The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) and The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday 31 January 2012 at SBP headquarter in Karachi, to cooperate in promoting trade and investments in Pakistan.

Mr. Yaseen Anwar, the Governor SBP and Dr. Abdel Rahman El-Tayeb Taha, the Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC signed the MOU.

The MOU aims at establishing a basis for the exchange of information between the two entities on banking industry’s condition and operating performance indicators and ICIEC’s exposures on the banks operating in the country.

Headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ICIEC is the only multilateral Shariah Compliant ECA in the world providing credit and political risk insurance (Takaful) services. ICIEC’s risk mitigating instruments help its clients (exporters, banks and investors) in its member countries in expanding their business volumes in a risk and cost effective manner.

Since its inception in 1995, ICIEC has provided insurance commitments in excess of $11bn. Over 17 years in business, ICIEC has carefully nurtured professional relationship with leading exporters, ECAs, reinsurers and banks.

ICIEC is now a name which is trusted by its partners worldwide. ICIEC’s shareholders include 40 countries from the Organization Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Its main shareholder, Islamic Development Bank (IDB) owns 67% of the capital and is rated AAA by the three global rating agencies (S&P, Moody’s & Fitch). ICIEC is rated by Moody’s as Aa3 with a stable outlook on a stand-alone basis.

ICIEC’s operations in Pakistan among others include provision of Shariah compliant insurance coverage to LC issuing banks in Pakistan, which aims to help them in getting their LCs confirmed at competitive prices. Confirming banks benefit from ICIEC’s services in terms of credit risk transfer and favorable risk weight treatment under the Basel II framework. ICIEC also provides export credit insurance in support of Pakistani exporters and provides political risk insurance to encourage the flow of foreign investments into Pakistan.

Before signing of the MOU, Dr. Taha called on the Governor and discussed ICIEC’s plans to further expand its operations in Pakistan. The Governor welcomed and appreciated ICIEC’s interest in Pakistan and assured SBP’s full support and facilitation to ICIEC for promoting trade and investment in the country.

Dr. Taha said, “The signing of the MOU comes within the framework of the role of ICIEC in supporting financial institutions in its member countries, to enable them to provide export finance to their customers”.

“I am confident that singing the MOU with SBP will greatly enhance ICIEC’s ability to support Pakistan’s international trade, particularly with OIC member countries” He added.

The Dubai Blood Donation Centre, of the Dubai Health Authority, signed today a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) with Etisalat and Emarat Al Youm to foster regular blood donation campaigns and support this humanitarian initiative.

The MoU was signed at the Arab Health Congress which is being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The three-year contract will ensure that both Etisalat and Emarat Al Youm support the Blood Donation Centre by raising awareness about the need to donate blood from time-to-time.

His Excellency Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority said, “We would like to thank both parties for supporting us in this noble initiative. When it comes to regular blood donations, the support of the community is vital because blood is a product that has a limited shelf life, that cannot be bought or imported and hence regular voluntary blood donations is the only method to ensure a continuous supply of blood. Both these parties will play a vital role in educating the community and stirring much needed awareness about blood donations.”

Dr Laila Al Shaer, Director of the Dubai Blood Donation Centre “The partnership will help us significantly because both parties will carry out awareness initiatives every three months They will also make people aware of any particular blood group we require and we can inform them in case we face a shortfall.”

Etisalat will support this initiative by encouraging its 800 strong employee base to donate blood. Ali Al Ahmed, Chief Corporate Communication Office for Etisalat said, “We will regularly encourage our employees to donate blood and we will schedule the donations throughout the year. We will organize internal communication campaign throughout the year to educate our employees.”

Al Ahmed also added that the company will reach out to the public through their huge database.  “There is a law governing all messages that go to the public and we will adhere to those regulations. However, as blood donation is a humanitarian initiative, we shall be happy to raise awareness by channelizing our vast database.”

Dr Shaer said that the two parties will create awareness by reaching out to its mass database every three months through sustained campaigns and Emarat Al Youm will support these campaigns by providing pre and post media coverage.

Sami Al Reyami, Editor-in-Chief of Emarat Al Youm said, “ We are pleased to support this noble initiative. This initiative is part of our obligation to the community and is a social responsibility. We urge all members of the society to join us in this initiative.”

Al Shaer said, “We are very thankful to each and every member of the community who have donated blood because they have helped save someone’s life. The key to ensure regular donations is awareness. Therefore, we feel that this partnership is of significant important as we will involve the community members through awareness initiatives.”

Al Shaer highlighted that the blood donation centre is the only and central blood donation centre for the Emirate of Dubai. It supplies blood and blood products to all private and governmental hospitals in the Emirate of Dubai, this includes over 27 private and government hospitals in Dubai.

The DBDC blood collection amounts to 50% of the total blood collected in the UAE. Al Shaer said “The is possible because of the dedication of the community members.”  She said 45 per cent of this blood is used for Thalassemia patients and 27 per cent is used for Trauma patients. 

Al Shaer said, “At the centre, we carry out more than 300 campaigns in a year to donate blood and we visit various governmental organizations, private sector groups etc. We have recently introduced our mobile blood donation unit, which has helped us double the blood collection at every drive.”

Al Shaer said the mobile blood donation unit is a state-of-the-art bus which has 4 couches in the waiting area, 4 beds and complete blood storage facilities. Moreover the unit has a separate room to check the BP, cholesterol and haemoglobin levels of donors prior to any donation.

The Blood Donation Centre conducts blood donation drives every day, except Saturdays.Therefore, on an average the DBDC conducts about 25 campaigns every month. Sometimes the DBDC conducts 2 campaigns a day. Yearly, the DBDC conducts on an average about 300 campaigns. DBDC cooperates with over 250 private and government institutions for blood donations. The minimum number of donors at a camp is 50 and the maximum is 200.

The average annual whole blood collection for the centre is between 32,000 to 35,000 units per year and the average annual collection of blood products like apheresis platelets is 15,000 units 

Al Shaer said in 2010, the centre was able to collect 32,808 units of blood, the highest collection as compared to other blood banks across the UAE.  Of this, 22 581 units of blood was collected through the 357 campaigns held in 2010. The remaining, 10,227 units of blood were collected at the centre.

The DHA blood donation centre is located in the premises of Latifa Hospital and individuals interested in donating blood may contact the centre at 04 2193221 or alternately they may contact  the DHA toll free number 800 342.

American University of Sharjah (AUS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai International School (DIS), to provide a framework of cooperation and facilitate collaboration between the two educational institutions on a non-exclusive basis, in areas of mutual interest in the United Arab Emirates.

The signing ceremony took place at the university.

The MoU, which was signed by Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of AUS and Salah Shararah, DIS Director, is part of Sharakah programme, a new strategic initiative by the Office of Enrollment Management at AUS in collaboration with selected schools from across the United Arab Emirates which serves as an important tool to help the university engage with educational institutions at the local as well as national level.

“The Sharakah programme is one of our major strategic initiatives and we hope that the schools will help us understand better the state of education in the UAE from their perspective,” said Dr. Heath.

“We also hope that this programme will help us to follow the career paths of these students.”

“AUS provides the kind of quality education that our students and their parents are interested in, that is why our statistics show that more of our students join AUS,” said Shararah, on the occasion.

“We are glad to formalize this agreement which will develop the interaction between us and we look forward to a successful partnership ahead. Our graduates will benefit a lot from this relationship and we will continue to encourage our graduates to apply to AUS,” he added.

The agreement aims to enhance the role of AUS in providing the necessary tools for secondary students to prepare for the university journey as well as the right base approach to guarantee success.

According to the MoU, AUS will offer workshops to DIS teachers and students, offer patronage of selected research, cultural, social and sporting activities and events organized by the school, award partial scholarships to deserving students selected from lists provided by the school and offer university preparation seminars as well as recruitment of outstanding students from varied socio-cultural and economic backgrounds to AUS. The university will also offer TOEFL preparation courses for DIS students when needed.

“As part of this agreement, we have discussed with AUS deans to encourage their faculty to share their time with the schools in identifying talent and helping in other academic areas,” said Ali Shuhaimy, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at AUS.

Also present at the signing ceremony were the deans of all four AUS colleges, two AUS students who are DIS alumni, other senior university officials, as well as other DIS officials.

Etihad Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with International Golden Group (IGG) to provide their employees with tailored services, benefits and simplified procedures for all their government-funded travel.

Under the agreement, which is part of the Abu Dhabi Government Employee Travel Program (ADGETP), Etihad will offer IGG a range of benefits including bonus miles, additional excess baggage allowance, priority services and exclusive travel discounts. Additionally IGG has agreed to make Etihad Airways its preferred airline for all air travel and cargo requirements. Both parties also agreed to look at possible future joint initiatives.

Hareb Al Muhairy, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Sales in the UAE, said: “Etihad is delighted to offer benefits specifically packaged to suit the needs of IGG employees. This agreement affirms Etihad’s efforts to offer unprecedented benefits and travel services to government and semi government employees across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

The Abu Dhabi Government Employee Travel Program has been developed jointly with Abu Dhabi General Services Company Musanada. Several Abu Dhabi government entities have already joined the program including Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Tourism Development Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Educational Council, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, Department of Economic Development and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

Dubai eGovernment and Tejari, have recently signed an MoU to cooperate in supporting Dubai Government’s strategy of integration, which is in line with efforts to consolidate Dubai’s stature in the global community. The agreement was signed by H.E. Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director General of Dubai eGovernment, and Suhail Al Banna, CEO of Tejari.

The agreement focuses mainly on the exchange of resources, experiences and expertise to enhance the integration between the Government Resources Planning Systems provided by Dubai eGovernment and the e-Procurement program provided by Tejari. Within the framework of the new partnership, the two parties agreed to jointly organise technical workshops, which will discuss integration and development and will be attended by representatives from different government departments.

Also attending the MoU signing ceremony were Wissam Lootah, Assistant Director General, Huda Al Hashimi, Director of GRP Department, and Shadi Diab, e-Procurement Manager, on behalf of Dubai eGovernment; and Imtiaz Ali, Director of Advisory Services and Business Development, and Nisreen Moosa, Senior Consulting Services Executive, on behalf of Tejari.

Bin Humaidan welcomed the strategic partnership with Tejari as an important step towards strengthening integration and collaboration between government departments on one hand and its suppliers on the other, realising one of the most important priorities of the government. He further stated that the partnership seeks to enhance electronic services according to the highest standards of efficiency, safety and reliability, in line with the Dubai eGovernment’s “customer first” strategy.

“It is important that we cultivate cooperation as we continue to integrate Government Resources Planning System, expanding the scope of application and integrating procedures at various government departments. This will enable the government to enhance the speed, efficiency, effectiveness and ease in doing government transactions, which are optimised to meet customer needs and help accelerate the digital transformation of Dubai,” said Bin Humaidan.

For his part, Suhail Al Banna, praised the efforts of Dubai eGovernment in leading the development of electronic services and improving government performance in line with best practices and global standards. He further underlined the commitment of Tejari in promoting cooperation with Dubai eGovernment to support the process of integrating government eServices, Government Resources Planning System, e-Procurement and in realising their shared goals and aspirations of strengthening Dubai and the UAE’s leadership in the region in the field of eTransformation.

10 November 2011 (Dubai, UAE): Manchester Business School Middle East Centre (MBS) and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) confirming a commitment to collaboration through which members of both organizations in the region will enjoy exclusive benefits, reflecting the increasingly central role finance professionals are taking in business.

MBS is one of the world’s top ranked business schools and supports more than 1,000 part time MBA students in the region; IMA is one of the world’s leading and largest associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession with a professional community of over 8,000 active members in the Middle East.

The MOU provides for mutual benefits including IMA members qualifying for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) hours when studying with MBS or attending MBS events and seminars; and preferential rates for IMA membership for MBS students, and discounts on MBS/IMA services and events in the region.

IMA members will receive preferential rates on tuition fees for the MBS Global Part-time MBA Programmes. CMA Active Members can apply to the MBS Global MBA – Finance Learning pathway with certain module exemptions for the accelerated route, upon successful acceptance from MBS Admissions.

Speaking at the MOU signing ceremony at Dubai Knowledge Village, Ms Randa Bessiso, Director Middle East, Manchester Business School, commented: “MBS Middle East is delighted to sign this MOU with IMA and to become the first business school to collaborate with the IMA in the Middle East in this manner– and the first MBS centre worldwide to create a partnership with IMA. IMA members and CMAs in particular are highly sought-after working professionals in the region and are excellent candidates for our part time Global MBA programmes. Management Accountants are increasingly influential in business as trusted business advisors in the development of business strategy, so there is a natural link between MBS and IMA. We find that many of our part time MBA students are already qualified and certified professionals – around 30 per cent of our students work at C-level - who are looking for a deeper understanding of business to complement their professional skills. It’s a natural alliance given the professional communities we represent in the region.”

Mr Jeffrey C Thomson, CMA, IMA President and CEO, who attended the Dubai event, added: “We are honored to be partnering with the prestigious Manchester Business School. Together, we have the opportunity to enrich careers, organizations and economies in fulfilling our respective societal missions.”

Local banks targeting Northern Emirates as a key market for offering mortgages

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 24th October 2011: RAK Properties PJSC, Ras Al Khaimah’s leading property developer listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market, and United Arab Bank P.J.S.C. (UAB) have signed an MoU for enabling finance for properties developed by RAK Properties.

The tie-up comes at a time when most local banks are looking at Northern Emirates as an ideal market for offering mortgages because many leading flagship projects are at completion stages.

Mohamed Sultan Al Qadi, Managing Director and CEO of RAK Properties said: “UAB’s firm commitment to retail banking and home finance sector encouraged us to enter into this partnership which will ultimately benefit our end-user because of the reasonable interest rates. We are pleased to say that UAB has designed an attracting home finance scheme for RAK Properties’ wide range of customers.”

UAB launched its mortgage product in November 2010 and since then the bank emerged as one of the leading banks in the market in terms of mortgage bookings.

Paul Trowbridge, UAB’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Our predominant focus through this MoU is to offer attractive mortgage solutions to UAE nationals and expatriates who are customers of RAK Properties. Some of the key highlights of the mortgage proposition include a most competitive interest rate of 3.99%, conventional & Sharia’h compliant financing solutions and loan amounts up to 85% of the current property value.”

He also added: “Ras Al Khaimah is a key market for the bank and there have been significant efforts made to increase our footprint in terms of branch network expansion as well as strategic tie-ups.”

Tom Smith, UAB’s Executive Vice President, Group Head – Retail Banking added: “RAK Properties is renowned for its commitment towards innovation and quality. It is a matter of pride to work with UAB to provide affordable home finance to customers of the real estate projects developed by RAK Properties”.

Al Qadi added: “The handover of RAK Properties flagship projects provides UAB with an excellent opportunity to offer the company’s customers an exclusive and timely mortgage solution at the handover stage when customers are looking for a banking partner to assist them in taking possession of their dream home.”

RAK Properties has announced earlier this year the commencement of the handover of RAK Tower at Marina Square on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi as well as two hundred and thirteen prestigious beach front villas at the Precinct Five of Mina Al Arab. 

Current property prices and a lower interest rate environment now make taking a mortgage more affordable. In addition, the last few years the market changed from being investor-driven to an end-user market and customers now have a long term commitment to the Region.

Tom Smith stated: “We are confident this rate will encourage more customers to realize their dream of owning a property through RAK Properties which is renowned of its high commitment to quality. In addition we believe this will energize the property market and accelerate its revival.”

He also added: “UAB extends mortgage facility on completed properties across all Emirates. Being a 36 year old local bank, we understand the UAE market better and see potential mortgage opportunities across Ras Al Khaimah. This is aligned with the bank’s overall strategy to offer customers an attractive value proposition.”

Tom Smith concluded: “Existing and new owners can opt for the credit facilities offered by UAB. Financial solutions are available to cover their entire or partial payment or even the final instalment.”

UAB is part of a GCC regional banking alliance since December 2007 upon acquisition of a 40% interest in UAB by The Commercial Bank of Qatar (CBQ). With the Commercial Bank of Qatar concluding a similar alliance with National Bank of Oman (NBO) two years ago, all three banks are strongly positioned for future growth.

RAK Properties, a Public Joint Stock Company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market, is a real estate development company established to implement the emirate’s plans to promote real estate, tourism and leisure facilities in RAK and invest in interesting projects. It is intended that its activities will encourage economic growth in the UAE in general and Ras Al Khaimah in particular.

Dubai, UAE – October 2, 2011: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Higher Colleges of Technology. This MOU comes within the framework of promoting the relations of strategic partnership between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and various educational institutions, and supporting the efforts aiming to serve development plans in line with the UAE ambitious vision based on the economy of knowledge.  Moreover, this MOU will provide valuable opportunities for colleges’ students as well as developing their skills in the sector of electrical engineering.

This MOU was signed, at DEWA’s Headquarters, by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, and His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA. This ceremony was attended by Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dr. Yusef Al Akraf, EVP – Business Support, as well as a number of top officials from both sides. 

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA said: “This MOU comes in compliance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which stresses the necessity of combining efforts among different authorities, bodies and departments so that government performance can reach the highest possible levels of integration and excellence. This can be achieved through improving and developing our human resources. DEWA aims to provide the students of the Higher Colleges of Technology with educational and training opportunities with the purpose of sharpening their skills in the sector of electrical engineering.”

“DEWA has set up an institutional framework for the emiratization of its technical jobs through several agreements concluded with the Higher Colleges of Technology, Emirates University, and other reputable educational institutions so as to provide UAE youth with educational and training opportunities with the purpose of developing their skills in the sector of electrical engineering and other technical sectors. This, of course, will enable youth to play their vital role in the march of national excellence. Therefore, this MOU, which includes a new academic programme – “A University Chair in Electrical engineering”, has been concluded. This programme is the first of its kind in the Emirate of Dubai, as it aims to create conscious and specialist generations of Emiratis in the engineering and technical fields,” His Excellency further added.

His Excellency concluded: “This MOU with the Higher Colleges of Technology is part of the strategy of emiratizing and qualifying jobs at DEWA, as we are keen to attract UAE youth and provide them with all necessary things so as to efficiently perform their jobs.”

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, expressed his great delight for the signing of this MOU with DEWA. He added that such an MOU will achieve two positive results – the first one is setting up a university chair in electrical engineering, and the second one is offering the programme of “Electrical Engineering Bachelor” at Dubai College.

“This MOU and the programme, which receive the sponsorship of such a UAE reputable organization, reflect the commitment of the Higher Colleges of Technology to set up professional partnerships with different organizations of society with the purpose of promoting the educational process as well as providing students with opportunities to optimize their utmost potential capabilities,” Dr. Kamali further added.

Dr. Kamali concluded: “Constructive collaboration with DEWA will ensure the continuation of the programmes and activities of the colleges to meet the needs of society as well as meeting the requirements of academic excellence in line with the highest world levels. Further, this MOU will help the Higher Colleges of Technology achieve its objective to become an important centre for innovation, applied knowledge and transferring technology to the UAE. This will, definitely, enhance the reputable standing of the Higher Colleges of Technology as a leading institution in the field of technical and specialist higher education in the region. HCT’s graduates are highly received by different Emirati departments and authorities.”

On his part, Dr. Yusef Al Akraf, EVP – Business Support, pointed out: “Cooperation with the Higher Colleges of Technology has been going on for years now. This is apparent through the programme of “Electrical Engineering Diploma”. According to this MOU, the Higher Colleges of Technology will launch a new academic programme – “A University Chair in Electrical engineering”. This new programme will be fully financed by DEWA at a total cost of AED 500,000 per year. Students will be selected in compliance with the HCT’s approved standards of admission. Graduates will be granted the middle university degree upon their completion of the basic year as well as two successful years of study. Also successful students will be granted Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Degree upon their successful completion of two extra years.”

Jeddah – Saudi Arabia, October 1, 2011: INJAZ-Saudi Arabia, headed by Eng. Nael Fayez recently signed an MOU with Elixir Consultancy Group, represented by its Managing Partner Eng. Hani Ibrahim Khoja. With this agreement, Elixir will help INJAZ expand its successful programs to schools across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a sustainable and effective manner. INJAZ-Saudi Arabia is a non-profit organization (NPO) founded in 2007. INJAZ-Saudi Arabia delivers free educational programs on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness to Saudi youth between 11 and 18 years. INJAZ has successfully signed strategic partnerships with; a) the Ministry of Education, b) many Saudi companies, and c) volunteer private sector business men & women whom are highly experienced and want to help train the next generation of business leaders. “INJAZ-Saudi Arabia’s goal is to reach 100,000 male and female students across Saudi Arabia inside their classrooms by 2018”, stated Nael Fayez. “We want to be an integral part of helping the country significantly reduce unemployment”, he added.
 
“Elixir is a business consultancy group formed in 2005 with a vision to help local companies, governments, organizations, & individuals succeed globally via strategic, creative solutions”, stated Eng. Hani Khoja. “So helping INJAZ-Saudi Arabia help youth become more employable and productive to society fits perfectly with our vision.” INJAZ-Saudi Arabia will be launching a new product in partnership with the Ministry of Labor called Kawadir to prepare Saudi students for the job market by equipping them with the tools and skills necessary and desired by the private sector. “Our specific roles will be to help market this highly needed product to private sector sponsors as well as attract volunteers from across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deliver the content to students”.

Partnership to promote green buildings, water & energy rationing to balance economy & environment & maintain urban identity in the Arab world

July 20, 2011

The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development, Qatar’s leading research, consultancy and training institute and the developer of the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS), has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA). The agreement was signed by Gulf Organisation for Research and Development Co-founder and Chairman Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al Horr and JEA President Eng. Abdulla Obaidat.   

The strategic partnership aims to build new channels of cooperation and to promote sustainability on a large scale through effective initiatives for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, encouraging the use of environmentally safe materials, and supporting green building projects. These in turn will help achieve economic and environmental balance and maintain urban identity in the Arab World.

Under the agreement, JEA is authorized to use the tools and materials available through Gulf Organisation for R&D’s free and unrestricted Educational License under both the Service Provider and Managing Partner categories of QSAS for one year. The Association can also use Gulf Organisation for R&D’s research materials to provide consultancy services on green buildings, simulators and system integration testing. 

Gulf Organisation for R&D and JEA will be submitting a proposal for a joint venture on Eco-Labelling systems for Arab Countries to the Union of Arab Engineers that will facilitate the use of environmentally safe products in green building projects. The two parties are also considering the creation of a Joint Arab Award for sustainable construction and green buildings to highlight and promote eco-friendly projects in the Arab World.

Through the MoU, the two groups will push for broader adoption of standards under Gulf Organisation for R&D’s QSAS, an integrated system for assessing green buildings that encourages optimum consumption of energy, water and environmental resources. QSAS has the potential to open up new doors for investments into the green sector in areas such as renewable energy, recycling, and advanced control systems technologies for the regional markets. It will also facilitate regional information-sharing and further drive the Arab World’s transition to a knowledge economy.

Gulf Organisation for R&D will work with JEA on research and development related to environmental issues and human resources development within the real estate sector. The Organisation will hold conferences and interactive workshops in collaboration with the Engineers Training Center, the scientific arm of JEA, to refine the skills of workers and provide them with the knowledge needed to develop and apply sustainability concepts to modern architecture.

Dr. Al Horr pointed out that the MoU reflects the organisation’s interest in building strong strategic partnerships with leading local, regional and international institutions and organisations to develop innovative solutions in various areas related to green buildings, renewable energy sources, industrial materials, environmentally safe building products, and recycling, among others. He added that the new collaboration affirms the wide acceptance enjoyed by QSAS at both the local and regional levels due to its relevance to the cultural and environmental visions of the Arab World. 

The Gulf Organisation for R&D Chairman further explained that his organisation has always been committed to disseminating knowledge in the field of sustainable construction and promoting innovation and development. This, he said, lies within the framework of the Organisation’s vision of enhancing the role of QSAS as a basic criterion for assessing sustainability in the urban setting environment and as one of the most comprehensive systems of its kind at the global level.

“We developed the QSAS system for sustainability assessment to reinforce the status of Qatar as the ‘green building’ capital of the Middle East. This system has proven to be effective in enhancing quality within the construction sector in a manner that keeps pace with rapid developments taking place at the national front, particularly after Qatar won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Our main focus is to make Qatar a model of leadership in sustainable development at the global level under the inspirational vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and H.H. the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. We seek to uphold the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which calls for the proper management of the nation’s environmental resources to ensure harmony and consistency in economic and social development and environmental protection. But we were also committed to design QSAS in a way that meets the needs of the GCC and the Arab World in general,” said Dr. Al Horr.

“Our partnership with the Jordan Engineers Association is strong proof of the importance of the system in finding sustainable solutions, creating a positive economic climate and highlighting the important role of the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development as a driving force behind the region’s comprehensive development,” he concluded.

Commenting on the MoU, Mr. Obaidat said: “The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development has proven to be one of the most prominent contributors to Qatar’s development and a key supporter for sustainability throughout the region. It has been successfully spreading knowledge and providing consultation based on the latest scientific research and training and qualification programs in accordance with best practices. Indeed, the Organisation has played a major role in promoting green building design and construction through the introduction of QSAS, which is now at par with the world’s top construction-and sustainability-related systems. The system thoroughly considers the environmental, climatic and geological conditions of the entire region.”

“In this context, we are pleased to be collaborating with the Organisation and are confident that this will reflect a positive move towards our continuing efforts to develop the capabilities of concerned practitioners, engineers and professionals alike, particularly in the area of sustainability. We look forward to closely working with Gulf Organisation for R&D and benefiting from its various initiatives and activities such as its workshops and conferences which include the Green Building Solutions Conference & Exhibition. This event provides an integrated mechanism for promoting the implementation of sustainability concepts in regional construction projects,” added Mr. Obaidat.

“In keeping with our efforts to advance the development of sustainability concepts in the Middle East, we are pleased to team up with the Jordan Engineers Association in promoting cooperation with prominent local and regional authorities particularly in publishing sustainability standards and strengthening the culture of innovation and creation,” said Prof. Dr. Ali Malkawi, Founder and Director, T.C. Chan Center, University of Pennsylvania, USA.

“We are confident that we will be able to share our experiences with countries across the region, as QSAS is designed in line with the climatic, geographical and environmental requirements of the Gulf region and is adaptable to the needs of the region,” Dr. Malkawi added.
 
Deputy President of the Jordanian Engineers Association Eng. Majed Al Tabaa lauded the agreement as the first Qatari-Jordanian cooperation in the field of engineering. He said the agreement represents a major leap in the level of cooperation between both parties and opens a wider range of prospects in marketing the engineering work of both countries.

Al Tabaa pointed out that the Association was the first to introduce green building technology in Jordan through the establishment of the National Green Building Council, in collaboration with the private and public sectors. They also organise several workshops, seminars and specialized conferences. He added that the Council mainly focuses on pursuing joint projects with different Arab engineering bodies and he also lauded Qatar’s commitment to such initiatives.

Al Tabaa said: “The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development has proven its worth as one of the most prominent forces behind Qatar’s development and one of the most important supporters for sustainability in the whole region through its efforts to spread knowledge and offer consultancy services based on scientific research, training programs and qualification programs in accordance with recognised best practices. Indeed, the Organisation has played a major role in promoting the Green Building Design and Construction concept by launching QSAS, which is now competing with world-renowned international systems in the fields of construction and sustainability, because of its conformance with the environmental, climate and geological conditions of the region as a whole.”

“In this context, we are pleased with the new collaboration with the Organisation and are confident that it will create a positive impact on our continuing efforts to develop the capabilities of concerned practitioners, such as engineers and related professionals, making them more proficient with environmental sustainability concepts. We look forward to closely working with the Organisation and to benefit from its various initiatives and activities like workshops and conferences including the Green Building Solutions Conference & Exhibition, which provides an integrated platform to promote and encourage the adoption of sustainability concepts in various construction projects across the region,” he added.

Developed by gathering the best practices of 40 local, regional and international certified systems around the world, QSAS is an integrated green building assessment system and one of the most comprehensive sustainability assessment systems worldwide. It makes use of the Arab region’s environmental and cultural data, and is provided with an advanced system that adheres to the recent technological advancements through the use of internet to carry out all technical and administrative processes necessary to implement its functions.

The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development is a non-profit organisation entirely owned by the Qatari government. It leads efforts to make a difference within the construction industry by promoting sustainable building standards and eco-friendly practices. It has outlined its vision to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leader in the field of sustainable development, design and construction, through the promotion of scientific research in collaboration with major local, regional and international organisations, research institutions, technology-oriented consultancies, real estate and construction companies and government authorities to find effective solutions for various environmental challenges and to ensure socioeconomic stability. The Organisation, along with the standardisation department in the Ministry of Environment, is the representative of Qatar in the Green Buildings Sub-Committee established by the Secretary General of the GCC Standardisation Organisation. It was also involved in a number of local, regional and international forums and conferences to promote QSAS.

The Jordanian Engineers Association is a professional non-governmental organisation involved in advisory and research work. It mainly focuses on spreading awareness and raising the efficiency of engineers and engineering consultancy organisations in various aspects of the sustainable building industry. It also provides the local and regional market with the necessary expertise that can advance the implementation of the urban sustainability concept to help secure a better future and stay up-to-date with the rapidly growing advancements and developments currently taking place worldwide.