Winter 2020 Capital Letter Magazine

CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 | Issue 3 | Winter 2020 AmVbiewaThsefsroamdLoorn’sdon

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CAPITAL LETTER Chairman’s Foreword Welcome to the winter issue of Capital future, while preserving the best of our the fundamentals of a robust and Letter. Our cover for this edition traditional events and activities. successful economy, guided by wise features HE Mansoor Abulhoul, the leadership, remain the hallmark of Abu UAE’s ambassador to the UK. We are At its heart the BBG will continue Dhabi. COVID-19 has provided the delighted to be featuring an interview to be a strong and active business catalyst for change - change which will that provides a fascinating insight into network, with broad representation bring positive opportunities for BBG in the view from London, through the eyes of British business interests in Abu 2021. of the UAE’s senior representative in Dhabi. The BBG has been an affiliate the capital. His comments highlight member of the UK’s Global Business Wishing you and your families my very the depth and breadth of the UK and Network for some time; we believe the best as the end of the year approaches, UAE’s relationship and how it continues time is now right for us to develop into and an enjoyable festive season. to prosper, regardless of the trials and an organisation akin to a traditional tribulations of COVID-19. Chamber of Commerce.. We are, Nick Cochrane-Dyet MBE therefore, adopting a strategy that Chairman Growing bilateral trade, and the vital will see the Group invest and grow a relationships that underpin it, are of range of new services, to broaden our fundamental importance to the British appeal and drive new revenue streams. Business Group Abu Dhabi. In recent We will be testing this strategy early weeks we have been taking stock of next year through direct support to how we need to adapt to a changed various British Chamber of Commerce world to ensure the Group remains fit events in UAE. We will also be re- for purpose by providing our members shaping our membership fee structure with the services and support they need to ensure best value under changed to prosper. To this end we have been circumstances. listening to our members’ views, and in this edition we share the output of This year may be closing with a recent survey that has underscored considerable uncertainty around the the need to adapt and invest for the coming year, but the recent holding of ADIPEC signals to us all that Contents BBG and Embassy Update Great British People in Business 22 The UK at Virtual ADIPEC 2020 23 Chairman’s Foreword 1 3D Printing – A Sustainable Solution 24 BBG Members Have Their Say 2 Future of the BBG 4 News, Events & Updates The View from London 6 Business Council Gears Up for a Busy 2021 7 Rolls-Royce’s All Electric Plane Takes to the Skies 26 UK Primed to Support the Gulf’s Agritech Transformation 8 NI to Participate in First World Expo 9 Global Collaboration Essential for Economic Recovery 28 Intertek Protek Launches Surface Hygiene Testing 29 Insight CIM Accelerates E-Learning Proposition in UAE 29 A Message From the Neighbours 30 Confidence in Chaos 10 Building New Generations of Talent 31 BP Energy Transition 12 Effects of the Decrease in Global Tourism 14 eSafe – UAE’s National NGO for Child Safety Online 31 Post Pandemic Investment 15 Tightening the Belt 16 Four Vital Signs for the Event Industry 32 Changing Your Business Sponsor 16 Temporary Work is Now Permanent 17 Yalla! Let’s go! 34 News in Brief 34 About the BBG Special Features Committee Members 36 Corporate Sponsors 37 Education in the Wake of COVID-19 18 Join the BBG 38 Expo 2020 Dubai 20 New Members 40 Cover Picture: His Excellency Mansoor Abdullah Khalfan Juma Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK, pictured at the UAE Embassy in London. Editorial Submissions or Advertising Enquiries: Editorial Panel: Anna Ali Adib, Tim Allen, David Good, David Spearing, Sinéad Whelan ☎[email protected], British Business Group (BBG) Abu Dhabi ☎Published by: Dar Al Fajr Printing, Publishing & Advertising, PO Box 43635, Abu Dhabi, UAE, : +971 2 445 7234 BBG Office Mobile: 056 6650582 P.O. Box 505, Abu Dhabi, UAE, : +971 2 4488300 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.britishbusiness.org This magazine is distributed among the members of Office Manager: Sinéad Whelan British Business Group and has no commercial value. Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 1

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE COVID-19 has wrought many 22Only % of our respondents had changes in our personal and experience of using the British Chambers of professional lives. It will not surprise you that British Business Group Abu Commerce, but 74% would be interested in Dhabi is facing similar challenges, and that your committee has been sector specific business referrals/connections thinking hard on how we should adapt to continue to be a relevant for doing business (an activity common to the and thriving organisation that supports our business community. International British Chambers of Commerce) As you know, in October we for an additional charge. released a survey to our membership, entitled ‘BBG Abu Dhabi Strategic 81.16% of BBG Review.’ We are very grateful to those Membe of you who took the time to complete respondents said they Have Th it; we received a substantial response don’t belong to any level which we believe represents other business groups Say a relevant sample of our members’ in the UAE, aside from views. Your feedback allowed us to the BBG Abu Dhabi begin a process to develop a new strategy – one that reflects new times and positions us better for the future. As a membership organisation it is vital that we understand, as best we can, what our members want from the Group and your future intentions. We are treating COVID-19 as a catalyst for change – change that would surely have been needed anyway. We have a positive view of the BBG’s future prospects, and we are very glad to have given you your say. Here are some highlights of the results. If BBG were to recategorize our membership tiers, which does you feel would be appropriate for you? 2 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Will you be renewing your BBG Abu Dhabi Membership for 2021? 28Meaningful % Key take-aways from the Members’ response – Survey of total membership • Meaningful response ers If BBG Abu Dhabi diversified our – 28% of total heir service offering and provided additional membership chargeable services, is this something you would use? Please select from some • Our members are activities common to International British typically Abu Dhabi Chambers of Commerce which you feel focussed (56%) in their would be useful to you in Abu Dhabi: business interests • We have a significant proportion of individual members responses (57%) v’s corporate • Amongst respondees the majority (83%) want to continue to support the BBG in 2021 • The vast majority (86%) want to resume attending events, when the time is right • There is limited first- hand knowledge of BCC (22%) and what they offer 85.51% of Does the BBG add value to your business in the UAE? respondents said they CAPITAL LETTER 3 would be comfortable to return to face-to-face BBG events in Q1 2021 Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Future of the BBG Capital Letter speaks with Graham capabilities being moved to lower Outterside, Chairman of the BBG’s cost markets, with countries like the Strategy Sub-Committee, about plans UAE becoming exporters on behalf for future development. of international companies. This will require more international The BBG Abu Dhabi Committee export support, and the kind of has been deliberating on services that a BCC can offer to the future direction of the its members. To grow we also Group – why is change being need to broaden our appeal to contemplated now? include a younger and more diverse Over the past year I have spent demographic, SMEs and, critically, time representing BBG Abu Dhabi more of our local partners. in the UK, working with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Why do you feel that the British International teams to understand Chambers of Commerce (BCC) better how British businesses in model is right for the Group? other countries are supported by BBG Abu Dhabi joined the Global their local chambers. Throughout Business Network as an affiliate the COVID-19 pandemic those in 2019, and has been tracking organisations have really become a the BCC ever since. The model is focus for the recovery activities of UK undeniably successful, globally, companies operating internationally. and is proving to be very effective This insight highlights the levels of at growing members’ revenues support provided to members through and supporting in new and their local chambers – to support their existing markets. With the membership in ways we in BBG have number of international not previously contemplated. With chambers virtually doubling the BBG being adversely affected by the current crisis, due to its high BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE REACH AND IMP dependence upon face-to-face social events, it seemed like a good time to British Chambers UK CHAMBER NETWORK look at the BCC model and ask “why of Commerce represents should we not operate more like a and campaigns for 53 British Chamber of Commerce?” This business. in turn led to the Committee forming We are owned by, Accredited a group to develop a new value and work for, a Chambers proposition for BBG Abu Dhabi. network of Chambers in the UK Is this simply a response to of Commerce that COVID-19 and the perceived champion and support 5.8m ‘new normal’, or does it our members across represent a more fundamental the UK and in countries Employees shift? and markets around the represented by Almost every market goes through world. our members some significant change at a time of Our unique perspective social and economic disconnects, gives us unparalleled and the pandemic has affected many insight into British aspects of business life – including business communities. chambers of commerce. Our sense is that though the old ways of working We are the only business and operating will return to some group with members degree once COVID-19 is in the rear- of every size, from view mirror, many of the new aspects every sector, in both of will also remain. Virtual activities, every region of the UK and the efficiencies they provide, will and globally. not all disappear, and companies will certainly look to export more Working together while trying to avoid the expensive with Chambers, we commitment of physical international drive change from the presence when so much can be ground up, helping done virtually in a more cost-effective companies, places and manner. people achieve their potential. We can expect to see more Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 4 CAPITAL LETTER

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE in two years – a rate that is forecast and BBG Abu Dhabi plans to exploit our first Virtual Trade Mission with a to continue, it is clear that the BCC these in the first half of 2021 as we UK chamber in 2021 (late Q1), and model is contributing effectively to begin to transition the BBG to the this will be used to test the market the growth of the UK’s international BCC model. British Chambers are further and refine our offering. trade. The BCC’s UK leadership already embarked on ‘country month’ How will these changes affect team operates at the highest levels showcase events, and the UAE is in the current membership, and the in UK government, and are influential line for a 2021 event. We will be using group’s corporate sponsors? when HMG is developing its export this opportunity and others to roll- All the plans I have outlined here and trade strategy. Indeed, BCC’s out and test new business services. are designed to enhance the value quarterly membership surveys are But rest assured that we will also be proposition for our members and treated by the Treasury as a credible returning to our traditional physical corporate sponsors. We believe benchmark set of data which they events, as soon as restrictions are we can help our members grow recognise provides them with genuine lifted. their businesses and broaden the insight into what is actually happening appeal to a wider membership. The both in the UK and internationally. You mention a range of new Committee recognises that we are Arguably, it is more accurate, timely business services being offered in transition at present, so we have and relevant than other government – how and where will these decided that membership renewal sources. come from? will now recommence in March 2021, effectively giving our current members What can we expect to see that’s BBG Abu Dhabi has come a long- a bonus three months of the current different in 2021? way from its early years as a largely membership benefits. social network. To continue on We are keenly aware that 2021 will be that path we are looking to make In the interim we will be developing a difficult year for many members and a seedcorn investment shortly, a new membership fee structure and their parent companies, because the to establish a range of business sponsorship packages, to reflect pressures to return to growth will be services that can be accessed both the emerging needs and priorities high. This adds impetus to the need by members and others looking to of current members, plus attract to work smarter and more efficiently in enter the Abu Dhabi market or export new members and partners. We are opening up new markets and finding from it. These services will be self- excited by what the future holds, and new partners and suppliers. The funding and offered ‘over and above’ the prospect of aligning ourselves BCC has well-developed models for our membership and sponsorship within the British Chambers of virtual and physical trade missions, packages for 2021. We will be trying Commerce organisation. PACT INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER NETWORK 100+ 63 Chambers by Chambers 2023 Worldwide Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 5

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE The View from London By His Excellency MansourAbulhoul shelve plans for the second leg of my our guests to a selection of some of Like so many other people I know, journey from Inverness to Aberdeen, the UAE’s finest poets and musicians. I initially enjoyed some aspects of which I had been due to complete working from home, when the UK with my friend Alistair Burt, the former Third, we have a great deal of work went into lockdown in March. Foreign Office minister. Our itinerary to get on with our British friends and was going to include meetings with partners. That is a testament to the It was great to snatch moments with former members of the Trucial Scouts extraordinary strength and depth my family during office hours. who live near Fort George. They of the UK-UAE relationship. Emirati companies are intimately involved Time was saved on commuting and retain an enormous affection for the in key bits of UK infrastructure, travel. UAE. But tightening Covid restrictions including the London Gateway meant Alistair and I would not have port and some of the world’s most And thinking of innovative ways to been able to stop off and talk to advanced offshore windfarms. There do diplomacy in the time of Covid anyone along the way. are exciting joint projects underway in was a fascinating challenge. It led everything from agritech to the digital to some great innovations, including Third, it is enormously frustrating to economy. Our governments work a series of well received public have to cancel or postpone events together on vital security and defence webinars on everything from the where my team and I get to see our matters. Both sides have agreed history of the UAE to the Emirates contacts in the British government, ambitious targets to substantially Mars Mission. the business community and many increase the volume of trade between other walks of life in an informal our two countries in the years to But I am now looking forward to the setting. I am particularly sad that come. The newly reformed UK-UAE day when I will be reunited with my there will be no National Day event Business Council is going to be key colleagues full-time (currently we only this year. Last year’s was a great to that. use our office for certain meetings success. We filled Banqueting Hall and other essential business that with hundreds of the UAE’s British So, like everyone else, I am looking cannot be done through a screen). friends. In addition to the normal forward to putting this virus behind diplomatic hobnobbing, we treated us ASAP. If we can do that, we will Apparently, I’m in a minority on this be reactivating dormant plans, such one. According to a poll in August, as the business road show for Emirati almost 90% of British people who companies that had meant to tour worked from home during lockdown UK this year. I am looking forward to would like to continue doing so, in leading a fact-finding trip to the UAE some capacity. for British Members of Parliament. On top of all of that, we will be But there are several reasons why celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the WFH is not for me. Federation and the arrival of the Hope probe at Mars. First, I have the privilege to work in what must be one of the most With luck, 2021 will be an exciting handsome offices in London. It is and busy time for everyone. Even if a grand, stuccoed building near it means spending more time in the Belgrave Square that was once the office. home of 19th century statesmen. It HE Mansour Abulhoul is UAE was beautifully restored some years Ambassador to the UK. ago. The interiors are a wonderful mix of classic English architecture and Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 contemporary Emirati design. Second, I am very conscious that there is more to the UK than London. One of the goals for my ambassadorship is to cycle the length from John O’Groats to Land’s End. But I have had to reluctantly 6 CAPITAL LETTER

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Business Council Gears Up for a Busy 2021 By Bradley Jones that delivers real value for member corporates that currently reflect the companies on both sides. We have majority of our existing membership. 2021 is going to be a milestone also set up a Joint Secretariat, which We also plan to scale up our year for the UAE and UK in many will support and serve the interests of engagement with the UK’s Devolved ways. The UAE will be celebrating both our UAE and UK stakeholders Administrations and English Regions its 50th anniversary as a nation and members. as well as the Northern Emirates in and, in addition to the Hope probe’s the UAE. arrival at Mars and the opening We aim to be a forum for thought of the Expo, I imagine that the leadership, bringing together We are very much a business- country will also take time to pause business leaders, entrepreneurs led organisation and have an for reflection, and to look back on and our respective governments to active community of members who the incredible achievements that discuss the trade policy and market have been helping to shape this have been made over the last five access issues impeding growth in transformation. The BBG Abu Dhabi decades. It seems that ‘Creating bilateral trade and investment and has been a great support over the the Future’ is hardwired into the to identify opportunities for closer years, and I know they will continue to country’s DNA too, and no doubt collaboration in emerging trends be as we take the Business Council there will be much discussion on and opportunities. Our two nations to the next level. I would be delighted what the next 50 years holds in are both at the beginning of a long to receive input and feedback from store. and exciting journey of discovering member companies – both British new possibilities for partnership in and Emirati – on how we can best 2021 will also be the year that the sectors such as space, agritech and serve your interests from 2021 UK redefines its trading relationship AI, to name just a few, and through onwards. with the world and seeks to deepen our five sectoral Working Groups and its ties with important partners such various campaigns we will ensure Bradley Jones is Executive Director of as the UAE. Brexit will allow us to these possibilities are harnessed. the UAE-UK Business Council be more bespoke and innovative The Working Groups, each Chaired with each nation with whom we by eminent specialists in their enter into trade negotiations – and respective fields, cover themes while progress can often seem such as Innovation, Future Tech glacial, the end result will hopefully and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, be a bilateral partnership that truly Education, Skills and Culture, reflects the interests of both parties Healthcare, Hydrocarbons and and captures opportunities in a Sustainable Energy, and Industry and way that trading as a member of a Infrastructure. 28-nation bloc previously made it impossible to do. We also plan to be a more inclusive Business Council, and over the Another milestone for 2021, and next few months will be revising one which might have escaped your our membership policy so that we attention, is the UAE-UK Business can reach out to SMEs, individual Council’s 10th Anniversary! And we entrepreneurs and not-for-profits are undergoing a major transition, as well as the mid-sized to large too. We have two new Co-Chairs – Lord Lister, PM Boris Johnson’s Chief Strategic Adviser, and HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chair of Abu Dhabi Global Markets and Minister of State. They are both deeply committed to creating a high profile and influential Business Council Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 7

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE By Simon Penney Her ambitious goal is to increase How UK R&D is driving a In a region that imports most of its domestic food production by 30% by sustainable approach to food, Gulf leaders are poised to 2021 and give the local processing agritech ramp up domestic production amid industry, which produces six million the global pandemic. The insecurity tonnes of food annually, the ability to This is where the UK’s farming of global supply chains was thrown triple output if needed. credentials stand tall. The country into sharp relief earlier this year as is renowned for its world-leading coronavirus bottlenecked international Swathes of UAE companies are now agritech R&D, combined with food manufacturing. using vertical farming techniques to academic and commercial strengths grow produce locally. ADQ, an Abu across robotics, big data, precision Dhabi investment holding company, UK Primed to Support the Gulf’s Agritech Transformation Jones Food Company Historically, the Gulf has imported recently announced the establishment engineering, remote sensing, smart around 90% of its food, but in today’s of Silal, a new company developed to water management and plant and uncertain geopolitical climate, this diversify food sources and increase animal breeding. is an increasingly risky strategy. locally grown, raised and manufactured Constrained by arid soils, scarce water food. Several British agritech suppliers resources, and hot temperatures, the and institutions are already active region is seeking new ways to rapidly The UAE government recently in the Middle East. The University of and significantly bolster its domestic established the AgriTech Sector Sheffield is working with the Sohar food production capabilities. Development Team, with public and University in Oman to develop a private sector stakeholders from greenhouse that uses cutting-edge The GCC states are turning to the the country’s growing agricultural technologies to help crops grow dynamic agritech sector for solutions – technology sector with a view to driving in the harsh environment of the a burgeoning industry that is projected ground-breaking agritech projects, such Sultanate. While UK-based Fera to be worth more than £136 billion as growing rice in the Sharjah desert. Science, home to 350 scientists, is globally by 2025, according to Agri- working with government strategists Epi Centre. Further afield, the Kuwait Foundation in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain to for the Advancement of Science support regional agritech research Broadly speaking, ‘agritech’ is a (KFAS) is seeking proposals on farm- and testing goals. The York- term that describes optimising the to-table digital solutions, to enable headquartered firm is engaged in productivity and sustainability of Kuwaiti farmers to sell goods directly delivering region-wide plant crop agriculture, horticulture, aqua culture to consumers, along with solutions to and pathogen monitoring expertise, and forestry – this growing sector upscale production in agriculture and as well as crop plant protection, could be key to supercharging the fisheries. aquaculture knowledge and food region’s domestic farming capabilities chain science. UK-based Jones Food amid the pandemic and beyond. In Oman, the Ministry of Agriculture Company (JFC), which operates the and Fisheries is looking for proposals for largest vertical farm in Europe with Agritech is transforming the a smart agriculture project to produce over 5,000m2 of growing space, is Middle East vegetables in an efficient way in the poised to ink a number of long-term Sultanate’s harsh climate. partnerships across the region. In recent months, all Gulf countries JFC’s unique hydroponics systems have ramped up their agritech Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 use renewable energy and 95% less initiatives, using innovative solutions programme puts a large emphasis on water than traditional farms. to optimise limited natural farming agritech. The Ministry of Environment, resources. Water and Agriculture (MEWA) is As regional governments continue leading a comprehensive agritech to place a laser-sharp focus on food In a global first, the UAE appointed initiative in the kingdom, the Saudi security, the potential for global HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Agricultural Bank provides soft loans for agritech partnerships is vast. Hareb Almheiri as Minister of State for new agricultural technologies, and the Food Security in 2017. Public Investment Fund (the sovereign The future of regional agriculture state fund) is looking to invest in new is set to be smart, connected and A visionary leader, she has instated agricultural technologies through SALIC, sustainable – and it will likely be the UAE Food Security Strategy, its agricultural company. The kingdom driven by a fusion of optimism, consisting of five pillars: diversification recently unveiled a SR412 million technology investment and genuine of sources of food imports; research (US$110 million) project that aims to partnership between the UK and the and development to increase domestic meet the future demand for major grains Middle East. food production; reduction of food as part of its plans to achieve food Simon Penney is Her Majesty’s Trade waste; maintenance of food safety security. Commissioner for the Middle East standards; and increasing the UAE’s ability to respond to crises. Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 8 CAPITAL LETTER

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE NI to Participate in First World Expo INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED HEALTHCARE Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister, Diane Dodds, announced SERVICES AT YOUR DOORSTEP that Northern Ireland will participate in Expo 2020 in Dubai. MEDICLINIC MIDDLE EAST OPERATES SEVEN HOSPITALS, OVER 20 CLINICS AND MORE THAN 900 Invest Northern Ireland are working closely with the INPATIENT BEDS ACROSS DUBAI, ABU DHABI, AL AIN AND AL DHAFRA REGION. Department for International Trade (DIT) to ensure Northern Ireland representation in the UK Programme, ranging from EXPERTISE YOU CAN TRUST. content development to expert participation in thought A MEDICLINIC INTERNATIONAL COMPANY leadership sessions, as well as Northern Ireland representation www.mediclinic.ae within the pavilion showcase. Making the announcement, the Minister said: “Invest NI is actively developing an engaging programme around Northern Ireland’s key sectoral strengths to reflect the international priorities of wider government and promote Northern Ireland to international visitors. This will help build new relationships, deepen existing ones and position Northern Ireland on a global platform.” Steve Harper, Invest NI’s Executive Director of International Business said: “Expo 2020 Dubai promises to be a truly incredible global event and whilst much has changed in recent months, our ambition is still to inspire the world by showcasing the best examples of innovation and creativity that Northern Ireland has to offer. “I am delighted that a number of Northern Ireland companies are already realising the commercial benefits of the Expo, with Joule Group chosen as the Fire Engineering Consultant for the development of the Expo’s Luxembourg Pavilion. “Lowe Rental is also reaping benefits after securing contracts to supply catering equipment to five country pavilions and has been named the official provider of catering equipment for the UK pavilion. There will be many more opportunities for businesses to get involved and to visit the Expo.” Located on first floor of the hotel, the newly refreshed Club Guests enjoy the following Lounge provides an intimate space to connect with fellow exclusive benefits: travellers or find a quiet moment to catch up on work. • Exclusive buffet breakfast • Exclusive boardroom facility Club guests can enjoy daily culinary options with pure • Personalized concierge service relaxation, effortless indulgence and well-deserved • Welcome drinks exclusivity. Lounge is open only to hotel guests • Complimentary Abu Dhabi Airport Pick-up staying in our Club Room and Club Suite. • Refreshments, evening drinks and canapés • High-Speed Internet access For inquiries, please call: +97124439999 | @grandmillalwahda Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 9

INSIGHT By the Houbara Insights Team a new world system. Global norms, Five ‘modes’ of grey zone rules, accords and institutions hostility How do we adapt emerging face increasing challenges. The technologies to counter ‘grey zone’ third driver is the growth of novel Although the combinations and threats? domains. The pursuit of political and permutations of grey zone tactics territorial supremacy takes place are legion, we have grouped them The supremacy of traditional on more fronts today than ever into five ‘modes’. security and defence systems before. Two new domains, cyber has driven adversaries towards and space, are starting to rebalance The first mode is deniability and alternative methods. These ‘grey power between large and small central to grey zone competition. zone’ approaches include a myriad actors. Adversaries may seek to sabotage of new threats described by multiple a rival’s critical infrastructure with buzzwords, from asymmetric to Six major grey zone methods that can’t be traced to the hybrid and from fifth generation to challenges instigator. sub-threshold. All these make up the grey zone and explore the widest Grey zone tactics reveal capability The second is information range of social, political, economic gaps in both security and defence operations. There are two separate and military instruments available disciplines, which need to be but complementary elements in to achieve maximum effect – but addressed through an integrated an information operations strategy without provoking a conventional strategy dealing with six key namely the collection and the challenges. Below we have explored dissemination of information. The third mode is the use of proxy Confidence in Chaos response, or even being recognised the most pressing challenges that forces where an aggressor may as formal acts of aggression. grey zone campaigns pose. leverage another nation’s forces to Countering this requires significant achieve its aims. change in a number of areas – from The first is creating the information risk appetite to the equipment used advantage. Traditional strategies Fourth is economic coercion; there and the skills employed. Technology dealt with conventional conflict, but are many ways to exert economic will play an increasing role in each now adversaries use knowledge- power, or limit that of its rivals. area as nations adapt to fit the way based tactics. Separating truth from in which adversaries now behave. ‘fake news’ and creating effective Lastly is territorial encroachment counter narratives are now a priority. by offering resources to a country Emerging technologies under false pretences or even being under-funded: The The second challenge is welcomed in as peacekeepers commercial sector continues improving cyber resilience, which before gaining control. to outspend on R&D. remains one of highest priorities for all organisations. There are well Adapting emerging A report by PwC states that known international aggressors technologies to meet grey whilst aerospace and defence online, but a significant and faster- zone challenges invested about US$25 billion in growing threat is serious organised 2018, computing and electronics crime. Whilst the nature of grey zone industries invested almost six times attacks is constantly evolving, as much. And last year Amazon The third challenge is improving recent research suggests that alone invested US$22 billion on threat detection. The nature of grey there are ten front-line technology R&D, nearly 20 times more than the zone campaigns is that they are capabilities that need to be nearest defence company. disguised, so organisations can be developed in order to mitigate targeted without even knowing it. threats. The growth of grey zone campaigning The fourth challenge is adding AI, analytics and advanced sophisticated capabilities. As computing – The ability to process Understanding what has driven threats become more clandestine, massive volumes of data at pace the shift can help us identify how organisations need to increase their enhances situational awareness. best to adapt to grey zone threats. ability to expose hostile tactics from By drawing and fusing data from The first driver is the increasing adversaries. multiple sources, AI can be used access to emerging technologies. to identify locations and model The accelerating transfer of The fifth challenge is adapting behaviours. consumer technology from lab at pace. Organisations struggle to to user lowers the bar for entry, react quickly enough to the changing Cyber and electromagnetic providing adversaries with greater nature of threats. Current procurement activities – The cyber domain is a reach and making it easier for processes don’t help, with the scale vital front in grey zone competition. them to instigate a challenge. The and bureaucracy proving a hindrance. Less discussed is the vulnerability second driver is the emergence of of the electromagnetic spectrum. The sixth and final challenge Communications signals, including 10 CAPITAL LETTER is introducing new skills. Grey Wi-Fi and GPS, can be jammed zone competition is perpetual and or spoofed for service denial or unpredictable. In this environment, misdirection. training must be linked to real operations to ensure that its always Novel weapons, systems and relevant. Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

INSIGHT effects – There are a wide range be readily augmented to serve a Make innovation mission-led: of alternatives to kinetic weapons, multitude of roles. Today’s innovation process often but in the context of the grey zone, leaves the end user without directed energy is the most relevant. Multimillion-dollar defence significant input, and the end remains important as a result fails to deliver. A mission- Power, energy storage and deterrent, but in the grey led approach ensures that all new distribution – Most frontline zone, it must form part of a ideas are driven solely by mission capability relies on electricity. In suite of tactics. outcomes. some cases, this can be drawn from the grid, but other scenarios require Sometimes it provides little Practice ‘positive highly specialised energy storage advantage against low-cost experimentation’: This requires and power delivery systems. improvised devices, or other grey a shift in mindset, one which zone threats such as cyber-attacks. stimulates a more systemic Robotics and autonomous This asymmetry is laid bare by approach to innovation. A systems (RAS) – In the grey zone, the case in 2017 when a US$3 continuous cycle of learning, the collective power of multiple million Patriot missile was used to development and adoption is systems to provide more granular shoot down a US$200 consumer needed. situational awareness and expand quadcopter drone. the user’s sphere of influence. Make testing perpetual and Shifting mindsets to counter dynamic: To match the pace at Secure communications and grey zone threats which threats change, a more navigation – Communication lies dynamic process of testing and at the epicentre of virtually all grey There are some underpinning evaluation is required. zone operations. Moving information principles on which to base the around is fundamental to building a implementation of emerging Encourage an open architecture detailed picture. technologies to adapt to grey environment: The current zone campaigns. If adopted, they architecture makes it impossible Sensing, processing and will assure these changes for to quickly modify existing assets in data fusion – The key to grey operational use and accelerate the order to adapt to grey zone threats. zone advantage is awareness: ability to deal with grey zone threats. Open architectures could provide of adversaries’ locations, their the ability to ‘plug and play’ with activities and intent, of public and Develop an integrated approach: new innovation. political sentiment, and of the Grey zone threats don’t discriminate; physical and digital domains in they just seek to achieve their Embrace a new training which grey zone competition takes means through whatever channels philosophy: Training should be a place. are most vulnerable. Innovation constant process, not a set piece underpins this approach, requiring activity. This allows organisations Advanced materials and a systemic approach to testing and to continuously adapt to changes manufacturing – The grey zone’s experimentation with a continuous in the environment and incorporate rapidly shifting nature means new cycle of learning, development and new skills into operations. capability must often be fast-tracked adoption. into service in response to emerging Compiled by the Insights Team at and evolving threats. The ability to Houbara. manufacture quickly and at scale is therefore crucial. Human protection and NES FIRCROFT// WE’LL ENHANCE performance – New YOUR MIDDLE EAST WORKFORCE capabilities cannot be introduced safely or As the world’s leading engineering staffing provider, our effectively without first vast network of regional offices will help your company with understanding how local staffing solutions to mitigate market conditions. humans may interact with them. Unexpected human Local hiring & payroll capabilities responses can undermine the advantages of Consolidation & cost savings technology. Platform and system Visa & work permit provision Abu Dhabi design and assessment Bahrain – The primary role of T: +971 55 993 0908 | E: [email protected] Dubai large platforms is to act Iraq as a deterrent against WWW.NESFIRCROFT.COM Kuwait aggression. However, Oman there is an apparent Qatar tension between their long Saudi Arabia service life and the need to adapt them quickly to tackle changing threats so their core capability must Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 11

INSIGHT BP Energy Transition By Salem Bin Ashoor differentiation to amplify value: more in the next few years, adding to a • Integrating energy systems along wave of higher margin production. From International Oil Company to Integrated Energy Company: BP sets and across value chains, where We have improved plant reliability by out strategy for decade of delivery we will pull together 20 all of our 1% over the past five years – adding towards net zero ambition. capabilities to create comprehensive almost US$200 million in gross margin offers for our customers. last year, compared with 2014 – and Earlier this year in February bp set • Partnering with countries, cities, and we are planning for another 1.6% out our ambition to become a net zero industries as they shape their own improvement by the middle of this company by 2050 or sooner and help paths to net zero. decade. the world get to net zero. • Innovating with a strong focus on digital to create efficiencies, support We are holding our base decline To deliver that ambition, we have new businesses and enable new to between 3 and 5%. We have a launched our new strategy that will ways to engage with our customers. resilient and high-graded refining reshape our business within a decade • By following this strategy, we business with strong availability and as we pivot from an international expect bp to be a very different top quartile refining margins and we oil company focused on producing energy company by 2030. We are rolling out more efficient ways of resources to an integrated energy aim to increase investment in low working – like agile, centralisation and company focused on delivering carbon ten-fold while driving for a digital technologies – that have had solutions for customers. twenty-fold increase in renewable remarkable impacts where they’ve energy generating capacity, a already been introduced, such as in Our new strategy is built around ten-fold increase in the number of Azerbaijan. three focus areas of activity, each EV charging points and to double representing an attractive opportunity our daily customer interactions. We And finally, to low carbon electricity in its own right but not unique to bp. plan to be partnering with 10 to 15 and energy where we will initially Therefore, we will leverage three major cities worldwide and with three invest to grow, being disciplined in our sources of differentiation where we can industrial sectors – helping them choices, and expect it to make more of amplify value. meet their own net zero goals. a contribution in the second half of the By 2030 we expect bp’s resilient decade. When put together, we see all First, the three focus areas: and focused hydrocarbons business this contributing to growing cashflow • Low carbon electricity and energy, to be around 40% lower in terms of over the next five years. production (but industry-leading in where we will build scale in terms of efficiency) and highly valuable. Why bp? renewables and bioenergy, seek The cash generated by hydrocarbons early positions in hydrogen and will be key to supporting the transition Fair question to ask – why bp? What CCUS. We will build out our customer into our two growth areas – low carbon does bp bring to this new world? We gas portfolio to complement these electricity and energy, and customer think about it in two dimensions. low carbon energies. convenience and mobility. We expect • Convenience and mobility, where we to be directing 40% or more of our First, we have the skills, built up over put customers at the heart of what investment into these areas by 2030. more than 110 years of history. We are we do to help accelerate the global Through this plan we expect to steeped in the world of energy – we revolution in mobility and redefine the increase bp’s Return on Average understand energy markets and how experience of convenience retail. Capital Employed, or ROACE, to 12- they move, we have thousands of • Resilient and focused hydrocarbons, 14% by 2030. And we will do this with scientists, engineers, technologists. which are key to our transformation care, performing as we transform, and We have people with outstanding and whose cash flows enable this with a relentless focus on financial capabilities in trading, marketing, and strategy. First and foremost, we discipline. innovation. We have strong relationships will maintain our absolute focus on Now talking about resilient with many of the world’s leading safety and operational reliability. We hydrocarbons. This is not about turning companies and universities and with the will drive up productivity and drive off one tap and turning on a different governments in fast-growing countries. our emissions down. As the wave of one. This is about adjusting the flows. major projects completes over the This part of our business is an engine of Second we have the will. Our people next few years, capital intensity will cashflow that is running really well and want to make a positive difference. I am fall, and we will continue to high- we intend to keep it that way. simply in awe of some of the things they grade the portfolio while limiting In oil and gas, we have 25 major have done for their communities so far exploration to existing regions. This projects online – eight due to come during the pandemic. They want bp to will result in lower production and online before the end of 2021 and 11 change and they know how to do it. We refining throughput over time – while have transformed many times before. increasing our focus on value, not And we have learned lessons along the volume. way – tough lessons. Not just how to • Second, the three sources of respond to adversity but how to seize opportunities when the time is right. 12 CAPITAL LETTER Salem Bin Ashoor is Vice President, bp UAE. Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

INSIGHT Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 13

INSIGHT Effects of the Decrease in Global Tourism By Matthew Burnard the sector recorded strong growth an ominous sign to the respective in 2019. However, the government’s governments. Although the uprisings The UN’s World Tourism Authority severe lockdown measures and travel and protests of 2011 were largely estimates that global tourism will restrictions since early March has put driven by the educated classes, decrease by up to 40% in 2020 international tourism on ice. Moreover, the initial spark was rooted in the and will not return to pre-pandemic a significant portion of Jordan’s informal sector and the struggle of levels until 2022 at the earliest – a foreign tourists visit the country on the people employed in it. Unrest statistic that will be felt hard in Egypt, religiously themed regional package over economic hardship will endure Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan. tours involving trips to holy sites and, in some cases, increase as the elsewhere in the Middle East, further pandemic continues. Tourism disrupted complicating any revival. Government policies Egypt’s tourism sector had been Link to informal work rebounding from successive political The governments of Egypt, Morocco, and security shocks in recent The distress felt by the tourism Tunisia and Jordan understand years, and 2019 saw the highest sectors in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia the repercussions that prolonged revenues and visitor numbers in almost a decade. Tourism and Jordan is amplified by the disruption to tourism can accounts for up to 12% industry’s crucial role in sustaining have on political stability of Egypt’s GDP, and an many informal jobs, which comprise and have attempted to estimated one in nine jobs a large portion of these countries’ mitigate such risks. In depends on tourism. labour markets. Tourism in these four Morocco, tour operators Now, months into countries directly employs informal the COVID-19 workers as tour guides, souvenir must retain 80% pandemic, the vendors, taxi drivers and casual of their staff, International Food labour at hotels, and has a strong and tourism Policy Research link to other sectors largely driven by sector workers Institute estimates informal labour, such as hospitality who have had that the absence and food and beverages. The informal to stop work of tourists may be sector plays an important economic because of the costing the country and social role in these countries, pandemic will US$1.5 billion per absorbing large numbers of labour receive monthly month in lost GDP. market entrants who cannot find stipends. The formal employment and acting as a Jordanian Morocco, for its backup for workers who have lost authorities have part, closed its borders their jobs. to foreigners shortly also granted after discovering its first Informally employed workers bear tourism operators COVID-19 case in March. the hardest economic impact due temporary exemptions An estimated 11% of Morocco’s GDP to COVID-19. Because most, if not from various fees, have depends on tourism, a sector that all of informal workers’ income goes deferred utilities payments and will directly employs over half a million towards covering basic needs, they offer low-interest loans to out-of-work people. A recent IMF report ranked often do not qualify for government tour guides. Morocco’s tourism sector as the aid and support programmes, and Authorities in Jordan and Morocco fourth-worst impacted globally by the they tend to have fewer savings to have also pushed domestic tourism, coronavirus, with losses expected to fall back on. The demise of their but their tourism industries are amount to up to 3.8% of GDP. countries’ tourism sectors should be set up to cater to the international market, and crucially it does not Like Egypt, Tunisia’s tourism sector bring in the foreign currency that is had been bouncing back after several the sector’s lifeblood. Reorienting terrorist attacks in recent years. The the tourism industry towards country saw 9.5 million visitors in 2019 visitors from Algeria and Russia – up 14% from the previous year – a has helped Tunisia weather recent much-needed boost to an otherwise dry periods, and Jordan has taken gloomy economic outlook and steps to allow medical tourism to dwindling foreign currency reserves. resume. However, international travel The sector accounts for around 8% restrictions will continue to hinder of the country’s GDP and employs the mass tourism needed to sustain 400,000 people, making tourism the many livelihoods in these countries. country’s second-largest source of The good news is that jobs after agriculture. Many of these governments in each country are 400,000 jobs are now increasingly at taking limited steps to spur the risk. resumption of tourism. The bad news is that it may be too little, too late. Jordan’s tourism industry, meanwhile, accounts for nearly 14% Matthew Burnard is Director of of the country’s GDP, and there was Global Risk Analysis for the Middle widespread optimism for 2020 after East and North Africa at Control Risks. 14 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

INSIGHT By Stuart McCulloch simple 60/40 portfolio of US equities stocks), value (the buying of and ten-year bonds has delivered a “cheaper” stocks), a focus on Stock markets, certainly in the US, 7% return. But high valuations across companies in faster growing have hit record highs in recent equity and bonds, and the prospect economies (often emerging months, enjoying a swift rally of increasing inflation, make it harder markets) and identifying following the significant COVID sell- to see how this will continue. companies with growth momentum off earlier this year. But even with (often smaller companies) this boost, investors may need to Second, while high equity prices alongside traditional bets to consider buying more stocks and don’t necessarily mean markets provide enough sources of return other riskier assets to help keep will fall, it does mean volatility portfolios and retirement plans on is likely to continue. The and a spread of risks. track. This strategy might seem connection of stocks and counter-intuitive, or even reckless. bonds has recently been In fact, can it be right to encourage firmly negative, allowing more risk in investment portfolios at for easy diversification, this point? but there are reasons to believe this will come It’s clear that investors are currently to an end. As equities very focused on certain parts of the and bonds become market. In the US, the S&P 500 (the more connected, overall index measuring the performance portfolio risk increases. As of top companies) currently has a a result, it’s likely that forward price, or earnings multiple – fund performance will a common measure of value, above be more volatile in the 20. This compares with an average future. of 17 during the past two decades. But is this strong position good enough when it comes to a robust Ultimately, In today’s climate there is a real investment strategy? investors need to risk of hardship for retirees. The take these shifts on board unprecedented financial interventions To understand what’s but there are a couple of steps which in the COVID crisis show that we happening it’s useful to consider can help: have entered a new era. Portfolio what many investors expect • Any goals must be clearly construction must adapt to provide when planning over the long- good returns over the long term. If term. For example, when planning defined, including, for example, real rates have to be anchored at for retirement there’s a general choosing a “real” return target that low or negative levels, it may require acceptance that most of us don’t takes inflation into account. So, a shift in mindset to allow increased save enough. As a result, a certain bonds, which are likely to deliver risk in a portfolio. Saving for level of risk is needed to grow negative real returns, will need retirement is about to become more retirement funds, especially given to be factored out of portfolios challenging. It is better to face up to inflation. especially given that government the new reality than ignore it. policy (in the light of COVID) is Stuart McCulloch is Market Head of In the wake of COVID, the level of likely to be inflationary. As a result, The Fry Group Middle East. risk which most investors need to more weight on equities will need take on is likely to increase in order to be at the heart of any retirement CAPITAL LETTER 15 to prop up pension plans. This raises portfolio. a range of issues – including the • The investment framework implications for policy, regulation itself needs to be considered and which investment frameworks too. This requires tilting factors should be used. Another challenge is such as income (the long-term low interest rates which have shifted performance of dividend-paying the balance of power from savers to creditors. So, what does this all mean if you need to make long-term saving decisions in today’s world? There are two main factors to consider. First, there is a fundamental shift in the risk/return dynamic across traditional asset classes. The balance has been exceptionally good for 40 years, during which a Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

INSIGHT Tightening the Belt By Dr Vivienne Cox CBE FEI more challenging. lower maintenance costs or improve The second crisis was the low oil safety. In the downstream sector, It’s a challenging time for the energy complex algorithms can be used industry. At the end of 2019 there price environment with low demand, to analyse transportation and were signs of oversupply, but as pressure to lower greenhouse gas production costs, economic factors countries locked down in early 2020 emissions and be more sustainable. and the impact of the weather. This because of COVID-19, oil and gas Many companies are looking at their can then be used to decide how to demand fell sharply. In April, when long-term future and responding with move and price refined products. 4 billion people worldwide were more structural responses, as well as under some sort of restriction, energy short-term operational measures. Companies are finding that demand was down by 25 million investment in digitalisation barrels per day – globally – road However, many companies in the allows long-term savings and are transport fell 50% and air passenger supply chain have not yet seen levels prioritising this spend, even though traffic by 90%. On the supply side, of profitability recover and some may costs are under pressure. the OPEC+ talks collapsed in face bankruptcy. So, supply chain March, with KSA and Russia then resilience may become an issue. Looking ahead announcing production increases, Liquidity is critical and releasing cash causing oil prices to crash by about by reducing working capital will also At this stage it is not clear whether, 30%. Oil prices continued to fall as be a focus. For many companies this or when, demand levels will return demand plummeted and storage was is the time to ‘zero base’ every dollar to normal. It is possible that there reaching capacity. For the first time of working capital. will be permanent changes in the in history, West Texas Intermediate way people live. Investors may be (WTI) traded below zero on 20th April. Tech opportunities increasingly unwilling to invest in the oil and gas sector, and the energy Industry response This is also an opportunity to transition may come faster as a accelerate digitalisation and consequence. The energy industry first had to automation. Using drones for offshore respond to the pandemic. Keeping inspection is safer and more efficient What is certain, is that the staff and operations safe was the than using manned inspection successful energy companies priority. Keeping critical energy vessels. coming out of this crisis will be more infrastructure working for everyone efficient, more agile, more digital meant that staff had to work and live Using robotics to improve quality and technology enabled, and more on site. Getting workers offshore, inspection, or for repetitive production sustainable. keeping safe distances, etc, became tasks is increasing, and AI is being Dr Vivienne Cox is Chairman of used to improve efficiency. Large Vallourec, and Vice President of the amounts of data can be collected Energy Institute. and analysed to improve operations, Changing Your Business Sponsor By Nathan Hunt However, unless a company has From our experience of companies signed an exclusivity agreement with approaching us to change their Mainland companies in Abu Dhabi clauses that restrict it to staying with local partner, it is not usually down currently require a local sponsor if they that particular partner for the duration to the fees they are paying, it is are a Limited Liability Company (LCC), of their time in the UAE and on any usually due to a break down in the or a service agent if they are a foreign future registrations that they might relationship. Often it is as a result of a branch. The local sponsor or service have in the UAE, it is possible to lack of due diligence up front, un-met agent can be either an Emirati individual change your local sponsor or service expectations or an uncooperative/ or a company which is wholly-owned by agent. Changing a local sponsor or slow responding partner. Emiratis. However, for the avoidance of service agent is common. So there is doubt, the new Foreign Direct Investment no need to feel that you are trapped in Sometimes local partners will law, Decree No. 19 of 2018, which is a business relationship that you can’t demand fees to terminate the currently being implemented, is relaxing get out of when perhaps your business agreements, but unless they are the foreign ownership restrictions on 122 circumstances have changed or written into the notarized agreement, it business activities which will allow up to you are more familiar with the Abu is not necessary to pay them. 100% foreign ownership. Dhabi market and want a different arrangement for your business. So, if you are not happy with For new British companies coming into your existing local partner in Abu the Abu Dhabi market for the first time, Changing your local partner is a Dhabi, check your Memorandum of it may be difficult to identify and appoint relatively straightforward process and Association (LLCs) or Service Agent a local sponsor or service agent, if they can be completed in less than a month Agreement (foreign branches) and have limited business connections. They once your corporate documents are familiarise yourself with the termination may not know what to be looking for in in order, you are ready to start the clauses. If you aren’t sure, you can of such a partner and oftentimes jump into process and assuming your existing course reach out for assistance. an agreement in haste. partner is being co-operative. Nathan Hunt is Senior Managing 16 CAPITAL LETTER Partner, Gateway Group of Companies Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

Temporary Work is Now Permanent By Oneal Hector DCunha compliance related documentation the stakeholders, especially the which were attributed to smart employees. Organisations have Temporary work has suddenly come hiring and cost saving measures. a choice to directly engage the to the forefront post COVID-19, due Circumventing residency or employee through a formal labour to the mass redundancies of the employment laws can have contract or engage a staffing firm to workforce globally. Such displaced multiple issues. What will be the manage this scope. Within the UAE employees went into survival mode legal recourse for the employers context the staffing firm will ensure to accept long-term jobs at reduced should there be fraud, data loss or compliance with the residency salaries or temporary jobs. any misdeeds? What laws will be laws, obtaining a temporary work applicable? Will it be labour, civil permit, compliance with the Wage Employees today are hired to work or criminal laws or how about the Protection System (WPS), regulated from remote locations (WFH) and employee not getting paid, who will working hours, put a NDA in place, that promoted some organisations protect their rights? provide health insurance coverage, to hire temps without the need to ensure that the fringe benefits are fulfil certain statutory formalities, Temporary work must be administered and, last but not the such as a labour contract, work managed within a framework and permit, health insurance and other governance model to protect all least, the VAT payments are made. It could also be cheaper as the Kingsbury Gulf provides high-precision engineering machine solutions to a wide organisation might need to pay range of industries across the Gulf region. the statutory costs only for the With over 60 years of success and actual time utilised as the cost experience, supported by a world-class of work-permits for the staffing team, Kingsbury Gulf are the sole firm can be amortised over 24 distributors in the GCC of arguably months. the most advanced and capable metal machining portfolio Formal labour contracts will available in the region. also help the government to collate data related to the level of Industries we work with: employment, underemployment, unemployment so that appropriate measures and effective strategies can be drawn to boost the economy. Peter Drucker rightly remarked: “What gets measured gets managed.” Temporary working will be a permanent feature of the employment landscape and is here to stay, and therefore organisations must refrain from taking ad-hoc decisions to hire temps on informal contracts. As Craig Bruce, the Canadian business tycoon, once said: “Temporary solutions often become permanent problems.” Organisations are currently evaluating what percentage of workers will be permanent or needed to be in the office and vice versa. HR teams are scrambling to realign policies for data access and timecards as organisations are flattening procedural curve. While these are all works-in-progress, what can be assuring is that engaging temps through staffing organisations can be compliant, reliable and their outcomes predicable. Oneal Hector DCunha is Director- Dubai & Northern Emirates of Sundus Recruitment and Outsourcing Services. VKoinlg. s2b3uryIs_Fsuutuere3_OWf_iMnatenurfa2c0tu2ri0ng_AD_Resize_AW13.5x18.5_20_05_2020.indd 1 5/20/2020 3:52:13 PM CAPITAL LETTER 17

SPECIAL FEATURES Education in the Wake of COVID-19 There can be no question that the provision as a result of the first Iain Colledge, global pandemic has had an effect lockdown. Executive Principle of Raha across every industry the world over. What do you count among your International School One particular area is of greater successes since the lockdown? concern when it comes to the What would you have done How has teaching in Abu Dhabi futures of the younger generations – differently with hindsight? changed since the first lockdown? education. Capital Letter spoke to the In the long-term, education has What measures have been put in Heads of three schools in Abu Dhabi moved on considerably. Parents have place? to find out more about the impact the a better understanding of what goes Teaching has changed significantly. pandemic has had, and the outlook on in school, teachers have had to For students attending school they are for the future. become more digitally informed, IT adapting to sitting still with minimal budgets have been prioritised and physical collaboration, and this has Michael Wilson, the culture of Do, Reflect and Review particular challenges for younger Principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi has been strongly embedded. In learners. Equally, teachers have had to adapt how they question, how they How has teaching in Abu Dhabi hindsight, we develop teamwork and cooperation, changed since the first lockdown? should have how they overcome the lack of facial What measures have been put in seen this expressions and even the lack of place? coming and being able to give a younger child a The major change is that the rehearsed it. hug and tell them well done. These pupils can opt to come into school. We have been small things matter and have been They still have the option to learn talking/training hard for teachers and students alike, remotely but around 80% of them for pandemics but we – like many other schools – have chosen to come into school. since the turn are adapting well to this new, and Lessons are delivered live, which of the century. hopefully very temporary, way of has meant less involvement from What do you working. parents. We can bring all of our think will be pupils in every day, which has been the long-term As for distance teaching and a huge advantage. impact of learning, we already had a robust and COVID-19 on broad technology structure in place at The approach to teaching the school school. Our online platforms and ways has changed exponentially. The community? of working were not new to students teaching staff at Cranleigh have I have serious and staff, but we have certainly had shown true resilience and have concerns to put a lot of time into expanding and grown to deliver the curriculum in about the improving our technology approaches very creative ways. New learning mental at all levels. This is a journey which platforms, escalated digital literacy health of the we will continue on as we refine adaptation and an openness to community, and enhance our skills as staff and change have all improved our particularly students. for those What do you count among your 18 CAPITAL LETTER children still at home. The school successes since the lockdown? community has also learnt to work What would you have done closely together and is stronger differently with hindsight? than it has ever been. The triangle of Raha is one of the few schools in teacher, pupil and parent has never been more important. We have great Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 respect for pastoral care and now more than ever feel this must be nurtured and observed. Can you name any positives that have come out of the pandemic? I do think that COVID-19 has moved education on. Teachers have had to learn new methodologies to engage children. Lesson planning and delivery has moved educators into new unknowns which has developed and strengthened their teaching capacity. Pupils are more independent, their ‘value’ system has been recharged and (immediate) families have spent quality time together.

SPECIAL FEATURES Abu Dhabi to have opened full-time, • The increase in technological skills What do you count among your five days per week, for all students of students and staff (even school successes since the lockdown? allowed to return. This has been principals!) What would you have done a huge logistical challenge, but differently with hindsight? we are pleased we can satisfy the • We are seeing some children I think communication has been a majority of our families who wished become bolder as we won’t strength, and our research into high to have their children return to face- allow them to be shy behind quality delivery to a remote audience. to-face learning. We have had many their masks and as a result, they Our relationship with the ADEK are encouraged to speak more regulator has gone from strength confidently and clearly in class. to strength and we have worked together to get as many students • We are seeing our younger into school as safely as possible. students’ confidence grow every We do a great deal of external day as they leave parents at benchmarking for student academic the front gate rather than the progress. From the data we are classroom, they now all walk in seeing that those on distance learning with a confident farewell to mom have maintained their progress with or dad and the independence external data points. This highlights to move freely through a large the strength of our distance learning campus alone, which should not be provision at BSAK. As a school we underestimated for a four-year-old. always encourage reflection in order to develop. I think if we had to go Mark Leppard MBE, through this situation again, we would Headmaster of The British School Al Khubairat successes, and the continued positive How has teaching in Abu Dhabi do things differently, but in general I feedback from families demonstrates changed since the first lockdown? think we would enhance what we have that we are on the right track. There What measures have been put in done, rather than change it completely. are many things which could have place? What do you think will be the long- been done differently but as with School Leadership, rather than term impact of COVID-19 on the all industries, to achieve them we being strategic, is more along the school community? would have needed a crystal ball. As lines of crisis management – with I am generally a positive person and parameters change regularly, keeping the key focus being to ensure both hope the impact is minimal. Having up with these has been our greatest face-to-face learning and distance said that, I believe the impacts will achievement. learning are comparable, even though be greater on the student, families What do you think will be the long- different. I think teachers and other and staff wellbeing. Being in a world term impact of COVID-19 on the staff in schools are working at an where we must socially distance, work school community? incredible pace with changes taking remotely and not access co-curricular This is a tough question to answer. place on an almost daily basis. This programmes, this will impact on us as Firstly, no matter how well schools takes a huge amount of energy, humans and this is where I feel most carry out distance learning it is planning and working outside of work will be required in the future. simply no substitute for face-to-face one’s comfort zone. We have put Can you name any positives that learning, and the particular challenge a great deal of thought into lesson have come out of the pandemic? in Abu Dhabi right now is that many delivery, particularly to a remote I think the majority of the community secondary students don’t have the audience. Research has taken place have pulled closer together. I choice to return to school. This leads into best practice, screen fatigue and am convinced our feedback has to my second, greater concern concentration periods. I think some developed and for those previously not of mental health and well-being of this will be used to good effect as IT savvy as others have certainly issues for students. We are seeing a beyond COVID. upskilled beyond all recognition. measurable increase in older students requiring support from our pastoral CAPITAL LETTER 19 team. They are struggling with not seeing friends, having to work from home and missing out on school when many other children of their age across the world have already returned. I don’t think any of these issues are irreparable but the longer the current restrictions continue, the more schools and families will be worried about their children. Can you name any positives that have come out of the pandemic? Three main things come to mind: Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

SPECIAL FEATURES Expo 2020 Dubai By Laura Faulkner OBE One thing is constant in the positive change, providing tangible many thoughts expressed by our opportunities to create just that. In less than one year from now, a global community – we are all collaborative and innovative Expo looking forward to a time when we At Expo 2020, we are 2020 Dubai will be ideally placed to can reconnect, face-to-face, with demonstrating our commitment help shape a better future, and we those that we know and forge new through the UK’s participating are excited to be a part of it. connections with those that we do theme – Innovating for a Shared not yet know. Future. The invitation is extended So far, 2020 has brought many to everyone to join in with this challenges that have left the world In under one year from now, conversation and celebrate our and humanity changed. Our global almost 12 months later than achievements. community has experienced originally scheduled, Expo 2020 self-isolation, travel restrictions, Dubai will open its gates (designed The world is facing so many economic challenges and the by British architect and previous UK challenges, from building a truly heart-breaking impacts of Pavilion designer Asif Khan) and climate-friendly future and assuring the pandemic, which will not fade provide the platform where the world sustainable food supply to delivering for so many. Throughout this time, will come together again in line with equality of access to education, ingenuity and resilience has been its mission statement – ‘Connecting digitalisation and healthcare. Expo increasingly visible. For me, this has Minds, Creating the Future’ – for 2020 is a six-month opportunity for been more and more inspiring. all. It is the chance for all 190 global collaboration and action- participating nations to respond to driven solutions to these challenges. In the midst of this multi-faceted, how our world has been altered and It will embody the belief that great ever changing and truly global to move forward together to tackle things happen when we come crisis, people have re-engineered urgent priorities facing our planet. together. The UK is committed their relationships through online Our investment in the future has to harnessing the togetherness, channels, and innovations are being begun. Innovation is the key. The ingenuity and compassion born developed in all aspects of our UK’s creativity and innovation are at out of the pandemic, where lives. New words and phrases have the heart of our offer to the world. further exciting innovations and entered our language. Adaptations collaborations will ensue. to how we live will continue. Our new From 1st October, 2021 until 31st normal includes, perhaps, a more March, 2022, the next World Expo in As an Expo 2020 participant, open approach to innovation and Dubai will bring together the world in we have the opportunity to working together across boundaries a spirit of solidarity and optimism – a showcase the very best of UK to solve problems. We are all global forum that will demonstrate culture, business, education, innovating for a shared future. and amplify the need and desire for tourism and technology to a global audience of millions. UK Pavilion 20 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

SPECIAL FEATURES construction continues at pace we’ve created in order for us to put with the organisers and other and we marked the one year to all the pieces together. Download participating countries to achieve a go point by revealing new content the sound file, tap, sing or even better, stronger and more equitable on our participation, all available drum along, and your recording will future for all. on our refreshed website. As well be a part of the final Choral Space as finding out more about our composition. Entries to this one-of- So, our journey continues. If programme of activity, you can now a-kind opportunity to be a part of a 2020 was the year the world almost experience an interactive virtual global sound will close on the 20th came to a halt, then 2021 must tour of the UK Pavilion, with sound November, 2020. Visit us digitally be the year of coming together. and information hotspots giving you and follow us on the road to Expo. An unprecedented, universal a sample of what’s to come when acceleration of solutions for all. the physical building is vcomplete We, and the whole Expo While Expo’s timelines may have in 2021. On the 21st October, with community, are ready. We have altered, our participation and our thanks to the British Business Group worked hard to continue our commitment to shared goals remain Abu Dhabi for hosting an exclusive preparations throughout the firmly unchanged. webinar, we presented these latest pandemic and ensure that we seize exciting opportunities to British the opportunity to help shape a Laura Faulkner is UK Commissioner businesses. greater world, working collectively General & Project Director, Expo 2020 Dubai. Last month we also launched the UK soundscape, which was conceived by sound design studio Polyphonia along with lead designer and artist Es Devlin OBE, who has worked with the likes of Beyonce, U2 and Adele. Music lovers from around the world, of all ages and from every walks of life, are being invited by the UK to collaborate and contribute to a crowd-sourced piece of music. Your contributions will be woven together into a 7-minute long piece of music that will be played in the Pavilion for the duration of Expo. You don’t have to be a professional, but you do have to follow a tune Website: www.events.great.gov.uk/website/3127/ CAPITAL LETTER 21 Virtual tour: www.ukpavilionvirtualtour.co.uk/ UK Soundscape: www.events.great.gov.uk/website/3127/soundscape/ Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

SPECIAL FEATURES Great British People in Business A good solution for my client and for reinforcing the integrity and value of Capital Letter interviews BBG members succeed in a competitive sector. Our independent competent surveyors. every issue to help us get to know them. operational overheads are a fraction What makes you a leader? This time we speak to Cris Partridge, of larger multinational competitors and Tough question with no easy answer. Managing Director at Myrcator Marine & by embracing new technologies and I believe leadership means showing Cargo Solutions FZE. smarter working methodologies, we humility and integrity towards your offer reactive, dynamic cost-effective team, acknowledging individuals’ What is your current role and services. contributions and efforts and taking the responsibilities? What challenges do you face? time to encourage and develop team I am the sole shareholder and Setting up any new business and members. Never berate or chastise employee of Myrcator Marine & Cargo ensuring it develops in a sustainable someone in front of others. Solutions FZE, an SME that I set up post manner is challenging, full stop. The redundancy. Myrcator MCS provides fear of failure, of letting down those who Just as important, support the specialist independent inspection and are supporting me in my endeavours decisions of your team as long as consultancy services to marine and keeps me focused and target driven. they are reasonable and justified. It project cargo sectors. is imperative that as a manager you Although I have significant demonstrate loyalty to your team As a one-man band I am responsible experience and many valuable existing members. for all day-to-day operating functions client relationships both in the Middle What would be your advice for a of the new company. This includes East and further afield, it is a significant company thinking about entering ensuring compliance with all UAE challenge to persuade clients to this market? regulatory requirements relating to consider utilising new or alternative Do your research and due diligence my line of business; marketing and service providers. meticulously. Talk to people already developing a client base; existing client Can you describe a typical local operating in the market and seek management; completing inspections client in terms of their needs from advice from professional bodies such and attendances for clients. you? as the BBG, Chambers of Commerce What brought you to Abu Dhabi? Local clients can vary between and DIT. In late 2008, following more than 25 insurers, lawyers, EPCI Companies, years of sailing on vessels and a cargo owners/shippers and receivers, Being here presents many couple of short periods working ashore, oil companies and vessel operators/ opportunities to engage in the future I was offered the opportunity to join charterers. One of the best parts of prosperity of the UAE and despite the one of the world’s leading Marine & my job is that no day or request is frustrations often encountered, it is an Engineering Consultancies and was ever the same. On every job we meet amazing country that I am proud to call asked to relocate to the UAE. Based people of differing nationalities often home. on a previous experience of Dubai, I with interesting stories to tell; an initially What do very few people know declined the option to move there and minor incident may turn into a case about you? chose instead to join the Abu Dhabi involving claims worth many tens of That I once worked a winter season as office. This is a decision I have never millions of dollars and lasting several a barman at a Butlin’s holiday camp in once regretted. years before a settlement is made. the UK. I joined the company as a Senior One of my core skill sets is Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 Surveyor and during the following investigating incidents involving loss decade moved through the of life. These situations pose particular management structure to become challenges requiring sensitivity towards Regional Director for the Middle East, those directly affected, mindfulness of India and the Caspian. political influences and awareness of the potential media and public interest. My wife followed 18 months after me What has been your best client and secured a position as a Clinical solution? Psychologist at a clinic in Abu Dhabi. Some years ago, I was asked by an Abu Dhabi very quickly began the insurer to attend on site to approve place we considered as home. a vessel and its tow. During my What impact has COVID-19 had on assessment I raised some serious your business? concerns about the state of some of Like most sectors, the marine, O&G the critical equipment proposed for and shipping industries and their use and advised corrective actions service providers, saw a significant to be taken by the vessel owners. downturn in business in H1/2020. This The owners chose not to accept the led to rationalisation of staff and with recommendations and I subsequently remaining staff firmly adjusting to home/ recommended to the insurers that they remote working, a move away from decline to insure the tow. renting office spaces. My clients did step back and a In Q3 shipping and O&G is beginning couple of weeks later during the tow, to show signs of a gentle recovery one of the critical items I had identified and that is filtering down to the service as potentially defective, failed. The sector. As would be expected there towed vessel went hard aground and is even more focus on the value the resulting salvage bill ran into many proposition that each vendor provides. millions. This where I think that my new business is able to ompete and 22 CAPITAL LETTER

SPECIAL FEATURES The UK at Virtual ADIPEC 2020 As we head towards the conclusion contracting services in the oil and gas The event was sponsored by of what is likely to be the most sector based in the UAE. Aramex, Al Yaseah, Endress + Hauser, tumultuous year in most of our GAC, Medicorp Global and Venture lifetimes, it feels surreal and also quite On Wednesday 11th November, two Services sad that we couldn’t experience the giants of the EPC world joined us to hustle, bustle, noise and atmosphere speak in the ADIPEC webinar series. In addition to the webinar series, of the largest energy conference and Wood kicked things off to discuss their The EIC facilitated over 100 virtual exhibition in the world. vision for building the energy future, one-to-one meetings over the course followed by Worley who highlighted the of the ADIPEC week. This provided In what is normally the most various markets and sectors that supply an excellent opportunity for those anticipated week of the year, Abu chain companies can win work with. registered on the 2020 and 2021 Dhabi International Petroleum pavilions to engage directly with key Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC), Rounding off the webinars, Petrofac end users. like almost every other large-scale provided a supply chain overview, energy event, had to close its doors and engineering, procurement and The EIC has been hosting the UK and follow a growing trend by moving construction giant NPCC capped off an Pavilion at ADIPEC for nearly 20 years, exclusively online. insightful week with the final webinar, growing it from humble beginnings to providing updates on how to do one of the largest national pavilions at That isn’t to say we at the Energy Industries Council (EIC) didn’t business with the company. the event. find great value in the event as we normally do as the UK and Scottish All of the events were free of Very much like the UAE itself, Pavilion organisers. charge to EIC members and UK ADIPEC has grown enormously in Pavilion exhibitors, and featured a that time, becoming the number one In fact, like we’re finding now with Q&A session with the speakers after destination for oil & gas and energy most of our larger virtual events, the each presentation to give delegates companies to network, make new team here in the UAE and back in the opportunity to ask their questions business connections, promote your the UK were keeping as busy as to some of the biggest contractors company in front of the world’s biggest ever to host a range of 121 meetings, operating in the Middle East. companies, and win new contract webinars and our virtual exhibitors awards on the sidelines. throughout the week. On ADIPEC’s own virtual platform, 24 UK exhibitors showcased their Despite the success of the virtual Marking the start of ADIPEC week products and services to a global iteration of ADIPEC this year, we very on Monday 9th November, BBG Abu audience; Advanced Sensors, much hope to return to the site in 2021, Dhabi and the EIC held a ‘Kick-off Amnitec, BJS Parts & Services, welcoming new and returning exhibitors ADIPEC Virtual Business Breakfast’ BS&B, Chemostrat, Concrete Canvas, to take part in a safe and productive in collaboration with the Department Elmac Technologies, Estavros, way. for International Trade, the UAE- Flamgard Calidair, Freudenberg UK Business Council, Scottish Oil & Gas Technologies, Future Until then, stay up to date with Development International and Wales Geoscience, Hornbill, Huntingdon what the EIC has to offer by visiting in Middle East representatives, that Fusion Techniques, Imtex Controls, our website, and find out if EIC featured addresses by EIC CEO InSite Technical Services, Morris Line membership can benefit your Stuart Broadley and Ryan McPherson, Engineering, PetroStrat, Rototherm, business with our CAPEX project EIC Regional Director for Middle East, Site Heat-Treatment Services Ltd, tracking database EICDataStream, Africa & CIS. The keynote speaker Teddington Engineered Solutions, our OPEX map-based asset database was Dr. Saif Sultan Al Nasseri, CEO Tritech, TOMOE, UnitBirwelco and EICAssetMap, and our newest product of ADNOC Gas Processing and Co- Wrexham Mineral Cables. – the supply chain capabilities map- Chair of the UAE-UK Business Council based database EICSupplyMap. Energy Working Group, who gave an insightful address focusing on CAPITAL LETTER 23 localisation, technology and capability building. On Tuesday 10th November, we were delighted to welcome ADNOC to the programme who delivered an overview of their In-Country Value (ICV) initiative alongside their supplier registration process. This was followed by SNC-Lavalin, the Canadian engineering, procurement and construction services company with energy operations in the Middle East, the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. Delegates were also invited to hear about business opportunities with Lamprell, a leading provider of fabrication, engineering and Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

SPECIAL FEATURES 3D Printing – A Sustainable Solution The three-step 3DMP process allows for a great deal of design By Neil Harrington process; one that is fast emerging freedom, higher deposition rates and to be a revolutionary as well as a economical, easy to handle and robust Additive Manufacturing sometimes sustainable solution for manufacturing. technology for printing of big metal referred to as 3D metal printing parts. may no longer be a new technology GEFERTEC’s metal AM technology for industries – but that hasn’t has tremendous advantages with Wire The manufacturing process involves stopped innovators from creating Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). taking a CAD model of the metal part game-changing and revolutionary Chief amongst these is that standard to be produced, which can be up applications and opportunities. MIG/MAG welding wire is used as the to three cubic metres in size and up raw feedstock to create parts rapidly to three tonnes in weight, creating a In a world that has faced within a large build envelope. Such layer-by-layer Additive Manufacturing unprecedented global change amid wire is relatively inexpensive and program in 3DMP CAM software, and the coronavirus pandemic; it is 3D readily available in a wide range of 3D metal printing the near-net-shape printing, or additive manufacturing, metals. component by bead-on-bead melting coupled with these new applications and deposition of welding wire using that can create sustainable solutions While metal additive manufacturing heat generated by the electric arc on for a myriad of industries marred by the is generally associated with metal a machine platform controlled by the scars left by COVID-19. powder bed fusion, where the familiar Siemens 840D CNC. deployment of specialist-controlled 3D printing is fast becoming the environments are required, few The component profile is checked answer for many. For the Oil & Gas technologies have the flexibility to using a scanner mounted in the industry, the ability to manufacture be deployed directly to the factory machine, after which the surfaces are 3D printed parts for critical long lead floor and simply use readily available 3- or 5-axis milled or turned to achieve time spares can really help resurrect a standard welding as the manufacturing the required net shape, surface finish sector that is struggling from a logistics raw material. There are numerous and accuracy. perspective like never before. advantages to wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). These include Given WAAM is applicable to an In many engineering settings, nearly 100% raw material utilisation, extensive range of metals, provided large-scale 3D metal printed parts uncomplicated storage and supply that they are in wire forms – such as can help shape the future. 3D printing chain, low material costs, easy can manufacture critical components handling, optimum processability in an stainless, mild and tool steels as well for businesses that need fast, cost extensive selection of materials. as alloys of nickel, titanium, copper effective and sustainable solutions. and aluminium –w the opportunities for In short, 3D printing can help ease industries are endless. the pressure on supply chains and governments. Multiple materials can be combined in a single structure, internal voids may But, as with any emerging be produced as with other types of technology, choice for 3D printing options is a fast-growing Additive Manufacturing and there is conundrum; so, which can offer the very little material wastage. best advantages? In an era of coronavirus and German WAAM (wire arc additive global change; an emerging manufacturing) equipment builder lesson being demonstrated for GEFERTEC – represented in the all is that coupling resilience with Gulf region by Kingsbury, a leading sustainability will allow industries provider of advanced European machine tooling equipment and to bounce back stronger from a growing force in the Gulf’s COVID-19. rapidly-expanding additive manufactory industry – has an Additive Manufacturing, 3D answer in the shape of its 3DMP printing – and revolutionary WAAM (wire arc additive 24 CAPITAL LETTER manufacturing) options like GEFERTEC produce – may just be the solution that many will reach for. Neil Harrington is Regional Director and General Manager at Kingsbury Gulf. Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

SPECIAL FEATURES Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 25

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Rolls-Royce’s All Electric Plane Takes to the Skies Rolls-Royce’s ambitions to build the zero carbon by 2050. The completion and far quieter ride. Combined they’ll fastest all-electric aircraft have taken a of ground-testing for the ACCEL project continuously deliver more than 500 step forward with the completed testing is a great achievement for the team horsepower for the record run set for of the ground-breaking technology and is another important step towards 2021. Even during the record run the that will power the plane. All of the a world record attempt. This project is all-electric powertrain delivers power technology has been tested on a full- also helping to develop Rolls-Royce’s with 90% energy efficiency and of scale replica of the plane’s core, called capabilities and ensure that we remain course zero emissions (in comparison, “ionBird”, including a 500hp electric a leader in delivering the electrification a Formula 1 race car tops out at close to powertrain powerful enough to set of flight, an important part of our 50% energy efficiency). world speed records and a battery with sustainability enough energy to supply 250 homes. strategy.” Bremont, official time keeping partner for the world-record The plane is part of Rolls-Royce’s During 2020, attempt initiative called ACCEL, short for Rolls-Royce Accelerating the Electrification of Flight, engineers and Another British manufacturer, a programme that was launched in test pilots have Bremont – makers of luxury watches 2018. The ACCEL project team includes spent many – will be the official timing partner for key partners YASA, the electric motor hours optimising the all-electric speed record attempt. and controller manufacture, and aviation the system and Bremont has also developed the start-up Electroflight. Based out of developing design for the plane’s cockpit which Gloucestershire Airport at Staverton operating will feature a stopwatch, while the in the UK, all systems are soon to be procedures for company has machined canopy integrated into Rolls-Royce’s Spirit of electric flight. This release parts at its Henley-on- Innovation plane. has generated Thames facility. huge volumes of The ionBird data every hour of operation which is Half of the project’s funding is analysed to improve performance. provided by the UK’s Aerospace Iron-birds have a long history in Technology Institute (ATI), in aviation for testing propulsion Matheu Parr, Rolls-Royce’s ACCEL partnership with the Department for systems ahead of flight, but in this Project Manager, said: “Finishing Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, case the name “ionBird” was chosen the ground-testing of a propulsion and Innovate UK. Mark Scully, Head after the zero-emission energy source system that is going to power the propelling the aircraft. world’s fastest electric plane is a major Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 milestone. There were many challenges Running the propeller up to full speed to overcome, including fully integrating (approximately 2,400rpm), using the our lightweight propulsion system with most power-dense battery pack ever a bespoke power-dense battery. We assembled for aircraft propulsion with are now looking forward to building the 6,000 cells, it will propel the aircraft to system into the plane before entering more than 300mph setting a new world the exciting flight-testing phase.” speed record for electric flight. ACCEL’s propeller is driven by three Dr. Rob Watson, Director of Electrical high power density axial electric motors for Rolls-Royce said: “We are committed and, compared to a conventional to playing a leading role in reaching net plane, the propeller blades spin at a far lower RPM to deliver a more stable 26 CAPITAL LETTER

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES of Technology for Advanced Systems The ACCEL project represents a Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, said: “From & Propulsion at the ATI, said: “The series of firsts for Rolls-Royce as it trains to planes, our transport of the significance of reaching this milestone journeys towards net zero, including should not be underestimated. the first use of off-setting to make the future will be powered by clean electric The ACCEL team is pioneering the whole programme carbon neutral. It is sources – with companies like Rolls- integration of high-performance also intended to inspire young people Royce developing the tech to help meet batteries, motors and drives an electric towards STEM subjects (Science, our net zero ambitions. The completion propulsion system in an ambitious flight Technology, Engineering, Maths), with a test programme. These technologies range of downloadable resources aimed of ground-testing for the government- and the systems integration needed at primary school children, available backed ACCEL project is not only a to utilise them hold great potential for from Rolls-Royce’s website. step towards an exciting world record future sustainable aviation, which is why attempt, but a leap towards developing ATI is proud to support the project.” The UK’s Business and Industry all-electric and hybrid-electric planes that one day could ferry large numbers of passengers around the world.” Discover Santé Brunch with an exciting spread of seafood buckets, roast carvery platter and much more with laughter and live music drifting through the air. Every Friday | 12:30 PM – 4 PM AED 165 inclusive of soft beverages AED 225 inclusive of house beverages 50% o for children 6 to 12 years of age For reservations, please call 800 423 463 or 050 723 5441 Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 27

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Global Collaboration Essential for Economic Recovery By Lord Smith of Kelvin should best respond to COVID-19. Petrasco GlobalScots also offered expertise • Robbie Pond, Managing Partner, There’s an adage that crises bring out the best in us. to companies in Scotland via MES Arabia webinars and podcasts from across We’ve no doubt their combined Due to the COVID-19 crisis, lives the world, including the Middle East. talents, working with our Scottish have been lost, economies have been A panel of GlobalScots in the Gulf Development International trade decimated and the norms previously Cooperation Council region hosted an colleagues based in the UK associated with everyday life could be online event for our Scottish supply Embassies Abu Dhabi, Dubai and a thing of the past. chain about the region’s energy Al Khobar, will enhance the already market in October. strong commercial partnership But through adversity comes between the Middle East and strength. In Scotland, our renowned One of our leading GlobalScots Scotland. egalitarian spirit and ability to pull in the region, Nicholas Maclean together has been on full display. And of CBRE, who is also a Scottish In 2018, Scotland’s international while the real heroes of 2020 have Government Trade Envoy to the UAE, exports to the Middle East were been our dedicated health staff and provided his insights about post- worth £1.55 billion. Scotland other key workers, a collaborative COVID-19 trade in the Middle East on exported £165 million worth of food effort has also been evident in the the GlobalScot Podcast Series. and drink to the UAE, making it our world of business. ninth largest market globally for this Further activity featuring Middle sector. A network of business leaders, all East-based GlobalScots is also with Scotland in their blood or in their planned, including showcases and There are also more than 5,000 UK heart, have come together to support sector-specific updates. companies in the UAE, including a our country through these challenging high volume of Scottish businesses times. This diaspora group is known So, as Scotland and the wider world such as Standard Life Aberdeen, as our GlobalScot network. emerges carefully from the shadow of Weir Group and Aggreko. COVID-19, GlobalScots will have an GlobalScots want to help Scottish essential role to play in our economic Plans are in place to build upon companies realise their global recovery. Scotland’s existing international potential, including here in the Middle trade and investment relationships, East. They want to give something Scotland will need a powerful which our GlobalScots will be crucial back, assisting others along the way. network of advocates, who will in supporting. strengthen our links with the global Throughout my career, I’ve learned economy and explain why our country In October, the Scottish the importance of having networks. remains such an extraordinary Government published a new Building relationships has provided proposition. And that’s what our Inward Investment Plan, which takes me with opportunities I may otherwise GlobalScots will do. a targeted approach to creating have not been fortunate enough to be skilled jobs for Scotland’s future offered. When I was appointed Chair economy. of Scottish Enterprise last year, Those peer-to-peer, inherently I underlined the importance of The strategy concentrates on ‘human’ interactions can be GlobalScot and how everything nine areas of opportunity where our overlooked in business on occasions. should be done to harness its power. country excels including energy But in today’s (socially distant) transition, a sector where Scotland world, they are more important Over the past year, great progress has established connections with the than ever before. And the value of has been made to grow GlobalScot, Middle East through our traditional such relationships, forged through including here in the Middle East. energy industries. GlobalScots, were clear to see as We now have 40 GlobalScots in the Scotland sought to protect its people region, covering sectors such as Critically, the sectors chosen have from COVID-19. energy, private equity and business been the most resilient to COVID-19, consultancy services. with growth expected over the As the full impact of the pandemic coming years. became known, the Scottish Just recently, we were delighted Government’s Trade Minister Ivan to welcome seven new Middle We know that global trade and McKee – who visited the UAE in East-based business leaders to the investment has a tangible impact November 2019 to attend ADIPEC GlobalScot Network: on productivity levels, and this – issued a call-to-arms to our • Noman Tahir, Head of remains the prize: seeing overseas GlobalScots to help deliver critical partners, GlobalScot and indigenous supplies to our frontline services. Business Development and companies working together to Communications, Fajr Capital innovate, share ideas and grow The response was exceptional, with Group together for everyone’s benefit. GlobalScots supporting the supply • Martin Bradley, Chief Financial of PPE directly and opening up their Officer, Dulsco And it will be that spirit of networks to make connections. • Oliver Blake, Director, Blake Evans collaboration that recovers the & Co global economy and provides During the pandemic, the • Paul Bryson, Director of Domestic economic, social and cultural GlobalScot network has been Restructuring, Virtuzone benefits to all countries. maximised to tap into the worldwide • Saif Alobaidi, General Manager, expertise it possesses, providing MENA, Harris Pye Lord Smith of Kelvin is the Chair of pivotal guidance on how Scotland • Kevin Buchan, Managing Director, Scottish Enterprise 28 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Intertek Protek Launches Surface Hygiene Testing Intertek, a Total Quality Assurance collect the samples. The Intertek unique, systemic approach to provider to industries worldwide, has laboratories are based centrally in the quality assurance, Protek is a launched surface hygiene testing for UAE with rapid turnaround time for comprehensive service offering, facilities and workplaces in the UAE testing via PCR (Polymerase Chain providing audits, training and service that can test a variety of hard surfaces Reaction) methodology, allowing the solutions across people, systems for evidence of COVID-19. The final results to be reported as soon as & processes, facilities, materials service is the latest offering as part of analysis is complete. This will enable & surfaces and products. Protek Intertek Protek – the world’s first end- customers to know if there is evidence includes end-to-end employee to-end health, safety and wellbeing of Covid-19 on their surfaces so they learning and certification solutions, assurance programme for people, can act accordingly. services for operating systems and workplaces and public spaces. procedures, assessments of materials Matthew Skinner, Regional and surfaces and services to ensure As employers and businesses Managing Director for Gulf and products are made with quality, safety across the country prepare to safely Pakistan at Intertek, said: “We are and sustainability in mind. reopen their facilities, stringent working hard at Intertek to safeguard hygiene standards will become the health, mission critical. Environmental safety and hygiene monitoring of key areas well-being can provide a proactive approach of people, to reducing the risk of spreading workplaces the virus and provide peace of and public mind to employees and customers. spaces. We Specifically, by testing environmental take pride in surfaces, companies can monitor being able to the effectiveness of their hygiene support our protocols and enable management customers in action such as isolating areas to allow making their further cleaning. workplaces and facilities The Protek service for surface safe for hygiene testing can be performed employees and by Intertek experts at customer sites the public” by taking swabs of surface areas or through customers pre-ordering Based on these and following instructions to Intertek’s CIM Accelerates E-Learning Proposition in UAE The Chartered Institute of Marketing our region and has adapted quickly for modern UAE marketers, ensuring (CIM) has strengthened its online to make its most popular courses they can compete at both a national and training portfolio launching more than 75 available online. In challenging times, international level. new live virtual training courses to allow local businesses must ensure they marketing professionals from across the stay ahead of the competition and To support marketers in the UAE UAE to take its most popular courses individual marketers need to keep up region, CIM has also developed a online. their personal professional development. portfolio of online courses such as the These new live virtual training courses new ‘International Marketing’ course, CIM’s new portfolio of live virtual are a perfect way for CIM to support our aimed at marketers seeking to break training is priced competitively, marketing community in UAE in line with into new markets and develop new offering something for every level of the vision of the UAE leaders.” partnerships as countries like the UK marketer – spanning brand strategy, look to strengthen international ties. digital marketing planning, product James Sutton, commercial director at The online courses offer up to 25 hours management, customer experience and CIM said: “We already have a breadth of of online study and a comprehensive paid social. training materials and guidance online, syllabus, which includes interactive but with so many organisations across learning and video classes. Modules Raj Achan, CIM Ambassador for the UAE adapting to remote working include video introductions from course the UAE said: “I welcome the news environments, it is absolutely critical that leaders and tests to help individuals of the new live virtual online courses. we do everything possible to ensure track their progress. Professional development is more that the local marketing professionals important now than it has ever been can continue to upskill using the very The new virtual and online learning for marketers across the UAE and latest techniques such as live virtual and programmes will add to CIM’s growing regionally. It is essential that our online training.” portfolio of online services, which growing marketing community have the include: webinars, podcasts, training opportunity to continue their learning CIM’s decision to accelerate its materials, best practice guides and and development remotely, using the e-learning proposition, follows an articles to help navigate the unchartered very best technologies and courses. extensive review of the qualifications on waters of the COVID-19 crisis available offer to bolster professional development on CIM’s Exchange content hub. “CIM has monitored the situation in CAPITAL LETTER 29 Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES A Message from the Neighbours A huge thank you from all of us at we are delighted with all the positive Council), Australian Business Council BBG Dubai & Northern Emirates, feedback. Dubai, Canadian Business Council of to all involved in the Battle of the Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Irish Business Groups’ Golf Day and As hard as the BBG Business Business Network Dubai, and New Dinner 2020. We welcomed more Team works, we couldn’t do it without Zealand Business Council Dubai. than 180 golfers throughout the day the support, enthusiasm and flexibility from across seven business councils, of our sponsors and the teams of Winners on the day were AmCham under the excellent supervision of our the other business councils BBG Dubai and congratulations to the hosts at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Abu Dhabi, AmCham Dubai Global team, and lest we forget the BBG Club. The weather was fantastic, and Network of American Chambers commemorative cup stayed with BBG of Commerce (American Business Dubai this year! 30 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Building New Generations of Talent and Opportunity Co-sponsor: prospective career development opportunities for interested Seeking Talented, students and their families in the Student Artists! UAE. With a focus on enhancing space- Theme: How Space Technology inspired STEM disciplines and Helps Improve Life on Earth other cultural exchanges, the Official Contest Start Date: partnership seeks to improve the understanding and application September 2, 2020 of the core skills and developing the collaboration necessary to Prizes and Visibility! drive future exploration in space, global space economy that benefits technology innovation, educational space exploration and improves daily Eight Age Groups –25 Total Winners! models, workforce development, global life on Earth.” commerce and the arts. “We are committed to developing • 3 – 4 Years • 11 – 12 Years In announcing its partnership, Space our nation’s young talents in line • 5 – 6 Years • 13 – 14 Years Foundation COO and executive with the UAE vision toward a more • 7 – 8 Years • 15 – 16 Years leader of the Center for Innovation diverse and sustainable economy • 9 – 10 Years • 17 – 18 Years and Education, Shelli Brunswick based on creativity, innovation and Space Foundation Achievement Award observed: “Today’s space renaissance knowledge. Our partnership with the is available to all people. The UAE’s Space Foundation is testament to our Acceptable Art Media/Format vision is to build multinational bridges confidence in the ability of the young that will inspire today’s workforce generation to rise up and contribute to Drawing • Painting • Mixed Media • Digital and tomorrow’s innovators. Space the building of a bright future.” said Dr. Foundation is honoured to partner with Hamed Al Suwaidi, CEO and Founder All Entries Due by Noon Universal Time the Al Suwaidi Private Office & Group of the Al Suwaidi Private Office and December 31, 2020! to build a collaborative future for the Group. Learn More and How to Enter Follow Us and Share Art.SpaceFoundation.org Space Foundation, a global space advocate for 37 years, announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Al Suwaidi Private Office & Group to explore a partnership and companion programme that will offer educational content and eSafe – UAE’s National NGO for Child Safety Online Emirates Safer Internet online safety education and support for an increased risk of online harm. We Society (eSafe), a children, young people, professionals need to help parents and educators registered non-profit and adults of all ages. This year alone, teach their children how to use the organisation, is a pioneer as part of UK-UAE Cooperation on Internet safely.” to champion the cause child safety online, Eng. Adel Alkaff of protecting children AlHashmi, Vice Chairman, eSafe “More and more children are online in the United Society met with Simon Hosking, Cyber accessing the Internet at a younger Arab Emirates. Since its Security Advisor, British Embassy to age, spending longer time online and establishment in 2015, establish professional collaboration are at greater risk. We must help them eSafe has been promoting including provision of research and navigate this new reality and join forces safe, responsible use of technical expertise. Cyber safety to keep them safe.” Added Dr Abdulla, the Internet and mobile awareness workshops have been Mohamed Al Mehyas, Chairman, eSafe devices. It strives to conducted by eSafe Society for Society create a positive online students of Heriott Watt University and experience for children, Middlesex University of Dubai. eSafe invites individuals and youth and the wider community and corporates to join as members and protecting them from potential online Eng Adel Alkaff AlHashmi said: support the cause of keeping children risks, abuse and exploitation. “During the COVID- 19 pandemic, safe online and empowering them for children’s lives have shrunk to just their the digital world. eSafe is run by volunteers who homes and their screens. They are at specialise in the complex area of www.esafesociety.org online safety. Over the years, eSafe has continually expanded its efforts CAPITAL LETTER 31 to educate and inform regulators, academia and industry on a balanced approach to online safety and developing appropriate responses to ensure the digital wellbeing of children and youth amidst the positive and negative effects of modern-day technology use. eSafe forges alliances with local and international entities to actively collaborate and deliver impactful Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Four Vital Signs for the Event Industry By Guy Taylor Early on in the pandemic, the an audiences’ attention and sustain BBG initiated a useful response by it? Indeed, this is something that the It is an increasing conundrum; for providing its members with a raft of BBG in Abu Dhabi is working hard to event and exhibition organisers is information and offers of guidance address through its own research and to try to do what they have been from within the network – both engagement with members. doing successfully for years, but Abu Dhabi and Dubai branches presently without the physical, human fast tracked an online portal that Meanwhile, over the past few component. subsequently became a useful “go to” months numerous global events reference. have either been cancelled or Exhibitors took part in this sort of postponed, and several morphed or activity because it provided a platform It was then brought to life by a staggered into a virtual form. Early to connect with stakeholders and professionally produced session examples of this have been somewhat share an experience, to network and online, blending high production lacklustre and often the result leaves to sign deals. Visitors attended for values with articulate presenters. the impression of a quick reaction much the same reasons, but also So here are another three clues; to circumstances rather than well- to learn from experts they wouldn’t firstly, make sure the content is fit for conceived and produced strategies for otherwise meet. The latter – in our purpose; two, employ professionals engagement. view – provides a clue as to the future, who know the strengths and that quality content and a unique weaknesses of available technology In fact, the downturn in global experience will provide the foundation platforms and thirdly, make sure your exhibitions has been gathering pace for successful engagement. talent is well scripted and rehearsed. for some years. Witness the demise of, for example, countless motor shows Whilst the world waits for a silver Oh yes, here’s the plug; THC did the in Europe. Car manufacturers seem to bullet to sound the starting gun for portal and BSL produced the show, be more content engaging with their the post- post-COVID era, companies but without your team at the BBG, own customers on their own terms with have had to adapt to fundamental none of this would have happened. So a more bespoke approach to creative changes in their methods of operation huge thanks to them. experiences. – working remotely, reducing dependence on offices, minimal Whilst all of these are lessons The current hiatus in events in business travel and dealing with well learned, it is also worth noting the UAE is just that; the whole onerous self-isolation procedures, another marketing imperative. infrastructure that benefits from the among other changes. Events were always part of a mix Emirates’ successful positioning as of marketing and communication a place to gather, debate and do Meanwhile, those that survive activities – along with PR, advertising, business is a strategic and valuable will continue to have to market their sponsorship, social and digital media. pillar resulting from 50 years hard products or services, employing It was widely accepted that no single work. However, serious thought needs whatever means their strategies and activity in isolation would work, but a to be given to how the sector re- budgets allow. However, things have combination of tactics should achieve bounds and in what form. changed. Those that prosper will be the desired result. nimble, future fit enterprises willing to The direction is hybrid challenge the status quo and embrace Today the process is increasingly techniques that achieve the same or measurable because of the analytics Looking towards the future, we hope better results. provided by digital tools, but the that the gift of our intrinsic human skills question remains; how do you gain can be deployed to build relationships, 32 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES to listen and learn. Whilst the process the quality of content and to measure virtual events is brought into sharp of networking may become more it against the audience you are trying focus because of poorly planned refined, there must be a middle ground to connect with. Recent months have and executed production. It’s as or hybrid option. presented all sorts of challenges in if nothing has changed since the connecting with people, so eking them lunar landing 51 years ago, but Hybrid is a convenient word to out of the comfort zone of “working fortunately the BBG Abu Dhabi has explore at this time – not just because remotely” and stultifying Zoom calls already made “one huge step for it’s the “H” in THC! requires a bit more persuasion. man, and one giant leap for the new normal” with its use of tech and By definition, it means two different In our humble opinion, the four digital. parts that when fused together make a vital signs for successful events will • Unique content – create a unique successful union. Obvious examples combine: experience, not just with predictable are petrol and electricity, but when we • Genuine thought leadership, have industry leaders, but those shaping consider events and communications, the future agendas that reflect the best combination will be a voice – subject to your industry, the interests of your stakeholders. technology and face to face contact adopt a position supported by Focus on issues that lead to as both are mutually beneficial, not research that is relevant but solutions, not merely a transactional mutually exclusive. disruptive. approach. • Robust technology platform or • Hybrid to cover all eventualities A vital sign therefore is to go in this channel – the blurred vision of most – the hybrid positioning seems direction from the get-go. To focus on logical as it pre-supposes access through multiple channels. This is the fundamental change, as a consequence of COVID-19, and something that will remain. In conclusion, if the vital signs of life are your pulse, breathing, blood pressure and temperature, then a similar common-sense checklist for events should be embraced. All signs point to hybrid as the way forward. Carpe diem. Guy Taylor is Managing Director at THC. Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 33

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Yalla! Let’s go! Autumn is here and, to all intents and gained a new editor, Derek never been more purposes, a sense of normalcy has Issacs, who has 15 important. returned, well almost. It has been an years’ experience incredibly worrying time for businesses in magazine Consequently, here in the UAE and the repercussions publishing we have focused have been enormous. across on growing Yalla’s the Middle digital offering and we have a dynamic The media sector was affected East, including digital platform that unites the Yalla! when, in March, a government directive here in the brand. announced that media was no longer UAE. During our Running a business is a series of allowed to distribute their publications. conversations over troughs and peaks but nobody could This immediately removed from the past 12 months, have envisaged a trough as deep circulation many of the UAE’s magazines it became clear that Derek’s as the one we have all experienced. and newspapers (Yalla included) and own vision of how a magazine should Nevertheless, Team Yalla chose to use along with it, a huge chunk of income portray Abu Dhabi very much aligns with the time to add value to our brand and needed to survive as a business. that of Yalla! we’re ready to unleash it. So, join us on an incredible journey It could’ve been so easy to just throw Consequently, Yalla! has evolved and of Abu Dhabi Life through our new our arms in the air and close shop for “Yalla! Abu Dhabi Life” is our new mantra. look monthly magazine and online web good, but we’ve spent six years building The former two Yalla titles have merged, space. Yalla! Let’s go! the Yalla brand and, en route, have there are more sections, through which www.yallaabudhabi.ae gained an immense loyal following. We Abu Dhabi is perfectly positioned, and were not ready to throw in the towel, the design has a luxury feel yet remains despite the massive challenges we faced, accessible. We’ve also decided to and still do. Instead, we decided to work publish monthly rather than quarterly, towards a future we knew would return; which has created a lot of interested one that Team Yalla believed in, and, among our loyal clients. importantly, for an Emirate we all truly love, Abu Dhabi. Technology in all guises has been a lifesaver for us all during the past seven For the past seven months, Team Yalla months, as we zoom family and friends. has been chiselling away at the brand’s For media, technology through our products to produce something that websites and social media platforms has is much more dynamic. En route, we News in Brief Call for submissions: Do you have something you want to share with your fellow BBG members? Do you think we’ve missed something important that would be relevant to the BBG and to the numerous businesses and embassies that receive Capital Letter? We accept the submission of articles from members, although inclusion of articles in Capital Letter is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the editor. If you have something that you would like to submit, please send an email to [email protected]. Business Groups Pledge International Collaboration The British Business Groups in the UAE our respective members. We are to establish mutual business (Dubai, Northern Emirates and Abu therefore delighted to be collaborating development. We are keen to assist Dhabi) and the Israel-Britain Chamber more closely with our Israeli counterparts, our members to go through the new of Commerce (IBCC) are pleased to through the good offices of the British opportunities and to provide them with announce that they have pledged Chambers of Commerce network.” trusted local counterparties and service unique collaboration for bi-lateral and providers.” tri-lateral initiatives. This innovative Dubai and North Emirates BBG collaboration will offer members of the Chairman John Martin St. Valery said: The UAE-Israel-UK collaborative respective groups a comprehensive “We are really keen to share local will address the respective market platform for the benefit of businesses knowledge in exchange for a deeper interests in technology industries, interested in the UAE, Israel and the UK. understanding of the opportunities for cybersecurity, fintech, real estate, food, our members and stakeholders in Israel. finance, healthcare and more, and will Through the British Chamber of Through close collaboration with the IBCC promote environmental awareness and Commerce’s Global Business Network, our intention is to create an authoritative sustainability across all aspects of trade the UAE BBGs and the IBCC have resource that is active with the latest activity. already been in close contact to success stories and information, under understand how best to support their the umbrella of two established business For more information and to hear the members in this “new era”. groups.” latest from the British Business Groups and IIBC, please ensure you are Chairman of BBG Abu Dhabi Nick Anita Leviant, President of the IBCC following them on LinkedIn. Cochrane-Dyet MBE said: “The added: “This collaboration creates an momentum established by the signing exciting full-service platform between Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 of the Abraham Accord is already the countries to ease market entry and driving considerable new interest in to enable our collective memberships to bilateral trade opportunities amongst foster strong links with their counterparts 34 CAPITAL LETTER

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Intellectual Property Rights Advance in the United Arab Emirates By Jeffrey Kemprecos provision for emergency use (Article 5). The new IP protections support the During a three-year period, GSK mission of GSK and other globally The UAE has issued Decree leading UK-based companies to 321 establishing substantial new joined innovative biopharmaceutical advance human health and strengthen intellectual property protections for companies to conduct extensive the innovative biopharmaceutical biopharmaceuticals. outreach to UAE policy makers and sector in the UAE. Decree 321 offers an officials at the Ministry of Economy and optimistic example of how UK-based The decree, signed by Health Ministry of Health and Prevention, the companies can partner constructively Minister Dr. Al-Owais on 21st Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, with UAE policy makers and officials September, creates new protections Dubai Science Park, sister trade and to shape an external environment that and enhanced predictability for business associations, and major trade encourages and embraces innovation. innovative medicines by providing partners including UK, US, European The new decree supports strongly an eight-year term of regulatory data and Japanese diplomats. the UAE’s aspirations to compete protection (RDP) that commences at successfully and achieve global top 20 grant of the marketing authorisation While there are concerns about Article status in life sciences and innovative in the UAE, a form of patent linkage, 5 that require clarification, Decree biopharmaceuticals. and a grandfathering mechanism 321 – coupled with adjacent patent Jeffrey Kemprecos is Director of that provides protection for innovative protections – establishes the highest Communications and Government medicines currently marketed in the standard IP for biopharmaceuticals Affairs at GSK Gulf Region. UAE. Decree 321 also creates a new in the 60-country Middle East/Africa region. PCR Test Now Included in All Etihad Airways Tickets from Abu Dhabi From 1st October until 31st December Travellers flying to China from Abu tests separately, Etihad Airways is also 2020, Etihad Airways will offer PCR Dhabi are subject to specific testing collaborating with SEHA and Mediclinic tests included in all air tickets booked protocols and can only use SEHA Middle East, to offer departing travellers by customers in the UAE for flights testing facilities. They must show a the option of convenient PCR testing, for a departing from Abu Dhabi International negative COVID-19 PCR test result from fee, at their home, or at selected facilities Airport, with the exception of services to a government approved testing facility in the UAE prior to their travel. China. within 48 hours prior to departure, for Changing global currency The airline is collaborating with Life approval to board. Medical Diagnostic Center (Life Dx) to offer convenient testing between 48 For all other and 96 hours prior to departure, at its travellers leaving network of collection facilities in the UAE. the UAE from Abu Travellers flying First or Business will also Dhabi, a negative have the option of selecting tests at their COVID-19 PCR test home. The quick and easy process can result will be required be booked directly with Life Dx. within 96 hours prior to departure. Those Etihad strongly advises all travellers to travelling to Morocco visit www.etihad.com/destinationguide will also require an lg for detailed information on country- antibody test. specific PCR testing requirements, lists of applicable medical testing facilities, For those who and entry regulations. wish to book their Providing international currency exchange solution for business and private individuals in the UAE Every client is different. We understand the importance of making the right currency exchange transactions. Our personal dealers work closely with clients to identify their specific needs and provide tailor-made solutions. Speak to an Expert www.delma-exchange.com CAPITAL LETTER 35 Mr. Ajay Subramaniyan M: +971563606298 E - [email protected] Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Committee Members Back row from left: Lee Bailey, Tom Shorrock, Chris Keeling, Wendy De Luca, Tim Allen, Ross Barfoot, Stewart Highett, Sinéad Whelan Front row from left: Graham Outterside, David Spearing MBE, Nancy Power, Nick Cochrane-Dyet MBE (Chairman), David Good, Amy Gilbert. Not pictured in Group photo: Kristina Williams, Cris Partridge, Ali Al Janabi, Tariq Haddad. A note of thanks to our Corporate Sponsors. . . As a not for profit organisation, restrictions preventing physical Platinum BBG Abu Dhabi relies greatly events remain in place. Whilst RAK Bank on the support of our corporate we are grateful for the cautious sponsors. Without the generosity efforts and agree that health and Gold of these companies, we would safety take complete priority, this Barclays, BP, Intertek, Kingsbury not have the means to do what means unfortunately we cannot we do, in support of British hold our end of year Festive PwC, Rolls-Royce, Shell business in Abu Dhabi. Gala Ball, our biggest and most prestigious event in the calendar, Silver In 2020, this support has been annually hosted by the Chairman Al Emarat United, NES Global Talent, more appreciated than ever. We of BBG Abu Dhabi and Her would like to take this opportunity Majesty’s Ambassador to the The Fry Group, Readymix, to thank each of our corporate UAE. Usually at this black tie, red Myrcator Marine & Cargo Solutions sponsors across all levels for carpet celebration, we delight their ongoing support of the in having the opportunity to Bronze BBG. Like all other organisations, recognize our corporate sponsors Delma Exchange, Gemaco Interiors, we had to suddenly postpone and celebrate with them, during InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Fast Rent A Car, our ever-busy events calendar an evening of dinner, dancing, Guardian Insurance Brokers, Mediclinic in mid-March for the remainder presentations and reflection on of the year, due to the COVID-19 a successful year with 300 or Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 pandemic. Our team moved from so representatives of the British the BBG office to working from community in Abu Dhabi. home, and our physical events at which our sponsors would This year we offer a have had branding displayed, heartfelt appreciation for their moved online. We continue still understanding and look forward to operate in the digital realm, to hopefully holding a celebration with regular virtual events taking in 2021 instead. Our BBG Abu place and audiences dialing in, Dhabi corporate sponsors to rather than gathering to network. which we offer our thanks are as follows: Due to the ongoing pandemic, Abu Dhabi government 36 CAPITAL LETTER

CORPORATE SPONSORS The following companies are Corporate Sponsors of the BBG. Their support and that of their representatives is much appreciated. For information about becoming a BBG Corporate Sponsor please contact [email protected] PLATINUM GOLD SILVER MYRCAT R Marine & Cargo Solutions BRONZE Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 37

MEMBERSHIP FEATURES Why Join The BBG? The British Business Group in • Invitations to all BBG events, their application is approved the Abu Dhabi actively promotes both networking and social, at appropriate fee should be paid. business between the UK, Abu discounted rates Please contact the BBG office Dhabi and the UAE by providing on 02-4457234 for further advice a forum for the British business • Inclusion on the mailing list on applications and payment community in Abu Dhabi through for important British Embassy method options. regular meetings, presentations announcements and social events. In particular Benefits for BBG Members it helps UK companies identify • Copies of our three-times- new business opportunities in annual magazine Capital Members of the British Business Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The Letter, bringing a round-up Group Abu Dhabi enjoy a BBG provides an essential bridge of the biggest British-Abu multitude of benefits upon between the business community Dhabi business news from the production of their membership in Abu Dhabi, the Department of previous months as well as card at the following participating International Trade team at the BBG events, photos, articles, outlets. Should any member have British Embassy and aspiring new members and member any difficulty in obtaining a listed new entrants to the market, by listings discount, please contact the providing advice and help to BBG office so we can rectify the British trade missions, business • Your business contact details situation. groups and visitors to Abu Dhabi. listed in Capital Letter • Andaz Hotels The BBG has a membership of • British Airways some 300 business people and • Access to Members Only area • The Bayshore is supported by a Committee of website, keeping you up to • Boston Dental Center and an administrative office both date with BBG events • Dolci & Capricci of which work to provide a busy • Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi calendar of networking activities • A personal BBG Membership • Dusit Thani for members and visitors. It Card which provides members • InterContinental Abu Dhabi produces a magazine every with various discounts in and • German Veterinary Clinic quarter about new developments around Abu Dhabi (see below • Emirates Palace Spa and business successes, which for further details) • Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi is distributed to members • Novotel Al Bustan and other stakeholders in the How to Join • Peninsula growth of the UK’s trade with • Posters the UAE. The magazine is also Each member joins the BBG • Pascal Tepper available on the BBG website at individually. There are two • Saadiyat Big Band www.britishbusiness.org. The methods of joining the Group: • Spinneys (beverages) BBG in Abu Dhabi and its • Individual Membership: Joining • Tamba counterpart in Dubai & the • Edition Abu Dhabi Northern Emirates actively Fee: AED 210 and Individual • The Muse cooperate in events and Membership Fee (January – • The Club Abu Dhabi membership activities, and both December): AED 945 • The W Abu Dhabi are now members of the Global • Associate: Joining Fee: Business Network, part of the AED210, Associate Fee For details of the discounts British Chambers of Commerce. (January – December): AED945 available at each of these outlets (in accordance with UAE law see BBG Membership provides: VAT has been applied at 5%.) Membership rates are now www.britishbusiness.org/ • Opportunities to meet and available at a pro rata rate for membership-benefits. network with over 350 members the remainder of the calendar Terms and conditions year, please contact the BBG for apply to all members’ 38 CAPITAL LETTER information. Applicants need to benefits. complete an application form and submit it to the BBG office along Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020 with a copy of their passport, visa and a head shot image. If

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NEW MEMBERS New Members Richard Cartwright Ian McHarg Company: Posters Company: Designation: Owner Equilibrium Equipment Trading Nature of Business: Designation: Technical Manager Trade & Technology Nature of Business: Energy, Oil, Gas Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Nicolas Phillips Matthew Wesson Company: Axiom International Company: SNF Financial Services Designation: Oilfield Consultant Designation: Co-Founder Nature of Business: Energy, Nature of Business: Banking, Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Products & Services Insurance & Financial Services Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Brendan Barry Eng. Adel Salem Alkaff Al Hashmi Company: SNF Designation: Director Eastern Company: Emirates Safer Internet Hemisphere Oilfield Chemicals Society (eSafe) Nature of Business: Energy, Designation: Vice President Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Products & Services Nature of Business: Community & Government Services Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Will Blair Peter Brooks Company: ADNOC Onshore Company: Baker Tilly MKM Designation: Designation: Partner and Managing External Communications Manager Director Nature of Business: Energy, Oil, Gas Nature of Business: & Petrochemical Products & Services Management Consultancy & Consultancy Services Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Bart Williams Nasreen Ali Company: Department for International Trade, British Company: Balance Finance Embassy Abu Dhabi Designation: Designation: First Secretary Defence Business Development Manager Nature of Business: Community & Government Services Nature of Business: Financial Services Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 40 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 3 Winter 2020

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