The Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi organized a webinar in collaboration with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) on how HCT is transforming into a digital campus, held on 12 May 2020. Mr. Brij Bali, Vice Chairperson of CBC Abu Dhabi and moderator of the webinar has started the session by introducing the topic and the guest speaker, Dr. Alex Zahavich, Chief Academic Officer of HCT.

Dr. Zahavich started the presentation with background information about HCT saying that there are 16 campuses across the seven Emirates, more than 23,000 students, faculty from over 80 countries, and 30 start-up companies growing from capstone projects and applied research. The view of the college aims for graduates to get academic credentials with job offers. Dr. Zahavich mentioned a quote by Steve Podborski, a Canadian downhill ski racer, saying, “I have no time to think about the future when I have the present to contend with”. In his opinion, this is relevant to the current epidemic as everyone is busy trying to deal with the present hence there is barely time to think about the possible future. He emphasized on the fact that HCT was prepared for such a situation as online classes immediately occurred by March when things got more serious regarding the Coronavirus. After spring break, they started to sanitize the sixteen campuses and were completed in five days. Also, the management team started to work from their homes where they had to create a discipline system to ensure effective work completion.
 
By 22 March 2020, the second part of the spring term has continued with online classes until May 07 May 2020. The online delivery process helped to serve 23,000 students to stay on track and no credentials were compromised. In addition, over 75,000 classes were delivered which received more than 85% satisfaction from the students and the faculty. He mentioned how the online method helped shy students to participate more often. Also, all 70 programs and courses were updated with revised assessment strategies. More importantly, the Cumulative Grade Points Average (CGPA) calculation was revised to incentivize course completion while aligning with Ministry of Education (MoE) guidance.

The guest speaker mentioned some alternative assessment strategies established for theory-based examinations, practical examinations, and projects. For instance, some theory-based exams were open-book but timed online, some practical exams where online open-book assessments and some projects were submitted digitally with a presentation. The summer term was expanded with more course options and provided opportunity for students to enroll in more diversified courses. The term online plan aimed to open up to two summer semesters for program completion, deliver all courses online, and additional courses with equivalency for work placement credit were included. Dr. Zahavich has mentioned some statistical facts about the online experience as 84 M minutes of teaching was delivered, 1,500,000 successful student logins and 100,000 successful faculty logins. The medium used for delivering the classes was left for the professors to decide what is best for students but most of them used Blackboard Learn. Dr. Zahavich also mentioned three types of industry-related work placement opportunities, which are: on-site work placement, off-site work placement, and alternative to work placement. The options were modified as there was still on-site work placement with some institutions such as ADNOC. In addition, there were 30 startup companies hiring students to grow their companies and some students were researching from home or freelancing.

Dr. Zahavich talks in regard to the student experience and says there is a 50 to 50 stance for online and in-person preference. That is because students still miss the social aspect of their learning experience. Hence, the HCT effort in recreating these social part was through e-sports and e-life skills programs. More importantly, to ensure that everyone stays on track financial aid was granted for students who lack internet access and laptops at their homes. 

Regarding the support services all operations were based on working from home, campuses were deeply cleaned, no delay in financial transactions, recruitments of staff continued as usual and invitation by RoSPA UK was granted to deliver best practice webinar. About the current health concerns, Dr. Zahavich discussed ventilator splitters designed by HCT using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) to increase the efficiency of ventilators in the health care sector. Lastly, he talked about what the future holds and in his opinion the general value of getting a credential and a job would not change, however, the delivered content cannot be fully online as most students need an in-person application to become qualified, they need to address students psychological social needs, acknowledge how some faculty teach at inconvenient times because of time zone differences and review facilities as to match the possible futuristic trends such as job loss. Hence, HCT is central around the entrepreneurial and creative foundation to help the students prepare for futuristic possible changes.

The webinar was concluded with live Q&A from the participants.

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About the Canadian Business Council Abu Dhabi
The Canadian Business Council Abu Dhabi (CBC) promotes business relations, commerce and investment between Canada and the UAE with a particular focus on the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We provide opportunities for Canadian business executives in the UAE to meet on a regular basis and to exchange information about business opportunities. As a link with organizations in Canada, CBC Abu Dhabi is dedicated to the development of trade and corporate investment between Canada and the UAE and assist Canadian companies and business people who are establishing or contemplating to establish a trading base in this country. www.cbcabudhabi.com

About Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the UAE’s largest applied higher educational institution, and the nation’s first approved university economic free zone, empowering it to graduate companies in alignment with the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership.
Over 23,000 students attend 16 men’s and women’s campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafrah region, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Female students constitute 63% of the student body, which reflects the HCT’s key role in preparing Emirati females to contribute effectively to national development in the service of their country. Since 1991, the HCT has proudly awarded over 72,000 academic degrees to male and female graduates who have succeeded in applying the quality education gained during their study in HCT.

In 2019, the UAE’s 50-year leap came to fruition in the guise of a new direction for the Higher Colleges of Technology, with the launching of the HCT 4.0 – Employability & Beyond strategic plan, based on the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Learn more about HCT Strategy.

By: Maryam Almansoori, Intern, CBC Abu Dhabi

The Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Embassy of Canada in the UAE organized “A Conversation with UAE Space Agency (UAESA) Director General, H.E. Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President, Mr. Sylvain Laporte” on Wednesday, 20 March 2019 at St. Regis Saadiyat Island. The event gathered delegates of the UAESA, CSA and Global Space Congress and members of CBC Abu Dhabi.  

H.E. Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE

H.E. Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE gave a welcome remarks and spoke of the growing relationship between Canada and the UAE and their collaborative efforts in space exploration.  

Gregory Zoughbi, Chairman of the Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi

Gregory Zoughbi, Chairman of CBC Abu Dhabi welcomed and introduced the honored speakers, noting on CBC’s role in promoting business relations, commerce and investment between Canada and the UAE through its Communities of Interest (COI) initiative.

From left to right: H.E. Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of UAE Space Agency, Sylvain Laporte, President of Canadian Space Agency, and Mustafa Alrawi, Assistant Editor-in-Chief of The National

Mustafa Alrawi, Assistant Editor-In-Chief of The National opened the discussion by how the investment in space will benefit different sectors such as energy, construction, education, media and others; and what opportunities it may have to offer to society.

It was a historic moment for the UAE when it launched its first Emirati-made satellite in 2018. H.E. Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency spoke of how this vision came into reality because of the country’s dedicated leadership who foresaw the future of this nation as well as the region. The UAE’s space program has various initiatives such as hosting the Global Space Congress and teaming up with different countries, such as Canada, with the same passion for space exploration. 

Canada has been exploring the space for decades. Sylvain Laporte, President of Canadian Space Agency spoke of the many lessons learned throughout this program. One of these is, a country cannot do space exploration without the international collaboration. Mr. Laporte expressed how the UAE, with its space agency’s short time of existence, is able to achieve great milestones.

The topic on Canada’s commitment to the Lunar Gateway by providing smart robotic system was also discussed wherein Mr. Laporte explained how this system will work and how Canada has taken advantage of the technologies from the two Canadarms. There are many sectors and investment funding involved keeping this project ongoing.

Mr. Alrawi concluded the informative discussion stating that UAE and Canada have driven inspiration for the youth to get involved in space initiatives. UAE and Canada encourage innovation, commercialization and diversity in space.

From left to right: Gregory Zoughbi, Chairman of the Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi, Sylvain Laporte, President of Canadian Space Agency, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of UAE Space Agency, and Mustafa Alrawi, Assistant Editor-in-Chief of The National

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About the Canadian Business Council Abu Dhabi

The Canadian Business Council Abu Dhabi (CBC) promotes business relations, commerce and investment between Canada and the UAE with a particular focus on the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We provide opportunities for Canadian business executives in the UAE to meet on a regular basis and to exchange information about business opportunities. As a link with organizations in Canada, CBC Abu Dhabi is dedicated to the development of trade and corporate investment between Canada and the UAE and assist Canadian companies and business people who are establishing or contemplating to establish a trading base in this country. www.cbcabudhabi.com

About the Canadian Space Agency

The Canadian Space Agency, established in 1989, is responsible for coordinating all government-funded space activities in Canada. Some of the CSA's more high-profile projects include its robotics, most famously the Canadarm and Canadarm2. http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/Default.asp

About the UAE Space Agency

The UAE Space Agency is a federal agency that was created under Federal Law by Decree No. 1 of 2014. The space sector includes all projects, activities and programs related to outer space. The Agency is focused on the development of policies, strategies and plans related to the space sector that are approved by the Council of Ministers. https://www.space.gov.ae/Home/Index   

About the Global Space Congress

The Global Space Congress, hosted by the UAE Space Agency, is a strategic gathering of global space industry leaders. Promoting the worldwide industry of space, the Congress brings together over 600 key space agencies, commercial space, academia and end users of space services to evaluate the biggest opportunities in the space sector and to get exposure to the world’s most vibrant and energetic new space programmes. Focused on partnerships, the Congress enables these leaders to focus on collaborative development and the implementation of core space and satellite technology strategies, bringing global and regional economic benefits. https://www.globalspacecongress.com/

The Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi held its annual Thanksgiving Brunch that Canadians and non-Canadians enjoyed with their families and friends. This year, over 200 participants, gathered in the ballroom of Hilton Corniche Abu Dhabi to mark this special occasion and reflect on the many blessings they are thankful for. The Thanksgiving Brunch program was filled with activities and entertainment for adults and kids!

The event started with welcoming remarks from the event’s Master of Ceremonies (MC), Mr. Hans Fraikin, CBC Board Member. This was followed by the singing of the Canadian National Anthem that was led by Ms. Tayana Badwan, a student from the Abu Dhabi Grammar School (AGS).  Mr. Fraikin then invited the Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, H. E. Masud Husain, and, CBC Chairman, Mr. Gregory Zoughbi to the stage to say a few words. They highlighted the importance of Thanksgiving and extended their own thanks, including appreciation to the CBC sponsors and members.

H.E. Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE

Mr. Gregory Zoughbi, CBC Chairman of the Board

Once again, the AGS student dance troupe entertained everyone. This year they delighted guests with an intricate Spanish dance.  Their costumes were eye-catching in red and black, and they danced in perfect synchronization. Later on during the event, AGS dance troupe showcased their diverse repertoire as they performed the traditional Arabic Panorama dance, to the joy of those present.

Mr. Jim McPherson, Assistant Principal of AGS led the prayer of thanksgiving before everyone was invited to the buffet, where a wonderful turkey dinner was served. The traditional carving of turkey with cranberry sauce and potatoes, pasta dishes, salads and a rich dessert buffet were enjoyed by all. As the guests were chatting and relaxing to the music of Canadian singers, the Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Air Canada (AC), AGS, and Concorde Corodex Group (CCG) as the event sponsors, represented by Mr. Deepu Cyriac, AC Country Manager, Mrs. Fatima Assad, AGS Director and Mr. Mahmoud Awad, CCG Managing Director.

From Left to Right:  Carol Milne, CBC Member of the Board and Head of Events Committee, Mahmoud Awad, Managing Director of Concorde Corodex Group, Fatima Assad, Director of Abu Dhabi Grammar School and Deepu Cyriac, Country Manager of Air Canada.

The clowns then took the stage and engaged the attendees with their magical tricks. Additionally, kids were having their share of fun in a separate room, with clown entertainers, face painting, and organized games.

The raffle followed. Thanks to our many event donors; it included vouchers for hotels, restaurants, gold coins, sunset cruise, golf package and the much awaited Air Canada two tickets. The companies that donated prizes are Air Canada, Abu Dhabi Grammar School, Arabian Nights Village, Bab Al Qasr Hotel, Beach Rotana, Captain Tony's, Careem, Coya Restaurant, Danat Al Ain, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Fitness First, Float UAE, Hilton Corniche, Labelle Chocolates and Flowers, Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi, Shangri-la Abu Dhabi, Tamba, The Cove Rotana - Ras Al Khaimah, Tilal Liwa Hotel, Yas Movies in the Park, Yas Links, Zaya Nurai Island and gifts for the kids by Masaya Gifts. 

From left to right: James Wilson, CBC Vice Chairman, Carol Milne, CBC Board Member and Head of Events Committee, Deepu Cyriac, Air Canada Country Manager, Mrs. Fatima Assad, AGS Director, Mr. Hans Fraikin, CBC Board Member, Mr. Gregory Zoughbi, CBC Chairman, and Mr. Sameer Khoury, CBC Treasurer to the Board.

From Left to Right: Mr. Erik Koeman, CBC Dubai Chairman and Mr. Hans Fraikin, CBC Board Member and Events Master of Ceremony

In addition to the tremendous support from AGS volunteers, we thank the group of volunteers from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) who supported the event from start to finish. 

Thanks to our Event Sponsors and Donors

"First of all I would like to express my hearty congratulation for hosting an excellent event. This could have happen only with lots of sincere efforts and hats off to the CBC executive committee. Many Thanks for proving Air Canada a great exposure." 

Deepu Cyriac, Country Manager, Air Canada

"I would like to send you a massive thank you from BBG for the kind invitation to celebrate your Maple Leaf Ball.  Nathan and I had such a fabulous evening and met some really lovely people, as well as being able to catch up with old faces too.  Your Canadian hospitality was extremely warm and we were made to feel very welcome.  The whole evening was lovely – well organised, entertaining and incredibly humorous – we particularly enjoyed your MC!  It was an honour to be part of your celebration."

Jenny Hunt, Deputy Chair, British Business Group (BBG) Abu Dhabi

"Greg, I am writing to thank you for the invitation to the ball and congratulations on hosting such a great event. Al (Hinton) and I both had a great time, we met some wonderful people and were impressed with the organization, venue, music, good and the VIP guest of honour. You also made a very good speech, well done. Hans (Fraikin) was wonderful as MC, kept it light and entertaining. A great job by everyone! Thanks again for everything and hope to see you again soon."

Colin Beaton, Chairman, Canadian Business Council (CBC) Dubai and the Northern Emirates

Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi held its annual Maple Leaf Ball (MLB) 2018 under the patronage of H. E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance. The event gathered prominent members of Emirati and Canadian government and business community, including H. E. Masud Hussain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, H. E. Emmanuel Kamarianakis, Consul General of Canada to the UAE, Mr. Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Co-Chair of Canada UAE Business Council (CUBC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mubadala Petroleum and Petrochemicals, and Mr. Gregory Zoughbi, Chairman of CBC Abu Dhabi.

H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance

H. E. Sheikh Nahayan spoke of the importance of tolerance and his role as the Minister of Tolerance. He said “In the UAE, tolerance is not simply enduring the existence of opinions, ideas, behaviors or practices that do not concur with your own. It is about recognizing, respecting and embracing diversity. It is about being secure in your own culture and beliefs, so that you respond to what is different with curiosity and compassion rather than with fear and intolerance. To be tolerant we need to be genuinely concerned for the welfare of our fellow human beings, and to take action based on those concerns.”

H. E. Sheikh Nahayan also emphasized that “as a country, Canada is a shining example of tolerance”. He added that Canadians “share the respect for diversity expressed by the His Highness the President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahayan, who has said: ‘… cultural and human diversity [is] a key engine for sustainable development and a means for deepening the culture of openness, dialogue, communication and coexistence, and the denunciation of intolerance, extremism, and intellectual isolation.’”

He went on emphasize the contributions that Canadians made to the UAE. He said: “Canadians were among the first group of talented and experienced experts welcomed from abroad by our nation’s founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.  As we celebrate the centennial of his birth in this Year of Zayed, we reflect on his achievements and realize that Canadians and people like you were critical to our development.”

H.E. Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE

Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, His Excellency Masud Husain, extended his thanks to the host nation UAE. He also thanked Sheikh Nahayan and called him a great friend of Canada. Ambassador Husain spoke of the big achievements in growing the Canada-UAE relationship over the past several years, and he recognized the contributions of his colleague, H. E. Emmanuel Kamarianakis, towards this regard. He also thanked the Emirati and Canadian communities, including CBC board members and staff. Ambassador Husain concluded by emphasizing that “2018 is the Year of Zayed. It is also the year where the UAE-Canada relationship will reach a new high level.”

Gregory Zoughbi, Chairman of Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi

Mr. Gregory Zoughbi, Chairman of CBC Abu Dhabi, welcomed Sheikh Nahayan and thanked him for his continued patronage of CBC’s annual MLB event. He quoted the UAE’s founding father and visionary, Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, who said “… those who come to us are welcome”, therefore setting the vision for the UAE to become the symbol of “tolerance, multiculturism, diversity and inclusion” that it is today. Mr. Zoughbi added that “such shared values provide the foundation for our countries’ successes and joint prosperity. UAE’s founding father and Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John MacDonald, both envisioned the UAE and Canada becoming two of the greatest countries in the world. Today, their visions are a reality. At the Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi, we are proud to continue serving as a catalyst for our joint prosperity.”

From left to right: H.E. Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, Gregory Zoughbi, Chairman of Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi

The event’s Master of Ceremony (MC) was Hans Fraikin, Board Member and Secretary of the Board who initiated the event by announcing the program for the evening and silent auction items prizes, courtesy of the sponsors and donors. The event sponsors were Platinum sponsor PAL Aerospace, Silver sponsor Air Canada, and Bronze sponsors Abu Dhabi Grammar School (ADGS) and Careem. National anthems of the UAE and Canada were played by the student orchestra of the Canadian International School (CIS). Students at Abu Dhabi Grammar School (ADGS), Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi also volunteered for the event. Corporate attendees included CBC Platinum member, Bank of Montreal (BMO).

From left to right: Ronan Caillo, Counselor(Commercial) of Embassy of Canada to the UAE, Aiham Alkhatib, Board Member and Head of Marketing and Communications Committee, James Wilson, Board Member and Head of Membership, Brij Bali, Board Member and Treasurer, Carol Milne, Vice Chair and Head of Events Committee, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, Laila Elfenne, H.E. Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, Gregory Zoughbi, Chairman of CBC Abu Dhabi, Rana Kabbara, Board Member and Head of Administration Committee, Hans Fraikin, Board Member and Secretary / Inter-council Liason, and Dareen Zoughbi

About CBC

Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi is a membership-based organization that represents Canadian business people and companies in Canada and in the United Arab Emirates. CBC hosts many business events and supports its members to create business opportunities in the United Arab Emirates and Canada through a wide network of relationships and contacts in both countries. CBC members includes businesspeople that work in UAE-based companies and Canadian companies and represent them in the UAE. CBC members share common interests in creating excellent business relations and to strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Canada.

The Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi organizes a Roundtable Briefing with H.E. Rashed Al Blooshi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Securities and Exchange (ADX) regarding the Canadian Investment in ADX on 13 March 2018 at ADX Ballroom. 

Please click the image to watch the highlights of the event.

The Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi participated in the Networking Evening with H.E. Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations on Thursday, 22 February 2018 at the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi.

Over 150 members and guests from various Abu Dhabi business groups have attended the event and enjoyed the two-hour program.

H.E. Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh addressed the attendees in her remarks detailing five key areas of UAE's strategic global priorities at the United Nations, namely;

1. Women's empowerment & gender equality

2.  Creating opportunities for youth

3. Governing the digital space

4.  Post-oil economy & leading the energy revolution

5.  Region-specific issues

Please click here to learn more about these key areas.

Right after her remarks, the attendees had the opportunity to ask questions wherein H.E. Ambassador Nusseibeh gladly welcomed. 

The event ended with a presentation of Plaque of Recognition to H.E. Ambassador Nusseibeh and a group photo opportunity with Ambassadors and chairpersons of the participating business groups.

Wayne Bewick, representing Trowbridge Professional based in Toronto, in collaboration with the Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi hosted a seminar on “Canadian Tax Considerations for Expatriates in the UAE". The event took place on 6 February 2018 at the Hilton Abu Dhabi, a CBC Gold member.

Mr. Bewick presented the latest Canadian tax changes, Canadian residency for tax purposes, Canadian filing/reporting requirements, the tax issues of owning a Canadian property and other investments and Canadian tax planning around moving back/to Canada. He stated that there is a general increase in targeting non-compliant individuals with foreign assets. The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that in 2016, they were spending $450M over 5 years to target tax evaders, starting with the Isle of Man and moving to other jurisdictions.  Some of the worth-noting are the foreign buyers tax in Vancouver & Toronto has increased to 15%, changes to the principal residence exemption and voluntary disclosure program; family tax splitting, art, fitness, education & textbook credits are gone. Mr. Bewick shared the comparison of a Canadian resident tax person versus a non-resident in Canada per year as 

$50K/yr Salary	$10,000 as a resident	$0 as a Non-Resident
$100K/yr  Salary	$27,000 as a resident	$0 as a Non-Resident
$200K/yr Salary	$73,000 as a resident	$0 as a Non-Resident

Mr. Bewick briefly introduced Trowbridge Professional and the services they offer. They provide pre and post - departure counselling, prepare  the Canadian arrival, departure and non-resident tax returns, prepare non-resident rental returns while abroad, and prepare Canadians for their arrival back to Canada in the future and the arrival tax returns.

The one hour presentation concluded with a question and answer from the attendees and a raffle draw of one hour free consultation generously provided by Trowbridge Professional.

 

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About Trowbridge Professional Corporation

Trowbridge Professional Corporation is a Canadian accounting firm that specializes in international tax services. We provide a wide range of corporate and expatriate tax services to Canadian and foreign-based individuals and corporations in a variety of industries. All of our professionals have in-depth tax experience and stay informed on current developments in tax legislation and the potential impact on our clients. Our corporate accounting, bookkeeping and payroll services team has many years of industry experience, helping global companies expand into new markets in Canada and helping companies in Canada grow with financial confidence. We offer a complete solution to help you meet your international tax and corporate accounting objectives. Our goal is to simplify the financial complexities of global business and living abroad, and make taxes less taxing.

To reach Trowbridge Professional, please contact, Wayne Bewick at wayne.bewick@trowbridge.ca or call  416-214-7833 x 101 

About Canadian Business Council of Abu Dhabi

Canadian Business Council (CBC) is a membership-based organization that represents Canadian business people and companies in Canada and in the United Arab Emirates. CBC hosts many business events and supports its members to create business opportunities in the United Arab Emirates through a wide network of relationships and contacts in the two countries. CBC membership includes businesspeople that work in the UAE-based companies and Canadian companies and represent them in the UAE. CBC members share common interests in creating excellent business relations and to strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Canada.

To reach the Canadian Business Council or for more information about CBC’s membership and sponsorship benefits, please visit the CBC website: http://www.cbcabudhabi.com  or email, members@cbcabudhabi.com

Abu Dhabi, Tuesday January 31, 2017, Four Seasons Hotel, Abu Dhabi

On the occasion of the visit by the Honourable Deb Matthews, Deputy Permier of Ontario and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of International Trade and Mayor Linda Jeffrey, Mayor of Brampton, Ontario, the Embassy of Canada with the Canadian Business Council (CBC) of Abu Dhabi organized a business luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi.

More than fifty-five (55) guests attended the luncheon; the list included Canadian and UAE government officials, Canadian company executives, UAE company executives and women leaders who play an important role in supporting CBC’s mission. CBC Platinum Sponsors, and selected CBC Gold Sponsors, received invitations to attend this event.

His Excellency Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada in the UAE

His Excellency Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada in the UAE welcomed the guests, emphasized the importance of the Ontario Ministry delegation visit to the UAE and how it fits in the Embassy’s mandate to encourage the rapprochement between the two countries and optimize trade opportunities. He then introduced H.E. Minister Chan who made a few remarks on how happy he was to visit the UAE and the warmth of its people. He also mentioned that the delegation is very keen to promote more investment by the UAE in the province of Ontario.

H.E then introduced the Honourable Deb Matthews, Deputy Permier of Ontario and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development. She said: “It is a pleasure to be here in the company of so many influential business leaders to talk about a place I really love, Ontario”. She went on to define her and Minister’s Chan visit a trade mission to strengthen economic political and cultural ties between Ontario and the UAE. She described the UAE as “this super modern economy set in one of the most ancient corners of the world”. The development initiatives in this region have resulted in a 31% increase in trade from the previous year. Then, she spoke about Ontario and the reasons why it is an ideal place to invest: Toronto is Canada’s largest city and its economic engine. It has unparalleled access to the $20 trillion North American Free trade market. Moreover, the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has given Ontario a tariff-free access to the $18 trillion European market.

Honourable Deb Matthews, Deputy Permier of Ontario and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development

Ontario is today the second largest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub in North America, being at the cutting edge of technology; for example, it produced GIS software, IMAX film technology and the Blackberry. In 2012, Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, the UAE Minister of Economy signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MaRS to develop strategic partnerships in innovation. MaRS Discovery District in Toronto is one of the world's largest urban innovation hubs. Ontario boasts a talented workforce with 67% of its population having a post secondary education. Seven of the ten largest companies in the world conduct R&D in Ontario (Apple, Google, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Intel, Cisco). In the first half of 2016, Ontario had stronger GDP growth than Canada, US and almost all other G7 countries. Its many banks and financial institutions are solid and safe and did not falter during the 2008 recession.  Deputy Premier Matthews concluded her speech by saying that, for all the reasons she mentioned, Ontario is an ideal place to start a new business or expand an existing one, OpenText being an example of a software company that started in Ontario and made it big with 8,000 employees worldwide. “There are so many opportunities for us to collaborate in key areas” she said.

From left to right: Jack Matar, Chairman of CBC Abu Dhabi, Honourable Michael Chan, Honourable Deb Matthews, Deputy Permier of Ontario and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development and His Excellency Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada in the UAE

The luncheon went on until 1:45 pm in the warm ambiance of the upscale Four Seasons Hotel.  H.E. Masud Husain thanked the Ontario Ministry, The Honourable Deb Matthews and the Honourable Michael Chan, Mayor Jeffrey, the CBC and the guests for attending the luncheon.

CBC Abu Dhabi organized a reception in honor of its Platinum and Gold sponsors. It was hosted by His Excellency Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, and his wife Mrs. Leila Elfenne, at the Official Residence.

Mr. Gregory Zoughbi, CBC Board Member and Head of Membership and Sponsorship, thanked the Ambassador and his wife for their hospitality in hosting this event and for their continued commitment and support to CBC.

Mr. Matar handed certificates of appreciation to every CBC sponsor. Mr. Matar handed the certificates and paused for pictures with each company representative.

Source: LinkedIn