Oct 2015 Real Estate
Sept-Oct 2015 45 Technology
Technology
MECOS appoints new General Manager
iddle East Computer Services business development and has acquired M(MECOS) has appointed Mr. Naser notable management skills that would Shahrour as its new General Manager. be essential in boosting the position of This appointment comes in line with the MECOS in the market. company’s plans to expand its business and attract expertise by investing in Prior to joining Al Safar Group, Mr. human resources. Shahrour took up the role of Business Development Manager at Property Middle East Computer Service Finder Group, where he led corporate (MECOS) is a subsidiary of Al Safar business development and client Group the Authorized Dealer and systems in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Installer of (Control4); an award-winning Other previous roles included Sales and Naser Shahrour, GM, MECOS (left) with American Automation brand. MECOS Account Management in Bahrain and Ahmed Khalfan, CEO, Al Safar Group is a systems integrator which mainly Lebanon. provides Global Home and Office Home and Office Automation in order Automation Systems and Security Mr. Shahrour holds a Bachelor's to foster and energy saving and safe Solutions. It also provides network video degree in Business administration in environment for our valued clients.” solutions and expertise in Digital, IP the fields of marketing and international & Network Video and Analogue CCTV. business. Mr. Ahmed Khalfan, CEO of the Some of its latest range of products Group, further commented "Mr. Shahrour includes mobile indoor and outdoor Mr. Adel Safar, the Chairman of Al possesses vast experience in the field cameras and standalone mobile NVRs Safar Group said “We are very pleased to of Business Development in Bahrain (network video recorders). welcome Mr. Shahrour to our family. He through his knowledge on the available will play an important role in supporting opportunities in the market. And this Mr. Naser Shahrour has a long our efforts that aim to provide the latest will be essential for the Group’s future experience in the fields of Marketing and advanced technology in the area of growth plans." BARCO system for News & TV studio at IAA
networked visualization products for end animation in HD, 4K and beyond. the entertainment, Enterprise and Viz Engine function as a standalone Healthcare markets, has the LED-lit video server as well as the graphics and video walls as the first choice for News video compositing platform for VizRt Studios and mission-critical control products. rooms that requires a guaranteed uptime. The unique active liquid cooling The TV studio-2 runs on WASP3D system ensures better LED lifetime. graphics solution. WASP3D News OVL series video walls also come graphics system offers complete control with Sense6, Barco’s unique sensor over on-air content, story assignments, technology that provides brightness and run-down management and many other color stability over time and across the features, right from the desktop and can in Hindi – Enterprise Electro entire display. OVL series is the brightest be integrated with a wide range of third- BMechanical Division handed over LED-lit rear projection video wall in the party systems for a seamless broadcast a state of the art video wall & solution market, and the first to cross the 1,000 workflow. for News and Production studio to lumens barrier. Information Affairs Authority recently. Bin Hindi-Enterprise Electro It is equipped with a video wall system The NEWS studio is integrated with Mechanical Division offers end-end that creates a benchmark in this VizRt graphics solution. Viz Engine is solution in ICT, Visualization and industry. one of today’s most powerful rendering Security besides a host of other services engines and real-time compositors of for various market segments in the Barco, a global technology graphics and video. Rt renders animated Kingdom of Bahrain. company that designs and develops 3D scenes in real-time, producing high-
46 Sept-Oct 2015 Technology
Online marketplaces to lead digital growth in MENA
arge homegrown online marketplaces respectively of total retail sales. There is Lwill lead the digital growth in the Arab tremendous opportunity for growth over region, with retail sales alone expected to the coming decades as digital retail sales surge from the current US$ 10 billion to trend towards a more balanced 25% share. US$ 100 billion in 2025 said, BECO Capital, This translates to digital retail sales a regional venture capital firm focused growing from the current US$10 billion on technology investments in the Gulf to around US$100 billion over the coming Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. decade in MENA.
Online marketplaces bring buyers Whatever category they belong to, and sellers to one destination on the online marketplaces are booming globally internet and/or via a mobile app. due to their enticing business cases. As they grow in size, they create strong Dany Farha, Chief Executive Officer Dany Farha “network effects” that keep the leading of BECO Capital said, “The opportunity Chief Executive Officer, BECO marketplace in the driving seat. to build regional US$ 1 billion online marketplaces has been unlocked, and we like Propertyfinder, Bayzat, Roundmenu, In emerging markets, such as the already have a handful of ‘unicorns’ in the Jadopado, Airbnb and Careem, they each Arab region, online marketplaces are making in our portfolio.” enable a marketplace of buyers and even more compelling. sellers, under one virtual roof, typically “All our investments in online on a smartphone or tablet, to increase “The Middle East is witnessing the marketplaces possess two pillars of exposure. Delivering more choice, quicker beginning of a seismic shift, driven by success. For an online marketplace to and for less cost in a safe environment,” strong dynamics. We have 85 million thrive, it has to be able to generate scale. said Dany Farha. Internet users, 60 million smart The second pillar of success we looked phone users and over US$ 10 billion in for is the ability to trigger a dramatic Globally, online retail sales represents ecommerce spend in 2014. We also have transformation in an entire industry. This 5% of all retail sales on average, with the a nearly five times higher purchasing is achieved through a value proposition UK and the USA leading at about 11%. In power per capita than India, which that offers a ‘brand experience’ that is the emerging markets this figure ranges attracted 80% of emerging market venture new and unique.” from 3% to 5%. Retail sales transacted capital globally, producing 15 Unicorns digitally in the Arab region, including and many more in the making," said "Such marketplaces could offer the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Dany Farha. services to buyers from individual sellers, are currently estimated at 1% to 2%
Technology integration empowers middle east organizations to prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats
alo Alto Networks, the next- coming in from a variety of tools & can’t Pgeneration security company, and keep pace because their tools are either Tanium, the company that has redefined too slow or lack the integration required security & systems management, to quickly prevent new threats & speedy announced a strategic alliance to response." transform the effectiveness, accuracy, and speed by which large, distributed Tanium and Palo Alto Networks have organizations prevent, detect, and entered into this exclusive agreement respond to today’s cyber threats. to provide an integrated offering that automates and accelerates the Saeed Agha, General Manager otherwise manual and time-consuming Middle East, Palo Alto Networks said, process of threat detection and incident “Given the speed and sophistication of response with unmatched effectiveness modern cyberattacks, integrated and , accuracy, and speed. Initial efforts are automated prevention technologies are focused on the integration of Tanium Saeed Agha of the utmost essence. Security teams with Palo Alto Networks WildFire, GM Middle East, Palo Alto Networks are overwhelmed with the flood of alerts its cloud-based threat prevention
Sept-Oct 2015 47 Technology
service that automatically detects In this new role, Hamdan will be unknown, malicious activity & quickly responsible for the vendor’s entire prevents threats before an enterprise is marketing functions and will work with compromised. a team of executives across the region to promote and raise awareness of the “Today’s organizations face a brand and its wireless LAN (WLAN) daunting challenge in preventing & products in the channel and end user remediating cyberattacks as quickly market. as possible across their distributed organizations. With Tanium we According to the company which fundamentally change the game makes a broad range of products to for adversaries, arming security consumers and small businesses, organizations with innovative new including Wireless solution, ADSL, tools to go on the offensive and quickly Dilip Rahulan Routers, Switches, IP Cameras, prevent, detect, and respond to attacks Executive Chairman, PCS Powerline Adapters, Print Servers, Media before damage is done.” Converters and Network Adapters, leveraged its revolutionary software Hamdan’s appointment as regional Pacific Controls platform Galaxy-2021 together with marketing manager will help TP-LINK WSO2 to offer end-to-end enterprise on its journey as it transitions from obtains equity in cloud computing solutions to global being perceived as a Chinese brand customers. The Galaxy-2021, designed to an international brand with global WSO2 for delivering using a state-of-the-art Services presence. managed cloud Oriented Architecture, enables end-to- end managed services for smart cities.” services “Using WSO2’s modular middleware acific Control Systems (PCS), the products, built from the ground up to Pworld leader in Internet of Things work together seamlessly, we have been (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) able to accelerate our solution delivery solutions, has invested $20 million into and address the broad range of demands WSO2, an open source cloud application required to connect IoT with enterprise development and middleware company. systems. WSO2 has remarkable potential to reshape how enterprises adapt their Joined by Toba Capital, a venture applications and services to today’s firm focused on enterprise software demands,” he added. and infrastructure, the investment will support WSO2 to meet increasing Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana, Founder, demand from professional developers CEO and Chief Architect of WSO2 said, for its comprehensive, open source “With the investment by Pacific Controls Dia Hamdan middleware platform. and Toba Capital, WSO2 will advance the Regional Marketing Manager, MENA worldwide delivery of next-generation PCS, a world leader in Managed middleware solutions that address new Remarking on his appointment, Services, is a pioneer in the convergence business and IT models fueled by APIs, Hamdan said “My priorities in this new of networked computing and large IoT, mobile computing, and the cloud.” role will be to enhance relationships scale data management with real time between TP-LINK and all its channel machine intelligence and is driving TP-LINK appoints partners, help to coordinate regular the integration of physical and virtual events, training, partner meets worlds. new regional and communicate the incentives programmes to partners.” WSO2 provides service-oriented marketing manager architecture (SOA) solutions for building, for MENA Hamdan added that being a regional integrating, managing, securing and marketing manager also entails that he analyzing companies’ APIs, applications, P-LINK Technologies Co Ltd, a will be working closely with members and Web services-on-premises, in the Tglobal provider of SOHO and SMB of the marketing team to coordinate the cloud, on mobile and IoT devices. networking products and wireless activation of the soon to be announce solutions, appointed Dia Hamdan as the TP-LINK Partner Programme for partners Mr. Dilip Rahulan, Executive new Regional Marketing Manager for in MENA. Chairman of PCS said, "Pacific Controls Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
48 Sept-Oct 2015 Sept-Oct 2015 49 Government
Government
Bahrain ranked 1st in the Middle East & 5th in the MEA for cost competitiveness and FDI strategy
Bahrain has ranked 1st in the middle which comes from the Kingdom’s long east as the most cost-competitive history as a regional commercial hub. economy by fDi Intelligence – a division of Many leading international companies the Financial Times. continue to choose Bahrain and we strive to create the supportive, low- The fDi Middle East & African cost environment that will allow those Countries of the Future Rankings for businesses to thrive.” 2015/16, ranked Bahrain fifth overall, out of 63 countries. According to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2015, total FDI to Manama was ranked in the top eight Bahrain last year was $957 million. for all the categories, ranked first overall Bahrain’s inward FDI stocks as a for cost effectiveness and third overall for Khalid Al Rumaihi percentage of GDP (55.4%) remained the business friendliness. Chief Executive, highest in the GCC and well above the Economic Development Board global average, emphasising Bahrain’s Bahrain also ranked first for FDI position as one of the region’s most open strategy, with the report recognising that Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive economies. since its creation, the Bahrain Economic of the Bahrain EDB said, “ With a well- Development Board (EDB) has “operated to educated domestic workforce, minimal The rankings, compiled every two attract investment, help investors realise restrictions on foreign investment and years using a detailed method, were projects and ensure they are assisted once ownership in most sectors and a highly based upon five categories: economic established.” According to fDi Intelligence competitive taxation system, it is a potential, business friendliness, human data, the EDB helped attract 190 FDI reputation that is well deserved.” capital and lifestyle, cost effectiveness, projects to Bahrain between 2009 and and connectivity. A sixth category, 2014. “Bahrain’s strong economic growth FDI strategy, was based on additional has been built on a tradition of openness qualitative research and analysis.
Over 10,000 benefit from amnesty period to correct their situation
ore than 10 thousand foreign workers "During the amnesty period a worker Mhad corrected their legal situation can either leave the country without since the launch of the grace period for paying fines or has the option to find an undocumented migrant workers “Amnesty employer ready to hire him so he can stay Period” Which was launched last July, and in the country," he added. will last until the end of 2015. Al-Absi asserted that LMRA is keen to Labour Market Regulatory Authority provide all possible facilities to employers, (LMRA) chief executive Ausamah Alabsi who want to absorb these workers. said, "More workers have availed the Emphasizing that the law will be applied grace period as compared to the previous with full force against illegal workers. two years (2007 and 2009), praising the cooperation of all parties to ensure the “There will be no blacklisting for all success of this campaign.. those who voluntarily leave the country. To stay and work legally in Bahrain, a Ausamah Alabsi "80% of 10,000 have legally joined a worker should submit the transfer form Chief Executive, LMRA new employer, while 20% preferred to to the new employer, who will upload the return to their home countries, with the documents and apply for a work permit “An illegal worker does not need the possibility of returning to Bahrain when through the LMRA’s online portal. consent of the previous employer to get they’ve secured new employment. legal employment during this period. The
50 Sept-Oct 2015 Government
old employer cannot stop these workers the country without any penalty being be fined a minimum of BD1,000 for every from taking up new jobs and we will assist applied,” said Al-Absi. ‘irregular’ worker. Workers caught by companies to hire them in case they police may face fines that start at BD100 require additional work permits. However, the LMRA official warned and deportation of middlemen collecting money from "Illegal workers whose passports workers and promising to rectify their Those able to find legitimate were withheld by their employers should legal status, as it is illegal and a scam. employment will have any residency immediately contact their respective Under normal circumstances any violations waived and be able to sign embassies, which will issue emergency expatriate caught working illegally faces contracts with new companies without certificates, that will allow them to leave deportation, while the company itself will permission from their former bosses.
BPTC completes refurbishment of main bus terminals
ahrain Public Transport Company planned upgrades currently in progress B(BPTC), the new operator of the to elevate the supporting infrastructure Kingdom’s modern, fully revamped public for Bahrain’s new public transport bus service, has completed refurbishment service. The move was essential to make work on the main bus terminals in waiting times more comfortable and Manama, Muharraq and Isa Town. The improve passenger convenience. All main renovation of all three stations supports terminals are now able to cater to the the full implementation of the new bus different passenger requests, whether for network that saw a total of 32 routes and network information, assistance or ticket new destinations being added to the grid purchases, providing a one-stop solution with over 77% coverage of the Kingdom’s departure displays, air-conditioned to public transport users”. inhabited areas. waiting areas, resting areas for the drivers, manned ticket office facilities, information Refurbishment of the main All main terminals have undergone a desks and ticket vending machines for bus terminals is in line with the complete overhaul to provide passengers both paper tickets and the newly launched enhancements currently underway by with more comfort and improved GO Cards. BPTC in partnership with the Ministry of information to facilitate their journey. Transportation and Telecommunications The stations make available all updated According to Mr. Borja Bermudez, (MTT) in an effort to elevate the passenger routes, destinations, timetables and General Manager of Bahrain Public travel experience and provide the people maps and have been equipped with Transport Company, “Revitalization of the of Bahrain with a modern, efficient and key requirements including real-time main bus terminals is one in a series of reliable public transport service.
MTT launches radar device to measure atmospheric wind and temperature
he Ministry of Transportation the atmosphere." Tand Telecommunications (MTT) Meteorological Directorate has completed This in turn will contribute to the installation of a Radar Wind and further improving safety at the Bahrain Temperature Profiler (RWTP) that International Airport and strengthening measures wind and temperature in the its standing amongst various Airline atmosphere. Companies working in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Ahmed Al Nemah, A/Undersecretary International Airport for assistance in of Civil Aviation Affairs at MTT said, "This Adel Deham, Director of Meteorology take-off or landing. This information will project is an important milestone in the at MTT’s Civil Aviation Affairs said, "The help forecast weather conditions and Ministry’s strategic plan to develop the main function of the radar is to measure enable the Meteorological Directorate Kingdom’s meteorological services, by the velocity (speed and direction) of the to issue necessary weather warnings investing in cutting-edge technology that wind in addition to the atmospheric to pilots of aircraft during take-off and enables the Meteorological Directorate to temperature at different altitudes above landing, ensuring avoidance of weather closely observe the weather phenomena the runway on a continuous basis, and related accidents that can affect the safety affecting the take-off and landing of such information can then be furnished of passengers and aircraft. Helicopters, aircraft, especially in the lower layers of to any requesting airline using Bahrain which are low altitude flying aircraft, will
Sept-Oct 2015 51 Government
be especially served by this radar." database, and can be used in the future in the event of any disaster, God forbid, in in the field of research or to predict the the Gulf Region,” he explained. “The information generated from movement of any lingering components in this device will enable us to expand our the atmosphere, including harmful gases Tamkeen supports international Helmets factory project
amkeen signed an agreement with for economic development. Supporting TBell Racing Helmets International to foreign direct investment is key to support the company’s factory, located mobilising growth and expansion in the near the Bahrain International Circuit. Kingdom, as these investments play a Company approved the plans to start vital role in continuously attracting other production in the factory this year, which investments.” houses state-of-the-art production and research & development facilities. The For his part, Mr. Stephane Cohen, decision also comes after Bell Racing Chairman of Bell Racing Helmets Helmet’s decision to relocate its executive International said, “Our studies have indicated that due to a number of factors, office to Bahrain to become the new H.E. Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Bahrain constitutes an excellent and worldwide headquarters of the company. Al Khalifa, Chairman and A/CEO, strategic location to market and produce Tamkeen (left) with Stephane Cohen, our products, which require high precision The agreement comes as part Chairman, Bell Racing Helmets in manufacturing and very specific of Tamkeen’s investment support International programme, which is organised in international standards.” collaboration with several government that the company implements specific agencies, including the Bahrain Economic tasks, including the employment and Bell Auto Racing Helmets is a Development Board, to develop and training of 50 Bahrainis. company specialising in manufacturing encourage foreign direct investment in helmets for auto racing, from karting to the Kingdom. Tamkeen Chairman and Acting Formula One. High technology helmets CEO H.E. Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa produced by this world’s leading Under the agreement, Tamkeen will Al Khalifa said, “This agreement is part company are used by amateurs and top provide its support for Bell in the form of a of Tamkeen’s efforts to support the professionals, including Kimi Raikkonen grant over a period of 5 years, on condition private sector and serve as the engine and Lewis Hamilton. INJAZ Bahrain looks to build on momentum of record-breaking year
NJAZ Bahrain is looking to build on as 8 universities over the course of the Ithe momentum of a record-breaking academic calendar year. 2014/2015 academic year in terms of number of programs delivered and Sh. Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, students reached, as well as other Executive Director of INJAZ Bahrain, said, performance indicators. "As we approach INJAZ Bahrain’s 10th anniversary celebration later this year, The organization, which focuses on the organization’s position has never been economic empowerment of the youth, stronger. The support we receive from received BD 57,300 worth of donations our supporters continues to underpin and in-kind support last year from its our continued success, and we look corporate partners: GPIC, Bank of Bahrain forward to another decade of preparing and Kuwait, Al-Salam Bank, Banagas, a new generation of young Bahrainis to Bapco, Ithmaar Bank, Gulf Air, Khaleeji thrive in a global economy and be active Students Center, Salman Cultural Center, Commercial Bank, National Bank of contributors to building the nation’s Al-Eslah Society, and Quran-learning Bahrain, and Microsoft. future.” centers. Over 300 students benefited from these summer activities. The support helped INJAZ Bahrain To maintain the momentum, the increase the number of total volunteers organization introduced special summer INJAZ Bahrain was also recognized to 715 volunteers who were instrumental classes for the first time at Batelco Club, earlier this year by its regional office in reaching over 20,000 students in 149 in addition to actively participating in INJAZ Al-Arab for outstanding primary, intermediate, and secondary various workshops at Youth City 2030, achievements in the areas of compliance, government and private schools, as well Royal Charity Organization, Gifted quality and collaboration.
52 Sept-Oct 2015 Sept-Oct 2015 53 Other Business
Other Business
Project Titan cost-improvement program on track
luminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), one Aof the world’s leading aluminium smelters, is on schedule with its cost- improvement program - Project Titan.
Project Titan, launched in February 2014, is a 2-year program that aims at reducing Alba’s cash cost by $150/mt.
At the end of June 2015, the program has unlocked $129/mt of savings and Alba is on track to achieve the set target of $150/mt by January 2016.
Directed by Alba’s Chief Executive Commenting on the Project, Mr. from within the company. Given the Officer, Tim Murray, Project Titan was Murray said, “Project Titan is not just a current LME market pressures and the launched to ensure that Alba maintains cost-cutting program; it is also a training planned natural gas price increase over its position as one of the leading, program where we leverage the use of the coming years, the success of Project low cost producers in the aluminium our operational excellence expertise to Titan is critical to Alba’s future.” industry. create the next generation of leaders Gulf Air and Batelco partner for on-board technology solutions
ulf Air sign an agreement with the customer service experience on- support Gulf Air with their digitisation GBatelco to support the airline’s board and helping us better serve our efforts, and plan to extend this support on-board operations by providing passengers. With these tablets, our further to benefit the Kingdom of iPads for Gulf Air’s cabin crew team to frontline passenger-service team are Bahrain.” maximise their efficiency and support equipped with current information about the national carrier’s drive to digitise passenger preferences, helping us offer In August 2014 Gulf Air successfully their operational processes. The crew unique and personalized services,” said rolled out its new generation iPad members will benefit from the use of the Director of Information Technology, Dr Electronic Flight Bags to all the airline’s latest iPad technology with access to Jassim Haji. pilots in order to facilitate the airline’s Batelco’s dedicated 4G data network and flight-critical communications while tailor-made packages for the airline. Batelco’s Acting Head of Enterprise increasing operational efficiency and Division Donya Al Ansari said, “Batelco eliminating paper-based flight materials. Speaking on the occasion, Captain values its partners and assures them the The national carrier’s subsequent roll out Nasser Al Salmi, Gulf Air Chief Operating availability of tailor-made packages and of iPads to its cabin service managers Officer said, “Equipping Gulf Air’s cabin customised support. We are delighted to will be finalized by the end of the year. service managers with iPads on-board Gulf Air’s fleet further streamlines our operational performance and gives our team greater capabilities and efficiencies in handling various passenger preferences while inflight. This helps Gulf Air further elevate the customer service experience on-board our aircraft.”
“Gulf Air is keen to utilize the latest technologies as part of our ongoing paperless drive that, in tandem, further enhances our operations, elevating
54 Sept-Oct 2015 Other Business
Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover receives multiple honours in the 2014/15 MENA marketing awards
uro Motors Jaguar Land The event recognized the successes ERover Bahrain, announced its of Jaguar Land Rover dealers in the extraordinarily strong showing in the MENA Region for the year 2014/15 and internationally acclaimed 2014/15 Jaguar with their accomplishments, this year Land Rover Middle East and North Africa Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover stood out Marketing Awards with its receipt of and shone among 19 different competing three highly coveted awards. dealerships.
Jaguar Land Rover Marketing Hannane on receiving the award Manager, Ms. Hannane Laidouni led said, “It is one of the highest honor, to the winning proceedings with her win this title and to be included among receipt of the title, Marketer of the Year the elite company that have previously 2014/2015 whilst the Launch of the Land won it. I would like to extend my Rover Experience Centre in Bahrain appreciation to the senior management, was voted the Best Experiential Event led by Mr. Nawaf Al Zayani, for being of the Year 2014/2015 and Euro Motors shining examples of determination my obligations of raising Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover was presented the and leadership as their guidance has Jaguar Land Rover to be on par with the Award for the Best Use of Social Media tremendously inspired and encouraged upper echelons of the global automotive in the year 2014/2015. Apart from the me. The award does not highlight my world and look forward to furthering our winning of three prestigious awards, accomplishments, rather it goes to show adherence to our current benchmark Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover was also the immense work being put in on a setting standards in the Kingdom of awarded a Certificate of Recognition in daily basis by my diligent colleagues Bahrain so as to continue justifying appreciation of its achievements in PR who have supported me the whole way. the deserving faith Jaguar Land Rover during the year 2014/2015. I reiterate my dedication and focus on Limited has placed in us.”
New Lexus ES 2016 launches in Bahrain
he ES, best-selling model in Lexus' quality with every touch. The 2016 Timpressive range of luxury sedans, model have a new sporty steering wheel comes to redefine the very essence of and a collection of new interior colour what luxury sedans should be. combinations and trims. For the new Lexus ES, engineers applied structural Mr Ayman Shehadeh, Toyota and reinforcements to increase stiffness Lexus Marketing Manager at Ebrahim in the vehicle's unibody construction. K. Kanoo said, "The popular ES 2016 The luxury sedan will continue with its sets new standards in luxury sedans, exceptionally smooth 3.5-litre V6 engine. using the current Lexus L-Finesse styling language with a new redesigned The ES is the first production model front fascia, sportier bumpers and new to introduce the Lexus Safety System +, combination of interior colours. The ES which combines key innovative safety dominates the entry–level luxury sedan technologies into a single networked segment with an ever increasing appeal L-shape array symbolizing Lexus. package. Among them are the Pre-Crash to customers." To complement the impactful new Safety System, and the Dynamic Radar form, two 17-inch wheel options with Cruise Control, the Lane Departure Alert The 2016 ES strong dynamics of directional spoke patterns have been (LDA), as well as the Automatic High the low set ‘spindle grille’ immediately added. Beam (AHB). identify the ES as a new generation Lexus including headlamps with From the sweeping dashboard The new Lexus ES is set to continue integrated arrowhead shaped LED DRL reminiscent of modern architecture to its stronghold as a leader amongst its (Daytime Running Lights) heighten highly instinctive ergonomics mated stable mates and competitors alike and the sculptured styling. The LED rear with the finest materials and surfaces, the latest revisions are aimed at building combination lamps illuminate in an the ES cultivates a feeling of sheer on this success.
Sept-Oct 2015 55 Other Business
First Motors meets the requirements of commercial and industrial transportation sectors in the kingdom
irst Motors, the exclusive dealer Fof Hyundai vehicles in Bahrain, reiterates their commitment of meeting the needs and requirements of every commercial enterprise by providing flexible and customized transportation solutions with their impressive range of commercial vehicles.
First Motors range of Commercial Vehicles include heavy, medium and light weight vehicles available in different sizes and offers the market various models including Hyundai Mighty Trucks, Hyundai Heavy Duty Trucks, Hyundai Special vehicles It also includes the Hyundai buses The Commercial Vehicles range and Hyundai Buses. They combine comprising the Hyundai H1 9 seater offered by First Motors have proven dynamism and performance with Wagon having greater storage capacity to be the best business partners by comfort, safety and dependability for luggage and other goods, the 30 fostering entrepreneurs, self-employed to offer the perfect vehicle for the seater Hyundai County Mini Bus and and other businesses to grow with their transportation business. These vehicles the 46 seater Hyundai Aero City. Other extensive product expertise and in- serve all conveyance purposes including Commercial Vehicles from Hyundai depth knowledge of the market and by transportation of materials, manpower are the Heavy Duty Trucks, the ideal providing transportation solutions that and food. vehicles for material distribution, long make operations easier and smoother. distance haulage and construction Serving customers looking for work. In the name of Special Vehicles First Motors, part of Al Zayani higher levels of utility with comfort Hyundai provides transport operators Investments group, is fully committed and safety, the Hyundai Commercial and businesses with a range of service to demonstrating to the Bahrain Vehicles include the Hyundai HD vehicles including Car Carrier Trucks, market that Hyundai is the brand that series, the perfect vehicles to meet Ambulances, Aircraft refuelers and Fire represents unique value for money the demands of the trucking business. Fighting Trucks. without compromise.
Jinbei H2, driven for all your needs
rient Motors a subsidiary of Jinbei models provide maximum OZayani Motors presents the H2 safety features with safety belts for Jinbei minibus and Jinbei panel van, each passenger in addition to the anti- designed for all your commercial and lock braking system ABS, as well as transportation needs. electronic brake force distribution EBD system. In addition to these advantages, The elegant, dignified, and this bus comes to ensuring 10 years or fashionable appearance is obtained 200,000 kilometers. through market survey, featuring clear and full exterior lines, harmonized With features of low-maintenance proportions of length, width, and height, and operational costs, Orient Motors’ streamline profile, and more business vehicles are renowned for their great feeling. Lightweight yet sturdy, It’s performance, fine quality and energy unique boxed body has been designed conserving latest technology that for secure protection. light buses of same class. More than provides maximum value for their 20 rich storages sufficiently take the customers. The space utilization rate of both storage conveniences of the driver and models is higher than the European passengers into consideration.
56 Sept-Oct 2015 Innovation is the amazing intersection between Imagination & Reality
A leader in what is called “Interactive Print”, Khaleej Live allows its users to view embedded digital content within a variety of sources, such as posters, magazines, even billboards! Readers can experience a diverse collection of extra content including movie trailers, linked videos, websites and also advertisements. www.khaleej-live.com
Sept-Oct 2015 57 Khaleej Live - Augmented Reality @khaleej_live @khaleejlive Startup Tips
Branding Done Right
by AMMAR AL RAEES [ @alraees ] Blog: alraees.tumblr.com Published on Startup Bahrain
www.startupBahrain.com
58 Sept-Oct 2015 can be used to attract an audience’s important as the food itself. Therefore, attention. getting an interior designer to handle the décor represents a definite plus for your Ad agencies business. You might have all the recipes, but that doesn’t mean people will come Ad agencies used to be the de in if your restaurant doesn’t attract their facto standard for advertising, but attention and get them talking. nowadays, a good freelancer, whether For optimum brand for graphic design or photography, can It might sound surprising, but hiring do wonders for your brand, and will a designer actually saves you money. It recognition and probably be a lot more affordable than helps you avoid costly mistakes in the success, you’ll need a conventional agency. One of Startup design of your workplace, and designers Bahrain’s members, Bader Kamal, is a have all the information you need on to rise well above the great example of a young talent who has hand so you don’t waste time and money made a name for himself as the one of researching, shopping, and giving your crowd. Communicate the Kingdom’s leading designers. Before business that ‘wow’ factor that seems to taste and quality by signing the dotted line, however, ask for elude most people. Design is all about information on projects the freelancer taste, and judging by the work that some going with a design has worked on to get a feel for the kind design houses have done here in the of work they have done in the past. Kingdom, the business owner is really expert. spoiled for choice. Websites You hear it all the time: “You need Social Media professionals to do that.” This saying Many local businesses tend to go never rings truer than when it is about for the lowest cost possible, and their Social media is huge help to your own business. Many people would websites inevitably suffer from page businesses today. If done right, social say it is unjustified, and that the same under constraction—yes, typos where media can be a huge boon, and it is results can be had if we just read a few they shouldn’t really exist. Websites (mostly) free and available to all. I’ve For Dummies guidebooks. This idea have the typical “contact us” and “who touched on this in a previous article, could not be further from the truth. we are” pages, and they’re filled to the but it bears repeating that you need to brim with stock photos that really walk that fine line between bombarding A simple example would be, “You misrepresent the business in the worst your followers with countless posts and wouldn’t build your own house, would way possible (there’s no way that all barely posting anything at all. you? You’d hire contractors, experts in of your call center reps are blue-eyed, the field of construction. So why not blonde Europeans with huge smiles on No longer do businesses need to hire the same level of expertise for your their faces). spend heavily on marketing; their business?” followers do it for them, through word of Instead of attempting website mouth and recommendations. Twitter Hiring professionals from the get-go construction yourself or asking your and Instagram are, quite literally, the helps you start off on the right foot, and nephew to create your site, hire a new word of mouth. Thankfully, Bahrain will hopefully save you a lot of time and company or programmer to handle it. has several social media experts who effort in the long run. Let’s look at a few They can usually provide a turnkey have made a name for themselves by aspects of business that can be done solution for your website that includes promoting local businesses. much more effectively if you hire the maintenance and support. Thankfully, right people. there are a number of established Notable Bahraini Twitter celebrities companies on the market, and quite a include the venerable Ali Fareed, who, Shop Signs few startups with young talent that do thanks to Twitter, has not spent a dime amazing work. A good example of this on food since 2011. More power to you, I’ve seen many shops around the is Kooheji Systems, a promising upstart Ali. Godspeed! Follow his Twitter blog, Kingdom with signs that look like run by a small team of young Bahrainis. Ask Ali Fareed for food, movie, and TV they’ve been created in Microsoft Paint. reviews. I’ve also seen MANY shops that use Design signs with watermarked images grabbed In conclusion, if your ideas seem off the Internet. Another problem that Certain businesses, such as like they need that extra “something” to seems to be on the rise is the use of restaurants, have developed from simple make them fly, they probably do. Go get the wrong colors when it comes to places to get a decent meal into fully- some expert help advertising. It’s a well-known fact that realized experiences. This means that only certain colors and combinations the lighting and ambience play a role as
Sept-Oct 2015 59 Biz Dashboard
Energy demand & consumption CAIDI ( Customer average Banking Telecom
in the various economic sectors interruption index in minutes) CBB NBB BBK Ithmaar GFH Others Batelco Zain Viva Menatelecom TRA
60% 1000 887 50% 900 50% 800 12% 40% 700 30% 36% 600 30% 30% 500 11% 400 20% 300 14% 226 8% 23% 200 138 3% 10% interruption per Minutes 100 85 58% 0.40% 0% 0 6% Residential Commercial Industrial Agriculture 2011 2012 2013 2014 5% 14%
The number of 11 KV distribution Ownership of Real Estate Other Business
stations increase by 26% Electricity assets BCC Sheraton Hotel Gulf Air Alba GPIC ASRY
FS Bahrain Diyar Al Muharraq Others E.K. Kanoo Euro Motors First Motors 7500 35% 7164 31% 30% 7000 6874 8% 6560 25% 24% 24% 16% 26% 6500 20% 18% 12% 6117 6000 15% 5687 +26% 18% 10% 53% 5500 3% 5% 8% 23% 5000 0% 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 1234 MW 929MW 946 MW 700 MW 125 MW 8% 4% 19% Al Dur Al Hidd Al Ezzel Riffa Sitra 5% Power Power & Power Power Power & Water Water Company Station & Water Company Company Station
*Source: Electricity & Water Authority Bahrain
60 Sept-Oct 2015 Market Share for PR Coverage
Energy demand & consumption CAIDI ( Customer average Banking Telecom in the various economic sectors interruption index in minutes) CBB NBB BBK Ithmaar GFH Others Batelco Zain Viva Menatelecom TRA
60% 1000 887 50% 900 50% 800 12% 40% 700 30% 36% 600 30% 30% 500 11% 400 20% 300 14% 226 8% 23% 200 138 3% 10% interruption per Minutes 100 85 58% 0.40% 0% 0 6% Residential Commercial Industrial Agriculture 2011 2012 2013 2014 5% 14%
The number of 11 KV distribution Ownership of Real Estate Other Business stations increase by 26% Electricity assets BCC Sheraton Hotel Gulf Air Alba GPIC ASRY
FS Bahrain Diyar Al Muharraq Others E.K. Kanoo Euro Motors First Motors 7500 35% 7164 31% 30% 7000 6874 8% 6560 25% 24% 24% 16% 26% 6500 20% 18% 12% 6117 6000 15% 5687 +26% 18% 10% 53% 5500 3% 5% 8% 23% 5000 0% 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 1234 MW 929MW 946 MW 700 MW 125 MW 8% 4% 19% Al Dur Al Hidd Al Ezzel Riffa Sitra 5% Power Power & Power Power Power & Water Water Company Station & Water Company Company Station
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Sept-Oct 2015 63 The Biz Scene
YK Almoyyed launch Infiniti Q70 in Bahrain
Motorcity launch all new Chery Tiggo 3
64 Sept-Oct 2015 E.K Kanoo launch the new Lexus ES 2016 in Bahrain
Al Hawaj Group open Watch Time showroom in Bahrain Mall
Sept-Oct 2015 65 If you have anything to say about business in Bahrain your letters will be posted in this section of the magazine please email us on LETTERS & [email protected] COMMENTS
I am writing to offer my services as contributor to bizbahrain. I own a boutique fitness facility in Bahrain, Tribal Fitness and have been in the health/fitness industry for over 12 years.
The manner in which I can offer value to your magazine is a health/fitness column for the busy corporate.
Your readers have limited time and high-stress jobs and I can help in adding balance to their lives. - Craig Heslop Founder & Coach
It is good to know that It was a nice read about The article on how to Bahrain is known as a Bahrain's plan to remove understand your target banking and financial subsidies. It will be customer segments... hub in the region, this interesting to see is very useful for those surely involves tireless how it will affect the who don't have any efforts and hard work economy and the idea about the kind of put in by the financial residents. customers they want sector over the past 30 attract to sell their years. products to.
- Daniel - Salman - Nicole
Thank you very much for posting the ARTDIVANO article under highlights section in Aug/Sept 2015. We would like to have a slot for a special feature Keep up the good work. article in the December 2015 issue of bizbahrain, The magazine looks on the occasion of closing ARTBAHRAIN and the better and better each launching of our online gallery. We look forward time I see it. to dealing with you again. - Afaf Zainalabedin - Ahmed
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