A business entrepreneurial lifestyle magazine from the Gulf

DIPLOMATIC FOCUS
H.E. Ghassan M. Husain
Iraqi Ambassador

GLOBAL BRAND
MiNI Turns 50

REAL ESTATE
rental market review

SPECIAL REPORT
GCC Economy
VOL:3
V OL:3 N
NO:6 JUNE 2009

NOW n
le o
AvailabAIR
GULF

AAREF
HEJRES
GETS REAL ON DIYAR AL
MUHARRAQ PROJECT
 COLUMN

58 JUNE 2009
 COLUMN

JUNE 2009 59
 A MAXMEDIA PUBLICATION
EDITORIAL

FEELING
THE HEAT!
T
A business entrepreneurial lifestyle he Bahraini business community’s ongoing resentment over a couple
magazine from the Gulf of LMRA decisions is understandable but hardly appreciable. One
needs to consider the fact that the authority has broken the old shackles
of the labour market and has a mandate to achieve a multitude of
PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF goals whose benefits will take some time to be clearly visible. The decisions under
Sameer Uchi hot dispute are the BD10 per expatriate levy and the free movement of labour
from August 2009. The former decision on the levy has been heavily debated in
MANAGING PARTNER / GROUP EDITOR
the parliament and a freeze has been ordered on its collection until next January.
Mohd. A. Kayani
However, the abolishing of the reigning sponsorship system will commendably
GENERAL MANAGER / MANAGING EDITOR instil greater transparency and freedom for the expatriates. It is apparent that the
Paritosh V. Palav authority’s reforms formula is based on market feedback taken from both the
ASST. EDITOR sponsors and expatriates. Unfortunately, the woes of expatriates weigh much
Mahmood Taiseer higher than that of the sponsors hence the awarding of the opportunity to freely
change their jobs should be seen as an acknowledgement of their contribution
CONTRIBUTORS towards building the economy for decades. The grossly abused concept of
Leila Belpaz
Suhail Al Gosaibi
sponsorship will see its demise by August this year thus ushering a pioneering era
for Bahrain. I have heard Qatar is expected to follow suite by implementing labour
PRODUCTION MANAGER
reforms similar to that of our island.
Sachan Chandran Coming back to the monthly expatriate levy the business community for sure
has a lot to reason with. Imagine a construction company with 1000 expatriate
GRAPHIC DESIGNER workers (mainly low wage labourers) paying BD10000 levy every month or a
Haroon Rasheed
Shaji Thomas
whopping BD120000 a year! For many companies this might be a huge portion of
their profits ultimately affecting their income profile in the short term. The present
PHOTOGRAPHER parliamentary freeze on the same is understandable but then what is the solution?
Mani T. Naturally, the authority is trying to make the expatriate labour expensive so as
DISTRIBUTION CONTROLLER to make way for more Bahrainis to be recruited and in the process split the levy
Sandeep Shrivastava between itself and Tamkeen which is undertaking numerous training initiatives
for its citizens. I believe a solution to this chaos will be to put up a levy based on
the class of employment which can be done by segmenting the work profile. For
Please e-mail us any form of business, banking, financing, instance, charging BD10 per month levy for companies employing top to middle
investments or entrepreneurial news........ level executive expatriates and a smaller levy for low wage workers would be more
agreeable to the corporate and industrial sector and probably more reasonable.
email us on: big@maxmediaco.com For sure Bahrain’s labour market reforms are here to stay. It is difficult to shed
years of patterns in just one year. No doubt, enough heat is being generated whilst
SUBSCRIPTION tackling such sensitive issues but one must look at the ultimate picture and work
out methods that could yield enhanced productivity and profitability. For sure,
Annual Subscription to BIG; Bahrain BD10 ($27)
GCC Subscription is BD20 ($55.00) for 1 year
sponsorship still exists in its cruellest form even today but the onus lies on us
or BD35 ($90.00) for 2 years. Foreign Subscription is to participate in this change. Truly, the level entrepreneurship is quite wide in
BD25 ($65.00) for 1 year, or BD40 ($100.00) for 2 years. Bahrain and it is the bogus and old-school-of-thought companies that need to
BIG is published 12 times a year. be awakened fully. Kudos to the Bahraini government for taking up such bold
B.I.G is published monthly and is available in all Supermarkets and book initiatives. Keep it going!
stores across the GCC. If you cannot find our magazine in your area, please
give us a call on Bahrain (973) 17 402-482 and we’ll tell you where you can
get a copy. Remember to always ask for B.I.G.

Licence no: CBIG 712 Copyright: 433\04 B.I.G Magazine all rights
reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without our written
permission. The content of this publication is the exclusive property of
MAXMEDIA CO. W.L.L and must not be reproduced in any
form without written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure
the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However,
MAXMEDIA CO. W.L.L and all its publications cannot accept
legal responsibility for any error or omission.

4 JUNE 2009
 CONTENTS
J U N E 2 0 0 9 . V O L 0 3 N U M B E R 0 6

Aaref Hejres NEWS

We bring the latest news from GCC and
international regions.

COVER STORY
At a time when the real estate market worldwide
is hit with recession, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s
prestigious Diyar al Muharraq is going strong and is
on schedule. BIG talks to Mr. Aaref Hejres,
Chief Executive Officer, Diyar Al Muharraq on the
development of the project and gets his reflections on
numerous issues including environment
sustainability.

F E AT U R E S
Special Report
BIG scans various reports and finds out how the
GCC region can beat recession on various fronts
provided countries follow strict discipline and chose
not be greedy.

40 Real Estate
BIG meets up with rental companies in the
Kingdom and finds out how the market is shaping up
amidst recession.

Bahrain’s rental market Diplomat of the Month

BIG meets up with H.E. Ghassan Muhsen Husain,
Ambassador of Iraq to Kingdom to Bahrain, and
discusses the Iraqi-Bahraini relations and gets his
views on various other topics.

Investment
BIG speaks to experts and tries to find out how the
GCC region has been building up its investment
portfolio abroad.

Global Brand
Around 25,000 enthusiasts from more than 40
countries converged on Silverstone to wish MINI
a happy 50th birthday. BIG brings out the historical
perspective of one of the world’s greatest, most
fashionable and desired brand.

Management

46 BIG takes a cue from the ongoing economic crisis

and checks out the inspirational aspect of life that is
now seen developing around the world.

4 JUNE 2009
 CONTENTS
J U N E 2 0 0 9 . V O L 0 3 N U M B E R 0 6

50
Company History
Contributing effectively to the country’s
diversification programme, Qatar Steel Company
has successfully demonstrated how strategic
thinking can yield consistent results. BIG takes a
look at the company’s history and brings to you the
making of a steel giant.

Car Review
BIG test drives Maserati.

COLUMNS
Leila Belpaz checks out the newly opened
affordable fashion outlet in Bahrain.

Suhail G. Algosaibi talks about how

personality plays a key role in Marketing.

PLUS
Appointments
Lifestyle
Last Page

54 H.E Ghassan Muhsen Husain

68

Investment Tracking Maserati

JUNE 2009 5
 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ww w w it. Similarly, when bird flu broke out we were

left stranded on what to do, even though come
winter and there are still cases of it. With
new cases of swine flu breaking out, I am sure
authorities will find some solution. In terms
of traveling to the US, I don’t think it will
be affected since only one off cases are being
reported at the moment within the region.

Editor
Dear B.I.G, Dear B.I.G,
Now that the Indian elections came to After the incident of the missing Air
READERS FORUM an end, do you think the outcome of
these elections that took place in such
France Jet, I think the airlines industry
should re-evaluate itself and stop claiming
an important country is going to affect that we are in the age of technology and
the international, or at least the Asian that these accidents are part of history.
e fro m
th e Gu lf
economy?
es ty le m ag az in
s en tre
pren eu ria l lif ATIC FO
CUS
DIPLOM an M. Husain
Ali
bu sin es
ass
H.E. Gh
A bassad
or
Iraqi Am
Kumar
BIG

BRAND
GLOBAL s 50
rn
JUNE 2009

MiNI Tu
ATE
REAL EST rket review
rental ma

Dear Ali,
Qata r:Riy

RT
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SPECIA nomy
GCC Eco
al 20.00

Dear Kumar, Latest investigation reports suggest that the

- Oma n:Riy

N
NO:6 JUNE 2009
VOL:3
V

Air France jet might have been subject to

al 2.00

NOWle on Elections in India are often regarded as one

ab
AvailULF AIR
- UAE: Dirha

G
of the biggest owing to its long history of hailstorms larger than the size of the tennis
ms 20.00
- Kuwa it:KD

practicing democracy. I believe the people of ball. Also, if you recall the latest report, Air
2 - Saud

India’s confidence in bringing back Congress France has admitted to have ignored their call
i Arab ia:Riy

at the leadership is a testament that they for upgrading electrical systems since 2007. In
al 20.00
- Bahr ain:B

a looking for stability and prosperity in the this age of fierce competition the airline might
D2 VOLUME-3

long run. India has already carved a niche have continued doing business without taking

AAREFS
NO.06

for itself in the Asian economic scenario and these upgrades under consideration. Also,
www.maxm
ediaco.com

its contribution has been quite immense, plus when nature decides your course or date, no

HEJRE AL ON DI
YAR AL
GETS RE AQ PROJECT
the country seems to have not been so much
affected by the global recession. So yes, India
amount of technology can help you to beat it.
MUHARR
PUBLICATI

stands to make a difference. Editor

ON

Editor Dear B.I.G,

Dear B.I.G,
Bahrain, Saudi, and UAE has recently
confirmed the first cases of swine flue in
the region, is there any consequences that
may make any traveler or businessman
think twice before visiting countries that
have already been affected by it. Don’t
you think that the world should have
been well prepared after the experience
of the bird flu?
Naseem Moh’d
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, VIEWS?
ASK BIG.
BIG has a dedicated team specifically for Dear Naseem,
answering your business related queries, A prominent fact about any flu is that there
be they big or small, weird or wonderful! is no quick cure to it. Even animals have the
Don’t forget to send your letters, questions, right to fall sick, it is only now that we know
comments, feedback, views and ideas to that when they are affected we are the victims.
big@maxmediaco.com Swine flu is something new and will take
time for us to find some permanent solution to
As an expert, do you think that abolishing
the sponsorship system will do anything to
the Bahraini employer? I understand that
Bahrain is now having the backing of Qatar,
but we really need to understand what
LMRA or the Labour Ministry think.
Employer
Dear Employer,
I think most of the employers are rushing
into controversies without allowing the
organisation to run full benefits of the schemes.
LMRA is just a year’s old and we feel it is
doing the right things, we just need to have
patience. It is an effort to boost the overall
labour market for the betterment of Bahrain
put if we keep on pulling the rug under its feet
all the time, things will only become slow.
Editor

6 JUNE 2009
 GCC NEWS
Bahrain Centre for Excellence
visits Tamkeen
BAHRAIN: As part of the activities of the
Bahrain Centre for Excellence and its efforts
to set new benchmarks for development in
the Kingdom, a delegation led by the Advisor
to Mr. Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Mutta-
wa, the Prime Minister’s advisor for Cultural
Affairs, visited the offices of Tamkeen.
The delegation was headed by Mr. Mo-
hammed Al Muttawa and Mr. Abdulellah
Al-Qassimi, Tamkeen’s Chief Executive
in the presence of the Tamkeen’s executive
management team.
Al Muttawa toured the office and spoke
to management and key project leaders about
the different aspects of Tamkeen’s core en-
gagement with Bahrain’s labour market. This
comes as part of the objectives of the Bahrain
Centre for Excellence and its endeavour to
upgrade performance at both the public and
private sectors. They also expressed their de-
sire for further cooperation with Tamkeen
within the framework of efforts to promote
the culture of excellence and implement it in
Banks expected to axe more jobs
BAHRAIN: Further job losses are expect-
ed at Bahrain banks before the end of June,
the head of the Bahrain Bankers’ Union
warned in remarks published recently, af-
ter Gulf International Bank (GIB) laid
off 17 per cent of its local workforce amid
mounting losses.
“I heard a Bahrain bank and others are
talking to their staff friendly and telling
them ‘prepare yourselves for layoffs by the
end of the month’,” Khalil Zainal said.
8 JUNE 2009
government and private organisations and
institutions on the kingdom of Bahrain.
“We strive towards
instilling the culture
of excellence and
achieving this impact”
“The main objectives of the Bahrain Cen-
tre for Excellence are to create a sustainable
competitive performance indicator for organi-
sations and institutions in both sectors, the
public and the private. The Centre strives to-
wards promoting innovation, education, trans-
parency, and knowledge management. We also
strive towards instilling the culture of excel-
lence and achieving this impact within society
as a whole, focusing on enhancement, empow-
erment, and excellence,” Al-Muttawa said.
“We are preparing ourselves for the GIB
case and maybe two or three other banks
who will lay off staff in the next months,”
he said, declining to name the lenders.
GIB laid off a total of 59 Bahrain-based
employees - 37 Bahrainis and 22 expatri-
ates - in late May, out of a total workforce
of 346 in the kingdom. GIB in March an-
nounced a net loss of US$396.2 mn for the
full fiscal year 2008, compared with a net
loss of US$757.3 mn recorded in 2007.
BATELCO SIGNS
OSS NUMBER 30
BAHRAIN: Batelco has signed a new
One-Stop-Shop (OSS) agreement
with Greece-based OTEGLOBE. This
brings Batelco’s total number of OSS
agreements to 30.
Batelco has previously signed agree-
ments with operators located in many
countries including the UK, Germany,
Italy, Netherlands, Greece, the US, Can-
ada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Ko-
rea, Philippines, Pakistan, Jordan, Saudi
Arabia, UAE, Singapore, Oman, Qatar
and Kuwait. OSS agreements comple-
ment Batelco’s range of international
connectivity services such as interna-
tional private leased circuits (IPLC) and
Global-MPLS (GMPLS).
IPLC and GMPLS services are ded-
icated secure international circuits that
ensure an instant connection to transmit
data. They provide a fast, efficient and
virtually error free digital connection, as
well as flexibility of working on a trans-
parent protocol that can be used on any
type of customer network application. It
also provides highly efficient connectiv-
ity that improves data throughput and
organisational productivity.
KALAAM SIGNS
KEY DEAL
BAHRAIN: Kalaam Telecom and
Gateway Gulf have signed a strategic
alliance to offer financial and corporate
customers the highest level of network
and systems reliability available in
Bahrain. Kalaam Telecom is one of the
only operators in Bahrain to offer both
diverse and redundant links on the last
mile connectivity.
Diverse and redundant links ensure
a highly efficient level of routing, which
is a mechanism to safeguard system
against any flaws or delays through a
high level of frequency, and therefore
efficiency creating minimal room for
any errors or delays. This agreement
with Gateway Gulf now means that
diverse and redundant routing in
addition to its current efficient mode,
also includes the Internet.
 GCC NEWS
GULF AIR
CELEBRATES
ENVIRONMENT
BAHRAIN: As part of its continuing
Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR)
programme, national carrier Gulf Air
announced several initiatives com-
memorating the World Environment
Day (WED) being observed world
over tomorrow.
“Gulf Air, as a responsible corporate
citizen, fully endorses the theme for
WED 2009 ‘Your Planet Needs You-
Unite to Combat Climate Change’,”
said Mr. Björn Näf, Gulf Air Chief Ex-
ecutive Officer.
“As one of the biggest employers in
Bahrain, we carry the dual responsibility
of not only being the national carrier, but
also the responsibility of doing our part
in leaving a better world for our children.
It is one of our obligations to look after
and protect the environment. Last year
Gulf Air launched an integrated CSR
programme focusing on three key areas,
namely, climate change and clean air,
waste management and community ser-
vice, with goals to support each.”
Gulf Air has also initiated an internal
volunteering programme where by staff
members will be engaged in initiatives
designed to improve the environment
such as cleaning up beaches.
BDO Jawad Habib, DHL Express sign agreement
BAHRAIN: Global logistics company DHL
Express, Bahrain recently adopted the com-
mendable Tamkeen Career Progression Pro-
gramme (CPP) as a channel of productivity
improvement and career development.
BDO Jawad Habib (BDOJHC), which
manages the CPP, has signed an agreement
with DHL Express, Bahrain. The agreement
was signed recently at the DHL headquarters
in Muharraq by Mr. Bill Todd, General Man-
ager, Bahrain Hub, DHL Express and Dr.
Ehsan Ghurbal, CPP Director at BDOJHC.
According to this agreement, BDOJHC
will assess and then enroll in the CPP 147 Bah-
raini employees from DHL to engage them
in the programme. These employees have dif-
ferent roles in DHL from team leaders, ramp
agent, sorters, to customer service agents. This
initiative is in line with DHL’s HR strategy
10 JUNE 2009
CAPIVEST Shariah Index started
Mr. Hasan Habib Hasan
BAHRAIN: CAPIVEST has announced
the next in its series of treasury structured
products, with the launch of the CAPIVEST
Shariah Index, linked to the S&P Europe 350
Shariah Index, in cooperation with a leading
global financial institution. The CAPIVEST
Shariah Index offering of US$50 mn was of-
ficially launched at the end of April 2009.
The product is designed to meet the
growing demand for Islamic investment
products and to provide investors with a di-
rect exposure to the S&P Europe 350 Sha-
riah Index at a time when prices are at the
lowest witnessed in many years, without any
risk to their initial capital.
This unique investment opportunity has
a four year maturity, provides investors with
100 per cent capital protection and 70 per
cent participation in the average quarterly
of developing talent and Tamkeen’s continu-
ous effort to focus on giving Bahrainis access
to ongoing world-class training that will result
in better career development.
Commenting on this agreement, Dr. Ghur-
bal said, “This partnership marks another im-
portant milestone for us. Tamkeen with BDO
performance of the Index at maturity, with a
minimum of 4 per cent coupon at maturity in
the unlikely event that the Index returns less
than the minimum protected coupon.
“This launch is another
example of our
commitment to meeting
the needs of Islamic
finance investors”
“The launch of the CAPIVEST Shariah
Index is another example of the Bank’s com-
mitment to meeting the increasingly sophis-
ticated needs of Islamic finance investors.
Despite the current state of financial mar-
kets, CAPIVEST’s treasury products have
recorded positive performances. The Shariah-
compliant Capital Protected Equity Fund,
which was the first treasury product launched
by CAPIVEST, won the “Deal of the Year
Award-Bahrain” from The Banker magazine
in 2005. While the second treasury product
will be due for exit towards the end of this
year and is expected to return to investors 100
per cent of the invested capital in addition
to a 10 per cent profit.” Mr. Hassan Habib
Hassan, Executive Director of Treasury and
Financial Institutions at CAPIVEST said.
JHC is devoted to meeting DHL’s outlined
requirements and highest international stan-
dards. We believe that training and productiv-
ity are correlated. Programmes like CPP are
designed to systematically develop the knowl-
edge, skills, and attitudes that are required for
any organisation to meet its goals”.
 GCC NEWS
E.K. Kanoo to open Toyota Plaza
BAHRAIN: EK Kanoo has recently an-
nounced that Toyota Plaza, GCC larg-
est Automotive Center, will be operational
very soon. Toyota Plaza is designed to be a
state-of-the art one-stop shop for all the re-
quirements of Toyota and Lexus users in the
Kingdom of Bahrain. This addition further
bolsters Toyota’s leading presence in Bahrain,
which currently operates 6 service and 8 spare
part centres located all around the Kingdom,
and is in line with EK Kanoo’s steadfast com-
mitment to providing the best possible level
of customer service.
Mr. Ayman Shehadeh, Toyota & Lexus
Brand Manager, said Toyota Plaza represents
a true upward shift in the level of services pro-
vided and, “enables us to provide numerous
exclusive benefits to our customers, whereby
we will be able to meet all their automotive
needs with complete ease and peace of mind
under one roof for a truly unique experience.”
The sprawling complex will feature a mas-
sive workshop equipped with the very latest
maintenance and diagnostic machinery. The
workshop, which is capable of servicing 350
cars at the same time, is complemented with
First steel mill starts production
BAHRAIN: Bahrain’s first steel reinforce-
ment bar mill has begun production after
receiving government approval. It is also
looking to increase jobs at the facility to
200 in a matter of months.
The Universal Rolling (Unirol), which
took four years to build in the Hidd In-
dustrial Area, has utilised state-of-the-art
technology in steel rolling and manufactur-
ing in addition to the latest quality con-
trol systems. It has an in-house laboratory
in order to guarantee the highest level of
quality and compliance with British Stan-
dard BS 4449:97 grade 460, and American
Standard ASTM A615 grade 60.
“The commencement of production
at our plant comes after big efforts made
jointly by our team of Bahrainis and expats
in addition to the support received from
governmental agencies that made our suc-
cess possible,”said Mr. Mazen Almahroos,
Unirol Managing Director.
“This new industrial entity will reflect
positively on the lives of Bahrainis work-
ing with us, and on the real estate sector
12 JUNE 2009
a full range of automotive service facilities,
such as a small Toyota and Lexus showroom
and accessories store, testing area, spare parts
and tire service center, car wash and polish
center, Toyota F1 accessories, a café, a six-
storey car park for 400 cars.
In addition to Toyota Plaza, EK Kanoo
also plans to open a number of other facili-
ties, including a brand new Lexus showroom
and service center in Arad.
specifically, and the local economy as a
whole,” he said.
“Currently the factory is running at
only a portion of its 200,000 tons per an-
num production capacity, with capability
of covering a huge part of the local de-
mand of the kingdom for this strategically
important product.”
“Unirol currently employs 130 people
and that number is set to increase to 200
within the coming months as production
is ramped up,” he said.
“We will work in the coming months
on training Bahrainis in order for them
to play a bigger role in this new industrial
entity,” he added.
He confirmed that the samples taken
from the trial production were tested by the
Works Ministry and conformity to interna-
tionally recognized standards has been con-
firmed. Engineers from the Ministry visit-
ed the facilities of Unirol and issued their
unconditional approval for use of Bahraini
steel produced by Unirol for government
and Works Ministry projects.
HEALTH OASIS
PROJECT
LAUNCHED
BAHRAIN: Trowers and Hamlins, the
international law firm, is pleased to have
advised the Royal College of Surgeons in
Ireland on the development and financ-
ing of a large scale specialist healthcare
project in Muharraq, Bahrain.
The US$1bn Bahrain Health Oasis
project was recently launched by His
Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman
Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of the
Kingdom of Bahrain at a Foundation
Stone Ceremony. The Bahrain Health
Oasis concept extends over a combined
site of circa 60 hectares of multiple in-
ter-related components and will feature
three keystone projects: the Bahrain
Health Oasis, The King Hamad Gen-
eral Hospital (KHGH) and the Oasis
Private Hospital (OPH).
In support of these core medical edu-
cation and healthcare components, the
Bahrain Health Oasis will also house
Clinical Specialist Treatment Centres,
a Medical Innovation and Incubation
Centre, extensive provisions of offices
for medical and healthcare enterprises,
a five star resort and four star hotels to
include spas as well as a wellness centre,
a public promenade including an exten-
sive array of shops and waterfront cafes,
serviced apartments with managed care,
sports facilities, staff and student ac-
commodation and a high quality public
realm and park.
PROTIVITI SETS
UP BFH OFFICE
BAHRAIN: Protiviti Member Firm,
the international business consulting
and internal audit firm, has established
an office in the West Tower of Bahrain
Financial Harbour (BFH). Protiviti is a
subsidiary of Robert Half Internation-
al, a member of the S&P 500 index.
“We are proud that Protiviti has
decided to operate from BFH,” said
Mr. Salwan Uchi, Bahrain Financial
Harbour Holding Company (BF-
HHC) Marketing Director.

AL SALAM GETS
APPROVAL
BAHRAIN: Bahrain’s Al Salam Bank
said recently shareholders of Bahraini
Saudi Bank had accepted its takeover of-
fer, marking one of the first steps toward
consolidation among Gulf banks this year.
Some 70.15 per cent of Bahraini Sau-
di shareholders approved the takeover
offer on June 1, Al Salam said in a state-
ment on the Bahrain bourse website. The
bank needed approval of 66.67 per cent
of shareholders.
Al Salam said April 22 it offered to
pay BD27 mn (US$71.62 mn) to take
over Bahraini Saudi. It said the offer has
now become unconditional, with the of-
fer period being extended to June 28. The
two entities would have a combined mar-
ket value of about US$470 mn.
The acquisition is one of the first this
year in the Gulf Arab region, where banks
are generally small in size. Some analysts
say the smaller players are ripe for consol-
idation as they look for ways to weather
the fallout of the financial crisis.
Al Salam has said it is looking to make
further acquisitions in Bahrain’s banking
sectors to grow its operations.
BAHRAIN AIR
EXPANDING
BAHRAIN: Bahrain Air has expanded
its sales, ticketing and customer services
across Qatar with the opening of a
second office in Doha.
Mr. Ibrahim Al Hamer, Managing
Director and a group of senior
management including Mr. B.K..
Majmudar Corporate Planning
Director and Mr. A. Aziz Alshaer,
Security and Corporate Affairs
Manager attended the opening.
Mr. Al Hamer said to the new office
will make it suitable to book flights in a
more relaxed and stress-free atmosphere.
“Our travellers will not only be able
to enjoy our outstanding services in the
air, but also on the ground,” he said.
“There is increasing demand for
Bahrain Air flights in Doha from both
Qatari nationals and the expatriate
community,” he added.
Menatelecom’s WiMAX
strikes success
BAHRAIN: In line with its expansion plan,
Bahrain-based menatelecom, an investment
subsidiary of Kuwait Finance House (Bah-
rain), and the first company in the world to
launch a nationwide WiMAX 802.16e end-
to-end network has recently broadened its
reach in The Kingdom of Bahrain as it has
witnessed great success with its subscriber
base exceeding expectations since it was
launched over five months ago.
“We at menatelecom
are pleased with the
recorded success of
our WiMAX service”
“We at menatelecom are extremely pleased
with the recorded success of our WiMAX ser-
vice and we are making sure that the King-
dom remains a leader in new and innovative
technology. All the indicators point out to that
direction, as the number of new customers is
steadily growing, subscribers are expressing
their high satisfaction and the general per-
ception about menatelecom and its services
among the public ranks the company at the
forefront of telecom providers in the King-
dom,” Mr. Abdul Razak Jawahery, Executive
Manager Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain
(KFH), representing KFH as Vice Chairman
and Managing Director of menatelecom said.
“In response to this positive image, we
will expand our retail network to include a
AUB launches huge prize scheme
BAHRAIN: Ahli United Bank B.S.C.
(AUB) has announced major enhance-
ments to its popular MyHassad, savings
scheme. The new structure, aimed at re-
warding customers who save with the bank,
features 6000 prizes on offer including ‘Sal-
ary for Life’ prizes worth BD 6 Mn plus
Grand Weekly Prizes and Loyalty Prizes
worth BD2 mn each.
AUB has to date announced 40 Salary for
Life Winners with prize payouts of BD12
mn. Winners and customers alike value this
opportunity that creates a lasting difference
in their lives in respect to securing their fu-
GCC NEWS
new branch in Isa Town within one month
from now, and another branch in Muharraq
the following month,” he said.
“We at menatelecom have been able to
maintain and increase our growth expecta-
tions in terms of financial and operational
parameters. ,” he added.
Since menatelecom started its operations
in Bahrain in 2003, it has continued to re-
lentlessly invest in its network, new technol-
ogies and customer service, realizing that its
success is dependent upon sustained innova-
tion and customer care. menatelecom proved
its excellence and distinction by offering ex-
ceptional services within the context of the
best standards of quality. menatelecom’s 24/7
customer service is the first of its kind for in-
ternet services in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Mr. Abdul Razak Jawahery
ture. The new scheme offers 14 Salary for
Life prizes - of which 2 prizes are worth
BD1 mn each, 4 prizes worth BD500,000
each and 8 prizes of BD250,000 each.
In addition, the scheme offers a Grand
Weekly Prize worth BD 50,000 among
other weekly prizes. The scheme offers a
total of 480 weekly prizes aggregating to
BD2 mn in value.
Loyal customers of the My Hassad
scheme are now assured of instant rewards.
A BD2 mn pool has been set aside for Loy-
alty prizes and with 5,500 prizes on offer,
this is by far the best ever Loyalty program.
JUNE 2009 13
 GCC NEWS
TELECOMS
SECTOR SURGES
BAHRAIN: Bahrain’s telecoms sector
continued to reap the benefits of liber-
alisation in 2008, with combined reve-
nues from the country’s telecom opera-
tors reaching BD300 mn (US$796 mn),
representing growth of 6.3 per cent
from 2007, according to data released
by the TRA recently.
Much of the growth was driven by a
rapid uptake of broadband services, with
subscriptions surging by 50 per cent to
reach 110,000 subscribers. The mobile
sector also experienced rapid growth in
2008, with the number of mobile sub-
scribers reaching 1.4 mn in December
2008, giving a mobile penetration rate
of 131 per cent.
Despite this level of saturation, the
rate of growth in the mobile sector in
2008 exceeded that of the previous year.
Indeed, in 2008 Bahrain’s mobile opera-
tors gained more than 324,000 subscrib-
ers, compared with a net increase of
about 208,000 in 2007. Bahrain’s fixed
line sector, which includes a number of
fixed wireless operators, also helped the
country buck a regional trend of declin-
ing fixed line services.
EXCHANGE
SIGNS SCB DEAL
BAHRAIN: The Bahrain Stock
Exchange (BSE) recently announced
that it has signed a Depository
Participant (Custodian) agreement with
Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain.
The agreement allows the bank to
offer custody services to local, regional
and international investors.
“Bahrain is a key market for the
bank and we are bringing in a number
of new products and services to meet
the requirements of both existing and
potential clients,” said Mr. Jonathan
Morris, Standard Chartered Bank
Bahrain Chief Executive Officer.
“The agreement comes as a result of
interest shown by our clients in needing
custody services within the country and
follows on from similar agreements
signed by Standard Chartered with
other stock exchanges in the region.”
14 JUNE 2009
Ministry of Works announces
2008 Annual Report
BAHRAIN: The Ministry of Works has an-
nounced outstanding achievements in 2008.
677 tenders and projects were issued to a
total value of BD256.9 mn (US$685 mn) as
part of its remit to create a world-class infra-
structure in the Kingdom in alignment with
the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. The
Ministry’s project budget increased to BD10
mn (US$293 mn) and it managed projects
for client Ministries worth BD108 mn (US$
288 mn). The announcement was made dur-
ing an event held recently at the Crowne
Plaza Hotel, where the Ministry launched its
2008 Annual Report.
The achievements are a continuation of
a trend that has characterised performance
over the past few years. Mr. Fahmi Bin Ali
Al Jowder, Minister of Works, noted during
the event that the Ministry’s efforts are key
to sustained development for the long-term
future of the Kingdom.
“The work of the Ministry is integral to
realising the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030,
the National Strategy and those of the Bah-
rain Centre of Excellence. Our contribu-
Local monorail project on track
BAHRAIN: The Bahraini government
plans to start the Phase-2 of the Bahrain
monorail network by the year end.
“We have completed Phase -1 of the
project where consultants carried out a
comprehensive study. It all depends on
finance before we move forward with
Phase-2,” Mr. Fahmi Al Jowder, Minister
of Works, told a press conference recently.
The ambitious multi-million project
will be executed in three phases. Phase
1 consists of a 23km long section of the
tion includes strategic execution across four
themes, which help us to contribute to all
economic, social and cultural sectors in the
Kingdom. These are ‘Public Private Partner-
ships’ where we are engaging private sector
capabilities in implementing projects; as a
‘Key Planning Player’ where our Ministry
occupies a key role in master planning and
implementation in accordance with the Na-
tional Strategy; as a provider of ‘Sustainable
Quality Services’; and as a ‘Leading Profes-
sional Organisation’ where we aim to ensure
our workforce is highly motivated and that
we provide a culture and environment where
knowledge sharing and the power of synergy
and effort is at its heart,” said Al Jowder.
The Ministry is handling more projects
than ever with the expansion of roads and
sanitary engineering networks on course and
in full alignment with the Government Na-
tional Master Plan Development Scenarios.
In 2008 significant advances were made on
road expansion and development projects,
sanitary engineering projects and services as
well as with strategic Government projects.
monorail. The Minister said this was a big
project, which was heavily financed by the
Bahrain government.
In September, the Cabinet approved the
master plan for the Integrated Transport
Strategy, which aimed to improve alterna-
tive modes of transport to reduce conges-
tion on the roads.
“This incorporated a 180km long pub-
lic transport network, comprising Light
Rail Transit, Monorail, Tramway and Bus
Rapid Transit.
 GCC NEWS
BCCI still commited to SMEs
BAHRAIN: Underpinned by its strong 70-
year history and the Kingdom’s rich trade
heritage, the newly relocated Bahrain Cham-
ber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has
launched a new strategy designed to aid
SMEs in realising their full potential.
“As the private sector evolves, so must our
role,” explained Mr. Othman Al Rayes, Act-
ing Chief Executive Officer in BCCI.
“Within the framework of Vision 2030,
the BCCI has established the SME Com-
mittee to better serve the private sector and
to maximise its economic contributions to
the Kingdom; while also helping small and
Tharawat announces “Tharawat Sukuk Fund”
BAHRAIN: Tharawat Investment House,
the latest innovative Islamic investment
house in the Kingdom of Bahrain, an-
nounced the launch of its first investment
product the “ Tharawat Sukuk Fund”. The
fund is an open-ended, Sharia’a compliant
investment fund domiciled in the Kingdom
of Bahrain investing around 70 per cent of its
assets in government and corporate Sukuk in
the GCC and MENA areas.
“The launch of Tharawat Investment Fund,
our first investment product, stems from the
fact that we are the Investment Management
partner in the 5th Global Islamic Investment
Funds & Islamic Capital Markets. The fund
aims to preserve capital and achieve high re-
turn for investors through purchasing Sukuk
in primary and secondary markets,” said Mr.
Aref Mohammed Al Alawi, Tharawat CEO.
16 JUNE 2009
medium enterprises overcome any impedi-
ments to this goal,” he remarked.
“Throughout the committee’s tenure, the
BCCI will strive to support all plans, pro-
grams and policies aimed at the development
of this sector, and to ensure their successful
implementation,” Al Rayes continued.
“Furthermore, to overcome difficulties
faced by small and medium enterprises, the
Chamber will be organising frequent con-
sultative meetings and seminars to enhance
knowledge and facilitate information ex-
change. This will undoubtedly strengthen the
sector and promote innovative and success-
ful business strategies. Moreover, we will be
conducting a number of studies and research
to determine areas that require further atten-
tion,” Al Rayes added.
Among the initiatives undertaken to sup-
port SMEs is the launch of two service centers,
which are currently being under implementa-
tion, on the fifth floor of the state-of-the-art
premises “Bait Al Tijjar”. One of which will
be dedicated to training and supporting small
and medium enterprises as well as individu-
als by providing them with training programs
that improve their performance and capabili-
ties beside developing their creativity. While
the second centre will be dedicated to support
the export activities of SME’s , assist them to
promote industrial exports and provide local
companies with access to new markets, while
also increasing their competitiveness in the
face of regional and global competition.
“The fund also offers investors the choice
to receive the fund’s distributions in cash or
through issuance of additional Units. The
fund targets Accredited Investors from indi-
viduals and organisations that are looking for
investments that generate higher returns than
low and moderate risk bank deposits,”
“As part of our corporate social responsi-
bility and stemming from our belief in shar-
ing our success with all, we have decided to
offer the opportunity to the largest number
possible of potential investors. Therefore, we
set the minimum limit of investment to US$
100,000 and in increments of US$10,000
for those wishing to invest more”, explained
Mr. Al Alawi.
“The Sukuk segment is the fastest growing
segment of the Islamic finance market. The
demand for Sukuk by non-Islamic financial
CISCO
ANNOUNCES
NEW PRODUCTS
BAHRAIN: Cisco, the market leading
ICT company, recently announced the
launch of a number of new products and
services that have been designed to help
the region’s small businesses (SMBs).
The organisation aims to improve the
efficiency and productivity of SMBs
throughout the UAE and beyond, by
enhancing the flow of communications,
future-proofing communications infra-
structure and minimising the time spent
managing technology.
The new solutions announced include
additions to the ‘Cisco Small Business
Pro’ series; a range of products and ser-
vices designed so that SMBs can build,
install and manage systems that sup-
port their evolving technology needs.
Upgrading capability was a key strategy
for the design of these new services, with
components able to be built easily upon
others. One other integral part of the
Cisco Small Business Pro Service pro-
vides SMBs with three years of afford-
able technical support, offering software
updates, next business-day hardware
replacement as necessary and providing
extended access to the Cisco Small Busi-
ness Support Center, which is now avail-
able for the region.
institutions resulted in an increase of Islamic
securitization transactions by 700 per cent
during 2004 - 2008,” he elaborated
Mr. Aref Mohammed Al Alawi
© H-D 2008. Harley, Harley-Davidson and the Bar and Shield logo are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, Inc.
 GCC NEWS
SCW, Tamkeen sign agreement
Dr. Nezar bin Sadeq Al Baharna and Ms. Lulwa Saleh Al-Awadi signing the MoU
BAHRAIN: Bahraini women working for
increased opportunities got a boost recently
with the signing of a key Memorandum of
Co-operation between the Supreme Council
for Women and Tamkeen (Labour Fund).
The memorandum was signed at the
Council headquarters by Ms. Lulwa Saleh
Al-Awadi, the Secretary General of the Su-
preme Council for Women and Dr. Nezar
bin Sadeq Al Baharna, the Chairman of
Tamkeen. The Secretary General welcomed
the move, emphasising that the Council
would tap into Tamkeen’s rich suite of infor-
mation, database and training and empow-
erment initiatives to give Bahraini women
the support they need.
Dr. Nezar bin Sadeq Al Baharna com-
mended the projects and programmes provided
KFH opens new headquarters
BAHRAIN: Kuwait Finance House -
Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain) has relocated its
headquarters in the West Tower of the
Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC).
The move to the BWTC confirms the
vision of KFH-Bahrain for expanding its
banking operations.
Mr. Bader Al Mukhaizeem, KFH-
Bahrain chairman officially inaugurated
the new headquarters in the presence of
board members and senior bank officials.
“This move to our new headquarters
is the beginning of our journey to further
consolidate our team and enable us to
work more cohesively in order to address
the challenges that arise on our way for-
ward. Our business success has pushed the
demand for a new headquarters with the
required space to accommodate our grow-
18 JUNE 2009
by the Council to the Bahraini women, which
will help in increasing the women contribution
to the national economy and attracting women
to the field of private business management.
Tamkeen has a fine track record of sus-
tained empowerment of Bahraini women,
observed Dr. Al Baharna, adding “We are
delighted to work closely with the Supreme
Council for Women, which, under the lead-
ership of Her Highness Shaikha Sabikha
bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has put in place so
many initiatives to broaden the participation
of women in the national sphere. Tamkeen’s
efforts have been recognised by the SCW
earlier, when it was singled out for an award
for its contribution to women’s progress. We
shall continue in our efforts to live up to the
expectations of our stakeholders.”
ing needs,” Mr Al Mukhaizeem said.
KFH-Bahrain’s growing team, cur-
rently standing at over 250 staff, is now ac-
commodated on nine floors in the BWTC
including a full fledged branch, enhancing
the ability to continue providing clients
with a high return, professional and per-
sonalised service as well as allowing KFH-
Bahrain to add to its existing workforce.
The BWTC is the perfect location for
KFH-Bahrain to leverage on its position
as a significant player in the local and re-
gional investment markets. The BWTC is
a world-class, fully integrated development
located in the centre of Manama. Viewed
as a model for the future, the BWTC pro-
vides a highly technological infrastructure,
which suits the needs of the banking and
finance sector.
NBB LAUNCHES
NEW VISA CARD
BAHRAIN: NBB has recently launched
its exclusive Platinum Visa Card. The
card is packed with comprehensive fea-
tures creating a unique package, which
offers cardholders the conveniences,
ease of usage and lifestyle to which they
are accustomed.
The card offers customers a range
of benefits like free access to over 500
premium international airport lounges
through a complimentary Priority Pass
membership, travel accident insurance
up to US$250,000 and special world-
wide discounts and deals with premium
international brands.
Customers will also receive purchase
protection - an automatic short-term
insurance protection on purchases made
through their NBB Platinum card. It offers
cardholders a 24-hour emergency medical
and legal advisory service, through NBB
partners, when they travel abroad.
“We are proud to present the NBB
Platinum card in partnership with Visa.
The card has been designed to assist our
customers’ payment, travel and leisure re-
quirements,” Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Ahmed,
Personal Banking Executive Assistant
General Manager said.
“NBB has consistently been at the
helm of banking in the kingdom through
innovative and consumer-friendly prod-
ucts. We will continue to work and de-
velop products, which benefit our cus-
tomer’s long term requirements and
objectives,” he said.
DUTY FREE
SALES SURGING
BAHRAIN: The Bahrain Duty Free
shop complex saw consolidated sales
fall 12 per cent in the first quarter of
the year. However, when like-for-like
adjustments are made for the stopping
of Gulf Air in-flight and cancelled
holiday charter flights, the sales
percentage reflected a modest fall of just
6 per cent on sales.
This is below total passenger
traffic growth which is in line with
the departures showing a 1 per cent
passenger drop versus last year.
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 GCC NEWS
OGER EYES
EXPANSION
IN BAHRAIN
BAHRAIN: Saudi Arabian construction
company Saudi Oger recently said it had
US$7.2 bn in building contracts under ex-
ecution and planned to expand into Bah-
rain and Oman to diversify its revenues.
Mr. Ali Kholaghassi, Vice-presi-
dent said on the sidelines of the World
Economic Forum that investors and
homebuyers were still in “sit and wait”
mode, although banks had started to
resume lending. Confidence would
return once wealth funds and private
equity return to the market, said Kho-
laghassi, who is banking on new busi-
ness resulting from Gulf governments’
plans to keep public spending expan-
sionary during the downturn.
“Today it’s a question of how desper-
ate a person wants to sell and how ea-
ger a person wants to buy,” Kholaghassi
said. “Is it the bottom?... You have a few
days of green and then decline, so there
is much confidence building needed.”
Oger, a diversified holding group
with operations in telecommunications,
utilities and real estate, is controlled by
the family of late Lebanese Prime Min-
ister Rafik Al Hariri. The company has
about 12bn UAE dirhams (US$3.27 bn)
of projects under execution in the UAE,
US$1.3 bn in Jordan and US$2.67 bn in
Saudi Arabia, he said.
GULF AIR TO
KEEP ORDERS
BAHRAIN: Bahrain-based Gulf Air
will keep taking delivery of planes it
has ordered from European manu-
facturer Airbus on schedule, its chief
executive said.
Mr. Bjorn Naf told the reporters
on the sidelines of an aviation
conference in Kuala Lumpur that he
saw no signs yet of a recovery in the
airline industry but he hoped for one
by the second half of 2010.
Gulf Air has 35 Airbus planes on
order as of March. It has also ordered
16 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
20 JUNE 2009
Bahrain hosts UN’s workshop
BAHRAIN: Within the events of Bahrain
International e-Government Forum 2009,
took place from 25 -27 May 2009, in Isa
Cultural Center – Juffair, the first specialised
workshop was held under the title “Measure-
ment and Evaluation Tool for e-government
Readiness- Meter 2” was delivered by Mr.
Richard Kerby, Senior Inter-Regional Ad-
visor, United Nations-Department of Eco-
nomic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).
“Meter 2” is a collaboration between
UNDESA and the Center for Technology
in Government, State University of New
York at Albany, to consolidate the second
version of Meter 2, with technical advisory
for the project from Microsoft. Consisting
of five main pillars, Meter 2 is considered
BFX appoints 2Connect
BAHRAIN: Bahrain Financial Exchange
(BFX), launching in Q1, 2010, is the first
multi-asset exchange in the Middle East
and North Africa which will be internation-
ally accessible to trade cash instruments,
derivatives, structured products and Sharia-
compliant financial instruments, has recently
announced that 2Connect will be the Ex-
change’s telecommunications service pro-
vider for voice, data and internet services.
2Connect will provide the Exchange
with key infrastructure for the provision
of a voice and data network, equipment
for the transfer of data and the supply of
IP telephony, internet connectivity and the
pivotal to the establishment of a supportive
enabling environment for e-government.
The pillars are; commitment, legislation, vi-
sion and policy, organisation, and technolo-
gy. Within each pillar there are a number of
sub-themes and related statements identify-
ing essential factors, choices and challenges
which can influence the capability of gov-
ernments to effectively harness technology
for government transformation.
The workshop was attended by a num-
ber of specialists in e-government programs
from ministries and governmental authori-
ties concerned with the United Nations e-
Government Readiness Index, in addition
to a number of participants from Singapore,
Kuwait, UAE, and KSA.
Mr. Richard Kerby conducting the workshop
provision of data centre space for hosting
BFX infrastructure. 2Connect, in addition,
will also provide a suite of service support
packages for the installed infrastructure.
The infrastructure will be essential to
the Exchange in its day-to-day opera-
tions, plug and trade electronic trading
floor and international standard in-house
training academy.
Mr. Nick Bishop, Chief Operations Of-
ficer, BFX said, “We are delighted to have
2Connect as our chosen solution provider
for these services. They showed a sound
understanding of our business model and
the solutions we require.”

Kuwaiti women win their first
ever parliament seats
KUWAIT: Women won four seats in Ku-
wait’s Parliament in Kuwaiti Parliament’s
election, the first to do so in the Gulf Arab
state’s history in what will be a blow to the
Islamists who have long dominated the as-
sembly. Sixteen women were among 210 can-
didates for the 50-seat assembly, whose new
composition was announced recently.
Kuwaiti women were first given the right
to vote and run for office in 2005, but failed
to win any seats in the 2006 and 2008 elec-
tions, held in this conservative Muslim coun-
try where politics is still widely seen as a
man’s domain. About 384 790 Kuwaitis, over
half of them women, were eligible to vote but
turnout was low with voters worried that the
poll would do little to end a long-running
standoff between Parliament and govern-
ment that has delayed economic reforms.
Kuwait’s ruler, Shaikh Sabah al-Ahmad
al-Sabah, called the election after dissolving
Parliament two months ago to end the cri-
sis and push through a US$5 bn economic
stimulus package. The official KUNA news
agency said liberal candidates Aseel Awadhi
SHUAA Securities adds Jordan to its network
Mr. Mohammed Ali Yasin
UAE: SHUAA Capital, the GCC’s leading
financial services institution, recently an-
nounced that SHUAA Securities, its bro-
kerage arm, has expanded its regional op-
erations and network with the addition of
its Jordan subsidiary.
and Rola Dashti came second and seventh in
the third constituency, giving them both seats
in the house. Former health minister Mas-
souma al-Mubarak, who became the first
Kuwaiti woman minister in 2005, and an-
other female candidate, Salwa al-Jassar, also
secured seats in Parliament.
SHUAA Securities is the leading broker-
age service provider in the Middle East offer-
ing clients a seamless multi-market trading
experience across all the main regional equity
markets including the United Arab Emirates,
Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. SHUAA Se-
curities will consistently grow its operations
to give its clients direct access to the majority
of the GCC and MENA brokerage markets
through a single trading account, making it
the premier regional trading hub. This is in
addition to our existing institutional desk
which offers clients access to 14 exchanges
across 12 GCC and MENA markets through
nominee account relationships.
Mr. Mohammed Ali Yasin, Chief Execu-
tive, SHUAA Securities said: “Jordan is an
important addition to our brokerage net-
work and we are now able to offer institu-
tional, HNW and retail clients from across
the region direct access to this market.”
Continuing he said: “Despite the challeng-
ing market environment SHUAA Securities
has been able to significantly increase its
GCC NEWS
UAE SEEKS
NEW TERMS TO
REJOIN UNION
UAE: UAE’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh
Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahayan, said
that the Gulf state would mull rejoin-
ing the Gulf monitory union if the
terms change, reports said.
Al Nahayan said that the country
would rejoin the union if the neigh-
bouring countries agree to change
some conditions and to set up the joint
central bank in the UAE.
Al Nahayan did not disclose the
specific terms of dispute, however,
he said that the second-largest Arab
economy has withdrawn from the
monitory in protest of a recent May
5th decision to base the joint central
bank in the capital of Saudi Arabia,
Riyadh instead of Abu Dhabi.
He said that up until last year, only
the UAE had been a candidate to host
the joint body that would be respon-
sible for managing and issuing Gulf
currency notes and coins.
market share across the region and in par-
ticular in the United Arab Emirates where
we ranked as the second largest broker by
transaction value in April 2009 with 5.22
per cent market share”.
“Despite the challenging
market SHUAA has
been able to significantly
increase its market
share across the region”
“During the same period, we were also
the most active regional member out of all
brokers in NASDAQ Dubai. This reflects a
strong and respected brand across both retail
and institutional segments and speaks clearly
of our unrivalled success and continuity in
the GCC and MENA markets in the face of
volatile economic conditions,” he added.
JUNE 2009 21
 GCC NEWS
SNIPPETS
ETIHAD ATHEEB
STARTS IN KSA
KSA: Etihad Atheeb Telecommu-
nications Company said it recently
started high-speed Internet in Saudi
Arabia’s two largest cities, officially
ending Saudi Telecom Company’s
(STC) monopoly.The firm would start
operations in Riyadh and Jeddah, it
said. Atheeb is expected to face tough
competition from STC and two other
firms that won licences last year to of-
fer fixed-line services.
DUBAI TO PAY FOR
DENYING PEER VISA
UAE: The Dubai Tennis Champion-
ships announced it will pay a record
US$300,000 (Dhs1.1 mn) fine for
denying Israeli player Shahar Peer a
visa to play at the tennis tournament
this year, reports said. In addition to
the fine, the WTA Tour Board wants
Dubai organisers to arrange visas for
qualifying Israeli players eight weeks
ahead of the event next year.
UAE BANKS TO CUT
INTEREST
UAE: Banks in the United Arab Emir-
ates have decided to lower interest rates
on personal loans to 7 per cent, reports
said. The central bank said recently it
had asked banks operating in the Gulf
Arab state for feedback on a proposed
change to interest rates and charges on
personal loans. The cut would affect car,
personal finance and housing loans.
306 NEW HOTELS
BEING BUILT IN GCC
GCC: The Gulf countries are cur-
rently constructing 306 new hotels,
with 108,600 rooms worth in excess of
US$140 bn, according to a new study
by research house Proleads. The study,
called ‘Status of Developments in the
Middle East Leisure Industry’, states
that while 2009 will be a challenging
year for the hotel industry, occupancy
levels will pick up to 2008 levels by the
end of 2010 and then accelerate with
real growth by 2013.
22 JUNE 2009
DSI expands into Telecom Market
Mr. Tawfiq Abu Soud
UAE: Drake & Scull International PJSC
(DSI) is expanding its existing Infrastruc-
ture, Water and Power (IWP) operation to
encompass infrastructure solutions for the
telecommunication sector.
The addition of Telecom infrastructure
turnkey services is a natural progression for
DSI’s IWP Operation and complements the
portfolio of utilities infrastructure which the
Company has been delivering for many years.
Mr. Tawfiq Abu Soud, DSI Executive Di-
rector of IWP, says entry into the telecommu-
nication industry will diversify the business
and contribute to DSI’s recurring baseline
revenue through value propositions, dedica-
tion, quality and customer commitment.
UAE’s Al Khaleej sells 100,000
tonnes sugar to Pakistan
UAE: The UAE’s Al Khaleej Sugar has sold
100,000 tonnes of white sugar to Pakistan
this month, an Al Khaleej company execu-
tive said recently.
“This month we sold 100,000 tonnes of
white sugar to Pakistan, this deal was with the
government,” Mr. Sabri Aweira, General Man-
ager said.Al Khaleej, one of the world’s largest
sugar refineries, last month sold 50,000 tonnes
of white sugar to the country for US$494.40 a
tonne, traders in Pakistan said.
Pakistan was expected to buy up to
600,000 metric tonnes of sugar this year as
the subcontinent ramps up imports of the
sweetener to keep down prices and avoid
dipping into stocks. Pakistan has already
imported about 175,000 tonnes, over a quar-
ter of the expected imports. Pakistan’s latest
sugar crop has fallen on the year to 3.2 mn
“We have over 40-years experience in
the construction industry and the creation
of our IWP operation in the last few years
has seen an expansion in our capabilities and
market offering” he says. “Our engineering
knowledge and experience, combined with
our service capacity, geographical reach and
financial strength allow us to expand the DSI
brand into new areas.”
“We are very excited
about our new venture
and are looking forward
to the development of
infrastructure”
“We are very excited about our new ven-
ture and are looking forward to being involved
in the development of infrastructure which
again serves the ever growing population.”
To oversee DSI’s planned expansion, the
company has recruited Nick Di-Marcello as
General Manager to establish and develop the
business. Holding previous executive positions
with Telecom Operators, Equipment Vendors
and Telecom Service Companies across the
globe Di-Marcello brings a wealth of knowl-
edge and experience to the Company.
tonnes from 4.7 mn tonnes.
Aweira added that the company has already
signed deals with private white sugar traders
in Pakistan, but again declined to disclose the
quantities sold to them. Al Khaleej is expected
to boost sales this year by about 9 per cent, he
said. The global economic recession had little
impact on sales volumes, he added.
 GCC NEWS
Gulf Capital raises US$477 mn
for fund with Credit Suisse
UAE: Abu Dhabi-based Gulf Capital has
raised Dhs1.75 bn for a fund launched with
Credit Suisse and aims to complete its first deal
within a month, the firm’s chief executive said.
“The plan is to exceed the Dhs2 bn mark
for the fund which will close in four to six
months,” Mr. Karim el-Solh said at a news
conference. GC Equity Partners II, which
launched late in 2008 with Credit Suisse
Alternative Investments, raised two thirds of
the fund from international investors.
The global financial crisis has slowed
economies across the Gulf Arab region, but
countries are still sitting on surplus revenues
amassed from an oil-price rally that saw crude
prices hit a high near US$150 a barrel in July.
“The speed of investment surprised us,
UAE personal loans fall 11%
UAE: Personal loans extended by United Arab
Emirates banks fell 10.9 per cent in April
compared with the end of last year, while the
gap between loans and deposits narrowed over
the same period, central bank data showed.
24 JUNE 2009
because two thirds of the investments came
from international investors which is indica-
tive that the region is attracting foreign direct
investment,” Solh said.
Stock markets in the Middle East and
North Africa have been hard hit by global
turmoil and valuations have dropped. Private
equity funds in the region have US$11 bn to
invest after raising a record US$6.4 bn in 2008,
the Gulf Venture Capital Association said.
The fund will focus on buying stakes in
established firms across the Gulf Arab re-
gion in sectors including oil, gas, power,
water, healthcare and education. Solh said it
was in advanced discussions to complete a
private equity deal in the healthcare sector
in a month.
Mr. Karim el-Solh at the event
Outstanding personal loans at UAE
banks stood at Dhs201.7 bn (US$54.93 bn)
at the end of April, compared with Dhs226.4
bn on December 31, the central bank said in
a statement on its website.
Loans and advances of Dhs997.7 bn on
April 30 was up 0.2 per cent from the month
earlier, the data showed.
Total loans in February had fallen month-
on-month as banks become more cautious
about new lending during an economic
downturn in the country, where the emirate
of Dubai is suffering from a sharp downward
correction in real estate prices.
Deposits at UAE banks rose 4.2 in
April from December to Dh961.6 bn, the
data showed. The gap between loans and
deposits was Dhs36.1 billion - down from
Dhs71.2 bn at the end of December, the
data showed.
ADIC PLANS
S.KOREA
INVESTMENTS
UAE: State-owned Abu Dhabi In-
vestment Company (ADIC) recently
said it is diversifying investments into
South Korea and Asia as it seeks to
also attract inward investment. ADIC,
Korea Development Bank and the Ko-
rea Trade Promotion Agency (Kotra)
signed an agreement to help increase
investment flows between South Korea
and the Middle East and North Africa
region, ADIC said.
The agreement lays the groundwork
for co-operation in many areas, includ-
ing cross-border mergers and acquisi-
tions, private equity, infrastructure and
portfolio equity investment.
“This is an important step, which
should lead to some exciting investment
opportunities both in South Korea and
the Mena region,” said Mr. Nazem Faw-
waz Al Kudsi, ADIC’s chief executive.
“The Middle East should not just be
regarded as a source of capital but also as
an investment destination.”
SONY STOPS
EXPANSION
UAE: Sony Gulf has put a freeze on
expansion but does not plan to cut
jobs, its managing director said in
comments published recently, after its
parent company announced plans to
slash its workforce by 16,000 as part of
restructuring to combat mounting losses.
Sony Corp. said it lost 98.9 bn yen
(US$1 bn) in the fiscal year through
March, its first annual net loss in 14
years as consumer demand for goods
slumps amid the economic downturn.
“There will be no new staff as there
is no plan to expand,” Mr. Osamu
Miura commented. Miura said the
company would not cut jobs in the
Middle East and Africa.
“We will focus on increasing the
efficiency of our existing staff. Investment
in retailing will be on hold except for
‘scrap and build’ project,” he added.Sony
Gulf employs around 250 staff.

QATAR TO SIGN
PORSCHE DEAL
QATAR: Qatar will strike a deal with
Porsche by mid-June that will help the
German sports carmaker to pay down its
nine billion euro (US$12.8 bn) debt pile,
reports said recently.
Mr. Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche
Chief Executive has already travelled to
Qatar several times and has worked out
two possible options for an agreement
with the emirate, reports said.
Qatar’s Prime Minister said that
Qatar was considering taking a stake in
debt-laden Porsche or other German car
companies after Porsche scaled down a
bid for Volkswagen.
One option is for Qatar to buy up
Porsche’s options for 24 per cent of
shares of Volkswagen via its fund Qatar
Investment Authority (QIA), flushing
cash into Porsche’s coffers and giving
Volkswagen a new major shareholder.
Another option would be for Qatar
to buy a direct stake in Porsche Hold-
ing, which controls the company’s
sports car business as well as its 51 per
cent stake in Volkswagen.
UAE withdraws from GCC’s monetary union
UAE: The UAE will no longer be part of
the long-awaited monetary union among
GCC States, reports the nation’s official
news agency WAM.
”The UAE extends its best wishes for
success to those GCC member states who
will join the monetary union agreement,” a
source at the foreign ministry said recently.
“The UAE’s past record of implementing
the GCC’s resolutions is strong proof of its
belief in joint GCC action.”
The announcement comes only weeks
after the council agreed on Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia as the location of the GCC’s Cen-
tral bank. The UAE expressed “reservations”
Louvre AD construction starts
UAE: Construction works at Louvre Abu
Dhabi, the first universal museum to be built
in the Middle East, has recently started of-
ficially in the UAE.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy
Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed
Forces, welcomed French President Nicolas
Sarkozy to a commemorative ceremony to
mark the start of the construction work.
In a presentation before dignitaries at
Emirates Palace, Shaikh Mohammad and
Sarkozy accepted a time capsule for the mu-
seum from children from UAE and France
which will be placed in the Louvre Abu
Dhabi at a future date.
Shaikh Mohammad and Sarkozy also in-
augurated a new preview experience of the
Louvre Abu Dhabi, being presented through
July 2 in Gallery One of Emirates Palace.
Titled Talking Art: Louvre Abu Dhabi,
the preview features a brief film about the
design for the Louvre Abu Dhabi by Pritzker
at the decision, although officials failed to
explain why. In 2004, the UAE requested to
host the Central Bank as a condition of its
participation in the region’s monetary union.
The UAE is the third nation to disrupt
monetary union talks in the region; Oman
pulled out of the union in 2006, and Kuwait
caused complications when it depegged its
currency from the US Dollar, and pegged it
to a basket currency instead. Squabbles over
the location of the central bank have also
delayed the monetary union’s progress for
months, and in March 2009, officials admit-
ted they may not meet the 2010 deadline.
”The withdrawal of the Gulf ’s second
GCC NEWS
Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, an il-
lustrated talk, and a guided tour of selected
artworks specially chosen to demonstrate the
curatorial vision of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
“Our goal in creating
the Louvre Abu Dhabi
is to build a platform
for deeper and more
meaningful exchange
among people”
“Abu Dhabi’s ultimate goal in creating the
Louvre Abu Dhabi, and indeed the entire
Saadiyat Island Cultural District, is to build
a platform for deeper and more meaningful
exchange among people from our own re-
gion and from all parts of the globe,” stated
Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
largest economy from monetary union is a
major blow to the single currency project,”
said Mr. Simon Williams, regional econo-
mist, HSBC Middle East.
“However, we had long assumed that the
single currency would not be launched on
schedule at the start of 2010, and the UAE’s
withdrawal therefore has no meaningful
impact on our view on economic perfor-
mance or on regional monetary policy.”
”The UAE’s withdrawal from the sin-
gle currency project does not indicate any
change in its maintenance of the peg to the
US dollar, nor is it a precursor to a change in
the UAE’s currency regime,” he added.
JUNE 2009 25
 GCC NEWS
15% of PR revenues come from
SMBs in GCC region
UAE: GCC Small and medium businesses
(SMBs) need to look at PR more seriously,
rather than merely as a tick box in their
marketing strategies, according to a regional
marketing communications expert.
Mr. Firas Sleem, Director, UAE Office,
Virtue PR & Marketing Communications,
speaking at the 1st International Consul-
tants Conference in Dubai, revealed that PR
revenues from SMBs in the Gulf was just 15
per cent, which is abysmally low considering
that SMBs control more than 80 per cent of
the total projects.
“Most SMBs in the Gulf
countries are still not
linking PR to their long-
term business goals”
“Most SMBs in the Gulf are still not
linking PR to their long-term business goals.
Though these companies form the backbone
of the GCC businesses, they are a long way
from effectively leveraging PR for boosting
their marketing strategies”.
“In the Middle East, there is no clear defi-
nition for SMBs. Some classify them on head-
count, others on turnover but still we don’t
know the limits of either criteria. European
Union has started to standardize the concept.
Qatar offers interest-free loans
Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
26 JUNE 2009
Its current definition categorises companies
with fewer than 50 employees as “small”, and
those with fewer than 250 as “medium”. We
in the Middle East have to have our own cri-
teria for SMBs,” Sleem added.
According to the Planning and Economy
Department in Abu Dhabi, SMBs consti-
tute 94 percent of the total projects in UAE,
followed by 92 per cent in Bahrain, Oman
and Qatar, 78 per cent in Kuwait and 75 per
cent in KSA.
“SMBs in the region don’t seem to dif-
ferentiate between advertising and PR. As
businesses grow, PR expenditure is gradually
growing, but the general trend among SMBs
is to club PR and advertising, instead of look-
ing at them as two separate marketing disci-
plines,” he added.
The conference concluded that SMBs
were not as seriously affected by the crisis as
the large enterprises because they have great-
er flexibility in taking prompt decisions.
Mr. Firas Sleem
QATAR: Qatari government employees
across certain categories can now avail of in-
terest free loans, following the ratification of
a cabinet decision, according to a report.
Government employees in the LNG
exporter who have successfully completed
probation periods can now access interest-
free loans to buy cars, manage household
expenses and fund their as well as their de-
pendents’ marriage.
Qatar’s Emir Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa
Al Thani recently ratified a Cabinet decision
(No. 31 of 2009) identifying types and value
of and regulations covering loans offered to
government employees, it said. As per the
decision, eligible employees will be able to
access loans up to five times of their basic sal-
ary to buy car and meet household expenses.
SINGLE
CURRENCY MAY
BE DELAYED
KSA: Plans by Gulf States to launch a
single currency could be delayed by three
years to 2013, reports said recently.
“It is impossible for the single currency
to be launched within six months.” the
reports said quoting a senior Gulf official.
“I expect the new deadline to be
2013,” the official said.
Last month, the UAE became the
second Gulf nation after Oman to aban-
don the single currency project.
Earlier this year, the GCC abandoned
an initial 2010 deadline for issuing the
common notes and coins, saying a joint
monetary council would determine a
new timetable for issuance.
The UAE left the project in protest
against the decision to base the Gulf
central bank in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia has said it and other
GCC members will proceed with the
plan and will sign a monetary union ac-
cord. In 2001, the six members of the
GCC had agreed to set up a monetary
union like that of the European Union.
RUBY TUESDAY
TO OPEN IN AD
UAE: Ruby Tuesday, Inc. says it has
secured rights to open restaurants in
Abu Dhabi, expanding its growth in
the Middle East.
The restaurant chain said its
franchisee, Bin Hendi Hospitality,
plans to open six new restaurants in
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United
Arab Emirates. Bin Hendi now has
a total of 18 Ruby Tuesdays slated
for development in the United Arab
Emirates. The company said the
Persian Gulf region is one of the fastest
growing areas for casual dining brands.
The Abu Dhabi restaurants will
be developed and opened over the
coming five years and will feature
menu choices, service standards and
decor that are consistent with the Ruby
Tuesday brand in the United States.
Ruby Tuesday shares gained 26 cents,
or 3.8 percent, to close at $7.20.
 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
DRUGS ADDICTION
A SOCIETAL PERIL
Mohammed Sadiq gives quick tips on how to identify
drug addicts and measures to be taken thereof.
Drugs addiction is the spectre that enters
homes and destroys the happiness of any
family. It is the faster and the shorter way
to death. Drug addiction is one of the most
serious social problems of our time around
the world and there are many reasons that
push an individual towards the addiction.
The most important ones are being distant
from religion, bad companionship, and over-
spoiling the children or neglecting them
without keeping close eyes on them.
Here are some of the signs to spot in an indi-
vidual who might be addicted to drugs:
1- The person wants to be alone more than
usual. He or she spends inordinate amounts
of time isolated from the rest of the fam-
ily. Excessive need for privacy; keeps door
locked or closed, won’t let people in.
2- Drop in school or work performance;
skips or is late to school or work.
3- Receiving telephone calls at odd hours
and using some strange and suspicious vo-
cabulary.
4- Neglect of religious duties like prayers.
5- Increase or decrease in appetite; changes
in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or
gain.
6- Cycles of excessive sleep.
7- Violent temper or bizarre behaviour.
8- Unexplained need for money; can’t ex-
plain where money goes; stealing.
9- Abnormally slow movements, speech or
28 JUNE 2009
reaction time, confusion and disorientation.
10- For smoked drugs, a persistent cough or
bronchitis, leading to coughing up excessive
mucus or blood.
11- Suspected drug paraphernalia such as
unexplained pipes, roach clips or syringes.
12- Needle marks or bruises on lower arm,
legs or bottom of feet.
13- Smell of substance on breath, body or
clothes.
If you find that there a drug addict in your
family, try to be calm take the below precau-
tions:
1- When dealing with a drug addict, we
should act in a very wise and tranquil way
away from cruelty, violence or intimidation.
2- We should be very secretive.
3- Choose the appropriate time to speak to
the addict and give him the chance to ex-
press his feeling, then start advising him.
4- A lot of drug addicts lose their battle
against despair, so try your best to renew
their hopes in life.
5- Search for the reasons behind the addic-
tion wither social or psychological and try
to tackle them.
6- Never give money to the drug addict.
7- The family members should understand
the nature of the drug-addiction treatment
and how to deal with the addict.
8- Ex drug-addicts can be very helpful in the
treatment.
9- Reward the patient and encourage him
whenever he/she achieves any improve-
ment.
10- When treated, the patient should be
welcomed and accepted by all of his family.
11- It’s very important to follow up and keep
an aye on the patient to spot the emergence
of any negative signs or indicators that show
any relapse.
In conclusion, I would like call on the
international community to appeal to every
State that is not a member of the Internation-
al Drug Control Conventions to ask them to
implement its provisions, and to provide a fi-
nancial assistance to those countries that are
countries suffering from problems related to
drug trafficking across their borders.
I would also like to appeal to all minis-
tries, governmental and private bodies to
adopt a vision of an comprehensive and inte-
grated strategy to combat drug addiction and
to coordinate to produce films and programs
to address this phenomenon on television,
radio and Internet sites. I also wound like to
appeal to the clerks to spread the awareness
of the dangers of drugs among people.
I can not help but pay tribute to and
thank all the police officers and workers in
the Ministry of the Interior for their great
effort to address and prevent the entry of
drugs into our beloved kingdom. I would
also like to express my gratitude to the
Anonymous Addicts Community for their
great efforts in helping the addicts.
Contact: msadiq.70@gmail.com
 YOUTH
YRT EXPLORES DIVERSE
CAREER OPTIONS
The recently held Youth
Round Table (YRT)
proved to be a platform
whereby various issues
were discussed to
enhance careers of
young Bahrainis.
Young Arab Leaders (YAL) Bahrain in
association with AIESEC Bahrain, hosted
their third Youth Round Table (YRT) on
31st May at the Isa Cultural Centre in Juffair.
This year’s event was sponsored by Tamkeen.
YRT 2009 committee was headed by
Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa. The
committee members included Mr. Raed Al
Samaheeji Managing Director, Universal
Trading, Mr. Amin Al-Arrayed, General
Manager - First Bahrain, Mr. Ashraf Bseisu,
Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Solidarity
and Mr. Tariq Al Saffar, Managing Direc-
tor-Fortune Promoseven.
“As Young Arab Leaders, we believe in
creating opportunities for young people
to develop. We believe in guidance and
mentorship as strong tools of development
which can foster better future leaders. We
have joined efforts once again with AIESEC
30 JUNE 2009
Bahrain to convey this message. Aiesec Bah-
rain aims to provide young people with an
opportunity to begin their career by taking
their first step through Internship organised
through the Aiesec International network,”
Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa said.
She also thanked the partners and the
participating companies of their continu-
ing support to the organisation and further
said: “Aiesec believes in giving young people
the opportunity to experience different work
environments that will add value to their
potential. It is important for companies in
Bahrain to help young people start their
own career and benefit from the energy and
talent of today’s youth in order to increase
our global presence. Members of the Young
Arab Leaders-Bahrain Chapter, have com-
mitted their time and effort and resources in
seeking new ways to engage young Bahrainis
in various programs. The Bahrain chapter is
committed to upholding the eight strategic
objectives outlined by the young Arab Lead-
ers organization: Dialogue Exchange, Entre-
preneurship, Education, Leadership, Youth
Networking, Spreading Modern leadership
Values and Fostering Development of future
Arab leaders, Contributing to the develop-
ment of the region through a set of result
driven initiatives around the most pressing
issues facing the world, and finally to help
bridge the awareness gap between the region
and the rest of the world.”
The underlying aim of the event was to
address graduate employment and recruit-
ment issues through a dialogue among
graduating student and employers based on
awareness and understanding of each other’s
position in today’s market. This year, the
Round Table will weigh on the diverse ca-
reer opportunities available to the Bahraini
youth in light of the current economic cli-
mate. YRT 2009 focussed on the Informa-
tion Communications Technology (ICT),
Cultural and Hospitality Industry.
Around 150 Bahraini graduates en-
gaged in a dialogue with experts from the
ICT and Hospitality industry. The Round-
table provided them with a unique op-
portunity to share experiences, ideas and
aspirations along with identifying compe-
tences that companies look for in the job
market. The panelists included Mr. Aqeel
Al Rayis - Group CEO of Gulf Hotel, Dr.
Britta Rudolph - Counsellor for Heritage
& UNESCO Affairs, Mr. Mohammed Taib
– Director of Technical & Operations at
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
and Mr. Abdulellah Ebrahim Al-Qassimi,
the CEO of Tamkeen.
Launched in 2007 by YAL Bahrain, the
YRT has since then witnessed a successful
two years run. Young people are a crucial seg-
ment of society; they are the basis for future
development. It has been clearly stressed that
youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow,
but the partners of today. Youth have some
responsibility towards their country.
 





 



BAHRAIN

Cafe


 
 

    

 SPECIAL REPORT
BIG scans various reports and finds out how the GCC region can beat recession on
various fronts provided countries follow strict discipline and chose not be greedy.
HOPEFUL RECOVERY
by 2009-end
For the GCC, 2009 will be a year of con-
traction. The combined size of GCC econo-
mies will increase from US$822.2 bn in 2007
to about US$1.04tn in 2008 and it is likely to
fall to about US$923.6bn in 2009. It is esti-
mated that in nominal terms, GCC econo-
mies are likely to grow from about 11.3 per
cent in 2007 to 26.4 per cent in 2008. The
real growth is estimated to reach about 5.2
per cent in 2008 while in 2009, the growth
rate is likely to decline to about 2.4 per cent.
Internal factors that include a credit
crunch, lower growth in public spending,
and lower growth in rental prices will lower
inflation rates in 2009. Besides, imported
inflation will reduce dramatically because of
lower commodities prices and expected de-
flation in the developed countries. All in all,
32 JUNE 2009
these factors should decrease inflation rates.
In 2009, M&As will be driven by GCC
governments initiatives to stabilise the real
estate and equity markets and their efforts
to boost market conditions. Furthermore,
the relatively low valuations will encourage
SWFs to acquire stakes in local as well as
international companies. Similarly, low valu-
ations and the pressure to maintain com-
petitive cost base encourage companies to
expand their business by vertical as well as
horizontal mergers.
Earnings growth in 2009 is not expected
to stand out as being exceptional, standing in
the vicinity of 6 - 7 per centYoY for the GCC.
Albeit, unlike 2008, the earnings in 2009 will
not suffer from the substantial investment
losses borne by the companies (banks, invest-
ment banks in particular and other portfolio-
running companies in general), aggregate
earnings and aggregate earnings growth will
nevertheless be weighed down.
The GCC markets have started on the
worst possible note as investors are wary
over the result of 4Q2008 and 1Q2009,
which is reasonably understandable. Assum-
ing that the multiples maintain status quo
(being conservative), if the markets just fol-
low the earnings growth, we will expect a
modest gain in the market returns in 2009.
We understand that the probability of such
an occurrence in the 2H2009 exceeds by far
the probability of the same happening in
1H2009. Moreover, the magnitude of the
rally will be highly dependant on non-fun-
damental factors such as return of foreign
investors and on the investor sentiment and
confidence as well.
GCC ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
After witnessing a super-spike period during
mid-2008 that reached a record high of more
than US$140 per barrel, oil prices fell sharply
towards the end of the year to trade at less

GCC Nominal GDP
Source : Global Research
than US$35 per barrel. This turnaround re-
sulted in the collapse of five-years of bull-run
in oil prices, which climbed from US$29 a
barrel in early 2003 to a peak of US$147 a
barrel in July 2008. The collapse of oil prices
in the second half of 2008 was the result of a
growing realization that the global economy
will face a sharp slowdown in 2009, leading
to a huge drop in demand for oil.
Oil prices averaged about US$94 per bar-
rel for 2008 and it is forecasted that average
prices are likely to reach at about US$60 per
barrel for the year 2009. Sharp economic
downturns in advanced economies have
started spreading their effects on Asian
economies which were previously considered
recession-proof. On the back of this, world
oil demand is also likely to fall in 2009. At
the same time much depends on the growth
Contribution to total GCC earnings
Source : Global Research
SPECIAL REPORT
rates of developing countries like China and
India, but these countries have also started
showing signs of a slowdown.
Therefore, oil prices to remain in our pre-
dicted range for 2009 will also require timely
intervention by oil producing countries.
Such a sharp fall in oil prices along with
production cuts by OPEC will also have a
significant impact on economic growth in
the year 2009. The cumulative cuts imposed
by OPEC in 2008 was 4.2 mn barrels a day. “Oil revenues, capital
At the same time, further cuts are not ruled investments and current
out if oil prices sink further in 2009.
On the back of this, oil revenues, capital account surpluses in
investments and current account surpluses the GCC region are
in the GCC region are likely to witness a
sharp deceleration in 2009, which will have likely to witness a sharp
a significant impact on the real economic
growth of these countries.
deceleration in 2009”
FROM SUPERNORMAL
GROWTH TO CONTRACTION
The combined size of GCC economies will
increase from US$822.2 bn in 2007 to about
US$1.04 trn and it is likely to fall to about
US$923.6 bn in 2009. It is estimated that
in nominal terms, GCC economies are likely
to grow from about 11.3 per cent in 2007
to 26.4 per cent in 2008. However, in 2009
the combined nominal GDP of GCC coun-
tries is likely to witness contraction of about
11.1 per cent. The real growth is estimated
to reach about 5.2 per cent in 2008 while in
2009, the growth rate is likely to decline to
about 2.4 per cent.
The region’s largest economy, Saudi Ara-
bia is likely to report a nominal growth of
22.5 per cent and a real growth of 4.2 per
cent in 2008. However, in 2009 the econo-
my is likely to decelerate by about 12.2 per
cent in nominal terms and in real terms it
is likely to grow by 1.4 per cent. This would
be the slowest growth rate for Saudi Arabia
last several years.
JUNE 2009 33
 SPECIAL REPORT

plus for 2008 while budgeted revenues are

based on average oil prices of about US$40-
50. We expect that combined fiscal surplus
of GCC countries to reach 29.4 per cent of
their GDP for 2008. The fiscal surplus is
expected to reach about US$305 bn. How-
ever, in 2009, declining oil prices are likely
to have a significant impact on hydrocarbon
revenues of GCC countries while the same
time government expenditure should remain
expansionary for further economic growth.
Therefore, we estimate that in 2009, fiscal
balance is likely to decline and reach about
10.3 per cent of their combined GDP.
The loss of more than US$100 in oil pric-
es in the second half of 2008 is expected to
have a strong impact on the region’s balance
of payments in 2009. The oil exporters’ cur-
rent account surplus as a per cent of GDP

“Qatar will be less impacted, as compared to its GCC peers,

with its real growth expected to decline from 10.4 per cent in
2008 to 9.4 per cent in 2009”

Among the GCC peers, Qatar is likely to

remain insulated though the growth rates are FDI Flow in GCC (in US$bn)
estimated to slowdown in 2009. It is expect-
ed that the nominal GDP of Qatar is likely
to grow by 33.8 per cent in 2008 and in 2009
the growth rate is likely to turn negative of
about 0.8 per cent. The real GDP growth of
Qatar is estimated at about 10.4 per cent and
9.4 per cent in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Among the GCC countries, Saudi will
be the most affected in real terms in 2009
with growth rates expected to decline to
1.4 per cent. Qatar will be less impacted,
as compared to its GCC peers, with its real
Source: World Investment Report
growth expected to decline from 10.4 per
cent in 2008 to 9.4 per cent in 2009. In case
of UAE, real growth rate is likely to reach
5.5 per cent in 2008 and the growth rate is
GCC projects by Sector
expected to shrink to 2 per cent in 2009.
The real GDP growth of Kuwait, Oman
and Bahrain is set to reach 5 per cent, 6.4
per cent and 6 per cent respectively in 2008
while in 2009, the real growth of these coun-
tries is likely to decelerate to 2.5 per cent, 3.5
per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

THE BYGONE ERA

Strong crude prices during 2008 are expect-
ed to widen fiscal surplus of GCC econo-
mies to a record high, which would be its
highest ever fiscal surplus. The actual rev-
enues could double the what budgeted for
Source: MEED Projects, *As of July 2008
as crude oil prices averaged about US$90-

34 JUNE 2009
 in outlets across the GCC


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 SPECIAL REPORT
is expected to moderate from 27.6 per cent,
estimated for 2008, to reach about 18.1 per
cent in 2009. It is based on the expectation
that oil prices are likely to average out at
about US$60 per barrel in 2009, if the prices
remain in the sub-$50 range than it could
have an adverse effects on the region’s trade
balance, however, chances of oil to trade in
that range are less likely.
Lower oil prices and reduced oil pro-
duction, coupled with a falling demand
for goods and services will translate into a
crash in the region’s export income, trade
surplus and overall current account surplus.
This narrow fiscal as well as trade surplus
will definitely have some impact on the
liquidity position of these countries. On
the back of this, some of the fresh invest-
ment projects are not likely to get material-
ized. At the same time projects which are
there in the pipeline could also get delayed.
However, accumulated surpluses over the
last several years will provide a cushion to
the public spending of GCC economies.
Therefore, liquidity management could be
the key to fund future projects.
Inflation Rates in the GCC
Source : Global Research
36 JUNE 2009
INFLATIONARY PRESSURES
TO COOLOFF
In the last few months, the world witnessed
a tremendous decline not only in equi-
ties, but also in commodities, as the global
economies witness a recession that is turn-
ing out the worst in decades. Falling prices
across international economies may lead to
excessive deflation that could exacerbate the
global economic condition even further. De-
flation was not in the mind of the investment
world in July of the year 2008 when every-
one’s concern was inflation led by exception-
ally unprecedented high oil prices. The GCC
countries were no different than the rest of
the world. In the beginning of the year, infla-
tion was a major concern, but rising prices
will not be an issue in the new year of 2009.
External and internal factors that had
been fuelling inflation in the GCC coun-
tries are turning around. In terms of internal
factors, three major factors are putting the
brakes on inflation. First, the global credit
crunch translated into a local credit crunch.
This credit freeze in the GCC was due to the
foreign investors withdrawing their cash out
of the local markets.
In addition, foreign borrowing was fro-
zen, which required some firms to find al-
ternative replacements. Locally, the invest-
ment sector was the most to be hurt from
the frozen foreign credit market in which
the banking sector was not able to cover the
huge demand for credit resulting from the
pull-out of foreign lending. Besides, banks
were not ready to take the risk of lending,
even though governments and central banks
took wild measures, including pumping li-
quidity into the system, and loosing-up the
lending requirements. The lack of liquidity is
expected to continue into most of 2009.
Apart from the credit crunch, there is
a sharp decline in oil prices. Even though
OPEC had been cutting production, the
free-fall of oil prices did not stop. Oil price
reached its four year low after breaking an
all-time record in July of 2008, a price tag of
US$147 per barrel. Oil prices are not expect-
ed to be high in 2009. As a consequence, oil
producing countries, especially in the GCC,
will experience a fall in revenues which will
slow their spending capacities. Lower growth
in public spending would decrease growth in
business activities, as public spending in the
GCC plays a big role in the economy. All in
all, most countries will still be able to main-
tain their level of spending in the short term,
even though they may record a budget defi-
cit, thanks to surpluses accumulated during
the previous years. However, any expansion
plans might be put on hold.
Rental prices are also expected to cool
down in the next year. Weighing heavily on
the price indices for all GCC countries, rent-
al increases will slow down in 2009. Prices
had been skyrocketing in the past few years,
which had been a major cause for higher
consumer prices. For example, apartment
rentals increased by 25 per cent during 2005-
2006, and by 18 per cent during 2006-2007
in Dubai, according to Asteco. However,
rentals prices will see a big drop in 2009 be-
cause supply next year will outpace demand.
According to Colliers, supply for commer-
cial space will be more than triple, reaching
5.6mn sqm in Dubai in the coming year.
External factor is mostly represented
by imported inflation, which is expected
to slow down for two reasons. First, Com-
modities ranging from energy, agricultural,
livestock and metals are declining at a rapid
pace. CRB Reuters, a broad commodity in-
dex, reached its peak in July, recording 481
points. Afterwards, the index declined by
more than 34 per cent at the end of 2008,
reaching 314.7 points.
 SPECIAL REPORT

GCC PROJECTS
Oil revenues in the past five years has fa-
cilitated the GCC accumulating more than
US$1.5tn. The countries used a fraction of
the revenues to spend on projects in order
to develop and diversify the economy. GCC
projects have reached US$2.54tn as of Jan.
05, 2009, a Y-o-Y increase of 57.5 per cent
from US$1.61tn. Most projects are invested
in Real Estate, Oil and Gas, and Power.
Pre-crisis on Sept.1, projects planned or
under way totalled US$2.16tn, Saudi Arabia
and the UAE are the biggest project markets
in GCC, their investments make up 72.6
per cent of total projects in the GCC. De-
spite the fact that being extremely affected
by the financial crisis through their capi-
tal markets and oil prices since Sept.2008,
their project portfolios increased 9.01 per
cent in Saudi Arabia and 27.5 per cent in
the UAE. In the GCC the value of projects
increased 17.1 per cent during the same pe-
riod, of the GCC countries Kuwait posted
a 2.4 per cent growth as opposed to Bah-
rain which increased 36.5 per cent during
Sept.1-Dec.15.
Due to the global crunch many projects
have been delayed in the GCC mostly from
real estate and oil and gas sector which make “General trend in policy changes over the past few
up 81.1 per cent of total projects in the GCC.
According to ProLeads, a research firm,
years suggests an easing of FDI restrictions and
there are 150 projects currently on hold, 88 a more welcoming climate for foreign investment,
are in UAE, 54 in Saudi Arabia and 15 in
Kuwait. Reasons are attributed to increasing especially in non-oil industries”
building materials cost, decreased liquidity
and slowdown in the world economy. Ma-
jor delayed projects include King Abdullah liquidity. Even though GCC policy actions Other sectors have witnessed a minimal
Economic City in Saudi Arabia, Asia Asia are easing interest rates, still private entities hit, including petrochemicals. Kuwait has
Hotel in Dubai, Palm Deira in Dubai, Jaber are announcing new lay-offs and delayed cancelled a US$17.4 bn joint venture with
Al-Ahmad Hospital in Kuwait, Qatar Pet- projects. The major delays could be for the Dow-Chemical. Abu-Dhabi also delayed
rochemical Complex, and Aramco Dam- short term because the efforts made by cen- the Integrated Gas Development due to
mam oil field. tral banks will provide more liquidity in the technical problems. This project will transfer
2009 could be a year of delays and de- system and projects developers will continue more than 700mn cubic feet. PertoRabigh
ferred projects, mostly for the private sec- their stopped track. of Saudi Arabia is delaying a polypropylene
tor because of the lack of funding. For the Prospects for private sector projects in plant that could produce 700,000t/y to the
month of December the OPEC crude price 2009 are cloudy, construction sector unem- end of 1Q2009. Oil prices which took a hit
has averaged US$39.6/bl, while the break- ployment could increase because of lay-offs, last year, could affect the fate of the oil proj-
even oil prices of the GCC is US$47/bl. property prices could go down because of de- ects. OPEC countries have reduced output
If the oil averages at US$50/bl then GCC creased demand and less liquidity will enter to new historic levels, which shift their focus
countries will post a very low budget surplus the sector because of investors backing out, from building to delaying and waiting for
or will face budget deficits which will put a thus reducing the pace of the projects activ- costs to decrease. In Saudi Arabia, Aramco
short term pressure on planning or on the ity. The more the delays, the more it will be has delayed oil projects with France’s Total
execution of projects. Recently, costly on the developers. Companies of big and US Conoco Phillips. Also, Kuwait has a
Saudi Arabia announced the largest bud- real estate companies in GCC have started to risk of cancelling Al-Zour fourth refinery.
get (2009) in its history showing that spend- lay-off workers, delay future expansions, and On the other hand the power sector is
ing by GCC governments will still be strong their stock prices have reached new all-time still announcing new projects, Saudi Elec-
and governments will be the leading entity low including Emmar, Nakheel, ArabTec, tricity is signing a new contract to power
to announce new mega projects. Mazaya and Dar-AlArkan. But delayed proj- western Mecca, it also plans to award con-
The private sector could take a hit in ects also have shifted the demand to newly tracts in the next seven years amounting to
2009 due to the lack of funding and tight completed properties, especially in UAE. SR122 bn. According to MEED, Rabigh

JUNE 2009 37
 SPECIAL REPORT
Real GDP Growth Rates of GCC countries
Source: World Bank and Global Research
and Ras-Alzour projects in Saudi Arabia and
Salalah project in Oman are scheduled to be
awarded by early 2009. In Dubai, costs have
affected the development of power stations.
New delays has been made on power proj-
ects in Dubai due to rising cost. New real es-
tate projects had put pressure on the Dubai
Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) to
keep up with the pace of demanded power.
But today a slowdown will give Dewa more
time to develop projects, where its estimated
that Dubai will need 15,000MW in 2015
from 5,000MW in 2007. In Qatar, General
Electricity and Water Corporation (Kah-
ramaa) is considering to expand its power
network that will cost US$18bn in the next
seven years. It is planning to build 29 high-
voltage substations. By 2015 electricity de-
mand will reach 10,000MW, thus we can see
an increase in power projects activity.
Projects in the GCC continue to perform
well and strongly, where in the 1st week of
January, projects have increased by 57.8 per
cent in a year, which indicates a remarkable
growth in one year.
According to MEED, GCC projects have
reached US$2.54bn as of January 5, 2009. In
the short term, projects markets in the GCC
will take a slight hit due to the delays, but
in the long term things should be bright
because the GCC is built on strong macro-
economic factors that will rehabilitate any
projects problems. Moreover, government
backed projects will continue to progress in
2009 as well.
FOREIGN DIRECT
INVESTMENTS FDI
FDI Inflows in GCC continued to grow and
rose by 20 per cent in 2007 to US$43.0bn
as per the UNCTAD report with much of
the FDI inflows in 2007 concentrated in
38 JUNE 2009
two countries: Saudi Arabia and the UAE
together accounting for 87.5 per cent of
the total FDI in the region. Qatar also ex-
perienced a significant rise in inflows in
2007 (more than seven times higher than
in 2006). The rise in FDI investments is
mainly on account of a growing number of
energy and construction projects, as well as
a notable improvement in the business en-
vironment in 2007. Also, high oil prices in
the past few years have continued to boost
economic growth rates in GCC which en-
couraged governments to spend heavily on
infrastructure, particularly for revamping
water and energy industries and services, of-
ten in collaboration with private investors,
including foreign ones.
FDI outflows from the region in 2007
also witnessed similar trends and increased
by 90 per cent to reach US$41.5bn, nearly
four times the figure of 2005 with Kuwait,
Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar accounting
for almost 95 per cent of the total outflow.
Acquisition of General Electric Co.’s GE
Plastics business by Saudi Basic Industries
Corp., for US$11.6bn in May 2007 account-
ed for 28 per cent of the flow. However, the
largest cross-border acquirers were from the
United Arab Emirates, followed by firms
from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. SWFs based
in the sub region have also accounted for a
major proportion of FDI. Intraregional FDI
in Greenfield projects was also significant,
along with investments in developing coun-
tries, especially China, India and Malaysia.
The GCC countries have built up a
substantial windfall from oil exports since
2002 when global oil prices started to rise.
This has enabled them to accumulate a huge
stock of net foreign assets, estimated at
around US$1.8 trn as per IIF estimates, and
to implement their diversification strategy
away from oil and gas production. Although
the United States has attracted the largest
share of investments from GCC countries, a
growing number of GCC investors are now
moving to Asia, particularly China and In-
dia, to diversify their investment portfolios.
General trend in policy changes over
the past few years suggests an easing of
FDI restrictions and a more welcoming
climate for foreign investment, especially
in non-oil industries. In Saudi Arabia, the
Supreme Economic Council shortened
the list of areas that are closed to FDI in
March 2007. The United Arab Emirates
announced in March 2008 a new company
law to allow100 per cent foreign ownership
of companies in some sectors (compared to
the existing 49 per cent limit) outside the
free trade zone.
TELECOM &
INFRASTRUCTURE
It is expected that the collective GCC bot-
tom-line to exhibit a growth of 6 - 7 per
centYoY in 2009 with the banking sector
exhibiting the highest contribution as has
been the case previously. The banking sector,
as a whole, may no longer be termed as the
regional favourite in 2009.
Despite the healthy growth of approxi-
mately 9 per cent YoY, its earnings growth
will be overshadowed by the telecommuni-
cations and the infrastructure sectors. The
infrastructure sector, may very well materia-
lise as an emerging sector in terms of earn-
ings potential in the likes of 34 per cent YoY
in 2009, however with limited companies to
invest in, under this sector, investments are
likely to spill-over into the telecommunica-
tion and then to the banking sector.
WHEN TO EXPECT THE SO
EXPECTED?
The first half of 2009 seems too early a time
for GCC markets to recover from the tur-
moil they went through starting in the last
quarter of 2008, which has continued into
the present year. With muted full year earn-
ings lined up, starting end of January and
lasting till mid-March, expectations and ac-
tual realization of such results will naturally
keep the markets from performing positive-
ly. The first quarter can therefore simply be
anticipated to pass by without any major up-
ward movement in the index. Investors are
anticipated to remain cautious thereafter till
the declaration of the 1Q2009 results and
the equity markets then should see a con-
solidation phase which may last till the end
of the 1H2009.
 NOW TO
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 COVER STORY

With a total investment valued at BD1.2 bn, Diyar Al Muharraq is Bahrain’s

largest masterplanned urban development project till date. The project offers a
range of housing options and quality lifestyle for all strata of society. It is one-of-a-
kind development with a dedicated focus on providing reasonably priced housing
and will open up exciting opportunities for a group of society previously excluded
from real estate ownership. Diyar is being built as an extension of the island of
Muharraq with boundaries extending over an area of 12 square kilometres and
potential for around 30,000 dwellings which will include a mix of social housing,
apartments, townhouses and villas in a wide range of plot sizes and prices.

I am inspired by

DIYAR’S
VISION - Aaref Hejres

40 JUNE 2009
COVER STORY

JUNE 2009 41
 COVER STORY

At a time when the real estate market worldwide is hit by recession, the Kingdom
of Bahrain’s prestigious Diyar al Muharraq is going strong and is on schedule.
BIG talks to Mr. Aaref Hejres, Chief Executive Officer, Diyar Al Muharraq
on the development of the project and gets his reflections on numerous issues
including environment sustainability.

BIG: As the CEO of Diyar Al Muharraq,
how have you lent your personal knowledge
and experience to spearhead the project?
Aaref Hejres: As the CEO of one of the largest
mixed-use master-planned developments in
the Kingdom of Bahrain, the most important
goal for me from the very start has been to
steer the project successfully forward.
Our entire team at Diyar Al Muharraq has
immensely contributed towards achieving
every aspect of the landmark development’s
vision, from the initial inception and master
planning through the design and delivery
phase, including the branding of this unique
venture. On a personal level, I continue to
use my past experience, knowledge and
expertise in strategy to add further value to
the development of Diyar Al Muharraq.
This project is also my personal dream
come true. As an engineer myself, I am
honoured to have had inputs into the
masterplan of the development, and the
pleasure that comes from seeing your own
vision come to life, as a benefit for the
people, is indescribable.
“As an engineer
myself, I am honoured
to have had inputs into
the masterplan of the
development, and the
pleasure that comes
from seeing your own
vision come to life”
All in all, I am inspired by the vision
of the project and what it will ultimately
mean for the Kingdom, and will continue
to strive for high standards, environmental
consideration and community focus for
Diyar Al Muharraq in the future.
BIG: What kind of initiatives have you taken
to make Diyar a truly international project?
How are you motivating your team?
A.H: Diyar Al Muharraq will be a blend
of the traditional and modern. The fully-
contained city is being built to extremely
high specifications, and will feature
contemporary homes and communities
which reflect traditional and cultural tastes
and requirements. It will draw on Arabic
culture and traditions, blending them with
contemporary international design and
lifestyle requirements.
During the concept stage, we did
extensive research and traveled around the
globe to incorporate the best features from
targeted projects, and then incorporated our
own ideas which were gathered from market
research in Bahrain to make it more suitable
for the local market.
To start with, we invested a lot of time
to develop a detailed masterplan, which was
revised several times in consultation with
internationally renowned architects and
planners until we reached a version, which
satisfied all of the lofty criteria necessary to
achieve our goals. To match the international
standards, we partnered with some of the

42 JUNE 2009

world’s leading technology providers to deliver
the best quality development in the region.
Diyar is the first development with a
dedicated focus on providing a variety of
housing options that encompass all strata of
society and open up new and exciting real
estate ownership opportunities. For the first
time, the Kingdom of Bahrain will have a
community where visitors and residents will
be able to freely access the many beachfront
and landscaped recreation areas and marinas,
as well as all the elements one expects
from such a community including schools,
medical facilities, and commercial outlets
like shopping malls, banks, hotels and a local
services infrastructure.
BIG: Considering the present market
scenario, how do you view the conditions
for real estate and construction industry?
How does it stand to affect Diyar? What
measures are you taking to control it?
A.H: The crisis has surely affected the
entire Gulf region, with the real estate and
construction sector one the hardest hit.
However, Bahrain’s real estate market is
still strong largely due to the fact that we have
COVER STORY
“Diyar Al Muharraq is planned based on real
demand and real value and a need for the kind
of housing the development offers”
a diversified economy, plus real demand in
this country for housing, and the calculated
methodology most developers in Bahrain
follow when laying out their plans has a lot
to do with that. Also, the Kingdom has been
mostly successful in avoiding speculative
activity and its projects are financed by local
and regional investors.
Diyar Al Muharraq is planned based on
real demand and real value and a need for
the kind of housing the development offers.
The prime objective of our project is to build
a true community, in every sense of the
word, which houses all strata of society in
a sustainable environment. Our focus is on
a secure long term growth and commitment
to the future welfare of Bahrain.
BIG: Talking about human resource
development, how is Diyar grooming
Bahrainis towards taking up the challenges
of challetnging market conditions? What
is your expatriate to Bahraini ratio?
A.H: Being one of the largest master-
planned developments in the Kingdom,
Diyar Al Muharraq will provide extensive
amenities including schools, medical centres,
parklands, sports facilities, a shopping mall,
banks, a business district, hotels, local services
and modern infrastructure thus creating
thousands of job opportunities for Bahrainis.
As a socially responsible developer
committed to youth and community
JUNE 2009 43
 COVER STORY

development, Diyar Al Muharraq will

sponsor and support students from various
private and public universities in the
Kingdom to unlock their potential and
encourage them to broaden their horizon.
Our ongoing sponsorship initiatives aim to
provide various opportunities for the younger
generation, such as deserving students who
are making outstanding contributions in
their fields. We will continue to collaborate
with top officials from various organizations
in the real estate sector and policy-makers to
work together as a group to develop all strata
of society in the Kingdom.Our Bahraini to
expat ratio is 60:40.

BIG: Could you share your insights into

the Diyar project’s developmental status?
A.H: We are currently in the reclamation and
dredging stages of the project, which began
in November 2006. Currently, the project is
progressing ahead of schedule, with 97 per
cent of Stage 1 and 35 per cent of Stage 2 of
the reclamation completed thus far.
The expected completion date for the
first 6 square kilometers of the development
is November 2009. The infrastructure for
the same area will be fully completed by
mid 2013. Also, we expect the first facilities
to be ready for occupation by the first
quarter of 2011.

BIG: Understanding that there is a lot of

drive and orientation towards eco-friendly
projects, how is Diyar shaping up to it? How
are you planning to bring in sustainability?
A.H: I can truly say that Diyar has been a
model of environmental responsibility and
sustainability for projects in Bahrain and the
region. One of the key goals of the Diyar Al
Muharraq development is to offer an enhanced
standard of living for all levels of society by
focusing on the natural and built environment,
in and around the development.
We have always taken our environment
seriously--it is our legacy. We have a sound
and progressive environmental initiative
detailed in our Environmental Management
Plan (EMP), towards which we allocated a
budget of BHD3 million (US$8 million).
We exceed the standards required by the
Bahrain government and have been in talks
with various bodies to improve procedures
required for other projects in the Kingdom.
Another example of this is when we
recently became the first project in the
GCC to commission and adopt an online
environmental management system to
speed up and better monitor environmental
issues, called DIANA.

44 JUNE 2009

We also consult with international
expert environmental bodies as well as
our masterplanners; and locally, with the
Directorate of Environmental Assessment
and Planning (DEAP) and Marine Resources
Directorate (MRD), to ensure that the best
options are selected in terms of environmental
management of the development.
Broadly, our environmental strategies
include marine habitat enhancement
schemes, which encourage regeneration and
repopulation, and the participation in long-
term initiatives to support marine life and
fishing reserves within Bahrain’s waters.
These include funding pre-feasibility studies
for mariculture, building a new fishing
harbour at Ras Rayah, lagoon enhancement,
and the placement of artificial reefs.
Diyar Al Muharraq will monitor the
progress of the rehabilitation program of
the reclamation areas for several years to
ensure its effectiveness. It has also developed
an education and management program
for use by the DEAP and MRD for
ongoing monitoring to ensure the Diyar Al
Muharraq’s intervention continues to meet
pre-determined targets.
BIG: What was the most challenging
aspect of your job thus far? How did you
overcome it? And what were the results?
A.H: Creating a masterplan that involved
an in-depth understanding of the many
complex environmental, technical and
regulatory issues was the most challenging
aspect of the project. The masterplan was
revised several times, as all masterplans are,
until we reached a version we were satisfied
with, and which covered all of the stringent
criteria necessary to achieve our goals.
We challenged and justified all the
engineering and development decisions before
reaching a final consensus. Our international
consultants Scott Wilson were pushed to
their limits to put in their best efforts and
perform to their maximum capacity.
At Diyar Al Muharraq, we have created a
“Diyar Al Muharraq will
make home ownership
more achievable, with
one third of the planned
housing units in the
affordable (or reasonably
priced) range”
COVER STORY
culture to challenge and seek the best alternative
solution in all aspects of the development and
this involves tremendous dedication from
everyone associated with this project. Our
hard work has paid off and our masterplan has
set new standards in the Kingdom. Diyar Al
Muharraq is setting a benchmark in offering
housing across all the income ranges, without
compromising on quality.
BIG: How is Diyar positioned to influence
the mass housing market in Bahrain?
A.H: Diyar Al Muharraq is distinctive in
that we place social responsibility ahead
of any other objective. We will offer small,
medium and large plot sizes to ensure
that housing is available across all income
groups. Diyar Al Muharraq will make home
ownership more achievable, with one third of
the planned housing units in the affordable
(or reasonably priced) range.
It will offer a range of housing options
from apartments, to townhouses, to family
villas of varying sizes on a freehold basis.
All residences will have access to the same
high standard and wide choice of facilities
available for use by the whole community.
There are approximately 30,000 of these
units planned which will house in excess of
120,000 residents, which is roughly 10 per
cent of Bahrain’s current population. The first
elements of the development are expected to
be ready for use by 2011.
BIG: What’s next for Aaref Hejres?
A.H: Unique projects like Diyar Al
Muharraq produce new challenges and I am
looking forward to meeting them.
JUNE 2009 45
 REAL ESTATE
Rentals to
STAY STEADY
BIG meets up with rental companies in the Kingdom and finds out how the market is
shaping up amidst recession.
Considered as the lifeline of the real estate
industry in Bahrain, the rental business is far
from showing any signs of being affected due
to recession. In fact, the mid level segment
of the rental market has displayed buoyancy
owing to increased influx of expatriate labour
from neighbouring countries, slashed (high
value) housing allowances and relatively low
out-right purchase of freehold properties.
46 JUNE 2009
Another factor contributing for the growth
curve to tilt positively is the fact that the is-
land’s economy is less impacted than neigh-
bours such as Kuwait or Dubai.
Observing the trend, Teresa Sheepwash,
General Manager at RE/MAX, says: “The
rental market is still buoyant and rents are
not reducing. The Bahraini market is per-
forming better than other GCC countries
where rents do seem to be affected.”
Giving a more detailed view, Coryn
Hellewell, Associate Director - Residential
Leasing at Cluttons, cites: “Over the past
few months we have seen a slight drop in the
number of clients looking to rent residential
property. With the arrangement in Bahrain
of having to pay three months rental in ad-
vance, people who are already resident on the

Teresa Sheepwash, General Manager, RE/MAX
island, have been reluctant to move around,
especially when they are unsure of job se-
curity. However, compared to other GCC
countries, we still feel that the Bahrain resi-
dential rental market is relatively unaffected
by the recession.”
Reflecting his thoughts from an economic
point of view, Murad S. Al Ramadan, Man-
aging Director, Property One Investment
Co., tells us that: “Supply and demand are
the key factors on how the market performs,
however affordability is a more important
factor in determining a rental market per-
formance, as of now the number of people
who afford to rent is greater than the number
of people who afford to buy which means
the rental market is still effective. Moreover,
property investors now prefer to buy residen-
tial / commercial income producing proper-
ties with rental yields between 8-10 per cent
instead of lands, and we expect demand to
increase on income generating properties.
Therefore, if we consider the above factors we
conclude that as of now there is no reason for
a rental market drop down instead the cri-
sis has stabilised the rental rates in Bahrain,
but the market may experience a slowdown
during the coming three months which may
eventually affect rental rates slightly be-
fore we experience a slow market recovery
towards the end of the year. In most other
GCC countries except Dubai rental growth
rates are likely to stabilise at high rates, rather
than come down markedly, because of their
governments ongoing investment programs
in the construction and property sectors.”
THE ECONOMIC FACTOR
If one looks at the present global economic
scenario, one may logically expect the GCC
real estate market to be hit hard, which it has
but agents in Bahrain tells us that markets,
“The rental market is still buoyant and rents
are not reducing. The Bahraini market is
performing better than other GCC countries
where rents do seem to be affected”
such as Dubai, had heavy incidence of raised
inflation, hence the effect is much more
prominent than on the island. It is a given
fact that the larger the economy the large the
effect of crisis, and Dubai, for the type and
variety of lifestyle it offers, had pulled invest-
ments from various quarters during the boom
period which ultimately inflated the prices
beyond the consumers’ actual scope. Also,
the corporate sector out there suffered seri-
ous jolts that resulted in severe job cuts across
many industries thus ultimately affecting the
investment cycle. Gone are the days when
everyone, including Bahrain used to bench-
mark their socio-economic developments to
Dubai. Moreover, investors are virtually pull-
REAL ESTATE
ing up their hair after experiencing a more
than 50 per cent drop in their property value
in Dubai thus far, any market correction is
most likely to bring the property value an ac-
ceptable level, but unlikely to touch the same
heights or levels when the investors bought
the properties. Numerous rapid private free-
hold developmental projects also fuelled over
capacity of space in the market. The situa-
tion, thus, is wait and watch.
So how does Bahrain excel in all this? To
begin with the Kingdom’s economy is the
smallest in the GCC region and the coun-
try has embarked on a growth drive that
has seen government’s strategic investment
soaring in various sectors. Added to this
the government’s initiative of undertaking
reforms has put Bahrain given a paradigm
shift of sorts. Also, being the Middle East’s
financial hub has seen the island attracting
international banking talent besides many
skilled professionals in numerous industries
and infrastructure projects. A combination
of these factors has led to a keep the real
estate market afloat, however, the multitude
of mega projects offering freehold properties
are witnessing a drop in investment levels.
Historically, Bahrain has attracted invest-
ment more investment from individuals in
the neighbouring countries, mainly Saudi
Arabia, who travel regularly for business and
tourism. The expatriate and institutional seg-
ment also seems to have slowed down.
In terms of inflation, marginal drop has
been reported in Bahrain within the higher
segment of the rental market but the mid
to low level segment still remains attrac-
tive. Pranesh Mudaliar, CEO of Conerstone
Brokers Company WLL, explains: “The
rental market in the Kingdom is still holding
strong. Growth in mid-size segment (mainly
the BD500 to 800) is being fuelled by re-
evaluation of expatriate housing allowances,
steady influx of students coming in from
Saudi and Kuwait besides the increase of US
naval force who typically come with a budget
range of BD775 to 995. Companies are not
hiring at the senior management level, hence
there is 5 to 10 per cent drop in rental value.
Bigger properties such as 4 to 5 bedroom
apartments and villas are facing difficulties in
JUNE 2009 47
 REAL ESTATE

getting rented. However, landlords will con-

tinue to hold on to their prices with expecta-
tion that market will correct itself soon.”
Reflecting her thoughts on the corporate
side of the rental market, Coryn says: “Over
the past few weeks we have noticed an in-
crease in the number of professional expa-
triates arriving on the island, and an increase
in demand for residential rental property.
Majority of our clients are looking to rent
semi furnished villas in the BD1200-1600
price bracket, or fully furnished apartments
in the BD800-1000 price bracket. A typical
4 bedroom villa in the Saar area can range
from BD1200-1800 per month, and a good
quality furnished apartment in areas such
as Seef and Adliya range from BD800-
1200 per month.”
Talking about the market segment, Mu-
rad says: “Most of the enquiries on properties
are on 2-3 bedroom apartments and small to
medium size villas 3-4 bedroom with a rental
bracket of BD600-850 for apartments and
BD900-1200 for villas. Juffair, Adliya, Ma-
hooz, Um AlHassam are the top demanded
places in the Capital, while the demand is
heating up on Amwaj Islands especially with
Murad S. Al Ramadan, Managing Director, Property One Investment Co.
the completion of main projects like Tala Is-
ects has been delayed, or slowed down as a
result of the current market conditions, these
corporate relocation plans has stretched the
demand on commercial property during the
crisis. Additionally, we still predict a slow re-
covery in the H2 2009 as the property prices
have already reached their rock bottom or are
at correction level therefore, there is no other
way except for things to recover. Overall, the
commercial property segment is still stable.”
Explaining the trend further, Teresa ex-
plains: “I am surprised that in the current re-
cession we are still receiving a large number
of requests for commercial space. However,
we have noticed that the smaller businesses
tend to be looking for something with a low
outlay in order for them to assess the Bahrain
market before making large financial com-
mitments serviced offices are becoming very
land, Zawia 1, Floating City, and Meena 7 office space the Kingdom still lacks sufficient popular. The supply of villas for commercial
and the opening of the Lagoon as the com- office spaces from this category except for the use is in limited supply and it takes time to
mercial heart of the Islands.” Bahrain Financial Harbour and the World receive the necessary municipality approv-
Trade Center, more projects have been an- als. A large majority of our clients prefer this
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY nounced in Q1 and Q2 of 2008 such as BFB type of property as is gives them exclusivity
What about the rentals for commercial Tower, Millennium Tower, Platinum Tower, of the property, generally more space for their
space? With businesses mushrooming over West End Tower all in the emerging busi- money and usually more parking than is be-
the island for sure it is a cause of concern ness district of Seef which became a target ing offered by traditional commercial accom-
since market segmentation is subject to the for corporate relocations for many regional modation. Although we do have a number of
size of the business. multinational companies based in Dubai, enquiries for large showroom space in malls
Murad informs us that: “In terms of com- Abu Dhabi, and Qatar as the cost of office and other sought after locations.”
mercial property we are talking mainly about space and staff accommodation is cheaper Echoing a slightly different view, Coryn
office spaces, and if we talk about Class A in Bahrain. Although, most of these proj- says: “Rents have dropped off slightly from

48 JUNE 2009
 REAL ESTATE

their peek, maybe 10 per cent, but rents in have properties exclusively in their portfolio
Bahrain have always been below those in and therefore contact a number of agents to
neighboring GCC countries and have there- source them properties.
fore been less affected. Many companies are This of course results in a lot of duplica-
using this period to reassess their require- tion and time wasting for all parties. From
ments with regard to the space they occupy the other side, landlords/ owners are now
and are looking to move so the market is still reluctant to pay a fair rate for agency ser-
pretty active. Also from the point of view of vices which results a number of disputes.
international companies Bahrain has been It is quite easy for “one man band” agents
less affected by the current global recession to accept a lower rate that the standard one
than most and is therefore is an attractive month expectation in the market, but when
market into which to open operations. It you are an International company with busi-
is still a tough market for those looking to ness overheads it is not practical to work with
sell commercial property due to the ongoing owners that do not recognise the professional
scarcity of credit but this means that there services that are being provided, not only at
are good opportunities for those buyers in the time of the rental being completed but
the market with access to equity.” also the after service.”
On a final note, islanders are worried with
MATTER OF SIZE Pranesh Mudaliar, CEO, Conerstone one question these days as to who is going
Brokers Company WLL to buy the numerous freehold properties
One of the most sought-after rental price
bracket in Bahrain is BD250 to 400 range of
apartments, which unfortunately is in short
supply according to agents. However, new
measures are being taken to address the con-
cerns of this bracket and landlords are keen
on developing properties understanding that
the actual value of land and construction is
much lower to erstwhile.
Teresa, further tells us that: “People are
obviously trying to save money and cut costs,
however, in the 5 years we have been in op-
eration there has always been a lot of requests
for this price range and a lack of family
property in the bracket, this is nothing new.
However, a number of very astute owners are
now building apartments in prime residential
locations which are targeted at this lower/
mid range but these are not always suitable
for families of course. We have found that
our client’s expectation of what they will get
for their money has increased, and more and
more landlords are taking these requests on
board when developing new projects. Be-
cause of prices of land and construction over
the past few years, owners have built larger landlord. Also, since usually any property for that are being developed by mega developers
properties to try to gain a healthy return on rent is given out to these individuals the gen- across the island. While most of the projects
their investments, until the land and con- eral issue is of multiple agents showing the were launched during the boom period with
struction prices level out there will never be same property to prospective tenants. high cost of land and construction, developers
enough lower range properties around.” Observes Teresa: “Our particular chal- are seen rescheduling their budgets to fit the
lenges are not necessarily directly related to present market conditions. However, prices
CHALLENGES the properties but more to the attitude of the for the same have not yet dropped alarmingly
One of the major challenges that the rental prospective tenants and landlords, who have as in Dubai or any other place and owners
industry is facing is the profile of the agents. maybe had experiences with unprofessional have shown the tendency to hold on to their
Beyond the conventional and proper agen- agents in the past. Unfortunately because investments until market shows signs of re-
cies there are a host of individuals who also there appears to be little legislation govern- covery. However, an agency did notify us that
operate in the market. Professional agencies ing real estate in general, there is a tendency developers should also look at renting their
cite this as a real problem since these indi- for those that working in the agency side of new properties rather than waiting for sale to
viduals operate on 25 to 50 per cent commis- the business not to be taken seriously as pro- happen as this will at least make more rooms
sion as compared to them who usually charge fessionals. Prospective tenants Bahrain do available and revive the sector until the global
one full month’s rent as commission from the not always understand that very few agents investment situation improves.

JUNE 2009 49
 DIPLOMAT OF THE MONTH

Art
is a Great Force to
UNITE MINDS

BIG meets up with H.E.

Ghassan Muhsen Husain,
Ambassador of Iraq to
the Kingdom to Bahrain,
and discusses the Iraqi-
Bahraini relations and gets
his views on various other
topics. Excerpts:

50 JUNE 2009

“I have been in Bahrain for the past five years and have made
every effort to take our relations to the next level by enhancing
the bilateral relations on various fronts”
BIG: Considering the long heritage of
Iraqi-Bahraini relations, how do you in-
tend and plan to enhance it further?
Ghassan Muhsen Husain: The Iraqi-Bah-
raini relations date to back to the civilisations
of Sumer and Dilmun which were existent
thousands of years ago. Hence, it is natural
for both the countries to feel close to each
other historically, culturally and economi-
cally. As far as I am concerned, I have been in
Bahrain for the past five years and have made
every effort to take our relations to the next
level by enhancing the bilateral relations on
various fronts. I have always felt the extreme
warmth and friendliness of Bahrainis right
from the time I’ve my foot here and often
been welcomes with open arms both for-
mally and informally. Also, Iraq and Bahrain
are linguistically link as the island’s Arabic
dialect is close to the one spoken in southern
part of my country. Thus, our relations are
based on a solid foundation and take this op-
portunity to thank the country’s leadership,
government and ministries for supporting
and assisting Iraq in various fields.
BIG: How do you utilise art as your me-
dium to further relations?
G.M.H: I believe art is a great healer and
plays a big part in uniting minds and ulti-
mately people. As an artist I often come to-
gether with a host of people from different
walks of life, which helps me to spread my
message of peace and harmony. Recently, I,
along with Bahrain’s renowned artist Abbas
Musawi and Tunisian artists held an exhibi-
tion in Tunisia, which was quite successful.
It is through art that we celebrate the Unit-
ed Nations Day, help children with special
needs and poor families.
BIG: What kind of exchange pro-
grammes are being conducted between
both the countries?
G.M.H: Considering the present socio-
economic climate in Iraq we of course need
training and assistance in various fields and
Bahrain has always been in the forefront of
it. Many Iraqi professionals working in the
fields of medicine, nursing, civil defence,
banking and others have been regularly at-
DIPLOMAT OF THE MONTH
tending symposiums and speciality courses
in Bahrain on a regular basis.
Moreover, in terms of humanitarian as-
sistance, Bahrain recently gave medical treat-
ment to 50 Iraqi children and has always sup-
ported people with chronic medical illness.
BIG: Talking about economic develop-
ment which are the areas of co-operation
you are keenly looking at with Bahrain?
G.M.H: We are working at cooperating
with Bahrain within the communication
and transport sectors including air, sea and
road transport. Without an effective trans-
port link there is no business and trade. As
the ongoing economic crisis starts to fade
off, I believe it will be the right time to
strengthen communication and transporta-
tion ties. As the oil prices are steadily going
up, Iraq will certainly do better in 2010. Iraq
has the largest oil reserves in the world, has
a currency which is quite strong in value and
has a declining inflation that has dropped
from 32 per cent to 15 per cent off late. We
are waiting for the joint ministerial meeting
JUNE 2009 51
 DIPLOMAT OF THE MONTH

between Iraq and Bahrain to take things to

the next level.

BIG: So what progress has been made so

far in this regard?
G.M.H: We received a preliminary proposal
from the Bahraini side for a transport agree-
ment to which we have already responded.
Gulf Air has shown keen interest in oper-
ating cargo routes and had earlier sent two
technical teams to inspect Najif and Bagh-
dad airport; the former is fully functional
now. Also, we granted 14000 visits for Bah-
raini pilgrims last year.

BIG: What sort of business interests have

you received from Bahrain side?
G.M.H: Recently, JP Morgan Chase (Bah-
rain) officials had travelled to Iraq along with
their British counterparts to survey banking
opportunities. Bahraini companies are mainly
looking at investing in real estate, shopping
centres and facilities. Jawad is already oper-
ating Costa Coffee franchise at the Najif
airport. Also, the governors of Al Anbar and
Salahuddin provinces in Iraq were recently in
Bahrain promoting investments.

BIG: Could you throw some light on the

business and trade flow between Bahrain and
Iraq? Please cite some statistics and figures.
G.M.H: Trade between Iraq and Bahrain
increased nine folds in 2008 to BD9.436 mn
from BD1.3 mn in the previous year. I still

52 JUNE 2009

feel this is a modest figure and will go fur-
ther up in years to come. Bahrain mostly ex-
port creams, mineral water, plastic materials
like hats, vinyl polymers, ships and rowing
boats and asphalt reels to Iraq; and has been
“Bahraini companies are mainly looking
at investing in real estate, shopping
centres and facilities
importing tractors, paintings and drawings,
lamps and lighting devices, packaging of
medicines for retail sales, fresh dates from
Iraq. For the moment there is one Iraqi
agency and eight investment companies
working in Bahrain. Of course the ongoing
crisis will affect the trade flow between the
two countries but I feel it is a temporary af-
fair as economist are expecting global econ-
omy to start reviving by 2009-end.
BIG: What other programmes is Iraqi
government presently undertaking?
G.M.H: Young Iraqi diplomats are getting
trained in various aspects of their job in-
cluding enriching their knowledge, writing
reports, improving their language skills, etc.
But this programme is not confined to Bah-
rain only but is a worldwide programme.
BIG: You’ve recently laid the foundation
stone for building a new Iraqi Embassy in
Bahrain? Does this mean an improvement
of diplomatic ties? How soon is the project
expected to be completed?
G.M.H: The setting up of our new prem-
ises is testament of reinstating the cultural,
historical and economic bondages among
two great Arab nations. Ever since my ap-
pointment as the ambassador to Bahrain I
have cherished a dream of embarking on
the project. Today, I feel extremely proud to
have laid the foundation stone of our new
embassy myself. It is a kind of personal and
DIPLOMAT OF THE MONTH
official achievement to me. Also, being an
artist I have managed to put my impression
on the exteriors of the embassy by keeping
Babylonian motifs so one can experience the
rich Iraqi heritage first hand. My vision is
to make it a landmark building in the area
as has been done by our mission in Finland,
whereby the Iraqi Embassy out there has be-
come a tourist attraction.
BIG: What kind of personal traits have
you lend to the mission?
G.M.H: I follow an open door policy and I
motivate my staff at all activities by not dif-
ferentiating between them.
BIG: What are your reflections on the po-
litical stability in Iraq, understanding the
long-standing war that has affected the
country’s economy?
G.M.H: We need to practice unity at all
the levels and that is our only way out of
the present crisis. We need to build social
justice and depend on expertise whenever
needed to develop our country and stay
away from foreign influences that stand to
divide our society. Iraq is a rich country but
unfortunately we are witnessing hard times
due to the fact that our previous political
system put our country to catastrophic risks
at the expenses of our denizens and by tak-
ing some hasty decisions that led us to war
and invasion. We now have to confine our
military prowess at national borders and
protect our citizens.
BIG: So what is your message to the Iraqi
community in Bahrain?
G.M.H: There are around 2500-3000 Iraqis
living in Bahrain and are engaged into fac-
ulties of medicine, engineering, insurance,
education and sports. My only message to
them is: “You are the ambassadors of Iraq
and you should strive to give people the best
of your country all the time.”
JUNE 2009 53
 INVESTMENT
GCC INVESTMENTS
BIG speaks to experts
and tries to find out how
the GCC region has been
building up its investment
portfolio abroad.
Over the past five years there has been
considerable interest in how and where the
GCC countries have been investing their
“petrodollar” windfall. The issue has at-
tracted even greater attention in the recent
54 JUNE 2009
ABROAD
conditions of global financial turbulence and
concerns about the scarcity of global capital.
We seek to assess the magnitude and de-
ployment of GCC capital flows abroad, and
take a closer look at how they are evolving in
current conditions.
The GCC countries have been running
large and increasing external current account
surpluses since the onset of the oil boom in
2003. The counterpart of these surpluses is,
by definition, invested in real and financial
assets abroad. Over the five years ended June
2008, the cumulative acquisition of foreign
assets by the GCC exceeded US$900 bn.
Because of data limitations, only about 40
per cent of these flows can be identified by
geographical destination or asset class.
Traditionally, the US has been the desti-
nation for the bulk of GCC capital. Indica-
tions are that interest in the US market has
remained strong in recent years, accounting
for almost half of the foreign assets accumu-
lated during the past five years.
The share of GCC capital flows destined
to countries other than the US over the past
five years — some US$450 bn — has found
its way into a variety of asset types in other
parts of the world. Favoured areas have been
Europe, the Middle East and North Africa,
and East Asia. FDI into these areas has
shown particularly strong growth.
The onset of the credit crunch in the sec-
 INVESTMENT

ond half of 2007 triggered increased GCC outflows is not revealed (other than, for ex- data on U.S.-resident banking sector assets
demand for US treasury bills and, more sur- ample, “debt” or “other”). Thus, it is necessary and liabilities with foreign institutions, as
prisingly, US corporate securities. The credit to use counterparty data and other interna- well as foreign holdings of U.S. securities.
crunch also reawakened interest in bank de- tional sources in order to sketch out a picture Though comprehensive, one serious weak-
posits in leading capital canters after a long of GCC capital flows. There are three main ness of the TIC data is that it fails to capture
period of decline. international sources: the ultimate owner of a security when it is
The current turmoil is likely to spur in- tɩF
QSJODJQBM
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purchased via a third country broker-dealer,
terest in the safety of US government debt. flows to the U.S. is the Treasury Interna- or held on behalf of another owner by a third
However, those Gulf funds that emphasise tional Capital System (TIC). TIC provides party custodian.
longer term investment strategies may be
attracted to the comparatively cheap valua-
tions of US and European equities, and are “Indications are that interest in the US market
likely to gradually build up their holdings of
these assets (albeit highly selectively) in the has remained strong in recent years, accounting
period ahead.
In a context of growing global financial
for almost half of the foreign assets accumulated
turbulence, and persistent concerns about during the past five years”
the scarcity of global capital, there is consid-
erable interest in how the GCC’s “petrodol-
lar” windfall has been deployed. We attempt
to track these outflows by geographical
destination and asset type over the past five
years using a variety of data sources. We also
take a closer look at developments in the
months following the onset of the global
credit squeeze, and make some broad obser-
vations about likely GCC investment strat-
egy going forward.

CAPTURING CAPITAL FLOWS

From mid-2003 to mid-2008 oil prices more
than quadrupled, from just over US$30/bar-
rel to US$140/b. The price surge, in conjunc-
tion with incremental additions to export vol-
umes, boosted the GCC’s cumulative export
earnings over the period to about US$2.2
trn. A large, and growing, element of these
earnings was spent on imports of goods and
services as the six states stepped up efforts
to develop the industrial and services base
of their economies. However, such was the
ascent of oil prices that the current account
surplus swelled dramatically from around
US$50 bn in 2003-04 (year ending June) to
almost US$400 bn in 2007-08. In aggregate,
the current account registered a cumulative
surplus of US$912 bn over the period.
A comparatively small part of this was used
to build up central bank foreign exchange re-
serves. The bulk has been channelled into a
variety of other asset classes and into an in-
creasingly diverse array of countries.
While tracking current account flows is
relatively simple, tracing GCC capital flows
is more challenging. GCC capital account
data are fragmentary and suffer from sig-
nificant time lags. Such capital flows data
that are available are generally recorded in
net terms, but even where data on inflows
and outflows are provided, the nature of

JUNE 2009 55
 INVESTMENT

t"
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GPS
*O-
ternational Settlements’ (BIS) Quarterly
Review. This tracks the aggregate assets and
liabilities of its reporting banks against indi-
vidual countries, and includes data for each
of the six GCC states. However, the data do
not reveal the geographical location of indi-
vidual reporting banks, other than the fact
that they are located outside of the US.
tɩF
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base on mergers and acquisitions. This pro-
vides detailed information on global merg-
ers, acquisitions, and divestitures by acquirer,
type, value (US$) and premium, and is useful
for tracking major equity purchases (i.e. FDI)
made by GCC companies and governments.

UNIDENTIFIED FLOWS
The GCC region has always had preferred The ME project finance market was the largest
geographical locations over the past two
years, reflecting in turn both the stunning in the world in 2007, with regional entities
growth in the investible surplus, and the selling a total of US$23.7 bn of bonds last year,
emergence of newer, more aggressive GCC
Sovereign Wealth Funds. Put another way, up from US$14.6 bn in 2006
once relatively safe and liquid investments
have been made, GCC fund managers have
a considerable excess to invest in more di- Europe remains an important destina- vate GCC capital. Together, these flows may
verse holdings. tion for GCC funds and it is estimate that have constituted around US$200 bn, or 22
One notable impact of this evolving strat- Europe attracted some 55-60 per cent of per cent of GCC outflows in 2003-08.
egy is the growing volume of GCC funds FDI outflows from the Gulf region over the East Asia has been an important destina-
being channelled to other Middle East and period. Notable recent stakes or acquisitions tion for GCC capital over the past three or
North African countries. The MENA re- include the German Industrial Conglom- four years, particularly for debt and FDI. Ma-
gion has witnessed substantial structural erate Mauser Werke, Travelodge hotels of laysia is an important magnet given its pre-
reform progress over the past few years, and the UK, and the London Stock Exchange. eminence in Sukuk origination. Real estate
encouraged by growing privatisation, dereg- Investment in European stocks and bonds and energy projects in China have also been
ulation and improved regional integration, has also continued apace, particularly as attractive, as have Chinese equities. More
the GCC has channelled significant funds currency diversification has moved up the broadly, Asian telecoms and finance firms
into real estate, energy, telecoms, and equity GCC’s agenda. Until the recent downturn in have featured prominently among GCC
markets. Particular countries include Jordan, property values, traditional property centres deals. All told, we believe that GCC invest-
Egypt, Morocco and Lebanon. in the UK, France and Switzerland were also ments in East Asia amounted to US$120 bn
Until recently, substantial project fi- continuing to attract significant flows of pri- or 13 per cent of total flows over the period.
nance deals were also helping the region to
retain capital. The Middle East project fi-
nance market was the largest in the world
in 2007, with regional entities selling a total
of US$23.7 bn of bonds last year, up from
US$14.6 bn in 2006. A growing proportion
of this was on Islamic terms, allowing Gulf
investors to tap fixed income investment
opportunities that did not exist previously.
Nevertheless, the impact of the global credit
squeeze in 2008 on GCC credit and capital
markets has been severe, and bond issuance
has been at a standstill since mid-year.
All told, it is estimated that GCC invest-
ment into the broader MENA region (in-
cluding Turkey) at around US$120 billon,
or 13 per cent of the total. This obviously
excludes intra-GCC flows, which have also
grown rapidly in recent years.

56 JUNE 2009

SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUNDS
Much of the unidentified flows are man-
aged by the GCC’s public investment
funds (or Sovereign Wealth Funds). These
funds employ varying strategies – some
seek to acquire strategic stakes in firms,
others are content to cede control to pro-
fessional portfolio managers. Tradition-
ally, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
(ADIA) and the Kuwait Investment Au-
thority (KIA) tended to invest passively, or
indirectly, with holdings in a broad range
of asset classes, such as equity, fixed income
(including Islamic bonds) and alternatives,
but also with large holdings of cash depos-
its (US$200-300 bn in ADIA’s case). In
recent years, KIA has made more direct,
strategic investments. Both institutions
are thought to favour equities (accounting
for perhaps 60 per cent of assets), and are
often overweight Europe, though KIA ap-
pears to have been increasing its exposure
to MENA and East Asia. Financial ser-
vices tend to feature heavily.
By contrast, relatively new public in-
vestment funds, such as Abu Dhabi’s
Mubadala, The Dubai Investment Corpo-
ration, Qatar Holding (part of the Qatar
Investment Authority), and Dubai’s Is-
tithmar typically act as private-equity style
funds, and often have a mandate to create
synergies with nascent domestic industries.
Istithmar, for example, has taken strategic
stakes in aviation and financial services, re-
tail and health care. Outside of the GCC,
it tends to favour the UK and to a lesser
extent the US, and has plans to expand its
presence in East Asia.
OUTLOOK FOR FOREIGN
ASSET ALLOCATION
The decline in global oil prices during the
second half of 2008 has been rapid, with a
peak-to-trough fall of 48 per cent ( July 3
- November 12). The outlook for oil prices
remains very uncertain, but the current ex-
pectation is that prices will average around
US$60/barrel in 2009, not far below the av-
erage for 2007. A slight increase to around
US$75/barrel is envisaged for 2010 as global
demand begins to recover. Given this, it is
expected that the GCC capital outflows
would amount to about US$430 bn between
June 2008 and June 2010. How will this
capital be distributed?
Clearly, the most recent and intensive
period of market turmoil, when a number
of major bank failures and bailouts rocked
The Saudi Arabia Monetary Agency
(SAMA) is not a SWF, though it has a
large portfolio of foreign assets, the size of
which is revealed in its Monthly Statistical
Bulletin. (These amounted to US$433 bn at
end-September 2008, with foreign reserves
worth an additional US$9.5 bn.) Most of
the assets under SAMA’s management are
thought to be invested in liquid, low-risk
bonds and cash and equities. Its holdings
are likely to be heavily weighted towards the
US dollar. The Public Investment Fund has
been mandated to establish the Kingdom’s
first SWF with US$5.3 bn of start-up capi-
tal. It is expected to be closely modelled on
those of Singapore and Norway.
GCC foreign asset accumulation in
2008 (calendar year) is likely to reach
around US$390 bn. However, the stock of
assets is thought to have stagnated given a
poor performance from most types of asset
classes. Merrill Lynch estimates that returns
for all SWFs would have shown negative
growth of 17 per cent in the year to Sep-
tember 2008, based on its estimate of SWF
asset allocation (50 per cent equities, 20 per
cent alternative, 30 per cent fixed income).
Extrapolating from this, and taking account
of both the severity of the financial turmoil
in October, and the conservative bias of
many GCC funds (which would have large
holdings of T-bills), we estimate that GCC
funds under management are likely to have
shown a negative 15 per cent return in 2008.
This would almost offset the impact of the
additional oil windfall, leaving the net stock
essentially unchanged on 2007.
INVESTMENT
global money and equity markets, is likely to
colour the short-term thinking of GCC fund
managers, particularly as a number of them
had taken significant stakes in US financial
institutions. Available data do not capture the
impact of these dislocations on GCC capital
movements, but one can surmise that GCC
investors will have followed the initial “flight
to quality” and reinforced their holdings of
US T-bills, while reducing their holdings of
long-term commercial paper.
Thus, it is likely that there has been a
diversion of GCC flows away from equities
and corporate debt and into short term gov-
ernment paper in the second half of 2008.
Nevertheless, the appetite for FDI has not
completely abated: one notable acquisition
was the purchase by a group of investors
from Abu Dhabi and Qatar of up to 16 per
cent in Barclays Bank of the UK for a sum
of US$12 bn in October 2008.
Moving into 2009, it is clear that OECD
growth prospects have been badly tarnished
by the recent turmoil (and other factors). US
and EU consumers seem likely to continue
to retrench and build up savings in the face
of falling asset prices. This in turn will likely
impair corporate profitability, making both
US and EU equities and M&A options less
attractive (if cheaper). Slumping OECD de-
mand will have a knock-on effect on Asian
export growth; nevertheless, China’s pros-
pects have improved with the announcement
of substantial additional government spend-
ing, which should help to stimulate domestic
demand. Countries that are less integrated
into the global financial system (and more
immune from global dislocations) are also
likely to become more appealing. Thus, other
MENA countries will increase their allure
for GCC investors, particularly given their
cultural and linguistic connections.
Overall, it is expected that one will see
some polarisation of investment flows over
the next eighteen months or so, with a bias
towards both “ultra safe” securities, such as
OECD government paper, and more exotic
asset classes such as MENA and Chinese
M&A, and corporate debt. Meanwhile, the
middle ground of OECD corporate debt
and equities, along with some Asian securi-
ties are unlikely to regain their allure.
Nevertheless, those Gulf funds that
emphasise longer term investment strate-
gies may take a more benign view of the
current environment. They will likely be
attracted by the comparatively cheap p/e
ratios of US and European equities, and
are likely to gradually build up their port-
folios (albeit highly selectively) over the
medium to long term.
JUNE 2009 57
 GLOBAL BRAND

MINI TURNS

A magnet for fans from around the globe

Around 25,000 enthusiasts converged on Silverstone to wish MINI a happy 50th

birthday. BIG brings out the historical perspective of one of the world’s greatest,
most fashionable and desired brand.
The third edition of what has already be-
come the legendary MINI United Festival
was held this year from May 22-24, 2009 at
the Formula One track in Silverstone, Eng-
land. Around 25,000 fans from more than 40
countries made the pilgrimage to the world’s
premier gathering of its kind. They arrived
in over 10,000 MINI models, most of them
lovingly individualised. Numerous Ger-
man fan clubs made their way to the venue,
mostly setting out by car on the long journey
to the UK. Even for participants from as far
afield as Russia, the USA and South Africa,
no effort or cost was too great to ensure they
could pay personal tribute to the British clas-
sic on its 50th birthday. Likewise determined
not to miss out on this winning mix of racing
action, music festival and lifestyle spectacular
were a whole raft of celebrities.
As part of the world premiere for the new
Mayfair and Camden special models that
have been produced to mark MINI’s 50th
birthday, the now 75-year-old Mary Quant
– British style icon and inventor of the mini-
skirt – disclosed a long-guarded secret: the
designation “mini-skirt” is not derived from

58 JUNE 2009

the celebrated brevity of the garment; it
was her much-loved car that inspired her to
choose this name.
To mark the 50th anniversary, MINI
also took the wraps off a reinterpretation of
George Harrison’s flamboyant model. This
one-off, presented to Olivia Harrison on Sat-
urday night, fully met the precise design brief
of the Beatles’ widow. She accepted the MINI
on behalf of the Material World Charitable
Foundation, a charity which George Harrison
founded in 1973. The car will be auctioned
this year to raise funds for the foundation.
“George was a huge MINI fan and he would
have enjoyed this new version. The fact that
the 50th anniversary celebrations for MINI
will also benefit our foundation has made it
an enjoyable as well as meaningful collabora-
tion,” said Olivia Harrison.
But there were plenty more unique mod-
els to get pulses racing among the fans. Brit-
ish fashion designer Paul Smith again pre-
sented the model created by him, while the
designs by David Bowie, Kate Moss, Misso-
ni and the acclaimed illustrator and graphic
designer Alan Aldridge were also on display.
Similarly drawing approving looks were the
original cars from films like “The Italian Job”
and “Austin Powers”.
THE FORMATIVE YEARS
A BMW Group company since 1994, the
brand’s concept was always unique – and to
this day the MINI remains unique in all its
features, qualities, and characteristics: It was
fifty years ago, to be precise on August 26,
1959, that British Motor Corporation (BMC)
proudly revealed the result of their develop-
ment activities in creating a new, revolution-
ary compact car. And indeed, the public, right
from the start were able to admire no less than
two new models: The Morris Mini-Minor and
the Austin Seven. This double premiere of two
almost identical four-seaters was of course at-
tributable at the time to the broad range of
brands offered by BMC in the market, but it
was also of very symbolic nature.
GLOBAL BRAND
Lots of space inside with minimum di-
mensions outside, seats for four passengers,
impeccable driving characteristics, superior
fuel economy, and a very affordable price
– precisely this was the brief the creator of
the Mini, automotive engineer and designer
Alec Issigonis, received from BMC’s top
management. And the brilliant ideas he im-
plemented in developing this two-door for
a family of four had an impact quite suffi-
cient for more than one single car, an impact
therefore carried over successfully to other
model variants.
Precisely this is why the Mini Van and
Mini Estate also appeared on the market
in the very first year of production of the
classic Mini. And ever since the re-birth
of the brand with the market launch of the
MINI in 2001, the principle already applied
successfully fifty years ago has once again
proven its full value: a superior concept is
always convincing in many different variants
and renditions. Both he MINI as well as
the MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible
show their individual strength and unique
character, while right inside they are one and
the same car in particular: a MINI.
Today, fifty years later, we know that only
very few car concepts have survived such a
long time, and none of them has ever been
converted into such a wide range of variants
as the Mini.
One of the reasons for this outstanding
success is that from the start the Mini met
all the requirements of its time, while offer-
ing further qualities in the same process.
Measuring just 3.05 metres or 120” in length
JUNE 2009 59
 GLOBAL BRAND
and selling at a retail price of £496, the Mini
was simply perfect for small parking spaces
and low budgets. Through its driving quali-
ties and the charming character of its pro-
portions alone, the Mini was however also
of great interest to the ambitious motorist
seeking not only compact dimensions and
superior economy, but also sporting perfor-
mance particularly in bends as well as indi-
vidual style on the road.
This blend of different qualities re-
mains as popular today as ever before,
with a concept likewise younger than ever.
Hence, the current MINI is also more
up-to-date and, at the same time, more
fascinating than any of its competitors,
combining unparalleled efficiency, lasting
value of the highest calibre, and incredibly
agile handling in the modern mega-city
with unrivalled sportiness and design full
of expression and quite unmistakable.
As early as in 1960, BMC added a Mini
Van to the classic Mini. Then, proceeding
from this van structure with its closed side
panels, BMC introduced an Estate version
with glass windows all round as well as two
rear doors, like the Van.
A very special variant destined more
than any other to create the legend of the
classic Mini made its appearance in the sec-
ond half of the year: the Mini Cooper. John
Cooper, the famous engineer and manufac-
turer of sports cars already a close friend of
Alec Issigonis, had recognised the sporting
potential of this new small car right from
the start, when the first prototypes ap-
peared on the track. So he received the go-
60 JUNE 2009
ahead from BMC’s top managers to devel-
op a small series of 1,000 units of the Mini
Cooper featuring a modified power unit
enlarged in size to 1.0 litres and offering
maximum output of 55 hp. The response to
this car entering the market in September
1961 was quite simply euphoric, with only
one further request from enthusiasts every-
where: even more power! So Issigonis and
Cooper enlarged engine capacity to 1,071
cc, raising engine output to 70 hp.
SMALL CAR, GREAT SHOW 
MINI MARKETING
The MINI always hits the headlines wher-
ever it appears – even before a new model is
introduced into the market. Innovative and
unconventional marketing campaigns always
good for a surprise and generating great ap-
peal present both the MINI brand and the
individual models with full impact.
MINI marketing uses an exceptionally
wide range of communication channels to
establish close contacts with potential tar-
get groups. Supplementing classic activities
in print media, on the radio and television,
MINI’s marketing experts developed inno-
vative online activities right from the start
tailored precisely to the modern, trend-
minded and technology-oriented user of the
world wide web and taking the options of
interactive communication with the public
into account.
Applying this philosophy, MINI sets new
benchmarks time and again not only in the
world of motoring, but also in the world of
marketing. A very good example of this high-
flying approach is the launch campaign for
the new MINI Convertible: Eye-catching,
quick-minded and tongue-in-cheek short
films presented in the internet immediately
highlighted the open-air driving character of
the MINI Convertible, arousing great public
response and broad recognition in the film
and advertising industry.
MINI was also the world’s first car
maker to use an interactive print ad with
a virtual 3D model. Applying this innova-
tive augmented reality technology, MINI
bridges the gap between the real and the
digital world, between the two-dimensional
print ad and the three-dimensional product.
Only when the beholder has established an
online connection to the www.mini.de/we-
bcam website and receives the print ad on
his computer’s webcam does the new MINI
Convertible appear on his screen as a virtual
model – live and in all three dimensions.
Like on a stage, the new MINI Convert-
ible is suddenly parked on the advertising
site, true-to-detail 3D data of the car be-
ing connected with the live picture. Then, as
soon as the ad is moved, the MINI Convert-
ible will also move in parallel, naturally in
real time. This allows the beholder to choose
his perspective as he wishes, interacting
playfully with the model.
Unconventional and unmistakable: MINI
marketing as a genuine happening.
All MINI marketing activities show un-
mistakable style and have a high recall factor. A
further feature is their high standard of artistic
excellence, with renowned artists in the world

of design and film regularly contributing their
creativity to the MINI and the band.
Unconventional marketing is indeed of
particular significance to MINI within the
entire range of communication activities.
Precisely this is why innovative and sur-
prising concepts serve time and again when
introducing new models to reach important
target groups and generate a powerful public
effect with great appeal.
Such campaigns often take on the char-
acter of an artistic happening, the most cov-
eted prizes and awards regularly confirming
the innovative character and wealth of ideas
borne out in the brand’s campaigns.
The Mini marketing experts also kept a
close eye on the worldwide success of tele-
vision, carefully using this new media also
for the Mini. Special TV commercials were
therefore produced for various purposes in the
market, in all cases emphasising selected facets
of the Mini’s character and naturally consider-
ing the cultural context of the local public.
Whether as the perfect solution for con-
gested traffic in downtown Paris or as the
ideal means of transport to the beach in
Australia – the Mini was always presented
as the right car at the right place. Even in a
cartoon it proudly presented its superiority,
full of humour and again with that famous
tongue-in-cheek style.
MAKING A NEW START WITH
INNOVATIVE IDEAS.
The re-launch of the brand in 2001 also
marked a new beginning in marketing care-
fully prepared in parallel to the development
of the car as such. The main challenge was to
establish MINI as the first premium brand
in the small car segment, with MINI to be
positioned worldwide as a unique and fully
independent brand in its own right – a brand
revolving around the concept of enthusiasm
and thrilling lifestyle.
These principles of brand manage-
ment remain unchanged to this day, with
the MINI characterised by its outstanding
product substance and progressive technol-
ogy, emotional design and agile driving be-
haviour as well as almost unlimited options
in customising the car. A further significant
point is finding and maintaining the right
balance of continuity of a brand now going
back 50 years and its innovative capacities.
Introducing the MINI, customers the
world over for the first time had the opportu-
nity to experience premium qualities in a small
car. These outstanding qualities and features
are indeed to be found in every model made
by the brand, at the same time distinguishing
MINI clearly from the competition.
The same applies to the brand’s appear-
ance in public, where all marketing tools fol-
MINI HIGHLIGHTS
Cars sold till date
Over 5.3 mn classic Minis and since 2001
when BMW Group launched the new MINI,
1.4 mn MINI cars have been sold.
In total, 6,7 mn
Market Penetration
Available in 80 markets
Dealership Network
Around 1,300 certified MINI dealers
worldwide
Versions of Mini
Currently three models in the MINI portfolio:
The classic MINI Hatchback, The MINI
GLOBAL BRAND
low a unique, consistently recognisable style.
Graphic elements, colours, the language of
pictures and the MINI concept conveyed in
words and pictures are clearly defined. MINI
is refreshingly different. Through its open-
ness and self-confidence, the brand gains
great acceptance, through its appearance it
arouses curiosity and appeal.
To arouse the attention of the target
group in mind right from the start prior to
the market launch of the MINI, the respon-
sible marketing experts have been taking a
new approach in communication from the
beginning. The magazine “MINI interna-
tional”, for example, regularly portrays se-
lected cities around the globe, focusing on
their particularly creative inhabitants.
Apart from classic communication, other
innovative forms of communication such
as “guerrilla marketing” are also used. And
right from the start in the year 2000 MINI
became the first car brand to use the internet
not only as an information, but also as a po-
sitioning media for the product.
Cabrio and the MINI Clubman. In the second
half of 2010 BMW Group will launch the
MINI Crossover – the first MINI of the new
generation models with four doors, a length of
over four metres and four-wheel drive.
Popular MINI model
The classic MINI Hatchback
Highest selling country or region
Dubai 190 units per year
Abu Dhabi 89 units per year
Lebanon 60 units per year
Saudi 55 units per year
Qatar 54 units per year
JUNE 2009 61
 COLUMN

&
frills
foosha
A new name in affordable fashion hits the GCC

By: Leila Belpaz

When you hear the name Frills & Foosha,

uniqueness, originality and femininity im-
mediately spring to mind. True to its name,
Frills & Foosha offers young women in their
early 20s to late 40s the ability to stand out
in outfits that bring radiance to normality.
It is more than just a fashion line that car-
ries the latest trends and hottest styles. It is a
statement. You simply cannot dress in a piece
from Frills & Foosha and expect to blend
into the background. And once you turn to
Frills & Foosha there is simply no going
back – you will never again be able to walk
into those numerous stores that overwhelm
the malls and get the joy you once did from
‘ordinary’ mass produced clothing.
The latest fashion line to take the region
by storm is the brainchild of two determined
young ladies whose desire for originality led
them to trek the globe in search of emerg-
ing designers and creative designs. Some
might describe the two entrepreneurs, Sara
Al Pachachi and Joy Kotran as fashionable,
identifying rising trends and having an eye
for unique clothes and accessories. Others

62 JUNE 2009

might say that they are saviours, making the
dullest dressers more dazzling in exceptional
pieces. The truth is they are, as their fashion
line is, a mixture of all of the above. Their
success comes from how similar yet different
they are from one another and when you put
two different, fashion forward fashionistas
with an eye for style you get something as
remarkably breathtaking as Frills & Foosha.
One brings out her femininity by combining
soft and bold colours and mixing and match-
ing, revolutionising otherwise dull pieces to
something extraordinary that makes every
head turn and converts the most grounded
fashionista green with envy. The other, mixes
hip with laid-back to create a casually chic
style that merges together several trends in
what one can only describe as exceptional.
“We’ve always been into fashion, constantly
looking for pieces that look ‘different’ and si-
multaneously, reflects our individual styles,”
says Sara of their style.
STRONG DESIGN ELEMENTS
The concoction of bold yet subtle, distinc-
tive but conventional and nonchalant yet
refined brings out the best features in each
woman who wears their line. It offers the
transformation from effortlessly chic to el-
egantly sophisticated. It is virtually impos-
sible to be bland when dressed in Frills &
Foosha. The transformation is not about the
clothing itself, but what it also represents.
Nobody wants to go unnoticed and with to-
day’s fashion, it is rare to see someone who
looks effortlessly fashionable. Moreover, a
woman needs to wear her clothes and not let
her clothes wear her. This is what makes the
brand what it is. Each woman can keep the
style she is most accustomed to, be it hippie
or rock-chic, but what Frills & Foosha does
is adjusts that style to make it appear more
interesting and remarkable. With Frills &
Foosha a t-shirt is not just a t-shirt. It is an
identity tag that states who you are, what
you like and how you are different. Confor-
mity is not permitted.
Women love fashion. Therefore, ideally
when one wants to turn into an entrepreneur,
opening a new store is the most sought-after
business. Yet, as one store after the other
opens, one after another also closes down.
Some of those women might be trendy. Oth-
ers might be business oriented. Very few are
both. Instead of opening a store, the ladies of
Frills & Foosha organized a one-day fashion
event to launch the pieces they had gathered
for the Summer Season 2008. Welcoming
guests with bright cocktails, pink muffins and
strawberries dipped in chocolate, the modish
crowd were lost for choice as they browsed
through the array of dresses, shirts, kaftans,
sandals and jewellery from ‘Saluhi’. Describ-
ing the inspiration for their launch, Joy com-
mented, “We wanted to present our collec-
tion in an intimate environment in order to
meet our customers and gauge their feedback
around the pieces and their price tags.
“The first event went really well and since
last June, we have organised at least four
more fashion ‘days’ between Bahrain and
Dubai, to showcase Winter and Spring col-
lections from Regional and International
emerging designers we’ve carefully hand-
picked. We have picked up very positive
feedback from our customers so far and we
still have a long way to go in terms of fulfill-
ing our long-term ambitions,” continues Joy.
In parallel, the pair have set up a Facebook
group which they constantly update with
new arrivals from their selected designers.
Moreover, Frills & Foosha currently plans to
keep its fans on their toes, and will soon be
launching ‘Frills & Foosha’ designed by the
pair themselves.
THE COLLECTION
Other than the staggering collections the
line holds, Frills & Foosha’s sensation is
about the experience. Offering one-on-one
assistance, a browse through the collection is
like having the luxury of a personal shopper
if desired. No one knows fashion more than
those ladies and their helpful manner means
that they are always ready to assist with top
tips, insider’s advise and worthy recommen-
COLUMN
dations, be it through a visit to the launch of
their season’s collection or by sending a mes-
sage through their Facebook page.
Being as business conscious as they are
fashion intelligent, Frills & Foosha has suc-
cessfully adapted to the fluctuating economy.
Credit crunch? Do not fret. The misconcep-
tion that the only affordable trends are ones
that are mass-produced can be put behind
you. Both the top end and reasonably priced
trends can be found in their collection and
as the economy becomes more challenging,
Frills & Foosha have upped their efforts in
tracking down pieces that give designer ap-
peal without the designer price tags. “To be
honest, we grew sick and tired of walking into
boutiques with over inflated price tags and,
on the other hand, walking into stores that
mass-produce their clothes. We felt there
were no shops ‘in the middle’ of the price
scale, whereby we would be able to purchase
items that were not only unique and excellent
quality but also affordable,” explains Sara.
So ladies, there you have it! Instead of
having to bounce from one mall to the oth-
er and jet around the globe in search of the
must-have items of the season, the ladies
of Frills & Foosha do all the hard work for
you. The only effort you need to exert is to
attend the launch of their season’s collection
or simply visit them online on Facebook to
see what is in store and the good news is
that their Summer Season 2009 collection
is ready to hit your shelves this month… all
you need to do is keep an eye out for them
on Facebook.
JUNE 2009 63
 o u r
MANAGEMENT

Y
or ur
MONEY

o
YLIFE?
BIG takes a cue from
the ongoing economic
crisis and checks
out the inspirational
aspect of life that is
now seen developing
around the world.

This was what highway robbers used to de-

mand. We mean the ones that used to ride
horses in the olden days. Which do you value
most: your money or your life? TV and news-
paper coverage of the world financial crisis at
present would lead you to believe most peo-
ple are opting for the money. Terrorism, cli-
mate change, droughts and warfare are being
pushed aside in the rush to beg for mercy at
the shrine of the stock exchange.
Now don’t get us wrong. We don’t mean
to belittle the seriousness of the situation. The
crisis is causing very real, life-changing prob-
lems to many people and to their dependants.
We did however say life-changing, not life-
threatening. Some of you may still argue with
that too. If you don’t have the money, what
value is there left in life?

64 JUNE 2009
 MANAGEMENT

GETTING SERIOUS
That’s where we believe the situation really
gets serious. The day we put money at the
centre of life is the day we stop valuing the
natural wealth stored within the authentic
self - the inner person we are, have been
since birth and will continue to be until
death us do part. That’s the person who is
the source of:

Æ personal growth, satisfaction and lifelong

desires.
Æ passions that drive potential, store within
a unique mix of natural-born skills,
abilities and talents.

In the last couple of decades or so, hu-

manity has had to come to terms with dra-
matic changes, stresses and pressures to per-
form. It has been made easier by the ready
availability of money to buy almost anything
we want. The sudden loss of that money
availability - and the need to pay back loans
- has reminded us that happiness and finan-
cial wealth are located on two entirely differ-
ent life paths.
Personal values have become vague and
uncertain in deference to the politics of eco-
nomic rationalism in which everything is "Personal values have become vague and uncertain
measured by the dollar.
in deference to the politics of economic rationalism in
VALUE PROPOSITIONS which everything is measured by the dollar"
They say good comes out of all ills. We are
increasingly hearing positive, human re-
sponses to the financial crisis:
Æ Deciding to love the person they are, no
matter what money they have.
Æ Philosophical reflections that life goes on
no matter what,
Æ Appreciating more what they have, rather
than what they would like.

One of our known persons, who owns a

very successful business, has developed what
he calls a minimalist approach to life - enjoy-
ing the fact that, within himself, he has ev-
erything he needs, irrespective of any impact
the financial situation has on his business.
This isn’t a debate on which is right - fi-
nancial worth or self worth. It doesn’t seek
an either/or answer. It’s about respecting
the fact that success is found from within,
utilising all the resources - natural and
material - at our disposal. It’s about re-
specting the dignity and worth of human-
ity - self and others.
We come into the world with nothing and
we will leave it the same way. It’s what we did
along the way, not the money we spent, that
others will remember after we’ve gone.

JUNE 2009 65
 COLUMN

DAY OR NIGHT By: Leila Belpaz

When the alarm goes off early in the
morning do you have the urge to smack the
snooze button and if you had the energy to
throw the alarm altogether out of the win-
dow? Or, as soon as you hear the first ring
off the alarm jump out of bed, rush to make
your coffee as you brush your teeth? Some
people have trouble waking up in the morn-
ing and function best when the sunsets
whereas others have their burst of energy in
the early hours of the morning.

THE AGE FACTOR

To a certain extent whether you are a day or
night person is related to age. At a younger
age one gets used to staying up late, watch-
ing television, going out partying or simply
pulling all-nighters studying for an exam.
In turn it becomes a daunting task to wake
up early in the morning and so, sleeping in
late becomes inevitable and mornings are

66 JUNE 2009
 COLUMN

wasted. At an older age, the reality of life

sinks in and it becomes difficult not to put
daytime into effective use. Habit comes to
play, and getting used to waking up in the
morning for work translates into waking
up early during the weekends too and get-
ting things done. It also means that staying
up late becomes a daunting task and nights
become shorter.
Yet, it is not only about age or habit.
Whether you are a day or night person is also
a reflection of your personality. Some people
are ‘busy bees’ who wake up early because
they have a lot to accomplish each day be it
running errands or reaching self-fulfilment.
Putting aside home duties, someone who
enjoys golfing, gardening or diving cannot
postpone such activities until the evening.
They are early-rise activities which require
early morning energy, dedication and com-
mitment. Someone who is a night person
will not be bale to commit to such activities
due to the lack of energy or joy waking up
early brings. On the other hand, the same
person who enjoys waking up early will not for being awake and for being asleep. ing person. If you are expected to put in long
find the energy nor the excitement to stay up Why is it that as humans advance, the hours in the office, have a social life outside
until early morning hours listening to trance need to make life more stressful increases? office hours and also have quality time to
music in a crowded club. If we were to advance as nature intended, yourself, being able to function just as well in
everybody would be asleep by 8 p.m. which the evening is also necessary. Not being able
RESCUE EFFORTS also means that there are less hours in the to puts a day person in as much disadvantage
Whilst one can be both a morning and a day to be stressed and worried. Yet, for some as a night person during the day.
night person, it becomes quite draining. To reason, technology, globalisation and city
combat this, caffeine comes to the rescue. life require that nature be changed. And so, CONCLUSION
For the night person, coffee is the morning morning becomes night and night becomes Adaptation and flexibility is the key to main-
eye opener whereas for the morning person day. Some people can cope with the changes taining a healthy lifestyle. A balance between
energy drinks provide the burst of energy to whilst others are left to struggle. day and night is necessary. The truth of the
stay awake at night. So yes, you can be both, Are you a morning or day person? A matter is, sleeping time is becoming shorter
but do you want to be? During university morning person would praise himself for and waking time longer. Working hours are
days you often have the choice of sleeping in having the energy to function during the pushing into rest hours and in turn leisure
late and scheduling your classes for the af- normal early hours without struggling. Yet, time at night pushes into work time. Inevi-
ternoon. After that you are doomed to suc- as evening life becomes more demanding it tably, the world works in wonders and some-
cumb to the working life that does not have might not be an advantage to just be a morn- how balances itself out.
mercy on night people. You have to wake up
early, you have to stay alert and you have to
continue that lifestyle until retirement.
Does that mean that being a night per-
son is a disadvantage? Traditionally, daytime
is when everything functions normally, flow-
ers boom, cows graze and people work. Once
the sun sets, the workers rest, the cows sleep
and the flowers close. To change that is to
change science and the essence of existence.
Yet, manmade products are now required to
keep things functioning as they normally
should and to alter areas which are required
to function alternatively. It is not just about
caffeine. Late night television shows, restau-
rants that stay open until midnight and clubs
that do not open until midnight all contrib-
ute to changing the normal hours assigned

JUNE 2009 67
 CAR REVIEW

TRIDENT
THRUST
The last time we test-drove a car that turned bad with the touch of just one single button
was the Maserati Gran Turismo. You would have thought that the four-doored model
would be a little more, well behaved for the sake of exuberating panache and poise. But
thankfully that is not the case. The all-new GT S is as shamelessly vocal in its display of
sporting heritage as its GT sibling…and about time too.

68 JUNE 2009

Even before we get into the list of what’s
been changed and what’s not, we’d like to tell
you about the star feature of this drive- the
“Sport” button - we mentioned about in the
first line of this article. Press it and the GT
S becomes…erm…a GTR?!. Literally in the
bat of an eyelid, the engine, gearbox and ex-
haust get their brains rewired and the exhaust
valves open up to give out the throatiest roar
ever heard in the sedan kingdom. Not only
is it loud, but it is so gloriously tuned you’d
instantly want to chuck out that audio system
and put your windows down to grasp in every
last decibel it emits!
SEX APPEAL
Overall the car hasn’t changed much from
the exterior. The Pininfarina boys who de-
signed this baby knew that they had created
a perfectly sculpted shape that outshone all
their Mercedes, BMW and Audi competi-
tors. There was simply no need to perfect,
perfection! What you have here is a sort of a
David Beckham amongst the likes of say…a
Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand or Michael
Carrick! Its not that the others are bad at
what they do, it’s just that Becks is the per-
fectly chiseled one, of the lot. All he needs to
do now and again, is re-invent himself, say
by…erm… changing his hair-dos, adding on
a few tattoos, a few rings and chains and the
job is done. Although there’s only one thing
which he can’t re-invent himself and that’s
his voice – which is where the GT S really
CAR REVIEW
manages to break the comparison mould!
So instead of getting the human equiva-
lent of re-invention, Masareti gave its GT S
a new black grille with concave vertical fins
instead of a hair-cut, revised headlights and
a pair of oval exhaust tips instead of the tat-
toos and 20inch wheels to make up for the
rings and chains. To be honest the Quattro-
porte has now been completely perfected as
the most sinister looking plutocrat sedan
on the road.
DESIGNER INTERIOR
On the inside too, the ergonomics have re-
mained quite the same, although it looks as
through Giorgio Armani had something to
do with the refurbishment. Everything…
or most things to be precise are upholstered
in leather and suede. Whatever else that re-
mains can be dressed up in Carbon fiber or
something called Titantex. Our car came
splashed in a red and black theme and it was
an absolute stunner. Our only qualm was
with the steering wheel’s suede wrapping,
because past experiences with suede wheels
have shown that long term reliability can be
a bit of a problem as sweaty palms and con-
stant movement over suede can lead to an
eroded surface and color.
The only thing we had a bit of an issue
with was the legroom space. For a six and a
half foot driver the car falls a tad bit short
when compared to its Teutonic rivals. The
trunk space too is a bit congested as much
of the cockpit has been crammed into the
rear shell of the car. You can blame the lay-
out of the car for that, with its V8 engine
significantly behind the centerline of the
front wheels where it intrudes on the cock-
pit, although it does deliver the 49 percent
front/51 percent rear weight distribution
that delivers superior dynamics on the road.
POWER LUST
Many people keep asking if the power plant
is a Ferrari V8 and our answer to that riddle
is; the GT S employs a version of the 4,691cc
V8 featured in the Quattroporte S and Gran
Turismo S coupe which is Maserati’s ver-
sion of the same V8 engineered by Ferrari
for use by Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati.
This means that Ferrari had come up with
the tehcnology but Maserati is building its
own units now! Tweaks to the engine man-
agement system and a new exhaust have
helped liberate an extra 9 horsepower, so
the total output is now rated at 434 hp at
7,100 rpm and 361 pound-feet of torque at
4,750 rpm. When you engage the exhaust
system’s Sport mode, the V8 is extraordi-
JUNE 2009 69
 CAR REVIEW

narily loud, especially on the final ascent to

the 7,200-rpm redline. Expect your neigh-
bors to either applaud or swear under their
breaths when you drive by.
Also gone are the days when you would
be scared to hold a hot drink and use the
paddle shift in a Maserati. This glorious en-
gine has found a soul mate in the six-speed
ZF-built automatic transmission. The hard-
ware is familiar — Jaguar and Aston Martin
use the same system — but it’s been tuned
for Maserati. In Drive, the shift action is ef-
fortlessly smooth, or you can slot the lever
into manual and make use of the shift pad-
dles mounted on the steering wheel.
For the 2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport
GT S, the transmission really does deliver

only manual operation in manual mode. Ap-

“
Maserati is happy to admit that the Sport
GT S is a clear step beyond the Quattroporte
and the Quattroporte S and will only appeal
parently Ivan Capelli, the ex-Ferrari F1 driver
now employed as a Maserati test driver, once
had a huge accident when a BMW automatic
transmission shifted up a gear, so he insisted
on full manual control for the Maserati trans-
mission. In manual mode, the gearbox will
neither kick down nor change, even when the

”
to its more enthusiastic customers engine is on the rev limiter. It feels better for
it, and the way the system automatically blips
the throttle for quicker downshifts is nothing
short of brilliant

70 JUNE 2009

Maserati is happy to admit that the Sport
GT S is a clear step beyond the Quattro-
porte and the Quattroporte S and will only
appeal to its more enthusiastic customers.
The ride is predictably firm, but it never
felt truly harsh, even on the city streets and
back roads of Manama. Instead, you get a
remarkable level of control. Quit honestly
no other 4,387-pound sedan feels this re-
sponsive to the helm or disguises its mass
with such grace. At times, it feels more like
an M3 then an M5. Fact is, this not a sport-
ier version of a luxury car; but it’s a genuine
sport sedan. And it is genuinely fast. Lean
on the new launch control system and this
car will scurry to 100 km/h (62 mph) from
a standstill in 5.1 seconds, which is 0.3 sec-
ond quicker than the Quattroporte S. Top
speed climbs 3 mph to 177 mph.
THE TRIDENT REVIVED!
In terms of sales Maserati broke its all time
sales record last year when the company
raked in a cool $93 million dollars in profit
selling 8,586 cars. Now the turn-over won’t
raise too many eye-brows in the car indus-
try – Chrysler apparently loses more money
then that during coffee breaks annually. But
CAR REVIEW
overall it is evident that Maserati is coming
on to its own and has finally stepped out of
the Ferrari shadow.
Having said that the Quattroporte Sport
GT S is more like a Ferrari than previous
versions of the sedan, being a little more
focused on performance its predeces-
sors. Among all the premium sedans that
you might spend something more than
BD50,000 upon, the new GT S remains the
eccentric choice, but while your rational be-
ing will lean towards a BMW or Mercedes,
your creative brain and masculine side will
ache for the Maserati.
JUNE 2009 71
 COMPANY HISTORY

Nerves
of Steel

Contributing effectively to the country’s diversification programme, Qatar

Steel Company has successfully demonstrated how strategic thinking can yield
consistent results. BIG takes a look at the company’s history and brings to you
the making of a steel giant.

Formed in 1974 as the first integrated steel
plant in the Arabian Gulf, Qatar Steel Com-
pany (QSC) commenced commercial pro-
duction in 1978 only to later become a wholly
owned subsidiary of government of Qatar.
The plant consists primarily of four units:
1) Direct Reduction 2) Electric Arc Fur-
nace 3) Continuous Casting & 4) Rolling
Mill. With its latest production technology
and equipment, the plant generates an an-
nual production of 1.2 mn tons of molten
steel and a rolling mill capacity of 740,000
tons per year. The total workforce of approxi-
mately 1,250 comprises 12 different nation-
alities. With the exception of the office staff,
the mill is run on a 3 shift system.
Qatar Steel Company gained a reputation
as a manufacturer of first class products. Its
product quality is tailored in accordance with
International standards. The product is sup-
ported by an effective and reliable delivery
and after sales service. Its proximity to the
GCC countries enables it to supply a size-
able portion of the regions' requirements, as
well as Qatar's own domestic need.. Today,
the company is widely recognised as a fore-
most leader in the steel industry, extending
its pioneering commitment from an ex-
pansive mill site located in the heart of the
progressive Mesaieed Industrial City - 45
kilometers south of Doha. The company also
operates a UAE based subsidiary - Qatar
Steel Company FZE.
Inspired to meet the growing demand
for steel in Qatar as well as the region, QSC
has embarked upon a series of initiatives
aimed at increasing its production capacity.
The ongoing modernisation and technically
advanced expansion projects are designed

72 JUNE 2009
 COMPANY HISTORY

pare for all our future endeavours. Through
the promise of making steel matter, Qatar
Steel will continue to strive not only to
maintain but enhance its reputation by a
process of continuous improvement in ev-
ery area of its operations.”
FACILITIES IN DUBAI
Qatar Steel Company FZE was estab-
lished in August 2003 to meet the grow-
ing demand for high-quality steel wire-rod
products within the GCC as well as in in-
ternational markets.
The company operates two primary fa-
cilities at its 60,000 Sq. meter Jebel Ali Free
Zone site: An upgraded Wire Rod Mill
with an installed capacity of 240,000 metric
tonnes [MT] per annum and the present Re-
bar Mill with an annual capacity of 50,000
MT. The latter is soon to be replaced by a
modern new Bar Mill from VAI–POMINI
with a 300,000 MT capacity.

Rebar Sales 2007

Oman Kuwait
1% 1% Qatar
Bahrain
n 62%
4%
to produce world class products, which will Saudi Arabia
further enhance the company’s presence in 12%
the world of steel production.
Plant facilities have come to include a
Midrex process based DRI/HBI Combo
Mega Module, Electric Arc Furnaces with a
Ladle Refining Furnace, a Continuous Cast-
ing plant and Rolling Mills with the latest
automated features. Other auxiliaries include UAE
20%
well-equipped Jetty facilities, a Main Power
Substation, Quality Control Center, Mainte-
nance Shops and facilities for sea/fresh water,
compressed air, natural gas and a Clinic.
Presently, its Qatar plant along with its "Qatar Steel Company gained a reputation
offices occupies an area of 707,000 sq. me-
ters, adjacent to which is a further 375,000 as a manufacturer of first class products. Its
sq. meters plot reserved for future develop- product quality is tailored in accordance with
ments. The total employee-base of over 1,650
spans 12 different nationalities and the mill International standards"
runs on a three-shift system.
In his recent message Sheikh Nasser
Bin Hamad Al Thani, Director & General
Manager at QSC, said: “Having taken steps Billet Sales (2001-2007)
towards pre-empting the growing demand MT
for steel in the region, our expansion proj-
350,000
ects are in full swing and will bring our
annual production of DRI to 2.3 million
300,000
tons, molten steel production to over 1.5
million tons and rebars to over 1.5 million
250,000
tons in Qatar. Similarly, substantial invest-
ments have been made in Dubai to increase
200,000
production of existing wire rod mill from
180,000 MT to 240,000 MT and re-bars
150,000
from 50,000 MT to 300,000 MT through
installation of a new bar mill.
100,000
As a premier player in the region’s steel
industry with ambitious growth plans in a 50,000
competitive market environment, we have
embraced the task of re-branding ourselves 0
externally and internally, in order to pre- 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

JUNE 2009 73
 COMPANY HISTORY

MILESTONES
1974 Qatar Steel was established as a
joint venture between Qatar
Government (70%) and two
Japanese Companies – Kobe Steel
(20%) and Tokyo Boeki.
1981 Qatar Steel achieves one million
tonnes production for DR, EF,
CC & RM.
1985 Qatar Steel acquired 1SO9002
Certification.
1997 Qatar Steel was fully owned by
Government of Qatar.
1999 Qatar Steel achieved ISO 14001
Environment Management
Certification.
2001 Qatar Steel achieved GCC
Environmental Award for best Sh. Nasser Bin Hamad Al Thani, Director &
GM at QSC exchanging agreements
company among GCC for
implementing Environment
ENVIRONMENT ronmental contribution is centred on diffus-
Standards and Measurement.
MANAGEMENT ing dust emissions, which to a large degree
2002 Qatar Steel won accreditation to
Unlike scrap based steel plants facing prob- are the results of technology utilised in the
ISO 14001 Environment
lem of emissions of heavy metal and toxic 1970s. The revamping of its dust collection
Management Programme.
chemical, environmentally QSC has big ad- system in the existing facilities is within the
2003 Qatar steel achieved 15 million
vantages compared to many other plants in scope of these projects.
tonnes production of molten steel
this business. The most significant advantage As a part of waste management, QSC
and billets.
is that Qatar Steel’s production is based on continues to study various options to re-
2008 Qatar Steel marks 30th
DRI which uses clean raw material. An Ex- using / re-cycling its production waste.
Anniversary.
ternal accredited laboratory has confirmed Palletising DR product dust and EF dust,
Qatar Steel’s very low levels of heavy metals recycling of Refractory bricks and extract-
and dioxin emission. ing iron from slag are some of the pro-
In addition to spearheading our environ- grams under progress. The utilisation of
ment friendly expansion plans, the com- used tyres as a carbon source in the steel
pany’s Environment Section coordinates melting process is an achievement in the
various projects with internal departments right direction. This project may be able to
under an Environment Management Pro- contribute to solving or reducing a major
gram. The company’s most significant envi- community waste problem.

Rebar Sales (2001-2007)

MT

1,000,000

900,000
800,000
700,000

600,000
500,000

400,000
300,000

200,000

100,000
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
EXPORT 572,604 552,552 526,657 442,432 221,921 488,606 556,123
DOMESTIC 144,839 188,501 230,842 339,100 603,925 751,833 914,768

74 JUNE 2009

PERSONALITY
IN MARKETING
Hardcore, unadulterated, grassroots marketing and business advice
from Bahrain’s most outspoken entrepreneur.
Suhail G. Algosaibi, MBA, MCMI, AP
I’d like to remind you of the Radical En-
trepreneur’s secret to effective marketing.
Quite simply, it’s relationships. People pre-
fer to buy from someone they know, like
and trust. So our job as entrepreneurs is to
develop a relationship with our customers.
And it’s hard to develop a relationship with
our customers without revealing what we’re
really like. Basically, we have to show them
our personality.
Using personality in marketing can even
be viewed as a competitive advantage. Think
about it. Most businesses use dry, stodgy,
brand advertising with just one or two catch
phrases, right? Their basically all just copy-
ing each other. There’s an opportunity for
you to stand out using some personality in
your marketing.
Legendary American entrepreneur Victor
Kiam is a great example of using personality
in marketing. In 1979 he bought the Reming-
ton Electric Shavers company, and a couple of
years later featured himself in all it’s television
advertising. He famously told viewers: “I liked
the shaver so much, I bought the company.”
The ads were so simple and low budget - they
were filmed in his office bathroom - yet ex-
tremely effective, they doubled the company’s
market share in just a few years.
So How do you develop personality in your
marketing? Just follow these seven tips:
KEEP THE GOAL IN MIND DON’T
BE OVERLY ENTERTAINING
Look, the overall goal is to increase sales of
your product or service, not to entertain them.
So use humour wisely and don’t over do it.
AVOID BUSINESS SPEAK
For example don’t say “we provide integrat-
ed marketing solutions to our client base”,
instead say “we work hard to increase your
sales and profits and to make you happy!”
Most businesses try way too hard to sound
intelligent, you can stand out by speaking
plain English (or Arabic for that matter).
Trust me, not only will you stand out, but
your customers will love you for it.
SHOW YOURSELF!
Look, no one likes a faceless, emotionless
corporation, so why are you trying to act like
one? Show your picture in your marketing
and talk directly to your customers and pros-
pects. Don’t be a bore, be like the aforemen-
tioned Victor Kiam.
USE “I” INSTEAD OF “WE”
Don’t say “we offer high quality products/
services that meet the highest international
standards”, instead you could say for exam-
ple “I stand by my product/service! In fact
I’m so confident that you’re going to love it
that you can try it FREE for 30 days! And
if you’re not totally and completely satisfied,
just bring it back with no questions asked!”
Which of those two statement do you think
will get more attention?
OPEN UP AND SHARE YOUR LIFE
In your frequent communication with your
customers (through newsletters, emails,
blogs and other social media) share your
personal stories with them. Don’t just talk
about your company and products, but talk
about your kids, pets, interests and other in-
teresting things that happen to you.
PROFESSIONALISM IS
OVERRATED
Look, I think every business should be ex-
tremely professional in what they do, but
don’t confuse being professional with being
boring. Lighten up! There’s a business-to-
business company in the US that manufac-
COLUMN
tures industrial fans. Their name is Big Ass
Fans (www.bigassfans.com) - really, I’m not
kidding. Their logo is a donkey (ass). One of
the tabs on their website reads “we may be a
little silly but we are serious about fans.” An-
other tabs says “Genius Not at Work.” This is
an extremely successful company by the way.
GIVE OUT FREE INFORMATION
AND EDUCATIONAL TIPS
In my newsletters I’ll often share self-
defence and fitness tips (my main areas of
business). I’ll relate that to a specific story I
may have heard in the media, or an incident
that happened to me, and when appropri-
ate I’ll link this to my businesses. Your cus-
tomers and prospects will appreciate and
respect you for it.
That’s all for today my friend. Now go
ahead and implement these X tips and see
your sales soar! If you’re nervous about it
start slowly, and over time do more as you
get more confident.
Suhail Algosaibi owns several businesses including
Radical Marketing Consultancy, a marketing
consultancy specialising in small and medium
sized businesses. For more information visit www.
RadicalMarketing.com. This site offers you a
FREE marketing email course and a FREE 9-page
marketing report entitled “The Top Ten Marketing
and Advertising Mistakes Business Owners in The
Gulf Make – And How to Avoid Them.”
MAY 2009 75
 Check out the

Lifestyle
latest gadgets
and a host of
other things
for fast moving
executives

1 2

3 4

1. SAMSUNG SMXC10 2. HP CONCEPTS BY 3. DATEJUST 36MM 4. APPLE’S NEXT

CAMCORDER NIKITA BUYANOV BY ROLEX GENERATION IPOD

The new Samsung SMX and
SMX-C14-C10 Camcorder
bright red, slickly curved accents
in their cases has been released.
Recently announced two
hypertext image stabilisation,
2.7-inch flip-out display
230,000 pixels, Samsung
and Active Angle Lens, for a
“choice”-angle Shooting.
Bored of grave blacks in
the name of laptops? Nikita
Buyanov has designed concepts
of laptops with innovation
and style that floors – for
Intel/Hewlett Packard. In the
concepts developed mainly in
3ds max (VRay) with some
photoshop corrections, she has
proved her point.
Rolex reveals the Rolex Datejust
36mm. The simple steel watches
with white gold bezel carry a
fine elegance that is as simplistic
as it is elegant. Also available
with yellow gold bezels, the
Datejust 36mm is named so
because of the 36mm case that
has a background in lush soft
pink, silently declaring ‘lady’.
Apple will add cameras to its
next-generation iPod and iPod
Touch like iPhone. Moreover the
future iPhone models will retain
the handset’s existing shape and
size. Apple’s new line of iPod
touch and iPod nano players
will be launched in September
this year and will with video
recording capabilities.

76 JUNE 2009
 LIFESTYLE

5 6

7 8

5. CESARE PACIOTTI’S 6. MONT BLANC’S 7. NUNO TEIXEIRA’S 8. SAMSUNG

“BECKHAM SHOES” TIMEWALKER TURBILLION ULTRATOUCH

This sequined eccentricity has
18 karats gold details. Cesare
Paciotti’s “Beckham shoe” is
a strong lace-up shoe, made
of hand stitched paillettes and
with 18 karate gold details.
It is a perfect combination
between classical and eccentric,
with a British style to translate
Beckham personality.
The case of the chronograph
measures 43 mm in diameter.
The captivating visual
characteristics of the model
are coupled with supreme
functionality. The standard
chronograph functions are
clearly displayed in red gold on
the black dial protected by the
domed sapphire crystal.
Portuguese designer Nuno
Teixeira has designed an
innovative cooler that lets even
the most demanding user work
on laptop without interruption.
“Turbillion,” the cooling system
comes with three powerful
yet silent fans that keeps your
laptop protected from high
internal temperatures.
As the newest flagship edition to
the Ultra range, UltraTOUCH
is a truly beautiful full-touch
mobile, boasting revolutionary
touch screen technology,
sophisticated design packed with
multimedia features. Centre
stage is the 2.8” AMOLED
anti-scratch full touch screen,
which offers vivid colours.

JUNE 2009 77
 A OINTMENTS

Manara Developments appoints Iomega hires Regional Sales Manager Dell ME appoints new GM
Managing Director UAE: Iomega International SA, UAE: Dell has announced
BAHRAIN: Manara an EMC company and a global the appointment of Mr. Dave
Developments, a leader in data protection, recently Brooke as General Manager
Bahrain-based real estate announced that Mr. Cizar Nazeeh for Dell Middle East,
development company, Abughazaleh has been appointed demonstrating its continued
has recently appointed Dr. as Regional Sales Manager, commitment to the region.
Hasan Al Bastaki as its Middle East, Africa and Turkey.
Managing Director, in line
with the company’s business
vision and growth plans. Tecom Investments names new CEO
Lenovo expands Middle East team
UAE: Tecom Investments, a
UAE: Lenovo, a worldwide leading developer of knowledge-
specialist in the PC market, based business clusters and a
recently announced the member of Dubai Holding,
appointment of Mr. Ali Al announced the appointment
Amine as the company’s the of Mr. Yasser Zeineldin as the
new Regional Transactional Chief Executive Officer of
Batelco announces Business Director. eHosting DataFort (eHDF).
new Bahraini
appointments
McLaren Automotive appoints first Vacheron Constantin appoints new
regional chief Brand Manager
BAHRAIN: Bahrain Telecommunications Company UAE: McLaren Automotive UAE: Vacheron Constantin,
(Batelco) has announced a number of recent executive has taken the first step in the world’s oldest Swiss
management appointments. The 6 Bahrainis who have developing its global business watchmaker in continuous
been promoted are Ms. Muna Al Hashemi to the post by appointing Mr. Ian operations, has recently
of GM Consumer Division, Mr. Adel Daylami - GM Gorsuch as Regional Director announced the appointment of
Products & Services, Mr. Hamza Ali - GM Product of Middle East and Africa. Mr. Yassin Tag as new Brand
Development & Strategy, Dr. Abdulla Al Thawadi - GM
Manager for Middle East and
Enterprise & Government Business, Mr. Mohammed
Indian Subcontinent.
Bubshait - GM Fixed Network and Abdulhamid Chehab
- GM Mobile Services. Sheraton AD appoints Rejana Muci
UAE: The Sheraton
Abu Dhabi Hotel and MEADCC appoints Director
RCSI Bahrain appoints new dean Resort has announced
of Residences
the appointment of Ms.
Rejana Muci as Complex QATAR: Ms. Brenda Julia Le
Director of Six Sigma. Moine has been appointed as
Director of Residences for the
pre-opening of the Marriott
Executive Apartments Doha
Barclays appoints CEO City Center in Qatar.
UAE: Barclays PLC (Barclays)
recently announced the
BAHRAIN: The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland appointment of Mr. John Vitalo
- Medical University of Bahrain announced the as Chief Executive Officer Holiday Inn Dubai
appointment of Professor Sameer Otoom as Dean of
RCSI Bahrain.
of Investment Banking and appoints GM
Investment Management (IBIM)
for the Middle East. UAE: Holiday Inn Dubai, Al
Barsha has appointed Mr. Reda
Circle Oil Plc appoints Moukthar as General Manager
Ramadan Aburawi to drive the property forward
Dana Gas announces new CEO and to make use of his vast
UAE: Circle Oil Plc, the international oil and gas UAE: Dana Gas PJSC, the Middle East’s first and experience in the hospitality
exploration, development and production company largest private-sector gas company, has announced field to cement the reputation
appointed Mr. Ramadan Aburawi to its Board as a non- the appointment of Mr. Ahmed Al-Arbeed as Chief of the brand’s fantastic new
executive director with immediate effect. Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company. property in Dubai.

2 JULY 2008 BIG MAGAZINE

 GAC Shipping strengthens China BankDhofar appoints Assistant GM Amadeus Gulf appoints new
marketing team OMAN: BankDhofar one of Director of Sales
the fastest growing Banks in
UAE: GAC Shipping has UAE: Amadeus, a global
The Sultanate of Oman, has
further strengthened its leader in technology and
announced the appointment of
Marketing team for China, distribution solutions for the
Mr. Faisal Hamad Al Wahaibi
Hong Kong, Taiwan and travel and tourism industry
as the Assistant General
Macau by appointing Mr. has appointed Ms.Ghislaine
Manager - Retail Banking.
Clarence Chan as its Senior Elmadi Merhabi as the
Marketing Manager, Shipping Director of Sales to drive
Services, for Greater China. market share in Abu Dhabi
and Al Ain.

JWT Dubai appoints

Managing Director
UAE: JWT Dubai has recently
announced the appointment of
Mr. Rabi’ Sweidan as their new
Managing Director.
Sheraton Dubai
Creek appoints
Dubai Islamic Bank Towers Rotana Dubai
appoints CEO appoints new Director
UAE: Mr. Leo Holli has been
recently appointed by Towers
UAE: Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) announced recently the Rotana Dubai team as the new
appointment of Mr. Saad Zaman as the Chief Executive Director of Food and Beverage.
Officer of DIB Capital, a full service investment bank
offering Capital Market, Syndications, Advisory, Asset
Management and PE products / services based in the
Dubai International Financial Centre.

Sales Manager
UAE: The flagship 5-star
Sheraton property in Dubai,
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel
and Towers recently has recently
appointed Mr.Susan Nisbet as
its new Sales Manager.
Global Investment
House appoints
new partner
EGYPT: Global Investment
House announced recently the
appointment of Mr. Mohamed
Abdelsalam to head its private
equity funds business in Egypt.
United Gulf Bank announces
AGM promotions
KUWAIT: UGB has
announced two senior executive
management promotions to
Assistant General Manager:
Mr. Amine Fehmi, Head
of Financial Institutions &
Marketing and Mr. Hussain
Lalani, Chief Financial Officer.
Tabreed appoints
new CEO
UAE: National Central
Cooling Company PJSC
‘Tabreed’, the Abu-Dhabi
based utility company
announced that it has
appointed Mr. Sujit S. Parhar
to the position of Chief
Executive Officer.
Tanmiyat Group
appoints CEO
UAE: Tanmiyat Group, a
Middle East developer and
investment company, has
appointed Dr. Marwan Ibrahim
Alahmadi as the new Chief
Executive Officer of the Group.
Equate President
and CEO retained
KUWAIT: Equate President
and CEO Hamad Al-Terkait
was retained for a second
term as the Vice Chairman
of Gulf Petrochemicals and
Chemicals Association’s
Board of Directors.
Dana Gas announces appointments
UAE: Dana Gas PJSC has
announced the appointment
of three new members to its
Board of Directors, Sheikha
Hanadi Nasser Bin Khaled
Al Thani, Mr. Abdullah Ali
Almajdouie and Mr. Nasser
Mohammed Al Nowais.
El Chiaty appointed
in Tourism Council
EGYPT: Mr. Hamed El
Chiaty, Chairman and CEO
Travco Group, was appointed
as a member of the supreme
Council for Tourism.
Hunt heads Al-
Futtaim Automotive
Mr. Len Hunt, a veteran auto industry executive has been
appointed Group Director, Automotive, Al-Futtaim and
charged with leading the Dubai-based family owned
business into an era of heightened expectations in the
region’s auto industry.
AD Media Company
appoints CFO
UAE: Abu Dhabi Media
Company, one of the fastest
growing, multi-platform, media
organisations in the region, has
appointed Mr. Frank Mooty as
its Chief Financial Officer.
OBG appoints
Country Director
QATAR: Oxford Business
Group (OBG), the highly
acclaimed global publishing,
research and consultancy firm,
has recently appointed Ms.
Marjan Okhowat as Qatar
Country Director.
GolinHarris Jeddah
appoints new MD
KSA: GolinHarris Public
Relations has recently
appointed Mr.John Badenhorst
as its new Managing Director
at their Jeddah office.

3 JULY 2008 BIG MAGAZINE

 LAST PAGE

Grumpy, are we?

Something insidious happens as men
get older. The world as seen through the
BIG takes a satirical look at the present business world.
prism of popular culture continues to be
dumbed down. Stupid seems to have be- Leaders prefer to pretend that they are much of what should have been a neutral
come mainstream. This appears to have oc- like us; so as not to scare us and possibly exposé of what actually happened, was
curred both in general and business society. lose our support. They do not see their heavily laced with staged filming and opin-
We offer the following for you to judge. role as envisioning and building a better ion to create a newsworthy scene.
CEOs and their executive teams who pre- future, persuading us along the way by the New words are created where perfectly
side over share prices which fall, are involved force and logic of their idea. Rather they good ones existed. Our favourite is “celebu-
in scandals, or are sold on to private equity want us to see them as their mates, liking tante”, meaning: A person of high society
firms because the executive team cannot get them and supporting them as evidenced and wealth who’s famous just for the fact of
sufficient value out of the assets are given bo- by opinion polls. being rich and fabulous; A socialite who is
nuses on top of extremely high salaries. People do not want to take responsibil- “famous for being famous”. We would have
Politicians not only get away with plausible ity for their actions. There is a preponder- thought “shallow” would have done in the
deniability, but seem to believe that it is a le- ance of declarations to an ever increasing same context.
gitimate tactic in executing their responsibil- social media that “the government must do It seems as though there are a great
ity to spend our individual money to build a something”. Not about issues which can many people out there who are not only
collective future society for our children, bet- only be tackled at government level, but dissatisfied with being the best version of
ter than the one we were born into. Promises about issues over which we have individual who they can be, but are willing to also set
become core promises and non-core promises. control; for example, obesity. Current af- up their children’s life from birth as one in
The truth becomes what people believe is the fairs and news programmes rarely inves- search of difference over excelling. Now,
truth, not necessarily what is the truth. tigate anymore, settling for entertainment we don’t know whether we are more like
People who would be lucky to have a se- or opinion pieces dressed up as “balanced Drucker or Kotler, but we do feel better,
rious following of friends, gain national and reporting”. Only later do we find out how getting that off our chest.
international notoriety based on actions that
would have had them arrested or ostracised
from a society with reasonable morals.
Buzz words dominate business. “Going
forward” is used as a phrase relating to time
used instead of next month or next year, a
minimum of ten times in a morning tele-
vision business news report. If they can do
the opposite of going forward in time, then
we would really be listening. Phrases which
confuse rather than inform become the
norm, for example, “People” becomes “Hu-
man capital”, “Employees” becomes “Associ-
ates” and organisations “Push the envelope”.
Athletes who can perform their particu-
lar skill at a higher level than most others
and are paid astronomical salaries to do so,
become a protected species if they lose their
way and succumb to repeated use of drugs,
both legal and illegal. Compared with the
“man in the street” they get repeated chances
for redemption before the law is applied.

80 JUNE 2009
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