Established in 1986, iWorld Bahrain has carved out a niche as a leader in Apple products and ICT solutions. As part of our India in Bahrain supplement, Bahrain This Month spoke to Abhijit Mangle, the General Manager of iWorld, to gain detailed insight into the company’s journey from being the first Apple Centre in Bahrain to becoming an Apple Premium Reseller and Apple Authorised Service Provider.
iWorld Bahrain’s story began as the island’s inaugural Apple partner. A significant turning point came in 2013 when changes in Apple’s partner strategy prompted the company to rebrand as iWorld Connect. This rebranding was not just a change of name but a complete transformation to meet the challenges of a more competitive market and the threat of grey market suppliers.
The culmination of these efforts was the opening of the largest Apple Premium Reseller Store at the Avenues mall in 2018, a milestone that Mr. Mangle considers pivotal. “This store featured an Apple Authorised Service Centre, the only such one within a mall in Bahrain,” he explains. “The expansion continued with another premium store at City Centre Bahrain in 2021 and a major upgrade of the landmark Exhibition Road outlet to become an Apple Mono Brand Store.
Mr. Mangle holds a degree in engineering and a Master’s in Finance Management, complemented by completing the Entrepreneurial Edge programme at London Business School, which refined his leadership skills. With more than 30 years of experience, mostly at Almoayyed International Group, he has advanced through various roles to his current position as General Manager.
As such, customer service is the cornerstone of both his and iWorld’s success. The company employs a multifaceted approach to ensure that it not only meets but exceeds customer expectations. “Our staff undergo rigorous Apple-approved training and certification programmes to stay updated on the latest product features and troubleshooting techniques,” Mr. Mangle notes.
Moreover, iWorld’s stores are designed to provide an engaging environment for customers to explore Apple products. The inclusion of workshops and events further enhances customer experience, helping them make the most of their devices. “Our robust after-sales support includes warranty services, product updates and technical assistance, ensuring ongoing customer satisfaction,” says Mr. Mangle.
Unfortunately, operating in the ICT sector comes with its own set of challenges, particularly from unauthorised sellers. “We confront challenges from grey market suppliers who distribute unauthorised Apple products through unofficial channels,” Mr. Mangle states. To combat this, iWorld emphasises consumer education about the risks associated with grey market products and the benefits of purchasing from authorised suppliers.
Innovation is also a key driver of iWorld’s strategy. The company continuously integrates cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of its clients. “Recently, we’ve implemented innovative initiatives such as digital transformation frameworks, AI-powered analytics, robust cloud migration services and advanced cybersecurity solutions,” Mr. Mangle elaborates.
A critical element of iWorld’s success is its dual expertise in retail and ICT system integration. Whilst iWorld focuses on Apple products and services, iWorld Connect excels in providing comprehensive ICT solutions across a wide range of technologies. “This positions us uniquely as one of the region’s leading ICT system integrators capable of delivering integrated solutions across diverse technologies,” he points out.
Specialising in Apple solutions for sectors like education, hospitality, healthcare and manufacturing, iWorld leverages Apple’s innovative technologies to excel in initiatives such as Apple in Education, hospitality management solutions and healthcare technology integration.
Looking ahead, Mr. Mangle is optimistic about the future, highlighting the transformative potential of advancements in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. “By staying ahead of technological trends, iWorld is prepared to navigate the dynamic market and continue its legacy of excellence,” he asserts.