The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted a high level business luncheon on Wednesday in Washington D.C. in honor of a visiting delegation of representatives from key government and government-related entities that make up the Government of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED). Joining the delegates in the discussion were a host of senior-level business leaders and government officials, including members of the U.A.E. Embassy in Washington. Following a welcome by Business Council President Danny Sebright, the luncheon featured keynote remarks by Mr. Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai FDI.
“The astounding growth of the U.A.E. and Dubai in particular has been remarkable. Many U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council members claim the U.A.E. as their regional hub, not just for MENA but also connecting Africa and Asia,” said Sebright. “Dubai’s long-established reputation as a meeting place for business, and its unique access to markets in the greater Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, all coupled with a strong security apparatus, make it the ideal place for American business to thrive.”
The luncheon provided senior-level public and private stakeholders with the opportunity to learn about the investment climate in the Emirate of Dubai, while laying out some of the Dubai government’s strategies to provide American businesses with further development potential.
“Dubai is emerging as a growth driver in critical industries such as aviation. We have a growing number of multinationals moving to Dubai in their quest to build stronger business relationships with leading economies around the world,” said Mr. Al Gergawi. “Our objective is to present the new thrust areas of Dubai’s economic development strategy to U.S. businesses and highlight the potential for enhanced bilateral trade and investment. The infrastructure that Dubai has created and the sectors being developed with an eye on niche markets will be of special interest to U.S. business, especially with the robust growth seen across Dubai’s logistics, tourism, and service industries.”
Mr. Saed Mohammad Al Awadi, CEOof Dubai Exports, Mr. Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council,
and Mr. Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai FDI
After the brief remarks, Sebright opened the floor for other delegates from the DED delegation to discuss the attractiveness of setting up a business in Dubai, particularly as a means of accessing the markets of the wider Middle East, as well as highlight the business opportunities generated by Dubai’s economic strength. In addition to Dubai FDI, the delegates represent a diverse array of organizations including, Dubai Exports, Dubai SME, Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai World Central (DWC), and Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
“The UAE is one of the most important markets for U.S. exports in the Middle East and has a prosperous U.S. business community established in a variety of sectors and activities,” said Mr. Ahmad Hamza, director of operations for DMCC. “DMCC Free Zone is also home to many leading American companies from different sectors such as fast moving consumer goods, manufacturing, trading, food industry as well as research and development companies. Looking to the future, the U.S. is a market of focus for us. Events like these, organised by Dubai FDI, provide a really valuable way to engage with key stakeholders and identify new areas for collaboration as we seek to attract more fast growing corporations to the DMCC Free Zone.”
Following the delegates’ remarks, the floor was opened for a Q&A session. During the exchange, stakeholders were given the opportunity to engage the delegation on the many benefits to forming a business in Dubai, the challenges and opportunities for American businesses operating out of the U.A.E. to enter African and Asian markets, and the success American foreign direct investment has had within the U.A.E.
Sebright concluded the luncheon by thanking the speakers and Business Council members for joining the discussion. Mr. Al Gergawi and the other senior delegates began their U.S. tour earlier this week with a visit to Boston, Massachusetts. They will round out the week by traveling to Atlanta, Georgia and Chicago, Illinois to attend similar engagements, before returning to the U.A.E. at the end of March.
For your reference, the delegates’ official biographies can be found below.
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Fahad Al Gergawi
Chief Executive Officer
Dubai FDI
Fahad Al Gergawi was appointed by the Government of Dubai as Chief Executive Officer of Dubai FDI, the foreign investment promotion agency in the Department of Economic Development (DED), in 2008 after he successfully led international business development initiatives for strategic organizations in the emirate.
Al Gergawi also serves as the Secretary General of the Dubai Green Economy Partnership, aimed to consolidate and integrate green initiatives and clean technologies into Dubai’s core economic competencies.
Fahad Al Gergawi brings a wealth of experience into his role at Dubai FDI. He is also one of the first graduates of the elite Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Young Business Leaders, a member of the Young Arab Leaders Foundation UAE chapter and the MENA Director of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA).
A Communications graduate of the UAE University, Al Gergawi started his career in the Exhibition Department of the Dubai World Trade Centre in 1994. A year later, he moved to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry as Executive Director for Trade and Industrial Development. Remaining in that role till 2004, Al Gergawi played a stellar role in the creation of various first-of-its kind business groups and councils in Dubai. He was also instrumental in helping Chamber members to expand their business internationally and promoting business opportunities in Dubai across numerous trade and economic forums as well as international missions.
Between 2004 and 2008 Al Gergawi was part of Dubai Holding as Executive Director of International Business Development at the Dubai Properties Group (DPG). He succeeded in creating global opportunities for DPG and attracting a wide range of international businesses, partners and investors into the Group’s ventures.
In his current role, Al Gergawi is focused on placing Dubai firmly on the global FDI map, by attracting regional and international investors to leverage opportunities across the various industries and sub-sectors in the emirate, and developing closer co- operation with key international investment partners.
Saed Al Awadi
Chief Executive Officer
Dubai Exports
Eng. Saed Mohamed Al Awadi, is now the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Exports (DE), earlier being the Chief Operating Officer at EHS, the regulatory arm of Dubai World. Saed has over 20 years of experience in the Government and Private sector with in-depth local market and industrial expertise and knowledge that equip him with the necessary leadership skills to lead and guide organizations.
He holds a degree in Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, with a Masters in Environmental Engineering, supplemented by Executive MBA from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania. His leadership skills have also resulted in several individual Excellence awards. His experience in establishing new companies/government entities (DEDC, Export Credit Insurance Company… etc.) has been derived from his vast experience in the Manufacturing, Recycling, Oil & Gas, Commerce, QHSE and Management.
Saed’s leadership / technical skills and management aptitude were evident during his earlier employment, where he quickly rose up in the ranks to manage more than 200 Engineering / Technical and Administrative personnel at Dubai World. His proficiency in managing large organizations, financial acumen (e.g. by converting EHS, a Cost Centre to a Profitable Company) and people management skills has justified the leadership position he is in today.
Saed is also a member of the Board of Directors of several institutions, like Emirates Standardization & Metrology Authority, Export Credit Insurance Co. of Emirates and other Venture Capital & Manufacturing Companies.
Ahmad bin Harb
Senior Sales Manager
Jebel Ali Free Zone
Ahmad Sultan Bin Harib is the Jafza Senior Sales Manager for Europe & Americas, and is responsible for looking after sales and product promotion in this region.
Bin Harib has been working the field of sales and business development since 2005, when he joined Dubai Maritime City as Regional Sales Manager MEA and Special Projects, and then moved to Jadaf and Dubai Maritime City as GM Commercial, prior to moving to Jafza.He was part of the Dubai Leaders Program 2008 – 2009, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, and has a BSc degree in Computer Science.
Khadija Turki
Senior Manager
Dubai Tourism
Khadija Mohamed Turki started her professional career working with Dubai Shopping Festival on different capacities. She has gained a strong international experience during her time at Emirates Airlines as Events and Sponsorships Manager. She has managed several international events, from press conferences to trade shows and gala dinners.
Khadija has worked on high profile and complex projects with Meydan Group, and after that with the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment. Her achievements in these roles have been recognized from both coworkers and stakeholders.
She is presently, Senior Manager for North and South America and UK Regions, where she leads several international teams. Khadija puts together strategic action plans for each market, as well as coordinates and manages important consumer and trade assignments that vary from marketing activations to exhibitions and PR events and FAMs…
Khadija practices several sports and was also involved with the UAE Football Association and the Dubai Sports Council.
Ahmad Hamza
Director of Operations
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
After graduating from Boston University with a double major in Finance and Management Information Systems, Ahmad has worked with some of the biggest names in the financial industry and government sector such as HSBC and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry before joining DMCC in 2013.
Ahmad’s international expertise combined with his strong experience in enhancing operational efficiencies across Banking, IT, and Government sectors, has been instrumental in transforming key operational strategies for the DMCC Free Zone.
“Everything we do at DMCC has a longer term strategic view in order for us to stay relevant now and in the future whether it is enhancing the customer experience, innovation, diversification of our business portfolio or strengthening trading ties internationally”, says Ahmad Hamza, commenting on his key responsibilities for the organization.
Home to over 9,900 start-ups, SMEs and large corporates from across the globe, DMCC has quickly grown to become the largest and fastest growing Free Zone in the UAE.
Nasir Abbasi
Commercial Attaché
U.S. Consulate General Dubai, U.A.E.
Nasir Abbasi, a career member of the United States Senior Foreign Service, is currently the Commercial Attaché at the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. From 2011 till April 2014, Mr. Abbasi was assigned in Dhahran, marking his fourth assignment to Saudi Arabia. From 2008 to 2011 he was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he managed a 12-member team that was responsible for maintaining and increasing U.S. commercial interests and investments in Malaysia.
From 2006-2008, Mr. Abbasi served as the Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he oversaw an operation that included 20-member teamin three offices across Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran) and partnership post responsibilities with Manama, Bahrain and Sana, Yemen. From 2002-2006, Mr. Abbasi served in Melbourne, Australia, where he managed the States of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, nearly two thirds of the Continent, primarily focusing on the oil and gas and automotive sectors.
From 1997-2002, Mr. Abbasi served in Saudi Arabia as well. He has extensive knowledge in industry sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, telecommunications and automotive.
Mr. Abbasi began his tenure with the U.S. Commercial Service in Baltimore, Maryland, where he worked with U.S. Small and Medium Enterprises to export and also supported business delegations organized by the U.S. Commercial Service around the world. Before joining the U.S. Commercial Service, Mr. Abbasi had five years of experience working in the private sector. He worked for an international transportation firm based in Michigan and for a multinational corporation based in London, England.
A resident of Maryland, he received his MBA in International Business from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) in Glendale, Arizona and his Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.
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About Dubai FDI:
Dubai FDI, part of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, provides essential information and invaluable support to foreign businesses looking to invest in Dubai’s thriving economy and take advantage of its global strategic importance.
Dubai FDI guides, advises and provides practical help on all aspects of business decisions and management, from determining the best legal structures to identifying investment opportunities and introducing a vast network of government and private sector contacts. From planning to implementation and beyond, Dubai FDI has the expertise, resources and knowledge to ensure a smooth journey to commercial success.
Vision:
To position Dubai on a global stage as a business opportunity for new initiatives and an essential base for successful business.
Mission:
To support, stimulate and sustain foreign investment in Dubai and ensure all ventures are consistently managed with commitment and dedication.
For more information, visit: www.dubaifdi.gov.ae
About Dubai Exports:
Dubai Exports strives to ensure the success of the exports sector in Dubai and the UAE, providing constant guidance, advice and practical support to both buyers and suppliers.
Dubai Exports develops long-term growth strategies to expand businesses and maximise the opportunities given by Dubai’s unique position as a natural trade gateway between the East and West.
Exceptional facilities and a logistics infrastructure that is unrivalled in the Middle East and among the most impressive and effective anywhere in the world make Dubai a global export capital.
Among our many services, we provide trade information, branding advice, financial, legal and foreign trade representation and access to potential buyers.
In order to achieve our goals, we work closely with other Dubai Government departments to simplify the export process. It is an exciting time for exporters in the UAE and Dubai Exports will provide you with constant support to make your business both prosperous and profitable.
For more information, visit: www.dedc.gov.ae
About Jebel Ali Free Zone:
Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is one of the world’s leading free zones. Established in 1985, Jafza is today home to over 7,100 companies, including more than 120 of the Global Fortune 500 enterprises from across the world. It is a leading driver of the burgeoning UAE economy. Jafza is the region’s most efficient logistics hub and the only one in the world located between a top container terminal (Jebel Ali Port) and a top international airport (Al Maktoum International Airport), enabling the best in multi-modal connectivity.
As the leading business hub of the Middle East, it focuses on long term customer relationships and fosters alliances with global investors by providing them world class infrastructure duly supported with quality driven value added services and incentives, enabling them to avail huge business opportunities in the region, in the most efficient way.
About Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing:
With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai to global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the Emirate.
DTCM is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector. It markets and promotes the Emirate’s commerce sector, and is responsible for the licensing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the DTCM portfolio include Dubai Convention and Events Bureau, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (formerly known as Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment). In addition to its headquarters in Dubai, DTCM operates 20 offices worldwide.
For more information, visit: http://www.visitdubai.com/en/
About Dubai Multi Commodities Centre:
Established in 2002 by Royal Decree, we are a strategic government initiative of the Government of Dubai designed to enhance trade flows through the United Arab Emirates by providing not only the very latest infrastructure, but also an optimal environment allowing our clients to fully benefit from both our regulated framework and convenient location. Officially recognized as the largest and fastest growing Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates, our aim is to galvanize our position in the international market as a commercial centre of excellence for companies choosing to operate from Dubai.
DMCC facilitates both business and community living by offering commercial, residential and retail property for sale and lease. From multi-national organizations and major regional industry participants, to SMEs and start-ups, today DMCC Free Zone has over 9,000 companies benefiting from its infrastructure, facilities and services.DMCC is recognized as the Government of Dubai Authority dedicated to establishing Dubai as the global gateway for commodities trade. We enable our members to succeed through continuous innovation delivery.
Our vision is to be the world’s leading commodities focused ecosystem and an indispensable partner for our member companies.
DMCC registers and licenses companies, provides visa and other related government services and also supports new companies in obtaining value added services required to establish their businesses in Dubai.
For more information, visit: http://www.visitdubai.com/en/
About The U.S. Commercial Service:
The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, a federal government agency, is dedicated to assisting U.S. companies connect with international companies.
Our Trade Specialists provide expert counseling especially to small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) assisting them with identifying trade opportunities and finding local partners.
Our network of 110 + USEAC offices located across the U.S. and 189 international offices in 84 countries, affords us the ability of working with you for any market ensuring that your best interests are looked after.
Numerous UAE companies are looking to buy U.S. products and services. Will they be able to find you? Learn how to become a member of our Featured U.S. Exporter (FUSE) Program.
We want to help U.A.E. and U.S. organizations conduct business successfully as well as understand each other better to become partners in friendship and trade.
For more information, visit: http://www.trade.gov/cs/
