Nov 05, 2017 · 4 Thursday, May 11, 2017 HM condoles scribe’s death DT News Network Manama H is Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has sent a cable of condolences to the

Festto luretourists,reviveeconomy

Harpreet Kaur/[email protected]

Manama

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority

(BTEA) has launched a new initiative, the Ramadan and Eid Shopping Festival 2017, to revitalize tourism and contribute $6.5 million to the national economy.

The festival will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) and will run throughout the holy month of Ramadan and Eid, said Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of BETA, at a press conference held at the Capital Club yesterday, announcing the launch.

“BTEA has signed a contract with

Royal Show Exhibitions and the BIECC has been booked during the Holy month,” said Shaikh Khalid, adding that the idea is to support the Bahraini economy by stimulating tourism and increasing the number of visitors to the Kingdom from all over the world, especially from Gulf.

“The tourism season generally slows down during the month of Ramadan and with this initiative, we are aiming to attract more tourists,” said Shaikh Khalid.

“It is the first time that the BIECC has been fully booked for five consecutive weeks. The festival will undoubtedly revive the tourism and boost economic activity through high hotel occupancy by festival’s participants and visitors which would contribute $6.5 million to the national economy directly

through trade

and indirectly through hotel occupancy, transportation and other related services,” he said.

“Such exhibitions are part of BTEA’s plan to revitalize the tourism sector and attract both Bahraini visitors and tourists from the GCC countries and beyond, who are interested in the local festivals that offer a variety of activities for families and young children,” said Fawzi Tolefat, Director of Marketing and Promotion of the BTEA who was present at the press conference.

“I would like to thank BTEA for facilitating the event, we have signed a contract with approximately 350 companies, who will be exhibiting at the event along with that we have unique activities, as well valuable prizes to be won by all visitors, including 4 cars,” said Tarek Amer, General Manager of Royal Show Exhibitions, who also present at the press

conference.

www.newsofbahrain.com www.facebook.com/nobonline newsofbahrain 38444680 nob_bh

200 FilsThursday, May 11, 2017 Issue No. 7378

P 02MPs say ‘no’ tosanitation feeson expatriates

x

Crown Prince thanked by Queen Elizabeth IIManama

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin

Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, received a cable of thanks from British Queen Elizabeth II in reply to his cable of congratulations on her birthday. The Queen thanked HRH the Crown Prince, wishing him health and happiness.

Today’s WeatherMax Min

37°C 26°C

@realDonaldTrump

Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike. When things calm down, they will be thanking me!

Last 3 Days

GREAT RATES ON MONEY TRANSFER AND CURRENCY

EXCHANGE GUARANTEED!Tel: 1722 8888

www.bfc.com.bh

JO3082_BFC_Flag_Globe_DT_Hamper_6.7cmX8.5cm_Flag.indd 1 2/1/17 2:59 PM

BTEA has launched a Ramadan festival to contribute $6.5m to national economy

Tarek Amer, Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa and Fawzi Tolefat at the press meet

The Kuwait pavilion designed for the festival to be held at BIECC

Thursday, May 11, 20172

Muhannad Mansour/[email protected] Manama

The majority of Bahraini legislators said ‘no’ to

imposing fees on expats for receiving sanitation services, putting an end to a debate that lasted throughout the previous months.

This came during the regular session of the House of Representatives held on Tuesday and discussed amending some of the

provisions of Law 33 of the year 2006 with regards to sewage and surface water discharge.

The amendments mainly focused on imposing fees on non-Bahrainis for receiving sanitation services, suggesting that “not more of 10 per cent of water consumption fees should be paid by beneficiaries in areas connected to sewage services, excluding domestic consumption of Bahrainis”.

During the session, several MPs such as the council’s Financial and Economic

Affairs Committee Chairman Abdulrahman Buali, Isa Al Kooheji and Jalal Kadhim, called for passing the amendment as it comes to “refund part of the governmental services’

costs to maintain their quality, fulfil part of the increasing financial requirements in the sector and to provide highest standards of sewage services for all”. An opinion similar to the one provided a year back by Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry, which is responsible for sanitation and sewage services.

Anyway, the majority of MPs voted for removing the Article instructing to impose the new fees, and they only agreed to

set a maximum fee of BD10 for connecting any property to the sewage network, which already covers over 95 pc of areas in the Kingdom.

BD160m spent in 7 yearsThe Ministry’s Works Affairs Undersecretary Ahmed Al Khayat supported the new amendments, explaining to MPs that “huge” amounts are annually spent on developing sewerage networks.

“BD160 million was spent on sanitation projects since

2010,” he said. “There are areas such as

Saraya and Buquwa that are yet to be connected to the sewerage network. Citizens won’t be affected by these fees. Investors who own big properties will bear these costs and it’s in return for services they’re receiving. Many of them are ready to pay such amounts to receive these services. The government is paying large sums of money to develop and maintain high quality services,” he explained.

MPs say ‘no’ to sanitation feeson expatriates

Ahmed Al Khayat

Towering inferno

Fire engulfing a car in the roundabout connecting Muscat and Damascus avenues in Isa Town yesterday. The incident occurred at around 8.30 pm. The driver of the car escaped unhurt from the burning vehicle. The fire was later extinguished and the mangled remains removed to restore traffic flow. Short circuit caused the fire, accord-ing to authorities.

3Thursday, May 11, 2017

Illegal fish trade closed downMohammed Zafran/[email protected]

Manama

Municipal authorities have closed down the illegal

fish trading activity conducted in an unhygienic surrounding, following complaints from residents.

DT News had reported that a group of expatriates were running their fish supply business adjacent to a trashcan at a spot near the Yateem Center.

Reportedly, the men supplied fish to businesses. Residents complained that the workers stored and handled the fish in unhygienic conditions. The group also used the trashcan to store the fish.

The men now no longer operate the fish business in the locality after the DT report.

“Workers from Manama Municipal council came and removed the fish and other

items near the trashcan. The men were not there when it was being removed. We informed the fish vendors that it was the authorities that removed it. Yet the next day they came back with more fish and continued operating the business at the location. However, when they

were made aware that a news was published in a newspaper and that further action would be taken if they continue their illegal business there, they finally vacated the place,” a source said.

According to sources, the men are now involved in

helping a man block parking spaces in the same location. Apparently they use scrap cars to block parking spaces in the residential area. They park the scarp car in parking spot meant for the residents of the locality. “I am not sure how they are associated with the man but

we have seen them helping each other multiple times,” a resident said.

“The scrap car is parked there so that when the Pakistani man comes, he can remove the scrap car and park his car. The parking spots are intended for people from our residential

area and he does not have the right to take our parking spaces. We filed a police complaint on this, although on his request we retracted the police complaint on condition that he remove the scrap car and that he does not park in this location,” the resident added.

After - The fish no longer thereBefore - The fish kept in boxes next to the trashcan


HM condoles scribe’s deathDT News NetworkManama

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has sent

a cable of condolences to the family of the late journalist, Ahmed Salman Kamal, who passed away after a long career filled with generous dedication in the fields of journalism and literature.

HM the King offered deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the bereaved, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the soul of the late journalist in eternal peace and to bless his relatives and colleagues with patience and fortitude.

HM King Hamad lauded the remarkable contributions of the late journalist to Bahrain Press as well as in intellectual and literary fields, being among

the pioneers of the press and media in the kingdom.

HM the King asserted that Ahmed Salman Kamal was a role model for loyalty and dedication in the service of the nation and the press through his articles in which he used

to tackle issues related to the country and the citizens with credibility and responsibility.

HM King Hamad extolled the status enjoyed by Kamal at the local, Gulf and Arab levels through his contributions to the press, media and literary fields.

Premier receives Saudi, UAE ambassadorsDT News NetworkManama

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman

Al Khalifa said that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have adopted stronger measures to face the challenges in the region, and have succeeded in overcoming

the conspiracies targeting their security and stability.

HRH Premier added that the consolidation of GCC countries’ cooperation with big countries have become necessary, as they are understanding and adopting a positive vision towards what is going on in the region,

especially regarding terrorism and the attempts by foreign sides to subvert its countries’ security.

The Prime Minister made the statements while receiving Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdulla bin Abdul Malik Al-Sheikh, and UAE Ambassador Abdul Ridha Abdulla Al-Khoury.

Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday held his weekly Majlis, at Riffa Palace. Members of the Royal family, senior government officials, members of the Shura Council and Council of Representatives, members of municipal councils, religious and community leaders, journalists, and diplomats attended the Majlis

Works Ministry’s survey for new traffic model beginsDT News NetworkManama

Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs

and Urban Planning has commenced Phase 2 of a field survey and personal interviews to put in place a traffic model extending to year 2040, said Kadhim Abdullatif, Roads Planning and Design Director.

The traffic model will reflect the Kingdom’s vision and act like a reference for future transport development projects.

Three thousand families will be interviewed at their homes during the survey. Queries will be related to social and economic characteristics of the family and the nature of their trips and movement during study and working days.

The survey aims to predict future movement and trip patterns to plan transport infrastructure for the roads network and the public transportation and transport policies that are needed to create a sustainable development.

Abdullatif added that members of the team who conduct the survey will be provided with ID cards with the

Ministry’s stamp and a letter from the Ministry to facilitate their assignment. Citizens and residents are urged to check the documents that they will supply to the team before the interview. All data are treated as confidential and are used for project purposes only. Data do not include names or CPR numbers and thus cannot be linked to certain persons.

Representational image

Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa with Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and UAE

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa


HM condoles scribe’s deathDT News NetworkManama

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has sent

a cable of condolences to the family of the late journalist, Ahmed Salman Kamal, who passed away after a long career filled with generous dedication in the fields of journalism and literature.

HM the King offered deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the bereaved, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the soul of the late journalist in eternal peace and to bless his relatives and colleagues with patience and fortitude.

HM King Hamad lauded the remarkable contributions of the late journalist to Bahrain Press as well as in intellectual and literary fields, being among

the pioneers of the press and media in the kingdom.

HM the King asserted that Ahmed Salman Kamal was a role model for loyalty and dedication in the service of the nation and the press through his articles in which he used

to tackle issues related to the country and the citizens with credibility and responsibility.

HM King Hamad extolled the status enjoyed by Kamal at the local, Gulf and Arab levels through his contributions to the press, media and literary fields.

Premier receives Saudi, UAE ambassadorsDT News NetworkManama

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman

Al Khalifa said that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have adopted stronger measures to face the challenges in the region, and have succeeded in overcoming

the conspiracies targeting their security and stability.

HRH Premier added that the consolidation of GCC countries’ cooperation with big countries have become necessary, as they are understanding and adopting a positive vision towards what is going on in the region,

especially regarding terrorism and the attempts by foreign sides to subvert its countries’ security.

The Prime Minister made the statements while receiving Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdulla bin Abdul Malik Al-Sheikh, and UAE Ambassador Abdul Ridha Abdulla Al-Khoury.

Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday held his weekly Majlis, at Riffa Palace. Members of the Royal family, senior government officials, members of the Shura Council and Council of Representatives, members of municipal councils, religious and community leaders, journalists, and diplomats attended the Majlis

Works Ministry’s survey for new traffic model beginsDT News NetworkManama

Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs

and Urban Planning has commenced Phase 2 of a field survey and personal interviews to put in place a traffic model extending to year 2040, said Kadhim Abdullatif, Roads Planning and Design Director.

The traffic model will reflect the Kingdom’s vision and act like a reference for future transport development projects.

Three thousand families will be interviewed at their homes during the survey. Queries will be related to social and economic characteristics of the family and the nature of their trips and movement during study and working days.

The survey aims to predict future movement and trip patterns to plan transport infrastructure for the roads network and the public transportation and transport policies that are needed to create a sustainable development.

Abdullatif added that members of the team who conduct the survey will be provided with ID cards with the

Ministry’s stamp and a letter from the Ministry to facilitate their assignment. Citizens and residents are urged to check the documents that they will supply to the team before the interview. All data are treated as confidential and are used for project purposes only. Data do not include names or CPR numbers and thus cannot be linked to certain persons.


Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa with Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and UAE

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa


Wang Yi

By Invitation Openning up new situation for International Cooperation of

the “Belt and Road”The Belt and Road Forum for

International Cooperation (BRF) will be held in Beijing from May 14 to 15. Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and chair the leaders’ roundtable. At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, 28 heads of state and government have confirmed to attend the forum.

This forum has been the highest level of international conference held by China since under the major initiative of the “Belt and Road” put forward by President Xi Jinping in 2013, gaining wide support from the international community. The theme of the forum is “Strengthening International Cooperation and Co-building the ‘Belt and Road’ for Win-win Development”. The main events of the forum include an opening ceremony, a leaders’ roundtable summit and a high-level conference. At present, there are officials, scholars, entrepreneurs and people from financial

institutions and media from 110 countries, and 89 principals and representatives from 61 international organizations also affirming their attendance. Over 1200 representatives will attend the forum.

This forum will focus on achieving outcomes in four aspects. Firstly, pool more consensus. Documents will be issued on leaders’ roundtable summit to further identify goals and principles for cooperation, and deepen the implementation of docking strategies. In the meantime, taking this forum as an opportunity, all parties will expand cooperation consensus, identify cooperation goals and specify cooperation measures. It is expected that China will negotiate and sign cooperation documents with nearly 20 countries and over 20 international organizations. Secondly, identify cooperation directions. All parties will negotiate and determine important bilateral and multi-

lateral cooperation fields for the next stage, draw up cooperation plans for the next 5 years or longer, and specify the detailed action plans. It is estimated that relevant Chinese departments will work with their counterparts of relevant countries to formulate nearly 20 action plans. Thirdly, push forward the implementation of projects. Each side will further clear and align key cooperation projects, lay down project list of all fields, ensure the implementation of all projects, transform leaders’ political consensus into execution for specific projects and translate the consensus into the practice of improving the basic necessities of life of common people and into the development focus of all countries. Fourthly, improve supporting system. China will discuss with all sides to introduce a series of significant policies and measures including completing and strengthening financial

cooperation mechanism, constructing comprehensive service platforms in science, technology, and environmental protection as well as other fields and enhancing exchange and training of professional talents of every domain. Relevant institutions of China are discussing to introduce more supportive measures.

At present, the foundation for global economic recovery is not solid, trade investment remains weak, and growth impetus is also unstable. There is an urgent need of upgrading fundamental infrastructure construction and connectivity among every country and every sub-region. Facing challenges, we need to pool ideas and talents to build new cooperation platforms, cultivate new growth impetus and explore new development path together. This common goal is just what the leaders of all countries and present representatives will strive for in Beijing this May.

China hopes to take this forum as an opportunity to create a more open and more efficient platform for international cooperation; to build a closer and stronger partnership network by following the principle of wide consultation, joint construction and shared benefits; to promote the construction of a more fair, reasonable and balanced global governance system under the concept that features openness and inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. China will maintain close communication and coordination with all present parties, ensure the complete success of the forum, push the forum for more fruitful outcomes, open up the new situation for international cooperation of the “Belt and Road” so as to elevate the “Belt and Road” construction to new highs.

(The author is the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China)

IIRA upgradesGFH to BBB-

Manama

Islamic International Rating Agency (IIRA) has upgraded

GFH Financial Group (GFH) on its national scale ratings by a notch to ‘BBB-(bh)/A3(bh)’ (TripleB Minus/ A Three) with a ‘Stable’ outlook. The agency also maintained GFH’s international scale ratings at ‘BB/B’ (Double B / Single B).

The report cites the recent positive developments that have reinforced the Group’s balance sheet, better aligning it for future growth, in line with its announced strategy as the reasons for the upgrade. The Group’s overall fiduciary score falls in the range of ’61-65’.

IIRA also opined that the ratings were a positive reflection on the addition of a strong anchor institutional investor, Abu Dhabi Financial Group (ADFG) with operations in the UAE and Europe.

Hisham Alrayes, CEO, GFH

(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.)

6 Thursday, May 11, 2017

Sanaa

Yemen’s ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh is

open to negotiations with Saudi Arabia, two years into a deadly war between Saleh’s Huthi rebel allies and the Saudi-backed government.

“We have no choice but dialogue,” Saleh said at a meeting of his General People’s Congress party

in the capital Sanaa on Tuesday.

“We are ready to go to Riyadh, Khamis Mushit, Muscat or elsewhere to start dialogue and to reach an understanding,” Saleh said, referring to cities in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Oman.

Saleh however reiterated his rejection of the government of

internationally recognised President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and said Saudi Arabia would have to find “new leadership”.

Members of Saleh’s circle have been meeting unofficially with Saudi delegates for weeks in Berlin, a Yemeni government official said yesterday. (AFP)

Yemen’s Saleh says open to negotiations

© GRAPHIC NEWS

President Trump has fired FBI director James Comey, citing hishandling of the inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s emails. Democrats view

the move as an attempt to subvert the ongoing FBI investigationinto alleged links between the Trump campaign and Russia

Sources: Wire agencies Picture: Getty Images

July: FBI opens investigation –not made public – into Russianattempts to meddle in impendingelection, which includes probingany connections between Trumpcampaign and Russian government

Nov 6: Two days before election,Comey reaffirms earlier decisionnot to recommend prosecutionagainst Clinton

Mar 20: Comey confirms FBI isinvestigating possible links betweenTrump campaign and Kremlin

May 3: Before Senate JudiciaryCommittee, Comey defends himselfagainst Democrat charges ofinconsistency in speakingpublicly about investigation intoClinton’s emails while not disclosingprobe into improper ties betweenTrump associates and Russia

July 5, 2016: James Comeyrecommends no criminal chargesagainst Democratic presidentialcandidate Hillary Clinton over herhandling of secret information onher private email server, but slamsher for being “extremely careless”

Oct 28: FBI reopens probe intoClinton’s emails, just 11 days beforepresidential election, followingdiscovery of new trove of emails

Nov 8: Trump defeats Clintonto become U.S. President

Jan 22, 2017: Two days after hisinauguration, Trump greets Comeyat White House reception with warmhandshake, saying: “He’s becomemore famous than me”

May 2: Clinton says Comey’spublic comments about investigationinto her emails contributedto her election defeat

May 9: Trump fires Comey,saying he is “no longer fit”to lead FBI

Manama

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB)

announced that it is working closely with Benefit to launch the first phase of the national electronic wallet by the end of June this year.

The wallet will enable instant payments via smart

phones and will facilitate the collection of payments electronically through debit, credit and prepaid cards and online bank accounts, for online and in-store purchases. Customers will also be able to transfer funds using the wallet for Fawri, Fawri Plus, online bill payment and other types

of payment services that will be available in future.

Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Executive Director of Banking Operations at the CBB commented, “The national electronic wallet serves as an important step in enhancing the financial sector.”

Manama

The Business Women Committee of the Bahrain

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) headed by board member Afnan Al Zayani is organising a workshop on ‘Achieving Market Leadership’ on 23 May 2017 from 8:30am to 3:00pm in Al Rurad Hall on the third floor of Bait Al Tijjar.

The workshop, in English language, will be delivered by Eman Burashid, who will train business owners, SMEs, and entrepreneurs on creating an authoritative presence in their industries. To participates contact: 17380096-17380094 or e-mail to [email protected].

BCCI holds workshopon market leadership

Eman Burashid

CBB to launch national e-wallet


Sanaa

Yemen’s ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh is

open to negotiations with Saudi Arabia, two years into a deadly war between Saleh’s Huthi rebel allies and the Saudi-backed government.

“We have no choice but dialogue,” Saleh said at a meeting of his General People’s Congress party

in the capital Sanaa on Tuesday.

“We are ready to go to Riyadh, Khamis Mushit, Muscat or elsewhere to start dialogue and to reach an understanding,” Saleh said, referring to cities in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Oman.

Saleh however reiterated his rejection of the government of

internationally recognised President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and said Saudi Arabia would have to find “new leadership”.

Members of Saleh’s circle have been meeting unofficially with Saudi delegates for weeks in Berlin, a Yemeni government official said yesterday. (AFP)

Yemen’s Saleh says open to negotiations

© GRAPHIC NEWS

President Trump has fired FBI director James Comey, citing hishandling of the inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s emails. Democrats view

the move as an attempt to subvert the ongoing FBI investigationinto alleged links between the Trump campaign and Russia

Sources: Wire agencies Picture: Getty Images

July: FBI opens investigation –not made public – into Russianattempts to meddle in impendingelection, which includes probingany connections between Trumpcampaign and Russian government

Nov 6: Two days before election,Comey reaffirms earlier decisionnot to recommend prosecutionagainst Clinton

Mar 20: Comey confirms FBI isinvestigating possible links betweenTrump campaign and Kremlin

May 3: Before Senate JudiciaryCommittee, Comey defends himselfagainst Democrat charges ofinconsistency in speakingpublicly about investigation intoClinton’s emails while not disclosingprobe into improper ties betweenTrump associates and Russia

July 5, 2016: James Comeyrecommends no criminal chargesagainst Democratic presidentialcandidate Hillary Clinton over herhandling of secret information onher private email server, but slamsher for being “extremely careless”

Oct 28: FBI reopens probe intoClinton’s emails, just 11 days beforepresidential election, followingdiscovery of new trove of emails

Nov 8: Trump defeats Clintonto become U.S. President

Jan 22, 2017: Two days after hisinauguration, Trump greets Comeyat White House reception with warmhandshake, saying: “He’s becomemore famous than me”

May 2: Clinton says Comey’spublic comments about investigationinto her emails contributedto her election defeat

May 9: Trump fires Comey,saying he is “no longer fit”to lead FBI

Manama

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB)

announced that it is working closely with Benefit to launch the first phase of the national electronic wallet by the end of June this year.

The wallet will enable instant payments via smart

phones and will facilitate the collection of payments electronically through debit, credit and prepaid cards and online bank accounts, for online and in-store purchases. Customers will also be able to transfer funds using the wallet for Fawri, Fawri Plus, online bill payment and other types

of payment services that will be available in future.

Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Executive Director of Banking Operations at the CBB commented, “The national electronic wallet serves as an important step in enhancing the financial sector.”

Manama

The Business Women Committee of the Bahrain

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) headed by board member Afnan Al Zayani is organising a workshop on ‘Achieving Market Leadership’ on 23 May 2017 from 8:30am to 3:00pm in Al Rurad Hall on the third floor of Bait Al Tijjar.

The workshop, in English language, will be delivered by Eman Burashid, who will train business owners, SMEs, and entrepreneurs on creating an authoritative presence in their industries. To participates contact: 17380096-17380094 or e-mail to [email protected].

BCCI holds workshopon market leadership

Eman Burashid

CBB to launch national e-walletA) The Offer: Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company B.S.C.’s (“BKIC” or “the Offeror”) unconditional

mandatory cash offer to acquire up to 22,696,669 (twenty-two million, six hundred ninety-six thousand, six hundred sixty-nine) shares of Takaful International Company B.S.C. (“Takaful” or “the Offeree”), equivalent to 36.31%, of the issued and paid up ordinary shares of Takaful and representing all the outstanding shares of Takaful not currently held by BKIC, at an offer price of 95 ls (ninety-ve ls) in cash for every share in Takaful.

B) The Offeror: BKIC is registered with the MOICT under Commercial Registration number 4745 as a Public Bahraini Shareholding Company whose ordinary shares are listed on the Bahrain Bourse and the Kuwait Stock Exchange. BKIC is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (the “CBB”) as a locally incorporated insurance rm under license number LII/001 and provides its clients with all classes of general insurance, the major categories being Fire, General Accident, Engineering, Marine Cargo, Motor, Group Life and Health.

BKIC has an authorized capital of BHD 10,000,000 with an issued and paid up capital of BHD 7,150,000 divided into 71,500,000 ordinary shares with a nominal value of BHD 0.100 each.

C) The Offeree: Takaful is registered with the MOICT under Commercial Registration number 21100 as a Public Bahraini Shareholding Company whose ordinary shares are listed on the Bahrain Bourse. Takaful is licensed by the CBB as a locally incorporated insurance rm operating under Islamic principles and provides its clients with a range of takaful and related products and services which are organised according to the principles of Shari’ah.

Takaful has an authorized capital of BHD 20,000,000 with an issued and paid up capital of BHD 6,250,000 divided into 62,500,000 ordinary shares with a nominal value of BHD 0.100 each.

D) Consideration for the Offer: The Offer Price is 95 ls (ninety-ve ls) per share in cash. Assuming that all Takaful Shareholders accept the Offer, the total cash consideration of the Offer would be BHD 2,156,183.560 (two million, one hundred fty-six thousand, one hundred eighty-three Bahraini Dinars and ve hundred and sixty ls). Considering the mandatory nature of the Offer and taking account of the structure of the transaction triggering the obligation to launch the Offer, the Offer Price was set in accordance with the provisions of Rule TMA-3.1.10, of the CBB’s Takeovers, Mergers, and Acquisitions (“TMA”) module, of Rulebook Volume 6, pursuant to which the Offer must be launched at a price no lower than the highest price paid by the Offeror and any person acting in concert to purchase Takaful Shares in the 3 months preceding the date of commencement of the Offer.

E) Securities for which the Offer is made: The Offer is to acquire up to 22,696,669 (twenty-two million, six hundred ninety-six thousand, six hundred sixty-nine) Takaful Shares of a nominal value of 100 ls each in Takaful comprising up to 36.31% of Takaful’s issued and paid up share capital.

Should the Offeror achieve 95% or more ownership in Takaful as a result of this Offer, the Offeror will compulsorily acquire the remaining Takaful Shares within 3 months from the date of acquisition of 95% or more in accordance with Rule TMA-3.4.1.

F) Legal Basis of the Offer: On 2 April 2017, BKIC purchased from Bahrain Islamic Bank B.S.C. 14,220,486 shares (22.75%) of Takaful thereby triggering an obligation to launch a mandatory tender offer on the remaining Takaful Shares not owned by BKIC pursuant to Rule TMA-3.1.1 of the TMA and in compliance with Section 3.1 (Mandatory Offer) of the TMA. Immediately following the incurrence of the obligation to launch a mandatory tender offer on the shares of Takaful, the Offeror notied the Bahrain Bourse and the market of the incurrence of such obligation on 3 April 2017 by means of a notice published pursuant to Rule TMA-2.3.10. Following submission of the Firm Intention, the Offeror notied the Bahrain Bourse and the market the details of such Firm Intention on 20 April 2017.

G) Conditions Precedent to the Offer: The Offer, being a mandatory offer pursuant to TMA 3.1, is not subject to any conditions. In particular, the Offer is not conditional on reaching a minimum threshold of acceptances and is directed, on a non-discriminatory basis and on equal terms, to all holders of the Takaful Shares. In addition, there are no conditions imposed by law for the Offer to become effective.

H) Offer Timeline: The Offer timeline will be subsequently announced on the Bahrain Bourse and will be detailed in the Offeree Board Circular. The Offeree Board Circular will be mailed by the Offeree to all Takaful Shareholders in line with the requirements of the TMA.

I) Procedures for Accepting the Offer:

i) Dematerialize Takaful Shares: To accept the Offer, Takaful Shareholders must ensure that their Takaful Shares are dematerialized (i.e., held in electronic form by means of a book entry with the CSD) and deposited with a broker that is registered with the Bahrain Bourse.

ii) Submission of the Acceptance and Transfer Forms: Takaful Shareholders who wish to accept the Offer must submit the completed Acceptance and Transfer Form, copies of identication documents, a statement of account from the Bahrain Bourse for the Takaful Shares they wish to sell in the Offer and all other documentation listed in the Offer Document, to the offices of the Receiving Agent during the Offer.

J) Offer Finance: The Offer is a cash offer and will be nanced using BKIC’s internally generated funds. BKIC has established an Escrow Account with Securities and Investment Company B.S.C. (c)(SICO) and has deposited a sum of BHD 2,200,000 (two million, two hundred thousand Bahraini Dinars) in this Escrow Account, which is sufficient and in excess to the total consideration of the Offer (being BHD 2,156,183.56 with the assumption that all Takaful Shareholders holding the remaining 36.31% of Takaful’s issued and paid up share capital will accept the Offer and surrender their shares).

K) Cross Shareholding: As of the date of this announcement, BKIC owns 63.69% of the issued and paid up share capital of Takaful. No member of the board of directors of BKIC personally owns or controls shares of Takaful.

L) Management Team of the Offeror:

Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company B.S.C.Unconditional mandatory cash offer to acquire up to 36.31% of the issued and paid up

ordinary shares of Takaful International Company B.S.C.

Dispatch of Offer Document and Summary of Offer Announcement

MANAGEMENT TEAM OFFICE TITLE

Ebrahim Alrayes Bahrain / Kuwait Chief Executive Officer

Waleed Mahmood Bahrain General Manager

K.M. Kurien Bahrain Chief Underwriting Officer

R. Sundaram Bahrain Chief Financial Officer

Ahmed A. Rahman Bucheeri Bahrain Chief Investment Officer

Abdulla Rabia Kuwait General Manager

S. Ramakrishnan Kuwait Deputy General Manager

K. Gandhi Kuwait Assistant General Manager

Offeror Financial Advisors to the Offeror Legal Advisors to the Offeror Auditors to the Offeror Receiving AgentLegal Advisors to the Offeror

OFFEROR AND ITS ADVISORS:Offeror : Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company B.S.C (“BKIC”)Financial Advisor : Securities & Investment Company B.S.C.(c) (“SICO”)Legal Counsel : ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners Auditor : Ernst & Young

Dispatch and summary of Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company B.S.C.’s (“BKIC” or “the Offeror”) unconditional mandatory cash offer to acquire up to 36.31% of the issued and paid up ordinary shares of Takaful International Company B.S.C. (“Takaful” or “the Offeree”), representing all the outstanding shares of Takaful not currently held by BKIC, at an offer price of 95 ls (ninety-ve ls) for every share in Takaful. The Offer Document was dispatched to Takaful’s board of directors on 10 May 2017.

THE CENTRAL BANK OF BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN BOURSE AND THE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND TOURISM, IN THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN, ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF THE STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR ANY LOSS HOWSOEVER ARISING FROM THE RELIANCE UPON THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF THE CONTENTS TO THIS OFFER DOCUMENT.

THE OFFER DOCUMENT IS A COMPLEX DOCUMENT AND THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY ONLY AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY, AND IS SUBJECT TO, THE CONTENTS OF THE OFFER DOCUMENT.

Terms not dened in this summary announcement have the same meaning given to them in the Offer Document.

M) Current members of the Offeror’s Board of Directors: Mr. Murad Ali Murad (Chairman), Mr. Khalid Saoud Al Hasan (Vice Chairman), Mr. Hasan Mohammed Zainalabedin (Director), Dr. Abdul Rahman Ali Saif (Director), Dr. Emad Jawad Bukhamseen (Director), Mr. Bijan Khosrowshahi (Director), Mr. Shawqi Ali Fakhroo (Director), Mr. Mohamed Ebrahim Zainal (Director), Mr. Thamer Ebrahim Arab (Director), Mr. Mubarak Othman Al Ayyar (Director).

N) Pursuant to TMA-2.20 and TMA-2.21, the Offeror reminds its associates of the restrictions to dealing and to disclose all dealings in any securities of Takaful.

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company B.S.C.

Mr. Murad Ali MuradChairman are no conditions i

From left, Dr. Ravipreet Singh, CEO Middle East Hospital and Medical Centers, Alexandre Silva Area Business Manager Fitness First Bahrain & Qatar, Amra Muharemovic and Priyanshu Talan, Business Development Executives of Middle East Hospital and Medical Centers

Patients under the privilege membership will receive exclusive benefits, such as reduced fees and priority access and appointments.

“We are pleased to sign this MOU with the Middle East Hospital to offer our members, staff and their family’s first class healthcare at a special rate. Both entities are focused on helping the community of Bahrain achieve a balanced and healthier lifestyle,”

Alexandre Silva, Area Business Manager,

Fitness First Bahrain & Qatar

“By entering in to this arrangement, we aim to

provide and maintain quality health services to the employees and

families of Fitness First.In lieu, Middle East

Group’s staff will get a special package for the services at Fitness First health clubs. The MOU

will also highlight a joint collaboration between

the hospital and gym to encourage health and

wellbeing for employees and members of both

establishments,”Varghese Kurian,

Chairman, Middle East Group

BUSINESS Thursday, May 11, 20178

Middle East Hospital & Medical

Centers, Fitness First sign deal

Middle East Hospital & Medical Centers and Fitness First have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a special discounted rate at the hospital located in Segaya and the medical centers in Hidd and Salmabad for the staff, their families and members of Fitness First

Middle East Hospital and Medical Centers, under the reputed and proven management of VKL Holdings & Al Namal Group, is the largest private hospital in Bahrain and it offers a variety of services with multi-specialty clinics and other ancillary services.

Al Ahlia Insurance announces Q1 results

Manama

Al Ahlia Insurance Company yesterday

announced financial results for the three-months ending March 2017, reporting a net profit of BD255,017 as compared to a net profit of BD439,187 for the same period in the previous year.

The investment income at BD509,309 showed an increase of BD188,984 as compared to the three-months ending March 2016.

The net profit from insurance operations before the adjustment for management expenses for the quarter reduced to BD126,992

compared to BD611,455, for the same period a year ago, due to prudent and conservative provisions against claims.

Gross Premiums stood at

BD4,137,186 for the Q1, 2017 as compared to BD3,876,656 for the Q1, 2016. The net earned premiums stood at BD1,679,397 for the Q1, 2017 as compared to BD2,397,619 for the Q1, 2016.

Looking ahead, the Acting General Manager, S. Veerapandian said that he is optimistic that the company will strategise the investment policies to gainfully deploy the investments in fixed income and alternative categories commensurate with the company’s risk appetite and the offerings in the regional financial markets in the short to medium term.

Gulf hotel presents Hanine El AlamManama

Get ready for a night of mythical blend of sizzling

Latin fever and heart-throbbing Oriental rhythms, from the famous Hanine El Alam today and tomorrow at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s award winning Lebanese Restaurant Zahle.

Specially flown in from Lebanon, Hanine is one of the most versatile and charismatic

oriental violinists in the present scene, and is an exceptionally dedicated and gifted performer whose passionate artistry has been heard and embraced around the country.

Doors open at 7:00pm. Tickets are priced at BD35, net inclusive of dinner and soft beverages.

For bookings call: +973 17 713000

Forbes honours top Indian biz men in the Arab worldManama

Some of the most pioneering and inspiring Indian

business leaders in the Middle East were honoured by Forbes Middle East, for the fifth consecutive year, during a ceremony held yesterday at Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Dubai.

Managing Director of Abu Dhabi-headquartered EMKE LuLu Group of companies Yusuffali MA was honoured for the fifth year running, in recognition of his contribution to the retail sector in the region.

Adeeb Ahamed, MD, LuLu Financial Group & Twenty14 Holdings, Ravi Pillai, MD,

RP Group of Companies, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder & MD, VPS Healthcare, Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman and MD, Aster DM Healthcare, Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman, Danube Group, Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman, Mulk Holdings and Adnan Chilwan, Group CEO, Dubai Islamic Bank were among the others honoured at

the annual event.“These business leaders have

had a positive impact on the region and this event is our way of celebrating their contribution to the economic development of the Arab World,” Forbes Middle East’s Editor-In-Chief Khuloud Al Omian said, in a statement.

“It is a tremendous honour to

receive this award and be recognised among peers in the region. This recognition is an impetus for me to continue setting new benchmarks in the region’s financial industry as well as the hospitality sector,” said Adeeb Ahamed, MD, LuLu Financial Group and Twenty14 Holdings.

“I would like to congratulate

the fellow awardees who have been an integral part of the success story of this region,” added Adeeb.

The awards were presented by Vipul, Indian Consulate General to the UAE, who was also the guest of honour. The 2017 edition included business leaders from various sectors like retail, industrial companies, healthcare,

banking and finance, both in top owners and top executive management categories.

Out of the 100 names on list, over 90 per cent of them were based in UAE. Diversified companies dominated the awards list, followed by retail and real estate, while luminaries from 24 other sectors were also honoured at the event.

Adeeb Ahmed Adnan Chilwan Dr. Azad Moopen Ravi Pillai Shamsheer Vayalil Yusuffali MA

Haneen El Alam

S. Veerapandian

Abou

t MEH

From left, Dr. Ravipreet Singh, CEO Middle East Hospital and Medical Centers, Alexandre Silva Area Business Manager Fitness First Bahrain & Qatar, Amra Muharemovic and Priyanshu Talan, Business Development Executives of Middle East Hospital and Medical Centers

Patients under the privilege membership will receive exclusive benefits, such as reduced fees and priority access and appointments.

“We are pleased to sign this MOU with the Middle East Hospital to offer our members, staff and their family’s first class healthcare at a special rate. Both entities are focused on helping the community of Bahrain achieve a balanced and healthier lifestyle,”

Alexandre Silva, Area Business Manager,

Fitness First Bahrain & Qatar

“By entering in to this arrangement, we aim to

provide and maintain quality health services to the employees and

families of Fitness First.In lieu, Middle East

Group’s staff will get a special package for the services at Fitness First health clubs. The MOU

will also highlight a joint collaboration between

the hospital and gym to encourage health and

wellbeing for employees and members of both

establishments,”Varghese Kurian,

Chairman, Middle East Group


Middle East Hospital & Medical

Centers, Fitness First sign deal

Middle East Hospital & Medical Centers and Fitness First have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a special discounted rate at the hospital located in Segaya and the medical centers in Hidd and Salmabad for the staff, their families and members of Fitness First

Middle East Hospital and Medical Centers, under the reputed and proven management of VKL Holdings & Al Namal Group, is the largest private hospital in Bahrain and it offers a variety of services with multi-specialty clinics and other ancillary services.

Al Ahlia Insurance announces Q1 results

Manama

Al Ahlia Insurance Company yesterday

announced financial results for the three-months ending March 2017, reporting a net profit of BD255,017 as compared to a net profit of BD439,187 for the same period in the previous year.

The investment income at BD509,309 showed an increase of BD188,984 as compared to the three-months ending March 2016.

The net profit from insurance operations before the adjustment for management expenses for the quarter reduced to BD126,992

compared to BD611,455, for the same period a year ago, due to prudent and conservative provisions against claims.

Gross Premiums stood at

BD4,137,186 for the Q1, 2017 as compared to BD3,876,656 for the Q1, 2016. The net earned premiums stood at BD1,679,397 for the Q1, 2017 as compared to BD2,397,619 for the Q1, 2016.

Looking ahead, the Acting General Manager, S. Veerapandian said that he is optimistic that the company will strategise the investment policies to gainfully deploy the investments in fixed income and alternative categories commensurate with the company’s risk appetite and the offerings in the regional financial markets in the short to medium term.

Gulf hotel presents Hanine El AlamManama

Get ready for a night of mythical blend of sizzling

Latin fever and heart-throbbing Oriental rhythms, from the famous Hanine El Alam today and tomorrow at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s award winning Lebanese Restaurant Zahle.

Specially flown in from Lebanon, Hanine is one of the most versatile and charismatic

oriental violinists in the present scene, and is an exceptionally dedicated and gifted performer whose passionate artistry has been heard and embraced around the country.

Doors open at 7:00pm. Tickets are priced at BD35, net inclusive of dinner and soft beverages.

For bookings call: +973 17 713000

Forbes honours top Indian biz men in the Arab worldManama

Some of the most pioneering and inspiring Indian

business leaders in the Middle East were honoured by Forbes Middle East, for the fifth consecutive year, during a ceremony held yesterday at Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Dubai.

Managing Director of Abu Dhabi-headquartered EMKE LuLu Group of companies Yusuffali MA was honoured for the fifth year running, in recognition of his contribution to the retail sector in the region.

Adeeb Ahamed, MD, LuLu Financial Group & Twenty14 Holdings, Ravi Pillai, MD,

RP Group of Companies, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder & MD, VPS Healthcare, Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman and MD, Aster DM Healthcare, Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman, Danube Group, Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman, Mulk Holdings and Adnan Chilwan, Group CEO, Dubai Islamic Bank were among the others honoured at

the annual event.“These business leaders have

had a positive impact on the region and this event is our way of celebrating their contribution to the economic development of the Arab World,” Forbes Middle East’s Editor-In-Chief Khuloud Al Omian said, in a statement.

“It is a tremendous honour to

receive this award and be recognised among peers in the region. This recognition is an impetus for me to continue setting new benchmarks in the region’s financial industry as well as the hospitality sector,” said Adeeb Ahamed, MD, LuLu Financial Group and Twenty14 Holdings.

“I would like to congratulate

the fellow awardees who have been an integral part of the success story of this region,” added Adeeb.

The awards were presented by Vipul, Indian Consulate General to the UAE, who was also the guest of honour. The 2017 edition included business leaders from various sectors like retail, industrial companies, healthcare,

banking and finance, both in top owners and top executive management categories.

Out of the 100 names on list, over 90 per cent of them were based in UAE. Diversified companies dominated the awards list, followed by retail and real estate, while luminaries from 24 other sectors were also honoured at the event.

Adeeb Ahmed Adnan Chilwan Dr. Azad Moopen Ravi Pillai Shamsheer Vayalil Yusuffali MA

Haneen El Alam

S. Veerapandian

Abou

t MEH

Net profit for the period 255,017 439,187

Items that may be reclassified into profit or loss: Net change in fair value of available-for-sale investments - 149,980Net change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 1,140 -

Total other comprehensive income for the period 1,140 149,980

Total comprehensive profit for the period 256,157 589,167

ASSETS Cash and bank balances 12,007,879 10,439,741 9,199,104Statutory deposit 125,000 125,000 125,000Investments 5,688,290 6,592,510 8,088,720Insurance receivables 5,679,667 5,707,137 5,252,440Deferred policy acquisition costs 344,528 380,335 286,460Reinsurer’s share of technical provisions 5,777,985 5,439,787 4,657,528Other receivables 270,137 291,242 396,484Property and equipment 845,870 850,475 830,431

TOTAL ASSETS 30,739,356 29,826,227 28,836,167

LIABILITIES Technical provisions 14,220,680 12,819,071 11,767,234Insurance payables 1,010,478 1,167,677 1,436,092Other payables 1,729,267 2,006,071 1,936,050Employees’ terminal benefits 158,784 154,769 154,013

TOTAL LIABILITIES 17,119,209 16,147,588 15,293,389

TOTAL NET ASSETS 13,620,147 13,678,639 13,542,778

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Share capital 6,184,939 6,184,939 6,184,939Reserves 4,656,666 4,970,175 4,423,754Retained earnings 2,778,542 2,523,525 2,934,085

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 13,620,147 13,678,639 13,542,778

Gross premiums 4,137,186 3,876,656Re-insurance ceded (2,192,053) (1,240,123)

Retained premiums 1,945,133 2,636,533Adjustment in unearned premiums (265,736) (238,914)

Net premiums earned 1,679,397 2,397,619

Gross claims paid (1,265,475) (1,986,256)Claims recovered from reinsurers 446,537 284,759Outstanding claims adjustment – gross (1,009,688) (300,715)Outstanding claims adjustment – reinsurance recoveries 251,025 162,694

Net claims incurred (1,577,601) (1,839,518)

Management expenses (154,509) (140,193)Net commission income 25,196 53,354

Underwriting (loss)/ profit for the period (27,517) 471,262

Investment income 509,309 320,325Other income 4,988 3,169General and administrative expenses (231,763) (210,289)Impairment on available-for-sale investments - (145,280)

Net profit for the period 255,017 439,187

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Cash flows from operating activitiesNet profit for the period 255,017 439,187Adjustments for: Depreciation 5,636 3,941 Dividend income (255,100) (306,400) Interest income (32,592) (13,680) Impairment losses on available-for-sale investments - 145,280 Net loss arising on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 77,620 - Transition adjustment on adoption of IFRS 9 (314,649) -Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Insurance and other receivables 58,795 (482,247) Deferred policy acquisition costs 35,807 (1,486) Reinsurer’s share of technical provisions (338,198) (1,450,380) Technical provisions 1,401,609 1,839,885 Insurance and other payables (434,003) 239,722Provision for employees’ leaving indemnity, net 4,015 154

Net cash provided by operating activities 463,957 413,976

Cash flows from investing activities Dividend received 255,100 306,400Interest received 22,372 25,469Payments to acquire investments (3,672,080) -Proceeds from disposal of investments 4,499,820 -Payments to acquire property and equipment (1,031) (10,888)

Net cash provided by investing activities 1,104,181 320,981

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,568,138 734,957

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period 10,439,741 8,464,147

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period 12,007,879 9,199,104

Interim Statement of financial position as at March 31, 2017

Interim Statement of profit or loss (Unaudited)for the period ended March 31, 2017

Interim Statement of cash flows (Unaudited) for the period ended March 31, 2017

Interim Statement of changes in equity (Unaudited) for the period ended March 31, 2017

Interim Statement of profit or loss and other Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the period ended March 31, 2017

The financial statement were extracted from the financial statement on which Deloitte issued an unqualified review report date 9 May 2017 and signed on their behalf by:

As at December 31, 2015 6,184,939 2,406,473 1,119,989 747,312 4,273,774 2,494,898 12,953,611Total comprehensive income for the period - - 149,980 - 149,980 439,187 589,167

As at March 31, 2016 6,184,939 2,406,473 1,269,969 747,312 4,423,754 2,934,085 13,542,778

As at December 31, 2016 6,184,939 2,409,654 1,813,209 747,312 4,970,175 2,523,525 13,678,639Transition adjustment on adoption of IFRS 9 - - (314,649) - (314,649) - (314,649)Total comprehensive income for the period - - 1,140 - 1,140 255,017 256,157

As at March 31, 2017 6,184,939 2,409,654 1,499,700 747,312 4,656,666 2,778,542 13,620,147

Dr. Osama Taqi Al BaharnaChairman

Abdulellah Al Qassimi Vice Chairman

4.1 fils 7.1 fils

31 March2017

UnauditedBD

Three months period ended

31 March 2017BD


31 March 2016BD

Three monthsperiod ended

31 March 2017BD

Three monthsperiod ended

31 March 2016BD

31 March2016

UnauditedBD

Reserves

31 December2016

AuditedBD


31 March 2017BD

Sharecapital

BD

Statutoryreserve

BD

Investmentfair valuereserve

BD

Propertyrevaluation

reserveBD

TotalBD

Retainedearnings

BD

Totalequity

BD


31 March 2016BD


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 0.4873 0.3760 0.3333

KUWAIT 0.2855 32.2929 0.2848 0.2524

OMAN 0.3849 0.3859 0.3839 0.3403

QATAR 3.6420 3.6515 3.6326 3.2199

UAE 3.6730 3.6825 3.6635 3.2473

SAUDI 3.7500 3.7598 3.7403 3.3154

AUSTRALIA 0.2853 0.2828BANGLADESH 0.00493 0.00466CANADA 0.2812 0.2780DENMARK 0.0582 EGYPT 0.0241 0.0219EURO 0.4161 0.4140HONGKONG 0.04983 0.04943INDIA 0.00589 0.00596INDONESIA 0.00003016 0.00002891IRAN TUMAN 0.00010959 IRAQI DINAR 0.000294 JAPAN 0.003470 0.003400JORDAN 0.5346 0.5350KOREA 0.00038283 KUWAIT 1.2580 1.242MALAYSIA 0.089100 0.0891NEW ZEALAND 0.2662 0.2662NORWAY 0.0455 NEPAL 0.00391 0.00366OMAN 0.97962 0.98262PAKISTAN 0.00372 0.00360PHILIPPINES 0.00778 0.00756QATAR 0.10381 0.10376SAUDI ARABIA 0.10061 0.26810SINGAPORE 0.2717 0.2697SOUTH AFRICA 0.02920 0.02910SRI LANKA 0.02920 0.00248SWEDISH 0.0455 .SWITZERLAND 0.3818 0.3793SYRIA 0.001740 0.0123TAIWAN 0.012700 THAILAND 0.011060 0.011060TURKEY 0.1114 UNITED KINGDOM 0.4959 0.4929UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102810 0.102810UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37800 0.37805YUAN 0.058500 0.0585

Manama

The ICT sector is of strategic importance to

Bahrain’s vision to make the private sector the primary driver of economic growth and build a robust knowledge-based economy, said a top Bahrain Bourse official, yesterday.

Speaking during an orientation session, CEO of the Bahrain Bourse Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said that this sectory not only is a key facilitator for business, but it is also as “a major area of economic potential in terms of innovation and job creation”.

The session, held for members of the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH), highlighted ICT as an emerging player to Bahrain’s economy, with transport and communications sector - which includes ICT -

contributing more than 7 per cent to the country’s GDP, a number that is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.

The sector is a key target for the recently-launched Bahrain Investment Market (BIM), an equity market for growing business ventures in

Bahrain and the wider MENA region.

In this regard, Shaikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa added that the Bahrain Investment Market is an ideal platform, which connects business owners looking to raise capital with serious investors looking to be part of those companies’

long-term future.Chairman of BTECH

Ubaidly Al-Ubaidly said it was both interesting and encouraging to see how the Bahrain Investment Market will enable more investment in this critical sector and increase its contribution to the national economy.

ICT sector in focus at BIM

Manama

The Bahrain based, Al Baraka Banking Group

(ABG) announced that it achieved a total operating income of US$249 million during the first quarter of 2017 and the total financing and investments recorded slight increases at the end of March 2017 compared to end of December 2016.

Operating income growth rates, according to ABG, were affected by the financial and economic unstable conditions in some countries where the Group operates, forcing it to strengthen provisions. The rates were also affected by the decline in the local currencies in some countries where the Group operates against the US dollar.

“For the remaining part of 2017, we expect the fluctuations in regional and international markets will continue, which creates difficult business environment for international banks, but we will continue our precious policy and investment of our large financial and technical resources in addition to wide geographical network of the

units of the Group towards maximizing the returns for our shareholders and the investors in the Group,” said Adnan Ahmed Yousif, President & Chief Executive of Al Baraka Banking Group.

Net operating income, after deducting all operating expenses, reached US$101m during the first quarter of 2017 lower by 11pc when compared to US$114m during the same period last year.

After deducting taxes and provisions, the net income attributable to equity holders of the parent reached US$34m, compared to US$38m during the same period last year, a

slowdown of 10pc. While total net income of the Group reached US$52m during the first quarter of 2017.

Excluding the effect of the decline in the exchange rates, total operating income increased 10pc and the net income attributable to equity holders of the parent increased 4pc.

Operating assets (financing and investments) increased 1pc to US$17.7 billion as at the end of March 2017, while customer accounts maintained its December 2016’s level of US$19.1bn.

The Jordan Islamic Bank distributed 15pc cash

dividends and 20pc bonus shares, Al Baraka Bank Syria 15pc cash dividends, Al Baraka Bank Algeria 30.11pc cash dividends, Al Baraka Bank Turkey 5pc cash dividends, Al Baraka Bank Egypt 15pc bonus shares and Al Baraka Bank Sudan 12pc cash dividends and 18pc bonus shares

On expansion plans, the President & Chief Executive said: “We completed all necessary procedures to launch our banking unit in Morocco, and we plan to start its activities during the second half of this year with our partners.”

ABG records Q1 net incomeof $34 million

“We com-pleted all necessary procedures to launch our bank-ing unit in Morocco”

Abdulla Ammar Al Saudi,Vice Chairman, ABG

Adnan Ahmed Yousif, President, Chief Executive, ABG

Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel, Chairman, ABG

A Round table discussion in progress

Honey and Oats BreadHoney and oats bread is rich in carbohydrates. A 6 inch roll of honey and oats bread contains 49 g of carbohydrates, about 5 g of fibre, and about 260 calories. It also contains vitamin B. The honey and oats bread is claimed to be the most nutritious among all other varieties available there. Oats are made of whole grains and they help to lower the risk of cholesterol. Consumption of this bread also helps in proper digestion. Recent studies show that whole wheat containing food items like oats and honey bread can protect women against breast cancer. So, next time you plan to eat, do try this bread!

Brown BreadBrown breads are a healthier eating option than regular white breads. They are made with whole wheat flour. The bran and the germ of the wheat are not removed during its making. As a result, the essential nutrients are retained in the bread. One brown bread contains about 3.9g of protein, 23.6g of carbohydrates, 2.8g of fibre, 15.2mg of Calcium, 1.4mg of Iron, 37.3mg of Magnesium and other ingredients like Potassium, Sodium, Zinc and essential Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The fibre in brown bread helps to reduce

the risk of constipations and haemorrhoids.

Thursday, May 11, 2017 11

Similar to a tuna Nicoise, this salad has the addition of canned beans for extra fibre. Use drained and rinsed red kidney beans if you can’t find mixed beans.With a GI of 50 this meal is high protein, low GI This meal provides 390 kcal, 39g protein, 21g carbohydrate (of which 5.5g sugars), 15g fat (of which 3g saturates), 8.5g fibre and 1.3g salt per portion

Ingredients8100g/3½oz green beans, halved82 free-range eggs8400g tin mixed beans in water, drained and rinsed8100g/3½oz cherry tomatoes, halved84 spring onions, thinly sliced8160g tin tuna steak in water, drained

For the dressing81 tbsp extra virgin olive oil81 tsp vinegar81 tsp Dijon mustard8freshly ground black pepper

Method1. Cook the green beans in a pan of boiling water for 4 minutes. Plunge them into a bowl of very cold water.2. Cook the eggs in a pan of boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain in a sieve under cold

running water until cold. Peel and cut the eggs into quarters.3. For the dressing, whisk the oil, vinegar and mustard in a large bowl until thick. Season with black pepper.4. Add the green beans, mixed beans, cherry tomatoes and spring onions to the dressing and mix. Flake the tuna on top and add the hard-boiled eggs. Season with black pepper. (BBC Food)

Tuna bean salad

With changing lifestyle, our eating habits are also evolving. Eating out or eating processed food is preferred over cooking, after all who has the time to cook everything from scratch? In the back of our minds, we know that the processed junk we are filling ourselves with is doing our health no good, but we

tend to overlook that nagging worry. Bread is a staple diet for a majority

of households around the world. There are different varieties

of bread available in the market; each of

them has their own health benefits. In this post, I have

discussed five different types

of breads and their health benefits to

help you make the right food choices.

Rye BreadRye bread is made from a mix of rye and wheat flour. This type of bread originated in Europe

and is now available everywhere. They come in different sizes and shapes. Rye

flour has amylase enzyme that helps to break down starch into sugar.

Rye dough needs less water than other dough made from ordinary flour. The preparation is done in several stages in which the acidity of the dough

is raised to kill the amylase. This process helps to prevent

the dough from getting sticky. It is prepared by the sour dough process.

Rye bread constitutes of a large amount of fibre and minimal fat. Rye bread has low glycaemic index and greater amount of soluble fibre that can control cholesterol. (stylecraze)

Honey and Oats BreadHoney and oats bread is rich in carbohydrates. A 6 inch roll of honey and oats bread contains 49 g of carbohydrates, about 5 g of fibre, and about 260 calories. It also contains vitamin B. The honey and oats bread is claimed to be the most nutritious among all other varieties available there. Oats are made of whole grains and they help to lower the risk of cholesterol. Consumption of this bread also helps in proper digestion. Recent studies show that whole wheat containing food items like oats and honey bread can protect women against breast cancer. So, next time you plan to eat, do try this bread!

Brown BreadBrown breads are a healthier eating option than regular white breads. They are made with whole wheat flour. The bran and the germ of the wheat are not removed during its making. As a result, the essential nutrients are retained in the bread. One brown bread contains about 3.9g of protein, 23.6g of carbohydrates, 2.8g of fibre, 15.2mg of Calcium, 1.4mg of Iron, 37.3mg of Magnesium and other ingredients like Potassium, Sodium, Zinc and essential Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The fibre in brown bread helps to reduce

the risk of constipations and haemorrhoids.


Similar to a tuna Nicoise, this salad has the addition of canned beans for extra fibre. Use drained and rinsed red kidney beans if you can’t find mixed beans.With a GI of 50 this meal is high protein, low GI This meal provides 390 kcal, 39g protein, 21g carbohydrate (of which 5.5g sugars), 15g fat (of which 3g saturates), 8.5g fibre and 1.3g salt per portion

Ingredients8100g/3½oz green beans, halved82 free-range eggs8400g tin mixed beans in water, drained and rinsed8100g/3½oz cherry tomatoes, halved84 spring onions, thinly sliced8160g tin tuna steak in water, drained

For the dressing81 tbsp extra virgin olive oil81 tsp vinegar81 tsp Dijon mustard8freshly ground black pepper

Method1. Cook the green beans in a pan of boiling water for 4 minutes. Plunge them into a bowl of very cold water.2. Cook the eggs in a pan of boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain in a sieve under cold

running water until cold. Peel and cut the eggs into quarters.3. For the dressing, whisk the oil, vinegar and mustard in a large bowl until thick. Season with black pepper.4. Add the green beans, mixed beans, cherry tomatoes and spring onions to the dressing and mix. Flake the tuna on top and add the hard-boiled eggs. Season with black pepper. (BBC Food)

Tuna bean salad

With changing lifestyle, our eating habits are also evolving. Eating out or eating processed food is preferred over cooking, after all who has the time to cook everything from scratch? In the back of our minds, we know that the processed junk we are filling ourselves with is doing our health no good, but we

tend to overlook that nagging worry. Bread is a staple diet for a majority

of households around the world. There are different varieties

of bread available in the market; each of

them has their own health benefits. In this post, I have

discussed five different types

of breads and their health benefits to

help you make the right food choices.

Rye BreadRye bread is made from a mix of rye and wheat flour. This type of bread originated in Europe

and is now available everywhere. They come in different sizes and shapes. Rye

flour has amylase enzyme that helps to break down starch into sugar.

Rye dough needs less water than other dough made from ordinary flour. The preparation is done in several stages in which the acidity of the dough

is raised to kill the amylase. This process helps to prevent

the dough from getting sticky. It is prepared by the sour dough process.

Rye bread constitutes of a large amount of fibre and minimal fat. Rye bread has low glycaemic index and greater amount of soluble fibre that can control cholesterol. (stylecraze)


Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdulla bin Abdul Malik Al-Sheikh and UAE Ambassador Abdul Ridha Abdulla Khouri yesterday. The Premier praised the deep-rooted frater-nal relations between Bahrain and both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, stressing that the steady growth of cooperation between the three countries in various fields has entitled relations between them to become an example to emulate

Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa re-ceived at the Ministry’s General Court, the Secretary-General of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UN-CITRAL), Renaud Sorieul, Chair of the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR-AAA), Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa, and the Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Naseeb Ziyada yesterday. The minister praised UNCITRAL’s role in settling inter-national trade disputes and devel-oping international trade rules to increase trade exchange volume among world states and support their development efforts, wishing UNCITRAL every future success

President of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), Lt-Gen Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa has chaired a meeting focused on promoting cooperation with rel-evant government agencies to implement the National Health Insurance Programme, and its organisational structure. Minister of Health Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh, Minister of Labour & Social Development Jameel Humaidan and a number of senior government officials also participated

The Equal Opportunities Committee of the University of Bahrain organised a forum for women in cooperation with the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) under the patronage of Secretary General Hala Mohammed Al Ansari. GPIC President Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery was the keynote speaker at the event on the invitation of University President Dr. Riyad Yousef Hamza. Dr. Jawahery also took part in a panel discussion where he spoke on GPIC’s experience in empowering women

Minister of Information Affairs Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi received managing editor of Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Nasser Al-Haqbani. The Minister extended congratula-tions to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper on winning the Media Leadership of Sharjah Gov-ernment Communications Prize 2017 in recognition of its commitment to professional-ism, objectivity, as well as its media contribution at the Arab and international levels

Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa held weekly Majlis, at Riffa Palace yesterday. Members of the Royal family, senior government officials, members of the Shura Council and Council of Rep-resentatives, members of municipal councils, religious and community leaders, journalists, and diplomats attended the Majlis


Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdulla bin Abdul Malik Al-Sheikh and UAE Ambassador Abdul Ridha Abdulla Khouri yesterday. The Premier praised the deep-rooted frater-nal relations between Bahrain and both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, stressing that the steady growth of cooperation between the three countries in various fields has entitled relations between them to become an example to emulate

Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa re-ceived at the Ministry’s General Court, the Secretary-General of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UN-CITRAL), Renaud Sorieul, Chair of the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR-AAA), Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa, and the Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Naseeb Ziyada yesterday. The minister praised UNCITRAL’s role in settling inter-national trade disputes and devel-oping international trade rules to increase trade exchange volume among world states and support their development efforts, wishing UNCITRAL every future success

President of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), Lt-Gen Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa has chaired a meeting focused on promoting cooperation with rel-evant government agencies to implement the National Health Insurance Programme, and its organisational structure. Minister of Health Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh, Minister of Labour & Social Development Jameel Humaidan and a number of senior government officials also participated

The Equal Opportunities Committee of the University of Bahrain organised a forum for women in cooperation with the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) under the patronage of Secretary General Hala Mohammed Al Ansari. GPIC President Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery was the keynote speaker at the event on the invitation of University President Dr. Riyad Yousef Hamza. Dr. Jawahery also took part in a panel discussion where he spoke on GPIC’s experience in empowering women


Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa held weekly Majlis, at Riffa Palace yesterday. Members of the Royal family, senior government officials, members of the Shura Council and Council of Rep-resentatives, members of municipal councils, religious and community leaders, journalists, and diplomats attended the Majlis

Thursday, May 11, 2017 13His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday reiterated Bahrain’s keenness on develop-ing sports facilities, to keep pace with the comprehensive strides in all other sectors. HM the King said this while receiving FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Al Safriya Palace. HM the King hailed the dedicated efforts led by FIFA president to promote the game of football, hailing the role of the heads of continental federations. The FIFA President and heads of continental fed-erations expressed thanks and appreciation to HM the King for the warm welcome and hospi-tality, hailing Bahrain’s develop-ment strides

Inspector-General, Major-Gen-eral Abdulla Hassan Al-Nuaimi, attended yesterday the con-clusion of joint mobilisation drill, “The Wolf’s Claws 2017”, carried out by the Bahrain De-fence Force (BDF), represented by the Royal Special Force, and the Presidential Guard of the UAE Armed Forces. The drill aims to strengthen military cooperation between the BDF and the UAE Armed Forces, en-hance the efficiency of the spe-cial forces in the two countries and exchange military exper-tise between the two countries

Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company has launched a photography ex-hibition on Monday, on the Second Floor of the Harbour Gate within Bahrain Financial Harbour. Showcasing 22 photographs of newborns, kids and families by Ruqaya AlA’ali, the exhibition (Little Feet) lasts for 3 whole weeks and is open for visitors at any time


A reception was held to celebrate the 50th Birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on Wednesday. The reception was hosted by the Nether-lands Ambassador for Kuwait and Bahrain Frans Potuyt (fifth from right), Zumreta Jahic, Deputy Head of Mission (second from right) and the Honorary Consul in Bahrain, Jaap W. Vaandrager (first from right). Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bahrain, Ambassador Dr. Dhafer Al Umran, members of the diplomatic corps and the local business community attended the event. A highlight of the reception was a discussion on the Euro 10 commemorative coin that was specially minted to mark the King’s 50th birthday. The coin has the words ‘Represent, Connect, Encourage’ on it. The coin also features a sailors knot, depicting the King’s love for water and the will to connect

BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received the newly-appointed South Korean Ambassador Koo Hyun-Mo yesterday. The BDF chief wished the new envoy every success in assuming the duties assigned to him in order to bolster the friendly relations between the two countries.

Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh yesterday received Burundi’s Senate President, Reverien Ndikuriyo, and hailed Burundi’s stances towards the Kingdom of Bahrain during chairing meetings of the Association of Senates, Shu-ra and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received Royal Family members and senior state officials yesterday. The Premier affirmed that the Bahraini people has, throughout history, made success stories in unity, love of the nation and dedication for its sake, which, he said, entitled it to be a role model

Los Angeles

Grammy Award winning singer Celine Dion will be performing

“My heart will go on”, the popular theme song from “Titanic”, at

the Billboard Music Awards in honour of the blockbuster

film’s 20th anniversary.The news was announced

on the singer’s Twitter page on Monday, reports today.com.

And while the song is a momentous one for “Titanic” fans, Dion has revealed that since she lost her husband Rene Angelil to cancer in January 2016, it has taken on a new meaning for her.

“When my husband passed (‘My heart will go on’) became, probably for the first time, our song. And when I sing it, I used to sing it for the fans, and now I sing it for us,” she said. (IANS)


Ellen DeGeneres‏ @TheEllenShow

Welcome to the world, Charlie Wolf Pechenik!

Congrats @ZooeyDeschanel, dad, and big sister

Elsie. I can’t wait to meet the new pup.

Welsh actress who left an impression on audiences as the fearsome Ms. Trunchbull in the 1996 film Matilda.

May 11, 1948

Dion to perform

‘My heart will go on’

Los Angeles

After Justin Bieber, music lovers in India can look forward to Grammy Award winning British singer Ed Sheeran’s performance.

He will perform in Mumbai on November 19.It will be part of his World Tour to promote his latest album “Divide”.Sheeran, who launched his third album on March 3, has extended

the Asia leg of his tour to 14 new destinations, read a statement on his official website. Besides Mumbai, Sheeran will also perform in Taipei, Osaka, Seoul, Tokyo and Bangkok. Canadian pop star Justin Bieber is currently in India as part of his Purpose World Tour. (IANS)

Los Angeles

American actor Zach McGowan has been

cast as Hawaiian native Benehakaka “Ben” Kanahele in historical drama “Niihau”, which has reignited the debate around whitewashing in Hollywood where Asian and Pacific Islanders are portrayed by white actors.

The film chronicles the true story of the Ni’ihau incident, in which Kanahele rescued Shigenori Nishikaichi, an Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service pilot, who participated in the bombing of Pearl Harbor, after he crashed his plane onto the Hawaii island of Ni’ihau. (IANS)

Los Angeles

Grammy Award winning singer Celine Dion will be performing

“My heart will go on”, the popular theme song from “Titanic”, at

the Billboard Music Awards in honour of the blockbuster

film’s 20th anniversary.The news was announced

on the singer’s Twitter page on Monday, reports today.com.

And while the song is a momentous one for “Titanic” fans, Dion has revealed that since she lost her husband Rene Angelil to cancer in January 2016, it has taken on a new meaning for her.

“When my husband passed (‘My heart will go on’) became, probably for the first time, our song. And when I sing it, I used to sing it for the fans, and now I sing it for us,” she said. (IANS)


Ellen DeGeneres‏ @TheEllenShow

Welcome to the world, Charlie Wolf Pechenik!

Congrats @ZooeyDeschanel, dad, and big sister

Elsie. I can’t wait to meet the new pup.

Welsh actress who left an impression on audiences as the fearsome Ms. Trunchbull in the 1996 film Matilda.

May 11, 1948

Dion to perform

‘My heart will go on’

Los Angeles

After Justin Bieber, music lovers in India can look forward to Grammy Award winning British singer Ed Sheeran’s performance.

He will perform in Mumbai on November 19.It will be part of his World Tour to promote his latest album “Divide”.Sheeran, who launched his third album on March 3, has extended

the Asia leg of his tour to 14 new destinations, read a statement on his official website. Besides Mumbai, Sheeran will also perform in Taipei, Osaka, Seoul, Tokyo and Bangkok. Canadian pop star Justin Bieber is currently in India as part of his Purpose World Tour. (IANS)

Los Angeles

American actor Zach McGowan has been

cast as Hawaiian native Benehakaka “Ben” Kanahele in historical drama “Niihau”, which has reignited the debate around whitewashing in Hollywood where Asian and Pacific Islanders are portrayed by white actors.

The film chronicles the true story of the Ni’ihau incident, in which Kanahele rescued Shigenori Nishikaichi, an Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service pilot, who participated in the bombing of Pearl Harbor, after he crashed his plane onto the Hawaii island of Ni’ihau. (IANS)

Margot Robbie is set to star in Dreamland, a thriller that will

be directed by Sundance winner Miles Joris-Peyrafitte.

Robbie will also produce with her partners at Lucky Chap Entertainment, Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara, as well as Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Rian Cahill of Automatik. Brad Feinstein of Romulus Entertainment is producing and financing Dreamland, which Sierra/Affinity will introduce at this year’s Cannes Film Market. CAA and WME are co-repping domestic sales.

Written by Nicolaas Zwart and on the 2015 Black List, Dreamland is set in the 1930s, amid the devastation of the Dust Bowl. The story follows a 15-year-old boy on his quest to capture a fugitive bank robber and collect the bounty on her head, all with the goal of saving his family farm from foreclosure.

Against all odds, he beats out the

FBI and the local police to find her, only to discover that she’s far more than what the authorities claim her to be. Robbie will play the bank robber.

The producers are hoping to bring a balance of nostalgic beauty and gritty realism to the proceedings as well as a balance between a sense of romanticism and a sense of violence.

Automatik has been involved in the making of Jeff Nichols’ dramas Midnight Special and Loving. ( h o l l y w o o d reporter.com)

Veteran actress Joanna Lumley has decided to donate her organs after her death. The

71-year-old actress has pledged to give away her vital organs after she passes away to those in need of transplants.

“I’ve got one of those donor forms that says ‘take anything you want’ so I’m not sure what they do with you” she said. (TOI)

Los Angeles

Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks feels one has to be conscious while using social media, saying it should be used in a healthy

way. Hanks plays a founder of the world’s largest and most powerful tech and social media company in forthcoming film “The Circle”. The company has come up with an experiment where a subject is asked to stay in constant surveillance and its consequences. The actor also confessed that he would never sign on to an experiment like this.

“The message (in the film) for me was that we are all participants in our destiny. And yes, it’s great to be able to pay bills online or pull up any movie you want to watch at any

time, but you need to ask yourself if that’s good for you and healthy for you,” Hanks said in a statement. (IANS)


DAMN.Kendrick Lamar

Guardians Of The Galaxy, Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2Soundtrack

Love And WarBrad Paisley

DivideEd Sheeran

24K MagicBruno Mars

8Incubus

This Is My Town: Songs Of New YorkBarry Manilow

MoanaSoundtrack

Be MyselfSheryl Crow

The Search For EverythingJohn Mayer

(billboard.com)

Thursday, May 11, 201716SARKAR 3 ( Hindi/Crime/Drama )Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Yami Gautam, Jackie ShroffDANA : Timings: 11:00, 13:30, 16:00, 18:30, 21:00, 23:30DANA : Timings: 10:45, 13:15, 15:45, 18:15, 20:45, 23:15

BAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION (HINDI/ACTION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA)Starring: Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana DaggubatiDANA : Timings: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00, 23:00THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, 21:00DANA : Timings: 10:30, 13:30, 16:30, 19:30, 22:30THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:15,14:15,17:15,20:15,23:15THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:30,14:15,17:00,19:45,22:30

MERI PYARI BINDU (Hindi/Drama/Music/Romance)Starring: Parineeti Chopra, Ayushmann Khurrana, Abish MathewDANA : Timings: 10:30, 13:15, 16:00, 18:45, 21:30, 00:15THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 12:00,14:45,17:30,20:15,23:00

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2: Atmos – 3D (Action / Adventure / Sci – Fi )Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Sal-dana, Dave Bautista

DANA : Timings: 10:45, 13:15, 15:45, 18:15, 20:45, 23:15

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE– 2D (Animation/Adventure/Comedy) Starring: Michelle Rodriguez, Ariel Winter, Julia Roberts DANA : Timings: 10:45,12:30,14:15,16:00,17:45,19:30,21:15,23:00

BASHTERY RAGEL (Arabic/Romance/Comedy)Starring: Nelly Kerim, Mohamed Mamdouh, Lotfy Labib DANA : Timings: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00, 01:00

KING ARTHUR: THE LEGEND OF THE SWORD (Action/Adventure/Drama)Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Jude Law DANA : Timings: 10:45, 13:00, 15:15, 17:30, 19:45, 22:00, 00:15

GEORGETTAN’S POORAM ( Malayalam /Comedy )Starring: Dileep, Renji Panicker, Rajisha VijayanDANA : Timings: 10:30, 13:15, 16:00, 18:45, 21:30, 00:15

BAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION (HINDI/ACTION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA)Starring: Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana DaggubatiDANA : Timings: 11:30, 14:30,

17:30, 20:30, 23:30

THE ASSIGNMENT: REVENGER (Action/Crime/Thriller)Starring: Michelle Rodriguez, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Shal-houbDANA : Timings: 10:45, 12:30, 14:15, 16:00, 17:45, 19:30, 21:15, 23:00, 00:45THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:30,13:15,15:00,16:45,18:30,20:15,22:00

THE DINNER (Drama/Mystery/Thriller)Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Steve Coogan DANA : Timings: 10:30, 12:45, 15:00, 17:15, 19:30, 21:45, 00:00

KALB BALADY (Arabic / Comedy )Starring: Ahmed Fahmy, Ahmed Fathi, Akram HosnyDANA : Timings: 11:00,13:00,15:00,17:00,19:00,21:00,23:00,01:00

SPARK: A SPACE TAIL ( A n i m a t i o n / A d v e n t u r e /

Comedy)Starring: Jessica Biel, Patrick Stewart, Susan SarandonDANA : Timings: 10:45,12:30,14:15,16:00,17:45,19:30,21:15,23:00,00:45THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:45,13:30,15:15,17:00,18:45,20:30,22:15THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:15,13:00,14:45,16:30,18:15,20:00,21:45

THE BOSS BABY – 2D (Animation/Comedy/Family) Starring: Eliza Dushku, Robert Patrick, Chace Crawford DANA : Timings:11:00, 13:00,15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00

FAST AND FURIOUS 8 (Action/Crime/Thriller)Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Charl-ize Theron, Scott Eastwood DANA : Timings: 11:00,13:30,16:00,18:30,21:00,23:30

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2: 2D (Action / Adventure / Sci – Fi )Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Sal-dana, Dave BautistaDANA : Timings: 11:00,13:30,16:00,18:30,21:00,23:30

VINCENT N ROXXY (Crime / Drama / Thriller )Starring: Emile Hirsch, Zoë Kravitz, Zoey Deutch THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:30,13:45,16:00,18:15,20:30,22:45

KILLING GROUND ( Thriller ) Starring: Harriet Dyer, Stephen Hunter, Aaron Pedersen THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 12:15,14:00,15:45,17:30,19:15,21:00,22:45

SNIPER: SPECIAL OPS (Action/Drama/War)Starring: Steven Seagal, Rob Van Dam, Tim Abell THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:30,13:15,15:00,16:45,18:30,20:15,22:00

THE REZORT ( Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller ) Starring: Dougray Scott, Jessica De Gouw, Martin McCann THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 12:00,13:45,15:30,17:15,19:00,20:45,22:30

VIP THE REZORT ( Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller ) Starring: Dougray Scott, Jessica De Gouw, Martin McCannTHE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 13:00,14:45,16:30,18:15,20:00,21:45,23:30

An assassin is the unwilling recipient of a sex change

procedure in “The Assignment,” a bogus piece of pulp trash that should have never made it off of the operating table.

Gritty veteran action director Walter Hill (“The Warriors,” “48 Hrs.”) is in barrel-scraping mode with the story of Frank Kitchen (Michelle Rodriguez), a brutal contract killer who is turned into a woman by a vengeful surgeon (Sigourney Weaver).

Rodriguez, in a career-worst performance, dons a fourth-rate New York tough guy accent as

Kitchen. Pre-op, Rodriguez looks so silly in a beard that the movie should have been stopped dead in its tracks right then and there. That we get the obligatory full frontal shot of Rodriguez as a man should tell you everything you need to know about the would-be-titillating nature of this grindhouse failure.

After the operation (again, lots of full frontal shots), Kitchen seeks revenge in an underworld of crime bosses (including Anthony LaPaglia as a killer named Honest John) that feels like a blatant rip-off of “Sin City.”

Meanwhile, most of Weaver’s scenes are staged interrogations with a doctor (Tony Shalhoub) that feel like they were edited in from a different movie.

It’s not just that the subject matter is unsavory, it’s that everything about “The Assignment” is generic and lazy. Kitchen is painted as a world class killer, although we never see any evidence of his high-level skills or evasive tactics. Hill is too concerned with getting his jollies over the supposedly taboo subject matter to care. (detroitnews)


Mohamed Ahmadi Co. W.L.L

“Miles covered with a smile...”

“Best Fare at your Door Step”

MAC TRAVEL & TOURISM

General & Contract Cleaning ServicesManned Security ServicesTravel & TourismCivil works-Block, Plastering & Tile FixingTrading of Garbage Bags/Hand Towels & Cleaning Detergents

Air ticket to all global airlinesFabulous tour package around the globeHotels and service apartmentTailor made packagesTravel Insurance

HOTLINE 8000 1088

Tel: 17268 111 | Fax: 17268 222 | Mob: 39462097Manama | Kingdom of Bahrain | [email protected] | www.macbh.com

an ISO Certified Company

DINE OUT

LEISURE

SERVICE

Business solutions· WLL/SPC Registration· Accounting/ Auditing Services·Adding/ Removing Partner Activity· LMRA/CPR/Gossi Services· CR Additional Visa· Applications· Sponsorship with or without offices· Business sale/ purchase· 33600501, 33602501,[email protected], www.fahdan.com

ALWARDI CLEANINGCleaning contracts & General cleaning services.Sofa curtain shampooing.Curtain steam cleaning.Marble grinding and mirror polishing. Supplying cleaning staffs. Call 33717930

CAR FOR SALELEXUS CAR for saleLexus Model 2010, full option white color is for urgent sale. 1, 00,000 KMs, Price BD 5500 Contact 38382100

CERTIFICATE ATTESTATION & UNIVERSITY VERIFICATION from India, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, UK, USA, Australia. Contact UROGULF : 34211 944, 3733 4647, 38 271 275, urogulfbahrain@gmail. com, [email protected], www.muble.com

BARGAIN, FOR QUICK SALE. Owner leaving Bahrain . 3 bedroom fully, furnished apartment ( Busaiteen) with all new electrical appliances (mainly USA make) on 8th floor. 2 Bathrooms, 1 en suite, Balcony, Swimming pool , gym and common Majlis. Next to King Hamad University Hospital and RCSI. Good Rental Return. Price 72500, Negotiable. Please ring 33332982

USED CARSPROPERTY

ECOCITY PEST & TERMITE CONTROL

www.ecocitypestcontrol.com

23 years of experience in Saudi, Bahrain.

Treatment of Cockroaches, Bed bugs,Termites,

Rats, Mice, & Weed control. NPMA member.

,

For Special Offers and RatesContact

[email protected]

17579892 ,17579870 38444685 ,38444681

18 Thursday, May 11, 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)

You can expect to have a confusing encounter with a friend or colleague today. He or she may come to you for advice but hesitate to reveal the specifics of the problem. You will feel as though you’ve been asked to mediate an argument, yet you only know one side of the story. Be patient. Gently probe for more details. If they aren’t forthcoming, change the subject!You’re feeling strong, energetic, and likely to be inspired to get some real work done around the house. Focus on the most mundane chores, such as reorganizing bookshelves or going through the clothes you no longer wear. This day won’t be the epitome of intellectual activity, but you will be rewarded with a tidy living space.

Something you read today could have a dramatic effect on your life. Pay particular attention to dream psychology. You may find an explanation for a recurring dream. The accuracy of the description could stop you in your tracks and make you anxious to read more. You’re right to be intrigued.

Today you will likely be in the mood to nest with loved ones. Encourage children and partner to stay home with you. Make some popcorn and pull out the board games. You will be surprised at how much fun a quiet day at home can be. Tonight, order pizza and watch a movie. Get out the blanket and cuddle.Today an article or TV show may set your mind spinning in the strangest directions. You could finally acknowledge your fascination with the occult, or perhaps discover an interest in dream interpretation. Let yourself indulge in your interests. Sometimes you don’t take the time to pursue subjects that you don’t deem “serious.” Go ahead and explore your dark side!If you’ve been thinking about writing a novel or taking up oil painting, today is the day to begin. No excuses. You have just as much talent as anyone else, so why not use it? You might find it helpful to join a writing group or sign up for a painting workshop, if only to help you get started and stay motivated. Join a support group for artists. They will understand.You clean house like someone with an attention problem. You never stick with one task. Your bathroom mirrors and counters will get cleaned, but not the floor. Make an effort to clean thoroughly, one room at a time. Even if you don’t get through the whole house, you will receive some satisfaction from knowing that parts of it are spotless.

Today you may need to be more selfless. You may moan about the obligations and expectations placed on you, but you do what’s expected. Much to your surprise, you actually find that you get more out of the experience than you put into it. You may visit a nursing home and be charmed by stories of the war years. Keep your mind and heart open. You will be richly rewarded.

You’re an avid reader. Today you may come across some ideas that inspire ideas of your own. Perhaps you read something gives you an idea for a short story. Maybe an interview with a famous musician reignites your desire to play the piano. Pay attention to these yearnings. Write them down. When you review them in a few days, you will see which ones still have a strong pull on you.

You may receive a letter or phone call that spurs you into action. You might realize how close you are to reaching a long-term goal, and harness your energy for that final push to the finish line. Now that the goal is in sight, you’re already thinking about what your next one will be. “Ever onward” is your motto.

This may not be your preferred way to spend the day, but it would be an ideal time to finish up tasks that have been piling up at home. It would do you good to catch up on cleaning or get more organized around the house. Yes, that means throwing away last year’s newspapers and magazines. If you haven’t read them by now, you’re not likely to!

You’re a dedicated soul to spend precious personal time doing household chores, but certain things need to get done. If you still haven’t done all the laundry or read all the magazines, then tackle these first. Completing them will motivate you to move on to the next task. Before you know it, you will be sitting pretty in a neat, organized home.

1- Greek portico;; 5- Ballot choice;; 9- British record label;; 12- Dark cloud;; 13- Proverb, saying;; 15- Graceful horse;; 16- Impulse to act;; 17- Out;; 18- Sandy tract;; 19- Letter opener;; 21- Gazing;; 23- Soviet news service;; 24- ___ Jima;; 25- Anew;; 28- Easy chair;; 33- West Yorkshire city;; 34- Roll-call response;; 35- Greenish blue;; 36- Author Amy;; 37- Units of computer memory;; 38- Devoured;; 39- Bone: Prefix;; 41- Latin 101 word;; 42- Slender gulls;; 44- Piercing;; 46- Some sculptures;; 47- ___ canto;; 48- Tender;; 49- Greek goddess of health;; 53- Culinary department;; 57- Merit;; 58- Fragile;; 60- Mower brand;; 61- Smelting waste;; 62- Legend;; 63- Send forth;; 64- Paris posses-sive;; 65- Germinated grain used in brewing;; 66- He loved Lucy;;

1- Potato;; 2- Shipping deduction;; 3- Gymnast Korbut;; 4- Warned;; 5- Disappear;; 6- Smells;; 7- Make lace;; 8- Sponsorship;; 9- ... ___ saw Elba;; 10- Jazz flutist Herbie;; 11- ___ to differ!;; 14- Leads on;; 15- Deft;; 20- Back talk;; 22- Shoe tool;; 25- Choir section;; 26- Sumptuous meal;; 27- Oscar de la ___;; 28- Label anew;; 29- “___ Tu” (‘70s hit);; 30- Approaches;; 31- Jack Sprat could ___ fat;; 32- Like non- oyster months;; 34- Song in praise of God;; 37- Court attendant;; 40- Refluent;; 42- Legal wrong;; 43- Put up;; 45- Nectar collector;; 46- Washroom;; 48- Dexterity;; 49- Pianist Myra;; 50- Ivy League school;; 51- Mardi ___;; 52- Composer Khachaturian;; 54- Household;; 55- Goddess of discord;; 56- Don’t look at me!;; 59- Attorneys’ org.;;

BEETLE BAILEY R

#PollToday

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

/nobonline/newsofbahrain

Prosecutors in Indonesia recom-mended 80 strokes of the cane for two men accused of having sex in contravention of sharia law, the first such punishment in the conservative province.


Mumbai

Justin Bieber mania swept Mumbai yesterday as the

Canadian pop star hit town to give his first concert in India in front of 45,000 fans.

“Beliebers” from across the nation have flocked to the commercial capital to see their idol perform hits like “Baby” and “Sorry” on the latest stop of his “Purpose World Tour”.

“I’ve been listening to his music for five years. I absolutely love him as an artist and I’m very excited to be seeing him,” 18-year-old student Rahul Tiwari, who had travelled from neighbouring Gujarat state,

said.Fans who gathered outside Mumbai’s airport got their first glimse of the superstar when he touched down in the city at 1:30 am on a chartered flight from Dubai.

Indian television channels aired mobile phone footage of Bieber carrying a bouquet of flowers and wearing a pink hoodie, dark shorts and white trainers as he walked from the airport to a waiting car with his entourage.

The 23-year-old is to perform to a sellout crowd at the D Y Patil Stadium, a venue more used to hosting cricket and football matches than international pop stars.

Rabat

A Moroccan court has sentenced a young

Ferrari driver to two years in jail after he triggered a scandal by posting footage of himself apparently drunk at the wheel, local media said Wednesday.

The 20-year-old caused a scandal in the North African country when footage of him apparently inebriated and insulting police officers in the capital Rabat went viral.

First he is seen at a nightclub holding a bottle of champagne, and later at the wheel of his Italian sports car, still with the bottle, showing signs of intoxication.

He then appears in front of his crashed car, mocking police officers, and finally sitting proudly in the passenger seat of an ambulance smoking a cigarette.

News reports at the time of his arrest last month said the man was the nephew of a wealthy businessman, with newspaper Al Massae complaining he had received “special treatment” from police.

Morocco’s official MAP news agency said Wednesday the man had also been fined the equivalent of 2,000 euros after being found guilty of “driving while intoxicated” and without insurance.

Bieber fever grips India

We have received a request from our military authorities to increase our military pres-ence in Afghanistan with a few thousand troops. We are now assessing that request. We will make decisions on the scale and the scope of the mission within weeks

Jens StoltenbergNATO Secretary General

Devotees mark Buddha’s birthday in Malaysia

Wasps attack pilgrims ahead of Modi visit

Public asked to name rare albino orangutan

Fifty pilgrims in Sri Lanka were taken to hospital Wednesday after being attacked by a swarm of wasps as they celebrated Buddhism’s holiest day.

The public are asked to name a rare albino orangutan res-cued in the Indonesian part of Borneo island, which has become an “ambassador” for the threatened species.

Ferrari rampage video lands ‘rich kid’ in jail

Indonesian gay men lashed for having sex

Thousands of devotees gathered in Malaysian tem-ples to celebrate Buddha’s birth, death and enlighten-ment -- a festival also known as Wesak day.

Do you think there are hidden agendas behind Trump’s firing of FBI director James Comey?

Yes No Cant Say

Indian police gather at The D.Y Patil stadium ahead of a concert by Canadian pop star Justin Bieber

Screenshot from the video

Vilnius

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis yesterday said the

United States and NATO are prepared to deploy any capabilities necessary to help beef up air defence systems in the Baltic region.

Mattis’s remarks come amid heightened tensions with Russia, which is preparing for massive military exercises in its western military region in September, and has deployed a missile system in neighbouring Kaliningrad.

“We will deploy whatever capability is necessary here,” Mattis said when asked about regional air defences.

Two US defence officials earlier said the United States was considering sending a Patriot missile battery to the Baltic region for NATO

air defence exercises this summer, though they stressed the move would only be temporary.

Moscow last year deployed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles into its Kaliningrad exclave, which borders Lithuania and Poland, rattling the NATO members.

Mattis blasted such moves.“Any buildup of Russian

combat power in an area where they know, and we all know, they are not threatened by anything that we are doing ... is simply destabilising,” Mattis said at a press conference with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite.

He however refused to discuss whether Vilnius had requested a permanent Patriot missile deployment.

“We will make those decisions in consultation with the Lithuania government,” he said.

The Patriot is a mobile air defence system made by Raytheon designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, low-flying cruise missiles and aircraft.

“Everyone knows this is not an offensive capability,” Mattis said. (AFP)

British nannies get counter-terror skillsLondon

Britain’s prestigious Norland College, which

has trained the creme de la creme of the world’s nannies for over a century, has added anti-terrorism training to its curriculum.

For 125 years, the college in Bath, southwest England has trained modern-day incarnations of Mary Poppins to care for the children of the global elite, including most recently Britain’s Prince George.

It was the world’s first college to offer childcare courses but students are now taking lessons on evasive driving and cyber security

provided by former intelligence officers.

The training aims to provide nannies with a “foundation to think ahead and prepare

for potentially threatening changes in their environment,” said Paul Gibson, former head of UK Counter Terrorism.

US ready to deployPatriot in Baltic: Pentagon


Students at Norland College practise their kicks. Courtesy: Daily Mail

Jim Mattis


Kano

Eighty-two Nigerian schoolgirls who were

released from Boko Haram captivity after more than three years face a wait to be reunited with their families, a town elder said yesterday.

Yakubu Nkeki, head of the Abducted Chibok Girls Parents’ group, said parents of the girls would only be able to see their daughters once government approval was given.

“This may take some time, as the girls are now undergoing medical and mental evaluation to ensure they are in the best of condition,” he said.

“We don’t mind waiting... Their health and wellbeing is paramount to us and

such evaluation takes time, especially with such a huge number of girls.”

The 82 were released on after months of talks, in exchange for Islamist militant fighters. (AFP)

Parents of Chibok girls await reunion

Washington

US authorities are considering banning

carry-on computers on European flights to the United States, widening the security measure introduced for flights

from eight countries in March, an official said yesterday.

The Department of Homeland Security is close to making a decision on a wider ban as the busy summer transatlantic travel

season looms, department spokesman David Lapan said.

Airlines flying to the United States from European airports that would be involved in implementing the policy have

been given a warning that it is under consideration, he told journalists.

But “the secretary has not made a formal decision,” he said, referring to DHS chief John Kelly.

US mulls extending computer

ban to Europe

Jewish status bill in Israeli parliamentJerusalem

The Israeli parliament gave preliminary approval

yesterday to a bill defining the country as the “national home of the Jewish people” that critics say discriminates against the state’s Arab minority.

The bill, supported by 48 against 41 of the Knesset’s 120 members, seeks to “defend (Israel’s) status as a Jewish and democratic state”, said Avi Dichter, the bill’s sponsor, of the ruling Likud party.

On Sunday, ministers gave

the bill the initial green light.It needs to be debated by a

parliamentary committee and voted on three more times in

the plenum before it becomes part of the country’s so-called “basic laws”, which are similar to a constitution.

It would give special status to the nature of Israel, to the Jewish calendar and to Hebrew as official language.

Suspected human bones found inside Sewol ferry

Giant bird-like dinosaur species found in China: study

Indonesia faces calls to repeal blasphemy laws

Girl dies in British theme park water ride accident

Seoul

Suspected human bones were recovered yesterday from South Korea’s sunken Sewol ferry, officials said -- after

having to embarrassingly withdraw a similar assertion after the ship was salvaged in March.

The 6,800-ton vessel sank off the country’s southwestern coast three years ago, claiming more than 300 lives, mostly high school students on an excursion.

Two bones were retrieved Wednesday from a passenger cabin on the fourth floor, the maritime ministry said.

Citing forensic experts on the scene, it said they were apparently human and had been sent to the National Forensic Service for DNA tests.

Beijing

Researchers have discovered a new species of giant, bird-like dinosaur that made nests larger than monster truck

tires in what is now central China, a study said.Measuring about eight metres (26 feet) long and weighing

up to 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds), the Beibeilong sinensis -- “baby dragon from China” -- lived about 90 million years ago and is only the second known species of the giant oviraptorosaur in the world.

Darla Zelenitsky, a Canadian paleontologist who co-authored the study, said that the Beibeilong would have looked like an “overgrown cassowary,” a flightless bird resembling an emu.

Likely covered in feathers, oviraptorosaurs had robust, toothless beaks and often sported a crest on the top of their heads.

Jakarta

Indonesia is facing renewed calls to repeal its controversial blasphemy law after the jailing of Jakarta’s Christian

governor, with critics pointing to a sharp increase in its use to target minorities.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama -- known by his nickname Ahok -- was jailed for two years Tuesday for blasphemy over comments he made about Islam while campaigning for re-election to the capital of the Muslim-majority nation, a far harsher sentence than had been expected.

Critics viewed the case as unfair and politically motivated. The allegations were pushed by hardliners who opposed a non-Muslim as governor, and sparked a series of mass protests that dented Purnama’s popularity and contributed to him losing the race for the Jakarta governorship to a Muslim rival last month.

London

An 11-year-old girl died in hospital after falling from a water ride during a school trip to a British theme park

on Tuesday, police said.The accident happened while she and classmates were

riding on the “Splash Canyon” ride, described by the Drayton Manor Park in central England as “the most unpredictable and thrilling of river rapid rides”.

The young girl was rescued from the water by theme park employees before the emergency services arrived.

She was then airlifted to hospital where she died of her injuries, police said.

“Ambulance staff administered advanced life support before she was flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the doctor continuing treatment en-route.

Britain’s Health and Safety Executive watchdog has launched an investigation.

Some of the recently freed girls from Chibok wait in Abuja


Israeli Parliament Representational image (AP)

Thursday, May 11, 2017 21SPORTS

Manama

Motorsport fans will be able to enjoy plenty of excitement at

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) tomorrow with the hosting of Open Track Night and a pair of Ultimate Track Experience passenger rides.

The is from 4pm until 11pm under BIC’s brilliant state-of-the-art floodlights, making for a most unique experience. All the action will take place along the 5.412-kilometre Grand Prix track.

Open Track Night gives participants a chance to take their very own cars or motorbikes for a drive along the world-famous Sakhir desert facility.

Participants will be able to choose between driving for a whole night at BD105 or just for a half-night at BD75.

The half-night sessions are between 4pm and 7pm or between 8pm and 11pm. A single 30-minute session can also be enjoyed for BD40.

Registration can be done at BIC on Friday from 3pm. However, those who book in advance can get a discount. Aside from the Open Track, also available at BIC for all speed enthusiasts will be a pair of passenger rides in a Clio Cup car and a Radical SR3 prototype.

The Clio Cup passenger ride gives clients a look into the racing capabilities of one of the world’s most popular sports cars and a passenger ride comprises a single three-lap session of around 40 minutes, and it can be enjoyed for BD25.

The Radical SR3 boasts an RPE-Suzuki Generation 1,340 DOHC

engine. It can go from zero to 100kmh in 3.4 seconds and a passenger ride costs BD35 for a three-lap session of around 40 minutes.

Friday’s Open Track Night will be run to the highest of international safety standards, although participants will still be able to push their vehicles to their very limit.

All those taking part must first bring their cars or motorbikes through scrutineering before being allowed to take to the track. They must also own a valid driver’s licence and must be wearing appropriate clothing along with closed-toe footwear.

For more information on the upcoming Open Track Night or other BIC activities, visit www.bahraingp.com or call the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.

Open Track Night and passenger

rides at BIC

The event takes place from 4pm until 11pm

Bahrain athletes set for Solidarity GamesManama

Bahrain has completed its preparations for the Fourth

edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, which takes place in Baku, Azerbaijan from May 12 to 22.

The nationals will compete in three sports – athletics, shooting and wrestling along with more than 4,000 athletes from 57 countries lined up for the 11-day games this year.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports deputy general secretary and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) general secretary Abdulrahman Askar is heading the kingdom’s delegation, which includes 38 athletes in three sports.

Bahrain delegation manager Fajer Jassim said the administrative team will be the first batch of the delegation due to leave with the remaining teams expected to depart over the coming few days.

She noted that the BOC has completed all arrangements to prepare for this edition of the games, which is regarded as one of the high priorities

of the committee for having a variety of sports with prominent athletes from around the Islamic world taking part.

The competition includes gymnastics, athletics, basketball, football, boxing, swimming, handball, judo, karate, ping-pong, volleyball, wrestling, wushu, badminton, and taekwondo.

The first games were in 2005 in

Saudi Arabia and aimed to emphasize Islamic unity and solidarity through sports. The fourth edition of the games will be launched with the motto ‘Journey from the Caspian’.

Bahrain delegation:1) Athletics (Men): Kemarley

Brown, Andrew Fisher, Yaqoob Salem, Ali Khamis, Abbas Abubaker, Abraham Rotich, Alsadik Maikhou, Linus Kiplagat, John Koech, Musa Isah, Abraham Cheroben, Aweke Yimer, Benson Seurei, Saeed Al Khaldi, Evans Chematot.

2) (Women) Athletics: Hajar Al Khaldi, Iman Essa, Edidiong Odiong, Salwa Naser, Oluwakemi Adekoya, Marta Yota, Manal Elbahraoui, Tigist Belay, Dalila Gosa, Ruth Jebet, Shitaye Eshete, Rose Chelimo, Tigest Mekonen, Aminat Jamal, Noora Jasim, Bontu Rebitu.

3) Shooting: Fatema Nasralla, Latifa Al Hadi, Martam Hassani, Hassan Mohammed, Nasser Khalaf, Tammar Al Watt.

4) Wrestling: Adam Batirov (freestyle 70kg).

Solidarity Games

BBK supports tennis event

Manama

Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait said that they will be the main

sponsor of the 13th BBK and Filipino Club Tennis Group (FCTG) Tennis Tournament 2017 and in cooperation with Western Union.

BBK Head of Strategic Alliances and Other Fees Income Khalid Al Khateb handed over the sponsorship cheque to FCTG Chairman Ariel Montellano in the presence of Other Fees Income Specialist-Retail Banking Alaa Abbasi, FCTG Technical Committee Head Sami Samaco and FCTG Adviser Gregg Esquivel at the BBK headquarters.

Competition will start tomorrow with an opening ceremony at 3:30pm at the Bahrain Tennis Federation courts at the Bahrain Polytechnic

campus in Isa Town.BBK Head of Strategic Alliances

and Other Fees Income, Khalid Al Khateb, second from left, handed over the sponsorship Cheque to FCTG Chairman Ariel Montellano, third from right. Also present at the ceremony, held at the BBK headquarters, is Other Fees Income Specialist-Retail Banking, Alaa Abbasi, left. Also witnessing the handover were FCTG Technical Committee Head Sami Samaco and FCTG Adviser Gregg Esquivel.

The team tournament is set to run for eight weeks and will be composed of three divisions.

Players are requested to be at the venue on Friday by 3pm to collect their uniforms and parade assembly and all are welcome.

Officials during the cheque presentation ceremony

BTA holds junior tennis tournament

Sachin leads Central Cafe to win

Manama

Bahrain Tennis Academy (BTA) will from May 18-20 will be

holding a junior tennis tournament at the Dilmun Club in Saar for three categories - 8-and-under, 10-and-under and 12-and-under.

The competition will feature matchplay in a round-robin format using the red, orange and full-size courts, along with the corresponding ball, in line with the International Tennis Federation’s guidelines.

It is open to all boys and girls who are of an eligible age at the start date. Certificates will be presented to all participants while the winners and finalists will be awarded trophies.

Tournament Director, Dan Barrie said, “Our final tournament for the season will be held earlier this year in order to conclude before Ramadan.” Registration is open at the Dilmun Club’s reception until Sunday 14th May. Email the director at [email protected] for more info or to obtain an entry form.

Manama

Central Cafe defeated The One by 40 runs in a Group C match in

The Indian Club Indian Expatriates Seven-a-Side Softball Cricket Tournament 2017 at its premises in Gudaibiya.

Batting first, Central Café scored 63 for four in six overs with Sachin (32) top scoring and then dismissed The One for 23 in 4.4 overs for a convincing win.

In another match, Chak de India in Group D scored 43 for two in six overs to defeat Smashers by 11 runs after being dismissed for 32 in 5.5 overs.Other results:

1) Group A Mangalore Boys 47/4 (Imran 21) in 6 overs bt National Trading 36/4 in 6 overs by 11 runs.

2) Group B Jai Karnataka 28/2 in 4.1 overs bt Indian Club 27 all out in 6 overs by 4 wickets.

3) Group A: Bahrain Bilawas 31/2 in 5.4 overs bt Moore Stephens 30 all out in 5.5 overs by 4 wickets.

Manama

Indian Club defeated ABM Climax by 24 runs in the

Group B final of the Habib Bank Limited sponsored CBA 20 overs Premier League at the Hunainiya Valley in Riffa.

Batting first, Indian Club scored 170 for five in its 20 overs with the main scorers being opener Ajay Kumar (65 off 45 deliveries, 6x4, 1x6) along with Dharmesh Kumar (35 off 27, 6x4), Irfan Shaikh (27 off 14) and Nirmal Parik (14 off 10) with Abdul Rab (one for 14) in four overs the best of the bowlers. In reply,

ABM Climax were dismissed for 146 in 20 overs with the main scorer being Adnan Bhatti (52 not out off 37, 4x4, 2x6) while the best of the bowlers were off spinner Vijay Sailor (three for 16) in four overs, medium pacer Sai Kumar (three for 29) in three overs and spinner Irfan Shaikh (two for eight) in two overs.

Indian Club beat ABM Climax

Ajay Kumar Sai Kumar Vijay Sailor

Messina

Days after a denial, defending Giro d’Italia

champion Vincenzo Nibali conceded relations with pink jersey favourite Nairo Quintana are frosty.

“It’s true, we don’t like each other,” Bahrain team leader Nibali said on Wednesday after a fifth stage into his home town of Messina that saw Colombian sprinter Fernando Gaviria (Quick Step) claim his second win on the race.

A two-time champion who is hoping to claim his third ‘maglia rosa’ when the race ends in Milan on May 28, Nibali isn’t considered the race favourite on what is its 100th edition.

Thanks to a climb-heavy final week, Movistar team leader Quintana has been given that honour.

A two-time runner-up at the Tour de France in 2013 and 2015, the diminutive Colombian, who used to ride through the eastern ranges of the Andes mountains just to get to school, is the reigning

Vuelta a Espana champion.Ahead of Thursday’s sixth

stage, a 217km race from Reggio Calabria to Terme Luigiane that is designed for a sprint finish, both Nibali and Quintana sit 10secs behind Luxembourg’s overall race leader, Bob Jungels of Quick Step.

Although the overall

contenders are keen to keep as much powder dry as possible for a potentially explosive third week in the high mountains, Nibali has been keen to get the race started.

A brief attack on the slopes of Mount Etna on Tuesday, however, brought no response from Quintana, who instead sent Costa Rican teammate

Adrey Amador on the counter to check the 32-year-old Italian.

“I attacked just to see who would try to respond, but no-one had the courage to make a real counter-attack,” added Nibali. “We were all just controlling each other. I think on Blockhaus, we’ll see a bit more action. It’s a much harder climb (than Etna).” (AFP)

Messina

Luxembourg’s Bob Jungels kept Britain’s Geraint

Thomas at bay to retain the Giro d’Italia pink jersey Wednesday after a “crazy” fifth stage that saw two riders celebrate victory.

Jungels, who took the race lead from Quick Step teammate Fernando Gaviria after a fourth-stage finish on Mount Etna, maintained his six-second advantage on Sky rider Thomas as Gaviria snatched the stage win.

But at the conclusion of an undulating ride from the foot of Mount Etna to Messina that brought an end to two stages on Sicily, the crowd was left baffled as young Slovenian

Luka Pibernik starting celebrating fully 6km from the finish.

As the peloton raced towards the finish line for the first time, signalling the start of a final, 6km closing circuit, Pibernik launched a solo attack that held all the way to the finish line, where he sat up and spread his arms in victory.

But he was celebrating alone.As thousands of puzzled

fans looked on, 23-year-old Pibernik quickly realised his embarrassing gaffe before being swallowed up by the peloton as they began the final circuit.

Bahrain team leader and defending Giro champion Vincenzo Nibali later explained

what had confused his young teammate.

“The battery on his radio earpiece ran out. We tried calling him back to tell him, but he couldn’t hear us. But he’s young, things like that can happen,” said Nibali.

Gaviria, making his Giro and Grand Tour debut, emerged from Irishman Sam Bennett’s back wheel in the final 200 metres of a long and wind-hit home straight to claim his second victory after breaking his Giro duck on stage three.

In doing so, the 22-year-old from Colombia became only the second rider this century, after former champion Damiano Cunego, to claim two stages on the race before his 23rd

birthday.As the

s p r i n t e r s ’ t e a m s battled to move their stage contenders to the front, Jungels remained alert to late attacks from his pink-jersey rivals and held off Thomas, but said the “crazy” circuit made it a nervous finale.

“It was amazing to see so many people on the streets, but it’s also sometimes very dangerous because people want to take the pictures and selfies and whatever, and they come closer and closer to the road. “When there’s a bunch of 200 people (cyclists) it’s dangerous, but that’s cycling.”

Gaviria’s victory earned him the sprinter’s “ciclamen” jersey for the points competition.

“We wanted to take some points because we were down a few. We wanted to take this jersey, we managed to get the points we needed and we did it in the best way.” Italian Jakub

Mareczko finished second with Bennett third.

After travelling to the mainland, the race resumes on Thursday with a 217km sixth stage from Reggio Calabria to Terme Luigiane that will offer the sprinters another chance for glory. (AFP)

Results

SPORTSThursday, May 11, 201722

Pinkfor Jungels

‘No love lost with Quintana’

Stage

1. Fernando Gaviria (COL/QST) 3hr

40min 11sec,

2. Jakub Mareczko (ITA/WIL) same

time,

3. Sam Bennett (IRL/BOR) s.t.,

4. Andre Greipel (GER/LOT) s.t.,

5. Phil Bauhaus (GER/SUN) s.t.,

6. Kristian Sbaragli (ITA/DDD) s.t.,

7. Ryan Gibbons (RSA/DDD) s.t.,

8. Roberto Ferrari (ITA/UAD) s.t.,

9. Jasper Stuyven (BEL/TRE) s.t.,

10. Enrico Battaglin (ITA/LNL) s.t.

Selected others:

20. Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) s.t.,

23. Caleb Ewan (AUS/ORI) s.t.,

31. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) s.t.,

32. Bob Jungels (LUX/QST) s.t.,

34. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) s.t.

General classification

1. Bob Jungels (LUX/QST) 23hr 22min

07sec,

2. Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) at 6sec,

3. Adam Yates (GBR/ORI) 10,

4. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM)

same time,

5. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) s.t.,


7. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) s.t.,

8. Bauke Mollema (NED/TRE) s.t.,

9. Tejay Van Garderen (USA/BMC) s.t.,

10. Andrey Amador (CRC/MOV) s.t.

Selected others:

11. Thibaut Pinot (FRA/FDJ) s.t.,

12. Mikel Landa (ESP/SKY) s.t.,

15. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/TLJ) 23

From the fifth stage held over 159km from Pedara to Messina, Sicily:

Italy’s rider of team Bahrain - Merida Vincenzo Nibali (C) rides in the peloton

Pink jersey Luxemburg’s Bob Jungels of team Quick-Step celebrates the pink jer-sey of the overall leader after the 5th stage

Madrid

Re a l M a d r i d

i n f l i c t e d a fourth

C h a m p i o n s League elimination on Atletico Madrid in

as many years yesterday, losing their semi-final second leg 2-1 but progressing to the final

4-2 on aggregate.Atletico had threatened

an incredible comeback, Saul Niguez’s powerful header

and Antoine Griezmann’s penalty inside 16 minutes

cutting Real’s aggregate lead to a solitary goal.

The hosts fed off a ferocious atmosphere for their final Champions League match at the

Vicente Calderon before moving to the Wanda Metropolitano next season.

However, Isco’s away goal just before half-time settled Real’s nerves and left Atletico with too much to do to progress.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first leg hat-trick ultimately proved decisive and Real will seek to become the first side to defend the trophy in the Champions League era when they face Juventus in the final in Cardiff on May 3.

An already fierce rivalry between the Spanish giants has intensified in recent years by Real’s three Champions League

victories over Atletico, including in the 2014 and

2016 finals.Real fans had unfurled a huge

banner that read “tell me how does it feel” ahead of the first leg.

The home fans responded with their own “proud to not be like you” banner as a dig back ahead of kick-off in the return.

And Atletico’s players went a long way towards making amends for their meek display in the first leg eight days ago in a thrilling opening.

Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas denied Koke from close range

and Fernando Torres headed over, before at the other end Jan Oblak made a brilliant save from Casemiro’s header.

Atletico got the goal they needed to get back into the tie 12 minutes in when Koke’s outswinging corner was met powerfully by Saul for his fourth Champions League goal of the season.

Just three minutes later Atletico truly believed they could pull off the most unlikely of comebacks when Fernando Torres was upended by Raphael Varane inside the box.

Griezmann had missed his previous two penalties against Real, including in last year’s Champions League final.

This time the French international found the net, albeit with a bit of fortune as Navas got a hand to his mishit spot-kick but couldn’t keep it out.

Fierce challenges then rained in from both sides as Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakır struggled to keep control, with five players booked inside the opening 37 minutes.

However, Real regained their composure to get the vital away goal they needed for some extra breathing space just before half-

time. Karim Benzema somehow escaped the attention of three Atletico defenders on the by-line and cut the ball back for Toni Kroos.

Oblak made another brilliant stop to deny the German, but Isco followed up from close range to bundle the ball home.

Ronaldo had scored eight times in his previous three Champions League appearances, however, the closest the World Player of the Year came to adding to his record 21 goals against Atletico was a driven free-kick at the start of the second half that was beaten away by Oblak.

Atletico had their chances to put the tie back on a knife-edge as Navas produced an incredible double save from Yannick Carrasco and Kevin Gameiro.

The Costa Rican then got down low to his right to turn behind Griezmann’s low volley and Gameiro failed to turn home another great opportunity from point-blank range.

A torrential thunder storm disrupted the final stages, but lightning has now struck four times for Atletico against Real and Zinedine Zidane’s side will head to Cardiff seeking a 12th European Cup. (AFP)

Real reachfinal


Atletico comeback falls short

Gunners rout SouthamptonSouthampton

Arsenal kept alive its ambitions of qualifying for next season’s

Champions League by beating Southampton 2-0 in the Premier League thanks to second-half goals by Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud yesterday.

Sanchez moved onto 20 league goals for the season when he collected Mesut Ozil’s first-time through-ball and deceived two defenders with a clever turn inside the area, before slotting home a low finish in the 60th minute.

Giroud — just on as a substitute — added the second in the 83rd, heading home after Sanchez’s cross was helped back into the middle by Aaron Ramsey.

Arsenal is making a traditional late-season charge in a bid to seal a top-four finish, with this fourth win in its last five league games lifting Arsene Wenger’s side above Manchester United and into fifth place. Arsenal is three points behind fourth-place Manchester City, and four points behind third-place Liverpool with a game in hand.

Arsenal has three matches left, against Stoke, Sunderland and Everton.

The only negative for Arsenal at St. Mary’s Stadium was right wing back Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain limping off injured in the 36th minute. Key centre back Laurent Koscielny had already failed a late fitness test. (TSN)

Southampton’s Japanese defender Maya Yoshida (L) and Arsenal’s German defender Shkodran Mustafi clash headsReal Madrid’s midfield-

er Isco celebrates a goal

Messina

Days after a denial, defending Giro d’Italia

champion Vincenzo Nibali conceded relations with pink jersey favourite Nairo Quintana are frosty.

“It’s true, we don’t like each other,” Bahrain team leader Nibali said on Wednesday after a fifth stage into his home town of Messina that saw Colombian sprinter Fernando Gaviria (Quick Step) claim his second win on the race.

A two-time champion who is hoping to claim his third ‘maglia rosa’ when the race ends in Milan on May 28, Nibali isn’t considered the race favourite on what is its 100th edition.

Thanks to a climb-heavy final week, Movistar team leader Quintana has been given that honour.

A two-time runner-up at the Tour de France in 2013 and 2015, the diminutive Colombian, who used to ride through the eastern ranges of the Andes mountains just to get to school, is the reigning

Vuelta a Espana champion.Ahead of Thursday’s sixth

stage, a 217km race from Reggio Calabria to Terme Luigiane that is designed for a sprint finish, both Nibali and Quintana sit 10secs behind Luxembourg’s overall race leader, Bob Jungels of Quick Step.

Although the overall

contenders are keen to keep as much powder dry as possible for a potentially explosive third week in the high mountains, Nibali has been keen to get the race started.

A brief attack on the slopes of Mount Etna on Tuesday, however, brought no response from Quintana, who instead sent Costa Rican teammate

Adrey Amador on the counter to check the 32-year-old Italian.

“I attacked just to see who would try to respond, but no-one had the courage to make a real counter-attack,” added Nibali. “We were all just controlling each other. I think on Blockhaus, we’ll see a bit more action. It’s a much harder climb (than Etna).” (AFP)

Messina

Luxembourg’s Bob Jungels kept Britain’s Geraint

Thomas at bay to retain the Giro d’Italia pink jersey Wednesday after a “crazy” fifth stage that saw two riders celebrate victory.

Jungels, who took the race lead from Quick Step teammate Fernando Gaviria after a fourth-stage finish on Mount Etna, maintained his six-second advantage on Sky rider Thomas as Gaviria snatched the stage win.

But at the conclusion of an undulating ride from the foot of Mount Etna to Messina that brought an end to two stages on Sicily, the crowd was left baffled as young Slovenian

Luka Pibernik starting celebrating fully 6km from the finish.

As the peloton raced towards the finish line for the first time, signalling the start of a final, 6km closing circuit, Pibernik launched a solo attack that held all the way to the finish line, where he sat up and spread his arms in victory.

But he was celebrating alone.As thousands of puzzled

fans looked on, 23-year-old Pibernik quickly realised his embarrassing gaffe before being swallowed up by the peloton as they began the final circuit.

Bahrain team leader and defending Giro champion Vincenzo Nibali later explained

what had confused his young teammate.

“The battery on his radio earpiece ran out. We tried calling him back to tell him, but he couldn’t hear us. But he’s young, things like that can happen,” said Nibali.

Gaviria, making his Giro and Grand Tour debut, emerged from Irishman Sam Bennett’s back wheel in the final 200 metres of a long and wind-hit home straight to claim his second victory after breaking his Giro duck on stage three.

In doing so, the 22-year-old from Colombia became only the second rider this century, after former champion Damiano Cunego, to claim two stages on the race before his 23rd

birthday.As the

s p r i n t e r s ’ t e a m s battled to move their stage contenders to the front, Jungels remained alert to late attacks from his pink-jersey rivals and held off Thomas, but said the “crazy” circuit made it a nervous finale.

“It was amazing to see so many people on the streets, but it’s also sometimes very dangerous because people want to take the pictures and selfies and whatever, and they come closer and closer to the road. “When there’s a bunch of 200 people (cyclists) it’s dangerous, but that’s cycling.”

Gaviria’s victory earned him the sprinter’s “ciclamen” jersey for the points competition.

“We wanted to take some points because we were down a few. We wanted to take this jersey, we managed to get the points we needed and we did it in the best way.” Italian Jakub

Mareczko finished second with Bennett third.

After travelling to the mainland, the race resumes on Thursday with a 217km sixth stage from Reggio Calabria to Terme Luigiane that will offer the sprinters another chance for glory. (AFP)

Results

SPORTSThursday, May 11, 201722

Pinkfor Jungels

‘No love lost with Quintana’

Stage

1. Fernando Gaviria (COL/QST) 3hr

40min 11sec,

2. Jakub Mareczko (ITA/WIL) same

time,

3. Sam Bennett (IRL/BOR) s.t.,

4. Andre Greipel (GER/LOT) s.t.,

5. Phil Bauhaus (GER/SUN) s.t.,

6. Kristian Sbaragli (ITA/DDD) s.t.,

7. Ryan Gibbons (RSA/DDD) s.t.,

8. Roberto Ferrari (ITA/UAD) s.t.,

9. Jasper Stuyven (BEL/TRE) s.t.,

10. Enrico Battaglin (ITA/LNL) s.t.

Selected others:

20. Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) s.t.,

23. Caleb Ewan (AUS/ORI) s.t.,


32. Bob Jungels (LUX/QST) s.t.,

34. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) s.t.

General classification

1. Bob Jungels (LUX/QST) 23hr 22min

07sec,

2. Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) at 6sec,

3. Adam Yates (GBR/ORI) 10,

4. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ALM)

same time,

5. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) s.t.,


7. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) s.t.,

8. Bauke Mollema (NED/TRE) s.t.,

9. Tejay Van Garderen (USA/BMC) s.t.,

10. Andrey Amador (CRC/MOV) s.t.

Selected others:

11. Thibaut Pinot (FRA/FDJ) s.t.,

12. Mikel Landa (ESP/SKY) s.t.,

15. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/TLJ) 23

From the fifth stage held over 159km from Pedara to Messina, Sicily:

Italy’s rider of team Bahrain - Merida Vincenzo Nibali (C) rides in the peloton

Pink jersey Luxemburg’s Bob Jungels of team Quick-Step celebrates the pink jer-sey of the overall leader after the 5th stage

Madrid

Re a l M a d r i d

i n f l i c t e d a fourth

C h a m p i o n s League elimination on Atletico Madrid in

as many years yesterday, losing their semi-final second leg 2-1 but progressing to the final

4-2 on aggregate.Atletico had threatened

an incredible comeback, Saul Niguez’s powerful header

and Antoine Griezmann’s penalty inside 16 minutes

cutting Real’s aggregate lead to a solitary goal.

The hosts fed off a ferocious atmosphere for their final Champions League match at the

Vicente Calderon before moving to the Wanda Metropolitano next season.

However, Isco’s away goal just before half-time settled Real’s nerves and left Atletico with too much to do to progress.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first leg hat-trick ultimately proved decisive and Real will seek to become the first side to defend the trophy in the Champions League era when they face Juventus in the final in Cardiff on May 3.

An already fierce rivalry between the Spanish giants has intensified in recent years by Real’s three Champions League

victories over Atletico, including in the 2014 and

2016 finals.Real fans had unfurled a huge

banner that read “tell me how does it feel” ahead of the first leg.

The home fans responded with their own “proud to not be like you” banner as a dig back ahead of kick-off in the return.

And Atletico’s players went a long way towards making amends for their meek display in the first leg eight days ago in a thrilling opening.

Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas denied Koke from close range

and Fernando Torres headed over, before at the other end Jan Oblak made a brilliant save from Casemiro’s header.

Atletico got the goal they needed to get back into the tie 12 minutes in when Koke’s outswinging corner was met powerfully by Saul for his fourth Champions League goal of the season.

Just three minutes later Atletico truly believed they could pull off the most unlikely of comebacks when Fernando Torres was upended by Raphael Varane inside the box.

Griezmann had missed his previous two penalties against Real, including in last year’s Champions League final.

This time the French international found the net, albeit with a bit of fortune as Navas got a hand to his mishit spot-kick but couldn’t keep it out.

Fierce challenges then rained in from both sides as Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakır struggled to keep control, with five players booked inside the opening 37 minutes.

However, Real regained their composure to get the vital away goal they needed for some extra breathing space just before half-

time. Karim Benzema somehow escaped the attention of three Atletico defenders on the by-line and cut the ball back for Toni Kroos.

Oblak made another brilliant stop to deny the German, but Isco followed up from close range to bundle the ball home.

Ronaldo had scored eight times in his previous three Champions League appearances, however, the closest the World Player of the Year came to adding to his record 21 goals against Atletico was a driven free-kick at the start of the second half that was beaten away by Oblak.

Atletico had their chances to put the tie back on a knife-edge as Navas produced an incredible double save from Yannick Carrasco and Kevin Gameiro.

The Costa Rican then got down low to his right to turn behind Griezmann’s low volley and Gameiro failed to turn home another great opportunity from point-blank range.

A torrential thunder storm disrupted the final stages, but lightning has now struck four times for Atletico against Real and Zinedine Zidane’s side will head to Cardiff seeking a 12th European Cup. (AFP)

Real reachfinal


Atletico comeback falls short

Gunners rout SouthamptonSouthampton

Arsenal kept alive its ambitions of qualifying for next season’s

Champions League by beating Southampton 2-0 in the Premier League thanks to second-half goals by Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud yesterday.

Sanchez moved onto 20 league goals for the season when he collected Mesut Ozil’s first-time through-ball and deceived two defenders with a clever turn inside the area, before slotting home a low finish in the 60th minute.

Giroud — just on as a substitute — added the second in the 83rd, heading home after Sanchez’s cross was helped back into the middle by Aaron Ramsey.

Arsenal is making a traditional late-season charge in a bid to seal a top-four finish, with this fourth win in its last five league games lifting Arsene Wenger’s side above Manchester United and into fifth place. Arsenal is three points behind fourth-place Manchester City, and four points behind third-place Liverpool with a game in hand.

Arsenal has three matches left, against Stoke, Sunderland and Everton.

The only negative for Arsenal at St. Mary’s Stadium was right wing back Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain limping off injured in the 36th minute. Key centre back Laurent Koscielny had already failed a late fitness test. (TSN)

Southampton’s Japanese defender Maya Yoshida (L) and Arsenal’s German defender Shkodran Mustafi clash headsReal Madrid’s midfield-

er Isco celebrates a goal

SPORTS

Hon.Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Responsible Editor Mahmood AI Mahmood | Managing Editor Soman Baby | Managing Director P. Unnikrishnan | Adviser Med JonesAdvt : Strategic Publicity & Advertising Co.W.L.L | Tel: 17270710, Fax17256470, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 17579911, Fax17250150, Email: [email protected]

Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing | Subscription & circulation: Tel: 38444698/17579877/Fax17250150, Email:[email protected] | Website: www.dt.bh


P22 Real reachfinal

Madrid

Novak Djokovic staved off a huge upset and Rafael Nadal

was made to battle in their opening matches at the Madrid Masters on Wednesday.

In his first outing since splitting with his long-time coaching team Djokovic had to dig deep before eventually despatching Nicolas Almagro 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 in his second round tie.

Nadal was also taken to three sets before seeing off Fabio Fognini.

Djokovic arrived in the Spanish

capital without a coach after bringing to an end a 10-year relationship with Marian Vajda in an attempt to reverse his dramatic slump in form over the past year.

And after a blistering start, Djokovic had to battle back from 3-0 down in the deciding set to book his place in the last 16 on Thursday against Feliciano Lopez, who beat Gilles Simon 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3).

“I’m still finding my way to that consistency level and quality of tennis that I’m looking for,” said Djokovic.

“I’m aware that I’m not playing at my best, but I’m definitely believing in myself and the process.“Eventually the game will come together.”

The early signs were positive for the 12-time Grand Slam champion as despite losing his service in the opening game, he broke straight back to start a six-game streak to romp through the first set.

“I’m happy with the way I handled the pressure in those moments, just stayed with him, made him play always extra shot.“I did my work in the end of the match.”

Djokovic could meet Nadal in the semi-finals. The home favourite needed 90 minutes to complete the opening set, finally finishing off Italian Fognini 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-4 on a second match point after being broken while serving for victory.

Nadal improved to 9-3 against Fognini and has now won 11 straight matches this season; he is fresh from 10th career clay titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

The 14-time Grand Slam champion now faces Nick Kyrgios in the third round. (AFP)

Djokovic, Nadal struggle