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First Quarter 2017
THE ABC DUBAI NEWSLETTER
AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL
OF DUBAI & THE NORTHERN EMIRATESAffiliate, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
ABOUT ABC DUBAI
The American Business Council of Dubai (ABC
Dubai), the first bilateral trade organization
established in the UAE, operates under the local
patronage of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce &
Industry and is an official international affiliate of
the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC.
ABC Dubai represents the business & commercial
interests of industries, corporations and individual
members in Dubai and across the Middle East.
The Council’s membership is comprised of
American Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, large and
small UAE organizations, and well as American and
Emirati professionals from all sectors of business
and industry – all accepted after review of
eligibility based upon membership qualification
criteria.
ABC Dubai organizes the business community in
partnership with public and private sector leaders
and other stakeholders from the US, the local
region, and internationally. ABC Dubai’s key
mission is to strengthen commercial ties between
the US and the UAE and offer exceptional value
and corporate support services to its members.
CONTACT INFORMATION:Phone: +971 4 379 1414PO Box 74648Dubai, United Arab Emirateswww.abcdubai.com
Bilal [email protected]
Helena HydePrograms [email protected]
Lauren OldhamMembership [email protected]
Maiyar Mina JreissatiMarketing [email protected]
Valerie BradleyEngagement [email protected]
Lilibeth DelatinaAdministrative [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2017 Board Officers and Members
NEWS
Six technology trends that SMEs should watch out for
A QUARTER IN REVIEW
– US Government Energy Delegation – Industry Roundtable
– Arab Health Kick Off Breakfast
– Regional Emerging Markets Focus Groups
– Super Bowl Social
– Spotlight on Afghanistan
– Philanthropy & the Modern Woman
– A Conversation with John Boehner
– Breaking Boundaries: Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
– US Tax Talk
UPCOMING EVENTS
MEMBERSHIP REWARDS PROGRAM
PREMIER CLUB MEMBERS
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
These programs were a mix of Premier Club-only events for our top-tier members, membership-wideprograms facilitating knowledge sharing and relationship building, and supported-events which brings ourCouncil visibility & branding, as well as discounted delegate rates and speaking opportunities for ourmembers.
Additionally, the Council participated in key meetings with a wide range of strategic stakeholders tofoster relationships and future collaboration. Some of these groups included: Expo 2020, Dubai Water &Electricity Authority (DEWA), Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center, Dubai Airport Freezone(DAFZA), Afghanistan Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Mississippi State, & the US Consulate in Dubaito name just a few. Further details on some of the above events and meetings can be found in thefollowing pages.
Across late-2016 the Council’s team and Board of Directors were busy making the necessary provisionsfor the addition of membership benefits and the restructuring of our categories, including adding a newmid-range membership tier, the Ambassador’s Club, which complements our entry level corporatemembership and our top-tier Premier Club membership levels. The approved membership structure willbetter facilitate our growth and will add considerable value for all going forward.
Finally, in Q1 we set forth on an ambitious schedule of projects to update and upgrade our ITinfrastructure, including beginning work on a brand new website and mobile app. The website will be duefor release during summer, and the mobile app will follow after. You’ll find a world of difference as we rollout the various website facilities for events and event registration, membership management, and muchmore.
I hope you enjoy the next pages as we summarize some of our activities and provide you with importantmember information. Keep in touch with us and don’t forget to add us on social media channels such asFacebook and LinkedIn.
Bilal Sabouni
Happy New Year and welcome to 2017!
In the last newsletter, we bid goodbye to 2016and provided a roundup of some of our successesand highlights. With Q1 behind us, I’d like to takea moment to review what took place, as well asshare a few of our important areas of focus in theyear ahead.We started off with a bang after an eventful Q42016 with another flurry of programs. In the firstthree months, the Council team worked hard tohost no less than twelve events - an average of anevent or program a week!
2017 BOARD MEMBERSOn behalf of the US business community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, we thank them for
the time and energy they invest in helping to strengthen our community and trade relations with
our esteemed host country.
BOARD OFFICERS:
Ramsey JurdiPresident
Mohamad ItaniExecutive VP
Sammy BousabaVP Membership
Suzanne RiesVP Programs
Charlie DaalderVP Legal Affairs & Secretary
Nabil Al OufVP Financial Affairs
& Treasurer
GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS
Janet Gibbons Sura Al Alawi Edgars Karklins Andrew White
EX OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS
Nasir AbbasiCommercial Attaché
US Consulate in Dubai
Bilal SabouniCEO
ABC Dubai
John PodgoreImmediate Past President
ABC Dubai
NEWS REVIEWSix technology trends that SMEs should watch out for in 2017
2. Artificial and collective intelligenceIf SME’s join forces, for example, computer power and data with other companies in a structured andsystematic manner, they could profit from this collaboration by receiving a better and larger data pool andsuperior data intelligence.
3. Blockchain - or how to create trust in the digital ageWith crypto-economic algorithms, Blockchain organises transactions of digital assets between two partiesin a radically new way. Instead of using middlemen or intermediaries to legitimise the exchange of certainassets, blockchains allow individuals to transfer these assets in a direct, safe, secure, and immutable waybetween each other.
4. Revolutionising the movement of moneyIn 2017, new solutions will allow companies to establish an end-to-end payments value chain with theirsuppliers and customers. These will enable ubiquitous anytime anywhere, immediate and omni-channelpayments and will be fully integrated into the financial accounting systems of tomorrow's enterprises.
5. Platform-based infrastructureIn 2017, SMEs will incorporate integrated, cloud-based software solutions that operate on global Cloudplatforms such as Salesforce.com who are offering users access business apps and integrated services.This gives access to innovative business software solutions/services and allows them the infrastructureneeded to receive every kind of data from partners, analyse it, and create something new and productive."
6. Internet of Things will create new services and job profiles• Predictive maintenance for all sorts of technical infrastructures.• Logistic companies can optimise the navigation of their truck fleets with data from sources including
smart city data from traffic lights, streets or other vehicles.• Concierge services will develop surveillance services with the realisation of new smart home technology.• Retail companies will connect to devices, such as refrigerators or Amazon-style dash buttons, to supply
customers predictively with services.• Mobile medical care services will innovate with devices, eg; to improve their support of elderly people
living alone.
1. Chatbots and autonomous interfacesThese interfaces will dramatically change the way that humans and computers work and interact with eachother as people will gradually start talking with their systems or using gesture to interact. This makes theuser experience more convenient and enjoyable - they will work autonomously and have self-learningcapabilities.
THE QUARTER IN REVIEW
JANUARY 2017
US GOVERNMENT ENERGY DELEGATION - INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE (PREMIER CLUB ONLY)
ABC Dubai, was pleased to organize a meeting between key energysector members and a visiting US government delegation of advocatesand representatives from the US, led by Acting Assistant Secretary forFossil Energy, Mr. Douglas Hollett. Council members and attendeesdiscussed and shared both opportunities and challenges for the regionalfossil and renewable energy business environment, as well as areas forcollaboration in the UAE and the wider region. The US governmentdelegation met with the American Business Council on the 15th ofJanuary 2017 while on a wider visit to the region.
ARAB HEALTH KICK OFF BREAKFAST
The American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates hosted industry leaders from all areas of
the health sector at its annual Arab Health Breakfast on Monday, January 30, 2017, at Roda Al Murooj, Dubai
ABC members engaged with industry leaders from healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, exhibitors, local
representatives and government officials who provided valuable insights.
This year the United States had the largest presence at this annual trade event. The growth only points to
how important the region is to American business and its desire to help the region create an excellent model
for healthcare in the UAE.
Opening remarks were made by the Honorable Barbara A. Leaf, US Ambassador to the UAE. The lines up of
guest speakers included Mr. Peter Makowski, Chief Executive Officer at American Hospital Dubai, Dr. Abdollah
Sedighi, Consultant Cardiologist at Valiant Clinic and Mr. Theodor Alexandrescu, General Manager at MetLife
Gulf. Our key speakers discussed a wide range of topics including the challenging factors in today’s health care
market, the correlation between the Business Dine out Syndrome and multiple diseases and the changes in
health insurance across the GCC region.
The breakfast also welcomed Tom Kallman, CEO of Kallman Worldwide Inc. (host of the U.S. International
Pavilion at Arab Health 2016).
REGIONAL EMERGING MARKETS FOCUS GROUP (PREMIER CLUB ONLY)
FEBRUARY 2017
Based on sector-wide demand from our Premier Club, ABC Dubai in conjunction with EY Middle East &North Africa, organized an exclusive, closed-door, roundtable discussion for representatives of the Council’sPresident’s & Vice President’s Club. This complimentary program provided a platform for practical advicefrom experts specializing in regional emerging markets with a particular focus to Iran.
Regional leaders, in-house legal counsels, and other senior executives focusing on regional growth marketscame together to discuss new regional opportunities including receiving an overview on Iran from EY. EYshared their on-the-ground knowledge and first-hand experience and addressed queries related to Iran’sbusiness potential, banking sector challenges, financing of projects, growth opportunities, business risks &challenges, as well as Iranian government incentive programs.
SUPER BOWL SOCIAL
The American Business Council of Dubai
& the Northern Emirates (ABC Dubai),
hosted a Super Bowl evening of
networking and socializing on Monday
February 6 at Original wings and rings,
Dubai. The quarterbacks featured Tom
Brady and Matt Ryan go head to head
and Lady Gaga rocking the halftime
show. The New England Patriots
defeated The Atlanta Falcons 34-28
SPOTLIGHT ON AFGHANISTAN
On Wednesday, February 8th, senior executives, members and stakeholders of ABC Dubai and AmChamAfghanistan gathered for an informative discussion highlighting current and future economic opportunities between Afghanistan, the UAE, and American businesses based in the region. Senior officials and representatives of government, industries and international organizations operating in Afghanistan were present.
His Excellency Mr. Humayoon Rasaw, Minister of Commerce and Industries in Afghanistan, provided the Keynote address and presentation introducing the history, development, national treasures and profitable industries in present-day Afghanistan. H.E. Rasaw was joined by Abdul Momin Mansoor, Director General PPP Segment of Afghanistan Central Partnership Authority, Ministry of Finance of Afghanistan, who presented the vast opportunities and advancements in Public-Private Partnerships in the country. The program closed with an insightful panel discussion moderated by Thomas Muenzberg, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce, Afghanistan, with Sanzar Kakar, Chairman of Afghan Holding Group; Bob Chandler, Partner, Fraud Investigation and Dispute Services at EY; and Girdhari Lalchandani, Senior Casualty Underwriter at AIG MENA, as panelists.
PHILANTHROPY AND THE MODERN WOMAN
MARCH 2017
In celebration of International Womens’ day, ABC Dubai hosted its first event dedicated to women, in
partnership with the Australian Business Council. The breakfast took place the Capital Club, Dubai and
featured inspiring guest speakers including, Lucy Chow, Founder of The Elements Group, Esther Ndichu,
Director of Public Affairs at UPS and Sarah Brook, CEO and Founder of The Sparkle Foundation.
Our Special guest speakers shared insights on what it means to achieve success and how giving back is an
essential component of personal and professional accomplishments.
This success of the event guarantees more events for women hosted by ABC Dubai, so stay tuned and visit
our website for the latest updates.
A CONVERSATION WITH JOHN BOEHNER (PREMIER CLUB ONLY)
On the 19th of March, the American Business Council hosted former House Speaker John Boehner for an exclusive breakfast meeting to discuss current events in Washington D.C., as well as the future outlooks of the Trump Administration. As a Washington insider, Mr. Boehner was able to provide first-hand accounts and expert opinion on today's American political sphere. Premier Club members and our US Consul General joined us at this high-level, closed-door roundtable as Speaker Boehner shared his unique insights into the impact of a Republican takeover of Washington and its implications for tax reform and infrastructure development, as well as a perspective on opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, particularly with regards to foreign policy and international trade and investment
BREAKING BOUNDARIES: DOING BUSINESS IN SAUDI ARABIA
US TAX TALK
ABC Dubai members enjoyed an early morning
breakfast at The Oberoi Hotel, hosted in part by
three experts in the tax field: Griffin Nagda, Miller
Musmar and PwC. The breakfast featured guest
speakers Tanvir Anwar, Senior Tax Manager at PwC,
Alex Jones, Director at Deloitte and Fouad Kraishan,
Managing Partner, FKAC CPA's Abu-Dhabi. The
guests’ speakers discussed updates and insights
affecting federal and state tax, FACTA, financial
planning, foreign earned income exclusion (FEIE) and
social security.
After brief presentations by each speaker, members
and guests asked specific questions and learned how
best to navigate U.S. taxes while living overseas.
Griffin Nagda generously offered all attendees 25%
discount on their tax preparation and ABC Members
were lucky to avail from a 50% discount. A Tax
Clinic was also held at ABC Dubai offices on April
2nd, courtesy of Griffin Nagda, to ensure the right
tax preparation for all our members and guests.
On Wednesday 22nd March the American business council of Dubai inassociation with the Canadian and Spanish business councils held acomplimentary event for their member companies at the Fairmont, Dubai toprovide them with information on how to begin their journey of expandingtheir business into Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi market is an attractive one for foreign investment and has supported large numbers ofmultinationals, corporate firms and SMEs with their move into the Kingdom. The event informed andeducated on legal considerations, what the travel fro short term business visas, how to set a company upand how to be compliant in both KSA and internationally, sponsorships, JV’s, SAGIA and trade licensing.
The above events and dates are subject to change. ABC Dubai reserves the right to add, remove or modify anyof the above events as deemed necessary.We welcome your perspective regarding current and future events for 2017 and will be pleased to integratesuggestions that add value to our programming for the benefit of our business community.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Wednesday, 3: Cinco De Mayo & ABC Dubai General MeetingMonday, 15: Trump’s 100 day reviewMonday, 15: Industry Outreach Seminar on Export Controls & Sanctions Thursday, 18: Harvard Kennedy School 2
ndAnnual Gala Dinner (supported event)
Monday, 22: The Arab Luxury World (supported event)
Tuesday, 23: Women Breaking Barriers (women only)
Friday, 7: US Independence Day Celebration
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Sunday, 2 – Tuesday, 4: Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) (supported event)
Tuesday, 18 – May 16: UAE VAT Update (supported event)
Tuesday, 25: EY EMEIA Fraud Survey Launch Thursday, 27: Washington DC Delegation Sunday, 30: ABC Dubai Annual Golf Tournament
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Wednesday, 7: ABC’s Annual Iftar in Dubai, with Dubai Islamic Economy Development CentreSunday, 11: Premier Club Members and Board of Directors Meet & GreetMonday, 12: Iftar across the Emirates – AjmanWednesday, 14: Intercouncil Expo 2020 Update
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June
ABC DUBAIMEMBERSHIP REWARDS
PROGRAMThe ABC Dubai Membership Reward Program (MRP) is an expanding initiative designed to enhanceyour membership investment and is a benefit open to all members. Our goal is to support memberbusinesses within the UAE by promoting a business referral network, while at the same time enrichingthe value of individuals’ membership in the American Business Council.
A SAMPLE OF OUR PARTICIPATING COMPANIES
To see each company is offering, please visit our membership rewards program on www.abcdubai.com To participate with a promotion or discount to council members contact: [email protected]
OUR PREMIER CLUB MEMBERS
BE A PART OF IT!
PO Box 74648 Emarat Atrium Bldg. Office 38
Sheikh Zayed Rd Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 379 1414
www.abcdubai.com • [email protected]