Gulf Monitor October 2004.

Street vendors, beggars nabbed

Dubai Municipality inspectors, in cooperation with Dubai Police and the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department, nabbed last month 551 persons including street vendors, beggars and illegal car washers. This was announced by Obeid Salem Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Administrative Affairs and General Services, who noted that the sweep against the law-breakers had also resulted in the seizure of several low-quality goods, pirated CDs and pornographic films.

The Municipality inspectors conduct daily spot checks in streets and public places to prevent street vending, begging and car washing in public places by individuals in violation of a ruling by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. “The nine inspectors at the Security and Monitoring Unit of the Administrative Affairs Department carry out regular checks. In September 2004, they caught a total of 551 people including 305 street vendors, 79 beggars and 97 car washers. Some 70 persons were caught for butchering and cleaning fish without license. In addition, a total of 932 items including ready-made garments, perfumes, cameras, watches, gifts and other several fake products of international brands were confiscated. Also, some 2,468 pirated films and 67 pornographic films, copied on CD-ROMs, were also seized,” said Mr. Al Shamsi.

He noted that the law-breakers, who belong to various nationalities, would be handed over to the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department for deportation in coordination with Dubai Police. The seized goods would be destroyed and disposed off safely after legal actions were taken against the violators.

Tanmia calls on the IT sector to recruit more candidates from UAE national workforce

National employment authority highlights national workforce skills levels in high technology sector to exhibitors and visitors at GITEX Dubai 2004

October 5, 2004 The National Human Resources Development & Employment Authority (Tanmia) has urged the leading IT sector business in the UAE to induct more UAE nationals into its workforce, in a bid to enhance its ongoing Emiratisation drive in jobs in this lucrative sector. The call was made during Tanmia's participation in GITEX Dubai 2004, the region's largest IT trade fair, being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from October 3-7, 2004. Exhibiting under the umbrella of Dubai eGovernment, Tanmia is showcasing the pool of talent of the UAE nationals who are qualified to work in the IT and services industry currently flourishing in the country. Tanmia's bilingual website, www.tanmia.ae, is also being profiled at GITEX aimed at the high profile visitors and exhibitors in the IT and services industry during the five day event.

Mr Ayesh Al Barguthi, Director of Employment & Development Centre, Tanmia said: "The UAE is moving at a rapid pace into being the hub for the high technology industry in the Middle East, and Tanmia is employing cutting edge training and skill development programs for the UAE nationals to empower them with the critical tools of IT to tackle the ever-changing skill requirements scenarios of the new economy. GITEX gathers some of the leading businesses in IT and services industry, and Tanmia is highlighting the potentials of the very enterprising and highly skilled national workforce, to open up avenues for them to seek gainful employment in these sectors."

At GITEX Dubai 2004, the prospective employer can visit Tanmia to seek information about qualified candidates to satisfy their human resources requirements. Tanmia's website serves as a trove of information regarding the strengths of the national workforce and contains the most accurate data about the country's labour market spread across several sectors. Prospective employers can now search for CVs of thousands of registered UAE national applications on the Tanmia database and accurately match the skill levels, qualification and experience that they are seeking. Through the website the prospective employer can download the documentation required for employing UAE nationals.

The website helps the prospective jobseeker to create his or her own CV in Arabic and English, by using the state-of-the-art resume builder. In addition, the jobseeker can also browse through hundreds of thousands of job opportunities listed on the website and can contact the prospective employer for fixing interview appointments. The jobseeker stands to benefit from the feedback, where the candidates will be given a comprehensive analysis about their performance in interviews and applicable selection tests. Job seekers can also make use of Tanmia's presence in GITEX to learn more about the scope of jobs and career development in the IT field, from the very respected companies that are industry leaders in the sector.

For the job seeker the website forms the nodal point of reference for seeking entry into the highly competitive labour market in the UAE. Tanmia over the past year has concluded several agreements with leading public and private sector enterprises for training and employing UAE nationals. Several private sector companies have been impressed by the quality of the national workforce and agreed to put job quotas in place for competent UAE nationals. "Tanmia's comprehensive approach to seeking to improve the contribution of the national work force for the development of the UAE is demonstrated by our web service," said Mr Al Barguthi. "Keeping in line with UAE government's e-government initiative, Tanmia, by tapping into the power of the internet and the new and the most up-to-date technological tools has been able to achieve a great deal of success in getting the public and private sector to recruit exceptional UAE national candidates for jobs." "As the high technology sector is offering lucrative options, Tanmia seeks to partner with these companies and other visitors to GITEX Dubai 2004 and explore ways for the national workforce participation in the industry," concluded Mr Al Barguthi.

Saatchi & Saatchi welcomes Co-CEO's Middle East

Richard Hytner, Chairman & CEO Saatchi & Saatchi Europe, Middle East & Africa announced the appointment of Vikram Naidu and George Assad as Co-CEO's for the Middle East, effective October 1st 2004.

Says Hytner: " Our 'Ideas Company' purpose is to provide our clients with ideas that can transform their brands, reputations and businesses. We believe that in Vik and George we have inspirational players, Co-CEO's who can make it happen in the Middle East. For they share the Saatchi & Saatchi spirit of 'One Team, One Dream' and 'Nothing Is Impossible!', and are passionate and restless in what they do.

Vikram Naidu, now promoted to Co-CEO Middle East and whose particular focus will be on Business Strategy & Operations, has been with the company for 10 years. He's a 20-year Finance/Operations professional with an excellent track record with the company which propelled him to the post of COO Middle East for the last three years, where he's well reputed for making tough calls and bringing out the best in people. He brings to the table outstanding regional financial performance along with strong business strategy acumen and good people chemistry. In his commercial business focus, he's renowned for balancing the interests of Agency and Client alike. George Assad, with a 16-year successful performance record in the Saudi and, by extension, the GCC advertising industry, accedes to his new role as Co-CEO Middle East, Network Integrated Business, from a brilliant 18-month tenure with Saatchi & Saatchi as CEO, Saudi Arabia. By virtue of his experience in integrated marketing communications, his entrepreneurship and his regional networking, he's regarded as capable of widening the scope of the agency's services in the Middle East toward holistic communication in line with Saatchi & Saatchi's global transformation into the "Ideas Company". On-screen, on-line and in-store will be his mantra. George will also have particular responsibility for integrating the offices as well as our businesses within the region.

"We find the complementary skills of Vik and George, and their proven professional team play, as real catalysts for change, change that is focused on enhancing the value we bring to our clients." says Hytner.The appointment of Vik and George also combines with the talents of Ed Jones, the regional Creative Director and Robert Mitchell, Managing Director of S&S Dubai, to make one of the most formidable teams operating in the Ideas and Communications business in The Middle East.

NEW VISTAS FOR A BETTER WORLD

S. Sethuraman*

At the end of a nine-day visit to the United States and the United Kingdom, his first as Prime Minister, Dr.Manmohan Singh modestly summed it up as "productive". His meetings with world leaders, address to the United Nations General Assembly, and interactions with corporate leaders indeed, are going to have a multi-dimensional impact on India’s development as a growing economic power, its foreign policy and on building a global consensus for a new and equitable world order.

Apart from injecting a strong sense of direction to the evolving strategic relationships with the USA , the UK and a cordial meeting with President Musharraf with a new determination to take the composite dialogue to a constructive conclusion, the Prime Minister also gave a clarion call for democratization of the United Nations(UN) and bringing development to the centre of global discourse.

The Prime Minister effectively projected India as a nation eminently deserving representation at the UN Security Council as a permanent member. It has been done keeping in view its size, population, economic and technological progress, professional skills and its record in UN, both in peace keeping missions and in the arena of international development. His British counterpart, Shri Tony Blair, endorsed India’s case in a joint declaration and also expected India and China to take part in G-8 Summits next year onwards.

Dr.Manmohan Singh, enjoying a high reputation as the architect of liberalization, held out the attractions of the country as a major investment destination, given its infrastructure development needs of some 150 billion dollars over the next decade. The Chief Executive Offiers (CEOs) of leading multinationals heard him in New York reaffirm his Government’s commitment to carry forward reforms with pragmatic approaches.

Indo-US Strategic Partnerships

India and the US committed themselves to expand the strategic partnership especially in the areas of high technology, defence and economy. At their New York meeting, President George Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh noted that Indo-American relations had never been as close as they are at present, and agreed that "the best is yet to come".

Not that the approaches of these two great democracies converge on all issues. Yet, there are areas where there is vast scope for greater cooperation. A joint statement issued after the India-USA Summit referred to expanded defence cooperation as an integral part of the strengthening of ties.The easing of certain export controls, on the eve of his visit, has opened the possibility of freer flow of technology in space and nuclear fields for peaceful purpose .

The country has made common cause with USA in the war against terrorism and the joint statement said that they would work together in this regard besides, combating proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Dr.Manmohan Singh, in his address to the UN, did speak about issues on which there is clear need for rethinking by the major powers. The Prime Minister left New Delhi with a determination to endow greater content in what he called the vital relationship with the US, particularly in economic and high technology fields, and he has accomplished it to a significant degree. The Bush Administration acknowledged the notable contribution of Indian professionals to the American economy.

India-Pakistan

While in New York, the Prime Minister had meetings with several heads of governments reflecting India’s growing interest in bilateral cooperation. But the most important for the subcontinent was undoubtedly his meeting with President Pervez Musharraf. His first interaction with Pakistan leader, was described by him as "an essay in mutual comprehension".

From all accounts, the two leaders established instant rapport, meeting in a relaxed atmosphere, and gave out signals of an amicable search for solutions for problems that had bedeviled the two nations. The joint statement issued after their meeting, recorded their agreement that confidence-building measures(CMBs) of all categories under discussion between the two governments should be implemented keeping in mind the practical possibilities.

On Jammu and Kashmir, the statement noted "possible options for a peaceful negotiated settlement of the issue and should be explored in a sincere spirit and purposeful manner". The two leaders showed faith in the spirit of the Islamabad statement, that CBMs would contribute to generating an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding for the well-being of the peoples of both countries.

Prime Minister Singh has said that his frank discussions with President Musharraf represented a new beginning and the composite dialogue would be taken to its constructive conclusion. He has also made it clear, that he had unambiguously told the Pakistan President of the commitment given that Pakistan territory would not be used for cross-border terrorism.

UN and the New Order

In his landmark address to the UN General Assembly, Dr.Manmohan Singh pointed out how the post-world war institutions were becoming irrelevant to meet the challenges of the 21st century and how they needed to be refashioned to tackle global problems of poverty, development and security. He called for bringing democracy to the centre of global discourse and for equitable, rule-based regimes to manage global trade, investment flows and movement of services.

Reform and restructuring of UN system, could alone provide a crucial link in a chain of efforts to refashion international structures that are representative of contemporary realities. The Prime Minister told the comity of nations that India had the capabilities and capacity to take on emerging and critical tasks and would participate in structuring a just and dynamic world order.

Dr.Manmohan Singh also had meetings with UN Secretary-General and Presidents of Afghanistan and South Africa. He indicated the country’s continued assistance to Afghanistan and expressed willingness to help in the post-war reconstruction of Iraq.

India-UK

Earlier, in the United Kingdom, on the first leg of his tour, the Prime Minister and his British counterpart issued a joint declaration as a new initiative for a "dynamic partnership", building on the historical ties between the two countries.

The joint declaration provides for a Joint Economic and Trade Committee at ministerial level and an Indo-British Economic and Financial Dialogue in both bilateral and multilateral spheres. Indo-UK trade has been growing rapidly with Britain being the second largest investor in the country. The two countries have also agreed to work closely for a successful conclusion of the Doha Round Trade Negotiations.

Economic Reforms

Both in London and New York, the Prime Minister dispelled any misgivings that there could be a slowdown in reforms because the supporting Left had some reservations but said that for a coalition government, there has to be consensus on policies so that reforms are durable. He said the Government remained committed to an open economy and easing of procedural restrictions on investments with maximum political consensus in the infrastructure sector. The Prime Minister also met leading NRI businessmen and professionals and welcomed suggestions by the panel on the investment climate in the country. He said the country could absorb at least 15 billion dollars a year of foreign investment as against the current level of five billion.

The Manmohan visit has helped to galvanise more support for the country at the UN. Even among the G-5 permanent members (with veto power), only USA and China have so far been non-committal on India’s claim for UN Security Council’s permanent membership. A high point was reached when India, Brazil, Japan and Germany – all candidates for permanent membership - came together at the level of heads of governments to call for revitalization of the UN General Assembly and reconstitution of the Security Council to address effectively the present day challenges.

*Senior Freelance Writer

Sportex Middle East to grow by 30%

Dubai -Sportex Middle East – the region’s premier sports and leisure show – is set to grow by 30%, according to organisers International Expo Consults (IEC). The next show will be held in conjunction with Theme Parks and Fun Centres (TPFC) - the region’s premier amusement and leisure trade event - from 21 to 23 March 2006.“The Middle East’s sporting goods market is worth over US$ 2 billion representing a 2.5% share of the global market. The exponential annual growth of 23% is attracting a wide and diverse range of international exhibitors, eager to expand into the region,” said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, IEC.

Meanwhile, IEC says it is looking to further expand the profile and size of Sportex Middle East for 2006.“New vertical arenas for indoor and outdoor sports, marine sports, fitness and wellness products, including Gulf Stadia (for multi-functional venues), will be introduced. Specialised zones for product demonstrations, sports fashion shows and sports activities are also being planned. This is a direct result of the growing demand throughout the region for dedicated sporting products,” said Falaknaz.

“With the Middle East countries bagging seven gold medals at the 2004 summer Olympics, Sheikh Ahmed’s first UAE Olympic gold medal and the development of major projects such as Bahrain’s Sports City, Qatar’s hosting of the Asian Games and Dubai Sports City, the region is poised to emerge as a global sporting and leisure destination.” The 2004 event, held last month (September) at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC), saw over 40 local and international companies from 17 countries exhibit the industry’s latest products, technologies and services. The exhibition received a record number of visitors, 3,266 industry professionals from over 45 countries. “This attendance surpassed our own forecasts and bodes extremely well for the industry and the future of this event. What was particularly pleasing was the visitor spread, which was wider than ever,” said Falaknaz.

US-based Passion 4 Health – manufacturers of natural performance enhancing supplements - a first time exhibitor at Sportex Middle East and Gulf Stadia 2004, said they plan to establish an office in Dubai before the year end and are targeting sales of US $200,000 per month.“Currently, Middle East sportsmen and women consume over half a million US dollars worth of performance related supplements annually,” said Steven L Beldner, the company’s Executive Vice President. “The demand for nutrition, performance enhancement and pain relief products is being driven by greater awareness of the benefits these products bring.”Another first time exhibitor at was China‘s Zhejiang Yingtemei Fitness Equipment Company, which currently exports treadmills worth over US $10 million to the region.

“There are over 2,700 small and medium size and five-Star hotels in the UAE, many of which want the latest equipment for their fitness centres. We received many enquiries and are confident of strong post-show sales,” said Chen Xin Yoa, the company’s Chairman of the Board and General Manager.The highlight of this year’s show was the visit by Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Hasher Al Maktoum - winner of the UAE’s first Olympic gold medal- who was at Sportex Middle East and Gulf Stadia 2004, at the invitation of Al Emarat Sports World.

The importance of Sportex Middle East 2004 as a platform for the region’s sports and leisure industry was underlined by visitors.Saad M. Al-Mahmoud of Qatar’s Al-Yamama Trading & Cont. Co., planning on supplying equipment to the Asian Games said, “I was looking for new technologies in gym equipment and have got quotations from select Chinese exhibitors. I am happy with the exhibition this year and will be back for the next show.” Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ahmed Amin Al Nemr said, “Even though I didn’t strike any deals, I established useful contacts and took numerous quotations which need scrutiny. I found what I was looking for, now I need to compare the various quotations. It was my first visit to Sportex and I’m sure I will visit again.” Sportex Middle East and TPFC 2006 will take place at DIEC from 21-23 March 2006.