Canadian Business Council of Dubai, UAE

</head> <body bgcolor="#cee0e9" text="#000000" link="#000000" vlink="#444444"> <div id="Layer0" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:0px; width:100%; height:99%"> <table width=100% height=100% cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0><tr valign=middle><td align=center><b><a href="./cbd_articleall.php?groupid=4&deptid=5">About the Candian Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates</b></a><br><br><b>Introduction</b><br><p>The Canadian Business Council endeavours to foster communication and networking between Canadian and other business people in the region, and to build awareness amongst the regions' business community of the contribution that Canadians and Canadian goods, services and technologies have made in the development of the UAE. <br /><br />The Council provides an excellent forum for assisting its members to increase their visibility and to develop more effective business relationships within the community. The Council reaches these goals by organizing informative monthly events in Dubai, by publishing a quarterly newsletter, maintaining a website and by the publication and distribution within Dubai, the U.A.E. and elsewhere, of an annual Membership Directory. Membership is open to individuals and companies who are Canadian, or do business with Canada, or who have demonstrated an affinity towards Canada.<br /><br />The Canadian Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates (CBC) was established on March 31, 1993 as a non-profit organization. <br /><br /><u>The objectives of the CBC are:</u> </p> <ol> <li>To provide a forum for members in the UAE to meet regularly and exchange information<br /><br /></li> <li>To provide a bridge between Canadian companies and organizations dedicated to the development of trade between Canada and the Middle East<br /><br /></li> <li>To continue to build on the excellent relationship Canada enjoys with the UAE<br /><br /></li> <li>To assist Canadian companies and business people considering doing business in the UAE<br /><br /></li> <li>To increase our member's network by interacting with other business council and with the national business community in the UAE </li> </ol> <p> </p><br><b>Chairman's Message</b><br><p><img alt="Ahmed Shehada" hspace="10" src="http://www.cbcdubai.com/images/NWSI_11974942441.jpg" align="right" border="0" />The Canadian Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates (CBC) is pleased to present the 2008/2009 Membership Directory.   The Directory provides a forum for members to showcase their services, products, strengths and skills that reflect the value and impact Canadian businesses have in this dynamic business environment.  I am honored to again be serving as Chairman for 2008/2009 term and look forward to working with the new Executive Committee.  The CBC is again fortunate to have serving on the Executive Committee a group of committed and dedicated individuals who come from diverse professional backgrounds which will ultimately benefit the CBC through their experience, enthusiasm and creativity.  I would also like to commend the outgoing Executive Committee for their hard work and contributions over the past year and thank them for a very successful year.  As well, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and professionalism demonstrated by the office staff which also greatly contributed to the success of the CBC.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0mm 0mm 10pt">The 2007/2008 membership year was tremendously successful and the Executive Committee, office personnel and I look forward to building on these achievements.  This past year saw the launching of a new interactive CBC web site which provides members easier access to change and modify their own information, as well as, providing more content about the CBC.   One of the priorities of the Executive Committee this past year was to increase the number of members; as a result the CBC welcomed 60 new members, bringing the total membership to 350 members.   Another priority was to provide the membership with the opportunity to attend interesting and relevant networking events and receptions.  The CBC was fortunate this year that many of these events were complimentary for the members.   The Executive Committee was also very pleased to introduce a new CBC Constitution reflecting the growth of the CBC since its inception and the realities of today’s business environment in the UAE.  This new constitution was presented to the membership and adopted in March 2008.  Finally, there were significant changes and improvements implemented in the CBC office.  The Executive Director’s position has now been classified as a full time position from its previous part-time status.  This reflects the demands placed on the position due to the growth of the CBC.  In addition, best practices and procedures have been introduced in the office in keeping with UAE labor laws and regulations.  </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0mm 0mm 10pt">Of course it is you, our membership, that make the CBC successful year after year.  You are the greatest resource for providing the comments and suggestions needed to improve the CBC.   Again this past year, the Executive Committee conducted a member’s survey to obtain your feedback.   The results from this survey will help to guide us in the coming year.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0mm 0mm 10pt">This year the Executive Committee and I are committed to focusing on developing policies and programs to provide more value to the membership.  We will continue to work closely with our sponsors and build on these relationships for the benefit of all parties.  We have listened to your comments and plan to have events that are more industry specific and try to obtain engaging and informative high profile speakers at these functions.  The Committee would also like to reach out to the other Emirates in the CBC and pursue opportunities to have trade missions to the other Emirates.  </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0mm 0mm 10pt">Of course one of the strongest and enduring relationships that the Canadian Business Council has is with the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Canadian Consulate of Dubai.   We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from Ambassador Sara Hradecky, Mr. John Burbridge, Head of the Canadian Consulate of Dubai and their staff.  This past year we co-hosted numerous events with both the Embassy and Consulate.  We had the privilege of having Cabinet Ministers from both Federal and Provincial levels of government in Canada attend and speak at these events and were pleased to have the CBC recognized for its role in promoting Canadian business in this region.  We will again be work closely with Embassy and Consulate officials and staff to promote Canadian business interest in the UAE and hope to be involved in any trade missions from Canada.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0mm 0mm 10pt">I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all continued success in your business endeavors.  I look forward to seeing our returning members over the course of the year and welcoming our new members at upcoming events.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0mm 0mm 10pt">Sincerely, </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0mm 0mm 10pt">Ahmed Shehada</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0mm 0mm 10pt">Chairman </p> <p> </p><br><br><a href="./cbd_articleall.php?groupid=5&deptid=5">Whats New at CBC</a><br><br><br><a href="./cbd_newsall.php?groupid=1&deptid=2">Latest News and Announcements from CBC</a><br><br><b>CBC Membership Survey Summary</b><br>The Canadian Business Council recently conducted an online Membership Survey on services provided by the CBC. The purpose of the survey was to assess the performance of the EC and the CBC for the 2007/2008 year. The survey was sent out on April 24th and nearly 20% of the membership responded. The information gathered from this survey has proven to be invaluable and the CBC looks forward to improving our services based on the feedback received. <br /><br />Please find below a summary of the results of the survey. For a more comprehensive summary, please download the attached pdf file for more information. <br /><br />Summary of results of the survey:<br />1. Majority of respondents attended 1-3 events in the past year,<br />2. The survey indicated that the majority of respondents felt it was important to have topics relevant to their business, to have local government speakers attend as well as speakers from areas of business that members would like to engage in.<br />3. Overall the survey indicated that Members were satisfied to very satisfied with the communication between the CBC and the membership. Nearly 99% indicated that they prefer e-mail communications from the office and 92.8% stated that they would recommend the CBC to someone.<br />4. It was reported that a slim majority voted in favor of a cancellation policy for events when members have indicated they will attend and then do not show up for the event. This policy will ensure that the CBC does not incur any expenses due to “no shows”.<br><b>15th Annual General Meeting Report</b><br><p>Dear CBC Members, <br /><br />Following the successful 2007-2008 Membership year, the CBC would like to <br />announce the results of the 15th Annual General Meeting which was held on <br />May 28, 2008 at the Novotel Hotel World Trade Center Dubai. <br /><br />The new Executive Committee Members and their Portfolios are as follows: <br /><br />Ahmed Shehada - Chairman <br />Marie-Josee Primeau - Vice Chairman <br />Mariam Hasan - Finance Director<br />Marc-Antoine Zora - Legal Affairs Director & Secretary <br />Jamil Janjua - Membership Director<br />Michel Hasoun - Events & Programs Director<br />Eric Koeman - Public Relations Director<br /><br />During the AGM, Ashok Kapur & Associates was appointed honorary auditor <br />of the CBC for the ensuing financial year. <br /><br />In addition, the following proposed amendments were passed: <br /><br />1. The amendment of paragraph 4.2.2 shall be completely removed from the <br />Constitution and replaced with the following:<br />“The Executive Committee may, in its sole discretion and upon the <br />approval of two-thirds of its members, accept applications for <br />nomination from individuals or companies who have certain close <br />connections with Canada and who have demonstrated affinity towards Canada”.<br /><br />2. The deletion of paragraph 4.2.4 of the Constitution.<br />“Associate Members shall be liable for the same fees as Full Members. “<br /><br />3. The deletion of paragraph 4.4.3 of the Constitution. <br /><br />“Offshore Members shall be liable for the same fees as Full Members.” <br /><br />4. The amendment of paragraph 5.5.2 of the Constitution shall be completely <br />removed from the Constitution and replaced with the following:<br />“The quorum for all meetings of the members of the Executive Committee <br />shall be a simple majority and all actions shall be taken by a simple <br />majority of those present at such meeting. In the event that a quorum <br />of members of the Executive Committee are deadlocked, the Chairman <br />(or in his or her absence, the Vice-Chair) shall have a casting vote.”<br /><br />The quorum, as per the constitution requires 25% of paid up members voting in <br />person or by proxy, was met. </p><br><b>Nominations for the new Executive Committee Deadline May 14, 2008</b><br><strong>Canadian Business Council</strong><br /><br />Join the Executive Committee for the 2008/09 membership year and make a difference!!<br /><br />We encourage members of the Canadian Business Council Dubai and the Northern Emirates to come forward and join the slate of prospective Executive Committee Members for 2008/09 membership year. The slate will be circulated to the general membership on Wednesday May 14th and the new Executive Committee will be elected and presented at the Annual General Meeting to be held at the Novotel, Zabeel Road, Dubai on Wednesday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m. <br /><br />If you are interested in nominating yourself or another member please remember: <br /><br />· All nominations must be received in writing by the Executive Committee at the CBC office no later than noon on <strong><u>Wednesday, May 14th, 2008</u></strong>;<br /><br />· Every nomination is to be supported in writing by at least two members of the CBC (excluding the member seeking election); <br /><br />· The two supporting members must have paid their membership in full; and<br /><br />· Each member nominated must have paid their membership in full.<br /><br />Please forward your nominations to the CBC office via email at cbc@cbc-dubai.com or by fax at 04 359 1026.<br /><br />We need your input to ensure that the CBC continues to grow:<br /><br />Given below are the 7 position available on the EC along with a short job description for each role<br /><br /><u>Duties of Executive Committee members</u><br /><br />The duties of the officers of the Executive Committee shall be as follows:<br /><br /><strong>The Chairman</strong> shall exercise general supervision over the affairs of the CBC and shall represent the CBC in all external relations. The Chairman shall preside over all meetings of the CBC and the Executive Committee and shall be responsible for implementing the decisions of the Executive Committee.<br /><br /><strong>The Vice Chairman</strong> shall perform the duties and responsibilities assigned by the Chairman, and shall preside over meetings in the absence of the Chairman.<br /><br /><strong>The Finance Director and Treasurer</strong> shall be responsible for all financial receipts, disbursements, accounts, financial records and reports, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.<br /><br /><strong>The Legal Affairs Director and Secretary</strong> shall be responsible for all documents and records of the CBC and all matters of a legal nature, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.<br /><br /><strong>The Membership Director</strong> shall be responsible for membership development and membership services, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.<br /><br /><strong>The Events and Program Director</strong> shall be responsible for the programs of meetings and events of the CBC, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.<br /><br /><strong>The Public Relations Director</strong> shall responsible for liaising with all forms of media and with like-minded business and community organisations. The Public Relations Director shall also be responsible for the CBC website and any internal or external publications of the CBC, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.<br /><br />Canadian Business Council <br />Dubai & the Northern Emirates<br />P.O. Box 52472<br />Dubai, U.A.E.<br />Tel: +971-4-359-2625<br />Fax:+971-4-359-1026<br />director@cbc-dubai.com<br />www.cbc-dubai.com<br><br><a href="./cbd_mship.php">Membership and how to Join CBC</a><br><br><b>Membership Criterion & Fees</b><br><p>The Canadian Business Council endeavors to foster communication and networking between Canadian and other business people in the region, and to build awareness amongst the regions' business community of the contribution that Canadians and Canadian goods, services and technologies have made in the development of the U.A.E. </p> <p>The Council provides an excellent forum for helping its members to increase their visibility and to develop more effective business relationships within the community. </p> <p>The Council reaches these goals by organizing informative monthly events in Dubai, U.A.E., by publishing a quarterly newsletter, maintaining a website and by the publication and distribution within Dubai, the U.A.E, and elsewhere, of an annual Membership Directory. </p> <p>Membership is open to individuals and companies who are Canadian, or do business with Canada, or who have demonstrated an affinity towards Canada. </p> <p><strong>Membership Types & Fees</strong></p> <p>Individual : Dhs 1,250 per year</p> <p>Corporate : Dhs 2,250 per year (<em>includes 2 members additional members Dhs 500 each</em>)</p> <p>Fees are non-transferable and payable annually in advance</p><br><br>Membership Benefits<br><br><b>Member Benefits</b><br><p><strong>Sentinel Business Center Member Discounts</strong></p> <p>The Canadian Business Council in association with Sentinel Business Center is offering new benefits to CBC members. Upon presentation of your CBC membership card, members of the CBC will receive 10% discount off all virtual office services. In addition, off-shore members will be entitled to a 50% discount on meeting rooms.</p> <p>Sentinel Business Center is location on 1 Sheikh Zayed Road at the Trade Center roundabout.</p> <p>For more information on the Sentinel Business Center, please visit</p> <p><a href="http://www.sentinelbusinesscentres.com/">www.sentinelbusinesscentres.com</a> </p><strong> <p>If you company would like to participate in our Benefits Program by offering discounts on particular products or services, use the Contact tab above to get in touch with us now.</p></strong><br><br><a href="./cbd_eventshdl.php">Upcoming Events</a><br><br><br><br><a href="./cbd_noticehdl.php?groupid=7&deptid=4">The CBC Noticeboard</a><br></td></tr></table> </div>