132 February 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com marketplace business bites Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to update their air operational frameworks allowing up to 107 flights a week to operate between the two countries. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed at Bahrain International Airshow, removes any and all restrictions on aircraft models and their seating capacity and derestricts air freight services. It also includes the sharing of call signs and the rights to charter aircraft and interconnect some carriers domestically to meet the growing demand for flights between the neighbours and strengthen economic exchange. Air Services Upgrade APM Terminals Bahrain, which operates Khalifa Bin Salman Port, has appointed military veteran Arno Storm as its new chief operating officer. Prior to joining APM Terminals, Bahrain, Arno held senior positions at APM Terminals, Rotterdam, from 2012 to October 2015. He had previously served in the Dutch armed forces from 1999 having graduated in leadership, management and logistics, from the Royal Netherlands Military Academy. APM Terminals Bahrain applies the latest innovation and technology to improve safety performance at the port and the company’s objectives depend on the highest standards of safety. One of the few multi-purpose ports in the region, APM Terminals Bahrain offers a wide range of services including the provision of sea freight, shipping and logistical services to the highest international standards in the industry. Real estate professional Yazan Haddad has been appointed as CEO of Bahrain Marina Development Company as the project enters its second phase. The world-class facility occupies a stretch of coastline in Manama and will be positioned as the Kingdom’s prime lifestyle and leisure destination. Aiming for completion by 2020, the mix-used project will include a five-star, lifestyle hotel, serviced and freehold apartments and waterfront villas along with a shopping mall, fully-integrated family entertainment centre and a recreational waterfront space with dining and retail spaces. A yacht club will be built covering an impressive area with the capacity of berthing a vast number of boats of different sizes. Commenting on his appointment, Yazan said: “It’s a great time to join Bahrain Marina as the project enters its second phase of development. The focus now is on ensuring that the project meets the overall objective and mandate set by the board. Bahrain Marina is clearly moving towards becoming one of the leading projects in the Kingdom.” Storm in Port Bahrain Marina Appoints CEO Commitment to Development As part of its efforts to support the growth of Bahrainis and enterprises across all stages of development, Tamkeen announced its support to the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s initiative: The New Vision for Arab Employment, launched to help tackle the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s high youth unemployment rate and close skills gaps. Under the scheme 100,000 individuals, across MENA, will receive skills training and job readiness preparation by the end of 2017, enhancing their employability and investing in the region’s long-term economic growth. Tamkeen has committed to provide training for up to 20,000 Bahrainis and to support the development of 2,000 of the Kingdom’s entrepreneurs over the course of the next two years, making it one of the largest participators in the pledge. Tamkeen’s chairman, Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, says: “Development of human capital is the most critical factor for the sustainability of economic development. In Bahrain, Tamkeen has continuously worked in upskilling Bahrainis to be able to have the necessary operational and practical knowledge that matches with the private sector’s requirements and needs. With WEF’s latest vision, the Arab world is set to go through a shift that will help stabilise the regional economy and create better opportunities for youth.” Speaking from Davos where the WEF Annual Meeting took place, Khalid Al Rumaihi, (pictured) chief executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “Developing the education and skills of the Bahraini workforce has always been a priority for the government. This has produced great results and Bahrain now has one of the most highly-educated populations in the region, however, there is always room for improvement. Initiatives such as these are a great way to inspire people and encourage their personal development, and in Bahrain, they will always find help and advice available from organisations such as Tamkeen and the EDB.”
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