70 Years of Bilateral Relations A Special Supplement celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the historic relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom BROUGHT TO YOU BY www.bahrainthismonth.com
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www.bahrainthismonth.com FOSTERING HISTORIC RELATIONS On the occasion of HM Queen Elizabeth ll’s Platinum Jubilee, we spoke to the British Ambassador to Bahrain, HE Roderick Drummond, about his time in the Kingdom so far and significant developments that are sure to enhance bilateral relations between the two Kingdoms. REPRESENTING THE KINGDOM The Kingdom of Bahrain’s ambassador to the UK, HE Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, shares his thoughts on HM Queen Elizabeth ll’s Platinum Jubilee, his diplomatic experience and the historic ties between the two Kingdoms. A HISTORIC TIMELINE Exploring key events and developments that have strengthened the historic diplomatic ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom. MAKING HISTORY Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the historic relationship between Bahrain and the United Kingdom. 16 IN CONVERSATION WITH A KNIGHT We spoke with one of the most influential figures in the historic relations between Bahrain and the UK, Lt Gen (Retd) Sir Tom Beckett. He is the Middle East executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and was instrumental in bringing the Manama Dialogue, the biggest annual military and political conference in the Kingdom, to fruition. 18 MEDIA’S VETERAN VOICE George Williams is one of the most renowned figures in local media, having held a long and distinguished career as the editor of the biggest English language newspaper in Bahrain. Here’s how his position bolstered ties between the two nations. 19 HERE FOR THE PEOPLE The Very Reverend Christopher Butt served as Dean of St Christopher’s Cathedral from 2009 until his retirement in 2019. Upon his brief return to Bahrain, we couldn’t miss the chance to speak with one of the most important facilitators of strengthening cultural, religious and historical ties between the two nations. 20 A GREAT PARTNER OF TRADE Bahrain British Business Forum Chairman, Khalid Rashid Al Zayani - one of the most important figures in relations between the two Kingdoms shares his thoughts on the milestone occasion. 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 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 UK IN BAHRAIN CONTENTS 6 8 10 14 4 June 2022
June 2022 5 www.bahrainthismonth.com BOOSTING BUSINESS TIES BBBF Deputy Chair, Paula Boast is instrumental in managing memberships and strategising for the future. We spoke with her to find out more about her efforts to boost Bahraini-British relations. 23 SENSATIONAL, STYLISH AND SPORTY Bentley Motors is one of the most sought-after luxury car brands in the world. Its exclusive distributor in Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers, recently launched the new Bentayga S and we were there to see the new model in all its shiny glory. FAST FRIENDS When it comes to motorsport, the relationship between Bahrain and the UK has always been incredibly strong. We spoke to Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit, to find out more about the fascinating history the two nations share both, on and off the track. 30 PAVING THE WAY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Dr. Abdulla Al Hawaj, the Founding President of Ahlia University, is one of the top educational leaders in the Middle East. He spoke to us about his studies in the UK and his lifelong mission to improve higher education opportunities in Bahrain. AN AFFINITY WITH THE UK Akram Miknas, one of the most successful businessmen in the Middle East, speaks about his affinity with the UK. CHERISHED MEMORIES & NEW BEGINNINGS Bahrain This Month’s former motoring correspondent and a resident of the Kingdom for more than 40 years, Dick Potter, discusses his new venture back in the UK and reminisces on his time spent on our beautiful island. A DISTINGUISHED SERVICEMAN Sam Thompson is a distinguished serviceman, with experience in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the London Air Ambulance. He spoke about his new job in Bahrain and gave us an insight into his training alongside some of the UK’s most prominent royals. 43 GENERATIONAL TIES Nasser Al Arayedh, Chairman of Al Arayedh Group Holding (AAGH), who gave us an insight into the Al Arayedh family’s close ties with the British community. We would like to thank the Diplomat Radisson Hotel in Bahrain and its senior management for providing facilities utilised for some of the filmed interviews in this documentary. 21 34 36 40 25
FOSTERING HISTORIC RELATIONS Your Excellency, you’ve had an extensive career spanning three decades. Could you give our readers a brief summary of your experience? It sometimes doesn’t seem like such a long time, but I have gathered a bit of experience over the years, mostly in the Middle East - Syria, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. It’s always been dealing with quite a mix of issues with prosperity trade investment being a common theme apart from security in some places. This is in addition to getting to know and develop relations with each of those countries. Experiences in Africa, the South Pacific and Fiji were also fascinating and provided a real contrast to working in the Middle East. What are your thoughts on Bahrain, compared to other countries you have been stationed at in the region? Well, I’ve always enjoyed working in this region - getting to know people and their culture. I find that its easier, quicker and warmer here in Bahrain than anywhere else. I have friends from other parts of this region, but we became friends with many people here quite quickly. It’s been a real joy to get to know people in Bahrain and work together with them on common enterprises. You were appointed the ambassador to Bahrain in April 2019. What do you consider to be the embassy’s most significant achievements during this time? Despite COVID, we’ve been able to continue to deepen and extend the relationships in many different fields that we have a shared interest in. Broadening the offer from the UK to Bahrain in the field of education has been one of the trade investments projects we have been working on. Where security and defence are concerned, I’m very proud that one of Her Majesty’s warships is now in the Royal Bahrain Naval forces. We’ve done a lot across the board, but the thing that I’m most proud of is that it’s going to be much easier for Bahrainis to travel to the UK with the electronic visa waiver scheme. What are your thoughts on the close bilateral relations that have existed between the UK and the Kingdom of Bahrain over recent decades? How could this be further strengthened? One of the things that struck me here is that Bahrainis understand and know the UK extraordinarily well, enabling them to select what it is in the UK that’s relevant here. When I look at the kind of courses that are being run here with support from British universities, that’s diversifying because Bahrainis understand that those choices are relevant to their future endeavours. This is not staying still; it continues to develop. I’m very impressed with the Bahraini youth and their different perspectives. What do you consider to be your major objective as ambassador during the remainder of your assignment in Bahrain? I’ve got a long time to go - a year and a half. I haven’t started to think of the end of it yet, but we’re clearly coming out of COVID, and moving forward we want to check that we’re pushing in the right direction - putting our effort in the right place. As ambassador, I want to be sure that we’re backing the right schemes, getting involved in the right projects, reassessing our priorities and discussing them with our Bahraini partners. Are there any significant or noteworthy contributions made by British citizens in Bahrain in recent years? Yes, quite a number. I’m very impressed when I talk to the universities here; you know the British University of Bahrain is perhaps the most notable, but there are others and the way they’re developing new postgraduate offer is something that has not been done here before. I’m also very impressed with the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF), which has a British and Bahraini joint leadership, and is going to give a new lease of life to business ties by turning into a Chamber of Commerce as part of the British Chambers of Commerce network. Could you highlight some of the most significant high-level delegations and VIP visits over the past 70 years? So, over the past 70 years, I think we have to think of the visit of Her Majesty to Bahrain in 1979. The relationship with the late Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, was very important for so many years. And I look at the visits to the UK by His Majesty and all of the things that have flown from that, and His Royal Highness had seen all the top people including the Prime Minister and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in London last year. So, I know that this is not something looking back, that’s only the historical visits, but those that have brought us to where we are today. And of course, we’ve had our own Prime Ministers here on many occasions over the last several decades because the UK-Bahrain relationship is special. It goes beyond the sort of individual components. There’s a real warmth to it on both sides and part of my job is to foster that. Turning now to the current status of trade between Bahrain and the UK. Has BREXIT provided any specific advantages for further developments in this regard? Yes, absolutely. So, I use as my benchmark the trade for the period right before COVID - the beginning of 2020, which was GBP 1.5 billion two-way goods and services, to both sides advantage, and after the pause and the changes around COVID, I think we’re going to bounce forward from that significantly. We’re about to start in the next few months negotiations for a free trade agreement with the GCC as a whole, and I think there’ll be FOSTERING HISTORIC RELATIONS In June 2022, the British Embassy, the British Community and the people of Bahrain will join together in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Anniversary. On the occasion, Bahrain This Month spoke to the British Ambassador to Bahrain, His Excellency Roderick Drummond, about his time in the Kingdom so far and significant developments that are sure to enhance bilateral relations between the two Kingdoms. 6 June 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain
some side agreements around that with Bahrain as well. The future is very bright. What are the most popular British products and services in Bahrain? We see lots of different professional services being offered in both directions. That’s a very strong sector that continues to grow. I think we’re seeing growth in manufacture which is going to start to take off over this next period. British firms are realising that talent is easier to recruit here in Bahrain than in London or other cities in this region, and are therefore setting up offices to take advantage of that and do part of their regional operations from here in Bahrain. The business-friendly nature of this economy remains very important and attractive in many sectors. How many British citizens currently reside in the Kingdom of Bahrain? Between 5,000 and 7,000 of which we believe 5,000 are permanently here and another couple thousand semi-permanently. That figure hasn’t changed in the last couple of years, but we are hearing of new firms coming in and setting up offices. There are Brits in every sector of the economy, Providing professional services in different ways: legal, insurance, financial and education. Some of them have also become Bahraini over time. Is there anything else you can say? Bahrain continues to delight and surprise me. I continue to find new things about this pearl… this small place in the middle of the Gulf. I’m very confident that, things are on the right track and the next several years are going to be very exciting period of optimism of growth and new developments. And the UK will be right here, part of it, working with our Bahraini partners to make it bigger and better. June 2022 7 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain
REPRESENTING THE KINGDOM The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom have enjoyed strong diplomatic relations for several decades. On the occasion of the celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll’s Platinum Jubilee, we spoke to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, about his thoughts on the milestone, his diplomatic experience and the historic ties. You’ve had a distinguished career since joining the Bahrain Civil Service Bureau in 1990. Can you give us a brief summary of your diplomatic postings and missions so far? Serving the kingdom, both at home and abroad has been the greatest honour of my career. My diplomatic posting began as an ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Court of St James’s in 2015. I handed my credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll in December 2015, serving as the Kingdom’s 11th ambassador to the United Kingdom, since we commenced our diplomatic relationship with the UK in 1971. Shortly afterwards, my mandate expanded to provide non-resident representation to some of the key countries in Western Europe including Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and Norway. Out of the countries in Europe, Bahrain has about five or six covering Western Europe. So, each ambassador covers quite a bit in terms of being a resident and non-resident ambassador basically the mandate there is to strengthen while supporting Bahrainis residing in those countries. 8 June 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain
June 2022 9 www.bahrainthismonth.com What are your key observations about living in the UK? How does it compare to your previous postings? I’ve experienced living in the UK during my commissioning course in 1993 and have been coming here with the family and kids on a regular basis. So, when I was first appointed as ambassador here, it wasn’t a new place or significantly different than what I’ve been used to and I have felt right at home since day one. We are accustomed to a lot of things that are similar to Bahrain. What do you consider to be your most significant achievement since joining the Court of St James’s? There have been a few memorable milestones. I think we had a number of official visits either here in the UK or in Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Charles visited Bahrain, and he chose Bahrain for his only day off in the Gulf - a reflection of the depth of the relationship between the two countries. Here in the UK, His Majesty King Hamad usually comes every year for the Royal Windsor Horse Show and is hosted at Windsor castle every year. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s first official visit abroad was to the UK where he met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. So, all of these, plus I have almost 200 official visits per year from Bahrain to the UK. It’s quite a busy schedule here in the UK where we tend to a number of issues that are related. However, during the pandemic I saw quite a bit of work between our two governments, whether in terms of sharing knowledge, experience and knowhow. We saw it firsthand, a number of issues regarding dealing with the pandemic first, and were lucky to both recognise the issues related to it and address them very early on. So, we were lucky, in the UK and Bahrain, to overcome the pandemic with as little damage as possible. That was quite a significant cooperation between the two countries. How many Bahraini expats live in the UK and what’s the main reason for them being there? There are a few thousands of Bahrainis living here who feel right at home and we support them in any way we can. I think we’ve got three kinds of Bahrainis living here in the UK. We’ve got Bahrainis who are married into British families and are living with their partners here in the UK; Bahrainis that are working here in the UK in various fields; and Bahrainis that have graduated from universities here and are seeking experience in terms of getting jobs, internships or short-term working experience here. We also have over 50 doctors living and working here in the UK. What activities does the embassy of the kingdom of Bahrain in the UK undertake to promote cooperation and unity between the two countries? We have to basically engage, engage and engage. The embassy is focused on forging a strong relationship across all parts of society here in the UK, whether it’s policy shapers or taking people-to-people relations to new heights on a daily basis. So, we are engaged on all levels of people that influence policy here in the UK. What image of Bahrain does your embassy in the UK project to the host country? Well, the Kingdom of Bahrain has a bold vision for the future and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister held, in February of last year, his first wide ranging briefing since his appointment as Prime Minister. It was then that he made clear his ambition to unleash the full potential of the country’s economy, built on competition, innovation, adaptation and growth; a country that works with old friends and new allies across the globe to foster an open competitive environment with access to a global economy that rewards creativity and excellence. Our bilateral relations are anchored on a strong deeply-rooted partnership, not only in defense and mutual security interest, but trade, commerce and the bonds of friendship that go across the geographic borders in Britain and Bahrain. It’s not time to rest on our previous successes. Our nations are focused on having a meaningful, outward looking future where positive engagement and cooperation with global partners are more important than ever before. Yet, for all of this success, there is much potential yet to be unlocked. You’ve had several achievements in your career. Which of your experiences do you think have helped prepare you most for your role as ambassador? It’s been accumulating. I think the working experience whether when I first started at the Civil Service Bureau or later on as Head of the Youth and Sports Organisation, or at the Information Affairs Authority, builds up your experiences of how to engage and communicate with other officials, whether in Bahrain or abroad. So, I believe that it’s an accumulation of work that I’ve done before. However, I think what’s important is how to project Bahrain’s image and ideas abroad and how to foster these relationships that is key to making any diplomat’s work a success. From your experience, what personality traits are required to make a good diplomat in general? What I’ve seen here, considering that London is the largest host of diplomatic entities anywhere in the world with over 20,000 diplomats working and living here, is that communication is key. In addition, to become a successful diplomat here in London, being social and quite knowledgeable is essential because you’ve got a community here in London that understands the region very well. I think it’s very important to understand the politics of the region and how you can communicate that well. What are your personal thoughts about the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II? Do you have any words to share on behalf of Bahrain? The Platinum Jubilee is a testament to 70 years of opportunities and many challenges shouldered by Her Majesty the Queen throughout her reign. She has been a symbol of stability and continuity in an ever-changing world, living and working by her principles of service, duty and hard work is what many across the world who work in public service strive to emulate. We are glad to have been able to celebrate the Royal Windsor Horse Show with her recently and to mark both, her birthday and her Jubilee. The vocabulary of the Bahrain Royals who took part alongside the participating countries, and the concluding was a whole show, which was held and her part of the celebrations. They will also take part on June the second for celebrations in front of Buckingham palace as well. So, we will participate in a number of events during that weekend and wish Her Majesty all the best. UK in Bahrain
10 June 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain A HISTORIC TIMELINE Exploring the historic diplomatic ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom 2022 2021 May HM The Queen extends personal invitation to HM King Hamad who visited the UK and attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show and a private luncheon at Windsor Castle July Maritime Component Command (UKMCC) – Commander Royal Guard Special Forces Visit. The United Kingdom Maritime Component Command and HMS MONTROSE hosted a visit by His Highness Lieutenant Colonel Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Forces. June United Kingdom Maritime Component Command (UKMCC) hosted a visit from Bahrain National Security Advisor His Highness Major General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for a visit to HMS MONTROSE. December The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for the Armed Forces) Rt Hon James Heappey MP, visited Bahrain. Meetings with Bahrain National Security Advisor His Highness Major General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander in Chief of the Bahrain Defence Forces February Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister for South Asia, North Africa, the United Nations and the Commonwealth at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office visited Bahrain
June 2022 11 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain 2013 2014 2017 2016 2018 February Visit by Bahrain’s Parliamentarians to the House of Commons for talks with British Parliamentarians March Launch of UK-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Working Group January GREAT British Week took place. Hosted in conjunction with the third international Bahrain Air Show, the GREAT British Week was an important part of the build-up to mark the 200th anniversary of bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Bahrain. January UK Prime Minister David Cameron visited Bahrain to meet with the Kingdom’s Crown Prince and business leaders June UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson received HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince, and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Downing Street for an hour-long meeting on a range of issues from trade to security. December UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson makes speech at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain April New Royal Navy operations hub opens in the Gulf. December Prime Minister Theresa May’s visit to Bahrain and the Gulf Co-operation Council January 200th anniversary of Bahrain-UK relations. November Visit to Bahrain by HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall
12 June 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain 2007 June On June 13, 2007, a co-operation agreement was signed between Bahrain Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. 1979 February Visit by HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to Bahrain. 1981 September Visit by UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Bahrain 1984 April State visit of the late Amir of Bahrain, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa to the UK 1995 The Bahrain British Business Forum was formed. 2006 Visit of the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, to the Kingdom of Bahrain during which she met with officials.
June 2022 13 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain 1938 The Princess Royal, Princess Alice and her husband the Earl of Athlone visited Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the winter of 1938. She was the first member of the British royal family to visit the country and the only one to meet King Abdulaziz. 1956 2022 Political Agency Building – later British Embassy – was built on its current site in Manama 1971 December Bahrain formally becomes independent of the UK The Letter from British Ambassador to the late Amir of Bahrain, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa can be found in the Bahrain National Museum. 1976 January British Airways first Concorde Service from London Heathrow to Bahrain Platinum Jubilee Celebratory Events May 21st May Green Canopy Tree Planting and Tour of New Site (Nadeen School) 29th May St Christopher’s Jubilee Songs of Praise June 1st June British Preparatory School - Jubilee Cake Competition 2nd June Capital School - Jubilee Party Picnic 3rd June British Club Street Party and Dilmun Club Jubilee Brunch 4th June British School Jubilee Festival Lulu Supermarket British Week Launch 6th June Scout Group of Bahrain - Queen’s Green Canopy - Tree Planting 8th June Embassy Gala Dinner 10th June BBBF Jubilee Cocktail Evening
14 June 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain MAKING HISTORY Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the historic relationship between Bahrain and the United Kingdom. On February 6, 2022 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the UK. To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, several events were planned across the UK to mark this momentous occasion. On this milestone anniversary, we look back at some iconic photographs of HM Queen Elizabeth ll, who has always maintained close diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Bahrain. Notably, in 1979, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was welcomed by the late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the then Amir of Bahrain when she disembarked from the Royal Yacht Britannia on her visit to Bahrain with the Duke of Edinburgh during her sixnation Tour of the Gulf States, the first ever by a female Head of State. HM also visited an exhibition of local crafts at Budaiya Park, and went on a tour of the Bahrain Museum in Muharraq. During the tour Her Majesty met with crowds and high-level officials. Given the close ties between the two nations, the late Amir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa paid a state visit to the UK in 1984.
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IN CONVERSATION WITH A KNIGHT Sir Tom, you were born here in Bahrain! How long were you resident here for, and how much of an influence did your formative years in the kingdom have on your later career? Indeed! I was born here in 1962 in Awali while my father was working for BAPCO. We left as a family in 1982 just after I turned 20, although for periods I was at boarding school in the UK because back then there weren’t really many opportunities for secondary education on the island using the UK curriculum. As for influences, you can’t live in a part of the world and not absorb some understanding of it. When, during my later career, I kept being brought back to the region, I felt I had a better understanding from having grown up here and lived in the Kingdom amongst Bahrainis and Arabs. Could you briefly summarise the highlights of your illustrious career to date? In particular, how did you get involved in the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)? Having left Bahrain in 1982, I joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1984 and joined the British Army where I served for 34 years. For the first part of my career until 1991, most of the army was focused on the threat from the USSR. Then in 1991 there was the Iraq invasion of Kuwait which brought a lot of the armed forces back to the region and this was my first re-exposure to the Gulf, coming into Saudi Arabia and then being part of the enormous international coalition, which restored the sovereign boundaries of Kuwait. While in the desert in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, I did get to pop back to Bahrain on two occasions which I greatly enjoyed! As we celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, we spoke with one of the most influential figures in the historic relations between Bahrain and the United Kingdom, Lt Gen (Retd) Sir Tom Beckett. He is the Middle East executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and was instrumental in bringing the Manama Dialogue, the biggest annual military and political conference in the Kingdom, to fruition. He opened up about his career and historic ties to Bahrain. UK in Bahrain 16 June 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com
June 2022 17 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain The highlights of my career are undoubtedly the command appointments and operations. I was fortunate enough to command a parachute battalion and an armoured brigade. In the former, I took part in the 2003 operation in Iraq and then in the latter I was the last British commander to leave Iraq. Being there at the beginning and end of it, having done effectively four operations in the Middle East region from 1991 to 2003, will always stand out to me. As a result of that presence in the region and considering I was born here, an appointment called the Defence Senior Advisor, Middle East and North Africa came up and I was successful. That was my concluding job in the British military and to become a major part of the United Kingdom’s bilateral relations with the region was an amazing highlight. Finally, because of that, when the role with IISS came up, it just fitted neatly together and I came back to Bahrain where it all began! The IISS has been a hugely important factor in diplomatic and political relations internationally. What is your specific role and how would you describe the Institute’s ultimate goals and objectives? Its higher purpose is to promote international peace and security. We do this by being an independent of government research institute with a focus on strategic studies. We look at conflict that could have a significant military dimension. We’re in our 63 rd year of being a heavily respected independent think-tank worldwide and it’s because of that intellectual underpinning that we can run events like the Manama Dialogue where we can bring together national leaders, ministers, policy-makers and more into Bahrain which is incredibly wellsupported by the government of Bahrain. What do you consider to be the most important highlights of the Manama Dialogue since its inception? The Manama Dialogue has two primary goals. The first one to bring, as mentioned previously, leaders and military figures together to present how they see regional conflicts going. The only thing we ask in return is that they take questions from an informed and expert audience that we have invited and that works very well. We air things, we challenge policy positions and everyone gets a better understanding of security issues in the region. The second is providing all attendees with a concentrated opportunity for bilateral engagement. We often see countries that might publicly disagree having private bilateral agreements which is obviously a good thing as it promotes international peace and security. What has the Manama Dialogue done specifically to boost ties between the UK and the Middle East? The UK has a long and storied history with the Gulf and Bahrain was the seat of the British residency in the political agency. The two nations have always had a mutually positive relationship in terms of prosperity, security and stability. I also think when I look at it from a Bahrain perspective, His Majesty King Hamad retains a very strong affection for the United Kingdom and what it did for the Kingdom of Bahrain. You were knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 on your retirement from the army. How proud were you to receive this award? I was exceptionally proud, although ‘absolutely amazed’ is the dominant emotion really. I couldn’t quite believe it when I took the call. It is slightly different than civilian awards, whereby they are asked and can accept or decline, but because we are military, we take orders and are not asked but given it. I didn’t expect it but after a 34-year career it was the most significant honour I could ask for. Finally, do you have any words you’d like to offer to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee? As a long-term soldier, the Queen is our Head of State and thus also our Commander-In-Chief. Many of us who have served, as part of the medals we receive for operations, have received Jubilee medals such as the silver and gold ones and we wear them with pride just as we do with our operational ones because we are part of the British army. Her Majesty has been an incredible influence for the United Kingdom and I think that on her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of unstinting service to the nation, is something that those of us who have also served the nation look on with the deepest admiration. Sir Tom Beckett (fourth from right) during an Awali School field trip to the tropospheric scatter station on the Jebel. (1973)
UK in Bahrain In 2020, after a career spanning 42 years, George Williams retired from his position as the editor-in-chief of the Gulf Daily News. To this day, it remains the highest-circulated English language daily newspaper in the Kingdom, while the benefits his work brought to the press industry as a whole are innumerable. Furthermore, the newspaper helped to bolster ties between Bahrain and the United Kingdom in terms of story coverage and the simple matter of spreading the English language amongst the local community. Mr. Williams said: “I dedicated more than four decades of my life to the development of Bahrain’s press industry – hugely supported by Anwar Abdulrahman and Ronnie Middleton. Between us we built Bahrain’s first daily English language newspaper from nothing into a formidable force for change. Despite challenging times for the print industry, I am very optimistic that, in tandem with online sites, it can still sustain significant reach and clout. “However, fake news pumped out constantly on social media does sicken me. Gone are the days when a newspaper was the main source of reliable, truthful news. An editor could control the veracity and honesty of every word he or she published. Now everyone thinks they can be journalists, so by the time a story is read in morning editions, several false and embellished “British links permeate deeply in the fabric of Bahrain society, business and culture. In fact, it has embraced the British concept of thinking in many facets of life. I’m proud of this. “In return, from Bahrainis I learned courtesy, tolerance, patience and self-respect, which are now the cornerstones of my daily life. “I would like to think that my efforts helped take English-language journalism in Bahrain to another level, and even into a golden era. I believe I have helped lay the groundwork in promoting press freedoms and reforms in Bahrain – helped by an amazingly enlightened King and Crown Prince who promise a bright future with vision. Mr. Williams reserved his final words for the Queen. He said: “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is immensely important to me as it marks the first time a British monarch has spent an unprecedented 70 years on the throne. I for one will definitely be attending functions and street parties here in the UK – as I hope will many Brits in Bahrain. What a milestone! I also look forward to visits here by members of Bahrain’s royal family, whose close relationship with three generations of British royals has spanned decades and endured. George Williams is one of the most renowned figures in local media, having held a long and distinguished career as the editor of the biggest English language newspaper in Bahrain. We found out how he used his position to bolster ties between the two nations. MEDIA’S VETERAN VOICE versions may have already been circulated online! “We must always strive to set the standard for ethical journalism and freedom of expression in Bahrain and regionally.” As the only British editor-in-chief in the Middle East at the time of his appointment, Mr. Williams worked tirelessly to strengthen the bond between his home and adopted nation. The GDN often worked closely with the British Embassy and the large British expat community in the Kingdom, whilst also involving itself in various Commonwealth Office surveys and initiatives. One particular highlight of his career was documenting the Queen’s visit to Bahrain in 1979. “I made a point of giving priority to any UK royal visit to Bahrain, and vice-versa, liaising closely with UK and local officials,” he said. We also carried many articles promoting Bahrain and British cultural activities, which I would often place with UK publications, news agencies, radio and TV stations. The famous Windsor Horse Show, sponsored by His Majesty King Hamad, was always a key fixture for example. 18 June 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com
June 2022 19 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain The Very Reverend Christopher Butt served as Dean of St Christopher’s Cathedral from 2009 until his retirement in 2019. He has returned to Bahrain for a brief period to help with the transition of the next Dean, and we couldn’t miss this chance to speak with one of the most important facilitators of strengthening cultural, religious and historical ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UK. When did the Church of England first establish a presence in the region? The cathedral was built in 1953. Therefore, it’s almost a parallel of the time of the Queen’s coronation. At the time it wasn’t actually a cathedral but became so in 1986, which also meant it became the seat of the Bishop. It still remains an Anglican Church, part of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. As an Anglican Church, what are the connections with the UK both, historic and modern? The Anglican Church initiative came initially from English people who were here in Bahrain, largely serving in government-related posts wanting a place of Anglican worship. That sowed the seeds, although it’s important to note that the ‘Anglican’ Church is not just English, it’s a worldwide communion. That is reflected by the whole range of different nationalities which make up our congregation. I feel that the English language crosses all sorts of boundaries and brings together nations and particularly nations of the Commonwealth. What are the main duties of a priest at St Christopher’s? The main duty is to provide regular worship. There is a daily service providing pastoral care to all who come under our ambit. Even if the diary for the day is not full, you will always find on any particular day that there are people who come just to talk or are in need in some sort of way, and we of course help in any way we can. During your time here, what did you enjoy most about living and working in Bahrain? I think what stands out first and foremost is the generosity and the hospitality that we received here from the royal family and the wider Bahraini community. I also highly appreciated interacting with the sheer mix of people, from those that are well-off to those that are struggling, from local businessmen to migrant labourers because they are all part of our community and we must respond equally to them. Can you tell us about your own celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee? We’re obviously sharing the occasion with the community, so we will be at various celebrations. The big one at the Cathedral is the Commonwealth Songs of Praise event which we are hosting, and this is very deliberately ‘Commonwealth’ and not ‘British’ because of the cosmopolitan nature of our community. When I read the list of nationalities represented, it really is quite exciting to see who will be here. We’ve got representation from Pakistan, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, South Africa, the UK and more. Can you share your thoughts about the Platinum Jubilee itself and what it means to you personally since the Queen is the head of the Church of England? One of the themes of our Commonwealth event will be to feature songs from several of Her Majesty’s Christmas broadcasts, which over the years have reflected her own deep, personal faith. I also believe her position, or role, of service comes across very powerfully in these songs. One of the readings we will have is her vow that she made to the people of the Commonwealth in a broadcast from South Africa on her 21st birthday. Then, she was a young woman realising that she had a lifetime ahead of her dedicated to the service of God, of her people and to the people of the Commonwealth. And I think she’s just a marvellous example to everyone, a much better example than our political leaders I have to say. Herefor the People
UK in Bahrain With more than 50 years of international business acumen operating in fields such as banking, motoring, manufacturing and more, Khalid Rashid Al Zayani is one of the Kingdom’s most successful businessmen. It is no surprise that he has been elected Chairman of the BBBF numerous times, one of the most important institutions to foster trade between Bahrain and the UK. He explained: “We do a lot of business with the United Kingdom, such as being the exclusive distributor of Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles in the Kingdom, the history of which goes back to the 1940s. One of our companies, Midal Cables, has also manufactured and fitted high tension cables to refit the grid of the UK all the way from Scotland to Wales.” The BBBF was founded in 1995, more as a social club comprising just 16 members, than a business club. Under Mr. Zayani’s leadership, not only has it grown in membership to approximately 500 members, but it has considerably improved business and trade between the UK and Bahrain and set an example for others to follow. Mr. Zayani said: “I believe the BBBF has helped the Bahrain population to engage more with British businesses and vice versa for British businessmen to network in the Gulf. We have specialised groups which meet directly with those figures, whether it is in engineering, banking, industry, trading and many more fields where we have knowledgeable figures who can share advice. “Now that Britain is out of the European Commission, they are no longer curbed by regulations imposed on them. Therefore, we can have a free trade agreement with them and this is something we are looking forward to as we have a special relationship with the UK. There isn’t a Bahraini who doesn’t aspire to go there, own property or have some sort of business interests there. “I believe there is a natural relationship between Bahrain and the UK anyway. It’s easy to look at Britain as a great partner both in business and tradition. Even our police department, national defence and education sectors have strong British DNA in them. “Personally, I have a huge affinity for their quality cars. I love the UK’s history of quality engineering. Most of the exceptional technology we see in Formula 1 for example is processed in the UK and the standards of research and development are so high.” The Duke of York presented Mr. Zayani with an honorary OBE in 2013, something he treasures to this day. Offering congratulations to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee, he said: “There isn’t a royalty in Europe as high in class as much as the British royalty and Her Majesty has ruled for 70 years as a true leader to her nation in both war and peace. People look up to Her Majesty and I had the honour and pleasure of meeting her when she came to visit us in Bahrain in 1979. “I was then the Chairman of Bahrain Historical and Archaeological Society and I took her around some sites. I was so impressed by her knowledge of the site before she arrived and I said to her: “You’ve done your homework.” The Duke of Edinburgh then turned to me and said: “She always does her homework!” I shall always remember her kindness to me when I was a young man at that time.” As the Chairman of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF), Khalid Rashid Al Zayani is one of the most important figures in relations between the Kingdom and the UK. We sat down for an insightful chat as part of our special look at bilateral relations between the two nations. A GREAT PARTNER OF TRADE 20 June 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com
June 2022 21 www.bahrainthismonth.com UK in Bahrain BOOSTING BUSINESS TIES As Deputy Chair of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF), Paula Boast is instrumental in managing the membership and strategising for the future. We spoke with her to find out more about her efforts to boost Bahraini-British relations. Originally from Northern Ireland, Ms. Boast has been an international construction engineering and projects lawyer for 20 years. She first arrived in Bahrain in 2006 to focus on iconic Bahrain projects such as Diyar Al Muharraq, Riffa Views, Durrat Al Bahrain and Bahrain Bay. She is now a partner with Charles Russell Speechlys and the current head of its Middle East projects team for the region, a job which she combines with her work for the BBBF. She said: “I joined the BBBF in 2008 as a member. It formed a key part of my projects networking and business development plan. I volunteered for the Committee until an election year came around in 2010 and I was voted in as Special Interest Groups Officer. I was responsible for delivering key events on a sector specific basis such as banking and finance, real estate, security, oil and gas etc. In 2014 I became Deputy Chair, and remain so to this day. “In terms of responsibilities, I am very hands on! We have a great team at the BBBF. A key part of my role is strategy and planning, and then delegation and management. So that could be for key events and our diary programme, website upgrades, communication and PR developments, diplomatic and trade liaison initiatives, meeting with incoming businesses and cross regional facilitation. It boils down to thinking about how we evolve, how we grow, how we stay relevant, and how we take BBBF into the future.” One of the BBBF’s core aims is to promote networking and boost business ties internationally, something it does through events and conferences. Following the pandemic, more in-person meetings are expected to resume. When asked how the BBBF has improved relations between the UK and Bahrain, Ms Boast explained: “Firstly, we operate a forum that allows people as a priority to actually meet each other and to connect. In turn that allows them to build relationships. This remains a key factor in doing business in the Kingdom. We have always been business ‘friendly’ and we remain so. “We have members who span 20 or more years with us which is testament to our formula that networking is a cornerstone to business success. We have also driven forward cross-regional initiatives with other business groups in the region which is vital. From regional connections our members can also build global connections. So, the reach is beyond just British and Bahraini businesses.” The Forum’s major event of the year is the Poppy Ball in November, with a further key annual event to be added in the first half of 2023. This month, there will also be special celebrations held for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Ms Boast said: “On behalf of everyone at the BBBF, we would like to pass to Her Majesty our heartfelt congratulations on her Platinum Jubilee. From a business perspective I think I speak for all of our members when I say that Her Majesty’s work ethic, adaptability and resilience stands as a shining example to us all. We have been very lucky to have had the support of Her Majesty and the Royal Family throughout the BBBF’s history and we look forward to seeing that continue. “The Platinum Jubilee marks a new chapter not just for Her Majesty but also for us at the BBBF. After 27 years, we now start our transition to becoming the British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain. We have a lot of work to do in the year ahead but we are very excited about the future.”
22 June 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Launch of the New Bentley Bentayga S Bentley Bahrain held a launch event for the new Bentley Bentayga S - the latest model to join the extraordinary Bentley SUV range. Guests were treated to a first look at the striking car at the launch held at The Royal Golf Club, Riffa Views.
June 2022 23 UK in Bahrain With striking design cues and unique detailing, the Bentayga S is the latest version of Bentley’s benchmark, go-anywhere luxury SUV, designed and engineered in the UK and manufactured in Bentley’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe. Building on Bentley’s established ‘S’ brand, this new enhanced sports Bentayga provides an even more engaging drive, with Bentley Dynamic Ride active antiroll control fitted as standard and an enhanced Sports chassis mode. A 15 percent increase in damping stiffens the chassis and provides a platform for a more dynamic SPORT mode ESC tune. Bentayga S also features a revised visual presence through the distinctive addition of black details, and a more sporting soundtrack courtesy of a newly designed, free-flowing sports exhaust – both of which increase the Bentayga’s already imposing presence on the road. The Bentayga S is distinguished by a range of distinctive exterior features, including new unique 22” wheels with three finishes, innovative ‘S’ badges positioned on the lower edge of the front doors, and Blackline Specification as standard. Inside a luxuriously refined cabin, bespoke style can be found with new seats, unique stitching, a new colour split and colour accents on the instrument panel, centre console, door pads and seat bolsters as well. Bentley’s sector-defining and market-leading luxury SUV is available in four, five or seven seat configurations and this fourth model in the Bentayga range joins the efficient plug-in Hybrid, the 4.0-litre turbocharged V8, and the powerful 6.0-litre, 12-cylinder Speed. The Bentayga S features Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine, combining immense power with impressive fuel economy. The latest-generation engine develops 542bhp and 770Nm of torque, with a 0-60mph (0–100 kmph) time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 180mph (290kmph). This class-leading performance is complemented by a range of 654km, with CO2 emissions of 294g/km. Of course, with this model’s sporty design, how the car drives is of utmost importance. In SPORT mode, there is improved steering feel, greater turn-in response and further reduced body-roll is possible due to an additional 15 percent increase in air suspension damping and a unique Electronic Stability Control and Bentley Dynamic Ride tune. A new sports exhaust is included as standard, with freeflowing primary and secondary pipes improving flow and combining with reduced perforations in the muffler to deliver enhanced character and volume, giving a more performance-oriented feel. The Bentayga’s comprehensive off-road abilities remain, with the optional All-Terrain Specification bringing four dedicated off-road modes (Snow and Wet Grass, Dirt and Gravel, Mud and Trail, and Sand) along with a 500mm wading depth. As far as infotainment goes, the Bentayga S shares a fully digital driver’s information panel with the Bentayga Speed, with pronounced dial graphics that take influence from high-end chronographs. The display brings a contemporary look to the cockpit, can be customised to the driver’s requirements and features real- time lighting effects with elegant animations. The high-resolution screen can be viewed in either Classic or Expanded format. In Classic, the display shows the traditional two-dial design of speedometer and tachometer. In Expanded, the right dial is replaced with an area for maps and media information. For more information on this spectacular Bentley, call 17 459-999. Bentley Motors is one of the most sought-after luxury car brands in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe, UK, is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production. However, it also has a home in Bahrain thanks to the iconic marque’s exclusive distributor Behbehani Brothers, who this month launched the new Bentayga S at The Royal Golf Club, Riffa Views. Bahrain This Month was there to see the new model in all its shiny glory. Sensational, Stylish and Sporty www.bahrainthismonth.com
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