The ABC Newsletter Fourth Quarter 2014
ABC’s 30
th
A n n i v e r s a ry March 6, 2015
The American Business Council o f
D u b a i
&
t h e
N o r t h e r n
E m i r at e s
Chapter, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
About the ABC
Table of Contents
The American Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates (ABC) functions under the auspices of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and functions as the Dubai Chapter of the US Chamber of Commerce. The ABC represents US
Message from the Executive Director.................................................2
business interests in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, while maintaining strong ties with the leadership of the communities in which our members live and work.
Looking Ahead ABC Gala ~ ABC’s 30th Anniversary........................................................................3 Knowledge Exchange: UAE Labor Law................................................................4 Arab Health Breakfast.......................................................................................4
The Council is comprised of members from all sectors of business and industry who elect a board of directors annually. This board of directors is responsible for the strategic vision
24th Annual Golf Tournament................................................................................6 Monday Mixers....................................................................................................6 Projected 2015 Calendar......................................................................................7 2015 Board of Directors.......................................................................................8
of the organization and for assuring strong alliances with US and UAE government officials, giving greater voice to the membership at-large.
Looking Back The 3rd Annual American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S.............................................9 American Citizen Services Day...........................................................................11 ABC Co-hosts Sharjah-US Roundtable with Shurooq.............................................12
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 Aurore Nawfal Membership Coordinator membership@abcdubai.com Sabrina Walsh Events Coordinator events@abcdubai.com Coco Makhzoumi Public Relations Coordinator publicrelations@abcdubai.com Laura Goodnight Communications Coordinator communications@abcdubai.com Lilibeth Delatina Administrative Coordinator admin@abcdubai.com
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Knowledge Exchange: Real Estate in the UAE - the Amazing Decade....................13 Christmas in the Desert......................................................................................15 member News..............................................................................................17 Premium Level Members............................................................................19
The ABC Membership Rewards Program...............................................20
Looking Ahead... Message From the Executive Director Dear Members, Before we look back at 2014, I would like to take a moment to recognize the milestone that is upon us, in 2015 the American Business Council will be turning 30! We have a very bright future ahead of us, and as we reminisce on the past successful years, member loyalty continues to be the foundation of our achievements and longevity. In 2014, ABC members were key to our success. The Board of Directors has heard your voice and is responding. To further increase program reach, we have now provided you the chance to have more representation at events. American and UAE Business Members can now appoint an Individual Member at no additional cost. We continue our quest for growth and are actively pursuing non-member companies; your referrals are important. As an expanding business community, together we have accomplished many other things this year: • the ABC held an array of business events including, our productive seminars from our popular Knowledge Exchange Series, numerous business roundtables where member voices were heard, and most recently, the hugely successful, American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S.; • access to government leadership from the US and UAE—in the spring we hosted the highest level Cabinet member in recent history, the US Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker; • in 2014 more members opted to take advantage of the benefits of being a Premium Level Member, as our premium level membership increased by 33 percent. All of the above added value to your organization, be it through direct knowledge sharing or helpful advice and guidance when needed. You can trust you are a part of an organization that ranked as a leader in the community. I encourage you to take stock of your engagement with the organization and send us your suggestions for continued development. You are an integral part of the most influential business community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and the ABC urges you to be actively involved. We are a member-driven organization that depends on your participation, so let us know if you would like to contribute toward our collective success. The ABC remains strong and committed to offering you support for your business—you’ve come to know that we can be relied upon to help you create networking opportunities, share knowledge, and influence policy. You have also been here for us throughout those years with your loyalty and support for the organization. For that, we are grateful. We hope you are able to join us in celebrating these successes at the ABC’s 30th Birthday Gala taking place March 6, 2015. Wishing you all continued success in 2015! Sincerely,
Cara Nazari Executive Director American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates
To register for ABC events please visit us at www.abcdubai.com.
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ABC’s 30 th A n n i v e r s a ry
This is sure to be a fabulous affair! Mark your calendar now, to ensure you’ll be there!
March 6, 2015 Keep watch for the invitation.
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Knowledge Exchange: UAE Labor Law January 20, 2015
Hani Ghattas of Norton Rose Fulbright will lead participants through an informative discussion on UAE Labor Law. Topics to be discussed include: • Hiring of employees and practical considerations, including company policies and benefits • Compliance with UAE labor rules, including disciplinary measures and the Wages Protection System • Termination/resignation of employees and end-of-service obligations, disputes and visa considerations Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2015 Registration: 4:00 pm Program: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Venue: Offices of Fulbright & Jaworski, Festival Tower, 24th Floor, Dubai Festival City Refreshments and Canapés Cost: ABC Members - 50 AED Non Members - 150 AED
Arab Health Breakfast January 27, 2015
Arab Health is the largest healthcare exhibition and trade show in the Middle East and Asia, attracting industry leaders and experts from all over the world. This annual conference, held in Dubai each year, will host more than 4,000 exhibitors and 40 different country pavilions at the 2015 conference, showcasing the latest products and services from the healthcare industry. Last year, more than 230 companies gathered in the US International Pavilion, which was the largest American group ever to assemble at the MENA’s leading health industry trade show. Every year the ABC’s kicks off the conference with our Arab Health Breakfast creating an ideal environment for those looking to explore and expand their opportunities in this industry and region. With the support from Kallman Worldwide, join the ABC for this significant opportunity to engage with industry leaders from healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, local representatives and government officials who will provide valuable industry insights. Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2015 Registration: 7:30 am Breakfast: 8:00 am Venue: TBA To register for ABC events please visit us at www.abcdubai.com.
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24th Annual Golf Tournament February 15, 2015
M
ark you calendars for the 24th Annual Golf Tournament to be held at the Dubai Creek Yacht and Club on Sunday, February 15th. The Texas Scramble style tournament
will end with a BBQ dinner and fabulous door prizes.
2014 Tournament
Monday Mixers
K
eep on the lookout for our Monday Mixers, held on the first Monday of every month. There is always a reason to stop by for a bite, a sip, and some high level networking. Coming soon to the Ritz Carlton DIFC near you‌
January 12th - Hail and Farewell to the Outgoing and Incoming Board of Directors
February 2nd - Super Bowl 2015
April 13th 6
Projected 2015 Calendar Date Monday 12 - January - 2015
Monday Mixer- Hail and Farewell to the Board
Wednesday 14 - January - 2015
Emirati Speaker Series: Tales from the Emirates
Tuesday 20 - January - 2015
Knowledge Exchange Series: Norton Rose Fulbright
Tuesday 27 - January - 2015
Arab Health Breakfast
Monday 02 - February - 2015
Monday Mixer- Super Bowl!
Sunday 15 - February - 2015
24th Annual Golf Tournament
Friday 06 - March - 2015
Gala - ABC turns 30!
March 2015 TBC
Knowledge Exchange Series: TBD
March 2015 TBC
Country Spotlight Series: USA
Monday 13 - April - 2015
Monday Mixer
Thursday 30 - April - 2015
American Citizen Services Day at DAA
April 2015 TBC
Emirati Speaker Series: Tales from the Emirates
Tuesday 05 - May - 2015
Cinco de Mayo
Friday 29 - May - 2015
Memorial & Independence Day Celebration
Monday 22 - June - 2015
Iftar
Tuesday 28 - July - 2015
Summer Mixer
Monday 17 - August - 2015
Monday Mixer
Monday 14 - September - 2015
Back to Business Intercouncil Newtworking
Monday 05 - October - 2015
Monday Mixer
Wednesday 21 - Oct - 2015
Emirati Alumni
October 2015 TBC
Knowledge Exchange Series: TBD
Monday 02 - November - 2015
Monday Mixer
Sunday 08 - November - 2015
Dubai Airshow Breakfast
Tuesday 17 - November - 2015
4th Annual American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S.
Monday 30 - November - 2015
Annual General Meeting
Saturday 12 - December - 2015
Christmas in the Desert
Current as of 12.1.2014
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Event
ABC Brings you your newly elected 2015 Board of Directors
Ramsey Jurdi President
Bilal Sabouni Executive Vice
Huw Gilbert Board Member
Mohamad Itani Board Member
Sammy Bousaba Vice President of Programs
Antoine Tayyar Vice President of Membership
Kathleen Jones Board Member
Paul L. Smith Board Member
Matthew Ficco Vice President of Financial Affairs & Treasurer
Charles Laubach Vice President of Legal Affairs & Secretary
Sharon Stultz-Karim Board Member
President
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Looking Back... The 3rd Annual American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S. October 28, 2014
I. D. E. A .S.
Since March 2012, the EPD has served as
American Business Forum
close relationship between the US and the
a government to government umbrella for new and ongoing initiatives that are aimed at deepening economic and commercial
I dentif y D efine E xecute A nalyze S trengthen
ties between the UAE and US. Given the UAE, reinforcing the bond between the two
together
included: Jeffrey L. Johnson, President
business leaders from the US and the UAE
of Boeing Middle East; Nenad Pacek,
to participate in the third annual American
Co-founder of CEEMEA Business Group;
Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S. (I.D.E.A.S.),
Timothy J. Richards, Managing Director,
designed
Execute
Government Affairs & Policy, at General
Analyze and Strengthen regional business
Electric; Paul L. Smith, Corporate Vice
opportunities, on Tuesday, October 28,
President, MEA at Emerson; and Maurice
2014.
Williams, President & Managing Director
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The
to
ABC
brought
Identify
I.D.E.A.S.
Define
challenged
leaders
of General Motors Middle East Operations.
to think critically about the American
During
the
competitive advantage in the Middle East
presented by Nenad Pacek, Co-founder
and how to leverage the US-UAE bilateral
of CEEMEA Business Group, Mr. Pacek
trade relationship. Business leaders were
examined the future of business in the Middle
able to capture these insights to aid their
East and Africa region, and what companies
own organizations and harness potential
need to do to outperform competition
synergies going forward. Moderated by
in the coming years. He also provided an
Antonio Carvalho, Partner at Oliver Wyman,
economic, business, and political outlook
the executive panelists’ dialogue covered a
per market for the whole area. Mr. Pacek
range of topics including: utilizing Dubai as
briefly talked about the global business and
a hub; planning for regional security and
economic environment and how this might
health concerns; preparing for EXPO 2020;
impact business operations in this region.
and examining diversity and inclusion. The
Furthermore, he highlighted which issues
panel cited many factors that contributed
regional directors are struggling with at the
to their accomplishments, such as how the
moment and offered some best practices for
UAE has employed farsighted leadership
how to handle those challenges.
that is open to working with international
companies and is committed to infrastructure
critical business issues in support of the
and the best technology, evidenced through
ongoing Economic Policy Dialogue (EPD)
its Smart City vision and commitment to the
between the US and the UAE, which
space program. The distinguished panel
served as the inspiration for the forum.
I.D.E.A.S.
keynote
sought
address
answers
to
countries is a priority, both economically and politically. The UAE was the 17th largest export destination for US goods worldwide, and the bilateral trade balance stands at $22.30 billion as of 2013, making the UAE the largest trading partner regionally with the US. American businesses continue to capitalize on this momentum while continuing to strengthen Dubai’s economy. Ramsey Jurdi, President of the American Business Council and International Partner at Chadbourne & Parke stated: “With the recent upgrade in the competitiveness ranking of the UAE in the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report from 19 to 12, it is no surprise that American businesses have chosen the UAE as their hub. American businesses continue to pick the UAE because of exactly the same factors that Davos considers, such as infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, and a capable workforce. US-UAE bilateral trade outpaces that of much bigger economies in the region, precisely because of the competitive and stable economic environment in the UAE. The UAE remains extremely well positioned for American businesses.”
Nenad Pacek, Co-founder of CEEMEA Business Group; Timothy J. Richards, Managing Director, Government Affairs & Policy, at General Electric; Jeffrey L. Johnson, President of Boeing Middle East; Ramsey Jurdi, President of the American Business Council and International Partner at Chadbourne & Parke; Paul L. Smith, Corporate Vice President, MEA at Emerson; Antonio Carvalho, Partner at Oliver Wyman; and Maurice Williams, President & Managing Director of 10 General Motors Middle East Operations.
American Citizen Services Day October 15, 2014
ABC welcomed members and friends to American Citizen Services Day. Guests were able to meet and greet the US Consul General in Dubai, The Honorable Robert Waller and his team to learn what they do at the Consulate for American citizens. The Consulate provided specific services for including passport renewals for drop off, additional visa pages for drop off, notaries, authentications, social Security Number applications, and voting materials. Additionally, as a part of the program, Dr. Houriya Kazim briefed guests on breast health and care in the UAE as a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Houriya Kazim attended medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, obtained her fellowship in General Surgery, then sub-specialized in Surgical Oncology and, in particular, Breast Surgery and reconstruction at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London and the MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston, Texas. Dr. Kazim is a UAE national and the country’s first female surgeon. She is the Medical Director and founder of the Well Woman Clinic. Additionally, she founded and runs the only breast cancer support group in the city called “Brest Friends” as well as a breast cancer charity, also known as, “Brest Friends.”
Community Partners
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ABC Co-hosts Sharjah-US Roundtable with Shurooq November 16, 2014
C
ontinuing its commitment to promoting Sharjah as a world-class destination for international investment, the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) held a Sharjah-US Business Roundtable, which was in collaboration with the American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on November 16, 2014. The Roundtable formed the most recent of a number of initiatives and events by Shurooq to encourage investment from the US. Speaking during her opening address, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi reaffirmed the strong ties that exist between Sharjah and the US. “Sharjah and the US are no strangers. We have a long and successful shared business history that has brought benefit and progress to both our countries. Our emirate is growing, and I am very pleased that the American business communities have been and continue to be very important partners in this growth.” The welcome notes were followed by a presentation on investment and tourism projects by Shurooq CEO Marwan Al Sarkal, which gave an overview of the four key sectors identified by Shurooq as major areas of potential growth, namely travel and tourism, environment, healthcare, and transport and logistics. The presentation also highlighted
a number of projects the groundbreaking tourism projects being undertaken by the Authority, including: Al Jabal Resort – The Chedi Khorfakkan, Sir Bu Nair Island, Mlieha Eco-tourism project, the Heart of Sharjah, Al Bait Hotel, Al Majaz Waterfront, the Flag Island, the Kalba Eco-tourism project, Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park, and Al Hisn Island – Dibba Al Hisn. Al Sarkal emphasised that through these projects Shurooq aims to stimulate the local economy, while also providing foreign investors with unique opportunities to leverage on the exceptional development that Sharjah’s tourism and leisure sector is currently experiencing. Ramsey Jurdi, President of the American Business Council and Chadbourne & Parke International Partner commended the efforts of Shurooq in promoting Sharjah within the American business community, stating, “Shurooq has done a remarkable job in building the US – UAE relationship. There are very few organizations operating in the UAE that are as active, as ambitious, or as successful in their investment activities as is clearly evident from the numerous events such as this one today and the high level of interest in Sharjah that the Authority has created within the American business community.”
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Knowledge Exchange: Real Estate in the UAE - the Amazing Decade November 19, 2014
S
hahram Safai, Partner at Afridi & Angell, who is a leading authority on property law in the UAE, will surveyed the introduction and development of the freehold market in real estate in the UAE, focusing on Dubai which has experienced phenomenal growth in the past decade. Participants walked away withe answers to: is foreign ownership of real estate the same as that
of UAE nationals? Where are real estate prices headed – up or down? What about rent? How much power do landlords have over tenants? What are the laws regarding off-plan purchases?
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Travel Ideas in Spring
Who we are? A travel agent specialized in tailor making private tour to exotic destinations, like Indochina, Indian subcontinent, Japan, South America, Africa safaris and Polar Voyages.
Sakura (Cherry) is an unnamed national flower of Japan. It has been celebrated by Japanese over centuries and it holds a prominent position in Japanese Culture. It blossoms in April every year and it covers the whole country in beautiful pink.
What we are good at? Giving up-to-date tour advices, and make your holiday meaningful and in style. How to find us?
: www.countryholidays.ae : enquiries@countryholidays.ae : +971 4 551 9797
Hua Hin is only 200km away from the vibrant city of Bangkok, it offers serene beaches for safe swimming, and some resorts also specialized in well being therapies. April is a relatively weather stable month in Hua Hin.
Unit 114, The Metropolis Tower, Business Bay, Dubai
Machu Picchu is a master piece of Incan Architecture, it is also a symbolic icon for us to study the life of Inca people in the past. April to May is dry season of the year, thus it is a good time to explore Machu Picchu and neigbouring sites. 14
Christmas in the Desert December 13, 2014
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M
ore than 250 ABC members and their families gathered in the desert for the annual ABC Christmas celebration. The desert camp served as our own winter wonderland, complete with a Christmas tree garden, Santa Claus, Christmas activities for the kids, carolling during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and a delicious Christmas meal that was catered by, the famous, Abela.
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Member News... Allied Pickfords Wins “International Moving Company of the Year” from the Forum for Expatriate Management for the second consecutive year
Allied Pickfords, one of the largest providers of
FEM also highly commended Alice Chan in the
moving services and part of SIRVA Worldwide,
Global Mobility Rising Star of the Year category.
Inc received an APAC Expatriate Management
Alice is the Implementation Manager for SIRVA in
and Mobility Awards (EMMAs) from the Forum for
Asia and Middle East.
Expatriate Management (FEM). The Forum for Expatriate Management hosts the Allied Pickfords won “International Moving Company
EMMA awards annually to recognize excellence
of the Year” for its use of technology and strong
in global mobility. The awards are independently
communication, emphasis on social responsibility
judged by highly esteemed leaders in the mobility
and employees, and continues to be a solid and
industry.
professional contributor to the international moving
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industry. This is the second consecutive year which
To learn more about Allied Pickfords, visit www.
Allied Pickfords has won this title.
alliedpickfords.com.
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President’s Club
Vice President’s Club
Strategic Partner
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The ABC Membership Rewards Program The American Business Council 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 United Arab Emirates 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
To see what each company is offering, please visit our membership rewards page at www.abcdubai.com. 20
The American Business Council o f
D u b a i & t h e N o r t h e r n E m i r at e s CHAPTER, U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ABC Wishes you and your family a happy and prosperous New Year! PO Box 74648, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 379 1414 • Fax: +971 4 379 1515 www.abcdubai.com • info@abcdubai.com