The Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone [RAK FTZ] one of the fastest-growing and most cost-effective free trade zones in the UAE, will be hosting the World Free Zone Convention [WFZC] in November 2010. This is the first-of-its-kind free zone convention to be held in the Middle East.

To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah and his Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the two-day conference and exhibition will be held on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd November 2010 at Al Hamra Convention Centre & Hamra Hotels & Resorts in RAK.

RAK FTZ will also be the Platinum Sponsor of the two-day conference and exhibition. This year’s convention marks the tenth anniversary of both WFZC and RAK FTZ. Over 200 delegates from various free zones across the globe are expected to take part in WFZC, which will be held under the theme ‘Gathering Global Support For Free Zone Industry’.

WFZC 2010 will be held under the slogan: “Harnessing economic zones worldwide to the cause of economic recovery, dynamic growth and strengthened world trade.”

This was announced at a press conference held in RAK today, attended by His Highness Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK FTZ, Oussama El Omari, CEO of RAK FTZ, Graham Mather, Chairman of WFZC, and Maryam Al Murshedi Al Shehhi, Deputy Director General of RAK FTZ.

In his comments, H.H. Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qasimi said: “RAK is privileged to be hosting and sponsoring the WFZC. This is the first time a convention of such stature is being held in RAK and is an important milestone for both RAK and RAK FTZ. We will utilise this unique chance to review the successes achieved in the past decade and set benchmarks for the conventions to come.”

In his address, Mr Oussama El Omari said: “This year RAK FTZ marks its 10th anniversary and what better way to mark this than hosting and sponsoring the 10th edition of WFZC here in RAK. We are extremely proud of our achievements in this last decade and we truly live up to our slogan — The Home of Business.”

He added: “Even in the extremely challenging 2009, registrations and company revenue in the RAK FTZ have grown by 10 and 11 per cent respectively. And we forecast 2,250 additional companies in 2010, which speaks a lot about our vision. We are confident that the WFZC 2010 will offer a one-of-its-kind opportunity for participants from various parts of the globe to explore the immense growth potential of free trade zones and help learn new initiatives that will bring economic and trade development all around.”

Highlighting the details of the convention, Mr Graham Mather said: “We have come a long way since the first WFZC convention in London in June 2001 and are privileged to bring the 2010 convention to RAK, which has carved a niche with its proactive growth and expansion strategies. During WFZC 2010, we are inviting several multinationals who will offer their valuable feedback on their experiences in free zones. Similarly, we will also look at explaining the various benefits accrued to investors if they are part of the free zone community and ways to best utilise the zones.”

The conference will also look into relations and strategies between the various zones, government authorities as well as private companies. Case studies of various sectors and companies will also be discussed during the forum. The second day of the conference will examine the current issues affecting free zones across different regions.

“As a facilitator, we will look at steps to help foster the image of zones and their contribution to the global economy,” said Mr Mather, adding the early bird registration period ends on 30 September. Details about the convention, hotel accommodation and airport transfers are available on www.freezones.org and www.wfzc2010.com

For more information About Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone please visit: http://www.rakftz.com/en

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu
Property in Ras Al Khaimah http://www.propertytv.eu/?cat=22

To purchases or sell property at Royal Breeze email sales@propertytv.eu

Property TV www.propertytv.eu
Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu
Unravel Travel TV www.unraveltravel.eu

Includes interviews with:
HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO of RAK Investment Authority
Abdullah Mahmood, Marketing Manager, RAK Ceramics

Ras Al khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced (18 July, 2010) the launch of a bus service for its passengers travelling from Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) to Sharjah International Airport. The new service is aimed to greatly enhance the convenience for passengers in terms of an alternative mode of transport to Sharjah International Airport.

The bus service will operate twice daily with the first one departing RAK at 9:00 AM in the morning. The service will help passengers with connections to flights leaving for Chittagong, Bangaldesh; Alexandria, Egypt; Kathmandu, Nepal; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Kochi, India; and Sana’a, Yemen.

The second bus departs RAK at 18:00 PM and will help passengers with connections to flights leaving for Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai and Hyderabad in India; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Istanbul, Turkey; Assiut, Egypt; and Damascus, Syria.

Passengers can board the bus from two pickup points, Air Arabia General Sales Agent office on Oman Road, Al Nakheel Street (opposite to RAK Bank). Alternatively, they can board the bus from Al Hamra Mall (opposite RAK Ceramics).

“The launch of the bus service from RAK to Sharjah International Airport will be a great benefit for our passengers given the significant volume of passengers travelling on this route,” said Head of Commercial Department of Air Arabia’s Sharjah hub. This new service will directly address the challenges our customers were facing with regards to an affordable mode of transport with convenient timings and pickup points across RAK.”

To reserve seats on the bus service, customers can visit the Air Arabia website www.airarabia.com, call a dedicated phone number in RAK which is 07 2221144 or book the same through select travel agents. There will be a minimal transport charge applicable for each passenger for this service.

About Air Arabia:
Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a total fleet of 23 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 65 routes from three hubs in UAE, Morocco and Egypt.

Air Arabia is an award-winning airline that focuses on offering comfort, reliability and value-for-money air travel. For further information, please visit: www.airarabia.com.

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu
Unravel Travel TV www.unraveltravel.eu

Philip Hampsheir investigates for BBC Middle East Business Report and talks to:
Dr. Saif Al Ghais, Environment Protection and Development Authority
Hans Altmann, MENA Regional Manager, Techem
Tadahisa Okabe, New Energy and industrial Technology Development

With more than 2,900 employees and more than 55 years of experience Techem counts to the most innovative and professional companies in the market segment of Energy Management.

In April 2007 Techem Energy Services established its subsidiary in Dubai Silicon Oasis and operates since more than one year in the Middle East and North Africa. Therewith Techem meets the demand of the increasing market in this region and follows the requirements of the local customers.

Techem installs the devices, reads the consumption data and on the basis of this, as a full service provider, Techem creates the invoices, which are tailored to the tenants and the owners of apartments by the administrators of the property. The philosophy behind the entire service is: “Everybody should only pay for what he has actually used.”

The intelligent use of energy and natural resources is the guiding principle behind the Techem brand. Techem therefore provides innovative products and services that help save energy, optimize processes and add significant value for customers and the environment.

The main activities
Techem read meters and heat cost allocators in buildings with communally used heating
we then allocate the individual costs in a building in accordance with an agreed allocation formula.

Kas Al khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu
Unravel Travel TV www.unraveltravel.eu

A 16 minute film (split into two parts) from 1937 shows Sharjah and a slice of airline history from this region. The film was directed by John Taylor and Ralph Keen and funded by Imperial Airways.

Kas Al khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu
Unravel Travel TV www.unraveltravel.eu
Heli Image FZE www.heli-image.com

Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced the launch of service to the city of Najaf in the Republic of Iraq, from its hub in Sharjah, UAE. Located in Western Iraq, 100 miles south of the capital Baghdad, Najaf is Air Arabia‘s first destination in Iraq.

Flights between the two cities now operate twice per week starting 8 June 2010. With the addition of this new destination, Air Arabia now serves 64 routes from three hubs in UAE, Morocco and its latest hub in Egypt, where service was launched on June 1, 2010. Air Arabia flights now span the Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Africa, Central Asia and Europe.

Roundtrip flights now operate twice per week between Najaf International Airport and Sharjah. The low-cost carrier flies to Najaf on Tuesdays and Fridays, departing Sharjah at 8:40 AM and arriving in Najaf at 10:00 AM. On the same days, return flights depart Najaf at 10:45 AM and arrive in Sharjah at 13:40 PM.

“The launch of direct service to Najaf, our first destination in Iraq, marks another milestone in Air Arabia’s history,” said Sherif Attia, Chief Operating Officer of Air Arabia’s Sharjah hub. “Iraq has great potential as a destination for business and personal travellers, as well as long-term growth potential for religious and cultural tourism. Air Arabia’s entry into the country will only boost such prospects. Passengers travelling to Najaf can now experience the benefits of travelling with Air Arabia through our market-leading low fares, comfort and convenience.”

Tourism plays a significant role in Najaf contributing 30 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agriculture and the industrial sector are also prominent contributors to the city ‘s economy which has a population of 614,997.

About Air Arabia:
Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a total fleet of 23 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 61 destinations from three hubs in UAE, Morocco and Egypt.

Air Arabia is an award-winning airline that focuses on offering comfort, reliability and value-for-money air travel. For further information, please visit: www.airarabia.com

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been buying up tracts of land around the world – from Sudan to Cambodia – to ensure future food security for their populations. Now a new project run in Ras Al Khaimah hopes it will be a model for growing food both locally and – in an unusual twist – in a way that’s economically viable.

Philip Hampsheir investigates for BBC Middle East Business Report and talks to:
Thomas Schwarz, Managing Director, Salata Farms
Nicholas Lander, Senior associate, Inhabit Living Engineering
Mariola Hickmann, Housewife

Salata Farms
Salata is the first company in the MENA region to use automated hydroponics technology growing quality salads, herbs and vegetables all year round at competitive prices. These products are presently imported from Europe or North America at high transportation costs, and often lose their freshness during freight. By growing salads at the point of demand in the MENA region, Salata can ensure fresh produce at significantly lower costs. Using advanced computerized climate control systems, Salata ensures consistency in growing conditions such as temperature, humidity, light, irrigation, ventilation, and carbon dioxide. This allows them to harvest pest-free, high quality produce all year round, irrespective of weather conditions in the desert. Salata is an environmentally sound company. They recycle 80% of all water and use a fraction of the land requirements compared to conventional farming methods.
www.salatafarms.com

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu
HeliImage FZE www.heli-image.com

Malcolm Borthwick reports for BBC Middle East Business Report and talks to:
David Semple, Managing Director, Middle East Manitowoc Cranes www.manitowoccranes.com
Maher Ounah, Sales Manager, Al Rana Equipment and Machines Trading www.aremates.ae
Nabil Al Zahlawi, Managing Partner, Nouman Fouad Trading

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu
HeliImage FZE www.heli-image.com

Investment in the sector is taking off, with huge expansion plans from practically every carrier. Oman recently increased the operating capital of its national airline, Oman Air, six-fold, from $130m to $777m. Low-cost carrier Air Arabia, coasting on net profits of $123m in both 2008 and 2009, has placed an order for 44 new craft and invested $50m in a new hub in Casablanca. Qatar Airways has ordered a staggering $40bn worth of new aircraft. And RAK Airways has invested more than Dh100m ($27.22m) in infrastructure projects and plans to invest at least Dh550m ($149.74m) upgrading and expanding RAK Airport. But investment is not necessarily translating into profits: of the four carriers just mentioned, Air Arabia is the only one to turn a profit in the last two years.

The major upgrades across the board mean that interested parties are competing for slices of what is still a very small pie. According to the International Air Transit Authority (IATA), only about 10% of the world’s air traffic passes through the Middle East. While all estimates predict strong growth in the region – Boeing figures estimate revenue passenger km (RPKs) will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6% between 2008 and 2028, and a report from the Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) predicts passenger traffic will more than double by 2014 to 280m from 126m in 2008 – the level of investment in the sector is well out of proportion to the region’s short-term revenue potential.

Even if the impressive passenger and freight growth of the last few months (16.5% and 21.4%, respectively, according to the IATA) continues, prices will have to increase exponentially for investors to see a return on the estimated $45bn that is being poured into the sector over the next four years.

This disproportionate spending is understandable in this fast-developing area, where cash-rich governments, who are often the principle investors in the region’s airlines, can afford to swallow short-term losses in order to capture long-term market share. Growing populations, and clout on the world economic stage, mean that the percentage of air traffic passing through the Middle East will almost certainly soar beyond the current 10%. But with so much competition, it will be hard for all the current players in the industry to ride the rising tide.

RAK’s plans for its aviation sector reflect an understanding of just how tricky it will be to gain market share while competing with more well-funded and longer-established neighbours. Rather than pursuing the high-end market – where it would compete with the well-known Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Gulf Air, and rising contender Oman Air – RAK has chosen to carve its niche in the low-cost, freight and maintenance, repair and operation (MRO) services subsectors.

Included in the emirate’s business plan is a commitment to position RAK International Airport as “a low-cost airport with very competitive tariffs directly contributing to airlines’ bottom line”. This appears wise: low-cost carriers have been the brightest spot in the Middle East’s aviation industry throughout the recession, raking in profits even as the regional airline industry lost $1.2bn in 2009.

In addition, RAK Airport’s central location – close to key ports and industrial zones, far enough from Dubai to have clear air space – makes it an enticing base for freight consolidation. Worldwide freight traffic shot up 28.3% in January 2010 compared to the same time last year, while passenger demand grew a more modest 6.4%. Location is also key for RAK’s MRO ambitions: RAK lies within easy reach of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent, areas which are all currently underserved by existing MRO facilities.

There is, undoubtedly, much room for growth in the aviation sector throughout the Middle East. Governments are right to invest in crucial infrastructure for future growth. However, it is important to avoid duplicating the same infrastructure too many times within the region. RAK’s decision to pursue niche markets seems well placed to not only take flight, but also soar.

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

Police, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
RAK Police website: www.rakpolice.com

For any emergency please 999 from any where in UAE
For specific emergency numbers call the phone directory on 181

The working hours in RAK Police Department and RAK Traffic Department is from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Open from Sunday to Thursday
Call 07-2356666 for other inquires

Location – Show RAK Police Department on Google Map

New economic report charts progress as diversification gathers pace
 
Ras al Khaimah –  With its strategic location in the northernmost part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) coupled with a programme of ambitious economic reforms, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is primed to welcome an increasing number of investors to its shores, according to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the emirate’s Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler.
 
His Highness said RAK’s leadership recognised that a willingness to accommodate the demands of the international business community was key to helping the country attract further investment from around the world.
 
“Entrepreneurs are the vehicles of growth,” he said. “They know how to make money and how to create value. It is very important for us to continuously strive to improve the investment environment and ensure changes that will lead to successful enterprises.” He added that encouraging foreign talent to team up with the local workforce would undoubtedly act as a trigger for economic growth.
 
HH Sheikh Saud was speaking exclusively to Oxford Business Group (OBG), the global publishing, research and consultancy firm. The full interview will appear in the Group’s forthcoming business guide, The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2010, together with detailed business intelligence on the emirate’s macroeconomics, infrastructure, political landscape, banking and sectoral developments. The report will also contain an interview with HH Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Bank, Gulf Cement and head of the private department for HH Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of RAK, alongside the views of other high-profile personalities from business and politics.
 
As the country’s diversification strategy begins to take shape, HH Sheikh Saud outlined the plans earmarked for industry and the services sector. He said that the development of RAK’s tourism industry was top of the list as the emirate looked to raise its profile among a broad range of visitors. “The tourism industry will continue to be the main focus of our diversification strategy,” he said. “We continuously assess how we can manage and market the emirate for visitors, both business and leisure.”
 
Although reform is a key factor in RAK’s economic expansion, His Highness believes that the banking sector will benefit from a return to the tried and tested business principles of good practice and better management in the wake of the economic crisis. “These will ensure that we avoid similar mistakes in the future, while learning how to take advantage of all the economic opportunities that come our way,” he said.
 
He voiced his confidence in the Central Bank which, he said, had found a balance between supporting local banks and allowing the free market to continue operating. “The Central Bank is aware of its role to support and stabilise the entire banking sector of the UAE,” he said. “It has acted wisely in times of crisis.”
 
The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2010 will mark the culmination of six months of groundbreaking field research by a team of analysts from OBG, assessing trends and developments in all major sectors of the economy, including energy, industry, financial services, tourism, transport and real estate. Available in print form and online, it will form part of the range of OBG’s publications renowned as leading sources of information on developing and emerging economies around the world.

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), a major provider of investment opportunities and one-stop solutions in its Free Zones, Industrial Parks and Offshore facilities as well as in Real Estate developments and other ventures, has announced that the construction progress of many active developments on Al Marjan Island, the first man-made island in Ras Al Khaimah, is impressive and reflects the trust of investors in the sustainability and prospect of success of this iconic landmark.

The first development to be completed on the island is Rakeen’s mixed-use project Bab Al Bahr, located on the peninsula of the island, therefore called ‘The Gateway to Island Living’. The six residential buildings, uniquely shaped in the form of pyramids, are scheduled for handover in August 2010 and have reached the top level of construction. Further phases of Bab Al Bahr will feature a hotel, a shopping mall and an office tower.

In 2011, Marbella Bay is expected for completion. This luxury resort development by Manazil Real Estate Sharjah, located on Island Number 2, is inspired by the architectural style of the historic Spanish region of Andalusia and will comprise of waterfront apartments and a range of leisure facilities set in a lavishly landscaped community.

Pacific by Select Group is scheduled for completion in 2011 as well. Located on Island Number 4 with luxurious private beaches, Pacific will feature a wide variety of contemporary residences within a verdantly landscaped beachfront community, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the natural surroundings of Ras Al Khaimah.

Further developments are currently mobilising or have started construction already, with many more investors to follow and make their projects a reality.

Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO, RAKIA, stated: “We are very happy about the quality of developments we have been able to attract to Al Marjan Island and about their steady construction progress. Our vision is to create a self-contained community and comforting neighbourhood, providing convenient services and amenities, on a luxurious island with a wide variety of unique residential properties providing high standards of living, with stunning surroundings, lush greeneries, white sandy beaches and romantic views over the sea.

With all the special developments proposed by our investors, Al Marjan Island will be an outstanding place to live, and we believe in the sustainability and success of each and every of these projects. As much as our developers are committed to contributing to the prosperity of Al Marjan Island, we honour our part by ensuring that all required infrastructure facilities are provided in time, by marketing and promoting Al Marjan Island, by assisting in the approval and construction process and by being a partner to our investors throughout the life-cycle of their projects.

Al Marjan Island is an architectural and engineering masterpiece and deserves the best quality and design of exquisite developments to bring it to life and to complement it to becoming the groundbreaking landmark it is destined to be that will enrich Ras Al Khaimah and its community.”

Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority www.rak-ia.com

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), a major provider of investment opportunities and one-stop solutions in its Free Zones, Industrial Parks and Offshore facilities as well as in Real Estate developments and other ventures, has announced that 2009 was a prosperous year with 880 onshore and 885 offshore licences issued.
 
In terms of the onshore licences, 35% were achieved in the 4th quarter alone, when considerable growth was observed, which from the January and February 2010 results is expected to continue. The investment attracted came mainly from UAE (14%), Middle East (15%), Europe (24%), India (26%), Asia (9%), US and CIS countries.

Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority www.rak-ia.com

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

]]> http://www.rasalkhaimah.eu/index.php/2010/03/28/1700-licenses-issued-in-2009-by-as-ras-al-khaimah-investment-authority/feed/ 0 http://www.rasalkhaimah.eu/index.php/2010/03/07/rak-petroleum-announces-tunisia-entry/ http://www.rasalkhaimah.eu/index.php/2010/03/07/rak-petroleum-announces-tunisia-entry/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:44:54 +0000 admin http://www.rasalkhaimah.eu/?p=1028 RAK Petroleum PCL, the oil and gas exploration and production company, announced (2 March 2010) that it has signed an agreement to join an offshore exploration license in the Tunisian Republic.

A 30% interest in the Hammamet Offshore license has been acquired by RAK Petroleum from Canadian based firm Storm Ventures International which will retain a 35% operated interest. Cooper Energy of Australia holds the remaining 35% interest in the license. The assignment has been approved by the Tunisian Government.

The Hammamet Offshore license area, awarded in September 2005 under a Production Sharing Agreement, is situated in the Gulf of Hammamet and contains two ready to drill prospects plus several leads. The first well, Fushia 1, is expected to be drilled in the third quarter of 2010, subject to rig availability.

The Fushia prospect is a complex of four structures separated by semi-parallel faults which have been mapped on 3-D seismic. These are on the same northwest trending structural high as South Cosmos field and are flanked to the south by the deep graben that is thought to source South Cosmos oil. The first well will test the fault compartment known as Structure B.

“While the larger field structure is complex, we believe Fushia offers the potential of hundreds of millions of barrels of oil in place if the four fault structures are all proven to contain oil,” noted Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani, RAK Petroleum’s Managing Director and Chairman of its Board of Directors Executive Committee. “A discovery at Fushia would provide a significant boost to the Company’s reserves base,” he added.

RAK Petroleum PCL is registered in the Free Trade Zone of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and is operator of seven blocks in the Sultanate of Oman and in the United Arab Emirates, of which one is in the production phase, three are in the exploration phase, and three are undergoing appraisal for possible development/redevelopment.

In December 2009, the Company disclosed that it had acquired a 10% shareholding in the listed Norwegian company DNO International ASA which operates oil fields in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the Republic of Yemen in addition to an active exploration program in several other countries.

“RAK Petroleum is very pleased to make an entry into Tunisia. This is the first exploration project undertaken by RAK Petroleum outside of Oman and the UAE. The Company is looking forward to further expansion in Tunisia and the North African region generally,” stated Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of RAK Petroleum’s Board of Directors.

www.rakpetroleum.ae

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

RAK Business Square has opened its first fully furnished and equipped business center in RAK. Located on the 12th floor of Rakia Amenity Center, Tower Number 1.

The 10,000-square-foot facility provides the perfect office solution for everyone from individuals and start-ups to large corporations—eliminating up-front capital expenditures for technology, furnishing, and staffing while also greatly reducing the ongoing expenses faced by conventional office environments. 45 minutes from Dubai (Emirates Road to Exit 119).

For companies in search of a permanent, cost-effective presence within the UAE, RBS features 30 furnished Executive Offices (in sizes ranging from 10 to 30 square meters), 45 workstations, three conference rooms, and one boardroom—each equipped with state-of-art technology.

Other facilities include:
• On-site receptionists to greet clients, answer calls in the company’s business name, and provide administrative support.

• A fully furnished reception area.

• A first-class business lounge with comfortable seating, a full-service refreshment bar, international newspapers and business periodicals, a plasma TV, and wireless connectivity so clients can remain productive while on the road or between meetings.

Another key product offered by RBS Business Center is our exclusive Virtual Office. Available in a variety of packages, Virtual Office allows businesses to gain an instant presence in the UAE—including a prestigious, high-profile corporate address, a local telephone-answering system, mail-handling services, and access to office space and meeting rooms.

Contact Information:
RAK Business Square FZ-LLC
P.O Box: 35678
RAKIA Amenity Center
12th floor, Tower No.1, Al Jazeera Al Hamra
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 (7) 2068800
Fax: +971 (7) 2068801
email: info@rbc.ae
Website: www.rbc.ae

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

The entire Nissan commercial vehicle range will be on display at the three-day event, which includes the Nissan Pick-Up, Urvan Microbus, Urvan Panel Van, Civilian Bus and the Navara Pick-Up.

“The Nissan brand has over the years developed an impressive line-up of commercial vehicles which are popular in the commercial vehicles industry and well-appreciated among users,” said Ayat. “For the first time, via Commercial Vehicles Middle East, Arabian Automobiles has the required platform to showcase this line-up to the UAE market.

“Nissan will target professional decision makers who deal with commercial vehicle fleet procurement and government departments at the exhibition,” he added.

The event organisers Streamline Marketing Group have attracted the support of leading government departments and transport agencies including the RTA, Dubai Municipality and Emirates Transport, who are attending the show to source vehicles and promote various transport initiatives.

Nick Webb, Director of Streamline Marketing Group said: “Approximately 60 exhibitors have confirmed for the launch event including Renault, Al Futtaim – Hino, Western Auto (Foton) and Arabian Automobiles (Nissan), some of the most well-known brands in the global commercial vehicles industry.”

Commercial Vehicles Middle East will have a strong international presence, with exhibitors from the US, Russia, Germany, Iran, Portugal, Turkey, Italy and the Netherlands. The UK, China and Taiwan will have national pavilions at the show, highlighting their keen interest in the region’s commercial vehicles industry.

The Commercial Vehicles Conference will run alongside the exhibition from 9-10 March.
Over 25 transport and fleet experts will highlight ways for commercial vehicles operators to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Key themes to be covered include managing the safety and environmental impact of fleets, fuel management, ownership and financial best practice and technological advances.

The opening session of the conference will include a presentation by Tom Nauwelaerts, Head of Logistics, Al Futtaim Logistics on the ‘In-house transportation function and its impact on your business’.

The session will also include a panel discussion on the ‘Economic slowdown and the transport industry’, with input from Yousif Al Ali, Director of Fleet Operations, Dubai Taxi Company – RTA; Jason Farhat, General Manager, Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority; Fabio Castello, General Manager, Scania Middle East and Abdul Salam Al Hammadi, Head of Vehicle, Equipment and Maintenance, Dubai Municipality Transportation Department.

Yousif Al Ali will also provide advice on ‘Reducing fuel emissions’ during a later session on ‘Managing the environmental impact of fleets’.

On the second day, Marc Legeay, Marketing Director, Renault Trucks will provide an analysis on ‘The lifetime cost’ of a vehicle during the session on efficiency and effectiveness and Fabio Castello, General Manager, Scania Middle East will offer ‘Practical strategies to ensure high fuel efficiency’.

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah & Chancellor of RAK Medical & Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU), his son Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi inaugurated a grand event titled 3rd Endocrine & Diabetes Update. The third in the series, this annual event is attended by senior health care specialists from around the world. This year highly learned doctors gave an update on chronic diseases such as Diabetes and Endocrine disorders, Hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular diseases related to Diabetes.

RAKMHSU in association with Al Zahrawi Hospital & AKMG RAK Chapter is the organizer of the event which took place on 5th March 2010 at state-of-the-art auditorium of RAKMHSU. Dr. Hossam Hamdy, Vice Chancellor, Sharjah University and Dr. Wyatt R Hume, Provost, United Arab Emirates University, were the Guest of Honors. More than 500 delegates graced the event.

A wide range of topics were discussed including the following key subjects:

* National Diabetes Guidelines – Dr. Abhay Nigam, Al Hudaibah Medical Center, RAK

* Management of Hypothyroidism – Dr. Rakesh Malhotra, NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi

* Vitamin D Deficiency in Gulf – Dr. Prakash Pania, Indian Specialist Medical Center, Dubai

* Metabolic Syndrome & Cardiovascular Risk – Dr. Abhay Pandey, Al Zahra Hospital, Sharjah

* Diagnosis & Management of Diabetic Retinopathy – Dr. H Kumar, RAK Hospital, RAK

* Novel Cardiovascular Biomakers – Role in Risk Assessment – Dr. Meenakshi Jain, RAKMHSU

* Surgical Management of Type 2 Diabetes – Dr. Anoop Panigrahi, RAK Hospital, RAK

* Diagnosis & Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – Dr. Avril Staunton, RAK Hospital, RAK

Various industry research findings indicate that healthcare expenditure in the 38 million strong populous GCC countries is expected to grow from US$ 14 billion in 2008 to US$ 60 billion in the next two decades. In the UAE, the proportion of nationals suffering from Diabetes has reached 24%, the second highest in the world. Heart diseases related to Diabetes were responsible for 31% of deaths in 2008.

H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi said: “I am very pleased to inaugurate the 3rd Update on Diabetes and Endocrine Disorders. It is our endeavor to create a platform that will allow sharing of knowledge, discuss new trends and how any of these issues relate to the UAE. Besides, this platform is serving a very critical purpose: that of bringing the real world issues at the doorsteps of academia. It is the interaction of academia with the healthcare industry that will throw solutions that we can never imagine happening otherwise. I have been told that 20-30% of adult population in the UAE is suffering from type 2 Diabetes. And today’s discussion showed us that newer and newer molecules are being added in armamentarium to tackle the Diabetes & the hunt for an ideal agent for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) – formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus – may end soon.”

Type 2 DM is the most common endocrine disorder. The escalating prevalence & economic burden of Type 2 DM presents a major public health challenge to most of the developing & developed countries and UAE is not spared of it. Besides, surgical management of Type 2 DM was also discussed at the 3rd Endocrine & Diabetes Update.

The other common but under diagnosed endocrine problems are hypothyroidism & Hypovitaminosis D. High index of suspicion is the key to diagnose and treat them as timely treatment can change the quality of life tremendously.

Like type 2 DM, Metabolic syndrome is very common in UAE and is again a very strong risk factor for CV events. Polycystic ovarian disease is a syndrome complex where insulin resistance plays a key role in pathogenesis. There can be metabolic and gynecological implications attached to it and it is also a fore runner of type 2 Diabetes.

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

The Ice Land Watepark comes as the first offering of WOW RAK, a 120 acre family entertainment destination being developed in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, 80 kms north of Dubai . WOW RAK is planned to include the Ice land Waterpark, Amusement park, Shopping Mall and Resort facilities.

With a panoramic view of the Al Hajar Mountains in the East and the Persian Gulf in the North, the venue blends the scenic beauty of the mountains and the spirit of the sea to provide a unique setting for the Waterpark.

Inspired by the phenomenon of Global warming , the experience at Ice Land Waterpark is all about a new home land for the Penguins along the coastal waters of the Arabian sea.

Spread over an area of 110000 square meters, the Ice land Water park is extensively themed as a Penguin Home Land with a day capacity of upto 15,000 guests. Besides traditional water park attractions, Ice land would offer some unique attractions with the Penguin Falls, Worlds Largest Manmade Water fall, Rocky Polar Mountains with the largest assortment of water slides, Penguin Bay World’s largest Rain Dance Pool, Aqua Soccer for the First time ever, Coral Isle, a snorkeling pool and other thrilling experiences at the Arctic Wave Pool, Tundra Baths, Eddy Pond and the Kids Cove a dedicated area for the kids.

A Food Court with sea side seating for 650 covers offering multi cuisine fast foods, Old Castle Restaurant with an intriguing location over looking the Arabian Sea offering a fine dining experience and The Platter altogether offer wid dining options from fast food to a fine dining experience.

Iceland Waterpark in Ras Al Khaimah an hour’s drive north of Dubai is set for its public opening in April 2010.

Iceland Waterpark www.icelandwaterpark.com
Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu

Speaking after inaugurating the event, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi said that the career exhibition would provide a platform for the students and jobseekers to interact with potential employers.

“The event would help jobseekers in Ras Al Khaimah establish direct contact with the employers as well as help them gain first- hand knowledge regarding the employment opportunities and latest trends in the job market. The presence of many educational institutions, universities and training providers would also provide jobseekers the opportunity to improve their academic proficiency as well as acquire new skill sets,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud said.

As many as 28 leading firms, including government sector entities as well as public and private sector companies, are participating in the three- day exhibition. The firms have dedicated stalls where jobseekers can meet company representatives and submit their resumes.

Abdul Nasser M.S. Al Thahab, General Manager of Rouya Exhibitions and Conference Organisers, who are organising the event, said that the exhibition aimed to maximize the career prospects of UAE nationals and help them achieve their career development goals by bringing them face- to- face with the leading employers in the country. “The first edition of the exhibition held last year attracted around 10,000 people and we hope that this year’s event would be more successful as we have lined up more companies and educational institutions,” he said.

Among the companies and organisations participating in the exhibition are Etisalat, which is the Gold Sponsor of the event, UAE Armed Forces, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar), RAK Free Trade Zone, American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), RAK Municipality, UAE Ministry of Education, Tanmia, RAK Customs and Ports Department, among others

Khater Massaad, CEO of RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), also said the amount invested by the emirate to overhaul its infrastructure ahead of the race fell far short of the reported $120m, and that its partner in the bid, Swiss racing syndicate Alinghi, had refunded $5m of the state’s costs.

“Everyone has put so many figures on this,” said Massaad, who is also an adviser to Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, crown prince and deputy ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

“We invested in total $15m. Of that, we’ve been refunded $5m by Alinghi. The remaining $10m was [spent] on infrastructure, but things that we needed to do anyway.”

RAK was reported to have invested $120m in infrastructure, including $50m for modifications to Al Hamra Palace Residence and $1m around Al Hamra Marina, to accommodate the race.

“That was deepening the canal and… adding proper infrastructure for the channel to leave the island. Then putting in electricity, water and finishing the roads to the island, which we needed to do,” said Massaad. “The loss [to Ras Al Khaimah] did not exceed $2m.”

Alinghi had selected the emirate to defend its trophy, one of the oldest and most prestigious in international sport. However, the venue was successfully contested by rival team BMW Oracle Racing, which cited Ras Al Khaimah’s proximity to Iran as a concern.

Massaad admitted he was “shocked” by the allegations, but said the publicity afforded Ras Al Khaimah as a result of the cup wrangle had worked in its favour.

“We were shocked and Alinghi were shocked more than us,” he said. “They came here in full faith. They shifted all their equipment, the team – it cost them a lot of money.

“But it brought so much attention to Ras Al Khaimah, people know us now. Whether good or bad, they know. And as long as they speak about you, it’s always good.”