Arab British Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 23

Arab-British Business Volume 40 Issue 3 December 2016 Monthly bulletin of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce

FUTURE BUSINESS TRENDS IN THE ARAB WORLD See page 21

King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh

FINANCE FOR TOMORROW’S MENA

Financing the future in MENA is made easier with Europe Arab Bank as your partner. Our specialist expertise and many years’ experience enable us to deliver the support you need for a range of trade and development projects. As part of the Arab Bank Group, you gain seamless access to an extensive branch network across the region.

Our group remains committed to providing specialist finance for projects across the MENA region, now and in the future.

Find out how we could be of support to you: www.eabplc.com

PART OF THE ARAB BANK GROUP

© Europe Arab Bank plc 2016. All Rights Reserved. Registered in England and Wales number 5575857. Registered Office: 13-15 Moorgate, London EC2R 6AD. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Not all products and services are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

CHAMBER NEWS

NEW MEMBERS Abacus Global Enterprises

Abacus House 144 New Walk LEICESTER LE1 7JA Contact: Mr Saad Tasneem Tel: +44(0)116-3260 299 Email: info@abacusge.com Website: www.abacusge.com Activities: Business consultancy for international trade

Afrique Engins. SARL

Monthly bulletin of the A-BCC Editorial Team Abdeslam El-Idrissi Cliff Lawrence David Morgan Dr Yasmin Husein Arab-British Chamber of Commerce 43 Upper Grosvenor Street London W1K 2NJ Tel: +44 (0) 20 7235 4363 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7245 6688 d.morgan@abcc.org.uk (English Editorial) y.husein@abcc.org.uk (Arabic Editorial) www.abcc.org.uk

Cooperative Kamiche No 67 Local B N2 Kouba ALGERIA Contact: Mr Mohamed Haireche Tel: +213 5550 50185 Email: mohamed8-jch@hotmail.fr Activities: Import and export of mechanical parts and accessories

Arabakhtar Shipping & Transportation Public Joint Stock 58-60 Vicarage House Church Street Kensington London W8 4DB Contact: Mr Parvis Shokrani, Director Tel: +44(0)20-8621 3310 Email: ch@arabakhtar.co.uk arabakhtar.co.uk Activities: International shipping and transportation

Production & Design Distinctive Publishing Unit 2b Floor B Milburn House Dean Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2343 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

CONTENTS

Advertising

ARAB BOOK MARKET 16

Distinctive Publishing Tel: 0845 884 2343 john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS 17

Disclaimer

BUSINESS LAW 26

Distinctive Publishing or Arab-British Chamber of Commerce cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Arab-British Chamber of Commerce.

ISSN No: ISSN 0958-8116

HEALTH SECTOR 4 MEMBERS NEWS 7

MEGATRENDS IN THE MENA 21

ARABIC SECTION 29 TENDERS 34 BUSINESS EVENTS 37

Bradman-Lake Limited

Common Lane North Beccles Suffolk NR34 9BP Contact: Mr Tony Debenham Tel: +44(0)1502-470 500 Email: uk@bradmanlake.com Website: www.bradmanlake.com Activities: Manufacturer of packaging equipment

City Forex

146 Leadenhall Street LONDON EC3V 4QT Contact: Mr Adam Cobbold Tel: +44(0)20-7621 0090 Email: adam.cobbold@cityforex.co.uk Website: www.cityforex.co.uk Activities: Foreign exchange, international payments and travel currency

Plena Capital Limited

5th Floor Centric House 390-391 The Strand London WC2R 0LT Contact: Mr Sami Mathlouthi, Investment Manager Tel: +44(0)20-7379 1110 Email: sami.mathlouthi@plena-group.com www.plena-group.com Investment management, cross border acquisitions in emerging markets continues page 6

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HEALTH SECTOR

From left: Abdeslam El Idrissi, Director of Trade Services, ABCC, Dr Rodney Adeniyi-Jones, Genesis Wellness, Ms Debra Leeves, Director, REX Bionics, Mr Frank Domoney, Director, Glencroft Ltd and Ms Alison Lowndes, AI Developer Relations, EMEA NVIDIA Ltd.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN THE HEALTH SECTOR A successful seminar on “New Technologies in the Health Sector” was held by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce on the afternoon of 24 November.

The event brought together professionals in the health and medical industries to share ideas and explore the potential for joint ventures between the UK and Arab health industries at a time when major advances in medical technology are transforming the way we deliver healthcare.

A panel of expert speakers from the industry highlighted the applicability of new computer technology to health treatment and medical services including how robotics can assist people with disabilities, how DNA mapping can help identify the early stages of diseases and the use of computers to perform surgical operations remotely.

Chairing the event, Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, ABCC Director of Trade Services, explained

that it was the first in a new series of business seminars to be hosted by the ABCC which intend to look at selected sectors where there is real potential for energising cooperation between the UK and the Arab world.

Mr El-Idrissi began with a brief introduction about the role of the Chamber and how its services could help companies engaged in doing business with the Arab countries and vice versa.

He stated that the UK was a world leader in advanced medical technology and developing new devices for which there is a growing market across the Arab world.

The first speaker, Mr Frank Domoney, Director, Glencroft Ltd, concentrated

on “bioinformatics”, the application of computer technology to the management of biological information, which he described as “precision medicine”.

He explained how rapid advances in computerisation were opening up possibilities for early and accurate diagnosis of illness and how the accurate gathering of data could be used to establish individual profiles of patients which would enable much more individualised treatment than that traditionally provided by the local GP. He said that patients worldwide would be able to benefit from miniaturisation of computer technology to handheld devices capable of carrying out highly accurate DNA sequencing.

HEALTH SECTOR

Mr Domoney mentioned that astounding results have been achieved by the latest technologies used to detect cancerous tissues.

Advanced technology could also be used to detect diabetes efficiently and relatively inexpensively which would be hugely beneficial in countries of the MENA where diabetes was widespread among the local populations.

Finally, he explained how robotics was advancing to permit remote surgery to be conducted via computer with the surgeons working from one location and the patient in another.

Supercomputers were now becoming far less expensive and within the budget range of most countries, he said.

Alison Lowndes, Artificial Intelligence Developer Relations, EMEA NVIDIA Ltd, described how Artificial Intelligence (AI) was transforming the world of medicine through “deep learning”.

She looked forward to the next generation of supercomputers which would bring even greater benefits.

Dr Rodney Adeniyi-Jones, Genesis Wellness, looked at how human-centred technology can help patients to achieve lifestyle changes required to improve a person’s performance and wellbeing.

He described how functional medicine helps integrate what is known about how the human body works with patient-centred, science-based health care.

Dr Adeniyi-Jones explained that wellness involved making the right choices to achieve both a healthy and fulfilling life.

He described the several levels of wellness from physical to psychological. It involved diet, exercise, lifestyle choices and mitigating stress.

Under performance and lack of wellbeing contributed to higher insurance costs and considerable loss of economic output, he argued.

AI has been around for decades but the technology has only recently reached a point where it can be commercialised.

Dr Adeniyi-Jones said that a change in a person’s lifestyle can bring about outstanding results.

She said that NVIDIA began as a gaming company but had reinvented itself as an AI company and had branched out into working win cooperation with industry on computer programming and AI applications such as self-drive cars.

He went on to describe the different techniques that could be used to help enhance wellbeing among individuals and corporate organisations.

Computer simulation within medicine had made huge advances with innovation of software.

Deep learning was now being used to help researchers in the health service to analyse medical data with great accuracy to detect and treat diseases.

Ms Lowndes explained that AI could help save billions spent currently on drugs by facilitating early detection of such complaints as tumours through cancer screening.

The final speaker, Ms Debra Leeves, Director, REX Bionics, looked at how recent innovations in medical technology such as robotics and digital technology could be used to help patients with various mental and physical disabilities.

The UK was a leader in investing in scientific research and she estimated that there were thousands of innovative healthcare firms operating in the UK today.

Most of these companies were SMEs looking for partners and investors in order to expand, she explained.

Mr Frank Domoney

She believed that robotic technology to help patients suffering from spinal injuries could make a more important contribution to healthcare in the Middle East which had the highest incidence of such injuries in the world.

She explained that robotic technologies to help patients to walk could change people’s lives and expected the technology to become less expensive in future as devices were marketed and became more sophisticated.

Ms Leeves also looked at how digital technology could help in the early detection of the early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The meeting identified great potential for closer partnerships between the UK and Arab health industries.

British innovators and IT in the Arab world could work together for mutual benefits.

Speakers felt that joint research between medical universities could accelerate the knowledge transfer and help develop joint solutions to common healthcare problems.

Dr Rodney Adeniyi-Jones, Ms Debra Leeves, Mr Frank Domoney and Ms Alison Lowndes.

Ms Debra Leeves

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NEW MEMBERS

from page 3

Deeval Limited

Unit 45 First Avenue Deeside Industrial Park DEESIDE CH5 2NU Contact: Mr Wathek Zair Tel: +44(0)1244281333 Email: wathek@russellipm.com Activities: Pest control

Education Partnerships UK Ltd

129 Deansgate MANCHESTER M3 3WR Contact: Ms Saeeda Ahmed Tel: +44(0)161- 214 7925 Email: saeeda@educationpartnershipsuk.co.uk Website: www.educationpartnershipsuk.co.uk Activities: Accreditation, certification, training, leadership and management services

Impact Health Limited

Unit 2 Alder Close Horizon Business Centre ERITH Kent DA18 4AJ Contact: Mr Dipak Patel Tel: +44(0)20-8320 3820 Email: dipak@impact-healthcare.co.uk Website: www.impact-healthcare.co.uk Activities: Global distribution of pharmaceuticals and medicines

KAPLAN UK Limited

179-191 Borough High Street LONDON SE1 1HR Contact: Mr Mohamed Kolef Tel: +44(0)20-3468 0907 Email: businesstraining@kaplan.com Website: www.kaplanleadership.com Activities: Training, development and business education

Khalil Mid East Enterprise Ltd

213 Crown House North Circular Road LONDON NW10 7PN Contact: Mr Khalil Abdulghani Tel: +44(0)799-9555 266 Email: write2khalil@hotmail.com Activities: Exporter of fresh cakes and chocolate

Marina International Ltd

28 Marbaix Gardens ISLEWORTH Middlesex TW7 4FD Contact: Mr Waled Ftiss Tel: +44(0)778-626 2161 Email: w.ftiss@marina-int-ltd.com Website: www.marina-int-ltd.com Activities: Purchasing Agent for oil companies operating in Algeria and Libya

Moore Stephens LLP

150 Aldersgate Street London EC1A 4AB Contact: Mr Diego Fajardo, Marketing Manager

Tel: +44(0)20-7952 4590 Email: diego.fajardo@moorestephens.com www.moorestephens.co.uk Activities: Accountancy services

Naglaa’s World Limited

Venture 382 382-386 Edgware Road London W2 1EB Contact: Ms Naglaa Mustafa, Director Tel: +44(0)752-833 4094 Email: naglaa_sadik09@yahoo.co.uk Activities: Interpreting, translation and secretarial services

Napier Watt Ltd

52 Berkeley Square LONDON W1J Contact: Mr. Jonathan Adams Tel: +44(0)20-7935 0011 Email: jadams@napierwatt.co.uk Website: www.napierwatt.co.uk Activities: Sale, rental and acquisition of residential properties in prime London area

National Philanthropic Trust (UK)

City Point Suite 1510 1 Ropemaker Street LONDON EC2Y 9HT Contact: Mr John Canady, CEO Tel: +44(0)800-133 7540 Email: enquiries@npt-uk.org www.npt-uk.org Activities: A UK-registered charity dedicated to providing philanthropic expertise to donors, financial institutions, foundations and charities, enabling them to realise their philanthropic aspirations

Opera Regional General Trading Co Fahad Al Salem Street Al Safat Tower Floor 17 KUWAIT Contact: Mr Mohammed Abuslaib Tel: +965 2295 8960 Email: lopera.gcc@gmail.com Activities: CafĂŠ/restaurant

Qatar Charity UK

115 Park Street LONDON W1K 7AP Contact: Mr Fadi Itani Tel: +44(0)20-7493 4977 Email: salman@qcharity.org.uk Website: www.qcharity.org.uk Activities: Charitable activities

Randox Laboratories Ltd

55 Diamond Road CRUMLIN County Antrim Contact: Ms Jeanette Doherty Tel: +44(0)28-9442 2413 Email: jeanette.doherty@randox.com Website: http://www.randox.com Activities: Clinical diagnostics

Rooks Rider Solicitors LLP Challoner House

19 Clerkenwell Close London EC1R 0RR Contact: Mr Matthew Ball, Partner Tel: +44(0)20-7689 7000 Email: mball@rooksrider.co.uk www.rooksrider.co.uk Activities: Boutique legal firm with expertise in corporate law, dispute resolution, employment law, real estate and wealth planning

Sovereign Group Services Limited

40 Craven Street Charing Cross London WC2N 5NG Contact: Mr Shervin Mellegard, Business Development Manager Tel: +44(0)20-7389 0555 Email: smellegard@sovereigngroup.com www.sovereigngroup.com Activities: Fund management services

THE HEART OF EUROPE real estate development LLC

PO Box 126732 Arenco Tower 20th floor Dubai Media City Dubai, UAE Contact: Ms Dakshita Kumar Tel: +971 4 279 87 60 Email: dakshita.kumar@thoe.com Website: www.thoe.com Activities: Luxury real estate development

Tritip International Limited

ICG House Station Approach Office 112 GREENFORD Middlesex UB6 0AL Contact: Mr Waleed Shehata Tel: +44(0)750-078 2839 Email: waleedattia@outlook.com Activities: Exporter of meat and meat products

XDS Solutions Ltd

Unit 5 Elm Farm Elm Lane Roxwell Essex CM1 4NJ Contact: Mr Chris Rowe, Director Tel: +44(0)1245-249 002 Email: chris.rowe@xds-solutions.com www.xds-solutions.com Activities: Export compliance for the Middle East and Africa

One Investments Global Limited

Crown House 72 Hammersmith Rd Kensington W14 8TH Contact: Ms Maria Saroya, Business Development Executive Tel: +44(0)845 548 5454 Email: maria@oneinvestments.co.uk www.oneinvestments.co.uk Property development and investment

MEMBERS NEWS

WELCOME TO THE FLOATING SEAHORSE

By Izu Nwachukwu

Creative Manager at The Heart of Europe The World is visible from outer space, a collection of manmade islands that form a unique map of our planet. Surrounded by the Arabian Gulf, The World attracts a stunning variety of marine life all year round.

Just as iconic as The World is the endearing cluster of six islands known as The Heart of Europe. This vibrant celebration of Europe’s cultural heritage promises an unforgettable holiday resort experience.

One of its islands is St. Petersburg; an exclusive and idyllic retreat that’s sure to leave an everlasting impression.

Anchored off its pristine shores, gently dancing to the ocean’s beat, are the magnificent retreats that defy imagination.

The Floating Seahorse Signature Edition St Petersburg Island is one of six stunning islands which make up The Heart of Europe.

It takes inspiration from The Maldives and some of the finest resorts across the world.

Shaped as a heart St Petersburg is the perfect setting for honeymooners from all over the world.

world’s first outdoor climate controlled areas to create refreshing rain and snow. Be spoilt for choice throughout the year with rich cultural and social activities, including some of Europe’s most gifted street performers, artists and musicians.

See the underwater museum, which will showcase Dubai’s heritage, or perhaps catch a show at the permanent circus.

The Heart of Europe is truly the perfect setting to indulge to your heart’s content.

DREAMS CAN BE BUILT This is The Floating Seahorse Signature Edition, a feat of innovation achieved by a marriage of engineering and imagination.

An epitome of timeless design and craftsmanship spread across three levels, one of which is underwater.

The Floating Seahorse is truly unique and offers a world of new experiences. From the ocean that spreads out before you on the upper levels, to the underwater level that presents the coral reef brimming with beauty and life.

The Signature Edition of The Floating Seahorse has been developed especially for families with guests, groups and children of all ages.

Sea Bedroom on the sea level. The totally submerged level features an Underwater Ladies Room and Master Bedroom, A Coral Entertainment Room and a Coral Guest Bedroom. During the daytime all rooms can be used to serve various purposes and by night, they can be transformed into luxury sleeping accommodation.

YOU MAY NEVER WANT TO LEAVE Some experiences are so magical that it’s difficult to describe them.

Fall asleep while gazing at your coral garden, as the sea turtle glides by and a seahorse dances in the moonlight.

Awaken to the beautiful splash of colours from the coral reef, as the sun pierces the waters. See the hammour race by and catch a sting ray gracefully float around your home.

These are the amazing sights that await you at the coral reef that surrounds each and every Floating Seahorse.

The Signature Edition of The Floating Seahorse is designed to be the perfect area especially for families with children and groups. Spanning just over 4,000 square feet across three levels, each Floating Seahorse will be home to unique special features, state-of-the-art technology and innovation, home automation and outdoor climate controlled areas.

Home to The Tzar Hotel, a marina, white sandy beaches, a lagoon, lush tropical gardens, massage cabanas, an exclusive restaurant, bars and a private infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the island will be a stunning vacation retreat.

A magnificent and enduring icon, The Floating Seahorse has set a new precedence in luxury living.

An idyllic island escape and holiday destination, St Petersburg will offer first class facilities and hospitality for both adults and children.

Be inspired and truly express yourself, from subtle touches to bold statements. With The Signature Edition, the possibilities to create your perfect Floating Seahorse are endless.

From the flooring to the Jacuzzi, our bespoke team is dedicated to bringing your desired Floating Seahorse to life.

Over 5,000 hours have been spent in the research and development and more than 13,000 hours have been invested in design and engineering of The Floating Seahorse.

Over 200 specialist and professionals from 25 different countries have been involved in the project, to ensure that The Floating Seahorse is not just a thing of beauty, but also the ultimate space.

With four flexi living / sleeping areas and intelligent furniture, The Floating Seahorse transforms to a space that sleeps four to one that sleeps eight. The eight main rooms include a Sky deck and Sky Bedroom on the upper level and a Sea Family Room and

Contact Tel: +971 4 818 1481 Email: sales@thoe.com www.thoe.com

During the year, St Petersburg will come alive with traditional and cultural events synonymous with the infamous city’s culture and heritage.

The Heart of Europe – a truly magical place that’s destined to be one of the world’s most idyllic island escapes. Whatever you want to do, it’s literally all on your doorstep. Find the

THE ART OF CREATING

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MEMBERS NEWS

A STAFF AGENCY WITH A DIFFERENCE As the year draws to a close, ensure your Private Household and Corporate staff are providing you with 7* service to take you into the New Year, says The Organisers.

It is not always easy to know where to source premium members of staff. Whether you need a Michelin trained Chef to join your Mega Yacht, an exemplary Governess to tutor your children for their entrance exams, a butler for your home in Monaco or an Operations Manager for your Palace, The Organisers Staff & Recruitment agency have an outstanding reputation for providing a bespoke recruitment service.

The Organisers Staff & Recruitment agency was born out of our world-renowned Concierge & Lifestyle Management Company established in 1998 to work for UHNW individuals and their businesses. This history has provided our team with a unique and invaluable insight into all aspects of our clients’ lives and it is this innate instinct that truly sets us apart as an agency.

We know our Middle Eastern clients’ exacting requirements and we work tirelessly to ensure they are absolutely delighted with our 7* service.

Whether in the UK for Ramadan, on holiday in Morocco or working at home, our international candidates are among the best in the world and their wealth of experience in similar roles mean they are fully conversant with our clients’ local customs. Our Operations Managers know how to greet visiting Royalty, organise lavish events and manage the whole of the household. They ensure that everything runs smoothly and without fuss, and that the little touches that are so important, are not missed.

Our House Managers know how to serve Qahwa with cardoman or saffron to esteemed guests and will ensure that the finest Medjool dates, crackers and sweets are offered as accompaniments.

Our Michelin trained Chefs prepare a mouthwatering selection of international dishes from French Haute Cuisine to Fusion to Sushi as well as traditional dishes such as Kabsa and Saleeg, Fattet Hummus and Samboosak.

The Organisers offer an exceptional and seamless service during your stay in the UK so you are able to make the most of your precious time in London stress-free. We can arrange and manage staff for every element of your stay. A motorcade of deluxe chauffeured vehicles can be on call to whisk you and your family from your private jet to your London residence, to Bond Street shopping and to visit the finest restaurants and cultural experiences.

If you choose to travel without your own staff, we can arrange an entire team to care for your family in London including trained Silver Service Butlers and Security personnel.

Childcare and schooling are a priority for our clients and we have the best candidates to help your child develop and succeed at the highest levels. Our Norland trained Nannies have a reputation for being the best in the world.

Hailing from the London-based college steeped in over 120 years of history, they provide expert training and care for your children. Whether your child is preparing for entry into private school or an Oxbridge university, we can source a gifted British Tutor to ensure your child reaches their full academic potential.

All our candidates have highly detailed reference verification checks performed by

one of our Senior Consultants including a full background check and relevant security DBS checks. Our thorough vetting system is second to none and is one of the aspects that make us the best in class.

“If an agency sends you a large amount of CVs, it is important to question their suitability for the role, for your household/business and for your family,” explains Katie Shapley, Managing Director of The Organisers. “We will shortlist only the most impressive candidates of the highest calibre to present to our clients.”

Our 360-degree bespoke service means that we are uniquely positioned to offer assistance with candidates’ travel, accommodation, visa applications and training. The Organisers are available 24/7 all-year-round and we pride ourselves on being an essential part of our clients’ lives.

Contact If you would like to experience The Organisers Staff & Recruitment 7* service, simply contact staff@theorganisers.com or call a member of our dedicated team on +44 (0) 207 078 7554. www.theorganisers.com

MEMBERS NEWS

Before

After

LIFESTYLE PROPERTY LONDON Sourcing Residential, Commercial Properties and Hotels We source properties as per client requirements saving them both time and money. We negotiate on client’s behalf and secure the best deal possible.

We ensure the process is simple and provide you a full end to end service till completion. We have experience and knowledge of the UK property market both in London and surrounding areas.

Lifestyle Property London has become well recognised for our services as well as our focused approach to customer care.

Case Study Daybrook Road SW18

Our services include:

www.lifestylebyasq.co.uk/case-studies. php?key=79&termRef=Daybrook%20 Road,%20Wimbledon&listorder=25000

• Source Property • Over 25 years of experience in property market • Residential/Commercial & Hotels off market access • Offer legal/Tax services • Structural Finance • Cover all areas in UK Lifestyle Design & Build Our sister company enables clients to create the bespoke space to meet their personal needs. Whether it’s an investment property, residential abode or a commercial development project; we take on any project.

Acquisition price - £520,000 Build Costs (inc Prof Fees) - £230,000 (build time frame c.8 months) Net resale Value - £1.2 million Gross Profit - £ 450,000 (pre-taxes) Rental for this this type of property is around £4000-£4,500 pcm Build Project Details: To create a modern family home without losing some of its characters obtaining planning for 5 bedrooms and insuring that the expenditure of the project does not exceed the current value of the property.

This professional couple with three children wanted to create the ideal home in a location which was upcoming and with access to good

schools and provided their young family with the space they could easily grow into.

Comparables: Within the SW18 area we were able to identify the right location down to the most popular roads. This would ensure a health capital growth potential for the client. Our relationship with local real estate, planning and architectural firms, ensured we met the budget and timeline requested by our client.

Five bedrooms properties in the area now sell at approximately £1.5 million upwards.

At Lifestyle Design & Build we work tirelessly to create the fabulous home you have always dreamed of!

From design consultation, to building project management and sourcing kitchens and bathrooms, we do it all!

Call us for a no obligation consultation on: Tel: 020 7720 3082 Website: www.lifestylepropertylondon.com Email: info@lifestylebyasq.co.uk

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QATAR

Doha International Airport

QATAR LOOKS TO INCREASE TOURIST ARRIVALS WITH NEW VISA MEASURES A range of new visa measures recently announced by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) have been widely welcomed by the tourism industry, as well as the country’s hospitality and retail operators.

Boosting the sector and facilitating ease of entry is an increasingly important priority as Qatar aims to increase the number of tourists from 2.93m in 2015 to 7m-10m annually by 2030, while also gearing up for the mass of visitors expected to attend the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The recent visa changes dovetail with the $40bn-45bn of expected investment in tourism infrastructure through to 2030, with the QTA’s National Tourism Sector Strategy calling for investment in the development of the country’s tourism products, services, hotels and resorts.

Tourist arrivals In October 2016 QTA released its third quarter tourism sector performance summary, which showed that while visitor numbers rose to 780,000 in the third quarter of the year, up 35% from 577,374 in the second quarter, the total through to September was still down on the same period last year.

The first nine months of 2015 saw 2.25m arrivals, while the same period this year recorded a total of 2.18m visitors, a decline of 3%.

QTA officials contrasted this with the 8% year-on-year growth seen between the same periods of 2014 and 2015, while also highlighting that most of the contraction in

2016 occurred in the first half of the year, when numbers fell some 6%.

Factors such as an earlier start to Ramadan, which affected June arrivals, and economic headwinds in the region, stemming from low energy prices, were seen as contributing to the decline.

Easing entry However, tourism numbers could see a recovery in the months and years ahead thanks to a series of new visa measures that are set to not only increase Qatar’s attractiveness to visitors, but also enable the country to take fuller advantage of Doha’s growing status as a transit hub.

At an August press conference, the Ministry of Interior (MoI), QTA and Qatar Airways (QA) announced the launch of a fast-tracked visa application system. The new system – which will be implemented in collaboration with VFS Global, a global provider of visaprocessing services – is expected to be ready by the first or second quarter of 2017.

A second move introduced by QTA and QA in September will allow all QA travellers transiting in Doha, regardless of nationality, to obtain a free, four-day transit visa to encourage them to stop over in Qatar. The new transit visa scheme went into effect at the beginning of November.

Travellers are able to apply directly for the transit visa through a QA office or online, and once approved, the single-entry visa is valid for a 90-day period, according to press reports.

As a further incentive, QA has restructured fares so passengers can stop over in Doha without incurring any additional ticket charges.

Meanwhile, a third measure, also announced in September, allows cruise passengers to use the new transit visa as well.

As part of the new operating procedure – which includes the use of enhanced technology and close collaboration between cruise operators and security officials – a passenger manifest containing the passport details of passengers and crew will be shared with immigration officials 48 hours prior to a ship’s arrival in Qatar.

This will allow the authorities to process all relevant information and clear passengers for entry before ships berth, enabling travellers to disembark within minutes and begin on-shore excursions.

This should give an important boost to the cruise tourism segment, which is expected to bring an estimated 50,000 visitors to Doha’s shores during the 2016/17 tourism season.

OBG, 16 November 2016

ABCC Saudi Visa Service All visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will need a visa to visit the kingdom.

The ABCC is honoured to be an accredited agency to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in London as an approved service provider.

Visas that meet all your needs: • Residency Visa

• Family Visa

• Government Visa

• Business Single

• Working Visit Single Visa

• Business Multi Visa

• Working Visit Multi Visa

• Yearly or Two Year Visas

• Work Visa Also the ABCC is ready to provide: • Saudi Visa Invitation Letter through Saudi MOFA & the Arab British Chamber of Commerce authentication

• Enjaz - Saudi Visa online Application Registration Service

For further information please contact us on 0207 659 4886 or by e-mail saleh@abcc.org.uk.

The ABCC provides an extensive range services such as Export Documentation, Foreign Office Service and Notary Services to name but a few; for further details please visit our website:

www.abcc.org.uk

12

UK

AUTUMN STATEMENT 2016: INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND INNOVATION The UK government has announced plans to invest in the country’s infrastructure and innovation to improve long-term productivity.

The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement was announced on 23 November in the House of Commons. Some of the key measures in relation to investment and tax are as follows: A new National Productivity Investment Fund to provide £23 billion of additional spending, ensuring the UK’s economy is fit for the future.

The National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) will provide major additional spending in areas that are key to boosting productivity: transport, digital communications, research and development (R&D), and housing. £2.3 billion for a new Housing Infrastructure Fund The fund will be used for projects such as roads and water connections that will support the construction of up to 100,000 new homes in the areas where they are needed most.

On top of that, £1.4 billion will be used to provide 40,000 new affordable homes, including some for shared ownership and some for affordable rent. And another £1.7 billion will be used to speed up the construction of new homes on public sector land. £390 million investment in future transport technology £390 million will go to future transport technology, including driverless cars, renewable fuels and energy efficient transport. This will include: • £100 million investment in testing infrastructure for driverless cars • £150 million to provide at least 550 new electric and hydrogen buses, reduce the emissions of 1,500 existing buses and support taxis to become zero emission • £80 million to install more charging points for ultra-low emission vehicles.

A major new investment in transport infrastructure As part of the National Productivity Investment Fund, this will cover:

There will also be a two-year 100% first year allowance for companies who install electric charge-points, coming in from today‎. This allows companies to deduct the cost of the charge-point from their pre-tax profits in that year‎.

And £450 million will also be spent on trialling railway digital signalling technology which will expand capacity and improve reliability. £1 billion to invest in full-fibre broadband and trialling 5G networks Investment will support the private sector to roll out more full-fibre broadband by 202021. Funding will also support trials of 5G mobile communications.

And from April 2017, the government will also provide a new 100% business rates relief for new full-fibre infrastructure for a 5 year period. £2 billion more per year in research and development funding by 2020-21 A major increase in research and development funding for universities and businesses with R&D projects to help the UK remain an attractive place for businesses to invest in innovative research.

This will back scientific research and development of technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence and industrial biotechnology.

More money for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive more money which can be spent on infrastructure projects, with each devolved administration deciding where this will be spent.

This will be an increase of over £800 million for the Scottish Government, over £400 million for the Welsh Government and over £250 million for the Northern Ireland Executive.

Providing certainty for businesses

• £1.1 billion to reduce congestion and upgrade local roads and public transport

Committing to cutting corporation tax to 17% by 2020

• £220 million to tackle road safety and congestion on Highways England roads

The main rate of corporation tax has already been cut from 28% in 2010 to 20%, and will be cut again to 17% by 2020, by far the lowest in the G20 and benefitting over 1 million businesses.

• £27 million to develop an expressway connecting Oxford and Cambridge.

£400 million through the British Business Bank to invest in growing innovative firms The funds will be invested in innovative small businesses with potential for growth, to provide the finance that they need to expand.

This will support up to £1 billion of new investment.

Rural Rate Relief will increase to 100% Rural rate relief will increase from 50 to 100% in April 2017, saving a business up to £2900 a year. This business rate relief is available to businesses in rural areas with a population under 3,000, where that business is: • the only village shop or post office with a rateable value of up to £8,500, or • the only public house or petrol station with a rateable value of up to £12,500 A fair and sustainable tax system Cracking down on tax avoiders and those who help them A new penalty is being introduced for those helping someone else to use a tax avoidance scheme. Tax avoiders are hit with significant bills when HMRC defeats their avoidance scheme, this new penalty will ensure that those who help them will also face the consequences.

Also tax avoiders will not be able to claim as a defence against penalties that relying on non-independent tax advice is taking reasonable care.

Insurance Premium Tax will increase by 2% from 1 June 2017 Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) will increase from 10% to 12%. IPT is a tax on insurers and it is up to them whether and how to pass on costs to customers.

Source: HM Treasury, 23/11/2016 www.gov.uk/government/news/autumnstatement-2016-some-of-the-things-weveannounced

BUDGET RESPONSE

BUSINESS RESPONSES TO THE UK AUTUMN STATEMENT British Chambers of Commerce Adam Marshall, BCC Director General, said: “Increased resources for local and regional transport infrastructure, broadband, housing and innovation will boost business confidence at a critical moment. The Chancellor's strong focus on the growth requirements of our cities, regions and nations will not go unnoticed in business communities across the UK. “While business communities would have liked Philip Hammond to go even further to support growth, they will recognise that his hands are somewhat tied by lower tax receipts and sharply higher borrowing forecasts. The fact that he chose to commit significant new resources to support growth and productivity demonstrates welcome flexibility during a period of uncertainty and change.

“There was very little support in our business communities for further cuts to Corporation Tax, so Philip Hammond was right to stick with existing plans. However, we would have liked to see more action on the high up-front taxes and costs of doing business in the UK, particularly business rates.

“The government's decision to move to a single annual set of tax and spending commitments will be welcomed by businesses weary of frequent and sometimes unclear changes of direction.”

Tax Measures On business rates, Adam Marshall said: “For rural businesses and those benefitting from the lower cap on annual increases following this year’s revaluation, the measures announced are welcome. However, British businesses will continue to pay the highest local property taxes in the developed world.

Addressing this upfront burden is essential if they are to invest more in training, recruitment and growth plans – all essential to closing the ‘productivity gap’. Bringing forward the planned switch to CPI for uprating from 2020 to 2017 would have helped and an opportunity to do this was missed.”

On export support, David Riches, BCC Executive Director said: “We welcome the announcement of additional finance and insurance support by

UK Export Finance, which should provide valuable help to UK exporters. However, this is not sufficient to improve our ambition to get more businesses to export – and increased direct support such as enabling businesses to attend trade missions, trade fairs, commission market research or make themselves export ready would have been an important additional boost to companies.”

London Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Colin Stanbridge, said: "Overall there are a lot of noises in the right direction and we welcome moves the moves towards devolution for London in terms of the £3.15bn housing fund for new homes as well as adult education and employment support services.

"The doubling of UK export finance capacity is also good news for business.

"Likewise we welcome investment in infrastructure, in faster broadband and tech research. All these are vital if we are to maintain our competitiveness as a global city and the rest of the country is to benefit from London's economic success.

"But we all know, as the Chancellor himself acknowledged, that these are uncertain times for businesses and we need further reassurance and more specifics."

The Forum of Private Business ‘The freeze on fuel duty is welcome for all those businesses involved in transport, and the initiatives to support house builders will be good for those businesses in the construction sector, and its supply chain,’ said Ian Cass, the Chief Executive of the Forum, ‘but there is not much good news for our high street businesses, and importing manufacturers who are suffering at the hands of the weak pound, and who have no real indication of what a post-Brexit UK will look like’ The Forum believes that the Chancellor could have been much bolder. ‘It is a pity that the Chancellor did not take the opportunity

to change the dividend threshold from the existing 5% to 10% as suggested in our 10 point plan, and that the planned reduction in Corporation Tax to 15%, promoted by George Osborne in his final budget, does not appear to have been formerly confirmed by Philip Hammond. This would have gone some way to compensating for the difficulties that some businesses are now facing. It is really disappointing that he has opted for caution over stimulus,’ added Ian Cass.

The absence of any specific incentives to improve skills through training is an opportunity lost.

Emerging Payments Association The Emerging Payments Association, one of the major Fintech trade associations supporting over 100 of the UK’s leading technology innovations in financial services, welcomed the £400m allocation to a Venture Fund to assist tech start ups.

Tony Craddock, CEO of the Emerging Payments Association, commented, ‘Fintech start ups offer huge future wealth to the country, but accessing early stage funding is a major barrier to many of them succeeding, and we see far too many moving to other parts of the world for their development finance. The Chancellor’s announcement is a recognition of this and we very much welcome it.’

CIPD “We welcome the decision to invest £13m in the Sir Charlie Mayfield led initiative to help improve the quality of management in the UK. This is a crucial step forward in cracking the UK’s productivity puzzle which the Chancellor highlighted as a key area of focus and investment for the Government.

However, attempts to improve workplace productivity will continue to be undermined without fundamental changes to skills policy, particularly in relation to apprenticeships, lifelong learning and adult skills provision.

“The decision to invest £1.8bn in Local Enterprise Partnerships is also welcome, given the need to provide more support for SMEs at a local level to help and encourage them to invest more in the skills of their workforce and enhance their management capability to boost employee engagement and productivity.”

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TUNISIA

NEW PROJECTS IN TUNISIA A selection of projects whose details are released in connection with the Tunisia 2020 international investment conference.

Skhira – Sahel Pipeline Components • Implementing a pipe line with 169km long • Construction of a pumping station in Sekhira • Storage station in Sidi Litim to supply Sfax region • Storage station in Menzel Hayet to supply Sahel and closer regions Studies are completed Search for funding is underway Cost: 70 M€ / 170 MDT Tendering Authority: SOTRAPIL / Transport Pipe Company Integrated Development Programme – 3rd Generation (PDI) Components • The program includes a set of 100 built projects in 100 delegations and has two types of actions: Support and encourage the creation of productive individual projects Improve basic infrastructure and community facilities Cost: 280M€ / 700MDT Project will be financed by public funds Tendering Authority: Ministry of Development, Investment and International Cooperation Implementing 1st Section of Highway Linking Tunis to Jelma (188km) Status: Studies and tender documents are underway Cost: 440M€ / 1100MDT Tendering Authority: Ministry of Equipment, Housing and Territory Planning Sfax Metro The project involves building a 13.5km metro line linking Teniour to Soukra via the city centre and the airport road Status: Preliminary studies are completed; the company responsible for carrying out the project has been created Cost: 240M€ / 600MDT Tendering Authority: Metro Company of Sfax Duplication of Enfidha – Kairouan National Road 2 Components • Doubling the road: 2x2 lane road divided by a median strip over a length of 60km • Infrastructure work Cost: 60M€ / 150MDT Tendering Authority: Ministry of Equipment, Housing and Territory Planning Logistic Zone in Radès Components • Implementation of logistic zone of 47ha: warehouses, business centres, industrial units, small transformation activities and parks of containers and trailers.

• Strengthening land to support heavy

containers (6 Tons for 1 square meter) • Linking the zone by water, electricity and communications infrastructure and other facilities Studies are underway Cost: 80M€ / 200MDT Financed by PPP Tendering Authority: The Merchant Navy Office (OMMP) Duplication of Railway Line Moknine – Mahdia Components • Duplication of 25km of the railway line • Electrification of the second line Traffic signs between Monsatir and Mahdia • Bridges and other related infrastructure Cost: 50M€ / 130MDT Tendering Authority: Tunisian Railway Company (SNCFT) Bizerte Bridge Components • A 2km Bridge with (2x2) lanes • A 7km (2x2) road connecting the A4 highway to the national road No. 11 • 4 Highway interchanges Cost: 220M€ / 550MDT Detailed studies of the project components are finished and approved Tender documents are completed and ready for publication Public Tender: February 2016 Beginning of Work: August 2016 Bridge open for traffic: August 2019 Tendering Authority: Ministry of Equipment, Housing and Territory Planning Digital Tunisia 2020 Components Digital Tunisia strategy is built around four main axes: • Infrastructure: development of broadband and high speed internet • e-Gov: Migration to IPv6, private cloud national public sector, government interoperability Information System framework, electronic identification of citizens and businesses, modernization of major applications of the state, e-services to citizens, Trustmark for online services • e-Business: e-Education, e-Health, Digital Innovation • Offshoring: Tunisia Smart programme Status: Studies are completed Cost: 2170 M€ / 5430 MDT Tendering Authority: Ministry of Communication, Technologies and Digital Economy Seawater desalination plants in Sfax – Zarrat Gabès – Kerkennah Components • Completion of 3 seawater desalination plants with a capacity of: 100 000 m3 / day extendable to 200 000 m3

/ day for Sfax 50 000 m3 / day extendable to 100 000 m3 / day for Zarrat Gabès 6 000 m3 / day for Kerkennah • Installation of related infrastructure including a pumping station, a connection network to the supply network and disposal of salts All studies are completed Cost: 350M€ / 881MDT Financed by Public-Private Partnership (PPP): • Negotiation with KFW for Zarrat Gabès Plant • Financing from Kuwait Development Fund for Kerkennah Plant Tendering Authority: National Company for Exploitation and Distribution of Water (SONEDE) Multidisciplinary Hospitals Components • The project involves building: A children's hospital in Greater Tunis: 690 beds / 50 000 m2 A cancer treatment centre in Greater Tunis: 173 beds / 40 000 m2 A multidisciplinary A-class hospital in Beja: 368 beds / 38 600 m2 A university hospital in Kairouan In the approval phase of the functional and medical programme The project will be financed by public funds Cost: 310 M€ / 770 MDT Tendering Authority: Ministry of Healthcare Steam Combined Cycle Plant in Skhira Components • 450MW power plant • Studies, implementation of the plant and necessary infrastructure (oil storage, hot water turbines to produce electricity) • Testing and commissioning of the electromechanical equipment Technical studies are underway Cost: 275M€ / 684MDT Tendering Authority: Tunisian Company for Electricity and Gas (STEG) Solar Power Plants Components • Implementing 5 solar power plants to produce electricity from solar energy with a capacity of 50MW • Connecting the solar plants to the grid Looking for funds to conduct studies and establishing the plants Locations identified Studies are underway Cost: 60M€ / 150MDT Tendering Authority: Tunisian Company for Electricity and Gas (STEG) Further Details The Tunisia 2020 conference agenda can be found at: www.tunisia2020.com/en/contact/ Contact Tunisia 2020 by email: info@tunisia2020.com

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16

ARAB BOOK MARKET

ARAB BOOK MARKET WORTH $1 BILLION The Arab book market is worth US$1 billion per annum, according to the Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, who was speaking at a panel session at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2016 (SIBF), which took place from 2 to 12 November.

SIBF 2016 beat all previous records to host more than 2.31 million visitors over its 11 days, with 1,681 publishing houses exhibiting across 60,0000 square metres (645,835 sq. ft.) of space.

of books, 365 days of continuous book fairs, a lot of programmes and training, panels, discussion. We think 800 to 1,500 people will be located there initially, and for later we are talking about 10,000."

The Sharjah International Book Fair takes place annually at Expo Centre Sharjah.

According to the SBA, publishers at the book fair signed 145 deals to translate books from Arabic into other languages in the first few days of the event’s opening.

The event this year took place during the UAE’s ‘Year of Reading 2016′, an initiative to launch a country-wide integrated national literacy strategy and a framework to produce a reading generation and establish the UAE as the capital of cultural and knowledge content. The UAE buys about US$230 million (AED 845m) of books each year.

Significant announcements made during SIBF 2016 included Al Ameri revealing the brand name ‘Turjuman’ for the AED 2 million Sharjah Translation Award for international translation and authorship award which will be run by SBA. Offering further support for SIBF, H H Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi announced a personal donation of AED four million for Sharjah’s libraries to purchase books from participating publishers at the fair, thereby considerably enriching the emirate’s literary landscape.

An array of cultural personalities and media celebrities participated at SIBF 2016, including renowned Egyptian actor Ezzat Al Alaili, Algerian poet and novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi, Saudi poet Dr. Mohammed Al Muqrin, Palestinian poet Ibrahim Nasrallah, Iraqi researcher and writer Rasheed Al Khyoun, International relations expert Dr. Parag Khanna, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and Indian film actor and producer Mammootty. Famous authors taking part included Cassandra Clare, writer of The Mortal Instruments fantasy novels and Eric Van Lustbader, New York Times bestselling author who has penned 10 of The Bourne Series novels.

Guest of Honour at this year’s was the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which was chosen in recognition of its efforts in promoting education and culture in countries affected by war, conflict and natural disasters. UNESCO

The rationale for the City comes from Sharjah's ruler, H H Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi "and his love for books and the book industry," said Al Ameri. His vision is that "Sharjah should take its place between the world capitals for books, and that the book fair should be one of the three main fairs around the world."

presented a rich programme of activities at the fair as part of its strong relationship and shared interests with Sharjah, the Capital of Arab and Islamic Culture.

In addition to hosting the annual book fair, Sharjah also plans to open its purpose-built ‘Sharjah Publishing City’ in January 2017, involving between 140 and 180 international publishers, with the second phase of the development planned for April 2017 allowing up to 400 publishers. A two-storey building is currently being constructed on a 19,000 square metre (204,514 sq. ft.) plot on the Sharjah-Dubai road for the project. The facility will house publishers, distributors, printers, translators and associated businesses.

Publishers from the UK will be among the international publishers involved, alongside the US, India, China and Africa. The names of the UK participants were not initially disclosed.

A second phase of development is planned to bring the number of publishers located in the city up to 400 by the end of April 2017.

Located on the main Dubai to Sharjah road, the "City" will house not just publishers, but also translators, distributors, printing, and paper trading "an A - Z of everything for books, even e-books," said Al Ameri. The City will also feature a bookshop.

Al Ameri told The Bookseller magazine: "What we are trying to do is a United Nations

2017 will also see the building of a new exhibition centre for the Sharjah International Book Fair, doubling its size to 60,000 square metres and providing a single location for both the exhibition and the Fair's professional programme. This is expected to be ready in time to house the 2017 event.

Al Ameri hinted that further developments were also afoot. "We have a lot of surprises in the road," he promised. "The message I want people to learn is that the UAE is an open country, business orientated, with developed infrastructure." he said.

Meanwhile, Sharjah Media City Free Zone was established earlier this year by royal decree and is expected to begin issuing trade licenses to media ventures during the first quarter of 2017. The Free Zone’s mandate is to play a leading role in growing the emirate’s media and creative sectors, attracting entrepreneurs and start-ups and developing local talent. The new zone will have legal independence over licencing and media regulations, in addition to offering worldclass infrastructure and tax-free status.

Finally, Sharjah had announced a wide range of initiatives during the past year to help grow its knowledge economy, including numerous new programmes aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and the development of a Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Park, to be run by the American University of Sharjah.

Sources: Sharjah Update, 09/11/2016; SIBF, 14/11/2016

BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

QATAR BANKING SECTOR REMAINS HEALTHY Defying the global trends, Qatar’s banking sector is remaining healthy, with high capital ratios and a low level of delinquent loans.

Low oil prices have imparted some pressure on deposit mobilisation. However, Qatari banks were able to mobilise funds through other sources without impacting much on the cost or availability of credit, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has said.

The central bank’s work in implementing the Basel III framework since 2014 and also strengthening macro-prudential measures to promote financial stability have played a key role in ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Going forward, creating a conducive financial environment to support economic

diversification while promoting monetary and financial stability remains the paramount goal for the QCB. “The financial sector in Qatar has an important role to play in its transformation to an advanced country as envisaged in Qatar National Vision 2030.

As the governor noted, the QCB has implemented a Strategic Plan (2013-16) in coordination with Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA), and Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) to enhance regulation, expand macro prudential oversight and to strengthen financial market infrastructure.

The Peninsula, 25/11/2016

SHARJAH TAKES ITS INVESTMENT MESSAGE TO FIRST FDI EXPO IN LONDON The Sharjah FDI office, Invest in Sharjah, the flagship driver for promoting investment opportunities in the emirate, recently participated in the inaugural Foreign Direct Investment Expo 2016 (FDI Expo) held in London from November 17 – 18, 2016 at the London Olympia exhibition centre.

FDI Expo brought together more than 3,500 elite delegates and speakers, and served as a platform for highlighting Sharjah’s role as the “Industrial Capital” of the UAE. The Expo explored strategic global FDI ventures which the UK can benefit from especially during its “Post-Brexit” period, introducing new initiatives and ways that British investors can capitalise on their foreign investments across a series of markets including Sharjah, especially in its growing industrial sector.

“Keeping track with the latest trends and investment opportunities with UK markets has always been our top our priority to sustain the strength of our relationships with British investors. Our participation at the FDI Expo enabled us to do so, as well as enabled us to share our “Invest in Sharjah” brand and its vision to a crowd of the most industry leading experts from 80 regions,” said Mohammad Al Musharrkh, Director of Sharjah FDI Office.

“We highlighted some of the main drivers that have positioned Sharjah as the

“Industrial Capital” in the UAE, including legislations and tax-free operations, and shared key insights on how these advantages position Sharjah as a strategic partner for UK markets and investors when going global with their investments.”

“Our markets share one of the most dynamic and flexible policies which continue to attract multiple forms of investments as well as SMEs from all around the world. These policies, along with Sharjah’s economy and industrial sector, are continuously evolving and moving forward in ways they can facilitate and cater to global market demands and trends,” Al Musharrkh highlighted.

“Invest in Sharjah” highlights these advantages and offers a more active approach to sharing these values and opportunities on a global scale, and especially to our British partners.

Additionally, Sharjah is no stranger to British investors as the bilateral relationship between Sharjah and the UK are one of the oldest and strongest trade ties in the world,” he concluded.

Invest in Sharjah is the emirate’s investment promotion agency working under the umbrella of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Shurooq.

Sharjah Update, 24/11/2016

AJMAN TO STRENGTHEN REAL ESTATE LAWS The emirate of Ajman is planning to introduce new real estate regulations which will give it greater authority to reassign stalled projects to companies that have the resources to complete them, an Ajman official has said.

"We are upgrading the existing law because the market has been changing. You have to change," said Yafea Eid Alfaraj, executive director of Ajman’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Arra).

"At the same time, the buildings which have been pending since the recession, we have to do something with them."

Mr Alfaraj said that the law was being introduced to generate "more trust in the market" following the downturn after the global financial crisis of 2008.

The National, 24/11/2016

NEW TECHNOLOGIES IMPROVE MOROCCAN OLIVE PRODUCTION New technologies for the efficient harvest of olives and olive oil have made it possible for Moroccan youth to continue the work of family farms without compromising their economic prospects, according to a new report by Reuters.

The United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Moroccan government supported a team of experts to teach olive farmers the latest innovations in harvesting the edible products of the trees found in abundance in the Moroccan countryside.

Modern equipment was distributed to farmers including batteryoperated pruning shears and vibrating tree rakes that collect olives as they fall from tree branches. Ninety-percent of farmers in villages who have hosted the team reportedly benefitted from the new techniques. This improved each tree olive harvests from 20 kg to 100 kg more.

Agriculture provides employment for 40 percent of the country’s workforce.

MWN, 24/11/2016

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BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

MOROCCO NEW DESTINATION FOR ECOTOURISM

UK HAILS OMAN’S DIVERSIFICATION POLICY

Recent efforts to market Morocco as a prime destination for ecotourism in the Mediterranean are receiving more of the world’s attention.

Dr Liam Fox MP, the UK’s Secretary of State for International Trade, has expressed admiration for Oman’s move towards diversifying its economy and sources of income.

Ecotourism is at the forefront of the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism’s strategy to develop new tourist attractions.

During a visit to Oman, the Minister said that Duqm Port was a strategic transport centre and part of the Sultanate’s economic vision. Dr Fox visited Duqm Port for the signing of a joint venture between Oman Drydock Company and the British Babcock International Group to enhance the port’s naval capabilities.

Sustainability is seen as vital to this tourism strategy because the sector represents about 12% of Morocco’s GDP.

The Minister said that the volume of trade between the two countries stood at £1 billion.

He further said that the UK was seeking to strengthen bilateral relations which would contribute to promoting economic relations and the transfer of British expertise in various fields to Oman.

The British Secretary of State for International Trade congratulated H M Sultan Qaboos on the occasion of Oman’s 46th National Day.

As part of its ecotourism strategy, Morocco has drawn up a charter to encourage professionals to develop new practices that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

He pointed out that the two friendly countries enjoyed unique, strong economic relations as the UK is a major investor in Oman.

Morocco’s Vision 2020 Tourism Strategy aims to make the tourism industry more competitive, increase bed capacity to 372,300, attract 20 million tourists by 2020, and transform the country into one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

UK AND BAHRAIN JOIN HANDS TO FACE ENERGY CHALLENGES

Morocco among Safest Countries for Tourists: UK Foreign Office

Experts from the UK, Bahrain and the wider Gulf region have been discussing ways to develop solutions for regional issues relating to water and energy security.

The British Foreign Office (FCO) travel advice for visitors to Morocco states that “around 600,000 British nationals visit Morocco every year” and that “most visits are trouble-free.”

MWN, 15/08/2016; FCO

Al Nouran to build major sugar plant in Egypt Egypt-based Al Nouran said it will build the largest sugar plant, worth $360 million, in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, with the aim of addressing the country’s sugar shortage.

Egypt has long consumed more sugar than it produces, plugging the gap through imports.

Al Nouran will begin operating its first of four production lines of 14,000-tonnes beet per day, by Spring 2017, it said.

Sprawled over an area of 1.8 million sq m in Al Sharkiya governorate, the plant is master-planned to include four production lines, closing the current one million sugar deficit in Egypt, and venturing into exports, it added.

Gulf Construction, 21/11/2016

‘The Science Collaboration Symposium’ on Water, Energy and Food, in Manama, focused mainly on recent advances in desalination and water reuse technologies.

Ten researchers each from UK and Bahrain, and twenty from other Gulf countries, were part of the discussions at the University of Bahrain’s Sakhir Campus.

The event marked the start of a long term strategy of the governments of UK and Bahrain to work together to overcome joint challenges, the organisers said.

“The workshop in Bahrain forms part of the UK Government’s broader strategic

ONA, 22/11/2016

commitment to strengthen partnerships with research bodies and higher education institutions in Bahrain and the Gulf region through a new programme called the ‘Gulf Science Innovation and Knowledge Economy programme’,” stated the British Council, which organised the event in collaboration with the University of Bahrain.

“The Middle East is home to 70% of the world’s desalination plants, most of which are located in the Gulf. However, the more water they process, the less economically sustainable they become. The process is not only costly, it could also result in a situation known to researchers as ‘peak salt’ – the point at which, as a result of intensive desalination, this process becomes unfeasible,” the organisers stated.

News of Bahrain, 24/11/2016

UK’S BRIGHTON COLLEGE OPENING UP IN DUBAI Brighton College UK and Dwight School New York, two schools new to Dubai with combined enrolment capacity of up to 4,000 students, are on schedule to open doors from the 2018/2019 academic year.

The three primary components of this 89,000 sq m (super) campus include Brighton College Dubai, Dwight School Dubai, and the Centre of Excellence for Arabic Language, Culture and the Arts.

Brighton College Dubai will offer a K-12 British curriculum, seeking to replicate the

phenomenal academic success of Brighton College in the UK. Established under Bloom Education’s partnership with Brighton College, the most academically successful co-educational school in the UK, the partners now look forward to becoming trusted providers of innovative and future-focused education in the Emirate.

Brighton College was recently named UK School of the Year by The Times newspaper.

PR Newswire, 23/11/2016

BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

KSA’S MAADEN TO RAMP UP PHOSPHATE OUTPUT IN 2017 Saudi Arabian Mining Co. (Maaden) intends to ramp up production of phosphate from its new Waad Al-Shamal facility by mid-2017, the company’s CEO Khalid AlMudaifer said.

Once at full capacity in 2019, the complex will roughly double Saudi Arabia’s production of the material, which is primarily used as a fertiliser, to 6 million tons a year — putting it joint-sixth globally, according to production data from the US Geological Survey.

“Construction will be completed by the end of this year and, starting next year, we will begin production ramp up on a staggered basis to reach full capacity,” Al-Mudaifer said.

The additional capacity will make Maaden the world’s third largest phosphate producer, he said.

“Wa’ad Al Shamal will have a major impact on the phosphate fertilizer market,” said Chris Lawson, Senior Consultant, Head of Phosphate Analysis at CRU Group. Full capacity would be reached by 2019.

Arab News, 25/11/2016

GCC BANKS LOOKING TO AFRICA FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES The larger local banks in the GCC are approaching saturation in their home market and are starting to venture out to attractive markets such as Africa, according to EY’s GCC Wealth and Asset Management Report 2016 ‘Global forces drive regional realities”.

Dubai in particular has emerged as an attractive hub for Africa, as Europe did for the GCC region some years ago.

George Triplow, MENA Wealth and Asset Management Leader, EY, stated: “Although market shares between local and international banks may fluctuate, the region is now arguably overbanked. With high levels of protection in the GCC markets, some of the larger local players are starting to focus on markets further afield.

“The UAE’s strong ties with African markets encouraged a number of African businesses to use Dubai and the Dubai International Financial Centre as an infrastructure hub.”

The wealth and asset management sector has been slow to embrace the digital agenda in the GCC region, the EY report stated, but that is now beginning to change across much of the industry. At the simplest level, there is a growing focus on using online and app-based platforms to improve the client experience.

KUWAIT UNVEILS $132BN ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN Kuwait has embarked on an ambitious project to develop five islands at an investment of nearly KD40 billion ($132 billion), said a report.

The Supreme Council for Planning and Development is working on feasibility studies, engineering designs and investment laws for the project, reported Zawya Projects, citing an Arabic daily.

Kuwait plans to introduce incentives to attract foreign investment in the islands

project, including tax exemptions for up to 10 years, stated the report, citing top government sources.

Feasibility studies will be completed next year and the islands project expected to be ready by 2030, it added.

Trade Arabia, 22/11/2016

“Many Gulf banks have already implemented sophisticated digital tools for retail banking, often with better capabilities than many Western banks. Some are now extending this to wealth management, although so far largely just for informational rather than transactional purposes,” Triplow concluded.

Oman Daily Observer, 20/11/2016

Canadian firm wins Basra water contract Canadia’s Pro Technique company has won the second phase of Basra Water Pumping Station with a cost of $80 million.

Local news sources stated that the project would be financed by Japan and will be completed in January 2018.

This project will provide 300,000 cubic meters of water to Basra province and enhance the provision and supply of water to the city, the sources added.

Iraq Trade Link News, 18/11/2016

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BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

TOP 10 INVESTMENT IDEAS FOR 2017 Global growth is likely to accelerate moderately in 2017, with US growth improving and China continuing to slow, says UBS Wealth Management in a new report highlighting top 10 investment ideas for the coming year.

Next year investors face a polarized political world, says UBS. Global gross domestic product (GDP) growth is likely to rise to 3.5 per cent from 3.1 per cent this year as US growth improves, despite the ongoing slowdown in China. With elections set for the Netherlands, France and Germany, investors will need to be conscious of increased postBrexit division in Europe.

In the US, CIO expects the Federal Reserve to hike rates once in December and twice in 2017, but new fiscal stimulus should support growth, and inflation is likely to rise more than rates. In the Eurozone, the European Central Bank will probably start to taper quantitative easing. China will likely continue to manage its slowdown and let the USDCNY exchange rate depreciate to 7.0 in 12 months.

Mark Haefele, global chief investment officer at UBS Wealth Management, said: "We believe that central banks in the US and Europe will continue to err on the side of loose monetary policy. This means equities can remain supported, most notably in the US and emerging markets, and that investments with a decent yield will remain sought after. Investors will also need to consider means of hedging portfolios against rising inflation."

THE LESSONS OF 2016 1. Don't confuse a base case with a done deal. The past year has been ignominious for base case forecasts. Donald Trump won the US election. The UK voted to leave the EU. And central banks were forced to ease policy more than previously thought necessary.

2. Don't panic. 2016 rewarded investors who remained calm amid uncertainty. The MSCI All-Country World Index dropped 13 per cent early in the year on concerns over China, but

bounced back by the end of March. After the Brexit vote, markets regained prior highs within three weeks.

3. Don't underestimate central banks.

Central bank policy surprises this year meant that even some negative-yielding assets provided positive returns.

TOP 10 IDEAS FOR 2017 1. US equities. US earnings should grow 8 per cent in 2017, supported by stabilizing oil prices, accommodative monetary policy and potential fiscal stimulus from the Trump administration.

2. Emerging market (EM) equities. A softer US dollar, low developed market (DM) interest rates and stabilizing GDP growth and commodity prices should continue to help EM stocks next year.

3. EM FX basket. Low DM rates help make high-yielding EM FX – real, rupee, ruble, & rand – attractive versus growth-sensitive DM peers – Australian & Canadian dollars & Swedish krone.

4. Asia Pacific real estate investment trusts should also benefit from low DM rates. Yields relative to government bonds are attractive compared with global averages.

5. Dividends and buybacks. With yields ultralow in the Eurozone, Japan, and Switzerland, companies offering reliable incomes there have become even more appealing.

6. US senior loans. Senior loan yields offer a 4 per cent pickup over short-maturity investment-grade corporate bonds, which is attractive even if default rates rise to longterm averages.

7. US Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities

(TIPS). CIO expects TIPS to benefit from higher wage growth, stabilizing oil prices, potential fiscal stimulus and a weaker US dollar.

8. Palladium and platinum. A pickup in industrial activity, political uncertainty and falling real interest rates should support both precious metals in 2017.

9. Alternatives. Traditional asset class returns are likely to be moderate in 2017.

The uncorrelated exposure offered by hedge funds, private markets, and short-term investment opportunities will be more valuable than ever.

10. Sell high-grade bonds. Yields are negligible and risks are rising. Investors could consider replicating some of the asset class's insurance features with other approaches, including systematic hedging and allocation strategies.

RECOMMENDED LONG-TERM INVESTMENT THEMES FOR 2017 AND BEYOND 1. Emerging market healthcare catch-up. In developing nations, spending on healthcare is far outpacing GDP growth, creating opportunities for companies and impact investors.

2. Energy efficiency. Governments are increasing incentives to cut down on carbon emissions and lower energy consumption.

Such standards now cover 30 per cent of the fuel used worldwide.

3. The education gap. Companies are helping to meet demand for higher education and training as governments struggle to keep up.

TradeArabia News Service, 23/11/2016

OMAN INKS DEAL TO BUILD NEW BEACHFRONT CITY COMPLEX Oman's tourism ministry has signed an agreement with Orascom Development Holding to build a new beachfront city complex.

Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi, Minister of Tourism, signed the deal with Samih Sawaris, chairman of Orascom and Omani tourist firm Muriya, to develop City Walk.

development comes as part of the continued collaboration between the Ministry and Muriya to bring long-term value to Oman’s tourism, retail and real estate sectors.

project that will comprise a 355-metre waterfront, a retail area with shops and restaurants, as well as an upscale 5-star hotel.

Set to be located in North Al Hail, the

City Walk will be a 47,999 square metre

Arabian Business, 25/11/2016

MEGATRENDS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

LOOKING TO 2017 AND BEYOND: MEGATRENDS IN THE MIDDLE EAST Demographic and social change, shift in global economic power, rapid urbanisation, climate change and resource scarcity and technological breakthroughs will dictate and shape the future of the region, says a new report.

PwC, one of the world’s largest professional services firms, has launched its first-ever regional megatrends report entitled Middle East Megatrends: Transforming our region.

The report explores the profound changes that are disrupting and reshaping the region’s economies, society and industries, compounded by the urgency caused by the sharp drop in oil prices. The report’s insights,

a result of conversations between PwC and its clients across the region and beyond, have been distilled down into five global shifts or Megatrends that the firms says are already having a major impact on the Middle East, and whose impact, it believes, will continue to be felt over the coming decades.

governments in the region about how these megatrends are reshaping the economic and commercial landscape in the Middle East and guide discussions on what can be done to successfully navigate these transformative changes in the years to come, reported Trade Arabia News Service.

The report aims to foster a debate amongst thought leaders, businesses and

According to PwC, understanding these key structural megatrends is vital to gain a clear

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and collective understanding for how to successfully tackle the challenges the Middle East faces and to uncover opportunities that may have never been considered in the past: • Demographic and social change has driven both prosperity and instability in much of the region, as explosive population growth has boosted economies, strained resources and raised the spectre of youth unemployment. The Middle East has led the emerging market population boom in the past decade. This means that the region is young, with 40 per cent of its people under 25; but it is also a region with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, standing at 28 per cent.

Population in the Middle East is expected to rise by almost 50 per cent over the next 25 years – at a rate faster than that of India; however its age pyramid will shift by 2050, with far more elderly nationals in the GCC (20 per cent) than the expected world average (16 per cent). Leveraging young people’s brain power and capabilities has therefore become vital for economic prosperity.

• Shift in global economic power has placed the Middle East firmly in the middle of the world’s fastest-growing markets and allowed Dubai in particular, to turn itself into a global hub for aviation, tourism and logistics. Through Dubai International Airport, the city has also turned itself into a key link, connecting the economies of the East and the West and placing the UAE within a four-hour flight of 40 per cent of the world’s population.

• Rapid urbanisation is transforming nations worldwide, yet the Middle East region remains one of the most highly urbanised in the world. And with new cities under construction, this level continues to rise – making it a struggle to develop sufficient infrastructure to cope with this population explosion.

However, the years of sky-rocketing population expansion are now almost behind

us, with focus shifts today making urban spaces function optimally, as evidenced by the public transport build-up in Dubai, or in the development of new cities such as King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia and plans for a new capital city East of Cairo.

This, PwC says, reflects the $4 trillion opportunity of projects planned or under construction in the Mena region.

Middle East, said: “This seminal report comes at a very important time as our region finds itself in flux. The Middle East today is at the epicentre of megatrends that are reshaping our world; our ‘new normal’ era of low oil price and squeezed liquidity has therefore created the impetus for urgent action and that is something we wish to come through loud and clear in this report.”

• Climate change and resource scarcity is today more than ever, a pressing issue for the Middle East. And changing the way humans use the planet’s resources will impact GCC countries more than most, given that GCC countries are among the world’s highest consumers of energy and water per capita. Water in particular, will become a significant challenge in the coming decade, with the GCC already relying on desalination for 70 per cent of its water and water consumption being forecast to grow by one-third by 2020.

He added: “While it is true that the urgency of the transformation currently underway is a reaction to the sharp drop in oil revenues, the direction of change – and its complexity – is an inevitable response to these multiple global forces. By helping our partners in the government and private sectors alike understand this broader context, we can ensure they are armed with all the tools necessary to make this transformation a success.”

• Technological breakthroughs, however, could be part of the answer to these issues, but the disruption that digitalisation is bringing to today’s organisations also requires new skills that are in short supply in the Middle East. The Middle East has many of the right ingredients to benefit from new technologies, with young, tech-savvy populations in countries like Saudi Arabia ranking fourth globally in active Twitter usage, and the UAE reaching 78 per cent smartphone penetration.

However, most companies and government entities are struggling to develop digital strategies and are lagging in terms of digital innovation, R&D and the development of new technologies. R&D expenditure in Saudi Arabia and the UAE for example, is still below 1 per cent of GDP – well behind European averages and far behind the world’s biggest R&D spenders such as South Korea.

Commenting on the release of the report, Hani Ashkar, PwC Territory senior partner,

Meanwhile, Stephen Anderson, Middle East Clients and Markets Leader noted: “Governments know they need to cut subsidies, expand their fiscal base and bring private investment and corporate practices into state entities. But they also know they need to keep building infrastructure and enable technology and innovation. Governments and businesses alike can translate an understanding of these megatrends into practical guidelines for future strategy and through this report’s insights, we hope to enable them to do just that.”

“From transportation to energy, healthcare to manufacturing, changes of this magnitude can unveil unforeseen threats and challenges. By fostering a deep understanding of the undercurrents shaping society and businesses in the Middle East, PwC supports its partners in the government and the private sectors to manage these changes and seize all opportunities that arise,” he ended.

PwC is a member of the ABCC

ARAB GREEN ECONOMY

UNDP STATE OF GREEN ECONOMY REPORT 2017 Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has launched the State of Green Economy Report 2017, a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) backed publication. The 3rd report was launched at the World Climate Summit organised during the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the UNFCCC, in Marrakech, Morocco.

The event was attended by Dr Hakima El Haite, Minister Delegate for the Environment in the Kingdom of Morocco, Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Adnan Amin, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Miriem Bensalah Chaqroun, President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Companies, Bertrand Piccard, Initiator, Chairman and Pilot of Solar Impulse, Yvo de Boer, Former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Frode Mauring, the UNDP Resident Representative in the UAE, Qatar and Oman, Jens Nielsen, CEO, World Climate

Ltd , Paul Polman , CEO of Unilever and other international personalities.

The State of Green Economy Report 2017 aims to help the UAE sustain its economic growth, while keeping the green economy as the fuel for this growth. The report is created around the theme of Knowledge, and aims to provide the public and private sectors with a clear overview of the government’s plans, as well as offer a benchmark on the country’s current standing in green economy.

"The 4th of November 2016 was a historical date as it marked when the Paris Agreement came into force. It is with great pleasure

that we meet here today to reaffirm our commitment to the Agreement. The Paris Agreement charts a new course in our efforts to combat climate change and limit its effects, both as individual countries and as part of something far bigger: a global network that by working together can make a real change. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has adopted green growth and sustainable development," said Al Tayer.

He continued: "Last year, His Highness announced the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy

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2050. This strategy has a target to make Dubai a global centre for clean energy and green economy, which will also contribute to making Dubai the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world by 2050. Based on our leadership’s vision, we have set primary goals to ensure our continued social and economic development by mitigating the corresponding negative impacts on our environment. We will continue our efforts to achieve this vision so that it remains a beacon that shapes our policies, strategies, and practices for government, which in turn will promote social change.

We recognise that there are different methods of achieving as every nation will follow its own path towards a green economy that is adapted to their own social, economic and environmental conditions. Nonetheless, we also recognise the importance of this being a common goal, along with the lessons learned along the way. Sharing experiences, transferring knowledge, and providing support across borders is the only way we can all prosper into the future," "Each year, we organise the World Green Economy Summit, which is an international forum for government representatives, business leaders, decision makers, experts, specialists and other stakeholders to gather and create partnerships between the public and private sectors. It encourages dialogue and knowledge exchange, which are vital elements in pushing us forward in planning and implementing the shift to a global green economy. At this year’s summit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO), which is supported by the Government of Dubai and in partnership with UNDP. WGEO will be based in Dubai, pioneering a new approach to promoting the green economy by bringing together governments, the private sector, foundations, UN agencies, financial organisations, and civil society, to work on achieving the green economy goals, and to serve as a mechanism for generating new solutions to climate change, sustainable energy, and other challenges for water and the environment around the world.

“This year was a very productive one for the UAE. In addition to these initiatives to encourage international cooperation, we have continued to propel the shift in our own economy, adding further smart services and focusing on diversifying the energy mix to incorporate renewable energy sources.

“We have numerous initiatives underway, covering all sectors of industry, the economy, and society, to ensure a prosperous, happy and healthy future, for generations to come.

Many of these initiatives are outlined in this year’s edition of the State of Green Economy Report, which is an annual review and critical reflection of the current situation of the green economy landscape. The report traces our successes in green economic

development, offering a knowledge base for national and international experts and thought leaders to share research and development, tools, and repeatable initiatives. This year alone, Dubai has recorded two milestones in renewables.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority received the world’s lowest solar tariff at USD 2.99 cents per kW/h, an improvement on DEWA’s previous record of USD 5.6 cents per kW/h. This resulted in an increase in our commitment to clean energy providing 75% of Dubai’s total power output by 2050 and launching the Dubai Green Fund, a USD 27 billion (AED 100 billion) green investment vehicle to support green investments and green growth," added Al Tayer.

"It is a privilege and honour to be here to present the State of Green Economy Report 2017. In this report, we capture success stories that we wish to share to contribute to global sustainable and green development.

The report demonstrates our commitment to develop and implement green programmes and initiatives across all sectors, making a strong case for a green transition to a robust low-carbon economy.

It also provides an overview of initiatives that promote innovation, and policies that help accelerate the transition. The report also underlines the efforts made to encourage and enable different sectors to participate in the transition towards a green economy.

It serves as a roadmap to establish new market-driven models to decarbonise the energy sector and encourage the market to adopt energy efficiency. The report emphasises that knowledge leads to change and helps redesign strategies. It provides cutting-edge information to both policymakers and practitioners. The report is divided into 8 areas of green economy development, connected through one common theme: Knowledge, which is the main driver to sustainable development and a guarantee that it remains on the right path," said Al Tayer.

"Human civilization, throughout history, has stood at the edge of many new frontiers. Strong political leadership, with the help of thought leaders, think-tanks, innovators, academicians, businesses and entrepreneurs, and utilising knowledge as

a common link, has ensured our consistent progress and sustained economic growth.

The transition to a green economy is not a journey into the unknown. The globallyaccepted UN Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals are well-defined. The targets are clear.

“A better understanding of climate change helps deliver specific solutions based on technology and innovation. Smart cities are sustainable cities. The sustained green growth will reflect positively not only on the environment and ecosystems but also socially. Each chapter opens with a thought leader and continues to highlight the remarkable contributions of individuals and organisations in knowledge-sharing and building partnerships," noted Al Tayer.

At the end of his speech, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer handed Dr. Hakima El Haite and other attending personalities a copy of The State of Green Economy Report 2017.

Produced with the support of organisations that are leading the way in the Emirate and the UAE, including DEWA, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Empower, ENOC, RTA, Dubai Sustainable Tourism, UAE Water Aid, Dubal Holding, Dubai Science Park and EGA to name a few, the report is a success story of what can be achieved through knowledge sharing and the building of strong partnerships, while advancing towards new frontiers. The report is divided into eight chapters anchored by an opinion from a thought leader, highlighting the remarkable contribution of individuals, as well as government entities.

"The report confirms the UAE’s dedication to combating climate change while increasing the share of renewable energy. It sheds light on the most important strategies, initiatives, existing projects and success stories across various industries including energy, water, oil and gas, industry, transportation, construction, tourism, wastes, land planning, agriculture and finance, in addition to following up on the progress achieved by the UAE in its transformation into a green economy," said Waleed Salman, Chairman of the Dubai Carbon.

WAM, 13/11/2016

EGYPT

EGYPT’S MODERN RETAIL SEGMENT SET TO RECORD HIGHER GROWTH RATES With slow growth and double-digit inflation, Egypt has its fair share of challenges, but the country’s retail sector appears to be easing into recovery mode, aided by an increase in formal activity and favourable demographics.

The most visible evidence of the return to form of the 82m-person consumer market was Egypt’s reinstatement on AT Kearney’s 2016 Global Retail Development Index for the first time since 2011.

The country’s modern retail segment is forecast to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% this year and next, potentially doubling by 2021, according to AT Kearney’s “Egypt (Cautiously) Back in Business” report. Between 2013 and 2015, retail sales grew by a CAGR of 6.3%, despite economic and political uncertainty during that period.

Long-term fundamentals Sector growth is expected to further be supported by a growing population, with the potential to reach 100m by 2020, as well as an expanding middle class – categorised as households earning between $10,000 and $25,000 – which could rise from 19% in 2015 to 34% in 2019, significantly increasing disposable income.

Recovering economic growth is another key factor behind the retail sector’s strengthening outlook over the medium term.

Egypt’s GDP reached 4.2% in FY 2014/15, and although it dropped to an estimated 3.8% in FY 2015/16, GDP is predicted to pick up again to 4% in FY 2016/17, according to the IMF’s “World Economic Outlook” for October 2016.

Shifting trends The retail sector’s prospects go beyond the sheer size of the market. Crucially, Egypt is also seeing a shift in consumption patterns, with consumers increasingly turning to retail units, such as supermarkets and hypermarkets, instead of traditional outlets, with modern retailers’ share of the grocery market predicted to grow from 18% last year to 28% in 2019.

The relatively low market share of the

modern retail segment demonstrates how far the market is from saturation, with ample room for growth over the coming years, according to Ahmed Badrawi, CEO of Marakez Group.

“The retail sector in Egypt is significantly underserved, with the population growing by 2m people per year,” Badrawi told OBG. With the bulk of sales – particularly for fastmoving consumer goods – happening at the lower end of the market, the performance of formal grocery and discount outlets provides an indicator of the sector’s overall health. Discount markets are expected to record strong growth, with AT Kearney forecasting a CAGR of 47% in sales between 2015 and 2019, with players like Turkey’s BIM and local outfit Kazyon looking to expand. Hypermarkets and supermarkets are expected to see CAGR of 14% and 12%, respectively, in the same period.

Proceed with caution That being said, there are still plenty of risks ahead, such as supply chain problems and inflation, which could slow or reverse the sector’s performance.

Some industry stakeholders, for example, point to the time-consuming procedures for importing and registering products, and the importance of focusing on stock availability, while others note the importance of

government policies to promote investment.

"The formal retail sector is a key source of inward investment, job creation and tax contribution. In spite of this, government policy seems much more focused on imposing restrictions to reduce imports rather than growing the industry,” Badrawi told OBG. Inflation is another key area of concern, with the annual urban consumer price inflation (CPI) rate rising to 15.5% in August, up significantly from 14% in July, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics. With a potential devaluation on the cards, the cost of imported goods is also likely to contribute to upward pressure on the CPI. The jump in CPI in August may indicate a resumption of an uptick in prices, at a time when economic growth may be temporarily slowing. The IMF expects inflation to trend upwards in the medium term from 10.2% in FY 2015/16 to 18.2% in FY 2016/17, but to see a large decrease to 7.1% in FY 2020/21.

But these rates are still high by international standards and could offset wage increases, including financial aid programmes established by the government to mitigate the impact of fiscal consolidation on the poorest – schemes that could otherwise help support small retailers.

OBG, 21/11/2016

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ECONOMICLAW FOCUS SYRIA BID TO WOO INVESTORS

OVER HALF OF BRITISH BUSINESSES DON’T KNOW UNFAIR CONTRACT RULES WELL Consumers and businesses are both at risk of losing out as new research reveals many firms do not know the law on terms and conditions well.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK’s primary competition and consumer authority, published research among UK businesses revealing that 54% of those surveyed do not fully understand the rules on unfair terms which directly impacts on how they treat their customers.

Research for the CMA also revealed that some businesses think a signed contract is final, not realising that they cannot enforce a term against a consumer if it is unfair. Others may copy terms from larger businesses or competitors, assuming incorrectly that these will be automatically fair and legally binding.

In response the CMA has today launched a new campaign, consisting of simple videos and guides, to inform businesses about what makes a term ‘unfair’ and help them understand how to treat their consumers fairly.

Unfair terms are those that give businesses an unfair advantage over consumers, often by reducing their rights or ability to complain if things go wrong. For example, they can include: • Keeping all of a customer’s deposit if they cancel, regardless of the amount the business is actually losing as a result; • Using excessively long notice periods that end up tying customers into a contract for longer than they want; • Excluding the business’ liability for things that are its fault (i.e. delays, or faulty goods or services).

The research showed that less than half

(45%) of those surveyed claimed to know the rules on unfair terms well, whereas 36% owned up to not having a strong grasp, and 18% admitted they had never heard of them.

It also found that 67% of UK businesses sell to consumers, with most of these using some form of terms and conditions. The rules on using unfair terms are set down in the Consumer Rights Act (CRA) 2015. However, only 15% said they were familiar with the Act when asked.

Paul Latham, Director of Communications at the CMA, said: “Consumers have a right to be treated fairly – and businesses need to know that they can’t rely on their terms and conditions if they’re not fair.

“We know that the majority of businesses want to do the right thing by their customers, but it’s worrying that many businesses are not familiar with the law. That’s why we have launched this campaign to help businesses protect themselves against breaking the law, and against using contracts that they can’t enforce.”

Leon Livermore, Chartered Trading Standards Institute Chief Executive, said: “Consumers often have little choice but to accept terms and conditions, so it’s vital to know that they’re getting a fair deal.

“The CMA’s guides are a way of helping businesses understand their obligations but trading standards services are also on hand to advise or take enforcement action against those who do not comply.”

Mike Cherry, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman, said:

“Clear guidance is important, in what is a complicated area of law. Businesses want to treat consumers fairly and they need the right information. It’s good to see the CMA taking this positive step to help firms comply when setting out contract terms.”

To assist consumers and businesses, the CMA has today launched a series of guides on how businesses can check their own terms for ‘fairness’. These include: • Animated videos on common areas where terms can be unfair; • Simple at-a-glance guides; • An online quiz for businesses to check how much they know about the law.

These short guides complement the more detailed guidance on unfair terms that the CMA produced in 2015. The guides show how fair terms can help save time, avoid disputes with customers and enhance a business’ reputation whilst still protecting them if things go wrong.

Consumers who encounter a problem with a business can get advice from the Citizen’s Advice consumer service.

Competition and Markets Authority, 24/10/2016 Contact CMA Email: general.enquiries@cma.gsi.gov.uk Tel enquiries: 020 3738 6000 https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/competition-and-marketsauthority

ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LAW 27

NEW SAUDI ARABIA ARBITRATION CENTRE SIGNALS RISE OF A NEW REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ARBITRATION HUB

By Ben Cowling, Partner, Clyde & Co

The SCCA Rules

It is common knowledge that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Arabian Gulf and has the second largest proven oil reserves in the world. It is less well-known that, in recent years, the Kingdom has developed an advanced arbitration system – starting with the 2012 Arbitration Law based on the UNCITRAL Model Law and now the publication of world-standard arbitration rules by the Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA).

Such developments put the Kingdom on a direct path to becoming a regional and global arbitration hub – including the seat of choice for the many Saudi disputes that, historically, have been determined by other local and international dispute resolution fora.

In 2016, the SCCA released its Arbitration Rules (effective 31 July 2016) ("SCCA Rules")1. The SCCA Rules are the first rules of arbitration for general application to commercial dealings to be released in the Kingdom.

The context

Emergency procedures and interim measures

Historically, disputes concerning commercial dealings in Saudi Arabia have been referred to international arbitration centres (such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)) or to the local courts (particularly in relation to government contracts). As such, significant barriers to the efficient resolution of Saudi commercial disputes exist – including, in the case of offshore arbitration, additional cost, inconvenience and obstacles to the enforcement of awards.

In 2012, a new Saudi Arbitration Law was enacted by Royal Decree M/34. The Arbitration Law is based on the UNCITRAL Model Law and intended to be consistent with the principles enshrined in the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, which the Kingdom acceded to in 1994. Saudi Arabia was the first of the Gulf States to adopt a form of the UNCITRAL Model Law into its domestic law, thereby leading the region in bringing its arbitration law into line with international standards.

The SCCA Established by a Cabinet decision in 2014, the SCCA is an independent body governed by a Board of Directors from the private sector (who are prohibited from also holding government positions). It is the SCCA's aim to be the preferred alternative dispute resolution choice in the Gulf region by 2030.

The SCCA has stated that its starting point for the development of the SCCA Rules was the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, although the SCCA has not been afraid to make significant amendments to the template, as exemplified by the below: Administration While the SCCA Rules are based on UNCITRAL, they provide for institutional, and not ad hoc, arbitration with the SCCA acting as the "appointing authority".

Consistent with the trend across all sets of major institutional rules, the SCCA Rules contain a provision for the appointment of an emergency arbitrator with power to grant relief prior to the appointment of the arbitral tribunal.

Joinder The SCCA Rules provide for the joinder of third parties beyond the claimant and respondent stated in the original notice of arbitration. Again, this is reflective of multi-party changes introduced to many sets of arbitral rules, most recently the SIAC Arbitration Rules.

Seat and language of arbitration Under the SCCA Rules, parties are free to specify the seat of the arbitration, as well as the language of the arbitration, as they see fit.

Governing law Consistent with UNCITRAL, the SCCA Rules state that the arbitral tribunal is bound to decide in accordance with the terms of the contract, taking account any usage of trade applicable to the transaction. That said, these provisions of the SCCA Rules are expressly stated to be subject to the rules of Sharia and any international conventions to which the Kingdom is a party.

Appointment of arbitral tribunal In a significant departure from UNCITRAL, arbitral tribunals consisting of three members (unless the parties have agreed otherwise) are not constituted by each party nominating one member and those

two members selecting a chairperson.

Instead, the SCCA provides a common list of candidates from which the parties are to try to agree the members of the arbitral tribunal, failing which the SCCA will select the members based on those 'approved' by both parties from the list and ranked in order of preference.

Pleadings and procedure Unlike UNCITRAL, the SCCA Rules do not require pleadings and the arbitral tribunal has a wide discretion to determine its own procedure – including deciding preliminary issues and bifurcating proceedings.

Privilege The SCCA Rules state that the arbitral tribunal shall take into account the applicable principles of privilege, including those involving the confidentiality of communications between lawyer and client.

In particular (and uniquely in the region), the SCCA Rules state that when the parties, their counsel or the documents would be subject under applicable law to different rules, the arbitral tribunal should, to the extent possible, apply the same rules to all parties, giving preference to the rule that provides the highest level of protection.

Awards In addition to the usual procedures for the making of awards under UNCITRAL, the SCCA Rules state that the final award to be made no later than 60 days from the date of the closing of the hearing unless otherwise agreed by the parties, specified by law or determined by the Administrator.

Fees Finally, consistent with an ICC approach, the SCCA Rules fix administrative and arbitrators' fees as a percentage of the value of the amount in dispute.

A bright future The establishment of the SCCA and the release of its impressive Arbitration Rules is an extremely positive development and should promote further foreign investment and business confidence in the Kingdom's economy. We have already seen parties adopting the SCCA Rules and believe that they recognise a further a shift towards a recognition by Saudi parties that arbitration is a commercial, robust and reliable method for dispute resolution that should considered and embraced.

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PATENT AND IP ROUND UP Djibouti Djibouti became the 150th member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) on June 23, 2016. Accordingly, PCT entered into force on September 23, 2016 and DJ will be automatically designated on all PCT applications as of that date.

The Office of Industrial Property and Commerce of Djibouti will act as a receiving office for local applicants with the possibility of designating the Egyptian Patent Office as the International Search Authority.

The law in Djibouti has not yet been amended to recognize the PCT, however.

In the absence of a new patent law and related implementing regulations to govern international filings, the applicable time limit for national phase entry (NPE) under both Ch. I and Ch. II is 30 months from the earliest priority, with the possibility for restoration of the right of priority under PCT Rule 49ter.2 for both “unintentional” and “due care” requests.

Oman The Patent Office in Oman announced that substantive examination fees related to patent applications that have passed formality examination between 2013 and 2014 must be paid by November 21, 2016. No extension of time is possible.

As a reminder, the Omani and the Egyptian Patent Offices signed a memorandum of

understanding on September 10, 2014 in which the two offices will work together towards the development of capabilities at the Omani Patent Office.

The Egyptian Patent Office will also act as the examining office for all pending and new patent applications filed in Oman.

The Egyptian Patent Office is the only Arab office that serves as an International Search Authority, as well as an International Preliminary Examination Authority.

Kuwait The tenth edition of the Nice Classification is expected to enter into force on January 1, 2017 in Kuwait, thus replacing the outgoing eighth edition. The adoption of the 10th edition will not affect trademarks already filed and registered in Kuwait. Upon next renewal, goods and classes affected by this change in formalities should be reclassified accordingly by the Trademark Office.

It is important to note that regardless of which edition of the Nice Classification is being used, the trademark offices across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which Kuwait is a member of, will depart from the Nice Classification when dealing with items that contradict Sharia law. For example, trademarks covering alcoholic goods and related retail or wholesale services are prohibited. By way of background, the GCC member states are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

ARIPO: Partnering up with the EUIPO The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on October 3, 2016. The purpose of the MOU is to increase bilateral cooperation between the two regional organizations in the field of intellectual property.

This cooperation will be achieved by: • The publication of ARIPO trademark and industrial design data on EUIPO online information and classification systems • The exchange of information between the two countries on the legislative front • Providing specialized training to governmental enforcement agencies • Holding regular meetings between government officials from both countries to discuss and exchange the latest intellectual property issue • Cooperation on the automation and modernization on the IT front.

With this MOU, ARIPO shows its commitment to develop and establish a competent IP system and demonstrates its awareness of the strategic importance of IP on the member countries’ economic development.

Source: SABA Intellectual Property

‫* الحوسبة وتكنولوجيا املعلومات (‪ ،)IT‬واالتصاالت‬

‫ األكاديمية امللكية للفنون املسرحية‬‫ األكاديمية االسكتلندية امللكية للموسيقى والدراما‬‫‪ -‬املجلس الوطني للدراما التدريب‬

‫* قطاع األزياء واملالبس * قطاع الفنادق والضيافة والترفيه واملطاعم‬

‫* التمريض‪ ،‬والقبالة‪ ،‬والعالج الطبيعي والرعاية الصحية‬ ‫* النفط وصناعة الغاز‬

‫* قطاع الهندسة‬

‫* مجال القانون‬ ‫* مجال التسويق واإلعالن‬ ‫* وسائل اإلعالم‪ ،‬والوسائط املتعددة‪ ،‬واإلذاعة والسينما والفيديو‬ ‫* مجال الطب وعلم النفس وطب األسنان والطب البيطري والجراحة‬

‫* النشر والصحافة‬ ‫* البيع بالتجزئة‬ ‫* تجارة التجزئة‬ ‫* أعمال السكرتارية واملكاتب‬

‫طب األسنان أطباء األسنان‪ :‬يقدم معلومات عن أطباء األسنان املؤهلين عن‬ ‫العمل في اململكة املتحدة‪ ،‬والتدريب السريري أو أخصائي‪ ،‬أو الدورات * قطاع الرعاية االجتماعية‪ ،‬وتقديم املشورة‪ ،‬واإلسكان‬ ‫للحصول على درجة الدراسات العليا في اململكة املتحدة‪ .‬األطباء‪ * NACPME :‬الرياضة‪ ،‬واللياقة البدنية والترفيه‬ ‫(مركز املشورة وطنية للتعليم الطبي الدراسات العليا) يقدم خدمة املعلومات‬ ‫لألطباء في الخارج املؤهلين في الخارج والذين يرغبون في الحصول على التدريب * قطاع التدريس‬ ‫في اململكة املتحدة‪.‬‬ ‫* القطاع التطوعي‬ ‫* املوسيقى والرقص والفنون املسرحية والدراما‪ .‬الكليات امللكية البريطانية‬ ‫أخذ بتصرف من المصادر التالية‪-:‬‬ ‫للموسيقى و‪ /‬أو الدراما هي‪:‬‬ ‫‪Vocational Training in the UK‬‬ ‫‪http://www.cavc.ac.uk/en/international/our-international‬‬‫ األكاديمية امللكية للموسيقى‬‫‪/programmes/vocational-training‬‬ ‫ الكلية امللكية للموسيقى‬‫‪ -‬الكلية امللكية الشمالية للموسيقى‬

‫* التعليم والتدريب المهني‬ ‫‪Vocational Education and training‬‬ ‫‪http://www.abahe.co.uk/terminologies-vocational-education-and-training.html‬‬ ‫* التعليم والتدريب المهني في بريطانيا‬ ‫‪http://uqu.edu.sa/files2/tiny_mce/pl...81711/EXP5.pdf‬‬

‫‪‬‬

‫‪‬‬

‫املستوى الرابع ‪ ،Level 4‬وأهم مسؤوليات املستوى الثاني من‬ ‫اإلشراف هي اإلدارة ضمن فريق العمل‪ ،‬حيث يتأهل املوظف‬ ‫بالصالحيات التي تنطوي على تطبيق املعارف في مجموعة‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫واسعة من أنشطة العمل املعقدة تقنيا أو مهنيا التي تنفذ في‬ ‫سياقات متنوعة‪ ،‬ويكون املوظف على درجة كبيرة من‬ ‫املسؤولية الشخصية واالستقاللية في اإلشراف على تشغيل و‬ ‫كل من فريق العمل و املوارد‪ ،‬و يكافئ هذا املستوى‬ ‫إدارة ٍ‬ ‫درجة علمية بمستوى شهادات التعليم العالي ‪Certificates‬‬ ‫‪ ،of Higher Education‬مثل البكالوريوس وأحيانا الدبلوم‬ ‫العالي ‪.Diplomas of Higher Education‬‬ ‫مجاالت وفروع التعليم املنهي في اململكة املتحدة‪:‬‬ ‫* الزراعة والتزيين بالزهور والبيئة‬ ‫املستوى الخامس ‪ ،Level 5‬وهي مستوى مسؤوليات األول‬ ‫من اإلشراف و اإلدارة على فريق العمل ككل‪ ،‬والصالحيات في * الفن والتصميم والتصوير وتصميم الحدائق‪ :‬يعنى باملهارات اإلبداعية والثقافية‬ ‫هذا املستوى تنطوي على تطبيق مجموعة معقدة من املبادئ‬ ‫* الخدمات املصرفية‪ ،‬والتأمين‪ ،‬والتمويل‪ ،‬والخدمات املالية‪ ،‬واملحاسبة‬ ‫األساسية‪ ،‬عبر مجموعة واسعة وغير متوقعة في كثير من‬ ‫األحيان من سياقات العمل‪ ،‬مع مسؤولية كبيرة من الحكم * الجمال وتصفيف الشعر ‪ -‬املؤسسة املسؤولة عن التدريب‬ ‫الذاتي الشخص ي ألعمال اآلخرين‪ ،‬و تحمل مسؤوليات إدارة‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫و تشغيل كل املوارد‪ ،‬و هو واجهة املساءلة الشخصية‬ ‫ العالج التجميلي (بما في ذلك تجميل األظافر)‬‫ألغراض التحليل والتشخيص‪ ،‬والتصميم والتنفيذ‬ ‫ تصفيف الشعر‬‫والتخطيط والتقييم‪ ،‬و هذا املستوى الوظيفي يكافئ درجة‬ ‫بمستوى‬ ‫أو‬ ‫‪Master's‬‬ ‫املاجستير‬ ‫علمية‬ ‫ مجلة التجارة ملصففي الشعر‬‫الدكتوراه ‪.Doctorate‬‬

‫ً‬ ‫وعموما فإن الكليات الوسيطة وكليات التعليم اإلضافية والكليات‬ ‫الفنية متشـابهة مـن حيـث الجوهر ومصممة ملن تزيد أعمارهم على ‪16‬‬ ‫سنة‪ ،‬ويصنف تعليم من تركوا املدرسـة إلـى مستويين‪ :‬إضافي نهائي‪،‬‬ ‫وتدرس فيه مقررات تؤهل إلى الشهادة العامة للتعليم‪ ،‬مستوى متقدم‬ ‫يمهد للتعليم العالي ويطرح مقررات أعلى تقدم في الجامعات أو الكليات‬ ‫* العالجات التكميلية‬ ‫أو املعاهد‪.‬‬ ‫وتشمل دورات العالج التكميلي بما في ذلك‪ :‬عالج الوخز باإلبر (‪،)acupuncture‬‬ ‫وتقنية الكسندر (‪ ،)Alexander Technique‬والعالج بالروائح (‪،)aromatherapy‬‬ ‫والعالح بأسلوب بيتس (‪ ،)Bates Method‬والعالج بأسلوب (‪،)Bowen technique‬‬ ‫وعالجات بتقويم العمود الفقري (‪ ،)chiropractic‬العالج باأللوان ( ‪colour‬‬ ‫‪ ،)therapy‬العالج بالبلور (‪ ،)crystal healing‬وطب األعشاب (‪،)herbal medicine‬‬ ‫وعالجات الطب البديل (‪ ،)homeopathy‬والعالج بالتنويم املغناطيس ي‬ ‫(‪ ،)hypnotherapy‬العالج بالتدليك‪ ،‬والعالج الطبيعي ( & ‪naturopathy‬‬ ‫‪ ،)massage‬والعالج الغذائي (‪ ،)nutritional therapy‬وعالجات العظام‬ ‫(‪ ،)osteopathy‬وعالجات التفكير (‪ ،)reflexology‬عالجات الريكي (‪ ،)reiki‬عالج‬ ‫شياتسو (‪ ،)shiatsu‬وعالحات الشفاء الروحي (‪ ،)spiritual healing‬وتقنيات تاي‬ ‫تش ي (‪ ،)T'ai Chi‬وطب الذبذبات (‪ ،)flower and gem remedies‬وتقنيات اليوغا‬ ‫‪Aromatherapy yoga Organisations Council‬‬ ‫* قطاع األعمال واإلدارة‬ ‫دورات الدراسات العليا ماجستير في إدارة األعمال‬ ‫* قطاع رعاية األطفال‬ ‫مؤهالت لوظائف في مجال رعاية الطفل والتمريض في دور الحضانة‬

‫وارتبطت أهمية التعليم والتدريب املنهي في اململكة املتحدة بقصة انحدار‬ ‫بريطانيا وتراجعها كدولة عظمى مقارنة بالواليات املتحدة واليابان‪ .‬فقد‬ ‫اتضح ألصحاب القرار في اململكة املتحدة أن من بين أسباب تراجع بريطانيا‬ ‫كقوة اقتصادية صناعية إلى عدم اهتمامها بالتدريب املنهي‪ ،‬األمر الذي‬ ‫حدا بأصحاب القرار هناك إلى التأكيد على ضرورة تنشيط وتحفيز هذا‬ ‫النوع من التعليم والتدريب على املستوى املحلي‪.‬‬ ‫معهد التعليم التكنولوجي‪:‬‬ ‫يعتمد معهد التعليم التكنولوجي نظام تعليمي مطبق في كثير من‬ ‫املؤسسات التعليمية ويمنح درجات علمية في مستويات مختلفة من النظم‬ ‫التعليمية‪ ،‬و قد يكون أحد املؤسسات العاملية الشهيرة للتعليم العالي‪،‬‬ ‫والهندسة املتطورة والبحث العلمي أو التعليم املنهي الذي يتصف بمهنية‬ ‫متخصصة في مجاالت العلوم والتكنولوجيا والهندسة‪ ،‬أو أنواع مختلفة‬ ‫من املواد التقنية‪.‬‬

‫وفي فترة السبعينات‪ ،‬تم تأسيس مجلس التعليم لألعمال والتكنولوجيا ‪Business‬‬ ‫ويمنح املعهد شهادة الدبلوم الوطني العالي " ‪Higher National‬‬ ‫‪ ،and Technology Education Council‬ليختص بتقنين معايير املستويات‬ ‫‪ ،"Diploma HND‬وهو مؤهل للتعليم العالي في اململكة املتحدة وجمهورية‬ ‫التعليمية ملرحلتي التعليم ما بعد الثانوي والتعليم العالي‪ ،‬وخاصة مرحلة التعليم‬ ‫أيرلندا‪ .‬ويمكن استخدام هذه املؤهالت لاللتحاق بالجامعات‪ ،‬و يعادل هذا‬ ‫ما بعد الثانوي‪ .‬وفي عام ‪ ،1975‬أنشئت الكلية الجامعية في بكنجهام وهي آخر الدبلوم مستوى السنة الثانية من دراسة جامعية ملدة ثالث سنوات‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫جامعة بريطانية مستقلة أنشئت حديثا‪ .‬وبدأت هذه الجامعة تمنح طالبها‬ ‫ولتحقيق النجاح و الحصول على املؤهل املنهي‪ ،‬يجب على املتقدم أن يثبت‬ ‫شهادات تعادل الشهادات التي تمنحها الجامعات األخرى‪ .‬تخرج الكلية الجامعية‬ ‫جدارته التنافسية في إنجاز وظيفته التخصصية وفقا للمستويات‬ ‫في بكنجهام عن النظام املالي العادي للوالية‪ ،‬ولكن‪ ،‬في عام ‪ ،1981‬أصبح بإمكان الوظيفية القومية ‪ ،National Occupational Standards‬التي تصف‬ ‫طالبها الحصول على منح تعليمية من السلطات املحلية‪.‬‬ ‫القياسيات املتوقعة من أي دور وظيفي‪ ،‬و عادة يعمل املتقدم على إبراز‬ ‫وتطورت ّ‬ ‫كليات التقنيات املتعددة بسرعة خالل الثمانينيات من القرن العشرين‪ .‬إنجازاته في العمل املدفوع األجر أو التطوعي‪ .‬على سبيل املثال‪ :‬إذا كان‬ ‫سجل عدد من الطالب يساوي املسجلين في الجامعات‪ ،‬أنفسهم في ّ‬ ‫كليات املتقدم شخص يعمل في دور املشرف اإلداري‪ ،‬فإنه سينال الشهادة‬ ‫التقنيات املتعددة للحصول على الدرجات العلمية وذلك في نهاية ثمانينيات القرن الوطنية في األعمال واإلدارة‪.Business and Administration‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫العشرين‪ .‬كانت كليات التقنيات املتعددة حتى عام ‪ 1988‬تخضع للسلطات وهناك خمسة مستويات من املؤهالت املهنية الوطنية بدءا من املستوى‬ ‫ً‬ ‫التربوية املحلية‪ ،‬وفي ذلك العام‪ ،‬صدر قرار تربوي بأن يكون لكليات التقنيات األول‪ ،‬والذي يركز على أنشطة العمل األساسية‪ ،‬وإنتهاءا إلى املستوى‬ ‫املتعددة جهازها اإلداري الخاص بها‪ ،‬وأن تتسلم مخصصاتها املالية من الخامس لإلدارة العليا‪.‬‬ ‫االعتمادات املالية ملجلس التقنيات املتعددة والكليات‪.‬‬ ‫‪ ‬املستوى األول ‪ ،Level 1‬وهو املستوى الروتيني املعتاد للمبتدئ‬ ‫وفي مرحلة الثمانينيات و التسعينيات‪ ،‬عززت حكومة املحافظين خطة تدريب‬ ‫ولديه صالحيات تطبيق املعرفة في أداء مجموعة من أنشطة‬ ‫الشباب من خالل خطة "‪ ،"Youth Training Scheme‬وجعل املؤهالت املهنية‬ ‫العمل املختلفة‪ ،‬معظمها روتينية ويمكن التنبؤ بها‪.‬‬ ‫الوطنية العامة‪ ،‬واملؤهالت املهنية الوطنية ‪General National Vocational‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫‪ ،Qualifications‬متاحة للشباب وغيرهم من الراغبين‪.‬‬ ‫‪ ‬املستوى الثاني ‪ ،Level 2‬وهو العمل في مستوى أكثر تعقيدا‬ ‫وتحت اإلشراف‪ ،‬حيث يتأهل املوظف بصالحيات تطبيق‬ ‫وفي عام ‪ ،1992‬ألغى قانون التعليم العالي التمييز بين الجامعات والكليات‬ ‫املعارف في مجموعة كبيرة من أنشطة العمل املختلفة‪ ،‬والتي‬ ‫التقنية‪ .‬وأصبح لكليات التقنية بمقتض ى هذا القانون الحق في منح الدرجات‬ ‫تنفذ في سياقات متنوعة بالتعاون مع آخرين‪ ،‬وغالبا ما يشترط‬ ‫العلمية الخاصة بها بل واتخاذ لقب الجامعة‪ .‬فعلى سبيل املثال استبدل بكليات‬ ‫العمل ضمن مجموعة أو فريق عمل‪.‬‬ ‫نيوكاسل التقنية اسم جامعة نورثمبريا في نيوكاسل‪ .‬وفي مارس ‪ّ ،1993‬تم ّ‬ ‫حل‬ ‫املستوى الثالث ‪ ،Level 3‬وأهم مسؤوليات املستوى الثالث هي‬ ‫مجلس املنح األكاديمية الوطنية‪ ،‬وانتقلت صالحياته إلى الجهات األكاديمية‬ ‫اإلشراف و اإلدارة ضمن فريق العمل‪ ،‬حيث يتأهل املوظف‬ ‫املختلفة‪.‬‬ ‫بالصالحيات التي تنطوي على تطبيق املعارف في مجموعة‬ ‫وبذلت الحكومات البريطانية املتعاقبة محاوالت لتعزيز وتوسيع نظام التعليم‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫املنهي‪ .‬ففي عام ‪ 1994‬قدمت أنظمة التدريب الحديثة املمولة من القطاع العام‬ ‫لتوفير "تدريب جيد على أساس تعليمي"‪ ،‬وقد تزايدت أعداد املتدربين في السنوات‬ ‫األخيرة‪ ،‬وأعلنت إدارة املدارس واألطفال واألسر عزمها على جعل "التدريب املنهي"‪،‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً ً‬ ‫جزءا أوليا ومحوريا من نظام التعليم في إنجلترا في القرن الواحد و العشرين‪.‬‬

‫واسعة من أنشطة العمل املختلفة التي تنفذ طائفة واسعة من‬ ‫السياقات‪ ،‬معظمها معقدة وغير روتينية‪ ،‬وعليه مسؤوليات‬ ‫كبيرة تتطلب الحكم الذاتي مع السيطرة أو التوجيه من آخرين‪.‬‬

‫ويختلف التعليم املنهي ( التعليم الفني) عن التعليم األكاديمي الذي‬ ‫يصنف كعلم تعريفي ‪ Declarative knowledge‬بحثي متنامي‪ ،‬كما في‬ ‫مجال التعليم األكاديمي البحت‪ ،‬في حين يصنف التعليم املنهي بأنه تعليم‬ ‫ً‬ ‫املعرفة اإلجرائية ‪ Procedural knowledge‬املتخصصة فقط‪ .‬فمثال‪،‬‬ ‫هناك فرق بين مصطلح‪" :‬علم الطب" والذي قد يركز على املعرفة‬ ‫النظرية املجردة ‪ Conceptual‬و مصطلح‪" :‬مهنة الطب"‪ ،‬واحسن مثال‬ ‫على هذا ارتباط علوم "مهنة التمريض" (املعرفة اإلجرائية) و "علم‬ ‫الطب" (العلم التعريفي)‪ .‬ففي "علم الطب" يشخص الطبيب املرض‬ ‫ً‬ ‫طبقا للمعرفة النظرية‪ ،‬أما في "مهنة الطب" تتم إجراءات العالج و‬ ‫االستشفاء و ما يصاحبها من خدمات عالجية مختلفة مثل التمريض و‬ ‫اإلشراف الغذائي‪ ،‬و آليات التعقيم و التخدير وغيرها‪.‬‬ ‫ومن هذا يتضح أنه ال توجد حدود فاصلة بين "العلم النظري" و‬ ‫"تطبيقات العلم"‪ ،‬فالعالقة بينهما تبادلية و تكاملية‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫وفي اململكة املتحدة يوجد مثال بعض التخصصات الهندسية ذات الدقة‬ ‫العالية‪ ،‬في املواقع الفنية ذات الحساسية العالية مثل املصانع‬ ‫واملفاعالت النووية‪ ،‬والتي تحتاج من املتدرب فترة من التلمذة الصناعية‬ ‫تتطلب ‪ 5-4‬سنوات‪ ،‬ويتطلب ذلك دراسة أكاديمية بمستوى الشهادة‬ ‫القومية العليا ‪ HNC‬أو الدبلوم القومية العليا ‪.HND‬‬ ‫أما التقييم التقليدي للتعليم الفني فأنه أقل في املستوى من التعليم‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫العالي‪ ،‬ولكنه حاليا أصبح يصنف على انه ينتمي جزئيا إلى مستويات‬ ‫التعليم العالي ‪ ،Tertiary education‬وبتزايد التخصص في سوق العمل‬ ‫زادت املتطلبات االقتصادية ملستويات أعلى من املهارات‪ ،‬لذلك توجه‬ ‫الحكومات والشركات استثماراتها بشكل متزايد إلى مستقبل التعليم‬ ‫املنهي‪ ،‬من خالل مؤسسات التدريب املمولة من القطاع العام‪ ،‬والتلمذة‬ ‫الصناعية واملدعومة باملبادرات التدريبية للشركات ملستوى ما بعد‬ ‫ً‬ ‫املرحلة الثانوية‪ ،‬وعادة ما يتم توفير التعليم املنهي من قبل معاهد‬ ‫التكنولوجيا ‪ ،Institute of Technology‬أو من قبل كليات املجتمع‬ ‫املحلي ‪.Community College‬‬

‫ً‬ ‫و حاليا تعرف بأكاديمية هاريس بجنوب نوروود ‪Harris Academy South‬‬ ‫‪ .Norwood‬وخالل القرن الـ ‪ 20‬تنوعت مجاالت التعليم املنهي حيث أصبحت‬ ‫تتمثل اآلن في بعض الصناعات مثل إدارة األعمال بمختلف تخصصاتها الفرعية‪،‬‬ ‫والسياحة‪ ،‬والتجارة والبيع بالتجزئة (‪ ،) Retail‬وتكنولوجيا املعلومات‬ ‫(‪ ،)Information technology‬ومستحضرات التجميل (‪ )Cosmetics‬والعديد من‬ ‫الخدمات وكذلك الحرف التقليدية والصناعات املنزلية (‪.)Cottage Industries‬‬ ‫ومنذ أوائل نشوء التعليم املنهي في اململكة املتحدة‪ ،‬أنشأ بشكل مستقل عن الدولة‬ ‫وبالتعاون مع هيئات مثل هيئة الجمعية امللكية للفنون ( ‪Royal Society of Arts-‬‬ ‫‪ )RSA‬البريطانية الخاصة بالتدريب املنهي‪ ،‬و هيئة "املدينة والنقابات & ‪City‬‬ ‫‪ ،"Guilds‬والهيئة الخاصة بإعداد امتحانات املواد التقنية‪ .‬وجاء قانون التعليم‬ ‫عام ‪ 1944‬بقرار توفير نظام ثالثي األطراف يتكون من‪ :‬مدارس نحوية ‪Grammar‬‬ ‫‪ ،Schools‬ومدارس ثانوية فنية‪ ،‬ومدارس ثانوية حديثة‪.‬‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫وأ ِ ّسست الجامعات التقنية بين عامي ‪ 1966‬و‪ 1967‬وحصلت كليات التقنية العشر‬ ‫املتقدمة في إنجلترا وويلز وكلية هريوت ـ واط في أسكتلندا على االعتراف بها بصفتها‬ ‫جامعات‪ .‬وأصبحت اثنتان من هذه الكليات منتميتين إلى الجامعات القائمة‪ ،‬وهما‬ ‫كلية تشلس ي للعلوم والتقنية‪ ،‬والتي أصبحت إحدى كليات جامعة لندن‪ ،‬وكلية ويلز‬ ‫ً‬ ‫للتقنية املتقدمة‪ ،‬والتي أصبحت جزءا من جامعة ويلز‪ .‬أما الكليات التسع األخرى‬

‫ً‬ ‫وبما أن سوق العمل أصبح أكثر تخصصا وأصبحت النظم االقتصادية‬ ‫تتطلب مستويات أعلى من املهارات لذا فإن الحكومات والشركات أقبلت التطبيقي‪ ،‬وتقدم أغلبها مقررات في العلوم االجتماعية‪ .‬إن إحدى ميزات هذه‬ ‫ع ُلى استثمار التعليم املنهي بشكل ُ متزايد من خالل منظمات التدريب الجامعات هي مقررات الشطر التي يتناوب عليها الطالب بين فترتي االنتظام في‬ ‫املمولة و من خالل التدريب املنهي املدعم‪.‬‬ ‫الدراسة النظرية والتدريب العملي في الصناعة‪.‬‬ ‫وفي بريطانيا‪ ،‬تتميز برامج التعليم التخصص ي املنهي بوضوح اللغة‬ ‫في بداية الستينيات من القرن العشرين‪ ،‬خصصت بريطانيا ‪ 30‬من كبريات الكليات‬ ‫ً‬ ‫وبساطتها وسهولة فهمها واستيعابها‪ ،‬وخاصة ألولئك الذين ال تعتبر اللغة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫غير الجامعية للتقنية والتعليم اإلضافي لتضم تقنيات متعددة‪ .‬وأنشأت الحكومة‬ ‫اإلنجليزية لغتهم األم‪ ،‬مما يسهل التقدم الدراس ي لجميع الطالب في‬ ‫العملية الدراسية والتدريبية بسهولة ويسر‪ ،‬مما يعزز ثقتهم العالية مجلس املنح األكاديمية الوطنية‪ ،‬والذي تقدم من خالله كليات التقنيات املتعددة‬ ‫ً‬ ‫الحقا بانعكاس إيجابي وكليات التعليم العالي األخرى‪ ،‬التي تطورت من كليات املعلمين السابقة ـ برامج على‬ ‫بالنفس وإقبالهم على التحصيل العلمي والتي تؤثر‬ ‫على نجاح الطالب في حياته العملية وموقعه املنهي الذي يصبو إليه‪.‬‬ ‫مستوى الدرجات‬ ‫ً‬ ‫العلمية‪ ،‬وفرصا‬ ‫تاريخ التعليم املنهي في بريطانيا‪:‬‬ ‫للدراسات العليا‬ ‫فقد أصبحت جامعات مستقلة‪ .‬تركز هذه الجامعات على التقنية والعلم‬

‫تعتبر مدرسة "ستانلي للصنائع الفنية ‪ Stanley Technical Trades‬والبحث العلمي‪.‬‬ ‫‪ "School‬أول مدرسة للصنائع في اململكة املتحدة حيث أنشأ وليام ستانلي‬ ‫ووضع الفكرة األولية لهكذا تعليم عام ‪ ،1901‬ثم قام بتصميم و بناء و‬ ‫إرساء قواعدها املنهجية‪ ،‬و ّتم افتتاح املدرسة في عام ‪،1907‬‬

‫نظام التعليم والتدريب املنهي في بريطانيا‬ ‫‪Vocational Education & Training in Britain‬‬

‫تعريف التعليم املنهي‪:‬‬ ‫التعليم املنهي أو التعليم والتدريب املنهي‪ ،‬هو تعليم غير أكاديمي‪ ،‬يهتم‬ ‫بإعداد املتدربين واملتعلمين وتأهيلهم للوظائف التي تعتمد في أساسها على‬ ‫األنشطة العملية واليدوية والتي لها عالقة وثيقة بمهنة أو حرفة معينة‪،‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ومنها يجني الطالب الخبرة العملية الالزمة في املهنة املختارة‪ .‬وغالبا ما‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫ُيشار إلى التعليم املنهي بأنه تعليم تقني ذلك ألن املتعلم أو املتدرب يصبح‬ ‫ً‬ ‫قادرا على أن يطور خبراته التقنية والتكنولوجية بطريقة مباشرة‪ .‬وتعتبر‬ ‫املهارات املهنية األساسية ضرورية وال يمكن االستغناء عنها لتحقيق‬ ‫النجاح في مؤسسات األعمال الحديثة‪ ،‬ويتم تطوير تلك املهارات بالترافق‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫مع املهارات التقنية واملعرفة املتضمنة‪.‬‬ ‫وفي إنجلترا وويلز وأيرلندا الشمالية تعرف نظم التأهيل املهنية باملؤهالت‬ ‫املهنية القومية (‪ )NVQs‬والتي يتم منحها من خالل التقييم والتدريب‪،‬‬ ‫وفي أسكتلندا تعرف بالتأهيل املنهي االسكتلندي (‪ .)SVQ‬ويمكن تصنيف‬ ‫التعليم املنهي وتسميته بـ "تعليم املعرفة اإلجرائية "‪ ،‬وهذا يمكن أن‬ ‫يتناقض مع العلم التعريفي النظري والذي يستخدم في مجال التعليم‬ ‫العالي ولكن بشكل علمي أوسع والذي قد ُيركز على الناحية النظرية‬ ‫املجردة أكثر من تركيزه على الجوانب التطبيقية‪.‬‬

‫التعليم والتدريب املنهي هو التعليم املوجه ملمارسة جزئية معينة في املجال‬ ‫التطبيقي‪ ،‬و الذي ُي ِعد املتدربين لعمل تنفيذي أو وظائف على مستويات مختلفة‬ ‫سواء في التجارة‪ ،‬أو اإلجادة املهنية لحرفة معينة‪ ،‬أو موقع عمل كفني متخصص‪،‬‬ ‫تنسيقي أو تنفيذي أو ميسر‪ ،‬في مجاالت تطبيقية مختلفة؛ مثل‪ :‬الهندسة بشكل‬ ‫عام والهندسة املعمارية‪ ،‬أو املحاسبة والقانون‪ ،‬أو الصيدلة والتمريض والطب‪ ،‬أو‬ ‫أي مجال متعلق بفنيات العمل و جودة اإلنجاز‪.‬‬ ‫وتستند عادة املهن الحرفية على األنشطة اليدوية أو العملية‪ ،‬املتعارف عنها‬ ‫ً‬ ‫تقليديا أنها غير أكاديمية؛ مثل أنشطة التعبئة و التغليف للمنتج‪ ،‬تشغيل وضبط‬ ‫ً‬ ‫األجهزة؛ حيث يتعلق بأعمال تجارية‪ ،‬اقتصادية محددة‪ ،‬ويشار إليها أحيانا باسم‬ ‫التعليم الفني ‪ ،Technical education‬واملتدرب يطور خبراته مباشرة في مجموعة‬ ‫معينة من التقنيات التنفيذية ‪.Executive techniques‬‬ ‫يمكن أن يكون التعليم املنهي في املرحلة الثانوية‪ ،‬أو مرحلة ما بعد املرحلة‬ ‫الثانوية‪ ،‬أو املستوى التعليمي املتقدم‪ ،‬ويمكن أن يكون ضمن نظام التلمذة‬ ‫الصناعية ‪ Apprenticeship‬في هيئة متخصصة‪ ،‬كما هو متعارف عليه النظام في‬ ‫اململكة املتحدة‪ .‬وعلى نحو متزايد يمكن أن ُيعترف بالتعليم املنهي بأنه التعليم قبل‬ ‫ً‬ ‫الجامعي أو التعليم األكاديمي الجزئي ولكنه نادرا ما ُيعتبر في شكله الخاص أن‬ ‫يندرج في إطار التعريف التقليدي للتعليم الجامعي‪.‬‬

34

TENDERS

TENDERS BAHRAIN INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS FOR 862 HOUSES & 16 APARTMENT BUILDINGS AT SITES 221 & 222, BLOCK 960, MUROOJ AL DUR Tender No: HP/23/16 Bid Bond: BD5000 Document Cost: BD50 Further details http://www.tenderboard.gov.bh/Uploads/ TenderNotices/HP-23-16).pdf Contact: Bahrain Tender Board 7th Floor, Almoayyed Tower, Seef District PO Box 18686, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 1756 6666 Website: www.tenderboard.gov.bh Deadline: 14/12/2016

SUPPLY OF SPECIALIZED MANPOWER IN IT For Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning (Municipalities) Tender No: MUN/ISD/02/2016 Bid Bond: BD4000 Document Cost: BD50 Further details http://www.tenderboard.gov.bh/Uploads/ TenderNotices/MUN-02-18.pdf Contact: Bahrain Tender Board 7th Floor, Almoayyed Tower, Seef District PO Box 18686, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 1756 6666 Website: www.tenderboard.gov.bh Deadline 07/12/2016

SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PUMPS AND ACCESSORIES AT SHAHRAKKAN, WASHMIYA AND BUDAIYA For Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning (Municipalities) Tender No: MUN/AG/18/2016 Bid Bond: BD500 Document Cost: BD15 Further details http://www.tenderboard.gov.bh/Uploads/ TenderNotices/92b8c45e-b5a4-4812-bfe53bf5038013e9.pdf Contact: Bahrain Tender Board 7th Floor, Almoayyed Tower, Seef District PO Box 18686, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 1756 6666 Website: www.tenderboard.gov.bh Deadline: 07/12/2016

OUTSOURCING SECURITY SERVICES Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority Tender No: BTEA 19/2016

Bid Bond: BD1000 Document Cost: BD25 Further details http://www.tenderboard.gov.bh/Uploads/ TenderNotices/e2e38779-e099-4aac-a7d877ce55111c6c.pdf Contact: Bahrain Tender Board 7th Floor, Almoayyed Tower, Seef District PO Box 18686, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 1756 6666 Website: www.tenderboard.gov.bh Deadline: 07/12/2016

• A wide range of other manufactured products • Residential, Community Services and Commercial Sector

ALUMINIUM & COPPER ELECTRICAL CABLE

Construction of 11KV Elevated Main Intake Substations B4, B5 and MG2 IN S&EK Area Tender No: 2028832 Expected Date of Issue: November 2016 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

Tender No: BK/12/2016 Bid Bond: BD500 Document Cost: BD15 Further details http://www.tenderboard.gov.bh/Uploads/ TenderNotices/67ecdeb2-d2e3-4278-8f452b316033a87a.pdf Contact: Bahrain Tender Board 7th Floor, Almoayyed Tower, Seef District PO Box 18686, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 1756 6666 Website: www.tenderboard.gov.bh Deadline: 07/12/2016

SUPPLY OF TUBES/COPPER NICKEL BK/11/2016 Bid Bond: BD500 Document Cost: BD15 Further details http://www.tenderboard.gov.bh/Uploads/ TenderNotices/2afd3b54-fbcb-4f8d-9eb9e5239c6cecaf.pdf ContactBahrain Tender Board 7th Floor, Almoayyed Tower, Seef District PO Box 18686, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 1756 6666 Website: www.tenderboard.gov.bh Deadline: 07/12/2016

JORDAN

King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area (KHBTDA) – Mafraq Situated 60km northeast of Amman, at the nexus of a modern highway network connecting Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia; KHBTDA is stretched across 21 km2 and positioned at a unique strategic geographical location for industrial production and a regional transportation hub for onward movement of goods from and throughout the region and the world, with an adjacent functional airport and a future railway system.

KHBTDA opportunities: • Logistics and property development expertise • Experience in design, developing and operating of free zones Sector opportunities: • Light and medium industry sector • Food and beverages • Pharmaceutical and medical supplies • Light chemicals

Contact: Mafraq Development Corporation PO Box 941435 Amman 11194 Email: invest@kinghusseinzone.com info@kinghusseinzone.com http://www.kinghusseinzone.com/

KUWAIT

ENHANCEMENT OF BOOSTER STATIONS BS-140 & 150, REPLACEMENT OF DEHYDRATION OF FACILITIES OF BS-140 & 150 Tender No: 1042404 Expected Date of Issue: December 2016 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

MINAGISH MARRAT WATER INJECTION PROJECT IN WEST KUWAIT AREA Tender No: 2026152 Expected Date of Issue: December 2016 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

MAINTENANCE AND TRAINING SERVICES FOR METERING FACILITIES IN KOC Tender No: 2035594 Expected Date of Issue: December 2016 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

SINGLE WELL CHEMICAL TRACER TESTING (SWCTT) SERVICES Tender No: 560562 Expected Date of Issue: November 2016 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

TENDERS

KERP-REMEDIATION SEK 1ENVIRONMENT REHABILITATION UNDER UN LEGISLATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION Tender No: 432070 Expected Date of Issue: November 2016 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

CONSULTANCY SERVICES IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND RELATED ACTIVITIES FOR KUWAIT ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION PROGRAM (KERP) Tender No: 585848 Expected Date of Issue: December 2016 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

SUPPLY OF ANCILLARY MEDICAL MANPOWER TO NEW AHMADI HOSPITAL Tender No: 2043002 Expected Date of Issue: November 2016 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

NEW 48" CRUDE TRANSIT LINE FROM NK TO CMM Tender No: 2024923 Expected Date of Issue: December 2016 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

COMPREHENSIVE MAINTENANCE OF FIRE AND GAS DETECTION SYSTEMS IN SOUTH, EAST, EXPORT AND MARINE OPERATIONS AREAS Tender No: 2026886 Expected Date of Issue: December 2016 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

JURASSIC GAS FACILITY - I (JGF-1) Tender No: 595922 Expected Date of Issue: January 2017 Contact: Contracts Team Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Tel: + 965 23865151 /23865385 Email: ContAction@kockw.com https://www.kockw.com

UAE SUPPLY OF EARTH FAULT INDICATORS Tender No: 2051600056 Document Cost: AED200 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 20/12/2016

SUPPLY OF OUTDOOR FGRP KIOSKS Tender No: 2051600055 Document Cost: AED1000 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 20/12/2016

SUPPLY OF CAST RESIN DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER Tender No: 2051600049 Document Cost: AED5000 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 14/12/2016

SUPPLY OF CHEMICALS AND CONSUMABLES FOR D, E, G, H, K, L & M POWER STATIONS Tender No: 2051600047 Document Cost: AED1000 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 14/12/2016

SUPPLY OF EVAPORATIVE COOLING PADS FOR M STATION GAS TURBINES AT JEBEL ALI Tender No: 2051600052 Document Cost: AED500 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 13/12/2016

SALE OF USED MOTOR VEHICLES / VEHICULAR EQUIPMENT Tender No: 9600000009 Document Cost: AED50 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 12/12/2016

REFURBISHMENT OF SELECTED BATTERY CHARGERS & INVERTERS AT D, E & G STATIONS, PLANT - I, JEBEL ALI Tender No: 2421600029 Document Cost: AED200 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 12/12/2016

REPLACEMENT OF E STATION PHASE - I GAS TURBINES EXHAUST SYSTEM Tender No: 2131600049 Document Cost: AED500 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 08/12/2016

DESIGN, SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, TESTING AND COMMISSIONING OF EFFICIENT AND INNOVATIVE SOLAR CARPORT SYSTEMS FOR PARKING AREAS AT DUBAI ELECTRICITY & WATER AUTHORITY (DEWA) HEAD OFFICE AT UMM HURAIR 2 AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION BUILDING OF THE MINISTRY OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT AT AL RUWAIYAH 2 Tender No: 2121600068 Document Cost: AED2000 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 07/12/2016

35

36

TENDERS

SMART GRID DISTRIBUTION OHL AUTOMATION PROJECT Tender No: 2131600056 Document Cost: AED500 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 06/12/2016

SUPPLY OF COPPER ALLOY TUBES FOR EVAPORATORS OF DESAL PLANT AT 'G' STATION, PHASE-I, JEBEL ALI Tender No: 2051600045 Document Cost: AED500 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 06/12/2016

SAFE WORKING LIFE ANALYSIS & RELIABILITY STUDY OF SEAWATER INTAKE SYSTEM FOR D PHASE -II AND E STATIONS, JEBEL ALI Tender No: 2421600026 Document Cost: AED500 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 05/12/2016

INFRASTRUCTURE REPLACEMENT IN L AND G POWER STATIONS Tender No: 2131600066 Document Cost: AED200 Contact: Contracts Dept Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PO Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Email: Contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 04/12/2016

Advertise your business in Economic Focus

MAGAZINE OF THE

IRAQ

Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Ministry of Electricity, Iraq Operation & Maintenance of Simple Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plants and to be Developed into Combined Cycle Plants on a BOO Basis The terms of the contracts will be 15 years from the date from the commercial operation of the power plant RFP: ID250,000 Contact: Office of Investment and Contracts (Tender Section) Ministry of Electricity Al-Niqabat St Al-Mansour District Baghdad Email: 32_contracts@moelc.org.iq Deadline: 22/01/2017

SPRING 2016 ISSUE 1 VOL 11 BER OF COMMERCE

ARAB-BRITISH CHAM

MAGAZINE OF THE

ISSUE 2 VOL ARAB-BRITISH CHAM 11 SUMMER 2016 BER OF COMMERCE

Magazine of the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce

Contact John Neilson on t: 07813 874 970 e: john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

OF BATTERSEA REGENERATION FINANCE E FOR ISLAMIC THE UK AS A CENTR IN OMAN DOING BUSINESS

POWER DRIVE MOROCCO’S CLEAN ES N OPPORTUNITI SAUDI CONSTRUCTIO AT ABCC TARIAT ESTABLISHED SHUROOQ SECRE

SMES IMPORTANCE OF ING VOCATIONAL TRAIN EU BRITAIN AND THE

FEATURES FOCUS ON THE GCC DATA PROTECTION AND CYBER SECUR ITY PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

FINANCE AND INSUR ANCE FOR EXPOR TERS INVESTMENT IN IRAQ INVESTMENT IN MAURITANIA

BUSINESS EVENTS

BUSINESS EVENTS, TRADE FAIRS AND CONFERENCES ARABNET RIYADH 2016

Leading forum on digital business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and wider Gulf countries 12 - 14 December 2016 Four Seasons Hotel, Riyadh, KSA Contact: Arab Net Tel: +961 1 658 444 Ext. 521 Email: salim@arabnet.me https://arabnet.me/conference/riyadh/ SEATRADE MIDDLE EAST CRUISE FORUM

13-14 December 2016 Four Seasons Hotel, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE Contact: Karen Heasman Event Manager Tel: +44 1206 201551 Email: karen.heasman@ubm.com http://www.seatradecruiseevents.com SAUDI AEROSPACE SUMMIT (SAS) 2016

Conference for global and local companies in the aviation industry 13 - 15 December 2016 Saqr Aljazeera Air Force Museum, Riyadh, KSA Contact: Arabian SAS Events Tel: +966 58 227 6565 Email: contact@saudiaero.com TRENDS

Conference & Exhibition for Fashion & Clothing brands, Jewellery, Perfume, Cosmetics, Watches, Art, Electronics, Automobiles, Interior Design, Cafes & Restaurants, Hotels & Resorts 9 - 11 January 2017 Burj Rafal Kempinski, Riyadh, KSA Contact: Triple Creativity Tel: +966 541783841 http://www.trendsksa.com SOLAR EXPO

A World Future Energy Summit Event 16-19 January 2017 Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), UAE Contact: Jack Hassall Tel: +44 20 8910 7089 Email: jack.hassall@reedexpo.co.uk Website: www.solarexpo.ae KUWAIT INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SHOW 2017

First ever Aviation Expo in Kuwait offering opportunities for global and local companies, specialised in civil and military aviation, commercial and military aircraft plants, business airlines, air ambulance, helicopters, engines and aviation systems, as well as civil and military airport supplies 23-26 January 2017 Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait Contact: Al-Jabriya Exhibition Group +965 22446445 info@kuwaitaviationshow.com http://www.kuwaitaviationshow.com/ 3RD ANNUAL FUTURE LANDSCAPE & PUBLIC REALM ABU DHABI

Creating sustainable, liveable and attractive cities through innovative landscaping and

public realm initiatives Abu Dhabi, UAE 6-7 February 2017 Contact: Advanced Conferences & Meetings Tel: +971 4 361 4001 Email: opportunities@acm-events.com http://www.futurelandscapeuae.com/ AIRCRAFT INTERIORS MIDDLE EAST (AIME) 2017 8-9 February 2017 Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE Contact: Tarsus Exhibitions & Publishing Ltd Metro Building, 1 Butterwick London W6 8DL Tel: +44 (0)20 8846 2700 (UK) Tel: +971 (0)4 603 3300 (Dubai) Email: event@aime.aero http://www.aime.aero/welcome-aime-2017 THIRD ARAB CONFERENCE FOR AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT

Our Food; Our Responsibility Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) conference under the patronage of H E President Omer Hassan Ahmed Al Bahir Khartoum, Sudan 27-28 February 2017 Contact: Ms Hanan Algaai, AAAID Tel: +971 502 430921 Email: halgaai@aaaid.ae Website: https://aaaid.org MIDDLE EAST RAIL 2017

7-8 March 2017 Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE Jamie Hosie T: +971 4440 2501 jamie.hosie@terrapinn.com http://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/middleeast-rail/ PROJECT IRAQ

Baghdad International Fair Ground April 2017 Contact: IFP Iraq (International Fairs & Promotions) Tel: +964 66 2567634 Fax: +44 20 71066688 Email: info@ifpiraq.com http://www.ifpiraq.com OMAN ENERGY & WATER EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE

1-3 May 2017 Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat, Oman Contact: Oman Expo Tel: +968-24660124 Email: info@omanexpo.com http://www.energyandwateroman.com/en/ EUROMONEY SAUDI ARABIA CONFERENCE "2030: DELIVERING THE VISION�

2-3 May 2017 Riyadh, KSA Contact: Felicity Durham Tel +44(0)207 779 8755 Email rsvp@euromoneyplc.com

http://www.euromoneyconferences.com SAUDI HEALTH EXHIBITION & CONGRESS

8 - 10 May 2017 Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, KSA Contact: Kamil Jawhari Project Manager Riyadh Exhibitions Company Email: Kamil.Jawhari@recexpo.com/info@ saudihealthexhibition.com Tel: +966 11 2295604 http://www.saudihealthexhibition.com WINDOREX + GLASS & ALUMINIUM OMAN

Windows, Doors, Glass, Aluminium, Facades & Sun Protection Systems 15 - 17 May 2017 Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat Contact: GEC Global Exhibitions Tel: +968 24783800 Email: info@gecexpo.com www.windorexoman.com ENERGY LEBANON 2017

16-19 May 2017 BIEL, Beirut, Lebanon Contact: IFP Group PO Box 55576 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961 5 959 111 Fax: +961 5 959 888 Email: energylebanon@ifpexpo.com www.ifpexpo.com 22ND SESSION OF THE UNWTO GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Chengdu, China 4-9 September 2017 Contact UN World Tourism Organisation Madrid, 28020 Spain Tel: (34) 91 567 81 00 Email: omt@UNWTO.org www.UNWTO.org MEBAA SHOW 2017

Exhibition providing a platform for business aviation suppliers, providers and buyers to network and establish new relationships in North Africa 12 - 13 September 2017 Marrakech Menara Airport, Morocco Contact: Tarsus Exhibitions & Publishing Ltd Metro Building 1 Butterwick London W6 8DL Tel: +44 (0)20 8846 2700 http://www.mebaamorocco.aero/contact-us OMAN OFFICE SHOW

The 5th International Exhibition for Office and Commercial Design, Decor & Interiors 9 - 11 October 2017 Oman International Exhibition Centre, Muscat Contact: Global Exhibitions & Conferences LLC (GEC) Tel: +968 24783800 www.OmanOfficeShow.com

37

ARAB BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.abcc.org.uk

FOREIGN OFFICE SERVICE