BRITAIN
in business BRITISH BUSINESS GROUP DUBAI & NORTHERN EMIRATES MAGAZINE
QUARTER I 2011
Vision building UK firms under the spotlight
WORLD’S BEST BUSINESS CLUB
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, PO Box: 60616 Tel : + (971) 4 333 1145 Fax: + (971) 4 333 0697 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, PO Box: 114547 Tel : + (971) 2 679 7714 Fax: + (971) 2 679 7715 Amman, Jordan, PO Box: 18049 Tel : + (962) 79 823 2709
10
BRITAIN in business
Naveed Ahmed
Quarter I 2011
The contents and opinions in this issue do not necessarily reflect the views of the BBG, nor should they be taken as an endorsement by the BBG of any specific product or service. All currency conversions correct at press time.
HM The Queen unveiled designs for Zayed National Museum, whose architects are Foster + Partners
Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Group Editor and Managing Partner Ian Fairservice Group Senior Editor
7 Chairman’s message 8 Members’ news 22 Building the vision British firms in the spotlight during HM Queen Elizabeth II’s visit
Gina Johnson Group Editor Catherine Belbin | catherine@motivate.ae
28 Forward thinking Managers consider 2011 prospects
50 Luxury wheels in motion Rolls-Royce’s UAE sales speed ahead
52 Recipe for success Big names spice up Dubai’s culinary scene
54 Bubbling under the surface Oz Clarke toasts UK drinks industry’s potential
Contributing Editors Dominic Ellis | btme@motivate.ae Ingrid Valles Pó | ingrid@motivate.ae Chief Sub Editor Iain Smith | iains@motivate.ae Senior Designer
34 Flick the switch UK universities embrace Green designs
36 Power of change Experts attend Energy Summit
B Raveendran | raveendran@motivate.ae General Manager Production and Circulation S Sasidharan | sasidharan@motivate.ae Production Manager Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae General Manager Group Sales Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae Senior Advertisement Manager Rowena Miranda | rowena@motivate.ae Advertisement Manager Debashish Shome | debashish@motivate.ae Deputy Advertisement Manager Abhinay Bhartiya | abhinay@motivate.ae
39 Room for growth UK insurers target Gulf markets
40 New rules for
business growth
Alan Wood outlines legislative wish-list
43 Family affair Estate and succession planning are essential
44 Tenant is king UAE buyers remain in strong position
46 Core values
58 Brit fashion Stylish pieces for your home or wardrobe
60 Travel Shetland Isles warms up, UK prepares for royal wedding tourism boom
66 BBG Events Round-up of recent functions
71 New members’ directory Who’s new to the BBG
81 BBG news and offers Digital developments and members’ promotions
82 Class act Dubai College’s Richard Higgins OBE
UKTI’s Jeff Wilson outlines Dubai’s strategy
50 PO Box 2331 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 282 4060 | Fax: +971 4 282 4436 motivate@motivate.ae | motivatepublishing.com Printed by IPP, Dubai
58 BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 5
CHAIRMAN & CEO Mark Beer chairman@britbiz-uae.com mark.beer@difccourts.ae DEPUTY CHAIRMAN & COO Jonathon Davidson jdavidson@davidson-legal.com DIRECTOR LEGAL & SECRETARIAT Peter White Peter.White@marsh.com DIRECTOR FINANCE Eesh Aggarwal eesh@eesh.com DIRECTOR MEMBERSHIP Ben Goodman ben@it-serve.com DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS Melanie Faithfull Kent melanie.faithfull@hillandknowlton.com DIRECTOR EVENTS Beth Thomas beth.thomas@jumeirah.com DIRECTOR FOCUS David J. Burns hr@uhyuae.com DIRECTOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Nick Pearson nick.pearson@beyondsaleseffectiveness.com DIRECTOR UAE ALLIANCES Lubna Qassim lubnaqassim@gmail.com DIRECTOR GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Adel Al Awadhi adel.alawadhi@serco.ae EMBASSY REPRESENTATIVE Jeff Wilson Jeffj.wilson@fco.gov.uk British Business Group PO Box 9333 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 3970303 Fax: +971 4 3970939 bbgdubai@britbiz-uae.com britbiz-uae.com
Looking back over the last 12 months, it has been a period of extraordinary achievements and milestones for the BBG and British interests in the Gulf – capped by the State visit to the UAE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in November, which was a resounding success. The visit helped strengthen our strong cultural and historical ties, through the renewal of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, and laid the foundations for future bilateral commercial growth, illustrated by the signing of the nuclear co-operation agreement and design launch of the Zayed Museum. Accompanied by HRH Prince Philip, HRH Prince Andrew and Foreign Secretary William Hague, the visit demonstrated the importance with which the UK now views the UAE. It followed other high-profile visits by Prime Minister David Cameron;
Liam Fox, Secretary of State for Defence; William Hague, Foreign Secretary; Lord Sassoon, Commercial Secretary to the UK Treasury; Alistair Burt, Minister for the Middle East & South Asia; Greg Barker, Minister for Energy and Climate Change; and recently Michael Bear, Lord Mayor of the City of London. The year will also be remembered as the time when the BBG really came of age globally – winning the ‘Best British Business Club’ at the Daily Telegraph ‘Best of British’ Awards – and the ensuing launch of Britain in Business coincided with the organisation’s new professional outlook. The BBG enters 2011 in buoyant mood, with members reporting an upturn in business confidence. All the commercial forecasts indicate the worst is behind us. As a group, we remain fully committed to serving your business needs, and will continue to organise high-quality networking, Focus and social events throughout the year. On a personal note, after four thoroughly enjoyable years, I will be stepping down as Chairman at the AGM in May to make way for fresh leadership. I would like to thank all those who have supported the Group under my Chairmanship; we have achieved an enormous amount together. Yours in business,
Mark Beer Chairman British Business group
FOCUS GROUP CHAIRS BANKING & FINANCE Sandy Shipton sandy.shipton@difc.ae
EDUCATION Tim Carnley tim.carnley@ae.britishcouncil.org
HUMAN RESOURCES Sam Stephen sam@knet.ae
MARITIME Edward Newitt edward.newitt@hfw.com
Andrew Pitt andrew.pitt@lloydstsb.ae
ENERGY Terry Willis Terry.Willis@the-eic.com
INSURANCE Peter White Peter.White@marsh.com
REAL ESTATE Dr. Brian Etemad betemad@emaar.ae
ENTREPRENEURS John Martin St Valery john@linksdubai.com
IT Ross McGregor ross@unlimited-it.ae Peter Job pjob@intergence.com
TRAVEL, TOURISM & LEISURE Carol Maddison carol.maddison@visitbritain.org
CEO Stuart Crocker Stuart.crocker@hsbc.com COMMUNICATIONS Rebecca Hill rebecca.hill@mepra.org CONSTRUCTION John Alford john@jasaf.com Nigel Truscott ntruscott@trowers.com
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Sean Heckford sean.heckford@echarris.com GOLF Richard Musty richard.musty@lloydstsb.ae Janice Marler janice@alarabitravel.ae
LEGAL Dominic Treays dtreays@cragus.com
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Naomi Ellen Jones naomi.jones@ae.biworldwide.com David Cook david@it-serve.com
Robert Surcouf rsurcouf@caversham.com
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 7
FOREWORD
BBG COMMITTEE
The flurry of high-profile visits from the UK to the UAE in 2010 was no flash in the pan and the British business community can expect further flows of leading officials in 2011. Jeff Wilson, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Dubai and Director of UKTI Dubai, said: “What we’ve had so far is going to be continued. We’ve had a commitment from various Government departments in the UK to make sure that they are sending their top decision makers out to the UAE. It’s too early to say who will come when – but watch this space.” Greg Barker, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, broke off from his busy schedule at WFES 2011 to brief BBG members on the UK Government’s wideranging energy policies during a lunch at The Palace Hotel in January. Another high-profile visit recently saw the Lord Mayor of the City of London, the alderman Michael Bear, visit Abu Dhabi and Dubai in February. Typically a Lord Mayor spends three months a year leading City business delegations overseas – and also meets leading overseas politicians and business leaders visiting London’s financial community. “London faces a double challenge as a world-leading financial centre – how to remain ahead as a global hub whilst at the same time demonstrating the benefits of that position to London and
Naveed Ahmed
NEWS
‘Further flows’ of high profile visits in 2011
Greg Barker, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, is welcomed by HE Guy Warrington, Consul General for the British Embassy in Dubai, at The Palace Hotel Dubai during his recent visit to the UAE.
the UK as a whole,” he said, shortly after his election. “The financial crisis has raised the stakes: it is not enough for the City to bring billions into the UK exchequer, paying for schools, hospitals and roads. The City also has to find ways of sharing this success . . . so that more people feel that having a global financial centre based in the UK is good for us all. The City has to lead globally and demonstrate its benefits locally.” HM Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister David Cameron and Lord James Sassoon visited the UAE in 2010, reflecting the importance that the UK places on
cementing cultural ties and growing bilateral trade links in the Gulf. County Durham embarked on a region-wide trade mission in January. County Durham Development Company (CDDC), the organisation responsible for economic development within the county, aims to build on existing trade relationships and create new ones. The UAE is the UK’s largest export market in the MENA region and 13th largest export market globally at around £3.6 billion. The North East exports around £60m per annum to the UAE, including machinery, chemicals and manufactured components.
British firms look to score contracts for Qatar 2022 World Cup British construction and hospitality companies will be looking to secure lucrative contracts associated with Qatar’s 2022 World Cup. The gas-flush state has promised to spend $50bn on infrastructure upgrades and $4bn to build nine stadiums and renovate three others. The hotel industry is one earmarked to boom as the country needs to build new properties across class catergories, as well as short term residential options. Jeff Wilson, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy
8 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Dubai and Director of UKTI Dubai said it hasn’t “quite lined ourselves up” behind the opportunities. “But our infrastructure teams in the UK will be looking at what we can do to promote the British construction sector offer in the light of the successful bid,” he said. “Don’t forget the London Olympics will be a great advert of the UK’s strengths in putting on major sporting events. There’s still 11 years to go, and I’m sure many British companies will be in a good position to line themselves up for business in Qatar.”
NEWS
Corporates compete for Hercules Trophy
The first Hercules Trophy event outside Europe was vigorously contested by leading corporates at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai in February. The Hercules Trophy is an inter-company team building and networking event that enhances relationships with employees,
Big names score with Broadreach Broadreach Media is gearing up for its busiest season as it prepares to host a number of footballing celebrities in the UAE. Kenny Dalglish, Ray Wilkins, Ian Rush, Les Ferdinand, Denis Irwin, John Barnes, Sam Allardyce and Andy Cole are just some of the former big name players visiting between January to March. Managing Director Ray Reed said: “Predominantly they will be here to appear on TV for the major networks but they will also be taking part in exclusive dinners and golf days as well as visiting children’s soccer schools.” Broadreach Media is consulting Fox International channels on its sports strategy worldwide and working on Sportsbrand Media Group’s growth strategy for the Middle East, as well as developing content for the North American TV channel willow.tv.
10 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
customers and suppliers through the camaraderie of sport. Since it was established in Belgium in 2000, more than 15,000 people representing 500 companies have participated, and the event has a 91% repeat attendance rate. Up to 500 companies are expected to participate in the UAE version. Teams of five to seven members each will compete for points across 12 “labours” – sporting challenges with a fun twist – in a competitive, high-energy day. Each activity requires participants to think, act and perform as a team, catering to all levels of fitness and ability, in an environment that fosters energy and co-operation. “Hercules Trophy adds a new dimension to our well established corporate team building business, and we are really excited to be launching the concept in this region,” said Hazel Jackson, CEO of biz-group, the holding company for biz-events, which is organising the event. Al Tayer, DHL Express and Ferrari World are among the participating companies. herculestrophy.ae
Harsh winter and VAT hike dampen new year UK cheer Gulf expats and British businesses across the board were left counting the cost of one of the worst winters in 30 years, as snow played havoc with airline schedules and impacted the festive season. Analysts estimated the disruption cost British Airways £65 million a day and sales were down 25% on normal seasonal takings. London Heathrow operator BAA – which stated the heavy snow cost it £24 million – came under fire from Emirates after it had to turn round two Dubai-Heathrow flights mid-flight, inconveniencing 900 passengers, and was forced to cancel three other fully booked flights on account of the snow. There wasn’t much respite for British businesses and consumers in the new year either, after VAT was raised to 20%.
Stefan Drew, from Stefan Drew Associates, said the increase is bound to affect shopper’s buying patterns as they seek out better value for money and means retailers will be forced to raise their customer service. “Clearly retailers cannot ignore the VAT rise but they can offer shoppers more in terms of excellent customer service,” he said. “In the UK, when people have finished complaining about the weather, they often go onto customer service. Overseas call centres, poor service, and 101 other things are complained about, but it needn’t be like that.” He said excellent customer service isn’t about spending a lot of money. “It is all about ensuring customers come to you, your High Street or town and don’t go somewhere else.”
GET AHEAD KNOWLEDGE FOR TODAY’S BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT The Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) provides the key business and financial literacy skills to contribute more effectively in a competitive business environment. CFAB provides the practical knowledge and essential tools in business, finance and accounting that can be used in any industry or organisation, across the world. Choose what works for you. Flexible study options, in-house training, or a range of tuition classes are available in the UAE. Find out more about CFAB today.
E middleeast@icaew.com
icaew.com/middleeast
Join the ranks of the region's most influential companies − and see how the very real benefits of corporate publishing can help your business...
Company magazines Commemorative books Directories Digital solutions Gulfpics photolibrary
Having your own publication can say so much about you You can position your brand and company as the authority and leader in your industry, helping you stand above and apart from the competition. Custom magazines and digital solutions are superb vehicles to help companies promote their products, services and corporate culture. Contact us today and take the first step to having your own company magazine, directory or book − created and produced by Motivate Publishing − the leading publisher in the Middle East.
Motivate Publishing Head Office Al Wahaibi Building Al Garhoud Bridge Road, Deira PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 282 4060 Fax: +971 4 282 7898
Dubai Media City Motivate Publishing FZ LLC 5th Floor, Office 508, Building No 8 Dubai Media City, UAE Tel: +971 4 390 3550 Fax: +971 4 390 4845
Abu Dhabi Motivate Advertising, Marketing & Publishing PO BOX 43072, Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971 2 677 2005 Fax: +971 2 677 0124
London Motivate Publishing Ltd Acre House 11/15 William Road London, NWI 3ER, UK
NEWS
New plant targets offshore waste dumping French-owned Eco Cem Consult (ECC) has opened its British-designed and manufactured RECONEFT treatment plant in a bid to stop ships illegally dumping hydrocarbon hazardous waste offshore. The plant – designed by Rexos and built by TEC Armech – is the first of its kind in the world and the patented technology means that ECC will manage all hydrocarbon sludge hazardous waste coming out of Fujairah. The process provides a zero-waste solution by converting the hazardous waste into an alternative fuel that the UAE cement industry can use to replace coal. Prior to commissioning the new RECONEFT treatment plant, ECC utilised 5,000MT of hydrocarbon sludge waste from Knock Nevis, the largest super tanker ever built. This year ECC will treat more than 50,000MT of sludge including hazardous waste from the oil industry Ruwais landfill in Abu Dhabi. ecochem.com
Third branch on the 10-year-old Tree
Dubai’s award-winning expat haunt, The Lime Tree Cafe & Kitchen, recently opened a café behind Times Square Centrer in Al Quoz, its third in Dubai. Its location will appeal to vistors to the
nearby galleries as well as businesses in the immediate vicinity. The Lime Tree notches up its 10th anniversary this year and while many expats are familiar with its fresh menu, many don’t know it has a dedicated catering and events team too, which can cater for work lunches and meetings, morning and afternoon teas, casual entertaining and formal cocktail functions. Its corporate catering menu includes a range of wholesome finger food including gourmet club sandwiches, mini rolls, wraps and pittas along with mini cakes & muffins, all of which are easy to serve and eat, with no crockery required. thelimetreecafe.com
The Whole Thing World UK enters region Learning and development company, The Whole Thing World UK, has opened an office in Dubai’s Knowledge Village, aiming to work with forward looking organizations to plug the shortage of strong business leaders and nurture future talent. The company takes a holistic approach to
learning and development, encouraging executives to drive revenue and profit as well as strike the right work-lifestyle balance. “The Whole Thing World’s entry into the UAE market represents an important strategic expansion,” said CEO Simon Wallace. thewholething.net
Embrace many channels urges SAB Media Companies should adopt multi-channel communications as standard and mix traditional print placements with new media such as targeted Facebook activity, according to regional Times distributor SAB Media. It advises clients to invigorate their Web presence with a fresh corporate identity while building a mobilefriendly WAP portal for e-customers. SAB Media is placing greater emphasis on multi-faceted solutions and consumer interactivity as companies recognise the potential to reach people through multiple digital access points. SAB often combines these streams with its direct marketing services or technology enterprises to deliver complete corporate solutions through Web/WAP portals, e-commerce applications or bulk communication offerings. Through fellow group company mr.h, clients can avail of design services ranging from a simple creative for an advert through to rebranding projects. sab-holding.com
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 13
NEWS
Double honours for Mott MacDonald at BEI Awards Mott MacDonald enjoyed a prestigious double at the 2010 British Expertise International Awards, winning the Development and Consultancy Project of the Year categories. The Development Award was given for the Marsh Arab School project near Basra, where the company conceived, designed and project managed the school, which combines modern and traditional designs through its concrete frame and reed cladding. Country manager for Iraq Gordon Turley and project director Peter Hunt collected the award in a dinner at The Institute of Directors in London. “The Marsh Arab School was built by Marsh Arab artisans and has become a source of immense pride in Iraq, so for the project to receive recognition with this award is testament to the overall excellence of the project,” said Turley. Mott MacDonald’s pioneering work on water governance across Eastern Europe and the Caucasian region won the Consultancy Project of the Year Award. The project, funded by the European Commission, helped governments across the region to align water resource use and quality management with the EU’s Water Framework Directive.
Mott MacDonald was recently appointed by Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, a company owned by a consortium of investors led by the Al Fahim Group of Abu Dhabi, as detailed design engineers for Phase 1 of the £3.86bn ($6bn) luxury Dubai Pearl development. Dubai Pearl is centred on four iconic towers of over 70 floors capped by a single three-storey roof, known as the Sky Palaces.
Marsh seals Iraq insurance deal with AAIB Marsh has signed a mutually exclusive agreement with the Iraqi Insurance broker, AAIB, to co-operate on insurance coverage, risk management and claims handling issues for companies in the energy, power and aviation sectors with operations in Iraq. Marsh’s global expertise, combined with AAIB’s local knowledge and established presence in Iraq, creates a distinct offering as companies increasingly need on-the-ground expertise to deal with local risk and insurance issues. As the only international broker with offices across the country to be fully Iraqi registered and licensed, AAIB is leading the way in providing this vital local presence. AAIB has been established in Iraq since 2005 and is the only international broker, with offices across the country, to be Iraqi licensed and registered. Peter White, Deputy General Manager of Marsh Insco, said: “We
14 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
are delighted to improve the service to our many clients entering to promising Iraqi market. The cementing of our relationship with AAIB is significant as we continue to pioneer in the Iraq insurance market.” The Marsh Private Client team in London has been appointed broker to the British Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for the 60th year running.
The Marsh Private Client Practice will continue to provide insurance management services to FCO personnel as they are deployed globally. “It presents a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop our products and services to the expatriate community in general,” added White. “It’s a wonderful endorsement for our Private Client team to retain such a prestigious client.”
VisitBritain showcases packages to trade VisitBritain, in association with Tourism Ireland and VisitScotland, held travel trade workshops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in February. The event was an opportunity for new and established companies from the UK and Ireland to showcase their latest travel and tourism offerings. Carol Maddison, UAE Manager, VisitBritain, said the UK and Ireland remain popular destinations for Middle East Travellers and VisitBritain is using this platform to increase the UAE travel trade’s knowledge of the destinations and what is on offer for visitors planning a trip in 2011. “The travel and tourism packages that are being showcased certainly bring to light the indisputable value-formoney travel deals which the regional market will continue to enjoy. With a significant year- on-year increase in GCC visitors to the UK and Ireland, UAE is the ideal location for holding this event,” Maddison added. Attending the event were suppliers from across the UK and
Ireland offering a wide range of products and services from ground handlers, hotels and spas to luxury shopping and golfing destinations. The workshops were held at Grand Hyatt Dubai and The Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi.
W he re B u s i n e s s Me e t s C r e a t i v i t y
Advertising & Marketing
I Events & Exhibitions Management I Digital Development I Creative Services I Database Management
We offer our clients cost effective, creative and original solutions to advance their business and we become what is essentially - a part of the team. So come and talk to us now on 04 347 6940 or email dale@creative-c.biz
www.creative-concepts.me
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 15
NEWS
Arizona Sun Ghost rises in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Motors has announced the arrival of a world exclusive and unique Rolls-Royce Motor Car to the region – the ‘Arizona Sun’ Ghost. The first Bespoke Ghost commission to be released from Goodwood in the Arizona Sun exterior colour, this exceptional car was sold directly upon arrival to the showroom in Umm Al Nar. With its design reflecting the smouldering hues of the Arizona desert, coupled with the black contrast of its tan leather interior, the new model has sparked strong interest amongst RollsRoyce’s discerning Abu Dhabi clientele, who are renowned for ordering the richest bespoke specifications globally. The Bespoke Programme is a service offered to Rolls-Royce clients whereby buyers may specify features of the car, in order to create their own unique model.
UHY scraps Saxena suffix Leading audit and accounting consultancy UHY Saxena plans to drop its ‘Saxena’ suffix in Dubai to boost its perception as an international company. The full board of UHY International directors were in Dubai in January to ratify the local member firm’s decision to make the name change, which is supported by managing partner Rajiv Saxena. David Burns, Director HR Consulting and Corporate Communications, said: “There’s no doubt that Dubai is truly an international city and this move enhances our profile in the global market place and underlines the fact that we are part of a broad network to regional companies.”
16 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Servcorp targets Marina market Servcorp has opened its second Dubai location in Al Habtoor Business Tower, offering premium Serviced and Virtual Office solutions in the popular Dubai Marina area. Servcorp will share their newest Dubai address with a leading multinational and national companies and the prestige marques of luxury vehicles, such as Aston
Martin, Bentley and Bugatti. This is the only business tower in the Dubai Marina area with striking views of Dubai’s iconic landmark hotels, the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and the Jumeirah Beach Residence, and is close to prime locations such as Dubai Media and Internet Cities and Knowledge Village.
Jumeirah appoints Maldives managers Jumeirah Group has appointed Stefan Huemer as Area General Manager - Maldives to lead the pre-opening team of the group’s first two resorts in the Maldives and Alexandre Hulen as Director of Sales & Marketing - Maldives. Jumeirah Dhevanafushi and Jumeirah Vittaveli are scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011. Huemer has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality sector, working for international brands such as Radisson, Kempinski, Le Meridien and Mandarin Oriental and most recently, he was General Manager
of Intercontinental Los Angeles Century City Hotel. Hulen has worked for Concorde Hotels, The Eton Collection and Le Meridien, and prior to joining Jumeirah, was working for the Anantara Group. Jumeirah has also signed a management agreement with Conch Bay Development to operate a 140-room luxury resort hotel and residences on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, British West Indies, which is due to open within the next three years.
Merlin promoted ECG device at Arab Health UK-based Merlin Medical Company participated in Arab Health 2011, the largest and most prestigious healthcare exhibition in the Middle East, in line with its strategy to seek new partners across the UAE and beyond. Merlin Medical prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for its customers around the world and as such, has a wide range of cutting edge innovations that they will be showcasing at the exhibition. These include manual resuscitators, infection control products and medical supplies for the emergency services, as well as the primary and secondary care sector. Among the products Merlin showcased at Arab Health 2011 was a pioneering portal ECG device, which records the rhythm and electrical activity of patients’ hearts. The M-trace ECG monitor combines cutting-edge technology and outstanding design which features a large high-resolution colour display and an integrated thermal printer. It has a 100 test memory, which can be transferred to a PC using a standard USB cable/memory stick and can be connected to an external printer if required. “Our mission is to provide the widest possible choice of quality products at competitive prices, backed up by superb British customer service,” said Nigel Wood, Export Sales Manager at Merlin Medical.
34252-BD Bubbly Brunch Ad for BiB V1.indd 1
“Arab Health was the ideal platform for us to showcase our innovative product ranges and build long-term relationships with partners across the region.”
1/16/11 9:16 AM
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 17
NEWS
UK wins hearts and minds for Valentine’s Some sought a special Valentine’s Day gift, others a romantic European holiday or short weekend escape. Whatever the motivation, the UK provided an ideal setting for Middle East travellers looking for a cultural break in February. Rich in history and heritage, international visitors to the UK are now loving the opportunity to take in the sights all year round, be it Stonehenge, the magnificent Bath Spa, Scottish castles and cathedrals, traditional English gardens, stately homes, or quaint Cotswold towns and villages. With places like Bath, Cornwall and the Cotswolds, visitors can experience charming scenery, beautiful beaches, world-class seafood, and top boutique hotels catered for the ideal romantic holiday. “A fairytale stay in a castle, a luxurious spa or a visit to the beautiful countryside can all provide Middle East travellers with a unique experience,� said Carol Maddison, Marketing Manager, VisitBritain UAE. The home of author Jane Austen,
PO Box 26444, Dubai Tel: +971 4 336 4917 Fax: +971 4 336 0309 PO Box 129835 Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 443 9660 Fax: +971 2 443 9664 W: www.bsigroup.ae E: bsi.me@bsigroup.com
Bath ranks among one of the most beautiful places in South West England and the entire city has been named a World Heritage site. The River Avon winds through a valley of stately homes, Palladian parades, and a wealth of architectural treasures built from honeycoloured limestone. Another destination proving popular is Gloucestershire’s Cotswolds and Forest of Dean, while Devon, a firm summer hotspot, has a relatively mild climate and its beautiful scenery can be enjoyed in winter too. Scotland’s turbulent history has left an enduring mark on the landscape in the shape of many castles, fortresses and tower houses that pepper the countryside. Some, such as those in Edinburgh or Stirling, rank amongst Europe’s most impressive structures and can be enjoyed all year round. Welsh-bound active travellers can choose from abseiling, climbing, fishing, diving, surfing, and golf, and enjoy a wide range of concerts at Cardiff’s Millenium stadium, or visit one of the numerous museums or galleries that highlight the countries culture, arts, heritage, and history. M&C Saatchi is to work on VisitBritain’s new ‘’You’re Invited’’ global marketing campaign. The agency will provide the full suite of marketing communications services aimed at boosting tourism around the forthcoming Royal Wedding, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. The agency will work ‘pro bono’ for the five-month period January-May 2011, when the campaign is due to be launched to consumers. The theme will be extending a message of welcome and inviting the world to visit Britain in the run up to, during and beyond 2012. Eastnor Castle.
BSi GROUP Since its foundation in 1901 as the Engineering Standards Committee, BSI Group has grown into a leading global independent business services organization providing standard-based solutions in more than 140 countries. BSI Group: t 8IFO ZPV DIPPTF #4* BT ZPVS CVTJOFTT QBSUOFS ZPV SF BMTP TFMFDUJOH PVS JOUFSOBUJPOBM SFQVUBUJPO GPS JOEFQFOEFODF JOUFHSJUZ BOE JOOPWBUJPO 8F MFBE UIF XBZ JO EFWFMPQJOH NBOBHFNFOU TZTUFN TUBOEBSET BOE IBWF QJPOFFSFE UIF UPQ TJY JODMVEJOH #4 UIF GPSFSVOOFS UP UIF *40 2VBMJUZ .BOBHFNFOU TFSJFT BEPQUFE CZ PWFS UISFF RVBSUFST PG B NJMMJPO PSHBOJ[BUJPOT JO countries) and BS 7750, the predecessor to the ISO 14000 Environmental .BOBHFNFOU TFSJFT .PSF SFDFOUMZ XF EFWFMPQFE #4 BOE #4 XIJDI IBWF OPX CFDPNF *40 *OGPSNBUJPO 4FDVSJUZ BOE *40 *5 4FSWJDF .BOBHFNFOU SFTQFDUJWFMZ t 8F BSF POF PG UIF XPSME T MFBEJOH QSPWJEFST PG USBJOJOH JOGPSNBUJPO BOE LOPXMFEHF PO TUBOEBSET NBOBHFNFOU TZTUFNT CVTJOFTT JNQSPWFNFOU BOE UIF BDIJFWFNFOU PG SFHVMBUPSZ BQQSPWBM GPS QSPEVDUT
18 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Tasweek signs MoU with MERJS Tasweek Real Estate Development and Marketing, an advisor and solutions provider serving the Middle East real estate markets, has signed an MoU forming a assets and property management joint venture with UK-based bespoke chartered surveying practice MERJS. The new partnership further expands Tasweek’s property and portfolio management business and enhances its ability to bring best practices to its markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Tasweek will be allowed to solicit business opportunities related to assets management, property management and other services offered by MERJS and profitably manage commercial operations under the common supervision of the joint venture.
Merger expands Trowers & Hamlins’ Egyptian profile enable us to target new areas of work but International law firm Trowers & will also provide the right combination of Hamlins has expanded its Cairo talents to enable our continued expansion practice by merging with Egyptian in what is one of the most exciting legal firm Nour Law Office and hiring a new markets in the region at the present time.” Partner. The merger, effective from Mohamed A. Nour, Senior Partner of January 1, brings the total number of Nour Law Office, said: “This is the right legal staff at the new office to 21. time for a strategic shift. Partnering Trowers & Hamlins’ Cairo office was with Trowers & Hamlins, who have an established in 1999 and is headed outstanding reputation not only here in by Sara Hinton who has dual British/ Cairo but across the wider Middle East, Egyptian nationality and over 16 years’ supports our determination to provide experience in the Egyptian market. the best possible service to our existing The Trowers & Hamlins Cairo office client base. In addition, this move will is particularly well regarded for nonallow us to dedicate the necessary contentious work on large corporate resources to bolster the firm’s dispute transactions, including M&A, projects resolution practice.” and oil & gas infrastructure. Nour Law The merged entity will be known as Office brings with it a thriving dispute Nour Law Office managed by Trowers & resolution practice. Mohamed A. Nour, Senior Partner of Nour Law Office. Hamlins. Sara Hinton will continue as the Sara Hinton said the merger is the Resident Managing Partner whilst Mohamed Nour will become natural next step for our relationship with Mohamed Nour and the Resident Senior Partner. Nour Law Office. “We believe that the merger will not only
IAG merger takes off
DAFZ launches new business package Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) has launched its Business Enabled Office which includes a 25sqm fully standard office and all start-up expenses for an inclusive monthly rent starting from Dhs6,000. The package covers lighting, air-conditioning, office signage, phone, fax
and internet line, electricity, furniture, license and registration, commercial services (two employment visas) and housekeeping. Companies based in DAFZ enjoy tax-free benefits and proximity to a host of leading international companies.
The merger of British Airways (BA) and Iberia has been officially completed, with International Airlines Group (IAG) listed on the London Stock Exchange and Willie Walsh installed as CEO. Both airlines will continue to operate under their existing brand names and the new company will carry over 62 million passengers a year to over 250 destinations. By combining British Airways’ extensive network to North America and Asia with Iberia’s to Latin America, passengers will have a wider choice of destinations and frequencies. The joint business also gives greater rewards to frequent flyers who will be able to ‘earn and burn’ miles on BA, Iberia and American flights across the Atlantic. The new company’s headquarters will be in London.
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 19
NEWS
Stay in luxury city apartments with Hideaways club The Hideaways Club has launched its second Fund, The Hideaways Club City Collection, a portfolio of luxurious global city apartments. Initially 10 apartments will be available in New York, London, Paris, Venice, Miami and Prague, and additional cities will include Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok and Sydney with the portfolio earmarked to feature 120 properties over the next three years. Ideal for short city breaks and offering variety and flexibility, every chic apartment – up to £1.8 million has been spent on each one – will be located in a secure location in or close to city centres, and all requirements will be overseen by a five-star central Concierge Service. Investors can choose between Premium (full equity share in the property company for £120,000, annual cost contribution of
£5,300, 23 Membership nights a year) and Associate membership (half-share in the property company for £65,000, annual cost contribution of £2,760, 12 Membership nights a year).
Dulsco notches up 75th anniversary in the UAE
UAE national wins screen award for second year running
Dulsco recently marked its 75th anniversary in the UAE and during that time the company has been integral to the the country’s growing manpower and technical support requirements. The UAE has now been classified as a high-income developing economy by the IMF with a nominal per capita GDP of $46,584. The core businesses of Dulsco are HR Solutions and Waste Management Services (WMS), with operations across the UAE. In addition, Dulsco has also established operations in Qatar through a joint venture. Dulsco currently has a workforce of over 6,000 employees with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Al Ain and Doha.
Nayla Al Khaja won the British Council’s International Young Screen Entrepreneur Award 2010 for the second year in a row. The UAE’s first female film producer and director, who owns and runs production company D-SEVEN Motion Pictures, competed against 10 finalists globally and received her award in a ceremony at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in London. The jury commended Nayla as “a real leader” and role model who can affect change for women in film and TV in the Middle East. Nayla is former winner of ‘Best Emirati Filmmaker’ at the Dubai International Film Festival (2007) and ‘Emirates Woman of the Year’ (2005).
Train the Trainer course The British Council has designed a Train the Trainer programme to support the teaching of English in the public sector throughout the Middle East. Comprising 60 hours of direct training, the project has involved 16 Teacher Development Specialists and Instructional Leadership Coordinators from the 12 Madares Al Ghad Cycle 2 schools. The course enhances participants’ basic understanding of the principles and practice of teacher training through training sessions, and supports them to co-design and deliver their own teacher training workshops. 20 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Bank targets double deals The private equity arm of UK-based Standard Chartered has said it expects to complete two transactions in the Middle East in 2011 and does not rule out another $100m investment during the year, according to Reuters reports. The deals could be in sectors such as retail, manufacturing and healthcare as the emerging markets-focused lender tries to capitalise on its banking relations in the region.
QUEEN’S VISIT
Building the vision Leading British architectural and engineering firms were in the spotlight during Queen Elizabeth II’s recent five-day tour of the Gulf – much as they were 30 years ago on her first UAE State visit.
BACK IN 1979, HM Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh helped lay the foundations for the UAE’s next era of growth, officially opening Jebel Ali port and desalination plant among other duties. Just over three decades later, they were back in the Emirates performing a similar role, unveiling the design for the Zayed National Museum, which effectively lays the cultural foundations for the UAE’s next era. It was a fitting moment for HM The Queen, whose last UAE visit was as a guest of founding father and ex-president of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan. The museum, designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect, Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, following an international competition, is being developed by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of Saadiyat Island. In 2009, TDIC also signed an agreement with the British Museum to provide expert advice and counsel on the development of the Zayed National Museum and help realise the vision of the museum. The Zayed National Museum – the UAE’s first national museum that will feature the life and achievements of the founding President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – uses sophisticated architectural techniques 22 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
with a special focus on environmental sustainability, which was an essential element of Sheikh Zayed’s philosophy. Designed to bring to life the UAE’s rich history, it will also serve as a memorial to Sheikh Zayed and set to stand alongside the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Louvre Abu Dhabi amongst the iconic Saadiyat Island Cultural District’s institutions. Set amongst lush gardens, the design features five soaring pavilions, representing the feathers of a falcon’s wing, reaching a height of 124 metres, towering over the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE said the Zayed National Museum is destined to become an inspiring permanent reminder of the vision handed down to us from the father of our nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to unite all Emiratis and build a strong and prosperous nation. “As a fitting memorial and a national institution, the museum will serve as a symbol of our historic cultural roots and of the many achievements of our country, providing us with an incentive to continue building our country with the same will and determination.” Scheduled for completion in 2014, the Zayed National Museum also stands as a symbol of the modernity of the UAE, and its rapid progression over the past 40 years, and
Lord Foster briefs HM Queen on the Zayed National Museum (left), which is due for completion in 2014.
HM Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by UAE leaders.
the museum will help ensure that future generations can appreciate the enormity of these changes. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the museum will be a template of the UAE’s cultural traditions. “It is with great pride that we keep his memory alive and close to our hearts,” he said. The museum, which will emerge from a landscaped oasis, celebrating Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of ‘greening the desert’, will showcase Sheikh Zayed’s story and the lasting influence of his reforms. Sheikh Zayed’s concept of a modernised nation determined by strong guiding principles of education, culture, faith and the protection of the environment made him one of the world’s most respected leaders. His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces said it will serve as an educational testimonial for generations to come. “Sheikh Zayed was a father, a leader and an inspiration to the people of the UAE and the world, and here lies the importance of the Zayed National Museum which will not only represent a reference and testament to these achievements but also an incentive towards further prosperity and progress to the people of the UAE and the world.” BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 23
QUEEN’S VISIT HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, escorts HM Queen Elizabeth II and the official delegation during her recent State visit to the UAE.
The design of the museum draws inspiration from falconry, a powerful symbol in the UAE and part of its cultural heritage and way of life, with five towers resembling the wing tips of the birds. The design also serves to deliver environmental advantages, as the buildings are positioned to channel air through the museum, reducing the energy demands required to cool the complex. The towers are also designed to take advantage of the regions constant sunshine, with carefully positioned openings drawing light in to illuminate the interior spaces in a creative manner. CORE VALUES UNDERPIN MUSEUM Sheikh Zayed understood the importance of the conservation of wildlife and the land, which became a central tenet of his philosophy. The core values of Sheikh Zayed introduced in the narrative of the lower floor galleries will be carried through in more detail in the upper floor galleries. These include Land and Water, People and Heritage, History and Society, Science and Learning, Education, and Faith and Islam. The good husbandry of Land and Water was admired by Sheikh Zayed; in People and Heritage, Sheikh Zayed understood the importance of the values and heritage of his people and traditional values are at the heart of the UAE’s political and cultural life; History and Society area will show how Sheikh Zayed was instrumental in the discovery of major archaeological sites in the UAE; Science and Learning and Education illustrate two more of Sheikh Zayed’s passions, and 24 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Faith and Islam reflects how Sheikh Zayed was a profoundly religious leader and his humanitarianism was based on the tenets of Islam. NEW DECLARATION REAFFIRMS 1971 TREATY The UAE and UK Foreign Ministers, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and William Hague, signed the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which reaffirmed the 1971 treaty of friendship, in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke of York. The 2010 Abu Dhabi Declaration celebrates strong co-operation between the UK and the UAE in areas such as defence and security, energy, business, education and culture. It confirmed that the UK and the UAE would consult together on matters of mutual concern in times of need; encouraged educational, scientific and cultural cooperation; and recognised close relations in the field of commerce. The ministers also signed three other documents on civil nuclear cooperation; consular affairs; and visa affairs. The visa agreement is a mutual exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic or private passports. “I’m delighted to see so many British gathered here today, who’ve contributed to our society,” said Shaikh Abdullah at the signing, which took place as part of a UK-UAE partnership event organised by the British Embassy. “There have been many changes in the country since your last visit… I’m proud to sign the Abu Dhabi Declaration, reaffirming the 1971 treaty of friendship,” he said.
QUEEN’S VISIT
HM Queen Elizabeth II pays her respects to Sheikh Zayed at the Grand Mosque and talks to children reading the Koran, accompanied by Foreign Secretary William Hague (bottom) and HRH Prince Andrew (top).
Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was “delighted” to reaffirm the original treaty which was signed in Dubai on December 2, 1971, the day the UAE federation was formed. It recorded UKUAE determination that “relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship.” Britain and the UAE share a friendship rooted in history and reinforced by common interests, mutual respect and daily contact. A million British citizens visit the UAE every year, and over 100,000 enjoy the benefits of living and working in the UAE. Tens of thousands of Emiratis have completed their studies in the UK, or are currently doing so, and many others are regular and valued visitors. Both militaries fight side by side in Afghanistan and law enforcement officials work closely together, contributing to mutual security. “We enjoy flourishing economic and commercial ties which we greatly value in the United Kingdom and which contribute to the prosperity of both our countries,” he added. “We congratulate DP World on its investment in the London Gateway project. The British government is committed to a relationship based on trust and equality.” The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of York were given presentations on British and Emirati partnerships in 10 sectors. Also present at the signing ceremony was Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdul Raheem Al Awadhi, Assistant Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, and Dominic Jermey, the UK’s ambassador to the UAE. 26 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
GRAND MOSQUE VISIT The Queen was greeted by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, and several UAE ministers, on arrival in the UAE. She paid respects at the tomb of the UAE’s founding father at Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque, where she was joined by UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and his wife Ffion. The royal party spent several minutes talking to children who had been learning the Koran. “This visit by the head of the Church of England to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is reflective of the multi-faith dialogue and tolerance that is common to both the UAE and UK,” the British Embassy said. The Duke of York said the long-standing relationship between the UAE and the United Kingdom stretches back over 40 years when the UAE was a protectorate. “A lot of work has gone on in the intervening period,” he said. “Since the new [UK] government came in there’s been an increased level of concern for this particular region in terms of investment, in terms of business opportunities. This has been reciprocated by the UAE and other countries in the region.”
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-President and Prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, accompanies HM Queen Elizabeth II as she enjoys a public walk-abot in Abu Dhabi.
LEADERS EXCHANGE PRESTIGIOUS HONOURS Shaikh Khalifa conferred on Queen Elizabeth the Order of Zayed, the UAE’s highest civil decoration. He also bestowed the Order of the Federation on both Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Queen Elizabeth II presented Shaikh Khalifa with the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, GCB. The Queen honoured His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, GCMG.
Around 80 members of the UAE Forces Alumni, comprising former students from Britain’s Armed Forces Officers’ Naval, Air Force and Military Academies, were in attendance. Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a graduate of Sandhurst, Prince Andrew and Foreign Secretary William Hague were also present. More than 198 Emiratis have graduated from Britain’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst since 1974. Elsewhere, Prince Philip signed an agreement as Chancellor of Cambridge University, with Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, entering a 10-year partnership with the UAE University. The agreement aims to lay the foundations for a ten-year academic collaboration to develop and strengthen research and education in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and Gulf region.
MILITARY FLY PAST AND EDUCATIONAL AGREEMENT Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Prince Philip attended a military parade conducted on the western side of the Emirates Palace. The parade included a joint show by the UAE and UK military air wings and navy.
Noor Ali Rashid
United Arab Emirates & United Kingdom By Royal Photographer Noor Ali Rashid
CELEBRATING A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
CELEBRATING A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
CELEBRATING A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
HM Queen Elizabeth II was presented with a special commemorative book, Celebrating A Special Relationship, by Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner of Motivate Publishing during her state visit. The 144-page glossy hardback chronicles the strong cultural and economic bonds between the UAE and UK, with separate chapters on history, bilateral relations, commerce, infrastructure, education, health & sports, lifestyle & arts, and Looking Ahead. The book, published with the support of HSBC, also includes a tribute to the man whose pictures grace the book, Noor Ali Rashid, the former royal photographer who died last August.
Foreword by British Prime Minister David Cameron Preface by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 27
Captured in a very special col images by the UAE’s Royal Ph the late Noor Ali Rashid, we g unique glimpse into the world British Political Agents and ex professionals stationed in the Rare photographs depict their those of their families helping the earliest expatriate commun working together with Emirati the foundation blocks of the m cities we see today. We witnes UAE students leaving their ho University in England and Her Queen Elizabeth’s II historic s to the UAE in 1979, a mileston many others in the book that important relationship. Spanning the decades sinc Perpetual Maritime Truce of 1 discovery of oil in the late 19 since the formation of the UA in 1971, we discover how bil diplomacy and private comm evolved alongside the co-dev of significant educational, hea cultural assets in the UAE. We how British architectural expe helped to build some of the iconic structures. In the present day we reve investment from entities such and Godolphin are creating o for all, while those communiti settled in the UAE all those ye continue to expand and flouri royalty, nation builders and ca industry as well as sports fans those ordinary people that ho across the geographical divide accord that celebrates the very and the UAE.
Published with the supp
FORECASTS
Forward thinking David Burns
Director HR Consulting & Corporate Communications UHY Saxena service levels within our client group ensured tremendous loyalty although we had to keep a very close watch on receivables. What are the principal challenges likely to be in 2011? Retaining talented staff and being ready for the next growth phase. We need to ensure that the new services provide, and create, better value for the client than our competitors. UHY has 18 years’ experience in Dubai and has been through the storms before. We are confident that we can overcome the challenges put before us and those of our valued clients. What have been the positive developments affecting your business and sector? The introduction of more free zones and the authorities’ emphasis on audited accounts are positive factors. The continued investment in infrastructure projects in the region will certainly have a ripple effect on various sectors/businesses and increase confidence levels in the business community.
How optimistic are you about your business in 2011? Are you anticipating a year of consolidation or expansion? UHY is optimistic that our business will be better this year than last. We are certainly thinking of natural expansion in terms of new services and those which tie in with our current service portfolio. Through our international network, UHY has access to many offices around the world and as members of the International Business Development working group, we can better understand global trends. What were the biggest commercial challenges facing your business or sector locally in 2010? The biggest challenge to UHY in the region was to retain our clients without a significant reduction in fees. Our maintenance of
28 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Is it proving easy or difficult to recruit British talent in the current climate? How significant is the dirham-sterling exchange rate to your recruitment plans? We don’t recruit from Britain. The exchange rate is not a significant factor in relation to recruitment but the dollar peg is useful for monitory transactions. What would you identify as the key in-house issues for 2011 – greater emphasis on training? Growing the digital/internet side of the business? Middle level and supervisory level staff will be called upon to multi-task more and understand different facets of the business. Training will be more focussed on the achievement of these skill sets. UHY is committed to providing quality training and are registered trainers with both the ACCA and ICAEW.
A new year presents all of us with fresh opportunities but how do leading UAE-based British managers feel about their business prospects during the next 12 months?
John Martin St.Valery CEO Links Group
How optimistic are you about your business in 2011? Are you anticipating a year of consolidation or expansion? 2011 presents a further growth opportunity for Links Group to develop strategic alliances established with the Dubai Foreign Direct Investment Office to jointly promote Dubai as a favoured business destination. Negotiations are underway for similar arrangements with the Foreign Investment Bureaus of Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Kuwait. What were the biggest commercial challenges facing your business or sector locally in 2010? International negative publicity surrounding the financial difficulties of Dubai had a ‘slow-down’ effect on foreign businesses making the final decision to establish in the region. This sentiment markedly reversed during the fourth quarter of 2010. What are the principal challenges likely to be in 2011? Further group expansion for Links Group in the region is underway and ensuring seamless first class service delivery is the key. The challenge is deliver this standard across very different regional markets. However, Links has experience of expanding in autonomous Gulf countries such as Qatar with great success. What have been the positive developments affecting your business and sector? Links Group has benefited from the relaxation of both Ministry of Labour legislation (transferability of workers’ visas etc) and the partial relaxation of foreign company equity participation in certain sectors – thereby boosting the attractiveness of foreign direct investment. Reduction in the leasing/rental/purchase of commercial space has also been good for the sector. Is it proving easy or difficult to recruit British talent in the current climate? How significant is the dirham-sterling exchange rate to your recruitment plans? It has been noticed by our business and that of
our clients, that although some well qualified and experienced British expatriates may have lost their jobs during 2010, they are keen to stay in the market to take on other opportunities. This is a further sign of the attractiveness of doing business and living and working in this region – as opposed to the difficulties being faced in the job market back home. What would you identify as the key in-house issues for 2011? Brand positioning and protection of the brand image is a key focus. Competition in the sector is only good for the consumer but clear demarcation and actual delivery of first class service must be front of mind. To this end, further development in web solutions and social media is key to the ongoing development of the brand and education of the target audience. Excitingly, Links Group is to open two new regional offices in Kuwait and KSA during 2011 due to existing client demand.
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 29
FORECASTS
Richard Musty
Managing Director, Lloyds TSB Middle East How optimistic are you about your business in 2011? Are you anticipating a year of consolidation or expansion? My view is that we will see a small amount of growth in the Dubai economy in 2011 with GDP rising by between 1% and 2%. Looking specifically at the banking and finance sector in the region, I would expect 2011 to be a year of consolidation with business levels slightly higher than those seen in 2010 and impairments slightly lower than during the past 12 months. What were the biggest commercial challenges facing your business or sector locally in 2010? The biggest commercial challenge will continue to be the testing economic environment in the UAE, particularly from a liquidity perspective for those businesses who continue to see longer lead times for trade payments from their customers. The banking and finance sector will continue to support, but I anticipate that lending volumes will only grow modestly as demand for business “expansion� purposes will remain low. What are the principal challenges likely to be in 2011? The principle challenges for the Banking and Finance sector will be continued requests from large corporate and Government bodies to restructure debt and perception of the UAE in the wider global market place, which could have an impact on the level of external investment made in the UAE. What have been the positive developments affecting your business and sector? One of the our is the successful restructure of a number of large corporate and government lending situations, including Dubai World. We have seen restructuring of large country/ corporate debt throughout the World and we must remember that the UAE is no different: it is also impacted by global economic trends. Is it proving easy or difficult to recruit British talent in the current climate? How significant is the dirham-sterling exchange rate to your recruitment plans? Recruiting talent is not an issue for us at present; our focus is on continuing to develop the existing skill levels of our workforce to support
30 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
them in building their future careers. One interesting advantage for expats is the beneficial exchange rate of Sterling/Dirham; we have noticed an increased trend where expats are taking advantage of this exchange rate and are repatriating more funds to the UK than they did two years ago. What would you identify as the key in-house issues for 2011 – greater emphasis on training? Growing the digital/internet side of the business? Training and development of our workforce remains a key priority for us in 2011, together with our continued commitment to provide outstanding customer service. Additionally, developing new income lines will be key for all financial institutions within the region in 2011; as part of this I believe we will see a greater investment in digital channels during the next 12 months.
Rising high above the fringe of Media City, Fraser Suites Dubai enjoys panoramic views over the sparkling coastline and stunning cityscape. Superb one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, magnificent lifestyle facilities including a 25-metre swimming pool, children’s wading pool, steam & sauna, kid’s club, tennis and squash court; relaxed dining in Aqua Café and the exclusive Awazen Spa - Fraser Suites Dubai has it all. Add the award-winning Fraser Difference - renowned personalized service and outstanding facilities to meet your every need. Welcome home.
Reservations: +971 (04) 4401400, Email: reservations.dubai@frasershospitality.com www.frasershospitality.com
The Fraser Collection #BISBJO t #BOHLPL t #FJKJOH t #VEBQFTU t $IFOHEV t %PIB t %VCBJ t &EJOCVSHI t (MBTHPX t )BOPJ t )POH ,POH t ,VBMB -VNQVS t -POEPO t .BOJMB t /BOKJOH t /FX %FMIJ t 0TBLB t 1BSJT t 4FPVM t 4IBOHIBJ t 4IFO[IFO t 4JOHBQPSF t 4V[IPV t 4ZEOFZ t 5JBOKJO t #BOHBMPSF
t $IFOOBJ t (VBOH[IPV t +BLBSUB t 1FSUI t 8VYJ
By Frasers Hospitality
FORECASTS
Carol Maddison
Manager UAE, VisitBritain How optimistic are you about your business in 2011? 2011 will be the year that Prince William marries Kate Middleton and we anticipate this event delivering a major boost to tourism and the British economy as well as the fashion, craft and creative industries. Their marriage in April could easily be the biggest broadcast event in history with predictions that four billion people, threequarters of the potential global TV audience, could watch the event. This would be multiplied by online and social media. Our research shows that using the most conservative of estimates Britain’s Monarchy generates well over £500 million a year directly and indirectly from overseas tourists – a Royal Wedding year is likely to outstrip that. The long-term impact of the event is likely to be spread right across Britain’s tourism sector. After the wedding the couple, who met at St Andrews University, will live in North Wales where the Prince is serving with the RAF. Their fame looks likely to have a beneficial impact on the fashionability of North Wales which last year attracted 289,000 overseas visitors, bringing in a total of £77 million in revenue. The timing of the wedding in the year before the 2012 Diamond Jubilee of HM the Queen and London’s hosting of the 193 - BBG 2011 Directory Ad 13 x 9.ai
1
12/29/10
12:45 PM
Olympic and Paralympic Games is a happy coincidence with the publicity around the marriage creating a ‘’halo effect’’ that will carry over to the celebrations of the following year. What are the principal challenges in 2011? VisitBritain has had its government funding cut by 34% over the next four years. In 2011/2012 our budget will be £26.5 million, compared with £28.9 million this year, reducing in steps to £21.2 million in 2014/15. VisitBritain will need to become even more efficient with its marketing partnerships with the travel industry, the regions and the nations to plug the gap.
C
What have been the positive developments affecting your business and sector? The UAE is a very lucrative market for VisitBritain. Total visits from the UAE to the UK in 2009 were 246,260, a 6% increase on 2008, with a spend of £312m, 7.9% increase. The average spend per visit was GBP1,267 which represented a 1.9% increase on 2008, and average length of stay was 12 nights. We attribute this to the favourable dirham-sterling exchange rate and the fact that at the time Middle East-based airlines were offering great deals for travel to Britain.
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
What would you identify as the key in-house issues for 2011 – greater emphasis on training? Growing the digital/internet side of the business? VisitBritain is looking to take its social media offering to the next level; for the entire organisation to enter into the social conversation. We believe that social media offers VisitBritain unparalleled opportunities to engage the world in dialogue about Britain. 32 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
GUARD YOUR BUSINESS AGAINST THE TOP 5 CYBERTHREATS IN 2011 Internet security specialist Norton believes it is “almost inevitable” that 2011 will see a larger number of people in the Middle East falling victim to cybercrime than ever before. Taking your online personal protection seriously should be one of your priorities, as the number of high-profile cyber attacks globally rises.
Norton’s top five cyberthreats for 2011 are: r Social media identity theft – The tremendous popularity of social media sites can come with a dark side as well. Virus writers and other cybercriminals go where the numbers are and that includes these popular sites. Beware of any unusual messages or requests from your friends online, and never give out your password to anyone. r Smartphone and tablet hacking – Although cyber criminals have shown little interest in mobile devices in the past, as devices grow more sophisticated and as a handful of tablets corner the market, it is inevitable that attackers will home in on mobile devices in 2011 and confidential data loss will become increasingly problematic.
r Beware of trending topics – Cybercriminals are savvy when it comes to the latest social trends. Whether it’s X Factor or Strictly Come Dancing gossip, cybercriminals catch on to these trends and poison search engine results, which can leave users at risk of clicking on an infected link. Norton Safe Web Lite (safeweb.norton.com) is a free tool that identifies poisoned search results to help Internet users protect themselves from cybercrime. r Shortened Web addresses – Internet users should be careful about clicking on shortened URLs (“Uniform Resource Locator,” the web address). They can be found everywhere on social media sites, but the URL hides the full location. Clicking on unknown links can direct users to their intended site, or one that installs malware on an Internet connected device. r Pharming – Another form of online fraud very similar to its cousin, phishing. Pharmers are more difficult to detect because they are not reliant upon the victim accepting a “bait” message, but instead redirect victims to a bogus web site even if they type the right web address of their bank or other online service into their Web browser.
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 33
EDUCATION
Flick the switch BUiD is among the institutions embracing sustainable design locally – mirroring the green movement back home as more eco-residences are rolled out across UK universities.
UPP’s student village at Leeds Metropolitan University.
BRITAIN IS DRIVING the sustainable building boom, encouraging best green practices at home and abroad. The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is helping architects, real estate professionals and government officials realise their environmental ambitions through a dedicated sustainable design course. In April, the university launched a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) course to support the demand for certified professionals in sustainable design. LEED is an accreditation from the US Green Building Council, equivalent to the UK’s BREEAM rating – a globally recognised mark of a building’s sustainability that has been used in the UK for the past 20 years.
34 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
“The UAE is among the fastest-growing cities worldwide and an active supporter of environmentally-friendly design and building practice. There is a high demand for accredited sustainable design courses in the country,” said Professor Abdullah Alshamsi, vice chancellor, BUiD. Companies such as University Partnerships Programme (UPP), one of the leading providers of student accommodation in the UK, are behind a number of award-winning eco-residences in Britain. UPP’s student village at Leeds Metropolitan University (pictured) was selected as the UK BREEAM Award winner in the Multi-Residential category last year. The £26 million, 479-bedroom student accommodation scheme, which has a
BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, was designed by GWP Architecture. One townhouse block within the development also achieved Passivhaus certification, widely recognised as the leading standard in energy efficiency. Passivhaus buildings have typically been shown to achieve an energy saving of 90 per cent compared with existing houses. More recently, the company announced delivery of the first phase of the £133 million student eco residence at the University of Exeter, the institute which awarded HH Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, a Doctor of Philosophy in 1985. “Universities are at the forefront of the climate change debate but, to achieve their carbon emissions target, a significant amount of capital expenditure is required. The benefits are not only to the sector but to the UK as a whole in terms of moulding sustainable behaviour for the future,” said UPP chief executive Sean O’Shea. Further north, the University of Bradford is currently working on its own sustainable student village, The Green. Costing more than £40 million, the project, which is due to open in September 2011, is aiming to become the first student housing development with an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating. In the UAE and wider Gulf, fully sustainable student accommodation still has some way to go. However, some institutions, like Middlesex University in Dubai, already use
renewable energy sources to help meet their power needs. In this case, the university’s student accommodation block was fitted four years ago with solar panels. The UK is already committed to cutting its carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by 26 per cent by 2020, and 80 per cent by 2050. For the construction sector this means increasing energy efficiency in every home and public building as well as requiring each new property to be zero carbon from 2016.
NEWS IN BRIEF r Middlesex University Dubai has launched its pro bono consultancy initiative, as part of the Middlesex MBA programme, which is designed to promote partnerships with the corporate sector. r The University of Liverpool, in partnership with Laureate Online Education, has launched its new Doctor of Education-Higher Education, which will receive its first intake of students on April 21. It will offer professional educators, administrators and academics the opportunity to earn their advanced degree from one of the leading institutions of higher education in the UK.
International House Dubai SMS
“IH Dubai”
RAISING LANGUAGE EDUCATION STANDARDS
to 5269 for more information
Learn Languages Arabic & English (General/business/conversational and exam preparation classes) Teaching Qualifications CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), YL Extension (Young Learner), DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults, TKT ( Teaching Knowledge Test), Professional development courses University of Cambridge ESOL Exams Preparation KET (Key English Test), PET (Preliminary English Test), BEC (Business English Certificate) - Preliminary, Vantage and Higher, IELTS preparation classes, BULATS.
Tel: 04 321 3121 Fax: 04 321 3555 email: info@ihdubai.com www.ihdubai.com BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 35
ENERGY
Power of change Leading lights in energy – among them experts from BP Alternative Energy and Imperial College – converged on the UAE for the World Future Energy Summit recently.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES and breakthroughs in renewable energy, and how they help drive down costs and increase capacity and reliability, and the challenges and opportunities presented by new and developing technologies were among the key themes at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2011 Technology Forum, held recently. The Forum, which took place during WFES, saw keynote speeches and insights from leading technology experts and thought-leaders from around the globe as they addressed persistent issues related to technological advances, challenges and opportunities in renewable energy and how to work together to nurture research and education in this field. Among them was Nigel Brandon, Director of Energy Future Laboratory, Imperial College (UK), who chaired the “Hydrogen – How it can deliver as the Fuel of the Future” session which explored the real prospects of hydrogen as a key fuel in the future energy system given its zero-emission benefits. 36 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
He was joined by Jeremy Woods, Lecturer in Bioenergy, Imperial College, who debated the adoption of biofuels as a future energy resource and their environmental effects in his presentation “Biofuels: Finally Delivering on the Early Potential”. WFES, held under the theme ‘enabling future energy solutions’ at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), comprised a four-day conference, and two exhibitions – a World Future Energy Exhibition and World Future Environment Exhibition, attended by more than 600 exhibitors from around 40 countries. The Business Forum, another crucial element of the WFES 2011 agenda, united some of the world’s biggest future energy companies, including BP Alternative Energy, Total, Schneider Electric, Alstom, Suntech Power, Vestas, BASF and Deutsche Asset management. The Business Forum started with the Business Leader’s Keynote Address by Truman Semans, Principal at GreenOrder,
US, and Former Executive Committee member of the US Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a CEO-led coalition of corporations and NGOs working with Congress to pass federal climate policies.
BRIGHT OUTLOOK FOR SOLAR AND WIND POWER Solar energy has the potential to account for 11% of global electricity generation by 2050, and governments, businesses and consumers all have a role to play, according to Arnaud Chaperon, Vice President of Electricity and Renewable Energies for Total, a key participant at WFES 2011. Chaperon said this scenario is based on average annual growth of nearly 20% in the coming decades. Solar power’s
rising stature has great significance for the Mena region, which, according to a recent survey by Booz & Co, has the potential to offer 45% of the world’s total renewable energy generation based on measurement of existing generation capacity. Steve Sawyer, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and a panel chair at WFES 2011, said wind power development in the MENA region grew 38% in 2009 and wind power usage in the MENA region will continue to increase in the future as national policies become more favourable and technological advances are introduced. “There have been encouraging signs for wind power development in the MENA region in the past few years, especially in countries such as Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia, and also in Iran,” he said. “Together, 230MW were installed in these four countries during 2009, taking the total for the MENA region up 38% to 828 MW at the end of last year.”
VESTAS WINS ZAYED FUTURE ENERGY PRIZE Danish wind turbines manufacturer, Vestas, won the $1.5m 2011 Zayed Future Energy Prize, in recognition of its pioneering work with wind energy, even during periods where demand for renewable energy waned. Vestas has made more than 41,000 turbines for customers in 65 countries across five continents, creating more wind power capacity than any other company, and its turbines generate more than 60 million MWh of energy each year, enough to power 21 million people. The Zayed Future Energy Prize reflects the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and the first President of the UAE, who was aware - even decades ago - of the importance of reaching a balance between preserving the environment and maintaining economic growth. It was his vision that has served as a beacon as the world seeks to harness new sources of power while preserving natural resources. Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Chairman of the jury and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said: “Vestas clearly stood out for a number of reasons, most importantly, for dynamically changing windenergy technology, something that requires imagination, vision and dedication. Innovation doesn’t come about through a flash in the pan, it is something that requires enormous perseverance, clarity of purpose, efforts and resources.” Amory B. Lovins, Chairman and Chief Scientist of the Rocky Mountain Institute was awarded a runner-up prize of $350,000 for his work on an “integrative design” methodology for energy efficient buildings, vehicles and factories. Lovins describes his designs as a powerful and globally applicable new tool for shifting rapidly from oil and coal to efficiency and renewables. E+Co, a clean-energy investment company, was also awarded a runner-up prize of $350,000 and congratulated for its pioneering investments in the developing world. It supports and invests in small and growing clean-energy enterprises in developing countries to impact climate change and energy poverty.
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 37
-ADINAT *UMEIRAH 4HE !RABIAN RESORT OF $UBAI
*UMEIRAH #ARLTON 4OWER 4HE ESSENCE OF +NIGHTSBRIDGE
"URJ !L !RAB 4HE WORLDªS MOST LUXURIOUS HOTEL
$ISCOVER SENSATIONAL STAYS IN REMARKABLE LOCATIONS *UMEIRAH %MIRATES 4OWERS $UBAIªS ±NEST CITY LIFESTYLE DESTINATION
*UMEIRAH "EACH (OTEL 4HE PERFECT FAMILY VACATION
*UMEIRAH %SSEX (OUSE -ANHATTANªS HISTORIC HEART
*UMEIRAH ,OWNDES (OTEL ,ONDONªS BEST KEPT SECRET
(MWGSZIV .YQIMVEL¸W QEKRMÁGIRX TVSTIVXMIW WMXYEXIH MR WSQI SJ XLI QSWX E[I MRWTMVMRK GMXMIW MR XLI [SVPH *VSQ XLI TVMWXMRI WERHW SJ (YFEM¸W FIEGLIW XLI ÂSYVMWLMRK PERHWGETI SJ 'IRXVEP 4EVO MR 2I[ =SVO XS XLI I\GMXMRK WLSTTMRK WGIRI MR 0SRHSR .YQIMVEL ,SXIPW 6IWSVXW TVSQMWIW E [IPP HIWIVZIH QIQSVEFPI I\TIVMIRGI JSV ]SY ERH ]SYV PSZIH SRIW
JUMEIRAH COM $5"!) ,/.$/. .%7 9/2+ !"5 $(!") !, !). $5"!) &2!.+&524 +57!)4 -!,$)6%3 -!,,/2#! #OMING 3OON
*UMEIRAH :ABEEL 3ARAY -AGNI±CENT /TTOMAN INSPIRED
INSURANCE
Room for growth UK and western insurers are looking to capitalise on the Gulf’s low insurance penetration rates. Glenn Freeman reports. WITHIN THE GCC, life insurance penetration only amounts to around 1 per cent of gross domestic product, compared with 9 per cent in more developed markets. This paucity of market share, combined with the presence of only 54 offshore firms in the region, represents considerable room for the sector’s regional growth. Foreign insurers have discovered the Gulf within the last decade, lured by its large population and largely untapped potential, but with a growing number of firms jostling for space in the market, competition is becoming more fierce here too. Trevor Matthews, chief executive officer of British insurance company Friends Provident, said the UK Market is very competitive with no Matthew Waterfield, General Manager, Middle growth opportunities, whereas overseas, even in Trevor Matthews, CEO, Friends Provident. East, Friends Provident. markets like the Gulf which have been affected Given the favourable population demographics, with over by the slow-down, it presents significant opportunities. “We’re 80 percent of residents being expatriates, the conventional very bullish about our overseas business,” he said. insurance offering of companies such as Friends Provident While health insurance in the west has been around for should do well in the region. decades and is widely und erstood, the Gulf’s still-developing On the conventional side, life insurance represents the economies and modernising policies mean there are still many uninsured residents. There are also many policy holders looking biggest potential, while the Islamic product Takaful leads demand in Shariah-compliant insurance. For example, for better options. premium income from life insurance in Saudi Arabia grew 61 For companies like Friends Provident, which draws more than 50 per cent of its revenue from overseas operations, percent in 2009, while non-life grew 25 percent, according to the Swiss Re Sigma world insurance report. the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in particular represent The demand from non-western expatriates also holds significant significant potential. potential. Non-residents from the Indian subcontinent and Asia, particularly Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, and Filipinos could also be an attractive target for insurers, along with expatriates from ISLAMIC INSURANCE GCC countries, Egypt, Sudan and Lebanon. Friends Provident’s Middle East and Africa general Another key consideration in the local market is the manager, Matthew Waterfield, said expatriate Arabs from Shariah-compliant insurance market. There are now other parts of the Gulf also represent some 23 per cent of six takaful companies in the UAE and around five new the UAE population. companies will offer Islamic insurance, or takaful, in “This is a very interesting segment of the market . . . they the UAE by mid-2011. have a different savings culture, and the key to this market is Globally, analysts expect takaful to grow nearly 15 education,” he said. per cent annually in the next five years and exceed $7 The need for greater consumer awareness is one of the billion in premium income. Other estimates show that, challenges facing insurers in the Gulf. Another is the lack of even assuming reasonably conservative growth in GDP, incentives such as taxation breaks and legislative imperatives. if the penetration rate increases to 3 per cent, the overall In markets such as the US and UK, the tax deductibility of life market will be six to 10 times larger in the next decade. insurance and income protection premiums provides an added ADNIF, the Islamic finance unit of National Bank of driver for individuals and corporations to take up policies. Abu Dhabi, plans to launch a takaful company in early However, a relevant incentive in this region is the legally 2011, in partnership with three Abu Dhabi government mandated provision of pension schemes for employees, which backed firms. often also feature insurance components. BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 39
LEGAL
New rules for business growth Alan Wood, Partner at Pinsent Masons, draws up his legislative wish list for 2011 “WHILST 2010 CONTINUED where 2009 had left off, it seems that the world economy generally, and that of Dubai and the UAE in particular, have finished on a more positive note and whilst nervousness remains, most business people seem to be going into the new year with more optimism than 12 months ago. That optimism reflects what has been achieved in 2010 in restructuring Dubai World and agreeing to extensions or roll overs of large chunks of the debts of other Dubai companies. As we look to the year ahead, there remains much to be done and further changes to the legal framework within the UAE are needed to reflect its position on the world business and commercial stage. My wish list for new laws in the next 12 months focuses on modernising the companies, financial securities and insolvency laws. In terms of companies laws, we still await the muchheralded new laws which will relax the restrictions on foreign ownership of companies in the Emirates. This law would have immediate benefits for the UAE as it would ensure that other Gulf States do not leapfrog the UAE in terms of ease of doing business and attractiveness. It would also facilitate new inbound investment by those companies who remain unconvinced by the effectiveness of the ’private side arrangements’ which have traditionally been used by foreign investors looking to enter the market. With the implementation of the final aspects of the UK Bribery Act, it will also provide a greater level of assurance in the minds of companies needing to control the activities of their subsidiaries in the UAE and demonstrate the “adequate procedures” required by the new law. As for financial securities laws, the challenge for the UAE is to adopt new laws to allow lenders to take proper security in return for loans and which will allow effective recovery of debts. That law would also allow the UAE to modernise away from the old ‘post dated cheque culture’ which has left creditors unsatisfied and borrowers fleeing the country during the credit crisis.
The final part in the jigsaw would be new legislation which accepts that, in the modern commercial world, companies will fail and provides a proper legal framework to protect all stakeholders in the event of a corporate failure. That law also needs to include provisions to afford sick companies time to restructure and heal their finances. The success in 2010 of the Dubai World restructuring should serve as an example to all of how a properly organised moratorium can enable companies to restore their finances and avoid deeper losses for stakeholders. New laws to cover these three areas, combined with the UAE’s hard and soft infrastructure, would ensure that in 12 months’ time, we are still able to celebrate a new year as the region’s financial and commercial hub.”
DUBAI JUDICIAL INSTITUTE LAUNCHES FAMILY ARBITRATOR QUALIFICATION PROGRAM Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI), a center of law studies and judicial training in Dubai, has launched the Family Arbitrator Qualification Program, a first of its kind program in the country, in a bid to foster alternative non-legal
40 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
solutions to settle disputes. This program is an ideal model for training and development courses that complement overall development and reaffirm principles of justice. The program, which will be held in DJI’s headquarters, will
run for seven weeks and will also feature case studies. The Board of Directors has approved the formation of DJI’s Scientific Council for 2011, chaired by Dr. Jamal Al Sumaiti, the Institute’s Director General.
LEGAL
Family affair Mark Nierada from The Wills Specialists says estate planning is essential for family businesses. IF YOU OWN or part own a business or a professional practice, it is important that your estate and succession planning begin today. As a business owner, it’s quite likely that a significant portion of your wealth – and your family’s source of income after your death – is tied up in the family business. The success of your estate plan is dependent upon the business being transitioned to the next generation or sold to someone outside the family for a fair price. Either result takes planning and preparation and business succession planning should be a priority for every owner of a private business. There are a raft of issues to consider which will affect your business if death or serious disability should suddenly happen to you, a co-owner or key employee. Without adequate planning, your business may be negatively impacted or forced to close in a relatively short period of time. When you consider less than 30% of family owned businesses survive to the second generation and less than 12% to the third generation – and only 3% make it to the fourth – the obvious question is ‘why’? The first reason is straightforward; there is no qualified successor. However, even though these businesses will not be passed down to the next generation, you can still take steps to ensure that the value of your business survives. The second major reason for unsuccessful business transitions is more unfortunate. In many cases, businesses fail or are sold off due to a lack of planning. Mark Nierada,TEP, a specialist trust and estate lawyer and director of The Wills Specialists, says: “Although most of us are careful to safeguard our personal assets, for example by insuring our homes, many business people do not plan ahead to safeguard the value of their business. At first glance, this lack of planning seems incomprehensible. But, when you look at the personal and family issues that are involved, it is easier to understand why many people avoid dealing with the issue of business succession.” Running a business is hard work. The daily work needed to make a business successful leaves little or no time to plan for the ownership and management changes that will inevitably occur. None of us likes to think about or discuss our own mortality, but the process of succession planning, like good financial or estate planning, is all about what will happen after we are retired or gone for good. The longer owners wait to design and implement a succession plan, the greater the risk that the plan will not meet their goals. The risks also increase that the business will fail along with the health of the owner. When a business owner does not implement a succession plan before he or she is disabled or dies, the value of the business often drops rapidly. In fact, it is not uncommon that both the business and the business owner die on the same day. This means that the
owner’s intended beneficiaries will not receive the full value of the business. Planning five years in advance is good but planning 10 years ahead is even better. All successful businesses, whether sole establishments, partnerships, LLC’s or free zone corporations, should plan for the eventual transfer, succession or sale of the business. Good business succession planning addresses the death, disability or retirement of a business owner as well as the sale of a business owner’s interest and a sound business succession plan will ensure that the business owner’s objectives will be accomplished. Planning for your succession will, by necessity, be a process rather than an event. Given that most of the major decisions to be made are of a personal nature, the process used to manage each family’s business succession will vary depending on the nature of the family issues involved. For example, there may be a Sharia element that requires careful planning. You may choose to use one of several methods such as a buy-sell agreement, an offshore trust or foundation, a private annuity, self-cancelling installment notes, a family limited partnership, management buy-out or a direct gift or sale. This is a complex area and a major decision involving, for many, their most valuable asset, so seek professional legal advice. BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 43
Dubai’s rents are likely to keep dropping in 2011 – placing residential and commercial tenants at an advantage, as plentiful supply and good deals abound. Robin Lyndhurst reports.
iStock
PROPERTY
Tenant is king
IT REMAINS A RENTERS’ market in Dubai, enabling tenants to leverage alternative options and negotiate attractive deals. Some developers and landlords are finally realising the implications of this supply pipeline and are slashing rents by up to 20-30% below market rates in order to achieve higher occupancy in newly handed-over buildings. Landmark Advisory predicts that lease rates will continue to decline, especially in areas which suffer from maintenance and infrastructural issues. “Rents are often an illustration of the quality of the community, including building maintenance and infrastructure,” said Jesse Downs, Director of Research & Advisory, Landmark Advisory. “While rents will continue to fall across Dubai, these new pricing strategies have particularly significant implications for the areas with the most substantial supply pipelines.” When considering the aggregated supply and demand dynamics across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Landmark rents will decline in spite of the Abu Dhabi commuter demand. “We estimate that average vacancy rates in Dubai are currently 15-18% but will increase to 19-24% by 2012. Even considering the Abu Dhabi commuter demand, it is clear that average rents in Dubai will continue on a downward trajectory,” said Downs.
44 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Landmark’s latest guide found that apartment rents have declined across Dubai with very few exceptions. The biggest declines occurred in areas such as Dubai Marina, JLT and The Views, primarily caused by the handover of new buildings, but there remain pockets of resistance. The lower limit for a high quality two-bed in Dubai Marina has declined by 27% since June, whereas a comparable unit in Downtown has only declined by 6% in the same period. Landmark Advisory tracked occupancy levels of three new buildings in Dubai Marina, all with similar handover dates and of comparable quality. Within three months of handover, the building priced to attract tenants had already achieved occupancy of 90% while in comparison, the building with high rates and a rigid pricing strategy only had 40% occupancy. Apartment rents in lower quality properties continue to deteriorate – in this context, quality refers to the current state of the building, quality of maintenance, and condition of the community. For example, the lower limit for studios in International City has fallen 38% since June 2010. “Of course, these declines are caused by increasing supply in the area and overall rental trends in Dubai. However, the severity of the lower limit decline is also attributed to ongoing concerns about
maintenance and the community,” added Downs. Villas in areas with long-standing maintenance or infrastructural problems witnessed greater price falls than those areas which are comparatively unaffected. Jumeirah Islands witnessed an average drop in lower limits of 16% across all units, compared with a drop in the Meadows of only 9%.
Dubai office market overview r The overall outlook is a downward trend despite a slowdown in the pace of rent reductions. r Landlords are becoming more flexible with rents as companies interested in buying or leasing office space contest unrealistic asking prices.
JLT SUPPLY PROMPTS STEEP DECLINES In terms of commercial units, rents have continued to decline since June and, as predicted, the freehold market has borne the brunt of the decline. Over the past six months, JLT has experienced the most significant fluctuations with the lower limits of rents falling as much as 50%, meaning that office space is now readily available for low prices per square foot. During the same period, Business Bay has experienced more manageable declines of 7%. “These trends are a direct result of the supply pipeline dynamics in each community,” said Downs. “In JLT, the majority of supply pipeline has now been handed over, causing the steep declines. However, in Business Bay, the majority of the supply pipeline is still under development.” She expects rents in Business Bay to continue their downward trajectory with significant declines anticipated in the coming years, although naturally, there are also other factors that will impact rents in each area such as location, infrastructure, and licensing costs and procedures. Speaking at Cityscape Global, Mike Atwell, Middle East Head
r An estimated 16-20 million sq ft entered the market last year, keeping vacancy rates above 50% in secondary locations and around 12-15% in primary CBDs. r Strong demand for high quality properties. r Tenants are increasingly looking to secure long term fixed leases in order to take advantage of the current situation. r Average headline rents in prime locations are currently standing at Dhs220-350 per sq ft per annum, with the exception of the DIFC where rents are still around Dhs300-350.
of Operations, Cushman & Wakefield, said: “With more than 16 million square feet of new supply entering the Dubai office market in 2010 the balance of favour is not going to shift back to landlords any time soon. The tenant is king for the foreseeable future.”
WHEREVER LIFE TAKES YOU Every company is unique in some sense. We have worked to become unique in a deliberate sense. Our backbone is our “one-stop-solution” and “global network”. Whether it’s removal & relocation management, project logistics or freight forwarding services, you can always trust Globalink to take the load off your mind. Our global network extends across 65 countries, which means we have people on the ground in every major market ready to serve you. Tel.: +971 43 263388 | Fax: +971 43 263381 | mymove@globalinkllc.com | www.globalinkllc.com BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 45
TRADE
Tourism, logistics and communications are among Dubai’s core sectors. This page Jumeirah Beach Hotel, opposite Dubai Metro and Dubai Media City.
Core strengths As the British business community rings in the new year, Director of UKTI Dubai Jeff Wilson sounds a note of consistency and identifies many of the tried-and-tested sectors as commercial priorities. Dominic Ellis reports. AS THE 2011 calendars get pinned up, and new resolutions or strategies get stapled to personal or corporate diaries, there’s no escaping the sense of change. As we hurtle through the first quarter, it’s tempting to think the economy will bounce straight back, new leads will emerge and deals sealed. But markets are unpredictable – as Jeff Wilson will testify. The Director of UKTI Dubai arrived in Dubai in 2007, in the heady days of boom, then witnessed the correction and is now preparing for the widely anticipated commercial upturn. “What we can look forward to, in 2011 and 2012, is a focus on Dubai’s core strengths – its regional trading hub, strong tourism offering and fantastic logistical and communication structure,” he said. “These are real and apparent, and give it a tremendous advantage over any other city in the Middle East. I think if Dubai continues to stick to those core strengths, then it will continue to be a thriving business and communications 46 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
centre. There are sectors and sub-sectors that will continue to adjust, but the general mood is much more optimistic if you look at it year-on-year.” Wilson believes the opportunities will always change slightly but for the 4,000-plus British companies registered in the UAE, the priority industries will remain infrastructure, energy, health and education in 2011. “With infrastructure, you’re looking at projects like the $10bn Union Rail project, which is all in the planning and tending phases,” he said. “British firms are bidding for projects and we’re looking to put together groups of British firms which can get in front of those decision makers. Infrastructure will always be a big growth area here in the medium term, and the 2030 Abu Dhabi strategic plan is scheduled to $250 billion on infrastructure, and lots of opportunities will flow out of that. Some of the money will be spent on federal projects, so it isn’t just Abu Dhabi-centric.”
Above all, UKTI’s top priority is to find out the business opportunities for British businesses, and to try and help them get access to the decision makers who have the final say-so on those deals. “That’s a constant theme of activity for us,” said Wilson. “What we’ve seen is a growth in interest in doing business in key Gulf states from the UK. Last financial year, our teams in the UAE helped about 2,000 British business people do various levels of business in the country, and that’s huge footfall through our offices, and that’s a lot more than the year before.” He said UKTI-qualified companies who want to find out more about any activity going on in their sector should contact them, as the UKTI has sector leads who follow developments on a daily basis. “The majority of those people would be new-to-market,” he added. “When I went back to the UK in September, leading a tour of high growth markets in the Middle East, we saw 250 British business people in five centres in the UK. So there’s a lot of interest – and we are able to help people set up, particularly a lot of people are using the UAE as a springboard
“What we want to do is get the people
in the UAE to see the UK as the partner of choice when it comes to doing business.”
for doing business throughout the wider region.” One new focus will be opportunities surrounding the civil nuclear power generation project, following the signfing of the nuclear co-operation agreement with the UAE authorities during the Queen’s visit. The UAE is one of UKTI’s high growth markets, along with Saudi and Qatar – especially now that the new British government has made the Gulf a priority in terms of developing bilateral links. “Last June, David Cameron visited the UAE in one of his first overseas visits within a couple of weeks of becoming Prime Minister, which was demonstrative and significant, and at the end of the year we had the Queen’s visit, which was hugely successful and the ultimate demonstration of the importance that the UK puts on its relationship with the UAE,” said Wilson. “At the same time, we had our big Britain in the Region event. The last one was in 2008 – it’s biannual but we may do one in 2011 as it was so successful. Last year we had 350 delegates attending which was more than 2008, so it was the biggest event UKTI has put on in the region for the British business community.” Most of its trade enquiries are MENA related but it does receive interest from Pakistan, organise events for the Saudi team, and take people as far afield as Libya. “We point people in the direction of the opportunities,” said Wilson. BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 47
TRADE
“Health and education are big focuses too, given the amount of spend local and federal governments are putting into those areas. We had a record number of companies at Arab Health in January 2010 and we’re expecting the same number, around 200, this January.” Less high-profile sectors, like food and beverages, are also growing, and UKTI is expecting 50 companies out from the UK at Gulfood in February, which is larger than last year. LINKS ARE ‘ENDEMIC’ While the UK and UAE have a long history of business links, the focus is now on the future, trying to raise bilateral trade to £12 billion by 2015. “You can look at some countries have strengths in certain sectors, but actually the UK involvement is endemic, and our presence is felt across all business sectors. There are 100,000 Brits living and working in the UAE – which is more than half the total number living in the GCC. “This was a key point afrom the Queen’s visit – the business links are deep and strong, and what we want to do is get the people in the UAE to see the UK as the partner of choice when it comes to doing business.” And it goes the other way. Another big success was the agreement that DP World would carry on with the London Gateway project, which will provide a significant enhancement to logistics capacity around the London area, in terms of imports and exports, building up a big logistics park and directly providing 12,000 new jobs. The Olympics, hitherto viewed on the horizon, is about to receive “a step-change” in activity. “I think the Olympics is going to be a really important opportunity to promote the UK’s strengths in key sectors,” said
Wilson. “When you look at massive infrastructure projects like the Olympics, you can see that many different businesses are involved – it’s not just the construction, it’s the logistics, the supporting excellence, education, toruism of course. We will be stepping up our activity from now, promoting the Games as a showpiece of the UK’s excellence.” British companies have been involved in growing oil and gas production since the very beginning, and with Abu Dhabi’s 48 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Diary dates Febuary 27-March 2 March 1-5 March 7-9 March 14-16 March 21-23
Gulfood Exhibition 2011 Dubai International Boat Show Paperworld Middle East Franchise Middle East Careers UAE 2011
http://ukinuae.fco.gov.uk/en/business/event/
concessions coming up in 2014/15, Wilson says it will be “lobbying hard, pressing the case for British firms”. In the financial services sector, UKTI is looking forward to a visit by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, the alderman Michael Bear in early February. “Again, it shows how we’re growing the links between the city and the UAE – and when we say ‘city’ now, the Lord Mayor represents the financial services sector across the UK on his travels, so that’s fantastic, and shows the UAE is a key priority area for financial services growth.” The Lord Mayor’s programme is being finalised but he will likely visit Abu Dhabi and Dubai. NORTHERN LIGHTS Amid all the activity in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UKTI is keen to grow commercial links in the Northern Emirates too. “We have, in the past, had successful trips with the BBG and we will be exploring future opportunities through 2011 – this is something I’d like to see us do more of. The majority of British companies operating in the UAE do so from Dubai, which is not surprising, given that the number of Britons in the city – but we mustn’t forget there are many other opportunities in the northern Emirates for those prepared to engage with businesses up there.” The RAK Free Zone has British companies registered, Bolton University operates in the emirate, and the port, industrial and tourism sectors are all growing. REGIONAL POTENTIAL Wilson said the UKTI hasn’t “quite lined ourselves up” behind the Qatar 2022 World Cup potential, but will be looking at the abundant commercial opportunities. “Our infrastructure teams in the UK will be looking at what we can do to promote the British construction sector offer in the light of the successful bid. Don’t forget the London Olympics will be a great advert of the UK’s strengths in putting on major Games – we’re still 11 years to go, and I’m sure many British companies will be in a good position to line themselves up for business in Qatar.” He said the opportunities cut across everything – environment, education and schools, the legacy side of it. “It’s good to see such a global event coming to the Gulf. We have two F1s in the region now, both successful, and there’s lots of sporting activities.”
MOTORING
Luxury wheels in motion Top-end British cars have been catching the eye of motoring lovers in the Gulf and Europe. Anne Rice reports. ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS have announced the arrival of an exclusive and unique vehicle to the region – the ‘Pearl of Arabia.’ One of only six 2010 Middle East Bespoke Phantom commissions, this exceptional car was custom built for Abu Dhabi Motors, and is now available at the authorised RollsRoyce dealer’s showroom in Umm Al Nar. With its design rich in Arabian Gulf heritage, the ‘Pearl of Arabia’ represents the perpetual memories of the Arabic people, back when the region’s economic life depended heavily on the ancient art of pearl diving. Inspiration was also drawn from the design and craftsmanship of Arabic architecture that embodies a distinguishing motif of ordered repetition, radiating structures and rhythmic metric patterns. With an all new bespoke exterior paint developed exclusively for the region, the Sandstone Metallic draws heavily on the natural stone that many ancient and modern day Arabic constructions are built from. The simple yet striking nature of the colour signifies the rich foundation of the region, and contrasts perfectly with the upper two-tone paint combination with Cornish White that itself is a nod to the rich colour within an oyster shell. 50 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
No downturn for luxury car maker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed record global sales results for 2010, with 2,711 cars sold during the year, more than double the previous company record of 1,212 cars set in 2008. The company saw 2010 sales in the Middle East grow by 100% in comparison to 2009; the region is one of the marque’s most important markets worldwide and has contributed significantly to the strong year-end sales result, and ranks as its third largest region worldwide by sales. Additionally, the Middle East region continues to maintain its position as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars number one Bespoke market worldwide. All regions demonstrated significant sales growth, particularly Asia Pacific, the United States and the Middle East. The United States remained the biggest single market for Rolls-Royce in 2010, followed by China and the UK. However, strong growth was also seen in markets like India, Korea and Japan.
The Bespoke Programme is a service offered to Rolls-Royce clients whereby the client may specify features of the car, in order to create one’s own, unique model. The Bespoke team at Goodwood is dedicated to finding new paints, materials and engineering solutions in order to find new ways to develop truly exceptional cars. The 2010 Middle East bespoke collection clearly demonstrates the level of personalisation that can be achieved thanks to the skill of Rolls-Royce designers. Abu Dhabi Motors have worked with the Rolls-Royce design team in Goodwood to define the aesthetics of this exclusive vehicle to create a model as individual as the Arabian region. Special leather interior finishings in seashell natural grain provide a harmonious balance with the Sandstone Metallic exterior paint. This carefully chosen leather colour accentuates the Parchment veneered seat valances and comes with contrasting stitching in Navy Blue for
LOTUS HAS PARIS IN WRAP-TURES It’s not often that one car company can steal the limelight in these globally integrated, promotion-savvy times, but Lotus took the Paris Motor Show and wider car industry by storm recently, unveiling five new cars which are poised to set new yardsticks in luxury motoring. Chief among them was the ground-breaking new Elite, an innovative GT set for release in spring 2014. Beneath its sharklike exterior is a snappy 5.0 litre V8 engine, which will enable drivers to zoom from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.7 seconds. It will cost around Dhs690,000.
Elite
Elise
extra detailing. Exquisite hand knotted silk rugs commissioned to complement the marquetry in the fascia and door cappings, and the instrument panel top and steering wheel also specified in Navy Blue, showcase a selection of classic interior design elements, Bespoke to the ‘Pearl of Arabia.’ An exclusive Bespoke clock has been designed specifically for the 2010 Middle East Phantom Commission. Complete with a unique centre disc in Sterling Silver with an engraved pattern and inset Mother of Pearl, the hand-crafted clock is further distinguished with an outer ring colour matched to the Sandstone Metallic exterior paint. This commission also includes Bespoke glovebox embroidery and personalised treadplates to enhance the car’s unique nature This Bespoke commission was designed inhouse and developed on site by craftsmen at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars plant in Goodwood, England and will be showcased at the Rolls-Royce showroom in Abu Dhabi.
Eterne
Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus, said the model is a series of contradictions, being “compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, and light yet reassuringly solid”. Coming into view slightly earlier than the Elite will be the Lotus Elan in 2013, complete with 4.0 litre V6 engine. With a top speed of 310 km/h, the Elan will cost around Dhs450,000. The 5.0 litre Esprit features an aggressive design, while the Lotus Eterne is an evolution of an existing two-door model and aspires to be the “ultimate four-door sports car”. Complementing the impressive line-up is the Lotus Elise 2015, designed as an entry-level model to appeal to a new generation of luxury car drivers. Lotus Design has also created a concept city car which can be operated in zero emissions EV mode or run on its flexfuel engine. Elan
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 51
FOOD
Recipe for success With Jamie Oliver drawing Italian food fans to Dubai Festival City and The Ivy set to open at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in the Spring, the city is displaying a hunger for big name tie-ups.
Jamie Oliver is the latest big name to venture into the Dubai market.
DUBAI IS NO stranger to international branded endorsements – the hotel market would look a bit sparse without them – but nowhere is the importance of having a strong, high-profile name better illustrated than in the city’s red-hot culinary scene. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver recently opened Jamie’s Italian in Dubai Festival City, a 290-seater restaurant complete with pasta bar, through a master franchisee agreement with Jawad Business Group, complementing his 15 Italian outlets already in operation in the UK. Across the city, one of London’s best-known restaurants is coming to Dubai, with the Gulf offshoot of The Ivy aiming to recreate the same standards of food, ambience and service when it opens in The Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, in the spring. The Ivy Dubai – coming up in the area formerly occupied by Scarlett’s – will serve lunch and dinner and welcome guests who just want a drink at the bar, accommodating 172 covers and up to 16 guests in the private dining room, making it suitable for high-level corporate meets. The new restaurant will offer a brasserie-style menu with a selection of The Ivy classics, such as its shepherd’s pie and Scandinavian iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce. It will be the first of the Caprice Holdings’ restaurants to open since the announcement in August of a deal that will see 52 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Jumeirah Restaurants roll out the Caprice Holdings’ brands in the Middle East. It will join sister restaurant, the Rivington Grill, which opened in December 2008. Last summer, following on from the success of Rhodes Mezzanine at Grosvenor House Dubai, Michelin-starred celebrity chef Gary Rhodes OBE opened his second venture in the UAE, Rhodes Twenty10, at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort + Spa. Rhodes Twenty10 is a new generation of culinary grill with a twist, where the emphasis is on sharing, bringing family and friends together in sleek and contemporary surroundings. It serves classic and more exotic ‘Open European’ dishes with a variety of grills, from lobster to steak. Down the highway, Prince Andrew officially opened the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in November 2009, the first steakhouse outside of the UK from three-star Michelin Chef. Gordon Ramsay blazed the celebrity trail locally when he opened Verre at Hilton Dubai Creek in 2001, and the restaurant reopened its doors last March, following a complete refurbishment. Local and international food and beverage franchises are proving lucrative business opportunities in the Middle East, according to Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of International Expo-Consults (IEC), the organiser of Franchising Middle East
f
(FME), the region’s leading trade event for the franchise sector. “In the past few months the F&B franchise sector has seen phenomenal growth in the Middle East, pointing to its growing popularity as a business model,” he said. “Both local and international brands are expanding heavily and we predict this to continue as the region starts to emerge from the global economic downturn.”
1/18/11
3:43:23 PM
The Ivy Dubai is opening in Jumeirah Emirates Towers Boulevard.
RECORD NUMBERS FOR GULFOOD EXHIBITION Gulfood has fully sold out with an unprecedented 3,800 exhibitors set to occupy more than 1 million square feet of exhibition space at this year’s show, which will be held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 27-March 2. Gulfood will host participants from 150 countries as well as more than 80 national pavilions including new ones from Armenia, Bangladesh, Hungary, Iran, Libya, Morocco, New Zealand, South Africa and Sweden. The GCC and neighbouring regions have become key target markets for the global food industry, and the generation of global growth from the MEASA region has been critical for many companies. Ideally positioned as the gateway between East and West, Dubai is the definitive route into these fast-growing markets for a diverse range of industries, including food and all its related sectors. According to Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Dubai’s food product exports alone exceeded Dhs11.4bn in 2009, while its re-exports of food products for the same year stand at Dhs6.9bn. “Dubai has emerged as the key ingredient for the global food industry. Its unrivalled trading network, infrastructure, easy accessibility and open market policy give Dubai its status as the business centre of the Middle East,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of the Gulfood exhibition.
Turn your staff into high flyers. 6I[EVH ]SYV WXEJJ [MXL %MV 1MPIW -RGIRXMZIW ERH EPPS[ XLIQ XS VIHIIQ JSV I\TIVMIRGIW SJ E PMJI XMQI 8S ´RH SYX LS[ XS 6I[EVH ]SYV WXEJJ ZMWMX [[[ EMVQMPIWQI GSQ MRGIRXMZIW Rewarding Superior Performance
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 53
BEVERAGE
South Downs, West Sussex.
Bubbling under the surface Charismatic UK wine writer Oz Clarke tells Dominic Ellis the British drinks business is about to enter a new commercial realm and showing sparkling potential from north to south. LESS THAN 10 hours ago, Oz Clarke was holding court at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, entertaining guests of MMI in his inimitable style at a tasting dinner. Now in the slightly more sedate setting of the Qamardeen hotel, his limbs are still, but his mind and tongue remain active, passion seeping from his every pore. It’s not often you get the chance to go on a breathless, 45minute, round-the-world drinks tour, but I walk away feeling as energised and stimulated had I spent a week in Bordeaux or the Napa Valley. First stop, rather incongrously, is Bolton-le-Sands, one of the places featured in the upcoming Great British Drinks series on BBC2 which Oz hosts with Hugh Dennis, promoting drinks from independent producers across the country. “The Mount Pleasant vineyard looks out over Morecambe Bay, and we sat up there drinking our glass of Morecambe Bay red and watching the sun go down – it was so special. It’s the most northerly vineyard in England at the moment, although a South African guy is planting a vineyard on Loch Tay in Scotland; I think he’s probably 10 or 15 years too early, but only 10 or 15.” Most people certainly wouldn’t associate the UK with 54 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
the great vineyard growing regions, but there are now around 500 scattered around Britain, which has seen an explosion of planting in pinot noir and chardonnay plantations, mainly for sparkling wine. “The whole of the Hampshire have the same soil as Champagne and Chablis, it’s part of the Paris Basin which is limestone, and it goes up into the Chilterns, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire,” says Clarke. “I would expect to see someone plant in limestone in Yorkshire within five years.” One hindrance is that prices for top UK sparkling wines have been very high, selling between £16.99-£35, but volumes are now on the rise. In 2000 there were only 300,000 bottles of sparkling wine made – in 2009, it was up to 1.5m and by 2012 that will rise to 3m and as many as 5m by 2015. “Which means between now and five years they have to raise their sales by 350% which isn’t going to happen, so the prices have to come down,” said Clarke. “Nyetimber are already planning a nonvintage cuvee which I expect to offer to the trade £10 a bottle cheaper. They have a new vineyard that’s 168 acres – that’s as
Vine rows reflected in the lake at Painshill Park in Cobham, Surrey.
big as some Burgandy villages.” Next stop, Hampshire, which has an “appalachian” developing around the Test valley. “It’s a trout river and the great trout rivers are on limestone and very pure water flows down to the sea – that’s exactly the soil you want for vineyards. There are about four down there now and there will be a lot more. I tasted the 2009s from Nyetimber and Ridgeview – I tell you Champagne needs to look to its laurels – but the acidity is high.” Between 2000 and 2010, the temperatures in Champagne went up by an unheard of 1.6 degrees celsius; there’s never been such a change in thousands of years. “Already we’re looking at southern England being as warm as Champagne 20 years ago,” he said. “It’s going Heard it on to be a learning curve. But The Grapevine in a generation’s time, the The Oz Clarke Tasting greatest sparkling wines Dinner was MMI’s first in Europe are going to be Grapevine event, the name made in England – not in for its relaunched wine club. Champagne – and many Alongside monthly in-store of them will be made by offers will be exclusive Champagne companies. events, advice and hotel/ I did a trip down last restaurant benefits. Fill in year, and I went to five the form at any MMI store or six vineyards and every one had been visited by or sign up on: a leading Champagne mmidubai.com/grapevine company, all asking if they
UK wine writer Oz Clarke.
“In a generation’s time, the greatest
sparkling wines in Europe are going to be made in England – not in Champagne – and many of them will be made by Champagne companies.” can buy you or go into partnership. Land prices in England are about 1% of that in Champagne but the pricing has already gone up by 200% as interest has grown.” Profits in the wine business are invariably tight and since it is an agricultural business, it’s hard to react to market trends and pressures. Most of us are brought up believing low-production, high priced labels are ‘superior’ – but Clarke stresses that, in this day and age, you can get very good quality, high yielding vines. “We’ve been looking at the Argentinian Santa Julia Malbec which is Dhs 28 a bottle and it’s absolutely fantastic. Too many wines at the top end of the spectrum are interchangeable and often we have this obsession with low yields, everyone’s cutting back, but the vine often wants to give more.” Not that the UK’s drinks industry has been in abstemious mode; across the board it’s now bubbling away. English whisky producers are still young, but the quality is fantastic – “it will be up there with Scots whisky no question” – and whisky is also being made in the Brecon Beacons in Wales too. The first private gin still in 190 years has just opened in West London – and that’s before you even touch the beer industry. BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 55
BEVERAGE
“There are over 700 breweries in England, the most since World War II. Lager sales dropped in England for the first time in 50 years last summer, but smaller brewers are averaging 6-10 per cent growth – sourcing the hops and barley locally, and selling drinks to the local communities,” he says. North of the border, a vineyard is even being established around Dumfries and Galloway. “But I think if the sea warms up, you’ll get more evaporation from the sea and more clouds dumping more rain. The dryer east of England may benefit. They reckon this summer there will be no ice cap in the Arctic – global warming is so out of control, we haven’t dealt with the last 20 years of industrial activity or started to see the effects.” He says the world of wine has become so amazingly complicated; two weeks prior, he was in Sweden, which now has 250 vineyards; he concedes that the breadth of labels around these days makes his life much more difficult – but much more exciting. “Nowadays, blind tastings are far more difficult. If you tasted 100 labels when I was a student, you probably knew all about what there was to know about wine, now if you taste 1,000 you only know about 1% of what’s going on. Now the world of wine is populated by ‘new generation people’ – compared with our parents who wouldn’t have drunk that much.” And with that, time is up. I’ll saunter back to Garhoud, and Oz? His next stop is Croatia.
UK FIRMS KEEP DUBAI PASSENGERS IN GOOD SPIRITS BEFORE FLIGHTS Dubai has notched up another world first with the opening of Emporium, a new luxury spirits, fine wine and champagne store and bar at Dubai International’s Terminal 3. Leading British companies Diageo and Portland Design, which designed the store, teamed up with Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Airports and Moet Hennessy to create the stylish outlet, which contains a central bar, retail galleries, a brand showcase area and experiential zone.
56 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Tasting judges Marek Sheridan, MMI Head of Retail, and Paul Hopkins, MMI Wine Category Manager.
PROMOTING NEW PORTFOLIO The UK wine writer was making his third trip to Dubai, helping promote MMI’s new 102-strong portfolio, which includes 14 new producers. MMI doesn’t have any English wines now, but given the growth in the UK industry, Clarke is confident that will change. “It’s an easy thing to do because I agree with MMI’s philosophy – if it was to launch a portfolio of discount brands then I couldn’t do it.” Tony Dodds, Head of Group Agency Wine, says its sister company, Sirocco, has brought in a selection of British bottled drinks and they do quite while in retail stores, but it’s not something the on trade customers are taking. “In terms of wine, unfortunately we don’t have anything from England – we don’t yet see the demand, though sparkling is probably where we will look.” Clarke’s affinity with the Arab world is strong and deep.“My family have had strong links with the Arab world for generations,” he said. “My Uncle David did a lot of work in Egypt and Somalia and my grandfather was King Faisal’s private banker in Baghdad.”
New year promotions MMI and Oz have teamed up to pick 24 wines, and each month two wines – a red and white or rose and red – will be promoted in stores throughout that month. February Albarino, Martin Codax (Spanish white) Cotes du Rhone, Belleruche, Michel Chapoutier (French red)
think ahead think presence
SAB Media can give you multi-point access to your consumers through print, TV, Web/WAP, social media optimisation, and outdoor advertising
think audience
Through innovative data analyses SAB can either broaden or focus your campaigns as required, so your message gets to right people at the right time
think persistence
SAB Media’s creative experts work with your corporate team to build a brand that will stand out and endure the tests of competitive markets
www.sab-media.com mr.h www.whoismrh.com
TW Digital Ads
an Ceramic imal head b ene y gr e r aha &G ma m ndg a h reen a r .co.uk G
Mainstream products and objet d’arts to light up your lifestyle...
Fleur Oriental Set by Miller Harris millerharris.com
Lip Charm by Burberry Beauty burberry.com
l urp Fe l i n e – P
e
Cre
pe Elaphe
‘Fly By’ Night crystal haze bug ring by Stephen Webster harveynichols.com
Smeg Union Jack fridge smeguk.com
Alexander McQueen skull handbag alexandermcqueen.com
Thomas Pink autumn/winter 2010 collection thomaspink.com
FASHION
Electic fashion
Thomas Pink autumn/winter 2010 collection thomaspink.com
FASHION
Alfred Dunhill’s Bladon holdall dunhill.com
To m D a v i s 3D g la
sse
s t dt
o
Sandie Rushforth Football chair $3,000 sandierushforth.com
m
d
ie av
s. c
om
TRAVEL
Remote possibilities For a British destination with a difference, head to the Shetland Islands – recently voted one of Lonely Planet’s best in travel 2011 regions. Tom Hall reports. UNST, FETLAR AND Foula don’t sound very British, or indeed Scottish. But they are some of the many islands that make up the little-known Shetland Islands. Tied to the UK but closer to Norway than the islands of Great Britain, part of Scotland but less than 100km from Caledonia’s north coast, the Shetlands are a place apart. This might just be the last untamed corner of the UK.
60 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Shetland Islanders, a fiercely independent and self-reliant bunch, are turning remoteness – it takes some effort to get here – and obscurity to their advantage. Orcas, otters, seals and puffins are easy to spot and you’ll often have them all to yourself, and there’s Bronze Age, Viking and World War II history in abundance.
Voe pier and the Olnafirth small fishing community of the Shetland Islands.
When it comes to walking or off-road biking, there are the highest sea cliffs in Europe to discover and weeks of wandering among sparsely-populated islands. Exploring is easy due to a superb oil-funded infrastructure and efficient ferries. And in all likelihood, no-one you know has ever been, making it a nice topic for future dinner parties. But perhaps the secret is now out, as this year looks set to be a record-breaking year for visitor numbers to the archipelago. Lerwick has become a must-include port of call for cruise ships, with 50 vessels having called during the 2010 season, and this year they’re joined by the eye-catching vessels of the Tall Ships Race. It’s not just nature either: a landmark film and concert venue in Lerwick is set to change the face of the capital’s quayside. After a close-up wildlife encounter at the puffin colony at Sumburgh Head, take some time to learn about the Shetland
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 61
Holger Leue/Lonely Planet Images
TRAVEL
The Shetlands are tied to the UK but closer to Norway than Britain.
TRAVEL
Bus – the clandestine wartime boat service smuggling men and weapons between Shetland and Norway – at the Scalloway Museum. Finish off with a pint of White Wife from Valhalla Brewery on Unst, the UK’s most northerly ale producer, handcrafted with local water and loving care. The BBC programme, Simon King’s Shetland Diaries, has really blown the lid on the islands as a wildlife hotspot. Wildlife filmmaker King spent a year on the islands with his family and his enthusiastic account of his time here delighted locals, while anyone who viewed it would have a hard time not wanting to become one.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS t Up Helly Aa is a spectacular torch-lit parade that celebrates islanders’ Norse heritage on the last Tuesday in January. Squads of locals dressed as Vikings and carrying blazing torches parade a longboat through the streets of Lerwick. On arrival at the burning site, the torches are thrown into the longboat, setting it alight. If you miss the one in Lerwick there are other similar celebrations in other towns at different times. t Shetland Folk Festival is an annual event held each April, bringing the traditional music world to venues across the islands as well as showcasing local talent. One journalist who attended noted ‘sleep ranks low on the Shetland priority list’ – you have been warned. t July 2011 brings the Tall Ships Race to Lerwick and various guest harbours around the island. The last visit of the race in 1999 was one big party, and July is a wonderful time to visit. t It may have caused much local debate, but it all promises to be worth it. Opening in 2011, Mareel is a new film and music centre in a striking modern building on Lerwick’s quayside, next to the Shetland Museum.
RANDOM FACTS t Shetland Islanders have a long history of friendly rivalry with Orcadians, as natives of the Orkney Islands to the south are known. t The diminutive Shetland pony is native to the islands. Some of them have been trained to act as guide horses, similar to guide dogs, because of their longer life expectancy.
MOST BIZARRE SIGHT Between Baltasound and Haroldswick on Unst you will find the only fully furnished bus stop in the UK. Local residents deck it out
ROYAL WEDDING SET TO DELIVER MAJOR TOURISM BOOST The Royal Wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey, London on April 29 could deliver a major boost to tourism and the British economy as well as the fashion, craft and creative industries, says VisitBritain. The publicity boost alone is likely to be unprecedented. Almost a billion TV viewers watched the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana in 1981. The union of their eldest son to his bride can be expected to exceed that audience almost thirty years on. Their marriage could be the biggest broadcast event in history with predictions that four billion people, three-quarters of the potential global TV audience, could watch the event. This would be multiplied by online and social media. Coverage of the wedding will give Britain a golden opportunity to demonstrate the strength of its history and tradition, but also show the
62 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
world how that story is being brought right up to date by a very modern Royal couple. “It will be an enormous boost for the British tourism industry and the UK looks forward to welcoming its friends from around the world,” said Carol Maddison, UAE Manager, VisitBritain. “Millions of people will see the royal wedding as the perfect opportunity to visit Britain and to enjoy all of the wonderful sights that the UK has to offer.” Some 30 million overseas tourists visited Britain last year, bringing in revenue worth £16 billion. In a recent survey, foreign travelers declared that Britain’s culture and heritage was the most important reason why they visit the UK. Research shows that in a typical year Britain’s Monarchy generates, on the most conservative estimates, well over £500 million a year directly and indirectly from overseas tourists – but the benefit of a Royal Wedding year is likely to outstrip that.
Extract from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011 c Lonely Planet 2010. Lonelyplanet.com
SHETLAND ISLANDS FACTS & FIGURES t Population: 22,000 t Main town: Lerwick t Major industries: Oil, fisheries, tourism t Cost index: Cup of coffee £1.50 (US$2.30); mid-range hotel double room in Lerwick £65 (US$100); three-hour seabird and seal-spotting cruise £35-40 (US$54-61); daily bike hire £7.50 (US$11.50)
each year to a different theme. Sometimes the shelter becomes a miniature sitting room with a comfy chair, sofa and TV. It has been the UK’s smallest cinema and has been decorated in pink to raise funds for breast cancer. It’s just the place to sit while you wait for one of the three daily buses that pass along this way.
REGIONAL FLAVOURS
Shetland produces exceptional fish and shellfish, and is also noted for unusual dishes This article first appeared in ‘Lonely like seawater oatcakes and Shetland black potatoes. All of Planet’s Best in Travel 2011’ Britain is falling in love with rhubarb again and Shetland produces a fine variety – try it with mackerel or herring to best combine flavours.
UK FOURTH ‘MOST ADMIRED COUNTRY’ The UK has retained fourth place in the league table of the world’s most admired countries, behind the US, Germany and France, according to a 50-nation survey by Nation Brand Index. The result, based on interviews with 20,000 adults worldwide, acts as a public report card, measuring the world’s perception of each nation as if they were commercial brands. America retained top spot, largely attributable to the appointment of President Barack Obama as US President, while Germany and France swapped places.
The UK also retained its 5th position as a desirable tourism destination and came fourth in the world for ‘rich in historic buildings and monuments’ and for having a ‘vibrant city life and urban attractions’. The top three activities all involved castles and palaces. Respondents found the idea of going on a tour around Welsh castles highly appealing (selected by 34% of respondents). A tour of Buckingham Palace was next on the list (32%), followed by spending a night in a Scottish castle (29%). Dubai hotels recorded 715,000 UK visitors in 2009, up 5% on 2008, and 382,000 in the first half of 2010..
Prince William and Kate Middleton
The long-term impact of the event is likely to be spread right across Britain’s tourism sector. After the wedding the couple, who met at St Andrews University, will live in North Wales where the Prince is serving with the RAF. Their fame looks likely to have a beneficial impact on the fashionability of North Wales which last year attracted 289,000 overseas visitors, bringing in a total of £77 million in revenue. Places like the beautiful Dee Valley and the picturesque market town of Llangollen, the Snowdonia National Park and the vast medieval fortress Caernarfon Castle built by Edward I look set to gain extra cache as tourist destinations. The timing of the wedding in the year before the 2012 Diamond Jubilee of HM the Queen and London’s hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is a happy coincidence with the publicity around the marriage creating a ‘’halo effect’’ that will carry over to the celebrations of the following year.
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 63
TRAVEL
UAE TRAVELLERS ‘MOST LOYAL’ TO UK UAE travellers are among the most loyal visitors to the UK with 91 percent of those arriving in the country on holiday enjoying a repeat visit, according to a survey of 50,000 overseas visitors published by VisitBritain. The figures show that UAE tourists visited the UK an average of nine times each in the last 10 years, indicating that many visit every year. The numbers make the UAE the third most loyal group of visitors in the world behind Luxembourg and Ireland, of which 99 percent and 96 percent respectively had visited the UK in the past decade. The news has increased hopes at VisitBritain that the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympic Games will
64 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
further boost travel to the UK from the region, especially among younger travellers who the agency hopes will become repeat visitors. “The data shows that people from the UAE revisit the UK time and time again proving just how appealing Britain’s culture, architecture, attractions and events are to regional travellers,” said Carol Maddison, UAE Manager at VisitBritain. “With the Olympic Games being hosted by London in 2012 we are hoping that visitors from the UAE and across the Middle East will be further inspired to visit Britain either before or during the Games, and we are particularly looking forward to welcoming younger visitors, who once they experience the UK, will return
again and again,” added Maddison. UAE visitors heading to the UK in the run-up to the Olympic Games – which is taking place from July 27-August 12 2012 – will be able to enjoy a raft of events. Kick starting the Olympic season will be 12 weeks of cultural celebrations that will see some of the world’s most creative artists, pop stars, opera divas and fashionistas joining the fun. In June, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee that will see the nation congregate at special events to mark her 60 years on the throne. The suvery showed 77 per cent had been to the UK at least once in the previous 10 years – and often many times.
EVENTS
BBG Christmas Party
Karen Warrington and Guy Warrington. 66 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Mark Beer.
Photography: Motivate Publishing
British Embassy Gardens
Guy Warrington and Mark Beer.
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 67
EVENTS Munro Deysel, Michele Johnson, Ian Giulianotti and Christopher Coleridge Cole.
James Townsend and Howard Pearce.
BBG Breakfast Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Sophia Panayiotou, Rita Shah and Katrina Ciumei.
Colin Crabbe and Ian Shears.
The International board of directors of UHY meets the board of directors of UHY Dubai at a sponsored dinner organised by the BBG. John Wolfgang, the firm’s Chairman, gave an address to the Finance and Banking Focus Group on the effects of the European Green paper on auditors to an audience of financial experts and colleagues.
Photography: Motivate Publishing
BBG Focus Finance lunch Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah
Shuja Rabbani and Mark G Randall. 68 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Stuart Dunlop, Deepak Chainani and Dato’ John Lim.
BBG Focus Golf
Photography: Motivate Publishing
Arabian Ranches Golf Club
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 69
EVENTS Rafat Wahbeh; Dr Ahmed bin Hazeem; David May; Vinod Kuman and Ahmed Al Hashimi.
BBG Lunch and Dubai 1962 book unveiling Abdulla Al Awar, CEO DIFC Authority, speaks for the first time to a business group about DIFC’s new strategy at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Photography: Motivate Publishing
Dr Ahmed bin Hazeem, Abdulla Al Awar and Mark Beer.
Dominic Treays, Steve Shore and Stuart Crocker. 70 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Author Kimi Makishima Akai.
The BBG extends a warm welcome to the following who have joined in recent months. Agility Global Logistics FZE P.O. Box 17713, Dubai Tel: 04-8131111 www.agilitylogistics.com Nominee: Tahir Zaman Trade Lane Development - UK Mob: 050 6409313 tzaman@agilitylogistics.com Alternate: James Gildea Marketing Manager, UAE Mob: 056 6812705 jgildea@agilitylogistics.com Agility’s business covers more than 550 offices across 100 countries with more than 12 million sqm of warehousing space containing in excess of 1.2 million pallet positions. Agility Middle East and Africa Region has office locations in 15 major centers, employing over 15,000 staff. Total freight forwarding capacity includes Sea/ Air Cargo Transportation, CFS Container Freight Station, Road Freight, Overland distribution and 3PL Warehousing. Provides individual supply chain consultation through logistics experts and brings specialised knowledge to the specific industry of Fair & Events, Project Logistics and Chemicals.
Al Bilad General Trading P.O. Box 32536, Dubai Tel: 04-8852179 Fax: 04-8852183 Nominee: George Nicholas Director Mob: 050 6465308 abgtdxb@emirates.net.ae ABGT supplies promotional items such as caps/ shirts and also fabrics/wallc9overs for commercial application.
AL Wathba National Insurance P.O. Box 6807, Dubai Tel: 06-5485658 Fax: 06-5694491 www.einsure.ae Nominee: Ummair Rauf Butt Head, Brand Strategy Mob: 050 1759582 ummair@einsure.ae Alternate: Bassam Adeeb Ameen Chilmeran General Manager b_chilmeran@awnic.com Al Wathba National Insurance offers Risk Management Solutions through Risk Analysis, Risk Identification, and Risk Reduction or Transfer Techniques under its “Corporate Solution Program” with a View to provide an optimal Insurance Program best suited to clients of all types. The one line that defines our focus is “Great Customer Service”.
Alter Ego Fz LLC P.O. Box 72280, Dubai Tel: 04-3797097 Fax: 04-3914888 www.alterego.ae
Nominee: Jimish Thakkar Owner / Managing Director Mob: 050 5742265 jimish@alterego.ae Alter Ego is a Dubai-based visual communications studio specialising in web, print & motion design. It helps companies sell, market, train and communicate in a more effective manner, creating websites, intranet sites, multimedia presentations, flash films, ad campaigns, catalogues, brochures and corporate identity.
Beauty Within Hair & Beauty Spa P.O. Box 450618, Dubai Tel: 04-4308719 Fax: 04-308721 www.beautywithin.ae Nominee: Sheila Trout Managing Director Mob: 050 8251509 sheila@beautywithin.ae British-owned Beauty Within opened in September 2008. This sophisticated hair and beauty day spa is refreshingly light and airy, the idyllic place to relax and escape everyday life. Located at The Jewels in Dubai Marina, this professionally managed spa is popular within the expat community. The owner of Beauty Within believes that standards should never be compromised. Not only is this reflected in the stylish and contemporary spa decor but also more importantly in the carefully selected international certified team of Hair Stylists and Therapists. The Beauty Within team prides itself on treating every client as an individual, to ensure that they receive maximum benefit from their experience. Beauty Within is a Jewel in Dubai Marina!
Broadreach Media P.O. Box 502018, Dubai Tel: 04-3284284 www.broadreachmedia.tv Nominee: Raymond John Reed Director Mob: 050 6985400 ray@broadreachmedia.tv Alternate: Peter Hutton CEO,UAE Mob: 050 5526247 peter@broadreachmedia.tv Broadreach Media is a market leader in sports event management, TV production, broadcasting, distribution, rights sales and sponsorship. BRM is the UAE’s leading provider for talent for all the major sports TV networks in the region including OSN, ADMC, and Ten Sports, supplying them with guests including John Barnes, Ian Rush, Kenny Dalglish and Harry Redknapp. BRM has a proven track record of delivering high quality integrated production solutions for sports events including the securing of worldwide TV exposure in order to generate significant levels of media value for the company event partners. Long-standing relationships with the leading sports broadcasters allow the company to secure worldwide distribution for events with prime time transmissions and often with the inclusion of on
air sponsorship elements and air time entitlements delivering international TV exposure for event organizers, sponsors and host venues.
Corporate Business Services P.O. Box 34938, Dubai Tel: 04-3831555 Fax: 04-3831556 www.cbs-uae.ae Nominee: Ayman Al Awadhi Managing Director Mob: 050 6255969 ayman.alawadhi@cbs-uae.ae Alternate: Miad Khezri Operations Manager Mob: 055 5065232 miad.khezri@cbs-uae.ae Corporate Business Services (CBS) is a pioneer business service center and consultancy company based in Dubai. It offers knowledge and professional advice to companies that are established, or intending to set up operations in the region. CBS services are catered to the short and long term needs of individuals and corporate clients with professional deliverables and services. The services and facilities provided by CBS are office management and secretarial services; use of meeting rooms; advice in setting up business in Emirates and free zones; recruitment intermediate services; sponsorship agreements for local agent and partnership/s; marketing consultation; IT consultancy and services; legal consultation; hospitality services; event management and real estate needs.
Eduserve FZ LLC P.O. Box 221027, Dubai Fax: 04-3674909 www.eduserve.com Nominee: Andrew Simon Webster Chief Executive Officer Mob: 055 4646685 andy@eduserve.com Alternate: Lyn Joyce Webster Managing Director Mob: 055 4646685 lyn@eduserve.com Eduserve is a small educational consultancy working throughout the GCC. It offers clients expertise in school start-ups; training and consultancy; recruitment and technology.
Globalink Multimodal Logistics P.O. Box 114806, Dubai Tel: 04-3263388 Fax: 04-3263381 www.globalinkllc.com Nominee: Paula Marie Haseman Manager, Dubai Mob: 050 5587345 h.paula@globalinkllc.com Alternate: Haider Raza General Manager, UAE Mob: 050 5582237 h.raza@globalinkllc.com BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 71
NEW MEMBERS
New members
NEW MEMBERS
Additional: Roland Roy Gomez General Manager Group Business Development Mob: 050 6506425 r.roy@globalinkllc.com Globalink’s backbone is its one-stop-solution and global network. Whether its packing and moving fragile household goods, global relocation, freight forwarding or project logistics, Globalink is on hand to meet your business needs. Its network spans 65 countries to cover 90% of the world economy. Staff are on the ground in every major market ready to support your business. Globalink develops comprehensive service plans tailored to meet customer’s specific requirements. This is accomplished by learning our customers’ exact objectives with regard to their internal and external requirements, thus ensuring that Globalink will provide your company with first-class, quality services more consistently than any other mover and freight forwarder in the market. Globalink UAE is ISO certified by Moody and active member of international organizations.
Good Source FZ LLC
P.O. Box 502053, Dubai www.goodsourceglobal.com Nominee: Mark Arnold Chief Executive Officer Mob: 055 8518946 mark.arnold@magd-oxford.com Alternate: Emma Paget Head of Operations mark.arnold@magd-oxford.com GoodSource is a research and information company providing online, telephone, panel and on the ground research and surveys in over 80 countries and 40 languages. Clients include consulting, finance, corporate, advertising and media businesses. Services include data gathering, contact searches and interviews. GoodSource was founded by a former venture capitalist to achieve two goals; provide the cost effective and quality research product he had struggled to find and create well paid jobs for skilled and motivated people from disadvantaged backgrounds. GoodSource employs over 40 people and 200 freelancers, mostly single mothers and the disabled. Working with GoodSource means an excellent end product. It also creates much-needed jobs in difficult places.
GRANT THORNTON UAE
P.O. Box 1620, Dubai Tel: 04-2688070 Fax: 04-2694599 www.gtuae.net Nominee: Raza Meghji Partner Mob: 050 7021588 raza.meghji@gtuae.net Alternate: Hisham Farouk International Practice Partner Mob: 050 6565120 hisham.farouk@gtuae.net Grant Thornton UAE, a member of Grant Thornton International, is one of the largest, most respected firms in the UAE and has provided audit, accounting and consultancy services of the highest professional standard to a range of eminent corporate international and local clients. The firm was founded in 1966 and has been providing its services for more than 40 years in the UAE. The firm’s list of clients includes some of the biggest names in the country as well as prominent multinational companies, some of the largest local public shareholding companies and many privately 72 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
owned businesses, covering a wide spectrum of the local business community. Through our vision of the future of UAE, the firm is well equipped in meeting the latest challenges posed by the changing economic environment. We are registered with the Ministry of Economy and Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) as an Approved Auditor and Ancillary Service Provider.
Haven Fire & Safety P.O. Box 33347, Dubai Tel: 04-3471999 Fax: 04-3471818 www.havenfire.com Nominee: Gerry Boux Managing Director Mob: 050 6538210 gerry@havenfire.ae Alternate: Matthew Hine Manager, Business Development Mob: 050 4558543 matt@havenfire.ae Additional: James McDonald Service Manager Mob: 050 6549098 james@havenfire.ae Haven Fire & Safety is a leading Fire Protection & Engineering, Company offering a “one stop shop� for client’s system solutions & equipment needs. The Companies facilities are based throughout the UAE A wide customer base is covered in all major sectors. Major safety related projects successfully DPNQMFUFE JODMVEF t 3FUSPmU PG UPUBM mSF safety systems / packages for offshore drilling / BDDPNNPEBUJPO GBDJMJUJFT t %FTJHO 4VQQMZ PG )JHI & Low expansion foam systems in the Aviation and 0JM BOE (BT TFDUPST t *OUFHSBUFE 'JSF (BT TZTUFN TPMVUJPOT GPS '140 '40 DPOWFSTJPOT t *OEVTUSJBM (BT EFUFDUJPO TZTUFNT t *OEVTUSJBM DPNNFSDJBM mSF EFUFDUJPO WPJDF BMBSN TZTUFNT t ,JUDIFO Hood Fire Suppression systems to Landmark )PUFM 1SPKFDUT t %FTJHO 4VQQMZ *OTUBMMBUJPO PG $MFBO "HFOU 'JSF TVQQSFTTJPO TZTUFNT t 3FDPWFSZ / Recycling and Management of Halon stocks to International Standards for Petroleum, Marine and Industrial Clients
Injazat Capital Limited P.O. Box 506544, Dubai Tel: 04-3651500 Fax: 04-3637324 www.injazatcapital.com Nominee: David Haiigh Head of Legal and Compliance Mob: 050 4596288 dhaigh@injazatcapital.com Alternate: Nabeel Kazarooni Chife Executive Officer Mob: 050 6459857
LAKES TRANSPORT.CO.LLC P.O. Box 80436, Dubai Tel: 04-3275677 Fax: 04-3275679 www.lakestransports.com Nominee: WASIL KHAN Chairman Mob: 055 2734104 wk@lakesfood.co.uk
Alternate: NASEEM KHAN Managing Director Mob: 055 2734104 sales@lakestransports.com Lakes transport is part of lakes group of company, operating in London, Europe, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the UAE. The founder and chairman W. khan appointed independent managing directors to be responsible for each country. Its extensive range of services in UAE covers transportation, construction equipment rental, cargo transport to all Middle East countries, and supply of manpower and maintenance, and now offers hire and rental of heavy duty machinery in Dubai. All vehicles and equipment supplied with qualified staff, and now have included transportation/haulage to the shipping companies for distribution throughout Middle East. Qatar, Saudi Arabia ,Bahrain, Kuwait, especially the heavy traffic that will soon start due to the 2022 Olympic bid for Qatar. Recently added an additional service of supplying diesel at very competitive prices.
LIBERTY AUTOMOBILES CO. (LLC) P.O. Box 5506, SHARJAH Tel: 06-5331777 Fax: 06-5336767 www.libertyautos.com Nominee: Duncan Trevor Peat Managing Director Mob: 050 6514021 duncan@liberty.ae Alternate: Rajesh Krishnan Manager, Sales and Marketing Mob: 050 6261894 rajesh.k@liberty.ae Liberty Logistics is a member of the Dubai based Liberty Investment Company, which is the holding company for the group. Established in 2001, in Dubai, Liberty Logistics L.L.C. is a professionally managed company with qualified and experienced multilingual staff. We are fully equipped to provide speedy, efficient and economical solutions for all logistics requirements. The company offers personalized services and strives to exceed customer expectations by ensuring quality and excellence in every aspect of the business. Comprehensive portfolio of services includes General Air and Sea Freight-Exports and Imports; Consolidations Services; Multimodal Sea-Air and Air-Air operations; Door to Door services; Customs clearance; Warehousing and distribution; Part and Full charters; Exhibitions Cargo handling.
Lindstrand Balloons Middle East P.O. Box 12948, Dubai
Nominee: Allan Nimmo Mob: 050 4236706 nimmoallan@hotmail.com Alternate: Maureen Cecile Marie Mob: 050 4596799 lindstrandme@gmail.com Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons is the world’s leading manufacturer of hot air balloons. Its head office is in Oswestry, Shropshire. The Middle East division looks after the design & manufacture of balloons for corporate and individual clients in the region, and they manage and fly hot air balloons for corporate clients who utilise them as an advertising and promotional vehicle. They also supply parts and servicing. Lindstrand also arranges and operates individual and group flights within the UAE, principally from their base at Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa. They also undertake film and TV work. The company has
M: Communications - Gulf P.O. Box 31303, Dubai Tel: 04-3259674 Fax: 04-3259675 www.mcomgroup.com Nominee: Nicholas John Lunt Managing Director Mob: 055 2700216 lunt@mcomgroup.com Alternate: Robin James Haddrill Account Manager Mob: 055 2700218 haddrill@mcomgroup.com Corporate and financial public relations and the UK’s leading M&A PR adviser. A member of the King Worldwide group which comprises Taylor-Rafferty (investor relations); Capital Precision (shareholder ID); DF King (proxy solicitation); and Halvarsson & Hallvarsson (on-line PR and IR services).
Minerva (Middle East) Limited P.O. Box 24075, Dubai Tel: 04-4471170 Fax: 04-4471171 www.minerva.me Nominee: Simon Robert Hodges Managing Director, Middle East Mob: 050 5537878 simon.hodges@minerva.me Alternate: Romi Sahai Director, Middle East Mob: 050 3482039 romi.sahai@minerva.me Additional: Vilas Adatia Client Services Director Mob: 050 5444735 vilas.adatia@minerva.me Minerva (Middle East), formed in DIFC in 2009, is the most recent addition to the Minerva group, an international fiduciary services provider with offices in Jersey, London, Geneva, Mauritius and Dubai. Minerva is an independent (family owned) business which has been operating for over 35 years with its principal office in Jersey. The group’s core expertise is in running trust and company structures for high net worth individuals and families as well as providing company and fund administration services to individuals and institutional clients alike. In Dubai, its focus is in providing company formation and management services where it looks after a number of active trading as well investment and property holding structures, most commonly through BVI, RAK of Free Zone entities for our clients. In addition it provides client liaison services for many clients in the MENASA region as well as marketing and business development services for the group generally.
Murphy Global Projects P.O. Box 54581, Dubai Tel: 04-2997560 Fax: 04-2997561 www.murphyshipping.com
Nominee: Ian Donald Spottiswood General Manager Mob: 056 7598601 ian.spottiswood@murphyshipping.com Murphy Shipping and Commercial Services is a global logistics company with offices strategically located around the world. Each Murphy location is staffed with a full complement of experienced logistical experts. Today the Group of Companies employs more than 350 staff in 12 locations, with an online logistics system for packing, tracing and tracking capability. Services range from customs brokerage to full turnkey freight forwarding service projects. Murphy Shipping’s management team and staff have co-ordinated, managed and successfully completed many major freight forwarding and shipping projects in some of the world’s more demanding regions, such as West Africa and Central Asia. Through the completion of these projects, it has developed a multi-disciplined staff with personnel that are conversant with the logistics involved in all modes of transportation and in all regions.
Novotel World Trade Centre Hotel P.O. Box 9622, Dubai Tel: 04-3320000 Fax: 04-3320001 www.novotel.com
Nominee: Christopher McFall Director of Business Development & Marketing Mob: 050 6542016 H5261-RD@accor.com Alternate: Thierry Brinte General Manager H5261-GM@accor.com The Novotel & Ibis World Trade Centre are the only two hotels linked directly to the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre and are minutes away from the Metro, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and DIFC, making them an ideal base for any business or leisure trip to Dubai. The 4-star Novotel World Trade Centre offers 412 guestrooms, 8 flexible function rooms that cater to up to 150 delegates, a pool, fitness centre, hair salon, massage rooms and private underground parking. The hotel also offers a choice of four restaurants and bars. The 2-star Ibis World Trade Centre offers 210 bedrooms, CUBO Restaurant, Chanti’s Bar and brand new Sublime Bar (opening January 2011). Free Hotel Shuttle Bus to/from: Jumeirah Beach Park, Mall of the Emirates, Mercato, Dubai Mall & Dubai Outlet Mall is available at both hotels.
ODS-Petrodata
P.O. Box 62425, Dubai Tel: 04-3117118 Fax: 04-3326136 www.ods-petrodata.com Nominee: Heather Mary MacKenzie Account Manager, Middle East Mob: 050 8596074 hmackenzie@ods-petrodata.com Alternate: Benjamin Jonathan Merrett Account Manager, Middle East Mob: 050 8322628 ODS-Petrodata provides companies operating in the offshore oil and gas arena with an independent, authoritative source for market intelligence, data, market research and consulting services. Founded in 2002, ODS-Petrodata builds on the legacies of its predecessor companies, Offshore Data Services, Inc., Petrodata. and Bassoe Offshore Consultants., each a premier provider of data, information and market
intelligence to the offshore energy industry. With the 50+ years combined experience of the predecessor companies as a base, ODS-Petrodata has expanded its horizons, and now operates from offices in the world’s major upstream energy markets, including Houston, Aberdeen, Oslo, Singapore and Dubai. ODS-Petrodata’s Management and Board of Directors bring to the company a wealth of diverse experience and a commitment to customer service, integrity, independence and quality.
PanalpinaWorld Transport (Dubai) DWC-LLC P.O. Box 52725, Dubai Tel: 04-8701111 Fax: 04-8701263 www.panalpina.com Nominee: Ralf Stefan Schreiber Regional Sales Manager Mob: 050 6587624 ralf.schreiber@panalpina.com Alternate: Mark Adrian Parsons Trade Lane Development - UK Mob: 050 6401651 mark.parsons@panalpina.com The Panalpina group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of forwarding and logistics services, specializing in end-to-end supply chain management solutions and intercontinental air freight and ocean freight shipments and is listed at the Swiss Stock Exchange. The Panalpina Group operates a close-knit network with 500 branches in more than 80 countries. In a further 80 countries, it co-operates closely with partner companies. Panalpina employs about 13,500 people worldwide. In the Middle East and North Africa Panalpina is represented in all countries with own offices UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Algeria and agent representations in all the remaining countries. In the UAE Panalpina operates its Middle East Flag Ship Warehouse and Distribution Hub in Dubai Logistics City at the new Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali.
Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates P.O. Box 405309, Dubai Tel: 04-3772000 Fax: 04-3772001 www.pullmanhotels.com Nominee: Laurent Chaudet Mob: 056 6030377 laurent.chaudet@accor.com Alternate: Herman Klok Mob: 055 7230411 H7337-OM@accor.com Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates, set amidst a world class shopping experience, is directly linked to the region’s ultimate entertainment, leisure and shopping destination – the Mall of the Emirates. Each of the 481 guestrooms and suites speaks of comfortable elegance, contemporary design and trendy technology. Along with state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated events team, an entire floor of 850m² is designed for meetings and banquets to accommodate the most demanding functions. A magnificent façade that enhances the New Dubai Skyline, the hotel also features two outdoor pools, 24/7 fitness facilities and sophisticated spa treatments. With five distinct lounges and restaurants, including Sanabel, an interactive All Day Dining Restaurant, this hotel offers exquisite dining experiences that are both stylish and trendy. Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates is the ideal preference for an urban retreat to both leisure and business guests. BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 73
NEW MEMBERS
qualified instructors to take students through their flight training and ground studies in order to qualify as fully licensed balloon pilots. The Middle East Division is headed by Dr. Allan Nimmo. He has been flying balloons for over 20 years and holds both UK CAA and US FAA Commercial Pilots Licenses.
NEW MEMBERS
Reed Travel Exhibitions
Alternate: Kelly Fitzgerald General Manager Mob: 050 4553148 kell.fitzgerald@sianevents.com
Swan Consulting
P.O. Box: 502425, Dubai Tel: 04-3642811 Fax: 04-3697560 www.reedtravelexhibitions.com Nominee: Lloyd Stephen Kenyon Exhibitions Manager Mob: 050 7480448 lloyd.kenyon@reedexpo.ae
Additional: Kristy Jones Senior Account Executive Mob: 050 7251982 krissy.jones@sianevents.com
Nominee: Marie Stockley Managing Director Mob: 050 3960814 mstockley@swanconsulting.ae
Alternate: Shinu S Pillai Regional Manager, Sales Mob: 050 5548052 shinu.pillai@reedexpo.ae
SIAN is a boutique event management company, providing a complete range of services in the live events and communications field to international and local clients. Its approach is that each event and activation is a unique platform from which it can communicate to the audience. From original event conceptualization through to design, management and execution, a dedicated teams create solutions that are bespoke, fresh and dynamic, and which fully communicate the character of the brand. It is a committed and passionate team and family who drive the SIAN organization, bringing the experienced management, energy and imagination to the live events field with international partners that support its visions.
Alternate: Kirsty Boytler Consultant Mob: 050 4835897 kboytley@swanconsulting.ae
Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading exhibition organiser for travel & tourism events with over 30 years of experience. Its portfolio will suit all your business needs with global, regional, and niche travel events in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Its shows are where the travel community meets to access innovations and business solutions; understand the demands of a dynamic market; and maintain or advance positioning within the industry.
Sajjad Haider Griffins LLP P.O. Box 3251, Dubai Tel: 04-2222126 Fax: 04-2238881 www.griffins.net Nominee: Shabbar Dhalla Director Mob: 050 6850100 shabbar.dhalla@griffins.net Alternate: Shahab Haider Partner Mob: 050 6253536 shahab@sajjadhaider.com Sajjad Haider Griffins LLP is a joint venture enterprise between Sajjad Haider & Co, Chartered Accountants of Dubai and Griffins Licensed Insolvency Practitioners of UK, to reinforce the range of financial restructuring, rescue and insolvency services offered to clients. Sajjad Haider & Co, Chartered Accountants have over 50 years’ experience in the Arabian Gulf and were one of the first audit and assurance companies to be set up in UAE. Griffins is a niche British firm and been in practise for over 30 years, providing bespoke solutions to insolvency and business turnaround challenges. The firm provides a full spectrum of accountancy and consultancy services to clients and specialises in providing Business Restructuring & Rescue and Insolvency Services in the region in general, and UAE in particular. It also provides these services in the UK, BVI and Cayman Islands. Having extensive experience in forensics and litigation, the team conducts a wide variety of investigations and asset tracing, both in the region and abroad. Due to its practical approach to undertake bespoke solutions towards business challenges, the firm has established itself as a market leader in insolvency, business restructuring and rescue services in the region in a short span of time.
SIAN Events LLC P.O. Box 333459, Dubai Tel: 04-3235865 Fax: 04-3235869 www.sianevents.com Nominee: Ann McDonald Owner Mob: 050 8545748 ann.mcdonald@sianevents.com 74 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Sightsavers Middle East www.sightsavers.org Nominee: Luke Anthony Thomas Manager, Business Development - Middle East Mob: 050 9485003 lthomas@sightsavers.org Sightsavers (formerly known as the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind) is an international development charity working to prevent and cure blindness, and support people who are irreversibly blind. Sightsavers is active in 35 developing countries throughout Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Sightsavers was founded in 1950 by Sir John Wilson and has since gone on to provide over 7.1 million operations and over 212.5 million treatments. It has trained over 610,000 primary eye care workers, provided restore sight rehabilitation training for over 90,000 and over 17,000 rehabilitation workers. Sightsavers informs communities about prevention and eye care and provides rehabilitation and training for blind and disabled children Its training extends to local doctors, nurses, teachers and irreversibly blind adults, and it builds and refurbishes hospitals and eye units and manages volunteers.
Steelhenge Consulting P.O. Box 27471, Abu Dhabi Tel: 02-5571151 Fax: 02-5571151 www.steelhenge.com Nominee: Philip James Regional Director Mob: 050 5265979 pj@steelhenge.co.uk Steelhenge Consulting UAE Branch are specialist consultants for Business Continuity, Crisis Management, ICT Continuity and Media Crisis Communications Management training. Leading members of the Business Continuity Institute and accredited to the Business Continuity standard BS25999. Steelhenge Consulting are also Associate Consultants for BSI globally. As globally accredited Associates for BSI it also build Integrated management systems (IMS) to international standards for H&S (OHAS18001), Environment (ISO 14001), QA (ISO 9001, ICT (BS27001) and BCM (BS25999).
P.O. Box 191437, Dubai Tel: 04-5153500 Fax: 04-3407175 www.swanconsulting.ae
Additional: Matthew Rainbow Consultant Mob: 050 1048623 mrainbow@swanconsulting.ae Swan Consulting provides a unique 360-degree recruitment service for both its clients and candidates. It specialises in sourcing, carefully assessing and placing skilled professionals from junior personnel to senior management. It is committed to delivering outstanding results for recruitment needs by offering the best possible candidates for every market sector. It prides itself on a dynamic team of globally experienced consultants who provide in-depth knowledge on various industries and market sectors, and know how vital best practice recruitment is to business success.
The Blossom Nursery P.O. Box 37885, Dubai Tel: 04-3948837 www.theblossomnursery.com Nominee: Zahra Hamirani Esq Director Mob: 050 4229161 zahra@theblossomnursery.com Alternate: rahim sajan Mob: 050 8594386 rahim@theblossomnursery.com The Blossom Nursery is an early years nursery and experience centre based on the British Foundation curricullum with two centres in Dubai that focus on best practice for children aged 0-5 years. Blossom caters for working families with innovative programs that include languages, swimming, dance, drumming, art and more with a quality food program and full year all day hours. Blossom is committed to being a leader in early years education with a simple philosophy: children sing, jump, twist, build, write and in the process - learn, grow and achieve.
The Gramercy, DIFC P.O. Box 58557, Dubai Tel: 04-4377511 Fax: 04-4377522 www.thegramercy.com Nominee: Aboudi Asaadi Mob: 050 4691614 aboudi.asaadi@co.uk Alternate: Anthony Soethout Mob: 050 6858272 absoethout@hotmail.com
The Lime Tree Cafe & Kitchen P.O. Box 1714, Dubai Tel: 04-349 8498 Fax: 04-349 8477 www.thelimetreecafe.com
Touchline FZ LLC
Alternate: Jennifer Ann Kosior Marketing and Communications Manager Mob: 050 5599743 jen@limetreecafe.ae
Nominee: Leonard Alexander Stall Director Mob: 050 1043955 leonard@touchline.com
The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen was established in 2001 to provide Dubai’s burgeoning population with a haven to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and enjoy wholesome, nutritious food in a casual and welcoming environment. This home grown Dubai brand is a popular expat haunt, famous for its fresh, healthy and ever changing menu, made from only the finest natural ingredients, with no preservatives and artificial flavours. The Lime Tree strives to be the most innovative, nutritionally aware and environmentally conscious café and catering company; providing high quality, consistent food and beverage products with friendly and dependable service delivery.
Alternate: Waleed Gubara Commercial Director Mob: 055 5502848 waleed@touchline.com
The Whole Thing FZ-LLC
P.O. Box 502221, Dubai Tel: 04-4362363 Fax: 04-4362362 www.thewholething.net Nominee: Simon Wallace Chief Executive Officer Mob: 050 4579476 simon@thewholething.net
P.O. Box 77826, Abu Dhabi www.touchline.com
Touchline has recently opened a UAE office in the twofour54 media freezone in Abu Dhabi. Touchline is one of the world’s leading contract publishing agencies, with a portfolio of bluechip, international clients which include: The International Olympic Committee; Saatchi & Saatchi; British Airways; Tanner Krolle; National Geographic; UN AIDS; Reader’s Digest; the National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies; the British Lions; RBS Six Nations and the International Rugby Board. In the UAE, Touchline has recently launched Vision magazine, on behalf of Falcon & Associates, which sits within the Government Media Office. Other projects for Falcon & Associates have included a coffee table book about Dubai presented to international VIP guests at the Dubai World Cup, and Essential Dubai, a guidebook. Touchline FZ LLC is also proud to announce that it will be the publisher of Royal, the magazine of Royal Jet.
The Whole Thing provides learning and development programs for organizations, leaders, teams and employees for beyond business growth. The Whole Thing has an international operation base supported by a UK head office and is managed by a team of qualified experts with access to expert knowledge at all levels and in all industry sectors. This means it can deliver programs that match specific requirements, in whatever industry, and clients get the very best learning and development value and ROI.
Trent Technical Services
The Wills Specialists
TTS was established to provide support to the construction activities within the Middle East, providing a range of expertise in engineering design and construction to various sectors of the industry. TTS has established itself throughout the Middle East regions as a Project Services Company, offering Commissioning Management, Hands On Commissioning, Consultancy for Project Completions and unrivalled Quality Assurance/Quality Control services. Its services cross all sectors, such as oil & gas, power industries, water treatment, housing, hi-rise developments and factories.
P.O. Box 17317, Dubai Tel: 04-4484284 Fax: 04-4484285 www.willsuae.com Nominee: Nita Maru Lawyer Mob: 055 9776272 nita@willsuae.com Alternate: Mark Nierada info@willsuae.com The Wills Specialists is a boutique legal consultancy firm, specialists in preparing wills and all aspects of estate planning. The Wills Specialists is licensed by The Dubai Legal Affairs Department and The Rulers Court. The firm was founded by British qualified lawyer Nita Maru. Nita is partnered by Mark Nierada, a British lawyer and Trust & Estates Practitioner. Both are ably assisted by a dedicated team of support staff and lawyers well versed in Sharia Law and Arabic language skills. Writing a will and planning your estate are important processes and as most expatriates discover, the combination of being a national of one country and a resident of another gives rise to complicated issues that require specialist advice and careful planning. The services we provide are: Wills, Asset protection, Business Succession Planning, Offshore Structures – BVI Companies, Trusts (personal and corporate) Arabic Translation.
P.O. Box 124836, Dubai Tel: 04-3996591 Fax: 04-3996061 www.trentuae.com Nominee: Iain Fryer Mob: 050 2278235 iain@trentuae.com Alternate: Andi Mavis Manager, Sales and Marketing info@trentuae.com
Urban Events
P.O. Box 502039, Dubai Tel: 04-4456842 www.urbanevents.ae Nominee: Tammy Urwin Mob: 050 1047206 tammy@urbanevents.ae Alternate: Bibi Sheikh Mob: 050 2764079 bibi@urbanauctions.ae Our ethos is simple, working with the biggest names in sport, music and entertainment throughout the most prestigious venues in the Middle East. Whether it’s attending one of our calendar events or organising one for you, we’ll make sure it’s a truly memorable occasion.
Our dynamic team doesn’t just work closely with clients, we go one step further, becoming part of your team, listening to what you really want and creating ideas together. Our exceptional organisation, communication, creativity and experience in dealing with people at every business level ensures each and every event is delivered seamlessly. To compliment our event management skills we also have a silent auction service, urban auctions, which is a free, no risk service to help make your events more profitable or to help raise funds for the charity of your choice.
Villeroy & Boch P.O. Box 502470, Dubai Tel: 04-3642613 Fax: 04-3688419 www.villeroy-boch.com Nominee: Nigel Lehwald Production Manager Mob: 056 7049260 lehwald.nigel@villeroy-boch.com Alternate: Feroz Hameed Project Manager Mob: 050 5527520 hameed.feroz@villeroy-boch.com (Company Profile)
Wicked Tents LLC P.O. Box 191978, Dubai Tel: 04-3235864 Fax: 04-3235869 www.wickedtents.com Nominee: Alistair Hugh McDonald Managing Director Mob: 050 2554640 alistair@wickedtents.com Alternate: Julie Doucet Head of Planning and Design Consultancy Mob: 050 1030773 julie@wickedtents.com Additional: Simon Hugh McDonald Chairman Mob: 050 6401946 simon.mcdonald@sianevents.com Wicked Tents, ‘The Unique Structure Company’, Specializes in offering unique, versatile and dynamic venue solutions to the Middle East market. Wicked Tents can support you in the creation of permanent, semi-permanent or temporary venues for a multitude of purposes. We can deliver a stand-alone structure or a fully serviced solution aligned to your exact requirements. Whatever package or service level is chosen, a Wicked Tents venue is guaranteed to exceed your expectations and change your perception of a tent forever!
Wood Group GTS Ltd P.O. Box 181131, Dubai Tel: 04-3388027 Fax: 04-3383104 www.woodgroup.com Nominee: Alex Dron Regional Director Mob: 050 4583503 alex.dron@woodgroup.com Alternate: Steve Miller Managing Director steve.miller@woodgroup.com BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 75
NEW MEMBERS
Nominee: Corinne Jane Bowker Managing Partner limetree@emirates.net.ae
NEW MEMBERS
A leading international energy services company, Wood Group comprises three divisions: Engineering & Production Facilities; Well Support; and Gas Turbine Services. Powered by the passion and expertise of our people, it provides a range of engineering, production support, maintenance management and industrial gas turbine overhaul & repair services to the oil & gas and power generation industries worldwide. Its services are allencompassing, supporting the full lifecycle of oil & gas and power generation facilities. Wood Group currently employs approximately 29,000 people in 50 countries worldwide and earns approximately $5bn in sales.
NEW INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Natalie Sejean P.O. Box 261150, Dubai Mob: 050 4502687 natalie@10degreesnorth.com
Pouneh Roney
ACE Life - Middle East & Africa
GEMS Royal Dubai School
P.O. Box 68989, Sharjah Tel: 06-5196100 Fax: 06-5541121 www.acelifemea.com
P.O. Box 121310, Dubai Tel: 04-2886499 Fax: 04-2886490
Alternate: Mark Quinn Country Manager Mob: 050 2205568 mark.quinn@acegroup.com
Budget Rent A Car P.O. Box 8323, Dubai Tel: 06-5304455 Fax: 06-5304443 www.budget-uae.com Alternate: Dominic Hagerty Branch Manager, Sharjah & Northern Emirates Mob: 050 4509865 dominic@budget-uae.com
Crown Relocations P.O. Box 51773, Dubai Tel: 04-2895152 Fax: 04-2896263 www.crownrelo.com
P.O. Box 17985, Dubai Tel: 04 4524350 Mob: 050 2070192 learndxb@gmail.com
Nominee: David Johnston Corporate Services Manager djohnston@crownrelo.com
Richard Potter
P.O. Box 74777, Dubai Tel: 04-4019316 Fax: 04-4019404 www.cass.city.ac.uk
P.O. Box 26433, Dubai Mob: 055 5493146 richardpotter@gmail.com
Rebecca Dee Rees P.O. Box 261919, Dubai Tel: 04 4357956 Mob: 050 6587192 rebecca.rees@limitless.com
Theodore Shearman P.O. Box 4312, Dubai Mob: 050 4270767 theo_shearman@hotmail.com
Cass Business School
Alternate: Alice Brendel Marketing Manager Mob: 050 2111307 alice.brendel.1@city.ac.uk
DBM Arabian Gulf P.O. Box 500251, Dubai Tel: 04-3911277 Fax: 04-3664520 www.dbmgulf.com
Nominee: Philip Redhead Director ICT and Innovation Mob: 056 6959980 P.Redhead_rds@gemsedu.com
Hay Group Middle East P.O. Box 30987, Dubai Tel: 04-7059534 Fax: 04-3247395 www.haygroup.com Alternate: Mark Williams Director of Consulting Mob: 050 4596748 mark_williams@haygroup.com
Hilton Worldwide P.O. Box 500200, Dubai Tel: 04-3654886 Fax: 04-3916792 www.hiltonworldwide.com Nominee: Emma Corcoran Director, Corporate Communications emma.corcoran@hilton.com
Intergence Systems Middle East FZ-LLC P.O. Box 502734, Dubai Tel: 04-4345879 Fax: 04-4341735 www.intergence.com Alternate: Gordon Gibson Business Development Manager Mob: 050 4543314 ggibson@intergence.com
Investit P.O. Box 113355, Dubai Tel: 04-4019827 Fax: 04-4019824 www.investit.com
CHANGES TO EXSISTING MEMBERS
Alternate: Carole Gille-Shamsai Office Manager Mon: 050 2932196 carole.shamsai@dbmgulf.com
Alternate: Tony Hallside Regional Director tonyhallside@yahoo.co.uk
Al Futtaim Willis Co LLC
Dubai College
Indigo Living
P.O. Box 152, Dubai Tel: 04-4294700 Fax: 04-4291375 www.willis.com
P.O. Box 837, Dubai Tel: 04-3999111 Fax: 04-3999175 www.dubaicollege.org
P.O. Box 282425, Dubai Tel: 04-3397705 Fax: 04-3397704 www.indigo-living.com
Alternate: Paula Jane Hughes
Nominee: Peter Hill Headmaster p.hill@dubaicollege.org
Alternate: Matt Blenheim Business Development Manager Mob: 050 4723088 mblenheim@indigo-living.com
Regional HR Manager - Easter Europe, MEA Mob: 055 2215435 paula.hughes@willis.com
All Details Middle East P.O. Box 502959, Dubai Tel: 04-4484670 Fax: 04-4484675 www.alldetails.net
Faithful+Gould Limited P.O. Box 33786, Dubai Tel: 04-4059100 Fax: 04-4059101 www.fgould.com
Jumeirah P.O. Box 214159, Dubai Tel: 04-3647777 Fax: 04-3016514 www.jumeirah.com
Alternate: Karina Salib Account Manager karina@alldetails.net
Alternate: Jenny Longstone Manager, Marketing and Communications Mob: 055 3003811 info.me@fgould.com
Alternate: Toby Joseph VP Sales & Marketing Dubai toby.joseph@jumeirah.com
Aetna Global Benefits Limited
GAC Logistics
Luxury Homes LLC
P.O. Box 6380, Dubai Tel: 04-4387500 Fax: 04-3243550 www.goodhealthworldwide.com
P.O. Box 17041, Dubai Tel: 04-8818090 Fax: 04-8818687 www.gacworld.com
P.O. Box 211640, Dubai Tel: 04-3183000 Fax: 04-3039301 www.dubailuxuryhomes.com
Nominee: Stuart Leatherby Managing Director, Middle East & Africa Mob: 050 4208176 sleatherby@aetna.com
Alternate: Richard Potts Distribution Centre Manager Mob: 050 6531321 richard.potts@gac.com
Alternate: Steven Leckie Associate Director Mob: 050 2770078 stevenl@dubailuxuryhomes.com
76 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Norton Rose (Middle East) LLP
The Dynamic Zone Consultants
P.O. Box 74454, Dubai Tel: 04-3387769 Fax: 04- 3387669 www.landmark-dubai.com
P.O. Box 103747, Dubai Tel: 04-3696300 Fax: 04-3696350 www.nortonrose.com
P.O. Box 282163, Dubai Tel: 04-3408155 Fax: 04-3408177 www.thedynamiczone.com
Alternate: Saeed Hashmi Head of Valuation & Investment saeed.h@landmark-advisory.com
Alternate: Richard Gordon-Orr Chief Operating Officer - Middle East Mob: 050 6557657 richard.gordon-orr@nortonrose.com
Alternate: John Boyd General Manager john@thedynamiczone.com
Linklaters
Odgers Berndtson
Topaz Energy and Marine
P.O. Box 506516, Dubai Tel: 04-3695800 Fax: 04-3695801 www.Linklaters.com Alternate: Sarosh Mewawalla
Macmillan Adam FZ LLC P.O. Box 502298, Dubai Tel: 04-3915320 Fax: 04-3916651 www.macmillanadam.com Alternate: Neil Wood Client Services Director Mob: 050 9174350 neil@macmillanadam.com
Manpower, Middle East LLC P.O. Box 62425, Dubai Tel: 04-3910460 Fax: 04-3910465 www.manpower-me.com Alternate: Denise McAnulty Country Manager - Middle East denise.mcanulty@manpower-me.com
Marsh INSCO LLC P.O. Box 64057, Dubai Tel: 04-2237700 Fax: 04-2236777 www.marshweb.com Nominee: Steve Bonynge steve.bonynge@marsh.com
Moevenpick Hotel – Deira P.O. Box 211508, Dubai Tel: 04-4440111 Fax: 04-4440112 www.moevenpick-hotels.com Nominee: Michael Nugent General Manager Mob: 055 4003380 michael.nugent@moevenpick.com Alternate: Joydeep Ghosh Director, Sales & Marketing Mob: 055 4002783 joydeep.ghosh@moevenpick.com
National Grid International Ltd P.O. Box 54336, Dubai Tel: 04-2994481 Fax: 04-2994482 www.nationalgrid.com Nominee: Sabah Barakat General Manager menka.hemrajani@ngrid.com Alternate: Menka Hemrajani Office Manager Mob: 050 5358445 menka.hemrajani@ngrid.com
P.O. Box 506549, Dubai Tel: 04-3621823 Fax: 04-3637312 www.odgersberndtson.com
P.O. Box 12068, Dubai Tel: 04-8832929 Fax: 04-3391352 www.topazworld.com
Alternate: Alasdair Spink Managing Director Mob: 050 9220722 alasdair.spink@odgersberndtson.ae
Nominee: Ron Clark General Manager Mob: +97466223303 ron.clark@topaz-marine.com
Promat Middle East
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
P.O. Box 123945, Dubai Tel: 04-2329780 Fax: 04-2329781 www.promat-spray.com
P.O. Box 23092, Dubai Tel: 04-3519201 Fax: 04-3519205 www.trowers.com
Alternate: Mark Stevens Director, Operations Mob: 050 1811316 mstevens@promatfp.ae
Alternate: Andrew Greaves Partner - Regional Head of Construction agreaves@trowers.com
Quintica Group FZ-LLC
United Insurance Brokers (UIB Gulf)
P.O. Box 505107, Dubai Tel: 04-4267303 Fax: 04- 4267302 www.quintica.com
P.O. Box 506533, Dubai Tel: 04-3651000 Fax: 04-3651099 www.uibgroup.com
Nominee: Colin Cloete Managing Director –MENA Mob: 050 4557163 colin.cloete@quintica.com
Alternate: Ralph Kabban Managing Director - UIB LLC Ralph@uibgulf.com
Rouse & Co International
University of Strathclyde Business School
P.O. Box 31778, Dubai Tel: 04-2247678 Fax: 04-2247658 www.iprights.com Alternate: Samantha Grainger Senior Manager sgrainger@iprights.com
Repton School FZ LLC P.O. Box 300331, Dubai Tel: 04-4269393 Fax: 04-4227294 www.reptondubai.org Nominee: Jonathan Hughes-D’Aeth Headmaster Mob: 055 4714654 headmasterspa@reptondubai.org
Summertown Interiors P.O. Box 262807, Dubai Tel: 04-8053394 Fax: 04-8053322 www.summertown.ae Alternate: Stefanie Patel Marketing Manager stefanie@summertown.ae
Santa Fe Relocation Services Llc P.O. Box 125478, Dubai Tel: 04-3256057 Fax: 04-3256099 www.santaferelo.com Nominee: Kim Creutzburg Managing Director Mob: 050 7284168 kim.creutzburg@santafe.com.hk
P.O. Box 16062, Dubai Tel: 04-2089282 Fax: 04-2089283 www.strath.ae Alternate: Susan Frew UAE Manager susan.frew@strath.ac.uk
Zuma Club Llc P.O. Box 506620, Dubai Tel: 04-4255660 Fax: 04-4255658 www.zumarestaurant.com Nominee: Ajaz Sheikh Director of Operations, ME Mob: 050 3595474 ajaz@zumarestaurant.ae
The Mission to Seafarers P.O. Box 212667, Dubai Tel: 04-3576060 Fax: 04-3441879 www.angelappeal.com Alternate: Karen Malia CSR Manager & Volunteer Coordinator karen@angelappeal.com
BCL Legal Limited Post Code M2 5NT, UK Tel: +441618197475 Fax: +448452410931 www.bcllegal.com Alternate: Terence Clark BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 77
NEW MEMBERS
Landmark Properties
NEW MEMBERS
ADDITIONS TO BUSINESS MEMBERS Action Impact Events (LLC) P.O. Box 211502, Dubai Tel: 04-4355995 Fax: 04-4355997 www.actionimpact.com Additional: David Markham Director, Business Development Mob: 055 4730055 dmarkham@actionimpact.com Additional: Hadley Newman Senior Account Manager Mob: 055 4730061 hnewman@actionimpact.com
Al Arabi Travel Agency
P.O. Box 24904, Dubai Tel: 04-3433929 Fax: 04-3435405 Additional: Cally Hanley Travel Consultant Mob: 050 8447672 cally@alarabitravel.ae
Al Dobowi Group
P.O. Box 61348, Dubai Tel: 04-8836661 Fax: 04-8837720 www.aldobowi.com Additional: Sunil NarainSawlani Managing Director Mob: 050 6259438 sunil@roycon-dubai.com
Al Tamimi & Company
P.O. Box 9275, Dubai Tel: 04-3641641 Fax: 04-3641777 www.tamimi.com Additional: Kevin Hall General Manager Mob: 050 6407097 k.hall@tamimi.com
American Hospital
BDO Corporate Finance (Middle East) LLP P.O. Box 506802, Dubai Tel: 04-4390704 Fax: 04-4390777 www.bdocf.com Additional: Sam Surrey Partner Mob: 050 1891567 sam.surrey@bdocf.com Additional: Edward Hermiston-Hooper Additional: Ivan Woods Head of Infrastructure Advisory Mob: 050 6502337 ivan.woods@bdocf.com
British Council
P.O. Box 1636, Dubai Tel: 04-3370109 Fax: 04-3370703 www.britishcouncil.org/me.htm Additional: Nick Boddy Director, Examinations – MENA Mob: 050 4502051 nick.boddy@ae.britishcouncil.org Additional: Larissa Malycheva Director Business & Comml Partnerships, MED & MENA Mob: 050 4537499 larissa.malycheva@ae.britishcouncil.org Additional: Ian Shears Regional Training Centre Manager ian.shears@ae.britishcouncil.org
British Embassy
P.O. Box 65, Dubai Tel: 04-3094445 Fax: 04-3094302 www.britain-uae.org. Additional: Meghna Misra-Elder UKTI Regional Hub Manager meghna.elder@fco.gov.uk
Broadway Interiors LLC
P.O. Box 5566, Dubai Tel: 04-3367777 Fax: 04-3358395 www.ahdubai.com
P.O. Box 31644, Dubai Tel: 04-4508546 Fax: 04-4508547 www.broadwayinteriors.com
Additional: Stephen James Fenn Director, Facilities Management Mob: 050 6404437 sfenn@ahdubai.com
Additional: Romeo Conge Design Manager Mob: 050 6588245 romeo@broadwayinteriors.com
Additional: Paul Sills Director, Human Resources Mob: 056 1442201 psills@ahdubai.com Additional: Daniel Martin Walls Acting Director of Nursing Mob: 050 1583291 dwalls@ahdubai.com
Access Made Safe (AMS)
P.O. Box 114547, Abu Dhabi Tel: 02-6797714 Fax: 02-6797715 www.ams-gcc.com Additional: Samar Thamer Al Mafragy Marketing Manager Mob: 050 6589230 samar@ams-gcc.com
Balli Klockner Middle East FZE P.O. Box 16936, Dubai Tel: 04-8816549 Fax: 04-8816446 Additional: Anthony Zeederberg Mob: 056 6780099 butchz@balli.co.uk 78 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
Clyde & Co LLP
P.O. Box 7001, Dubai Tel: 04-3311102 Fax: 04-3319920 www.clydeco.com Additional: Joycia Young Partner Mob: 056 6837576 joycia.young|@clydeco.ae
Conyers Dill & Pearman
P.O. Box 506528, Dubai Tel: 04-4282900 Fax: 04-4282999 www.conyersdillandpearman.com Additional: Dennis Ryan
Chapman Freeborn
P.O. Box 54619, Dubai Tel: 04-2997029 Fax: 04-2997032 www.chapman-freeborn.com Additional: Christina Stanley Additional: Amane Antar Sales Executive Mob: 050 4812743 amane.antar@chapman-freeborn.com
Additional: Jobby George Charter Sales Manager Mob: 050 4812741 jobby.george@chapman-freeborn.com Additional: Lloyd Aubin D Souza Commercial Manager Mob: 050 4823146 lloyd.dsouza@chapman-freeborn.com Additional: Vikas Chaturvedi Sales Representative Mob: 050 4815788 vikas.chaturvedi@chapman-freeborn.com Additional: Danielle Shehab Sales Executive Mob: 050 4816754 danielle.shehab@chapman-freeborn.com Additional: Irene Robert Sales Representative Mob: 050 4816734 irene.roberts@chapman-freeborn.com
Chadbourne & Parke LLC. P.O. Box 23927, Dubai Tel: 04-3316123 Fax: 04-3310844 www.chadbourne.com Additional: Gary Feulner Senior Counsel gfeulner@chadbourne.com
Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP P.O. Box 9498, Dubai Tel: 04-3826100 Fax: 04-43259143 www.curtis.com
Additional: Jeremy Jonathan Miocevic Partner Mob: 050 7380618 jmiocevic@curtis.com
Causeway Middle East FZ LLC P.O. Box 500843, Dubai Tel: 04-4342119 Fax: 04-4342118 www.causeway.com Additional: Ian Badhams Technical Systems Consultant Mob: 055 5543089 ian.badhams@causeway.com
Dubai Cable Company (Private) P.O. Box 11529, Dubai Tel: 04-8082510 Fax: 04-8082522 www.ducab.com
Additional: Colin McKay General Manager, Sales & Marketing Mob: 050 6532419 cmckay@ducab.com
Dubai Golf Office
P.O. Box 24040, Dubai Tel: 04-3801919 Fax: 04-3802016 www.dubaigolf.com Additional: Adele Cowgill Marketing & Communications Manager
EC Harris International Limited P.O. Box 23027, Dubai Tel: 04-4233900 Fax: 04-4257980 www.echarris.com
Additional: Houda Hassan Abdulrahman HR & Governement Affairs Manager Houda.abdulrahman@echarris.com
Emaar Hospitality Group LLC P.O. Box 888333, Dubai Tel: 04-3673392 Fax: 04-3673699 www.emaar.com
Emrill Services LLC P.O. Box 38083, Dubai Tel: 04-3089610 Fax: 04-3204969 www.emrill.com Additional: Krishnaswamy Chandrasekaran Commercial Director Mob: 050 5584136 chandrasekarank@emrill.com Additional: Ben Lilley Manager, Business Development ben.lilley@emrill.com Additional: Mark Hough Director, Finance mark.hough@emrill.com
Additional: Clare Raven Associate c.raven@hadefpartners.com Additional: Philip Jolowicz Head of Financial Services Mob: 050 2733181 p.jolowicz@hadefpartners.com Additional: Alan Rodgers Partner a.rodgers@hadefpartners.com Additional: Richard Briggs Executive Partner r.briggs@hadefpartners.com
HCT - Dubai Men’s College P.O. Box 15825, Dubai Tel: 04-3260333 Fax: 04-3260303 www.dbm.hct.ac.ae
Additional: Minelle Gholami Manager, Human Resources minelle.gholami@emrill.com
Additional: Robert Middleton Chair - Business, IT and Media Mob: 055 4717104 robert.middleton@hct.ac.ae
FSI Worldwide
IT-serve.com
P.O. Box 213541, Dubai Tel: 04-3235484 Fax: 04-3235484 www.fsi-worldwide.com Additional: David Estyn Jones Director, Group Operations Mob: 050 5513347 destynjones@fsi-worldwide.com
Galadari & Assoc Advo & Legal Conts P.O. Box 7992, Dubai Tel: 04-3937700 Fax: 04-3937764 www.galadarilaw.com Additional: Seah Ban Kiat Senior Legal Consultant Mob: 055 2298001 bkseah@galadarilaw.com Additional: Charles Igmire Mob: 055 4147025 charles@galadarilaw.com Additional: Bode Wilfred Head of Corporate Finance bode@galadarilaw.com
Gulf Finance Corporation PJSC P.O. Box 35356, Dubai Tel: 04-3436182 Fax: 04-3951086 www.gulf-finance.ae Additional: Adam Wood Senior Associate Mob: 056 6821369 adam.wood@gulf-finance.ae
P.O. Box 72130, Dubai Tel: 04-3746740 Fax: 04-3353655 www.it-serve.com
Additional: David Schirmer Sales Manager Corporate Dubai Mob: 050 5540231 david.schirmer@jumeirah.com Additional: Ian Renton Sales Manager Groups Dubai Mob: 050 5586799 ian.renton@jumeirah.com
Kershaw Leonard P.O. Box 71770, Dubai Tel: 04-3434606 Fax: 04-3438330 www.kershawleonard.net Additional: Maz Yadav Recruitment Consultant maz@kershawleonard.net
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort P.O. Box 3070, Fujairah Tel: 04-2033992 Fax: 04-2951207 www.lemeridien.com/fujairah Additional: Fawad Yaqub Sales Executive Mob: 050 4840276 fawad.yaqub@lemeridien.com
Additional: Jens Lund Managing Director Mob: 050 6250092 jlund@it-serve.com
Additional: Kiran Kumar Director of PR & Marketing Mob: 050 4840261 kiran.kumar@lemeridien.com
Ince & Co (Dubai Branch)
Lloyds TSB Bank plc
P.O. Box 123004, Dubai Tel: 04-3598982 Fax: 04-3590023 www.incelaw.com Additional: Alexandra Bailey Solicitor alexandra.bailey@incelaw.com Additional: Anna Fomina Solicitor anna.fomina@incelaw.com Additional: Bob Deering Administrative bob.deering@incelaw.com Additional: Brian Boahene Solicitor brian.boahene@incelaw.com Additional: Claire Elliott Solicitor claire.elliott@incelaw.com Additional: Jacqueline McFadden Trainee Solicitor jacqueline.mcfadden@incelaw.com
P.O. Box 121404, Dubai Tel: 04-3422000 Fax: 04-3422660 www.lloydstsb.ae Additional: David Forde Senior Vice President Mob: 050 6578738 david.forde@lloydsbank.ch
Lifecare International Insurance Brokers LLC P.O. Box 71208, Dubai Tel: 04-3318688 Fax: 04-3318001 www.lifecareinternational.com Additional: Nausheen Popat Director, Operations Mob: 050 5536056 naush@lifecareinternational.com
Motivate Publishing P.O. Box 2331, Dubai Tel: 04-2824060 Fax: 04-2824436 Additional: Catherine Belbin Mob: 050 5522173 Catherine@motivate.ae
Additional: Sophie Apabhai Associate - Commercial Finance Mob: 056 6827101 sophie.apabhai@gulf-finance.ae
Jebel Ali International Hotels
Additional: Craig McFarlane Associate - Commercial Finance Mob: 056 6821370 craig.mcfarlane@gulf-finance.ae
Additional: Deborah Ebdon-Thomson Business Director - Bateaux Dubai Mob: 056 6035349 deborah.thomson@bateauxdubai.com
P.O. Box 500475, Dubai Tel: 04-3671414 Fax: 04-3672522 www.omnia.ae
Hadef & Partners
Jumeirah
Additional: Darren Bingley Business Development Manager Mob: 050 5522176 darren@omnia.ae
P.O. Box 37172, Dubai Tel: 04-4292963 Fax: 04-4292888 www.hadefpartners.com
P.O. Box 9255, Dubai Tel: 04-3154976 Fax: 04-3993101 www.jebelali-international.com
P.O. Box 214159, Dubai Tel: 04-3647777 Fax: 04-3016514 www.jumeirah.com
Omnia Dubai
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 79
NEW MEMBERS
Additional: Oliver James Key General Manager - Armani Hotel Dubai Mob: 050 5528071 okey@armanihotels.com
NEW MEMBERS
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Summertown Interiors
P.O. Box 11987, Dubai Tel: 04-3043100 Fax: 04-3304100 www.pwc.com
P.O. Box 262807, Dubai Tel: 04-8053300 Fax: 04-8053322 www.summertown.ae
Additional: Ashruff Jamall Partner ashruff.jamall@ae.pwc.com
Additional: Syed Tabrez Ahmed Account Sales Manager tabrez@summertown.ae
Pitchmastic PmB Limited (Dubai Branch) P.O. Box 54220, Dubai Tel: 04-3243050 Fax: 04-3243052 www.pitchmasticpmb.com Additional: Gary Rawlings gary.rawlings@pitchmastic.co.uk
Quintica Group FZ-LLC P.O. Box 505107, Dubai Tel: 04-4267303 Fax: 04-4267302 www.quintica.com
The Dynamic Zone Consultants P.O. Box 282163, Dubai Tel: 04-3408155 Fax: 04-3408177 www.thedynamiczone.com Additional: Rini Laskar Mob: 055 9744804 rini@thedynamiczone.com
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
P.O. Box 23092, Dubai Tel: 04-3519201 Fax: 04-3519205 www.trowers.com
Additional: Bryan Mackenzie
Additional: Rachel Clayson Lawyer rclayson@trowers.com
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone
The First Group LLC
P.O. Box 10055, Ras Al khaimah Tel: 07-2041011 Fax: 07- 2077120 www.rakftz.com Additional: Christopher Jon Tomseth Marketing and Sales Director Mob: 050 4877957 c.tomseth@rakftz.com
SAB Media P.O. Box 502590, Dubai Tel: 04-3642900 Fax: 04-3697593 Additional: Sabrina Ahmed Additional: Scott Martin Additional: Ian Fairey
She’s Gott it! Three Hedworths Bowes Offices Bowes Business Park Lambton Park County Durham DH3 4AN T: +44 (0) 191 385 6619 F: +44 (0) 191 387 8695 M: 07894 874113 E: jacqui@shesgottit.com www.shesgottit.com She’s Gott It! is renowned for its outstanding event creation and delivery. It is a passionate and innovative company working with some of the finest experts in the industry to bring a service that ensures successful events. She’s Gott It! exists to offer a full event management service from conception to completion, and no event is too large or too small.
Sovereign Corporate Services P.O. Box 62201, Dubai Tel: 04-4486010 Fax: 04-4486011 www.SovereignGroup.com Additional: Anastasiya Bialova Manager, Business Development - Middle East Mob: 050 7859180 abialova@sovereigngroup.com 80 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
P.O. Box 191672, Dubai Tel: 04-4097500 Fax: 04-4097600 www.thefirstgroup.com Additional: David Scott Commercial Director Mob: 050 6401526 david.scott@thefirstgroup.com
press and public relations group; one of the most creative sports marketing and event teams and a team of business coaches and management consultants in demand around the world for their insight and expertise.
She’s Gott It Limited Post Code: DH3 4PX, UK Tel: +44191 385 6619 Fax: +441913709669 www.shesgottit.com Nominee: Nickie Gott Mob: +447748983359 nickie@shesgottit.com Alternate: Stephanie Povey stephanie@shesgottit.com (Company profile)
TBS Post Code: DE56 1TZ, UK Tel: +441773596900 Fax: +441773596901 www.tbsmobility.ae Nominee: Jon Poynton Area Director Mob: +447802353394 jon@tbsmobility.com
Additional: Janice Williamson Business Consultant Mob: 055 9852572 janice.williamson@vz.ae
TBS are a specialist software company providing mobile computing solutions to industry. We have many well know customers in Europe including Utilities, FM and Construction, Auto Hire, Plant Hire, M&E Service, Oil and Gas, Security and logistics organisations. We are now expanding our offering to North America and MENA region. We have local partners in UAE including IBM, Microsoft, Motorola and Unlimited.
WS Atkins & Partners Overseas
The Hideaways Club
Virtuzone Freezone
P.O. Box 487177, Dubai Tel: 04-4486406 Fax: 04-4486405 www.vz.ae
P.O. Box 5620, Dubai Tel: 04-4059300 Fax: 04-4059301 www.atkins-me.com Additional: Ali Hussain Al-Sader Business Development Manager Mob: 050 5589048 ali.alsader@atkinsglobal.com
NEW NON-RESIDENT MEMBERS All About Brands (Media Zone - Abu Dhabi Branch)
P.O. Box 77760, Abu Dhabi Tel: 02-4498077 www.aabplc.com Nominee: Rebekah Clark
Alternate: Paul Maloney Senior Associate Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Mob: 050 6171237 paul@aabplc.com All About Brands is an international marketing and communications group with its regional base in Abu Dhabi. All About Brands create, build, grow and protect brands for some of the world’s leading organisations. All About Brands brings together under one group award winning designers; an internationally acclaimed advertising agency; a world class brand strategy consultancy; a leading
Post Code: SW1X 9AY, UK Tel: +4402078249940 Fax: +4402077309825 www.thehideawaysclub.com Nominee: Jemma Lester Director of Marketing and Communications Mob: +447817975589 jemmalester@thehideawaysclub.com Alternate: Giovanna Gallo Marketing Executive giovannagallo@thehideawaysclub.com The Hideaways Club, Europe’s leading luxury property investment fund, offers its members exclusive usage and ownership of an entire portfolio of luxurious properties for a fraction of the cost of buying a single home overseas. As a member, you own an equity share in an entire portfolio of luxury homes that are stylishly furnished, efficiently maintained, and all available for you and your family to use and enjoy. You benefit from the upsides of ownership – enjoying any future capital growth, but without all the hassles of looking after a distant property or the monotony of having to return to the same place year after year. A personal concierge service takes care of every detail on your holiday.
BBG NEWS & OFFERS
Digital developments Keep abreast of all BBG news and events from your desk or mobile NEW BBG WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE The new BBG website - www.britbiz-uae.com - has gone live, providing members with an efficient way to undertake administrative tasks, event bookings, payment and social media networking. The appointment of an officer responsible for Social Media has seen the introduction of BBG Online, and you can contact us through FaceBook, Twitter and Linkedin, and we are also on YouTube. Look out for activity on a daily basis relevant to business in UAE.
REGISTER FOR EVENTS The number of members and guests attending our events is increasing each month and we would like to encourage as many of you as possible to pre-register and pay in advance. It saves you having to queue and pay on the day! The office will be happy to help guide you through the log in (username & password) and online payment facility on our website. If you are unsure of your username and password, then please contact Edelma on 04-3970303 or send an email to edelma@britbiz-uae.com
SWING INTO ACTION Golfers should keep the following BBG golf dates clear in their diaries. To express an interest in sponsoring a Golf Event, contact Stuart Hurst on bbgevents@britbiz-uae.com
EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS’ OFFERS t Launch of the New & Exciting Jazz Brunch with flowing Moet & Chandon on board Bateaux Dubai. Just quote ‘BBG’ when booking and you and your friends will receive the privileged rate of just Dhs330. t The Blossom Nursery is proud to offer BBG members Dhs1000 off a new nursery enrolment. Enrolment can be for the term program or all year programme only. Blossom Village Nursery details can be found at www.theblossomnursery.com. Please contact bbgdubai@britbiz-uae.com to claim your voucher. t International House Dubai is pleased to offer BBG member companies and their staff a 10% discount on their Public English & Arabic Language Courses. For more information on what IH has to offer, visit www.ihdubai.com or simply SMS IH Dubai to 5269. t All new members joining the BBG are eligible for a Silver Sirius card from the Jumeirah Group. Current Silver Sirius card holders will be upgraded to a Gold Card. Explore the world of Sirius benefits at jumeirah.com t All UAE-based BBG members and new members will receive a complimentary subscription of Gulf Business, published by Motivate DU’S OSMAN SULTAN / ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE GULF Publishing. All BBG members will have the opportunity to be enrolled in the Motivate Book Club where members receive 25% discount on cover price of over 200 books. TOP 10 t Platinum Sponsor Sab Media, PLACES TO publishers of The Times & The WORK IN THE UAE Sunday Times, is happy to offer The region’s first ever workplace survey BBG members an opportunity to advertise your company for FREE upon subscription to the newspaper. A special Annual Daily Package is offered to BBG Members, consisting of a 13month subscription to The Times & The Sunday Times plus three ¼ page black & white adverts in either paper to be placed by members on days of their choosing – all for the price of Dhs2950. Subscribe now and give your brand some extra punch! Contact our Operations Assistant, Charmaine on bbgdubai@britbiz-uae.com.
Vol. 15 Issue 9 January 2011
Day
Date
Venue
Shotgun Start Time
Cost
Sunday
28th February
Arabian Ranches
PM
330
Sunday
27th March
ELS
PM
400
Sunday
24th April
Jebel Ali
PM
300
Sunday
29th May
Arabian Ranches
PM
330
Sunday
26th June
ELS
PM
400
SPONSORS SELECTED BBG EVENTS Members are invited to sponsor the monthly networking evenings, which provide a wonderful opportunity for companies to support the BBG and its members, whilst creating a platform from which they can inform the membership about their company. These evening events are relaxed and convivial and lend themselves to sponsorship. Sponsors will be allowed to brand the venue and to communicate their message to members by having staff present. There is also an opportunity to sponsor selected Focus Group Events in agreement with the Director of Focus Groups. The cost for sponsoring a Focus Event is subject to individual negotiation based on the specific proposal. If you are interested in sponsoring a BBG event, contact BBG Director for Business Development, David Burns on hr@uhyuae.com.
Bahrain..............BD 1.0 Kuwait............... KD 1.0 Oman................ RO 1.0 Qatar.................. QR 10 Saudi Arabia.......SR 10 UAE.................. DHS 10
BRITAIN IN BUSINESS | 81
PROFILE
Class act Captain Richard Higgins OBE enters his 18th year as Bursar at Dubai College with an unyielding passion for the school and maintains an equally active role in the wider Dubai community.
“SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO I was faced with a totally unfamiliar situation in that I needed to find a job. Having joined the Royal Navy as a 16-year-old, my 37-year service had been the only life I had known. I had spent the last five years of my service career attached to the Royal Navy of Oman during the period of the first Gulf War, for which I was honoured to receive an OBE. On my retirement from service, I applied for the Bursar’s position at Dubai College. I think the board were interested in me because I was ex-military – the notion that no matter what’s thrown at you, you get on and do it. The College was set up as a ‘not for profit’ school in 1978 under an Emiree Decree made by His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. It has built an enviable reputation regionally and in more recent years, internationally. Our external examination results are truly outstanding and compare favourably with the top 100 UK independent schools. Similarly, outstanding achievement in the sporting arena and in the performing arts, together with an extensive co-curricular programme, The principal aims of the school are embedded in the holistic development of the individual. Therefore as Bursar my main function is to facilitate and enable this to happen. I look after everything that is non-academic. Of central importance is to ensure that the learning and teaching environment is healthy and safe. Looking after 795 pupils and nearly 200 staff are key priorities. The management of finances, human resources, transport, maintenance, insurance and general administration are 82 | BRITAIN IN BUSINESS
important aspects of the job. The one thing that makes children happy – and teachers, in fact – is having a wellresourced school, so the board allows me to spend a lot of money on providing the best resources; we have interactive white boards, connected to projectors and computers, in every classroom, so you can react to it in real time. We’re heading to an age of ‘virtual learning’ but schools are all about communities – the more you foster the community spirit, the better everyone is, it’s a partnership with pupils, parents and teachers. During the last year we have designed and installed a sophisticated, integrated system that will provide the virtual learning environment our pupils deserve. This will also create a more effective flow of information for parents about their child’s progress. Managing such projects is challenging; experiences from which I have learned a great deal over the years. The reward comes when I realise how much benefit is derived by the pupils and teachers. Equally important to me is ensuring that I take care of the personal and social needs of the staff. Teachers and their families require stability; such things as accommodation, health insurance and ministry requirements all fall under my remit. I have a great passion for gardening and I have often been told that this is reflected in the landscaping of the school grounds. We are fortunate that the site is nearly 20 acres so I can, to some extent, indulge my passion a little. On a personal level, I have also tried to make a contribution to the wider Dubai community. I am the local representative for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, facilitating the Board’s examinations at the College, and also the President of the Friends of the Royal British Legion in Dubai. Working at Dubai College has given me enormous pleasure. I have been very lucky to work with outstanding teachers, board members and support staff. However, most importantly my role as Bursar of Dubai College has afforded me the privilege of contributing to the growth and development of so many wonderful young people. My 37 years in the Royal Navy were a rewarding experience. I have been very lucky to derive a similar sense of satisfaction in the last seventeen.”
Alluring golden desert landscape, captivating the silence of nature, free roaming wilderness of the reserve, all enjoyed from your private suite and pool. An experience of a lifetime! Indulgence of the desert assured with choices offered from horse riding, falconry, archery, dune driving and more.. An understated haven drawn from the Arabian Desert. Exceptional.. Indigenous.. Experience.
Life is a collection of experiences. Let us be your guide The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Dubai Explore more by emailing: reservation.almaha@luxurycollection.com or visit: luxurycollection.com/almaha or call: 971 4 832 9900