Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, a premier land development engineering and environmental consulting firm, has announced that Langan International, its wholly owned subsidiary, opened two new offices in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Abu Dhabi and Dubai. By establishing operations in two Middle Eastern locations Langan expects to further strengthen its reach and experience in the region, where the firm has supported numerous large projects ranging from high-rise residential to master-planned waterfront developments to major infrastructure initiatives.
Langan International currently has projects underway in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The firm has effectively managed foreign projects remotely from its US-based offices, primarily in Manhattan and Miami. Now with the opening of offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Langan is strategically positioned to support Middle East projects with a unique combination of local knowledge and global resources capable of 24/7 support.
George E. Leventis, a Senior Principal with Langan, has been appointed President of this newly formed venture. "Our international clients, architects, and fellow consultants have requested Langan to be 'on the ground' in the UAE because they appreciate the level of service and technical innovation we bring to their projects," said Leventis. "We now can provide the best form of consulting, namely hands-on experience in land development, geotechnical, and environmental engineering augmented by expertise drawn from our US offices. This means that we can literally work around the clock to support the accelerated schedules of development common to the Middle East."
Regarding this announcement about the firm's international venture, David T. Gockel, the President/CEO of Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, said, "We are thrilled to have George Leventis take the lead on our international expansion. George understands the technical and cultural complexities involved with completing projects around the world and I am confident that his leadership will bring further success to Langan as we officially establish offices in the UAE."
Langan recently added Khaldoun Fahoum, Ph.D, P.E., as an Associate and Middle East Regional Manager. Fahoum has more than 20 years of experience in the UAE and will lead Langan's projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as other areas including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India, and Northern Africa. Langan International's Middle East experience includes Dubai World, Dubai Tower, and the Dubai Jebel Ali Residential Development Master Plan in the United Arab Emirates; and the twin 65-story Oberoi Skyz towers in Mumbai, India. The firm has also provided its services on the Rion-Antirion Bridge and the Elefsina-Korinthos-Patra-Pyrgos-Tsakona Motorway in Greece.
About Langan Engineering & Environmental Services
A leader in land development engineering and environmental consulting services since 1970, Langan (www.langan.com) operates from 12 offices in eight states: New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Virginia, Florida, Nevada, and California. Langan's core disciplines are site/civil, geotechnical, and environmental engineering, as well as landscape architecture + planning, survey/mapping, traffic/transportation, CADD/GIS, natural resources consulting/permitting, and sustainable design. The firm works in virtually all real estate development sectors including commercial, residential, retail, office, industrial, high-rise, school construction (K-12 and colleges/universities), hospitals/healthcare, mixed-use, stadiums/arenas, waterfront development, Brownfield redevelopment, urban revitalization, and corporate environmental site assessment and remedial design.
Langan International, the worldwide subsidiary of Langan Engineering & Environmental Services with offices in London, Athens, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, provides all firm services to private and public sector clients around the globe.
Langan was named Engineering Firm of the Year by the Developers & Builders Alliance and ranks #1 in retail design, according to New York Construction magazine. The firm consistently ranks among the Top 5 Best Engineering Firms to Work For by Civil Engineering News and ranks among the top 20 Green Design Firms by Engineering News-Record.
Rapidly Growing Financial-Services Recruitment Firm Expands to Eight Offices, Seven Divisions and More Than 50 Professionals
Things are tough on Wall Street and in financial markets around the world. With downsizing the norm and bonuses evaporating, WhiteRock has bucked the trend and posted increased profits and rapid growth. In fact, this week the firm opens for business in three new financial hotspots -- Moscow, Dubai and Mumbai.
So how does executive search firm par excellence WhiteRock Group do it?
"Although various sectors of financial services in the United States and certain overseas markets are in the midst of a retrenchment, we've been fortunate to have made some of the right bets," says WhiteRock Group CEO Gustavo Dolfino. "Just like some investment banks outperformed competitors by making good predictions, we too could see how there was too much leverage in the system, and we tailored our business accordingly; we believe used appropriately, such leverage can be accretive. Volatility is our friend."
8 Offices, 7 Divisions and More Than 50 Professionals
Right now, WhiteRock Group is poised to handle financial executive search needs -- and other critical services -- around the world, with mature offices in New York, London, Singapore, Shanghai, and Hong Kong in addition to the new openings. The firm has also added a seventh division -- Technology -- to help its clients recruit Chief Information Officers and other top information technology talent needed to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-moving world of financial IT.
And continuing the strategy that has succeeded so well to date, WhiteRock Group has continued to hire executive search professionals who are ex-Wall Streeters with deep experience in financial services as operators and managers. This gives WhiteRock professionals the ability to take human capital consulting to the next level by creating a one-stop shop that caters to client needs on a wide variety of issues, ranging from staffing to strategic planning -- a distinct advantage for clients
WhiteRock Group's newest hires include:
-- Michael Kissi, Director, Commodities. Michael is a pro's pro in commodities, having worked previously at the Mercantile Commodities Exchange.
-- Ellen Reiser -- Managing Director. Ellen brings to WhiteRock Group more than 30 years' experience in financial services.
Structured to Meet the Needs of Today's Financial Services Firms
To provide excellent service to clients in specialized financial services sectors, WhiteRock Group is organized for executive search in seven key areas:
-- Research -- includes equities and fixed income.
-- Sales and Trading -- includes equities, fixed income, credit and rates including foreign exchange (FOREX), commodities, high yield and distressed debt.
-- Investment Banking -- includes capital markets, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), advisory and corporate finance.
-- Legal and Compliance -- primarily buy side practice.
-- Global Asset and Wealth Management -- includes long only asset management.
-- Alternative Investments -- includes private equity and hedge funds.
-- Technology -- ensuring financial services firms have the IT talent they need to maintain a competitive edge.
Not Just an Executive Search Firm -- a Partner
WhiteRock Group delivers its clients services and benefits beyond those typically associated with an executive search firm. Given the financial experience of its professionals, WhiteRock Group at times may consult with clients on investment and M&A opportunities; raising capital and due diligence; finance and operational strategy; and corporate structure and staffing strategy. In effect, WhiteRock functions as a one-stop shop for a broad range of strategies and ideas.
"When we work with a client, we're not just looking at the open job req," says Dolfino, who is regularly quoted by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Time, CNBC and Bloomberg among others. "We're looking at the underlying business and thinking about what this client really needs both strategically and practically, versus simply what the client has asked for. There are a lot of brains and experience in this company; clients have a wealth of wisdom working on their behalf."
WhiteRock places full-time professionals, temporary management teams, crisis management teams and strategic management consultants for companies including asset management firms, hedge funds and investment banks. As an important component of our company's diversity strategy, we recognize social responsibility as an essential part of achieving diversity in all aspects of the work environment. WhiteRock Group is dedicated to helping companies achieve goals in women's and minority executive search. Specific information about one of WhiteRock's eight offices as well as a complete list of services is available at: www.whiterockgroup.com.
Source : WhiteRock Group, September 15, 2008
Dubai has one of the fastest growing populations in the world – fuelled by professional expatriates who are moving to Dubai to work and enjoy the inimitable lifestyle. Opportunities for those seeking jobs in Dubai exist in many sectors such as banking and finance, telecommunications and IT, engineering, construction, media, management, tourism and education. The lifestyle in Dubai is perhaps the most sophisticated and free available across all Gulf States, and what’s more, the emirate is really targeting international individuals in terms of the way it advances and develops.
The Opportunities Dubai & Gulf States Expo at Olympia in March is the perfect place to find a job or learn all about living in Dubai.
Expatriate professionals living and working in the Gulf States are among the highest paid expats in the world. What’s more, the lifestyle available to expatriates in nations, emirates and countries such as Qatar, Dubai and Kuwait can be unrivalled in its sophistication and opulence.
These are just a handful of reasons why increased numbers of us are actively looking at the job opportunities and career chances available in the UAE, the Gulf and Dubai in particular. However, it is far easier to actually secure a work visa ahead of a relocation, and one can only do this with an offer of a job. So the question on many would-be expatriates’ lips is, how does one go about getting a job in Dubai – or the UAE, or Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia for example?
And the answer is – you can find a job in Dubai at the Opportunities Dubai & Gulf States Expo at London Olympia in March 2009! In this article we will tell you all about the expo and how it works, and also how you can use the opportunity to target would-be employers and learn all about each of the nations featured at the event.
The Opportunities Dubai & Gulf States Expo takes place over the weekend of the 7th and 8th of March and is at Olympia Two, Hammersmith Road in London - W14 8UX. The Expo has a website where you can learn all about the exhibitors and through which you can book your place in advance. The weekend long expo is a highly targeted event where employers actively seeking British and international professionals will be promoting their companies and their countries and hoping that you, as an interested potential employee, will visit their stand and leave your details!
In the past others who have attended the expo have found that by taking their CV they have been able to target a large number of potential employers, whilst others have even had on the spot interviews and agreed postings there and then. Employers from the fields of construction, engineering, banking, finance, education, healthcare, IT, telecommunications, tourism and transport will be on site – to name but a few professions. And so anyone seeking employment away from the bleak economic landscape in the UK should actively think about attending the expo to explore their options.
Even if you’re personally uncertain about whether you would like to move to live in Dubai or Qatar for example, the Expo is a fantastic chance to learn more about all the nations, states and emirates represented. There are free migration seminars during the weekend long event, and relocation specialists will also be represented so that you can even discuss the logistics of a potential move. You can find out about the merits of one location over another – as well as the entry visa requirements. You can find out about starting a new life abroad in Dubai or Saudi perhaps as well.
The expo allows anyone seriously interested in moving abroad to live and work in a tax-free, wealthy location where the sun shines in abundance and where there are jobs and opportunities aplenty, the chance to secure that new life for themselves. This is an incredible chance and one not to miss. It is expected that the numbers of attendees and exhibitors at the 2009 event will be very high indeed, so secure your tickets well in advance of the event and take the fist step on the exciting journey towards a brand new life working and living in Dubai.
Source: www.shelteroffshore.com
BNP Paribas confirmed yesterday that the UAE is among its strategic countries, and as a result, is expanding its footprints across the country, as part of its strategy to enhance service delivery and to be closer to its clients.
The announcement was made during a special cocktail reception close to its new premises at Burj Dubai Square and attended by Mr. Jean-Jacques Santini, Global Head of International Retail Services - Emerging Markets; clients; government officials; ambassadors; media representatives and senior staff members.
Also speaking on this special occasion, Mr. Jean-Jacques Santini, Global Head of International Retail Services - Emerging Markets said: 'Our office relocations and expansion plans in the UAE represent a significant milestone in the continuous growth of BNP Paribas. While the bank has been operating in the UAE for over 35 years, this expansion re-confirms our commitment to the region, UAE, clients, staff, and to our local community. The GCC and UAE are among BNP Paribas' key markets, due to their consistent performance, fast accelerating openness and increased sophistication; we are all devoted to them at the global and local level.'
BNP Paribas currently has two branches in the UAE, located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and has opened two Electronic Banking Services Units (EBSU) one in the autumn 2007 within the Jebel Ali free zone and, in August 2008, in Al Qusais close to the border of Sharjah. In an effort to continuously offer the best services, the branch and offices in Dubai were recently transferred to the prestigious Burj Dubai Square; the same process of relocation is being initiated in Abu Dhabi which should be completed before year-end.
The bank has been operating in the region for over 35 years with a presence in five Gulf countries Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The teams also cover Oman and Yemen. BNP Paribas in the region accounts for approximately 670 employees working for three core business lines of the group - Asset Management and Services, Corporate and Investment Banking, and International Retail Banking.
Press Release
The Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is all set to become an international hub for medical tourism in the near future, as all the major healthcare projects are nearing their completion dates, said Dr Ayesha Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Healthcare Planning and Quality at the DHCC.
The senior DHCC official shed light on the existing and upcoming projects at the DHCC, in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times.
As the first healthcare free zone in the region, the DHCC was conceived with the objective of creating a regional centre of excellence for medical services, medical education and life sciences research and development in the Middle East.
DHCC is a conglomerate of medical teaching institutions, private hospitals and clinics, pharmaceutical offices and research centres, medical spas and rehabilitation centres. With residential villas, apartments, and 5-star hotels surrounding an artificial lake, it is perfectly designed to promote medical tourism. “With the work on Phase I almost complete and operational, the Phase 2 is also coming up with lots of similar projects,” she said.
“A major project under tahe Phase 2 is The Wellness Community. This community aims to position itself as the premier location for prevention, rejuvenation, integrative medicine, sports medicine and healthy living services in the region,” explained Dr Ayesha.
Regulated by the Centre for Healthcare Planning Quality (CPQ), the wellness cluster will include an integrative medicine centre that will solidify DHCC’s position as the leading destination for comprehensive health services through its fusion of both allopathic and complementary/alternative medicine using evidence based approach.
“Through this integration, DHCC’s Phase 1 will be the centre for cutting edge diagnosis and conventional clinical treatment modalities. Phase 2 will focus on the preventative and alternative medicine,” said Dr Ayesha.
“In this way, DHCC will be creating an environment where individuals will be treated holistically and can access care throughout the continuum, through preventative, disease management, health psychology, and other life enhancing services,” adds the expert.
Other developments planned in Phase 2 include three hotels, two wellness resorts and 1,100 residential apartments: These are developed to primarily cater to the needs of the physicians, healthcare professionals, and other individuals who will be working at DHCC and surrounding areas.
Besides, 43 healthcare development projects will contribute to attracting healthcare services such as pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, insurance companies, and other companies that will support the development and sustainability of the DHCC cluster.
Fifty clinical villas will be built to support the delivery of outpatient day surgery and other specialized healthcare services, while six hospitals of approximately 500 beds, will focus on rehabilitation and women’s specialties.
Another unique concept, the Dubai Medical Suites (DMS), have already opened to the public this summer. “Set to provide state-of-the-art ambulatory medical services, DMS provides a combination of the highest level of medical and surgical ambulatory services delivered by internationally and locally renowned physicians. The centre contains state-of-the-art clinical examination rooms, diagnostic services and operating theatres,” said Dr Ayesha.
DMS also features 20 fully equipped clinics, including doctors’ offices and examination rooms. In addition, there are six diagnostic rooms and four state-of-the-art operating theatres with four induction and 12 recovery beds as well as an ICU bed for emergency cases.
“As an outpatient diagnosis, treatment and surgery centre, DMS has a complete medical and administrative staff of full-time medical doctors, nurses, medical technicians and anaesthesiologists. DMS also provides government services (visa, licensing, etc) and relevant support services to the visiting patients and healthcare professional,” explained Dr Ayesha.
Currently, the DHCC’s Phase 1 houses 100 clinics and over 70 healthcare businesses, one operating hospital, a multi-specialty outpatient centre (Dr Suleiman Al Habib) while another hospital will be opening soon.
The hospitals/centres in Phase 1 are Mayo Clinic, Moorfields Eye Hospital, Dr Suleiman Al Habib Medical Centre, Johnson & Johnson, Astra Zeneca, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, the German Medical Centre, Boston University Dental Health Centre among others.
Soon, the Harvard Medical School Dubai Centre (HMSDC), University Hospital, and the Dubai Bone & Joint Centre will relocate to DHCC for provision of healthcare in Phase 1.
The Boston University Dental Health Centre is currently operational from a temporary location within DHCC and is due to have its own building within the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Academic Medical Centre. The BU Dental Health Centre started its operation in early 2008.
To meet the demands of the expanding facilities, DHCC has approved over 160 healthcare operators/clinics up to date with over 70 operating facilities in different specialties.
In 2007, the Centre licensed around 300 physicians for Healthcare Planning and Quality and over 300 nurses and allied healthcare professionals.
Pharos Financial Advisors, founded on seed capital from billionaire George Soros, has become the first Russia-focused funds house to join the Dubai International Financial Centre as the asset management industry steps up its presence in the region.
Source: Dow Jones Financial News18 Nov 2008
Swift Group recently announced the opening of Swift Global Logistics in Washington, D.C., its first contact office in the United States. Swift Global Logistics will serve as the informational liaison between North American organizations that utilize Swift Group’s services and its network of offices located throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
“Swift Group’s expansion into North America through the Washington D.C. office will serve as an information desk to our North American partners and clients, particularly those engaged in humanitarian logistics in Africa,” said Mr. Issa Baluch, Chairman and CEO, Swift Group.
Swift Group works closely with North American NGOs, suppliers, exporters and importers seeking to expand their scope of operations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The US office will provide a local contact and thus greater access for North American clients to Swift Group’s innovative global logistics services, such as SPL (Swift Perishable Logistics), the first cool chain logistics solution in the Middle East that provides scheduled and ad hoc services to bring in perishable goods from Africa for transshipment via Dubai to Scandinavia, CIS, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea and Australia. On the 3PL front, Swift Group is proud to have been one of the first companies to reserve space in Dubai Logistics City (totaling 28,800 sq m) for a purpose built logistics center. Swift Group will also have an additional 25,000 sq m airside facility at the new World Central Airport to provide smooth air connectivity for shipments. At present, Swift Group has a total of 18,000+ pallet positions in its warehouses in Jebel Ali Free Zone, capable of cool, air-conditioned, and dry storage.
The Swift Group’s office in the US will provide a contact for North American clients to the Swift Group’s service offices located in 20 countries, spanning the Middle East, Far East, India, and Africa. Swift Group is in its 19th year of operations, has numerous awards and certifications in tow, such as the ISO 9001:2000, plus several other citations from governments and partners for excellent service.
For more information on Swift Group’s new informational office in the US, please contact Rachel Kriss rachel.kriss@swiftfreight.com or visit www.swiftfreight.com.
Press Release
Echo-Xpats, a division of Echo-Direct Middle East & Africa was established in 2005 to provide highly personalised, premium relocation services to corporations and individuals moving in and out of Dubai, UAE.
Echo-Xpats prides itself on the clients it works with, who provide true testament to the exceptional success of each and every relocation. Echo-Xpats work with the most recognisable names of the IT, FMCG, Logistics and Interior Design industries in the world, many of whom are listed in the Fortune 500.
Since its inception in 2005, Echo-Xpats has gone from strength to strength, developing strong ties with their clients, and the community.
Based on the strength of the relationships with existing clientele, Echo-Xpats is looking at expanding their operation to provide equally high levels of service around the Middle-East, and into emerging markets in Asia.
The reputation of www.Echo-Xpats in Dubai has developed beyond expectations since its launch. Some clients choose to post blogs and posts in online forums about their experiences, and promote the company’s services. The on-going support and regular follows-ups ensure the company maintains close contact long after the initial support.
Echo-Xpats was founded by a true expat. Having grown up in Singapore, and spending time in Hong Kong, Philippines, New York and Texas, Nick Digby really understands the stress and strains of international relocation. “We have always had the benefit of structured support when moving from country to country, and I have seen the positive impact it has had on our lives, and how comfortable and familiar we feel in our new home” quotes Digby.
Nick Digby was educated and has worked at some of the finest hospitality establishments in the world, including the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and the Ritz-Carlton in Dubai. The transition to relocation seemed a natural blend of true hospitality, and international experiences; “Having grown up and living oversees as well as working within the best hotels, developing a relocation business felt like a logical step – to merge first class hospitality with first hand experiences... The birth of Echo-Xpats”.
Echo-Xpats is not driven by profits, but the ever important satisfaction of their clients. Every person, whether relocating to Dubai or repatriating overseas receives a very unique service, tailored to their exact wishes. Echo-Xpats goes the extra mile to ensure that whatever the transition, it is as smooth and seamless as possible.
Indeed, Echo-Xpats takes relocation to another level. Clients are typically met at the airport, with an additional benefit of a service to expedite them through immigration. Once outside of the airport, the client is met by the consultant with whom they have already built a relationship. The client is then whisked to their temporary accommodation, in one of the companies luxury vehicles. The list of premier services continues...
Echo-Xpats spares no expense with their clients, and wishes everyone to feel as though they are VIPs. From the luxury vehicles, to coffee at the Burj-Al-Arab, to annual fishing trips, every client feels as though they have been exceptionally well looked after, and often refer to their consultants as ‘First Friends’.
Echo-Xpats entertains each of their corporate liaisons from time to time, and uses the opportunity to obtain feedback directly from within the heart of the organisation. The feedback is used to develop the programmes offered to the employees, and enhance the services they provide.
An example of the exemplary service provided by Echo-Xpats comes from their on-going support structure. Typically referred to as a ‘Help-Desk’, Echo-Xpats realised that the term was outdated and didn’t promote its use. The development and implementation of ‘OnCall Concierge’ ensued with great success. The service provides each client with round-the-clock support for three to twelve months from their relocation. Many clients choose to extend the support personally at the end of the term, and continue to receive the highly personalised support.
The future looks bright for Echo-Xpats. Since 2005, the company has ensured to grow organically, at a rate which is pleasing for existing clients. Echo-Xpats limits the numbers of corporations it assists annually, to ensure that each of their employees receives the usual, flawless service. This approach also ensures that each employee benefits from thorough support, and has their relocation assisted from ‘A-Z.
Press Release
Contact:
Nick Digby
Echo-Xpats.com
PO Box 502187
Dubai, UAE
T: 971 (0)4 391 2252
F: 971 (0)4 367 2526
info@echo-xpats.com
http://www.echo-xpats.com
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