Jebel Ali Cement becomes first cement company to receive prestigious Dubai Quality Appreciation Program award

Jebel Ali Cement becomes first cement company to receive prestigious Dubai Quality Appreciation Program award

DQAP recognises quality in all aspects of management including operations, EHS, customer relations and HR


April 14, 2010

Dubai-based Jebel Ali Cement Factory, a leading manufacturer and supplier of cement has become the first cement company to receive the Dubai Quality Appreciation Program (DQAP) award. The award was presented by H.H. Sheikh Hamdam Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, during a special award ceremony organised by Dubai World’s Business Excellence Center at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Dubai.

Jebel Ali Cement won the 2009 edition of the award for its prioritisation of quality as a key driver for corporate growth. DQAP recognises quality in overall management, including all aspects of operations, Human Resource, policies and procedures, customer relations, and Environment, Health and Safety (EHS).

“We are extremely honoured to receive this award. This achievement culminates four years of upgrades to our organizational structure, which have enabled us to use the latest technologies to meet our quality-related goals. We would like to thank our staff members for fully supporting our focus on quality and for their constant efforts in achieving greater process efficiencies across the organisation,” said Yousuf H. Sharaf, Managing Director, Jebel Ali Cement Factory.

Jebel Ali Cement Factory (JACF) an ISO 9001 – accredited company, is located in Jebel Ali Industrial area and has a production capacity of one million tons per annum.

‘Dubai WoodShow Forum 2010’ highlights challenges and opportunities in tapping into Middle East wood market

‘Dubai WoodShow Forum 2010’ highlights challenges and opportunities in tapping into Middle East wood market

Interactive presentations to help industry professionals enhance skills and capabilities offered through ‘Dubai WoodShow Workshops’

April 14, 2010

The inaugural ‘Dubai WoodShow Forum 2010’, a series of exclusive keynote sessions currently being held as part of the ‘Dubai WoodShow 2010’, the Middle East's biggest wood-focused exhibition of its kind, is highlighting the challenges and opportunities in tapping into the Middle East wood market. The 4-hour conference is being held daily during the show’s three-day run from April 13 to 15, 2010 at the Dubai Airport Expo, and is supported by AHEC as the ‘Official Knowledge Partner’ and the American University in Dubai as the ‘Academic Partner’. Interactive presentations to help industry professionals enhance their skills and capabilities are also underway at the ‘Dubai WoodShow Workshops 2010’, another new activity at the ‘Dubai WoodShow 2010’.

The first day of the Forum focused the spotlight on logistics, with talks on the subject delivered by two high level officials from Damco Middle East (formerly Maerks) - Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Elwine, who discussed ‘Logistics & Supply Chain for the Wood Sector in the Middle East’; and Chief Operations Officer Steffen Steensbaek, who presented a case study on ‘Identifying the Key Requirement for Successful Logistics Partnership Selection’. In addition, Mohammed Al Banna, Vice President, Economic Zones World (JAFZA) - UAE, also talked about the perspective of logistics hubs developer and free zone authorities on scalable and flexible logistics opportunities for the fast growing and transforming needs of the wood industry.

With a focus on sustainability and green building, the second day of the forum witnessed a broad discourse on the latest regulations, policies and trends in the wood industry. Rupert Oliver, Director, Forest Industry Intelligence (UK), Orn Gudmundsson, Chairman, American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) - USA, and Nabyl Chenaf, Chair, Architecture and Interior Design Department, American University of Dubai, UAE will lead the discussions. The forum will conclude with several talks that will review forward-looking trends and technological innovations on the woods sector, and will feature leading experts including Michael Pfeifer, President, M+M Wood Solutions (Canada), Joseph Hamouch, President, J. Hamouch Lumber (France), Tom Johnston, General Manager, BM Trada - Middle East; and Alasdair McGregor, Business Development Executive, BM Trada Certification.

“Expansion, diversification, and further growth opportunities are the goals we have set for this year’s show and the motivation for the introduction of the ‘Dubai WoodShow Forum’ to our annual agenda,” said Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions. “We are anticipating excellent results for the Forum in terms of the value of information exchanged and the networks bridged during its inaugural edition.”

Representatives from the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), BM TRADA Certification and HOMAG Group (Germany) are conducting the ‘Dubai WoodShow Workshops 2010’, which offers small groups of 20-30 registered delegates reliable methodologies and tactical reviews of their operational requirements. The workshops’ curriculum includes both European and American timber grading sessions, which was presented by Bob Sabistina, Grading Consultant, AHEC, during the opening day.

A lecture on sustainability and certification for the timber industry, delivered by Alasdair McGregor, Business Development Executive, BM Trada, was one of the highlights of the second day. The final day of the workshops, which will include an onsite visit to the Homag Training Centre & Laboratory in Jebel Ali, Dubai, will be followed by a discourse on sanding and finishing technologies by Finishing Technology Expert Joachim Voigt from Venjakob Maschinenbau (Germany) and Paul Mosley, a Sanding Technology Expert from Butfering Shleiftechnik (Germany).

“The high impact discussions within the Forum and the Workshops covers a wide range of issues, which will provide a practical learning experience for players, especially in terms of generating revenues, reducing costs and unlocking the unexplored market opportunities, particularly in the Middle East region. I believe that ‘Dubai WoodShow 2010’ holds significant potential to create a major effect on the wood industry through high value information exchange and the vast opportunity it is providing executives from across the globe for networking and expansion, and we look forward to utilizing the response we have obtained this year to offer our features on a bigger scale in the coming years.” concluded Al Shezawi.


About Dubai WoodShow 2010
‘Dubai WoodShow 2010’ aims to provide business opportunities to its participants by enhancing the confidence of manufacturers and traders and facilitating high value sales transactions. The event features the participation of major technology brands in the world covering the entire production chain in the wood sector. They will showcase top quality lumber and highly-polished hardwood, in addition to environmentally friendly systems of processing they employ for all wood types. The 2010 edition is dubbed as the largest exhibition of wood and woodworking machinery in the Middle East, and is expected to witness the successful participation of more than 150 companies from 40 countries.

Green Lakes Towers,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT, Dubai

Circuit expands into the UAE with multi-million dollar projects

Circuit expands into the UAE with multi-million dollar projects

Specialised commercial and residential automation consultancy opens new office in Dubai to capitalise on business potential in UAE and wider Gulf region
Circuit Gulf, an extra low voltage (ELV) automation systems consultancy, has inaugurated an office in Dubai Silicon Oasis, to consolidate its growing residential and corporate business throughout the UAE.

The Egyptian company offers full consultancy and installation services, spanning all residential and commercial properties. Circuit also provides full technology management systems, such as smart video analysis, touch screens and surfaces, as well as integrated controls and state of the art biometric solutions, to name but a few.

Nathan Williams, Circuit Gulf General Manager, clarifies that despite the tough economic climate of late, the company has continued to thrive over the past 12 months. It has completed multi-million dollar projects in the UAE, including contracts for the royal family in both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and various residential and commercial projects on Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Hills, cementing its enviable market reputation.
Williams added: “As the commercial hub of the GCC countries, Dubai is an ideal location to service our existing clients as well as compete for potential new business not only in the UAE, but throughout the Gulf economies.”

Circuit will also be showcasing a number of innovative products at this month’s Professional Audio, Light, Entertainment, Music and AV Exhibition (PALME), the region’s leading AV trade show, taking place at Dubai International Exhibitions Centre from April 18 to 20. Circuit is featuring the very latest in-home technology including AMX touch panels, Sony video conferencing, and video walls in a fully integrated home set up.

Circuit also has a specialist consulting team of engineers to assist clients from conceptualisation through to completion bringing with them experience of many top international automation brands. As well as being KNX certified (the worldwide standard for home and building control), the company has recently become the first Egyptian company and one of very few in the GCC region to be accredited by the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA).
With such a broad range of expertise, Circuit is able to provide a full service offering from consultation to the latest bespoke fit-out, adapting to the requirements of all customers and catering to all budgets.

Williams said: “Implementing the latest technology has many long-term economic and environmental benefits, including reducing power consumption and manpower requirements for corporations by centralising equipment control and administration.”
A subsidiary of Circuit Holding, Circuit Gulf aims to add value to its customers’ projects and developments through the application of a wide variety of effective and efficient system integration techniques, solutions and products for ease of operation.

For more information, please visit www.circuit-holding.com

About Circuit Gulf: Circuit Gulf is a subsidiary of Egypt-based Circuit Holding, a company specialised in integrating extra low voltage (ELV) systems for residential and commercial projects. There are three companies under the Circuit Holding umbrella, servicing clients in Egypt, the Gulf and Europe. Circuit Gulf is the Engineering Service Provider that will enable MEP, real estate developers, consultancy offices, light current system integrators, and the hospitality industry achieve better and more cost efficient results when implementing comprehensive ELV solutions.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010 :Transparency and regulation dominate Cityscape agenda

Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010 :Transparency and regulation dominate Cityscape agenda

“Greater transparency and improvements in the regulatory environment are set to dominate proceedings at what will be without a doubt the most comprehensive event to date on the future of the real estate investment industry in the region,” said Chris Speller, Cityscape Group Director.

In addition to the largest real estate exhibition, 162 experts from over 25 countries will be speaking at the conference which forms part of Cityscape Abu Dhabi at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 18-21 April 2010. Cityscape Abu Dhabi is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

“For the real estate investment community these have been difficult times so it is not surprising that the combined issues of transparency, regulation and project delivery are among the most important concerns as strategies are planned for the future,” Speller added.

“Those concerns will be directly addressed and have been woven into the 36 conference sessions of the conference across three days to provide both an overview of the dramatic changes that have impacted markets as well as focusing on economic recovery, policy reforms and investment opportunities regionally and globally.

“Allied to this will be a further session on how the wider Gulf Co-operation Council countries and the Middle East in general have confronted the global economic turmoil and how growth forecasts have been altered.”

From the institutional investor perspective, the key debate will be on establishing transparency and consistency in data and real estate market analytics, added Speller. “The role of institutional investors in the revival of the regional real estate industry is crucial and foreign investors in particular are looking for improvements in transparency and the regulatory framework. We will be looking at what long-term institutional investors think about Abu Dhabi and the regional markets and how to incentivise them to enter the market.”

“We will also be examining investment strategies in some detail including the viability of Middle East real estate investment trusts (REITs), including Shariah-compliant vehicles, where there is also concern over transparency.”

A recent wealth management report by Bank Sarasin of Switzerland said the lack of public data on the performance of Islamic REITs and real estate funds in general needed to be “addressed urgently if the sector is to mature.”

Other topics set to dominate at the conference are the merits of investing in emerging markets versus mature markets; maximising opportunities in distressed real estate; corporate and debt restructuring strategies; dissecting real estate boom and bust cycles in real estate to make strategic investment decisions. The conference will also examine the impact of the US stimulus package; the emerging potential of the Levant countries; Saudi Arabia, the economic powerhouse of the Middle East; opportunities in South and Latin America, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Russia; India versus China; investment and development opportunities in Africa; and the resilience of Asia in the global recession.

Among keynote speakers will be Rashed Mubarak Alhajeri, Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs; Mohamed Rashed Al Hameli, Director General of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; John Bullough, CEO of Aldar; John A. Thomas, Executive Director of Mubadala Real Estate and Hospitality; and Dr Nimer Basbous, Legal Adviser, HSBC Bank Middle East.

The development of the Middle East and North Africa real estate sector will be on display at the Cityscape Awards for Real Estate, marked with a gala dinner on Sunday 18 April 2010. Awards will be divided in to the main categories of architecture and development and entries are judged on their contribution to world architecture culture, invention and imagination, respect for people, the planet, context, environmental awareness and appropriateness in the region.

Headline sponsor of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010 is Mubadala Real Estate and Hospitality. Platinum sponsors are Al Qudra Real Estate, Al Maabar and Aldar Properties. Associate sponsor is the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs.

H.E. Dr. Rashed Bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment, inaugurates ‘Dubai WoodShow 2010’

H.E. Dr. Rashed Bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment, inaugurates ‘Dubai WoodShow 2010’

Landmark industry event to offer more than wood

April 13, 2010

H.E. Dr. Rashed Bin Fahad, the UAE Minister of Environment, inaugurated today, April 13th, 2010, at the Dubai Airport Expo, the 5th edition of the Dubai WoodShow, the Middle East’s one and only wood-focused exhibition.

Over 150 wood and wood products suppliers from more than 40 countries are exhibiting at the show in a bid to meet the mounting regional demand for wood-based building materials. Benefitting from the surprisingly healthy state of the wood sector in the region sustained by a strong growth during the economic crisis and ensuing recovery, the Dubai WoodShow 2010 is slated to register record attendance and a substantial increase in the volume of transactions closed during the event.

“The economic crisis is on everybody’s mind,” commented Mr. Borghini from Ligno. “It has been a very difficult year but it is going away. The Dubai WoodShow is an important event for us, it is the appointment any wood company in the region cannot afford to miss.”

Noted this year is an impressive number of first time exhibitors attracted by the shows’ long standing reputation as the number one and exclusive platform for sellers and buyers from the entire wood spectrum, including producers, manufacturers, process-innovators, logistics service suppliers, traders and investors.

Visitor over the past 3 years, Heinrich Ostertag from HVB (Germany) has many reasons to enjoy this year’s WoodShow as he is attending for the first time as an exhibitor in joint-venture with Arbros Forest FZE. “We are using Dubai WoodShow to simultaneously celebrate and cement the newly signed partnership between HVB & Arbros Forestry FZE. The show’s offers us the promises of a blissful wedding ceremony!”

Another newcomer marching on HVB’s steps, Mohammed Akbar from United Emirates Metals & Abrasives said that the event provides his company with the opportunity to introduce its brand to the region and connect with their main target market: the GCC countries.

In order to woo a new breed of visitors and expand its exhibitors’ pool, the Dubai WoodShow series has experienced major changes in its structure and revamped its formula.

“We are here to create synergies, to build business networks, and to facilitate knowledge transfer. This is why in 2010, we have introduced the Dubai WoodShow Forum, the first regional conference to echo & voice the wood industry leaders’ thoughts, the WoodShow Workshops to strengthen our local woodworkers’ skills, the WoodShow Roundtables to speed up buy-sell processes,” stated Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organizers of the Dubai WoodShow.

Not to be left aside or unquoted, the WoodShow longtime exhibitors strongly expressed their support for the event. Mr. Sultan from Hammariyah Free Zone Authority applauded and praised the show’s commitment to empowering the region’s wood export-import business and consolidating UAE re-exportation hub status. “We have seen many improvements since 2005, there are more companies, tangible growth and we see positive signs of market revival in 2010.”

Mr. Enriko Caranza, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah-based ItalConcept, a respected veteran in the regional and international wood community and WoodShow preferred business partner since the very beginning, gladly shared his thoughts on the matter: “I am confident that the show will attract a much different type of crowd this year. The crisis has deeply affected buying patterns, customers have become more cautious, cost-conscious and more diligent in their purchasing strategy. I believe that the visitors this year come with a predefined purchasing agenda and target specific products. I have been there, done that and seen many things but at the end of the day, Dubai WoodShow is our own, the one and only regional meeting platform where serious wood business is discussed and worthwhile deals are negotiated.”

Joining the queue of loyal exhibitors, Neil Koster, who flew from South Africa to represent the much established Gulf Timber, boasted proudly that he hasn’t had the time to rest but is excited to be here again as he will undoubtedly expand his client portfolio.

For the UAE-based Surface Treatment Finishing Experts Building Materials, participating to WoodShow 2010 is an entire new story. As the sole and exclusive distributor in the Middle East of renowned French surface treatment brands like Kremlin Rexlin, there is much more at stakes: bringing new technologies & optimum productivity in finishing processes.

Dubai WoodShow 2010 does indeed, offer more than wood.

About Dubai Woodshow 2010
‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show’ is the largest wood and wood machinery exhibition in the Middle East. A highly specialised exhibition that assembles companies from the entire spectrum of the wood industry under one roof, the event offers exhibitors an excellent networking arena where they can build strategic relationships with buyers, traders and investors. The annual event has gained global repute for providing a platform for awareness campaigns and trading of a wide range of wood products, including MDF, plywood, hardwood, softwood, veneers, timbers, parquet, laminates, finished wood merchandise and paper products. Dubai Woodshow 2008 witnessed its strongest visitor influx, recording the attendance of 5,000 individuals, from wood and wood machinery buyers to investors and woodworking enthusiasts, marking a 35 per cent increase compared to the 2007 event.

O14 Cheese Tower and Bay View,Business Bay, Dubai

JBC 2 windows cleaners,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT, Dubai

Dubai residential rental market stable in Q1

Dubai residential rental market stable in Q1

Villa rents and sales flat with only slight decrease in apartment rents – office rents still sliding due to increased supply

Villa rental rates in Dubai remained stable with no significant change in the first quarter of this year compared with the last quarter of 2009, according to the Dubai residential and commercial property market report for Q1 2010 published today (12 April 2010) by Asteco, the biggest property services company in the United Arab Emirates.

Apartment rental rates recorded a slight decrease of 5%, largely due to the increased supply in the market, although some areas such as Downtown Dubai witnessed increases of 2%.

However office rents continue to decrease and have seen an average drop of 7% due to subdued demand and increased supply says Asteco’s report.

Commenting on the results of the latest report, Elaine Jones, CEO of Asteco Property Management, said: “Over the past 25 years we have seen various peak and troughs in the property market with an overall incredible growth in the region. The only constant is change and the positive upturn after every decline.”

The report adds: “Demand for villas was predominantly for those in established locations such as Jumeirah where rental rates remain unchanged over the last quarter and in the Palm Jumeirah and The Springs which recorded slight increases of 5% and 2% respectively.

“Developments along Emirates Road such as The Green Community and Arabian Ranches continue to generate demand from Abu Dhabi as rental rates are competitive, however, increased availability in Arabian Ranches, Green Community and Mirdif have resulted in slight drops in rental rates.”

Villa sales prices remained almost flat, recording an average decrease of 1% over the last quarter.

The Asteco report says: “Established communities such as The Springs, Meadows and Arabian Ranches are the preferred choice for buyers. There is good demand for smaller villas due to the price point on both a sale and lease basis. Although the number of enquiries is strong, there is still a gap between asking prices and what buyers are willing to pay.”

“Apartment rents in Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah increased by an average of 2% and rents remained stable in Jumeirah Beach Residence due to the popularity of these developments which offer community living and an abundance of retail and entertainment facilities,” the report adds.

The report adds that apartment rents in areas such as Discovery Gardens, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers “are expected to decline further throughout the year due to numerous projects reaching completion.”

Asteco says it has registered an increase in sales volume in Q1 2010 compared with Q4 2009, especially on the Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai. “This is in line with both increased availability of finance at lower rates and availability of affordable deals,” said Asteco.

The report adds: “Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Discovery Gardens and International City have also reported increased transaction activity and enquiries - mainly due to price reductions and handover of projects.

“Similar to villas, a large number of buyers are looking for smaller units in established locations due to a lower price point and the increased opportunity to lease the property out for investment purposes.”

Office rental rates continue to decrease and have seen an average drop of 7% due to limited demand and increased supply in areas such as Dubai International Financial Centre, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Tecom. The report says, “The number of enquiries remained stable from small- to medium-sized businesses looking for units ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 square feet with the majority of tenants looking for fitted office space to reduce start-up costs and time.

“As more stock enters the market, this will continue to put downward pressure on rental rates and occupancy which will benefit tenants who are looking to upgrade in terms of quality and location.”

Sales prices for office units dropped by 10% compared with Q4 2009 but despite the decrease, demand and resulting transaction volumes remain low, says Asteco.

“Developments such as Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Tecom and Business Bay have recorded some activity over the last three months. Jumeirah Lakes Towers benefits from its affordability due to a large completed and near completed inventory. Tecom, on the other hand, has a limited amount of freehold units and benefits from a large number of residential units in close proximity to a living and working environment. Asteco has seen a few transactions for Business Bay due to uncertainty over completion and the amount of construction which continues to hinder sales.”

The report adds that, according to free zone authorities, developers in Dubai are seeking to convert commercial developments into mixed-used projects in order to respond to changing market conditions.

Goldcrest Views swimming pool area,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT, Dubai

Goldcrest Views BBQ area,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT, Dubai

Mag 214 Tower photos,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT, Dubai

Jumeirah Business Centre 2 windows cleaning photos,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT, Dubai

One Lake Plaza photos,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT, Dubai

Tiffany Tower photos,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT, Dubai

Dubai Metro scoops Dubai Lynx Middle East’s Outdoor Grand Prix Advertising Award

Dubai Metro scoops Dubai Lynx Middle East’s Outdoor Grand Prix Advertising Award

The prestigious Award was presented during the 3rd Dubai International Advertising Festival

Dubai – Roads & Transport Authority:
The Dubai Metro has won the Best Outdoor Advertising Award (Best use of Ambient Advertising: Small Scale) under the Outdoor Grand Prix Campaign of Dubai Lynx Middle East during the 3rd Dubai International Advertising Festival which was held from 14 to 16 March 2010 in Dubai, UAE.

“RTA is delighted with landing this coveted prize; which denotes another success of the RTA in the field of advertising & media judged by this prestigious Grand Prix Award; which tantamount to an Excellence Golden Class Award and the highest awarded by the Dubai Lynx in this category, ahead of the silver category award, followed by the bronze one.

RTA has teamed up with Saatchi & Saatchi Dubai in an advertising campaign with the aim of encouraging the use of mass transportation in the Emirate, with special emphasis on Dubai Metro. The award-winning ad displayed 4 images of abandoned cars covered by dust whose owners no longer needed to use them as they opted to use the metro in their travel across the Emirate.

This campaign goes beyond the customary & conventional advertising conceptual methods seen in newspapers, television or outdoor ad signage. It is a newly created method based on writing different expressions on dusty cars with the aim of promoting Dubai Metro rides, using vehicles owned by individuals with whom the RTA has made prior coordination in order to realize the intended advertising purposes.
It is worth-noting that since the start of its trial run in the last quarter of last, the Dubai Metro has so far clinched 7 awards; namely: Dubai Lynx Middle East Best Outdoor Advertising Award, Middle East Architect Awards Infrastructure Project of the Year 2009 Award, Cityscape Transport & Tourism Sector Award 2009, Gulf-Middle East Best Infrastructure Award 2009, and The Gulf Engineering Union's Driverless Train Excellence & Innovation Award 2009 (Kuwait).

The Dubai International Advertising Festival, which is based at the Dubai Media City, hosts TV/Cinema creative excellence experts in the Middle East and North Africa region along with media & advertising companies, in an annual event for distribution of awards to innovators spanning more than 9 categories including Outdoor, TV/Cinema, Print, Radio, and Craft among others.