The Parthenon Group to present extensive regional education report exclusively at Building Future Education MENA 2011

Abu Dhabi, UAE; 17 October 2011 - The value of investment opportunities available in the private K-12 education sector in the GCC could potentially reach US$ 3.5 billion in 2012, according to an exclusive study done by The Parthenon Group, the leading strategic advisor to the global education industry. 

Meanwhile, the potential for investments in the higher education segment in 2012 is estimated to be worth US$ 1.2 billion. This and other results will be presented by The Parthenon Group at the Building Future Education (BFE) MENA exhibition and conference in partnership with Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on 25-26 October 2011.

Entitled ‘GCC Insight Report: Investment Opportunities in K-12 and Higher Education in the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’; the report is based on an  in-depth  survey of over 1,100 schools and universities. The report will arm potential investors with a data driven insight into the investment potential in the education sector, with a particular focus on the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Speakers from The Parthenon Group will share their findings during the seminar session dubbed Funding the Future, Private Investment and Philanthropy which will give delegates an insight into the potential growth opportunities of both the K-12 and Higher Education segments in the region. It will be followed by a panel discussion with leading education figures and authorities from around the world.

Karan Khemka, Partner and Head of the Emerging Markets Practice, The Parthenon Group says: “Although the macro environment may suggest strong investment potential for education in the region as a whole, investors should choose their markets carefully; as the different education sectors have different drivers. We identified several segments of the market that see exponential growth, while other segments might already run at full capacity. There is a clear trend towards private education and a preference for international & mixed curriculum schools because students choose education in English at both secondary and tertiary levels. For example, the private higher education segment in Saudi Arabia — albeit still small in size — is growing at an annual rate above 35% compared to the public sector which is growing at only 10%. This shows that students and their families increasingly choose the private sector where a larger proportion of teaching is done in English.”

Another senior representative from Parthenon, Robert Lytle, Partner, Head of the Education Centre of Excellence, will lead a panel that addresses the impact of the national policy framework, and discusses the role of public-private partnerships and private equity funds in the investment landscape. Rob Lytle: “Parthenon is privileged to have an advisory role with many public and private sector clients throughout the region.  Our work with organizations such as the Abu Dhabi Education Council and the largest school operator in Saudi Arabia, only serves to enhance our commitment to helping address the challenges facing the education market in the GCC region today and tomorrow.”

Andrew Pert, Regional Director of UBM Middle East, organisers of the event, praised The Parthenon Group for its extensive research on investment opportunities in the education sector and its contribution as Knowledge Partners of BFE MENA 2011.  “The knowledge and insights that can be gleaned from the study will help various stakeholders, from investors to government authorities, to take advantage of the opportunities to invest and help spur growth of the region’s education sector.”

Limited copies of The Parthenon Group research paper will be available at Building Future Education MENA throughout the event as well as at the presentation on day two (10.40AM), Investment Opportunities in K-12 and Higher Education by Karan Khemka, Partner and Head of the Emerging Markets Education Practice, Asia, The Parthenon Group.

The main conference will bring together those at the forefront of education from ministries, institutions, operators, architects and investors. The conference features in-depth panel discussions, based around specific research studies from BFE MENA’s Knowledge Partners Booz & Company, Parthenon and RAND Corporation, assessing the education market in the GCC and areas of potential investment. 

The conference will also cover key topics such as world-class facilities and learning environments, curriculum and school improvement, quality assurance, special education needs and sustainable education facilities.

Visitors can register now free at www.buildingfutureeducationmena.com.  Building Future Education MENA will also have strong representation from the MENA region’s education ministries and councils including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Jordon and Lebanon.

Economics of Arab Spring dominates discussions at Global Arab Business Meeting in Ras Al Khaimah

October 12, 2011

Ras Al Khaimah- United Arab Emirates: The sweeping changes brought about by the Arab Spring have not dented business confidence in the region as top business leaders and policy makers attending the Global Arab Business Meeting (GABM) in Ras Al Khaimah this week shared an optimistic outlook on the region’s ability to emerge stronger on the economic front.

The panelists at the discussion on `Economics of the Arab Spring’ held at the GABM agreed in general that the Arab Spring presented an opportunity to broad- based economic growth, improve governance and initiate long pending reforms in many countries.

Setting the tone of discussions in his introductory remarks, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said that governments in the region should adopt transparency and good governance as their defining hallmarks to address the region’s challenges effectively.

“The real challenge is how we can provide good governance to the people, which I believe begins with transparency. Governments should have the courage to bring in transparency which allows them to address challenges rather than accumulating the problems,” Sheikh Saud said.

Providing an overview of the recent developments in Egypt, Sherif El- Gabaly, Chairman, Polyserve Fertilizer and Chemical Group, Egypt, said that even though Egypt’s economy had put up strong showing on the marcoeconomic level in recent years, the benefits of growth failed to reach the people. “A stable and democratic Egypt has great potential for growth with its strong foundations in tourism, agriculture and industry,” he noted.

Rajive Kaul, Chairman, Nicco Group, India, observed that Arab Spring is going to be a catalyst for economic growth in the region. “The Arab Spring is going to unleash new dynamism in the region and will bring in phenomenal economic growth,” he said while adding that existence of a fair amount of market economy in the Arab world, absence of debts and decent income levels are factors auguring well for regional economies.

Ahmed Al Khateeb, CEO of Jadwa Investment, Saudi Arabia, said that outlook for growth varied greatly among countries in the region. “While the oil exporting countries, including the GCC, were on a strong footing, enjoying high oil prices and massive budgetary surpluses,  the oil importing countries in the region like Jordan, Morocco and Lebanon were facing challenges due to drop in tourism revenue and income from the services sector. The third set of countries which had undergone political changes recently are facing an unstable period for the moment but had tremendous opportunities in the long term,” he said.

Barbara Judge, Chairman Emeritus, UK Atomic Energy Authority, said the new governments in the region will have to meet the great expectations people have on making their lives better.

Among the other dignitaries who took part in the discussions were Nicolas Nahas, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohammad Hassan Omran, Chairman of Etisalat and Juan Maria Nin, Deputy Chairman and CEO, CaixaBank, Spain.

The Global Arab Business Meeting also had sessions on `Sustainable Strategies for the Arab World’, `Education: The Currency of the Arab Spring’, `Winning strategies for natural resources’, `Reflecting by the shore- Geopolitics and Trade’, `Financial Services: Looking at priorities for growth’, ` Creating Entrepreneurial Ecosystems’, `Arab Firms Emergence as Global Champions’ among other topics.

RAK Crown Prince honours Arab Business Leaders of the Year 2011

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, honoured the winners of the `Arab Business Leaders of the Year 2011’ at the Global Arab Business Meeting in Ras Al Khaimah. The award recognises outstanding entrepreneurs who have been building and leading successful global firms of Arab origin.

The winners for the year 2011 are Jacques Sarraf, Chairman, Malia Holding, Abdul Wahab Alahmari, President, Saudi Geophysical Equipment Factory, and Ahmad Abdullah Ali Al Amash Tunaiji, General Manager, Gulf Cement Company in Ras Al Khaimah.

Dubai, UAE –  Almasa Holdings, an organization with a successful track record of almost two decades in launching and managing new business ventures across the Middle East, today announced that Almasa Value Distribution has become an independent company.  Previously a division within Almasa’s IT Distribution, Almasa Value Distribution has evolved into a new organization which delivers trusted solutions and services to resellers keen to address regional networking, communications and security challenges.

“Almasa Holdings recognized that through a combination of market focus, the correct solutions, and strong relationships with vendors and resellers, there is a significant opportunity to be addressed, especially for mid-sized organizations in the Middle East, as well as the wider channel community. Almasa Value Distribution now has the vision, leadership and product mix to address the strategic growth opportunities for both IT solution vendors and the channel sector,” said Mehdi Amjad, President and CEO of Almasa Holdings.

Roger El Tawil, an industry veteran with more than 15 years of regional technology and channel expertise, is providing strategic direction to Almasa Value Division, of which he is now executive director after several months in a consultative role.  Ensuring the needs of both vendors and resellers are met, El Tawil’s new role will see him refine the strategy and execution of Almasa Value Distribution’s main objectives – providing focus to vendors and partners, as well as aiming to specialize in a solutions portfolio which brings value to the channel and transforms business while reducing cost. Operating independently, whilst leveraging the infrastructure, experience and support of Almasa IT Distribution and Almasa Holdings, Almasa Value Distribution currently manages the full end-to-end Avaya portfolio of telephony, video, data, and WiFi from large to small enterprises across MEA, as well as networking solutions from HP.

With its holistic approach to people, products, coverage and operational excellence, the new independent company has the ability to move faster and respond to both channel and vendor needs as well as changing market dynamics.  El Tawil confirms, “Understanding the market dynamic, maneuvering quickly, and building on our existing relationships – as well as establishing new ones – enables Almasa Value Distribution to address the pain points for both channel and vendors, bridging the gaps between them to build joint strategies for growth”.

“Within the next year we plan to further evolve Almasa Value Distribution and introduce additional services in key technologies such as collaboration, security and storage.  We’re building a dynamic, knowledgeable team which can leverage the entrepreneurial spirit of our parent company to deliver real value and focus to the Middle East’s channel community,” added El Tawil.

Please note: At this year’s GTEX, Almasa Vale Distributor will have a prime locations in Zabeel Hall, Stand ZL-C5 (partnering with Gateprotect) or Stand Z-C10 (partnering with Avaya).

First ever ‘Cairo WoodShow’ to showcase stability of Egypt’s wood and wood working machinery segment  

October 3, 2011

The Egyptian wood working sector, which was affected by the political turmoil that occurred earlier this year, is now confident that the country’s move towards economic recovery will help usher in more opportunities, according to Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions (SME), one of the leading exhibition and conference organizers in the United Arab Emirates. The Egyptian government has implemented key programs and initiatives aimed at positioning the country as an attractive investment destination in the next five years. Eyeing to render strong support to these government sponsored initiatives, SME will be organizing the first ever ‘Cairo International Wood & Wood Machinery Show’ (Cairo WoodShow), which will be held from October 9 to October 12, 2011 at the Cairo International Convention Centre (CICC).

The country has maintained its leading position in the Middle East and African (MEA) region’s wood market, which is expected to post over USD 5 billion in the domestic wood production segment by the end of this year. Likewise, Egypt was also able to key in more than USD 3 billion in furniture production and USD 1 billion in furniture exports already this year. The vibrancy demonstrated in these segments, particularly in furniture and wood products, has also shown that the country has been importing 100 per cent of wood panels, machines and tools. To date, Egypt has been dubbed as one of the most promising markets in construction for the MEA region with a yearly spend of USD 7.3 billion. Aiming to spark in more growth for the country’s wood sector, ‘Cairo WoodShow’ is being presented as a key venue to showcase the stability of Egypt’s wood and wood working machinery segment and bring in more growth by acting as a strategic trading platform for Egypt and nearby countries.

“The political unrest that happened earlier this year has managed to affect a lot of workers across various industries. One particular example are workers from the wood working sector, who have found themselves displaced by the protests,” said Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO, Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions. “However, the country’s efforts to regain economic foothold has given these workers the confidence of seeing more opportunities in the next few months. ‘Cairo WoodShow’ is aimed at helping the government showcase the stability of the wood market and thereby attract more opportunities into the country.”

The event will feature exhibitors coming from countries like Romania, Italy, USA, China and Germany. One of the highlights for the exciting four-day event will be the ‘Auction on Fire’ activity, which is an exciting two-hour daily auction of the latest wood products and wood working machinery that will be held at the CICC’s ‘Auction Zone.’ The first day of ‘Cairo WoodShow’ will be exclusively for VIP business personalities coming from 60 countries featuring high profile representatives from the wood business looking for importing and negotiating potential opportunities. The next three days are open to all specialized visitors.

“We are overwhelmed with the positive response that we have received for ‘Cairo WoodShow.’ So far, we have already received a lot of confirmations from companies and organizations participating in Egypt’s first of its kind wood and wood machinery exhibition. We remain upbeat that ‘Cairo WoodShow’ will help spark new opportunities between exhibitors and potential partners, which can ultimately drive in more growth and development for the country,” concluded Al Shezawi.

John Mathews

DUBAI, Sept. 28, 2011 – The current European sovereign debt crisis, and its expected impacts on European banks, gives new impetus to aircraft investment opportunities for Middle East investors, Boeing told the region’s bankers and financers here Tuesday.

Speaking at the aircraft maker’s annual financiers and investors conference for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, executives from Boeing Capital Corporation, the manufacturer’s product financing arm, outlined the investment potential resulting from what is expected to be a longer-term challenge for European banking institutions.

Europe’s banks have been a significant source of global aircraft financing for more than a decade.

“Middle East economies are generating significant account surpluses, which eventually will translate into the need for diversified investment portfolios. As many Middle East investors have already recognized, aircraft offer a very stable, long-term and predictable investment profile, presenting generous profit opportunities for investors willing to take advantage of them ,” said host and Boeing Capital executive John Matthews, the unit’s managing director for the region.

Boeing said to this point, Middle East banks and lessors have financed primarily air carriers based in the region.  However, the company includes the region, with its substantial wealth, as a key emerging source of aircraft financing among global investors.

In addition, the mobile nature of aircraft assets makes them ideally suited for Islamic financing with its fundamental criterion that such investments be asset- based.  “Recently we’ve seen significant interest in developing products in order to finance aircraft using Shariah-compliant capital markets investments and we see this trend continuing. With increased demand for affordable alternatives for aircraft financing, we anticipate that these developments will likely accelerate over the next few years,” said Matthews.

More than 80 senior executives from the region’s financial sector were on hand for what was the company’s seventh annual conference focused on commercial aircraft industry developments and related financing market conditions.

In reporting on the region’s air travel market health, the Boeing executives said the Middle East continues to show very strong growth, with the region’s international carriers growing during 2010 at a rate of nearly 18 percent, more than double the world average.

“The region’s airlines have demonstrated great competitive skill.  They are very well managed and are growing successfully, so we are confident they will continue to prosper and attract financing for their deliveries,” said BCC executive Kostya Zolotusky, who presented on current market conditions and emerging industry trends.

Supporting the company’s message on the attractiveness of aircraft as investments, Boeing said world airlines overall are in their best financial conditions in many years despite continued global economic challenges and, for some Middle East countries, civil unrest.  “Their balance sheets are the healthiest they have been in history. Airlines around the world have been aggressively deleveraging and holding a lot of cash. It should make them less volatile businesses that are able to weather any storms or unexpected shocks better than they have historically” Zolotusky said.

Boeing’s latest long-term market outlook released in June projected a U.S. $4 trillion market for new aircraft over the next 20 years, with a significant increase in aircraft demand over that time.  Of those, the Middle East is expected to require 2,520 aircraft, worth about U.S. $450 billion.

Strategic focus complements leading company’s move to address the growing demand for cutting edge technologies in sports across the region

Dubai – September 14, 2011 – Mahindra Satyam, a leading global consulting and IT services provider, has revealed its strategic move to create stronger focus towards the Middle East region’s rapidly growing sports industry. The move reflects the leading company’s efforts to address the industry’s increased demand for more cutting edge technologies that can be used across key activities like sports events, sports training and even sports medicine.

Mahindra Satyam is packaging itself to be a strategic ‘one-stop-shop’ for sports, aiming to provide key solutions in various aspects of the industry, which include corporate sales; sponsorship & rights management; stakeholder systems; digital asset; financial; facilities management; ticketing; physical sales management; merchandizing; membership management and loyalty club affinity transaction systems. Also, the company is positioning its ‘Solutions for Clubs’ as an integrated suite of solutions to help improve sports club management. The package focuses on three main aspects of a sports club or team, which includes club administration, player management and coaching support.

“The Middle East region has ably positioned itself as an emerging hub for sports, which can be exemplified by the presence of international sporting events,” said Bobby Gupta, Vice President and Head of Middle East, Turkey and North Africa, Mahindra Satyam. “Our successful participation during the recent FIFA World Cup Games in South Africa stands as a strong testament of what our services can bring to the industry. We are confident that the ‘one-stop-shop’ model solutions that we offer will meet the growing demands for new technologies as a means to address important issues and concerns in Middle East sports industry today.”

The recent announcements of Qatar as the host for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Dubai Government’s move to bid for the 2024 edition of the Olympics will create a positive impact on the region and further attract more international sports events, development of sports training facilities and the creation of more athlete development programs. Mahindra Satyam’s strategic partnership with ASPIRE Zone Foundation Qatar, one of the most acknowledged sports institutes in the world, is expected to help bolster its move to leverage new technologies across the sports industry. Under the terms of the agreement, Mahindra Satyam will provide onsite and offshore support to ASPIRE on various application development and infrastructure services projects.

The Mahindra Group has maintained a key presence in various sports and athletic based undertaking over the last few years. Aside from its key role during the last FIFA World Cup, the company has hosted the KC Mahindra Cup for cricket for over 46 years. It also supports the national game of hockey, with its sponsorship of the Mahindra Hockey Stadium. Mahindra Satyam has also openly promoted football across U-19 and U-24 enthusiasts. It has also tied up with the NBA to promote basketball in the community and is a part of US NASCAR racing. Mahindra and Mahindra are promoting sports at a grass root level in India.

• Thousands of films expected to vie for slots in 2011 Muhr Awards and out-of-competition screening line-up
• Filmmakers welcome to apply for Festival’s talent development, funding, co-production and post-production initiatives

Six, Seven, Eight

Dubai, UAE; June 14, 2011: The Dubai International Film Festival, the leading film festival of the Middle East, Africa and near Asia, has opened its doors to films and filmmakers for its eighth edition, to be held from December 7 to 14, 2011.

Entries are invited for the Festival’s 2011 official screening selection, including the prestigious Muhr Arab, Muhr Asia Africa and Muhr Emirati competitions, and its out-of-competition section. The Muhr Awards, presented for shorts, documentaries and feature films, offer a US$600,000 purse and are open to directors of Arab origin from around the world, their counterparts from Asia and Africa and UAE nationals respectively.

The Festival’s out-of-competition section includes the popular Arabian Nights, Cinema for Children, Cinema of AsiaAfrica, Cinema of the World and In Focus segments. Entry for both sections, expected to number in the thousands, is free and will be accepted until August 31, 2011. The final shortlist will be announced in November 2011.

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director, Dubai International Film Festival, said the Festival is a proven springboard for films and filmmakers into the global and regional limelight.

“Our Festival is an established destination for discovery of Arab, Asian and African cinema; our track record in catapulting films to the international domain is unmatched in the region,” Al Ali said. “Major international festivals, studios, film business leaders, media and audiences take a keen interest in our selection because of the strength of our team and the quality of our offering. We are thrilled to once more bring deserving films to the world’s attention, and look forward to some challenging months of whittling down our final selection.”

Reflecting its work in both showcasing and developing talent, the Dubai International Film Festival is also inviting filmmakers to participate in its initiatives spanning the filmmaking cycle.

Filmmakers of Arab origin, for example, are welcome to apply for the Festival’s successful co-production and post-production initiatives, as well as its myriad international collaborations. 

The Dubai Film Connection, DIFF’s co-production market, will shortlist 15 director-producer teams to receive more than US$100,000 in funding, invaluable industry networking and access to specialists who help realize their documentary and feature film works in progress. Submissions for the fifth Dubai Film Connection, scheduled for December 8 to 11, will close August 1, 2011.

The Festival’s post-production support programme, Enjaaz, is also accepting applications until August 1. Enjaaz offers 15 filmmakers up to US$100,000 each to help their projects move through the final stage of filmmaking.

More details on all submission categories are available on www.dubaifilmfest.com. All films seeking entry must be produced after September 1, 2010, and must not have been screened in the Gulf region for any audiences prior to DIFF, with the exception of the Gulf Film Festival; and must not have been broadcast or made available on television or other public viewing platforms. 

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 

Parties seek to jointly help establish culture of creativity, innovation and business excellence in society

May 23, 2011

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), has received a delegation of high-ranking Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) officials, led by H.E. Dr. Eng. Ali Mohamed Al Khouri, Emirates ID Director General, at the University’s headquarters in Dubai International Academic City. Dr. Al Khouri and Dr.Al Awar discussed opportunities for joint cooperation between the two institutions, especially in the areas of human resource development and knowledge sharing.

Dr. Al Khouri expressed his pleasure to have visited the university, and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest, especially those involving training and development. The Authority also expressed its eagerness to assist in enhancing the qualification of citizens and making them capable of supporting the country’s development programs and the call to excellence by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

Noting the University’s reputation as a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, Dr. Al Khouri pointed out the Authority’s keenness to ensure the success of the partnership. He added, “We are looking forward to utilizing the outstanding abilities of HBMeU in the field of continuous and life-long learning through a series of academic programs that focus on project and human resource management, organizational leadership and business excellence. All these efforts aim to achieve our objectives of enhancing administrative, financial, and technical policies and furthering investment in human resources to develop a proficient and highly skilled national workforce.”

For his part, Dr. Al Awar highlighted the importance of the partnership in realizing a shared vision of creating a suitable environment that nurtures creativity and innovation, and reinforcing the culture of business excellence by developing the abilities of citizens through all possible means. These initiatives will also enable the citizens to benefit from HBMeU’s advanced academic programs and educational philosophy, which are based on the concept of life-long learning in order to provide greater flexibility in providing education to all according to the highest standards of efficiency and reliability.

Al Awar also pointed out HBMeU’s keenness to provide EIDA with all the resources and expertise it needs to assist in efforts to establish a competent working team that will be responsible and capable of facing the challenges of cultivating business excellence and service quality in the society. He also said that he is looking forward to furthering cooperation in all fields that serve the interest of both parties, especially in terms of exchanging information through joint seminars, meetings, and conferences that focus on leadership and business excellence.

“This step aligns with our efforts to comply with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMeU, who has constantly stressed the importance of leveraging our potential and capabilities in developing government strategies and in supporting the ongoing development initiatives of the UAE,” concluded Dr. Al Awar.

Prof. Nabil Baydoun, Learners & Enterprise Development, Assistant Chancellor at HBMeU, also made a presentation about the role of the university in helping establish a culture of creativity, innovation, professional development, training programs and scientific research. Baydoun also referred to the programs offered in the field of human development and quality management.

The EIDA delegation comprised H.E. Hatem Ghannoom Al Hamli, Executive Director for Finance Affair, and Acting Executive Director for Administrative and Relations Affairs; Abdul Aziz Al Maamari, Director of Public Relations and Marketing; Khawala Al Tayer, HR Director; Khadija Shahin - Al Karama Registration Centre Director; Jassem Al Raessey – Al Rashidiya Registration Centre Acting Director; and Nasser Al Abdouly - Al Barshaa Registration Centre Acting Director. The HBMeU delegation on the other hand comprised Dr. Ibrahim Mahmood Bin Abdelrahman, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nabil Baydoun, Learners & Enterprise Development, Assistant Chancellor ; Serine El Salhat, Executive Director of Chancellor Office, and Nadia Amanallah Kamali , Marketing, Director .

Over SAR 375 billion of social and economic infrastructure projects under way and in the pipeline

May 18, 2011

Saudi Arabian construction industry is poised to achieve a 4 per cent growth to reach a value of SAR 87 billion this year, where the sector’s annual growth is expected to be maintained between 2011 and 2015 with the same rate, according to the Saudi Arabia Infrastructure Report for the second quarter of 2011. Recent reports recorded over SAR 375 billion of social and economic infrastructure projects under way and in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia, which illustrates high levels of current activity and future growth potential for this sector.

Commenting on his company’s participation in The Euromoney Conference in Riyadh, Khaldoun Tabari, CEO, Drake & Scull International PJSC (DSI), said, “Saudi Arabia has maintained a strong and sustainable demand for infrastructure projects, which is due to the growing Saudi national population with strong demographics, as 66% of the population is under 25, in addition to the expanding economy”.

“The significant number of contracts in the tendering phase has also peaked investor interest in Saudi Arabia, with many regional construction companies focusing on the country for opportunities. Additionally, the SAR 580 billion national budget, which is the largest state expenditure to date, the SR 290 billion homebuilding fund and the latest mortgage law represent a strategic incentive for our company to further expand and seek growth in the kingdom’s attractive market”.

Drake & Scull International PJSC (DSI), a regional market leader in integrated design, engineering and construction disciplines of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP), Civil Contracting, and Water and Power, is well known for its accumulated technical expertise in the region since 1966 across the residential, commercial, aviation, healthcare, education and transport industries, in addition to its local alliances with major developers such as Aramco and Rayadah (Investment the investment arm of the Saudi government’s Public Pensions Agency (PPA).

The company‘s long history in the Kingdom since 1979 and the establishment of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Drake and Scull Construction (DSC) and Drake and Scull Water and Power (DSWP), further cements its presence and operations in the kingdom placing it at the forefront of the Urban development revolution the country is witnessing .

The company has completed  several major projects since the early 1970’s, including the Intercontinental Hotel and Conference Centre in Riyadh, Tabarjal Hospital, Mina Hospital and Health College, and King Abdulla University of Science and Technology (KAUST).In 2010, DSI managed to secure a series of consecutive project wins in Saudi for a total value of AED 1.2 billion in the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing sector, Civil and Water and Power sector among which  Al Jawharah Tower in Jeddah  and  the iconic Information Technology and Communications Centre (ITCC) in Riyadh stand prominent . The company inaugurated 2011 in the kingdom by recently securing the iconic King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre (KAPSARC) project in Riyadh for a total value of SR 2 billion.

DSC’s Executive Director, Saleh Muradweij commented on the project updates “DSC has deployed around 1200 people on the KAPSARC site and the number is expected to grow to around 3500 in a few months time. The design coordination process is almost over.  The Substructure (foundations and basement) work has also been completed. Currently, Primary Steel erection is ongoing for the IT Center and the Conference Centers. The Superstructure concrete works has also started at the Research Center. ”

“As for the Jawhara development, we are on schedule, we finished the foundation work and completed all basement levels and we expect to complete the project on time.”he concluded.

Earlier this month, the company reported revenues of AED 645 million in Q1 a 67% percent year-over-year revenue growth. Saudi Arabia remains the biggest market for DSI and constitutes 50 % percent of its AED 7.5 billion backlog as of March 31st 2011. 

Advanced Interactive Media Solutions (AIMS), the GCC market leader in interactive digital campaigns, has announced that its CEO Ahmed El Ridi recently participated in the panel discussion that was held as part of the inaugural OVAB (Out-of-home Video Advertising Bureau) event in Dubai. This was the first event that OVAB, the group established to raise awareness and develop standards for the emerging Digital Out Of Home (DOOH) advertising industry in Europe, was organising in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.  AIMS will be a member of this bureau to support digital signage industry in the region.

During the event El Ridi emphasized the importance of educating clients and media agencies in the region about the potential of digital signage and also how the audience measurement system that this medium offers differentiates it from others forms of advertising. He also highlighted how AIMS successfully overcame specific challenges to install digital signage in some of the malls in Dubai, and shared the company’s experience in executing several high-impact projects in the UAE.    

“The digital signage market in the region is still in its infancy, and there is a definite need to create greater awareness among the media agencies and the business sector about the impact and reach of this medium,” said El Ridi. “The first OVAB event presented the perfect platform for industry peers to share best practices and discuss the opportunities and challenges of the digital out of home advertising segment