Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts
ทำอย่างไร...เมื่อชีวิตติดหรู
เรื่อง โดย : Veerin.
ทุกอย่างตั้งแต่หัวจรดเท้าต้องมียี่ห้อ ต้องแพง ต้องไฮโซ รวมไปถึงพรอพประจำกายทุกสิ่งอย่างจะต้องขั้น Luxury เท่านั้น ของแบกะดินอย่าได้ชำเลืองตามอง ร้านอาหารที่เข้าต้องเป็นร้านระดับ 5 ดาว เพื่อนชวนไปเดินตลาดนัดข้างทางก็ไม่ได้ ต้องห้างสรรพสินค้าเริ่มหรูตล๊อดดด... ทำตัวแบบนี้ถ้าไม่รวยจริงอย่าคิดทำเลยค่ะ เพราะนอกจากคุณจะต้องเป็นหนี้สินบัตรเครดิตจากแหล่งเงินทุนต่าง ๆ แล้วบางทีคนรอบข้างของคุณอาจจะรู้สึกว่าคุณสูงส่งเกินไปจนไม่กล้าเข้าหาเลยก็เป็นได้ ลองมาดูวิธีขจัดความเวอร์ในตัวออกไปกันหน่อยซิว่าควรทำยังไงบ้าง...
หัดรู้จัก Mix & Match
คนจะดูดีได้ไม่ได้หมายความว่าต้องมีตังค์อย่างเดียวนะคะ ของแบรนด์เนมก็ไม่ใช่ว่าจะดูดีตลอด บางทีมัวแต่คิดว่าของแพงต้องสวยหรูดูงาม พอจับมาประดับบนร่างกาย ส่องกระจกอีกที อ้าว! ลิเกหลงโรงแต่งเต็มเกิ๊นนน... หัดเอาเสื้อผ้าตัวเดิมที่แขวนตายอยู่ในตู้เสื้อผ้ามา Mix & Match กับเสื้อผ้าตัวใหม่ หรือหยิบเอาเครื่องประดับที่อาจจะไม่ได้ใส่นานแล้วมาปัดฝุ่น แล้วลองสวมใส่คู่กับชุดโปรดก็ฟังดูเข้าท่าไม่เบา ได้เซฟเงินในกระเป่า แถมยังได้โชว์ไอเดียเก๋ ๆ ของตัวเองอีกด้วย เริ่ดจะตาย อ้อ! คนเราต้องมีรสนิยมด้วยนะคะ ไม่ใช่มีตังค์อย่างเดียว
ตลาดนัดก็มีดี
คุณอาจเคยคิดแต่ว่าตลาดนัดมันจะต้องน้ำเฉอะแฉะ มีกลิ่นเหม็น ขายแต่ของกิน ของใช้ในบ้าน! อยากตะโกนใส่หน้าคนที่คิดแบบนี้ดัง ๆ ว่า "โคตรเชย!" เดี๋ยวนี้ตลาดนัดเขาขายของหลากหลาย เสื้อผ้าเครื่องประดับเก๋ไก๋ ราคาไม่รุนแรงมากนัก แถมยังมีให้เลือกมากมายหลายแบบ ราคาก็แล้วแต่จะตกลงกับแม่ค้า หากโชคดีคุณอาจได้เจอสิ่งของที่คุณเคยเล็งไว้ในห้างมาวางขายที่ร้านใดร้านนึงในตลาดนัด หากคุณเคยแต่ลากส้นสูงเดินต้อก ๆ แต้ก ๆ ในห้างแอร์เย็น ๆ ลองสลัดคราบคุณนายแล้วมาลุยตลาดนัดซักวัน ละจะติดใจ คุณจะได้ของดีและถูกเยอะแยะเลยเชื่อดิ หากเริ่มไม่ถูกไม่รู้ว่าจะไปตลาดนัดไหนก่อนดี... แนะนำตลาดแรกที่ควรไปเดินเลยค่ะ... ตลาดนัดจตุจักร! Go Go…
รู้คุณค่าของสินค้าราคาแพง
ในที่จะกล่าวต่อไปนี้คือ... หากมีสิ่งของที่ใช้อยู่แล้วราคาหลายบาทก็ควรหัดใช้ให้มันนาน ๆ หน่อย ไม่ใช่พอมี Collection ใหม่ออกมา ของเก่า ๆ ก็ตกกระป๋องเข้าไปอยู่ในตู้เก็บของเสียแล้ว หากคุณมีรายได้เดืนอนึงหลาย ๆ แสน ดิฉันก็คงไม่ไปก้าวก่ายชีวิตการช็อปปิ้งของคุณ แต่หากคุณยังไม่ได้มีเงินจับจ่ายใช้สอยเยอะขนาดนั้น ก็ควรรู้คุณค่าของสินค้าว่ามันมีมูลค่ามากขนาดไหน ซื้อมาตั้งหลายบาท ใส่ไปครั้งเดียวเบื่อซะแล้ว เงินตราไม่ใช่เสกมาได้นะจ๊ะ คิดก่อนซื้อพอซื้อมาก็ใช้ไปให้คุ้ม OK?
คิดการใหญ่
หากรู้ตัวว่าเป็นคนติดหรู ทุกอย่างต้องอลังการงานสร้าง มีเงินเท่าไหร่ก็ทุ่มไปกับของไร้สาระเกือบทั้งนั้น.. ไหน ๆ ก็ติดหรูแล้วใช่มะ ก็เอาให้สุดเหวี่ยงไปเลย แต่ไม่ใช่การซื้อพวกเสื้อผ้า กระเป๋า รองเท้านะจ๊ะ จัดเต็มไปเลยกับอสังหาริมทรัพย์ บ้าน/คอนโด/ตึกแถว/อาคารพาณิชย์ ฯลฯ ของพวกนี้คุณได้มาครอบครองแล้วมันจะเพิ่มมูลค่าให้กับคุณเอง เป็นการลงทุนที่คุ้มสุด ๆ เป็นหนี้ก้อนใหญ่ไปเลย จะได้เอาเงินไปไร้สาระได้น้อยลง คราวนี้ล่ะหรูของจริง มีของสะสมเป็นอสังหาริมทรัพย์ โอ้ว...หึ ๆ
อย่าพยายามทำบัตรเครดิต
นรกของคน (อยาก) หรู! เพียงแค่เงินใช้น่ะ ก็คงพอจะมี แต่ความอยากบางทีทำให้เราเพลิดเพลินลืมตัวไปกับการใช้เงินของตัวเองได้ ยิ่งมีบัตรเครดิตหลายใบยิ่งรูดสบายมือ เอาใบนี้มาโปะใบนั้น เอ้า! ใบนั้นตัดยอดพอดี รูดใหม่ เอ่อ... สินค้าตัวนี้มันผ่อนได้ 0% นี่หว่า จัดไปซักหน่อย...ทบไปทับมา รู้ตัวอีกทีเป็นหนี้หลายแสน คราวนี้จะมานั่งน้ำตาตกในไม่ได้นะจ๊ะ
ทำรายรับ-รายจ่าย
ข้อนี้ Basic มาก ง่ายมาก แต่คนทำได้น้อยเหลือเกิน การทำรายรับ-รายจ่ายแบบรายวัน จะทำให้รู้ว่าในวันหนึ่งเราหมดเงินไปกับอะไรบ้าง และในเดือนหนึ่ง รายรับ-รายจ่ายของเราสมดุลกันรึเปล่า เราซื้อของฟุ่มเฟือยในแต่ละเดือนเท่าไหร่ และในแต่ละเดือน เรามีเงินเก็บเท่าไหร่ ไม่ได้แข่งนะคะคุณผู้อ่าน แต่จะบอกว่าบางทีไม่เห็นโลงศพไม่หลั่งน้ำตา เอาแต่ซื้อของฟุ่มเฟือย เงินไม่มีเหลือเก็บ แต่หากวันนึงตัวเราเอง หรือคนที่เรารักเกิดเจ็บป่วยขึ้นมาจะทำอย่างไร ? จะเอาเงินที่ไนหมาใช้จ่ายรักษาพยาบาล เราควรจะมีเงินเก็บไว้ส่วนหนึ่งเพื่อการดูแลตัวเองด้วยค่ะ ชีวิตของคนมีค่ามากกว่ากระเป๋าหนึ่งใบนะคะ
Saudi business mood remains strong Local firms expect higher oil prices in Q2 while business expansion plans slip
Saudi Arabia’s companies remain optimistic about business in the second quarter as most of them expect oil prices to climb further on Iran tensions despite a slight decline in business expansion plans.
While the business optimism index (BOI) of the Gulf Kingdom’s largest bank edges down slightly in the non-oil sector, it gains three points in the hydrocarbon sector, according to the survey sent to Emirates 24/7.
The business environment in Saudi Arabia remains supportive. 33% of the respondents in the non-hydrocarbon sector have said that they do not expect any negative factors to influence their business operations in the second quarter of 2012 compared to 31% in the first quarter of 2012,” National Commercial Bank (NCB) said in its Q2 BOI survey, which is conducted in collaboration with Dun & Bradstreet, a global business information firm.
It said shortage of skilled labor is the most important concern for the respondents, with 28% citing it accordingly, while availability of finance will prove to be a worry for 14% of the respondents. Inflationary pressures will impact nine% of the businesses, it added.
The report showed business expansion plans have weakened in Q2 2012 compared to a quarter ago, with 40% of the non-hydrocarbon companies saying they would invest in business expansion in Q2 2012. It showed the number has decreased from 60% in Q1 2012.
The survey showed Saudi Arabia’s hydrocarbon sector optimism has improved in Q2 2012 with the overall BOI composite score for the sector standing 43, three points higher than the score in Q1 2012, due to higher BOI scores for all three parameters.
With respect to the Level of Selling Prices parameter, 53% of the respondents to the survey expect oil prices to rise further and 37% anticipate that prices will remain unchanged in Q2. About 10% of the respondents anticipate a drop in prices in Q2 2012.
“The majority of respondents expect prices to increase as geopolitical tensions with respect to Iran’s nuclear program continue to dominate sentiment in the crude market,” NCB said.
Turning to the non-oil sector, the survey showed Saudi business sentiments in Q2 remain steady with respect to the previous quarter.
The composite index for the non-hydrocarbon sector stands at 52 in Q2 2012, just two points lower compared to the index score in the first quarter of 2012. “The Saudi economy’s growth will continue to be driven by public sector spending and increased bank lending. One of the fastest growing sectors is expected to be construction, the main beneficiary of government spending.”
The report showed related sectors like suppliers of raw materials and services
will also gain from the high level of government spending.
It said public spending is seen as the key driver of non-oil economic growth in the current fiscal year to counteract the dampening impact of factors external to the Saudi economy such as geo-political tensions in the MENA region and the debt situation in Europe.
Recession in Europe will not only impact oil demand and oil prices, but will also hurt the Kingdom’s non-oil exports to the continent, it added.
“Growth in 2012 is expected to be lower than in 2011 due to a weaker global economy and lower oil output,” NCB said, noting that Saudi Arabia recorded a real GDP growth rate of 6.77% in 2011.
The manufacturing sector recorded one of the strongest growths among all sectors at 12.37%, followed by the construction sector at 11.62%.
“The BOI survey reveals a steady composite index, as businesses and consumers remain assured by the government’s commitment to support the economy despite a weak global environment,” it said.
“All six parameters show a sideways movement in their index values for Q2 2012, with marginal increases or decreases.”
UAE economy gains over $62bn Western report attributes rise to high oil prices and production
High oil prices and production boosted the UAE’s economy by more than $62 billion in 2011 in current prices and maintained its position as the second largest in the Middle East after Saudi Arabia, according to a Western report.
After contracting by around $44 billion in 2009 because of lower crude prices in the aftermath of the 2008 global fiscal distress, the country’s nominal GDP rebounded by about $30bn in 2011 before swelling by nearly $62.6bn in 2011, showed the report by the Institute for International Finance (IKIF).From around $300.1bn in 2010, GDP soared to $362.7bn last year and is projected to gain pace to reach £384.7bn in 2012 before rising to an all-time high of around $389.1bnin 2013, IIF said.
The report showed the surge in 2011 was a result of a sharp rise in the hydrocarbon sector to nearly $156.7bn from $102bn in 2010.
It said the sector soared after Brent crude prices climbed to their highest average of $110.9 a barrel last year from $80.2 in 2010 while the UAE’s crude output increased to 2.55m bpd from 2.39mbpd.
The Washington-based IIF said higher prices and output boosted the country’s total exports to a record high of $289.7bn in 2011 from $229.4bnin 2010. Oil and gas exports jumped to $130.7bn from 85.8bn.
Despite a surge in the country’s imports to $213bnlast year from $170bn in 2010, the current account surplus swelled to its highest level of around $37.6bn in 2011 from $18bn in 2010, the report said.
The report showed higher current account boosted the UAE’s official reserves to $36bn from $32bn and the assets of its sovereign wealth funds to an all-time high of $520bn from $462bn. It projected those assets to hit a new record of $578bn this year and $630bn in 2913.
Hormuz pipeline to export in 3 months UAE oil minister says pipeline will initially operate at 1.4mbpd
The UAE's strategic oil pipeline for bypassing the Strait of Hormuz is complete and exports are expected to start within three months, UAE Oil Minister Mohammed Al Hamli said on Thursday.
Initially operating at a rate of 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), the pipeline should offer the Gulf producer an alternative route out of the narrow strait.
The UAE has run tests on the pipeline, which has faced lengthy delays over a quality dispute with the Chinese company that built it.
"The pipeline is complete and now it's being tested," Hamli told an energy conference in Paris. He told Reuters later that exports are expected to start by August.
"It's filled with crude now and exports will start within three months," he said.
"It's important to diversify and ease the traffic in the Strait of Hormuz," said the UAE oil minister.
The pipeline links the Habshan oilfields to the port of Fujairah - an increasingly important oil storage terminal outside the Strait of Hormuz on the Gulf of Oman.
Hamli said the capacity of the line could rise to 1.8 million bpd.
The UAE is now producing about 2.6 million bpd and has a production capacity of around 2.7 million bpd.
The oil flowing through the pipe from Abu Dhabi will be mainly exported by ship but a portion will be used by a refinery at Fujairah.
Etihad cuts fares up to 25% to Europe, Asia
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has slashed airfares by up to 25 per cent for 26 markets around the globe, said a press statement on Tuesday.
The airfares are applicable on Coral Economy and Pearl Business Class bookings made between May 1 and May 4, for travel between May 1 and May 31, 2012. All travel must be completed by May 31, the airline said in a statement sent to Emirates 24|7.
The reduced fares are available for purchase in: Bahrain; Bangladesh; Belgium; Cyprus; Germany; Iraq; Ireland; Italy; Jordan; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Dammam only); Korea; Kuwait; Lebanon; Malaysia; Maldives; Morocco; Nepal; Oman; Pakistan; Qatar; South Africa; Sudan; Switzerland; Thailand; the UAE, and the United Kingdom. Applicable destinations will vary by market.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Savvy travellers understand that the period just before the summer holiday season is the perfect time to book a great value getaway. We are pleased to offer this very special, limited-time offer to our guests so that they may see the world from the comfort of our award-winning Coral Economy and Pearl Business Class, but without breaking the bank.”
Aer Lingus stake
Etihad confirmed today it had acquired a 2.987 per cent stake in Aer Lingus.
The airline said the purchase reflected its desire to forge a commercial partnership with the Irish national carrier.
Etihad Airways believes a possible partnership could produce significant commercial benefits for both airlines.
Etihad Airways operates 10 flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Dublin and has carried more than 750,000 passengers between the two capitals since it began flying the route in July, 2007.
The airline has a premium lounge at Dublin Airport, an engineering maintenance facility and has conducted recruitment drives across the country. It also recently renewed its sponsorship of the Gaelic Athletic Association, signing a five-year deal.
Etihad Airways has strategic codeshare partnerships with 34 airlines around the world.
Etihad Airways confirmed on Tuesday that it had acquired a 2.987 per cent stake in Aer Lingus. The airline said the purchase reflected its desire to forge a commercial partnership with the Irish national carrier. Etihad Airways believes a possible partnership could produce significant commercial benefits for both airlines. Etihad Airways operates 10 flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Dublin and has carried more than 750,000 passengers between the two capitals since it began flying the route in July, 2007. The airline has a premium lounge at Dublin Airport, an engineering maintenance facility and has conducted recruitment drives across the country. It also recently renewed its sponsorship of the Gaelic Athletic Association, signing a five-year deal. Etihad Airways has strategic codeshare partnerships with 34 airlines around the world. Earlier Story: Abu Dhabi-based Etihad airline has acquired a 2.987 per cent stake in Aer Lingus over the past couple of months, according to an Irish daily. Under stock market rules, Etihad is not required to disclose its shareholding until it has passed the 3 per cent threshold. “Aer Lingus last night confirmed it was in discussions with Etihad in relation to reciprocal code-sharing arrangements. The two airlines are also investigating the possibility of joint procurement opportunities,” Irishtimes.com, the online edition of Irish Times said in a news report. Nevertheless, the paper quoted Aer Lingus as saying that Etihad had given the Irish airline an undertaking that it does not intend to increase its shareholding pending the outcome of the discussions. “There is no certainty as to the outcome of these discussions,” the paper quoted Aer Lingus as saying.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi-based Lulu International Group.
Etihad Airways will be the preferred supplier of air cargo services for Lulu’s retail operations into and out of the UAE.
Under the agreement, Etihad Airways will offer the Lulu International Group and its forwarding agents a range of preferential and priority air cargo services. This includes transporting mostly fresh produce from countries such as Egypt, India, the Philippines, Thailand and the United Kingdom to and through the UAE.
Best known for the Lulu chain of supermarkets, department stores, hypermarkets and shopping malls, the Lulu International Group operates businesses all over UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, China, Kenya, Tanzania, Ivory Cost, Ghana and Benin.
Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Baumgartner, said: “We are delighted to have signed this MoU with the Lulu International Group and look forward to working together as this relationship develops.
“This deal is central to Etihad Airways’ role of facilitating trade into and out of the UAE, and will further support the commercial development of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”
Chief Executive Officer of Lulu International Group, Saifee T Rupawala, said: “We are very excited about this new agreement with Etihad Airways which will help us immensely in effectively managing our worldwide supply chain and logistics. This in turn will help us cater to the diverse needs of our large multi-ethnic consumer base with prompt service and competitive prices.”
Etihad confirms stake in Aer Lingus The two also investigating possibility of joint procurement
Etihad Airways believes a possible partnership could produce significant commercial benefits for both airlines.
Etihad Airways operates 10 flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Dublin and has carried more than 750,000 passengers between the two capitals since it began flying the route in July, 2007.
The airline has a premium lounge at Dublin Airport, an engineering maintenance facility and has conducted recruitment drives across the country. It also recently renewed its sponsorship of the Gaelic Athletic Association, signing a five-year deal.
Etihad Airways has strategic codeshare partnerships with 34 airlines around the world.
Earlier Story:
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad airline has acquired a 2.987 per cent stake in Aer Lingus over the past couple of months, according to an Irish daily.
Under stock market rules, Etihad is not required to disclose its shareholding until it has passed the 3 per cent threshold.
“Aer Lingus last night confirmed it was in discussions with Etihad in relation to reciprocal code-sharing arrangements. The two airlines are also investigating the possibility of joint procurement opportunities,” Irishtimes.com, the online edition of Irish Times said in a news report.
Nevertheless, the paper quoted Aer Lingus as saying that Etihad had given the Irish airline an undertaking that it does not intend to increase its shareholding pending the outcome of the discussions.
“There is no certainty as to the outcome of these discussions,” the paper quoted Aer Lingus as saying.
Flydubai will move to Al Maktoum Griffiths says move as budget carrier grows in size
Local budget carrier flydubai could very well be one of the first few passenger airlines to make way to the new Dubai World Central airport in Jebel Ali, as Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths revealed that discussions are ongoing for the same.
However, he added that they are also in discussion with other carriers and whichever airline is ready to move first will be welcomed as the airport readies for passenger arrivals by 2013 as the facility readies by year-end.
Speaking at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Griffiths said: “Flydubai could be an anchor airline at Dubai World Central, but it could also be another UAE airline, or one outside the country. We are talking to several other carriers and as 2013 approaches, the intensity of the conversations have increased. If an airline steps forward then we will be happy to hopefully welcome them by 2013.”
When probed further, Griffiths added: “Looking at flydubai’s current growth, it is undoubtedly the case that Terminal 2 will be unable to accommodate its operations at a later stage. Dubai International will clearly be the place for flydubai then.
“However, there won’t be a wholesale move, but a part of the operations would shift to DWC. But there is no timeframe set for that.”
He reaffirmed that Emirates is likely to relocate operations to DWC between 2025 and 2027.
Retail hub for passengers
As Dubai Airport continues with its 2020 forecast of 98.5 million passengers, based on its 15.5 per cent annual growth since 1960, the body is investing heavily in Concourses 3 and 4, along with expanding Terminal 2 to create a world class retail hub for passengers.
Concourse 3, which is being purpose-built for A380s, should be completed by year-end said Griffiths, adding that it would open by Q1 2013.
Meanwhile, Terminal 2 expansion should be take place by 2013, which would see a capacity increase from 7m passengers to 12m, while concourse 4 should be developed by 2015.
Griffiths added that by 2020, Dubai Airports should create 123,000 new jobs by 2020, employing 22 per cent of the local work force and add 32% to the emirate’s GDP.
Qatar's ‘crossed sword’ tower hotel To be operational by 2016 for Fifa World Cup
Qatar-based Katara Hospitality has unveiled plans to construct a hotel with ‘crossed sword’ shape of the towers, which gracefully intertwine, replicates the Qatar seal and, integrated with landscaped gardens, rises from a podium giving the impression that the entire architectural complex is floating on the sea.
The firm says its new project – the Lusail Marina Iconic Development – will become an iconic hospitality symbol of the 21st century, and will be ready to welcome guests for the FIFA World Cup.
Announcing their plans for the Qatar-based property at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla, CEO, Katara Hospitality said: “This stunning structure matches our aspiration for Katara Hospitality to become one of the world’s most recognised hospitality brand identities."
He added: “Naturally, the Lusail Marina Towers will be ideally located for travelling football fans, officials and professionals as the Qatar Football World Cup arrives in a decade’s time."
"And long after the dust of the world cup has settled, the property will be a perfect getaway for Middle East leisure travelers looking for luxury accommodation as Qatar’s landscape offers more for tourists every year,” remarked Al Mulla.
“With an architectural design inspired by the insignia of Qatar, the Lusail Marina Iconic Development’s spectacular architecture is set to become a leading hospitality landmark.”
The property, designed for five-star luxurious status, is set to hold approximately 800 units comprising hotel rooms, residence apartments, offices, recreational facilities, specialist boutiques and top-class restaurants.
Al Mulla added: “The modern aesthetic of the Lusail Marina Iconic Development complements the more traditional properties we have in our eclectic portfolio of hotels, which are great examples of classic architecture.”
Aiming to be operational by 2016, the Lusail Marina Iconic Development will be constructed in the Marina district of Lusail – the latest planned urban centre in the Gulf State. Lusail is set to be located on the Gulf coast 15km north of Doha city centre and will eventually provide accommodation for up to 250,000 people.
Dubai Trade in Dh148bn savings Helps boosts UAE’s global competitiveness ranking
The time-saving efficiency of e-services developed by Dubai Trade, the leading trade facilitator under Dubai World, is leading to billions of dollars in annual savings for the public sector and numerous benefits for traders and the economy as a whole, according to a recent, independent case study carried out by the Emirates Competitiveness Council (ECC).
The study says the reduction in the number of days required to import or export goods via Dubai ports from 12 days to seven days has potentially led to total savings of Dh148 billion (more than $40 billion) over five years ending 2011, which accounts for about 17 per cent of the UAE’s 2009 GDP.
The benefits will further multiply this year after Dubai Trade reduced the processing time to only seven days through its electronic services.
The ECC study follows a recent 2012 World Bank “Doing Business” report that shows the UAE today has raised its global ranking to fifth in ‘trading across borders’, and is now ahead of Organization of Economic and Cooperation Development (OECD) countries by a wide margin.
Dubai Trade has created a competitive advantage to both the public and private sectors by leveraging UAE’s location advantage; having a strong customer-centric business strategy in place; and fostering innovative public and private sector synergies, the study says.
His Excellency Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Chairman of Dubai Trade, Vice Chairman of DP World and Group CEO Port & Free Zone World, said: “The case study highlights the substantial benefits gained by all stakeholders in the trading community from the e-services Dubai Trade offers and which it continues to improve. It is further evidence that Dubai Trade is living up to its mandate to facilitate trade across borders and outperform developed countries in this field to attract more international trade.”
The electronic platform established by Dubai Trade allows Customs and other concerned government parties to share data and information within a single window, thus eliminating duplication, saving time and cost, and leading to a better managed, more transparent administration of Customs, and increasing the capacity to move goods across UAE’s borders efficiently and securely.
By almost halving the time it takes to process containers, authorities and traders alike are freed up to increase their activity, which leads to increased revenues for both parties.
Eng. Mahmood Al Bastaki, CEO, Dubai Trade, said: “The overall outcome and ultimate goal of this trading time and cost efficiency is high potential for growth in international trade via the UAE, which already ranks among the world’s top trading hubs and keeps improving its global competitiveness record. We are pleased that the success of the services offered by Dubai Trade has resulted in such positive conclusions from both the World Bank Doing Business Report and the Emirates Competitiveness Council”
The report’s 2012 edition indicates that the UAE is now ahead of the Organization of Economic and Cooperation Development (OECD) countries by a wide margin. In the UAE, it takes only seven days to export a container at a cost of $630 and seven days to import at a cost of $635, the report says, while in high-income OECD countries it takes 10 days to export and 11 days to import, with the cost per container exceeding $1,000 for import or export.
The Emirates Competitiveness Council case study, titled Dubai Trade – Building Competitive Advantage through Collaboration, is part of studies issued by the ECC called Policy in Action Series.
Jobs in the UAE: How to use your failure as a tool to get hired
The interviewing process is the time when your potential employer would be interested in finding out what all you have accomplished in previous jobs as well as what all you have failed at. Many candidates hide their previous job failures, fearing rejection. Can acknowledging previous job failures portray you as an incompetent candidate, not fit enough to join the company you are being interviewed for?
The answer may not be a simple ‘yes’ and would be evaluated in the wider context, believe experts.
“It depends on the context. If someone can demonstrate they have put in their 100 per cent and the effort invested is clear to see, then perhaps, once could overlook the fact that the person failed in a task or a role,” Hasnain Qazi, Middle East Business Manager at Huxley Associates told Emirates 24|7.
Konstantina Sakellariou, Partner, Marketing & Operations Director at Stanton Chase believes that failures are a part of life and there is no individual who hasn’t failed. In fact, failure is an integral part of the learning process, which makes an individual a more mature and aware person.
“We all have had failures in our careers. If we expect someone to have no failures at all, we would probably push the candidate to lie. Failures are not necessarily bad, as the executive is accumulating experience that will be useful in the future. So, my decision would not be based on the existence or not of a failure but on the lessons learnt that have been gotten out of this. If I see the candidate more mature, and ready to face in a more efficient way a similar situation, then the past failure can even be considered an advantage,” she explained.
Agrees Toby Simpson, Managing Director, The Gulf Recruitment Group: “We all learn from defeat and we find that individuals who have tasted that bitter pill once or twice, whether it be academically or professionally, tend to have a bit more fight in them. Some people don’t learn and become demoralized or blame anything but themselves for their failings. People who chose to learn have a determination, a battle with their own sense of pride and apply themselves to never let it happen again.”
According to Suhail Masri, VP Sales, Bayt.com, there are many other factors that will determine whether a candidate will be selected for a job or not and previous failures do not figure on top of the list.
“While work experience and previous success is important, it seems that employers now focus more on ambition and skills than anything else when making a hiring decision. [Our] hiring practices poll for the MENA shows that 28.8 per cent of employers in the Middle East look for ‘hunger, drive and ambition’ as the most important factors when making a hiring decision. Meanwhile, career track record is the least important. In fact, most employers (67.2 per cent) will consider hiring a candidate who has relevant skills but no direct experience in the company’s field. Plus, honesty is commendable. Discussions with candidates on what their shortcomings are and how they can be improved are positive things,” he reveals.
Moreover, failure has many connotations. Qazi of Huxley Associates believes it’s just the way you want to look at it.
"Failure means different things to different people. A football team could still receive praise and applause for reaching the World Cup final, even if they lose the match. However, if someone has failed because they [did not work to their full potential] or did not operate smartly or with passion, then it is another matter, and employers might be less forgiving,” he said.
“Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time once remarked, ‘I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed.
I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed,” explained Qazi, quoting the player. “So, I guess when making hiring decisions, it is important for employers to factor in various aspects, including internal and external influences,” he added.
DIFC Investments returns to profit Close to sukuk refinance deal, says Chairman
DIFC Investments, the investment arm of the company running Dubai's financial free zone, swung to a full-year profit in 2011, financial statements showed, and is close to a bank deal to refinance an upcoming Islamic bond maturity.
The firm is "committed" to the repayment of its $1.25 billion Islamic bond, or sukuk, Chairman Abdulla Mohammed Saleh said in a statement to Nasdaq Dubai.
DIFC Investments' financial records stated that an agreement to refinance the sukuk was close and that management was confident that final agreements were "imminent."
The company made a net profit of $130.5 million last year compared to a net loss of $272 million in the previous year, after the impact of discontinued operations.
Profit from continuing operations totaled $185.4 million compared to a loss of $286 million in 2010.
Rental income increased last year by 1.8 per cent over 2010 and total rental income generated from investment properties was $128 million.
During 2011, DIFC Investments sold Despec International, an IT distribution firm, for $27 million, with payment to be received in three installments by December 31 2013. The company received an amount of $15 million in 2011, in line with the installment plan, it said.
Designs of the new Trans-UAE train revealed
Train cars to have grey colour marked with red line and company motto
A UAE company set up to oversee a multi-billion dollar project to construct the country’s first inter-emirate rail network has revealed the final designs of the train, which will have a grey body marked with a red line in the middle.
The train will also carry the company’s motto, which will be derived from the UAE flag, Etihad Rail said in a statement.
UAE's Etihad Rail to add more staff this year: Official
“The design of the project has been completed and this means it is going ahead and will be completed on schedule,” Etihad’s Rail Chairman Nassir Al Suwaidi told the Dubai-based Emarat Al Youm daily.
He said the train would be operated on time at the end of 2013 in the western region before it is extended to other parts of the UAE.
The US-based Electro Motive Diesel Inc. carried out the designs of the project’s first phase and train cars are scheduled to be delivered end 2012.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Rail said last month the project would link the UAE’s two main cities-Dubai and Abu Dhabi - in 2016 before it is extended to other cities in the second largest Arab economy in 2018.
Etihad Rail, carrying out one of the largest train projects in the Middle East, said it would launch the second phase later this year and it would extend nearly 510 km to link Abu Dhabi to Jebel Ali and Dubai city.
The first stage covers Musaffah industrial area and Khalifa Port, which will be connected to Jebel Ali, the largest free zone in the Gulf.
Etihad Rail has said the 1,200-km project could involve investments of nearly Dh40 billion and will have a capacity of nearly 16 million passengers a year.
“The capacity could climb to 110 million tonnes of cargo and two million containers after the project is linked to the planned rail way in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 2030, “ it said.
According to Etihad Rail website, the railway will connect the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the West and Oman via Al Ain in the East. The railway will be built to link the principal centres of population and industry of the UAE, as well as to form a vital part of the planned GCC railway network, said Etihad Rail, which was formed in line with a federal law in 2009.
“Once complete, the project will redefine logistics and transport in the region, providing as a safe, efficient, sustainable network that links all corners of the UAE, and eventually, the UAE to the wider GCC….…this extensive investment will support the Government’s continued mission to build a diversified economy and continued economic growth.”
Oetker to open 10 Mideast hotels Le Bristol Abu Dhabi by mid-2013; 9 more in next 10 years
Frank Marrenbach, CEO of Oetker Hotels Collection (OHC), has announced that the European luxury hotel chain is eyeing a range of hotels in the Middle East in the coming years and has initiated talks with potential partners in the region.
“The OHC plans up to ten hotels within the next ten years in carefully selected destinations across the Middle East,” Marrenbach said.
“The OHC is focusing on the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey,” he added.
He said OHC has been postponed a distinctive hotel project in Egypt until the political situation there stabilises.
Speaking to journalists in Dubai recently, Marrenbach said OHC will inaugurate the luxury Le Bristol of Abu Dhabi by the middle of 2013.
The National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels has started construction of the hotel in the UAE capital with an investment of $165 million.
Le Bristol Abu Dhabi will have 184 deluxe rooms, besides spacious suites, special physical fitness facilities and a modern concert hall on the sea to accommodate about 300 people.
“Service is the most important characteristic of OHC. We have two staffers per guest in the OHC in Europe, which means each guest will have a person to provide him a toothbrush every morning,” Marrenbach said.
“The secret is not in the number of employees, but in their ability to read the concerns of the guests and meet their expectations,” he said.
Samir Daqqaq, OHC’s senior vice-president (development), Middle East and Africa, said: “We have aggressive growth plans for the Middle East and Africa region, which remains one of the fastest growing tourism markets."
The company's first property in the region - Palais Namaskar - is about to open in Marrakesh, Morocco. This will be followed by Le Bristol Abu Dhabi next year.
It will be complemented by a 200-room property on Saadiyat Island to be managed by OHC for which it has signed an MoU.
In response to an Emirates247.com query on the need for new hotels in UAE, Samir Daqqaq said: “The UAE is saturated with four and five stars hotels, but the country needs more elite hotels characterised by luxury and outstanding service.”
