INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI SCOOPS SHEIKH KHALIFA EXCELLENCE AWARD
K E R A L A D U B A I D O H A M O N I T O R More News
Thoughts & Experience (of unwanted Asian Job Hunter)
Sapna Anu B.George
I was doing reasonably well at my place of work in India. We were happy in our little flat in noisy, polluted Mumbai. The three-hour journey, to and fro from work, did not faze us. Then, my husband got this irresistible job offer from Dubai! I joined him eight months ago, bang in the middle of Dubai's terribly long summer. I just knew I would land a challenging job within a month. After all, I was this competent high achiever! Besides, life would be better there if not at par with India. After all, Dubai is 'phoren' and the land of no income tax.
Today, I am grappling with the distasteful task of job-hunting in the Middle East. One of the popular ways of doing this is through the famous Gulf Appointments. It was here that I first came across advertisements like 'Wanted HR Manager -- US/UK/SA/EUR/NZL Only.' I was shocked. Why not just say: 'Wanted HR Manager -- No Asians Please. We only want to hire white-skinned people'. I spent the first two months receiving calls from agents who offered jobs with meagre salaries. Wake up and smell the coffee, I was told -- Asians come cheap.
There is a clear disparity in wages and perks given to people of different nationalities doing the same job. A friend of mine works for one of the finest hotels in the world. She is Asian, so she stays in a campus built for Asian employees in an industrial area. White employees doing the same job are entitled to accommodation in the city. My husband was the only person I could vent my frustrations on. The poor man was subjected to constant tirades on how this was the most humiliating experience of my life and how shocked I was at this blatant display of racism. I wondered about the future of organisations that, even today, hire on the basis of colour instead of competence.
To advertise in this manner in a national newspaper was, I thought, a blatant slap on the face. This attitude was not limited to the labour market. Take entertainment. My husband and I enjoy going out. What we did not initially know was that certain nightclubs and bars here are 'strictly white.' In our ignorance, we once took a German friend to a club where a Nigerian at the door asked us for our identification. We were then asked to pay AED 200 (Rs 2,400) per head to just enter the place! Even as all this was happening, white folk were walking in without being stopped or asked any questions. It was our first experience of this kind and we were deeply humiliated. Our German friend was visibly upset and could not look us in the eye for the rest of the evening.
No one talks about this kind of segregation, even though it has been going on for ages. A quick glance at the newspapers and magazines here will reveal many articles on lifestyle and shopping, but hardly anything on serious social issues. Asians, meanwhile, avoid these places to save themselves the humiliation. I try to rationalise what is happening, but cannot come up with a reasonable answer. Asians have lived in Dubai for more than 40 years. They've built some of its finest buildings and hotels. They've been loyal to their employers and respectful to its citizens. The West has only noticed Dubai recently. Yet, white-skinned people exert a huge influence here and their perceived superiority supersedes logic. I eventually found a temporary job in a predominantly Asian environment. Though the going has been good, I am painfully aware of the experience that awaits me once my term here is complete. Yet, there is hope. I believe Indians are second to none in the world.
Secondly, every business looks at the profit line. Any good business will always explore ways to get more for less. I may come cheaper not because I offer more for less but because my expectations are realistic and match what organisations can afford to pay. Today, most organisations here pay far more for far less. Sooner or later, they will be forced to realise that brains and hard work matter more than the colour of one's skin. Besides, not all organisations and people are discriminatory. I have interacted with organisations that possess a great deal of cross-cultural sensitivity and can truly be called equal opportunity employers. I have been fortunate enough to make friends with people from all nationalities and have found them to respectful and tolerant of each other. I can hardly blame the bouncers I encounter because employees simply do what they are told. Where there is demand, there will be supply. When regulars at clubs express a desire for a place that caters to 'their kind,' when locals listen to words coming out of a Westerner's mouth with rapt attention but disregard an Asian saying the same thing, establishments will toe the line.
Why am I still in Dubai? Well, I left my family and friends, sold my belongings and moved here to make a better living and get some international exposure. To go back now would be to admit defeat. I may crib endlessly about how we are disadvantaged, but these experiences have made me stronger. I am determined to show the world what I am capable of without having to lose my identity as an Indian. I do, however, expect a greater degree of government intervention where such issues are concerned. This kind of behavior should be punishable by law. It is time they make the UAE more than a great place to shop and be entertained in; it should also become a melting pot for all cultures and societies. I also expect Indians who are working in influential positions to stop being passive observers and perpetuators of the system. I don't expect to be told by an Indian GM or manager that I will have to settle for less because I am Indian. There is nothing sadder than that. (KM Bureau Doha)
FileNet expands operations in GCC markets through partnership with EBLA
Focuses on Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solutions' US$ 50 million per year market in the Middle East
May 26, 2004 FileNet, a global leader in Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solutions, has announced an aggressive expansion strategy for the GCC markets, driven by a more focused partnership with EBLA Computer Consultancy Co., FileNet's master Value Added Reseller (VAR) for the Gulf countries.FileNet will be leveraging EBLA's regional market expertise to focus on Enterprise Content Management (ECM), which is recognized as a strategic factor for any business and organization. According to IDC, the market for ECM is forecasted to grow from US$ 2.8 billion in 2001 to over US$ 8.3 billion in 2006 worldwide, at an average annual rate of 24 per cent.
Commenting on its strategic alliance with EBLA during a press conference held today (Wednesday May 26, 2004), Carlo Stellati, Vice President FileNet, South Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "The rapidly expanding ECM market in the Middle East, driven by businesses keen to adopt global practices, offers high potential. Governments and businesses understand the value and key role of ECM and several innovative projects are beginning to focus on Business Process Management, the most advanced area of these technologies, to automate, streamline and optimize business operations. The implemented solutions in the Middle East are as sophisticated as applications in other countries."
FileNet's ECM architecture - named FileNet P8 and recently extended with new suites for Records Management and Team Collaboration - is the most complete ECM Suite on the market and the only one designed to seamlessly integrate any kind of content, the associated processes internally and on the Web, the connectivity with other IT systems and applications. The company's product leadership and innovation capacity are based on massive R&D investments which reached US$ 77 million in the year 2003, more than any other ECM competitor.
FileNet is the market leader also in the Middle East, providing products and solutions, services and support, which help organizations to improve productivity, reduce operating costs and increase customer service levels. Its local organization is primarily based on a network of skilled and certified partners.
"The past few years have taught businesses that the only way to stay ahead is to adopt proven solutions that drive growth and productivity worldwide," said Hilal Arnaoot, Managing Director, EBLA. "As the Value Added Reseller of FileNet products, we fully understand the impact FileNet products, particularly its ECM solutions, have on the functioning of any organisation. The Enterprise Resource Management market in the Middle East has demonstrated continually increased demand. Today the market is worth US$ 50 million pr year. We are delighted with the enhanced partnership we have established with FileNet and are confident of expanding its client base through our market knowledge, professional service and contacts in the field."
EBLA Computer Consultancy Company, established in 1993, with branches in all the Gulf countries, is the Master VAR for FileNet in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Jordan and the U.A.E. EBLA provides second level technical support to all the other FileNet local resellers and is the Authorized FileNet Training Center for the Middle East. EBLA has a large customer base, counting on many referenced applications developed for the Public Sector, Financial Services, Oil & Gas and Telecommunications industry.
FileNet Corporation helps organizations make better decisions by managing the content and processes that drive their business. FileNet's Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solutions allow customers to build and sustain competitive advantage by managing content throughout their organizations, automating and streamlining their business processes, and providing the full spectrum of connectivity needed to simplify their critical and everyday decision-making. FileNet ECM solutions deliver a comprehensive set of capabilities that integrate with existing information systems to provide cost-effective solutions that solve real-world business problems.
Since the Company's founding in 1982, more than 4,000 organizations, including more than three quarters of the Fortune 100, have taken advantage of FileNet solutions for help in managing their mission-critical content and processes. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., the Company markets its innovative ECM solutions in more than 90 countries through its own global sales, professional services and support organizations, as well as via its ValueNet® Partner network of resellers, system integrators and application developers. FileNet's organization in the Middle East is part of the South Europe, Middle East and Africa (SEMEA) Region, which is managed by FileNet Italy since 2001.
EBLA Computer Consultancy Company is a leading system integrator company and a turnkey IT solution vendor in the Middle East with offices in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt and Syria.EBLA is the master VAR for Messrs. FileNet Corporation, in all the Gulf countries, where it markets and implements the full range of FileNet ECM solutions through EBLA's own offices and through those of EBLA's channel partners. EBLA is also an authorized Service provider and an authorized training center for FileNet in the entire Middle East. Since its founding in 1993, EBLA has focused consistently on the ECM market and has met with outstanding success. Today, with a staff of more than 140 professionals, EBLA is positioned as a leading ECM solution vendor in the Middle East, with a customer base of more than 50 strategic and large FileNet customers in the region.
Panasonic unveils its new range of Super Ionizer Split Air-Conditioners in the Middle East
Heavy-duty 28,000 BTUs air conditioners offer up to 13 percent energy savings over conventional models
DUBAI - May 26, 2004Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics and home appliances, have announced the launch of its complete range of decorative Split Air Conditioners with Super Ionizer in the Middle East. The new CS/CU-C28CKF(S) range is a high capacity 28,000 BTUs (British Thermal Unit) device, characterized by Panasonic's trademark technological innovations. Their main strengths include flexible, compact installation, super quiet operation and the lowest energy consumption when compared to other brands.The launch follows the recent brand unification undertaken by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd, Panasonic's parent company. Under the brand unification, the name Panasonic has replaced National on all home appliances and electrical products, and taken over as the main global brand.
"We are delighted to introduce the Panasonic Split Air Conditioner range to our customers in the Middle East This marks the introduction of the first range of air conditioners, following the global brand unification, to be manufactured and marketed under the Panasonic brand name. We have timed the launch to coincide with the start of the hot summer months in the region," said Masaki Okamoto, Product Manager, Air Conditioners, Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE.
"Panasonic is known for its innovation and introduction of ideas that can ease and enhance consumers' lives. The CS/CU-C28CKS range has been designed using the same principles, combined with the guarantee on quality that our consumers have come to expect. The range is compact, user-friendly and super-quiet. More importantly, they use less energy than any other competing brands, resulting in substantial cost savings over time. They also have the ability to provide cool air when it's warm, and hot air in colder weather, for comfort in all seasons. It is for these reasons that we are confident that the new range will be well-accepted by consumers in the Middle East," added Okamoto.
The air conditioners can deliver energy savings up to 13 percent over conventional models. They can be further pre-programmed through the remote control to operate in three modes, powerful, economy or quiet. Individual setting modes such as airflow direction, fan speed, temperature setting and timer operation can also be programmed. It also features an Auto Restart button that is useful during power fluctuations.
The air-purifying filter is coated with catechin, a natural anti-virus and antibacterial agent derived from tea-leaves that has traditionally been used to fight viruses and bacteria. The catechin coated filter traps small airborne particles such as dust, pollen and tobacco smoke, while a charcoal solar refreshing deodorizing filter absorbs tobacco smoke, pet dander and other hidden contaminants to remove odours from the air it circulates, ensuring that users breathe clean, healthy air. Moreover, the air filter is easy to keep clean as it can be easily removed in one simple step and washed in water.
To ensure constant flow of naturally healthy air, the air conditioner uses a Super Ioniser that can generate rich negative ions at the touch of a button. The specialized Blue fin Condenser is coated with a rustproof anti-corrosive coating, making it last three times longer than normal condensers.The range is also designed to be extremely user-friendly. Illuminated buttons make it easy to find and use the remote control in the dark. The material used is naturally illuminating so it does not take up extra battery power.The CS/CU-C28CKS split air conditioner and the entire range is available through its UAE sole distributor Al Futtaim Panatech, part of the Al Futtaim Group. (KM News Bureau Dubai) More News
INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI SCOOPS SHEIKH KHALIFA EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award was received by Mr Noel Massoud, General Manager of the InterContinental Abu Dhabi
INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI SCOOPS SHEIKH KHALIFA
EXCELLENCE AWARD
Dubai, UAE, 26 May 2004: The InterContinental Abu Dhabi has been established as a role model for other hotels to aspire to after being awarded the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award.
The award was received by Mr Noel Massoud, General Manager of the InterContinental Abu Dhabi at a glittering ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on May 8th, 2004. Based upon the International Business Excellence model, the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award was introduced three years ago and covers literally all aspects of business management.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi was put through its paces over a six month period to fulfil the nine criteria set out by the award committee. These criteria include leadership, policy and strategy, people, partnerships and resources, processes, customer results, people results, society results and key performance results. “We are delighted to receive such a prestigious award,” said Mr Noel Massoud, General Manager of the InterContinental Abu Dhabi during the ceremony. “We pride ourselves in maintaining excellence in every element of our hotel and this achievement is due to the commitment and dedication of the staff”.
