2015Q4 Newsletter

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The ABC Newsletter

Fourth Quarter 2015

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About ABC Dubai The American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates (ABC Dubai) functions under the auspices of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and functions as the Dubai Chapter of

Table of Contents

the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The ABC represents U.S. business interests

Your New 2016 Board of Directors......................................... 3

in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, while maintaining strong ties with the leadership of the communities in which our members live and work.

The Council is comprised of members from all sectors of business and industry who elect a board of directors

Looking Back Knowledge Exchange Series October 2015

Commercial Real Estate Breakfast with Knight Frank..............................4

The Iran Nuclear Deal:

Impact of Sanctions Relief on UAE Companies....................................... 5

annually. This board of directors is responsible for the strategic vision

Emirati Alumni..............................................................................................................6

of the organization and for assuring strong alliances with U.S. and UAE

Welcoming the New Consul General ......................................................................7

government officials, giving greater voice to the membership at-large.

Dubai Airshow Breakfast..............................................................................................8 Welcoming the Governor of Virgnia.......................................................................10

Contact Information: Phone:+ 971 4 379 1414 Fax: +971 4 379 1515 PO Box 74648 Dubai, United Arab Emirates www. abcdubai.com Cara Nazari Executive Director director@abcdubai.com Membership Manager membership@abcdubai.com Helena Hyde Program Manager events@abcdubai.com Coco Makhzoumi Public Relations Coordinator publicrelations@abcdubai.com Julie Clark Communications Coordinator communications@abcdubai.com Lilibeth Delatina Administrative Coordinator admin@abcdubai.com

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Christmas in the Desert ..............................................................................................11 Membership Rewards Program..............................................................13 Expo 2020 Registration Opportunity!

Is your company Registered?..............................................................20 Premium Level Members..............................................................................21

Message From the Executive Director Dear Members and Friends, For more than 30 years, the American Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates has been the voice of American business, helped our members grow and promoted collaboration in the UAE. We could not be successful in this mission without you, our remarkable members.

After eight successful years as Executive Director, I am both saddened and excited to share the time for change at ABC Dubai has come. I am moving on to seek new opportunities outside the organization. I depart proud of all that we have accomplished together and with a full heart of happy memories.

2015 was an exceptionally strong year for ABC: THANK YOU! While Q1 was largely focused on the 30 year celebration and re-brand of the organization, quality business focused programming and knowledge sharing returned full force following that and we were able to complete the year with more than 50 programs for the membership. In the second half of the year, event participation numbers increased to record levels as programming continued to evolve for relevance.

Membership in the organization in at a record high and continued growth is projected into 2016. ABC’s dedicated membership team worked hard to surpass the Board’s expected 10% growth. In fact we finished the year strong with an amazing 12% growth. ABC’s membership refinement has achieved the desired result of having more engagement with our corporate members and we are pleased that it has been positive for both you, the member, and ABC as well.

We are a member-driven organization that depends on your participation. That has never been as fully visible as in the recent elections that resulted in the highest level of voter participation in documented history! This is what keeps the organization strong.

As always, with every end comes a new beginning. Bilal Sabouni, who is well known to many of you and has contributed to ABC’s historical success, will take over as the new Executive Director. Indeed he is the most suitable person to take us on the path to new horizons and I extend my support.

You will continue to see me at ABC events and in the community generally but should you need to reach me via email you can do so at cara.nazari@gmail.com. I look forward to all that the future offers to all of us and I have enjoyed working with each of you.

Wishing you all continued success in 2016, Sincerely, Cara Nazari

To register for ABC events please visit us at www.abcdubai.com.

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The New Board ABC Presents Your Newly Elected 2016 Board of Directors

On Wednesday, November 25th, at the Annual General Meeting, ABC members elected the 2016 Board of Directors.

The ABC would like to congratulate the following individuals who were elected.

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Ramsey Jurdi President

Bilal Sabouni Executive Vice President

Huw Gilbert Board Member

Anne Jafery Board Member

Kathleen Jones Vice President of Programs

Sammy Bousaba Vice President of Membership

Edgars Karklins Board Member

Suzanne Ries Board Member

Mohamad Itani Vice President of Financial Affairs & Treasurer

Myron Lloyd Vice President of Legal Affairs & Secretary

Karim Seifeddine Board Member

Looking Back...

Knowledge Exchange Series: Knight Frank Breakfast Commercial Real Estate October 7, 2015

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BC Dubai and Knight Frank Commercial Real Estate hosted a morning breakfast discussion regarding the current and future market of the UAE commercial real estate market. The Knight Frank Dubai office has produced the inaugural edition of the Hub report, which looks at how Dubai fares compared to other global hubs in regards to key property sectors on both a macro and micro level.

Feeding down from this report, the expert speakers examined the intricacies of both the office and industrial logistics property markets, and focused on how these sectors have been evolving and future predictions of where they are moving.

Topics included: Market Demand: Traditional vs New Developments; Central Hubs; Build to Suit; Headline Rents / Inducements; Pipeline; Tenant Focus / Landlord Collaboration

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Looking Back...

Knowledge Exchange Series: The Iran Nuclear Deal: Impact of Sanctions Relief on UAE Companies October 11, 2015

T

he American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates (ABC Dubai) along with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP hosted a seminar on the Impact of Sanctions Relief on UAE companies as part of its Knowledge Exchange Series. The sold-out luncheon attracted more than 200 key business decision makers from the region. The panel of experts, including former U.S. government officials, from Akin Gump’s Dubai and Washington DC offices examined the intricacies of how the easing of sanctions resulting from the recent Iran nuclear deal impacts companies operating in the Middle East, including U.S. multinationals in the UAE. Jonathan C. Poling, Partner at Akin Gump in the Washington DC office, stated, “There is a wide disconnect between non-U.S. companies with no U.S. ties and U.S. companies with respect to what Iran activities they can each engage in under the deal. U.S. companies are at a competitive disadvantage and will face enormous business pressure to keep up.”

Mahmoud (Mac) Fadlallah, Attorney at Akin Gump added, “The deal has not yet been implemented and there is still a condition to the U.S. or EU lifting a finger to waive a single sanction, which is that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) must verify that Iran has complied with certain nuclear-related measures that are part of the deal.”

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Emirati Alumni of U.S. Universities Renewing the Connection

October 21, 2015

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he American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates (ABC Dubai), in association with United States Consulate General Dubai, honored U.A.E. Nationals, who have studied at U.S. universities at a reception on October 21, 2015. The event highlighted the strong bonds that exist between the U.A.E. and the U.S. and stressed the role that higher education can play in bringing communities closer together.

Since 2009, the number of Emiratis studying in the U.S. has increased by 40%. According to the latest “Open Doors� report, the number of UAE nationals enrolled at U.S. institutions of higher education in the 2013-2014 academic year grew to 2,784 up from 2,256 the previous year - a 23% increase. With this number growing every year, it solidifies the relationship between the U.S. and U.A.E. and will be reflected in American business and bilateral trade between the two countries for years to come.

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Looking Back...

New Beginnings Welcoming the New Consul General, The 2016 Candidates, & the Tiger Tones

November 3, 2015

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he American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates (ABC Dubai) welcomed the newly appointed U.S. Consul General, the Honorable Paul Malik. He was Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman from May 2013 to August 2015. Mr. Malik is a career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service, having served for 23 years in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. We also met our candidates for the 2016 Board of Directors election and enjoyed the soothing a capella sounds of the Princeton University Tiger Tones on their debut visit to Dubai. Founded in 1946, the Tigertones are Princeton University’s signature all-male a cappella group. Characterized by their exciting tours, attention to musicality and diverse repertoire, the ‘Tones love performing for audiences both on and off campus and around the globe. They have been featured in both domestic and international media, sharing with all the harmony and spontaneity that have become their trademarks.

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Dubai AirShow Breakfast November 8, 2015

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he American Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates (ABC Dubai) and AmCham Abu Dhabi held a high-level kick­off breakfast today at Dubai South Headquarters, just before the opening of the 2015 Dubai Airshow. Over 200 prominent members of the American business community and top military officers, government officials and leading defense executives participated. The highlight of the industry-focused event was an informative keynote address by Director of the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Vice Admiral Joseph Rixey on the importance of security cooperation.

The Kick-Off Breakfast is held on the first day of the Dubai Airshow to facilitate networking and collaboration between locally based companies in the sector and visiting U.S. aerospace and defense industry executives.

Attending this high-profile event has become a tradition among U.S. military leaders, diplomats and local & visiting industry CEOs. Some of the distinguished attendees included Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force, Force, Heidi Grant; Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Marcus Jadotte; FAA Administrator, Michael Huerta; U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E., The Honorable Barbara A. Leaf; and U.S. Consul General to Dubai, Mr. Paul Malik.

Following opening remarks

by President of ABC Dubai, Ramsey Jurdi and Chairman of AmCham Abu Dhabi, Robert S. Harward, Ambassador Barbara A. Leaf took the stage. In her welcome address, Ambassador Leaf hailed U.S. - U.A.E. partnerships in trade and commerce, particularly in the aviation and defense sectors. “I am so pleased that the U.S. presence at the Dubai Airshow continues to grow.

This year, there are over 150 U.S. exhibitors here. We have almost doubled the number of U.S. firms participating in the U.S. Pavilion to nearly 100. And, over 60 of these companies are new exhibitors at the show.”

During his keynote address, Vice Admiral Rixey highlighted the work of the U.S. Department of Defense security cooperation mission, which encompasses a wide range of activities from defense trade and arms transfers (via sale, lease, and grants) to international education and training, defense institution building, and humanitarian engagement in 8

Looking Back...

Dubai AirShow Breakfast November 8, 2015

furtherance of national security and foreign policy objectives. These activities help contribute to partner and regional security, enhance military-to-military cooperation, enable greater interoperability, and strengthen bilateral relationships between the United States and its foreign partners.

As the Department’s lead agency for the execution of these programs, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency employs a spectrum of security cooperation tools and subject matter expertise across the policy, legal, legislative, programmatic, and weapons systems fields. Of the programs DSCA is responsible for, Foreign Military Sales is by far the largest and most well-known. Sales of defense articles both reinforce our diplomatic relations and establish strong lines of communication, ultimately deepening commercial and military ties. FMS often serves as the basis for long-term relationships between partner countries and the United States, and as a means to foster cooperation in areas of mutual strategic concern.

Defense shows such as Dubai provide excellent opportunities to strengthen bilateral relationships through continued dialogue, to identify new areas for increased cooperation, and to communicate key issues or updates of mutual concern with senior government and industry counterparts. U.S. participation also bolsters our commitment to the region and the importance we place on building partnership capacity.

Going forward, DSCA continues to work closely with counterparts from across the security cooperation enterprise to employ dynamic and innovative business process improvements, resource efficiently to ensure responsive management and execution of security cooperation activities, sustain whole-of-government efforts, and plan deliberately to achieve regional strategic goals.

The Dubai Airshow is the premiere showcase of aviation and air defense products in the Middle East and typically results in billions of dollars of aircraft and defense contracts. Ramsey Jurdi and Robert S. Harward expressed their enthusiasm for the strong presence of U.S. aviation and defense companies, which are key components of American industry. ABC Dubai and AmCham Abu Dhabi are proud to partner with the Dubai Airshow, which uniquely showcases American business opportunities in the U.A.E.

This event was sponsored by Aerojet Rocketdyne, CH2M, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Raytheon, and DynCorp International with support from Kallman Worldwide and Dubai South.

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Welcoming the Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe Why Virginia should be the home of your U.S. Business Entity

November 15, 2015

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BC Dubai, the Commonwealth of Virginia and U.S-U.A.E. Business Council welcomed the Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe and his extended delegation, Sunday evening, the 15th of November.

The delegation was here to promote trade and discuss why Virginia should be the home of your U.S. Business entity. Governor Terry McAuliffe is an American businessman and the 72nd Governor of Virginia. Governor McAuliffe’s number one priority is economic development and he is working hard to create and maintain jobs throughout the Commonwealth. He served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005, was co-chairman of President Bill Clinton’s 1996 re-election campaign, and was chairman of Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign.

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Christmas in the Desert December 12, 2015

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ABC Dubai Membership Rewards Program

AKA -

p i h s r e b m e m e e r f a t e g o t How

The ABC Dubai Membership Rewards Program is an expanding initiative designed to enhance your membership investment and is a benefit open to all members. Our goal is to support American businesses within the UAE by promoting an American business referral network, while at the same time enriching the value of membership in the American Business Council.

Current Participating Companies

Dr. Leila Hariri

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To see what each company is offering, please visit our membership rewards page at www.abcdubai.com.

Follow along to see how you too can pay your membership fees with your rewards

Use Al Zorah Golf club twice,

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Spend an unforgettable weekend with your spouse at the Park Hyatt,

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Fly your family of 4 to a dream vacation spot with Emirates

Ship 4 packages to loved ones this year,

Get a cleaning and exam with Dr. Leila, Open an Uber account and take your first trip,

340 5,000

average savings of

1,500

average savings of

2,000

average savings of

100

average savings of

100

Total Savings 9,040

Oh My Goodness!

We’re paying YOU to be a member!

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Ship. Save. Smile.

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Take advantage of your offer today and ship to 220 countries and territories now. * conditions apply

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800 FedEx (33339)

@2015 FedEx. All rights reserved.

To see a list of FedEx locations please visit www.abcdubai.com 15

Emirates is proud to offer exclusive savings for American Business Council Dubai members and their immediate family*, for both business and personal travel from Dubai to all Emirates online destinations worldwide.

Book online by 31st March 2016 to receive great savings across on Business Class and Economy Class fares, and experience exceptional service, fine dining and up to 2,000 channels of ice entertainment. First Class and Business Class passengers may also enjoy our complimentary Chauffeur-drive service and access to luxurious airport lounges.

Savings are applicable on existing market fares at time of booking.

Book online using this special promotional code 'AEABC13' on www.emirates.com 1. Select “Book a flight” 2. Enter your promotional code on “Advanced Search” page 3. Enter your destination and travel dates 4. Make payment at an Emirates Office Book by 31st March 2016 You are also eligible to earn Emirates Skywards Miles when booking this offer, plus you can earn bonus Miles with our Skywards Miles Accelerator. If you are not a member of Emirates' frequent flyer programme Emirates Skywards, enroll now and start earning.

*Terms and conditions apply

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Exclusive Offer for American Business Council Rates

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How to Reserve For bookings please contact your Account Manager Mr. Sean Campbell M. +971 56 682 9712 D. +971 4 602 1712 F. +971 4 602 1606

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ACI

This two day event be held in English and Arabic with simultaneous translation provided

American Conference Institute

‫ةيبرعلاو ةيزيلجنإلا نيتغللاب رمتؤملا تايلاعف ترج‬، ‫ةيروفلا ةمجرتلا ةمدخ ميدقت عم‬

Business Information in a Global Context

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2015 President’s Club

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PO Box 74648, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 379 1414 • Fax: +971 4 379 1515 www.abcdubai.com • info@abcdubai.com