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- Senior Associate - Private Equity
Location: Dubai, UAE - Senior Human Resources Officer
Location: Dubai, UAE
Construction Week
June 2007
Retail News Middle East
June 2007
Arabian Business Arabic
June 2007
Arabian Business English
June 2007Analysis of The Month
June will be remembered as the month of Salik - a word soon to mark dread in the hearts of many Dubai drivers - meaning a road toll which was introduced in the Emirate in the month.
The month opened in swinging style with an interview with golf legend Greg Norman in 'Darling of Dubai/Shark Attack' about his business ventures in the Emirate.
In the same issue, we survey how Emaar chairman Mohammed Alabbar at the World Economic Forum called on the Arab Business Council to exit the forum, saying it had 'lost its relevance'.
Arabian Business also met Abdulaziz al-Ghurair, Mashreq Bank chairman and one of the world's richest businessmen, to ask him about what he would constitute 'A brand new challenge', banking, business and bungee jumps.
Famed regional private equity company Abraj Capital CEO Arif Naqvi gave Arabian Business an interview about his mergers and acquisitions in the Gulf and abroad, past, present and future, in 'Treasure Hunter/An acquired taste'.
Also in the month, Arabian Business met Tatweer chairman, Saaeed Al Muntafiq, to discuss how the Gulf real estate company was 'Building the dream' of changing skylines in the Middle East.
Traversing the sky, instead of scraping them, was the later flavour of the month, when Arabian Business intervieed was James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways, and dubbed him with the moniker, 'Captain Fantastic'.
Events for the month of note were the Paris Air show and Computex. Cyclone Gone also hit Oman and headed for the Gulf in Exclusive Gonu pictures, Cyclone Gonu hits Oman, and Cyclone heads for Gulf.
ArabianBusiness.com Editor-in-Chief James Bennett aired his views in June with 'Flying the flag of the world' about how the Paris Air Show 2007 was filled with lots of Gulf-based customers.
The month opened in swinging style with an interview with golf legend Greg Norman in 'Darling of Dubai/Shark Attack' about his business ventures in the Emirate.
In the same issue, we survey how Emaar chairman Mohammed Alabbar at the World Economic Forum called on the Arab Business Council to exit the forum, saying it had 'lost its relevance'.
Arabian Business also met Abdulaziz al-Ghurair, Mashreq Bank chairman and one of the world's richest businessmen, to ask him about what he would constitute 'A brand new challenge', banking, business and bungee jumps.
Famed regional private equity company Abraj Capital CEO Arif Naqvi gave Arabian Business an interview about his mergers and acquisitions in the Gulf and abroad, past, present and future, in 'Treasure Hunter/An acquired taste'.
Also in the month, Arabian Business met Tatweer chairman, Saaeed Al Muntafiq, to discuss how the Gulf real estate company was 'Building the dream' of changing skylines in the Middle East.
Traversing the sky, instead of scraping them, was the later flavour of the month, when Arabian Business intervieed was James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways, and dubbed him with the moniker, 'Captain Fantastic'.
Events for the month of note were the Paris Air show and Computex. Cyclone Gone also hit Oman and headed for the Gulf in Exclusive Gonu pictures, Cyclone Gonu hits Oman, and Cyclone heads for Gulf.
ArabianBusiness.com Editor-in-Chief James Bennett aired his views in June with 'Flying the flag of the world' about how the Paris Air Show 2007 was filled with lots of Gulf-based customers.
June in Quotes
The allegations...are not only as far from the truth and reality as can be, but that also represent a zenith in fabrication.
Saudi Prince Bandar refutes a newspaper's accusation that he pocketed US$2bn from a British arms deal.
Partner's Cover Stories
BAE Systems: trouble in the skies over Saudi
Banking & Finance
Each week Arabian Business turns the spotlight on a leading company.
In Pictures
- Excitement builds for iPhone
- Paris air show
- Top 5 most expensive sports cars
- Top 5 luxury sports cars
- Top 5 most expensive luxury SUVs
- Top 5 luxury SUVs
- World's Top 10 Luxury Cars
- Queen Elizabeth II
- Computex
- Apple
- Larry Ellison
- Dubai Road Toll
- Exclusive Gonu pictures
- Cyclone Gonu hits Oman
- Cyclone heads for Gulf
- The Al Ghurair family
Timeline
2007 Jun 1
Dozens of Lebanese army tanks and armored carriers moved toward a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon in pursuit of Islamic militants holed up inside. 19 people died in some of the heaviest fighting since violence broke out on May 20.
2007 Jun 1
In southeast Turkey soldiers killed two Kurdish militants overnight in Tunceli, where troops massed along the border threatened an incursion into Iraq.
2007 Jun 1
Vietnam became Cuba's latest partner in oil exploration and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico under one of several agreements signed during a visit by Vietnamese Communist Party chief Nong Duc Manh.
2007 Jun 1
CNBC Africa was launched from new headquarters in South Africa. Dubai investors put in some $22.5 million for the 24-hour African business channel broadcasting to 14 African countries.
2007 Jun 2
Iran detained 3 Finns for allegedly straying into its territorial waters during a fishing trip in the Persian Gulf. In June 6 Iran agreed to release them.
2007 Jun 4
Oman evacuated an island as Cyclone Gonu drew near the Persian Gulf.
2007 Jun 6
Cyclone Gonu battered Oman's coast on its path toward the world's most important crude oil tanker route. It waned after killing 49 in Oman and 9 people in Iran, where severe flooding encircled over 100 villages.
2007 Jun 7
A suicide bomber blew up his explosives-laden truck at a police station in Rabia, near Iraq's border with Syria, killing at least 4 policemen and 5 civilians, and wounding 22 other people.
2007 Jun 7
In eastern Lebanon troops discovered three vehicles rigged with explosives during a raid on a hideout.
2007 Jun 7
British media reported that Saudi Arabia's Prince Bandar bin sultan pocketed about $2 million in secret payments as part of an $80 billion arms deal between Britain and Saudi Arabia first signed in 1985.
2007 Jun 8
The US froze bank accounts of four Iran banks tied to Tehran's nuclear efforts. Iran confirmed for the first time that it is holding Ali Shakeri of Lake Forest, Calif., an Iranian-American peace activist, the fourth dual citizen it has detained in recent months.
2007 Jun 9
An Egyptian girl (10) who contracted the H5N1 bird flu virus died, bringing the number of fatalities from the disease in the most populous Arab country to 15.
2007 Jun 11
Police barred voters from polling stations and arrested about 100 opposition members, as Egyptians chose members of the upper chamber of parliament in an election marred by violence that killed one person. President Hosni Mubarak's ruling party won a majority of seats in elections for Egypt's upper house of parliament. The Muslim Brotherhood condemned the elections for their unprecedented fraud.
2007 Jun 11
Iran announced it will help build five new refineries across Asia with a total capacity of 1.1 million barrels per day in a bid to strengthen ties in the region. The refineries will be built in China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Syria.
2007 Jun 11
The Iraqi Parliament voted in a closed session to remove the speaker after a series of embarrassing scandals involving the lawmaker. Mahmoud al-Mashhadani will be replaced by another Sunni Arab.
2007 Jun 11
Israel's military launched a spy satellite. A senior official suggested it could help keep track of developments in Iran.
2007 Jun 11
In Lebanon 2 local Red Cross workers helping coordinate negotiations between the Lebanese army and Islamic militants were shot to death at the Nahr el-Bared camp.
2007 Jun 11
In Ankara, Turkey, funerals for three soldiers killed in a roadside bombing by Kurdish rebels turned into anti-government protests as thousands of mourners called on leaders to resign over their failure to rein in the violence.
2007 Jun 12
It was reported that the Hadzabe tribe of Tanzania, numbering fewer than 1,500, faced a hastening extinction following a government deal to lease 2,500 square miles of tribal hunting land to members of the Abu Dhabi royal family.
2007 Jun 12
Kurdish separatist rebels declared a "unilateral cease-fire" in attacks against Turkey and said they were ready for peace negotiations, but the group maintained the right to defend itself.
2007 Jun 12
In Bali, Indonesia, a gathering of religious leaders and victims of terrorist attacks, sponsored by the US Libforall Foundation, denounced Iran's president for claiming the Holocaust was a myth.
2007 Jun 13
A senior US diplomat said NATO has intercepted Iranian weapons shipments to Afghanistan's Taliban insurgents, providing evidence Iran is violating international law to aid a group it once considered a bitter enemy.
2007 Jun 15
Iran was reported to have denied allegations of abuse saying it has forced Afghan laborers back home because the 1.5 million undocumented migrants are an enormous burden on its economy.
2007 Jun 15
The Gulf state of Qatar tightened its grip on J Sainsbury, Britain's third biggest supermarket chain, by raising its stake to 25%, sparking speculation it may launch a takeover.
2007 Jun 16
Representatives of both sides said Yemen's government and Shiite rebels have reached a cease-fire in a three-year fight that has claimed 4,000 lives this year.
2007 Jun 17
Iran said it had received indications from Russia's president that he would not follow through with an offer to allow the US to use a radar station in neighbouring Azerbaijan for missile defense against Tehran.
2007 Jun 18
The Gulf emirate of Dubai announced it had bought the Queen Elizabeth 2, one of the world's most majestic cruise liners, and planned to turn it into a luxury floating hotel.
2007 Jun 19
A Lebanese soldier was killed in clashes with al-Qaida-inspired militants in a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon.
2007 Jun 19
The US announced the transfer of six Guantanamo Bay prisoners back to their home countries, including one who, according to his lawyers, now may face abuse in Tunisia for nonviolent political activities. 4 men returned to Yemen and two to Tunisia.
2007 Jun 19
In Dubai a Canadian UN official, who advised the Afghan government on eradicating opium poppy crops, was sentenced to four years in prison for smuggling and drug possession. Bert Tatham (35) of Vancouver, British Columbia, was arrested April 23 during a one-hour stopover at the Dubai International Airport, after being caught with a half a gram of hashish, and two poppy bulbs.
2007 Jun 22
Iran interior minister was quoted saying Iran has produced more than 220 pounds of enriched uranium.
2007 Jun 22
The US House of Representatives voted to prohibit any aid to Saudi Arabia as lawmakers accused the close ally of religious intolerance and bankrolling terrorist organizations.
2007 Jun 23
It was estimated that 2,2 million of Iraq's 27 million people have fled the country for Jordan, Syria and elsewhere.
2007 Jun 23
In Saudi Arabia a judge postponed the trial of 3 members of the religious police for their alleged involvement in the death of a man arrested after being seen with a woman who was not his relative.
2007 Jun 26
Iran's state broadcasting company said it is launching an English-speaking satellite television channel to counter the West's influence in covering news.
2007 Jun 27
In Iran 2 gas stations were torched early in Tehran as angry Iranians protested fuel rationing measures suddenly enforced by the government, while many other Iranians lined up to fill their tanks.
2007 Jun 27
A Egyptian state-run news agency said Ashraf Marwan (62), the controversial son-in-law of Egypt's late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, has died in London. Marwan was suspected of being a double agent for Israel during the 1973 war.
2007 Jun 28
Lebanese troops killed at least six Islamic militants during a gunbattle in northern
2007 Jun 29
In Lebanon government soldiers shot at angry Palestinian demonstrators trying to march home to their besieged camp, and two people were reported killed and 29 wounded.
2007 Jun 29
In Egypt 33 students from Cairo's Ain Shams University were detained at a holiday camp in Alexandria and charged with holding a meeting "aimed at propagating the Muslim Brothers' ideology."
2007 Jun 30
Venezuela's Pres. Chavez arrived in Iran for a two-day visit.
Dozens of Lebanese army tanks and armored carriers moved toward a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon in pursuit of Islamic militants holed up inside. 19 people died in some of the heaviest fighting since violence broke out on May 20.
2007 Jun 1
In southeast Turkey soldiers killed two Kurdish militants overnight in Tunceli, where troops massed along the border threatened an incursion into Iraq.
2007 Jun 1
Vietnam became Cuba's latest partner in oil exploration and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico under one of several agreements signed during a visit by Vietnamese Communist Party chief Nong Duc Manh.
2007 Jun 1
CNBC Africa was launched from new headquarters in South Africa. Dubai investors put in some $22.5 million for the 24-hour African business channel broadcasting to 14 African countries.
2007 Jun 2
Iran detained 3 Finns for allegedly straying into its territorial waters during a fishing trip in the Persian Gulf. In June 6 Iran agreed to release them.
2007 Jun 4
Oman evacuated an island as Cyclone Gonu drew near the Persian Gulf.
2007 Jun 6
Cyclone Gonu battered Oman's coast on its path toward the world's most important crude oil tanker route. It waned after killing 49 in Oman and 9 people in Iran, where severe flooding encircled over 100 villages.
2007 Jun 7
A suicide bomber blew up his explosives-laden truck at a police station in Rabia, near Iraq's border with Syria, killing at least 4 policemen and 5 civilians, and wounding 22 other people.
2007 Jun 7
In eastern Lebanon troops discovered three vehicles rigged with explosives during a raid on a hideout.
2007 Jun 7
British media reported that Saudi Arabia's Prince Bandar bin sultan pocketed about $2 million in secret payments as part of an $80 billion arms deal between Britain and Saudi Arabia first signed in 1985.
2007 Jun 8
The US froze bank accounts of four Iran banks tied to Tehran's nuclear efforts. Iran confirmed for the first time that it is holding Ali Shakeri of Lake Forest, Calif., an Iranian-American peace activist, the fourth dual citizen it has detained in recent months.
2007 Jun 9
An Egyptian girl (10) who contracted the H5N1 bird flu virus died, bringing the number of fatalities from the disease in the most populous Arab country to 15.
2007 Jun 11
Police barred voters from polling stations and arrested about 100 opposition members, as Egyptians chose members of the upper chamber of parliament in an election marred by violence that killed one person. President Hosni Mubarak's ruling party won a majority of seats in elections for Egypt's upper house of parliament. The Muslim Brotherhood condemned the elections for their unprecedented fraud.
2007 Jun 11
Iran announced it will help build five new refineries across Asia with a total capacity of 1.1 million barrels per day in a bid to strengthen ties in the region. The refineries will be built in China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Syria.
2007 Jun 11
The Iraqi Parliament voted in a closed session to remove the speaker after a series of embarrassing scandals involving the lawmaker. Mahmoud al-Mashhadani will be replaced by another Sunni Arab.
2007 Jun 11
Israel's military launched a spy satellite. A senior official suggested it could help keep track of developments in Iran.
2007 Jun 11
In Lebanon 2 local Red Cross workers helping coordinate negotiations between the Lebanese army and Islamic militants were shot to death at the Nahr el-Bared camp.
2007 Jun 11
In Ankara, Turkey, funerals for three soldiers killed in a roadside bombing by Kurdish rebels turned into anti-government protests as thousands of mourners called on leaders to resign over their failure to rein in the violence.
2007 Jun 12
It was reported that the Hadzabe tribe of Tanzania, numbering fewer than 1,500, faced a hastening extinction following a government deal to lease 2,500 square miles of tribal hunting land to members of the Abu Dhabi royal family.
2007 Jun 12
Kurdish separatist rebels declared a "unilateral cease-fire" in attacks against Turkey and said they were ready for peace negotiations, but the group maintained the right to defend itself.
2007 Jun 12
In Bali, Indonesia, a gathering of religious leaders and victims of terrorist attacks, sponsored by the US Libforall Foundation, denounced Iran's president for claiming the Holocaust was a myth.
2007 Jun 13
A senior US diplomat said NATO has intercepted Iranian weapons shipments to Afghanistan's Taliban insurgents, providing evidence Iran is violating international law to aid a group it once considered a bitter enemy.
2007 Jun 15
Iran was reported to have denied allegations of abuse saying it has forced Afghan laborers back home because the 1.5 million undocumented migrants are an enormous burden on its economy.
2007 Jun 15
The Gulf state of Qatar tightened its grip on J Sainsbury, Britain's third biggest supermarket chain, by raising its stake to 25%, sparking speculation it may launch a takeover.
2007 Jun 16
Representatives of both sides said Yemen's government and Shiite rebels have reached a cease-fire in a three-year fight that has claimed 4,000 lives this year.
2007 Jun 17
Iran said it had received indications from Russia's president that he would not follow through with an offer to allow the US to use a radar station in neighbouring Azerbaijan for missile defense against Tehran.
2007 Jun 18
The Gulf emirate of Dubai announced it had bought the Queen Elizabeth 2, one of the world's most majestic cruise liners, and planned to turn it into a luxury floating hotel.
2007 Jun 19
A Lebanese soldier was killed in clashes with al-Qaida-inspired militants in a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon.
2007 Jun 19
The US announced the transfer of six Guantanamo Bay prisoners back to their home countries, including one who, according to his lawyers, now may face abuse in Tunisia for nonviolent political activities. 4 men returned to Yemen and two to Tunisia.
2007 Jun 19
In Dubai a Canadian UN official, who advised the Afghan government on eradicating opium poppy crops, was sentenced to four years in prison for smuggling and drug possession. Bert Tatham (35) of Vancouver, British Columbia, was arrested April 23 during a one-hour stopover at the Dubai International Airport, after being caught with a half a gram of hashish, and two poppy bulbs.
2007 Jun 22
Iran interior minister was quoted saying Iran has produced more than 220 pounds of enriched uranium.
2007 Jun 22
The US House of Representatives voted to prohibit any aid to Saudi Arabia as lawmakers accused the close ally of religious intolerance and bankrolling terrorist organizations.
2007 Jun 23
It was estimated that 2,2 million of Iraq's 27 million people have fled the country for Jordan, Syria and elsewhere.
2007 Jun 23
In Saudi Arabia a judge postponed the trial of 3 members of the religious police for their alleged involvement in the death of a man arrested after being seen with a woman who was not his relative.
2007 Jun 26
Iran's state broadcasting company said it is launching an English-speaking satellite television channel to counter the West's influence in covering news.
2007 Jun 27
In Iran 2 gas stations were torched early in Tehran as angry Iranians protested fuel rationing measures suddenly enforced by the government, while many other Iranians lined up to fill their tanks.
2007 Jun 27
A Egyptian state-run news agency said Ashraf Marwan (62), the controversial son-in-law of Egypt's late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, has died in London. Marwan was suspected of being a double agent for Israel during the 1973 war.
2007 Jun 28
Lebanese troops killed at least six Islamic militants during a gunbattle in northern
2007 Jun 29
In Lebanon government soldiers shot at angry Palestinian demonstrators trying to march home to their besieged camp, and two people were reported killed and 29 wounded.
2007 Jun 29
In Egypt 33 students from Cairo's Ain Shams University were detained at a holiday camp in Alexandria and charged with holding a meeting "aimed at propagating the Muslim Brothers' ideology."
2007 Jun 30
Venezuela's Pres. Chavez arrived in Iran for a two-day visit.
Fundamental errors
Posted by James, Dubai, UAE on 26 January 2008 at 12:49 UAE time
Try - sent the US dollar to a 17 year LOW, not high. And the Ruppee is worth far MORE than it was 12 months ago.
By the way being proud of the chaos that ensued following your stroy on the dollar depeg is nothing to be proud of, if that what your implying happened.
HSBC and other major banks were profiteering in the aftermath buying dollars at 3.40 and selling at 3.69? Best of both worlds for them? Or just covering themselves? But a disaster for everyday businesses and people who were stuck with dollars and debts in dirhams... all on the back of mere speculation - go the market economy?!?. The banking industry - along with Arabian Business should be ashamed.
Posted by James, Dubai, UAE on 26 January 2008 at 12:49 UAE time
Try - sent the US dollar to a 17 year LOW, not high. And the Ruppee is worth far MORE than it was 12 months ago.
By the way being proud of the chaos that ensued following your stroy on the dollar depeg is nothing to be proud of, if that what your implying happened.
HSBC and other major banks were profiteering in the aftermath buying dollars at 3.40 and selling at 3.69? Best of both worlds for them? Or just covering themselves? But a disaster for everyday businesses and people who were stuck with dollars and debts in dirhams... all on the back of mere speculation - go the market economy?!?. The banking industry - along with Arabian Business should be ashamed.
Review 2007
Posted by N. A. Mirza, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 31 December 2007 at 17:39 UAE time
Looks sound and indeed worth preserving. December Timeline should have stories on the most peaceful and accident free Haj, BJP's history-making victory in India's western state of Gujrat and above all assassination of Benazir Bhutto. An analysis on King Abdullah's sincere peace efforts was a must.
Editor's reply: December's timeline will be updated with the happenings of the last two weeks of December shortly.
Posted by N. A. Mirza, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 31 December 2007 at 17:39 UAE time
Looks sound and indeed worth preserving. December Timeline should have stories on the most peaceful and accident free Haj, BJP's history-making victory in India's western state of Gujrat and above all assassination of Benazir Bhutto. An analysis on King Abdullah's sincere peace efforts was a must.
Editor's reply: December's timeline will be updated with the happenings of the last two weeks of December shortly.
BEST AND WORST NEWS OF 2007!
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on 27 December 2007 at 11:50 UAE time
Best news:
1. Some peace in Iraq and refugee return.
2. More focus on climate
3. Dialogue between Bush, Putin
4. No war with Iran
5. Talks between Israel, Palesine
6. Shakira going to study at a university
Worst news:
1. Continuation of world poverty
2. No cure for Aids, cancer
3. Human rights violations and beating of monk in Burma
4. Inflation across the word, including Gulf.
5. Instability in India, Pakistan.
6. I have not become a movie-star (the pay is better, than that in management).
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on 27 December 2007 at 11:50 UAE time
Best news:
1. Some peace in Iraq and refugee return.
2. More focus on climate
3. Dialogue between Bush, Putin
4. No war with Iran
5. Talks between Israel, Palesine
6. Shakira going to study at a university
Worst news:
1. Continuation of world poverty
2. No cure for Aids, cancer
3. Human rights violations and beating of monk in Burma
4. Inflation across the word, including Gulf.
5. Instability in India, Pakistan.
6. I have not become a movie-star (the pay is better, than that in management).
REVIEW 2007: PROFITS AND SOUL
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on 26 December 2007 at 17:04 UAE time
The review writtn by Mr James Bennett, is sound, pithy and covers all key issues. Congratulations for this excellent encapsulation.
I hope 2008, will be a more enlightened year for the Gulf and for all of us. Let us hope, we realise that money is important, but without good HR practices, there can be no profits in the long run.
And as the Bible preaches, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, at the loss of his own soul."
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on 26 December 2007 at 17:04 UAE time
The review writtn by Mr James Bennett, is sound, pithy and covers all key issues. Congratulations for this excellent encapsulation.
I hope 2008, will be a more enlightened year for the Gulf and for all of us. Let us hope, we realise that money is important, but without good HR practices, there can be no profits in the long run.
And as the Bible preaches, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, at the loss of his own soul."
Brilliant
Posted by Frank Dane, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 26 December 2007 at 11:26 UAE time
That is one of the best Year in Reviews I have seen. Really polished - especially on the later months - October to December. I love it. Thank you - another great reference site, and hugely entertaining as well.
Posted by Frank Dane, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 26 December 2007 at 11:26 UAE time
That is one of the best Year in Reviews I have seen. Really polished - especially on the later months - October to December. I love it. Thank you - another great reference site, and hugely entertaining as well.
Pressure mounts on last female minister to quit
Posted by Adam, Kuwait, Kuwait on 25 December 2007 at 08:53 UAE time
The Kuwait government needs to get a life.. The men in parliament cannot handle a women minister. I admire her and for what she is doing and putting all these silly men to shame.. Wake up guys...
Posted by Adam, Kuwait, Kuwait on 25 December 2007 at 08:53 UAE time
The Kuwait government needs to get a life.. The men in parliament cannot handle a women minister. I admire her and for what she is doing and putting all these silly men to shame.. Wake up guys...