Jeddah: Amana Capital, a leading regional financial provider specialized in brokerage services, announced the launch of Souq El Mal to better service traders in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Souq El Mal is an online portal (www.souqelmal.com) that aims to be the go-to destination for Middle East traders and investors interested in the global financial markets.  Ahmad El Khatib, Chief Executive Officer of Amana Capital – sponsor of the 2nd annual Saudi Money Expo and Conference held in Jeddah this week, said Souq El Mal offers news, commentaries, and analysis on the currencies, commodities, and equities markets. The site showcases a wealth of educational material that provides extensive guidance to the trader whether in the beginning, intermediary, or advanced stage. Contributors include a team of in-house editors with significant experience in the international markets.

Souq El Mal also hosts a Forum that will assemble a community of traders who will share insights and opinions in a friendly and constructive fashion. More so, Souq El Mal aims to have an extensive digital social media footprint that will include Twitter, Facebook, and You Tube whereby the information will be delivered via text, audio, and video in the Arabic language. 

El Khatib highlighted the benefit of the portal by emphasizing the multiple opportunities for achieving profits in the current market, and the need to accurately read variables and determine their trends on the short and long term.

“At Amana Capital, education and user-experience is at the core of our mission. As such, we came up with the idea of Souq El Mal to allow people to learn more about the international markets in a suitable, professional and user friendly manner and ultimately make better investment decisions.”

He added: “Investors in today’s market need a credible and prompt information source to provide them with all their trading needs. This is exactly what they will get with Souq El Mal.”

Hosted by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the financial and business hub connecting the region’s emerging markets with the developed markets of Europe, Asia and the Americas, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) launched today its Regional Economic Outlook Update for the Middle East North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan region (MENAP).

The Outlook, titled “Middle East and North Africa: Historic Transitions under Strain”, takes into consideration the near-term risks to the macroeconomic stability of the Arab countries which have increased due to a combination of political transition, pressing social demands, and an adverse external environment. While these risks were contained to some extent during 2011, faltering growth, rising unemployment and continued fiscal and external pressures, IMF expects 2012 to be an equally challenging year.

According to the report, MENAP oil exporters benefited from high oil prices which shielded them from the impact of the Eurozone crisis and its amplifications. The GDP growth of these countries decreased in 2011 to 4% but is projected to increase back up to 5% in 2012.

In 2011, the MENAP oil exporters’ combined external current account surplus almost doubled approaching $400bn. Continued government spending due to intensified social demands and higher oil prices, will support to the non-oil sector, which is projected to grow at 4.5% in 2012.

As their oil production increased in 2011 to compensate for oil supply decreases, the GCC countries’ GDP growth reached 8% last year. As stability returned to other oil producing countries, the GCC will return to normal oil production levels and its GDP growth will settle around 5.3%.

Masood Ahmed, Director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, said: “Middle East oil exporters are benefitting from high oil prices, and we expect GDP growth to strengthen and become more broad-based this year. Nonetheless, fiscal vulnerabilities to falling oil prices have increased, and structural challenges remain, such as the need to create jobs for growing working-age populations and to further diversify the economies.”

Dr Nasser Saidi, Chief Economist at DIFC commented: “As the transitions taking place across the region continue, and with the depressed global environment, it is inevitable that economic growth will be impacted, even though the GCC and other oil exporters are continuing to benefit from high oil prices. Job creation is the clear economic and social policy priority and highlights the importance of having an inclusive agenda that supports and accelerates the growth of the private sector, notably SMEs and family businesses. It also highlights the need for the effective mobilisation of funds and the channelling of resources to meet the growing infrastructure and capital investment needs of the region. A cooperative and formal financing solution is required and I believe it is an opportune time to set up a dedicated Arab bank for reconstruction and development that could tailor solutions to the needs of individual nations in MENA, while catering for regional infrastructure projects that would support greater regional economic and financial integration.”

2011 was a difficult year for MENAP oil importers . The social unrest and resulting decline in tourism and investment as well as higher energy prices and slower global growth, weakened economic activity and resulted in a decline in its growth to 2.2%.

With lingering concern over social instability and policy uncertainty, tourism¯an important source of jobs and foreign exchange receipts¯and private investment are likely to slowly recover this year. IMF expects the average real GDP growth for MENAP oil importers to increase slightly to 2.7% in 2012 with the main near-term downside risk being a potential large increase in oil prices which would impact these countries’ external balances.

The IMF report also highlights the gross external and fiscal financing needs of MENA oil importers, which are projected at about $90bn and $100bn in 2012 and 2013 respectively, and the consequent need of a timely official financing.

Mr Ahmed added; “2012 is another challenging year for many oil-importing countries in the region, and in particular for those undergoing transition. Growth is faltering and unemployment is on the rise, and many countries are faced with diminished policy space, having eaten into their foreign exchange and fiscal buffers in 2011. A joint and sustained effort is needed to help these countries navigate through this challenging period and set out an economic vision that is fair and inclusive.”

The regional leading emerging market economic forum AIM 2012, will take place in Dubai between 1-3 May at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre with 4000 participants from 45 countries.

The list of countries includes 15 African countries, 11 Arab countries, 6 from the Americas, 10 European, 4 states of the CIS, Russia and10 from Asia and the Pacific including China and India as well as 20 Ministers from various States participating at the event.

The event aims to strengthen and renew the relationships, also to consolidation the Global Strategic Equities by investors in the emerging market. AIM 2012 will be the meeting point between the Investors and Government to identify the opportunities for investment in the countries of the developing economies, etc., as well as to attract public and private sectors and investors in different segments.

AIM 2012 will focus on encouraging the foreign direct investment and highlight the current opportunities for the partnership between the public and the private sectors through the presentation of the elements of the economies of the participated countries, especially the countries with the new phase of sustainable developments and attracting foreign investments such as Libya which is currently seeking to reconstruct the country’s infrastructure.

The Annual Investment Meeting was born after the recession that hit the global economic system in late 2008 and the radical changes in the behavior of international investors which led to a shift in the compass of investment, destination and methods. The first Annual Investment Meeting, which was held last year have resulted many decisions that have developed a road map and a realistic foreign direct investment in emerging markets and launched countless initiatives while building bridges between nations and companies.

The growth in number of Government’s officials, Countries and Invertors at AIM 2012 reflects the confidence from the international investment community in its ability to reconcile the Investment sectors in several markets which would create opportunities for cooperation and reducing the distances between the parties concerned, also bring them face to face to discuss, debate and exchange views to develop strategies and mechanisms of action the future.

AIM is the first event of its kind in the Middle East to bring on one platform investment opportunities from all over the world. It gives business entities a unique chance to meet prospective investors as well as - study potential investment opportunities existing in emerging markets all over the world. AIM is designed as an exceptional meeting venue where international investors interested in realistic, scalable, sustainable and long-term investment opportunities can connect with business leaders and key decision makers of the current top emerging cities and countries in the world.

AIM 2012 will host representatives from a variety of industry segments and key growth sectors; along with key decision makers from emerging markets. AIM 2011 will host various government bodies from across the world. There will be a number of “how-to-invest” workshops, and other seminars.

Dubai – April 22, 2012: Business organisations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are gearing up to hear the most pressing business challenges in the industry. CEOs and high profiled businessmen and women will gain insight into strategy execution successes from 1400 companies and new management concepts.

This pertinent topic will be discussed at the IIR Middle East Balanced Scorecard Forum 2012 to be held on 21-26 April 2012 at The Address Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai. One of the highlights of the forum will be strategy guru, Jeroen de Flander’s presentation on “why companies fail to execute their strategy successfully”, which draws on research with over 1400 companies.

“The forum is a unique opportunity for the region’s leaders and strategy performance practitioners to get a comprehensive update on the latest essential tools for successful strategy execution. This popular management tool, used not only in companies in the GCC region but around the world, works to ensure the full alignment of an organisation behind its strategic objectives and helps organisations achieve their goals,” said Vanessa Heywood, Conference Director, IIR Middle East.

Pioneers of the Balanced Scorecard, Dr Robert Kaplan and Dr David Norton will present their famous Masterclass sessions in which they will discuss the latest innovations in strategy mapping, alignment and linking strategy to operations. Valuable insights will emerge as Dr Kaplan takes on the topic of strategy execution, discussing best practice cases. Here he will demonstrate how Volkswagen do Brasil (VWB) grew revenue by 80% in four years, doubled employee engagement, and improved internal processes through the organisation’s implementation of a sustainable strategy management system. Speakers at this year’s forum include, Michel Ayat, CEO, AW Rostamani, UAE,   Amir Al Janahi, Corporate Controller, DUBAL, UAE and Saeed Al Kaabi, Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, UAE among many others.   The Forum is sponsored by Ernst and Young, Palladium, Addima Consulting, Iycon, QPR and Connecting People 2 Strategy.

The 2nd Annual Middle East Islamic Finance and Investment Conference (MEIFIC 2012) which was held at the Dusit Thani, Dubai, saw more than 250 leaders in the international and regional Islamic banking and finance industry engage in critical discussions that focused on charting a new growth map for the Islamic finance industry in the Middle East.

Co-located with the 7th Annual World Takaful Conference (WTC 2012), the event was opened with a special inaugural session featuring Hussain AlQemzi, Chief Executive Officer, Noor Islamic Bank and Group Chief Executive Officer, Noor Investment Group; and Dr. Saleh Malaikah, Chairman, Rusd International Holding Group, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Salama Group.

Delivering his inaugural address, Hussain AlQemzi said, “The Eurozone crisis and the protests against the global financial system, which we have seen across the world, present our industry with a golden opportunity. It is now time to talk about how Islamic finance can contribute to long-term inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic growth not just here, in the Middle East, but in every country across the globe. Though it is true that greater awareness of the inbuilt strengths of Islamic finance has contributed towards increased international participation in Islamic financial markets, awareness alone is not sufficient to ensure sustainable growth for our industry. To remain competitive we have to continually innovate and adapt. If we are to challenge the conventional banks’ entrenched position in international financial deals, we must develop the capacity to structure multi-currency and cross border transactions and build scale.”

The inaugural keynote address was immediately followed by a keynote industry leaders’ power debate. The session featuring Moinuddin Malim, Chief Executive Officer, Mashreq Al Islami; Oscar Silva, Chief Executive Officer, Global Banking Corporation B.S.C. (c) (GBCORP); and Geert Bossuyt, Chief Executive Officer, Dar Al Istithmar, analysed the key steps that the industry leaders must take in order to achieve a sustainable growth trajectory for Islamic banking in the Middle East and strengthen the regional and international connectivity in Islamic finance.

Commenting on his participation at the event, Moinuddin Malim, Chief Executive Officer, Mashreq Al Islami, said, “The global Islamic banking and finance industry has been on a steady and consistent growth path with the Middle East being its nerve centre. Though the industry has built a wealth of opportunities and options for investors over the last decade, a lot more still has to be done in order for the industry to successfully compete with their conventional counterparts. The Islamic finance industry in the Middle East is at a crucial evolutionary phase. Regardless of the current socio-political concerns facing some markets in the Middle East, there is large untapped liquidity available at the disposal of investors in the region and it is critical that the Islamic finance industry realizes this potential and utilizes the opportunity to ensure stronger growth for the industry in the region. The theme for this year’s Middle East Islamic Finance and Investment Conference, “Room to Grow”, points at this tremendous opportunity and we hope that the discussions at this important event will seek to build a new growth path for Islamic banking and finance in the Middle East.”

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of MEIFIC 2012, David McLean, Chief Executive of the Middle East Islamic Finance and Investment Conference, said, “Though Islamic banking assets have grown significantly over the past few years, they still only represent less than 1% of the total global banking assets - with more than 50% concentration in the Middle East region and this represents a unique growth opportunity. Islamic finance represents one of the fastest growing segments in the global finance industry and the Middle East region has been at the forefront of the dramatic and exponential growth. Being a significant source of capital, Islamic financial institutions in the Middle East are significantly contributing towards the global development of Islamic finance with an increasing number of Middle East based Islamic financial institutions now taking a more global perspective. With the growing global demand for Islamic finance, the Middle East region is well positioned to be the global hub of Islamic finance linking key markets of Asia, Europe and Africa.”

A similar view was expressed by Dr. Jarmo Kotilaine, Chief Economist of the National Commercial Bank who noted that “global Islamic banks assets have grown considerably from $145bn in 2002 to $1,033bn in 2010″.

Assessing the key growth drivers of Islamic finance in the Middle East, Dr. Kotilaine said, “While Islamic banking assets have grown significantly in the past decade, their share of total global banking assets remains marginal. A near-absence of long-term financing tools and a growing importance of long-term capital projects launched in the region have significantly increased the attractiveness of Islamic finance.”

Finance House PJSC (FH), has kicked-off 2012 on an upbeat note by registering a robust net profit of Dhs30.2m for the first quarter of 2012, which equates to over 47% of the net profit of Dhs63.9m recorded for the full year ended 31 December 2011.

Net Interest Income in Q1 2012 at Dhs27.6m trended well with the average quarterly Net Interest Income of Dhs28m registered in 2011. Similarly, Net Fee & Commission Income of Dhs5.75m recorded during the quarter was in line with the average quarterly Fee & Commission Income of Dhs5.95m registered in 2011. However, Total Operating Income of Dhs50.88m for Q1 2012 was 27% higher than the average quarterly Total Operating Income of Dhs40m registered during 2011. In addition to steady income growth from our core lending business, the significant uplift in Total Operating Income was also fuelled by the stellar performance of our well diversified investment portfolio, with the successful execution of our fixed income strategy being a key driving factor.

As of 31 March 2012, Customers’ Deposits reached an all time high of Dhs1.72bn, manifesting the continued confidence of the market in the strong financial position and solid performance of the company. Similarly, Total Assets as of 31 March 2012 also scaled a new peak at Dhs3.44bn, overhauling the previous high of Dhs3.31bn registered as of 31 December 2011.

Mohammed Abdulla Alqubaisi, Chairman of Finance House, said: “We worked relentlessly on rewiring our business strategies in line with changing market dynamics. Our robust Q1 results demonstrate our ability to adapt business & execution strategies in tune with rapidly changing market conditions, locally and globally”.

Finance House’s Shareholders’ Equity as at 31st March 2012 stands at Dhs526m, compared to Dhs522m as at 31 December 2011. In the Annual General Meeting held on 06 March 2012, the Shareholders of the Company approved a cash dividend of 20%, subject to regulatory approvals, which have since been obtained and dividends distributed to shareholders.

Alqubaisi continued: “The overall size of our loan book has registered a marginal growth during the quarter, with new disbursements roughly matching repayments on existing loans. However, we expect to see a robust growth in our loan book from Q2 onwards, in line with our growth strategy. We continue to maintain a cautious approach towards managing our investment portfolio, which has performed remarkably well during this quarter on the back of improved market sentiments. As to liquidity, the company has a robust system in place for managing its cash flows”.

“We remain confident that our strategy of continuously seeking and addressing profitable niche segments will enable us to continue generating above average equity returns for our shareholders on a sustained basis”, concluded Alqubaisi.

• AXA Gulf speeds up its expansion strategy in the UAE
• Expands its footprint in the UAE to better service its clients

As part of an expansion strategy aimed at increasing its geographical footprint in the UAE and the Gulf, AXA Gulf – one of the largest and the leading non-life international insurers in the Middle East – today announced the opening of its new customer service centre at Dubai Internet City [DIC].

The new service Centre has opened on the 15th of April and will be managed by AXA Service Company, the wholly-owned service subsidiary of AXA Gulf formed to consolidate and streamline the company’s sales support functions and services.

This new state of the art service hub is the second AXA Service Centre in Dubai, following the one operational at Dubai Outsource Zone. The new service centre, to be located in Building 6 at DIC, will offer the entire gamut of AXA services including claims management, policy renewal, documentation and information on all personal, SME’s and commercial products.

The new office is aimed at offering a strategic and accessible location to boost AXA customer convenience and provide a one-stop destination for all a variety of insurance needs – part of its mandate to extend world-class service backed by unique insurance solutions.

Customers will also be able to log onto AXA’s website on dedicated PCs where they will be able to get free quotes and buy entirely online any personal lines products (car, home, travel, health and personal accident). Also, staff will be available from 8AM to 6PM to answer and support customers for any insurance needs you could have.

In comments on the new service centre, Mr. Jérôme Droesch, CEO of AXA Gulf, said: “In the past few years, AXA Gulf, through its subsidiary AXA Service Company, has demonstrated its commitment to being available, reliable and attentive. We have invested in state-of-the-art service and call centres besides extending our presence through offices and walk-in shops, thus providing a unique range of contact points for our customers. We have also enhanced our online services to enable customers to transact their insurance needs from their homes or offices.”

He added: “We have always believed in providing a huge difference to the satisfaction of our customers – the new service centre is an important part of our total client experience and hope it will push the satisfaction of our customers above its current level of 75%. Our success is mainly attributed to our endeavours in delighting our customers by surpassing expectations.We value our customers and their needs, and ensure that they receive timely advice, assistance and care that they deserve – and we are confident that the new service centre will effectively cater to all insurance needs, be it individual, commercial or SMEs. It seems it has been well received as we grasped several recognitions last year notably the award of the insurer of the Year at the latest MENA Insurance awards ceremony. Please be assure that we will continue to invest in 2012 to support our aim of becoming the preferred insurer for our customers and partners alike”

Malek Al Malek, Managing Director, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource Zone, said: “I congratulate AXA on its growing regional footprint. The new operation takesour collaboration to the next level. We are confident that the world-class infrastructure and business support services provided at Dubai Outsource Zone has played a key role in influencing their decision to build upon their synergy and set up a service center at Dubai Internet City.

“We remain committed to supporting AXA in achieving its business objectives. We believe that the opening of the AXA service center will help the company streamline its services and cater to a wider consumer base.”

The service centre in DIC will also extend other services such as claims registration, endorsements and vehicle registration renewal.

(DUBAI, UAE) — 13 April 2012 — The MENA Businesswomen’s Network Forum concluded today (April 13th, 2012) in Dubai with a roundtable discussion between some of the region’s most prominent businesswomen, including several of Arabian Business’s list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the Arab World.

The two-day event drew over 350 businesswomen from across the Middle East and North Africa, and was held under the patronage of HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade. Hosted by Dubai Business Women Council, the Forum received support from MENA BWN’s global partners - Vital Voices Global Partnership and the ExxonMobil Foundation.

With the theme “Unleashing the Economic Potential of Women in the MENA Region,” the Forum kicked off Thursday morning with a keynote address by Sheikha Lubna, highlighting the collective nature of the event and remarking how the Forum’s goal is for each woman to gain the skills necessary to achieve success.

The Forum continued with a discussion between Sheikha Lubna and Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Partnership that focused on cultivating women’s leadership potential and how leadership should focus on empowering everyone, not just those in senior positions.
 
“Being a leader is about staying the course no matter how difficult the path may be,” said Nelson after the session, “while maintaining your vision and inspiring those around you along the way. Over the past two days we have provided a platform for these women to grow and ready themselves for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Thursday afternoon continued with focus sessions and hands-on workshops on how partnerships can bolster innovation, how women entrepreneurs can leverage technology, and how business women throughout the region can access capital and new markets. The first day wrapped-up with one-on-one mentoring sessions and a gala dinner.

Afnan R. Al Zayani, President of MENA Businesswomen’s Network, commented on the regional representation of the event and expressed her hopes to continue the Forum’s success in the future.

“It is indeed an honor to see over 350 outstanding women from over 15 countries learn, connect and gain the skills necessary to transform their enterprises to achieve higher levels of growth and success,” said Al Zayani. “We are beyond pleased with the Forum’s outcome and we look forward to building upon its success in the coming years.”

As the Forum’s local host, Raja Easa Al Gurg, President of the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), highlighted the DBWC’s role in the event.

“MENA BWN’s first region-wide Forum was a phenomenal success and we are honored to have played a key role,” said Al Gurg. “More and more opportunities are opening up for women across the region and I urge every woman here to use her imagination and potential to grow her business. There is no better time.”

The Forum’s second day opened on Friday morning with a session on increasing media access for businesswomen and a panel discussion on growth-driven supply chain strategies featuring key representatives from IBM, Dow Chemical and the World Bank. The session highlighted opportunities for collaboration between the private sector and regional governments and what supply chain models work best in the region.

The Forum was made possible by a grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation.  The ExxonMobil Foundation has provided funding of more than US$5 million dollars to Vital Voices Global Partnership to support the strategic development of businesswomen’s networks.

The Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen’s Network 2012 Forum was held at the Park Hyatt Dubai. The organizer, MENA Businesswomen’s Network, represents over 2,500 members from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Tunisia, and the UAE. The Forum is sponsored by the ExxonMobil Foundation and supported by Vital Voices Global Partnership.  The Dubai Business Women Council, UAE member of the MENA BWN, is the local host.

HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi inaugurates the MENA BWN’s unique peer-to-peer businesswomen’s networking event

Dubai, 12 April 2012 The Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen’s Network (MENA BWN) launched its first region-wide Forum today at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. Under the patronage of HE Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and made possible with the support from MENA BWN’s global partners - Vital Voices Global Partnership and the ExxonMobil Foundation. The inaugural forum convened more than 350 women from both the private and public sectors on its opening day.

With the theme “Unleashing the Economic Potential of Women in the MENA Region,” the Forum opened with a keynote address by Sheikha Lubna focusing on the vast potential of businesswomen in the region.

“This Forum is a valuable platform for women from across the region to enhance their skill-sets and gain valuable personal mentoring from powerful women from around the region,” said Sheikha Lubna. “Over the next two days, the Forum will equip and enable women to grow their enterprises and transform their communities by providing hands-on skills and valuable networking opportunities.”

Following Sheikha Lubna’s keynote, Afnan R. Al Zayani, President of MENA Businesswomen’s Network, welcomed the Forum’s participants and highlighted the objectives of the Forum.

“Our goal is not to simply lecture from a podium but rather to build real, valuable relationships and share useful, first-hand knowledge with these outstanding women,” said Al Zayani. “Our network currently includes organizations from 10 countries throughout the region representing over 2,500 members. Our goal is to develop and grow these organizations and continue to equip MENA BWN’s members in order to maximize their potential.”

Raja Easa Al Gurg, President of the Dubai Business Women Council, said: “As the UAE member of the MENA BWN, the Forum’s local host, and as businesswomen in the UAE, we strive to be at the forefront of women’s development and progress in the region. We are both pleased and honored to host this landmark event in Dubai, and we wish all the participants the utmost success.”

The ExxonMobil Foundation has provided funding of more than US$5 million dollars to Vital Voices Global Partnership to support the strategic development of businesswomen’s networks. “Supporting women to thrive economically is one of the best ways to achieve prosperity,” said Nihad Shelbaya, ExxonMobil’s public and government affairs manager for Egypt and Cyprus. “The businesswomen’s forums provide women with knowledge and resources to help grow their businesses and continue to contribute to their communities.”

The Forum continued with a session focused on developing results-oriented mentoring programs in the private sector. Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership in Washington, DC, facilitated a discussion featuring key representatives from organizations including Aramex, Abraaj Capital, the Financial Times and General Electric.

“Mentoring is a valuable tool to advance the position of women in the private sector,” said Nelson. “A network of regional businesswomen connected across various sectors and devoted to developing upcoming talent is a very powerful force.”

Sessions and workshops continued throughout Thursday afternoon focusing on accessing capital, entering new markets, using the latest technology to increase efficiency, brand building and using viral online videos to boost coverage for business enterprises. The day’s events concluded with a Gala Dinner.

The Forum will continue Friday morning with a session on increasing media access for businesswomen and panel discussion on growth-driven supply chain strategies featuring key representatives from IBM, Dow Chemical and the World Bank. The event will conclude Friday afternoon with a roundtable discussion between some of the region’s most prominent businesswomen, including several of Arabian Business’s list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the Arab World.

“The long-term growth and prosperity of a country is tied directly with the economic participation of women,” said Al Zayani. “Empowering women will stimulate economic growth and increase employment throughout the region and the MENA BWN is honored to play a key role.”

The mission of the Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen Network is to promote economic and professional growth resulting in progress and prosperity for individuals, families, communities in the MENA region and the world at large. MENA BWN is a unique network in the region, bringing together a dedicated group of business and professional women from 10 countries around the region to cultivate and promote a regional culture of women’s entrepreneurship, and increase the value of women’s businesses. It also works to support the next generation of women leaders of both communities and economies.

The Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen’s Network 2012 Forum is held at the Park Hyatt Dubai. The organizers, MENA Businesswomen’s Network, represent over 2,500 members from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Tunisia, and the UAE. The Forum is sponsored by ExxonMobil and supported by Vital Voices Global Partnership.  The Dubai Business Women Council, UAE member of the MENA BWN, is the local host.

With the closure of the Bahrain International eGovernment Forum 2012, being under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology (SCICT); IT enthusiasts, experts, specialists, speakers, and visitors praised the successful attempts, organization and management of the event - which took place at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa from 9th- 11th April 2012.

Last day of the forum consisted of 11 speakers presenting two sessions; eParticipation and eInnovations/ Open Data; to discuss Information and Communication Technology topics, issues and the latest trends.

The eParticipation session involved five speakers - Managing Director and Founder of User Vision in UK Chris Rourke presenting Creating eGovernment Success through Usable, Citizen - Center Service Design Across Channels; Executive Director of National Information Society Agency in Korea Dr. Jeongwoon Yoon presenting Strategic Approach Towards Smart Society; Director Consulting at Babiel GmbH Alex Felsenberg presenting Participating in the Political Process: listening, collecting, channeling, reacting; Public Affairs and Corporate Citizenship Lead of Microsoft Turkey as well as the Founder and CEO of digitalgovernment.com Erdem Erkul presenting eParticipation; along with Principal at Booz & Company as well as Senior member of the Business Technology Practice in the Middle East Fady Kassatly presenting eParticipation - Is it for everyone? The Importance of Digital Inclusion.

The eInnovations/ Open Data session involved six speakers - Co-founder and Managing Director of Civic Resource Group Dr. Gregory Curtin presenting Open Data for F.A.S.T Government; Founding Member and Chairman of Open Data in Germany Stefan Gehrke presenting Open Data Networks in Germany; Deputy Director of Office of Government Organization MOPAS Minsun Jeong presenting Korea’s eInnovation; Manager and Regional Relations of ICANN Middle East Baher Esmat presenting Innovation: A new Internet Extensions; CEO of KindredHQ Alex Butler presenting Innovation in Government: Why entrepreneurial thinking is so Important?; and Head of UN University IIST Center for Electronic Governance and Senior Research Dr. Tomasz Janowski presenting Electronic Governance for Sustainable Development.