CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 | Issue 3 | Winter 2021 Introducing...
B CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CAPITAL LETTER Contents Looking Forward UAE President Makes State Visit to UK 20 40 Years at Wimbledon 22 Chairman’s Foreword 2 King’s College Hospital London Opens Abu Dhabi Clinic 23 Introducing BCC Abu Dhabi 3 The History of the BBG 24 Our Rebrand Story 4 Introduction of VAT into the GCC 32 Meet the British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi Team 6 A Special Date for the Diary 34 Looking to the Past, Looking to the Future 8 20 Years and Going Strong 36 A Tribute to Sir Graham Burton KCMG 9 Special Olympics GB Team Announced 37 Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi Update 38 Celebrating the Last Decade 2011-2021 Special Olympians 40 Curtain Falls on Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi 42 Cementing the UK-UAE Partnership 10 Early Days in the Emirates 44 A Unique Relationship 14 Expo 2020 Dubai 46 Supporting the UAE’s Inspiring Athletes 15 Good Luck and Farewell to the UAE Olympic and About the BBG Paralympic Athletes 16 Olympians Exhibition 17 New Members 48 British Embassies in UAE Celebrate 100 Days to go in Events Gallery 50 London Olympics 18 Corporate Sponsors 52 Nobody Does it Better Than the Brits! 19 Cover Picture: Logo designed by THC (Taqarabu Hybrid Communications) with the support of eWavelength Editorial Submissions or Advertising Enquiries: Editorial Panel: Anna Ali Adib, Tim Allen, David Good, [email protected] British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi (BCC AD) David Spearing, Sinéad Whelan ☎PO Box: 43635, Abu Dhabi, UAE, : +971 2 445 7234 ☎Published by: Dar Al Fajr Printing, Publishing & Advertising, Email: [email protected] P.O. Box: 505, Abu Dhabi, UAE, : +971 2 4488300 Website: www.bccad.ae Email: [email protected] General Manager: Sinéad Whelan This magazine is distributed among the members of British Business Group and has no commercial value. Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 1
LOOKING FORWARD Chairman’s Foreword As the United Arab Emirates the world urgently addresses is heartening to see that work to sets its sights on the Next Fifty the challenges amplified reach a GCC-wide FTA deal is Years, the British Chamber of at the UK’s recent hosting gaining momentum. Commerce Abu Dhabi looks of COP26, BCCAD is well forward to playing a pivotal placed to identify opportunities One immediate opportunity role in fostering reciprocal associated with the fast- we can provide our members is commercial opportunities and growing sustainable industries access to the global network of bilateral engagement. This sector. This is especially British Chambers of Commerce, was at the heart of the British relevant now as the UAE amounting to 76 accredited Business Group in Abu Dhabi, prepares to host COP28 in chambers around the world first established twenty-five November 2023, where climate and 53 in the UK. We share years ago, and is enshrined change and energy transition their name, but also common in our new vision as we evolve will be key themes. values in international trade and with clarity of purpose into the commercial diplomacy. British Chamber of Commerce, Whilst we have new ambitions Abu Dhabi (BCCAD), from reflected in a culturally As we look forward, we 2022. sympathetic and inclusive must also reflect upon the identity, we hold dear to our history between the UK and Fundamentally, we have origins and values, and to all the UAE. Whilst the Emirates embraced a new identity to those individuals and founding has celebrated its fiftieth underscore this purpose; that partners who contributed year of independence from Abu Dhabi is the Nation’s towards the success of our Britain, many of our members capital, the centre of the UAE’s former organisation. However, and founding partners have government and the primary as we enter a new dynamic era, experience which pre-dates influencer in its economic our behaviour has to adapt to the formation of the Emirates in diversification. The federal reflect this, to become linear 1971 and this recent, golden government recently endorsed and nimble. milestone. As the UAE plots its the UAE Centennial 2071 course towards the Next Fifty project with the clear and Recent history has taught us Years, BCCAD intends to be stated ambition of becoming the critical need for resilience a positive force for good, for the world’s best country by and adaptability. Digitalization trade and an ongoing catalyst that time. Our role, in the new will therefore be at the core of for shared prosperity. and invigorated BCCAD, our evolution enabling efficient is to collaborate with local engagement and adding value We very much home that you stakeholders, those in the to our members and partners, will enjoy this ‘souvenir edition’ UAE and those in the UK, to dedicated to delivering better of Capital Letter which both ensure we contribute towards business outcomes. reflects our past achievements, the achievement of this bold and celebrates the launch of ambition. We also recognise the our new Chamber. immense value that human With pre-pandemic bilateral contact delivers in gaining Nick Cochrane-Dyet MBE trade amounting to nearly better understandings and Chairman £19 Billion, there is a huge building relationships. Whether willingness to build on this that is represented in trade strong foundation, at pace missions or specialist groups, and with scale. Recent BCCAD offers opportunities to commitments between the UK its members for engagement and the UAE have witnessed and collaboration with multiple investments in life industry leaders, institutions, sciences and technology. The government ministers and Partnership for the Future joint regulators. communiqué further illustrates how trade and knowledge As trade deals between the transfer will be key components UK and the UAE become even in the pathway to a mutually more important, great emphasis rewarding, sustainable future. will be placed on facilitating this process, all supported by With that in mind and as the British Embassy in the UAE and its Trade Commissioner. It 2 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
LOOKING FORWARD Introducing BCC Abu Dhabi British Chamber of Commerce Membership opportunities in Capital Letter Abu Dhabi is an organisation – It’s as easy as (A), (B), (C) magazine; receive intra-British focussed on promoting Our membership scheme will Chambers of Commerce Global bilateral trade between the look different as the British Business Network members United Arab Emirates and the Chamber of Commerce Abu introductions; and have priority United Kingdom. We have one Dhabi. Below we have a opportunity for further strategic objective – to enable better breakdown of the different engagement with BCC AD business outcomes for our options: as annual partners, strategic member companies. Associate (A) partners and event partners. This level of membership invites Annual Partners* Formed from the British individuals, consultants and Our annual partners will receive Business Group Abu Dhabi freelancers to be part of the exclusive levels of branding (registered in 1996), the British Chamber of Commerce opportunities and benefits across British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi through attending events, Capital Letter magazine Abu Dhabi is a not-for-profit events with limited benefits and membership engagement. membership organisation for of access across the wider Strategic Partners* companies trading between network. Our strategic partners will the UAE and the UK. The Business (B) receive exclusive branding Chamber is affiliated to the This level of membership is opportunities at three key events Global Network of the British open to SMEs; businesses during membership. Chambers of Common providing with a couple of interested Event Partners* connectivity to 76 accredited members who are keen to Our event partners will have chambers around the world, and access the wider membership opportunity to partner with BCC 53 UK-based chambers trading directory, attend member AD on dedicated events. world-wide. events, participate in sector focus events and access the We invite our existing The Chamber provides its international Global Business Membership to transition with us members with a local network, Network of the British Chambers under the new scheme and look activities and services that are of Commerce. forward to welcoming new sector designed to: Corporate (C) representatives and growing • Inform them of market This level of membership offers not only our membership but benefits suitable for the majority our strategic partnerships conditions and trading of our existing BBG Abu Dhabi too. Please get in touch with opportunities, and prevailing members’ company sizes. Not the team at 02-4457234 or policies and legislation only will corporate members www.bccad.ae for details and to • Connect them to potential receive all event invitations; discuss joining the BCC AD in funders, partners and have access to the BCC AD 2022. customers – both in Abu membership directory, they Dhabi and UK will have access to all British *Annual Partners, Strategic • Support them in establishing, Chambers of Commerce Partners and Event Partners must marketing and developing news, market intelligence and be Corporate Members of the their business, and by opportunities for engagement; British Chambers of Commerce asserting influence on their they will feature on our in order to avail of these behalf to promote their ‘recommended to do business engagement opportunities. interests with’ list; have priority editorial The Chamber offers a range of membership categories, to meet the needs of all sizes and types of business, with associate membership available for interested individuals. Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 3
LOOKING FORWARD Our Rebrand Story... When the British Business Group Abu business, but a multi-lateral reach Playing a role in the Dhabi Committee turned its focus from across the Global Business Network rebrand strategy to implementation to become of the British Chambers of Commerce the British Chamber of Commerce internationally. Being able to play a part in shaping Abu Dhabi, we decided to partner the brand of an entity that flies the flag with two of our members companies With all of this in mind, our new for Great Britain in every aspect of its with which we already had strong logo was developed by THC and business, from facilitating partnerships relationships – THC (Taqarabu Hybrid eWavelegnth, with a strong nod to to creating opportunities and driving Communications) and eWavelength, the heritage of the UAE. The logo has bilateral trade is a fantastic opportunity two British-led, stalwart agencies in the been hand drawn in Arabic calligraphy and one that makes us proud to be communications sector in the UAE. and reads تجارةor ‘tijara’ which means British in Abu Dhabi! ‘commerce.’ It encapsulates our vision We went on a journey with this for the British Chamber of Commerce As a UK company that expanded rebrand. We aimed to remain true to Abu Dhabi perfectly, positioning the into the UAE nearly a decade ago, our roots, highlighting the strength UAE at the heart of what we do and we know first-hand how crucial the of the partnership between the UK showing our intent to enable and enrich support provided by the BBG is for and UAE, but we needed to move bilateral business. The colours reflect the success of incoming businesses. in a new direction, showing our those of the Great British flag, and the The evolution of the Group into a commitment to supporting inbound wording is translated in both English Chamber of Commerce is an exciting and outbound investment that benefits and Arabic. The look and feel aligns development, and one that provides the two countries in a more dynamic with versions of other international even more support from a wider global way – as the British Chamber of British Chambers of Commerce, but network; we’re thrilled to be associated Commerce Abu Dhabi. We now have delivers a unique Arabian identity for with businesses and groups that are not only a dual focus on UK and UAE Abu Dhabi. collaborating and shaping the future, the opportunities are endless. Welcome to 2022 in the of the British Business Group Abu UAE; embracing the Next Dhabi, its new purpose, position eWavelength is a digital marketing Fifty yet? and identity, were all serendipitously consultancy based in the United Arab recalibrated to reflect this imperative. Emirates with offices in London and At the time of writing, the Nation has By adopting a more nimble, digitally Abu Dhabi. Established in the UK just celebrated its Fiftieth anniversary, fluent approach, the BCC Abu by Rosie Seldon in 2000, a certified is presenting a remarkable future Dhabi’s goal of enabling business Google trainer, the company was focused Expo, secured host-status for opportunities between the UK and formed with the vision to support COP28 (in November 2023, ie: next the UAE will be invigorated. clients with every aspect of their digital year!), and dramatically announced transformation journey from strategies a new working week which aligns the Whilst longer term residents to analyses, implementation plans, UAE with its global peers. have had the gift of witnessing the training and consultancy. evolution of the UAE’s cities and The pace at which the story of the infrastructure, this only offers a clue Our primary goal at eWavelength is UAE is developing should reassure as to what the future holds. With new to partner with you to truly understand any doubts about the positive sectors emerging and established your business objectives, helping direction that the UAE is taking in industries destined for transition, a to drive your company’s growth by protecting its regional position of constant flow of new opportunities blending imagination and technology leadership. This place rewards will result. to create a successful data-driven challenging the status quo – recently and customer-centric approach to illustrated in the UAE Centennial 2071 Front and centre to the success marketing. We think of it as getting on initiative – and all those who embrace of the UAE has been its ability the ‘wavelength’ of your customers. the opportunities enshrined in the Next to use communications to its We know that it’s only by walking in Fifty. strategic advantage. From globally their shoes, albeit digitally, that we recognisable brand names to can identify their needs. And, if we Timely therefore that the evolution landmark buildings. This story isn’t know their needs then we can address just authored by consultants and them, simply and easily with impactful 4 CAPITAL LETTER creatives, but evidence suggests that marketing campaigns, that work. evidence speaks volumes. We are proud to have worked with By Guy Taylor, Managing Partner, THC many of the world’s leading brands, Taqarabu Hybrid Communications as well as smaller startups, to consult, https://thc.xyz/ create and execute innovative and impactful digital marketing solutions, delivering great brand experiences that persuade, convert and inspire. By Tracey McLaine, Management Consultant at eWavelength www.ewavelength.com Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
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LOOKING FORWARD Meet the British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi Team Changes to governance is a further fundamental difference between BBG Abu Dhabi and the British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi. Appointed Trustees will oversee a Board of Directors, which will set out the Articles of Association and By-Laws for the running of the Chamber, and the day-to-day operations will be executed by the Executive Management team. Meet the BCC AD Executive Management Team Sinead Whelan – General Mai Ahmad - Business Eunice Dela Torre – Manager. BBG Abu Dhabi Development Manager. Mai is Administration Assistant. Members will be familiar with the main line of communication A Business Administration Sinead who has been with the between the BCC current graduate with over five Group since January 2014, members and potential years of experience in progressing through the ranks members. With over 15 years supporting mid and senior- from Membership and Events of experience across different level managers by providing Manager to Office Manager. industries, Mai has experience them with clerical support. Sinead hails from the sunny in Business Development, Eunice is the backbone of the south-east of Ireland with a Client Interaction, Marketing, team supporting across all background in retail PR and Communications and Events administration requirements in Events Management. She looks Planning. the busy BCC AD office. It is forward to leading the team in its Eunice’s welcoming voice you new departure as the BCC AD! hear when you call the office! A Board of Directors will replace the current BBG Abu Dhabi Committee in a supervisory role Nick Cochrane - Dyet MBE Trucial Oman Scouts, prior to She originally came to Abu – Chair the UAE’s formation. Nick has Dhabi to launch GIBTM (Gulf Nick is Special Advisor for BP, two daughters, enjoys travelling Incentives, Business Travel his responsibilities include and languages, and is & Meetings Exhibition) with advising on matters relating particularly interested in Middle Reed Exhibitions, subsequently to geopolitics of the region Eastern photography. Nick was managed the PCO division of to localization, Who’s Who to elected Chairman of BBG Abu a local UAE company and then being a good corporate citizen, Dhabi in January 2017. joined BSL Middle East as a as well helping understand the Nancy Power – Vice Chair founding member in 2010. Since magical UK-UAE relationship. A Nancy is an events specialist then, she has been responsible Sandhurst graduate, he spent with over 25 years’ international for developing BSL Middle six years in the Brigade of experience, 12 years of which East, a British-born global Gurkhas. A long-term resident, have been based in the UAE. marketing, sponsorship and his father was an officer in the events management agency, into a successful and respected dynamic events solution agency in the region. She loves travelling and dancing however with a hectic lifestyle often dreams that she could just put her feet up on a sun lounger and enjoy the UAE weather! 6 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
LOOKING FORWARD Khalid Al Qubaisi corporate governance and Middle East region throughout Khalid is founder and a partner joint venture work. Ross has both his earlier military career in different companies based significant experience of advising and latterly within the defence in UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and clients in the education sector industry. During 31 years of Fujairah), Kingdom of Saudi and leads the MENA and Global service with the British Army he Arabia and Netherlands. He has education teams. He also gained operational command devoted 90 % of his effort to regularly advises in the oil and experience in Northern Ireland, establish businesses from the gas, defence and media sectors. Oman, the Balkans, Iraq and United Kingdom, Denmark and Sharukh Dumasia Afghanistan. Tim left the British Netherlands in UAE for the last Sharukh Dumasia is a Fellow Army in 2010 to join Cubic 20 years. Along with that, he of the Institute of Chartered Defense Applications, before holds a governmental position Accountants in England and moving on to QinetiQ plc in as an Aviation Consultant. His Wales (ICAEW). He has been 2013 as the company’s MENA extensive experience in business in practice for more than 30 Regional Director. development, and knowledge years with KPMG, in the UK for on the market needs, is mainly 25 years arriving in the UAE in Cris Partridge focused on energy, engineering, 2014. He is currently the Head of Cris is Managing Director at manufacturing and aviation Transaction Services for a niche Myrcator Marine & Cargo Solutions sector. His recent activities advisory firm Ardent Advisory FZE (MMCS), started in 2020 to include setting up valve, static and Accounting. Sharukh has provide specialist independent measurement devices and previously held senior positions inspection and consultancy aircraft part manufacturing in KPMGs Audit, Deals and services to marine and project facilities within Abu Dhabi and Management Consulting cargo clients. Prior to setting up Dubai. businesses. He specialises MMCS, Cris was Regional Director in assisting companies make for London Offshore Consultants Ross Barfoot investment decisions and Middle East (LOCME). After a Ross is a corporate partner undergoing transformational sea-going career that started in in the Abu Dhabi office of change. 1982, he served on a variety of Clyde & Co with over 13 years’ Tim Allen vessel types and sailed at rank experience – first in the UK Tim is the Chief Executive as Master of ocean-going cargo and since 2008 in the Gulf Officer of Houbara Defence & vessels subsequently attaining a Region. In addition to advising Security LLC, a joint venture MSc in Marine Operations. Cris is both foreign corporations and between QinetiQ plc and a Freeman of the City of London, a local companies on a mix of Middle East General Enterprises Fellow of the Institute of Chartered corporate advisory, M&A and (MGE). Tim has focused on the Shipbrokers and a Liveryman private equity, Ross regularly of the Honourable Company advises his clients on corporate of Master Mariners. He firmly re-organisations, commercial, believes in the aims and principles of the BBG and applied to join the Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 committee in order to contribute positively to the organisation whilst increasing the awareness of regional shipping and associated service sectors. Myrcator MCS is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the BBG Abu Dhabi. CAPITAL LETTER 7
LOOKING FORWARD Looking to the Past, Looking to the Future HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al turned the UAE into a regional hub for a sustainable and vibrant economy.” Nahyan has said that the UAE’s renewable and clean energy. We’ve HH Sheikh Khalifa affirmed that the Founding Fathers embraced adopted a national strategy to retain sustainable development as a guiding and attract talent in a way that further pursuit of regional and global peace methodology to build up a modern reinforces the UAE’s stature on the and maintaining the principles of nation that derives its human, socio- Gulf, Arab, Islamic and global levels. good-neighbourliness will continue economic, and cultural clout from And under the theme ‘Connecting to be the mainstay of the country’s robust constitutional, organisational Minds, Creating the Future’, we’re foreign policy. “Strengthening and structural tenets. hosting Expo 2020 Dubai – the world’s cooperation among GCC states at Greatest Show – for the first time in the the political, economic, social and In a statement to the Nation Shield region’s history.” security levels will remain a top (the UAE Armed Forces’ magazine) Emirati priority. Within this context, we on the occasion of the UAE Golden The past 50 years of the country’s will continue to stand by our fraternal Jubilee, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed history, HH Sheikh Khalifa continued, GCC states in the face of all threats Al Nahyan said: “In line with the have fructified into a myriad of to their stability, unity and territorial ‘Principles of the 50th’, the UAE will achievements, including sustainable integrity. continue to steadily pursue a solid development, political stability and ecosystem of well-established values security, a government that is among “We reiterate that Gulf security and principles, with human capital the most efficient in the world, and is integrated and inseparable. lying at the heart of UAE Strategy for a private sector that has played a Strengthening the pillars of the Future. significant role in stimulating the stability in our region is a collective domestic economy and enhancing its responsibility that requires “It’s this resilient set of legislation competitiveness and productivity. intensifying strategic coordination that’s enabled our nation to establish among all the GCC States to achieve a coherent society with a knowledge- HH Sheikh Khalifa added: “We the aspirations of our peoples for based, innovation-driven economy, have introduced to the world an a secure and prosperous future a world-class healthcare system, inspiring development success story, as has been the case during the an advanced education sector, an which has rendered our country a past 50 years. Our diplomacy will integrated modern infrastructure, leading regional and international remain active and vibrant, catalysing environmental sustainability financial centre, and a sought-after partnerships with major, emerging and an enviable status in global place to live, work, invest and travel. and developing nations to promote competitiveness rankings,” added the In so doing, we have surpassed a culture of tolerance, controlling President. others in terms of wellbeing, conflicts, confronting climate change, service excellence, corporate investing in Sustainable Development In his statement, HH Sheikh Khalifa governance, trade openness, quality Goals, combatting hunger, disease bin Zayed Al Nahyan shed light on of life and entrepreneurship. We and poverty, and providing the key milestones achieved over the have successfully weathered the humanitarian and development recent period: “We have come a long repercussions of the COVID-19 aid – which is an integral part of our way in empowering women and youth, pandemic and restored normalcy country’s glorious journey and its and developing a diversified economy. while observing full compliance with moral obligations.” The outer space welcomed our first preventative measures in place. Emirati astronaut and our Hope Probe He expressed the pride of all in historic milestones that have made “Thanks to this Emirati cadres who are responding our nation the first in this sphere in the enviable track record to the call of duty on all fronts. “We Arab region and the fifth worldwide. of achievements, we’re are proud of our government teams ushering in the next 50 who’ve succeeded across 50 years “We launched the Arab region’s years of our history with a to translate the rules laid down by first multi-unit nuclear plant that comprehensive, long-term our Founding Fathers into tangible and well-thought-out strategic services and resilient infrastructures. 8 CAPITAL LETTER vision, based on meticulous We take pride in our Armed Forces and their valiant commanders and pursuance of soldiers and our security and police excellence to services. They have been leaving no stone unturned to live up to secure a brighter their responsibility in protecting our future for future homeland. We are proud of all UAE generations, residents, and their vital contributions to development and nation-building,” who, by the HH Sheikh Khalifa concluded. time they will be This article was originally published by celebrating our WAM media. Centennial 2071, -WAM/Hatem Mohamed/Tariq alfaham/ will see their Rola Alghoul nation amongst the best in the Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 world, thanks to
LOOKING FORWARD A Tribute to Sir Graham Burton KCMG By David Good he developed such excellent quoted as saying: “I can’t remember relations with the local a time in my lifetime when relations It is with the deepest sorrow we Government that, by the time between the UAE and the UK have learned that Sir Graham Burton KCMG, of his departure, Britain had been so good.” British Ambassador to the UAE 1990- achieved its biggest surplus 94, died on Wednesday 14th July, of trade with any other country A senior local Government official, on 2021 at his home in Weybridge, UK. – over £1 billion. During and hearing of Graham’s death, described He was surrounded by his loving after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait him as “a star diplomat.” family, his wife Julia and children in August 1990 he instilled Dominic and Nicola, after a long battle a tremendous sense of In all he did, during his time as the with cancer. support amongst the British British Ambassador, Graham always community for the UAE and had the strong support and assistance Graham joined the Foreign and the Gulf Arab cause, and this of his wife Julia. Commonwealth Office in the very early continued through to (and nineties and his first overseas posting after) the first Gulf War. was to Abu Dhabi I 1963 where he joined the Political Agency as the Graham and his wife assistant to Sir Hugh Boustead, the opened the Embassy grounds Political Agent. Julia joined him in 1964 for the first time to various and both their children were born whilst annual events such as the they were here, although – since there Children’s Street Party and the was no hospital in Abu Dhabi – Julia Poppy Ball. had to fly to Bahrain for each delivery. Graham was instrumental Graham was not one of the ‘old in arranging for the first ‘open’ school’ in the FCO and perhaps luncheon to be arranged for this was why he developed such a British business men in Abu remarkable personality. He always Dhabi, held on June 12th appeared to be very laid-back, but he 1991, which was the initiation of the worked very hard. He enjoyed life and British Business Group (BBG). infused everyone around him with his energy and interest in any event or The Chairman of the BBG, who had occasion with which he was involved. experience of working in many different He could encourage people to countries, on Graham’s departure, achieve much more than they thought stated that he had “never known themselves capable of, and was able such a professional, supportive or to do so without exerting any apparent approachable Ambassador.” pressure. Early in May 1994, HH the Crown During his tenure as Ambassador, Prince of Abu Dhabi, in his then capacity as the UAE Chief of Staff, was Sir Graham Burton KCMG Overseas Career with The British Foreign Office Year Country Position/Location Assistant to Political Agent (Hugh Boustead to 1965) 1964 - 1967 UAE (Archie Lamb, 1965-67) 1967 - 1969 Lebanon MECAS(Middle East Centre for Arabic Studies) 1969 - 1980 Kuwait/UK/Uganda/Tunisia/USA 3rd Secretary Commercial, British Embassy Various Middle East Depts 1981 - 1984 Libya 1984 - 1986 UK Economic Secretary & Counsellor, British Embassy 1987 - 1990 USA Head of Security & Co-ordination Dept., FCO, London 1990 - 1994 UAE Consul General, San Francisco 1994 - 1997 Indonesia British Ambassador 1997 - 2001 Nigeria British Ambassador High Commissioner Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 9
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN Cementing the UK-UAE Partnership SPRING QUEEN’S VISIT 2011 The historic, long-awaited and evening of 24th November, when Mohammed into the mosque, hugely successful visit by Her The Queen, accompanied by whose internal design was partly Majesty Queen Elizabeth to Abu H.R.H. The Duke Edinburgh and undertaken by a leading British Dhabi in late November, though H.R.H. The Duke of York, as well artist. short, marked in a very real way not only the long-standing friendly Cementing the UK-UAE partnershiprelationship between the United Kingdom and the United Arab as William Hague, arrived at the There she and Prince Philip Bateen Presidential Airport to met a number of young children be met by H.H. General Sheikh engaged in reciting the Holy Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qu’ran. Local press reports noted Emirates but also the way in which Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and that, as the titular head of the that relationship is now evolving Deputy Supreme Commander of Church of England, The Queen intoThae nheiswtorkicin, dlonogf-pawaartinteedrsahnidphfuogrely atchceoUmApaEniAedrmbeydHF.oRr.Hce. sT,haenDduSkeheEikdh- isTthheerefirssht eleaadnder PorfinacneotPhheilripfamithet a sthueccfeustsufruel ,vsiseitniboyr oHfefirciMalasjefsrotymQbuoeethn inAbbudrguhllaahn.d H.R.H. The Duke of York, ntuomhbaevreopf ayiodunagn ocfhfiilcdiraelnviesnitgtaogethdein EcloizuanbtertiehstohAabvueD. habi in late November, DaBZNboAattptpcsErfsyaihhbaehehroameyitIeeIawdtwvHeonnohroetbuaistehree.rpvpdpyilHlrtanlrleilae,aeallesoyA.UteAhnameStrmfitgPGtshlaAa.dwssthaer.ahlNtEefea”oeoiDtrnWeNronaeksufkcieAeknsihfierrdnylssrpolrhyr,iwiteactmaaueyachcrnlmMhatsonWnnaeeaytSle,rindddaArAorhSpHadrgCilleMheuigyfarFaerrdiarpr“Arok,eiogdniteaermvhywirnuera,nscblapbeancnmhmMetSydlo,ityyeosoheiPosoreao,r,wttenthrhtfhCrdnhWliiarsaynikettiopssehonvmchsAamthedeeaaaEtmMnMdibfhmpmigtroddSeeeoao,saaefihdrhrtynttaeAoahmodattbtimbhhfkeaneleiheenust-rt remcoitisnqguteh.e Holy Qu’ran. Local press re- eatfnttcvs2bpiwoFMhhoinoivnoopn0ooiaerohIninotdunFKIutir1lruitrylstnewctvsoiehewgiZ0wnhstttiinhapehyrbnhg,vaiteaaioplyeeegiryrsynssrrssffetusrseuiiieohotngUttbivaSohtHahhnhdovuteinnrovaewtieofteerr.poythfieteveHAtwciruh,tearlhe,Adr1o3iwarsmle.mdtceen1s9b.3eNShibvaneteglpUn7Ay1ulahariyend-taes9kAbrhrsehwiyDaraeiytoU.taEetthtiyaebrndrkhthKestWAkaniaehtoenraoidiheEsnenrErnifbsUisFimlAeltyfd1nnalihhaaiiFecnc9gabtisitcenribioDpioeooa7taimvdoefndrrfnleUet1hursuetdencwpsirhecaeHUAsliytheTaiflgrranlelarKiaylaKErrooprdbntnthheerignmn1bnluateyaaiel9sugteytalrtr7iebdrysanpowne9ohto,lornhldas.aetimwphoey-- meTdhsearied ftohlalot wtheedvitshitelafiurnsct hoefdfic“iaalnew PatClpfeihPSaNMUctrohaeeechaiAorTauidsstTntilesvlrnhEaieihcPivdiveisrenkctehiaeiiVtmtsooaheleynnoaifitltn.ctebrfMcfeawteoHdeEoaeeanxxcaonn.ornettttPuh,hshHdgtdrmsharemtealeeaahetPooR,m,rmonstreefrarerduiifta,momnndashis,lecsniieieneceTtnteqstihhrignthocgvduieEMteao,itore,totmytblfria.Qei22ntthfeiDwun5iid5nouasrdldtauaaetctvhehRbsreebbtuPreynahayNasprsaetsiiiUaosnm,oathhivAdddHftieeehdEamo.eREHnfVbmuftii.ohrcleeisrfeer--r,t setanggeaognemtheenpta,tha ovfissittrotongthreelaStihoensikhhips oAf lDMuabkait,ouHm.H,. aSnhdeibkhy SMhoehiakmhmed bin RMasohhidamAml MeadktboiunmZ, aayneddb,ythSeheQikuheMeno-, haacmcmoemdpbainniZeadyebdy, PthreinQceuePehn,iliapccaonmd- coof nFterinetnadnsdhsipp.iriTt hoef thteexAt bouf SDhhaebikihDec- oZf acyoeopdeGrartiaonndanMdofsriqenudes,hwiphtehraet tTiehtehe ptahneieDdubkyePorifnYceorPkh, iilnipsapnedctehed Daunkde of lAarbadtiounlla2h0’s10s,pseigencehdcabyn bUeAEfouFnordeign twQouefrieenndfilyrsntavtiosnitsedantdhepetoopmlebs.o” f the Yfoorrkm, iansllpyeucntevdeailneddftohrme adlleysuingvneifloedr the MoniniPstaegr eH.5H.. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed latTeheSrheeifkohlloZwaeydedth.eShfirestanodffichiaelr en- dtehseigZnafyoer dthNe aZtaioyneadl NMautisoenualmMbueseinugm AlTNhaehyvainsiat nbdeUgKanFolareteigninStehceretary Wil- gpaagretmy ewnet,rea thviesnit etoscthoerteSdhebikyh SZhaeyiekdh bceoinngstcruocnstetrducotendSoan’adSaiy’aadtiiysaltanisdla.nd. liam Hague, which reaffirmed the 1971 Grand Mosque, where The Queen first Designed by British architects Foster + T1re0 atCyAoPfITFArLieLnEdTsThEiRp. The text of Sheikh visited the tomb of the late Sheikh Zayed. Partners and beinVogl. d2e4vIseslouepe3dWintears2s0o2-1 Abdullah’s speech can be found on Page She and her party were then escorted ciation with The British Museum, this will, 5. by Sheikh Mohammed into the mosque, when completed, represent a visually-
QUEEN’S VISIT CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 QUEEN’S VISIT Designed by British architects Foster + Partners and being developed in association with The British Museum, this will, when completed, represent a visually stunning example of the UK-UAE partnership (see separate story on Page 14). This event represented the best opportunity for Abu Dhabi residents ptiTCttnhhhoooveeeurTimttrgAoBCDB2tSeuhroimpsf,ouamrrdoeni0smiiyaste’ttoimvh0atioianesssybseed0enlpyehhttylvDis,fogypagSoetaEpeeatTnwharaunhtnxmvtmDhryete’Aeectedam,eyIbserbilrrCd,toTeeBuotEaneumsi,pDwpsyyrdsmth,imeoDraatwisIauietiCiusnstlhyhrenhnosmhatvp,manidefdacoteiwabtstninurEhvexItrietchnhcedsmtecdardyhieoeviredcisnb,ttisebmushlehd2adwsiymgtieod,pdnshr0itiusfemtlsetesIT0ehohenyycnni0xoefcesnvohbt,o.usnttaeouaesmhvgAcrntsmrntesieuhmogtsdatgmrwepamenossoelretyenhegtprnosgxeeee-t,f. energy and infrastructure. The invited nature of the original Treaty, thus reaffirm- guests observing the occasion included ing that “we stand together to recommit hundreds of people of both nationalities ourselves to the relationship between our from throughout the Emirates who have two countries”. also contributed to the building of the partnership between the two countries. “Britain and the United Arab Emirates share a friendship that is rooted in history Music during the event was provided and reinforced by common interests, mu- by of the orchestra of the British School tual respect, and daily contact between hunwdraevdinsgofflaygosuangndBsroitimshe oafnfderiEnmg irati the“i–tTUEweoAAdmdeEal’syrbdK’esfoauhuDirnsuneidsnbcdinlygaagirv,aifhriataidatoehtntuer,rwasc1w”ehl,9llhehyi7becicr9iaahnhdtesdttsrtethhoadtee.hdteeurQovcuiyAbeseylaidNtoel.athnphteoyrahaRnrautadlyet rAsvl aMisnud-shser1tihnf9Pioeota7rhluaoQ9ecfrfiecusU,piaateelAtastee.otEnnepdeelvhedviasse.dirtcdA.eeyvrnesmit’ssaNiiflrtarl,oeviomaadln,nBAddrBirituaFroioinrtrv’iiscnseeAhgrarnmc1dhei0dMtei0zirlFi,teoa0rrnc0yes(0sAvrOemifsnfyi-)i-t childsmreanl,l bmoaunqyuweatsvionfgfloflawgesrsatnodthseome etunroeTSrcshrmheeeioletaTuvitfziisuhokelenleuhrsnnra”tte,easAlxhptedpbetceohodnodfenzugpcSnelloahultanedegienfhkodthBeia.ldlalrAoiinntbwiidndsoueuhlwlrdaWhfauo’s-intlrhlkdiaeiSonmEfhgteTshmihkeiHeghliaarnQataeFuigantSetiuiehgmneeaikthhbboeiZnynfat yMpbeaudiybd.TajyoarhSoaykecuh,arrettlhlehieokcentwhohiHdbueo.AHenwn.bntrfedyo,fPAoui”lfrctlilsnoaYlcdoaHwereokhamewf(giweeadlsruhienv.oetPidahntrcoinegcosWcokaemsaaiiPpildnglhaRi,iandlonipiyeminadnawlongbsdotayilrntuhtkhtgeeien)C,DgrtHohuw.kHaienn.t offeQrinugeesnmaasllshbeoupqausestesdotfheflmow. Aerss to the isQuaepepnroapsriashtee foprasasmedultthi-enmat.ionAasl is taoasPiepnnressedFeotsafsowowPtsiehatTtotampcoiaarhennnfdhdchhotihletgmelochlleheeovodemlusdegreeitr,nwhcbueceooriopcct5daeipiena2tunhorvnpap.Hpusaoanegiagit0Etcenrnq.sastlgahuntlnHatmelrt1uyeibopohrvi,.oeirashceiodtes0eevrntwtSoeinetanulorhetonniedghcnsetegtesetealieeoffrhieutrinA.iesewauvanidnc,inlaikbebnrttbcbrhlPtahegnsioshlF1gfnoctuaaguvauKienerhhslino9eeannyntelchitugtdsuo,tihecur7eahlpdsihnueeD.ederclmadcie1dacnt,efanEolias,rshntTtbeglnTtcfueeeeuatmhbhwtarhtddnesoTlbmsahotoaetirttanbeheenriuinetiisrloneQoiorewhoZlyeitaMnrfse,auohuaancabnfupdrucufeeyetDtietairaUltenebnsenvrnlyotesaddadonoicylel-eesdiAsl,binssrlmoutcearooriEttuwiovecleemnrdtboafmfaUfPhirouipsanrborhdlcnA,otraeridasdecmnecAaeFEdtolorgsnofecuitliatrtrsrotH.tentFdtnshiudadooiebhohTotwo.eteongcHiihhrtrermnifoanfacnmiRne,.etsoiDofseleehnyt,oovdig,SeRtu.sivnaynehagrhebfasaerAalteastslteaneahothliihiorAfukUe,feentenaiinihmiwdmpercrKddddfebasnFeHr-,,tiaoAt,canrlwhmcicrtFciHsFmqnneheeiMatupdooordhactadeeaiaac“tcgvptdwtheelnrant8enoegklli,afeidio0uamhlotfeensUshfalenouPunbyiiomtmamdbupiu“ircgrdhpltsiteAldiensm2uOmneeeoenaiolohmnscnsams,0rEUdofMrieroutwohewsmisbgreAm1neafbCoMortfrexisP.aEeyhoartpmra0gt-trfohhauo.ssmscihjAinrencwiontm,nlnekueetioinaTtioAprtdnsuuaiyn---fiahnleivastehuirrbalcttnjeoetertnsaeeaotlhleueosidtSnAhtoardderhnryysh1ueenhtralniassnuesDe,rreMsdeT,9pttslaf,eoidhldUWcstkeloarpywh7olnedlhlvuaaksoseusiiyneleKtnaf1uelhrorefiMninrdopodaatguaosrbiiiwymtmleanetclmTirugwfoiaafhycsojgbeivirlh,dHrrri,g.iahwtEaieonmDeh”spneoalwreibiltwasegfnmgumerngatHteirurtechunitehetsigerdghtyh“encaivledneoyStirrMueelecsfgahgaglfsinwlfeneaesonlraoiohosatauurw,hgdbcmsairoUregraftshdrteacschunoycrobmfaaneoeaaontleenholeedcnoetifstirnnndoliuttmio,anHodoyottaireaddtdrnhomvtbntsOrdevsernise,enhtiv,omaniboitecunafuaKRilitcurknuSnu”ladhuaoiatoeswnseilniAahennm.feigdndtifideddgfin--s----, appcroitpyrliiaktee AfobruaDmhaublti-,ntahteioinnavlitceidty like AbuguDehsatbsi,intchleudinevditendotgounelsytsUAinEcluadnedd not BonriltyisUhAcEitiaznednsBrbituisthaclsitoizmenasnbyuftroamlso manoythferormnaotitohnear lintiaetsio,ninaclitliueds,inigncoluthdeinrg othecrocuonutrnietrsiesfrofrmomthteheCCoommmmoonnwweeaalltthh.. To bTroinbgrianng aadndaitdiodniatilonoatlenotfecooflour to the cooclcoausrioton,thwehiocchcwasaisonh,ewldhiinchthweahso- tel’shgealdrdinentsh,edhoozteenl’ss ogfatrrdaednitsio,ndaol zloecnasl danocfetrrsawdietiroenoanl lhoacnadl dtoapnecreforsrmw.ere on Thhaisndwtaospeforflloorwme.d by the UK-UAE PartneTrhsihsipwaEsvefonltl,owheeldd biny tthhee bUaKll-room of thUeAEEmPiraarttensePrsahlaipceEavnednto, rhgealdnisinedthbey willMruecsiocgdniusreintghethirecelovseentawndasimportant muthtueaUl ninitteedreKsitn,gwdiollmpraonmdowtehich contribute the bBarliltrisohomEmobf athsesyE, matirawtheischPathlaeceroyal trpardoevirdeeladtiobnys.of the orchestra of the sctioenthtieficp,roesdpuecraittyioonfabloathndoucrucltouurnatlries”. partaynwdeorerginadniivsiedduabllyy itnhteroBdurictieshd to sev- BrIintishhisScshpoeoelc–hAfloKllohwuibnagirathte, wshigicnhing coop“eIractoiomnmaenndd wtoill Yreocuor gMnaisjeesty and to eral dozen British and Emirati citizens ceremony, the British Foreign Secretary Your Royal Highnesses all that has al- engVaogl.e2d4 Iisnsuweo3rkWiningterto2g02e1ther in fields as noted that the signature of the Declara- ready been achiCeAvPeIdTALbeLEtwTTeEeRn o11ur two diverse as culture, education, the media, tion came almost forty years after the sig- great nations and to realise the vision of
Following the conclusion of the activi- med bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown hurst and former “Sword of Honour” win- ner, William Hague and senior sheikhs. ties at the Emirates Palace, The Queen Prince of Dubai, watched a flypast by jets The royal party flew on to Oman late aansdtahteerbpaCanErqtLuyEewtBegRrievAeTtnhIeNinnGheTenrHtehErotanLinoAeuSdr TbtoyDECffroAorDmceEt.hT2eh0Re1yo1yaa-lsl2oA0im2r F1eot rwceithan8d0 the UAE Air- that evening. members of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed UAE Forces Alumni, made up of ex-stu- QUEEN’S VISIT rt4heelaiCrtiAocPnlIoTssA.eL LaEnTdTEiRmportant trade Vol 12 Issue 1 Spring 2011 Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 In his speech following the signing ceremony, the British Foreign Secretary noted that the signature of the Declaration came almost forty years after the signature of the original Treaty, thus reaffirming that “we stand together to recommit ourselves to the relationship between our two countries”. “Britain and the United Arab Emirates share a friendship that is rooted in history and reinforced by common interests, mutual respect, and daily contact QUEEN’S VISIT between our peoples. A million British citizens visit the UAE ever year, and over 100,000 enjoy the benefits of living and working in your country,” Hague said, noting that tens of thousands of Emiratis have completed their studies in the United Kingdom or currently pursuing their studieswhile many others are regular and valued visitors. “Our militaries fight side by side in Afghanistan and our law enforcement officials work closely together, contributing to our mutual security,” Hague continued, “and we enjoy flourishing economic and commercial ties which we greatly value in the United Kingdom and which contribute to the prosperity of both our countries”. 12 CAPITAL LETTER
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 QUEEN’S VISIT QUEEN’S VISIT “I commend to Your Majesty Vol 12 Issue 1 Spring 2011 and to Your Royal Highnesses all that has already been achieved QUEEN’S VISIT b8eCtwAPITeALeLnETToERur two great nations and to realise the vision of the UAE’s Competency aligned training solutions Certified professional development founding fathers”, he added. Executive coaching Team building workshops “Today’s Declaration celebrates Learning & development consultancy Business English for specific purposes the enormous untapped potential in our future relations”, he Focus Management Consultancy QUEEN’S VISIT concluded. PO Box 322, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T: +971 2 6433384 CAPITAL LETTER 13 The full text of Sheikh Abdullah’s F: +971 2 6433385 speech, as noted above, can be E: [email protected] found on Page 5. W: www.focusabudhabi.com Vol 12 Issue 1 Spring 2011 Following the conclusion of the activities at the Emirates Palace, 12 CAPITAL LETTER Vol 12 Issue 1 Spring 2011 The Queen and her party were then entertained to a state banquet given in her honour by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Al Mushrif Palace, attended by other Rulers and senior officials. The Queen then paid a call on H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the widow of the late Sheikh Zayed. Also after the banquet, Prince Philip and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, watched a flypast by jets from the Royal Air Force and the UAE Airforce. They also met with 80 members of UAE Forces Alumni, made up of ex-students from Britain’s Armed Forces Officers’ Naval, Air Force and Military (Army) Academies. Prince Philip and the Crown Prince were accompanied by the Duke of York (who took a Royal salute), H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, himself a graduate of Sandhurst and former “Sword of Honour” winner, William Hague and senior sheikhs. The royal party flew on to Oman late that evening. Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 Vol 12 Issue 1 Spring 2011 CAPITACLALPIETATLTLEETRTER 139
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN A Unique Relationship SP2R0I1QN1UGEEN’S VISIT A central theme of the royal visit work in the UAE andwho make resources and to contribute to the in November2 010 by Her Majesty such an extraordinary contribution development of our country, laying Queen Elizabethw as that of the to our society. thefoundations for its economic evolving partnershipthat now Distinguished Guests, welcome success. exists between the UAE and to thisvery special event and thank And this is by no means a A unique relationshipBritain. UAE Foreign Minister H.H. you for yourfriendship. SheikhA bdullah bin Zayed Al Your Majesty, many aspects of one wayrelationship. The UAE Nahyan singled outthis aspect in theUAE have no doubt changed has been makinga growing his speech given at the UKUAE greatlysince you were last here, in contribution to economic and Partnership Event after signing 1979. social life in Britain. theAbu Dhabi Declaration of friendship betweenthe two Nevertheless I feel certain that Your Majesty, we continue to you willencounter the same build onthese strong foundations A cenctoraulnthtreiemse. oTfhtehefurlol ytealxvtiosiftSinhNeoik-h DiwstainrgmuiwsheelcdoGmuee,stsh,ewsealcmoemesptoiritthoisf sftarciheodoelgaewnwdpcaeuYWsritdnanneaoioaoeiWlhottdtlrufulwrrietenkoisslrhctneiiInhtsftncneahMeesrohacagoasettrritwahieminps,lrnoecpjegthi.teinlohonhBlrrciseTeoprnsferototiovhiynrcmtstrrnaube,pepaaeibdtnosfnaiweolircneUdpduetratte.iugtwetanAoedeniororntcgvEerneierietntooterety,eaispnohnan,ntitnhtsnhoaetrleieiginnosapaierrahserugutcencnhbucebeyrtaeedueoemh,entcrtlnieeeibtotggonIaouwonrehrynaumrbdhemte,tmminwueeesti,iacotifinna.elgredruckiaeinheaoosinnctonsnun.sdgen.-r vemberA2b01d0ulblayhH’serreMmaajersktsy QfoulleoewnsE. liz- very espnetecripalriesveenatnadndinnthoavnaktiyoonu,faonr dyotuhre or seAcnudrityit, iisn bcuelctuarue,seedoufctahtiison or sport, abeth wasYtohuart oMf athjesetvyo, lYvionugrpRarotnyearlship friendssahmipe. openness to visitors froma ll in phuomteanntiitaalriaanndwtohrek osrppercoimalobtinogndpeace that nowHigehxinsetsssbeestw, Feoerneitghne SUeAcEretaanrdy YoouvrerMtahjeswtyo, rlmda. ny aspects of the bebtweetweneennatoiounrsp, etoheplepothteanttiIatloios aemnor- Britain. UanAdE MForrseHigangMuinei,sotetrhHer.H. Sheikh UAE hAanved Inaomdeoquubat llcyhsaunrgeetdhagtryeoautly mopurso.ud to sign in Your presence AbdullahdibsitninZgauyiesdheAdl Nmaheymabnesrinsgolefdthoeut sincewyilol uwwitneeresslastht ehesraem, ine 1u9n7iq9.ue AtUhbAisuEaDsPphaRDhearoctbohntniyaeioanDbrsuleihh.PrciisplataosrrEtpawyvet,ieeoeilntnccthiosoamgfmfitveefryerieyndsnoaiedgutesntthpihonieepgAsUbttbhKeue-- NerevleartihoenlesshsipI ftehealtctehretaUinAthEaht yaosu will encoaulnwtearysthehasdamweithwtahremBwreitlicsohme, the samegospveirirtnomf eentearpnrdispeeaonpdlein. novation, tween theI atwmo mcoousnttrgieras.teTfuhel tofutllhteexFtooref ignand thMe ysalamtee ofaptehnenreSshsetiokhviZsiatoyresdfrbomin Sheikh ASfubeldlcyureellatnahdrʼsyorrfseoemrahhriisskscrefoommlloamwrkses.natsnd all ovSeur ltthaenwA olrNlda. hyan, the founder dFoisrYteionigugnruaociMSsbofheautoechjneudresettrttmptiyaeh,areseyYrm.tosanbutnererderrRssnMhogoiyrptfsahtlhbHaHeeanitggRdwuhoevenyei,eatnasloslPtiohetayuesr-rr, AnadndI afmormeqeuraPllyressuirdeetnhtaot yf othuewUillAwEit,- tAhned2i0t 1is0bAebcauuDsehaobf tihDisepcolateranttiiaolna,nd nessstighenesdamthee uTnreiqauteyoreflaFtriioennsdhsiphipthat theresapffeircmiailngbothned 1b9e7tw1eTerneaotyurofpeople the UwAitEh hBarsitaailnwainysDheacdemwibtherth1e9B71rit.ish thaFtriIetnodo sahmipparonuddfutorthsiegrncinemYoeunrtipnrges- governSminecnet atnhdatpteimopel,e.British people entchee tphaert2n0e1r0shAipbub eDtwhaebeinDtheeclaration, ty, it is mTyhdaet eispewsht yhoI,ntoouor, taomwdeelcloigmheted MhyalavteebfaetehnerwSohrekiiknhg Zcaloyseedlybin Sul- reaUffnirimteidngAtrhaeb1E9m71irTarteeastyanofdFtrhieendship atomAmtmobauosnsDetyehgBargbaraitit.etishfuhelrpteoedtohhpeeleFreowrtehoigodnaliyvSeescoa-nd tan Awl itNhathhyeanU,AtEheanfodunitdsecritaiznednsfotromer anUd nfiutertdheKrincgedmoemnt.ing the partnership you PresihdaernnteosfsththeeUpAoEte, nsitgianleodf othuerTnraetautryal I hreistarcyofmo1rm4 heiCnstAsrPeITmaAbaLorLkuEstTTathEneRd fully endorse of Friendship with Britain in December tbheetwUeneitnedthKeinUgndioteVmod.l. A24raIsbsuEem3 iWraintetesr 2a0n21d strength and 1971. vitality of the partnership between our Since that time, British people have
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Supporting the UAE’s Inspiring Athletes ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN SUMMER 2012 Powerlifter Mohammed Khamis Khalaf among them because of BP’s very long Javelin thrower Thuraya Al Zaabi involvement with the country. As Yousef With only weeks remaining until the Al Serkal, Vice President of the UAE development for more than ten years London 2012 Games begin, BP in the National Olympic Committee, noted: through the BP Young Adventurers UAE has a very good reason to get into ‘We are very pleased to see a company project, which provides adventure the Olympic spirit. with 70 years history in the UAE sharing training and leadership development our board’s commitment to delivering opportunities for young people from the The excitement around the London the Olympic spirit into the community UAE and Oman. BP is also continuing to 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games through the development of Emirati make a contribution to human capital by is building. Nearly 15,000 athletes sportspeople.’ helping to fund the Petroleum Institute, from over 200 countries are preparing the UAE’s pre-eminent institution in intensively for the event of their lifetimes. For a lesson on commitment, we need engineering education. The public are looking forward to being look no further than the three inspiring inspired by amazing people and amazing Paralympic athletes that BP is supporting. The Olympic and Paralympic Games performances. Powerlifter Mohammed Khamis Khalaf, sponsorship is about contributing to who suffered from polio as a child, is national sports and excellence. It also Taking their places on the starting building up for his fourth Paralympics fits well with the company values, lines – and hopefully on the podiums competition and has a fantastic track particularly striving for excellence and – are some great Emirati Olympic record already behind him. He won gold continual improvement and having the and Paralympic competitors. BP will in Athens and silver in Beijing. Then there courage to face difficult challenges. BP is be with them all the way following the is Thuraya Al Zaabi, a javelin thrower looking forward to seeing the inspirational recent agreement to support the UAE and shot putter, whose remarkable example the UAE athletes set for the National Olympic and Paralympic determination after a stroke at the age of nation and for it’s own employees, Committees and a number of ‘Athlete 29 has made her a world-class athlete. through their dedication and commitment Ambassadors’ as they prepare for the Al Zaabi became the first Emirati woman to the highest levels of personal Games. AbdulKarim AlMazmi, BP’s Chief to compete in a Paralympics event, when performance. Representative in the UAE, commented: she qualified for the 2008 Beijing Games. For further information about BP and the ‘It will be an exciting time for the entire She won two gold medals. London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic country and BP is honoured to be sharing Games visit www.bplondon2012.com. the country’s excitement as we all watch Finally, BP is supporting Mohammed Al the progress the Emirati athletes make.’ Hammadi, a wheelchair track athlete who is training hard for his first Paralympic The Olympic Games are being Games. Reflecting on his event, Al held in BP’s ‘home town’ – where their Hammadi said: ‘Wheelchair racing is headquarters are located. BP is the a sport that challenges the individual’s official oil and gas partner of the 2012 disability by taking that disability away Games. BP is also the carbon offset and leaving room only for the will to partner for London 2012, leading an triumph.’ Al Hammadi took up the sport initiative to offset the carbon emissions seven years ago and says it has taught associated with athletes’ travel to the him all there is to know about discipline, Games by supporting various green hard work and dedication. energy and environmental projects. Examples include micro-hydropower in BP’s support for the UAE’s Olympic China and reforestation in Tanzania. In and Paralympic teams is part of a wider fact, anybody travelling to London for commitment to society. Other activities the Games can offset their own personal in the UAE include the Sustainable carbon emissions through the scheme Schools Initiative, which is a partnership – to find out more visit http://www. with the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency bptargetneutral.com/ on environmental education in schools. BP has been contributing to youth and BP is also supporting a handful of national Olympic and Paralympic teams around the world. The UAE is Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 15
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Good Luck and Farewell to the UAE ORGINALLY Olympic and Paralympic Athletes PUBLISHED IN On the evening of Sunday 6 May the delighted tonight to be able to offer my SUMMER British Embassy in the UAE hosted personal messages of “good luck” and 2012 a private reception at the residence “farewell” to some of the UAE athletes of Her Majesty’s Consul General Mr that will be competing in the most excitement and proud feeling to be Guy Warrington to say ‘good luck’ important competition of their lives in participating in London. The reception and ‘farewell’ to the UAE Olympic and London this summer.’ was also attended by H.E. Issa Saleh Paralympic teams that are getting Al Gurg. ready to head to London this summer Mr Warrington also offered to participate in the 30th Summer his congratulations to the wider The opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games. UAE Olympics family including Olympic and Paralympic Games will the coaches, medical staff and take place on 27 July 2012. London is With the Olympics opening technicians. the only city to have been awarded the ceremony just 82 days away the Games three times (1908, 1948 and British Embassy was honoured to host Representing the UAE National 2012). It will be the largest sporting athletes from the sports of weightlifting, Olympic Committee, the body’s event ever hosted in the UK. The UK judo and wrestling – all of whom have head Finance Mr Abdul Rahman is anticipating around 4 billion people either already qualified to participate Falaknaz spoke of the national teams’ to be watching worldwide, and 14,000 in London or await results of the final athletes from 205 nations to be coming qualification rounds. Athletes from to the UK to participate. other sports have already starting training regimes abroad. At the reception Mr Guy Warrington said: ‘I am grateful for the close collaboration the British Embassy has had with both the National Olympic Committee and the National Paralympic Committee in the lead up to the Games. The Embassy has been marking the milestones for the Games for some time now but I am particularly Bring the Festive Ch r InterC tinental Abu Dhabi award winning restaur ts For restaurant reservations, please call 800 423 463 Scan for more InterContinental Abu Dhabi King Abdulla bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, PO Box 4171, Abu Dhabi, UAE Phone: +971 2 666 6888, Fax: +971 2 666 9153, Email: [email protected] InterContiAD interconad 16 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Olympians Exhibition ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN By Richard Cotton text and images to record the sporting aspirations of youth living in the London SUMMER Back in 2005, when the UK was boroughs bordering the London 2012 successful in winning the 2012 Olympic site. She was commissioned by Olympic and Paralympic Games, one the British Council to produce a similar The UK is buzzing with excitement as of the decisive factors in the bid was series of portraits of young British it prepares to host the Olympic and the commitment to create a lasting athletes for the 2011 Photo Espana Paralympic Games in the summer and legacy around the world – As Lord Festival in Madrid, followed by a similar this event is a wonderful prelude to that,’ Coe, who led the bid, put it, to ‘reach set of images of Argentinean sporting said Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the young people all around the world and youth, before being invited by the British UAE, Dominic Jermey. connect them to the inspirational power Council to undertake this photography of the Games so they are inspired to exhibition in the UAE. This exhibition, showcasing portraits choose sport ... improving their lives as of some of the UAE’s rising stars in a result’. When the UK plays host to the The exhibition, which opened in 2011 shooting, equestrianism, swimming, Olympics in 2012, running alongside to coincide with the 40th Anniversary athletics and table tennis, raises the games will be a series of activities, of the founding of the UAE, celebrates awareness of the link between culture including the Cultural Olympiad, which the achievements of the athletes from and sport and brings people’s attention aim to inspire people of all ages to take the Emirates and the shared history to the sporting champions of UAE.. up sport and to excel in their chosen between the UAE and the UK. ‘Olympians’ has toured different field. Emirates and venues; Jumeirah at ‘The exhibition is a tremendous Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi, Zayed ‘Olympians’ forms part of this legacy demonstration of the sporting, artistic University Abu Dhabi, Zayed University and is a tribute to the spirit of the and cultural links between the United Dubai, Higher Colleges of Technology athletes from the UAE who are gearing Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Sharjah, Dubai International Financial up to compete in the Olympic and Centre, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Paralympic games in 2012 and beyond. Centre; and is now open at Dubai The quotations from the athletes, which Airport – Terminal 3, until 31 July 2012. accompany their portraits, give a unique insight into what drives athletes at this level and we hope they will inspire a new generation to take up sport. The exhibition was commissioned by the British Council in the UAE, in collaboration with the National Olympic Committee and the National Paralympic Committee, and in partnership with the British Embassy, UK Trade & Investment, Emirates Foundation and BBC Arabia, and is the work of renowned UK artist and photographer, Gabriella Sancisi. Sancisi photographed 24 athletes during her visit to the UAE in September 2011, recording each likeness in a similar way and creating a uniform group despite the photographs being captured at different locations and at varying times. ‘I have chosen those images which touched me the most and which I feel work best collectively. I often use scale in my work to create an opportunity for the viewer to look closely at the sitters. I have tremendous respect for all of the athletes who chose to be portrayed and I have tried not to impose too many rules on how they should pose. At the same time, I know exactly what it is that I am looking for in a likeness and this is generally a moment of self- consciousness or connection, when the relationship between the athlete, me and an eventual viewer of the portrait seem to collide, said Gabriella Sancisi. Gabriella lives and works in London and her previous works include developing the project Frontrunners for the Photographers Gallery in London, an exhibition which mixed Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 17
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 British Embassies in UAE Celebrate ORGINALLY 100 Days to Go to London Olympics PUBLISHED IN SUMMER 2012 The British Embassies in Abu Dhabi presented to the children as a token the spirit of the Olympics to bring and Dubai marked the 100 Days to of appreciation from the Embassy. communities together. It is hoped go to the London Olympic Games that the new facilities will be regularly in partnership with different local At the event, the British used by the Masafi residents and communities across the UAE. Ambassador Dominic Jermey said: visitors alike. The first phase of the ‘I really enjoyed having some of project is scheduled for completion In Abu Dhabi, The British the children and artists present on May 21st, 2012 Ambassador Dominic Jermey today when I unveiled the finished unveiled a mural on the wall by piece. Nothing beats the creative At the ceremony Mr. Gibbons the Embassy’s entrance, which imagination of children. I’m delighted said: ‘This project in Masafi has picks up themes of the UK and the British Embassy in the UAE will brought together the efforts of the the UAE together at the Olympics have a lasting reminder of what British Embassy Olympic Team and is based on a fusion of mini promises to be the greatest sporting and the local community in Ras al masterpieces by children from event in the world.’ Khaimah, and is our contribution to schools across Abu Dhabi of varied the lasting legacy of the Games. I ages, nationalities and backgrounds. In Ras Al Khaimah, A team from am sure it will result in more than Those children won the Olympics the British Embassy Dubai led by Mr just a useful community facility and Through Your Eyes competition Ian Gibbons, Deputy Consul General help to cement our already strong for school students, which was held the ground-breaking ceremony relationship with the Northern organized by the British Embassy for a new sports facility at Masafi Emirates of the UAE.’ in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Waterfalls House in Ras Al Khaimah. the British Council and Abu Dhabi The event was attended by the owner Mr. Mehrizi said: ‘The UAE is home Education Council. of Masafi Waterfall House, Mr. Ali Al to 195 nationalities that live in peace. Mehrizi, the Project Manager, Ms. I have been welcoming people at The Embassy event was attended Muna Hareb, members of the local Masafi Waterfalls House for the past by the winning children, their community in Ras Al Khaimah and 30 years regardless of nationality, parents and the liaison teacher Masafi town communities. race, ethnicity and gender. We from each school in addition to appreciate our partnership with the journalists, representatives of The regeneration of the central British Embassy Olympic Team in the British Business Groups and sports facility with improved Dubai to elevate Masafi Waterfall British Embassy staff. Prizes with amenities is in line with the House to the next level for the sake a connection to 2012 Games were Embassy’s wider objective of using of the local community.’ 18 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN SUMMER 2013 Nobody Does It Better Than the Brits! By Frances Moffett-Kouadio Khaldoon Al Mubarak. successful Mubadala-Imperial Trade & Investment was very much College partnership, one that has The UAE’s State Visit to the UK led pushed the UAE out of the top ten by HH President Sheikh Khalifa bin on the agenda and HRH The Duke of countries for the highest prevalence Zayed Al Nahyan was a landmark York hosted a lunch with senior UAE of diabetes in less than a decade. in demonstrating the strength of the and UK business representatives at UK’s relationship with the UAE, both Buckingham Palace. There was also This will enable the UAE politically and commercially. HH cause for celebration, as it had just and the UK to promote Sheikh Khalifa was treated to the best been announced that Shell had been understanding, achieve new of British pomp and circumstance awarded a major gas contract and partnerships and ensure on what proved to be an enormously the newly appointed Minister of State quality successful visit. His team were HE Sultan al Jaber had signed a MoU treated to the best of British Business. with the UK’s Green Investment Bank, A visit to the Pompeii exhibition at the building on Masdar’s successful British Museum enabled Director Neil HH Sheikh Khalifa had lunch with investment in the London Array, McGregor to give Sheikh Abdullah a the Queen at Windsor, tea with Prince Northern Europe’s largest wind farm. glimpse into the possibilities for the Charles, a broad ranging meeting British Museum’s partnership with the with the Prime Minister and he laid a HRH The Duke of York hosted Sheikh Zayed Museum. wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown a lunch with senior UAE and Soldier, just as his Father, HH Sheikh UK business representatives State Visits don’t happen that Zayed, had done 24 years before him. often and I have been fortunate to HH Sheikh Abdullah and the Foreign have experienced Her Majesty The HM The Queen mentioned Secretary William Hague also Queen’s visit to the UAE and HH Manchester City FC in her signed a MoU on the recognition Sheikh Khalifa’s visit to the UK, both speech of educational qualifications. This of which have served to strengthen will enable the UAE and the UK to our relationship across many The President was accompanied promote understanding, achieve new strands of the bilateral relationship. by a high-powered team, including partnerships and ensure quality. It Most significantly for me, they have Foreign Minister HH Sheikh Abdullah will also lead to the recognition of UK opened new doors for UK and UAE bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister University qualifications in the UAE, companies and academic institutions HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed (who something that the UKTI has been to work together in successful and was delighted that HM The Queen campaigning for along with the British innovative partnerships. mentioned Manchester City FC in her Council. If you want your company to be speech!), Development Minister HE a part of this success contact Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, At Imperial College, HH Sheikh [email protected]. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, HH Abdullah witnessed the brilliance of Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed and HE UK medical research and was also CAPITAL LETTER 19 able to celebrate the phenomenally Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 UAE President Makes State Visit to UK ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al All Pictures courtesy of the Emirates News Agency, WAM Nahyan visited the UK as the guest SUMMER of HM Queen Elizabeth II from 30th 2013 April-1st May, accompanied by a top level delegation of Ministers Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 including Deputy Prime Minister HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Foreign Minister HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and HE Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development. The President was also accompanied by a large delegation of business, investment and defence-related leaders from the UAE. The visit followed Queen Elizabeth’s highly successful visit to the UAE in 2010 and is the culmination of a continuous series of Ministerial and other high level contacts including visits to the UAE over the past year by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron and, most recently, by Boris Johnson, Mayor of London. The starting point for the two- day programme was at Windsor in Berkshire, around 30 miles west of London, where the Queen has one of her principal residences at Windsor Castle. The President arrived in the State Bentley to a formal dais, where he and the Queen formally met before setting off in the first of a series of open top carriages which took him and his entourage up to Windsor Castle in procession for the ceremonial Royal Salute and a Guard of Honour. A State Luncheon was the centrepiece of the first day’s programme bringing together many guests representing the strong and enduring relationship between the UK and UAE. The visit was marked by the signing of two agreements between the UK and the UAE. The Dialogue of Values is aimed at strengthening cultural and political understanding between the two countries, and a Memorandum on a National Qualifications Framework will identify the quality institutions as well as the qualifications that their higher education institutions will endorse. Both agreements were signed by the UAE’s Foreign 20 CAPITAL LETTER
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Minister, HH Sheikh Abdullah Dialogue of Values and by the UK Foreign Secretary William Hague. • Seeks to strengthen cultural and political understanding between the UAE and UK, and explore developments in the Middle East Also signed during the visit was and North Africa. a Memorandum of Understanding between Masdar and the UK • First meeting of this dialogue, held in May. Green Investment Bank plc (GIB), • Jointly chaired by Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, UAE which aims to explore investment opportunities in the UK’s clean Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Alistair Burt, British energy sector. Under the MoU, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth the two sides have agreed to Affairs. consider joint investments in green • Supervised by the UK-UAE Taskforce. infrastructure projects in the UK • Will meet every six months. in the coming seven years, and to introduce other potential investors to such projects. Masdar has already invested over GBP500 million in the UK through its stake in the London Array, the world’s largest offshore wind farm. The new alliance unlocks the potential for up to GBP1 billion in further investment in the UK. Also during his visit HH the President called on the British Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street to discuss the full range of relations between the UK and its largest civil export market in the GCC. As a symbol of the close collaboration between the two countries in foreign policy and security matters HH the President also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey. From the 1950s, UK and UAE armed forces have fought side-by-side protecting UAE territory and in more recent times have cooperated in Libya and in Afghanistan. The President signed the Abbey’s visitor’s book, saying, “We in the United Arab Emirates value the lives of those who have sacrificed themselves for their country. The love of country and sacrifice for it is the aim of everyone who seeks to protect his country”. National Qualifications Framework UK-UAE trade • Lists of quality institutions in UK and UAE. • UAE is UK’s 13th largest export market. • Promote understanding, partnership and • Current annual UK exports approximately AED29 ensure quality. billion. • Exchange information about qualifications • Trade between UK and UAE AED3.53 billion in endorsed by higher education institutions January 2013. in both countries. • Key sectors for the UK in UAE include infrastructure • Set content of educational programmes. • Share information about symposia, training (construction and transport), energy, defence and sessions and mutual visits. security, education and training, financial and professional services and creative and media. • More than 4,000 British companies operating in the UAE. Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 21
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 40 Years at Wimbledon Wimbledon 2013 is now a fading isn’t his only cause for celebration me, to get away.” As a civil engineer memory but, along with a host of other this summer. Last month he was at up until retirement, he would sporting achievements for the UK over Buckingham Palace to receive an regularly work long hours, seven the past year, is one that the British MBE from the Queen, “for services days a week, rarely taking time off. public will cherish for many years. to British business and to the British community in Abu Dhabi.” Following an engineering Sporting his trademark black degree at Cambridge University Panama hat, David Spearing is the He says he is “delighted and in the 1950s, he joined the British tournament’s longest-serving honorary honoured” by the accolade, although construction firm Halcrow – which steward by at least a decade. This he also says that people keep joking has helped transform Abu Dhabi year marks the 40th consecutive that he should have got it for his long- over the intervening six decades Wimbledon for the Abu Dhabi resident running stewardship. – and was persuaded to take a six- (and long-time committee member of month post in the Abu Dhabi office the BBG). ‘The National’ newspaper Mr Spearing has got to know many in 1968. marked this special milestone with an of the top players’ families well at article in early July. The following is an Wimbledon, including Andy Murray’s He worked on the first commercial extract. and Roger Federer’s. buildings in Abu Dhabi, helping build a five-star hotel and a palace, His task is to escort the families Tensions were high when the two before launching his own practice and coaches of the players, players faced each other in last year’s in the UAE – and he ended up not watching the games shoulder-to- final. As Mr Spearing puts it, with leaving. In 2001, he retired from the shoulder with the rich and powerful. “every TV set in the world tuning in” to business, but continues to do private This year’s crop already includes JK see if Murray would be the first Briton consultancy work. Rowling, Pippa Middleton and the to win the tournament since 1936, or singer Grace Jones. if Federer could tie Pete Sampras’s record of seven Wimbledon titles. Mr Spearing is a warm, talkative Briton who moved to Abu Dhabi in But an hour before the match 1968, when the emirate was still one began, Federer’s father, Robert, of the ‘Trucial States’. sought out Mr Spearing, “put a hand on my shoulder,” he remembers, “and An active philanthropist and said ‘David, you’re famous!’ What a member of countless clubs and thing for him to say on that day!” committees in the UAE over the years, the Wimbledon anniversary It turned out that Mr Spearing had been profiled in a Swiss newspaper ORGINALLY and by August he found an envelope PUBLISHED IN on his desk from the elder Federer with the article inside. The stamps AUTUMN used showed Roger winning his 2013 championship trophy. He says: “Wimbledon is good for 22 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 King’s College Hospital ORGINALLY London Opens Abu Dhabi Clinic PUBLISHED IN WINTER 2014 Professor the Lord Kakkar and Professor George Alberti opening King’s College Hospital in Abu Dhabi On 19 October the King’s College London and Professor Sir Robert London who was also at the Hospital Clinic was opened in Abu Lechler, of King’s College London. opening ceremony, said: “We hope Dhabi. Developed in partnership Philip Parham, UK Ambassador to to be able to reduce the need for between King’s College Hospital the United Arab Emirates was also patients to travel overseas, but if London and three Emirati Business in attendance. this is required we offer a seamless partners, the Clinic will provide pathway and patients are treated day surgery and day care services The Clinic is managed and staffed by King’s world class clinicians to patients requiring Paediatric, by UK trained and accredited staff. throughout their treatment pathway Obstetric and Gynaecology It has a state of the art Endoscopy both in Abu Dhabi and London. services as well as a range of other suite for paediatric and adult This three-year long programme family and internal medical care. patients, as well as a laboratory of development leading to our and radiology department. The opening in Abu Dhabi, has been an The Clinic was officially opened aim of the clinic is to provide a excellent example of many of the by Professor the Lord Kakkar – UK high quality service for patients in King’s values. All of those who have Ambassador for Health and Life Abu Dhabi with a Governance and been involved can feel rightfully Sciences. The opening ceremony Operating framework modelled proud.” was attended by Professor George on that of King’s College Hospital Alberti, Chairman of King’s College London. The Clinic is located in the heart Hospital London, Professor Ed of Abu Dhabi in the impressive Byrne, Principal – King’s College Tim Smart, Chief Executive Shining Towers, in Khalidiya. Officer of Kings’s College Hospital Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 23
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN SUMMER 2015 Henderson’s Folly in 1962. Photograph courtesy of The Club The History of the BBG, Part 1 Before the BBG By Christine Bond and David Good for HMG (in the days before independence and the establishment “We [the British] have The need for stamina is no better of a British Embassy), was regularly not journeyed across reflected than in a rather bizarre visiting Abu Dhabi. It is in the house the centuries, across the event that took place in 1958 when where he stayed (known locally as oceans, the mountains, two entrepreneurs landed on the “Henderson’s Folly” – pictured] that across the prairies only small airstrip in Abu Dhabi and the first discussion leading to today’s because we are made of noticed a rather pink, hot-looking Brit British Business Group may well have sugar candy.” sheltering behind an oil drum. He taken place. turned out to be a banker who had – Sir Winston Churchill refused to change a pile of mouldy Edward would gather as many bank notes for new ones and had businessmes as he could find (a Anybody made of sugar candy in been banished. The two men had handful at the most) – largely in the early days in Abu Dhabi would their meeting, returned to the airstrip the oil industry – and offer them have melted before they reached and flew – with their new found friend refreshments, whilst catching up on the first post! In those days tenacity – to Beirut. As they say, one good turn all the news, views, opportunities and and stamina were the order of the deserves another, and the story goes the different comings and goings of day, but also with a good sprinkle of that the trio stayed in touch for a long the time. humour, a dash of eccentricity and a time afterwards. liking for lots of sand as well as empty Henderson’s Folly was left empty spaces. This sense of camaraderie, good for some time when its namesake faith and a nose for a business deal moved into another more purpose- Interestingly enough, these still exists today in Abu Dhabi’s built property (and in 1962 he endearing qualities were greatly business community. returned to London due to an appreciated by the local population. eye infection). But meanwhile, six At about the same time Edward enthusiastic expats had taken it over Henderson, the political agent with the idea of using it as a place 24 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 where the British business community Political Agency) was at the forefront, in those early days, a lot of which still could socialise, share experiences since it had one of the most active exist today. and discuss business in a relaxed commercial sections. Abu Dhabi was atmosphere. starting to buzz. There was a colossal We fast forward again to October amount of infrastructure needed and 1983, when a British expat named The first event was a pirate fancy a huge requirement for manpower Richard Owens returned to Abu dress party, which turned out to be a and services. In fact the ’70s for some Dhabi as head of Gray McKenzie and huge success, despite a rather strong was similar to the Klondike Gold Rush approached the British Ambassador, sandstorm that drove the party goers of 1896. Sir ‘Hookey’ Walker, regarding an into the newly built Beach Hotel just a initiative that had proved to be a little way along the coast. Networking Hotels were springing up like success in Kuwait. The initiative was with a difference! mushrooms and the trickle of expats to establish a group of long-standing had turned into a torrent, to the point British businessmen, representing That same year, 1962, also where Dimitri, the astute manager of the main British companies in Abu happened to be when Abu Dhabi a well known hotel was renting out Dhabi, to work in conjunction with made its debut on the world stage rooms to three persons for the same the Embassy to discuss business by exporting its first shipment of oil to day (they each had use of the room opportunities for British companies in Japan. for 8 hours). the emirate. The trickle of expats would An unusual feature of this particular The Ambassador was extremely subsequently turn into a stream. hotel was the Cat Man – this enthusiastic and together with his individual’s sole responsibility was commercial officer at the time, Brian In 1963 ‘Henderson’s Folly’ became the welfare of Dimitri’s Siamese cat, White, selected a group of 20 senior ‘The Club’ and by 1968 had moved which he would parade around the British businessmen resident in Abu to a new building on a plot of land on hotel and amongst the guests on a Dhabi and invited them to a reception the coast, generously given by the lead. in Brian’s villa in the embassy ruler HE Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al compound, that August, to discuss Nahyan. Unfortunately one favourite evening the proposal. haunt on the Corniche was closed With no formal business group down when one of its patrons (no It was unanimously agreed to on the horizon, The Club became name mentioned), having lost his shirt move forward with the idea and, as the main meeting place for British in a business deal one balmy night, Mondays were felt to be the less expats, full of extraordinary, colourful became so distressed that he ended hectic evenings of the week, it was characters, who were coming to help up running along the sea shore in decided that the monthly meetings build Abu Dhabi. his birthday suit, towards where would be held on the second Monday the Hilton stands today, and was of each month. And so the Monday It is interesting to note that the apprehended by the police. Club came into being. majority of English-speaking business people looking for local partners at Expats would regularly gather with Thank you to Jocelyn Henderson that time would meet them at places the local population for fishing and and David Spearing for their input, like The Club. The main criteria was desert camping trips, which was a and thank you to Jacques Pillet not that both could communicate in wonderful way of getting to know only for remembering but for rescuing English. Unfortunately, due to the their hosts better, as well as all their the British Banker! To be continued in complexities of doing business then, traditions and cultures – invaluable the next edition of Capital Letter. this occasionally led to fingers being when doing business in Abu Dhabi. burnt further down the track on both Many strong friendships were forged CAPITAL LETTER 25 sides! However there were success stories, proving how important it was (as it still is today) to have places to socialise and be able to meet in an informal setting. The Beach Hotel (now demolished) and the Al Ain Palace Hotel, which is still very much in use, were also two favourite meeting places – along with the Golf Club (where the greens were browns!). Fast forward to 1971 and the very first National Day celebrations gave a kick-start to the new Nation. HE Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan had already been ruler for five years and with the ever-growing oil revenues, his vision of development for the benefit of the people of the country and Abu Dhabi had started to take root. Embassies from friendly countries were opened. The British Embassy (which was preceded by The Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN AUTUMN 2015 The British Political Agency building in 1958 (credit: Edric Worsnop, courtesy National Archives). This was believed to be the first British Ambassador’s residence in Abu Dhabi The History of the BBG, Part 2 Mid Way Towards the BBG By Christine Bond of each month thereafter because informal gatherings without the new British ambassador, agendas or minutes “Intelligence is the ability Sir Harold (Hooky) Walker was to adapt to change” anxious (together with his Deputy In order to keep within the UAE Head of Mission, Ian Lockart, and laws, the Embassy advised that the - Stephen Hawking Commercial Officer, Brian White) to meetings would be small, informal get more involved with the business gatherings without agendas or In our last article we explained community and to promote Britain as minutes. The meetings would how the small British business a business partner more forcefully. alternate between the Embassy and community in Abu Dhabi started a member’s residence or his choice to formalise its gatherings to He took up the idea, which of venue. talk business and exchange Richard Owens had brought from experiences. We left it at the Kuwait for a leading group of senior, Occasionally a visiting point where it was decided that long-standing heads of British eminent British businessman monthly meetings should be held. companies across a wide section or politician would give an The British Embassy was the of business disciplines to meet address forum for the first meeting of The regularly to discuss developments Monday Club, which was held on and to disseminate the information Although very informal, the Monday 14th November, 1983. It across relevant British companies. meetings would generally was held on the second Monday encompass a report from the The Embassy advised that ambassador or his deputy on 26 CAPITAL LETTER the meetings would be small, specific items from the UK or locally Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 that impacted on business in the most of the business community at La Brioche UAE. This might be followed by would gather there regularly and a specialist speaker on various it became an excellent venue for Interestingly, the instructions business related laws that were networking and, of course, having coming from the various embassies being proposed or enacted. fun. were in line with their different Occasionally a visiting eminent cultures to the point where the British businessman or politician However for a lot of the British French were told to meet at La would give an address. The evening business community, The Club (or Brioche where their wardens would would usually end with a session the British Club as it was known) still be on standby. called ‘on the grapevine’, where the remained a firm favourite. members could advise on any new But the Monday Club continued projects that could be of interest to In the mid-to-late ’80s to meet regularly and all the various British business and which could Abu Dhabi experienced a other meeting places were full of be added to the Embassy list for downturn in business very apprehensive expats who circulation to British companies in, were ready to stay for the duration, or visiting Abu Dhabi. In the mid-to-late ’80s Abu Dhabi because Abu Dhabi was their experienced a downturn in home, where many of their friends The evening would usually business, which mainly affected and businesses were and also, end with a session called ‘on the small to medium-sized private importantly, to show solidarity and the grapevine’ sector companies, to the point support to their host country. where only the strongest and The only requested restriction more reputable survived. Many Within a short space of time on members was that all the less reputable or badly managed another huge change occurred. information gathered should be organisations went by the wayside, Thousands of military personnel confidential to British companies which was a relief to the rest of the started to arrive. These young only. business community. men and women were taking part in Operation Desert Shield and David Spearing (the man in the On August 2nd, 1990 Iraq needed every type of service black hat at Wimbledon) is the only invaded Kuwait. imaginable. Business in Abu Dhabi remaining original member still in started to boom. Abu Dhabi today and is also still on Upon hearing the news certain the BBG Committee. companies in Abu Dhabi locked Six months later, on 17th January, their doors and within 48 hours were 1991, Operation Desert Storm During the Monday Club’s eight gone. Many wives and children commenced and many of our new years of existence not only had the were evacuated back to their home found friends left Abu Dhabi to fight population of Abu Dhabi increased countries. in the Gulf War. from around 250,000 to 375,000, the British resident community had Upon hearing the news The sight of guided missiles also risen from a few hundred to certain companies in Abu flying past the news casters’ over 5,000 Dhabi locked their doors and heads and turning neatly within 48 hours were gone around corners was mind Change was certainly happening boggling in Abu Dhabi in the ’80s. Change The business community was which would accelerate at such a stunned. In fact it was this turn of CNN was broadcasting 24 hours speed and in such a way that none events that was to change Abu a day and for the first time we of us could have ever imagined. Dhabi beyond recognition. were able to watch world events unfold. It seemed that the whole As far as meeting places were We all held our breaths not population were glued to television concerned we now had the Hilton knowing what was going to happen sets as nobody had ever seen on the Corniche, a brand new next. We heard that some of our such graphic television coverage. InterContinental Hotel and also the business colleagues had been The sight of guided missiles flying Sheraton, which had been built on taken hostage in Kuwait. Not too past the news casters’ heads and the site of the old Beach Hotel – no many cars were on the roads and turning neatly around corners was more renting of sun beds for the there were armoured cars patrolling. mind boggling. night. We also had smaller, more reasonably priced hotels springing Graham Burton was the British Eleven days later on the 28th up along with blocks of flats and Ambassador at the time and the February, 1991 Kuwait was villas. embassy was advising all British liberated and Desert Storm was citizens remaining in Abu Dhabi to over – mission accomplished – and A very popular meeting register with the embassy and to business in Abu Dhabi continued to place, every Wednesday, was keep a low profile and a stiff upper boom. Fish Night at the Sheraton lip, and to stay in touch with their accompanied by cigar rolling appointed wardens in order to know In the same year The British demonstrations which muster stations to go to in Business Group came into being case of an emergency. and the reasons for this, the way in An interesting and very popular which it was created and its early meeting place, every Wednesday, The instructions coming from history will be the subject of the was Fish Night at the Sheraton the various embassies were next article. accompanied by cigar rolling in line with their different demonstrations. It seemed that cultures to the point where Thank you to David Spearing for his the French were told to meet memories of The Monday Club. Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 27
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN WINTER 2015 Central Market Souk in the early 1990s. Image courtesy of Al Ittihad Newspaper. The History of the BBG, Part 3 The Group Takes Shape By Christine Bond war and the sometimes boisterous – for some – difficult times, to say methods of allaying them were the least. “History is a continuous subsiding and the British business chain of events. The community was facing new However Abu Dhabi was now present is only an challenges. ready for business in a much more extension of the past.” sophisticated and worldly manner There was much more competition and there were many excellent - HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan in the market, due to the fact that business opportunities, because Al Nahyan Abu Dhabi had been increasingly in there was also a move to create In our last article, we described the the international spotlight since the other sources of income besides oil early beginnings of meetings among Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The large and gas. the British business community in influx of people and companies Abu Dhabi. that had arrived in 1990 to service With an estimated population of the requirements that a potential 450,000, and with HH Sheikh Zayed Abu Dhabi March 1991 – Graham war creates did not all leave. On bin Sultan Al Nahyan leading the Burton was at the helm of The British the contrary, many stayed on and way, Abu Dhabi began to grow at a Embassy. The Monday Club was continued in business. Also many faster pace. still meeting on the first Monday of of the families and companies that each month and the Gulf war was no had left rather quickly came flooding The souk, which had always longer hanging over our heads. back. been a good source of random information, both commercial The anxieties caused by the All this movement, coupled with and otherwise, was slowly being the crash of the BCCI bank in July dwarfed by large buildings. 28 CAPITAL LETTER 1991, made for rather interesting and Death by camel on the two-lane highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai would become a thing of the Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 We have recently moved to our new location in Khalidiya! BRITISH We are delighted to offer up to DENTAL CLINIC 20% DISCOUNT Khalidiya Park Tower, Mezzanine Floor Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. on all dental treatments for the BBG members. We look forward to seeing you! 0503137733 026773308 British Dental Clinic @british_dental_clinic_abudhabi www.britishdentalclinic.ae past with modern street lights of the first Gulf war. With special thanks to Sir Graham Burton and fencing being installed for Soon after the conclusion of KCMG. In the next edition we will reminisce the whole distance to the border on the style of the notorious British Business with Dubai. the Gulf war, once the British Group monthly lunches. community had settled down However, for the increasing again, a lunch was arranged, number of British business with the Ambassador’s support, people there was still no on 12th June, 1991 at the Marina appropriate forum for them to Club. Ten of the leading British meet apart from the many hotels, businessmen invited nine other private parties and, of course, British business people to join The Club. them and the Ambassador advised that, after discussion Soon after Graham Burton’s with senior members of the arrival as HMA Ambassador in British business community February 1990 it had become in Abu Dhabi, it was clear clear that there was some that a broader forum for the unhappiness among the British expression of the British business business community about the community’s views was required. way the Embassy organised its The idea of the creation of a contacts with them. He consulted British Businessmen’s Group was leading lights from ICL, BP, substantiated by replies received Unilever, Gray Mackenzies, to a questionnaire circulated Spinneys, the British Bank of subsequent to the lunch. the Middle East (predecessor to HSBC in the region) and others. This group (of men) were the There was general agreement foundation for the formation of that they should explore among the British Business Group, and the wider business community on the basis of this the initial whether there would be support Steering Group was created as for the creation of a British recorded in the letter from Terry Businessmen’s Group. However Finney, the first Chairman, shown this had, of necessity, to be put here. on hold until after the conclusion Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 29
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN By Christine Bond and David Good SPRING “Play is the highest form 2016 of research.” – Albert Einstein When the British Business Group lunches started they cost AED80 for three courses, of which AED10 went towards the group’s running costs. But the BBG was operated on a shoestring, and the members of the original Steering Committee devoted much of their own time and the resources of their companies to the running of the Group. This is still true today to a certain extent, but we now have the luxury of an office staffed with some very capable people, which helps to make the modern BBG a very different organisation. We were fortunate to have Terry Finney as our original Chairman – who in an earlier life had been an SAS officer in Sudan, serving under General Sir Peter de la Billiere (Commander in Chief of The British Forces during the 1990/1 Gulf War). After he entered the commercial world, he was involved in setting up the BBG in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, The History of the BBG, Part 4 The Group Begins to Blossom before he came to Abu Dhabi as author of Storm Command), as locked and the key could not be General Manager of ICL. well as Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the found. famous Arabian explorer and author As a result of this experience of Arabian Sands and other titles The music was still playing when he had no difficulty in managing cataloguing his extensive travels, Terry invited Mohamed to the and stimulating an adventurous, and HE Ahmed Saeed Al Badi, podium to speak, so Mohamed, very sometimes unruly, but always UAE Minister of Health. Another coolly, with a big smile and totally well-mannered bunch of British well-known personality to address unperturbed opened his address businessmen and a few women (one the Group was Edward Henderson, by saying: “I thought David Good of whom is the joint author of this author of Arabian Destiny, who, had invited me to talk to you – not to article). together with Ron Cordrai, was one dance with you!” His comment was of the earliest oilmen in the Trucial greeted with great applause and With his easy, relaxed manner and States – as the UAE was known laughter by the audience. The Club keen wit, Terry steered the many before its independence in 1971. staff did eventually manage to break memorable luncheon meetings down the door of the room and turn with a sure hand. As a result the An unusual incident took place off the music in time for Mohamed to meetings stretched over a number when author Mohamed Abdul Jalil deliver his address. of hours and generated some Al Fahim came to speak to us ebullient enjoyment. shortly before his now famous book The style of the lunches was quite From Rags to Riches was published. notorious in those days, possibly The Group had some high-level When Terry Finney went to the because they would commence with ministerial visitors even in those podium to introduce Mohamed lengthy pre-lunch drinks at 1pm and early years, and the guest speaker the piped music was still running, some members would continue on list was impressive. For example we but when the Club staff tried to get until quite late in the evening. had Douglas Hurd, British Foreign into the room it was operated from Secretary, Paul Newall, Lord Mayor to turn it off, they found the room Most of the lunches took place of London, General Sir Peter de at The Club, and so it was just la Billiere (already mentioned and a natural transition for several 30 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 members to migrate from the member to continue to have his own of the Ambassador and his wife to luncheon hall into the other facilities table. the British community in Abu Dhabi, where other gatherings would making specific mention of their also be happening and were often In reality he used his table to efforts during the Gulf War as well as attended by business associates. entertain prominent persons from their support for charitable causes. The atmosphere was a wonderful the community, including inviting mix of business and pleasure. UAE Nationals when there was At the end of his address Terry a visiting British Minister or a made three presentations to the On one occasion a particularly significant personality addressing Ambassador, the first being a exuberant member enjoyed himself the Group. In 1993 he was actually ‘kopiah’, the Indonesian national hat, perhaps just a little too much and asked to join the Committee, but his in preparation for his next posting in on leaving the Club encountered table continued to enjoy its unofficial Jakarta; the second, an alarm clock the corners of two buildings in his name as “The Riff Raff” table. in the shape of a mosque, complete car – whereupon he was eventually with the muezzin’s call to prayer to persuaded to take a taxi home. There was, however, plenty of remind him of his four years in Abu research and business taking place Dhabi; and finally a Lladro porcelain In fact, it was minuted that Mark throughout all the play. Business sculpture of a golfer, reflecting the Pawley, the Manager of the Club in was booming, our membership was Ambassador’s love of the game. the early ’90s, had reported to the rising, and extremely large contracts Chairman that certain members were being negotiated and signed. On 9th January, 1995 a lunch were abusing the free pre-lunch attended by around 250 members bar facility and would the Chairman Whilst on a visit to Abu Dhabi, and their wives was held to bid please make an announcement to British Foreign Secretary Douglas a fond goodbye to our outgoing attempt to curb these excesses at Hurd told 250 BBG members and Chairman, Terry Finney and his wife, the next meeting. guests over a lunch that, after Maureen. The incoming Chairman, visiting HH Sheikh Zayed bin Malcolm Best, paid tribute to Terry’s The seating arrangement at Sultan al Nayhan that morning, many achievements during his lunches was based on each His Highness had recalled old tenure and warmly congratulated Committee member heading up a friendships and occasionally old him on his award of the honour table. The Membership Secretary, disputes, but all in good spirit. The of Officer of the British Empire with the assistance of his office key theme of his message to British in the 1975 New Year’s Honours secretary, would allocate members businessmen and women was the List. After Malcolm’s address a to the various tables as they faxed strength of trading relations between commemorative silver salver, in (yes, by fax in those days) their Britain and the UAE and that there inscribed with the signatures of confirmation that they would be would never be a time when the all the Committee Members (the attending the lunch. Apart, of Emirates and the Gulf were not bulk of which was paid for by the course, from those at the Chairman’s important to Britain. “The heart of the Committee members personally), table who would be selected largely partnership is yourselves,” he told was presented to Terry and Maureen dependent on whom the Chairman them. on the Group’s behalf by the new felt was most appropriate to sit with Ambassador Anthony Harris. the guest speaker on each occasion The UAE in the 1990s was the (as at today’s lunches and dinners). second largest market outside We have an amusing memory the OECD. In fact our exports to about the silver salver. The The most infamous table was that the UAE at that time were worth Committee Member who was of a certain member, which was approximately US$1.3 billion. There arranging for the signatures to be christened by the Chairman as “The were some 500 British companies sent to the silversmith in England Riff Raff” table. This was the result with offices in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, received a (somewhat tongue of this particular member having and the main message from all the in cheek) message from one been allowed halfway through the high profile government visitors we Committee Member: “Enclosed first year to nominate who he wanted received at the time was: “You need are four copies of my signature, to sit with, since all the beverages to help your businesses to prosper which you are not authorised to do on his table (less than six bottles and British exports to grow.” Not so anything with except to stick them was a “bad” lunch by his standards) different to today then, except for on a salver! I had no idea you were as well as a large cheese plate the scale of our trade which is now of Nigerian origin.” Even then there were provided by him. At the first over £12 billion. was a plethora of letters and faxes Committee meeting of the second emanating from Nigeria asking year the Committee reviewed how Sadly, in 1994 and 1995 we for bank details for money to be the arrangements had worked had to say goodbye in fairly quick deposited for spurious reasons. during the first year. succession to the two well-loved and respected initiators of the BBG in Under Terry’s leadership and When it came to the seating Abu Dhabi, the British Ambassador, Graham’s patronage the BBG had arrangements it was generally Graham Burton (now Sir Graham) grown from strength to strength agreed that these were successful, and our first Chairman, Terry Finney. and it was obvious, by the time we but a few people questioned why had said goodbye to them, that the this certain member should be the A well-attended and memorable British Business Group had made only person, besides the Chairman, five-course lunch was held on 16th significant strides towards becoming to decide who sat on his table. The May, 1994, at The Club (as always) the success story it is today – just Chairman responded: “Do you want to say a fond farewell to Graham with a slightly different twist! We had to run the risk of him sitting on your Burton and his wife, Julia. The grown from just 60 members to over table?” Whereupon the Committee Chairman commenced his address 200 in a very short space of time saw the error of their ways and by saying: “I have never known from our formation in the second half unanimously voiced a very strong such a professional supportive or of 1991 to the end of 1994. “No!” All agreed to allow this certain approachable Ambassador.” He also paid tribute to the contribution Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 31
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Introduction of VAT into the GCC ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN SPRING 2017 Countries in the Gulf Cooperation clause of some description that allowed but also included boxes requesting you Council have stated their intention for the tax to be charged in addition to set out the amount of bad debt relief to introduce Value Added Tax (VAT) the amounts specified in the contract. claimed and the volume of sales made to the region, with a number of them Contracts that did not contain an to each industry sector. confirming that it will be implemented adequate tax clause that allowed VAT to in the first quarter of 2018. be charged in addition became a cost Some ERP systems are able to work to the business. with VAT and some are not; those that It is expected that the governments are will still need configuring. Those in the GCC will soon release a Treaty Six countries that are not may need to create a that provides a general framework with manual workaround or upgrade the each individual national VAT legislation Companies that have operations in more current system. to follow shortly. than one GCC country need to have the necessary co-ordination to ensure Getting it wrong With the potential start for VAT to consistent tax positions are taken. go-live in less than 12 months, we It is highly likely that the respective highlight some of the lessons that With GCC cross border transactions, tax authorities will seek to discourage can be learned from the recent it could be the case that whether or experience of introducing not VAT is charged depends on the errors, through penalties, Goods and Services Tax interest charges and (GST) to Malaysia, VAT in status of the customer in the other GCC prosecution. When a all but name. country, meaning that there may also be company is subject to additional identification of your customer a VAT inspection the Timing and further reporting required for when authorities tend to look making supplies to those customers. back over a number of Malaysia GST was years, which means introduced to the Employees that a mistake made country on 1st April, in January 2018 may 2015. The announcement There are limited resources who that confirmed the GST understand VAT and a lack of familiarity be picked up in January 2023. would go-live was made in October with the accounting required. The This mistake may have been repeated 2013, leaving 18 months to prepare for transition to the transactional accounting on every VAT return over the preceding VAT. required by VAT may be challenging five years. for some of those entities without VAT In the GCC, Saudi Arabia has trained staff. There can be operational challenges confirmed that it has signed the Treaty in terms of being unable to import or and that it plans to implement VAT in In Malaysia there were already sell goods or services, which can bring the first quarter of 2018. It is believed existing sales and services tax, this a business to a standstill. that the others are not far behind – and meant businesses of a sizeable nature both Oman and UAE have confirmed would have existing tax departments Lack of adequate IT functionality their commitment a number of times in and people with tax experience. Tax can lead to lots of manual work and the recent past. is not as prevalent across the GCC mistakes. This in turn can feed into and as such the tax functions have not increased staff turnover. In Malaysia we This leads to a distinctly shorter been developed. Organisations are noticed a key driver for outsourcing of timeline that most businesses in the taking steps to recruit VAT staff. Those VAT work was because a staff member GCC will be working to meet. They will specialised VAT staff are likely to be had left and the business did not have therefore need to prioritise what should based outside the region. the IT capability to produce accurate be done prior to going live. A number and timely VAT returns. of businesses in Malaysia ended up IT focusing on their outputs and would Taking action now rather claim back less VAT, despite the The end goal is that on the VAT go-live obvious cost, as this was a less risky date, the business is able to accurately We recommend a cross-function review approach. record every transaction it makes, of the business, to identify where VAT including but not exclusively value, has an impact, how IT and finance are Lack of tax culture in customer details, location and VAT rate. affected, and to consider the impact business This information would then be captured on long-term contractual positions and onto a VAT return which would be open HR policies. Start to map out how to get In the GCC, businesses lack familiarity to inspection for a number of years. the business from current state to VAT with regards to VAT and tax in ready, and plan to reconfigure your general. VAT implementation is not In Malaysia there were 25 boxes for IT systems, to communicate terms of just a finance project, it impacts all the information on the GST return. These business changes to your customers functions in an organisation and so it included the totals of VAT accounted for and schedule time to ensure you can needs the participation of the entire train your staff and conduct test run organisation. VAT returns. Once VAT is accepted, the sooner you start to prepare to work As an example, both procurement in the new VAT world the sooner you and legal departments will be can start to mitigate the impacts. impacted. A lot of the long-term contracts currently in operation in the Elliot Severs is VAT Senior Manager GCC are silent on not just VAT but tax. with Deloitte. In Malaysia there tended to be a tax Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 32 CAPITAL LETTER
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 W H AT W O R L D W I L L YOU MAKE POSSIBLE? In a time of monumental change, it’s reassuring to know you have the full force of Barclays behind you. Search Barclays Private Bank Influence tomorrow Barclays offers private banking products and services to its clients through Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiary companies. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England and authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered No. 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. Barclays Bank PLC (DIFC Branch) (Registered No. 0060) is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Barclays Bank PLC (DIFC Branch) may only undertake the financial services activities that fall within the scope of its existing DFSA liceVnosel.. P2ri4ncIipsasl upleace3oWf buinsitneerss2: P0r2iv1ate Bank, Dubai International Financial Centre, The Gate Village Building No. 10, Level 6, PO Box 506674, Dubai, UAE. This information hasCbeAenPdITisAtriLbuLteEdTbTy BEaRrclay3s3Bank PLC (DIFC Branch).
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN A Special Date for the Diary SPRING 2018 On 14th March, 2019, Abu Dhabi will Committee chaired by HE Mohamad with VIP experience. Potentially the play host for an incredible week to the Abdulla Al Junaibi, Executive Director hardest roles of all, because it requires Special Olympics World Games, the of Protocol at the Abu Dhabi Crown a lot of commitment and you will be the world’s largest sports event for people Prince Court. face of the games. with intellectual disabilities. It will be the largest single sporting event anywhere So that’s the background. Now here Operations – ensuring the Games run in 2019 and will welcome 7,000 athletes is the opportunity. smoothly and solve any problems; our and 3,000 coaches from 170 nations, very own superheroes! along with 6,000 family members and You can be part of the largest sports 4,000 guests. and humanitarian event ever staged Medical – medical screening and in Abu Dhabi, and gain some lifetime assistance for the volunteers. For Before that Abu Dhabi will also host memories and experiences. There are this we need nurses, optometrists, the Ninth Special Olympics Middle a variety of roles in all different areas, audiologists and other clinicians, plus East North Africa Regional Games from from technology to operations, events anyone with an interest in medical care. 14th-23rd March, this year, which will and sports. Other details about the be a signature event for the region and divisions are as follows: Guest Services – the friendly face lead-up event to the World Games. of the games; meeting and greeting, The Special Olympics Abu Dhabi Delegation Services – perfect for registration and providing general 2019 will bring together people of all speakers of other languages and those advice during the games. backgrounds and nations and lead real behavioural change towards those Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 living with intellectual disability in the UAE and beyond, in a celebration of sport and humanity. The main difference between the Special Olympics and Paralympics is that Special Olympics is a sports programme open to all athletes with intellectual disabilities, while the Paralympics is geared for elite athletes with primarily a physical disability. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics benefits not only the athletes taking part, but their families and the community, leaving a legacy of acceptance and understanding of those with intellectual disability. The Abu Dhabi Special Olympics is overseen by a Higher 34 CAPITAL LETTER
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 Other details about the divisions are as follows: Delegation Services – perfect for speakers of other languages and those with VIP experience. Potentially the hardest roles of all, because it requires a lot of commitment and you will be the face of the games. Operations – ensuring the Games run smoothly and solve any problems; our very own superheroes! Medical – medical screening and assistance for the volunteers. For this we need nurses, optometrists, audiologists and other clinicians, plus anyone with an interest in medical care. Guest Services – the friendly face of the games; meeting and greeting, registration and providing general advice during the games. Events – our special events throughout the Games include the Torch Run and Award Ceremonies. Everyone can get involved here! Communications – a great opportunity for journalists, videographers, animators, designers and illustrators to get their name published locally and internationally. Sport – with 16 sports in the MENA Games and 24 in the World Games, individuals with a sporting background would be welcome, but we can train most people in the basics. Technology – network, application and desktop support. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit www.volunteers.ae/ specialolympics and register by completing their details and submitting the requested ID information. CAPITAL LETTER 35
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN 20 Years and Going Strong SUMMER 2018 If you have got this far into Capital the Internet. In fact, electronic mail regional BBG website. No trace of Letter and not realised why it looks is one aspect of the Internet that either has survived. different, then read on. undisputedly delivers business benefits to all who use it. Mail can Events listed for the year included This year we celebrate 20 years be sent anywhere in the world within Middle East Health, Internet World of our quarterly magazine. For seconds and at a far lower price than – Middle East, TRIDEX ’98 (Military some, 1998 does not seem that the equivalent fax.” Communications, Logistics, Training long ago, but when you read and Simulation and Electronic publications dating back to those Later on it says: “Websites need Warfare), The Building Forum and days you quickly realise how much to be indexed by the many search the Worldwide Property Investment the world has changed. It was quite engines and directories – such as Show. ADIPEC was already a a year – Google was founded, HotBot, Alta Vista and Yahoo! – feature of the event calendar, too. the European Union agreed on a which exist on the Internet.” Spot the common currency called the Euro, obvious omission? Something that also rings familiar and Titanic won 11 Oscars. bells today, is an article based on Another article in the first a presentation made by Christine The BBG had been going in its Capital Letter was about the regional Bond, who ran ABC recruitment present form for only a year or so conference of British Business by then, but membership of a less Groups in the Gulf called Intergulf and training consultants formal grouping of British business ’97, which took place in Dubai and who was for many people had been growing for in October 1998. Sadly, such years a member of the some time before that. Clearly gatherings no longer take place, BBG Committee. She the next step was to launch a which is a loss to our ability to co- magazine. operate across the region. BBGs was incidentally also from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, the previous host of the Of course, some things Saudi Arabia and Oman took part BBG office. Christine don’t change. The first with representatives from the Arab had recently spoken at issue of Capital Letter British Chamber of Commerce, the the Abu Dhabi Chamber (still an inspired title Dubai Chamber of Commerce and of Commerce about the for our magazine) the (then) Department of Trade and challenge of Emiratisation. celebrated the fact that Industry in the UK. The meeting In the article she said: “The the BBG office had discussed initiatives such as co- pressures on government moved to the CERT ordinating contacts with UK export and the economy of growing Technology Park, promotion bodies and setting up a numbers of young nationals where it remains with reducing prospects of today (though public sector employment not in the same was well recognised by office). Also the the business community.” relationship with Her presentation called for the British Embassy a joint review body to be set was as close as it still is, with up between government and the smiling face of Anthony Harris commerce where industry – the British Ambassador of the could spell out their difficulties day – on the front cover offering a in recruiting nationals and for welcome message. In it, he made solutions to be found. The search the point that Capital Letter is for these solutions continues to this not just aimed at the local British very day. business community but all who are interested in developing British One other article in the magazine business in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. must also be highlighted. This was And it still is today, of course. the year of the BBG Abu Dhabi inaugural ball. Anthony Trew, the One of the most striking articles first Chairman of the licensed BBG that shows how far we have come said in the article: “It is the aim to in those 20 years is called simply welcome all those who promote @..... It starts by saying: “Afraid your British business locally…Current company may miss opportunities membership has reached 200, and on the Internet? Like to know more continues to grow.” We are a bigger about making the World Wide Web and more complex organisation work for you?” The piece goes these days, but retaining and on to assert that: “Anyone who building membership remains our has sent an e mail with an ‘@’ in primary objective. the destination address has used Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 36 CAPITAL LETTER
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Special Olympics GB Team Announced Special Olympics GB will be tennis, tennis and volleyball. There World Games, commented: “The bringing a strong team to the 2019 will also be races in athletics, athletes who take part in Special Special Olympics World Games cycling, kayaking, open water Olympic activities inspire us all to do in Abu Dhabi. The World Summer swimming, roller skating, sailing, the best that we can for them. Games is the biggest global event swimming and triathlon. Judged for Special Olympics every four competitions will include equestrian, “Over the last 18 months our years. For this World Games, judo, artistic gymnasts and rhythmic athletes and volunteers have #TeamSOGB will be bringing a gymnastics. Rounding off the list of gone through a lot already in the delegation of 129 athletes to the sports are bowling, football, golf and preparation for competing at the #AbuDhabi2019 Special Olympics powerlifting. World Summer Games in Abu World Summer Games to take part Dhabi. They have attended a variety in 17 sports. Many thousands of people will of training weekends where we have take part or watch the Games. gone through aspects such as sport Altogether, some 7,000 athletes Apart from the athletes themselves, specific training, team building and with learning disabilities from 2,600 coaches will also arrive culture, safeguarding and welfare, around the globe will take part in early to get used to the time zone kit sizing and media training.” the 15th Special Olympics World and temperature. Abu Dhabi will Summer Games from 14th to 21st provide 20,000 volunteers and up to “There is still a long way to go for March, 2019. Special Olympics 500,000 spectators. The families of our athletes and volunteers in their GB will be one of 168 countries the athletes will also number 6,000. preparation but we are getting close taking part. Special Olympics is for There is an expectation of around to the dream becoming a reality for athletes with intellectual (learning) 2,000 reporters, broadcasters, many.” disabilities – including autism, photographers, videographers and Down’s Syndrome and other related bloggers who will capture the games disabilities. for international media. Honoured guests of the Special Olympics The Games will feature seven could number 4,000 additionally. days of competition in 24 sports. There will be court sports, namely Laura Baxter, Special Olympics badminton, basketball, beach GB’s Head of Delegation for the volleyball, bocce, handball, table ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN AUTUMN 2018 Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 37
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Special Olympics World Games Abu specialised skills. They must be ahead of the Games and there will Dhabi 2019 have confirmed that all at least 14-years old and commit be opportunities for those with and nations in the Asia Pacific region will to a minimum of four shifts during without intellectual disabilities to get take part in the Games next year. the Games. All volunteers will be involved. To register to volunteer, visit: Special Olympics programmes have required to attend 16-hours of training https://volunteers.ae/specialolympics/ been newly established in Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu and Micronesia to help Special Olympics athletes travel to the UAE to compete alongside 7,500 athletes from around the world. The newly accredited nations will now mean the largest ever delegation participation for the Asia Pacific region in a World Games. Following the registration of these six Asia Pacific nations, next year’s World Games in Abu Dhabi will welcome more than 176 nations to participate in the event, the highest number in the 50-year history of the Special Olympics movement. Dozens of athletes with intellectual Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi Update ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN disabilities took part in a specialist training course in Abu Dhabi Also WINTER in autumn to learn how to officiate 2018 sporting events at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. The budding referees and game officials attended the launch of the Special Olympics Officials Program for Athletes held at the headquarters of the Local Organizing Committee of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 to discover and discuss the skills they need to become a Technical Official and to work alongside the National Federations at the 2019 World Games, as part of the Special Olympics legacy. Also in October people from across the UAE were encouraged to sign up to be a volunteer at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. Held at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi a specially designed interactive game helped potential volunteers choose their preferred role, while a question and answer session introduced them to the Special Olympics UAE athletes representing the nation at the World Games. They were entertained with performances by musicians Fayez al Saeed, Aryam and Hamad Al Ameri, while also being invited to take part in special unified ZUMBA sessions. Volunteers from all walks of life are encouraged to sign up as volunteers, including people of determination, people with a positive attitude and a willingness to help and those with 38 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Admissions Open for Nursery (FS1) – Year 11 AatspAirspe en High quality British education Engaging and personalised curriculum Building a community together Located in Al Bayha, Abu Dhabi Part of ahbs.ae +971 56 538 4416 Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 39
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Special Olympians ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN SPRING 2019 This March the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world comes to the UAE as 7,500 athletes from across the globe compete at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. More than 190 countries will be hoping for a medal and British athletes have been stepping up their training in pursuit of glory in the UAE capital. Taking place from 14th-21st March, this is the first ever Special Olympics World Games to be held in the Middle East and North Africa. It is set to be the most unified Games in the 50-year history of the Special Olympics movement, with inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in every aspect of the event. The 128 athletes who make up Great Britain’s Special Olympics team have been training for months ahead of their participation in the World Games AcdsafaymbacketgwEhcnofWelaeAtqoSoaalTeallhdtoiplireNhnuutnitashorveeIknagntnamgEraawtgoiredessnhrtlesnlgElywdcrooiltliadatpfspanxyetwelhiyuusao,lgsc.atiGaaiaaencroraalpasaadratiedsrngladmsdniCtisiiatoixdlnonoimtscde.aotanut,eoLgzthhooaaBgban,reEfeeTa.lranotrfdneseyopseei.lnevilAsklfmwedtatanaEeewhe1.eihftfwrnatchlrlalis.5mhbeilwsswftba2iyoemA,tahareilhisekdluoilhtdohCbbtvsliehBmrhloabeEwayehhuaeoeakrurteoslreafgsiamlorieaDtgtanedrttvioecnsafrianh,eaghneeeaSahohnrchsEtmasldupewclaafdetae,wlCbom’alreohbsatrh,klriaidrbycfoa.tewatteedTphcnshaiiettmrntaheiaaeosldieumfeosicgleennrpdrgnfpdatOsmblgifh,thhpchsoeraicrslTatereeuaytynaaacloeytelitrcrpsmevimnitcsefnraistrlrnenopdhippalpolah,sistnrcuonevuoteimtyrweCucreet.rgeernr.atWghsvwsnHyclsSaihlla–eoungciaooiaioennehttbrseiletouuhntrirgdiretnehldollsklshegdesdbagltnitihEee;ftfnniofiaootiGaoaakslttnUgglWhevnhrlatretslayshumKrosicef’a;nooomsooger.uiyrfadcsurfa.romorcoeelUwllydgianSrnuotlwsncoieAadhshesynbbGjydniortieEeessivticdifkiyakshwafrppeliwe1tooemeeertoheohno5sfmcadairrroocey,-scsytistnydweosthbhbecchshedteaaeeivlaoeaepekaai.rcneetsmrsiseourrnhrgfNrr-a,irepmagapofi–ttniihaa.anclnhelewodgeftrTniocedotinroeaidomemermgnsyfiaasnoslgn. 40 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 latomrhvflteanooheTaeaaogKNguneahrctkHvaSi-ingamGoeeoiseelnipoadlsnwtcmrtrrsagywhseaiceohdhbmt.catoodweosiBeaenuinfmvcouaikryhgsnaeeolnlialeleengatorvarOiftht,,regrnhevnayiullhssecedlenydeppsauenotmtovteowsa,idnrdnesefs.pfrKpldifsytrmnialcilesdifhec,ieeernynimaietosttarwpoceoyadnmcsisWtlronihectmofan.sokrgereaomniugiernilefrtfetltonplfashaxBdaeovrdencrtnerrtvioSGstoeidoedenitutipldnlaaislrthoguiehomlwntnaaonhphcnotsnshceheishattgeytseesihhelwntcrrtioeAeteOnrtlohihcincbnplhylreseehygelguaaohdtromwsnueg,etDsslhospadntetxodhoiaecygisopnncaira.ssnwbeesobslSwctrufeifpaiGoinhoohelbr2rolnev’roirnemseu0reeccattislh1aos.rpelye.iea9etdwhclIwdossBftyalwioiionwsnrnlsSwrshikigutalpchhaegieancsaeeoiradonngcelcrhsld,medahiaefsaKwsonebahnrmlsridereededuOwfelturietlmolalwahhdldyalryheaeaamisdhlnlertnltastperKrtfteisoaaiwditncinimelem,dsraiaely. In January, in the spirit of unity that individual journey, one of the competitive ability. characterises these World Games, fundamental differences between It is what makes Special Olympics Team GB were joined at their Sheffield Special Olympics competitions and training camp by a 16-strong delegation those of other sports organisations stand out from other international from the UAE, which included Rawda Al is that athletes of all ability levels are sporting competitions and fits Otaiba, Deputy Head of Mission at the encouraged to participate, and every perfectly with the UAE’s vision UAE Embassy in London. athlete is recognised for his or her of a better world; based around performance. tolerance, diversity and providing Welcomed by Michelle Carney, Chief people with intellectual disabilities Executive of Special Olympics Great Athletes are divided into competitions the opportunities they need to Britain, the UAE delegation and the that place them against people of contribute fully to our communities Great Britain team played table tennis, similar abilities – a process that is and societies. bocce and basketball games together, known as ‘divisioning’. Divisioning forming new friendships in the process. allows all athletes the opportunity From 14th-21st March, support to compete on an equal playing Team GB and thousands of other Every Special Olympics athlete who field. It is a fundamental rule, which athletes from around the world will arrive in Abu Dhabi this March has matches athletes up with others of as they compete in 24 different their own deeply unique and inspiring the same gender, around the same sports at 11 venues across Abu story, but they are all characterised by age, and most importantly of the same Dhabi and Dubai. Find out more at one thing – determination. www.abudhabi2019.org. In recognition of every athlete’s Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 41
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN SUMMER 2019 Curtain Falls on Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi The Special Olympics World Games performances by Avril Lavigne, officially opened in Abu Dhabi on Despacito star Luis Fonsi, Emirati March 14th with a spectacular opening singer and Ambassador HE Hussain Al ceremony. Over 7,500 athletes from a Jassmi, Syrian superstar Assala Nasri, record 200 countries were announced and Star of Egypt and the Arab World, into a packed Zayed Sports City Tamer Hosny. They delivered a thrilling Stadium. rendition of the official World Games anthem Right Where I’m Supposed To A 128-strong team of athletes Be, which was created in partnership from Great Britain were led into the with music giant, Quincy Jones. stadium by Olympic legend Seb Coe to a chorus of cheers and a pumping The Crown Prince, HH Sheikh soundtrack from DJ Paul Oakenfold, Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who high-fived the athletes as they wrapped up the ceremony by officially walked by the booth. announcing the start of Special Olympics World Games 2019. The dramatic entrance of the athletes was followed by incredible 42 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Held in the Middle East for the first Los Angeles World Games in 2015); Mills said: “I’m really proud to be taking time, the athletes competed in 24 two golds (mixed doubles and home two gold medals for GB at my Olympic-style sports over seven days. singles) for Islington tennis superstar first ever World Games! I love tennis The GB delegation was the largest ever Lily Mills, and a gold on the athletics and have worked very hard to be able sent to the World Games and medal track for Ipswich 200m runner Hetty to compete with these amazing Special winners included cyclist Keira Byland Bartlett. Olympics athletes in Abu Dhabi. When and tennis player Lily Mills. The Team I first wanted to get into tennis, a lot of GB athletes were welcomed by the There were also dominant coaches thought that I wouldn’t be able British community at a reception at the performances on the judo mats – to perform or even pick up a racket. British Embassy Abu Dhabi hosted by where the seven-strong team all won Now here I am with two World Games Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE medals. This included golds for 17-year gold medals and can’t wait to show Patrick Moody. old Skye Westwood, Daniel Henaghan them off to my friends and family when (whose sister Denise won bronze) and I get home!” The World Games drew to Harrison Lovett, who spectacularly a close a week later amid a flurry defied the doctors who had told his The World Games are about far of medals for the Great Britain team. parents when he was three that he more than medals though. The The GB team came home with would never be able to walk. ‘inclusion revolution’ is the mantra for 169 medals, 63 of them gold for the the Special Olympics movement, and 128-strong squad. The 2019 World Games, the first the importance of being unified and Games to be hosted in the Middle East, breaking down the barriers between Special Olympics GB medalled in all has been the biggest and the most those with and without intellectual 17 Olympic-style sports in which unified in the entire 50-year history of disability was highlighted throughout. it competed. Notable the Special Olympics, involving people performances included defending the with intellectual disability in every Jacqui Byland, Kiera Byland’s men’s seven-a-side football crown; aspect of the event. This year has also mother, said: “The Special Olympics three more golds for Kiera Byland, seen more women compete in the has broadened Kiera’s horizons and the Laura Kenny inspired cyclist Games than ever before. given her so much confidence. Looking (to add to the three that she won at the back, my daughter was so unhappy. Commenting on her victories, Lily She was being bullied and would Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 leave school crying, as a mum it was unbearable. I was in bits, I just didn’t know what to do or how to stop it. We moved schools, but it was only when we got her into sport that things started to truly change. “To us, the World Games is more than just an athletic event that our daughter competes in every four years. Without the Special Olympics, Kiera would be a different person and would never have done many of the things she’s done. “It is an inspiring movement and has changed our family’s lives, but to be able to make the same impact for other families, more people need to know about the Special Olympics and the initiatives it offers to aspiring athletes with intellectual disabilities in the UK.” The team’s glory followed a good luck message from The Duke of Sussex, who sent a message to the Special Olympics Great Britain team on the eve of the Games. CAPITAL LETTER 43
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Early Days in the Emirates British expatriate and current BBG Recalling his experiences of having Chairman Nick Cochrane-Dyet first came Sheikh Zayed as a mentor – “my first to Abu Dhabi over half a century ago, actual boss” – he writes: “Sheikh Zayed at the age of eight. He spent summer always taught by example, led by holidays in Al Ain, where his father was example, and showed, rather than told, serving with the Trucial Oman Scouts. how he believed things should be done. He understood that it is not words that Now working for British oil firm BP, teach, but experience.” which he joined in 1989, Cochrane-Dyet has just published Early Days in the In writing his book, Cochrane-Dyet Emirates, a book on his early life and says he hopes to pass on some experiences in the UAE. of the messages and lessons he learned from Sheikh Zayed: In a foreword, HH Sheikh Mansour bin “Lessons I believe are timeless Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister in nature and can serve all and Minister of Presidential Affairs, those who choose to call this writes that Cochrane-Dyet “recalls the wonderful country home, beneficence, hard work, wisdom and whether expatriates or locals, guidance that Sheikh Zayed gave to all young or old.” those around him and that are being continued today with the legacies laid Early Days in the down then.” Emirates, produced by Dubai publisher The focus of the book is on the four Qindeel, is illustrated by years he spent as a teenager in the numerous previously 1970s, managing the stables for the unpublished historic horses of the late Sheikh Zayed bin photographs from the Sultan Al Nahyan at Mezyad, just outside 1960s, many from the Al Ain. There, he was able to observe Cochrane-Dyet family and to learn first-hand of Sheikh Zayed’s and the BP archive. An love for and passion for Arabian horses. Arabic edition is currently in preparation. He goes on to offer insights into the style of leadership of Sheikh Zayed, who - Originally published by he describes as “one of the greatest WAM men I have ever known.” ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN SUMMER 2019 44 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 Your Doosan Babcock is trusted to deliver complex engineering partner for projects and services in critical energy, low carbon and a low carbon infrastructure sectors using our flexible, global network future and technical expertise. for more information Recently celebrating our 130th Anniversary since e: [email protected] establishment in London and Glasgow in 1891, t: +971 230 40 200 Doosan Babcock delivers long term commitment and dedication to supporting customers, no matter where they are operating in the world. for more information e: [email protected] t: +971 230 40 200 for more information e: [email protected] t: +971 230 40 200 Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021 CAPITAL LETTER 45
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 ORGINALLY PUBLISHED IN WINTER 2020 Expo 2020 Dubai By Laura Faulkner OBE a shared future. and amplify the need and desire for One thing is constant in the positive change, providing tangible In less than one year from now, a opportunities to create just that. collaborative and innovative Expo many thoughts expressed by our 2020 Dubai will be ideally placed to global community – we are all At Expo 2020, we are help shape a better future, and we looking forward to a time when we demonstrating our commitment are excited to be a part of it. can reconnect, face-to-face, with through the UK’s participating those that we know and forge new theme – Innovating for a Shared So far, 2020 has brought many connections with those that we do Future. The invitation is extended challenges that have left the world not yet know. to everyone to join in with this and humanity changed. Our global conversation and celebrate our community has experienced In under one year from now, achievements. self-isolation, travel restrictions, almost 12 months later than economic challenges and the originally scheduled, Expo 2020 The world is facing so many truly heart-breaking impacts of Dubai will open its gates (designed challenges, from building a the pandemic, which will not fade by British architect and previous UK climate-friendly future and assuring for so many. Throughout this time, Pavilion designer Asif Khan) and sustainable food supply to delivering ingenuity and resilience has been provide the platform where the world equality of access to education, increasingly visible. For me, this will come together again in line with digitalisation and healthcare. Expo has been more and more inspiring. its mission statement – ‘Connecting 2020 is a six-month opportunity for Minds, Creating the Future’ – for global collaboration and action- In the midst of this multi-faceted, all. It is the chance for all 190 driven solutions to these challenges. ever changing and truly global participating nations to respond to It will embody the belief that great crisis, people have re-engineered how our world has been altered and things happen when we come their relationships through online to move forward together to tackle together. The UK is committed channels, and innovations are urgent priorities facing our planet. to harnessing the togetherness, being developed in all aspects of Our investment in the future has ingenuity and compassion born our lives. New words and phrases begun. Innovation is the key. The out of the pandemic, where have entered our language. UK’s creativity and innovation are at further exciting innovations and Adaptations to how we live will the heart of our offer to the world. collaborations will ensue. continue. Our new normal includes, perhaps, a more open approach From 1st October, 2021 until 31st As an Expo 2020 participant, to innovation and working together March, 2022, the next World Expo in we have the opportunity to across boundaries to solve Dubai will bring together the world in showcase the very best of UK problems. We are all innovating for a spirit of solidarity and optimism – a culture, business, education, global forum that will demonstrate tourism and technology to a global 46 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
CELEBRATING THE LAST DECADE 2011 - 2021 audience of millions. UK Pavilion but you do have to follow a tune greater world, working collectively construction continues at pace we’ve created in order for us to put with the organisers and other and we marked the one year to all the pieces together. Download participating countries to achieve a go point by revealing new content the sound file, tap, sing or even better, stronger and more equitable on our participation, all available drum along, and your recording will future for all. on our refreshed website. As well be a part of the final Choral Space as finding out more about our composition. Entries to this one-of- So, our journey continues. If programme of activity, you can now a-kind opportunity to be a part of a 2020 was the year the world almost experience an interactive virtual global sound will close on the 20th came to a halt, then 2021 must tour of the UK Pavilion, with sound November, 2020. Visit us digitally be the year of coming together. and information hotspots giving you and follow us on the road to Expo. An unprecedented, universal a sample of what’s to come when acceleration of solutions for all. the physical building is vcomplete We, and the whole Expo While Expo’s timelines may have in 2021. On the 21st October, with community, are ready. We have altered, our participation and our thanks to the British Business Group worked hard to continue our commitment to shared goals remain Abu Dhabi for hosting an exclusive preparations throughout the firmly unchanged. webinar, we presented these latest pandemic and ensure that we seize exciting opportunities to British the opportunity to help shape a Laura Faulkner is UK Commissioner General businesses. & Project Director, Expo 2020 Dubai. Last month we also launched the UK soundscape, which was conceived by sound design studio Polyphonia along with lead designer and artist Es Devlin OBE, who has worked with the likes of Beyonce, U2 and Adele. Music lovers from around the world, of all ages and from every walks of life, are being invited by the UK to collaborate and contribute to a crowd-sourced piece of music. Your contributions will be woven together into a 7-minute long piece of music that will be played in the Pavilion for the duration of Expo. You don’t have to be a professional, Website: www.events.great.gov.uk/website/3127/ CAPITAL LETTER 47 Virtual tour: www.ukpavilionvirtualtour.co.uk/ UK Soundscape: www.events.great.gov.uk/website/3127/soundscape/ Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
NEW MEMBERS New Members Lisa Rainbird Nigel Lee Company: The Rainbird Consultancy Company: Codan Communications Designation: Associate Director Designation: VP EMEA Nature of Business: Education, Nature of Business: Sales Training & Recruitment Services Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] David Duffy Dominic Whiting Company: ABL Group Designation: Country Manager Company: Brunswick FZ LLC Nature of Business: Energy, Designation: Partner Oil Gas & Petrochemical Products & Services Nature of Business: Management Email: [email protected] Consultancy & Consultancy Services Email: [email protected] Michael Martinet James Stuart Wilson Company: Barclays Bank Company: Pricewaterhouse Designation: Vice President Cooperes Nature of Business: Banking, Designation: Partner Insurance & Financial Services Nature of Business: Banking, Email: [email protected] Insurance & Financial Services Email: [email protected] Abbas Ahdal Sharif Hani Ahmed Al Tannir Company: Holman Fenwick Willan Designation: Trainee Solicitor Company: Al Masaood LLC Nature of Business: Legal Services Designation: Group Head of Email: [email protected] Commercial Nature of Business: Property Email: [email protected] Tina Benjamin-Lea David Boyle Company: Kerry Project Logistics Company: Serco Middle East Designation: General Manager Designation: General Manager Nature of Business: Transportation, Travel & Tourism Nature of Business: Property Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 48 CAPITAL LETTER Vol. 24 Issue 3 Winter 2021
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