Insights into starting, growing, and leading a business.
FEATURES / AMY CHAMBERS RETURNING TO WORK
JEWERS DOORS RAIL & AIR EXPO EXPERIENCES | CORINA GOETZ
LICORNE GULF THE FOUNDER REVISITED | EXHIBITION DATES
www.mecs.design
Welcome to the August-September issue of Yalla! magazine. Summer is usually a quiet time for exhibitions and events, but September brings a busy schedule.
In Expo Experiences, Sam Jewers of Jewers Doors shares her insights on exhibiting at Middle East Rail and the Airport Show.
Charlotte Melia is the Founder of Dazzle & Fizz, a rapidly growing events studio established in 2013. Despite facing significant challenges during the pandemic, including a reduction in team size from 8 to 3 and a 95% revenue drop, they have since expanded their team tenfold.
We catch-up with Alexandre Katrangi and Irina Duisimbekova, who previously featured as The Founders of Licorne Gulf. A year later, their investment firm remains ambitious and busy as ever.
Giulia Cibotti Bishop of the British Chamber of Commerce, highlights how founders can attract skilled professionals by offering flexible working options, particularly for those looking to return after a career break.
Bestselling author Amy Chambers offers insights for confidently reentering the workforce after a career break, a common experience for many. She shares valuable lessons to help navigate this transition smoothly.
And Corina Goetz brings us up to speed with the latest developments across the Arabian Gulf, with lots of news from Saudi, in particular.
We finish with a project from the mecs Portfolio. When Saxo Bank expanded to the GCC with an office at DIFC, they needed to localise content while upholding global brand standards in the Gulf region. Saxo partnered with mecs for Gulf localisation, graphic design in English and Arabic, and print management for their regional Head Office. We delivered various marketing materials, including stationery, display banners, flyers, brochures, product factsheets, and regional ads in The Sunday Times and The Economist. Enjoy!
email: hello@mecs.design
Website: mecs.design/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ mecsdesign
Facebook: facebook.com/mecsdubai
Instagram: instagram.com/ mecs.design/
X: x.com/mecsdesign
Marisa Manns Keith Manns Marcus Manns
THE ELEVATOR SHOW 16 - 18 September / www.elevatorshowdubai.com
WORLD UTILITIES CONGRESS 16 - 18 September / www.worldutilitiescongress.com
ARAB WATER FORUM 16 - 18 September / www.arabwaterforum.org
FOODEX SAUDI 16 - 19 September / www.foodexsaudiexpo.com
FURNITURE
TECHNOLOGY September / www.furtechshow.com
SHOW www.worldvapeshow.com
www.mecamexpo.com
INDEX SAUDI ARABIA 17- 19 September / www.index-saudi.com
LIGHTING DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY EXPO 17 - 19 September / www.lightingdesign-techexpo.com
HOTEL & HOSPITALITY EXPO
SAUDI ARABIA 17 - 19 September / www.thehotelshowsaudiarabia.com
MIDDLE EAST BANKING INNOVATION SUMMIT (MEBIS) 18 - 19 September / www.bankinnovation-me.com
SAUDI MARITIME & LOGISTICS CONGRESS 18 - 19 September / www.saudimaritimecongress.com
- SEPTEMBER
WORLD CONGRESS OF REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL 23 - 25 September / www.wcri2024ad.com
OMAN HEALTH 23 - 25 September / www.omanhealthexpo.com
SAUDI INFRASTRUCTURE EXPO 24 - 26 September / www.saudiinfrastructureexpo.com
ARABLAB + 24 - 26 September / www.arablab.com
PRIVATE LABEL MIDDLE EAST 24 - 26 September / www.prime-expo.com
OMAN AIRSHOW 24 - 28 September / www.iadeoman.com
ISM MIDDLE EAST 24 - 26 September / www.ism-me.com
RU’YA (CAREERS UAE) 24 - 26 September / www.ruyacareers.com
SIGN & GRAPHICS EXHIBITION 24 - 26 September / www.signmiddleeast.com
GULFOOD GREEN & AGROTECH 24 - 26 September / www.gulfoodgreen.com
WATCH & JEWELLERY MIDDLE EAST SHOW 25 - 29 September / www.mideastjewellery.com
An exhibitor’s perspective on this year’s edition of Expo’s.
LHR DXB BA107
30/4 - 1/ 5 / 2024 Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre 14-16 / 5 / 2024 DubaiWorld Trade Centre
Jewers Doors Limited is a family-owned company specialising in the design, manufacture, and installation of industrial and aircraft hangar doors. They proudly produce the renowned Esavian aircraft hangar doors and the Phoenix industrial sliding folding doors.
Their operations are based in a modern 5,000 square meter facility built in 2021, located in Bedfordshire, north of Central London. With a dedicated team of around 60 employees, they create sliding folding door systems that incorporate the latest innovations and technologies.
CAN YOU BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE PRODUCTS/ SERVICES YOU SHOWCASED AT THE EXPO?
At Middle East Rail, we showcased our Swift-SEW doors tailored for rail facilities and maintenance depots.
At the Airport Show, we presented our Esavian aircraft hangar doors, along with our Phoenix sliding and folding hangar doors. For over 40 years, we have been manufacturing these doors for the aviation industry, emergency services, and various industrial applications, serving customers across the Middle East.
Sam Jewers
Marketing & Communications Jewers Doors jewersdoors.co.uk
WHAT WERE YOUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVES FOR EXHIBITING AT THES SE EXPOS?
WHAT WERE YOUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVES FOR EXHIBITING AT THESE EXPOS?
Our primary objectives for exhibiting at the expos were to promote Jewers Doors’ expertise in manufacturing industrial doors for all applications throughout the UAE region, network with potential clients, and showcase our latest products and services. We believe that face-to-face interactions are crucial in establishing strong business relationships and understanding the unique needs of our customers. We also aimed to increase brand awareness and introduce our company to new markets and industries. Additionally, we wanted to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and trends in the rail and aviation sectors by connecting with other exhibitors. Our goal was to network with fellow exhibitors, and meet customers and suppliers, old and new.
CAN YOU SHARE THE TOTAL INVESTMENT YOUR COMPANY MADE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXPO, INCLUDING BOOTH DESIGN, STAFFING, MARKETING MATERIALS, TRAVEL, AND ANY OTHER ASSOCIATED COSTS?
AIRPORT SHOW - Approx £12000
MIDDLE EAST RAIL - Approx £10000
We had lots of promising leads at the Airport Show, and we are excited to explore the opportunities they present.
WHAT WAS YOUR STRATEGY TO ATTRACT VISITORS TO YOUR BOOTH?
Our exhibition team, Jonathan Jewers and Ben Pritchard, bring extensive experience in selling our hangar doors to the Middle Eastern aviation industry. The artwork displayed at our stand highlights a few of our notable projects in the region, including collaborations with Emirates and ExecuJet, which always serve as a good talking point.
HOW DID THE ACTUAL VISITOR ENGAGEMENT AT YOUR BOOTH COMPARE TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS?
It surpassed our expectations. The experience exceeded our initial hopes, driven by a high footfall that attracted significant attention to our stand. We received a positive response from visitors. Our experienced team successfully engaged with numerous key decision-makers.
WHERE DID YOUR TEAM STAY DURING THE EXPO, AND HOW DID YOU FIND THE EXPERIENCE?
We have had an office in Dubai for over 20 years, and it has been a cornerstone of our operations in the Middle East.
B en Pritchard, our Regional Sales Manager for our Dubai branch, lives in the city and has been instrumental in building strong client relationships. His local expertise and commitment have greatly contributed to our success in the region.
We are excited to announce that we will be exhibiting at 5 shows in the Middle East throughout 2024.
When the Royal Airwing Hangar at Dubai International Airport was built in 2005, it held the title of the world’s largest privately owned hangar. We manufactured eight sets of doors, each s p a nn i ng a com b i ne d w id th o f one ki l ometer.
WHAT ASPECTS OF THE EXPO WOULD YOU SAY WERE MOST BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR COMPANY?
The visitors that came to the Airport Show were of a high level and decision makers in their field. They included industry leaders, senior executives, and key stakeholders. We held several important meetings at the show, discussing potential collaborations, exploring new technologies, and forging valuable connections that could drive future growth and innovation. The event provided an excellent platform for networking and exchanging ideas with influential figures in the industry.
BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE, WOULD YOU CONSIDER EXHIBITING AT THIS OR SIMILAR TRADE SHOWS IN THE FUTURE? WHY OR WHY NOT?
We have exhibited at the Airport Show for several years and will continue to do so in the future. This event has always provided us with great opportunities to showcase our latest innovations and connect with key industry stakeholders. Our long-standing presence in the Middle East, spanning decades, has seen consistent business growth, making it a crucial market for us. In 2024, we are exhibiting at five major shows across the Middle East, further solidifying our commitment to the region and our dedication to expanding our reach and influence within this dynamic market.
Sam Jewers
www.jewersdoors.ae
For companies looking to promote their products and services in the Middle East, Jewers Doors Ltd’s experience serves as a testament to the power of exhibitions. It’s not just about showcasing products; it’s about making connections and positioning your brand for long-term success.
Founded in 2013 by Charlotte Melia and Christie-Lee Molgaard, Dazzle & Fizz has become one of the most well-known creative event studios in the industry.
The evolution of D&F, which began as a children’s party business, has been a remarkable creative journey. Transforming into a team of passionate innovators, dedicated to design excellence and committed to providing an exceptional client experience.
In the begining I wore many hats, administrator, party planner, and even entertainer!
TELL US ABOUT THE D&F CREATIVE JOURNEY WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START D&F CREATIVE?
When I founded D&F, my two major passions were theatre and sales, and D&F provided the perfect outlet for both. When we launched in 2013, the business initially operated as a children’s party company. I was the business owner, administrator, party planner and even the entertainer! This handson approach allowed me to bootstrap the company with just a £50 investment. I kept my overheads as low as possible, in order to be able to reinvest into the fledging business.
DID YOU HAVE ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES TO PREPARE YOU FOR FOUNDING AND RUNNING A BUSINESS?
After graduating from university, I held a traditional job for just over a year before realizing that entrepreneurship was my true calling. I started as a self-employed solopreneur and then teamed up with my business partner, Christie-Lee Molgaard, in 2013. At that time, neither of us had any experience in founding or running a company. My acting background was invaluable in those early stages, as it allowed me to feign confidence even when facing challenges. Having grown up around small business owners—both my parents ran SMEs—becoming a self-starter felt natural to me. I had a grasp of sales from my post-graduate job, I understood the basics and Christie had a basic understanding of bookkeeping from her previous employment. Beyond that, we were learning as we went. That was about it!
By the end of the pandemic, our team of 8 was reduced to just 3. In the following 2 years, we increased our staff by 10X to our biggest and best team yet! t
EVERY ENTREPRENEUR FACES MOMENTS OF DOUBT AND SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES THAT TEST THEIR RESOLVE. COULD YOU DISCUSS THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED IN STARTING UP D&F CREATIVE?
Lack of funding has certainly been an ongoing challenge in setting up and growing D&F. Both Christie and I come from modest backgrounds, without generational wealth or influential contacts to lean on during tough times. One of our most daunting hurdles was the Covid-19 pandemic. For nearly two years, trading was virtually impossible, as events were largely banned. This led to an overnight 95% reduction in our revenue. We had to adapt swiftly, transitioning our services online and marketing them as HR benefits to corporate companies. Additionally, we offered delivery-only options to survive. By the end of the pandemic, our team had dwindled from 8 to just 3, which was incredibly difficult. However, in the two years that followed, we managed to expand our staff tenfold, building our strongest and most dynamic team to date.
HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THOSE OBSTACLES? HAVE THEY TAUGHT YOU ANY LESSONS, OR CHANGED THE WAY YOU OPERATE THE COMPANY?
The three crucial elements that helped us navigate our toughest moments were: 1) Mindset 2) Agility 3) Teamwork. While flexibility was always part of our business strategy, Covid-19 underscored agility as essential for survival. The pandemic also heightened my awareness of overheads and the importance of monitoring liabilities closely. Ultimately, each challenge we overcome enhances my confidence and resilience.
Our first event was a children’s birthday party on the Isle of Wight, a small island off the coast of England. The party had a firefighter theme, and on the morning of the event, it unexpectedly snowed—a rare occurrence for the island. As a result, only three guests arrived. On the face of it, initially, we feared it would be a disaster, but we proceeded with the celebration. To our delight, all three guests subsequently booked us for future events. And thus, D&F was born!
Event planners are like swans - Calm and composed on the surface, but paddling furiously under the water. r
WHAT’S YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Aside from my son, Oliver, who is my guiding light, my greatest pride lies in the exceptional team we’ve built. I never take for granted, continually humbled and grateful that such a talented group of individuals have chosen to join us at D&F. In a fierce, competitive, and unpredictable market, our team consistently shows up and delivers their best work every day. For that, I am truly thankful.
CAN YOU SHARE AN EXAMPLE OF A CAMPAIGN THAT DIDN’T GO AS PLANNED AND HOW YOU HANDLED IT?
We’ve had our fair share of ‘surprises’ over the years! One particularly challenging moment occurred when we were faced with a huge sandstorm, just hours before an event in the UAE. The ferocity of the storm decimated tens of meters of bespoke floristry that had taken days to build. Once the storm subsided, it was all hands on deck to salvage the damaged displays. We worked at such a frantic pace that we ended up with cuts from thorns, stems, and foliage. Miraculously, we completed the restoration with minutes to spare, ensuring that when the guests arrived, they were none the wiser. Event planners are like swans - Calm on the surface, but paddling furiously under the water.
My passion is strategy, planning, and business development, especially watching concepts evolve from ideation to execution.
WHAT ASPECTS OF THE JOB DO YOU ENJOY MOST? ANYTHING YOU REALLY DISLIKE?
I love the strategy, planning and business development the most. There’s nothing quite like watching a concept go from ideation, to execution. I am addicted to creating something out of nothing and taking ideas from something intangible, to credible business silos. It can feel like magic.
I also cherish meeting with our clients and building lasting relationships. One of the greatest aspects of my job is the incredible people I encounter, many of whom become lifelong friends.
Administrative tasks remain my enduring Achilles’ heel, but I’m continually working to improve in that area.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR AMBITION OR GOAL YOU HAVE FOR THE BUSINESS? WHAT COMES NEXT, IN TERMS OF YOUR GROWTH?
Now that we have our MENA HQ in Saudi Arabia and offices in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, I am happy with our geographical expansion for now. I want to grow all regions exponentially over the coming years, which will start with a full company rebrand, taking place this August. The rebrand marks a significant moment in our companies development. It comes after a decade of learning, adapting and growth and I am confident it will set us up for success in the decades to come.
While ‘ambition’ can sometimes carry negative connotations when referring to a woman, I am proudly, unashamedly and fiercely ambitious. I am fascinated to see where this business will take me and how far I can be pushed. I continue to discover new facets of myself and my company every day, and I hope this journey of exploration and growth never ends. Long may it continue.
With the right mindset and collaborative effort, we can face any adversity and emerge stronger. r
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE IN THE REMAINDER OF 2024, MOVING INTO 2025 AND HOW YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?
Over the next 6-12 months, I will focus on building our local team and supply chain in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. It is crucial for us to create genuine value within the local ecosystem, making this a significant investment in the region. I plan to immerse myself physically in the area, which is easy, as I adore the Middle East and feel at home here.
Regarding events, I would love to secure flagship sporting events, particularly in women’s sports. As a business founded by women and recognised by WeConnect International as globally woman-owned, supporting women is incredibly important to us. Additionally, I want to ensure our events continue to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion for all. We recently won the DE&I award at the prestigious MICEBOOK Awards for a neuro-inclusive event we hosted for Meta, but this is just the beginning. We believe that access to meaningful, memorable, and impactful events should be available to everyone, and I look forward to further exploring this path.
Charlotte Melia
Diversity, equity, and inclusion remains a priority, highlighted by our recent DE&I award for a neuroinclusive event for Meta.
Charlotte Melia Founder Dazzle & Fizz
www.dazzleandfizz.co.uk
We shared your story in June 2023. What’s happened in the past year?
The year 2023 and the first half of 2024 have been remarkably dynamic, marked by numerous development initiatives, especially in the Gulf region and beyond.
The year 2023 and the first half of 2024 have been extremely vibrant with several development activities, particularly in the Gulf region and internationally. Firstly, we had enormous defense contracts in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar on behalf of European and American international companies. These contracts allowed us to enter industrialisation and localisation programs beyond the traditional military contract sales for several years. Today, governments are primarily focused on attracting companies that seek to establish a permanent presence by creating small industrial units. This is a program that we have already proposed to some Gulf countries since 2018. We also act directly as co-investors or as part of the establishment of a defense industrial venture on-site where we take between 10% and 25% ownership in the industrial entity.
South Africa
SAUDI ARABIA
BAHRAIN
QATAR
SWITZERLAND
UNITED KINGDOM
TURKEY
Bahrain
Qatar
UAE
Qatar is set to become the hub for WeebSeat, an innovative tech startup that aims to revolutionise the digital landscape with its advanced AI-driven solutions. With its strategic location and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, Qatar is positioned to foster WeebSeat’s growth and attract talent and investment, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the tech industry.
We became shareholders in Spendwisor, an American-Qatari FinTech company focused on online payments.
We were also fortunate enough to become shareholders in one of our long-time friends and clients, an American-Qatari FinTech company specializing in online payments called Spendwisor.r
This company benefits from significant credits in Qatar as well as its development in the region.
Additionally, we brought three other technology companies to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain to establish them on-site using the aforementioned partnership model while acquiring shares in their respective companies to consolidate and ensure their presence there for the long term.
One is AI webcreator contents that we have just finalized the venture registration and capital injection named Weebseat. Another industrial JV is a supercar manufacturer from France owned by Mr Pascal Mielvaque and Mr Doudou Cisse called Constellar Automobile with aim to make an assembly factory in Qatar.
We are also in talks with a European junior oil company that has acquired oil fields in Central Asia and certain Middle Eastern countries. We believe and hope that by the end of 2024, we will be able to enter their capital in order to bring our investment solutions and strategic partnerships with American and Chinese oil companies to form a small group capable of exploiting fields in regions where they have already obtained concessions. I will provide more information on the progress during the third quarter of 2024.
What else can we say? We have been fortunate to benefit from visa openings for certain European passports, particularly French passports, in China, allowing us to travel there without a visa. This has greatly contributed to our frequent trips over the past four months to meet with industrial partners in defense, industry, and automotive sectors who wish to expand their market presence in the Middle East through parallel investments. In terms of our
solutions and contributions as post-listing partners for initial public offerings (IPOs), we currently have two or three contracts under negotiation. These contracts involve providing post-listing financing and organizing mergers for listing on Euronext European exchange or preferably on the New York-based Nasdaq exchange.
Another industrial JV is a supercar manufacturer from France called Constellar Automobile with aim to make an assembly factory in Qatar.
On the international front, now with a physical presence in six countries, we are starting to look at opening a seventh office next year, either in Central Asia or in an Asian country, in order to expand our investment portfolio and partnerships in those regions.
Currently, as you know, we have been historically present for 27 years in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar, then Switzerland and England. We are starting to explore countries like Turkey and some Eastern countries. Unfortunately, Russia is currently on standby while we had planned to open one of our offices there before the war. We are also considering directly entering Asia by establishing offices in China or promising territories like Vietnam or Cambodia.
We are fortunate to enjoy visa exemptions for certain European passports, particularly French ones, allowing us to travel to China without a visa.
This would allow us to strengthen relationships and contracts with companies operating in these regions that we currently finance for their development solutions both within the Gulf region and internationally. The ultimate step will be consolidating our investments made in the United States along with contracts and partnerships on-site to potentially open an office in New York.k
There is currently a project under discussion with a Gulf State, the establishment of a partnership with one of the largest European think tanks that serves as a model and liaison for promoting inclusive cooperation between businesses, as well as the promotion of investment and future generations of leaders. We have already had discussions and advanced proposals, and we hope that this project can be realized in 2024. This would strengthen a direct bridge of economic, political, and investment relations between one of these Middle Eastern countries that I do not want to mention at the moment and a European country, particularly France.
Finally, in our current ultimate startup phase, we are considering investing with two international financial funds to create and structure some of our investments through a financial fund that we will establish in the Middle East. This fund will be dedicated to acquiring stakes and investing directly in technology companies, both young and mature, across various sectors. It will serve as a regulated financial instrument overseen by financial authorities and will be separate from the strategic investments we personally make within our Family Office.
Alexandre Katrangi Co-founder www.licorne-gulf.com
President & Co-founder
www.licorne-gulf.com
Giulia Cibotti Bishop Communications and Growth Manager British Chamber of Commerce (BCCD)
The Dubai Chamber reported a 17% surge in business registrations for Q1 2024 compared to last year, showing strong confidence from companies and investors. Exciting times ahead!
Dubai Chamber recently reported a 17% increase in business registrations in Q1 of 2024 versus the previous year, signalling strong confidence from companies and investors in the market. Aligned to this the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai has seen a steady increase in membership applications over the same period, with 20 to 30 new members joining monthly since the start of the year, many of which have recently moved from the UK to the UAE.
UAE employers are also increasingly recruiting from a global workforce, leading to higher competition for top talent. As a result, the job market has recently become saturated with candidates due to the high influx of experienced professionals seeking better opportunities and improved quality of life in the region.
Dubai, renowned for its forward-thinking policies and abundant business opportunities, has seen significant changes in its job market in recent years.
The emirate’s highly proactive approach to creating and promoting a business-friendly environment has resulted in an ecosystem where both large corporations and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) can co-exist and thrive.
The evolving dynamics of Dubai’s job market present interesting talent acquisition opportunities, especially for SMEs. By leveraging agility, flexibility and innovative recruitment strategies, SME founders can successfully attract and retain top talent, driving business growth and continuing to contribute to Dubai’s ongoing economic success.
For SMEs defining their talent acquisition strategy, these market dynamics are crucial to consider. Focusing on flexibility in particular can provide SMEs with a competitive edge in hiring new talent.
In recent years, the traditional 9-to-5 office routine has evolved into a more flexible model, with employees splitting their time between office and remote work. This shift, accelerated by the pandemic, offers very attractive benefits such as enhanced work-life balance, improved mental health, reduced commuting stress, and increased productivity.
However, large companies and multinationals often struggle to adapt quickly due to limiting internal policies and lengthy procedures. Many still offer a one-size-fits-all approach to working hours and location, which is increasingly insufficient as employees naturally have diverse needs. While some prefer daily office presence, others, particularly parents or caregivers, seek a more hybrid approach and more autonomy in choosing when to work from the office or from a different location.
Larger companies often struggle to provide such personalised experiences, compounded by generally inefficient hiring processes that fall short of leaving a good first impression on candidates.
SME founders and CEOs, due to their size, can more easily implement flexible working practices, creating a people-focused work environment. When executed well, this can deliver a personalised employee experience, which is highly valued by today’s talent.
Recent research shows flexibility is also a top priority for women and mothers returning to work after a career break in the UAE.
Beyond Careers recently published the results of the first GCC-wide Return to Work Survey which explores the challenges faced by mothers re-entering the regional workforce after a career break, including potential solutions and opportunities for stakeholders to accelerate progress.
Launched on International Women’s Day, the Return-to-Work survey gathered responses from 115 women, approximately 94.6% of them being mid-senior level female professionals based in the UAE.
Nearly 80% of respondents, ranked flexibility highest among their priorities when returning to work post- maternity leave. The survey results clearly show that the biggest challenge faced by working mothers in corporate settings is balancing career demands with parenting responsibilities amidst often rigid work structures and societal expectations.
Through our interactions at the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai, we also recognise a vast pool of experienced, time-restricted talent, primarily mothers, struggling to find flexible, conscious employers.
British Chamber of Commerce Dubai, recognise a vast pool of experienced, time-restricted talent, primarily mothers, struggling to find flexible, conscious employers.
Simultaneously, we are seeing a ‘lonely at the top’ trend among our members, around 60% of which are owner-managed businesses. These are founders that have built their business from scratch and are running the show day in and day out. They may not be able to offer six-figure salaries, but are in deep need of senior counsel to manage their businesses successfully and continuing to drive the Dubai economy.
Founders could greatly benefit from tapping into this talent pool, even on a fractional or part-time basis.
SME founders can attract highly skilled, often lessvisible professionals, including those seeking a return to the workforce after a career break.k
In this context, exploring innovative, creative ways to identify and engage prospective talent is essential.
Recently, we hosted an experimental event in Dubai, combining speed networking and talent fair formats, aiming to match candidates returning to work after a career break with employers seeking flexible hires or coaches to support their transition.
Speed-networking events in general have grown in popularity recently. What attendees seem to find most valuable is the opportunity for structured networking made up of timed, one-on-one conversations, maximising their chances to meet everyone in the room and make valuable new connections.
The event aimed to bridge the gap between experienced women re-entering the workforce and conscious businesses open to hiring senior counsel on
a fractional basis. The session was highly successful, with employers appreciating the authentic interaction with candidates and the opportunity to showcase their business and employer value proposition.
Interestingly, 87% of respondents in Beyond Career’s Return to Work survey also identified networking events, along with coaching and mentoring, as important for the development and retention of female talent.
For founders or CEOs with limited time and resources to invest in talent acquisition, strategic speed networking events and job fairs can be a costeffective and valuable alternative to relying solely on word-of-mouth or online applications.
Giulia Cibotti Bishop
As Dubai’s businesses continue to grow and adapt to the changing needs of the job market, the focus remains on building a resilient, adaptable, and inclusive work environment.
Flexibility and work-life balance will continue to be crucial to attracting and retaining top talent in this Dubai’s extremely competitive business landscape.
SMEs, in particular, are well-positioned to leverage these trends by offering flexible working conditions that larger companies may struggle to implement successfully. Their adaptability allows SME founders to attract highly skilled, often less-visible professionals, including those seeking a return to the workforce after a career break.
Moreover, innovative and more hands-on approaches to recruitment, such as speed-networking talent fairs, can provide the opportunity for more direct and authentic engagement with potential employees. These methods not only streamline the hiring process but also make it easier for both employers and candidates to find the best fit for their goals and needs.
As the landscape evolves, those who quickly adapt and prioritise the well-being and aspirations of their teams will undoubtedly lead the way in shaping the future of work in Dubai.
Speed-networking events have surged in popularity recently. Attendees appreciate the structured format with timed, one-on-one conversations, maximizing the chance to meet everyone and make valuable connections.
The BritishChamber of Commerce Dubai is a membership organisation that supports companies and individuals from the UK with existing business interests in the region and those new to the UAE. Our membership consists of British-owned, Dubai-based companies, UK registered organisations, UK passport holders and brands that support British business.
Through a considered and strategic calendar of events, the BCCD ensures high quality networking opportunities, market knowledge sharing, valuable engagement opportunities and exclusive experiences for our members. The BCCD provides an ecosystem that goes beyond Dubai, to the wider GCC and through the British Chambers of Commerce’s Global Business Network reaching and providing international exposure and opportunity for our members and stakeholders.
For more information, please contact the BCCD business team: info@britishchamberdubai.com
Email: info@britishchamberdubai.com
Website: britishchamberdubai.com
LinkedIn: /british-chamber-dubai
Instagram and X: @bccdubai
I returned to my previous role with a higher salary and quickly realised I was just as strong, if not stronger, in my job.
AMY CHAMBERS
Lots of people take time away from work at some point during their lives. We do it for different reasons and at different points in our careers.
But many of us do it.
In 2014, my significant other got (what we viewed) to be both bad and good news. The bad news: his company, Verizon Wireless, was permanently closing one of its campuses (an operations and call center with hundreds of people). My partner, Mike, would be laid off. The good news: since he’d worked there for over a decade, he’d be getting a generous severance package (nearly a year of pay).
Mike had a decision to make. He could begin looking for a job immediately, or I could choose to quit my job and we could travel and focus on personal pursuits and hobbies. Option A was safer, and what we believed most people would do. Option B was riskier; the road less traveled. We chose option B.
I gave my employer and boss a standard two-week notice, and off we went. I didn’t reenter the workforce for a year.
When I began applying, I was nervous about landing a job. Family and several friends believed I was interviewing from a position of weakness, since I was unemployed. What if prospective employers disapproved of my time off? What if they viewed me as lazy for having been out of work for a year? Worse, what if they didn’t believe me and thought I was lying about having chosen to leave voluntarily instead of being fired for poor performance? Initially, I shared some of these concerns.
After I was done worrying about landing any job, I began worrying about landing the right job. What if I couldn’t effectively negotiate and got lowballed on salary or benefits, because I didn’t have the same leverage as an employed person? What if they were willing to hire me, but wanted me to take a demotion, and return with less responsibility than I’d previously had?
Finally, I worried about what would happen once I was back at work. What if the time away had dulled my skills? What if I wasn’t as strong or capable as I’d been? What if the time away had somehow changed me?
Fortunately, none of these worries came to fruition.
View your experiences away from work as a positive thing, not a negative thing. Trust that you’re a stronger candidate for hire now than you were before.
I rejoined the workforce in 2015 with a company that better matched my values and personality. During the interview, I shared my story, which was well received. I returned to my previous role but earned a higher salary. Once back, I realised I was just as strong, if not stronger, in my job.
Why and how was all that possible? I realise now it came down to one thing: confidence. As I went through the steps of applying, interviewing, negotiating, and returning, I put aside all these doubts and worries. Instead, I confidently chose to say and do several things, which allowed me to return to work with confidence.
If you’re looking to return to work with confidence too, here’s what you need to know is true:
1) Time away from work likely made you stronger, not weaker.
Initially, I worried that time away from work made me weaker, but it turns out the opposite is true. Companies need strong leaders and critical thinkers. We lead and think more critically when we’ve had diverse life experiences and engaged with different people and places. While work experience is valuable, it’s just one type of experience. If that’s all we have, we can struggle to reason through various scenarios and connect with different individuals, making us one-dimensional and limited in our thinking.
When we take time away from work, we often fill our hours with new experiences. We try things we’ve never done before and invest time in activities we previously lacked time for. These experiences shift our perspective and help us grow mentally, socially, spiritually, and physically.
Unless you’ve only been eating snacks and watching television since you left your job, whatever you’ve been doing with your time away has no doubt caused you to grow and evolve (for the better). During my 21-year career, I’ve chosen to be “out of work” three different times.
During these three stints away from work, I:
• Traveled internationally. I spent time in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, England, and Mexico.
• Cared for my uncle, who was dying of ALS.
• Became a marathon runner (when I previously couldn’t run a mile).
• Wrote (and published) two books.
• Hosted a gallery opening with my photography.
These experiences greatly expanded my worldview and changed me significantly. Visiting foreign countries exposed me to different cultures and helped me realise that people and problems vary everywhere. It also gave me a chance to practice my Spanish, which is useful. Spending time with a dying family member and being abroad increased my selfawareness and emotional intelligence, making me a better and more relatable leader. This has allowed me to lead with greater compassion and empathy than ever before.
Becoming a marathon runner (when I couldn’t run a mile) taught me grit, resilience, and perseverance. I learned that we can achieve anything, even the toughest challenges. I realised there’s no professional problem I can’t solve and no sales goal, quota, or deadline I can’t meet. Running taught me accountability, helping me guide others to do the same and making me a better leader.
Publishing my books and hosting an art gallery forced me to hire and connect with individuals I would’ve never met otherwise. This helped me develop key networking skills. All these life experiences I had while out of work ultimately made me a better leader and employee.
Whatever you’ve done during your time away has likely impacted you. If you took time to have or raise children, that certainly changed you. You’ve probably developed more patience and can better understand other parents, whether they’re peers, employees, or customers. If you joined a club, board, or group, you’ve made new connections that have also transformed you. Reading books or taking classes means you’ve learned something new. All of this makes you a better, more well-rounded individual. Companies appreciate that. View your time away from work positively; you’re a stronger candidate now than you were before.
2) You’re not the first or only person to rejoin the workforce after time away.
Lots of people take time away from work at various points in their careers for different reasons. If you’ve stepped back, know that you’re not alone, especially during recent times. Unemployment rates surged during the COVID pandemic, with countless individuals out of work from 2020 to 2022.
In October 2020, my partner David was laid off from Boeing and spent 22 months unemployed before being rehired in August 2022. During that time, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by refurbishing his glider airplane, which took 32 weeks of full-time work and doubled its value. He also applied to graduate school and traveled extensively. David has been back at work for nearly two years now, and he doesn’t regret that time away.
David’s experience isn’t unique. During the 2008-2010 housing crisis, many friends faced unemployment and pursued various paths—some went back to school, others focused on family, and some followed artistic passions or traveled. Regardless of why you’re out of work, know that it doesn’t make you an anomaly. You’re not damaged goods, and your future employer likely understands this, having taken time away themselves or knowing others who have.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that unemployment is bad. Many people experience gaps in their resumes, especially if they used that time to achieve a goal or develop skills. If you’re currently out of work, remember you can still make the most of it. Read books, join clubs, take classes, or explore new skills beyond your former job. Volunteer in your community to gain confidence and have meaningful experiences to discuss when you return to work. In my own unemployment periods, I served on boards for several organisations, which helped me build valuable leadership skills for my eventual return.
3) Your skills and talents don’t disappear overnight (or even in a year).
It’s important to remember that being out of work doesn’t change who you are or what you know. Everything on your resume still stands, even during employment gaps. Your professional accomplishments and experiences remain intact, and so do your college degrees and certifications. It all still happened.
When I’ve returned to the workplace after time away, it’s remarkable how quickly old skills come back. Even after breaks, my long-term memory helped me quickly catch up on using databases, crunching numbers, or fulfilling responsibilities. The same applies to skills needed for peoplerelated roles like leadership or sales. You don’t forget how to interact with others just because life has changed for a while.
In management, sales, teaching, or customer service, success hinges on building relationships. The skills needed for these roles are likely ones you’ve continued to practice, even while out of work. You don’t forget how to ask questions, listen, and care for others simply because you
haven’t done it in a work setting. You’ve probably still engaged in dialogue and included others at your dinner table or during family game nights. Much of the talent required to excel in a job is innate. It’s part of our DNA and comes naturally. If you did your job well before your break, you’re likely still capable of doing it well now.
4) Not working was probably the right life decision. The right employer will know that.
Many humans around the world are raised to believe that success means having a stable job, working hard, and earning good money. This can lead to the fear of judgment from others after taking a break from work. While some may judge you, those opinions aren’t worth your time.
If someone looks down on you for taking time off work to paint, travel, raise your family, or go back to school, they’re not the right employer for you. They’re judging your choices and failing to accept you as a person. Personally, I wouldn’t want to work for someone who disrespects my choices.
In 2015, while interviewing to reenter the workforce, I felt anxious about sharing my past year with the man who would become my boss. When he asked, I was honest. I told him I had been traveling in Europe, spending quality time with my dying uncle, and outlining my first book. His heartfelt response was, “That’s awesome. I bet many people wish they could do that before retiring. How brave and courageous of you to choose this while you’re
still young. So, what was your favorite place you visited?”
I learned a lot about this man in that moment. His response revealed his open-mindedness, acceptance, and character. It was my first sign that I had found the right environment where I could thrive. Sure enough, he became one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. During the years I worked for him, I could always count on him to ask for my thoughts instead of just telling me what to think, which I greatly valued in a leader. I grew tremendously under his guidance because he allowed his team to be themselves.
Great companies and leaders care about their employees as individuals, not just workers. If the person interviewing you seems skeptical about your focus on aspects of life outside of work, you may not be in a place that respects or values you. You know yourself best. If you took time off for a baby, to earn a degree, or to pursue something meaningful, it was likely the right choice. The right employer will recognise and respect that.
5) You’ll have plenty of tools, resources, and people who are there to help you.
If you’ve been out of the game for a while, things have likely changed. The pace of technological advancement is faster than ever, so returning might mean facing different systems or entirely new ways of doing business. That can be daunting.
Reentering the workforce doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Don’t hesitate to ask for help just because you don’t want to seem foolish or weak. Seeking support, even from others, shows resourcefulness and humility. Determine what you need to catch up, identify skills to learn (or relearn), and speak up. You’ll be surprised at how willing people are to assist you. It’s completely okay to ask for help.
Many companies offer user guides or procedural manuals, and many have training programs available. It’s not just your boss’s job to get you up to speed; it’s also your responsibility to seek out the training or tools you need to succeed.
Also, don’t forget your network from before you left work. I worked for six organisations before becoming an entrepreneur, and I still maintain relationships from all of them. Stay in touch with those who know you best; you never know when you might need them or vice versa. I’ve landed jobs thanks to connections from previous roles. Keep in touch with people who understand your professional value and have seen your work—they could be invaluable down the line.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that self-fulfilling prophecies are real. If you believe returning to work will be hard, then it will be.
6) Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that self-fulfilling prophecies are real. If you believe returning to work will be hard, then it will be. If you think taking time off has put you at a disadvantage, it will. In every aspect of your life, you’ll validate whatever you tell yourself is true.
Remember, your thoughts and feelings are choices. You can choose how to feel about returning to work. If you embrace the five principles mentioned above, you’ll find proof of their validity. If you don’t, you won’t.
I believe my successful transitions back into the workforce after time off were due to my confidence in myself and my choices. I refused to feel bad or embarrassed about taking time away. I focused on people who had successfully returned to work
and reminded myself of my college degrees and successful work history. I valued the opinions of those who respected mine and ignored employers who undervalued me or made me feel like I’d done something wrong.
As I did those things, everything worked out. I’m more than confident it will for you. If you’re wanting extra help with how you think about these decisions or lead yourself through these times of transition, check out my latest book at amymchambers.com
Amy Chambers Executive Coach / Life Coach / #1 International Bestselling Author / Speaker / Consultant
August - September 2024
So here is your roundup of news:
NEOM one of Saudis Giga Projects will be establishing s world leading Yachting destination in Sindalah. It will provide 86 berths for yachts up to 50 metres in length and extra serviced offshore buoys for superyachts up to 180 metres.
The Red Sea Project is leading an initiative against light pollution in the Middle East becoming the regions first designated “Dark Sky” destination.
Construction on a ground breaking new rail project worth 3 billion $ is starting soon. This will be the first joined project between the UAE and Oman. Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company also unveiled the new corporate identity of their joint venture, which will now be known as Hafeet Rail.
NEOM has just revealed another new location in the Gulf of Aqaba: Jaumur, the largest cosmopolitan luxury and sustainable community on the coast.
DID YOU KNOW?
Love cruises? Now you can go on one in the Red Sea called AROYA , a luxury vessel worth 335 million that won’t disappoint with 20 entertainment venues across 18 decks.
Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla, the film entity looking to attract international productions, has forged a partnership with Hollywood indie Stampede Ventures, bringing 10 productions to the region over the next three years with a projected $350 million spend.
Corina Goetz is the Founder of Star-CaT, a Middle East Strategist and Cultural Expert for the Gulf. She helps her clients create better relationships in the Gulf region so they can grow and expand their businesses.
Dubai real estate leads the world in demand for $10 million-plus homes, this is mainly driven by more investors moving to the region, favourable mortgage rates and government policies that encourage long term residency. But Dubai has also officially been crowned the worlds No 1 wedding destination. Bespoke wedding requests, luxury hotels, award winning cuisine and world class infrastructure making this a draw for so many couples from around the world.
DON’T FORGET: 23rd September - Saudi National Day
Still branding shirts with just a company logo?
Edge-to-edge designs can take your branding to another level
MARISA MANNS | www.mecs.design
Richard Shotton.
Behavioural psychology can reveal all sorts of insights when it comes to designing new marketing materials, as we frequently are. The Choice Factory takes you through a typical day filled with decisions, ranging from simple food choices to significant career moves. It examines how our behavior is influenced by psychological shortcuts, emphasising the marketing potential of understanding what drives us. Shotton combines academic research with analysis of advertising campaigns and his own original studies, offering insights from some of the brightest minds in advertising to support his points.
Daniel Priestley.
If you’re crafting a new advertising campaign, we’re big fans of Daniel Priestley’s simple LAPS structure. It provides a clear and effective framework for a consistent, repeatable sales process.
We know how hard it is to find a reliable single resource for business events and expos. Not even Google can return dates that are always accurate. You have to spend hours trawling multiple venue websites to find out what’s on.
In fact, we spend over 10 hours per month researching upcoming trade shows across the Arabian Gulf. Through this email newsletter, we share our events schedule, keeping subscribers up to date on what’s happening, when, and where.
When Saxo Bank expanded its presence to the Arabian Gulf, establishing a regional office at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), they faced an immediate need for localised, Arabic marketing material. The challenge was not just to translate content, but to ensure all materials aligned with the bank’s global brand standards.
Saxo needed a comprehensive suite of marketing and promotional tools that included stationery such as letterheads, business cards, and envelopes, alongside promotional flyers, product factsheets, and marketing brochures for Stock Trading, CFD, FX, and Retail products. They also required display banners and pop-up display systems, regional advertisements for publication in The Sunday Times and The Economist, as well as web advertising banners.
This would present all of the challenges that come with Gulf/Arabic localisation. The project faced several challenges, including the need for precise Arabic translations of Saxo Bank’s investment products to avoid misunderstandings, adherence to global brand guidelines while adapting content for Arabic, ensuring printed materials matched corporate colours, and obtaining compliance approval from the headquarters in Copenhagen. Strong coordination was essential to navigate these complexities and achieve timely sign-offs.
Recognising the need for expert graphic design in both English and Arabic, as well as a dependable regional print supplier, Saxo Bank partnered with Middle East Creative Services (mecs) to deliver these essential materials.
mecs provided a comprehensive turnkey solution for Saxo Bank, managing everything from design to delivery. With over 25 years of bilingual marketing experience, we ensured accurate translations and culturally relevant materials for the Gulf region. Our design team adhered strictly to brand guidelines while adapting content for Arabic, and we became the bank’s regional print supplier, maintaining highquality standards. Close coordination with Saxo Bank’s Compliance Department allowed us to meet deadlines and deliver results on time and within budget.
The result was a comprehensive set of marketing tools tailored to the Gulf region, delivered on-brand, on-time, and on-budget. This suite of materials equipped Saxo Bank’s regional office in Dubai with everything they needed to establish a strong market presence in the Arabian Gulf.
Partnering with mecs allowed Wahb, the head of Saxo Bank’s regional office, to focus on other critical aspects of setting up the new branch. With the responsibility of marketing collateral taken off his plate, Wahb could trust that the materials produced were of the highest quality and aligned perfectly with Saxo Bank’s global standards.
“I
have worked with mecs for years, since Saxo Bank first established at Dubai International Financial Centre. This included designing Arabic versions of ads for the Middle East market, which mecs fulfilled very capably.”
Wahb Ahmed Saxo Bank, Middle East
At a printing press, quality comes down to the people running the press. The latest machinery and equipment are useless in the wrong hands. A print company is only as good as it’s people.
This applies to just about any industry. Perhaps your’s too. Human ability still determines the final result.
At mecs, we call ourselves a graphic design and print management agency. Because printing has always been part of our DNA. Our founders include a British Master Printer, trained at City & Guilds, London. We bring you more than 45 years of industry-experience and an obsession with quality, detail, and precision that is as strong as ever.
For 25 years mecs has specialised in bilingual English / Arabic design and print. Starting out in Kuwait, our work quickly stood apart, and our services were soon sought by some of the most respected names in Arabian business. Reknowned for clear communication, elegant design, and outstanding production quality; clients turn to us for presentations that matter. We have worked across countless industries, with clients spanning the entire Arabian Gulf, the U.S., UK, and Europe.
Today we have a design studio located in Devon, South West England, while the focus of our work remains the GCC region.
We continue to welcome new clients across the Gulf region.
middle east creative services
Website: www.mecs.design
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