CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 | Issue 2 | Summer 2021
SECTOR FOCUSED LEGAL ADVICE For more information please contact RICHARD LUCAS VINCE GORDON TANIA DE SWART JUSTIN WHELAN Managing Partner Partner T +971 2 235 4903 T +971 2 235 4901 Partner Partner E [email protected] E [email protected] T +971 2 235 4902 T +971 2 235 4913 E [email protected] E [email protected] hfw.com Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 Americas | Europe | Middle East | Asia Pacific B CAPITAL LETTER
CAPITAL LETTER Chairman’s Foreword Energy drives everything. It of transformation activity that is and for the efforts and commitment remains the dominant market currently afoot, with the United of those that are seeking new ways sector of the Abu Dhabi economy Arab Emirates blazing a trail as to keep us all cool sustainably. and of great importance, both a leading investor and innovator, directly and indirectly, to our on a global scale, in renewable Nick Cochrane-Dyet MBE Membership’s business interests. sources. Our cover photo featuring Chairman But it is also a sector undergoing Rampion Offshore Windfarm just phenomenal transition to address off the shore from Brighton, UK, the dual challenge of meeting is an example of such ongoing the growing demand for energy renewable energy projects. to support economic and social Global offshore windfarms are an development, while mitigating the emphatic reminder that investment environmental impact of climate has to occur globally to deliver change. There is no area of the sustainability outcomes we are economic activity that will not, in mutually seeking. some form or other, be impacted by the shift to low or carbon zero As heatwaves are being reported solutions. across the Northern Hemisphere, I hope that those of our readership In this summer edition of who are travelling will find some Capital Letter we hear from respite through their summer leading energy industry players travels. For those who are staying, on the extraordinary diversity give thanks for air-conditioning, Contents BBG and Embassy Update Great British People in Business 19 Chairman’s Foreword 1 News, Events & Updates Notes from the Office 2 BBG Update 3 Fifty Years of Shifting Sands 20 Education Sector Update 4 Energy Sector Update 5 AI and the Renewable Energy Industry. 21 Financial Sector Update 6 Events Update 7 From Data to Travel Freedom 21 Global Annual Conference, 2021 22 Mediclinic Extension Open 23 Insight Al Emarat United 23 Busy Programme Ahead for UAE-UK Business Council 24 Military and Police Acquisitions Handed to Tawazun 8 Aspen Heights British School 25 GSK Delivers New COVID -19 Treatment to UAE 8 Keeping Employees Safe in the UAE Summer Heat 26 Digital Transformation 9 Staycation this Summer? 26 Good Financial Habits Start Early 10 Keeping it Simple in the Complex World of Construction 11 About the BBG Special Features Events Gallery 28 Why Join the BBG 30 The Consequences of ‘Not in My Back Yard’ 12 Corporate Sponsors 32 Emerging Technology Risks 14 Committee Members 33 Expo 2020 Dubai 16 New Members 34 ADIPEC 2021 18 Cover Picture: Rampion Offshore Windfarm just off the shore from Brighton, UK. Image by Nicholas Doherty. Editorial Submissions or Advertising Enquiries: Editorial Panel: Anna Ali Adib, Tim Allen, David Good, David Spearing, Sinéad Whelan, Chris Keeling, Joe Hazel ☎[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. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 1
BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Notes from the Office Since our spring issue of Capital Letter, we have been lucky enough to work closely with our hospitality partners to find a safe way to get back to face-to-face networking. It has been terrific to engage so many of our Members again in a real-life setting, as we all will attest that whilst there is an undeniable convenience associated with dialling into virtual events, there is nothing quite like the benefit of engaging in person. We were delighted to facilitate introductions for our new members as well as seeing relationships being re-established across our longstanding network. Health and safety is always our priority and we worked hard to ensure all necessary precautions were taken for these engagements to take place live, and we hope to continue with a busy calendar planned for the second half of 2021. In June, the office team grew by a new member, when we welcomed on board our new Administrative Assistant, Eunice Lois Dela Torre. Eunice joins us with a strong background of administration experience and has slotted in easily to the office – which is now a dynamic duo! Eunice looks forward to liaising with our BBG membership and wider network. Please say hello when you contact the office. Finally, the BBG Abu Dhabi office team would like to officially welcome our new corporate sponsors that have joined the Group this quarter – at Bronze level Aspen Heights British School and at Silver level Doosan Babcock: Aspen Heights British School opened in Abu Dhabi in 2017, as the first brand-new, purpose-built ISP school in the region. The Aspen community has grown year-on year, becoming the school of choice for families who value a warm and welcoming community, coupled with innovative teaching and an ambitious learning environment. Currently catering to students from Nursery (FS1) to Year 9, the school will commence their first GCSE cohort next academic year. Doosan Babcock recently celebrated their 130th Anniversary since establishment in London and Glasgow in 1891. It was selected in Abu Dhabi last year as the Headquarter for Doosan Babcock’s Global Service Division covering all non- UK operations due to its excellent time-zone location, co-ordinating across Asia and Mainland Europe, and Abu Dhabi’s increasingly important and expanding role in the Global Energy Sector. Within the Middle East, Doosan Babcock employs in excess of 2,000 personnel delivering world-class, long-term service and maintenance solutions across multiple sectors including Oil & Gas, Thermal Power, Desalination & Water Treatment, Petrochemical and Nuclear Power. As we have entered the second half of the year, we are now offering membership and corporate sponsorship packages at a more cost-effective rate than ever. To discuss opportunities through the available tiers and benefits for your company, please contact Sinéad at [email protected] For now, we wish you all a wonderful summer and look forward to a busy second half of the year ahead! WORKFORCE EFFICIENCY// Renewable Energy IN THE MIDDLE EAST Our network of regional offices will help your company to mobilise personnel and get them to site when needed Global mobility & Employer of Record (EOR) services Visa & work permit provision Local hiring & payroll capabilities Oil, Gas & Chemical T: +971 55 993 0908 Abu Dhabi E: [email protected] Bahrain Dubai Power Iraq Kuwait 2 CAPITAL LETTER Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Transformation of the BBG to Abu Dhabi British Chamber of Commerce Update Work has continued behind the scenes to transform the BBG into a fully-fledged British Chamber of Commerce. In recent weeks we have been addressing the following: • Revising the membership and sponsorship scheme to reflect the benefits provided by an enhanced ‘value proposition’ balanced with affordability and value for money. • Investigating the type and number of events we can hold – subject, of course, to the continuing uncertainty brough about by the pandemic. • Identifying opportunities to modernise our ‘member experience’ to take full advantage of the best-in-class IT solutions available. These solutions will improve integration of all our activities and significantly streamline our back-office functions. • Developing a robust business plan and refreshed governance to deliver all of the above. We anticipate presenting the output of this work to our Corporate Representatives in due course, and provisionally planning our launch. More to follow. . . Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 3
BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Education Sector Update By Tom Shorrock 2020. Along the way, there were to ‘normal’ but what will the new ‘normal’ setbacks, but organisations have started look like for the future of education? We With COVID hitting all sectors in March to find the balance between face-to-face have seen last year’s and this year’s 2020, Education was one of the sectors and virtual teaching and learning. It was exams being scrapped in favour of to be most badly affected. The battle announced in late June that education school/teacher assessed grades for from March to July 2020 for educational organisations were heading back to full exam boards. If that is the case for the organisations to react and adapt to time face-to-face education in August foreseeable future, what will be the the situation, took its toll on everyone. 2021. However, parents could still take future of examinations and assessments Summer 2020 was a much-needed time up the offer of distance learning if it was for young people? Will we see a for educators to rest and prepare for the offered by their child’s school. blended approach through formal but academic year to come. also non-formal education means? How It goes without saying that we are in will educational organisations resume Whilst a lot of the processes for awe of the hard work that has been put their full operations moving forwards? teaching were still online, the sector in by educators across Abu Dhabi, the slowly started accepting students back UAE and globally. to face to face lessons from August Hopefully, we will start to see a return Stwhcapvheenfrseaolodossmlrdcop.ttptyqhootoyalfeTaIsaCuiprEnsclln‘RacghbailmmaoaoCabi‘SOxcitietSheeamnIWnntblmnhrlmeecewiOloiyalshVoetilguaetaceatcoruAyviie.niimmhhyiCafVt.mchoIsctueeetc-semmbMcaphaiDopfcsuttdsTAatmtoirMInwneIahbouhHiallidnclpueDeylnuvnlhnteavabkfecaeeaerehnhlathcardafreatecDseeelcneueesrenrreorodtwapysmeciksfsaaprvedtreyblifcreghePimoohtsoltreDkyeedctnaensUtgcneeiaeecoeaitdplsefhafrruvumascooohtdeasheatLwlmncnbiapAbreerentelolipttb,nnanln.ratehaayengeapiiecsrioadei1ErpnvbotccetItvboe’nosrpr,redhdiwsuoch8vtioeieimneiwootenditoanrpeobnpcaeockauenhrirasrsfcndilmtaaiosuulsigaavgrnuactfltsrfassisrilohlf,oceeinolormsteoolttrvlesnrroastaaiivhedrhTvtdloeoocSelneIldtfhdovhntdywmwsysidnamoaarauwhncemrcaibtandetrauagttoyvnIiehtorisethhicleiriivoicmhl:hhtbcebaivlwcnaveveoosalantoeweaonBseealoeeoeteesgpsfnolndhtsoeundvnhgeidsr.tia,rwuhaebslt,suollIiremderteeaoiaTrileotieiicctelrItcpavrlndbnegnEbidatponnhbhsttnyteaseenhbteeehdhuhl.hrrdieoadhheltfedaerdltesoeneeiooiufoliuoaae,notliyssseSvipulhkhittpldtcbnktonlveehsscmnlayehoatugdedvhecthoasbsatt,heesb,uoiemswraasouvbnbedimtoeiieclgtepwnetbluorfwliscekegfeipnlotsseeatAvdetanetoaogtTfachlirTgolyslenrDifrtqghocsbeteemestowKstgrehthuaedtate-idtcprehprbtesvpyihboueaisicahgtbeoldPeantanseehhayuaunalhsapmaeeaosiemeir,rcagaMecebstktrestniPelseerlfesihtnsnyeetetsltaroato.hcnolahniioofrreindtaidosyodvnnieleennTfeehtcfigocfw,rdorewasesnfeectdtrhsgeiatshaelttLph.mmcoomsmdeceoihthuctinnatitTshtush,Nbeupuki,mbrhsioeciioaidtpep!.poeapeweelcdrsljliaeeianlgipraaaeuycoTdldrcsrimeenxcpeetoyhleWsacclsnefoninstkabgpca,aetmsaanottlcasimmtgotSheana!rynsCninahtsenhtsttscyloadseiohsdcadhigBdnrisfcm.ohm,rlcianggssaukeaodnoerodaIuweesetfrtpngreerroetthnhyrmyhrntonftrrlaaittrdipuerioovdeeoiwsoetithholtoceopmisnanaahdiehra’ocnseomannfvciaocgeiinreeuraatmldrtldngiddotgelsoraklon.diasshncalnaosilhesmnuienfaigeftWrtyefemlibfonomuts,stnisoagolnarc-eesvtoehrdnecpApttparrefIhdhoniiaeOrmofaeaanhcwarrdbbedifmdlhycfd-aIt.otlnscaaenp.uauah’efhtgaadyTaulhtvdeavhsdabcletreuneorpsrcDetisleahcadeakoleerrr,vdamuta.lbesahcamtes.nseuhheyimlfdneootanntteUapraahwiieweeoslirsyvogccsbdalcdenmnetie.ieenil.veallrlt.cl-ItiflseeooInyhcattsbsboisodtMeccvsevehee-nheaneetias-eowmlhnlgdtuonyoeokanhuoemarl-wgeacrdtefgleheeaeatoietwadftcwrchrweirtsekeooie,elirpsnlaltioTelsihhstfwoywafdwt(bMofgtAEhamtoanalbuauohhuhthufsriheartrtfourubedirsteeiiteetepeeseelorttetaegeIlloevekoartwueuylltsnncgurwpncmmturpyyencam.atrroDatpbfrnmrtiacaoaetuhlnr.oogotohi,eeanrYsfcluebbdhnleolulrauvrnseeraausIuorbh.tsinto;oghteeescaaokbteiaoshtouyrnowiWhctaitoamauaseawrrnoknsnfrirlyi0thttuEaohinndsson,iovnoasret@n,htncdtla1itcooieco.hvnlodhegtdltykhoppsfleeshwnt.pfbfaiWibshyiooFeiohueboantannphieinulmo.EhitntlhiineynerlotuuoceeetsggsrolaswrgtoBTagfeardlvuatsbcaiwaim,aw,rtvonnropnrhhuFiBowcnipahcselduituefttesneefleliepapnhedohaielAeueoletaiiGlasoaataevbteatfreseulgslieurvchrrmOcsieterendracmrronuedw.idtnroghteeattkda)mcotnhhyidlheurhrcetTaatneomsreFsiaeiol.tgipaTaeodnlaeliouatbovolnt,oolgwmrneoantonolhnerneneseucaomhkgarsiaomssgpcdbm’rdtmtgtfoesmdteytphaegstavbnhmhouhuehnbpeofretydeeouteaepacrdaialbiaorIoeeseiiroylSdclr.shioneoucuansrsyaeateecpstnruuaafntemsheewgtBntkatccddtdceoeseTinshroneasebtfnoasi,rsittaefneBheretoenrdnihedednfudoooytooniogrsnfifotrhetmyrnmdgGtodieiuerertriuaftflaetamscloeaaooseaa.oitm,ldtnopBtttaisbtmhehfnblcsucehiehiIriawrol,[email protected],rwdeesnte1usGotsa5e.ro,l Award Foundation and BBG Abu Dhabi Education Sector Lead. 4 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Energy Sector Update By Martin Whaley An onshore windfarm project is in the Where Unit One of Four, is currently plans for this island, with a capacity of producing 1400MW of sustainable Countries around the globe are up to 30MW. With the strong growth electricity. A major milestone achieved shifting towards more sustainable in wind power generation globally, by the UAE, and ENEC is now leading Energy solutions. The UAE decided in we have seen drastic technological the largest decarbonisation effort of 2017 to set an example of this in the advancement and improvements in any industry in the UAE to date. Middle East region and named it the this sector, also with low wind power “Energy Strategy 2050”. production technology, applicable There are endless possibilities in for the conditions in the UAE. These the dynamic UAE hydrogen industry. The Strategy aims to increase the developments are dominated by Not only will this industry support contribution of clean energy in the companies from Europe, with which the Energy Strategy 2050, but the total energy mix from 25% to 50% by the UAE is seeking collaboration. UAE could possibly become one 2050. Reducing the carbon footprint of world’s largest exporters of Blue of power generation by 70%, and MASDAR, working together with Hydrogen with its good geographical thus saving AED700 billion by 2050. Bee’ah, is developing the first regional location, abundance of space and, waste-to-energy plant in Sharjah, most of all, low-cost solar resources. Spreading over an area of 77km2 which will divert 300,000 tonnes of The Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance in Saih Al-Dahal in Dubai, is the solid municipal waste from landfills consisting of ADNOC, Mubadala Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum each year. The plant will produce and ADQ, combines decades of Solar Park. At the end of 2020, the up to 30MW of power. A further two experience in Oil & Gas and the Clean PV complex reached a generating more waste-to-energy plants are in Energy sector described above. The capacity of 1.013 GW, with a target discussion for Abu Dhabi and one for aim is to establish Abu Dhabi as the of reaching 5GW by 2030. Abu Dhabi Dubai, which will help reach the UAE leader in green and blue hydrogen in has the world’s largest PV project, goal of diverting 75% of solid waste emerging international markets. The the 1.2 GW Noor Sweihan Plant, from landfills. Alliance will set the path for the usage and the 2GW Al Dhafra solar power of hydrogen in all industries and covers plant project which is expected to be The UAE has also the 2.4 GW ultra- the complete cycle of production and operational by Q1 2022. The latter supercritical (USC) Hassyan Clean transportation to reach the end-users. with a 30-year PPA in place at a Coal Power Plant under construction However, hydrogen being the simplest remarkable tariff of 1.35 USDct/kWh. in Dubai. It is the first coal-based and lightest element is still a challenge power plant in the region and, once for large scale transportation, and The UAE has been a driving force complete, it will be able to provide might put some additional limitations in developing wind power projects power to 250,000 households. on exports. overseas (Oman and Jordan), and MASDAR built the region’s largest However, the largest power plant, Martin Whaley is Business Development and first wind turbine on Sir Bani Yas and the first in the Arab world, is Island in Abu Dhabi back in 2008. the Barakah Nuclear Power plant. Manager at Al Yaseah Group. Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 5
BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Financial Sector Update – A Guide to Socially Responsible Investing By Chris Keeling benefit of both SRI funds and investors. healthcare, and education), micro- There are four main approaches to finance and sustainable agriculture. There was a time when environmental, socially responsible investing: social and governance (ESG) issues Responsible ownership and There are a range of issues that were the niche concern of a select engagement: This sees fund should be taken into account when group of ethical or socially responsible managers taking greater considering an ethically sound portfolio. investors, who tended to have very interest in their responsibility These include: strong views – but times have changed. as part-owners of companies Environmental issues: Encompassing ESG is increasingly relevant and an to encourage improvement a range of challenges such as climate approach that all investors should in areas where investors change, pollution, fracking, biodiversity, consider. believe environmental, social environmental management, waste and or governance related risks the use of natural resources – including A number of factors have changed and/or opportunities could be water, forestry and mining. the landscape of socially responsible managed better for the benefit Social issues: Including human rights, investment (SRI). Growing awareness of shareholders. labour standards, child labour, equal of environmental issues, such as Avoidance or negative opportunities, food supply, obesity and climate change, and an increasing screening strategies: Avoiding slavery. understanding of social issues and companies that are involved in Governance issues: Relating to human rights have each played their activities that a fund manager has company management, board part. As a result, people are increasingly structure, executive remuneration, interested in reflecting their opinions defined as ‘unacceptable’ or ‘unethical’ bonuses, avoidance of bribery and and lifestyle choices through the way is a major feature of ethically screened corruption. they invest. funds. The criteria that defines a Values-based and ethical concerns: fund to be negatively screened is Including tobacco, armaments, The Socially Responsible Investment often connected with values-based pornography, alcohol, irresponsible market itself has also changed ethical issues, but may also relate to marketing and animal welfare. significantly over recent years. environmental, social or governance Environmental, social and governance concerns. Negatively screened ethical The issues that are important do vary factors are now part of mainstream funds typically have a list of business and change over time. For example, investment analysis. The widely practices that are considered to be e-cigarettes, fracking and Arctic drilling adopted Stewardship Code has meant unacceptable. are emerging issues that are now being investment managers have embraced Positive screening strategies: considered by some managers. The a ‘responsible ownership’ agenda. This This approach involves investing in way in which issues and approaches in turn is beginning to impact the share companies that meet a manager or are combined varies greatly, and prices of more ‘ethical’ companies, fund’s ‘positive’ SRI objectives. A fund there are now a wide range of options a trend which is accelerating, to the manager may set out the themes or available. business attributes it considers to be positive, beneficial or desirable – such Likewise, there are no hard and fast as helping to make the necessary shift rules about how different funds or fund towards more sustainable lifestyles – managers are grouped together. In and invest accordingly. fact, they can be sorted into a number Impact investment strategies: Impact of ‘SRI styles’ based on their approach investing aims to generate specific to ethical, social and environmental beneficial social or environmental issues. effects in addition to financial gains. The point of impact investing is to It’s important to remember that use money and investment capital for SRI factors are not the only relevant positive social results. Impact fund aspects to consider. Generic factors managers aim to place capital in impact SRI funds as much as they businesses, non-profits and funds in do any other investments. So, it’s sectors such as renewable energy, important to consider asset type, the basic services (including housing, market capitalisation of the stocks held, geographic spread and timing which can all affect SRI portfolio returns. In addition, think carefully about your own investment aims (growth or income), benchmarking decisions, fund manager skill and charging structures. Chris Keeling is a Chartered Financial Planner at The Fry Group and BBG Abu Dhabi Financial Sector Lead. 6 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE BBG Abu Dhabi Events Update By Nancy Power followed by the popular ‘BBG Abu the end of the summer with the first Dhabi Members’ Breakfast’ on 29th sight of the UK Pavilion as a physical I am delighted to report, following June at The Club, which provided model. our first live event BBG Abu Dhabi a fantastic forum for both new and Corporate Golf Day back in April, existing Members to introduce Following the success of our we have managed to have a themselves in a two-minute elevator ‘Across the Borders’ speed diverse range of virtual and live pitch and for our new BBG Abu Dhabi networking with Bahrain British engagements subsequently and Administrative Assistant, Eunice Dela Business Forum (BBBF) on 2nd already have an exciting calendar of Torre to be welcomed to her first March, we are planning another events lined up for Q4. event. one with BBBF and Riyadh Group for British Business (RGBB) in We are, of course, planning With the start of July, we have September, so watch your emails for engagements intrinsically within the already witnessed that several more details about this event – it will Abu Dhabi authorities’ guidelines members have travelled, however our provide a unique virtual platform to for COVID-19, and ensuring our ‘Summer Social’ at the W Lounge, W network with potential new business Members and guests health and Hotel on 6th July provided a stunning contacts in both Bahrain and KSA as safety is the first priority. We are venue for Members to connect and part of an ongoing series of speed grateful to our hospitality partners enjoy delicious refreshments. networking events which are being for diligently ensuring this is the developed across the region. case at the venues we frequent. At the time of writing we are looking forward to our energy On 14th October, we will be During the month of Ramadan, we sector-focussed event, which is organising the ‘Battle of the Business kept things virtual with a programme scheduled for 26th July at The Groups Golf Day’. This year it will be of events including the UAE 50 Club, with Martin Jagger, Energy a battle against Business Groups ‘Sands of Time’ webinar, the British Transition and Decarbonisation based in Abu Dhabi, rather than the Chambers of Commerce Annual Manager at WeConnect Energy on traditional tournament against BBG Conference and we supported the topic ‘The Energy Transition and Dubai & Northern Emirates, due to several DIT webinars and Joint Decarbonisation’. This will be followed COVID-19 restrictions. This annual Business Group webinars. by a Healthcare engagement with event offers a range of sponsorship the Department of Health and in opportunities and, for any golfers, the On 23rd May, our ‘Evening with September a UK and UAE focused chance to demonstrate your talent. BBG at The Shore at The Club’ was defence sector event is being a great opportunity for Members to planned in partnership with DIT. If you have any ideas for an event, reconnect and new Members to be wish to give us feedback about a introduced in the relaxed environs of With fewer than 100 days to go to recent event you have attended the beach. Expo 2020, we are in close contact or want to find out more about our with UK at Expo team to discuss forthcoming events, then please do The month of June provided two opportunities for BBG Abu Dhabi contact [email protected] as business event opportunities to Members during the six months of we are keen to hear from you and enjoy a full English breakfast and Expo. We are planning our next Expo continue to tailor our events to meet get back to face-to-face networking. 2020 update hopefully in person at Members’ requirements. The ‘UAE-UK Business Council Breakfast’ fell on 15th June and Nancy Power is GM of BSL Middle East was one of the first events to put and Deputy Chair and Events Secretary the Al Hosn app to the test. Held of BBG Abu Dhabi. in a private dining room of The Terrace Restaurant, St Regis Abu Dhabi the Executive Director and Deputy Director of the UAE-UK Business Council, Bradley Jones and Paul Sharkie provided an invaluable insight into future plans and engagement opportunities with the restructured UUBC. This was Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 7
INSIGHT Military and Police Acquisitions Handed to Tawazun By Christian Davies development.” Broadly speaking, criteria in tenders. UK exporters will Tawazun are responsible for ensuring need to self-evaluate the strength of For many UK defence and security that those companies with qualifying an independent bid, against an option exporters, the UAE is a key market. defence sales undertake industrial with greater in-country participation. The country’s high net wealth and participation in the UAE. Tawazun may even adopt ADNOC’s desire to independently defend itself highly successful In Country Value against regional threats, means the What has changed? (ICV) programme. What is clear, is that UAE regularly features in the top 10 UAE industrial participation is going to defence spenders, when calculated Previously, procurement was be more important than ever in winning with reference to GDP. undertaken directly by the Armed defence contracts. Forces, meaning that Tawazun were For more than a decade, the UAE only involved towards the end of the UK defence and security suppliers has been implementing a strategy to contract award process. This meant looking to launch or expand an existing develop its own indigenous defence that Tawazun had little influence in presence in the UAE, still have plenty industry, with the objective of not just shaping the selection of companies of opportunity, provided they approach to decrease its reliance on defence with whom they would be required it in the correct way. Exporters with an imports, but also to make the UAE a to enter into a TEPA with (Tawazun appetite to establish deep-roots and major defence exporter. Economic Programme Agreement). The long-term relationships can flourish, announcement at IDEX puts Tawazun provided they accept that in country During this year’s IDEX, the UAE firmly in the driver’s seat, and gives participation is a pre-requisite to that took a major step by transferring them end-to-end control over all military success. Exporters should explore the responsibility for military and Abu and Abu Dhabi Police acquisitions. multitude of available collaboration Dhabi Police acquisitions, to Tawazun Strikingly, this means that Tawazun structures, to determine the best Economic Council. So why is this will likely be one of the main decision approach for their company. significant? makers for UAE military and AD Police acquisitions and, given their mandate Exporters unwilling to embrace Role of Tawazun for economic growth, it is likely that their UAE’s drive towards an indigenous contract award criteria will focus heavily defence market, are unlikely to reap Tawazun is responsible for on industrial participation in the UAE. the full benefits of what the UAE’s administration of the UAE’s offset defence market has to offer. programme, the Arabic word Tawazun What does this mean for UK Christian Davies is a Partner at meaning “balance”. As per its 2019 exporters? Keystone Law Middle East. Policy Guidance, Tawazun is mandated “to be a prime enabler for the Defense Exporters should pay careful attention and Security industry sector in the to Tawazun’s roll-out and be mindful of UAE with a strong focus on economic any in-country or industrial participation GSK Delivers New COVID-19 Treatment to UAE By Jeff Kemprecos Abu Dhabi-based patients at Abu Dhabi International Airport. received infusions within As a global leader in innovative As part of our commitment to ensure the 24 hours of the arrival of continuity of the supply of medicines and the shipment at Abu Dhabi biopharmaceutical innovation, the close vaccines in the Gulf, GSK has taken steps International Airport from GSK’s collaboration underscores the UAE- to accelerate patient access to its new production site in Parma, Italy. UK partnership in life sciences and treatment for COVID-19, Sotrovimab, in healthcare services. the region. From the start, we understood that the rapid The first shipment of Sotrovimab is also The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and supply and distribution of our set to arrive soon in Kuwait, following its Kuwait were the first countries in the world medicine to patients in need arrival in the UAE and Bahrain. to approve Sotrovimab following the US would only be possible through FDA Emergency Use Authorization. a close collaboration with key As a trusted healthcare partner, GSK partners. For this reason, GSK is committed to supporting the needs of GSK Gulf has worked very closely worked closely with the UAE local governments in the GCC. with senior policymakers and officials in Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Jeff Kemprecos is Director of those countries to accelerate approvals, Department of Health Abu Dhabi, Rafed Communications, Government Affairs & procurement, medical briefings and and Etihad Airways to expedite deliveries. Market Access at GSK Gulf. shipments. In addition to our efforts As a result of the close cooperation, the towards maintaining the highest quality first shipments of our treatment arrived Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 and safety standards, we have conducted in record time – 50% faster than initially 25 scientific face-to-face workshops and planned. digital briefings and offered guidance on updating the national medical protocols In the UAE, HE Dr. Jamal Mohammed to reflect the patient continuum of care, in Alkaabi, Undersecretary of DoH, Rashed preparation for the launch. Saif Al Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer of Rafed, Gizem Akalin, PhD., Vice The first shipments arrived in Abu President Gulf at GSK, HMA Patrick Dhabi on June 16th, 2021, for distribution Moody and Tony Douglas, Group Chief to hospitals and medical centres in the Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait. As a result, attended the arrival of the first shipment 8 CAPITAL LETTER
INSIGHT By Mehtab Gilani least a year. To support business and already early adopters of 5G DX priorities, IT investments will focus technology in the UAE. Economic progression will strengthen on automation, data and applications in the UAE despite oil-price worries, and infrastructure modernisation. According to IDC, AI spending in mainly due to the economic diversion Improving security and reducing the UAE will grow 25.7% in 2021 to from the oil sector to non-oil sectors capex through cloud are other key surpass US$94 million, while RPA and also due to initiatives and focus areas. (Robotic Process Automation) software strategies to encourage private spending will grow 22.2%. In the UAE, enterprises. Apart from solid Advancement in technologies like adoption of RPA and AI is increasing, economic expansion, the business hybrid cloud adoption, blockchain, and companies have started to realise environment of the region will also Artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, benefits like removal of repetitive, low- undergo an essential change and augmented reality (AR) and virtual value tasks from workers’ schedules reality (VR) will make way for new and applying AI for fraud analysis, Digital Transformation diversification due to the rise of new business models in the UAE. The threat intelligence and predictive business models. These new business expectation is that IT spending in the maintenance. models will emerge due to the digital UAE will grow 4.2% in 2021 to surpass transformation of industries as well US$8.7 billion. A consortium, such as the as other social changes. Digital blockchain for Energy Consortium in transformation in sectors such as retail, With cloud adoption becoming an the oil & gas industry, is a good way energy, manufacturing, healthcare increasing necessity for enterprises to start exploring the possibilities of and entertainment will help in the across the UAE looking to accelerate blockchain for managing transport, growth of the non-oil economy in the their digital transformation journeys. joint ventures and other complex region. In the next decade, the UAE There is significant uptake by operations involving partners. will have tremendous growth in mobile companies defining effective cloud connectivity, Internet usage and online strategies, accelerating cloud In the wake of all this, CIO roles have retailing. migration, enabling datacenters evolved from operational support to of the future, driving application orchestrator of digital transformation The UAE will also start making a modernisation and securing hybrid for the enterprises. This evolution shift towards renewable resources cloud deployments. will require UAE CIOs to enhance for energy generation to preserve their skills at influencing other senior the oil wealth. Abu Dhabi is already According to Ericsson’s estimates, executives of their organisation to have considering policies to drive the mobile operators in the UAE are outcome-based discussions for their adoption of renewable energy across expected to generate US$3.3 billion digital initiatives. the residential, commercial and in incremental revenue by 2026. industrial segments, with a focus on Notably, operators are going to be Improving infrastructure and distributed energy generation and presented with opportunities to fulfil security, reducing IT cost and enabling consumption. Increasing focus on the very high bandwidth and dense rapid innovation are priorities of IT distributed generation is creating an connectivity requirements of Dubai’s departments of many enterprises opportunity for technologies such as Expo 2020(2021) via 5G services. In in the UAE where investments are behind-the-meter energy storage, the enterprise segment, awareness focused on IT security, datacenters, smart meters, grid digitalisation and levels around 5G and its superior cloud, collaboration applications, big asset performance management. technology features are continuously data analytics, artificial intelligence/ growing. Some progressive machine learning (AI/ML) and Internet According to IDC, the pandemic has organisations already have plans to of Things (IoT). Investments in these significantly accelerated the Digital leverage the technology for enhanced areas will yield results in the form Transformation (DX) road maps of wireless broadband connectivity and of process automation excellence, organisations in UAE. As per IDC IIoT applications. Organisations in data excellence, cloud excellence, MEA CIO 2020 survey of 78 different the Oil & Gas, Shipping & Logisitics, application modernisation capability organisations in the UAE, some 72% Travel & Tourism, Retail & Hospitality, and security and resilience excellence. have advanced their DX plans by at Healthcare & Public sectors are Mehtab Gilani is Associate Partner, IBM GBS (Chemical & Petroleum). Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 9
INSIGHT Good Financial Habits Start Early By Stuart McCullock good opportunities for children to play can be used to analyse successful to reinforce their skills. investments – which also keeps Financial planning isn’t generally things interesting and practical. covered as part of the school Of course, when looking online it’s curriculum and education. As a result, also worth the usual caveats. Many Letting chosen investments play it’s usually the responsibility of parents young people will see various pieces out, again with small amounts, and guardians to teach and guide of ‘advice’ presented through social will help your child learn from the children about the importance of media including YouTube and TikTok. mistakes and celebrate the wins. money. So where do you start? It almost goes without saying that there We all learn more from failure than are inherent risks with this approach, success, and so taking these first Being confident about conversations which we’ve explored. So, it’s wise steps together can help children build and decisions regarding money, to not just educate them about the confidence and skills which they can investments and financial planning importance of good financial planning, rely on later. As they become more is an important skill. And beginning but also where to turn to for that independent, they’ll be much more the process of teaching and guiding advice. able to manage their own money and young people about good financial investments on a larger scale. decisions can’t begin early enough; a But if you are looking to share study from Cambridge University and practical advice from outside the It can also be worthwhile to the Money Advice Service found that family circle, which can be dipped involve your older children in pre- children’s habits regarding money are in and out of over the years, there arranged meetings with your own usually formed by the age of seven. are some helpful books available for financial planner. They will have the So, with this in mind, it’s clear that it’s older children including Happy Ever opportunity to better understand never too early to start guiding children After: Financial Freedom Isn’t A Fairy the assets you hold as a family, to develop good financial habits, which Tale. It might make a useful present, ask questions in an open financial can then be used into adulthood. especially for older children taking discussion as well as see you asking some steps into independence and questions of your own. This can help Some of the best ways to begin who may benefit from hearing sensible children become more aware of their include: financial stories from people other than own financial situation, particularly if • Making savings a habit as soon as mum and dad. they might be in a position to receive wealth in later life. We offer this exact possible and providing rewards for It can also be valuable to tackle approach through our own Freedom saving. some of the more complex elements of service, ensuring that financial • Keeping children involved and financial planning including investing. discussions incorporate those interested by showing them how Setting up an account with a small members of your family who you’d their money grows. amount of money that you use to like to be involved. • Discussing the difference between make minor investments with your short-term, medium-term and long- children can be a great tool to help Taking these steps together can term goals and how saving can with introducing your child to the stock help you equip your children with a help. market. solid understanding of the importance • Explaining compound interest and of lifetime financial planning. how this can help accelerate the This can then provide scope to Stuart McCulloch is Market Head of journey to reaching long-term goals. discuss why and how investment The Fry Group, Middle East Office. • Introducing the idea of risk and decisions are made. Letting children reward. select their own investments may What if you aren’t a financial expert? initially mean they choose for their There are some useful online tools own reasons such as liking a that you can tap into. Practical Money company name. Over time you Skills by VISA is a website that aims to can introduce more complicated provide some first steps into financial concepts such as investigating education with information, games and the background of companies, guides aimed at children. It can be a their management approach great starting point and offers some and price to earnings. You can show how these steps 10 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
INSIGHT With almost 15 years of experience edge in providing solutions to Stephen Board in the region, and seven years what can be entrenched positions supporting clients in the UAE to avoid between parties? partners in the Abu Dhabi energy contentious construction disputes We work in a highly complex industry, industry avoid disputes and settle and reaching amicable resolutions to in addition to our approach to listen issues amicably. This allows our difficult situations, Quantum Global first, at Quantum we firmly believe in partners and their clients to focus on Solutions has listened to their clients keeping things simple. We try to bring safely and successfully delivering and opened two new offices in the facts to the table that are clear and projects. Middle East in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. concise and easy to understand. Our COVID-19 impacted all industries history in providing support to global in Abu Dhabi, looking ahead what To learn more about how clients led us to understand the power lessons were learned by Quantum Quantum will support the Abu Dhabi of visualising the issues and through during these unprecedented construction and energy community, our division, Quantum Digital, we events? Capital Letter talked with Quantum’s have developed a unique multi-media COVID-19 is an event that is Associate Director and BBG Member, presentation method that assists us unparalleled in our lifetimes. Quantum’s Stephen Board. focus was to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees and adapt Keeping it Simple in the Complex quickly to support our clients. The World of Construction opening of our office in Abu Dhabi is testament to the commitment Quantum With regional offices and an existing in presenting complicated issues in has to the region and to supporting our team in Dubai, what was the driver a clear and compelling manner. Our clients ‘on the ground’ during difficult for Quantum to open an office in clients are actively involved in the times. Abu Dhabi now? multi-media presentation production It was an easy decision. We feel process, looking at what’s on the Our Abu Dhabi office is also very optimistic about Abu Dhabi screen and what needs to be added to fully supported and able to draw and recent reports suggest that Abu fully tell their story. on the expertise and knowledge Dhabi’s construction industry will of our 200-strong team of global see a rebound in 2021 and continue Abu Dhabi is a multi-cultural emirate consultants including testifying expert to expand annually for the coming with many different languages and witnesses, arbitrators, mediators and years. However, with rapid expansion practices, and this in itself can cause adjudicators. In addition, it’s worth inevitable, and perhaps unavoidable, many misunderstandings. Using this noting that while remote working may challenges arise. Quantum is among technique, we have successfully have been seen initially as a business the market leaders in providing handled a number of cases triggering continuity challenge, at Quantum we contractual, commercial and forensic negotiation and amicable settlement, saw it as a real opportunity to connect planning consultancy services to avoiding the need for the parties to our internationally renowned experts a diverse range of contractors and follow a formal dispute resolution to our clients around the world. As clients. We take the problems back to process. It works! demonstrated by our industry lecture the basics and focus our attention on series, started in 2014, we believe that listening to the problems and providing Quantum is one of the market sharing knowledge is a powerful asset a solution-based approach to the leaders in providing contractual, in delivering the best solutions for our issues, and we provide our clients commercial and forensic planning clients. with expertly managed, high-quality, consultancy services to a diverse tailored services to meet specific range of contractors and clients. Quantum works in a highly complex business objectives in a professional Additionally, our unique differentiators industry; our approach is to get people and efficient manner. Our services include our partnerships with to talk and keep things simple from the are specialist and complex, but our construction delay and disruption start to the finish of our projects. goal is to get people talking, to listen technology specialists, Construction to individual perspectives on an Dynamics and our in-house energy Looking ahead, what is your future issue and avoid or resolve disputes division, Quantum Energy. strategy for Abu Dhabi? amicably. With Quantum looking at the issues Led by Dr Keith Daly a renowned We feel privileged to be part of the Abu from all angles – what do you specialist in the energy industry, the Dhabi construction and energy sector consider to be your competitive team at Quantum Energy has global and are fully committed to our future in experience and now has a local the region. Our focus is on supporting presence with the new office in Abu our clients with local knowledge and Dhabi, to support our friends and global expertise, keeping it simple and first and foremost getting people to Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 talk. CAPITAL LETTER 11
SPECIAL FEATURES The Consequences of ‘Not in My Back Yard’ By Cris Partridge A vessel’s Master is required to always large amounts of heat. act to preserve his vessel and crew The Master requested permission from On 10th May 2021, the three-month-old, whilst protecting and preserving the 37,000 DWT container ship ‘X-Press environment. Hamad port authorities for assistance Pearl’ loaded containers in Jebel Ali. with, or to discharge the leaking The vessel then called at Hamad Port Spain, Portugal and France all refused container. Authorities refused and the in Qatar and Hazira in India. The vessel entry and the Spanish authorities vessel had no choice but to keep the arrived off Columbo, Sri Lanka on 19th ordered the vessel be towed out to container onboard as it headed to India. May and anchored 9.5 nm NW of the sea away from the coast. This was a Again, a similar request was made to port awaiting a berth. decision that has since been described Hazira Port by the Master and refused as a criminal act and is primarily the so the container remained on the vessel By 4th June, the vessel had been reason why such a large area was as it headed to Sri Lanka. declared a Constructive Total Loss polluted. The escaped oil polluted more (CTL) and was sitting on the seabed than a thousand beaches across those On 20th May, whilst at anchor, the having been completely gutted by fire. same countries that had refused the ship vessel reported smoke coming from the The entire cargo of 1,486 containers and refuge. forward cargo. A day later a fire was well their contents were also lost. established in the deck cargo. Despite After the ‘Prestige’ and subsequent firefighting by the crew, specialised The incident has raised many incidents there was much discussion fire teams and firefighting tugs, the questions that will be the subject of about Ports of Refuge and how States blaze grew in intensity and significant detailed investigations. In this article we responded to potential major marine explosions occurred on 22nd and 25th briefly look at whether the loss could pollution incidents. May. Due to the unsafe condition of the have been prevented and the long-term vessel, the vessel was abandoned on environmental effects of the loss. The containers on the ‘X-Press Pearl’ 25th May. contained consignments of hazardous To understand whether the incident chemicals including 25mt of nitric acid, An attempt by salvors to tow the could have been avoided by timely and ethanol, lead ingots, dust urea, frilled vessel out to deeper water failed and appropriate intervention, we first need urea, high and low-density polyethylene on 2nd June the vessel’s stern settled to look back to November 2002 and the (46 containers), epoxy resins (349 on to the seabed followed by the slow ‘Prestige’ incident. containers), sodium methoxide, caustic settlement of the forward end. The soda (42 containers), aluminium vessel was completely gutted by the When the Master of ‘Prestige’, a processing by-products, raw materials fire and is sitting upright in 21m of water tanker laden with a cargo of more than for cosmetics, food items and general with the topsides visible above the 60,000 mt of HFO, became aware that cargo. The ship also had 278 mts of surface. his vessel was structurally failing during bunker oil and 50 mt of MGO in her adverse weather off the Atlantic coast bunker tanks. Fires on container vessels are not of mainland Europe, he requested an uncommon occurrence. Marine permission to take the vessel into a Port After leaving Jebel Ali and prior to insurer GARD estimates that there are of Refuge to save the vessel and contain arrival in Qatar, the crew noted that fires on container vessels about every the leakage of cargo thus minimising one of the containers of Nitric Acid was two weeks. They outlined three main the potential geographical extent of the leaking. One of the hazards of Nitric reasons for the fires seen historically. pollution. Acid is that it reacts with water releasing Ranked second is chemicals incorrectly 12 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
SPECIAL FEATURES packaged and/or declared. It is removed after the end of the current SW environment. Billions are being washed estimated that the contents of around monsoon season. onto the local coastline between Galle 150,000 containers are mis-declared by and Kalpitiya, but many more will travel shippers each year. All these however, will pale into on ocean currents across a much wider insignificance when the potential geographical region. The pollution In a major incident in 2018, the Ultra claims for environmental damage and caused will be long-lasting. Each nurdel Large Container Ship (ULSC) ‘Maersk compensation are assessed. This figure takes 500 to 1,000 years to decompose. Honam’ caught fire in the Indian Ocean. will likely run to several hundreds of Sadly, five crew lost their lives trying millions. The Sri Lankan government These nurdels along with the cocktail to fight the fire. The fire resulted in the has already issued an initial claim for of an estimated 49 different chemicals total loss of a significant portion of the US$40 million in respect of the first 10 on board the ‘X-Press Pearl’ that leaked into the seas off Columbo are having vessel and its cargo resulting in claims days of the incident. a significant effect on marine life. The running into many hundreds of millions As a result of the reported refusal Sri Lankan authorities have already of dollars. This fire likely originated reported that more than 50 sea turtles in a consignment of mis-declared by two ports to provide assistance and six dolphins have been found cargo. The vessel was towed to Dubai to ‘X-Press Pearl’, a third country (Sri dead on the local coastline since the Dry-Docks for salvage works to be Lanka) is paying a high price in terms accident. Dead fish are being found completed with the forward third of of environmental, social and economic with nurdels blocking their gills. These vessel being dismantled and recycled costs. By June 7th, cargo residues nurdels will be further ingested and within the UAE. and debris had affected some 150km accumulate within those mammals of Sri Lanka’s shoreline. The local feeding on contaminated fish and On 7th July, 2021, a small feeder fishing fleets along that coastline have eventually lead to their demise. container ship suffered a fire at the been banned from operating, causing forward end at Jebel Ali port. From economic hardships to low-income It can be concluded that the the initial footage showing twisted communities reliant on the income from probability is, had those authorities containers and debris strewn across fishing. which had been requested to provide the quayside, there would appear to assistance done so, this environmental have been an explosion of significant 78 mt of containerised nurdles (small disaster could have been avoided. force likely originating in the cargo. plastic pellets) have entered the marine States are not only responsible Investigations remain ongoing. under the precautionary principle in international environmental law but also The value of the cargo lost on morally responsible. They ought to have ’X-Press Pearl’ is estimated to be worth taken appropriate measures in helping between US$30 and US$50 million. as requested to mitigate the risk of Additionally, insurers will be facing environmental pollution. pay-outs in respect of the value of the ship, potential crew claims and the Has anything really changed since wreck removal. The wreck will likely be the ‘Prestige’? Despite international agreements and conventions, rather Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 than viewing these incidents in the context of the global consequences they may have if left unresolved it is apparent that NIMBY (not in my back yard) mentality still influences the thinking of authorities. Cris Partridge is MD of Myrcator Marine and Cargo Solutions FZE and BBG Abu Dhabi Committee Member. CAPITAL LETTER 13
SPECIAL FEATURES Emerging Technology Risks The digital technologies and systems computer network exploitation activities. inadvertently impact them – increasingly created today are introducing both far- Organisations and defenders who by affecting the cyber-physical safety of reaching opportunities and challenges understand how local, regional and global operations – in each geography. alike for security professionals and developments drive such computer business leaders. network operations will be better placed From cyber-enabled power outages in to detect, respond to and mitigate against India, to attacks against maritime, financial Disruptive technologies, geopolitical such disinformation campaigns in higher- and transport and logistics targets in the competition and increasingly demanding risk locations. Middle East, and to probing of critical regulatory requirements are impacting the infrastructure in Europe and the US, the cyber and physical threat landscapes. Emerging technologies will also enable past 12 months have offered a glimpse This therefore makes it more and more devices, networks and services to become into states’ increasing willingness to crucial to adopt a holistic view of how the hyperconnected and interdependent, leverage cyber capabilities to disrupt intertwined global digital ecosystem of and to operate on sophisticated shared and sabotage their rivals. Businesses tomorrow may impact your organisation infrastructures. This can therefore make will have to consider the likelihood and and its security. Fine tuning risk it more difficult to identify threats across impact of how relations between states management strategies to navigate these entangled supply chains. Equally, are driving these disruptive and potentially shifting tides in the global digital threat landscape is essential. Czech authorities investigate coordinated Cyber warfare attempted attacks against hospitals, skirmishes Digital nationalism, global interdependence and digital conflict government and commercial aviation systems. between Iran raise systemic cyber threats. Ubiquitous German and French intelligence and Israel enable connectivity through 5G and satellite agencies report on state-linked communications, as well as increased sabotage and productivity and scale through artificial operations targeting industrial disruption. intelligence (AI), quantum computing and control systems in critical national cloud infrastructure, present significant opportunities for businesses. However, infrastructure networks. the growing complexity, pace and scale of global interconnectivity and Large-scale SolarWinds cascading cyber threats when operating in the architecture on which it relies will software supply chain geopolitical hotspots. A high-impact cyber- present organisations with increasing attack affects US attack that disrupted much of the US East systemic digital threats, some of which are Coast’s fuel supply in early May – though challenging to mitigate. government and critical linked to Russia-based cybercriminals infrastructure providers. – reinforces these concerns, even for Such transformative technologies seemingly more secure locations. increasingly present macro-level threats the impact of an attack against one that are agnostic of end-users and component of such complex supply Transformative technologies organisations. Organisations across chains will be increasingly severe. As enable new attacks sectors will therefore have to develop a such, this interconnectedness means all strategic understanding of the specific risk companies will have to amend their risk Interconnectivity, the emergence of first- profiles of each of these technologies in mitigation strategies. Such strategies generation AI-enabled offensive tools the jurisdictions in which they operate. should focus on understanding how and and the significant disruptive effect that to what extent critical suppliers that are quantum computing will have on existing Competition among states for involved in national-level infrastructure, cryptographic infrastructures presage technological supremacy and the global as well as other key service providers, a powerful evolution in the attacker’s rise of digital nationalism is putting global may have access to or oversight of the toolkit of the future. For example, threat companies in the crossfire. Businesses company’s networks, data and systems. actors may leverage AI-powered tools to will have to increasingly weigh macro- They should also seek to assess whether automate malware, analyse all possible level political and national security this may subsequently expose the attack vectors against a target, select the considerations when engaging in a company to disruptive sanctions, software best option, execute successfully and jurisdiction or with a specific supply chain or hardware bans by other states. adapt to avoid being detected on the partner about which their host government targeted network. has a negative view. Kaspersky, Huawei, Disruptive and destructive cyber- TikTok, WeChat, Facebook and Google attacks in 2020 and 2021 target are just the most prominent examples of critical sectors worldwide how the global technological ecosystem is fragmenting, but this technological Conflict and competition between states decoupling will affect a growing number of increasingly plays out in cyberspace. organisations across sectors. Companies must therefore also examine how their connectivity is exposing them to Systemic threats also emerge from systemic cyber threats to critical national social media networks. State actors use infrastructure and how these threats can such platforms to disseminate complex disinformation campaigns to target adversary states and, increasingly, companies associated with their adversaries. The most significant disinformation operations remain closely linked to states’ intelligence services as well as broader espionage and 14 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
SPECIAL FEATURES The good news is that many of these Don’t know 5% technologies also offer real opportunities for defenders to enhance the speed, The COVID-19 pandemic has not 22% precision and impact of operational accelerated/ altered cloud plans defence, and support organisational resilience. Security professionals will need Focusing on new or different 26% to enhance their situational awareness use cases for cloud 31% today, boost their understanding of technologies and work closely with Increasing investment in new 53% business leaders to carefully consider how cloud applications, services and/or to mitigate these emerging threats in the face of increasingly complex technology infrastructure environments. Accelerating adoption/ implementation of already planned cloud applications, Unlike when confronted with the cyber effects of geopolitical competition, security services and/ or infrastructure teams retain significant control over the implementation of software and hardware Source: Harvard Business Review Analytic Services Survey, September 2020 on the enterprise IT estate. Businesses threat actors in the near future. In 2020, Sustainable defences and holistic Postponed Tokyo 2020 Summer nation-state and criminal attackers homed risk management remain key Olympic and Paralympic Games brace in on poorly secured and implemented to navigating the new digital cloud services to steal, corrupt, modify landscape for potential disruptive operation or destroy data and files, to carry out distributed denial of service (DDoS) Emerging AI and machine learning- Cyber attacks attacks or to hijack accounts for further enabled defences, as well as powerful target Indian network compromise. As more data threat intelligence and information- electricity and migrates to the cloud, attackers will sharing frameworks, can help network utility providers follow. Cloud computing will also play a defenders to automate security policies, and are linked to substantial role in the successful formation detect threats and support mitigation a power outage in of Industry 4.0, in which modern networked more broadly. Technology will be Mumbai. control systems will enable new ways of a crucial catalyst in responding to industrial production, value creation and emerging technology threats. However, today are migrating from on-premises IT real-time optimisation. it must be complemented by business infrastructure to cloud-based technologies leaders’ commitment to adopting a and shared service providers, automating The internet-connected cyber-physical holistic risk management approach, and connecting manufacturing lines making strategic decisions when through the industrial internet of things systems that form the basis of Industry developing transformation roadmaps, (IIoT), and adopting next-generation digital managing IT and suppliers through identity systems. The effects of COVID-19 4.0 will become a key focus of criminal governance and controls, and investing are further driving the implementation of in skills and the broader organisational these technologies and have highlighted actors who will seek to disrupt operational security culture. the urgency of adopting cloud solutions as IT enterprises and infrastructure now need processes to extort significant ransoms. It is now also commonly accepted that to adapt to business requirements, remain it is no longer a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ resilient in the face of business disruptions For some time now, state actors have an organisation will suffer a cyber-attack. and be effectively scalable for the future. This means businesses will have to sought to identify and target systems that ensure that operations are safeguarded The pandemic is driving faster and even when a breach occurs. greater implementation of cloud facilitate automation and data exchange Organisations with a holistic resilience technologies strategy and business continuity plan in critical manufacturing technologies will be able to maintain or rapidly resume Organisations must remain aware that business functions in the event of a major these technologies are already and will for disruptive effects during political disruptive event, whether this disruption likely be even more heavily targeted by directly stems from a cyber-attack or crises and at times of heightened military physical disruption linked to it. Regularly testing such plans and ensuring tensions. High-value digital identity they evolve alongside technologies, business needs and risks are critical systems, including those that store and to guaranteeing your organisation is prepared in the event of a crisis. process personal information and facilitate The emerging digital ecosystem will transactions across services in the global no longer represent just a security or technology challenge, it is an existential market, will likely also become a key focus risk and opportunity for all. Companies that treat it as such will be better of insider, criminal and state-linked threat equipped to successfully navigate the complexities of the evolving threat actors seeking to take over accounts, landscape. This approach will prove the most effective and sustainable in subvert transactions and harvest sensitive building secure, compliant and resilient businesses in the information age. data. The emergence of quantum computing marks a key moment in the evolution of computational performance. It will highly likely equip governments and companies across all sectors with new capabilities to process big data, supporting developments that will benefit scientific and medical research and create new opportunities for financial modelling. However, it will almost certainly also present significant cyber security challenges, create new attack vectors and enable capable threat actors to break current encryption protocols to gain access to organisations’ most sensitive data for financial and strategic gain. Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 15
SPECIAL FEATURES Expo 2020 Dubai The world’s greatest show, happening for people to participate in person or reflecting on the cultural diversity over six months, is just around the virtually. We will activate, physically and history of the UK, and the world, corner and the UK at Expo team and virtually, on the UK Pavilion through a melting pot of musical genres is working hard to pull together a and across the Expo site with a and sounds. The music will represent programme showcasing the best of the series of performances, exhibitions, the fact we are all part of one global UK. conversations and experiences community, not just our own country. that showcase the UK’s innovation, A range of unique sounds, of voices With fewer than 100 days to go creativity and culture, the heartbeat of or instruments, have been submitted until Expo 2020 Dubai opens on 1st our history and society. If you plan to as part of our open call mixed with October, the UK Pavilion is becoming join virtually, we advise you to sign up synthetic sounds and bespoke sections more prominent physically on site and to our newsletter for key updates. of music from other sources. digitally as we develop our virtual offer for visitors. The UK Pavilion can be Our cultural offer will be expansive, This piece of music will be a single found at the heart of the Opportunity encompassing content attractive to the voice of earth. District, very close to the new metro broadest possible audience, engaging where most visitors will enter the Expo adults and children, business and Visitors can donate a word to a site. leisure visitors alike. As such we will collective message which will be wrap in music, sport, cuisine, film, generated with a poetry-trained The word ‘opportunity’ is from the immersive, performing arts, fashion, art artificial intelligence (AI). Once visitors Latin ob (towards) and portus (a port). and heritage into our experiences. leave the UK Pavilion and look back at A seafaring term – inscribing in the the façade, they will read this collective language of an ancient trading nation, You can find more information on the message, which they have helped to whose seaports are set events at expo on our online calendar. create. to be supplemented with the UK’s first The collective message This is going to be a must see! commercial and soundscape spaceport by Save the date 2021. The collective message and On Thursday 10th February 2022, we Programme soundscape will also be hosting the UK National provides an artistic Day. From science and technology to Throughout the link to the UK films, fashion and food, the UK National six months we will Pavilion’s visitor Day will provide a taste of the very best be showcasing our experience and that the UK has to offer the world and business and cultural the overarching showcase it to the other 190 countries programme, with a range of inspiration for the taking part at Expo 2020. events targeting several sectors Pavilion concept and showcasing the innovation and of Stephen Hawking’s This event will allow recognition creativity the UK is known for, with breakthrough message. of the UK’s contribution to the world a minimum of one major cultural and the exceptional British people, showpiece per month. The narrative of the soundscape places, businesses and innovations composition will embody the UK’s that inspire new thinking and solve Inspired by Stephen Hawking’s theme ‘Innovating for a Shared Future,’ shared problems through international ‘breakthrough message’, the collaboration programme’s breakthrough moments will have industry leaders and If you would like to take part professionals exploring and discussing in the UK’s National Day, you questions, such as: In the future what can register your interest at: we will eat and wear? How we will live, www.events.great.gov.uk/ereg/newreg. advance, create, thrive, travel and learn? php?eventid=200212842 Our Pavilion is nearly complete, These events have been focused but while we are waiting for the around other sector specific events that final stages of construction to are happening in the UAE region at the finish, you can digitally visit same time and have been developed the UK Pavilion by wandering over the last two years with input from through the virtual tour at across government and the private www.ukpavilionvirtualtour.co.uk sector. We will be providing a variety Our virtual tour is just one of ways to join in person or online, including a series of podcasts with example of how we are going to be expert speakers. providing virtual access to many of our activities so people can participate in a There is a range of opportunities variety of ways! Subscribe, follow and find out more on 16 CAPITAL LETTER our website at great.gov.uk/expo2020 Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
SPECIAL FEATURES BRINGING QUALITY, SAFETY & SUSTAINABILITY TO LIFE Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our clients trust FOR MORE INFORMATION us to ensure quality, safety and sustainability in their businesses, across their entire value chain, to protect their brands and to help them gain competitive advantage. +971 2 6131 000 With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices, in more than 100 countries [email protected] our core Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification sustainability solutions help organisations manage, achieve and validate their existing and emerging sustainability intertek.com/sustainability initiatives throughout their entire footprint. Intertek can help you to meaningfully demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and CAPITAL LETTER 17 manage risk and resilience, whilst supporting your ability to operate effectively and act responsibly. Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
SPECIAL FEATURES ADIPEC 2021 By Ryan McPherson as we seek to maintain the UK Supply value to projects and the local supply Chain’s position as a trusted and chain. The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum proven partner in the Gulf region. Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC), Located in the prime position at hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil The UAE alone has 91 project the centre of the exhibition halls, the Company (ADNOC), is the world’s opportunities worth US$159 billion, pavilion is a constant hive of activity. foremost meeting place. Oil, gas, and making ADIPEC a lucrative platform The EIC invites its extensive network energy companies convene to engage for UK companies to showcase their of contacts to the pavilion to develop and identify the opportunities that new technologies and cost efficiencies bi-lateral trade through the following will unlock new value in an evolving to operators and contractors. opportunities: energy landscape. • VIP Pavilion tours with NOCs and The UK Pavilion at ADIPEC is one of ADIPEC 2021 is projected to many ways in which the EIC supports IOCs, in previous years these have attract more than 100,000 energy UK investment in the region and trade included ADNOC, ARAMCO, SABIC, professionals from over 60 countries; between the Middle East and the UK. PDO, Iraqi Ministry of Oil and BP. including senior decision-makers and • Business presentations and one-to- energy industry thought leaders, over The national pavilion provides an one meetings between exhibitors 2,000 exhibiting companies and more unparalleled demonstration of the and EPC contractors such as than 26 national exhibiting pavilions UK’s energy supply chain capabilities. Petrofac, SNC Lavalin, Wood, including the UK National Pavilion. Over 60 companies from across all NPCC, Lamprell, Technip, CCEL, the energy sectors will showcase the Worley and Al Rashed. The Energy Industries Council innovative products and services • An exclusive networking reception (EIC), the leading trade association renowned worldwide for adding real for companies that supply goods ensuring industry influencers and services to the energy industries and buyers from across the worldwide, returns to ADIPEC once GCC can network with the again to host the UK National Pavilion. UK Pavilion exhibitors in an informal setting. Having taken part in ADIPEC for over 20 years now, the EIC and the UK The EIC invites and Pavilion have been part of the event as welcomes you to visit the it has gone from strength to strength, UK National Pavilion in Hall emerging into one of the world’s 8 as we look forward to most important and influential energy getting back to face-to-face events. This year, the event is more business and meeting again vital than ever as we return to face-to- at ADIPEC 2021. face business and focus on shaping the future of the industry. If you are interested in being part of the UK Pavilion, Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 please contact The EIC for pandemic, there are still over 580 more information: energy projects under implementation across the region from 2021-2026 Ryan McPherson is Director, worth over US$907 billion; ensuring Middle East, Africa & CIS, that the Middle East continues to be Energy Industries Council. a key area of focus for our members 18 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
SPECIAL FEATURES Great British People in Business Capital Letter interviews BBG I haven’t worked in since the 1990s they are trying to achieve. Of course, members every issue to help us get – which has been challenging and we do handle all the ‘standard’ to know them. This time we speak to enjoyable in equal measure. registration and licensing issues Richard Lucas, Managing Partner, (onshore and offshore) that all Holman Fenwick Willan, Abu Dhabi. What impact has COVID-19 had businesses encounter, but much more on your business? besides. What is your current role and responsibilities? Remarkably little. From a logistical What has been your best client standpoint our office at Abu Dhabi solution? I am the Managing Partner of the Global Markets was never required Abu Dhabi office of international to close, although we have also Reaching into my past, I still law firm Holman Fenwick Willan. embraced the freedom of working sometimes allow myself to bask As such I have the day-to-day from home. in the memory of advising BAE responsibility for the running of the Systems in 2009 on a deal with the business locally and dealing with We were obviously worried when the UK government (all now firmly on our London HQ. Compliance with all pandemic broke as like all businesses the public record) to restructure, local governmental and regulatory it was impossible to predict what rationalise but secure the future of requirements ultimately falls to me, as might happen, but as it’s turned BAE’s military shipbuilding business it’s my name on the licence. out we’ve recently closed a very in response to the UK government’s successful financial year for the firm desire to preserve the UK’s sovereign We are however a relatively small both in Abu Dhabi and internationally. military shipbuilding capability on a office and I also have much the same more cost-efficient basis than had client and fee earning responsibilities What challenges do you face? previously been the case. The deal as I’ve always had throughout my was both legally and commercially career as a law firm Partner. Of course, all the usual challenges complicated on many levels and there that any business typically faces in was much to gain for both sides – or What brought you to Abu Abu Dhabi apply to us. I would say to lose. Believe me when I say that Dhabi? however that being based in ADGM history hangs heavy when you’re brings certain advantages as the working to secure the future of the The business imperative of expanding powers that be there are a joy to work shipyard which built the warships the defence and infrastructure with. which defeated the Spanish Armada. practice of my previous firm (which was very UK-focused) into the Middle Other than that, I’m lucky to be What makes you a leader? Eastern market. Since moving to surrounded by motivated people who HFW I have continued to work in all want to work hard and succeed. I am always honest with the team. this area but have expanded Delivering feedback can be difficult my practice by taking on Law is very much a people business but quality people don’t shy away company/commercial but managing people who from the truth and always respond work across a range of are all pulling in the same positively. They also know that I will sectors. While there direction is not terribly always have their back. are many similarities difficult. between practising What would be your advice law in the UAE and Can you for a company thinking about the City of London, the describe a entering this market? UAE is a much smaller typical local market and it is simply client in terms Do your research. It’s not the easiest not possible to be over- of their needs place in the world to do business specialised and remain from you? and there is much to consider before successful. Moving to taking the plunge. Many assume that the UAE has forced me to No! These really the streets of Abu Dhabi are paved pick up areas of work that do vary enormously with gold. They are of course wrong. and perhaps reflect But if you get it right you can do good Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 the breadth of the business here. client base and what What do very few people know about you? I’m secretary of the Abu Dhabi Rowing Club (ADRC) and can often be spotted rowing in the waters around the Club, Beach Rotana, Reem Mangroves and Cove Beach. I will be representing ADRC at Henley Royal Regatta next summer in the Masters heavyweight division (that means I’m at least 55 years old and weigh more than 11 and a half stone). For those of you that know me, this will not come as news. CAPITAL LETTER 19
NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Fifty Years of Shifting Sands By Andy Hart influence over the social, economic hear from you and to learn of your and political life of the UAE. experiences from those early days Whenever I have spoken to people and to gather your unique voice in the UK about Abu Dhabi, the The programme will embrace a on the past trials and tribulations, conversation has always quickly three-year research project but also amusing incidents, strange moments, become deeply personal and tinged, will provide some exciting educational celebrations, achievements and so on. more often than not, with happy initiatives with civic education courses If you’d like to have a chat and share emotion too. I haven’t found anyone in the UAE, as well as residential and something for the project, please who didn’t have a ‘wonderful’ time, exchange programmes through our drop an email to Andy Hart at info@ who didn’t have ‘some amazing’ parent company, the Oxford Cyber oxfordcyberacademy.com. memories; do you remember the souk, Academy. We also have something the commissariat, the Hilton being built called the ‘Sands of Time’ project. Together with the invaluable help at the end of the Corniche, the five- This will bring together the written, and support from NYU Abu Dhabi, Dirham temporary membership to The spoken and visual memories from BBG, AmCham and the UAE-UK Beach Club? And so it would go on. the Abu Dhabi community and host Business Council, we are working them on a dedicated and interactive hard to bring this historical conference Of course, that was my era when website, sharing the fascinating stories and its associated projects to fruition. everyone’s dad worked for ADPC, of how this capital city has grown We are creating real opportunities too ADMA, ADNOC, Bristow’s…it was, from the humblest of origins to be the for the next generation as we emerge after all, the ’70s, the time of VC10s outstanding city it is today. from one of the most extraordinary and ex pat life being like a free pass to global disasters any of us have the jet set and when ‘air-conditioned You can learn more about the seen. But for me, it is a particularly cars’ were a luxurious novelty. I was UAE50 Programme and its ambitions meaningful return to where I enjoyed a young teenager who adored the here: www.oxcomoc/uae50 and learn so many happy memories. Middle East. I had already been to too of our ‘Sands of Time’ project and school for five years in Dukhan, Qatar how you can make a contribution to Andy Hart, Joint Managing Director at and now I was back, this time in Abu the historical archiving and celebration Dhabi. And this time was special, my of the past 50 years. We’d love to Oxford Cyber Academy. dad was working his way up to be Field Manager for ADPC and I was spending Easters and Christmases discovering new friends, good friends and ones I would never forget. Now, for the first time since I left in 1974, I am ‘back’ in Abu Dhabi. Not literally, you understand, but as part of an academic and educational initiative called UAE50 run by The Oxford Commission on Constitutions. UAE50 is a programme that has a conference as its core event, to be held at NYU Abu Dhabi in November this year. A conference to celebrate the 50 years of the UAE Constitution, reviewing the past, the present and the future of the Constitution and its far-reaching 20 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES AI and the Renewable Energy Industry By Lee Bailey can then predict capacity levels and By 2025, 81% of the energy companies downtime periods, and act accordingly. will have adopted artificial intelligence, The importance of renewable energies This, in turn, plays a role in developing reaping the numerous benefits of to our future is becoming ever clearer, battery storage and helps to maintain accelerated developments in this field as governments around the world set stable energy grids. and fast tracking the clean energy new targets and rules to limit carbon transition.” emissions. As companies seek to make Artificial Intelligence also has a part to their networks and processes more play when it comes to maintenance. It can Increased adoption means there efficient, many are turning towards almost instantly detect disturbances and will be a need for manpower and Artificial Intelligence (AI). system malfunctions, identify what kind of expertise to build all the systems and issues arose, as well as predict what kind infrastructures necessary to bring AI into But what are the benefits, opportunities of issues might arise in the future. the Renewables world. and challenges created by integrating AI into the Renewable Sector? Although it’s clear how much AI can NES Fircroft has been supporting benefit the Renewable Energy industry, the Energy Industry for over 50 years. As renewable energy sources become AI and its applications to the Renewable We work in partnership with our clients a larger part of our energy mix, predicting Energy industry is still a topic being offering a wealth of knowledge, a global capacity levels is vital to ensure efficient explored – many decision-makers don’t network of talent and local market and stable grids. Currently, traditional yet have enough data and practical expertise that can deliver complete power sources ensure grid stability and understanding to integrate AI with existing Renewables workforce solutions. without them more power cuts could be technologies. This, coupled with the high experienced. costs of an integration, has meant wide- We work on some of the most exciting ranging AI adoption has been slow. Renewable Energy projects globally, However, introducing AI can help meaning we have plenty of Renewables mitigate the risks and allow us to include However, these challenges also job opportunities for engineers looking to more sustainable power sources into the present opportunities, in its AI Insights: enhance their energy careers. If you’re energy mix. The real-time data collected The Power Sector in a Post-Digital looking for your next role, browse our by sensor technologies, as well as Age report, Eurelectric has stated: “AI vacancies: www.nesfircroft.com/jobs/ datasets of historical weather information offers enormous potential for the energy renewable-energy. can all be interpreted by AI, which industry and is a fundamental building Lee Bailey, Director of Sales – Middle block of the clean energy transition … East at NES Fircroft. From Data to Travel Freedom By Nick Careen smarter with calibrated travel policies by IATA found that about two thirds of that address the risks, enable travel and people felt that their quality of life was COVID-19 has devastated global protect people. Everybody can respect a suffering because of COVID-19 travel connectivity. A year and a half into the data-driven decision, that is the way back restrictions. crisis, international demand is still only to normality. 15% of pre-crisis levels. People still want How do we get the ball rolling and to travel. We see strengthening demand This is no different to how we mange reconnect the world? An important in domestic markets. And any alleviation every other societal risk, of which part of the solution is a more intense in travel restrictions on international routes there are many – from visiting licensed and transparent dialogue between results in an immediate spike in bookings. establishments to how we drive. We governments and the airline industry to don’t ban these activities. We have some move from models to policy and ultimately Unfortunately, those alleviations are few common-sense rules and the information facilitate international travel. And we must and far between. And that won’t change needed to make sensible decisions about act quickly. until governments have the confidence how to manage these risks. The post- that opening borders will not overwhelm pandemic future means doing the same The cost of inaction comes with their health care system. Increasingly for COVID-19, so we can all get on with enormous economic and social it is becoming clear that COVID-19 is our lives. consequences – some US$273 billion in endemic. It’s not going to disappear. So, cross border trade and millions of jobs. we need to find a way to manage its risks We believe that borders should be Sometimes these kinds of figures are so and get on with normal lives, that include open without restriction to all those who large they can numb us. But behind these travel. are fully vaccinated. We also believe that numbers are real human costs. Families we cannot restrict travel to only those have been separated. Funerals have The answer is data. We know enough who are able to be vaccinated. For these been missed. Grandparents unable to about the virus – and its variants – people the modelling shows that there meet new-born grandchildren. through data to be able to manage its are plenty of testing alternatives that can risks. Modelling by Boeing and Airbus be as effective as quarantine – in some Data can and should drive policies using real-world data demonstrates cases even more effective. on restarting global travel that manage that we can estimate the impact of COVID-19 risks to protect populations, imported cases of COVID-19 when We know that governments are revive livelihoods and boost economies. borders are opened. There is no one- naturally risk averse. But the goal of There’s ample data for governments to size-fits-all solution, but the modelling zero-COVID is likely unattainable, and safely return our freedom to travel. does demonstrate that we can be much the economic and social cost of border closures and travel restrictions is quickly Nick Careen is Senior Vice President Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 becoming unbearable. A recent survey Operations, Safety and Security, IATA. CAPITAL LETTER 21
NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES The British Chambers of Commerce a shared UK trade and investment businesses to succeed, and this crisis (BCC’s) 2021 Global Annual Conference strategy.” has allowed our Chambers to do what was held virtually on 16th and 17th June they do best. and was one of the main events in the Following Monday’s news of the delay business calendar. The Conference on full reopening for England, Haviland “Firstly, our 53 Chambers across the was attended by high-profile politicians, also warned against government United Kingdom have incredible local inspirational business leaders and the removing support for businesses too knowledge and networks, and they wider Chamber Network, including early and of the risks of an uneven international representation from the recovery. Global Business Network. “Despite the challenges firms have Both days featured an impressive faced – the rising burden of debt and roster of senior political figures, leader- depleted cashflow – there are signs that to-leader ‘in conversation’ sessions, firms are beginning to feel more positive panels, interactive workshops and about the future,” she said. essential keynotes, exploring how we can restore confidence and build a “While it may be slow, they can see more resilient sustainable future that a route back to full operation, where supports businesses to recover, grow, they can start to invest and power invest and thrive. the economic recovery. That’s why today I am setting out the BCC’s recommendations to rapidly rebuild the Global Annual Conference, 2021 Speaker highlights from the two-day programme included: The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, President for COP 26. Ben Francis, Founder of Gymshark. The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Shadow Business and Energy Secretary, Labour MP for Doncaster North HRH. The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO, Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Lisa Witter, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Apolitical. The new Director General of the economy, to not just take this country have provided unparalleled support to British Chambers of Commerce, back to where we started, but to go businesses in their places, to help carry Shevaun Haviland, set out the action beyond that to a better, greener, more them through the crisis. needed to help firms and communities productive future. rebuild. In her first speech at the BCC’s “Secondly, by working together Global Annual Conference, she said “We know the financial support put through the British Chambers of that key steps were needed to boost UK in place during the darkest hours of Commerce we have been able to help trade, unlock the blockages in the skills the pandemic cannot, and should shape the policies that have kept us all training system and build a greener not, last forever. But we must ensure in business. and more sustainable economy that this scaffolding is not taken away too achieves the aim of net zero by 2050. early. With many firms struggling with “And lastly our growing network of the damage done to their cashflow and 73 International Chambers around the Putting trade and export at the heart revenue by COVID, the risk of a marked world, puts us in a unique position of of her future vision for the country, she rise in insolvencies and redundancies strength to grasp global opportunities said: “Imagine what a difference it as government support winds down as we open up again.” would make to our economy if we could remains high. increase the number of businesses The new Director General’s speech that export from 10% to 20%? We know “And the recovery will be dramatically was a highlight of day two of the BCC’s from our survey data that internationally uneven across different sectors, Global Annual Conference, which also active firms are more likely to be locations and demographics. So just featured speeches from HRH The Earl innovating and introducing new as the Government supported firms to of Wessex and discussions with the products, services and processes than survive through the crisis, they must Right Honourable Ed Miliband MP and those not working globally. also act now to enable them to thrive in Lisa Witter, Executive Chair of Apolitical. the recovery.” “If we are going to truly succeed Attended by hundreds of delegates in our new trading conditions, the Haviland also paid tribute to the from a vast range of different sectors, government and business must work role that accredited Chambers of the British Chambers of Commerce together shoulder to shoulder. The Commerce have made to keeping Global Annual Conference continues Government must bring together all businesses afloat throughout the to be a flagship event on the business organisations working in this area, pandemic. events calendar – a must-attend event both public and private sector, behind for business leaders, corporate affairs “As Chambers of Commerce, our and public policy professionals. business is all about helping other Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 22 CAPITAL LETTER
NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Mediclinic Extension Open The new extension at Mediclinic those who require ventilator all precautionary measures. The Airport Road Hospital is now open support, intensive monitoring, who pharmacy offers comfortable seating for a more refined healthcare present with uncontrolled seizures, for patients with waiting areas for experience. The extension has breathing difficulties, sepsis, both men and women. Services are doubled the physical size of the surgical cases, heart conditions, provided round the clock and are hospital and hosts a number of diabetic complications and delivered by experienced pharmacists. services including paediatrics and worsening kidney function amongst Pharmacy home delivery services paediatric sub specialities, obstetrics many other critical care illnesses. are also available for patients’ utmost and gynaecology, dermatology, convenience. cosmetology, oncology and A Comprehensive Cancer Centre, haematology. It also includes maternity similar to the one at Mediclinic City For appointments and more information and paediatric wards as well as Hospital in Dubai, is also scheduled please visit www.mediclinic.ae. luxurious VIP suites. to open soon. The new centre will offer radiotherapy, nuclear medicine in A Paediatric Intensive Care Unit addition to the existing chemotherapy (PICU) has also been recently opened services. at the extension, a state-of-the-art specialised unit that provides care In addition, Mediclinic Airport Road to critically ill infants, children and Hospital is now welcoming patients adolescents. It is a 24-hour service at its brand-new spacious pharmacy that operates 365 days a year. that has been purpose built to enhance their experience. Spanning The PICU stabilises and cares for over 1,000 square metres, the new children with a wide variety of medical pharmacy can safely accommodate and surgical problems including 100 patients taking into consideration Al Emarat United Al Suwaidi Foundation and Finance. and translating its humanitarian and UNHCR signed a memorandum of In conjunction with this agreement development commitments regionally understanding and held a special and internationally and we hope panel discussion on the World and under the auspices of the Al through this session, we have helped Refugee Day. Suwaidi Foundation and the Abu Dhabi shed light on the most important issues Arts Society (ADAS) – in cooperation and challenges facing refugees, and The Al Suwaidi Foundation and with UNHCR – a panel discussion was highlighted their rights and the factors its companies have signed a held on World Refugee Day (June 20th) that affect them, thus enhancing global memorandum of understanding that focused on the most important peace and coexistence.” with UNHCR, The UN Refugee themes affecting refugees including Agency, aimed at strengthening the education, health and sports. Houssam “With growing numbers of relationship between both parties Chahine from the UNHCR, Amr Badawi displacement around the world, global and maximising policy, strategy and from the Special Olympics UAE, and solidarity is needed to address the sustainable solution efforts adopted Jaafar Ibrahim, a sport’s expert and increasing needs of those forcefully towards charitable, humanitarian and former international player participated displaced,” said Houssam Chahine, societal work to support refugees and in the panel, which was moderated by UNHCR’s Chief of Private Sector displaced persons. The memorandum Samia Badr, Strategic Partnerships Partnerships in MENA. Adding: “We was signed by Dr. Hamed Bin Manager at Al Suwaidi Foundation. look forward to this partnership with the Mohamed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Founder Al Suwaidi Foundation and others from and President of the Al Suwaidi Dr. Hamed Bin Mohamed Khalifa the UAE’s private and public sectors, Foundation, and Mr. Khalid Khalifa, Al Suwaidi welcomed the joint in working together towards finding UNHCR’s Representative to the Gulf humanitarian cooperation as a step sustainable solutions for the challenges Cooperation Council and advisor to to support common endeavours facing refugees worldwide.” the High Commissioner for Islamic and interests, and added: “The UAE spares no effort in providing support Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 23
NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Busy Programme Ahead for UAE-UK Business Council By Bradley Jones a company from Edinburgh that has tackling and reduce food waste. This developed a diabetes electronic will take place on July 28th. The last few months have been health record and analytics solution, exceptionally busy for the Business and which has recently established The main focus for the Industry and Council. We have managed to visit an office in Dubai, and Okadoc, a Infrastructure Working Group will be the UAE twice in the last three months UAE-based platform for booking the Global Manufacturing and Industry and have had face-to-face meetings medical appointments that is proving Summit, taking place at Dubai Expo with most of our existing members, as increasingly popular with patients, in November. We will be hosting the well as the new members who have doctors and insurers alike. Our session UK-UAE Day at the event on November recently joined. These meetings have on Mental Health featured practitioners 25th, and our two themes for this Day been very helpful in terms of identifying from both the UAE and UK and will be Advanced Manufacturing and how we can improve our support focussed on the challenges of moving the Decarbonisation of Construction to members and align the Business more provision of mental health care and Infrastructure. The Working Group Council’s activities more closely to their from the hospital to the community, has created two sub-Groups that will interests and concerns. So please do as well as the importance of early focus on these themes over the months ahead. keep offering us feedback on this. intervention in childhood mental To find out more about all of these wellbeing. activities, please check our website, The highlight of our most recent and subscribe to our newsletter: visit was, without a doubt, being able Our Education Working Group has www.uaeukbc.org/contact to meet BBG Abu Dhabi Member delivered roundtables on Quality companies in person at the BBG Assurance and Vocational Skills The next few months promise to be Breakfast on 15th June. It was great and is now working on developing equally busy, but hopefully with more to have the opportunity to chat to partnerships in the creative and face-to-face meetings and fewer Zoom Members and understand their performing arts and in cultural skills. calls! We are currently supporting the concerns and interests. I was really The Energy Working Group will be UAE Embassy in London on planning struck by the resilience that they had focussed on the countdown to COP26 several events in the UK in September shown during such a difficult year, and the role that hydrogen and other and October, and we will be at Dubai and the optimism about post-COVID future energy solutions will play in the Expo in late October as well as the Abu business opportunities in the UAE in energy transition. Dhabi Fintech Festival and the Sharjah the future. Entrepreneurship Festival in November. The Innovation Working Group is Our Working Groups have now planning a campaign of UAE-UK Finally, 2021 is our 10th Anniversary established sub-groups tasked with engagement on tech ecosystems and Year, so at some point later this year delivering specific objectives up to is also developing a strategy to make we will take stock of what we have the end of March 2022, when we will access to finance easier for fintech achieved so far and begin to look at take stock of progress. The Healthcare start-ups in both countries. The Group where the next decade might take us Working Group has held two virtual is currently putting together a selection in terms of the UAE-UK relationship – round tables to coincide with Arab of UAE and UK case studies on the we have an exciting new publication Health in June. The Digital Healthcare commercial use of AI, which we hope coming out in October that will focus on session focussed on what a post- to publish shortly. They will also be these future opportunities. More details COVID healthcare environment would hosting our first event as part of a new on that in my next update. look like and the increasing importance agritech campaign – bringing together of digital innovators such as MyWay, experts from both countries to discuss Bradley Jones is Executive Director at UAE-UK Business Council. 24 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Aspen Heights British School By Emma Shanahan reassuring, and that can facilitate ease practice, the majority of our staff are of transition when returning to a UK- UK trained and experienced. We Aspen Heights British School is based school. encourage all staff to undertake UK- an aspirational British International accredited continuous professional school here in Abu Dhabi. As such, There were many wonderful aspects development qualifications – in recent it is important to us as a school, and in the report to celebrate, which is years we have had five senior leaders to families who choose our school, particularly heartening after such a achieve NPQH and NPQSL (National that we align with best practices challenging year. Aspen Heights was Professional Qualification for Headship/ expected and promoted in UK rated excellent and outstanding in most Senior Leadership). The content of schools. areas. The outstanding curriculum was these masters-level programmes deemed to be courageous, supporting is developed for the Department of The Abu Dhabi Education a high level of interest and challenge Education and delivered online through Council has a rigorous inspection for the pupils. The high-quality a variety of accredited providers. programme, with the Irtiqaa premises support excellent learning, Keeping up to date with current best framework being closely aligned and inspectors noted the exemplary practice in the UK is key to our work at with UK Ofsted criteria, but in behaviour of students, supported by Aspen Heights. addition we recently embarked on outstanding relationships between an accreditation inspection to attain staff, pupils and parents. Aspen Next academic year we are ‘British Schools Overseas’ status. Heights commits to personalising supporting a number of ‘middle learning for all pupils, and the leaders’ to be in the inaugural cohort BSO inspection is a voluntary inspection team noted the outstanding of the new National Professional scheme for the inspection of British provision for inclusion of pupils of all Qualification for Leading Teaching schools overseas, whereby schools abilities and aptitudes. (NPQLT). This will ensure our staff are inspected against a common team are professionally supported and set of standards that British schools We have achieved this accolade as a challenged, and keep our promise overseas can choose to adopt. By learning community – our cohesive and to families that our teaching is as achieving UK inspection-based hardworking school team, our engaged effective, relevant, fun and engaging approval, Aspen Heights British and supportive families and our happy as possible. School has been able to demonstrate and inquisitive pupils. We are proud that we provide a British education and reflective, but are looking forward The British School Overseas that has similar characteristics to to another exciting year, aspiring to inspectors commended Aspen Heights an education in an independent excellence every day. for our ‘ambitious and open-minded school in the UK. This is helpful to approach to continuous improvement,’ British families looking for a school In addition to our positive BSO so we look forward to sharing further environment that is familiar and inspection demonstrating our exciting developments in the months to alignment to UK schools’ best- come. Emma Shanahan is Principal, Aspen Heights British School. Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 25
NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Keeping Employees Safe in the UAE Summer Heat By Caroline Savage body temperature is not immediately control measures to protect those lowered, and the body is not hydrated, employees: The UAE has extremely hot and this can lead to serious, critical or fatal • Have an effective safety in heat plan humid summers. Prolonged or intense heat related illness. These illnesses can exposure to this heat can lead to serious include heat rash, heat cramps, heat in place illnesses and possibly death. Heat syncope (fainting or dizziness) heat • Ensure potable drinking water is related illnesses occur when a body exhaustion and heat stroke. cannot get rid of heat as fast as it is available to employees at all times generated. When a body’s temperature Work involving excessive heat • Ensure cooling/ventilated rest areas is raised, the body tries to cool itself by exposure is a serious occupational rushing blood to the surface of the skin health and safety (OHS) hazard. are provided and away from the brain, muscles and Employers should undertake a safety • Ensure employees are acclimatised to other organs. In addition, body fluid and in heat risk assessment to identify heat critical electrolytes will be lost. If the hazards and the employees at risk of hot working environments, in particular heat illness, and introduce risk reduction new employees or those returning from leave Staycation this Summer? • Provide suitable lightweight clothing for employees working in hot With constant uncertainty revolving as the snooker room, badminton and environments around the pandemic and the never- squash courts. Having seen an increase • Provide information, supervision and ending travel restrictions, for many in gym usage, The Club Management training to managers, employees international Members thoughts still team and Main Committee decided for and first-aiders on the safety in heat ponder whether to take the ‘risk’ and the months of July and August Members arrangements in the workplace book a vacation. Some are forced to can avail a two-month gym membership • Provide resources for the find ways around the globe to head for as little as AED 160, which works out implementation of safety in heat home and others have chosen to avoid as approx. AED 2.5 per day! requirements the stress and financial implications of • Provide immediate access to medical travelling, instead, finding comfort at The During July and August, The Club’s attention for employees suspected of Club. recreation team have organised an heat illness abundance of mid-week activities to • Establish a system to monitor and One Member was heard calling keep Juniors entertained. Juniors can report on any heat related incidents their summer vacation in Abu Dhabi, unleash their creativity with arts and and also any observed signs and a ‘club-cation’, by keeping cool in crafts, sandcastles or, for those wanting symptoms of heat related illnesses The Club’s 25m swimming pool, something faster-paced, there are high- • Devise a consistent, effective open water swim lane and a selection energy activities such as dodgeball and communication strategy ensuring that of ice-cold beverages on the two nerf gun tag! the safety-in-heat message is clearly available beaches. For added fun and communicated in a manner and exercise in the refreshing Arabian sea, There are numerous fitness classes language which is understood by all Members can be seen kayaking and available to keep Members minds employees paddleboarding. focused and bodies in shape. Classes • Have an emergency plan in place range from high intensity such as HIIT and ensure that it is communicated With Members working remotely and indoor cycling to more gentle to all employees. The plan should throughout the warmer weather of movements such as yoga and Pilates. cover how to understand the signs the UAE summer, six dedicated work of heat illness, how to call for first aid areas were promoted, this included To keep the artistic juices flowing, assistance, how and when to call for new singular high tables at The Club’s creative workshops are organised for emergency medical services popular café, Zest, as well as setting up Members to relish. Both workshops A company must enforce the desks in the annexe, a quiet space by are hosted by our Members – Fun requirements for a midday break the Main Hall so parents can be close to with Flowers teaches how to create a between 12.30pm and 3.00pm. The their children participating in the Junior beautiful floral bouquet that to be taken requirement began on the 15th June summer activities. The Club has offered home, while Corks & Canvas involves and continues until 2nd September. a 20% discount on food bills across all painting a masterpiece and sipping on a During this time employees are of the 11 dining outlets and Members beverage. prevented from any sort of duty outside can also avail 20% off all mid-week in open areas. This requirement is beauty services, from haircuts and However warm it may be, there is supported and enforced by The Ministry massage to manicures and facials. something for everyone at The Club of Human Resources and Emiratisation this summer. If you’re interested in (MOHRE). In addition to the midday For those wanting to keep fit, but beat experiencing The Club, throughout July break, daily working hours for morning the heat, Members are taking advantage and August an ‘Explore Our Shores’ or evening shifts are not to exceed eight of the indoor fitness and sports facilities monthly membership taster is available. hours. If a worker exceeds eight hours to keep cool and entertained, such within 24 hours the extra time will be Visit www.the-club.com/membership for deemed overtime for which the worker is 26 CAPITAL LETTER to be paid. more information. Any establishment that does not comply with the terms and conditions of the above will be fined AED5,000 per worker, and a maximum of AED50,000 in the case of several workers. Caroline Savage is General Manager, Corporate OHS – Health and Safety Consultancy. Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
EXPLORE aOnUd sRo mSHucOh RmEorSe! Sign up to The Club’s monthly membership taster this July and August to experience our facilities and unique lifestyle. AED 625 per adult* | AED 205 per Junior (4-17)* | AED 75 per Junior (0-3)* All fees are subject to 5% VAT | * Per month the-club.com | @theclubabudhabi | TheClubAbuDhabi | 02 673 1111 | [email protected] All applicants must be sponsored by a current Full Member. Trial membership applications are subject to review and approval. Standard Club Membership allocation process applies. Membership is not guaranteed. This is a one off, one time only Membership. Limited memberships available each month. Blackout periods may apply. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. Available only to residents of Abu Dhabi. Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 27
EVENTS GALLERY The health and safety of our BBG Abu Dhabi Members and guests is always of paramount priority to us. We are grateful to our hospitality partners who helped us plan and execute safe gatherings within the wise guidance and regulations set by the Abu Dhabi authorities. An Evening with BBG at The Shore On 23rd May, BBG Abu Dhabi Members and guests gathered at the stunning outdoor venue The Shore, at The Club. Attendees sat at an appropriate social distance with four seated per table and enjoyed hot and cold bite-sized platters served individually, sipping on ‘sundowners’, overlooking the seafront and the city skyline. The evening was a wonderful return to live engagements as our Group reconnected in person. BBG Members’ Breakfast The BBG Abu Dhabi Members’ Breakfast is always a highlight in our events calendar, and our Members were eager to obtain a seat at our first return to this gathering since early 2020. The format of this engagement provides attendees with an opportunity to individually deliver a two-minute elevator pitch to introduce themselves and promote their business. Of course, the fantastic full English breakfast provided by The Club adds to the fandom of this gathering. 28 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
EVENTS GALLERY BBG Business Breakfast with the UAE-UK Business Council On 15th June, BBG Abu Dhabi hosted a Business Breakfast at the beautiful St. Regis at Nation Towers on the Corniche. We were privileged to welcome our colleagues from the UAE-UK Business Council (UUBC), who were in region having travelled from London (following all necessary protocols before meeting us of course). Whilst a gathering of BBG members and guests enjoyed a plated breakfast, Bradley Jones, Executive Director of the UUBC and Paul Sharkie, Deputy Director, addressed attendees, delivering an update on the value proposition of the restricted UUBC and updates on their various sector working groups. It was a highly informative session on the ongoing engagements and opportunities for business between the UAE and the UK. BBG Summer Social On 6th July, the team from the newly renovated W Lounge at W Hotel Abu Dhabi invited BBG Abu Dhabi to hold our Summer Social at their venue. Members and guests not only enjoyed networking with fellow representatives of the Abu Dhabi British business community, they also devoured the tasty culinary delights provided by the chef as plated tapas and the special summer refreshments served across the evening. The colourful and luxurious décor set the tone for a relaxed gathering and sent us full of fun into the summer season. Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 29
WHY JOIN BBG? Why Join The BBG? The British Business Group in BBG Membership available at a pro rata rate for Abu Dhabi actively promotes provides: the remainder of the calendar business between the UK, Abu year, please contact the BBG Dhabi and the UAE by providing • Opportunities to meet and for information. Applicants need a forum for the British business network with over 300 to complete an application community in Abu Dhabi through members form and submit it to the BBG regular meetings, presentations office along with a copy of their and social events. In particular it • Invitations to all BBG events, passport, visa and a head shot helps UK companies identify new both networking and social, at image. If their application is business opportunities in Abu discounted rates approved the appropriate fee Dhabi and the UAE. The BBG should be paid. Please contact provides an essential bridge • Inclusion on the mailing list the BBG office on 02-4457234 between the business community for important British Embassy for further advice on applications in Abu Dhabi, the Department of announcements and payment method options. International Trade team at the British Embassy and aspiring • Copies of our three-times- Benefits for BBG new entrants to the market, by annual magazine Capital Members providing advice and help to Letter, bringing a round-up British trade missions, business of the biggest British-Abu Members of the British Business groups and visitors to Abu Dhabi. Dhabi business news from the Group Abu Dhabi enjoy a The BBG has a membership of previous months as well as multitude of benefits upon some 300 business people and BBG events, photos, articles, production of their membership is supported by a Committee new members. card at the following participating and an administrative office outlets. Should any member have both of which work to provide • Access to Members Only area any difficulty in obtaining a listed a busy calendar of networking of website, keeping you up to discount, please contact the activities for members and date with BBG events BBG office so we can rectify the visitors. It produces a magazine situation. three times annually about • A personal BBG Membership • British Airways new developments and Card which provides members • The Bayshore business successes, which with various discounts in and • Boston Dental Center is distributed to members around Abu Dhabi (see below • The Club and other stakeholders in the for further details) • Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi growth of the UK’s trade with • Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi the UAE. The magazine is also How to Join • German Veterinary Clinic available on the BBG website at • InterContinental Abu Dhabi www.britishbusiness.org. The Each member joins the BBG • Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi BBG in Abu Dhabi and its individually. There are two • The Muse counterpart in Dubai & the methods of joining the Group: • Peninsula Northern Emirates actively • Posters cooperate in events and • Individual Membership: Joining • Spinneys membership activities, and both Fee: AED 210 and Individual For details of the discounts are now members of the Global Membership Fee (January – available at each of these Business Network, part of the December): AED 945 outlets see www.britishbusiness. British Chambers of Commerce. org/membership-benefits. • Associate: Joining Fee: Terms and conditions apply to all 30 CAPITAL LETTER AED210, Associate Fee members’ benefits. (January – December): AED 945 (in accordance with UAE Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 law VAT has been applied at 5%.) Membership rates are now
WHY JOIN BBG? Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 31
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] GOLD SILVER MYRCAT R Marine & Cargo Solutions BRONZE 32 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2021 Committee Members 2021 Nick Cochrane-Dyet MBE Nancy Power Ross Barfoot Kristina Williams David Good Stewart Highett Group Chairman Deputy Chairman & Group Legal Advisary & Group Treasurer Group Speakers Secretary Group Membership & Events Secretary Sponsorship Secretary Honorary Secretary Cris Partridge Ali Al Janabi Tim Allen Tom Shorrock Tariq Bin Ziad Haddad Lee Bailey Group Secretary to the Office BBG Abu Dhabi Committee Group Communications & Group Education Sector Lead BBG Abu Dhabi Committee Group Technology & Innovation Sector Lead Member Defence Sector Lead Member Khalid Al Qubaisi Joe Hazel David Spearing MBE Dominic Greenaway Graham Outterside Chris Keeling Group Energy Sector Lead Group Healthcare & Honorary Committee Member Group Embassy Representative Group Strategy Sub-Committee Group Financial Services / Lifesciences Lead Lead Fintech Sector Lead Your commitments are our Priority MYRCAT R www.myrcatormcs.com [email protected] Marine & Cargo Solutions [email protected] Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 tel. +971 50 997 1957 CAPITAL LETTER 33
NEW MEMBERS Kasper Castricum Company: Arabian Chemical Terminals New Members Designation: Chief Executive/General Manager German Yusti Nature of Business: Energy, Oil, Company: BP Gas & Petrochemical Products & Services Designation: Email: [email protected] BP Joint Venture Director Nature of Business: Energy, Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Products & Services Email: [email protected] Stephen Board Richard Gilbank Company: Quantum Global Solutions Company: Designation: Director Turner & Townsend International Ltd. Nature of Business: Designation: Director Engineering – Consultancy & Architecture Nature of Business: Email: [email protected] Engineering – Consultancy & Architecture Email: [email protected] Rosie Sheldon Vincent Gordon Company: Company: Holman Fenwick Willan eWavelength Digital Marketing Designation: Partner Designation: Managing Director Nature of Business: Legal Services Nature of Business: Email: [email protected] Media Services, Marketing and Events Email: [email protected] Filippe Scalora Jonathan Bird Company: Provenly FZ-LLC Company: BAE Systems Designation: Director Designation: Country Director Nature of Business: Management Nature of Business: Consultancy & Consultancy Services Defense related Products and Services Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 34 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
Revolutionise the world of work Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021 New world. New skills. Our jobs are changing, and fast. Many roles are disappearing altogether, while new ones are springing up from nowhere. The discrepancy between the skills people have and those needed for jobs in the digital world is one of the most critical problems of our time. It’s a problem for everyone. And we need to work together to solve it. © 2020 PwC. All rights reserved CAPITAL LETTER 35
NEW MEMBERS Hamza Sheikh Company: G4S Secure Solutions Omar Dababneh Designation: Financial Director Company: G4S Secure Solutions Nature of Business: Designation: Head of Sales and Defense related Products and Services Business Development Email: [email protected] Nature of Business: Defense related Products and Services Naglaa Wilson Email: [email protected] Company: Chestertons International LLC Suzanne Kelleher Designation: Company: Business Development Director Green Water Treatment Services Nature of Business: Designation: Technical Consultant Real Estate and Lease Management Serviecs Nature of Business: Water Treatment Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Michael Lee David Hancox Company: NES Fircroft Company: Designation: Senior Business Turner & Townsend International Ltd. Development Manager Designation: Regional Director, Nature of Business: Natural Resources Middle East Business Development Nature of Business: Email: [email protected] Construction Consultancy Email: [email protected] Emma Jane Shanahan Company: Jyotin Dholakia Aspen Heights British School Company: PKF Designation: School Principal Designation: Partner Nature of Business: Education, Nature of Business: Training & Recruitment Services Audit and Assurance Services Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Hessa Ali Mohammed Abdulla Christian Davies Company: Company: Shell EP International Keystone Law Middle East LLP Designation: Designation: Partner Corporate Relations Manager Nature of Business: Legal Services Nature of Business: Energy, Oil, Email: [email protected] Gas & Petrochemical Products & Services Email: [email protected] 36 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 2 Summer 2021
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