Vol 2 2014
TAWASOL AmCham Abu Dhabi’s Newsletter ‘Connecting’ U.S. & U.A.E. Business
CONTENTS
ABOUT AMCHAM ABU DHABI AmCham Abu Dhabi, the trademark of the American Business Group of Abu Dhabi, is a member of the global network of American Chambers of Commerce. The mission is to promote commerce, investment and goodwill between the United States of America, the membership, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. AmCham Abu Dhabi is an independent, not-for-profit association comprised of Fortune 500 corporations, small and medium size companies and prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs. AmCham provides a uniquely situated platform through which executives pursue and discuss issues impacting business operations between the US and UAE. The Board of Directors is elected annually by members and includes four officers and 11 members at large. The Chairman of the Board is the spokesperson for the membership. AmCham Abu Dhabi is managed by an Executive Director and professional staff.
STAFF Theresa F. Weber Executive Director director@amchamabudhabi.org Christina Struller Membership Director membership@amchamabudhabi.org Noor Barghouti Events Manager events@amchamabudhabi.org Christina Villaluz Accounting and Membership Manager accounts@amchamabudhabi.org Natasha Consolati Communications Coordinator communications@amchamabudhabi.org Zenaida Carpio Administrative Coordinator admin@amchamabudhabi.org Muhammed Ali Office Administor office@amchamabudhabi.org TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
CONTENTS AmCham Board of Directors & Executive Team.................................................................4 Features
Latham & Watkins Guide to the Abu Dhabi Global market .......9 member Focus: Mary Corrado .............................................10
Highlights AmCham Elects a New Board ...............................................12 UAE Minister of Economy Honored in Washington dc.............13 AmCham donates funds ......................................................16 AmCHam celebrates american Independence day....................18
New Members ....................................................................21
EVENTS GALLERY..................................................................40
Upcoming events & Sponsorship Opportunities...............................................46
Tawasol - VOL 2 2014 Newsletter Team Communications Coordinator - Natasha Consolati AmCham Interns - John Gunnison, Andrew Platanov Editorial Submissions: AmCham Abu Dhabi Trademark of the American Business Group of Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 43710, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. T: +971 2 631 3604 F: +971 2 633 0489 E: communications@amchamabudhabi.org W: www.AmChamAbuDhabi.org Copyright 2014 AmCham Abu Dhabi 3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014 - 2015
Officers
Matthew E. Byrd Chairman, AmCham Abu Dhabi President and CEO Gulf Alliance Company, A Perot Company
Roy Panzarella Vice Chairman, AmCham Abu Dhabi Vice President, Corporate Business Development Lockheed Martin Global Inc
Peter Rafferty Treasurer, AmCham Abu Dhabi Senior Fund Manager Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
John Habib Secretary, AmCham Abu Dhabi Managing Partner Qasimi Law Partners MENA
Members-at-Large
Souad Al Hosani President Nexus Business Services
Sharief Fahmy CEO F&E Group
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Sana Bagersh CEO BrandMoxie
Saeed Ghanim Vice President Middle East General Enterprises
Marry Corrado Country Director AMIDEAST
Marc Harrison CEO Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Lina El Labban-Lampkin Programs Manager Abu Dhabi Education Council
Timothy J. Richards Managing Director, Government Affairs & Policy, MENAT Region General Electric
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014 - 2015
Members-at-Large
Thomas E. Rodabaugh General Manager, Northrop Grumman UAE Northrop Grumman
Elias Sayah President Sayah Engineering MENA
Maurice Wingo Director of Marketing & Commercial Dolphin Energy
Theresa F. Weber Executive Director AmCham Abu Dhabi
Dr. S. Qaiser Anis Auditor, AmCham Abu Dhabi Partner Alliot Hadi Shahid
Non-Voting Members
John E. Simmons Regional Senior Commercial Officer for the Gulf and Counselor for Commercial Affairs U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi
Honorary Members
Michael H. Corbin Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates
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H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America
Danny E. Sebright President U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council
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EXECUTIVE TEAM
Theresa “Terry” Weber Executive Director
Theresa Weber serves as Executive Director of AmCham Abu Dhabi. In this role, Terry leads AmCham Abu Dhabi’s efforts to serve the interests of its members and to promote the trade and investment relationship between the US and UAE through innovative and effective business, policy, advocacy and networking programs. Previously, Terry served as Executive Director of AmCham Abu Dhabi from 2008-2011 and has been an active member for nine years. She brings 25+ years of international executive experience in trade and investment promotion, project management, business development, marketing, and strategic planning. Originally from New York, Terry started her career in banking and advertising and after graduate studies worked at the Council on Foreign Relations. Since then she has managed multi-million dollar economic development projects for businesses, non-profit organizations and international donors in 20 countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Terry holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in Washington DC, US, a Master of Arts in Area Studies from the University of London, England, and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. A native English speaker, she is conversant in Russian and French. Active in the Abu Dhabi community, Terry serves on the Board of St. Mary’s Schools in the UAE and previously served as Board Chair of the American Community School in Abu Dhabi.
Christina “Tina” Struller Membership Director
Christina Struller serves as the Membership Director for AmCham Abu Dhabi. Christina is responsible for growing AmCham Abu Dhabi’s membership and managing membership recruitment, retention, services, benefits and the AmCham internship program. An active member of AmCham Abu Dhabi for many years, she understands the importance of member relations. Previously, Christina held sales and marketing management positions for companies in the US, UAE, and Oman. She was the Director of Corporate Sales at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, and Director of UAE Business Development for the Shangri-La in Muscat, Oman. Christina graduated from the International Business School for Management in Nuremberg, Germany and completed the Starwood Management Program, in Palm Springs, California. She is fluent in English and German. Christina Villaluz Accounting & Membership Manager
Christina Villaluz serves as the Accounting and Membership Manager for AmCham Abu Dhabi. Christina manages financial accounts, human resources, and membership. In addition, she serves as the project manager for the annual audit and for the AmCham Abu Dhabi Membership Directory. Christina is an accounting professional with 14 years of experience having previously worked for the Danube Group and for other trade, construction and manufacturing companies in the UAE and Philippines. Christina holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Dela Salle University in Dasmariñas, Philippines. She is currently pursuing her CPA. Christina speaks English and Tagalog.
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EXECUTIVE TEAM
Noor Barghouti Events Manager
Noor Barghouti serves as the Events Manager for AmCham Abu Dhabi. Noor is responsible for organizing and managing all AmCham Abu Dhabi events and programs. In addition, she secures cash and in-kind sponsorship for AmCham’s signature events and handles other special projects. Previously, Noor worked as an Account Executive for Hill and Knowlton Strategies, a global communications and public relations company. Her key accounts included twofour54, Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) and FLASH entertainment. Noor’s responsibilities included events, media relations and communications. A graduate of Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, Noor holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing. She grew up in Abu Dhabi and speaks English, Arabic and French. Natasha “Tash” Consolati Communications Coordinator
Natasha Consolati serves as the Communications Coordinator for AmCham Abu Dhabi. Tash manages communications, IT, and media relations. She also conducts policy research developing content for AmCham’s website, social media accounts, marketing materials, newsletter, and other publications. Before joining AmCham Abu Dhabi, Tash was the regional social media manager for international cosmetics company, Lush. Her experience in Abu Dhabi includes working as a professional development trainer and ESL instructor, which involved working with a diverse range of clients including local military, police and media outlets. A graduate of the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, Tash holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with a focus on economic development and the Middle East. A native English speaker, she is conversational in Spanish and Italian.
Muhammed Ali Office Administrator
Muhammed Ali serves as the Office Administrator for AmCham Abu Dhabi. Ali’s duties include office maintenance, bookkeeping, banking, vendor relations and general office duties. His 15 years of institutional knowledge contribute to the smooth running of office operations. Before joining AmCham, Ali worked for Al Masaood Automobiles and a private photography firm in Abu Dhabi, UAE Ali studied at PJHS Putiyangadi in Kerala, India. He speaks English, Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil. Zenaida “Zheny” Carpio Administrative Coordinator
Zheny Carpio serves as the Administrative Coordinator for AmCham Abu Dhabi. Zheny’s responsibilities include coordinating office administrative matters and schedules, and general receptionist duties. In addition, she assists the accounting, membership, events and communications teams. Previously, Zheny worked in the customer relations and accounting departments at Image Advertising and the Science and Development Company in Abu Dhabi, UAE A graduate of Centro Escolar University in Malolos Bulacan, Philippines, Zheny holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a major in Banking and Finance. She speaks English and Tagalog.
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HIGHLIGHTS
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FEATURE
Latham & Watkins Guide to the Abu Dhabi Global Market Contributed by Chris Lester & Saad Khanani, Latham & Watkins LLP, Abu Dhabi Introduction: In 2013, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Federal Government and the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi created the Global Market, a new financial free zone on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island. The Global Market - which aims to become a leading financial marketplace strategically linking to markets in East Asia and Europe - is seeking to attract various financial service providers with a particular focus on commodities trading, storage and transport, asset management and related services (including custody, settlement and clearing), foreign exchange trading and retail financial services. Legal Structure and Governance: The enabling legislation to establish the Global Market has been issued at the federal, emirate, and UAE cabinet levels. The legislation grants the Global Market the authority to establish its own independent legislation, regulation, and court system, while exempting it from federal and Abu Dhabi civil and commercial laws (other than the penal code). The Global Market’s Board of Directors is expected to issue a comprehensive set of regulations and rules governing the activities in the Global Market and set up the Registrar, Regulator, and Courts, though no timeline has been set for this. We expect: •The Registrar to be responsible for the registration, formation and licensing of entities; •The Regulator to be responsible for the licensing, supervising and monitoring of entities registered to carry out financial services; •The Courts to be responsible for adjudicating disputes including a court of first instance and a court of appeal.
We expect the Global Market will resemble Dubai’s financial free zone, the Dubai International Financial Centre (the “DIFC”), in many respects. Interestingly though, the DIFC was a greenfield project, whereas a number of businesses were already located on Al Maryah Island. Provisions in the Global Market’s enabling legislation provide that all entities operating on Al Maryah Island will need to be registered with the Registrar, except those entities operating on Al Maryah Island with an on-shore licence in August 2013. Press releases and comments from advisors to the Global Market have tended to emphasize the following points when highlighting the Global Market’s expected differences from other UAE free zones: •Proposed exemption from customs duties on goods exported from the Global Market; •Global Market to be a centre for trading, storage and transport of commodities; •Global Market to issue “clean custody” legislation which bolsters the rights of account holders in the event of custodian insolvency; •Global Market’s financial regulation to look similar to the Swiss model, with regulator approved auditor supervisors who will monitor and supervise compliance with rules by regulated entities; •Global Market to have an enhanced funds framework, including the establishment of funds intended for retail investors. To learn more about the legal system in the United Arab Emirates, download our Doing Business in the United Arab Emirates Guide http://www.lw.com/thoughtLeadership/doing-business-in-the-uae Call for submissions:
What is Similar and Different About the Global Market? The Global Market will resemble other free zones in the UAE in that it will permit 100% foreign ownership and will not tax income generated within the Global Market or the repatriation of profits from the Global Market.
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Do you have something you would like to share with AmCham Abu Dhabi members? We accept submission of articles from members, although inclusion in the newsletter is not guaranteed. Submit information to communications@amchamabudhabi.org.
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MEMBER FOCUS
INTERVIEW WITH
Mary Corrado
Country Director of AMIDEAST AmCham Abu Dhabi Board Member Chair of the Arts & Culture Committee by Andrew Platanov
Q. Tell us about AMIDEAST’s business role in the UAE A. Founded in 1951, AMIDEAST is an American nonprofit organization engaged in international education, training, and development assistance. AMIDEAST provides programs and services to improve educational opportunity and quality, strengthen local institutions, and develop language and professional skills for success in the global economy. In 1995 HE Ambassador William Rugh, who just retired from being Ambassador to the UAE, became the President of the AMIDEAST. He asked me if I would be interested in opening an AMIDEAST office here, because I had English language teaching background and good contacts in the Emirati community. I agreed to take up that challenge, and in 1996 established the AMIDEAST field office in the UAE. Q. What are the core values of AMIDEAST? A. AMIDEAST’s core mission is to help students and professionals develop and achieve their goals. We are also trying to foster good cultural relations between the US and the UAE. AMIDEAST creates and maintains links between organizations in the US and in the Arab world, which gives our clients access to a range of professional opportunities and resources. Q. What is your favourite aspect of working for AMIDEAST? A. It is the human factor. AMIDEAST is like a big family, everybody looks out for everybody else, no matter where you are - in Yemen, in Lebanon, wherever. It’s a great network of people with the same mission in mind of helping people and helping students. Q. What is your advice for someone starting a new business in the UAE, specifically in the education industry? A. You have to make sure that you are able to offer very good quality products and services. Certification is something that everyone realizes is important now. There was initially, at the beginning of the country, some lack of good standards. This is gradually evolving to better and better standards with certification. It’s not cheap, it can be expensive, but it is very important. Q. What leadership lessons do you consider to be the most important? A. I think that you always have to set up a good example. You have to try and mentor people, try always to help people achieve their goals, because you never know when you would come to see these people again. If you are fair with your staff, set a good example, do the best you can, I think then people will look up to you as being able 10
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MEMBER FOCUS
to do a good job with your organization and for the people that you work with. Q. Do you have any particular hobbies or interests? A. Well, initially my hobby was riding. I used to ride all the time, I was involved with the Arab Horse society in London, and used to be a judge at the Ascot Paddocks meetings. When I lived in Malta, I belonged to the ladies running club. In fact, I was the Maltese National champion for the 200 meters. So I run in many races, up Jebel Hafeet, at Wadi Bih. I love doing that. In fact, I still run every morning on the Corniche at 6 am. Q. What is your favorite of about being a member of AmCham Abu Dhabi? A. The lunches and the breakfasts when you get a chance to meet other members out of the office in a more congenial setting and a chance to meet people you haven’t met before. Lots of time you discover synergies with these people that you would never have had the chance to meet. It’s an excellent way to make contacts Q. You recently received the 2014 Woman in Business Award by AmCham Abu Dhabi. Could you please elaborate on the importance of women in business and their participation on boards? A. First of all, I was very honored and flattered to receive the award from AmCham. I think that women play integral part in business. It’s important for women to be on boards as they add a little bit of a human dimension sometimes, and provide the more holistic picture, rather than the bottom-line perspective. It’s important for women to strive to be on boards and I think women need to mentor and inspire other women to do these kinds of things. A man can be a mentor as well for a woman, but both men and women need to realize that they must reach down and guide young people. Q. How do you see Emirati women developing as leaders in the UAE business community? A. More and more women are getting involved in the business community. I see plenty of Emirati women who have home businesses. Some of them own businesses that are managed by the men out in front, but they are actually behind the scenes. This is an excellent way for them to get started in business. And as the culture grows and evolves, there will be a change in that. Q. What inspired you to contribute to the AmCham Arts and Culture Committee? A. The growing art communities in Abu Dhabi, in music, painting, sculpture and live performance are now an integral part of the American and Emirati communities. The first UAE National to be awarded a Fullbright Scholarship to study for a Masters in Fine Arts is a tribute to the continued growing interest and maturation of the arts community here. I want to bring this to the attention of the American business community, and thus I am heading the Arts and Culture Committee. Call for submissions: Do you have something you would like to share with AmCham Abu Dhabi members? We accept submission of articles from members, although inclusion in the newsletter is not guaranteed. Submit information to communications@amchamabudhabi.org. TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
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HIGHLIGHTS
AmCham Abu Dhabi Elects the Board of Directors for 2014-15
Board Officers: AmCham Abu Dhabi held its 2014 Annual General Meeting at the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi at which the members of the 2014-15 Board of Directors were elected. On July 1, 2014 the new Board Officers and Members-at-Large began their one-year term which will end June 30, 2015. The Annual General Meeting included reports by the Chairs of eight Board Committees on the work over the last 12 months. Matthew E. Byrd, on behalf of the Board of Directors, acknowledged AmCham Abu Dhabi’s 46 Platinum Members and the inaugural five members of the newly launched The Falcon Club, for their significant contributions to AmCham Abu Dhabi. Three members were also thanked and given plaques recognizing their outstanding commitment to AmCham Abu Dhabi: Yassin Yassin, as Treasurer and Board Member for the past three years; Ronald Herman, as Board Member and Co-Chair of the Women in Business Committee; and David Cynamon, as the Co-Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee. The Board of Directors expressed its appreciation to Dr. Qaiser Anis and the Nominating Committee, the 2014 Board nominees, and to all of the Members of AmCham Abu Dhabi who participated in the 2014-15 Board elections and attended the Annual General Meeting.
Call for submissions: Do you have something you would like to share with AmCham Abu Dhabi members? We accept submission of articles from members, although inclusion in the newsletter is not guaranteed. Submit information to communications@amchamabudhabi.org.
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Chairman: Matthew E. Byrd, Gulf Alliance Company - A Perot Company Vice Chairman: Roy Panzarella, Lockheed Martin Global, Inc. Treasurer: Peter Rafferty, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Secretary: John L. Habib, Qasimi Law Partners MENA Members-at-Large (alphabetical order): Souad Al Hosani, Nexus Business Services Sana Bagersh, BrandMoxie Mary Corrado, AMIDEAST Lina El Labban-Lampkin, Abu Dhabi Education Council Sharief Fahmy, F&E Group Saeed Ghanim, Middle East General Enterprises Marc Harrison, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Maurice Wingo, Dolphin Energy Timothy J. Richards, General Electric Thomas E. Rodabaugh, Northrop Grumman Elias Sayah, Sayah Engineering MENA TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
HIGHLIGHTS
The U.A.E. Minister of Economy, Senior Emirati Business Delegation Honored in Washington, D.C. Washington DC, USA – The US - UAE. Business Council, in partnership with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C., the American Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and AmCham Abu Dhabi, hosted UAE Minister of Economy His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri in Washington, DC on Monday, September 22. The closed-door event, emceed by US - UAE Business Council President Danny Sebright, ABC Dubai President Ramsey Jurdi, and AmCham Chairman Matthew Byrd, featured remarks by Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Charles H. Rivkin and a panel discussion on innovation and entrepreneurship with Emirati business leaders from the Minister’s delegation. “I am honored to visit the United States to meet with innovative business and government stakeholders across the country, accompanied by a distinguished group of Emirati thought leaders,” said Minister Al Mansouri. “Washington, DC, Seattle, Silicon Valley, and Los Angeles all have unique offerings and key elements of the entrepreneurial culture we are working to promote in the UAE” “Minister Al Mansouri’s visit highlights the level of importance placed on enhancing trade, business, and economic ties between the two countries by the US and UAE governments,” said Sebright. “AmCham Abu Dhabi, ABC Dubai, and the US-UAE Business Council were honored to work with the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC to deliver a platform for high-level stakeholders to discuss these areas of commercial partnership and opportunity.”
Following words of welcome from Sebright, Jurdi, and Byrd, Assistant Secretary Rivkin introduced Minister Al Mansouri. In doing so, Assistant Secretary Rivkin underscored the importance of the US-UAE Economic Policy Dialogue – a biannual government-to-government summit to discuss key issues – and the strength of economic ties between the two countries across the industrial spectrum. Before yielding the floor to Minister Al Mansouri, Assistant Secretary Rivkin emphasized the UAE’s role as a regional hub for commerce, innovation, trade, travel, and tourism. After Minister Al Mansouri’s formal remarks, a panel of business leaders from the UAE discussed innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE, in the broader Middle East North Africa region, and within the context of US-UAE commercial and investment partnership. The panelists included: Shurooq Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Al Qassimi; Dubai Exports’ Saed Al Awadi; Tecom Investments’ Majed Al Suwaidi; DP World –Turn8’s Yousif Al Mutawa; and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s Director of Foreign Trade & Export Dr. Adeeb Alafeefi. Sebright moderated the panel, taking the pulse of Emirati business leaders from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah about the development of a startup environment in the UAE and best practices for US-UAE investment and partnership.
Left to Right : ABC Dubai President Ramsey Jurdi, U.A.E. Minister of Economy H.E. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic & Business Affairs Charles H. Rivkin, U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright, and AmCham Abu Dhabi Chairman Matthew Byrd pose following the luncheon in Washington, D.C. Photo by: NICK KHAZAL PHOTOGRAPHY TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
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MEMBER DISCOUNTS
These companies offer AmCham Abu Dhabi members exclusive discounts and benefits upon presentation of a valid membership card. To view the complete list of member discounts, please visit our website, www.AmChamAbuDhabi.org
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HIGHLIGHTS
AmCham Donates Funds to Four Deserving Organizations In keeping with AmCham’s commitment to promoting goodwill between the US and UAE and giving back to the community, AmCham donated funds to four deserving organizations in 2014. The donated funds were raised at the 4th Annual Excellence Awards and 14th Annual Charity Gala held on January 31, 2014. Charity Recipients UAE Red Crescent Authority: in support of local UAE programs and aid to the children of Syria. The UAE Red Crescent Authority was founded in 1983 and is the country’s main relief and aid agency. It is independent, but takes a lead role in the government’s humanitarian activities and is guided by the principles of the international movement, such as non-alignment, non-intervention and independence. It has supported projects in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.rcuae.ae The Bayanihan Council: in support of local UAE programs and help for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. The Bayanihan Council was founded in 2010 and is the umbrella organization of 55 Filipino organizations accredited by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Western region. It launched a campaign drive for donations for the victims and survivors of typhoon Haiyan. The Council also helps the Kababayans, the less fortunate and oppressed, especially those who are in dire need of help. For more information, please visit www.bayanihan-uae.com Scholarship Awards American Community School of Abu Dhabi: College Scholarship Award The scholarship award is given to a graduating senior who is continuing his or her education in the United States and demonstrates outstanding achievement in economics, geography, business and/or additional social sciences course work. This student has strong interest in pursing a career in a business-related field. Overall, this student exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and initiative in the classroom and/or the community, demonstrating organizational leadership with a drive to succeed. The American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) is located on a site donated by the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and was established in 1972. ACS is a nonprofit, college preparatory institution driven by student learning. Its international student body of 1,050 students (K-12), representing 49 counties, receives an excellent education based upon an American style curriculum. Fore more information, visit www.acs.sch.ae St. Joseph’s School: Secondary School Scholarship Award The scholarship award is given to four students to help with their annual tuition. St. Joseph’s School is a primary to secondary school in Abu Dhabi. It was established in 1967 and is managed by the Apostolic Vicariate of the Roman Catholic Church of Southern Arabia. Most of the student body is from India. The mission of the school is to ensure academic excellence by providing a high quality, affordable and value based education. For more information, visit vwww.stjosephsschool.ae
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HIGHLIGHTS
UAE Red Crescent From Left to Right: Bassem Azawi, Project Manager, Gulf Diagnstic; Caroline Zaher, Corporate Communications & PR Manager, Al Noor Hospitals Group; Matthew E. Byrd, Chairman, AmCham Abu Dhabi; HE Mohammed Saeed Al Rumaithi, Deputy Secretary General, Red Crescent; Dr. Elias B. Sayah, Board Member, AmCham Abu Dhabi and Theresa F. Weber, Executive Director, AmCham Abu Dhabi
Bayanihan Council From Left to Right: Theresa F. Weber, Executive Director, AmCham Abu Dhabi; Dr. Elias B. Sayah, Board Member, AmCham Abu Dhabi; Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Abu Dhabi; Matthew E. Byrd, Chairman, AmCham Abu Dhabi; Vice Consul & Third Secretary Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Abu Dhabi and Ernesto L. Refugio Adviser, Bayanihan Council; Tony Morales, Chairman, Bayanihan Council.
Red
St Joseph’s School From Left to Right: Theresa F. Weber, Executive Director, AmCham Abu Dhabi; Dr. Elias B. Sayah, Board Member, AmCham Abu Dhabi; Joseph E. Flynn, Managing Director, St. Mary’s Group of Catholic Schools; Sr. Carmen, Principal, St. Joseph’s School; Matthew E. Byrd, Chairman, AmCham Abu Dhabi; Jamal Kaddoura, Co-Founder and Hospital Director, Gulf Diagnostic Center Hospital and Nizar Mouad, Director of Business Development, Al Noor Hospitals Group.
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HIGHLIGHTS
AmCham Abu Dhabi Celebrates American Independence Day
AmCham Abu Dhabi celebrated the 238th anniversary of America’s independence at its annual “4th of July” Celebration on Thursday, June 26, 2014. The theme was “Celebrating Past and Future World’s Fairs and Expos” in honor of the UAE winning the bid for the 2020 Expo in Dubai. Over 500 business leaders, UAE and US Government officials, military officers, and members of the Abu Dhabi community attended the celebration at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort with an official ceremony followed by dinner, dancing, and entertainment by DJ Jack. Guests of honor, HE Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and the United States Ambassador to the UAE, the Honorable Michael H. Corbin, spoke about the importance of continued growing relations between the US and the UAE. 18
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HIGHLIGHTS
SPONSORS Platinum
Airline Fireworks Display
Media Partner Patriotic
Bronze
AmCham Staff Command the Dance Floor
Red
Blue
AmCham Abu Dhabi Vice Chairman Roy Panzarella Welcomes the Crowd
AmCham Interns in Patriotic Costumes
Special World Expo Displays by:
The USA World Expo Display TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
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NEW MEMBERS
Platinum Members
Mohamed Al-Husseiny CEO & Board Member
Andrew Thornber Head of Finance/Deputy CFO
Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi CEO
Garry Vincent Lemke EVP - Ports
Dr. Kassem Alom Deputy Chairman of the Board
Leon Shivamber CEO TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
Dr. Sami Alom Chief Strategic Officer & Director, Investor Relations
Edris Haboosh Senior VP/ BD 21
NEW MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
Platinum Members
Dr. Musa M. Shaikh President/CEO
Simon Pitkin Area Manager & Head of Client Services Abu Dhabi
Alexis Disksterhuis VP Strategic and New Business
Chris Ball Senior Consultant
Hendrik Axel Muller-Schulenburg Head of Corporate Sales & Partnerships
Adesuwa Ibidunni Garrick Founder 22
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NEW MEMBERS
Platinum Members
Raman Isa Berent Area VP Middle East
Matt Swisher GM, Middle East
Oliver Key GM
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Onur Pehlivan GM Lower Gulf
Anand Stanley VP
Titus Rosier Director of Sales & Marketing
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NEW MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
Corporate Members
Sharad Gupta Director
Vincent Valladares Managing Director
Gamal Abouali Partner
Matteo Montanaro Partner
Brinton Jackson GM
Wael Ata Khatib Director 24
Kathryn Lea Sales and Marketing Director
Ian Mark Walton CEO TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
NEW MEMBERS
Corporate Members
Thomas Topolski Executive VP Managing Director MENA
James Renoe Project Manager
Martin Cramer GM
Shawnee Huckstep CEO and Founder TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
Peter Skinner VP Finance Director MENA
Stephan Pelham VP
Yves Tarabout Deputy GM
Drew Cox CFO 25
NEW MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
Corporate Members
Khaisar Pasha GM
Andrew Humphries Regional VP and GM
Dheeraj Kanayalal Satta Business Development Manager
Ibrahin Korkut Director of Sales and Marketing
Call for submissions: Do you have something you would like to share with AmCham Abu Dhabi members? We accept submission of articles from members, although inclusion in the newsletter is not guaranteed. Submit information to communications@amchamabudhabi.org.
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NEW MEMBERS
Affiliate Corporate Members
Dr. Mohamed Najjar Chairman
Ali Bulbul GM
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Saeed Al-Rumaithi Corporate Representative
Wael Naser Events Manager
PICTURE NOT AVAILABLE
PICTURE NOT AVAILABLE
Darren Wallis Managing Partner
James Dunn, Jr. Managing Partner
Fouad Barbar Head of Abu Dhabi Office
Jimmy Haoula Managing Partner 27
NEW MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
Affiliate Corporate Members
Armelle Couasnon Business Center Manager
Anna Heystek Managing Director
Sana Bagersh CEO
Nicholas Maclean Managing Director 28
Rupert Bowen-Jones Associate Director TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
NEW MEMBERS
Affiliate Corporate Members
Edward Matti Managing Partner
Manolia Veshi Operations Manager
Christopher Jobson Partner
Ryan Hunter Head of Commercial, UAE
PICTURE NOT AVAILABLE
Jeevigunta Preetham Kiron GM TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
Manish Sabarwal Finance and Admin Manager 29
NEW MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
Affiliate Corporate Members
Mazen Farraj Corporate Affairs Group Manager
Nassir Nauthoa GM
Zeina Sleiman Associate Director Institutional Relations and Alumni Affairs Middle East
Jim Tapper Managing Partner Leadership and Talent Consulting Middle East
Theodore Alexandrescu GM Gulf 30
Danny Leinders Senior Client Partner
Rami Nahhas Regional GM TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
NEW MEMBERS
Affiliate Corporate Members
Scott Ragsdale Chairman
Bhavani Suresh CEO
Sophie Leray CEO
Suresh Venkatesh GM
Shaik Hamdan CEO
Dr. Pablo Prado CEO TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
Susan Barratt-Crane Sales and Marketing Director 31
NEW MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
Affiliate Corporate Members
Michael Durant President
William Loveday GM
Imane Zebrini Sales Manager
Alexis Lucas Business Development Manager
Alexis Saporta Regional Sales Director
Ashish Nanda GM 32
James Moore VP
Ghaith Alnaeb Business Development Manager TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
NEW MEMBERS
Affiliate Corporate Members
Sai Rattan Senior GM UAE
Paul Failoni GM
Aref Hamarsheh Business Development Executive
Ben Steed On Trade Manager
Barry Cruse Managing Director
Terence Bolden CEO TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
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NEW MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
Affiliate Corporate Members
Jeffrey Hanson VP - International Client Services
Elnur Ibrahimov GM
Shadin Hilton Senior Consultant
Rovshan Aliyev Managing Partner
AmCham Abu Dhabi New Members, March - September 2014 Your U.S.A. - U.A.E. Business Link in Abu Dhabi. Discover the power of partnership. Join AmCham Abu Dhabi today. For more information about AmCham Abu Dhabi: T: +971 2 631 3604 W: www.AmChamAbuDhabi.org E: inquiries@amchamabudhabi.org
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TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
NEW MEMBERS
Individual Members 1
Taylor Jay Agism Saam Azar
3
Jody J. Ballard Stephen Bridgman Kim Childs Anthony Lewis Cima Victor Cordero Bryan L Crutchfield Joanne Dickow Thomas Ettinghausen Marco Fluegel Hani Ghattas Raymond Handy Denise Howard
2
4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14
Flash Entertainment FZ LLC Advanced Technology Investment Company Strategic Wellness Systems SKMC PROSCAN Middle East FZE Flash Entertianment FZ LLC Northrop Grumman US Embassy Visa Middle East FZ-LLC ADIA Raytheon Fulbright & Jaworski LLP Boeing Aerospace Middle East Ltd Al Noor Hospitals Group
New Business Manager General Counsel Clinical Therapist Facility Director General Manager Vice President, Project Field Logistics Support Chief, US Liaison Office Vice President Senior Advisor Deputy Director Senior Associate Director, Business Development Consultant and HOD
15
Cactus General Transport
16
Hasan R Ilyas Lisa Marie Jackson
Owner/ GM Consultant
17
Uzma Kamal
Aon Middle East
Manager, Employee Benefits
18
Laurie Kelly
Mubadala Development Company Associate Director
19
Sarah Khalifa
Clyde and Co.
Associate
20
Dan Lin
Lockheed Martin Global Inc.
International Business Development
21
James Manship
Raytheon
Senior Manager
22
James Peter Mueller
Etihad Airways
Senior Vice President Global Sales
23
Faisal Munir
Harris Corporation
Sales Director
24
Janice Murphy
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
COO
25
Leigh O’Brien
Bin Bandooq Group
Senior Consultant
26
Keith Phillips
US Embassy
Deputy Defense Attache
27
Michael Pugliese
Harsco Metals Emirates
Operations Manager
28
Blake Redding
Dolphin Energy Ltd
Chief Legal Counsel
29
James Rosa
US Embassy
Director of Staff - USLO
30
James E. Ruiz
Ardent Advisory & Accounting
Director
31
Eric Schroder
American Home Assurance Co.
Senior Business Dev. Manager
32
Darrell Ray Seale
Lockheed Martin Global Inc.
VP UAE Initiatives
33
Simuel Shaw Kamal Siada
National Defence College
Consultant
34 35
Michael Tronolone
Raytheon
Director of Operations
36
Maurice Wingo
Dolphin Energy
Director Marketing & Commercial
37
Hanan Sayed Worrell
Guggenheim Foundation
Senior Representative
TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
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NEW MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
Affiliate Individual Members 1
5 6 7
Mark Abi-Aad Rwaida Bou Ajram Omar Al Busaidy Mouza Sulaiman Al Houqani Kholoud Al Kendi Abdulkareem Al Masabi Nasser Al Osaiba
8 9 10 11 12 13
Mohammed Alam Gillian Arnott Jehanzeb Awan Fatimah Baeshen Sreemont Prasad Barua Monika Benning
Harris Corporation Abu Dhabi Ports Company Global Advocates and Legal Consultants Al Jaber Group Northrop Grumman J Awan & Partners Khazraj Knowledge KPMG Lower Gulf Limited Aswaq
14 15 16 17 18 19
Matthew Brace J. Paul Casey Talicia Correa Michelle Dabela Kamal Dafalla James Dervin
Matthew Brace Communications Northrop Grumman Sustainability Excellence Both Management Consultancy Sharaf Travel Deloitte Corporate Finance
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Roula Droubi Rania El Lababidi Ramesh Embramadathil Francois Frangieh Dalia Gamil Deepak Gupta Anas Habashneh Mohamad Walid Haffar
29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
Julia Helbach Peter Hill Yahya Jalil Hanadi Jitan Karl Kenneth Taha Khalifa Amru Kotb Laura Lombard Maher Maalouf
Oshkosh Defense Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi TOTAL Computer Direct Access Al Noor Hospitals Group Korn Ferry KPMG Lower Gulf Limited Al Makamin Commercial Projects LLC Dome Connect JP Morgan Chase Bank Abu Dhabi Capital Group Mubadala GE Capital KPMG Lower Gulf Limited Intel Corporation Cryptomathic MENACA Khalifa University
2 3 4
36
Eton Institute Philip Morris Management Services Tourism & Culture Authority - AD ZADCO
Business Development Manager Communications Manager AD Experience Development Head Application Support Business Development Manager VP - Ports Operations Partner Operation Manager Business Development Manager Founding Partner GCC R&D Consultant Partner Residential Sales & Leasing Manager Founder & Owner Business Development Director Business Development Manager Accountant Sr. Office Supervisor Managing Director Business Operations Manager Training Manager Technical Officer General Manager Corp. Sales & Marketing Director Managing Director - Middle East CEO General Manager Director of Events Client Services Manager Head of Private Equity Investments Communications Manager Partner Regional Manager - MENA Senior Vice President President Professor
TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
NEW MEMBERS
Affiliate Individual Members 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
54 55
Bruce Mc Alister Fiona McDonnell Caroline Metcalf Abdu Rahim Moorkath Helen Munro Fiona Newsonsmith Brenda O’ Regan Kevin O’Driscoll Mohammad Qadri Cynthia Rayees
General Electric OCS Emirates International Bechtel Co. Ltd. Delight Stationery Dentons Harsco Infrastructure ESC@PE Events JP Morgan Chase Bank Bravo Awards & Gifts National Health Insurance Company - Daman PJSC Ajay Sanathra Deloitte Corporate Finance Allison Sands Cyber Point International Tamer Mohamed Lufti Philip Morris Management Shabana Services Darren J. Srebnick ISCO Industries Carolin Sternecker Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Berend Christiaan Van Rijn Belevari Marine Trading LLC HIGHLIGHTS Omar S. Wahbi Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Joan Williams Kallman Worldwide, Inc
General Counsel General Manager Refinery & Infrastructure Manager Managing Director Associate Regional Marketing Manager M.E.A.I. General Manager Executive Director Managing Partner Manager Director Lead Analyst Director Corporate Affairs Intl Trade Compliance Manager Director Group Sales CEO Chief Officer In-Charge, Trade Delegations Program Manager
AmCham Abu Dhabi New Members, March - September 2014
TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
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FALCON CLUB
38
Falcon Club Members
TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
70 years of achievement just sets the stage for the next act. Every day, the curtain rises at Aerojet Rocketdyne on the next dramatic advance in propulsion, space technology, defense, energy – and scenes we have yet to write. Seven decades of propelling every major stage of our space and defense programs may look like a hard act to follow. It’s really just proper rehearsal for the next reliable, affordable breakthroughs in our mission to reach new worlds while improving and securing this one.
Watch it unfold at rocket.com
EVENTS GALLERY
EVENTS GALLERY
AmCham Abu Dhabi Platinum Member Tours - Higher Colleges of Technology, Etihad Innovation Center and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Photos 1-2: Exclusive Tour around Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and Roundtable Discussion. Photos 3-6: VIP tour of the new Etihad Airways Innovation Centre to view the new Best in Class Airbus A380, Boeing B787 Dreamliner First Class. and Business Class products. Photo 7: Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), exclusive tour of Khalifa Port and the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD).
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TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
EVENTS GALLERY EVENTS GALLERY
AmCham Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Platinum Events
Reception hosted at the Hyatt Capital Gate to welcome Textron’s Chairman, President and CEO, Scott Donelley to the region.
Sponsor
Reception in honor of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Honorable Deval Patrick, and visiting Trade Delegation co-hosted by AmCham and the US Embassy, at the US Ambassador's residence.
Sponsor
TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
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EVENTS GALLERY
EVENTS GALLERY
AmCham Abu Dhabi Joint Event: Leadership Seminar with Stephen M R Covey, Co-founder, Franklin Covey’s Global Speed of Trust Practice, co-hosted by AmCham Abu Dhabi and Tamakkan - April 24, 2014
NEW MEMBERS
AmCham Abu Dhabi Strictly Social, sponsored by Qatar Airways and Monte-Carlo Beach Club - April 29, 2014
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TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
EVENTSGALLERY GALLERY EVENTS
AmCham Abu Dhabi Lunch & Learn Series: Abu Dhabi Laws and Practices with Justin AntonipillIai, Deputy General Counsel, US Department of Commerce-May 11, 2014
Joint Event: UAE Economic Update and NBAD’s Future Strategy 2013-2018 with Alex Thursby, Group CEO, NBAD, co-hosted by AmCham Abu Dhabi - May 14, 2014
TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
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EVENTS GALLERY
Platinum Member Event: Sunset Catamaran Cruise from Emirates Palace Marina, sponsored by Belevari Marine Trading LLC - May 19, 2014
AmCham Abu Dhabi Meet the Candidates Strictly Social sponsored by the InterContinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi - May 21, 2014
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TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
EVENTS GALLERY
AmCham Abu Dhabi Lunch & Learn Series: Taxation, Reporting and Investment Strategies with Dru Donatelli, Financial Advisor, sponsored by deVere Group - June 8, 2014
AmCham Abu Dhabi Women in Business Event: Women Achieve: Growth, Change and Choices sponsored by Dusit Thani - September 22, 2014
TAWASOL - VOL 2 2014
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UPCOMING EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SAVE THE DATES
2014
Oct 22
Platinum Member Event: Exclusive Evening at the Royal Suite, sponsored by St. Regis Abu Dhabi (St. Regis Abu Dhabi)
Oct 29
AmCham Abu Dhabi Roundtable Summit (Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi)
Nov 10
AmCham Abu Dhabi ADIPEC Kick-off Breakfast (Fairmont Bab Al Bahr)
Nov 12
AmCham Abu Dhabi Strictly Social, sponsored by Flash Entertainment and Miral Yas Island (Cipriani, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi)
Nov 16-19 Platinum Member Event: Exclusive Tour of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi) Nov 19 Dec 10
Platinum Member Event: Launch of Bell Helicopters’ New Office (Hyatt Capital Gate) Annual Abu Dhabi Business Group Forum, co-hosted by AmCham Abu Dhabi and the Pakistan Business Council (Jumeirah at Etihad Towers)
2015
Jan 19
Platinum Member Event: Exclusive Networking Event at Etihad Gallery, sponsored by Atlas Group (Etihad Gallery)
Jan 30
AmCham Abu Dhabi 5th Annual Excellence Awards and 15th Annual Charity Gala (Jumeirah at Etihad Towers)
Feb 22
AmCham Abu Dhabi IDEX Kick-off Breakfast (Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa)
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AmCham Abu Dhabi’s 5th Annual Excellence Awards and 15th Annual Charity Gala - January, 30, 2015
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It takes energy to create energy. We understand the growing demand for energy. That’s why we’re working with our partners to drive efficiency for producers and consumers alike. With energy efficiency a top priority, we’re working with our partners in the region towards the future. Join the conversation. http://middleeast.geblogs.com/en
MISSION: To promote commerce, investment and goodwill between the United States of America, the membership, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.
AmCham Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 43710, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 2 631 3604, Fax: +971 2 633 0489 Email: inquiries@amchamabudhabi.org Website: www.AmChamAbuDhabi.org