Globe Express Services (Overseas Group) Appoints Michael C. Hughes President and CEO

Addition of global business veteran key to next phase of growth


October 31, 2012


Globe Express Services ® (Overseas Group), one of the world’s top 100 global logistics providers with a market presence in over 80 countries, proudly announces that its Board of Directors has appointed Michael C. Hughes as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors, effective December 1, 2012. Current CEO Ziad Korban will remain an active Board Member and Owner.Upon joining GES, Mr. Hughes will work closely with the Board and his leadership team to conduct a strategic review process and identify the best approaches for growth. His primary focus will be to optimize the company’s core business with a goal of transforming GES into a global logistics leader with a winning corporate culture. GES will consider a wide range of strategic options to best facilitate this transformation."Michael brings a wealth of experience gained over 35 years of working with growth-oriented companies,” commented Bahaa Al Hariri, Chairman of Globe Express Services, “enabling those companies to achieve a higher level of performance through acquisition and integration, IT enabled transformation, risk management and good governance, and greater efficiencies in their global processes. He is uniquely qualified to lead the next stage of growth for our company, and we feel fortunate to add someone of Mike's caliber to our organization. We wish him all the best in his new role."As I begin my first 100 days,” Mr. Hughes said, “I will focus on learning the strengths of GES, its business model, meeting our people, listening to the voices of our key customers, assessing our capabilities and understanding our best opportunities to excel in customer service. With these things in mind and with the input of our entire leadership team, we will start to formulate a target operating model and a new path for growth for our company. Great people, great technology, a winning culture and a reward system aligned to shareholder value and our customers’ needs are foundational to achieving our aspirations. I look forward to growing GES, both organically and through acquisitions, into a Top 30 global logistics leader, building a One Company-One Team winning culture, and making GES a Great Place to Work.”Mr. Hughes most recently served as National Leader for the Food, Drink and Consumer Goods sector at KPMG, where he was responsible for managing the firm's most important global clients in that sector, including PepsiCo, ADM, Cargill, Colgate Palmolive, General Mills, Nestle, Kimberly Clark, P&G, The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever, L'Oreal, SAB Miller, Mars, Conagra and Whirlpool. In addition, he was the Global Lead Partner for Kraft Foods and Johnson Controls, overseeing global Audit, Tax and Management Consulting services. During his 14 year career with KPMG, which he joined as a direct entry Partner, Mr. Hughes held many key leadership roles such as Region Manager Chicago, Risk and Compliance Service Line Leader, and National Partner - Consumer Markets. Prior to joining KPMG, he spent 23 years as a senior finance executive with The Coca-Cola Company in positions of increasing responsibility. Mr. Hughes holds a BS degree from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and an MBA from Emory University in Atlanta.

Fawaz A. Alhokair & Co. Second Quarter Net Profits Increase to Record
SAR 252.4 Million

Cairo, 29thof October, 2012. Saudi fashion retail giant Fawaz A. Alhokair and Co (SJSC), saw its second quarter net profits ended 30 September 2012 rise to a record SAR 252.4 million, an increase of 25% compared to the same period last year, and an increase of 108.7% compared to the first quarter of 2012. The earnings reflect an increase of 30.4% in gross profits and an operating profit increase of 24.8% compared to the same period last year.


Alhokair manages some of the best-known brands in the Kingdom, including Zara, Marks & Spencer, Gap, Aldo, The Children’s Place, Lasenza had earlier this year increased its number of stores and the brands it carries through its acquisition of Nesk Group for Trading Projects LLC. The acquisition added more than 120 retail shops to Alhokair’s existing network of over 1,200 stores. The purchase also added to the Alhokair brand portfolio modern and trendy fashion concepts including Mango, Stradivarius, Gerry Weber, Okaidi, Obaibi, Women’s Secret, IKKS, BLU, Origen, Tiffosi, and Oui, significantly contributing to the expansion of the retail giant’s fashion retail footprint.


In addition to its expansion, the second quarter profits increase was influenced by the seasonal factor of the vibrant sales during the holy month of Ramadan. Net profit for the half year ended September 2012 was SAR 373.3 million, and contributed to Earning Per Share (EPS) of SAR 5.33, compared to SAR 4.05 for the same period last year. Operating profits for the period reached SAR 375.07 million, an increase of 26.9% compared to the same period last year SAR 295.5 million.


Commenting on the results, Fawaz A. Alhokair and Co, CEO Simon Marshall said: “Our expansion strategy across brand acquisitions and new store introductions has allowed us to keep our offerings to our customers up to date with the latest fashions. We continue to provide an unparalleled shopping experience across our outlets.”

The period also saw the application of the direct cost method by calculating the gross after deducting all stores’ direct costs, as well as expansion in the Armenian market with 25 international brands.

Alhokair retail franchise activities operate over 70 international fashion brands through over 1,200 fashion stores, 9 countries and employs over 7,000 employees.

نسبة أرباح فواز عبدالعزيز الحكير وشركاه تسجل رقما قياسيا بـ 252.4 مليون ريال سعودي

القاهرة – 29 أكتوبر 2012 : شهد عملاق أزياء التجزئة في المملكة العربية السعودية ، فواز عبدالعزيز الحكير وشركاه، إرتفاعاَ ملحوظاً في صافي أرباح الربع الثاني المنتهي في 30 سبتمبر 2012 والتي سجلت 252.4 مليون ريال سعودي أي ما يعادل زيادة بنسبة 25 % مقارنة مع الفترة نفسها العام الماضي، وزيادة بنسبة 108.7 بالمائة مقارنة مع نتائج الربع الأول لعام 2012. وتعكس الأرباح زيادة قدرها 30.4٪ في الأرباح الإجمالية وزيادة في الأرباح التشغيلية بنسبة 24.8٪ مقارنة بالفترة نفسها من العام الماضي.


شهدت الحكير والتي تملك أهم الماركات والأسماء العالمية في عالم الأزياء في السوق السعودي منها زارا؛ ماركس أند سبنسر؛ غاب؛ ألدو؛ ذا شيلدرينز بلايس؛ لا سينزا؛ زيادة في عدد فروعها المنتشرة في أنحاء المملكة من خلال إستحواذها على مجموعة نسك للمشاريع التجارية. وساهمت عملية الإستحواذ بزيادة 120 محل تجاري إلى رصيد الحكير والتي تتألف شبكته من 1200 محل. كما ساهمت عملية الإستحواذ بتوسيع محفظة العلامات التجارية الحديثة والأنيقة والتي تضمنت مانغو؛ ستراديفاريوس؛ غيري ويبر، أوكايدي، أوبايبي ومانس سيكريت؛ إي ك ك س؛ بلو؛ أوريجون؛ تيفوسي؛ ووي؛ مما ساهم في توسع الشركة و تأكيد بصمتها في تجارة أزياء التجزئة.


بالإضافة الى التوسع الذي شهدته الشركة، كان للعامل الموسمي أثره على المبيعات خلال شهر رمضان المبارك الأمر الذي أسهم بتحقيق نتائج أرباح الربع الثاني. وقدر الربح الصافي لنهاية العام في سبتمبر 2012 بـ 373.3 مليون ريال سعودي مما ساهم في تحقيق عوائد وصلت إلى 5.33 ريال سعودي للسهم مقابل 4.05 ريال سعودي للسهم في الفترة نفسها العام الماضي. وحققت الأرباح التشغيلية لهذه الفترة 375.07 مليون ريال سعودي أي زيادة بنسبة 26.9 % مقارنة مع الفترة السابقة والتي بلغت في العام الماضي 295.5 مليون ريال سعودي.


وتعليقا على النتائج، قال السيد سيمون مارشال، المدير التنفيذي في الحكير، "إن خطتنا التوسعية من خلال عملية الإستحواذ على الماركات والمحال الجديدة ساعدت في تقديم كل ماهو جديد لعملائنا في عالم الموضة والأزياء وإستمراريتنا في تقديم أفضل تجربة تسوق لعملائنا من خلال محالنا وفروعنا".

وشهدت الفترة الماضية تطبيق الحكير لقاعدة التكلفة المباشرة عن طريق حساب المبلغ الإجمالي بعد خصم تكلفة المحلات المباشرة.

وكانت شركة الحكير قد أطلقت مؤخراً أعمالها في أرمينيا حيث تم إطلاق 25 ماركة عالمية وبالتالي وصل مجموع الماركات العالمية التي تسوقها الحكير إلى 70 ماركة تباع في 1200 محل أزياء في 9 دول وتوظف أكثر من 7000 موظف.

EMEA Finance Awards Arab Bank with Best FX and Cash Management services in the Middle East

Cairo, Egypt 24th of October 2012: Arab Bank was recently recognized by the international banking publication, EMEA Finance with Best Foreign Exchange and Best Cash Management services awards in the Middle East for 2012. These recognitions are part of EMEA Finance’s Transaction Banking awards recognizing excellence in this field.

EMEA Finance considers various performance and structural factors when it comes to choosing the winners, such as market share and growth, innovation and corporate strategy. These awards also take into account the results of an online survey of corporate treasury teams across the region.


Mr. Nemeh Sabbagh, CEO of Arab Bank commented, “Arab Bank’s extensive global network of over 600 branches in 30 countries positions us as the leaders in cross-border services and at the same time allows corporate customers to leverage our network for their growing business needs." Mr. Sabbagh added, “This award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to provide the highest standards in corporate banking services in the region.”


Ms. Nadya Talhouni, Senior Vice President- Head of Cash Management and Trade Finance at Arab Bank also added, “Arab Bank’s cash management offering includes an extensive product suite that enables our customers to effectively manage their liquidity and payment needs. We have placed special focus on our cash management offering to ensure that we provide comprehensive solutions and drive our customer’s business forward.” Ms. Talhouni concluded, “Being recognized for our FX services also reinforces the entire cash management proposition at Arab Bank, which is tailor-made to each customer with the ultimate goal of empowering them to effectively manage their business.”


These latest awards for Arab Bank complement many other recognitions received throughout the year, including Best Trade Finance Provider in the MENA region and Best Arranger for Project and Infrastructure Finance in the Middle East by Global Finance magazine. Arab Bank was also named Best Bank and Best Investment Bank in Jordan for the 4th consecutive year by EMEA Finance.

مجلة EMEA المالية تمنح البنك العربي لقبي أفضل بنك في خدمات العملات الأجنبية وخدمات إدارة النقد في منطقة الشرق الأوسط

مصر – القاهرة 24أكتوبر2012:حصل البنك العربي مؤخراً من مجلة EMEA المالية العالمية على لقبي أفضل بنك في مجال خدمات العملات الأجنبية و أفضل بنك في مجال خدمات إدارة النقد في منطقة الشرق الأوسط للعام 2012.  وتأتي هذه الجوائز كجزء من الجوائز المقدمة من مجلة EMEA المالية للتعاملات المصرفية تكريماً للأعمال المصرفية المميزة على هذا الصعيد.

وتراعي EMEA عدداً من معايير الأداء والعوامل التنظيمية عند اختيار الفائزين من بينها:  الحصة السوقية و النمو والإبتكار  بالإضافة إلى الاستراتيجية المؤسسية  ،  كما وتأخذ بعين الاعتبار أيضاً نتائج استطلاع الرأي عبر الانترنت لفرق إدارة الخزينة في المنطقة.

وفي تعليقه على الفوز بهذه الجوائز، قال السيد نعمة صباغ، المدير العام التنفيذي للبنك العربي: "يتمتع البنك العربي بشبكة فروع تضم أكثر  من 600 فرع منتشرة في 30 دولة، الأمر الذي يضع البنك في موقع ريادي على صعيد  تقديم الخدمات المصرفية عبر الدول والمناطق مما يتيح لعملائنا في قطاع  الشركات الاستفادة من شبكة فروعنا الواسعة لتلبية احتياجات أعمالهم المتنامية." وأضاف السيد صباغ: "تؤكد هذه الجائزة على التزام البنك بتقديم أعلى معايير الخدمات المصرفية للشركات في المنطقة."

بدورها  قالت الآنسة ناديا التلهوني, نائب رئيس أول – مديرة إدارة النقد والتمويل التجاري في البنك العربي: " تشمل خدمات إدارة النقد من البنك العربي مجموعة واسعة من المنتجات التي تمكن عملاءنا في قطاع الشركات من إدارة احتياجاتهم المالية بصورة أكثر فعالية كإدارة السيولة والمدفوعات. حيث يولي البنك تركيزاً كبيراً على مجال خدمات حلول إدارة النقد من أجل المساهمة بتقدم ونمو وازدهار أعمال عملائنا." واختتمت الآنسة التلهوني بالقول: " كما ويعزز حصولنا على جائزة خدمات العملات الأجنبية من مكانة البنك في مجال خدمات إدارة النقد، والتي صممت خصيصاً كي تلائم  احتياجات كل عميل بهدف تمكين عملائنا من إدارة أعمالهم بفاعلية".    

هذا وقد تلقى البنك العربي العديد من الجوائز الأخرى خلال العام، من بينها أفضل بنك لتمويل المشاريع و البنى التحتية في منطقة الشرق الأوسط من المجلة العالمية غلوبال فاينانس (Global Finance)، كما و حصل البنك  على لقب أفضل بنك و لقب أفضل بنك استثماري في الأردن للسنة الرابعة على التوالي من مجلة EMEA المالية.

Al Hilal Bank, Burjeel Hospital offer free screening as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in Abu Dhabi

Breast cancer accounts for 28 per cent of female deaths in the UAE

October 24, 2012

Al Hilal Bank, in collaboration with the Burjeel Hospital, has launched a “Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign” that will deploy a mobile mammography unit in different parts of Abu Dhabi to provide free check up for ladies from October 24 to 28, 2012. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer ailment in the UAE, accounting for 28 per cent of female deaths in the country, according to statistics from the Abu Dhabi Health Authority.

The campaign, which is being organized as part of Al Hilal Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, underlines the company’s continuing thrust to support various initiatives that benefit its clients and the greater society. The mobile mammography unit to be used in the campaign is owned and operated by Burjeel Hospital. More than 3,300 screenings have already been conducted in the unit since it was inaugurated in 2010.

“Al Hilal Bank is fully committed to support civic-oriented initiatives and find suitable solutions to the most pressing challenges in the communities we serve. Our sponsorship of the mobile mammography unit for the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign reflects this genuine concern given that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UAE. Moreover, it helps establish the true character of Al Hilal Bank as a value-driven institution that cares for its customers and the community. We are therefore excited with this new project as we look forward to generating greater awareness about preventive measures against breast cancer and ultimately helping save more lives,” said AVP, Public Relation & Corporate Communication, Al Hilal Bank.


Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Managing Director, Burjeel Hospital, said: “It has been our strategy to partner with reputable organizations to create greater impact and reach out to more people with the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. We are therefore pleased that Al Hilal Bank has shown strong interest in this project and has agreed to be its sponsor. The participation and contributions of our strategic partners such as Al Hilal Bank will be crucial in the success of this campaign.”

Although breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UAE, there is a high chance of survival if it is diagnosed early. However, around 80 per cent of cases in the Middle East are diagnosed during the advanced stages of the cancer when odds of survival are no longer as high. The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign aims to generate awareness about the importance of regular breast screening as a key preventive measure against breast cancer.

Al Hilal Bank (www.alhilalbank.ae) is owned in full by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, which is the investment authority of the Government of Abu Dhabi. It has 22 branches strategically located across the United Arab Emirates as well as 3 other branches in major cities of Kazakhstan.

Burjeel Hospital is Abu Dhabi’s premier private healthcare facility providing world-class, specialized and superior healthcare complemented by a warm and personalized human touch to the growing population of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The hospital opened for patients in April 2012 as a Tertiary hospital under the auspices of the Health Authority for Abu Dhabi.

Globe Express Services (Overseas Group) joins key personalities in the region to discuss ‘excellence in logistics operations’

October 23, 2012

Globe Express Services (Overseas Group), one of the world’s top 100 global logistics providers, has announced that it will share best practices and key industry insights during a panel discussion on “Achieving Excellence in Logistics Operations”, which will be held on October 23 at Grosvenor House, Dubai. Mustapha Kawam, Managing Director of Globe Express Services (Overseas Group), will serve as one of the speakers of the panel discussion, which will be hosted by Oscar Wendel of Logistics ME magazine and will be attended by key personalities in the regional industry to discuss strategies to increase productivity and efficiency in the supply chain.


Mustapha Kawam said: “Globe Express Services is strongly committed to support the continued growth and development of the region’s logistics industry. In this regard, we have made substantial investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure, best practices and the most competent logistics professionals to maintain the highest level of excellence in our core services. The upcoming panel discussion serves as an excellent venue to share our experiences and offer insights on various ways to overcome emerging challenges and take advantage of exciting opportunities to increase efficiency and productivity, and ultimately boost profitability in the logistics industry.”

ICSC and MECSC to Host RECon MENA 2012

NEW YORK, October 23, 2012 –Commercial development is on the rise in the Middle East and North African region, these once untapped markets are now booming and retailers are not hesitating to expand their brand’s reach into this region. RECon MENA, the only conference developed by shopping center professionals for shopping center professionals, will once again be held by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Middle East Council of Shopping Centers (MECSC). This power packed conference will take place November 11-13, 2012 at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [Editor’s note: please visit the RECon MENA website for full conference details.]



A series of pre-conference workshops will kick-off this event, attendees will be able to select from three different topics. The first workshop, “Negotiating Techniques for Shopping Centre Professionals,” will be led by John-David W. Franklin, SCLS, senior vice president, director of client relationship management, Madison Marquette Retail Group. The second workshop will feature ideas surrounding the theme, “Social Media Boot Camp: Effective Digital and Social Networking Strategies,” presented by professor Dr. Filipa Fernandes, head of strategy, research and innovation, SES Spar European Shopping Centres. Nathalie Kleinschmit, founder, Globe Ease will lead the third workshop, “Customer Care: From Promise to Practice.”



A series of educational events, panel discussions, and concurrent sessions will take place throughout the duration of the conference. These sessions are held by key industry leaders who are considered experts in their fields. Events are aimed to foster the sharing of experiences, provide an opportunity to analyse current trends, and provide time for networking.



A Retailers Runway will showcase the business models of international retailers who will share their potential expansion plans. Company’s who will present include; Chessecake Factory, Neck & Neck, Pandora, and Superdry. A sneak preview of up and coming new brands will be provided by; M.H. Alshaya Co., LLC., Garretts, Pei Wei, IHOP, and Meatballs.



An informative session, “Showcase: Future Retail Projects in the MENA Region” will provide an overview of upcoming developments. This session will be led by Shane Eldstrom, CSM, CLS, director of real estate and development, Retail Arabia International.



Be inspired after listening to representatives from home grown regional brands that were able to turn their retail concept into a success. The following professionals will share their experiences; Muwaffaq M. Jamal, CEO, Azizia Panda United; Eng. Rami Abu Ghazaleh, CEO, Al Baik Food Systems; Hosam A. Alqurashi, senior director of marketing and external affairs, Alnahdi Medical Company; and Fadi Malas, CEO, Just Falafel.



On November 12th, the MENA Shopping Centre Awards Ceremony and Gala will take place. This event will honor the premier examples of shopping centres in the categories of marketing, design and development, and retail store design. Shopping centre owners, developers, management companies, architects, designers, and retailers will be honored at this awards ceremony.



Registration fees for RECon MENA are $799 USD (2,935 AED) for MECSC/ICSC members, and $1,199 USD (4,400 AED) for non-members. To register, contact ICSC’s Members Services Department at 646-728-3800, or register online.

EastNets to discuss mechanisms for better ‘False Positive’ rates at SIBOS 2012

October 23, 2012

EastNets, a leading provider of global compliance and payment solutions and services, will discuss how to achieve better ‘False Positive’ detection rates in the course of preventing financial fraud at SIBOS 2012, the upcoming latest edition of the world’s premier financial services event.

Financial institutions use various detection strategies to identify suspicious transactions as they ramp up efforts to comply with a host of regulatory requirements. Unfortunately, aggressive anti-money laundering (AML) schemes can also lead to unacceptably high levels of False Positives –the incorrect identification of legitimate transactions as threats.


EastNets will discuss how financial institutions can optimize the use of available False Positive Reduction mechanisms and regularly tune their AML systems during a special Open Theatre presentation titled ‘False Positive Reduction Mechanisms: Put an end to the Nightmare.’ Nasser J. Sweileh, Senior Product Manager - Compliance at EastNets, will deliver the presentation during SIBOS 2012’ opening day.


“In line with the SIBOS theme, EastNets will show how more efficient financial solutions can help expedite the recovery of mature economies and sustain growth in emerging markets. Sure, given today’s stringent regulatory environments financial institutions need to ensure that their systems can easily detect dubious activity. However, this should not be achieved at the cost of excessively disrupting operational flow. By adopting effective False Positive Reduction mechanisms and regularly enhancing their AML systems, institutions can achieve acceptable rates of False Positives as they comply with risk regulations,” said Hazem Mulhim, CEO, EastNets.


SIBOS, the annual banking and financial conference held by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), will run from October 29 to November 1, 2012 at the Intex Centre in Osaka, Japan this year. EastNets will be conducting demonstrations at Booth No. 3B20 of the venue. More information is available at http://www.sibos.com.

UAE logistics market to exceed USD 10 billion in 2015, sustaining 8 per cent CAGR from 2009

Barloworld Logistics’ capabilities leveraged by clients to align supply chain strategy with business goals for competitive advantage

UAE imports from 2007 to 2011 register 12 per cent CAGR, while exports grow by 33 per cent

October 22, 2012


Barloworld Logistics, a leading provider of logistics and supply chain management solutions, recently revealed that it is considering several small acquisitions to further strengthen its expertise and provide clients with smart supply chain solutions. This, as the company’s capabilities are being leveraged by clients to align their supply chain strategy with their business goals to achieve a competitive advantage. Barloworld Logistics further revealed that the GCC region will remain central to its growth initiatives, particularly the UAE’s logistics market, which is expected to sustain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 per cent to reach USD 10.06 billion by 2015 from just USD 6.35 billion in 2009, according to a Frost & Sullivan report.


Barloworld Logistics stressed that rapid market growth and large-scale investments in the UAE’s logistics sector as well as in other GCC states underline the important role of this key industry in realizing the economic diversification program being adopted by different countries in the region. Barloworld Logistics currently offers the full breadth of logistics services and specialized competencies, delivering strategic support to clients in the UAE and across the GCC.


Frank Courtney, Barloworld Logistics Chief Executive for EMEA region, said: “Supply chain management plays a crucial role in the sustained economic growth of the UAE, as an increasing number of investors are taking advantage of the country’s advanced logistics infrastructure and strategic location. Key international players are therefore keenly monitoring the UAE’s capability to handle future demand and ultimately ensure the safe and efficient flow of goods in and out of the country. We are also witnessing similar developments happening in other GCC countries, which are likewise taking advantage of the region’s strategic location to serve as a major logistics hub. In this regard, Barloworld Logistics is strongly positioned to support the continuing drive to bolster the status of the UAE and the rest of the GCC to serve key players in the global logistics industry, capitalizing on our experience and expanding international presence in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Far East.”


The UAE has consistently maintained its status as a key logistics hub in the GCC with the country’s growing import and export volumes. From 2007 to 2011, imports in the UAE sustained a CAGR of 12 per cent, while the export market grew by 33 per cent, or twice the rate of imports, according to Dun & Bradsheet. The re-export market also expanded by 13 per cent during the same period, underlining the critical importance of the country as a strategic trade link to markets in the GCC, Indian Subcontinent, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and African countries.


“The supply chain and logistics sector now accounts for a significant percentage of the UAE’s GDP, which is a strong indication of the possibilities and long-term growth opportunities emerging in this sector. Barloworld Logistics’ strategic investments in recent years have certainly given us a strong head start as we enter a new era of growth and development in the supply chain and logistics sector,” added Courtney.

AESG First Company in Middle East to Provide Consultancy for New ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard in Partnership with Vincotte

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates- 22 October 2012- AESG, a leading energy and sustainability consultancy in the Middle East, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Vincotte, a global leader in management systems, to jointly provide consultancy and implementation services for the new ISO 50001 Standard for Energy Management. The partnership enables the companies to be among the first in the region to offer services for the new ISO standards, with clients benefiting from the combined expertise in both the technical and management systems aspects of energy management.


AESG has seen an increasing environmental awareness in the Middle East and believes the ISO standard will greatly help organizations achieve their sustainability goals. “The ISO 50001 Standard is something we truly believe in, since at its core it is a robust tool for managing energy costs. It provides direct and tangible benefits to companies trying to reduce operational expenses,” said Saeed Alabbar, Director at AESG.


“The partnership between AESG and Vincotte was an easy decision for both firms as our organizations are very much aligned in their philosophies of delivering exceptional quality to the Clients. We look forward to working together, not only to assist our clients in reducing their energy bills, but also to bring down the carbon footprint of the region.”


ISO 50001 is based on the ISO management system model and is compatible with the ISO 9001 Standard for Quality Management and ISO 14001 Standard for Environmental Management, both of which are already widely followed in the Middle East. It provides a ‘Plan-Do-Check-Act’ process framework for organizations of all types, be it public sector, governmental, large enterprises, or SME businesses across all industry verticals, to drive down energy consumption and subsequently lower costs. Through adoption of the standard, organizations can stand to significantly reduce their energy consumption.


“Vincotte has long been providing organizations across the globe with the assistance they require to achieve industry standards such as those specified by ISO. The key to our success in the Middle East has been our technical expertise and emphasis on quality of service. AESG has built a name for itself on these same values and we believe that this partnership will help us provide the greatest benefit to our clients,” said Wael Kamal, General Manager of Vincotte International Middle East.

AMAN Insurance holds successful ‘Wellness Day’ for its employees

CSR event held in cooperation with Amity Health

October 22, 2012


Dubai Islamic Insurance and Reinsurance Company (AMAN), a major Islamic Insurance provider in the UAE, organized a wellness day for their employees yesterday (October 21, 2012) at the company’s premises. The event was held in cooperation with Amity Health, a new generation third party administrator offering integrated risk management and administration. AMAN employees were able to avail free medical screenings like eye tests and dental check ups and were also able to obtain discounted rates on spa and wellness treatments. Partners for the event included Al Garhoud Private Hospital, Al Jaber Optical, Dr. Nicholas and Partners and the Balance Spa and Café.


“We are very pleased with the successful turnout of this special Wellness Day,” said Hussein Al Meeza, CEO and Managing Director, AMAN Insurance. “At AMAN, we strongly value and appreciate the commitment and dedication exerted by our employees and events like this is our way of saying thank you to them. We would like to thank our partners like Amity Health, the medical specialists that came and also to our employees, who are the key drivers to AMAN’s continued success.”


“We are very happy to have been a part of this important event for AMAN Insurance. The company’s move to watch and care for the welfare of its employees, particularly concerning their health, is truly commendable. True enough, both Amity and AMAN share the common vision of providing ‘more care and less risk.’ We thank AMAN for making us a part of this truly noteworthy endeavour,” concluded Mike Collier, CEO, Amity Health.