The second presentation of the evening was provided by Dr. Ronald Koller, the Director of the Crown Prince International Scholarship Program (C.P.I.S.P.). Dr. Koller a longtime resident of Bahrain was appointed the Director of this Program in 1999. Dr. Koller, was accompanied by four of the Student Participants, all enrolled at Georgetown University. Confident and proud of their great program  the CPISP Georgetown  students presented a valuable and informative  summary of their observations and assessment of the program leaving the Society members and their guests very impressed.

Muharraq Grown By Four-Fold 
June 22, 2010-Muharraq has literally grown four-fold in the past 50 years due to land reclamation for major development and investment projects, according to a new report. Bahrain's second biggest island and its capital until 1923, covered an area of 13sqkm in 1951, which increased to 56sqkm by 2008. This included a 21sqkm increase in its coastline, according to Bahraini researcher and Modara Consultancy founder Marjan Modara.The huge increase is the result of the rapid economic growth following policies to diversify its financial activities instead of remaining dependent on oil, she said. "The country's policies resulted in a huge economic boost over the past 50 years," said Ms Modara. "With it, land reclamation was needed to establish industrial areas as well as residential and commercial projects." The study was Ms Modara's Masters Thesis in Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing, which she acquired from the Arabian Gulf University, Salmaniya. She said that it took three years for her to complete study to carry out the research and the hunting of necessary maps and materials. "The hardest part was to find the maps to conduct the comparison," said Ms Modara. "I was able to find topographical maps from the years 1951, 1977, 1985 and 1994. "I was also able to get hold of aerial photographs from the years 1961, 2001, 2007 and 2008 for Muharraq, which helped me with the study." The materials were provided by the Survey and Land Registration Directorate, the Central Informatics Organisation and Municipality and Agricultural Affairs Directorate. Ms Modara said that she was initially shocked to notice the vast development of the road network in the island as well as the rapid growth of factories.The study revealed that the industrial areas occupied around 26 per cent of the island's total area, while only 18pc was urban development, including houses and business and commercial outlets. "This only shows that there is a lot of free land still not being used," said Ms Modara. The percentage of urban development almost remained the same throughout the years. The study also revealed that the percentage of green spaces decreased since 1950. Green spaces dropped from covering 9.5pc of the island in 1951 to 5pc in 2008. "This was due to the impact of growth of development projects on the island's total area, which robbed residents of the green spaces," said Ms Modara."There is a need to increase green areas, as it is basically not part of the overall four-fold increase in island's size." The former Muharraq resident said that she chose the island as it reminded her of the best days of her life. "I lived in Muharraq for 15 years and had also worked in its municipality," she said."I also know the area, so it was easy to trace the maps." In her study, Ms Modara recommended officials to set up a database for Muharraq that contains information on urban areas and infrastructure with the use of remote sensing and topographical data. "This should be updated every five years to help the government carry out sustainable development and plan in a better way for future projects with a focus on the environment," she said. Muharraq is also in need of more public beaches for residents offering various recreational facilities, said Ms Modara. 


Protecting Bahrain's Proud Heritage 
June 20, 2010-Another historic honour was bestowed at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) headquarters in Paris, France. HRH the Prime Minister was awarded the Avicenna Medal in October last year in appreciation of his efforts in the development of education, particularly with the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). He received the award at Unesco's 35th General Conference session, where he reiterated Bahrain's commitment to the promotion of cultural diversity in all its forms and the safeguarding of cultural heritage. "In and outside the Kingdom of Bahrain, we will continue to advocate the protection and promotion of cultural diversity, both as a fundamental source of social renewal and as a resource for national development strategies," he said. Unesco director-general Ko•chiro Matsuura praised HRH the Premier's outstanding efforts and achievements to promote education and culture in Bahrain and beyond, as well as his long-standing support for the organisation in all its domains of competence. He also lauded Bahrain's exceptional contribution to the development of the Gulf region, in the key area of knowledge creation and sharing. Mr Matsuura said that Bahrain had made important contributions, nationally and across the region, in safeguarding cultural heritage.

 

Bahrain Signs Accords To Boost Trade With US 
June 17, 2010 - Bahrain has signed two memoranda of understanding to boost economic co-operation with the US. Economic Development Board chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa sealed the first deal with Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) chairman Patrick Oxford. The GHP is the primary advocate of Houston's business community and is dedicated to building regional economic prosperity. It is considered the biggest coalition of businessmen and decision-makers in Houston, Texas. It includes thousands of companies operating in key fields, particularly industrial sectors. Shaikh Mohammed also signed a second memorandum of understanding with the US-Arab Chamber of Commerce (BUSACC) representative David Philip. Under the tripartite deal, the EDB, the GHP and the BUSACC commit to draw up a framework to promote joint ventures, exchange data and promote technical co-operation. Bahrain has already signed other deals with the Atlanta Development Agency, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and the US State of Georgia Ministry of Economic Development. The agreements aim to boost the already strong commercial and economic ties between the kingdom and US. They also seek to maximise the opportunities presented by the Gulf and Bahrain-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Several key sectors stand to gain from the string of Bahrain-US deals, particularly education, healthcare, energy, life sciences, development through innovation, technology and industry co-operation, financial services, industrial and commercial services, telecoms, media and entertainment. The signatories will also participate in joint initiatives such as conferences, symposiums, roadshows, workshops, discussion courses, forums, exhibitions and business delegations. These strategic agreements represent an opportunity to build on Bahrain's long-standing and close diplomatic relationship with the US and our strong economic and trade connections - including the success of our FTA," Shaikh Mohammed said. "We look forward to developing closer working relations with the Atlanta, Oklahoma City and Houston business communities to jointly promote our respective economic interests," Shaikh Mohammed added. Led by Shaikh Mohammed, the high-level delegation also includes EDB chief operating officer Kamal Ahmed, US Ambassador Joseph Adam Ereli and representatives from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mumtalakat, Al Zayani Investment Group, Tamkeen and Bahrain Financial Harbour. It held talks with major companies and enterprises in New York, Georgia, Oklahoma City and Houston. Shaikh Mohammed also visited Water Standard, which is a world leader in desalination technologies. The delegation also attended a meeting and discussions on nanotechnology at Rice University. 

30 US Firms Seeking To Invest In Bahrain 
June 9, 2010 - A total of 30 US companies have expressed an interest in setting up businesses in Bahrain. They have been holding talks with a top level delegation to the US from the kingdom led by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and supported by private sector companies. EDB chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Esaa Al Khalifa appeared live across the country on the CNBC channel's Erin Burnett Show where he discussed the position of Bahrain as a hub to the trillion dollar Gulf market and showcased Bahrain's efforts to create a business friendly environment, in line with the Economic Vision 2030.Global news company Thomson Reuter chairman and chief executive Tom Glocer also met Shaikh Mohammed, who also had visits to the Financial Times, Forbes, and Bloomberg to shed more light on Bahrain's position as a preferred investment destination.The delegation met On Deck capital chief executive Mitch Jacoband exchanged views on the business strategy of the company. On Deck Capital uses data aggregation and capital technology to offer fair and fast financing to small businesses.The delegation also has visited the Business Council for International Understating (BCIU) to promote opportunities for foreign investments in the kingdom in the presence of more than 30 American companies. With members from more than 150 world-leading companies, BCIU provides an ongoing forum for senior business executives to interact with decision makers. A busy 15-day schedule of meetings and visits awaits the delegation, engaging them in talks with leading US companies in New York, Atlanta, Oklahoma City and Houston. Officials from the Bahrain government, EDB and private sector will discuss the opportunities presented by the Bahrain-US Free Trade Agreement. The Bahrain delegation includes US Ambassador Adam Ereli and representatives from Mumtalakat, Al Zayani Investment Group, American Chamber of Commerce, Tamkeen and Bahrain Financial Harbour.  "Also new projects should also be implemented to increase green spaces across Muharraq," she added.

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