DP World Appoints A New Managing Director For Africa Region

Global marine terminal operator DP World today announced the appointment of Joost Kruijning to the position of Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the company’s Africa Region, effective 1st September 2009.

Mr. Kruijning had been Chief Operating Officer of DP World’s UAE Region. Prior to joining DP World in 2001, he spent thirteen years at Sea -Land, working on various assignments in Russia and the Sultanate of Oman.

Mr. Kruijning takes over from Anil Singh, who in turn will assume the position of Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DP World Subcontinent Region.

Joost Kruijning said: “I am very proud to have been part of a team that realised the completion of additional capacity at T2 of Jebel Ali Terminal and oversaw volume growth of approximately 11% last year. I am looking forward greatly to my new role as SVP and Managing Director for Africa Region. DP World believes in Africa’s potential, and is fully committed to developing local markets over time, as demonstrated by recent additions to our global portfolio in Algeria and Djibouti.”
 

NetLogistics.ae Launches New Interactive Web Site For Warehousing Solutions

NetLogistics is a one stop shop for warehousing products & solutions. With 14 years experience in the storage industry, the company offers services in design, supply and installation for the most complex of warehousing requirements.

NetLogistics.ae showcases a wide range of new and innovate solutions from around the world for the storage of products in a warehousing facility. The racking and cantilever systems can be leased or purchased from NetLogistics.

Visitors to the site can subscribe to the online newsletter and stay in touch with information relating to new products and customized solutions. The site also features ‘Tips for Warehousing’.

NetLogistics.ae is also offering for a limited time, free advertising space on the website to companies offering industry associated products. The products can be related to warehouse, material handling products, supply chain solutions or 3PL service providers.

NetLogictics welcomes inquires for products and services from all over the Middle East.

For more information, contact:
Shabbir Pithawala
Managing Director
Sterling Harware Trading LLC
P.O.Box 25236
Sharjah

Tel: 06 5326025
Email: info@NetLogistics.ae
Web: http://www.NetLogistics.ae
 

Demand For Arabic Surges As Super Intensive Arabic And English Summer Courses Commence at Eton Institute

Arabic and English super intensive summer courses commenced successfully at Eton Institute on 21 June. As over 200 students set about to learn or upgrade their language skills this summer, an increase in demand for Arabic was discovered compared to previous years.

The super intensive summer courses were first introduced in Dubai by Eton Institute in the summer of 2007. Since then over 3000 students have benefited from the programme which follows a highly intensive route of 60 hours in 3 weeks, classroom based study of English or Arabic language. The classes are conducted every day from Sunday to Thursday for 4 hours daily and learners can choose from morning, afternoon or evening sessions.

Dr. Eli Abi Rached, Managing Director of Eton Institute commented: “The summer super intensive courses have always been popular as people look for ways to spend their summer wisely and there is no better way than to pick a new skill or learn a new language.”

“Demand for the Arabic language” Dr. Eli said “has risen compared to the previous years as more people realise the necessity of knowing Arabic while conducting themselves within the region both professionally and personally.”

It may be recalled that Arabic language was declared as the official language in all federal authorities and establishments by the UAE government last summer in 2008. The move was hailed by UAE intellectuals as to enhance the presence of Arabic speaking people in the labour market and to safe guard the national identity.

“As many expats spend a lifetime living and working in the UAE they feel an obvious need to learn the Arabic language and get a sense of the culture and traditions associated with it.” Dr. Eli said.

The next batch of super intensive summer courses in Arabic and English will commence on the 19 July 2009, registrations are open for all levels and the course is conducted over a period of 3 weeks. A free placement test can be taken from http://www.eton.ac to determine the level of a student. The free placement tests are available in nine languages namely English, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, French, Italian, Turkish, Farsi and German.

For more details about the upcoming Arabic and English summer courses please call 8003866 (800Eton) or register online at http://www.eton.ac. You may visit the institute at Dubai Knowledge Village, Block 3 and talk to one of the advisors about the courses on offer.

Kenexa Thought Leader To Present At The Dubai School Of Government

Kenexa® (NASDAQ: KNXA), a global provider of business solutions for human resources, today announced that Dr. Tommy Weir, managing director of Kenexa’s Leadership Solutions, will present a lecture at the Dubai School of Government on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Dr. Weir’s presentation, entitled “The CEO Shift: Recovery, the changing dynamics of the future, and success” will highlight the global realities that require CEOs and organisational leaders to change their perspectives.

Dr. Weir commented: “On the surface, the world appears to be a significantly different place than it was a year ago, but the sociological underpins that will drive the future have already shifted. As governments and organisations attempt to recover from the global meltdown, they have to be aware of this or end up in a greater crisis. There is real change happening and yesterday’s trends are creating tomorrow’s reality.”

Dr. Weir is a highly regarded thought leader who specialises in strategic leadership development for fast-growth and emerging markets. A book signing of his latest publication will follow the presentation. “The CEO Shift” explores the new global business environment that requires CEOs to shift their perspectives in order to survive in a competitive, changing world.

For further information on the event, please contact Lisa George, ASDA’A Burson Marsteller, Dubai. Tel: 0097143344550. E-mail: l.george@asdaa.com or Matt Jordan, Kenexa on matt.jordan@kenexa.com.

Dubai Trade adds Mashreq to its centralised e-payment gateway Rosoom

Dubai Trade, the innovative online platform of Dubai World, has signed an agreement with Mashreq, a premier bank in the UAE, to offer the bank’s Direct Debit Services to clients using Dubai Trade’s e-payment services.The partnership, the first of its kind to offer dual sign-in facility, enables customers of Dubai Trade’s centralized e-payment gateway ROSOOM to use Mashreqbusinessonline, Mashreq bank’s online Direct Debit Services platform, to settle their monetary transactions with global marine terminal operator DP World and Jebel Ali Free Zone, Jafza.The agreement was signed on June 3 by Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, in his capacity as Member of Board of Dubai Trade, and Yasmeen Javaid, Divisional Manager – Transaction Banking Services, Corporate & Investment Banking Group, Mashreq in the presence of Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade.The online payment service enables real-time transfer of funds from the customer’s Mashreq account to the accounts of DP World and Jafza.It is the first model of its kind that facilitates dual sign-in, enabling customers to access both services at the same time and make payments by simply using internet banking credentials.ROSOOM offers customers multiple transaction methods to settle their bills. This secure, single-window electronic facility helps them save on time and cost.Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, and Member of Board of Dubai Trade, said:"The partnership with Mashreq bank brings added value to all stakeholders. Our strategy has always been customer centric and we believe our association with Mashreq will further enhance this approach."Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade, said: "Dubai Trade is pleased to be associated with Mashreq on its Direct Debit Services. Our central e-payment gateway has by now become one of the most preferred online platforms for customers in their dealings with Jebel Ali Port and the Free Zone, and Dubai Customs. The agreement with Mashreq on the new dual sign-in model is another major step that brings these companies and their customers closer. At Dubai Trade, our primary aim is to serve our customers better by utilising technology, and ultimately benefiring trade in the emirate."Omar Bouhadiba, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Mashreq said: "We are proud to partner with Dubai World group, which includes some of the biggest companies in the country, to serve our customers better. Mashreq’s online payment platform ensures efficiency at the highest level. This agreement enables our customers to use Dubai Trade’s excellent e-payment services that have won wide acclaim for their user-friendliness and high technical standards."

Dubai Investments Holds Annual Gathering Of Its UAE National Employees

Dubai Investments PJSC (DI), the largest investment company listed on the UAE stock exchange, recently held the annual gathering of its UAE national employees at the InterContinental Hotel in Dubai. The event was presided over by Khalid Kalban, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Investments.

During the event, Khalid Kalban apprised the audience of the challenges being faced by DI as a result of the global economic downturn and the steps that are being taken to address these challenges and limit the impact of the crisis on the company’s operations. He called upon national employees to take on greater organizational responsibilities and outlined plans to increase representation of nationals in the company’s workforce.

“Enhancing the role of nationals at all levels of the business is a key priority for Dubai Investments, and we remain committed to increasing steadily the number of national employees in our different companies,” Kalban said. “We believe national employees have a vital role to play in driving the company’s success and in accomplishing our long-term goals.”

At the event, senior Dubai Investment officials shared with the audience plans and recommendations to improve the work environment at DI and its various subsidiaries, and sought the views of national employees on how to create a more effective workplace.

“As a company that considers its people to be its greatest asset, Dubai Investments is committed to provide our employees a stimulating professional environment that offers continuous opportunities for career development and growth,” Kalban concluded.

Pure Gold Jewellers Celebrates 20th Year With Biggest Promotion Ever

As part of its commitment to offer value-added benefits to its customers and to celebrate its 20 years in the industry, award-winning customer service jewellery retailer Pure Gold Jewellers has launched its biggest promotion ever whereby customers get a chance to own pure diamond jewellery for free.

Customers who will purchase any diamond jewellery from June 11 to August 14 will be entitled to a scratch card containing discounts starting at 65% and going up to 100%. This discount will be valid only on the items already invoiced.

“We are so happy that we have reached the 20th year milestone. This is a very significant year for us so we want to share this occasion with our loyal customers by giving away free diamond jewellery,” said Pure Gold Jewellers CEO and Managing Director Karim Merchant.

Merchant added that this is the very first time this kind of promotion is being offered in the jewellery industry. “I am sure our customers will be delighted to own a piece of high quality diamond jewellery at a very low price or even free of charge,” he explained.

The free diamond jewellery promotion is available across all Pure Gold Jewellers outlets in the UAE. In Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, customers will be given a guaranteed discount of 65 per cent on all their purchases.

Established in 1989, Pure Gold Jewellers has over 75 outlets across the GCC countries. It has become a favorite among customers for its lifetime repair and exchange guarantee policies and 100 per cent certification for all products.

Municipality Praises DP World, UAE Region for Contributions to Dubai’s Development Goals

The Dubai Municipality recently commended DP World, UAE region for its significant and long-term contribution to Dubai’s development goals:  “Through the active alignment of its growth trajectory with Dubai’s growth requirements, DP World has been a model for all Dubai companies,” said Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director of the Dubai Municipality.Eng. Lootah spoke at Jebel Ali terminal during a meeting between Municipality officials and DP World executives, headed by Mr. Mohammed Al Muallem, SVP and Managing Director, UAE Region.  The goal of the talks was to investigate additional avenues for policy coordination.Mohammed Al Muallem, SVP and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said: “DP World is always ready to cooperate with Dubai Municipality. We are jointly responsible to the community and seek ways to contribute to the qualitative development of Dubai.  Such meetings are an excellent opportunity to share information and deepen coordination.  As always, we appreciate Dubai Municipality’s strong support.”Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General, Dubai Municipality, said: “DP World is doing a commendable job in integrating its development projects with the needs of this emirate.  Dubai Municipality is committed to the welfare of the people and we deeply value our close relations with DP World, UAE Region and the common interests that bind us.”

Real Estate Prices attract Investors in Dubai; Esbaitah: Dubai promises new boom in investments soon

Many real estate developers today are seeing glimpses of hope through the global financial crisis, as the real estate players that exist in the market today are the real players who knew how to manage their businesses in a time of crisis and made the right decisions to protect their investments from dissolving.Despite being a growing market, the property market in Dubai has suffered a lot from the recent economic climate, after achieving unprecedented growth levels regarding supply and demand, as well as high rent prices. Today, property prices are at their lowest levels, but Dubai is garnering the attention of numerous local and foreign investors who are looking to benefit from the decline in prices, the high quality of properties in the emirate, and its sound legislation and infrastructure.Speaking on the subject, Eng. Khalid Esbaitah, CEO and Managing Director of Al Mazaya Holding, said, "There are a number of factors that any developer considers when embarking on an investment in any region in the world, and perhaps the estimated revenues of particular investments is what drives investors to go forward with the investment or to draw back from it. However, market movement, plot prices, infrastructure and legislation frameworks are the main factors for the success or failure of an investment. Bearing this in mind, we can see that the market in Dubai has all the right factors to become a sought-after investment destination, and that it is preparing for a new and organized economic leap that will compensate for the slowdown period"."With large investments and top-notch projects, Dubai really has all the right elements to rejuvenate investment and attract both local and foreign investors. The correction being experienced by the Dubai markets is a natural thing, and it presents a golden opportunity for investors who know how to make the best use of it. As such, Dubai’s market today is really a place for investors," Esbaitah added.He went on to say that right now property prices in Dubai are at their lowest-ever levels, and that they may continue to decline over the summer period, but in a much less remarkable manner that over the past nine months. Therefore, the current period could be the perfect time for investment, because Dubai markets are moving towards stability, and prices are expected to rise again after suffering from a fairly long period of decline.Esbaitah noted that studies conducted by Al Mazaya Holding indicate that current economic conditions present long-term opportunities for real estate investors, especially with the many alternatives that are available to the investor, such as the quality and location of plots and Dubai’s ability to recover from the financial crisis more quickly than any other market in the world."We expect real estate activity to return to Dubai after the summer period, as investors are studying their investment options during this period to start their businesses after the summer holidays. Therefore, Q4 of 2009 will a promising period, as it will witness the return of real estate activities," he said.Esbaitah concluded by saying that his company is conducting a number of studies into the best way to take advantage of the current economic situation. Al Mazaya is also studying a number of investment opportunities, taking into consideration the right time and place to embark on an investment. The company is also preparing to implement a number of investment strategies and plans that will make use of the investment opportunities currently available in the Dubai property market. 

Sherwoods boosts portfolio of resale offerings as investors, buyers focus on secondary property market

Sherwoods Independent Property Consultants has recently announced that it has beefed up its portfolio of services and offerings catering to the reseller market to address a sharp surge in re-sale transactions within the UAE’s property sector. Sherwoods noted that re-sales accounted for an estimated 95 per cent of property transactions in the first quarter of 2009, a complete turnaround from just around 30 per cent in the previous year.Sherwoods pointed out that the major shift to re-sale activities has been the result of steady corrections in the property market. Furthermore, Sherwoods noted that the decline in prices will subsequently bring property values to more appropriate levels and ultimately help set sustainable benchmarks for new development projects in the property sector.Iseeb Rehman, Managing Director, Sherwoods Independent Property Consultants commented: "Although actual figures are not available, based on Sherwoods’ experience I would say that in the first quarter of 2009, only around five per cent of property investments have gone into new projects, while 95 per cent has been channelled to the re-sale market. This is a considerable turnaround as off-plan project sales accounted for around 70 per cent of transactions in the previous year with only 30 per cent going to the reseller market.""As a natural reaction to the global downturn, the property market is experiencing a slowdown in the launch of new projects, which has subsequently shifted the focus on ready-to-occupy properties. Moreover, with asset valuations seeing sharp correction and prices falling in the re-sale market, we can expect the entire property sector to benefit in the long run as values get back to the right levels, which will become the new and more sustainable benchmarks for developers to launch their new projects," added Rehman.Sherwoods also pointed out that the competitive price range in secondary markets has been a key factor in boosting the growing buying interest of international investors, who are also taking advantage of fluctuations in the exchange rate to optimise their long-term investment initiatives. Furthermore, Sherwoods emphasised that availability of bank financing will be an important factor in fully harnessing the huge potential in the secondary market as end-users rather than speculators are now more inclined to buy property in view of the excellent range of offerings in the ready property market."Although the sharp correction in values of property in the secondary market and the significant savings being brought about by differences in exchange rates have greatly empowered buyers to choose from a wider selection of premium properties, bank financing must also have to come back into full swing to fully realise the market potential of genuine buyers," Rehman concluded.Founded in 1988 in the UK by Iseeb Rehman, Sherwoods has grown to become one of the leading international real estate companies. Sherwoods has established several international branch offices in the UAE, UK, France, and soon in other key locations around the world. The company offers a diverse range of services, including search & acquisition of properties; development consultancy, land appraisals and valuation; sales & lettings of residential/commercial property; new home sales; residential & commercial property management services; legal, tax and insurance services; and mortgage & remortgage.