Focus[1]

ISSUE 2, September 2007

Regulars
Chairman's Message Australian Embassy Message Australian Consul General's Message 02 04 06 08 09 10 12 15 17 19 20 21 22 24 26 27 28 31 33 35 36 38 47 48 49 50 52

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Features
Property Investment Property Market Nakheel Multiplex Green Vision Golf Courses Rasis Developers LLC

Looking Ahead
Modern Architecture Landscape Architecture Sustainable Solutions Investment Resort Environment Construction & Development

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Law
Property Law

Trade News
Trade News - Victoria Trade News - South Australia Trade News - Western Australia

Sport
Property & Construction Team

Events
Social Events Up Coming Events

Members
New Members Committee Members

Property Horoscopes 36 38 Member Profile
David Heffernan

Managing Director

Donna Benton
Operation Manager/Senior Editor

Graphic Designer

Riaz Khan

Chelsea Blampied
Advertising Manager

Senior Administration

Amira Veneracion
Administration

Tessy Silveira
Sales & Marketing

Myra Mendoza
Administration

Pinky Moses
Art Director

Tefanie Domingo
Financial Controller

M. Ali Rizvi

Mumaij Moidu

C H A I R M A N MESSAGE

A business group that has worked hard to earn its ts e reputation as one of the best in the region
Dear Members, Welcome to the 2nd edition of FOCUS – BUSINESS AUSTRALIA. For those of you that managed to escape the summer heat, welcome back. And for those that stuck around, I hope the quieter roads were at least some consolation. Since June the ABC has been as active as ever with some unique events for members. Following the spectacular FOCUS launch, we decided on a low-key affair for our July business lunch at the new Al Manzil Hotel near the Burj Dubai. We decided against a guest speaker in order to give members a greater chance to network in a new and casual atmosphere, and we will look to repeat this successful formula in the coming months. August saw the ABC host the much-anticipated announcement by Mr. Gillon McLachlan, Australian Football League, of next February’s AFL game in Dubai between Collingwood and Adelaide. This will be a very exciting time for Australians in Dubai. Kicking off with our very own Australia Day Ball on January 24th, the period leading up to the match will be marked by a series of promotional activities culminating in the big game itself on February 8th – a first for the AFL in the Middle East. Let’s not forget some excellent attendances at the customary monthly Sundowners at the Barasti Bar sponsored by our good friends at Allied Pickfords. Make sure you diarize the first Tuesday of each month and come down for a free beverage and meet your fellow members. I’d like to thank our hardworking committee and administrators
Earlier this year, the Australian Business in the Gulf Group (ABIG) were proud to announce our move to enhanced status in Dubai with local authorities including the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Municipality and with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs to become The Australian Business Council. (ABC). But what does that mean to you as a member? As a Business Council we take a formal seat amongst other Business Councils with events and formal information flow to and from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This will include events and activities relative to Australia, as well as to those relevant to Dubai and the broader UAE. Our level of interaction and communication with the Chamber will be elevated and we will be formally invited to 2
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for their efforts behind-the-scenes, especially in the planning stages of larger events such as the upcoming AGM, Melbourne Cup and the Australia Day Ball. These events don’t just happen, especially as we place such a high emphasis on offering something special each time. It can be difficult sometimes to maintain enthusiasm within a voluntary group, but I’ve been blessed with a team that shares my sense of satisfaction when our plans succeed. On a personal note, I will be stepping down as ABC Chairman at the upcoming AGM. Though eligible to serve another year, I’ve made a decision to return to Australia after ten years off-shore. I leave behind some wonderful friends, fantastic experiences and a business group that has worked hard to earn its reputation as one of the best in the region. There are many fine people left to fly the flag though I know they’d all appreciate new ideas, action and input. The group is only as good as you make it, so make the most of it. Now, back to business! Regards

Stuart Mansbridge

Chairman - Australian Business Council.

attend and actively participate in an increased range of programs and events run by the Chamber of Commerce. The closer relationship between the ABC and DCCI will also avail our members of better access to the services and support that is available through the Chamber. From the first days of ABIG we have grown in numbers, in diversity, and in relevance. The Australian business presence in Dubai is well established and is positively recognised throughout the UAE. For us as a business group to grow, our elevation to becoming a Business Council is a natural progression and we are delighted to offer the benefits that come with our new status to all ABC members.

AUS T R A L I A N EMBA SSY M ESSAGE

B Bo Both countries have str strengthened their links over ver e fighting international crime

As most of you are aware, the Ambassador, Jeremy Bruer is in Australia until 19 August on leave and consultations, visiting capitals, giving speeches on the dynamic and growing bilateral relationship between the UAE and Australia, and consulting with government and business. In his place, I am honoured to have the opportunity to highlight one of the embassy’s activities for the second issue of Focus Magazine. As the summer strengthens its grip on the UAE, and more and more people head off on holidays, we are pleased that a longrunning and important bilateral issue which has occupied the embassy for more than three years has finally come to fruition. This is an issue which some might consider low-key, but it is, nonetheless, very important: the completion of the negotiations of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Treaty, and the Extradition Treaty. On 26 July, in Hobart, the UAE Minister for Justice, His Excellency Mohammed Al-Dhaheri, and the Australian Minister for Justice and Customs, David Johnston signed these two important treaties. This means both countries have strengthened their links over fighting international crime.

Mr. Johnston said “International crime cooperation between Australia and the United Arab Emirates has been significantly strengthened”. He went on “These treaties represent a significant step in strengthening our cooperative ties to tackle transnational crime. The signing of the Extradition and Mutual Assistance treaties will enhance our ability to effectively combat transnational crime including terrorism, people trafficking, money laundering and corruption. The Extradition and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters treaties were Australia’s first international crime cooperation treaties with the United Arab Emirates. Senator Johnston said, “Extradition treaties enable countries to prevent criminals from evading prosecution by crossing international boundaries, while Mutual Assistance treaties enhance countries’ abilities to help each other investigate and prosecute criminal offences.” Negotiation of these two treaties began three years ago. Numerous discussions were held between the Attorney Generals Department in Canberra, and the Ministry of Justice in Abu Dhabi, facilitated by face-to-face discussions, emails and cables by the embassy. Then in September 2006 a team from the UAE visited Sydney to go through the draft text of the treaties, in English and Arabic, with the Australian side, and they achieved agreement in just one week. These two treaties are part of a growing focus on security cooperation, and along with the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed during the Defence Minister, Dr Nelson’s visit to Abu Dhabi in April 2007, further develops the framework for enhanced communication and cooperation between Australia and the UAE.

Sit t in g L-R : H. E . M o hamme d Al D ha heri, UA E M i ni st er fo r J ust i c e; S ena tor th e Ho n . David J o hns t o n, Aust ra li a n M i ni st er fo r J ust i c e a nd Custom s. St an din g L-R: H. E . A bdul Rahim Yousef Al Aw a d h i , A ssi st a nt U nd er sec r et a r y, UA E M in is t r y o f J us t ice ; H. E. D r S a eed A l S h a m si , UA E A m b a ssa d o r to A u s t r alia; The H o n. P hilip Rudd o c k M . P. A ust r a l i a n A t t o r ney G enera l .

Margaret Barbalet
Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy - Abu Dhabi

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AUS T R A L I A N CO N SU L GEN ERA L' S ME S S AG E
DUBAI & NORTHERN EMIRATES

P Pro Professionally it has been y rewarding, and personally it has been a lot of fun

This will be my official sign off to the Australian Business Council as my posting with the Australian Consulate General and Australian Trade Commission in Dubai is complete this month. I will be heading back to Melbourne for some leave and to watch some football until the end of the year, and will then commence a new posting adventure in Bangkok. It has been an exhilarating ride over the past five years where all Australians who have been in Dubai have seen and experienced tremendous change and growth in all aspects of life. During this time the Australian Consulate General has relocated twice and grown from representation of two Government agencies and twenty five staff to now eight agencies with sixty five staff. Through the broader Middle East and North Africa region the Australian Trade Commission reach has grown from thirty staff with six points of presence in 2002 to now forty eight staff with fourteen points covering twenty six countries. New positions have been established in Libya, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and in Abu Dhabi as Austrade assists Australian exporters on the ground to position themselves to market opportunities. I have personally been privileged to have worked with a terrific group of people in an exciting region assisting Australian companies in places such as Algeria and Libya, Iraq, Iran, Yemen and all countries in the region in between. Professionally it has been rewarding, and personally it has been a lot of fun. I would like to offer my sincere appreciation to all Australians who have supported us and I hope that we have where possible provided some value of support from our side in return. In particular I would acknowledge the support I have

received from our Ambassador to the UAE, Jeremy Bruer. He might barrack for the wrong footy team, but he is a great Australian and he has been a true friend to me. I offer my sincere appreciation to the many people who have given their time to the Australian Business Council and grown it to the organisation it is now. And finally I would ask and hope that my successor, Kym Hewett, who will arrive in Dubai in September, receives that same support, and level of friendship that I have. I hope that our paths cross again wherever that may be. Yours sincerely

Peter Linford
Consul General Dubai & Northern Emirates Senior Trade Commissioner Middle East & North Africa

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P R O P E RT Y IN VESTM EN T
This trend has continued in 2007, with the enactment of a trust/escrow account law in Dubai, aimed at controlling and providing transparency in terms of the use of funds by property developers on particular projects. The Government of Dubai will also shortly enact a strata title law, which will govern the rights of property owners living in multi-storey buildings in Dubai. The strata title law will achieve two objectives which are currently lacking in the Dubai real estate market: first, it will regulate the rights to the common areas of a property, and second, it will establish a system of rules and regulations with regard to the management and administration of the title to those common areas. The Government of Dubai has not yet introduced a trust law, but this is understood to be in the pipeline. Concurrently, one of Dubai’s free zones, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has introduced a series of property-related laws governing transactions occurring in, and entities incorporated within the DIFC, namely, a real property ownership law, a strata title law, a trust law and a law governing the establishment and operation of a real estate investment trust (REIT). The growing sophistication of the Dubai real estate market, due to the paradigm shift in the background of the players in the market, and the development of a mature legal framework to regulate property development and investment, has resulted in a corresponding growth in the sophistication of financing methods utilised for property acquisitions and development.

Exciting times in property investment and finance in the UAE

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lthough the Dubai real estate market has been growing at a rapid pace for at least the last 15 years, the market really began to move forward at breakneck speed in 2002, when the Government of Dubai liberalised property ownership for nonGCC nationals. This liberalisation was part of the strategy of Dubai to promote direct foreign investment and therefore grow the non-oil economy. As a result, construction is the fastest growing sector of the Dubai economy, accounting for 12.2% of GDP in 2004, whilst the real estate sector provided a further 10.6% of GDP in 2004.

Property acquisitions or development have been financed through the traditional method of a combination of equity and debt. The debt portion has been provided by way of a singleor multi-lender facility, either by a local or regional financial institution. Increasingly, however, more sophisticated financing methods are being utilised, one of which is securitisation. Securitisation involves the issuing of rated bonds (a form of debt instrument) to investors. The proceeds from the issuing of those bonds are converted into a debt facility, which is used to partly finance the acquisition of a property. The security for this facility is usually an assignment of the rental income from the property, as well as a mortgage over the real property. These bonds are then credit enhanced. The advantage of this type of finance is that, because the bonds are rated independently as to their creditworthiness, and given that the investors are mainly drawn from outside the GCC, companies looking to finance the acquisition of property assets can access cheaper debt finance globally. As an example, HSBC, in July 2007, arranged and completed the Middle East’s first rated commercial property securitisation for a commercial office tower in Dubai. This trend in the financing of property acquisitions, coupled with a maturing of the regulation of property acquisitions, will continue to propel Dubai towards a leadership position internationally in terms of the banking/finance sector and the property/construction sector. ADAM MALOUF Head of Legal & Compliance, Arabian Real Estate Investment Trust

Recognising that the Dubai real estate market was becoming increasingly sophisticated and, as a result of foreign investment, increasingly influenced by international investment and financing standards, the Government of Dubai began to introduce a series of laws to underpin this burgeoning economic growth. This really began in 2006 with the introduction of a formal property ownership law, allowing freehold ownership for GCC nationals and ownership by nonGCC nationals (on a freehold or leasehold basis) in certain designated areas in Dubai.
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Dubai’s rapid growth was probably greater than anyone would have predicted or imagined
The constant factor in Dubai today is change! It comes to us most obvious of us who are clearly own personal navigate maze of in many forms but the and visible to the many live and work here reflected through our experiences as we each day through the new construction developments and also through the constant and challenging changes to the road system we drive on. Now change is also coming quickly in

P ROP E RT Y MARKE T
the form of new laws and increased protection for property investors and owners and also with increased obligations on developers, real estate agents and advertisers. Some of us might quite rightly say that these changes are well overdue but we must also be fair and remember that Dubai’s rapid growth was probably greater than anyone would have predicted or imagined. Dubai was the first Emirate to regularly announce new, iconic “out of this world” developments such as Palm Jumeirah & Jebel Ali, Burj Dubai, Dubai Land, the Bawadi Hotel strip, the Waterfront, Business Bay, and others, Dubai was also first to introduce the Rental Cap and Associations (Body Corporate) for community areas, services and charges. The newly formed Real Estate Regulatory Authority, which will operate under the Dubai Land Department, will oversee the operations of developers, property management companies, financing institutions, brokers and owners associations. It will be given jurisdiction over real estate policy, strategy, regulation and registration. Questionable freelance sales agents who impede professional, fully licensed real estate agents will shortly disappear as Dubai Lands Department licensed agents and staff will have the sole rights to attend to property transfers. Also targeted are developers, who in the past, have sold ‘off the plan’ apartments to investors, taken money upfront and then failed to either start on time or to complete the project on time. These changes can only help Dubai’s real estate, property development and construction industries, as local and international investors will now have more certainty and confidence. These developments will allow H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision and dream for Dubai to continue for many years to come. Before investing, please do your homework and only purchase from a licensed developer utilising an escrow account to protect your investment, equally as important, only use a professional, fully accredited real estate agent to assist you. IAN SIMM CEO Easy Property Group www.easypropertygroup.com

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N A KHEEL

Australians are part of the Nakheel team that is changing the map of Dubai
Nakheel, one of the world’s largest privately held real estate developers, is a key player in realising the vision of Dubai for the 21st century, creating a world-class destination for business and tourism. FOCUS takes an exclusive look at the developer's increasing project portfolio and discovers how Australians are part of the Nakheel team that is changing the map of Dubai. A decade ago if Ed Sutton had moved to Dubai from Australia, his friends and colleagues wouldn’t have been able to tell him much about the city. But Dubai is now the place the world is talking about and most Australians would probably have something to tell him about a 7 star sail-shaped hotel, palmshaped islands built in the sea, or incredible growth rivaling Singapore and a cosmopolitan population similar to New York or Hong Kong. Ed Sutton, Senior Development Manager at Nakheel, has lived and worked in Dubai for the last two years. Originally from Sydney, Ed worked in Australian real estate at Charter Hall and Mirvac. Ed is currently working on the exclusive Trump Tower project on The Palm Jumeirah. “Development in Dubai is completely different to that in Australia. The projects here are far bigger and far more audacious than anything at home so the opportunities for development managers in Dubai are unmatched. For example, I was recently explaining the Trump Tower development to my friend in Sydney and tried comparing

it to Chifley Tower, one of Sydney’s most iconic towers – but Trump Tower is a development four times the size!” Nakheel, literally meaning “the palms” in Arabic, was created as a company in 2003 following the launch of subsequent projects, most notably The Palm Trilogy and The World islands. In its efforts to diversify Dubai’s economy and further establish the emirate as a leading tourism destination, Dubai leadership was seeking innovative solutions. Dubai was already well known for its year-round sun and immaculate beaches, although room for waterfront development was limited to only 70km of Dubai coastline. It was for this reason in the late 1990s that H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum developed the ingenious solution of building a man-made island off the coast of Dubai to create more beachfront, hence the launch of The Palm Jumeirah in 2001. Measuring one and a half times the size of New York’s Central Park, The Palm Jumeirah appeared to many to be an overly ambitious and near impossible project. Today, as The Palm Jumeirah nears completion, Nakheel has confirmed its status as more than a simple property developer and as a leading company that is reshaping the map of Dubai by continually creating innovative, bold and iconic developments. “The best thing about working for such a forward thinking company in Dubai is the ability to work with such a diverse group of professionals from all around the world. This provides a melting pot of the best ideas and techniques in the

Ed Sutton

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industry.” Ed added, “The ex-pat lifestyle in Dubai is fabulous too.” Ed Sutton is not the only Australian who has bought in to the Dubai lifestyle. Several other Australians hold positions at Nakheel, including CEO Chris O’Donnell, former Troy Hart Managing Director of Investa Property Group in Australia and Johann Schumacher, Managing Director of The Palm Jumeirah. Australians also make up 1% of the residence owners on The Palm Jumeirah. The first residents moved onto The Palm Jumeirah at the end of 2006 and development of the project is moving along at an impressive pace. In late 2008, the first of more than thirty hotels to open on The Palm Jumeirah will be Atlantis The Palm, a luxury resort featuring the region’s largest water park. The centrepiece on The Palm Jumeirah’s trunk will be The Trump International Hotel and Tower, a 60-story mixed use luxury hotel and residential development. From 2009 The Palm Jumeirah will be home to one of the world’s famous cruise liners, the QE2, and the world renowned tourism attraction Cirque du Soleil is due to take up residence on the island towards the end of 2010. The permanent modern circus show will have an entirely original storyline specifically created for The Palm Jumeirah. Arguably the most ambitious and talked about Nakheel project to date, The World development is on schedule for completion in 2008. Located four kilometers off the coast of Dubai and comprising of over 300 separate reclaimed islands, the first resorts are due to welcome visitors by the end of 2010. “It is very difficult to explain exactly what we do. We are working through a continuously changing and developing model for operations. It’d be tough to find a more exciting and dynamic environment anywhere else in the world” explains Troy Hart, another Australian helping Nakheel build the vision of Dubai. Troy grew up on the Gold Coast in Queensland and worked in development finance and development management with Citimark Properties and Chardan before moving to Dubai over a year and a half ago. As General Manager of Communities Management, Troy is responsible for the community management and operations of Nakheel developments such as the iconic mixed-use community of The Palm Jumeirah, The World and the inland Jumeirah Family brand developments- Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Village, and Jumeirah Heights. Troy has been fundamental in establishing the division of Nakheel Asset Management, which has grown from one to more than 250 staff within the last 12 months. “The opportunity to create and to be part of a new business unit

with the full support of the executive management of Nakheel has been fundamental in achieving where we are now. With the added access to international expertise, it makes for the experience of a lifetime.” Nakheel’s impressive portfolio of developments, across a range of sectors, will continue to set a high benchmark for the incredible growth in this emerging global city. Spreading across 2 billion sq ft of land, including The Palm Trilogy, The World, Waterfront, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park and the truly unique Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel’s projects are redefining the concept of modern property development whether residential, tourist, commercial or retail. Drawing on top international talent, Nakheel will surely continue to capture the attention of world for years to come as it changes the map of Dubai with its landmark developments.

Shoreline Apartments

Atlantis Construction
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M U LT IPLEX

Celebrating 10 years of construction success in the Middle East
Multiplex Multiplex was founded in 1962 in Perth, Western Australia, by the late John C Roberts AO. While constructing most of the major buildings in Perth during the early 1960s and during expansion into New South Wales and Victoria in the 1970s and 80s, Multiplex firmly established a reputation for delivering projects within contract time and budget, a status that Nasa Multiplex is still proud to be achieving today. Operations in New Zealand and the Middle East commenced in 1997 and in 1999, the company opened an office in the UK. Multiplex in the Middle East Back in September 1997, Nasa Multiplex commenced construction on one of the true icons of Dubai today - the Emirates Towers. The project was the first of many success stories for the Australian company; after a redesign of the structure by Multiplex, the high rise office tower was in fact completed two months ahead of the contract period. This year sees Multiplex celebrating 10 years of construction success in the Middle East, with operations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai (Nasa Multiplex) and Qatar (Multiplex Medgulf). Having demonstrated an enviable track record of delivering major, complex projects on time and within budget, Nasa

Multiplex now has a solid footing in the Dubai market. Over the last decade, the company has completed several significant landmark projects including the Emirates Office Tower (topping out the structure six months ahead of schedule), the Taj Palace Hotel, Emaar’s Dubai Marina project (comprising 6 high rise towers), the Union Properties Tower, The Gate at D.I.F.C, the Grosvenor House Hotel at Dubai Marina and Phase 1 of the Burj Dubai Residences. The company’s tall tower experience is second to none and for the last two years running, Nasa Multiplex has won the prestigious Construction Week “Tower Project of the Year” award for the Grosvenor House Hotel in 2005 and the Burj Dubai Residences in 2006. One of the company’s current projects is the Index Building seen rising steadily up within the DIFC. The Lord Foster design is an eye-catching sight amongst the neighbouring towers and at a final height of 326m, the Index Building is set to be yet another striking addition to the company’s construction portfolio of tall towers.

Index Tower

The Gate

Burj Dubai Residence

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MULTI P LE X - E X PAT S TORY

Despite the tax free Dirhams, cheap luxury cars, Friday brunches and the numerous living comforts, living in Dubai can take its toll

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hrough the construction, development and design explosion in Dubai, thousands of eager expatriates have left their own country to join in the race to build the fastest growing city in the world. Despite the tax free Dirhams, cheap luxury cars, Friday brunches and the numerous living comforts, living in Dubai can take its toll. Some of the most contributing factors to homesickness are the lack of family, friends, national ‘isms’, sports and far, far too much sun. Sadly, there’s not much that can been done about the lack of rain, but there are organisations taking the initiative to limit the feeling of isolation that are doing their best to make their employees feel more at home. One such organisation is the Australian construction company, Multiplex. Multiplex has been a forerunner in bringing its national identity to Dubai and helping their employees feel at home through events such as Anzac Day celebrations, AFL matches and traditional Indian entertainment; after all, ‘a happy worker is a good worker’ and the benefits gained from satisfied employees to a company are priceless. Through sponsorship and on-ground assistance in community events, Multiplex has endeavored not only to identify themselves as an Australian company, but has also managed to bring a little bit of Australia to Dubai. Anzac Day is a proud tradition that is unique to Aussies and Kiwis alike. This year, Multiplex sponsored an Anzac event that encompassed local guitar legends, hip hop sensations, together with ample beverages. With a large proportion of Indian nationals working in the company, cricket days, Onam festivals and Kahla music festivals feature in a large part of the company’s calendar.

As one of the two major sponsors behind the February 8th 2008 AFL (Australian Football League) Exhibition Match, Multiplex is extremely proud to be bring one of the world’s greatest sports to the forefront of the Dubai events calendar. Two of the more prestigious clubs of the AFL will put on a fast, skillful and hard-hitting contest that will shake the Dubai Polo fields like never before. Collingwood and Adelaide plan to travel to Dubai as part of their pre-season warm-up and to help promote AFL in the Middle East. As part of the event, the curtain raising Multiplex Cup match will be a somewhat less skillful, but nonetheless hard-fought game potentially between the UAE Heat and the Dubai Dingoes. Multiplex, together with the help of local companies Byrne and Ducto Balfour Beatty will provide amenities and logistics for a day that all Australians and other sporting enthusiasts will remember. Not only do such events give expats the taste of home and national identity that can easily be lost, but it offers opportunities for all to learn something of their fellow workers’ nationality and culture. As Dubai expands, so too does the melting pot of cultures and international education. In this day and age of globalisation, international knowledge and understanding is invaluable for business relationships and growth. The property and construction industry is no different with all corners of the globe coming together to build towers in the sand. Aside from the above social and sporting engagements, Multiplex continues to be one of the top high-profile construction companies delivering some of the most successful landmark projects in Dubai. Multiplex - not only a company that has fun, but one that also gets the job done. C. PECK Site Manager - Multiplex

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G RE E N VI S I ON

In the Middle East, it seems to be a case of being in the right place at the right time
hen first arriving in the United Arab Emirates on vacation in 2002, landscape consultant Paul Seils, was overwhelmed with the immense possibilities within the Landscape Industry. As events unfolded, Paul decided to stay in the United Arab Emirates and was fortunate enough to be invited to design and oversee the landscape construction at one of the Palaces for the Offices of His Highness - The President. Seils said “In the Middle East, it seems to be a case of being in the right place at the right time” and a bit more of “it is not what you know, but who you know”. Being an Australian his ideals were high and he soon brought to Dubai other Australians to assist in the implementation of this unique landscape project. “When you enter a new market like the Middle East, you have

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“I enjoy the ‘outside the box’ thinking and the enormous scale of projects in the United Arab Emirates, which we don’t get to experience so often in Australia. It is about creating a signature for landscape that is complementary and particular to a specific project. It is important that the landscape relates to the internal and the external environment, for example, we are also designing many high end villas for the new residential developments here and the home owner’s lifestyle is extremely important, therefore the design must complement an inside out theme. With creative design incorporating shade people can use the outside garden as a living experience with sunken bar areas and seating areas, outdoor cooking and dining, external movie projection screens and sound systems. Unless it is usable and enjoyable, it is a waste of space.” “I am very involved in all aspects of the landscape from the initial meeting with the client, listening to their ideas, brainstorming with them, working with the design team, following the design process all the way through to the end product, then the supervision of the landscape construction and of course, as a Horticulturist, the landscape maintenance is of paramount importance. If the landscape is not maintained then

to put aside any rigid thoughts of how you think things must be done, you have to ‘unlearn’. Paul then went to the Maldives and was involved in a dream project on one of the resort islands that were being redeveloped. This comprised of setting up a nursery on one of the neighboring islands inhabited by 100 Maldivians. “It was quite an experience,” he says “I was involved in the removal of all the plants and palms from the resort island to the local Island, then having to grow these plants plus import other plant stock from other neighboring islands, now there was a challenge” he laughs. Once the resort island had been redeveloped, all the plant stock from this nursery had to be shipped across the ocean to the resort island to be reinstated. “It is a challenge to create a quality landscape in the exposed environment of an ocean, with only one metre of depth above the salt water table” he insists. Once he had completed his involvement in this project, he returned to Dubai where his business Green Concepts was established as the first Australian based landscape consultancy in the UAE. With a 16-year background in horticulture and many of those years running his business in Australia (Green Concepts which has continued to operate), Seils is a certified expert in the industry.

unfortunately the design intent can go astray” Seils, as a Horticulturist, has a passion and a love of plants, their form, texture and placement in landscapes. He continues, “There is an immense need for new plant varieties within the UAE, all landscape architects and consultants are in favour of introducing new species into the landscape. There are plants particularly in Australia that would grow wonderfully here.” This is an area Seils is particularly proactive in and is currently compiling not only imported plant species to introduce to UAE, but he also feels that the indigenous plant material in the UAE has been neglected. He is now combining some of these plants into the Green Vision team’s designs. Dubai is the hub for the region in many ways, including the landscape industry with the Green Vision Team being involved in projects in Oman, Qatar, Iran, Pakistan, Mauritius and North Africa. Life as a landscape consultant is exciting and rewarding, this is evident when listening to a professional who has the imagination and a vision……………a Green Vision. PAUL SEILS Green Vision Landscape Architects
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G OLF C OURS E S

ambitious new residential golf community

T h e wo r ld’s most

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he man who helped create many of Australia’s finest golf developments – including The Grand Golf Club; Pelican Waters; The Glades, Brookwater; The Vintage; and The Golf Club at Kennedy Bay – is now leading the creation of the world’s most ambitious new residential golf community. David Spencer began his career in the golf industry as a director of Troon Golf, in the Australian office. Following his successful involvement in two flagship Dubai courses, The Montgomerie and Arabian Ranches, David has become chief executive of Leisurecorp, the Dubai World-owned company which is developing Jumeirah Golf Estates. Jumeirah Golf Estates has brought together the world’s leading golfing and course design superstars, to create Dubai’s premier residential golfing community. Greg Norman, Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and “the father of modern golf course design”, Pete Dye, are working on creating one of the world’s most distinctive golf developments. Four courses - Fire, Earth, Water, and Wind – will pay tribute to the power of nature, each employing the distinctive characteristics of its own surroundings to deliver a unique challenge. They will be surrounded by the most desirable residential communities in Dubai, with luxury homes characterised by beautiful space both inside and out. Greg Norman, the designer behind the Fire and Earth courses, is also creating The Norman Clubhouse, which will be home to an ultra-modern practice facility and state-of-the-art golf

academy. The Clubhouse’s Sports Centre caters for other sports too, featuring a fully-equipped gymnasium, tennis academy, lap pool and a leisure-focused lagoon. It will also offer a range of options for both formal and casual dining, while the Wellness Centre will offer a variety of massage and spa treatments. And for the first time anywhere in the world, Jumeirah Golf Estate’s Little White Shark golf academy at The Norman Clubhouse will allow golfers of all ages and abilities to hone their skills, with professional training programmes developed by Greg Norman himself.

Greg Norman and David Spencer

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RAS I S DE VE LOP E RS LLC

I have found that using your local and Australian network connections selectively can be very helpful
As CEO of Rasis developers LLC, Adrian Vinck, gives us an insight into his time as a developer in Dubai. Adrian is Melbournian raised and educated, he graduated from RMIT University with an Architecture degree in 1984. His home is Wheelers Hill where he enjoys the surrounds of Jells Park. He has 4 grown up children, all working and living their own lives. Adrian was first employed by Emaar Properties in Dubai October 1999 as General Manager for Development, with his first completed project in Dubai being Emaar’s Gold & Diamond Park Phase 1. In 2000 he was appointed GM for the Dubai Marina project, responsible for all master developments. Other responsibilities included the delivery of three seeding projects developed by Emaar, Al Sahab towers, Al Mujara residential towers & Marina Walk, built by Nasa Multiplex. In his new role as CEO of Rasis developers LLC, he comments, ‘we have some really exciting work on and I’m really pleased with the energy that we are building in this small dynamic property development company’. Adrian

is fortunate to be able to use a number of his contacts in Australia in an effort to expedite the developments that are happening in the UAE. ‘I have found that using your local and Australian network connections selectively can be very helpful, constructive and time efficient. I have been fortunate enough to recruit a number of talented Australians, Emiratis and other nationalities. Executive search connections in Australia have been very helpful, and will continue to provide talent for new, senior management positions as the company expands this year. As in most places, there is a cultural communication issue here, and Australians tend to have the ability to get to the root of a problem very quickly’ Rasis Developers, is a real estate development and investment company. In January 2006, His Highness Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan had the vision to set up Rasis, Arabic for ‘a solid foundation’, to provide just that – a solid foundation for sustainable development in the UAE, Middle East region, and real estate markets across the globe. Current projects in the Middle East include the ‘Zabeel Corporate Park’ in Dubai with 2 million sq.ft. of commercial office and retail space; On-site car parking for more than 5000 cars; a hotel and serviced apartments specifically catering to the business market. Another current project is the ‘Abu Dhabi Corniche’ in Abu Dhabi, which will offer approximately 1.4 million sq. ft. of high quality office, residential and retail space in addition to a luxury hotel. ADRIAN VINCK CEO - Rasis Developers LLC

Zabeel Corporate Park
SEPTEMBER,07

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MO D ER N A RC HITECTU RE

People can now virtually experience what it would be like to walk around and through an unconstructed building
DIGITAL BUILDINGS It’s been a revolution for architecture – cities around the world are being transformed and shaped by the still-evolving sciences and technologies of the digital age, just as they have been affected by previous technological advances. What’s happening now is strongly comparable to the progress of architecture’s last great revolution – from the post-Renaissance world to the industrial age during the early twentieth century. Over the ages there have been sequences of long lags – techno-gaps, if you like – between discoveries in science and the affordable availability of technologies that flow on from those laboratory experiments. Architecture is always trying, and often failing, to jump ahead of these advances. EVOLVING DESIGN TRENDS: THE OLD With various curvy or unusual exceptions, designers – using industrial age tools, rulers and manufactured pens on paper, naturally tended to create boxes. These could be constructed via two dimensional floor plans, wall elevations and cross sections. With the pen and ruler system of design, buildings were represented in drawings of the idea and in photographs of the finished works, via a static point of view. For example, a plan is drawn from the idea of a viewer’s eye looking down from a

high position directly above the centre of the floor. Similarly, walls and cross-sections are drawn in a way that positions the eye exactly halfway up the building. In life, these are impossible situations to achieve and there is a fundamental problem of unreality in these perceptions of architecture.

THE NEW In the digital age, architecture is increasingly being represented on screen and with mobile vision. People can now virtually experience what it would be like to walk around and through an unconstructed building or place – and the facilitating software is becoming increasingly realistic in demonstrating the subtleties of materials, sunlight and shadows. Virtual Reality has the capacity to describe buildings to those who don’t understand conventional architects’ drawings. IDEAS FOR THE 21st CENTURY: THE DEBATE CONTINUES Around the world now, there’s a great deal of debate about what ideas are relevant for buildings of the early twenty-first century. Designers who trained in modernism are naturally reluctant to leave their old ethics behind – and they will continue to produce buildings based on grids and those classic elements of orthogonal geometry: the cube, the sphere and the pyramid. There is also a group of anti-modernist architects who are using digital software to oppose all the old rules of the design game. They are about complexity rather than simplicity, seductive rather than austere materials, embellishment rather than abstraction, fluid rather than cubic forms, highlighting the surfaces of buildings more than their structure, using synthetic or hybrid components as well as natural materials and most crucially, irregularity rather than grids and orthodox forms. AND THE FUTURE? Looking into the future, beyond buildings yet constructed, architects envision fantastic digital environments whose actual construction potential is, at present, nil. These architects are the ‘imagineers’ of future cities, creating for an image-hungry culture, visions of tomorrow which reflect emerging or possible science and technology. They are leaping forward to bridge the next techno-gap. Crone Partners was first established in Sydney in the 1960’s, Crone Partners first entered the Dubai market in 1998. Locally, regionally and internationally the practice provides high quality services in the fields of master planning, commercial offices, high rise residential, hotels-resorts and retail. Crone Partners Architecture Studio David Jacks on www.cronepartners.com

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LANDS C AP E ARC H I T E C TURE

Australian Landscape UAE they Architects are in the in thethe toughestget so hot thatif even plants burn they are nearby. Only limestone forefront of the with a low specific heat can co profession in the UAE habit with plants.
he UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is well known worldwide for its rapid growth, its huge projects and for its willingness to take on the latest technology to become leaders in the business of property development. The man power resources to meet the demands on professional services come from many parts of the world, in particular, Australia. Australia’s experience in property development and the professional resources needed to make developments work can be found throughout the design and construction industry. Landscape is one of those resources. It is hard to imagine the actual land area subjected to the design skills of landscape architects but there is at least 200 sq km being designed by landscape architects at the time of writing. Australian Landscape Architects are in the forefront of the profession in the UAE. Almost every project either has their design skills, their supervision skills or their construction and maintenance skills applied. There are many competent professionals in the landscape industry in the UAE however; one of the weaknesses in the landscape industry is the lack of detailed, intimate knowledge of the demanding environment. What grows, what works and what does not work. The lack of experience shown by many in the landscape industry will, in time, prove to be a disappointment for developers and costly when failures need to be replaced. It is easy to find landscapes that don’t work through poor design, poor plant selection, poor maintenance, and poor communication by the designer of maintenance management requirements. Landscape materials that are a familiar part of temperate climates like Sydney are mercilessly burnt by the intense heat and humidity of the coastal regions and inland, by the heat alone. In Australia we use rocks and gravel (as mulch) but

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There is much that can be done to improve the quality of plants, especially by using air root pruning containers to produce a good nursery plant. This Australian invention is now taking hold in the UAE and there are many other clever ideas that can become part of the landscape scene. Aluminium park benches are cooler to sit on, even in the shade because aluminium does not get as hot as timber and certainly not as hot as other metals. Playground equipment with plastic coating lasts a very short time whereas multi coat wet paint finishes last a long time and can be repaired. Concrete kerbs with haunching at the back of the kerb prevent plants growing to the edge of the pavement and ensure the foreground view of landscape is of burnt, weak or nonexistent plants, including grass. Landscape is appreciated as often at night as it is in the day time, but some paving materials such as sandstone and granite, absorb a lot of heat and release it at night making it uncomfortable to walk on. Lighting can be crude in its application although there are more and more instances where landscape is cleverly lit adding to the enjoyment of parks and other public places at night. Australians are in the front line and

should take even more responsibility to pass on what we have learnt in our own environment. When working as professionals in the UAE, let us have the security of knowing that we are doing the best we can, promoting better methods, encouraging, learning and guiding, but at all times never accepting anything as just “good enough”. GEOFF SANDERSON Principal - Green Concepts www.greenconcepts.ae

SEPTEMBER,07

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S US TA I N A B L E SO LU TIO N S

Unable to sustain the population growth and expansion, allowing for huge opportunities
Founded in the United Arab Emirates, leading specialist Water & Wastewater Infrastructure and Engineering Company, Septech Emirates LLC, has focused on a core product portfolio. Septech has delivered expertise to the Water & Wastewater, Environmental Management, leisure, renewable energy, marine construction, golf course construction industries in the MENASA for the past 10 years. Septech’s industry expertise within the MENASA region has led to the winning of two major flagship projects. The Palm Island, Atlantis project, utilising Septech’s water process and management capabilities, and a further award to Septech of the Middle East’s first “Mega Yacht” facility, located in Dubai

Today, Septech has divided its product offering into a number of diversified, innovative technologies and systems to cater for the regions’ massive investment in water and wastewater. Operations throughout the MENASA region are highly integrated; Septech has invested significant resources to support and to execute large project engineering solutions. A supportive client portfolio, which includes the ruling families and global construction corporations, enhances Septech’s ability to operate hundreds of installations of specialised engineering products. Having gained a reputation as a high profile company in these industry sectors, Septech’s expertise and solutions will address the ever increasing opportunities in the regional market. A fully developed, sound and ethical business model, added to an in-house intellectual technology, a talent pool of over 200 people, and an executive management team with over 50 years of industry experience between them, creates the foundation upon which Septech has become a leader and proven track winner of large scale infrastructure projects in the region. Various partnerships have complimented and developed Septech’s core divisions to their optimum potential, giving a leading edge over other locally based companies and an enviable advantage over companies located outside the MENASA region attempting to penetrate the lucrative Middle East market. Septech’s strong brands and leadership position has removed significant barriers to entry in its core product portfolio. The highly recognised brands have assisted Septech in entering diverse new product areas and geographic markets. During the past 10 years of operation, Septech’s management team has successfully diversified the company’s revenue stream. Broadening the company’s portfolio of complimentary and innovative water and wastewater infrastructure products & services through internal product development and the licensing of new products and services allows Septech to confidently address the future and new opportunities within the regional market. Mr. Ashruf Kamel Vice President - Corporate Development www.septechemirates.com

Festival City. This major project was won on the basis of Septech’s advanced marine technology experience. Since its inception in 1997, Septech has grown rapidly, from an initial base in Sharjah with a purpose-built factory for precast concrete, infrastructure and wastewater engineering to a company with multiple offices throughout the Emirates.
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I N VEST MEN T

A vision to create investment opportunities
Former HSBC Investment Banking Director in the Middle East, Gavin Rezos, is now a Director of epi International. epi structures syndicated property investments in Australasia and the Middle East, which enables ordinary investors to commit as little as USD$55,000, but to still have exposure to blue chip commercial properties, residential sub-divisions and development deals. Focus asked Gavin Rezos what attracted him to epi International. “Part of my role with HSBC, was to structure international property funds for investment in the UK property market for very high net worth Middle Eastern Investors. Living in Dubai, I had known Brett Carnell for a number of years and quickly realised his driving force and vision to create epi International as a successful property investment company. His vision was to create investment opportunities for fellow pilots and others, looking for exposure to higher returns without the individual having to source property, arrange settlement and bank funding, construction, government approvals, development approvals, tax structures, accounting and reporting. Our market research showed there was significant appetite from local investors for exposure to property in Australia and other markets and accordingly, epi International was founded in 2002. The two key reasons we have been successful in our four syndicates to date are: • Investing in deals through strong property networks allowing us to acquire deals before they are publicly advertised or marketed. • Our strong due diligence process. Our first commercial property in Perth, Western Australia produced a 34% return in less than 16 months. Our current residential sub-division project in Western Australia is expected to significantly exceed the projected 56% return over a 3 year investment period. Our tourism property in Margaret River, Western Australia has just received additional development approvals whilst our Dubai Office Syndicate with a net benchmark return of 60% over three years, has already attracted in excess of USD$18 million for the equity component for four floors of premium office space in Dubai’s International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Its projected net benchmark return is 75% over a five year period; and we are looking to expand our business into Singapore and Hong Kong as well as offering additional property opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and potentially, Asia.. We have recently launched our Oceania Property Syndicate which is focused on premium commercial property throughout Australian and New Zealand. Already, we have taken an option on an extremely attractive development in Mandurah, south of Perth, which looks capable of performing as well or better than our very first syndicate. The projected net benchmark return is 15% per annum over a five year period. Finally, from an investment banking perspective there is no greater proof than the Managing Director and the Directors themselves investing in the same opportunities and this has happened in each of our syndicates. I have been impressed by the dedication and work ethic of Brett Carnell and the epi International team and enjoy working with the enthusiasm and capability of the pilots and airline crew industry”. GAVIN REZOS Director of syndicated property investments epi International www.epi-world.com

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R ES O RT E N V IRO N M EN T

Live & work in a luxury resort environment...
Imagine your home in a convenient and beautiful location, with pristine white sand beaches all around you. Imagine convenient leisure facilities, restaurants, swimming pools, a spa and being within minutes from your golf course and your office! You’re imagining La Hoya Bay on Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. La Hoya Bay, the new experience in waterfront luxury and quality lifestyle was launched on the beautiful Marjan Island in the northern most emirate of UAE, Ras Al Khaimah. La Hoya Bay development is being built at the cost of AED 2.9 billion. La Hoya Bay Residence is the first phase of the La Hoya Bay development. Phase one comprises of luxurious studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments. La Hoya Bay Business Village is the second of series of projects planned on the magnificent Marjan Island. It consists of freehold offices & retail spaces with a free zone status.
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The developers behind La Hoya Bay are Khoie Properties, one of the leading property developers in Dubai, established as part of Khoie Group in 2003, a group with global interests first established in 1973. Mr. Frank Khoie, Chairman and CEO of Khoie Properties, the developer behind La Hoya Bay saw the potential of a world-class luxury development. Just like Monaco, Cannes and other beautiful resorts and residence around the world, the aim is to create a lifestyle and standard of living that combines natural beauty, a premier location and the highest level of sophistication, only 45 minutes from Dubai. Marjan Island is indeed a magnificent feat of engineering envisioned by the RAK Investment Authority under the patronage of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. The future launches on the island will include La Hoya Bay Resort, Marina & Yacht club, La Hoya Bay Pelican, La Hoya Bay Regency and La Hoya Bay Hotel. Further details of the development at www.lahoyabay.com & www.khoie.com

CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Enormous demand for top end technological formwork systems
Grocon is Australia’s largest privately owned construction and development company, established more than 50 years ago by Luigi Grollo, grandfather of the present day Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Grollo. With humble beginnings in Melbourne’s northern suburbs building community swimming pools, Grocon has grown into a large multi-disciplinary group, which now specialises in all areas of the construction industry, ranging from the original financing of a project to ongoing oversight and facilities management of developments. Grocon was based in Melbourne for the first 35 years of its existence, building Melbourne landmarks such as the Rialto Towers, 120 Collins Street and the ANZ Bank Headquarters. Most recently in Melbourne, it completed the redevelopment of the MCG on a tight time schedule for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and the iconic 300 metre Eureka Tower on Southbank, now the tallest structure in Australia. Grocon Lubeca LLC in Dubai started in the United Arab Emirates in 2005 with the supply of the unique jump form system for the Rose Tower project on Sheikh Zayed Road. The 73 storey Rose Tower was completed in record time with three day floor cycles achieved consistently on 40 consecutive floors. Now established firmly in the UAE market, Grocon has

substantially increased turnover in the past year and aims to expand the company even further to increase capacity to accommodate the enormous demand for top end technological formwork systems. Grocon CEO Daniel Grollo said “As a founding member of the Green Building Council of Australia, Grocon is passionate about sustainable building, and always strives to achieve the highest standards in relation to environmentally friendly design and implementation,” Grocon has obtained accreditation from the Australian Federal Safety Commissioner, at the highest level for occupational health and safety standards. They have numerous awards in relation to safety, Grocon is also trying to import those systems to the UAE so construction work can be completed there safely and quickly. Mr. Grollo said safety was of paramount importance to Grocon at all its sites. DANIEL GROLLO CEO Grocon Lubeca LLC. www.grocon.com.ae

Past Project - reconstruction of the old GPO No.1 Martin Place - Sydney

Reducing the time cost of money and market risk for the developer and investors
As the scale and speed of construction in the Middle East grows to massive levels, constraints not encountered previously are now increasing the need for innovation and technological

Company - Gulfwalling

solutions to construction challenges. There are several challenges being experienced on unprecedented levels, to name a few: 1. Labour constraints – with reducing availability, increasing cost and lack of skill sets in the required numbers, there is simply not the available labour to implement the number and scale of projects across the region. 2. Materials constraints – once again the scale of construction in the region is consuming vast quantities of input materials, particularly cement and reinforcement steel. 3. Capital constraints – previously in the region capital was freely available and “the time cost of money” was not a high consideration. With the inflow of capital from outside the region and the choice of opportunities for capital in the region, investors are now very much interested in the time scale for return on their capital. However, the traditional method to accelerate construction rate to apply more labour is no longer an economic solution to this problem. New methods and materials must be

found to overcome these and other constraints that are now appearing in the construction market of the region. GulfWall is one such method of construction that addresses all these constraints. GulfWall precast panels are created from a unique patented system which is designed to deliver significant costefficiencies. Fabricated off-site, the load-bearing walls are 70% lighter than conventional precast panels and can speed construction times by up to 40%. Hollow wall sections, doors and windows are pre-cut to a project using a computer controlled saw, to eliminate site labour and speed construction. The walls are efficiently transported to site, and craned into position. Filling the hollow GulfWall with concrete onsite creates full structural load bearing walls up to eight storeys high. The great speed of construction ensures projects utilising this technology will be brought online faster thereby reducing the time cost of money and market risk for the developer and investors. TOBY COOKE Gulfwalling FZCO
SEPTEMBER,07

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P R O P ERT Y L AW
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN DUBAI PROPERTY LAW The last 5 years have seen unprecedented growth in the Dubai property market following the Dubai Governments decision to allow all nationalities to purchase properties in certain areas. Since 2002 thousands of new units have been released onto the market and thousands more are presently under construction. Property prices have increased threefold in that time, yet rental yields remain high by Australian standards at around 7% or more. OWNING PROPERTY IN DUBAI The law has taken time to catch up with the pace of development. Dubai Law No 7 of 2006 concerning the Registration of Land in Dubai (the "Dubai Property Law"), recognises the property rights of foreign nationals (including freehold ownership, 99 year leasehold and Musataha, which is the right to build on the land owned by another person) in areas of Dubai specifically designated by the Dubai Ruler’s office. Those designated areas now include the various Palms, Jumeirah Islands, Business Bay as well as many of the Emaar developments. It is likely that more areas will be added to the approved list, as developments progress. For Australians buying property in the Ruler's designated areas, it is now possible to register title to such properties at the Dubai Land Department. Once registered, such title is conclusive proof of ownership and cannot be challenged, other than in cases of fraud. Banks involved in financing such properties can also register their interest as mortgagees with the Land Department. In addition to the Dubai Property Law, a new strata title law which recognises, amongst other things, owners rights and liabilities over the common property in their developments, is presently being considered by the Dubai Government. It is widely expected that the new strata title law will be enacted before the end of 2007. Despite the progress, administrative difficulties still arise. Due to time lags between purchasing a Dubai property and registering the title and any mortgage thereon, banks operating in the Dubai market have invented some unconventional methods to help secure their interests. At least one international bank is requiring its clients to provide personal cheques guaranteeing the full amount of their home loans. In the event of default, and rather than having to sell the mortgaged property to recoup any monies owing, the bank is at liberty to present the personal cheque for encashment. Under UAE law, should such cheque be
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dishonoured, criminal sanctions, including a jail sentence, may be imposed against the signatory of the cheque. THE NEW DEVELOPERS TRUST ACCOUNT LAW Other recent developments in Dubai's property laws include Dubai Law No 8 of 2007 concerning Real Estate Development Trust Accounts (the "Trust Accounts Law"). The Trust Accounts Law will make trust accounts compulsory for all new Dubai off-plan developments, with money released to developers only on the order of the Dubai Land Department. Purchasers in new developments will be able to write their deposit/payment cheques in the name of a specific project and pay these to the appropriate bank, rather than to the developer or its agent. The Trust Accounts Law means developers can no longer launch a project and use the monies collected to finance initial construction costs or satisfy other business objectives. Funds will only be released to a developer as a project proceeds based on official certification of the construction stages reached. Developers will also have to obtain the approval of the Land Department before advertising new projects in the media. The Trust Accounts Law will be welcomed by investors concerned about developers disappearing with their money or delaying projects whilst monies are channeled into other investments. It may also have a positive effect on the project finance market as developers seek alternative finance options. The new laws take an important step forward in providing a legal framework for foreign ownership and the protection of investments in Dubai real estate. Those looking to invest in or develop property in Dubai should seek local expertise especially since laws and administrative procedures relating to property are evolving almost as quickly as the skyline. Holman Fenwick & Willan is an international law firm operating offices in Dubai and Melbourne, Australia. Our other offices are located in London, Paris, Rouen, Piraeus, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore. Amber Lobb Seaton, is a dual qualified Australian and English solicitor. AMBER LOBB SEATON Holman Genwick & Willan www.hfw.com

T RADE NE WS

VicRoads International, against International competition, has won two projects in Dubai this year
In the first issue of ‘Focus’ we had a photo of The Hon. John Brumby visiting the UAE in May as Victorian Treasurer. Following the retirement of Steve Bracks in July, Mr. Brumby was elected by his party as Premier of Victoria. This led to a Ministerial reshuffle and Minister Bronwyn Pike, who had visited the region three times as Health Minister has taken over the Education portfolio, a sector that Victoria has been active in regionally. Most recently, our Education Department in conjunction with Holmesglen TAFE won a contract with the Bahrain Development Board to help reform vocational education in the school system. A team from Victoria is now in place there and Bahraini teachers are in Melbourne for training on our vocational system. Abu Dhabi has also recognised the value of Victorian education sending some 50 students for English language training over the summer, as has Sharjah. The Victoria International School of Sharjah. opened on Sunday 2nd September. Eighteen year highs of the Australian dollar against the US dollar and the impact of the drought has been a cause of concern for all exporters. Yet despite this, export growth from Victoria in 2006-07 was the highest since 2000-01. Victoria’s exports of goods increased by 7 % to $20.3 billion as the strong world economy lifted exports of aluminium, wool and manufactures but the drought did significantly reduce exports of food. Since 1989, the road toll in Victoria has more than halved, with a corresponding drop in serious injuries of 32%. To address the problem of lives being lost and serious injuries,

VIC TORIA Victoria Police, VicRoads and the Transport Accident Commission adopted a concerted, integrated approach to accident prevention. This has included public education to change driver attitudes, road research, harsher penalties, enforcement, and a well developed trauma system. VicRoads International, against international competition, has won two projects in Dubai this year – a review of driver training and testing and enhanced guidelines for roadside design. Construction, one of the two main topics of conversation, takes centre stage in October with Cityscape Dubai, the property services and development exhibition being held from 16 – 18 October. Australia will have a large presence there with around 35 companies including many from Victoria. In preparation, we are updating the annual ‘Directory of Major GCC Projects’ to help inform Australian companies of opportunities in the GCC and the regularly updated ‘capability’ Directory of Australian Products & Services Suppliers to the GCC Construction Sector. It is produced by the Victorian Government Business Office in cooperation with, and co funded by, Austrade, NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, and will be available to Australian companies through our individual offices in hardcopy or CD. Ultimately, it will be available through our websites and accessible by registered Australian companies. The ‘capability’ Directory has two sections - Part A has a listing of the almost 80 Australian companies in the building and construction sector who have offices in one or more of the GCC countries. Part B is a similar listing for the over 50 companies who work here directly or supply products through agents. This capability directory is available by email and is continually updated as new companies come to our attention. The directory has broad distribution and the September edition will be sent to several hundred of the key regional contacts in development companies, leading contractors, relevant government officials. If you wish to receive a copy, please email [email protected]

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T RADE NE WS

Riding a wave of economic opportunity
South Australia’s business confidence remains at high levels: • Employment up by 15% (100,000 more) and holding at near record levels • Business investment is 123% higher • Retail sales are 25% higher • Annual exports are 40% higher • The unemployment rate is near its lowest in 30 years. South Australia’s future growth is focused on continuing to improve and promote our competitiveness, innovation and productivity to benefit from these strong economic conditions. More than $37 billion is being invested in South Australia’s major building, construction, industrial and infrastructure projects. South Australia is on the crest of an export wave, with our traditional export strengths in wine, cereals, meat and automotive manufacturing now being complemented by exports in the minerals and information technology sectors. The South Australian Government is committed to trebling the value of our exports to $25 billion by 2013. With an ambitious Food Plan recently launched to increased the total value of finished food products by 8% annually, developing an integrated export market development program will be part of achieving that goal. An exciting new “Icons South Australia” store to show case the best of South Australian brands and gourmet foods is to open in Adelaide Airport. Definitely the ‘food diamond’ in Australia’s food crown, South Australia has a number of key “Foodie” events before the end of the year and listed here to help you plan your trip: Royal Adelaide Show 7 -15 September Taste South Australia 7 -15 September Ceduna Oysterfest 28 – 30 September Fleurieu Fiesta 2007 29 Sep – 28 October Riverland Renaissance 12 – 21 October Tasting Australia 13 – 21 October Chefs on the Murray 18 October CheeseFest 20- 21 October Premier’s Food Awards 16 November South Australia in the classroom A South Australian company, Specialist Training Australia

SOUTH AUSTRALIA (STA), has been successful in designing, developing and delivering specialist training and education programs for customers in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bahrain and Oman. STA is a project manager of integrated training solutions and manpower services focusing on the military, police, security and civil defence sectors. STA’s Managing Director, Mike Brownhill tells how STA was born in Adelaide. “Our company was formed to export Australian capability specifically to the Gulf region; the principals of the business had prior knowledge of the area and thought that there were good opportunities for military, police and security training. This conclusion was backed up by Nick Alister-Jones, Director of the SA Commercial Representative Office in Dubai, who, having a military background, was well placed to assist us in our market analysis.” Are you a qualified English Language teacher or technical instructor? STA currently has positions available in Saudi Arabia, please contact David Kerr, email [email protected] Fax +971 4 363 6750 PO Box 58074, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

SEPTEMBER,07

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T RADE NE WS

Extended upward economic cycle with a very positive five year economic outlook
WESTERN AUSTRALIA – “GATEWAY TO AUSTRALIA” Western Australia, with its diverse internationally competitive economy, leads the nation in economic growth, productivity, investments and exports. Western Australia is on an extended upward economic cycle with a very positive five year economic outlook, largely driven by the booming Chinese, Indian & GCC economies and its strong demand for resource commodities. The trade surplus for Western Australia in 2006 was AUD 33.2 billion. Property prices in the Perth CBD have benefited hugely from the commodities boom and are now on a par with Sydney. Western Australia benefits from its close proximity to Asia and Middle East; increasing air connections; strong Government commitment to build on tourism market demand and their support of industrial development; a skilled and productive workforce; a wealth of mineral and petroleum opportunities; abundant and competitively priced energy; extensive industrial land and infrastructure; low sovereign risk and pro-development government polices and strong economic growth. Currently more than AUD1billion accommodation projects are planned. In the UAE, market leaders in the construction industry such as Multiplex and Woods Bagot, with their head offices in Perth are a reflection of strong Western Australian construction and Building materials related capabilities. In order to further enhance its construction and building material related export capabilities, the Western Australian Government had recently hosted a Middle East Focus Construction Industry Seminar in Perth and invited GHD Global PTY Ltd. as a representation from Dubai to brief the industry. From its highly developed services sector, primary production, mining and specialised manufacturing, to innovation, advanced technology, skilled workforce and stable government, this State offers a solid foundation for business development and investment. Small businesses represent around 96 per cent of all businesses in the State and accounts for over half of all employment. WA also has a solid track record for developing world scale, technically advanced mineral and petroleum projects. These opportunities are not only encouraging strong investment but also attractive migration and job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry. Western Australia and in particular Perth and the South West is a preferred choice for internationals seeking a quality lifestyle in a Mediterranean climate. Western Australia is the fastest growing economy in

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Australia with tourism contributing $4.3billion. To reflect the very positive investment climate being experienced in Perth and WA, the Western Australian State Government has embarked on a challenging Landbank program which aims to make a number of tourism development sites available to investors. Western Australia also provides an ideal location for tourists from the Middle East seeking milder climates during their very hot summers. It provides a closer attractive alternative to Vancouver for those based in Asia. There has never been a better time to consider Western Australia as an investment, relocation or migration potential. The Western Australian Trade Office in Dubai is very effectively bridging the gap between Western Australia and the Middle East. We encourage the local business community to contact us for any assistance at the below email address: MR. PANKAJ SAVARA Regional Director - [email protected]

An Evening with WA Minister
T h e Western Austra lia n Tra de Office in Duba i h osted a reception on th e occa sion of th e visit of Fra ncis Mich a el Log a n, MLA, a t th e C onference C entre, Jumeira h B ea ch Hotel.

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(PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION TEAM)

S PO RT

ebruary 2006, it all started over a couple of quiet drinks at Left Bank in the Madinat Jumeirah when five young Melbourne lads working in property and construction in Dubai were discussing what was missing in the Middle East. Eventually one of the boys popped out with, ‘’Geez I

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suffice. Following a few more drinks and increasingly exaggerated stories about football related exploits back in the Victorian Amateurs league, it was coherently agreed that ‘’Tuppa’’, ‘’Batts’’, ‘’Tors’’, ‘’Stranger’’ and ‘’Duggy’’ were going to start a footy side to bring to the Middle East what we missed most: wearing unusual looking sporting outfits - being a combination of striped socks, miniscule shorts and oddly coloured lycra tops - and

leather ball and kicking it between a couple of upright sticks. It wasn’t long before we discovered that there was an existing side in Dubai, the Dubai Dingoes who were organizing a modified rules tournament in March, ‘’the Dubai 9’s’’. We decided to assemble those that we knew who played the game into a side to have a ‘’kick’’ down at Safa Park twice a week. Believe it or not, but training in 30-40 degree heat after slaving away to the property development industry was not the most questionable action undertaken in the lead up to the Dubai 9’s tournament. This moment arguably occurred when the appointed team manager, ‘’Pistol’’, turned down a friendly by passer who saw us training and who wanted to join us but was denied because we had sufficient numbers for the side. It was actually suggested that this newcomer contact the Dingoes who might need some

Five young Melbourne lads working in property and construction in Dubai were discussing what was missing in the Middle East

miss playing footy’’ and it was like an epiphany to us all, that was it! We were missing one of the three key pillars that support the wellbeing of a young Australian male. One of these was Australian Rules football, being the toughest, fastest and therefore greatest sport ever invented in the history of the planet (note to reader: this is a fact albeit subject to substantiation). Aussie Rules football was one of the key divisions of entertainment that was missing in our lives and we had decided that the two games and highlights package provided on cable television would just not
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running around on an expansive oval to come close to dehydration and get pulverized by sweat dripping maniacs mostly twice our size, all for love of grabbing that oddly shaped red

additional players. It was only upon looking at this gentleman’s business card a week later did our team manager recognize that this eager newcomer was in fact Andrew Schauble who had played 200 games at a professional level back in Australia and who had won a

best and fairest at the well regarded Sydney Swans. Some quick recovery work was done by the team manager whose credibility depended on it and ‘’Schaubs’’ was soon in the side. The tournament in March was a success with teams coming to Dubai from all over the region including Oman, Abu Dhabi and Qatar and of course the side that we had formed over a couple of beers in February at Left Bank, the Dubai Heat. The Dubai Heat managed to get away with some pretty convincing wins to take home the winning trophy in the inaugural event and start a football rivalry with the Dingoes that has proven to match the rivalry between the greatest of foes in Carlton and Collingwood back in the 80’s. The only controversial moment in the tournament coming when our experimental recruit, ‘’Sammy’’, who had only ever played rugby, decided to launch his 115kg frame horizontally at an unsuspecting opponent once the play had been deemed stopped by the umpire, which is undoubtedly completely and utterly illegal. We made sure that Sammy was fully versed in the remainder of the rules before we let him back on the field. Luckily, the recipient of the tackle came out mostly intact! After wallowing in the success of this tournament victory, the Dubai Heat set it’s sights on the Asian Championships that were being held in Thailand in July with teams from all over

Asia competing in it’s 8th successive year. Teams from China (including Hong Kong), Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam were to battle it out in the humidity that had enveloped Bangkok in early July. It was a trip of highs and lows for the Dubai Heat with a very fit and hungry outfit eager to take on the rest of Asia but having our star forward, Tuppa, tearing his hamstring in the week before the tournament. To add to our woes our star AFL defender, Schaubs, had unexpected UAE visa issues and was unable to make it through the turnstiles of Abu Dhabi airport to get on his seat to Bangkok. When Schaubs finally managed to arrive in Bangkok just prior to the tournament the team were ecstatic but soon deflated when he tore his hamstring in the first five minutes of the first game!!! Nevertheless, the boys of the Dubai Heat, proudly being the first ever side from the Middle East to compete in this tournament put in as much of their mind, body and spirit vout of four games played by the Heat in the tournament, to finish third out of ten competing sides. Each game played was fiercely competitive where each team realized that only a single loss would see their side unlikely to play in the Grand Final. The Dubai Heat

achieved wins over Malaysia, Japan and previous tournament champions Singapore with the only loss occurring against the eventual and worthy tournament champions, the Hong Kong Dragons by a small margin of nine points. And that was the year that was for the Dubai Heat, a lot of fun, a lot of bonding and a lot of on field success and hopefully there’ll be many more like it to come. Training in the heat with the Heat (which is almost equivalent to spending an hour or so in a sauna) will soon recommence at Safa Park so, if you are interested, in being involved with the aim of having some fun and winning next year’s tournaments, feel free to send an email to [email protected] or check out the website http://dubaiheat.blogspot.com. Daniel 'Diggy' Dugina Development Manager Omniyat Properties

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S O C I A L EVENTS

FOCUS LAUNCH
The Apartment, Jumeirah Beach Hotel - June

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S O C I A L EVENTS
Guest Speaker Michael Clarke

CRICKETHotel - June LUNCH The Fairmont

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S OC I AL E VE NT S

AFL COCKTAIL PARTY
Consul General's Residence - July

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S O C I A L EVENTS

ALLIED PICKFORDS SUNDOWNERS
Barasti Bar Le Meridien - Mina Seyahi Sponsored by Allied Pickfords - July

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S OC I AL E VE NT S

JULY BUSINESS LUNCH
Nasazossi Sports Bar

Peter and Debra Linford's

FAREWELL PARTY August

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S O C I A L EVENTS
Guest Speaker Gillon Mclachlan

AUGUST BUSINESS LUNCH Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
Sponsored by epi

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S OC I AL E VE NT S

ALLIED PICKFORDS SUNDOWNERS
Barasti Bar Le Meridien - Mina Seyahi Sponsored by Allied Pickfords - September

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S O C I A L EVENTS

SEPTEMBER BUSINESS LUNCH + AGM
Four Seasons Golf Club - September Sponsored by epi The ABC AGM was held on Tuesday the 11th of September at the Four Seasons Golf Club, Festival City. Ballots were handed out to 55 members as they arrived for the September Business Lunch at the Four Seasons Golf Course. AGM formalities took place prior to the lunch. Voting took place for the 2007-08 committee, all standing members were returned and in line with recent Constitutional changes several new members were voted on. The first official meeting of the new ABC committee will be held on the 24th of September at the UOWD, where committee positions will be allocated. The September Business Lunch The September Business lunch, held at the Four Season Seasons Golf Club, on September 24th was a great success. Over 100 people attended to listen to the event speaker, Mr. Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the RTA. His presentation addressed the plans for Dubai’s future and current public transportation & reviewed road, rail and waterway systems and strategies. Dubai’s roads, a subject close to the hearts of all in the room, created a great debate during the question and answer session at the end. Mr. Al Tayer’s presentation received a great vote of thanks from all in the room and later, formally, from Stuart Mansbridge, outgoing Chairman for the ABC. Mr. Al Tayer replied to Stuart as follows: “It was indeed a great privelege for me to present the Road and Transport Authority's vision and strategy. We thank you for your enthusiatic participation and your warm hospitality. It was without doubt that our meeting was mutually frutiful. As an entity that strives at developing the transport system of Dubai, we look at strengthening ties and building relations both nationally and internationally. Hence, we will be more than glad to update you with relevant progress and we definitely look forward to meeting you again”.

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UP C OMI NG E VE NT S

September 26th
Corporate Quiz night – The Montgomerie Academy

October 2nd
Sundowners at the Barasti Bar at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

October 18th
The Australian-Danish dinner – Raffles Hotel Ballroom

October 24th
Cheese and Wine night – Four Seasons Golf Club

Dates for diary: November 6th
Melbourne Cup

January 24th 2008
Australia Day Ball.

Australian and Danish Business Councils have agreed to work together
Australia and Denmark share excellent ties which have been further bolstered by the marriage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik, of Denmark to Mary Elizabeth from Tasmania, Australia in 2004. Ahead of the possible Royal visit to the Middle East in 2008 the Australian and Danish Business Councils have agreed to work together to host a Gala black tie dinner to mark the beginning of increased collaboration between the two groups, providing members with the valuable opportunity to extend their business and social networks while solidifying the friendship and connections of the two business groups in Dubai. The dinner on 18 October 2007 looks to combine the best of both nations and with a mix of great beers, wines, cheeses, meat and dairy plus live Danish music it promises to be a fun night.
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N E W M EMBERS

CORPORATE MEMBERS
Name Tim Koster Chris Eddy Soheil Abedian David Brown Sanjay Murthy Bruce Fallshaw Simon Shellien Sharon Anderson Peter de Bruin Jed Nancarrow Rod Lancaster Mohamad Darwish Shayne Nelson Mahendra Gursahani Andre Leon Edward Sunna Louise Vun Kirsty Marshall Dereck Garlick Kylie Pollard Malak Awwadova Company Name Convergence Capital Convergence Capital Sunland Group Limited Dubai Branch Sunland Group Limited Dubai Branch AcesMe Entertainment City Living BSB BWM Salon Ink BG&E Engineers Holborn Assets Center Point Logistics North West Marine Standard Chartered Bank Standard Chartered Bank CBI Eastern Anstalt Al Tamimi Al Tamimi Al Tamimi Allied Pickfords Servcorp Servcorp Name Juzer Adamjee John Tansey Brent Melvin Peter Mayne Jarod Opie Terry Opie Danny Blomeley Audrey Ranganathan Phil Adams Phil Davis David Dove Ian Traill Canon Yau Belinda Lee Stuart Price Amily Lavigne Ken Fernie Tim Breadmore Frank Wilkie Abdu Nasser Steve Mayne Company Name Bovis Lend Lease UPS UPS Looptech me Arabian global LLC Arabian global LLC ITW Buildex Sterling Cargo Services LLC MFS International Investments Limited Allied Pickfords Sparc Group Sparc Group Sparc Group Sparc Group MFS International Investments Limited Crone & Partners HSBC Breadmore First Rock Financial Physical Advantage Sentinel Business Centers

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Name Nick Jarman Richard Vance Jonathon Morse Matt Grifiths Robert McMillen Brad Bristowe Sima Hall Tania Donohue Matthew Lorrimer Paul Kelly Larissa McLaughlin
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Company Name Oryx Real Estate Action International Services RP International FZ LLC Le Meridien Mina Seyahi MAC Capital DHL Speech Pathology Dubai TMH Event Knowledge Services Mortgage Force Dubai Autism Center

Name Jillian Alexics Kate Buchanan Chris Foden David Edwards Alison Ward Annelies Hodge Michelle Bailey Noel Duigan Nichole Banks Kelly Smith

Company Name Limitless LLC RP International FZ LLC Meyado United Nations Office for Project Services Emirates Airline Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry EMEA - Business Development WLL Control Risks Group Leo Burnett MCS Action

C OMMI TT E E ME MB E RS 2006- 2007

Peter Linford

Stuart Mansbridge

James Wyndham

David Heffernan

Phillip Biggs

Leon Ashford

Adam Malouf

Lejla Vrazalic

Daniella Williams

Dean Matthews

Pauls Seils

Helen Barrett

Wendy Haydon-Wallace

Debra Linford

Lesley Millilgan

Sarah Wyndham
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P R O P ERT Y HO RO SCO PES

LIBRA
24 SEP - 23 OCT You are tempted to overspend your budget because you have become aware of a good deal that looks tailor-made for your situation. Remember all that glitters is not necessarily gold! Take care that any investment you may be contemplating – particularly if this is property based - is based on prudence and sound business principles.

SCORPIO
24 OCT - 22 NOV The autumn months of 2007 are harmonious for you – particularly in your domestic arrangements. At home, now is the time to start planning redecoration or refurbishment of your master bedroom. Be safe in what you tackle yourself, take elementary precautions to avoid an accident; Safety first applies at home as well as at work.

SAGITTARIUS
23 NOV - 21 DEC You feel you deserve a little more recognition for a project on which you have given much effort and time. Your need to feel secure at work is psychological, as you have worked hard and well and you know that you deserve appropriate reward. Be patient for a while and let the universe work its magic.

CAPRICORN
22 DEC - 20 JAN You are in control of most significant events in your life. Relationships are working well and you find it easy to express your feelings to your loved ones and to enjoy sharing activities with them. Consider hosting a party, and invite those work colleagues whose help has been invaluable recently to show your appreciation.

AQUARIUS
21 JAN - 19 FEB A tighter than usual budget means you are sorely tempted to cut some corners. Remember that cowboy work in construction is never a good option. Get others involved in your project, as many hands make light work, though take care not to abuse friendships, you might need their help again another day.

PISCES
20 FEB – 20 MAR Fully discuss budgets with a partner before you agree to invest in an ambitious domestic improvement project. Of course, singles have only to discuss budgets with their bank manager! Maybe you need space to reflect on what you want to do, you have time, October is a good time to make important decisions.

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ARIES
21 MAR – 20 APR A work relationship will become stronger if only you can agree with a colleague as to which direction a long term venture should take. Find a constructive way to release any frustration that you may feel in October. Remember that it takes two to argue and that an acceptable compromise is often the best solution.

TAURUS
21 APR – 21 MAY Mercury helps you communicate well and now the time is right to bring others over to your way of thinking through persuasive discussion and argument. You will be able to manipulate words to your advantage both orally and in writing to get the best possible deal, particularly if this involves buying or selling property.

GEMINI
22 MAY – 21 JUN Being told what you should be doing will always ruffle your feathers, as you instinctively know how the job should be done without any criticism, even if this is intended to be constructive! The long term will prove you to have been absolutely correct in your judgment. Concentrate on the job in hand to keep things moving ahead smoothly.

CANCER
22 JUN – 23 JUL Peace and harmony surround you during this period and intuitively you know that activities with colleagues are destined to work out well. However do not put pressure on anyone to do anything simply to make you feel happy about the situation. The position of Pluto indicates that you can expect some drastic changes to your plans, so be warned!

LEO
24 JUL – 23 AUG You are about to become very involved with a major project which is making you feel a little nervous. Try to build the best possible team around you, the purchase of good advice is always justified in the long run. Planning is the most important stage of any project, so don’t try to save time by making unjustified ‘guestimates’.

VIRGO
24 AUG – 23 SEP Steer away from making any long-term decisions until later in the year because others may be using your best ideas with no intention of giving you the credit! If friends notice that you are undergoing a personality change, then this could be because you are seriously contemplating a new life and a brand new lifestyle!

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M E M B ER PRO FIL E

Name: David Heffernan. Position: Managing Director, Septech. Born: Melbourne, Australia, the youngest of 8 kids. Grew up: On a stud farm in Melbourne, where my family bred, trained and raced thoroughbred horses. First Job: Feeding horses on my parents farm in the early hours of the morning before school. How my career started: Early 20’s with a construction & wastewater engineering company, whereby I established my own water /wastewater and precast concrete infrastructure business in Queensland. I built it up to a sizable business before being bought out by one of Australia’s largest public companys, 4 years later. I then established my business in the UAE in 1997 ,where I still reside, as the Managing Director, with operations over the Gulf and Asia. Hero: My father who mentored me from an early age, and encouraged me to grow professionally and personally and to take calculated risks. Passion: Horse racing, just recently invested in a commercial stud farm, breeding and racing horses throughout Australia. Fondest Memory: A family trip hosted by my wife and myself, for our entire family, to an Island in the Barrier Reef for my dad’s 80th birthday. Proudest moments: Listening to customers, friends, staff, business people discussing how successful our business is in the region and knowing that our team has created this over the last 10 years, through hard work and determination. Biggest Challenge: To maintain the passion within our team, and to successfully grow the business globally, becoming a world class specialist engineering company. Favorite retreat: Rethi Rah Spa Resort in the Maldives with a close runner up being Phuket in Thailand. Perfect day: Relaxing with friends around a pool, eating great food and drinking great wine, also watching Australian horse racing with no Crackberries or phones. Inspired by: Philanthropists, great leaders and amazing business success stories, which I can relate to; and inspire me to challenge my personal and professional growth plans.

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