irish arab journal issue 2

Issue 2 2012 ISSN 2009-499X

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The offIcIal publIcaTIoN of JaIcc

THE ARAB IRISH JOURNALThe Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce

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FEATURES INCLUDE: INTERVIEWS WITH MINISTER FOR THE ECONOMY UAE \\ A CONTRIBUTION BY EGYPT’S AMBASSADOR TO IRELAND \\ TOM BARRY \\

JIM MONGEY\\ PAUL KENNY \\ BORD BIA ON GULFOOD AND MORE \\ NEWS \\ BOOK REVIEW \\ RICHARD HEARNS ARTIST

The Gathering Ireland 2013 is a spectacular, year-long celebration of Ireland and all things Irish… And everyone's invited. Join the celebration as we invite the world to visit and enjoy our unique culture, stunning scenery, heart-lifting music, world renowned heritage sites, alongside hundreds of unique gathering events... be part of it.

In This Issue

The Arab Irish Journal | 1

WELCOME.

Thank you most sincerely to all contributors to this issue. Special thanks to His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, U.A.E; Also to His

Excellency Ambassador Mr Sherif Elkholi, Egypt’s Ambassador to Ireland; Growth continues to surge ahead between Ireland and the Arab nations which is such a significant issue in these tough economic times, and there is plenty of scope for more. Many of our other contributors are helping this growth with their vast experience of these markets and the continued innovation in product and food development to satisfy the demands of the market place.

The JAICC has celebrated its first 25 years, and has been actively planning ahead for the next 25 years. This forward looking approach will, we hope be revealed in the coming months and year, and no doubt shall be another source of opportunity for Irish Businesses to expand their market base in the Middle East/ North Africa(MENA). The gratitude owed to the founding members of the JAICC for what they have achieved can never be overstated, as the trade figures continue to grow and grow and grow.

As we continue our research into past relations between this small Island and the MENA region it has become clear to us that there has been, economic and cultural ties going back over the centuries. We will look into these in some detail in forthcoming issues.

We wish to thank all of you for your constructive criticism pertaining to our first issue, and for pointing out the errors made. We have corrected these in our digital version which will be available on our website early in the new- year; www.arabirishjournal.com.

Finally, we wish to thank our advertisers for their continued support, and are here as a conduit for any of your businesses to use for company announcements, press releases, products launches, anything of relevance to the countries that the JAICC represent.

Keep your comments and suggestions flowing and enjoy the contents. See you in the Spring with our next issue.

[email protected]

PS: Be sure and support the Irish Exhibitors at the forthcoming GULFOOD EXPO Feb25-Feb28, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE.

Publisher Abbeyville Communications and Media Limited

The Arab-Irish JournalSuite 127 Grange Hill, Baldoyle Ind Park,

Baldoyle, Dublin 13, IrelandTel: +353 (0) 1 806 3000Fax: +353 (0) 1 806 3001

Int: +353 1 8063000Email: [email protected]: www.arabirishjournal.com

ie.linkedin.com/pub/arab-irish-journal

Managing DirectorMichael O’Driscoll

[email protected]

Sales & Marketing DirectorDermot Hogan

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JournalistLynne Nolan

Photographer/Journalist (Intern)Tony Kidd

[email protected]

Member Firm

Legal AdvisorPeppe Santoro

www.venturelaw.ie

Graphic Designwww.minx.ie

Web DesignEric Hewsonwww.his.ie

Printingwww.castleprint.ie

Distributionwww.lettershop.ie

The Joint Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce

JAICC60 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Tel: + 353 (0)1 662 4451Fax:+ 353 (0)1 662 4729

Email: [email protected]: www.jaicc.ie

Ahmad Younis Secretary-General Chief Executive OfficerLouis Maguire Chairman

Joe Geoghegan Director And TreasurerEvelyn Harrington DirectorCarol Joyce Office Assistant

Rafal Sabir Head Of TranslationsMargaret Dorgan Communications Consultant

CONNECTING THE CONNECTED IN IRELAND AND THE ARAB STATES

THE ARAB IRISH JOURNAL

Disclaimer: All rights reserved. The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not neccessarily those of Abbeyville Communications And Media Limited, The Arab Irish Journal or the Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce. Readers are requested to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate For the readers particular circumstances. While every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of the information contained in this Publication the Publisher Abbeyville Communications And Media Limited or the joint Arab Irish Chamber of commerce are not liable for any errors and/or omissions contained in this publication.

THE OFFICIAL PuBLICATION OF THE JAICC

ISSN 2009-499x

In This Issue

2 | The Arab Irish Journal

www.arabirishjournal.com

Contents

4 JAICCAddress from Mr. Ahmad R. Younis Secretary General of the JAICC.

6 JAICCEvelyn Harrington Chamber Changes: Director of JAICC

8 JAICCJim Mongey Flying the Flag recently appointed to the Board of the JAICC.

12 Egypt open for Business by H.E. Mr Sherif Elkholi Ambassador of

The Arab Republic of Egypt.

14 News

16 Experts in Exporting An Interview with Hugh Kelly CEO

Associated Marketing and V.P Irish Exporters Association.

18 UAE and Irish Business Delegation meet in the Conrad Hotel in Dublin.

20 Interview with Economy Minister of The UAE H.E Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri.

22 Emirates Airlines Emirates Airlines open new Dublin office.

24 JAICC 25th Gala Ball JAICC Celebrating 25 Years

26 Gulfood Expo Gulfood Expo The Best of Irish Food and

Drink in the Middle East with Board Bia’s Breiffini Kennedy

34 Food Traceability Food Traceability in Ireland and Saudi

Arabia with Dr Grainne Redmond of UCD

36 Trade and Commerce Trade and Commerce between Ireland and

Arab States

50 C and S Shutters look to enter Middle East Market

52 Trade and Commerce Cont

In This Issue


www.arabirishjournal.com

56 More from JAICC Celebrating 25 Years

58 Kent Stainless Win prestigious Irish Exporters Award.

60 Turkish Airlines Globally Yours

62 President with Guests President Michael D Higgins visits Islamic

Cultural Centre and also receives Arab Ambassadors Group in Aras an Uachtarain

64 Bimeda Bimeda receives Award recognition from

JAICC with strong growth in the MENA Region.

68 Greenpark Engineering Standing the Test of Time.

71 COP 18 Conference Minister Phil Hogan T.D Address COP18

Conference in Doha with former President Mary Robinson in attendance.

72 Tom Barry Tom Barry former CEO of Arabtec and a

name associated with some of the World’s most amazing Construction Projects.

78 Paul Kenny The Dot.Com man of the moment and

Gulf Business Entrepreneur of the year in Middle East and Ernst and Young Emerging Entrepreneur in Ireland.

82 Arabs in Ireland Arab Diaspora in Ireland

84 Richard Hearns Beirut to Ballyvaughan Richard Hearns

86 Book Review

90 UAE National Day Dublin

94 Spinning the Discs an Interview with Declan Pierce

96 Dates For Your Diary

JAICC


We have been delighted by the reception to the inaugural issue, which has generated overwhelmingly positive feedback and has proved to be both an excellent resource and an important means of communication. Looking ahead, our intention is to publish the Journal quarterly, in order to keep you informed and up-to-date on all relevant news, events and developments.

May I take this opportunity to express my – and the Chamber’s - sincere thanks and gratitude to all those behind the launch and growth of the Journal, and, indeed, to our readers for their very useful feedback. We are always delighted to hear your views and opinions on how we can continue to produce a quality publication that is both interesting and informative.

With 2012 drawing to a close and a new year just beginning, we at the Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (JAICC) can look back on an exciting few months. One of the highlights in the third quarter to 2012 was undoubtedly our 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, which proved to be a wonderful social occasion. In addition to a host of CEOs and representatives of assorted companies trading in the Arab countries, the Dinner – which featured Robert Fisk as the keynote speaker and included the presentation of business awards to 25 companies who have been using the Chamber’s services for past quarter-century – was attended by key Arab Ambassadors and Minister for enterprise and trade and innovation Richard Bruton.

The Chamber was delighted to recently receive visiting delegations from the UAE Ministry of Interior, as well as from His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, the UAE Minister of Economy. For additional details on this visit, please see our feature on page 18.

Another significant event in the last quarter was a productive series of meetings in Dublin between a group of twelve Arab ambassadors accredited to Ireland and the Irish government. Their programme included meetings with the President Michael D. Higgins, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, the Ceann Comhairle and the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Oireachtas. This visit highlighted and underpinned the growing relationship between Ireland and the Arab world.

The third quarter of 2012 has also seen our exporting members and clients continue to register continued success in the Arab region, which is reflected in the 19% growth in merchandise export in the 12 months to September 2012. This is a figure that we can all be very proud of, and one that we hope to build on over the course of 2013. We certainly have high hopes that this buoyant level of activity will continue.

We at the JAICC look forward to continuing to provide our services in the year ahead to support the great efforts of our clients and members.

In the meantime, our best wishes for a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome all our readers to the second edition of the Arab Irish Journal.

The Joint Arab Irish Chamber Of Commerce Mr. Ahmad R. Younis, Secretary-General

JAICCJAICC


Ahmad Younis

JAICC


Evelyn Harrington joined the Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (JAICC) in Dublin in April 1988, drawn to the varied nature of the role at the newly established chamber.

By 1998, Evelyn had been appointed as the Assistant to the Secretary-General, and in 2004 she was appointed Company Secretary. In September this year, Evelyn was made a director and “I am very honoured to say that I am the first woman to serve as a director.”

The Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce’s clients include all of the major companies shipping goods from Ireland to 19 of the Arab markets, as well as medium and small exporters, Evelyn explains.

Evelyn’s work at the Chamber involves ensuring that all documents that are sent for processing meet the rules and regulations of each Arab country and that the correct fees and paper work are sent to the relevant Arab Embassy for legalisation.

Her other tasks include giving advice to clients regarding documentation and import regulations; liaising with Chambers Ireland and the Chambers in their network; working with the Chamber’s accountant to ensure that all accounts and financial issues are kept up-to-date; and the certification of documentation for commercial and personal documentation.

Evelyn has shaped and developed the chamber’s range of services down through the years, most recently introducing a pilot scheme for online certification, which will be rolled out to members in due course. As part of her role, Evelyn attends directors’ board meetings and various sub-committees’ meetings, represents the JAICC at various functions, events and conferences, visits clients and Chambers of Commerce, oversees the translation of documentations, and assists with visas when necessary.

Away from her tireless dedication to the job, Evelyn likes to unwind with her main interests: reading, cooking, walking and sport.

Asked about her opinion on the Gulf States’ main draws as a place to live and work points to them being “very family-orientated” and the fact there are “no personal taxes levied against salaries in some countries.”

“Many industries in the Middle East, and specifically in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offer a good chance of gaining employment because of rapidly growing business e.g. education, construction, telecommunications and oil and gas,” she says.

Good working environments and great public transportation systems, which assist easy movement within cities, are further pull factors, in

Chamber changesDirector Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce

The first woman to serve as a Director at The Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce, Evelyn Harrington discusses how the Chamber encourages Arab-Irish trade and economic cooperation.

JAICC


addition to great healthcare and education facilities, and “easy access to the Middle East, as there are 17 flights weekly to and from the UAE alone.”

Evelyn has yet to visit the Middle East and hopes this will change now that she is a director.

“Firstly, I would like to visit Beirut as it is the headquarters of the General Union, and I hear that Lebanon is trying to develop skiing in the winter. I am not a skier, but I find this fascinating, as I would always associate sun and sand with the region and not snow! I would also love to go wine tasting in Lebanon,” she says. Also high on her wish list is “a visit to Petra in Jordan, as well as the Souks in Muscat, and of course a few nights in the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.”

Commenting on Ireland’s main draws for Arab businesses, Evelyn mentions “Ireland’s low corporation tax at 12.5%, its easy access to the Middle East with direct flights now by Emirates, Etihad and Turkish Airlines, Government assistance and its great workforce.”

To encourage Arab-Irish trade and economic cooperation, the JAICC liaises “very closely with all the Arab Embassies accredited to Ireland, especially the Embassies located in Dublin”, and hosts various events with the cooperation of these Embassies assisting Arab-Irish trade.

“We have always worked in close association with Enterprise Ireland, and they have always been represented on our board of directors,” she says.

The JAICC’s Arab directors represent Arab Chambers throughout the Middle East and over the years the Chamber has held “very successful trade missions from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, just to name a few” and “the Chamber has participated on many trade missions organised by Enterprise Ireland to the Middle East.”

Evelyn is as enthusiastic about the Chamber and her role today as she was 24 years ago. Even though the day-to-day running of the Chamber hasn’t changed much, no two days are the same, which Evelyn thrives on.

Evelyn Harrington, Director Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce

“We have just recently introduced online

certification as a pilot scheme to some

of our members and we are now rolling

out this service to all our members.”

Jim Mongey


“Life started for me in Mayo, a long time ago. A clue for those who share my family passion for GAA: when Mayo last won the Sam Maguire Cup, I was small enough to be sitting inside that iconic trophy,” Jim Mongey jokes.

Mayo has never won the Sam Maguire without a Mongey in the squad, he claims, and it was his uncle Eamonn who last carried the Cup into the family home in Castlebar in the 50s. Jim’s father Billy was part of the panel that was led by the great Henry Kenny, father of Ireland’s current Taoiseach Enda Kenny, to win the All-Ireland for Mayo in 1936.

“Enda and I played some local football together. By our fathers’ standards we were both so disgracefully woeful that we had to find different ways to make some impact on life. We both (again like our Dads) chose the Irish public sector – but with very different routes and trajectories!” he adds.

After studying at UCD, Jim followed the great Mayo tradition of emigration and “after six months at the HQ of the Irish Export Board (CTT) in Dublin, I was myself exported to faraway New York that summer.”

“Despite being single and reasonably well paid

in one of the most exciting cities in the world, I was desperately lonely. An emotion I think many of us have shared,” he says, recalling one of his most vibrant memories of a Sunday morning alone in his bedsit in Queens, listening to Micheal O’Hehir commentating on the All-Ireland from Croke Park “until my radio battery ran out. A long way from home and iPhones!”

Jim made friends quickly and learned a great deal from the brave Irish exporters he worked with, helping them to grow exports and jobs, and he “learned to love New York; my wife Catriona and I try to get back there once a year, preferably at Jumeirah Essex House Hotel.”

After three years in New York, and a brief time back in Dublin, Jim was back in North America, this time “managing our Canadian operations from Toronto. Highlights were the Montreal Olympics and extensive travel across that beautiful and immense country – from Newfoundland where the accent is perfect Waaaterford (heritage of the cod fishing fleets visiting from South-eastern Ireland) to Vancouver (afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel looking out at the red double-deckers at the harbour). And everywhere there were intrepid Irish

Flying the flagHaving recently retired as Enterprise Ireland’s Dubai-based Regional Manager for the Middle East and North Africa, Mayo man Jim Mongey shares some extraordinary memories from his career to date.

L to R Hugh Kelly CEO Asoociated Marketing, Minister of Economy UAE H.E. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri and Jim Mongey Director JAICC/Associated Marketing.

Jim Mongey


exporters scouting for business, with a local Irish community helping us all.”

Jim returned to Dublin for five years in the early 80’s, “to a role that shaped my deep respect and affection for the Arab world.”

“I spent more time on aircraft than ever before, in an expanding role aimed at identifying potential new markets for Ireland and leading a team to support Irish exports in winning business there. Most of the places I spent time were faraway places with – at that time anyway – strange-sounding names: Libya, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei, to mention a dozen or so. And it brought me to the Gulf for the first time – UAE, Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain and Yemen.”

Describing the work as “extraordinarily challenging, hard, sometimes a bit hazardous and always fulfilling to see our exporters breaking successfully into new markets,” Jim’s memories include travelling in a crowded Yemeni public taxi, from Hodeidah (on the Red Sea coast near the Horn of Africa) up to mountainous Sana’a, with a driver chewing ghat, and no possibility of a safe exit.

He also recalls driving in a convoy taking 10 exporters overland from Amman to Baghdad. “Baghdad Airport was closed because of the Iran-Iraq war, and we arrived at 5am during curfew – scary and not too smart, in retrospect.”

Other memories include a contract that brought a huge Irish medical and nursing team to run a top class hospital, the Ibn Al Bitar, in Baghdad for several years, as well as the famed meeting between C. J. Haughey and Muammar Ghadaffi in Libya.

He remembers bringing Irish newspapers, music and Guinness on St Patrick’s Day to Irish nuns in a convent outside Douala, the capital of Cameroon. “The stout was fresh, from a huge local Guinness brewery,” he recalls.

Thinking ‘it’s a long way from Mayo’ happened at many places, such as while sitting on a rock on the ruins of ancient Babylon outside the town of Hilla, as well as in Leptis Magna in Libya.

While having dinner one night in Bahrain Jim received a call inviting him to move back to New York to run the North American region for the Irish Export Board/CTT.

During the mid-1980’s, Jim met a huge numbers of new Irish immigrants arriving jobless in New York during bad times, yet he has a lot of happier memories too, from being backstage at the QVC home shopping network live TV studio chalking up the numbers as Irish gift and fashion products were flowing out of the warehouse in Westchester Pennsylvania to meeting the heroic peace advocate and missionary Andrew

Young, then Mayor of Atlanta, with a business delegation from Limerick.

St Patrick’s Day at the Irish Embassy in Washington with Ronald Reagan, Garret Fitzgerald, C.J. Haughey and a cast of hundreds is another fond memory.

Ultimately, Jim is thankful for the “stunning welcome, graciousness and help in our work from the Irish in America, and not just the Irish.”

Over a period of 10 years, Jim “managed a bunch of different business units – Corporate Marketing; Ireland Market; North-South, Information Services etc. One aspect that I recall as a particular privilege was being asked play a role in building links with Northern Ireland, on the premise that cross-border business contact was remarkably low and offered real opportunity for business in both parts of the island.”

Many Irish business people, himself included, knew Boston, Barcelona, Benghazi, Beirut and Baghdad better than they knew Belfast, he admits. “I think our team, working discreetly with our northern counterparts, developed some new measure of trust between businesses that may have helped in some small way with the broader political agenda of the time.”

“On the day (15 December 1993) that Taoiseach Reynolds and Prime Minister Major signed the landmark Downing Street Declaration, we were hosting a major conference at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, on the topic ‘Building Business Bridges on the Island of Ireland,’” he adds.

Wanderlust surfaced again, and Jim sought a return to the coalface: the overseas arena where market opportunity joins up with Ireland’s growingly-sophisticated supply capability. Himself and Catriona moved to Prague in July 2002, just as the formerly Communist States of Central Europe were queuing up to join the EU, bringing new opportunities – and threats – to Irish exports and jobs.

Again, the move brought a wealth of wonderful memories including a State banquet in Bratislava Castle, a fairy tale building high on a hill looking over a bend in the majestic River

L to R H.E. UAE Ambassador Lootah, H.E. Irish Ambassador to UAE Mr Madden and Jim.

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Jim Mongey


Danube. “President McAleese, as guest of the Slovak President, made one of the best speeches I have ever been privileged to witness,” he recalls.

Meeting Vaclav Havel, a poet and leader of the ‘Velvet Revolution’ that brought Czechoslovakia out of Communism, who recently died, was another high point. Havel subsequently became Czech President and a frequenter of Jim’s local Irish pub, the James Joyce, in Prague.

He reminisces, too, about “the freezing slush of Moscow in March, but lots of business opportunities and productive client action” and the majestic and beautiful cities of Vienna and Prague.

Almost five years later, “it was time to check out where the next big area of opportunity lay – the Gulf, of course! I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to return to the Arab world in the role of Regional Manager for Middle East/North Africa (MENA), a grouping of 20 markets stretching from Libya to Pakistan. But the focus was, and is, strongly on the Gulf, with Enterprise Ireland offices in Dubai and Riyadh.”

The team arrived in Dubai in December 2006 to work on the frenetic planning and execution of the now legendary January 2007 Trade Mission to the Gulf, led by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, assisted by Ministers Micheál Martin, Mary Coughlan and Mary Hanafin, with 114 exporting companies and comprising about 250 individuals.

Having His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, honour Ireland and Enterprise Ireland by his presence at our ‘Leadership for International Growth’ workshop in Dubai is a fond memory.

Others include arriving with an Irish Trade Mission in Karachi a week after Ireland knocked Pakistan out of the Cricket World Cup; “visiting the Amiri Diwan in Doha, one of the most

stunning interiors I have been privileged to see, plus Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art, to which Ireland’s Mercury Engineering made a huge professional contribution; seeing the Irish shamrock projected on the outside of Dubai’s most beautiful building, the Burj Al Arab; and being welcomed with an Irish construction delegation in the office of the Chairman of Bin Laden Construction in Jeddah.

The implementation of the Irish Government decision to open a second Irish Embassy in the region to serve the UAE and other countries; the resurgence of an extraordinarily effective Irish Business Network in Dubai, which will be a shining model for many others; and the huge growth in Irish exports to the MENA region, with the consequent impact on badly-needed employment in Ireland were other highlights.

Back in Dublin, Jim maintains his steadfast commitment to building Ireland’s business with the Arab world through his recent election to the Board of the Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (JAICC) and his work with Associated Marketing Ltd, a founding member of the JAICC.

Jim closes his reflections: “I have been very privileged. I have had magnificent support from my family through five overseas relocations and countless travel absences. I have worked with extraordinarily committed colleagues in public and private sectors, at home and overseas. The spectacular export growth achieved by Irish businesses has transformed Ireland, while bringing huge benefit to our overseas partners.”

“The continuation of this is critical to economic resurgence. Ireland’s exporters are the heroes who have continuously delivered for Ireland. I hope to continue to be a supporting witness to their deserved surging success”

L to R John Murray ERS Ltd, H.E Ambassador Madden, H.E UAE Economy Minister with Jim.

Egypt


Egypt is a country that used to both affect, and be affected by her region and by the whole World as well .This is and always shall be so. Throughout centuries and on all levels, Egypt has proved that she cannot isolate herself from the rest of the World.

There is no doubt that the 25th January 2011 Revolution was a significant landmark in the long History of Egypt who is described as the oldest state on Earth. When the Egyptian People decided to make that big shift in order to get a well deserved better life, they also mean to boost the economy of the homeland.

In parallel to the political and legislative reform and developments that are taking place in Egypt, the economic activities are moving faster and healthier than what many people think. The Economic potential that Egypt possesses, as well as all the qualitative and quantitative advantages that the country has, is all still vibrant. With the so called iron curtain of corruption dropped down and more investments moving to many parts of the country , it has become quite clear that the economic track is moving faster than expected.

With a population in excess of 83millions, Egypt not only has the biggest market in the region, but also the biggest and perhaps cheapest labor market in the Mediterranean and the whole Middle East. At about 35 million, Egypt’s labour pool is the largest in the region.

For decades, Egypt has had a reputation as a net regional exporter of educated, skilled labour to the MENA regions, and the rest of the World. Complementing world-class universities and technical schools, a new national industrial training program is training workers to fill some 500,000 new jobs in manufacturing

The Egyptian Market has plenty of export and import opportunities that many experts

consider not yet fully discovered and exploited. While Egypt still imports many goods to meet the growing domestic demand, it exports at very competitive prices and excellent quality, many raw, semi manufactured and fully manufactured products of great variety, from fruits to computer software products, and from fine rugs to chemicals and fertilizers to furniture.

The well recognized unique Geographical location of Egypt , which manifests and proves itself clearly in the Suez Canal as the most important maritime man- made passage in the World, gives Egypt an additional qualitative edge and advantage.

Both the Egyptian People and Government believe that the most essential means to make the 25th Revolution more successful and more sensible to the street man is to push and encourage the economic activities of all types to the maximum limits. No doubt that the economic performance of the country has been negatively affected in the first year after the Revolution. But with more security and a sense of safety returning back to the Egyptian streets, the economic performance had nothing to wait for in order to return even better and more thriving.

Egypt’s doors are wide open to all types of economic partnerships. We believe that Egypt is a highly qualified partner as she has always been, and now even better than ever, due to recent changes.

The Egyptian Embassy in Dublin is willing to help any Irish company or organization in finding its way to do successful business in Egypt. We think that only the direct contact between business organizations and leaders in both Ireland and Egypt is the best way to promote trade and investment.

Egypt Open For Businessby H.E Ambassador Mr. Sherif Elkohli

Egypt


H.E Ambassador Mr. Sherif Elkohli

The Arab Irish Journal News


UAE Delegation visitA delegation from the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates, led by Brigadier Ali Bin Darwish, spent a few days in Ireland in September as the guests of the National Standards Authority of Ireland. Their main area of iterest was to review how standards of performance excellence can be developed and successfully implemented and maintained in public service organisations, especially those dealing with matters of public safety and security.

In a busy programme arranged by the NSAI the delegation met senior personnel in the Irish Army, the Irish Naval Service and Dublin Fire Brigade and Emergency & Ambulance Services.

Of particular interest to the Delegation was the unique “Excellence Through People” programme of the NASI which has been in operation at the Irish services organisations for some time, with great success. The delegation concluded that that this programme can have considerable relevance to the UAE services also and follow-up discussions are underway.

The Chamber was very pleased to support the visit of this delegation and will assist both parties, where possible, to bring their initial conversations to a fruitful outcome.

Optimistic view of Arab MarketsThe JAICC and Enterprise Ireland have always worked closely together since the Chamber was established 25 years ago, and E.I. has been represented on the Chamber’s board since its foundation.

Both organisations share a common view about the importance of the Arab markets to Ireland, and also about the bright and sustainable opportunities they present for growth in trade in the medium and long term. These opportunities exist for both the indigenous and the FDI sectors, and are equally attractive for merchandise exporters and for suppliers of services.

At a recent review meeting held at the EI headquarters, representatives of both organisations reviewed recent developments and discussed future plans and priorities. These will be further examined when a macro economic review of the region, currently being finalised by the Chamber, is published in January 2013.

The two orgainsations reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate closely together in the coming years in order to maximise the opportunities for the continued development of bi-lateral trade between Ireland and the Arab markets, and to assist the private sector companies to realise this potential to the full.

News

Ahmad Younis CEO of JAICC, Jim Mongey (JAICC director), Frank Ryan (CEO of EI), Joe Geoghegan (JAICC director)

Petroceltic Petroceltic International plc (“Petroceltic” or “the Company”), the upstream oil and gas exploration and production company focused on North Africa, the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, is pleased to announce its participation in a joint venture which was the successful bidder on Block 12 ‘El Qa’a Plain’ in the 2011 Egypt General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) bid round which closed on March 29, 2012.

Partners in the application were Petroceltic (37.5% Working Interest), Dana Petroleum (37.5% Working Interest, as Operator), and Beach Petroleum (25% Working Interest). The block is composed of two largely unexplored areas covering 1824 square kilometres in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula, east of the prolific Gulf of Suez. The overall licence term for the Block is 6 years, with the work commitment in the first 4 year period comprising the acquisition of a minimum 450 square kilometres of new 3D seismic

data and the drilling of at least one exploration well.

It is expected that the new concession will be formally awarded in 2013 following the ratification process which culminates when each concession is passed into law by the People’s Assembly (Parliament).

Brian O’Cathain, Chief Executive of Petroceltic commented:

“We are delighted to have been awarded the El Qa’a Plain Block and believe the combination of Petroceltic, Dana and Beach will bring an outstanding combination of technical and operational skills to the exploration of this underexplored region. We have already identified a number of structures which we believe to be potentially prospective for oil and these will be the focus of our work in the first phase of the licence.”

The Arab Irish Journal News


Ireland chosen as European hub for global waste companyAward-winning waste collection operators, The City Bin Co., has announced the creation of 35 new jobs following major investment from averda the largest private environmental solutions provider in the Middle East, Gulf Cooperation Council and North Africa.

The €15 million partnership with The City Bin Co. is averda’s first entry into Europe and will result in the roll out of a major European expansion over the coming years with Ireland as the company’s European headquarters. The large-scale deal will see averda take a majority shareholding in The City Bin Co. as well as other operational investments.

Recruitment for the 35 new positions will commence immediately, with The City Bin Co.

seeking to fill a range of positions in Dublin and Galway over the coming months. These will include service delivery staff, specialist IT roles and customer service positions.

Gene Browne, CEO of The City Bin Co. said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with averda and the creation of 35 jobs – representing a 50% increase in our workforce. The City Bin Co. has ambitious growth plans for the future and prides itself on its customer centric business model. The averda deal is a welcome signal of international confidence in our model and an excellent opportunity to drive international best practice in the European waste sector. ”

Welcoming the announcement, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan said, “In launching

the Government’s new waste policy last July, I was ensuring that the industry could make investment decisions with policy certainty. Therefore, in that context, it is very encouraging to see a home grown company attracting international investment to Ireland. The City Bin Co. is fast becoming a market leader for customer service in its sector and the creation of 35 jobs is great news for Dublin and Galway.”

Malek Sukkar, CEO of averda added ‘averda are thrilled to welcome The City Bin Co. into the group. The City Bin Co. has an excellent reputation across the global industry and the team there has consistently demonstrated their abilities. We look forward to rolling their business model out in Ireland and elsewhere’.

ARABTEC-SIAC Joint VentureArabtec-SIAC JV a joint venture between Arabtec Egypt for Construction SAE (55%) and Industrial Construction and Engineering Company SIAC (45%), one of the leading private construction firms in Egypt has been awarded a contract to build the SECON Nile Towers project located at Maadi Nile Corniche in Cairo by the Saudi Egyptian Construction Company SECON, valued at AED 570 million.

The scope of work includes the construction of two towers, a luxury Residential Tower and a Hotel Tower, each comprising of 22 floors with 2 basements and 2 podium levels and will take 36 months to complete.

Commenting on the award the CEO of Arabtec Holding PJSC, Mr. Riad Kamal stated “Egypt is an important market for the Group and ranks highly in our expansion strategy; and although the country faced challenging times recently, the construction sector is healthy and active again. The Niles Towers project is our fifth secured project in Egypt since we started operating in Egypt in 2010 and presents another solid step in establishing the company as an important player in the Egyptian construction market and strengthens the group’s strategic plan for geographic expansion.”

€15 million investment leads to 35 new jobs for The City Bin Co.

Hugh Kelly

16 | The Arab Irish Journal The Arab Irish Journal | 17

Hugh Kelly, CEO of Associated Marketing Ltd., a company that has been active in the Gulf region since the early 1980s, was recently elected Vice President of the Irish Exporters Association. “I was delighted and honoured. The IEA is a fantastic organisation that does great work on behalf of Irish-based exporters and these are exciting times; Growing exports out of Ireland has never been a greater priority for our economy.”

Associated Marketing Ltd. has been a member of the Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce since its establishment in 1987. It was recognised by the Chamber during the Chamber’s 25th Anniversary celebrations in September for its sustained commitment to business in the Arab markets. More recently, it was awarded the Services Exporter of the Year 2012.

Hugh’s many experiences and memories of

Experts for Exporters

Growing exports out of Ireland has never been agreater priority for our economy.

Louis Maguire,Chair,JAICC, Hugh Kelly, Ahmad R. Younis, C.E.O, JAICC

Hugh Kelly


Associated Marketing Ltd. partners with Irish finished-product manufacturers in the life sciences, health and hygiene-driven sectors to grow their exports into the Gulf region. It has recently opened an office in Dubai. “The Gulf region relies on imports for 94.8% of the medical devices it uses. Saudi boasts some of the most advanced hospitals in the world and spends around US$19bn per annum on healthcare. Total health expenditure across the region amounts to over US$131bn and further development of the sector is being fast-tracked by most of the region’s rulers and governments.” Irish medical device and healthcare product manufacturers are well-placed to exploit this.

The Gulf region is one that Hugh encourages all Irish exporters to consider as part of their export growth strategy. Enterprise Ireland has offices across the region and experienced staff on the ground to assist new entrants. There is also a strong network of private companies such as Associated Marketing Ltd that partner with companies to help reduce and de-risk the costs of establishing and managing sales channels in the region. And the trade associations such as the Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce and the Irish Exporters Association offer practical and invaluable support and insights to help fast-track success. “I would encourage anyone interested in growing their sales in the Arab markets to get in touch; we are all here to help and, working together, we can get Ireland back on track.”

doing business in the Gulf are characterised by the warmth and hospitality he has always encountered there. “The culture is very different and certain traditions are alien to Westerners but”, he says, “contrary to some stereotyping, the Gulf Arabs with whom I have been privileged to work have always been most honourable and trustworthy. I have formed many long-standing friendships in Saudi and the Gulf over the years.” Cultural experiences have included camel racing and wadi-bashing but also experiencing, at first-hand, the impact of the 2nd Gulf War when he visited Kuwait shortly after the liberation of the city in 1991. The surprising but stunning, natural beauty of Muscat and its surrounding region in the Sultanate of Oman also over-turned many preconceptions and left an indelible and lasting impression.

Hugh has observed the massive structural and economic changes that have occurred across the region over the past 20 years, changes that continue apace. The working population of Saudi Arabia is forecast to grow by 73% by 2050. Meanwhile, Qatar now has the world’s highest per capita income.

Referring to figures collated by the Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce, Hugh points out that “Irish exports to the Arab markets in 2011 were up 26% on 2008 and the growth is sustained with exports in 2011 growing solidly again by 8% over 2010”. He sees huge opportunities for Irish businesses in the Gulf and the wider Arab markets in construction, in pharmaceuticals, life sciences and medical devices, in IT and in the food sector.

Hugh Kelly, Associated Marketing Ltd, C.E.O; His Excellency Sultan Bin Saaed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, U.A.E; Mr Jim Mongey, Director of Associated Marketing

UAE Delegation


Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri recently led a delegation of representatives of the public and private sectors to a series of meetings with Irish cabinet ministers, economic officials and business leaders on October 17-18 in The Conrad Hotel in Dublin to promote trade and economic relations between the two countries.

The Ireland official visit explored opportunities and cooperation in sectors prioritized by the UAE, such as innovation, scientific research, higher education, intellectual property and SMEs, the minister said ahead of the visit.

“The economy and the process of comprehensive sustainable development which remain robust provide big opportunities for domestic and foreign investors including Irish businesses.”

“The success of the UAE is not limited to

surviving the impact of the global financial crisis with the least losses and preserving its robust and solid economy with reasonable growth rates and the ongoing implementation vital projects. This enhanced the position of the UAE as a safe haven for investments both regionally and globally,” the minister added.

Trade between the UAE and Ireland is still below the target aspired for and does not reflect the available opportunities. Trade between the UAE and Ireland stood at US$402.8 million in 2011 up from 314.3 in 2010, according to Al Mansouri.

In Dublin, the UAE delegation held meetings with Irish ministers of economy, energy and natural resources, agriculture, tourism, transport and finance as well as with specialized committees of the Irish Parliament.

Economy Minister led a UAE delegation

to Ireland

A Group of UAE Students with H.E Ambassador Lootah and H.E UAE Economy Minister

UAE Delegation


UAE Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri with Guests.

R to L UAE Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri with Eric Ka-vanagh CEO Oil Field Solutions, Ahmad Younis and Joe Geoghegan of JAICC

L to R H.E. Mr Addulaziz Aldriss Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr Lootah Ambassador of the UAE.

UAE Ambassador H.E Mr. Lootah and Irish Am-bassador to UAE H.E Mr. Madden

RTE Racing’s Brian Gleeson, Eric Kavanagh Oil Field Solutions and Dave Walsh Etihad Airlines.

UAE


The UAE is seeking strategic investment opportunities and partnerships with Irish companies and organisations that will best advance the economic ambitions of both nations, according to His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy in the UAE.

“Ireland and the UAE have many areas of mutual interest, especially in knowledge economy, focusing on services and high-tech industries as well as trade, industry and investment,” His Excellency Al Monsouri comments.

Speaking about his plans to boost business connections between Ireland and the UAE, His Excellency Al Mansoori reveals that he sees “potential for cooperation and partnership between the two countries in enterprise and innovation; agriculture, food and marine industry; transport, tourism and sport; SME development; and IP regulations.”

“Relations with organisations such as Enterprise Ireland are one of the major efforts in mutual cooperation”, and he is “looking forward to more fruitful ties such as these in areas of mutual interest.”

A graduate of the B.Sc in Industrial Engineering and Management Systems from Arizona State University in the US and a diploma in Computer

System Analysis from the Institute of Computer Technology in Los Angeles, California, His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri was appointed as the UAE’s Minister of Economy in February 2008.

His Excellency Al Mansouri has forged an impressive career, holding previous positions including Member of GCC Consulting Authority for Supreme Council, Minister of Government Sector Development from 2006 to 2008 and Minister of Transport and Communications from 2004 to 2006.

Chairman of Aman (Dubai Islamic Insurance Company) from 2002 to 2008, Vice President of Dubai Islamic Bank from 1999 to 2008 and Group Managing Director of Saeed & Mohamed Al Naboodah Group from 1998 to 2004, His Excellence Al Mansouri held the title of Deputy Director General at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 1996 to 1998 and Director of Dubai Cargo Village from 1991 to 1996.

Previously, His Excellency Al Mansouri worked as Senior Airport Coordinator, before becoming the Vice President – Operations at Dubai Civil Aviation Authority from 1988 to 1991.

Paving the way for the creation of a knowledge-based economy by developing national

Knowledge-driven success

His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy in the UAE, speaks exclusively to the Arab-Irish Journal about the highlights of his time in the role and the areas of potential for cooperation and partnership between Ireland and the UAE.

UAE


for ease of trading across borders, and 1st among Arab countries and 17th worldwide on the UN’s recent World Happiness Report, while it ranked 16th internationally in the IMD’s World Competitiveness Yearbook.

The UAE was also at the forefront in the international Human Development Report 2011 among Arab countries for the second consecutive year, and 30th globally.

“The UAE and Ireland enjoy excellent relations, founded upon substantial commercial ties and mutual goals of peace and prosperity,” he says, commenting there is a “significant upsurge in trade,” with the UAE being the “fastest growing market for Irish companies in GCC region.” UAE-Ireland mutual trade grew 28.2% in 2010-2011, he adds.

Looking to the future, His Excellency Al Monsouri says his plan is focused on “ongoing commitment and dedication to achieving the UAE’s Vision 2021 to become a diversified, knowledge-driven economy that is among the most competitive in the world.”

competencies and legislation that encourage economic activities; streamlining the small and medium enterprises sector, protecting consumer rights and intellectual property, and creating an exemplary business environment and new partnerships to ensure balanced and sustainable growth in the UAE, have been some of his key achievements and highlights during his time as the Minister of Economy in the UAE, he reveals.

Asked about the main draws of the UAE as a place to set up and do business, His Excellency Al Monsouri stresses its “ideal geographic location that links the East with the West and an infrastructure that meets the international standards and an attractive business environment that is ideal for investors.”

Other pull factors include its free transfer of profits, revenues and assets; its laws to protect foreign capital, stability in economic legislation, low customs tariffs between 0-5% for almost all goods, and the fact there is no tax on income.

“We boast the region’s best physical and legal infrastructure, too, which has elevated us to our position as the region’s business, finance and logistics hub. We have created an attractive business environment that provides investors with stability and wide room for growth of their businesses as well as many other benefits,” he comments.

The UAE ranked 24th out of 144 countries globally in the Global Competitiveness Report 2012-13, released by the World Economic Forum, jumping three ranks from last year, with the report classifying the UAE as an innovation-driven economy.

Placed alongside countries such as the United States, Japan, Germany and Singapore, the UAE has been classified as innovation-driven for seven consecutive years, the only Arab country with this distinction.

Among its other accolades, the UAE ranked 5th globally in the World Bank’s Doing Business Report

In addition to the position as Minister of Economy, His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri holds the following positions:• Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection• Chairman of the Coordinating and Economic Cooperation Committee• Chairman of the National Committee for the Follow-up Program of

Investment Climate• Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Securities and Commodities

Authority• Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Standards and

Metrology Authority• Chairman of the Insurance Authority• Chairman of the Federal Civil Aviation Authority• Member of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation• Member of the National Committee on Population Composition• Member of the Committee of Finance and Economy

H.E. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy inthe UAE in conversation with Guests.

Emirates


Dublin, Ireland - 10th October 2012 - Emirates has opened a new office in the prestigious St Stephen’s Green area of Dublin 2, which will become the airline’s corporate hub and public booking office for Ireland.

Located in Hume Street, the new state-of-the-art office will offer services including flight reservations, destination advice and holiday bookings from Emirates highly trained staff.

In the nine months since Emirates launched its direct daily service between Dublin and Dubai, the airline has already made over 160,000 journey connections between the two cities.

Richard Jewsbury, Emirates’ Senior Vice

President Commercial Operations Europe and Russian Federation was in Dublin to officiate at the new office opening. UAE Ambassador to Ireland, HE Mr Khalid Nasser Rashid Lootah was joined by industry guests at the celebratory launch, which marked the next phase in Emirates’ continued growth in the Irish market. The event was hosted by Country Manager for Emirates in Ireland, Margaret Shannon.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Jewsbury said, “The Dublin-Dubai route has proved one of Emirates’ most successful. As a result of the phenomenal response from the Irish market, we upgraded our aircraft from an A330 to a Boeing 777 in May,

Emirates Lands Great Location for New Office

160,000 connections between Dublin and Dubai since January

Emirates


was inspired by famous landmarks, including the Long Room at Trinity College. Emirates recently introduced its new one-stop flights from Dublin to Melbourne, making it easier than ever before, to travel to the famous race series.

Emirates employs 25 people in Ireland and over 320 Irish nationals worldwide.

For further information contact Rachel Sherry on 087 6622111 - [email protected]

two months ahead of schedule. The state-of-the-art Boeing 777 offers 52% additional passenger capacity and an extra 10 tonnes of cargo load capacity.

“We connect our customers between Dublin and the rest of the world, through our hub in Dubai, every day of the week. It was therefore important to us to extend the Emirates service in Ireland with the addition of an office where customers can come and meet with our staff in comfortable surroundings, and have their destination enquiries answered in person. Today is another landmark day for Emirates in Ireland and we are looking forward to many more exciting developments in the Irish market.”

Emirates, has already demonstrated its commitment to Ireland with two major sponsorship announcements, which embody the airline’s Hello Tomorrow global brand platform.

A three-year partnership with The Irish Open kicked-off this year with a hugely successful four days of golf and entertainment at Royal Portrush. Additionally, with award-winning cuisine an integral part of the Emirates experience, RTE’s MasterChef, which returned to TV screens recently, was unveiled recently as the airline’s first TV sponsorship in Ireland.

The Irish story gained momentum when Dublin was selected as the theme for this year’s Emirates Birdcage Marquee at the Melbourne Cup, which

L to R Richard Jewsbury, Emirates’ Senior VicePresident, UAE Ambassador to IrelandHE Mr Khalid Nasser Rashid Lootah, Country Manager for Emirates in Ireland, Margaret Shannon and JAICC’s Ahmad Younis.

JAICC 25th Anniversary Ball


JAICC 25th Anniversary Gala DinnerThere is enormous potential for the sustained growth of Irish companies across the Arab region, which is now firmly established as the third most important market region for Ireland outside of Europe, ahead of North America and China, guests were told, by Louis J. Maguire, Chairman of the Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (JAICC), at a special event held on Wednesday, 12th September, in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin to celebrate the Chamber’s 25 years in operation.

Over 250 invited guests, including Irish exporters to the Arab countries, Arab Ambassadors, and representatives from government bodies were addressed by Mr Richard Bruton, T.D. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, on the importance of the Arab Market-place to the Irish economy.

“As I have said on many occasions, a strong export performance will be crucial to delivering the jobs recovery we are all working so hard to achieve. If we are to continue to increase our exports, we must target growth not only in our traditional markets such as Europe and North America, but also in other parts of the world where trade links have not historically been as strong” the minister said.

“Since 2007 our total exports to countries represented by the JAICC have increased by a very impressive 34% to almost €3 billion. However I believe that there is a lot more potential for growth in our mutual trade links and the Government, in particular through Enterprise Ireland, will be targeting improved performance over the coming years. I commend the Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce on all their work on strengthening those links over 25 years. This evening’s event shows that the relationship is very strong, has potential for further growth, and I am determined to ensure that that potential is realised”.

Mr. Ahmad R. Younis, Secretary General of the Chamber, announced the presentation of special Arab Irish Business

Awards to 25 Irish companies who have consistently serviced their customers in the Arab markets over the past 25 years, and through hard work and commitment have maintained and grown their business in the region consistently over this period.

The Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (JAICC), a non-profit organisation, was established in 1987. It promotes commercial, industrial, tourist and financial relations between the Arab countries and the Republic of Ireland. The JAICC was established under the General Union of Chambers of Commerce,

Industry and Agriculture for the Arab Countries, a pan Arab organisation representing the Chambers of Commerce in all the Arab Countries.

“The story of the excellent trade relationships between Ireland and the Arab world is not a new one, yet is certainly worthy of celebration” commented Louis J. Maguire, Chairman of the JAICC. “When the Chamber was founded in 1987, export merchandise trade to the Arab states from Ireland was valued at €256 million. The equivalent trade figure for 2011 was almost €3 billion of which €1.5billion was made up of merchandise exports and the balance of services”, he continued.

The JAICC’s primary role is the facilitation of trade through the provision of essential certification and documentation processing services to exporters from Ireland to the Arab markets. As it celebrates a significant milestone, the Chamber is also expanding its role to promote opportunities for key Arab and Irish business interests to meet and develop trade and investment potential in the region. “We at the Chamber believe that Ireland should look to emerging Arab economies as part of an overall strategy for the next contribution so far and justifiably optimistic about the enormous growth potential waiting to be tapped”, Maguire concluded.

L to R Louis Maguire JAICC, H.E. Mr Abdulaziz Aldriss Saudi Arabia Ambassador, Minister Richard Bruton T.D. Guest Speaker, H.E Mr Kahlid Nasser Lootah UAE Ambassador, H.E Dr. Hikmat Ajjuri Palestine Mission Ambassador and JAICC’s Ahmad Younis.



Lousi Maguire JAICC with Peter MCMahon Ashbourne Meats and Evelyn Harrington JAICC

Ahmad Younis and Louis Maguire JAICC with ESBI’s Michael Hayden and Ollie Brogan

Ahmad Younis JAICC with Maeve O’Malley The Concentrating Manufacturing Company of Ireland and Joe Geoghegan JAICC

Guests of JAICC at 25th Gala Dinner

Ahmad Younis JAICC with Brian O’Neill Pfizer Nutritionals Irl and Louis Maguire of JAICC

Joe Geoghegan JAICC and H.E UAE Ambassador Lootah with Guests.

Mr. Mohamed Al-Shamisi UAE Embassy, Ahmad Younis JAICC and Mr. Khaled Al Nuaimi UAE Embassy.

Ahmad Younis JAICC with Brendan Walsh Ventilux and Evelyn Harrington JAICC

Food


Bord Bia, Irish Food Board, will participate at Gulfood 2013 with 11 Irish food companies from across the meat, dairy, consumer & speciality food sectors. The exhibition is set to host in excess of 70,000 trade visitors from over 150 countries making it the largest and most important food exhibition in the region.

Gulfood is now a regular event on the Bord Bia calendar and is a core activity in delivering sales growth in the Middle East. The exhibition enables Irish food and drink companies to enhance customer relationships and to generate new business in the region. Customers of Irish food in the United Arab Emirates now include retailers such as Spinneys, Waitrose, Lulu, Al Maya and Dubai Duty Free as well as the foodservice sector.

From 2009 to 2011 the Irish food and drink industry grew sales to export markets by €1bn, reaching an all time high of €8.85bn. International markets in particular have delivered increased growth for the Irish food and drink industry in recent years and accounted for 25% of export value in 2011. The Middle East offers exciting growth opportunities for Irish food companies, for instance exports to the United Arab Emirates almost doubled between 2009 and 2011 reaching €36m.

The Bord Bia Ireland pavilion will be branded Origin Green following its international launch at SIAL Paris in October 2012. Speaking at SIAL, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. highlighted the scale of the Irish food industry’s commitment to sustainability . “Ireland has embarked upon an innovative sustainability development programme for the food and drink industry. We have not only a clear vision of where we

Bord Bia Gulfood 2013should be going but the wherewithal to get there. ‘Origin Green’ demonstrates the commitment of Irish food and drink manufacturers to operating sustainably and we believe it is the starting point for Ireland to become a world leader in sustainably produced food and drink.”

Origin Green is a comprehensive national sustainability development programme, the first of its kind in the world, designed by Bord Bia, to help Ireland become known as the optimum source of sustainably produced food and drink. Industry recruitment commenced in June 2012 and by the end of 2012 over 160 companies accounting for more than 55% of Irish food and drink exports have signed up to the programme. For further information please visit www.origingreen.ie

Bord Bia’s mission is to drive through market insight and, in partnership with industry, the commercial success of a world class Irish food, drink and horticulture industry. The role of Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is to act as a link between Irish food, drink and horticulture suppliers and existing and potential customers throughout the world. Our objective is to develop markets for Irish suppliers and to bring the taste of Irish food to more tables world-wide.

Taoiseach Mr. Enda Kenny T.D. Launching Origin Green brand.

Food


1. ABC Nutrition Ltd.Unit 7a Knockbeg PointShannon AirportCo. Clare.Tel: 00 353 61 433 013Fax: 00 353 61 433 012Mob: 00 353 86 600 9453Email [email protected]: Sean McNamara

2. Ashbourne Meats Ltd.Naas Industrial EstateNaas Co. Kildare.Tel: 00 353 45 875400Fax: 00 353 45 897755Mob: 00 353 87 245 3500Email: [email protected]: Peter McMahon

3. Boyne Valley GroupPlatin RoadDroghedaCo. LouthTel: 00 353 41 987 0300Fax: 00 353 41 987 0339Email: [email protected]: Stephen McClean

4. C.P. IngredientsUnit 12 Limerick Food CentreRaheen Business ParkDooradoyleLimerick.Tel: 00 353 61 300909Email: [email protected]: Vincent O’Sullivan/Justin O’Sullivan

5. Dawn Meats Ltd.GranaghCo. Waterford.Tel: 00 353 51 309 200Fax: 00 353 51 309 205Mob:Email: [email protected]: Paul Nolan

6. Donald Russell International Ltd.RathmoreBallymahonCo. LongfordTel: 00 353 906 432 411Fax: 00 353 906 432 402Mob: 00 353 86 833 3220Email [email protected]: Allan Morris

7. Green Isle FoodsIDA Industrial EstateMonread RoadNaasCo. KildareTel: 00 353 45 848000Mob: 00 353 87 250 5559Email: [email protected]: Liam Hyland

8. Irish Dairy BoardGrattan House Mount Street LowerDublin 2.Tel: 00 353 1 6022 209Fax: 00 353 1 6621194Email: [email protected]: Emer McGuire

9. Irish Food & Beverage Exports/Eireann GroupUnit C9, the ExchangeClamount Business ParkBallymountDublin 12.Tel: 00 353 1 5227054Mob: 00 353 87 980 3154Email: [email protected]: Tony Mackey

10. Mileeven Fine FoodsOwning HillPiltownCo. KilkennyTel: 00 353 51 643368Fax: 00 353 51 643387Email: [email protected]: Sarah Gough/Eilis Gough

11. Seerys Heatherfield Ltd.TinrylandCo. Carlow.Tel: 00 353 59 914 2461Fax: 00 353 59 914 0101Email: [email protected]: Oliver Seery/Brian Seery

Exhibitors on the Ireland Pavilion;GULFOOD 2013, DUBAI, UAE, 25 – 28 FEBRUARY 2013, LIST OF EXHIBITORS

Food


Food


Kerry Ingredient & Flavours, the Kerry Group’s ingredients and flavours arm, is a worldwide €5.2bn business that develops, manufactures and delivers innovative technology-based ingredients & taste solutions, plus pharma, nutritional and functional ingredients for food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets.

Kerry is market leader in the $50bn global ingredients and flavours market

The company offers 15,000 products across 140 countries, allowing it to deliver world-class quality to customers of all sizes, all around the world. Kerry Ingredient and Flavours’ technologies and thought leadership in innovation are now transferring to regions such as the Middle East where there is a big appetite to tailor global expertise for the fast-growing base of regional customers.Three key words define the Kerry difference for customers:

• Unique• Connected• Innovative

Global reach and local knowledge

Kerry Ingredients & Flavours is a global market-leader now extending its customer partnerships and operational footprint, increasingly supporting the Middle East food industry.

What’s unique about Kerry?Many companies provide functional ingredients and flavours or essential ingredient commodities. Some operate globally; some cover more than one category.

But only Kerry offers:A complete portfolio of technology-based ingredients and flavour technologies, backed by integrated processing, applications and manufacturing capabilities, market leading expertise across the whole range of food and beverage categories on a truly global scale, and informed by a true culinary heritage

something for all sizes of customers: from customised systems that speed product development and reduce manufacturing investment for the biggest players, to tried-and-tested ingredient solutions providing assured quality and reliability for SMEs

But this unique offer in turn depends on people. People are the secret of Kerry’s unique approach and success. Nowhere else will you find the same collection of experts in food science. Kerry’s people

Food


develop their experience and knowledge in creative, collaborative environments, where they solve the toughest problems and devise new concepts to anticipate still-emerging consumer needs.

Research and development staff number over 400 across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, working together in application centres across the company, and globally the company operates R&D activities across 24 countries.

How is Kerry connected?Kerry is connected to the fast-changing world

of flavour through deep marketing insights into current and emerging product trends, plus consumer taste expectations. This insight combines with broad in-house sensory and analytical experience, to deliver a clear understanding of how to meet and exceed consumer expectations. This translates into solutions providing commercial advantage for customers seeking to anticipate the next big thing.

Kerry continually proposes fresh ingredient and flavour solutions to its customers, helping them keep their product development ahead of the curve. By connecting to customers through a single point of contact, Kerry helps speed their innovation and development process to secure new revenues, optimise cost, increase their market share and enhance brand image.

Why is Kerry innovative?Kerry has a long term commitment to R&D and this is reflected in a significant R&D investment.

In October 2012 Kerry announced a €100million investment in a Global Technology and Innovation Centre in Naas, Ireland, which will serve the entire EMEA region. This will join five existing centres of excellence in Beloit, US; San Juan del Rio, Mexico; Shanghai, China; and Johor Bahru, Malaysia).

Elsewhere within EMEA, Kerry is also focusing increasingly on developing markets such as the Middle East. For example, it has invested substantially in a new Application Centre at Dubai

that is due to open at the end of February 2013, which will provide a unique new resource for food and beverage manufacturers in the region.

Kerry’s unique technologies and processing, and its powerful connection to insights and customers, add up to an innovative product development approach. Through this growing network of customer-focused specialist centres, Kerry layers its ingredient and flavour technologies, and integrates its processing capabilities, to achieve the best result more quickly. These centres are where it all comes together, enabling swift evaluation and refining of concepts, with customers working alongside Kerry specialists to get the right outcomes in taste, nutrition and value.

And finally…Unique, connected, innovative Kerry is creating a new world of innovation, performance and excellence in food and beverage product development. By helping customers create consumer-preferred taste solutions, Kerry is driving future success for food and beverage brands throughout the EMEA region.

To find out more about how Kerry Ingredients & Flavours can help with your future development plans, contact Scott Scharinger, President EMEA Emerging Markets for Kerry Ingredients and Flavours, at [email protected]. Website: www.kerry.com

Food


Abbeyfield FoodsAbbeyfield Foods is a Global Food Sourcing company based in Dubai and Dublin specialising in sourcing beef, offal, lamb, poultry, seafood, nuts, French fries and food related products throughout the world.

The company was set up in 2007 and has grown rapidly over the past five years. In 2009 it set up a liaison office in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE and in 2011 opened its international sales office in the Dubai Multi Commodity Centre (DMCC) in Dubai. This office was set up in order to liaise directly with our many customers in the Middle East and to offer both our suppliers and customers a continuous service, gathering market information and up to the minute prices day and night.

The geographical location of many of our suppliers, from Australia to South America means that in some cases suppliers are waking up while customers are just going to sleep. Time wise it is very important that our offices are always available to deal with the differing time zones along with being available immediately to deal with any issues that occur on the ground. The location of our Offices in Dubai and Dublin along with our representatives located worldwide ensures that we are always available.

At Abbeyfield we bring a wealth of experience in the exportation and importation of quality food products. We have a long tradition of dealing in a multicultural environment with expertise in local market trends and conditions. Our business is built on partnership where customers and suppliers are key elements to this partnership. We have long standing relationships with many of the world’s

Abbeyfield-serving up food excellence

top food producers and we never stop searching for our customers individual requirements. Whether you are sleeping or awake the people at Abbeyfield are constantly speaking to our suppliers worldwide, receiving market information and up to the minute trends to ensure our customers are at the forefront in terms of prices and information.

As Abbeyfield is a specialised company, it has the ability to move faster than many of its competitors and possesses a number of advantages.

Firstly, a constant line of communication with customers ensures outstanding personal service.

Secondly, thanks to low overheads the company works very cost effectively.

Thirdly, we have a team of highly qualified quality control experts responsible for supervising throughout the production process and ensuring the production is to the customer’s specification.

Our dedicated global logistics division also ensures a smooth delivery to our customers worldwide.

Our response times are fast, enabling us to spend more time on customer and supplier requirements providing the best options in terms of choice, quality, price and efficiency thereby giving the customer more time to concentrate on their core business. We are also available to represent other Irish Food companies if they are considering entering the Middle Eastern Market.

Our dedicated team look forward to welcoming you to our stand G3-50 during Gulfood 2013.

For more details on Abbeyfield please visit our website: www.abbeyfieldfoods.com

Serving up food excellence

Abbeyfield Foods DMCC

P.O. Box 125531, Suite 2806, Tel: +971 4 450 4288

Fortune Executive Tower, Fax: + 971 4 450 4289

Jumerah Lakes Towers, [email protected]

Dubai, UAE. abbeyfieldfoods.com

Abbeyfield Food Ltd

1 Priory Hall, Tel: +353 1 214 3788

Stillorgan Road, Fax: +353 1 214 3789

Co. Dublin, [email protected]

Ireland. abbeyfieldfoods.com

Food Traceability


Defined by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as the ability to follow the movement of a food through specified stages of production, processing and distribution, food traceability is a way of responding to potential risks that can arise in food, to ensure that all food products are safe to eat. It is vital that when national authorities or food businesses identify a risk they can trace it back to its source in order to swiftly isolate the problem and prevent contaminated products from reaching

consumers (EU Commission). In addition, traceability allows targeted withdrawals and the provision of accurate information to the public, thereby minimising disruption to trade.

The most recent example of poor traceability occurred in Sweden in October this year, where as much as 20 tonnes of meat labelled as beef, imported from Hungary was actually dyed pork. This meat is believed to have been on sale in Sweden for up to a year and although no illnesses

Food Traceability in Ireland and Saudi ArabiaFood traceability is the cornerstone of food safety and consumer health. In this article, Dr Gráinne Redmond gives an overview of food traceability in Ireland and Saudi Arabia

Food Traceability


population. This includes almost €104m worth of Irish food and drink products (2010), an increase of almost 10% on 2009 levels (Bord Bia, 2011). This food then has to be transported and distributed to a population of over 25 million in an area of approximately 2,250,000 km2.

With such a dependency on imported food, it is vital that Saudi Arabia has a secure national food control system to ensure food safety and consumer welfare. With this in mind the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) was established in 2003 with a view to centralise food safety activities in Saudi Arabia. Before its establishment all matters related to food were spread between many government agencies and ministries which led to a number of weaknesses in the food safety system (Al-Kandari and Jukes, 2012).

The food sector of the SFDA is responsible for all aspects of food safety including legislation, inspection and traceability and recall. Building a modern food control system takes time and the SFDA is still in its infancy. It is working hard to establish centres of excellence in risk assessment, monitoring and control of food contaminants and Food Rapid Alerts.

Since May 25, 2009, the responsibility for inspection of imported food has moved from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the SFDA. The Authority has become responsible for inspecting imported high value food products at 23 ports (land, air, and sea) of the Kingdom’s 29 ports of entry. The majority of Saudi food imports enter the country via Jeddah port on the Red Sea or Dammam port on the Arabian Gulf with approximately 70 percent of all foodstuffs entering Jeddah port (Al-Kandari and Jukes, 2012).

The SFDA have adopted an “Oversee and Verify” approach to food inspection with inspectors verifying compliance with food safety and quality requirements at all stages of the food chain, from production to consumption. They are also investing large sums of money into a ‘Food Imports Control Program’ training programme, aiming to train and qualify professional national human resources for the control of imported food.

For a more extensive review of the food control system in Saudi Arabia please see Al-Kandari and Jukes (2012).

Consumer concerns for food safety, globalization of the food supply chain and the incidence of new and emerging safety hazards have led to a need for transparency in the way food is produced and distributed throughout the supply chain. If a food safety issue arises, an effective traceability system provides the means to quickly identify the cause, facilitate an effective recall if necessary and therefore ensure consumers safety.

were reported, consumers were scammed into paying more for what they thought was a more expensive piece of meat. Other recent food scares such as E coli, dioxin contamination and BSE, demonstrate the importance of being able to swiftly identify and isolate unsafe foodstuffs in order to prevent them from reaching the consumer.

Food traceability in Ireland and the EUWithin the EU, food and feed products circulate freely between EU countries; therefore, traceability can only be effective if common requirements are met across all Member States. The EU’s General Food Law (2002) makes traceability compulsory for all food and feed businesses. It requires that all food and feed operators implement special traceability systems. They must be able to identify where their products have come from and where they are going and to rapidly provide this information to the competent authorities. It is a cornerstone of the EU’s food safety policy.

In Ireland all food business operators must to be able to trace the food they receive back to the immediate supplier of that food. Then, following food handling, preparation or processing, food business operators must be able to track the distribution of food, forward from their own business to their immediate customer. In addition, food business operators are required to withdraw unsafe food from the market where it has left their immediate control and, if it has reached the consumer, inform consumers of the reason for the food being removed from the market and if necessary, recall the affected food from them (FSAI, 2010). Ireland in now considered to have one of the best food traceability systems in the world.

In addition to the general requirements, sector-specific legislation applies to certain categories of food products (fruit and vegetables, beef, fish, honey, olive oil) so that consumers can identify their origin and authenticity. In the case of animals, producers must now “tag” each animal with details of their origin and, when animals are taken for slaughter, stamp them with the traceability code of the abattoir. The tools used (ear tags, passports, barcodes) may vary from one country to another but must carry the same information.

For more information on food traceability in Ireland see Guidance Note No. 10: Product Recall and Traceability published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (details below)

Food traceability in Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia imports around US$17bn worth of food ingredients and finished products annually from over 150 countries to satisfy its fast growing

References

Al-Kandari and Jukes (2012). The food control system in Saudi Arabia – Centralizing food control activities. Food Control 28, 33-46FSAI Guidance Note 10 Product Recall and Traceability (Revision 2) 2010 http://www.fsai.ie/faq/traceability.html

Authors’ Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information given in this article is correct at the time of publication. The author assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this article.

Trade and Commerce


Trade & Commerce

Merchandise exports from Ireland to the Arab markets grew by 19% to €1.7 billion in the twelve months to September 2012, while imports from the Arab countries were up by 136% to €775 million over the same period.

The bulk of the export growth was accounted for by increased shipments to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, with Kuwait, Iraq, Oman and Qatar also showing good growth.

The main growth sectors were Food, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Electronic and ICT equipment and machinery.

The growth in imports was mainly accounted for by Petroleum related products from Algeria.

Over the same period merchandise exports to China grew by 13% to a total of €1.6 billion while Brazil grew by 10% to €281m, India was up by 12% to €219m and Russia increased by 18% to €572m.

Exports to the Arab markets, at €1.7 billion, accounted for more than €630 million more than Russia, India and Brazil combined.

The Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce expects this strong trend in export growth to the Arab markets to continue during 2013 highlighting the growing importance of the region to the recovery of the Irish economy.

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Strong growth in Arab-Irish trade

Trade and Commerce


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Trade and Commerce


ALGERIA EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ALGERIA54 Holland Park, London W11 3RSTel: 004420 7221 7800. Fax: 004420 7221 0448. E-Mail: [email protected]: www.algerianembassy.org.uk

Consular Section 6 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5EW Tel: 004420 7589 6885. Fax: 004420 7589 7725. E-Mail: [email protected]: www.algerianconsulate.org.uk

His Excellency Mr. Amar AbbaAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Algeria Fact File

Country NamePeople’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

Population 35,468,208

LanguagesArabic (official), French (commercial), Berber (rural)

CurrencyAlgerian Dinar (AD) = 100 centimes

Official Religion Islam

Capital Algiers

Business Hours

Government offices: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00 (Saturday to Thursday) 08:00 to 12:00 (Thursday)

Banks: 07:30 to 17:30 (Saturday to Thursday) Reduced hours during Ramadan

NATIONAL NAME: AL JUMHURIYAH AL JAzA’IRIYAH AD DIMUQRATIYAH ASH SHA’BIYAH

Ethnicity/race: Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%

National Holiday: Revolution Day, November 1

Literacy rate: 79%

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2011 est.): $262.1 billion; per capita $7,200. Real growth rate: 2.9%. Inflation: 4.0%. Unemployment: 10%. Arable land: 3.17%. Agriculture: wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits; sheep, cattle. Labor force: 11.04 million; agriculture 14%, industry 13.4%, construction and public works 10%, trade 14.6%, government 32%, other 16% (2003 est.). Industries: petroleum, natural gas, light industries, mining, electrical, petrochemical, food processing. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc. Exports: $78.51 billion f.o.b. (2011 est.): petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products 97%. Imports: $49.84 billion f.o.b. (2011 est.): capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods. Major trading partners: France, Italy, China, Germany, Spain, U.S., Turkey (2006)

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 2.923 million (2011); mobile cellular: 32.78 million (2011). Radio broadcast stations: AM 25, FM 1, shortwave 8 (1999). Television broadcast stations: 46 (plus 216 repeaters) (1995). Internet hosts: 561 (2011). Internet users: 4.7 million (2011).

Transportation: Railways: total: 3,973 km (2011). Highways: total: 111,261 km; (2011). Ports and harbors: Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Djendjene, Jijel, Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda. Airports: 143 (2011).

Trade and Commerce


BAHRAIN EMBASSY OF THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN 30 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QBTel: 004420 7201 9170. Fax: 004420 7201 9183. E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.bahrain.bh

Mrs. Alice Thomas Samaan.Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Bahrain Fact File

Country Name The Kingdom of Bahrain

Population 791,473 – 2009

LanguagesArabic (official), English widely spoken

CurrencyBahraini Dinar (BD) = 1000 fils


Capital Manama

Business Hours Government offices: 08:00 to 16:00 (Sunday to Thursday)

Banks: 07:30 to 14:30 and 15:00 to 18:00 (Sunday to Thursday)

Commercial Offices: 09:00 to 18:00 (Sunday to Thursday)

NATIONAL NAME: MAMLAKAT AL BAHRAYN

Ethnicity/race: Bahraini 62.4%, non-Bahraini 37.6% (2001)

National Holiday: National Day, December 16

Literacy rate: 86.5% (2011 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2011 est): $30.8 billion; per capita $27,300. Real growth rate: 1.5%. Inflation: .3%. Unemployment: 15%. Arable land: 2.82%. Agriculture: fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish. Labor force: 666,000; note: 44% of the population in the 15–64 age group is non-national; agriculture 1%, industry, commerce, and services 79%, government 20% (1997 est.). Industries: petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, offshore banking, ship repairing, tourism. Natural resources: oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls. Exports: $20.23 billion (2011 est.): petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles. Imports: $16.8 billion (2011 est.): crude oil, machinery, chemicals. Major trading partners: Saudi Arabia, U.S., UAE, Japan, Germany, UK, France (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 228,000 (2011); mobile cellular: 1,567,000 (2011). Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998). Television broadcast stations: 4 (1997). Internet hosts: 46,035 (2011). Internet users: 419,500 (2012).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 3,851 km; paved: (2011). Ports and harbors: Mina’ Salman, Sitrah. Airports: 4 (2011).

Trade and Commerce


EGYPT EMBASSY OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT12 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4Tel: 01 660 6718 / 01 660 6566. Fax: 01 668 3745. E-mail: [email protected]: www.embegyptireland.ie

His Excellency Mr. Sherif Elkholi Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Egypt Fact File

Country Name The Arab Republic of Egypt

Population82,999,393 (2009 World Bank)

LanguagesArabic [official] English & French widely spoken

Currency Egyptian Pound


Capital Cairo


Banks: 08:30 to 14:00 (Sunday to Thursday)07:30 to 11:00 (Thursday)

NATIONAL NAME: JUMHURIYAT MISR AL-ARABIYAH

Languages: Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Ethnicity/race: Egyptian 98%, Berber, Nubian, Bedouin, and Beja 1%, Greek, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 1%

National Holiday: Revolution Day, July 23

Economic summary: GDP/PPP $471.2 billion (2009 est.); per capita $6,000. Real growth rate: 4.7%. Inflation: 10.1%. Unemployment: 9.7%. Arable land: 3%. Agriculture: cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats. Labor force: 22.5 million (2007); agriculture 32%, industry 17%, services 51% (2001 est.). Industries: textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals, light manufactures. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc. Exports: $22.91 billion (2009 est.): crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals. Imports: $43.9 billion (2009 est.): machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, fuels. Major trading partners: Italy, U.S., Syria, Germany, Spain, France, China, UK, Saudi Arabia (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 10.8 million (2006); mobile cellular: 18.001 million (2006). Radio broadcast stations: AM 42 (plus 15 repeater stations), FM 14, shortwave 3 (1999). Television broadcast stations: 98 (Sept. 1995). Internet hosts: 5,363 (2007). Internet users: 6 million (2006).

Transportation: Railways: total: 5,063 km (2004). Highways: total: 92,370 km; paved: 74,820 km; unpaved: 17,550 km (2004 est.). Waterways: 3,500 km; note: includes Nile River, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and numerous smaller canals in delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including approaches) navigable by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 17.68 m (2004). Ports and harbors: Alexandria, Damietta, El Dekheila, Port Said, Suez, Zeit. Airports: 88 (2007).

Trade and Commerce


IraqEMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ4 Elvaston Place, London SW7 5QHTel: 004420 7594 0180.Fax: 004420 7584 6787E-Mail: [email protected]: www.iraqembassy.org.uk

Consular Section3 Elvaston Place, SW7 5QHTel: 004420 7590 9220. Fax: 004420 7590 9226

DjboutiDJIBOUTI EMBASSY IN PARISFrance. 26 rue Emile Menier 75116, ParisTel: +33-1-47274922E-mail: [email protected]: www.Doingbusiness.org

Djbouti Fact File

Country Name Republic of Djibouti

Population 864,202 - 2009

Languages Arabic (official), French (commercial)

Currency Djibouti Franc (DFr) = 100 centimes


Capital Djibouti Ville

Business HoursGovernment offices: Government offices: 09:00 to 16:00 (Sunday to Thursday)

Banks: 08:00 to 12:00 (Sunday to Thursday)Hours vary during Summer/Winter

NATIONAL NAME: JUMHOURIYYA DJIBOUTI

Languages: French and Arabic (both official), Somali, AfarEthnicity/race: Somali 60%, Afar 35%, other 5% (includes French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian)National Holiday: Independence Day, June 27Literacy rate: 68% (2003 est.)Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2009 est.): $2.01 billion; per capita $2,800. Real growth rate: 6.4%. Inflation: 5%. Unemployment: 59% in urban areas, 83% in rural areas (2007 est.). Arable land: 0.04%. Agriculture: fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels, animal hides. Labor force: 282,000 (2000). Industries: construction, agricultural processing, salt. Natural resources: geothermal areas, gold, clay, granite, limestone, marble, salt, diatomite, gypsum, pumice, petroleum. Exports: $340 million (2006 est.): reexports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit). Imports: $1.555 billion f.o.b. (2006): foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products. Major trading partners: Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, India, China (2006).Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 10,800 (2005); mobile cellular: 44,100 (2005). Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2001). Television broadcast stations: 1 (2002). Internet hosts: 168 (2007). Internet users: 11,000 (2006).Transportation: Railways: total: 100 km (Djibouti segment of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railroad) (2006). Highways: total: 2,890 km; paved: 364 km; unpaved: 2,526 km (1999 est.). Waterways: none. Ports and harbors: Djibouti. Airports: 13 (2007).

Iraq Fact File

Country Name Republic of Iraq

Population 31,494,287 (2009 World Bank)

Languages Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Currency Iraqi Dinar (ID) = 1,000 fils


Capital Baghdad


Banks: 08:00 to 14:0 (Sunday to Thursday

NATIONAL NAME: AL JUMHURIYAH AL IRAQIYAH

Languages: Arabic (official), Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian, ArmenianEthnicity/race: Arab 75%–80%, Kurdish 15%–20%, Turkoman, Assyrian, or other 5%National Holiday: Revolution Day, July 17Literacy rate: 78.2% (2010 est.)Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2011 est.): $129.3 billion; per capita $3,900. Real growth rate: 9.9%. Inflation: 6%. Unemployment: 15.2%. Arable land: 13.12%. Agriculture: wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep, poultry. Labor force: 8.9 million; agriculture 21.6%., industry 18.7%, services 59.8%. Industries: petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication/processing. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur. Exports: $78.38 billion (2011): crude oil (84%), crude materials excluding fuels, food and live animals. Imports: $53.93 billion (2011): food, medicine, manufactures. Major trading partners: U.S., Syria, Turkey, India, China, South Korea, Japan, Netherlands (2011).Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 1.6 million (2009); mobile cellular: 24 million (2009). Broadcast media: athe number of private radio and TV stations has increased rapidly since 2003; government-owned TV and radio stations are operated by the publicly-funded Iraqi Public Broadcasting Service; private broadcast media are mostly linked to political, ethnic, or religious groups; satellite TV is available to an estimated 70% of viewers and many of the broadcasters are based abroad; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters are accessible (2007). Internet hosts: 23 Internet users: 325,900 (2009).

Cultural Attaché Office20 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5JETel: 004420 7581 8652. Fax: 004420 7581 1038

Trade and Commerce


JORDANEMBASSY OF THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN6 Upper Phillimore Gardens, Kensington, London W8 7HATel: 004420 7937 3685. Fax: 004420 7937 8795. E-Mail: [email protected]: www.jordanembassy.org.uk

His Excellency Mr. Mazen HomoudAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Jordan Fact File

Country NameHashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Population 5,961,000 (2009)

LanguagesArabic (official), English (Commercial)

Currency Jordanian Dinar (JD) = 1,000 fils


Capital Amman


Banks: 08:30 to 15:00 (Sunday to Thursday)

08.30-13.00 & 15.30-18.30 (Sunday to Thursday)Reduced hours during Ramadan

NATIONAl NAME: Al-MAMlAKA Al-URDUNIYA Al-HASHIMIYAH

Prime Minister: Fayez al-Tarawneh (2012)land area: 34,286 sq mi (88,802 sq km); total area: 34,495 sq mi (89,342 sq km) excludes West BankPopulation (2012 est.): 6,508,887 (growth rate: -0.965%); birth rate: 26.52/1000; infant mortality rate: 15.83/1000; life expectancy: 80.18Capital and largest city (2009 est.): Amman, 1.088 millionMonetary unit: Jordanian dinarlanguages: Arabic (official), EnglishEthnicity/race: Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%National Holiday: Independence Day, May 25literacy rate: 92.6% (2010 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2011 est.): $37.37 billion; per capita $6,000. Real growth rate: 2.5%. Inflation: 6.4%. Unemployment: 12.3% official rate; unofficial rate is approximately 30% (2011 est.). Arable land: 3.32%. Agriculture: citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, strawberries, stone fruits; sheep, poultry, dairy. Labor force: 1.771 million; services 77.4%, industry 20%, agriculture 2.7% (2007 est.). Industries: clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphate mining, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, inorganic chemicals, light manufacturing, tourism. Natural resources: phosphates, potash, shale oil. Exports: $8.066 billion (2011 est.): clothing, phosphates, fertilizers, potash, vegetables, pharmaceuticals. Imports: $14.01 billion (2011 est.): crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, iron, cereals. Major trading partners: U.S., Iraq, India, Saudi Arabia, China, Germany, Egypt, Lebanon, Italy (2011).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 485,000 (2009); mobile cellular: 6.62 million (2009). Broadcast media: radio and TV dominated by the government-owned Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV) that operates a main network, a sports network, a film network, and a satellite channel; first independent TV broadcaster aired in 2007; international satellite TV and Israeli and Syrian TV broadcasts are available; roughly 30 radio stations with JRTV operating the main government-owned station; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters are available (2007). Internet hosts: 49,083 (2010). Internet users: 1.642 (2009).

Transportation: Railways: total: 507 km (2010). Highways: total: 7,891 km; paved: 7,891 km; unpaved: 0 km (2009). Ports and terminals: Al ‘Aqabah. Airports: 18 (2012).

Trade and Commerce


KUWAITEMBASSY OF THE STATE OF KUWAIT2 Albert Gate, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7JUTel: 004420 7590 3400His Excellency Mr. Khaled Al-DuwaisanAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Kuwait Fact File

Country Name State of Kuwait

Population 3,440,000 (2009 census)


CurrencyKuwait Dinar (KD) = 1,000 fils


Capital Kuwait City

Business HoursGovernment offices: 07:00 to 14:00 (Saturday to Wednesday)

Banks: 08:00 to 13:00 (Sunday to Thursday)Reduced hours during Ramadan Hours vary during Summer

NATIONAl NAME: DAWlAT Al-KUWAYT

Emir: Sheik Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (2006)Prime Minister: Sheikh Jabir al-Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah (2011)Total area: 6,880 sq mi (17,819 sq km)Population (2012 est.): 2,646,314 (growth rate: 1.883%); birth rate: 20.96/1000; infant mortality rate: 7.87/1000; life expectancy: 77.28Capital (2009 est.): Kuwait, 2.23 millionMonetary unit: Kuwaiti dinar (KD)languages: Arabic (official), EnglishEthnicity/race: Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%National Holiday: National Day, February 25literacy rate: 93.3% (2005 census)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2011 est.): $155.5 billion; per capita $42,200. Real growth rate: 8.2%. Inflation: 5.6%. Unemployment: 2.2% (2004 est.). Arable land: 0.84%. Agriculture: practically no crops; fish. Labor force: 2.243 million; note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 60% of the labor force; agriculture n.a., industry n.a., services n.a. Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, desalination, food processing, construction materials. Natural resources: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas. Exports: $94.47 billion (2011 est.): oil and refined products, fertilizers. Imports: $22.41billion (2011 est.): food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing. Major trading partners: Japan, India, South Korea, U.S., Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia, China (2011).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 566,300 (2009); mobile cellular: 4.4 million (2009). Broadcast media: state-owned TV broadcaster operates 4 networks and a satellite channel; several private TV broadcasters have emerged since 2003; satellite TV is available with pan-Arab TV stations especially popular; state-owned Radio Kuwait broadcasts on a number of channels in Arabic and English; first private radio station emerged in 2005; transmissions of at least 2 international radio broadcasters are available (2007). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2,730 (2010). Internet users: 1.1 million (2009).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 5,749 km; paved: 4,887 km; unpaved: 862 km (2004). Waterways: none. Ports and harbors: Ash Shu’aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Az Zawr (Mina’ Sa’ud), Mina’ ‘Abd Allah, Mina’ al Ahmadi. Airports: 7 (2012).

Trade and Commerce


LEBANON EMBASSY OF LEBANON 21 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QNTel: 004420 7727 6696 / 004420 7727 6710. Fax: 004420 7243 1699. E-Mail: [email protected]

Her Excellency Mrs. Inaam OsseiranAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Lebanon Fact File

Country Name Republic of Lebanon

Population 4,223,553 (2009)

LanguagesArabic (official), English and French (Commercial)

CurrencyLebanese Pound (LP) = 100 piastres

Official Religion

Christianity (Maronite, Greek Orthodox & Greek Catholic) Islam (Sunni & Shi’a) and Druze

Capital Beirut

Business Hours

Government offices: 08:00 to 14:00 (Monday to Thursday) 08:00 to 12:30 (Friday)

Banks: 08:30 to 12:30 (Monday to Friday) 08:30 to 12:00

NATIONAL NAME: AL-JOUMHOURIYA AL-LUBNANIYA

Languages: Arabic (official), French, English, ArmenianEthnicity/race: Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%National Holiday: Independence Day, November 22Literacy rate: 87% (2003 est.)Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2009 est.): $53.68 billion; per capita $13,100. Real growth rate: 7%. Inflation: 3.4%. Unemployment: 9.2% (2007 est.). Arable land: 17%. Agriculture: citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco; sheep, goats. Labor force: 2.6 million; note: in addition, there are as many as 1 million foreign workers (2001 est.); services n.a., industry n.a., agriculture n.a. Industries: banking, tourism, food processing, jewelry, cement, textiles, mineral and chemical products, wood and furniture products, oil refining, metal fabricating. Natural resources: limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit region, arable land. Exports: $3.5 billion (2009 est.): authentic jewelry, inorganic chemicals, miscellaneous consumer goods, fruit, tobacco, construction minerals, electric power machinery and switchgear, textile fibers, paper. Imports: $16.5 billion (2009 est.): petroleum products, cars, medicinal products, clothing, meat and live animals, consumer goods, paper, textile fabrics, tobacco. Major trading partners: Syria, UAE, Turkey, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Italy, France, Germany, China, U.S., UK (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 700,000 (1999); mobile cellular: 580,000 (1999). Radio broadcast stations: AM 20, FM 22, shortwave 4 (1998). Radios: 2.85 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 15 (plus 5 repeaters) (1995). Televisions: 1.18 million (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 22 (2000). Internet users: 300,000 (2001).

Transportation: Railways: total: 401 km (unusable because of damage in civil war) (2002). Highways: total: 7,300 km; paved: 6,198 km; unpaved: 1,102 km (1999 est.). Ports and harbors: Antilyas, Batroun, Beirut, Chekka, El Mina, Ez Zahrani, Jbail, Jounie, Naqoura, Sidon, Tripoli, Tyre. Airports: 8 (2002).

Trade and Commerce


LIBYA EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE’S BUREAU OF THEGREAT SOCIALIST PEOPLE’S LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIAYA15 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LYTel: 004420 7201 8280. Fax: 004420 7245 0588.

His Excellency Mr. Mahmud NacuaAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Libya Fact File

Country Name Libya

Population 6,419,925 (2009)

CurrencyLibyan Dinar (LD) = 1,000 dirhams


Capital Tripoli

Business HoursGovernment offices: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00 (Sunday to Thursday)

Banks: 08:00 to 12:00 (Sunday to Thursday)Hours vary during Summer/Winter

NATIONAL NAME: AL-JOUMHOURIYA AL-LUBNANIYA

Languages: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian

Ethnicity/race: Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%

National Holiday: Independence Day, 24th of December

Literacy rate: 87% (2003 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2009 est.): $53.68 billion; per capita $13,100. Real growth rate: 7%. Inflation: 3.4%. Unemployment: 9.2% (2007 est.). Arable land: 17%. Agriculture: citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco; sheep, goats. Labor force: 2.6 million; note: in addition, there are as many as 1 million foreign workers (2001 est.); services n.a., industry n.a., agriculture n.a. Industries: banking, tourism, food processing, jewelry, cement, textiles, mineral and chemical products, wood and furniture products, oil refining, metal fabricating. Natural resources: limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit region, arable land. Exports: $3.5 billion (2009 est.): authentic jewelry, inorganic chemicals, miscellaneous consumer goods, fruit, tobacco, construction minerals, electric power machinery and switchgear, textile fibers, paper. Imports: $16.5 billion (2009 est.): petroleum products, cars, medicinal products, clothing, meat and live animals, consumer goods, paper, textile fabrics, tobacco. Major trading partners: Syria, UAE, Turkey, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Italy, France, Germany, China, U.S., UK (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 700,000 (1999); mobile cellular: 580,000 (1999). Radio broadcast stations: AM 20, FM 22, shortwave 4 (1998). Radios: 2.85 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 15 (plus 5 repeaters) (1995). Televisions: 1.18 million (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 22 (2000). Internet users: 300,000 (2001).

Transportation: Railways: total: 401 km (unusable because of damage in civil war) (2002). Highways: total: 7,300 km; paved: 6,198 km; unpaved: 1,102 km (1999 est.). Ports and harbors: Antilyas, Batroun, Beirut, Chekka, El Mina, Ez Zahrani, Jbail, Jounie, Naqoura, Sidon, Tripoli, Tyre. Airports: 8 (2002).

Trade and Commerce


MauritaniaMauritanian eMbassy in Paris. 5 Rue de Montevideo 75116 Paris, FranceTel: +33 1 4504 8854Email: [email protected].

Mauritania Fact File

Country Name Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Population 3,290,630 (2009)

Languages Arabic (official), French (commercial)

Currency Ouguiya = 5 kloums


Capital Nouakchott

Business Hours

Government offices: Government offices 07:30 to 14:30 (Saturday to Wednesday)

08:00 to 12:00 (Saturday to Thursday) Reduced hours during Ramadan

national naMe: al JuMhuriyah al islaMiyah al Muritaniyah

languages: Hassaniya Arabic (official), Pulaar, Soninke, French, Wolofethnicity/race: mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%national holiday: Independence Day, Nov. 28literacy rate: 42% (2003 est.)economic summary: GDP/PPP (2009 est.): $6.56 billion; per capita $2,100. Real growth rate: 1.5%. Inflation: 7.3%. Unemployment: 30% (2008 est.). Arable land: 0.2%. Agriculture: dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn; cattle, sheep. Labor force: 786,000 (2001); agriculture 50%, services 40%, industry 10% (2001 est.). Industries: fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum. Natural resources: iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish. Exports: $1.395 billion (2006 est.): iron ore, fish and fish products, gold. Imports: $1.475 billion (2006 est.): machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods. Major trading partners: Japan, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Côte d’Ivoire, China, Russia, U.S., UK (2004).Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 26,500 (2001); mobile cellular: 35,000 (2001). Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 14, shortwave 1 (2001). Radios: 410,000 (2001). Television broadcast stations: 1 (2002). Televisions: 98,000 (2001). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 5 (2001). Internet users: 7,500 (2001).transportation: Railways: total: 717 km (2002). Highways: total: 7,720 km; paved: 830 km; unpaved: 6,890 km (2000). Waterways: ferry traffic on the Senegal River. Ports and harbors: Bogue, Kaedi, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Rosso. Airports: 26 (2002).

SomaliaDiplomatic representation in Somalia is provided by the irish eMbassy in tanzania.Website: www.embassyofireland.or.tz

somalia Fact File

Country Name Somali Democratic Republic

Population 9,133,124 (2009)

Languages Somalian (official), Arabic, English & Italian

Currency Somalia Shilling


Capital Mogadishu

Business Hours Government offices: 07:30 to 14:30 (Saturday to Thursday)

Banks: 08:00 to 12:00 (Saturday to Thursday) Hours vary during Ramadan

national naMe: sooMaaliyalanguages: Somali (official), Arabic, English, Italianethnicity/race: Somali 85%, Bantu and others 15% (including Arabs 30,000)literacy rate: 37.8% (2001 est.)economic summary: GDP/PPP (2010 est.): $5.896 billion; per capita $600. Real growth rate: 2.6%. Inflation: n.a. (businesses print their own money). Unemployment: n.a. Arable land: 1.64%. Agriculture: bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes, sesame seeds, beans; cattle, sheep, goats; fish. Labor force: 3.447 million (very few are skilled laborers); agriculture (mostly pastoral nomadism) 71%, industry and services 29%. Industries: a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles, wireless communication. Natural resources: uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves. Exports: $300 million (2006 est.): livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal. Imports: $798 million (2006 est.): manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials, qat. Major trading partners: UAE, Yemen, Oman, Djibouti, Kenya, India, Brazil (2004).Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 100,000 (2009); mobile cellular: 641,000. Broadcast media: 2 private TV stations rebroadcast Al-Jazeera and CNN; Somaliland has 1 government-operated TV station and Puntland has 1 private TV station; Radio Mogadishu operated by the transitional government; 1 SW and roughly 10 private FM radio stations broadcast in Mogadishu; several radio stations operate in central and southern regions; Somaliland has 1 government-operated radio station; Puntland has roughly a half dozen private radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2007). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 3 (2010). Internet users: 106,000 (2009).transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 22,100 km; paved: 2,608 km; unpaved: 19,492 km (2000 est.). Ports and harbors: Boosaaso, Chisimayu (Kismaayo). Airports: 59 (2010).

Trade and Commerce


MoroccoEMBASSY OF THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO39 Raglan Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4Tel: 01 660 9449 Fax: 01 660 9468. E-Mail: [email protected] Excellency Mr. Anas KhalesAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Morocco Fact File

Country Name Kingdom of Morocco

Population 31,992,592 (2009)

LanguagesArabic (official), French (commercial), Berber (in rural areas), Spanish in North

Currency Moroccan Dirham (MD) = 100 santimat


Capital Rabat

Business HoursGovernment offices: 08:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 18:00 (Monday to Saturday)

Banks: 08:15 to 12:15 and 14:15 to 17:15 (Monday to Thursday) 09:00 to 13:00 (Saturday)

NATIONAL NAME: AL-MAMLAKA AL-MAGHREBIA

Languages: Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often used for business, government, and diplomacyEthnicity/race: Arab-Berber 99.1%, Jewish 0.2%, other 0.7%National Holiday: Throne Day, July 30Literacy rate: 52.3% (2004 est.)Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2009 est.): $146.7 billion; per capita $4,600. Real growth rate: 5.1%. Inflation: 2%. Unemployment: 9.9%. Arable land: 19%. Agriculture: barley, wheat, citrus, wine, vegetables, olives; livestock. Labor force: 11.35 million; agriculture 40%, services 45%, industry 15% (2003 est.). Industries: phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism. Natural resources: phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt. Exports: $15.61 billion (2009 est.): clothing, fish, inorganic chemicals, transistors, crude minerals, fertilizers (including phosphates), petroleum products, fruits, vegetables. Imports: $31.83 billion (2009 est.): crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications equipment, wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics. Major trading partners: France, Spain, UK, Italy, India, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia, China (2006).Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 1.266 million (2006); mobile cellular: 16.005 million (2006). Radio broadcast stations: AM 27, FM 25, shortwave 6 (1998). Radios: 6.64 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 35 (plus 66 repeaters) (1995). Televisions: 3.1 million (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 137,187 (2007). Internet users: 6.1 million (2006).Transportation: Railways: total: 1,907 km (2006). Highways: total: 57,493 km; paved: 32,716 km (includes 507 km of expressways); unpaved: 24,777 km (2004). Ports and harbors: Agadir, El Jadida, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Rabat, Safi, Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and Melilla. Airports: 60 (2007).

OmanEMBASSY OF THE SULTANATE OF OMAN 167 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5HETel: 004420 7225 0001. Fax: 004420 7589 2505. E-mail: [email protected]. Mr. Abdulaziz Abdullah Zahir Al HinaiAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Oman Fact File

Country Name Sultanate of Oman

Population 2,845,415 (2009)

Languages Arabic (official), English is widely spoken

Currency Omani Riyal (OR) = 1,000 Baizas


Capital Muscat

Business Hours Government offices: 07:30 to 14:30 (Saturday to Wednesday)

Banks: 08:00 to 12:00 and 14:30 to 18:00 (Saturday to Wednesday) 08:00 to 11:30 (Thursday) Reduced hours during Ramadan

NATIONAL NAME: SALTANAT UMAN

Languages: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialectsEthnicity/race: Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), AfricanNational Holiday: Birthday of Sultan Qaboos, November 18Literacy rate: 81.4% (2003 est.)Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2009 est.): $69.48 billion; per capita $23,900. Real growth rate: 2.7%. Inflation: 5.3%. Unemployment: 15% (2004 est.). Arable land: 0.2%. Agriculture: dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish. Labor force: 920,000 (2002 est.); agriculture n.a., industry n.a., services n.a. Industries: crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber. Natural resources: petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas. Exports: $29.34 billion (2009 est.): petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles. Imports: $18.41 billion (2009 est.): machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants. Major trading partners: China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, UAE, UK, Italy, Germany, U.S. (2004).Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 201,000 (1997); mobile cellular: 59,822 (1997). Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 9, shortwave 2 (1999). Radios: 1.4 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 13 (plus 25 low-power repeaters) (1999). Televisions: 1.6 million (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000). Internet users: 120,000 (2002).Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 34,965 km; paved: 9,673 km (including 550 km of expressways); unpaved: 25,292 km (2001). Ports and harbors: Matrah, Mina’ al Fahl, Mina’ Raysut. Airports: 139 (2002).

Trade and Commerce


Qatar EMBASSY OF THE STATE OF QATAR1 South Audley Street, London W1K 1NBTel: 004420 7493 2200. Fax: 004420 7493 2661. E-mail: [email protected]

His Excellency Mr. Khalid Rashid Al-Hamoudi Al-MansouriAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Qatar Fact File

Country Name State of Qatar

Population 1,409,423 (2009)

LanguagesArabic (official), English is widely spoken

CurrencyQatar Riyal (QR) = 100 dirhams


Capital Doha


Banks: 07:30 to 13:00 (Sunday to ThursdayReduced hours during Ramadan

NATIONAL NAME: DAWLAT QATAR

Languages: Arabic (official); English a common second language

Ethnicity/race: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Literacy rate: 89% (2004 census)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2011 est.): $181.7 billion; per capita $102,700. Real growth rate: 18.7%. Inflation: –2.8%. Unemployment: 0.4%. Arable land: 1.64%. Agriculture: fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish. Labor force: 1,241,000 (2011 est.). Industries: crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, fish. Exports: $104.3 billion (2011 est.): liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel. Imports: $25.3 billion (2011 est.): machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals. Major trading partners: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, France, U.S., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Germany, UK (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 298,100 (2009); mobile cellular: 2,329,000 (2009). Radio broadcast stations: AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (1998). Radios: 256,000 (1997). Television broadcast stations: 1 (plus three repeaters) (2001). Televisions: 230,000 (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 887 (2010). Internet users: 563,800 (2009).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 7,790 km (2006). Ports and harbors: Doha, Halul Island, Umm Sa’id (Musay’id). Airports: 6 (2012).

Trade and Commerce


Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ROYAL EMBASSY OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA6 & 7 Fitzwilliam Square East, Dublin 2.Tel: 01 676 0704. Fax: 01 676 0715.E-Mail: [email protected]

His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz Abdulrahman AldrissAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Saudi Arabia Fact File

Country Name Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Population 25,391,100 (2009)


CurrencySaudi Riyals (SAR) = 100 halala


Capital Riyadh

Business HoursGovernment offices: 07:30 to 14:30 (Saturday to Wednesday)

Banks: 08:00 to 12:00 and 17:00 to 20:00 (Saturday to Wednesday) 08:00 to 12:00 (Thursday) Reduced hours during Ramadan

NATIONAL NAME: AL-MAMLAKA AL-’ARABIYA AS-SA’UDIYA

Language: Arabic

Ethnicity/race: Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%


Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2011 est.): $676.7 billion; per capita $24,000. Real growth rate: 6.5%. Inflation: 5%. Unemployment: 10.9% male only (local bank estimate; some estimates range as high as 25%) (2011 est.). Arable land: 2%. Agriculture: wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton, chickens, eggs, milk. Labor force: 7.63 million; note: more than 35% of the population in the 15–64 age group is non-national; agriculture 12%, industry 25%, services 63% (1999 est.). Industries: crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals; ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics; metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper. Exports: $350.7 billion (2011 est.): petroleum and petroleum products 90%. Imports: $106.5 billion (2011 est.): machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles. Major trading partners: U.S., Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Germany, UK (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 4.16 million (2009 est.); mobile cellular: 51.56 million (2009 est.). Radio broadcast stations: AM 43, FM 31, shortwave 2 (1998). Radios: 6.25 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 117 (2007). Televisions: 5.1 million (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 9,774,000 (2010). Internet users: 9.774 million (2009).

Transportation: Railways: total: 1,378 km (2002). Highways: total: 221,372 km; paved: 47,529 km; unpaved: 173,843 km (2006). Ports and harbors: Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Duba, Jiddah, Jizan, Rabigh, Ra’s al Khafji, Mishab, Ras Tanura, Yanbu’ al Bahr, Madinat Yanbu’ al Sinaiyah. Airports: 217 (2012).

C&S Shutters


We are a well established company with over 40 years experience in the manufacturing and installing of quality roller shutters and steel fire and personal doors. All our products are manufactured from the very best materials available to suit all our valued customers’ particular security issues.

As a forward and progressively minded company we are constantly involved in research and development in order to improve / enhance our product range & designs in order to make them more user friendly and to give our customers improved value for money.

In the past few years we have become more active in the export market and to that end we are regularly supplying our products mainly to the middle east countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia , Kuwait, U.A.E. and Dubai amongst others. We would welcome any enquiries for all or any of our products and guarantee both a quality product and a second to none service.

All materials used in the manufacture of C&S Roller shutter products are subject to rigorous quality controls to ensure the products give long service life in all normal industrial and commercial applications. Detailed information can be provided to assist when roller shutters / door performances needs to be explained. We have a specialised division supplying directly to the public and trade installers.

C&S Shutters

C&S Shutters


Damien Duffy - Managing Director. With 25 years experience in the roller shutter business, Damien is now a driving force behind taking the company forward with the introduction of a new and dynamic product range to enhance the already comprehensive range of products on offer.

Kenny Mullins- Project DirectorWith over 20 years in the business Kenny Mullins is responsible for all C&S Product quality control. With special emphasis on all products and installation both in the home and export markets., Kenny has highly dedicated & fully trained installation teams.

Tony Byrne – Steel Door DivisionTony has recently joined the company and brings with him a vast wealth of knowledge in relation to the steel door market. He has also spent many years working in the Scandinavian Door Market and has taken with him their attention to quality and detail in relation to this industry. Tony has also recently received a degree in Export Marketing from The Dublin Business School.

James Collins (BEng)- Senior Technical EngineerOver 10 years experience in the roller shutter industry having graduated with 3rd Level degree in Production & Mechanical Engineering. James has been heavily involved in the design, product assessment, quality control, technical construction & CE marking of all products at C&S Roller Shutters, in addition to assisting with the managing of larger contracts such as the recently completed Dublin Airport T2 & Aviva stadium projects. James now manages the production side of C&S steel door division.

Richard Kenna – CAD TechnicianWorking as a CAD Technician in various fields for the last 8 years, Richard has expanded into the Sales Department at the beginning of the year due to expansion within the company.

C & S Shutters,Unit 18,Jamestown Business Park,Finglas,Dublin 11,

IrelandWeb: www.cs-shutters.ie

E-Mail: [email protected]: + 353 (01) 8845240Fax: + 353 (01) 8648209

Trade and Commerce


SudanEMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN3 Cleveland Row, St. James’s, London SW1A 1DDTel: 004420 7839 8080. Fax: 004420 7839 7560. E-Mail: [email protected]: www.sudanembassy.co.ukMr. Mohamed Hussein Hassan ZarougDeputy Head of Mission

Sudan Fact File

Country Name Republic of Sudan

Population 42,272,435 (2009

Languages Arabic (official), English and various tribal languages

Currency Sudanese Pound (£SUD) = 100 piastres


Capital Khartoum


Banks: 08:30 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00 (Saturday to Thursday) Reduced hours during Ramadan

Languages: Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, EnglishEthnicity/race: black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%National Day: 1st JanuaryEconomic summary: GDP/PPP (2011 est.): $89.16 billion; per capita $2,700. Real growth rate: -4.5%. Inflation: 18%. Unemployment: 18.7% (2002 est.). Arable land: 7%. Agriculture: cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), sorghum, millet, wheat, gum arabic, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), mangos, papaya, bananas, sweet potatoes, sesame; sheep, livestock. Labor force: 11.7 million (2007 est.); agriculture 80%, industry and commerce 7%, government 13% (1998 est.). Industries: oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, armaments, automobile/light truck assembly. Natural resources: petroleum; small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold, hydropower. Exports: $9.694 billion (2011 est.): oil and petroleum products; cotton, sesame, livestock, groundnuts, gum arabic, sugar. Imports: $8.205 billion (2011 est.): foodstuffs, manufactured goods, refinery and transport equipment, medicines and chemicals, textiles, wheat. Major trading partners: Macau, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, India, Germany (2011). Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 483,600 (2011); mobile cellular: 25.107 million (2011). Radio broadcast stations: AM 12, FM 1, shortwave 1 (2007). Radios: 7.55 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 3 (1997). Televisions: 2.38 million (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 99 (2012). Internet users: 4.2 million (2008).Transportation: Railways: total: 5,978 km (2008). Highways: total: 11,900 km; paved: 4,320 km; unpaved: 7,580 km (2000 est.). Waterways: 4,068 km navigable (2011). Ports and harbors: Port Sudan. Airports: 72 (2012).

SyriaEMBASSY OF THE SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC 8 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PHTel: 004420 7245 9012. Fax: 004420 7235 4621. E-Mail: [email protected] / [email protected]: www.syremb.comMr. Ghassan Dalla Minister-Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires a.i.National Day: 17th April

Syria Fact File

Country Name Syrian Arab Republic

Population 21,092,262 (2009)

Languages Arabic (official), English and French are widely spoken

Currency Syrian Pound (£S) = 100 piastres


Capital Damascus


NATIONAL NAME: AL-JUMHURIYAH AL-’ARABIYAH AS-SURIYAHLanguages: Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English somewhat understoodEthnicity/race: Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%Literacy rate: 79.6% (2004 est.)Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2011 est.): $107.6 billion; per capita $5,100. Real growth rate: -2%. Inflation: 4.8%. Unemployment: 14.9%. Arable land: 25%. Agriculture: wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas, olives, sugar beets; beef, mutton, eggs, poultry, milk. Labor force: 5.642 million (2011 est.); agriculture 17%, industry 16%, services 67% (2008 est.). Industries: petroleum, textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco, phosphate rock mining. Natural resources: petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt, iron ore, rock salt, marble, gypsum, hydropower. Exports: $10.29 billion (2011 est.): crude oil, petroleum products, fruits and vegetables, cotton fiber, clothing, meat and live animals, wheat. Imports: $17.6 billion (2011 est.): machinery and transport equipment, electric power machinery, food and livestock, metal and metal products, chemicals and chemical products, plastics, yarn, paper. Major trading partners: Italy, Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, Germany, Kuwait, Iran (2011).Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 4.345 million (2011); mobile cellular: 13.117 million (2011) Radio broadcast stations: AM 14, FM 2, shortwave 1 (2007). Radios: 4.15 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 44 (plus 17 repeaters) (1995). Televisions: 1.05 million (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 416 (2012). Internet users: 4.469 million (2009).Transportation: Railways: total: 2,052 km (2008). Highways: total: 68,157 km; paved: 61,514 km (including 1,103 km of expressways); unpaved: 6,643 km (2006). Waterways: 900 km; minimal economic importance. Ports and harbors: Baniyas, Jablah, Latakia, Tartus. Airports: 99 (2012).

Trade and Commerce


Tunisia EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA 29 Prince’s Gate, London SW7 1QGTel: 004420 7584 8117. Fax: 004420 7584 3205. E-Mail: [email protected]

His Excellency Mr. Hatem AtallahAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

National Day: 20th March

Tunisia Fact File

Country Name Tunisian Republic

Population 10,432,500 (2009)

LanguagesArabic (official), French (commercial), Berber (in rural areas)

CurrencyTunisian Dinar (TD) = 1,000 millimes


Capital Tunis

Business Hours

Government offices: 08:30 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:45 (Monday to Thursday) 08:30 to 13:30 (Friday and Saturday)

Banks: 08:00 to 11:00 and 14:00 to 16:00 (Monday to Friday)Hours vary during Summer/Winter

NATIONAL NAME: AL-JUMHURIYAH AT-TUNISIYAH

Languages: Arabic (official, commerce), French (commerce)

Ethnicity/race: Arab-Berber 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%


Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2009 est.): $83.21 billion; per capita $8,000. Real growth rate: 0.3%. Inflation: 3.7%. Unemployment: 14.7%. Arable land: 17%. Agriculture: olives, olive oil, grain, tomatoes, citrus fruit, sugar beets, dates, almonds; beef, dairy products. Labor force: 3.593 million; note: shortage of skilled labor; services 55%, industry 23%, agriculture 22% (1995 est.). Industries: petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages. Natural resources: petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt. Exports: $14.43 billion (2009 est.): textiles, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals, agricultural products, hydrocarbons. Imports: $19.04 billion (2009 est.): textiles, machinery and equipment, hydrocarbons, chemicals, food. Major trading partners: France, Italy, Germany, Spain (2004).Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 654,000 (1997); mobile cellular: 50,000 (1998). Radio broadcast stations: AM 7, FM 20, shortwave 2 (1998). Radios: 2.06 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 26 (plus 76 repeaters) (1995). Televisions: 920,000 (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000). Internet users: 400,000 (2002).

Transportation: Railways: total: 2,152 km (2002). Highways: total: 18,997 km; paved: 12,310 km; unpaved: 6,687 km (2000). Ports and harbors: Bizerte, Gabes, La Goulette, Sfax, Sousse, Tunis, Zarzis. Airports: 30 (2002).

Trade and Commerce


United Arab Emirates EMBASSY OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 45 – 47 Pembroke Road, DublinTel: 01 669 8588. Fax: 01 669 8557E-mail: [email protected]

His Excellency Mr. Khalid Nasser Rashid LootahAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

National Day: 2nd December

United Arab Emirates Fact File

Country Name United Arab Emirates

Population 4,598,600 (2009)

LanguagesArabic (official), English widely spoken

Currency Dirham (D) = 100 fils


Capital Abu Dhabi

Business Hours Government offices:07:30 to 19:00 (Sunday to Thursday)

Banks: 08:00 to 19:00 (Sunday to Thursday)Times vary from Emirate to Emirate.

NATIONAL NAME: AL-IMARAT AL-’ARABIYAH AL-MUTTAHIDAHLanguages: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Ethnicity/race: Emiri 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2009 est.): $201.4 billion; per capita $42,000. Real growth rate: –3.5%. Inflation: 1.5%. Unemployment: 2.4% (2001). Arable land: 1%. Agriculture: dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs, dairy products; fish. Labor force: 3.065 million; note: 73.9% of the population in the 15–64 age group is nonnational; services 78%, industry 15%, agriculture 7% (2000 est.). Industries: petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas. Exports: $174 billion (2009 est.): crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, dates. Imports: $141 billion (2009 est.): machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food. Major trading partners: Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, China, Germany, UK, France, U.S. (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 915,223 (1998); mobile cellular: 1 million (1999). Radio broadcast stations: AM 13, FM 7, shortwave 2 (1998). Radios: 820,000 (1997). Television broadcast stations: 15 (1997). Televisions: 310,000 (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000). Internet users: 900,000 (2002).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 4,835 km; paved: 1,088 km; unpaved: 0 km (1999 est.). Ports and harbors: ‘Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Das Island, Khawr Fakkan, Mina’ Jabal ‘Ali, Mina’ Khalid, Mina’ Rashid, Mina’ Saqr, Mina’ Zayid, Umm al Qaywayn. Airports: 41 (2002).

Trade and Commerce


YemenEmbassy of the Republic of Yemen 57 Cromwell Road, London. SW7 2EDTel: +1 212 421 6934Website: www.yemenembassy.org.uk

H.E. Mr. Abdulla Ali AlradhiAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Yemen Fact File

Country Name Republic of Yemen

Population 23,580,220 - 2009

LanguagesArabic (official), English and Arabic (Commercial)

Currency Yemeni Rial (YER) = 100 fils


Capital Sana’a


Banks: 08:30 to 12:00 (Saturday to Wednesday) 08:00 to 11:30 (Thursday)

NATIONAL NAME: AL-JUMHURIYAH AL-YAMANIYAHLanguage: Arabic

Ethnicity/race: predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Literacy rate: 50% (2003 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2009 est.): $58.2 billion; per capita $2,500. Real growth rate: 3.8%. Inflation: 3.6%. Unemployment: 35% (2003 est.). Arable land: 3%. Agriculture: grain, fruits, vegetables, pulses, qat, coffee, cotton; dairy products, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, camels), poultry; fish. Labor force: 6.316 million; most people are employed in agriculture and herding; services, construction, industry, and commerce account for less than one-fourth of the labor force. Industries: crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale production of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing; handicrafts; small aluminum products factory; cement; commercial ship repair. Natural resources: petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble, small deposits of coal, gold, lead, nickel, copper, fertile soil in west. Exports: $5.55 billion (2009 est.): crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish. Imports: $7.1 billion (2009 est.): food and live animals, machinery and equipment, chemicals. Major trading partners: Thailand, China, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, India, U.S., Kuwait (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 968,400 (2006); mobile cellular: 2.075 million. Radio broadcast stations: AM 6, FM 1, shortwave 2 (1998). Radios: 1.05 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 7 (plus several low-power repeaters) (1997). Televisions: 470,000 (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 171 (2006). Internet users: 220,000 (2005).Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 71,300 km ; paved: 6,200 km; unpaved: 65,100 km (2005 est.). Ports and harbors: Aden, Al Hudaydah, Al Mukalla, As Salif, Ras Issa, Mocha, Nishtun. Airports: 44 (2002).



JAICC 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Patricia Geraghty Allergan Pharmaceuticals with Ahmad and Evelyn of JAICC

Moya Brennan Entertains Guests

Pat Ward Irish Dairy Board receives an Award from JAICC



Evelyn Harrington Director of JAICC, Carol Joyce Office Manager and Rafal Sabir Head of Translations

Louis Maguire accepting a Gift from Dr Elias Chantous accompanied with their partners

Ahmad Younis JAICC with Michael McPhillips and Evelyn Harrington JAICC

Louis Maguire of JAICC, Martin McMahon from ABP International and Ahmad Younis of JAICC

Murat Balandi Turkish Airlines Presenting Ahmad Younis with a Gift to mark the occasion

Michael Hayden ESBI with Louis Maguire and Joe Geoghegan JAICC

Ahmad Younis JAICC and Michael O’Driscoll Arab Irish Journal

Kent Stainless


Kent Stainless Win Exporter of the Year

Members of the Kent team were over the moon recently as MD, Ann O’Brien gratefully picked up 2 of these prestigious awards. The awards which were hosted by The Irish Exporters Association took place at University College Dublin where, Shane Curtin- Sales and Marketing Director and Michael Hurley-Technical Sales Director were also in attendance. Both have played integral roles in the companies’ success in the Middle East.

Firstly Kent Stainless were awarded with ‘Manufacturing Exporter of the Year’ which was presented by Colin Lawlor, I.E.A president with recognition of Kents first class manufacturing facilities and capabilities. It recognises Kent Stainless’ commitment to continual advancements in product development and the efforts of their in-house design team which continually provide ongoing innovative engineering solutions to a broad range of industries.

Next up Ann O’Brien, MD collected the overall ‘Exporter of the Year 2012’ award which was presented by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton. The company is delighted to accept this award as it is cause to celebrate overcoming the challenges which the company faced in recent years, and the remarkable achievements and growth the company has made in the Middle East, despite Irelands distressed economic state.

Qatar contracts win Kent Stainless Prestigious Awards

Huge investment in the Middle East has proved successful as the value of projects to date now total over €13m. Last year saw Kents export approx. 800 tonnes of stainless steel to the GCC. The first project was Lusail City CP1 in Qatar, where ventilation grilles and manholes were designed and supplied. This lead on to winning more drainage contracts namely, Cleveland Clinic and Masdar Institute of Technology in Abu Dhabi, and KAUST in Saudi Arabia. Kent has worked with Halcrow, CH2MHill, Parsons, Sinohydro, Qatar Stars League, Metito, Dutco Tennant, Advanced Industries Group, Qatar Kentz and Foster and Partners on these projects. Fantastic feedback has been received from these companies in relation to many aspects Kent Stainless performance on each project, notably their willingness to work with their clients, designers and contractors to finalise specialist detailing and the standard of quality of the finished goods which are delivered to site.

Following on from this success, 2013 will see Kent Stainless focus its efforts towards the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, where the design team are already developing products such as Air-Conditioned Passengers Shelters for the Rail Sector.

Further details on these and other current projects which Kent are working on can be found online at www.kentstainless.com

Shane Curtin, Sales & Marketing Director; Colin Lawlor, I.E.A President; Ann O’Brien M.D, Kent Stainless; Richard Bruton, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation; Michael Hurley, Technical Sales Director;

Recent Projects Lusail City CP1, Qatar | Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi

Masdar Institute, Abu Dhabi | KAUST, Saudi Arabia

، قطر1مدينة لوسيل، سي بي عيادة كليفيالند، أبو ظبي | كاوست، المملكة العربية السعودية | مؤسسة مصدر، أبو ظبي

www.kentstainless.com

Turkish Airlines


Over much of the past decade, Turkish Airlines has been a rising star in global aviation and continues to expand and rejuvenate its fleet. The airline has now reached its goal of operating a fleet of 200 aircraft.

This will give Turkish Airlines, Europe’s youngest and most modern fleet as it works towards its goal of having the largest global network of an airline. It is presently the world’s fifth largest airline and with the addition of the 200th aircraft, the airline continues to strengthen its position.

The arrival of this aircraft, and the progress that it represents, acknowledged with a ceremony at the Turkish Technic new hangar at Atatürk Airport on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Those in attendance will include Turkish Airlines Chairman Hamdi Topcu, and General Manager Temel Kotil, Ph.D., as well as Turkish Airlines’ senior managers, employees and media representatives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish Airlines Chairman Hamdi Topcu said, “As a company, we continue to achieve our goals one at a time. We first

celebrated the arrival of our 100th aircraft and now we have reached our next goal of 200 aircraft in the fleet. Our next goal, as we continue to expand, is 300. When we began our expansion in 2003, there were only 54 aircrafts in the fleet and we flew to 103 destinations. That number is now 205 cities in 90 countries. The fleet in 2003 required only 651 pilots and 1579 cabin attendant. Those staff numbers now have grown to 2445 cockpit and 5344 cabin attendant.” He noted that “All of these are signs of a growing Turkish Airlines.”

Additionally, he said that, “The global economic crisis has shrunk in the aviation sector. Many companies went bankrupt. Previously independent flag carriers have partnered with other companies to survive in an increasingly complex global environment. However, during this period, , Turkish Airlines has stood alone and continued to grow. We will continue to expand and grow from within.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish Airlines’ General Manager Temel Kotil, Ph.D. remarked that ‘’We now fly to 90 different countries around the

Globally YoursTurkish Airlines adds 200th aircraft to its Fleet...

Turkish Airlines


globe. While it seemed like a dream to many, I have anticipated this achievement for some years now and announced our intentions at the IATA AGM some years ago.’’

He said that “I am more optimistic on our 2023 goal becoming the world’s largest airline network. We intend to become a 5-star airline and the leading carrier in our region, home to 1.5 billion people.”

Following the ceremony, the Boeing 737-900, parked in front of the hangar and with a special sticker “200”, entered line service and began its job of carrying passengers.

The Arab Irish Journal paid a visit to Turkish Airlines office in Terminal 1 Dublin Airport recently. We were delighted to find that in their Fleet they employ 20 plus Irish Captains. The Arab Irish Journal met with Captains Eric Eades, Conor Rock and Jeff Brownlow who informed us that their fleet of Passanger Jets is amongst the youngest in the world and Turkish Airlines are the only Airline who have a full time Chef on Board for long haul travel for First and Business Class Passangers.

Turkish Airlines also boast one of the highest luggage and baggage allowances in the world starting at 30kg to 50kg when you join Turkish Corporate Club, which is excellent for expats travelling to or returning from the MENA(Middle East/North Africa) Region.

From April 2013 Turkish Airlines informed The Arab Irish Journal that they were increasing their weekly Flights from 7 to 10 per week from Dublin to Istanbul with connections from Istanbul to the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the Far East and Asia.

Turkish Airlines Globally Yours winners of SKYTRAX AWARDS Europes Best Airline 2011 and 2012.www.turkishairlines.com

President Michael D Higgins


The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland welcomed President Michael D. Higgins and Mrs Sabina Higgins to the launch of Neighbourhood Week 2012; ‘Timeless Islamic Art’ on Wednesday 28th November 2012 at 4.30pm.

President Higgins was met by Dr Nooh Al Kaddo ( CEO), Sheikh Hussein Halawa (Imam), and Mr Shaheen Ahmed (ICCI Committee PR Officer). They proceeded to the main mosque to view the architecture and prayer facilities and then to the multi-purpose hall where the President officially launched Neighbourhood Week by ceremonially cutting the ribbon, he was then presented with a beautiful flower arrangement by two young female students from the Muslim national school. Mr Shaheen Ahmed welcomed the President in a short speech followed by the President who delivered a wonderful speech on many aspects of acceptance and celebration of the diversity of today’s Ireland. He said Ireland’s new citizens had “an important part to play in shaping and crafting our shared future”.

He said if we are to “practise equality”, we must understand that “‘belonging’ is not based on imitation or the subservience of one culture to another’’. Diverse cultures should instead “bring about a new sense of human solidarity” and an understanding that “integration is a

Neighbourhood Week 2012 at Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland

two-way process”.Dr Nooh Al Kaddo then thanked the President

on behalf of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Patron of Al Maktoum Foundation, and on behalf of Mr Mirza Al Sayeigh; Chairperson of Al Maktoum Foundation. He said: ‘’Sheikh Hamdan has a sincere fondness for Ireland and the Irish people which has been enhanced by the support of the office of President and your gracious visit to us here today’’.

‘’You, President Higgins, are renowned throughout the Muslim world, in particular for your positive stand on human rights, anti-war, and your resilient stance against injustice, that also is a representation of what Islam truly stands for. We are truly humbled by your presence amongst us’’.

President Higgins and Mrs Higgins took some time to view the exhibits of renowned Artist Dr Salah Al Mousawi from France and Irish Photographer Noel Bowler, plus the unique exhibitions of Arabian brass art displayed in the Moroccan tent.

The ICCI was delighted to also welcome the Local Mayor, Minister Alex White, Councillors, Ambassadors, Consulate Officials, neighbours & friends of ICCI, and community members, to this auspicious event.

President Michael D. Higgins and Mrs Sabina Higgins with Sheikh Hussein Halawa (Imam)

President Michael D. Higgins receives a gift from Dr Nooh Al Kaddo ( CEO) and Sheikh Hussein Halawa (Imam)

President Michael D Higgins


President Michael D Higgins receives Arab Ambassador Group from the following Kuwait, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Palestine, The United Arab Emirates, Libya and The League of Arab States in Áras an Uachtaráin

Bimeda


Honoured recently for its hard work and commitment with an Excellence in Trading certificate from the Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (JAICC), Bimeda has considered the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as a major focus for more than 30 years and “it is therefore very rewarding to receive such a prestigious award,” according to Gavin Lee, international business development manager AMEA [Africa,Middle East,& Asia], Bimeda.

“We would like to think that Bimeda is very well recognised in our markets. Thirty years has certainly help us build brand and product recognition. Bimeda’s motto is “ Global Excellence in Animal Health”. Through its 40 plus years in operation, Bimeda has developed a strong focus on developing high quality goods, using the highest quality raw materials and delivering excellence from production right through to the end user,” he comments.

An international developer, manufacturer and marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals and animal healthcare products, Bimeda’s broad product range spans all animal species, such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, poultry and a very strong portfolio of equine products.

HealthygrowthBimeda has expanded its presence across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by delivering quality products and developing a loyal customer base in the region, as its international business development manager AMEA (Africa, Middle East & Asia) Gavin Lee explains.

“We offer therapies in key areas, such as parasite and mastitis control. We supply a broad range of injectable and oral anti-biotics and anti-inflammatories. We also make products to treat diseases of particular importance, notably diseases transmitted by ticks. All of these products address the major concerns of the region,” Gavin explains.

The Dublin-headquartered company has 525 employees worldwide, with seven state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Ireland, UK, Canada, USA, China and Brazil, and five development laboratories.

“We are present in over 65 markets worldwide, with an operational presence in 8 markets in the Middle East and North Africa. We are trying to expand our global footprint currently through a mix of organic growth and an acquisitions strategy,” he comments.

Committed to a vigorous research and development programme, Bimeda allocates a significant percentage of its annual revenues to this, funding work in Canada, Ireland, the US and China.

“At any one time, there are literally hundreds of products being brought through the various

(l-r) Ahmad Younis, Secretary General, JAICC, Gavin Lee, International Business Manager and Siobhan Moyna, Bimeda and Evelyn Harrington Director JAICC.

Bimeda


Bimeda generic ad portrait A4.indd 1 17/10/2012 18:12

Bimeda


stages of its development pipeline: from discovery, to ‘under evaluation’, early and late development, registration and recently approved products,” Gavin comments. The firm has secured hundreds of marketing authorisations worldwide, he adds.

Founded in the mid-1960’s, the company concentrated on the domestic Irish market initially, yet rapid expansion and acquisitions followed, Gavin explains.

“In 1975, it acquired Constant Laboratories and in 1977 Clonmel Healthcare was brought into the fold. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the company expanded both at home and abroad. This brought about the initial entry to the Middle East and connection with the JAICC,” he says.

Between 1997 and 2007, five acquisitions in the USA, Canada and Mexico put Bimeda firmly on the map in the Americas, while 2011 saw Bimeda acquire strategic businesses in both South America and Africa.

The company recently invested in a joint venture research lab in the booming Chinese market, providing a direct route to rapid growth and development in Asia, he reveals. The company manufactures its own-branded products as well as brands under licence for some of the biggest and best known distributors, agents and peer companies.

Over the past 30 years, Bimeda has operated in a broad range of countries in the Middle East, including Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the latter its biggest market there. Bimeda’s long-standing visibility in these markets, coupled with its quality products has cemented a well-recognised product range in each of these markets, Gavin believes.

Asked about overcoming the challenges of the economic downturn in the Middle East and North African market, Gavin says that Bimeda’s customers “know the quality of all our products, and as such, we have developed a loyal customer base, who have remained with us through these taxing times.”

The pharmaceuticals industry is one that does not necessarily have the more volatile peaks and troughs of other industries, he says, “though naturally we are susceptible to global economic change. 2009 marked the decline in the animal health market, as a result of trimmed expenditure by people on animals due to the negative impact of recessionary conditions.”

“But with the stabilisation of the economic conditions, the markets also stabilised. The global animal health business is a €22bn market. As the world’s population rises, more and more focus is going on animal welfare to help feed the growing population,” he adds.

“We have set up a network of strong distributors in these markets and continue to see a lot of opportunities in the region. The region is very focused on food security, with certain nations trying to align themselves with countries around the world with high agricultural potential,” he says.

“Certainly, Ireland is one of those countries, with our global exports at an all-time high in 2012. Certainly we hope to be part of these large-scale agricultural projects in the Middle East, where we can contribute our expertise in the area and forge strong partnerships with Governments and organisations focused on animal welfare,” he adds.

Commenting on the challenges of working in the Middle East market, Gavin comments that, “naturally, there are challenges to all aspects of the business, from political, economic, foreign exchange, international logistics, language and cultural differences, but this is no different to doing business in any other part of the world. Yes, we made mistakes along the way but it is important to recognise these and learn from them.”

As Business Development Manager for AMEA, Gavin is on the road circa 50% of the time. “While abroad, I am usually meet with our national distributor, who represents us in the particular market, and assists us in the promotion and sales of our product range.”

“We are very committed to our distributors, in that we don’t have a direct sales force selling to end users in these markets. We are therefore very dependent on these distributors. I am always on the look-out for new opportunities or potential new suitors to help expand our business,” he adds.

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Greenpark


As one of the JAICC’s original members, you have been in a business for a long time, what would you attribute to that growth?

During the early 1980’s, Greenpark was involved primarily in the design and supply to the food sector in Ireland and the UK. In response to many enquiries from the emerging Middle East markets, Greenpark became involved in the supply of turnkey food processing facilities in the Gulf Area and North Africa.

The decline of crude oil prices from the mid-1980’s onwards caused severe budgetary problems for some of the Government-sponsored projects in the MENA region. By that time, Greenpark had already become involved in the supply of specialist equipment to companies in the oil sector.

We learned an important lesson, namely that even though the oil prices were in considerable decline, the day-to-day requirements of the operating companies in the oil sector did not fluctuate significantly. The requirements of the producers to maintain and upgrade facilities are the same irrespective of whether oil is sold for $40 or $140 per barrel.

This was the beginning of Greenpark’s long-term relationship with the domestic and international oil companies in the region. Our interest thereafter became focused on servicing the procurement requirements of these companies. Greenpark’s aim was to become a top-tier specialist supplier of engineering equipment, capable of meeting the oil sector’s exacting specifications, supplying on-time and providing follow-up during installation and commissioning.

You became very involved in the North African market. Is there any particular reason you have concentrated on this geographical region?Greenpark has concentrated on North Africa and the Libyan market in particular, as this is currently our specialist area and has the most potential for opportunities. We find the Libyan business associates tremendously honourable and positive to deal with. When you gain their trust and confidence in your ability to deliver, the Libyans will go out of their way to work

Standing the test of time

with you constructively, but you absolutely must live up to your promise.

Libya’s proximity to Europe means we can travel there with the same frequency and ease as if doing business in Germany or France. Greenpark has worked there for a long time and much of our business is from Clients that we have been dealing with in excess of 20 years. We have longstanding relationships with many of the management and project engineers working in the oil sector; they know that Greenpark is a company that lives up to its business commitments and they can rely on us to perform.

Greenpark has developed considerable in-house expertise in many aspects of above-ground oil production facilities and can deliver engineered packaged equipment to the same quality of the major international engineering companies, but at a much more competitive price.

The Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (JAICC) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Gerard Murphy, Managing Director of Greenpark Engineering Ltd, a specialist supplier to the oil sector and one of the JAICC’s original members, tells Lynne Nolan how the company’s flexibility and adaptability has allowed it to thrive over three decades.

Gerard Murphy M.D Greenpark Engineering

Greenpark


You must have seen many changes in that region, particularly in Libya, during this period?The Libyan people have been through good and bad times during the recent decades, culminating in their revolution in February 2011. Prior to this revolution, the most difficult time for many in Libya was probably the imposition of sanctions by the UN and the air-traffic embargo from 1992 to 1999. The people stoically lived with these tough conditions for almost a decade. The gradual normalisation of relations with the western world in the new millennium brought relief and new confidence to the country. Of course, the revolution in 2011 was a time of great hardship and sacrifice for the Libyans, but thankfully they achieved a magnificent outcome and there is now great optimism for the future there.

How did your company manage during the political upheaval in what is an important market for you and what lessons have you learned?Greenpark was very fortunate to have built strong relationships with many Clients. All of them were conscious of the effect that the shutdown in day-to-day activity was having on the business community. The freezing of the country’s external assets in 2011 resulted in the cessation of all payments and normal commercial traffic came to a standstill. Many of Greenpark’s projects had to be put on hold; projects that were already in progress were completed and placed in storage until the end of the conflict. During this period, despite the reduced workload, Greenpark retained its entire key staff and fulfilled all obligations to its global suppliers.

Within three months of the liberation of the country, the remaining contracts were complete and there was no incident where a Client contested the settlement of their outstanding liabilities; this is testament to the honourable nature of our Clients and the country is probably unique in this regard. During its time in business, Greenpark has always concentrated on working for selected quality Clients, providing them with a first-class service, treating them with respect, and when problems do arise, this relationship certainly makes a big difference in helping alleviate difficulties.

What are your plans for the future development of your business?It is expected that the price of crude oil will remain high for the foreseeable future. This will drive considerable business opportunities and revenue for Greenpark’s specialist engineering services in the oil and gas sector. Greenpark has in-depth regional engineering expertise and has built the financial capability to service the requirements of the oil producing markets. In the near future the African region will continue to increase Greenpark’s opportunities and ensure a sustainable business. There are enormous engineering services opportunities in Libya, Algeria, Sudan and the West African coast for companies with know-how. Greenpark is already at an advanced stage of establishing a stronger foothold in Algeria, and is very well-positioned to realise potential there.

In the case of Libya, it is a country that has very large proven oil reserves and stable oil production. They are planning new investments in production facilities in many of their oil fields and in infrastructure around the country.

Greenpark


Greenpark enGineerinG specialises in the design and turnkey supply of equipment for oil & gas projects. For more than 30 years Greenpark has been exporting to major oil producing countries in the Middle east and africa. Our management and staff have professional expertise in Oil industry projects, Utility Supplies and environmental Solutions.

a central element of our service is the supply of complete equipment packages tailored to particular customer requirements. Our quality controls ensure strict compliance with specifications and standards

Some of the major new infrastructure projects will take time to come on-line, but short-term opportunities lie in delivering the enormous amount of work required to upgrade existing facilities and bring smaller oilfields back into production. This area of opportunity is suited to mid-size companies such as Greenpark as most of the large infrastructure work will be awarded to international consortia.

Greenpark already has considerable experience working in technical joint ventures on projects with international contractors active in this area. These partnerships drive additional opportunity and ensure future workload for the business.

Greenpark believes that many of the opportunities in this region in the future will involve partnerships with carefully selected local indigenous companies as there is a natural requirement to build up the capacity and expertise of these local enterprises. The vast majority of new foreign entrants to this market are unable to survive because they do not comprehend the dynamics and specific challenges of the market; they underestimate the challenges and do not appreciate that it takes time to win the confidence of the establishment.

The future will involve providing more high level technical know-how and specialist equipment to these countries and helping to develop the capacity of the local service companies. The larger infrastructure projects will have very considerable requirements and we have already identified these opportunities in the oil sector.

Greenpark has thrived for the past thirty years in a business environment where flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances is the key to success; the next decade will be no different and we expect to see many more changes throughout the region. These changes will be very much for the better of its people and will create many great opportunities for our engineering services. Greenpark is uniquely positioned to capitalise on these markets through our long-term and sustainable relationships, our key partnerships, and our history of competitively delivering projects in this exciting region.

www.greenparkengineering.com www.greenpark.ie

Greenpark engineering, Global House, Greyfriars, Waterford, ireland.Tel: +353 51 87 21 20 Fax: +353 51 87 46 36 e: [email protected]

Greenpark engineering, Dalton House, 60 Windsor avenue, London SW19 2rr, U.k.Tel: +44 20 7060 6881 Fax: +44 20 7806 8383 e: [email protected]

Greenpark enGineerinG LTDServinG THe OiL anD GaS inDUSTry FOr Over 30 yearS

There are enormous engineering services

opportunities in Libya, Algeria, Sudan and the West African coast for companies

with know-how.

COP 18

PB | The Arab Irish Journal The Arab Irish Journal | 71

Speaking at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP 18, in Doha, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD highlighted the urgent need for concerted action to deliver a successful outcome: “There is overwhelming scientific evidence that global warming is happening. In fact, according to UNEP’s latest Emissions Gap report, instead of declining, greenhouse gases are actually increasing more rapidly than previous projections. Climate change is likely to alter traditional weather patterns with important implications for the whole population of the world and particularly for the agricultural sector. We have a responsibility to future generations to ensure there is a successful outcome to our discussions this week.”

Given the limited scope for individual countries acting alone to successfully tackle climate change, the Minister emphasised the critical importance of the global efforts under the UN process, and the essential purpose of the negotiations taking place in Doha this week. “It is only by continuing to engage proactively with international organisations through EU and UN structures that we can have optimum effect in terms of developing an ambitious and deliverable global strategy to keep the planetary temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius.” “Internationally, strengthening the means of implementation for both mitigation and adaptation is central for effective action to address the challenges of climate change. An essential element of a balanced package from Doha will be the extension of the Kyoto Protocol until 2020; but the package must also involve taking decisive action now across a range of other elements, to close the ambition gap, through increasing pledges and tapping into other complementary initiatives, and to help deliver the new global, legally-binding agreement by 2015.”

“The EU is on target to meet their 20% emission reduction target by 2020 which is mandated in legislation throughout all its 27 Member States. However, the EU accounts for only 11% of global emissions, so we need others to also do more in terms of emissions reductions, in parallel with the increased efforts of the EU”. With the aim of contributing to those EU efforts, the Minister emphasised the progress being made nationally in delivering on the programme for the development of national climate policy published in early 2012, in particular the completion of an interim policy analysis report by the NESC Secretariat. “The remainder of this year will see further progress on the programme and I expect to announce details of additional initiatives in this regard in the coming weeks, all designed to move Ireland further along the transition to a low-carbon future,”

In addition to the efforts by the EU to reduce emissions, the Minister also emphasised the impressive European, and Irish, track record in providing financial assistance to support the efforts of

Minister Phil Hogan’s Address at COP 18Future Generations Depend on a Successful Outcome of COP 18 – Minister Phil Hogan

developing countries to deal with climate change. “I’m pleased to confirm that, as part of the overall EU effort, Ireland will exceed its commitment to provide up to €100 million for the Fast Start Finance period. Over the three year period involved, 2010 – 2012, Ireland has delivered some €110 million in direct grant-aid which is being used to support activities in several of the poorest countries experiencing the worst impacts of climate change, particularly in Africa.”

Given Ireland’s forthcoming EU Presidency, Minister Hogan is also taking opportunities in Doha to participate in a range of bilaterals between the EU and other parties, supporting the current Cyprus Presidency. He is also meeting with many of his EU Environment Minister counterparts to brief them on, and seek their support for, what will be an ambitious environmental agenda under the Irish Presidency.

Former President Mary Robinson speaking at the COP18 Conference.

Minister for Environment Mr. Phil Hogan T.D.

Tom Barry


As CEO of Arabtec, Tom Barry witnessed the company’s progression from humble beginnings to its completion of a diverse portfolio of major construction projects in all sectors of real estate and infrastructure.

Tom, 66, recalls how his early interest in civil engineering was “really a family thing.” Influenced by his father, who was a very successful engineer with his own consultancy practice in Dublin and his elder brother, a civil engineering graduate, Tom graduated from UCD in 1969 with a BE (degree) in civil engineering.

Unlike his father and brother, Tom was attracted to the construction sector, rather than the professional or consultancy side of engineering. Drawn to the opportunity to become a chartered engineer and gain a British qualification, “as it was more recognised throughout the world, as even then I had in mind that someday I would go abroad to work,” he took up a job offer from Sir Robert Alpine & Sons in the UK.

Starting out as a site engineer in Scunthorpe, where the company was building a huge steel-making plant for British Steel, and later working on bridges and roads within the development as a section engineer, Tom later moved to Northampton as a section engineer and, subsequently, chief engineer on a shopping centre. After working at McAlpine’s London

office to gain experience in design work, mandatory in order to become a chartered engineer, Tom successfully sat his exam and became a Chartered Civil Engineer.

He moved to Leeds to work on a large city centre project involving a huge shopping centre and a high rise office block, holding responsibility for the office block, which was completed in 1976.

It was during his time at McAlpine’s that Tom met two people who would be instrumental in his next move. These men were another recent graduate Riad Kamal, and Colin Weekley, under whom he had worked in Scunthorpe and Northampton.

“Riad had moved around the UK like me and had also achieved his ambition of being a chartered engineer. Then he decided to return to the Middle East, where he was from, and set up a construction company in a place called Dubai, where a building boom was about to happen as they had ‘oil money.’ He persuaded Colin to join him, which he did, and Arabtec Construction was formed,” Tom recalls.

“I then got the phone call in the summer of 1976 asking if I would join and after some discussion, I accepted and resigned from McAlpine’s.”

Moving there in September 1976, his first visit to the UAE, “turned out to be a very fortuitous

Having just fully retired from Arabtec, Tom Barry speaks exclusively to Lynne Nolan about his time at the helm of the UAE’s leading construction company.

Scaling new heights

A PROFILE- Tom Barry

Tom Barry


When awarded, the Emirates Hangars

Project was the biggest project ever awarded to a single contractor like Arabtec, and it was the

springboard for our future success.

move, although I had no idea at the time!”Asked about the main differences between

working there and Ireland or the UK at that time, Tom says there were a “multitude” of differences.

“First of all we were in a very hot climate, in a Muslim country with a totally different culture. Construction was totally different, with all labour and junior staff being of Asian origin, mostly Indian, with an approach to construction techniques that we would have considered well out of date,” he says.

“We, therefore, had to breed a new construction culture by training them all in more modern methods technically, as well as health and safety. Standards had to be improved, but most were willing to learn and improve themselves and their work ethic. In those days, it was hard to get the right materials in the right time, and it was a hard slog,” he adds.

Prior to Arabtec Construction completing paperwork and registration, allowing it to commence projects, Tom spent two years working on design and project management matters for big infrastructure projects in Dubai and other emirates for consulting group Halcrow International. Such projects included Jebel Ali Port, Khor Fakkan Harbour and other marine-type projects.

Joining Arabtec, Tom was “excited at the prospect of joining a newly-formed company which had ambitions to become a large company in the area, modernise construction techniques and take on bigger and better projects and developments.”

Early on, Arabtec formed a JV with a German construction company to build a 17-storey office building on Dubai Creek, which was then the tallest building in Dubai, and he says, it is “amazing that 30 years later Arabtec would be part of a JV building the tallest building in the world.”

Starting out as a project manager at Arabtec in early 1979, in charge of three projects, Tom became “involved progressively with all aspects of the construction company.” He became chief projects manager and deputy general manager, before taking on the role of general manager after Colin Weekley decided to leave and return to the UK.

During the early 1980’s, Arabtec grew, building cold store projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat, as well as apartment buildings using an innovative formwork system called Tunnelform, which was later converted for use in building villas, which Arabtec excelled at in the 90’s and noughties.

Tom reveals that Arabtec “barely survived” the severe depression in the construction sector around 1987, yet “things started booming for Arabtec after they won the Emirates Hangars

project, which they successfully completed.” Arabtec was also very active in the oil and gas sector in Abu Dhabi at this time and were involved in a number of important projects offshore on Mubarras Island, Abu Dhabi.

After being awarded the Emirates Hangars project in Dubai Airport, followed by numerous other prestigious projects in the ever-expanding Dubai Airport, Arabtec really started to take off in the mid-90’s, taking on its first real high rise building in Dubai, a 55-storey residential building. The company also started its Arabtec Living division, which exclusively built villa developments.

“Having successfully completed such projects, our name and reputation for on-time delivery of a quality product became known and projects poured in. They ranged from high rise commercial and residential developments, hotels, villa developments involving thousands of villas,

Tom Barry


airport projects – in fact anything we could handle,” he says.

As Arabtec expanded, so did Tom’s responsibilities, and alongside Riad Kamal, Arabtec initiated the process of getting certified to ISO 9001. With that Quality Management system in place, Arabtec started securing bigger projects and with a Board in place, Tom became Construction Director and General Manager in 2004.

When Arabtec achieved certification to ISO 9001, it opened many new doors to them and during the period 2002 to 2008, Arabtec was awarded “project after project,” some remarkable in size, including the construction of the JBR project for Dubai Properties, “which involved the construction of 13 high rise towers very close to each other, in a very tight time frame.”

During this time, Emirates Palace was built, as well as the Address Hotel, the Fairmont Hotel and the Burj Khalifa.

Riad Kamal, chairman and managing director at the time, decided that Arabtec should go public, which it did in late 2004 and was then quoted on the Dubai Stock Exchange in Dubai Financial Market.

“Our share price tripled overnight and then went to a level of six times the initial price through the next four years. I became a Director of the Holding Company and Executive Director of Arabtec Construction. Then Riad Kamal, who became CEO of the Holding Company, whilst retaining his position as chairman of Arabtec Construction, decided to appoint me as CEO of Arabtec Construction in early 2009, a position I retained until I decided to retire in 2011,” he reveals.

By 2007, Arabtec’s labour force rose to 52,000

people and it became the biggest employer in the region,” however the increase in staff numbers created huge logistical problems, as labour camps and transportation had to be able to the cope with the demand.

“The biggest feather in our cap then came along when we led a joint venture to successfully tender and win the construction of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Dubai, subsequently renamed Burj Khalifa, after the president of the UAE. It took about five years to complete this, but it was a very proud moment for us at Arabtec when Burj Khalifa was completed and opened in January 2010.”

Asked about the projects he is most proud of, Tom responds: “Undoubtedly, the project I and Arabtec are most proud of is Burj Khalifa. When we took this on, we knew that no building had ever been built to such a height and new world records would be set for many of the techniques and technologies used, let alone the for height factor.”

Other projects that he and Arabtec are “justifiably proud of” include the Emirates Hangars Project, which when awarded was “the biggest project ever awarded to a single contractor like Arabtec, and it was the springboard for our future success,” and “our first high rise, completed successfully ahead of programme and to a high standard.”

“Burj Al Arab, too, is held in high esteem by Dubai and the world, and we are proud of the fact that we executed all the interior fit-outs of the public areas, restaurants, ballroom and spa,” he says.

Mubarras Island was Arabtec’s biggest offshore project and the key to the project was logistics. “We controlled this well by buying our

Emirates Palace

Tom Barry


own service boat and contracting a fleet of tugs and barges to expedite materials and food to the island every day to keep the manpower active and achieve the demanding programme. We had a 24-hour logistics management team on this.”

“Emirates Palace, which has the most fantastic and expensive finishes of any project in the world, is a project that is up among the best we have ever done. To be built in a very short time period, in time for the GCC Conference, was the contractual requirement that we signed up to and the joint venture that we were part of, again achieved this objective by working 24-7. A major achievement in the end and the finished product demonstrates this,” he comments.

Arabtec’s reputation for completing projects on time and to a high quality level were instrumental in it being awarded such hugely iconic projects after it had satisfied the tendering requirements, he believes.

When Tom semi-retired in 2011 and subsequently fully retired recently, Arabtec had around 25,000 employees across all its operations, Gulf wide. Although a far cry from the numbers in 2007 and 2008 when he was CEO, the construction boom was at its peak in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and all its resources were fully utilised there.

In late 2008, the world crisis hit Dubai, resulting in many projects being stalled or cancelled. “We had to downsize our labour force quickly and diversify geographically on an urgent basis,” he recalls, as they explored and set up in other countries, winning projects and relocating staff.

“Arabtec is now established in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt and India and also have established a company in Pakistan. We continue to look at other countries and opportunities in the MENA region and now have the philosophy: ‘the world is our oyster.’”

Arabtec continues to focus on the region, with the biggest of its projects being the Midfield Terminal for Abu Dhabi Airport, which has just commenced. “We are in a JV for this project with CCC and TAV, who are major players in the construction market in the UAE. This is probably the biggest project ever awarded in the UAE, valued at over $3 billion.”

Arabtec is also working on the expansion of Terminal 2 at Dubai Airport and a number of medium to high rise projects in Abu Dhabi. “We are also finishing off another iconic project in Dubai, called the Infinity Tower, which rotates 90 degrees through the height of the building. In Saudi Arabia, we are constructing a 5000-villa project and we are working on Jeddah Airport with our partners Saudi Bin Ladin construction.

Arabtec has a number of high rise building projects in Qatar, one of which is the World Trade

Centre, and it is working on a large university building in Kuwait. In India, Arabtec is working on a residential complex with apartments and villas.

In St Petersburg, Russia, Arabtec has been awarded the early or ground works for the ‘new’ Gazprom Building, having worked with them on the original tower and site, before the decision was made to change the location.

Arabtec has offices in every country it works in. While its head office is located in Dubai, it has a branch office in Abu Dhabi, as well as offices in Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Bahrain, Cairo, New Delhi, Karachi and St Petersburg.

Undoubtedly, the project Arabtec and I are most proud of is Burj Khalifa. When we took this on, we knew that no building had

ever been built to such a height and new world records would be

set for many of the techniques and technologies used,

let alone for the height factor.

Burj Al Khalif

Tom Barry


Tom’s involvement in Arabtec over the past year or so has been mainly of an “advisory” nature, as he remained on the Board of Arabtec Construction and four other subsidiary companies in the Holding Group. However, he is now fully retired and has stepped down from all Boards, and will “let the new Arabtec Regime get on with it!”

Asked about the secrets to his success as CEO, Tom says it was “developing relationships, not only with clients and their construction teams, but also with my fellow board members, colleagues and my own staff,” and dealing with everybody in a fair and reasonable manner, without any arrogance, as well as “always being honest and straightforward in all dealings and matters.”

Splitting his time between Dubai and Portugal, with frequent visits to Ireland where much of his family still live, including his mother, Tom is a lifelong and founder member of Emirates Golf Club and he enjoys playing some golf with friends and his wife Jacqui fairly regularly.

With the severe downturn in construction in Ireland, graduates with a sense of survival are looking to Dubai and the Middle East as primary targets, he says, with Irish expats like himself willing to meet and try to help aspiring graduates and out-of-work Irishmen whenever necessary, while Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Business Network in Dubai are available to help.

Tom believes that “from the beginning, there was a strong Irish community and community spirit in Dubai. The Irish Society goes back further than when I came here, so there was always get-togethers and of course, The St. Patrick’s Night Ball. It was always great to be able to meet up regularly with fellow Irish and

Lobby Burj Al Arab Hotel

Burj Al Arab Hotel

Tom Barry


have a pint or two.”“That spirit still prevails and now we have

the Irish Society, the Irish Business Council (Network), the Dubai Irish Golf Society and even our own GAA entity called the Celts. All thriving and fun to be part of.”

Discussing Dubai’s incredible transformation over the years and how it has become “one of the most recognised cities in the world,” Tom comments that “Sheikh Mohammed and his father before him, Sheikh Rashid, always had visions to make Dubai into something and they certainly achieved that.”

“Dubai, besides having the tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa) and what is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world (Palm Jumeirah), has been developed into a city of the most innovative and iconic buildings of the world.”

As a place to live, Tom describes Dubai as “a place where you have everything. The best in shopping; hotels; restaurants; sports; good living conditions; modern roads; a cosmopolitan, relaxed and safe place to be and live, and of course, generally great weather.”

Dubai has progressed to become a very modern and up-to-date place to do business, he believes, due to its convenience for travel, with Emirates Airline flying to all corners of the world in the most technically-advanced aircraft.

Looking to the future, Tom intends to enjoy his retirement. “Construction has been a hard life really. Working in that sector in Dubai has been very demanding, working long hours and even seven days a week. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and then again neither was Dubai, but it had very demanding deadlines and programmes to

be met as everything was practically required ‘by the next day’!”

He will maintain his residence in Dubai, assisting Arabtec on a consultative basis where necessary. He plans to spend a lot of time in Portugal at his holiday residence, “travel a lot, play golf a lot, visit Ireland to see family and friends, and generally just enjoy myself and be with my wife Jacqui and son Ross, who is at university in Edinburgh studying Economics.”

As an industry veteran who helped spearhead Arabtec into becoming the biggest construction contractor in the UAE, what advice would he give to young Irish men or women who are at the helm of newer companies in the UAE?

“First of all, be patient. Sometimes it takes time in Dubai and the UAE to get what you want and where you want to be. It will take a lot of effort there and you yourself have to make things happen. Don’t sit around waiting for things to happen or expect everything to come to you. Make it happen. Be prepare to invest time and money and knock on as many doors as possible.”

The Address Hotel Mall of Emirates

Infinity Tower.

Paul Kenny


Middle East Entrepreneur of the Year and Ernst and Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, Galway man Paul Kenny, 28, has achieved great success as CEO and founder of Cobone.

Asked about his proven formula for success, his advice to others is straightforward: “Never ever give up and if you are ever comfortable in your life, it’s time to do something completely different! Always be uncomfortable.”

Paul believes the only limitation that you have in life is the limitations you set on yourself. If you remove yourself from the equation, anything is possible, he says.

“What I would recommend to any aspiring entrepreneur whether setting up in Ireland or abroad is to start something, and don’t wait. Every day you don’t act on your dreams is a day someone else will,” he says.

Acting on his own advice, Paul now plans for Cobone to “become the largest eCommerce business in the region and go down in history for changing the way people consume in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) market.” He reveals that Cobone plans to be in “every major market in the MENA region and potentially further afield in the near future.”

As a student at Coláiste Iognáid in Galway City, Paul dropped out for a year when he reached Transition Year to pursue a golfing career, which he believes was a turning point for him, “as I had in my mind set the belief I could turn professional, but realised at that time it was better to finish my education and complete my Leaving Certificate.”

Looking back at the time he spent working for his family’s business Kennys Bookshop in Galway, he feels his title could have been ‘entrepreneur-in-residence, as he would do everything from lifting boxes, hanging paintings and delivering parcels to sales and online marketing.

Grateful that he had the opportunity there to be surrounded by his father, grandparents, aunts and uncles, “who were all self-made entrepreneurs and very successful in their own right,” listening to them instilled in him the confidence in his own ability to build a business.

Influenced by his grandfather and father at a young age, who would bring him out at 5am every Sunday morning to learn how to play golf, his passion for the sport grew, and he realised at the age of 10 he was capable of beating many of his father’s playing partners.

“I was very luckily accepted into Galway

No limitsA PROFILE- Paul Kenny

As Cobone fast approaches two million users, the future looks bright for the daily deal website’s founder and CEO Paul Kenny, as the Arab-Irish Journal discovers.

Paul Kenny


Golf club at a young age and began playing competitively. At the age of 16, I won Player of the Year and was the second youngest player ever to do so. Golf is where I learned the value of competition and patience, two critical things in the life of any entrepreneur.”

Studying for the Batchelor of Business at NUIG, Paul admits he “struggled with the methods of teaching, the lack of application in the real world and I basically spent my three years in college having fun. I was never a straight A student.”

It was during his second year of college that he travelled to Dubai with his family on holiday, “and something struck me while I was there. You could not buy anything online. This was a realisation for me and I went back to Galway believing there was a huge opportunity in that market.”

He “absolutely loved the mentality of doing business” in the UAE, as “nothing was impossible and if you had a dream, the country would give you the platform to execute it.”

After completing his degree, Paul started a masters in E-commerce at NUIG during the “boom years with what it seemed, everyone and their dog making millions,” and during his second year he was offered an internship with the Jumeirah Group in Dubai.

“My basic salary was much less than what I earned in Ireland, but I decided to pack my bag and seven days later I was sitting in Dubai not knowing anybody but the person that had hired me,” he recalls.

Paul moved to Dubai on the 1st of November 2007 at the age of 22, with the vision of building one of the largest eCommerce businesses in the region. “The reason I was attracted to the market is that three years prior I had searched online to see if I could buy something and it wasn’t possible. I knew the eCommerce industry would take off at some stage and I wanted to be at the forefront of it,” he says.

It takes time and patience to understand the intricacies of a new and emerging market, he says, and his time working for Jumeirah, AMEInfo.com and Emirates Group in the UAE was spent doing that.

“I first visited the UAE on holiday in 2004

and I absolutely loved the mentality of doing

business there. Nothing was impossible and if you had a dream, the

country would give you the platform to execute it.”

Paul Kenny


“I wanted to understand from three of the most recognised businesses in the region what makes a customer tick and I definitely took a lot from them in that regard,” he says.

Being Irish has definitely helped him in business in the UAE, he says. “Many would underestimate the value that being Irish abroad has, but in fact it has opened many doors for me.”

One of the most interesting challenges of the Middle East market is that not one market is the same, he says. “Every single country within the region is completely different and even within that country, cities operate very differently. Localisation of a business has never been more apparent as in the Middle East.”

Asked what inspired him to set up Cobone.com, which was launched in July 2010, Paul says he knew the market had a need and he had the expertise to fulfil it, however the risks he faced were “huge at the time, I was leaving a very well paid and secure job working for one of the biggest firms in the region.”

“At the time, I was generating over $500million in revenue for Emirates and the market was definitely wide open to take. At the beginning, we faced fierce competition from another player which has subsequently left the market due to competition,” he adds.

Fortunate to obtain backing early in his

journey as an entrepreneur, Paul received funding from European investors Oliver Jung and Klaus Hommels, and also Jabbar Group who are backed by Tiger Global in NYC. “Having such a world class team behind me day one definitely helped me in the early days,” he says.

The main challenge starting out was “where to start. In Europe or the US, there is a clear methodology to set up a certain type of business. In the Middle East we were one of the first to do so. Having this challenge meant that the simple things, like an office, trade license and even a bank account were incredibly hard to set up. From there I had to hire people for a business that wasn’t even live, so to do that was not easy either.”

“When I started, I said to myself, if I get through the setup the rest will be easy, when in fact this was the furthest thing from the truth. Setting up was incredibly hard, but it gets much harder as soon as you have an operationally live company,” he admits.

The business has “completely pivoted” since launch, he says. At the beginning, the website was focused heavily on services, launching promotions for local spas, restaurants and experiences.

The company recently launched new products including Cobone rewards, which gives its almost two million customers points every time

Paul Kenny receiving his Ernst and Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Award from President Michael D Higgins.

Paul Kenny


they visit the site. “We have also launched a booking engine so you can book your travel around the world. Cobone continues to innovate the business, in just two short years we have pivoted a number of times.”

“We changed our direction about 12 months ago and started to add more products and today over 50% of our business is now in selling home-related items, electronics and fashion,” Paul comments.

“My vision is that Cobone is the one-stop destination for all of any users’ needs. Cobone is fast approaching two million users now and almost one million social media followers, so the future is definitely bright!” he adds.

To stand apart from other websites with similar offerings, “we always focused on the customers and what they would want from our site. This has stood true until today as we have sold over one million Cobone’s and saved our customers over $72 million in savings.”

The brand itself has become famous for consistently offering the best products and services the market has to offer. Today, Cobone sells over 100,000 Cobone’s a month and continues to grow very fast.

The company currently employs more than 120 people from 26 different countries, in seven regional offices in three countries.

When hiring staff, Paul will “always look at if I can relate and have a bit of fun with that person. I would never hire someone that is too serious and cannot laugh at themselves. It’s important to have as much of a personal relationship as

a business one when working in such a high growth company.”

Commenting on how he tackled the challenge of managing a big team of staff initially, without prior experience, he says “I think the key for success in any business is having a team that are aligned to your overall vision. Once you achieve this, you would be surprised on what is possible.”

His main strength as a business person is his complete focus on the overall goal. “No matter what gets in my way, I know I can overcome it to achieve the goal.”

As a commercial ambassador for Ireland, he says “it has been very easy to create interest in Ireland as a place for companies to set up. Ireland has become extremely successful in attracting the world’s leading companies and having a talent pool as strong as it is makes a company’s decision to move there very easy.”

Ireland, as a European base, is close to the US and also a major hub into all European countries, he says. It also provides a government that supports large companies with great corporate tax rates and excellent infrastructure.

The UAE is also a great place to live and work, he says, as “the market continues to grow quite aggressively. GDP growth rates are high, the average age is young and Internet penetration continues to grow. The UAE has invested heavily into its infrastructure so the market itself will continue to grow, as it has a great platform in order to do so.”Interview by Lynne Nolan

Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Awards.

Arabs in Ireland


Arab nationals in Ireland

Table 5: Arab population born in Ireland, usually resident and present in the State on census night, classified by place of birth

How many and where do they come from? Over 72% of the total come from six countries: Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Egypt, Algeria and Saudi Arabia.Arabs compared to other nationalitiesThere were 9,455 nationals of Arab countries resident in Ireland on census night on 10th April 2011 according to figures recently obtained from the Central Statistics Office in Dublin. A breakdown of this figure by country of origin is outlined in Table 1.There was a total of 544,357 non Irish nationals in the state on census night and, as is shown in Table 2, nationals of Arab countries represented 1.74% of this number.

Where do they live?Over half of the Arab population in Ireland lives in Dublin, with Cork and Galway as two other notable locations of preference. A full county by county breakdown is provided in Table 3.

What are their ages?More than two thirds of all Arab nationals in Ireland are under the age of 35, and 90% are under 45, as can be seen in Table 4.

How many were born in Ireland and where?Of the total number of Arab nationals, 504 were born in Ireland and the locations of their birth are shown in Table 5.

How many are students?Of the 7,672 Arab nationals in Ireland aged 15 years and over, 4,090 had not yet finished their full time education and most were participating in full-time or part-time courses on census night. In addition there were 1,783 Arab children under 15 years of age included in the census of which at least 1,300 are attending primary or secondary school.

How many Irish nationals in the Arab countries?Finally, it is estimated that there are between 10,000 and 12,000 Irish nationals currently living in the Arab countries, almost similar in number to the number of Arab nationals living in Ireland.

Nationality Total 0 - 14 years

15 - 24 years

25 - 34 years

35 - 44 years

45 - 54 years

55 years and over

Algeria 1,047 133 59 249 466 118 22

Bahrain 29 2 12 10 4 1 -

Egypt 1,055 215 125 364 228 95 28

Iraq 1,081 226 196 244 226 110 79

Jordan 229 41 29 91 53 10 5

Kuwait 349 29 250 44 12 9 5

Lebanon 130 13 19 50 30 12 6

Libya 448 120 47 78 142 55 6

Mauritania 31 4 10 8 7 2 -

Morocco 571 65 41 215 194 46 10

Palestine 151 23 21 62 39 1 5

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 1,029 219 399 311 66 18 16

Somalia 1,178 199 356 298 205 80 40

Sudan 1,470 398 147 453 358 91 23

Sultanate of Oman 67 10 20 23 10 4 -

Syria 218 36 24 83 50 18 7

Tunisia 203 25 11 85 62 16 4

United Arab Emirates 123 16 70 29 5 2 1

Djibouti, Qatar and Yemen * 46 9 7 19 6 4 1

Total 9,455 1,783 1,843 2,716 2,163 692 258

COURTESY OF MR J GEOGHEGAN /CENSUS IRELAND, CSO OFFICE

Arabs in Ireland


Table 1: Arab population, usually resident and present in the State on census night, classified by nationality, 2011

Table 2: Non Irish nationals resident and present in the state on census night in descending order

Nationality PersonsAlgeria 1,047

Bahrain 29

Egypt 1,055

Iraq 1,081

Jordan 229

Kuwait 349

Lebanon 130

Libya 448

Mauritania and Morocco * 602

Palestine 151

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 1,029

Somalia 1,178

Sudan 1,470

Sultanate of Oman 67

Syria 218

Tunisia 203

United Arab Emirates 123

Djibouti, Qatar and Yemen * 46

Total 9,455

*The following nationalities have been merged to pre-serve confidentialityDjibouti, Qatar and Yemen/Mauritania and Morocco

Nationality PersonsPoland 120,461

U.K. 112,259

Lithuania 36,683

Latvia 20,593

Nigeria 17,642

India 16,986

Phillipines 12,791

Germany 11,305

Usa 11,015

China 10,896

Slovakia 10,801

France 9,749

Arab 9,455

Brazil 8,704

Hungary 8,034

Italy 7,656

Pakistan 6,847

Spain 6,794

Czech R 5,451

South africa 4,872

County of usual residence TotalLeinster 6,506

Carlow 45

Dublin 5,262

Kildare 161

Kilkenny 125

Laois 124

Longford 17

Louth 160

Meath 155

Offaly 91

Westmeath 206

Wexford 100

Wicklow 60

Munster 1,981

Clare 212

Cork 725

Kerry 170

Limerick 366

Tipperary 158

Waterford 350

Connacht 768

Galway 473

Leitrim 13

Mayo 145

Roscommon 34

Sligo 103

Ulster (part of) 200

Cavan 49

Donegal 106

Monaghan 45

State 9,455

Table 3: Arab population usually resident and present in the State on census night, classified by county of usual residence

Table 4: Arab population usually resident and present in the State on census night, classified by age group and nationality

Place of Birth TotalLeinster 329

Dublin 265

Others 64

Munster 104

Cork 46

Limerick 21

Others 37

Connacht 44

Galway 27

Others 17

Ulster (part of) 27

State 504

Richard Hearns


Richard Hearns, who looks set for a major success, has a fantastic life story of international relations, love, talent, nurturing, hard work and dedication, as we found during a recent visit to the artist’s family home.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, on 25th January 1980, Richard was the third child to be adopted by his Irish parents Frank and Margaret Hearns. Commandant Frank Hearns, who was stationed in Lebanon, had already served with the Irish UN peacekeepers on missions to Cyprus and Palestine. He and Margaret had previously adopted two girls. One from Bethlehem whose name is Sarah, and her sister Claire who is also from Beirut;

Frank, Richard’s father, is himself an extraordinary man, having cycled three times from Dublin to the holy family Hospital in Bethlehem with whom he has kept in contact with. In the process Frank has raised over €750,000 for the hospital’s upkeep, and for the children who live there.

Richard sights his father as a true inspiration to him, and thanks his parents for all their continuing support and encouragement;

From a young age Richard showed great promise in the visual arts, and was always

From Beirut to Ballyvaughan

As a one of Ireland’s most important young artists, the landscape and still life paintings of Richard Hearns have been described by leading gallery curators as ‘’beautiful, profound and resolutely optimistic.’’

Richard Hearns


interested in drawing and representing things of interest on paper.

After attaining a Bachelors of Fine Art in Interdisciplinary Digital Media, and a Higher Diploma in Art, Craft and Design, from the prestigious National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Richard was set to continue to explore and develop his artistic talents further.

He had travelled extensively during his teen and college years with his sketch notepad in hand, returning each year with a large body of work which captured the cultures and places visited with brilliant reality and efficiency;

More recently, after his second successful New York solo exhibition, Richard returned to his studio space in Ballyvaughan, which is situated in the breathtaking Burren landscape of County Clare. Here he is working hard in preparation towards his upcoming third New York City solo show which will take place in the gallery space of their Faculty of Art and Science at the famous New York University of 5th Avenue Manhattan;

Richard’s work draws you in instantaneously, and you immediately feel an emotional connection. This is perhaps best explained by his own words, ‘’ my feelings are

paramount to my paintings. It is the initial idea or inspiration and concept that I hold onto and which drives my pieces. This is what makes me grow.”

‘’I want and will my work to come from the inside out.’’

Currently Richard is creating distinctive, timeless, and beautiful, lite classical still life and landscape paintings.

The pieces evoke a sort of other worldliness in the eyes of their viewer, as you are transported into the rich, earthiness, and harmonious flow of the scene;

His works feature in important private collections around the globe, and he has a following worldwide who keep up-to-date with his progress through his personal art blog;

Richard is very proud of his Lebanese roots, and he plans to exhibit his works in the U.A.E and Beirut in the near future;

Richard’s energy and enthusiasm define him as a person and fuel his insatiable pursuit of excellence. His landscape and still life paintings will continue to evolve as life, art, and experience, continue to shape his world.

His works are special for all the right reasons. www.richardhearns.com

Book Review

86 | The Arab Irish Journal The Arab Irish Journal | PB

RECESSION BUSTERS’ BUSINESS BIBLE.WHY CHOOSE FAILURE

WHEN SUCCESS IS

AN OPTION

Throughout our lives we are constantly being advised by “the great and the good” as to how we should conduct our lives, especially when it pertains to business matters.

Somewhere in the recesses of one’s mind two memorable parables remain embedded. The first, “Lord grant me the wisdom to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”. The second “We the willing lead by the unknowing, have done so much for so long ,with so little, we are now capable of doing anything with nothing”. This book explains these two parables better than any to date.

Business books abound, full of intellectual claptrap and observations on already successful entities. They aspire to give us the secrets to creating and building successful businesses. The vast majority are not worthy of publication.

Every now and again we are fortunate to find people who are honest in their aspirations, and willing to share their wisdoms. Recession Busters’ yes that is the title of this absolute gem. The authors’ a father and son collaboration, suggest that they “have scripted this simple set of

Written by Rory and Gerry Carron. Published by Gerry Carron.

observations”. You will find upon reading these simple set of observations much more.

This publication is concise, precise, factually correct, and based on real experience, both new and old. This should become the bible for business people who have aspirations of being successful, and the worry beads for those of us who have thoughts that we have failed ourselves, our families, our friends, our fellow countrymen, and humanity as a whole. Yet history continues to repeat itself, or should we say human greed.

Perhaps these observations and wisdoms, by an outstanding father and son collaboration, deserve proper study and reflection by its outward simplicity and potential timelessness....

“Bullshit baffles brains”, there is no bull to be found here, just common sense, which we all know is not so common.

This is an absolute must read, and full of humor, which you will find impossible to put down. It is just, forthright and brilliant.

For information on availability contact [email protected], as good as any advice you will ever get.

Fibber Magees


Mark Hutton and his team have created some of the best in Irish hospitality, Fibbers is probably still Dubai’s best kept secret and the home of comfort food & great beer. You’ll find the cozy, friendly atmosphere addictive, whether to watch your favourite sport or just to enjoy the craic with friends.

With the development in Dubai and especially directly around us, we are somewhat hard to find but that hopefully adds to the character of the pub. We have made a name for ourselves as a quality pub serving great beer, with a diverse and good quality food menu, our staff are friendly and welcoming and the relaxed service approach has added to the atmosphere

Sheikh Zayed Road - Dubai United Arab Emirates+971 4 332 2400

Fibber Magees

The Irish Village


The Irish Village in Dubai has recently been nominated “Favourite Bar in Dubai” by a public poll voting their favourite venues and events during 2012.

The competition was open online over 4 weeks inviting residents of UAE to cast their votes over various categories covering the Hospitality industry.

Since the awards were founded in 2001, more than 2.2 million people have cast their votes; and each year the event continues to go from strength to strength. This year was no exception with the prestigious event held at Dubai Media City Amphitheater attracting over 1,000 guests.

The Irish VillageThe Irish Village is voted “Favourite Bar in Dubai” by What’s On Readers

“We are so proud to win Best Bar in Dubai’, said Dave Cattanach, F&B Manager at The Irish Village, when receiving the award.

“I have known What’s On for over 2 decades and it’s always a thrill to be part of their big events and more so for The Irish Village to win once more their prestigious award. I would like to thank the What’s On team, The IV team but also Dubai Duty Free who have always supported us,” he added.

It’s The 5th What’s On Award for The Irish Village, besides being nominated “Best in Dubai” by Time OUT Readers for the past four consecutive years.

Dave Cattanach, Jason Smith, Valerie Nolan and The Irish Village Team pose proudly with their well-deserved trophy

GAA


Held during October in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the games are in their seventeenth year having started in 1995 with six men’s teams and now approaching 900 participants. The

First Derivatives, leading providers of software and consulting services to the global capital markets, has announced its sponsorship of the GAA Asian Gaelic Games Tournament 2012.

First Derivatives Asian Games

Results:FINAlsHuRlINg – Dubai Celts (Dubai Celts 4-6 V singapore 2-8)

CAmogIe – Dubai Celts (Dubai Celts3-5 V singapore 1-4)

Dubai Celts travelled with a party of 75 people to the Asian Gaelic Games over the Eid weekend. we had three mens football teams, one ladies, a hurling and a camoige team. Disappointingly all football teams were eliminates at the semi final stages of their respective competitions. However, Dubai Celts were victorious in winning both the Hurling and Camogie at the games in Kuala Lumpur. The excellent hurling and camogie teams were unstoppable over the weekend. We are very proud to be the bext exponents of hurling and camogie in the region and it’s a credit to the coaches and players. Honours were won by the following during the evening ceremonies:

lADIes A FootbAll All stARs 2012: Laura ComerfordmeNs A FootbAll All stARs 2012: Gareth McDermottHuRlINg All stARs 2012: Declan Cahill, Anthony Ryan, Alan Hogan, Shane RackardHuRlINg mVP 2012: Shane Rackard

appeal of the tournament has also broadened with a 60/40 split between men and women and incorporating men and women’s Gaelic football, Hurling and Camogie.

First Derivatives decision to sponsor the games is a clear indication of their ambition to increase visibility in Asian markets and to reach out to the Irish diaspora. At present the firm has consultants working in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo implementing their high performance suite of trading products.

However Chief Operating Officer Adrian Toner said the firm saw it as a strong networking and below-the-line marketing opportunity.

“With our large footprint in London, and growth in the US, Asia represents major potential for First Derivatives. Financial markets there are still experiencing strong growth, and demand for products and services like ours is huge.

“Not only is the Irish diaspora in Asia growing but they are becoming more structured and organised and the rapid growth of gaelic games is a good example of this. We want to position ourselves at the heart of those networks.

“This event is an ideal investment opportunity for First Derivatives as it recognises the cross-over between sport and business coupling the tournament with the new Asia-Pacific Ireland Business Forum. This is an excellent platform from which to build upon our links into key markets and we know that people with an Irish connection can be found in senior positions in financial markets across Asia. In business terms that common background can be a significant advantage.

Adrian Toner said the firm were proud of the sponsorship as a contribution to the global GAA family, “Apart from the clear business benefits we also want to support activity that offers so much to our staff. With a young Irish work-force spread across the globe, gaelic games can often be an excellent social network for our staff, helping them establish friendships and settle into new places quickly.

UAE National Day


UAE National DayCelebrated In Dublin

Hotel Review


The first ever McGettigan’s pub was established in Dublin city in 1964 by Donegal business man, Jim McGettigan. In late 2010, 46 years after the original which is still in operation on Queen Street in the heart of Dublin, McGettigan’s crossed continents to establish itself in Dubai. This modern Irish bar has proven to be a real winner among Dubai expats offering unrivaled food, perfectly poured drinks and the chance to experience a genuine Irish atmosphere and traditional hospitality in a modern setting. One of the first ports of call for new Irish immigrants in Dubai, McGettigan’s has become widely recognized as the place to go to meet likeminded people, establish new connections and ultimately have a good time!

The team have so far succeeded with their vision for McGettigan’s to become more of a social hub and destination venue rather than just a bar or a place to have a drink. It is the ideal place for those looking for somewhere to meet new people, catch up with friends and enjoy the best in live music and great food! Those who have visited a McGettigan’s bar on more than one occasion will maintain that they are always welcomed with warm recognition from staff and at least one familiar face!

McGettigan’s bars reflect modern Ireland throughout with expertly trained staff, contemporary surroundings, excellent food and beverage offerings and friendly yet efficient service. This claim is apparent by it’s rampant

popularity throughout Dubai where the nightlife and hospitality industry is top class and highly competitive.

The first UAE based McGettigan’s bar is nestled away under the Irish owned Bonnington Hotel in Jumeirah Lakes Towers- a large residential and commercial community in Dubai. The bar boasts a sizeable and extremely popular outdoor beer garden which has played host to numerous Irish and international acts and sell out gigs from the

Mcgettigans

continue to expandxxxx

Hotel Review


likes of The Coronas, East 17, Paddy Casey and Jason Byrne! The bar also runs a successful weekly entertainment schedule including the ever popular iPaddy Quiz night, live sets from locally based bands and traditional Irish music sessions.

McGettigan’s prides itself on it’s variety of distinct and delicious dishes all prepared by highly skilled and experienced Irish chefs. They also offer a range of refreshing beverages paying particular attention to the art of pulling the perfect pint! Their fantastic food offering was recognised in 2011 when McGettigan’s were awarded the coveted What’s On award for ‘Best Pub Grub in Dubai’.

McGettigan’s has become something of a sports bar offering a popular and varied weekly sports schedule, international games and chavmpionships are televised live on the numerous wide screen TVs featured throughout the bar. There is also a mega screen in the outdoor beer garden which has proven a hit with sports lovers enjoying life in Dubai’s warm climate!

Over the past two years McGettigan’s has played host to world class sports personalities and teams such as golf superstar Rory McIlroy, Irish international rugby players Tommy Bowe and Jerry Flannery, the Ospreys and Lions Legends rugby

teams, the Dublin Championship Gaelic football team, and numerous international jockeys. They have all expressed their wish to return and have spared no hesitation in sharing their experience with fans and friends via social media!

McGettigan’s has very recently opened a second venue in the city, situated in a prime spot just beside the bustling Dubai World Trade Centre convention halls and metro station. The new bar offers the same McGettigan’s modern Irish experience, on a grander scale. It looks and feels just like its sister property with cozy log areas, a vibrant interior and a large dining area. McGettigan’s DWTC is the perfect spot for business meetings, lunch, or a meal with friends and family…while still offering the full McGettigan’s nightlife experience after dark! The venue has already received plenty of attention and recommendations from local press;

“Even a fortnight in, by early evening on a Friday the WTC venue was already humming along pleasantly with good natured drinkers.” – Timeout Dubai, November 2012

McGettigan’s offers it’s clients a truly unique experience, successfully bringing the age old concept of the ‘Irish Pub’ firmly into the 21st century. The management and staff at McGettigan’s are committed to bringing the genuine warmth associated with Irish hospitality to all of their venues, maintaining a strong dedication to great service and providing a truly Irish welcome to everyone who walks through their doors. “Whatever part of the world you are in McGettigan’s Irish Pub will become your home away from home! We guarantee the best quality food and beverages, the friendliest service, engaging competitions and entertainment, the world of sport and news through our TV system and direct communication with customers at all times through social media.”

Hotel Review


Declan Pierce


Growing up in Sandymount in South Dublin, Declan Pierce attended St Michael’s College, before studying Economics and Sociology at the National University of Ireland in Maynooth. His college days were filled with sports and he played rugby at a very high level until his mid-20s, having played against the likes of Brian O’Driscoll at school and college level.

However, it was clear to his parents from an early age that Declan, now 34, would go on to forge a very successful career in radio.

“My parents genuinely recall stories from my childhood where I spent my days talking into a ghetto blaster, pretending I was doing radio shows. This madness started at the tender age of seven. At school, I’d plan my show playlists during classes and head over to the pirate stations after school to practice my shows. It was a hobby that became a full-time career before I knew where I was,” he recalls.

During his school and college days, Declan invested his spare time on his main passion: working as a DJ and presenting weekly dance music shows for pirate stations, such as Pulse FM, in Dublin in the 90s.

What started out as a hobby, working as a DJ at nightclubs and events in Dublin at weekends, became a great money-spinner and helped him through college, and the hobby became a full-time career when he was signed up by FM104, Dublin’s largest radio station, to host its primetime shows.

“My career in radio developed very quickly with radio stations in UK and Ireland looking to hire me. I spent a year hosting my own breakfast show for Liverpool-based Juice FM before moving back home to FM104 followed by Dublin’s 98FM in 2006,” he says.

The highlights of his career in radio to date include hosting Dublin’s number one drive-time show FM104 and spending a night DJing in Ibiza with Take That star Howard Donald for Juice FM.

In his current role, Declan has succeeded in drawing some of Ireland’s biggest music stars to perform in Dubai.

“When I joined McGettigan’s Irish Pubs, under the guidance of owner, Dennis McGettigan, my focus was clear. I wanted to bring the biggest Irish acts to Dubai. We’ve had some fine acts over including Paul Brady, Paddy Casey, Mundy, Damien Dempsey and The Wolfe Tones, but my favourites have been comedian Jason Byrne and The Coronas,” he comments.

“The Coronas played two sell-out shows for us and the atmosphere was electric! I also loved having Paddy Casey over to play a monstrous concert for McGettigan’s on St Patrick’s Day. Paddy attracted over 2,000 Irish to our gig in a music tent in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai,” he enthuses.

He reveals that the company is currently “opening some new McGettigan’s Irish Pubs in Dubai,” with the newest one located at Dubai World Trade Centre. As the concert booker for the

Spinning the hitsA PROFILE- Declan Pierce

Events and entertainment director for McGettigan’s Irish Pubs in Dubai, Dubliner Declan Pierce reveals his plans to bring bigger International acts to the emirate.

Declan Pierce


The idea (MFM online radio station)

is to give the Irish and UK expats an

ad free radio station to listen to in

the office.

McGettigan’s group, Declan is “working with the likes of Aslan, Mundy, East 17 and The Coronas to organise more concerts for the Irish in Dubai. A typical day for me is spent working between Dubai and Dublin, liaising with managers and booking agents to organise concerts.”

“I travel a lot between Ireland and UAE. As you can imagine, Etihad and Emirates airlines love me!” he jokes.

As meeting celebrities has always been a part of the job, Declan is usually unfazed by meeting them, however meeting and playing football with his hero Paul McGrath was “unbelievable.” He remembers being totally star-struck when McGrath, “the greatest footballer to ever wear the green jersey for the Republic of Ireland” joined his team for the celebrity football match, which he organised during his time at 98FM to raise funds for the children’s hospitals in Dublin.

Asked where he would spend his idea of a perfect day out in Dubai, Declan - who is also a presenter on the Irish radio station Classic Hits 4FM - responds without hesitation: “the beach!” A fan of the sun and being outdoors, Declan’s “happy place is a private beach somewhere in Dubai. I really love Jebel Ali Beach Resort, it’s simply stunning!”

“I love simple things in Dubai and when I’m not working I avoid my work scene, and prefer to relax away from it all. I love getting out for runs in the heat and taking trips to the Gold Class cinema in Mall of the Emirates,” he adds.

The weather and opportunities to work hard and play hard are the main advantages of living in the UAE, he says. “It’s a great place to work and there are so many exciting opportunities to

grow in the business world. I’ve met so many amazing people during my time in Dubai.”

Looking to the future, Declan intends to work with the McGettigan’s group to bring bigger International acts to Dubai. “I also want to further develop our ‘MFM online radio station. I set up a radio station online for expats. The idea is to give the Irish and UK ex-pats an-ad free radio station to listen to in the office,” he explains.

“MFM is McGettigan’s online radio station and the App can be downloaded at the App Store. It is also available for android phones and you can listen on Mcgettigansdubai.com,” he adds.

Interview by Lynne Nolan

Declan with The Coronas

Declan with Bob Geldof and Dennis McGettigan.

Dates for your Diary 2012

96 | The Arab Irish Journal The Arab Irish Journal | PB

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2013Date Event Location

2 Jan - 4 Jan 2013 Prince 2 Practitioner Lebanon Seminars

2 Jan - 4 Jan 2013 Professional Project Management (PMP Certification Preparation) Lebanon Seminars

6 Jan 2013 Communication Strategy Design and Development UAE Seminars

6 Jan - 10 Jan 2013 Social Media Communications and PR Seminar UAE Seminars

7 Jan - 10 Jan 2013 Arabplast 2013 UAE Conferences

13 Jan - 15 Jan 2013 GCC Plant Design & Optimisation Saudi Arabia Conferences

13 Jan - 15 Jan 2013 Petrochem Arabia 2012 Saudi Arabia Exhibitions

14 Jan - 15 Jan 2013 3rd Annual Middle East and Africa Insurance Summit UAE Conferences

14 Jan - 17 Jan 2013 Steel Fab 2013 UAE Exhibitions

15 Jan - 17 Jan 2013 World Future Energy Summit 2013 UAE Seminars

21 Jan - 23 Jan 2013 Offshore Middle East Conference & Exhibition 2013 Qatar Conferences

22 Jan - 23 Jan 2013 2nd GCC Export and Re-Export Conference UAE Conferences

23 Jan - 24 Jan 2013 Fifth Kuwait Waste Management Conference & Exhibition Kuwait Exhibitions

27 Jan - 29 Jan 2013 Environmental Infrastructure of Forum Saudi Arabia Conferences

28 Jan - 29 Jan 2013 11th GCC Government Shared Services and eServices Quality Excellence Conference UAE Conferences

28 Jan - 29 Jan 2013 Strategic Management Of Oil And Gas Contracts via TEFCEL Model Masterclass Qatar Seminars

28 Jan - 30 Jan 2013 Middle East Project Finance 2013 UAE Conferences

28 Jan - 31 Jan 2013 Arab Health 2013 UAE Exhibitions

28 Jan - 31 Jan 2013 MEDLAB 2013 UAE Exhibitions

30 Jan - 31 Jan 2013 Second Kuwait District Cooling Summit Kuwait Seminars

30 Jan - 31 Jan 2013 Second Kuwait Insulation Conference & Exhibition Kuwait Conferences

31 Jan - 2 Feb 2013 Big Boy Toys UAE 2013 UAE Exhibitions

2 Feb - 5 Mar 2013 Floorex Arabia 2013 Saudi Arabia Exhibitions

4 Feb - 6 Feb 2013 POWER-GEN Middle East 2013 Qatar Conferences

4 Feb - 7 Feb 2013 Middle East Rail 2013 UAE Conferences

5 Feb 2013 Tunnelling World Middle East UAE Conferences

5 Feb - 6 Feb 2013 2nd Annual Supply Chain Middle East Strategy Summit UAE Conferences

5 Feb - 6 Feb 2013 Port Management Strategy Summit 2013 UAE Trade Shows

5 Feb - 6 Feb 2013 The 5th Government Technology Summit UAE Conferences

5 Feb - 7 Feb 2013 Aeedc Dubai 2013 UAE Conferences

5 Feb - 7 Feb 2013 Intelligent Transport World Middle East 2013 UAE Conferences

6 Feb - 7 Feb 2013 Kuwait Government & Business Customer Service Summit Kuwait Conferences

10 Feb - 13 Feb 2013 Saudi AC CONFEX Saudi Arabia Exhibitions

11 Feb - 12 Feb 2013 3rd Annual Business Continuity and Emergency Response Forum UAE Conferences

11 Feb - 13 Feb 2013 9th Intl Concrete Conference and Exhibition Bahrain Conferences

12 Feb - 14 Feb 2013 Abu Dhabi International Offset Conference (ADIOC) UAE Conferences

17 Feb - 19 Feb 2013 Middle East Electricity 2013 UAE Seminars

17 Feb - 20 Feb 2013 Qatar Projects 2013 Qatar Conferences

18 Feb - 19 Feb 2013 Supply Chain & Procurement Leaders Forum UAE Conferences

18 Feb - 19 Feb 2013 Supply Chain and Procurement Leaders UAE Conferences

18 Feb - 20 Feb 2013 4th Annual PPP Middle East Forum Qatar Conferences

18 Feb - 20 Feb 2013 Machinex Arabia 2013 Qatar Exhibitions

18 Feb - 20 Feb 2013 ME-TECH 2013 UAE Conferences

19 Feb - 20 Feb 2013 4th Annual World Cards & Payments Summit 2013 UAE Conferences

19 Feb - 20 Feb 2013 Concepts Middle East Qatar Conferences

20 Feb 2013 UAE Companies 2020 Vision and Strategy Conference UAE Conferences

24 Feb - 26 Feb 2013 IT Security Symposium UAE Conferences

25 Feb - 26 Feb 2013 2nd Middle East OHS Strategy Summit UAE Conferences

25 Feb - 26 Feb 2013 Corporate Fraud Controls and Investigation Egypt Conferences

25 Feb - 26 Feb 2013 EFQM Internal Excellence Assessor (IEA) Training - NEW Oman Seminars

26 Feb - 27 Feb 2013 14th MEAPET (Middle East, Africa PET) UAE Conferences

26 Feb - 27 Feb 2013 LOGEC 2013 - Lebanon Oil, Gas & Energy Conference Lebanon Conferences

2 Feb - 5 Mar 2013 Floorex Arabia 2013 Saudi Arabia Exhibitions

1 Mar - 3 Mar 2013 Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease & Related Neurodegenerative Disease UAE Conferences

3 Mar 2013 Emerging Managers Forum Middle East 2013 UAE Conferences

3 Mar - 6 Mar 2013 1st Bahrain International Corporate Social Responsibility 2013 Bahrain Conferences

3 Mar - 6 Mar 2013 Saudi Safety and Security Saudi Arabia Conferences

4 Mar - 5 Mar 2013 DASH 2013 UAE Conferences

The Gathering Ireland 2013 is a spectacular, year-long celebration of Ireland and all things Irish… And everyone's invited. Join the celebration as we invite the world to visit and enjoy our unique culture, stunning scenery, heart-lifting music, world renowned heritage sites, alongside hundreds of unique gathering events... be part of it.

Issue 2 2012 ISSN 2009-499X

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FEATURES INCLUDE: INTERVIEWS WITH MINISTER FOR THE ECONOMY UAE \\ A CONTRIBUTION BY EGYPT’S AMBASSADOR TO IRELAND \\ TOM BARRY \\

JIM MONGEY\\ PAUL KENNY \\ BORD BIA ON GULFOOD AND MORE \\ NEWS \\ BOOK REVIEW \\ RICHARD HEARNS ARTIST

irish arab journal issue 2

Documents

irish businesses

arab states issue

irish exhibitors

things irish

arab nations

ireland growth

significant issue

egypts ambassador