p act - newsofbahrain.com · hisham hassan mohammed al hammadi, the police officer who was shot...

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200 FilsTuesday, January 31, 2017 Issue No. 7278

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P P08P 04 19Harvesting

‘water’ from thin air

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US man found guilty of recruiting student for IS

US idea to make drug cartels fund wall hailed

New York

A US man from Arizona was found yesterday

guilty of recruiting a New York student who fought and died for the so-called Islamic State extremist group in Syria.

Actterror: tough on

Premier

DT News NetworkManama

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa

bin Salman Al Khalifa has issued directives to crack down on terrorists by strictly enforcing the laws and government decisions, according to a statement by Cabinet Secretary-General Dr. Yaser bin Essa Al-Nasser.

The directive issued at the weekly Cabinet session held at Gudaibiya Palace yesterday comes in the wake of the terrorist act which claimed the life of police officer First-Lieutenant Hisham Hassan Mohammed Al Hammadi at Bilad Al Qadeem in the late hours of Saturday.

“Decisive and prompt action has to be taken against law-breakers without laxity in order to not allow terrorism to become endemic in a secure and

stable country such as Bahrain,” the Prime Minister said, lauding the sacrifices made by the brave security personnel for the sake of the homeland and their commitment to safeguard its integrity and security.

“Such treacherous acts of terror will never undermine the resolve and determination of the Government and people of Bahrain to uproot extremism and terrorism,” the Prime minister averred, stressing that the arm of justice will reach terrorists and murderers wherever they are, as retribution is necessary to ensure that Bahrain remains an oasis of security and stability as it has always been.

The Cabinet extended its deepest condolences to the family and relatives of the fallen police officer and prayed to the Almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace.

Mexico City

Mexico welcomed yesterday a senior US

official’s suggestion that drug cartels could pay for a controversial border wall, but the idea raised eyebrows in local media.

2 Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Body of slain police DT News NetworkManama

Hundreds bid adieu to First Lieutenant Hisham Hassan Mohammed Al Hammadi,

the police officer who was shot dead by suspected terrorists in Bilad Al Qadeem late on Saturday. Public Security chief Major-General Tariq Al Hassan joined relatives and other mourners at the funeral. His body was laid to rest at Al-Hunainiya graveyard in Riffa.

The mourners extended condolences to the fallen serviceman’s family and all the Bahraini people, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the soul of the martyr in eternal peace.

Hisham Al Hamadi, who was targeted and killed in an ambush on his private property in the late hours of Saturday, was ‘shot more than a dozen times,’ a release sent to DT News from Bahrain’s embassy in UK.

He was spending the weekend at his farm in Bilad Al Qadeem when he was fatally attacked by armed assailants and shot more than a dozen times. Al Hamadi, the son of an Agriculture Ministry official, was well known in the area and normally spent his day off at his farm. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters.

A terror group, backed by Iran, known as Al Ashtar Brigades, had claimed the responsibility for the murder of the police officer on Sunday. The funeral prayer for First Lieutenant Hisham Hassan Al Hamadi; (R), Major-General Tariq Al Hassan consoling a relative of the slain police officer

3Tuesday, January 31, 2017

officer laid to rest

Rolex Boutique - Bahrain City Centre

Police fully equipped to deal with terrorism: Shaikh RashidDT News NetworkManama

Interior Minister, L i e u t e n a n t - G e n e r a l

Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa yesterday said that the terrorists who killed First-Lt. Hisham Hassan Mohammed Al Hamadi will be handled, the way all other terror cases handled, in accordance with the law.

“Police are fully equipped with weapons and training with orders to deal with all forms of terrorism, including armed attacks,” he said.

Shaikh Rashid made the statement while visiting the General Directorate of

Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science (CID) during a briefing on the security situation in the Kingdom. He extended condolences to the family

of the fallen officer, his colleagues and all Bahrainis.

The Minister said the use of weapon in the case in Bilad Al Qadeem is evidence of despair and frustration of those cowardly groups who killed the police officer, adding counter-terror operations will continues to eliminate the dangerous groups. He expressed thanks and appreciation to the department’s personnel for their security efforts and coordination with other police authorities. He has ordered CID personnel to continue their efforts in current investigations.

MPs seek action against perpetrators of terrorDT News [email protected]

Manama

The country’s lawmakers strongly condemned

the murder of police officer First Lieutenant Hisham Al Hammadi, demanding the government to take more deterrent actions against the perpetrators of terror.

The MPs expressed their concern over the increasing terror acts in Bahrain. They called on security authorities to “tighten its grip” on terrorist groups. Condemning the act, MP Mohsen Al Bakri stressed that a big responsibility falls on security authorities to eradicate terrorism from Bahrain.

“Justice, stringency and prompt implantation of the law are the keys to stop the growing terrorism in our country. Interior Ministry should stop the instigators, before the execution of terror acts. They should also stay vigilant against the so-called religious clerics who serve foreign agendas,” Al Bakri

stated, adding that the public should not exaggerate terrorism in Bahrain and promote the idea that security situations in Bahrain are not under control.

‘Hit hard’Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee Member Mohammed Al Jowder

demanded security authorities “to show no leniency towards terrorists and hit them hard”.

“Arrest them and hand them over to trial fast so justice could be served. These destructive terrorist acts that are backed by Iran. They are aiming at destabilising GCC states by supplying these organisations

with weapons and funds.

Weaponise securitymenOn his part, MP Theyab Al Nuaimi noted to the timing of the terrorist crime, which came few weeks after executing three individuals charged for killing three policemen. He described it as a desperate attempt to halt justice in Bahrain. The lawmaker demanded the Government to weaponise security personnel so

they could protect themselves and innocent lives.

Al Nuaimi called upon the people of Bahrain to protect their unity and don’t allow such acts to separate them.

He warned of the recently increasing attempts to promote segregation, sedition and sectarianism among Bahrainis.

“These acts would only make us hold on to each other stronger,” headed.

Mohsen Al Bakri Mohammed Al Jowder Theyab Al Nuaimi

Several MPs have expressed concern over the increasing terror acts in Bahrain. They have called upon

security authorities to ‘tighten its grip’ on terrorist groups

Police are fully equipped with weapons and

training to deal with all forms of terrorism,

including armed attacks

Shura chief offers condolencesDT News NetworkManama

Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh has extended

his condolences to the family of 1st Lieutenant Hesham Hassan Al Hammadi. He also extended his condolences to the Interior Ministry Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and the Ministry’s affiliates.

Strongly denouncing the cowardly act, he said terrorism runs counter to the teachings of all religions and humanitarian values. Condemning the heinous crime, he affirmed the Council’s solidarity with the Interior Ministry in all the measures it takes to maintain the country’s security and stability.

Riyadh

GCC Secretary General Dr.

Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani has strongly condemned the terror act which claimed the life of a Bahraini police officer, describing it as a heinous terror crime that contravenes all humanitarian and moral values and principles.

The GCC Secretary General underlined solidarity of the GCC countries with Bahrain in all procedures taken to maintain its security,

stability and the safety of its people.

He voiced confidence in the ability of the Bahraini security bodies to uncover the circumstances surrounding the terrorist act and the parties behind the crime as well as the ability to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He also extended condolences to the family of the fallen serviceman, the Interior Minister, the Interior Ministry personnel and the Bahraini people.

GCC Sec General condemns terror act


DT News [email protected]

Manama

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al

Khalifa yesterday directed ministries and government departments to allocate half of the working hours on February 7 for sports activities to mark the National Sports Day.

The Premier made the

statements as he chaired the regular weekly Cabinet session at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday.

The Prime Minister also directed to hold sporting events on the day for their employees in order to achieve the athletic, health and social goals of the National Sports Day, promote the concept of sports for all and raise awareness on the importance of sports for the society.

Skydiving championshipPrince Khalifa welcomed the Kingdom’s hosting of the World Indoor Skydiving Championship in 2018, organised by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (The World Air Sports Federation) as a prestigious sporting event that will consolidate Bahrain’s status in the sport and tourism fields.

In this regard, the efforts

put in by the Board Chairman of Gravity Company, Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, for supporting Bahrain’s bid to host the global sporting event, was lauded.

Port to be strengthenedThe Cabinet discussed ways to strengthen the competitiveness of the Khalifa bin Salman Port in the region by increasing its container and freight handling capacity as well as

its services. In this regard, the session reviewed a report submitted by the operating company of the Khalifa bin Salman port, a memorandum presented by the Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Financial Affairs and Rationalisation of Expenditure, and a report by the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications regarding the maritime facility.

HM King issues Royal OrdersDT News [email protected]

Manama

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

issued Royal Decree 6/2017 restructuring the board of trustees of Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies presided over by Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

Dr. Ahmed Hashim Al Yosha, Dr. Waheeb Isa Al Nasser, Ambassador Tawfiq Ahmed Al Mansour, Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulhussain Jawahery, Dr. Khalifa Ali Al Fadhel were appointed to the board of trustees. Their membership will be for four years. Any provision in contravention of the provisions of this order has been cancelled.

Based on Royal Decree 7/2017, Dr. Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa, Dr. Faisal Yaqoub Al Hamer, Dr. Abdullah Yousef Taleb, Dr. Jameela Mansour Al Sammak and Ali Ahmed Al Derazi were appointed as representatives of the Kingdom to the Consultative Authority at the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States’ Supreme Council. They will serve for three years.

Harvesting ‘water’ from thin airMohammed Zafran/[email protected]

Manama

As most of the countries in the world are facing acute

water shortage, a scientist is hoping to solve Middle East’s water scarcity issues with his invent which draws water from air.

AP Verheggen, the inventor of ‘DC03’, believes his technology is the solution for the Middle East to overcome a water shortage crisis.

He is currently in the Kingdom thanks to a Bahraini who was amazed by his invention and encouraged him to begin discussions with the authorities here.

In an interview with DT News, he explains how the technology works and how it can be used effectively in the Kingdom.

“‘DC03’ which is powered by sunlight, extracts water from air. The device is extremely cheap and simple and is of a huge benefit for drought

affected countries. The device was build without expensive converting technology,” Verheggen said.

Bahrain ‘ideal place’The climatic conditions in the Kingdom is well suited for DC03, according to Verheggen.

“The extreme hot summers in

Bahrain are not an obstacle

to build devices that could work p e r f e c t l y . The DC03 is a small-scale

and cheap c o n c e p t .

We have some excellent

ideas to build larger installations which can produce cubic meters of fresh water. It works with different technology that is more efficient. But to develop these machines another investment is required as they have to be built from scratch,” he says.

“In the future every household in Bahrain will have their own SolarWater system that produces water for personal usage. It’s only a matter of taking the first steps.”

“With DC03, everybody can benefit from a cheap, off-grid water production unit in a couple of year,” he added.

Closed Greenhouse conceptVerheggen also believes to transform the agriculture sector in the Kingdom to a level that does not need to source additional water.

“We have designed an advanced idea of a closed greenhouse. Water in the greenhouse can be recycled and additional water extracted from air. The water production unit generates hot and separately cold air, which can be used to cool or heat the greenhouse. So, in a couple of years Bahrain could present a greenhouse that generates its own climate and works autonomously.”

The scientist is currently searching for a fund improve his concept by pooling ideas from young minds all over the world.

“I want to inspire people with my creative and innovative ideas. I have published all technology of the DC03 concept open source on my website. I am searching for funding to start a worldwide competition between universities to improve the concept.”

Verheggen,has joined hands with Asif Osman, a Bahraini to introduce the SunGlacier project in Bahrain. Though

Verheggen has had informal discussions with the Ministry of Energy, they are yet to come to a formal conclusion.

Dual passportholders urged to correct statusDT News [email protected]

Manama

Citizens who have nationalities other than

that of Bahrain are requested to contact the passport office at the Security Service Complex in Muharraq to rectify their status before the deadline on February 4 in order to avoid legal action and fine, announced Acting Director of Nationality and Passport Affairs of the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA), Lieutenant-Col. Bader Rashid Al Binfalah.

“Bahrainis who obtained foreign citizenship before the endorsement of the Nationality Law,are required to disclose their second nationality,” the director said.

“Those who reside outside the country can either come to Bahrain or assign legal representatives through a request submitted to the Interior Minister’s office,” he added.

Forms can be obtained via www.npra.bh.bh or the passport office at the Security Services Complex. Required documents must also be provided.

Allocate time for sports activities on Feb 7: PM

HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa(C) chairing the cabinet session yesterday at the Gudaibiya Palace

AP Verheggen

‘DC03’ which is powered by sunlight, extracts water from air

94.496.9

47.5

51.453.4

55.389.2

84.686.6

Net Profit (BD Millions)

40

45

50

55

60

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Customer Deposits (BD Millions)Total Income (BD Millions)

2012 2013 2014 2015 201660

70

80

100

90

2,088.42,077.92,154.9

2,083.5

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

2,250

2,500

2,000

1,750

1,500

2,247.0

Earning Assets (BD Millions)

58.2

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

2,750

3,000

2,500

2,250

2,000

2,823.0

2,515.82,580.92,596.8

2,837.9

The above Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Profit or Loss, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of Cash Flows and Statement of Changes in Equity have been extracted from the Bank’s financial statements audited by KPMG, who expressed an unqualified opinion on 30 January 2017

KPMG30 January 2017

Licensed by CBB as a conventional retail bank | National Bank of Bahrain BSC, P.O. Box 106, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, Tel: 17 228800, Fax: 17 228998, Website: www.nbbonline.com, E-mail: [email protected]

2016 FINANCIAL RESULTSStatement of Cash FlowsFor the year ended 31 December 2016 2015

BD US$ BD US$millions millions

Cash flows from operating activities Profit for the year 58.24 154.88 55.26 146.97Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation 1.65 4.39 1.77 4.71Impairment provisions on loans & advances 2.08 5.53 7.75 20.59Impairment provisions on investments 2.46 6.54 1.30 3.46Share of profit of associates (2.99) (7.95) (4.58) (12.19)Profit for the year after adjustments 61.44 163.39 61.50 163.54Changes in operating assets and liabilities Balances with central banks (mandatory cash reserves) 3.36 8.94 2.02 5.38Treasury bills (145.38) (386.65) (120.26) (319.85)Placements with banks and other financial institutions (15.42) (41.01) 12.54 33.35Trading securities 5.69 15.13 (5.48) (14.56)Loans and advances 17.71 47.10 (276.44) (735.23)Investment securities 5.98 15.89 (137.13) (364.72)Interest receivable and other assets 0.88 2.34 (9.01) (23.93)Due to banks and other financial institutions 102.32 272.13 133.16 354.15Borrowings under repurchase agreements (5.37) (14.28) 41.48 110.31Customer deposits (158.67) (421.99) 92.17 245.15Interest payable and other liabilities 1.74 4.63 5.33 14.19Net cash used in operating activities (125.72) (334.38) (200.12) (532.22)Cash flows from investing activities Investment in associates (10.00) (26.60) (9.16) (24.35)Dividend received from associates 0.65 1.73 0.23 0.60Purchase of property and equipment, net (1.56) (4.15) (1.29) (3.43)Net cash used in investing activities (10.91) (29.02) (10.22) (27.18)Cash flows from financing activities Dividends paid (25.66) (68.24) (23.26) (61.86)Donations and charities paid (1.50) (3.99) (1.42) (3.78)Net cash used in financing activities (27.16) (72.23) (24.68) (65.64)Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (163.79) (435.63) (235.02) (625.04)Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 372.65 991.10 607.67 1,616.14Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 208.86 555.47 372.65 991.10

Statement of Changes in EquityFor the year ended 31 December 2016

In BD millions Share

capital

Shares under

employee share

incentive scheme

Share premium

Statutoryreserve

Generalreserve

Fair value reserve

Donation& Charity

reserveRetainedearnings

Total

BDmillions

US$ millions

Balance at 1 January 2016 105.41 (1.72) 1.21 51.75 32.40 7.62 13.40 154.69 364.76 970.112015 appropriations

Cash dividend at 25% – – – – – – – (25.98) (25.98) (69.10)Bonus shares issued 10% 10.54 (0.15) – – (10.54) – – 0.15 – –Transfer to donations and charity – – – – – – 2.76 (2.76) – –Transfer to general reserve / statutory

reserve – – – 0.96 15.81 – – (16.77) – –Transfer to statutory reserve – – – 5.27 (5.27) – – – – –

Balance after 2015 appropriations 115.95 (1.87) 1.21 57.98 32.40 7.62 16.16 109.33 338.78 901.01Employee shares allocated – 0.23 1.32 – – – – – 1.55 4.13Comprehensive income for the year:

Profit for the year – – – – – – – 58.24 58.24 154.88Other comprehensive income – – – – – 17.64 – (0.01) 17.63 46.89

Total comprehensive income for the year – – – – – 17.64 – 58.23 75.87 201.77Utilisation of donation and charity reserve – – – – – – (1.50) – (1.50) (3.99)Balance at 31 December 2016 115.95 (1.64) 2.53 57.98 32.40 25.26 14.66 167.56 414.70 1,102.92

For the year ended 31 December 2015

In BD millions Share

capital

Shares under

employee share

incentive scheme

Share premium

Statutoryreserve

Generalreserve

Fair valuereserve

Donation& Charity

reserveRetainedearnings

Total

BDmillions

US$ millions

Balance at 1 January 2015 94.09 – – 47.05 32.40 52.60 12.15 139.73 378.02 1,005.372014 appropriations

Cash dividend at 25% – – – – – – – (23.52) (23.52) (62.55)Bonus shares issued 10% 9.41 – – – (9.41) – – – – –Transfer to donations and charity – – – – – – 2.67 (2.67) – –Transfer to general reserve – – – – 14.11 – – (14.11) – –Transfer to statutory reserve – – – 4.70 (4.70) – – – – –

Balance after 2014 appropriations 103.50 – – 51.75 32.40 52.60 14.82 99.43 354.50 942.82Employee shares issued 1.91 (1.91) – – – – – – – –Employee shares allocated – 0.19 1.21 – – – – – 1.40 3.73Comprehensive income for the year:

Profit for the year – – – – – – – 55.26 55.26 146.97Other comprehensive income – – – – – (44.98) – – (44.98) (119.63)

Total comprehensive income for the year – – – – – (44.98) – 55.26 10.28 27.34Utilisation of donation and charity reserve – – – – – – (1.42) – (1.42) (3.78)Balance at 31 December 2015 105.41 (1.72) 1.21 51.75 32.40 7.62 13.40 154.69 364.76 970.11

Statement of Financial PositionAs at 31 December 2016 2015


AssetsCash and balances at central banks 102.99 273.92 106.78 284.00Treasury bills 486.80 1,294.69 462.94 1,231.23Placements with banks and other financial institutions 160.90 427.93 185.45 493.21Trading securities 0.35 0.93 6.04 16.06Loans and advances 1,031.93 2,744.48 1,051.72 2,797.11Investment securities 1,092.92 2,906.71 1,094.04 2,909.68Investment in associates 50.08 133.18 37.75 100.40Interest receivable and other assets 38.71 102.96 42.48 112.98Property and equipment 12.42 33.03 12.51 33.27Total assets 2,977.10 7,917.83 2,999.71 7,977.94

LiabilitiesDue to banks and other financial institutions 373.81 994.19 271.49 722.05Borrowings under repurchase agreements 64.28 170.96 69.65 185.22Customer deposits 2,088.35 5,554.12 2,247.02 5,976.13Interest payable and other liabilities 35.96 95.64 46.79 124.43Total liabilities 2,562.40 6,814.91 2,634.95 7,007.83

EquityShare capital 115.95 308.38 105.41 280.34Shares under employee share incentive scheme (1.64) (4.36) (1.72) (4.57)Share premium 2.53 6.73 1.21 3.22Statutory reserve 57.98 154.19 51.75 137.63General reserve 32.40 86.17 32.40 86.17Other reserves and retained earnings 207.48 551.81 175.71 467.32Total equity 414.70 1,102.92 364.76 970.11Total liabilities and equity 2,977.10 7,917.83 2,999.71 7,977.94

Statement of Profit or LossFor the year ended 31 December 2016 2015


Interest income 88.14 234.41 76.13 202.48Interest expense (22.15) (58.90) (16.61) (44.18)Net interest income 65.99 175.51 59.52 158.30Other income 30.88 82.14 34.88 92.77Total operating income 96.87 257.65 94.40 251.07Staff expenses 23.90 63.57 20.22 53.78Other expenses 10.19 27.13 9.88 26.27Total operating expenses 34.09 90.70 30.10 80.05Profit before provisions 62.78 166.95 64.30 171.02Impairment provisions on loans and advances (2.08) (5.53) (7.74) (20.59)Impairment provisions on investments (2.46) (6.54) (1.30) (3.46)Profit for the year 58.24 154.88 55.26 146.97Basic and diluted earnings per share 50.9 fils 14 cents 48.5 fils 13 cents

Statement of Comprehensive IncomeFor the year ended 31 December 2016 2015


Profit for the year 58.24 154.88 55.26 146.97Other comprehensive income:Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently

to profit or loss:Foreign currency translation movement (0.01) (0.03) (0.01) (0.03)Fair value reserve (available–for–sale securities):

Net change in fair value 19.53 51.95 (39.65) (105.45)Net amount transferred to profit or loss (1.89) (5.03) (4.96) (13.19)

Share of other comprehensive income of associates - - (0.36) (0.96)Total other comprehensive income for the year 17.63 46.89 (44.98) (119.63)Total comprehensive income for the year 75.87 201.77 10.28 27.34

Farouk Yousuf Khalil Almoayyed Chairman

30 January 2017

Dr. Essam Abdulla FakhroDeputy Chairman

Jean Christophe DurandChief Executive Officer



Manama

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al

Khalifa yesterday directed ministries and government departments to allocate half of the working hours on February 7 for sports activities to mark the National Sports Day.

The Premier made the

statements as he chaired the regular weekly Cabinet session at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday.

The Prime Minister also directed to hold sporting events on the day for their employees in order to achieve the athletic, health and social goals of the National Sports Day, promote the concept of sports for all and raise awareness on the importance of sports for the society.

Skydiving championshipPrince Khalifa welcomed the Kingdom’s hosting of the World Indoor Skydiving Championship in 2018, organised by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (The World Air Sports Federation) as a prestigious sporting event that will consolidate Bahrain’s status in the sport and tourism fields.

In this regard, the efforts

put in by the Board Chairman of Gravity Company, Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, for supporting Bahrain’s bid to host the global sporting event, was lauded.

Port to be strengthenedThe Cabinet discussed ways to strengthen the competitiveness of the Khalifa bin Salman Port in the region by increasing its container and freight handling capacity as well as

its services. In this regard, the session reviewed a report submitted by the operating company of the Khalifa bin Salman port, a memorandum presented by the Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Financial Affairs and Rationalisation of Expenditure, and a report by the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications regarding the maritime facility.

HM King issues Royal OrdersDT News [email protected]

Manama

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

issued Royal Decree 6/2017 restructuring the board of trustees of Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies presided over by Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

Dr. Ahmed Hashim Al Yosha, Dr. Waheeb Isa Al Nasser, Ambassador Tawfiq Ahmed Al Mansour, Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulhussain Jawahery, Dr. Khalifa Ali Al Fadhel were appointed to the board of trustees. Their membership will be for four years. Any provision in contravention of the provisions of this order has been cancelled.

Based on Royal Decree 7/2017, Dr. Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa, Dr. Faisal Yaqoub Al Hamer, Dr. Abdullah Yousef Taleb, Dr. Jameela Mansour Al Sammak and Ali Ahmed Al Derazi were appointed as representatives of the Kingdom to the Consultative Authority at the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States’ Supreme Council. They will serve for three years.

Harvesting ‘water’ from thin airMohammed Zafran/[email protected]

Manama

As most of the countries in the world are facing acute

water shortage, a scientist is hoping to solve Middle East’s water scarcity issues with his invent which draws water from air.

AP Verheggen, the inventor of ‘DC03’, believes his technology is the solution for the Middle East to overcome a water shortage crisis.

He is currently in the Kingdom thanks to a Bahraini who was amazed by his invention and encouraged him to begin discussions with the authorities here.

In an interview with DT News, he explains how the technology works and how it can be used effectively in the Kingdom.

“‘DC03’ which is powered by sunlight, extracts water from air. The device is extremely cheap and simple and is of a huge benefit for drought

affected countries. The device was build without expensive converting technology,” Verheggen said.

Bahrain ‘ideal place’The climatic conditions in the Kingdom is well suited for DC03, according to Verheggen.

“The extreme hot summers in

Bahrain are not an obstacle

to build devices that could work p e r f e c t l y . The DC03 is a small-scale

and cheap c o n c e p t .

We have some excellent

ideas to build larger installations which can produce cubic meters of fresh water. It works with different technology that is more efficient. But to develop these machines another investment is required as they have to be built from scratch,” he says.

“In the future every household in Bahrain will have their own SolarWater system that produces water for personal usage. It’s only a matter of taking the first steps.”

“With DC03, everybody can benefit from a cheap, off-grid water production unit in a couple of year,” he added.

Closed Greenhouse conceptVerheggen also believes to transform the agriculture sector in the Kingdom to a level that does not need to source additional water.

“We have designed an advanced idea of a closed greenhouse. Water in the greenhouse can be recycled and additional water extracted from air. The water production unit generates hot and separately cold air, which can be used to cool or heat the greenhouse. So, in a couple of years Bahrain could present a greenhouse that generates its own climate and works autonomously.”

The scientist is currently searching for a fund improve his concept by pooling ideas from young minds all over the world.

“I want to inspire people with my creative and innovative ideas. I have published all technology of the DC03 concept open source on my website. I am searching for funding to start a worldwide competition between universities to improve the concept.”

Verheggen,has joined hands with Asif Osman, a Bahraini to introduce the SunGlacier project in Bahrain. Though

Verheggen has had informal discussions with the Ministry of Energy, they are yet to come to a formal conclusion.

Dual passportholders urged to correct statusDT News [email protected]

Manama

Citizens who have nationalities other than

that of Bahrain are requested to contact the passport office at the Security Service Complex in Muharraq to rectify their status before the deadline on February 4 in order to avoid legal action and fine, announced Acting Director of Nationality and Passport Affairs of the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA), Lieutenant-Col. Bader Rashid Al Binfalah.

“Bahrainis who obtained foreign citizenship before the endorsement of the Nationality Law,are required to disclose their second nationality,” the director said.

“Those who reside outside the country can either come to Bahrain or assign legal representatives through a request submitted to the Interior Minister’s office,” he added.

Forms can be obtained via www.npra.bh.bh or the passport office at the Security Services Complex. Required documents must also be provided.

Allocate time for sports activities on Feb 7: PM

HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa(C) chairing the cabinet session yesterday at the Gudaibiya Palace

AP Verheggen

‘DC03’ which is powered by sunlight, extracts water from air


Bahrain Merida finish high

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of this newspaper.)

They say that a thousand mile journey begins with one small step. Just as there are no limits to human imagination there are no limits to human achievement. Think that

cannot possibly be true? Well, did anyone imagine barely a hundred and fifty years back that they would not only be able to travel in aircraft, but actually step on the moon? Had somebody mentioned that this was in the realm of possibility, they would likely have been laughed out of town. None of the modern modes of transport and hi tech gadgets like cars, aeroplanes, mobile phones, computers and so on, that we take for granted today would appear anything short of magical to people just a few centuries ago.

Yet even back then, notwithstanding the skeptics, many people had visualised and quite often predicted that such astonishing vehicles and gadgets would indeed one day be invented. The great renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci had in fact, designed a flying machine, a precursor to the modern day helicopter in the fifteenth century! The point that one is trying to make here is that one’s imagination is nothing but a guide to go forth and achieve greatness and one would be foolish to not give full rein to it.

Every man and woman can dream the biggest dream and what’s more go forward and achieve it. One does not have to look at clichéd examples of world famous leaders, artists and scientists, who dared to dream the impossible for this. Our role models could be closer home-among our parents, siblings, relatives, friends, neighbors or just about anybody, we come across in our day to day living.

It could be the son of one’s subordinate in office, who in spite of not having studied in the best private school gets, admission and a scholarship to an top Ivy league college in America, by the dint of sheer hard work. It could also be one’s daughter, who defying all preconceived notions about the place of women in society, decides to become an entrepreneur and ends up providing employments to hundreds of people in one’s home town.

Imagination in fact is a powerful means to try and improve one’s situation. This is true of everyone, irrespective of whether they are rich or true. While a rich person would be better placed to not only dream big, but also go ahead and achieve those dreams, a not so well off person would probably follow their dreams with unbridled passion and leave no stone unturned in achieving them.

Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men. This quotation by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the German statesman extraordinaire of the eighteenth century exhorts one to dream big dreams, for only then will one be able to have an impact on others. If one’s dream is a timid one, one may easily achieve it, but there will be none other than one’s own self to celebrate it. On the other hand if one’s dream is so grand and big that it touches the lives of many others, its achievement becomes a matter of celebration to so many.

If Nelson Mandela had only dreamt of becoming a wealth man, he would no doubt have achieved it, but who would care about that? Instead, he dreamt of empowering his black South African brethren and obtaining for them the political power held by a racist white government. Against all odds, he achieved his seemingly impossible dream and the world came to revere him.

Choosing to dream small is a crying shame when one can easily dream the biggest dream and what’s more, likely achieve it. What would you say of a person who given a choice between a Rolls Royce and a Volks Wagon, would choose the latter? Yet so many millions of us are guilty of that same wrong choice. Because of a lack of self-belief and confidence and because others tell one that it can’t be done we stop dreaming big. It’s not that we can’t dream big; we all can. But the fear of failure often stops us from doing so.

If we were assured that every dream of ours, no matter seemingly how difficult to achieve, will get fulfilled a 100%, we will let our imagination run riot and dream the biggest ones. Well here’s the thing. If we start practicing believing that every dream of ours, no matter how big, will be fulfilled our actual chances of achieving the same dreams shall go up exponentially. When we shall start experiencing this on a consistent basis we shall get used to the idea of dreaming, big and then going all out with full gusto to achieve those dreams.

Who does not get moved by listening to the immortal, “I have a dream” speech by the great Civil Rights movement leader Martin Luther King “Jr”. The dream may only have been fulfilled after his death, but who can deny the poignancy of the moment, when he showed his people that they too could dream. Similarly even before he started shouting out to the world, that “I am the greatest!”, Mohammad Ali must have first dreamt of becoming the greatest boxer of all time. It would not have been easy for him as a young African American boy to visualize the day when he would lord it over the boxing stage, but dream he did, and look at what he achieved.

Considering that it doesn’t cost anyone anything to dream, it is incredible that most people set their sights so low in life, when they plan for the future. If only they realized that by dreaming small, they are condemning themselves to a life or mediocrity. They will never get to experience the splendor and glory of chasing one’s big dreams and have the world acknowledge their feat. It is a pity as they could so easily change their fortune by not being afraid to dream big. Don’t be limited in your imagination. Do not even follow the advice provided in the title of this article and imagine that only the sky is the limit. One should aim for nothing less than the stars!

The sky is the limit Lamees Alhassar

Heart of the Matter


Bahrain Merida Cycling Team signed off their San Juan

Tour in Argentina on a high note, maintaining their lead in the team classifications at the end of the event’s seventh stage.

Argentinian Max Richeze (2 hours 16 minutes 48 seconds) of Quick-Step Floors triumphed in the last stage of the Tour over a distance of 111.3km after leading away from a larger escape

group halfway through the stage. Belgium’s Tom Boonen, also of Quick-Step Floors closed in second and Italian Matteo Malucelli of Adroni Giocattoli-Sidermac finished third, both three minutes behind the stage leader.

Bahrain’s Lithuanian rider Ramunas Navardauskas finished seventh, three seconds behind the leader.

In the final individual classification, Bauke Molleme (Netherlands, Trex-Segafredo,

20 hours 19 minutes 0 seconds) came in first, followed by Oscar Sevilla (Spain, Medellin-Inder, +14 seconds) and Rodolfo Torres (Colombia, Androni Giocattoli-Sidermac, +16) .

Bahrain Merida cyclists Ramunas Navardauskas (+49) was seventh and Italian Vincenzo Nibali (1:15) finished eighth overall.

The 35th edition of the event was over seven stages and covered a distance of 886.1km.


Manama

Bahrain National Triathlon Team was congratulated for

winning the first leg of the Triple Crown Ironman Championship in Dubai.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President, was congratulated for winning first place (4:15:38) amongst GCC participants and fifth overall in the age 30-34 years category.

Shaikh Nasser’s performance

enabled him to be recognised as the fastest Gulf national and setting a new record. These remarkable results helped the team led by Shaikh Nasser to qualify for the World Championship to be held in Barcelona this September.

Bahrain Endurance 13 Team athletes Javier Gomez (three hours 42 minutes 21 seconds) and Daniela Ryf (4:01:40) won the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports deputy general secretary and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) general secretary Abdulrahman Askar congratulated the team and Shaikh Nasser on the achievement.

Shaikh Nasser hailed for Triathlon win

Send your comments to [email protected]

This is in response to DT News story,

Government to boost investment, published on January 30. Encouraging foreign investments into the private sector will certainly boost the economy of the Kingdom. Laws regarding easy investment procedures must be enacted by the government. Entrepreneurs must be encouraged to set up startups in the Kingdom.

Rameez Hussain

Bahrain Merida Cycling Team

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 7

© GRAPHIC NEWSSource: U.S. Supreme Court Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images

President Trump is to announce his choice for the vacant seat onthe Supreme Court, which will restore its conservative majority.

But Democrats have vowed to block the nomination after theRepublican-led Senate refused to consider Obama’s nominee last year

Supreme Court judgeshave lifetime tenure.They give final rulingon issues such asgun laws, abortionand civil rights

Seat on court hasbeen vacant sincedeath of SupremeCourt JusticeAntonin Scaliain Feb 2016

StephenBreyer, 78

Sonia Sotomayor, 62Elena Kagan, 56 Clarence Thomas, 68

John Roberts, 61Chief Justice

Ruth BaderGinsburg, 83

Samuel Alito, 66

AnthonyKennedy, 80L

I B

E R A L L E A N I N G

LI B

E R A L L E A N I N G C O N S E R V A T I V E L E A N I N

G

C O N S E R V A T I V E L E A N I N

G

Neil Gorsuch, 49Strong advocate for“originalism” – ideathat Constitution shouldbe strictly interpretedas Founding Fatherswould have done, morethan 200 years ago

Thomas Hardiman, 51Supported gun rightsand police powers,including case in whichhe sided with jailsseeking to strip-searchall inmates arrested foreven minor offences

William Pryor, 54Has criticised SupremeCourt’s 1973 landmarkruling making abortionlegal across U.S., as“worst abominationin the history ofconstitutional law”

S U P R E M E C O U R T S H O R T L I S T

Kuwait City

The Kuwaiti government yesterday approved the

2017/2018 budget with a projected huge deficit for the third year running due to the sharp fall in oil prices.

Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh said the fiscal year’s budget which begins on April 1 is projecting a shortfall of 6.6 billion dinars ($21.6 billion).

The deficit is 25 per cent

less than the projected shortfall in the current 2016/2017 fiscal year estimated at $29 billion, due to an improvement in oil prices.

Revenues are projected at 13.3 billion dinars and spending is estimated at 19.9 billion dinars, the minister told reporters.

The budget becomes official only after the Gulf state’s elected parliament approves it.

Oil revenues are projected at

$38.4 billion, up 36 percent on the estimated oil income in this year’s budget, the minister said.

Despite the sharp slide in oil prices in the past three years, income from oil is still projected to make up 88 percent of Kuwait’s total revenues, Saleh said.

After posting healthy surpluses for 16 years in a row, Kuwait posted a budget deficit in 2015/2016 which ended March 31 last year. (AFP)

Dubai

Dubai said yesterday it will award this year 47

construction contracts worth $3 billion in preparation for the World Expo 2020 international trade fair.

The contracts, which are open to local and foreign bidders comprise the final

infrastructure package for the support areas for the global event, the organising committee said in a statement.

Another 98 non-construction contracts, worth $98 million (92 million euros) are also expected to be awarded in 2017, the statement said.

“The announcement shows

that the Expo is on track to complete the majority of construction a full year ahead of the event opening in October 2020,” it said.

In 2016, Expo 2020 Dubai awarded more than 1,200 contracts worth $544.5 million, it added. Organisers hope that the six-month fair that will spread over 4.38 square kilometres (1,080 acres) will receive up to 300,000 visitors a day. The Gulf city state won the right to host the prestigious event after beating Russia’s Ekaterinberg in the final round of voting in November 2013.

Emirates changes flight crewsDubai

Dubai carrier Emirates said it has adjusted

its crews for flights to the United States following President Donald Trump’s travel ban on people from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

The new president faced mass protests and global outrage over the controversial bar on travellers from Iraq, Syria,

Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, as around 300 people were stopped or detained worldwide en route to the US. “We have made the necessary adjustments to our crewing, to comply with the latest requirements,” a statement from Emirates said. The carrier added that no staff member had yet been affected by the travel restrictions.

Kuwait approves deficitbudget

Dubai to award $3bn contracts

Anas Al-Saleh

Representative picture


Bahrain Merida finish high

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of this newspaper.)

They say that a thousand mile journey begins with one small step. Just as there are no limits to human imagination there are no limits to human achievement. Think that

cannot possibly be true? Well, did anyone imagine barely a hundred and fifty years back that they would not only be able to travel in aircraft, but actually step on the moon? Had somebody mentioned that this was in the realm of possibility, they would likely have been laughed out of town. None of the modern modes of transport and hi tech gadgets like cars, aeroplanes, mobile phones, computers and so on, that we take for granted today would appear anything short of magical to people just a few centuries ago.

Yet even back then, notwithstanding the skeptics, many people had visualised and quite often predicted that such astonishing vehicles and gadgets would indeed one day be invented. The great renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci had in fact, designed a flying machine, a precursor to the modern day helicopter in the fifteenth century! The point that one is trying to make here is that one’s imagination is nothing but a guide to go forth and achieve greatness and one would be foolish to not give full rein to it.

Every man and woman can dream the biggest dream and what’s more go forward and achieve it. One does not have to look at clichéd examples of world famous leaders, artists and scientists, who dared to dream the impossible for this. Our role models could be closer home-among our parents, siblings, relatives, friends, neighbors or just about anybody, we come across in our day to day living.

It could be the son of one’s subordinate in office, who in spite of not having studied in the best private school gets, admission and a scholarship to an top Ivy league college in America, by the dint of sheer hard work. It could also be one’s daughter, who defying all preconceived notions about the place of women in society, decides to become an entrepreneur and ends up providing employments to hundreds of people in one’s home town.

Imagination in fact is a powerful means to try and improve one’s situation. This is true of everyone, irrespective of whether they are rich or true. While a rich person would be better placed to not only dream big, but also go ahead and achieve those dreams, a not so well off person would probably follow their dreams with unbridled passion and leave no stone unturned in achieving them.

Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men. This quotation by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the German statesman extraordinaire of the eighteenth century exhorts one to dream big dreams, for only then will one be able to have an impact on others. If one’s dream is a timid one, one may easily achieve it, but there will be none other than one’s own self to celebrate it. On the other hand if one’s dream is so grand and big that it touches the lives of many others, its achievement becomes a matter of celebration to so many.

If Nelson Mandela had only dreamt of becoming a wealth man, he would no doubt have achieved it, but who would care about that? Instead, he dreamt of empowering his black South African brethren and obtaining for them the political power held by a racist white government. Against all odds, he achieved his seemingly impossible dream and the world came to revere him.

Choosing to dream small is a crying shame when one can easily dream the biggest dream and what’s more, likely achieve it. What would you say of a person who given a choice between a Rolls Royce and a Volks Wagon, would choose the latter? Yet so many millions of us are guilty of that same wrong choice. Because of a lack of self-belief and confidence and because others tell one that it can’t be done we stop dreaming big. It’s not that we can’t dream big; we all can. But the fear of failure often stops us from doing so.

If we were assured that every dream of ours, no matter seemingly how difficult to achieve, will get fulfilled a 100%, we will let our imagination run riot and dream the biggest ones. Well here’s the thing. If we start practicing believing that every dream of ours, no matter how big, will be fulfilled our actual chances of achieving the same dreams shall go up exponentially. When we shall start experiencing this on a consistent basis we shall get used to the idea of dreaming, big and then going all out with full gusto to achieve those dreams.

Who does not get moved by listening to the immortal, “I have a dream” speech by the great Civil Rights movement leader Martin Luther King “Jr”. The dream may only have been fulfilled after his death, but who can deny the poignancy of the moment, when he showed his people that they too could dream. Similarly even before he started shouting out to the world, that “I am the greatest!”, Mohammad Ali must have first dreamt of becoming the greatest boxer of all time. It would not have been easy for him as a young African American boy to visualize the day when he would lord it over the boxing stage, but dream he did, and look at what he achieved.

Considering that it doesn’t cost anyone anything to dream, it is incredible that most people set their sights so low in life, when they plan for the future. If only they realized that by dreaming small, they are condemning themselves to a life or mediocrity. They will never get to experience the splendor and glory of chasing one’s big dreams and have the world acknowledge their feat. It is a pity as they could so easily change their fortune by not being afraid to dream big. Don’t be limited in your imagination. Do not even follow the advice provided in the title of this article and imagine that only the sky is the limit. One should aim for nothing less than the stars!

The sky is the limit Lamees Alhassar

Heart of the Matter


Bahrain Merida Cycling Team signed off their San Juan

Tour in Argentina on a high note, maintaining their lead in the team classifications at the end of the event’s seventh stage.

Argentinian Max Richeze (2 hours 16 minutes 48 seconds) of Quick-Step Floors triumphed in the last stage of the Tour over a distance of 111.3km after leading away from a larger escape

group halfway through the stage. Belgium’s Tom Boonen, also of Quick-Step Floors closed in second and Italian Matteo Malucelli of Adroni Giocattoli-Sidermac finished third, both three minutes behind the stage leader.

Bahrain’s Lithuanian rider Ramunas Navardauskas finished seventh, three seconds behind the leader.

In the final individual classification, Bauke Molleme (Netherlands, Trex-Segafredo,

20 hours 19 minutes 0 seconds) came in first, followed by Oscar Sevilla (Spain, Medellin-Inder, +14 seconds) and Rodolfo Torres (Colombia, Androni Giocattoli-Sidermac, +16) .

Bahrain Merida cyclists Ramunas Navardauskas (+49) was seventh and Italian Vincenzo Nibali (1:15) finished eighth overall.

The 35th edition of the event was over seven stages and covered a distance of 886.1km.


Manama

Bahrain National Triathlon Team was congratulated for

winning the first leg of the Triple Crown Ironman Championship in Dubai.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President, was congratulated for winning first place (4:15:38) amongst GCC participants and fifth overall in the age 30-34 years category.

Shaikh Nasser’s performance

enabled him to be recognised as the fastest Gulf national and setting a new record. These remarkable results helped the team led by Shaikh Nasser to qualify for the World Championship to be held in Barcelona this September.

Bahrain Endurance 13 Team athletes Javier Gomez (three hours 42 minutes 21 seconds) and Daniela Ryf (4:01:40) won the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports deputy general secretary and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) general secretary Abdulrahman Askar congratulated the team and Shaikh Nasser on the achievement.

Shaikh Nasser hailed for Triathlon win

Send your comments to [email protected]

This is in response to DT News story,

Government to boost investment, published on January 30. Encouraging foreign investments into the private sector will certainly boost the economy of the Kingdom. Laws regarding easy investment procedures must be enacted by the government. Entrepreneurs must be encouraged to set up startups in the Kingdom.

Rameez Hussain

Bahrain Merida Cycling Team


NBB reports net profit of BD58.24 million in 2016 Manama

National Bank of Bahrain achieved a Net

Profit of BD58.24 million (US$154.88m) in 2016, compared to BD55.26m (US$146.97m) in 2015, an increase of 5.4 per cent.

For the fourth quarter of 2016, the bank recorded a Net Profit of BD12.03m (US$31.99m) compared to BD11.90m (US$31.65m) for the corresponding period of the previous year. The full year Earnings Per Share (EPS) improved from 48.5 fils in 2015 to 50.9 fils in 2016.

At the Board of Directors meeting held on 30 January 2017, chaired by the Bank’s Chairman, Farouk Yousuf Khalil Almoayyed, the board reviewed and approved the Bank’s financial results for the year 2016.

Jean-Christophe Durand, Chief Executive Officer said: “The results for 2016 are the outcome of the Bank’s focus on generating revenue through efficient balance sheet management while prudentially managing risks amidst challenging business conditions”.

Net Interest Income for 2016

was BD65.99m (US$175.51m) compared to BD59.52m (US$158.30m) for 2015, a strong growth of 10.9pc. The increase is attributable to growth in average loans and advances and better return on deployment of

surplus funds. Total Other Income recorded for 2016 was BD30.88m (US$82.14m) compared to BD34.88m (US$92.77m) for the previous year. The decrease is mainly attributable to capital gain on sale of certain fixed rate investments in the previous year which was not available during 2016 due to prevalent market conditions, lower share of profit from associates and lower fee income from lending operations.

Operating Expenses at BD34.09m (US$90.70m) showed an increase of 13.3pc over the previous year, reflecting a Cost to

Income Ratio of 35.2%. The impairment provision on Loans and Advances amounted to BD2.08m (US$5.53m) for the year 2016 compared to BD7.74m (US$20.59m) for the previous year. A charge of BD 2.46m (US$6.54m) was made in 2016 towards impairment on equity investments due to decrease in the market value of the investments.

The Board of Directors has decided to recommend to the Shareholders’ General Assembly Cash Dividend: 25pc (2015: 25pc), BD28.99m (US$77.10m); Donations and Contributions of BD2.91m (US$7.74m) and Transfer

to General Reserve of BD 17.39m (US$46.25m)

The Board has also proposed to the shareholders a bonus issue of BD 11.60m at the rate of one additional share for every ten shares held (10pc). The bonus share issue is proposed to be made through utilisation of BD 11.60m from the General Reserve, which is subject to regulatory approvals. Total cash and stock dividend pay outs for 2016 amounts to 35pc.

Total Shareholders’ Equity before 2016 appropriations stands at BD414.70m (US$1,102.92m). The appropriations to Donations

and Contributions will bring the total allocation under the programme to BD42.68m (US$113.51m) since its inception in 1980. During the year, the Bank disbursed BD1.50m (US$3.99m) for several worthy causes in the Kingdom.

Looking ahead, Durand said, “2017 will offer challenges as regional economies grapple with the level of oil prices and banks come to grips with regulatory constraints and newer norms for doing business. However, there are signs that Bahrain’s focus on infrastructure development and implementation of several projects of national importance will largely mitigate the negative effects of a weak global and regional economic outlook.”

For the fourth quarter of 2016, the bank recorded a Net Profit of

BD12.03m (US$31.99m) compared to BD11.90m (US$31.65m) in the prior

year period. The full year Earnings Per Share (EPS) improved from 48.5 fils in

2015 to 50.9 fils in 2016.

“The results for 2016 are the

outcome of the Bank’s focus

on generating revenue through

efficient balance sheet management

while prudentially

managing business

conditions”

Shop Bahrain announces winners of raffle drawManama

Shop Bahrain has announced the winners of the first

raffle draw where three lucky winners received a car from YK Almoayyed & Sons, the Bahrain Shopping Festival strategic partner.

From the gold tier, Yasser Al Shahrani won a Nissan Patrol, while Feryal Mandi from the silver tier won a Nissan Altima, and Ian Fisher from the bronze tier won a Nissan Sunny.

The raffle draw was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism in the presence of Shop Bahrain

representatives. It is the first in a series of four raffle draws to be held every Sunday until the 19th of February, 2017 with a

grand total of 12 cars. “This year we aimed to offer

attractive prizes for shoppers and increase the number of

prizes. Shop Bahrain is a great shopping platform and it has transcended the popularity as the footfall to the shopping

malls has increased,” said Shop Bahrain Director, Yousif Al Khan.

“We congratulate the

winners and encourage mall visitors to shop during the festival to increase their chances of winning,” he added.

Shop Bahrain hosts a number of entertaining activities and weekly raffle draws that include 12 cars, airline tickets, and over 25,000 valuable prizes. Shoppers and visitors can learn more about “Shop Bahrain” through the website: www.shopbahrain.com or through the account @shopbahrain on the social networking channels Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. The Festival organizers have also launched a dedicated whatsapp channel on 38999111.

The raffle draw was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism

Farouk Almoayyed, Chairman Jean-Christophe Durand, CEO


NBB reports net profit of BD58.24 million in 2016 Manama

National Bank of Bahrain achieved a Net

Profit of BD58.24 million (US$154.88m) in 2016, compared to BD55.26m (US$146.97m) in 2015, an increase of 5.4 per cent.

For the fourth quarter of 2016, the bank recorded a Net Profit of BD12.03m (US$31.99m) compared to BD11.90m (US$31.65m) for the corresponding period of the previous year. The full year Earnings Per Share (EPS) improved from 48.5 fils in 2015 to 50.9 fils in 2016.

At the Board of Directors meeting held on 30 January 2017, chaired by the Bank’s Chairman, Farouk Yousuf Khalil Almoayyed, the board reviewed and approved the Bank’s financial results for the year 2016.

Jean-Christophe Durand, Chief Executive Officer said: “The results for 2016 are the outcome of the Bank’s focus on generating revenue through efficient balance sheet management while prudentially managing risks amidst challenging business conditions”.

Net Interest Income for 2016

was BD65.99m (US$175.51m) compared to BD59.52m (US$158.30m) for 2015, a strong growth of 10.9pc. The increase is attributable to growth in average loans and advances and better return on deployment of

surplus funds. Total Other Income recorded for 2016 was BD30.88m (US$82.14m) compared to BD34.88m (US$92.77m) for the previous year. The decrease is mainly attributable to capital gain on sale of certain fixed rate investments in the previous year which was not available during 2016 due to prevalent market conditions, lower share of profit from associates and lower fee income from lending operations.

Operating Expenses at BD34.09m (US$90.70m) showed an increase of 13.3pc over the previous year, reflecting a Cost to

Income Ratio of 35.2%. The impairment provision on Loans and Advances amounted to BD2.08m (US$5.53m) for the year 2016 compared to BD7.74m (US$20.59m) for the previous year. A charge of BD 2.46m (US$6.54m) was made in 2016 towards impairment on equity investments due to decrease in the market value of the investments.

The Board of Directors has decided to recommend to the Shareholders’ General Assembly Cash Dividend: 25pc (2015: 25pc), BD28.99m (US$77.10m); Donations and Contributions of BD2.91m (US$7.74m) and Transfer

to General Reserve of BD 17.39m (US$46.25m)

The Board has also proposed to the shareholders a bonus issue of BD 11.60m at the rate of one additional share for every ten shares held (10pc). The bonus share issue is proposed to be made through utilisation of BD 11.60m from the General Reserve, which is subject to regulatory approvals. Total cash and stock dividend pay outs for 2016 amounts to 35pc.

Total Shareholders’ Equity before 2016 appropriations stands at BD414.70m (US$1,102.92m). The appropriations to Donations

and Contributions will bring the total allocation under the programme to BD42.68m (US$113.51m) since its inception in 1980. During the year, the Bank disbursed BD1.50m (US$3.99m) for several worthy causes in the Kingdom.

Looking ahead, Durand said, “2017 will offer challenges as regional economies grapple with the level of oil prices and banks come to grips with regulatory constraints and newer norms for doing business. However, there are signs that Bahrain’s focus on infrastructure development and implementation of several projects of national importance will largely mitigate the negative effects of a weak global and regional economic outlook.”

For the fourth quarter of 2016, the bank recorded a Net Profit of

BD12.03m (US$31.99m) compared to BD11.90m (US$31.65m) in the prior

year period. The full year Earnings Per Share (EPS) improved from 48.5 fils in

2015 to 50.9 fils in 2016.

“The results for 2016 are the

outcome of the Bank’s focus

on generating revenue through

efficient balance sheet management

while prudentially

managing business

conditions”

Shop Bahrain announces winners of raffle drawManama

Shop Bahrain has announced the winners of the first

raffle draw where three lucky winners received a car from YK Almoayyed & Sons, the Bahrain Shopping Festival strategic partner.

From the gold tier, Yasser Al Shahrani won a Nissan Patrol, while Feryal Mandi from the silver tier won a Nissan Altima, and Ian Fisher from the bronze tier won a Nissan Sunny.

The raffle draw was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism in the presence of Shop Bahrain

representatives. It is the first in a series of four raffle draws to be held every Sunday until the 19th of February, 2017 with a

grand total of 12 cars. “This year we aimed to offer

attractive prizes for shoppers and increase the number of

prizes. Shop Bahrain is a great shopping platform and it has transcended the popularity as the footfall to the shopping

malls has increased,” said Shop Bahrain Director, Yousif Al Khan.

“We congratulate the

winners and encourage mall visitors to shop during the festival to increase their chances of winning,” he added.

Shop Bahrain hosts a number of entertaining activities and weekly raffle draws that include 12 cars, airline tickets, and over 25,000 valuable prizes. Shoppers and visitors can learn more about “Shop Bahrain” through the website: www.shopbahrain.com or through the account @shopbahrain on the social networking channels Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. The Festival organizers have also launched a dedicated whatsapp channel on 38999111.

The raffle draw was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism

Farouk Almoayyed, Chairman Jean-Christophe Durand, CEO

Tallest in the world Gravity Indoor Skydiving, one of the tallest glass wind tunnels in the world, employs a team of qualified pro-fessionals in the sport of indoor skydiving who offer customers the incredible feeling of freefall in a safe and fun environment. Headquartered in Zallaq, Gravity is the only wind tunnel in Bahrain.

BUSINESSTuesday, January 31, 2017 9

Omani budget carrier SalamAir launched operations yesterday, becoming the latest Gulf airline competing for the region’s

low-cost travel market. The airline said it began operations with a domestic flight from the southwestern city of Salalah to the capital Muscat. In addition to the domestic market, SalamAir will fly to Dubai, as well as Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, and Karachi in Pakistan.

British mobile phone giant Vodafone said Monday that it was in talks to merge its Indian unit with Idea Cellular.

The confirmation ended months of speculation that the two operators were exploring a deal to help fend off Reliance Jio. “Vodafone confirms that it is in discussions with the Aditya Birla Group about an all share merger of Vodafone India (excluding Vodafone’s 42% stake in Indus Towers) and Idea,” Vodafone said in a statement.

Alan Mulally

Omani budget airline SalamAir takes off Vodafone to merge with India’s Idea

CEO of Ford

I just cannot emphasize enough what a strike would mean to us because we would absolutely be walking away from our commitments to our customers. There’s just no way we would recover.

‘Gravity Indoor Skydiving’ is participating in ‘Shop Bahrain’, as one of its partners in the ‘Festival City’ being held at Bahrain Bay

Fly with

Four points for BD1

Gravity customers will receive 4 points in ‘Shop

Bahrain’ loyalty system for every BD1 spent throughout the duration of the festival.

This will entitle them to enter the weekly raffle draws

that includes 12 cars.

Visitors can buy packages, and receive discounts and gifts for the wind tunnel at the booth set up at the Festival City.

“We are delighted to be participat-ing as an events partner in Shop Bahrain, which attracts visitors from Bahrain and other neighboring countries.”

Khawla Al Hammadi, General Manager of Gravity

‘Gravity’

Wind tunnel @ Festival city

VAT: Saudi gives final approvalRiyadh

Tax-free living will soon be a thing of the past for

Saudis after cabinet yesterday approved an IMF-backed value-added tax to be imposed across the Gulf following an oil slump.

The Cabinet yesterday “decided to approve the Unified Agreement for Value Added Tax” to be implemented throughout the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, the official Saudi Press Agency said.

“A Royal Decree has been prepared,” it said.

A five-percent levy will apply to certain goods following a GCC agreement last June.

The move is in line with an International Monetary Fund recommendation for

Gulf states to impose revenue-raising measures including excise and value-added taxes to help their adjustment to lower crude prices which have slowed regional growth.

The GCC countries have already agreed to implement selective taxes on tobacco, and soft and energy drinks this year.

Iran nuclear dealUS President Donald Trump and Saudi King Salman want to “rigorously” enforce the Iran nuclear deal, the White House said Sunday.

The pair, in a phone conversation, also spoke of the need to address Iran’s “destabilising regional activities,” fight the spread of “radical Islamic terrorism” and

establish safe zones in war-ravaged Syria and Yemen, the White House statement read.

The official Saudi Press Agency early on Monday confirmed that Trump had called Salman.

SPA said Trump and Salman also agreed on “formulating the appropriate mechanisms” for countering “terrorism” and extremism.

Salman and Trump invited each other to visit their respective capitals, the Saudi Press Agency said.

Trump and King Salman “agreed on the importance of rigorously enforcing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran and of addressing Iran’s destabilizing regional activities,” the White House said. (AFP)

Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) took part in the inaugural meeting of the specialist team responsible for driv-ing the joint vision to promote the tourism industry and boost business across the GCC countries. The meeting was organised by the BTEA and was held on 25th and 26th of January 2017. Commenting on the meeting, Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, CEO of BTEA, said: “Our next step will focus on strengthening the Gulf’s identity through the launch of a joint marketing strategy.”

BUSINESS Tuesday, January 31, 201710

COUNTRY/CURRENCIES SELLBUY

Rates are for indication purpose only. For firm rates or for currencies not listed above please call Bahrain Financing Company. Telephone: 17228888, Website: www.bfc.com.bh

COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN

BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.4740 0.3776 0.3326

KUWAIT 0.2855 32.3614 0.2859 0.2519

OMAN 0.3849 0.3843 0.3855 0.3396

QATAR 3.6420 3.6365 3.6475 3.2131

UAE 3.6730 3.6675 3.6785 3.2404

SAUDI 3.7500 3.7444 3.7556 3.3083

AUSTRALIA 0.2926 0.2902BANGLADESH 0.00521 0.00478CANADA 0.2933 0.2902DENMARK 0.0574 EGYPT 0.0361 0.0219EURO 0.4112 0.4091HONGKONG 0.04983 0.04943INDIA 0.00594 0.00566INDONESIA 0.00002997 0.00002891IRAN TUMAN 0.00010959 IRAQI DINAR 0.000294 JAPAN 0.003450 0.003380JORDAN 0.5365 0.5351KOREA 0.00037231 KUWAIT 1.2580 1.242MALAYSIA 0.087900 0.0874NEW ZEALAND 0.2792 0.2778NORWAY 0.0474 NEPAL 0.00398 0.00347OMAN 0.97962 0.97962PAKISTAN 0.00371 0.00360PHILIPPINES 0.00785 0.00758QATAR 0.10381 0.10376SAUDI ARABIA 0.10061 0.26810SINGAPORE 0.2688 0.2668SOUTH AFRICA 0.03000 0.02990SRI LANKA 0.00277 0.00252SWEDISH 0.0458 .SWITZERLAND 0.3856 0.3831SYRIA 0.001740 0.0123TAIWAN 0.012500 THAILAND 0.010900 0.010890TURKEY 0.1055 UNITED KINGDOM 0.4832 0.4802UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102800 0.102810UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37800 0.37805YUAN 0.058500 0.0585

Saudi, Kuwait,

Egypt retreatDubai

Middle Eastern equity markets diverged

yesterday, with last week’s top gainers pulling back on profit taking while strong quarterly earnings from courier firm Aramex bolstered Dubai.

The Saudi Arabian index fell 0.7 per cent, snapping seven consecutive sessions of gains. Twelve of the 14 listed petrochemical producers pulled back as Brent oil futures fell near $55 a barrel. Saudi Basic Industries closed 0.8pc lower.

The Kuwaiti index pulled back 1.5pc, its largest single-day drop in one year. The usually thinly traded market has outperformed its regional peers and is up 19pc from the start of the year in very heavy trade.

In Qatar, the main index declined 1.3pc. Companies often bought for their high dividend yields fell, with Doha Bank dropping 2.1pc.

In Dubai, Aramex jumped 9pc in its heaviest trade since November after reporting fourth-quarter net profit more than doubled to 131.8 million dirhams ($35.9 million); EFG Hermes and SICO Bahrain had forecast 94.0 million dirhams and 77.5 million dirhams

respectively.The main Dubai index

recovered from weakness early in the session to add 0.3pc as some speculative shares were bought after slipping in the previous session.

In Abu Dhabi, smaller stocks were the top gainers, helping lift the index 0.1pc. But International Fish Farming (Asmak) sank 10pc to 2.63 dirhams. It as slumped 41.2pc since Jan. 15, when an Asmak spokesman told Reuters a rumour that a well-known Abu Dhabi individual investor had bought a strategic stake in the company was false.

Egypt’s index pulled back

1.8pc in modest volume, reflecting weaker global equities after U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration curbs. The index had ended last week on a firm footing in response to the success of the government’s international bond sale.

A research report by investment bank Exotix found Egypt was only moderately exposed economically to any worsening of U.S. economic ties under a Trump presidency; export earnings, remittances, direct investment and aid obtained from the United States were under 2pc of gross domestic product. (Reuters)

Closing BellSAUDI fell 0.7pc to 7,132 points

DUBAI added 0.3pc to 3,679 points

ABU DHABI edged up 0.1pc to 4,591 points

QATAR fell 1.3pc to 10,748 points

EGYPT dropped 1.8pc to 12,926 points

KUWAIT fell 1.5pc to 6,839 points

OMAN edged down 0.2pc to 5,751 points

BAHRAIN rose 0.1pc to 1,304 points

Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) Managing Director Ibrahim Al Musaiteer congratulated Company employee Nader Al Abbasi Inspection Superintendent for winning first place in the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition. Above, Nader Al Abbasi (left) with GPIC officials

India lifts ATM limit from Feb 1New Delhi

Limits on ATM withdrawals will be partially lifted from

February 1, India’s central bank said Monday, as a cash crunch sparked by the ban on high-value rupee notes eases.

The Reserve Bank of India capped cash withdrawals after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s shock decision in November to take all 500 and 1,000 rupee notes out of circulation -- 86 percent of the currency in the cash-reliant nation.

The move triggered long queues outside banks and ATMs which ran dry within hours as hundreds of thousands of people thronged to them every day to withdraw the initial daily limit of 2,000 rupees ($29).

The RBI later increased the amount to 4,500 rupees, and then to 10,000 rupees earlier this month as long lines and crowds at banks eased.

Limits placed on customers who have current accounts or overdraft accounts “stand withdrawn from February 01, 2017,” the central bank said in a statement.

However restrictions on customers who have the more widely used savings accounts would “continue for the present” but could be scrapped “in the near future”, the statement added.

Customers with saving accounts are currently allowed to withdraw a maximum 24,000 rupees a week, either through ATMs or over the counter.

The RBI also said that banks could use “their discretion” to place their own daily cash withdrawal limits at ATMs -- as was the case before the November 8 announcement.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 11Toyota has officially lost its title of the world’s biggest

automaker to Volkswagen following the release of its 2016 sales figures.

Last year, the Japanese company sold a total of 10.175 million vehicles worldwide compared to the 10.31 million sales recorded by Volkswagen. This comes despite the fact that Toyota’s sales increased by 0.2 per cent last year across its Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino Motors brands.

The impressive sales of Volkswagen are also particularly surprising considering the dieselgate scandal. surging sales in China helped to offset any struggles in America and Europe. (Carscoops)

Set to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Volvo S90, the premium midsize car is expected

to be introduced sometime next year, and it will move away from Ingolstadt’s tiresome ‘Russian doll’ styling strategy.

The decision has been allegedly taken, and responsible for penning the upcoming A6 is the company’s

new design chief, Marc Lichte. The next-gen A6 will have an updated version of

the company’s DRL signature lights, and some

chrome bits.

Next-Gen Audi A6 Coming in 2018 Toyota falls behind VW in sales

All-new 2017 Subaru Impreza


The all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza was unveiled for car lovers in

the Kingdom by Motorcity, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Bahrain.

On the sidelines of the two-day Subaru Annual Middle East and Africa (MEA) Distributors meeting, held at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, Subaru Impreza debuted several first-of-its-kind features, including the Subaru Global Platform architecture designed to deliver significantly higher levels of driving agility, increased protection against crashes, and added levels of ride comfort. The technology will be the underpinning platform in a variety of upcoming Subaru vehicles.

The car also debuted Subaru’s new design language, which incorporates the brand’s signature hexagonal grille

and hawk-eye headlights into a more sculptural body, with an increase in body structure rigidity of over 70 percent, and a 40 pc improvement in crash energy absorption than the previous model.

The Impreza 2.0i and 2.0i Sport are available as 4-door sedans, with a revised version of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine that now gains from direct fuel injection and other performance boosting enhancements, to generate 152 horsepower compared to its previous output of 148.

A lower centre of gravity and revised suspension systems contribute to the biggest-ever leap in Subaru’s performance evolution and also to greater hazard-avoidance capability.

The car also features a new four-way tire Pressure Monitoring System can detect pressure drops at individual wheels.

The Impreza Sport features 17-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension and Active Torque Vectoring, exclusive exterior styling and upgrades such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, keyless access, push-button start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and many other features.

Motorcity and Bahrain were selected to host the annual conference this year, which was attended by more than 60 participants from the MEA region, including the manufacturer’s senior management from Japan.

“Subaru has developed a very loyal customer base in Bahrain. This is the reflection of our continuous efforts to provide one of the best products with the highest customer service and satisfaction,” said Motorcity Senior General Manager, Bijan Majidi.

For more information or to book a test drive, visit Motorcity showrooms in Sitra or call 17736222.

Specifications4-Door Sedan

4-cyl. horizontally opposed (Boxer), \aluminum cylinder block and cylinder heads

1,995 cc 152 @ 6,000 rpm

196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

Chain driven double overhead camshafts (DOHC); 4 valves per cylinder, Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) controls valve timing on intake and exhaust camshafts; tumble generator valves

Direct fuel injection, electronic throttle control 50 Litres

Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) features Low shift mode for 2.0i base; 7-speed manual shift mode and paddle shiftters

Standard on all models; Active AWD using electronically controlled variable transfer clutch

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with all-wheel, all-speed traction control also includes Active Torque Vectoring

Body

Engine

Displacement

Horsepower

Torque

Valvetrain

Fuel system

Fuel Tank Capacity

Transmission

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Stability/traction system

2017 Subaru Impreza

Motorcity Chairman Waleed Kanoo and Senior General Manager Dr. Bijan Majidi along with other officials during the launch

Tuesday, January 31, 201712

BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa con-gratulated Command-er of the Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF) Air Vice-marshal Shaikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa on being hon-oured by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdu-laziz Al Saud on Janu-ary 25 during a gradu-ation ceremony of the 91st batch from King Faisal Air Academy

Chief Executive of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Au-thority Shaikh Kha-lid bin Humood Al Khalifa received Japanese Ambas-sador to Bahrain Kiyoshi Asako and discussed bilat-eral relations and ways of bolster-ing cooperation between the two friendly countries mainly in the tour-ism field

The United Na-tions Information Centre for the Gulf States (UNIC Manama) and the Embassy of the State of Pal-estine in Bahrain held an event to co m m e m o rate the International Day for Solidar-ity with the Pal-estinian People at the UN House Conference Hall in Hoora

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the Bahrain Authority for Tourism and Ex-hibitions held an entertain-ing day at Sakhir for the staff and their families. Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tour-ism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, CEO of Bahrain Authority for Tourism and Exhibitions shaikh Khalid bin Hamoud Al Khalifa and Undersecretary of Industry Affairs Osama Mohammed Al-orrayedh and a large number of officials and staff attended. Certificates of appreciation were also distributed to retired employees of 2016

BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received South Korean Ambassador to Bah-rain Park Ho yesterday and discussed bilateral cooperation in various fields. The meeting was attended by General Com-mand Court Director Major General Hassan Mohammed Sa’ad

Minister of Labour and Social Development Jameel Humaidan received Member of Parliament (MP) Khalifa Abdullah Al Ghanim, the representative of the Southern Governorate’s fifth con-stituency and reviewed the ministry’s current programmes to create suitable job opportunities and to enhance the performance and productivity of the private sector


BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa con-gratulated Command-er of the Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF) Air Vice-marshal Shaikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa on being hon-oured by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdu-laziz Al Saud on Janu-ary 25 during a gradu-ation ceremony of the 91st batch from King Faisal Air Academy

Chief Executive of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Au-thority Shaikh Kha-lid bin Humood Al Khalifa received Japanese Ambas-sador to Bahrain Kiyoshi Asako and discussed bilat-eral relations and ways of bolster-ing cooperation between the two friendly countries mainly in the tour-ism field

The United Na-tions Information Centre for the Gulf States (UNIC Manama) and the Embassy of the State of Pal-estine in Bahrain held an event to co mmemorate the International Day for Solidar-ity with the Pal-estinian People at the UN House Conference Hall in Hoora

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the Bahrain Authority for Tourism and Ex-hibitions held an entertain-ing day at Sakhir for the staff and their families. Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tour-ism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, CEO of Bahrain Authority for Tourism and Exhibitions shaikh Khalid bin Hamoud Al Khalifa and Undersecretary of Industry Affairs Osama Mohammed Al-orrayedh and a large number of officials and staff attended. Certificates of appreciation were also distributed to retired employees of 2016



Tuesday, January 31, 2017 13His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yes-terday attended the marriage ceremony of HH Shaikh Khal-ifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khal-ifa, grandson of Prime Minister HRH Prince Khal-ifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The mar-riage ceremony was held at HRH Prime Minister’s palace in Riffa in the presence of the sons of HM the King, senior members of the royal family and guests

The United Na-tions Information Centre for the Gulf States (UNIC Manama) and the Embassy of the State of Pal-estine in Bahrain held an event to commemorate the International Day for Solidar-ity with the Pal-estinian People at the UN House Conference Hall in Hoora

Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Khalid Al Moayed alongside a num-ber of board members and the CEO received in Bait Al Tijjar yesterday the head of the American Chamber of the MENA region (AmCham- MENA) Qays H. Zu’bi and the accompanying delegation. Zubi shared details about the business forum Am-Cham plans to hold in Bah-rain toward the middle of March, themed “SMEs: Un-locking Economic Potentials in the MENA region

Families of Al Hidaya Compound celebrated Pongal festival as per traditional customs.The festivities included cultural programme for kids and adults. More than 350 people attended the function



The Indian School Bahrain(ISB) Sports Academy was inaugurated by ISB Chairman Prince S Natarajan at the Riffa campus with more than 100 students on its rolls

Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received a written message from the friendly Republic of Mongolia President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj. The message was handed over by the Mongolian President’s Envoy for Foreign Affairs, Lundeg Purevsuren

BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received Board Chairman of Batelco Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa yesterday and discussed issues of common interest

Nash Grier ‏@Nashgrier

Tay hates being on camera but I snuck in some

shots over the past few months & a bunch when

we visited the museum she used to go to as a kid

Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, whose film ‘The Salesman’ is

nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 89th Academy Awards, has said he will not attend the Oscars even if exceptions are made and he is allowed entry into the US.

“I regret to announce via this statement that I have decided not to attend the Academy Awards ceremony alongside my fellow members of the cinematic community,” Farhadi said in a statement.

While Farhadi had originally considered attending the Oscar ceremony here next month, he

said, “The possibility of this presence is being accompanied by ifs and buts which are in no way acceptable to me even if exceptions were to be made for my trip.”

“To humiliate one nation on the pretext of guarding the security of another is not a new phenomenon in history.” (TOI)

14

Los Angeles

Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez can afford the best of labels today,

but there was a time when she used to wear shoes with holes in them.

Lopez is one of the most successful actresses and singers of her generation, with a net worth at over $300 million. But the 47-year-old star does not forget her modest roots of growing up in The Bronx neighbourhood of New York.

She has come out with her new shoe collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti.

“I grew up with holes in my shoes. So this is very special to me, to be able to create such beautiful shoes with an artist like Giuseppe,” dailymail.co.uk quoted Lopez as saying.

“I just love what I do. I feel very fortunate,” said Lopez, who has said in the past that she had to share a bedroom with her two sisters during their growing up days. “To now be here launching my own shoe collection with an amazing artist and being able to work with amazing artists and do what I love, that’s where I get my stamina,” she added. (IANS)


Recognised for his beginnings with the pop Boy band ‘N Sync, he launched a Grammy Award-winning solo career that included the #1 singles.

Justin Timberlake

January 24, 1974

Nash Grier ‏@Nashgrier

Tay hates being on camera but I snuck in some

shots over the past few months & a bunch when

we visited the museum she used to go to as a kid

Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, whose film ‘The Salesman’ is

nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 89th Academy Awards, has said he will not attend the Oscars even if exceptions are made and he is allowed entry into the US.

“I regret to announce via this statement that I have decided not to attend the Academy Awards ceremony alongside my fellow members of the cinematic community,” Farhadi said in a statement.

While Farhadi had originally considered attending the Oscar ceremony here next month, he

said, “The possibility of this presence is being accompanied by ifs and buts which are in no way acceptable to me even if exceptions were to be made for my trip.”

“To humiliate one nation on the pretext of guarding the security of another is not a new phenomenon in history.” (TOI)

14

Los Angeles

Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez can afford the best of labels today,

but there was a time when she used to wear shoes with holes in them.

Lopez is one of the most successful actresses and singers of her generation, with a net worth at over $300 million. But the 47-year-old star does not forget her modest roots of growing up in The Bronx neighbourhood of New York.

She has come out with her new shoe collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti.

“I grew up with holes in my shoes. So this is very special to me, to be able to create such beautiful shoes with an artist like Giuseppe,” dailymail.co.uk quoted Lopez as saying.

“I just love what I do. I feel very fortunate,” said Lopez, who has said in the past that she had to share a bedroom with her two sisters during their growing up days. “To now be here launching my own shoe collection with an amazing artist and being able to work with amazing artists and do what I love, that’s where I get my stamina,” she added. (IANS)


Recognised for his beginnings with the pop Boy band ‘N Sync, he launched a Grammy Award-winning solo career that included the #1 singles.

Justin Timberlake

January 24, 1974


The LEGO Batman Movie Director: Chris McKayStars: Jenny Slate, Will Arnett, Ralph Fiennes, Rosario Dawson

Fifty Shades DarkerDirector: James FoleyStars: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Bella Heathcote, Tyler Hoechlin

John Wick: Chapter 2Director: Chad StahelskiStars: Ruby Rose, Keanu Reeves, Bridget Moynahan, Ian McShane

A United KingdomDirector: Amma AsanteStars: David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport, Tom Felton

The Great WallDirector: Yimou ZhangStars: Matt Damon, Tian Jing, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe

MOVIES... COMING SOON... next week

Los Angeles

Fox’s biographical c o m e d y - d r a m a

“Hidden Figures” landed the top prize Sunday at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, seen as a major bellwether for the Oscars.

Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, it took the trophy for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture, the SAG equivalent of a best film Academy Award.

Theodore Melfi’s movie, which recounts the story of African-American mathematicians who helped NASA put the first men in space, was a surprise winner, with Kenneth Lonergan’s “Manchester by the Sea” widely tipped for the top prize.

It also beat coming-of-age drama “Moonlight,” comedy “Captain Fantastic” and race relations story “Fences.”

“Manchester” star Casey

Affleck was also shut out, with the equivalent SAG award going instead to Denzel Washington for “Fences.”

Washington, 62, who has two Oscars, also beat competition from Andrew Garfield (“Hacksaw Ridge”), Viggo Mortensen (“Captain Fantastic”) and Ryan Gosling (“La La Land”). In the best actress category, Emma Stone won for “La La Land,” Damien Chazelle’s whimsical tribute to the

musicals of Hollywood’s golden age.

The support acting awards went to Mahershala Ali for “Moonlight” and Viola Davis for “Fences.”

On the television side, five series were tied going into the show with three nominations each -- Netflix’s “The Crown” and “Stranger Things,” HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and “Westworld and FX’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” (AFP)

FILM WINNERSOutstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture:“Hidden Figures”Outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role: Denzel Washington, “Fences”Outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role: Emma Stone, “La La Land”Outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role: Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight”Outstanding performance by a female actor in a supporting role:Viola Davis, “Fences”TELEVISION WINNERSOutstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series: “Stranger Things”Outstanding performance by an ensemble in a comedy series: “Orange is the New Black”Outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series:John Lithgow, “The Crown”Outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series:Claire Foy, “The Crown”Outstanding performance by a male actor in a comedy series:William H. Macy, “Shameless”

‘Hidden Figures’ takes top prize

THALI BUSINESS LUNCH Date: Till todayVenue: The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Welcome to the Land of Sensory delights - Dine like a Maharajah in Nirvana, where a world of sensory delights and authentic Indian cuisine will transport your palate to new heavens. Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

YOUR FACE IS NOT YOU: AN ART EXHIBITION WITH DALAL ALSINDIDate : 01 Feb 7 pm – 9 pm Venue: Words BookstoreCafé- Jannusan

Dalal AlSindi in her first solo exhibition expresses the lack and fullness of ego we suffer as individuals. Her practice as an art therapist has a deep effect on her work in terms of psychological expression and rawness seen in her paintings. Establishing the first art therapy centre in Bahrain in 2012, the Art Therapy Centre, Dalal offers an international approach to art therapy tempered with a local understanding and appreciation of Bahrain’s culture and people.

ELLE FILM SHOWDate: February 1, 7pmVenue: Bahrain Cinema Club Juffair

Elle (French for “she” or “her”) is a 2016 internationally co-produced psychological thriller directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by David Birke, based on the novel Oh... by Philippe Djian. The film stars Isabelle Huppert as a businesswoman, Michèle Leblanc, who is raped in her home by an unknown assailant and plots revenge.

The film is Verhoeven’s first feature since 2006’s Black Book, and his first in the French language. It premiered in competition for the Palme d’Or at the 2016 Cannes Film

Festival where it received critical acclaim. Elle won the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film and Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Foreign Language Film; it was also selected as the French entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, but was not nominated. At the 42nd César Awards, the film received eleven nominations.

AQUARIUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONDate : 2 Feb 8 pm - 03 Feb 2 pmVenue : Café Amsterdam- Manama

For all you Aquarius people out there (Water Bearer’s), this party is for you! If you have your birthday from Jan 20 - Feb 18 then come out and celebrate @ Café Amsterdam with other fellow Aquarians.

Also Dj Sami Dee and Danish M. Siddiq will be celebrating there birthday’s at our luxurious European venue. This is going to be a fun, wild and crazy night. So come join us at this awesome celebration!

BOLLYLICIOUS VALENTINES SPECIAL AT IBRIDADate : 2 Feb 10 pm - 03 Feb 2 pmVenue : Bollylicious Night- Manama

Dance the night away to the best in Bollywood. The second event of Bahrain’s Own Desi Night: BOLLYLICIOUS at the most

prestigious nightclub in Bahrain.. Ibrida! Our resident Dj, DJ DSZD has created 37 special remixes for this event on February the 2nd and as the launch on January the 5th, we are ready to set the dancefloor on fire before even 11 pm!! Bollylicious in co-operation with Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa, Mukta A2 cinemas, The33graphics, and a ‘special partner’ brings you chances to win gifts!!

BAHRAIN WORLD SCHOLAR’S CUPDate: Friday & Saturday 3-4 February 2017Venue: St Christopher’s School

The fourth annual Bahrain World Scholar’s Cup Competition takes place on Friday & Saturday 3-4 February 2017 at St Christopher’s School.

Teams of three students compete in fun, challenging and competitive activities. Students will undertake debating, collaborative writing and answering quiz style questions. Each annual competition has a theme – this year’s is called ‘An Unlikely World’ and involves six interrelated subjects – Art & Music, Literature, History, Science, Social Studies and a Special Topic. There are two age ranges for the competition, 14 and below (as of 1 July 2017) and 15+. The competition is open to all students in Bahrain, and it is anticipated that there will be some entries from schools in nearby GCC states too.

Students who wish to enter the competition should form a team of three and submit the registration form through their school. St Christopher’s School in Isa Town is the host for the competition, which is being arranged by Assistant Head, Adrian Walker. Daniel Berdichevsky, founder of the international World Scholar’s Cup Competition, as well as other members of his team, will be flying in to Bahrain to lead, compere and judge the competition.

The Manama competition is one

of many regional World Scholar’s Cup events around the world. Teams who perform particularly well are then given invitations to either of the World Scholar’s Cup Global Competitions, which will be held in Hanoi and Capetown in summer 2017. It is anticipated that there will be a strong delegation from Bahrain at these international events. Approximately 40,000 students take part in the World Scholar’s Cup programme each year internationally and the ‘Tournament of Champions’ is the finale.

IFAS - THYAGARAJA ARADHANADate: February 3 ,6.30pmVenue: Bahrain Society of Engineers auditorium

Indian Fine Arts Society is organizing the eagerly awaited annual event ‘Thyagaraja Aradhana’ , homage to one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music, Saint Thyagaraja. The event will be held on Friday 6.30pm at the Bahrain Society of Engineers auditorium.

A group of dedicated musicians residing in Bahrain will present the traditional Pancharatna krithis, his most famous and scholarly contributions to Carnatic music. This will be followed by ‘Naama Mahima’ a thematic presentation of select krithis by the saint composer. The krithis chosen for the thematic presentation elucidate the importance and glory of chanting the name of the almighty which leads us in the right path clearing all obstacles to be in unison with the ultimate all pervasive divinity.

The singers are Indu Suresh, Dr.Priya Krishnamoorthy, Sangeetha Ramprasad, Suma Unnikrishnan, Priya Sethuraman, Krithiga Ramprasad, Bhama narayan, Ramya krishnamoorthy, M.R. Siva and Krishnan Hariharan. They will be accompanied on the violin by Rajagopal and on the mridangam by Sajith Shankar. The event is open to all.


HOW TO REACH US “Out & About’, a

ready reckoner for the events taking place on the

island, is published from Friday to Tuesday. To be included,

please use one of the following: [email protected], or

call 38444680.

HIGHLIGHT2017 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIXDate: April 14-16Venue: Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) announced its highly anticipated launch of ticket sales for the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Tickets are being sold with an ‘Early Bird’ discount of up to 20%. The offer is available only until January 27 and it covers tickets to BIC’s Main Grandstand and Turn One Grandstand. There is also a 10% reduction on ticket prices to the Batelco Grandstand, University Grandstands and Victory Grandstands. Children aged 12 years old and younger can get their tickets for half the price. The Bahrain Grand Prix is set to be the third race on the Formula 1 calendar for 2017 and it will be the fourth Grand Prix hosted under floodlights in Sakhir. With the previous night races hailed as the most enthralling and action-packed ever seen at “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, the exciting build up for next year’s event has already begun. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.

BRYAN ADAMS LIVE IN BAHRAINDate: 13 March 2017, 8:00pmVenue: Bahrain International Circuit

Multi-platinum, recording artist Bryan Adams is set to rock Bahrain on 13th March 2017 at the Bahrain International Circuit with ‘The Get Up Tour’. The Middle East leg of the tour consists of shows in Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The Bryan Adams Get Up tour in Bahrain is brought to you By Alive Entertainment in association with BMMI Shops, TimeOut Bahrain and Q- Tickets. Tickets are priced at BD 30 for General Admission and BD 50 for the Fan Pit that gets you up close to the stage. If you would like to rock to the tunes in style, VIP packages at BD 95 are also available, with food and beverage included. Tickets are available online www.bryanadams.me or at Alosra Supermarkets (Amwaj, Janabiya & Saar) and BMMI Retail Shop Mina Salman.

Bryan Adams released his thirteenth studio album, Get Up in October 2015. Produced by famed ELO frontman Jeff Lynne and co-written with his long-time collaborator Jim Vallance, the album features nine new songs and four acoustic versions.

Gordon Mackenzie, Managing Director of Alive Entertainment said, “We are really excited to bring Bryan Adams back to Bahrain, it’s been too long! Adams is a fantastic stage performer, so come join us and let’s make a night to remember.”

For tickets and more information on the show visit www.bryanadams.me or email us at [email protected] if you have any queries. Tickets are limited so don’t miss out!HIGHLIGHT

BAHRAIN ANNUAL FINE ARTS EXHIBITION 43Date: On-going till 17 March 2017 , 8:00 am 8:00 pmVenue: Bahrain National Theatre

The Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition, in its 43rd edition, celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of the local artists. Every year, the art community gathers to present their finest work, uninhibited by a subject or theme. The result is a colorful display of styles, techniques, through different mediums of expression.

BAHRAIN-UK ALUMNI PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP Date: Monday, February 6thVenue: Golden Tulip Hotel

A full day training course for Bahrain UK Alumni on how to be a successful leader through public speaking and persuasive communication.

Seats are limited! For more information call us on

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18 Tuesday, January 31, 2017COOL ZONE

S OU UKD

CROSSWORDYESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Your star today

Across Down

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

How to play: Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

(Mar 21st - Apr 20th)

(Apr 21st - May 21st)

(May 22nd - Jun 21st)

(June 22nd - July 23rd)

(July 24th - Aug 23rd)

(Aug 24th - Sep 23rd)

(Sep 24th - Oct 23rd)

(Oct 24th - Nov 22nd)

(Nov 23rd - Dec 21st)

(Dec 22nd- Jan 20th)

(Jan 21st - Feb 19th)

(Feb 20th - Mar 20th)

A burst of physical energy might have you spending hours working out today. You might decide to try a new exercise program. Take care not to push yourself past your limits. A heightened sense of adventure combines with a powerful desire to be fit, and it might drive you to exhaustion if you aren’t careful. You have to learn to crawl before you learn to walk.

Are you involved in an ambitious, creative project? You might have so much to do that you decide to take on a partner, if you haven’t already. When you and this person work together, the whole is definitely greater than the sum of the parts. Without him or her, you might try to do the whole project yourself, which won’t do you or the project any good.

The desire to improve your home’s appearance might suddenly come over you today. Whether you’re planning some redecorating, landscaping or simply a thorough cleaning, you will probably take the bull by the horns and concentrate on nothing else. The results will speak for themselves. Get family members to help you.

Much of your day may be spent running around your neighbourhood, perhaps in the company of your partner. You may have a lot of errands to run, or perhaps you’re just antsy and unwilling to spend the day indoors. Whichever it is, you may come into contact with some unusual people and events. Take a notebook and camera. You might want a record of it all.A financial windfall might come your way. This may not be a lottery win or surprise inheritance. It’s probably something you’ve worked hard for, but more than you expected. As a result, you could walk around in a daze for much of the day. Don’t try to make plans for it. Put it aside until you’re used to the idea of having it. Only then will your practical nature kick in.

You’re probably feeling full of energy, and looking for an outlet for it aside from the usual jog or workout. A hike along a scenic path would be just the thing. Phone a friend and see if you can arrange to do it together. Your friend will probably be as enthusiastic as you. You may enjoy yourselves so much that you decide to make it a weekly event.

Your subconscious mind is active today, perhaps releasing old traumas from the past. Memories from long ago could pour into your mind as though floodgates were opened. Many of them won’t be pleasant. This is good nonetheless. You’re releasing obstacles caused by these memories. By the end of the day you will feel so much lighter. Make the most of it.You tend to be an adventurous soul by nature. Today the desire to do something you’ve never done before could be overwhelming. You might toy with outrageous ideas like learning to skydive or bungee jump. You probably you won’t go that far, but you could opt for something like river rafting or mountain climbing. You have a lot of options open to you.

A social event could bring you into contact with some interesting people in fascinating fields, some from distant places. Discussions could turn you on to one or more new interests, which you will probably want to pursue later. You might receive an invitation to visit an exotic place. If you’re single, you could meet a potential lover.

If you’ve been thinking about studying astrology, this is the day to do it. Even if you already know the field, you might decide to branch out into a newer or more radical aspect, such as Draconic or galactic astrology. You will learn more quickly and retain more, so no matter what interests you, this is the day to put some effort into learning more about it.

Your innate sense of adventure is active today. Travel is on your mind. You and some friends may kick around ideas for an unconventional trip to a place, such as sailing to Tahiti. The urge could pass, but it might not. Do some research and find out what your options really are. It might not work out as you visualized, but a little adventure could do you some good.

Career matters may involve some touchy circumstances that require ingenious methods to solve. You’re in the right frame of mind to come up with them. You’re definitely up for a challenge, and you will probably dig right in and come up with lots of ideas. These concepts will not only get you through the current situation but also prove useful in the future. Go to it.

1- Bric-a-___;; 5- Best Actor of 1958;; 10- Turner and others;; 14- Prom wheels;; 15- ___ Gay;; 16- Airline to Tel Aviv;; 17- Iridescent gem;; 18- Caught congers;; 19- Indian wrap;; 20- Decapitates;; 22- Country in SE Asia;; 24- Mineral spring;; 25- Ginger ___;; 26- Monte ___;; 29- Onetime Jeep mfr.;; 32- Starbucks order;; 36- Space;; 37- Glacial period;; 39- Narrow inlet;; 40- In spite of;; 43- Conductor ___-Pekka Salonen;; 44- Fuel oil;; 45- Like Nash’s lama;; 46- Hawk’s home;; 48- Isr. neighbor;; 49- Racket;; 50- ___ in Charlie;; 52- Attention;; 53- Emerge;; 57- Opposite of below;; 61- K-6;; 62- Donkeys;; 64- Chinese weight;; 65- Columbus’ ship;; 66- Singer LaBelle;; 67- Hot times abroad;; 68- Actor Penn;; 69- Dutch painter Jan;; 70- Sneaky guy?;;

1- Amoeba-like alien: The _____;; 2- Ready for plucking;; 3- Eastern nanny;; 4- Cabbage salad;; 5- I ___ vacation!;; 6- Supermodel Sastre;; 7- Remote abbr.;; 8- Hgt.;; 9- Gymnast Comaneci;; 10- Lipton rival;; 11- Space pioneer Shepard;; 12- Scarlett’s home;; 13- Meager;; 21- GI’s address;; 23- Actress Barkin;; 26- Port of Crete;; 27- Got out of bed;; 28- Pave over;; 29- Pains;; 30- Unordered;; 31- Provide food for;; 33- Singer Lopez;; 34- Prongs;; 35- Bird of prey, score in golf;; 37- “Lord, is ___?”: Matthew;; 38- Guy’s partner;; 41- Model;; 42- Threshold;; 47- Person with a cool job?;; 49- Forty winks;; 51- Lathers;; 52- Red fluorescent dye;; 53- Cub Scout groups;; 54- Writer Wiesel;; 55- ___ cava;; 56- H.S. junior’s exam;; 57- Head of France?;; 58- Must’ve been something ___;; 59- Insect-repelling chemical;; 60- Word in a threat;; 63- Sault ___ Marie;;

BEETLE BAILEY R

Bangladesh siege restaurant reopens after massacre

No one is above the law -- not even the president. And in the courtroom, it is not the loudest voice that prevails. It’s the Constitution.

#PollToday

Yes No Can’t Say

Do you support religious clerics involving in political and interior matters of a nation?

Bob Ferguson US Attorney General

Rest in sight

For more, catch us online at: www.newsofbahrain.com

/nobonline/newsofbahrain

‘Father of Pac-Man’ Masaya Nakamura dies

Pak cracks down on group linked to Mumbai attacks

African Union re-admits Morocco

Death toll from Kashmir avalanches rises to 25

Masaya Nakamura, the Japanese video game pio-neer known as the “father of Pac-Man”, has died aged 91, his company said yesterday.

Pakistan has ordered the detention of a firebrand cleric linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks which killed 166 people, according to a government directive.

The death toll from a series of avalanches in Kashmir has climbed to 25 after five Indian soldiers pulled alive from beneath heavy snow died of their injuries.

The African Union decided Monday to allow Morocco back in the fold after a 33-year absence, despite stiff resistance from some member states over the status of Western Sahara.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 19

Quebec City

At least five people were killed and several people wounded after

gunmen opened fire at a mosque in Quebec City late Sunday, media reported.

A Quebec police spokesman confirmed that there were people killed, but did not say how many.

“Two suspects in the shooting were arrested,” he said.Police did not rule out the possibility of a third suspect who had fled the scene.

The motive of the attack was not immediately clear. Police set up a perimeter around the mosque.

A few dozen people were inside the Islamic Cultural Center when the shooting began just after 8:00 pm (0100 GMT Monday), CBC reported, citing its French-language service Radio-Canada.

According to CBC, Quebec City

Police Constable Etienne Doyon said at the time of the attack mostly men were gathered at the mosque for evening prayers.

The center’s director said at least five people were killed, but that information had not been confirmed by police, CBC said.

According to witnesses cited by Radio-Canada, two men entered the center and opened fire on the people inside.

Quebec’s prime minister, Philippe Couillard, said in a series of Twitter

posts that the government was “mobilized to ensure the security of the people of Quebec.”

“Quebec categorically rejects this barbaric violence,” he wrote. “Solidarity with Quebec people of Muslim faith.”

The Islamic Cultural Center of Quebec, which is also known as the

grand mosque of Quebec, had already been the target of hate: a pig’s head was left on the doorstep last June during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The attack comes as Canada has vowed to open its arms wide to Muslims and refugees after US President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration ban Friday sparked travel chaos and outrage around the world.

Canada will offer temporary residence permits to people stranded in the country as a result of Trump’s order, the immigration ministry said.

“Let me assure those who may be stranded in Canada that I will use my authority as minister to provide them with temporary residency if needed as we have done in the past,” Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said. (AFP)

Deadly shootingkills 5 in Quebec Citymosque

Dutch mosquesshut doorsat prayers Top Muslim body, Egypt

condemn shootingThe Hague

Four of the largest mosques in The Netherlands said

yesterday they will shut their doors during major prayer meetings.

The Blue Mosque in Amsterdam, The Hague’s as-Sunnah Mosque, Rotterdam’s Essalam Mosque and the Omar Al Farouq Mosque in Utrecht said in a statement “we feel compelled to close mosque doors during prayers.” Additional safety cameras have also been set up at the Blue Mosque. Several thousand people attend prayers at the four mosques daily.

“Merciless acts such as in Quebec contribute to the growing global hatred of Muslims,” Said Bouharrou of the Dutch Moroccan Council of Mosques said.

Cairo

Leading Sunni Muslim body Al-Azhar, Egypt and Jordan

yesterday condemned the attack in which six people were killed during prayers at a mosque in the Canadian city of Quebec.

“These abhorrent attacks... lead to the spread of division, hatred, racism, and create a fertile ground for terrorism and extremism,” said Al-Azhar.

Al-Azhar called for “the need to protect places of worship from any aggression, respect of their sanctity, and providing a safe environment to practise religious rites.

“Shedding blood, whatever its sex, belief or colour, is something all religions prohibit, and is rejected in all laws, norms, international charters,

and human values,” it said in a statement.

Egypt and neighbouring Jordan also condemned the attack.

The foreign ministry in Cairo called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, and offered its condolences to the families of the victims.

In a message to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, King Abdullah II said Jordan stood with Canada following the “odious terror attack”.

The attack on the mosque came after Canada vowed to open its arms to Muslims and refugees after US President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration ban Friday prompted travel chaos and outrage around the world.

It’s the spirit of peace and openness

of the people of Quebec that the terrorists

wanted to hit

Francois HollandeFrench President

We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a cent-

er of worship and refuge.

Muslim-Canadians are an important

part of our national fabric, and

these senseless acts have no place in our communities, city

and countryJustin Trudeau

Canadian Prime MinisterTrump offers supportOttawa

US President Donald Trump telephoned Canadian Prime

Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday to offer condolences after Sunday’s shooting in a Quebec city mosque that left six people dead and several injured, Trudeau’s office said.

“President Trump expressed his condolences to the prime minister and people of Canada following the tragic shooting at the Centre culturel islamique de Quebec,” said a statement.

Trump

SPORTSTuesday, January 31, 201720


The Bahrain Endurance 13 team wrapped up the weekend with a

sweep of the top spots at Ironman 70.3 Dubai and a podium and an unprecedented streak at Ironman 70.3 South Africa, with Daniela Ryf (four hours one minute and 40 seconds) defending her title in Dubai and Javier Gomez (3:42:21) taking the overall top spot.

David Plese crossed the finish line in fifth place, while Caroline Steffen came in sixth.

HH Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished first among Gulf athletes and was fifth in his age group (30-34 years) and setting a new Bahrain national record of four hours 15 minutes 38 seconds over the 1.9km swim, 90km cycling and 21.1km run.

While Ryf did not lead out of the 1.9km swim at Jumeirah Beach, she took the front on the bike at 22km and never looked back. Not content with leading, halfway through the 90km cycle stage into the desert dunes she dropped the hammer, riding past a few of the male pros. Only two other women came with her: one eventually finished second while the other faded to eighth. On the 21km run Ryf established her mastery, breaking the tape three minutes ahead of everyone else.

Gomez paced himself throughout the swim and bike. Second out of the water, he finished the cycle in ninth place about three minutes back, but immediately went to work on the run. After passing all the frontrunners at 14km, he kept up the pace and extended that lead into the finish by almost two minutes.

This was Gomez’s first major outing since a broken elbow took him out of Olympic competition last year.

He said, “Happy to win 70.3 Dubai today. I struggled a lot on this very flat course two years ago, so I decided to come back, face my weaknesses and try to do better. Thanks everyone for the support, not only at this race but during the last tough few months. And congrats to the guys on the podium, they made me dig very deep to win this one!”

The two athletes are now eligible for a run at the million-dollar prize money awarded to any athlete that wins each leg of the Nasser Bin Hamad Triple Crown series. The next two legs will take place at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship and Ironman 70.3 Bahrain. Ryf won the triple crown in 2015, making her the world’s top prize-winning triathlete, male or female.

Meanwhile in South Africa, it was a

big payday in the Cunnama household today with Jodie Cunnama (4:39:48) claiming her seventh consecutive title and James Cunnama (4:11:26) chasing down all but one for a runner-up finish at Ironman 70.3 South Africa.

The defending champion stormed the swim, leaving all others in her wake with nearly a three-minute lead. She then grew that to six minutes after the bike stage and held on to finish with a clear one-minute advantage.

James came out of the water in the top 10 and crept into third place by the end of the bike stage and his blistering

run nudged him up one more spot to second on the podium.

Jodie said, “Glad to come away with number 7 at #IM703SA after a drama-free day. James was second and was waiting for me in the finish line with a big grin. Well-done to Susie Cheetham and Jerzyk Agnieszka for keeping me honest all day.

“I felt such pressure going into this race because it is so early in the season and anything other than a win is going to be a disappointment for me. It’s difficult - but I guess nothing worth doing is easy.”

Bahrain conquerDubai, S Africa

Endu

ranc

e

Javier Gomez wins in Dubai



The Bahrain Endurance 13 team wrapped up the weekend with a

sweep of the top spots at Ironman 70.3 Dubai and a podium and an unprecedented streak at Ironman 70.3 South Africa, with Daniela Ryf (four hours one minute and 40 seconds) defending her title in Dubai and Javier Gomez (3:42:21) taking the overall top spot.

David Plese crossed the finish line in fifth place, while Caroline Steffen came in sixth.

HH Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished first among Gulf athletes and was fifth in his age group (30-34 years) and setting a new Bahrain national record of four hours 15 minutes 38 seconds over the 1.9km swim, 90km cycling and 21.1km run.

While Ryf did not lead out of the 1.9km swim at Jumeirah Beach, she took the front on the bike at 22km and never looked back. Not content with leading, halfway through the 90km cycle stage into the desert dunes she dropped the hammer, riding past a few of the male pros. Only two other women came with her: one eventually finished second while the other faded to eighth. On the 21km run Ryf established her mastery, breaking the tape three minutes ahead of everyone else.

Gomez paced himself throughout the swim and bike. Second out of the water, he finished the cycle in ninth place about three minutes back, but immediately went to work on the run. After passing all the frontrunners at 14km, he kept up the pace and extended that lead into the finish by almost two minutes.

This was Gomez’s first major outing since a broken elbow took him out of Olympic competition last year.

He said, “Happy to win 70.3 Dubai today. I struggled a lot on this very flat course two years ago, so I decided to come back, face my weaknesses and try to do better. Thanks everyone for the support, not only at this race but during the last tough few months. And congrats to the guys on the podium, they made me dig very deep to win this one!”

The two athletes are now eligible for a run at the million-dollar prize money awarded to any athlete that wins each leg of the Nasser Bin Hamad Triple Crown series. The next two legs will take place at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship and Ironman 70.3 Bahrain. Ryf won the triple crown in 2015, making her the world’s top prize-winning triathlete, male or female.

Meanwhile in South Africa, it was a

big payday in the Cunnama household today with Jodie Cunnama (4:39:48) claiming her seventh consecutive title and James Cunnama (4:11:26) chasing down all but one for a runner-up finish at Ironman 70.3 South Africa.

The defending champion stormed the swim, leaving all others in her wake with nearly a three-minute lead. She then grew that to six minutes after the bike stage and held on to finish with a clear one-minute advantage.

James came out of the water in the top 10 and crept into third place by the end of the bike stage and his blistering

run nudged him up one more spot to second on the podium.

Jodie said, “Glad to come away with number 7 at #IM703SA after a drama-free day. James was second and was waiting for me in the finish line with a big grin. Well-done to Susie Cheetham and Jerzyk Agnieszka for keeping me honest all day.

“I felt such pressure going into this race because it is so early in the season and anything other than a win is going to be a disappointment for me. It’s difficult - but I guess nothing worth doing is easy.”

Bahrain conquerDubai, S Africa

Endu

ranc

e

Javier Gomez wins in Dubai

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 21SPORTS

James first to score

Los Angeles

Cleveland superstar LeBron James became the first player to score 20,000 points in

a Cavaliers jersey yesterday, pouring in 25 in the NBA champions’ 107-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

James added 14 rebounds and eight assists as the Cavs withstood Russell Westbrook’s 24th triple-double of the season -- and his first against Cleveland.

Westbrook scored 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and handed out 10 assists.

But he struggled much of the day connecting on just seven of 26 from the field and coughing up four turnovers in the face of strong defending by Cleveland’s Iman Shumpert.

Cleveland led by as many as 19 in the third quarter, but the Thunder pulled within 82-75 on a three-pointer from Cameron Payne while Westbrook rested during the fourth quarter.

After Westbrook re-entered, the Thunder went scoreless on their next six possessions.

A driving layup from Cleveland’s Richard Jefferson pushed the lead back to double figures and Kyrie Irving’s three-pointer stretched the lead back to 98-82 with 3:57 remaining.

Irving scored 29 points with 10 assists as the Cavs shook off the early departure of Kevin Love. Love had played less than two minutes in the second quarter when he left with back spasms.

“It’s nothing to play with,” James said of Love’s back issues. James has battled back trouble of his own and knows how debilitating it can be.

“It’s a terrible feeling when your back is hurt. It just limits you more than anything,” he said. “I know it’s very frustrating for him because he puts in a lot of work. He’s in the weight room all the time and he’s doing his thing to keep his body in shape, then this is happening to him so it’s very frustrating. Hopefully things get better for him soon.”

James, who is eighth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 27,938 career points, has nearly twice as many points as anyone else in a Cleveland uniform. Zydrunas Ilgauskas is second on the team’s scoring list with 10,616 points. (AFP)

Join KHK MMA

Bahrain Sports

Day@DT News NetworkManama

Khalid Hamad Khalifa Mixed Martial Arts (KHK MMA)

organisation will take part in the first-ever ‘Bahrain Sports Day’ on February 7 which features a wide variety of sports activities, demonstrations, performances, and giveaways!

Organised in line with the GCC National Olympic Committees’ decision to host a unified day of sports and entertainment across the entire Gulf. The multi-sporting event is set to cover all four governorates of the Kingdom in an attempt to promote fitness and health-enhancing physical activities, with The Sports Village in Riffa announced as the main venue.

More than 50 activities are scheduled for this action-packed one day national event and allows fans to engage in interactive, sports–themed activities, entertainment, and contests for all levels and ages.

KHK MMA members across Bahrain will be taking part in the national celebration of sport in support of the ambitious and committed efforts to spread and take MMA to a different level.

They have been hard at work with preparations for the event and have finalized the day’s schedule with a full day of entertainment which includes live festivities, MMA challenges, fight techniques and a MMA live action fight tournament.

The day starts at 10am with

live on site face-off’s at the MMA tournament public weigh ins, followed by an early training session alongside your favourite KHK MMA instructors.

At 1pm, MMA Gyms from across Bahrain will meet to demonstrate some of the most exciting martial arts techniques. At 2pm, you will have to opportunity to put your skills and endurance to the test and challenging some of the best KHK MMA professional MMA fighters. Then at 4pm, Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Federation (BMMAF) organises a fight tournament where some of the best talent from MMA schools of Bahrain showcase their skills inside the cage. Participating athletes include 18-year-old Nayef Fekry, KHK MMA Yousef Mohammed at 14, and Maher

Khaled (18) and Yousef Waleed (16) who both took part in the latest “Bahrain Vs. India” MMA event.

That’s not all, you will have a chance to get 50pc off the next Brave event entry, in addition to one week free training at Bahrain MMA, where you get the chance to learn from professional fighters who have mastered the philosophy of martial arts.

Bahrain Sports Day is a chance to celebrate the power of sport and promote the culture of fitness in Bahrain and the GCC. A dedicated micro-site will be launched allowing visitors to explore seven different sections full of up-to-date data covering all aspects of the event in addition to news, multi-media content and live feed.

Bapco Bowling

Manama

Yousif Falah defeated Abdullah Abdul Karim 247-198 pin falls in

the stepladder final to win the Bapco Interdepartmental Bowling Masters Championship at the Ozone Bowling Centre in the Sitra Mall.

The step ladder stage began with the top five players qualifying after playing 12 rounds of round-round-robin and individual.

The event began with fifth placed Ahmed Hassan Janahi defeating his brother and fourth placed Mohammed Hassan Janahi 215-181. Ahmed beat third placed Hussain Al Qaseer 193-178 to set up a clash

with second placed Abdullah Abdul Karim who then defeated Ahmed Hassan Janahi 236-214 to book a place in the final.

Final qualifying standings: 1) Yousif Falah (2,940),2) Abdullah Abdul Kareem (2,755)3) Hussain Al Qaseer (2,409)4) Mohammed Hassan Janahi (2,361)5) Ahmed Hassan Janahi (2,270)6) Khalifa Khalfan (2,264)7) Ghassan Abdulla (2,252)8) Mohammed Al Murbati (2,172)9) Talal Yousif (2,141)10) Waleed Othman (2,123)11) Nabil Yousif (1,182)12) Kumar Nair (1,054).

Brave Combat signs ex-UFC Lucas MineiroManama

Brave Combat Federation have confirmed the arrival

of another Brazilian in the promotion with 28-year-old veteran Lucas “Mineiro” Martins signing a multi-fight deal. He is set to make his debut on Brave 3: Battle in Brazil main event on March 18 in the city of Curitiba.

With an 18-3 professional record, Lucas became a familiar name to the MMA community

after fighting seven times in UFC, with four wins. Currently, Mineiro whose nickname refers to his home state Minas Gerais, is on a three-win streak with his last victory coming way of submission over Gilson Lomanto in September. Lucas opponent’s name on Brave 3’s main event is undisclosed but it has been decided that Mineiro and his rival will compete in the featherweight division, up to 66 kg.

The Champions

LeBron James

20,000


New Delhi

India’s Laishram Sarita Devi made a winning start to her professional boxing

career, silencing the taunts of her Hungarian opponent who had vowed to leave her in tears.

Devi, who became famous after she tearfully refused to accept a medal at the Asian Games, won the five-round contest against Zsofia Bedo by a unanimous decision in front of her home fans in the state of Manipur.

Bedo, a veteran of 59 professional bouts, had vowed to reduce Devi to tears once again ahead of their contest in the northeastern Indian city of Imphal.

But the 29-year-old Hungarian was totally outfought by her Indian opponent, who was cheered ringside by her family and fans.

“The victory was sweet as I outplayed an experienced boxer. The sacrifice made over the past decade has paid off,” the 31-year-old was quoted as saying by the Hindustan

Times.Devi’s quest to become India’s top female

boxer hit a roadblock in 2014 when she refused to accept a bronze medal at the Asian Games, earning her a one-year ban by the sport’s world federation.

Devi accused judges of pandering to locals by declaring South Korea’s Park Ji-Na the winner on points in their semi-final, denying her a shot at gold.

But the Commonwealth Games silver medallist has moved on as she seeks a

spot on the national stage alongside Vijender Singh, her Indian male

counterpart who has won all four fights since turning professional.

“The Asian Games incident was very painful, but I had to erase those sad memories. That was a big reason I decided to turn pro,” said Devi.

Devi had been working with Joe Clough, a veteran American coach with experience training the likes of former heavyweight world champion Evander

Holyfield. (AFP)

Devioutpunches

Stoner fastest atSepang testing

Sepang

Ducati test rider Casey Stoner came up tops as Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo finished 17th

on the timesheets on day one of the 2017 test season on Malaysia’s Sepang circuit yesterday.

Stoner, a former Australian double world champion, clocked 1min 59.680 seconds -- 0.117 seconds faster than Italian Andrea Divizioso, also on a Ducati.

Three-time world champion Lorenzo who after nine years at Yamaha moved to Ducati recently, clocked his best time at 2mins 01.349 seconds.

“On this track there’s a lot of difference between this bike and the one I was riding for nine years,” Lorenzo said.

“The important thing is that the other Ducati bikes were very quick, and this means that the bike has a lot of potential.”

Spaniard Maverick Vinales on a Yamaha logged 2mins 00.129 seconds to be the third quickest.

Motorcycling superstar Valentino Rossi, who is looking for an elusive 10th world title, was eighth fastest with a timing of 2mins 00.694 seconds.

London

Crystal Palace have signed Patrick van Aanholt from fellow Premier League

strugglers Sunderland, the south London club announced Monday. The 26-year-old Dutch left-back has arrived at Selhurst P a r k on a four-and-a-half-year

contract for an undisclosed fee, although British media reports said he could end

up costing the Eagles as much as £14 million

($17.5m, 16.4 million euros).

New York

Team Sky, which has

produced four of the past five Tour de France champions, and doping-disgraced Lance Armstrong denied using secret motors in bicycles, a CBS television report said Sunday.

A segment on the show “60 Minutes” examined the possibility of motorized cheating in pro cycling with three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond, admitted dope cheat ex-rider Tyler Hamilton and Hungarian designer Istvan Varjas, who makes hidden motors for bikes, saying they believe such cheating exists.

Madrid

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane believes he has no need to rush Gareth

Bale back from a long-term ankle injury as the European champions extended their lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday.Bale has been out since suffering ankle l i g a m e n t damage in November and is not expected to return before March. However, Zidane is hopeful of having Luka Modric and James Rodriguez back for Real’s next outing at Celta Vigo at the weekend.

London

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger joked Sunday that his critics would only be

truly happy if he was sent to prison as punishment for pushing a fourth official. The Frenchman was handed a four-match touchline ban for verbally abusing and shoving Anthony Taylor during his side’s 2-1 win over Burnley earlier this month and he was forced to watch from the stands as Arsenal beat Southampton 5-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday.

London

Jose Mourinho turned down a “big offer” to go to China, the Manchester United manager

disclosed in an interview published yesterday.The 54-year-old Portuguese boss did not

disclose which club made the proposal but said he would not criticise anyone who made a highly lucrative move to the developing

Chinese Super League.Last week saw Mourinho

cast doubt over rhe Old Trafford future of England

captain Wayne Rooney, who recently became United’s all-time leading goalscorer, by

saying “the money is huge” in China, amid reports of

Asian interest in the striker.

“I have a l r e a d y refused a big offer to go to

China, but I don’t criticise anyone who decides to do it,” Mourinho told the monthly GQ men’s magazine.

“It’s their choice, their life. Only they can decide what they need for their future. Other managers in the Premier League have been critical, but I am no critic.”

Mourinho rejected ‘big offer’

Bedoin pro debut

Melbourne

Roger Federer dropped hints that his great career may be drawing to a

close after his age-defying win over his Grand Slam nemesis Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open.

The 35-year-old Swiss admitted his return to Melbourne wasn’t guaranteed after he ended a five-year wait for his 18th major title by beating Nadal in a thrilling five-setter.

He told the Rod Laver Arena crowd: “I hope to see you next year, but if not, then it was a wonderful year here and I couldn’t be happier tonight.”

Federer has been rebutting suggestions of retirement for several years, but he said he was now aware injuries could force him off the scene.

The Australian Open marked his comeback from a six-month injury break, the longest of his career, after he underwent surgery for the first time last February.

“This is all about, you know, knowing that I have only so much tennis left in me,” he told reporters, when asked about the comment in his acceptance speech.

“If I do get injured, you know, maybe if I miss next year,

who knows what happens... You never know when your next Grand Slam is going to be, if ever.

“You never know if you’re going to have an opportunity at this stage.”

Federer added: “Look, I’ve had a tough year last year. Three five-setters are not going to help. I just meant it the way I meant it.

“There wasn’t something planned behind it, that this is my last Australian Open. I hope can I come back, of course. That’s my hope right now.”

‘Super-special’Federer, now four titles clear of Nadal and Pete Sampras on the all-time major-winners’ list, was troubled by injury during the tournament and he said he had been carrying an upper leg problem since the second round.

Unusually for the Swiss, he took a medical timeout in the final as well as during his five-set semi with Stan Wawrinka. He also went five sets with Kei Nishikori in round four.

He said Sunday’s 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win ranked alongside his 2009 French Open victory, which completed a career

Grand Slam and ended a run of three defeats in the final.

“I think this one will take more time to sink in. When I go back to Switzerland, I’ll think, ‘Wow’. The magnitude of this match is going to feel different,” he said.

“I can’t compare this one to any other one except for maybe the French Open in ‘09. I waited for the French Open, I tried, I fought. I tried again and failed. Eventually I made it. This feels similar.”

Fittingly it was Nadal who pushed Federer to one of the biggest achievements of his career, after his Grand Slam chances had been largely written off.


drop

sThe end may be nigh

1. Andy Murray (GBR) 11.540 pts

2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 9.825

3. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 5.695 (+1)

4. Milos Raonic (CAN) 4.930 (-1)

5. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4.830

6. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 4.385 (+3)

7. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3.560

8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3.505

9. Gaël Monfils (FRA) 3.445 (-3)

10. Roger Federer (SUI) 3.260 (+7)

Latest ATP rankings

Serena takes over as No:

Paris

Australian Open winner Serena Williams replaced Angelique Kerber as world number one in the latest

WTA rankings released yesterday.The American moved up one place courtesy of her victory

in Melbourne where she got the better of sister Venus 6-4, 6-4 in the final on Saturday for a record 23rd Grand Slam title.

Kerber’s defence of her Australian Open crown ended with a last 16 loss to Coco Vandeweghe with the German now down to second and her American nemesis up 15 rungs to 20th.

Melbourne quarter-finalist Karolina Pliskova climbs two spots to third.

1

1. Serena Williams (USA) 7.780 pts (+1)2. Angelique Kerber (GER) 7.115 (-1)3. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5.270 (+2)4. Simona Halep (ROM) 5.073 5. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 4.985 (+1)6. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 4.915 (-3)7. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 4.7208. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 3.915 (+2)10. Johanna Konta (GBR) 3.705 (-1)

WTA rankings

Madrid

Rafael Nadal yesterday pulled out of Spain’s Davis

Cup clash with Croatia this weekend as he recovers from his Australian Open exertions.

Nadal, beaten in five sets by Roger Federer in Sunday’s M e l b o u r n e final, will be replaced in the World Group first-round tie by Feliciano Lopez.

T h e Spanish tennis f e d e r a t i o n said its m e d i c a l s t a f f preferred that Nadal sat out the

trip to Osijek given “the little recovery time” available to the world number six.

The federation noted that Nadal “had played in a lot of matches after four months out of action” in January, which at 30 years of age was harder to

recover from than in the past.Five-time Davis Cup champions Spain are

making their return to the World Group

after a two-year absence.


New Delhi

India’s Laishram Sarita Devi made a winning start to her professional boxing

career, silencing the taunts of her Hungarian opponent who had vowed to leave her in tears.

Devi, who became famous after she tearfully refused to accept a medal at the Asian Games, won the five-round contest against Zsofia Bedo by a unanimous decision in front of her home fans in the state of Manipur.

Bedo, a veteran of 59 professional bouts, had vowed to reduce Devi to tears once again ahead of their contest in the northeastern Indian city of Imphal.

But the 29-year-old Hungarian was totally outfought by her Indian opponent, who was cheered ringside by her family and fans.

“The victory was sweet as I outplayed an experienced boxer. The sacrifice made over the past decade has paid off,” the 31-year-old was quoted as saying by the Hindustan

Times.Devi’s quest to become India’s top female

boxer hit a roadblock in 2014 when she refused to accept a bronze medal at the Asian Games, earning her a one-year ban by the sport’s world federation.

Devi accused judges of pandering to locals by declaring South Korea’s Park Ji-Na the winner on points in their semi-final, denying her a shot at gold.

But the Commonwealth Games silver medallist has moved on as she seeks a

spot on the national stage alongside Vijender Singh, her Indian male

counterpart who has won all four fights since turning professional.

“The Asian Games incident was very painful, but I had to erase those sad memories. That was a big reason I decided to turn pro,” said Devi.

Devi had been working with Joe Clough, a veteran American coach with experience training the likes of former heavyweight world champion Evander

Holyfield. (AFP)

Devioutpunches

Stoner fastest atSepang testing

Sepang

Ducati test rider Casey Stoner came up tops as Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo finished 17th

on the timesheets on day one of the 2017 test season on Malaysia’s Sepang circuit yesterday.

Stoner, a former Australian double world champion, clocked 1min 59.680 seconds -- 0.117 seconds faster than Italian Andrea Divizioso, also on a Ducati.

Three-time world champion Lorenzo who after nine years at Yamaha moved to Ducati recently, clocked his best time at 2mins 01.349 seconds.

“On this track there’s a lot of difference between this bike and the one I was riding for nine years,” Lorenzo said.

“The important thing is that the other Ducati bikes were very quick, and this means that the bike has a lot of potential.”

Spaniard Maverick Vinales on a Yamaha logged 2mins 00.129 seconds to be the third quickest.

Motorcycling superstar Valentino Rossi, who is looking for an elusive 10th world title, was eighth fastest with a timing of 2mins 00.694 seconds.

London

Crystal Palace have signed Patrick van Aanholt from fellow Premier League

strugglers Sunderland, the south London club announced Monday. The 26-year-old Dutch left-back has arrived at Selhurst P a r k on a four-and-a-half-year

contract for an undisclosed fee, although British media reports said he could end

up costing the Eagles as much as £14 million

($17.5m, 16.4 million euros).

New York

Team Sky, which has

produced four of the past five Tour de France champions, and doping-disgraced Lance Armstrong denied using secret motors in bicycles, a CBS television report said Sunday.

A segment on the show “60 Minutes” examined the possibility of motorized cheating in pro cycling with three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond, admitted dope cheat ex-rider Tyler Hamilton and Hungarian designer Istvan Varjas, who makes hidden motors for bikes, saying they believe such cheating exists.

Madrid

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane believes he has no need to rush Gareth

Bale back from a long-term ankle injury as the European champions extended their lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday.Bale has been out since suffering ankle l i g a m e n t damage in November and is not expected to return before March. However, Zidane is hopeful of having Luka Modric and James Rodriguez back for Real’s next outing at Celta Vigo at the weekend.

London

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger joked Sunday that his critics would only be

truly happy if he was sent to prison as punishment for pushing a fourth official. The Frenchman was handed a four-match touchline ban for verbally abusing and shoving Anthony Taylor during his side’s 2-1 win over Burnley earlier this month and he was forced to watch from the stands as Arsenal beat Southampton 5-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday.

London

Jose Mourinho turned down a “big offer” to go to China, the Manchester United manager

disclosed in an interview published yesterday.The 54-year-old Portuguese boss did not

disclose which club made the proposal but said he would not criticise anyone who made a highly lucrative move to the developing

Chinese Super League.Last week saw Mourinho

cast doubt over rhe Old Trafford future of England

captain Wayne Rooney, who recently became United’s all-time leading goalscorer, by

saying “the money is huge” in China, amid reports of

Asian interest in the striker.

“I have a l r e a d y refused a big offer to go to

China, but I don’t criticise anyone who decides to do it,” Mourinho told the monthly GQ men’s magazine.

“It’s their choice, their life. Only they can decide what they need for their future. Other managers in the Premier League have been critical, but I am no critic.”

Mourinho rejected ‘big offer’

Bedoin pro debut

Melbourne

Roger Federer dropped hints that his great career may be drawing to a

close after his age-defying win over his Grand Slam nemesis Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open.

The 35-year-old Swiss admitted his return to Melbourne wasn’t guaranteed after he ended a five-year wait for his 18th major title by beating Nadal in a thrilling five-setter.

He told the Rod Laver Arena crowd: “I hope to see you next year, but if not, then it was a wonderful year here and I couldn’t be happier tonight.”

Federer has been rebutting suggestions of retirement for several years, but he said he was now aware injuries could force him off the scene.

The Australian Open marked his comeback from a six-month injury break, the longest of his career, after he underwent surgery for the first time last February.

“This is all about, you know, knowing that I have only so much tennis left in me,” he told reporters, when asked about the comment in his acceptance speech.

“If I do get injured, you know, maybe if I miss next year,

who knows what happens... You never know when your next Grand Slam is going to be, if ever.

“You never know if you’re going to have an opportunity at this stage.”

Federer added: “Look, I’ve had a tough year last year. Three five-setters are not going to help. I just meant it the way I meant it.

“There wasn’t something planned behind it, that this is my last Australian Open. I hope can I come back, of course. That’s my hope right now.”

‘Super-special’Federer, now four titles clear of Nadal and Pete Sampras on the all-time major-winners’ list, was troubled by injury during the tournament and he said he had been carrying an upper leg problem since the second round.

Unusually for the Swiss, he took a medical timeout in the final as well as during his five-set semi with Stan Wawrinka. He also went five sets with Kei Nishikori in round four.

He said Sunday’s 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win ranked alongside his 2009 French Open victory, which completed a career

Grand Slam and ended a run of three defeats in the final.

“I think this one will take more time to sink in. When I go back to Switzerland, I’ll think, ‘Wow’. The magnitude of this match is going to feel different,” he said.

“I can’t compare this one to any other one except for maybe the French Open in ‘09. I waited for the French Open, I tried, I fought. I tried again and failed. Eventually I made it. This feels similar.”

Fittingly it was Nadal who pushed Federer to one of the biggest achievements of his career, after his Grand Slam chances had been largely written off.


drop

s

The end may be nigh

1. Andy Murray (GBR) 11.540 pts

2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 9.825

3. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 5.695 (+1)

4. Milos Raonic (CAN) 4.930 (-1)

5. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4.830

6. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 4.385 (+3)

7. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3.560

8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3.505

9. Gaël Monfils (FRA) 3.445 (-3)

10. Roger Federer (SUI) 3.260 (+7)

Latest ATP rankings

Serena takes over as No:

Paris

Australian Open winner Serena Williams replaced Angelique Kerber as world number one in the latest

WTA rankings released yesterday.The American moved up one place courtesy of her victory

in Melbourne where she got the better of sister Venus 6-4, 6-4 in the final on Saturday for a record 23rd Grand Slam title.

Kerber’s defence of her Australian Open crown ended with a last 16 loss to Coco Vandeweghe with the German now down to second and her American nemesis up 15 rungs to 20th.

Melbourne quarter-finalist Karolina Pliskova climbs two spots to third.

1

1. Serena Williams (USA) 7.780 pts (+1)2. Angelique Kerber (GER) 7.115 (-1)3. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5.270 (+2)4. Simona Halep (ROM) 5.073 5. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 4.985 (+1)6. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 4.915 (-3)7. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 4.7208. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 3.915 (+2)10. Johanna Konta (GBR) 3.705 (-1)

WTA rankings

Madrid

Rafael Nadal yesterday pulled out of Spain’s Davis

Cup clash with Croatia this weekend as he recovers from his Australian Open exertions.

Nadal, beaten in five sets by Roger Federer in Sunday’s M e l b o u r n e final, will be replaced in the World Group first-round tie by Feliciano Lopez.

T h e Spanish tennis f e d e r a t i o n said its m e d i c a l s t a f f preferred that Nadal sat out the

trip to Osijek given “the little recovery time” available to the world number six.

The federation noted that Nadal “had played in a lot of matches after four months out of action” in January, which at 30 years of age was harder to

recover from than in the past.Five-time Davis Cup champions Spain are

making their return to the World Group

after a two-year absence.

Auckland

New Zealand scraped home in the first one-dayer against Australia yesterday, but only after rookie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis’ fell agonisingly short of dragging his team to victory with an unbeaten 146.New Zealand scraped home in the first one-dayer against Australia Monday, but only after rookie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis’ fell agonisingly short of dragging his team to victory with an unbeaten

146.In just his second ODI, Stoinis took three wickets then flayed the New Zealand attack as the Australians chased a target of 287 runs at Auckland’s Eden Park.

He came to the crease with Australia reeling at 54 for five and calmly set about rebuilding after his more experienced teammates had squandered their wickets.

His 146 was a record ODI score for an Australian number seven batsman and included 11 sixes and nine fours.

Remarkably, the 27-year-old’s last partnership with Josh Hazlewood was worth 54, but Hazlewood did not face a single ball as Stoinis stayed on strike trying to guide Australia home.

His heroics prevented a trouncing in the opening match of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, sparing Australia’s blushes after they rested their star batsmen for the series.

The tourists left David Warner and Usman Khawaja out of the squad to protect them for the upcoming Test series in India, then lost captain Steve Smith and

wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade to injury.But the players expected to offer leadership in their absence failed to step up and the

Australians crumbled before Stoinis arrived.Their woes were largely caused by rash or careless shots, not demons in a pitch on

which the New Zealanders had batted solidly.Relative newcomers such as Travis Head (5) and Peter Hanscomb (4) could be forgiven

for a rush of blood to the head at the sight of the short Eden Park boundaries.However, stand-in captain Aaron Finch (4), Shaun Marsh (16) and Glenn Maxwell (20)

-- all with 50-plus ODIs -- are likely to face tough questions over the performance. Boult dismissed Head and Finch in the fourth over, with the acting skipper falling to an

acrobatic Jimmy Neesham catch trying to pull past square leg. Marsh went after a lazy dab at Mitchell Santner’s spin and Maxwell tried to collar rookie

speedster Lockie Ferguson, only to nick the ball to the wicketkeeper.

Stranded at the crease Stoinis grafted an 81-run seventh wicket partnership with James Faulkner (25), then added

another 52 to Australia’s total with Pat Cummins.He smashed three sixes off one Jimmy Neesham over, then blasted another off Boult to

bring up his century off 96 balls. Australia looked on the verge of an unlikely victory, needing just seven runs off three overs, before a mix-up saw Hazlewood run out

and Stoinis stranded at the crease.Earlier, he took three wickets, including the prized scalps of opener

Martin Guptill and skipper Kane Williamson.Finch, missing his star scorers, elected to bowl after winning the toss. It paid early dividends as New Zealand struggled,

with nerves appearing to get the better of some Black Caps as they sought to avenge a 3-0 whitewash to

Australia last December. (AFP)

SPORTS

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ScoreboardNew Zealand: Total (50 overs) 286

Australia:

A. Finch c Neesham b Boult 4

T. Head c Munro b Boult 5

S. Marsh st Latham b Santner 16

P. Handscomb c Latham b Southee 7

G. Maxwell c Latham b Ferguson 20

S. Heazlett c Latham b Ferguson 4

M. Stoinis not out 146

J. Faulkner b Munro 25

P. Cummins st Latham b Santner 36

M. Starc c Neesham b Santner 3

J. Hazlewood run out (Williamson) 0

Extras (lb2, w12) 14

Total (all out; 47 overs) 280

P23 Federer drops hints

Aussies fall short

StoinisStormKiwis survive

p act - newsofbahrain.com · hisham hassan mohammed al hammadi, the police officer who was shot...

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