ABC Newsletter Second Quarter 2014

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

Expat Business Woman is an organisation offering business women an advantage

Hamilton by allowing us to deliver

to work together and motivate each other through past experiences and new

expert strategy, technology, and

opportunities, building a platform for woman to be a part of.

engineering services to our valued clients.

By

bringing

together

the full resources of our firm, we continue to shape the future of cybersecurity,

data

analytics,

support for veterans, engineering advances,

and

much

more.

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

To read more please visit

your business opportunities so you can put your blog onto our site for others to read

www.boozallen.com.

and by using our forum it will enable you to Interact with others on interesting topics.

Contact karen@expatmoney.com for more information.

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