Significant Number of GCC Companies Yet to Engage in Executive Education, Reveals Manchester Business School-TECOM Research

Three-Month Joint Research Identifies Latest Trends and Impact of Global Economic Crisis on Region’s Learning and Development

(From left) Dr Lucy Daly, Research Business Manager,
Manchester Business School; Dr. Ayoub Kazim, MD,
TECOM Investments’ Education Cluster, and Randa Bessiso,
Director - Middle East, Manchester Business School

Dubai-UAE: 28 February, 2011 – Despite executive education gaining in popularity, over 60 per cent of the organisations in the region are yet to engage in such programmes, representing a potential growth opportunity for executive education providers, according to the outcomes of the Middle East’s first-of-its-kind regional market study.

Titled ‘The GCC Market for Executive Education’, the research was conducted by Manchester Business School in partnership with Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village, members of TECOM Investments’ Education Cluster.

The findings of the research that covered over 500 human resources professionals and senior managers from companies in a range of sectors across the six GCC countries were announced on 28 February 2011, during a seminar held at Dubai Knowledge Village.

The region-wide study evaluates the effect of the global economic crisis on the training budget of the corporate sector. It also analyses the expected ROI (Return on Investment) for executive education, plus ways of assessing its value and the expectations of organisations from an executive education provider.

Dr Lucy Daly, Research Business Manager, Manchester Business School, said: “Development budgets in the region have been hit by the economic downturn, with almost 70% of respondents stating that budgets had declined over the last three years. However, improvement is expected during the next three years, with around 50% of respondents expecting spending to increase and only 18% anticipating a decrease in budget.”

The research has reiterated a strong belief that the global economic downturn has had a negative impact on learning and development spending within the region. Over half of the respondents noted that spending has been ‘significantly’ affected, while other organisations agreed that spending has been ‘somewhat’ affected.

However, the future looks more positive with a substantial proportion of respondents expecting to see a moderate increase in spending on executive education over the next three years. Many organisations, however, anticipate executive education spending to remain unchanged for the next three years, according to the research.

TECOM Education Cluster was part of the implementation of the study through its Partner Development Management (PDM) Division. PDM supports the exposure, visibility and growth of existing academic partners within the cluster and provides a platform that supports the growth of the human resources management and higher education sectors in Dubai.

Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, Education Cluster – TECOM Investments, said: “This research is particularly significant in understanding the demand for executive education and provides unique insights into the regional market. The results will enable the prioritisation of communication activities and development of an action plan for addressing market needs.

“Our close collaboration with academic partner Manchester Business School for this research is aimed at driving the development of human resources management segment and contributing towards building a knowledge economy in the UAE and the region.”

Other key findings of the study indicate that the achievement of strategic goals, an increase in productivity, and an increase in effectiveness were the most important measures of ROI for executive education programmes. An increase in innovation (products and processes) and reduction in costs were only rated as having ‘some importance’ as desirable outcomes of executive education programmes by respondents, according to the research.

The study indicates that companies are recruiting skilled employees, often with graduate and postgraduate degrees.  There were a range of perceived skill gaps among the regional workforce but with no one skills area dominating. Only finance and supply chain management were recognised as a ‘gap’ by less than one quarter of the respondents, with other skills areas widely considered to be gaps.

In addition, the research also highlights that the executive education priorities for the next 12 months are somewhat more defined with ‘leadership’, ‘business planning’ and ‘strategy’ identified as core training areas by more than one third of the respondents. Longer term priorities include ‘organisational development’, ‘leadership’ and ‘strategy’. 

Randa Bessiso, Director Middle East at Manchester Business School, added: “This unique joint research highlights the management skills deficit that exists across the region and is vital to address with the region emerging as a significant global economic and business force. Executive – or management - education is an important factor in filling the regional skills gaps, even as training activity gains momentum post economic crisis.

“Complementing Dubai’s commitment and capability to provide this support to businesses, MBS has already appointed a regional manager for management learning. We also aim to launch a series of executive education programmes targeting the senior management levels.”

Manchester Business School set up the Middle East International Executive Centre at Dubai Knowledge Village, TECOM Education Cluster, in 2006 and currently supports more than 1000 post-experience MBA students in the region. It is the largest centre in the MBS international network. Complemented by the additional benefits that Dubai offers as a regional business base, the TECOM Education Cluster that hosts the school serves as an outstanding hub for human development.

Phase-1 of Dubai Properties Group’s New Ghoroob Mirdif Community Reaches 86% Occupancy

 More than 900 Units Leased in Just Four Months Due to High Demand for Two and Three-Bedroom Apartments

Dubai-UAE: 28 February, 2011 – Dubai Properties Group (DPG), a member of Dubai Holding, today announced that occupancy in Phase-1 of the 3.3-million sq. ft. Ghoroob Mirdif development has reached 86 per cent, with demand especially high for two and three-bedroom apartments.

Since leasing commenced last October 2010, DPG has leased 944 units in 22 buildings at Ghoroob in the heart of Mirdif.  The success of the leasing campaign has been driven by the demand for spacious and affordable apartments in a prime location in one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Dubai.

The leasing campaign was launch with the opening of the Ghoroob model apartment which has now received thousands of interested visitors.  The residential units are currently available at special introductory rates with annual leases ranging from AED 44,413 for one-bedroom to AED 74,100 for three-bedroom apartments.

Based on Popular demand, Phase-2 of the Ghoroob community will launch in the second quarter of 2011.

Ghoroob Mirdif features a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 956 square ft. to 1,861 square ft, and offers convenient access to schools and shopping centres including Uptown Mirdif and Mirdif City Centre. The antidote to high-rise living, the new apartments provide residents with all the advantages of a community lifestyle in a family focused environment.

In addition to Ghoroob Mirdif, DPG is leasing residential and commercial units at the Layan community, Shorooq Mirdif, Jumeirah Beach Residence,  Al Khail Gate, and Office Park.

DPG continues to develop, manage and serve communities in prominent locations such as Jumeirah Beach, Mirdif, Business Bay and DUBAILAND® while playing a pivotal role in shaping the growth and landscape of Dubai.

For leasing enquiries, please contact 800-DPG

Algeria to Showcase its Construction Industry at INTERMAT Middle East Conferences

Exhibition’s Inaugural Edition to Also Have Conference on Crane Productivity and Safety as the North African Country Unveils $286 Billion Five-year Infrastructure Spending Plan

Dubai-UAE: 28 February, 2011 – Clarion Events Middle East and S.E. INTERMAT today announced two conferences to be held during the first edition of INTERMAT Middle East, the international exhibition for machinery, materials and equipment for construction and infrastructure.

The conferences, to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) centre in Abu Dhabi - which is the venue for INTERMAT Middle East from March 28 to 30, 2011 - will have Algeria as their focus and draw attention to the North African country’s five-year investment plan for construction. In addition, the conferences will focus on how companies can improve crane productivity and safety at construction sites. 

Maryvonne Lanoë, Exhibition Manager, said: “INTERMAT Middle East provides an ideal networking platform for infrastructure, business development and growth, as required by various countries in the region. The event will attract an array of investors and leading construction and machinery companies from the Middle East, making it the ideal place to be for those in the construction industry.”

Held with the support of Algerian authorities, the first conference will take place from 10:30am to 12:30pm on March 29, 2011. The Algerian delegation, consisting of government members and key decision makers from leading construction companies, will present its national five-year investment plan for construction during the conference.

According to a recent interview conducted by the International Monetary Fund Survey Magazine with Joël Toujas-Bernaté, the IMF’s mission chief for Algeria, the Algerian economy is highly dependent on its oil and gas resources, which account for 98 per cent of its exports. This makes the country vulnerable to negative shocks on oil prices. Consequently, in May 2010, the Algerian government approved a $286 billion five-year investment plan aiming to boost infrastructure and wean the country’s economy away from oil dependency.

During the conference Algerian delegates will unveil the 2010-2014 economic and social development plan, consisting of $156 billion worth of investments in new projects and $130 billion spending on existing programs, including the completion of rail, road and water projects. The new projects include infrastructure for public works, transport, health and education services and 2 million new housing units, with funds also being directed towards providing incentives for the agricultural sector.

Featuring keynote speeches, presentations and debates, the event will be marked by the presence of various members of the General Association of the Algerian Contractors and its Chairman, Mouloud Kheloufi.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet influential policymakers, contractors and investors to discuss the latest developments in the industry as well as prospects in the region. The conference will provide an opportunity to form new business relationships with numerous Algerian contractors.

Maud Carcy, Communications Director, INTERMAT, said: “We are pleased to have such high-profile individuals participating at INTERMAT Middle East. Algeria is investing a significant amount of money in infrastructure, and the country’s participation with high functionaries underlines their will of finding new worldwide partners in providing know-how and technological support for their national construction industry.”

The second conference, due to take place on 30 March 2011 from 10:30 am to 12:30 am, will highlight how companies can improve crane productivity and safety, as they are the most important pieces of equipment at many construction sites. The conference will present the latest technological advances made in crane hardware, software and communication systems used to coordinate the crane operator’s actions. It will act as a platform to share experiences and expertise on international cranes and anti-collision devices amongst manufacturers, site managers of leading contracting companies and local government representatives from the Gulf region.

Exhibiting organisations at INTERMAT Middle East include: Liebherr, Hyundai, Al Wasit Machinery, Doosan Heavy Industries, Doosan-Bobcat, Kanoo Group, Shantui Machinery, Manitowoc, Schwing-Stetter, Al Laith Scaffolding, Metso Minerals, Sateco, Hytec, German Plant Experience LLC, Sigma Enterprises, Paclite, Bartell, Ceseo, CreteAngle, Wanco, Barfor, Rotair, Auto Tan, Almig, Cattaneo, Mitas, Platform Basket, Sunward, Tuckerbilt, Yongmao, HIFI Filter, ArcGen Hilta, Rapid, Locatelli, Tum-Mak, Goldola, Halco Rock Tools, TGS, Techking Tires, Sichuan Construction, Matrix, Samyoung Plant, BV Beko, Tezman Machinery and Jura Filtration, among others.

INTERMAT Middle East is co-located with the Arabian Construction Week and the World Ports and Trade Summit. The Arabian Construction Week consists of three dedicated trade shows: Green Building Middle East, Future Build Middle and Civil Engineering Middle East. In addition, it will also host four international summits, including Building Smart, which will address interoperability delivered by building information modeling processes, The Green Building Summit, the Climate Control Summit in association with ASHRAE, and the Infrastructure Summit.

EMC signs agreement with Hilton Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi:-  With an array of brand new and face-lifted Mercedes-Benz models penetrating the market, Emirates Motor Company (EMC), Mercedes-Benz authorized distributor in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and the flagship company of Al Fahim Group, and the Hilton Abu Dhabi have signed a mutually beneficial agreement on 27 February 2011 bringing two prestigious and high performance brands together in the capital. 

 “We have various new developments in our pipeline for 2011, the first being our venture with the historic and highly esteemed Hilton Abu Dhabi,” commented Mr. Altar Yilmaz, General Sales Manager of EMC. “EMC’s strategic alliances with Hilton in the UAE have been enormously successful and we are looking forward to another thriving business relationship with this new agreement.”

In addition to exclusive EMC special offers to local hotel guests, existing EMC customers are also entitled to a special discount at the Hiltonia Beach Club on its membership. Guests of the Hilton Abu Dhabi will also gain the opportunity to test drive the luxurious, brand new Mercedes-Benz models on display at Hemingway’s entrance and the Hiltonia Beach Club, periodically. 

Mr. Jan Moenkedieck, General Manager of Hilton Abu Dhabi, adds: “Hilton Abu Dhabi, a cornerstone of hospitality in Abu Dhabi, is always finding new ways to engage its customers to stay on top of the market. Through this prime partnership with EMC, we can offer the valued EMC cardholders and guests of the Hilton Abu Dhabi excellence and the quality services they deserve. “

In line with Emirates Motor Company’s aim to continue exceeding customer expectations, this partnership will provide additional customer benefits to EMC Mercedes-Benz owners in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, as well as further accentuate premium positioning of the Hilton and Mercedes-Benz brands in the capital. 

Algeria to Showcase its Construction Industry at INTERMAT Middle East Conferences

Exhibition’s Inaugural Edition to Also Have Conference on Crane Productivity and Safety as the North African Country Unveils $286 Billion Five-year Infrastructure Spending Plan

Dubai-UAE: 28 February, 2011 – Clarion Events Middle East and S.E. INTERMAT today announced two conferences to be held during the first edition of INTERMAT Middle East, the international exhibition for machinery, materials and equipment for construction and infrastructure.

The conferences, to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) centre in Abu Dhabi - which is the venue for INTERMAT Middle East from March 28 to 30, 2011 - will have Algeria as their focus and draw attention to the North African country’s five-year investment plan for construction. In addition, the conferences will focus on how companies can improve crane productivity and safety at construction sites. 

Maryvonne Lanoë, Exhibition Manager, said: “INTERMAT Middle East provides an ideal networking platform for infrastructure, business development and growth, as required by various countries in the region. The event will attract an array of investors and leading construction and machinery companies from the Middle East, making it the ideal place to be for those in the construction industry.”

Held with the support of Algerian authorities, the first conference will take place from 10:30am to 12:30pm on March 29, 2011. The Algerian delegation, consisting of government members and key decision makers from leading construction companies, will present its national five-year investment plan for construction during the conference.

According to a recent interview conducted by the International Monetary Fund Survey Magazine with Joël Toujas-Bernaté, the IMF’s mission chief for Algeria, the Algerian economy is highly dependent on its oil and gas resources, which account for 98 per cent of its exports. This makes the country vulnerable to negative shocks on oil prices. Consequently, in May 2010, the Algerian government approved a $286 billion five-year investment plan aiming to boost infrastructure and wean the country’s economy away from oil dependency.

During the conference Algerian delegates will unveil the 2010-2014 economic and social development plan, consisting of $156 billion worth of investments in new projects and $130 billion spending on existing programs, including the completion of rail, road and water projects. The new projects include infrastructure for public works, transport, health and education services and 2 million new housing units, with funds also being directed towards providing incentives for the agricultural sector.

Featuring keynote speeches, presentations and debates, the event will be marked by the presence of various members of the General Association of the Algerian Contractors and its Chairman, Mouloud Kheloufi.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet influential policymakers, contractors and investors to discuss the latest developments in the industry as well as prospects in the region. The conference will provide an opportunity to form new business relationships with numerous Algerian contractors.

Maud Carcy, Communications Director, INTERMAT, said: “We are pleased to have such high-profile individuals participating at INTERMAT Middle East. Algeria is investing a significant amount of money in infrastructure, and the country’s participation with high functionaries underlines their will of finding new worldwide partners in providing know-how and technological support for their national construction industry.”

The second conference, due to take place on 30 March 2011 from 10:30 am to 12:30 am, will highlight how companies can improve crane productivity and safety, as they are the most important pieces of equipment at many construction sites. The conference will present the latest technological advances made in crane hardware, software and communication systems used to coordinate the crane operator’s actions. It will act as a platform to share experiences and expertise on international cranes and anti-collision devices amongst manufacturers, site managers of leading contracting companies and local government representatives from the Gulf region.

Exhibiting organisations at INTERMAT Middle East include: Liebherr, Hyundai, Al Wasit Machinery, Doosan Heavy Industries, Doosan-Bobcat, Kanoo Group, Shantui Machinery, Manitowoc, Schwing-Stetter, Al Laith Scaffolding, Metso Minerals, Sateco, Hytec, German Plant Experience LLC, Sigma Enterprises, Paclite, Bartell, Ceseo, CreteAngle, Wanco, Barfor, Rotair, Auto Tan, Almig, Cattaneo, Mitas, Platform Basket, Sunward, Tuckerbilt, Yongmao, HIFI Filter, ArcGen Hilta, Rapid, Locatelli, Tum-Mak, Goldola, Halco Rock Tools, TGS, Techking Tires, Sichuan Construction, Matrix, Samyoung Plant, BV Beko, Tezman Machinery and Jura Filtration, among others.

INTERMAT Middle East is co-located with the Arabian Construction Week and the World Ports and Trade Summit. The Arabian Construction Week consists of three dedicated trade shows: Green Building Middle East, Future Build Middle and Civil Engineering Middle East. In addition, it will also host four international summits, including Building Smart, which will address interoperability delivered by building information modeling processes, The Green Building Summit, the Climate Control Summit in association with ASHRAE, and the Infrastructure Summit.

A morale boost for MENA real estate developments

The development and creativity of the real estate industry will be showcased for the fifth consecutive year at the Cityscape Awards for Real Estate in Middle East and North Africa.   After what has been a challenging year for global markets, the opportunity to boost morale and positivity within the industry could not be more poignant.

Taking place as part of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2011, these annual awards have quickly grown to become regarded as a testament to a company’s commitment to excellence whilst adding value to its long-term vision.  The accolades will be presented at a lavish evening ceremony, and will honour those who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and the development of projects that have been built and those planned for the future.  Nominations are now open to companies in the Middle East and North African region and categories include Best Sustainable Development Award, Residential Project Award (Built & Future) as well as the architectural focused Best Urban Design & Master Planning.

Al Qudra Real Estate (AQRE) was awarded last year’s Best Mixed-Use (Future) Award, for the Al Nasseem project.  Chairman Mahmood Ebraheem Al Mahmood commented on the benefits the award brought to the company:  “This award has added value to our contribution for the development of Abu Dhabi, in which the government views us as a trusted partner with which they can carry out their sustainable initiatives for the long-term benefit of local communities and the environment.”

Each award is judged on a company’s distinction in a variety of contexts, such as contribution to architecture, culture, invention, imagination, respect for people and the planet, as well as environmental awareness.  Assessed by a panel of international industry experts, a shortlist of nominations will be selected and the Award winners will be announced and presented during a lavish Gala Dinner on April 18, 2011 at Emirates Palace.

Winners will join a long list of key players from the industry including, from 2010, Emaar Properties who was awarded the Best Mixed Use (Built) Award, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council won Residential (Future), and Aldar Properties who was recognised twice for its distinguished involvement in The Yas Hotel development and the exceptional Ferrari World project.

Chris Speller, group director for Cityscape Abu Dhabi, said: “Following a challenging few years for the industry, the awards provide an opportunity to boost morale and showcase those who have championed excellence and best practise despite difficult conditions.  The evening also provides an opportunity to network and meet with peers in a more relaxed environment, building on relationships formed during the day’s formal activities.

“Last year, the industry turned out in full force to honour and reward excellence to it’s neighbours, and we look forward to recognise further distinction in the sector in 2011.”

The deadline for entries is 8 March 2011 and the categories are:

In the Development category:

·         Best Sustainable Development Award

·         Commercial, Office & Retail project Award (Built & Future)

·         Residential Project Award (Built & Future)

·         Mixed Use Project Award (Built & Future)

In the Architecture category:

·         Best Urban Design & Master Planning Award

Cityscape Abu Dhabi will take place from 17-20 April at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).  Headline Sponsor of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2011 is Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality Holding Company LLC, Foundation Partner is the Department of Municipal Affairs and Platinum Sponsors are Al Qudra Real Estate LLC, Aabar Properties. and Platinum Sponsors are Al Qudra Real Estate LLC, Aabar Properties. 

EMPHASIS ON SAFE, HAZARD-FREE TOYS AT PLAYWORLD MIDDLE EAST

 New regulations and standards lead to major change in industry

Growing awareness about the hazards posed to children by harmful materials and chemicals such as dangerous equipment and harmful paints used in the manufacturing of toys, has led to authorities around the world issuing a series of health and safety regulations that are set to transform the face of the toy industry.

Recent news reports state that the Gulf Standardisation Organisation (GSO) has issued GCC-wide safety and health regulations which toy manufacturers and distributors in the GCC countries must comply with from June 2011.

The regulations set by the GSO, specify the following basic criteria: Toys should not have sharp edges, should not cause suffocation or drowning, must be fire-resistant and must comply with standard chemical levels.

Ghanim Al Ghanim, Managing Director, Glory Horizons, states: “first priority of parents is the safety of the toys with which their children play therefore Toy safety is a major consideration for the professional manufacturer and designer.  The standards are in place for the safety of children and as a guideline as to what is acceptable quality for our children’s toys.  It is imperative that toys meet stringent guidelines and I am delighted that these are being implemented, not only in Dubai, but throughout the GCC.”

In addition, a new toy safety directive which will come into place in July this year has been issued in the E.U..  This new directive implies a long series of changes for manufacturers and distributors including: the requirement to conduct a risk/hazard assessment, the obligation to provide an EU declaration of conformity, a ban on new compounds and substances and additional restrictions on toys that are packaged and sold with foods.  

According to Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Playworld Middle East, these new regulations will see toy manufacturers worldwide being held to a higher standard. “In order to continue to do business, they will have to ensure that they meet the new health and safety measures,” Pauwels said.

“Toy manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and retailers are now taking these new standards and regulations into consideration in their new lines of toys and games. This increasing stress on hazard-free, safe toys will be reflected at Playworld Middle East, which brings leading manufacturers, suppliers and retailers in touch with a promising and emerging market,” Pauwels said.

The E.U. directive has issued a revised list of harmful material, chemicals, toxic paints and colouring material that are banned from use in toys and games. For certain substances limits have been placed on the amount of nickel tolerable, while certain heavy metals which are particularly toxic, like lead, are no longer to be intentionally used in those parts of toys that are accessible to children.

Back in Dubai, importers and manufacturers that meet the new standards will display the GSO safety sticker on their toys and must register with the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) and have their products tested for safety. ESMA and the Dubai Municipality will be monitoring the toys in Dubai.

Playworld Middle East, which will be held from March 7th to 9th at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is a dedicated trade platform for toys, games and children’s lifestyle products. The event will feature a range of leading suppliers and manufacturers of safe and hazard-free children’s gear and furniture.