The ABC Newsletter
Second Quarter 2014
Ramadan Kareem Join the ABC for a traditional Iftar dinner on July 7. More details inside...
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 The American Business Council of
Dubai
and
the
Northern
Emirates (ABC) functions under the auspices of Dubai Chamber
Table of Contents
of Commerce and Industry and functions as the Dubai Chapter of the US Chamber of Commerce. The ABC represents US 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. The
Council
members
is
from
comprised all
sectors
of of
Looking Ahead Inter-Council Traditional Iftar Dinner.......................................................................2
business and industry who elect
Knowledge Exchange: Foreign Corrupt Practices Act........................................3
a board of directors annually. This
Spotlight Series: Africa...............................................................................................3
board of directors is responsible
Monday Mixers..........................................................................................................3
for the strategic vision of the organization
and
for
assuring
strong alliances with US and UAE government officials, giving
Emirati Alumni............................................................................................................4
Member Highlight: GM...................................................................................5
greater voice to the membership at-large.
Looking Back ABC & DIFC Co-host Atlanta Federal Reserve Reception...................................7
Contact Information: Phone:+ 971 4 379 1414 Fax: +971 4 379 1515 PO Box 74648 Dubai, United Arab Emirates www.abcdubai.com
Country Spotlight Series: Saudi Arabia......................................................................8 Maryland Delegation Forum & Dinner....................................................................9 Cinco de Mayo Monday Mixer.............................................................................10 Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick Morning Reception.....................11 Independence & Memorial Day Celebration...................................................12
Cara Nazari Executive Director director@abcdubai.com
member News
Aurore Nawfal Membership Coordinator membership@abcdubai.com
2014 American Business Council Survey...............................................................15
Sabrina Walsh Events Coordinator events@abcdubai.com
GardaWorld Achieves ISO Certification in Four Standards for International Protective Services.....................................................................16
Coco Makhzoumi Public Relations Coordinator publicrelations@abcdubai.com
Premium Level Members...................................................................................17
Laura Goodnight Communications Coordinator communications@abcdubai.com
The ABC Membership Rewards Program....................................................18
Lilibeth Delatina Administrative Coordinator admin@abcdubai.com 1
Booz Allen Celebrates a Century of Achievement.............................................15
Looking Ahead... Inter-Council Traditional Iftar Dinner July 7, 2014
Date: Monday, July 7, 2014 Time 6:00 PM Venue: Burj Al Arab ABC Members: 220 AED Non-Members: 280 AED
The American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates wishes you a peaceful and blessed Ramadan. Register at www.abcdubai.com
Participating Councils:
2
Knowledge Exchange: Foreign Corrupt Practices Act September 24, 2014
Baker Botts will be discussing the complexities of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. This event will take place on Monday, September 24. Keep watch for the invitation and more details!
Spotlight Series: Africa September 2014
I
n conjunction with the US Trade Department the ABC will be hosting a full day Spotlight Series with a focus on Africa. The day will begin with an overview of trade and power within Africa. Industry leaders will then discuss: • Market opportunities specifically in Southern Africa and East Africa • Logistics: Challenges of the Continent • Views from the Private Sector • Panel discussion on Brand Protection and IPR in Africa • Financing and Commercial Legal Environment The following day one-on-one meetings will take place. Keep watch for the invitation and more details!
Monday Mixers Keep on the lookout for our Monday Mixers, held on the first Monday of every month. In the second quarter we held our Mardi Gras and Cinco de Mayo mixers, which were a huge hit. The third quarter promises to have fabulous mixers as well. 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… 3
September 2nd October 6th To register for ABC events please visit us at www.abcdubai.com.
Emirati Alumni September 30, 2014
T
he ABC will be hosting the annual Emirati Alumni Event, in association with the US Mission for UAE Nationals who have studied at US universities. This event highlights the strong bonds that exist between the UAE and the US and emphasizes the role that higher education can play in bringing communities closer together. Previous Emirati Alumni event guests have included UAE National
alumni from US universities representing 60 alumni groups, as well as young UAE National students seeking the opportunity to study in the US. 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 US. This event will be on Tuesday, September 30, keep watch for the invitation!
“Education is a critical tool for building the future. It is no longer possible for countries to build their futures independent from one another. This event celebrates the many connections between the UAE and America that have been fostered through higher education – connections that make each of us stronger, better, and more capable of meeting the challenges facing our world.” 2012 Keynote Speaker, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of The Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
To register for ABC events please visit us at www.abcdubai.com.
4
Member Highlight General Motors Middle East
2014 Cadillac XTS Packs Twin Turbo Power
2014 Cadillac XTS Packs Twin Turbo Power • Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 with 410 hp • Automatic Parking Assist Electric power steering • Intellibeam headlamps • Rear-seat entertainment system • Front passenger seat memory feature • Opaque sunroof sunshade DUBAI – The Cadillac XTS is one of the most technologically advanced production cars in the brand’s history, delivering the space, elegance and dramatic presence that are brand signatures in a unique package tuned for a new generation of luxury customers. Cadillac’s all-new, power-dense Twin-Turbo V-6 engine highlights new features for 2014, along with 5
technologies including available Automatic Parking Assist and Intellibeam. Additional new and revised features include: • An available rear-seat entertainment system with twin DVD screens that fold out of the backs of the front seats • Opaque sunroof sunshade. XTS is offered in a well-equipped standard model and two optional collections: Luxury and Platinum. The XTS Platinum represents the highest level of technology and luxury, including a unique front appearance, wheels and interior colors, materials and trim. XTS is the only luxury sedan with standard Magnetic Ride Control – the world’s fastest-reacting suspension – while the advanced all-wheel-drive
system uses Haldex technology with an electronic limited-slip differential to transfer power front-to-back, and side-to-side, along the rear axle. It is available on all collections. The XTS is also the most spacious Cadillac sedan, tailored to provide roominess in a more efficiently sized package. It offers more interior space than midsize luxury cars and is comparable to full-size sedans, particularly in the rear seat area, where it has 40 inches (1,016 mm) of rear legroom providing more room than its competition. And when it comes to trunk space, the XTS is in a league of its own, with 18 cubic feet (509 L), exceeding both midsize and full-size competitors. For XTS customers, the cargo advantage
The GM Membership Reward for ABC Members means room for five or more suitcases. The new Cadillac Twin-Turbo 3.6L V-6 is available in the XTS, delivering SAEcertified 410 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, making it one of the most power-dense six-cylinder engines in the segment. A pair of smaller turbochargers and an efficient charge air cooler help provide more immediate power delivery, while peak torque is sustained over a broad range – 1,900 to 5,600 rpm – for a confident feeling of power in almost all driving conditions, such as accelerating or overtaking traffic on the highway. The XTS’s standard 3.6L V-6 is rated at 305 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque. Lightweight features help reduce overall weight for greater efficiency and a more favorable front-to-rear weight balance. Examples include a composite intake manifold that saves approximately 2.5 kg over the weight of a comparable aluminum
intake and an integrated cylinder head/ exhaust manifold design that saves approximately 6 kg per engine. The engines are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions with tap-shift control. The XTS saw an overall 48 percent growth in the Middle East for March over the same period last year with KSA taking the lead followed by the UAE market. The 2014 XTS is available in Middle East showrooms with MSRP price in the UAE starting from AED 245,000, with standard equipment including the 3.6L V6 engine that makes 305 hp, CUE, intelligent brake assist and Magnetic Ride Control. The XTS Vsport model is offered only in the uplevel Platinum Collection. In addition to the twin turbo engine, Vsport offers upgraded 20-inch wheels and a unique grille, with MSRP pricing starting at AED 285,000 in the UAE.
About Cadillac Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. Described as luxurious, having a bold and daring personality, being tough and strong as well as safe and powerful, Cadillac has maintained an iconic presence for over 85 years in the Middle East. The Cadillac portfolio in the Middle East features award-winning passenger cars ATS, CTS and XTS as well as the SRX crossover and Escalade SUV. Cadillac also offers customers a high-level aftersales service experience through the Premium Care Program. For more information, please visit www.cadillacarabia.com.
General Motors Middle East is pleased to announce the “GM in the Driveway for American Business Council” Program to Members of the ABC from 1 April to 31 December 2014. The “GM in the Driveway for American Business Council” will allow members to take advantage of a discount worth $500 up to $1500 redeemable on the purchase of a new and unused Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. To obtain an “American Business Council Vehicle Discount certificate,” eligible ABC Members can send a request to the General Motors Dealer Business Center (DBC) meosupport@ gm.com with a copy of their valid ABC membership card and the following information: Member’s First and Last Name, Membership Card Number, Company Name, and Job Title. A minimum of 2 working days’ notice is required. Please note that GM Policies for new vehicle discounts apply and may prevent the issuance of a discount certificate for certain ABC members. GM Contact Information: Mohammed Al Fayyad Regional Communications Manager Tel (+9714) 314 3410 E-mail: mohammed.alfayyad@gm.com Farah Amhaz Product Communications Cadillac & GMC Tel (+9714) 314 3920 E-mail: farah.amhaz@gm.com 6
Looking Back... ABC & DIFC Co-host Atlanta Federal Reserve Reception May 11, 2014
T
he ABC in conjunction with the Dubai International
monetary accommodation is reduced. They may have
Financial Centre hosted a morning reception for
to make policy and business adjustments. This was the
Dennis Lockhart, President and CEO of the Federal
situation earlier this year, but since then conditions in most
Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Mr. Lockhart discussed the
affected countries have stabilized or at least calmed.” Mr.
outlook for the US economy and monetary policy along
Lockhart continued with his positive outlook; “I believe it
with how developments in global markets influence his
is in the world’s interest that the US economy strengthens
views as a policymaker.
and that the Federal Reserve pursues policies appropriate
Jeff Singer, CEO of the DIFC gave opening
for, and supportive of, improving conditions. Also, with my
remarks and introduced Mr. Lockhart. Mr. Lockhart
expectation that the United States will experience better
discussed in detail the intricacies of America’s effect on
economic growth over the medium term, I believe the
global monetary policy; “The world watches US monetary
outlook for emerging economies is also improved.”
policy closely, and global capital flows are influenced by
expectations of Federal Reserve policy. Recent turbulence
Robert Waller, US Consul General in Dubai and Ramsey
in certain emerging markets led to substantial controversy
Jurdi, President of the American Business Council and
over the effect of US policy on the rest of the world. I’ll give
Chadbourne
you my perspective as one US policymaker. Changes in US
financial conditions do affect interest rates and asset prices
CNBC, CNN, Dow Jones, Gulf News, and Thomson Reuters.
in other countries through various channels. US central-
bank policy influences capital flows and their effects, in
please
turn, on the foreign exchange rate, equity markets and
http://www.frbatlanta.org/news/speeches/140511_
debt markets, both external and domestic. As a result,
speech_lockhart.cfm.
Other
key
&
guests
Parke
included:
International
Honorable
Partner.
The event was covered by Al Bayan, Bloomberg, To read the entirety of Mr. Lockhart’s speech, follow
this
link:
some emerging economies may face pressures when US
The Honorable Robert Waller, US Consul General in Dubai; Jeff Singer, CEO of the DIFC; Dennis Lockhart, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; and Ramsey Jurdi, President of the American Business Council and Chadbourne & Parke International Partner.
7
The
Country Spotlight Series: Saudi Arabia April 29, 2014
S
potlight on Saudi Arabia was the third in a series of Country Spotlight events aimed at maximizing Dubai’s potential as a regional business hub. Spotlight on Saudi Arabia provided companies and individuals with the knowledge and contacts necessary to do business in Saudi Arabia, which is the largest
“Country
market in the GCC. Discussions included the opportunities Saudi Arabia has offered, how to export to Saudi Arabia, how to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia, and what are the legal, tax and practical considerations.
Keynote Speaker, James Phipps shared insights based on his 20 years of
Spotlight
work with Saudi Arabia and the region. Mr. Phipps lives in Riyadh and is the Principal Advisor to His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. A major highlight of the conference was the panel of experts discussion including: Nasir Abbasi - Principal Commercial Officer in Dubai at the Consulate General of the
events aim at
United States of America & Formerly the Principal Commercial Officer in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Mohammed Al-Ghamdi - Partner, Mohammed Al-Ghamdi Law firm in Association with Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, Riyadh John C. Boehm - Partner, Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, Dubai.
maximizing
Tax Speakers: Abdulkhamid Muminov - Tax Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Saudi Arabia Ebrahim Baeshen - Managing Partner, KPMG, Jeddah Offices Nauman Ahmed - Middle East Tax Leader, Deloitte, Saudi Arabia
Dubai’s
Labor Speaker: Paul Lockyer - Senior Associate, Mohammed Al-Ghamdi Law firm in Association with Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, Riyadh
potential as
Banking Speaker: Marcel Luckman - Assistant Vice President, Riyad Bank
a regional business hub.” 8
Maryland Delegation Forum & Dinner April 23, 2014
T
he ABC in conjunction with the University of Sharjah
hosted an evening forum and dinner at the Al
Council and Chadbourne & Parke International Partner
Murooj Rotana Dubai in honor of a delegation from
stated, “Expo 2020 will showcase Dubai and the UAE in
the State of Maryland visiting Dubai. The delegation
a way that will further solidify Dubai’s reputation as an
included John McDonough, Maryland Secretary of State
infrastructure, financial, tourism, and logistics hub. The
and Khalil Zaied, Baltimore City Deputy Chief of Operations.
American business community is excited and primed to
Ramsey Jurdi, President of the American Business
The delegation was visiting the UAE on a mission
strengthen their investments in Dubai and help deliver this
from Maryland to expand their economies in the region
event to the world. The State of Maryland’s Delegation visit
for Expo 2020. Industries represented in the delegation
to the UAE further motivates US businesses to focus on this
include investment, academic and research institutions,
region and the opportunities that Expo 2020 will bring.”
expansions services, construction equipment and parts,
and telecommunications equipment. Welcome remarks
Corbin, US Ambassador to the UAE; Nasir Abbasi, Principal
were given by The Honorable Robert Waller, US Consul
Commercial Officer at the US Consulate General for Dubai;
General in Dubai. The forum highlighted the many
Dr. Hamdi Saleh, former Egyptian Ambassador and current
opportunities that Expo 2020 will bring and how American
Director of the International Relations Program at the
businesses will be able to capitalize on this momentum,
University of Sharjah College of Arts, Humanities and Social
while also strengthening the UAE’s economy.
Sciences; Ahmed Al Banna, former Labour Ministry Assistant
Other key guests included: The Honorable Michael
Under-Secretary; Anne Jafery, Managing Partner at June; and Tariq Nizami, founder and CEO of the CEO Club UAE.
“The State of Maryland’s Delegation visit to the UAE further motivates US businesses to focus on this region and the opportunities that Expo 2020 will bring.”
9
Cinco de Mayo Monday Mixer May 5, 2014
ABC members and guests enjoyed a festive Cinco de Mayo with margaritas guacamole, salsa, and our build your own taco station! This festive Monday Mixer was sponsored by Infiniti and the drinks were provided by Jose Cuervo.
Three lucky winners won an Infiniti car of their choice on the weekend of their choice!
10
Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick Morning Reception April 23, 2014
T
he ABC hosted a morning reception honoring the Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick and his delegation. Governor Patrick led a coalition of government and industry leaders on an innovation mission to the United Arab Emirates to expand opportunities between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the UAE for economic development and job creation in the innovation economy sectors. The purpose of the mission is to strengthen
relationships with key global centers of growth and foster new partnerships in the UAE. Governor Patrick’s delegation included representatives from: Adage Capital Management MassChallenge Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co Massachusetts Competitive Partnership SolarOne Solutions Mintz Levin Cambridge Innovation Center Nano Terra Inc Foundation Medical Partners FastCAP Systems Corporation
Nasir Abbasi, Principal Commercial Officer at the US Consulate General for Dubai; The Honorable Robert Waller, US Consul General in Dubai; Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick; Ramsey Jurdi, President of the American Business Council and Chadbourne & Parke International Partner; and Senator William Cowan, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ML Strategies and Of Counsel to Mintz Levin.
11
Independence & Memorial Day Celebration May 30, 2014
T
he ABC celebrated the 4th of July early this year. More than 500 members, family, and guests gathered for fun with our traditional events including: fireworks, a BBQ dinner, DJ & dancing, and fun Olympic games. Turn the page to check out all the pictures!
Presented by
Red Sponsors
Blue Sponsors
Strategic Partner
Grand Prize Sponsors
Media Sponsors
Support Sponsors
12
1313
14
Member News... Booz Allen Celebrates a Century of Achievement
Keep Watch!
?
2014 American Business Council Survey
The ABC will soon be sending out an electronic
survey
regarding
what
members are looking for from the ABC, including how to do Business in the UAE.
The results of the survey will be discussed One hundred years ago, Edwin Booz set out to build a business
at our annual American Business Forum,
that would bring a human touch
I.D.E.A.S. on October 28, 2014. This is your
to
business
chance to be heard. By participating in
problems. He looked for people
the survey, you will be an integral part of
solving
who
complex
exhibited
character,
exemplary
intelligence,
and
industry. He knew that leaders in both government and industry value partners they can trust to do things not only the right way but also to generate innovative strategies that help businesses anticipate
and
respond
tailoring the ABC business programs.
We are a member-driven organization that depends on your participation, so let us know if you would like to contribute toward our collective growth and success. The ABC encourages you to be active in your business council. Join us at a program, volunteer for an industry group, run for election to the Board of Directors, market your business through sponsorship opportunities, or create your own program.
to
change.
Today, these characteristics have never been more important. They continue to guide Booz Allen
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Expat Business woman has a service directory that offer you companies to assist with your business needs, training companies, workshops, events and networking groups you will require to build your company. In the UAE alone, there are thousands of Expat’s working and more and more woman taking an opportunity to find new beginnings, this is where Expat Business Woman and our partners can help through the only online directory for women in business. Registering and subscription is FREE to the user and we have packages available for
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15
?
GardaWorld Achieves ISO Certification in Four Standards for International Protective Services Becomes world’s first security company to achieve four internationally-recognized externally certified standards for all of its operations worldwide Management
(ISO
14001),
Societal
“We operate in a responsible
Security – Business Continuity Management
manner that enhances human safety
GardaWorld, the largest privately-owned
(ISO 22302, including ISO 31000), and
and
business solutions and security services
Occupational
international and local laws, and the most
company in the world, today announced
Management
that its International Protective Services
“These certifications cover virtually
GardaWorld Managing Director UK Major
business is now the first security provider in
every service that we provide throughout
General Andrew Farquhar, CBE. “To assist
the world to hold ISO certifications in four
the
GardaWorld
our clients in achieving their objectives, we
relevant industry standards accreditation
International Protective Services President
manage risks to all stakeholders in these
across its entire worldwide operations.
and COO Oliver Westmacott. “They not
complex environments including the local
only
and
communities within whose areas we work.
increasingly seek to enter high-growth
reliability of GardaWorld’s operations, but
This accreditation for every part of the
markets around the world, they recognize
also the wealth of international experience
business certifies GardaWorld’s ability to
the legal requirements to provide “duty
the company has established from years
‘Design, Deliver and Manage’ Worldwide
of care” to their employees and seek to
spent working with clients on the ground in
security services and will demonstrate
partner with professional and experienced
these high-risk markets.”
that we are a world leader in the security
security and risk management providers.
GardaWorld
management and security services can
choose
confidence,
of the GardaWorld International Protective
in conflict, post-conflict and complex
knowing that it maintains the highest
Services White Paper “The importance and
environments that may be lacking in stable
standards of professionalism, corporate
benefit of selecting security providers that
governments and rule of law.
governance and ethical standards that
comply with the ANSIASIS PSC-1-2012 Quality
GardaWorld
must be maintained through external,
Assurance Standard”, please send an email
independent,
expert
request
surveillance
inspections.
As
establishing
Protective
multinational
assists and
corporations
companies
operating
Services
in
businesses
International now
holds
four
ISO certifications in Quality Assurance
world,”
Health (BS
and
OHSAS
explains
demonstrate
the
Companies GardaWorld
Safety 18001).
efficiency
seeking with
and
risk
routine
security
while
conforming
to
demanding human rights standards,” notes
sector.” Editor’s Note: To obtain a synopsis
to
joe.gavaghan@garda.com.
Management (ISO 9001), Environmental
Award presentation from Mr Theuns Kotz, Managing Director BSI Middle East and Africa to Oliver Westmacott (Right) President and COO GardaWorld International Protective Services. About GardaWorld Garda World Security Corporation (GardaWorld) provides business solutions and security services around the world. Our 45,000 highly trained, dedicated professionals serve clients throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. GardaWorld works across a broad range of sectors, including natural resources, retail, construction, telecommunications and manufacturing, and on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, governments, NGOs and humanitarian relief organizations. For more information, visit www.garda.com.
16
President’s Club
Vice President’s Club
Strategic Partner
17
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. 18
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
PO Box 74648, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 379 1414 • Fax: +971 4 379 1515 www.abcdubai.com • info@abcdubai.com