Arab British Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 15

Arab-British Business Volume 38 Issue 2 June/July 2014 Monthly bulletin of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce

QATAR SEES EXPANSION OF NON-OIL SECTOR Report see page 34

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CHAMBER NEWS

NEW MEMBERS

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

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

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

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

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

ISSN No: ISSN 0958-8116

Samama Holding Group PO Box 2781 Unit 5 Alandalus Building Olaya Road Riyadh 11461 SAUDI ARABIA Tel: +966 11 4602545 Fax: +966 11 4602631 Email: nalmutawa@samama.com; info@samama.com Website: www.samama.com Contact H E SH Nasser Mohammed AlMutawa AlOtaibi Chairman of the Board Business Activity: Operation of management, real estate development, construction, health care, transportation, education and equity Investment Orangefield Services (UK) Limited Ground Floor Martin House 5 Martin Lane LONDON EC4R 0DP Tel: +44(0)20-7933 9300 Email: william.smit@orangefield.com;heba.emara@ orangefield.com Website: www.orangefield.com Contact Mr William Smit, Managing Director Business Activity: Independent global corporate service provider and fund administrator The Organisers Limited 166 Chiltern Drive SURBITON Surrey KT5 8LS UK Tel: +44(0)20-7078 7554 Fax: +44(0)20-8390 4313 Email: katie.shapley@theorganisers.com Website: www.theorganisers.com Contact Ms Katie Shapley, Managing Director Business Activity: Concierge; property management, travel, staff, housekeepers, property search, drivers.

Samirash Trading Services Kemp House 152 City Road LONDON EC1V 2NX UK Tel: +44(0)20-3195 2891 Email: s.iravani@samirashtrading.com Website: www.samirashtrading.com Contact Mr Sam Iravani Director Business Activity: Professional purchasing process controlling shipping and consulting National Express Group PLC AW House 6 - 8 Stuart Street LUTON Bedfordshire LU1 2SJ UK Tel: +44(0)158-2408 005 Fax: +44(0)158-2485 591 Email: julie.mackel@nationalexpress.com; mark. kipling@nationalexpress.com Website: www.nationalexpress.com Contact Mr Mark Kipling Operations Director, International Division Business Activity: Public transport provider bus,coach, train Aden Paradize Limited 59 Hercies Road HILLINGDON Middlesex UB10 9LS UK Tel: +44(0)189-5813 185 Email: mybmui@gmail.com; mhameed@nhhg.org.uk Contact Dr Mushrik Hameed Director Business Activity: Property, medical equipment, Oil & Gas continues page 11

CONTENTS MOROCCO BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE

6

UAE BUSINESSWOMEN’S TRADE MISSION

8

SHARJAH UNIVERSITY VISIT

10

MEMBERS’ NEWS

12

BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

16

SAUDI ARABIA-UK INVESTMENT FORUM

20

LAW

22

ARABIC SECTION

29

TENDERS

32

BUSINESS EVENTS AND TRADE FAIRS

37

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CHAMBER NEWS

BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE ON NORTH WEST MOROCCO A business roundtable discussion to highlight the attractiveness of the northwest region of Morocco to UK investors was held by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce on the afternoon of 2 June.

The event was attended by representatives of British companies seeking to set up business in Morocco and keen to expand their operations in the North African markets.

The roundtable was attended by H H Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui, the Ambassador for the Kingdom of Morocco, who was accompanied by senior staff of the Moroccan Embassy in London.

Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, Secretary General and Chief Executive of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, opened the event by welcoming the distinguished guests and introduced the main guest, H E Mrs Zineb El Adaoui, who is the governor for the region of Gharb - Beni Hssen - Chrarda in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Dr Al-Shuaiby explained that the aim of the roundtable was to encourage more partnerships between the UK and Morocco H E Mrs Zineb El Adaoui, governor of Morocco’s Gharb - Beni Hssen Chrarda region

and to bring to the attention of UK firms the unique features of the country’s important northwest region.

The wealthy Gharb - Beni Hssen - Chrarda region is home to a population of nearly 2 million inhabitants. Its capital is Kenitra located on the Sebou River.

The region is one of the wealthiest in the country and notably rich in agriculture producing many high quality fruit and vegetables for export. As such it is an important source for fresh produce that can be found on the shelves of British supermarkets.

Keynote speaker Mrs Zineb El Adaoui was first Moroccan woman to hold the position of a governor in the country’s history. She was pleased to inform the roundtable that her first official overseas mission was in London.

The Governor described the important fertile region as rich in forestry and in possession of up to a third of Morocco’s total national water reserves. It boasted one of the largest rivers in the country and had a significant coastline.

She stated that the aim of the visit to London was to introduce to UK business people the investment opportunities in the region’s agricultural sector and in its rapidly emerging new industrial sector.

The region had a young population and an outstanding education system which gave a huge resource of labour which was an important asset for potential investors.

The higher education facilities in the region were proficient in economics, management, science and professional training.

was strategically located and its excellent infrastructure included modern high way and high speed rail connections to Rabat and Tangier.

The region was already host to numerous foreign companies including those from Japan, the US and France; however, the governor expressed the hope to see more UK firms setting up in the future and pledged to provide every assistance to facilitate them.

The region was to be the home to Morocco’s second major car industry plant after the Renault factory established in Tangier.

The governor extended an invitation to UK investors to take part in this initiative stating that Morocco would welcome UK participation.

It was also soon to become the home to the country’s second major Mediterranean port which should considerably enhance its attractiveness to investors.

As a wealthy region with no security concerns to worry foreign businesses, its potential as a location for doing business was extremely promising.

A more detailed presentation highlighting the attractions of the region was delivered by the director of the regional investment authority.

She explained the incentives designed to attract investors such as the tax relief and concessions available in the new Atlantic Free Zone.

One-Stop-Shop facilities were in place to offer all that a business required when seeking to set up in the region.

Mrs Zineb El Adaoui outlined what the region had to offer in terms of industry and why it should be seen as an important platform for corporations seeking to operate in the regional markets.

She reiterated that the region was undergoing rapid urbanisation and its education system made it a centre of excellence in the country with over 35 thousand students including a large proportion of women.

The Gharb - Beni Hssen – Chrarda region

She gave more details of the new free zone

CHAMBER NEWS

which is located in the region and is a 100 million euro project jointly established with a Spanish developer.

The AFZ is the new industrial and logistic park which includes a large Free Trade Zone (with more than two millions square meters) which offers a number of tax and customs advantages for companies that decide to set up business.

As a modern industrial platform, AFZ will be the ideal location for companies from all industrial sectors interested in setting up a logistics or production centre in Morocco.

It is located just 40km from Rabat, and is linked by highway and rail to the country’s two main ports (Tangier-Med and Casablanca), and to the main international airports, Casablanca, Rabat, Tanger, Fez. Occupying an area of more than 3.5 million square meters, the project is one of the biggest in the continent.

The aim of the project is to create some

20 thousand new jobs and attract over 550 million euros of new inward investment.

So far nine multinational corporations had set up operations in the zone since it was founded in 2010 and an additional 13 had been granted permits.

The free zone offered many opportunities for investors as plans were underway to develop new real estate projects, water plants, urban centres and port facilities.

The region’s network of efficient transport infrastructure coupled with its mild Mediterranean climate enabled it to occupy a strategic position for business between Europe and Africa.

Chairing the discussion, Dr Al-Shuaiby summarised the key attractions of the region to UK investors as its coastline, infrastructure and agriculture.

During the discussion a representatives from a British textile company expressed a keen interest in setting up a production unit for the

manufacturing of women’s designer clothing.

Likewise, a representative from another company expressed a readiness to explore the potential for setting up a unit for the manufacturing of architectural ironmonger products in the region.

In her concluding remarks, Mrs Zineb El Adaoui expressed her thanks to the ambassador for all her activities in encouraging investors to look to Morocco and for providing an opportunity to highlight what her region had to offer.

Morocco was a major hub for Africa and through forming partnerships with Moroccan companies UK firms could gain access to all the markets on the African continent, she said.

In drawing the meeting to a close, Dr Al-Shuaiby announced that the ABCC was preparing to lead a trade mission to North Africa soon and invited British companies interested in Morocco to sign up and take part.

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CHAMBER NEWS

TRADE SERVICES

SUPPORTING WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN THE UAE Chamber hosts UAE Business Women’s Trade Mission to the UK On 12 May 2014, the Arab British Chamber of Commerce was privileged to host a highlevel delegation of women business leaders from the UAE who were taking part in a sixday trade mission to meet UK counterparts in London, Manchester and Belfast.

The visiting delegation consisted of senior members from the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, Dubai Business Women Council and the RUWAD Establishment in Sharjah.

The women entrepreneurs represented sectors ranging from fashion, education and food to interior design, finance and events management. The aim of their visit was to broaden links and create lasting networks with business women in the UK. The ‘UAE Women in Business Mission to the UK’ was headed by H E Mrs Raja Al Gurg, Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC, and President of the Dubai Business Women Council.

The delegation was formally welcomed to the Chamber by Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, Secretary General and CEO, ABCC, who stressed the importance of the visit in strengthening of Arab-British commercial relations.

Speaking to an audience of invited guests including Chamber members, Dr Al-Shuaiby said that the UAE women’s delegation would

Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, Secretary General & CEO, ABCC

find a receptive audience among the UK business women with whom they will be meeting over the course of the trade mission.

She said that the Chamber looked forward to working more closely with the UAE business women in the future and was ready to provide assistance to help them pursue their commercial activities in the UK. The seminar was chaired by Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, Director of Trade Services, ABCC, who introduced the speakers and applauded the advances that women were making in the UAE. Welcoming remarks were also delivering by H E Mr Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee, UAE Ambassador to the UK and H E Mr Dominic Jermey, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE. H E Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee praised the energetic role of British companies operating in the UAE of which he stated there were now over 5,000 reflecting the strong relations between the two countries.

The Ambassador warmly thanked the Chamber for its continuing contribution along with the UKTI team for their work in planning the trade mission.

He stressed that the UAE economy was experiencing significant growth driven by a HE Mr Dominic Jermey, outgoing UK Ambassador to the UAE, now CEO of UK Trade & Investment

new focus on the knowledge economy and renewables.

He also emphasised the country’s record in advancing opportunities for women which was notable in the high literacy rate and the high number of female graduates.

UAE women were now running some of the largest corporations in the Middle East, H E Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee, stated.

H E Mr Dominic Jermey stressed that recent years had witnessed a deepening of co-operation between the UK and the UAE at all levels from royal visits, to ministerial meetings and closer business contacts.

He said that the important trade mission

by UAE women entrepreneurs would support these achievements made so far by diplomacy.

H E Dominic Jermey informed the meeting that he was about to join UKTI as its new CEO and was looking forward to working more closely with the business sector to develop UK-Arab cooperation in future.

In her keynote address, H E Mrs Raja Al Gurg warmly thanked the Chamber and Dr Al-Shuaiby for their support, describing the Chamber as a major facilitator for UK-UAE cooperation and trade.

She said that the trade mission aimed to

HE Mrs Raja Al Gurg, President of the Dubai Business Women Council

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CHAMBER NEWS

HRH Shaikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin R Almaktoum 1st Secretary, UAE Embassy, HE Mr Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee, UAE Ambassador to the UK, HE Mr Dominic Jermey, outgoing UK Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, Secretary General & CEO, ABCC, Mr Samir Brikho, CEO of AMEC and co-chairman of the UAE-UK Business Council, and Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, Director of Trade Services, ABCC

explore a new threshold of cooperation between the two countries and that the initiative was a recognition that economic prosperity could not do without the contribution of women.

H E Mrs Al Gurg spoke of the need to foster an entrepreneurial culture among women and believed that the trade mission would provide essential networking through which women could achieve success in business.

She stated that the UAE had made great strides in providing equal opportunities

Ms Clare Woodcraft, CEO, Emirates Foundation

for women and was supporting its female citizens through improved education, logistics and treating them with respect.

It was significant that a recent survey from the World Economic Forum had placed the UAE top of the league in terms of treating its women with ‘’respect’’, H E Mrs Al Gurg said.

Women in the UAE were now active in a very wide range of sectors, a fact reflected in the careers of delegates taking part in the trade mission.

In conclusion, she emphasised the huge potential that co-operation with the UK offered women.

Clare Woodcraft, CEO, Emirates Foundation, described the valuable work undertaken by the foundation in providing education, training and opportunities to Emirati youth, in particular those who were not graduates.

She described this work as ‘’filling in the gaps’’ between the public and private sectors and empowering youth to fulfil their potential.

The foundation offered six core programmes to assist youths into enterprise which focused on financial literacy, vocational training, leadership skills, science and technology, volunteering and mentoring.

The foundation was also active in providing internships in the UAE which were essential to give young people work experience, Ms Woodcraft said.

The final keynote speaker was Mr Samir Brikho, CEO of AMEC and co-chairman of the UAE-UK Business Council, one of the organisations supporting the trade mission.

Mr Brikho’s wide ranging speech concentrated on the activities of the UAE-UK Business Council, its support for SMEs and how it could offer more help to women.

He praised the success of the UK and UAE governments and the private sectors in raising the level of trade between the two countries, pointing out that they would soon reach the target of increasing bilateral trade in goods and services to £12 billion by 2015.

Finally, he described the success of AMEC in increasing the number of women taking up careers in engineering.

The initiative was supported by the ABCC along with UK Trade & Investment, the Abu Dhabi Business Women Council and the Dubai Business Women Council.

The successful and well attended meeting concluded with a networking lunch.

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CHAMBER NEWS

TRADE SERVICES

Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, Secretary General & CEO, ABCC, with members of the delegation from Sharjah University

DELEGATION FROM UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH AT THE CHAMBER A delegation of senior ranking officials from the University of Sharjah paid a visit to the Arab British Chamber of Commerce on 28 May 2014.

The delegation, which included a large number of women officials, was visiting London to explore the potential for greater cooperation in the field of education and training between Sharjah and the UK. Welcoming the delegation to the Chamber, Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, Secretary General & CEO, ABCC, expressed her admiration for the development successes of Sharjah and the UAE. Members of the delegation engaged in an exchange of views with senior members of the Chamber.

Chaired by Dr Al-Shuaiby, the wide ranging discussion concentrated on areas of cooperation between the Chamber and Sharjah.

The unique strategic role of the Chamber in promoting business between the UK and the Arab world was emphasised in a presentation delivered by Mr Omar Bdour,

ABCC Events and PR Manager.

Members of the delegation expressed their considerable interest in the numerous services and activities that the Chamber offered to member companies and the wider business community.

It was emphasised that the Chamber works closely with top governmental bodies on both the British and Arab side, especially the Council of Arab Ambassadors.

Dr Al-Shuaiby explained to the delegation that she was the only non-diplomat to attend the meetings of the Council and stressed that all the Chamber’s activities were planned in close consultation with the embassies.

The importance of training and education was addressed by all participants while the provision of internships for young people was also a key concern.

The Chamber’s successful internship programme was highlighted to underline the

importance of interns in providing valuable experience for graduates.

The need to encourage private sector companies to become more active in the delivery of internships was one key focus of the discussion along with the practical leverage that the Chamber could exercise to influence the business community.

The Chamber and the University expressed their support for strengthening collaboration.

Members of the delegation were invited to participate in the Chamber’s forthcoming events.

At the conclusion of the meeting Dr AlShuaiby was presented with a gift from the university as a token of esteem and appreciation.

Both sides pledged to work more closely together in future to further the cause of cooperation between the UK and the UAE in the education and training sectors.

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NEW MEMBERS

from page 5 ASYAD HOLDING Bin Homran 106A Tablia Street PO Box 14552 Jeddah 21434 SAUDI ARABIA Tel: +966 12 668 7441 Fax: +966 12 668 7443 Email: r.abdulmajed@cojed.com Contact Ms Rafaa Ibrahim Chief Accountant Business Activity: Holding company Alrabiah Consulting Engineers Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Street Area Abdullah Fouad PO Box 9967 Dammam 31423 SAUDI ARABIA Tel: +966 13 827 9737 Fax: +966 13 827 9738 Email: are@alrabiah.com.sa; businessdevelopment@ alrabiah.com.sa; ehsan@alrabiah.co.sa Website: www.alrabiah.com.sa Contact Dr Abdulrahman Alrabiah President Business Activity: Expertise in the design of commercial, industrial and residential facilities, infrastructure, airport and various marine projects from breakwaters to major bridge projects including all the M&E facilities.

Santander Santander House 100 Ludgate Hill LONDON EC4M 7RE UK Tel: +44(0)20-7029 4400 Email: katherine.piedrahita@santander.co.uk; gmarks@ gruposantander.com; jiperea@gruposantander.com Website: www.santandercb.co.uk Contact Ms Katherine Piedrahita Head of Institutional Partnerships Business Activity: Banking

Al Sale Eastern Company Limited King Abdullah Street PO Box 885 Al Khobar 31952 SAUDI ARABIA Tel: +966 3 896 2626 Fax: +966 3 896 2323 Email: nadia@alsale.com Website: www.alsale.com Contact Miss Nadia Al Dossary CEO & Partner Business Activity: Ferrous scrap processing and weighing systems Janet Rady Fine Art 17 West Park LONDON SE9 4RZ UK Tel: +44(0)20-8857 0405 Email: janet@janetradyfineart.com Website: www.janetradyfineart.com Contact Mrs Janet Rady Director Business Activity: Gallerist, curator representing Arab artists Cadenzza Building 4, Chiswick Park 566 Chiswick High Road LONDON W4 5YE UK Tel: +44(0)20-3640 8493 Email: carrie.pacauett@swarovski.com Website: www.swarovski.com Contact Ms Carrie Pacquett Senior Corporate Events Executive Business Activity: Jewellery, retail, corporate events, corporate & gifts pop ups in offices

CARTE - Compagnie d’Assurances et de Réassurances Tuniso-Européenne Immeuble CARTE - Lot BC4 Centre Urbain Nord 1082 Tunis TUNISIA Tel: +216 71 184 032 Fax: +216 71 947 482 Email: grpcarte@carte.com.tn; hassine.doghri@carte. com.tn Website: www.carte.com.tn Contact Mr Hassine Doghri, CEO Business Activity: Insurance and reinsurance

Aquaforce Trading Limited Suite 38, The Brentano Suite Catalyst House, 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park ELSTREE Hertfordshire WD6 3SY UK Tel: +44(0)20-8953 3991 Fax: +44(0)20-8953 0068 Email: rod@aquaforce-trading.co.uk Website: www.aquaforce-trading.co.uk Contact Mr Rodney Newson Financial Director Business Activity: Import and export of sanitary and plumbing products

Fromewill Limited 21 Mayfields WEMBLEY PARK Middlesex HA9 9PR UK Email: hider@fromewill.com Website: www.fromewill.com Contact Mr Hider Al-Touqmatchi Managing Director & CEO Business Activity: General contactors in construction industry, mechanical & electrical equipment suppliers, company main activities in IRAQ, fully registered with Iraqi authorities to conduct construction activities in Iraq with supporting office in Amman.

Brunel Shipping & Liner Services (London) Limited 9 Town Quay Wharf Abbey Road BARKING Essex IG11 7BZ Tel: +44(0)20-8591 7348 Fax: +44(0)20-8594 0505 Email: philclayton@brunelshipping.co.uk; Angie@ brunelshipping.co.uk Website: www.brunelshipping.co.uk Contact Mr Phillip Clayton, CEO Business Activity: Import & export freight forwarder

OPP Limited Elsfield Hall 15-17 Elsfield Way OXFORD OX2 8EP Tel: +44(0)1865-404500 Ext 89 Fax: +44(0)1865-511 222 Email: penny.moyle@opp.com; robert.mchenry@opp.com Website: www.opp.com Contact Dr Penny Moyle, CEO Business Activity: Specialist in psychological and psychometric assessment, using leading tools such as the 16PF to reduce risk and increase performance.

Almihdar Law Firm Sary Street PO Box 1180 Jeddah 21431 SAUDI ARABIA Tel: +966 1 2 697 3311 Fax: +966 1 2 697 7301 Email: aaalf@almihdarlawfirm.com; zaid@ almihdarlawfirm.com Contact Mr Zaid Almihdar, Counsellor Business Activity: Law firm Scientific Resources Ltd 9 Straitfield Park Elettra Avenue WATERLOOVILLE Hampshire PO7 7XN Tel: +44(0)2392-799744 Fax: +44(0)2392-799755 Email: sales@s-resources.co.uk; manager@alfarez.com Website: www.s-resources.co.uk Contact Mr Khairi Fares, Director Business Activity: Selling Training equipment, educational aids and scientific supplies.

KPMG LLP 8 Salisbury Square LONDON EC4Y 8BB Tel: +44(0)20-7311 1606 Fax: +44(0)20-7694 5362 Email: mariam.moi@kpmg.co.uk; simon.johnson@ kpmg.co.uk; mike.walker@kpmg.co.uk Website: www.kpmg.co.uk Contact Ms Mariam Moi Manager Business Activity: Accountants and advisory services Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Aviareps House Gatwick Road CRAWLEY West Sussex RH10 9RB Tel: +44(0)1293-596608 Fax: +44(0)1293-696658 Email: valentina.sokolovska@aviareps-group.com Website: www.flyuia.com Contact Ms Valentina Sokolovska, Manager Ukraine International Airlines UK & Ireland Business Activity: International airline Sawa London 4 Maddox Street, Mayfair LONDON, W1B 2QD Tel: +44(0)20-3189 1227 Email: zaindhareeja@sawalondon.com Website: www.sawalondon.com Contact Mr Zain Dhareeja Managing Director Business Activity: Bespoke lifestyle management and business services.

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MEMBERS NEWS

INTRODUCING UKRAINE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES

Ukraine International Airlines UK & Ireland (UIA) is a new member of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce and is offering a special discount offers on flights to other ABCC members. See below for further information.

Ukraine International Airlines is Ukraine’s leading airline established in 1992 and is a 100% privately-owned company.

In its 22nd year in the sky, UIA operates daily services from London (Gatwick) – Kiev (Boryspil), with extra flights on the route this summer and convenient timing for leisure and business travellers.

The UIA network stretches from the UK to Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East with great connections from London Gatwick throughout Ukraine and to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, the UAE, Thailand and recently added Iran and Iraq via Kiev. Contact uia-uk@aviareps-group.com for special fares and ABCC member discount.

The UIA’s fast growing partner airline network includes UK regional flights to Kiev and within Ukraine from Birmingham, Bristol, London Heathrow, Manchester and Newcastle with Brussels Airlines via Brussels; and Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds/ Bradford, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich with KLM via Amsterdam.

Centre on 01293 596609 for best fares and availability. Travel discounts and customer loyalty benefits information also available on London@flyuia.com.

European citizens don’t need a visa for a short break in Ukraine and can visit and enjoy abundant sunshine in summer, sport games, concerts, exhibitions, Dnieper River cruises and picturesque sights of historic Kiev and everything the city could offer from the grandeur of cathedrals and castles to stunning sculpture and artwork, a thriving cafe culture with world-class shopping and dining experiences, - to name just a few.

UIA operates more than 700 international and domestic flights per week to over 3,000 destinations, offering convenient connections across the globe at competitive prices.

UIA operates a modern fleet, with economy, premium economy and business cabins on selected long haul routes. Visit the Ukraine International Airlines website at www.flyUIA.com, or call the local UK Call

Follow UIA on Facebook flyUIA UK and take advantage of recently introduced mobile application Android on flyUIA.com for comprehensive travel information and advice.

ABCC members’ discount offer from UIA ABCC members can take advantage of a discount offer on UIA flights. For more information, please contact the airline below. uia-uk@aviareps-group.com for inclusive special fares and ABCC member discount on London – Erbil flights, enter Log-in: UIA055, Password: PS055197 when book on www.flyUIA.com (conditions apply).

TRAVELEX OPENS TWO NEW STORES AT HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Passengers using Hamad International Airport (HIA) will benefit from the expertise of the world’s leading currency specialist, Travelex, which has opened two stores in the new terminal and plans three more this year.

wide range of products and services such as Travelex’s Buy Back Guarantee, a Western Union remittance service, and prepaid travel money cards. Trained staff will be on hand 24/7 to provide advice and information.

the company first opened in the airport a year ago. By the end of the year, it will boast seven stores in Qatar, more than doubling operations. The company has almost 55 stores in the Middle East.

Located in departures and arrivals, the stores combine the latest in retail design and technology to provide customers with simple and fast access to more than 80 currencies, including popular travel destinations such as GCC countries, Europe, and Asia.

Errol Fonseca, Travelex Head of Retail, Middle East, India, Africa and Turkey, said: “We are excited to be part of HIA and delighted to be the only foreign exchange provider at the airport.”

Fonseca added: “Qatar and the Middle East as a region is one of the most rapidly growing for our business as these markets have seen some phenomenal passenger numbers over the past few years.”

The opening of the stores sees a rapid expansion of Travelex retail business since

The Peninsula, 05/06/2014

Customers will also be able to access a

MEMBERS NEWS

TARGETING DIABETES IN MIDDLE EASTERN POPULATIONS Randox Health Offers New Revolutionary Test The rise of diabetes across the Middle East, is now at ‘epidemic’ levels according to the World Health Organisation. Latest figures from the International Diabetes Federation estimate that a staggering 35 million people in the region are suffering from the disease.

The statistics are concerning but the IDF believes the worst is yet to come, with projections showing that in ten years, more than 51 million people in the Middle East will be diabetics.

“The reason for the sweeping increase of diabetes in the Middle East is mainly due to lifestyle choices”, says Dr Gary Smyth, Medical Director at Healthcare company Randox Health, “Obesity rates in the Middle East are among the highest in the world, the WHO also points out that up to half of the regions adults are physically inactive, both obesity and lack of exercise go hand in hand with Type2 Diabetes. Then there is also the increase in those who are affected with a genetic predisposition to diabetes who also need to be considered.”

Given the prevalence of the disease, it is of the utmost importance that those at greatest risk are assessed before type 2 diabetes

develops; Randox Health has created a new test which can accurately evaluate that risk, allowing for changes to lifestyle and prevention.

The test detects levels of a hormone called Adiponectin, which is secreted by fat cells and is usually present in the blood in high concentrations. “Adiponectin regulates how the body processes lipids and glucose and is a key regulator of insulin sensitivity; low levels are associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

From just one simple blood test, Randox Health can identify the levels of Adiponectin in the body and combine this with a selection of more of our advanced tests, to give you an in-depth analysis of your diabetes risk. If we find you are at risk our team of GPs and specialists can support you in making the lifestyle changes you need to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.”

This unique Diabetes Risk Assessment is available at Randox Health’s flagship clinic at Finsbury Circus London. For further information please call 0870 100 010 or visit www.randoxhealth.com.

LEADING DUE DILIGENCE FIRM CRI GROUP ANNOUNCES REBRAND ABCC member, Corporate Research and Investigations, LLC – better known as CRI Group – has announced that it has a fresh, new “look and feel” for different brand elements including its logo, website (www.CRIGroup.com) with print and online resources for clients.

The brand refresh comes at a time when the award-winning due diligence firm is growing its services and client list around the world.

Founder and CEO Zafar I Anjum said that for CRI Group (pronounced “see-our-eye group”), the update provides a great opportunity to remind clients and customers of the personalised expert services the firm has to offer. These specialties include pre- and post-employment screening, corporate investigations, third-party risk management and other critical due diligence services.

“Our team of experts work closely with our clients to help closely tailor our services to their needs,” Anjum said. “Unlike large corporations that provide similar services, but with too many layers and less specialised attention, CRI Group cuts out the middle man. Our experts work directly with our clients on due diligence, employment screening and other crucial areas to help protect their business.

“Our clients, in turn, see the advantage of this approach when it comes to providing results,” Anjum said.

Visitors to CRI Group’s website, www.

CRIGroup.com, can expect to see News updates, Client Login access, pay online system and many more changes to the look-and-fee. “We want to assure our clients that our excellent level of service has not changed,” Anjum said.

CRI Group was named “Anti-Fraud Advisor of the Year” and “Business Due Diligence Firm of the Year” for the UAE by Acquisition International in 2013.

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14

MEMBERS NEWS

NEW REGULATIONS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE IN DUBAI

By James Henson, Sales Director, Health Matters UK In December 2013, new regulations for health insurance were announced affecting individuals and corporate client employees in Dubai.

The changes to take place in Dubai over the coming years in regard to compulsory healthcare and medical insurance will affect all visitors to the emirate regardless of whether you are on holiday or on business so the details are very important to know.

New Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Health Insurance regime The new ‘Health Insurance Law for the Emirate of Dubai’, detailing the compulsory health insurance law, was published on 15 December 2013. It became effective on 13 February 2014 and will roll out in phases between 2014 and 2016.

Health Insurance will be compulsory for all residents of, and visitors to, the Emirate of Dubai including all free zones within the Emirate.

The level of cover required will differ for UAE nationals, expats and visitors. Residents of Dubai will be required to hold mandated minimum coverage in the form of a Basic Health Plan.

The government of Dubai will be responsible for UAE nationals resident in Dubai. The obligation to provide health insurance cover will fall to employers for their employees (though not their dependents). Where an employee sponsors dependents, the employee will be required to enrol such dependents in the health insurance scheme.

Complying with the health insurance requirements will eventually be a pre-requisite to an individual obtaining a residency or visitor’s visa.

Who will be permitted to provide the mandatory health insurance package?

Only insurers who are qualified by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) as “Participating Insurers” will be permitted to provide the mandated minimum health insurance coverage in the form of a Basic Health Plan to persons resident in Dubai. Our sister company, AXA Insurance Gulf, has been appointed as a ”Participating Insurer” by the DHA.

What requirements must an

Insurer meet to be qualified as a “Participating Insurer”?

Insurers must be licensed by the UAE Insurance Authority and the DHA, and must obtain a DHA health insurance permit (DHA Permit) to be able to offer and provide health insurance in Dubai.

What about visitors to Dubai?

AXA PPP understands that once the regime is implemented for visitors (on a 30 day visitor visa), these individuals will be required to have either (a) medical insurance in place which covers certain minimum medical emergency care (the requirements will be prescribed by the DHA) or (b) a locally issued medical health insurance policy to cover emergency medical care.

What will constitute a ‘Basic Health Plan’?

A Basic Health Plan will cover in-patient (tests, diagnosis, treatment and surgery), maternity (out-patient antenatal, in-patient maternity, new born cover) and out-patient health services. Insurers will not be permitted to deny individuals cover due to pre-existing conditions, although treatment for pre-existing and chronic conditions can be excluded for the first 6 months of cover. The policy claims limit will be AED 150,000. There are also additional requirements which we have not outlined in this document.

What are the timelines for implementation?

The new regime will be rolled out in three phases between 2014 and 2016 and will impact: l Phase 1: employers with 1,000 or more

employees by 31 October 2014.

l Phase 2: employers with 100-999 employees

by 31 July 2015.

l Phase 3: by 30 June 2016 for (i) employers

with fewer than 100 employees (ii) spouses and dependents and (iii) domestic workers.

Implementation timelines for visitors have not yet been communicated.

What about direct settlement through Providers and TPAs? An insurer needs a DHA Permit in order to make payments to healthcare providers and TPAs in Dubai for residents of Dubai. AXA

PPP understands that the DHA will require healthcare providers and TPAs to only carry out business with / provide services to entities that: (a) are licensed to carry on health insurance related business in the UAE and (b) have a DHA Permit in Dubai.

Insurers will also be required to settle claims in accordance with the mechanisms set out by the DHA which will include settling claims through the DHA e-ClaimsLink, something to which a non-admitted insurer would not be able to gain access.

There are not, however, expected to be any regulatory requirements that prevent foreign insurers entering into direct billing / payment arrangements with medical providers in Dubai for medical insurance issued outside of Dubai to visitors.

How does the new DHA health insurance regime affect our customers?

AXA PPP International is able to provide a solution for residents of Dubai through its partnership with AXA Insurance Gulf; a locally licensed insurer who has been qualified by the DHA as a “Participating Insurer”. AXA Insurance Gulf is able to offer the Basic Health Plan and settle treatment bills for residents of Dubai via direct payment arrangements with its extensive network of Providers and TPAs in Dubai.

We will provide further information as more details emerge on this topic, including how the regulations affect visitors to Dubai.

The content of this article is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. AXA PPP makes no warranty that the contents of this document are a correct interpretation of the law.

No reliance should be placed on this document and AXA PPP accepts no responsibility for, or liability in respect of, the legal implications of any such reliance.

This information has been re-produced with the permission of AXA PPP International.

Their website is http://www.axapppinternational.com/ Health Matters UK is a member of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce. James Henson, Sales Director, Health Matters UK, can be contacted below: Tel: 0800 988 0085 Email: james@health-matters.co.uk

e

LIBYA VISA SERVICE

ARAB BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LIBYA Business Visa Service

For visa enquiries please email Therese on t.bebawi@abcc.org.uk or call 0 20 7659 4861

y

1

We are pleased to announce that the Arab British Chamber of Commerce has now reinstated the BUSINESS VISA SERVICE to

LIBYA

If you are traveling on business or taking a trade delegation to the Arab world and need your visa secured quickly and efficiently, the Arab British Chamber of Chamber's Visa Section is the ideal point of contact.

This service is available only to companies based, or with offices, in the UK. The Arab British Chamber of Commerce, 43 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1K 2NJ

founded in 1975, is a membership organisation that exists to promote trade and economic activity between the United Kingdom and the 22 member states of the Arab League. Over the past four decades the Chamber, building on its experience, has developed a range of services which are proved invaluable to Arab and British companies. With the assistance and expertise of our organization, British companies are now able to achieve their international business aspiration.

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16

BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

SOHAR AGRO-TERMINAL TO BOLSTER OMAN’S FOOD SECURITY Construction work on a major agro-terminal project that forms a key component of Oman’s food security strategy will shortly get under way at Sohar Port and Freezone.

Another is the Public Authority for Strategic Food Reserves (PASFR) which will play a lead role in the establishment of the proposed Strategic Food Reserves facility.

The agro-terminal is designed to anchor a new Food Cluster that will take shape on a soon-tobe-vacated waterfront stretch at the industrial port.

Edwin Lammers, Executive Commercial Manager, Sohar Port and Freezone, commented: “The Food Cluster is unique in that it will feature the country’s first dedicated agro bulk terminal designed not only for the handling of wheat and grain shipments on behalf of the government, but also feedstock for the sugar refinery. The facility will also give new impetus to agro-bulk projects, thereby creating a Food Cluster at Sohar Port and Freezone.”

Envisioned within the Food Cluster is the Sultanate’s first ever sugar refinery promoted by private investors, as well as a governmentled initiative to establish a Strategic Food Reserves facility at Sohar Port.

According to a senior port executive, the proposed sugar refinery and Strategic Food Reserves facility will be housed on prime waterfront real estate that until recently served as a Container Terminal operated by Oman International Container Terminal (OICT).

With OICT having recently relocated its operations to a far bigger site further up the quay wall, attention is now focused on clearing the old site before it is handed over to new tenants.

One such tenant is Oman Sugar Refinery Company (OSRC), which plans to set up a world-class plant with a capacity to produce up to 1 million tonnes per annum of refined sugar.

The Strategic Food Reserves project will be a complex of silos for the storage of a variety of grain commodities, including wheat, rice, barley and other types of grain.

The public joint stock Oman Flour Mills SAOG (OFM) has been selected by the government to operate the facility, given its reputation as the country’s largest wheat importer and flour mill.

Investment Opportunities OFM also plans to construct a modern flour mill behind the silo complex, as well as undertake a series of commercial activities centring on commodity trading and agro processing

DP WORLD AWARDS BIG LONDON GATEWAY CONTRACT Dubai’s DP World has awarded a major contract to the Buckingham Group for the construction of a common user facility (CUF) at its London Gateway Logistics Park.

Following a period of ground preparation and development of key infrastructure by DP World, the Buckingham Group is now set to start work on the new logistics centre planned which is due for completion in the first quarter next year.

operation, and the benefit of shared labour and materials handling equipment. The facility will include cross-docking, storage, distribution and multi-user ‘pay-as-you-go’ services.

business opportunities, according to Lammers.

“As the operator of the Agro-Bulk Terminal and grain silos, Oman Flour Mills will be required to attract various types of commercial agro bulk cargoes to Sohar Port in order to achieve the economies of scale necessary to help bring down costs for the government in maintaining the food reserve. Thus, in addition to operating the silos and the terminal facilities, OFM will work towards attracting other types of commercial cargoes.”

While the Food Cluster within the Port area will primarily host facilities for the bulk handling of grain and agro commodities, downstream processing activities and associated spinoff investments will be housed in the Freezone.

“We see significant opportunities for value addition activities in the Freezone based on the important investments that will take place in the Food Cluster at the Port. Bulk refined sugar from the Sugar Refinery, for example, can be packaged into retail packs or made into sugar cubes.

“Likewise, from the milling activities, we foresee opportunities for a variety of processing, baked and other products,” Lammers added.

Oman Observer, 12/06/2014

$96M FOR RURAL ROADS IN MOROCCO The World Bank Group’s Board of Governors has approved a $96.55 million loan in support of the government of Morocco’s Second National Rural Roads Programme (NRRP2) to increase access to all-weather roads for the vast majority of the country’s rural population. The loan will be denominated in euros, at EUR70 million.

The programme, started in 2005, has already led to a significant increase in rural access to roads, with some 10,000 km of roads upgraded or rehabilitated, benefiting 1.8 million people out of a target population of 3 million.

The NRRP2 has two components: the first, financed by the Caisse pour le Financement Routier (CFR), is for the rehabilitation or upgrading of 12,560 km of rural roads (including small, complementary road-related infrastructure), costing the equivalent of $1,450m.

The 375,000 square foot multi-purpose specialist cargo handling centre will be built in two phases and will be fully integrated with the new deep-sea container port DP World London Gateway.

The Common User Facility will have direct connection to Britain’s new port, a major competitive advantage will be the ability to increase reliability as London Gateway port can operate in bad weather such as high wind conditions.

With 9 million sq ft of warehousing and office accommodation, the London Gateway Logistics Park will be the largest of its kind in Europe.

During bad weather in early 2014, DP World London Gateway was the only deep-sea container port that remained open.

The second component is financed by the Moroccan Directorate of Roads, and involves the rehabilitation or upgrading of 3,000 km of rural roads, for the estimated equivalent of $425m.

The Common User Facility will offer 24/7

Trade Arabia News Service, 21/05/2014

World Bank, 09/06/2014

BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

ADX IN LONDON INVESTMENT FORUM Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) CEO Rashed Al Baloushi, was a guest speaker at Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) 2014 in London, where he highlighted the extensive trade and investment opportunities in the UAE and how both Abu Dhabi and the region can foster and stimulate growth over coming years.

The event was organised by Institutional Investor, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and supported by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

Al Baloushi noted that the UAE’s investment appetite was returning strongly, at both the public and private levels, as the economy continues to gather momentum. He highlighted the role that Abu Dhabi’s capital markets can play in attracting investment from UK companies.

ADIF, which is in its fifth year, brought together a global audience of heads of industry and business, money managers, institutional investors and policy makers to hear about the wealth of investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi.

Emirates News Agency, WAM, 29/05/2014

KUWAIT CONSTRUCTION SECTOR TO TOUCH $17.5BN

BY YEAR-END Kuwait’s construction sector has witnessed remarkable growth at a steady pace, driven by the announcement of several infrastructure projects in recent times.

According to a recent report by Ventures Middle East, the construction contracts in the country are set to reach $17.5 billion by the end of 2014 from $9.8 billion in 2011.

Among the major infrastructure projects under various stages of planning and construction are Kuwait International Airport (KIA) re-development project, Kuwait Metro project, and the Kuwait National Rail Road System.

The $698.5 million KIA redevelopment project is one of the key projects in Kuwait, which includes improvement of airport buildings and enhancement of other facilities such as fire stations, rescue centres and service roads. The planned expansion will increase the airport’s annual capacity to 20 million passengers.

The $7 billion Kuwait Metro project is another vital project currently in the stages of design and supervision.

Nearly 65 per cent underground, the Metro will cover more than 160 km, comprising 69 stations on its three lines.

Lastly, the Kuwait National Rail Road System to be built at an investment of $10 billion will be an integrated rail network with a total length of 511 km double track. To be built on a “build, operate and transfer” (BOT) basis, the project is currently in the final process of design with budget and allocation being already made and the tendering process expected to commence soon.

Projects will be showcased at the Big 5 Kuwait, Kuwait’s largest building and construction exhibition, to be held from 22-24 September 2014 at Kuwait International Fair.

Big 5 Kuwait, press release, 15/07/2014

QATAR ‘STILL OFFERS GROWTH POTENTIAL IN TELECOMS DUE TO STRONG OUTLOOK’ Qatar, which has a high 170% mobile penetration ratio, still offers growth potential due to strong outlook on its economy and population expansion.

Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council is all expected to become a 100mn mobile subscriber market by 2020, according to a new study.

Highlighting that mobile subscribers grew strongly by 3.5% quarter-toquarter in the fourth quarter of 2013 to 3.81mn, the Global Investment House reported that despite the high penetration rate of around 170%, “we believe the potential for growth still remains due to forecasted economic and population growth.”

GCC mobile subscribers have grown at 2008-12 compound annual growth of 10.4% driven by de-regulation, entrance of new players and economic growth, the report said, adding mobile subscribers grew by an estimated 2.3% to 84.2mn in 2013.

Gulf Times, 08/06/2014

KINGDOM TOWER TO HAVE WORLD’S FASTEST DOUBLEDECKER LIFT The developers behind Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Tower in Jeddah have claimed it will include the world’s fastest and highest double-decker elevators when finished in 2018.

The Kingdom Tower, which is being built by Saudi Bin Laden Group, will be more than 1km tall upon completion, making it the tallest building in the world.

Jeddah Economic Company (JEC) said lift company Kone had been appointed to construct the lifts, which will have a travel speed of over 10 metres a second and the world’s highest elevator rise at 660 metres, Saudi Gazette reported.

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BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL TO DEVELOP OMANI ENERGY AND FINANCE LEADERS London Business School has announced it will deliver its globally renowned Executive Education programmes to leaders in the finance and energy sectors working in two of Oman’s major companies.

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and the National Bank of Oman (NBO) have enlisted London Business School to deliver executive education and leadership development to their mid to senior leaders.

The School will continue to deliver its ‘Essentials of Leadership’ open programme to PDO, whilst NBO will collaborate with London Business School on a custom Executive Education programme.

The programmes will see London Business School’s world-class faculty deliver the intensive courses in London and Muscat which examine the challenges and successes

leaders face in day-to-day management.

Rahul Dhadphale, Regional Director — Middle East at London Business School, said: “London Business School’s partnerships with PDO and NBO shine a light on Oman’s enormous talent resource and its ambition to build its leadership pipeline. We are looking forward to working together towards fostering a new generation of business leaders that will continue to propel the Sultanate along impressive growth in the energy and financial spheres. “

Oman Observer, 12/06/2014

$26.2M FOR IMPROVING TUNISIA WATER SUPPLY The World Bank announced $26.2 million in additional financing for upgrading water supplies and services in the Greater Tunis area and other cities in Tunisia, as well as for improving the financial situation of the national water utility, Société Nationale d’Exploitation et de Distribution des Eaux (SONEDE).

The Greater Tunis area has about 2.5 million inhabitants, roughly a quarter of the country’s population.

SONEDE serves the entire urban population of 500 towns and cities, as well about 50 percent of the rural population in 2,659 villages and rural communities. In recent years, it has faced higher than anticipated water demand in the Greater Tunis area, requiring urgent production capacity upgrades to avoid water shortages in the medium term.

The World Bank’s additional financing will complement water conservation initiatives to fund the rehabilitation and capacity expansion of the Greater Tunis potable water treatment plant, located at Ghdir-el-Gollah, as well the Belli potable water plant serving the centre of the eastern part of the country to avoid water shortages in the short- to medium-term.

World Bank, 09/06/2014

OMAN SIGNS PACT FOR CLASSIFICATION OF VESSELS Oman’s Ministry of Transport and Communications has signed three agreements with international institutions to classify vessels.

These institutions are Lloyd’s Register, the Korean Register of Shipping and France’s Bureau Veritas.

A classification society is a non-government global organisation that establishes and maintains technical standards for operating ships and offshore structures.

“We are handing over all technical issues related to the safety of vessels (to these classification societies). Any ship owner who wants to register a vessel under the Oman flag has to go through the classification society,” said Rashid bin Mohammed Al Kiyumi, director-general (Maritime Affairs) at the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The classification societies will issue international certificates on maritime safety (safety of both vessels and sailors),

protecting the environment from pollution and for avoiding collision, which are all in line with global standards.

Al Kiyumi said that the idea is to encourage shipping lines to register their vessels in Oman. As many as 10-12 large vessels have Omani flag, which mostly belongs to Oman Shipping Company and National Ferries Company.

Times of Oman, 09/06/2014

BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

BAHRAIN APPROVES NEW HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN A strategy to provide health insurance for Bahrainis and expatriates working in both the public and private sectors has been approved.

Plans to establish an executive committee for the National Health Insurance Programme, which were submitted by Minister of State for Defence Affairs and Supreme Council of Health chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, were given the green light by the Cabinet.

Former Health Minister and Shura Council member Dr Nada Haffadh, who came up with the original strategy in 2006, said providing insurance for everyone in Bahrain was a huge step forward.

“Health insurance will be regulated by the Health Insurance Regulatory Authority, which will be later formed and assigned funding,

and people seeking services will have the choice to select government medical facilities or from the private sector.

“The private sector will have to compete among itself and so does the government, which will help improve services provided by Salmaniya Medical Complex, in return we will have better health services from all.”

Health insurance for expatriates will be covered by sponsors, while the government will shoulder expenses of Bahrainis.

Trade Arabia, 09/06/2014

ARAB MARKETS SHOW HUGE DEMAND FOR SUGAR Bahrain’s Arabian Sugar Company, which came on stream in February, sees room for more refining capacity in the Middle East and North Africa to fill a 7.5 million tonne supply gap.

12.5 million tonnes of white sugar in 2014, with an annual rise in consumption of around 3 to 4 percent.

“The region is still short of refining capacity,” Yves el-Mallat, chief executive officer of the refinery told Reuters.

Substantial new sugar refining capacity is expected to come on stream in the next few years with projects planned in Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Mallat said the MENA is expected to consume

“If you accumulate the total production in this part of the world you will not exceed 5 million tonnes and this is where we come in,” he said.

The refinery, situated in Bahrain’s Industrial Investment Park, will reach full production capacity of around 600,000 tonnes a year, in early 2015.

Reuters, 24/04/2014

NEW PROJECTS TO MAKE JEDDAH TOP BUSINESS HUB IN FIVE YEARS Designs of architectural projects across the Jeddah governorate went on display at the third Jeddah projects exhibition, which was inaugurated at Red Sea Mall by Governor Prince Mishal Bin Majed.

“The new projects will make Jeddah a top global tourism and commercial hub within five years. The city is likely to become one of the most important and attractive destinations in the Middle East after the completion of these new projects,” the governor said.

New and recent Jeddah projects included the King Abdullah Sports City, the Haramain Railway, King Abdulaziz International Airport, several bridges, underpasses and roads and new expansions at the industrial city and Jeddah Islamic Port.

Saudi Gazette, 05/06/2014

QATAR HAS MOST DENSE POPULATION OF MILLIONAIRES IN THE WORLD The amount of private wealth in the booming Asia-Pacific region excluding Japan will overtake Europe this year and the United States 2018, according to a new study by Boston Consulting Group.

The most dense population of millionaires was in Qatar (175 out of every 1,000 households), then Switzerland (127) and Singapore (100).

Private financial wealth around the world increased by 14.6 percent last year to $152 trillion helped by rebounding stock markets, with the Asia-Pacific region seeing a 30.5 percent jump, the BCG report said.

That translated into the number of millionaire households around the world increasing by 2.6 million, to 16.3 million. Close to half were in the US.

The Peninsula, 12/06/2014

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SAUDI-UK

SAUDI-UK INVESTMENT FORUM HIGHLIGHTS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES The first Saudi-UK investment forum sponsored by the Saudi General Investment Authority (SAGIA) was held in London on 20 May. The high-level business event featured a host of leading Saudi and British officials attracting an enthusiastic audience of over 500 including VIP guests who were anxious to learn more about the trade and investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

The Arab British Chamber of Commerce was one of the supporting organisations of the event - along with UKTI, British Expertise and the Saudi-British Business Council - and also attended the gathering.

The conference was called to discuss ways in which UK investors can take advantage of the opportunities created by the growing Saudi Arabian economy and Arab economies generally.

The event succeeded in highlighting the significant investment opportunities that are available to UK companies, investors, and financiers in sectors such as airports, aviation, ICT, healthcare, education and training, infrastructure, transportation, railways, aerospace and defence and petrochemicals.

H E Eng Abdullatif Al-Othman, the Governor of SAGIA, headed an impressive senior delegation from the Kingdom.

A fast-growing young population and strong hydrocarbon revenues are driving sizeable investments in infrastructure in the Kingdom and the wider region, while underpinning strong economic expansion.

The Investment Forum, hosted in association with Euromoney Conferences, set out to outline the advantages for investors wishing to play a role in the country’s growth and to help contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification.

The programme for the forum consisted of a number of panel sessions with key industry participants exploring the new and upcoming opportunities in transport, logistics, technology and healthcare.

Saudi Arabia and the UK already share important economic ties with the Kingdom representing the UK’s largest market in the Middle East and among the top 20 UK export markets globally, with £7.5 billion in exports of goods and services in 2012, and overall bilateral trade worth an estimated £15bn per year.

HE Abdullatif Al-Othman said: “We are very excited to be here in London for the Saudi-UK Investment Forum. The UK and Saudi Arabia have important longstanding economic ties and British businesses are already playing a role in the diversification of the Kingdom’s economy and in creating local jobs.

“We are confident that as both our domestic market and the wider region expand, British businesses will continue to be at the heart of our economic development and look forward to meeting with people this week.”

Saudi Arabia’s economy is one of the world’s largest, ranking 19th in the world for its GDP, that has tripled to $727bn in the past decade alone, while across the wider region, 300 million people are within three hours flight time from the country.

The Kingdom continues to achieve robust economic expansion – real GDP grew 3.8% in 2013 with the IMF projecting growth of more than 4% in 2014.

As SAGIA says Saudi Arabia’s commitment to attracting international investment is reflected in the fact that it is ranked 26th globally in the World Bank’s Doing Business report, second in the MENA region and has attracted more than $12bn of FDI in 2012, the most in MENA, and $114bn in the five years 2008-2012, in spite of the global economic downturn.

The conference began with welcoming remarks from HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the UK and Northern Ireland, who spoke of the close historic ties between the two countries and the need for understanding and respect.

He said that “this might mean taking tea and cucumber sandwiches in London for me, and recently it meant donning Saudi robes and wielding a sword for the Prince of Wales in a

traditional Ardah in Riyadh.”

H E Abdullatif Al-Othman outlined the opportunities for investors within Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom continues its “unprecedented transformation from a simple economy to a G20 country”. He noted the strong legal environment and attractive investment climate from which firms can benefit.

Euromoney Chairman, Richard Ensor, interviewed some leading British investors about their experiences of the Kingdom; Robert Gray of HSBC said ‘to be successful you need to be local and international and the quality of the staff in the Kingdom enables that’; Patrick Van Daele of Shell, a long-term investor in the Kingdom, stressed the importance of supporting Saudi SMEs through innovative partnerships; and Dr John Sfakianakis of MASIC outlined the stability of the political and fiscal position of the Kingdom and how that underpins the nearly $400bn investment programme currently underway.

TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS The first of four panels began with a short overview of the rail, metro, and other projects in the KSA, followed by a panel discussion on the opportunity and challenges of investing in this sector. The discussion highlighted how the extensive development under way in the transport sector in Saudi Arabia was offering potential for British businesses to bring their considerable international expertise to the development of this sector for the long term.

The figures from the Saudi rail sector who took part were: n Wasmi Al-Farraj, Director General,

Expansion Projects, Saudi Railway Organisation

n Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Chief Executive

Officer, Saudi Railway Company

n Fahad Al-Shaikh, Director of Operations

and Maintenance, King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project, Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA).

SAUDI-UK

In addition a number of British businesses shared their experience of working in the Kingdom, namely: n Nigel Ash, Managing Director, Network

Rail Consulting

n Ivor Catto, Chief Executive, Hyder

Consulting

n Alistair Dormer, Global Chief Executive

Officer, Hitachi Rail Systems Business

n Piers Marlow, Business Development

Director, Arriva

n Dom McKenna, Group International

Director, Freightliner Cross-Border

Participants stressed their commitment to utilising Saudi employees and to transferring their knowledge in order to leave a lasting legacy from their investment. The discussions featured the Saudi Arabian Rail Development Programme, the Riyadh Metro Programme (HCDR) as well as the potential role of UK companies.

Alistair Dormer, Hitachi Rail Systems Business, stressed the long-term focus of its approach and the need to train a talented workforce whilst stressing that the Saudi market was an ‘important area of growth’ for the company.

Piers Marlow, Arriva, described Saudi Arabia as the next big thing for his company; Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Saudi Railway Company, stressed the importance of the Saudi Railway Polytechic in training the next generation and outlined the opportunities across all areas of the industry, from infrastructure to operations; Nigel Ash of Network Rail Consulting outlined how both training and practical experience could be provided to Saudis through partnership with UK companies already operating in the industry.

INVESTMENT IN INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY The second panel session looked at the development of technology clusters in the UK and what Saudi Arabia could learn as its own SMEs begin to develop in the technology sector.

The speakers were: n Ahmed Al-Oraini, Director, Saudi

Technology Development and Investment Company (Taqnia)

n Pru Ashby, Head of Technology, London

and Partners

n Tony Raven, Chief Executive, Cambridge

Enterprise

n Amin Al-Shibani, Vice President,

Economic Development, KAUST

The session explained to potential investors

the aims of Saudi Arabia’s investment strategy and looked at how the UK’s experience in areas such as Tech City and its expertise in ICT could help the Kingdom.

HEALTHCARE

of this initiative and making better use of offset between the two countries.

Speakers in this session were: n Abdulhamid Alghuneim, Assistant

Secretary, Economic Offset Committee

The third panel session looked at the extensive opportunities within the healthcare sector in Kingdom as large amounts of investment transform the Kingdom’s medical care and at how UK companies could be part of helping that development to succeed.

n Sir Charles Masefield, Head of Working

The speakers on the panel session were:

The session looked at the successes of the offset programme so far and how it could be adapted and streamlined to improve its effectiveness in Saudi Arabia and to meet the country’s changing economic requirements.

n Mohammed Alyemeni, Deputy Minister for

Planning and Health Economics, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

n Tal Hisham Nazer, CEO, BUPA Arabia n Keith Vander Kolk, CEO, Johns Hopkins

Aramco Healthcare

n Chris Winter, Chairman, Health

Enterprise East (NHS)

The key message was that Saudi Arabia was embarking on major expansion in healthcare and that the country is open to proposals for investment in the every field, from hospital equipment to pharmaceuticals, and is more than ready for innovation and change.

Speaking from the Saudi Government, Mohammed Alyemeni, Deputy Minister for Planning and Health Economics at the Ministry of Health, said that plans to expand the state sector, in particular building some 140 new hospitals, would amount effectively to doubling the size and operations of the Ministry of Heath, which currently run 60 per cent of the country’s healthcare services.

The remaining 40 per cent is split between private and other state enterprises.

Tal Hisham Nazer, chief executive of BUPA Arabia, raised the possibility that Saudi Arabia might in time extend obligatory health insurance to the entire population.

Currently insurance is only obligatory for foreign workers. Likewise, Keith Vander Kolk, chief executive of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, talked about the challenges and opportunities in running a private healthcare enterprise, which he does on behalf of Aramco’s 350,000 employees and pensioners.

Looking at shifts in the emphasis of care, both Mr Vander Kolk and Chris Winter, chairman of a UK National Health Enterprise Board, spoke of a goal to transform the healthcare sector from a sickness service to a preventative service, arguing that it was more efficient to prevent illness than to treat it.

MAKING OFFSET WORK The final session looked at the structural set-up of the Saudi British Economic Offset Progamme, its role in the Kingdom’s private sector and industrial projects, the challenges

Group on Offset, Saudi British Joint Business Council

n Grant Rogan, CEO, Blenheim Capital

Services

Speaking from a Saudi perspective, Abdulhamid AlGhunaim outlined the development of offset noting that it has been successful but is on the edge of a major change. From a UK viewpoint, Grant Rogan commented that in the future the offset programme would see openings in indirect and civil offset and this provided good opportunities for UK SMEs. Sir Charles Masfield announced that within months the SBJBC Offset team would have a list of priority sectors and criteria for qualification for the programme. He said SBJBC would play a very active role in promoting these to UK companies and the panel concluded on a very positive note that important developments to upgrade the profile of the offset programme would be seen before the year’s end.

Co-organiser Euromoney Conferences’ regional head Richard Banks summarised the day at the close of the conference. ‘The success of this event is a product of the shared vision of both governments and, even more importantly, the long-term commercial relationships between the British and the Saudi private sectors’ Banks said. ‘We’re already planning a bigger event for 2015’.

Sources: SAGIA, Euromoney and GoDubai PR

21

22

LAW

FUTURE OF ARBITRATION IN DUBAI The future for arbitration in Dubai just got brighter with the recent announcement that a new Arbitration Institute is to be established in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Dubai Law No. (7) of 2014 amends the DIFC’s founding law and mandates the establishment of a Dispute Resolution Authority within the DIFC consisting of the DIFC Courts, the Arbitration Institute, and other tribunals or bodies established pursuant to the law.

The Arbitration Institute shall have a separate legal personality and is intended to operate independently from other bodies established in the DIFC including the DIFC Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority and the DIFC Courts.

The functions of the Arbitration Institute shall include: n the promotion of the Arbitration Institute

as a hub for the settlement of domestic and international disputes, and of disputes arising out of treaties, by arbitration, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (ADR);

n the preparation and issuance of rules

and procedures required to regulate the administration of arbitration, mediation, and other forms of ADR;

n the education, training and accreditation

of arbitrators, mediators, practitioners and other persons concerned with ADR; and

n entering into co-operation and joint

venture agreements with any local, regional, or international centre, society or organisation specialised in arbitration and ADR.

The Constitution of the Arbitration Institute, to be promulgated by a resolution of the President of the DIFC, shall further define the functions of the Arbitration Institute.

The Arbitration Institute shall have a Board of Trustees comprised of a Chairperson and a number of members, including the Chief Executive of the Arbitration Institute, all of whom shall be independent of the DIFC Courts and appointed by the Chief Justice of the DIFC Courts, Michael Hwang, SC. Chief Justice Hwang is also the President of the Law Society of Singapore, a Vice Chairman of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce, a Vice President of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration, a member of the London Court of International Arbitration, a member of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport, and is Singapore’s non-resident Ambassador to Switzerland.

Once the Arbitration Institute is up and running, the business and legal communities can expect a centre of excellence in arbitration nestled in an environment built upon international best practices.

Between the Arbitration Institute, the DIFC | LCIA Arbitration Centre founded on a partnership between the DIFC and the London Court of International Arbitration, and the DIFC Courts, we would expect heightened investor confidence in enforceable commercial decisions.

By Alec Emmerson and Nassif BouMalhab, Clyde & Co, June 2014

POWER OF ATTORNEY REQUIREMENTS IN ARAB COUNTRIES Over the past few weeks, more than one Trademark Office (TMO) in the Arab region has opted for making some revisions vis-avis the Power of Attorney (POA) formalities.

Reasons vary across the board. Below is a summary of what has recently taken place in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Iraq The Iraqi TMO recently announced that POAs should be in the name of a natural person and thus should include the name of the attorney handling the IP case or at least should give the right of substitution to the attorney in charge. POAs in the name of IP firms will no longer be accepted. The TMO also requires POAs to be submitted at the time of filing.

Saudi Arabia The Saudi TMO announced that the new

deadline for submitting the POA will be 90 days from notification date received from the TMO. Previously, the POA had to be submitted within 30 days from filing date.

This comes as a result of the introduction of an electronic filing system.

UAE Starting May 1, 2014, a POA must be submitted at the time of filing of a new trademark application. This applies to oppositions as well. Previously, POAs could be submitted within 60 days from filing date.

Therefore, following this new procedure, applications and oppositions with missing POAs will not be admissible and an extension of time will not be possible. Applicants should carefully account for this especially when faced with an approaching deadline, such as a Paris Convention priority deadline.

The POA must be legalized up to the UAE consulate.

Elsewhere When it comes to the authentication requirements, in general, under most bylaws of our region, a POA to act must be legalized or notorially executed. Oman and Bahrain are the only two countries that allow for Apostille legalization. Simply signed POAs are accepted in very few countries, namely Algeria, Djibouti, Gaza, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia.

A POA must also be dated. Any POA without an express date of execution is void. In addition to Iraq and UAE, submission of POAs at the time of filing is required by the TMOs of Bahrain, Djibouti, Gaza, Lebanon, Libya, Qatar and Yemen. An extension of time is not possible. A general POA may be used for subsequent filings in all countries except for Algeria and Djibouti.

Saba & Co IP Bulletin, May 2014

LAW

THE IMPORTANCE OF EMERGING REINSURANCE HUBS The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) aims to grow the number of re/insurance firms operating within the Centre to 100 within the next 2 to 3 years. Already, 7 of the top 10 reinsurers in the world have established operations in the Centre.

Lloyd’s of London has recently indicated its intention to establish a presence, on the back of growing Syndicate demand, in the DIFC. The rise of Dubai as a reinsurance hub for the MENA region matches Singapore’s growth as a hub for the Asian market. These hubs now offer the capacity to underwrite all but the largest and most complex risks, without reinsurance buyers having to travel to the more established centres.

What do these emerging reinsurance hubs, strategically positioned to provide access to many emerging markets have to offer? How will the emergence of these hubs impact the traditional worldwide powerhouses for the reinsurance of global risks, which have traditionally been centred in established and historical financial centres such as London, Paris, Munich and Zurich, or newer centres such as Bermuda and Dublin. The traditional centres boast a concentration of capital, technical expertise and first-world business standards.

The emerging reinsurance hubs offer a number of advantages: n Proximity to emerging markets which offer

encouraging growth prospects. The ability for international reinsurers to have a business presence close to these new markets will allow reinsurers to understand the local markets better and build local knowledge regarding the underlying risks.

n Enhancing customer service by having local

offices, operating in local time zones.

n Developing regional skills that are targeted

at the emerging markets through regional staff who deal with local markets on a day to day basis.

n Promoting the development of localised

wordings that are fit for purpose in the local context. This will avoid the all too common phenomenon of international wordings being used to underwrite local business without being adapted to fit the local context.

n A business-friendly approach within

a sophisticated regulatory operating environment. The frameworks created by Singapore and the DIFC are world-class, and are backed up by sophisticated regulators

and judicial / arbitration frameworks. n The ability to streamline and enhance the

distribution process through interaction and continuing development of local brokers and intermediaries.

It is clear from the pattern emerging from hubs such as Dubai and Singapore, that the hubs are not replacing the established centres. Rather, they are serving to extend the global reach of the market players based in those hubs. Most of the entities established in the new hubs are still managed from London, Zurich etc, and are reliant on technical support from those centres.

However, we can increasingly expect to see regional management centres being developed in these hubs as business grows.

The trend towards international reinsurers setting up regional operations in emerging hubs like Singapore and Dubai seems wellestablished. The significance of these regional hubs will increase alongside the development of the emerging markets which they service. In the long run, this can only bode well for the growth of a truly global industry.

By Wayne Jones, Global Reinsurance Intelligence, May 2014

LLOYD’S OF LONDON – PLANS TO ESTABLISH IN THE DIFC Earlier this year Lloyd’s announced plans to establish a permanent presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre, subject to regulatory approval.

With more and more high value risks being written and reinsured with security in the MENA region, earlier this year Lloyd’s of London announced plans to establish an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), subject to regulatory approval. The decision

by Lloyd's to explore a more permanent presence in the DIFC is an interesting one given the presence, in one form or another, of an increasing number of Lloyd’s insurers in the DIFC, with others set to follow.

A number of Lloyd’s insurers provide reinsurance cover for the risks written in the MENA region. Some have established DIFC companies that act as cover holders underwriting business for their respective Lloyd's syndicates.

The MENA region predominantly provides for admitted insurers in large markets such as the UAE, and a moratorium is currently in place that prohibits new entrants to the direct insurance

market. Establishing a presence in the DIFC however, provides a convenient platform to underwrite reinsurance business in the region.

It has been reported that Lloyd’s wishes to set up a full trading platform in the DIFC and is working with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in relation to applicable regulatory regime. Lloyd’s platforms have been set up in a number of other jurisdictions. In certain instances, this has involved a change of the regulatory regime in those jurisdictions to accommodate the unique nature of Lloyd’s trading as an association of underwriters.

It will be intriguing to see the nature of the regulatory environment that would apply to any Lloyd’s platform in Dubai, as the precise format is under consideration. The DFSA may create a special regime for Lloyd’s in the DIFC, which could involve creating a vehicle for Lloyd’s underwriters to establish a physical presence in the DIFC or, possibly, the appointment of Lloyd’s as an agent for London based syndicates or some other regulatory regime.

With the DIFC increasingly developing as a subscription market, an increased Lloyd's

presence may lead to improved consistency of contractual terms used by the market. In particular, law and jurisdiction clauses may be subject to greater scrutiny. Under Dubai law all contracts entered into in the DIFC are automatically open to the jurisdiction of the DIFC Courts.

In addition, Lloyd’s itself would be open to the jurisdiction of the DIFC Courts by virtue of a presence in the DIFC. Whilst English law and jurisdiction are likely to remain a popular choice, there could be room for increased use of the DIFC Courts, which provide a convenient dispute resolution forum in the MENA region. Indeed, the DIFC Courts are starting to hear more jurisdiction disputes involving reinsurances placed in the region.

Whilst the full commercial impact on the regional markets and the manner of doing insurance business in the DIFC remains to be seen, undoubtedly the news of Lloyd's plans serves to underline the burgeoning reinsurance hub that the DIFC has become.

Insurance Review, 16/04/2014

23

24

EXPO 2020

EXPO 2020 TO HELP BOOST REGION’S ECONOMIES The economic impact of World Expo 2020 in the Middle East and North Africa is valued at €17.7 billion (Dh89.89 billion), according to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The six-month event, which Dubai won the bid to host in November 2013, will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia regions.

Expo 2020 will run from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021 at Dubai Trade Centre, Jebel Ali. It is expected to attract a total of 25 million visitors.

“The fact that Dubai is itself strategically located within four hours of a third of the world’s population this Expo has potential for wider impact leading up to the event and afterwards for years to come,” said Mutasem Dajani, Deloitte’s UAE regional managing partner.

New infrastructure related to Expo 2020 and operational costs are estimated to be €6.45 billion. Major on-site construction work is set to be completed by October 2019.

Over the next six years, more than 275,000 jobs are likely to be created across the region to service Expo 2020, in different sectors including tourism, aviation, real estate, construction, transportation, logistics and retail, the DWTC said in the statement.

“Dubai is targeting a 5 per cent growth rate for the next 5 years with macro stability,” Mohamed Lahouel, chief economist of the Dubai Economic Department, said.

“Dubai expects a 10 per cent growth in visitor numbers every year till 2020 which will meet the 20 million visitor target even if there was no Expo. I see a Dh90bn opportunity for Dubai’s SMEs with the amount of construction, infrastructure and sales that will be generated.”

Mr Lahouel said the Dubai Government was working to ensure that SMEs avail themselves of the opportunities offered by Expo 2020.

“Our unique geographic location connects us to a third of the world through a four-hour flight and two-thirds of the world through an eight-hour flight,” said Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and managing director of the Expo 2020 Executive Body.

“China and India are among our biggest trading partners and our trade with Africa has increased 600 per cent since 2000,” the minister said.

In Dubai, where hotel occupancies are above 80 per cent, Expo 2020 is estimated to require 50,000 more rooms in more than 200 properties of all categories, from budget to luxury, which is expected to create 100,000 new jobs in tourism and hospitality.

Ahmed ElShrif, Middle East director for the US-based workforce management consultancy Kronos, commented: “Statistics predict that Dubai can expect over 25 million visitors over the six months of Expo 2020. To accommodate these people, the number of hotels will need to double and that will prompt a rapid demand for a reliable workforce.

“The hospitality sector in Dubai still has more than five years to prepare for that, but what they should be more focused on is how they can manage the aftermath of the Expo. What many experts are predicting is that hotels will most likely face the problem of being overstaffed when the event is over and will see an unbalanced supply-demand ratio.”

Bank of America Merrill Lynch estimates a boost to the Dubai economy valued at $23 billion in the years running up to 2020, while Arabia Monitor forecast total receipts from visitors to Expo 2020 could reach $60 billion.

Most UAE residents expect Expo 2020 to have a positive impact on their lives before and after the event, according to a survey of residents by strategic research company, Insight Discovery.

95 per cent of respondents were interested in the Expo, out of which 62 per cent expressed strong interest, while 88 per cent said it will impact their lives positively.

Expo 2020 is likely to boost Dubai’s attractiveness as a strategic base for overseas businesses that wish to invest and operate in the wider Middle Eastern markets.

“It is easy to forget that there are still a great many companies around the world that do not have operations in the Middle East and have never invested here, and Expo 2020 should be yet another important component of any strategy to give Dubai a more prominent place in the business world,” said Humphry Hatton, CEO of Deloitte Corporate Finance reported Gulf News.

Sources: Gulf News, The National

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

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25

26

ARABIC SECTION

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Attendees of the evening (Poetry & Drawings)

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ARABIC SECTION

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27

‫‪ARABIC SECTION‬‬

‫وعبرت الدكتورة الشولي في كلمتها عن‬ ‫امتنانها لكل من حضر األمسية‪ ،‬وقرأت‬ ‫للحضور قصيدتين من ديوانها "زهر‬ ‫اللوز"‪ ،‬األولى بعنوان "اعتذار زهرة‬ ‫اللوز" والثانية بعنوان "األزهار رائحة و‬ ‫وطن"‪ ،‬ومن ثم قدمت السيدة مشتاوي‬ ‫الفنانة إيمان اللويمي‪ ،‬وقالت أن "زهر‬ ‫اللوز جمع الجمال من أطرافه‪ ،‬فإلى‬ ‫جانب الشعر رصعت الدكتورة الفنانة‬ ‫إيمان منصور اللويمي صفحاته بلوحات‬ ‫من الرسم الواقعي والسريالي حيث‬ ‫تغازلت الكلمات واأللوان في حفل جميل‬ ‫جمع بشكل ّ‬ ‫قل مثيله بين شخصية‬ ‫الشاعر والرسام في آن واحد"‪.‬‬

‫الدكتورة الرسامة إيمان اللويمي‬

‫ثم تقدمت الدكتورة اللويمي بالشكر والتقدير للحضور‪ ،‬وأعربت عن سعادتها الكبيرة لخوض هذه التجربة الجديدة‪ ،‬وتحدثت عن‬ ‫املعرض وكيف أنها استوحت لوحاتها من روح قصائد الدكتورة الشولي‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫وكذلك قام بتقديم ديوان "زهر اللوز" الشاعر واإلعالمي عرفان عرب مشبها قصائد الشولي وكتاباتها بالكتاب الكبار من أمثال‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وتطل علينا بعض من رموز أليوت‬ ‫أليوت والسياب وجبران خليل جبران‪ ،‬قائال "نطرب بالناي بين السطور من نفحات جبران‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫للسياب‪ ،‬ونسمع تراتيل من سماوات ال ُيطار إليها إال بالحلم‪ ،‬وتنسكب زرقة عينيها في‬ ‫وحزن فيكتور هوغو‪ ،‬واألناشيد الباكية‬ ‫سماء األوطان‪.‬‬ ‫وشهدت األمسية توقيع الدكتورة الشولي لديوانها بالقلم الذي أهداها والدها لهذه الغاية‪ ،‬وقامت بإهداء الديوان لكل من حضر‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ويضم‬ ‫األمسية‪ ،‬بينما قامت الدكتورة اللويمي بشرح اللوحات للحضور وتوقيع وإهداء بطاقات تحمل بعض من رسوماتها لهم‪.‬‬ ‫الديوان ست عشرة قصيدة وبعض القصائد مكتوبة باللغتين الفرنسية واإلنجليزية إضافة إلى العربية ‪.‬‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫وقد نال املعرض إعجاب الحضور الذين وصفوه بالفريد من نوعه السيما أنه نظم وأشرف عليه نساء سعوديات من مستويات‬ ‫أدبية وعلمية راقية‪ .‬وجمع املعرض بين التألق واألناقة والبساطة في نفس الوقت‪.‬‬ ‫وتلقت السيدتين سامية الشولي وإيمان اللويمي الشكر من لدن صاحب السمو امللكي األمير محمد بن نواف بن عبدالعزيز آل‬ ‫سعود سفير خادم الحرمين الشريفين باململكة املتحده والتقدير على جهودهن في مجال إبراز دور املرأة السعودية في عالم الفنون‬ ‫ً‬ ‫التشكيلية واألدبية‪ ،‬وأعرب سموه عن فخره وإعتزازه بما يحققه املبتعثين من الشباب السعودي من نجاح ّ‬ ‫وتميز مؤكدا حرصه على‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أبناء وبنات وطنه من الطلبة والطالبات املتواجدين في بريطانيا‪ ،‬ومتابعته لهم شخصيا ودعمهم على مسيرتهم التعليمية ملا فيه‬ ‫خدمة الدين الحنيف والوطن الغالي‪.‬‬

‫‪28‬‬

‫‪29‬‬

‫ ‪ARABIC SECTION‬‬

‫أمسية شعرية في غرفة ألتجارة ألعربية ألبريطانية‬ ‫زهر أللوز حب ووطن شع ًرأ ورسماً‬

‫الدكتورة سامية الشولي تهدي نسخة موقعة من ديوانها‬

‫ّ‬ ‫تم في شهر نيسان (أبريل) ‪ 4102‬إقامة أمسية شعرية في مقر غرفة التجارة العربية البريطانية في لندن‪ ،‬وتعتبر هذه األمسية األولى‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫من نوعها من حيث أنها شهدت إطالق ديوان شعر إضافة إلى معرض فني‪ ،‬قرأت خالله قصائد الشعر برفقة ريشة الفنان‪ ،‬للثنائي‬ ‫املبدع الطبيبة الشاعرة سامية الشولي والطبيبة الفنانة إيمان اللويمي‪ .‬وحضر األمسية جمهور واسع من بريطانيا وكذلك من‬ ‫الجالية العربية في لندن‪.‬‬ ‫افتتحت األمسية الدكتورة ملياء اإلمارة مسؤول قسم العضوية في الغرفة وذلك بإلقائها كلمة ترحيب ومن ثم قامت الشاعرة مريم‬ ‫مشتاوي بتقديم الثنائي الجميل‪ ،‬وشاركها بإلقاء املقدمة األستاذ جاك من جامعة الدراسات الشرقية واألفريقية في لندن‬ ‫(‪ .)SOAS‬وبدأت الشاعرة مشتاوي كلمتها بالترحيب بالحضور تبعها تقديم الدكتورة الشولي حيث قالت‪ :‬أن "الدكتورة سامية‬ ‫َ‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫ٌ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ألوان‬ ‫الوطن البعيد ‪ -‬القريب‪ ،‬الذي تلونه‬ ‫أجواء نكاد نشم فيها رائحة‬ ‫الشولي شاعرة الوطن والطبيعة واألنوثة‪ .‬وها هي ترسم لنا‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫معالم الربيع‪ .‬ومع‬ ‫عذوبتها راسمة بطيرانها‬ ‫ال يوجد أبهى وال أزهى منها"‪ .‬وأضافت "ال تنفصل عن الوطن طبيعت ُه‪ ،‬التي تكاد تطير من‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫ٌ‬ ‫عالم تصحبنا فيه معها‬ ‫نصوصها إلى عالم أغنى من عالم الخذالن الواقعي‪،‬‬ ‫الوطن والطبيعة تتماهى أنوثة قصائدها‪ ،‬فتحملنا‬ ‫ُ​ُ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫املضيئة تحت رذاذ املطر في الليل‪ .‬فهي بحق شاعرة الحل ِم والحب والطفولة املتجددة ‪...‬‬ ‫شوارع ِه‬ ‫ومصابيح‬ ‫الخيالية‬ ‫على طرقاته‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫‪..‬يا جميلة الروح هنيئا لنا ولك بزهر اللوز ‪ .....‬وشكرا لرائحة الزهر والبنفسج والزنبق التي تفوح من باقة الكلمات املغموسة بتراب‬ ‫الوطن"‪.‬‬

‫ ‬

30

MOROCCO OIL AND GAS

MOROCCO SEEKS TO BOOST OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION According to the general director of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), Amina Benkhadra, Morocco possesses all the conditions to establish a viable petroleum system.

And in the wake of the first Moroccan oil and gas summit organized by ONHYM in early May in Marrakech, Benkhadra spoke about oil exploration in the country.

Ms Benkhadra is the number-one contact for oil companies wishing to operate in Morocco.

Convinced of the potential of the Moroccan subsoil, Benkhadra believes that investments made in this sector are encouraging and that the country must keep up the pace of progress to hope for good news.

Explorations in Morocco actually began in 1912. Currently, we have scientific information confirming that Morocco has favourable geology and sedimentary basins that have potential but are underexplored from the geoscientific perspective, she said. All these elements suggest that there may be a functioning oil system.

Overall, the investment in (drilling operations) is not sufficient in relation to the extent of the available sedimentary basins. Although we began [exploration operations] in 1912, the current well density in Morocco remains very low. There is a density of 0.04 wells per 100,000 square kilometers [38,610 square miles], compared to the global average of 10 wells per 100,000 square kilometers. We are currently going through an important stage in terms of investment works and drilling operations, and we must maintain these activities to be able to make new discoveries.

We offer two types of contracts. The first is a reconnaissance license for an initial period of one renewable year. The second is a prospecting license extending over a period of eight years. Therefore, it all depends on the zone chosen by the partner. When the zone is not sufficiently explored, we would rather grant a reconnaissance license to conduct relevant studies. The exploration license will be granted once ONHYM obtains sufficient data on the zone.

The hydrocarbon law entrusts ONHYM to prepare and negotiate agreements. Moreover, our national office is in charge of geological studies, and looks for potential partners. In this respect, our teams are on the move at all oil events around the world. They even organize door-to-door campaigns targeting companies

to explain and present geological information about the various basins.

Once ONHYM prepares the contract and its various aspects, the said contract shall be submitted to the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Finance for approval.

Exploration companies receive special treatment from the tax authorities. They enjoy exemptions from customs duties and VAT during the exploration phase. Should the exploration generate good results, the law provides for a tax exemption for the first 10 years.

In the exploration field, all of Moroccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations, from the north to south, are legal. Regarding the southern provinces, our position is clear; explorations are legally conducted. A UN legal adviser has confirmed this and indicated that in case of development and production, it is necessary that local people reap the benefits. We are currently in the process of clarifying the method of management of the southern areas.

Morocco is considered a frontier zone, i.e., an area where there has not been a large oil discovery yet. Moreover, we compete with other

countries, and each imposes its conditions. In the past, 51% of proceeds were allocated to the state but this did not help us attract investors.

We currently offer conditions that are deemed the most attractive in the world to increase our chances of discovery. (The hydrocarbon law allows drilling companies 75% of the proceeds [made from discoveries], while 25% of these proceeds revert to the Moroccan state.)

We have known since 1980 that Moroccan soil contains 50 billion barrels of oil shale, which places us in the sixth position worldwide.

The problem in exploiting this type of rock remains of a technological order. Estonia is the only country that has managed to produce electricity from oil shale, but this is very harmful for the environment.

There are semi-industrial pilot processes that produce a bit of oil and gas, but no industrial process has been developed. Numerous companies are working in this direction and we are discussing with them the testing of these processes in the basins of Tarfaya and Timahdite.

Al-Monitor, 04/06/2014 (heavily edited version)

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32

TENDERS

TENDERS EGYPT SUPPLY OF COMPUTERS AND EQUIPMENT (SIX TENDERS) Tender Nos: 120, 128, 135, 139 & 1439 & 140 Scope of Work Six tenders for the supply of (a) multipurpose copiers, an optical scanner for A 5 paper size, also a multipurpose colour printer for up to A 3 size at subordinated stations and departments, (b) supply of computers for the Scada System and other lap top computers, (c) a quarter sheet printing machine, 25 x 50 cms. size for the headquarters print shop, (d) an annual contract for the maintenance of the company’s telephone exchanges, (e) stationery & office requisites and (f) 20 HP LaserJet printers of 1102 model.

Document Cost: LE200, LE200, LE1,000, LE100, LE150 & LE100 Bid Bond: LE6,500, LE3,000, LE20,000, LE1,500, LE5,000 & LE450 Contact Potable Water Co of Alexandria 61 El Horria Ave Alexandria Deadline: 15/07/2014

INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC AUCTION FOR a Project to Design, Build, Manage, Maintain and Re-handover the Third Container Terminal Scope of Work Request for best offers and proposals in an international public auction for a project to design, build, manage, maintain and rehandover the third container terminal (C.T3) with a total area of 470,000 sq.m under BOT contract system for a concession period of 30 years. This is a repeated auction with extended deadline.

Document Cost: LE3,000 Bid Bond: $2,000,000 Contact Alexandria Port Authority, the General Department for Commercial Affairs Customs Gate 10, Alexandria Tel: 03 - 4874322/ 4832612 Deadline: 03/08/2014

IRAQ

OMAN

MINISTRY OF RECONSTRUCTION AND Housing

PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN, BUILD, OPERATE OF DIBA - LIMA - KHASAB ROAD PROJECT (SECTION -2)

Tender No: 36 -2014 State Corporation for Roads and Bridges advertising the tender for Completion Of Bituminous Gravel Base course Of Al Gattara Road Of 15Km Length in Al Dywaniya Governorate Estimation cost: ID2 340 000 000 Classification (9 /1/17) of Investment plan Contact: State Corporation for Roads and Bridges C/O Ministry of Construction and Housing Building Iraq, Baghdad Tel: +964 1-537-3029 Fax: +964 1-537-2381 Email: turuq@turruqjissor.imariskan.gov.iq Website: www.turruqjissor.imariskan.gov.iq

MINISTRY OF RECONSTRUCTION AND HOUSING ADVERTISEMENT OF PREQUALIFICATION TENDER NO: 16 -2014 State Corporation for Roads and Bridges advertising (For The Second Time ) the tender of Maintenance of Four Roads in Karbala Governorate :a- Karbala/Razaza /Al Akaider from station (00+0) – (500+11) / Estimation Cost 2 086 425 000ID b- Overlaying of Al Husainiya Al Wind Road of (3.6) Km at Al Husainiya Municipality Boundaries the check point of Abu Sulaiman River Estimation Cost ID998 825 000 Contact State Corporation for Roads and Bridges C/O Ministry of Construction and Housing Building Iraq, Baghdad Tel: +964 1-537-3029 Fax: +964 1-537-2381 Email: turuq@turruqjissor.imariskan.gov.iq Website: www.turruqjissor.imariskan.gov.iq

MINISTRY OF RECONSTRUCTION AND HOUSING ADVERTISMENT OF PREQUALIFICATION TENDER NO 34 -2014 Construction of Second Carriageway Of Baquba/Bani Saad/Baghdad Old Road of 43Km Length (The Second Stage/Kan Bani Saad/ Baghdad Part Of 21.2Km Length 3/1/7/20 of Investment plan Estimation Cost: ID18 981 157 104 Contact State Corporation for Roads and Bridges C/O Ministry of Construction and Housing Building Iraq Baghdad Tel: +964 1-537-3029 Fax: +964 1-537-2381 Email: turuq@turruqjissor.imariskan.gov.iq Website: www.turruqjissor.imariskan.gov.iq

Tender No: 15/2014 Document Cost: OR400 Contact Contact Oman Tender Board Muscat Oman PO Box 787/133 Al Khuwair Tel: +968 24602652 Tenderom@Omantel.net.om http://www.tenderboard.gov.om/eng/ Deadline: 07/07/2014

QATAR EPIC FOR ADDITIONAL AFTERCOOLERS AT RG PLANT, DUKHAN Tender No: GT14108300 Bid Bond: QR150,0000 Document Cost: QR500 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212 Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000 Fax: (974) 4483 1125 www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 20/07/2014

MANPOWER CONTRACT FOR MAINTENANCE OF PIPELINE AND STATIONS AT MESAIEED, DOHA Tender No: GT14107600 Bid Bond: QR350,000 Document Cost: QR500 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212 Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000 Fax: (974) 4483 1125 www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 13/07/2014

TENDERS

SITE CLEANING SERVICES ON A CALL-OFF BASIS IN DUKHAN FIELDS

UPGRADING FOR INTERIOR FINISHES OF ROYAL COMMISSION BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Tender No: GT14108200 Bid Bond: QR180,000 Document Cost: QR500 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212 Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000 Fax: (974) 4483 1125 www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 13/07/2014

Tender No: PO5175 Scope of Work The work includes procurement, upgrading, testing, commissioning and all necessary and associated work for a sound and complete upgrading for interior finishes of Royal Commission buildings and facilities, all in accordance with the Contract Documents.

The Project is located at Madinat Yanbu AlSinaiyah (MYAS), the duration of this project is 330 days.

Contact Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (Yanbu) PO Box 30031 Yanbu Tel: 3216000 www.rcyanbu.gov.sa/supplymanagement Deadline: 08/07/2014

SAUDI ARABIA CONSTRUCTION OF SECONDARY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BOTH A MALE AND FEMALE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS Tender No: 097-C73R Scope of Work Scope of work of this project includes construction of secondary infrastructure for both a male and female university campus capable of accommodating 18,000 students plus teaching and support staff (approximately 1,800 persons).

The work includes construction of roads and parking lots, sanitary wastewater system, potable and fire water distribution, irrigation system, electrical power, street lighting system chilled water piping system including two (2) pump stations and switch buildings.

Request for Proposal (RFP) documents will be available for purchase from the Royal Commission Building, Jubail Contact Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (Jubail) PO Box 12345 Jubail Tel: 123456 Deadline 08/07/2014

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF EDUCATIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Tender No: POM H-2540 Scope of Work The work includes all management labour, materials, supervision administration, technical professional services, equipment, vehicles, stationary, transport, supplies, spare parts required to satisfactory carry out and perform the operation and maintenance services for equipment for industrial college and technical institute at Madinat Yanbu AL-Sinaiyah. The period of performance shall be 3 years.

Contact: Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (Yanbu) PO Box 30031 Yanbu Tel: 3216000 www.rcyanbu.gov.sa/supplymanagement Deadline: 08/07/2014

DEVELOPMENT AND UPGRADE OF PUBLIC AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES FOR EXTERNAL WORKS Tender No: PO5212 Scope of Work Work includes procurement, upgrading, testing, commissioning and all necessary and associated work for a sound and complete upgrading for exterior finishes of Royal Commission buildings and facilities. The period of performance shall be 330 day.

Contact Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (Yanbu) PO Box 30031 Yanbu Tel: 3216000 www.rcyanbu.gov.sa/supplymanagement Deadline: 01/07/2014

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF AUTOMATIC ROAD PAVEMENT AND ROAD ASSET EVALUATION EQUIPMENT Tender No: PO5158 Scope of Work Contractor shall undertake the Supply, Delivery, Testing and Commissioning of brand new Self-Propelled High Capacity Equipment for Survey and Automatic Evaluation of Road Pavement and Road Asset period of supply (180) days.

Contact Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (Yanbu) PO Box 30031 Yanbu Tel: 3216000 www.rcyanbu.gov.sa/supplymanagement Deadline: 07/07/2014

UAE SUPPLY OF LOW VOLTAGE HRC FUSE LINKS Tender No: 2051400032 Document Cost: AED200 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 02/07/2014

JEBEL ALI POWER STATION M-EXTENSION PROJECT Tender No: 2131400031 Document Cost: AED5000 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 12/08/2014

MAINTENANCE & CERTIFICATION OF EOT CRANES IN VARIOUS 132 KV DEWA SUBSTATIONS Tender No: 2121400009 Document Cost: AED200 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 30/06/2014

33

34

QATAR

QATAR SEES EXPANSION OF NON-OIL SECTOR Oil and gas accounted for around 51.5% of Qatar’s economic output in 2013 and investment in upstream and downstream capacity look set to ensure future growth.

As the largest LNG exporter in the world, Qatar has succeeded in monetarising this resource through an integrated production and distribution system.

The country is cooperating with international partners in order to establish three new petrochemicals facilities at the moment, which will help expand domestic output.

Investment in research and development is also significant.

Infrastructure is receiving a comprehensive overhaul with airports, seaports, highways and railways all under construction.

In 2013 Qatar dedicated a budget of $45 billion to finance transport infrastructure which is seen as key to supporting logistics, exports and re-exports.

The construction sector grew by some 13% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2013, an indication of the impact of the spending on infrastructure and with projects valued at more than $222bn in the pipeline sector growth for 2014 is forecast to reach 15%.

Spending on infrastructure is set to rise to £150bn in the run-up to 2022.

The tourism sector is a priority growth area for national development and the number of foreign visitors has been on a steady rise. Business travellers and visitors from neighbouring Gulf countries are the mainstays of the sector.

Qatar’s growing reputation as a sporting and shopping destination is also contributing to the growth in the tourism market.

Providing excellent education and training opportunities for its citizens is a public policy priority. The country’s leaders have devoted a lot of attention to investing in education resulting in numerous partnerships with leading foreign universities and institutes in order to establish new research units and educational facilities.

The population of Qatar surpassed the two million mark in 2013 highlighting the importance of ensuring a regular supply of quality food and water.

The country’s national food security programme has set domestic production

targets based on the most efficient use of its water and land resources.

At present Qatar imports more than 92% of its food needs, but increasing local food production to meet growing demand is a policy priority as the population increases.

Industry Economic diversification is a major objective with the expansion of industry and manufacturing playing an increasingly important role.

The investment climate has been improved in recent years through the adoption of new laws, the streamlining of administration and incentives to attract investors.

As a result of these public efforts industrial and manufacturing output was the fastestgrowing sector between 2012 and 2013 during which period manufacturing saw a 12.5% growth.

Support for investors includes the provision of supplies of power, water and gas at competitive rates, cheaper land allocations, concessions on corporate tax and exemptions from export duties on plant and equipment, raw materials and packaging materials.

Industries Qatar was established as a joint stock company in 2003 to encourage greater investment in the country’s industrial and manufacturing sector. The company has a growing influence in the market.

The total value of Qatar’s manufacturing output was estimated at $18.2bn in 2012 and this comprised refining, petrochemicals, chemicals among other manufacturing activities.

Apart from chemicals and petrochemicals, Qatar has also invested to develop steel and aluminium.

For example, Qatar entered into a joint venture with Algeria in 2013 to build a new steel plant with an annual capacity of 4m tonnes and this is expected to open in 2017.

ICT Sector The development of the country’s ICT sector over recent years has been a success story

with new technologies driving value-added services, data consumption and new revenue streams.

Liberalisation of the telecommunications market began in 2006 when the government broke up the monopoly of Qtel.

Computer penetration more than doubled between 2008 and 2012, from 32% to 67%, while internet use grew from 36% to 69% over the same period.

Today continuing developments of web infrastructure and support for technological innovation are factors that push the sector forward. Qatar’s first 4G network was launched in April 2013.

Qatar is currently the only Arab country to rank in the top 30 in the International Telecommunications Union’s ITC Development Index.

It is now a decade since the Qatar Science and Technology Park, a $600m free zone for research purposes, was established by the Qatar Foundation. It is the home to numerous international companies such as Microsoft, CISCO, GE, Vodafone and Huawei.

As a free zone, the park offers generous incentives such as tax breaks, foreign ownership, the opportunity to sponsor expatriate staff and repatriate capital and profits.

The Qatar Computing Research Institute was established in 2010 to promote IT innovations through research into Arabic-language technology and has achieved some success.

By 2013 scientists at the institute had filed more than 60 patents.

The institute has also achieved some success in finding commercial applications for its research breakthroughs. Thus the IT sector in Qatar looks like it will offer significant potential for expansion in future.

Information for this report has been obtained from the new Qatar 2014 Report produced by Oxford Business Group. The full report is over 320 pages long and can be obtained from OBG, see: http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup. com/country/Qatar

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Registered Office: 13-15 Moorgate, London EC2R 6AD. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Not all products and services are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

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TRADE SERVICES

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

FOREIGN OFFICE SERVICE

BUSINESS EVENTS

BUSINESS EVENTS, TRADE FAIRS AND CONFERENCES 2ND NAJAF INTERNATIONAL FAIR FOR ENGINES AND AUTOMOBILES 1-4 September 2014 Najaf, Iraq Contact Golden Falcon Fairs Email: info@goldenfalconfairs.com www.goldenfalconfairs.com SAUDI AGRICULTURE The 33rd International Agriculture, Water and Agro-Industry Show...

The Middle East’s Largest Agriculture Show 7-10 September 2014 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Contact REC Tel: 00 966 11 229 5604 Fax: 00 966 11 229 5612 info@recexpo.com SAUDI MEGA TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS 2014 15 - 18 September 2014 Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Contact MEED Events Tel: +971 4 390 0049 Fax: +971 43688025 PO Box: 25960 Dubai Email events@meed.com www.meed.com BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL FAIR FOR WATER AND ELECTRICITY TECHNOLOGIES Baghdad, Iraq 17-20 September 2014 Contact M&T Tel: 07711203040 Email: info@mandtiraq.com

MENA WATER 2014 28-30 September 2014 Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi Contact MEED Events Caroline Frank Head of Operations Tel: +971 (0) 4 818 0277 Mobile: +971 (0) 56 175 0124 Email: caroline.frank@meed.com www.menawaterconference.com

SAUDI RAIL SHOW The International Exhibition for Rail, Metro Lines & Urban Transportation 27 -29 October 2014 Contact REC Group PO Box 56010 Riyadh 11554 Tel: +966 1 2295604 Fax: +966 1 2295612 Email: info@recexpo.com

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 12-16 October 2014 Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE Contact Yvonne Zeljkovic Exhibition Director Tel: 00 971 4 3086183 Fax: 00 971 4 318860 Email: gitex@dwtc.com www.gitex.com

SAUDI TRADE FINANCE SUMMIT 2014 5-6 November 20914 Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Contact Manmit Kaur Email: manmit@qnainternational.com/ info@qnainternational.com http://sauditradefinance.com

OGE IRAQ - BAGHDAD Iraq International Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference 15 - 16 October 2014 Contact IFP Group Tel: +961 5 959111 Fax: +961 5 955361 Email: ims@ifpgroup.net www.ifpiraq.com 4RD ANNUAL SOLAR ARABIA SUMMIT 19-20 October 2014 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Contact Tel: +971 44 55 7956 Email register@solarenergyseries.com www.eyeofriyadh.com

BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL HOUSING & INVESTMENT FAIR Baghdad, Iraq 17-20 September 2014 Contact M&T Tel: 07711203040 Email: info@mandtiraq.com

BASRAH BUILDING 21-24 October 2014 The 4th International Building, Construction, Municipal Equipment, Natural Stone, Machinery and Equipment Exhibition Basrah, Iraq Contact PYRAMIDS GROUP FAIRS Tel: +90 216 575 28 28 Email: info@basrahbuilding.com http://www.basrahbuilding.com/

PAPER ARABIA 2014 Mideast exhibition for the paper industry 21-23 September 2014 DIEC, Dubai, UAE Contact Lamyae Zafati Exhibition Manager Al Fajer Email: lamyaa@alfajer.net Tel: +9714 340 6888, Fax: +9714 340 3608 www.paperarabia.com

OMAN PROJECTS FORUM 2014 Reviewing Oman’s Project Market and upcoming Opportunities 26 - 28 October 2014 Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel, Muscat, Oman Contact MEED Events Email: meedevents@meed.com Tel: 00 971 4 818 0224 Website: www.meed.com/events/omanprojects-forum-2014/3178612.article

6TH ANNUAL MIDDLE EAST DISTRICT COOLING SUMMIT For government authorities, decision makers, regional project stakeholders , master project developers and end users, leading research institutes and consultancy firms, technology and solution providers 10 - 11 November 2014 Doha, Qatar Contact Rahul Bihani Marketing - Utilities Fleming Gulf Tel: +91 779 509 4721 Email: rahul.bihani@fleminggulf.com http://energy.fleminggulf.com/ medcs2014 SAUDI BUILD 2014 The 26th International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition -Capture the Kingdom’s Leading Construction Opportunities 10-13 November 2014 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Contact Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) Tel: +966 11 229 5604 Fax: +966 11 229 5612 info@recexpo.com THE BIG 5 SHOW 2014 The largest construction exhibition in the Middle East 17-20 November 2014 DIEC, Dubai, UAE Contact Walis Marketing Consultants Email: Thebig5@wallis-mc.com Tel: +971 4 390 1950 www.thebig5.ae

SIAL MIDDLE EAST The ME Food Exhibition 24-26 November 2014 Adnec, Abu Dhabi, UAE Contact SIAL Middle East FZ LLC Tel: +971 (0)2 401 2949 Fax: +971 (0)2 401 1949 Email: info@sialme.com www.sialme.com LIBYA ENERGY – INTERNATIONAL ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDINGCONSTRUCTION Conference & Exhibition 4-7 December 2014 Tripoli, Libya Contact PYRAMIDS GROUP FAIRS Tel: +90 216 575 28 28 Email: info@libyaenergyexpo.com www.libyaenergyexpo.com MISSAN INTERNATIONAL FAIR FOR BUSINESS & INVESTMENT Missan City, Iraq 23-26 February 2015 Contact IFP Group Tel: +961 5 959111 Fax: +961 5 955361 Email: ims@ifpgroup.net www.ifpiraq.com QATAR PROJECTS CONFERENCE 2015 17 - 19 March 2015 Contact MEED Events Tel Customer service: 971 (0)4 390 0699 www.qatarprojectsconference.com ABCC EVENTS For details of all forthcoming ABCC events please see the website: http://www.abcc.org.uk/Events

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HELPING TRADE FLOW

Europe Arab Bank is uniquely positioned to help your business take advantage of Europe and North America trade ďŹ&#x201A;ow and investment opportunities in MENA. As part of the Arab Bank Group, with the largest banking network in the Arab region, you gain seamless access to 19 MENA countries and a network of 600 branches around the world.

Learn more: www.eabplc.com +44 (0)20 7315 8500 Š Europe Arab Bank plc 2014 All Rights Reserved. Registered in England and Wales number 5575857. Registered Office: 13-15 Moorgate, London EC2R 6AD. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Not all products and services are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

UK

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AUSTRIA

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FRANCE

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GERMANY

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ITALY

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SPAIN