Summer 2020 Capital Letter Magazine

CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 | Issue 2 | Summer 2020

WORDS MATTER, CHOOSE THEM WISELY. Effective communications is at the forefront of value-creation, sustainability and risk management; building a narrative and communication plan that drives success and manages risk cannot be left to chance. THC is a full-service communications advisory firm with offices in Dubai and London. Taqarabu, Arabic for Bring Together, is our guiding principle as we blend specialist communication and consultancy skills with a deep understanding of the Middle East, and shape them in a way that meets client’s needs. It’s not a one size fits all approach, but a skilful interpretation of what matters and where we can add value, bringing together powerful storytelling and innovative communications. Partner with trusted expertise to help you deliver. B CAPITAL LETTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS | PUBLIC RELATIONS | DESIGN For inquiries please contact… Dubai office: [email protected] | London office: [email protected] Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

CAPITAL LETTER Chairman’s Foreword Welcome, everyone, to this summer delighted to be part of a Joint Task the regular virtual events BBG Abu 2020 edition of Capital Letter Force that will serve as the single Dhabi are holding, we appreciate magazine. window of communications between your support and hope you find them its representative international informative. Even more so, we hope It is perhaps not surprising that business community members to return to a regular calendar of there is a dominant theme running and the UAE government. We physical events soon. through this issue. COVID-19 has have established new levels of impacted on us all, in many aspects collaboration and conducted a joint Wishing you all a safe and healthy of our lives big and small – it simply BBG business continuity survey, to summer season. cannot be ignored. We have all understand the impact COVID-19 had to find ways to adjust to our was having on our members’ Nick Cochrane-Dyet MBE new-normal-for-now and, to use a businesses, and we have launched Chairman typically British cliché, keep calm a dedicated microsite to offer and carry on. Our Business Group appropriate support. More details on is no different in this regard, and the page 2. transformation has begun. In lieu of his being able to address With regard to the business world, the BBG in person this year, Honorary we have focused this issue of Capital BBG Member and UAE Minister Letter on the impact of COVID-19 of Tolerance HE Sheikh Nahayan across various sectors of business Mabarak Al Nahayan, has provided in the UAE, how our members’ us with an uplifting message to our businesses have been responding readership in this issue. We warmly to the crisis and how we are all embrace his message of cooperation now preparing for reopening under and fellowship, and can only agree current circumstances. that we are stronger together. Both BBG Abu Dhabi and BBG We hope you continue to join us for Dubai and Northern Emirates are Contents BBG and Embassy Update Special Features Chairman’s Foreword 1 Tolerance and Human Fraternity in a Changing World 18 The Road to Resumption 19 Communicating Through COVID-19 2 Great British People in Business 20 Reset, Restart, Reopening 21 Notes from the BBG Office 2 My Life as a Travel Counsellor During Lockdown 22 COVID-19: Facing Up to the Cyber Security Challenge 3 News, Events & Updates 24 25 HM Ambassador and HM Consul General’s Business Briefing 4 Providing Mental Health Services During the Pandemic 25 BAE Systems Internship Programme 26 A Dynamic Events Solution 5 Barclays Market Perspectives, May 2020 27 Stay in the UAE to Study 27 Expo 2020 – Innovating for a Shared Future 6 BUiD Moves to Full Online Teaching 28 The Arts and Education: Developing the Next Generations Multi-Nation Business Continuity Joint Task Force 7 News in Brief 30 32 UAE-UK Business Council Hosts High Level Video-Conference 8 About the BBG 33 34 The UAE-UK Business Council 2020: Restructure and COVID-19 9 Events Gallery 34 Why Join the BBG 37 Insight Corporate Sponsors Committee Members From Smoke and Mirrors to Zoom in 500,000 Years 10 New Members Reboot Your Business 11 Membership Listings Measures by RAKBANK to Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19 12 With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility 13 Nursing the World to Health 13 Getting Round to Preparing a Will 14 Planning a Tax Efficient Return to the UK 15 Office Space Post COVID-19 16 Cover Picture: Ras Al Khaimah artist and engineer Tareq Al Salman turns scrap metal into a sculpture of the coronavirus. Name of piece ‘C-19 Lockdown.’ Editorial Submissions or Advertising Enquiries: Editorial Panel: Anna Ali Adib, Tim Allen, David Good, David Spearing, Gavin Anderson, Sinéad Whelan ☎[email protected], British Business Group (BBG) Abu Dhabi ☎Published by: Dar Al Fajr Printing, Publishing & Advertising, PO Box 43635, Abu Dhabi, UAE, : +971 2 445 7234 BBG Office Mobile: 056 6650582 P.O. Box 505, Abu Dhabi, UAE, : +971 2 4488300 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.britishbusiness.org This magazine is distributed among the members of Office Manager: Sinéad Whelan British Business Group and has no commercial value. Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 1

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Communicating Through COVID-19 The arrival of COVID-19 has placed Concurrent with the members’ the international business community, us all in unprecedented times. At an survey a combined COVID-19 with the creation of the UAE Joint early stage in mid-March, respective Working Group was built and Task Force – a move being led by chairmen of the Abu Dhabi and launched a joint COVID-19 website combined AmChams in Abu Dhabi Dubai & Northern Emirates groups with the aim of consolidating reliable and Dubai and over 20 Business opened up a dialogue that has information on all matters relating to Groups participating. In essence, seen the two groups brought closer COVID-19, to provide an authoritative one voice representing the combined together than at any stage in their source of information on the plethora membership of approximately combined histories. The imperative of of local initiatives and guidance. The 6,500 international companies collaboration in the face of adversity website has also created a directory is not only difficult to ignore but was clear, with the shared goal of offers of free support and advice greatly eases the complexity, for of ensuring that British business from member businesses, and a the UAE authorities of bilateral interests were able to both survive the forum for sharing of information communications with multiple crisis and to subsequently “thrive in and experiences. The website was business groups and chambers. We the aftermath.” generously funded and created will be sharing details of the Task by BBG Abu Dhabi members, Forces’ activities and progress in the To deepen our understanding of Taqarabu Hybrid Communications coming weeks. (For more see page the COVID-19 impact a joint BBG (THC) and can be found at 7.) business continuity survey was www.britishbusiness.org/covid-19/. conducted of the combined groups’ COVID-19 has delivered many membership, eliciting responses Beyond these tactical responses, surprises but one of the more positive from just over 900 members across ultimate success will only become effects has certainly been the re- many sectors. The information apparent in the coming weeks and invigoration of the British Business gleaned provided vital evidence to months, and it will mainly be achieved Groups as effective advocates for support communication with UK and through the effective representation their members. Notwithstanding the UAE authorities. It also threw into of our memberships’ interests. This loss of traditional events, and our stark relief the disparity in impact calls for a change in how our groups current reliance on on-line meetings, that COVID-19 was having, and the engage with local bodies, a dynamic this renewed focus and the rapid enormous challenges that many of that has been welcomed by UAE adaptation of our modus operandi our members have faced and often government authorities. It is also is attracting both new members and overcome. leading to wider collaboration across re-joiners. Notes from the Office ✪ Firstly the office team would like to thank all of our members and sponsors for your understanding during this unprecedented time. Our team like everyone else, quite quickly in mid March had to adapt our environment to work from home, postpone our entire upcoming events calendar and familiarize ourselves with the virtual world of webinars and video calls. We have worked to continue supporting our members as much as possible during this time through the various ways outlined in our Joint BBG COVID-19 Response efforts, and we appreciate all of the engagement we have had with you all during this time and your on-going support for BBG Abu Dhabi. ✪ This summer we are saying goodbye to several outgoing committee members whom we would like to thank for their years of work and support of BBG Abu Dhabi – Gavin Anderson, Graham Outterside, Wendy De Luca and Rachel Elks of the UAE-UK Business Council. ✪ Our own BBG Events and Operations Coordinator Sarah Warner leaves us this summer for a new adventure in the United States, she will be greatly missed by us all and we would like to thank her for her hard work over the past two and a half years. ✪ Finally, BBG membership and sponsorship are now available at a pro rata rate for the remainder of 2020. Please encourage colleagues, clients and contacts who would benefit from being a member of our Group. As a not for profit organization we rely entirely on the support of our corporate and individual members, and hope to continue welcoming new joiners to the Group this year. 2 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE By Simon Hosking where credentials can be harvested Panel, which is an industry group and sold – is troubling long term. While supported by UK law enforcement COVID-19 seems to be affecting most it’s understandable that firms will want (search ‘Fraud Advisory Panel UK’). things in life, and the on-line world is to use free services rather than stand Again, the UK’s National Cyber Centre no exception. Being able to work from up a more expensive alternative like has excellent free advice available home, have the kids in virtual school Teams or Skype, they are no substitute for small to medium-size businesses and connect with friends both close by for a structured approach. But whilst the – search ’NCSC 10 Steps to Cyber and overseas have been a few of the choice of technology is important, the Security’. pluses of the last weeks. But what does best-prepared businesses realise that this accelerated reliance on connectivity cyber security isn’t simply a technical Cyber attacks at the national level mean for our security? As countries problem. Most cyber risks are not are not new either, especially against seek to increase their resilience to caused by technology – they are caused the healthcare sector. Data is the new cyber-attacks, recent news indicates by the way that humans interact with that currency for large criminal groups. that even the most advanced and well- technology. So businesses need to look Nation States flex their muscles by protected systems can be vulnerable. beyond technical solutions and think accessing systems even when the So what of the less complex systems we about the key behaviours that will help strategic intent behind their actions is use at home? And what should we be them increase resilience: hard to discern. The UK has released technical detail to business and COVID-19: Facing Up to the Cyber Security Challenge thinking about if we are either running a • Create governments about sophisticated business or concerned about IT security inventories attacks linked to COVID -19 (see in the workplace? And finally, should we of systems and data – we cannot https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/covid- be worried – at a national level – about protect what we don’t fully 19-exploited-by-cyber-actors-advisory) how our data is taken care of? understand; and is leading the way on programmes to keep citizens safe, wherever they UK cyber companies have seen a • Separate critical or sensitive internal are. This means working with partners rise in individuals being targeted by systems from public facing systems across the Gulf, including the UAE, to cyber attacks linked to COVID-19. such as internet and email (or deploy strengthen collective resilience. Again, In many ways these are not really solutions that make these safer from this is partly about new technology (for new threats. It’s just that they are attacks such as phishing and other example the UK has opened two Cyber wrapped up in a form that currently malware); Innovation Centres in Cheltenham catches the attention (such as offers of and London that support companies compensation related to COVID-19). • Accept that we will probably all developing the next generation of They are mostly ‘phishing’ attacks experience a cyber security incident cyber technologies) but training, where a recipient is encouraged (either at some point and focus on building skills, developing people and sharing through the offer of money, or through effective response capabilities, taking information are just as important. The some kind of alarming warning) to click advice from industry experts and UK, both government and industry on a link embedded in the email that sharing information across our sector together, makes the world’s most allows malicious code to be transferred. about attacks; compelling partner on national cyber The regular advice stands: don’t trust security. messages from senders you don’t • Consider the competitive advantages So just as cyber threats are in many recognise; keep your firewalls up to arising from cyber resilience; ways old-fashioned risks like fraud date; be wary of things that are either and espionage in a new wrapper, so too good to be true (or are alarming); • Look outwards at the threat COVID-19 attacks are nothing new in have different, complex passwords and landscape, as well as inwards to themselves, but merely dangers we don’t give them out to anyone. If you’re defences, and consider buying in have always faced packaged up in a unsure of even the basic precautions ‘threat intelligence’ that can identify novel way. Most of the IT threats we you should be taking as an individual what problems are out there; face as individuals can be mitigated to safeguard yourself on-line, ‘Cyber by good practice; businesses, even Aware’ from the UK’s National Cyber • Start to think like the attacker and use though at greater risk, can follow a Security Centre is a good place to start security testing services that give a structured process; and governments (search ‘NCSC Cyber Aware’ or visit view of vulnerabilities as the attacker can work together to tackle the most www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home). sees them. sophisticated problems. But overall the cyber security challenge and the ways Businesses face more sophisticated So, whilst new technology presents that we work together to meet it will only threats every day, and there is, some risks it can also contribute increase as we move even further on- unfortunately, a worry that the to protective solutions. It’s really a line in a connected world. COVID-19 shift to remote working could combination of people, process and Simon Hosking is the UK Government’s Cyber be storing problems up for the future. technology working together with good Security Industry Representative to the Gulf. A reliance on platforms like Zoom – information sharing that will provide the answer. For businesses that are worried CAPITAL LETTER 3 Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 about how COVID-19 fraud could affect them, there is good information being shared by the UK’s Fraud Advisory

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE HM Ambassador and HM Consul General’s Business Briefing to the British Business Groups, 28 May 2020 Ambassador Patrick Moody was The UAE Government is acting to be left for them on their helpline (04) delighted to be able to speak to both deal with the economic implications 337 1413. Business Groups at the same time of COVID-19 in a tight fiscal situation; thanks to the new virtual way of working. signalling a shake-up of structures HM Consul General (HMCG) to He thanked and congratulated the and priorities to further diversify the Dubai, Andrew Jackson, who is also chairs, the BBG Committee and all the economy and support recovery in a the Department for International members on setting up and contributing changing environment. Trade’s Head for the whole of the UAE, to the BBG microsite, demonstrating the underlined the priority in the Embassy’s added value that the Business Groups The Ministry of Economy is aligning work on the COVID-19 healthcare bring and he encouraged all British national industries with global trends response, supporting British nationals – giving government a more active and listening to business. He covered businesses to join them so we can work together. DIT has been working closely role in the economy and three main areas: the Embassy’s recent with the BBGs in their efforts to inform increasing investment in digital engagement with UK business and and advocate for the membership. infrastructure. That includes the UAE authorities; the BBG survey’s The Embassy team has also been investment in the green insights and feedback, including on busy assisting Brits to return to the UK, economy, renewable energy, the local economic stimulus; and making the case for those who wish to electric cars, 3D printing, initial thoughts on opportunities and return and keeping them up dated with biotech, genetic engineering challenges ahead. changes, through the travel advice. and robotics. HMCG underlined how the Every government has been greatly Going forward the UAE Department for International Trade’s challenged by this situation, but we will continue to have a UAE team had prioritised listening to are fortunate to live in a country where focus on Emiratisation and business through a range of remote effective public health measures have in-country value schemes, engagement, close work with the BBG been taken to control the spread of which may pose challenges and support available through the COVID-19 and where the quality of for UK companies as well as British Centres for Business (BCB). A medical care is good. The UAE has opportunities. There are still range of activity has included sector one of the highest levels of testing in prospects for stimulus from specific and cross-sector roundtables, the world, now at 20% of population, a Dubai Expo 2020.The UAE most recently on education and skills, low morbidity rate and there have been hopes to expand diversification with the BBG for the construction sector no shortages of equipment or supplies. into more innovative sectors, such and a business briefing with Dubai The situation still has some time to run as e-learning, agri-tech, space, AI, Customs. HMCG acknowledged the so it will continue to be a challenging health and life sciences, renewable BBG’s new microsite, with a range of operational context for some time. energy and e-commerce, which the UK useful information on the UAE stimulus will take advantage of. package. The UAE have also laid out a support There will be an acceleration of the package to help businesses. The trend to look at efficiencies between The UAE authorities’ recent UAE Central Bank has introduced Emirates. Moreover, there will be some engagement with ministers and senior an AED256 billion economic support big choices for the UAE, for example, officials reflected the breadth of the UK- scheme to ease financial difficulties oil vs. new green tech, low cost labour UAE partnership. For example, topics faced by businesses, and other vs. higher value and less reliance on had ranged from health as a particular initiatives have created approximately construction. priority in the current situation, to the AED26 billion worth of additional Both countries have a deep economy, food security, education, stimulus packages. The UAE have told friendship, only strengthened by the advanced science and artificial us how important the UK companies are close working in this crisis. We are intelligence. to the recovery. working closely together and are committed to global trade, innovation HMCG noted the main elements of the 4 CAPITAL LETTER and the alignment of our industrial UAE stimulus package, both the initial strategies. elements and more recent schemes. He The Ambassador informed us about the British Community Assistance Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 Fund, (BCAF), which was formed in 1986 to assist British nationals in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, who found themselves in distress. To date BCAF has assisted more than 2,500 individuals who have needed help, many of whom were enabled to return to the UK after their situation had been regularised here. Not only financial assistance is provided, but also counselling and help with medical or legal problems, frequently provided on a ‘pro bono’ basis.” A message can

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE welcomed the BBG’s initiative with their Education was another example with A Dynamic survey and acknowledged important a number of UK companies finding Events Solution insights in the survey results, for opportunities through ed-tech and example the priority to help businesses online learning. Innovation in delivery With all events banned from March access the best possible information of examinations and certification was 2020 until further notice, BSL Middle stimulus measures and available another important area. The high East, a dynamic events solution support. Also a positive message on numbers of UK curriculum schools agency founded in the UK in 1986 the commitment of UK business to and UK universities were a particular and headed by Nancy Power, the new opportunities, including through strength, as well as collaboration Deputy Chair of BBG, has been innovation in the use of technology. on regulatory best practice. British innovating digital concepts to survive The UAE authorities were interested in universities in UAE already deliver during the current pandemic and into the experience of UK business, so the through diverse means from branch the new norm. survey insights would help inform the campuses to joint programmes and Embassy’s continued engagement. online provision and have adapted to BSL, along with their long-term the current situation. We also see scope AV partner GDL, have developed HMCG also welcomed the important for more opportunities in vocational a virtual event solution that is an direct contribution of UK businesses training, including current work upgrade for the standard webinars and individuals to the COVID-19 and provides a virtual live event response. This ranged exploring scope for online training. experience. With the option to design from front line healthcare HMCG noted other emerging sectors a virtual stage based in an existing professionals to other venue, or a virtual set that can be fully individual efforts to such as agri-tech, wider tech, clean and customized, the event can include donations of medical renewable energy and cyber security multiple speakers, MC, entertainment, supplies and other support expertise, which offered growing video and presentations along with from some companies. He opportunities alongside established guest interaction displayed on virtual also drew attention to the sectors. While there remained LED screens equivalent to live feed at wide range of donations significant challenges and uncertainties an event. The technology was used and support the UAE had in some areas, for example the effects for the British Business Briefing on provided internationally. of reduced air travel, and short-term 28th May, which is usually held in the impacts were significant for some auditorium at the InterContinental Abu As well as national companies, in future there would be Dhabi. stimulus measures, HMCG opportunities as the UAE set out to noted the UK’s international further diversity its economy as part Guy Taylor, Managing Partner of priority to help keep trade flowing and of recovery. DIT would continue to THC and BBG Abu Dhabi member, supply chains open so we can all have help identify opportunities across the said: “The presentation was one of the the essential supplies we need in this board and help UK companies to take best produced I have seen, proving difficult time. Free trade and resilient advantage of them. that you can deliver good quality supply chains, through open markets experiences by engaging professional would be crucial to the global economic On the wider picture, HMCG updated support. In the same way THC recovery. the meeting on the work of the UAE-UK stepped into help British business with Business Council including its two new the website, BSL delivered an event HMCG encouraged businesses to let co-chairs. There had been a number which had high production values us know of any particular concerns or of virtual meetings with business and and provided all stakeholders with challenges and noted recent initiatives a first remote meeting of the Council important information.” that had helped small UK businesses, with its new structure was planned for for example, the relaxation of some July. HMCG also looked forward to the BSL is planning for the future, Arabic language requirements on food Dubai Expo’s new dates in 2021, noting once the event ban is lifted, and are products. HMCG noted the positive its added importance after such a developing a hybrid event solution examples shared at Dubai Customs challenging period. where in the first instance 30% of virtual event of how UAE ports were guests will be able to attend a live operating well and innovating to HMCG concluded by reflecting on event experience following tight improve the flow of trade. We were the strength of the UK-UAE partnership. COVID-19 regulations, additional aware of some temporary restrictions Whether long-standing in market, or guests can attend a remote on healthcare exports but our newer arrivals, the understanding, experience and the remainder a understanding is that these don’t affect expertise and track record on quality virtual experience based at home. transhipments and exceptions may be that the UK offered, would help granted. companies find opportunities to be Nancy Power explained: “We a part of further strengthening that are proud to be at the forefront of Looking ahead, HMCG noted new partnership. developing technology for the events opportunities already emerging, also industry in the UAE however, I do not noting the UAE Government’s recent believe that virtual events can ever announcements on priorities for replace live events and look forward recovery. to when the events industry will be back up and running.” Healthcare was a long-standing area of strong partnership, getting In the meantime, until this unknown even stronger as we work together date and the fact that events fall in responding to the pandemic. in phase four for the re-opening Opportunities ranged from frontline schedule, BSL plan to continue to healthcare provision by UK providers to innovate and keep the industry alive. UK service expertise or innovative use of new technologies, both in the COVID CAPITAL LETTER 5 response and wider healthcare. Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Expo 2020 – Innovating for a Shared Future By Laura Faulkner for it to treat of a Royal Institute of British Architects friction marks (RIBA) initiative to support our National The coronavirus has affected the date caused by Health Service (NHS). Foster+Partners of Expo 2020 Dubai, now postponed masks. has created a laser-cut face shield to start in October 2021. This gives that can be quickly manufactured as organisers time to develop programmes ABI well as taken apart for cleaning and to show the world coming together in Electronics disinfection. The firm are also sharing the face of the pandemic. in Barnsley – the design files to encourage other who normally manufacturers to explore scaling up The UK Pavilion’s theme at Expo design and production, because laser cutting the 2020 Dubai is ‘Innovating for a Shared manufacture face shield is a quicker process than 3D Future’. As we start to think about what measurement printing. the world will look like after COVID-19, and fault this innovation is more important than diagnostics equipment – have De Montfort University is a UK ever because our global future is turned their expertise to support the Pavilion Founding Partner and provides indeed, shared. fight against COVID-19 by offering a further example of how the UK’s free training to repair components education sector is rallying to support Since the beginning of this pandemic, of ventilators and other medical during this pandemic. Around 200 hospitals around the world have equipment. The training is available nurses from the University have been been scrambling to source sufficient virtually and globally to help those who fast-tracked to join the NHS, and 1,500 equipment to treat patients and keep need it most. student nurses are on placement in their staff safe. The media is full of British companies engaged in Expo the East Midlands to support the NHS. photos of nurses and doctors in clear 2020 Dubai are no exception. The Student pharmacists are on the ground discomfort from tight-fitting masks postponement of Expo 2020 has not at local pharmacies to help out, and De rubbing on their skin. The constant hampered the willingness of these Montfort University teaching staff are need for sanitisation rapidly depletes companies to contribute to the wider returning to previous roles in the NHS. the stockpile of disinfectant. effort. Our other UK Pavilion Founding Partner, Architects at the cutting edge of HSBC, is also donating millions to Businesses around the UK are innovation and design are leading and charities in the UK and the Middle East looking for ways to be part of the supporting efforts to produce protective supporting the fight against COVID-19. solution and contribute to the global equipment for frontline healthcare efforts to combat COVID-19. Thanks workers around the world. Grimshaw The pandemic will have a lasting to quick thinking and innovation, Architects for example have joined the impact on how we view the world and enterprising companies are adapting UK open-source campaign organised the way we live our lives. As never their production and manufacturing by the National 3D Printing Society to before, the impact of COVID-19 shows capacity to provide solutions to these print and assemble components for the world that every nation must challenges. protective masks. Hopkins Architects collaborate across borders. are using their 3D printers – normally Laura Faulkner is the UK Commissioner & I have seen fantastic stories of used to create architectural models – to companies stepping up to do their create face-mask components as part Project Director, Expo 2020 Dubai. part. Poole-based company Muc-Off, who provide cleaning products for bikes, donated empty bottles from their production line to help fill the urgent need from sanitiser manufacturers. They also donated chamois cream to frontline workers, who found an innovative use Laura Faulkner is UK Commissioner & Project Director, Expo 2020 Dubai. Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 6 CAPITAL LETTER

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE Multi-Nation Business Continuity Joint Task Force In response to the global impact of & the Northern Emirates, the Italian exploratory meetings now held, the Covid-19 and its pressures on the Business Council Abu Dhabi, the task force steering committees have multi-national business landscape Netherland Business Council UAE, the developed sector specific and target- in the UAE, a multi-nation group of Russian Business Council, the South specific working groups. The working business councils and chambers African Business Council, the Swedish groups, which include members from based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have Business Council, the Swiss Business a diverse section of international joined efforts to engage with the UAE Council Abu Dhabi and the Ukrainian business and industry sectors, along government, as business and industry Business Council UAE. with UAE Chamber representatives, work together to ensure business will work on longer-term policy continuity in the United Arab Emirates. The collective business group is development designed to stimulate The group’s mission is to expand working with the Abu Dhabi Chamber and promote a healthy and sustainable and improve awareness of business of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI) and collective business environment for all goals, and support the development the Dubai Chamber, as well as various post-pandemic period. of policies that advocate for a robust UAE government entities. Based upon trade environment for the UAE. The Joint Task Force will serve as the Kingsbury Gulf provides high-precision single window of communications engineering machine solutions to a wide between its representative international range of industries across the Gulf region. business community members and the UAE government. With over 60 years of success and experience, supported by a world-class Comprised of 20 diverse business team, Kingsbury Gulf are the sole councils, representing over 6,500 distributors in the GCC of arguably companies, the joint task force is a the most advanced and capable business-to government initiative metal machining portfolio established with the intent of serving available in the region. as an advocate and resource, to be utilized by the UAE government Industries we work with: as it seeks clear, concise feedback from business and industry. The Kingsbury_Future_Of_Manufacturing_AD_Resize_AW13.5x18.5_11_02_2020.indd 1 2/11/2020 6:53:14 PM group’s work is designed to support development of an effective regulatory CAPITAL LETTER 7 framework, creating a convergence of purpose between the regulators and business. Both BBG Abu Dhabi and BBG Dubai and Northern Emirates are delighted to be part of the joint task force, which was initiated by AmCham (the American Chambers of Commerce) Abu Dhabi and AmCham Dubai & the Northern Emirates. They quickly realised aligning with their international partners to harness the collective voice of the multi-national business and industry community was the best way forward. The task force members include both BBGs, AHK (The German- Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce), the Australian Business Group Abu Dhabi, the Australian Business Council Dubai, the Belgian Business Council Dubai, the Benelux Business Council Abu Dhabi (representing Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg), the Canadian Business Council Abu Dhabi, the Canadian Business Council Dubai, the French Business Group Abu Dhabi, the French Business Group Dubai Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE On 20th May, the UAE-UK to 10 years of social change into platform for communication across Business Council (UUBC) hosted a few weeks/months, with the the business community and HE Khaldoon Al Mubarak, new working from home culture our Governments. He noted that Managing Director and Group CEO fundamentally changing the way collaboration and support between of Mubadala Investment Company, we work in the future. Many CEOs the UAE and the UK through the and Lord Grimstone, Minister for are now reviewing their supply onset of COVID-19 had deepened Investment at the Department chains, including tier two and bilateral and business ties. for International Trade and the three suppliers, with measures to Department for Business, Energy, shorten and diversify to ensure His Excellency updated the and Industrial Strategy. The video- resilience. Lord Grimstone felt that audience on the UAE’s testing conference, attended by members this presents vast opportunities for regime and measures put in place by the Government to support the UAE-UK Business Council Hosts Video-Conference with HE Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Lord Grimstone of the UUBC and the wider British the UK and the UAE, which both economy, ensure resiliency and and Emirati business communities, countries are ready to harness. prepare for the recovery. He stated focussed on the business and that the UAE has now conducted investment climate as a result of When asked what the future over 1.7 million tests, which COVID-19, and opportunities to investable sectors would be, Lord equates to close to 20% of the deepen UAE-UK trade ties. Grimstone suggested life sciences, population. He noted the testing education, electric cars/batteries, would be central to the UAE’s After providing brief opening clean growth and working from strategy moving forward. remarks, Her Majesty’s home solutions. He gave an open Ambassador to the UAE, Patrick invitation to anyone who invests in His Excellency stated that Moody, then led a discussion with the UK to tell the Business Council Governments across the world HE Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Lord how the UK Government can make must ensure that the business Grimstone. that investment journey easier, and community is supported to how investors can be encouraged weather the storm. In the short- Lord Grimstone commented to increase their investments in the term businesses must focus that COVID-19 was the worst UK. on cash-flow management and crisis faced by most countries continue adapting to operate since World War II. The world has HE Khaldoon Al Mubarak effectively under COVID-19 never before faced a situation thanked the Business Council measures. At the same time, they that has affected every nation for organising the event. He must proactively prepare for a at the same time. He stated that commented that the relaunched post-COVID world in 2021/22. He COVID-19 had compressed five Business Council is a powerful Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 8 CAPITAL LETTER

BBG AND EMBASSY UPDATE stated that in his opinion, certain The UAE-UK Business Council 2020: sectors permanently impacted, Restructure and COVID-19 with important new opportunities emerging in others. By Rachel Elks will be a powerful platform for communication across the business His Excellency gave the example 2020 has been an interesting year community and our Governments. of the new strategic collaboration for the Business Council and not just We have already seen that between Mubadala’s wholly owned because of COVID-19. At the start collaboration and support between subsidiary, Strata Manufacturing in of the year we decided to undertake our two countries since the onset of Al Ain, and Honeywell, to produce a restructure of the entire Council to COVID-19 has deepened bilateral over 30 million N95 respirators re-energise and re-focus our activities and business ties, and the Council annually to help address the need for the benefit of our members and will seek to expand upon this moving for PPE, one of the most significant the wider British and Emirati Business forward. With this in mind we are challenges currently facing Communities. holding monthly video-conferences Governments and organizations for the British and Emirati Business globally as they work to limit the We began by appointing two new Communities, dealing with how our spread of COVID-19. Co-Chairs, HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh respective countries are handling the and Sir Edward Lister. His Excellency economic impact of COVID-19 and He explained that the is a UAE Minister of State and what the future trade and investment collaboration had gone from the Chairman of ADGM. Sir Edward Lister landscape may look like. first discussion to production is the Chief Strategic Advisor to the line live within days, something Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Both The new post-COVID world will inconceivable in a pre-COVID-19 Co-Chairs bring a wealth of experience mean that companies have to be world, but demonstrating how with them and are already involved prepared to evolve and work together important it is for organisations in our UAE and UK Government if they are to survive. The UAE and the to keep agile and adapting engagement regarding progressing UK often stand together on trade and throughout the crisis. He noted our bilateral trade and investment investment and this will be what takes that it had been a multilateral effort agenda. our countries forward; we are stronger to establish the production line together than apart. The Business and supply chains, citing it as an The next stage of our restructure will Council is very optimistic about the example of how important it is to be to launch a new, joint Secretariat UAE and UK relationship in the post- keep supporting and promoting in London. We are currently recruiting COVID world as we are both forward global trade as part of the recovery. for an Executive Director to fill this role. focussing countries with a strong We are also in the process of reviewing history of collaboration. Lord Grimstone commented that all of our working groups, aligning companies have to be prepared them to the priorities of our respective On a personal note, this will be my to evolve and work together if they Governments and preparing ourselves last article for Capital Letter before are to survive. He felt that this crisis for the post-COVID world. At the end I move on to pastures new. I have had blurred the boundary between of July we will be holding our first ever, thoroughly enjoyed my time in this role the public and private sectors as virtual Business Council meeting. and I am very grateful for the support everyone has realised they need I have received from so many of you, each other. Trade and investment The UK and the UAE are intrinsically especially the BBG Office in Abu will be what takes our countries linked in so many ways, but especially Dhabi. I have found it fascinating to forward, noting that the UAE and through trade and investment. We learn so much about so many different the UK often stand together on are in a challenging period. We do areas of the commercial world. I shall trade and investment; and are not under-estimate the struggles that continue to follow the Council’s pursuit stronger together than apart. businesses are facing at the moment. of its target from afar, and I wish my The current pandemic highlights successor every success in helping to HE Khaldoon Al Mubarak agreed just how important it is to keep trade make this a reality. that governments and businesses flowing and supply chains open so we Rachel Elks is Business & need to be more aligned than ever can all have the essential supplies we Communications Director at UAE-UK before. He stated that he is very need in this difficult time. Business Council. optimistic about the UAE and UK relationship as we are both forward The relaunched Business Council focussing countries with a strong history of collaboration. He said CAPITAL LETTER 9 important trade and investment opportunities are under active discussion, particularly related to the tech and life sciences space. Her Majesty’s Ambassador, Patrick Moody, concluded the call by thanking the speakers and attendees for their participation and their shared commitment to supporting the bilateral relationship in these challenging times. Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

INSIGHT By Marc Mercer governments plan for their futures. long-term value: strategic 1. Reputation is your most valuable communications is a critical driver of From the evolution of mankind, the this effort. earliest forms of communication were commodity: this experience has 7. Organisations need to navigate to recorded at around 500,000BCE, further solidified the importance of the best, but plan for the worst: they including making sounds, talking, reputation. Building and managing must audit their crisis capabilities drawing, dancing, acting and using reputation is a journey; you can lose and develop tested contingency signals, fire and drums. Today we’re it in a second, particularly if you plans for how they will act and using Zoom and multiple apps to haven’t put in the hard yards to build communicate during a crisis. plug the gap in what these early reputational equity before. 8. Trust will be earned or lost based on conventions had on offer. However, the 2. Pre-digital age tactical PR is your communications capabilities: quality and value of communication consigned to history: it is no longer without trust, you have no license to remains the often over-looked critical fit for purpose. Your stakeholders operate. lifeline to our humanity. are more active, aware and It is the main driver of progress or indeed regression on any level – from one-on-one relationships with others to how governments communicate to populations and amongst each other, all is won or lost on communications. From Smoke and Mirrors to Zoom in 500,000 Years It is little wonder then that millions of enlightened than ever. They all have The demands placed on people around the world dedicate a direct impact on your reputation organisations to communicate and their professional pursuits to the art of thanks to the smart phone, digital the way in which they communicate communication – from academics and age. Sweeping issues under the has altered dramatically in recent linguists, to life coaches, counsellors rug is no longer a panacea for even decades. The digital age has and strategic communications advisors the smallest problem. Strategic sharpened scrutiny and an awakening – all playing their part to promote communications, good governance of consciousness has demanded effectiveness in this critical feature of all and change management will help greater authenticity and transparency. our lives. you mitigate and manage risk while As these changes have gripped building long term value. professional life, communications as Nothing highlights the important 3. Strategic communications earned an advisory service has matured away role that communication plays its position as a critical function of from notions of transactional, tactical more than the Covid-19 pandemic, the C-suite and a permanent fixture PR to a far more strategic, meaningful requiring levels of coordination and on the Board’s agenda: it should be form of critical counsel. It is time for communication not usually required an essential function in the business organisations of all types and sizes to during peacetime. And although it model and strategic direction of any embrace the importance of strategic is arguably too early to evaluate the organisation. It is on the front line as communications as a vital component successes and failures of the global a steward of reputation. of risk management, a significant driver response, the half-term scorecard 4. Communications therefore of momentum and growth. Disregard certainly demonstrates that effective contributes to and permeates all this at your peril, because good communications are key to a good aspects of an organisation: from communications is at the core of our grade. setting the tone of leadership’s very being and key to progress. engagement with employees to A closer look at case studies from defining community relations and all In its never-ending search to provide the corporate world demonstrate in between. clients with targeted, best in class just how critical it is to communicate 5. You must define your purpose, it expertise and counsel, THC launched effectively with your stakeholders, must form part of your business a strategic advisory practise to support especially through a crisis. Just think model and go beyond the singular clients through complex decision- about the positive impact of effective focus of shareholders: it will define making and execution, managing communications during a crisis – think your culture, your reputation and crises and building long-term value. New Zealand and Prime Minister thus your long-term opportunities Strategic communications counsel sits Jacinda Ardern or Airbnb, the CEO of and success. at the heart of this practice. which is known for his authentic tone 6. Earning the trust of your full Marc Mercer is Senior Partner at THC. and transparent approach. stakeholder universe is key to your future success and building Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 As many countries try to return to some semblance of (a new) normal, what key changes has this crisis brought to the field of communications, the advice its practitioners give and how organisations should adapt to these changes? Here are some examples that should shape how companies, organisations and 10 CAPITAL LETTER

INSIGHT Reboot Your Business By Helen Barrett or financial decisions. Businesses which partner with • Seeking out ways of reducing corporate service providers are more In this dawn of the ‘new normal’, likely to be legally compliant as they many organisations are re-thinking expenditure by taking advantage deliver access to valuable business their existing business models, often of economic stimulus packages, solutions and resources. In addition, realizing that they must redefine reducing staff costs, deferring rent foreign investors retain unrestricted and re-launch their services or payments and/or re-negotiating control over their business, its products. This will necessitate taking regular payment terms. revenue and profits. precautions to ensure that their new • Keeping abreast of regulatory go-to-market strategies and product developments that affect the Replacing an individual local or service offerings are compatible business and its people and partner/sponsor with a corporate with their existing corporate structure implementing strategies to service provider will guarantee a and legal capabilities. safeguard compliance to avoid clear exit and succession plan for unnecessary business interruption the business, while ensuring asset This necessity was highlighted in or penalties. protection and wealth preservation. the recent British Business Groups • Ensuring that important decisions It will also mitigate the risk of your for Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Northern are recorded in the Company business being exposed to third Emirates Business Continuity Survey Book and retaining/referencing any party claims should your individual in collaboration with the Department specific documentation which has local partner find himself in financial for International Trade (DIT). been reviewed to support such difficulties. decision. In the UAE, it is typically a General • Calling a general meeting if the CBD Corporate Services provides Manager’s duty to ensure that company’s losses fall below 50% of reliable and secure nominee partner appropriate processes, governance its share capital to avoid exposure and professional sponsorship and controls are in place for the to personal liability. services to businesses operating success of the business. Indeed, onshore throughout the UAE. CBD many of these responsibilities are Secure corporate structure remains at the forefront of key market enshrined in law and failure to intelligence to pave the way for its observe them could result in civil All businesses evolve so it is important clients to adapt and survive in these and/or criminal sanctions. In this to re-evaluate corporate structures uncertain economic times. article, Helen Barrett, Partner in from time to time to ensure that this CBD Corporate Services, identifies remains legally sound and affords If you are a business owner some of the key areas for General maximum security and resilience. As or manager who would like to Managers to address to ensure that part of this assessment, businesses ensure your UAE business is the business is fit for purpose and should undertake a review of their legally and operationally resilient structurally secure in the current commercial licences to ensure post Covid 19, visit our website at climate. that they are appropriate for any www.cbddubai.com. new services and/or products that Helen Barrett is an English-qualified Good corporate governance have been or will be launched post Solicitor and Partner in CBD COVID-19. Corporate Services. In the midst of a crisis, a General Manager’s role becomes even more critical and their decisions are under closer scrutiny with stakeholders taking a more active role in reviewing and monitoring the performance of the business against expectations. It is therefore even more important for a General Manager to review, update and/or adapt the internal governance framework of the business to ensure that any risk of serious consequence for him/her, the business and/or the stakeholders is mitigated. This could involve: • Adjusting reporting lines to ensure that there are no barriers to key information flow required for boards and/ or stakeholders to make informed operational and/ Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 11

INSIGHT Measures by RAKBANK to Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19 By Peter England more. In addition to this, the health and urged them to directly contact crisis created a paradigm shift with their Relationship Manager for further This pandemic has changed the way regards to what industries banks and assistance. overall business is conducted at banks financial institutions will be focusing on and financial institutions. The long-term financing in the post-COVID19 era. The Bank is waiving off local transfer impact for banks in the UAE will revolve charges conducted via the Digital around adopting secure technology First and foremost, among the main Banking app, in AED only. We are to support banks’ continuity of their drivers of disruption shall be digital also offering a one time discount of daily operations. The technological and online implementations in every up to 50% on overdue transaction revolution was definitely playing a vital aspect of a person’s life. Many retailers fees as well as discounts on trade role in the UAE’s banking industry, but who didn’t have an online store were finance services done via the Bank’s forced to act fast and create digital Digital Banking. Lastly, RAKBANK security and precautionary measures platforms to sell their goods and avoid is offering RAKstarter zero balance have slowed down the implementation going out of business. In addition to current accounts to start-ups and new process. This virus and health crisis many online retailers who saw their entrepreneurs. has forced banks and regulators to businesses flourish and made major value the importance of swift and gains during this pandemic. All this RAKBANK is urging all customers, secure implementation. will result in RAKBANK looking to especially SMEs, to take their business online with several options to efficiently That said, because banks are finance more online businesses and run their operations successfully providers of essential services e-commerce stores as the trend of and not have any health implications to customers and communities shopping post-COVID19 will most on the surrounding environment. where branch visits are still needed definitely be altered into online RAKBANK Simplify instantly transforms to complete certain banking platforms. businesses onto a web platform, it requirements, they will adopt a Furthermore, this new wave of allows merchants to generate and send carefully segmented approach to disruption that is unfolding has secure payment links to customers workforce management. Particularly mainly shifted a person’s priority to collect payments online, thereby careful attention is required for those and that of the community encouraging social distancing. who are either customer facing or that whereby health is central. We require infrastructure only available at are looking to finance hospitals, The financial relief measures work premises. medical clinics, pharmacies and that RAKBANK set in place for its pharmaceutical companies. This customers were made possible with RAKBANK’s main focus will be the support of the Central Bank of the on financing primary industries unprecedented shift in consumer UAE’s financial stimulus packages such as manufacturing, trading & priorities has also made an impact that directly benefited customers by shipping, logistics, agriculture and on the government sector, people relieving them of their financial burdens realise that need for ease of access to during the health crisis. This important 12 CAPITAL LETTER government facilities and services is a step underscores the resilience vital requirement and so that is another of UAE’s financial system and the pillar that RAKBANK is targeting to strength of the country’s regulators. finance. RAKBANK will monitor evolving As soon as the health crisis affected conditions and consider more actions the economy, RAKBANK immediately as necessary with the ultimate aim of made a commitment to work with further supporting customers. individual customers, SMEs and large corporates on a case-by-case basis For more information on RAKBANK’s to provide flexible solutions to help products and services please visit them manage through challenges such www.rakbank.ae. as pay disruption due to COVID-19 Peter England is CEO of RAKBANK. or those customers facing illness from the virus. The UAE is currently Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 taking the right precautions in terms of government stimulus packages to support banks with the aim of financially supporting individuals and small businesses. This will help keep the economy running and won’t bring everything to a complete halt. For individual customers the Bank has provided payment deferrals of up to three months on mortgage loan instalments, auto loans and personal loans for COVID-19 impacted salaried and self-employed individuals without any charges. RAKBANK established a direct helpline to assist its Business Banking customers in these challenging times

INSIGHT With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility By Ashish Chaturvedy inside residential projects, in public certifications is a must, and should be transport systems or to simply connect easily attainable in purchase orders. The UAE has traditionally been a global your coffee maker in the kitchen. Manufacturers can do everything marketplace with products sourced possible to earn quality standards from all over the world. This opens For developers and business and demonstrate them. But it will take competitive options for finding the best owners in the UAE today, buying from sustained cooperation between UAE value products and materials, especially the source is always the best way to industrial entities, government regulators when it comes to those needed for ensure cabling products purchased and local retailers to minimise risk to life the nation’s infrastructure projects. are genuine. When that’s not feasible, and property moving forward. However, while monetary ‘value’ is requesting safety hallmarks and always a consideration in sourcing these materials, quality must remain king. This Taking Individual Responsibility is all the more important as COVID-19 reshapes global supply chains and Most individuals won’t know – or have control over – the kinds of wiring used within some infrastructure players look to new our office and home. Nonetheless, there are some best practices we can all keep in alternative providers. mind when it comes to managing power: • Buy genuine branded goods. Trusted cabling brands come with certifications The quality consideration is particularly true in areas like power that they have passed required safety standards. If this is not mentioned on the cabling and wiring. There is actually product, check online before you consider buying. a huge discrepancy between market • Don’t overload sockets. If an extension cord is designed to support four leaders and grey market suppliers. appliances, don’t overload it with more than that, as there is an exponential risk of Unfortunately, the presence of overheating the cables. counterfeit and uncertified cables is a • Minimize open wiring. Exposed wiring is subject to conditions that may not be global phenomenon. Even the use of suited to the product. Whether it is water, dust, or even sunshine, wiring needs to legal but untested cables has started to be used as specified on the package. climb in recent years, as they are almost • Avoid uncertified repairs. Again, cheap is not always best. If you’re getting repairs always cheaper to produce and store. done, ask to see any cabling that is being replaced, and the packaging in which it came in. Genuine cables are tested to industry • Remember to switch off. Even when you do use the best cables available, switch standards for both performance and sockets off at the wall and unplug electrical goods if they aren’t in use. This will construction. They bear hallmarks that extend their lifecycle and avoid catastrophes while you’re out. certify them for the applications they’re intended for, whether that is for use For more information, the UAE Ministry of Interior General Directorate of Civil Defense provides official resources on fire safety codes, preventive safety and more. Ashish Chaturvedy is Head of Marketing at Ducab. Nursing the World to Health By Sinéad van der Hoeven protect the health and wellbeing of positive contribution to society. individuals and communities. Around Exceptional teamwork is more It could not be timelier that the World the world, people routinely recognise Health Organization designated nursing as one of the most honest important than ever now and all 2020 as the International Year of the and ethical of the professions: people hands are on deck, regardless of Nurse and the Midwife. On May 12th instinctively trust and respect nurses specialisation. There is an amazing it was International Nurses’ Day and and the work that they do. atmosphere of camaraderie and all over the world we celebrated the solidarity throughout the hospital. Even contribution that nurses make to the Challenging times bring out the with the personal risk of contracting world’s health and wellbeing. The best or the worst in people. The past the virus, everyone helps each courage and bravery of nurses and couple of months have been just that, other, everyone is trying to uplift their all healthcare workers in the face of challenging times. But the healthcare colleagues – and although all are COVID-19 pandemic crisis and its staff in Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital wearing masks, you can still see them tragic consequences does honour and across Mediclinic Middle East smiling with their eyes. There is also an to the 200th anniversary of Florence have risen to the challenge of the added stress factor of fearing that one Nightingale’s birth. COVID-19 pandemic and have braced will bring the virus home to families, themselves to treat a disease with while for many others who separated Today, the world’s 22 million nurses no known cure yet. Caring for sick from their families, there is an additional account for half of the global healthcare patients is demanding, intellectually and worry of their loved ones overseas and workforce. How fitting it is, then, that emotionally. But wearing full PPE (gown, when they will get to go home again. the theme of this year’s International head cover, face shield, N-95 Mask, Nurses’ Day should be, “A Voice to gloves and shoe covers) for in excess The staff in Mediclinic have Lead – Nursing the World to Health”. of 12 hours per day, whilst caring for responded quickly to the pandemic patients, is physically exhausting and while maintaining patients and families Every nurse has experienced even overwhelming. Yet, it is something at the centre of everything we do, with professional joy and sadness, pain and that nurses and all healthcare workers courage, compassion, empathy and suffering, life and death. Nurses are choose to do because they have the professionalism. present at some of life’s most precious strength of character, the compassion Sinéad van der Hoeven is Nursing moments, and at some of its saddest. and the commitment to make such a Director at Mediclinic Airport Road Nurses serve and, by their actions, Hospital. Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 13

INSIGHT Getting Round to Preparing a Will regarding real estate inheritance issues, and expatriate property By Nita Maru registered as DIFC Wills draftsman owners are recommended to make should advise on and draft DIFC wills to overcome these. Unlike During these unprecedented times Wills. The Practice Direction other jurisdictions, the UAE does many people are reflecting on sets out the requirements for not practice ‘right of survivorship’ whether their own affairs are in order. registering as a Will draftsman (property passing on to surviving For expatriates living in the UAE, in terms of professional joint owner upon death of the the importance of having a valid Will standing, knowledge and other), and the local courts will cannot be stressed strongly enough, experience in private client work. make final decisions. more so now than ever before. c. Are they a member of STEP 4. If I don’t have a will, is it correct or a similar professional body? to assume that my spouse will As an expat living in the UAE it is Membership of a professional be the automatic guardian of more important to protect what you body demonstrates a lawyer’s my children? (SM, Africa, 35) have – and your family – by deciding commitment to abiding by set If you do not have a will, and you now what to do when faced with standards or a code of conduct. die before your child reaches death and consider having a Will in The Society for Trust and Estate the age of majority, the courts place. The Government of Dubai’s Practitioners (STEP) is a global can intervene and appoint a official website states that ‘the UAE organisation professional body, guardian on your behalf. In these Courts will adhere to Sharia law in comprising of lawyers and other circumstances, it is very unlikely any situation where there is no will in practitioners that help families plan that their decision will reflect your place’. for their futures. You can recognise wishes. a Full Member of STEP by the 5. I have heard some horror stories Here are the answers to some letters’ TEP’ (Trusts and Estates of financial troubles after a frequently asked questions: Practitioner) after their name. sudden death. Is it true that if 1. How do I choose the right lawyer my husband dies, our joint bank 2. When do you think expats in account will get frozen, and what or firm to prepare my Will? the UAE should start thinking What should I look out for? of having a will prepared? must we do to avoid Many local companies are How important do you this? (SS, British, 44) offering to draft and register think it is for people not to In principle, the bank DIFC Wills; therefore, it can be procrastinate on this and why? accounts of a deceased challenging to know how to choose The absence of a will also allows will be frozen until all someone with the experience authorities to allocate the liabilities such as car, and expertise to protect you and guardianship of any surviving property and personal your family’s wealth and best children according to Sharia interests. However, expatriates law, especially if both were to loans, credit cards must exercise due diligence and die simultaneously. Unless and business ask the following questions when a will specifies who should debts are cleared. selecting a DIFC Wills lawyer: raise your children, there is Sometimes, an a. Are the lawyers drafting your a possibility that their care account gets will regulated by the Dubai will be entrusted to relatives frozen within hours Legal Affairs Department? other than the surviving spouse. of a fatality but The Dubai Legal Affairs For many people, making a will the procedures for Department is one of the is a task you intend to complete government departments affiliated someday, but seldom give priority reactivating it are to His Highness The Ruler’s Court, to. Thinking about your own death lengthy and complex. providing various legal services to is not pleasant but postponing the These can be avoided or the government and government preparation of a will results in one expedited by planning entities in Dubai. It also oversees dying ‘intestate’, leaving you with your estate. the regulation of the advocacy a limited input in the future of your and legal consultancy professions wealth, assets, business and even Final words in the Emirate of Dubai. children. Bearing all this in mind, All legal service providers/lawyers the answer is that the best time to Professional Wills providing wills services must be make a will is ‘now’. and estate lawyers registered with the Dubai Legal understand that their work can have Affairs Department. However, 3. My husband and I jointly own a significant impact on peoples lives. unregistered providers still a freehold apartment in Dubai. We all want to ensure the wealth we operate and instructing such a If one of us dies, will the other have accumulated over our lifetime legal service provider can result or our children automatically benefits our loved ones and/or the in your Will being invalid and/or inherit it? (MJ, Australian, 31) causes we support. To ensure your your wishes not being accurately In the UAE, inheritance for Muslim wishes are carried out accurately, ascertained or recorded. nationals is guided by Sharia laws, take the time to choose a DIFC b. Is the lawyer you instruct a while the law of the deceased’s Wills lawyer who demonstrates a registered Wills draftsman with home country could be applied for commitment to their craft and their the DIFC Wills Service Centre? non-Muslim expatriates. However, clients’ best interests. We would Under the DIFC Wills and Probate there are many uncertainties therefore always recommend Registry Practice Direction consulting with a qualified and of 9 February 2016, lawyers experienced lawyer licensed by the Dubai Legal Affairs Department. 14 CAPITAL LETTER Nita Maru is Managing Partner at TWS Legal Consultants. Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

INSIGHT Planning a Tax Efficient Return to the UK By Stuart McCulloch hold and plan to sell at a later date. the UK in the tax year prior and for Here are a few useful financial ideally five years before that. The emergence of Covid-19 may have caused changes in your personal life considerations to bear in mind when • Review your property assets, both or career that has prompted you to you start to plan a move: in the UK and overseas, as Capital think about a move back to the UK • Review your situation in the tax Gains Tax complications can either now or in the future. arise, for which specialist advice is year prior to leaving and take some usually needed. Before a move becomes a reality, actions at that time, whilst there are it’s sensible to try to stay a step ahead more tax planning opportunities • If you or your spouse are not and understand the key financial open to you. British, there are particular tax considerations that may affect you. It’s • Make sure you are up to date with planning considerations you should easy to overlook financial planning in your filing obligations with HMRC. take into account through the use the midst of dealing with the practical • Review your financial interests of offshore assets and holding and logistical elements of a move, including property, bank accounts, structures. so it is best to act early and plan life assurances, pensions and accordingly. investments with a financial It is beneficial, both personally and planner. financially, to plan ahead. A good Notably, moving to the UK can • Identify the tax characteristics financial planner and tax specialist expose you to a significant amount of each asset determining will be invaluable to help you navigate of tax, so it’s vital to take steps to which should be kept and which some of the potentially tricky tax protect yourself. For example, if you should be sold for maximum tax and wealth matters. The right advice are spending ad-hoc periods of time efficiency. will also ensure you are in the best in the UK to transition into a new job • The complicated ‘Statutory possible position for a smooth you may unknowingly qualify for UK Residence Test’ determines your transition back to the UK, safe in the residency before you actually move. UK residence status. Be sure to knowledge that your financial affairs In addition, moving partway through check on the HMRC website and are in order for you and your family. the financial year may impact on the maintain a record of your time in tax charged on any investments you Stuart McCulloch is Market Head Middle East at The Fry Group. CONSOLIDATE YOUR WORKFORCE// IN THE MIDDLE EAST Our network of regional offices will help your company with local staffing solutions to mitigate market conditions. CONSOLIDATION & COST SAVINGS Power & Renewables Life Sciences 9 Business continuity Oil, Gas & Chemical 9 Cost efficiencies LOCAL HIRING CAPABILITIES 9 In-country workers 9 Payroll services 9 Visas / work permits T: +971 55 993 0908 E: [email protected] Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 LOCATED IN: Abu Dhabi ● Bahrain ● Dubai ● Iraq ● Kuwait ● Oman ● Qatar ● Saudi Arabia CAPITAL LETTER 15

INSIGHT By Charles Neil a glimpse of the future, packed with sure employees follow the new rules ‘contactless pathways’ whereby about distancing. After the crisis, Say hello to the high-walled cubicles employees rarely need to touch the some workers will likely continue made famous in the 1999 film Office building with their hands. working from home on a regular Space, because they’re about to basis. To accommodate a more make a comeback and it’s safe to By installing beacons into its office flexible workforce, companies have say the open office is dead. Getting to track employees’ movements via more reason to demand adaptive back to work is about realising that their mobile phones, employees will energy systems that can respond a dramatic shift in office life as we be sent alerts when six-feet rules are more effectively to changes in know is being unveiled. breached. occupancy levels. For years, office design has Companies expecting to save Perhaps the most controversial crammed more and more money initially by requiring less recommendation is to switch air- employees into smaller spaces, space may not be able to do so in handling units with recirculation to while creating an open collaborative the short term because of reduced 100% outdoor air. However, what atmosphere. Now with COVID-19, densities, but commercial rents will caused the spread of COVID-19 aspects like ‘benching’ and co- fall due to economic conditions, on the cruise ships was circulation and once office design changes Office Space Post COVID-19 working are the opposite of what take place with more capsulation/ of the airborne particles in the air employees want to face as they individualised work stations being conditioning systems. Aircraft, return to work. installed, densities can increase which have cut fresh air intakes to again. negligible amounts on the basis of As companies plan how to bring saving on fuel costs, will have to their workforce together again in Collateral changes that will take switch to 100 %, but with fuel prices the office, architects are going to place will be clean desk policies low for the foreseeable future this become extremely busy thinking to allow more efficient cleaning should not be an issue. about how to design new offices or of surfaces, laptops that can be ‘retro-fit’ existing ones, and HVAC taken away instead of desktops. It is recommended to avoid engineers will have to reconfigure Antimicrobial materials and recirculation of air during COVID-19 existing layouts as well as adapting ultraviolet lights for cleaning may be episodes by closing the recirculation to the new measures being brought the future, but will not yet be in place dampers (via the Building in. as most people go back to school Management System or manually). and work. Sometimes air handling units and A lot of the standards developed recirculation sections are equipped over the years to make offices Toyota said on its earnings with return air filters, but most of eco-friendly actually run counter to call that it will install plexiglass these filters, even HEPA filters may making an office safe from a public barriers between bathroom sinks. not filter out virus size particles health perspective. Due to a lack Many office bathrooms already effectively. Ultraviolet light can be of regulations it will be up to each have touch-less sinks and soap used to disinfect indoor spaces and individual company to develop its dispensers, but what about the could be installed to destroy viruses. own policies and bring in experts to toilet stall door? These should at a advise who may offer quite differing minimum open outwards to avoid People’s expectation about their advice. touching handles in the cubicles buildings will change. The next time and maybe thinking through even we go back to our offices, we’ll think Designers say the process of ‘de- incorporating voice activation to about it differently. densifying’ the office might include: open doors. • Wider corridors with one-way Charles Neil is Director/Owner of All companies will have to put a Eurotek Air Conditioning Services footfall – think road markings, team member in charge of making LLC. but for offices. The floors and wall of our offices are likely to be Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 covered in visual instructions. • Air filtration and circulation • Touchless elevator controls • Antimicrobial materials in new construction • Video-conferencing even within the office to avoid the conference room • Dividing the workplace – with alternating attendance days and alternating desks The new headquarters for the Bee’ah waste management company in Sharjah, UAE may be 16 CAPITAL LETTER

Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 17

SPECIAL FEATURES Tolerance and Human Fraternity in a Changing World By HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan Minister of Tolerance United Arab Emirates Over recent months, we have have in others and their willingness to based on those concerns. witnessed the unfolding of a global make a difference. Now is a time to As the readers of this magazine human crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic build on that hope, to work together is a major shock to the world. First and and become the hope for others. know, the United Arab Emirates foremost a health challenge, the wider has always been a crossroads for impact extends across all aspects of As the initial shock of the crisis people, ideas, and commerce, and society. People have lost loved ones; passes, it is natural to look to the it has always welcomed travelers unemployment and jobless numbers future. We know with some certainty with unconditional hospitality. Our have skyrocketed; businesses are that the world will not return to its pre- greatest fortune in the United Arab stagnant; and our family and societal covid norms. Whether the change is Emirates has been that the leaders of relationships have been greatly seen as an improvement or a loss will our country are people of wisdom and impacted. My heart goes out to all of depend entirely on how we manage vision. The president, His Highness those who are negatively affected. our way through it. We are seeing Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahayan, new and innovative collaborations. leads our country with wisdom and In the midst of this crisis we are Many businesses are responding courage. He has the formidable witnessing the world come together to the wider call to take a socially- support of His Highness Sheikh in truly amazing ways. To “flatten responsible, purpose-led approach Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the curve” required an all-of-society to emerging from this crisis. New Vice President, Prime Minister, and response. This greater sense of channels for dialogue have sparked Ruler of Dubai and of His Highness shared responsibility has sparked a innovative discussions on the bigger Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al- pronounced emergence of various questions of how we live, what is Nahayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi collaborative initiatives highlighting truly important to us and where we and Deputy Commander of the Armed the importance of strong relationships are headed collectively as a human Forces. Under their wise leadership, between countries, companies, species. the UAE embodies tolerance and government, society and the public. cooperation in a world characterized We see the rise of volunteering on We cannot know how our world will by heightened tension and increased an enormous scale. Businesses be transformed by COVID-19. This divisions. have altered their operations to help crisis will result in new behaviours, and support employees, customers, new expectations, new business This strengthened spirit of tolerance clients, and investors. Governments models and processes. My hope and fraternity is everywhere around and companies have readily deployed is that we will look back upon this us. In the UAE, we live in peace and technology to ensure people are extraordinarily difficult season as prosperity. We enjoy a tolerance safe while keeping parts of the a time of positive social, economic dividend in all aspects of our lives. economy functioning. Individuals, and technological transformation. A We are committed to solidifying business leaders and institutions are transformation that has tolerance and the already very strong position demonstrating incredible agility, but human fraternity at the centre, geared of the United Arab Emirates as a also empathy, compassion, tolerance, toward protecting human wellbeing, as flourishing global cultural hub and and fraternity as they unite to face this well as the environment. an important centre of international challenge. cultural exchange. We build positive Here in the UAE, we actively relationships between countries Improved collaboration is, without promote tolerance as a vehicle to and among peoples. And we are a doubt, one of the keys to long- boost strength and resilience in our committed to making tolerance, term success. Physical distancing country and around the world. And fraternity, and peaceful coexistence an requirements have highlighted the as we look to a new day, I ask CEOs integral part of our lives as dedicated power of technology to help connect and business leaders to reflect on the global citizens. people and keep businesses running. importance of tolerance and fraternity The crisis has highlighted the great to business success as they continue I express great hope and optimism advantages of better collaboration strategizing for the future. Now is a that the common experiences with and stronger relationships that bring time for businesses to clearly articulate together the country, and indeed the what their core purpose is and how Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 entire world’s diverse communities. they can link it to the complementary goals of preserving and enhancing Today, we are reminded that society and of moving the world the global community is closely forward with confidence and hope. interdependent and that our With a purpose rooted in tolerance differences are trivial compared to and human fraternity, there is unified the common needs we have and strength and greater capacity to direct the challenges we face. In this spirit our attention towards this greater of fraternity there is renewed hope good. This begins by respecting that together we can address any and embracing diversity, responding challenge. This hope comes from the to difference and challenges with confidence we have in ourselves to curiosity, being genuinely concerned make positive changes in our lives. It for the welfare of fellow human beings also comes from the confidence we and being prepared to take actions 18 CAPITAL LETTER

SPECIAL FEATURES COVID-19 around the world will lead the issues of human disparities and will shape a safer and more resilient to a new day where our top priorities environmental sustainability. Together, future. A resilience that is proactive, are to provide the basic needs of we must pay attention to the role of rather than reactive, and that is rooted safety, food, health, and shelter to all knowledge, culture, science, and in tolerance and human fraternity and human beings. Together, we must technology in our lives. Together, is built upon community spirit and take up the banner of fraternity, peace, we can work to improve the human creative collaboration. and preservation of human dignity. condition and to sustain the progress Together, we must continue to address of society and the world. Together, we We are in this together. And together, we shall prevail! The Road to Resumption By Matt Hinton familiar with the crisis and company’s to minimize their impact and/or avoid response. This, however, poses a them. Over the past few weeks, the significant challenge: employees conversation around returning to work are often leery of the real purpose 3. External expectations are on the has been growing, fuelled in part by behind the review. This often results rise. Unlike some crises, COVID-19 rising and historic unemployment, in employees becoming defensive has very clearly shown how an concerns about the economy, the roll- and/or deflective when being asked organisation’s response can have out of government-backed resumption to provide perspective on what serious implications for other key plans and the witnessing of different could have been improved, rarely stakeholders, including customers regions, countries, states and localities attributing any blame to their own and partners, and even wider starting to open up at varying speeds. actions. This can make it difficult to societal impacts if the services/ nail down consensus view around products they provide are linked to It’s with that concern that companies performance. essential infrastructure or goods. have started contemplating ‘business The solution: Upfront resumption planning’ and focusing on communication – and continued The solution: Be proactive in a formal return to facilities and travel reiteration – of the real purpose communicating efforts you are in a safe and productive manner. At of the review is key. Assure undertaking to improve and optimise this time, there is tremendous value participants that the goal in this your path forward. There is general in briefly pausing to reflect on the is improvement, not punishment, acknowledgement that this is a crisis organisation’s COVID-19 journey to and that improvement can’t be unlike anything anyone has seen date and conduct an ‘in-flight’ incident achieved without an open and honest before; thus there is some natural review as a means of optimising the dialogue. In addition, ensure the forgiveness for mistakes made at approach going forward. interviewees include individuals who the beginning of the response, and were impacted by the company’s it’s important to emphasise that Traditionally, following a crisis, decisions in addition to those who you’ve learned from those mistakes. boards of directors and/or senior were responsible for the response. Conducting these reviews, and management require organisations 2. The focus of the review must ultimately embedding lessons to undergo what is often referred to extend beyond just response. learned from them in your business as a ‘post-incident review’. These A common flaw we observe as resumption planning, are all part of reviews focus on root cause analysis companies embark on these types your commitment to your people, and corrective actions required to of reviews is that they solely focus clients, partners and the broader ensure the organisation is better on how the organisation responded community that you are ‘all in’ on prepared for the next crisis. However, to the crisis, without examining how getting this right going forward. given the severity of the COVID-19 prepared they were for the crisis in pandemic and the unknown length the first place or obtaining any insight While it can be tempting to immediately of the disruption, companies have into what the organisation needs to jump into business resumption planning increasingly been using a similar consider as they look forward. and start thinking through how you’re methodology to conduct ‘in-flight’ The solution: Ensure the review is going to return to some sort of ‘new incident reviews now, in the midst of holistic and focuses not just on the normal’, taking a brief pause to conduct response. now, but also on the before and after. an ‘in-flight’ incident review is quite As the organisation looks forward, it prudent and can provide great insight With that in mind, the following is valuable to gain the perspective of that can and should be factored are three key lessons we’ve learned those actively managing the crisis as into any formal business resumption conducting post-incident reviews well as those managing the everyday planning. This will help the organisation during previous crises, as well as business, who are often faced with ensure it has factored both successes recently during several ‘in-flight’ secondary effects of the crisis. and failures into forward planning. It will reviews, that organisations should These discussions should be used provide assurance to interested external consider as they embark on their own to identify potential emerging risks parties that you are taking this seriously ‘in-flight’ journeys: as the crisis continues to unfold and/ and focused not just on the short 1. Humans are often naturally or slow down. Identifying the risks term, but on the long-term success of now, ahead of them materialising, the organisation and protection of its leery and defensive. puts the company in a great position employees, customers and partners. A key element of any quality post- incident or in-flight review is the Matt Hinton is Partner at Control Risks. interviewing of company personnel CAPITAL LETTER 19 Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

SPECIAL FEATURES Great British People in Business the staff to operate the shops and the website in a COVID secure manner. Capital Letter interviews BBG members What brought you to Abu Dhabi? every issue to help us get to know I came to Abu Dhabi in 1975 to work as The greatest challenge is to them. This time we speak to Richard a graphic designer for a local company renegotiate our current leases and rental Cartwright, owner and founder of and quickly realised that the country rates in order to sustain a profitable Posters, a chain of retail outlets in Abu was missing Letraset products. Letraset future for Posters but, at present, the Dhabi specialising in picture framing, was a system of rub down letters, in Leasing Departments are not in a fancy dress, gifts and fun. a variety of fonts, weights and sizes, position to be able to start discussions. which were essential at that time for the What is your current role and production of graphics and predated Can you describe a typical local responsibilities? computers. client in terms of their needs from As we are a small family business, you? with a management team of only three The following year I set up my own As we have three very distinct sections (including me), I am involved with graphic design business in a studio on in Posters (bespoke picture framing, all aspects of running the company. Najda Street, became the local agent fancy dress, gifts and party items) it’s Temporarily, I seem to be in the role of for Letraset and business took off. I hard to describe a typical client. General Manager again, as my daughter opened my first shop, Trett Seeker in Emma, who usually holds that position, 1979 on Electra Road. We sold graphic It could be a government department is about to produce her second baby. art materials and did the design work requiring 100 frames, or a parent who and picture framing in the flat above the has just learnt that their child needs a Normally, I visit UK Trade Fairs to stay shop. costume for Book Week, or someone abreast of current trends and find new looking for a gift that’s just a little bit companies and exciting products. I In 1982 I opened a second shop different. We have 14,000 items so we am responsible for the purchasing and called Posters, renamed the first shop believe we can find something suitable importing of all the items that you find in Letraset – both trading under the for everyone. Posters. company name Trett Seeker. What was your best client When computers became available, solution? typefaces were more or less free and Client solutions have grown organically the need for Letraset practically died in as the market needs have changed and a year. developed over the years. What impact has COVID-19 had on your business? We like to think that we the Well, it hasn’t helped! Being a family Management are very easily accessible owned business in the retail industry, for our customers and therefore are selling non-essential goods, with all five available to quickly solve any issues and Posters shops closed and dramatically problems as they arise. reduced income – the impact is pretty devastating, as you can imagine. What makes you a leader? Fortunately we have an online website, I always say “be fearless”, that’s the only set up last year by Emma Cartwright way to approach life. I have always had and Marcus Good and this has been a very definite vision of how I want the our sole source of income for the past company to be and I feel that I am able couple of months. to inspire my team to take bold steps – even when things seem difficult. Even as the malls are beginning to reopen we recognize that The advantage of a family business with COVID-19 still very is having a small, close management much present, and with all team, so I have the ability to make the necessary restrictions in instant decisions and take actions, place, sales will not be the without having to go through same. committees or long winded bureaucratic What challenges procedures. do you face? Our first priority What would be your advice for a is ensuring the company thinking about entering wellbeing and this market? safety of our staff as Obviously the retail industry has they struggle with changed dramatically worldwide the lockdown, the since I first began, but one of the most lack of work, important aspects is to have an in-depth and uncertainty knowledge of the products that you offer over the future and this is particularly applicable for the – whilst far from picture framing side of our business. their homes. Another In addition to identifying a definite gap challenge is in the market, businesses need to stay training and educating agile and constantly adapt to external changes. What do very few people know about you? I am dyslexic but, as it didn’t seem to be a problem for Richard Branson, I decided that I would not let it be a disadvantage for me! 20 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

SPECIAL FEATURES Reset, Restart, Reopening  By Ian Hainey established reputations can be quickly working with influencers or online ads, tarnished through lousy service, and it nothing has changed in terms of the According to the Director General of can be difficult to recover a damaged online content that can be created – the Dubai’s Department of Tourism and reputation – so face reality and adapt only difference is the audience is larger Commerce Marketing, the emirate aims your messages to fit your objectives and alternative marketing options are to gradually reopen its economically now more than ever. more limited. crucial tourism offering by July 2020. Meanwhile, in the US, Starbucks has Great marketers understand three The consumption of news and online announced it will boost marketing things: their audience, their company’s content is currently through-the-roof. A activity as it reopens stores that were objectives and how and where to recent study shows 95% of consumers closed during the coronavirus outbreak, deliver messages with audience and say they’re now spending more time planning to spend its existing budget objectives front and centre. With this on in-home media consumption for the year within an accelerated in mind, adapt your plan and budgets activities. People are desperate for new schedule, focusing more on mobile to focus on the areas that require more information and to see, hear and read ordering and pickup. promotion. what experts have to say on a variety of topics from all industries. Not everyone Whether it’s where we spend our Consider where your customers wants to sit and listen to the constant holidays and leisure time or how we are looking. For example, if 50% of mainstream news churn of COVID-19 consume our coffee, the world is your customers are working from stories. Isn’t it about time you started moving into a new way of operating, home online, then what’s the point in that podcast you had been thinking for at least an extended period until continuing with outdoor advertising? about or finally got around to trying a vaccine is approved, which will Perhaps you had event budget out some personal PR or brand media change the way we approach marketing allocated – now it’s time to consider how outreach? organisations, products and services. you could use this to create content or provide value to your customers in Insight from the retail sector suggests Company leaders, most of whom are other ways, as they spend more time on email open rates as of April 14, 2020, still dizzy from traumatic restructuring social feeds, consuming content and are up 40% from levels before 1st and organisational pivoting, need to making purchasing decisions online. March, 2020, so it might be time to look take some time now to consider their at how you can provide some value to marketing approach as they reopen and When was the last time you spent potential customers who might have get back to work. It will not be ‘business some marketing budget on your online more time on their hands to read your as usual’ for many organisations, and assets? The likelihood is more people email blasts or newsletters. These how they approach the second half of will be spending much more time at can be a particularly effective way to the year could prove crucial to their home for months to come, browsing reconnect with people, especially if they success, or even survival, in incredibly brands, products, goods and services. are targeted and not sales focused. competitive markets during an What are they finding when they land unprecedented global recession. on your website and social media While some countries, such as the channels? Where do you appear in the UAE, haven’t been hit as hard by the Brand awareness and sales results when they Google your products pandemic as others, it’s still prudent to generation may have never been more and services? How do you stack up recognise the fear and apprehension important than now, as organisations against the competition? that many people still feel. Your simultaneously begin reaching out to reopening marketing strategy shouldn’t customers, but all must take care to It’s been reported there has been appear to gloss over what’s happening. ‘read the room’ given the sensitivity and a rise of over 60% in social media Allude to ways your organisation is widely varying views this period has engagement globally since the addressing the situation and doing evoked among us. pandemic hit. However, another things differently with empathy and report on the impact of COVID-19 respectfully in a way that keeps people While no one is saying brands found over 70% of brands surveyed safe in the wake of Coronavirus. should hold back in how much they are communicating communicate, customers should be less through social Reset, restart, approached with caution in coming media. Of course, most reach out – but months. It is important to listen to organisations have had read the room, customers and communicate with more pressing priorities, as you look with customer service departments to but this is undoubtedly positivity into your obtain feedback and overall sentiment, an opportunity and, now reopening marketing but also to keep track of needs and reopening has started, it strategy and create demands, which can help create the is time for many brands engaging content right marketing content and tone of to readdress their social that resonates with voice. media offering. your audience and aligns perfectly with This is also not a time to make Reengage with your your new business promises that cannot be kept. Logistics customers. There is no objectives. and downsized workforces simply limit to the creativity that Ian Hainey is CEO may not be able to cope with the same can be injected into your of Dubai-based demand as previously, so this needs brand through creative B2B PR & Marketing to be considered when choosing content. From videos, agency, IHC. what to promote and when. Long- design and animations to Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 21

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES My Life as a Travel Counsellor During Lockdown By Alison Slater up at the sky! For those people bored with Bali, If you want to get up close and the neighbouring islands have What unprecedented times we are fascinating volcanoes to visit at living in right now. personal with a Giant Tortoise, then dawn and then later in the evening, Raffles Hotel on Praslin Island in the who could resist a bit of Komodo Working in the travel industry, Seychelles is the place to be. dragon dancing? as you can no doubt imagine, my business is currently too quiet. A must do in Madeira, is afternoon Disney Cruising is a must-do Initially, my main priority was taking tea at the Reid’s Hotel in Funchal. experience for the kids, who will care of my regular customers This hotel was opened in 1891 by be entertained all day starting requests for date changes, refunds Mr William Reid, a Scottish man with breakfast with their favourite etc. Now, with more free time, I Disney characters, whilst the have been thoroughly entertained adults can have lots of me-time in by watching very informative Zoom the adult only areas. broadcasts from our lovely suppliers around the world, advising us all At the Wild Coast Lodge in Sri about their “must do” activities. Lanka, you can sleep in “Cocoon I have literally taken a virtual trip Tents”, discover leopards in Yala around the world, and here are just Park and even learn how to cook lunch Sri Lankan style. a few of the highlights I would like to wanting to escape the harsh winters In California the aptly named share with you. of his homeland. Heavenly, in the resort of Lake Tahoe, is a must-visit for skiing Be prepared for it to take all day Most people know about the and awesome scenery and don’t to find Silverback gorillas, when awesome cherry blossom displays forget the wealth of vineyards to trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. And in Nara, Japan, but there is so much wander around in Napa valley! note that a 90-minute walk in the more to see and experience in this jungle will feel more like four hours! beautiful country from sightings On a positive note, there of snow monkeys in Jigokudani are green shoots appearing In Bolivia, imagine being wowed Monkey Park, to cooking classes in my business in the form by the most magical starry sky you and meeting Geishas in Gion, Kyoto. of staycations, which is so may ever see, when spending the There are sword classes and even encouraging for me because it night in a pod on the Salt plains in Ninja for the kids. demonstrates that people are still Uyuni. keen to go somewhere, even with the current restrictions. Lapland is the ultimate place to experience “Aurora floating”. It is Alison Slater is a Travel Counsellor. one of the best ways to see the majestic Northern Lights. You are Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 totally mollycoddled by being kept completely warm and cosy wearing a sumo-style body suit, whilst floating in a very cold lake looking 22 CAPITAL LETTER

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Revolutionise the world of work Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 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 23

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Providing Mental Health Services During the Pandemic By Sue Partridge and Mary Barrett coping strategies – although not yet in technology expertise and knowledge. a position to practice them. Services in the clinic are available in English, Arabic and French. For many companies, the implications Other people, mainly those locked of how we might need to change our down with their families, have been Clinics have remained busy during working practices due to what was reacting in many different ways. Some the pandemic. Despite this we to become the COVID-19 pandemic daughters have told us how happy have also been able to respond to sank in gradually. As the media story their mothers are that they have requests for workshops and webinars relating to the psychological impact developed and people started to get all their children around them and, of the crisis. We have provided scared, the first thing we noticed was without any outside pressures, family advice on our website in relation to supporting young people and that some people were contacting us relationships that were previously children from home, managing to cancel their appointments. They did problematic seemed to improve. eating disorders, the importance of self-care, supporting a neuro-diverse not want to come to our clinic because In other families, particularly population and more. they feared becoming infected. those with children with special Daily liaison is on-going with clusters of schools, from which Screening patients at reception and needs, the picture has been a more we have received feedback and suggestions regarding topics for reassuring them that we were following challenging one. Mothers in general support sought by these schools and have struggled with the demands their communities. This feedback best infection control practices was has been invaluable and has acted of supervising their children’s on- as the catalyst for our webinars, live not sufficient to persuade them to feeds and the content for our social come in. Others booked appointments line education, which has placed media updates. Individual clinicians enormous stresses on them, have been contributing articles, because they were in desperate videos, audio clips, live streams, situations, with family members ill and particularly for those with children of webinars and presentations to the different ages. Others have worried wider community as a means of free refusing to allow them to tell anyone support and guidance during these about how their extended families challenging times. else – they wanted someone to tell might be infecting vulnerable family There has been an upsurge on them what to do. social media of how to manage members, and have needed support lockdown, the importance of routine, In between these two extremes promoting self-care and general to raise these issues. Sometimes the wellness. Our best advice remains most of our patients were initially ‘control the controllables’, ‘be kind crisis has provided a much-needed to yourself’ and ‘make sure you happy to accept services as usual get enough sleep’. Living with perspective for individuals struggling uncertainty is never easy, but we without a mask in sight. As the are confident that we all have the situation developed, however, the risk with guilt, shame or anger. In other ability to get through this, even if cases it has intensified such feelings. we may not be entirely unchanged. assessment changed and we moved Looking after our mental health is an Our service offers a range of important part of coming through and to implement on-line working. Once we we are here to help if needed. got to grips with the technology it was therapeutic approaches, from apparent that many patients liked it. It Cognitive Behaviour Therapy For further information you can find was more convenient for them, and we (CBT), Schema Focussed Therapy, us on www.maudsleyhealth.com. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy were able to call patients who didn’t Sue Partridge is Consultant Clinical (DBT) and counselling through Psychologist and Mary Barrett is come on line to enquire whether they Educational Psychologist, both at to Emotion Focussed Therapy for Maudsley Health, Abu Dhabi. were having connection difficulties, couples experiencing problems. Our Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 and with that reminder the number psychiatric colleagues have continued of people who might have missed a to offer assessment and prescribing session previously greatly reduced. We are currently seeking more formal services and we are shortly hoping to be joined by a speech therapist. feedback about how people find We run a specialised service online assessment and therapy, but for people with eating disorders. our initial impression is that many people really like it. Assessment services for children with Some of our patients are enjoying developmental difficulties and mental the isolation of lockdown – people health needs are also provided and with social difficulties or experiencing we have found innovative and creative workplace stress are reporting all ways of delivering assessments their problems have gone away. Well, that would previously have been perhaps not gone away, but at least undertaken face-to-face. Working they have a breathing space in which clinically on-line has led to much they can begin to develop some up-skilling for us as clinicians in our 24 CAPITAL LETTER

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES BAE Systems Internship Programme 2019/20 Coinciding with International Women’s making sure the switches and cables interns’ achievements and the value Day on Sunday, 8th March, BAE meet standards and regulations. they added to the business during the Systems’ Applied Intelligence arm programme. recently celebrated the conclusion of Maryam’s main project was focused its first Space Internship Programme, on writing a data splitter programme Ashwaq said: “Every day I learnt new which hosted Ashwaq Saleh and where she learnt about a new operating things at AI Labs which was incredible. Maryam Al Nuaimi from the UAE. system. During the project she Throughout the programme I was successfully worked on running special working closely with senior engineers Ashwaq and Maryam spent six RLAS tools that were designed for post- and professional experts, which gave months learning and working at AI processing of TTCP data. Using data me amazing experiences. I was given Labs in Great Baddow, Essex, in a from the Rosetta mission, she worked my own work to do, which meant that I programme that brought together on identifying discrepancies in the was 100% accountable to the project, teams from Electronic Systems, Group results generated by different tools to which in turn gave me a great sense of Business Development and AI, and ensure correct processing of data. responsibility to deliver.” delivered numerous cultural and commercial benefits to all involved. At the end of the presentations Mr Maryam said: “It was brilliant Alkaabi praised the work of Ashwaq learning about space and in particular To mark the end of the programme, and Maryam as well as the support, the European Space Agency the lead internal stakeholders attended guidance and care provided by their Rosetta mission which BAE Systems presentation events in Great Baddow mentors and line manager, Ingrida provides its IFMS, an inter-planetary and at the Blue Fin building in London. Juraite. communication system. During the six Among the highlights of the London month programme we also got to visit event was the attendance of three The Embassy team, as well as John other space-related businesses like the guests from the UAE Embassy in Young, BD at Applied Intelligence, and Surrey Space Centre which expanded London, including the Cultural Attaché. Andy Crisp, UAE Country Director for our learning further.” GBD, were highly impressed with the The Emirati special guests in London received an overview presentation of BAE Systems by Angus Currie, AI’s Defence and Space Director, as well as an overview of the Space programme from Nick Easton, Engineering Director at AI Labs. Ashwaq gave a detailed presentation on her main project of designing a Switch Matrix Unit for the Tracking, Telemetry and Command Processor (TTCP). During her time at AI Labs she studied RF and environmental requirements while working on a mechanical concept of the sub-system, Barclays Market Perspectives, May 2020 By Jean-Damien Marie and Andre Portelli The sight of the oil price in negative territory for the first time in April and Excerpts from the May edition of “Market The strong rebound in stock markets a very steep oil curve highlighted Perspectives”, the monthly investment may reflect overoptimistic sentiment, the extreme nature of the supply and strategy update from Barclays Private given the uncertainties over the demand issues facing the industry. Oil Bank. pandemic and size of the coming producers are unlikely to cut supply recession. While equities are unlikely to sufficiently soon. Meanwhile while Financial markets have recovered revisit March’s lows in the short term, uncertain in quantity, the demand somewhat following a sharp sell-off, we expect them to take a breather and destruction the pandemic will cause is with the level of COVID-19 infections let fundamentals resync with valuations. likely to top any supply cut implemented. and timing of any vaccine dominating As such, diversification should assume sentiment. more importance to eke out returns. Government debt is set to soar in order to fund measures being taken to Equity and bond markets seem to Meanwhile, in March emerging resuscitate the economy. That means be taking radically different views on markets had the second largest monthly that less money may be available to inflation expectations. Valuations in the outflow of capital since October 2008 tackle climate change risk. But the risk former suggest a quick, strong pickup as investors fled from risk assets. While remains. The challenge facing investors in activity, and presumably inflation. emerging market debt valuations may is to position portfolios for the transition However, those in bond markets hint seem attractive, spreads are elevated to a low-carbon economy while being at a long period of low inflation. The and the asset class may face heightened aware of the fresh opportunities created difference matters. Given the uncertainty, volatility for some time. As such, asset by the extra government spending. hedging against inflation by investing in selection is likely to assume more Jean-Damien Marie and Andre Portelli inflation-linked debt or gold may make importance than usual. are Co-Heads of Investment, Private sense. Bank, Barclays. Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 25

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Stay in the UAE to Study By Ben Bailey Academic City (DIAC), which will create relaxing environment in keeping with an iconic education landmark with the UAE climate. The University of Birmingham Dubai state-of the-art facilities, and provide a has been granted Initial Institutional holistic campus university experience The University of Birmingham Licensure by the UAE’s Ministry of for students in the UAE, based on the was the first global top 100 and UK Education through the Commission UK campus. Russell Group university to establish for Academic Accreditation (CAA), a campus in Dubai in September achieving a status of ‘high confidence Development partner TECOM Group 2018. The campus already offers a and low risk’, which is the highest has appointed Khansaheb to build the wide range of programmes including endorsement that the Ministry of campus building, which will open its Business, Economics, Computer Education can confer. This recognition doors to students in September 2021, Science, Mechanical Engineering, of quality supports the UAE in initially providing 30,000m2 of teaching Accounting, Banking and Finance, strengthening a knowledge-based and research space, later expanding International Commercial Law, economy, underpinned by a higher to 50,000m2. Located opposite Dubai’s Psychology, Teacher Training degrees education system where students are first purpose-built student housing (including teacher training in Arabic) assured their qualifications are of a community, the campus will be home and Inclusion and Special Educational high standard and recognised across for up to 2,900 students to start with, Needs – and the range of degree the globe. growing to 4,500, featuring innovative programmes will continue to grow in teaching and research space to the new campus. Never has this been more important encourage cross disciplinary working. than in the current climate, as students There will be a focus on learning This latest accreditation, as well as can now refrain from additional travel spaces incorporating digital technology the breaking ground of the iconic new and remain in the UAE whilst still and a student hub to support student campus, are important milestones for obtaining the same level of education needs across teaching and wellbeing. the University, and for UAE society and academic experience. in general, enabling students to Designed by Hopkins Architects, access a first-class education from an University of Birmingham Dubai the buildings will be looking across elite British university and graduate degrees are taught, examined and parkland and green spaces and as high achieving and employable accredited to the same high standards reflecting the green heart of the problem solvers, all without leaving as those delivered on its UK campus, University’s campus in Birmingham the Emirates. with students receiving a University giving the student community a of Birmingham degree when they campus university experience. For more information about the graduate. Entry requirements are set Sheltered courtyards and social spaces University of Birmingham Dubai, visit at the same level as the UK campus that have been designed to enhance www.birmingham.ac.uk/dubai. to assure the highest academic the campus’ sustainability will provide a Ben Bailey is Campus Director, standards. University of Birmingham Dubai. The recent licensure also enables graduates to take up government employment across the Gulf region. Currently, the University of Birmingham Dubai is the only university licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education to offer a UK three-year undergraduate degree programme. In addition, work has begun on the second phase of the University’s campus in Dubai International 26 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES BUiD Moves to Full Online Teaching remotely to ensure the continuity of the teaching process and the full support By Hugh Martin staff. Furthermore, our Library has of the University for its research made the necessary investment in students. Since the British University in Dubai international e-resources to expand (BUiD) started more than 15 years ago, its already considerable electronic BUiD is also supporting and guiding we have supported and cared about databases and to guarantee the all its undergraduate students through our students, our staff and all those smooth running of the teaching their first experience of BUiD’s distance who connect with us. To deal with the process as well as ongoing research. learning provision to ensure they ongoing corona virus outbreak, BUiD benefit fully from it. started operating entirely online from BUiD’s world-class, research-led the end of March – using up-to-date teaching and learning continues BUiD was well prepared for the distance and online learning platforms unabated. To ensure the continuity transition to full online teaching. In to support and safeguard its students, of the PhD research by our doctoral January, the University launched faculty and administrative staff. Our students and to enable them to its Centre for Research in Digital students resumed their studies for the complete their PhD requirements, the Education – through this centre and third term of the academic year and University has scheduled viva voce our Doctoral Training Centre, we have are attending their classes online. exams to be conducted online. During conducted webinars to share our Many have expressed their satisfaction the month of April, two of our students expertise in and experience of online with the experience of using our online studying for PhD in Business and PhD teaching with various educational platforms. in Education successfully passed institutions across the UAE. From their thesis defence in this way, and 2018, BUiD’s students were the first BUiD has spared no effort in order to BUiD has scheduled more exams to in the UAE to receive digital degree facilitate this online learning process be conducted online in the coming certificates, which can be verified and has provided all necessary months. Furthermore, all supervision for online through blockchain technology. technical support for its students and postgraduate students is being done We are very proud of the accomplishments we have achieved since we started in 2003 and with the standards reached by our students during these difficult and exceptional times. Hugh Martin is Registrar and Chief Administrative Officer at The British University in Dubai. The Arts and Education: Developing the Next Generations The Abu Dhabi Art Society continues range of artworks from students connoisseurs and the school faculty. to support multiple events for young across different forms such as fine art, The BSAK school’s ongoing efforts generations. The non-profit organisation photography and graphic design. patrons a number of exhibitions around aim to shed the light on the projects the year for young artists, such as The Held at the BSAK campus, the and endeavours of its Art Department, British School – Al Khubairat (BSAK) exhibition was inaugurated by Dr encourage the professional and yearly art exhibition. The unique art Hamed Bin Mohamed Khalifa Al artistic development of students and exhibition places the works of the Suwaidi, Founder and President of Abu provide them with opportunities to talented budding young artists on full Dhabi Art Society, in the presence of Mr display their talent. The school has display and features an impressive Mark Leppard MBE, Headmaster of the more than 50 years of academic school, Mr Dan Emery, Head of Art and experience and is regarded as one of the management team of The British the best British curriculum school in School – Al Khubairat. the capital. It is known for consistently providing a high standard of education, “Arts and culture have an important while maintaining a keen focus on role to play in shaping individuals and encouraging student engagement with societies. Nurturing promising young arts and artistic endeavours. artistic talents and providing them with platforms for creative expression As the Official Patron of the Arts at is crucial to encouraging unique The British School – Al Khubairat, Dr approaches to art-making and inspiring Hamed Al Suwaidi has played a huge more young people to take up arts as a role in encouraging art education and profession,” Dr Hamed Al Suwaidi said. cultivating a culture of creativity among students. Dr Al Suwaidi is also the Abu The exhibition also holds an important Dhabi Patron of the National Portrait value in the academic year of the Gallery in London and often leads students majoring in Art A-Levels. Art efforts to facilitate closer cultural and students present their final graduation artistic interaction between the UAE projects and receive their grades and the UK. Dr Al Suwaidi is known to based on the evaluation of their actively promote the works of talented artworks displayed at the exhibition, young artists and continues to dedicate which allow them to complete their his time, skills and resources to the graduation projects. In addition to the development of contemporary art in the great opportunity for the students to UAE and beyond. showcase their art works to art patrons, Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 27

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES News in Brief Oxford Professional Education Group: Call for submissions: Do you have something you want to share with your Online Studying fellow BBG members? Do you think we’ve missed something important that would be relevant to the BBG and to the numerous businesses and Raj Achan embassies that receive Capital Letter? We accept the submission of articles from members, although inclusion of articles in Capital Letter is not With over 20 years’ experience, Oxford guaranteed and is at the discretion of the editor. If you have something that Professional Education Group are world- you would like to submit, please send an email to [email protected]. leaders in delivering a wide portfolio of professional qualifications including the Education Has No Limits areas of marketing, management, project management, procurement and supply By Kareem Refaay educational path with its own and sales. Currently, we offer the full suite challenges that we have learned to of practical CIM marketing qualifications, Education has no limits and in these overcome. ranging from the entry level Foundation challenging times we at The London Certificate to the esteemed Marketing Institute of Banking & Finance MENA The London Institute of Banking Leadership Programme. are adapting to the digital world by & Finance MENA understands that providing virtual learning in financial COVID-19 will change education We also provide a range of shorter, digital education. in both the short-term and the courses in areas such as social media long-term. Working closely with our marketing, SEO, digital analytics and PPC Following the directive of ‘Abu clients we have adapted our array of marketing. These shorter courses are perfect Dhabi Inspires’, an initiative services and programmes for online for delegates who are not yet looking to launched by HH Sheikh Khalid and virtual delivery. For the time commit to a full professional qualification but bin Mohammed bin Zayed to being, client interaction and face- are still looking to enhance their knowledge transform adversity into opportunity, to-face teaching has been replaced and skills in a specific area of interest. we are supporting pillar one by with virtual learning and online offering digital programmes and meetings with potential clients. We We understand that our delegates are qualifications for participants and are thankful to be in the UAE, where busy, working professionals and have our clients. This enables them we feel safe and know we will put different preferences on studying. This is to continue their technical and these unprecedent times behind us why we offer two highly comprehensive behavioral learning journey in eventually. In the meantime, we will online learning packages: totally flexible pure banking and finance with us in continue to work together to ensure distance-learning and virtual-classes. the region. We have had to adapt education really does have no limits. quickly to gear our systems more Kareem Refaay is Regional Director All our qualifications are studied via our towards online learning, since we Gulf & MENA, The London Institute bespoke virtual-learning platform, providing were a strong provider of face- of Banking & Finance MENA. the highest level of flexibility to our students. to-face teaching. It has been an This platform has been designed by our expert team and provides access to a range Where the Expat Community Comes Together of materials including webinars, podcasts, videos, reading materials and ‘test your By Mike McGrath is just as important. And this can knowledge’ exercises. be measured by the fact that over In recognising the financial 700 Members took the time, trouble Our excellent support package includes challenges that many of their and expense to write to The Club a personal tutor, and our in-house delegate Members face due to the economic asking that they pay their fees in full support team are always on hand, guiding fallout of COVID-19, one of the first rather than accept any reduction delegates at every stage along their journey things that The Club’s executive on their fees. Such a show of loyalty towards their professional qualification. Our body decided to do in response to and commitment is testament to the high level of student support is reflected by its enforced lockdown was to offer bond that Club Members have with our outstanding pass rates – across all our their Members a 50% reduction the organisation. Not only would The CIM marketing qualifications, we currently on their Membership fees for April, Club’s founding Members of British hold a pass rate of 98%, a testament to the May, June and July. As a not-for- expats in the early 1960s be proud of support we provide to each and every one of profit organisation that has served the physical developments that have our students. the expatriate community in Abu taken place over the intervening Dhabi for the last 58 years, The Club years but they would take great As a response to the difficult and draws on years of experience in spirit in seeing how their pioneering challenges times the world currently faces the field of managing under difficult attempts at creating a social club with COVID-19, we have developed a circumstances, being there for their has resulted in so much more. Now, brand-new method of online delivery: virtual stakeholders and maintaining a long with Members from 84 countries classes. Our virtual classes aim to provide term outlook. worldwide, The Club provides an the quality classroom learning experience instant and inimitable sense of our students have come to expect from the Throughout, it nurtures a very belonging that its stakeholders value college, without the need to attend any face- keen sense of doing what is right. over and above short term savings. face sessions. This recent offer of reduced fees is Mike McGrath is General Manager, indicative of how The Club respects The Club Abu Dhabi. With our virtual learning package, its Membership. However, the delegates will attend weekly interactive respect it is afforded by its Members online sessions, designed and delivered by our team of expert tutors. Furthermore, students will still receive all the online materials and the same level of personalized support that our distance-learners receive. Every year, Oxford Professional Education Group sees hundreds of student graduate with a professional qualification. Raj Achan, Director at Accolade Engineering Consultancy 28 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES GSK Announces New Initiatives to Meet Covid-19 Challenge UK-based, global healthcare leader At the global level, GSK is donating support their respective COVID-19 GSK has announced a series of US$10 million to WHO and the UN vaccine research programmes. international and local initiatives to Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity tackle the pandemic COVID-19 virus. Response Fund to support WHO and The use of an adjuvant is of particular partners prevent, detect and manage importance in a pandemic situation Since the outbreak, GSK has the pandemic, particularly where the since it may reduce the amount of been energetically exploring ways needs are the greatest. vaccine protein required per dose – to help by applying the company’s allowing more vaccine doses to be cutting-edge science and healthcare The Company has also expanded produced – and therefore contributing expertise. its vaccines collaborations – GSK is to the protection of more people. working with five partner companies As a priority, GSK has taken and research groups across the world, Additionally, GSK is entering a measures to protect the health including in the USA and China. new collaborative research effort, the and well-being of its workforce COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator, globally and locally here in the Gulf These collaborations build on by making available compounds from region. Work From Home (WFH) GSK’s previous announcements the Company’s libraries for screening. has been a long-standing option regarding partnerships with the The aim is to bring forward the most at GSK, and employees embraced University of Queensland and Clover promising molecules that could be used this precautionary measure as the Biopharmaceuticals to make vaccine to treat cases of COVID-19. COVID-19 situation intensified. adjuvant technology available to The company is also evaluating Good financial planning. currently marketed medicines and The gift that keeps on giving those in development, to determine if through the generations. any could be used beyond their current indications. GSK is evaluating options to www.thefrygroup.ae Financial planning for generations make available specialised laboratory space to help in research and testing of Wilfred T Fry (Personal Financial Planning) Ltd – Dubai COVID-19. Branch is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (licence number F005071). GSK is also donating surplus reagents to countries to support Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 diagnostic testing. The Company is preparing to do the same for surplus personal protective equipment (PPE). GSK has initiated new volunteering processes for employees, to enable those with medical or specialist expertise to provide support to frontline health workers and national governments. GSK Pharmaceutical Healthcare is prioritising actions in its supply chain to deliver more products that are in high demand due to COVID-19. This includes reviewing business contingency plans and the supply system to meet customer requirements. The Company has also announced a new GSK-Sanofi vaccines collaboration with Sanofi to develop and manufacture COVID-19 vaccines, building on the combined strengths of both companies in research, production and global distribution capacities. And finally, here in the UAE, GSK is joining 23 innovative biopharmaceutical member companies of the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers in the Gulf to donate AED1,000,000 to the Ministry of Health and Prevention toward the procurement of vital PPE to support front-line healthcare professionals. GSK has been dedicated to helping patients “feel better, do more and live longer” in the Gulf region for more than 50 years, and the Company is confident that we can and will vanquish this dangerous disease. CAPITAL LETTER 29

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Cheese & Grape Evening in association with The Fry Group BBG Abu Dhabi and The Fry Group were delighted to collaborate for a networking evening at the stunning setting of The Deck at The Club Abu Dhabi. Members and guests of BBG Abu Dhabi enjoyed mingling with clients of The Fry Group over a stunning selection of cheese and grape, in an event kindly sponsored by The Fry Group and supported by Gray Mackenzie and Partners. 30 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES Joint Business Group Speed Networking Unbeknownst to us at the time, BBG Abu Dhabi spearheaded what was to be the last physical Joint Business Group Networking event of the season, in early March of this year. Hand sanitizers were distributed to attendees at this gathering and though many connections were made during the event, there was no handshaking allowed. It was great to welcome a ballroom of attendees representing nine Abu Dhabi Business Group communities. We hope to physically come together again soon! Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 31

MEMBERSHIP FEATURES Why Join The BBG? The British Business Group in • Invitations to all BBG events, their application is approved the Abu Dhabi actively promotes both networking and social, at appropriate fee should be paid. business between the UK, Abu discounted rates Please contact the BBG office Dhabi and the UAE by providing on 02-4457234 for further advice a forum for the British business • Inclusion on the mailing list on applications and payment community in Abu Dhabi through for important British Embassy method options. regular meetings, presentations announcements and social events. In particular Benefits for BBG Members it helps UK companies identify • Copies of our three-times- new business opportunities in annual magazine Capital Members of the British Business Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The Letter, bringing a round-up Group Abu Dhabi enjoy a BBG provides an essential bridge of the biggest British-Abu multitude of benefits upon between the business community Dhabi business news from the production of their membership in Abu Dhabi, the Department of previous months as well as card at the following participating International Trade team at the BBG events, photos, articles, outlets. Should any member have British Embassy and aspiring new members and member any difficulty in obtaining a listed new entrants to the market, by listings discount, please contact the providing advice and help to BBG office so we can rectify the British trade missions, business • Your business contact details situation. groups and visitors to Abu Dhabi. listed in Capital Letter • Andaz Hotels The BBG has a membership of • British Airways some 300 business people and • Access to Members Only area • The Bayshore is supported by a Committee of website, keeping you up to • Boston Dental Center and an administrative office both date with BBG events • Dolci & Capricci of which work to provide a busy • Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi calendar of networking activities • A personal BBG Membership • Dusit Thani for members and visitors. It Card which provides members • InterContinental Abu Dhabi produces a magazine every with various discounts in and • German Veterinary Clinic quarter about new developments around Abu Dhabi (see below • Emirates Palace Spa and business successes, which for further details) • Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi is distributed to members • Novotel Al Bustan and other stakeholders in the How to Join • Peninsula growth of the UK’s trade with • Posters the UAE. The magazine is also Each member joins the BBG • Pascal Tepper available on the BBG website at individually. There are two • Saadiyat Big Band www.britishbusiness.org. The methods of joining the Group: • Spinneys (beverages) BBG in Abu Dhabi and its • Individual Membership: Joining • Tamba counterpart in Dubai & the • Edition Abu Dhabi Northern Emirates actively Fee: AED 210 and Individual • The Muse cooperate in events and Membership Fee (January – • The Club Abu Dhabi membership activities, and both December): AED 945 • The W Abu Dhabi are now members of the Global • Associate: Joining Fee: Business Network, part of the AED210, Associate Fee For details of the discounts British Chambers of Commerce. (January – December): AED945 available at each of these outlets (in accordance with UAE law see BBG Membership provides: VAT has been applied at 5%.) Membership rates are now www.britishbusiness.org/ • Opportunities to meet and available at a pro rata rate for membership-benefits. network with over 350 members the remainder of the calendar Terms and conditions year, please contact the BBG for apply to all members’ 32 CAPITAL LETTER information. Applicants need to benefits. complete an application form and submit it to the BBG office along Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 with a copy of their passport, visa and a head shot image. If

CORPORATE SPONSORS The following companies are Corporate Sponsors of the BBG. Their support and that of their representatives is much appreciated. For information about becoming a BBG Corporate Sponsor please contact [email protected] PLATINUM GOLD SILVER BRONZE Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 33

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Committee Members Back row from left: Lee Bailey, Tom Shorrock, Chris Keeling, Wendy De Luca, Tim Allen, Ross Barfoot, Stewart Highett, Sinéad Whelan Front row from left: Graham Outterside, David Spearing MBE, Nancy Power, Nick Cochrane-Dyet MBE (Chairman), David Good, Amy Gilbert. Not pictured in Group photo: Kristina Williams, Cris Partridge, Ali Al Janabi, Tariq Haddad, Gavin Anderson. New Members Graeme Flaws Marcus Osborne Company: Serco Middle East Company: Etihad Arena Designation: Portfolio Director Designation: Head of Events Nature of Business: Property Nature of Business: Media Services, Marketing & Events Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tracey Boux Michelle Grant Company: Etihad Arena Company: Grant Property Designation: Head of Marketing & Communications Designation: Investment Director Nature of Business: Media Services, Marketing & Events Nature of Business: Property Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 34 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

NEW MEMBERS Membership Listings The British Business Group Abu Dhabi derives its members from a broad base of sectors, embracing both British and Emirati businesspeople, as well as Government. They include British and UAE nationals, reflecting the close relationship between the two countries in business and trade, as well as citizens of other countries. Working closely with the Department of International Trade at the British Embassy, as well as with local government institutions, the BBG provides a platform to stimulate networking, education and business opportunity. Membership of the BBG provides access to interesting speakers, business visitors, networking and other events. If you are interested in joining, please contact: 02 445 7234 or Email: [email protected] Honorary Members: H. E. Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan – Cabinet Minister and Minister of State for Tolerance HMA – Patrick Moody – British Ambassador to the UAE John Martin St. Valery – BBG Dubai Chairman Title First Name Last Name Company PO Box Business City Business Tel Email *Note: (A) denotes Associate. (CR) denotes Corporate Representative. Accountancy & Audit Services Mr Michael Packman (CR) EY 136 Abu Dhabi 02 4174594 [email protected] Mr B.R. Sudhir (A) PKF 7479 Abu Dhabi 02 6261715 [email protected] Mr Sharad Bhandari (A) Ardent Advisory & Accounting LLC 42500 Abu Dhabi 02 6226700 [email protected] Mr Mustali Jivanjee Jivanjee & Company 3401 Abu Dhabi 02 6444686 [email protected] Banking, Insurance & Financial Services Mr David Smylie Arbuthnot Latham 482007 Abu Dhabi 04 377 0911 [email protected] Mr David Abu Dhabi 026665982 [email protected] Mr Steve Rothon AD Global Investors Limited Abu Dhabi 023338880 [email protected] Mr Farrell Abu Dhabi 02 3338724 [email protected] Mr Andrew Barnett Abu Dhabi Global Market 111999 Abu Dhabi 044080410 [email protected] Mr Andrew Dubai 04 3653031 [email protected] Mr Omar Sheridan ADGM Registration Authority 111999 Abu Dhabi 0504685667 [email protected] Mr Raj Dubai 043653098 [email protected] Mr Samuel Woodward Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC) Abu Dhabi 02 6761939 [email protected] Mr Saliq Abu Dhabi 022045224 [email protected] Mr Michael Mortimer (CR) Barclays Bank 506504 Abu Dhabi 023067415 [email protected] Mr Jason Abu Dhabi [email protected] Mrs Karen Sheikh Barclays Bank 2734 Surrey 0441306731012 [email protected] Mr Kapila Abu Dhabi 02 4914088 [email protected] Mr Fawaz Nathwani Barclays Bank 506674 Abu Dhabi 02 4913777 [email protected] Ms Rasha Abu Dhabi 02 4913777 [email protected] Mr Kareem Carter (CR) Berns Brett Masaood Insurance 111566 Abu Dhabi 022459582 [email protected] Ms Caroline Abu Dhabi 044236089 [email protected] Mr Philip Mohi ud Din Bhat Delma Exchange 129869 Zurich 041442866060 [email protected] Mr Ajay Abu Dhabi 02 404 6444 [email protected] Mr Richard Dsane-Selby Duff & Phelps 128351 Abu Dhabi [email protected] Mr Charles Abu Dhabi 02 6946989 [email protected] Mr Damian Light Emirates Insurance Co LLC 3856 Dubai 0564068321 [email protected] Mr Bassam Abu Dhabi 024185332 [email protected] Mr Rashid Worcester (A) Expatriate Tax Advisory Service Abu Dhabi 02 6128771 [email protected] Mr Shahrukh Abu Dhabi 02 4014800 [email protected] Mr Fadi Karunaratne (A) Falcon Group 105968 Abu Dhabi 026272942 [email protected] Mr Richard Abu Dhabi 02 3073179 [email protected] Mr Michael Moukayed (A) Guardian Insurance Brokers 51012 Abu Dhabi 0585176247 [email protected] Mr Stuart Dubai 04 3894900 [email protected] Mr Chris Moukayed (A) Guardian Insurance Brokers 51012 Dubai 04-3894900 [email protected] Mr Dan Dubai 042781020 [email protected] Mr Kieron Refaay The London Institute of Banking & Finance MENA 111818 Dubai 042915678 [email protected] Mr Tom Dubai 042915639 [email protected] Mr Taimoor Abraham HSBC Middle East 242 Abu Dhabi 024127213 [email protected] Mr Mark Dubai 042915784 [email protected] Portal (A) ISGAM Narain Leaseplan Emirates Fleet Management – Leaseplan Emirates LLC 36679 Oliver (CR) Al Emarat United Limited 111722 Clifton (CR) Price Waterhouse Coopers, PWC 45263 Regan Price Waterhouse Coopers, PWC 11987 Chilmeran (A) Al Wathba National Insurance Company 45154 Al Blooshi Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange 54500 Dumasia KPMG 7613 Al Attar (CR) Lloyds Register 997 White UAE Exchange 170 Brogan Consultant 6315 McCulloch The Fry Group 507290 Keeling The Fry Group 507290 Read GC Partners 115405 Franklin RAK BANK 1531 Cherrie RAK BANK 1531 Al Mashjari RAK BANK 1531 Whibley RAK BANK 1531 Community & Government Services Mr Omar Salih Wahbi Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Box 662 Abu Dhabi 02 617 7503 [email protected] Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 35

The Club Where the expat comunity comes together Multi award winning private Members leisure and beach facility, The Club, offers a flexible fee structure enabling monthly direct debit payments for as little as AED 575 per month*, without any upfront charges. For more information please email: [email protected] or call 026731111 to enquire theclubabudhabi www.the-club.com 36 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 * Based on adult fees. * Subject to 5% VAT. Membership by application. T&C’s apply.

MEMBERSHIP LISTINGS Title First Name Last Name Company PO Box Business City Business Tel Email *Note: (A) denotes Associate. (CR) denotes Corporate Representative. Mr Andrew Bainbridge Solutions Hygiene 46541 Abu Dhabi 02 641 9227 [email protected] Mr John Martin St. Valery British Business Group - Dubai 9333 Dubai 04 3914219 [email protected] Mr Gavin Anderson British Council Abu Dhabi 46523 Abu Dhabi 02 691 0601 [email protected] Ms Wendy De Luca Department for International Trade 248 Abu Dhabi 02 6101523 [email protected] Mrs Gemma Habens British Embassy Abu Dhabi 026101653 [email protected] Mrs Swathi Sri (A) Invest Northern Ireland 9284 Dubai 04 391 4700 [email protected] Mrs Sheethal Rishi Invest Northern Ireland 9284 Dubai 043915705 [email protected] Mr Peter Hellyer National Media Council 3790 Abu Dhabi 02 4044288 [email protected] Rev Andy Thompson St Andrews Church 262 Abu Dhabi 02 4461631 [email protected] Ms Rachel Elks UAE-UK Business Council 248 Abu Dhabi [email protected] Mr Andrew Archer Crown Prince Court 2551 Abu Dhabi 02 6686873 [email protected]            Mr Graeme Flaws Serco 63737 Abu Dhabi 02 6938001 [email protected] Defence Related Products & Services Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Mr Andy Crisp (CR) BAE Systems 4049 Abu Dhabi 02 633 8831 [email protected] Mr Julian Donald BAE Systems 4049 Abu Dhabi 02 633 8831 [email protected] Mrs Fatima Keen BAE Systems 4049 Abu Dhabi 026338831 [email protected] Mr Tim Allen (CR) Houbara 128220 Abu Dhabi 02 6594069 [email protected] Mr Harry Rose Houbara 128220 Abu Dhabi 024450141 [email protected] Mr Gary Rosholt (A) L3 Harris Technologies Inc 60846 Abu Dhabi 02 6359814 [email protected] Mr Harry Dawson (CR) Northrop Grumman 47325 Abu Dhabi 02 6455677 [email protected] Mr Nigel Cookson British Embassy 248 Abu Dhabi 026101582 [email protected] Mr Jim Lowther British Embassy 248 Abu Dhabi 02 6101506 [email protected] Mr Lewis Kenney PwC 45263 Abu Dhabi 0547915248 [email protected] Mr Kenneth Longmuir ROBUS Inc 38824 Abu Dhabi 025558368 [email protected] Mr John Hammond Jacobs 35248 Abu Dhabi 024013822 [email protected] Mr Grant McArthur G4S Secure Solutions LLC 31856 Abu Dhabi 02 3058600 [email protected] Mr Pascal Siggen G4S Secure Solutions LLC 31856 Abu Dhabi 02 3058600 [email protected] Mr Mark Lushington G4S Secure Solutions LLC 31856 Abu Dhabi 023058600 [email protected] Mr Mark Farrer G4S Secure Solutions LLC 31856 023058600 [email protected] Mr Mohammad Al-Ali (CR) G4S Secure Solutions LLC 31856 Abu Dhabi 02 3058600 [email protected] Dubai Education, Training & Recruitment Services Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Mr Saleh Altahboush UniStudent 3061 Dubai 02 6505959 [email protected] Mr Sam Achampong (A) Abu Dhabi 04 3116505 [email protected] Mr Thomas Shorrock Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply 119774 Abu Dhabi [email protected] Mr Iain Colledge Dubai 02 5561567 [email protected] Mr Julian Frankum Duke of Edinburtgh›s International Award Dubai 04 391 0300 [email protected] Mr Oneal D›Cunha Abu Dhabi 02 6729100 [email protected] Mr Mark Leppard MBE Raha International School 34150 Abu Dhabi 02 446 2280 [email protected] Mr Ben Bailey (CR) Abu Dhabi 0447824529774 [email protected] Mr Michael Armstrong RP International FZ LLC 500313 Abu Dhabi 04 4080000 [email protected] Mr Lee Bailey Abu Dhabi 0507196031 [email protected] Mr Patrick Brown Sundus Recruitment 5685 Abu Dhabi 026222523 [email protected] Mr Patrick Horne Abu Dhabi 025100100 [email protected] Mr Michael Wolfe The British School Al Khubairat 4001 Abu Dhabi 0501253951 [email protected] Ms Karen Strickland 025100186 [email protected] Mr Michael Wilson University of Birmingham Dubai 73000 Abu Dhabi 024970000 [email protected] Mr Philippe Thirion Abu Dhabi 026661691 [email protected] Mr Matthew Yore (CR) ICAEW Middle East Ltd 506836 Abu Dhabi 0552387654 [email protected] Abu Dhabi NES Global Talent 63107 Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi NES Global Talent 63107 Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi British International School Abu Dhabi 60968 British International School Abu Dhabi 60968 British International School Abu Dhabi 60968 Cranleigh School 51072 Terracotta Manpower Services 38993 Jameson Legal Energy, Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Products & Services Mr Sami Abdel-Razek ADYARD (Interserve) 7604 02 554 7722 [email protected] Mr Harrison Liddle ADYARD (Interserve) 7604 Mr Dean Stothard ADYARD (Interserve) 7604 02 656 1923 [email protected] Mr Stewart Highett Aker Solutions Mr Meraj Shaikh Aker Solutions 28686 02 656 1900 [email protected] Miss Zuma Zeynalli Aker Solutions 26868 Mr Ganpat Singhvi Al Nasser Holdings 46611 0044 208 811 7010 [email protected] Mr Khalid Al Qubaisi Al Yaseah Oil & Gas Industry Supplies & Services 3949 024093159 [email protected] 024093132 [email protected] 02 5059111 [email protected] 02 4493841 [email protected] Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 37

MEMBERSHIP LISTINGS Title First Name Last Name Company PO Box Business City Business Tel Email *Note: (A) denotes Associate. (CR) denotes Corporate Representative. [email protected] [email protected] Mr David Good Alnasr Technical Trading Agencies 7355 Abu Dhabi 02 5512900 [email protected] Mr Nick Abu Dhabi 02 4935555 [email protected] Mr Ulises Cochrane-Dyet (CR) BP 46600 Abu Dhabi 04 935555 [email protected] Mr David Abu Dhabi 02 493 5555 [email protected] Mr John Martinez BP 46600 Abu Dhabi 02 4935555 [email protected] Mr Tariq Abu Dhabi 026677555 [email protected] Mr Ryan Loosley BP 46600 Dubai 046026001 [email protected] Mr Trevor Abu Dhabi 02 876 6201 [email protected] Mr Hussain Gaffey BP 46600 Abu Dhabi 02 6428005 [email protected] Ms Sarah-Anne Abu Dhabi 02 613 1000 [email protected] Mr Mustafa Haddad MAK Trading & Services 5874 Abu Dhabi 02 6131000 [email protected] Mr Tamer Abu Dhabi 02 6131000 [email protected] Mr Tony McPherson (CR) The Energy Industries Council 54455 Abu Dhabi 024173000 [email protected] Capt. Cris Abu Dhabi 0509971957 [email protected] Capt. Vincent Stott-Briggs(A) Energy Institute - Middle East 146110 Abu Dhabi 026717144 [email protected] Mr Ali Abu Dhabi 02 6333620 [email protected] Mr Harrison Al Atrakchi (A) Intertek International Ltd 47754 Abu Dhabi 026333620 [email protected] Dr Martin Abu Dhabi 0561705829 [email protected] Dr Elaine Bradfield Intertek International Ltd 47754 Abu Dhabi 0566831241 [email protected] Mr Scott Abu Dhabi 02 4062623 [email protected] Mr Michael Sawalha (A) Intertek International Ltd 47754 Abu Dhabi 02 4062600 [email protected] Ms Katie Abu Dhabi 02 4062600 [email protected] Ms Lesley Qazi Intertek International Ltd 47754 Abu Dhabi 02 4062600 [email protected] Mr Ian Abu Dhabi 02 6311959 [email protected] Mr Richard Brania KEO International 27594 Abu Dhabi 02 4186452 [email protected] Mr Ian Dubai 04 3637757 [email protected] Mr Simon Partridge Abu Dhabi 02 6216291 [email protected] Mr Michael Abu Dhabi 02 6519805 [email protected] Mr Angus Regnaud London Offshore Consultants Middle East WLL 46280 Abu Dhabi 024943003 Mr Vinay Abu Dhabi 02 8104011 [email protected] Al-Janabi (CR) Shell Abu Dhabi 46807 [email protected] Abu Dhbai 050 338 3333 [email protected] Joseph Shell Abu Dhabi 46807 Abu Dhabi 02 6440395 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 0526372675 [email protected] Jagger Shell Abu Dhabi 46807 Abu Dhabi 02 696 8700 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 02 6790775 [email protected] Leith Shell Abu Dhabi 46807 Abu Dhabi 022018700 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 26316100 [email protected] Crawford Speedy International Asset 127149 Abu Dhabi 04 337 0990 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 02 5597370 [email protected] Jordan Speedy International Asset 127149 Dubai [email protected] Dubai 04 2069111 [email protected] Shields Speedy International Asset 127149 Abu Dhabi 02 6668379 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 024410955 [email protected] Yeats Speedy International Asset 127149 Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi 025535291 [email protected] Orme ICR Integrity Limited 44183 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 02 6420002 [email protected] Rees GAC Abu Dhabi 110053 Abu Dhabi 02 6422576 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 02 6743508 [email protected] McClay (CR) AJ Power Ltd DMCC 211860 Abu Dhabi 02 6431882 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 02 6431882 [email protected] Tyldsley (CR) TWMA 62173 Abu Dhabi 0506127254 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 02 6781133 [email protected] Mair (CR) Wood Plc 105828 Abu Dhabi 026781133 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 02 6339100 [email protected] Rodger Proserv Albadie 105022 Abu Dhabi 02 6339100 Abu Dhabi 026339100 Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 Sohoni (CR) Petrofac 9398 Engineering - Consultancy & Architecture Mr Mohamed Dekkak ADGECO Group 549 Mr David Spearing Mr Andrew Smith DSCS 2441 Mr Dion Collier Mr Raj Achan (CR) Driver Trett 112193 Mr Philip Jones (CR) Mr Simon Cathrine (CR) GHD Global PTY 45921 Mr Mark Jamieson Mr Chris Irwin (CR) Accolade Engineering / Chartered Institute of Marketing 43293 Mr Desmond Aitcheson Mr Chris Seymour (CR) Hatch 41096 Mr Kevin Woolley Mrs Gail Rogowsky (CR) Black & White Engineering 128981 Mr Leigh Lenaghan Mr Jonathan Vine Institution of Civil Engineers 63059 Kier Construction 61967 Mace International 26518 Mott Macdonald 11302 PMK Consult 38786 Turner & Townsend 105542 Global Maritime Consultancy Ltd 127573 Engineering - Contracting Mr Sami Sidawi Al Nasr Contracting 2436 Mr Ahmed Al Zabri Lindenberg Emirates LLC 42630 Mr Keyoor Gandhi (A) Okaz General Contracting 44910 Mr Steve Yazdabadi (CR) Wates International LLC 3486 Mr Bernard Hunt Wates Construction International LLC 3486 Mr Jeremy Mason Euro Mechanical & Electrical Contracting Co. LLC 46153 Mr Jonathan Rawding Euro Mechanical & Electrical Contracting Co. LLC 46153 Mr Roy Edmond Euro Mechanical & Electrical Contracting Co. LLC 46153 Mr Wissam Naji GEMACO Interiors 46995 Mr Chris Gilbert GEMACO Interiors 46995 Mr Titus Cherian GEMACO Interiors 46995 38 CAPITAL LETTER

MEMBERSHIP LISTINGS Title First Name Last Name Company PO Box Business City Business Tel Email *Note: (A) denotes Associate. (CR) denotes Corporate Representative. Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Mr Andre Morcos GEMACO Interiors 46995 026339100 [email protected] Mr Luke Gallagher Abu Dhabi 023040200 [email protected] Doosan Babcock General Maintenance Services LLC 26576 Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Engineering - Products & Services Dubai Dubai Mr Robert Hogan Readymix AbuDhabi Ltd 7289 Dubai 02 6422040 [email protected] Mr Andy Hall Fagioli 40126 Dubai 024490646 [email protected] Mrs Amanda Webb Tabreed 29478 Dubai 02 2020616 [email protected] Ms Milyn Tilla-in Kingsbury 712784 Dubai 048876325 [email protected] Mr Prabhat Kutty Kingsbury 712784 048876325 [email protected] Mr Richard Kingsbury Kingsbury 712784 Abu Dhabi 048876235 [email protected] Mr Neil Harrington Kingsbury 712784 0504451073 [email protected] Mr Martin Logue (CR) OCS United Service Emirates 116426 Abu Dhabi 044546090 [email protected] Ms Fiona McDonnell OCS United Service Emirates 116426 Abu Dhabi 044546090 [email protected] Mr Scott Sharp (CR) RUBBERATKINS Ltd 34590 Abu Dhabi 05053643518 [email protected] Abu Dhabi Environmental Services Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Mr Veryan Pappin Nautica Environmental Associates LLC 44780 Abu Dhabi 02 6731250 [email protected] Hotel & Catering Services Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Mr Desmond Hatton (A) Dusit Thani 52799 Abu Dhabi 02 6988100 [email protected] Mr Awais Khan Fairmont Bab al Bahr 114304 Abu Dhabi 026543099 [email protected] Mr Neil Houghton (CR) InterContinental Hotel Abu Dhabi 4171 Abu Dhabi 02 666 6888 [email protected] Mr Isael Goncalves (A) Rosewood Hotel 41184 Abu Dhabi 02 813 5593 [email protected] Miss Deanna Melendres The Club 658 Abu Dhabi 02 6731111 [email protected] Mr Mike McGrath The Club 658 Abu Dhabi 02 6731111 [email protected] Ms Caroline Johansson The Abu Dhabi Edition 127799 Abu Dhabi 054 792 2880 [email protected] Abu Dhabi Legal Services Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Mr James MacCallum Al Tamimi & Company 44046 Abu Dhabi 02 4038426 [email protected] Mrs Andrea Tithecott Al Tamimi & Company 44046 Belgrade Mr Charles Lilley (CR) Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner 109403 Abu Dhabi 02 8130444 [email protected] Mr Richard Lucas (CR) Holman Fenwick Willan 764608 Abu Dhabi Mr Justin Whelan Holman Fenwick Willan 764608 Abu Dhabi 02 6520300 [email protected] Miss Jennifer Eakins Clyde & Co LLP 54204 Abu Dhabi Mr Ross Barfoot (CR) Clyde & Co LLP 54204 Abu Dhabi 022354900 [email protected] Mrs Heather Nevin Clyde & Co LLP 54204 Abu Dhabi Ms Katy Thomson Clyde & Co LLP 54204 Abu Dhabi 022354900 [email protected] Ms Hayley Texeira Clyde & Co LLP 54204 Mrs Zoeyah Shaheen Clyde & Co LLP 54204 Abu Dhabi 02 4943500 [email protected] Mr Craig Hughson (CR) Dentons & Co 47656 Abu Dhabi Mr Michael Hilton (CR) Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 129817 Dubai 02 4943500 [email protected] Mr Mark Harrison (A) Harrisons 11070 Abu Dhabi Mrs Roberta Wertman (CR) Eversheds Sutherland 42182 Abu Dhabi 0566551296 [email protected] Mr Andrew Garbett Eversheds Sutherland 42182 Abu Dhabi Mr Ziad Salloum (A) Salloum & Partners LLC 3470 Abu Dhabi 0501061546 [email protected] Mrs Deborah Burton-Shaw Trowers & Hamlins 45628 Abu Dhabi Mrs Christine Abou Assali Trowers & Hamlins 37021 02 24943522 [email protected] Mr Matthew Powell Shearman & Sterling 2948 Mr Ahmed Omar MIO Lawyers & Legal Consultants 46385 024943500 [email protected] 02 613 1513 [email protected] 02 6521702 [email protected] 0038 111 3129825 [email protected] 02 4943600 [email protected] 024943638 [email protected] 02 6150729 [email protected] 02 4107600 [email protected] 024107600 [email protected] 024108125 [email protected] 02 5969222 [email protected] Management Consultancy & Consultancy Services Ms Heather Salmond (CR) Brunswick Gulf LTD 77800 02 245 1400 [email protected] [email protected] Mr David Sutch ENEC 94253 04 5519480 [email protected] 02 6946800 [email protected] Mr Guy Allison (CR) NATS Services 392497 02 4122109 [email protected] 02 5013887 [email protected] Mr Edward Willing Price Waterhouse Coopers, PWC 45263 024485120 [email protected] 026662319 [email protected] Miss Sammim Adam UAE Solutions 62251 Mr Adam Grundy Shamal Group Limited 51297 Ms Jade Wong PRO Partner Group 63927 Mr Jamie Mayall ISO Online Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 CAPITAL LETTER 39

MEMBERSHIP LISTINGS Title First Name Last Name Company PO Box Business City Business Tel Email *Note: (A) denotes Associate. (CR) denotes Corporate Representative. UK Abu Dhabi Mrs Seona Shand (A) Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi 0044 1224 [email protected] 343929 [email protected] Mr Steve Martin Communications Consultant 77800 Abu Dhabi 054 4497297 [email protected] Abu Dhabi Mr Nathan Hunt Gateway Group of Companies 36687 Abu Dhabi 02 3091700 Abu Dhabi Manufactured Products & Services Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Mr Graham Outterside 0564131542 [email protected] Abu Dhabi [email protected] Mr John Kelly (CR) Rolls-Royce 144294 Abu Dhabi 02 6169000 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 02 6169000 [email protected] Mr Patrick Regis Rolls-Royce 155294 Dubai 02 6227805 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 0506554937 [email protected] Mr Matthew Barnard Rolls-Royce 155294 Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Mr Feras Tarabichi IWC - Schaffhausen 28940 Abu Dhabi Ms Kristina Williams Eco Rascals Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Media Services, Marketing & Events Abu Dhabi Dubai Ms Nancy Power BSL Middle East 77808 Abu Dhabi 02 444 5378 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 024498077 [email protected] Mrs Kate Faber All About Brands 77953 Abu Dhabi 056 3995155 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 044257967 [email protected] Ms Jane Barraclough Phoenix Media & Publications (Yalla Magazine) 769386 Abu Dhabi 505097332 [email protected] 552123975 [email protected] Mr Guy Taylor Taqarabu Public Relations 123495 Abu Dhabi 056 2095325 [email protected] Edinburgh Ms Tracey Boux Etihad Arena 147774 Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Mr Marcus Osborne Etihad Arena 147774 Dubai Mr Ron Moonesinghe Saadiyat Big Band 51133 Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Medical Sciences - Health, Beauty & Safety Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Mr Simon Case Bounce Back Physiotherapy 137052 Abu Dhabi 02 565 1212 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 025019000 Mr Dr. Andrew Rivard (A) Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi 112412 UK ext.47516 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 02 635 3040 Mr David Bishop International SOS 128430 [email protected] Abu Dhabi 024944481 Mr Joe Hazel (CR) Mediclinic Middle East 48481 Abu Dhabi [email protected] Abu Dhabi 044037100 Mr Jeffrey Kemprecos GlaxoSmithKlein Export Limited 50199 Abu Dhabi [email protected] 02 6179299 Dr Bavaguthu Shetty NMC HEALTHCARE 6222 [email protected] 02 6584790 morag.cromey-hawke@operationsmile. Mrs Morag Cromey-Hawke Operation Smile UAE 113554 org 02 4413316 [email protected] Ms. Amy Gilbert Perfect Balance Rehabilitation Centre 112457 02 5562024 [email protected] Dr. Katrin Jahn German Veterinary Clinic 34867 026662655 [email protected] Mrs Susan Partridge Maudsley Health 41763 Property Mr James Hodgetts (CR) JLL 36788 02 443 7772 [email protected] Miss Michelle Grant Grant Properties Tel [email protected] 00441312206360 Mr Matthew Dadd (CR) Knight Frank 105374 02 6363297 [email protected] Mr Richard Foulds Al Masaood 322 022017692 [email protected] Mr Nick Witty Chestertons International LLC 128983 043810200 [email protected] Trade & Technology Mr P.K. Ashraf (A) Abu Dhabi Industrial Supply 27679 02 6340403 [email protected] 02 6353500 Dr Hamed Al Suwaidi Private Office 22 02 6353500 [email protected] 050 668 3723 [email protected] Mr Abdulrahman Al Balushi Al Emarat United Limited 111722 [email protected] 0567529271 [email protected] Mr Mark Doyle Green Sands 63830 00 44 [email protected] 2031264991 [email protected] Mr Mohan Jashanmal Jashanmal National Company 26724724 Mr John McGuire Broadlands Limited 135111 Mr Nicholas Lubin (CR) Dexapoint Mr Richard Cartwright Posters 55 Transportation, Travel & Tourism Mr Houssam Weiss Etihad Airways 35566 025113693 [email protected] 02 6220088 [email protected] Mr Ahmed Abood Al Boasy Fast Rent A Car 6365 04 3846002 [email protected] 02 6764088 [email protected] Mr Karunesh Arya Fast Rent A Car 6365 Ms Christine Bond Debare Sea Falcon Yacht Charters 44291 40 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020

NOT GETTING THAT PREMIER FEELING WITHYOUR BANK? EXPERIENCE RAKBANK ELITE - PREMIUM BANKING WITH A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE The RAKBANK Elite experience comes with a host of personalized features designed with your financial goals and lifestyle in mind Preferential rates on UK & UAE Mortgages A dedicated Relationship Manager who is always just a call away An array of Premium Banking services for free A wide range of investment/insurance solutions tailored to meet your needs A free-for-life RAKBANK World Mastercard® Credit Card with exceptional travel privileges Visit www.rakbank.ae/elite or sms ‘ELITE’ to 7011 to open your account today CAPITAL LETTER 41 Vol. 23 Issue 2 Summer 2020 Conditions apply