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Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi

ACTIVITY REPORT 2016 17th Annual General Meeting

Abu Dhabi, Tuesday, 28 March 2017

SBC Activity Report 2016 Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

President’s Message ................................................................................................................................. 2

Structure of the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi ............................................................................. 3

Sponsorship ................................................................................................................................................. 5

Membership ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Marketing .................................................................................................................................................. 24

Cooperation with the Swiss Embassy, Swiss Business Hub and the Swiss Business Council Dubai

& Northern Emirates ................................................................................................................................ 25

Advisory Board Message ....................................................................................................................... 25

Facts & Figures of the Swiss / UAE / GCC trade ................................................................................ 26

Election of Vice President and Advisory Board ................................................................................. 29

Contact Us ................................................................................................................................................ 30


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Members, Partners and Friends of the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi,

Thanks to the generous support of our members and partners, the SBC Abu Dhabi has

become a voice recognized by the business community in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the

UAE. We provide a platform for exchanging ideas, networking and meeting with people who

are interested in Switzerland. For over 16 years, we have been serving our community by

organizing and supporting a wide range of cultural, educational and business-related

events.

Our main focus are our members and we will do our very best to accommodate all request

whilst trying to keep up with the continuous changes and economic challenges in the region.

We are constantly re-defining our objectives and make sure our mission is in line with the

ever-changing economic environment. We try to organize events that are relevant and

useful to the membership. So please join us and be actively involved in our activities to

increase the networking opportunities.

If you find there is room for improvement and if you have any new ideas, please let us know.

We highly encourage our members to contact us for a more individualized cooperation that

will deliver maximum benefits to your SBC membership. Our actions find their legitimacy and

recognition primarily owing to all the members who support us and participate in our

projects. If you have any suggestions or comments or wish to send us feedback on how to

improve our services or if you have any proposals on how to make your membership more

valuable, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We look back on a successful year, as you can see in our 2016 Activity Report, which shows

you the highlights, activities and beautiful events that we shared together.

In 2016 the SBC’s created many valuable opportunities and marked its presence in the

community through 32 events, (3 Signature Events, 13 SBC Networking Series, 5 SBC

Knowledge Series, 7 SBC Cultural Series, 4 other events) with 2’252 people in attendance plus

over 15’000 visitors at the Swiss Christmas Market. We have successfully launched the SBC

Award and Gala Dinner in October, a prestigious event to give recognition to one Swiss and

one UAE personality of the year.

In 2017 we are looking at a year filled with both new and well-established projects and

events and we are equipped with the dynamism and vigor to carry them out. We will

continue to be available to support your projects and foster exchanges between Switzerland

and the UAE and it would be a great pleasure to welcome you in one of our upcoming

events soon.

I encourage companies and business leaders to join the SBC Abu Dhabi, and reach out to us

at [email protected] for information on the available membership packages and

benefits.

Please also have a look at our sponsoring packages. We rely on sponsors to achieve our

goals and they are essential in helping our events come to life. If the packages are not within

your budget or requirements, please let us know and we will be more than happy to adjust

them to your individual needs.

On behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire SBC Abu Dhabi team, I thank you for

your trust and support and wish you continued success and prosperity in 2017!

Sincerely yours,

Jean-Marc Suter

mailto:[email protected]


STRUCTURE OF THE SWISS BUSINESS COUNCIL ABU DHABI

The Executive Committee consists of a President and a Vice President both elected by the

General Membership for a two-(2)-year tenure. The incumbent President is serving his 2nd year

term. At the next AGM on 28 March 2017, (re)-elections for the position as Vice President will

be held.

Both the President and Vice President appoint other Executive Committee members, a

minimum of two (2) and a maximum of five (5). Any new Executive Committee member

needs to be approved by the entire Executive Committee and a decision is always taken

together as a team.

The members of the Executive Committee are:

1. Mr. Jean-Marc Suter, Managing Director, Gonet & Cie and President of the

SBC Abu Dhabi;

2. Dr. B.R. Shetty, Managing Director and CEO, NMC Health and Vice President

SBC Abu Dhabi;

3. Mrs. Sue Baumgartner, Managing Partner, Xperts in Business Activation;

4. Mr. Nadeem Jerome Naqui, CFA, Senior Vice President – Product & Business

Development, Invenst AD;

5. Mr. Jürg Berger, Managing Director, Head Abu Dhabi, Bank Julius Baer & Co.

Ltd. Representative Office;

6. Mr. Gerard Bloch, Independent Subsurface Oil & Gas Consultant, Terracotta

International Employment Services Abu Dhabi, joined the team in March 2017

The ex-officio members of the Executive Committee are:

1. Mr. Vincent Pasquier, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland in the

United Arab Emirates; who replaced Mr. Adrian Bless in the position in August

of 2016.

2. Mrs. Charoline Engel, Executive Director of the SBC Abu Dhabi;

3. HE Mr. Chris Watts, Director of the Swiss Business Hub GCC and General Consul

of Switzerland in Dubai;

4. HE Mrs. Maya Tissafi, Swiss Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

A special recognition goes to Mrs. Susan Shawwa-Khalil who has left both the SBC and the

UAE in the summer of 2016. She was an Executive Committee founding member and

specifically in charge of getting vendors to attend one of the most successful SBC events, the

Swiss Christmas Market. Always supportive and committed, she has done a tremendous work

prior to and during the event as well as throughout the years and she will be missed on the

board dearly.

To structure the SBC Abu Dhabi Executive Committee more effectively and to have a closer

involvement of the Executive Committee members in overseeing the day-to-day business of

the SBC and to provide support and a point of contact for the Executive Director to

brainstorm and ask for support outside of the monthly Executive Committee meetings, we

have introduced “Heads” for specific subcommittees. They are the following:

1. Head of Events: Charoline Engel

2. Head of Communications: Sue Baumgartner

3. Head of Finance: Jürg Berger

4. Head of Business Development: Nadeem Naqui

5. Head of Membership: Gerard Bloch


Their role is to assist the Executive Director in their respective field of expertise. In the Finance

section, it is to ensure that a monthly report can be presented at each Executive Committee

meeting in a simple but informative way.

Additionally, the Advisory Board advises and makes recommendations to the Executive

Committee; its members are elected by the General Membership. The Advisory Board can

have a minimum of three (3) members and a maximum of six (6) members. Currently we

have four (4) members with two (2) vacant seats.

The members of the elected Advisory Board are:

1. Mrs. Jacqueline Duvoisin, Region Director MEA, Turkey, Iran & Central Asia,

Clinical Solutions Elsevier;

2. Mrs. Maissa Fattal, Founder and CEO, Ibtisama;

3. Mr. Jean-Claude Salamin, Hospital Consultant;

4. Mr. Alexander Matthey, Senior Project Manager, Etimad Strategic Security

Solutions.

I would like to thank the entire team of the Executive Committee and the Advisory Board for

their commitment and the precious time they devote to the SBC Abu Dhabi.

Environmental Group: The Environmental Group was founded in 2015. It operates as a

catalyst in the region and Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE) in Switzerland will send Swiss

companies that are not present in the region to come together with the local and existing

ones to create momentum and growth. The Environmental Group is meeting individually and

had a successful kick-off event jointly organized with DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water

Authority) that took place on 9 May 2016 on how to improve the operating systems of

buildings.

The Environmental Group committee members are:

1. Mr. Jürg Petermann, Swiss Federal Office for the Environment FOEN (also the Head of

the Steering Committee)

2. Dr. Franco Vigliotti, EPFL Middle East

3. Mr. Satish N. Adurkar, Energy Automation DMCC and Member of the SBC Dubai &

Northern Emirates Executive Committee

4. Mr. Jürg Berger, Managing Director, Head Abu Dhabi, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd.

Representative Office and Member of the SBC Abu Dhabi Executive Committee

5. Mr. Thomas Pohl, Swiss Business Hub Middle East

I would also like to highlight the good relations we have with the Swiss Embassy and the Swiss

Business Hub. We wish to continue our cooperation with them and see where we can closely

collaborate in joint activities when Swiss companies and delegations visit the UAE and have

the opportunity to co-organize events where SBC members are invited and can meet with

official delegations.

Special thanks to all our members for the support throughout the years, especially to our

Support Members who, with their increased contribution and partnership, ensure that the SBC

can fulfill its growth initiatives and execute plans for the future:

• IWC Schaffhausen – www.iwc.com

• Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority – www.rakftz.com

• UBS - www.ubs.com/ae

http://www.iwc.com/

http://www.rakftz.com/

http://www.ubs.com/ae


SPONSORSHIP

I would like to emphasize that unlike some other business councils, our government does not

subsidize us. Our survival relies entirely on the subscriptions paid by the members and on

sponsorships! We therefore heartily thank all the members and the sponsors that supported us

in 2016.

Please do not forget that our signature events, the Swiss Spring Festival and the Swiss

Christmas Market, as well as other recurring and popular events, all require sponsors. If you or

your organization is interested in sponsoring one of the events of the SBC Abu Dhabi, please

reach out to us at [email protected] for more information. Sponsorship provides

public recognition benefits via the SBC website, social media and selected events. We will

be more than happy to arrange sponsorships that suit the requirements of companies and

individuals aside from our regular Sponsorship packages. Every sponsor level is important and

no contribution is too small. We cordially invite you to become a partner of the SBC Abu

Dhabi.

A very special thanks goes out to the following companies for their generous support in terms

of sponsorship especially concerning our major events – the Swiss Spring Festival and the

Swiss Christmas Market as well as the SBC Award and Gala Dinner. Without their contribution

and support, we would not be able to organize these events:

• Etihad Airways – Corporate Member, official Airline Partner of the SBC Abu Dhabi

supporting us with flight tickets for Swiss musicians and raffle prizes every year;

• UBS – Gold Sponsor;

• IWC Schaffhausen – presenting Partner at the inauguration of the SBC Award;

• Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli – Swiss Maître Chocolatier – supporting us with

Swiss chocolate treats during the year for meetings and events plus sponsorship;

• Other Sponsors:

Al Masaood Automobiles, City Pharmacy, Collège du Léman, Dots&Links Skills

Development Centre, Etihad Cargo, Fracht AG, gpr Advertising, Habib Bank AG

Zurich, Julius Bär, Kipina, Kitkat Arabia, nmc Healthcare, Pilatus.

• All our member hotels that support us during all our events.

Please accept our sincere thanks for your involvement and we look forward to a continued

fruitful cooperation in the future.



MEMBERSHIP

As always, a very special thank-you goes to all our members for their dedication, support and

cooperation throughout the year! Your membership is highly important to us. Thank you for

renewing your membership regularly and for your confidence and trust.

Member Count:

At the AGM in 2007 the SBC counted 104 members;


At the AGM in 2009, the SBC counted 133 members;







For the year 2016, the SBC counted 113 members, incl. joint memberships with the SBC Dubai

and Non-Residents.

Break-up of Member Categories in 2016:

1 Support Members

9 Joint Support Members (2 Abu Dhabi, 7 Dubai)

19 Corporate Members

1 Corporate Individual Members

24 Joint Corporate Members (6 Abu Dhabi, 18 Dubai)

11 Non-resident Members (2 Abu Dhabi, 9 Dubai)

Non-Residents belong automatically to both Councils.

2 Professional Members

5 Joint Professional Members (3 Abu Dhabi, 2 Dubai)

21 Social Members

5 Joint Social Members (1 Abu Dhabi, 4 Dubai)

15 Honorary Members / Special Memberships

113 Total Member count 2016

We are in the process of renewing the memberships for 2017 and are still awaiting renewal

notices.

Our Executive Director, Mrs. Charoline Engel and the Executive Committee members are at

your disposal to help you establish links and facilitate the exchange of communication. Join

us for our monthly “Business After Hours” and other events planned throughout the year.


EVENTS

The Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi is a lively and stimulating forum of diverse interests and

has a variety of business as well as social events to offer. Working closely with the Swiss

Embassy, we organize interesting and attractive business and social get-togethers and invite

leading guest speakers to talk on selected topics. All our events are open to members and

invited guests; they are supported by our sponsors and managed by our Executive Director.

2016 saw us host the inauguration of the very successful SBC Award and Gala Dinner, which

was a celebration of merging Swiss and Arab business relations, at the Rosewood Hotel Al

Maryah Island. With it we launched the first of the SBC Personality Award; H.E. Reem Bint

Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of

Bureau Expo 2020, received the UAE Business Personality of the Year 2016 and Peter

Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, received the Swiss Business

Personality of the Year 2016.

One of the main objectives of the SBC Abu Dhabi is to support commercial and personal

relationships amongst its members, to provide a platform for high profile networking and

discussion of business opportunities and to promote economic, social and cultural relations

between the UAE and Switzerland. In particular, with events like the monthly gatherings and

the annually recurring Swiss Spring Festival and Swiss Christmas Market, and the newly

established SBC Award we would like to strengthen the bond between the Swiss community

and the UAE.

I know that everyone has a busy schedule and we do not have the time to go to all the

events. However, the SBC is a platform created for our members and we ask you to please

take the time to attend as many events as possible so that you can benefit fully from your

membership. The networking opportunities in these meetings and gatherings are always

worthwhile.

The SBC Abu Dhabi values knowledge and connections and is committed to sharing that

with our members. We also value the power of community and belonging, to that, we ask for

your suggestions and ideas for events that you would like to hear about or be a part of. If you

would like to assist creating a specific event or even speak at one, we would love to hear

from you. Please contact us at [email protected].

Charity and acknowledgments

A consistent favorite among regular patrons at the annual Swiss Christmas Market are the

Swiss chocolate treats from Lindt, the Swiss Maître chocolatier and confectionery, and its

popular Chocolate Kitchen. All proceeds from the Swiss Christmas Market stands were

doubled by the Swiss Business Council and AED 10’000.00 were donated to the “Special Care

Centre”, a leading charity organization in Abu Dhabi.

A special thank you goes to Claudine and Andreas Maager, former members of the

Executive Committee, who came all the way from Atlanta, Georgia, USA and have devoted

their time to work for the Swiss Christmas Market since they brought it to life in 2005.The highly

popular and successful Swiss Christmas Market welcomed over 15’000 visitors in 2016.

The SBC relies on supporters and helpers to make our events a great experience for all

guests. The same goes for the Swiss Spring Festival, where our Executive Committee members

are at the entrance selling entrance tickets along with the support of the Embassy staff and

friends of the SBC. It is the wonderful teamwork and willingness to help that generates a great

atmosphere and this is truly much appreciated. I hope we can count on our members and

new helpers in the years to come!



Events during 2016

The SBC “Business After Hours” are held once a month and are a great opportunity for our

members and their associates to meet both long-standing and new members alike, visitors,

compatriots as well as the Swiss Community of Abu Dhabi and friends of Switzerland, for a

casual chat. Everybody is most welcome to bring business partners and colleagues as well as

friends along. It is an excellent opportunity to make and maintain valuable contact with other

people working in Abu Dhabi.

We always see new faces at this event and it is a great pleasure to see many Swiss newcomers

attending those evenings! Be sure to always have a pocketful of business cards with you!

The 2016 “Business After Hours” were held consecutively at the Chameleon Bar @ Fairmont Bab Al

Bahr, Cho Gao @ Crown Plaza, Stratos @ Le Royal Meridien, Le Vendôme Bis @ Emirates Palace,

Brothaus Bakery @ Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay, Grand Staircase @ Fairmont Bab Al Bahr,

Tamba @ the Hub, WTC Mall and Vascos @ Hilton Corniche Abu Dhabi. We change the venue

every month to visit every member-hotel. Do come and join us in the forthcoming “after work

sessions”!

To further increase the networking opportunities for our members and to benefit from

synergies, the SBC has been teaming-up successfully with other Business Councils to organize

joint business get-togethers and will continue to do so in the future.

SPECIAL RACLETTE AFTERNOON

SBC Cultural Series

Saturday, 16 January 2016 – Beach Rotana Courtyard

Members of the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi and the German Emirati Joint Council for

Industry & Commerce (AHK) enjoyed a Special Afternoon Gathering upon invitation of the

Beach Rotana with traditional Swiss Cheese Raclette.


RIBBON CUTTING AND OFFICIAL OPENING OF SWISS PAVILION AT THE WFES

SBC Business Series

Monday, 18 January 2016 – Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)

Members of the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi were cordially invited to the opening of the

Swiss Pavilion at the World Future Energy Summit 2016 with Ribbon Cutting in presence of

State Secretary Dr. Walter Steinmann, Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE)

and his delegation.

The World Future Energy Summit is the world’s largest conference and exhibition on

renewable and future energy solutions, innovations, policy and vision. It will be the largest

meeting of influential figures within the renewable energy industry and showcases

tomorrow’s energy solutions and investment opportunities. The event provides the chance to

network with global companies and experts to develop solutions, ideas and business

opportunities.

Following the official part there was time to meet the Swiss exhibitors and participants at the

pavilion.

INTERCOUNCIL SPEED-NETWORKING

SBC Networking Series

Wednesday, 24 February 2016 – Le Méridien Abu Dhabi

Speed Networking is an efficient, face-to-face professional networking model, that enables

participants to make lots of new contacts through one-on-one focused conversations lasting just 2

minutes.

The Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi, along with BBC, AusBG, BeNeLuxBC and FBG, invited

members and guests to join the first joint Speed-Networking evening to make new contacts across

all industry sectors. After the fast-paced speed networking part of the evening, there was time to

reconnect with those people who particularly grabbed the attention and get to know them and

their business in more detail in a traditional, relaxed networking environment.


SWISS EASTER BREAKFAST

SBC Cultural Series

Saturday, 19 March 2016 – Circo, InterContinental Hotel

Easter is a wonderful occasion to celebrate together, and what better way to do so than at the

Swiss Easter Breakfast. The Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi together with the German Emirati Joint

Chamber of Commerce (AHK) invited members with their family and friends to Circo Restaurant at

the Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi.

The beautiful Circo at the Marina of the InterContinental was the perfect setting to enjoy a

sumptuous Easter Buffet with a live Egg-Station, traditional Easter Yeast Braids and all the delights that

belong to a traditional Easter breakfast.

In cooperation with Kipina Nursery the young guests found hard-boiled eggs at the kids’ corner to

decorate and enjoyed Face painting, Easter themed arts & crafts and games free of charge! And

of course all children searched for their hidden Lindt chocolate bunnies!

Our guests had the opportunity to enter a raffle draw and win fabulous prizes, including 2 entrance

tickets to the SBC Swiss Spring Festival in April and the AHK Asparagus Dinner in May.


16TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

SBC Business Series

Tuesday, 29 March 2016 – InterContinental Hotel Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, Meeting Quarter One;

The AGM gives SBC members the opportunity to be actively involved in Council matters, to share

opinions and views on the direction the Council should proceed as well as interact with other

members via networking. At the same time, it provides an update of its past activities and future

objectives.

Support, Corporate and Professional Members re-elected the new SBC Abu Dhabi President, Mr.

Jean-Marc Suter of Gonet & Cie.

SWISS SPRING FESTIVAL

SBC Signature Event

Friday, 15 April 2016 – Hilton Hotel Abu Dhabi, Hiltonia Beach Garden

Organized by the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of the Embassy of

Switzerland in the United Arab Emirates the celebration of the Swiss Spring Festival gathered friends

of Switzerland, members of the Swiss Business Council and other business groups as well as the Swiss

community, the business community in the UAE, Sponsors and their friends in an elegant alfresco

setting at the beautiful Hiltonia Lake Garden, Abu Dhabi Hilton Hotel, featuring an exciting raffle

draw, Swiss live-entertainment, DJ Phil and dance floor, Buzz-a-Selfie's Photo Box, exciting children's

activities, and an sumptuous Swiss buffet consisting of authentic Swiss dishes complemented by Swiss

food specialties, such as Raclette, Kalbsbratwurst and again exclusively in the UAE for our guests

only, the beloved Swiss soft drink “Rivella” that had been flown in from Switzerland especially for the

cheerful occasion.

The Swiss Spring Festival is one of the highlights in the events calendar of the Swiss Business Council in

Abu Dhabi. For many years, this successful event has brought together the various communities of

Abu Dhabi – it builds relationships among the Swiss and gives the local community an occasion to

enjoy Swiss atmosphere and hospitality.

In 2016 there was an Abu Dhabi Premier at the Swiss Spring Festival: Renowned Swiss musician Eliana

Burki, who invented the term „Funky Swiss Alphorn“ performed live using the traditional Swiss Alphorn

in Funk, Pop and Jazz music and brought her infectious energy to the UAE capital for one night only.

There was fun for the Littles and Middles in the Lindt kids’ area with fun games, including face

painting, a clown with twisting balloons and a magic show and a meet-and-greet with Mr. Jelly

Belly.

Exciting raffle draw: All the guests had the chance to enter an exclusive raffle draw and win

fabulous prizes, such as over-night stays at 5-star resorts, spa treatments, a catamaran cruise and

much more. The first prize consisted of two tickets from Abu Dhabi to Zurich in Etihad's luxurious

Business Class, plus three nights at the Steigenberger Bellerive Au Lac, Zurich in an elegant Lakeside

view superior room for two persons inclusive of breakfast We did see happy faces of winners at the

end of the evening.


Around 200 guests enjoyed this memorable evening with family, friends and business partners to

celebrate a truly unique festival.

We would like to thank this year’s sponsors who made this event possible and with their

partnership assure the continuation of the Swiss Spring Festivals’ successful story:

Official Airline Partner: Etihad Airways and Etihad Cargo

Gold Sponsor: Pilatus, UBS

Silver Sponsor: College du Leman, Lindt & Sprüngli,

Event Partner: Fracht AG, Rivella

Bronze Sponsor: Al Masaood Automobiles, City Pharmacy, gpr Advertising, Habib Bank AG

Zurich


ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP SERIES: INNOVATIVE BUILDING OPERATION SYSTEMS

SBC Knowledge Series

Monday, 9 May 2016 – DEWA Customer Service Centre Al Quoz

Innovative Building Operation Systems can improve not only your living and working environment,

but also your savings of energy and money, and help us take several steps forward towards climate

protection.

The Environmental Group of SBC, in close cooperation with DEWA, has organized an event which

focuses on this particular topic. The energy strategy of Dubai, the energy management of different

buildings, and innovative solutions from Switzerland and from the UAE will be presented. We

embrace topics not only concerning people working in the field of environmental protection, but

topics that are interesting for everyone. The Environmental Group of SBC together with DEWA, Swiss

Business Hub Middle East, EPFL, Farnek, EMCC, and e-Smart.

CONFERENCE ON DUBAI WORLD'S FAIR 2020

New marketing Concepts for measuring your sales performance


Monday, 9 May 2016 – Sofitel Corniche, Abu Dhabi

Organized by the French Business Group together with the Canadian Business Council and the Swiss

Business Council Abu Dhabi, Dr. Marcel Saucet, lecturer at Harvard Business School presented this

exclusive conference. He showed that it was an opportunity to empower the talent in organizations

and leverage the latest concepts of marketing for Dubai 2020, discover vital KPI's to measure the

performance of companies, and to explore exclusive internationally accredited programs.

UEFA EURO 2016

SBC Cultural Series

June 2016 – Hemingway's Bar @ Hilton Corniche

The Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi invited members and guests to watch the UEFA Euro 2016

games and cheer for the Swiss National Team play against Albania, Romania, France and see them

enter the round of 16 against Poland! It were exciting matches enjoyed together and the dress

code, naturally was red&white to support our team.


JOINT RAMADAN IFTAR

SBC Cultural Series

Monday, 20 June 2016 – The Club, Abu Dhabi

For the celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan the SBC together with the Australian Business

Group Abu Dhabi, Austrian Business Council UAE, BeNeLux Business Council, Canadian Business

Council, French Business Group Abu Dhabi, German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce

(AHK) and the Philippine Business Council Abu Dhabi invited members and guests to embrace the

quintessence of the Holy Month – togetherness.

The evening commenced after the Athan, the call to prayer at sunset and fast was broken with

Arabic coffee and dates, before Iftar was served; a sprawling buffet of traditional delights.

In addition all attendees were welcome to enjoy traditional Henna painting, as well as to listen to

traditional music.

The Abu Dhabi Business Groups supported a SOS Children’s Villages Initiative: This Ramadan, SOS

Children's Villages invites you to learn more about the lives of vulnerable children. The Holy month of

Ramadan is the time when we count our blessings and practice gratitude. But millions of children

around the world are deprived of the most fundamental right - a right to have a family. Let us join

hands and share stories to bring the attention to the lives of orphaned and abandoned children

and remind ourselves that having a family is the biggest blessing of all.


INTERCOUNCIL SPEED-NETWORKING


Wednesday, 24 August 2016 – Novotel Al Bustan, Abu Dhabi

The Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi, along with British Business Group Abu Dhabi, Benelux Business

Council, Kampong SG and the Philippine Business Council, invited members and guests to join the

second round of the biannual joint Speed-Networking evening to make new contacts across all

industry sectors. After the fast-paced speed networking part of the evening, there was time to

reconnect with those people who particularly grabbed the attention and get to know them and

their business in more detail in a traditional, relaxed networking environment.

ABU DHABI GLOBAL MARKETS UPDATE


Tuesday, 11 October 2016 – ADGM Auditorium, Al Maryah Island

SBC members and guests were invited to a joint Business Groups event to hear the latest from the

Abu Dhabi Global Markets.

The presentation covered the ADGM's establishment by the leadership, the ambition, key

differentiators (regulatory, business, ease of setting up etc.), that are relevant to most businesses and

advisers to businesses and then the key milestones and looking ahead.

The presentation was followed by a Q&A session and networking on the stock trading floor.

About the speakers:

Mr. Steve Barnett leads the financial centre development of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).


Mr. Martin Tiderstroem joined ADGM in July 2015 and leads the Business Development department

of the Registration Authority. He oversees the development of ADGM’s solutions and services for

non-financial entities, building up new business, providing support to market entrants and facilitating

growth for ADGM’s business community. Mr Tiderstroem holds an MBA from IMD, Switzerland.

SWISS BUSINESS COUNCIL AWARD AND GALA DINNER

SBC Signature Event

Monday, 17 October 2016 – Rosewood Hotel, Al Maryah Island

The Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi is pleased to announce the launching of an exclusive

SBC Award Ceremony under the patronage of the Embassy of Switzerland in the United Arab

Emirates, presented by IWC Schaffhausen, the Swiss watch manufacturer, to give recognition

to one Swiss and one UAE personality of the year. As Switzerland does not offer honorary

medals or official recognition to deserving entities, the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi’s

Executive Committee decided to celebrate the Swiss UAE friendship and global relations by

awarding two outstanding personalities: one Emirati and one Swiss, who have contributed to

upholding and the further development of these strong ties, whether on a business, social,

commercial, educational or cultural level.

To that effect a nomination committee was formed to choose this year’s awardees. Part of the

committee was H.E., the Swiss Ambassador to the UAE Mrs. Maya Tissafi, H.E. the Consul General and

Director of the Swiss Business Hub Mr. Chris Watts, the President of the Swiss Business Council Dubai

and Northern Emirates Mr. Peter Harradine, IWC Schaffhausen Reginal Brand Director Mr. Luc

Rocherau and the President of the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi Mr. Jean-Marc Suter.

As Minister of State for International Cooperation and Development, as head of the UAE Expo 2020

committee and as Chair of the philanthropic organization Dubai Cares, Her Excellency Reem bint

Ibrahim Al Hashemi has shown an inspiring commitment and an influential vision. As CCO and –


since May 2016 – CEO of Etihad Airways, Mr. Peter Baumgartner has contributed to making it one of

the most successful airlines in the world, showing Swiss inventiveness and leadership at its best.

The ties binding Switzerland and the UAE are strong and 2016 was rich in testimonies thereof: In April,

Switzerland was the first country to announce its participation in the Expo 2020 in Dubai and our two

countries joined forces to make the adventure of Solar Impulse and its final landing in Abu Dhabi

possible. The dynamism of Swiss-UAE relations are the result of the tireless work of visionary individuals,

like Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi and Director General Peter Baumgartner who are

being honored with the first SBC personality award.

Who else other than the watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen would present the award under the

Patronage of the Swiss Embassy? Since 1868 IWC Schaffhausen has been creating masterpieces of

haute horlogerie that combine precision and engineering with exclusive design.

Both awardees received one of their masterpieces as token of recognition.

We would like to thank this year’s sponsors who made it possible to create this event:

Presenting Partner: IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

Patronage: Embassy of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates

Ruby Sponsor: Julius Baer

Supporter: GPR Advertising

Partner: Rosewood Hotel Al Maryah Island, Laederach


TECHNOLOGY TRENDS WORKSHOP WITH MICROSOFT


Monday, 14 November 2016 – GlassQube Coworking Center, Reem Island

The Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi in association with Microsoft and ClassQube has the pleasure

to invite you to our workshop where Microsoft will be discussing technology trends in the market,

particularly Big Data, and how businesses and entrepreneurs should be thinking about these trends.

Kevin Ashby, Application Platform Product Manager at Microsoft will discuss with the audience Big

Data, Cloud Computing and Internet of Things (IoT), and the BizSpark global entrepreneurship

program. He will also share insights on the latest trends for startups, from cloud solutions to Big Data

and up to machine learning.

About the speaker:

Kevin has been involved with Application platforms, specializing in Database technologies, Power BI,

Big Data and Cloud, for more than 25 years. He is and has been a strong supporter of professional

communities, being a long-standing contributor to the UK Oracle Users group, Chairing and Co-

Chairing special interest groups and supporting the SQL Server User community in the UAE. Kevin has

been with Microsoft in the UAE since 2012 as the Application Platform Product Manager with a focus

on Big Data and Microsoft’s Cloud – Microsoft Azure.

F1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX RECEPTION

SBC Members Only Event

Wednesday, 23 November 2016 – Swiss Residence

Two days before the 2016 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, the Defense Attaché of

Switzerland to the UAE, Colonel Girolamo Matteazzi and the Ambassador of Switzerland to the UAE,


HE Maya Tissafi together with the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi and around 100 guests, enjoyed

a very special evening together with the Swiss Sauber Formula 1.

Mr. Didier Brun interviewed Sauber-F1 driver Mr. Marcus Ericsson as well as Team principal Mrs.

Monisha Kaltenborn, giving guests interesting impressions of the exciting motorsport at the beautiful

Swiss Residence.


SWISS CHRISTMAS MARKET

SBC Signature Event

7 to 10 December 2016 – Beach Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi

The Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of the Embassy of Switzerland in the

United Arab Emirates, celebrated its popular annual Swiss Christmas Market at the courtyard and

the beach lawn of the Beach Rotana hotel Abu Dhabi for the 12th time.

The Swiss Christmas Market is one of the most popular events in the Emirates during the Yuletide

season and is certainly one of the highlights in the Events Calendar of the Swiss Business Council Abu

Dhabi. The four-day-long affair ushers in the holiday spirit and offers enjoyment and entertainment

for everyone.

It brings together the local and expatriate communities in Abu Dhabi highlighting Swiss customs and

traditions and serves as a meeting point for friends and families in a jolly atmosphere. A small Swiss

Village with forty nicely adorned wooden chalets show guests a potpourri of articles, ornaments,

decorative gifts and handicraft items typical of the season, and present a selection of Swiss culinary

delicacies, collectively providing a unique Christmas shopping experience.

Visitors are welcome to savor Swiss food specialties like “Raclette”, a Swiss potato and cheese dish

and of course the traditional Swiss Fondue, a “fun-to-do” dish best enjoyed with friends.

The merry market atmosphere is enhanced by the wonderful aroma of freshly baked cookies and

other seasonal delicacies and is bound to put you in a cheerful mood, making you forget that you

are far away from your homeland at this very special time of the year.

A constant favorite among regular patrons are the Swiss chocolate treats from Lindt and its

Chocolate Kitchen. All proceeds from this Swiss Christmas Market stand were doubled by the Swiss

Business Council and donated to the Special Care Centre Abu Dhabi (SCC), a leading charity

organization.

True to good Swiss tradition, a musical note was added with the presence of the “Original

Appenzeller Streichmusik Alder”, one of the most famous Swiss folklore bands promoting Swiss

tradition all over the world, and local school choirs complemented this extraordinary and joyful

holiday treat with their rendition of popular and most-loved Christmas carols. Guests were most

welcome to sing along!

After last years success, both Dots&Links Skills Development Center and Kipina, were again in

charge of the much-loved Kids activities, as always all free of charge, offering story-telling, face

painting, Christmas-themed arts & crafts, “Train the brain” activities, “decorate your own

gingerbread” and an Open Air Cinema and enjoyed by numerous children of all ages.

A novelty at this year’s Swiss Christmas Market was the Christmas Village set-up at the beach

lawn, were visitors were invited to linger and relax, to enjoy the festive atmosphere and

delights from the Christmas kitchens.

The 12th Swiss Christmas Market was a huge success and we want to thank everyone

involved – sponsors, helpers, visitors, the wonderful vendors, the children and the choirs! We

greatly appreciate everybody’s support and believe in the importance of recurring events

like the Swiss Christmas Market. It goes without saying that we were only able to celebrate

such a memorable event due to your generous support and contribution.

This year’s sponsors who made this event possible and with their partnership assure the

continuation of the Swiss Christmas Market’s successful story are:

Official Airline Partner: Etihad Airways

Gold Sponsors: Orient Irrigation Service and Kitkat

Bronze Sponsor: Al Masaood Automobiles, City Pharmacy, nmc Healthcare


Event Partner: Beach Rotana and Lindt

Radio Partner: Radio2

Kids Activity Partner: Dots&Links Skills Development Center and Kipina


SWISS CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

SBC Cultural Series

Saturday, 10 December 2016 – Beach Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi

As in previous years, the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi, together with the German Emirati Joint

Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK) and Samichlaus (Santa Claus) organized a special Swiss

Christmas Brunch to celebrate the festive season together!

Around 100 guests enjoyed a sumptuous Swiss specialties buffet while being entertained by the

“Original Appenzeller Streichmusik Alder”, who were especially flown in from Switzerland on the

occasion of the Swiss Christmas Market, and the Beach Rotana choir singing popular Christmas

carols to sing along.

The youngest guests waited for a very special visit and met with Samichlaus / Santa Claus from

whom they were given a gift-bag filled with Christmas goodies to enjoy.All the adult guests had the

opportunity to enter a raffle draw and win one Etihad Airways Business Class flight ticket to

Switzerland or Germany and other fabulous prices. The prices were kindly sponsored by Etihad

Airways, Beach Rotana, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Le Royal Meridien, The Entertainer and Lindt.

Kids activities were free of charge and the guests were invited to visit the Swiss Christmas Market

after the Brunch.

http://www.swissbcuae.com/events/swiss-christmas-market-4/


UAE IMMIGRATION OVERVIEW


Wednesday, 14 December 2016 – Millennium Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi

The Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi, together with Australian Business Group Abu Dhabi, the

Benelux Business Council Abu Dhabi, French Business Group Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Business

Council Abu Dhabi had the pleasure to invite members and guests to this joint Thought Leadership

event.

Karin Luzolo and Shayan Sultan of Fragomen Worldwide offered an outlook on UAE immigration

(red flags and key factors), discussed recent changes and future trends. Following the presentation

there was time provided for Q&A and networking.

Outlook 2017

Please find below a provisional and non-exhaustive list of future events. The list will be

updated frequently and you will be informed of all the events well before they actually take

place by e-mail, on our website www.swissbcuae.com/events and Facebook page

www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiSBC.

Event Date Venue

SBC Signature Events:

Swiss Spring Festival 28 April 2017 Lake Garden, Hilton Hotel

SBC Award & Gala Dinner 12 October 2017 Rosewood Hotel Al Maryah Island

Swiss Christmas Market 6 – 9 December 2017 Beach Rotana Courtyard and Beach

Lawn


- Business After Hours

- Intercouncil Speed-Networking

SBC Cultural Series

- Sharjah Art Tour

- Joint Ramadan Iftar

- Swiss Christmas Brunch


- Luncheons, panel discussions, talks of divers topics

SBC “Behind the scenes” Series

- Visit of Abu Dhabi landmarks

- Chocolate Tasting

“Welcome-Back” Cocktail Reception after the summer break

Formula 1 Cocktail Reception

General close cooperation with the Swiss Embassy to organize joint events

http://www.swissbcuae.com/events

http://www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiSBC


MARKETING

SBC WEBSITE

Please visit the joint website of the SBC Abu Dhabi and SBC Dubai. It has a space provided

where members can publish information such as Press Releases and other announcements

and it also serves as a comprehensive directory of our members.

Each member is listed with a picture, its company logo and company profile. Check it out

regularly for news and events updates: www.swissbcuae.com.

SBC Website Advertisement space

Are you looking for online advertising space? We have a space on our joint website for

advertisements to promote your company. A space for multiple advertisements to run at the

same time that changes every few seconds is available.

3 months will cost: AED 3’000.00

6 months will cost: AED 5’000.00

Interested parties can contact the SBC Abu Dhabi office at [email protected]

Please visit our website www.swissbcuae.com

Please also visit our Facebook-page www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiSBC

SOCIAL MEDIA

Using social media allows us to connect and interact with our members on a more personal

level. Social networking services are helpful and convenient for organizing events and make

a wider audience aware of them.

Managing an online presence and being able to interact effectively online is becoming an

increasingly important issue and we are doing our very best to keep up with the pace.

Please visit our Facebook page for all the latest news, event invitations, impressions of past

events and everything that is going on at the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi.

www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiSBC

http://www.swissbcuae.com/


http://www.swissbcuae.com/




COOPERATION WITH THE SWISS EMBASSY, SWISS BUSINESS HUB AND

THE SWISS BUSINESS COUNCIL DUBAI & NORTHERN EMIRATES

The Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi appreciates the outstanding cooperation and support

we enjoy from our Ambassador, H.E. Maya Tissafi, and from the Swiss Business Hub Director

GCC and General Consul of Switzerland in Dubai, H.E. Chris Watts. The SBC Abu Dhabi

entertains close contact with the Swiss Embassy and Consulate General of Switzerland and

other Government offices, as well as European organizations in Abu Dhabi. Our goal is to

strengthen business and trade relationships between the two countries and to enhance the

opportunity to establish new business and personal contacts for our members.

The Abu Dhabi and Dubai Business Councils hold joint Executive Committee meetings as well

as networking events twice a year in order to discuss possible common policies and event

coordination. I would like to thank Mr. Peter Harradine, President, Ms. Michelle Gebert,

Executive Director and the entire team for the continuous contact and good collaboration

between the SBC Abu Dhabi and the SBC Dubai & Northern Emirates.

ADVISORY BOARD MESSAGE

By Alexander Matthey

The Advisory Board is pleased to report that the year 2016 of the Swiss Business Council was

overall smooth and successful.

The success of the major events, the Spring Festival and the Christmas Market, as well the

inauguration of the SBC Award and the monthly gatherings are witness of the maturity of the

fine directorship of Ms. Charoline Engel. Moreover, under her Executive Leadership the SBC

consolidated its comfortable financial situation 2nd year in a row.

The Executive Committee performed its regular duties equally well, notwithstanding the

challenging economical times and the changes within the Board members.

We thank all SBC officers and the president, Mr. Jean-Marc Suter for their dedicated work

and steering the SBC in accomplishment of its mission.


Maissa Fattal, Advisory Board member

Facts & Figures of the Swiss / UAE / GCC trade

Trade figures with the UAE (in Million CHF)

Source: SECO – State Secretariat of Economic Affairs, Berne, Switzerland

Swiss imports (from UAE) %change(+/-) Swiss Exports (into UAE) %change(+/-)

Year CHF AED CHF AED

2014 3’036.51 12’198.27 5’903.14 23’704.65

2015 3’698.86 14’134.82 +21.8 5’092.78 19’461.55 -13.7

2016 16’214.55 60’532.3 +338.1 4’291.85 16’022.4 -15.7

*Exchange rate based on 2016 average rate of 3.73321 (Oanda).


Additional info on Swiss exports to other GCC countries (mill. CHF)

Country Saudi Arabia UAE Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar

Popl. in mill 32 9.4 1.4 4.4 4.7 2.3

2014 4’586.52 5’903.14 274.29 401.57 201.23 721.18

2015 4’762.21 5’092.78 244.53 448.48 208.43 945.09

2016 2’765.89 4’291.85 287.27 454.23 277.18 823.95

Swiss Exports to the UAE in mill. CHF – best 10 sectors

Item 2015 Rank

Item 2016 Rank

Jewellery (prec. Stones) 2’992.98 1 Jewellery (prec. Stones) 2’230.57 1

Watches 950.88 2 Watches 923.92 2

Pharma 226.96 3 Pharma 234.50 3

Car, plane, etc. 167.20 4 Machinery non-elect. 176.38 4

Machinery elect. 135.86 5 Car, plane, etc. 134.94 5

Machinery non-elect. 132.97 6 Machinery elect. 121.76 6

Agricultural products 84.82 7 Opt/Med Instruments 88.44 7

Opt/Med Instruments 79.18 8 Agricultural products 87.48 8

Cosmetics/Beauty 64.26 9 Cosmetics/Beauty 72.91 9

Energy source/products 56.51 10 Energy source/products 49.55 10


2,230.57923.92

234.5

176.38

134.94

121.76

88.44

87.48

72.91 49.55

2016 Swiss Exports (CHF)

Jewellery (prec.Stones)

Watches

Pharma

Machinery non-elect.

Updated on 02.03.2017

Swiss Business Hub Middle East Switzerland Global Enterprise c/o Consulate General of Switzerland in Dubai

P.O. Box 9300 Dubai, United Arab Emirates [email protected] www.s-ge.com

www.expertdirectory.ch

(All given figures & products – excluding GCC population - are taken from SECO –

Aussenhandelsstatistiken, Mittlerer Osten)


http://www.s-ge.com/

http://www.poolofexperts.ch/


ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT AND ADVISORY BOARD

During the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM), taking place on 28 March 2017, Support,

Corporate and Professional Members will (re)-elect the Vice President in the Executive

Committee as well as the Advisory Board of the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi.

There is one (1) vacancy as Vice President in the Executive Committee of the Swiss Business

Council Abu Dhabi.

For the position of Vice President, we have received one nomination for re-election:

- Dr. B.R. Shetty, Managing Director and CEO, NMC Health

There are six (6) vacancies in the Advisory Board of the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi.

For the positions in the Advisory Board, we have received four (4) nominations for re-election:

- Mrs. Jacqueline Duvoisin, Region Director MEA, Turkey, Iran & Central Asia, ELSEVIER

- Mr. Alexander Matthey, Senior Project Manager, Etimad Strategic Security Solutions

- Mr. Jean-Claude Salamin, Hospital Consultant

- Mrs. Maissa Fattal, Founder, Ibtisama

The quorum for the AGM shall be 20% of the General Membership of the Council present in

person or by proxy. Voting shall be by simple majority of all votes cast and proxy votes will be

permitted.

We currently count 58 members with voting rights; (social and non-resident members as well

as special offers for free membership and Honorary members do not have voting rights). This

means 11.6 votes are required for the quorum and 12 votes are needed for the Vice

President and each Advisory Board member to be re-elected.


CONTACT US

Mrs. Charoline Engel

Executive Director

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: +971 (0)50 824 2931

Office Location

Corniche Road

Baynounah Tower 2

3rd Floor, Office No 10

Abu Dhabi, United Arab

Emirates

Office Hours

Sunday – Thursday

9.00am to 5.00pm

Mailing Address

Swiss Business Council Abu

Dhabi

PO Box 6390

Abu Dhabi, United Arab

Emirate

HERE TO SUPPORT YOU


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