The Victorian Government has signalled its intentions to ramp up trade engagement with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), embarking on Australia’s largest ever trade mission to the region, which generates $2.4 billion of value to the Victorian economy annually.

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher will lead Victoria’s first multi-sectoral trade mission of more than 100 organisations from Victoria’s food and beverage, infrastructure, water and agribusiness sectors to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar starting next week. A small delegation of companies will also be part of an additional side mission into Saudi Arabia.

“This is Victoria’s first Super Trade Mission to the Middle East, demonstrating the Victorian Government’s commitment to expanding trade opportunities in this key market,” Ms Asher said.

Ms Asher said an increasing appetite for Victoria’s clean, safe and reliable food and beverage products is driving demand in the region, as is our world-class expertise in infrastructure, water management and professional services.

“I look forward to my discussions with respective government agencies in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai on the breadth of Victoria’s export capability.

“This trade mission will provide Victorian companies with prime opportunities to connect with key buyers, importers and distributers in the Middle East, in order to expand existing relationships and establish new markets for Victoria’s high quality goods and services,” Ms Asher said.

Key events during the mission include one of the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade fairs Gulfood, in Dubai, where 80 Victorian companies will showcase their products and expertise to more than 65,000 buyers from around the world. Dubai is a prime gateway to MENA’s increasing demand for clean, safe, high quality and specialised foods - in 2010/11 the region imported $830 million worth of Victorian food and beverage.

A series of Dairy Industry Forums will take place in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia presented in conjunction with Dairy Australia and industry leaders such as Murray Goulburn, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter and Bega Cheese. These forums underscore the Victorian Government’s commitment to increase exports of high-value and high-margin dairy goods, such as infant formula, sports nutritional drinks and adult supplements, as part of the Dairy Nutriceuticals to Asia Program, announced by the Premier of Victoria Ted Baillieu last year.

The excellent quality and safety of Victorian food and beverage will also be on show to key buyers, importers and distributors at a series of ‘Put Victoria on Your Table’ networking events in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Riyadh. These events will feature Victorian produce, and build on Victoria’s global reputation as a world-class supplier of food and beverage.

“Victorian companies are also renowned for expertise in infrastructure development – be it port development, rail infrastructure, or most notably, assisting in the construction of the world’s tallest building in Dubai in 2009.

“The professionalism and skill of our companies are world-class and I am proud to be showcasing this capability as part of this trade mission,” Minister Asher said.

Victorian companies are developing innovative solutions to water management issues, addressing critical development issues related to long-term sustainability and liveability.

“These capabilities are already in demand in various drought-affected markets from California to China and the developing African nations. As part of this mission, we will be providing organisations in the Middle East the opportunity to come face-to-face with our recognised expertise across the diverse range of water management issues, and I have no doubt they will be interested in what we have to offer,” Minister Asher said.

Minister Asher will lead the MENA Super Trade Mission to Doha from 15 February, and then to Dubai and Abu Dhabi before joining Victoria’s Premier Ted Baillieu on the India Super Trade Mission in Delhi on 21 February.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a top-tier Islamic financial services institution, announced today that it had closed a AED 275 million (USD 75M) syndicated Islamic financing facility for  JBF RAK LLC (JBF RAK), a subsidiary of JBF Industries.

This marks the debut Islamic finance facility for JBF RAK, a specialist polymer manufacturer focused on PET polymer resin chips (chips) and BOPET film products (films). It is a leader in the Middle East region with a market share of over 20% in chips and film products.

The financing will be used to expand JBF RAK production in Ras Al Khaimah including the purchase of new machinery and equipment and to optimize its debt profile by introducing Islamic term funding.

JBF RAK is a subsidiary of JBF Industries, a global industry leader, specialized in the manufacturing of polyester chips. JBF Industries is listed in India and its products cater to the textile manufacturing industry, PET bottle manufacturing and polyester film manufacturing industries.

ADIB acted as initial Mandated Lead Arranger, Sole Bookrunner, and Investment and Security Agent Bank for the deal while National Bank of Fujairah acted as Mandated Lead Arranger.

Commenting on the financing, Tirad Mahmoud, CEO of ADIB, said: “We are pleased to deepen our relationship with JBF RAK further. Providing this customized Islamic Financing solution will help it optimize its funding and meet long term strategic objectives. This transaction confirms ADIB’s experience in structuring Islamic Finance Facilities and Sukuk transactions, through its dedicated and experienced team.”

About ADIB:

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) was established on 20th May 1997 as a Public Joint Stock Company following the Emiri Decree No. 9 of 1997. The Bank commenced commercial operations on 11th November 1998, and was formally inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on 18th April 1999.

ADIB’s vision is to be a top-tier, global Islamic financial services group and its mission is to provide Islamic financial solutions to the global community.

The Bank carries out all contracts, operations and transactions in accordance with Islamic Shari’a principles.

ADIB’s core values, reflected in all its activities are: Simple and Sensible; Transparent; Mutual Benefit; Hospitality and Tolerance; and Shari’a inspired. It brings to its customers banking as it should be.

ADIB – Awards:

1.ADIB was named the “Best Overall Bank in the UAE in customer service” for 2011 by Ethos Consultancy
2.ADIB won the” Best Branch Award in the UAE” for 2011 by Ethos Consultancy
3.ADIB was named the “Best Islamic Bank in the UAE” for 2011  by Global Finance Magazine
4.ADIB was named Best Islamic Bank by Business Banking and Finance Magazine
5.ADIB won Best Corporate Bank by Business Banking and Finance Magazine
6.ADIB was named “The Best Islamic Bank” in the Middle East region for the second year running at the Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2011.
7.ADIB was nominated as “Fastest Growing Bank in the UAE” by the awards jury at the Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2011.
8.ADIB was named “The Best Islamic Bank in the region” in the Middle East at the Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2010
9.ADIB won the “Best Islamic Bank in the region” at the 2010 Islamic Banking and Finance Awards organized by CPI Financial.
10.ADIB was named “Best Islamic Bank in the UAE” at the Islamic Finance News Awards 2010.
11.ADIB won the best Islamic bank in the UAE by EMEA Finance.
12.ADIB won the “Best UAE Deal” award at the Islamic Finance News Awards 2010.
13.ADIB also won the “HRD Award” from the Emirates Institute of Banking & Financial Studies.
14.ADIB’s GHINA saving program won the “Best Savings Account Award” at the Banker Middle East Product Awards 2010.
15.ADIB won the “Best Private Sector Customer Service Team” award at the 2010 UAE Customer Service Week forum, held by The International Customer Service Institute UK.
16.ADIB won the “Most Improved Bank” in service excellence and got the top rank in “Call Centre Performance” in the 6th Annual Bank Benchmarking Index for service excellence by Ethos Consultancy.
17.ADIB also won the award for “Best Branding Category” at the 2010 Islamic Banking and Finance Awards organized by CPI Financial.
18.ADIB won the “Best SME Card” at the 4th Annual Banker Middle East Product Awards 2011.
19.ADIB won the “Best Ladies Banking Service” at the 4th Annual Banker Middle East Product Awards 2011.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched two main 400/132KV Substations at Al Aweer and Meydan at a total cost of AED 883 million during January. Works in these two Substations include extending 400KV overhead lines costing up to AED 17 million throughout Mushrif, Warsan, Meydan and Jebel Ali.

DEWA is managing a range of development projects to enhance and update the capacity of its infrastructure to meet the targets of Dubai’s strategic plan and DEWA’s aspirations to enhance its transmission grid and optimize its services. These Substations are the backbone of DEWA’s power transmission grids.

“In line with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote Dubai’s leading position in the region as a global hub for finance, business and tourism, DEWA is enhancing the efficiency of its power grids through a series of key projects to support its infrastructure,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

“These Substations apply state-of-the-art digital technologies for Substation transformers to improve the reliability and efficiency of its operations, which will drive its efforts to achieve sustainable development,” added His Excellency.

“The project aims to promote power transmission at Al Aweer and Meydan. This project comprises two main 400/132KV Substations. They have four transformers, each with a capacity of 2,020 Megavolt Amperes. These two Substations are connected by 1.6km of overhead lines to other Substations at Mushrif, Warsan and Jebel Ali. These will enhance the efficiency of the power transmission grid all over Dubai,” added His Excellency.

Eros Group, distributor of world-renowned brands - Samsung, Hitachi, TCL, Candy, BenQ, Linksys by Cisco and Sonos and one of the leading players in consumer electronics, telecom, IT and allied multi-products in the Middle East, has entered into an alliance with Revo, the Multi-Award Winning developer and manufacturer of digital radio products for the DAB, DAB+, HD and Internet Radio platforms.

Eros Group will distribute the Revo’s Digital Radio products incorporating FM, Internet and DAB technologies through key retail channel partners in UAE and other Gulf countries and service the needs of consumers throughout the region.

On the occasion of release of Revo products in UAE, Mr. Deepak Babani, CEO of Eros Group said, “Partnering with Revo reflects At the launch press conference Mr. Deepak Babani, CEOEros Groupcommitment to constantly expanding our product portfolio and giving our customers the latest in consumer electronics. Revo is well known for highly acclaimed Digital Radio products with innovative designs and we are proud to introduce it to our customers in this region. We are confident that this ingenious piece of technology will appeal to our wide customer base.”

Mr. Colin Urie, Commercial Director of Revo Technologies commented on the occasion, “Our mission is building the World’s most exciting, innovative and stylish digital radios. At Revo we place a high degree of importance on the look, feel and ease of use of our radios. Our aim is to produce a product that crosses over from being a humble piece of electronics to something that enriches your day to day life. With their detailed knowledge of consumers, industry, unique range of products, and innovative service record, we are confident that our partnership with Eros will help establish Revo in UAE and other Middle East markets”.

Reflecting on the new trends in listening to music, Mr. Sathish Shenoy, Vice President of Business development of Eros Group added that streaming music from connected devices like PC, Digital music players, Internet/DAB Radios and Music Services is changing the way people listen to music. High penetration of internet connectivity and relatively large bandwidths, make Internet Radio a versatile option to expand your access to music and other audio content dramatically at no extra cost. In addition to local FM stations, Revo radios gives you instant access to your own music libraries like iTunes either from the docked devices, connected PCs, or more than 15,000 free Internet radio stations and podcasts from across the world, or DAB and DAB+ radio stations wherever available and most popular online music services streaming millions of songs. Revo’s own RadioControl, an innovative and easy-to-use application for iPhone, iPod app enhances user experience of controlling multiple devices attached to the network with a touch of a finger.

Initially Eros Group will make available three of best-selling products from Revo range: recently launched K2 with innovative contemporary design, Heritage which has a retro inspired design and Axis, Revo’s best-selling digital radio device priced at Dhs 1699, 1399 and 1249 respectively.

Education experts from seven MENA countries will gather in Dubai over the next three days (Feb 7-9, 2012) for a workshop on how to use the results of their school assessments to improve education across the region.

The workshop, the sixth and final in the series, will include presentations and recommendations by the seven countries to their respective Ministers and policy-makers. Representatives from Dubai, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Oman, and Palestine will attend the workshop.

The Dubai School of Government (DSG) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) are partners for the event, and sessions will be divided between their offices.

The programme, the Regional Network for Education Research Initiative (RNfERI), is funded by a World Bank grant to the National Center for Human Resource Development (NCHRD) in Jordan. Their staff have been mentoring the country teams, along with the World Bank team. The World Bank’s partner in this initiative is the Islamic Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).

The World Bank wants to raise awareness among senior policy-makers, such as Ministers of Education of the participating countries, of the importance of continuing analysis of future student assessments in order to provide the evidence needed for appropriate decision-making.

World Bank Education Sector Manager, Mourad Ezzine, said, “For children to be enrolled in schools and sitting in classrooms is no longer sufficient. The benefits of education can only accrue if countries ensure that children are learning. This critical initiative brings together researchers and education policy makers to build capacity for evidence-based policy making, so that MENA countries may translate assessment findings into policies that improve student learning and tackle school performance issues. Only this type of approach will enable significant, sustained and widespread gains in outcomes.”

The RNfERI is tasked with encouraging the analysis of data from international assessments such as TIMSS and PISA, so that policies are based on evidence and targeted to each country’s most urgent needs. Many MENA countries have participated in these assessments, and the series of workshops has focused on teaching people in the region’s education community how best to analyse the results, and use them.

The workshop is also designed to be a forum where the country teams can obtain feedback from their high-level policy-makers. Members will discuss the best way in which the network can stay together in the future to continue its research and develop its conversation with policy-makers.

KHDA is hosting the 6th workshop, and as a result of its participation Dubai now has 14 Emiratis trained in the analysis of TIMSS data who will be able to train others. It is partnering with Dubai School of Government for the event, and with other organizations to analyze its own TIMMS 2007 results.

KHDA spokesperson Rabaa AlSumaiti said, “We want to share Dubai’s story with other MENA countries, and we want to listen to other country teams so that we can learn from each other. We encourage all schools to use the data and recommendations to support their own unique journey of development. Our next round of TIMSS results will be announced in December of this year and we will again be using them to improve our teaching and learning of maths and science. KHDA is committed to achieving the highest standards of education in Dubai and we have always said that the only way to improve is to know where you are starting from. That is what our analysis of results is really for.”

The Customer Service Center at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently received a visiting delegation from the Customer Service Department at the Ministry of Interior in Abu Dhabi to review the best practices and top-notch systems adopted by various sections, customers service centers, call center and quality and customers care section of the department.

They were also acquainted with the sophisticated systems in use; which are aligned with the highest global standards.

The delegation was received by Ahmed Mohammed Mahboob, Director of RTA Customers Service, who stressed the importance of these visits, considering them as key channels of achieving the single common objective of enhancing the business conduct which would be made possible through exchanging expertise with various entities across the UAE, and reviewing the best practices capable of enhancing the performance and achievement drive.

“RTA successes have made it a point of attraction for many others seeking to benefit from its advanced practices and cutting-edge programmes,” he noted.

“The Customer Service Centers feature high on the priority of the Dep’t as they are the front-end of the RTA and a point of communication between the community segments and all RTA officials. These centers provide a holistic range of diverse services that include responding to customer inquiries, and furnishing callers with a constant flow of information that concern them. Such offering is made through a sprawling network of centers spanning the Emirate enabling customers process their transactions in a handy manner without having to wait for long. After all, Customer Service Centers play a huge role in receiving customer feedbacks and constructive inputs that contribute to the enhancement of the business processes and the overall performance of RTA agencies,” added Mahboob.

The meeting was interceded by a visual presentation illustrating all sections of Customers Service Department focusing on the work mechanism of various affiliated branches and centers in Dubai along with the key services provided.

It also touched on the Call Center and its crucial role in giving a clear vision and proper destination for callers from different community segments in responding to their inquiries.

It also highlighted the careful employees’ selection mechanism in place at the Center covering assessing the professional competencies in establishing proper communication with others with a view to raising the profile of the RTA.

The Customer Service Team escorted the delegation in a tour of RTA’s Call Center as well as Umm Al Ramool Customer Service Center, and acquainted them with the latest systems in use at these sites aimed at maximizing customers’ satisfaction.

At the end of the meeting, the delegation members lauded the visit as it offered them exposure to vital and rich information about the job nature of RTA Customer Service Centers along with the applicable regulations and laws.

They stressed the importance of such meetings in strengthening the cooperative links between the two sides and exchanging expertise to leverage the business performance.

Costa Coffee, announces the UAE launch of its newest coffee offering - Costa Light. A combination of fresh skimmed milk and the brand’s signature Mocha Italia blend, the Costa Light offers coffee lovers a highly anticipated smooth and mellow alternative to traditional coffee based drinks.

The Costa Light takes a new approach to coffee making by frothing Costa coffee together with fresh skimmed milk in the same jug. The result is a product that is both lighter in flavour and in caffeine than Costa Lattes and Cappuccinos.

Eric Hughes, General Manager, Costa Coffee UAE, explains: “Costa Light still contains the same premium Mocha Italia blend coffee our clients have come to expect from our products, but with the added benefits of a mellower flavour and deceptively rich texture, despite being made with skimmed milk. Our new hand-crafted technique is innovative and results in a unique product for our customers. We have learned that even dedicated coffee drinkers often enjoy a lighter alternative, and for our less ‘experienced’ coffee drinkers, the flavour is subtle and smooth.”

Costa Light is one of a number of new and exciting products due to launch this year by Costa - and as is the case with all Costa drinks - offers customers the opportunity to customize it to their own preference with a variety of milks, and regular and sugar free flavoured syrups.

“The modern consumer is more selective than ever before, and at Costa, we have prepared to go the extra mile to exceed expectations. Costa Light is one of the many ways Costa caters to the ever changing needs of its customers,” explained Mr. Hughes.

Costa Light was first launched across the UK in July 2011, with overwhelming success. The UAE is the first international market to launch the drink.

Costa Light is now available at all 84 Costa outlets across the UAE.

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced that it will be hosting the 7th edition of the Dubai International Exhibition of Arabic Calligraphy from February 16 to 23, thereby bringing the best works of Arabic calligraphy by 21 artists from 12 countries to the multi-cultural residents of the emirate.

The eight-day exhibition is being held at the Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association in Al Mamzar under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

The annual show is being organized in cooperation with the Istanbul-based Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA).

Mr. Ahmed Hassan, General Coordinator of Dubai International Exhibition of the Art of Arabic Calligraphy, said there will be lectures, seminars and workshops on various facets of Arabic calligraphy alongside the annual exhibition. In addition to the works of Emirati calligraphers, the exhibition will feature the works of calligraphers from the UK, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey and Islamic Republic of Iran.

The educational seminars and technical workshops will deal with the history and evolution of Arabic calligraphy and different schools of Arabic calligraphy in the Islamic and Muslim communities around the world, he added.

His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Al Murr, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) and renowned cultural personality of the UAE, will be attending the seminar to be held on the sidelines of the exhibition.

Mr. Ahmed Hassan said the DTCM has been keen to promote the ancient art of Arabic calligraphy though the dedicated Arabic calligraphy exhibition and has improved the show format building on the success of the previous editions and the visitors’ feedback. Such exhibitions not only uphold Dubai’s heritage and culture but also promote the art form of Arabic calligraphy, he added.

He said that one of the main reasons why the exhibition has met with increasing success in its previous sessions was because it has moved forward in translating the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum by keeping in mind the supreme task of upholding the creativity of Arab and Islamic Arts.

He pointed out that Dubai has a long history of maintaining and enriching the successful Arab and Islamic experiences at various levels, and its continued support to the Arabic Calligraphy Art was always directed towards this aim.

Property renovation and luxury repositioning increasing as global economy improves

With the industry forecasted to have a value of $847.8 billion by 2015 according to recent industry reports by Hotels & Motels: Global Industry Almanac, emerging markets such as the Middle East are being highlighted as significant regions driving growth.  In addition to new properties currently under construction, increased focus in the region is on renovation of existing hotels to deliver enhanced luxury and eco-luxury hospitality offerings, a trend being witnessed by The Hotel Show, as luxury exhibitors confirm attendance at this year’s event.

Running from 15th – 17th May 2012 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, the largest hospitality supplies event in the Middle East and North Africa attracts exhibitors from around the world looking to tap into the extensive regional opportunities. 

“An absolute outcome of an improved market is renovation. Hotel chains are enhancing brand standards and dealing with the ramifications of deferred capital expenditure experienced over the past couple of years,” said Frederique Maurell, Events Director for The Hotel Show. “One of the exciting elements to this renewed growth is the diversity we are seeing in the re-fits. The Hotel Show has witnessed a substantial increase in high-calibre luxury and environmentally responsible suppliers emerging to cater to a new generation of luxury travellers.”

Primary renovation projects being conducted by leading hoteliers around the region include renovation and refreshment of lobbies, restaurants, bars and fitness centres, and the upgrading of beds, electronics and soft furnishings in guest rooms.  Among the exhibitors at the show, seeking to capitalise on the opportunities are Sambonet Paderno Industries SpA, Italian manufacturer of crafted flatware and hollowware in stainless steel & silver plate; interior design specialist Nakkash Gallery; avantgarde furniture design specialists Baa and eco-luxury furniture manufacturer Casa Shamuzzi.

Spain’s top exporter of auxiliary furniture Andreu World will also be showcasing its prestigious contemporary avant-garde designer tables and chairs with recent refurbishment projects including Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and Radisson Blue Hotel.

New to the event this year, the Middle East Hotel Awards, will be held on 15th May and will focus on recognising the innovations, developments and achievements within the hotel & hospitality industry.

Categories for 2012 include: Best Lobby, Reception & Guest Lounges; Best Restaurant/F&B outlets; Best Convention, Conference and/ or Banquet Facility; Best Hotel Suite; Best Fitness & Leisure Facilities within a hotel; Sustainable Initiative; Best Technology Integration; and Best Outdoor Area.

Also new to the show this year is Hospitality Experience, recognising the growing demand for beyond-luxury and unique hospitality experiences; this sector will host companies specialising in grand society weddings, banqueting, private parties, concerts and luxury yachting experiences.

•To Renovate Existing Awqaf and Construct New Awqaf Assets
•AMAF Records Total Revenue of AED80.038 Million in 2011

Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF), mandated to supervise ‘awqaf’ and the well-being of minors, today announced the establishment of a symbiotic investment portfolio worth AED300 million for the purpose of renovating existing awqaf assets as well as construct new facilities.

The initiative will drive the creation of an Awqaf Takaful Fund to better serve the society’s needs.

Waqf (plural = awqaf) is a permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious or charitable purposes as recognized by the Islamic law.

The setting up of the investment portfolio comes on the back of AMAF registering total revenues of AED80.038 million in 2011. In addition, the third quarter of 2011 saw AMAF raising over AED16.525 million in profits from minors’ investment alone.

His Excellency Tayeb Abdulrahman Al Rais, Secretary General, Awqaf and Minors Affairs, said: “Since the organization’s inception in 2007, AMAF has continuously strengthened its efforts in organizing, managing, and investing in awqaf across Dubai. Our core focus is the sustainable management of funds through conforming to best practices even while remaining aligned to the contemporary Islamic vision of serving as a primary contributor to the humanitarian needs of the community.

“AMAF’s decision to establish this symbiotic investment portfolio will ensure the efficient management of the current awqaf and oversee the development of new awqaf. The returns generated from these facilities will be utilized for driving the social and development objectives of Dubai and contribute effectively to its value-added portfolio without weighing on the emirate’s budget.”

Since its inception in September 2007, Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) has managed and invested funds through an Islamic perspective in full-Sharia compliance, in addition to caring and empowering minors.