YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE Arts Culture Clubs Sports Interviews Lifestyle Dining Nightlife TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - DINING www.bahrainthismonth.com Digital Edition Since 1997 FEATURE DINING USA IN BAHRAIN The exciting world of wind watersports at Nurana Islands The best American food on the island A Special Supplement MOTORING The United States’ contribution to motoring with Dick Potter July 2021 | Vol. 25 | Issue 7 | BD2 / SR20 WTM Creative inspiration and more with Roshni M. Raveendran Beauty Essentials Playful Patterns for Night and Day Recipes Parenting PEOPLE Bahraini musician, May Alqasim, on the inspiration behind her new music
At the American University of Bahrain, it is a core part of our mission to provide quality education and prepare our students for an evolving and competitive job market. AUBH students have access to a wide array of opportunities to realize their professional and personal goals, in a student-centric, multicultural, and flexible, American-style University environment, on par with the best universities around the world. Beyond academia, they also have access to social, athletic and other extra- curricular activities making AUBH home. Admissions are open for the 2021-2022 academic year. The deadline to apply is September 9th, 2021. For a lifetime of success. | Apply now: +973 7799 9997 | aubh.edu.bh | #AUBH Bahrain’s American-style University Unlock Tomorrow at AUBH
www.bahrainthismonth.com 4 July 2021 19 22 16 12 8 We highlight the special relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States on the 15th anniversary of the FTA. The Wind Watersport Wizards of Nurana Islands Bill Grieve discovers the adrenaline-pumping world of wind watersports in the Kingdom. JULY 15 12 USA IN BAHRAIN All Guts and Glory May Alqasim tells us how music gave her purpose to fight her illness thanks to an incredible lightbulb moment. 8 INTERVIEWS FEATURE ISSUE 287 CONTENTS www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth bhthismonth Treat your Taste Buds to America! Here are a few of Bahrain’s iconic venues serving the best of American cuisine on the island. 22 DINING Business Bites 44 COMMERCE Social Media – A Serious Business Business Expert, Pria Masson Tanwar, explores the lucrative business opportunities presented by the growth of social media. 46 MOTORING All American Automobiles! Dick Potter explores the contributions of the US to the motoring industry. 41
www.bahrainthismonth.com July 2021 5 64 JULY ISSUE 219 CONTENTS www.womanthismonth.com womanthismonth rhmbahrain 54 56 66 58 69 The latest Perfume and Makeup products 56 54 Fashion Interview Ouiam El Hassani tells us why you should say ‘No’ to buying more toys. 62 Parenting Beauty Fresh and fun décor to adorn your homes. 64 Lifestyle We show you our favourite playful patterns that you can wear night and day. 52 Roshni M Raveendran tells us about her creative direction and source of inspiration.
July 2021 7 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE Arts Culture Clubs Sports Interviews Lifestyle Dining Nightlife TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - DINING www.bahrainthismonth.com Digital Edition Since 1997 FEATURE DINING USA IN BAHRAIN The exciting world of wind watersports at Nurana Islands The best American food on the island A Special Supplement MOTORING The United States’ contribution to motoring with Dick Potter July 2021 | Vol. 25 | Issue 7 | BD2 / SR20 WTM We talk about creative inspiration and more with Roshni M. Raveendran Beauty Essentials Playful Patterns for Night and Day Recipes Parenting PEOPLE Bahraini musician, May Alqasim, on the inspiration behind her new music July 2021 Bahrain This Month George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman COVER Cover Picture: Nurana Watersports Picture credit: Marco Boria www.bahrainthismonth.com Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine. Printing Press Union Press, Bahrain Published monthly by RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: [email protected] www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2020 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission. • Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24 Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Editor Farah Baig Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Kristian Harrison, Dick Potter, Pria Masson Tanwar, Ouiam Charkani El Hassani, Bill Grieve, Julia Knight, Abdulla AlKhabbaz Editorial Consultant Ahdeya Ahmed Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Art Director Hatem Monem, Kailas Wadke Webmaster Nishad Eapen CRM & Database Coordinator Muna Yousef Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales Anuradha Manhas [email protected] DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Digital Marketing & Social Media Director Farah Baig Welcome to the July issue – containing a very special ‘USA in Bahrain’ supplement, officially endorsed by the US Embassy in Bahrain, which we publish as an ongoing tribute to the special relationship that exists between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America. In the interview section this month, we spoke to renowned Bahraini musician, Mai Alqasim, who told us about her battle to stay alive. She talks about her painful journey and how it inspired the release of an original sound track, aside from a beautiful rendition of Heal the World, for which she collaborated with several talented local and Bahrain-based musicians. For the USA in Bahrain segment, we had a very insightful chat with Chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Bahrain, Margaret Nardi, who has witnessed some trailblazing developments in relations between the two nations since her arrival. In addition, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain), Qays Zu’bi, touched on US-Bahrain relations, the benefits of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and more. The Executive Director of AmCham Bahrain, Mary McGinnis, on the other hand, highlighted the many benefits of being a member of AmCham and how the organisation has grown over time. In our dining section, we present you with a selection of our favourite eateries across the island that serve the finest of American cuisine. Don’t blame us if some are missing; everyone was given a chance to participate! In the motoring section, Dick Potter takes us on a brief tour of the US motoring industry and its contributions to the field of ‘automania’! Bill Grieve, our very own ‘Prince of the Wadi’ (on Tik-Tok) makes a huge splash as he takes us through the exciting world of wind-watersports on the shores of Bahrain’s very own Nurana islands. Pria Masson Tanwar speaks about the growing business applications of social media, while our bites section gets you up to speed on some of the latest developments in the commercial arena. Woman This Month in its usual fashion (pun intended!) brings you the best of fashion, beauty essentials, dazzling accessories, recipes and much more including an interview with extremely talented Roshni M. Raveendran who is the creative personality behind Style Stories by Ros. As things continue to improve, COVID-19 wise, as always, Bahrain This Month on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter will always be ‘Your Guide to a Great Way of Life’.
8 July 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview Her tryst with liver failure sent singersongwriter May Alqasim to hell and back, on a mental, emotional and physical level. She tells Behnaz Sanjana how music gave her purpose to fight her illness thanks to an incredible lightbulb moment. ALL GUTS AND GLORY
July 2021 9 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview When May Alqasim was told by her doctors that her days on earth were numbered due to Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis causing liver malfunction, she sifted through all her achievements and awards acquired throughout her career in music and asked herself if she’d done enough. “Have I done enough for this country? Enough to give back? The answer was no,” says the 30-yearold Bahraini vocalist. “So, I decided to do a cover of Michael Jackson’s iconic song, Heal the World. I believed it is a message we all needed to hear at this time.” What started as a modest project, grew into a massive collaboration with over 20 local artists and technical experts under 1LoveProductions. May was at a low point at the time, angry and confused about her health condition. “I had been misdiagnosed, wrongly medicated, not honoured by insurance companies and the rumours were that I had Hepatitis B and had abused the bottle, when in fact my illness was genetic and beyond my control.” she rues. While she was grappling with the raw deal that life had dealt her, she realised that she wasn’t alone; the whole world was in trauma thanks to the global pandemic. “I felt selfish about thinking ‘why me’, and realised that we need to love and lift one another up at this time of crises.” May experienced serious bouts of being on the brink of death from the time the idea for the cover song struck her to it being released. “Internal bleeding put me in a semi coma. The blood banks were running out of blood for me. My heart had even stopped at one point.” When she came out of the ICU, she was overwhelmed to see the rally of support from her family, friends, acquaintances and strangers to find donors for her rare blood type. This strengthened her resolve to see her project being completed. “It is my tribute to all those who helped and stood by me. The closer I felt to death, the more urgency this song had,” May says. “I don’t normally do cover versions, but Heal the World was everything I wanted to express. It conveys the diversity that Bahrain showcases, and makes me extremely proud of my country. We put our own twist with a rap bit in it, and I think MJ would have approved! The great feedback we got from so many people was unexpected.” Before the project was complete, there came a harbinger of hope in the form of a donor. May travelled to Turkey for a liver transplant in the beginning of 2021 to give herself a fighting chance to live. She considers herself lucky to have a healthy donor and a speedy recuperation. Despite which, her path to recovery was fraught with challenges. “My protein levels fell drastically, which led to Oedema. My stomach was so bloated with fluid, that my lungs were affected and my surgery scar was starting to open up,” May recalls. “They cut a hole in my torso to drain the fluid, and of all the difficult times, this was when I broke down and cried.” But through it all, she continued collaborating with her Heal the World team back in Bahrain. May’s rock amid her ordeal was her mother. “My mom is my hero; truly inspirational. I’ve never seen a stronger woman in my life,” says May. Which is why her brand new single, 7amdillah (a stylised version of ‘alhumdulillah’), with local artist Xenai, starts with a monologue to her mother, and ends with words of gratitude to family and friends. “This single is my comeback. It is a catchy, eclectic fusion between the Western and Arabian world, with Ali Bongo’s tabla on this track. It captures our raw personalities; we have retained some candid moments of the recording that lend a fun element to it. We hope that listeners feel happy, soothed, blessed, encouraged and strong by this powerful song.” With the right regimen, May has risen above her challenge and is raring to go. “Besides positive thinking, music gave me the will to survive the dramatic impact that the surgery had. I went through PTSD, and I let out all those emotions and pain into my music, it’s just something I bounce off. The surgery cut through my diaphragm muscles, which I needed to strengthen to sing again. I’m happy to get back my normal vocal range. “I am planning another music video collaboration with big artists. This time it will be an original song and I’m so excited to get started. My purpose is to do more for others now, to give back. This industry has given me so much and I’ve become a full-fledged musician despite being a Bahraini female. With my network and know-how, I will be mentoring, training and producing songs for budding artists to help them succeed,” she reveals.
10 July 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com opinion It was great being part of such an amazing project with so many different artists! Music is a language that everyone can speak and I’m glad we got the chance to touch many hearts during this tough time the world is going through! - Tiny It was amazing to get to know so many local artists and magical being part of a project that showcases that we, as Bahrainis, do have talent and we can heal the world together! May Alqasim gave us an amazing opportunity and I will always be grateful she chose us to bring her idea to reality. I hope we can create more projects like this. - Yara Anwar It was amazing to be involved in this wonderful initiative. For me, it was an opportunity to be part of the wider inclusive community. May is so positive, its simply impossible to be in a bad mood when she is with you. So, this reminded me to focus on the good stuff in life and to have faith in the younger community and the great ideas they have to make a brighter future. - Christine Gordon When May first approached me with the idea it instantly felt like the right thing to do and I immediately started thinking about my contribution to the song, as it represented a whole movement that we are trying to implement helping the world bit by bit towards a better future. This time by a song, next an event and so on. Working alongside fellow artists, sound engineer and the videography team has been an honour and a chance to share ideas and experiences. I encourage and hope to see more collaborations as I believe we truly rise when we come together and work alongside each other. - Mohammed AlHayki Working on the Heal the World project was an absolute privilege and blessing. I am flattered and humbled to be part of such a diverse and immensely talented group of artists! When I was approached with the idea, I fell in love with it instantly! To cover such a memorable song by such an icon and legend such as Michael Jackson, a personal idol of mine that I used to watch and mimic almost daily on VHS is something I never thought I would ever do. I can write thousands of words and still won’t be enough to express how proud and grateful I am being part of this project, and I hope that the message resonates and strikes the hearts and souls of everyone who listens to and watches it. - Salman Farooq At OneHeartBahrain, we always look for opportunities to create more unity between people through community projects that allow people to express goodwill towards one another. May’s 1Love Productions group is guided by a similar ethos to ours and promotes a loving spirit amongst all people. Like the conductor of an orchestra, May brilliantly directed and harmonised an international group of artists and creative talent residing in Bahrain to produce the song, and the result is a testimony to her determination and vision to lovingly bring people together as one, in creativity and message. - Birthe Van Der Heijden Here’s what some of the Heal the World collaborators had to say about the project!
AVOID CONTACT WITH SICK PEOPLE WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN CLEANING HANDS WITH ANTISEPTIC WEAR A FACE MASK bahrainthismonth
12 July 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com feature “When it comes to wind-based watersports, position is nothing - performance is everything!” Bahrain and the surrounding islands have a number of coastal beaches, bays and areas that are perfect for wind-based watersports, like windsurfing and kite surfing. Most of these spots are only ideal under certain conditions or at certain times and a number are in isolated areas or secluded from the general public eye. BTM ventured out to Nurana Islands, just one of the many ideal wind watersport locations to meet up with, watch and speak to a group of enthusiasts who are a small part of the family of the wind watersport wizards of Bahrain. The group we met was made up of people of all ages and backgrounds: bankers, IT specialists, commercial pilots, architects, consultants, real estate advisors and even a Typhoon fighter pilot. They all have one thing in common - a yearning zest for the adrenaline that wind watersports offer. Richard Stephens, a well-known figure on the water, explained that a session generally starts with the early message from one of the group members, that simply shows, what might be good wind and conditions for wind watersports. This quickly develops into an impromptu session away from work, a hurried meeting or conference call and an ultimate aim to get onto the water as soon as possible and enjoy the wind while it lasts. The bay at Nurana islands, with Manama picturesquely silhouetting the background and skyline is perfect for these activities. With its warm, flat shallow waters and a bit of wind, the sky comes alive with the brightly coloured kites and windsurfer sails and the air is filled with the slapping sound of material as the boards and kites zoom past. The group work together helping each other, supporting one another, and with the almost practiced ease of circus trapeze artists, gear is offloaded and assembled, and then the water becomes a stage filled with vibrant colours, fast moving boards, sails and kites and everyone does their own thing. These are careful and very safety conscious actors on this liquid stage, and very carefully the scenes are played out with surfers swishing and swooshing past each other at what from a distance appears to be perilously close, but in reality a safe distance, allowing room for maneuvering and acrobatics that each sport has its own particular type of. Bill Grieve discovers the adrenaline-pumping world of wind watersports in the Kingdom The Wind Watersport Wizards of Nurana Islands Bahrain Image Credit: Marco Boria Image Credit: Marco Boria
July 2021 13 www.bahrainthismonth.com feature “That’s why we kitesurf … Depending on the wind strength and your mood you can do almost anything on the water” - Richard Stephens From an outside perspective it is amazing to watch how practice leads to perfection and how this group make everything they do look so easy. Ulli and Stephen come hurtling past at speed on their new “Foils” which lift their conventional kite surfing boards about a meter out of the water and as they come past sitting nonchalantly on the boards, legs hanging loosely over the edge almost in the water, they look as relaxed as though they were sitting on deck chairs at a BBQ. Davide , Don Bradley, Ash and the others sail past on their windsurfers making it look “just oh-so-easy” - but trust me on this - it takes a lot of practice and time on the water as well as some good guidance and lessons to get as far as they are. This is a great day out, good fun and the camaraderie amongst these water sport knights is tremendous. Every now and then there is a splash, and someone is in the water, but it doesn’t take long before the board is slicing through the water again and the sails or kites are whizzing past making an exhilarating sound that only those in the know fully appreciate. “It’s just a question of practicing, learning and doing better each time you go out” The Bahrain fraternity of wind-driven watersport enthusiasts is quite small, but there are some outstanding participants with some extraordinary talents and on any reasonably windy day it pays to pack a picnic lunch, get the folding chairs and umbrella and head out to Nurana, or any of the awesome wind watersport spots, and watch how exciting these sports can be. Even as a spectator it’s enthralling, exciting and exhilarating to see, and a viewer might quickly find themselves embraced and welcomed, so much so that they pick up the sport and give it a try. There is a lot of positive energy in this sport and lots of fun to be had, and it is easy to get carried away in the thrills and spills and pulled into this sport by the spontaneous desire to feel the adrenaline rush - but be cautioned these are sports that take practice, commitment, tenacity , endurance and drive, not to mention a lot of energy. If you want to get involved, remember - talk to the knowledgeable experienced surfers, and inquire politely if you do want to participate - Questions cost nothing, mistakes cost money. Almost all the surfers will tell you what they did wrong and how to avoid the pitfalls. BTM readers can scan the QR codes to see more and especially interesting is this particular link below to see the expertise of a “Cheeky Dark Slide” perfectly executed, with exact timing and skill - a truly amazing feat. It looks easy, doesn’t it? Richard Stephens doing a “Cheeky Dark Slide” Davide windsurfing The Nurana Match Race 2021 Image Credit: Marco Boria Image Credit: Marco Boria
14 July 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Taniya Waghnani and Ravi Varia’s Wedding The wedding celebration of Taniya, daughter of Rajkumar and Sudha Waghnani, and Ravi, son of Sharad and Jayshree Varia was an intimate two-day affair. The Mehendi ceremony was held at the Waghnani residence on April 29 while the wedding took place the following day at the Budaiya Gurudwara with limited family members. This was followed by a reception lunch for family members at Al Areen Resort & Spa and dinner for the bride and groom’s close friends at the same venue.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Free Trade Agreement between Bahrain and The USA (2006 - 2021) www.bahrainthismonth.com USA in
www.bahrainthismonth.com 16 July 2021 USA in Bahrain
July 2021 17 www.bahrainthismonth.com Could you highlight the current status of trade relations between Bahrain and the US? Are there any developments in the pipeline to further strengthen the commercial relationship between USA & Bahrain? Economic development and strengthening commercial relations are among our top priorities. Since the 2006 Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bahrain, trade has tripled from USD780 million to USD2.5 billion. We continue to look for more opportunities to bring U.S. investment here. We have highlighted what U.S. companies in Bahrain are doing to help Bahrain operate through the pandemic. For example, textile manufacturer, WestPoint Homes, has converted their production capacity to include making face masks. Some of them were donated to the Bahraini government, and others exported to the UK, U.S., and other markets. The company saw this as an opportunity to expand their business into the hospital and medical market. U.S. technologies, like Cisco, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services are being used here in schools, the embassy, and by the Bahraini government. With the new U.S. administration’s focus on the environment, we’re hoping to work with Bahrain on sustainable energy developments as well. U.S. companies are involved in a lot of the major infrastructure projects whether it’s the design work for the new causeway to Saudi Arabia, baggage screening at the new airport, or in telecommunications. Besides this, we try to expand in newer areas as well, and see if there are opportunities for U.S. businesses working with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the FTA between Bahrain and USA. What do you see as being the key benefits of this agreement for both parties and can you tell us a little bit about the untapped opportunities for further growth under the FTA? Well, I think that flow of two-way trade of industrial and consumer products without tariffs is definitely the main benefit for Bahrainis and for American companies. For the United States, having access to the broader GCC market is also an advantage as far as what more can be done. There is still a very large segment of the business community in Bahrain that is not aware of the FTA or what its benefits are. So, we’re trying to do business outreach programs for them. We did a week-long series for women entrepreneurs to explain what the FTA means, the benefits of the FTA, and to answer any questions they had to help get them started. The Embassy also sponsored a contest with FinTech Bay for entrepreneurs to develop new apps. The winner received seed funding and training to support their business development. How will the end of the pandemic affect business and trade between the two nations? The pandemic hasn’t had a huge negative impact on business and trade between the U.S. and Bahrain because a number of the client companies that are here are in areas that were actually in greater need during the pandemic. I would say access to resources was one of the limitations, but I don’t think that there was a significant negative impact on U.S. companies. Also, the Embassy is now issuing multiple entry 10-year business/tourist visas to Bahrainis, and these things are going to help stimulate business further. Are there any, or likely to be any high-level delegations or VIP visits from the States to Bahrain or vice-versa that are planned at present? In my view, visits here are the best way for officials in Washington to understand Bahrain. From September last year to January 2021, we had high-level visits almost every week, following the signing of the normalization agreement between Bahrain and Israel. We are hoping to start receiving visitors after the easing of travel restrictions. Right now, travel from the State Department is limited.. However, we expect a robust U.S. delegation to attend the Manama Dialogue, as we have seen every year since the Manama Dialogue started in 2004. It is our goal to attract participants from both the legislative as well as the executive branch. Vaccine development and distribution has become priority in the global flight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The US-manufactured vaccine, Pfizer, proved to be quite popular among Bahrain’s citizens when choosing a vaccine. What are your thoughts on this? The U.S. joined the international Covax scheme with a goal to donate $2 billion to vaccinate 30 percent of the eligible population in every member country. We have been encouraging Bahrain and our other partners to also contribute to Covax. The U.S. is now starting to donate some of its extra vaccines to different countries that are in dire need. We have been very impressed by Bahrain’s effort from the beginning to tackle the pandemic, and have been making efforts to support the government’s efforts to expedite the deliveries of the Pfizer vaccine. His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa has had remarkable foresight. Where else do you have four different vaccines to choose from? Some of us at the embassy, including myself, got our vaccines from the Ministry of Health earlier on and we’re very grateful for that. Since you have served both the present and former administrations during your term here, have you experienced any dichotomy of interest from the two State Departments with regard to your dealings with the Government of Bahrain? The Biden Administration immediately rejoined the WHO and rejoined The Paris Agreement for climate change. All of those things also impacted us here in Bahrain. There has been more focus on supporting sustainable energy or environmentally sound efforts in the countries where we live. There continues to be a strong focus on human rights and that’s an area where we already have very good engagement with the government. The United States is also seeking election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term. What has been your most memorable engagement as US Chargé d’Affaires and why? The past year was a memorable one for the U.S., Bahrain, and indeed the whole world. I will never forget working with my staff, and our Embassy community, to deal with the COVID pandemic, while also handling visits of the U.S. Secretaries of State, Defense, and Treasury to mark Bahrain’s normalization with Israel and the signature of the Abraham Accords. I am so proud to have led such an impressive Embassy team at such a historic moment! Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Bahrain, Margaret Nardi, has witnessed some trailblazing developments in relations between Bahrain and her country since her time on the island. She shares deeper insights on current US-Bahrain ties with BTM.
www.bahrainthismonth.com USA in Bahrain FOSTERING A PRO-BUSINESS AGENDA 18 July 2021
July 2021 19 www.bahrainthismonth.com What brought about the establishment of AmCham and what are its objectives? The American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) was formed in 2006 as an independent, non-profit, non-political business association with a charter to capitalise on the newly implemented Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the US and Bahrain. Its purpose was to help companies take advantage of the new markets and benefits that emanated from this important agreement. AmCham’s objectives include promoting commerce, investment and goodwill between the US and Bahrain, providing a forum in which business executives with American interests may identify, discuss, and pursue common interests, to heighten awareness of Bahrain’s strategic location, business-friendly laws, and commercial role in the Middle East, and increase bilateral US-Bahrain trade and business opportunities. AmCham Bahrain is the official affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce and part of the global network of more than 120 American Chambers of Commerce to foster collaboration amongst the members and greater business opportunities between the US and the Gulf region. Through these affiliations, AmCham helps its members succeed by providing a wide range of networking and information sharing opportunities, B2B introductions, government advocacy, valuable business intelligence, and customised business support services. How has the FTA bolstered existing ties between Bahrain and the US and how has it helped new ones to evolve? As you may know, the US and Bahrain have enjoyed an economic relationship for over 120 years and the FTA has certainly made it even stronger. Bilateral trade of goods and services have more than tripled since the FTA went to effect and we have all expectations that this will continue to grow once the world economies recover from the impact of Covid-19. It is significant to note that the US has negotiated FTAs with only 20 countries worldwide. The FTA is clearly a sign of the US government’s faith in the strength and transparency of Bahrain’s economy. From a larger perspective, this vote of confidence in Bahrain attracts investment into Bahrain by companies that may not even plan to trade with the US. The FTA is here to stay. The agreement does not expire, so companies can rely on the tenets and benefits of the FTA. “It has been an honor to serve AmCham as its president since 2013. We have attracted strong board members committed to furthering AmCham’s mission which has allowed us to grow stronger, larger, and more effective. I have enjoyed building new alliances both locally, regionally and in the US to best leverage our strengths, expand our connections, and serve our members” What are some of the most notable benefits of the FTA in Bahrain? The FTA offers significant benefits that increase the competitiveness of a company’s exports/imports between the US and Bahrain. One hundred percent of bilateral trade in consumer, industrial, and agricultural products are tariff free. Both countries have accorded substantial market access across their entire services sector. They provide strong protection and enforcement for copyright, patent, and trademark owners as well as intellectual property protection in the digital environment, supporting electronic media and internet service providers. Under the Agreement, both Bahrain and the US must publish their laws and regulations governing trade. Both countries also have committed, to the extent possible, to publish proposed regulations in advance in order an provide an opportunity for public comment prior to implementation. The Agreement required both countries to take measures to increase transparency and efficiency in customs administration, including publication of laws and regulations on the Internet and procedural certainty and fairness. All these benefits create a ripe environment for promoting bilateral trade and investment. There still remains great potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment. AmCham is committed to working with both governments and the business community to find innovative ways to grow bilateral trade and strengthen the private sector. What is your membership profile and benefits do members enjoy? Our members include Fortune 500 companies, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, and non-profits. This includes American, Bahraini and other companies representing all sectors in the Bahrain economy with an interest in the US market. AmCham provides a forum for the exchange of information, insights and ideas, the development of professional networks, advocacy support for promoting solutions to issues that impact business, educational and networking programs and customised business service are just a few of the many benefits AmCham Bahrain provides its members. AmCham typically holds 30 events annually that are wide ranging and customised to meet our members’ varying needs and interests, making us the most active business association dedicated to US-Bahrain business opportunities. Each luncheon, seminar, tour, roundtable, and networking event provide members access and opportunities to meet other decision-makers from the private sector and government agencies. Members attend events for free or at a special discount. Membership includes invitations to ‘members only’ roundtables, exclusive events with visiting VIPs, business tours, B2B introductions, as well as unique promotional opportunities. “I would like to invite any company that desires to grow their presence in the US market and US companies investing in Bahrain to join the AmCham community and enjoy the benefits of an active and well-connected network.” Are there any new plans in the pipeline for AmCham? AmCham will be electing its next board of directors in July and they will assess new priorities but I know AmCham shall continue several current commitments which include raising awareness among the US oil and gas and alternative energy industries to encourage their interest and investment in the new and growing opportunities in Bahrain. We will continue to develop our resources to help companies use the FTA and find a path into the US or Bahrain market. We will also help companies better understand the tools available through the US Export Import Bank (EXIM) to help them compete in the international market. Listening to our members and finding innovative ways to support their success will always be a priority. We hope to bring back our charity golf tournament and US alumni reception later this year. As president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) since 2013, Qays Zu’bi answers some pertinent questions put forth by Behnaz Sanjana, touching upon US-Bahrain relations and the association’s raison d’être.
www.bahrainthismonth.com 20 July 2021 USA in Bahrain Bahrain This Month’s Farah Baig chats with Mary McGinnis, the Executive Director of AmCham Bahrain, about the FTA, benefits of being a member and more. EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES
July 2021 21 www.bahrainthismonth.com Having joined the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) in 2013, Mary McGinnis has a highly significant role as she directs all AmCham departments including membership, advocacy, sponsorship and consultancy services. With over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, she has successfully utilised her past experience to facilitate the growth of member companies in Bahrain. THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN AMCHAM MEMBER AmCham Bahrain has been in existence since 2006 when the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States came into effect for the purpose of helping businesses in Bahrain make use of the FTA. “AmCham does that in various ways - we create a platform for business leaders to come together, network, share knowledge, learn and have access to resources,” explains Ms. McGinnis. There are currently around 200 AmCham members which includes iconic global Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, non-profits and individual entrepreneurs. “We’re certainly the most active business association dedicated to relations between Bahrain and the US,” she says. Around 30 AmCham Bahrain events, which are instrumental for networking and knowledge sharing, and often feature highlyexperienced topic speakers, are held every year. “We’ve collaborated with regional AmChams, during COVID, and had 75 virtual events which gives our members a rich opportunity to choose from a range of topics and experts in the GCC, MENA region and the United States,” says Ms. McGinnis. AmCham also provides members with advocacy services when faced with local or international issues which affect their business. “We go to the right body of people who can help resolve that, whether that’s in Washington DC or in Bahrain,” she explains, adding that the organisation then links members to resources which can open doors. “We also do introductions, certainly within our membership and other AmChams, and with companies in the United States. So, if a member is trying to expand their business that’s something we help them with – finding a partner,” she adds. “HOW CAN I USE THE FTA?” “It’s one of the most common questions we get, and it really depends on what the business is,” she says. Consultancy services at AmCham are instrumental for companies that are trying to determine their eligibility. “People believe if they could crack the secret of the FTA, their business would expand easily, but expanding your business, with or without the FTA, is challenging,” she explains, adding that businesses must understand the market, rules and regulations, and supply chain of the country they wish to expand to. “The FTA doesn’t make any of that, any easier; what it does is make it more competitive by taking away all tariffs for 98% of all goods and services that are created in Bahrain or in the US for bilateral trade,” she explains. In order to be eligible for the FTA, 35% of the good’s value has to be created either in the US or Bahrain. “This is because the purpose of the FTA is to help local economies through the creation of jobs and more. Since Bahrain doesn’t have a lot of natural resources, the 35% is often created through the labour of putting things together and transforming them into something new and unique. So, we help companies figure out whether their goods meet the requirements,” she says. Companies also have to be established in Bahrain and follow the requirements for exporting to the US to make use of the FTA. “An undersold aspect of the FTA opportunity in Bahrain is that companies from all over the world could come and set up here to manufacture and ship to the United States. Given its business-friendly environment, low cost of living and other advantages, Bahrain is an ideal location to reach the MENA and Asia market,” she says. THE GROWTH OF AMCHAM In 2013, AmCham’s membership was below 50 members and has now grown to over 200. The organisation has grown during the pandemic, and has attracted a good number of global and local companies. “I think businesses realised that belonging to a group that can help promote them, raise their visibility and connect them to clients and resources is a good investment,” she says. THE ROLE OF PAST EXPERIENCE Ms. McGinnis has travelled and worked in countries including India, Thailand, Italy and more and offers a cross-cultural perspective to her work. “Since Bahrain is so multicultural, as is AmCham, it allows me to connect, appreciate and support our members in an even better way. This is not only because I may have a story to tell of an experience in their country, but from a perspective of understanding how they may see the world in a different way - their perceptions and practices may be a little bit different. So, I can adapt my communication and what I’m offering to support that,” she explains. She also had the opportunity to live and work in different parts of the United States including San Francisco, New York, Boston, Washington, and Alabama. “That has further helped me have a better sense of the cultures and markets business-wise to help our reach into the United States for our members,” she says. A VERY SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE WITH AMCHAM Having been with AmCham for eight years, Ms. McGinnis has had several memorable experiences within the organisation. “I was very honoured to plan and lead the trade mission for the Minister of Oil and Gas back to Houston, Texas and Washington DC two years ago, soon after the new oil and gas fields were found. The Bahrain government is very interested in using US technology and expertise in developing those fields, so we met with the industry leaders in Houston,” she says. THE LAST WORD In the last five years, AmCham Bahrain has grown its network of affiliations and is now a member of over 120 AmChams across the world, including the GCC and MENA AmChams. “I’d like to encourage people to attend our events, talk to me about membership and how we could specifically support their business,” she says. “We are also a part of the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC, which is the world’s largest business chamber with over three and a half million members. We can introduce you to a regional, global or American company that can help you expand your business. The possibilities are endless,” she concludes.
www.bahrainthismonth.com 22 July 2021 USA in Bahrain The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) is the first comprehensive, purpose-built, American-style co-educational University in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is supported by the Elm Fund. AUBH offers a holistic journey for students and a unique approach to education that fosters interaction and collaboration between students, faculty, and the professional community. The contemporary and high-tech, 75,000 sqm. campus located in Riffa, was designed by US-based architects Ayers Saint Gross (ASG), who have developed projects for numerous universities in the US, including Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University. Along with classrooms, library, and labs, the campus includes a Sports Center with indoor and outdoor courts and fields, vast student commons, and an auditorium for special events. True to being innovative and cutting-edge, AUBH also recently added voice technology to its campus with the launch of two Alexa skills which are aimed at providing students, educators, and parents with the ability to use their voice to maximise the learning experience and enrich university life whilst providing critical academic and campus information. AUBH curricula are built by experts and specialists to equip students with the knowledge and soft skills to succeed in a rapidly ever-changing environment. The AUBH quality of American-style education mirrors that of the best universities in the United States. The University’s unique academic structure enables students to find their real passions and allows them to develop their abilities, leading to long successful careers in their chosen industry. AUBH carefully considers how to academically challenge a student while simultaneously preparing them for a rewarding career and competitive job market. Students enrolling in AUBH are exposed to a university life that is very much influenced by collaborative learning, critical thinking, and technical education in an American-style University environment. Beyond the academic education that the students receive, they assimilate soft skills and competencies including problem solving, negotiation and creative thinking. The University, which primarily focuses its curriculum on STEM and Business, offers programs within the Colleges of Business & Management, Engineering, and Architecture & Design. Those include a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering to name a few. The university also plans on offering the following degrees at the graduate level very soon: a Master of Science in Engineering Management*, a Master of Business Administration*, and a Master of Arts in Multimedia Management* among others. As AUBH continues to make its mark on the GCC and beyond, these programs will continue to expand and grow. Notably, on June 3rd, 2021, AUBH became the first University in the Kingdom to achieve eligibility to proceed with an Application for Accreditation with the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This is one of the highest levels of quality assurance, and once awarded, AUBH would become the first and only higher education institution to be accredited by WSCUC in Bahrain. AUBH’s “beyond-the-classroom” approach, has a purpose of empowering the next generation with confidence, leadership and professionalism; skills they will required in the workforce. It is soft skills like these and collaboration with companies such as Mumtalakat, stc Bahrain, Diyar Al Muharraq, Bahrain Airport Company, and Flat6Labs - partnerships which help propel AUBH students into the corporate world. It’s fair to say that day-to-day life has changed since the pandemic began, and institutions that have operated the same way for years are having to adapt. As part of the University’s plan, students have access to a dual-modality experience, allowing them to attend classes on campus according to the University schedule, and simultaneously online, where students who are unable to attend class on campus or prefer to study at a distance can attend at the same time as students in the classroom. This solution incorporates a specialised camera system with views of the classroom, live broadcasting and remote participation, whiteboards, and activity through our interactive CleverTouch monitors, all being shared through Canvas, a cloud-based learning platform, and Microsoft Teams. For more information or to book a sociallydistanced, in-person campus tour, please visit aubh.edu.bh or call +973 77 999-997. To go on a virtual campus tour please visit: tour.aubh.edu.bh. The American University of Bahrain has changed the face of education in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Here’s why: World-class education starts here! *Subject to final approval by the HEC.
July 2021 23 www.bahrainthismonth.com The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) has formed a partnership with California State University, Northridge (CSUN), which is sure to not enhance the higher education sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain, but also create a pathway to the US for its students. CSUN is part of the 23-campus California State University system, which is the largest in the United States with nearly 500,000 students and more than 50,000 faculty and staff. “We are proud to be pursuing an academic partnership with CSUN (subject to final approval from the HEC) which is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and a number of field-specific accreditors,” says American University of Bahrain, Provost, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky. “This pioneering partnership in the making aims to connect students based in the Middle East and North Africa to the largest university system in the United States, effectively paving a seamless pathway to the U.S. for those aspiring to access a more flexible international experience,” he adds. Located in Los Angeles, CSUN is one of the largest universities in the United States enrolling nearly 40,000 full- and part-time students in Fall 2020. Accredited by WASC, CSUN employs more than 2,000 faculty members teaching courses across 69 disciplines, master’s degrees in 69 fields and three doctorates. CSUN is widely recognised for impacting the lives of students and preparing them for leadership roles. “Through the academic partnership with CSUN, AUBH students would gain access to a robust curriculum focused on forefront preparation for academic success, as well as for careers in the regional and global marketplace, opportunities to study abroad, and a pathway to finish their studies in California,” explains Dr. Jeff, adding that CSUN has many discipline- and field-specific accreditations. AUBH would collaborate with CSUN to align its high-quality curricula and create opportunities for students to experience a broad range of new programs and international experiences, including attending summer programs in California, and receiving a CSUN degree through completing one, two, or three years of coursework enrolled at CSUN, and vice versa at AUBH, for CSUN Students who wish to study in Bahrain. “Moreover, as academic partners we would develop opportunities for visiting professorships, industry collaborations, and internship opportunities between Bahrain and the United States,” he says This partnership would also provide students with a lucrative option to travel when they are ready for an international experience. “Effectively, we are working on providing students with a wide array of opportunities to travel abroad when they are ready to do so, whether it means starting a year, two, or three at AUBH and then transferring to CSUN, making the experience more accessible financially and from a global readiness point of view, as some parents are hesitant to send their children abroad as soon as they graduate from high school,” he says. This international partnership with CSUN would give students access to the University’s nine colleges: the Mike Curb College of Art, Media, and Communication; David Nazarian College of Business and Economics; Michael D. Eisner College of Education; College of Engineering and Computer Science; College of Health and Human Development; College of Humanities; College of Science and Mathematics; College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; and the Tseng College for Graduate, International and Midcareer Education. “Crafting this distinctive partnership would not only represent an impressive milestone for the Kingdom in its continued efforts to elevate the quality of education in Bahrain, but it would also present a plethora of new opportunities for students based throughout the region and beyond to experience a world-class higher education, starting right here in the Kingdom,” says Dr. Jeff. “It would also open new avenues of collaboration between the industry here and in the U.S., creating new opportunities of exchange of a commercial, cultural, and artistic nature. The sky is the limit!” he concludes. For more information about AUBH, please visit aubh.edu.bh. For more information about CSUN, visit www.csun.edu. American University of Bahrain Provost, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, talks about the benefits students in the region can enjoy through the university’s stateside partnership. The Path to the Land of Opportunity
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