Bahraini monarch honors Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO
Bader Al-Kharafi praises efforts to promote tolerance, dialogue and peaceful coexistence
Is Kuwait facing a serious talent crisis?
Before his demise a year ago, Dr George Abouna a world pioneer in organ transplantation - had another sad, albeit earthly departure from Kuwait in 1990. He had to rush out of Kuwait, contract term unfinished, presumably due to his Iraqi origins and after setting up in Kuwait an organ transplantation unit that was the first of its kind in the Middle East then. The departure of Abouna was probably a leading indicator of a serious and burgeoning national policy failure to attract world-class talent. The invasion of Kuwait indeed marked a decline - if not erosion - of the position this country enjoyed for three decades as an international hub for talent.
This worked to the advantage of the more ambitious GCC countries in their hunt for talent in most fields. The sojourn of senior expatriates in Kuwait is becoming increasingly short and full of residency, contractual and red tape challenges. The recent rhetoric to indigenize the national workforce is not helping either, leading to an existentially uneasy atmosphere for expatriates.
This sharp decline in Kuwait’s attractiveness for talent is not due to security concerns, because Kuwait became more secure after liberation, as it reaffirmed its sovereignty following its liberation in 1991. Worse, Kuwait saw also an exponential growth in unskilled labor, causing a serious capacity bottleneck in both quality and quantity. According to Amer Al-Tamimi (Al-Qabas - Sept 15, 2011) there are 129,653 illiterates in the country, of which 106,153 are expatriates, representing 82 percent of the total illiterate population in the country. This unskilled labor - many now observed straying on the streets - needs to be seriously addressed through a definitive solution to chronic labor trafficking, contracting policies and rules penalizing low-skilled labor and more mechanized technologies.
Replacing a highly-qualified expatriate with a citizen who may not have the qualifications does not benefit development in the long term, due to two reasons. First, real development is about job creation, only be achievable in a free, meritocratic, knowledge-friendly and democratic environment providing equal opportunities to all. Second, we are in the knowledge age, necessitating a clear policy to nurture talent in view of building capacity in our institutions and raising competitiveness of the economy.
Sadly, I know a growing number of highly-qualified expatriates who have left, are leaving to other Gulf states, or sending their families back to their countries of origin. Recruiters consistently report that neighboring markets have a much better success rates in attracting senior finance executives, Western teachers and doctors to name a few.
This trend has led to a decline in the competitiveness of our economy, both in the public and private sectors.
He noted that such a position is the best way to preserve the uniqueness and status of Bahrain as the home of love and peace.
Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi expressed his pride in the honor bestowed on him: “Being honored by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa is a tribute to all Zain Group personnel and will motivate us to continue participating actively to improve the socioeconomic well-being of communities across our operational footprint and beyond.”
Kharafi said: “We appreciate the efforts made by the Kingdom of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty the King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa in highlighting the civilized face of the kingdom and to promote the culture of human interaction across cultures. The Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain event held in Los Angeles is proof of the kingdom’s determination to elevate its outlook on an international level. There is no doubt that this international gathering, which received wide global acclaim, has given a real call for peace to all countries of the world, calling for intensified efforts to address conflicts and eliminate terrorism.”
Kharafi concluded: “Zain Group is keen to align with efforts that address conflicts, eliminate terrorism and spread the call for peace among peoples, which we view as being a core component of our corporate sustainability activities.”
‘This is Bahrain’ was inaugurated by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Charity and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Charity Foundation and attended by representatives from the White House, the United Nations and many media and social figures. Numerous dialogue sessions and intellectual debates among young leaders were hosted at the ‘This is Bahrain’ event, with views exchanged on shared aspirations in formulating innovative visions to build bridges of peace and tolerance among different cultures and religions.
As a leading telecom based across the Middle East and Africa, Zain has always focused on promoting peace and love of humanity in conformity with its ‘A Wonderful World’ brand signature. It’s tackled topics others may shy away from, like child abuse and the refugee crisis and most recently, decided to tackle head on the impact of the growing threat of extremist terrorism released its 2017 Ramadan message using the universal language of music by releasing a TVC entitled “We Will Sing Love”. The TVC and its song reminds people of the positive force of inner-reflection and forgiveness - and how by forgiving and being there for one another, communities can stay strong in the face of adversity, and to “fight terrorism with love.”
The song was released in May 2017 at the start of the holy month, on leading pan regional TV stations and on all major social media channels. Within hours, it was picked up by regional and international media going viral across the globe at a scale never experienced by any Middle East based corporate entity. Audiences may have been polarized in their views, but majority supported and thanked Zain for addressing such a sensitive topic and reminding the world that love can and will conquer all.