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The ABC Newsletter Second Quarter 2015
Read about the highly successful Middle East & Africa Business Outlook Conference on page 7.
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About ABC Dubai The
American
Business
Table of Contents
Council
of Dubai & the Northern Emirates (ABC) functions under the auspices of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and functions as the Dubai Chapter of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The ABC represents U.S. business interests in Dubai and the
Looking Ahead
Northern Emirates, while maintaining
Keep watch for Fall & Winter 2015 Events.............................................................2
strong ties with the leadership of the
Emirati Alumni...................................................................................................3
communities in which our members live and work.
Dubai Airshow Breakfast......................................................................................3 4th Annual American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S....................................................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 of the organization and for assuring strong alliances with U.S. and UAE government officials, giving greater voice to the membership at-large.
Looking Back Middle East & Africa Business Outlook Conference.................................................5 Meet & Greet with University of Texas Football Coach, Mack Brown........................7 Global Leadership Series: Business Trends & Their Implications on Mobility Breakfast......................................................................8 Independence & Memorial Day Celebration!.......................................................9 Farewell Iftar for the Honorable Rob Waller, U.S. Consul General in Dubai.............11
Member Spotlight: CONTEMPO – Event Designers & Florists.........13 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 Liz Stevens Membership Manager membership@abcdubai.com Events 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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Premium Level Members...........................................................................15
Fall & Winter 2015 Sponsorship Opportunities Emirati Alumni Celebration.................................................................................17 Dubai Airshow Breakfast....................................................................................18 American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S...................................................................19 Christmas Celebration........................................................................................20
Looking Ahead... Keep watch for Fall & Winter 2015 Events Intercouncil Summer Mixer - July 28 Monday Mixer - August 17 Back to Business Intercouncil Networking - September 14 Monday Mixer - October 5 Emirati Alumni - October 21 Knowledge Exchange Series: TBD - October 2015 Monday Mixer - November 2 Dubai Airshow Breakfast - November 8 Marine Corps Ball: TBD - November 2015 4th Annual American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S. - November 17 Annual General Meeting - November 30 Christmas in the Desert - December 12
To register for ABC events please visit us at www.abcdubai.com.
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Emirati Alumni October 21, 2015
Mark your calendars now for this key event! This annual celebration highlights the strong bonds that exist between the UAE and the U.S. and stresses the role that higher education can play in bringing communities closer together. Since 2009, the number of Emirati’s studying in the U.S. has increased by 40%. With this number increasing every year, it solidifies the relationship between the U.S. and UAE and will be reflected in American business and bilateral trade between the two countries. Don’t miss this evening of influential speakers and valuable networking. Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Keep watch for the invitation for more details!
Dubai Airshow Breakfast November 8, 2015
Join ABC Dubai & AmCham Abu Dhabi for the 2015 Dubai Airshow Breakfast. This prestigious event will be a high-level meeting of senior U.S. military officials, executives from American defense and aerospace industries, diplomats, and participants in the Dubai Airshow. ABC Dubai and AmCham Abu Dhabi are proud to partner with the Dubai Airshow, which uniquely showcases American businesses operating in the UAE. The record-breaking Dubai Airshow is one of the biggest and most successful air shows in the world, connecting aerospace professionals across all areas of the industry to facilitate successful global trade. The 2013 show was the largest to date with 1,046 exhibitors from 60 countries, over 60,000 trade visitors, 1,735 international and regional media, and an order book of $206.1 billion – the largest in any air show history. Sunday, November 8, 2015 6:45 am to 9:00 am Dubai World Central Headquarters
Gold Sponsors
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To register for ABC events please visit us at www.abcdubai.com.
4th Annual American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S. November 17, 2015
I. D. E. A .S. I dentif y D efine E xecute A nalyze S trengthen
American Business Forum
Originally inspired by the Economic Policy Dialogue (EPD) the American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S. will be held this year on Tuesday, November 17. For 30 years ABC Dubai has been your “boots on the ground” experts in relation to Dubai as your regional business hub. Take advantage of the knowledge and expertise our members have to offer at this annual seminar. The UAE is the U.S.’ top trading partner in the Middle East and Africa. We can attribute much of this success to the UAE’s visionary leadership and Dubai’s openness to working with international companies. With over 1,000 American companies and 50,000 American citizens in the UAE, both countries remain extremely well positioned for a longstanding and strong bilateral relationship. This year we seek to reinforce the foundation for long-term partnership with the UAE and bring together all stakeholders in Dubai to explore ways to strengthen the trading ties between Dubai and the U.S. Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Keep watch for the invitation for more details!
2014 Photos
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Looking Back...
Middle East & Africa Business Outlook Conference May 27-28, 2015
A
BC Dubai along with the U.S. Commercial Service - Department of Commerce, and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council co-hosted the first Middle East & Africa Business Outlook Conference on May 27-28 in Dubai. The sold-out conference attracted more than 300 influential government officials and key business decision makers from across Africa, the Middle East, and the U.S. The business opportunities this region has to offer are plentiful, and the level of engagement was certainly reflected at this conference. The conference highlighted the importance of maximizing the unique prospects available to U.S. companies operating in the area and to those utilizing Dubai as a business gateway to the region. Additionally, over 20 Senior U.S. Commercial Attachés and Specialists were available for the more than 400 one-on-one meetings that took place. Nasir Abbasi, Commercial Attaché, U.S. Consulate General Dubai stated, “This certainly takes the seminar to the next level. By hosting personal meetings, participants were able to focus on identifying specific challenges facing their particular sectors and harnessing potential synergies going forward.” Ramsey Jurdi, President of the American Business Council and Chadbourne & Parke International Partner stated: “As President of the American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates, I am a witness to the tremendous growth potential the region provides, and we at the Council strive to support the economy with innovative programs such as this one. The recent upgrade in the competitiveness ranking of the UAE in the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report from 19 to 12 is no surprise to me or the many American businesses that have chosen Dubai and the UAE as their hub. With U.S.-UAE bilateral trade outpacing much larger economies for the sixth year in a row, the UAE has a proven infrastructure, macroeconomic stability and capable workforce propelling 5
its support of regional growth. The UAE offers American businesses a fantastic platform to expand regionally and into Africa. ABC Dubai is primed and ready to support you in your endeavors, and I encourage you to consider the ABC team your “boots on the ground” experts in relation to Dubai as your regional business hub.” Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO, Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), an agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai: “The Middle East and Africa Business Outlook Conference is a strategic platform for Dubai FDI to engage with U.S. businesses and investors, who we consider critical to Dubai’s strategy for attracting investment into innovative and knowledge-based industries. For U.S. companies looking to step beyond their conventional markets and set up shop in the most promising territories, there is no better hub than Dubai as the city provides one of the most competitive logistics infrastructure and the best link to a vast consumer market of over 2.2 billion people living in the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent.” Engineer Saad Al Awadi, CEO, Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai: “Dubai’s infrastructure development and policies have always sought to reinforce the city’s preeminence as a trading hub, specifically exports and reexports hub. Various U.S. products and services are currently being distributed in the Middle East and Africa through Dubai and Dubai Exports is looking at the Middle East and Africa Business Outlook Conference as an opportunity to demonstrate our successful efforts in enabling local exporters expand their footprint to new markets.” The partnership created in presenting this conference will allow U.S. businesses to continue growing in the region and to strengthen their relationship with the UAE.
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Meet & Greet with University of Texas Football Coach, Mack Brown April 22, 2015
On April 22, ABC Dubai held a meet and greet with the University of Texas football Coach, Mack Brown. Coach Brown gave short remarks on his time leading the Longhorns and his other endeavors.
Mack Brown was the head coach of the Texas Longhorns for 16 seasons. With a mark at Texas of 158-48 (.767), the 2008 Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Year, and the 2009 Big 12 Coach of the Year elevated the Longhorns program to new heights. He was also the 2005 Paul W. “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year award winner and coach of the 2005 BCS National Champions, he is one of a handful of coaches in the history of college football to lead two separate programs to a top five national finish. With all of the success on the field, the primary emphasis remained the same with Brown’s squads — maintaining a high level of achievement in the classroom and in the community. Eighty percent of his players at North Carolina received their degrees and he increased the pace at Texas, while more than a third of his players at Texas have regularly earned 3.0 grade point averages and achieved spots on the Big 12 Commissioner’s and Athletics Director’s honor rolls. Over his last eight years, the success in the classroom reached an all-time high. The Longhorns led the Big 12 in academic all-conference selections in five of Brown’s last eight seasons, and in three of those had equal or more first-team selections than all but two Big 12 schools have had total selections.
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Global Leadership Series: Business Trends & Their Implications on Mobility Breakfast with Wes Lucas, Global President & CEO of SIRVA, Inc. June 16, 2015
On Tuesday, June 16, ABC members gathered to hear Wes Lucas, Global President & CEO of SIRVA, Inc. discuss the implications of mobility in the global economy specifically in the Middle East. This region continues to play an important role in the global economic recovery and is increasingly becoming a larger focus within the growth strategies of international corporations. To meet these growth trends, it is critical for corporations to adopt a global approach to their talent management strategies and mobility programs are a vital piece of this way forward. As CEO of SIRVA, a leading provider of global mobility services, Wes Lucas shared his experiences and approach on how international corporations can best utilize mobility programs as an important dimension for recruiting, developing, retaining, and deploying the best people to help achieve their business goals. Below are key slides from his presentation on why globalization is a key driver and the UAE leads in the region. Global Business: UAE Leads!
Globalization is Key Driver Globalization of the Fortune Global 500
• UAE leads in Middle East region (reforms are paying off)
Number of Fortune Global 500 companies
2000
2010
Asia Other
Asia
12 12
74 476
NA and Europe
415
NA and Europe
1 The Fortune Global 500 is an annual ranking of the top 500 companies worldwide by gross revenue in US dollars. 2 Shares of emerging regions excluding China and Latin America combined until 2000. 3 Fortune Global 500 share in 2025 projected from revenue shares of countries in 2025.
• Leader in worldwide competitiveness
20253 ME
1
Other
10
169
Asia
271
NA and Europe
34
26
Other
• Ranked in top three for government efficiency and financial policies • Strong capacity to attract talent from around the world But challenges: • UAE jobs are expected to boom this year • 40% of HR directors plan to expand hiring in 2015
ME
Source: MGI CompanyScope; McKinsey Global Institute analysis
Sources: World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report (20142015), World Economic Forum Human Capital Index 2015, IMD World Competitiveness Report (released May 2015), and Robert Half International
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Independence & Memorial Day Celebration! May 29, 2015
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Farewell Iftar for the Honorable Rob Waller, U.S. Consul General in Dubai June 29, 2015
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Member Spotlight CONTEMPO – Event Designers & Florists
H
enabling clients to fully focus on the
of the future. Established
objectives they set for themselves.
in 1996 with a vision to
Delivering
quality
–
meeting
exceeding the expectations of clients -
styles to décor and event planning,
CONTEMPO delivers the personal and
CONTEMPO Events Design has
financial rewards sought by clients,
continuously been setting trends in
suppliers, employees, management
event decorations for the emerging
and other stakeholders.
world class brands evolving from the
UAE. With an established group of
companies from the industries of:
repeat customers, delivered by many
Aviation, Banking and Finance, Real
of the same staff and supported by
Estate Development, Golf Courses,
many of the same suppliers for over 10
Horse Racing, Free Zones, Government
years, CONTEMPO definitely has been
Ministries, Hotels and Caterers, Fashion
doing something truly exceptional for
and Jewelry, Electronic Brands, IT
all of its clients.
and Telecommunications, Shopping
CONTEMPO
Centers, Aluminum, Automobiles, Ports
memorable events begin with the
and Cargo handling, Concerts and
client’s imagination. Being the largest
Entertainment, Law and Accounting,
event design company in Dubai with
International Sports, FMCG, Event
over 75 professional craftsmen, they
Management companies, and others,
are able to leverage their human and
as well as private local and expatriate
physical resources to deliver real value
families.
in the production of small and intimate
gatherings, up to world class events
companies was founded by Brian Van
for thousands of guests. CONTEMPO’s
Ess and Stephen Eisenhart, who both
event design and decoration solutions
possess a passion for “brand parties”,
help
bringing
creatively
and
cost-
The CONTEMPO group of
together
creativity
and
effectively deliver corporate hospitality
business sense, proving that bespoke
to their most important stake holders.
hospitality can be delivered on brief,
Where
on time, and on budget.
others
can
only
imagine,
Keep a lookout for CONTEMPO’s Membership Rewards Program offer for ABC Dubai members, coming this Fall!
Clients in the region include
that
clients
believes
Membership Rewards Program
or
bring innovative and modern design
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istory is a good indicator
Brian Van Ess’ background
CONTEMPO brings to life, all brought
together for one purpose – your event.
extends to more than 20 years with
Their mission is to strive to
Federated Department Stores (USA)
always provide clients with event
where he advanced from Display
decoration packages – “realizations”
Artist to Regional Manager of Visual
-reflecting the image of the client’s
Merchandising
brand, fitting with the environment
southwest Florida. His award winning
of the venue, and consistent with the
designs of window and in-store displays
theme or activity of the occasion –
gained him corporate recognition from
for
central
and
Florida to New York to Texas, across such brands as Burdines, Jordan Marsh, Bloomingdales, Joske’s and Macy’s Department Stores. Stephen
Eisenhart spent the mid-90’s in Saudi Arabia as a consultant to a leading full service media company. The exciting and
then
underdeveloped
Dubai
market was a powerful draw to both of them, landing them here in the infancy of the events industry.
Over the past 15+ years,
CONTEMPO has undertaken many events and activities with ABC, even as ABC Boards and Directors change, CONTEMPO has been a ‘constant’ with ABC. This year, CONTEMPO has been instrumental in creating the very special 30th Anniversary Gala, the fun-filled Memorial and Independence Day party, and the very important conference for the Middle East and Africa Business Outlook. CONTEMPO – Event Designers and Florists – they bring it together for your events!
Contempo Brings ABC Dubai’s vision to you! 30th Anniversary Gala The gala called for an elegant yet formal feel, as it was a business-focused event. CONTEMPO provided all the florals and outdoor seating, keeping the colors simple and appropriate for the evening.
Independence & Memorial Day Celebration In keeping with the fun and patriotic theme of the event, CONTEMPO came up with various concepts, finalizing on Uncle Sam top hats made of fresh flowers and other colorful centerpieces for the dining tables, a star-filled stage backdrop, and fabric buntings around the event venue.
Middle East and Africa Business Outlook Conference This business – focused conference required minimal décor, yet CONTEMPO delivered
professional
stage
seating
and VIP entourage furnishings, making the setup look even more polished and upscale.
Services CONTEMPO provides a full spectrum design, fabricate, install, and removal services for event decorations. Our four core services are: 1. Event Design and Decoration 2. Full Service Floristry
(with 3 retail shops in Dubai)
3. Furniture Hire 4. Event Management Services
Contact CONTEMPO Events Design LLC Flowers by CONTEMPO LLC Bobby Lulla Corporate Sales Manager Email: bobby@contempo.ae Yasir Nahim Marketing Communications Email: yasir@contempo.ae
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2015 President’s Club
2015 Vice President’s Club
2015 Strategic Partner
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Fall & Winter 2015 Sponsorship Opportunities This upcoming fall and winter ABC Dubai has many events and programs where you’ll want to be visible. If you are interested in sponsoring any of the below events, please contact ABC Public Relations Coordinator, CoCo Makhzoumi at publicrelations@abcdubai.com, or at +971 4 379 1414. Please visit abcdubai.com for more information or see sponsorship charts on the subsequent pages.
Emirati Alumni Celebration - October 21, 2015 Dubai Airshow Breakfast - November 8, 2015 American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S. - November 17, 2015 Christmas Celebration - December 2015
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Emirati Alumni Celebration - October 21, 2015 Every year ABC Dubai hosts the annual Emirati Alumni Event, for UAE Nationals who have studied at U.S. universities. This event highlights the strong bonds that exist between the UAE and the U.S. and emphasizes the role that higher education can play in bringing communities closer together. With attendance for this annual event increasing on a yearly basis, it is clear that the shared belief in the importance of education is a crucial element of the strong bilateral relationship between the UAE and U.S. Successfully
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2015 Emirati Alumni Celebration Sponsorship Packages Sponsorship Benefits
Presenting Sponsor 35,000 DHS
Support Sponsor 15,000 DHS
8 tickets
4 tickets
4
2
Photo opportunity with VIPs Recognition in Quarterly Newsletter Complimentary tickets Standard size roll-up banners to be displayed at the event (provided by sponsor) Company brochures displayed at the event Company logo on event marketing materials Verbal recognition from the podium Recognition in after event American Business Council press release and social media pages For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Public Relations Coordinator, Coco Makhzoumi, at 04 379 1414 or publicrelations@abcdubai.com.
Photos from past Emirati Alumni events.
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Dubai Airshow Breakfast - November 8, 2015 Every two years Dubai hosts their much anticipated air show. The ABC Dubai-AmCham joint Airshow Breakfast is held during each Dubai Airshow to support the local American and Emirati business communities and their interaction with the many visiting U.S. aerospace and defense industry executives. Successfully
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2015 Airshow Breakfast Sponsorship Packages Sponsorship Benefits
Gold Silver Red 50,000 DHS 30,000 DHS 15,000 DHS
Photo opportunity with VIPs Corporate profile in event program (provided by sponsor) Recognition in Quarterly Newsletter Complimentary tickets with VIP table reserved seating Standard size roll-up banners to be displayed at the event (provided by sponsor)
10 tickets
8 tickets
4 tickets
6
4
1
Company brochures displayed at the event Company logo on event marketing materials Verbal recognition from the podium Recognition in after event American Business Council press release and social media pages
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your company at this biennial event! For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Public Relations Coordinator, Coco Makhzoumi, at 04 379 1414 or publicrelations@abcdubai.com. Photos from past Dubai Airshow Breakfast events.
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American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S. - November 17, 2015 This half-day forum highlights the ongoing Economic Policy Dialogue (EPD) between the U.S. and the UAE, which served as the inspiration for the Forum. Since March 2012, the EPD has served as a government to government umbrella for new and ongoing initiatives that are aimed at deepening economic and commercial ties between the UAE and U.S. In 2015, ABC will hold the fourth annual forum. As in years past we expect high level business executives, government officials, and industry leaders to be in attendance. Successfully
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2015 American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S. Sponsorship Packages Sponsorship Benefits
Gold Sponsor 30,000 DHS
Silver Sponsor 15,000 DHS
8 tickets
4 tickets
4
4
Photo opportunity with VIPs Recognition in Quarterly Newsletter Complimentary tickets with VIP seating Standard size roll-up banners to be displayed at the event (provided by sponsor) Company logo on event marketing materials Verbal recognition from the podium Recognition in after event American Business Council press release and social media pages Corporate profile on event program For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Public Relations Coordinator, Coco Makhzoumi, at 04 379 1414 or publicrelations@abcdubai.com.
Photos from past American Business Forum, I.D.E.A.S. events.
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Christmas Celebration - December 2015 Successfully
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Every December ABC Dubai hosts a Christmas celebration! This is the time to kick back and relax at the end of the year and is a great opportunity to sponsor a festive event.
2015 Christmas in the Desert Sponsorship Packages Sponsorship Benefits
Activities Sponsor 20,000 DHS
Jingle Bell Sponsor 10,000 DHS
8 tickets
4 tickets
4
2
Tailored branding activity built for your company (provided by the ABC) Standard size roll-up banners to be displayed on the stage (provided by sponsor) Company logo displayed throughout the event Complimentary tickets with VIP table reserved seating Standard size roll-up banners to be displayed at the event (provided by sponsor) 1 table on-site to display your promotional products Company logo on event invitation Verbal recognition from the podium For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Public Relations Coordinator, Coco Makhzoumi, at 04 379 1414 or publicrelations@abcdubai.com.
Photos from past Christmas celebrations.
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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