Up close & personal, interactive session with Sanjiv Mehta, chairman, Unilever.

Sanjiv Mehta is chairman of Unilever and has been with the companies for the past twenty years. Unilever is one of the world’s largest FMCG companies. Sanjiv has done Bachelor’s in Commerce (India), followed by Chartered Accountancy (India) and, later an Advance Management Program (Harvard Business School).

We would like to cordially invite you to the seventh edition of Emirates NBD Global Business Series at Fairmont Dubai, on May 24, 2013, from 7 pm onward.

Event moderator Tariq Qureishy, CEO and Founder, Vantage Holdings

Agenda
7-8 pm: Networking session
8-8:15 pm: Felicitation and keynote speech by Emirates NBD
8:15 – 9 pm: Interactive session
9:00 – 9:15 pm Q&A Session

Followed by dinner

Dress code: Smart/Casual

The 12th edition of The Intelligent SME.

Dubai to become the world’s busiest airport by 2015.

According to a study published, GCC airports are expected to handle as much as 250 million passengers by 2020, while Dubai is set to become the world’s busiest airport by 2015. It is also estimated that the Middle East will have the third fastest passenger growth rate of 6.6 per cent by 2016. The study shows that by 2025, seven billion people will be within reach via a single flight, while the total aircraft movement in the Middle East region will reach 2.3 million in 2025. ICAO expects the air traffic in the region to grow 5.2 per cent annually until 2030. Gearing up to meet the rise in passenger traffic, Middle East airlines will increase their capacity by 12.8 per cent in 2013. In addition, they are investing heavily in new aircraft, holding one-third of the global orders for Boeing 777 and Airbus A380.

With almost two billion people within 2.5 hours reach by air, the region has a unique geographical advantage that can fuel not only the sector, but the local economies in general: the aviation industry is projected to create an additional 294,000 jobs over the next 15 years. Middle East’s air transport industry contributed USD129 billion to the region’s GDP, with the UAE alone accounting for AED145 billion. According to Oxford Economics, the aviation industry’s direct contribution to GDP will increase by 6.3 per cent per annum in real terms over the next 20 years, creating an additional 294,000 jobs in the region.

The Middle East-based airlines currently account for eight per cent of the global air transport industry. The Middle East is home to the youngest fleet in the world, with a total of more than 600 aircraft, and has the greatest number of aircraft on order anywhere in the world. In the next seven years, the Middle East is anticipated to lead world passenger traffic growth, with current travel demand up 18 percent.

Job Portal accelerates the pace of Emiratisation by giving locals a fast and simple online route to jobs.

In a move designed to accelerate the pace of Emiratisation in line the latest trends in online recruitment, Careers UAE Exhibition has launched a Job Portal (jobs.careersuae.ae) as an all-in-one hub where the needs of job seekers and recruiters intersect. Many companies have already indicated their desire to post vacancies on the portal in the coming weeks. With 14 million mobile phones in operation in the UAE, according to the latest Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) figures, the vast majority of youth frequently use mobile phones as well as electronic tablets to access the internet while on the go throughout the day, making the new job portal easily accessible for all attendees while providing a vital link between job-seekers and employers.

The web-based recruitment comes against the backdrop of the highly anticipated Careers UAE Exhibition, which is being organised and hosted by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 30 April – 2 May. The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who is a visionary proponent of local empowerment.

The 13^th edition of Careers UAE Exhibition coincides with the Year of Emiratisation, and will bring graduates and job seekers face-to-face with a diverse range of exhibitors. 

Prospective employees can select from an abundance of rewarding jobs in diverse sectors such as banking, telecommunications, ICT, transportation, trade, oil and gas, hospitality, recruitment, education and semi-government. Meanwhile, the job portal will seek to replicate the concept of this event in the digital world by connecting job seekers with leading companies that match their career aspirations.

Explaining the rationale behind the job portal, Asma Al Sharif, Careers UAE Exhibition manager at DWTC, said: “We are witnessing a young generation of tech-savvy Emiratis who are very active on social media and cyberspace as a whole. They seek maximum convenience in minimum time. Therefore our job portal will empower them to quickly and easily navigate through a world of opportunities, and find jobs that are in sync with their career ambitions. Following this launch initiative we aim to build on the interest we have received so far, by constantly attracting more employers to post jobs for locals online. ”

Commenting on the job portal, Sultan Al Sabri, vice president,  Human Resources and Organisation Effectiveness of Dubai Aluminum,  said “As a country that prides itself in maintaining international standards, it is vital that we also keep pace with the latest global trends in recruitment by migrating our vacancy listings from traditional media to the digital platform.”

While the job portal is a major attraction, the showcase also offers numerous other attractions, such as the Majid Bin Mohammed UAE Nationals Training Initiative, which will mark its third successive year, striving to nurture Emiratis into executive and managerial positions by giving them experience in leading national and international companies. In addition, a women-only event where visitors can interact with their role models through an Emirati Women Leaders Panel, featuring highly successful women who have paved the way in the business world. There will also be a LEGO and Metaphor Training session which challenges participants to stretch the limits of their imagination.

“Mohammed Malek, vice president of Human Resources, Majid Al Futtaim Holding, a key supporter of the event over the past ten years, voiced optimism about the job portal’s future impact. “Majid Al Futtaim is committed to furthering the employment and development of UAE talent.  This job portal will better connect national job seekers to relevant opportunities in the market, and we hope that it will lead to more Emiratis joining the private sector,” he said.

Careers UAE Exhibition 2013 is open exclusively for UAE nationals and HR practitioners, and will be held in Halls 5 – 8 at DWTC. The event will take place from 30 April – 2 May, from 10am to 6pm. On 1 May from 10am – 1pm the event will be open to females only.

Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) will be participating in Hannover Messe from 8-12 April 2013, to present its services and facilities to key companies across the IT industry. 

Last year, European companies topped the list of companies operating out of the Freezone at 31 per cent, 20 per cent of which were German companies.

Nasser Al Madani, assistant director general at Dubai Airport Freezone, commented on DAFZA’s participation at Hannover Messe 2013, “Currently, 16 per cent of companies in the Freezone operate in the IT and Electronics industry and maximise usage of the Freezone’s facilities and services. The IT and technology sector is represented fairly at DAFZA, with companies including Thales, NEC, Sandisk and Casio Computer Co. Ltd. DAFZA has a number of unique services that make it an excellent partner for companies from across the world who are looking to set up operations in the UAE. Hannover Messe 2013 is considered to be an important platform with large international audiences to attract in the future.”

“As consumers in the Middle East continue to increase their influence as savvy electronic enthusiasts, international brands are looking for opportunities across the region andDubairemains the most popular choice,” Al Madani added.

The growth DAFZA has experienced over the years coincides with the projected industry targets in the region, as the Middle East’s IT spending is forecasted to total USD 192.9 billion in 2013, a 5.5 per cent increase from 2012. The ME telecom services market continues to be the largest spending market, representing 77 per cent of total IT spending in the region in 2013.  The increase in total IT spending is expected to continue, as the region works towards a high of USD 223 billion by 2016 .

DAFZA will exhibit at Hannover Messe and can be found at stand E-31 in Hall No. 13. With the number of new technology-based companies rising, meeting the consumer demand for multi-vendor solutions, 2013 will witness the development of more flexible and scalable solutions. The Freezone will work to meet the increase in the number of organisations through its prime location and attractive investment opportunities; international investors reap the benefits of dynamic growth through the Freezone’s tax exemption and foreign ownership policies.

Dubai Quality Group (DQG), is conducting a series of workshops featuring previous winners of the Emirates Women Award (EWA) as role models, in line with ongoing activities to promote and encourage more entries to the 10^th cycle of EWA and to discuss the criteria of the different categories of EWA, the process of submitting entries and the benefits of joining the award.

The workshops are being organized in collaboration with various entities including the Hamdan Bin Rashid Award, Federal Electricity & Water Authority (FEWA), Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MRHE), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Al Ain Distribution Co, Ajman Business Women Council, Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, Prime Minister’s office, Community Development Authority, Sharjah Business Women Council, Ministry of Environment and Water and RTA.

Badriya Al Tamimi, managing director, DQG, said “I urge women to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the Emirates Women Award and enjoy the exclusive benefits and privileges it offers. Aside from a chance to compete for the top prizes, participants also receive incisive feedback reports that greatly help in their professional and personal development. Over the years, DQG has recognized around 50 EWA winners from diverse business and professional backgrounds, and the award is a powerful incentive for them to reach greater heights. It is a distinct pleasure for DQG and our partners at EWA to see the award’s previous winners and participants become highly successful in their respective fields of expertise. DQG is therefore actively promoting EWA through various initiatives such as the ongoing workshops as we intend to reach out far and wide in our mission to empower women in the Arab world.”

DQG further announced that the deadline for submission of entries for the 10^th cycle of EWA is on April 15, 2013. The 10^th cycle of EWA will hold its award ceremonies in May, 2013. The award also features two categories: Business Owners and Professionals, with an Overall Winner and First Runner-Up being awarded in each category. Overall Best Performer awards will be also presented to five Criteria Winners in the areas of Leadership, Strategic & Financial Planning, Career Achievements, Community Contributions and Innovation.

Dubai Quality Group is a non-profit business organization set up by the Dubai Department of Economic Development under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Guided by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Quality Group was established in 1993 to develop and promote quality and business excellence practices in UAE. DQG launched the Emirates Women Award in 2003 to encourage women, both UAE nationals and residents, to be more actively involved in social and economic development initiatives in the country.

Interested parties may submit entries through the website www.ewa.ae or www.dqg.org or contact Badriya Al Tamimi badriya.altamimi@dqg.org or Fatma Gouarab by email fatma@dqg.org or by phone +971 4 343 1950.

Visitors of the Dubai Mall to get in on MotorSouq’s automotive action from the 10th to 14th April 2013.

New models from Mitsubishi, Mazda, Hyundai and Nissan will be at the forefront of  UAE’s first in-mall motor show. The event is timed to coincide with launches for 2013 that will be seen for the first time in the region at MotorSouq.

The event is expected to attract large crowds as many are anticipated to pass through the Mall over the five days. Tony D. Ashton, president of Hyundai – UAE, Juma Al Majid EST commented on the importance of servicing the client in the right environment ”Our showcase at MotorSouq is expressing Hyundai’s capability of meeting customer needs and beyond, with a display that captures the diversity of models within Hyundai line-up.”

Joe Rogan, sales director of Al Habtoor Motors that will be showcasing their latest Mitsubishi Mirage has said “This will be a great opportunity for the customers to touch and feel the car before it hits the UAE market in.”

Visitors can also take advantage of special offers that will feature at the show. Rogan added that the company will also be displaying Mitsubishi Pajero and will offer attractive financing options such as 0 per cent finance for three years. “The Samurai offer has been a huge success for us and we are bringing it back to the MotorSouq.” he added.

Jack Arazi, founder and CEO of WorldSouq Exhibitions, which organizes MotorSouq, claimed “A souq-like circuit of the UAE’s most popular car brands, in a mall that carries a footfall of 65 million a year is a unique and highly effective marketing tool straight into the arms of a willing audience.”

Renault ME awarded Arabian Automobiles Company, its dealer in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, as the “Dealer of the Year 2012” The award granted to Arabian Automobiles Company in recognition of its overall performance in sales, after-sales, quality and as the Renault Brand Ambassador. 

In a ceremony held in Arabian Automobiles’ new Renault Showroom in Sharjah, Peyman Kargar, managing director of Renault Middle East (RME), presented the award to Khalid Al Rostamani, vice-chairman of the AW Rostamani Group and Michel Ayat, CEO of Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC). Peyman Kargar, said “Our dealers are our front line; they embody Renault in the customer’s eyes. Thanks to their performance, Renault achieved in 2012 a new sales record outside Europe in general and in the Middle East region in particular. In 2012, Renault volumes in the consolidated scope of countries of Renault Middle East have grown by 10 per cent to reach 116,952 units. Today’s award demonstrates how much we rely on our dealer’s ability to transform what we have developed in terms of product quality and durability but also quality of service and customer satisfaction.”

Michel Ayat, CEO of Arabian Automobiles Company said “This is the second year in a row we are awarded “Dealer of the Year” by Renault. It leaves us very delighted to see our efforts appreciated and very proud to be partners to a strong brand like Renault. 2012 has been an outstanding year. Our sales went up by 66 per cent, with Renault bringing exciting models like Duster. Renault has been sustaining our success with great product quality and we are complementing this effort with the best service quality.”

Offering the dealership experience away from the dealership, RME has also launched MY RENAULT (WWW.MYRENAULT-ME.COM) – a first of its kind digital platform in the automotive industry in the region, created for exclusive and personalized services towards Renault owners. The platform provides a world of privileges to registered customers, such as access to important information and documentation about their cars, easy and direct access to their local dealer for fast communication, as well as useful and educational content broadcast. MY RENAULT aims to enhance customer interaction and experience with the Brand, and ensure access anywhere and anytime, claims RME.

Automaker looking to enhance market share in the UAE

Kia Motors – UAE has recently announced it has shown a sales growth of 22 per cent in the UAE last year and would be able to boost it further with the launch of its new models due in this year.

According to Mohammed Khader, president of Al Majid Motors-Kia, UAE, though the country’s automotive sector is facing fierce competition, Kia through the launch of its new models, events and expansion of dealer network would be able to enhance its market share. He said, “To attract those who admire distinctive and reliable products, Kia is starting four-week long road shows namely ‘Kia On Tour’ in the UAE. The event will give chance to all the UAE residents to test drive the new vehicles and see and feel their superiority. During the road shows, residents will get an opportunity to meet Kia team, check and experience the vehicle. “I am sure the new sleeker and aesthetically beautiful Kia cars featuring LED front, rear lighting and a chrome-trimmed belt line along with various features will wow motor enthusiasts,” claimed Khader.

Meanwhile, Kia road shows kick started last month Al Qasba, Sharjah; Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai; Bawadi Mall, Al Ain; and April 5 at Al Manar Mall, Ras Al Khaimah where 13 Kia vehicles are showcased.

United Arab Bank (UAB), has ambitious plans to expand its services to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) segment.UAB have been providing working capital solutions to commercial entities for several years now.  In 2012, the bank responded to growing demand from SME customers for a specialised service offering. The bank now offers a full range of simple SME solutions, backed by a commitment to provide market-leading levels of service.

In the past six months, the bank claims a four-fold increase in the number of SME applications it receives, with a similar impact on its business volumes and number of customers.  In 2013, UAB expects to:

• Further double its SME business in the next six months
• Support this growth by doubling its specialist SME team
• Provide SME services throughout 10 new branches that are opening during the year
• Continue to provide top-class service in 10 languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Russian, Hindi and all other major languages of the sub-continent.

The bank aims to commit to the UAE national vision for the SME sector. Importantly, UAB recognises that its SME customers require fast and accurate service, whether opening an account or conducting any type of transaction. Such services are often provided at the location of the business for additional customer convenience.

Paul Trowbridge, CEO of United Arab Bank, claims, “With an unrivaled understanding of the local banking sector and having been catering to the UAE economy for the past 37 years, we are well positioned to contribute to this segment with innovative offerings. Our commitment to the SME sector is further reinforced by the fact that our director, Najla Al Midfa, is actively associated with the prestigious Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.”

Explaining further, Brian West, chief financial officer and head of Strategy, said: “Our new SME offering is proving to be a key driver for attracting new customers to the UAB portfolio. The segment is already proving to be a significant contributor to the Bank’s balance sheet and profitability.”