July 2014 61 www.bahrainthismonth.com Nasser Al Arayedh with George F Middleton The Al Arayedh Group is a well-known family-owned business in the Kingdom. Joining George F Middleton this month, in the new Land Rover LR4, is the group’s chairman, Nasser Al Arayedh. Nasser talks about what it means to be an Al Arayedh family member today, the diversification of the business from pearl trading to real estate and tourism, and his roles in the operations of the Capital Governorate and representing the country’s business community abroad. George: In addition to the real estate investments, your company is also known to have established the first fresh dairy farm in Bahrain, and has today diversified into a number of different areas. What do you think is the reason for the success that the Al Arayedh Group has seen so far? Nasser: I think dedication, commitment, hard work of our forefathers and the generations that followed, has played a major role in building a business this strong. A great part of the responsibility and a driving force is the determination to maintain our position in future as well. George: Nasser, what are the advantages and disadvantages of working in a family business? Nasser: There are many advantages. Of course, the members of the family know each other so there’s a better understanding and communication. The disadvantages are sometimes the mixed interests of people; family interests are sometimes different from corporate ones. Also the open rather a closeness of the family business; sometimes the secrets of the business are kept among the members of the family and that can affect the management of the company. George: Nasser, could you tell us a little bit about your honorary role in the Capital Governorate? Nasser: I was privileged to be appointed by His Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa. The role of the [Capital Governorate] council is to solve the problems of the people in the capital. This is done by conducting BLIPP THIS PAGE TO: WATCH BACKSEAT CHAT INTERVIEW WITH NASSER AL ARAYEDH EXPLORE THE LAND ROVER LR4 VIEW LAND ROVER LR4 IMAGE GALLERY CONTACT EURO MOTORS monthly meetings, sitting with the representatives of the ministries. And I can say we have done a considerable amount of work since its establishment to really improve the lives of the citizens in the area. George: In addition to that position you also are a co-founder and deputy chairperson of the Bahrain-Japan Friendship Association. Could you tell us more about what this organisation’s objectives are? Nasser: The main objective of this organisation is to strengthen the bilateral relations between Bahrain and Japan. Since its establishment in August 2008, the society has done so much in terms of events. This is reflected in the quarterly newsletter distributed in Bahrain and Japan. George: Obviously you have a number of responsibilities with so many commitments on a daily basis. What do you do to really chill-out or relax when you are not in the work mode? Nasser: Well, I do take part in a lot of activities, especially sports. I play squash and swim, but serving others is really close to my heart. When I see others are happy, I find a lot of satisfaction in that. The Land Rover LR4 is available at Euro Motors, the official distributor for Jaguar Land Rover in Bahrain
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