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P R E M I U M
C O R P O R A T E
C H A R I T Y
2015
G O L F
T O U R N A M E N T
The Global Enterprise Connect (GEC) Open— the fastest growing corporate golf tournament— was initiated in 2014 in UAE. Today, GEC Open represents an international network of corporate golf tournament promoted by the fastest growing IT Magazine– Enterprise Channels MEA and in association with the local Golfing partners. We are delighted to be able to connect with several top executives from countries across the globe and were able to recognise 33 top executive for their excellent contribution to the business community with “GEC Excellence Awards”. Little did we know that this was just the beginning!
´FROM THE ORGANIZER´S DESK´
GEC Open played host to one of the most overwhelming corporate golf tournament that the region has seen by touring 6 countries across the GCC in 2015 with the participation of over 500 players from different walks of the corporate from different industry. GEC Open 2015 spreaded its arms to six different countries namely UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Turkey and India and was hosted with its charity partners— Dubai Autism Centre, UAE Red Crescent Authority and KISS-Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences to support their causes.
GEC Open materializes as the ideal turfs for business connect, client entertainment, networking, relation building and most importantly— humanity to flourish. We are extremely happy to announce that GEC Open 2016 which will be held in the 12 fastest growing countries connecting Africa , Middle East & Asia, and we are sure the journey is getting only bigger and better in 2016. We look forward to marking our achievement bringing top finalist from all countries to two days World Final – 2016 in Dubai.
—T U S H A R SA H O O , G LO BA L E N T E R P R I S E CO N N EC T FO U N D E R & CO O
Teamwork, Companionship & Humanity are essential in life as they are in any business. These attributes are fundamental to the GEC Open Golf World Tour. The GEC Open is a global, corporate event that spans the pristine courses of countries ranging from North to South Africa, The GCC & Asia. An event that is unsurpassed in networking, fun, and opportunities for all to test our weekend warrior skills against corporate leaders from all sectors. So to all out there, join in hitting them long and straight, be it in Dubai or under the watchful eye of the Sphinx in Egypt...
EXPERT’s VIEW
I look forward to playing an integral part of this excellent concept, with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. The association should be commended on their tireless efforts in growing the event. Having managed it to the next level by expanding the reach to new countries across Europe, UAE and Far East. The concept, reach and success of this event will forever increase, expand and be hosted as the unsurpassed corporate challenge, for years to come.
VAS S M A F I L AS E X EC U T I V E D I R EC TO R B I ZG O L F M E​A
Connecting top execs across the globe with style
A PREMIUM CHARITY GOLF WORLD TOUR Charity that makes a difference
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Charity that takes care of the needy
Re-Kindling the Passion for Sports and Humanity
C H A R I T Y PA RT N E R S
Technology that has a humane side
Game that gives birth to friendships
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THE INDUSTRY FEEDBACK
“It is rare to see well organized events that bring together top IT professionals and executives in such a forum where a wealth of experience and knowledge are exchanged, and to have golf tournaments along with charity support is just unique and admirable. I am looking forward from now to the next event” —DR. JASSIM HAJI, DIRECTOR, IT, GULF AI R
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“Blending Sports with Charity is one of the best things I have come across and as an industry, we all would give our full support to GEC´s initiative” — N I R A N J SA N G A L C EO , O M A E M I R AT ES - S O LU T I O N S G U L F
“GEC is a superb concept that helps me to keep my Life Work Balance in perfect shape, as I can meet Top Executives from the ICT Community while enjoying the best Golf Courses in the Region. I am looking forward to this year’s GEC and wish we will see more support and pro-active engagement from the “Golfing ICT Community”. —MARIO M. VELJOVIC VICE PRESIDENT SOLUTIONS MEA AT GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION FZE - G LOBAL DISTRIBUTION FZE - GLOBAL SOLUTIONS NETWORK
“It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of the ECMEA and GEC Open initiatives that have taken place in 2015. As well as leadership for IT initiatives, they have shown leadership for good causes and charities supporting people in the Middle East region. It is this will and desire to help and develop people positively through technology and good initiatives that creates a positive future for people, businesses and the region”.
“GEC Open has given us a pleasant platform to connect with our colleagues whom we work with every day, but seldom meet on a relaxed platform.” —A JAY R AT H I D I R EC TO R O F I N FO R M AT I O N T EC H N O LO GY, M E R A AS H O L D I N G
“GEC comes up with the most innovative and fresh ideas and this has compelled us to partner with GEC Open for the second consecutive year and this is something very close to our heart.” —POURNAMI NAIR STRATEGIC ALLIANCE, QA & GR. MARKETING MANAGER @ SPECTRUM GROUP (COMGUARD)
—MUBARIK HUSSAIN HEAD OF IT, PETROS E RV 9
BAHRAIN – RIFFA
TURKEY-ISTANBUL
Royal Golf Club
Kemer Country Club
12 NOV 2015
6 NOV 2015
OMAN – MUSCAT
19 NOV 2015
Almouj Golf at The Wave
UAE- DUBAI
15 OCT 2015 Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental
THE JOURNEY
SAUDI ARABIA – RIYADH
28 NOV 2015
Dirab Golf & Country Club
GRAND FINALE UAE- DUBAI
9 DEC 2015 Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental
INDIA – GURGAON (DELHI NCR)
5 DEC 2015 10
Classic Golf Course - ITC Grand Bharat
“It has become appealingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity” —A L B E RT E I N S T E I N
Enterprise Channels MEA is all set to put to rest the fears of Einstein. As a leading IT media house we root ourselves to the belief that, we bind the industry together, every day. Whatever we do is a collective and connective initiative towards the betterment of humanity and society at large because at the end of each business day, we retire as human beings and every morning we wake up to do something special that makes us feel human while being human. We believe that irrespective of the size and scale, sustained efforts have the power to bring a positive change in the world; and we shall be persistent in our endeavor to help the needy, inspire the ones falling short of motivation and spread smiles far and wide.
THE ORIGIN
Who knew a simple conversation over coffee could be so powerful? GEC was one such topic that rose over the brewing coffee beans at the Accent Info Media office… the discussion started with multi-ethnicity in Dubai and ended…. well…. it just doesn’t seem like ending anytime soon? It has begun and it is here to stay. All the enterprises are working day in day out to cater to the rising demands of the end users, chase rising profit graphs and make their marks; but in this race, something tends to take a back seat and that is the CONNECTion in the true sense of the word. This is where we thought an intervention is required urgently and the entire theme of GEC stemmed out of that. So, we came up with the GEC Open Golf Tournament for the top level executives from IT and associated verticals; a day of undiluted fun, a day whose entire purpose is games, enjoyment and relaxed interactions. When we started, we honestly had no clear idea about the receipt of the industry to this initiative but as the days passed, the excitement started unfolding and then there just was no looking back. The air has been exciting since the first registrations begun and there just seems to be no stop to it.
MISSION
GEC Open strives to be the thread to bind enterprises across the globe with a bond of humanity. It will continue to act as the unified platform where stakeholders across various industries gather, play, have fun, relax, develop new friendships and perform their corporate social responsibility in a way like never before.
VISION
The vision is to be a truly global brand that redefines connections on a humane foundation. 11
PARTNERS IN THE JOURNEY
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CHARITY PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
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UAE
The Land Where Magic Happens 15 OCT 2015
AL BADIA GOLF CLUB
BY INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City is an 18-hole, championship golf course designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones II featuring an award winning clubhouse, four dynamic restaurants, event spaces and a luxurious spa. The par-72 Al Badia course was designed on an oasis theme and features abundant water, rivers of sand and plants indigenous to the Arabian Gulf. The prestigious course can be played from the maximum 7,388 yards for championship players, down to 5,398 yards for newer players.
“Brilliant event, great networking. It is always good to be away from the usual corporate meetings and spend time in the sunshine on the golf course. The GEC Open events provided a fantastic platform and opportunity to meet and connect with those from the industry who share a passion for golf. A big thank you to GEC for putting on a series of fantastic golf days.” —BRODIE MACDONALD, GOLF OPERATIONS MANAGER, PGA PROFESSIONAL, AL BADIA GOLF CLUB
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TURKEY
Where East Meets West 6 NOV 2015
THE KEMER GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB UZUNKEMER MEVKII
Kemer Golf Club is a parkland style course which was designed to meet USGA standards. It hosts many national and international tournaments and the national Turkish team also train there. It was designed by Joan Dudok Van Heel. Set amongst the rolling hills of the Belgrade Forest, the Club offers a championship golf course of rare beauty and challenge, a stunning wind through the hilly forests of Kemer, featuring lush green fairways and artfully contoured bunkers.
“It was an absolute pleasure hosting the GEC Open Turkey edition. Absolutely energetic and friendly team to work with. We look forward to welcoming them for the 2016 edition also.” —EROL SIMSEK , GOLF DIRECTOR, KEMER COUNTRY CLUB
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BAHRAIN
Combining Legacy with the Winds of Change 12 NOV 2015
ROYAL GOLF CLUB MONTGOMERIE COURSE
The Royal Golf Club is home to Bahrain’s only 18 hole championship standard golf course and to a par 3 9-hole course, both designed by course architect and golfing legend Colin Montgomerie. The Club is managed by Troon, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing, and was named Troon’s 2013 Facility of the Year, the company’s top accolade. Additional facilities at the Royal Golf Club include award winning restaurants, a golf academy with full practice facilities, a golf & leisure shop, meeting and conference rooms and a country club.
“It was a pleasure to host the GEC Open, Bahrain. The event was a great success and we are looking forward to hosting another for GEC again later in 2016. The organization from the GEC committee was second to none. The marketing and collateral that was produced was exceptional and the members of GEC staff were a joy to work with.” —BEN STIMSON, PGA PROFESSIONAL, ROYAL GOLF CLUB
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OMAN
Grandeur that ceases to fade 19 NOV 2015
ALMOUJ GOLF AT THE WAVE, MUSCAT
Designed by Greg Norman, the course at Almouj Golf will provide a challenging 18 holes of varying lengths and configurations. Located in the new heart of the capital, Almouj Golf at The Wave, Muscat features direct ocean views with several holes lying directly adjacent to the sea. Norman has captured the essence of the surrounding environment and enhanced it to produce a links style course that runs alongside over two kilometers of beach. The course is 7,342 yards in length, and highlights include a daunting Par 3 island green and a challenging Par 5 that stretches for over 600 yards. The breathtaking views of the Sea of Oman and the Hajar Mountains are visible from everywhere on the course.
“Almouj Golf was proud to host the inaugural GEC Open. As part of a successful series of events played throughout the Middle East the GEC Open pulled together elements of corporate networking, raising funds for very deserving charities, and some competitive golf, a truly great recipe for a great golf day! We look forward to the 2016 event and a long standing relationship.” —JAMIE WOOD, DIRECTOR OF GOLF, ALMOUJ GOLF
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SAUDI ARABIA
The Royal Fest 28 NOV 2015
DIRAB GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
Dirab Golf & Country Club pride’s itself as the first 18-holes championship grass golf course (par 72) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nestled amongst the panoramic hills of Dirab ( avast farm located 35 km southeast of Riyadh City) Dirab Golf & Country Club offers the best golf in a totally relaxed and soothing atmosphere. Dirab Golf Course is professionally maintained to competition standards. Renowned for its exceptional year round playing conditions, rolling fairways, large target greens and challenging hazards9holes are floodlit enabling play after sundown. Having hosted the 1st Saudi Arabian National Amateur Golf Championship in 2001, 10th Annual GCC Golf Championship and 28th Pan Arab Golf Championship, Mena Golf Tour in 2012, Dirab Golf & Country Club is suitable for both seasoned golfer and novices alike.
“Golf tournaments are held at our course round the year, but GEC Open was a unique experience for us as we saw an amalgamation of sports and charity as the players battled out for the qualifiers.” —BOUCHAIB. EL JADIANI, GOLF DIRECTOR, DIRAB GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
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INDIA
The Incredible Land 5 DEC 2015
CLASSIC GOLF COURSE ITC GRAND BHARAT, GURGAON, DELHI NCR The retreat boasts of a 27-hole championship signature golf course designed by the legendary ‘Golden Bear’ Jack Nicklaus, the most accomplished player in the history of the sport. This golf course is the cynosure of the golfing community and charms golfing virtuosos and enthusiasts alike. It is divided into three specialised courses: Ridge Course: Gently undulating dunes mark this nine-hole course. Valley Course: Nine holes strategically placed around picturesque water bodies. Canyon Course: A nine-hole course, surrounded by a spectacular craggy canyon space, with breathtaking views of the Aravalis.
“GEC is an excellent concept that connected me with different likeminded peoples locally as well as across the globe , as I could meet top executives from the business community on the greens while enjoying the best golf courses in the region. To have golf tournaments along with CSR is a just unique and one of its kind concept. I look forward for next event” —DHRUV VERMA , CEO, GOLFLAN 53
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9 DEC 2015
UAE
The Land Where Magic Happens
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GEC OPEN FINAL PLAYERS LIST PLAYER 1
COUNTRY
PLAYER 2
COUNTRY
PLAYER 3
COUNTRY
PLAYER 4
COUNTRY
Steward Adams
UAE
Carsten Girst
UAE
Gurbax Singh
UAE
Sidney Dsouza
UAE
Mark Thompson
UAE
Noel Conolly
UAE
Nadeem Mufti
UAE
Puneet Bhatia
UAE
Mohamed Feycal
UAE
Ranjith Narayan
UAE
Aijaz Ahmed
UAE
Rashid Iqbal
UAE
Sandeep Singh
UAE
MK Shin
UAE
Keith Watson
BAHRAIN
Oskar Laupsa
Arif Can Kaman
TURKEY
Didem Aras
TURKEY
Nasarudin Mohammad
Tam Burns Steven Thompson
OMAN SAUDI ARABI
Seniz Ciritci
TURKEY
SAUDI
Tenzin Tsarong
OMAN
Tambas Malawanda
Sanjay Kataria
INDIA
Dhruv Ranjan
INDIA
Rolf Jorgen Strand
ARABI
Neil Myers
BAHRAIN
OMAN SAUDI ARABIA QATAR
David Maltman
UAE
Aadesh Gawde
UAE
Mario Veljovic
UAE
Niranj Sangal
UAE
Masoud Sobati
UAE
John Hughes
UAE
Pedro Kafie
UAE
Shahram Rezapour
UAE
Raja David
UAE
Shekhar Sinha
UAE
Sergy
UAE
Nikolai Ushakov
UAE
Tamir Mohammed
UAE
Mohammad Garda
UAE
Umar Ansari
UAE
Kashif Mohammed
UAE
Christian Carton
UAE
Valery Zabrodin
UAE
Ahmad Fakhreddine
UAE
Siddiq Farid
UAE
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GEC OPEN TEAM
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RECOGNISING CORSS COUNTRY BEST PERFORMING INDIVISUALS The GEC Excellence Award is organised Held in conjunction with the GEC Open 2015 tour and it is designed to recognise each country best performing indivisuals, whether private, public or non-profit Organization . GEC Excellence Awards aims to build a bridge in the tech community by rewarding the tech implementers and acknowledging their key role in tech modernization. It recognises industry leaders with an indisputable track record of success in turning strategy into action and continuously improving their organisation’s performance and their contributions towards industry. With CIOs increasingly prophesized to take up the role of CEO and CFOs, the awards truly reflect the value of the IT decision makers in the modern organizations. Organisations describe the Award as “like playing in the PGA”, because it is supported by one of the most prestigious and highly popular IT magazine Enterprise Channels MEA. A prize winner is an individual, who demonstrates role model behavior in one of the 8 Fundamental Concepts of GEC Excellence: l Adding Value for Customers l Creating a Sustainable Future l Developing Organisational Capability l Harnessing Creativity & Innovation l Leading with Vision, Inspiration & Integrity l Managing with Agility l Succeeding through the Talent of People l Sustaining Outstanding Results The winners of the GEC Excellence Award are announced at the Gala Dinner during the each country GEC Open qualifying round. 33 top executives across 6 countries awarded in 2015 for the contributions, during the GEC world tour of 2015. 72
THE GEC EXCELLENCE AWARD
AWARD WINNERS OMAN
Media, AlAhlia University
FAIZAL MOHAMED ELEDATH, CIO, NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN
Ahmed AlBanna, CEO, Origin Group
ALI HASSAN MOOSA, CIO, OMAN ARAB BANK MOHAMMED HASSAN AL LAWATI, HEAD OF INFORMATION SECURITY, OAMC BASHEER GHULAM AL BALUSHI, IT MANAGER, BANK SOHAR MESLUM AL KINDI, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER, CROWN PLAZA HOTEL, MUSCAT SULAIMAN MAASHRI, IT SECURITY MANAGER, PDO CHANDRA SHEKHAR JAJWARE, CIO, KHIMJI RAMDAS LLC QATAR Mubarik Hussain, Head of IT, Petroserve Limited Trevor Moore, CIO, Qatar University Jihad Hinawi, CIO, Urabacon Trading and Contracting Rolf Jorgen Strand, Head of IT, Qatar Vinyl Company
Saleh Tradah, Arab ICT Committee Chairman, Information & Communication Technologhy (ICT) Dr. Ahmed A. Al Sharyan, General Secretary, National Oil & Gas Authority (NOGA) Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Alaseeri, Acting Chief Executive Officer , Bahrain Polytechnic Dr. Khalid M. R. Al-Ruwaihi, Executive Director, Bahrain Center for Strategic, International & Energy Studies (DERASAT) Sheikh Salman Bin Mohammed AlKhalifa, Director IT, Central informatics Organisation (CIO) Eng. Nabeel Abdulrahman Al-Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ahmed Alhujairy, Group CEO & Chairman, Gulf Future Business Yousif Mirza, Chief Executive, CrediMax Redha Faraj, CEO, Al Faraj Consulting / Shura Council Member
Stephen Ashley, Information solutions director, Maersk Oil
Rashid Abdulla, Bahrain Telecommunicatin Regularity Authority board Member, Bahrain Telecommunicatin Regularity Authority board Member
TURKEY
Akbar Saati, Group General Manager, Kanoo Travel
Mr. Omer Omeroglu, CIO, Doga college SAUDI ARABIA BAHRAIN
Khalid AL Mazroa, CISO, CMA
Dr Jassim Haji, Director, IT, Gulf Air
Abdullah Aleid, GM-IT security, MOE
Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Nasser, Assistant Secretary General for Parlimentary Affairs , Shura Council
Majed Othman, CIO, MOJ
Obaidi AlObaidi, Chirman, BTECH
AbdulAziz AlRamaih, CIO, National Guard Health Affairs
Khalifa Alansari, Asst GM for IT, National Bank of Bahrain Ebrahim AlTamimi, Bahrain Centre Of Excellence Manager, Bahrain Centre of Excellence - Prime Minister court Thaira AlShirawi, Director , Public Relations
Ahmed Mansi, SOC- Manager, ZAIN
Eng. Ahmed M. Aldammas, Director, Information Technology , Council of Cooperative Health Insurance Mohammed Jobran, IT Project Manager, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu 73
12 COUNTRIES
WINNERS OF THE 12 QUALIFYING ROUNDS WILL BATTLE IT OUT IN DUBAI!
GHANA
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JUN
JUL
KENYA
MALAYSIA
AUG
SOUTH AFRICA
EGYPT
TURKEY
SAUDI ARABIA BAHRAIN
SEP
OCT
NOV
INDIA DEC
GRAND FINALE OMAN QATAR UAE DUBAI 75
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