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But it’s no longer attracting<br />
the levels of domestic and<br />
international investment it<br />
traditionally used to.<br />
Property price growth in London is<br />
slowing down – in June 2017 prices grew<br />
by just 3% month-on-month, the<br />
second slowest rate of growth in the<br />
UK<br />
Rents decreased by 0.42% in the 12<br />
months to February 2017<br />
– the only region in the country<br />
to record a loss<br />
Prices in London are<br />
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March-April<br />
www.mhcwll.com<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
1
CONTENTS March - April <strong>2018</strong><br />
10 | Digital Technology Captures the<br />
Property Development Sector<br />
CRE firms have benefitted strongly from their recent investments<br />
in widely available technology solutions (PropTech) helping to drive<br />
cost and operational efficiencies.<br />
FEATURES<br />
14 | Formula 1 <strong>2018</strong> Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix<br />
Bahrain's Premier Event of the Year<br />
16 | A New Super Hero to the Rescue<br />
Interview with Luay Cheblak & Mohamed Al Sayed<br />
Co-Founders, MetroCare<br />
20 | Creating a Community<br />
Interview with Shaikh Salman bin Khalid Al-Khalifa<br />
Chief Operating Of cer, Al Zallaq Real Estate Company<br />
24 | Seeking Opportunities in Challenges<br />
Interview with Ali Al Shuwaikh<br />
CEO and Founder, Homeseekers<br />
28 | Supporting Bahrain’s ICT Future<br />
Interview with Dr. Ghulum Bakiri<br />
Founder & President, MicroCenter<br />
2 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
CONTENTS<br />
March - April <strong>2018</strong><br />
32 | A Rewarding Check In<br />
Interview with Ignace Bauwens<br />
Regional Vice President, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group<br />
36 | Exploring Bi-Lateral Business Potential<br />
Interview with Saadiya Noori<br />
Commercial Attaché Embassy of Pakistan, Bahrain<br />
38 | Property Views<br />
Interview with Heather Longden<br />
Associate Director, CBRE<br />
40 | Chai Karak, A Customer Service Story<br />
Interview with Mohamed Isa<br />
Author and Public Speaking Coach<br />
42 | Property Services | Alfanar Real Estate<br />
Optimising Bahrain’s Business Environment<br />
44 | Property Portal | YourAmlak<br />
The Digital Future of Real Estate<br />
46 | Viewpoint | Next Generation Solution<br />
Connect to your Clients with Kalaam’s Enterprise Messaging System<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
3
SECTORS<br />
MORE IN THIS ISSUE<br />
56 | Government:<br />
2 EDB attracts BD 276 million of Foreign Investments in 2017<br />
2 Direct Investments reach USD 733 million in 2017 Bahrain Non-Oil sector<br />
achieved average 7.5% annual growth<br />
2 Solar and Wind Energy Pilot project<br />
2 Asry concludes Construction of LNG Terminal landing platform<br />
2 Bahrain to have an Urban Rail system<br />
2 Enhancing the Customer Experience at KBSP<br />
60 | Banking & Finance:<br />
2 Bahrain Fintech Bay<br />
2 ‘MyShare’ Card to facilitate cash dividend distribution<br />
2 CBB Private Network for Financial Institutions<br />
2 BBK launches EFTS service on all ATMs in Bahrain<br />
2 Al Salam Bank ‘Danat Al ASalam’ Savings Scheme <strong>2018</strong><br />
2 BisB and PayPal partner to expand e-commerce in Bahrain<br />
64 | Telecom:<br />
2 SIM Card Registration A Positive Step to Protect Consumers<br />
2 Batelco launch free Internet services<br />
2 Batelco Voice over WiFi<br />
2 VIVA Bahrain achieves compliance with IFRS<br />
2 Latest Cloud and Managed Security Services by VIVA<br />
2 Zain and Ericsson create Roadmap to 5G<br />
68 | Real Estate:<br />
2 RERA starts Operations<br />
2 Amlak to redevelop Local Markets across Bahrain<br />
2 The Treasure tower by Bin Faqeeh<br />
2 Diyar Al Muharraq Projects Infrastructure work on Target<br />
2 Select Property Group Partners with Metropolitan Holding<br />
2 Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain<br />
72 | Technology:<br />
2 Cyber Safety for Kids<br />
2 Increasing Digital ad revenue<br />
2 The Smart Hotel of the future<br />
2 Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+<br />
2 Microsoft launches Surface Laptop in Bahrain<br />
76 | Automotive:<br />
2 The Ferrari 488 Pista<br />
2 Lexus RX350L 7-seater arrives at E.K. Kanoo<br />
2 Infiniti QX80<br />
2 Porsche Cayenne set to continue Success Story<br />
2 BMW X2 available at Euro Motors<br />
2 Hyundai Santa Fe showcase a striking SUV<br />
48 | Business Report<br />
50 | InformationTechnology<br />
52 | Investor Behaviour<br />
82 | Biz Dashboard<br />
84 | Tender Board Bahrain<br />
80 | Other Business:<br />
2 Gulf Air strategy and plans for <strong>2018</strong> and beyond<br />
2 New Clinic by AMH for low-income group<br />
2 G4S Bahrain honors outstanding employees<br />
4 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
5
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE<br />
It is once again that time of the year when everyone holds their breath hoping<br />
that the wonderful weather lingers, while the excitement builds up for the<br />
annual Bahrain Gulf Air Formula 1 Grand Prix! The country seems to vibrate<br />
with an energy and spirit that really comes alive over that crucial weekend. The<br />
circuit and everything and everyone working around it, contributing another<br />
piece that adds to the rich history of Formula One.<br />
As the country prepares for the magic of the next Formula One, our team<br />
has been busy putting together another great issue of the magazine. Our focus<br />
this issue is the Real Estate and Property Development industry. It’s been a busy<br />
first quarter for the industry, but we got to talk to a few industry specialists to<br />
give us a quick look into what's happening. Our focus feature takes a look into<br />
the emergence of PropTech, a term used to distinguish the digital technologies,<br />
which are poised to completely turn around traditional business models.<br />
PropTech has added dimensions to Commercial Real Estate and in recent years<br />
the use of digital platforms and data has accelerated at such a rapid pace that<br />
many major developers have joined the race to invest in it, believing that it will<br />
provide them with a competitive advantage.<br />
I am sure you will also find our Cover story an intriguing and interesting<br />
one. We present MetroCare, a new concept in Bahrain introduced by two<br />
dynamic entrepreneurs, who are taking their vision of providing a 24-hour<br />
mobile maintenance solution, to every home. Additionally, we have a number<br />
of interesting interviews with some innovators and achievers who have made a<br />
significant mark in their areas of activity. I will leave you to read all about them.<br />
Don’t miss our usual round up of all the latest business news.<br />
So once again I leave you with a new issue of bizbahrain to enjoy while<br />
savouring all the pleasures that the month ahead holds!<br />
Happy reading!<br />
Adel Al Safar<br />
Chairman<br />
Write to the Publisher: info@bizbahrain.com<br />
6 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
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7
THE TEAM<br />
Publishing House<br />
General Manager<br />
Group Editor<br />
Production &<br />
Circulation Manager<br />
Senior Designer<br />
Editorial Contributors<br />
Production and Layout<br />
Video Augmentation<br />
Printed at<br />
In Association with<br />
Sultan Al Sharabaty<br />
sultan@bizbahrain.com<br />
Reena Abraham<br />
reena@bizbahrain.com<br />
Sameer Asif Butt<br />
sameer@bizbahrain.com<br />
Ashjad Azeez<br />
ashjad@bizbahrain.com<br />
+973 3992 3321 bizbahrain<br />
Mohamed Isa, Dr. Jassim Haji, Simone Del Nevo,<br />
Heather Longden, Dr. Alex R. Suchy von Weissenfeld,<br />
Jose Paul Martin, Ali Al Aradi<br />
Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej, Kingdom of Bahrain<br />
info@bizbahrain.com<br />
www.bizbahrain.com<br />
Read more on: www.bizbahrain.com<br />
The opinions and views contained in this publication by the journalists, writers and the interviewee are not necessarily those of the publishers. All efforts have been<br />
made to ensure accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However bizbahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.<br />
8 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Securing Your World<br />
G4S is a leading Cash Solutions provider in the Middle East with operations<br />
in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan and Lebanon, offering a<br />
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For more information, visit www.g4s.com.bh<br />
Tel: 1771 4409, Fax: 1771 6577<br />
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March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
9
Focus Feature | Property Sector Review<br />
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY<br />
CAPTURES THE PROPERTY<br />
DEVELOPMENT SECTOR<br />
by Reena Abraham<br />
The real estate and property<br />
development industry is believed<br />
to have been slow in its embrace<br />
of digital technology, but with<br />
the quickening pace of innovation<br />
and the increasing sophistication of<br />
investors and tenants, tech experts say<br />
the industry is ready to welcome change<br />
and innovation. As a matter of fact, the<br />
last few years have seen the emergence<br />
of PropTech, a term used to distinguish<br />
the technologies, which aim to disrupt<br />
traditional business models.<br />
INTRODUCING PROPTECH<br />
In the broad sense, PropTech relates<br />
to a number of computing platforms,<br />
software and applications being explored<br />
and used by companies involved with all<br />
aspects of CRE (Commercial Real Estate).<br />
In recent years however, technology has<br />
made its powerful presence felt through<br />
the sector, and the use of digital platforms<br />
and data accelerated at such a rapid pace<br />
that those who do not fully embrace and<br />
understand its reach are left floundering<br />
at the start. Many major developers have<br />
joined the race to invest in PropTech<br />
technology, believing that it will provide<br />
them with a competitive advantage.<br />
The transition from two-dimensional<br />
documentation using software like<br />
AutoCAD to 3-D building information<br />
modelling (BIM) is a classic example.<br />
Next-generation geographic information<br />
systems (GIS) can now illuminate the<br />
site selection process helping companies<br />
and investors find the best locations<br />
for workforce productivity, innovation<br />
and corporate social responsibility.<br />
Organizations are full of dark data with<br />
disparate information spread across<br />
geographies and service lines. New<br />
technology now allows us to pull all this<br />
together and analyze it using powerful<br />
tools to generate new insights.<br />
Mohammed Araiqat, General<br />
Manager of Arab Architects, the<br />
firm behind the design of many of<br />
Bahrain’s iconic buildings, should know.<br />
“PropTech basically aims to enhance<br />
business through technology, so for us<br />
as consultants, PropTech, makes our<br />
lives easier with municipality approvals.<br />
Although in some aspects, undoubtedly,<br />
human contact cannot be replaced,<br />
technology makes it way simpler. In<br />
other aspects, the software that we<br />
use on a daily basis are getting more<br />
advanced (such as Revit, BIM, 3Ds Studio<br />
max), and that helps us in delivering<br />
better results to present. Developers are<br />
hence, able to get a clearer picture of the<br />
projects presented in animations and<br />
virtual reality 3D images.”<br />
THE INTERNET OF EVERYTHING<br />
One technology for the industry that<br />
has presented itself on the landscape with<br />
an impact beyond compare is IoT (The<br />
Internet of Things), the interconnection<br />
via the Internet of computing devices<br />
embedded in everyday objects. A 2014<br />
Goldman Sachs study, “The Internet<br />
of Things: Making Sense of the Next<br />
Mega-trend,” predicts that there will<br />
be 28 billion connected devices on the<br />
IoT by 2020. CRE companies can use<br />
environmental (temperature and air<br />
quality) and occupant movement, to<br />
make the necessary adjustments in space<br />
conditioning to monitor the environment<br />
and measure temperature, humidity,<br />
water pressure, power consumption and<br />
more. The report envisages a sensor for<br />
virtually everything in a building that<br />
an owner or occupier can anticipate and<br />
monitor in the foreseeable future.<br />
"The effects are already beginning to<br />
be felt in the growing field of Home and<br />
10 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Focus Feature | Property Sector Review<br />
Office automation," says Naser Shahrour,<br />
CEO of Al Safar Group, parent company<br />
of MECOS, a pioneer of home and<br />
commercial automation in the country.<br />
“MECOS is a system integrator engaged<br />
in providing highly advanced, state of<br />
the art automation systems and security<br />
solutions within the workplace and home.<br />
Home automation puts control of basic<br />
systems and appliances into the hands of<br />
the homeowner and provides access from<br />
a remote point - like a smartphone app, or<br />
at a centralized unit inside the home.”<br />
The commercial real estate world<br />
is in fact undergoing a promising<br />
metamorphosis today as technology is<br />
assuming the role of a catalyst churning<br />
up more benefits for the sector. The new<br />
‘real’ factor in the business is serving<br />
to capture and hold the attention of all<br />
those who are keen to find a property that<br />
is nothing less than their dream home,<br />
work, leisure or office space. For realtors<br />
and developers, showcasing the property<br />
under construction is not just a smart way<br />
for them to kick-start their business but it<br />
is also easy for them to monitor each and<br />
every step in the construction process.<br />
DIGITAL FOOTPRINT<br />
Likewise for house-hunters, now more<br />
than ever before, starting the search for<br />
a new home begins online. As Mohamed<br />
Araiqat says, “More than 75% of investors<br />
search for available properties online.<br />
Property websites are spreading and<br />
turning to applications in our phones. I<br />
truly believe that the process of buying<br />
a property in Bahrain will significantly<br />
transform in the coming years.”<br />
All well-known property portals<br />
today have a listing of properties that<br />
covers a gamut of requirements and<br />
budgets and a growing number of<br />
property agents are justifiably spending<br />
a greater share of their total marketing<br />
budget on the Internet.<br />
“We need to constantly update and<br />
stay on top of every trend,” says Shada<br />
Judeh, Regional Manager of YourAmlak,<br />
popular B2B real estate portal that links<br />
the real estate industry by creating a<br />
platform for brokers, developers, and<br />
end users. “We are deeply committed in<br />
the ‘match-making process’ that links<br />
buyers and tenants to the brokers and<br />
developers.”<br />
Earlier, one had to invest considerable<br />
time in steps such as exploring the<br />
proprieties physically, short listing based<br />
on the experience he or she gathered<br />
at the locations and then reaching the<br />
final decision of buying a property.<br />
However, now the new technologies i.e.,<br />
virtual reality and augmented reality are<br />
paving way for much more time-efficient<br />
solutions and are revolutionising the real<br />
estate sector to a very large extent.<br />
“We are basically a property<br />
management agency that provides all<br />
kind of solutions - a one-stop property<br />
solution that gives market research,<br />
valuations, sales, rental, real estate<br />
activation…everything under one<br />
umbrella, “ says Ali Al Shuwaikh, CEO and<br />
Founder of HomeSeekers, a consolidated<br />
property solution provider that services<br />
landlords, owners and tenants.<br />
With just few clicks, these sites allow<br />
buyers to filter properties as per their<br />
preferred budget, unit type, locality etc.,<br />
see 3D walkthroughs, read about pros<br />
and cons of localities, market trends,<br />
compare properties, show locality videos,<br />
property reviews, financing options, legal<br />
assistance, interior décor options and<br />
many more.<br />
ENHANCED EXPERIENCE<br />
All these additional features have<br />
enhanced the property search experience<br />
and transformed online websites from<br />
being a mere classified site to the most<br />
popular online destinations for property<br />
needs. In November 2017 approximately<br />
30,000 real estate consumers visited<br />
YourAmlak in search of their next home<br />
or investment opportunity; when these<br />
users interact with the website and its<br />
search engine they provide valuable<br />
insight as to what today's real estate<br />
consumers are looking for.<br />
From mobile devices to software as a<br />
service (SaaS) platforms for marketing,<br />
customer relationship management, and<br />
market research, cloud technology has<br />
become a ubiquitous part of commercial<br />
real estate. Professionals travelling<br />
around with a heavy briefcase filled<br />
with all their important documents are<br />
a thing of the past. Today contracts,<br />
client information, and other important<br />
data are all stored remotely and synced<br />
across platforms to be accessed through<br />
cloud servers by smartphones, tablets,<br />
and laptops.<br />
A BRIEFING ON PROPTECH<br />
CRE firms have benefitted strongly<br />
from their recent investments in widely<br />
available technology solutions helping to<br />
drive cost and operational efficiencies.<br />
The Internet of Things: The<br />
Internet now connects sensors and<br />
other computing devices embedded in<br />
everyday items, from home washing<br />
machines to commercial HVAC<br />
systems. Many of these devices can be<br />
programmed to send and/or receive data<br />
daily hourly or even continuously.<br />
Big Data: The IoT is enabling the<br />
collection and storage of extremely<br />
large data sets, which can be collected<br />
and analyzed, both independently and<br />
in conjunction with other data sets, to<br />
reveal patterns, trends and associations.<br />
Cloud Computing: Many companies<br />
and individuals now use a network of<br />
remote severs connected via the internet<br />
to store, manage and process data, rather<br />
than storing it all on their own local<br />
servers or personal computers.<br />
Virtual and Augmented Reality:<br />
Computer-generated 3-D simulations<br />
and 3-D videos enable people to<br />
virtually “tour” properties remotely<br />
and even “visit” and “feel” projects<br />
still in the early stages of design or<br />
construction, using equipment such as<br />
3-D cameras, goggles and gloves.<br />
Artificial Intelligence and Machine<br />
Learning: Computer systems can now<br />
perform many tasks that in the past<br />
would have required intervention from<br />
a human programmer. Some can learn<br />
to make adjustments to changing<br />
circumstances, based on experience,<br />
without being explicitly programmed<br />
to do so.<br />
Blockchain: This public digital<br />
ledger is similar to a relational database<br />
that stores transaction records in a<br />
series of chronologically connected<br />
“blocks.” This process creates verified<br />
transactions with a clear timeline that<br />
cannot be pulled apart.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
11
Focus Feature | Property Sector Review<br />
PROPERTY REPORT<br />
FORWARD THINKING<br />
POLICIES<br />
Regarded as one the fastest growing<br />
economies in the Middle East, the<br />
government of Bahrain, is consistent<br />
in its efforts to achieve the goals set<br />
by the Economic Vision 2030, of His<br />
Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.<br />
It provides clear direction and guidelines<br />
for the development of society with a key<br />
focus to provide modern and affordable<br />
housing across Bahrain.<br />
Bridging the gap between supply<br />
and demand has been one of the<br />
government’s challenges. As a result<br />
of the efforts, over 6000 homes were<br />
allocated in 2016 across Bahrain,<br />
followed by 4,200 housing units allocated<br />
at various locations in the Kingdom in<br />
2017 under the direction of His Royal<br />
Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad<br />
Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy<br />
Supreme Commander and First Deputy<br />
Prime Minister.<br />
Bahrain’s property market witnessed<br />
stability across all its sectors in 2017<br />
and the trend continues into <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
Representing one of the biggest non-oil<br />
GDP contributors, in general, activity<br />
in the sector has been characterized by<br />
continuity. According to data collected<br />
by the Survey and Land Registration<br />
Bureau, the aggregate value of real<br />
estate trading during the first seven<br />
months of 2017 was BHD613.6mn, and<br />
it was observed that local buyers have<br />
decisively dominated the market in<br />
2017. The large number of properties<br />
under construction and in the pipeline<br />
supports the confidence in the sector.<br />
A well-regulated banking sector<br />
has led to more investments, attracted<br />
by the projected returns potential that<br />
real estate in Bahrain holds when<br />
compared to other investment areas.<br />
An improvement in industrial and<br />
infrastructural development likewise<br />
has a trickledown effect on the<br />
property sector.<br />
Project activity is also expected<br />
to gain with the new Real Estate<br />
Organisational Law, approved by the<br />
Parliament in June 2017, whereby all<br />
new projects in the country will have<br />
to pay a capital contribution of BHD12<br />
per square metre toward infrastructure<br />
development. The law further sets prison<br />
sentences for those guilty of irregular<br />
property deals and has set up a new<br />
Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)<br />
to license real estate agents, resolve<br />
disputes, monitor deals, oversee the<br />
progress of projects, and various other<br />
matters. These measures promises to<br />
ensure the industry stays a regulated and<br />
significant contributor to Bahrain’s GDP.<br />
The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) was officially formed with the<br />
issuance of Royal Decree 69/2017. RERA will deliver on the vision of His Royal<br />
Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa the Crown Prince Deputy<br />
Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister to:<br />
• Deliver effective and fair regulation in the real estate market<br />
• Promote economic growth and investment in Bahrain<br />
• Protect the rights of and create a better life for every Bahraini<br />
The central role of RERA is to ensure that the real estate industry in Bahrain<br />
is aligned to international best practice standards and to deliver a professional<br />
service in a cost-effective and transparent manner.<br />
RERA will work closely with Government and industry stakeholders to<br />
oversee the development of a National Real Estate Policy supported by a<br />
national five-year sector strategy and plan to bolster the real estate sector,<br />
improve consumer protection and streamline real estate services.<br />
12 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
13
Special Feature | Bahrain Grand Prix<br />
FORMULA 1 <strong>2018</strong><br />
GULF AIR <strong>BAHRAIN</strong> GRAND PRIX<br />
<strong>BAHRAIN</strong>'S PREMIER<br />
EVENT OF THE YEAR<br />
Bahrain’s hugely popular<br />
Formula 1 night race is back<br />
and the Bahrain International<br />
Circuit is all set to play host to<br />
another exciting three days under the<br />
desert stars. In headlines across the<br />
world the spotlight will once again be<br />
on Bahrain as ‘The Home of Motorsport<br />
in the Middle East’. From April 6 to 8,<br />
Formula 1 <strong>2018</strong> Gulf Air Bahrain Grand<br />
Prix will draw an unprecedented<br />
flow of regional and international<br />
enthusiastic race goers to the country.<br />
The 21-round event held in Sakhir<br />
will mark the second on the <strong>2018</strong><br />
FIA Formula 1 World Championship,<br />
following the season-opening meeting<br />
in Australia.<br />
The epic 57-lap battle includes<br />
superstar talents such as Lewis<br />
Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Sebastian<br />
Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando<br />
Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo, Max<br />
Verstappen and many more. Aside from<br />
Formula 1, a number of international<br />
support series will also be taking to<br />
the tarmac; while a wide variety of<br />
off-track family entertainment will<br />
keep race-goers coming back for more<br />
throughout the three-day extravaganza.<br />
The 2017 Bahrain Grand Prix saw<br />
a record crowd of 33,000 on race day<br />
and 93,000 over the weekend, with the<br />
14 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Special Feature | Bahrain Grand Prix<br />
Main Grandstand, Paddock Club and<br />
corporate boxes all sold out for the first<br />
time ever. The BCCI is geared for an<br />
even greater turnout this year as the<br />
popularity of motorsport in the region<br />
is at an all-time high.<br />
The weekend’s on-track events will<br />
be highlighted by the 57-lap night race.<br />
Off the track, the live performance<br />
featuring legendary musician Carlos<br />
Santana for the big Friday night<br />
concert has everyone in a state of<br />
heightened anticipation.<br />
Aside from Formula 1, there will<br />
also be plenty of racing in the two<br />
support series - the FIA Formula 2<br />
Championship and the Porsche GT3<br />
Cup Challenge Middle East.<br />
Off the track, along with<br />
the biggest attraction - the live<br />
performance of Santana with his<br />
celebrated Divination Tour, race-goers<br />
will also have a trio of extreme rides<br />
to choose from, including a Reverse<br />
Bungee, a SCAD (Suspended Catch Air<br />
Device) Freefall and a Sky Coaster.<br />
Further entertainment will be seen<br />
at the Circus Stage, and from the<br />
Roaming Acts and Street Musicians<br />
and Dancers. Young children will<br />
enjoy a wide selection of engaging<br />
activities, all within a massive tent<br />
erected in BIC’s Formula 1 Village.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
15
Interview | MetroCare<br />
A NEW<br />
SUPER HERO<br />
TO THE RESCUE<br />
Luay Cheblak & Mohamed Al Sayed<br />
Co-Founders, MetroCare<br />
In a market glutted with new ideas,<br />
enterprises and unusual concepts, it<br />
is not easy to capture public attention,<br />
but Bahrain-based service provider,<br />
MetroCare, has managed to do just that<br />
with their unique concept fronted by<br />
mascot, MetroMan. Recently launched<br />
by Metropolitan Property and Facility<br />
Management, MetroCare is a unique, first<br />
of its kind in Bahrain, home care solutions<br />
facility that promises to solve everyday<br />
home problems faced by home and building<br />
owners and tenants. Offering a wide range<br />
of services all under one roof, MetroCare<br />
services range from electrical and air<br />
conditioning to installation and other<br />
repair works, in addition to many other<br />
value-added services. Adopted from similar<br />
concepts in Europe and the West, the idea<br />
was localized by dynamic entrepreneurs,<br />
Luay Cheblak and Mohammed Al-Sayed to<br />
enrich client’s maintenance experience.<br />
As the owners reiterate, “At MetroCare,<br />
we believe that a home should be made<br />
perfect for everyone. We aim to keep<br />
your home in top condition, to ensure the<br />
ultimate in comfort living. The slogan of<br />
MetroCare says it all: ‘Others maintain @<br />
Metro we Care’.”<br />
Luay Cheblak and Mohamed Al Sayed<br />
talk to bizbahrain in an exclusive interview.<br />
What does Metroman represent?<br />
Metroman is MetroCare’s super hero<br />
figure representing all that Metrocare is<br />
aiming to achieve. He is strong, skilled,<br />
16 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
quick and he flies - not literally but figuratively,<br />
he flies to the rescue! Hence, the slogan: “Super<br />
repair & maintenance powers”. You can count<br />
on MetroMan whilst in distress across the<br />
Kingdom of Bahrain. Our operations team aspires<br />
to be as quick and proficient as our super hero<br />
“Metroman”. MetroCare management’s objective is<br />
to look after your homes as our super hero would.<br />
As a company we intend to be your number one<br />
preferred super hero “MetroMan” when it comes<br />
to your home repair & maintenance needs.<br />
Is there any other such service in Bahrain?<br />
Yes there are other service providers in<br />
the Kingdom of Bahrain but we at Metrocare<br />
differentiate ourselves from our competitors in<br />
the market by adopting the best local practices<br />
in addition to introducing international best<br />
practices from Europe and the West to provide<br />
our client base with a more mature and practical<br />
localized set of solutions to their everyday needs.<br />
What are the service packages that you offer<br />
members?<br />
The client’s requirement for our services<br />
vary depending on the size and type of property.<br />
Thus our operational team designed 4 balanced<br />
packages to suit most home and building<br />
requirements, namely: The Basic, Classic and<br />
Premiere packages for homeowners and tenants,<br />
as well as, a landlord package for building owners.<br />
Our many home and building maintenance<br />
services include but are not limited to:General<br />
handyman services that include Electrical work,<br />
Carpentry work, Tiling, Gypsum & Plastering,<br />
Water proofing and Wall Painting.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
17
Interview | MetroCare<br />
We also undertake all air<br />
conditioning service, maintenance and<br />
repairs, Plumbing maintenance and<br />
upkeep. Fault-finding of plumbing &<br />
electrical systems.<br />
We have a 24/7 Emergency service<br />
covering problems such as leaks,<br />
blockages and electrical faults just to<br />
name a few. In addition to all of these,<br />
we have included services such as<br />
CCTV repair and maintenance, Outdoor<br />
cleaning of common areas for houses<br />
and villas, Pest control, Water filter<br />
changing, Gas pipe maintenance, Indoor<br />
lock repair, Pool maintenance, Building<br />
common area cleaning<br />
Should any of the above services<br />
be perceived as ordinary to any of<br />
our prospects, we also offer a 24/7<br />
emergency Roadside assistance to all<br />
our prospective members.<br />
What do you think are the biggest issues<br />
home owners face today?<br />
The concept for MeroCare was<br />
conceived after years of working<br />
in facility management. Invariably<br />
problems of home owners, tenants<br />
and building owners occur at the most<br />
inconvenient times when stores are<br />
closed, spares unavailable, no warranties<br />
“MetroCare offers a<br />
single point of contact,<br />
available day or night.”<br />
on work carried out by freelance<br />
technicians who may be unqualified and<br />
possibly worst of all, no one answers<br />
the telephone. After months of market<br />
research, our team established a robust<br />
market of home owners, tenants and<br />
building owners requiring the comfort<br />
of a team of professional engineers<br />
and technicians to respond to their<br />
maintenance and 24/7 emergency<br />
requests for advice and assistance<br />
to carry out mechanical, electrical<br />
breakdowns and general handyman<br />
services for an affordable annual fee.<br />
“The concept for<br />
MeroCare was conceived<br />
after years of working in<br />
facility management.”<br />
Tell us about some of the additional<br />
services and the type of equipment your<br />
vehicles are equipped with?<br />
In addition, Metrocare has<br />
established fully-fledged mobile<br />
18 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Interview | MetroCare<br />
workshops and stores containing<br />
most consumable “spare parts” and<br />
equipment required to carry out repairs<br />
immediately on-site without the need<br />
to postpone or reschedule repair orders.<br />
A simple example would be fixing a<br />
leaking water pipe and/or servicing &<br />
re-gassing of an Air conditioner at your<br />
house at midnight without the hassle of<br />
leaving the premises or rescheduling.<br />
Therefore, with our mobile workshop<br />
and store we are able to alleviate the<br />
problems associated with repairs at<br />
inconvenient times.<br />
Some of the other benefits of working<br />
with MetroCare are:<br />
• A dedicated 8000 toll free number to<br />
receive calls from each member.<br />
• Dispatching for emergency repairs<br />
and normal repair requests.<br />
• Tracking and management of all<br />
emergency and normal repair<br />
requests.<br />
• Field supervisors to perform<br />
Quality Assurance evaluations on<br />
maintenance repairs.<br />
MetroCare offers a single point of<br />
contact, available day or night, who will<br />
address your issue with the urgency and<br />
response required.<br />
“Invariably problems of<br />
home owners, tenants<br />
and building owners<br />
occur at the most<br />
inconvenient times…”<br />
What areas are you covering at launch?<br />
At launch, MetroCare will<br />
concentrate it’s team’s efforts to cover<br />
the areas of Amwaj, Juffair, Seef and the<br />
Northern Governorate including Hamad<br />
Town, Hamala, Jasra, Janabiya, Saar,<br />
Budaiya just to name a few.<br />
The operation will then expand the<br />
team, services and fleet with a view to<br />
cover the entire Kingdom of Bahrain in<br />
the short term and other neighboring<br />
GCC countries over the longer term.<br />
"Others Maintain...<br />
@ Metro we Care".<br />
What challenges are facing your<br />
business right now?<br />
Gaining the trust of potential<br />
clients across the kingdom is our main<br />
challenge. Metrocare needs to create<br />
awareness of its brand, commitment,<br />
professionalism and service packages to<br />
the mass market in order to succeed.<br />
Reaching our target market is<br />
another challenge we face. Social media<br />
marketing and Advertising is somewhat<br />
costly, requires a substantial budget,<br />
and is geared for the masses. Direct<br />
marketing on the other hand enables<br />
us to assess the direct requirement<br />
of the prospect client and provide<br />
comprehensive advice on a suitable<br />
package or solution. This also gives us<br />
the opportunity to gain more insight<br />
from client feedback on the quality of<br />
services Metrocare provides.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
19
Interview | Zallaq Springs<br />
Shaikh Salman bin Khalid Al-Khalifa<br />
Chief Operating Officer, Al Zallaq Real Estate Company<br />
20 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
CREATING<br />
A COMMUNITY<br />
It seems like a long drive to Zallaq from<br />
the heart of Manama, but as it happens,<br />
it comes as a surprise how quickly the<br />
city bustle becomes a distant memory.<br />
The serenity of the pretty little town reaches<br />
out to envelop you and already it feels like a<br />
different world.<br />
Located at the heart of Zallaq just a<br />
stone’s throw from the Hotel Sofitel Bahrain,<br />
Zallaq Springs is a destination like no other,<br />
promises the promotional literature. After<br />
a look within, one would be inclined to<br />
agree. A creative and visionary concept, it is<br />
designed for visitors to unwind from their<br />
daily routines and lose themselves in the<br />
beauty and serenity of an enchanted retreat,<br />
strategically positioned near the sea.<br />
The property provides an avant-garde<br />
central point for families, students and any<br />
one to meet, relax, eat, socialize within an<br />
environment that houses an astounding 3,342<br />
aquatic plants, 3699 shrubs, and 110 trees of a<br />
diverse variety, with birds such as flamingos,<br />
ducks, and swans, locally bred, nurtured,<br />
and preserved by Al Areen Wildlife Park and<br />
Reserve. Restaurants and cafés and shops are<br />
surrounded by the beautifully flowing water<br />
bodies, and spacious car parking spaces get<br />
rid of one major concern for visitors.<br />
Reena Abraham took the scenic drive to<br />
Zallaq to meet with the man behind it all, COO<br />
of Al Zallaq Real Estate Company, Shaikh<br />
Salman Bin Khalid Al-Khalifa, joined also<br />
by Deputy CEO - Head of Leasing, Fahad A.<br />
Rafeea.<br />
Tell us a little about the concept of Zallaq<br />
Springs and the inspiration behind it.<br />
Shaikh Salman: The inspiration for Zallaq<br />
Springs was Zallaq itself - a little village by<br />
the sea, and the way it lies at the very tip of<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
21
Interview | Zallaq Springs<br />
Bahrain. We didn’t want to maximise the<br />
built-up area and build something like<br />
a shopping mall, which is what most<br />
people would do. Instead, we thought of<br />
a project which is all about space, which<br />
brings you back to Nature, with water,<br />
greenery and beautiful landscaping,<br />
where people can come dine and spend<br />
time, while also enjoying all the services<br />
and amenities that we make available.<br />
Equally importantly, we wanted to create<br />
a project that would add value to the<br />
area itself, and to the country as well,<br />
especially in terms of tourism.<br />
We thought of a project<br />
which is all about space,<br />
which brings you back<br />
to Nature, with water,<br />
greenery and beautiful<br />
landscaping, where<br />
people can come dine<br />
and spend time.<br />
Fahad: We were inspired by the<br />
Japanese Zen gardens. The intention<br />
is to create a space that feels relaxed,<br />
where one can unwind. It is like a mini-<br />
Japanese garden, where everything<br />
is thought out and placed in perfect<br />
harmony to create this natural habitat.<br />
We have put in a lot of focus on<br />
landscaping for this project.<br />
Shaikh Salman: You don’t find<br />
anything similar in Bahrain, where you<br />
have this space, the greenery, flowing<br />
water, birds, and so on. So much thought<br />
has been put into even the choice of<br />
plants and the birds introduced, and that<br />
in combination with the water springs<br />
create a habitat that is quite unique and<br />
will make a very pleasant and refreshing<br />
place for visitors to unwind, relax and<br />
feel one with Nature. The sound of<br />
running water adds to the ambience and<br />
we hope that it will attract birds and<br />
become a natural habitat.<br />
FAHAD: Historically, Zallaq is in the<br />
route of migrating birds, so when they fly<br />
above the project, they are drawn here<br />
with varieties like the Bahraini flamingo<br />
and other local birds around the waters.<br />
Imagine the feeling when you are having<br />
your espresso and watching a flamingo<br />
coming down!<br />
We have also used a natural<br />
filtration process choosing aquatic<br />
plants that absorb and remove all types<br />
of waste created by birds, insects,<br />
decaying materials, and even heavy<br />
metals.<br />
What are some of the outlets that will be<br />
represented here?<br />
Fahad: There are retail outlets that<br />
will cater primarily to the athletic<br />
communities but it is all subject to the<br />
leasing process that’s going on right<br />
now. We could possibly have a different<br />
mix. We will have some dining options<br />
as well and a drive-through café.<br />
What about restaurants? What will the<br />
visitor find here?<br />
Fahad: It’s all about all day dining.<br />
We want cafes and restaurants that<br />
serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and<br />
snacks in-between as well. We don’t<br />
want specialised restaurants, but simple,<br />
all-day, good food kind of places. We are<br />
hand-picking who we want here because<br />
we feel we are adding value to them and<br />
they in turn to us. There will also be<br />
convenience stores like pharmacy, salon,<br />
kids play area, and even a pet shop.<br />
How challenging has it been setting<br />
up this whole thing? Has it been a long<br />
journey from getting the idea, the vision<br />
and then actually executing it?<br />
Shaikh Salman: Yes, a lot of thought<br />
has been put into it and it took us some<br />
time to review and research. We studied<br />
the market very well. We didn’t want to<br />
build something that would look nice on<br />
Day 1, and then would dry out. It should<br />
be sustainable. It should be efficient. The<br />
cost of maintaining the project should<br />
be reasonable too, to keep it going. We<br />
heard from the community, from the<br />
athletes, from the families, residents.<br />
We started construction in February<br />
2017 and the project will be complete by<br />
April <strong>2018</strong>. The opening is scheduled for<br />
September <strong>2018</strong>. First, a soft opening and<br />
then a grand opening.<br />
Fahad: Our tagline is ‘Reflect, relax<br />
and rewind’. We looked at values that we<br />
thought were important for the property.<br />
So when we said that we were looking at<br />
children care centres and women getting<br />
their salon facilities, pharmacies. We<br />
felt that after a hard day’s work or at the<br />
end of the week, they want to come to a<br />
location where they can take a step back,<br />
relax and not worry about details. This<br />
place will take care of that. No parking<br />
hassles, kids will be taken care of at the<br />
kid's care centre. They can relax and<br />
have a cup of coffee, converse or sit in<br />
silence, enjoy the scenic surroundings or<br />
read a book.<br />
How does the vision of Zallaq Springs<br />
support the Bahrain Triathlon<br />
Association and other sporting<br />
activities?<br />
Shaikh Salman: Zallaq is an area,<br />
which the athletic community uses<br />
frequently to train and practice their<br />
sports. You have cycling tracks here and<br />
a lot more free space; the roads are open,<br />
there is less traffic, and you are closer to<br />
the beach. So it’s all about convenience<br />
at the end of the day. It’s really like<br />
a focused training ground with the<br />
most beautiful and relaxing ambience<br />
possible.<br />
We have provided walkways,<br />
benches, 500 metre tracks for exercisers.<br />
We have a designated walkway around<br />
the restaurants and around the water<br />
feature with the 500-meter points<br />
marked so you can plan your exercise<br />
program. These are the little details that<br />
we have thought about and provided.<br />
We signed with BTA<br />
(Bahrain Triathlon<br />
Association), we<br />
sponsored their races,<br />
and we are having ten<br />
finish lines right here.<br />
Was it built specifically with the<br />
Triathlon in mind?<br />
Shaikh Salman: We announced the<br />
strategic collaboration with the Bahrain<br />
Triathlon Association a few weeks ago,<br />
but since the Triathlon community<br />
was here in Zallaq we talked to the<br />
association at the very beginning. We<br />
made sure we understood what would<br />
ease their time here and addressed all<br />
their requirements, all of which were<br />
22 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Interview | Zallaq Springs<br />
Fahad A. Rafeea<br />
Deputy CEO - Head of Leasing<br />
factored into our project.<br />
Along with many amenities for the<br />
athletes training here, we will include<br />
distinctive cycle parking stands for<br />
cyclists; exclusive shower rooms for<br />
them to freshen up and rejuvenate. So<br />
after their exercise, or their run, they can<br />
come back, park their bicycles and have<br />
a shower before relaxing and enjoying<br />
the place.<br />
We have facilities like the prayer<br />
room, the toilets, the shaded parking -<br />
we made sure that if anyone is coming<br />
here, they are happy and comfortable<br />
enough to enjoy their time.<br />
How is this expected to add value to<br />
the national economy and to Bahrain’s<br />
tourism push??<br />
Shaikh Salman: We have tried to<br />
create a holistic experience here, and I<br />
think Bahrain needs such places that<br />
will support its vision.<br />
We try to support the athletic<br />
community as much as we can. The<br />
newer ideas that HH Shaikh Nasser<br />
comes up with, we will definitely support<br />
in any way that we can. We are here to<br />
stay and it’s a long jog as they say, but<br />
the final result will be valued by all.<br />
Fahad: There are a lot of things<br />
happening in Bahrain right now. Huge<br />
projects, medium size projects, small<br />
projects and we are a small player but<br />
hopefully, we add value to the Bahrain<br />
economy in general. We are taking the<br />
right steps to add value to the total<br />
economy.<br />
Equally importantly,<br />
we wanted to create a<br />
project that would add<br />
value to the area itself,<br />
and to the country as<br />
well, especially in terms<br />
of tourism.<br />
We signed with BTA (Bahrain<br />
Triathlon Association), we sponsored<br />
their races, and we are having ten finish<br />
lines right here. So at the finish line<br />
of the race will be friends and family<br />
waiting there. They can wait at the café,<br />
restaurants. After the race, the athletes<br />
Shaikh Salman bin Khalid Al-Khalifa<br />
COO, Al Zallaq Real Estate Company<br />
can have a good meal. Plus, the media<br />
can have their interviews. It’s a good<br />
way to end the race. It will add value to<br />
the total experience and it will benefit<br />
Zallaq itself.<br />
Anything else that you would like<br />
to add?<br />
Shaikh Salman: You asked a question<br />
earlier about the residential aspect. This<br />
project in fact, is Phase 2 of the bigger<br />
project. Phase 1 was the Gardens at<br />
Zallaq, which is a residential community<br />
with villas and townhouses for rent.<br />
Phase 2 is Zallaq Springs, which is<br />
purely commercial with restaurants and<br />
shops. Both projects are accessible so if<br />
you are living at the Gardens in Zallaq,<br />
you can simply walk to Zallaq Springs.<br />
Phase 3 will be an apartment building<br />
as well, with apartments for rent, which<br />
is something new. These will also be<br />
attached so people living in apartments<br />
can also access Zallaq Springs.<br />
So you see how our plans are farsighted<br />
and looking at the long-term<br />
benefits for the community and for the<br />
country. This is what we are trying to<br />
create, a community.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
23
Interview | HomeSeekers<br />
SEEKING<br />
OPPORTUNITIES<br />
IN CHALLENGES<br />
With over a decade in the<br />
real estate and property<br />
development business, Ali Al<br />
Shuwaikh, the dynamic, young<br />
CEO and founder of HomeSeekers, began<br />
his career in the challenging Dubai market.<br />
It was there that he first experienced the<br />
thrill of buying and selling, and understood<br />
the potential and lasting impact real estate<br />
has on cities and communities. During<br />
those early years he developed a deep<br />
knowledge of real estate markets and<br />
a broad understanding of the laws, and<br />
tax regulations that apply to real estate<br />
transactions, which have proved invaluable<br />
to the entrepreneur.<br />
“Real estate, and especially<br />
development, gives you the opportunity to<br />
put a mark on the world and leave a legacy.<br />
I understood that in my years working<br />
with Damac, watching the big players and<br />
becoming a part of that very challenging<br />
world.”<br />
Thriving in the fast paced and highly<br />
competitive market of Dubai, gave him<br />
insights into the business and a confidence<br />
that he says were key to starting out on<br />
his own. Thus, even as the region reeled<br />
under the impact of the global financial<br />
crisis of the last decade, Home Seekers<br />
was established. “I saw opportunity in<br />
the challenge. Even when everyone was<br />
scrambling to get out of the market, we<br />
entered it with full conviction. We are<br />
basically a property management agency<br />
that provides all kind of solutions - a onestop<br />
property solution that gives market<br />
research, valuations, sales, rental, real<br />
estate activation. We were unique in the<br />
sense that we were the only agency that<br />
provided everything under one umbrella.<br />
That’s how it started,” he says.<br />
Ten years later, HomeSeekers has<br />
moved base to Bahrain and looking with<br />
optimism at an atmosphere vastly different<br />
from just a few years ago. In a freewheeling,<br />
animated interview, Ali Al Shuwaikh<br />
explains to Reena Abraham and Sultan<br />
Sharabaty the reasons why real estate in<br />
Bahrain is one of the safest investment<br />
options and what ties the real estate market<br />
to the rest of the economy.<br />
24 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Ali Al Shuwaikh<br />
CEO and Founder, Homeseekers<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
25
Interview | HomeSeekers<br />
Can you tell us more about<br />
HomeSeekers and what are your main<br />
services?<br />
HomeSeekers provides a one-stop<br />
property solution to landlords, owners<br />
and tenants. Our services include<br />
property management, rentals, sales,<br />
valuation, market research and property<br />
activation.<br />
Our strengths come mainly from<br />
our marketing channels. I came back to<br />
Bahrain to manage my family’s property<br />
and I saw a gap and an opportunity to<br />
create a company here.<br />
In the highly competitive Dubai<br />
market, with 1800 agencies competing,<br />
you need to constantly come up with<br />
new ways to market your properties,<br />
and this honed my skills. Entering the<br />
smaller Bahrain market competing<br />
against just 80 agencies and having the<br />
standard of a very competitive market<br />
as a background, gave us a nudge in the<br />
market. Our website helps us a lot. The<br />
way we operate our marketing channel<br />
gave us a position where we can<br />
generate many leads to be efficient and<br />
effective with our clients. I think today<br />
I can confidently say that our work<br />
speaks for itself.<br />
What is it that differentiates the<br />
Bahrain’s real estate market from the<br />
rest of GCC?<br />
What’s unique about Bahrain and<br />
makes it one of the safest real estate<br />
markets is that it has certain land<br />
limitations and strict regulations<br />
around that. By this I mean that Bahrain<br />
is a tiny island with limited available<br />
lands. We also have a fast-growing<br />
population, a stable and growing<br />
economy and an educated workforce.<br />
All these factors differentiate it from<br />
other countries and are in themselves<br />
enough to ensure its stability.<br />
To any person who is in the real<br />
estate field it is clear that we don’t need<br />
to sell Bahrain in the sense that with<br />
our growing population actually supply<br />
is based on demand and end users. It<br />
is not a speculators market and this<br />
is what makes Bahrain’s real estate<br />
market so strong. People buy properties<br />
to live in them, not to rent them out<br />
and speculate. That’s gives it a strong<br />
foundation. When I say Bahrain is one<br />
the safest country to invest in real<br />
estate, I don’t say it lightly. That is the<br />
We’re excited about<br />
<strong>2018</strong> and think that the<br />
efforts of the government<br />
and BTEA to focus on<br />
increasing tourism in<br />
Bahrain will help boost<br />
the real estate market<br />
and other industries.<br />
One of the biggest concerns for users<br />
of property portals is the accuracy of<br />
information in the listings. How do<br />
Home Seekers guarantee the quality of<br />
details provided?<br />
We have a listing form that is<br />
filled and sent to us by the property<br />
owner, and that means that the owners<br />
themselves are invested in maintaining<br />
the accuracy. More importantly, we<br />
guarantee the quality of our listings by<br />
using our own in-house photography,<br />
so we can present a true and accurate<br />
profile of the property.<br />
26 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Interview | HomeSeekers<br />
Home Seekers provides<br />
a one-stop property<br />
solution to landlords,<br />
owners and tenants. Our<br />
services include property<br />
management, rentals,<br />
sales, valuation, market<br />
research and property<br />
activation.<br />
truth. It’s as simple as that.<br />
Bahrain’s vision right now is to<br />
concentrate on tourism and the real<br />
time and anticipated effects offered are<br />
immense. In fact you can see the trickle<br />
down effects on many industries and<br />
I am excited about that. Moreover the<br />
Bahrain Tourism Authority’s efforts to<br />
encourage exhibitions and events are<br />
very good for the real estate industry.<br />
So you see the real estate market is tied<br />
to the rest of the economy; when the<br />
economy thrives, so too does real estate.<br />
Do you think the new legislations will<br />
serve the buyer or the developer better?<br />
Legislations are made to serve<br />
the market and encourage the buyer’s<br />
confidence, which will result in a<br />
stronger purchasing power and that<br />
will result in an increase in property<br />
sales, which will benefit the developer.<br />
It basically serves everyone.<br />
The implementation of Law No.<br />
(27) of 2017 and the launch of RERA<br />
(Real Estate Regulatory Authority) will<br />
support and enhance professional<br />
standards in the real estate sector and<br />
individual development projects. RERA<br />
will ensure that we are governed as an<br />
industry by international best practices.<br />
What about VAT?<br />
In my opinion, VAT creates<br />
accountability and responsibility and it<br />
will benefit people far more than the 5%<br />
that they are going to pay. What I mean<br />
is that we are actually contributing<br />
and growing this land that we love and<br />
helping it become more productive,<br />
more sustainable.<br />
Made in Bahrain products will now<br />
have a chance and it will encourage<br />
more investment in local production.<br />
Local fisheries, local crafts and festivals,<br />
local manufacturing units - all these<br />
will grow with support. Employment<br />
opportunities and opportunities to be<br />
self-employed will also increase.<br />
In your opinion what more can the<br />
government do to make this a more<br />
regulated and professional industry?<br />
The newly created Bahrain’s RERA<br />
department is a great platform to solve,<br />
educate and regulate all property<br />
related issues. A training program for<br />
real estate agents will help bring ethics<br />
and professionalism to our industry.<br />
What is the outlook for the real estate<br />
market in <strong>2018</strong>? What do you foresee for<br />
the sector?<br />
We’re excited about <strong>2018</strong> and think<br />
that the government and Ministry of<br />
Tourism efforts to focus on increasing<br />
tourism in Bahrain will help boost the<br />
real estate market and other industries.<br />
Bahrain’s newly created<br />
RERA department is a<br />
great platform to solve,<br />
educate and regulate all<br />
property related issues.<br />
A training program for<br />
real estate agents will<br />
help bring ethics and<br />
professionalism to our<br />
industry.<br />
Can you share some of your success<br />
stories with our readers?<br />
There are a lot of achievements and<br />
projects that I had a role in that I am<br />
very proud of. One of them is Damac<br />
hill masterplan which is home to the<br />
Donald Trump International golf course<br />
in Dubai. We started sales when it was<br />
a complete desert and now it has more<br />
than 2000 completed homes around<br />
landscaping and lakes and of course the<br />
golf course. I can see the transition in<br />
just 5 years. Marketing a property right<br />
and ensuring sales gives the developer<br />
a chance to complete his project and<br />
get it off the ground in the right way.<br />
Without sales obviously, you can’t<br />
complete your project, and we are proud<br />
of the role we play in that.<br />
What is your vision for the years ahead?<br />
Hope to make a significant<br />
contribution in the way we manage our<br />
properties in the Bahrain real estate<br />
market. I see us going into property<br />
developments in the next years and<br />
moving to make a strong regional<br />
presence.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
27
Interview | MicroCenter<br />
SUPPORTING <strong>BAHRAIN</strong>’S<br />
ICT FUTURE<br />
When MicroCenter was<br />
declared “ICT Company<br />
of the Year” by Bahrain<br />
Information Technology<br />
Companies Society (BTECH) at the MEET<br />
ICT Award ceremony during BITEX <strong>2018</strong><br />
last month, many felt that the recognition<br />
was a long overdue acknowledgement of<br />
the outstanding services and expertise<br />
contributed by the company to the ICT<br />
industry in Bahrain. Receiving the award<br />
for MicroCenter was its founder and<br />
president, Dr. Ghulum Bakiri, a respected<br />
veteran in the IT industry and a pioneer<br />
in Geographical Information Systems<br />
(GIS) education in Bahrain. As one of<br />
Bahrain’s earliest IT and AI professionals,<br />
Dr. Bakiri completed his PhD degree<br />
from Oregon State University, USA in<br />
Computer Science with Specialization in<br />
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine<br />
Learning (ML).<br />
A quick look back into its history will<br />
tell you, MicroCenter was established 33<br />
years ago and has grown since to a group<br />
of tech-centric companies dealing with<br />
IT Business Solutions, GIS, and Utility<br />
Network GIS Surveys, LIDAR Technology,<br />
BIM modelling, Plastic/Smart card<br />
Solutions and highly specialised GIS<br />
and ERP Training. During this time, it<br />
has built up an impressive roster of over<br />
Dr. Ghulum Bakiri<br />
Founder & President, MicroCenter<br />
150 loyal clients that come primarily<br />
from government bodies as well as the<br />
corporate sector.<br />
As the sole distributor for Esri Inc.<br />
USA, a gold partner for Oracle, reseller<br />
for Trimble GPS systems, reseller for<br />
Digital Globe (Satellite Imagery) and<br />
Snappy QMS and Digital Signage, and<br />
with over 120 qualified staff and a branch<br />
in Saudi Arabia, MicroCenter aims to<br />
refine its capabilities in developing<br />
innovative software solutions and<br />
expand its expertise into different<br />
corners of the GCC.<br />
In an exclusive interview set up by<br />
bizbahrain, the MicroCenter team led<br />
28 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Interview | MicroCenter<br />
by Dr. Ghulum Bakiri talked to Reena<br />
Abraham about their work and the<br />
resulting award and recognition, precious<br />
because it was recognition from peers in<br />
the industry.<br />
Sitting around the table in the<br />
conference with Dr. Ghulum Bakiri are<br />
Nasir Warsi (NW), Chief Marketing Officer;<br />
Dr. Anirudha Kale (AK), Chief Technology<br />
Officer; Younus Rathore (YR), Divisional<br />
Head / Manager; Abraham Thomas (AT),<br />
Manager Operations - MicroPromo.<br />
Dr. Bakiri, can you give a short<br />
introduction into the history and<br />
background of the company?<br />
Dr. GB: Actually, we started<br />
MicroCenter in 1983 just as<br />
microcomputers were coming into the<br />
market. This was the early stages of the<br />
IBM personal computer. I had just arrived<br />
from the US after my Master’s degree,<br />
and I was so fascinated with technology<br />
and all what it can do, and how we can<br />
use this to bring down the cost of doing<br />
business. At that time, if you wanted to<br />
run your business, you would need a<br />
mainframe computer or at least a mini<br />
computer, costing maybe hundreds<br />
of thousands of dinars. We started<br />
developing the software for accounts and<br />
inventory management and stock control<br />
and things like that - all integrated<br />
with the point of sale [POS] that runs<br />
on a PC or on a microcomputer - thus<br />
drastically reducing the cost barrier to<br />
computerization of retail and wholesale<br />
businesses.<br />
That was the initial goal of the<br />
company. Of course, the company<br />
grew and technology changed and<br />
we redesigned and redeveloped our<br />
software to keep pace. It is now in its<br />
5th generation, and we have about 150<br />
customers who are using our technology<br />
and running their business with it.<br />
In a sense, we have achieved the<br />
initial vision of the company but over the<br />
years we have expanded and we have<br />
grown. We currently have 6 divisions<br />
within the company, but the one division<br />
that constitutes the core business that<br />
we call MCA e-Biz is still at the forefront.<br />
It is an ERP solution for businesses<br />
that is state of the art and cloud ready,<br />
built from the Ground-up using Oracle<br />
latest technology and tools. This is just<br />
one part of the business but it remains<br />
the core and the flagship product of<br />
MicroCenter since the company began.<br />
You’ve talked about how the vision<br />
expanded and grew. What would you say<br />
the vision is now?<br />
Dr. GB: The vision has always<br />
been customer-focussed. We see what<br />
our clients need and we provide the<br />
technologies that will support those<br />
needs. Initially, we were focused on<br />
the private sector. With the growth of<br />
the business and partnerships with<br />
international partners, we are now<br />
the exclusive distributors in Bahrain<br />
for Esri, the leading GIS (Geographical<br />
Information Systems) software company<br />
in the world.<br />
So now, we provide solutions for<br />
the government of Bahrain for their<br />
intelligent maps and GIS solutions and so<br />
on. That is one of the areas that we have<br />
grown because of the demand by our<br />
government clients.<br />
Similarly, we have tied up with Oracle<br />
for the cloud solutions, which is the new<br />
trend in technology now. Our customers<br />
can now choose to have their systems<br />
somewhere in a server in their office or<br />
they can move to the cloud. And we’ve<br />
done all the work to allow them to have<br />
that choice.<br />
Hence the vision of the company<br />
is still the same. We have to do what<br />
is right for our customers. They have<br />
grown and we keep up with them. Of<br />
course our customer base has also<br />
grown and instead of just small and<br />
medium-size companies, we now cater<br />
to larger companies. We have almost all<br />
of the government organisations as our<br />
clients, who are using our GIS software.<br />
Right now, Bahrain for us is pretty much<br />
saturated, and our next expansion will be<br />
in the GCC.<br />
Mr. Warsi, can you say something about<br />
the award and what it signifies to the<br />
company?<br />
NW: Everybody likes to get an award,<br />
but the nice thing about this award is that<br />
it is given by our peers. We were being<br />
recognized by colleagues or partners in<br />
the field and that is very important for us<br />
because for a long time without thinking<br />
of rewards, we have been doing a lot of<br />
work which we feel deeply about, which<br />
has nothing to do with making money, or<br />
running a business.<br />
We have, for example, been running/<br />
conducting free seminars every month<br />
on these premises (MicroCenter offices<br />
in Salmabad) on various topics. We have<br />
also been conducting the GIS Day for<br />
Bahrain every year for the past 15 years.<br />
It is a lot of work but it is an educational<br />
opportunity for companies in Bahrain, for<br />
our clients, as well as an opportunity for<br />
us to get feedback from them as to what<br />
they want.<br />
Other than that we participate in<br />
and initiate many activities. We conduct<br />
seminars and especially so in the last<br />
year when we began doing it regularly<br />
every month<br />
AK: These seminars that we conduct<br />
have two key aspects. One is to raise<br />
the professional standards of the local<br />
people here who have just passed out<br />
and are looking for a job. For them, we<br />
conduct seminars to educate them and<br />
then train them in different areas, right<br />
from smart cities to ICT, geo-spatial areas,<br />
BIM (Building Information Modeling),<br />
etc. So, once they are trained they get<br />
opportunities in various government<br />
departments or private organizations.<br />
Another aspect that we work<br />
with is training for the professionals.<br />
We train them in specialized areas<br />
including the next generation topics in<br />
Geo spatial fields.<br />
In addition, as an Esri Authorized<br />
Learning Centre, professionals from<br />
Saudi Arabia, like Aramco staff, have<br />
approached us and we are providing<br />
training to them as well. We have 50-seat<br />
facilities here, with two training labs that<br />
together constitutes almost 6000 sqft of<br />
infrastructure that we built here with all<br />
the facilities including servers, desktops,<br />
and advanced software.<br />
What makes MicroCenter different from<br />
other companies with similar activities?<br />
NW: I believe the continuity of<br />
employees and customers is a unique<br />
characteristic of MicroCenter. In the ICT<br />
industry where normally attrition is very<br />
high, we have employees who have been<br />
with the company for more than 15 to<br />
20 years. That continuity has allowed<br />
the customers to have the confidence<br />
to stay with us for long periods. We still<br />
have the same people who were involved<br />
in writing the original software, and<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
29
Interview | MicroCenter<br />
that stability and the sustainability of<br />
the company is a very big part of why<br />
customers trust MicroCenter.<br />
AK: The other thing is that, we are<br />
providing solutions, not selling boxes.<br />
So we consider ourselves as a partner<br />
to our customer. We study what their<br />
problem is and come up with a solution<br />
and then work with them to implement<br />
that solution, train their people, and then<br />
offer them maintenance and after-sales<br />
support. I think we are one of the few<br />
IT companies who have a specialised<br />
support centre, just for support and<br />
maintenance of existing customers.<br />
How did you get into access and plastic<br />
cards? What exactly does MicroPromo do?<br />
Dr. GB: We initially responded to one<br />
of our customers need to have loyalty<br />
cards accumulating points as their<br />
purchases are processed through their<br />
point of sale. Then it grew and a new<br />
division was created called MicroPromo.<br />
AT: As a subsidiary of MicroCenter,<br />
MicroPromo was established in 2003 to<br />
cater for the requirements of plastic cards<br />
in Bahrain. It is focused on supplying<br />
customized PVC cards of different types,<br />
Smart cards, RFID/proximity/Access /<br />
loyalty and ID cards. Today MicroPromo<br />
is one of the prominent card suppliers<br />
in Bahrain with a long list of customers<br />
including Bapco, Gulf Air, many banks<br />
and most of the five-star hotels.<br />
What are some of the new milestones that<br />
MicroCenter is looking to achieve?<br />
NW: So as far as sales and marketing<br />
is concerned and the way we are<br />
looking at it; I feel that cloud is the next<br />
milestone. Everybody is talking about<br />
cloud, so our ERP has already been<br />
deployed on the cloud. The milestone<br />
that I am looking at is to make ourselves,<br />
MicroCenter, the vendor of choice for<br />
cloud services. And within the cloud,<br />
there is a hybrid model where we still<br />
customize as per the needs of the<br />
customer but make sure that it’s available<br />
on the cloud. That is the kind of solution<br />
that we are trying to look at.<br />
The other area milestone that we<br />
are particularly looking at is targeting<br />
the Saudi market. I have a big challenge<br />
here, a target from our President that<br />
X percentage of our business needs to<br />
come from Saudi Arabia this year. We<br />
have a presence there but we are going<br />
to invest in terms of people and reaching<br />
out to the market.<br />
DR. GB: For the utility survey project,<br />
EWA in Bahrain was the first GCC utility<br />
authority to outsource this. As such,<br />
they were pioneers. Other GCC countries<br />
traditionally do this in-house, because<br />
it is so important and mission critical.<br />
We have been working with EWA for<br />
nearly ten years and we have developed<br />
a system to manage these kinds of<br />
projects with them.<br />
Other GCC countries have now<br />
realised that it is much more effective<br />
if they outsource these activities to an<br />
outside contractor, so now SEC (Saudi<br />
Electric Company) is also looking to<br />
outsource this work. There is no other<br />
company who has as much expertise and<br />
manpower in this field. We have --- not<br />
only the people and the management<br />
who are experienced --- but, we also<br />
have the engineers, the surveyors and<br />
the data editors and all the equipment<br />
and software needed for these kind of<br />
projects. We have also developed a unique<br />
project management software to manage<br />
all the aspects of the teams that are out<br />
there in the field and the data collection<br />
and monitoring. This is a specialized<br />
software that we have developed over<br />
a period of several years and kept on<br />
improving it. All of this puts MicroCenter<br />
at the forefront of companies that can<br />
carry out these Utility Survey Projects in<br />
other GCC countries.<br />
We have almost all<br />
of the government<br />
organisations as our<br />
clients, who are using<br />
our GIS software.<br />
What are some of the biggest challenges<br />
that you have taken on?<br />
AK: Two big challenges were to train<br />
the professionals from Bahrain, as well as<br />
train the locals to get better opportunities,<br />
training them in such a manner that they<br />
can perform their job in a better way.<br />
Another area where MicroCenter<br />
is the only organisation that is going<br />
full steam ahead is on special projects.<br />
This includes 3D lasers that we are<br />
using to map the entire area including<br />
buildings, which has an advantage<br />
over the conventional techniques and<br />
technologies that everyone is using.<br />
With this technology, all the mapping<br />
and 3D modeling can be done in onetenth<br />
of the time that it used to take with<br />
conventional techniques.<br />
Bahrain is positioning itself as a IT hub<br />
that not just serves the Bahrain market<br />
but opens opportunities to work in other<br />
countries.<br />
NW: The low cost and ease of doing<br />
business are extremely important and<br />
contributing factor as far as Bahrain<br />
is concerned, and moreover, there is a<br />
qualified pool of people. People in Bahrain<br />
are generally quite comfortably bilingual<br />
and technologically savvy. So, what we<br />
feel, is that initiatives like Tamkeen<br />
and Start-up Bahrain are great ideas of<br />
innovation and they need to be further<br />
encouraged. I also feel that there has to<br />
be a government push for Bahrainis to<br />
think more like job creators than like job<br />
seekers. Because the private sector has a<br />
limitation on the number of people that<br />
they can employ, it needs government<br />
support and programs. It is important<br />
therefore that we as MicroCenter use our<br />
solutions to encourage Bahrainis to look<br />
not just beyond Bahrain, but also beyond<br />
the region. To look and have a focus to see<br />
how they can contribute and innovate.<br />
We feel strongly that the government<br />
- public sector - and the private sector<br />
must work together and collaborate on<br />
various programmes.<br />
Is there anything else that you would like<br />
to add?<br />
DR. GB: I want to add one more thing,<br />
which is: The move to cloud, is a twopronged<br />
sword. On one side it is good.<br />
But on the other side when it comes to<br />
jobs, you are going to lose a lot of jobs.<br />
Before, if you went to any ministry they<br />
will have an IT department, they will have<br />
an Oracle specialist, and they will have a<br />
hardware specialist and so on. Now this<br />
will all disappear, and what will happen<br />
is that there will be a need for new<br />
professionals with new skills who can<br />
manage these kinds of systems. So there<br />
is now a need to be more focused not<br />
on the machines themselves, but on the<br />
security issues, cyber security, and how<br />
30 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Interview | MicroCenter<br />
The MicroCenter Dream Team<br />
to optimize their database which is kept<br />
hidden somewhere in the cloud. So there<br />
has to be a shift in how we train our IT<br />
people and how we develop them to focus<br />
more on the communication aspects and<br />
security and data integrity issues. This is<br />
why it used to be called IT. Now it is ICT.<br />
What are some of the effective ways in<br />
which an ICT company can integrate<br />
technologies into community efforts?<br />
NW: We have always been involved in<br />
educating people in technology. Perhaps,<br />
in the future, we need to look into some<br />
sort of an incubation center within our<br />
current competency and learning centre<br />
here in Salmabad. And there are so<br />
many ideas in GIS that we can explore<br />
where we can involve students and<br />
young Bahrainis to learn and carry out<br />
useful GIS projects for the society and<br />
community and at the same time boost<br />
their knowledge and skills. There is a<br />
lot of scope within GIS that makes this<br />
possible and we believe that we have<br />
the infrastructure and the expertise to<br />
encourage this and make it happen.<br />
DR. GB: I have been teaching for more<br />
than 26 years in the Computer Science<br />
Department at Bahrain University<br />
and much of the work that we talked<br />
about, we are currently doing with the<br />
universities like: Al Ahlia University<br />
and the University of Bahrain. We<br />
collaborate with them and literally train<br />
their students on GIS and teach them for<br />
free. This is because we think nobody<br />
else can or will do it, but we can. This is<br />
one aspect of community work that we<br />
have been doing with the universities<br />
and the students in the past and we<br />
intend to continue doing it in the future.<br />
In fact, it is worth mentioning that the<br />
first few times that we conducted the<br />
GIS Awareness Day in Bahrain more<br />
than 15 years ago, we did it in schools.<br />
Government secondary schools.<br />
The other part of this question is<br />
a little bit subtler. First of all, we help<br />
our government clients in their work<br />
to serve the community. We have the<br />
technology through our partners to do it,<br />
so we work with them. This is one way<br />
of ensuring for example that GIS data,<br />
maps etc. are available to whoever needs<br />
to have access to it.<br />
The other way for us to make an<br />
impact is to include content into our<br />
software offerings. We can make the<br />
data or the content part of our software<br />
offering so that it will be ready to run.<br />
If a new supermarket comes on the<br />
market, for example, we not only have<br />
the system in the cloud, but it will also<br />
be populated with whatever items that<br />
any supermarket needs to sell. They<br />
can start immediately and worry about<br />
changing their prices and promotions<br />
etc. as they go along. The important<br />
thing is that they can start immediately<br />
if they choose to do so.<br />
The other example of this is: we are<br />
a GIS company and we have software<br />
to handle maps and do analysis on<br />
maps and so on. For that, you need<br />
data. You have to have a map of Bahrain<br />
with roads, addresses, and all of that.<br />
Again, we can include this content in<br />
our offering. So, instead of requiring<br />
potential customers purchase the<br />
software, they can subscribe to the<br />
system in the cloud with the content<br />
included and they can start using it<br />
and do useful work immediately ---<br />
rather than concentrating on how to<br />
procure and manage their own data.<br />
However, to be able to do this, we also<br />
need collaboration with certain entities<br />
within the government of Bahrain<br />
because they own some of this data. So,<br />
without collaboration and without the<br />
government being in the picture, this<br />
cannot be done.<br />
We have been doing our own<br />
workshops and bringing people from<br />
outside to do the workshops at our<br />
cost. We have done also workshops and<br />
seminars with Esri and with Oracle. We<br />
will keep on doing these things. But, no<br />
matter how much you do, there is still<br />
much more to be done. That’s the nature<br />
of our work and our field.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
31
Interview | Wyndham Hotel Group<br />
Ignace Bauwens<br />
Regional Vice President, Middle East,<br />
Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group<br />
32 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
A REWARDING<br />
CHECK IN<br />
Growing at an impressive rate, the hotel<br />
industry in Bahrain continues to become more<br />
competitive as international hotel groups make<br />
inroads to offer new concepts and cutting edge<br />
service. The latest in a series of hotels to open in the<br />
Bahrain Bay development, is the Wyndham Grand Manama<br />
occupying 19 floors of the iconic 50-storey United Tower,<br />
also known as The Twisted Tower. With 263 rooms, a<br />
spa, pool deck, gym and several restaurants, it offers the<br />
added attractions of breath taking views of the Manama<br />
skyline and easy accessibility to the airport and main<br />
commercial areas of the city. A family and halal-focused<br />
hotel, the upscale property clearly addresses a niche that<br />
complements the existing offering in the country.<br />
As one of the world’s largest and most diverse hotel<br />
businesses, Wyndham Hotel Group has a global portfolio of<br />
more than 8,400 hotels and approximately 728,200 rooms<br />
in 80 countries. Parent company, Wyndham Worldwide is<br />
one of the world's largest hospitality companies spanning<br />
six continents, offering a broad array of hospitality products<br />
and services as well as various accommodation alternatives<br />
and price ranges through a portfolio of world-renowned<br />
brands.<br />
IGNACE BAUWENS, Regional Vice President, Middle East,<br />
Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group, was recently<br />
in the Kingdom when Reena Abraham, Group Editor of<br />
bizbahrain caught up for an update.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
33
Interview | Wyndham Hotel Group<br />
Tell us a little about Wyndham Hotel<br />
Group’s presence in Bahrain.<br />
Bahrain has begun emerging as a<br />
strong alternative destination to other<br />
regional markets. We have targeted and<br />
found an impact with several segments,<br />
such as families coming in from<br />
KSA and from around the region, as<br />
well as business groups and corporate<br />
individuals.<br />
When you look back to the year 2000,<br />
you see a very profitable time for the hotel<br />
industry, but with considerably fewer<br />
rooms available. More people decided<br />
to invest into hotels at that time, and<br />
since then, you would see a spurt of new<br />
hotels coming into the market. Wyndham<br />
Hotel Group opened two hotels<br />
here in the last quarter of 2017, which<br />
are Wyndham Grand Manama with 263<br />
rooms and Wyndham Garden Manama,<br />
in Juffair, with 441 rooms. So, we already<br />
added over 700 rooms in just one quarter<br />
of the year.<br />
Wyndham Hotel<br />
Group opened two<br />
hotels here in the last<br />
quarter of 2017, which<br />
are Wyndham Grand<br />
Manama with 263 rooms<br />
and Wyndham Garden<br />
Manama in Juffair, with<br />
441 rooms. So, we alone<br />
already added over<br />
700 rooms in just one<br />
quarter of the year.<br />
How would you position your hotels? In<br />
which segment would you place them?<br />
If you look at positioning, Wyndham<br />
Garden is a mid-scale product and Wyndham<br />
Grand is an upper upscale product.<br />
We are proud of the fact that Wyndham<br />
Garden Manama is the biggest property<br />
in Bahrain based on number of rooms,<br />
and it is also the biggest Wyndham Garden<br />
in the world.<br />
We have our different regions but<br />
globally you will see that we have the<br />
most number of hotels in the budget<br />
segment and in the economy budget segment.<br />
This area is what we are most specialised<br />
in so we have focused becoming<br />
the leader in the Middle East and Africa<br />
in our midscale and economy brands.<br />
In this market, we now have 1,127<br />
rooms under the Ramada, Wyndham<br />
Grand and Wyndham Garden brands. We<br />
have an excellent overall positioning<br />
with a range that goes from midscale to<br />
upper upscale.<br />
Does the Bahrain market justify the need<br />
for so many hotels? Are the number<br />
of rooms available in excess of the<br />
demand?<br />
Major infrastructure projects such<br />
the expansion of King Fahd Causeway to<br />
Saudi Arabia and the expansion of Bahrain<br />
International Airport are expected<br />
to boost economic growth, investments<br />
and tourism arrivals to Bahrain, thus<br />
creating long-term opportunities for<br />
hospitality projects in the country.<br />
If you look at the overall market<br />
picture, Bahrain is well-positioned and<br />
will cross the 20,000-room mark in a<br />
34 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Interview | Wyndham Hotel Group<br />
couple of years. Bahrain has a big chunk<br />
of apartments that make up a large part<br />
of that count, which is driven by the<br />
demand from Saudi. Overall visitors to<br />
Bahrain are here 73 percent for leisure<br />
and 27 percent business, and from<br />
that 73 percent, approximately 75 to 80<br />
percent comes from Saudi. The serviced<br />
apartment works well for them because<br />
they come with families, and they need<br />
space and some amount of flexibility<br />
in their accommodation. On the other<br />
hand, if you look at Bahrain as a market<br />
from a hotel perspective, the five-star<br />
deluxe properties are relatively acceptable<br />
in number compared to the overall<br />
room offering.<br />
When you talk about your brand, Wyndham<br />
Grand in particular, what is special<br />
about it? What differentiates it from<br />
every other in this segment?<br />
If you go online and look at the<br />
website and look at our 41 Wyndham<br />
Grand properties, you will see that we<br />
have always tried to come up with iconic<br />
properties for this brand, just like this<br />
one in Manama. You would notice also<br />
that when we select these properties,<br />
we always have it in the right location.<br />
Whether it is the US or China, you will<br />
see that every one of them are stunning<br />
properties and so strategically located.<br />
So if you want to put in a nutshell what<br />
we do: we deliver great service for global<br />
travellers in this upper-upscale segment.<br />
As a hotel company we deliver fantastic<br />
and luxurious experiences as a top<br />
priority segment of our business. So if<br />
you look at all our Wyndham Grand properties,<br />
you would see that they are the<br />
cherry on the cake in every location in<br />
that we are in. To date, you will find only<br />
41 Wyndham Grands globally because<br />
that’s our signature, so we are very picky<br />
and particular.<br />
What would you say is the reason for the<br />
growth in the number of hotels globally?<br />
One of the primary reasons I would<br />
say is that people travel more. We have<br />
seen a clear shift over the last five years.<br />
In fact I would say it started ten years<br />
ago but in the last five years it has grown<br />
into a really visible trend. I would also<br />
confirm that travel is moving east instead<br />
of west. So earlier our visitors used<br />
to come from Europe, but now we see<br />
people coming from the east, from China,<br />
India, Southeast Asia and that part of the<br />
world. So we need to adjust our focus.<br />
Travel is shifting so we need to address<br />
the needs of the Chinese travellers, the<br />
Indian travellers, etc.<br />
The second thing is that the democratisation<br />
of the travel has become very<br />
important. If you look at Gen Y, the millennials,<br />
they travel more but they go for<br />
3-4 days. It’s not like when I was a child,<br />
my parents went for 2-3 weeks on holiday<br />
and that was our holiday of the year.<br />
Today people travel more frequently and<br />
they want good hotels but at affordable<br />
rates. So the midscale Wyndham Garden<br />
and Ramada brands are spot on in that.<br />
We have been<br />
recognised by<br />
industry experts for<br />
revolutionising the<br />
loyalty programme<br />
offering. It is certainly<br />
the best value for money.<br />
What are the Wyndham brands that<br />
would find resonance in Bahrain?<br />
For Manama our brand - TRYP by<br />
Wyndham, would be perfect. It is a<br />
midscale, lifestyle brand, and we just<br />
opened one in August 2017 in Dubai with<br />
650 rooms and we are doing amazingly<br />
well. It is a hotel that’s affordable, funky,<br />
young, dynamic. We are also bringing to<br />
Dubai - and aiming for a 2019 opening<br />
- Super 8, which is our economy brand<br />
along with Days Inn, the kind of a place<br />
where people could find an affordable<br />
room for 2 or 3 nights because they want<br />
a good shower, good connectivity and<br />
quality rooms.<br />
Economy brands and midscale<br />
brands I believe, work for the Middle<br />
East in general, and certainly also for<br />
Bahrain. Super 8 definitely has potential<br />
here, as has TRYP by Wyndham. It is all a<br />
matter of being business savvy to know<br />
what to position and where. Now would<br />
I bring a second Wyndham Grand to Manama?<br />
I very much doubt that because<br />
we already have this flagship hotel here.<br />
It’s a fantastic building and it’s a fantastic<br />
hotel and this is what Manama needs.<br />
Can you tell us a little about the Wyndham<br />
loyalty programme?<br />
Our loyalty programme, Wyndham<br />
Rewards, has 55 million members. We<br />
repositioned the programme 3 years ago<br />
and today we are the only loyalty programme<br />
with such a simplified process.<br />
For a stay in any hotel, you can redeem<br />
for just 15,000 points, and the beauty of<br />
it is that it comes without any blackout<br />
dates. Additionally, you can redeem it<br />
for a stay across any of our brands. So<br />
as a mathematical exercise, let’s say you<br />
can stay 15 nights in Ramada for 15,000<br />
points, or you can redeem one night in a<br />
Wyndham Grand.<br />
We have been recognised by industry<br />
experts for revolutionising the loyalty<br />
programme offering. It is certainly the<br />
best value for money. Our President and<br />
CEO Geoff Ballotti said three years ago<br />
that we are going to do this and, ever<br />
since, the pick-up in loyalty members<br />
has been very impressive, and I think it’s<br />
because of the utter simplicity. You stay<br />
and you have a percentage, you redeem<br />
it. It’s very fair, across brands, very<br />
simple, very straightforward and comes<br />
with no hidden catch. You download The<br />
Wyndham Rewards app, so you can just<br />
book directly. It’s as simple as that.<br />
Any last message that you would like to<br />
convey?<br />
For me, the three things for a successful<br />
business location that are the<br />
key - Connectivity, Diversification and<br />
Partnership. Today as the representative<br />
of a leading group of international<br />
brands representing an offering of over<br />
1,000 rooms just in Bahrain, I think I am<br />
ready to reach out to take up responsibility<br />
together with the government as part<br />
of an advisory group to focus on what we<br />
must do to improve the industry and the<br />
image of Bahrain globally. Bahrain has a<br />
lot to offer. Like I said earlier, connectivity<br />
is important, diversification is important,<br />
and partnership between private<br />
and government sectors is important.<br />
We need to create demand. We want to<br />
see more concepts, more offers coming<br />
to Bahrain. Let’s get it out there and let’s<br />
get it out into the world.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
35
Interview | Embassy of Pakistan<br />
The Commercial Section of the<br />
Embassy of Pakistan in Bahrain<br />
facilitated the country’s first<br />
participation at the Gulf Industry Fair<br />
Saadiya Noori<br />
Commercial Attaché<br />
Embassy of Pakistan, Bahrain<br />
EXPLORING<br />
BI-LATERAL BUSINESS<br />
POTENTIAL<br />
<strong>2018</strong>, the Northern Gulf’s only event<br />
dedicated to promoting industrialisation.<br />
Held under the patronage of HRH Prince<br />
Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the<br />
event organised by Hilal Conferences &<br />
Exhibitions brings to the forefront the<br />
need for eco-industrial development<br />
(EID) considerations in supply,<br />
consultancy and planning for growth.<br />
Through the Commercial Section’s<br />
determined efforts, Pakistan’s industrial<br />
giants in cement, automobile, auto<br />
parts, health and safety equipment,<br />
construction and materials, I.T solutions<br />
and building management solutions<br />
sectors were well represented. All these<br />
sectors are believed to have potential<br />
to cater to Bahrain’s robust industry<br />
and participants seek to engage in<br />
fruitful bilateral trade through this<br />
expo. Representatives from three<br />
major companies in Pakistan led<br />
the delegation, including Solutions<br />
Engineering, National Project Managers<br />
and Fauji Cement Company.<br />
GIF has established an unrivalled<br />
innovative marketing platform for<br />
specialist industrial product and<br />
service providers, distributors and<br />
agencies representing key segments.<br />
It offers various specific zones to deal<br />
with different sectors of the market,<br />
including: aluminium; energy and<br />
environmental protection; logistics and<br />
industrial facilities; industrial metals;<br />
industrial processes and manufacturing;<br />
ports and maritime industries; industrial<br />
safety and security; and training for<br />
industry.<br />
H.E Javed Malik, Pakistan’s<br />
Ambassador to Bahrain told the Press,<br />
“Promoting the capabilities of Pakistan<br />
industry and commerce are at the<br />
forefront of the initiatives undertaken<br />
by the embassy here in Bahrain. It is<br />
our honour to be part of Bahrain and<br />
the GCC’s leading industrial showcase<br />
to promote not only the companies<br />
represented but also the wider<br />
capabilities of Pakistan engineering and<br />
industrial expertise."<br />
Echoing the Ambassador’s words,<br />
Nadeem Ali, leader of the Pakistani<br />
delegation expressed his appreciation<br />
for the opportunity the fair provided.<br />
“Pakistan is rich in many resources,<br />
which we would like to share with<br />
other countries through trade and<br />
business partnerships. It has truly<br />
been a wonderful experience to feel the<br />
warmth and hospitality that Bahrain<br />
has extended to us. We look forward to<br />
36 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Interview | Embassy of Pakistan<br />
engaging more with companies here<br />
to explore more opportunities and<br />
collaborations.”<br />
Pakistan Embassy Commercial<br />
Attaché Saadiya Noori spoke<br />
to bizbahrain about the unique<br />
opportunity that exhibitions such<br />
as the GIF provide for operators of<br />
manufacturing units and industrial<br />
areas, professionals and decision<br />
makers in the manufacturing and<br />
distribution sectors to network and<br />
exchange information.<br />
Is this the first time that Pakistan<br />
Embassy is represented here with a<br />
stall like this? How has the experience<br />
been?<br />
Yes. It is for the first time that the<br />
Pakistan Embassy is participating in<br />
the Gulf Industry Fair. First of all, we are<br />
very grateful to Al Hilal for providing<br />
this opportunity to the embassy. The<br />
Commercial Section in the embassy,<br />
which I am in charge of, has tried to<br />
approach and help Pakistani companies<br />
in the engineering field to participate.<br />
How many companies have come from<br />
Pakistan and what industries do they<br />
represent?<br />
Within the stall space that we have,<br />
there are 6 companies participating. I<br />
had approached about 50 companies<br />
in Pakistan, including the leading<br />
engineering groups as well as both the<br />
services and the manufacturing sector.<br />
We were finally able to shortlist 6 very<br />
important companies.<br />
From Pakistan, we have two major<br />
manufacturing sector companies, and<br />
four from the services sector.<br />
For all the participating companies,<br />
this is the first time they have come to<br />
Bahrain. They are excited to have this<br />
chance to explore the Bahraini market.<br />
It’s a very impressive show here and<br />
they were able to network, meet other<br />
businesses and make connections. This<br />
is an excellent networking platform.<br />
Do you think that this is going to<br />
open more doors for more Pakistani<br />
companies to look at Bahrain as a<br />
potential investment and trade partner<br />
in the future?<br />
I think this experience has been<br />
very fruitful. Even on the second day<br />
of the exhibition I have been getting<br />
very positive responses and feedback<br />
from our executives. The cement<br />
company who has come from Pakistan<br />
is in fact, one of the biggest cement<br />
manufacturing companies. It was<br />
not very easy for me to actually bring<br />
them here because they have a large<br />
export market and a lot of business<br />
within the country as well. But after<br />
they came here, they are exploring the<br />
Bahraini market and they met many<br />
developers. It has been so positive that<br />
they are in talks to do more business<br />
with developers in this region, not just<br />
Bahrain but Saudi Arabia also.<br />
Would you agree that Bahrain’s strategic<br />
location and proximity to KSA are<br />
important reasons for businesses to set<br />
up a base here?<br />
I completely agree with you on this.<br />
However Bahrain is not just strategically<br />
located, it is also a very ambitious<br />
country. So Bahrain does what may be<br />
UAE is doing or Saudi Arabia is doing.<br />
Ignoring the fact that the population<br />
here is small and the market is not as<br />
big as the UAE or Saudi market, Bahrain<br />
takes the initiative always. That is what<br />
Pakistan has really come to appreciate<br />
about this country.<br />
Pakistan has a population of<br />
almost 207 million, with a huge market<br />
potential. With about 10,000 engineers<br />
produced in the county every year,<br />
passing out from 100 engineering<br />
universities, and about 10,000 technical<br />
education institutes bringing out highly<br />
trained professionals - it is a big supply<br />
of engineers in the world.<br />
Bahrain has been able to project<br />
itself as a potential market for Pakistani<br />
products, Pakistani engineers, Pakistani<br />
industry especially through events like<br />
the Gulf Industry Fair. We are very aware<br />
of the fact that Bahrain neighbours<br />
Saudi Arabia and therefore provides a<br />
good gateway into that market.<br />
We also appreciate the people of<br />
Bahrain, who are very welcoming. In<br />
this region, this is a population where<br />
education is strong with almost 100%<br />
literacy; and where men and women<br />
work together in harmony. Bahrain is<br />
known as a country that is open for<br />
business any time, all the time.<br />
Do you think that you will participate<br />
again next year with a larger contingent?<br />
Both Pakistan embassy and<br />
commercial section would definitely love<br />
to come back with a bigger delegation.<br />
We are already sending out invitations<br />
to bigger companies who would like to<br />
come with better and bigger displays.<br />
I already have requests from other<br />
companies because we were able to also<br />
promote the event through social media.<br />
They have requested me to sent the<br />
invitation now. So if Al Hilal is doing it<br />
in 2019, then Pakistan will come and we<br />
will be coming back in a big way!<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
37
Interview | CBRE<br />
PROPERTY<br />
VIEWS<br />
An Interview<br />
with CBRE<br />
CBRE, the world's largest<br />
real estate firm, has<br />
built a global business<br />
conglomerate advising<br />
clients around the world on facilities,<br />
transaction and project management,<br />
property management, investment<br />
management, appraisal and valuation,<br />
property leasing, strategic consulting<br />
and development services. The Los<br />
Angeles based company has more than<br />
80,000 employees.<br />
Established in the Kingdom<br />
in 2008 with a highly experienced<br />
management team, CBRE is not new<br />
to real estate in Bahrain and the Gulf<br />
region, having undertaken numerous<br />
market research and data-driven<br />
analyses for commercial office, retail,<br />
industrial, hospitality and residential<br />
developments throughout the Middle<br />
East. These studies have focused<br />
on finding solutions for clients and<br />
providing advice tailored to meet their<br />
requirements.<br />
Recently relocated to the iconic<br />
United Tower, the company is<br />
strategically located to support the<br />
tower as its leasing and property<br />
management consultants. CBRE<br />
Associate Director Heather Longden<br />
talks to bizbahrain.<br />
Congratulations on your new offices at<br />
United Tower, what brought you to the<br />
building?<br />
Thank you, we are very pleased to<br />
now be based at United Tower, which<br />
also houses Wyndham Grand Hotel.<br />
It is a 200m icon in the heart of the<br />
capital and we are proud to be a part of<br />
a project of this significance. CBRE are<br />
the leasing and property management<br />
consultants for the tower and we are<br />
now able to be on site to support the<br />
landlord and the first tenants in the<br />
building.<br />
CBRE have moved the main office<br />
to the tower and are situated on the<br />
28th floor, where our research and<br />
consultancy, valuation, asset services<br />
and advisory & transaction services<br />
also sit. The offices offer fantastic<br />
views and it's a great place to work and<br />
with the hotel open - offering five star<br />
services on site, including an all-day<br />
dining restaurant, we look forward to<br />
other leading firms joining us.<br />
Can you tell us about the office space?<br />
The building had a successful preleasing<br />
campaign with approximately<br />
a third of the 26,000 square metres of<br />
prime commercial space occupied on<br />
opening late last year. We have already<br />
welcomed Regus, Deloitte & Touche,<br />
Aecom and McLaren amongst others.<br />
Its turning out to be a great tenant<br />
community and we have workspace<br />
solutions to suit most businesses, from<br />
serviced offices to accommodate 1-6<br />
people, to circa 150 square metres fully<br />
fitted suites and flexible shell and core<br />
space, with full floors at 1318 square<br />
metres.<br />
Over the years CBRE has built up a<br />
reputation for delivering exceptional<br />
real estate services. What are the<br />
services you offer? How have you<br />
maintained this reputation especially in<br />
the current market scenario?<br />
CBRE is the world’s largest<br />
commercial full service real estate firm,<br />
with more than 80,000 professionals,<br />
headquartered in Los Angeles and is<br />
included in the Fortune 500, ranking<br />
#214 in 2017.<br />
We were established in Bahrain<br />
in 2008, as a wholly owned foreign<br />
branch, and later this year marks our<br />
10th anniversary in the Kingdom. CBRE<br />
Bahrain now employs a team of 20<br />
plus, which includes Royal Institute of<br />
Chartered Surveyors (RICS) associates,<br />
who hold 30 plus years of local and<br />
international experience in the field.<br />
38 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Interview | CBRE<br />
With over 4 million square feet of assets<br />
under management across: commercial<br />
office, retail, industrial, residential<br />
and mixed use, one of CBRE’s key<br />
strengths, is combining a strong<br />
presence on the ground along with<br />
unrivaled international connectivity<br />
and corporate oversight.<br />
CBRE are trusted advisors with a<br />
focus on building and maintaining<br />
client relationships through open<br />
sharing of information that continues<br />
throughout market fluctuations,<br />
allowing our clients to make informed<br />
decisions, about their real estate assets.<br />
Taking a long term view as partners to<br />
occupiers, investors and developers,<br />
providing clients with end to end<br />
services from feasibility through to<br />
management and disposal, allows us to<br />
advise throughout property lifecycles<br />
continuing to be an invaluable resource.<br />
What are your thoughts on the<br />
commercial office market in Bahrain?<br />
Over the past 5 years the prime<br />
commercial office sector has been and<br />
remains fairly segmented. This is the<br />
case across both geographical locations<br />
and also between individual properties,<br />
with some landlords performing<br />
better than others in attracting and<br />
maintaining corporate tenants.<br />
Total Grade A and Grade B stock<br />
is circa. 1.2 million square metres in<br />
the capital and there is a vacancy rate<br />
across the board of approximately 30%.<br />
Newer towers with services on site for<br />
office workers and attractive initial<br />
commercial terms are drawing major<br />
occupiers from older or less suitable<br />
buildings.<br />
Prime monthly rates are now as<br />
low as BHD6 to BHD8 per square metre<br />
per month on average for landmark<br />
commercial buildings and this<br />
provides attractive and affordable<br />
solutions for occupiers - it is certainly<br />
a tenant’s market at present with great<br />
opportunities for businesses looking to<br />
move within country and those looking<br />
to establish themselves in the kingdom.<br />
The message has certainly reached<br />
key players that smaller, affordable,<br />
fitted space on flexible terms that<br />
reduces CAPEX required by tenants is in<br />
demand and the surplus supply means<br />
that building owners need to adapt to be<br />
able to maintain occupancy levels.<br />
From an investment and<br />
development perspective, there are<br />
fewer planned commercial office<br />
projects, which reflects the vacancy<br />
rates at present. A positive result of this<br />
dynamic is that the bar has been raised<br />
in terms of spaces that are and will be<br />
developed in the future, which are likely<br />
to be more efficient and service oriented<br />
to better accommodate the modern<br />
business.<br />
How has United Tower positioned itself<br />
in a challenging market?<br />
United Tower is a unique offering<br />
in the Bahrain market, the first of its<br />
kind to house both a five star hotel and<br />
commercial offices within one large<br />
structure. The project was ambitious and<br />
is now proving to be successful formulae<br />
with the office segment attracting<br />
international and local occupiers with a<br />
wide range of requirements.<br />
As a landmark 200 metre tall tower<br />
with a unique twirling design, the<br />
building has positioned itself with other<br />
key developments such as Bahrain<br />
Financial Harbour towers and World<br />
Trade Centre that form Manama’s<br />
modern skyline in the up and coming<br />
area of Bahrain Bay.<br />
Businesses looking for prestige,<br />
services, convenience, and flexible<br />
office options that provide above<br />
average parking ratios will consider<br />
United Tower as a top choice for<br />
locating their teams.<br />
The offices are priced competitively<br />
and tenants are offered various solutions<br />
for their set up, be it fitted, CAT A or<br />
shell and core space to suit their needs.<br />
Tenants also benefit from corporate<br />
rates in the 262 room Wyndham Grand<br />
Hotel located in the building and the<br />
associated facilities including the<br />
dining areas, the leisure club and for the<br />
hotel suites. United Tower benefits from<br />
having ground floor retail provisioned<br />
for future dining options and services<br />
that offers convenience to occupiers.<br />
Bahrain Bay is an interesting<br />
place to be at the moment, with daily<br />
activities, as it hosts major events in<br />
Bahrain’s calendar, with Shop Bahrain<br />
and Spring of Culture performances, to<br />
name a couple. The master developer<br />
has also commenced work on<br />
landscaped food & beverage projects<br />
that should provide more dining options<br />
to building tenants in walking distance<br />
of the tower.<br />
Do you have any other notable updates<br />
for us about the Bahrain real estate<br />
sector?<br />
There have been a series of new real<br />
estate development announcements in<br />
various locations around the Kingdom,<br />
as well as increasing activity within<br />
masterplan developments, that have<br />
faced delays, including the progress<br />
at Bahrain Bay, Diyar Al Muharraq and<br />
Dilmunia. Major real estate projects that<br />
are under development include: King<br />
Abdulla Medical City, Ikea, Marrassi Al<br />
Bahrain and Bahrain Marina.<br />
Key infrastructure projects that are<br />
either being planned or are currently<br />
under construction in Bahrain<br />
include: Bahrain International Airport<br />
expansion, government housing<br />
schemes, the 2nd Bahrain/Saudi<br />
causeway, GCC rail link and a light rail<br />
network.<br />
It remains to be seen how the<br />
introduction of Infrastructure<br />
Development Tax, Bahrain’s first Real<br />
Estate Investment Trust (REIT), the<br />
implementation of RERA and Value<br />
Added Tax (VAT) will effect Bahrain’s<br />
real estate sector long term.<br />
Heather Longden<br />
Associate Director, CBRE<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
39
Interview | Mohamed Isa<br />
Mohamed Isa (Centre) receiving the Quilly Award<br />
CHAI KARAK<br />
A Customer Service Story<br />
Mohamed Isa is an Award-<br />
Winning Speaker and<br />
Bestselling Author with<br />
two Amazon Bestselling<br />
Books under his belt. In September<br />
2017, he became the first Bahraini and<br />
Arab to receive the Quilly Award from<br />
the National Academy of Best-Selling<br />
Authors in Hollywood, California, USA.<br />
He is an ambitious author and he<br />
recently released his fifth book titled:<br />
“Chai Karak: A Customer Service Story.”<br />
What do you intend to achieve with this<br />
book?<br />
I am acting as a catalyst of positive<br />
change in the business community and<br />
beyond when it comes to the customer<br />
service culture and practices. I started a<br />
speaking tour talking about the concepts<br />
that I share in my book on how to serve<br />
customers better. So far, I have given<br />
talks to various companies in the Middle<br />
East, North Africa and USA. In fact, in<br />
October 2017, I spoke to the employees of<br />
Google in its headquarters in California,<br />
USA. The tour to Googleplex was<br />
enlightening on how Google addresses<br />
its customer service culture and<br />
practices. Amazing company!<br />
What does Chai Karak have to do with<br />
customer service?<br />
A great tasting Chai Karak has its<br />
essential ingredients like cardamom,<br />
clove, tea leaves, sugar, evaporated milk<br />
and of course water. Likewise, customer<br />
service has its essential ingredients too<br />
like smiling, greeting and thanking your<br />
customers. Companies around the world<br />
use these basic ingredients to serve<br />
their customers better. But some excel at<br />
serving their customers better by adding<br />
more ingredients as they go. To make<br />
your Chai Karak taste better, you may<br />
add ginger or saffron to it. Depending on<br />
the ingredients you use or not use, your<br />
customers may feel better to be more<br />
loyal to you or bitter to escape from you.<br />
Who should read this book?<br />
There is a prevailing misconception<br />
about who is ultimately responsible for<br />
customer service. Most people think it<br />
is the Customer Service Department.<br />
This is partly true. However, the<br />
reality is such that customer service<br />
is everyone’s business. From the<br />
Chairman to the Office Boy and all the<br />
employees in between, they are all in<br />
the business of serving and caring for<br />
customers. Accordingly, this book is<br />
for everyone who would like to provide<br />
40 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Interview | Mohamed Isa<br />
better customer service and create a<br />
customer-centric culture. You can copy<br />
products easily but you cannot do that<br />
for customer service excellence. It takes<br />
time, disciplined and consistent efforts,<br />
money and other resources to create a<br />
world-class customer service culture<br />
and practice.<br />
Tell me about your Chai Karak<br />
Manifesto?<br />
In my book I talk about nine<br />
principles for serving customers<br />
better. It is an acronym I dubbed “CHAI<br />
KARAK.” Each alphabet in the acronym<br />
represents a guiding principle on what<br />
it takes to provide excellent customer<br />
service. And they are:<br />
(C) Communicate with your customers<br />
(H) Honor your promises<br />
(A) Anticipate customers’ needs<br />
(I) Instill a customer-centric culture<br />
(K) Kindness goes a long way<br />
(A) Address complaints promptly<br />
(R) Research your competition<br />
(A) Attract passionate employees and<br />
(K) Keep trying harder.<br />
The last “K” is particularly important<br />
because you might be the leader in<br />
your industry now, but if you do not try<br />
harder, soon you will be just another<br />
follower!<br />
Where do you start to upgrade your<br />
customer service?<br />
Start with yourself as an employee.<br />
You do not have to obtain a permission<br />
to serve your customers better. You<br />
can and you should be the Customer<br />
Service Excellence Ambassador in your<br />
company. You have nothing to lose<br />
and everything to gain if you take and<br />
stick to this decision. As an author, I<br />
write a lot in café shops. There was one<br />
particular barista who always served<br />
me with a big smile and a sparkle in<br />
his eyes. I wrote about him in my social<br />
media network and I my post was<br />
noticed by his district manager. He has<br />
been recently promoted to be the trainer<br />
for the other baristas!<br />
Why should companies care about<br />
customer service?<br />
Companies are either created to<br />
fulfil existing customers’ needs or create<br />
new ones to fulfil them and ultimately<br />
make profit in the process. Therefore,<br />
providing excellent customer service<br />
can give you a competitive edge in your<br />
industry. Having this edge will help you<br />
in maximizing your shareholders’ value<br />
because you will build a larger loyal<br />
customers’ base who will buy repeatedly<br />
from you and recommend your products<br />
or services to their family members<br />
and friends. Referrals by customers are<br />
great because they cost you nothing and<br />
the prospects will naturally have lower<br />
resistance level in the sale process.<br />
What is next for you as an author?<br />
In <strong>2018</strong>, I will publish two more<br />
books. One of them will be co-authored<br />
with an internationally renowned<br />
personality and we expect it to hit<br />
Amazon’s Bestselling list in few<br />
categories. As for my Chai Karak<br />
franchise, I am planning to write a<br />
number of books on customer service.<br />
The second book will be called: “Chai<br />
Karak: More Customer Service Stories.”<br />
However, in this book, I will ask<br />
customers in Bahrain and beyond to<br />
share with me their own stories whether<br />
they are good, bad or ugly! My job will<br />
be to collate the stories, screen them,<br />
classify them, and embellish them for<br />
publishing. And of course, each story<br />
will be attributed to its contributor!<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
41
Property Services | Alfanar Real Estate<br />
Mishal AlShoala<br />
Chairman, Alfanar Real Estate<br />
OPTIMISING<br />
<strong>BAHRAIN</strong>’S BUSINESS<br />
ENVIRONMENT<br />
Al Fanar Business Center<br />
Al Fanar Business Center, a worldclass<br />
platform for companies to<br />
launch, connect and grow is set to be<br />
launched soon. The 11,000 sqm project,<br />
will provide a fully functioning center<br />
with retail, offices, and showroom<br />
facilities, supported by a spacious,<br />
multi-storey parking lot. To be located<br />
in East Riffa, within close proximity to<br />
key commercial centers and industrial<br />
establishments, the business center<br />
will be easily accessible from important<br />
highways including the upcoming Alba<br />
Interchange. Surrounding restaurants<br />
and entertainment outlets, add to the<br />
convenience of the location. Al Fanar<br />
Business Center aims to provide a oneof-a-kind<br />
experience for businesses to<br />
operate in modern yet affordable spaces.<br />
The main structure will consist of 8<br />
Floors, including a 2-floor parking space,<br />
comfortably accommodating over 30<br />
offices, and 29 business center facilities<br />
with common reception, waiting areas,<br />
and meeting rooms.<br />
A Bahraini Joint Stock Company<br />
incorporated in the Kingdom of Bahrain,<br />
Al Fanar Real Estate was established<br />
to develop and manage residential and<br />
commercial properties locally, regionally<br />
and internationally.<br />
Mishal Alshoala, Chairman of Al<br />
Fanar Real Estate, spoke about the<br />
concept and how it has developed into a<br />
truly useful service for Bahrain.<br />
“As a leading real estate developer<br />
based in Bahrain, our strategy<br />
continuously focuses on becoming a<br />
trusted realty hallmark associated with<br />
luxury, quality and distinction without<br />
compromising on affordability and<br />
investment attractiveness.<br />
42 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Property Services | Alfanar Real Estate<br />
Artist's impression of the upcoming<br />
Al Fanar Business Center<br />
We focus on developing properties<br />
with international inspirations and<br />
aspirations. We also emphasize on<br />
our customer service and continuous<br />
support which is extended to all of our<br />
clients, be it our investors, tenants and<br />
building management contractors, or the<br />
sellers and buyers who use our bespoke<br />
brokerage services.“<br />
He added. “In our desire to further<br />
real estate opportunities for our clientele<br />
we have extended our services outside<br />
the GCC region to Europe as well. Al<br />
Fanar Real Estate caters to the European<br />
market through its various wholly<br />
owned subsidiaries that focus on buying,<br />
leasing and managing properties within<br />
the European Markets.”<br />
Al Fanar Building<br />
located in East RIffa<br />
For more information, visit:<br />
www.alfanar-dev.com<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
43
Property Portal | YourAmlak<br />
THE<br />
DIGITAL<br />
FUTURE<br />
OF REAL<br />
ESTATE<br />
Launched in October 2015,<br />
YourAmlak.com has broken ground<br />
as a B2B real estate portal that links<br />
the real estate industry by creating a<br />
platform for brokers, developers, and<br />
end users to effectively showcase their<br />
property, making it easier for potential<br />
customers to access properties for<br />
sale and rent, including flats, villas,<br />
townhouses, shops, offices and land.<br />
The portal provides information such<br />
as the size, location, photos of the<br />
property, etc., helping the buyer get a<br />
better understanding of property before<br />
they see it. The portal also gives a 360<br />
degree virtual tour of the property.<br />
Property agents use the information to<br />
attract buyers. Besides offering all these<br />
services, YourAmlak also focuses on<br />
user experience and quality.<br />
Now in operation three years in<br />
Bahrain, the portal is still holding<br />
strong in a highly competitive market,<br />
and displaying confidence through<br />
increasing market share. One of the<br />
company’s strengths has been the<br />
synergy of different industries shared by<br />
the founders, extending across sectors<br />
from banking, realty to marketing and<br />
digital marketing.<br />
With a team of dedicated<br />
professionals, the aim has been to help<br />
better understanding of the client and<br />
win their loyalty through excellent and<br />
personalised services. Moreover the<br />
operations in four different countries<br />
provides a unique perspective and<br />
opportunities for clients to view the<br />
region as a whole. In fact it is the<br />
company’s aim to perfect operations<br />
here before further regional and<br />
international expansion. In Bahrain,<br />
since its launch in 2015, it already has<br />
over 27,000 visits per month.<br />
“These are exciting times because<br />
we're coming up with a new portal<br />
design and strategy this year. This<br />
industry changes fast with the constant<br />
fluctuations and alterations that happen.<br />
An example of that would be the recent<br />
changes in <strong>2018</strong> of Facebook and<br />
Instagram on social media, which are<br />
among the many platforms we use. We<br />
need to constantly update and stay on<br />
top of every trend,” says Shada Judeh,<br />
Regional Manager of YourAmlak.<br />
“The Bahrain market is a stable one<br />
compared to the rest of the region with<br />
returns of 20 percent for rental yield<br />
and property growth combined when a<br />
property is ready. This is exceptionally<br />
true for off plan investment,” she adds.<br />
Why YourAmlak?<br />
“It is our active and dynamic team<br />
combo that includes realty, digital<br />
marketing, sales, and web development.<br />
We are deeply committed in the "match<br />
making process" that links buyers and<br />
tenants to the brokers and developers.”<br />
It is the acknowledged goal of every<br />
YourAmlak team member to build close<br />
relationships with clients so that the<br />
relationship becomes more personalised<br />
and the experience is tailored for<br />
individual requirements.<br />
Bahrain's tourism efforts and its<br />
calendar of events including local and<br />
international shows and exhibitions<br />
such as the biannual Air Show, Formula<br />
One Grand Prix, Bahrain Shopping<br />
Festival, Jewelry Arabia, Bipex and<br />
many more have helped lift Bahrain’s<br />
international profile and increased<br />
demand for real estate. In November<br />
2017 approximately 30,000 unique real<br />
estate consumers visited YourAmlak in<br />
search of their next home or investment<br />
opportunity.<br />
As a B2B portal, YourAmlak does<br />
a due diligence of all property before<br />
posting it on the website. Every inquiry<br />
and email is monitored to avoid spam<br />
and other activities that may originate<br />
outside the portal. All client complaints<br />
are acknowledged in a timely manner<br />
and communicated to the brokers or<br />
developers to prevent any negative<br />
impact on the user, while it helps build<br />
user confidence and increases visits to<br />
the portal.<br />
“Our success is determined by the<br />
clients with us since day one. And their<br />
continuous support to grow with us,”<br />
says Shatha. “Our database of users<br />
and clients continuous to grow in time<br />
this making us an excellent source of<br />
statistics about the real estate user<br />
behavior in the region with 4 locations.<br />
thus offering great consult to agencies<br />
and developers as to how to become<br />
more visible online and get users to<br />
interact and eventually purchase their<br />
product now or in the future.”<br />
Shada Judeh<br />
Regional Manager, YourAmlak<br />
44 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
45
Viewpoint | Next Generation Solution<br />
Connect to your<br />
Clients with<br />
Kalaam’s Enterprise<br />
Messaging System<br />
Delivery of service matters…<br />
In today’s world there are various<br />
ways to communicate with one’s clients.<br />
Short Messaging Services has and still<br />
is the most reliable and secure forms of<br />
communication.<br />
Kalaam’s all new Enterprise<br />
Messaging System solution is a single<br />
platform designed to enable enterprises<br />
to interact with their client’s. It is a<br />
reliable and extremely cost affective<br />
form of personalized communication.<br />
Kalaam’s Enterprise Messaging<br />
System platform was designed and<br />
developed after a careful understanding<br />
of business challenges and growing<br />
expectation of enterprises.<br />
Following are the key-features of<br />
Kalaam’s EMS:<br />
Excel Plugin Messaging<br />
Kalaam’s EMS Excel plug-in<br />
messages enables our enterprises to<br />
send messages directly from excel<br />
sheets. You will able to send large<br />
volumes of messages with just a few<br />
clicks. It is the perfect tool for when your<br />
marketing teams that wish to send mass<br />
marketing campaigns.<br />
HTTP Application Programming<br />
Interface [API]<br />
Kalaam’s EMS offers an API that<br />
can be easily integrated into business<br />
applications. This allows our enterprises<br />
clients to send SMS’s notifications<br />
automatically from the business<br />
application including OTP.<br />
Email to SMS<br />
Email to SMS is a form of technology<br />
that converts standard emails into SMS<br />
messages. Once your email client is<br />
customized, Kalaam’s EMS Email to SMS<br />
enables our enterprise clients to be able<br />
to send SMS messages directly to your<br />
intended recipients, with the simple<br />
click of a button.<br />
Short Message Peer-to-Peer [SMPP]<br />
SMPP is a direct and fastest way<br />
to securely deliver business critical<br />
messages. Business with regulatory<br />
compliance of definite delivery of<br />
messages are sent over the secure SMPP<br />
connections.<br />
Kalaam’s EMS SMPP enables our<br />
clients to send SMS messages directly<br />
from their servers that can house<br />
multiple applications.<br />
Two way SMS Messaging<br />
A system that incorporates both<br />
outbound (Mobile Terminated or MT)<br />
and inbound (Mobile Originated or MO)<br />
SMS into one fully-featured service.<br />
This allows the customers to interact<br />
and respond to the received SMS, then<br />
the collected responded data is used for<br />
business intelligence.<br />
2-Way SMS messaging is done using<br />
short codes or virtual long numbers<br />
(also known as virtual mobile numbers).<br />
The main difference between the two is<br />
the length of the number; while virtual<br />
mobile numbers look like a standard<br />
phone number, short codes have<br />
between 5 and 6 digits, making them<br />
easier to remember.<br />
Web SMS<br />
Kalaam’s web messaging service<br />
allows customers to send messages<br />
directly from a web portal. Multiple<br />
features are loaded into web portal<br />
such as SMS campaign management,<br />
Messaging templates and custom user<br />
profiles. Web SMS can be used for both<br />
promotional and transaction messages<br />
at the same time. Along with a real time<br />
message status update, which allows<br />
our clients know the status of their<br />
messages.<br />
Contact:<br />
Call 8006 8008 or<br />
mail sales@kalaam-telecom.com<br />
46 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
PHASE 2 LAUNCH<br />
The Closest New - Build Project to University of Liverpool<br />
8%<br />
NET P.A.<br />
ASSURED<br />
FOR 5 YEARS<br />
Invest in the UK’s no. 1 asset class<br />
PHASE 1 SOLD OUT<br />
Patricia Powell | Head of International Property Sales<br />
M: (973) 39 140 555 | T: (973) 17 535 111<br />
E: patricia@impact-estate.com | www.impact-estate.com<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
47
OBG | Business Report<br />
Airport Infrastructure Investment<br />
Reflects Bahrain’s Push towards<br />
Development Goals<br />
Oxford Business Group (OBG)<br />
Bahrain has moved forward<br />
with plans to improve national<br />
infrastructure as part of its economic<br />
development strategy, announcing a<br />
series of tenders relating to the upgrade<br />
and expansion of the country’s airport.<br />
In late January Bahrain Airport<br />
Company (BAC) issued concessions<br />
for works related to airport security<br />
at Bahrain International Airport<br />
(BIA), including construction of a new<br />
perimeter fence and the installation of<br />
improved CCTV and lighting.<br />
At the same time, the Ministry of<br />
Works launched a tender for the first<br />
stage of improvements to road access to<br />
BIA’s new terminal, with work scheduled<br />
for completion next December.<br />
In addition to security and access,<br />
BAC also issued concessions to run<br />
pharmacy, convenience store, and food<br />
and beverage outlets in the airport in<br />
early January. Chosen companies will<br />
design, outfit, finance, develop, operate,<br />
maintain and manage the stores.<br />
The recent concessions form part<br />
of the $1.1bn Airport Modernisation<br />
Programme (AMP), which aims to<br />
develop a 220-sq-metre passenger<br />
terminal and overhaul existing facilities<br />
by 2020. Once completed, BIA will<br />
have capacity to handle around 14m<br />
passengers per year, up from 8m at<br />
48 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
OBG | Business Report<br />
present, increasing the country’s<br />
regional and global connectivity.<br />
Transport and tourism at centre of<br />
infrastructure upgrades<br />
The AMP falls under a broader $32bn<br />
infrastructure programme currently<br />
under way in the kingdom, which<br />
places transport and logistics - along<br />
with tourism - at the heart of plans<br />
to diversify the economy away from<br />
hydrocarbons revenue.<br />
In addition to the BIA upgrades,<br />
Bahrain is assessing plans to construct<br />
a second causeway to link it to with<br />
neighbour and regional powerhouse<br />
Saudi Arabia. The proposed 25-km<br />
connection, which is expected to cost<br />
around $4bn-5bn and be undertaken<br />
as a public-private partnership, would<br />
include a four-lane road and railway,<br />
easing congestion on existing transport<br />
connections and improving logistics<br />
between the two countries.<br />
Other projects in the pipeline<br />
include construction of a light rail<br />
system and a series of road upgrades<br />
designed to improve traffic flows around<br />
the kingdom.<br />
These investments are vital to<br />
supporting growth in the tourism sector,<br />
which is a key pillar of the economy,<br />
accounting for 6.3% of GDP. The number<br />
of international visitors to the kingdom<br />
increased by 2.4% in 2017 to reach<br />
15.3m. Of this, 12.7m people entered<br />
the country via the existing King Fahd<br />
Causeway linking Bahrain with Saudi<br />
Arabia, highlighting the importance of<br />
improving and expanding connections<br />
between the two countries.<br />
A series of new four- and five-star<br />
hotel developments are to be built in<br />
the near term, with an additional 4000<br />
rooms to be added to existing supply by<br />
2020. This, along with the development<br />
of shopping and entertainment<br />
developments such as Mall of Dilmunia<br />
and Marassi Galleria should expand the<br />
country’s tourism offering and stimulate<br />
further growth in the sector.<br />
Foreign direct investment key to<br />
stimulating growth<br />
These projects are in line with<br />
Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, the<br />
country’s strategic plan to grow and<br />
diversify the economy by investing in<br />
infrastructure development and training<br />
in targeted sectors.<br />
Since the release of plan in 2008,<br />
Bahrain’s GDP has grown from $25.7bn<br />
to $33.9bn in 2017, while GDP per capita<br />
based on purchasing power parity<br />
has expanded from $40,800 to $51,800,<br />
according to the IMF.<br />
Given the fall in hydrocarbons<br />
revenue in recent years, attracting<br />
private investment and, in particular,<br />
foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key<br />
element of the strategy. While inflows<br />
have experienced some volatility in<br />
recent times, most notably in 2015, FDI<br />
rebounded to reach $695m by the end<br />
of October last year, more than double<br />
2016’s full-year total of $280m.<br />
The increase comes amid efforts to<br />
attract foreign capital into the country.<br />
In June of last year the Central Bank<br />
of Bahrain created a so-called financial<br />
technology (fintech) sandbox - a secure,<br />
virtual space to test software or coding<br />
- to enable the private sector to take<br />
advantage of emerging opportunities in<br />
the area.<br />
The initiatives saw Dubai’s NOW<br />
Money and Tramonex, the London-based<br />
foreign exchange cash-management<br />
business, become the first two firms to<br />
be granted access to the sandbox.<br />
These developments were followed<br />
by the announcement in September that<br />
global cloud computing giant Amazon<br />
Web Services (AWS) would construct its<br />
Middle Eastern cloud technology data<br />
centre in the kingdom.<br />
The development dovetails with<br />
improved ICT upgrades and efforts to<br />
digitise all government and ministry<br />
operations as part of the Cloud First<br />
strategy, which along with the AWS<br />
base, are expected to provide new<br />
employment opportunities to Bahrainis,<br />
support the growth of local tech startups<br />
and improve the country’s ability<br />
to attract skilled expertise from around<br />
the world.<br />
Oxford Business Group (OBG) is<br />
a global publishing, research and<br />
consultancy firm which publishes<br />
economic intelligence on the<br />
markets of the Middle East, Africa,<br />
Asia and Latin America. In print<br />
and online, the critically acclaimed<br />
economic and business reports<br />
have become the leading source of<br />
business intelligence on developing<br />
countries in the regions they<br />
cover. OBG's monthly economic<br />
updates provide up-to-date, indepth<br />
analysis on the issues that<br />
matter for tens of thousands of<br />
subscribers worldwide. OBG has<br />
been in Bahrain for 12 years and is<br />
currently working on The Report:<br />
Bahrain 2017 which is scheduled<br />
to be released in the first quarter<br />
of 2017. For more information, visit<br />
www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com or<br />
call us in Bahrain at 1715 1582.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
49
Expert Opinion | Information Technology<br />
The Consequences of<br />
Progress and Development<br />
by Dr. Jassim Haji<br />
Last month I presented a unique paper,<br />
at the largest Middle-East Satellite,<br />
Communication and Broadcasting<br />
conference and exhibition at Dubai World<br />
Trade Centre, it compromised the benefits<br />
of Internet via Satellite and its security<br />
risks, including hacking of satellite<br />
communications for flying objects such as<br />
commercial aircraft and drones. However,<br />
we had a lengthy discussions around<br />
thousands of genuine and commercial<br />
satellites dumped in space and the risk<br />
of them all being turned to garbage with<br />
no global governance around such an<br />
evolving major crisis.<br />
Sometimes we tend to forget<br />
that there are consequences for any<br />
progression and development we take.<br />
Sending satellites into spaces has<br />
provided immeasurable benefits but we<br />
need to learn the consequences and the<br />
price that we will have to pay.<br />
For a few months in the Fall of 1957,<br />
citizens of Earth could look up and see<br />
the first artificial star. It shone as bright,<br />
but moved across the sky at a much<br />
faster clip. Lots of people thought they<br />
were seeing Sputnik-Russia’s antennaed,<br />
spherical satellite, and the first thing<br />
humans had flung into orbit. But it<br />
wasn’t: It was the body of the rocket that<br />
bore Sputnik to space-and Earth’s first<br />
piece of space junk.<br />
Space junk is the colloquial name<br />
for orbital bits that do nothing useful:<br />
spent rockets, fragments splayed by<br />
collisions and degradation, old satellites<br />
no one cares about anymore. In total,<br />
they amount to millions of pieces of<br />
debris, many of which are large enough<br />
to seriously ding satellites and the<br />
International Space Station. And then<br />
there's Kessler Syndrome: a space<br />
sickness in which low-Earth orbit is so<br />
overpopulated that collisions cascade<br />
into more collisions, which create more<br />
debris that causes more collisions that<br />
cascade into more collisions. And it's<br />
about to get worse: Thousands and<br />
thousands of satellites are set to launch<br />
to low-Earth orbit before 2025.<br />
An estimated 18 thousands objects<br />
in orbit are currently being monitored by<br />
radar stations. Only seven percent of these<br />
are operational satellites, the rest is space<br />
junk. And it’s expected to get worse with<br />
plans to send more than 10 thousands<br />
additional satellites into space over the<br />
next decade. This growing amount of<br />
space junk poses a real threat to operating<br />
satellites and space vehicles in general.<br />
D-Orbit is a company based on the<br />
shores of Lake Como in northern Italy,<br />
which turned to the EU’s Horizon 2020<br />
program for funding. Its first major project<br />
was to find ways of decommissioning<br />
satellites safely once their life has come<br />
to an end. The system is installed before<br />
the satellite is launched and is used<br />
either to bring it safely back into the<br />
atmosphere or to send it to a so-called<br />
‘satellite graveyard’ a few hundreds<br />
kilometers away from the operational<br />
orbit. D-Orbit’s system also increases the<br />
satellites’ life-span as it isn’t necessary<br />
to spare fuel in order to decommission<br />
them. And the system can serve as<br />
an extra engine in case of emergency.<br />
According to Lorenzo Ferrario, D-Orbit’s<br />
Chief Technology Officer, “the next big<br />
step is called In Orbit Now (ION) - a<br />
satellite transport system that we’re<br />
focusing most of our efforts on. It is built<br />
on the experience of D-Sat." There are<br />
a number of new solutions that can be<br />
found when it comes to reliability, costeffectiveness<br />
and better integration to<br />
existing satellites, and once they have<br />
been tested in space, it will be even<br />
better. The European Space Agency and<br />
the European Union have earmarked<br />
funds for research and development and<br />
this is very important, especially to solve<br />
the problem posed by spatial debris,<br />
and this represents an opportunity for<br />
private companies.<br />
Just how much bigger will the<br />
problem get? SpaceX alone plans to send<br />
up nearly 12,000 small internet-beaming<br />
objects over time. OneWeb has designs<br />
on some 700 similar satellites. Planet just<br />
launched around 100 that take pictures<br />
of the Earth’s entire landmass every day.<br />
And those are just the heaviest hitters.<br />
Little orbiters-especially the smallest<br />
types, CubeSats and NanoSats-are within<br />
reach of research scientists, government<br />
agency experiments, smaller companies,<br />
and even individual humans. Take the<br />
private Breakthrough Starshot project,<br />
which eventually plans to send diminutive<br />
spacecraft to Alpha Centauri star system<br />
(which is 40 trillions kilometers away<br />
from Earth). It just launched six "Sprites":<br />
the world's smallest satellites, measuring<br />
3.5 centimeters on a side.<br />
Dr. Jassim Haji<br />
Technology Executive &<br />
Researcher<br />
www.facebook.com/DrJassimHaji<br />
bh.linkedin.com/in/dr-jassimhaji-7b5885125<br />
50 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
51
Expert Viewpoint | Investor Behaviour<br />
From "Sure Shot" Real Estate<br />
Investing, To "High Risk"<br />
Venture Capital Investing -<br />
Change Your Mind<br />
by Jose Paul Martin<br />
Why regional investors need to start<br />
looking at taking more risk if the startup<br />
environment is going to succeed.<br />
The Power Law, and why a few<br />
successful investments will change the<br />
game for the region.<br />
Over the last year, I’ve been closely<br />
associated with the Bahrain (and Middle<br />
East) startupscene. Prior to that I’ve<br />
spent a good decade in the private equity<br />
space. And one thing I’ve come to realize<br />
is that investors in this part of the<br />
world - are more comfortable with real<br />
estate investing than startup investing.<br />
Who wouldn’t be, you get nice yields on<br />
investments! Until you don’t.<br />
There’s a reason for this status quo,<br />
and it has a lot to with the old saying…<br />
“Real Estate never dies, it only grows<br />
sick”.<br />
This is ingrained into psyche of<br />
most investors in this region, and it will<br />
take a good amount of time and effort<br />
to change that mindset. But until that<br />
happens, those who invest primarily in<br />
real estate will struggle to understand<br />
startup economics.<br />
Only when investors start moving<br />
away from ‘sure shot’ real estate to ‘high<br />
risk’ venture capital, will things begin to<br />
change. But for this to happen, we need<br />
a few success stories - where someone<br />
who invested in a startup, made a 10x<br />
or 100x return. That person (founder or<br />
investor) would typically be inclined<br />
to throw more seeds from his harvest<br />
across a larger number of promising<br />
ventures, and so begin the cycle of<br />
wealth creation.<br />
You see, when they reach this stage<br />
of success - it becomes addictive. They<br />
would then stumble upon the Power<br />
Law - which incase you didn’t know - is<br />
where the return from your single best<br />
investment would be more than all your<br />
investments combined, and the second<br />
best investment would be better than the<br />
next three put together.<br />
But for the Power Law to kick in,<br />
investors need to start making bets. In<br />
stock trading, we have a saying… “No<br />
trigger, no trade”. The sooner they pull<br />
the trigger on startup investing, the<br />
faster the Power Law will kick in.<br />
Think of this situation, the investor<br />
complains about why the startup<br />
does not make any money, negative<br />
cash flows etc. He fails to understand<br />
that unlike in constructing a building<br />
or property, where you use low-skill<br />
labour, here you’re required to take on<br />
expensive, skilled to highly skilled<br />
engineers, product managers, customer<br />
support and marketing specialists to<br />
launch the company off the ground,<br />
build and scale it.<br />
This of course is difficult for our real<br />
estate investor to comprehend, because<br />
he’s using a different measuring stick<br />
- that of rental cash flows, IRRs, bank<br />
leverage and little-to-no-loss. For him,<br />
doubling money is great, but losing little<br />
is unspeakable.<br />
Compare that with startup investing<br />
- 100x returns for a high level risk of<br />
failure, combined with the long time to<br />
become profitable. Doesn’t look so good<br />
on the surface!?<br />
When done well, angel and startup<br />
investing can be not only profitable, but<br />
generate huge outsized returns. Just<br />
keep in mind that if Real Estate and<br />
Private Equity composes 10%-15% of<br />
your portfolio - Seed, Angel and Venture<br />
Capital combined should compose not<br />
more than 5% - so risk accordingly.<br />
And while you’re doing the math,<br />
ask yourself the question - why is it that<br />
Saudi Arabia is the most avid consumer<br />
of online video content, yet there was no<br />
startup similar to Youtube that came out<br />
of Saudi. Or why India is the largest user<br />
of Facebook, but no such social media<br />
platform sprung from there.<br />
What makes Silicon Valley<br />
companies successful outside their<br />
hometown, on a global scale. Was it the<br />
money, or the people behind it? All I<br />
can say is… why don’t we stop building<br />
properties, and start building people.<br />
The image below should hopefully<br />
serve as a reminder of where these<br />
companies begun.<br />
Jose Paul Martin is a private<br />
equity investor & advisor<br />
currently focused on IT &<br />
Healthcare sectors in the<br />
Middle East, US & Asia. He<br />
is also MD of Eqoris Group &<br />
Author of The Pitch Process<br />
Framework<br />
http://pitchprocess.com<br />
52 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
53
Expert Analysis | Artificial Intelligence<br />
Will AI Hurt or Help You in Future<br />
by Arafat Tehsin<br />
Every meetup, sub-group or summit<br />
I go these days, I hear a lot of<br />
people murmuring around about<br />
smart machines (read: Artificially<br />
Intelligent Robots) would replace<br />
humans. Millions of people are going to<br />
be jobless, there will be giant androids<br />
everywhere and full Hollywood scene<br />
one could imagine about.<br />
The reality is, it’s neither that simple nor<br />
straight-forward.<br />
There’s a lot of discussion going-on<br />
about the austere future of employment<br />
mainly from the sector which involve<br />
physical tasks (book-keeping,<br />
appointments, meetings), intellectual<br />
tasks (cognitive services) and customer<br />
services. Of course, automation of<br />
such tasks should be done, the sooner,<br />
the better and this isn’t to destroy or<br />
discourage the human capabilities but to<br />
empower them with a greater role.<br />
Let’s take an example of customer<br />
services in one of the telco services. If<br />
a customer services agent or group of<br />
them were coordinating and helping<br />
their customers by answering them with<br />
a standardized script then it’s better<br />
to deploy chat bots there and let these<br />
humans supervise those bots. If a bot is<br />
not performing well, a quick notification<br />
will be sent to the supervisor so he could<br />
directly jump into the session using<br />
hand-off mechanism. Literally, there’s no<br />
rocket science.<br />
In the above scenario, AI or<br />
machines did not destroy the job, it<br />
empowered the human and that’s why I<br />
always say, creation can never supersede<br />
the creator.<br />
Machines are not competitors but<br />
tools and the bitter truth is, the benefit<br />
from working with computers are much<br />
higher than benefit from working with<br />
other people in certain sectors.<br />
Having said that, humans and<br />
machines are good at categorically<br />
different things. Computing capacity<br />
and analysis on huge amount of data in<br />
less than a nanosecond, are some of the<br />
distinguishing factors of machine. In<br />
contrast to that, the parallel processing<br />
of human’s brain and complex decision<br />
making are couple of the key factors<br />
where machines can’t compete or<br />
replace humans, even by 2030.<br />
For instance, last week, at King<br />
Faisal Highway, there was a massive<br />
traffic jam due to some road accident<br />
and all the traffic signals were working<br />
as per their algorithm. However, only<br />
one lane was suffering it so much that<br />
it caused the traffic jam for around 10<br />
kilometers until a policeman reached<br />
there to sort everything out by manually<br />
diverting the traffic. This decisionmaking<br />
is not usual, this is unusual,<br />
need-based and abrupt.<br />
No million-dollar machine can replace<br />
doctors, engineers or the like but a $5<br />
machine can tell you when you need one.<br />
I believe, the firms in Bahrain should<br />
promote the solutions pertaining to<br />
the need for intelligence augmentation<br />
(machine helps human) rather than<br />
replacing humans and their jobs.<br />
Technical skills are no doubt going to<br />
play an essential role in future jobs but<br />
as smart machines or automation take<br />
over the monotonous tasks, we should<br />
develop higher-order thinking and<br />
emotional skills. Cognitive flexibility,<br />
critical thinking and strategizing will<br />
become exclusive abilities of a human.<br />
Therefore, work hard, play harder.<br />
54 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
55
Highlights | Government<br />
EDB attracts BD 276<br />
million of Foreign<br />
Investments in 2017<br />
The Bahrain Economic Development<br />
Board (EDB) announced a record<br />
year for inward investment in 2017,<br />
having. This is expected to increase job<br />
creation by those companies by up to<br />
72%, generating more than 2,800 local<br />
jobs over the next three years.<br />
The investments span key<br />
strategic growth sectors, including<br />
ICT, Manufacturing, Transport and<br />
Logistics, Tourism, and Financial<br />
Services, in line within the EDB’s<br />
mandate to act as a catalyst for<br />
economic diversification, growth and<br />
job creation in support of Bahrain’s<br />
Economic Vision 2030.<br />
HE Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief<br />
Executive of the EDB, commented:<br />
“Bahrain is in a unique position to<br />
attract investments from international<br />
and regional companies seeking<br />
to access opportunities across<br />
the US $1.5 trillion GCC markets,<br />
thanks to the Kingdom’s strategic<br />
location and highly supportive<br />
regulatory environment which<br />
provides businesses with advanced<br />
infrastructure, low operating costs and<br />
highly trained local workforce. In <strong>2018</strong>,<br />
we are continuing to build on these<br />
strengths to grow key sectors across<br />
the Kingdom.”<br />
The EDB’s record number of<br />
investments in 2017 represents a<br />
significant increase of 161% compared<br />
to 2016, which saw BHD106 million (US<br />
$281 million) in investments from 40<br />
companies.<br />
The ICT sector was the Kingdom’s<br />
highest attractor of inward investment<br />
in 2017, comprising a significant 54%<br />
of the total investment in the sector,<br />
led by Amazon Web Services (AWS).<br />
Manufacturing attracted a fifth of the<br />
total investment, comprising of 20%<br />
and led by investments from Mondelez<br />
international group, followed by<br />
transport and logistics at over 10%,<br />
led by investments from Agility and<br />
Armada.<br />
Tourism, a high potential growth<br />
sector, attracted major investments<br />
from Action Hotels and taxi services<br />
app, Careem, accounting for a<br />
further 10% of the Kingdom’s inward<br />
investments in 2017. The financial<br />
services sector attracted almost 5%<br />
of the total investment, including<br />
from PayTabs, the leading payment<br />
Solutions Company, and Invita, the<br />
multi-lingual contact centre and<br />
business process outsourcing (BPO)<br />
provider.<br />
In <strong>2018</strong>, the EDB is continuing<br />
to build on these successes with<br />
announcements in the pipeline across<br />
the key sectors, with a particular focus<br />
on technology driven growth and the<br />
high potential of FinTech.<br />
Direct Investments reach<br />
USD 733 million in 2017<br />
Bahrain Non-Oil sector<br />
achieved average 7.5% annual<br />
growth<br />
EDB surpassed its 2017 targets in<br />
terms of new projects and local<br />
job creation, with 2831 new jobs in the<br />
private sector created, as well as direct<br />
investment, which doubled in 2017 to<br />
reach USD 733 million.<br />
HE Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief<br />
Executive of the Bahrain EDB, noted<br />
that Bahrain’s non-oil sector grew<br />
by 4.8 percent in Q3 2017 - one of the<br />
highest levels of growth in the region<br />
- and now constitutes more than 80%<br />
of the Kingdom’s GDP. HE emphasised<br />
the EDB’s own contribution to<br />
diversification, noting that since the<br />
EDB’s inception in 2001 the non-oil<br />
sector has achieved an average of 7.5%<br />
annual growth.<br />
Al Rumaihi summarised the<br />
EDB’s advocacy initiatives aimed<br />
at enhancing the competitiveness<br />
of target sectors, promoting<br />
economic openness, and cultivating<br />
an environment conducive to<br />
entrepreneurship. HE highlighted the<br />
EDB’s ongoing work with stakeholders<br />
in the public and private sectors,<br />
which led to the launch of a number<br />
of initiatives in 2017, including the<br />
creation of a Regulatory Sandbox and<br />
crowdfunding regulations; measures<br />
to protect minority shareholder rights;<br />
commercial registration of incubators,<br />
accelerators and start-ups; and the<br />
establishment of the SME Board.<br />
HE Al Rumaihi also discussed<br />
the new initiatives the EDB is<br />
targeting in order to further support<br />
the Kingdom’s transition to a<br />
digital economy, improve business<br />
licensing procedures, advance the<br />
SME ecosystem, and to enhance the<br />
logistics and manufacturing sectors.<br />
56 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Government<br />
Solar and Wind Energy<br />
Pilot project<br />
The EWA is currently setting up<br />
the a pilot project of experimental<br />
plant for the production of electricity<br />
using solar and wind energy with a<br />
total capacity of 5 megawatts on a<br />
land of 12 hectares. The project will<br />
include the installation of 3 megawatt<br />
solar cells, the installation of two 2<br />
megawatt wind turbines and a control,<br />
operation and control building. The<br />
plant will be connected to the 11 kV<br />
power grid to take advantage of the<br />
Asry concludes<br />
Construction of LNG Terminal<br />
landing platform<br />
ASRY, the leading ship and rig repair<br />
facility in the Arabian Gulf has<br />
completed the construction of a boat<br />
landing platform to be commissioned<br />
by Six Construct that will form part of<br />
the ongoing new LNG terminal under<br />
development in Bahrain.<br />
ASRY CEO Andrew Shaw<br />
commented on this occasion that,<br />
“It is very gratifying to have ASRY<br />
contribute to a nationally significant<br />
initiative such as the Bahrain LNG<br />
electric power produced.<br />
Almost 75% of the BD6.5 million<br />
project has already been completed.<br />
The installation of the wind turbines<br />
and most of the solar cells has<br />
been completed and the work in<br />
the control building has reached an<br />
advanced stage. The pilot project will<br />
start operating in June. It is being<br />
implemented by the German company<br />
Juwi International and overseen by the<br />
German consulting firm Fichtner.<br />
The performance of the<br />
experimental station will determine<br />
the efficiency of renewable sources<br />
of energy from the sun and wind in<br />
the production of electricity and its<br />
practical use to achieve the percentage<br />
of renewable energy consumption<br />
determined by the Cabinet.<br />
This is in line with Bahrain<br />
exploring new sources of electricity<br />
production and to reduce relying on<br />
natural gas in the production of energy<br />
as well as reducing carbon dioxide<br />
emissions to preserve the environment<br />
and in line Bahrain’s 2030 economic<br />
vision.<br />
Terminal, which will be an important<br />
step forward in the country’s energy<br />
strategy. This represents another<br />
successful project for ASRY in the<br />
fabrication sector, which will be a<br />
growth area for ASRY as we move<br />
forward.”<br />
The landing platform was<br />
completed on schedule in 90 days<br />
and on budget, with all components<br />
being fully fabricated within ASRY,<br />
and designed to replace costly built<br />
sections.<br />
ASRY also recently completed<br />
a subsea section of a new wellhead<br />
platform for Schlumberger and Bapco,<br />
in an ongoing drive to leverage the<br />
yards experience and facilities, which<br />
are well-suited to the fabrication<br />
sector.<br />
The platform is built and fully<br />
fabricated within ASRY and this<br />
success of the project has opened up<br />
negotiations for the shipyard to assist<br />
in further projects relating to the LNG<br />
terminal.<br />
Bahrain to have an Urban<br />
Rail system<br />
Kingdom of Bahrain will build<br />
a 109-kilometre rail transit<br />
system by 2024, in five phases. The<br />
preliminary designs for the nationwide<br />
rail network will be ready within<br />
the next few months,” said Ministry of<br />
Transportation and Telecommunication<br />
Land Transportation and Post Under-<br />
Secretary Mariam Jumaan at an event<br />
organized as part of <strong>2018</strong> BIPEX Forums<br />
at the Capital Club.<br />
“The network is part of our strategic<br />
vision of the public transportation and<br />
will be launched in five phases. Our new<br />
and improved bus network was the first<br />
phase, but we need to improve on that<br />
further, this is why the Ministry has<br />
started looking into alternatives. The<br />
rail system would become operational in<br />
2023 or 2024,” said Mariam Juman.<br />
“We do not want just buses, we need<br />
a proper mass transit for Bahrain. With<br />
buses, there are certain limitations and<br />
it can still contribute to congestion. The<br />
way to encourage people to move away<br />
from using their cars and provide them<br />
with a way to get places quicker and<br />
easier would be bringing on this new<br />
mode of transport,” she said.<br />
“We have done our studies, we have<br />
looked at possible alternatives. Our<br />
choice is the light rail system which will<br />
be implemented in four or five phases.<br />
The first phase will be 30 kilometres<br />
with 20 stations. The connections will<br />
be to the airport, diplomatic area, to<br />
the north, to the city centre and more.<br />
What we are looking to have is a true<br />
alternative to the cars. The rail transport<br />
will make people actually leave their<br />
cars and use the public transport<br />
instead,” she said.<br />
“We hope to have the preliminary<br />
designs completed by the second or<br />
third quarter of this year. This is a very<br />
viable project for the private sector to<br />
participate in,” she added.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
57
Government<br />
Enhancing the Customer<br />
Experience at KBSP<br />
Plans to further enhance the<br />
customer experience will be the<br />
priority area of focus for development at<br />
Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) in <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
KBSP, operated by APM Terminals<br />
Bahrain, has witnessed container<br />
volume growth by a CAGR of 10%<br />
between 2009 - 2017. The port has also<br />
recorded an impressive 7% growth<br />
in container volume in 2017, with an<br />
additional 21% spike in general cargo<br />
with a positive outlook estimated for<br />
<strong>2018</strong>. The majority of this volume is<br />
attributed to gateway cargo with the<br />
KBSP currently also handling two<br />
deep sea services - The Ocean Alliance<br />
MEA3 & MSC Cheetah Service.<br />
Benefiting from Bahrain’s strategic<br />
location and a regulatory framework<br />
that aims to promote business<br />
opportunities in the sector, Bahrain’s<br />
maritime industry, since the opening<br />
of KBSP in 2009, has significantly<br />
contributed to the Kingdom’s economic<br />
development, and has grown steadily<br />
in terms of trade volumes and<br />
connections across the region. With<br />
the island heavily relying on sea trade<br />
imports for food products, consumer<br />
goods, automobiles, heavy machinery,<br />
amongst other manufacturing goods,<br />
the port has experienced positive<br />
growth in all segments. In terms of<br />
efficiencies, KBSP stands out as one<br />
of the best in the region in relation to<br />
container vessel productivity; efficient<br />
customs processes and gate turn times.<br />
The port also operates a passenger<br />
terminal thereby directly contributing<br />
to developing the tourism sector in<br />
the Kingdom. Working closely with<br />
the Ministry of Industry, Commerce<br />
and Tourism, MTT and APMT have<br />
been successful in attracting cruise<br />
tourism traffic to Bahrain, witnessing<br />
a 3% growth in cruise vessel calls and<br />
a 23% increase in passenger flows last<br />
year, further substantiating its role in<br />
uplifting Bahrain trade and tourism<br />
sectors.<br />
As the regulator for the sector,<br />
PMA is working on introducing a<br />
new maritime law that has all of<br />
the updated regulations needed for<br />
businesses to further thrive, and<br />
also working on deepening Bahrain’s<br />
channel to allow the third generation<br />
container vessels to access the port.<br />
This year, with customer centricity<br />
as one of the key focus areas for<br />
KBSP, APM Terminals Bahrain will be<br />
actively working on offering a range<br />
of transport and logistical solutions or<br />
value-added services to its customers<br />
in Bahrain. This includes end user<br />
services which include cargo stuffing<br />
and stripping and bonded storage of<br />
the goods at KBSP. This will help create<br />
an effective supply chain which will<br />
directly increase savings and eliminate<br />
wastage for companies, further<br />
enabling them to focus on their core<br />
business areas. Additionally, the port is<br />
also working on launching a dedicated<br />
IT self-service portal that will allow<br />
customers to track shipments, book<br />
appointments and make payments<br />
online.<br />
In <strong>2018</strong> APM Terminals Bahrain<br />
will be moving ahead with its drive<br />
to attract increased transshipment<br />
volumes to targeted countries in the<br />
Northern Gulf. APM Terminals plans to<br />
demonstrate cost savings to shipping<br />
lines by routing these volumes via<br />
Bahrain especially with some of the<br />
mainliner services connecting Bahrain<br />
directly to key destinations in Asia.<br />
25,210 Parking Spaces<br />
constructed in 10 years<br />
Works Ministry constructed 25,210<br />
parking spaces from 2007 until<br />
2017, covering all Governorates in the<br />
Kingdom.<br />
Roads Planning and Design<br />
Director of the Works, Municipalities<br />
Affairs and Urban Planning Kadhim<br />
Abdul Latif stated that the Northern<br />
Governorate attracted the highest<br />
number of parking spaces, with<br />
7610 parking spaces, then came the<br />
Southern Governorate with 7452<br />
parking spaces, Muharraq with<br />
6062 parking spaces and the Capital<br />
Governorate with 4086 parking spaces.<br />
According to Abdul Latif, the<br />
Ministry implemented 1713 parking<br />
spaces last year, while in 2014 2170<br />
parking spaces were constructed and<br />
2050 parking spaces were constructed<br />
in 2015.<br />
In addition, the Ministry acquired<br />
many private real estates and old<br />
houses, to be allocated for public<br />
parking, in coordination with the three<br />
municipal councils and the Capital<br />
Municipality.<br />
Abdul Latif explained that the<br />
Ministry allocated some public parking<br />
as paid parking in public and crowded<br />
areas in the Kingdom, particularly<br />
Muharraq and Manama. Through<br />
this approach, the Ministry aimed to<br />
provide better services to citizens and<br />
residents, increase the capacity of the<br />
available parking spaces by increasing<br />
the number of uses, support trade<br />
and help citizens accomplish their<br />
missions and tasks in a shorter time,<br />
organize traffic and reduce congestion<br />
resulting from wring parking. This<br />
also aims to enable the private sector<br />
to participate in managing roads and<br />
employ modern techniques to manage<br />
and monitor parking spaces remotely.<br />
58 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
59
Highlights | Banking & Finance<br />
Bahrain Fintech Bay<br />
The Bahrain Economic Development<br />
Board (EDB) and FinTech Consortium<br />
(FTC) recently launched Bahrain FinTech<br />
Bay (BFB), the largest dedicated FinTech<br />
hub in the Middle East and Africa.<br />
The new hub aims to further the<br />
development and acceleration of Fintech<br />
firms as well as the interaction between<br />
investors, entrepreneurs, government<br />
bodies and financial institutions.<br />
BFB, with an area of over 10,000<br />
square feet of usable space, is located in<br />
the Arcapita building overlooking the<br />
waters of Bahrain Bay and the Arabian<br />
Gulf. It comprise state of the art facilities,<br />
co-working spaces, communal areas,<br />
workstations, hot desks, and a variety of<br />
‘MyShare’ Card to<br />
facilitate cash dividend<br />
distribution<br />
Bahrain Clear, a wholly-owned<br />
subsidiary of Bahrain Bourse signed<br />
an agreement with Al Salam Bank-<br />
Bahrain (ASBB) to offer "myShare”, a<br />
card that will be available to all Bahrain<br />
Bourse’s existing investors with a valid<br />
Investor Number (NIN) (account at Bahrain<br />
Bourse). The card will enable Bahrain<br />
Clear to credit cash dividends instantly<br />
into the shareholder’s card balance.<br />
This unique value-added service to<br />
investors, aims to facilitate cash dividend<br />
distribution and make the payment<br />
CBB private network for<br />
Financial institutions<br />
As part of the Central Bank of Bahrain’s<br />
(CBB) efforts to boost the Kingdom's<br />
banking sector and meet the international<br />
Payment and Settlement System<br />
standards, the CBB has launched a secure<br />
private network to connect all Retail<br />
other shared infrastructure, making it<br />
the ideal hub for local and international<br />
corporate innovation labs and FinTech<br />
start-ups to base themselves in.<br />
FinTech Consortium (FTC), through its<br />
subsidiary FinTech Consortium Bahrain,<br />
has been appointed as the operator and<br />
ecosystem builder of Bahrain FinTech<br />
Bay. FTC will apply physical and digital<br />
solutions to manage the hub, as well as<br />
integrate BFB into its numerous FinTech<br />
platforms, including blockchain, insurance<br />
technology, regulatory technology<br />
(RegTech), and others.<br />
BFB will open, ready for business, as<br />
part of FTC’s global network of locations<br />
- New York, Singapore, and now Bahrain<br />
- and work closely with its counterparts<br />
to promote collaboration and shared<br />
innovation.<br />
BFB will work with established<br />
industry leaders and new entrants from<br />
Bahrain, the region and around the<br />
world to drive innovation and create<br />
opportunities for growth.<br />
BFB’s founding partners represent<br />
a broad cross section of Bahraini and<br />
global financial services and technology<br />
process more efficient. The newly<br />
launched card will significantly reduce<br />
the time frame of cash dividend payment<br />
processing which would entail direct<br />
credit of dividends into the card balance.<br />
It will change the traditional process<br />
of distribution and collection of dividend<br />
payments from issuing and collecting<br />
cheques in person or through a registered<br />
Bahrain Clear agent to a fully automated<br />
Banks in the Kingdom of Bahrain with the<br />
CBB. This secure network will act as the<br />
primary communication hub to perform<br />
real-time Inter-Bank payments settlement<br />
(RTGS), while retaining the existing SWIFT<br />
network as a contingency backup.<br />
The introduction of this new<br />
network is a conscious move towards<br />
strengthening the system resiliency<br />
further and aligning it with global Payment<br />
industry leaders. They are collaborating<br />
with BFB in accelerating Bahrain’s<br />
position as a leading regional fintech<br />
hub. International startups already set to<br />
gain from the partners’ expertise at the<br />
fintech co-working hub include US-based<br />
RobustWealth, Offrbox and Sigma Ratings<br />
as well as Jordanian startup, Labiba.<br />
HE Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive<br />
of the Economic Development Board<br />
of Bahrain (EDB) commented at the<br />
opening: “Bahrain Fintech Bay will play<br />
a central role in growing the supportive<br />
ecosystem that is necessary for innovation<br />
to thrive. The facilitation of co-working<br />
and incubation, combined with Bahrain’s<br />
regulatory sandbox and focus on opening<br />
up access to funding, is creating an ideal<br />
environment for startups and corporates to<br />
test and then scale across the region.”<br />
BFB will work with its Founding<br />
Partners to leverage their combined<br />
resources and network to identify,<br />
prioritise and address industry wide<br />
challenges and utilise economics of<br />
scale to implement solutions that bring<br />
innovation that captures the regional<br />
opportunity.<br />
payment process credited directly to the<br />
investor’s card.<br />
The “myShare” card will be issued by<br />
Al Salam Bank-Bahrain in partnership<br />
with Visa, and will be issued to more than<br />
140,000 investors at free of cost.<br />
Investors will benefit from cashless<br />
transactions, an easy-to-use, safe,<br />
secure and widely accepted to over<br />
35 million outlets and over 2 million<br />
ATMs across the globe, wherever the<br />
“Visa” sign is displayed. Besides the<br />
value-added benefits of “myShare” card,<br />
customers will also receive free SMS<br />
alerts, monthly electronic statements<br />
to manage their financial accounts in<br />
addition to a secured online shopping<br />
features through “Verified by Visa”.<br />
System best practices. This strategic move<br />
also supports the required infrastructure<br />
readiness, which can cater for the<br />
introduction of other services with these<br />
Institutions in the future. Moreover, the<br />
network will facilitate the communication<br />
between the Kingdom of Bahrain and<br />
the GCC Real Time Gross Settlement<br />
(RTGS) system, which will soon enter its<br />
implementation phase.<br />
60 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Banking & Finance<br />
BBK launches EFTS service<br />
on all ATMs in Bahrain<br />
BBK being the first in Bahrain to<br />
launch the Electronic Funds Transfer<br />
System (EFTS) service on the bank’s<br />
extensive network of ATMs located<br />
throughout the Kingdom. The EFTS<br />
service, which is currently available on<br />
BBK’s e-Channels including Internet<br />
Banking, Mobile Banking and now<br />
ATMs, make funds transfers and bill<br />
payments even more convenient for BBK<br />
customers.<br />
Providing EFTS service on wide<br />
network of ATMs underscores the<br />
strong positioning of the service, whilst<br />
delivering a faster and more convenient<br />
service to more BBK customers. The<br />
launch of the service will initially offer<br />
Fawri+ and Fawri closely followed<br />
Al Salam Bank ‘Danat Al<br />
Salam’ savings scheme <strong>2018</strong><br />
Al Salam Bank-Bahrain enhanced<br />
investment savings scheme “Danat<br />
Al Salam” for <strong>2018</strong> that was inspired<br />
from Bahrain’s renowned pearl heritage<br />
and offering customers with more<br />
chances to win life changing prizes.<br />
The refreshed Danat Savings Scheme<br />
introduces one of the biggest “Al Dana”<br />
Grand prize worth $1 Million and two<br />
“Al Dana” Grand prizes of $250,000<br />
each to be awarded during the year.<br />
Additionally, Danat Al Salam offers<br />
more opportunities for customers to<br />
win monthly prizes with “Gmash” grand<br />
cash prizes total worth up to $90,000<br />
and “Fusoos” valuable cash prizes total<br />
worth over $40,000. This scheme will<br />
offer customers an attractive monthly<br />
expected annual profit feature on their<br />
investments. Plus, loyal customers will<br />
be rewarded with double chances to win<br />
when keeping their investments for a<br />
by Fawateer, and will provide all of<br />
the same features and benefits as our<br />
Internet and Mobile Banking service.<br />
The Electronic Funds Transfer<br />
System, or EFTS, is an electronic system<br />
that interconnects all retail banks in<br />
Bahrain together and major billers<br />
in the Kingdom in order to enhance<br />
the efficiency of funds transfers and<br />
bill payments. EFTS enhances and<br />
streamlines the movement of funds in<br />
Bahrain. The system comprises three<br />
distinct services including Fawri+, an<br />
almost real-time funds transfer service<br />
which allows individuals or entities to<br />
transfer funds of up to BD 1,000 per day<br />
in less than 30 seconds, 24/7. Fawri is<br />
a deferred settlement funds transfer<br />
service which allows individuals or<br />
entities to transfer any amount of money<br />
within just a few hours of the business<br />
day. Thirdly, Fawateer, groups bills from<br />
multiple billers and presents those<br />
bills to the individuals or entities in a<br />
single interface, providing real-time<br />
bill payments that can easily be settled<br />
within 30 seconds.<br />
The offering of EFTS service<br />
through BBK ATMs is the latest valueadded<br />
service launched by the Bank<br />
in its continued efforts to enhance the<br />
customer experience.<br />
longer period in their Danat Al Salam<br />
account that will entitle them to an<br />
additional entry into the monthly draw.<br />
To be eligible for the prize draw,<br />
customers need to open a Danat savings<br />
account at any Al Salam Bank-Bahrain<br />
branches with a minimum deposit of<br />
BD50 or apply through online product<br />
application service “Apply@Home”<br />
available on the bank’s website. The Danat<br />
Savings scheme draws will be officiated<br />
by representatives from the Ministry of<br />
Industry and Commerce and Tourism<br />
along with the internal and external<br />
auditors and in accordance with Central<br />
Bank of Bahrain and Ministry of Industry<br />
and Commerce and Tourism laws.<br />
BisB and PayPal partner to<br />
expand e-commerce in Bahrain<br />
Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) and<br />
PayPal announced new services<br />
that BisB customers and merchants can<br />
accessed exclusively through BisB’s<br />
online banking and mobile banking<br />
app to get an unprecedented access to<br />
e-commerce and online retailers.<br />
Customers in Bahrain can now<br />
access additional services provided by<br />
BisB and PayPal, one of the world’s most<br />
trusted and innovative online payments<br />
platforms, conveniently through their<br />
mobile device or personal computers.<br />
To connect to PayPal through BisB<br />
digital services, users with a qualified<br />
BisB account need to link such account<br />
to an existing PayPal account or open<br />
one through the app or eBisB.com.<br />
BisB customers can top up their PayPal<br />
accounts using funds from their BisB<br />
bank account, thus introducing a new<br />
way to fund a PayPal transaction in<br />
addition to cards, and withdraw funds<br />
received into their PayPal account to<br />
their BisB bank account through the app<br />
or eBisB.com.<br />
Mr. Hassan Jarrar, BisB CEO said,<br />
“Through this integration with PayPal,<br />
customers in Bahrain gain increased and<br />
more convenient access to the millions<br />
of businesses that accept PayPal in over<br />
200 markets and countries worldwide.<br />
With this new exclusive offering by BisB,<br />
customers now have a choice about the<br />
easiest way to use PayPal.”<br />
Efi Dahan, PayPal General Manager in<br />
Russia, Middle East and Africa. “We see<br />
ourselves committed to make sure we’re<br />
tailoring the experience to their exact<br />
needs, and provide the right services<br />
to optimize their journey as global<br />
customers. Small business owners and<br />
freelancers can also benefit from this<br />
service. As it provides them with new<br />
capabilities toward digital exports by<br />
selling cross border and withdraw their<br />
PayPal funds into their BisB accounts.”<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
61
Banking & Finance<br />
Win iPhone X with<br />
KFH-Bahrain credit cards<br />
Bank of Jordan<br />
strengthens its regional<br />
presence with MENA Hub<br />
Bank of Jordan is proud to announce<br />
that it has obtained regulatory<br />
clearance and license from Central Bank<br />
of Bahrain to operate as a conventional<br />
wholesale bank. Bank of Jordan has<br />
started its operations in Bahrain early<br />
January this year at “Bahrain Financial<br />
Harbor”, the most prestigious business<br />
hub in the Kingdom of Bahrain.<br />
Mr. Fakhouri, Chairman of the<br />
Board of Bank of Jordan said “We chose<br />
Bahrain as our first regional hub due<br />
to its pre-eminent history as being<br />
the center for offshore banking and<br />
recognizing that Central Bank of Bahrain<br />
CrediMax and BENEFIT<br />
roll out unified QR Code<br />
BENEFIT and CrediMax collaborated<br />
to roll out a unified QR Code payment<br />
option where BenefitPay and MaxWallet<br />
customers will be able to complete<br />
payments at registered merchants<br />
through their smartphones.<br />
The MaxWallet and the BenefitPay<br />
applications work with a unified QR code<br />
payment feature, where customers can<br />
use the electronic payment process by<br />
scanning a QR code when purchasing<br />
from any of the registered merchants,<br />
while maintaining all the standards<br />
of safety and security throughout the<br />
whole process.<br />
As part of this agreement,<br />
MaxWallet customers will be able to<br />
complete epayments with all registered<br />
Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain<br />
(KFH-Bahrain) announces the<br />
launch of its latest promotion which<br />
gives new credit card subscribers the<br />
opportunity to enter monthly draws and<br />
win one of 15 iPhone X over a period of 3<br />
months starting from 1st March <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
Executive Manager and Head<br />
of Retail Banking Group, Mr. Khalid<br />
Rafea said: “This campaign comes<br />
inline with our efforts to showcase our<br />
unique banking services as well as<br />
our KFHB credit cards. We would also<br />
has the distinction of being known as<br />
the most respected regulator in the GCC<br />
region. Bahrain is also strategically<br />
located in GCC region and this gives us<br />
the opportunity to expand our wholesale<br />
banking activity and relationships with<br />
the regional banks and corporates.<br />
This milestone not only reflects<br />
merchants of BenefitPay and vice versa.<br />
There is an increased demand and use<br />
of both applications, which positively<br />
reflects the overall customer experience<br />
and the delivery of superior services,<br />
as well as expanding the scope of<br />
business partners registering on both<br />
applications.<br />
“Today, the world is turning to<br />
innovative electronic alternatives<br />
to complete payments in different<br />
businesses. We at BENEFIT strive to<br />
comply with international standards<br />
to provide premium services, further<br />
positioning the Kingdom as a leader<br />
in the industry. We have launched the<br />
BenefitPay application, giving customers<br />
the opportunity to make payments from<br />
all cards through one platform, with<br />
them aim to transform the Kingdom<br />
into a cashless society” said the Chief<br />
Executive Officer of BENEFIT, Mr.<br />
Abdulwahed Al Janahi.<br />
like to wish everyone the best of luck<br />
in the upcoming draws and enjoy the<br />
experience of using our credit cards.”<br />
KFH-Bahrain’s Credit Cards are<br />
Shari’a compliant and are the most widely<br />
accepted in all countries of the world. Card<br />
holders can benefit from access to over<br />
650 airport lounges worldwide, avail of free<br />
supplementary cards, and a repayment<br />
grace period of up to 50 days. In addition,<br />
users will receive free travel insurance,<br />
free cash withdrawals and free Frequent<br />
Flyer miles from their preferred airline.<br />
the growth of our business and the<br />
increasing demand for our innovative<br />
banking and investment services, but<br />
also puts us one step closer to fulfilling<br />
our vision of being the leading bank in<br />
Arab region. As one of the first banks<br />
established in Jordan, with an existing<br />
regional presence both in Palestine and<br />
Syria, our newly added business unit<br />
in Bahrain will expand our wholesale<br />
banking services in the MENA region.”<br />
Bank of Jordan, a well-respected<br />
and leading financial institution in<br />
Jordan was formally founded in 1960<br />
under the regulation of the Central<br />
Bank of Jordan and is listed on Amman<br />
stock exchange. Bank of Jordan has<br />
appointed Mr. Salam Gamoah as its<br />
Chief Executive Officer for its regional<br />
wholesale operations out of Bahrain.<br />
Abdulwahed Al Janahi<br />
Chief Executive Officer, BENEFIT<br />
“Our primary objective in this<br />
agreement is to provide customers with<br />
a wider choice of e-payments through<br />
smartphones. With the expansion of<br />
incentives and targeted awareness<br />
programs, we are confident that<br />
customers will more likely opt for digital<br />
wallets,” Al Janahi added.<br />
62 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
63
Highlights | Telecom<br />
SIM Card Registration,<br />
A positive step to protect<br />
consumers<br />
The process for biometric scans<br />
for SIM Card registration<br />
was introduced by the Bahrain<br />
Telecommunications Regulatory<br />
Authority (TRA) in order to safeguard<br />
the consumers from the risks of<br />
identity theft that could subsequently<br />
result in financial liability and legal<br />
accountability.<br />
Over the past few years. TRA has<br />
observed significant increase in the<br />
cases of Identity thefts through the<br />
exploitation of registration process<br />
for SIM Card. This includes over a<br />
hundred cases of travel bans being<br />
issued for individuals who fell victim<br />
to identity theft, and over 80 cases of<br />
fraud reported by consumers who were<br />
completely unaware of SIM cards that<br />
were registered on their name.<br />
In order to prevent such issues<br />
along with other identity theft related<br />
crimes, and to provide the consumers<br />
with additional safeguards during<br />
SIM-Card registration, TRA requires all<br />
Mobile Operators in the Kingdom of<br />
Bahrain to carry out biometric scans<br />
for every SIM card owner. TRA has<br />
been continuously monitoring the<br />
process of registration and has been<br />
addressing any issues as a matter of<br />
priority.<br />
TRA reminds all consumers of the<br />
upcoming deadline to register their<br />
SIM cards with their service providers.<br />
Postpaid SIM card owners have until<br />
the 2nd of June <strong>2018</strong> to complete<br />
registration before their lines are<br />
suspended temporarily after which<br />
will be deactivated permanently on the<br />
2nd of September <strong>2018</strong> if consumers<br />
fail to register. While Prepaid Sim Card<br />
owners had until the 2nd of March<br />
2019 to complete registration before<br />
their lines are suspended temporarily<br />
later permanent deactivation on the<br />
2nd of June 2019 if not registered.<br />
Physical appearance of consumers is<br />
required to confirm registration along<br />
with verification documents such<br />
as a Passport or Smart ID, and CR for<br />
business owners. Consumers only have<br />
to register their SIM cards once and the<br />
process takes minutes to complete.<br />
Consumers who are over 60 years<br />
old, or with disabilities, or whose<br />
fingerprint impressions cannot be<br />
detected by the fingerprint scanner<br />
which prevent them from completing<br />
the verification scan are considered<br />
exempt from the verification<br />
scanning process and only require<br />
documentation to prove their identity.<br />
Consumers whose fingerprint<br />
doesn’t match with the fingerprint<br />
impression on their smart card, are<br />
requested to update their fingerprint<br />
scan at the Information & eGovernment<br />
Authority’s outlets.<br />
It should be noted that TRA did not<br />
impose any fees for registration.<br />
Batelco launch free<br />
Internet services<br />
Batelco launched its latest initiative<br />
to provide free internet services in<br />
partnership with the Ministry of Works,<br />
Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning<br />
across the Kingdom to include tourist<br />
attractions, public facilities such as<br />
parks, gardens and coastlines.<br />
The service will be available for<br />
all citizens and residents and tourists.<br />
Batelco customers will automatically<br />
connect to the WiFi once they enter the<br />
area that is covered by the services, while<br />
others will be able to access the free<br />
internet through a specialized web page.<br />
Batelco Chairman Shaikh<br />
Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa<br />
stated, “Batelco values the directives<br />
of HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa<br />
bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to<br />
Shaikh Mohammed bin<br />
Khalifa Al Khalifa<br />
Chairman, Batelco<br />
provide internet services in public<br />
spaces across the Kingdom of Bahrain<br />
and Batelco is committed towards<br />
providing Smart City solutions to<br />
support the Kingdom’s efforts in<br />
maintaining its position in the global<br />
market place. This initiative reiterates<br />
Batelco’s support and commitment<br />
towards the Kingdom’s 2030 vision.”<br />
Free internet initiative aims to<br />
strengthen the Kingdom’s position as<br />
a leading regional communications<br />
hub, attracting further commercial<br />
investments and attracting more<br />
tourists and visitors to the Kingdom of<br />
Bahrain.<br />
It is worth noting that several<br />
locations already have operational<br />
internet services including the Bahrain<br />
International Circuit, Seef Mall Muharraq<br />
and Seef Mall Seef District, as well<br />
as other commercial complexes. The<br />
service will soon be available in other<br />
key locations across the Kingdom<br />
including Prince Khalifa Park, Al<br />
Estaqaili park in Riffa, A’ali Walkway,<br />
Adhari Park, Tubli Walkway, Al Andalus<br />
Park and Al Salmaniya Park.<br />
64 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Telecom<br />
Batelco Voice over WiFi<br />
In line with its commitment to<br />
enrich customer experience, Batelco<br />
introduced Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi),<br />
as part of the evolution of its network<br />
advancement to support voice services.<br />
Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) taps into<br />
any WiFi connection the customer may<br />
have, delivering seamless calls which<br />
will automatically switch between<br />
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi to<br />
ensure a superior customer experience.<br />
A complementary service to VoLTE,<br />
Voice over WiFi will deliver faster call<br />
setup and superior high-quality (HD)<br />
voice calls. The service is currently<br />
VIVA Bahrain achieves<br />
compliance with IFRS<br />
Ulaiyan Al Wetaid<br />
CEO, VIVA Bahrain<br />
Fostering the development of<br />
Bahrain’s telecom industry and<br />
ensuring adherence to the best global<br />
business codes of practice, VIVA Bahrain<br />
announced its full compliance with<br />
the International Financial Reporting<br />
Standards 15 (IFRS 15) issued by the IFRS<br />
Foundation. Through this, VIVA Bahrain<br />
has also become the first telecom<br />
company in the world to successfully<br />
deploy the IFRS 15 on Cloud Service<br />
accredited by key partner, ORACLE.<br />
applicable to iPhone 6 or later models<br />
with customers required to update their<br />
phone to the latest iOS software to enjoy<br />
the service. Locally, VoWiFi does not<br />
cost any extra; the service consumes<br />
from the customer’s selected package<br />
minute’s allowance.<br />
The voice over WiFi service<br />
is delivered in line with Batelco’s<br />
pioneering role in leading innovation<br />
and transformation for telecom services<br />
in the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as<br />
Batelco’s efforts to deliver superior<br />
services providing customers with the<br />
very best mobile experiences.<br />
This latest innovative delivery from<br />
Batelco is in line with the Company’s<br />
goals to deploy the latest technologies to<br />
maintain Bahrain’s strong reputation for<br />
delivering world-class communications<br />
solutions and to guarantee the best<br />
customer experience. A converged<br />
network infrastructure allows Batelco to<br />
maximise its network capabilities and<br />
speed up the deployment of more new<br />
innovative services for its customers.<br />
The standard promulgated the<br />
principles adopted by VIVA when<br />
reporting information about revenue<br />
and cash flows from a contract, aimed at<br />
ensuring the accurate financial reporting<br />
to its stakeholders. IFRS 15 is also known<br />
to provide a common global language for<br />
businesses, making company accounts<br />
understandable and comparable across<br />
international boundaries.<br />
Mr. Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, CEO VIVA<br />
Bahrain said, “This achievement was<br />
only made possible with the tireless<br />
efforts from the teams involved and our<br />
supporting partners.<br />
We are the first telecom company in<br />
the world to be fully compliant with IFRS<br />
15 on Oracle Cloud, which is required<br />
for our statutory financial regulations.<br />
Choosing Oracle Revenue Management<br />
Cloud Service and Oracle Accounting<br />
Hub Reporting Cloud Service, along with<br />
Wipro as an integrator, turned out to be a<br />
great decision for us.”<br />
IFRS 15 has been developed to<br />
harmonise the accounting treatment<br />
across various industries in the world. It<br />
also serves the public interest by building<br />
trust, growth and long-term financial<br />
stability in the economy, a significant<br />
driving force at VIVA Bahrain.<br />
Latest Cloud and Managed<br />
Security services by VIVA<br />
The latest line-up of Cloud and<br />
Managed Security Services<br />
(MSS) for enterprises and key sectors<br />
by VIVA Bahrain demonstrate its<br />
strong capabilities and a robust ICT<br />
infrastructure that supports Bahrain’s<br />
development and growing digital<br />
economy.<br />
VIVA’s MSS solutions included<br />
advanced CCTV analytical systems and<br />
a range of services hosted at Bahrain’s<br />
first ever Cyber Security Centre built<br />
by VIVA. With a dedicated team of<br />
Information Security experts from VIVA<br />
who are available around the clock to<br />
effectively manage, protect and respond<br />
to cyber threats, the MSS solutions are<br />
meant to help enterprises through their<br />
digital transformation.<br />
VIVA’s state-of-the-art Enterprise<br />
Cloud services, highlights the benefits<br />
of deploying cloud-based technologies<br />
and extent of growth and efficiency<br />
it can bring about businesses. Fleet<br />
management solutions and Unified<br />
communication services completed<br />
the suite, making VIVA a one-stopshop<br />
that offers end-to-end ICT<br />
solutions and services designed to<br />
empower enterprises and accelerate the<br />
Kingdom’s digitisation.<br />
VIVA showcased these services<br />
earlier this year at the Bahrain<br />
International Technology Exhibition<br />
(BITEX), Bahrain’s number one annual<br />
tech exhibition held alongside MEET ICT<br />
Conference.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
65
Telecom<br />
Zain and Ericsson<br />
create Roadmap to 5G<br />
Zain Group and Ericsson have signed<br />
MoU to jointly develop and test<br />
selected 5G and Internet of Things (IoT)<br />
cases, demonstrating the commitment<br />
of both companies to bringing next-<br />
Zain Bahrain deploy first<br />
active Cooling enclosure<br />
Zain Bahrain announced that Ericsson’s<br />
state of the art Outdoor Enclosure<br />
6150 HEX/AirCon has been utilized by the<br />
operator to install indoor mobile sites with<br />
shelters and air-conditioning.<br />
The original systems that Zain<br />
Bahrain was using consumed high<br />
amounts of power, and operational costs.<br />
Ericsson’s Enclosure is a multi-purpose<br />
site cabinet, which is designed to support<br />
a multitude of radio equipment, providing<br />
a highly capable power system and<br />
battery back-up; all in a streamlined<br />
design and minimized footprint to support<br />
the cost-efficient expansion of mobile<br />
broadband, as well as aligning with the<br />
Zain Bahrain alerts<br />
subscribers about fraudulent<br />
messages<br />
Zain Bahrain warns customers not<br />
to respond to fraudulent messages<br />
circulated recently over WhatsApp.<br />
The messages inform recipients that<br />
they have won cash prizes from Zain<br />
and ask for personal information such<br />
as CPR numbers. Customers are also<br />
being asked to provide their WhatsApp<br />
verification codes as “confirmation”.<br />
Zain Bahrain Director of Corporate<br />
Communications & Investor Relations<br />
Shaikh Abdulla bin Khaled Al-Khalifa<br />
said: “We would like to remind our users<br />
that Zain Bahrain would never ask you<br />
for your personal information or codes<br />
generation connectivity and its<br />
accompanying benefits to the Middle<br />
East and Africa.<br />
The new partnership will accelerate<br />
digitalization in the region, enabling rapid<br />
deployment of innovative services in the<br />
Internet of Things (IoT) in the coming<br />
years. The agreement covers technical<br />
demonstrations and strengthens technical<br />
cooperation between the two companies<br />
and will ensure smooth 4G to 5G evolution<br />
across Zain’s networks.<br />
Bader Al Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman<br />
and Group CEO says: “Zain is committed<br />
to bringing the latest technology and<br />
cutting-edge services to its customers. 5G<br />
will open the door for new applications<br />
Salah Jalal<br />
Acting Technology Director, Zain Bahrain<br />
national environmental plan which is part<br />
of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.<br />
Salah Jalal, Acting Technology<br />
Director, Zain Bahrain said, “As a futurefocused<br />
corporation, Zain is delighted<br />
by phone, SMS or email. Moreover,<br />
Zain Bahrain would never call you<br />
through applications such as Viber or<br />
WhatsApp. We will always use official<br />
channels to communicate with users.<br />
We are concerned about the safety and<br />
wellbeing of our customers and are<br />
taking our investigation into the matter<br />
very seriously. In the meantime, we urge<br />
our customers to stay safe by ignoring<br />
such requests and reporting them.”<br />
Fraudulent messages to avoid may<br />
include:<br />
• Claims of cash prizes won, ranging<br />
between BD 50 and BD 20,000<br />
• Requests for CPR numbers and<br />
WhatsApp verification codes in<br />
order to win prizes<br />
that will transform consumer behavior<br />
and industries. By introducing these new<br />
technologies, we will enrich the digital<br />
lifestyles of individuals and support the<br />
growth and development of businesses<br />
we serve by creating new opportunities<br />
for them to grow.”<br />
5G technology will enable massive<br />
connectivity and open up new markets<br />
to (IoT). Consumers and enterprises will<br />
be able to take advantage of a seamless<br />
experience on their connected devices;<br />
they will be able to adopt and invest<br />
in new applications such as smart<br />
transportation, connected cars and<br />
appliances, remote health care and<br />
remote control of machinery.<br />
to once again implement Ericsson’s<br />
solutions to enhance our capabilities<br />
and ensure we continue to stay ahead<br />
of the curve both technically and<br />
environmentally as we expand. We look<br />
forward to the ongoing benefits that this<br />
new and improved technology will afford<br />
both our customers and ourselves.”<br />
There is an increased focus on<br />
energy efficiency, with the cost pressure<br />
leading more operators to review their<br />
energy bills, and seeking ways of<br />
reducing their costs. On a network level,<br />
sites are beginning to require intelligent<br />
energy management and traffic control.<br />
Lowering costs was a primary focus<br />
when Ericsson was developing the ERS<br />
6150 Enclosure. This was achieved by<br />
ensuring there are smart requirement<br />
settings and design choices.<br />
• Requests to visit Zain Bahrain’s<br />
main office to collect prizes<br />
Customers are requested to report<br />
fraudulent calls or messages to Zain<br />
Bahrain on 107, and immediately report<br />
them to the Bahrain Cyber Crime<br />
Directorate through 992 or the general<br />
hotline 80008008.<br />
66 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
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March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
67
Highlights | Real Estate<br />
RERA starts operations<br />
Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa<br />
Chief Executive Officer, RERA<br />
Real Estate Regulatory Authority<br />
(RERA) commenced its operations<br />
on 1st March <strong>2018</strong> and initially focuses<br />
on the licensing of real estate service<br />
providers and off-plan sale projects.<br />
RERA Chief Executive Officer<br />
Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-<br />
Khalifa said that the regulatory panel<br />
will be responsible for licensing all<br />
real estate professionals, including<br />
developers, brokers and sales agents,<br />
as well as all developments, including<br />
the advertising of off-plan projects.<br />
He highlighted wider obligations and<br />
requirements, in particular those<br />
relating to the escrow account.<br />
He affirmed that the introduction<br />
of enhanced professional standards is<br />
in the interest of all parties involved<br />
in the real estate sector and individual<br />
development projects. He highlighted<br />
that under Law No. (27) all real estate<br />
professionals must obtain a license<br />
from RERA by 31 August <strong>2018</strong> in order<br />
to avoid being subject to penalties.<br />
In regards to the next phase, RERA<br />
will provide a flexible and efficient<br />
service to ensure that all license<br />
holders can operate effectively.<br />
RERA is in the process of<br />
implementing international best<br />
practices in the field of real estate<br />
development, while ensuring<br />
alignment with the local market. He<br />
noted that RERA board of directors,<br />
which comprises a carefully selected<br />
group of experts, will maximise<br />
coordination between the public and<br />
private sectors while accounting for<br />
the unique challenges of the domestic<br />
real estate market.<br />
He reaffirmed that the board is<br />
committed to supporting Bahrain’s<br />
objective of becoming a leading real<br />
estate investment destination, both<br />
regionally and internationally. He said<br />
that by strengthening the regulatory<br />
framework governing the real estate<br />
sector, Law No. (27) will serve to<br />
identify and prohibit unlicensed real<br />
estate enterprises.<br />
He confirmed that the launch<br />
of RERA represents a significant<br />
milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to<br />
strengthen the rules governing real<br />
estate brokerage, property valuation,<br />
real estate property management,<br />
and owners’ associations and gated<br />
communities.<br />
He added that part of the<br />
Authority’s role will be to provide<br />
best-in-class training and development<br />
programmes for real estate service<br />
providers, increasing professional<br />
standards within the sector to the<br />
benefit of all stakeholders.<br />
“RERA is committed to building a<br />
stronger real estate market. Enhancing<br />
the efficiency of the real estate<br />
sector is our primary focus, and we<br />
are confident that by safeguarding<br />
the interests of consumers,<br />
investors, brokers, developers and<br />
all stakeholders in the market, RERA<br />
will make an important contribution<br />
to Bahrain’s economic growth and<br />
increase foreign investment”, he added.<br />
Information regarding RERA’s<br />
activities is available at<br />
www.rera.gov.bh.<br />
Amlak to redevelop local<br />
markets across Bahrain<br />
Following the successful completion<br />
of Souq Al Buhair’s redevelopment,<br />
Amlak Social Insurance Organization<br />
Development Co., the real-estate arm and<br />
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Social<br />
Insurance Organisation (SIO), announced<br />
its plan to redevelop more local markets<br />
across the Kingdom, which comes in line<br />
with the Company’s strategy to serve<br />
the community and raise the standard<br />
of living.<br />
Amlak is set to transform a total<br />
of 70 shops across three existing<br />
local community markets (Souq Abu<br />
Dhar, Souq Ibn Al Waleed and Souq Al<br />
Madina), which have been selected for<br />
redevelopment based on their popularity<br />
and strategic, vibrant locations that are<br />
easily accessible given their positioning<br />
in high-density areas of Isa town,<br />
Southern Governorate. The redeveloped<br />
markets will raise the standard of retail<br />
offering for the local community by<br />
introducing modern, multi-purpose<br />
facilities with diversified retail shops<br />
aimed to cater to the daily needs of<br />
the neighborhood and surrounding<br />
communities.<br />
Amlak is currently in preparation<br />
to initiate the demolition of the<br />
existing markets in order to commence<br />
construction work by the end of the<br />
second quarter of this year, with the<br />
aim of being operational by 2019.<br />
Amlak’s strategy stems on achieving<br />
tangible benefits through a diversified<br />
portfolio in order to increase revenue<br />
and create sustainable wealth. The<br />
aim is to bridge real estate and market<br />
needs by investing in profitable<br />
development projects.<br />
68 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Real Estate<br />
The Treasure Tower by<br />
Bin Faqeeh<br />
The Treasure Tower, the residential<br />
development by Bin Faqeeh in<br />
Dilmunia, consist of 232 apartments. It<br />
is designed to give a balanced lifestyle<br />
for the residents to have time to spend<br />
on things that truly matter most. The<br />
Treasure offers one bedroom, two<br />
bedrooms, three bedrooms, and penthouse<br />
units. The project offers facilities such<br />
as a unique outdoor infinite swimming<br />
pool, games room, the first fully equipped<br />
arcade room, ladies and gents spa, kids’<br />
play areas, and The Treasure’s very own<br />
Diyar Al Muharraq<br />
projects infrastructure work<br />
on target<br />
Diyar Al Muharraq, one of the<br />
leading urban developers in the<br />
Kingdom of Bahrain, announced that<br />
the infrastructure work within Al Bareh,<br />
one of its most exclusive residential<br />
projects, and secondary stage of the<br />
infrastructural work for Al Qamra, is<br />
on target and well within its expected<br />
timeframe of completion.<br />
Al Bareh with a variety of freehold<br />
seafront offerings is planned and<br />
designed to be one of the leading<br />
developments in Diyar Al Muharraq.<br />
And in line with the Company’s efforts<br />
to carry out the completion of work<br />
on one of its most prestigious projects<br />
at a steady pace while maintaining<br />
its trademark high quality standards,<br />
the infrastructure work for Al Bareh is<br />
presently undergoing an impressively<br />
timed 12 month program with the work<br />
expected to be completed in October <strong>2018</strong><br />
Currently, the secondary<br />
infrastructure work within Al Bareh is<br />
now ongoing and progress is on track at<br />
15%, with the majority of deep services<br />
network being complete.<br />
Al Bareh is composed of 3 main<br />
indoor movie theatre where residents<br />
can bring and entertain their family and<br />
friends. All units in The Treasure have<br />
private balconies with a sea view that will<br />
help you unwind after a hard-working day.<br />
The Treasure is conveniently located<br />
in proximity of the airport not far from<br />
the capital Manama with its financial<br />
district and excellent shopping malls.<br />
The Treasure also provides its residents<br />
with its own health club, aerobics room<br />
and gymnasium to maintain a healthy<br />
lifestyle, as well as female and male<br />
salons. The residents can also relax by<br />
enjoying a cup of coffee while reading a<br />
book in the coffee shop or just by strolling<br />
around the garden.<br />
Bin Faqeeh, recently handover The<br />
Treasure to homeowners. The Treasure<br />
is the first residential development to<br />
be delivered in the township project of<br />
Dilmunia and it is one of the leading<br />
projects by Bin Faqeeh that has witnessed<br />
a huge demand from buyers.<br />
products which include, Sea Front<br />
Residential Plots dedicated to<br />
encompassing high-end villas with<br />
fabulous waterfront views overlooking<br />
the main canal and that are easily<br />
accessible by road, Inner Residential<br />
Plots, within walking distance to<br />
waterfront parks, appropriately<br />
positioned in the heart of Al Bareh,<br />
and Residential Investment Plots, with<br />
access to parks and community facilities,<br />
designated for the construction of<br />
low-rise multi-storey buildings. The Al<br />
Bareh plots are being offered for sale on a<br />
Freehold basis to all nationalities.<br />
Diyar Al Muharraq stated that a<br />
majority of the deep services have been<br />
completed so far, with the current progress<br />
of the infrastructure work at 20%.<br />
Al Qamra encompasses over 131<br />
freehold residential plots tailored for<br />
affordable mid-range housing units, and<br />
is located near Al Naseem, the canal<br />
front residential venture.<br />
Select Property Group<br />
partners with Metropolitan<br />
Holding<br />
Premium British developer, Select<br />
Property Group, has partnered<br />
with Metropolitan Holding, to offer<br />
Bahrain-based investors direct access<br />
to investment opportunities across its<br />
impressive UK portfolio. The move is a<br />
significant step in the expansion of Select<br />
Property Group’s reach to investors across<br />
the GCC, and a successful development in<br />
its relations with prominent real estate<br />
companies in the region.<br />
At an investment seminar, jointly<br />
held by both companies in Manama,<br />
guests were introduced to the benefits of<br />
investing in the UK, and more specifically<br />
Manchester - the city offering the highest<br />
investment yields and capital growth<br />
according to HSBC. Home to a growing<br />
number of students, young professionals<br />
and international brands, Manchester<br />
has one of the UK’s fastest growing<br />
economies, with average rental yields<br />
currently 65% higher than in London.<br />
Investors were also given an insight<br />
into Select Property Group’s investment<br />
opportunities available in Manchester,<br />
including residential projects from<br />
the Group’s brands, Affinity Living and<br />
Origin Homes, plus exclusive access to<br />
the developer’s latest luxury offering,<br />
CitySuites 2, which launches next month.<br />
CitySuites 2 is the second release<br />
from Manchester’s number one serviced<br />
apartment brand, offering a guaranteed<br />
rental yield of 7% for 2-years. Properties<br />
are also fully managed, making it an<br />
ideal investment for overseas buyers.<br />
Luay Cheblak of Metropolitan<br />
Holding said: “We are delighted to have<br />
secured this partnership with Select<br />
Property Group, allowing us to offer<br />
local and expat investors in Bahrain<br />
unbeatable investment opportunities<br />
in the UK.”<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
69
Real Estate<br />
Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain<br />
Impact Estate launches<br />
new international investment<br />
projects<br />
Jumeirah Royal Saray, Jumeirah<br />
Group’s first hotel in the Kingdom of<br />
Bahrain opened in Seef district reflect<br />
the Kingdom’s perfect environment<br />
and potential in the sectors of tourism<br />
and hospitality, thus earning a<br />
marked standing on the regional and<br />
international tourism map.<br />
Jumeirah Royal Saray offers a new<br />
wave of understated luxury on a private<br />
beach in the northern coastal Seef<br />
district. Architecturally inspired by<br />
traditional Bahraini summerhouses, the<br />
hotel blend history and modern culture<br />
with a chic dining, spa and pool scene.<br />
The new 174 room hotel features<br />
stunning rooms, unique summerhouses<br />
and royal residences, poolside cabanas<br />
and an upscale casual and trendy<br />
restaurant. A spectacular lounge, ‘The<br />
Palm Lounge’ overlooks the turquoise<br />
blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, serving<br />
world class coffee by Colombian baristas<br />
and French Patisserie. The Al Hadiqa<br />
pool cabanas offers guests fresh blended<br />
cocktails in a Mediterranean ambience<br />
complete with ancient olive trees that<br />
adorn the pool.<br />
Indoor and outdoor meeting spaces<br />
accommodate more than 400 people and<br />
Talise, Jumeirah’s own brand, offer a wide<br />
range of signature treatments from a<br />
destination Spa, sitting in its own wing.<br />
Additinally, PLAY Restaurant &<br />
Lounge a Dubai concept by acclaimed<br />
chef Reif Othman, recently voted as the<br />
‘Restaurant Of The Year’ with Timeout<br />
Restaurant Awards for Play Dubai, brings<br />
a unique experience within the hotel.<br />
The hotel will become a key reason<br />
for international visitors to discover<br />
Bahrain, an ideal destination for a<br />
weekend escape for visitors from across<br />
the GCC, and a gastronomic hotspot in<br />
the city. This landmark, understated<br />
luxury hotel will have great appeal to<br />
the growing number of tourists visiting<br />
Bahrain every year and become a<br />
particular favorite of Bahrain residents.<br />
The design of guest rooms within<br />
Jumeirah Royal Saray pays homage to<br />
the Bahraini pearl diving industry with<br />
the colours of nacres (mother of pearl),<br />
silvers, and shimmering ocean blue<br />
tones. Across the resort, patterns from<br />
traditional and royal houses including<br />
‘The House of Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al<br />
Khalifa’ feature heavily in furniture,<br />
glass and ornate details. In addition to<br />
Bahraini heritage, the design brings<br />
together curated materials from all over<br />
the world, including hand-blown glass<br />
chandeliers in every bathroom from the<br />
Czech Republic; five different types of<br />
Italian marble; and gold and silver foiled<br />
walls by master French artisans.<br />
Reservations are open via www.<br />
jumeirah.com, through Jumeirah’s<br />
reservation centre and partner agents.<br />
Impact Estate w.l.l. showcased new<br />
international investment projects at<br />
the first Bahrain Property Brokerage<br />
Expo. The expo was organized for the<br />
first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain<br />
under the patronage of His Excellency<br />
Eng. Esam bin Abdullah Khalaf, Minister<br />
of Works, Municipal Affairs and Urban<br />
Planning.<br />
During the two-days property<br />
show Impact Estate team present new<br />
affordable investment opportunities.<br />
The showcased projects include the<br />
fully managed student accommodation<br />
located in the United Kingdom, the<br />
Liverpool-based residential towers with<br />
a guaranteed annual income and other<br />
lucrative hassle-free investment offers.<br />
Ms. Patricia Powell, Head of<br />
international Properties Department<br />
said, “The property market of Bahrain<br />
will definitely benefit from these kind of<br />
events, which will help to bring together<br />
the investors and property professionals.<br />
At Impact Estate we keep extending our<br />
portfolio to be able to offer our clients<br />
new exciting investment opportunities.”<br />
Additionally, during the Property<br />
Expo Impact Estate presented other<br />
company’s services including property<br />
and facility management, maintenance,<br />
relocation and brokerage.<br />
The company’s expertise covers<br />
project marketing including feasibility<br />
studies, market assessment and project<br />
launching, property and building<br />
management together with rental<br />
activities and tenancy management,<br />
commercial and residential property<br />
brokerage as well as relocation. Impact<br />
Estate over the years has successfully<br />
completed numerous projects worth in<br />
excess of US$ 200 million.<br />
70 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Bahrain’s leading investment opportunity<br />
Diyar Al Muharraq is located on the northern edge of the city of Muharraq, occupying<br />
a vast area of more than 10 square kilometers. Upon completion, Diyar Al Muharraq<br />
is envisioned to be a comprehensive, fully integrated modern city, encompassing<br />
6 islands and 40 kilometers of waterfront.<br />
For more information on investment enquiries<br />
please contact us on 80008880.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
71
Highlights | Technology<br />
Cyber Safety for Kids<br />
There has never been a more important<br />
time to truly educate children about<br />
online safety and the dangers of the online<br />
world than now. Our connected lifestyles<br />
have given room for a lot of dangers<br />
out there. Among the main threats are<br />
cyberbullying, inordinate disclosure of<br />
personal information and general rules<br />
of online behavior. Children should be<br />
aware of these threats on the Internet and<br />
effective ways to respond to them.<br />
All of the mentioned threats represent<br />
a real danger not only for the global<br />
community, but also for Bahrain pupils<br />
in particular. According to a survey<br />
conducted by The Telecommunications<br />
Regulatory Authority, about 38% of<br />
young people in Bahrain have faced<br />
cyberbullying, which represents the<br />
biggest cyber threat to young people in<br />
the region. The second most worrying<br />
problem is the danger associated with<br />
meeting strangers online. The percentage<br />
of such encounters has significantly<br />
dropped, however it remains at an<br />
alarming 16%.<br />
Bahrain Telecommunications<br />
Regulatory Authority (TRA) and Kaspersky<br />
Lab have done a series of interactive<br />
cybersecurity roadshows in schools in<br />
Bahrain aimed at raising awareness about<br />
these threats.<br />
Kaspersky Lab’s findings are in line<br />
with the TRA survey. According to KSN<br />
data, 81% of children in Bahrain actively<br />
spend time socializing online, which<br />
includes both the usage of social networks<br />
and various messengers, exposing<br />
them to all the threats associated with<br />
these services. Every third parent (32%)<br />
interviewed globally fears that their<br />
child is at risk of becoming a victim<br />
of cyberbullying. The same number of<br />
respondents are afraid of the dangers<br />
that can await children when dealing<br />
with strangers. At the same time, 7% of<br />
respondents are aware of cases when their<br />
children have suffered from cyberbullying<br />
and communicated with suspicious<br />
strangers. Such discrepancy between the<br />
real rate of cyberbullying and the share<br />
of cases that become known to parents<br />
indicates that this and other threats can<br />
be more significant than they seem at first<br />
glance.<br />
To help children avoid the threats<br />
associated with social networks, it is<br />
recommend that "friends" should only<br />
be those who are known personally.<br />
Even then, children should not publish<br />
too much personal information online -<br />
information could be used by predators if<br />
they hijack one of their friend’s accounts.<br />
There also have been several warning<br />
signs identified that will help parents<br />
identify if their child is experiencing<br />
troubles on social media:<br />
Sudden changes in mood for no<br />
apparent reason; Changing the style of use<br />
of their digital device and social networks<br />
(for example, the child begins to wake up<br />
at night to go online); A sharp increase<br />
or decrease in the number of "friends" in<br />
their social network; The appearance of<br />
"friends" with a big age difference; Abusive<br />
images and messages on the child's social<br />
media page; The child deletes their page<br />
on social networks.<br />
Maria Namestnikova, Children’s online<br />
safety expert at Kaspersky Lab says:<br />
“At first glance, online communication<br />
may seem like a safe environment, as a<br />
certain distance is maintained between<br />
both sides. But, this environment has<br />
now reached such a scale and diversity<br />
that its dangers are almost identical to<br />
those of the real world - sometimes it is<br />
not entirely clear which world is more<br />
“real”. The bad news is that some of these<br />
threats have migrated to the web from<br />
real life and therefore cannot be defeated<br />
entirely. However, the good news is we can<br />
teach children to withstand these threats,<br />
primarily by educating them. And what<br />
place better than school for educating?<br />
Although, it should be noted that many<br />
online threats can also be neutralized by<br />
specialized security solutions.”<br />
Increasing digital ad<br />
revenue<br />
Digital subscription revenues are<br />
increasing globally on average, but<br />
many publishers are finding that those<br />
increases do not match the level of<br />
decline they are experiencing from Print<br />
decline, so for many digital advertising<br />
has become even more crucial in filling<br />
the void.<br />
Few simple ideas to help increase<br />
revenue potentials on the advertising<br />
side of the business.<br />
Interactivity: Clickable ads are a must,<br />
give your advertiser analytics on exactly<br />
how their adverts are performing and<br />
how many people are being redirected,<br />
arm them with the information that only<br />
a digital platform can give. Push more on<br />
the digital video advertising to its limits,<br />
as the trend will continue.<br />
Ad spacings: Optimize your adverts<br />
to show in the best format possible<br />
regardless of the viewing device, serve<br />
campaigns regularly, and if you do not<br />
have an advertiser to showcase, use the<br />
space to push your internal products!<br />
Sponsorship: Look for sponsors for<br />
your digital versions, wheter it’s on an<br />
edition or time based basis, invest your<br />
advertisers into your digital, by making<br />
them sponsored advertisers. Ad their<br />
logos to your splash screen and menus,<br />
even place on middle page swipes.<br />
Digital Only: Stop selling digital<br />
advertising as a bolt on to your print<br />
placements, brands such as New York<br />
Times, Financial Times are all now<br />
generating more revenue from digital<br />
than print products, and they all sell<br />
Digital only ads, respect the audience<br />
power of your adverts, treat them as<br />
their own unique product, and watch the<br />
revenues increase.<br />
Educate your readers: In 2017 we noticed<br />
a definite trend of readers becoming<br />
more acceptant of advertising, so<br />
produce higher quality journalism.<br />
72 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Technology<br />
The Smart Hotel of<br />
the future<br />
Regardless of the size or type of<br />
property, every hotel operator<br />
in Bahrain that wants to remain<br />
competitive and relevant will have<br />
to embrace IoT devices, and related<br />
wireless innovations over the next<br />
year to enable next-generation guest<br />
experiences.<br />
Technology and the Millennials<br />
Rapid advances and disruptive<br />
technology is a constant challenge,<br />
where Artificial Intelligence (AI),<br />
wearable technology and Virtual Reality<br />
(VR) will become the norm when it<br />
comes to how potential guests search<br />
for and experience a trip. The smart<br />
‘hotel of the future’ will have access<br />
to these technologies which have the<br />
ability to accelerate service, personalise<br />
the guest experience, build resource<br />
allocations to support guest requests,<br />
enable preventative maintenance and<br />
improve employee productivity. Mobile<br />
and keyless check-in options, mobile<br />
key access, digital in-room controls,<br />
virtual reality for booking, and advanced<br />
energy conservation systems will<br />
become the norm.<br />
The whole experience right from<br />
booking to checkout is expected to be<br />
seamless and flawless with as little<br />
direct human interaction or contact<br />
as possible. Hotel operators will have<br />
to take this into consideration in the<br />
design stages of their hotels. A fully<br />
automated mobile payment system,<br />
via an online payment gateway using<br />
smartphones along with robust cyber<br />
security and tokenized payment<br />
methods ensuring complete security<br />
of guest credit card data, is becoming<br />
essential for an excellent guest<br />
experience at the booking stage.<br />
Artificial Intelligence and Hotels<br />
From booking engines to chatbots<br />
and voice command software for room<br />
allocations is in fact a reality today.<br />
Customer facing AI robotic concierges<br />
and luggage handlers (already<br />
operational in some Aloft hotels) are<br />
getting a lot of media attention.<br />
BLE Beacons<br />
By deploying Bluetooth-enabled IoT<br />
Beacon sensors along with the latest<br />
location-aware mobility and analytics<br />
innovations throughout the property,<br />
guests can be automatically recognized<br />
and registered as soon as they step onto<br />
the hotel premise, eliminating the stop<br />
at the registration desk and creating the<br />
same experience of walking in through<br />
the door at home. As they proceed<br />
through the lobby, they can receive an<br />
automated update, via the hotel’s mobile<br />
app, on the status of their room. If the<br />
room is being cleaned or is unavailable<br />
for some other reason, the same<br />
technology can offer them a discount on<br />
a snack or free cocktail in the lounge.<br />
When the guests head for their room,<br />
they don’t have to carry with them a<br />
key card. Keyless entry via smartphone<br />
is the future - much more convenient<br />
than using a magnetic swipe card. A<br />
“key” with an encrypted code is sent via<br />
a push notification by the hotel to the<br />
guest’s phone, along with a message<br />
about the room number. The hotel room<br />
door unlocks when the smartphone with<br />
the code is held near it.<br />
Advanced in-room controls are<br />
another technology of the future. The<br />
moment the guest enters the room,<br />
without any switches being touched,<br />
sensors turn the lights and the air<br />
conditioning on and open the curtains.<br />
Once in the room, the hotel’s<br />
IoT-enabled and location-aware<br />
infrastructure will work in other ways.<br />
For example, it can permit guests to<br />
stream personal content onto their inroom<br />
television while using the hotel’s<br />
mobile app to schedule a massage in<br />
the spa and order a beverage to arrive<br />
pool side the same time as they do. As<br />
wireless solutions advance, expect even<br />
more options, such as using a mobile<br />
device to project a preferred fitness<br />
routine onto a full-length mirror.<br />
Hotels can boost revenue by sending<br />
push notifications via BLE beacons to<br />
guest devices that are connected to the<br />
hotel’s Wi-Fi - without invading privacy<br />
by promoting offers that are relevant<br />
to the guest’s interests, needs and<br />
preference as they wander around the<br />
property. Geofencing using the wireless<br />
network allows property owners to know<br />
where the guest is in the property and<br />
when they pass a particular beacon they<br />
can receive a personalized message,<br />
coupon, loyalty points, etc. Data<br />
analytics will be the secret sauce here.<br />
Property owners can deploy<br />
navigation features within the hotel’s<br />
mobile app to guide guests to food<br />
and beverage and all amenities in the<br />
propery as an option, again using BLE<br />
beacons.<br />
Asset Tags<br />
Luggage cart delay is often the<br />
case of guest frustration. Cost-effective<br />
asset tracking technologies via asset<br />
tags added to a location-based solution<br />
can enable hotel staff, or even guests,<br />
to locate carts for quick retrieval on<br />
the hotel’s mobile app. Another use<br />
case could be that the asset tag is used<br />
to track how long an asset remains<br />
stationary.<br />
IoT Security Innovations<br />
IoT-enabled systems must also<br />
be secure. Advanced IoT security<br />
options include the ability to group<br />
connected IoT devices into “zones” for<br />
segregating them on the network and<br />
then applying different sets of security<br />
policies. Solutions that infuse real-time<br />
intelligence, advanced analytics and<br />
AI-based machine learning can spot<br />
changes - at millisecond speeds - in user<br />
or device behaviour that may indicate a<br />
security breach and affected devices can<br />
then be automatically quarantined and<br />
an alert sent to a designated human to<br />
investigate.<br />
In conclusion, one thing for sure<br />
is that the hospitality industry has an<br />
exciting future given the continuous<br />
evolution of technology as discussed<br />
above.<br />
By: Graeme Kane, Hospitality Business<br />
Development Manager, Middle East,<br />
Mediterranean and Africa at Aruba, a Hewlett<br />
Packard Enterprise company<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
73
Technology<br />
Samsung Galaxy S9<br />
and S9+<br />
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, the<br />
smartphones that reimagine the<br />
way people communicate, share and<br />
experience the world. Made for an<br />
age in which consumers increasingly<br />
communicate and express themselves<br />
more with images, videos and emojis, the<br />
Galaxy S9 and S9+ drive innovation with<br />
Samsung’s advanced camera. Redesigned<br />
with a new Dual Aperture lens that<br />
powers an innovative low light camera,<br />
Super Slow-mo video capabilities and<br />
personalized AR Emoji, the Galaxy S9 and<br />
S9+ ensure users do not miss a moment<br />
and make their everyday epic.<br />
The Galaxy S9 and S9+ deliver an<br />
enhanced entertainment experience with<br />
powerful stereo speakers tuned by AKG,<br />
immersive audio with Dolby Atmos®<br />
giving the effect of 360-degree sound and a<br />
refined edge-to-edge Infinity Display - a key<br />
staple in Samsung’s design heritage.<br />
The Galaxy S9 and S9+ cameras are<br />
built with a Super Speed Dual Pixel sensor<br />
with dedicated processing power and<br />
memory to take amazing shots with high<br />
photo quality. The Galaxy S9 and S9+’s<br />
camera features include:<br />
Super Slow-mo, dynamic, slowmotion<br />
video that captures 960 frames per<br />
second, automatic Motion Detection, an<br />
intelligent feature that detects movement<br />
in the frame and automatically begins to<br />
record - all users have to do is set up the<br />
shot. After capturing the Super Slow-mo<br />
video, users can select background music<br />
from 35 different options or add a tune<br />
from their favorite playlist. Users can also<br />
easily create, edit and share GIF files with a<br />
simple tap in three playful styles of looping<br />
to watch the action over and over again.<br />
Low Light Camera, Samsung’s Dual<br />
Aperture (F1.5 / F2.4) automatically lets<br />
in more light when it’s dark and less light<br />
when it’s too bright, taking photos that are<br />
crisp and clear.<br />
AR Emoji, lets users create an emoji<br />
that looks, sounds and acts like them in<br />
more than 100 facial feature to create 2D<br />
and 3D image. AR Emoji shares users’<br />
real-life emotions not only in video but<br />
also with a range of stickers and uses a<br />
standard AGIF file format so users can<br />
share their emojis across most thirdparty<br />
messaging platforms.<br />
Bixby, Samsung’s intelligence<br />
platform, integrated into the camera, uses<br />
augmented reality and deep learning<br />
technologies to provide helpful information<br />
about a user’s surroundings. With real-time<br />
object detection and recognition, Bixby<br />
instantly generates information directly on<br />
top of the image that the camera is pointing<br />
at. Users can translate foreign languages<br />
and currency in real time with Live<br />
Translation, learn about their surroundings<br />
and track calories throughout the day.<br />
Samsung DeX empowers a mobile<br />
lifestyle by bringing a large, full-screen<br />
experience to the mobile handset. With<br />
the DeX Pad, a new docking system, users<br />
can easily connect the Galaxy S9 and S9+<br />
to a larger monitor, keyboard and mouse<br />
to expand the mobile experience with<br />
enhanced document editing or even fullscreen<br />
gaming. Users can also transform<br />
the Galaxy S9 and S9+ into a Touch Pad<br />
with the DeX Pad.<br />
Samsung sets the gold standard for<br />
smartphones with IP68 water and dust<br />
resistance and wireless charging and<br />
goes a step beyond with the Galaxy S9 and<br />
S9+. The devices now support expandable<br />
memory of up to 400GB with a Micro SD<br />
Card and secured by by Knox 3.1, Samsung’s<br />
latest defense-grade security platform. The<br />
Galaxy S9 and S9+ support three different<br />
biometric authentication options - iris,<br />
fingerprint, and facial recognition - so<br />
users can choose the way they want to<br />
protect their device and applications. It also<br />
provides richer, more accurate information<br />
on users’ health status with built in<br />
improved optical sensor.<br />
Users in Bahrain will be able to enjoy<br />
many exclusive offers and benefits, through<br />
Samsung Members app and Galaxy<br />
ENTERTAINER service.<br />
Launched by Samsung Gulf Electronics<br />
Co. Galaxy S9 and S9+ are available across<br />
major retailers and Samsung brand shops<br />
in Bahrain in Midnight Black, Titanium<br />
Grayand a new hue, Lilac Purple. The price<br />
for both smartphones is in the range of BD<br />
315 to BD 395.<br />
Microsoft launches<br />
Surface laptop in Bahrain<br />
Microsoft announced the general<br />
availability of the Surface Laptop<br />
across Bahrain. The perfect productivity<br />
companion for everyone, from students<br />
to boardroom executives, the Surface<br />
Laptop is the optimal blend of all the<br />
features that Microsoft customers have<br />
been asking - combining form and<br />
function, power and portability, security<br />
and performance.<br />
Powered by Windows 10, the<br />
Surface Laptop weighs in at just 2.76lbs,<br />
measures 14.47mm at its thickest point<br />
and comes with a 7th-generation Intel®<br />
Core processor and more battery power<br />
allowing 14.5 continuous hours of video<br />
playback. Memory options extend to<br />
16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage.<br />
The Surface Laptop brings together<br />
the best innovations from across the<br />
Surface family. Battery life, display<br />
quality, storage capacity and mobility<br />
take central roles in the device designed<br />
for a range of lifestyles. It is an ideal<br />
choice for students, whether in school<br />
or college. For business users, eager<br />
to compete in the nation’s growing<br />
economic climate, the Surface Laptop<br />
can play a key role in the intelligent edge<br />
of a computing environment.<br />
With a brilliant 13.5-inch PixelSense<br />
Display and composed of edge-to-edge<br />
Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3, Surface<br />
laptop has the market’s thinnest LCD<br />
touch screen display, with 3.4m pixels,<br />
each colour-calibrated to give a vibrant,<br />
immersive canvas. And the Alcantara®coated<br />
keyboard with soft palm rest gives<br />
a new level of typing comfort during<br />
the school or a work day. The device<br />
comes in an array of striking colours and<br />
finishes including Platinum, Graphite<br />
Gold, Cobalt Blue and Burgundy.<br />
Surface Laptop can be found at all<br />
major electronic retail stores and with<br />
commercial resellers across Bahrain<br />
with prices starting at BHD 444.<br />
74 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
75
Highlights | Automotive<br />
The Ferrari 488 Pista<br />
The Ferrari 488 Pista is powered by<br />
the most powerful V8 engine in the<br />
Maranello marque’s history and is the<br />
company’s special series sports car with<br />
the highest level yet of technological<br />
transfer from racing.<br />
Technically, the Ferrari 488 Pista<br />
encompasses all of the experience built<br />
up on the world’s circuits by the 488<br />
Challenge and the 488 GTE. The new car’s<br />
engine adopts numerous solutions from<br />
that of the 488 Challenge and its power<br />
output has been increased to 720 cv. It<br />
is also lighter, thanks to new titanium<br />
con-rods and carbon-fibre intake plenums.<br />
The inverted radiator cooling system is<br />
also derived from the Challenge with the<br />
radiators raked rearwards, improving<br />
cooling and maintaining optimal<br />
performance levels even in high thermal<br />
stress situations.<br />
The car’s aerodynamics are derived<br />
from both the 488 GTE and from Formula<br />
1, specifically the S-Duct at its front, the<br />
rear spoiler and diffuser profiles which<br />
boost efficiency by 20% compared to<br />
the 488 GTB. Other solutions have been<br />
carried over from the track to shave off<br />
further weight, including the lithium<br />
battery (from the 488 Challenge) and also<br />
the new carbon-fibre wheel rims - a first<br />
for Ferrari. The overall result is that the<br />
488 Pista is an impressive 90 kg lighter<br />
Lexus RX350L 7-seater<br />
arrives at E.K. Kanoo<br />
Ebrahim K. Kanoo, the sole distributor<br />
of Lexus in the Kingdom of Bahrain,<br />
has revealed the <strong>2018</strong> Lexus RX350L, the<br />
all new expanded 7-seater version of the<br />
highly successful RX350.<br />
The stylish and dynamically designed<br />
luxury crossover has now been expanded<br />
by 110mm, granting the interior a more<br />
spacious feel and a full third row for extra<br />
passengers, added comfort and a more<br />
spacious luggage compartment.<br />
The RX350L introduces a “Walk-in<br />
than the 488 GTB.<br />
The vehicle dynamics were designed<br />
for unique driving feedback and to make<br />
the car’s full potential available to all<br />
drivers, professional or otherwise. Specific<br />
vehicle controls were developed with this<br />
in mind, first and foremost being a new<br />
oversteer management system usable<br />
in the manettino’s CT-OFF position and<br />
designed to make the car’s performance<br />
on the limit easier to reach and control.<br />
A new gear-shift strategy in the<br />
RACE position delivers a far more<br />
sporty experience, very similar to that<br />
of a track car.<br />
The Ferrari 488 Pista’s extreme<br />
design is underlined by the optional<br />
livery that highlights the aerodynamic<br />
innovation of the S-Duct. The car’s<br />
lines were developed to underscore its<br />
sporty soul and cleverly combine the<br />
purity of the 488 GTB with some of the<br />
hugely successful racing and functional<br />
elements of the 488 GTE and 488<br />
Challenge while staying true to Ferrari’s<br />
traditional styling.<br />
Mode”, an easily accessible lever on the<br />
side of the second row seats to slide them<br />
forward or, alternativley, folded forward<br />
for easy access to the third row. It also<br />
provides a flat, gap-free luggage space<br />
regardless of the third row being used or<br />
stowed to provide ample room for different<br />
confirgurations. The new row also has<br />
its own air conditioner control panel and<br />
vents to allow occupants the comfort and<br />
ease of access from their own seats.<br />
Lexus is all about providing customers<br />
and occupants with greater experience<br />
and this expanded version of the ever<br />
popular RX350 solidifies this with its new<br />
features. The new third row puts this<br />
model in a new class, catering to bigger<br />
families and customers who want the<br />
outstanding design, confident drive and<br />
state of the art technology that Lexus is<br />
renowned for, coupled with more space<br />
and comfort for everyone on board.<br />
Infiniti QX80<br />
Further advancing INFINITI’s marketleading<br />
presence in the full-size luxury<br />
SUV segment, the QX80 takes INFINITI’s<br />
‘Powerful Elegance’ design language in a<br />
bold new direction, creating a powerful,<br />
contemporary and commanding aesthetic.<br />
The new model has been created<br />
to meet the needs of today’s luxury car<br />
buyers, and introduces a more modern<br />
interpretation of upscale luxury to the fullsize<br />
SUV segment. It will appeal to a buyer<br />
that wants for nothing: affluent, highachieving<br />
entrepreneurs and business<br />
leaders, often with families, who demand<br />
space and utility, hand-crafted quality and<br />
modern design, and effortless on-road<br />
performance.<br />
The QX80 has a refined and spacious<br />
cabin that features high-quality<br />
materials, a hand-crafted finish and<br />
advanced drive-assist technologies.<br />
With a taut yet comfort-oriented<br />
suspension, and ample performance<br />
from its 5.6-liter V8 engine, the new<br />
QX80 gives drivers an assured feeling of<br />
control and confidence at the wheel.<br />
The QX80’s rear entertainment<br />
system has also been upgraded. Higherresolution<br />
screens provide the interface<br />
for connectivity and entertainment<br />
devices. The system also now supports<br />
31 languages, up from three in the<br />
outgoing QX80.<br />
The QX80 is newly-available with a<br />
range of technologies to inform the driver<br />
of their surroundings, help them avoid<br />
potential hazards and ease the monotony<br />
of driving in certain conditions. These<br />
technologies include: Lane Departure<br />
Warning and Prevention, Intelligent Cruise<br />
Control, Distance Control Assist, Predictive<br />
Forward Collision Warning, Forward<br />
Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning<br />
and Intervention and Backup Collision<br />
Intervention.<br />
76 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Automotive<br />
Porsche Cayenne set<br />
to continue Success Story<br />
The latest generation of Porsche’s<br />
successful SUV models Cayenne and<br />
Cayenne S is now available in Porsche<br />
Centre Bahrain.<br />
A bold new with increased length<br />
and lower height, pronounced bonnet,<br />
redesigned headlight contour and<br />
trademark large air intakes underline the<br />
Cayenne’s improved driving dynamics<br />
from the front. Narrower side windows,<br />
a redesigned rear wing, wide rear end<br />
with integrated light strip and wider alloy<br />
wheels further enhance and emphasise its<br />
sports car genes.<br />
The new Cayenne offers a spacious<br />
cabin, with luggage compartment has<br />
been increased by 100 litres, meanwhile<br />
the Porsche Advanced Cockpit concept<br />
increase connectivity and intuitive<br />
controls. The centre console with<br />
Direct Touch Control and a new 12.3-<br />
inch touch display for the Porsche<br />
Communication Management (PCM) act<br />
as the driver’s interface to all vehicle<br />
functions. PCM can be configured for<br />
up to six individual profiles to store a<br />
large number of interior settings, as<br />
well as specifications for lights, driving<br />
programmes and assistance systems.<br />
A true all-rounder, five preprogrammed<br />
drive and chassis modes can<br />
be activated in accordance to the terrain<br />
via the PCM. As well as the default Onroad<br />
programme, drivers can choose between<br />
Mud, Gravel, Sand and Rocks settings to<br />
adapt to the relevant conditions.<br />
The new lightweight chassis of the<br />
Cayenne has been completely redesigned<br />
from scratch to deliver the optimum<br />
balance between sporty performance and<br />
comfort, and contributes to an overall<br />
weight saving of up to 65 kilograms<br />
despite an extended range of standard<br />
equipment. The Porsche Surface Coated<br />
Brakes, make a global debut and offer<br />
improved responsiveness as well as an up<br />
to 30% longer service life.<br />
For the first time, the Cayenne is<br />
available with rear-axle steering as an<br />
option, and a mixed tyre configuration.<br />
The tyres are also larger than before,<br />
ranging from 19 to 21 inches.<br />
The six-cylinder turbo engine of<br />
the Cayenne delivers 450 Nm of torque<br />
and 340 hp, a 40 hp increase on its<br />
predecessor. It reaches 100 km/h in 6.2<br />
seconds, or just 5.9 seconds with the<br />
optional Sport Chrono Package, and has a<br />
top speed of 245 km/h.<br />
The Cayenne S is powered by a<br />
2.9-litre, biturbo-charged V6 engine with<br />
440 hp (an increase of 20 hp) and 550<br />
Nm of torque. It reaches 100 km/h in 5.2<br />
seconds (4.9 seconds with the optional<br />
Sport Chrono Package) and boasts a top<br />
speed of 265 km/h.<br />
BMW X2 available at<br />
Euro Motors<br />
The BMW X2 is the first Sports<br />
Activity Coupe from BMW in the<br />
premium compact segment. The BMW<br />
X2 melds unique and extrovert design<br />
with excellent everyday practicality<br />
and offers great functionality. A host of<br />
design details underscore the distinctive<br />
character of the BMW X2. These include<br />
the BMW roundel on the C-pillars and the<br />
styling of the kidney grille, whose outline<br />
is wider at its base than at its top. In<br />
addition, a much-loved detail of classical<br />
BMW coupes, such as the 2000 CS and 3.0<br />
CSL, is back: the additional BMW roundel<br />
on the C-pillars. It highlights the sporting<br />
Hyundai Santa Fe<br />
showcase a striking SUV<br />
DNA of the BMW X2. The car is also<br />
shorter and more than seven centimetres<br />
lower than the BMW X1 yet has the same<br />
wheelbase.<br />
The new BMW X2 appeals primarily<br />
to a young and young-at-heart, urban and<br />
active target group who are keen to see<br />
their personal character reflected on the<br />
road through an emotionally-engaging<br />
car. Plus, the M Sport X model is available<br />
for the first time and allows owners to<br />
make the character of their BMW X2 even<br />
more individual. This specific model has<br />
its stylistic roots in classic circuit racing.<br />
The body coloured side skirts with an<br />
inlay in Dark Shadow metallic brings the<br />
car visually closer to the road. The front<br />
and rear bumpers feature a particularly<br />
dynamic and eye-catching design. Added<br />
Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its<br />
first rendering of the upcoming All-<br />
New Santa Fe, showcasing a luxurious<br />
and striking design based on its robust,<br />
stylish and voluminous composition,<br />
which reflects Hyundai’s new SUV<br />
design identity.<br />
The exterior rendering highlights<br />
the magnificent frontal section of the<br />
All-New Santa Fe. Introducing a large<br />
cascading grille complimented by a<br />
to which, the large diffuser insert in the<br />
rear apron and the styling element in the<br />
front apron sport a Dark Shadow metallic<br />
finish, which lends the exterior an<br />
added touch of class and creates a cool,<br />
technical look.<br />
The BMW X2 is available in the Euro<br />
Motors BMW showroom, the importers of<br />
the brand, priced at BD 17,995.<br />
separate headlight system featuring<br />
divided daytime running lights (DRLs)<br />
and main lamps. Combined they create a<br />
unique, futuristic look.<br />
The side rendering showcases the<br />
vehicle’s dynamic characteristics.<br />
A simple yet sleek roof line and the<br />
side character line running from the<br />
headlights to the taillights merge to form<br />
a harmonious look and feel.<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
77
Automotive<br />
Camry redefines Standards<br />
The all-new Camry provides a<br />
comfortable and stable ride with<br />
superior handling characteristics, thanks<br />
to Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA),<br />
which retains all of Toyota’s traditional<br />
values of superlative build quality and<br />
safety while injecting a fun driving<br />
experience that plays on all the senses.<br />
The all-new Camry comes with three<br />
powertrain options; a 2.5-litre fourcylinder<br />
engine that produces 178 hp<br />
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross<br />
Zayani Motors launched the<br />
<strong>2018</strong> Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.<br />
Innovative and distinctive, this car<br />
effortlessly combines striking design<br />
with advanced technology.<br />
The design concept brings focus<br />
to sharpness and dynamicity. The<br />
result is a carefully crafted vehicle that<br />
fuses SUV functions with sheer style.<br />
The Eclipse Cross comes with a wide<br />
selection of features. It is compact,<br />
efficient, and visually attractive - a bold<br />
car for a bold individual.<br />
From a single glance, the car draws<br />
the eye with its vibrant metallic red,<br />
making a powerful impression in any<br />
kind of setting. The higher intensity and<br />
brightness of paint is achieved through<br />
First Motors “Worry-<br />
Free Ownership” Campaign<br />
First Motors recently announced<br />
its beneficial new “Worry-Free<br />
Ownership” Campaign which offers<br />
customers the chance to avail special<br />
benefits and incredibly economical<br />
monthly installment packages upon<br />
the purchase of specific Hyundai<br />
models that now make buying these<br />
stylish and functional cars easier than<br />
ever before.<br />
and mated with a six-speed automatic<br />
transmission, and a newly- developed<br />
3.5-litre V6 with D-4S fuel injection<br />
system that produces 298 hp mated with<br />
an eight-speed automatic transmission.<br />
In addition, a new electrified hybrid<br />
system will be introduced in May this<br />
year, combining two power sources<br />
consisting of a petrol engine and two<br />
electric motors, producing 176 hp and 118<br />
hp, respectively. It is also mated with an<br />
Electronically Controlled Continuously<br />
Variable Transmission (ECVT) that<br />
simulates a six-speed sequential shift<br />
transmission, delivering a new level of<br />
driving pleasure.<br />
The bold new car’s cabin is<br />
accentuated with a range of advanced<br />
features, including enhanced in-vehicle<br />
8-inch information displays, wireless<br />
charging system for smartphones,<br />
“Takumi Painting” which uses a multilayered<br />
base and clear coat with a<br />
3-bake process.<br />
The exterior is characterised by the<br />
sharp lines of a dynamic coupé form,<br />
expressing the force of a starting athlete.<br />
The car features a dynamic shield face,<br />
Hi-Tech lighting design, a distinctive<br />
rear shape, in addition to sporting<br />
18” alloy wheels. All these elements<br />
in concert emphasise the brilliant<br />
Japanese craftsmanship that went into<br />
every minute detail.<br />
Potential customers who wish<br />
to buy the elegant Azera will get the<br />
chance to avail it at a cost-effective<br />
monthly instalment which starts from<br />
BD 154 per month, whilst the Tucson,<br />
Hyundai’s dynamic SUV, is available at<br />
prices starting from a budget-friendly<br />
BD 104 per month.<br />
The highly advantageous campaign<br />
offers myriad value-added benefits,<br />
including free insurance and free<br />
registration, along with a lifetime<br />
warranty and a free service package of<br />
up to 60,000 km or three years.<br />
dual-zone automatic air conditioning<br />
system, six-speaker sound system, multiadjustable<br />
power front seats, and 60/40<br />
split and reclining rear seats.<br />
Comprehensive array of safety<br />
features includes six SRS airbags, Vehicle<br />
Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking<br />
System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force<br />
Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and<br />
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).<br />
Available in ten distinctive exterior<br />
colours of which two have been newlydeveloped,<br />
including Graphite, and<br />
Platinum White Pearl. Also, and for the<br />
first time in Camry (for the SE grade with<br />
V6 engine), there will be two-tone colour<br />
schemes that accentuate the Camry’s<br />
sporty and sculpted shape, and set it<br />
apart from the competition. On the other<br />
hand, the interior comes in a total of four<br />
colour schemes.<br />
The interior of the Eclipse Cross<br />
exudes opulence and comfort with<br />
adjustable front and rear leather seats.<br />
The cockpit is welcoming, with all<br />
its functions within the reach of the<br />
driver. These include display audio,<br />
electric parking brake and full colour<br />
head-up display.<br />
The Eclipse Cross provides a<br />
premium, intuitive driving experience.<br />
Employing highly-efficient<br />
powertrains and new down-sizing<br />
turbo technology gives rich torque and<br />
a better acceleration response, making<br />
it agile to handle, smoother and more<br />
comfortable to ride.<br />
In essence, the Eclipse Cross<br />
encapsulates everything one looks for in<br />
a car of its class, giving you maximum<br />
value. On all accounts, it is a fine car to<br />
possess and an utter pleasure to drive.<br />
The Hyundai Azera and Tucson<br />
embody Hyundai’s brand power and<br />
deliver power and performance with<br />
better fuel economy like none other.<br />
First Motors, part of Al Zayani<br />
Investments group, is fully committed<br />
to demonstrate to the Bahrain market<br />
that Hyundai is the brand that<br />
represents unique value for money<br />
without compromise. Their confidence<br />
in Hyundai is demonstrated through<br />
their sensational Lifetime Warranty<br />
that is offered on the entire range of<br />
Hyundai passenger vehicles.<br />
78 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
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Highlights | Other Business<br />
Gulf Air strategy and<br />
plans for <strong>2018</strong> and beyond<br />
Gulf Air rolled out the airline’s new<br />
corporate strategy, <strong>2018</strong> network<br />
expansion plans to 8 new routes, details<br />
surrounding Gulf Air’s incoming fleet and<br />
new, best in class products and services<br />
among other positive developments.<br />
Gulf Air’s new corporate strategy<br />
includes expansion plans and elevating<br />
the passenger experience, promoting<br />
Bahrain’s tourism economy and bolstering<br />
the Kingdom’s aviation, transport, tourism<br />
and business infrastructures and the<br />
aviation industry as a whole.<br />
Gulf Air’s new corporate strategy for<br />
<strong>2018</strong> and beyond, outline its key pillars:<br />
Safety, Network Growth, Innovation,<br />
Human Resources, Customer Focus,<br />
Revenue Vs Cost and most significantly<br />
the national carrier’s role as a contributor<br />
and key driver of the local economy as<br />
it promotes the Kingdom of Bahrain<br />
globally and operates as its ambassador<br />
worldwide.<br />
In the coming months, Gulf Air’s<br />
highly anticipated incoming fleet of<br />
39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft will<br />
commence delivery. A total of 7 new<br />
aircraft, 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and<br />
2 Airbus A320neo aircraft, will enter the<br />
airline’s fleet before the end of the year.<br />
With this development, major positive<br />
change is on the horizon. Gulf Air’s new<br />
New Clinic by AMH for<br />
low-income group<br />
The American Mission Hospital<br />
(AMH) opened newly renovated<br />
‘Zwemer Clinic’ to provide high-quality<br />
medical care for the low-income group at<br />
affordable prices in Manama.<br />
AMH over the years has played a vital<br />
role in strengthening the Bahraini and<br />
the American community. The launching<br />
of this clinic is a reaffirmation of the<br />
beginning itself, which was to serve the<br />
fleet will be outfitted with superior onboard<br />
products and services (some of the<br />
best in class: seats, Inflight Entertainment<br />
and much more). Gulf Air’s new business<br />
class offering will compete with the first<br />
class standard of other airlines while<br />
its economy class product will afford<br />
enhanced onboard comfort.<br />
Gulf Air will add eight new<br />
destinations to its network this year.<br />
In India, its current operations to Delhi,<br />
Chennai, Kochi, Mumbai, Trivandrum<br />
and Hyderabad, will be enhanced by<br />
flights to Bangalore and Calicut. Gulf Air<br />
will also commence flights to the Saudi<br />
Arabian cities of Abha and Tubuk. This<br />
will expand its Saudi Arabia operations<br />
to complement its current service to<br />
Dammam, Riyadh, Madina Al Munawarah,<br />
Jeddah and Gassim. Gulf Air’s Cairo<br />
operations will be supplemented by direct<br />
flights to Alexandria and flights to Sharm<br />
El Shaikh. The airline will also launch<br />
operations to Baku in Azerbaijan and to<br />
Casablanca in Morocco. Alongside this,<br />
Gulf Air will increase its flights during the<br />
peak summer period by 200 more weekly<br />
flights compared to 2017.<br />
Gulf Air upcoming plans includes to<br />
rollout a new brand identity very soon.<br />
The new look and feel for Gulf Air will,<br />
alongside its new fleet, new network,<br />
new products and services, represent<br />
the “Gulf Air of tomorrow”. Airline<br />
planned strategic growth in the years<br />
2019-2023 will see it strengthening its<br />
regional base and then supplementing<br />
that with an expanded network that will<br />
reach various points across the globe.<br />
This includes: Asia Pacific, Europe,<br />
Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and,<br />
ultimately, North America. By 2023 Gulf<br />
Air’s reach will have expanded to over<br />
60 destinations.<br />
people and It will do a lot to help the<br />
community and serve the needy.<br />
The opening of the clinic was to<br />
honour Samuel Marinus Zwemer’s legacy<br />
of service to the people of Bahrain. The<br />
1926 building has been refurbished and<br />
dedicated as the ‘Zwemer Clinic’ in the<br />
main hospital in Manama, to its sole<br />
purpose to serve the low-income people<br />
of Manama who seek care at AMH by<br />
providing affordable high-quality medical<br />
care,” said George Cheriyan, Chief Medical<br />
Officer at AMH.<br />
G4S Bahrain honors<br />
outstanding employees<br />
G4S Bahrain, the only multinational<br />
security solutions provider in the<br />
country, recently celebrated its annual<br />
employee awards ceremony, where<br />
over 200 guests including employees,<br />
major clients as well as G4S Europe and<br />
Middle East CEO, Mr. Graham Levinsohn<br />
and Regional HR Services Manager, Ms.<br />
Rachna Bhardwaj joined and honored<br />
the employees for their outstanding<br />
efforts and contribution to the success of<br />
the company in 2017.<br />
The following awards which reflect<br />
to the company’s core values, were<br />
nominated and presented by G4S<br />
management and their respective<br />
clients: Appreciation Certificates for 38<br />
Security Officers and Cash Custodians<br />
at various sites; Best in Health and<br />
Safety; Best in Project Management;<br />
Long Service Award for 15 years of loyal<br />
service; Best Team Support; Best in<br />
Innovation and Team Work; Employee of<br />
the Year 2017; Operational Excellence;<br />
Star of the Year Award; and Employee of<br />
the Month for January <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
Mr. Sanyal, MD commented, “G4S<br />
Bahrain had its best year in 2017 due<br />
to the significant growth in Revenue<br />
and Profit in the last 3 to 4 years, and<br />
this will not be possible without our<br />
employees' dedication and hard work<br />
in delivering top notch services to our<br />
customers."<br />
G4S is the leading global, integrated<br />
security company, specialising in the<br />
provision of security services and<br />
solutions to customers. Our mission is<br />
to create material, sustainable value<br />
for our customers and shareholders by<br />
being the supply partner of choice in<br />
all our markets. G4S is active in around<br />
90 countries and has around 570,000<br />
employees.<br />
80 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
81
Biz Dashboard<br />
Rent Per Month<br />
1 Bedroom Apartment<br />
Average<br />
BD. 336.970<br />
Range<br />
BD. 240 - 450<br />
Rent Per Month<br />
3 Bedroom Apartment<br />
Average<br />
BD. 633.060<br />
Range<br />
BD. 420 - 850<br />
IN CITY CENTRE<br />
Buying Apartment<br />
Per Square Meter<br />
Average<br />
BD. 799.40<br />
Range<br />
BD. 500 - 1,291.67<br />
Market Share for PR Coverage<br />
Mortgage Interest Rate Yearly (%)<br />
for 20 Years Fixed-Rate<br />
Banking 32% 21% 17% 14% 11% 5%<br />
Others CBB ABG BBK BISB NBB<br />
Telecom 30% 29% 24% 15%<br />
2%<br />
Batelco VIVA TRA Zain Menatelecom<br />
82 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
Rent Per Month<br />
1 Bedroom Apartment<br />
Average<br />
BD. 229.34<br />
Range<br />
BD. 150 - 350<br />
Rent Per Month<br />
3 Bedroom Apartment<br />
Average<br />
BD. 416.25<br />
Range<br />
BD. 275 - 580<br />
OUTSIDE OF CENTRE<br />
Buying Apartment<br />
Per Square Meter<br />
Average<br />
BD. 522.40<br />
Range<br />
BD. 300 - 700<br />
Average : 6.25%<br />
Range : 4.5 - 7%<br />
Source: NUMBEO.COM<br />
Real Estate 39% 20% 18% 12% 6% 5%<br />
Others Bin Faqeeh Diyar Al Muharraq Marassi Al Bahrain<br />
Naseej Metropolitan<br />
Other Business 32% 26% 18% 15% 7%<br />
2%<br />
ALBA GPIC BAC/BAS Euro Motors E.K. Kanoo<br />
YK Almoayyed<br />
bizbahrain.com - Web Portal Overview as on February <strong>2018</strong> Total Articles (14,090) Total Views (3,046,512) Total Visitors (542,755)<br />
March-April <strong>2018</strong><br />
83
Listing | Tender Board Bahrain<br />
Company Name<br />
Tender Subject Tender No. Tender Type Closing Date<br />
Bahrain Petroleum<br />
Company - BAPCO<br />
EPC works for Installation of Vapor<br />
Recovery System in Sitra Marketing<br />
Terminal<br />
RFP/Bapco/<strong>2018</strong>-448 Public 23/05/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Ministry of Works<br />
Lighting System for Shaikh Isa Bin<br />
RFP<strong>2018</strong>3926197008 Public 18/04/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Salman Bridge<br />
Tankering Service for Rainfall &<br />
Ministry of Works RFP<strong>2018</strong>3926196390 Public 18/04/<strong>2018</strong><br />
General Emergency Services<br />
Electricity and Water<br />
Authority<br />
Replacement of Roof Sheets<br />
at Central Stores, Sitra (MOW<br />
Prequalified Contractors Grade-E<br />
& Above)<br />
2017-245-PP-FRSD Public 11/04/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Ministry of Works<br />
Additional Academic Block for<br />
Khadija AlKubra Girls Intermediate<br />
School at Muharraq<br />
RFP<strong>2018</strong>3926196794 Public 11/04/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Ministry of Health<br />
Replace Chiller & Other HVAC<br />
Works @ SMC<br />
RFP<strong>2018</strong>12426196559 Public 11/04/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Ministry of Health<br />
Replace ATS & other electrical<br />
work @ SMC<br />
RFP<strong>2018</strong>12426196550 Public 11/04/<strong>2018</strong><br />
EWA- Planning &<br />
Studies<br />
Solar PV IPP Project on Landfill Site<br />
- Request for Concept (RFC)<br />
RFI-PQ/<strong>2018</strong>29257197314 Public 11/04/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Electricity and Water<br />
Authority<br />
Invitation for Pre-Qualification of<br />
Manufacturers of MDPE & HDPE<br />
Pipes and Fittings ssed in WDD<br />
RFI-PQ/<strong>2018</strong>3924196807 Public 18/04/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Bahrain Petroleum<br />
Company - BAPCO<br />
Provision of Land Surveying<br />
Services<br />
RFP/Bapco/<strong>2018</strong>-451 Public 18/04/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Ministry of Works<br />
Interior Refurbishment of Existing<br />
United Nations Building - 2,<br />
Manama.<br />
RFP<strong>2018</strong>3926195834 Public 11/04/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Source: www.tenderboard.gov.bh<br />
www.arabianindustry.com/tenders<br />
84 March-April <strong>2018</strong>
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