The AmCham Update: The New Normal

All the latest news and events from AmCham Dubai

Q2 - 2020

THE AMCHAM UPDATE

The New Norm IN THIS ISSUE

BUSINESS CONTINUITY TASK FORCE

DUBAI’S INCREASED STIMULUS PACKAGE

THIS SUMMER’S STAYCATION OFFERS

A Business to Government Discussion Platform

Details on the launch of a second COVID-19 stimulus package.

Looking to get away this summer, check out our hotel member offers.

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

A NOTE FROM OUR MD

THE NEW NORMAL A LETTER FROM AMCHAM DUBAI’S MANAGING DIRECTOR

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Dear AmCham Dubai Stakeholders,

General policy focused groups

As we come to understand the new normal – a world of PPEs and precautions – we need to consider not just the implications of the virus on today’s work, but tomorrow’s. With this in mind, AmCham Dubai has been working tirelessly to ensure that our hosts, the U.A.E. government, are aware of our collective efforts to navigate these unprecedented times that are upon us.

• Talent Retention/H.R. • Access to Funding/Finance • Communications • Digital Economy • Supply Chain

We have joined forces with multiple business councils across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates to work as one voice, one effort, and one resource to ensure that we are all maximizing every opportunity to bring business back to the U.A.E. and our members.

The Multi-Nation Business Continuity Task Force (See Press Release) was formed and we are now working together with 31 Multi-Nation Business Councils meeting regularly with the U.A.E. Government authorities.

As the business task force continues to engage with U.A.E. government entities on broader policy issues, the discussions and direction of the relationship will shift towards sector-specific and topic-specific discussions and policy building workshops.

How can you, the AmCham member, get involved?

We need to be ready and position our collective members within specific industry “working groups” to adapt to future engagements between the business community and the government entities. To begin with, we will launch the following five priority focus groups.

The working groups will look within their industry at things such as cash flow and credit facilities, tenancy relief, liability protection and debt restructuring, performance/bid bonds, residency regulation, talent retention, tax exemption and technology.

Sector Specific Working Groups: • Aviation • Business Services • Defence • Education • Energy • FMCG • Food Security • Healthcare • Hospitality • Logistics • SME • Technology

Do you see a nexus?

Do you have valuable expertise to contribute to one of these working groups? Contact us at info@bctaskforce.com. Working groups have limited spaces so get involved today.

We must keep our eye on the ball, and foot on the pedal. Together, we will continue to stay ahead of the game by planning and adapting. AmCham Dubai continues to offer relevant programming and services as we, together, accept the new normal and make it better than ever.

Regards, Cara Nazari Managing Director

THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

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TURKISH BUSINESS COUNCIL DUBAI&NORTHERN EMIRATES

CONTINUITY TASK FORCE

MULTI-NATION BUSINESS CONTINUITY TASK FORCE A Business to Government Discussion Platform

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

ABOUT AMCHAM DUBAI

IN THIS ISSUE

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COVID-19 UPDATES

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EVENTS CALENDAR

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ELECTION 2020

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COMMITTEE UPDATES

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ELECTION 2020

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AMCHAM MEMBERSHIP

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FREE TRADEZONES

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STAYCATION DEALS

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NEW EVENT FEE SCHEDULE FOR NON -MEMBERS

About AmCham Dubai AmCham operates under the local patronage of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industy and is a member of the Global Network of American Chambers of Commerce in Washington, DC. The Council’s membership is comprised of American Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, and U.A.E. organizations across all sectors of business and industry and includes American and Emirati individuals. All are accepted after review of eligibility based upon membership qualification criteria defined in the AmCham constitution and by-laws.

AmCham Dubai organizes events and webinars in partnership with key public and private stakeholders from the U.S., the local region as well as internationally. AmCham Dubai’s goal is to strengthen commercial ties between the U.S. and the U.A.E. and offer exceptional value and support services to its members. #bepartofit

THE EXECUTIVE TEAM

AmCham Dubai hopes that you have benefited from the variety of complimentary programming that has been provided during the past 100 days. It was our focus to provide the community with important information and updates during these difficult times.

As we embrace the new normal, we will be implementing a fee for non-members.

Effective August 1, 2020, a non-member attendance fee will be required to attend AmCham Dubai events. Alternatively, to take full advantage of all AmCham Dubai has to offer - consider applying for membership with AmCham Dubai! Contact membership at membership@amchamdubai.org or visit our website: www.amchamdubai.org for more information.

As membership has its privileges AmCham events will remain complimentary for members until further notice.

Cara Nazari Managing Director AmCham Dubai

Helena Hyde

Cynthia Beermann

Program & Events Director

Membership Manager

Laura Goodnight

Megan Lewonowski

Engagement Manager

MarComm Administrator

Lilibeth Delatina

Kathy Hyde

Accounts Administrator

Special Projects

THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING U.S. BUSINESS IN DUBAI AND ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST

Sammy Bousaba

Said Haddad

President

Executive Vice President

Shamsa Al Falasi

Roula Droubi

Amer Afifi

Quinn Kurtz

Vice President Membership

Vice President Programs

Vice President Financial Affairs

Vice President Legal Affairs & Secretary

Robert Mikhael

Paul De Lacy

Raed Hergli

Robert Nichols

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Sura Al Alawi

Shakir Farsakh

Cara Nazari

Anne Jafery

Board Member

Commercial Attaché U.S. Consulate Dubai

Managing Director AmCham Dubai

Immediate Past President AmCham Dubai

OUR TEAM 2020

Talk to our membership team to discuss how you can join today +971 4 242 0020 | info@amchamdubai.org | amchamdubai.org

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

USEFUL COVID-19 CONTACTS & ASSISTANCE For Assistance:

Useful Information:

U.A.E Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship

Center for Disease Control - CDC https://usdos.sharepoint.com/sites/CA -Clearance/OCSClearanceDocuments2020 /OCS0395-20/coronavirus.gov

For travel related issues: Call: +971 2 312 8867 / +971 2 312 8865 Mobile: +971 50 106 6099 Fax: +971 2 554 3883 Email: Operation@ica.gov.ae

U.S. Department of State Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.

U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en /traveladvisories/ea/novel-coronavirus-hubei -province--china.html

Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4 Call: +971 2 414 2200 Email: AbuDhabiACS@state.gov

General Directorate of Residency & Foreign Affairs- Dubai (GDRFAD)

www.ae.usembassy.gov

U.S. Consulate General Dubai

COVID-19 UPDATES

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed and Al Seef Streets

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https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_ OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitServiceForm. aspx

Call: +971 4 309 4000 Email: DubaiACS@state.gov www.ae.usembassy.gov/embassy -consulates/dubai

Latest travel updates.

U.S. Mission to U.A.E

https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/help/ flying-to-and-from-dubai/dubai-residents/

U.A.E Embassy in U.S. 3522 International Court, NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20008 Call: 202 243 2400 www.U.A.E-embassy.org

Latest travel updates. https://www.lufthansa.com/xx/en/travellingand-corona

During the COVID-19 crisis, AmCham Dubai is pleased to announce its partnership with APCO Worldwide to support the priorities and objectives of the AmCham community.

We look forward to collaborating with the APCO team during these unprecedented times.

CLICK HERE for Business Continuity Updates.

COVID-19 UPDATES

THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

EVENTS CALENDAR 2020

PROGRAM & EVENTS CALENDAR 2020

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JULY Supported Event: Independence Day Celebration of American Heroes Board of Directors Meeting Workspace Wellness: Impact of COVID-19 on Employee Mental Health The Top 3 Critical Issues Facing U.S. Voters Today

AUGUST Thurs 2 Sun 12 Wed 15 Tue 21

American Brands Forum Committee Meeting

Mon 27

Supported event - DAFZA - How Dubai’s Leading Freezone Can Become Your Gateway to Growth & Expansion.

Wed 29

End of EID al-Adha

Sun 2

Board of Directors Meeting

Sun 9

Beyond COVID-19

Tue 11

Food & Beverage Committee

Wed 12

American Brands Forum Committee Meeting

Mon 31

SEPTEMBER Board of Directors Meeting American Brands Forum Committee Meeting

AmCham Dubai would like to congratulate the UAE Government for making history by launching the Hope Probe Mission to Mars from Japan at 1:58am UAE time.

Sun 13 Mon 28

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2020

THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

General Events Stay Safe and Secure in Difficult Times

Business Impacts of COVID-19

A webinar by Cisco’s team of cybersecurity specialists talked through the challenges, trends, best practices and solutions that can help organizations stay safe and secure in such difficult times, to enable a connected and secure workforce to work remotely.

APCO worldwide hosted this webinar for the release of new opinion research and a dynamic dialogue about the business impacts of COVID-19 and the actions that organizations can take to safeguard employees, operations and reputation.

As organizations learn to adapt to the new normal, they are faced with a key challenge

Discussion topics included:

RECENT EVENTS

• Expanding capacity

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• Protecting teams • Keeping data secure • Business productivity • Pandemic concerns • Childcare • Virtual Education

AmCham Dubai Webinars Powerd By

Discussion topics included: • Newly released APCO research into attitudes and behaviors of the public towards COVID-19, and how businesses and GCC governments are responding • Economic scenarios for business in 2020, focusing on the most impacted sectors and markets, and long-term effects • What opportunities the private sector can play in the GCC and how brands can help to “flatten the curve” • The role of the media in communicating about health emergencies and the impact of “info-demics”

Impacts on Business and American Politics AmCham Dubai hosted a virtual fireside chat with Cisco’s SVP & Chief Government Strategy Officer Michael Timmeny Moderated by Mac Fadlallah Managing Partner of Akin Gump for a webinar discussion on: COVID-19 impacts on Business and American politics • Measures on reopening economies • How Cisco is supporting the global COVID-19 response and the U.S.-U.A.E. strategic partnership

THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

Business Continuity Management AmCham Dubai partnered with MENA Legal for a webinar covering the best business continuity management during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Speakers included: Alexander Brexendorff Managing Partner - MENA Legal & Karin Luzolo Legal Consultant - MENA Legal

Topics included: • Governmental Actions AmCham Dubai Webinars Powerd By

• Main Risks for the Business • Recommendations for Business • Operations • HR & Employment Solutions

AmCham Dubai was pleased to partner with Empyrean Advisors who took our SME Business Builder series virtual.

In this webinar, speaker Tadeuš Dobrovolskij Partner - Empyrean Advisors presented the “Lessons from SMEs Working Remotely” covering the following topics: • The difference between a remote and traditional office • Leadership in a remote workplace • Coordination among team members • Best individual practices for maximum efficiency

This SME Business Builder webinar gave us all the basic tips and strategies on how to use LinkedIn in your business.

Vietek Ladislaav, Founder of Square Motion and Certified LinkedIn coach helps business owners and entrepreneurs to use LinkedIn for business growth.

Topics included: • Would you like to know how to create meaningful business relationships on LinkedIn? • Are you frustrated by posting on LinkedIn but not getting any good results?

• Would you like to finally know how to generate leads and business from LinkedIn?

RECENT EVENTS

SME Business Builder Series

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

Workspace Wellness Series Best Practices for Working From Home

Working from home is new to many people, and maintaining productivity with a clear mind is important.

We shared best practices that you can integrate into your daily routine.Pamela Durant. Managing Director - Diapoint ME, Certified Wellness Coach, Harvard Medical School Affiliate.

RECENT EVENTS

Topics included:

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• Tips for stress management while working at home • Healthy eating at home • How to exercise effectively at home • Tips to shift our mindset and develop resiliency in these times

Mindfulness in Times of Uncertainty

Launching our Wellness Workspace Series with Cigna, this special webinar was led by mindfulness experts Dominic Watts, Mindfulness Teacher and Leah Cotterill, Chief Distribution Officer-Cigna.

The session was dedicated to helping us cope with any anxious feelings that we may have during these times, focusing on understanding what happens to the nervous system under these circumstances and powerful ways to center, ground and cope.

We also discussed using mindfulness practices and how they can support us in dealing with uncertainty.

Catch up with Our Webinars Online If you missed our live webinars then you don’t need to worry, you can catch up on all of them online via the AmCham Dubai Website Catch Up Now

THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

Supported Events U.S. - U.A.E. Coordination to Combat the Global Pandemic AmCham Abu Dhabi, AmCham Dubai, and the U.S. - U.A.E. Business Council invited members to a webinar meeting with John Rakolta Jr., U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E., held on Thursday, April 16th.

Doing Business with the U.S. Government The United States government spends, on average, more than $4 trillion on goods and services each year. Everything from food supplies for ships, to office pens, and everything in between are acquired through contracts with global businesses.

You too can get your share of the annual spending, but first there are several steps that must be taken to insure your company is properly registered in the various government portals, that you know where and also how to bid for service contracts.

Presented by AmCham Bahrain - Doing Business With The U.S. Government partnered with The Sedge Group on May 18, 2020 at 11:00 AM with presenter Michael Sedge, writer, producer, entrepreneur and president of The Sedge Group, LLC as well as The MichaelBruno Group of Companies. Sedge is a global expert on working with the U. S. Government, with 40 years experience.

Michael Sedge, an expert in U.S. government business will walk you through the various steps to put you on the right path to increasing revenue in this sector.

AmCham Dubai Webinars Powerd By

RECENT EVENTS

The webinar hosted and moderated by the U.S. Mission in the U.A.E. This video call provided members of the three organizations with an opportunity to hear from Ambassador Rakolta on the Covid-19 situation in the U.A.E., U.S.-U.A.E. coordination to combat the global pandemic, the impact of Covid-19 on the business environment, the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, and the Embassy’s immediate priorities in supporting U.S. individuals and businesses.

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

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June Meeting: 2020 Special 301 Report-Watchlist

The AmCham Dubai American Brands Forum discussed the 2020 Special 301 Report at their last meeting.

Main focus: • Intellectual property rights and enforcement, such as counterfeiting, piracy, and illegitimate trade.

• Develop and coordinate efforts with law enforcement agencies on lobbying engagements, and advocacy campaigns.

• Strategically conduct capacity building and training programs.advocacy campaigns • Strategically conduct capacity building and training programs

AmCham Dubai formed The American Brands Forum with the objective of boosting collaboration between American brands on the ground and the UAE Government. This committee works to provide an opportunity for business leaders and government officials to

2020 Special 301 Report

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For the last three years the UAE continues to be on the watch list for IP violations and this committee along with multiple entities across the Emirates are working in collaboration to find ways to bridge the gap.

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COMMITTEE UPDATES

A top trade priority for the US Administration is to use all possible sources of leverage to encourage other countries to open their markets to U.S. exports of goods and services and to provide adequate and effective protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights.

This committee is developing an action plan that they will submit to government entities to work together to find solutions.

discuss operational issues, exchange ideas, and create a roadmap for continued dialogue towards policy enhancements and reform.

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Take a Step into the New Workspace

The HR Taskforce Committee hosted a webinar panel discussion “A STEP INTO THE NEW WORKSPACE” for the membership on Tuesday, June 16 an industry conversation with partners from Cigna, IBM, Chevron, and Cisco Systems as we discuss how to adjust to the new workspace normal.

Topic covered: • Working from home benefits • How the new normal is evolving • Challenges and solutions that accompany the transition back into the physical workplace This task force works to provide an opportunity for business leaders and government officials to exchange ideas, and create a roadmap for continued policy-shaping dialogue with a goal of production of a thought-leadership paper on business best practice in HR.

THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

MEMBERSHIP REWARDS PROGRAM

The entire membership can realize significant savings on everyday purchases while supporting businesses that support the AmCham.

Why participate?

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Highlight your brand within the extensive AmCham MENA network Showcase your promotion on the AmCham Dubai and the AmCham MENA websites Send an e-blast of your promotion to all the AmCham Dubai active members Receive promotions from other member organizations

Participating Companies

AMCHAM REWARDS

AmCham Dubai business members may offer a variety of exclusive discounts and benefits to our extensive AmCham MENA network.

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

A Warm Welcome to Our New Members

AMCHAM MEMBERSHIP

Vice-President’s Club

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American Business

We would like to welcome our new members to the AmCham Dubai

• Craft an engagement strategy

When you join the AmCham you are joining a diverse and collaborative membership organization working together to make Dubai & the Northern Emirates the best place for business to thrive.

We’re here to help you make the most of your membership. Whether you have been a member for years or a day, our Member Services Team is here to help you leverage your membership in ways that advance your business objectives. We have a team of talented and engaged memberfocused professionals to help you:

Maximize your membership! We’ll help you create a plan that allows you to take advantage of the Chamber’s core offerings to meet your business needs at every level.

• Let us come to you

Our team will visit your office and provide a tailored overview of membership benefits to your staff. That’s a win-win since engaged members offer your organization a competitive advantage and enrich and diversify our programs and events.

• Facilitate introductions and attendee lists

Our Member Services Team are happy to make connections

We help to facilitate this work by:

Acting as a catalyst for American business in the region

Creating a consolidated voice of business and thought-leaders for strategic networking, and programs that keep you informed

Providing a relationship building platform among American and other business communities

Driving knowledge sharing and advocating for public policies that contribute to the economic success of our region and generate economic opportunity

Investing in talent through comprehensive leadership development programs designed to connect and grow strong leaders

THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

AmCham Dubai’s Premier Club is an exclusive partnership opportunity providing extended access to leadership of relevant organizations. Premier Club members receive many benefits in addition to our typical business member benefits.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S CLUB MEMBERS

President’s and Vice President’s Club levels are investments above and beyond regular membership dues. The funds from the additional dues help AmCham provide new opportunities and benefits for our members while continuing to support program development. At the same time, these members receive elevated exposure and high level engagement. Each level is designed to host a minimum number of members to keep the club relevant.

PREMIER CLUB 2020

PRESIDENT’S CLUB MEMBERS

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

Our Free Trade Zone Partners Free Trade Zones (FTZs) in their many forms offer enormous economic benefits for the governments that host them and the businesses that operate within them.

AmCham Dubai would like to highlight our member free trade zones in Dubai and let you know about their special offers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Free zones are influencing partners and contribute in achieving a positive and value added impact to our business community

m Ho C m ha e m to D ub ai

Economic Incentive Packages:

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DUBAI FREE TRADE ZONES

The dramatic growth in the number of these special economic zones demonstrates that FTZs are good for governments, good for business and good for global trade.

They have come to play an important role in facilitating trade and global supply chains, attracting foreign direct investment and supporting companies to assemble goods in numerous geographical locations with various incentives.

In the heart of Dubai, at the centre of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers district, you will find all you need to live, work and thrive. Made for Trade, DMCC has everything to set up, grow and build your business. Five times crowned ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by the Financial Times fDi magazine, it is home to a vibrant community, innovative infrastructure, world-class services and a stunning choice of properties, all minutes from excellent air, sea and road links to the world.

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Dubai Silicon Oasis is a globally recognized free zone and an integrated technology park that allows people to live, work, and play.

Hosting modern technology based industries and an urban master-planned community in an iconic location, DSO offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and in-house business services

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REGISTER NOW &

SAVE MORE

Benefitting from direct access to the world’s busiest international airport, DAFZA offers the ideal gateway to the L O WMiddle E S T P East R I C Eand S EVER also unrivalled connectivity to Europe, the Indian Subcontinent and the Far East.

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SMART DESK

50% discount on smart desk office package

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DAFZA offers easy business setup solutions for new businesses to start small. These plug and play business setup packages help you to achieve greater functional efficiency at a lower operational cost.

18 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL UNIT

OFF

THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

Book Your Summer Staycation

FIVE DELECTABLE OFFERS TO CELEBRATE REOPENING The Meydan Hotel will be reopening its doors on 12th July To celebrate, the five-star hotel is launching a series of bespoke staycation and day-cation offers Offers are priced from as little as AED 249 per person.

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TRAVEL A DELECTABLE WORLD OF FLAVORS AT OUR DUBAI AIRPORT HOTEL Savor the globe’s diverse and delicious cuisines without even leaving Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. Home to 18 outstanding restaurants influenced by the uniqueness of the travellers to Dubai.

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THE HOTTEST HOTEL ON PALM JUMEIRAH FIVE Palm Jumeirah is a dare-to-be-different hotel that captures the glamour and vibe of Dubai. Set against a breathtaking backdrop of the beach and Dubai Marina skyline, this lifestyle hotel boasts 470 luxurious rooms and suites with ocean or city views.

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SUMMER STAYCATION DEALS

The summer of 2020 is like no other, many of us will choose to stay put and enjoy all Dubai has to offer. AmCham Dubai’s Hotel Members would like to highlight their Staycation Deals.

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

‘STAY IN’ THIS SUMMER Now is the time to breathe with our staycation offer this summer. You are certain to experience an unforgettable and safe stay at Waldorf Astoria DIFC.

SUMMER STAYCATION DEALS

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AN UNFORGETTABLE STAYCATION This cherished Dubai landmark has reopened its doors with an exceptional offer to welcome you back. Pay for two nights and receive the third night with our compliments, while taking advantage of already discounted rates of up to 40%.

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SPEED UP YOUR SUITE LIFE

ENJOY THE LUXURY OF RICH EXPERIENCES

Stay in a room or suite at Habtoor Palace Dubai and enjoy a complimentary luxury car driving experience! A Bentley with any standard room or book a suite and indulge in a McLaren super car experience for six hours.

Take advantage of special offers and packages available at the world’s tallest 5-star hotel. Enjoy a well-deserved break in the heart of the city.

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2

For further information please contact: Email: info@amchamdubai.org

CONTACT AMCHAM

Call:

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