Private Healthcare in Assertive Mood Commitment to Qatar Over 77 Years of Relationship with Qatar to Proudly Contribute to Qatar’S Achievement

ISSUE 17 | NOVEMBER 2013 this issue BUSINESS MONEY LIFESTYLE Measures to win loyalty Renewable energy investments Explore Navajo country CONSTRUCTION GETS A FILLIP HR strategy needs change Identify opportunities irst Evoque from Range Rover INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS Mastering online sales Bene its of rehiring Aordable entertainment gifts MARKET LAGS AFTER HOLIDAYS

Private healthcare in assertive mood Commitment to Qatar Over 77 years of relationship with Qatar to proudly contribute to Qatar’s achievement. www.total.com

Total, the world’s ﬁfth largest oil and gas company, has been present in Qatar since 1936. Over the past 77 years, Total has been proud to contribute to the development of Qatar’s natural resources and the advancement of the country’s most valuable asset - its people. In the energy sector, Total has established various partnerships in the Al Khalij Field, Qatargas 1 and 2, Dolphin, Qapco and Qatoﬁn. At the Total Research Centre Qatar, studies and training sessions for the youth of Qatar will help meet tomorrow’s energy challenges. Total is equally proud to participate in the improvement of educational, sports and environmental community standards. Total’s responsibility is to meet the increasing energy demand with safe and sustainable energy sou rces.

Proud partner of your energy BUSINESS CONTENTSIssue 17 | November 2013 BIZWATCH 8 An overview of the activities during the month.

ISSUE 17 | NOVEMBER 2013 this issue BUSINESS MONEY LIFESTYLE Measures to win loyalty Renewable energy investments Explore Navajo country CONSTRUCTION GETS A FILLIP FACE-TO-FACE HR strategy needs change Identify opportunities irst Evoque from Range Rover INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS Mastering online sales Bene its of rehiring Aordable entertainment gifts MARKET LAGS AFTER HOLIDAYS 16 Leading the war against ageing

Private healthcare Dr Hassan al-Abdulla M.D. is the Medical Director and Consultant in assertive mood - Dermatology & Venereology at Dr Hassan Al-Abdulla Medical Center and holder of licence number one in private healthcare sector. He believes in educating and making people aware of the importance of anti-ageing medicine, a medical speciality that involves early detection, prevention, treatment and reversal of age-related diseases and it intervenes in the ageing process itself.

STRATEGY 23 Measures to win loyalty The loyalty landscape has changed dramatically over the past 25 LEADERSHIP years. ICLP’s experience from successfully working with brands across multiple industry sectors (airline, automotive, channel, 20 Identify opportunities first COVER STORY financial services, FMCG, hotel, luxury, retail and technology), on a local, regional and global basis has provided it a clear under- 12 Pvt healthcare upbeat standing of what it takes to positively motivate customers. In the years to come private healthcare is expected to give stiff competition to public healthcare both as a service provider and HR POLICIES employer, writes Sami Said Ali after meeting professionals from this segment. The sector 28 Advantage ‘boomerang’ employees is expected to generate new jobs and Talk about rehiring and organisations have two choices: Train additional revenues as a result of stepped up and turn untrained employees into super performers or go for investment by existing and new players in ready-made talent -- which means giving a chance to return to new hospitals, primary care clinics, specialty former staff who left on good terms. The return of the employ- clinics and disease management services. ees can be a “collar up” for some companies and a huge risk for MANAGEMENT others, depending upon the employee’s track record. 24 HR needs to change

NEW SERVICES 32 Safeguarding critical info Recently launched ‘Remote Back-up’ services offer an efficient ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES and reliable system for daily back-up of critical information by Tel: +974 44466422 maintaining two copies of such data – one locally at the custom- Fax: +974 44418811 er’s premises and the other at a remote location via a secured Email: [email protected] network. The Remote Back-up service also features a management console and 24x7 monitoring of backup processes. PRINTED & PUBLISHED BY : Gulf Publishing & Printing Co.W.L.L. ENERGY Website : www.theexecutive.qa REAL ESTATE 40 Construction gets fillip 34 Renewable energy A Publication Now, renewed confidence and sound economic fundamentals in the Gulf region are driving a new construction boom. In addition to government-owned developers, a number of private-sector property development companies have also announced mega projects. This contrasts with 2009-10 when private sector activity had come to standstill in many countries as major projects were cancelled or put on hold indefinitely.

COLUMN 27 Tornado Talk

Scan the QR Code with your smartphone OFFICE DECOR or log on to www.theexecutive.qa 38 Interiors awards CONTENTSIssue 17 | November 2013

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MOTORING TRAVEL SHOPPING GUIDE 50 New class of SUV 46 Navajo country’s beauty 53 Impressive presents The all-new chassis provides the vehicle with a practi- Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation reser- Technology and home entertainment gifts are highly cal blend of dynamic and sporty handling along vation, a 640-mile drive from Los Angeles, 175 miles sought after, meaning gift-givers have plenty of with refinement. The lightweight, compact footprint northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, about 25 miles north opportunities to get an impressive present. If you of the vehicle and the low centre of gravity facilitate of the sleepy town of Kayenta. The valley’s most think you need to spend a lot to get a great gift, think both quick responses and extraordinary agility. With famous mesas, buttes and spires stand within the again. There are many great options for less than Adaptive Dynamics, the vehicle offers an optimum boundaries of the tribal park. QR364 ($100). balance.

Follow us on : www.facebook.com/TheExecutive.qa www.twitter.com/theexecutive_qa www.theexecutive.qa “From the editor’s diary” Health can create wealth for individuals and country

Health is wealth is an oft-quoted maxim, indicating that, if a person is healthy, he or she can work with efficiency to earn wealth. If this is true for individuals, then on a larger scale how important would it be for an organisation and the country? More and more countries are realising the importance of people’s health in improving the Editor-in-chief: quality of life. Darwish S. Ahmed Healthy people don’t have extreme reliance on medicines and doctors. They are able to Editor: carry on their daily routine with almost no unforeseen interruptions thus helping them M.V.A. Kumar to remain productive all their lives. They also tend to be cheerful and spread cheer around their places of work and in their social circles. So good health is something to Marketing Manager: be treasured and aspired for. James John Since all people are not gifted with robust health right from birth, healthy habits have Feature Writer: to be maintained to ward off frequent bouts of illness. That reminds us of another Sami Said Ali maxim: ‘Prevention is better than cure.’ Access to medical expertise and facilities is an essential element of prevention, particularly for working adults, who are exposed to harsh weather conditions and work-related stress in addition to the natural process of Layout and Design: ageing. Renju Varghese Jiji Yohannan The Gulf region and Qatar, in particular, are magnets for professionals and blue-collared workers from across the globe. This is a major cause of population growth, thereby Manager - Special Projects: necessitating expansion of the healthcare system to cater to the growing needs of Sharon Desouza Qatari society and its huge expatriate workforce. Christopher Desouza Qatar’s healthcare system, which has witnessed a steady rise in standards, is expected Circulation Manager: to undergo transformation with the implementation of the first phase of the new Adel Hammam compulsory insurance programme by the National Health Insurance Company. As public healthcare facilities focus on increasing facilities and improving quality, the private Copy Editors: healthcare providers will play a crucial role as more and more insured people scout John Varghese for medical specialists of their choice. Our cover story takes a closer look at private Shemna Bijith healthcare providers and their expectations. Pradeep Kumar Sudip N. In addition to our main story, there are informative articles on real estate, renewable energy and other sectors from our knowledge partners. Columnists: Enjoy reading! Stephen Anderson

Contributor: R. Ramesh

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www.ToyotaQatar.com BIZWATCH QATAR IN NEWS MARKETS RECOGNITION

QATAR INSURANCE MARKET NYSE EURONEXT QE QNB BAGS PRESTIGIOUS 01 SECOND FASTEST GROWING 01 STAKE BOUGHT BY QH 01 AWARDS IN WASHINGTON Qatar, which is the third largest insurance NYSE Euronext has exited the Qatar Exchange QNB has secured three prestigious awards from market in the Gulf region, has seen a compound (QE) with Qatar Holding acquiring the entire 12 Global Finance Magazine at an awards cer- annual growth of 17.9 per cent over the last per cent stake held by the trans-Atlantic bourse, emony held on the sidelines of the recent IMF six years, making it the second fastest growing four years after it entered the fray with a and World Bank annual meetings in Washing- market, according to global credit rating agency $200mn investment. Qatar Holding, the invest- ton. QNB was recognised as ‘Best investment Moody’s. Despite this rapid growth, Qatar has ment arm of the Qatar Investment Authority bank in frontier markets’, ‘Best investment bank one of the lowest insurance penetration in the (QIA), has entered into an agreement with NYSE in Qatar’, and ‘Best bank in Qatar’. QNB is the region at 0.6 per cent of GDP (gross domestic Euronext to purchase the 12 per cent stake in world’s first recipient of the ‘Best investment product) and an insurance density of $695.9 as the QE, thus becoming the sole owner of the bank in frontier markets’, which was given for of 2012, it said. Qatar bourse, which will find its place among the first time by the Global Finance Magazine. GLOBAL INDEX RANKS QATAR the MSCI emerging markets by next year. QNB was selected on the basis of the global franchise that the bank has built, which focuses 02 AS TOP ME FINANCIAL CENTRE QFCA PLANNING 02 LEGAL UPGRADES on frontier markets in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) QA WINS BUSINESS is proposing legislative improvements in three 02 TRAVELLER AWARD important areas of the QFC legal environment. The proposed changes pertain to the insolvency regulations, the single family office regulations and the special company regulations, a QFCA spokesman said. In addition to the amendments to these regulations, new rules are being proposed to supplement and provide further details to the practical operation of the respective regulations, he said. GROUP SECURITIES TOPS Qatar has been ranked the top financial centre 03 QATAR BROKERAGES in the Middle East region with its standing moving six places up to 24, according to the Traditional and bank brokerages in Qatar saw Qatar Airways has been voted the Best Middle latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI). improvement in their intermediary business but East Airline by readers of Business Traveller Qatar’s rating rose by 11 points, driven by at the expense on one traditional entity that Asia-Pacific in China. The Doha-based carrier the economy’s growth prospects, improving witnessed considerable erosion in their market has been recognised for the fourth consecutive infrastructure, international connectivity, low share year-to-date (YTD) in September. The year at the 22nd Annual Business Travel- employee taxation and commitment to human Group Securities continued to be atop the chart, ler Asia-Pacific Awards, held in Hong Kong development, said GFCI that covers 80 financial accounting for 30.23% of the stocks trading recently. The awards, which are given in 56 centres. value (QR34.26bn) YTD in September against categories, are the highest honour given by QATAR ECONOMIC 28.61 per cent in the year-ago period. Business Traveller readers to travel and hospi- 03 ACTIVITY SOARING QATAR IS THE SECOND LARGEST tality service providers. 04 TRANSPORT PROJECTS MARKET DOLPHIN ENERGY Large infrastructure projects such as the Doha 03 WINS CSR AWARD Metro Rail would accelerate Qatar’s economic Qatar is the second largest rail and transport activity until the year-end, says QNB, which projects market in terms of current development Dolphin Energy has announced that it has won sees an increasing role for the country’s in the Gulf region with rail, metro, tram and a prestigious award at the Annual Arabia CSR non-hydrocarbon sector until 2015. The large BRT projects in the country valued at more than Awards 2013. The company bagged the second infrastructure investment programme will have $30bn, a new report has shown. These projects runner-up award in the “Corporate-NGO Collab- a direct effect on growth through higher invest- are scheduled to be finished by 2020, ahead oration Award” category after being shortlisted ment spending and an indirect effect through of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Finals, Meed has from among 111 other applications represent- population growth, a QNB report said. said in a report. ing 23 industries and 10 countries around the QATAR TO LEAD GULF QATAR, US BILATERAL Arab world. The award was received by Adel 04 NATIONS’ GROWTH 05 TRADE RISES TO $4.61BN Albuainain, General Manager of Dolphin Energy Qatar, at a ceremony held in Dubai recently. The Gulf countries can expect to see robust Driven by imports from the US, Qatar’s trade DOHA BANK BAGS ‘PEAK economic growth over the medium term and with the US increased to $4.61bn in 2012 from 04 OF SUCCESS AWARD’ Qatar, in particular, is slated to see 6 per cent $3.62bn in 2010, Doha Bank Group CEO Dr R expansion, while the Middle East as a whole Seetharaman has said. In Washington recently Doha Bank has been awarded the ‘Peak of is poised to witness slowdown, according to he said US investments in Qatar have crossed Success Award 2013’ at The Bizz Awards Ernst and Young (E&Y). Strong foreign direct $100bn with most of the investments being hosted by the World Confederation of Busi- investment (FDI) flows, easier access to credit made in the hydrocarbon sector. The US is nesses (Worldcob) in Dubai. This is the second and the growth of entrepreneurship is fuelling Qatar’s top import partner and largest investor consecutive award that Doha Bank has won at the development of new businesses and sectors in Qatar. In 2010 the Golden Pass LNG terminal The Bizz Awards, having received the World within the Middle Eastern rapid-growing mar- in the US was commissioned, a facility in which Business Leader Award at the ceremony held in kets (RGMs), EY’s latest report on RGMs said. Qatar has a stake. Doha last year.

8 BIZWATCH CSR LAUNCHES DEALS

OXY QATAR BACKS NEW GOLF GTI QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY, 01 QRC’S PROJECTS 01 UNVEILED IN DOHA 01 ASTM SIGN AGREEMENT Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd (Oxy Qatar) Volkswagen Qatar has launched the new Qatar National Library (QNL) has entered into an has donated QR1,232,000 (about $338,000) to Golf GTI at its first ‘Show & Shine’ event that agreement with ASTM International to provide Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) as part of Oxy Qatar’s attracted around 300 Volkswagen fans to the online access to ASTM standards and techni- partnership with QRC to support economic and showroom on Salwa Road. The latest version cal information across Qatar. This is the first social empowerment projects. The contribu- of Golf GTI, an acclaimed compact sports car, countrywide licence agreement between QNL tion will help provide food vouchers for 54 is powered by a turbo-charged petrol, direct- and ASTM International, the globally recog- needy families. The overall goal of Oxy Qatar’s injection engine with 220hp. The car acceler- nised leader in the development and delivery of partnership with QRC is to help improve the ates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, reaching a top international voluntary consensus standards. well-being of the less fortunate and provide speed of 244 km/h. The Golf GTI, produced at GWC, INTERCEPT SIGN PACT them with tools that they can use to maintain the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, 02 ON PACKAGING MATERIALS happy, healthy and productive lives. has sold nearly 1.9mn units to date. OXY FUNDS 500 STUDENTS The Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC), Qatar’s LG LAUNCHES leading logistics solutions provider, has con- 02 AS PART OF INJAZ SCHEME 02 G2 SMARTPHONE cluded an exclusivity agreement with Intercept As part of its ongoing commitment towards mo- LG Electronics (LG) launched its revolutionary Technology Middle East covering the region tivating, inspiring and developing Qatar’s youth, smartphone LG G2 at a special event held at of Qatar for Intercept anti-corrosion packing Injaz Qatar has entered into an investment Oryx Rotana. Competitively priced at QR2,399, materials. Intercept Technology was founded in partnership with Occidental Petroleum of Qatar LG officials claim that G2’s breakthrough the United States, and specialises in packaging (Oxy Qatar) to sponsor the ‘More than Money’ features are a deep understanding of human for storage, logistics and preservation. Intercept programme. ‘More Than Money’ is a financial behaviour with the region’s first 150 Mbps 4G Technology is the new generation of corrosion literacy programme targeting 500 students aged LTE net-work support. This is the first revolu- prevention, and provides an active protection 11-15 years in various independent primary and tionary smartphone introduced under LG’s new for all materials. middle schools during the 2013-2014 academic “G” series for premium devices, exemplifying MAERSK QATAR, GDI year. LG’s aim to bring forth more customer-centric 03 SIGN TWO RIG DEALS QATARGAS CONTINUES TO innovations. 03 SUPPORT YOUNG GOLFERS Maersk Oil Qatar (MOQ) and Gulf Drilling Inter- NOKIA 515 HITS national (GDI) have signed two new contracts 03 STORES IN QATAR For the fourth consecutive season, Qatargas is worth QR750mn for two rigs. The first one is a supporting the Qatar Golf Association (QGA) by two-year contract for the GDI jack-up drilling sponsoring the QGA Junior Golf Programme. rig (B-341) and the second one is a three-year Qatargas said its support to the programme contract for a new GDI offshore accommodation was aimed at popularising golf in Qatar, espe- jack-up rig. The deals represent the second and cially amongst the younger generation, as part third major agreements between GDI and MOQ of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. in 2013. The company recently announced its support for QATAR UNIVERSITY SIGNS a number of evolving sports activities in Qatar. 04 MOU WITH LAW FIRM KAHRAMAA, UNILEVER TEAM 04 UP FOR AWARENESS DRIVE Qatar University signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Addleshaw Goddard, an Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation Consolidated Gulf Company (CGC) has said international law firm to establish legal intern- (Kahramaa) and Unilever formally announced Nokia 515 is now available in Qatar at a ships and to become part of Qatar University’s their partnership to kick off a water conserva- retail price of QR559. Wrapped in lightweight growing legal education programme. The agree- tion awareness campaign at Carrefour, Doha. aluminium, CGC said “the device combines the ment provides QU students the opportunity to The initiative is part of the Kahramaa’s ongoing best of Nokia – contemporary design, high- intern at Addleshaw Goddard’s offices for four Tarsheed campaign, which aims at bringing quality materials and top performance.” Nokia months. The firm offers specialist expertise in down per capita consumption of water and 515 is available in Easy Swap Dual SIM at all the fields of construction, projects, corporate, electricity in Qatar significantly in the next five leading electronic retail stores including CGC finance, arbitration, renewable energy, private years. outlets in Qatar. wealth management and litigation. QP, SHELL PACT TO BOOST SWBH LAUNCHES QPM SIGNS AGREEMENT 05 EDUCATION COLLABORATION 04 HOTEL AT SOUQ WAQIF 05 WITH MOROCCO’S SMIT An agreement has been signed between Qatar Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels (SWBH), the ex- QPM has signed an agreement with Moroc- Petroleum (QP) and Qatar Shell, aimed at clusive hotel collection owned by the Al Rayyan can Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT) further strengthening their professional learning Hospitality group, launched Al Bidda Boutique to provide a turnkey solution for investors in and development collaboration. Through this Hotel, a five-star luxury property located in the tourism-based projects in Morocco. QPM is formal agreement, QP employees will have heart of Doha’s renowned Souq Waqif. The ho- one of the region’s premier project manage- continued access to learning courses offered tel features open spaces with remarkable high ment companies and the first Qatari firm in by Shell Open University. Additionally, they will ceilings to direct skylight intrusions, reminis- the field. The agreement was signed by QPM have access to SkillSoft, an online learning cent of a traditional Arab home, complete with chairman Ahmad al-Abdulla and SMIT chair- platform that includes more than 4,000 courses rich wood, arabesque chandeliers, and fixed man Imad Barrakad during Cityscape Global and books that address the learning needs and walls of woven straw, fused with modern 21st 2013, held recently at the Dubai World Trade skill gaps of staff through virtual learning. century technology and contemporary designs. Centre.

9 BIZWATCH ENERGY ECONOMY APPOINTMENTS

BARZAN OFFSHORE PLATFORM QATAR SEEKS TO ATTRACT AL-HAIL IS NEW 01 TOPSIDES TO BE INSTALLED 01 MORE EXPAT WORKERS 01 MOWASALAT CEO Four offshore platform topside modules, col- HE the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Senior management and finance professional lectively weighing 9,500 tonnes, for the Barzan Dr Abdullah Saleh Mubarak al-Khulaifi said Khalid Nasser al-Hail took over as CEO of Gas Project were expected to be installed Qatar welcomed all types of workers and that Mowasalat. He was a member of the board last month, RasGas said. The topsides, which the Ministry had agreement with 30 countries of directors of the transport company earlier. include three wellhead platforms and an for the recruitment of labour. “We’re still Al-Hail has promised to improve the company’s additional living quarters’ module, made their moving ahead with the policy of attracting performance and achieve excellence. The 20-day journey from Ulsan, South Korea to the more workers from labour-exporting countries, restructure of Mowasalat and the reassignment North Field on a single barge measuring some especially with the huge investments that the of its executive roles are part of its ambitious 43m in width and more than 180m in length. state intends to pump into a large number of plans, the company said. infrastructure projects over the next decade.” MAERSK NAMES NEW AVERAGE WEALTH PER ADULT 02 HEAD OF QATARISATION 02 HIGHEST IN MENA REGION Maersk Oil Qatar has appointed Sheikh Jassim Qatar recorded the highest average wealth bin Saud al-Thani as its new head of Qatarisa- per adult in the Middle East and North Africa tion. Sheikh Jassim joined MOQ in 2011, and (Mena) region at $153,294 in mid 2013, growing has worked as a senior project manager in 2 per cent over the same period last year, ac- information technology, finance and business cording to Credit Suisse Global Wealth report. support. Most recently he led delivery of a fibre The UAE followed closely with $126,791, rising optic cable sharing project with Qatargas and 4 per cent; while Kuwait was placed third in has supported the review and development of the region with an average wealth per adult of MOQ’s 2013 Strategic Qatarisation Plan, which sets out MOQ’s Qatarisation goals and ambi- MUNTAJAT PLANS HQ $119,101 but declined 0.3 per cent from last 02 IN NETHERLANDS year. tions for the next five years. INFLATION MAY TOUCH INSURANCE EXPERT Muntajat has chosen Netherlands — ‘chemical 03 3.5% NEXT YEAR 03 ON Q-RE BOARD corridor to Europe’ — as the headquarters of its international marketing arm Muntajat Besloten With the strong surge in government spending, Veteran insurance professional George Prescott Vennoot (Muntajat BV). The Netherlands Foreign there are signs that Qatar inflation might pick has agreed to join Q-Re board of directors as Investment Agency (NFIA) and the West Holland up again and touch 3.5 per cent in 2014, Stand- another independent non-executive member, Foreign Investment Agency (WFIA) advised and ard Chartered has said. “Rental yields are likely following the appointment of David Forcey in assisted Muntajat on the location of Muntajat to be a key driver and we expect they will begin September, the wholly-owned Qatar Insurance BV, which will be headquartered at The World rising in 2014. We believe this will be driven by Company subsidiary said. Prescott was deputy Trade Center, in The Hague. the size of the project pipeline in Qatar, which chief executive of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group (EIG) from 1997 until his retirement in QATARGAS, E.ON ARM will require an inflow of expatriate employees, 03 SIGN LNG SUPPLY DEAL generating a new pool of tenants,” the bank 2009, following an industry career spanning said in its country report. four decades. Qatargas 4 and E.ON Global Commodities, the TRADE SURPLUS energy trading business of E.ON, one of the 04 EXPANDS 2% world’s largest investor-owned power and gas TELECOM companies, recently signed a “flexible SPA” for Qatar’s trade surplus expanded about 2 per cent GCC-WIDE TELECOM five years, starting from 2014 and covering a year-on-year (y-o-y) to QR32.97bn this August, 01 CONSORTIUM FORMED volume of approximately 1.5mn tonnes of LNG a mainly on robust exports of petroleum gases. year. The LNG will come from Qatargas 4 (Train The trade surplus has been achieved despite 7), a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and imports growing faster than exports, according Shell, and will be delivered on-board Q-Max to the preliminary estimates of the Ministry of LNG vessels to the Gate LNG Terminal in Rot- Development Planning and Statistics (MDPS). terdam, the Netherlands. Qatar’s total exports (valued free-on-board) AL SEJEEL PROJECT expanded 3.8 per cent. 04 ON TRACK FOR 2018 PROJECT AWARDS ‘TO 05 EXCEED QR87BN’ Al Sejeel Petrochemical Complex, which is currently estimated at QR24.4bn, is on track with Project spending trends in Qatar remains strong, commercial launch expected in 2018, Industries says Standard Chartered Bank which estimates Qatar said. IQ will have a 16 per cent indirect another QR40bn ($11bn) worth key infrastruc- A GCC-wide telecom consortium, named the stake in the Ras Laffan complex through its ture projects will be awarded in the country Middle East-Europe Terrestrial System (MEETS), petrochemical joint venture, Qapco. Al Sejeel before the year-end. Qatar awarded more than comprising du, Vodafone, Zain and Zajil, has will significantly boost ethylene (250,000 tonnes QR47bn ($13bn) of infrastructure projects in the been formed to build a high-bandwidth regional per year; linear low-density polyethylene 68,800 first half of 2013, up 60 per cent increase on the transmission cable system. The consortium tpy) production, and add high-density polyethyl- corresponding period in 2012, StanChart said plans to have a state-of-art 100G optical trans- ene (166,000 tpy; polypropylene 169,000 tpy) to in a country report. The bank estimates project port network (OTN), built on top of a 1,400km the group’s product list, said IQ chief co-ordina- awards exceeding QR87bn ($24bn) in Qatar for terrestrial fibre optic cable to sustain the grow- tor Abdulrahman Ahmad al-Shaibi. 2013 as a whole. ing bandwidth demand of the region.

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Dr Sameer Moopan M CEO of DM Healthcare PRIVATE HEALTHCARE IN ASSERTIVE MOOD

ASPECTS LIKE A GROWING POPULATION, TOTAL REVAMP OF THE EXISTING HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND EXTENSION OF HEALTH INSURANCE TO COVER ALL RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO WORK IN FAVOUR OF PRIVATE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WHO ARE GOING AHEAD WITH THEIR EXPANSION PLANS, WRITES SAMI SAID ALI

Qatar’s healthcare system is of innovative healthcare facilities and sector dominates healthcare services undergoing dramatic transformation services. Although the past decade as its major provider. However, the level with private healthcare progressively itself has seen a rapid rise in the of this dominance varies from location becoming a significant segment standards of healthcare services, to location and also according to the of the local economy in terms of over the next few years the entire specialised care that the patient may investment. This sector boasts some existing system is expected to be require. outstanding business ventures in terms transformed. At present, the public

12 In the years to come private healthcare is expected to give stiff competition to public healthcare both as a service provider and employer. The sector is expected to generate new jobs and additional revenues as a result of stepped up investment by existing and new players in new hospitals, primary care clinics, specialty clinics, such as sports clinics, eye-laser surgery clinics, and mental health clinics, dental clinics, home care services and disease management services.

Expansion seems to be the key word in the strategy employed by Qatar private healthcare institutions to flex their muscles in an increasingly competitive Babu Shanavas A, Administrative Manager of Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical Centre; market where quality healthcare Mohammed Miandad VP, Vice Chairman of Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical Centre; providers are assured of an enviable and Dr Shabeer Abdulla, Medical Director, Premium Naseem Al Rabeeh market share in addition to public goodwill and support. With almost in tandem to ensure that healthcare kick-start for HNW (high-net-worth) all the new projects in this sector services are evenly distributed to reach individuals in the country, who usually depending on institutional borrowing the end-user. travel abroad for world-class facilities,” and private equity to bankroll their said Dr Sameer Moopan M, CEO of DM ventures, they offer excellent lending “We are planning to open a super Healthcare. and investment opportunities for speciality hospital where we can have banks, financial institutions and private complicated surgeries along with The underlying demand for healthcare investors. Other beneficiaries of this full-fledged in-patient services. We are services is abundantly clear. There rapid expansion are going to be health currently in the process of acquiring continues to be a high level of rush- insurers, health insurance brokers, land and completing other legal and-wait in the healthcare services providers of financial, marketing and formalities for the construction of the provided by the public sector, making advertising services as all of them work hospital building. This will be another most people opt for its private

13 sector counterparts. This behaviour clinics. Patients with private health cover The immediate catalyst for change is particularly common among the are generally free to choose their own in healthcare provision is the Social expatriate population. doctor and appointments are granted at National Health Insurance scheme. short notice. It will have three fundamental Employer-provided private health consequences for provision of insurance cover, a sop enjoyed by most “The fundamental reasons for the healthcare in Qatar: giving the whole expatriate white-collar employees, has growth of private healthcare in Qatar go population access to first-class also increased the attractiveness of even deeper. People, both expatriates healthcare; increasing the quality and private health clinics and the rush at these and the nationals, want more choices range of that care; and introduce more medical care institutions is only expected and more control over all aspects of competition from private providers, to only increase drastically in future. their lives, including their health and which will increase the choices Depending on the health insurance policy their access to healthcare services. available to patients. In the longer term, category into which the policy holder falls They are less likely to be prepared to a primary goal is to increase prevention and the type of health insurance cover, receive rationed services and more and awareness. varying levels of treatment are offered. inclined to pay more to make up the Some exclude certain hospitals, clinics difference. We focus on this service- Plans for transforming the nation’s and treatments. Most insurers provide a oriented industry not as a profit-minting healthcare have their roots in the Qatar list of the healthcare establishments that business, but one that provides National Vision 2030 and its Human the policy-holder can visit to avail medical healthcare for all. I also welcome the Development Pillar. The Qatar National services. mandatory health insurance policy being Health Strategy 2011-2016 is designed implemented in Qatar which means to ensure that the population will enjoy There are four main private hospitals in healthcare is affordable for one and world-class treatment. Irrespective of Doha: Al Ahli Hospital, Al Emadi Hospital, all,” said Mohammed Miandad, Vice- the overall aim, however, the system American Hospital and Doha Clinic President and vice chairman of Naseem would have to expand to meet the Hospital. There are also a large number Al Rabeeh Medical Centre, which demand of a population which includes of private polyclinics, which are smaller is also expanding facilities to offer a diverse nationalities and may double to venues that offer GP type services as complete range of healthcare services 4mn by the end of this decade. well as some specialist consultations and by inducting many specialist doctors.

14 Simultaneously, industry experts are expanding the range of services offered. More outpatient treatment centres, greater specialisations in areas such as oncology, cardiology and geriatric surgery are expected in the country. According to the Supreme Council of Health annual report 2012, no less than nine new hospitals and 18 new primary health centres are to be built across Qatar between 2013 and 2021 to achieve greater consistency in terms of geographical coverage and even distribution in the way health care services are provided. This is seen as being of fundamental importance to the healthcare system.

Would the public sector expansion be a big challenge for the private players? “I would prefer to say that we would go hand-in-hand complementing each other,” said Dr Moopan.

Dr Hassan al Abdulla, the owner of Dr Hassan Al-Abdulla Clinic, the holder of licence number one in the private healthcare sector, has a very different view on this issue. He says his clinic would remain unaffected by the new applied insurance schemes and that the government sector focuses mainly on basic healthcare systems. “Particularly because we offer the latest technologies and people are well-informed about the best healthcare Al Rabeeh Medical Centre, during the A system like that will also help policy options in the world. The advanced panel discussion. makers to build a more accurate facilities are always better adopted picture, manage budgets and provide by the private sector than by the “There are many trends that provide care more effectively. A hospital government.” both sectors in Qatar interesting information pilot study is under way economic opportunities. One of the in Qatar with a view of having such a “The trust which the patients have potentially most important ones system up and running in 2015. Another in the doctors will play a key role is the emergence of information- principal driver is cost reduction in deciding the future. It is difficult based health management systems. where the motive of early intervention to get the same doctor for multiple Systems are being developed to store and preventing illness bring obvious appointments in the government medical records, medical outcomes, economic benefits not only by reducing sector due to various administrative epidemiological and demographic health spending, but also by returning reasons, which is not the case with information to proactively intervene in patients to economic productivity private clinics. Private hospitals and the health maintenance of individual earlier,” added Miandad. clinics tend to be of a high standard citizens. The initiative has emerged with short waiting times, and they are from the successes achieved in disease All the panelists agreed that policy staffed by doctors speaking the native management in improving compliance formulation on the basis of consultation language of the patients. People tend and outcomes while improving quality and cooperation could eliminate the to be comfortable with trusted and of life,” said Dr Moopan. ideological divide between the private dedicated doctors, so I believe that with and public sector. This could achieve an expanding population people would “At the government level, Qatar plans more for the Qatari economy and exploit the varied choices available to have a single health information people’s well-being than any initiative in the country, both in private and system so that whenever and wherever undertaken and implemented on a public sector,” said Babu Shanavas A, in the country you need treatment standalone basis administrative manager of Naseem your medical profile will be available.

15 Business Face-to-face

LEADING A WAR AGAINST AGEING SAMI SAID ALI SPOKE TO DR HASSAN AL-ABDULLA M.D., A FORMER HMC VETERAN WHO HAS BEEN MANAGING HIS OWN CLINIC IN DOHA FOR 23 YEARS, AND HELPING PATIENTS FIGHT AGEING USING HIS EXPERTISE IN DERMA PATHOLOGY AND COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

Dr Hassan al-Abdulla M.D. is the Medical Director and Consultant - Dermatology & Venereology at Dr Hassan Al-Abdulla Medical Center. During his conversation with The Executive.qa, he speaks about his passion for his profession and life in general. Following are the excerpts:

Q: Could you describe your childhood and the path that led to your current profession? I was born and bought up in a well-knit joint family in Qatar in the early 1950s. We were from a wealthy background in terms of our lifestyle then, with a beautiful house equipped with a radio and refrigerator. Since early childhood, I had a strong ambition to become a doctor. My parents and uncles supported this desire of mine and sent me to Egypt in 1969 to study medicine. After completing studies at medical school, I specialised in Dermatology and Venereology and was awarded a Dr Hassan al-Abdulla M.D. doctorate. Medical Director and Consultant - Dermatology & Venereology at Later, I travelled to the US for further studies and obtained an American Fellowship Dr Hassan Al-Abdulla Medical Center in Derma Pathology and Cosmetic Dermatology before returning to Qatar, to begin my career here. I started practising at Hamad Medical Corporation in 1986

16 and worked there for over 20 years. I opened the very first treatment and reversal of age-related diseases and private health clinic in Doha in 1990, with special permission intervenes in the ageing process itself. Anti-ageing medicine from the officials. Life in Qatar, which was simple during provides human beings with a long healthy life. my childhood, has been overshadowed by modernity and prosperity of the country. I am glad that anti-ageing medicine is better understood better across the world today, but Qatar has still a long way to go. Unlike genetic or trauma diseases, the anti-ageing What are your current responsibilities? Q: problems arise due to lack of proper lifestyle. A human body I am the owner and the Medical Director of Dr Hassan may start ageing from as early as 20 years old. It is important Al-Abdulla Medical Center. I also work as a consultant in to find the underlying causes for these tendencies to fight Dermatology and Venereology. Because it is my own clinic, them effectively. A sad practice today is that people treat I oversee operations across all departments and ensure the health issues, but are not concerned about their prevention. smooth running of this service-oriented business. The main drive for my work comes from my interest in anti-ageing On the business front, getting the right specialist doctors medicine, whereby I help people understand their bodies and had been a huge challenge during the initial days of the prepare for the future. clinic, thanks to the social media, things are far easier and recruitment is easier now. Q: What are the challenges/risks you face in your profession as a consultant and owner of the Q: What steps do you take to counter the challenges medical centre? in your profession? I am glad to be the holder of licence number one in private Prevention is better than cure. With my experience and healthcare sector. Personally I believe the main challenge using unique marketing methods in the medical industry, in my type of work is to educate and make people aware of my medical centre has been able to generate a new the importance of anti-ageing medicine. This has been an perception of the term ‘Dermatology Center’ from a place international challenge for all the doctors specialising in this that only cures diseases to a place for individuals to improve category. When I attended my first medical symposium on and maintain their beauty, health and lifestyle. I believe anti-ageing in the 1980s, many doctors themselves could that knowledge, health awareness and prevention are not understand its importance. Anti-ageing medicine is a key factors that can add great value to our lives as human medical specialty; it is about very early detection, prevention, beings.

17 Through my work, I also aim to echo a better health vision government sector will be able to provide the best that helps in creating better everyday life for people. I have facilities for basic healthcare and advanced treatments are been doing research in anti-ageing medicine for over 20 years complemented by the private sector. This is basically due in addition to striving hard to bring the best dermatology to the difference in the infrastructural and administrative and venereology health facilities to Doha. Ninety per cent of procedures. When I started my clinic, I wanted to bring the medical costs are attributable to age-related diseases such best of the world-class facilities to Qatar by providing more as skin ageing, cancer, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, options in terms of health facilities for the residents of Qatar. osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, impotence, infertility, cataract, reduction in immune system function, weight loss, hair loss, What are your plans for your medical centre as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s etc. More Q: well as at the personal level? than 75 per cent of plastic surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology patients want information about anti-ageing medicine. Obviously we have to work with a vision to educate and encourage people to look after their health at an earlier At my health centre, we test your body to find out your age. It is better to spend certain hundreds now and protect biological age i.e. the functional performance of your organs. oneself from ageing and degenerative diseases than spend This will include clinical examination and blood tests. Other thousands in your 40s or 50s. There is lot of anti-ageing tests such as urine analysis may also be required. Then medicine related conferences happening all over the we prescribe the required medicine and supplements if world, which is a good sign. Recently on popular demand, necessary and lifestyle modification may be required. I started another medical centre specialising in only dental services. We have been able to stand out in Qatar as, even For the quality of health services offered, I am glad that we after two decades, there is hardly anybody else who offers have the best dermatology facilities in Qatar with the most sophisticated facilities. I hope this saga continues. advanced equipment. I am glad to say that we are the largest laser clinic in the GCC, if not in the world, with more than 50 I believe that my existence and responsibility as a Qatari, types of laser treatments being offered at the clinic. who owns a medical organisation, is to build a healthier community via increasing health awareness, providing the latest technologies and by recruiting the most knowledgeable How would you describe the condition of private Q: specialists from across the globe health sector in Qatar? Healthcare is being given utmost importance by the government of Qatar. It should be understood that the

Business Leadership

SEEING OPPORTUNITY BEFORE IT TAKES SHAPE

SALAM BOUNIAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY IS A REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT ARM OF SIIL WITH AN UNQUENCHABLE THIRST FOR LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE

As a conglomerate, born and bred developments, in Qatar, the GCC on Qatar’s soil, Salam International and the Middle East. Today, Salam Investment Ltd.’s (SIIL) has a proven Bounian heads SIIL’s real estate sector. track record of success in the real However, Salam’s venturing into real estate sector. SIIL’s Real Estate estate has a far older date of origin. Sector is fronted by Salam Bounian, a robust real estate development and What is the focus of Salam investment company, under the SIIL Q: Bounian? umbrella. Salam Bounian is behind the conceptualisation and development Our main focus is the development and of The Gate, West Bay’s iconic luxury management of our own and other’s shopping and business destination. projects. We also operate as a partner in land purchase or other real estate In this article, Mr Ibrahim M. Bitar, transactions. In addition to this our Mr Ibrahim M. Bitar Managing Director of Salam Bounian – expertise extends to managing and Managing Director of the Real Estate arm of SIIL, gives The maintaining commercial real estate Salam Bounian Executive.qa’s readers a glimpse of the properties and finally, we also invest mindset that led to SIIL’s success in the in Bounian’s capital as an effective real estate sector. form of cash management. At present, SIIL owns about 62.08 per cent of its shares, and is in the process of Can you give us an overview Q: purchasing additional shares to reach of Salam Bounian and SIIL’s the maximum of 80 per cent. activities in the real estate sector? Can you give us an overview of Salam Bounian Development Company Q: the properties and investments is essentially a real estate development in the Salam Bounian and investment company. We’ve been portfolio? in existence since 2006, which is when we were incorporated as a private Here in Qatar, The Gate stands out shareholding company in Qatar. as our flagship project. Regionally, a strong example is Le Grey Hotel in Our strength is our capacity to develop Beirut. On the side of joint ventures and invest in unique commercial, and partnerships we’ve got Gulf Facility residential, industrial and tourism Management, which is a specialised

20 Venturing into real estate just because one is interested in profit alone is a grossly insufficient reason and it might lead to only limited success. A key element is to develop a vision and focus. Salam Bounian’s focus is to develop its properties by embracing international best practices and building excellence.

property management and maintenance company. Our investments across the region have been articulated in the shareholding interests we hold in Jubail Ali Development company in Saudi Arabia. Salam Bounian has invested in a Bahrain-based financial vehicle called Real Jubail – the founder of Jubail Development Company, catering to the growing demand for residences, specifically in Jubail City and the eastern province of KSA in general. Salam Bounian is also a shareholder in Amwaj Gateway, a major development in Bahrain, featuring residential apartments, town houses, hotel tower units, spa facilities and high-end shopping malls. We have a stake in Solidere International Company – one of the most promising real estate development companies in the Middle East which identifies, invests in, develops, manages and markets real estate projects in a variety of different locations. Solidere’s projects extend across the emirate of Ajman in the UAE, as well as two further development projects in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Q: What significant gain has SIIL enjoyed as a result of its strong presence in Qatar in addition to the regional interests of Salam Bounian? A strong local presence and robust regional interests have only added to the financial stability of SIIL’s real estate arm. Today, the company has a fully paid-up capital in excess of QR550 million. We are proud to say that the confidence we have inspired across the region has ensured that our shareholders come from diverse

21 countries of origin. For instance, we That is true. Uncertainty and developments that it undertakes. This have Kuwaiti and Jordanian investors, unpredictability are very much a part of type of well-articulated commitment among other nationalities. What we today’s challenges. However, Salam’s guides our success and prosperity. offer our majority shareholders, who are real estate sector success has been So one tip is to distill and develop the Qatari businessmen, is the opportunity built on a combination of factors that vision you have before rushing out to to invest in a strong, healthy and have valuably, informed our sense invest in real estate. dynamic company with a geographical of judgment. For instance, from our footprint that not only sustains but founder downwards, those leading the Another tip is to ensure that you have keeps growing beyond local borders. company have kept their fingers on already built a brand or a reputation Given the volatility of markets and fast- the pulse of the nation. What are the in the market that investors can trust. paced global changes, this local and nation’s ambitions? What parts are they That is a huge factor behind Salam’s regional presence is a great recipe for investing in for development purposes? success in the real estate sector. When resilience and longevity. Where are their mega projects being we look back at every expansion that launched? Moving away from our we have made, starting from our first local focus, we also work tirelessly to Salam Stores outlet which was located You mentioned that SIIL’s real Q: gain understanding of global trends in Musheireb in 1952, to subsequent estate investment track record by placing our fingers on the pulse of expansions that took us away from runs deep into the past and global innovations and markets. These Musheireb, Al Rayyan store (1963), the company enjoys success of for instance, can offer a critical sense of Al Sadd (1975) and West Bay (1982), its real estate investments in direction to real estate investors. where Salam Plaza became the only the present. Can you elaborate other building apart from Sheraton, on some lessons we can draw Another area is, having the ability to those were all based on the strength of from SIIL’s experience? gauge the potential value of properties. the Salam brand. While the Salam Bounian stands as Where is it located? Who would the face of SIIL’s real estate ambitions benefit most from its location? What Other retailers and businesspeople and pride, the Salam Group’s foray are factors that contribute to the followed us to adjacent spaces because into real estate investments stretched uniqueness of a property? These types of their trust in the Salam brand. so far back into the past that Doha’s of pointers can also strengthen a sense There seemed to be belief that ‘if tower filled Financial District as we see of judgment and help us to mitigate Salam has established themselves in a it today, was virtually non-existent at risk. Apart from this, every real estate particular location, that neighbourhood the time. The only standing structure investor must have the courage to step will definitely draw people.’ A sense in West Bay was the Sheraton Hotel, out boldly and confidently. Being a that ‘the presence of Salam will add surrounded by a patch of desert. follower always brings in a smaller yield value to a space.’ At the time when than being a leader. we embarked on building the Salam It is into this barrenness that Salam’s Towers on the Corniche, there were founder the late Mr. Abdul Salam very few towers in that vicinity. So we There are many companies Mohammed Abu Issa stepped in. Using Q: were able to lead, build and transform eager to venture into real unerring judgment that predicated a neighbourhoods using the leverage estate investments. What can future real estate boom in the area and strength of the Salam name. That’s Salam offer them by way of Abdul Salam Mohammed Abu Issa, another tip. Build a name in the market, useful tips before they step continued the Salam’s tradition of harness trust and respect. Then venture into the field? seeing opportunity before it takes into real estate and people will trust shape and judging its potential Venturing into real estate just because you enough to add value around the accurately. one is interested in profit alone is a investments you put your hand on. If grossly insufficient reason and it might you have shareholders, then work on It is these two qualities that set apart lead to only limited success. A key enhancing shareholders’ investments. successful real estate investors from element is to develop a vision and those who venture into this field focus. Salam Bounian’s focus is to Never compromise on but rather with little more than aspirations and develop its properties by embracing embrace international best practices considerable lack of awareness. So one international best practices and building and building excellence. Encourage of the critical lessons we can share with excellence. For us, our commitment innovation and pioneering concepts, anyone interested in stepping into real to excellence means that we will not operate with a high level of integrity, estate is, the need to develop, as far as cut corners when it comes to creating ethical standards and finally make it is possible, that unerring judgment. real estate solutions that are of an choices that have a positive impact on international standard. the environment. These are some of the lessons we can share with others, Today’s world is rife with risk. Q: Our goal is to be unique. To stand out, from our experience. When it comes Given that scenario, how can Salam Bounian is solidly committed to success in the real estate sector one develop that sense of to diversity, sustainability, uniqueness nothing can quench the thirst for judgment in real estate? and flexibility in the services and leadership and hunger for excellence

22 Business Strategy

MEASURES TO WIN LOYALTY TOP KEY FACTORS FOR DRIVING LOYALTY BROUGHT TO YOU BY ICLP, Dion Martiz A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN LOYALTY MARKETING AND CUSTOMER General Manager RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT Middle East, ICLP

The loyalty landscape has changed »» Improve the customer journey »» Encourage early engagement and redemption dramatically over the past 25 years. »» Develop a more unified multi-channel ICLP’s experience from successfully experience »» Make loyalty more emotional working with brands across multiple » Use trust to breed advocacy industry sectors (airline, automotive, 2. Unlock the power of customer » channel, financial services, FMCG, hotel, data »» Motivate consumers to become luxury, retail and technology), on a local, Data is valuable capital, but it’s what promoters regional and global basis has provided it you do with it that really counts. Smart »» Facilitate dialogue – listen and a clear understanding of what it takes to companies mine their data for the respond positively motivate customers. details and insights that get them closer Embrace digital convergence to their customers, some companies »» Below are key insights - some feel use predictive modelling to stay ahead. 5. Up your game–harness like familiar truths, others harness technology and interactivity to technologies and trends that are »» Use data intelligently pull customers closer changing by the hour. However, their »» Identify potential value Mobile technology is a loyalty game relevant application has already been changer. Capitalise on the world’s » Predict behaviour proven to increase loyalty today and » love affair with its smart phones, and tomorrow. 3. Don’t stand still – continue to get up close and personal with your 1. Put your customer at the heart create value customers. of everything you do Market situations change constantly. Mobilise loyalty Sounds obvious, but it’s worth saying Think big and keep evolving your »» loud and proud. To inspire loyalty in proposition to continue to demonstrate »» Extend your reach value and relevance to customers. your customers, put their needs at »» Foster more fun and enjoyment the centre of your operations. See everything you do from their point of »» Continue to evolve the loyalty 6. How am I doing? Maximising view. proposition the return of your loyalty marketing investment »» Think global but act local »» Take a more holistic customer Understanding your performance – both 4. Truly, madly, deeply – inspiring approach the big picture and the fine detail – is deeper engagement Match customer expectations key to your success. »» Brands that inspire the deepest loyalty »» Shape the organisation for success find ways to interact intelligently »» Measure and monitor for success across multiple platforms. Work, rest »» Redefine the meaning of valuable »» Social measurement customers and play, brands are striking up real conversations with consumers that »» Mobile measurement »» Continue to challenge and innovate resonate and are remembered.

23 Business Management

THE WORLD HAS CHANGED … BUT HAS HR BIRGIT FRICK OF PWC QATAR ARGUES THAT AS THE BUSINESS STRATEGIES OF ORGANISATIONS CHANGE, SO MUST THEIR HR AND PEOPLE STRATEGY

Birgit Frick Senior Manager, People & Change Advisory Practice at PwC Qatar

The world is constantly evolving, redefining or removing Transformation of the HR function boundaries at an unceasing rate. Advancements in technology enable people to easily access facts, information Traditionally, HR has provided a transactional and operational and mobile communication; the breakdown of geographical approach whereby the function completes largely barriers enabling people to travel and live in different administrative processes and procedures. The perception countries around the world; the changing demographics of the value provided to HR customers is tactical but not and the ageing of the workforce population in developed strategic. economies; are just a few examples of how the world is changing and continues to evolve. As HR operations consolidate, the opportunity to streamline processes and create efficiencies is evident. The HR As such today’s markets are more demanding and function commonly looks into updating those processes complicated than ever before and in order to sustain and maximising efficiencies for instance by achieving relevance and success, many organisations are opting to faster turnaround rates, decreasing cycle times per HR re-evaluate their corporate strategies. A common action transaction, reducing HR operating costs per full time is to outsource support functions to concentrate on core employee (FTE’s) and/or by decreasing manager time per competencies; another is to merge with other organisations HR transaction. to gain further competitive advantage. As their business strategies change, so must their HR and people strategy. Understanding the HR customers and how the changing PwC’s Annual Global CEO Survey (2012) quotes that 78 per world has impacted them is a starting point for HR cent of CEOs expect to make changes to their strategies for practitioners. There are three main internal pressures which managing talent over the next 12 months and 23 per cent are key topics of discussion in most HR forums, namely plan to make a major change. globalisation, differentiation and fragmentation.

Technology, workforce demographics and attitudes, as »» Globalisation - As employees become more global the well as diminishing geographical barriers, are some of the need to provide strategies that support their mobility and key factors impacting the people strategy and the way HR that of their families, as well as other financial incentives currently operates. might be required. 71 per cent of young adults entering

24 employment expect and want to work overseas (PwC Centres (SSCs). As HR continues to evolve, the use of one of Millenials at Work – Reshaping the workplace 2011) those models has provided the function with alternatives and opportunities to create a more mature HR model. »» Differentiation – As millennials (those born between

1980 and 2000) enter employment in large numbers »» Business Partners – As HR moves away from and baby boomers are close to retirement, the need to completing only operational and transactional activities develop strategies that attract, retain and motivate them such as payroll, benefits administration and job posting, is paramount to ensure the successful integration and and steps into supporting the implementation of the collaboration of the workforce. By 2020, millenials will form organisation’s corporate strategy, the role of the HR 50 per cent of the total global workforce (PwC Millenials at Business Partners becomes crucial. Business Partners Work – Reshaping the workplace 2011) putting pressure on are the bridges between the business and HR and the HR to ensure these diverse and potentially clashing groups more aligned they are with the business, the better work together. prepared they will be to support them. As 53 per cent »» Fragmentation – As organisations look for strategies to of CEOs see the availability of key skills as a threat expand into new markets and create further growth, the to their growth prospects, (PwC’s Annual Global CEO results are a not only a differentiated workforce but one Survey, 2012) the role of the Business Partners will be that is spread out throughout a number of locations. As fundamental in supporting this growth. a result, a specialised, tailored and localised approach to »» Centres of Excellence – Regarded as the part of the engage the various workforce segments is required. organisation that has deep experts in a particular area of HR such as selection and manpower planning or learning Needless to say, having a customer base that is changing and development. Having a dedicated function that has had a significant impact on the HR model and the roles supports the organisation with specific advice and skills and activities that are performed by the HR function. We means that further strategic initiatives can be further have seen the focus shift from merely the outsourcing of developed and implemented instead of being cancelled or administrative and transactional roles, to the creation of delayed (PwC’s CEO Survey states that one-fourth of CEOs strategic Business Partners (BPs), the creation of Centres of see the reason for this is due to talent constraints). Excellence (CoEs) and the development of Shared Service

25 »» Shared Service Centres – As organisations grow and expand into new markets resulting in an increase in operations and employees, the HR function’s expertise is concentrated into one large centre that can support global and timeless operations for current and future business units. Increasingly, we are seeing a business model which has various locally based HR subfunctions reporting to a global HR unit. This facilitates the tailoring of HR requirements for the local workforce whilst ensuring there is alignment and continuity of the global corporate strategy.

The transformation of HR or “next generation of HR” comes at a time of flux, disruption and the requirement for rapid adaptation to the ever-changing world and customer needs. The HR function should consider the integration and deployment of a number of structures (i.e. BPs, CoEs and SSCs) in order to maximise the ability by which it support the organisation and its employees.

Smart, progressive organisations should seek to encourage and assist collaboration between centres of excellence and business partners mainly (supported by shared service centres) so that their agendas meet business strategy and corporate needs.

expand into new territories. With this, the need to have a HR Transformation would not be possible without the comprehensive and similar approach, with some minimal intervention of three key enablers: technology, globalisation localised tailoring, is an immediate and basic step. For and an opportunity to create value. example, having a global approach, programmes, processes for talent and mobility can aid to better manage and identify Opportunities on which HR should talent. As economies in the developed world remain sluggish, the opportunity to grow in new territories will impact the capitalise future and the strategy of organisations. Marijn Dekkers, Often new technologies are implemented to simplify Chairman, Bayer AG explains “what is interesting and what and to maximise efficiencies in processes and ways of is changing is that among Western companies, the ability to working. However, the reality can often be somewhat hire, develop and retain talent in the developing economies different. Technologies should support corporate strategy has become a major point of competitive differentiation.” and facilitate processes and data collection. HR has a tangible opportunity to collect data, potentially having the Lastly, the opportunity to deliver real value for HR customers ability to collect “big data” (for example, records of all job should be constantly measured and be well-understood. applicants and salary details for current and previous staff). In an era whereby the analysis of data can impact the future With the availability of technology and the move into a more direction of an organisation, technology should support strategic function, HR should be well-placed to support the HR to facilitate this process. The 2012 PwC Global CEO leadership agenda and drive change in the organisation. Survey highlighted that “less than one-third of CEOs felt that Dave Ulrich mentioned that “HR Transformation must they get comprehensive management information related change the way to think about HR’s role in delivering value to employee data such as costs of employee turnover, to its customers, shareholders, managers, and employees employee engagement and staff productivity”- making not just how HR services are administered” (The HR value technology and subsequently the collection of data critical proposition, Dave Ulrich 2005). Shuffling HR structures, areas of focus. upgrading technologies, creating centres of excellence or engaging in outsourcing arrangements, do not mean HR Organisations and their workforces are becoming more has been positively transformed and upgraded. The change global, so in turn their processes, standards and ways and the transformation that will ultimately drive positive of working are becoming more similar. There is a clear transformation and radical enhancement in HR value creation opportunity to create process efficiencies, shared service demands change in behaviours, attitudes and ways of centres and maximise economies of scale as organisations working

26 Business Tornado Talk

INNOVATION-REMEMBER? In opening the 42nd Session of the Advisory Council, His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani gave a wide-ranging speech on the future progress of the country.

I was particularly taken by the following quote from the speech - “Maintaining a good annual growth rate in the coming years is considered a major challenge in light of the expected decline in growth rates of hydrocarbons sector. This requires doubling our efforts to increase productivity, improving economic and technical efficiency, promoting Stephen Anderson economic diversification, encouraging entrepreneurship, expanding research and development, and moving forward towards the knowledge-based economy. This is exactly Managing Partner, what we are working to achieve in the next phase.” PwC, Qatar. There is a considerable challenge within achieving these aims that His Highness has recognised. Key to meeting this challenge is the ability to innovate. In this regard, however, we may have an advantage over many parts of the world; we have not had the chance to forget how to innovate.

My colleague David Percival recently wrote a fascinating piece on how the world had forgotten how to innovate, I steal the below from one of his recent pieces: “In the early days of the global downturn companies came to PwC for survival advice. Then, when they realised their markets were not going to return, they came for cost-cutting advice. Now, they’re asking how they can grow again.

“Why, you might ask, do companies need advice about how to grow? Surely this is fundamental to their purpose and should be second (if not first) nature to them all. The truth is though, many companies have forgotten how.

“Much has been written about the challenges facing companies today – global competition, regulation and disruptive technologies – but not enough has focused on the legacy of the downturn on leadership, talent and culture.

“Retrench, recapitalise, restructure and cut costs – this was the mantra of the global economy over the last six years and, so difficult have they been, that a whole cohort of corporate innovators have been let go, passed over, demoted or redirected. Now that many (Western) companies are ready to grow again, they’re finding they lack the ideas and innovation they need to do so.

“Put simply, global leaders at all levels are disproportionately cost-cutters, and cost- cutters are unlikely to come up with the next big thing. There needs to be a serious rebalancing of talents.”

Stephen Anderson is The tide is turning. Our recent global survey of CEOs showed an increased focus on the managing partner of innovation relative to cost-cutting. A separate study found the most innovative UK PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) companies achieved 50 per cent higher growth over recent years than the least. in Qatar and a member of the PwC MENA Leadership Board. Luckily in Qatar during the global financial crisis the tide did not go out. I won’t use Stephen has led international Warren Buffet’s well-known quote around this. Qatar did not get the chance to forget PwC teams on initiatives with how to innovate, as amongst many other things, we completed the remarkable gas many of Qatar’s landmark programme and won a World Cup bid during the global financial crisis. Perhaps this gives programmes and institutions. Qatar a further advantage

27 Business HR Policies

ADVANTAGE ‘BOOMERANG’ EMPLOYEES

THE RETURN OF THE EMPLOYEES CAN BE A “COLLAR UP” FOR SOME COMPANIES AND A HUGE RISK FOR OTHERS, DEPENDING UPON THE EMPLOYEE, R RAMESH FINDS OUT AFTER SPEAKING TO SOME OF THE REGION’S HR EXPERTS

28 Any phenomenon, Talk about rehiring, organisations have two choices: Train and turn untrained employees into super performers or go for including rehiring ready-made talent -- which means giving a chance to return of previous to former staff who left on good terms. employees, needs Rehiring is cost-effective as it helps in faster productivity and to be looked in higher retention rate. Nevertheless, many companies in the totality. Certain Middle East stick to a strict policy of “no return” for staff quit the organisation once. Add to this there is the grudge factors should of colleagues who do not want to see the “same old face” be taken into again. account like the It is commonly accepted that there is no justification in reasons why the re-employing those who were terminated for wrongdoing/ misconduct or for violating company rules or policies. employee chose According to human resource (HR) experts, any special to leave the status accorded to the rehired worker can also have a negative impact on other colleagues. As a matter of policy, company. Did the rehired employees need to be treated like any other person leave on new hire, including completion of all employment-related a positive note documentation and other benefits. or was it a bitter Gagan Bhalla, CEO of AMRB, a regional market research estrangement! and insights firm with headquarters in Dubai, contends that most companies do not make conscious efforts to attract ex-employees.

“In many cases employees are treated so shabbily during exit that they would, any way not want to join the same employer again. This is perhaps a legacy from earlier days, where job switching was relatively low in this part of the world, as employers could impose bans and other restrictions, but with job switching becoming more common these days, it is high time companies started thinking about this aspect,” says Bhalla.

It obviously makes sense to hire ex-employees if they are talented and are a good fit with the organisation’s culture, as they would be familiar with the business, systems and procedures and would therefore have a much shorter learning curve. There could be financial benefits as well, as there could be savings on relocation and other settling expenses.

Elaborates Bhalla: “Proactive companies are definitely initiating steps to bring back employees who have left. The company saves on training time and costs, gets an employee who can start contributing faster, generates positive buzz among existing workforce and creates stronger employee loyalty in the long term.”

It works well from the employee’s point of view as well, as they come into a familiar setting, usually at a level higher than what they were before they left and they also feel valued by the company for wanting them back. “So it is a win-win for both the employer and employee.”

Tarun Aggarwal, Senior Vice-President and Business Head, Naukri Gulf, says that staffing decisions are never measured in isolation. Any phenomenon, including rehiring of previous employees, needs to be looked in totality. Certain factors

29 World ClAss dEgrEE For EXECUTIVEs should be taken into account like the in the Gulf sector. “We have seen requirement,” avers Akanksha. “But reasons why the employee chose to a lot of lateral movement of skilled many a times, it becomes necessary to leave the company. Did the person professionals in the past 5-6 years.” rehire former employees for advantages leave on a positive note or was it a like: Building the morale of new bitter estrangement! The advantages are lucid, says Venkat. employees; requirement of low-cost From the company’s perspective, it trainers, counselling, mentoring and “Also, evaluate the person’s knows the person’s skills and expertise generating an innovative perspective.” candidature in terms of fit for the role,” beforehand and can leverage his or her says Aggarwal. “Eschew the options knowledge better. From the employee’s Not all experts bat for rehiring. “Re- of rehire if it is only a quick fix for the perspective: S/he knows the company’s hiring policy does not work in most of present situation. Gauge the team’s policies and framework and can better the cases,” reveals behavioural expert opinion on the move to iron out any utilise skills to further his/hers as well Raghib Hassan, “Hiring the same disharmonious feelings. Ensure that as the company’s growth in a shorter employees might be a huge risk for no other employee is passed over for duration of time. the organisation. We should not forget promotion when you rehire an ex- the fact that an employee leaves the employee.” Balaji Jagadeesan, Manager – HR organisation for better prospects. If & Administration, Institute of the same employee wants to rejoin, The company should not lose sight of Management Techonology, Dubai, also it means s/he did not get what s/he the experience the employee brings to favours rehiring. expected and, therefore, wants to the table. It is important to comprehend return. Such employees are seen as the skills and strategies they have “The advantages are many like you troublemakers for the organisation. acquired and craft a way to utilise it. know the ability and attitude of the It would be easier and safer for the person, which is the most important organisation to hire fresh energy than to “Rehiring has its share of upside as factor. In case s/he has some negatives, recruit old employees.” well. The person’s capabilities are you can tell that before appointing him/ known beforehand and he takes less her that you expect change in this There are a few exceptional employees, time to adjust in an alien environment. aspect if s/he wants the job. S/he can who take off for greener pastures only They are entrenched in the business deliver results from day one, rather than to return red-faced thanks to the lack of and know the market dynamics well. someone fresh who needs time to learn challenge and opportunities at the new Companies are counselled to tap into the job.” work-place. They return to the parent the pool of ex-employees by engaging company with what HR experts dub “a squarely with them through social Today, there has been a transformation dose of reality.” Hiring such employees media and alumni associations to forge in organisations and human resource only boosts the prospects of the a long-term association with them,” management as a perspective, from company as it is seen as a best option. adds Aggarwal. being a conceptual process to making a rational fit in management. Employee Booz Allen Hamilton, which employs The return of the CEOs is not an turnover is one of the important aspects more than 23,000 people, and had uncommon story worldwide. Procter to be considered. It involves a lot of revenue of $5.76 billion for the 12 & Gamble replaced CEO Robert planning and decision-making on the months ended March 31, 2013, is McDonald with his retired predecessor, part of any organisation. one staunch believer in rehiring. As its A.G. Lafley. Apple and Starbucks Corp. website proclaims, it has a “Comeback performed well after the return of “Former employees in an organisation Kids programme” to welcome past Steve Jobs and Howard Schultz. If such have great roles to play. They acquire workers. “It’s always our goal to retain top-level rehiring is justified, across the most of the skills and experience our best employees. The reality is, board rehiring is also justified, aver HR from the organisations that they were great people do leave the firm for a experts. working in earlier; however, there variety of reasons. It’s also true for may be some reasons for their leaving Booz Allen that many who resign end In HR parlance, hiring people with good the organisation or for getting laid up coming back. It’s such a frequent skill sets is like looking for a needle off,” explains Akanksha Vij, HR and occurrence, we’ve dubbed this special in a haystack. “This becomes starker, Administration Executive in FUNDreamz group ‘Comeback Kids’,” affirms the given the dearth of skilled professionals company. across various sectors. So rehiring The reasons may be: Low www.emba.hec.edu makes a lot of sense. HR is assured of performance and production; age of The message is clear. The return of the quality and skills that the employee retirement; unsatisfactory work culture; the employees can be a “collar up” HEC EXECUTIVE MBA brings to the table,” points out Venkat inadequate remuneration and benefits for the company as it indicates that “it Iyer, Public Relations and Media and growth factor. is a great place to grow your career in Assistant Manager, Dubai Investments. an employee-centric, values-driven, 1 dEgrEE, 8 MAjors, 14 loCATIons “Once an employee is laid off for any opportunity-filled environment.” At In the PR, marketing and advertising of the above reasons, it becomes least, the Booz Allen experience says fields, this is definitely quite common difficult to rehire them in case of any so Contact: [email protected] +974 4454 0161

218x284_HEC_EMBA_THE_EXECUTIVE_2013_10_28.indd 1 04/11/13 16:34 World ClAss dEgrEE For EXECUTIVEs

HEC EXECUTIVE MBA www.emba.hec.edu 1 dEgrEE, 8 MAjors, 14 loCATIons

Contact: [email protected] +974 4454 0161

218x284_HEC_EMBA_THE_EXECUTIVE_2013_10_28.indd 1 04/11/13 16:34 Business New services

SYSTEM TO SAFEGUARD CRITICAL INFORMATION

AS NEED FOR RELIABLE DATA BOOSTS DEMAND, EHOSTING DATAFORT LAUNCHES MANAGED REMOTE BACK-UP SERVICES

32 eHosting DataFort (eHDF), the region’s leading managed IT services provider and a member of TECOM Investments, recently launched new data storage services popularly known as ‘Managed Remote Back-up services’.

The ‘Remote Back-up’ services offer an efficient and reliable system for daily back-up of critical information by maintaining two copies of such data – one locally at the customer’s premises and the other at a remote location via a secured network. The Remote Back-up service also features a management console, 24x7 monitoring of backup processes, regular offsite tape backup, as well as monthly reporting that provides customers with an end-to-end managed back-up service.

The service has been introduced in response to the growing demand within the region for secure and reliable data back-up with the option of restoring services at a minimal investment and a reduced Total Cost of Ownership.

Yasser Zeineldin, CEO, eHosting DataFort, said: “Data loss is becoming unacceptable as organisations are unable to retrieve lost information. There has been a significant increase in demand for back-up services over the last year, which prompted eHDF to fill the gap with our new service offering. The Remote Back-up service has been conceptualised to avoid data loss and further ensure protected and secure back-up.”

Data back-up is critical to any organisation, as data loss can occur at any time due to varied reasons such as system crashes, database corruptions, human errors and natural disasters. Such data losses can severely impair business operations and cause huge commercial and reputational damage.

Zeineldin added: “Despite enterprise IT departments acknowledging the importance of data back-up within the data centre as highly critical, data back-up management is often overlooked due to the time spent on daily operational IT activities. It is indeed reassuring that more and more enterprises are looking towards a specialised managed services provider that can take ownership of and manage their daily back-up tasks.” eHDF already offers a host of data storage and protection services including managed storage, managed back-up and archiving, as well as host-based intrusion prevention, URL penetration testing and remote managed security services. eHosting DataFort has established itself as a market leader in the field of hosting and managed IT services, the company has been recognised year-on-year as the ‘Best Managed Service Provider of the Year’ across the Middle East. This year, the company has embarked on major capital investments to scale up its data centres in order to address the increased customer demand on its facilities and services

33 Business Energy

A PRIORI BELIEFS AND RENEWABLE INSTITUTIONAL PRESSURE HINDER INVESTMENTS, WRITES ANDREA MASINI OF ENERGY HEC PARIS. NON-FINANCIAL FACTORS ARE SEEN DETERMINING THE SHARE INVESTMENTS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN ENERGY IN EUROPE PORTFOLIOS Even though renewable energy is increasingly considered the energy source of the future and continue to receive significant public support, their share in investment portfolios remains small. Andrea Masini and Emanuela Menichetti investigated the non- financial factors that hold private investors back.

In 2008, the International Energy Agency (IEA) called for an “energy technology revolution” in order to cut energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in half by 2050. But for this objective to be achieved, the IEA estimates that the contribution of renewable energies to primary energy supply must exceed 50 per cent. Renewable energy technologies continue to account for only a small fraction of the world’s supply, in spite of their many environmental, economic, and social advantages, as well as the support they receive from various governments.

One possible cause for this limited diffusion is that, while the transition towards a low-carbon economy requires important, potentially appealing investments, private Andrea Masini finance has so far played a relatively marginal role in this industry. “I started working on Associate Professor, renewable energies more than 15 years ago,” says Andrea Masini. “I chose to study Operations Management investments in renewables because I realised over time that the lack of appropriate & Information Technology financing is one of the reasons why these technologies do not diffuse to the extent we expect and need them to.” An incomplete understanding of investors Securing the huge additional investments needed to achieve the proposed reduction targets is particularly challenging in a context of global economic uncertainty. Still, dedicated policies have been implemented to stimulate investors, who can play a key Andrea Masini has been a role in mobilising capital to support renewable energy technologies. member of the HEC Paris Operations Management “Many of the efforts conducted so far have been only moderately effective because, and Information Technology by failing to understand the behavioural context in which investors make decisions, Department since 2010. His they have been unable to leverage some key drivers of the investment process,” research focuses on the explains Masini. That is why in addition to a rational evaluation of the investment operational and organisational opportunities, Masini and Menichetti drew upon studies in behavioural finance and impact of technological institutional theory to examine how a number of non-financial factors affect investor innovation, with particular decisions. attention to renewable energies, humanitarian Non-financial factors favour the status quo operations, and sustainable Their results shed new light on the role of non-financial factors in determining the share development. He also focuses of renewable energy technologies in energy portfolios, with important implications on operations excellence for both investors and policy makers. They suggest these technologies still suffer in service and production from a series of biased perceptions and preconceptions that favour status quo energy activities. production models over innovative alternatives.

METHODOLOGY Andrea Masini and Emanuela Menichetti developed a conceptual model that examines the impact of non-financial factors on renewable energy investments. The model was empirically tested using primary data collected in 2009 through about 100 questionnaires filled out by several groups of European investors, including hedge funds, banks, private equity firms, and insurance companies. Masini points out that the results may be difficult to generalise because the study was restricted to a specific empirical and geographical context (Europe). “Our analysis has revealed that a priori beliefs on the technical adequacy of the investment opportunities play a much more important role in driving investments than the perceived effectiveness of existing policies. A technology’s perceived maturity is the most important factor, it is even more important than incentives that may be allocated by governments,” says Masini.

Investors seem to have very little faith in dedicated policy measures that directly support renewable energy technologies, for instance through short-lived subsidies. “Investors think that dedicated policies to support renewables are virtually ineffective or that they will change soon, so they don’t count on them too much and prefer to invest in technologies that have already proven their reliability.” This leads Masini to advise policy makers to focus on the long-term stability of policies. Investment strategies focus too much on mature renewables Investors are sensitive to the technical feasibility or the proven performance record of a technology, as well as to institutional pressures. Masini and Menichetti’s findings also reveal short investment horizons and extreme sensitivity to the pressure exerted by peers and external consultants in investor decisions.

“This pressure tends to have a negative influence, since the industry as a whole is sceptical about the reliability of these technologies,” says Masini. “However, investors who have a higher level of experience seem to be able to resist that pressure: they are more likely to increase the share of renewables in their portfolio.” »» Policy makers, who could design more effective policy instruments to support renewable energy The study also shows that, contrary to popular belief, technologies. This research suggests that policy investors who have historically bigger appetites for makers can redirect budgets to better leverage financially and technologically risky technologies do investor biases and their impact on investment not always have higher percentages of renewable decisions; for instance, by supporting R&D energy investments in their portfolios. “When programmes in the public and private sectors, by someone decides to include even a low percentage promoting demonstration projects, and by further of renewable energy investments in their portfolio, he disseminating information on renewable energy or she must compensate for the risk by including a systems within the relevant business circles and higher percentage of traditional investments or mature among key stakeholders. renewables such as offshore wind. But, on the other »» Managers of innovative renewable energy projects, hand, focusing on a few technologies that are fully who need to attract investors. This research suggests proven reduces valuable opportunities for diversifying that managers can draw on study findings to better energy portfolios and hedging against price fluctuations, communicate to investors about the acceptable as well as running a higher risk of missing out on degrees of technological risk associated with opportunities that are more uncertain and costly but renewable energy technologies have tremendous potential.” Practical applications This article is based on an interview with Andrea Masini By incorporating cognitive and behavioural elements, and the article “Investment Decisions in the Renewable Masini and Emanuela Menichetti’s research provides a Energy Sector: an Analysis of Non-Financial Drivers” better understanding of the investors’ decision-making co-authored with Emanuela Menichetti (Technological process and thus has some implications for: Forecasting and Social Change, vol. 80 no. 3, mars 2013). Business Education

Holidays provide opportunities for savvy students and career seekers Kick-start your academic or career goals

An educational break is no excuse to put academic or career young adults believe interviewing is the one skill they need to ambitions on vacation. improve most to help land a job. Belliotti suggests practising mock interviews with friends and family -- or even in front of In fact, the traditionally slower months of summer are an ideal a mirror. opportunity to assess academic and career goals, according to Joe Belliotti, President of Everest Institute-Dearborn in Maximise your resources -- Use this in-between time to Michigan. Belliotti offers the following tips to savvy students learn as much as you can about your potential career field and young adults looking to take advantage of these summer using all the resources around you -- whether you use books, months and kick-start their academic or career goals. online research or face-to-face meetings with people in your desired field. Get an internship -- An internship is a great way to get an Belliotti suggests attending networking functions to hear inside glimpse of an industry or a particular occupation, and insider advice from other professionals -- in particular, what can help you discover if the career you are considering is they wish they had known or had done differently at the start right (or wrong) for you. When it’s time to enroll in or return of their career. to school, you can draw from your real-world experience for coursework and classroom discussions, which may help In addition, if you’re considering further education, visit distinguish you from your peers. Internships also reflect well campuses and speak with students about their studies on resumes. and curriculum. This will give you a better sense of the Consider schools with flexible enrollment -- Not every coursework, student-faculty relationships and extracurricular school has rigid enrollment dates, and some offer enrollment opportunities at a particular institution. year-round. Some of the courses are in modules, with new classes beginning nearly every month. “Going back to school is a major undertaking, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your life,” Belliotti says. “The period before enrolling Polish your people skills -- Summertime is a wonderful or returning to school can be invaluable to take inventory of your opportunity to brush up on “soft” skills like networking and life and adjust your work and family responsibilities to better interviewing, which aren’t normally taught in the classroom. focus on your studies once school begins.”

Courtesy: BPT Courtesy: In fact, a poll by Everest Institute revealed that 40 per cent of

37 Business Office decor

INTERIORS ARCHITECT PRINGLE BRANDON, PERKINS & WILL WINS MIDDLE EAST OFFICE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD FOR LEGATUM PLAZA PROJECT IN DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE

Multidisciplinary architectural practice Pringle Brandon, Perkins & Will (PBP&W) which specialises in commercial fit-out, amongst INSPIRATION other disciplines, throughout the region and internationally, was honoured recently at the Middle East commercial interior design FROM TIMELESS awards. The award was presented to PBP&W during a ceremony at the Marriott Marquis hotel, Dubai, in GEOMETRIC front of 400 industry peers.

According to the panel of expert judges, PBP&W was recognised FORMS for its cohesive, on-brand theme complemented by the use of Art

38 Deco influences. The entire concept was described as “simply beautiful”.

The ten-strong panel of judges included respected industry figures such as Dariush Zandi, architect and owner of Total Arts; Marcos Bish, managing director of Summertown; Alan McCready, managing director of Middle East operations, for ISG; Sarka Olivova, senior designer at Preciosa and Paul McElroy, partner, at Kinnersley Kent Design.

Legatum is a private investment group with a 25-year heritage of global investment. In April 2012, Legatum acquired Precinct Building 6 at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

“For this 2,500 square metre project, we were inspired by the timeless geometric and angular forms, exotic materials, and linear patterns characterised by Art Deco Style, which represents a refined style, exuberance, and faith in social and technological progress,” said Thorsen.

One of the main features of the understated space was the Macasser doors with custom-designed stained glass. The lighting is soft back-lit stretch ceilings with custom lighting and feature GRG cornices. Steven Charlton, Principal, Managing Director ME, and Diane Thorsen, Principal, The space planning over four floors Design Director, from Pringle Brandon, Perkins & Will with the award includes the public entry lobby on level 2, reception and client meeting suites with a specialist academy room and library on level PBP&W was also highly commended 3. The business café, strategically contrasting marbles with water jet for an additional four awards, positioned on level 4, central to the inlay patterns, complemented the including interior designer of the year space, is known as Camelot café. fluted marble reception desks and a and young interior designer of the This serves as the collaboration hub custom-designed oval staircase with year. for the trading and work area, with a onyx insets. staircase linking levels 3 and 4. “One of the values that Legatum “This highlights the depth of talent we have, which is something that Materials, colour palettes and subtle holds close is a Thai word “Sanuk” bodes well for our future in this textures were carefully selected meaning ‘to have a good time’ or region,” said Dubai-based Steven and combined as polished marbles ‘to derive pleasure and joy from Charlton, Managing Director PBP&W in creams, browns and ochre something’. This is represented Middle East contrasting beautifully with exotic in the vibrant, textural AnaTzarev polished wood, brass and chrome. originals that add a naïve, eclectic Lacquered furniture with accents in energy to the space reminiscent reds, blacks and greens were used of the eras bold and lavish in feature spaces as is common to ornamentation,” added Thorsen. the period. Inlay floor patterns in

39 Business Real estate

CONSTRUCTION GETS A FILLIP IN THE REGION WITH AMPLE HYDROCARBON REVENUES FLOWING IN, THE WEALTHIEST GCC ECONOMIES ARE WITNESSING A RENEWED CONSTRUCTION BOOM, WRITES D MADHU

The exchequers of Gulf Co-operation on development despite the economic Bew, Chief Economist of Economist Council (GCC) nations are brimming slowdown witnessed in late 2008. Intelligence Unit (EIU). with cash, thanks to oil prices that have remained above $100 per barrel during A report by Qatar National Bank revealed MEED Projects data puts the value the past three years. that capital expenditure recorded in of ongoing projects in the GCC at GCC budgets has risen every year $1.5 trillion, while a report by Danube Now, renewed confidence and since 2004 (albeit a drop in 2012) and Building Materials, a Dubai-based sound economic fundamentals in averaged $115 billion in 2011-12, up company, estimated that nearly $900 the Gulf region are driving a new from $68 billion in 2008. Spending has billion would be spent on construction construction boom. It is not just also increased as a share of the gross in the GCC region up to 2020. the government-owned developers domestic product to 7.1 per cent in who are participating. A number of 2012 as compared with 5.7 per cent in The two countries leading the regional private-sector property development 2008. Output in the regional construction boom are Saudi Arabia and Qatar with companies have also announced mega sector remained positive, growing in real both their construction sectors having projects, unlike in 2009-10 when terms over the past five years, including grown at an average of 10 per cent in private sector activity had come to by around 5 per cent in 2012. the past three years (2010-2012), with standstill in many countries as major signs of acceleration in 2013. projects were cancelled or put on hold “Public capital spending is expected indefinitely. However, the GCC’s public to remain elevated, with more private Public sector spending has led the sector companies continued spending sector activity as well,” said Robin way in both the countries, as they

40 implemented ambitious plans to develop continued over the last few years, funded by infrastructure and expand their cities. Abu Dhabi’s oil revenues. The private sector is now re-engaging and new “impressive” MEED Projects estimates that around $200 projects are being unveiled. Renewable billion will be spent on megaprojects in Qatar in the run-up to the World Cup 2022. The In 2012, $16 billion of construction contracts energy projects Doha Metro project is finally moving forward, were awarded in the UAE, exceeding Saudi Giving emphasis to with $8 billion of contracts awarded in June Arabia for the first time since 2008. The renewable energy, 2013 for the first two lines and their stations biggest new development is Mohammed Bin the GCC countries scheduled for completion by 2019. Rashid City, announced in November 2012, have sanctioned solar as a mixed-use project housing the world’s projects worth a total Besides, the expected doubling of Qatar’s largest mall, a Universal Studios theme park of $155 billion, with population over the next seven years — after and over 100 hotels. Saudi Arabia and having reached two million in September — the UAE being the has driven major real estate developments by Craig Plumb, Head of Research, Jones Lang destinations for most private firms such as Barwa. Even Qatari Diar LaSalle Mena points to Mohammed Bin of the investments. is going full steam ahead on the development Rashid City, Bluewater Island by Meraas of Lusail City, a $45-billion coastal suburb to Holding, retail extensions at Ibn Battuta and The projects will the north of Doha, which will accommodate Dragon Mart, the Louvre, Yas Mall in Abu generate more than nearly 200,000 people. Dhabi, as developmental indicators of viable 84GW once they are construction activity in the UAE. all complete by 2017. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is spending on expanding its transport infrastructure with He believes the market has bloomed into a Saudi Arabia, currently planned metros in Jeddah and Riyadh. It is more mature and sustainable position with the world’s largest also planning the Landbridge, a 950-kilometre the Arab Spring being one catalyst for change. producer of oil, is railway from Jeddah to Damman, and the hoping Haramain High Speed Rail linking Makkah, Though three of the GCC countries – Qatar, to double its installed Madinah and Jeddah to facilitate the Saudi Arabia and UAE – are witnessing a solar electricity movement of pilgrims. These four rail projects resurgence, the combined construction capacity by building together are expected to cost over $50 billion. sectors of the three remaining countries – 54GW of Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain – is much smaller renewable energy by Likewise, it is building new “economic” than the one in Qatar. 2032 out of which cities to spread the population throughout 41GW will be solar. the country and diversify its economy. King Bahrain and Oman are restricted by their Abdullah Economic City on the west coast relatively limited hydrocarbon resources, Riyadh now has the is being built with a $90-billion investment. although Oman is pressing ahead with some world’s largest solar The Saudi private sector is also active ambitious projects, including the development thermal plant at 36,300 with foundation for the one-kilometre-high of a new port and city at Duqm in a sparsely square metres, which Kingdom Tower nearing completion. The populated region. was commissioned in tower, after scheduled completion in 2017, 2012. It provides hot would overtake Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the Bew says Oman and Bahrain could benefit water for an estimated world’s tallest building. from the $20 billion of infrastructure grants 40,000 students at over 10 years, as pledged by the four Princess Noura Bint The UAE, primarily Dubai, was the epicentre wealthier GCC states in March 2011, at the Abdulrahman of the previous construction boom, but it height of the Arab Spring, in an effort to University for Women. was badly hit following the global economic create jobs and reduce the risks of political crisis. One primary reason was that majority instability. The UAE has the of construction was undertaken by the private $3.2-billion, 1GW sector or by state-owned developers who Kuwait is the odd one in the world of Mohammed bin were heavily burdened with debt. This was in GCC construction activity, he adds while Rashid Al Maktoum sharp contrast with the scenario elsewhere in pointing out that the country has significant Solar Park planned the region, particularly Qatar and Saudi Arabia, hydrocarbons wealth, second only in per for Dubai. Abu Dhabi where construction was largely funded by capita terms to Qatar. In spite of this Kuwait is also planning to hydrocarbons revenue. has largely preferred to sit out during the last generate seven per construction boom in the region, obviously cent of its electricity “When the crash came, it became obvious due to bureaucratic hurdles and political from renewable that many of the planned developments wrangling between the elected parliament sources by 2020. were unrealistic,” says Bew, referring to and appointed executive that have delayed the real estate crash witnessed in Dubai. even critical infrastructure projects, such as However, plenty of state-led construction has power stations

41 Business Sales Mastering online sales

shoppers, website development and maintenance is expensive and time-consuming. Unless your brand already has the visibility needed to attract consumers without advertising or marketing, traffic to the site will be hard to generate.

Don’t expect your products to sell on a large online marketplace. While big online marketplaces, like Amazon or eBay, attract a high volume of online shoppers, unless customers are searching specifically for your brand or chance across your products via search, they will likely never see your products.

Do partner with a retail platform that can help you engage with your customers. OpenSky.com is a new and free social shopping marketplace dedicated to building the businesses of small merchants. OpenSky.com will provide you with your own customised online store, a new business toolkit including tips and support, and a built-in community of more than 2.5 million engaged social shoppers, enabling you to foster one-on-one connections and market your goods directly to them. Because they’re already pre-disposed to shop, a follower of your brand on OpenSky is 27 times more likely to buy than a Facebook fan. These engaged followers lead to more sales with less cost to you. Best of all? It’s incredibly easy. To begin, visit www.OpenSky.com/marketplace to learn more and join this fast-growing network of brands and customers.

Do market your products in a one-of-a-kind way. Create eye- catching content, making sure all your photos are high quality and shot in their best light.

Do establish yourself as an authority. Consider creating tips, recipes or behind-the-scene snippets. If your products are naturally-sourced, why not share photos from the beautiful hike that provided your inspiration for it? Sharing relevant and relatable content will keep your customers coming back.

The do’s and don’ts to selling your Do use your size to your advantage. While big retailers are busy playing the price-cutting game, you can work smartly products online to connect with a community of loyal followers who really appreciate what you do. Harness the personal relationships Many small business owners are hopeful that offering their you’ve made with customers through social platforms where products online will increase their bottom line. But the digital you can strengthen connections by sharing product news, marketplace is increasingly crowded and it can be hard to relevant content and personal reminders about new items stand out from the pack. The good news is that being a small you think they’ll enjoy. Remember that what makes your business can actually give you an edge over bigger brands small business special is your customers’ opportunity to feel -- if you know how to use your size to your advantage. Here a personal connection with you, the entrepreneur and your are the do’s and don’ts you need to take your business to the passion -- your product. next level: Do start now. While selling online may seem overwhelming, Don’t build your own online shopping platform. While you following these easy steps will help you make others fall in love with your brand may believe that having your own website will attract new BPT Courtesy:

42 Business Stock review

MARKET LAGGED AFTER WEEK-LONG HOLIDAYS

QATAR EXCHANGE TRAILED MOST MAJOR GULF BOURSES IN TERMS OF PERFORMANCE WHEN IT REOPENED AFTER EID AL-ADHA, BUT PICKED UP MOMENTUM LATER

During the three-week review period On October 20 when the bourse All the other Gulf bourses, except - October 20 to November 7, Qatar resumed trading after week-long Eid Abu Dhabi, performed better than the Exchange gained over 224 points holidays, it started on a stronger note, Qatari market. Telecom, real estate closing higher on nine days and lower mainly supported by foreign institutions’ and consumer goods shares witnessed on six. Profit-booking was rampant buying interests. Local retail investors, some buying interests in the market, on most days while many much- however, resorted to profit-booking, but which was up 16.66 per cent year-to- awaited corporate results fell short of the Qatar Index rose 0.29 per cent to date. The overall market liquidity was expectations. 9,751.89 points. squeezed mainly due to faster drops

43 in volumes in the industrials, banking Qatar Exchange opened the week on 1 per cent each; while large caps and consumer goods sectors. The October 27 on a stronger note, lifted by remained unchanged. The banking and index that tracks Shariah-principled telecom, consumer goods, banks and industrials sectors outperformed the stocks performed better than the other industrials equities. Foreign institutions’ major indices of the Qatar Exchange, barometers. selling pressure considerably weakened which closed in the positive territory while domestic institutions’ buying was on October 29. Domestic institutions Gainers included Industries Qatar, intact as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose were seen exerting bullish momentum Masraf Al Rayan, United Development 0.18 per cent to 9,669.69 points. to the index, which rose 0.93 per cent Company, Barwa, Ezdan, Qatari to 9,733.19 points. Local retail investors Investors Group and Ooredoo; even as The index that tracks Shariah-principled considerably pared their exposure in the QNB and Qatar Islamic Bank bucked stocks performed poorly compared market, which was up 16.44 per cent the trend. Telecom stocks appreciated to other indices in the market, which year-to-date. 2.25 per cent, followed by realty (1.24 was up 17.34 per cent year-to-date. per cent), consumer goods (0.70 per The overall market liquidity was There was an expansion in overall cent), industrials (0.27 per cent) and down mainly due to faster slippage in market liquidity mainly on substantial transport (0.07 per cent), whereas volumes in the transport and banking surge in volumes in the consumer insurance fell 0.91 per cent and banks sectors. Gainers included Barwa, goods, industrials and real estate and financial services 0.41 per cent. QNB, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank sectors. About 59 per cent of the and Qatari Investors Group; even as stocks extended gains with major Qatar’s index slipped 0.2 per cent on Industries Qatar, Gulf International movers being QNB, Doha Bank, October 21, trading in tight range since Services, United Development Industries Qatar, Qatari Investors early October. Shares in Qatar Islamic Company, Ezdan and Vodafone Qatar Group, Gulf International Services, Bank, the country’s fourth-largest bucked the trend. United Development Company and lender by market value, were flat. Nakilat; even as Ezdan and Barwa Marwan Shurrab, fund manager and Total market capitalisation was up bucked the trend. Total market head of trading at Vision Investments, 0.21 per cent or more than QR1bn capitalisation expanded 0.7 per cent, or said that although Qatar’s bourse has to QR523.60bn. Micro, mid and large about QR4bn, to QR527.52bn. Large been trailing a surge in other Gulf cap equities rose; while small caps and mid-caps gained about 1 per cent markets, expectations for fourth-quarter lost value. Foreign institutions turned each; while micro caps melted. earnings, which precede dividends, bullish that they were net buyers to the could help the market turnaround. tune of QR12.78mn against net sellers Qatar Exchange continued its bullish Qatar’s companies are among the of QR4.82mn during the previous spell on October 30, despite strong highest dividend distributing firms in session. Domestic institutions’ selling profit-booking by local retail investors. the region. The following day, the index pressure dragged the Qatar Exchange An above-average performance by edged down further by 0.08 per cent on October 28. Profit booking was seen industrials, real estate and transport to 9,724 points. Again it fell another particularly in real estate, consumer sectors helped the index gain 0.25 0.3 per cent on October 23, but was goods and transport segments as the per cent to 9,757.11 points. Foreign trapped in a tight trading range. index fell 0.27 per cent to 9,643.50 institutions were seen exerting some points. bullish momentum to the market, On October 24, Qatar’s bourse fell to which was up 16.73 per cent year-to- a three-week low amid weak third- Local retail investors showed less date. There was a marginal expansion quarter earnings; other regional markets inclination to sell and non-Qatari in overall market liquidity, mainly on rose. Shares in QNB fell 1.7 per cent individual investors were marginally double-digit growth in volumes of realty to QR160, their fifth consecutive bullish in the market, which was, sector. loss, nearing technical support at the however, up 15.37 per cent year-to- September low of QR158. QNB posted date. There was an expansion in overall More than 55 per cent of the a 14.3 per cent rise in third-quarter net market liquidity, mainly on higher stocks extended gains with major profit that slightly missed analysts’ volumes in the insurance, transport and movers being Industries Qatar, forecasts. realty sectors. Major losers included Gulf International Services, United Barwa, United Development Company, Development Company, Barwa, Mazaya “The results so far haven’t supported Nakilat, QNB, Doha Bank, Qatar General Qatar, Milaha and Nakilat; even as QNB, the bullish market outlook,” said Insurance and Reinsurance, Al Khaleej Doha Bank and Qatari Investors Group Ahmed Shehada, head of trading at Takaful, Gulf International Services bucked the trend. QNB Financial Services. “Institutions and Qatari Investors Group; even as are selling across the board but there is Industries Qatar, Ezdan Real Estate and Industrials equities appreciated 0.95 selective buying on some names. “The Qatar Islamic Bank bucked the trend. per cent, real estate (0.85 per cent), macro fundamentals remain intact and transport (0.71 per cent), insurance if we see positive earnings surprises on Total market capitalisation was up 0.05 (0.42 per cent) and consumer goods companies that haven’t reported yet, per cent or QR24mn to QR523.84bn. (0.045 per cent); whereas telecom we could see buyers return.” Mid and small cap equities lost about tanked 0.38 per cent and banking and

44 financial services (0.23 per cent). Total Mid and large cap equities rose; while Transport, industrials and real estate market capitalisation was up 0.17 per micro caps melted. stocks experienced relatively higher cent or QR91mn to QR528.43bn. Mid, buying pressure on November 6, which small and micro caps gained more than Attractive valuations prompted foreign lifted Qatar Exchange on November 0.3 per cent each. Foreign institutions’ institutions to buy (net) equities worth 6. Buying interests, especially from sustained buying extended the bullish QR108mn lifted the Qatar Exchange domestic institutions, resulted in the spell the following day as well. on November 5 as well. More than 74 Qatar Index gaining 0.38 per cent to per cent of the equities appreciated 9,952.87 points. Foreign institutions Insurance, industrials and banking as the index rose 0.75 per cent to continued to be bullish, but with lesser sectors outperformed the index, which 9,915.21 points. The industrials sector vigour on their lower exposure in the settled 0.82 per cent higher at 9,837.49 outperformed major indices in the market, which was up 19.07 per cent points. However, domestic institutions market, which was up 18.62 per cent year-to-date. Overall market volume hurriedly squared off their position in year-to-date. expanded, mainly on higher volumes in the market, which is up 17.69 per cent the realty and transport stocks. year-to-date. There was a marginal Domestic institutions, however, dip in overall market liquidity despite increasingly resorted to profit-booking Major gainers included Industries more than doubled volumes in the Qatar, United Development Company, banking sector and robust trading in Nakilat, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial the consumer goods, industrials and Bank and Masraf Al Rayan; even as transport counters. Barwa, Mazaya Qatar, Gulf International Services, Al Meera and Qatar General More than 68 per cent of the stocks and Reinsurance bucked the trend. extended gains with major movers being QNB, Doha Bank, Industries Transport equities gained 0.84 per cent, Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qatari industrials (0.73 per cent), real estate Investors Group, United Development (0.47 per cent) and banks and financial Company, Barwa and Nakilat; even services (0.22 per cent); whereas as Commercial Bank and Mazaya insurance fell 0.38 per cent, telecom Qatar bucked the trend. Total market (0.23 per cent) and consumer goods capitalisation rose 0.89 per cent or (0.19 per cent). more than QR4bn to QR533.11bn. Large, mid and small cap equities Market capitalisation was up 0.24 gained close to 1 per cent each. per cent or more than QR1bn to QR537.18bn. Mid, large and micro The index shed 40.82 points or 0.42 amid higher volumes, especially on a cap equities extended gains while per cent during trading on November 3 substantial jump in trading activities at small caps lost their sheen. Domestic to close at 9,796.66 points. However, the consumer goods, industrials and institutions’ buying support was the following day industrials, banking real estate counters. visible as their net selling plunged and transport equities infused bullish to QR41.91mn against QR97.95mn momentum to the bourse. Foreign Major gainers included QNB, Qatar the previous day. Foreign institutions institutions’ robust buying support Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, continued to be bullish but with lesser led the index to gain 0.46 per cent Industries Qatar, Qatari Investors intensity as their net buying fell to to 9,841.3 points. However, local Group, Gulf International Services, QR97.45mn compared to QR108.33mn retail investors were less inclined Qatar Insurance, United Development on Tuesday. towards buying in the market, which Company, Barwa, Mazaya Qatar, Nakilat was up 17.73 per cent year-to-date. and Milaha; even as Vodafone Qatar The bullish momentum was sustained Although the overall market liquidity bucked the trend. on the following day, the last trading was flat; there was substantial rise in day of the review period, despite the volumes of transport, industrials, Industrials equities appreciated the strong selling from foreign institutions. telecom and banking stocks. maximum of 0.84 per cent, followed Transport, real estate and telecom by consumer goods (0.74 per cent), stocks experienced relatively higher More than 55 per cent of the stocks banks and financial services (0.73 per buying pressure, thus lifting the index extended gains with major movers cent), insurance (0.63 per cent), realty by another 0.23 per cent to 9,976.21 being Doha Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, (0.56 per cent), transport (0.54 per cent) points. However, both local retail and Industries Qatar, Gulf International and telecom (0.29 per cent). Market institutions’ selling intensity reduced Services, United Development capitalisation rose 0.73 per cent, or in the market, which was up 19.35 per Company and Nakilat; even as Mazaya about QR4bn, to QR535.87bn. Large cent year-to-date Qatar and Ooredoo bucked the trend. and small cap equities gained about 1 Total market capitalisation rose 0.3 per per cent each and mid cap (0.58 per cent or about QR2bn to QR531.98bn. cent).

45 Business Travel

Christopher Reynolds describes a trip to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in the US

Grey had found his way to Monument Valley, before John Ford and John Wayne showed up to make Stagecoach and before all those other makers of movies and television and marketers of cars and cigarettes made the buttes a symbol of the Wild West. Even if you suspect poetic licence in the timing of that lightning bolt, the man saw the valley raw.

Thinking of him last month, I rose before sunrise in a hotel on the Arizona-Utah border, drove to a parking lot and hiked down Wildcat Trail into the heart of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Mark Boster, the photographer who has been Zane Grey knew how to make an entrance, or at least how revisiting Western icons with me the last several months, to describe one. As the famous Western writer liked to tell had set up on high ground, so I was alone. the story, he was on horseback in 1913, riding deep into Navajo country, when a flash lighted up the desert. That There was a scent of wet sage, almost no sound but the flash, Grey wrote, “revealed a vast valley, a strange world of wind. Then the sun rose, the mesas blazed and dead ahead, colossal shafts and buttes of rock, magnificently sculptured, the towering West Mitten Butte jumped from pre-dawn standing isolated and aloof, dark, weird, lonely.” obscurity into silhouette.

46 A STARK BEAUTY DEEP IN NAVAJO COUNTRY

It was tremendous. Only for a moment did I wonder if this admired landmarks, a dozen or more jewellery and souvenir was where Chevy Chase crashed the Griswold family station stands, two hotels in the immediate neighbourhood. wagon in National Lampoon’s Vacation. To leave the loop road, you must hire a Navajo guide. You Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation reservation, may notice a weather-beaten trailer, perhaps neighboured a 640-mile drive from Los Angeles, 175 miles northeast of by a rounded earthen mound. These are private homes and Flagstaff, Arizona, about 25 miles north of the sleepy town of traditional hogans, without electricity or running water, that Kayenta. The valley’s most famous mesas, buttes and spires house a handful of Navajo families that date back here for stand within the boundaries of the tribal park. And you, my generations. Many of them make their living from tourists, fellow Americans, should go to see them. but most don’t want a paved road inside the park because then too many would come. Why? Because it’s embarrassing to stand in the middle of such stark beauty and realise that most of the other tourists And then there’s the uranium. From the 1940s to the are speaking French, German, Italian, Japanese or Chinese. 1960s, with the approval of US and Navajo leaders, mining companies extracted tonnes of ore here to fuel You should know, however, that this is no national park. US nuclear programmes. Then they abandoned the sites, Instead of the National Park Service infrastructure, you will including Skyline Mine on the valley’s Oljato Mesa. The US find a 17-mile dirt road looping around the valley’s most Environmental Protection Agency found lingering elevated

47 The sun sets over Monument Valley in Arizona while visitors pose for pictures on the red rocks. radiation at Skyline and in 2011 completed an $8-million slung, handsome on the valley-facing side and homely on the cleanup, but elsewhere in Navajo country hundreds of other. It was built in 2008 by the Navajo tribe, and every room abandoned mines await remediation. A tourist might see has a balcony that looks out on a classic panorama. none of this, but locals know all about it. Then we moved to Goulding’s Lodge, five miles outside the So the valley is complicated. But it’s also plainly spectacular, park. It was Harry Goulding (with his wife, Leone “Mike” beginning with the approach up US Highway 163. You snap to Goulding) who started a trading post here in the 1920s, and attention at the sight of angular Agathla, aka El Capitan, first of it was Goulding who travelled to Hollywood in 1938 and the buttes, looming like a stairway to the stratosphere. Soon persuaded Ford to come and shoot Stagecoach. after comes Sentinel Mesa, a sort of Greek Acropolis, if the Acropolis were swaddled in orange by Christo. The Gouldings ran their desert outpost for decades, tending to filmmakers, peddling curios, steadily adding rooms and Most tourists stay a day or two. We stayed four, circled the services. Spend a few minutes among the old photos and valley alone and with a guide, under blue skies and gray. We paid movie posters in its little museum and you’ll see the old respects to Rain God Mesa, the Thumb, Gray Whiskers, the Hub guest register in which John Wayne wrote: “Harry, you and I and the Cube; ate enough fry bread to last a lifetime; and stood both owe these monuments a lot.” among the tripod people at sunset, lining up the Mitten buttes with the same boulders that Ansel Adams used in 1950. Check the new guest register and you find that of the last 115 guests who arrived before Aug. 26, 76 were from Then one afternoon, a roar filled the valley and the clouds abroad. Are Americans outnumbered because we’d rather burst. Monsoon. Within minutes, Spearhead Mesa had five wait for cooler weather? Because Europeans are more waterfalls coursing down its face. Sentinel Mesa wore a curious about Native American culture than we? crown of dark clouds. In the storm, the landscape seemed I don’t know. I tried asking a few Navajo, but we always doubly alive, reds and greens literally saturated, sky riven ended up veering to another subject. by lightning, puddles and streams threatening the road. We sprinted for the car and rushed away, scared and thrilled. Ned Black, 44, paused at his jewellery stand to tell me We stayed one night in the View Hotel, earth-toned, low- he tries to be happy all day, but “it’s hard to be happy

48 TIMELINE: WIND, WATER, MIGRATION, MOVIES About 50 million years ago: Wind and water start shaping Monument Valley. Before 1400: The Anasazi occupy Monument Valley and build many cliff dwellings and food-storage sites. Then they vanish. After 1400: The Dine take up residence in and around Monument Valley. Other native tribes take to calling them the Navajo. 1863: The US government orders the relocation of all Navajos to a reservation at Fort Sumner in Bosque Redondo, New Mexico. 1868: A larger Navajo reservation is established, and an 1884 expansion includes Monument Valley. Eventually the reservation, also known as the Navajo Nation, includes about 27,000 square miles of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. 1925: Harry Goulding and his wife, Leone, establish a trading post near the northwest rim of the valley. 1938: Eager to bring money to the Depression-ravaged valley, Harry Goulding goes to Hollywood bearing photos of Monument Valley and bluffs his way into a meeting with famed director John Ford. Soon afterward, Ford’s cast and crew arrive in the valley to make Stagecoach. 1939: Stagecoach revives the western genre. Ford goes on to make numerous movies in the valley; the last is Cheyenne Spring (1963). Early 1940s: Uranium mining begins on Oljato Mesa at the western edge of the valley and continues into the 1960s, leaving a legacy of elevated radiation, pollution and controversy. all day. You don’t know who you’re going to come across.” 1958: The Navajo Tribal Council establishes Monument Valley as a tribal park. Charles Phillips, a 36-year-old guide, stopped for 1969: Peter Fonda leads the cast of Easy Rider through the provisions before carrying us off on a demanding four- valley. hour off-road exploration in a battered Chevy Suburban: “I’m gonna get me a drink before we go. Gonna get me 1983: In National Lampoon’s Vacation, Chevy Chase crashes the a Budweiser,” he said, a twinkle in his eye, testing us. family station wagon in the valley. With the law in hot pursuit, Geena Davis and Susan A minute later he was back with a Powerade. (Phillips 1991: Sarandon race through the valley in Thelma & Louise. was working with two broken ribs, because the week before a horse had thrown him onto a rock. Laughing 2000: PBS airs The Return of Navajo Boy, a documentary that ties hurt, but he still wanted to.) a Monument Valley family’s health problems to nearby uranium mining. I was ready for more sly wit from Linda Jackson, who operates the cafe trailer at John Ford’s Point. 2008: The View Hotel opens, the first hotel inside the tribal park. “Sarcasm. One of the free services I offer,” said a It’s owned by the Navajo tribe and managed by a Navajo family. sign next to the counter. But Jackson instead told us 2011: An $8-million Environmental Protection Agency cleanup is a heartfelt story about the day her 32-year-old son, completed at the Skyline uranium mine, less than two miles from Ericson Cly, died. He was struck by lightning, she told Goulding’s Lodge. us. Right here at John Ford’s Point. On an August day in 2006. 2012: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, now 91,696 acres, reports 422,932 visitors. We told her how sorry we were, looked at the dirt, 2013: Johnny Depp, playing Tonto in a remake of The Lone looked at the sky, looked at the memorial marker that Ranger, sits astride a white horse at John Ford’s Point in the stands nearby. Then we made another loop through all valley.

Courtesy: McClatchy-Tribune News Service News McClatchy-Tribune Courtesy: that harsh beauty

49 Business Interview NEW CLASS OF SUV The all-new chassis provides the vehicle with a practical blend of dynamic and sporty handling along with refinement. The lightweight, compact footprint of the vehicle and the low centre of gravity facilitate both quick responses and extraordinary agility.

50 EVOQUE IS THE LEANER, TRENDIER RANGE ROVER THAT CAR LOVERS HAD BEEN WAITING FOR, WRITES SAMI SAID ALI AFTER A TEST DRIVE

Evoque, Range Rover’s recent launch, is a well-engineered vehicle that had left the audience agape with amazement. By entering this segment the automaker seems keen to bank on the market’s interest in SUVs. Evoque was an instant hit among lovers of automobiles, particularly because it is a unique combination of sleek design, luxurious interiors and high-voltage performance.

While it is not clear why Range Rover moved into the SUV segment, they do have a valid reason in the fact that over the years, customer priorities have shifted drastically, with most buyers opting for stylish-looking, roomier, more refined ‘urban’ crossovers. This is unlike the past when boxy, rugged- looking vehicles, boasting great off-road capabilities, were Range Rover’s USP.

It was a clear November morning, when I got behind the wheel of the Evoque. What caught my attention was the all- terrain Sport Utility Vehicle’s sturdiness, that contrasted the comfortable and well-designed interior. The cabin is not very different from the original Range Rover series in that it offers best-in-class front and legspace. However, the headroom might seem slightly low if you were to compare it with other gigantic Range Rover vehicles.

Depending the Range Rover Evoque model that you opt for, two grades of high-quality leather upholstery choices are available. Some models feature Oxford leather with its beautifully soft, high-grade hides that have been specially selected for their tactile appearance. A close look will reveal the finest twin-needle stitching, going by its length, direction, color and excellence of the thread used one can guess the

51 size and shape of the needle used. In short the vehicles’s steering wheel mounted paddle controls. It also delivers a seat boasts the highest quality finish. deep, powerful engine sound during strong acceleration and features a unique exhaust manifold for quicker warm-up Evoque is more of a revolution in terms of design with a and lower emissions, a low friction design and a state-of- strong streak of resemblance to the mammoth versions. the-art electronic management system. This includes Smart It is, however, much more stylish with smoother edges Regenerative Charging, which priortises charging of the replacing the truck-like styling and a sleeker fascia running battery when the vehicle is decelerating to capture wasted above the upright grille. It stays closer to the ground with kinetic energy and reduce fuel consumption. seemingly longer overhangs on the front and rear, all pointing towards urban usage. This little Land Rover is basically a Range Rover Evoque is also packed with clever, relevant fashion statement among the crossover set. Although the technology including state-of-the-art connectivity. This sharply angled hatch reduces cargo space considerably, it is includes Bluetooth® for both hands-free connection, with still roomy enough to serve the needs of a small family. One a compatible mobile phone, to the vehicle’s in-built phone should not forget that this is a miniature 4WD Range Rover system and audio streaming for the enjoyment of personal with off-road abilities and one can’t fault Land Rover for music from a portable Bluetooth device via the audio system. maximising its portfolio. Essential connectivity for iPod, MP3 and USB memory stick is also provided via direct inputs. The audio options on Range As I drove I could not help noticing that the Evoque’s glass Rover Evoque has high sound quality offering unsurpassed roof splashed sunshine all over the red soft-touch leather performance and enjoyment for driver and passengers alike. interior. In light traffic, I could stretch out the turbo four a bit on the freeway. The Evoque is one of those deceptively quick The latest useful advanced automated technology, Park vehicles that moves faster than expected. Assist, appears for the first time on a Range Rover with Evoque. This feature assisted me in parking the vehicle in The all-new chassis provides the vehicle with a practical tight parking spaces (boasts about assisting in as little as 1.2 blend of dynamic and sporty handling along with refinement. times the length of the vehicle). Range Rover Evoque uses The lightweight, compact footprint of the vehicle and the ultrasonic sensors to steer while the driver operates the low centre of gravity facilitate both quick responses and accelerator, brake and clutch. Real-time information is also extraordinary agility. At 1,640kg, I thought the Evoque’s displayed on the Driver Information Display to aid the driver weight might lead to understeer while taking the corners, through each stage of the manoeuvre. but the steering was precise and the car turned at corners with ease. With Adaptive Dynamics, the vehicle offered an The Surround Camera system utilises five discreetly placed optimum balance between confident, nimble handling and a digital cameras to relay an almost 360 degree view around supple, controlled ride. Range Rover Evoque seems to have the vehicle to the 8-inch Touch-screen display. Wide-view mastered all surfaces and all weathers, using legendary Land cameras on the vehicle give a clear field of vision; guidelines Rover all-terrain technologies. are superimposed over the resulting image to highlight the predicted reversing path for the vehicle. Blind Spot The Si4 petrol engine is a 2.0-litre one in a lightweight all- Monitoring with a bright amber warning icon is illuminated in aluminium unit using the latest direct-injection technology, the appropriate door mirror when a hazard is identified. advanced turbocharging and twin independent variable valve timing help it to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 As I handed back my ‘four-wheeled companion’ of the emissions by up to 20 per cent compared with traditional day, I was busy drawing my own conclusions about Range larger capacity engines delivering equivalent performances. Rover vehicles. Stylish, good to drive and with unmatched The engine is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission attractiveness, the Evoque is the leaner, trendier Range that has been engineered to improve fuel economy and that Rover we’ve been waiting for. A true Range Rover in features Drive Select, an advanced rotary gearshift with compact form, a new class of SUV

52 Business Shopping guide

Impressive presents It is possible to buy fun home entertainment gifts without splurging

What do most people want for the holidays? Technology and home entertainment gifts are highly sought after, meaning gift-givers have plenty of opportunities to get an impressive present. If you think you need to spend a lot to get a great gift, think again. There are many great options for less than QR364 ($100).

As more and more large flatscreens and smart TVs take over the family television room, the list of products that improve the watching or listening experience just keeps expanding. Brighten the holidays for your loved ones with these fun gift ideas that cost less than QR364. Speaker systems Large flatscreens are not known for having great speakers. A new generation of speakers and surround sound systems is now available to raise the quality of the sound to match the and because broadcast signals are not Wii, or Xbox 360. Anyone can download quality of the picture. One of the best compressed like those from cable, the free Harmony App to their value-priced items is the Vizeo 40-inch satellite and telephone companies,- the smartphone to use with the Hub, which Home Theater Sound Bar, which retails picture quality is closer to true HDTV. is a separate device that interfaces with for $99. It retails for $89.99 and is available more than 225,000 home theatre and from Winegard, Costco or Amazon and entertainment devices. Not only is it a great value, but when it requires no monthly fees. is connected it to a digital TV, it fills the The free app can be downloaded from room with up to 95 decibels of clear Universal remotes the relevant app stores online, and the and exciting sound. It’s available online. Hub is available at electronics stores For those with a collection of remote or directly from Logitech.com. The Antennas controls to operate their home Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub is entertainment system, a universal available for $99.99. For those who want to cut the cable remote is the perfect gift. or satellite TV cord and save up to There are many fun products on the $1,200 per year, the powerful Winegard Consider the Logitech Harmony market today for those who want FlatWave Amped antenna pulls in Ultimate Hub, a Bluetooth device to get the most from their home the clearest VHF and UHF broadcast that turns users’ iPhone and Android entertainment systems. Keep these gift channels from up to 50 miles away. smartphones or tablets into the ultimate ideas in mind for your friends and family It’s razor-thin and is the most advanced universal remote control. The Hub also and you’re sure to be one of the best dual band antenna on the market allows the control of applications in presents under the tree popular game consoles such as PS3,

Courtesy: BPT Courtesy: today. It weighs just over two ounces

Qatar LR4 Ohlala Mang FP 22x28.5.ai 1 9/16/13 10:17 AM