Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been named the top MENA Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) destinations according to the 5th Middle East Meetings Industry Research report, undertaken by Reed Travel Exhibitions and meetme magazine in March 2011. The report highlighted the rapid expansion of the industry in the UAE and predicted continuous growth. Up-dates and new developments both in the region and globally will be presented at the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) 2012. Set to be held from 26 – 28 March 2012 in Abu Dhabi, GIBTM, a REED Travel Exhibitions event, provides the ideal networking platform for the international meetings and events industry.

Dubai is a key MICE destination ranked among the top 10 most popular business destinations in 2011(4), followed by Abu Dhabi, which is currently attracting 27 percent of events staged in the region. The capital is anticipated to attract 48 percent of events planned in the MENA region in 2012(1).

Lois Hall, REED Travel Exhibitions Manager GIBTM said: “The UAE and wider Middle East region has received a huge amount of investment in the Meetings and Events industry over recent years and we are now seeing the results. The Middle East has witnessed 38 percent growth in indoor exhibition hall space over the past 5 years.(2) The region has succeeded in attracting high profile local and international meetings and events and now needs to focus on encouraging repeat bookings.”

Globally, the MICE industry has also experienced steady growth, for example Asia has achieved a growth rate in indoor exhibition halls of 20 percent over the past 5 years.(2) New MICE hubs are also emerging including Malaysia, which attracted over 1 million international business event visitors last year.(3) The Malaysian government has been supporting the MICE industry via the Tourism Ministry and has allocated US$ 16 million to finance business tourism events in 2011.(3) The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) will be participating in GIBTM 2012, allowing delegates to find out more about this growing MICE destination.

India is participating in GIBTM 2012 through the India Tourism Authority proving that the MICE industry is growing worldwide. Advanced technologies and facilities, personalized services and rich cultural heritage, make India an increasingly appealing MICE destination. India is globally connected to a network of over 50 international airlines and several domestic airlines, which provide convenient connectivity within India.

On a regional basis, Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tourism Sector is one of the exhibitors debuting at GIBTM 2012. Kuwait’s Five-Year Plan (2010-2014) includes numerous mega projects such as the new business hub (Silk City) with estimated cost US$77bn, a 25km causeway railway and metro system and additional spendings on new cities, infrastructure and services; particularly health and education.

“GIBTM attracts support from a wide range of local, regional and international organisations, indicating its importance as the only proven platform in the Middle East to access the growing Meetings industry. Destinations like India have begun to market MICE products to specialised agencies and the corporate world at large. The MICE industry holds enormous potential for any country. It is estimated that a person travelling to a country for a conference or convention spends anywhere four to eight times more than a normal leisure traveller,” concludes Lois Hall.

Joining India Tourism Authority, Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tourism Sector and Malaysia Convention Bureau are other exhibitors at GIBTM 2012 including Bahrain Tourism Company, Cyprus Tourism Authority, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Lebanon Saad Transport, Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts, Oman Tourism Authority, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Seoul Convention Centre, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Silversea Cruises, and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau amongst others.

Held under the patronage of Chairman, HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, GIBTM 2012’s distinguished industry partners include Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), ADNEC, Etihad Airways and The Vision Destination Management Company. Meetme, published by NPI, is a global media partner and publisher of the Official Show Daily publication.

More information on the event, exhibitors, hosted buyers’ required qualifications, partners, networking and educational opportunities is available on www.gibtm.com.

The events of the 20th World Petroleum Congress wrapped up at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha on Thursday, after five days packed with sessions covering all aspects of the world’s petroleum industry, from technological advances in upstream and downstream operations, to the role of natural gas, renewable and alternative energy, the management of the industry and its social, economic and environmental impact.

Qatalum, the state-of-the-art aluminium smelter constructed in line with Qatar’s long-term economic diversification strategy, was present as a representative of Qatar’s newest energy-related industry: aluminium. The smelter, which achieved full production earlier this year, was also a Gold Sponsor of the event.

The triennial World Petroleum Congress, which ran from 4 to 8 December under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, is considered one of the industry’s premier events, and attracted more than 5,000 participants from around the world, including more than 900 participants from Qatar, and 35 ministers from countries active in the petroleum industry.

The theme for this year’s congress was ‘Energy Solutions for All - Promoting Cooperation, Innovation and Investment’, and focus was on the debate on solutions aimed at providing global access for all to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy in both the near and long term future.

With the world’s third largest natural gas reserves and more than 900 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves in the world’s largest non-associated natural gas field, Qatar was a natural choice for the hosting of this important event. The country is also the world’s single largest supplier of liquefied natural gas, and in recent years the Qatari government has devoted significant resources to the development of natural gas, particularly gas-to-liquids projects. This energy is now being channelled in a new direction - gas-to-solids, in the form of aluminium. And this is being accomplished through Qatalum, Qatar’s first aluminium smelter.

Speaking of Qatar’s newest energy-related industry, Qatalum CEO Tom Petter Johansen said, “Aluminium has a notably positive economic effect locally, regionally and internationally, as it is used in a wide variety of sectors, such as construction, transport and marine industries. GCC countries are rich in the raw materials required to produce aluminium, which also lowers the production cost in the region significantly. This, together with the implementation of long-term strategies that aim to develop the region’s aluminium industry, have ensured that the region is well positioned to be one of the world’s main aluminium producers. And through Qatalum, Qatar is positioned to be at the forefront of this development.”

Johansen explains that Qatalum is committed to ensuring that Qatar’s shift in focus to gas-to-solids is a successful one. “At Qatalum, we are committed not only to ensuring that we produce the highest quality primary aluminium, but also to ensuring that the progress we have made thus far is sustainable. To this end, we have entered into a number of partnerships and agreements that will ensure the industry’s continued growth, as well as build the foundation for a knowledge-based industry that is sustainable over the long term, and will provide Qatar with economic diversity and sustainability. Our vision is to become a sustainable economic catalyst, using Qatar’s gas energy to create a valuable commodity - aluminium.”

Qatalum is a state-of-the-art aluminium smelter with a production capacity of 585,000 metric tonnes per year that will enable Qatar to contribute a significant portion towards GCC aluminium production. The smelter aims to become a sustainable economic catalyst at the heart of turning Qatar’s gas energy into a valuable commodity - solid aluminium, and hopes to create a strong, knowledge-based industry not only in Qatar, but throughout the region.

DUBAI : Middle East Concrete and PMV Live recently announced sponsorship agreements with leading concrete and heavy machinery suppliers, Sany Group, Doka Gulf  and Philip A Tabone in the lead up to the highly anticipated exhibitions taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 21st  to 24th.  

With an expected 9000 visitors on hand during the events, each of the sponsors and the events’ 170 exhibitors will be in a prime position to showcase their product and service offerings at the region’s only complete events dedicated to the concrete and PMV sectors.

Leading machinery supplier and first time silver sponsor Sany Group will be on hand to showcase its vast product range of concrete machinery, excavators, crawler cranes, truck cranes, pile driving machinery, road construction machinery, port machinery, and wind turbine.

Leo Liao, Deputy GM commented on the company’s involvement at the exhibition, explaining, “At Sany, we have faith that quality changes the world and we believe that developing and manufacturing quality, industry-leading products is always a top priority. We’re delighted to be participating as exhibitors and silver sponsors at this year’s event. With an established presence throughout China, we see this as an excellent opportunity to enhance our position across the Middle East.”

Austrian formwork specialist, Doka will be present and will showcase its ongoing commitment to safety and speed training with a live product demonstration of the Staxo 40 lightweight shoring towers, which it claims can account for an 80 per cent time saving.

Peter Vogel, Regional Manager Middle East, Doka commented, “We are pleased to participate in Middle East Concrete as a silver sponsor, providing us a dedicated platform to interface with all concrete professionals in the region. At this year’s event, with our newest innovations, Doka looks forward to showcasing its technically advanced and comprehensive formwork solutions for all types of projects.”

Malta based Philip A Tabone International has been servicing the Concrete Industry for over 40 years. With offices in Malta, Libya, Kuwait, and Dubai, the firm offers a wide range of products and services, including start-up consultancy, software supply, heavy plant and machinery as well as engineering services.

Anthony Tabone, silver sponsor explained, “With over 40 years of experience in the concrete industry and a particularly well established presence in North Africa and the Middle East – regions where the company focuses with a commitment to offer top quality plant and equipment for both large, medium and small scale projects – we see Middle East Concrete particularly as an excellent opportunity new opportunity for Philip Tabone in the region.”

Middle East Concrete (MEC) will be a one-stop shop covering everything from raw materials and logistics to precast products/ training and certification in the industry. PMV Live is a brand new event concept which offers a unique mix of products, technology, machinery and live demonstrations for anyone involved in the Plant, Machinery and Vehicles sector.

Senior executives of Swiss private bank Lombard Odier serve as keynote speakers

November 16, 2011

Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) has announced that it has explored exciting investment opportunities in the Middle East’s luxury goods sector during the November edition of the “Monthly Lunch Majlis” that was held recently at the Gulf Function Suite of the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. DBWC invited senior executives of Swiss private bank Lombard Odier to serve as speakers of the Lunch Majlis, which was organised under the theme “Luxury Goods: Growth, Success and Performance”.

Keynote speakers Arnaud H. Leclercq, Limited Partner and Head of New Markets, and Christophe Lalandre, Executive Vice President, Middle East team of Lombard Odier, provided a global economic environment analysis focusing on the debt crisis from the point of view of Lombard Odier, stability of banks and economic and financial outlook. They also discussed the challenges and opportunities in the Middle East’s luxury goods sector, while a special demonstration was prepared on how to invest in the luxury sector.

Arnaud Leclercq said: “It is important to be constantly aware of opportunities to optimise the investment potential of businesswomen. The luxury goods sector particularly offers excellent investment prospects for women, especially here in the Middle East. The Dubai Business Women Council’s Lunch Majlis is certainly a great venue to discuss the new possibilities that have emerged in the region’s luxury goods landscape.”

Christophe Lalandre said: “The Dubai Business Women Council has done an excellent job in motivating women to be more actively involved in various business and investment activities in the society. The Lunch Majlis is a great example of the proactive efforts of the Council in highlighting the exciting opportunities that are available to businesswomen in the UAE and across the region. We are certainly very pleased to support this initiative and offer our insights about new prospects in key industries.”

Raja Al Gurg, President, Dubai Business Women Council, said: “The participation of senior executives from Lombard Odier underlines the continuing success of the Lunch Majlis as a pioneering platform that cultivates greater women participation in economic activities in the country. The discussions enabled us to better understand the intricacies of the luxury goods market and help better position women entrepreneurs to take advantage of new business prospects in this key growth industry.”

Founded in 2002, DBWC motivates women to be productive members of the society, while encouraging role models to rise up from the ranks and inspire other women around the world, especially in the Arab region, to discover their true potential. DBWC organises the high-profile monthly event ‘Majls Business’ to provide information about the latest knowledge, skills and best practices for women entrepreneurs and leaders.

SR 200 million worth of investments for production line expansion and adoption of new technologies

Jeddah - 30 October 2011- In line with its commitment to meet the growing demand for healthy juices and beverages, Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co., a Saudi company that exports 30 per cent of its production, has invested SR 200 million to expand its plants and increase productivity. The expansion plans include the adoption of advanced technologies for the manufacture of juices and ready foods and the installation of new hardware which operate according to the highest international standards. The company also opened an innovative production line to meet the requirements of the local market.

“The consumption of juices and beverages in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 6.5 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), which is the average consumption growth during a specified period of time, which reflects an increased demand for these products. Hence, we at “Al Rabie”, which is a 100 per cent Saudi company, decided to develop mechanisms of production and expand operations to meet the requirements of the Saudi and foreign markets in which we operate,” said Al Sharif Monther Al Harthi, CEO, Al Rabie Saudi Foods.

“We bought a set of highly advanced devices and equipments to improve and modernize production lines according to the best international manufacturing practices. We have also opened innovative production lines to meet the growing demand for natural healthy juices, and we are confident that these investments amounting to SR 200 million will first and foremost benefit the consumer, while enabling us to continue to provide healthy products in line with our “Health for All” motto,” added Al Harthi, CEO.

Al Rabie seeks to achieve customer satisfaction by offering a comprehensive range of high quality food products and natural juices that meet their expectations. The company remains keen to invest heavily to improve and expand production processes and develop human resources to achieve this goal. Al Rabie is also fully committed to strengthening its position among the leading companies specialized in manufacturing beverages, juices and food products in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Leading UAE-based firm reports on completed and current projects at inaugural Festival of Interior Design

October 26, 2011

Greenline Interiors (GLI), a leading UAE-based interior design and fit-out firm and part of the Greenline Group, has revealed that their current crop of completed and ongoing projects has allowed them to consolidate their foothold in the Middle East interior design segment and position themselves as one of the region’s leading interior design and fit-out firms. Having established a presence in Saudi Arabia, Greenline Interiors is currently working on four new projects in the Kingdom, which includes fit-out work on two auditoriums inside the Princess Noura Bint Abdul Rahman University, the world’s largest university campus; fit-out work for the Yamama Family Villas as well as the royal family’s Rawda Palace and all the special and presidential suites for the King Abdullah International Conference Hotel II. According to GLI senior officials, the influx of projects in KSA complements the planned opening of the company’s first office in Riyadh. Another source within the company also stated that the opening of the company’s Saudi branch is only the beginning, with a Qatari branch already in the pipeline and due to be opened before the year’s end.

On the local front, GLI has just wrapped up work for ‘GH-The Residence,’ which is an extension and exact replica to the iconic Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai. Located in Dubai Marina, the company’s work can be seen in key areas of the newly built tower, which includes the lobby, lounge bar, two royal suites, the Buddha Spa, pool bar, the Toro Toro Grill, business centre and the Embassy Club. Also, the company is finalizing work on the Capital Plaza Hotel in Abu Dhabi, which includes complete fit-out work on eight floors of public areas as well as all the loose and fixed furniture of the hotel.

“These are exciting times for the region’s interior design industry as the move towards economic recovery has brought in an increased demand for interior design services. Participating at the inaugural edition of FoID gave us the opportunity to meet and develop new contacts and also allowed us to highlight our recently completed projects and also those that are currently in the pipeline,” said Lea Badro, Business Development Director, Greenline Interiors.

Abu Dhabi, UAE : Major challenges lie ahead for the global food industry according to a leading authority in agriculture and food, as increasing urbanisation shrinks rural labour forces and non-renewable resources are becoming more scarce.

Sudhakar Tomar, managing director for Hakan Agro DMCC, the UAE’s largest agribusiness trading organisation, said that for the first time 50 per cent of the world’s population lives in cities, with the overall population growth rate increasing faster than the average growth rate of food production.

“As the world’s population is expected to reach nine billion by 2050, there will be an extra 2.5 billion mouths to feed, meaning overall food production needs to be raised by 70 per cent,” said Tomar, adding that reducing wastage, both in the supply chain and on the table, as well as eating smarter will go a long way to satisfying the growing appetites of the world’s population.

Tomar will be among an expert panel of speakers at the second edition of SIAL Middle East Conference, where he will highlight the various challenges of global food supply, and the measures to combat these challenges. The three-day conference runs alongside SIAL Middle East Food Exhibition, taking place from 21-23 November at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

A line-up of 31 high profile international and regional speakers will join Tomar as they look to address delegates about the pressing issues and opportunities facing the global food industry.

The first day focus is on food retail, with the afternoon dedicated to a featured session on seafood from Vietnam. The second and third day will put a spotlight on business and marketing, trends and innovation, nutrition and healthy food, and food security and sustainability, where Tomar will outline how to meet the challenge of feeding a population of nine billion people by 2050.

“To feed nine billion people is difficult but not impossible,” added Tomar.  “The world can produce enough food to feed everybody now and in the future.  We can solve the global food crisis in our lifetime if we improve our crop yields in the developing world, stop wastage at the farm level in Asia and Africa, stop wasting food on the plate in the first world, and most importantly, if we start eating smart.

“At the current farm level in Asia and Africa, 50 per cent of crops are lost due to pests, diseases, bad storage and an almost non-existent supply chain. Furthermore, almost 40 per cent of food is lost or thrown away in North America and Europe between the shop and the dining table.”

Held in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, SIAL Middle East 2011 is a part of SIAL Group – the world’s largest network of professional B2B food exhibitions which include SIAL Paris, SIAL China, SIAL Canada, and SIAL Brazil.

Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Official Spokesperson, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and Chairman, Higher Organizing Committee for SIAL Middle East,  said that the SIAL Middle East conference provides an ideal platform to bring together government representatives and the private sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the global food and agriculture sector.

“Due to population growth and increasing per capita income, food consumption will reach 51.5 million tonnes by 2015 in the GCC alone,” said Al Reyaysa. “Meeting this increasing demand for food is both a challenge for the GCC governments and an opportunity for private sector players to expand within the market. The SIAL Middle East Exhibition and Conference provides the all important stage to meet the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that lay ahead.”

More than 12,000 trade visitors from 80 countries are expected to attend SIAL Middle East 2011. The trade show will host an exhibitor line up of more than 500 food and equipment manufacturers and suppliers. There will also be 16 national pavilions from Turkey, Argentina, Korea, China, Taiwan, Iran, France, Italy, Poland, Vietnam, Thailand, UK, USA, Egypt, Tunisia, and the UAE. 70 per cent of the exhibitors and the food products on display will be seen for the first time in the region.

Trade professionals and buyers will be able to source a huge array of food products and services, some of which have not been seen in the Middle East before.

October 24, 2011

RAK Ceramics, the world’s largest ceramic tiles & bathware manufacturing company, has announced that it has recently presented exclusive insights about the latest global trends, ceramics production and consumption pattern in the UAE during its participation at the World Ceramic Tiles Forum, held recently at the JW Marriott Hotel in Mexico City. RAK Ceramics was joined at the Forum by other major stakeholders of the global ceramic tile industry and international ceramic tiles associations representing countries such as Italy, Germany, Spain, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, China, Japan, Australia, Turkey, and Ukraine, who together discussed topics such as emerging technical challenges, standardization, trade issues, sustainability and international tile marketing efforts.

RAK Ceramics’ participation at the Forum was to reaffirm its status as one of the world’s leading global players in the ceramics industry and share its views on various global issues such as standardization of products, trade barriers, counterfeiting and copyright of tile designs. Some of the global tile trends discussed included the growing demand for larger format of tiles, various tile sizes and slimming of tiles, where RAK Ceramics’ successful RAK Slim range was one of the highlights. In addition, RAK Ceramics also shared UAE’s commitment to sustainability, with Masdar City in Abu Dhabi being highlighted as the world’s most sustainable city relying on renewable energy. RAK Ceramics’ role as the founding member of Emirates Green Building Council and its commitment to launch sustainability was highlighted with its eco-friendly product range and environmentally friendly manufacturing facilities.

Abdulla Mahmood, Head- MARCOM, RAK Ceramics, said: “Being the world’s largest manufacturer of ceramic tiles, RAK Ceramics’ presence was imperative at such a global forum. The forum gave an opportunity for us to present our insights on global ceramic tile trends, the ceramics industry in the UAE and its influence in the international markets. The participants in the forum were highly impressed with RAK Ceramics’ phenomenal success story that has put the UAE firmly on the global map of the ceramics industry.” Mahmood further added, “RAK Ceramics has also been gaining significant market and media exposure through our participation at high-profile events such as this forum in Mexico. Our expansion plans in North and South America continue to gain momentum, driven by the rapidly growing demand for premium-quality ceramic tiles and bathware across the region, thus giving RAK Ceramics a great opportunity to reaffirm its reputation as one of the most trusted brands in the global ceramic tile industry.”

RAK Ceramics is a USD 1 billion global conglomerate that supplies to over 150 countries and has been officially recognised as the world’s largest ceramic tile manufacturer with a global production output of 117 million square meters. RAK Ceramics offers a comprehensive product portfolio comprising over 8,000 designs in ceramic tiles, Gres Porcellanato, and several models in bath ware. RAK Ceramics has earned distinctions such as the Best Brand of 2010 and CSR Company of 2011 at Middle East Business Leader’s Summit and Awards and recently the CMO Asia’s Best Brand 2011. The company was also honoured by the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for complying with good governance and transparency according to best international practices. RAK Ceramics has also maintained its Superbrand status for the third consecutive year and continues to be a global pioneer in the world of ceramics through innovative eco-friendly products such as RAK SLIM, 45×45 Wood Collection, Stone Art Collection and Orion Collection using the latest Nanopix digital printing technology. RAK Ceramics is also the founding member of Emirates Green Building Council, which supports the development of sustainable buildings in the UAE.

Dubai, UAE; October 16, 2011: The eighth Dubai International Film Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has opened registration for students, media, and industry delegates from across the world.

Accredited delegates receive access to the Festival’s diverse offerings, from its public screenings and events to its industry-oriented workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions and events. In 2010, DIFF accredited more than 3,600 industry, media and student delegates from more than 60 nations.

While returning delegates will receive personalised login information from the Festival, first-timers can register via the DIFF website, www.dubaifilmfest.com.

Students must also submit a letter from their university or the appropriate faculty member.

Accredited industry delegates can access the Festival’s comprehensive film market, the Dubai Film Market, which includes the Dubai Film Forum, dedicated to talent development; Dubai Film Connection, the co-production market; Enjaaz, the post-production programme and the Dubai Filmmart, the Festival’s trade and distribution platform.

Online registration for media and students is free; free industry registration continues until November 5, 2011.

DIFF is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com or join DIFF on     and 

Dubai, UAE; October 13, 2011: The eighth Dubai International Film Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has opened registration for students, media, and industry delegates from across the world.

Accredited delegates receive access to the Festival’s diverse offerings, from its public screenings and events to its industry-oriented workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions and events. In 2010, DIFF accredited more than 3,600 industry, media and student delegates from more than 60 nations.

While returning delegates will receive personalised login information from the Festival, first-timers can register via the DIFF website, www.dubaifilmfest.com.

Students must also submit a letter from their university or the appropriate faculty member.

Accredited industry delegates can access the Festival’s comprehensive film market, the Dubai Film Market, which includes the Dubai Film Forum, dedicated to talent development; Dubai Film Connection, the co-production market; Enjaaz, the post-production programme and the Dubai Filmmart, the Festival’s trade and distribution platform.

Online registration for media and students is free; free industry registration continues until November 5, 2011.

DIFF is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com or join DIFF on     and