Belgium - A Gulf News Sponsored Supplement

BELGIUM A GULF NEWS SPONSORED SUPPLEMENT

ages TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019

Built for the

Belgium and the UAE share close bilateral ties cemented by long-term collaborations in culture and industry CONTENTS

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Message from the Belgian Ambassador to the UAE

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Why Belgium is an attractive destination for foreign investors

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Global leader in heat-transfer solutions opens UAE office

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Sustained growth through sustainable solutions

BELGIUM

JANUARY 29, 2019

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Message With trade comes investment. Both Belgium and the UAE keep investing in each other’s country, fully convinced of the short, medium and longterm advantages they offer and the attractive environment in which they take place.”

PETER CLAES AMBASSADOR OF BELGIUM TO THE UAE

t is a pleasure to write this introduction the day I presented my credentials to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, almost precisely 40 years after the first Ambassador to the UAE did likewise back in 1978. Belgium immediately recognised the UAE’s independence in 1971, and normal relations ensued. The establishment of a permanent diplomatic mission seven years later signalled the start of a genuine partnership that has not ceased to expand and deepen over the years.

Having spent more than five months in the UAE now, I am struck by the fundamental contributions Belgium has made through its people and companies in the spectacular development of the country. In some ways, some Belgian companies literally built parts of the country and its main achievements, and certainly laid sound foundations for its prosperity. This is also true for human development. Since Belgium is foremost a country of small and medium-sized enterprises, much of this has remained under the public radar. Virtually every major trade fair, and there are many of them in the UAE, present state-of-the-art products and services from Belgium that keep contributing to making the UAE an even more innovative, sustainable and competitive economy as well as an attractive society where people like to work and live.

Trade figures only tell part of the story. Overall, total bilateral trade amounts to about €6 billion annually, with a modest trade surplus for Belgium. We are talking about a lot more than our chocolates or lifestyle icons, although they continue to serve as valuable branding ambassadors. Diamonds take a large part in the bilateral trade, reminding us that Antwerp remains the world’s diamond capital. Belgian machinery, chemical products and a whole range of innovative solutions in all areas of economic activity keep finding their way to clients in the UAE. Quality, reliability, durability and service remain essential parts of what Belgium has to offer. That is also true in the ever-expanding service sector.

With trade comes investment. Both Belgium and the UAE keep investing in each other’s country, fully convinced of the short, medium and long-term advantages they offer and the attractive environment in which they take place. In this sense, Belgium remains the heart of Europe as an investment destination, with its industrial hubs, multimodal infrastructure and high quality of life. On the other hand, the UAE is asserting itself more than ever as the centre of trade and industry in a wider region, offering stability and flexibility and incredible opportunities. I firmly believe that they complement each other perfectly in a spirit of partnership, and am happy to see that economic actors think likewise and act accordingly. In that sense, there are no limits to what can be achieved.

Coming back to people, the around 4,100-strong Belgian community in the UAE is thriving in all walks of life. It is wonderful to see how they have settled and integrated with the country and are enthusiastic to further build their lives here.

During my tenure, I count on working closely with this community and explore possibilities to make their contributions more visible. Much work is being done on a daily basis by the Trade Offices in Dubai, Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT), the Walloon Export Promotion Board (AWEX) as well as the vibrant Belgian Business Council and Belgian Club in Dubai and the BeNeLux Business Council and BelgoLux in Abu Dhabi. I warmly congratulate them for their work and encourage them to continue. The Embassy remains at the service of our community but also of the general public in the UAE. It is in constant contact with a wide range of Authorities and mainly seizes opportunities on which to build its activities. In particular, I am looking forward to the Dubai Expo 2020 and the formal presentation of Belgium’s participation and pavilion, which at the moment is still shrouded in mystery as the public tender to materialise it is still ongoing. I have no doubt that it will present the best Belgium has to offer and will be a highlight of the Expo 2020. Of course, this global event will trigger numerous high-level visits from Belgium keen to forge closer relations with the UAE and serve as a platform to reconfirm the amazing achievements realised by the UAE … with a little help from friends like Belgium!

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BELGIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL

CONNECTS BELGIAN BUSINESS WITH THE UAE

www.bbc-uae.com

Join now! Email us on info@bbc-uae.com

Belgian Business Council

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BELGIUM

JANUARY 29, 2019

Mission to attract investors Great incentives and favourable conditions make Belgium an attractive destination for foreign investment

BY KRITA COELHO ith roughly 4 billion euros worth of imports a year, the UAE ranks as the 15th most important destination for the Belgian export industry and its location makes it a key business hub in the GCC region. Most of Belgium’s exports to the UAE are diamonds, followed by other products such as chemicals, agricultural and food products, machinery, and vehicles.

“Our main mission is to attract local investors to Belgium,” said Anja Heinen, the Trade and Investment Commissioner for the Wallonia and Brussels regions of Belgium.

Heinen is responsible for the promotion of trade and investment between Wallonia and Brussels’ companies and the UAE and represents the Wallonia Trade and Investment Agency (AWEX) and Brussels Invest and Export (BIE), foreign trade and investment agencies of both — the Wallonia region and the BrusselsCapital Region.

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Belgium comes first

While the main aim is to attract foreign investment to Belgium, Belgian companies who look to invest in the UAE also get support, but only as a part of their expansion worldwide and not if they want to relocate.

“We only help if it’s to enlarge their presence,” said Kris Put, Commercial and Economic Attaché for Flanders, Flanders Investment & Trade. Put looks after trade and investment for the Flemish region.

“We focus more on the role of Dubai as a hub, or the UAE as a hub in the GCC that links Belgium to the Indian sub-continent and Africa. It’s the ease of doing business, the fact that you find people here who speak several languages and mainly the geographical location, which attracts all these companies to come here.”

Heinen added, “We do help them get settled down here, but only if they have a goal of getting the production and the business growing in Belgium,” she says. “It’s always related to the interest in Belgium.”

Belgium has one of the largest ports, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, with investors having the advantage of being surrounded by some of the highest income people, Put stressed. “You immediately see demand for your products and that’s what companies value,” he said.

“English is widely spoken there, which is also a huge advantage.”

Shutterstock

Government initiatives

The government has made a huge effort to put measures in place to favour investors, entrepreneurs and employers.

“Our government has actually managed to improve the tax system significantly, by decreasing the corporate tax from 34 per cent to 25 per cent of the profits. From 2018, social security costs have gone down to 25 per cent, instead of 33 per cent earlier,” said Heinen. “This makes a huge difference too.”

These measures, in addition to some political and macroeconomic factors such as Brexit, have made it easier for companies from all parts of the world to consider investing in Belgium, she adds.

“Companies that used to be located in the UK in order to keep a European headquarter are now coming to our country after Brexit,” said Heinen.

“In the past, the UK was the number one location for setting up business in Europe for a lot of countries, including the UAE. It’s no longer the case because they know the UK won’t be a part of the European Union (EU) and therefore the interest in setting up business in Belgium has risen.”

Research & development

Ahmed Ramzan

Anja Heinen, the Trade and Investment Commissioner for the Wallonia and Brussels regions of Belgium.

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As far as R&D is concerned, from 30 per cent to 70 per cent of expenses of companies, including scientists and researchers’ salaries, tools and equipment, raw materials, consultants’ fees, certifications, can be financed by the country.

“We are focusing on getting investments that are R&D related because there are tax incentives for research specifically, as there are special tax rules on patents,” said Heinen. “In case you own a patent in Belgium, 85 per cent of your net income can be deducted, meaning that the effective corporate taxes on profit would be less than 5 per cent. So that’s important for companies.”

Major pharmaceutical groups have their headquarters in Belgium and some of the sectors the country is trying to attract include logistics, life science, agro food, aerospace, e-commerce, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and everything related to IT. “We have a significant investment coming from the chemical sector from [polyolefins maker] Borealis,” said Put. “It’s going to be a worth $1 billion and one of the main shareholders is Mubadala in Abu Dhabi.”

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BELGIUM

JANUARY 29, 2019

Ahmed Ramzan

Kris Put, Commercial and Economic Attaché for Flanders, Flanders Investment & Trade

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Belgium’s overall regulatory environment is very flexible, and lays a lot of emphasis on digitalisation.

So how can digitalisation support industry? “If you’re investing in Europe, the labour will never be cheap,” explained Put. “It’ll be much higher than other areas and therefore new technologies become more important. So anything digital falls in line with that.

“We need to have very high productivity in order for companies to be able to support the higher wage levels or labour costs. Anything that makes the production costs go more smoothly will benefit the bottomline. When you look at factories investing in Europe they are among the highest in productivity, utilising a lot of robots, and automisation. You can’t increase productivity without following up with the latest technologies that are available.”

Belgian companies participating in important trade shows in the UAE get assistance and will have pavilions at the following trade exhibitions: Arab Health, Gulf Food, MedLab, Beauty World Middle East, Big 5, ADIPEC, and during the Expo 2020.

Range of incentives

Belgium is now the most favourable destination for business than ever, with several benefits for UAE companies seeking to invest in the country. The geographical location just at the heart of Europe gives access to 400 million consumers in the EU, in diverse sectors.

“We have a whole range of incentives, some are Belgian federal, some are from each of the regions,” said Heinen. “We offer support on all the important aspects of building up a company. Setting up a company in Belgium gives an immediate link to export agencies. Our taxation system has improved to a great extent, so it’s becoming affordable for employers to get employees. So as soon as they settle down, they can benefit from all our services, which are totally free for companies. This is something our investors appreciate a lot as they get assistance as soon as they start.

“We are well-known for the quality of our employees, they are productive, multilingual, multicultural, and competent. We offer exceptional quality of life, which is important for the investor as they spend a lot of time there.”

10 GOOD REASONS TO INVEST IN BELGIUM •

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You’re setting up your company close to the capital of Europe.

Within four hours on the road you have a market of 400 million consumers.

Take advantage of attractive taxation.

Benefit from advantageous incentives.

Fast implementation of suitable infrastructure.

Communicate a culture of partnerships.

Export in an extremely favourable framework.

Employ productive, competent and multilingual people.

Discover an exceptional art to living and quality of life.

Simplify administrative purposes.

Enhancing business ties Belgian Business Council seeks to boost cooperation between the UAE and Belgium

BY KRITA COELHO elgian Business Council is a professional networking association of individuals and private companies geared towards enhancing business ties between the UAE and Belgium.

“We foster cooperation between Belgium and the UAE,” said Eric Brouwers, the Chairman of the Council, and Executive Director of Onward Visionary Solutions. “We started three years ago by organising the first Belgium Week.”

In its first edition, the Belgium Week was centred on space exploration. Organised in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, the event featured Belgian astronauts.

“Belgium shares the UAE’s space exploration ambition,” says Brouwers.

“We conducted events around space exploration in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Now two Emiratis are being trained by the European Space Agency and will soon become astronauts.”

Last year, the Belgium Week covered healthcare innovations. “We held talks at universities on topics of interest for the UAE and Belgian companies,” says Brouwers. “We will not have the Belgium Week this year, but will come back with a bigger agenda next year.”

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The Belgium Week is just one platform for the Council. “Like the UAE, Belgium is not a big country,” says Brouwers. “We don’t want to come here and insist that you buy from Belgium because we are big. We’re similar to the UAE. We have 10 million population almost the same as the UAE. We have a federal state divided into three regions just as the UAE has seven emirates. We believe that if we work together it’ll be much better.”

The Belgian Business Council is not just looking to find territory to export.

Contrary to some of business councils of big countries that are governmentrun, it is a private organisation. It organises various events for local people, where speakers are invited to give talks on various subjects or the volunteers of the council visit companies.

“It’s in the Belgian genes to work together,” says Brouwers. “The Belgium Week is one way to do it and by means of it and other events we try to create that leverage and cooperation.”

Belgium has lots of expertise to offer the UAE in areas such as banking security, block chain technology, artificial intelligence, defence, telecommunication, aerospace, digital cinema, software, healthcare, and media. Besides, cooperation in the areas of cancer treatment, 3D bio-printing, breast surgery, and stem cell research is re-

Antonin Kelian Kallouche

Eric Brouwers, Chairman of the Belgian Business Council and Executive Director of Onward Visionary Solutions

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markable. “Experts and associated Belgian companies come here and work with their UAE counterparts, and it is beneficial to both the countries,” says Brouwers. “Belgium has a lot to share from its experiences, especially in construction, beverages and, of course, chocolates.”

The fundamentals of the UAE are very solid, explains Brouwers, citing that the country is a hub between the West and the East. “This country has created an excellent platform to attract business and amazing incentives to draw business people. It’s a gateway to the East but I’d still say it’s the landing point for the GCC countries. And moreover it’s just a six-hour flight from Belgium so it’s very reachable.”

As of now the Council is focussing on the Expo 2020, a six-month trade show, and is planning to organise many events around that. “We’d like to continue our growth just like the business councils of other countries,” said Brouwers. “We are small but we have big ambitions. We are growing despite the economic downturn. We can only grow if we contribute some value to the community and I’m pretty sure we will.”

— For more information on the activities and different membership packages of the Belgian Business Council, visit www.bbc-uae.com

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Solvay: Becoming the Middle East’s preferred oilfield chemical partner With more than 150 years of history, Solvay knows all about creating value that stands the test of time.

Roberto Torri, Head of Office for Solvay Middle East FZE, talks about how the Belgium-headquartered company supports customers in this region and throughout the world

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oberto, tell us about Solvay.

Solvay is an advanced materials and specialty chemicals company, developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges such as next-generation mobility and resource efficiency. We innovate and partner with customers worldwide in many diverse end markets.

Used in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, as well as in mineral and oil and gas extraction, our products enhance efficiency and sustainability. Our lightweighting materials promote cleaner mobility, our advanced formulations optimise the use of resources, and our performance chemicals improve air and water quality.

Solvay has its head office in Brussels, and employs around 26,800 people in 61 countries.

What does Solvay do in the Middle East?

Given that the Middle East is home to the world’s largest oil producers, it will come as little surprise that much of Solvay’s work here centres on serving the oil and gas sector. We have a wide portfolio of products and formulations for the oilfield chemical industry, ranging from drilling chemicals and cementing additives to stimulation and production chemicals.

Our high-performance polymers allow customers to stimulate wells with recycled water and under extreme conditions. Our cement additives control fluid loss and gas migration to ensure well integrity.

Our cherished aim is to become the preferred oilfield chemical partner for companies in this region.

Does Solvay only focus on oil and gas here, or is there more?

There’s definitely much more. For example, we are keenly supporting the growing manufacture of petrochemicals to meet strong demand for

●● Yazan Abbassi, MENA Sales Manager, Oil & Gas and Roberto Torri, Head of Office, Solvay Middle East FZE

dedicated end-use markets such as coatings and super-absorbent materials. Local production of monomers is growing fast, and we are developing close partnerships with important players and manufacturers here, interested in our wide range of inhibitors. We also provide customers with support in areas such as quality management and health, safety and environment.

Another focus is on producing petrochemicals to fulfil vibrant demand for plastics in emerging markets.

With our products, we improve the durability and sustainability of plastic. For example, with more than six decades of experience, we are recognised as the leader in UV stabilisation, a technology that absorbs ultra violet radiation and dissipates the energy as low-level heat.

We are also active in mining. In the UAE specifically, we will support the start-up of the Al Taweelah alumina refinery, owned by EGA, with some of our process chemicals. As well as another alumina refinery, we also service copper, gold and phosphorous mines in the Middle East with our chemicals and local support.

Do you partner with other companies in the Middle East?

Our lightweighting materials promote cleaner mobility, our advanced formulations optimise the use of resources, and our performance chemicals improve air and water quality.”

ROBERTO TORRI HEAD OF OFFICE, SOLVAY MIDDLE EAST FZE

Yes, as well as working in close partnership with our customers, we have significant joint ventures with industry partners in this region.

Take for example our planned 50/50 joint venture with Mubadala Investment Company subsidiary Strata to supply carbon fibre preimpregnated fibres for the Boeing 777X aircraft. This joint venture will build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Al Ain, and is expected to be in production in 2022. I’m also very proud of the Saudi Hydrogen Peroxide Company, a joint venture between Solvay and Sadara Chemical Company, which has built one of the world’s largest hydrogen peroxide plants. The mega-plant is in Saudi Arabia, at Sadara’s chemical complex in Jubail Industrial City II. Solvay is a leader in technology for hydrogen peroxide, a key raw material to produce propylene oxide (PO).

The world’s main PO players, such as BASF and Dow Chemicals, rely on Solvay’s expertise to produce highquality hydrogen peroxide to manufacture propylene oxide.

BELGIUM

JANUARY 29, 2019

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Your partner in vacuum trucks The UAE market plays a significant role in the development of IPSAM in the Middle East and worldwide

PSAM Technology is a European leader in the engineering and production of highperformance vacuum trucks. The Belgian company manufactures advanced machines equipped with the latest vacuum and high-pressure technology for cleaning up liquid waste ranging from septic material and sewage to fats, oils and chemicals.

IPSAM serves clients in the general, public and industrial cleaning sectors, with all vacuum trucks tailor-made to suit the application and meet the customer’s specific needs.

From engineering through to production the customer is involved in every stage of development, which takes place entirely at the company’s state-of-the art facilities at Essen. ‘’Outside of Europe, our main focus is on the Middle East where we provide our famous Super Sucker 4000 for the petrochemical industry, ‘’ says Samuel Hanssens, Managing Director, IPSAM. ‘’This is a powerful vacuum truck made to withstand the high temperatures of the region for a prolonged period of time, and like all our trucks can work on a 24/7 basis with minimal maintenance requirements.”

Hugely successful across the Middle East, the Super Sucker 4000 has a tank capacity of 12,000 to 19,000 litres and a heavy-duty liquid ring vacuum pump with a capacity of 4,000 m3/hour, hence the name. ‘’We built the Super Sucker 4000 to the highest quality norms and have implemented several reinforcements to attain long-life durability.

We understand that this equipment is a tool for our clients to work with

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every single day. Therefore, we must give our clients the most reliable equipment available so that they do not have any downtime, as downtime is not only a loss of income but also a loss of confidence with their clients. To do a great job, you need the best equipment. It is as simple as that. And that is how we help our clients to be the best providers for their clients,’’ Hanssens adds.

IPSAM has been active in the Arabian Gulf for quite some time, with some of its installations having seen over 20 years of service. Hanssens considers the UAE to be central to IPSAM’s plans for the region, ‘The UAE market is very important to the development of IPSAM in the Middle East and worldwide. The safety regu-

For the moment we continue our approach of direct sales but are open to partnerships and even investment opportunities to manufacture in Abu Dhabi.”

SAMUEL HANSSENS MANAGING DIRECTOR, IPSAM

lations and other norms and standards are the highest in the region. If you can succeed in the UAE, it helps to develop business elsewhere in the region and beyond, ‘’ he says.

The development from an import nation to manufacturing base is becoming increasingly important to the region, and both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are implementing a targeted policy to achieve just that.

If the right opportunity presents itself, we would be more than happy to help achieve this purpose,” he concludes.

For further information contact +32 (0)3 670 17 33; s.hanssens@ipsam.com

HAVING DELIVERED OVER A THOUSAND INSTALLATIONS AROUND THE WORLD, IPSAM HAS A WIDE PRODUCT RANGE, WHICH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: 1. Vacuum trucks for the smaller general cleaning and unblocking service providers who cater to the general public 2. Vacuum and high pressure trucks for public works service providers who cater to governments 3. Vacuum and high-pressure trucks for industrial cleaning service providers who cater to different types of industries and commercial enterprises 4. Special purpose-built tanks and installations for a wide range of industries 5. Manure vacuum tanks for the agricultural sector

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BELGIUM

JANUARY 29, 2019

Evapco opens UAE office Leading global firm in heat-transfer solutions seeks to provide stronger support and aftersales services to customers across GCC markets

vapco is an industry leading manufacturing company that provides a host of solutions globally in the field of heat transfer applications, with products that service the commercial HVAC, industrial refrigeration, power generation and industrial processing sectors.

Having successfully delivered installations in the region over the years, Evapco’s track record in the Middle East is enviable. Its new office, which opened recently here in Dubai, is aimed at providing enhanced infrastructure and advisory support to clients in terms of installing units and aftersales services.

Jelle Wagelmans, Sales Manager, Middle East, Evapco, says the potential for business in the region is immense, and Evapco is well prepared to seize the opportunity.

“Irrespective of the current downslide in some countries, we believe the prospects are bright, especially since we take a long-term view,” he observes, adding that the UAE will have a major role to play in this regard.

Evapco offers holistic solutions for all kinds of cooling requirements including the design and manufac-

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ture of quality products for evaporative cooling and industrial refrigeration. Evapco also excels in the field of district cooling.

Wagelmans says that apart from installation projects there are various kinds of requirements from clients including repairing and upgrading existing units, as well as overhauling them with new installations. “The frequency of opting for retrofit is higher in this part of the world than what we see in Europe because of adverse climatic impact

●● Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE

●● Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, UAE

and often the lack of good maintenance,” he adds.

“We offer complete solutions, as we value our clients. The demand for quality products is on the rise, and companies and stakeholders are increasingly realising the utility of installing Evapco products.”

The trend in the GCC region is slowly graduating from the individual cooling of buildings towards district cooling.

Wagelmans mentions that a rise in the awareness of health and safety standards is a direct result of the regulatory framework that authorities in the UAE implemented.

“There is growing awareness with regard to the fire protection aspect of cooling towers. Compliance has been more stringent of late, with pressure being placed on stakeholders to ensure that cooling towers are made with the proper materials.”

Evapco, with its state-of-the-art products plays a critical role here.

Evapco has raised concerns about the substandard and mislabelled products in the market in the past and Wagelmans is firm of the view that there would be no compromise when it came to the quality and safety of its products. “We are global manufacturers, and our products come from our US and European factories, mainly from the Belgian factory.”

Based in Maryland in the US, with its European headquarters in Belgium, Evapco products are manufactured across 23 locations in 10

Efficiency, easy maintenance, reliability and life-long functionality is our mission.”

JELLE WAGELMANS SALES MANAGER, MIDDLE EAST, EVAPCO countries, and supplied through a sales network of more than 170 offices. Evapco is second to none when it comes to technological innovation, and has invested heavily in research and development.

As a leader in evaporative technology, Evapco has also made inroads in hybrid and adiabatic cooling solutions, as well as water-free cooling technology. As a result, the brand is recognised for higher system efficiency, environment friendliness, its low operating costs, reliability and sound reduction. “We design, manufacture and install our own products, and do not buy products from other sources,” says Wagelmans. With technology being driven for customer benefit at Evapco, the firm is set to unveil more promising innovations next year. “Efficiency, easy maintenance, reliability and lifelong functionality is our mission,” he says.

●● Jewel of the Creek, Dubai, UAE

200 years of valuable industry knowledge

Designing the equipment of the future CMI designs, installs, upgrades and services equipment for energy, defense, steel-making, the environment and other industry in general. CMI assists clients throughout the whole life-cycle of their equipment in order to improve the economic, technical and environmental performance of this equipment. Proud of its past, anchored in John Cockerill’s entrepreneurial spirit and aware of its own capacities to invent the processes of the future, CMI intends to contribute to meeting the challenges of today’s society and to generate sustainable industrial progress.

CMI Headquarters, Liège – Belgium

Great achievement in the Middle East Region Al Ghurair Iron & Steel LLC’s (AGIS) decision to invest into CMI’s Cold Rolling Mill and Continuous Galvanizing Line has helped the client to b e c o m e a r e g i o n a l go-to for quality since the client started operations in October 2008. CMI has also supplied process equipment to the growing steel service center Conares Metal Supply in Jebel Ali Free Zone Area.

Accessibility, multi-modality, soft mobility, sustainable cities, etc.

CMI is providing guidance and support in the development of public transport, in particular in urban areas.

Every one of us aspires to benefit from technological progress without affecting life on the planet. CMI is committed to making production tools and less energy-consuming and more environmentally-friendly infrastructures: reducing energy consumption, treating polluting emissions, recovering unused calories, recycling waste, etc.

Our local team will support you in any tailor-made project Khaled Lakkis | Branch Director Middle East | CMI Defence | +32475.30.5200 | khaled.lakkis@cmigroupe.com Zahi Obeid | Business development Director KSA | CMI Environment LLC | +966 50018 7182 | zahi.obeid@cmigroupe.com | welcome@cmigroupe.com

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200 years of valuable industry knowledge

CMI, a solid and responsive partner for power generation projects in the United Arab Emirates CMI Energy designs, supplies, installs and upgrades major pieces of equipment in the power generation industries, such as Solar Thermal (solar receivers and steam generators), Combined Cycles (Heat Recovery Steam Generators), Cogeneration as well as for industrial processes.

CMI Energy also supplies photovoltaic panels combined with flow batteries and Li-ion batteries enabling energy storage. Capitalizing on its 200 years of experience and its leadership in heat recovery boilers, CMI Energy provides technical assistance for the retrofit and upgrade of boilers of all brands.

Designed in-house by its highly qualified engineers, CMI’s heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) are installed behind gas turbines of all capacities and brands, burning all types of fuels, including heavy fuel oils. They recover the hot gases from gas turbines and are particularly suited to operating in cycles, entailing frequent start-ups and shut-downs of power plants according to the electricity demand. Over 130 CMI heat recovery steam generators are installed in the Middle East, along with 22 in the United Arab Emirates.

22 CMI HRSGs in the UAE and more than 130 in the Middle East Let’s focus on 9 CMI HRSGs installed at Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (DUBAL). The initial aluminium smelter of Jebel Ali (southern part of the Emirates) was associated to a gas turbine power plant generating electricity for the pot lines. As the refinery expanded so has the original power plant, used to distil sea water for

public supply. DUBAL decided in 1997 to convert its gas turbines installation into a combined cycle plant. The first phases of DUBAL’s conversion projects were known as Condor, with a capacity of 660 MW, and Kestrel, with an increased capacity of 330 MW. CMI Energy designed and supplied all the HRSGs dedicated to these projects, i.e. 6 units.

DUBAL then extended two of its nine aluminium smelting pot lines because it needed more power for the production process. For this phase, known as CCPP 22, CMI designed and supplied the additional boilers. Dubai Aluminium then ordered an additional gas turbine coupled with one CMI HRSG, the GTX project, as a back-up for the existing units of Condor and Kestrel, and to provide additional steam to the site’s desalination plant. All these CMI boilers are still in operation today.

This year, in September 2018, MHPS Japan awarded CMI Energy with the order for the design and supply of 2 HRSGs to be installed in the future combined cycle power plant of Layyah, in the state of Sharjah (UAE) behind Mitsubishi 701F5 gas turbines.

CMI Heat Recovery Boilers in operation at CCPP 22, Dubai

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… to design the equipment of the future

This new power station will be used for desalination purposes by Sewa, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, and will be in operation in 2021.

As a renowned boiler specialist, CMI Energy was awarded the revamping of an Ansaldo boiler at DEWA’s station G in 2013 and 2014.

In 2018, CMI is replacing and upgrading the exhaust gas ducts between the three GE 9E gas turbines and the Doosan heat recovery steam generators at DEWA’s station E on the same plant at Jebel Ali. The engineering and the new concept proposed by CMI consider vibration studies and the dynamic behaviour due to gas turbulences in the bent ducts.

A prestigious solar thermal reference in Dubai CMI Energy is proud to announce that it has just been awarded the design and supply of the solar receiver for the prestigious fourth phase of DEWA’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.

This ambitious renewable energy project will include the world’s tallest solar tower, with an installed power of 100 MW and energy storage facilities allowing an electricity production round the clock. The CMI solar receiver, a jewel of technology, installed on top of this gigantic tower, will collect the intense concentrated solar energy coming from thousands of mirrors on the ground.

In the light of the numerous technological and economical challenges, this new solar receiver is truly one of the finest examples of CMI’s cutting edge technology associated with high competitiveness.

Presence at ADIPEC, Abu Dhabi With more than 150 years of experience and 500 references around the world, the CMI Energy offering includes high thermal efficiency water tube industrial boilers that produce process steam for industrial processes in sectors as petrochemicals, chemistry, food industry, pulp & paper industry, biomass, Waste-to-Energy,…

These boilers can be associated with any type of fuel, such as refinery gas, heavy fuel oil, waste gas,… In order to meet the increasing Middle East demand, CMI Energy will exhibit at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi in November.

CMI will supply the heart of DEWA’s future Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park

Energy Storage and Power Generation on demand

Finally, CMI Energy has quite naturally specialized in energy storage. The Group is building Europe’s largest industrial energy storage pilot plant at its headquarters in Belgium. This unit consists of 6,500 photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs of its workshops and of several kinds of batteries, namely flow batteries and Li-ion batteries for a total of 4.2 MWh of energy storage, supported by an EMS, Energy Management System, developed by experts of the University of Liege (Belgium) and CMI. This EMS helps optimize bill reduction by determining the best moment to charge or discharge the batteries according to the demand, weather conditions, energy prices, etc. The electricity produced by the installation is used for CMI’s own consumption, increased by battery use (time-shift). Energy bill will also be reduced thanks to the resale of the excess electricity to the grid and by the bid for primary reserve’s auctions. Acting as an EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) in this activity, CMI proposes adapted solutions to any power generation request, either on-grid or off-grid.

With this huge experience and the wide variety of state-of-the-art technologies in energy transition, CMI is a solid, reactive and responsive partner on which you can count to propose turnkey solutions for any specific project and special requirement.

CMI teams travel the world to offer you the best technologies

CMI solutions for every market 19797.CMI-Art4pg-EN-209x295mm.indd 3

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200 years of valuable industry knowledge

105mm

90mm Cockerill® LCTS 90

Cockerill® CSE 90

Cockerill® 3030 FSV-AT

Cockerill® 3030 APC

Cockerill® 3105

30/40mm

Cockerill® CPWS 25

Cockerill® Gun-turret systems range from 25mm to 120mm caliber, combining high fire power with light weight for high mobility armored vehicles, guaranteeing performance and protection for the crew.

Cockerill® 3000 Series can be mounted with various calibers, e.g. 30/40mm, 90mm and 105mm, and can be either manned or unmanned.

Cockerill Defence Systems: Scalable solutions for your readiness requirements

enabling a turret to accommodate guns of different calibers and their corresponding technical modules: automatic 25 mm, 30 mm, 30/40 mm, 35 mm and 50 mm caliber cannons, along with direct fire guns of 90 and 105 mm caliber. These systems can also fire missiles.

As one of the world’s leading defence companies, CMI Defence specialises in high-power multifunctional weapon systems for light & medium weight armoured vehicles. With more than 200 years of experience, it offers complete and innovative solutions: Cockerill® gun-turrets (25 to 120mm), technical and tactical training, Agueris® simulators, maintenance and services throughout the life cycle of the Cockerill® weapon systems, and innovative enhancements to develop their capabilities.

Currently in production

its ability to carry out, in record time, the development and supply of large weapons systems. CMI Defence today benefits from a robust and reliable organization, capable of designing, qualifying, producing, delivering and supporting large quantities of weapons systems that perfectly meet the current and future requirements of the modern armed forces».

Modularity. Commonality. Readiness.

These three words summarise the key concept of the Cockerill ® 3000 Series, CMI Defence’s flagship turret. Based on an unprecedented modular concept, the Cockerill® 3000 Series is a single platform

Thanks to their unique operational capabilities, to the rapid interchangeability both of their crews and their weapons, and to their high degree of commonality, the Cockerill® 3000 Series modular turrets can cover all types of missions and objectives on the battle field (combat tank, bunker and helicopter engagement, urban combat, intervention in asymmetric combats…) at reduced operational costs.

Thierry Renaudin, President of CMI Defence, states: «We are currently in the production phase of the major contract we won in 2014 for the supply of Cockerill® 3000 Series turrets. With more than 200 Cockerill ® 30 0 0 Series turrets and more than 30 Cockerill® 105 guns already produced and delivered, CMI Defence is demonstrating

Committed to the customer “At CMI Defence, Renaudin adds, our unique support capabilities extend throughout the Cockerill® weapon systems life cycle by ensuring that an optimal level of readiness is achieved and maintained for the end-user.

High levels of component commonality between variants allow for standardization of maintenance tasks therefore reducing the number of tools and spare parts held in inventory. Crew readiness is enhanced due to our theoretical and practical training services, that incorporate both simulation, practical application and refresher training on live systems. This is our commitment to our customers.”

Simulation: Train as you fight!

To improve its training offering, CMI Defence designs, develops, integrates, deploys, provides and supports a comprehensive range of innovative simulation-based solutions. These solutions, marketed under the brand name Agueris®, include in particular Generic Virtual Simulators, Nested Simulators, and Mobile Simulators (installed in trailers).

One of the main advantages of the Agueris ® Generic Virtual Simulators is their multi-system capability: A unique simulator can simulate different turrets, from a medium caliber turret to a large caliber turret, and switch from one to the

other in a few minutes. At the other side of the spectrum, in the Nested Simulators, the crew trains in its real turret, which is plugged to the simulator. Being trained inside its real environment, with the exact odors, tightness, noises, turret motions… allows the crewmembers to develop operational reflexes that can be decisive in the battlefield.

Through its subsidiary Agueris, CMI Defence wa s among the fir st companie s to operationally deploy such multi-systems virtual simulators, mobile and nested training solutions.

Cockerill Maintenance & Ingénierie 19797.CMI-Art4pg-EN-209x295mm.indd 4

Mobile

Nested

Virtual immersive Agueris® simulators are available in three set-ups: Generic Virtual Simulators, Nested Simulators and Mobile Simulators.

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JANUARY 29, 2019

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A major player in industrial compressors Leading from the front, AF Compressors has innovated to meet the rapid changes in industrial needs How integral has aftersales service been to the growth of the brand over the years?

hen it comes to industrial compressors, AF Compressors stands head and shoulders above the competition. With its commitment to quality and constant investment in research and development, the Belgian brand is today a success story and a global benchmark. A ready reference for oil-free compressed air suppliers and PETrelated products in the food and beverage, cement, glass and pharmaceutical industries, AF Compressors has expanded its horizons after establishing its base in Dubai. The Dubai office handles sales and supplies for the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

Gaetan Hage, General Manager, AF Compressors Middle East FZE, spells out the company’s achievements. Excerpts:

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How has AF Compressors evolved as a brand?

Every day for the past ten years, someone, somewhere around the world has taken delivery of a new AF Compressor. For 30 years now, AF Compressors has been a leader in the field of compressor manufacturing, designing units that specifically meet the needs of PET bottle production.

With an estimated 60 per cent share of the global blow-mould market, AF Compressors produces over 400 units annually, up to 95 per cent of which are destined for PET blowmoulding applications.

Our market-leading position has been achieved by our recognised reliability and energy efficiency, aided by continuous research and development in order to meet the best industry standards.

What are the new range of innovations that the company has introduced, and what are their salient features?

In anticipation of future PET market changes, and in order to meet the current market trends of lower blow pressure (bringing with it substantial energy savings), AF Compressor

●● AF Compressors at Gulfood Manufacturing Exhibition in Dubai November 2018.

From left: Mr Gaëtan Hage, Mr Georges Alard, Mr Amr Oraby and Mr Ahmed Gamal started an R&D programme with the university of Louvain-La-Neuve in Belgium, to improve and maximise the efficiency of its compressors.

The research conducted in the university, as well as with other scientific associations and additional R&D led to the development of a completely new range of compressors from 7 to 40 bar.

How is AF Compressors’ product portfolio unique?

The market is changing and new technologies are emerging in the PET industry. Thus, AF has evolved its mindset from being just another manufacturer to one that can produce compressors with dynamic solutions, helping reduce operating costs further.

In the past few months, AF Compressors has also launched a range of optional innovations to maximise energy savings and reduce our customers’ overall carbon footprint, helping them achieve their sustainability goals. Our innovations include heat recovery, a patented system to reduce peak inrush current during starting, very critical in the MEA, as well as a system to optimise air delivery as per the customer’s air demand.

Besides our machine efficiency and reliability, the local presence, support and aftersales service that the brand provides are among the pillars on which its market leading position is founded. For the last 20 years, AF Compressors has developed a global presence.

In order to deliver the level of support our customers expect, AF established over 15 subsidiaries, 20 official agencies and two distribution centres.

Up to 150 of our 400 global employees are specialised service engineers, specifically trained on 10 to 40 bars compressors.

In 2018, we inaugurated two brand new service centres, one in Liege, Belgium and the other in Jebel Ali in the UAE. The new facilities respond rapidly to requests for replacement parts by customers around the world. Orders placed before 2pm can be shipped the same day by airfreight to any of our customers.

Tell us about your UAE experience, what are your longterm plans?

We opened our office in Jebel Ali 10 years ago. Since then, AF Compressors has used the UAE as the main base to develop markets in the Middle East and East Africa. The infrastructures in the UAE is perfectly aligned to our market requirements. With the UAE being a logistics hub and the continuous development and expansion of airline routes allow AF Compressors to serve our customers in a prompt and cost-effective manner.

In the last decade, AF Compressors Middle East has multiplied its machine installation in the region five-fold, from 250 to 1,250 installed units in our covered region, of which more than 500 are in the GCC. Our continuous participation at the Gulfood Manufacturing Exhibition here in Dubai has allowed the event to become a meeting point for all the leading members within the industry, which has grown year after year.

Our future plan will include securing our leading position by developing new alliances and partnerships in the MEA. These new partnerships and support networks would also help AF Compressors to expand further into new emerging African markets.

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BELGIUM

JANUARY 29, 2019

A reliable partner in the oil & gas and large-scale construction industries

Aertssen Machinery Services, based in Abu Dhabi, specialises in heavy lifting and exceptional transport covering the MENA region

he Aertssen Group is a Belgium-based family business with over 50 years of experience, establishing a reputation as Europe’s leading earth-moving, heavy-lift and heavy-transport contractor. Around ten years ago, Aertssen decided to strengthen its presence in the UAE market by creating a brand new division.

Ever since, our wealth of experience, qualified and committed staff and state-of-the-art technologies have combined to ensure that our integrated services meet all of the customers’ needs and expectations. Our thorough and flexible approach enables us to deal efficiently with complex projects and tight deadlines, bringing each and every commission to a satisfactory conclusion.

Aertssen believes in forming solid partnerships with its customers.

This means honouring every agreement, constantly seeking to improve our working relationships and consistently looking for ways to improve our services. This attitude forms the very heart of our business policy.

Aertssen Machinery Services (AMS) is an experienced partner in the oil and gas, and large-scale construction industries, a position it has obtained by proving its skill and efficiency during many projects.

Furthermore, relying on quality equipment and trained personnel,

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Aertssen believes in forming solid partnerships with its customers. This means honouring every agreement, constantly seeking to improve our working relationships and consistently looking for ways to improve our services.

This attitude forms the very heart of our business policy.

AMS managed to build a respectable track record in various offshore projects. AMS also offers a large variety of agile cranes and trailers to provide daily lifting solutions.

Aertssen isn’t just a “rent-a-car — rent-a-crane” company. We provide full engineering studies, supervisors and riggers for any of our projects. Our team will review the scope, method statements, risk assessments, etc. of the projects we are involved in and coordinate with the customer. This way, AMS is able to ensure smooth and safe operations.

By building a brand new premise covering over 30,000 square metres in Abu Dhabi’s ICAD III industrial complex, AMS expresses its longterm commitment to all its valued stakeholders.

AERTSSEN MACHINERY SERVICES LTD – ABU DHABI Tel: +971 2 555 4959 Fax: +971 2 555 4965 www.aertssen.ae

BELGIUM

JANUARY 29, 2019

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Sustaining the growth trajectory Successful turnkey projects help Earth Moving Worldwide make a mark even as the global contracting firm places renewed focus on diversification, export and sustainability

stablishing its regional office in Abu Dhabi in 2009, Earth Moving Worldwide (EMW), owned by the Belgian Aertssen Group, was set up to cater to the needs of large-scale geo-environmental, earth-moving and maritime projects in the UAE and around the world.

With the company’s growth supported through export and diversification, EMW also lays emphasis on its ability to deliver a personal touch in all its projects, reflected through the adoption of its We Care values.

Accelerating development within the country through turnkey projects, EMW is readying the nation to take on future market challenges.

A reliable player in major infrastructural construction businesses in the Middle East over the past decade, EMW has been executing projects in everything from large-scale earthworks, challenging coastal protection and near-shore activity to quarrying works, soil improvement and demolition.

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EMW’s executed projects include: • Dubai Water Canal • Expo 2020 • Palm Jumeirah Dubai • Ruwais Refinery Expansion • Satah Al-Razboot – SARB • Rah Fahluu Project – Maldives EMW provides comprehensive turnkey packages in its capacity as the main contractor, with the help of specialised project management teams, state-of-the-art equipment and in-house supporting resources from Survey, QHSE and Technical Departments to an owned Trading cell and laboratories. EMW can mobilise and deploy more than 1,100 units of heavy equipment at its disposal at short notice.

Next to contracting, EMW can be a reliable partner when it comes to supplying both equipment and expertise, done through full transparency and shared responsibility towards their clients. The organisation’s goal has always been the same, aiming for an efficient and effective result.

Its equipment includes excavators (up to 250 tonnes (even in long-reach configurations up to 40m), articulat-

ed and rigid dumpers, wheel loaders, dozers, crushers and screens, compactors, graders and hauling trucks.

All its equipment is less than five years old, ensuring increased daily operating hours and reduced downtime.

While its main workshop and general facilities are based in Abu Dhabi, it can mobilise fully-equipped workshops to the most remote project sites. Specialist in-house divisions are also geared to tackle niche demands of customers and EMW is known to churn out-of-the-box solutions globally.

Export also accounts for a significant share of its overall turnover.

Just last year, the company provided its services across ten countries through its main hub in Abu Dhabi.

The company, which has manpower in excess of 1,000 people, ensures the health and safety of its personnel. It also cares for the environment in which it operates and executes projects in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner.

EMW’s We Care values relate to projects worldwide. These core values relate to the health and safety of its employees, their personal growth and well-being, the environment they work in, the quality of work and client satisfaction, and delivering projects on time within the given budget in a transparent manner.

Quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) underlie its operations.

The company has an integrated management system that is compliant with top standards including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001-2015 and OHSAS 18001-2007.

The culture of continuous improvement is reflected in day-to-day operations.

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BELGIUM

JANUARY 29, 2019

Smart transportation WABCO offers technology solutions to effectively manage commercial fleets

he UAE is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Thus, the commercial transportation sector will be facing several challenges in the upcoming years: Increasing goods transport, more traffic and stricter regulations will lead to a rapidly-changing and highly-competitive business environment for transport companies that will need to be agile and highly costefficient. That’s why the country registered an increase in deployment of telematics solutions, especially in the commercial vehicle segment over the last few years.

WABCO, global technology supplier for commercial vehicles and a full-solution provider for truck, driver, trailer, cargo and subcontractor management, via Transics, a WABCO company, aims at increasing efficiency and overall productivity of

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fleets worldwide.

Transics offers a range of advanced fleet-management solutions, such as its mobile driver app TX-FLEX. It is designed as an add-on for the fixed on-board computer and offers full mobility for fleets that value flexibility and freedom of choice of device.

TX-FLEX is suitable for all truck brands and enables drivers to participate in planning, follow-up and direct communication, as well as navigate via mobile devices. In addition, transport operators benefit from a faster and improved invoicing process as the mobile app, TX-FLEX, allows drivers

Benchmark products Buzon’s adjustable pedestals are used in iconic structures around the world

ince 1987, Buzon has been a model of family business and economic success for any Belgian SME that wants to evolve internationally. Its founder, Claude Buzon is the designer of an adjustable pedestal for the world of construction, used to support any terrace. “A pedestal is in principle no more than a plastic product for concrete or wood pavers for outdoor decking. But in reality, it is a product that lives, moves and is subject to continuous development,” says Claude about his masterpiece.

With his son, Laurent Buzon and daughter Laure, Claude succeeded in bringing the pedestal to the level that highly coveted Belgian products enjoy.

BUZON PEDESTAL INTERNATIONAL’S MAJOR LANDMARK PROJECTS • Burj Khalifa, Dubai • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi • Islamic Art Museum, Doha, Qatar • Petronas Tower, Kula Lumpur • Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore • European Parliament, Brussels

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Says Middle East Operations Manager, Frank Hoffmeister, “Buzon pedestals are specified by all major consultants, and we have built up a very impressive list of references. We meet the most stringent quality standards and provide full support — from the drawing board to the actual installation of the project.”

Buzon’s roster of projects includes several prestigious ones across the Middle East. . “We participate in all major exhibitions across the GCC and demand for our products continues to be strong. Our product is especially suited for the region since it can withstand high temperatures and can easily hold for up to 25 years,” he adds.

to take photos of signed documents outside of the cabin. As a result, the documents can be sent directly to the responsible fleet manager in the back office, which reduces administration costs.

By using TX-FLEX on the smartphone, drivers can perform specific out-of-cabin-activities, such as barcode scanning, image upload, storing customer feedback or issue reports. The data is synchronised with the on-board computer in the truck. At the same time, its advanced API (Application Programming Interface) allows the integration of additional applications and software such as truck and trailer inspection apps, navigation software and digital CMR platforms.