CEO PLUS 2016

CEO PLUS 2016

THE SUPERWOMEN TEAM BEHIND

'AL AAN' TELEVISION, THE CHANNEL OF 'NOW'

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DRFCO: TRANSFORMING THE WATERPROOFING INDUSTRY THROUGH TECH SOLUTIONS

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TECH GROUP

UHRS

DIA 33

D2M:

POWER PLAYERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

RESOURCING CORPORATIONS

ADDING SYNERGIES WITH SOLUTIONS

TRANSFORMING BUSINESSES WITH DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

CEO PLUS 2016

CONTENTS

DR RASHID ALLEEM, FOUNDER

DESERT ROOFING AND FLOORING Transforming the Waterproofing Industry through Tech Solutions ZAINI MEDIA A Place where Ideas Flourish ECC GROUP How ECC Engineered a Brand?

EDUSCAN Providing the Future Generation with the Right Tools of becoming Successful AL AAN The Superwomen Team behind Al Aan Television, the Channel of 'NOW' CRAZY DEALS Go Extra Mile, for a Smile DIA 33 Adding Synergies with Solutions ULTIMATE HR SOLUTIONS Resourcing Corporations SPRUNGLI Sweet Indulgence TECH GROUP Power Players in the Construction Industry MODERNA Achieving Sustainable Growth NATIONAL MARINE DREDGING COMPANY The Purveyors of Excellence in Marine Dredging since 1976 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Five-Star Succour for the Weary Traveller ROYALE HAYAT HOSPITAL Redefining Hospitality in Hospitals FRANCORP The Pioneers of the Franchise Industry GENIUS BUSINESS CONSULTANCY Geniuses are not Born, they are Built NET APP Leads the Way with Flash APPRIZE Leading the Way in Arts, Science and Management B4U Scaling New Heights D2M SOLUTIONS Transforming Businesses with Disruptive Technologies EMIRATES HOSPITAL Revolutionizing the Healthcare Industry LIME SOURCE CONSULTANCY Global Leaders in Talent Search with HQ in Dubai VERTEX METAL Taking the Metal Construction Industry by Storm ALLEEM BUSINESS Mapping out a Legacy of Excellence ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS AND CONSULTANCY Education and Environment For a Sustainable Future EQUINOX Offering Comprehensive Solutions through Sustainable Innovations

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EDITOR IN-CHIEF: MICHAEL FERNANDES HEAD OF SALES: OMAR AHMED ART DIRECTOR: ZEHRA KHAWAJA JOURNALISTS: FATIMA ABBAS, CRISELDA DIALA-MCBRIDE, SABIN MUZAFFAR PHOTOGRAPHERS: SHAHBAZ BADSHAH, MANSOOR AHMAD, NOORA SAIF. PUBLISHER: M-LINK MARKETING SOLUTIONS FZE, 23RD FLOOR, BOULEVARD PLAZA TOWER 2,EMAAR BOULEVARD, DOWNTOWN DUBAI, P.O.BOX 124342, DUBAI, UAE TEL: +971 4 4096791, WEBSITE: WWW.MLINKONLINE.COM

This publication has been produced by

Marketing Solutions FZE in association with

( GPP ).

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CEO PLUS 2016

DRFCO: TRANSFORMING THE WATERPROOFING INDUSTRY THROUGH TECH SOLUTIONS Vice Chairman Afroze Saleem tells us about the success story behind 40 years of business

AFROZE SALEEM, VICE CHAIRMAN

Purveyors of excellence since 1978, DRFCO Group of Companies is a conglomerate synonymous with quality service. Desert Roofing and Flooring is a pivotal entity of the DRFCO Group, as a pioneer in the industry of waterproofing and insulation. With a passion to serve a booming nation, Desert Roofing and Flooring LLC has cemented their stance within the country's notable construction industry. Led by Vice-Chairman Afroze Saleem, Desert Roofing comprises of — Alpha Security and Allied Systems, and DRFCO Interiors — that complement and provide an all-round package for all clientele needs. “My father, Chairman M.A. Saleem took the initiative to establish a base long before construction had set a waterproofing requirement on par with international standards. Our core principle was based on that. Since then, we have been the ones to consult and recommend waterproofing and insulation systems related to the green building requirements,” says Afroze Saleem, Vice Chairman, DRFCO Group of Companies.

There may be competition in the market, but Desert roofing and Flooring stands apart from others with its commitment to value for money. Their long-standing dedication to the UAE is evident through an extensive portfolio which includes monumental projects. This can be attributed to their quality, as all waterproofing products are manufactured by DRFCO, in conjunction with renowned Italian brand called INDEX. "Our important freehold projects include Dubai Marina, a six tower project by Emaar, major developments in Downtown Dubai, and the new fish market by Dubai Municipality. We also work closely with Nakheel, and private residential and commercial projects. We have always stood out and are a preferred contractor of excellence. We have also had the honour of working on Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum's palace. Our proven track record is of more than 35 years. All of our waterproofing systems are guaranteed with either a 10- or 20-year warranty that speaks confidently about quality and workmanship being our business model,” he added.

DRFCO has various divisions offering comprehensive solutions to their noteworthy clients. "We have a contracting and manufacturing division. In the contracting

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division, waterproofing and insulation are the core components. It takes a lot of technology to stop a single drop of water, and that is our motto, as it truly does. That technology has always been with us and was developed to meet the market requirements," explains Afroze Saleem. "Part of the family business is a polyurethanes system house to meet the insulation requirements in the UAE," he adds.

DRFCO aims for a sustainable future by developing their products with eco-friendly standards. "The positive quality of a green initiative is that it saves cost for our clients as well.

Another exciting new venture for us is the FMCG industry, which we have entered recently and will be growing by acquisitions. We have ventures that pertain to economies of Europe, India and the Asian continents due to the growing requirements and will be expanding via acquisition in the GCC region. We have ongoing investments in manufacturing industries related to our core products, via vertical integrations."

The booming construction industry has given DRFCO the opportunity to grow with the nation. However, their success can be attributed to the values and ethics which Afroze Saleem has learnt from his father M.A Saleem.

"We always have ethics to follow, be it in the industry or the customer relationship or peer-to-peer relationship. Our team is our greatest asset and our success is incomplete without them and that is the reason DRFCO is in the top ranks of the industry."

While its head office is based in Dubai, DRFCO has offices across the UAE and MENA region. DRFCO also foresees the growth of the UAE construction industry due to the arrival of Expo 2020. "Expo 2020 is a great initiative by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which includes the drive towards a green sustainable future and we look forward to being a part of it," concludes Afroze Saleem.

CEO PLUS 2016

ZAINI MEDIA:

A PLACE WHERE IDEAS FLOURISH The hybrid agency, where creativity and technique co-exist in perfect harmony

HASHEM ZAINI, CEO (Centre) WITH HIS TEAM

Video Production is a premier tool of communication in this modern age with the power to captivate an audience with a single shot. With a passion for providing a platform for artists to create unique concepts, Hashem Zaini founded his company at the age of 24. "In 2012, I saw a gap in the market, there were individuals who specialised in one discipline of video production. I thought why not have a production house that would excel in six to seven disciplines at the same time. The challenge was finding talented people who were multi-taskers. It took a while to build our team but it was worth it," explains the Founder.

However, their hard earned success did not come without struggle. "It took us time to make a footprint in this industry when we started in 2012. I went through a lot of rejections and people undermining me due to my age. Fast forward four years, now our company works with over 40 firms, ranging from Government Agencies to Fortune 500 companies, we cater to the entire spectrum," he says.

"We come across as unorthodox, however, clients and commentators look at us and see a talented team of young professional artists who have come together to create unique work,� he adds. Zaini Media's strong portfolio speaks volumes and caters to many sectors of Consulting and Finance, Government, Food and Beverage and Hospitality, to name a few; With notable regional and international clients such as Ducab, Dubai Tourism, Bioderma, Samsung and Delmonte, among many more.

"Within the first couple of years of operating, we got an offer to join one of the biggest agencies here as an affiliate company. I declined at that stage as I felt we could grow into something more without the need of becoming a large corporation. I love the start-up culture and feel the size of your company does not equate to its success,� says the Founder.

As a UK media production and animation graduate, Zaini found the world of business challenging yet his determination to turn his dreams into reality was strong. "I had to learn the nuts and bolts of running a business, without a mentor or someone to guide you it is a struggle," he comments."My family was my support system and my father, who is a jeweller taught me that placing value in small things such as ideas and relationships is important. A minuscule precious stone that weighs half a pound can cost as much as an entire building. He paid attention to details and found flaws, which taught me how to think and how to break down ideas. He always said that if you want to do something, do it well," says Zaini.

Hashem Zaini wanted to create a work environment that would be different from the corporate spaces he had personally been in. "I used to be a producer and found a common denominator in corporates where creativity was deterred instead of being empowered," says the CEO. "Our work culture is based on empowerment and what I love about Dubai is the business culture here. In terms of our clients, we work with them directly and there is a personal relationship established which adds a layer of sincerity and honesty," he explains.

Zaini Media's unique selling point is that they are not the average video production house. "We are a creative agency, not just a production house.

We do creative consultancy, script writing and also promote videos and make them viral. We allocate budgets and promote videos on YouTube, we can maximise viewership and virality of a video," he says. For Hashem Zaini and his team, the future is bright. "We are looking to expand into other mediums in the future, Such as interactive, VR, 3D printing and 3D animation tool development in open platforms such as NUKE and Python, we have to evolve, we must evolve," he concludes.

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CEO PLUS 2016

CEO PLUS 2016

BUILDING A REPUTATION

DIVERSE PORTFOLIO

According to Al Dah, "We love and actually specialise in taking up challenges and unconventional projects, which require innovative approaches to both operations and techniques but also working with different suppliers and subcontractors to ensure the best result. Take for example Zayed University which had a 50m+ silo as an iconic design feature and required every piece of wall cladding inside (of varying sizes) to be installed individually. Logistically this was difficult. We also pride ourselves on our management expertise, on and off site, to ensure we minimise risk on any project no matter how difficult."

How ECC engineered a brand?

Over its 41-year history, Engineering Contracting Co. has garnered the sector’s trust through its ability to exceed expectations, say senior executives sought after. Our company has survived for 41 years by taking up challenges and trying things that most others would avoid.”

HATEM FARAH - CHAIRMAN/CEO

From humble beginnings in 1975, Dubai-based Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) has grown to become an employer of 6,000 people with an enviable reputation within the Gulf ’s demanding construction industry.

Company founder Hatem Farah, who today serves as ECC’s Chairman and CEO, believes that values he adopted in the early years still hold true in 2016.

“We always tell our people that from the moment we sign a contract, we take ownership of the project,” he said. “The most important thing for us, from that point on, is to find a way to deliver the best quality in the shortest time. In addition, our core targets and values are not affected by shareholder demands, which can sometimes be compromised in publicly listed companies."

Khodr Al Dah, the company’s General Director, explained, “Clients and developers want professional people, they want delivery on time, they want quality; if you do that, you become

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When pushing the boundary of industries, the resulting challenges come in a variety of forms, Al Dah noted.

“Sometimes it is the fast-track delivery; other times it is budget; sometimes the challenges lie in the required quality standards, and sometimes it is the unique nature of the project, or design, when it is the first of its kind in the GCC or the Middle East, such as the Emirates flight catering facility, which is the largest in the world producing 125,000 meals per day. This project was complex as it was next to the airport which created logistics, access and security issues. In addition we had to take great care when coordinating the equipment with other installations due to the sensitivity around hygiene," he said.

Nidal Hassoun is ECC’s Senior Contracts Manager. He said ECC employees rely on a strict formula to live up to the company’s standing in the market of being able to deliver diverse projects professionally, on time and in budget.

APPLYING THE FORMULA

“First of all we consider the clients,” said Hassoun. “We know, after 41 years in business, who are the good clients.

Secondly, we know from experience who, among consultants, are the most professional. Next we consider workflow; we will only take on a project when we know we can accommodate it within our schedule. Several times we returned letters of award, which did not meet these criteria.”

Once a project begins, ECC regards diplomacy as part of its role as the lead contractor – to shepherd all stakeholders through the process in a single direction and with a single aim: efficient, successful delivery, in the best interest of the project.

COMBINED EXPERIENCE

Hassoun also singled out the respect the company enjoys from its peers, in the market and insisted that the source of its success was not just its people, but the company’s fatherly treatment of them.

In terms of quality, we are regarded as one of the best around,” he said. “But this reputation for quality comes from experience and a systematic and innovative approach to construction. I personally have been here for 26 years and some of our employees have been here for more than 30 years. And that loyalty comes from our corporate culture. Our pledge to our employees is that their pride and dignity will be respected. We also work to ensure job stability; in this company, if you are performing well, you will be highly appreciated and highly rewarded.

“The first computerised greenhouse – maybe in the whole Middle East – is such a project, done by us on behalf of Dubai Municipality,” Al Dah continued. “This was located in Garhoud and completed in the 1980s, when computerised projects like that were not commonly available off the shelf. We had to bring in special technology from the Netherlands.”

NIDAL HASSOUN SENIOR CONTRACTS MANAGER

“ECC also strives to challenge our staff and provide them with deep learning experiences. This, in combination with its professional approach, ensures accountability through strict quality control measures, which have their own internal reward system, health and safety system, cost control system and construction programme control system, to ensure productivity is maximised. As we have many employees who stay with the company for a long period of time, we are able to maintain, solidify and develop this strong corporate culture even deeper than usual,” he added.

Because ECC has built a strong core of experts, it is able to approach out-of-the-ordinary projects more boldly than many competitors. Such projects include Dubai’s public parks, which according to Al Dah, have many “special features” not seen in standard developments. The challenge for ECC then becomes technical, rather than budgetary or time-related.

ECC also built a hazardous-waste treatment system for Dubai Municipality, which was the first of its kind in the region, when completed in the early 1990s.

“The waste system was not only built by us, but also designed by us, which was unusual for a contractor at that time. The Deira Clock Tower was another project of ours which had its own unique challenges some completely unrelated to construction.”

Hassoun said ECC is “one of the very few contractors that have true diversity” in terms of the projects the company can deliver.

“Some projects, like Zabeel Park, involve a lot of different types of engineering – mechanical, electronic, electrical, hydraulics – and so not every contractor can handle them. We have done malls, schools and universities, as well as museums and heritage projects.

“Satisfaction is our greatest reward,” said Al Dah, “knowing that we have been able to accomplish these projects against all odds and to feel we have done something for the community.”

Farah, the CEO, concluded: “When we take on a project, we examine the details carefully and highlight potential problems for our clients, and meanwhile we treat everyone in the company like we are part of one big family; we take care of them; we educate them and expose them to the complexities of this field and in return, they feel like the company is theirs and this ensures that everyone is accountable for their actions and everyone feels a duty to uphold the core values of the company."

KHODR AL DAH - GENERAL DIRECTOR

“The smaller contractors may not be technically able to take jobs like this,” he said. “Take Dubai Municipality, for example, they don't just build villas and towers, they build unique structures, with very specific requirements, that many companies would not even know how to price, let alone deliver.”

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CEO PLUS 2016

CEO PLUS 2016

EDUSCAN:PROVIDING THE FUTURE GENERATION WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS OF BECOMING SUCCESSFUL

Dr Alka Kalra is a renowned Psychologist and Professional Counsellor, known as a crusader for children who are misconceived as problematic by society. She is able to sift through the haystack of difficulties and identify the root cause of their struggle, changing their lives and their learning experience all together. With her unnerving passion for children who have specific needs, Dr Kalra wanted them to never undermine themselves and realise that they have unique skills and strengths, which led her to establish Eduscan in 1995. With numerous noteworthy awards such as the All India Best Cadet ‘Gold Medal’ by late Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, and "Woman of the Year" by International Women Association under her belt, CDA-certified Dr Kalra has redefined learning in the education industry. "The children who come to me have specific learning difficulties. There was an era when people did not even acknowledge the presence of these cases and started to label their children as underachievers. Due to the social stigma attached to having a difficulty, children progress into adulthood hiding their struggle and never fully being able to resolve it," explains Dr Kalra.

CDA-licensed Psychologist Dr Alka Kalra, is the woman behind Eduscan who has changed the lives of numerous children with special learning needs

Eduscan and Dr Kalra aim to build the self-esteem of children who have been shunned and labelled, by developing their strengths through courses specially developed to correct their limitations. "Eduscan is an institute where we take the failures of a regular education facility and turn it around. Within the span of 22 years in the UAE, during which we have been operational, we have changed the lives of numerous children who struggled at school due to their non performance," says Dr Kalra. "They are now in the roles of white collar jobs with good portfolios and are very successful in their lives after turning to Eduscan when their regular schools ostracised them," she adds. Eduscan offers a haven for children who have faced internal turmoil due to the day-to-day struggles and humiliation attached with not being able to perform according to preset standards. "We focus on their strengths first and build up their self-esteem, which is the most crucial component. We believe in being child-centric, in contrast to being centred on curriculum. As a licensed psychologist, I take their assessments and develop different strategies to overcome their difficulties," comments Dr Kalra.

Offering a bevy of programmes that range from personality development to physical development training and language training, Eduscan aims to improve the learning capabilities of children. "We have multiple programmes such as the brain activation programme that stimulates and balances the left and right hemisphere of the brain to develop the capability of performing tasks when one is blindfolded. Our personality development course aims to improve self-confidence, promote creativity, enhance memory and concentration. We have a programme that covers the methophobics and reading and writing limitations. All students are assessed through psychometric testing to identify intelligence aptitude and hidden learning difficulties. We also have the brain mapping test that provides a 32-page report at the end, which showcases multiple intelligences, personality types, thinking types, learning styles, VAK analysis, innate quotients and career guidance. These are just a few examples of the many programmes and consultations offered at Educan," she explains.

One of the most well-known programmes under the banner of Eduscan is Chill and Champ Camp. "Chill and Champ is a skill-based programme where memory and concentration, public speaking and creative thinking techniques are taught," says Dr Kalra. Amongst her many endeavours, Dr Kalra provides training to educators and travels frequently to Malaysia, South Africa and Thailand. " I believe that training teachers is incredibly crucial. We also touch the lives of children directly when schools or parents themselves recognise the needs of the children," she adds. Eduscan also offers adult programmes, such as the walk on fire programme where participants walk on burning coals without a single blister that Dr Kalra calls a 'life changing' experience According to Dr Kalra, teaching patterns have changed tremendously in the UAE. "The KHDA is putting a lot of focus on identifying the learning difficulties of children. The schools now encourage students to go for an assessment and there are tools through which teachers can identify their reading, writing, spelling and mental

age. Everything has become very structured and organised as the schools realise what the inspecting bodies are looking for. Teaching is no longer a part time job in the UAE. There are necessary certifications required by the Ministry of Education. Schools have started to invest in the training of teachers. The special education needs are the focus of the regular schools because of the regulatory bodies demands from them," explains Dr Kalra. "Dubai has a community development authority and it gives me immense happiness to know that there are licensing institutes that cater to learning difficulties. Previously under the Ministry of Education, you could be a regular school or special needs centre.

These children with learning difficulties do not belong to the special needs category and they deteriorate when they merge with fellow mates who are less competent than them," she adds.

Dr Kalra believes that there should be more exposure on the subject of learning difficulties and how to train teachers in order for them to help improve the learning experience for their students.

"Eduscan has brilliant programmes, and we are trying to make an international mark to help people all over the world.

We have converted our programmes into softwares to train other teachers. Our life coach programme offers training for the participant so that they can help others.

Our aim is to touch as many lives as possible as there is a need to overcome the obstacles of learning," she comments.

"There is a study, which shows that out of the total school population around five per cent face learning difficulties, whereas another survey shows that 50 per cent of successful people belong to the five per cent category. This phenomenon is interesting as non-verbal thinking, or picture thinking, on one hand underpins high intelligence and giftedness, and on the other hand creates a barrier within traditional learning. No one likes to fail on purpose, as adults we do not want to fail. As parents and teachers, we should not label children or be in denial if they are facing a learning difficulty. We should recognise them and offer the help they need as early as possible," she concludes.

DR ALKA KALRA

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CEO PLUS 2016

CEO PLUS 2016

SHATTERING THE GULF GLASS CEILING The Superwomen team behind

'AL AAN' TELEVISION, the channel of 'NOW'

Al Aan TV strives to encourage women empowerment through their original, quality content. risky locations is synonymous with the reporters. The only television station to film and report the funeral of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi after his death, Al Aan has cemented its credible position in the world of news reporting.

RANIA SAYAH, HEAD OF NEWS

ALINE BARHOUM, ON AIR PRODUCER

"When I first started out in the industry, it was impossible to find a channel that would trust a woman in the role of a director," says Aline Barhoum, on air producer of Al Aan TV. "I constantly heard a comment, 'she will not be able to handle the job'," adds Barhoum.

However at Al Aan things were different.

A network that had a constructive environment which encouraged professional growth of women, and did not discriminate against any gender. The first thing she heard there was "We really want a woman to be in the role of a director," says the producer, and thus began a five-year relationship with Al Aan.

"Society is defined by women and men equally," says Farah Ben Temessek, Corporate Communications Manager.

"When we develop and broadcast shows, it is through the eyes of a woman, however it concerns the male audiences as well. Al Aan empowers women from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, to step up as leaders in their field, and give them the power to influence society through their voice. Women are members of society, therefore their achievements should be crucial to their counterparts. We are two in this world and equally contribute to the society," adds Temessek.

Al Aan, which means Now in Arabic, is a network which focuses on broadcasting through a female perspective, yet ensuring that the male masses are not alienated.

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The stereotyping of women in the Arab region as docile and unable to work in challenging industries has been proven wrong with the game changing Al Aan Television, where reporting hard news takes center stage, and travelling to

"Our roving reporter Jenan Moussa travels to incredibly risky and dangerous locations. She is independent and accomplished, and Al Aan's goal is to provide women with that oppurtunity to achieve anything they set their minds to.

Our main corporate roles such as head of news, programming and producers are women," states Temessek.

Al Aan has not only become a crusader for placing the spotlight on women's issues, but has created a platform which encourages the onboarding of female professionals. "Before being a leading TV channel which focuses on female topics, Al Aan TV started its mission of women empowerment by giving opportunities and responsibilities to successful women in positions that are usually occupied by men in the media world. This has made its topics and coverage more credible because of the personal empathy and humanity of itsfemale staff," says Rania Sayah, Head of news."We are making a difference because the women of media are building tomorrow now," emphasises Sayah.

Al Aan is breaking down gender stereotypes with roving reporter Jenan Moussa who is a living, breathing emblem for women empowerment. She

has braved war stricken nations and covered breaking news in the midst of regional turmoils. Recently she travelled to Brussels and Paris after the terror attacks and frequently visits crisis zones such as Syria and Libya. "You need to be 101% passionate about your job to shine in it. Travelling in northern Syria these days is extremely dangerous and tough.

You can be killed by bullets or bombs.

Or you can get kidnapped. It often is exhausting because of all the danger, stress, and travelling," she explains.

But for Moussa, danger was not going to hold her back. "I could have of course chosen an office job, but I feel that I would lack the passion to become good at it. For a journalist to cover a war is very intense. But it is also very, very rewarding. You come face to face with the most terrible and the most beautiful things. People die, people survive. Stories of total disaster, stories of so much hope," she says.

Following in Moussa's footsteps are many women, who are emerging from the Arab world as independent trailblazers. However, according to Assia Abd Rahman, who is the Editor-in-Chief for Al Magharibia Al Aan, there is a looming obstacle of culture that is perceived to hold back a majority of women, from being able to achieve their goals in some Arab regions. "There is no doubt that a large part of customs and traditions still hinder Arab women from actively participating in society. However, the prevalent stereotypes contains a great deal of exaggeration and hype, where those restrictions by virtue of the customs and traditions imposed on the Arab women vary from one country to another, and also varies from region to region within the same country," comments Abd Rahman.

Al Aan recognises this issue and does not shy away from broadcasting sensitive material. The brand objective of “Real News, Real Entertainment in Real Time� comes into play by moving mountains of prejudice and stereotypes in the Arab region by developing quality programmes that highlight issues faced by many underdeveloped communities.

"There are many dilemmas faced by the Arab Women which are not addressed by the Arabic media such as women of Daesh, and the relationship between the triad of underdevelopment which Al Aan reports on," states Abd Rahman.

Furthermore, Al Aan provides their audience with the bigger picture and recognises their responsibility of being a powerful media agent. As a prominent television network catering to the Arab audiences, it reports about women issues within different Gulf districts and provides a fresh outlook on women in various regions. "The general policy at Al Aan TV, and especially its News Department, is to highlight and contrast between healthy and productive societies, where women are actively contributing to their development, compared to other societies where women are oppressed in different ways," says Sayah. Therefore providing a true depiction of women in the Gulf region, where many capitals have developed reforms offering women social emancipation and financial independence.

Through their original content value which caters to both genders, Al Aan has bought a wave of change by being key influencers in the Arab World. Their digital domain alone boosts a strong following of 11.5 million hits on their website on a monthly basis, over 1 million followers on Twitter and over 26 million followers on Facebook.

The women that form the team of Al Aan come from rich diverse backgrounds such as Mauritania, Tunisia and Lebanon.

Their unnerving passion and drive to excel at their respective position has led them to success. "I believe that the future of Arab women draws the image of the future of Arab world," comments Sayah, who believes that women empowerment is a crucial component in forming a successful future. "That's why as Head of News, I do my best to equally distribute tasks among our team male and female members," she adds. Al Aan is a network which is responsibly using their influence to carve out a future where equal opportunities exist for both genders, and that is a future that we can aspire to be a part of.

ASSIA ABD RAHMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF FOR AL MAGHARIBIA AL AAN

FARAH BEN TEMESSEK, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION MANAGER

JENAN MOUSSA, ROVING REPORTER

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CEO PLUS 2016

GO EXTRA MILE,

FOR A SMILE

The magnum opus of CEO Abdullah Yahya, Crazy Deals is an online shopping portal built on the foundation of providing quality service to their consumers Crazy Deals is one of the online successes which has cemented their status in the ecommerce industry, which is believed to be a megatrend for many businesses in the UAE. It is expected to be valued at $10 billion by the end of 2018, with a current net worth of around $2.5 billion, according to a study by Frost and Sullivan. The CEO and Founder, Abdullah Yahya, recognised the need of providing a service that would prioritise the time of the client, without compromising on the quality of the purchase and shopping experience. "We decided to operate and initiate in the UAE as it is a metropolitan region and people are willing to indulge in new concepts," says Yahya. "The initiative was to develop a portal which would help customers to make their purchases easily, without the hassle of travel and time spent in crowded stores," he adds.

Crazy Deals is tantamount with providing luxury bands such as Michael Kors, Apple, LG and Samsung without breaking the bank. Due to the supreme quality Crazy Deals offers, their loyal base of consumers receives their desired items without compromising on their budget. The categories of products are limitless, ranging from health and beauty, mobile phones, television, camera, fashion and clothing to home, kitchen, garden tools and many more.

The fundamental behind any ecommerce website is service. We are service providers that contribute towards the demand of our clients. My first priority has, and always will be catering towards their needs, he explains. With a powerful background in technology, Yahya has impressive credentials under his belt. “Tech is my passion due to my very strong educational technology background; with that being said, Jack Ma is a key inspiration and guru in my life therefore I started Crazydeals.com in the region back in 2013, realising the potential it would have," he comments.

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The CEO'S values are projected through the company as they strive to provide customer satisfaction through their online portal. "Our website is tailormade for our customers, they are our top priority. When we began our journey within this industry, we primarily wanted to educate customers about e-commerce and assure them how secure and authentic our website is. With our continued success to date, we feel proud to be a part of the e-commerce industry that is revolutionising service experiences for our consumers," says Yahya.

Crazy Deals seeks to diversify the e-commerce industry by exploring unchartered territories. "The excitement for us is being part of an industry that has not been picked apart entirely. There are new discoveries to be made each day. We are passionate about sharing that with our clients to provide them with the best service, as we believe that they deserve nothing but a 1,000 per cent of our efforts," he explains.

The future is promising for Crazy Deals as they are in the process of enhancing their application for smartphones through customer-centric solutions such as extensive payment options of credit cards, cash of delivery, card on delivery and much more." Mobile Commerce is the future. The UAE has the highest penetration rate with around 70 per cent of internet users and 76 per cent mobile users. We aim to make our portal easily accessible to these users so they can reap the benefits of online shopping," states Yahya. "With contemporary times has come a need to revolutionise our methods, especially in terms of retail therapy.

Every minute counts, therefore we aim to save our customers' valuable time by providing them with a one-stop shop of endless offers and options at the touch of a button," comments Yahya, who has many more offerings for their customers in the pipeline.

CEO PLUS 2016

ADDING SYNERGIES WITH SOLUTIONS CEO Nadeem Raza tells us why Dia33 is no ordinary chemical distribution organisation and how their foolproof and long-term solutions have always satisfied its clients.

Arabia, India, Philippines, China, South Korea, Canada, UK, Ethiopia and a group year-over-year growth of +20%, DIA33 has triumphed the initial hiccups and is set to be a trailblazer in times to come.

NADEEM RAZA - CEO

DIA33 is the brainchild of a group of highly experienced industry experts and technocrats who identified the scope of a fast growing, credible Chemical Distribution House; Which would offer specialized and personalized services in Industrial Chemicals and related core services. " We started in January 2011, and our initial challenge after raising the seed capital, was to establish credibility and a steady cash-flow, which we managed within a short period of time" says CEO, Mr. Nadeem Raza. With their multiple offices and logistics infrastructure, spread over 12 countries, including UAE, Saudi

"We are a group of companies that symbolise customer-centric ethos of uncompromised quality assurance, demand-driven supply chain, broad and diverse product portfolio, bulk shipment management, global logistics and warehousing, customised blending and repackaging, extensive serviceability, free-labelling and toll manufacturing, cutting-edge technical consultancy and high- end troubleshooting," explains the CEO. DIA33 holds exclusive partnerships with over 30 renowned global manufacturers, offering more than 1,000 different products to over 230 satisfied customers across 26 countries, which largely represent almost all major industries and diverse set of end markets. "Besides having exclusive relationships with our partners, we closely work with over 70 suppliers for various products under OEM agreements to support and cater to its highly valued and loyal customers," he adds.

DIA33 prides itself on its operational excellence, which can be directly attributed to their highly talented and competent workforce. "Our employees mix comprises of an enthusiastic and motivated Sales Team, highly qualified and trained Technical-support Team, enriched and experienced Chemists, passionate Procurement and Supply Chain and prompt and persistent Customer Service Staff," explains

Raza. DIA33's extensive work for the last three years has led them to cater towards economies which have a population of over 1.2 billion, where awareness of quality material has risen to standards. "Our key focus is on infrastructural and TBM projects and with their current portfolio of products and established team of professionals, DIA33 is confident to achieve their target," states the CEO. The chemical industry in the Middle East is fundamentally expanding.

"There is a market surge which is impelled by both the private segment's expanding support in the development business and developing foundation ventures. Investments will drive chemical exports from the Middle East and help the chemicals industry grow faster than other key industries in the region, including oil and gas, transportation and automotive. With Dubai hosting the World Expo 2020 and Qatar hosting FIFA World Cup 2022, there has been an exceptionally positive business sector viewpoint in Middle Eastern market," says Raza.

With their expansion plans in place, DIA33 foresees doubling their workforce within the next 2 years.

"We aim on acquiring marketing rights of new complementing products and backward integration with key manufacturing partners to create dependability, reliance and a one-stop shop for the industries in focus," states the CEO. As a responsible corporate, they ardently believe in helping the environment and communities to become better and safer. "We have appointed a new team to only focus on the development of green chemistry and recyclable industrial waste and now are working on marketing solutions to reduce carbon footprint as their initiative to save the planet for forthcoming generations," he adds. In addition, DIA33 are already involved in multiple CSR initiatives with different educational institutions and NGOs, which are consistently working in their respective fields for the betterment and enhancement of education and living standards.

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CEO PLUS 2016

RESOURCING

CORPORATIONS Ultimate HR Solutions was established in 2001 with the main goal of assisting the corporate world with top of the line recruitment and HR-outsourcing, Managing Director UHRS Amena Baig explains

AMENA BAIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR

1. Tell us about the company and its journey to success?

Ultimate HR Solutions is a specialised HR service provider that focuses on two main areas – recruitment and outsourcing. Fifteen years down the line, we are proud to say that we have over 2.500 active outsourced employees all over the UAE across various clients and industries. Our employees are professionals from over 50 different nationalities and work in over 40 business functions. Due to our client-centric culture, transparent pricing structure, and professionalism, we have achieved a bottom line growth of over 85 per cent in the past five years.

2. What have been some of the most significant challenges the company has encountered so far?

The biggest challenge Ultimate HR Solutions encountered was during the 2008 recession. After many years of constant growth, the uncertainty in UAE’s market was visible as the banking industry was severely hit and many HR consultancies went under. Naturally, during a recession, companies start to lay off employees and pause all recruitment. At Ultimate HR Solutions, however, we took this as an opportunity to diversify into other non-banking industries and became more competitive. The recession actually served as a learning experience and has taught us to cope with business fluctuations quickly and efficiently. Even though the economy has slowed down since the last quarter of 2015, we are still on target to achieve a growth of 25 per cent in 2016.

3. Being an HR solutions firm, how can companies like yours empower women for sustainable development?

Some of Ultimate HR Solutions’ best employees are women. The only way that women like myself or other female employees at our firm can empower women and commit to their development is by making them realise that their dreams and ambitions can be turned into reality. The notion that a woman cannot be a successful part of the workforce and a successful mother must be dispelled.

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By virtue of being a HR company, we are in a very powerful position to inform and educate women – be it during interviews or training programmes – about the importance of the woman in the workplace. It is very important that women support each other and provide mentorship whenever possible in order to help women grow in their respective careers.

4. What trend do you see in the GCC corporate landscape as far as gender parity is concerned?

There is an observably upward trend in the GCC corporate landscape regarding gender parity. We have come a very long way. The UAE is a leader in the Arab World in general in terms of female educational and economic empowerment as well as any social or health benefits. There is no doubt that women do still have a long way to go especially in terms of female representation in the workforce. There are more women than men in government educational institutions in most of the Arab world, but we see the opposite in the workforce. This means that women themselves must let go of cultural norms that discourage them from entering the workforce and realise that it is possible to be a successful working mother.

5. Do you think empowering women can subsequently empower societies? How? I am a big believer in female empowerment. It has been said that when you educate a man you educate an individual but when you educate a woman you educate an entire nation.

This has been said because a woman traditionally raises children. Additional research has shown that the longer a girl stays in school, the healthier children she will have and the higher her family income will eventually be.

It is absolutely essential for women to believe in themselves and prioritise education. Education leads them to be self confident and ultimately make the difference they want to see in their societies.

CEO PLUS 2016

SWEET INDULGENCE MARC WIRTH, MANAGING DIRECTOR

Tantalising the young and old alike, the chocolate industry has seen a massive rise over the past several years with sales projections exceeding $98 billion in 2016 globally. Within this wide market, one brand that has been captivating sweet lovers for generations is Sprüngli.

Indulging customers with melt-inyour-mouth confectionary for almost two centuries, Sprüngli possesses an inimitable legacy of delivering exquisite taste, a delectably refined sensory experience and quality par excellence that none can compete with.

Tracing Sprüngli’s history, Chairman Milan Prenosil says: “Sprüngli is a family-owned company founded in 1836. Rudolph Sprüngli, second generation, was one of the pioneers in Swiss chocolate making in the 19th century. My brother Tomas Prenosil and I are the sixth generation. We are continuously adapting to market changes through innovation. In 2008, Sprüngli Middle East was established as a freezone enterprise in Dubai – a relatively difficult time for businesses marked by the global financial crisis.

As a result, our growth was initially slower than expected but we believe in long-term strategies. Thus after having observed the UAE market for a long time, we decided to open our first Boutique & Café outside of Switzerland in Dubai in 2014.”

Elaborating on the company’s wide

range of luxurious offerings and titillating delights, Managing DirectorSprungli Middle East, Wirth further explains: “Our main products are pralines and truffles as well as our famous macarons known as ‘Luxemburgerli’. Besides these, our Boutique & Café also offer the Sprüngli signature cakes, hot chocolate, coffee, other specialities and seasonal products. For this upcoming Ramadan and Eid, for example, we again have interesting products and packaging designs for our corporate clients as well as our customers in the boutique.”

It is not untrue to claim that business success entails longevity and consistency in quality – two assets Sprüngli is proud to posses. When asked to define success, Milan Prenosil says: “Success is not just about monetary gains. Sprüngli in Switzerland has a legacy of 180 years with ongoing operations and expansions. Now that is success! However, it is also a challenge because our strategy and products have to continuously adapt to the ever-changing market trend and consumer demand.”

He further remarks: “Success for Sprüngli in Dubai is building up brand awareness and making people understand that our chocolates are a niche product for consumers who enjoy the ‘finer things in life’. Success is also that we have managed to bring our products to Dubai with almost no quality difference compared to the products in our home market and being able to serve the local community a truly Swiss product.”

The secret to Sprüngli’s success is in constant evaluation of quality from start to finish, Wirth explains: “We have our own production unit in Switzerland, direct logistics and stores.

We do not franchise and, therefore, have 100 per cent control of the products right from acquiring the raw material to production, packaging, distribution and delivery. It is a strict commitment to maintain certain high standards and achieve uniformity of a product. We

achieve this benchmark by using only the best raw ingredients, which remains our core philosophy. All our products are still handcrafted in Switzerland with very limited use of machines.

“Quality of our products and services comes with passion and dedication from our employees who deliver their best day in and day out. There is a lot of work behind each and every single product and we can achieve consistency only when we act as one world throughout the company,” he says.

“Companies have smaller marketingbudgets this year. However, chocolate is an affordable luxury. Who can resist it? But on a more serious note, we do of course feel the uncertainty in some sectors and the competition is also huge. In Dubai, we compete with amazing chocolate and confectionary brands from around the world. It is challenging. But competition is also good for the consumer because there is always something new in the market. We can talk so much more about the exquisiteness of our products but the best way for one to experience Sprüngli products is surely to visit our Boutique & Café in Dubai,” he concludes.

Sprüngli is a much loved confiseur that is consistently satisfying millions by offering unmatched perfection through its handcrafted premium confectionary and raising the bar in terms of variety and taste.

MILAN PRENOSIL, CHAIRMAN

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CEO PLUS 2016

TECH GROUP: POWER PLAYERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CEO Shiraz Hasan speaks of the core values that have led Tech Group to become the most sought after construction firm in the Northern Emirates

SHIRAZ HASAN, CEO

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CEO PLUS 2016 Established in 2003, Tech Group is a powerhouse in the construction industry, offering integrated solutions and serving as the primary contractor for pivotal projects across the UAE. This can be attributed to the strong values immersed into their day-to-day operations and products to deliver unconditional customer satisfaction to their clients.

Under the leadership of the Group CEO, Shiraz Hasan, Tech Group has scaled new heights of success through his perseverance and vision. Hasan, who has a background in Finance and Construction, put to work his extensive US-based experience in the Big 4 Firms and the construction industry to propel the businesses into fast-paced growth. “I joined Tech Group in early 2013 to give new direction to our businesses in order to adapt to the post-recession dynamics.

Our strategic initiatives included consolidation into the UAE market by rolling back our operations in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and Sudan. I turned our strategic focus back into the UAE market and worked extensively towards expansion of our operations here and maintaining full representation in the major emirates. In doing so, the results started to pour in from the first year on, and Tech Group has been consistently recording 30 per cent plus year-on-year growth for a third year running. One of the key factors of our success is our team. We have invested heavily in our humancapital, recruiting nationally and internationally, which has added great value to our Group. I believe I am only going to be as successful as my team, therefore their strength is a projection of the organisation," he adds.

works, Steel Cut and Bend and Fabrication Services, Rebar Trading, Interiors and Joinery Works. In addition to construction-related products and services, Tech Group also has a Sweet Water Supply Company and a Petroleum Products Trading Company. All of the businesses are ISO-certified, which is a testament to their unwavering commitment to applying quality management systems across the Group. “Since inception, Tech Group has managed mega projects worth close to Dh10 billion throughout the UAE. We take pride in ourselves to have been associated with some of the biggest development projects across the UAE. We are working with some of the biggest construction clients like Al Habtoor Group, Deyar, BeSix, Shapoorji Palloonji, Damac, Dubai Properties, etc.

We are heavily involved with Al Zorah, which is Ajman’s flagship development project. It is a one-of-a-kind mega project that incorporates two 7-star Beach Resorts, a Jack Nicklaus designed championship golf course, luxury villas, a marina, apartment towers and huge retail centres," comments Hasan. Some of the projects that Tech Group is currently involved in include Akoya Villas in Dubailand, Mudon Villas, piling works for 4-star resort at the Palm and mega structures in Tecom, Al Zorah Golf Resort and Villas, Ajman Corniche Residence and International School of Choeuifat. Ajman One Towers, Ajman Pearl Towers, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, Corniche Tower, Expo Tower, Horizon Tower, Orient Tower and The Black Square are some of the projects completed by Tech Group.

Tech Group has been synonymous with providing quality and excellence across all of their businesses. Each business unit has its own asset base and individual expertise to provide complete construction solutions including Aluminum and Glass works, Ready Mix Concrete, Concrete Blocks and Interlocks, MEP Contracting, Turnkey Construction Contracting, Piling and Foundation

The Northern Emirates were the primary markets for Tech Group, but with the expanding footprint and representation in other emirates, the Group carved out a decent market share for itself in Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets as well. “We are one of the biggest groups across the Northern Emirates in terms of manufacture and supply of construction-related products and services. Our manufacturing plants

are equipped with the state-of-the-art computerised machinery, manufacturing processes and techniques that enable us to achieve an unmatched level of quality in our products. Our block manufacturing arm, Tech Blocks has three production facilities exclusively for the manufacture and supply of a vast variety of concrete and paving blocks and interlocks. Our joinery is one of the largest in the UAE with expertise in interior designing, joinery works, and mass production of doors and cabinets.

Tech Remix has three plants — all equipped with machinery imported from Italy and Germany along with a large fleet of mixers, mobile and stationary pumps and other equipment – to ensure the production of high-performance durable concrete. All in all, we have more than 2,000 employees working together and enabling us to maintain our competitive edge.”

The leading construction group is also looking to become more eco-friendly in its operations. “We believe in our responsibility as a good corporate citizen, therefore we are geared towards providing a better future for the population. Moreover, we are continuously investing to decrease our carbon footprint by bringing efficient solutions for energy conservation and making our businesses more environment-friendly.

We have set aside a commitment of $100 million to be invested in the next few years in our capacity expansion, asset and facility upgrade.”

One of the most sought-after firms, Tech Group has achieved multiple accolades and secured successful projects across all industries, however, they aim for much more in the future. “Expo 2020 is a great initiative of the Government of Dubai and a huge driving force especially for our industry to gain momentum. The economic outlook looks very promising with positive activities to explore other sectors and markets, where we can continue to expand our capacity, take on more projects and be a part of the biggest developments in and outside of UAE," he concludes.

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CEO PLUS 2016

MODERNA: ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

A company synonymous with success, Moderna Building Contracting LLC is a business that prides itself for achieving the triple bottom line. A company, which is lauded for its vast achievements in real estate and banking industries, is a privately held entity with pearling roots.

Talking about the company’s tremendous growth, Haleema Al Owais, Director of Real Estate Management, Moderna, says: “The company was established in 1972. We were initially into trade, pearl and gold trading businesses. After the Japanese Pearl was introduced and took over the market, we decided to diversify our business and ventured into different sectors including real estate, manufacturing and banking industries. It is a matter of immense satisfaction for us to claim that we are a self-sufficient organization.”

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CEO PLUS 2016 A company that prides itself of being self-sufficient, Moderna – unlike its competitors – manages its entire business operations and maintenance.

“We like to stay behind the scenes, which is mainly the reason why we have not ventured into retail yet,” comments Haleema.

Moreover, the company is also able to cater to requirements pertaining to electromechanical, plumbing, cutting and aluminium cladding and glass projects, by strategically implementing vertical integration through its own subsidiary companies

With the mantra of keeping employees happy in addition to possessing a realistic view of profits, Moderna emphasises on an environment that enables people to grow.

Sharing her thoughts and insights on being a highly experienced entrepreneur, Haleema remarks: “To launch a successful business, you need a good business plan. Start with asking people for their advice. Market research is another important factor that needs to be included in your business mode of action. Take your time to be inspired, give your business idea the time it needs to evolve and most importantly, do not think purely of monetary results. Yes it is important to build your business financially but it is passion and hard work that also drive a good business.”

This is perhaps why Moderna has rapidly risen to immense success. “I do believe it is all about hard work and most importantly investing in our employees.

If they are eager to improve professionally, we assist them in that. If they want to move to other department, they are more than welcome to do that.

Moreover, we have an open door policy so that anyone can come and talk to us. I think this is the reason why we have retained our employees and possess an exceptionally experienced and loyal team,” she opines.

Adding, she says: “We have always been a self-sufficient business for we staunchly believe in being conservative in our business approach. While many organisations suffered due to the last recession, it did not affect us in any way.

If our cash flow is at a 100 per cent when the market is at the optimum level, it is generally at 70 per cent during recession time. So we might not be making profits but our business would still be growing steadily. It is essential for us to be conservative and not indulge in drastic strategy. We are certainly not interested in immediate results, as the company’s vision roots in having long-term, sustainable development and growth.”

Moderna Building Contracting has also started operations in Dubai. The establishment successfully nabbed prestigious projects amounting to 500,000 square feet of built-up area.

“We have come a long way and I think women have really taken over with the encouragement of our visionary leaders. Women in the UAE are empowered and I don’t think we have anything to complain about. Take a look at the public as well as private sectors; we have women ministers, entrepreneurs, lawyers etc. I have also worked briefly in the government early on my career and and have always found support without any discrimination for being a new mother at that time,” she expounds.

A thriving business that knows no bounds, Moderna’s illustrious management eyes expansion within its own field of operations such as real estate, industrial work and F&B etc. “We want to grow in sectors relevant to our business. And if we choose to have a venture with other companies, it will be those with similar mindset,” she concludes.

HALEEMA AL OWAIS - DIRECTOR

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CEO PLUS 2016

CEO PLUS 2016

National Marine Dredging Company: THE PURVEYORS OF EXCELLENCE IN MARINE DREDGING SINCE 1976 CEO Yasser Nasr Zaghloul tells us how NMDC has joined the international high ranks of being one of the top marine dredging corporations in the world developing the water circulation in Abu Dhabi Channels and Ports. We became independent from Adnoc and became publicly listed in 1979. Since then NMDC has been working in the dredging and marine fields with a special focus on Abu Dhabi markets and working on developing Abu Dhabi's marine life," explains Yasser Nasr Zaghloul, CEO.

MR. YASSER NASR ZAGHLOUL - CEO

Founded in 1976, The National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC) has been adding value across the region through their specialist services in dredging, reclamation and marine construction activities. The company was founded under Emiri law no 10. issued by The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and became a public joint stock company in 1978. "National Marine started 40 years ago as a part of Adnoc group. At that particular time, we began with few resources for

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Associated with providing flexible, cost-effective and on-time solutions for their clients, one of the most prestigious and well-known projects helmed by NMDC is the Abu Dhabi Corniche Public Beach. Appointed by the Abu Dhabi Municipality to develop the Corniche beach, which is a popular recreational gathering spot for residents and visitors alike and stretches approximately 4 km along the Corniche road.

Zaghloul explains how dredging is crucial for the economy: "Due to the vast marine area of Abu Dhabi, dredging is very important. The Abu Dhabi Corniche was developed by NMDC to provide a beachfront of international standards. We have also developed four artificial islands to increase the production of oil for Adnoc, which was regarded as one of the most difficult dredging jobs in the world. The project was of one and a half billion dollars and now the island are producing oil for the economy," he says.

NMDC has built multiple harbours, ports and navigation channels. They have delved into various sectors of oil and gas, tourism and urban planning."

Anything that is related to marine is of high interest to NMDC. We cover all types of marine-related projects from building islands to creating navigation routes. Since we are a homegrown company, it is our top priority to develop Abu Dhabi, therefore many of our noteworthy projects are also related to energy, oil and gas as they benefit our economy," comments Zaghloul. NMDC boasts an extensive list of projects such as the Upper Zakum Field development, which was to aid the development of petroleum operations of Zakum to enhance oil productivity, Al Gurm resort which was to create a land surrounded by water areas to build a luxury resort, Mubadala’s Al Maryah Island, which paved the foundation for subsequent projects such as dredging, reclamation, segregation of material, and The Mangroves project, which was executed successfully by NMDC, as an environmental project.

For NMDC, every project is close to heart, "We believe that forming a strong partnership is crucial as the client entrusts us with their projects. The outcomes have been successful, which speaks volumes of our client satisfaction rate," states Zaghloul. NMDC is built on five core values of commitment, integrity, excellence, teamwork and ownership, which has led them into the list of the top 10 dredging and reclamation companies in the world. "Our home market is our top priority and our aim is to consistently support it. We are growing internationally and making our footprint as an Emirati company by gaining international concessions. One of our noteworthy projects was the Suez Canal, which was unique in terms of quantity and time, and was extremely successful," says Zaghloul. NMDC formed a consortium with three international companies and complete the dredging scope of lots 2, 3, 4 and 5 with total dredging volume of almost 200 million cubic metres. "Our goal is to sustain our environment and economy.

We know what is important and we need to deliver it at the right time. Our client's

trust is of the utmost value to us," comments Zaghloul.

ADDING VALUE TO THE ENVIRONMENT

For NMDC, preserving the ecological environment is pivotal. "The environment is very important to us and our people. We take everything related to it very seriously as we need to preserve it for our future generations. What we build today, will follow us tomorrow," he explains. Therefore it has been NMDC's constant endeavour to minimise the environmental impact in all projects they undertake. Their process is always audited and certified in conformity with the ISO 14001 environmental management system. "With every form of development there is an impact. What is important is to balance out any negative impact by ccompensation," Zaghloul says. The Mussafah Channel is a successful example of the passion NMDC holds for the environment. "For the Mussafah Channel concession, we had to cross Bul Sayeef Marine Protected Area, which is known as an environmentally sensitive area, where certain parts of seagrass had to be cut down. We communicated with the environmental department, discussed thoroughly about the risks and showed our construction and environmental management system plan, to avoid harming any marine life. During an 18-month period, we did not receive a single comment from the department, which was an assertion of us being on the right track," he states. "Once the project was completed, we created a habitat island in conjunction with our client, UPC. We planted sea grass, artificial reef and coral. Our overall goal is to benefit and add value to our environment, and that is what we aim to achieve with our project," he adds.

Another special project for NMDC are the Mangroves, which are a vital part of Abu Dhabi's environment. "If not given the appropriate attention, such as providing the right water circulation, they could die," explains Zaghloul. "There

fore, we have conducted multiple studies on Mangrove areas and have opened channels to develop the right water circulation to improve their lives and marine life. We will soon be launching a media campaign by the direction of His Highness, for an initiative to clean the sea bed and water surface of all water routes of Abu Dhabi. This initiative will improve the quality of the water and marine life," he adds.

BUILDING A NEW TODAY FOR A SUCCESSFUL TOMORROW

For NMDC, the future holds many tremendous projects. "At the moment we are working in Bahrain for our client, Ministry of Housing to reclaim land for the construction of community housing.

We aim to delve into international regions such as India, Africa, GCC and more states within the Middle East as we feel there are opportunities in terms of growth and development," he says.

The key to success for NMDC is adding value to the lives of their employees, shareholders and stakeholders

We recognise the importance of our employees who work in conjunction with clients for numerous projects. We want to build their capability as it aids in the growth of our organisation, which in turn strengthens our economy. says the CEO. NMDC is built on the foundation of delivering satisfaction to their clients and community and that is a mission they are constantly striving towards.

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CEO PLUS 2016

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HOTEL: Five-star succour for the weary traveller Nestled inside Dubai International Airport’s busy transit concourses, the hotel is ideally equipped to recharge passengers’ batteries, says Avinash Menon, Executive Assistant Manager.

“Location, location, location” is a mantra liberally quoted by property developers, but also eagerly adopted by business owners. In the hospitality sector it is particularly apt, and Dubai International Hotel satisfies the criterion neatly.

Catering specifically to Dubai International Airport’s transit passengers, the five-star full-service hotel is situated airside of the airport, in all of the three concourses.

“Our facility is aimed at passengers who are in transit for about four to eight hours,” explained Avinash Menon, Executive Assistant Manager at Dubai International Hotel.

“Passengers can enjoy the benefits of five-star accommodation and amenities – well-appointed rooms; excellent food and beverage offerings; luxurious spas – together with the convenience of not having to battle through traffic to the airport. Checking in for their onward flights, queueing and passing through immigration, is all made easier by staying with us. It is this expediency that has supported our business model over the years.”

Dubai International Hotel welcomed its first guests in April 2000 and has enjoyed an average occupancy rate of around 90 per cent since then. It offers 530 rooms, ranging in size from 30 to 150 sqm, and varying in grade from Deluxe, Superior Deluxe and Executive rooms to Junior, Royal, and Presidential suites.

THE ART OF LUXURY On-site facilities include high-speed Internet access, flat-screen televisions and automatic minibars. Also available are two health clubs with gymnasiums, swimming pools, jacuzzis, steam-rooms, saunas and showers.

Some grades of room even include massage chairs for the weary traveller.

Indeed, many extra services show deference to the unique nature of the hotel’s guests. Depending on the room, transit passengers could look forward to complimentary fruit baskets, tea and coffee, or chocolates, canapés and fresh juices. The hotel even offers a make-up service on request.

“We also cater to the business traveller,” said Menon. “We have three fully equipped business centres, offering a range of features including, secretarial services, Internet access, printing and conference facilities with audio visual aids.”

Dubai International Hotel gives guests access to an eclectic mix of dining options. Thirteen distinct restaurants and bars adorn the airport’s concourses.

“We are proud of our ‘Ahlan’ concierge service, located in Terminal 1 arrivals and Terminal 3 departures,” Menon added. The hotel also boasts an array of stress-relieving signature treatments at its Timeless Spa. He acknowledges the stiff competition from Dubai’s hospitality sector, despite Dubai International Hotel’s unrivalled location, but Menon believes the brand has a number of elements beyond being airport-adjacent that make it stand out from competitors.

ONE OF THE MANY HOTEL LOBBIES

STANDING OUT “Dubai International Hotel, through its constant evolution, differentiates itself with its distinct product features, superior service, a lean organisation and staff,” Menon noted. “In fact, the hotel’s greatest asset is its staff and, as such, the provision of a high-touch guest experience has been based on the hotel’s strategy of developing a customer-centric culture and flexible standards to deliver personal service to guests.

“We consistently endeavour to understand customer lifestyles and objectives. We believe that through service experiences that complement such lifestyles, a hotel can certainly differentiate itself.”

That evolution will continue in 2016 with the launch of the hotel’s “Meet and Assist” service, for passengers who provide their arrival-flight details at the reservation stage.

“Passengers are met at the arrival gate by a member of our team and escorted directly to the hotel reception to seamlessly check in,” he said.

“Also, we have just recently opened our First and Business Class lounges in Concourse D. These state-of-the-art lounges include services such as personalised meet-and-greet; table service by our highly trained staff; extensive international hot and cold buffets and a la carte menus; express treatments at the Timeless Spa located in the lounges; fully equipped Business Centres; and Kiddies’ Corners, with specialised Kiddies’ menus.”

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CEO PLUS 2016

CEO PLUS 2016

REDEFINING HOSPITALITY IN HOSPITALS

six years, from 2010 to 2015. Our Lab has also been CAP-accredited for three years and our Bariatric Centre has achieved the International Centre of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. These are just few of our accomplishments and recognitions during our 10 years of operating in Kuwait.

What are the mission, goals and values of Royale Hayat?

Royale Hayat is a multi-speciality hospital in Kuwait that incorporates specialist medical services and luxury to provide an exceptional experience for their patients

PRADEEP K. HANDA, CHAIRMAN

Royale Hayat Hospital is synonymous with luxury and providing hospitality to their patients. How did you recognise the requirement for an elite luxury hospital in the market?

Our main purpose was to build a hospital with international medical standards, high quality and experienced medical experts. These combined factors provide a unique journey for the patient, therefore we embraced five-star luxurious hospitality services within our hospital’s concept. This was to create a one-of-a-kind experience for our patients, so they get a real feel of hospitality. Royale Hayat is where they can experience the quality and the comfort they need with assurance that they are given the best medical treatment.

We created a unique concept in the market by providing comfortable and upscale services catered towards mothers, children and all family members, which was followed by expansion into other specialities and departments based on the need of the market.

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Tell us about Royale Hayat's journey. What were the challenges and triumphs of introducing a luxury hospital in the Kuwaiti market? Since its opening what services have been provided and introduced?

Our concept was unique, therefore introducing it was a challenge as many individuals were not conversant with it, especially in relation to the medical sector. We wanted to focus on creating an unforgettable experience for our patients and our goal was to combine international standards with luxury services. We began as a mother and child hospital, as we recognised a need for providing our services to these divisions.

We gradually expanded to serve all members of the family. We are famous for our Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Paediatrics Departments but within 10 years we have expanded to Family Clinic, Surgery, Internal medicine, Bariatrics, IVF, Radiology, Cosmetics, Pain Management, Endoscopy, ENT, Dental, ICU and SCBU.

Royale Hayat has "Redefined Hospitality in Hospitals"; could you elaborate on this statement?

For the first time in Kuwait, we have introduced a five-star hospitality concept within a hospital. Our hospitality services include the 'welcome and greet' from guest relations personnels, floor coordinators for each floor, event halls for baby receptions, which are inclusive of all event services, a luxurious F&B for our inpatients and visitors, in addition to special butler services for our VIP suites.

We were determined to introduce a unique experience for our patients from the minute they enter till check out.

Could you tell us about the achievements of Royale Hayat in the industry of healthcare?

Royale Hayat was established in 2007, and during our 10 years in the Medical Industry we have achieved numerous notable recognition for our services. We were awarded the Best Hospital in Kuwait by Service Hero for continuous

Royale Hayat promises to deliver safe, modern and quality medical care and services to society in an environment of compassion, comfort and care. We will achieve this by redefining and setting global benchmarks in hospitality and through providing a culture of continuous learning, innovation and excellence in healthcare. Our Group had a vision to develop a healthcare institute that would blend quality medical care with luxurious hospitality services with a focus on women and child health services. The Royale Hayat Hospital was established in 2006 and quickly became known as the standard of excellence for women, children and all members of the family healthcare in Kuwait and our aim is to continuously strive to be the prime example of combining quality healthcare with luxury.

We stand out in the market for our highly-qualified consultants medical team and our experienced staff from different departments. Our team constantly strives to meet and exceed our patients’ expectations. Our speciality is mother and child (Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Paediatrics) but we specialize also in pain management and endocrinal services. In 2009, given our rapid growth in both medical expertise and customer care, we decided to expand our medical services to include multi-specialities that we felt would best serve our customers and benefit overall health services in Kuwait, such as our new Obesity Surgery Centre. In addition, we have our ENT programme, which complements our Obesity Programme in the treatment of Sleep Apnoea. Our emphasis on minimally invasive techniques has led to further development in Laparoscopic Programmes, Reproductive Medicine and Pain Management. Our partners in Dental and Cosmetic Surgery have also stepped

up their operations in 2011, with large and luxurious facilities to include many visiting, internationally acclaimed experts.

What are the future goals for Royale Hayat? Is expansion on the cards?

We have already expanded and launched our Royale Hayat Clinic in AlMahboula Area in Kuwait; it is a polyclinic that offers cosmetic, dentistry and family clinic services to our patients. We have added services that we think best encompass our customer’s holistic health and hope to add many more specialities that continually drive our excellence as a luxury healthcare provider. We understand that there is nothing more important than the health and safety of you and your family. That is why we promise to provide you with modern and quality medical services in an environment of compassion, comfort, and care.

ROYALE HAYAT HOSPITAL

As a patient, what can one expect upon visiting Royale Hayat?

Our patients will receive international standards of medical care provided by our European, American and Canadian board certified consultants and specialists from different departments.

Moreover, our highly-qualified nursing department that will be with our patients at every step, in addition to exclusive hospitality services from top notch staff.

All these elements combined together give our patients a unique experience in Royale Hayat Hospital.

What are the specialist services that Royale Hayat offers? What gives Royale Hayat the competitive edge from other Hospitals in the region?

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CEO PLUS 2016

CEO PLUS 2016

FRANCORP:

THE PIONEERS OF THE FRANCHISE INDUSTRY Francorp CEO, Imad A. Charaf Eddine, tells us how Francorp earned the title of “The Franchising Leader” and their continued successful run in the UAE worked with hospitality, retail and any other business you can think of, from coffee shops to beauty and clinics to nail salons. The list is endless," he explains.

To name a few, Francorp has an impressive clientele of big brands such as Marina Home, Sedar, Emarat, Fine, SASCO, Kcal, Dip n Dip, Sisters Beauty Lounge, 1847, NBAR, Jones the Grocer, Danube Home, Champion Cleaners, Pharmacy 1 and Grand Optics. Francorp has delved into every industry possible, which gives them the competitive edge above others. "We never get a question from the client saying, ‘Oh have you done something like this before?’ because they know we have covered everything," says Eddine.

IMAD A. CHARAF EDDINE - CEO

Dressed in a smart, three-piece navy suit, Imad A. Charaf Eddine has an aura of enthusiastic energy about him, as he greets and invites us into his world of franchising. There is no second-guessing as to why Francorp has earned the successful title of 'The Pioneer' in the world of franchising, and how Eddine has propelled Francorp to the heights of success in the Middle East through his passion. "Initially, we faced hardship and struggle as owners of local businesses did not have the knowledge about franchising. It did take us time to educate, convert and convince them, so that they would focus on their existing local entity, which is already proven to be successful, rather than

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think about acquiring an internationalbusiness," explains the CEO. However, for Francorp and Charaf Eddine these obstacles were worth overcoming. "If I tell you what we have achieved, you would be surprised. I can assure you that there is not a single consultancy that has achieved what Francorp has. We take projects that seem to be an impossible feat and convert them into successful franchises," he says. Name it and Francorp has it covered, "If you speak about the sectors we have covered, it is everything from clinics to funerals!

From the time you are born until the time you die, you are probably being serviced by one of the franchises that Francorp has helped build. We have

FRANCHISING YOUR BUSINESS

Franchising is more than meets the eye, and there are many more portals within Francorp that cater to the various requirements of the client. "We have a variety of services under the Francorp umbrella. There are three main divisions: Francorp Consultancy, Francorp International and our newest initiative, Francorp Capital. Francorp Consultancy turns existing local businesses into successful franchises, where our local clients become the franchisor, and they can sell their business anywhere in the world. Francorp International focuses on potential investors who wish to acquire an international franchise and matches

them with the them with the franchise business models that fit their objectives and commercial requirements. We assess the candidate, study their needs, goals and objectives and conduct market and benchmark analysis to match them with the right franchise opportunity to meet those objectives and commercial goals in their region. Our newest initiative in 2016 is bringing Francorp Capital back to life, which was previously operating in the 1970s. We are working with different financial investment firms and banks in getting loans for clients to help them launch and build their businesses.

Francorp Capital is also a funding source for remodelling of existing businesses.

Our goal is to operate as a vehicle for business owners looking for financing,” he explains.

Present in 55 countries, across Europe, India, Pakistan, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and many more, Francorp's mission is to assist any client in any part of the world in expanding their business.

Already successful within the GCC, Francorp has opened house in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and will be initiating in Egypt soon. As for the UAE, Eddine sees real growth potential for their major clients, which are in abundance. "For more than a decade, we have worked with nearly 1,000 clients in the GCC and Middle East. Today’s franchise market is composed of 70 per cent food and beverage, 10 per cent services sector and 20 per cent retail. There is still so much room for growth in these areas. The franchise market is expanding rapidly in this region, and we are seeing high demand. At the same time, there are so many concepts that have yet to become available for franchising. When people think of franchising in this market, they think about bringing outside brands into the region. Francorp’s aim is to reverse this mentality and take local concepts to the rest of the world. That is where the growth potential is, with local brands going international," comments the CEO.

So why franchise and why Francorp?

The answer is simple, according to Eddine. "No matter how smart, how successful or how powerful you are, there is always a need to expand your business. It will never be possible to cover time, competition and staff resources, unless you sell your franchise to someone who is going to have the same motivation and vested interest as you do to operate this business, because he, himself, has invested in it. If you want to expand, you can expand with your own money and time, but over a span of 10 years you would only reach 10, maybe 20 units. With a proper franchise system in place, that same expansion can go into hundreds or even thousands of branches, because you are no longer investing your own resources anymore. This is how Francorp helps businesses. We are a one-stop shop that delivers 360-degree solutions to all areas of franchising. Our team is fully in-house, and we do not outsource anything. Be it franchise strategic planning, business planning, franchise operations, marketing or legal, we have it covered. Our relationship with our clients doesn’t end when our services end. To date, we have an 11-year relationship with clientele, who we are in correspondence with regularly to offer constant support, and that is how we have made our mark in the market, as almost 70 per cent of our clients are through referrals," he states.

For Eddine franchising is a labour of love. "If God gives you the will you’ll do it. I started as a consultant; I was in love with this business, and decided to take the risk to become my own boss. With time I managed to reach my goals and own Francorp licence rights across the GCC and Middle East region. I got my father's blessing, raised the cash and paid the licence fee, which was a major risk for me. But I was certain to retrieve it in a year. My journey started in 2005, and by 2010 I became my own boss. From there the business kept growing," narrates the CEO.

DIVERSE PORTFOLIO

Speaking about the future, he says:

Our goal for the next five years is to be prominent in the international market and continue to expand the franchise culture. We see major growth potential in Asia and are looking to expand into China, South Korea and Japan. From 1976 until now, Francorp has been known as 'the franchising leader', and it was a title we earned with our sweat. That is the position we want to maintain." There is no doubt that Francorp is on the right track with Eddine mapping out the course. He had also developed a fourth stream called Franchisesouq.com, which will be live in May. It will work on connecting investors with franchisors. If you want to expand your business, you need franchisees. People can come in from different parts of the world and invest in local business by acquiring the licence to operate in their own market, or business owners have the opportunity to build their own franchise programmes through Francorp. The Franchise Souq is a platform that allows growing franchises exposure to international markets and offers prospective franchisees a centralised place to search for and compare available franchise opportunities for their markets.

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CEO PLUS 2016

CEO PLUS 2016

GENIUSES ARE NOT BORN,

hard work," he states. "When clients from other countries come here to start their businesses, all they need is for you to provide them with support and make them feel comfortable and safe," Sharma says.

THEY ARE BUILT

Self-made Managing Director of Genius Business Consultancy, Manoj Sharma gives us an insight into how they support the development of new businesses in the offshore market Helping New Businesses Flourish

Genius Business Consultancy enables aspiring entrepreneurs to successfully set up their firm. "We provide end-to-end solutions to our client such as dealing with licensing, PRO and visa procedures," says Manoj Sharma, Managing Director. The man behind Genius has years of experience within various sectors as a Gulf Management Relationship Manager, Client Servicing Manager and Compliance Manager with a strong background in banking where building client relationship is crucial.

I wanted to start my own firm to be in charge of my own professional affairs

MANOJ SHARMA, MANAGING DIRECTOR

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explains Sharma. As an employer, his goal was to be a friend to his staff and clients. "There is no hard or fast rule in the company of working to the brink, we believe in ensuring our employees receive their benefits so they can work towards

obtaining the best results. Overall, this objective is key as it shows in their performance," he comments. "This in turn helps the company prosper as the employees are building blocks of our Consultancy," he adds.

Genius Business Consultancy specialises in aiding new company formations within freezone, offshore and mainland districts.

"We specialise in freezone and offshore.

The UAE is a booming market for prosperity and there is an opportunity for businesses to develop and grow in the free zone." However, Genius is not limited to the free zone market as they consult for numerous businesses in various industries.

"The first step is to understand the product, and that is where we bring in our services. We conduct research for the client, such as which location and market their business will be most suitable for," comments the Managing Director. "We also provide IT solutions such as SEO and digital," he says.

Sharma believes that the UAE is a place where dreams can form into reality. "The UAE is a land of opportunities, and to succeed all you need is honesty and

Client Priority

Client satisfaction is the key element which sets Genius Business Consultancy apart from their competitors. "Our clients choose our consultancy due to the personal attention they receive in regard to their needs and wants," he states. Due to Sharma's expertise in the region, Genius has a specialist edge. His professional background gives it a unique factor which is unlike other firms.

Our testimonials from clients make us feel proud that we have succeeded in making them feel comfortable and successful in their endeavours. “When clients from other countries come here to start their businesses, all they need is for you to provide them with support and make them feel comfortable and safe. We provide our 100 per cent towards every client and intensively assist them," says the Managing Director.

For Sharma, every client is unique and requires attention. "It is our responsibility to play the role of advisor and consultant and keep their best interests at heart." This motive has secured Genius' clientele. "Our fares are reasonable, we bear in mind that these are new formations that have a long way to go.

Our consultancy gives them the support needed, and the opportunity to

grow without overthinking about the costs. Just as you cannot expect a newborn baby to walk, new businesses need time."

In the midst of developing new businesses, Sharma believes his true success came after settling down.

"Marriage changed my life and brought me luck. It gave me my son who bought bliss into my world. If I could owe my success to anyone it would be my mother, wife and son," he says. Therefore giving his family time is important.

"I cherish my role as a father and husband and truly believe behind every successful man is his family, as that is the core support system."

Philanthropist at Heart

"Our vision for the next 10 years is that we want to be in the top 100 in our field within the UAE market," he states. "I want to build an orphanage, it has been a lifelong dream of mine to give back to the community. Every year we provide essentials to schools in India, which do not have basics such as stationery and clothing," Sharma comments.

The self-made Sharma had humble beginnings yet the drive to be successful.

"When I was younger, there were many things I wanted to purchase, but did not have the financial means to obtain them.

That gave me the drive to exert myself and strive to succeed." Sharma says he compromised continuously and struggled, which paid off when he completed his Masters. "When I completed my third semester I took permission from the head of the department so I could work and raise funds for my tuition fees. I assured him that within six months I will return and complete my examinations. The vice chancellor granted me the approval, and so I set off to Delhi," says the self-made Managing Director who returned, and cleared his examinations with flying colours.

aspiring entrepreneurs feel when diving nto the unknown market of starting a business. "I was motivated to develop a consultancy so I could give advice, support and knowledge to new businesses," he comments.

The Future for Genius

Genius' future is bright, according to Sharma. "Our expansion and growth plan is that the next turnover should be tripled." With seven operating companies that include Creative City Fujairah, RAK Offshore, an Economic Department, Three Federal organisations in Delaware and Seychelles, Genius is the core. "We are the first to provide yoga trainer and life coach certification under the international federation and have the support and guidance of CDA-licensed Dr Alka Karla," he says.

We feel that Expo 2020 will impact our business in a positive way and are optimistic towards it. The sale and turnover will be tripled and the employer, employee, society and country overall will see a positive impact.

For more information on Genius Consultancy or their sister companies, visit: www.geniusbusinessconsultancy.com www.rakoffshoredxb.com www.dxbattestation.com

The struggle Sharma endured was a key factor in making him realise how

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CEO PLUS 2016

NETAPP LEADS THE WAY WITH FLASH When it comes to solid-state storage, one size does not fit all, says NetApp’s Regional Director, Fadi Kanafani

NetApp recently acquired SolidFire, allowing the company to bring its third flash offering to market, targeting the enterprise, cloud and service-provider community, where scalability is paramount.

“SolidFire allows software-defined storage and programmable functionality, with very particular quality-assurance standards that are normally not available in other storage systems,” said Kanafani.

“So that's why we believe one size does not fit all; because different businesses, different workloads, require different flavours of flash. We listen to the market and then meet those business objectives with the right solutions.”

DATA FABRIC

FADI KANAFANI, REGIONAL DIRECTOR MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

Across the Middle East, actionable information has become the great business differentiator, but more than ever, it is not just the data in an organisation’s possession that is most important, but the speed at which that data can be accessed and visualised for decision makers.

Thus, information managers are turning to flash – also sometimes known as solid-state – storage for its low latency and stability. NetApp is a pioneer in the field. As Fadi Kanafani, Regional Director Middle East and Africa, points out: “Although some have come to market recently with flash offerings, NetApp has always been a leader in that domain, when we launched flash in 2009. The market was not ready then, but we kept evolving that line until we finalised our vision for flash.”

Kanafani has observed the regional market’s inflated appetite for flash in recent times, as data-centric, high-performance applications such as the Internet of Things, data analytics and web hosting services have taken centrestage.

“Adoption in the region was shy to begin with, but in the past 18 months there has been a much better uptake rate,” he said. “We have seen interest from governments, the finance industry, manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, healthcare and education – each with their individual needs.”

NO COOKIE-CUTTER APPROACH

NetApp fervently disagrees with many of its competitors in what it sees as their “one size fits all” approach to flash storage solutions. “In flash, we have three solutions,” Kanafani explained. “AFF, or All-Flash FAS array is, an enterprise grade data services solution that allows us to scale out with very low latency and deliver up to four million IOPS [input-output operations per second]. Our EFF solutions are based on the E-Series product line. This is where we deliver microsecond-latency performance – ideal for web-hosting projects, or any application where data needs to be returned at a very high rate. This platform also brings optimal cost efficiency in terms of dollar per IOPS.”

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NetApp’s current strategy is built around its Data Fabric concept, which uses a software called ONTAP as its foundation. ONTAP is a high-level data management platform that delivers up to 103 petabytes of maximum raw capacity on a single system and enables NAS scale-out up to 24 nodes.

This enables organisations to eliminate silos and unify their data storage across flash, disk and cloud.

“ONTAP is the core software that differentiates us from all other storage vendors,” Kanafani said. “This is a solution that has been on the market for 20-plus years and brings to the customer the best they could expect from a data management platform.

Today, you want to make sure your data is available irrespective of where it is located. You want it secured and you want it mobile.”

He believes businesses are recognising the importance of flash and, because its cost has dropped, it has become a more attractive proposition.

“Companies and organisations desire the ability to have a customised experience,” he said. “They want to be able to support the Internet of Things and the cloud. And all of that requires very fast, near real-time response times.”

CEO PLUS 2016

APPRIZE: LEADING THE WAY IN ARTS, SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT

M Link in conversation with Joyce Lau, Founder and Director of Apprize Biz Tell us about the company and its journey to where it stands now?

Apprize was set-up to communicate my passion for Arts, Architecture and Business. Thus Apprize evolved into a multi-faceted business framed to provide value-added components to life, distinctly grouped under Arts advocate, Science source and Management consulting. Apprize is now focusing on the science component of the business – disinfecting, bio-agricultural and food additives of premier manufacturers and energy-saving glass film. We are strongly supported directly by our principal manufacturers in Japan, South Africa and Singapore.

Our hygiene product, CleanLABTM, is a unique food grade disinfecting innovation, which is totally safe to use on food in workspaces such as processing plants, kitchens, garbage centres, etc. It kills a broad spectrum of micro-organisms in seconds, thus attacking biofilm and reducing bad odour.

Our bio-agricultural and feed additives target the farming industry to enhance bio-sustainability and productivity; bio-molecules capable of replacing chemical fertilisers improve disease management and plantation productivity whilst our feed additives for livestock are proven for the last 30 years to yield healthy animals and meat source.

Apprize energy-saving nano-glass film is our latest exciting material, providing a cost effective solution to the construction and building industries, ideal for affordable housing, which the UAE government is advocating.

What are some of the most significant challenges the company has encountered so far?

Basically there are two main challenges facing SMEs in the UAE 1. The demographics: Being a migrant city of transient workforce, building a sustainable connection with stakeholders at all levels from decision maker to the implementers is an intensive effort. The mentality on importance of hygiene varies greatly and still lacks behind compared to developed countries.

2. The big corporate culture of this region: Corporations are movers of the market, where the business landscape is defined to their terms and advantage. I have encountered a big corporate service provider iterating that their corporate client has instructed on a generic ban on bleach. With such blanket policies, information is siphoned and misrepresented, this excludes genuine innovations to penetrate the marketplace and limits improved choices.

How can more women be encouraged to participate in modern economy?

Empowering women to enter the modern workforce is complicated. For many, there are physical and psychological consequences in the workplace, such as harassment, discrimination, and shame. Personally, I do encounter my share of disadvantaged situations, and there is just no respite, it is cultural and biological conditioning too elusive to resolve.

The technical aspects that can assist would be to reduce human contact, to make

JOYCE LAU, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

gender anonymous, so the women do not depend on the appropriate reception of men, allowing them to thrive independently in their economic environments.

Already with modern technology, such as e-commerce and blogs, more women have emerged. The virtual mobility has presented a perfect opportunity for both empowering women and encouraging sustainable development.

Please tell us about the company's expansion plans over the next 10 years.

Apprize’s vision is ‘Appreciate+value to life’; applying via multiplicities in Arts, Science and Management.

Our current efforts are on the Science component i.e. Clean LABTM and energy-saving glass film, which is the driving business of Apprize. I am confident of it maturing into a sustainable business in the UAE within the next two to three years.

Over the ensuing years, Apprize will build further upon our partnership with quality responsible market leaders, to inform, bridge premium knowledge and the use of researched products with our focused markets in the MENA region.

As architecture, arts and music are always close to my heart; their development would be in parallel though with different resource, timeline and intensity as they are project-based. At this moment, I am personally committed on a commercial design project whilst enjoying the pursuit of a global concert alliance involving musically gifted autistic children!

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CEO PLUS 2016

B4U: SCALING NEW HEIGHTS Head of International Business - B4U, Ashok Shenoy, talks to M-Link about the media conglomerate’s journey to success by seamlessly aligning itself to new digital realities.

infrastructure costs and gives the flexibility of tailoring content regionally.

What in your opinion is most challenging as far as B4U’s operations are concerned?

The most challenging was launching B4U Aflam and understanding the psyche of the Arab audience. We had to create a product taking into consideration the sensitivities and cultural habits of the Arab audience.

There was a teething process to ensure practices were correct, for example understanding whether viewers preferred dubbing or subtitles. To overcome hurdles, we ran a number of focus groups to understand the Arab population and were able to identify our target viewer.

In the digital era, how do traditional or electronic media giants such as your organisation align itself with new realities?

ASHOK SHENOY - HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Tell us about B4U and the journey so far?

Our strong programming strategy focusing on Bollywood music, movies and entertainment, allows us to maintain a formidable position in Asian broadcasting, in addition to building sustainable business in an extremely saturated and competitive market. In 2012-13, B4U launched two channels in the MENA region: B4U Plus and B4U Aflam. Targeting Arabic viewers with a dedicated feed dubbed and subtitled in Arabic, B4U Aflam’s success was clearly indicated even in the first few months of the launch with ratings hitting highs close to competitors.

It is one of the fastest growing channel in terms of viewership/ratings. B4U Plus is a hybrid channel targeting South Asians living in the MENA region, with current Bollywood films, music and entertainment.

What has been your most significant achievement?

Our most notable achievement is our presence on prestigious platforms across the globe within a short span of time. These include Sky, Virgin, Dish, DSTV, Multi-choice, OSN, DU, E-Vision to name a few, within a couple of years of launching.

Furthermore, we have received global recognition and awards for our programming. Another significant achievement to mention here is the successful launching a Bollywood Arabic channel in a crowded space of FTA MENA market. It required a lot of research. We successfully identified the market and, since the launch, have been ranked in the top three preferred channels amongst Arabs.

We are the first Asian channel to migrate our playout system to the cloud port, which is a new futuristic technology that allows us to save significant

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It has been important for us to adapt to and evolve with the technological changes and new digital realties.

Recognising a new form of viewership which is mobile, we have taken measures to ensure that our channel is available to watch on the go – via a live feed on various digital platforms and also by putting up catch-up content on YouTube.

Similarly, we have developed a strong social media following that has enabled us to connect directly with our audience, this has been a more instant, engaging and measurable way of understanding how our channel is being received. To further align ourselves with the digital changes, we plan to launch an Over-the-top app with movie content, live streaming and on demand content.

What does the future hold for B4U? As mentioned we will soon be launching our digital platforms to monetise and exploit our content.

B4U will also be creating its own content through its various divisions in production and theatrical distribution.

CEO PLUS 2016

CEO PLUS 2016

D2M:TRANSFORMING BUSINESSES WITH DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES Through 3D printing technology, industry can reap tremendous returns by rapidly creating more innovative products and streamlining manufacturing processes, says Managing Director Alexander Papantoniou.

“People are discussing how it's going to replace traditional manufacturing and change the world,” Alexander Papantoniou, Managing Director of D2M Solutions, said of 3D printing, the technology at the heart of his business’ solutions portfolio. However, he added: “Whilst 3D printing is already changing the world – particularly in the medical and aerospace fields, it’s unlikely that it will replace mass manufacturing in the near future, when really large volumes of products are needed. Presently, it is disrupting manufacturing by means of plugging a gap, in cases where you have low-volume, high-complexity parts.

However, we must be ready to see a paradigm shift in the way products are designed and manufactured, as 3D printing opens up unprecedented new freedoms. A possible scenario is on-demand design and manufacturing of consumer products.”

ALEXANDER PAPANTONIOU MANAGING DIRECTOR

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D2M has been at the forefront in the region in helping companies to realise the digitisation of their complete value chain, bringing a close integration between the virtual and physical world.

According to the 29-year-old MD, D2M covers “the entire design-to-manufacturing spectrum which includes software product lifecycle management for digital product creation, testing and simulation, and also 3D scanners and 3D printers that all help to optimise the product development process.”

In fact, D2M was one of the world’s first distributors for 3D-printing mainstay Stratasys, and was initially based in Cyprus. So the company has managed to build its knowledge in supplying advanced 3D technologies and has become somewhat a pioneer in the Middle East region.

“In May 2010, we moved to the UAE because our customers were mainly GCC entities,” Papantoniou explained. “Our biggest markets by far are the UAE and Saudi Arabia, but we cover all Gulf states. With these markets, obviously there's always a drive to show innovation, and this technology plays a key role in sectors such as medical, aerospace, defence, and education – pretty much any industry where 3D design and manufacturing data is used. We recognised early on that the region would need to make a switch from the “contract manufacturing model” to added-value manufacturing if they wanted to create innovative products that would add-value to their business. To accomplish this new model, it’s important that companies can fully integrate digital technologies with all their processes, otherwise they will be hard pressed to compete. We have witnessed first-hand how the drive to diversify from the oil-based economy and expand industrial manufacturing have seen keen interest in transformative digital technologies – basically they provide the core for successful product development. ”

REMOVING CONSTRAINTS

“With 3D printing, you have very few design constraints, so whether it's plastic, metal or any other material, you are building the model layer by layer, and you don't have the traditional manufacturing limitations that you have with other technologies,” said Papantoniou. “This allows you to make components with less parts and less assembly – which is more time and material efficient – and with freedom of design, meaning you can push the innovation envelope a bit further.”

D2M’s service branch, Paradigm 3D is a full in-house 3D services and consultancy facility, and its engineering team specialise in a number of disciplines, from 3D design and 3D scanning to CNC machining, casting and 3D printing. The company proudly claims “the largest footprint for 3D printers in the Middle East” and is part of a global manufacturing network of more than 200 systems called Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.

We can offer any services in 3D-printing technology available on the market today,” Papantoniou said. “So if in exceptional cases, we don't have something in-house, we can always tap into our extended network to offer the requirements.

“In our production area we have four large production 3D printers, based on FDM (fused deposition modelling) technology, one of them being the biggest in the UAE, with a building envelope of 60 x 90 x 90cm, said Papantoniou. “We also offer a technology called Polyjet, which is ideal for medical models. In terms of quality guarantees, it depends what the customer is looking for. In a part we made for an

airline, we managed to make it four times stronger and 40 per cent lighter, which for the aviation industry, obviously, is a huge bonus.”

SPARES ON DEMAND

D2M’s largest industrial markets lie in aerospace and defence, where it focuses on an area called on-demand spare parts – the ability to rapidly reverse-engineer and reproduce a component. With the approach of Dubai’s hosting of World Expo 2020, Papantoniou is also encouraged by recent developments in the country.

“Traditionally in this region 'under license' manufacturing was the norm, but the value-add was very little when you are just producing products from third parties,” he said. “Now people are starting to catch on to this and with the drive for innovation in the region , they are moving towards a business model of value-added manufacturing – where they are designing and developing their own products, maintaining a much higher margin, therefore creating sustainability and growth for their businesses.”

D2M commits a hefty percentage of its operational focus to research and development of applications of the technologies, in order to provide transfer of know-how to its customers.

“This is best illustrated by the aerospace sector,” Papantoniou explained.

“Anywhere else in the world, behind the airlines or the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), you have a tier-structure of aerospace suppliers that know what they want, because they've been in business for many years. They can come to you with extremely tight specifications. But in this region, we are talking directly to the end user, which means that, a lot of times, because they haven't been exposed to the technology before, we have to start re-inventing from scratch. Some of our projects can take up to two years, until we've satisfied all the certification, process and quality requirements.”

TESTING THE WATER

Citing the example of metal printing, which has gained recent media attention after General Electric made a jet engine exclusively from 3D-printed parts, Papantoniou remarked: "Metal printing is an industry that is gaining steam, but whenever you're discussing replacing a metal component, you need to look at certification very closely. If you're an OEM, that's okay because you can certify your own parts, but for someone to think they can buy a metal printer and start making jet engines, is a far away dream.

To give you an example, even the plastic material used in the cabins of aircraft, took about 10 or 15 years to attain industry certification, and these are non-critical components.”

But Papantoniou still believes end-user returns come much faster from manufacturing than from expensive prototyping, which was one of the principle reasons D2M set up its service bureau, Paradigm 3D – to allow customers to test the waters without significant investment.

“Because of the low oil price, customers are hesitant about investing in equipment they don’t fully understand, so we combat this with provision of our services,” Papantoniou explained.

D2M’s expansion plans include a bold new offering in which the company will set up complete factories, based on the concept of on-demand manufacturing.

“The building; all the equipment; all the technologies necessary to produce components in plastic, composite and a variety of metals; software; hardware; training; and even the sourcing of people will be handled by us on behalf of the customer,” Papantoniou said.

“Again this is particularly related to defence because they have the biggest need for spare parts. This offers users tremendous returns; even though it's a sizeable investment, the ability to reduce stock and combat obsolete components is a huge issue at the moment.”

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REVOLUTIONIZING THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY Chief Executive Officer Pramod Balakrishnan and Chief Operating Officer of the Medical Division Dr Dania Alsammarae talk to M. Link about the impact of innovative healthcare trends, and how Emirates Hospital is delivering them to their patients Emirates Hospital Group is synonymous with providing the best healthcare services to their patients. Could you give us an insight into your divisions?

Pramod Balakrishnan: The Emirates Hospital Group operates two healthcare brands: Emirates Hospitals & Clinics, and Cosmesurge. Emirates Hospitals & Clinics that serve our community’s standard healthcare needs by focusing on the delivery of high quality clinical care. Cosmesurge delivers high quality aesthetic medicine, and is possibly the only institutionalised dermatology and plastic surgery practice brand across the GCC. It was developed to fulfil the requirements for a high-end brand that stands out for Plastic Surgery in the Middle East. Launched 15 years ago by US trained Dr Max Sawaf, Emirates Hospital Group was sold out completely to Abu Dhabi-based KBBO Investments. The KBBO Group today owns 100 per cent of Emirates Hospital and Cosmesurge and is in the process of hiring a new senior management team to drive future growth and expansion in the GCC and abroad.

What gives Emirates Hospital the competitive edge?

I have been in the region for 25 years and witnessed the struggle families have finding a good physician. I believe there is a huge trust deficit when it comes to healthcare facilities in the region. That is what we plan to rectify. We plan to grow a hospital and clinic system that patients can fully trust. We aim to provide the best possible quality of healthcare that can be received in the Middle East, and we are quite proud to say that if we cannot deal with it, we are happy to refer the patients to the best doctors we know locally or abroad. Most of our doctors are European or US board certified, and they have worked in leading overseas hospitals, including some physicians who are trained at leading institutions like Harvard Medical School. Even today, Emirates Hospital is still one of the most favoured destinations when it comes to surgeries; I can see a lot of leading DHCC-based surgeons using our Operating Theaters because they know that the quality of our equipment and staff for intra- and post-operative care is fantastic.

This makes us a very well utilised facility, and results in a large number of short stay cases, minimally invasive procedures etc., all rendered by high quality doctors. This is what we are looking to scale up from. I would give full credit to Dr Max Sawaf, the Founder of Emirates Hospital, who was so passionate about quality that he made sure it was ingrained in his service. That is the legacy we are going to continue.

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CEO PLUS 2016 What are your standout services?

Dr Dania Alsammarae: Emirates Hospital provides all of the speciality services you would expect to find in a private world-class North American General Hospital. That covers the spectrum from obstetrics and gynaecology to paediatrics, internal medicine, orthopaedics, vascular, and ear, nose and throat - with more innovative divisions to be added in the near future with a view to addressing all the needs of our patient population. I have been working in healthcare for 10 years in the UAE, and what drew me to join the Emirates Hospital Group was quite simply the caliber of their medical professionals. I can walk around our hospital and see patients who have been visiting the same doctors for years. Some of our doctors treat generations of families, and one of our greatest sources of expansion is simply through word of mouth – with people referring their friends after having a positive experience with us. It’s a quality that is difficult to find, but it is embedded into the culture of Emirates Hospital.

One of the responsibilities we have been tasked with is to grow this culture further, so that even more patients in the region have access to our brand of care.

Do you feel the Expo 2020 will affect the health care sector?

Pramod Balakrishnan: One of the aspects we want to fully align ourselves with is the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in terms of his plans for tourism for Dubai. Medical tourism offers the opportunity to contribute a significant amount to the region’s external visitor goals, and working in synergy with the government promises to benefit service providers and patients in the region. Cosmesurge already has a very healthy share of the medical tourism market. I see patients fly in from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia and China, who spend a week in Dubai, enjoy its famous hospitality, and return rejuvenated as the best version of themselves. We are in conversation with

doctors in Beverly Hills who have heard of the Dubai story and are keen to come and practice with us. We have the entire range of services to provide through our fantastic setting, great quality clinics and hospitals and celebrity doctors from Beverly Hills who will look after you. All of that packaged together is a wonderful tourism story on the Cosmesurge side.

I can see us do the same on the Emirates Hospital side, which is done with certain niche doctors and offerings such as Dentistry. Dr Maher Atassi and Dr Abeer Khayat are some of our other Harvard educated doctors. So by bringing doctors of this caliber, we are ensuing the success of the continued delivery of highly quality case and also contributing to successful inbound medical tourism

space on the Palm Island opposite Fairmont Hotel. We also have a similar sized facility being built in Conrad Towers to cater towards the population base living there. Another clinic of the same scale is being established in RAK, in the Julphar Mall overlooking the waterfront. We are also tapping into Fujairah, which is the second largest bunkering station in the world that has regular ships calling and visitors who require a high quality clinic. Our aim is also to develop a new hospital in Abu Dhabi and a day care surgery centre in Motor City; work on both of these has already begun.

Talking about M&A, recently we recently acquired a 100-bed facility, about 90 minutes drive from Vienna. This centre primarily provides intensive rehab services, and 50 per cent is catered towards children with cerebral palsy and other congenital disorders. We feel that this is an underserved space and our goal is to bring this niche service to the Middle East. Besides bringing niche services to the region we will also be looking to partner with high quality practitioners locally, so as to develop a proper continuum of care of high quality hospitals and clinics. Some of the European /US board certified practitioners have developed strong brands locally and we are looking to support them to help grow their practice across the GCC, and be part of our high quality continuum of care.

What are your expansion goals?

Dr. Dania Alsammarae: We are expanding a lot of our specialities in order to cater for medical tourism. In addition to clinical offerings we have negotiated 5 star hotel packages that allow you and your family to attend a procedure at our hospital, and once you have been medically cleared you are free to return to your hotel later that day or the next day to begin enjoying the remainder of your stay. You still have the benefit of access to our team of professionals, but at an easy distance that means your precious time off isn’t just a clinical experience. Pramod Balakrishnan: We are fortunate to have very supportive shareholders who are ready to invest in our growth plans. On our growth strategy, we are focused on growing both organically with green field projects and through M&A. Currently, we have a new hospital under construction in Jumeirah alongside our existing hospital. This is on the edge of the new canal and the sea and promises to be a great location once the area is fully developed. This will be a modern state-of-the-art facility, and we will ensure that besides our existing doctors, high quality doctors render additional clinical services. In addition, we have a Medical Centre being developed on about 18,000 sq. ft. of

PRAMOD BALAKRISHNAN, CEO

DANIA AL SAMMARAE, COO

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LIME SOURCE CONSULTANCY GLOBAL LEADERS IN TALENT SEARCH WITH HQ IN DUBAI Talent sourcing specialist does not believe in a cookie-cutter approach to solving GCC companies’ HR requirements, says Rajeev Gupta, Founder and CEO For over two decades, the CEO of Lime Source Consultancy has been using professional expertise since 1993 in bringing the world's best talent to help fuel the GCC nations’ phenomenal infrastructure growth combined with growth in multi sectors from Facility Management, FMCG, Retail, Healthcare, Oil and Gas, and Customer Service sector, to name a few. As one of the region’s most sought-after management and HR consulting companies, Lime Source believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to meeting any organisation’s human resources requirements.

“We’ve always taken a proactive approach to sourcing personnel for our clients,” said Rajeev Gupta, the company’s CEO, a recognised FM Professional on both national and international platforms, and a well-known Member of Prestigious ASIS (American Society Of Industrial Security) Rajeev said: "To us, it is not just about receiving orders and delivering the number of people our clients need. We believe in having a firm understanding of the core competence our clients deliver and the skills required for specific jobs as different industries need different skills levels.”

NEETU AND RAJEEV GUPTA

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Lime Source is also transparent to overseas candidates about the working conditions in the region. All these have put the company in good stead as a global brand that candidates and clients rely upon.

By understanding the pulse of the market, Rajeev and his highly qualified corporate team leaders are able to match talent with the specific skills required by key Corporates and Blue Chip Companies. Such capability is integral in a region like the GCC, where skills mismatch is a prevailing issue.

“Our objective is to add value to our clients by advising them on the potential sources of highly skilled workers that will not only meet their jobs requirements, but also prove more cost-effective to them. This approach also allowed us to bring in talent from non-traditional source markets like Africa, Myanmar, Vietnam and East Europe in addition to long-term existing sourcing markets as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Philippines,” the founder and CEO said.

BEYOND SOURCING

Currently, Lime Source Consultancy sources experienced workers – unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled categories – from 15 countries worldwide for Blue Chip companies across the GCC. Because of its commitment to source quality candidates, Subash Chandra, General Manager, said they have also launched world-class and technologically advanced trade test centres to assess the level of competency of prospective employees.

“If a person claims to be an electrician or BMS operator, we don’t just take his word for it. We require them to undertake trade tests so we can determine their capability and skills level because they will be assigned to some of the region’s most respected companies,” explained Chandra.

But Lime Source goes a step further by offering training and development programmes for successful candidates. “We have training academies, which on par with international training centres. Both our trade test centres and training academies have been commended by our clients, who require employees that can confidently perform their job even from day one,” the executive director said.

BUILDING A REPUTATION

Neetu Gupta, Co owner and Director of Lime Source Consultancy, also considered the soul of the company said that its family atmosphere has allowed their team members to stay committed in their common goal to scale new heights.

“We take pride in the work that we do to provide highly efficient consultancy to our valuable clients,” she said. “As an organisation, we are not just interested in monetary gains. We are also mindful of the candidates we source and what the jobs mean to their livelihood.”

Lime Source’s reputation in the talent sourcing industry has been recognised by various institutions, key diplomats both regionally and overseas – including the Royal Family of Western Uganda Africa, particularly the King and Queen Mother, who lauded the company’s efforts to open up job opportunities to thousands of Ugandan families.

Founder and CEO Rajeev Gupta was a special guest of the Royal Family on May 22 this year, Neetu Gupta explained.

HOD’s Swathi. R & Shivani Bisht says with Immense Pride, Lime Source Consultancy’s one of the Biggest strength is we offer tailor-made sourcing solutions to our esteemed clients that is perfect for their specific nature of work - we introduce markets those earlier were thought as out of reach for our clients adds lot of value to support our Clients fuel their Group expansion Plans.

“Companies often talk about milestones when reflecting on their achievements, but to Lime Source Consultancy, our greatest milestone is word-of-mouth self less referrals, our Clients who came to know of us and our services through Existing Clients & Third Parties who have experienced Lime Source Consultancy services with rare Incredible strength in HR. We think this reflects the A class stature of our Brand and reputation we have built across industry, our deep rooted passion of hiring motivated & happy work force to create happy work environment that leads to happy society is our Sole Motto” said Rajeev Gupta – Founder & CEO. THE TEAM

Aside from trade tests, the company also conducts orientation programmes so as to ensure that candidates are familiar with the job they are applying for, rules and regulations of the UAE and fully comprehend the expectations of prospective employers, explained Markose Issac, Executive Director.

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VERTEX: TAKING THE

METAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BY STORM Project Manager Rashid Mohammed gives us an insight into the formation of Vertex Metal Construction and how their core values of commitment, quality and efficiency has made them one of the top Metal Construction Companies in the UAE

Vertex Metal Construction has cemented their status as one of the most prominent mechanical engineering and metal fabrication companies in the UAE. "Our firm is the sister concern of a parent company, Vertex Engineering, which specialises in Structural Steel.

Our niche is decorative items which are installed in five-star hotels, showrooms, shopping malls, high-rise buildings and airports. We aim to provide quality in all our division," says Project Manager, Rashid Mohammed. Vertex Metal Construction are specialists in providing the finest metal fabrication solutions in terms of designs and manufacturing to their clients. With a team of reputed engineers who have 34 years of expertise, Vertex aims to provide client satisfaction.

"My beginnings were at Vertex Engineering, which ignited my passion to develop Vertex Metal Construction.

Since it was a family business, I learnt tremendously during my time at Vertex Engineering," comments Mohammed.

"When I graduated in 2006, we opened our own shop. During that period, I managed the marketing and started taking on projects through sub conracts to raise the capital to build Vertex Metal Construction. In 2006 there were only three employees, myself included. Now our man power has grown along with the project proposals we receive" says Mohammed.

However for the Project Manager, the Metal Construction industry was unknown but promising. "We ventured into an uncharted territory with decorative steel. However due to the consumer demand for it, we were positive of the success it would have within this region," explains Mohammed. “We faced initial challenges, as it was a relatively new industry to delve into, but we persevered by creating a focus on decorative steel through marketing strategies and registered with ISO and OHSAS, which gave us reputability. Within a period of three years, we started receiving proposals and helmed projects for major clients," he comments.

Vertex holds prominence in the industry due to their excellence and dedication.

They offer various services, which includes maintenance to ensure durability and uninterrupted operations. "We offer maintenance services to the top universities in Abu Dhabi, top hotels, malls and other prestigious properties.

Our aim is to provide solutions consistently to our clients. Receiving their positive testimonials is a driving force for us, as our priority is client satisfaction," explains the Project Manager. Other projects for Vertex include construction of fuel diesel tanks specialised for technical and industrial services, fabrication and erection of heavy steel structure, metal works for sign boards e.g. Abu Dhabi International Airport sign supports, sheds, warehouses, to name a few. "We undertake all and any types of metal fabrication work, there are no restrictions in any aspects," says Mohammed.

Due to the range and expertise of being able to undertake all projects related to metal fabrication, Vertex has built a reputable clientele of corporations with oil companies, international main contractors and facilities management.

"In 2008 we received one of our major projects through a subcontract, and during that period we started the process of registering with ISO and OHSAS.

Once we were certified, the projects started pouring in and we reached our milestone with our first big seven-digit contract with a reputed construction conglomerate, which paved the way for many of our other projects.

Vertex aims to diversify their range by exploring different materials and challenge their capabilities constantly.

"We started to experiment with brass, which was challenging due to its properties of atmospheric reactions and after a few months of understanding this metal we succeeded," explains Mohammed. Vertex never compromises on quality as they are committed to delivering the best solutions to their clients. "At Vertex we believe strongly in the deliverance of quality in all aspects.

We value the time and trust of our clients and ensure that all projects are completed within the period that has been promised. Our commitment is projected in our work and a lot of our new clients approach Vertex through referrals. Therefore 'trust' and 'honesty' are the core values we have been built on," says the Project Manager.

Due to working successfully as a team, Vertex has acquired commendable success. "Ten years ago, I asked myself where I would stand, and now we have developed Vertex Metal Construction. In the next 10 years I want to see us grow as a team, as my team in the foundation of our firm and has been the key to our success." Another component that has added to their success is their competitive edge. "The process of how we work is simple. We give our clients competitive prices without any sort of compromise in quality and at the moment we are targeting major projects as a turn keeper," explains Mohammed.

Vertex aims to constantly strive to challenge themselves and make their mark in the Metal Construction Industry.

"In terms of diversification we have started another trading unit related to the construction industry, as we are passionate about it. Our major

operations are happening through Vertex Metal Construction at the moment," he says. "We ensure that the direct contractor and owner of the project have a clear understanding of all the aspects. We get an approval from them on everything before proceeding and this applies to all the projects we undertake. Our core values are of honesty, quality and commitment and our work is product of that," comments the Project Manager.

The future for Vertex is strong, as they aim to expand into the GCC.

We have initiated our operations in Qatar presently and are working on project for Kuwait from our head office in Abu Dhabi. We aim to expand to these regions fully as they hold a lot of opportunities and scope for growth, especially for the metal construction industry. The Middle East is a great platform for us and our expansion is slowly, yet surely moving ahead. We have a range of projects under our belt at the moment, which we are optimistic about.

Vertex aims to surpass their capabilities by taking on new challenges in the future and grow further within the metal industry.

RASHID MOHAMMED - PROJECT MANAGER

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ALLEEM

BUSINESS

CONGRESS: MAPPING OUT A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

CEO PLUS 2016

The visionary founder of Alleem Business Congress, Dr Rashid Alleem tells us why it is crucial to understand the impact of educational NGOs Dr Rashid Alleem is an esteemed figure and a charismatic persona with a passion that touches every individual he meets. A remarkable Orator and Philanthropist, he is a renaissance man who has delved into business, socioeconomic, academic and cultural fields. Yet what is striking about Dr Alleem is his humble nature and drive to serve others, as he believes that is the best way to serve humanity and mankind.

The Chairman of SEWA and a notable author of several successful publications in Arabic and English, including Sustainability — the fourth wave of economy, My Green Journey in Hamriyah, and My Leadership Secrets. He has been honoured with the title of Ambassador of Knowledge in the UAE

by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Among his many endeavours, a noteworthy feat is Alleem Business Congress where decision-makers become leaders. Dr Alleem gives us an insight into how he developed one of the most sought-after programmes under the banner of Alleem Business Congress.

LAYING OUT THE GROUNDWORK

DR RASHID ALLEEM, FOUNDER

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"Alleem Business Congress was an idea created during the financial crisis of 2008-2009. Before 2008, I was running a very successful project called 'Proficiency Club', which was a weekly affair comprising a group of 25 to 30 individuals who met every Tuesday to debate on certain business or leadership challenges, which was extremely productive. When the financial crisis hit, I knew it would affect everybody. I wanted to highlight the

importance of having a plan on an individual and corporate level. Therefore, an email was sent to all my peers, which explained my desire to conduct a one-day programme instead of the 'Proficiency Club', which would be dedicated to financial planning," explains Dr Alleem.

Upon receiving feedback from Universities, where he had previously received his education, Dr Alleem realised that Sustainable Development was the bigger picture. "It was a new concept for me, which had to be intensively researched and understood the cruciality of. I decided to go forward with the initiative of Sustainable Development Congress and resent the email. The feedback was overwhelming with over 35 speakers willing to take part, so the programme was extended over a course of two days, where over 160 individuals registered. It was a labour of love, as I wanted to make a real change and the event was sponsored entirely by me. Our initial plan was to return to the 'Proficiency Club', however due to the positive feedback over the interactive two days and the demand for it to become a regular programme, I decided to develop four themes which included: Leadership and Management, Sustainable Development, Marketing and Branding and Project management," he adds.

Thus in the year 2004, Alleem Business Congress was initiated, where one of the mentioned themes was featured in the five-day event with acclaimed regional and international speakers. "The first day is the inaugural session with VIP and attendees by invitation only. We have 50 to 60 executives, decision-makers and government profiles. The second day invites reputed regional and international universities to give them a crash course on the theme of the week. The third day would be the congress day where we have over 300 executives and decision makers, including students as I believe they are the leaders of the future. Third day is the longest day from the whole week as our registration

starts at 8AM and the programme ends at 6pm. On the fourth day, we invite a different university providing a crash course on the same programme. To mark the end on the fifth day, the Excellence Night, where cultural programmes are displayed. This has become a family-oriented programme that everyone from children to adults can enjoy. We have 160-200 attendees, by invitation only and it has become a landmark and success now " he states.

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

For Dr Alleem, spreading the message of sustainability is important. "Since heading SEWA as chairman in 2014, I know that the whole world is having a tough time with energy due to many factors such as weather changes and global warming. Nature has also made its own footprint on us, therefore I decided to add WE week to the programme.

'WE' stands for Water and Energy Week, as well as 'us' collectively, it was a moniker I came up with to engage people. We had the first edition in February, and it is going to be an annual event now. Our events are already well planned in advance, our 2017 calendar is already mapped out and we already have the programmes published with the dates and locations. Interested attendants are already registering now for next year because they have seen its success," he says.

The Sustainable Development Code, published by the United Nations in September 2015, has goals that the Founder of Alleem Business Congress holds with great regard. "The 17 goals of sustainable development have been approved by more than 167 Global leaders. It is a road map for the coming 15 years. I always preach them in my presentations, as it is a lighthouse for individuals as well. It talks about peace and prosperity, conserving energy, and working together to eradicate poverty, among many more goals. I want to encourage people to make a difference

on an individual level. Through my programme I want you to be committed, I want you to be a history maker, and I want you to be a global shaper. I aim for this message to be then passed onto the attendees circle of influence. By committing to one or two goals you can make a change" says Dr Alleem.

Through Alleem Business Congress, Dr Alleem wanted to create a platform for constructive networking "When you bring leaders under one umbrella with a certain theme or project, there are a lot of debated ideas. Insights from their industry are learnt along with the best practices and brilliant networking. It gives individuals an opportunity to approach other leaders and collaborate on commercial projects." However, challenges lie with every great cause.

The challenge is the acceptance of the idea of an educational NGO. There is a prevalent stereotype that comes with social causes, which is unfortunate. I have served in charity for more than 10 years and was recognised by the UN as a Goodwill Ambassador, which was an achievement. During that time, I was managing the international charity where many people would want to contribute towards very generic causes but were hesitant to donate towards social movements such as empowering women, capacity building and training. The challenge for NGOs is that the concept is misunderstood.

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THE KEY COMPONENTS OF SUCCESS

Passion and principles are key values of success according to Dr Alleem.

"Everything starts with a passion. You have to love what you do, and make the right start. To me the right start is halfway through success. If you have this triangle in front of your eyes for any project, then you would be successful. Your guiding principles are crucial, because if you don’t have principles you will never love what you do. Start up right; the true vision is very important. A lot of people regard vision as something hanging on the wall or something they feel good about, I have different view of this. A person should have true vision, which is when your heart and mind are working together. Your heart acts like a leader and your mind

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as a manager so you need both. The mind is for solving issues and challenges, creating profits and problem-solving, the heart carries culture, religion and timeless principles that hold the human touch. You need both to be successful and that would lead you towards your true vision. This in turn would lead you towards True North, a phenomenon when you are heading towards the right direction.

You can navigate better during tough times because you have your principles," he says.

We have to leave a legacy behind, according to Dr Alleem.

We need to re-evaluate our relationships in the view of different perspectives, and learn. Teaching and learning should be a part of every leader's mindset. I want to

leave a legacy behind, and nothing is better than education. We should aim to educate all circles of influences in different countries to take care of our resources.

We have to appreciate the time factor and not give up.

Even if I manage to influence one or two people who can make a big change that is enough for me. We should aim to do something rather than think it is impossible.

There is tremendous suffering in the world and we should try to help everybody.

I am optimistic that people will rise to the challenge and will try to make a difference.

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EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Mapping out a sustainable future through education being the fundamental, Chairman Dr Mohammad Tariq is on a mission of providing green solutions to the UAE through various enterprises under the Paradigm Pioneers banner Services and Solutions. This is one aspect that triggered a demand that needs to be catered towards. Our unique proposition was that we were the only firm offering three contrasting sectors of Financial Services with Auditing & Accounting, Civil Construction and Environmental Services. When we started working in Hamriyah Free zone there were only about 150 companies and now there are about 6,500 companies. So when the number of investors grew, we also grew along with them," explains Dr Tariq, Chairman, Paradigm Pioneers Group of Companies, about the beginnings of ESC.

IMAD A. CHARAF EDDINE - CEO

DR MOHAMMAD TARIQ, CHAIRMAN

Environmental Solutions and Consultancy (ESC) and British International School (BIS)-Ajman have a common denominator, which is their Chairman's vision of an eco-friendly environment. "ESC was established in 2005, until then the environment per say was not a core subject. We were based in Hamriyah Free zone at that point, striving to become a reliable and trusted business service provider. We had already successfully established as an Auditors and Civil Contractors. However, in order to setup any industry in the UAE, you are required to have Operational Fitness Certificate that requires Environmental Impact Assessment and Studies. In order to become a single window service provider, we initiated a new company, offering Environmental

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Dr Tariq is a multi talented persona with a strong background in academics. He did his Graduation in Electronics Engineering, followed by Masters and PHD in Management. Through his travels to various corners of globe, he identified how the environment was crucial to their respective societies, however there was a lack of emphasis in the Middle East. "We could also see that the energy sector is an area of focus across the globe and there are potential opportunities in energy enhancement and energy efficiency. However there is a dearth of expertise in this sector.

Fortunately, we could find right synergistic partners who are innovative solutions providers in the areas of Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Sustainability sectors, etc. So ultimately we assembled a team that has the know-how to lead, fully backed up by technical manpower

resources deployed on the ground. These alliances helped us in strategically positioning our services in the energy and environmental sectors," says the Chairman. ESC is a comprehensive solutions provider to industry and government bodies in areas such as environment, sustainability, health and safety and many more. "Our EHS services focus on efficiency and effectiveness in the applicable areas. We are also able to demonstrate that there are better ways to utilise resources including manpower. Within the construction division we are developing the first Green building in Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah, which is one of our flagship projects. In ESC we also have a third party inspection division which is purely technical, they take care of all the system processes and structure. Our services include capacity building, training and development, research support, etc. With the advent of Expo 2020, which recognises generating sustainable solutions to global problems demands collaboration across cultures, nations and regions will open doors of opportunities, inspiring us to benchmark our services at an international level.

British International School is another endeavor of Dr Tariq aligned with sustainability and education. "Our first opportunity came when we started with Salmiya Model School in Kuwait in 2010.

The experience we gained in Kuwait helped us to understand that a pivotal fact that roughly around 12,000 children travel every day from Ajman to Sharjah or Dubai to a British Curriculum school as there were none in Ajman at the time.

To cater towards the need of the aspiring GREEN GARDEN AT BIS AJMAN WHERE STUDENTS HARVEST FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN THE SCHOOL CAMPUS

ESC INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

children in Ajman/Sharjah for a British Curriculum, we established British International School which today boasts of 51 nationalities," comments the Chairman. With the motto "Dare to Dream" BIS is recognised as one of the innovative schools within the region. "The main idea is to enable a student to have a broad thinking process through a combination of conventional and creative teaching methods. We want to create a space where a child can flourish and can grow into an intellectual. Our focus is on the soft and life skills, and parents have appreciated our concepts such as the greenhouse initiative where children get a hands-on experience to grow vegetables, fruits, flowers, etc., thus connecting them to nature. What BIS offers is a unique approach to education, where skill imparting, extra curriculum activities are a part and parcel of the learning experience. In terms of curriculum activities, we have tied up with private institutions that are testing for ability and aptitude. Due to the shift from traditional parenting to a broad-minded approach, parents have realised that there are more opportunities in various other fields rather than the conventional ones. Counselling is another part which we are focusing on, and we felt that it is more important and required for parents rather than students. We have a team of teachers and administration staff experienced in some of the regional best practices in education are imparting this experience gained into our current system which is a value addition to both the students and parents. Precisely speaking, even the parents can come and pay a visit to the school at any given point of time and interact with the school council. This has enabled them to form a close relationship with the school management which has made communications much more open," states Dr Tariq.

"We have also tied up with special needs centres, where we invite children to join us and get inducted into our classrooms. We began this unique approach last year and having seen the positive results, we aim to inculcate such happenings periodically in the future as well. As per our expansion plans, hopefully an American curriculum school in Ajman will commence in September, while the works for Indian curriculum school in Sharjah is also being undertaken. In 2017 we are looking to establish an International Indian School Curriculum in New Delhi. As of now, 5 schools in the next three to five years is our focus in the education sector. Currently the students’ strength in SIMS Kuwait is 2,000 and British International School- Ajman is around 1,000-plus, which will grow as we expand to accommodate students from grade seven onwards to year thirteen. Another exciting part of this expansion will be to take our children for international trips in order to enhance their learning experience and global exposure," he concludes.

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EQUINOX GLOBAL: OFFERING COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS Group Director B.S. Motwani and Executive Director Varshik Motwani are the dynamic father-and-son duo behind the sustainable and successful Equinox Global Group of Companies.

Established in 2011, Equinox had a clear goal and vision of providing the market with superior engineered goods and tailored solutions. Combining decades of specialist experience of B.S. Motwani, Group Director, with a dynamic management that focuses on steering the organisation in the pathway of success, Equinox has created a niche market segment of their own by excelling in Application Engineering and supplying new technologies in an eco-friendly way.

"The journey was challenging as we had to strive to generate volumes, like any new business in its early days. However, our path and direction was clear, and we moved forward with the focus on maintaining our values while maximising our business. We evaluated our strengths and weaknesses and focused on improving on them. I believe that no individual can only have strengths, therefore one needs to be true to themselves and evaluate their weaknesses as well in order to work towards solutions. This very principle was applied to Equinox and we constantly re-evaluate ourselves. We started with a small team of three and realised that meeting the demand and supply for all products globally is an impossible feat. Therefore, we focused on products we can specialise in and merged it with the integral component of service, which the market was failing to provide to clients," says B. S. Motawani.

B.S. MOTWANI AND VARSHIK MOTWANI

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For Equinox, their niche is truly in their ability to provide guaranteed client satisfaction. "One crucial element which is our constant focus is providing

relentless customer service. An underlying array of products are available in the market. However, what is lacking is the knowledge and skill in selecting and suggesting the right product. By virtue of us being engineers, we provide specialist services that are technology oriented. This has given us the edge to delve into industries such as Oil and Gas, Marine, Building Construction, Fabrication and Construction, Defense, Ship Chandling, Marine Services, Ports and Jetties Sectors. We also have an edge in the industry with our experience of over three decades, in which we have passed through various cycles to know what the customer requires. Our team are not the average employees, but have the skills of an independent Entrepreneur who can solve problems and give the best solutions to our clients. Our team of professionals are an extension of our brand, therefore they are trained intensively to work towards the goals of our firm and always provide excellent customer service," comments the Group Director.

Equinox prides itself on providing the right product from the right source with a diverse range of products and services.

They offer engineered tailor-made solutions for numerous industries such as Machine Tool and Fabrication Industry, which includes servicing of Metal Working Machines, Shot Blasting Machines and Painting Booths, Scaffolding Manufacturing Machines, Power Presses, Sheet Metal Working range and Material Handling Products. The company is also a distributor of finished products and consumables like Oil Absorbents and Oil Spill Response Kits, Hoses, Valves, Gaskets, Chain Pulley Blocks, Hoists, Welding Equipment, High Pressure Washers, LV and MV Circuit Breakers, Earthing materials, Electrical Accessories. Products for the Oil and Gas industry such as Breather Valves, Safety Valves, Incinerators, Furnaces and Furnace Accessories. Over time, Equinox has diversified into various other sectors to be able to serve their customers better and now are one of the leading suppliers

of Office Supplies, IT Products, Basic Life Support Services and Equipment and General Consumables among the products, services and technologies.

"Why should the client pay you if he can source it directly? Unless you add value or are able to give him a solution that he is unable to source, your service is not of merit. You need a knowledgeable person to scrutinise, select and segregate with a commitment that comes with a specific time," explains Varshik Motwani, Executive Director.

With their diverse activities in numerous industries, foraying into the events sector was an organic step for the multispecialist firm. "We started as a small office in Ajman and soon realised that centralising operations in Dubai would be ideal. Now operating here we are trying to balance our roles and our organisation to focus on the needs of the market. Events are one such element we have launched this year in January," says the Executive Director. "We acquired a company with 12 years in the market with the focus on projects that are related to Expo 2020. Our aim is to specialise into more niche and corporate oriented events that are not small scale or run off the mill. Given our background and expertise, we know the requirements of corporates and multinational firms, which typical event companies can not apprehend. Our back-end team for purchasing, sourcing and procurement come into play for clients who want specialist services. The bigger picture is we plan on strengthen ourselves as a team for the next few years and then hopefully do something for Expo 2020," adds Varshik Motwani.

Sustainability has been a driving force for Equinox since inception. "Eco-friendly and green products are primary focus of our group, because we do concept selling. We predicted that in the next few years this will become a need of the market. Innovative and sustainable products are not readily accessible in the market. There is a requirement for such products, and we are fulfilling this gap in the supply chain with our products.

VARSHIK MOTWANI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our goals are numerous but a sustainable growth is a definitive standout. We have been “green� since before it was cool," says Varshik Motwani.

Equinox believes that challenging themselves and expanding their horizons are crucial steps towards the future.

"Operations are in many places as people are on the field from our organisation.

Diversification is another goal of Equinox, we will be looking at increasing our volume and growing out of the niche engineered equipment suppliers we used to be by exploring other arenas," adds B. S. Motwani. "Expo 2020 has given a lot of vibrancy to the market, with prospects of business opportunities, and growth for the market. The vision of the UAE leaders to bring Expo to Dubai, which has a population of 10 million, with an expected 35 million visitors, is a huge milestone. Through this vision, the leaders have given private entrepreneurs the opportunity to benefit and grow. As a firm we resonate with the goals of Expo 2020, to offer innovative solutions to our clients, and provide eco-friendly and sustainable solutions," concludes B.S. Motwani.

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