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 May 2022 | Vol. 26 | Issue 5 | BD2 / SR20 WTM EID SPECIAL DINING MOTORING PEOPLE In conversation with Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor GM, Marie-Berengere Chapoton In Her Shoes – Najia Zainal Accessorising your outfit Beauty Essentials Parenting This best of entertainment and dining options this holiday We discover some hidden gems at Lanterns! Indian Legal Consultant, V K Thomas, on campaigning for change Kristian Harrison drives the Ferrari Portofino M GERMANY IN BAHRAIN
+973 6666 2126 [email protected] @alareenpalaceandspa @alareenpalace.official Enter a world of wellbeing and relaxation at Al Areen Palace & Spa Featuring our crafted treatments, fitness programs, yoga, meditation classes and more…
4 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Al Areen Pre-Ramadan Event Al Areen Palace & Spa by Accor hosted a magical Ramadan Preview for invited guests at the Ramadan Tent. The event featured live cooking stations and live music. KIMSHEALTH Press Tour KIMSHEALTH Bahrain hosted members ofBahrain’s Press for an exclusive tour of KIMSHEALTH Hospital and Conference Centre and gave a detailed orientation of the facilities. KIMSHEALTH also launched the Seha Card for Senior Citizens offering a range of benefits for Bahraini pensioners above 60 years and others over 70 years. A Privilege Card programme was also launched for journalists providing them with multiple benefits.
www.womanthismonth.com May 2022 5 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 May 2022 | Vol. 26 | Issue 5 | BD2 / SR20 WTM EID SPECIAL DINING MOTORING PEOPLE In conversation with Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor GM, Marie-Berengere Chapoton In Her Shoes – Najia Zainal Accessorising your outfit Beauty Essentials Parenting This best of entertainment and dining options this holiday We discover some hidden gems at Lanterns! Indian Legal Consultant, V K Thomas, on campaigning for change Kristian Harrison drives the Ferrari Portofino M GERMANY IN BAHRAIN May 2022 Bahrain This Month George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman COVER Cover Picture: Eid Alfitr 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 Kristian Harrison, Pria Masson Tanwar, Ouiam Charkani El Hassani, Simran Tiwari Editorial Consultant Ahdeya Ahmed Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Art Director Hatem Monem Webmaster Nishad Eapen CRM & Database Coordinator Muna Yousef Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales Director Anuradha Manhas [email protected] DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Digital Marketing & Social Media Director Farah Baig Social Media Managers Simran Tiwari, Rohit Reghunath Welcome to another exciting edition of Bahrain This Month. May is starting off in spectacular fashion with a long weekend to celebrate Labour Day and Eid Al Fitr, so as your guide to entertainment on the island, we’ve got a lot in store for you. Flip through our pages to the Happenings section to find a wide range of nightlife and family-friendly events that you can attend this Eid. With events back in full swing, organisers are pulling out all the big stops to make their events exceptional. Be sure to experience Ibiza in Bahrain at Cocoon which will be held at the stunning new Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain. Kube Bahrain, which will be held at La Fontaine, promises to be an exciting event too! In our dining section, we review some of the hidden gems at one of Bahrain’s most popular restaurants in the heart of Adliya, Lanterns. You’ll also find a range of delightful dining options for Eid and throughout May in our dining section. In our interview section this month, we spoke to Indian Legal Consultant V K Thomas, who tirelessly campaigns for a change in law to make the inheritance process easier for expatriates. On May 17th this year, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Federal Republic of Germany will be celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. In our special supplement, we speak to the countries’ respective ambassadors, explore a timeline of the relations, and get to know key individuals who have been instrumental in strengthening these ties. Our motoring aficionado, Kristian Harrison, tells us about his experience driving the Ferrari Portofino M this month. In our commerce section, you’ll find invaluable advice on how to get your business investor-ready, and why digital transformation is more important now than ever before. In Woman This Month, our in-house fashionistas explored the world of accessories that we’re told can absolutely add a wow factor to your outfit. We also had the pleasure of speaking to the General Manager of Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor, Marie-Berengere Chapoton, who brought us up to speed on all the exciting developments at the luxurious property. In our In Her Shoes section, we take a peek into the life of Marketing Manager and fitness enthusiast, Najia Zainal. Aside from these inspiring women, our team brings you the best of beauty products, skincare essentials, home decor and parenting advice too! It’s an issue with plenty for you to look forward to, so needless to say, Bahrain This Month as ever continues to be your guide to a great way of life!
6 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com 10 19 38 48 44 43 17 The best of events and entertainment this Eid! Campaigning for Change Bahrain’s expatriate population has long faced an issue of accessing funds following the death of their loved ones in the Kingdom. We spoke to Indian Legal Consultant V K Thomas, who is campaigning for a change in laws to make this process easier for expats. The Golden Jubilee of bilateral relations between Germany and Bahrain. Hidden Gems at Lanterns! Lanterns is ever-so-popular for their curries and other Indian cuisine, but we give some of their unique menu items a try. Magnifico Portofino! Kristian Harrison lets his hair down in a stunning convertible – the Ferrari Portofino M. A Bit About Valuations Business expert, Pria Masson Tanwar, gives us a cheat sheet on how to get investor-ready. Glorious Feasts Revel in the festivities of Eid at with some of the finest gastronomic offerings that Bahrain’s luxury hotels has in store during the holidays and over the month of May. Motoring News The True Leader of Digital Transformation Digital Marketing Expert, Sravan Kumar V, tells us why a Digital Transformation is more important today than ever before. Business Bites MAY HAPPENINGS INTERVIEW GERMANY IN BAHRAIN DINING MOTORING COMMERCE ISSUE 297CONTENTS www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth bhthismonth 37 10 17 19 37 43 46 38 44 47 48
May 2022 7 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander St Patrick’s Day Ball The Irish community in Bahrain, and guests, enjoyed a night of entertainment and fine dining as St Patrick’s Day was marked with a glamourous Ball at Gulf Hotel Bahrain. DISCOUNT EARLY BIRD THE ONLY WATERPARK IN BAHRAIN
May 2022 www.womanthismonth.com 8 MAY ISSUE 229 CONTENTS The Accessory Edit! We explore the best of jewellery, handbags, shoes and more to give your outfits that wow factor. Leading the Way We speak to the woman at the helm of the spectacular Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor – General Manager, Marie-Berengere Chapoton. Top to Bottom Beauty Essentials! Truly essentials – these products will take care of every aspect of your beauty needs. Why You Should Cover Your Child in Dirt this Summer! Ouiam El Hassani tells us the importance of microbes and how to find the right balance for your child. Najia Zainal With a knack for drumming up an interest in picturesque hospitality venues, Najia Zainal has grown to be a renowned Marketing Manager in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Let’s take a walk in her shoes. Nourishing Skincare Cleanse, nourish and balance your skin with our top skincare picks this month. 60 64 66 68 73 72 FASHION PEOPLE BEAUTY LIFESTYLE In Her Shoes www.womanthismonth.com womanthismonth rhmbahrain 66 73 72 60 64 68
May 2022 9 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Youth Leadership Programme Finale The Rotary Club of Salmaniya and the Manama Toastmasters Club jointly organised the Youth Leadership Programme Debate Finale at the American University Bahrain in Riffa. 25 students from six high schools participated in the debate programme. Advanced Urological Care DR. ERFAI MASSUD EMTAIR Consultant - Urology German Board in Urology Clinical Expertise • Penile Prosthesis • Male Infertility • Endourology • Laparoscopy • Laser Applications in Urology • Reconstructive Urology • Pediatric Urology • Incontinence Surgeries & Female Urology 1724 6800 1724 6888 3218 1810 Royal Bahrain Hospital
happenings 10 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com PEAK RHYTHMS MAY 5 MARCO BAILEY - PEAKNIGHTS 3X2 OVER 338 THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS MAY 6 KUBE LA FONTAINE - CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART, BAHRAIN THOSE FUNKY BEATS MAY 3 BAHRAIN UNDERGROUND MUSIC MOVEMENT (BUMM) AKAYA BISTRO - ADLIYA WAVES OF GOOD VIBES MAY 6 POOL EID PARTY NASMAT POOL BAR, THE WESTIN HOTEL When a night is in need of a dose of powerful rhythms and a deep, intense atmosphere, Marco Bailey is the name that needs to be summoned. Techno Bahrain presents an international techno icon and living legend from Belgium, Marco Bailey, to perform this Eid holiday, for the first time in Bahrain. During his career, he has released well-received singles, EPs and albums through highly-acclaimed labels such as Bonzai Records, Primate, Prime’vill, Intec, ARTS, Kombination Research and many more. There will be a spectacular local lineup performing alongside Marco Bailey. Don’t miss out on this unique techno experience. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are priced at BD15 and are available at www.bahrainthismonth.com. Call 39 150-505 or visit @technobahrainofficial on Instagram. Electronic dance music lovers rejoice! For the first time ever, KUBE, an electronic music label founded by MESH, will harmoniously combine music and culture to bring you an unforgettable evening of mesmerising tunes set against a historical wonder in Bahrain. The 12-hour event will take place at the picturesque La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Arts in Manama, featuring two international performers from Afterlife and a roster of brilliant artists from across the MENA region. The homegrown Bahraini label aims to meld the new with the old and tour through the rest of the Middle East with handpicked, culturally significant venues for an incomparable experience. Doors open at 3pm. Email [email protected] or call 35 000-362. The Bahrain Underground Music Movement (BUMM) is back in the heart of Adliya this Eid and will have a special surprise guest. Get ready for a spectacular experience and live entertainment featuring top-notch DJ’s, live performances, fire shows and more! This event is free of charge for couples and mixed groups. The event features DJ Mysterioo Arif, DJ Katrin Love, Re:Strict, Mesut Kutbay, Gokhan and Ranjit. Doors open at 8pm. You don’t want to miss this!. Call 38 995-200. Gear up for an epic pool party experience this Eid and soak in good vibes, catchy beats, live entertainment and poolside action. The Nasmat Pool Bar is the perfect spot for a pool day featuring an amazing lineup, fire shows and more! Pre-sale tickets are available from BD 10 onwards and will be priced at BD 20 at the door. Call 37 777-845. MAY HAPPENINGS
May 2022 11 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander In the spirit of Ramadan, Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa, Seef, hosted a ghabga with entertainment and a lavish spread. Ramee Grand Ghabga
happenings 12 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com FILL THAT VOID! MAY 5 EUPHORIA ELEVATED @CALEXICO BY PROJECT VOID CALEXICO BAHRAIN AN ICONIC SUPERSTAR MAY 13 MOHAMMED ABDU AL DANA AMPHITHEATRE MARK YOUR CALENDARS! MAY 3 AHLAM AL SHAMSI AL DANA AMPHITHEATRE IBIZA IN BAHRAIN MAY 3 COCOON BAHRAIN VIDA BEACH RESORT BAHRAIN Euphoria just got even more euphoric. Taking place this Eid Al Fitr weekend, Euphoria is taking this up a notch as they’ve organised an even more energising experience than usual in store with echoing groovy melodic house & tech tunes. A highly decorated DJ Line-up is up for the task. If you’d like a unique vibe this Eid, euphoria is the event to be at. Doors open at 8 pm. Call 32 226-113 or 17 666-644. Bahrain’s premier live entertainment destination with exceptional acoustics, Al Dana Amphitheatre, is bringing back an iconic superstar to Bahrain. Their amazing season of show-stopping entertainment has gotten even better with the announcement of Mohammed Abdu as their next headline performer. The seasoned vocalist, who is known for his Khaleeji music hits, will dazzle audiences with his remarkable talent. Abdu is acclaimed for his songs’ storytelling aspect, infusing them with emotion and anguish from his own upbringing. Don’t miss out on this experience as we are sure it will be a memorable one. Visit www.aldana.com.bh. Make this Eid one to remember with Ahlam Al Shamsi, an Emirati superstar in the Arab music industry. She will perform live at the Al Dana Amphitheatre with a special performance including fan favourites. Ahlam has played to sold-out crowds all over the world, garnering millions of admirers in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Ahlam, who is known for her remarkable melodic vocals, has recorded 13 albums and countless singles, all of which have gained recognition. Visit www.aldana.com.bh. Are you ready to experience Ibiza in Bahrain? This Eid, the world’s leading party brand and record label is coming to Bahrain! Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with exceptional music, breathtaking views and more. The line-up for this event is spectacular as Cocoon is the gem of Ibiza and known for the best of electronic music. The event organised by Mindset Media will be hosted at Vida Beach Resort Bahrain where visitors can avail of several room packages. This event will be from noon to 2am. Visit mindsetmedia.bh
At the Cultural Hall Live on stage from the UK PROUDLY PRESENTS WE THANK OUR VALUED SPONSORS For enquiries: Call: +973 39616858 email: [email protected] @entertainmentplusgulf É````«dƒ°UÉØdG á```àÑf h ∑É``L June 4th, 2022 at 5:00 pm June 5th & 7th, 2022 at 12:00 noon Tickets available at: Alosra Supermarkets in Bahrain & Alkhobar (KSA) Ticket price inclusive of VAT: BD16.5 Or 4 tickets for BD57
happenings 14 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com SPLISH SPLASH EVERY SATURDAY FAMILY FUN DAY THE ART HOTEL & RESORT SUN, SEA AND SAND MAY 20 PLAYLIST POOL AND BEACH PARTY THE ART HOTEL & RESORT FIRE DANCING MAY 12 FUEGO NIGHT WU RESTAURANT & LOUNGE PUSH PLAY MAY 27 PLAYLIST POOL PARTY ROYAL GOLF CLUB BAHRAIN If you’re looking for fantastic entertainment, amazing facilities and fun for the entire family, this is the place to be. The Art Hotel & Resort is the perfect destination to let your little ones’ adventure with karting, bubbles and more! They can splash away at the waterpark, pool and beach. There will be live entertainment and special family activities throughout the day, making it an experience. From 10am to 7pm. Call 16 000-111 or [email protected]. Indulge in the ultimate day of sun, sea and sand at the Playlist Pool and Beach Party happening this May. Head to the stunning Art Hotel & Resort for an unforgettable experience featuring incredible DJs, a saxophonist and percussionist, dance and fire shows, games, a virtual reality corner and more! Pre-sale tickets are available from BD 10 onwards and will be priced at BD 25 at the door. Call 37 777-845. For all dance lovers out there, this one’s for you! Put your dancing shoes on and join WU Restaurant & Lounge for a Latin-themed night with Los Soneros band, DJ Mardi & DJ Ellena. 8pm onwards. Call 16 000-111 or [email protected]. Looking for a pool party to soak up some sun, enjoy some great music, and dance the day away? The Playlist Pool Party is the perfect one! Experience an elite open-air vibe with spectacular entertainment, a variety of food and beverage options and more at the Royal Golf Club Bahrain. 3pm onwards. Visit @playlistentertainmentbahrain on Instagram or call 37 777-845.
May 2022 15 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Lanterns Re-opening Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge, located in Adliya, held a re-opening night welcoming guests to relish the taste of the cuisine on the house. ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTS Rooftop of Lanterns Lounge & Restaurant Adliya With Resident Artists Nadine & Andre Get Ready To Experience The Spectacular Vibe LNTbahrain LNT.bahrain @lntbahrain +973 3606 6997
happenings 16 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com TIME TO GROOVE MAY 6 DUET BAND BY ANGEL MI CASA RESTAURANT TIME TO PARTY MAY 6 FNL KLUB 360 A DAY OF ENTERTAINMENT MAY 5 UNUM FESTIVAL PREPARTY AMPLIFIED BY DISORDER UNUM FESTIVAL PRE-PARTY AMPLIFIED BY DISORDER OFF THE CHARTS MAY 12 NIGHTSCAPE SOCIAL MONKEY, JUFFAIR Located in the heart of Adliya, Mi Casa restaurant is hosting yet another spectacular event starring the Duet Band by Angel. If you enjoy live entertainment, delectable food, and beverages, this is the place for you! Call 38 188-876. Calling out all party-goers! Klub 360 is the clubbing destination to be at this Eid. You’re sure to enjoy a fantastic night with the dynamic lighting and stellar performances by incredible DJs. That’s not all, there will be live performances and fire shows as well! It’ll definitely be a night to remember and one you shouldn’t miss out on. Call 38 111-360. Do you fancy a party on a private island? The first ever UNAM Festival PreParty is happening in Bahrain this Eid! Prepare yourself for an exciting 12-hour experience at Art Hotel & Resort’s private island which will be filled with good vibes and great music. Dance the night away to the best of international and local DJs. Doors open at 2pm. Call 39 498-043. Get ready to techno! Nightscape is back and the artistic creativity levels are off the charts. Get your dose of exceptional techno beats at Social Monkey which is as distinct as its moniker. Experience the best of Bahrain’s local talent go above and beyond. 8pm onwards. The line-up includes Ahmed Zainal, INFRARED, Julian Mesa, Fecasso, Saif & Sound and Rashed Al Dhaen. Call 33 737-417 or 35 148-806.
May 2022 17 www.bahrainthismonth.com CAMPAIGNING FOR CHANGE Bahrain’s large expatriate population has long faced an issue with inheritance, in particular accessing funds after the death of their loved ones in the Kingdom. We spoke to Indian Legal Consultant V K Thomas, who has long fought for a change in laws to make this process easier for expats. V K Thomas has been in Bahrain for 45 years, after initially qualifying and being licensed in India as an Advocate. He now works as a legal consultant specialising in corporate matters, and also coordinates with his Partner Adv. Wafa Al Ansari, a Bahraini Advocate of the Court of Cassation on cases concerning personal affairs namely marriage, divorce, inheritance and more. He has long since campaigned for Bahrain’s expatriate population, 52.6 per cent of 1.5 million, to access the inheritance funds of their loved ones, should they unfortunately pass away. Most of the laws that govern the personal matters of non-Muslim expatriates, including this matter, are the same since 1971 when the expatriate proportion was a mere 17.5 per cent. There is an obvious discord between the two, and with the advent of the pandemic, this has been exacerbated. As per the current systems, in the event of the death of an expatriate, all bank accounts, including any joint accounts, are immediately frozen until such time that a court order is issued by the court in Bahrain. A certificate to confirm the ‘legal heirs’ or a court order issued by the passport-issuing country of the deceased then needs to be produced, which can take between three-to-six months. In addition, four-to-six more are usually lost in waiting for the Bahrain court order to release these funds, on top of other hurdles. “From a humane perspective, for several expatriates this can mean no access to any funds, sometimes even for funeral proceedings or repatriation of the body,” says Mr Thomas. “To make this worse, there are oftentimes children involved and living expenses of families or even tickets home that cannot be paid for due to a complete lockdown of all family funds.” Along with his partner Adv. Wafa Al Ansari, who deals with litigation, Mr Thomas has detailed simple steps which could make the process far simpler. He explains: “Simple steps that could be taken could include: (i) allowing operation of bank accounts with ‘either or survivor’ or ‘nominations’; or (ii) exempt salary or joint accounts from needing a court order; or (iii) limiting the amount of money that can be withdrawn per month until the court order or (iv) allowing wills to be notarised here and allow operation of bank accounts by the executor based on the will without any further process or court order. “With globalisation and banking systems so well connected, perhaps the time is right now to ease the very painful process of gathering up one’s life after losing an earning member. A change in the law and rules that govern the settlements of estates of non-Muslims in Bahrain is an urgent need of the hour.” Mr Thomas has highlighted the matter to various authorities and in various seminars and workshops and he even writes a weekly column in a local Indian language newspaper. Until such time as the law is possibly changed, Mr Thomas advises families to have separate bank accounts as opposed to joint accounts. This is the only option available at the moment to have access to cash. “Whether expatriates or citizens, the money earned in Bahrain is the result of hard work and families depend on it,” he says. “For a country as benevolent and welcoming of expatriates as Bahrain, it seems surprising that residents who spend their lives earning for and adding to the Bahrain ecosystem, should be denied a basic comfort that their loved ones will be given what is rightly theirs on time – without a legal battle.” interview
18 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander KIMSHEALTH Ghabga KIMSHEALTH Bahrain hosted its Ramadan Ghabga for corporates at the Gulf Convention Center, Gulf Hotel Bahrain. The Ghabga was attended by who’s who of Bahrain including ambassadors, government officials, top executives and colleagues. Renowned Bahraini musicians, Majaz, entertained the audience and a raffle draw was also held. Midway Ramadan Festival Midway Supermarkets held a night of Ramadan Festivities at Diyar Al Muharraq with all sorts of entertainment for visitors and families including face painting, henna, carnival games and traditional Msaher performances aside from stalls offering a variety of foods to tickle the taste buds.
Golden Jubilee of Bilateral Relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Federal Republic of Germany. 17th May 1972 – 17th May 2022 GOLDEN JUBILEE Germany in Bahrain May 2022 19 www.bahrainthismonth.com
Germany in Bahrain 20 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com Bahrain and Germany are celebrating the 50th anniversary of its long-standing diplomatic partnership, with bilateral relations beginning on May 17, 1972. As part of our special supplement, we spoke to the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Kai Boeckmann, about his diplomatic career and his plans to bolster ties between the two nations. Thank you for speaking to us Your Excellency. Could you give our readers a brief summary of your experience and background prior to coming to Bahrain? I came to Bahrain after serving with the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 24 years. This is a typical career path in the ministry, where you gain experience in several postings. In my case, it was foreign postings in Jericho, Buenos Aires, Rome and Cairo. Of course, I had several stints in the ministry in Germany and gained experience in consular and press work, while also serving as deputy chief of mission. While I was in headquarters, I was repeatedly involved in reform projects, which may sound technical, but were a good preparation for the administrative tasks needed to lead a mission. How do you compare life in Bahrain to your previous postings? I was very curious to come to the Gulf after having served in other Arabic posts in Jericho and Cairo. I must say that I find life in Bahrain very, very special. The first thing that strikes you is that I don›t commute for hours like in mega cities, but I can reach all interlocutors, friends and partners mostly within minutes! This is something which characterises the life in Bahrain. Our contacts with the Bahraini government are very close and direct, as they are with parliament and the business community. Furthermore, the German community is very tightly knit and very supportive as we see when there are charity events. I had the privilege to host almost the entire German community and their families during DIPLOMATIC JUBILATION
May 2022 21 www.bahrainthismonth.com Germany in Bahrain occasions like the St Nicholas celebrations before Christmas in this residence garden, which would certainly not have been possible in other postings with a larger population. On May 17, the Kingdom of Bahrain and Germany will be celebrating their Golden Jubilee anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. What are your own thoughts about this momentous occasion? My thoughts go back to the late Amir, HRH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and Federal President, Gustav Heinemann, who established the beginning of our diplomatic relationship. These were different times then, where Germany was divided in the aftermath of World War 2, and both Germany and Bahrain became members of the United Nations and helped shape the international community. My thoughts also go to all those Bahraini and German citizens who helped to shape and bring into life our relationship in so many ways. I am grateful to all the ambassadors who preceded me and whose work I can now build upon in my daily work. Finally, I am grateful to pioneers like Bahraini businessmen who discovered the potential of German products and the visionaries who established the DHL regional hub back in 1976. What plans does the embassy have to celebrate this auspicious occasion in May? We hope to be able to profit from the remarkable success of Bahrain in combatting COVID-19, and to celebrate with a series of events together with our colleagues from the embassies both: here and in Berlin. What do you consider to be the most relevant and significant achievements of the embassy in Bahrain and German citizens over the past 50 years, and how has that contributed to the growth of bilateral relations between the two countries? No doubt the high level visits of His Majesty King Hamad to Germany in 2008 and the visit of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Bahrain in 2010. We have had a number of successes and momentous events over the years, such as the embassy offering language courses to enable Bahrainis to learn German for study and work purposes and offering business round table networking. Since your own arrival in Bahrain, what do you consider the most significant achievement so far? One interesting step which we have done is to open up more to the general public, through our activity on social media. In 2018, we started a ‘Germany in Bahrain’ Instagram account and we are very happy that we can interact directly with our followers and receive their feedback. It is also a matter of transparency; we want to show our daily work and not be an embassy which hides behind high walls. Once the celebrations are over, what do you consider to be your primary focus to further bolster relations between the two countries? I think that we can work together in the fields of climate action and energy transition. Together, we have the capacity to reduce gas emissions. Germany needs to replace fossil fuels with alternative energies, especially hydrogen, and Bahrain as a classical producer of fossil fuels has the potential also to diversify and to make use of resources like solar energy and wind energy which are available in this region. What is the current status of trade between Bahrain and Germany from volumes and projections? Can you identify specific areas of trade and collaboration that would increase in the near future? We are very happy that despite the pandemic, trade between Germany and Bahrain is actually on the rise. Europe is Bahrain›s most important trading partner after Saudi Arabia and Germany represents a large part of the trade exchange between Europe and Bahrain. Speaking about the numbers in 2020, Bahraini exports to Germany amounted to BHD50m, about a third more than in 2019. German imports to Bahrain amounted to BHD203m which is again an increase of around 30 percent. Of course, the most welcome German goods in the Kingdom have four wheels! I see the potential in the future for further trade in this regard because German car manufacturers have great solutions for e-mobility and Bahrain with its small size represents the ideal place to realise the vision of carbon-free traffic. How many German citizens are currently residents in Bahrain? How has the number grown since the establishment of diplomatic relations? We have around 500 German citizens currently living in Bahrain, and the number has been quite stable over the past years. It’s not a huge number, but it’s a very tight-knit and vibrant community and we feel that our German citizens here are the best ambassadors of Germany to Bahrain because they represent the variety and diversity of German society including university professors, doctors, engineers and technicians. Is there anything else you would like to add? I would like to thank on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations both His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the people of Bahrain for all the support they have given over the past 50 years to our diplomatic relationship and to the relations between the Bahraini people and the German people in general.
22 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com Germany in Bahrain THE KINGDOM’S REPRESENTATIVE Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Federal Republic of Germany, HE Abdulla Abdullatif Al Shaikh Abdulla, highlights the diplomatic relations between the two countries in this conversation with George Middleton. Your excellency. You’ve had a distinguished career since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1981. Can you give us a brief summary about your diplomatic postings and missions so far? In 1981, I was the Director of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A few years later, I went to Glasgow to continue my education and receive my master’s degree. Four years later, I had my first diplomatic post as the Deputy Head of Mission in London – a post which I held for almost five and a half years. I was then appointed as a permanent representative to Geneva dealing with the multilateral issues and, of course, a nonresidential ambassador and permanent representative to Vienna as well. It was then that I’d spent five and a half years in London and almost four years in Geneva. This was followed by appointment as the Under Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from August, 2009 to almost October, 2017. Finally, in February 2018, I went to Berlin as the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ambassador to Germany, where I have been since. How do you find living in Germany and what would be your key observations about it? To be honest, and to keep a long story short, starting with Berlin as a German city; I believe if you do not like Berlin, something is wrong with you, not the city and so you have to adjust yourself. It’s a beautiful city with a very rich heritage. I can say it’s ‘a kitchen of the world’ in the sense that you can find a lot of think tanks. As a diplomat, it’s a very important post with a lot to cover. It’s one of the biggest economies in Europe, and it has a lot of areas where we can have a good cooperation. In terms of diplomatic works, it’s not all concentrated in Berlin, you are dealing with 16 regional states which is very challenging. What do you consider to be your most significant achievement so far in your posting in Germany? Oh, there are plenty of achievements! Of these, the one that I would consider the most important is our success in increasing our trade between Bahrain and Germany. As I’d mentioned, Germany is one of the biggest European economies and so, we found a lot of areas for cooperation and have been very successful since I was there. In fact, despite the pandemic, we’ve always had an increase in our trade and exchange investment between Bahrain and Germany.
May 2022 23 www.bahrainthismonth.com Germany in Bahrain For instance, last year we recorded an increase of six percent in our trade with Germany, which is very important as it is an achievement considering the pandemic. Prior to that, we would record even higher percentages, over 20 percent even. Would you say that trade is your most important concern? It’s not our most important concern. It is such a wonderful country and we enjoy a very friendly relationship. Politically, we have a very good understanding that we have been working together for, which has resulted in us celebrating 50 years of our diplomatic relation. We never had challenges which were difficult to be solve in political and multilateral fields. I believe that there are areas in the economical field that we can improve. So, while trade is one of the most important things, that doesn’t mean that we don’t concentrate on other areas which we believe have better opportunities. We can work together and increase the exchange of trade and have more investment from Germany towards Bahrain and open new areas of cooperation between our countries. How many Bahraini expatriates live in Germany? Usually, Bahrainis don’t go for economic reasons to live to Europe, but they go for other purposes like better education and aspects of the services sectors. So, the number is really very limited. I think we have around a hundred, the majority of them being students in different fields, but mainly in the medical field. We also have some of our doctors who are practicing their experience in Germany. These doctors have also really contributed at certain German hospitals during COVID. They’ve really been recognised as people who contributed in the fight against COVID. We also have a small number of people who lived there due to some business, mainly in real estate. What activities does the embassy of Bahrain in Germany undertake to promote corporation and unity between the two countries? We have a great political understanding with Germany, and found that visits between the two countries with high-level dignitaries to be successful as we found has new areas of cooperation. Recently, our Minister of Foreign Affairs was in Berlin to attend the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue. Here, we found areas of cooperation which we have been working very hard for, especially moving towards the target of net zero carbon emissions for which the Kingdom of Bahrain has plans, with His Majesty King Hamad and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa projecting the year 2060 to be our target for zero emissions. We hope to reduce these emissions by 35 percent by the year 2030 and are hence looking into alternative energy options. Germany has a lot of areas of potential cooperation where this is concerned such green energy, hydrogen, water waste management, and renewable energy. These are very new areas for cooperation and we’ve had two workshops, in this regard, with stakeholders from Bahrain and Germany. What image of Bahrain do you like to project through the embassy in Germany? Bahrain has always been known for its friendly business environment which we try to promote. For the last three or four years, the Kingdom has been ranked as one of the top five countries, which has been able to attract direct investment globally which is an important point to highlight. People, not only in Germany, but the whole of Europe should know about this and why Bahrain is attractive to businesses. Bahrain has an advantage of skilled workers, advanced regulations, a great social life, environment and roads, and freedom of faith, which is why a lot of companies consider having their headquarters in Bahrain - something that everybody’s very proud of. We are also extremely proud to support His Majesty’s King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, whose objective is to promote peaceful ideals worldwide, especially at times like these. Our project reflects the reality of life in Bahrain which is the perfect example of how people can live together despite any differences in race, religion or nationality. What plans does the Bahrain embassy in Germany have to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations? I’d like to first say that just as we have with our leadership, His Majesty King Hamad, and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the leadership of the president of Germany, FrankWalter Steinmeier, the new German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and Angela Merkel before him has given us the boost of working together and having a better cooperation. We have already begun our celebrations which we shall continue until the end of the year. We are planning a kind of concert, a gathering with businessmen in Germany and articles to highlight these historic relations in the press. We will also be producing memorabilia for the occasion. I am positive that the relations between Germany and Bahrain will continue for many years to come and look forward to our two countries. celebration of a Diamond Jubilee in the future. Commenting on the diplomatic relations between the two countries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief of European Affairs, Ahmed Ebrahim Al Qarainees, said: “These 50 years mark a very strong, lasting and varied relationship with Germany. The Kingdom of Bahrain has worked very closely with our friends in Germany and our ambassador who is leading the efforts with the guidance of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister in a complete strategy which includes working with our friends to develop an understanding of global coexistence as well as peace and prosperity across the world. Based on those ideas, they trickle down to particular policies and initiatives inside of Bahrain. We can work together with our German friends for education and of course the new global challenge of the environment. So, we look forward to continuing to achieve new milestones with our German friends.”
24 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com A HISTORIC TIMELINE Exploring the historic diplomatic ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Federal Republic of Germany. 1977: German foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher visits Bahrain ................................................................................. 1983: Minister of State at Foreign Office Jürgen Möllemann visits Bahrain ................................................................................. 1987: First flight by Germany›s flag carrier and the country›s largest airline, Lufthansa, to Bahrain ................................................................................. 1988: First flight by Bahrain’s flag carrier and airline, Gulf Air flight, from Bahrain to Frankfurt 8.05.1991 German Defence Minister, Gerhard Stoltenberg, visits the German demining association in Bahrain ................................................................................. 22.03.1995: Germany’s Foreign Minister, Klaus Kinkel, visits the capital of Bahrain, Manama. ................................................................................. 1995 Bahrain opens its embassy in Bonn, Germany. ................................................................................. 1996 Germany opens its first Embassy in Manama. 17.05.1972 Establishment of diplomatic relations between GERMANY and BAHRAIN Germany in Bahrain
May 2022 25 www.bahrainthismonth.com 2000 The German-Bahraini Friendship Society was founded in Manama. ................................................................................. 2004-2021 Germany is a permanent guest and attendee at the Manama Dialogue. ................................................................................. 13.02.2005 German Interior Minister, Otto Schily, visits Bahrain. ................................................................................. 02.03.2005 German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, visits Bahrain .................................................................................. 24.05.2006 German Foreign Minister, Walter Steinmeier, visits Bahrain. ................................................................................. 27.10.2008 German President, Horst Koehler, receives the King of Bahrain, HRH King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. ................................................................................. 28.10.2008 HRH King Hamad meets with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. 2009 German-Bahraini round table takes place every year. ................................................................................. 27.05.2010 German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, visits Bahrain. ................................................................................. 28.11.2011 Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, meets with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, in Berlin. ................................................................................. 2012 Members of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Shura Council visit the Federal Republic of Germany. ................................................................................. 24.03.2014 German parliamentary delegation led by Bundestag VicePresident, Claudia Roth. ................................................................................. 2014 – 2019 German business delegation for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen organises German Breakfast and Catalog Show in Bahrain. 21.10.2014 German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier greets Bahrain‘s Foreign Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa in Berlin. Germany in Bahrain
26 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com Germany in Bahrain 30.10.2015 His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa received at the Gudaibiya Palace, German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, on the occasion of her participation in the IISS Manama Dialogue 2015. The German Defence Minister and her accompanying delegation were also received by her Bahraini counterpart, Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Lieutenant General Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Jalahma. 11.08.2021 German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, meets the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani in Berlin where they held a joint press conference following formal discussions, in the presence of delegations from the two countries. 9.12.2016 German Defence Minister, Ursula von der Leyen, and her accompanying delegation revisit the Kingdom of Bahrain to participate in the 12th edition of Manama Dialogue. 29.03.2022 German Foreign Minister, Annalena Bearbock, meets the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani in Berlin on the sidelines of the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue Conference.
May 2022 27 www.bahrainthismonth.com Germany in Bahrain FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT GERMAN-BAHRAINI RELATIONS Trade between Bahrain and Germany, and specific areas of trade: Germany is Bahrain’s third most important business partner in the European Union. Germany’s positive image in the country is largely founded on its highly competitive industrial and technology sectors. On the German side, small and mediumsized companies in particular are taking advantage of the good investment climate in Bahrain. At present, around 30 German companies have offices in Bahrain or are engaged in projects in the country. German Export to Bahrain: EUR506. 2 million (2020) EUR379.2 million (2019) German Import from Bahrain 2020: EUR124.9 million (2020) EUR 97.1 million Euro (2019) German import goods by SITC (percentage of total imports) - 2020 Non-ferrous metals 84.7; other vehicles 4.7; raw materials (without fuel) 3.4; textiles/ clothing 1.5; Chem. ore 1.4; metal goods 0.7; Building materials/ glass/ceramics 0.7; measurement/ control tech. 0.4; petrochemicals 0.3; Shoes 0.3; Other 1.9 Agreements with Germany • Investment Protection Agreement since May 27, 2010 • Agreement on Air Transport since June 18, 1991 • Agreement on October 2, 2000 amending and supplementing the Agreement of June 18, 1991 on air transport Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community & GCC countries in 1988. German residents in Bahrain According to the foreign office, there are 500 Germans in Bahrain. Most popular courses among Bahrainis in Germany Medical and technical subjects Germany is Bahrain’s most important partner in the European Union. 10, 000 German tourists visited Bahrain in 2018. In 2018, the German Embassy issued more than 6000 tourist visas and more than 2000 business visas for Bahrain. At present, around 30 German companies have offices in Bahrain or are engaged in projects in the country. There are approximately 500 German nationals living in Bahrain.
28 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com Germany in Bahrain On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Germany and Bahrain, we speak to German and Bahraini citizens who have helped bolster these ties. Abduljalil Al Ansari – Founder of the Bahraini-German Friendship Society and the first Bahraini to receive the German Medal of Merit – First Class. “My relationship with Germany began with my first trip to Cologne in 1965, where I attended an international exhibition where my personal and business relationships started. I think it’s very important for people to understand culture, from any visitors from Bahrain to Germany or vice-versa, whether it’s music, people, sights or more. As for commercial interest, I believe that German business relationships are important to us because not only are their goods and services reliable, but they are of exceptional quality. I am very proud to see the relationship which I believe I started in the 1960s when there were no diplomatic relations or embassies. It was up to me, my friends and colleagues to inform people about Germany, and I asked Bahrain and Saudi Arabian authorities to import products from there.” THE SOCIAL FABRIC Ali Khonji – A member of one of the oldest merchant business families in Bahrain, which started in 1898. “Our company was honoured to build the new German Embassy chancellery building which was handed over in 2011 and inaugurated by then-Ambassador, His Excellency Hubert Lang. We are extremely proud to have offered our services to the German government and we hope to continue this for years to come. I love to spend time in the south of Germany in the Black Forest area, since one of my favourite hobbies is walking. It’s one of my favourite holiday destinations. I believe there needs to be an International German School in Bahrain, which will boost the economic, cultural and educational relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Germany in future.” Birgit Hobaugh and Mohamed Alsharqi – Bahraini German International Services Birgit: “I came here more than 20 years ago, when it was a totally different world than it is today! I was made extremely welcome since my first day and it has felt like home. I still tell everybody who will listen how lovely a place it is. Mohammed and I opened up a company offering many services, in areas including travel and medical, between Bahrain and Germany. We have a lot of tourists coming to Bahrain, and I have found that as an official tour guide, Germans love Bahrain as I do! It’s great to show them all the important sites and history that we have, it’s real and traditional, which I don’t think is found as much in other Arab countries.” Mohamed: “When I invited Birgit to Bahrain for the first time, I was delighted that she loved the country and decided to stay. She has really adapted to the culture and gone deep into the Bahraini life, even though she couldn’t speak the language at first. I’m particularly interested in motorsports so I am proud to be the first Bahraini to start an official travel agency for motorsports between the two countries, offering up to seven tours a year for motorcyclists from Bahrain and the GCC.
Germany in Bahrain Nabeel Ajoor – Bahraini businessman and Member of Bahrain-German Business Society “We have a family business which deals in textiles, furniture and property. We have a very old connection with Germany, starting with my father who had gone to Frankfurt following the war to get his eyes operated on. Since then, we would visit Germany often, which I have driven around extensively exploring Hannover, Hamburg and Stuttgart. Germany has always been associated with quality in Bahrain, with my mother trusting their products too. We had imported very special curtains for the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital from Hamburg, aside from technical products and fabric for our furnishings business. I have released two books, including one which highlights the heritage of Bahrain and inspires nostalgia. German people have always been friendly so I often host members of the German community at my house so they may experience the Bahraini culture.” Professor Dr. Bernd Hoefer - Chairman & CEO of A9C Capital WLL “I’m a German businessman who has been based in Bahrain for over 15 years. For the first two years I worked for a very senior member of the Royal family following which I set up my company. In 2020, I co-founded a technology spin-off of the German Aerospace Centre in Germany. I am also the Chairman of the German Business Roundtable Bahrain. I have a scientific background, but am an economist having worked all my career at the interface between economy and technology. I’ve worked closely together with literally each and every space agency including NASA, JAXA, ISRO, ROSCOMOS and the European Space Agency. I believe that Bahrain and Germany have the potential to collaborate in the formation of technology-led industry in the Kingdom. I also don’t see any reason why Bahrain shouldn’t strive to become an automative manufacturing country, notably for electric cars. Bahrain has aluminium, top-notch logistics facilities, connectivity to the entire world, FTAs in place and other ingredients for great success.” Ingo Giesel - Director of Operations, Shelf Drilling (Global SantaFe Services - LLC) “I work in KSA for a drilling contractor company that supplies drilling rigs for major oil companies. My wife and I have lived in seven different countries – Indonesia, Vietnam, Norway, The Netherlands, Scotland, the UAE and Egypt. After living in Egypt for three years, we moved to Bahrain where we have now lived for the last 11 years. Bahrain also has an advantage of having a great variety of restaurants which my wife and I dine at to enjoy some good food. Considering that we’ve lived in so many other countries, we really enjoy living in Bahrain as it is safe and there’s plenty to enjoy. I also enjoy working in a cultural environment, as presented by the region, and I believe everyone should have this experience. When thinking of German brands, one of the most important one that’s comes to my mind is DHL since it is a major logistics provider and logistics in the current market is a problem because of ongoing issues. The other one would be Lufthansa which is the official carrier and keeps a connection between the people in Bahrain and Germany. Others that come to mind are Porsche, Mercedes and BMW.” Uwe Torsten - RCSI Bahrain Professor and Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Prior to moving to Bahrain, I’d worked in Berlin for 24 years. The first time I visited was in 2019 when I worked as a part time consultant at The King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH). However, being an academic, I applied to RCSI. I believe Germany has a great reputation in Arab countries, and so I could proceed from where I left off in Berlin. There are a lot of healthcare manufacturers in Germany, especially in the south of the country. When in the operating theatre in Bahrain, I realised that we have a lot of German equipment from brands such as Siemens and Ecolab which are of a very high-standard and appreciated here in Bahrain. I’m interested in archaeology and geological issues so when I arrived here, I immediately looked into the 5000-year-old history of Bahrain and the Dilmun culture and was very interested when I made a comparision to what was in Europe, Egypt and elsewhere. It’s astonishing.” May 2022 29 www.bahrainthismonth.com
bahrainthismonth.comRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==