Tag: UAE Africa

Leadership in Action

“Follow your passion, whatever you do put your heart and soul in it. Do not be afraid of failures. But be honest and believe in teamwork. Be nice and humble,” …. Dilip Sinha, Vice President – Middle East & India, nVent and Secretary General of IBPC Dubai in a candid chat with Iqbal Azeez

The story of Dilip Sinha is a case study for new gen India. Born in small town of Goaplganj in Bihar, he turned his fortunes through hard-work and sheer determination. We went on to gain a degree in engineering from Sardar Patel College of Engineering and did his MBA from Bradford University, England. A consistent winner in elocution, debates during his academic days, Sinha worked with global MNCs like Rockwell Automation, Honeywell Inc and now nVent Inc.

Living in Dubai since 1990, Sinha was elected as Secretary General of Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) in 2019. In his new role, Sinha has succeeded in building a strong UAE-India relationship. By co-ordinating with Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and Indian Consulate, he is backing Indian states to link with business and professional Indian diaspora in Dubai.

Excerpts of Iqbal Azeez’s discussion with Sinha:

UAE is celebrating its 50th National Day. What is your take on UAE@50 and the role played by Indian professionals in the creation of a modern UAE?

UAE is already a modern state. Thanks to the visionary leadership here. IBPC Dubai is supporting Indian Business and professional diaspora is connecting Indian diaspora with Emirati companies. We are also supporting to accelerate India-UAE Trade and FDI growth. We are also projecting UAE as a key destination to live, work and do business with ease. I am a patriot and support UAE-India trade relations. I am grateful to Emirati leadership for their support of Indian diaspora for ages. Its growing in strength after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.

India is targeting to become a $5 trillion economy. Indian professionals are now all over the world. How can they help India achieving that golden target?

Indian business diaspora can try to understand the enormous opportunities that India offers during its journey to become $5 trillion economy.

There are immense opportunities in manufacturing, technology, infrastructure and sustainable energy sectors to invest. IBPC is dealing with every state government and business delegation that is visiting Dubai and linking their investment opportunities with our Indian and Emirati business diaspora.

What support you are expecting from the India government to facilitate NRIs to join the great march to become a giant economy?

It is very important to get clear and specific opportunities that exists and emerges in the key sectors for NRIs to invest. It will be ideal for Indian businesses to do roadshows in the UAE and other countries to exhibit opportunities. Providing useful information to access government departments where these opportunities can be availed. I also recommend the government of India to launch energy, infra funds where NRIs can invest with full repatriation ability.

Which are the business sectors you are involved in?

I am involved in power, energy, industrial automation, smart cities and sustainability. These are my key areas of expertise. I have spent 32 years with global MNCs like Rockwell Automation, Honeywell and now nVent Inc.

What is your formula for the work ethos needed to make it to the top?

Integrity and compliance are fundamentals. Perseverance, focussed approach, alignment to the corporate strategy, team work and effective communication skills are key.

Overriding all this is to work with passion and deliver results consistently. Respect for cultural, gender diversity is important at work place and life.

I believe in collaboration, team work. Good strategy is only as good as its execution. I dislike top down approach except when absolutely necessary.

Like to hire the best people, pay them well and let them perform. You pay peanuts you get similar quality people. People are the assets and they make or break the organisation.

I believe in diversity at work both gender diversity and cultural diversity.

How different are you from your contemporaries?

Well, not much. We are all human beings so in fact we are all same. I like smart working culture , efficiency and honesty. If this is missing you have lost the plot.

I do not compromise when it comes to integrity and ethics. Values are very important whether it is work, public life or personal life.

What was your turning point in life?

Joining Rockwell Automation in 1990 March was step in right direction and joining Honeywell in leadership position in 2001 was key turning points in my career.

During my college days, getting elected as General Secretary of Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Bombay University, was first step in learning what leadership and people management is all about.

The biggest challenge you faced in life and how did you manage to overcome that?

The first Gulf War in 1990 was a set back to business and it disrupted everything. But I kept my focus and won the day.

The pandemic was one of the biggest challenge, but keeping cool and focussed, motivating people and not letting work suffer led to greater success as the pandemic ebbed.

Any role models in personal life and professional life?

Dave Cote, former chairman of Honeywell, was my work role model and my father GSP Sinha who rose from small village to be chairman of a joint sector undertaking were my role models.

My father was my inspiration since childhood. He came from a small village in Bihar and ended up in a top job.

He was the President of Uthkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry thrice and also governing board member of FICCI in the late nineties thrice.

When you look back, what is your greatest achievement in life?

My greatest achievement has been being able to make a difference where ever I have worked – be it business or public life . On a personal front – my three sons getting to the best of the universities with their hard work and becoming good citizens makes me feel proud.

The best critic and the best supporters in life?

That has to be my wife and my children.

You are a professional turned entrepreneur. What is your advice to the millennials who want to follow your footsteps?

Follow your passion, whatever you do put your heart and soul in it.

Do not be afraid of failures. But be honest and believe in teamwork. Be nice and humble. Humility and Modesty should be key traits of all people big or small.

SHORT-TAKES

Favourite book: Ramayana

Film: Jis Desh Me Ganga Behti Hai

Gadget: iPhone

Social Media: LinkedIn

Food: All Indian Food

First Job: Sales Engineer

Memorable moment: Train to Mumbai

Holiday destination: Switzerland

Favourite Day: It’s a Cycle – Go On

Are you a saver or spender? Balanced

Asian Lite Special Edition to mark UAE@50 15

Tags IBPC, UAE Africa

Africa News UAE News

President of Congo visits Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 14 October 2021
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Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of Republic of the Congo, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with his accompanying delegation as part of his official visit to the UAE…reports Asian Lite News

He commenced his tour by visiting the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and recalled the Founding Father’s qualities and wise approach that enriched the culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among various nations of the world.

Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), accompanied the Congolese President on a tour of the mosque’s halls and external corridors. They were briefed by one of the Center’s cultural tour specialists about the mosque’s noble message that highlights notions of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to other cultures, inspired by the nation’s late founder’s rich legacy, and about the mosque’s leading role in highlighting the Islamic culture’s true essence and promoting cross-cultural communication worldwide.

ALSO READ: UAE pledges to work closer with African nations

They were also briefed about the history, components, and esthetic features of Islamic art and architecture manifested in every corner of this grand edifice that crate a mesmerizing fusion of various architectural styles from different eras reflecting commonalities amongst cultures and uniting the world through art.

At the end of the visit, the guest was presented with two of the centre’s distinctive publications. The first titled “Spaces of Light” showcasing the winning photographs in the “Spaces of Light” photography award, annually organised by the Centre in celebration of the scenic aesthetics and visual culture of the mosque, and another copy of a book titled “Houses of God” about places of worship in the Islamic history Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, is sponsored and followed up by HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. It was established to become a leading cultural center and hub that enriches the UAE’s intellectual movement stemming from deeply rooted cultural and national values. While it also reflects concepts deeply rooted by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the nation’s sentiment. They also constitute an extension of the Islamic religion’s preaching and the core values that form the UAE’s national identity.

Tags AFRICA, UAE, UAE Africa

-Top News Africa News UAE News

UAE pledges to work closer with African nations

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 14 October 2021
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Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE and Dubai seek to serve as a bridge between markets to enable countries across the world access new opportunities…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has attended the 6th Global Business Forum (GBF) Africa 2021 in Dubai, a high-level business conference organised by Dubai Chamber in partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai.

“Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global environment, the UAE and Africa have a unique opportunity to usher in a new phase of growth in their economic relationship. The 6th Global Business Forum (GBF) provides the ideal platform for both sides to explore ways to tap fresh synergies and add new dimensions to their ties,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

SHEIKH HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM, CROWN PRINCE OF DUBAI AND CHAIRMAN OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF DUBAI: “The countries of the African continent represent some of the world’s fastest-growing markets, and as a leading global commercial and trading hub, Dubai is well placed to offer them the infrastructure, connectivity and expertise required to expand their worldwide reach. The UAE and Dubai seek to serve as a bridge between markets to enable countries across the world to access new opportunities. We look forward to working closely with African nations to explore new avenues of cooperation and development that will contribute to accelerating the momentum of global recovery and growth,” Sheikh Hamdan added.

Held under the theme ‘Transformation Through Trade’, this year’s Forum is joined by two presidents, 45 ministers and high-ranking government officials and prominent business leaders from Africa to discuss trade and business opportunities in a post-pandemic world.

Highlighting the global economic recovery and the road ahead for Africa, GBF Africa 2021 outlines a roadmap for the next stage of Dubai’s partnership with the continent and lays the foundations for a future where companies, businesses and investors can tap into the wealth of opportunities provided by the African market.

Welcoming the delegates at the opening of GBF Africa 2021, Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, highlighted the resilience of commerce and trade between Africa and Dubai, despite the unprecedented challenges created by the pandemic.

ALSO READ: Hamdan launches Dubai Future Solutions initiative

“What Dubai has done exceptionally well is transform global challenges posed by the pandemic into opportunities for growth. The emirate has adopted a new plan to boost its foreign trade to AED2 trillion ($544.5 billion) as part its new five-year Dubai International Trade Roadmap, which will also establish new shipping and air routes to connect Dubai to more than 400 cities around the world. These new linkages will further improve the ease of doing business in Dubai and the wider region,” he said.

“Judging by economic indicators, it is clear that our efforts in Africa are bearing fruit. Dubai’s non-oil trade with the continent amounted to $50 billion in 2020, reaching the highest level in a decade despite unprecedented challenges. Meanwhile, the number of African companies registered with Dubai Chamber has increased by over 15 percent since 2019 to reach 24,800 today, reflecting growing confidence in Dubai among African businesses and investors.

Taking part in the session titled Unleashing Africa’s Power, were Reem Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai; and Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Tshilombo said that the Democratic Republic of Congo is open for business and offers great potential in terms of international trade and commerce, as well as resource-rich lands and a young population. He elaborated on government efforts to rebuild and modernise the African country, expand infrastructure, diversify the economy and boost its appeal to foreign investors.

UAE pledges to work closer with African nations

“GBF Africa highlights the recovery of African economies in the COVID-19 era, as well as new structures and policies that promote economic integration on the continent. Congo can learn important lessons from the UAE in building new capacities and leveraging the power of public-private partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth,” the President of Congo said.

For her part, Al Hashemy noted that the UAE sees tremendous opportunity in Africa, not only in business connections, but also people connections, which she described as crucial in building cross-border partnerships that drive sustainable growth. She pointed to the wealth of opportunities in Congo, and the country’s infrastructure, logistics and mining sectors in particular, adding that digitalisation itself is expected to create exciting growth prospects in the African market.

In addition, she pointed out that all African countries are represented at Expo 2020 Dubai, which she described as an important platform for these nations to showcase their ambitions and potential to the world. Africa continues to see UAE as a base for exploring other markets around the world, she noted, adding that the UAE and Africa can learn from each other on how to tap into new digital opportunities and use technology to drive progress.

Tags AFRICA, UAE, UAE Africa

Dubai News World News

Dubai’s most expensive penthouse listed for $49m

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 30 September 2021
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The Atlantis The Royal Resort & Residences

Metropolitan Premium Properties, a full-service real estate agency specializing in selling luxury properties, is marketing the most expensive luxury penthouse currently in Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

A top-floor five-bed penthouse triplex at the Atlantis The Royal Resort & Residences is selling for a jaw-dropping AED 180,000,000 (USD 49mn), the ultra-luxurious 25,000 sqft property has six bathrooms, an expansive outdoor deck with its own infinity pool and offers its occupants views of the Palm and the sea. There’s also a private lounge and beach, as well as access to five-star amenities.

Metropolitan Premium Properties has seen strong demand for luxury properties from overseas investors. Last year, 30% of the transactions were from international clients, primarily from the CIS, the UK and other parts of Europe including France, Germany and Austria and this trend has continued into this year as well. One of the group’s biggest transactions was two penthouses located in the W Residence, Palm Jumeirah, which sold for AED 102 million to the same buyer in addition to a Royal Atlantis Garden Villa for AED 44 million and one in IL PRIMO Downtown for AED 42 million to a European buyer.

NIKITA KUZNETSOV, PARTNER METROPOLITAN GROUP AND CEO OF METROPOLITAN PREMIUM PROPERTIES: “Dubai has some of the most luxurious properties in the world and continues to offer its residents an unmatched lifestyle. The city emerged as one of the safest and more open cities in the world which gave residents and investors confidence in the real estate market. The people who are buying are choosing Dubai due to the high levels of safety and security the country offers, especially for high-net-worth individuals.

“Currently, we are continuing to see strong demand for luxury properties from overseas investors. Sales of properties over AED 5M accounted for 15% of the total sales in the first six months with the average sales price of high-end property increasing from AED 5M to AED 10M. We have also witnessed a spike in the number of transactions for villas and townhouses, with a notable interest and high demand for waterfront/shoreline property,” he added.

Built and operated by Kerzner, Atlantis The Royal Dubai is located on the crescent of The Palm is made up of 231 luxury apartments, 693 hotel rooms and 102 suites and is destined to become an iconic, world-renowned address.

ALSO READ: Dubai Tourism welcome continued support of Global hospitality partners

The Residences will have expansive living and entertainment spaces with balconies or lushly landscaped terraces. All Residences offer unique uninterrupted views towards the sea or across the waters of The Palm towards the Dubai skyline.

Designed by KPF architects, the property features luxurious interior options by Sybille De Margerie who has commissioned talented artists to create unique works in materials ranging from leather, metal and porcelain to glass and gold leaf.

Tags dubai, International, UAE Africa

-Top News Africa News Dubai

Dubai Chamber highlights untapped biz potential in W Africa

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 27 September 2021
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The initiative was launched in the lead up to the Global Business Forum (GBF) Africa 2021…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Chamber has announced the launch of “Why Africa”, a new initiative highlighting untapped business potential in West Africa, as well as the region’s key economic indicators and competitive advantages.

The initiative comprises in-depth analyses conducted by Dubai Chamber and based on recent data from UNCTAD, up-to-date insights for prospective investors and recent trade trends.

The initiative was launched in the lead up to the Global Business Forum (GBF) Africa 2021, which will take place between 13th-14th October, on the side-lines of Expo 2020 Dubai.

HAMAD BUAMIN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, DUBAI CHAMBER: “Africa is one of the world’s most promising regions for economic growth, which is featured prominently on many global indicators in recent years as one to watch out for. Market research is essential for UAE investors who are studying the possibility of expanding their businesses into key African countries. Dubai Chamber’s ‘Why Africa?’ initiative seeks to provide such insights that can help them make a more informed business decision.”

He added that the initiative serves as a reference point for UAE businessmen to evaluate opportunities across various economic sectors. Such prospects will be in the spotlight at the upcoming GBF Africa in Dubai, where industry players and key decision makers can offer an insider’s perspective.

Buamim described “Why Africa?” and the forthcoming GBF Africa as “important channels that can be leveraged to boost Dubai-Africa trade and investment flows in the coming years.”

Among the key data areas covered by the initiative are: population, GDP, FDI and trade trends.

Home to 412.4 million people (as per 2021 estimates), West Africa is Africa’s second most populous region and comprises sixteen countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mauritania, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Cabo Verde, and Saint Helena. It is also one of the most economically vital, accounting for 29 percent of Africa’s economy.

Sub-Sahara Africa is Dubai’s largest trading partner out of all African regions. In 2020, West Africa accounted for 33.2 percent of the emirate’s trade with Africa, with a total trade value of US$16.8bn (AED61.7bn), making up approximately 75 percent of the region’s overall trade. It is the continent’s second-largest region in terms of total real GDP, with average GDP value nearing the $709.2 billion mark.

GBF Africa 2021 is being hosted at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo 2020 Dubai under the theme “Transformation Through Trade” with the forum bringing the trade and investment community together to explore bilateral trade opportunities between Dubai and sub-Saharan Africa.

Tags AFRICA, dubai, UAE Africa

Africa News UAE News World News

UAE Forum To Release ‘Titans of Africa’

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 25 September 2021
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UAE AFRICA Networking Group honours African entrepreneurs and professionals in commemorative “Titans of Africa” Coffee Table book … reports Asian Lite News

UAE Africa Networking Group, a Dubai based networking business platform that promotes collaboration between the UAE and various African markets, has announced the launch of a commemorative Coffee Table Book project titled Titans of Africa, which celebrates trailblazing African entrepreneurs and professionals based in the UAE and across Africa.

Published in partnership with DCOM Design FZE, Titans of Africa is a celebration of the tenacity and spirited pursuit of people of African descent, who have made notable strides in business influence across multiple sectors in industry and the arts. A black-tie gala dinner to be hosted in Dubai on 2 October 2021, will witness the celebration of these entrepreneurs and professionals in the presence of VIPs and distinguished guests.

Commenting on the significance of the Titans of Africa Coffee Table book, UAE Africa Networking Group Founder, William Stenhouse said: “We are excited to launch the ”Titans of Africa” initiative, as it pays homage to a group of 25 African men and women who represent 12 countries and success in 7 verticals, highlighting the ongoing quest to celebrate the successes of dynamic individuals who inspire innovation and the pursuit of excellence in a fast evolving world.”

The UAE Africa Networking Group has since its launch more than five years ago, worked to facilitate meaningful relations between individuals, entrepreneurs, corporate and public sector entities across the UAE and the African continent. The Titans of Africa initiative was envisioned in early 2021 with the objective of curating a journal of excellence that fosters dialogue across cultures while promoting engagement, underpinned by three key pillars: Visibility, Marketability, and Access to the right connections in multiple markets.

“This project bears testament to our commitment to not only foster strategic and results oriented relationships between our growing member base, but also celebrate the men and women who contribute valiantly to the ecosystems in which they operate,” Stenhouse added.

DCOM Design FZE CEO, Vikas Bhargava added: “This project couldn’t have come at a better time, as we continue to witness more networking and collaboration between entrepreneurs and professionals locally and along the varied trade corridors that lead to Africa. Assembling this book has been a phenomenal opportunity for us to tell more stories of individual and collective success in a publication that will be distributed at Dubai Expo 2021, UAE government offices, key commercial and corporate locations across the MENA region, leveraging our previous success in publishing similar books over the past 11 years.”

Since 2016, the UAE Africa Networking group established itself as a Dubai based networking business platform that promotes collaboration between the UAE and various African markets. In addition to encouraging B2B direct sales, SME support and business partnering for all of its members. The UAE Africa Networking group has a global footprint of more than 3,500 members comprising of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), investors, professional service organisations, multinational companies, local companies, government bodies and young Entrepreneurs. The group connects its members by leveraging its extensive global reach, market intelligence and business opportunities. As a part of the UAE Africa Networking group community outreach program, it launched a quarterly exhibition to encourage and showcase up and coming Fashion designers, Tech Companies and Artist from the UAE and Africa.

Tags African business leaders, African Diaspora, UAE Africa