The best days are yet to come

In the summer of 69, much before the Bryan Adams song was penned, Abdul Rahim Al Sayed walked out of Manama Secondary School into a world where young men of his age tied their dreams to a career in oil. 

That was before when market minders warned about the dwindling prospects of oil. That was much before shopping festivals and lighted malls expectantly awaited travellers from far and near.

Brooding over the glitter and fun is a man who has witnessed the many highs and lows of the kingdom’s economic journey, across oil, and now focusing on five key pillars that will attract foreign investors to boost an ambitious $32 billion infrastructure plan in logistics, light manufacturing, fintech, digital technology and tourism.

Abdul Rahim Al Sayed, who started as a Bellboy at the then Dilmun Hotel will hit 69 next year. His rugged face lights up at the mention of travellers seeking joy and solace in this archipelago. Much has changed from the times since not many were interested to enter tourism and hospitality. 

The latest figures from December ’17 reveal a steady growth. Inbound tourists via the King Fahad Causeway show an 11.87 percent increase, while those flying in have increased by 11.85 percent. The figures are promising with a total of 12.7 million tourists visiting the kingdom last year.  

Abdul Rahim Al Sayed remembers the time when young men like him woke up to be the first foot soldiers of the tourism industry in Bahrain. “Those were the best days of my life,” he hums the up-tempo rock gazing out of the window from the plush lobby of Bahrain’s Golden Tulip Hotel where he is General Manager.  But he is not caught in the Bryan Adams reverie. “I am glad that I wanted to be in hospitality,” he continues, “That’s what made Bahrain a tolerant and cosmopolitan land.”

Bahrain has been an early adaptor to the grim realities presented by a dwindling oil economy. Thanks to Royal vision that has helped the kingdom brace upheavals of the times. The prospects of a non-oil economy have started showing its fruits. In tourism, the kingdom’s appeal as a regional, cost-effective holiday and weekend destination is already invigorating the economy 

“Hospitality is the Bahraini strength,” he adds while wishing a staff member with his signature smile, “I am glad the present generation is finding meaning in serving people.”

There is a sense of pride when he talks about his staff, the young men and women of many nationalities who work under him. Asked if he is worried about competition, “No” is his defiant answer. “Compete with yourself, then you do not have to fear competition,” is his words of wisdom.  Abdul Rahim Al Sayed does not subscribe to doomsday rumours that do the rounds in tourism circles about low occupancy in hotels. He looks into the future.

The mega investments coming to the country vouches for his confidence. The Bahrain Airport Company is overseeing an investment of approximately USD1.1bn in the modernization of the Bahrain International Airport, including a new terminal. The new facility will be four times the size of the existing airport and opportunities in retail and restaurants, along with other facilities. Gulf Air’s highly anticipated incoming fleet of 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft by end-2018 and the arrival of 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 2 Airbus A320Neo aircraft is expected to turn the kingdom into a hot destination. The country is becoming a wedding destination as well, with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority launching a special website (www.bahrainislandwedding.com) with details of hotel packages, florists, wedding planners, jewellery stores, bridal wear and other relevant information. Last year saw three huge weddings with guests flown in. This year has more.

 Abdul Rahim Al Sayed’s eyes gleam. He is excited about the prospects. “Bahrain is a pearl,” he adds, like a sailor getting ready for his next voyage. He continues before interrupted by a telephone call, “Sometimes, it’s hidden. But for the seeker, it’s always there.”