December 2021 - ssrdind

December 12, 2021

Emirates to embark on IT hiring spree as travel rules ease after Covid shock

Dubai-based Emirates Group has announced it is looking to recruit more than 500 IT professionals as the airline continues to rebound from the impact of the pandemic.

The company said it is experiencing strong air travel demand across all areas of the business, and a range of opportunities will be available for skilled IT professionals.

Emirates to embark on IT hiring spree as travel rules ease after Covid shock
Dubai airline says it plans to recruit more than 500 IT professionals over the next six months
Emirates IT staff
Emirates plans to recruit more than 500 IT professionals over the next six months.
Dubai-based Emirates Group has announced it is looking to recruit more than 500 IT professionals as the airline continues to rebound from the impact of the pandemic.

The company said it is experiencing strong air travel demand across all areas of the business, and a range of opportunities will be available for skilled IT professionals.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ chief operating officer, said: “Emirates continues to invest in technologies and introduce innovative solutions that are based on artificial intelligence, data and other smart solutions to deliver our products and serve our loyal customers in the most efficient and flexible manner.”

More than 500 IT professionals will be recruited over the next six months as Emirates aims to build its own talent pipeline with expertise in various areas, including cybersecurity, software engineering and innovation.

The move comes as Emirates has invested into a number of innovation programmes such as the Aviation X-Lab in partnership with GE, Airbus, Thales, and Collins Aerospace; and Intelak in partnership with Accenture, Microsoft and Dubai Tourism.

Last month, Emirates said it will return to pre-Covid levels of activity in the next 12 months.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group said efforts being made to coordinate with different countries and aviation authorities across the world will make it possible for Emirates to return to 2019 levels.

Sheikh Ahmed said Dubai authorities are working to restore the high passenger numbers before the pandemic, which saw DXB handling 90 million international passengers annually, making it one of the world’s busiest international airports.

Source:https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/technology/emirates-to-embark-on-it-hiring-spree-as-travel-rules-ease-after-covid-shock

December 12, 2021

Dubai business major announces hybrid working week amid UAE’s weekend reforms

ESAG staff, who work across 27 companies, will have a blended work timetable consisting of a four-day office schedule while they will work from home on Fridays.

The government weekend will start at midday on Fridays and end at the close of Sunday, meaning a four and a half day working week. The UAE is the first nation in the world to introduce a national working week shorter than the global five-day week.

ESAG which has a business portfolio in retail, building and construction, industrial and real estate sectors, said in a statement that it believes that this “path-breaking move” will further enhances the UAE’s competitiveness.

The UAE first led the regional transition from a Thursday-Friday weekend to Friday-Saturday in 2006, it added.

“We are encouraged by this new era of change in the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, which aligns with the larger commitment that by the year 2071, residents will be living in the best country in the world. At ESAG we strive to maximise employee wellbeing and performance by keeping our workforce happy and engaged,” said Easa Al Gurg, group CEO.

Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG), one of the largest family business conglomerates operating in the UAE, has announced that staff will adopt a hybrid style working schedule from January 1.
Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG), one of the largest family business conglomerates operating in the UAE, has announced that staff will adopt a hybrid style working schedule from January 1 in line with the new weekend shift announced by the government last week.

ESAG staff, who work across 27 companies, will have a blended work timetable consisting of a four-day office schedule while they will work from home on Fridays.

The UAE first led the regional transition from a Thursday-Friday weekend to Friday-Saturday in 2006, it added.

Easa Al Gurg, group CEO.
“The new working schedule encourages staff to have a healthy work-life balance and also supports those with school going children, encouraging family time and interaction. Our aim is to also create a work environment where everyone is dedicated to deliver a strong performance whilst being in a healthy state of mind and body. Through this we believe we will improve productivity and ultimately profit.”

He added: “As a leading private sector enterprise which engages with multiple business partners across the world, this change in the working week will help us further expand our reach, align with global market movements, as well as further achieve strategic agreements across diverse sectors.”

Announced on International Women’s Day in a LinkedIn post by Muna Al Gurg, director of retail at Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, she said company has agreed to extend its maternity to three months of fully paid leave.

The Group’s key joint ventures include Al Gurg Unilever, Siemens, Al Gurg Fosroc, Al Gurg Smollan, Akzo Nobel Decorative Paints, Siemens Healthcare and Siemens Mobility.

ESAG is a regional partner to over 370 international brands and principals from across the world including Osram, British American Tobacco, Dunlop, Armitage Shanks, SieMatic, Steelcase, Delta, Trespa, Lutron, Danfoss, Smeg, and 3M.

Source:https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/uae/uae-politics-economics/dubai-business-major-announces-hybrid-working-week-amid-uaes-weekend-reforms

December 12, 2021

Saudi, French firms ink deal to set up aircraft parts manufacturing hub

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has signed a joint venture agreement to build a high-precision manufacturing facility in the kingdom to produce aircraft components.

The deal with France’s FIGEAC AÉRO Group and the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (Dussur) will establish SAMI FIGEAC AÉRO Manufacturing.

The announcement was made during the Saudi-French Investment Forum held on the sidelines of the visit of the President of France Emmanuel Macron to Saudi Arabia.

The joint venture aims to develop Saudi Arabia’s aerostructure manufacturing capabilities, train Saudi engineers and technicians to work as part of the project, and boost the localisation of military and civil aerospace industries in line with Saudi Vision 2030, a statement said.

Initial products will focus on machining and processing of light alloy (aluminum) and hard metal (titanium) aerospace parts, it added.

Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, chairman of SAMI, said: “By creating a distinctive partnership between local companies and a leading international player, we aim to accelerate the localisation of advanced technologies in the aerostructures domain.

“In doing so, we shall also increase investment flows and create high-quality job opportunities for Saudi youth, in line with the targets outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.”

Walid Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, added: “Together, the three signatories will collaborate with Saudi authorities and regulators to identify opportunities for the transfer of technology and expertise to the kingdom, enhancing the local content and creating exciting opportunities in both the commercial and military aerostructure manufacturing industries.”

Jean-Claude Maillard, chairman and CEO of FIGEAC AÉRO, said: “Our shareholding… will be a minor one, but the Saudi company’s future investments will be backed by robust local and state banking partners. We will have a crucial role to play in laying the foundations of Saudi Arabia’s future aerospace industry.”

Raed Al-Rayes, CEO of Dussur, added: “This joint venture marks an important milestone in developing the industrial metals value chains in its highest application, aerospace.”

The joint venture follows the signing of a memorandum of agreement in 2019 at the International Paris Airshow.

Over a 10-year period, the project will encompass a series of major investments including the launch of a new production facility in Jeddah.

Phase one involves ramping up the facility, which is scheduled to be completed by 2024 with an investment of about $50 million and aiming to generate $10 million revenue by the end of 2024.

Source:https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/technology/saudi-french-firms-ink-deal-to-set-up-aircraft-parts-manufacturing-hub

December 12, 2021

Kuwait’s $33bn holding company appoints female CEO

Kuwait Projects Co, the holding company with assets of about $33 billion, has appointed Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad as its CEO, in another senior appointment for a woman in the Gulf.

Sheikha Dana was previously the CEO of Al Futtooh Holding Co and on Kuwait Projects’ board since 2020, according to a statement.

She holds board positions in Gulf Insurance Group, OSN and Kamco Invest and her Her appointment is effective January 1.

In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, Sarah Al-Suhaimi became the first woman to chair the Saudi Arabian stock exchange, known as Tadawul (pictured above), in 2017.

The kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund has also appointed Rania Nashar as head of compliance and governance, making her one of the most senior women at the kingdom’s $450 billion Public Investment Fund.

Kuwait Projects, also known as Kipco, said Faisal Al Ayyar will retire as an executive after more than 30 years with the company. He will, however, continue to be the vice chairman.

Source:https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/kuwait/kuwait-politics-economics/kuwaits-33bn-holding-company-appoints-female-ceo

December 12, 2021December 12, 2021

Abu Dhabi Ports and Manufacturers’ Association of Israel to Cooperate on Trade Enhancement, Tech Development, R&D

Abu Dhabi Ports and the Manufacturers Association of Israel (MAI) today signed an agreement to enhance trade, investment and technology cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, in the presence of His Excellency Falah Mohamed Al Ahbabi, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) opens a dialogue between Abu Dhabi Ports’ subsidiaries KIZAD and ZonesCorp , which are under its Industrial Cities and Free Zone portfolio, and MAI to contribute to the reciprocal expansion of trade, investment, and technological development, as well as improve research and development (R&D), innovation and cooperation in technology.

Abu Dhabi Ports, part of ADQ – one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy, will also hold a webinar later this month for members of the MAI, to apprise them of the opportunities available in the emirate and specifically within the Industrial Cities and Free Zone.

The Manufacturers Association of Israel is the representative body of the country’s industrial sectors including private, public, kibbutz and government industries. With a membership of over 2,000 organisations and industrial plants, MAI members are responsible for more than 95% of the industrial production across Israel.

The MoU was signed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports and Dr. Ron Tomer, President of the Manufacturers Association of Israel at Khalifa Industrial Zones Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) to agree on the cooperation and trade enhancement.

This is the first agreement signed by Abu Dhabi Ports with an Israeli trade organisation since the ratification of the peace agreement between the UAE and Israel, in Washington DC in September, and provides a clear, effective, and efficient framework for industrial cooperation, knowledge transfer and trade facilitation.

His Excellency Falah Mohamed Al Ahbabi, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “The UAE leadership’s vision for the region and the subsequent signing of the peace agreement sets a great precedent for industrial cooperation and offers a wide range of opportunities to businesses to enhance their networks of trade and manufacturing. Abu Dhabi Ports is well-positioned to offer Israeli industrial manufacturers the best solutions for their businesses within KIZAD and ZonesCorp. We look forward to engaging with our friends from Israel and welcoming them to experience our leading-edge services and facilities.”

Dr. Ron Tomer, President of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, said: “This initial agreement is the start of the new and warm trade relations that are emerging between Israel and the United Arab Emirates following the signing of the peace agreement. We plan to continue in this important path and promote cooperation between Israeli industry and high-tech to the business sector in the United Arab Emirates, and create new areas of trade that will open the economy, employment and society between the two nations, and beyond. ”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “KIZAD and ZonesCorp offer the Israeli industry a unique opportunity to scale their businesses exponentially in a cost-effective, timely, clearly defined and efficient manner. Through Abu Dhabi Ports, KIZAD and ZonesCorp act as a catalyst for business by opening the door to more than 100 markets through the UAE’s Free Trade and bilateral agreements for Israeli manufacturers. We are committed to providing the means necessary for businesses to reach markets faster, more efficiently, and at low cost.”

Besides opening an ongoing dialogue to explore ways and means for the reciprocal expansion of trade, investment and technology development, the agreement paves the way for exchange of trade missions.

The industrial zone is part of Abu Dhabi Ports’ Industrial Cities and Free Zone portfolio, which has over 554 sqkm of industrial land, as well as 1,400 local, regional and international investors operating across the food, logistics, automotive, polymers, metals, oil and gas, life sciences, and advanced technology industries.

With a total area of 410 sqkm and 100 sqkm designated as free zone, KIZAD is the largest industrial hub for integrated trade and logistics in the region, offering investors a highly efficient base for their trading, manufacturing units, export operations, and related activities. KIZAD’s proximity to two major seaports, four international airports with a two-hour driving distance, multilane congestion-free highways and the upcoming rail terminal within the zone make it an ideal destination for businesses looking for a manufacturing base in the region.

ZonesCorp is the largest operator of purpose-built economic zones in the UAE, providing investors with a world-class, tax-free, platform that encourages growth. ZonesCorp’s economic zones are organised into vertically integrated clusters in complementary industries that bring upstream and downstream companies together, enhancing efficiencies, creating value chain benefits and providing a platform that encourages the incubation of industrial innovation.
Source:https://www.kizad.ae/2020/12/09/abu-dhabi-ports-and-manufacturers-association-of-israel-to-cooperate-on-trade-enhancement-tech-development-rd/

December 12, 2021

AED3.67 bn ‘Helios Industry’ Plant to Export Green Ammonia from Abu Dhabi

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports, today announced the formation of a green ammonia production facility, targeting regional and international markets.

Helios Industry, a privately-owned special project vehicle company (SPV), plans to invest over AED3.67 billion (USD1 billion) in the construction of the facility over several years, which it aims to develop with local and international partners in two phases and is projected to produce 200,000 tonnes of green ammonia from 40,000 tonnes of green hydrogen.

The Helios facility located in KIZAD, will be powered by a dedicated 800-megawatt solar power plant within KIZAD in the near future, with capacity of 100MW in phase 1.

Abdullah Al Hameli, Head of Industrial Cities & Free Zone Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “The adoption of sustainability and green technology has gained significant traction within the GCC and greater MENA region over the past few years.

“Abu Dhabi Ports is proud to be the host of an innovative company like Helios Industry, and one of the region’s first green ammonia plants with zero carbon emission. We are committed to the growth and success of our customers and strive to continue supporting responsible manufacturers who are helping bring about increased sustainability across industries, whilst simultaneously enhancing the level of green knowledge and awareness within the UAE.”

The plant will use solar power to electrolyse water and split molecules into Hydrogen and Oxygen. At peak capacity, 40,000 tonnes of the green hydrogen released in this process will be used to produce 200,000 tonnes of green ammonia.

K. Saiyed, Managing Director of Helios Industry, said: “Caring for the environment is a shared responsibility. We are committed to pioneering investment and development efforts to produce sustainable and clean energy for the future in the UAE. We aim to improve continually upon all aspects of the world we operate in – Our Stakeholders, Environment, Health, Social, Economic – all designed to create a cleaner planet and a better tomorrow for all humanity. Our project is an excellent illustration of our vision: to create, innovate, accelerate, and drive the transition to cleaner energy for a sustainable and better world.”

According to Helios Industry, the newly announced facility will be the first production plant within Abu Dhabi to produce green ammonia from hydrogen using renewable energy. Upon completion, the plant is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by an excess of 600,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to the amount of pollution generated by roughly 140,000 vehicles if conventional methods are employed for Ammonia production.

Source:https://www.kizad.ae/2021/05/25/aed3-67-bn-helios-industry-plant-to-export-green-ammonia-from-abu-dhabi/