Welcome to the AmChamUpdateSpecialEdition! 2022 was a year to be remembered and we haveselectedsomehighlightsandhistoricalmomentstoshowcase.
As we transition to 2023 and the UAE Year of Sustainability, AmCham Dubai is geared up and ready to deliver relevant programming to help you do better business We strive to be the concertedvoiceofAmericanbusinessthroughourveryactivecommitteeengagement
In 2022, AmCham Dubai was appointed Vice Chair of the AmCham MENA Council giving us an even deeper reach into the region and the ability to collaborate with a broader audience. AmCham will be strongly represented at the next AmCham MENA Regional Conference coming up on February 26, 2023, in Cairo Egypt The topic is Accelerating Green Investments, US and RegionalPartnershipsforGrowth.Furtherdetailscanbefoundonourwebsite.
WewillalsobecollaboratingwithpartnersintheNorthernEmiratesaswehaveourfirst"Women inStem-FocusonEnergy"programsettotakeplaceattheHouseofWisdominSharjah
Pleasemakesureyourmembershiphasbeenrenewedfor2023,wewouldnotwantyoutomiss aminuteofAmChamDubaiprogramming Pleasereachouttotheteamifyouneedassistance membership@amchamdubai.org
As always please download the AmCham Dubai app that lets you unlock all your benefits from yourhandhelddevice.
Wearelookingforwardtoanexcitingyearahead
Managing DirectorAmCham 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 typicalbusinessmemberbenefits.
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 memberstokeeptheclubrelevant
AmCham operates under the local patronage of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and is a member of the Global Network of American ChambersofCommerceinWashington,DC.
The Council’s membership is comprised of American Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, and UAE organizations across all sectors of business and industry and includes American and Emirati individuals All are accepted after a 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 stakeholdersfromtheU.S.,thelocal region as well as internationally AmCham Dubai’s goal is to strengthen commercial ties between the US and the UAE and offers exceptional value and supportservicestoitsmembers.
WearepleasedtoannouncetheelectionresultsforAmChamDubai'sBoardofDirectors2023 We wouldalsoliketotakeamomenttothankthe2022Boardforalltheirhardworkanddedicationto theorganization
TheAnnualGeneralMeetingwashostedattheRitzCarltonDIFCwithafestiveflair.Specialguestsattended fromDubaiChambersandtheUSMissiontotheUAE Theevening'sprogramgaveanoverviewoftheyear withreportsfromtheboardofficersfollowedbytheanticipatedelectionresultsandnetworking
We look forward to seeing all our members engage in 2023 through our many committees and events#BePartOfIt
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November18,2022DubaiCreekGolf&YachtClub
InspiredbythevisionoftheUAEleadershiptocreateawelcoming environmentforAmericanbusinessandcooperation,theAmerican communitypresentedthe“RingsofFriendship”monumenttothe peopleoftheEmiratesasasymbolofthestrongbondsof friendshipbetweenthetwocountries.
25th Anniversary of Rings of Friendship, AmCham DubaiGala&AwardsCeremony.
Dubai–November18,2022:Thestrongbondslinkingthe United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States of America(USA)werecelebratedbymembersoftheruling family, top diplomats, and regional directors of leading US companies at the 25th Anniversary of the Rings of Friendship Gala & Awards Night, hosted at Dubai Creek Resort
Inspired by the vision of the UAE leadership to create a welcoming environment for American businesses, the Americancommunitypresentedthe“RingsofFriendship” 25yearsago-tothepeopleoftheEmiratesasasymbol of the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.
In continuing appreciation, “The AmCham Dubai Visionary Lifetime Achievement Award” was conferred on His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai and accepted by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, CEO and founder, Emirates Group, at an intimate presentation ceremony overlookingtheRingsatCreekPark
Following the reception, the AmCham Awards 2022 for Innovation, Sustainability and SME Award of Merit werepresented.
The UAE has always been a front-runner in spearheading change and building a tolerant, modern society The country is committed to cementing its role on climate change in the region and taking this key economic opportunitytodrivedevelopment,growth,andnewjobs.TheAmChamDubaiSustainability&InnovationAwards 2022 reflect the leadership’s vision for the count. The Sustainability and Innovation Awards honor those who havemadesustainabilityanintegralpartoftheirbusinesspractice
(L to R) Sammy Bousaba, President, AmCham Dubai; SeanMurphy,ChargeD’Affairs,USEmbassyAbuDhabi; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DubaiCivilAviationAuthorityandChairmanandChief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Meghan Gregonis, US Consul-General Dubai; Cara Nazari, ManagingDirector,AmChamDubai
ARevolutionaryDisruptiveinnovation!ATOMbringsan Americanpatentedexplosionpreventionsystemthat's hailedastheultimatedefenseagainstfuelandgastank explosions that could drive efficiency and safety agendascriticaltomankind.
Harnessing such breakthrough technology from Atom’s range of solutions, companies would benefit within their operations across Petroleum, Military, Security, Power, Automotive,Aviation,andMarinesegments
Companies can significantly cover their ESG risks related to explosions and rapid-fire enabling the industries to managetheenvironmentfarmoreefficiently Atomoffers complete protection from explosions in fuel tanks regardlessofanycompromisetotanksbeitinaccidents, natural disasters, or arson SAVING LIFE, ASSET & THE ENVIRONMENTPARAMOUNT.
PepsiCo is at the forefront of the sustainable food supplychaingloballyandintheMiddleEast.Webelieve there is an opportunity to change how the world produces,distributes,consumes,anddisposesoffoods andbeverages
In line with the ambitious sustainability goals, in 2021, PepsiCo launched the first MENA edition of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Food Tech Valley. The Program selected 10 start-ups from across the region and supported them with a $20,000 grant and a mentorship program to accelerate sustainable packaging and recycling, driving forward pep+ goals to help build a circular and inclusive value chain.Attheendoftheprogram,Nadeerawasselected asawinnerandreceivedagrantof$100k,inadditionto otherbenefits,tocontinueitsexpansion
Weworkwithcompaniesandcommunitiestoachieve circularityinwastemanagementandprofitsareused to fund social impact activities 50% is kept as retained earnings to be utilized for expansion or to support social impact activities in the event of a bad financial year YFC started in Feb 2022 – 1 month beforecovid InApril,thelockdowncommenced Asa start-up, the business should have closed down However, it was the passion of the various team members and our clients who share the common belief of the guiding principles of incorporating people, planet and profits, as well as in the belief in ourmissionpurposethatresultedinthecompanynot onlysurvivingbutgrowingsubstantially
Full Circle (YFC) is the world’s nvironmental services rprise based on the principle oing good to do good.
AmChamDubaiispleasedtoparticipateinthisamazinginitiative!Our #DubaiAirshow kickoff breakfast partners have enabled us to support sending#emiratiyouthtoAlabamaandisastapleofourcommitment to #knowledgesharing and supporting the UAE Space Agency goals. ThankyouTomKallmanforyourleadershiponthiseffort!
Our special industry groups meet regularly to identify issues, formulate action items and report results to respective governments
AmCham Dubai’s recently formed Health Sector Committeewillbringtogetheradiversegroupof membercompaniesinvolvedininnovativehealth sectors who aim to contribute to the quality, efficacy, and efficiency of the U.A.E. healthcare system by creating an optimal environment for innovation public-private collaboration The committee’s mission is to work with the government and private sector to identify common issues and move reform to the next level
Sustainability is a core driver of business productivity and growth in the 21st Century and the public’s heightened expectations for companies have dovetailed with the growing interest of investors in environmental, social and governance(ESG)factors,whichincludediversity and inclusion (D&I) At AmCham Dubai through the Sustainability Committee we are working to help define responsible business as the new normal and to support the business model that hassustainabilityandinclusivityatitsveryheart
#BEPARTOFIT JOIN TODAY!
Adopting innovation as an approach has become an integral part of every practice, service, and processwedo,andwiththatcomesnewplatforms and regulations for businesses to navigate. The U.A.E. government aspires to be one of the world’s most innovative nations AmCham Dubai will look to provide its full support to achieve this vision through the Innovation Committee We will look to launch new initiatives, strategies, and programs thatspreadthecultureofinnovationinthecountry andconsolidatebestpractices
AmCham Dubai formed the American Brands Forum with the objective of boosting collaboration between American brands & being the concerted voice of American business in the U.A.E. Topics will includethefollowing:
Intellectual property rights and enforcement, such as counterfeiting, piracy, and illegitimate trade
Develop and coordinate efforts with law enforcement agencies on lobbying engagements,andadvocacycampaigns Strategically conduct capacity building & trainingprograms
The HR Resources Committee reviews existing frameworks and recommend a roadmap for developing robust and coherent policies on Best Practice in Human Resources in the UAE This committeewillprovideanopportunityforbusiness leaders and government officials to discuss operational issues, exchange ideas, and create a roadmap for continued dialogue towards policy enhancementsandreform
Inpartnershipwith
The Food & Beverage Regulations Committee has been established to create a robust collaboration Platform for U.S. companies based in the U.A.E. to engage and advocate on key regulatory issues impacting the industry while upholding the anticompetition by-laws. The committee seeks to create a favorable regulatory environment in the GCC for US companies based in the UAE, enabling long term business success and continuityintheregion.
Position papers will be addressed to the relevant governing bodies in order to facilitate change and reform If you are your company would like to get involved please contact us at:
communications@amchamdubai.org
The American Brand Forum has led the way in supporting IntellectualPropertyenforcementintheUAEandtheRegion.The USPTO hosted a recent customs IP enforcement program in Bahrain on Aug 28-30 for Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman customs officialsaswellasourAmericanBrandsForummembers.
We are excited to share that we are scheduled to sign an MOU in Q1 with the Abu Dhabi Government to reinforce the efforts to combat fake and counterfeit goods and commodities in the markets and increase the efficiency and competency of inspectors and improve their ability to distinguish between original and fake products and goods Cooperate in and coordinate the inspection campaigns and carry out preventive measurestopreventcounterfeitandfakegoodsfrominfiltrating the markets Cooperate in and coordinate the organization of awareness campaigns to eliminate the counterfeit goods phenomenon.
8thNovember2022
3M and AmCham Dubai hosted a sustainability roundtable with an agenda to reiterate the urgency to collaborate and act on the dialogues for combating climate change The roundtable was hosted at the newly inaugurated 3M offices inDubai
As a partner of COP27, 3M is committed to showcasing sustainability within its business operations and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. With Laszlo Svinger, Vice President & ManagingDirectorof3MMiddleEast&Africa,has been recently appointed as Chair of AmCham Dubai’sSustainabilityCommittee.
TheroundtablewasledbyDr.GayleSchueller,GlobalSVP&ChiefSustainabilityOfficerat3Malong with Laszlo Svinger, Vice President Managing Director Middle East & Africa at 3M, and Chair of the AmChamDubai’sSustainabilityCommitteeandCaraNazari,ManagingDirector
It was also attended by the key decision-makers and movers of the sustainability industry in the UnitedArabEmirates.ThisyearatCOP27,scienceisakeyfocusforallthepartners.
Members toured 3M’s Innovation Center and the committee will continue to explore and highlight businessinnovationcentersaspartofthecommittee’smandate.
1stNovember2022
AmCham Dubai's HR Committee in partnership with Cigna Insurance Middle East and Africa held an "Update on UAE Labor Law and Visas" with our friendsfromtheCanadianBusinessCouncilofDubai andtheNorthernEmirates
The discussion focused on the updates to the UAE's 2022 Employment Law, Visas, and their impact on companiesintheUAEandtheregion
We were honored to have with us several representatives from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation H.E. Abdulla Al-Nuaimi Asst. Undersecretary for Domestic Worker Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Alqarah - Head of Labor Complaints Section, Mr Hussain Rabeea AlaleeliDirector of Customer Relations Department HE Alnuaimi gave us an exciting briefing on the latest topicsinEmploymentandEmiritisation
In partnership with
He stressed the importance of the Public/Private partnershiptosupporttheeconomy.
His briefing touched on the below subjects with the suggestion of a follow-up technical workshop to be scheduledwithAmChamDubai
TwopercentEmiratizationandIncentivizedprograms, NAFIS, Categories 1, 2, & 3, Challenges, Opportunities for Admission - Student, Investors, Job Seekers & Retirement
Following the briefing, we dived into a panel discussion led by Rekha Simpson Director, Middle East Immigration of Vialto Partners (formally of PWC Middle East), Stuart Walker, Partner at Afridi Angell and Joanna Matthews Taylor- Partner - Head of Employment Practice at Baker McKenzie Dubai (HabibAlMulla&Partners)
Our panelists took the conversation further to discuss market practice around employee vs employeebenefitsinrelationtothefollowing:
GoldenVisasGreenVisasRemoteVisas
First, is Sustainable healthcare - supporting the gov’t of the UAE in its endeavor to maximize health system sustainability and resilience, through continuing to engage and recommend strategic PPPs with key organizations amongst our member community, highlighting the importance of health system innovation and the role that all stakeholders can play in maximizing patientaccesstotreatment,andcloselyaligningwiththe MoHaP to address the burden of NCDs in support of the NationalStrategyforWellbeing2031
Next, is Health data privacy – continuing to be a part of the dialogue to ensure data privacy safeguards are in place, and that they support the healthcare system to provide safe, uninterrupted and optimized data-related services
Last, but certainly not least - Health sector industry roundtables – to provide a regular forum for knowledge exchangebringingexperts,KOLsandUS/UAEgovernment officials to discuss the ever-evolving healthcare landscapeinthecountry.
This committee is being tasked with focusing on three main themes:
Join AmCham Dubai for an opportunity to engage with leaders from the Healthcare industry alongside UAE and US Government Officials at our kick-off breakfast. Discover the way forward through sustainable and innovative solutions that will disrupt existing models, revolutionizing healthcare for future generations.
Monday 30Jan2023 7:15AM-9:30AM TheHHotel AlMassaBallroom, SZRDubai
PANELIST
PANELIST
PANELIST
Arun Venkataraman Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, and Director General of the US and Foreign Commercial Service at US Department of Commerce
SPEAKER
Tamer El Sallab Head of Gulf & Levant Cluster at Viatris
SPEAKER
Robert Mikhael Regional President North Africa, Egypt, Russia & CIS Markets at Viatris
MODERATOR
David Entwistle President and CEO of Stanford Health Care
Michael Lim M.D. Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine
Sherif Beshara Group CEO of American Hospital Dubai
Dr. Abba Chedi Zubair Dean of Education, SSMC
PANELIST
ISYOURCOMPANYGOINGTOBEREADY?
Joinusforaninformativepaneldiscussion regardingthechangestotheUAEcorporatetaxlaw.
MEMBER AED149
INTRODUCTORY AED199 *PriceinclusiveofVAT
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THU,9FEB2023 8:30AM-10.30AM
We witnessed another spectacular Battle of the Business CouncilsGolfTournamentlastFridayatDubaiCreekGolf& Yacht Club The competition was fierce among the seven participating councils - with golfers from AmCham Dubai, British Business Group, Swiss Business Council, Australian Business Council, Canadian Business Council, Irish Business Network, and the New Zealand Business Council Aftertworoundsofgolf,theresultsarein!
HatsofftotheBBGforasmashingresult teamwinsfor1st,2nd&3rd!
AmCham Dubai, Member, Global Network of AmericanChambersofCommerce(American Business Council) is pleased to be a part of thisimportantandinsightfuldialogue!
As the panelists shared, business can no longer affordnottoengageonthiscriticaltopic! Joinour #sustainabilitycommitteetobeinformedaboutthe #RoadtoCOP28
TodaywebroughttogethertheCOP28UAEPresidencyandDubai’sbusinesscommunityatourheadquarters todiscusshowtheprivatesectorcanengageandbenefitfromthejourneytowardsCOP28.
Itisimperativethatbusinessesofallsizesandacrossallsectorsrevisittheirbusinessmodelsandrestructure themtowardssupportingsustainabledevelopment.TheUAErecognizestheimmensepotentialthatclimate action has in driving socio-economic growth, creating jobs, empowering women and youth as well as strengtheningtheoveralleconomyinasustainablewayforthefuture
COP28willtakeplaceintheUAEtowardstheendof2023.
DMCC has successfully concluded its #MadeForTrade Live events in #Miami and #NewYork, with 120 business leaders briefed on ease of doing business with DMCC and#Dubai'scommercialappeal Hometomorethana third of the 1,500 US businesses in the #UAE, read more about the plans to grow the $23 billion UAE-US trade corridor:https://hubs.li/Q01nqrqS0
UAE's largest free-trade zone that is located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers district of Dubai
Created in 2002, it serves as a commodities exchange that deals in four main sectors: precious commodities; energy; steel and metals and agricultural commodities
Inaugurating the #MadeForTrade Live event in #Miami, DMCC’s EC & CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem extends a warm welcometotheattendees.
Held in partnership with Versailles Ventures and AmCham Dubai, Member, GlobalNetworkofAmericanChambersof Commerce (American Business Council) he highlights how #Dubai can help #American businesses to grow internationally.
MemberViatrisattheMOUsigningwiththeMinistryofHealthandPrevention-UAE
AttheMuseumoftheFuture,weannouncedtodaythesignatureofanMoUwiththeMinistryofHealthand Prevention - UAE, to address the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases and support the government’s NationalStrategyforWellbeing2031. https://lnkd.in/d3PTN5PP
At Viatris we see healthcare not as it is, but as it should be. We are committed to public-private partnerships thathelpusbringourmissiontolife,empoweringpeopletolivehealthierateverystageoflife
Admiral Mobility, a Dubai-based manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles, will unveil its first fully electric lorries in the UAE andSaudiArabiain2023
The move is part of a commitment to make 5,000 electric lorries for the Middle East and Africa, and will support the UAE's sustainability agenda. An initial 500 electric lorries will be producedandsoldbythespringof2023,withafurther2,500inthe nexttwotothreeyears,themobilityunitofAdmiralCorporationof AmericasaidinDubaionThursday.
to make 5,000 electric lorries for UAE & Saudi Arabia next yearAymanMokhtar
Medical solutions firm Zimmer Biomet Holdings opensinnovationhubinDubaiSciencePark
AmCham Dubai, Member, Global Network of American Chambers of Commerce (American Business Council) newmember,ZimmerBiometEMEAmakingadifference! Congratulations on the opening of your innovation hub! SammyBousaba,RobertMikhael,MBAAmerAfifi,MBA,CIA, Shamsa A. Svinger László, Kanan Kasuya, Said Haddad, RoulaDroubi,SuraAlawiandAzizMohamed
“The inauguration of 3M’s new headquarters reinforces the impact TECOM Group and Dubai InternetCityhavehadinsustainingDubai’sposition as an international technology hub " Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial Leasing,TECOMGroupPJSC#3Mer
On #WorldRefillDay, along with @AquafinaME, we’re once again pledging our support to @DubaiCan and encouraging a culture of refill andreusetoreducesingle-usewaterbottles!
50 #Aquafina Water Stations are set to be installed in government and corporate offices across #Dubai, hydrating people with the drink of theirchoiceandultimatelycontributingtowardsa moresustainablefuture
WewerehonoredtohostHonorableMeghanGregonis,U.S.ConsulGeneral–DubaiandNorthernEmirates, atourP&GinnovationCenterI-Dubaiearlierthisweek.
WewerehonoredtohostHonorableMeghanGregonis,US ConsulGeneral–DubaiandNorthernEmirates,at ourP&GinnovationCenterI-Dubaiearlierthisweek.
It’s always a proud moment for us to share our operations footprint in UAE and our incredible innovation capabilities at P&G’s center of excellence for researching consumer and retail trends where we pioneer new distribution, mobile and e-commerce technologies and practices to improve product availability across emergingworld.
OurteamwasdelightedtoengageindiscussionswithCGMeghananddemonstrate our ongoing journey to creating meaningful innovation for our customers. We were alsogladtohostUS principlecommercialofficerFrankJosephandAmChamDubai ManagingDirectorCaraNazari
Thank you to CG Meghan and to the US Embassy and Consulate team for your presenceandwelookforwardtofurtherstrengtheningourpartnershipforthefuture
OIL & GAS IN NORTHERN EMIRATES
TBC
AMCHAMDUBAIISPLEASEDTORAISE AWARENESSOFTHISSUPPORTEDEVENT
intheMENARegion:U.S.andRegionalPartnershipsforGrowth
SAVETHEDATE
February25-26,2023
Cairo,Egypt
Proper planning is essential to ensure smooth travel to the USA. Join AmCham Dubai and the US Mission to the U.A.E. as we take a look at the state of current Consular operations in Dubai.
The Consular Chief discusses the American Citizens and Visa services provided by the Consular team, shares information about how to effectively request expedited appointments for American Citizens Servicesforemergencyorbusinesstravel.
If you missed it – members can see the full presentation here – just login to your new AmCham Dubai account.
