ISSUE 2, September 2007

Regulars
Chairman's Message 02
Australian Embassy Message 04
Australian Consul General's Message 06
10 Features
Property Investment 08
Property Market 09
Nakheel 10
Multiplex 12
Green Vision 15
Golf Courses 17
Rasis Developers LLC 19
Looking Ahead
Modern Architecture 20
Landscape Architecture 21
Sustainable Solutions 22
Investment 24
Resort Environment 26
Construction & Development 27
Law
17 27 Property Law 28
Trade News
Trade News - Victoria 31
Trade News - South Australia 33
Trade News - Western Australia 35
Sport
Property & Construction Team 36
Events
Social Events 38
Up Coming Events 47
Members
New Members 48
Committee Members 49
Property Horoscopes 50
Member Profile
36 38 David Heffernan 52

Managing Director Graphic Designer

Donna Benton Riaz Khan
Operation Manager/Senior Editor Senior Administration
Chelsea Blampied Amira Veneracion
Advertising Manager Administration
Tessy Silveira Myra Mendoza
Sales & Marketing Administration
Pinky Moses Tefanie Domingo
Art Director Financial Controller
M. Ali Rizvi Mumaij Moidu
 C H A I R MA N M ESSAGE
A business group that has
worked hard to earn itsts
reputation as one of thee
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 SEPTEMBER,07
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.
 AU S T R A L I AN EM BA SSY M ESSAGE
B
Both
Bo countries have
strengthened their links over
str
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 long-
running 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.
Sit t ing L-R:
H. E . Mo hamme d Al D h a h er i , 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 , A ust r a l i a n M i ni st er fo r J ust i c e a nd Customs.
St anding L-R :
H. E . Abdul Rahim Yousef A l Aw a d h i , A ssi st a nt U nd er sec r et a ry, UAE
Minis t ry 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 or to
Aus t ralia; The H o n. P h i l i p Rud d o c k M . P. A ust r a l i a n A t t o r ney G enera l.
3 SEPTEMBER,07
ver
e
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.
Margaret Barbalet
Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy - Abu Dhabi
 AU S T R A L I AN CO N SU L GEN ERAL'S ME S S AG E
DUBAI & NORTHERN EMIRATES

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

This will be my official sign off to the Australian Business received from our Ambassador to the UAE, Jeremy Bruer.
Council as my posting with the Australian Consulate General He might barrack for the wrong footy team, but he is a great
and Australian Trade Commission in Dubai is complete this Australian and he has been a true friend to me. I offer my
month. I will be heading back to Melbourne for some leave and sincere appreciation to the many people who have given their
to watch some football until the end of the year, and will then time to the Australian Business Council and grown it to the
commence a new posting adventure in Bangkok. organisation it is now. And finally I would ask and hope
that my successor, Kym Hewett, who will arrive in Dubai in
It has been an exhilarating ride over the past five years where all
September, receives that same support, and level of friendship
Australians who have been in Dubai have seen and experienced
that I have.
tremendous change and growth in all aspects of life. During
this time the Australian Consulate General has relocated twice I hope that our paths cross again wherever that may be.
and grown from representation of two Government agencies
Yours sincerely
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
Peter Linford
exporters on the ground to position themselves to market
Consul General Dubai & Northern Emirates
opportunities.
Senior Trade Commissioner Middle East & North Africa
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

4 SEPTEMBER,07
 P R O P E RT Y IN V ESTM EN T
Exciting times in
property investment
and finance in the UAE
A 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 non-
GCC 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.
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 non-
GCC nationals (on a freehold or leasehold basis) in certain
designated areas in Dubai.
5 SEPTEMBER,07
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.
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 single-
or 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
 P ROP E RT Y MARKE T
Dubai’s rapid the form of new laws and increased
protection for property investors
licensed real estate agents will shortly
disappear as Dubai Lands Department
growth was and owners and also with increased
obligations on developers, real estate
licensed agents and staff will have
the sole rights to attend to property
agents and advertisers. transfers. Also targeted are developers,
probably greater Some of us might quite rightly say that
who in the past, have sold ‘off the plan’
apartments to investors, taken money
than anyone these changes are well overdue but we
must also be fair and remember that
upfront and then failed to either start on
time or to complete the project on time.
Dubai’s rapid growth was probably
would have greater than anyone would have
predicted or imagined.
These changes can only help Dubai’s
real estate, property development and
predicted or Dubai was the first Emirate to regularly
announce new, iconic “out of this
construction industries, as local and
international investors will now have
more certainty and confidence. These
imagined world” developments such as Palm
Jumeirah & Jebel Ali, Burj Dubai,
developments will allow H.H. Sheikh
Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s
Dubai Land, the Bawadi Hotel strip, the vision and dream for Dubai to continue
The constant factor in Dubai today is Waterfront, Business Bay, and others,
change! for many years to come.
Dubai was also first to introduce the
It comes to us in many forms but the Rental Cap and Associations (Body Before investing, please do your
most obvious and visible to the many Corporate) for community areas, homework and only purchase from a
of us who live and work here services and charges. licensed developer utilising an escrow
are clearly reflected through our account to protect your investment,
The newly formed Real Estate equally as important, only use a
own personal experiences as we Regulatory Authority, which will operate
navigate each day through the professional, fully accredited real estate
under the Dubai Land Department, will agent to assist you.
maze of new construction oversee the operations of developers,
developments and also property management companies,
through the constant financing institutions, brokers and
and challenging owners associations. It will be given IAN SIMM
changes to the road jurisdiction over real estate policy, CEO Easy Property Group
system we drive on. strategy, regulation and registration. www.easypropertygroup.com
Now change is also Questionable freelance sales agents
coming quickly in who impede professional, fully

SEPTEMBER,07 6
 N AKHEEL
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, palm-
shaped 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
7 SEPTEMBER,07
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
 industry.” Ed added, with the full support of the executive management of Nakheel
“The ex-pat lifestyle has been fundamental in achieving where we are now. With
in Dubai is fabulous the added access to international expertise, it makes for the
too.” experience of a lifetime.”
Ed Sutton is not Nakheel’s impressive portfolio of developments, across a
the only Australian range of sectors, will continue to set a high benchmark for the
who has bought incredible growth in this emerging global city. Spreading across
in to the Dubai 2 billion sq ft of land, including The Palm Trilogy, The World,
lifestyle. Several other Waterfront, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park and the truly
Australians hold unique Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel’s projects are redefining the
positions at Nakheel, concept of modern property development whether residential,
including CEO Chris tourist, commercial or retail. Drawing on top international
O’Donnell, former talent, Nakheel will surely continue to capture the attention of
Troy Hart
Managing Director world for years to come as it changes the map of Dubai with its
of Investa Property landmark developments.
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 Shoreline Apartments
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 Atlantis Construction

SEPTEMBER,07 8
 M ULTIPL EX
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
9 SEPTEMBER,07
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
 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 As one of the two major sponsors behind the February 8th
2008 AFL (Australian Football League) Exhibition Match,
T 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
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
growing city in the world. Despite the tax free Dirhams, cheap
fast, skillful and hard-hitting contest that will shake the Dubai
luxury cars, Friday brunches and the numerous living comforts,
Polo fields like never before. Collingwood and Adelaide plan
living in Dubai can take its toll. Some of the most contributing
to travel to Dubai as part of their pre-season warm-up and to
factors to homesickness are the lack of family, friends, national
help promote AFL in the Middle East. As part of the event,
‘isms’, sports and far, far too much sun. Sadly, there’s not
the curtain raising Multiplex Cup match will be a somewhat less
much that can been done about the lack of rain, but there are
skillful, but nonetheless hard-fought game potentially between
organisations taking the initiative to limit the feeling of isolation
the UAE Heat and the Dubai Dingoes. Multiplex, together with
that are doing their best to make their employees feel more at
the help of local companies Byrne and Ducto Balfour Beatty
home. One such organisation is the Australian construction
will provide amenities and logistics for a day that all Australians
company, Multiplex.
and other sporting enthusiasts will remember.
Multiplex has been a forerunner in bringing its national identity
Not only do such events give expats the taste of home
to Dubai and helping their employees feel at home through
and national identity that can easily be lost, but it offers
events such as Anzac Day celebrations, AFL matches and
opportunities for all to learn something of their fellow workers’
traditional Indian entertainment; after all, ‘a happy worker
nationality and culture. As Dubai expands, so too does the
is a good worker’ and the benefits gained from satisfied
melting pot of cultures and international education. In this
employees to a company are priceless. Through sponsorship
day and age of globalisation, international knowledge and
and on-ground assistance in community events, Multiplex has
understanding is invaluable for business relationships and
endeavored not only to identify themselves as an Australian
growth. The property and construction industry is no different
company, but has also managed to bring a little bit of Australia
with all corners of the globe coming together to build towers in
to Dubai.
the sand.
Anzac Day is a proud tradition that is unique to Aussies and
Aside from the above social and sporting engagements,
Kiwis alike. This year, Multiplex sponsored an Anzac event
Multiplex continues to be one of the top high-profile
that encompassed local guitar legends, hip hop sensations,
construction companies delivering some of the most successful
together with ample beverages. With a large proportion of
landmark projects in Dubai. Multiplex - not only a company
Indian nationals working in the company, cricket days, Onam
that has fun, but one that also gets the job done.
festivals and Kahla music festivals feature in a large part of the
company’s calendar. C. PECK
Site Manager - Multiplex

SEPTEMBER,07 10

In the Middle East, it seems
to be a case of being in the
right place at the right time
W 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
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.
G RE E N VI S I ON
“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
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
SEPTEMBER,07 11
 G OLF C OURS E S

T h e worl d’s most

ambitious
new residential
golf community

T 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
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
Club at Kennedy Bay – is now leading the creation of the options for both formal and casual dining, while the Wellness
world’s most ambitious new residential golf community. Centre will offer a variety of massage and spa treatments. And
for the first time anywhere in the world, Jumeirah Golf Estate’s
David Spencer began his career in the golf industry as a
Little White Shark golf academy at The Norman Clubhouse
director of Troon Golf, in the Australian office. Following
will allow golfers of all ages and abilities to hone their skills,
his successful involvement in two flagship Dubai courses, The
with professional training programmes developed by Greg
Montgomerie and Arabian Ranches, David has become chief
Norman himself.
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 and David Spencer
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

SEPTEMBER,07 12

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
Zabeel Corporate Park
RAS I S DE VE LOP E RS LLC
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
SEPTEMBER,07 13
 M O D ER N A RCHITECTU 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
14 SEPTEMBER,07
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
 LANDS C AP E ARC H I T E C TUR E

Australian Landscape
Architects are in the ineventhetheUAEtoughest
they get so hot that
plants burn if
forefront of the they are nearby. Only limestone
with a low specific heat can co
profession in the UAE habit with plants.
There is much that can be
T he UAE, especially Dubai and Abu
Dhabi, is well known worldwide
for its rapid growth, its huge projects
done to improve the quality of plants,
especially by using air root pruning
and for its willingness to take on the containers to produce a good nursery
latest technology to become leaders in plant. This Australian invention is now
the business of property development. taking hold in the UAE and there are
The man power resources to meet many other clever ideas that can become
the demands on professional services part of the landscape scene. Aluminium
come from many parts of the world, in park benches are cooler to sit on, even
particular, Australia. in the shade because aluminium does
not get as hot as timber and certainly
Australia’s experience in property not as hot as other metals. Playground
development and the professional equipment with plastic coating lasts
resources needed to make developments a very short time whereas multi coat
work can be found throughout the wet paint finishes last a long time and
design and construction industry. can be repaired. Concrete kerbs with
haunching at the back of the kerb should take even more responsibility to
Landscape is one of those resources.
prevent plants growing to the edge of pass on what we have learnt in our own
It is hard to imagine the actual land
the pavement and ensure the foreground environment.
area subjected to the design skills of
landscape architects but there is at least view of landscape is of burnt, weak or When working as professionals in
200 sq km being designed by landscape nonexistent plants, including grass. the UAE, let us have the security of
architects at the time of writing. Landscape is appreciated as often at knowing that we are doing the best
night as it is in the day time, but some we can, promoting better methods,
Australian Landscape Architects are in
paving materials such as sandstone and encouraging, learning and guiding, but at
the forefront of the profession in the
granite, absorb a lot of heat and release all times never accepting anything as just
UAE. Almost every project either has
it at night making it uncomfortable to “good enough”.
their design skills, their supervision skills
or their construction and maintenance walk on. Lighting can be crude in its
skills applied. application although there are more
and more instances where landscape is GEOFF SANDERSON
There are many competent professionals cleverly lit adding to the enjoyment of Principal - Green Concepts
in the landscape industry in the UAE parks and other public places at night. www.greenconcepts.ae
however; one of the weaknesses in Australians are in the front line and
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
SEPTEMBER,07 15
 S U S TA I N A BL 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
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 pre-
cast concrete, infrastructure and wastewater engineering to a
company with multiple offices throughout the Emirates.
16 SEPTEMBER,07
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
 I N VESTM EN 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.
17 SEPTEMBER,07
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
 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.
18 SEPTEMBER,07
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 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
top end technological technological formwork systems.
Grocon CEO Daniel Grollo said
formwork systems “As a founding member of the Green Building Council of
Australia, Grocon is passionate about sustainable building,
Grocon is Australia’s largest privately owned construction and always strives to achieve the highest standards in relation
and development company, established more than 50 years to environmentally friendly design and implementation,”
ago by Luigi Grollo, grandfather of the present day Chief Grocon has obtained
Executive Officer, Daniel Grollo. accreditation from
With humble beginnings in Melbourne’s northern suburbs the Australian Federal
building community swimming pools, Grocon has grown Safety Commissioner,
into a large multi-disciplinary group, which now specialises at the highest level for
in all areas of the construction industry, ranging from the occupational health
original financing of a project to ongoing oversight and and safety standards.
facilities management of developments. They have numerous
awards in relation to
Grocon was based in Melbourne for the first 35 years of its safety, Grocon is also
existence, building Melbourne landmarks such as the Rialto trying to import those
Towers, 120 Collins Street and the ANZ Bank Headquarters. systems to the UAE
Most recently in Melbourne, it completed the redevelopment so construction work
of the MCG on a tight time schedule for the 2006 can be completed there
Commonwealth Games, and the iconic 300 metre Eureka safely and quickly.
Tower on Southbank, now the tallest structure in Australia. Mr. Grollo said safety
was of paramount
Grocon Lubeca LLC in Dubai started in the United Arab importance to Grocon
Emirates in 2005 with the supply of the unique jump form at all its sites.
system for the Rose Tower project on Sheikh Zayed Road.
The 73 storey Rose Tower was completed in record time DANIEL GROLLO
with three day floor cycles achieved consistently on 40 CEO Grocon Lubeca LLC.
Past Project - reconstruction of the old GPO
consecutive floors. www.grocon.com.ae No.1 Martin Place - Sydney
Now established firmly in the UAE market, Grocon has

solutions to construction challenges. found to overcome these and other

Company - Gulfwalling There are several challenges being
constraints that are now appearing in
the construction market of the region.
Reducing the time experienced on unprecedented levels,
to name a few:
GulfWall is one such method of
construction that addresses all these
cost of money and 1. Labour constraints – with reducing
availability, increasing cost and lack
constraints.
GulfWall precast panels are created
market risk for
of skill sets in the required numbers,
from a unique patented system which
there is simply not the available labour
is designed to deliver significant cost-
to implement the number and scale of
the developer and projects across the region.
2. Materials constraints – once again
efficiencies. Fabricated off-site, the
load-bearing walls are 70% lighter
than conventional precast panels and
investors the scale of construction in the region
is consuming vast quantities of input
can speed construction times by up
to 40%. Hollow wall sections, doors
materials, particularly cement and and windows are pre-cut to a project
As the scale and speed of construction reinforcement steel. using a computer controlled saw,
in the Middle East grows to massive to eliminate site labour and speed
levels, constraints not encountered 3. Capital constraints – previously in
construction. The walls are efficiently
previously are now increasing the the region capital was freely available
transported to site, and craned into
need for innovation and technological and “the time cost of money” was not
position. Filling the hollow GulfWall
a high consideration. With the inflow
with concrete onsite creates full
of capital from outside the region
structural load bearing walls up to
and the choice of opportunities for
eight storeys high. The great speed of
capital in the region, investors are now
construction ensures projects utilising
very much interested in the time scale
this technology will be brought online
for return on their capital. However,
faster thereby reducing the time cost
the traditional method to accelerate
of money and market risk for the
construction rate to apply more labour
developer and investors.
is no longer an economic solution to
this problem. TOBY COOKE
Gulfwalling FZCO
New methods and materials must be
SEPTEMBER,07 19
 P R O P ERTY 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
20 SEPTEMBER,07
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

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,
T RADE NE WS
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 prima.castelino@iird.vic.gov.au
SEPTEMBER,07 21
 T RADE NE WS
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Riding a wave of (STA), has been successful in designing, developing and

delivering specialist training and education programs for

economic opportunity
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
South Australia’s business confidence remains at high levels: military, police, security and civil defence sectors. STA’s
Managing Director, Mike Brownhill tells how STA was born
• Employment up by 15% (100,000 more) and holding at in Adelaide.
near
record levels “Our company was formed to export Australian capability
specifically to the Gulf region; the principals of the business
• Business investment is 123% higher had prior knowledge of the area and thought that there were
• Retail sales are 25% higher good opportunities for military, police and security training.
This conclusion was backed up by Nick Alister-Jones,
• Annual exports are 40% higher Director of the SA Commercial Representative Office in
• The unemployment rate is near its lowest in 30 years. Dubai, who, having a military background, was well placed
to assist us in our market analysis.”
South Australia’s future growth is focused on continuing
to improve and promote our competitiveness, innovation Are you a qualified English Language teacher or technical
and productivity to benefit from these strong economic instructor? STA currently has positions available in Saudi
conditions. More than $37 billion is being invested in South Arabia, please contact David Kerr, email sta@coffey.com
Australia’s major building, construction, industrial and Fax +971 4 363 6750
infrastructure projects.
PO Box 58074, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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

SEPTEMBER,07 22
 T RADE NE WS
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Extended upward 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
economic cycle with a embarked on a challenging Landbank program which aims
to make a number of tourism development sites available to
very positive five year investors.
Western Australia also provides an ideal location for tourists
economic outlook 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.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA – “GATEWAY TO
AUSTRALIA” There has never been a better time to consider Western
Australia as an investment, relocation or migration potential.
Western Australia, with its diverse internationally competitive
economy, leads the nation in economic growth, productivity, The Western Australian Trade Office in Dubai is very
investments and exports. effectively bridging the gap between Western Australia
and the Middle East. We encourage the local business
Western Australia is on an extended upward economic cycle community to contact us for any assistance at the below
with a very positive five year economic outlook, largely email address:
driven by the booming Chinese, Indian & GCC economies
and its strong demand for resource commodities. The trade MR. PANKAJ SAVARA
surplus for Western Australia in 2006 was AUD 33.2 billion. Regional Director - pankaj.savara@wato.ae
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
An Evening with WA Minister
to Asia and Middle East; increasing air connections; strong T h e Western
Government commitment to build on tourism market Austra lia n
demand and their support of industrial development; a Tra de Office in
Duba i h osted
skilled and productive workforce; a wealth of mineral and a reception on
petroleum opportunities; abundant and competitively priced th e occa sion
energy; extensive industrial land and infrastructure; low of th e visit of
Fra ncis Mich a el
sovereign risk and pro-development government polices and Log a n, MLA, a t
strong economic growth. Currently more than AUD1billion th e C onference
accommodation projects are planned. C entre,
Jumeira h B ea ch
In the UAE, market leaders in the construction industry Hotel.
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

SEPTEMBER,07 23
 S PO RT
(PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION TEAM)

F ebruary 2006, it all started over

a couple of quiet drinks at Left
Bank in the Madinat Jumeirah when
suffice.
Following a few more drinks and
leather ball and kicking it between a
couple of upright sticks.
increasingly exaggerated stories about It wasn’t long before we discovered that
five young Melbourne lads working in
football related exploits back in the there was an existing side in Dubai, the
property and construction in Dubai
Victorian Amateurs league, it was Dubai Dingoes who were organizing a
were discussing what was missing in
coherently agreed that ‘’Tuppa’’, ‘’Batts’’, modified rules tournament in March,
the Middle East. Eventually one of
‘’Tors’’, ‘’Stranger’’ and ‘’Duggy’’ were ‘’the Dubai 9’s’’. We decided to assemble
the boys popped out with, ‘’Geez I
going to start a footy side to bring to the those that we knew who played the
Middle East game into a side to have a ‘’kick’’
Five young Melbourne lads what we missed
most: wearing
down at Safa Park twice a week.
Believe it or not, but training
working in property and unusual looking
sporting outfits
in 30-40 degree heat after
slaving away to the property

construction in Dubai were - being a

combination of
development industry was
not the most questionable

discussing what was missing striped socks,

miniscule
action undertaken in the
lead up to the Dubai

in the Middle East

shorts and 9’s tournament. This
oddly coloured moment arguably
lycra tops - and 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

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
running additional players.
toughest, fastest and therefore greatest
around It was only upon
sport ever invented in the history of the
on an looking at this
planet (note to reader: this is a fact albeit
expansive gentleman’s business card
subject to substantiation). Aussie Rules
oval to a week later did our team manager
football was one of the key divisions of
come close to dehydration recognize that this eager newcomer
entertainment that was missing in our
and get pulverized by sweat dripping was in fact Andrew Schauble who had
lives and we had decided that the two
maniacs mostly twice our size, all for played 200 games at a professional level
games and highlights package provided
love of grabbing that oddly shaped red back in Australia and who had won a
on cable television would just not

24 SEPTEMBER,07
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 achieved wins over Malaysia, Japan
year. Teams from China (including and previous tournament champions
Hong Kong), Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore with the only loss occurring
Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam were against the eventual and worthy
to battle it out in the humidity that had tournament champions, the Hong Kong
enveloped Bangkok in early July. It was Dragons by a small margin of nine
a trip of highs and lows for the Dubai points.
Heat with a very fit and hungry outfit
And that was the year that was for
eager to take on the rest of Asia but
the Dubai Heat, a lot of fun, a lot of
having our star forward, Tuppa, tearing
bonding and a lot of on field success
his hamstring in the week before the
and hopefully there’ll be many more
tournament. To add to our woes our star
like it to come. Training in the heat with
AFL defender, Schaubs, had unexpected
the Heat (which is almost equivalent
UAE visa issues and was unable to make
to spending an hour or so in a sauna)
it through the turnstiles of Abu Dhabi
will soon recommence at Safa Park so,
airport to get on his seat to Bangkok.
if you are interested, in being involved
When Schaubs finally managed to arrive
with the aim of having some fun and
in Bangkok just prior to the tournament
winning next year’s tournaments,
the team were ecstatic but soon deflated
feel free to send an email to
when he tore his hamstring in the first
uaedubaiheat@hotmail.com
five minutes of the first game!!!
or check out the website
Nevertheless, the boys of the Dubai http://dubaiheat.blogspot.com.
Heat, proudly being the first ever side
Daniel 'Diggy' Dugina
from the Middle East to compete in
Development Manager
this tournament put in as much of their
Omniyat Properties
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
SEPTEMBER,07 25
 S O C I A L EV ENTS

FOCUS LAUNCH
The Apartment, Jumeirah Beach Hotel - June

26 SEPTEMBER,07
SEPTEMBER,07 27
 S O C I A L EV ENTS

Guest Speaker Michael Clarke

CRICKET LUNCH
The Fairmont Hotel - June

28 SEPTEMBER,07
 S OC I AL E VE NT S

AFL COCKTAIL PARTY

Consul General's Residence - July

SEPTEMBER,07 29
 S O C I A L EV ENTS

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

30 SEPTEMBER,07
 S OC I AL E VE NT S

JULY BUSINESS LUNCH

Nasazossi Sports Bar

Peter and Debra Linford's

FAREWELL PARTY
August

SEPTEMBER,07 31
 S O C I A L EV ENTS

Guest Speaker Gillon Mclachlan

AUGUST BUSINESS
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
LUNCH
Sponsored by epi

32 SEPTEMBER,07
 S OC I AL E VE NT S

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

SEPTEMBER,07 33
 S O C I A L EV ENTS

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”.

34 SEPTEMBER,07
 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.

SEPTEMBER,07 35
 N E W M EM BERS

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

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Name Company Name Name Company Name
Nick Jarman Oryx Real Estate Jillian Alexics Limitless LLC
Richard Vance Action International Services Kate Buchanan RP International FZ LLC
Jonathon Morse RP International FZ LLC Chris Foden Meyado
Matt Grifiths Le Meridien Mina Seyahi David Edwards United Nations Office for Project Services
Robert McMillen MAC Capital Alison Ward Emirates Airline
Brad Bristowe DHL Annelies Hodge Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Sima Hall Speech Pathology Dubai Michelle Bailey EMEA - Business Development WLL
Tania Donohue TMH Noel Duigan Control Risks Group
Matthew Lorrimer Event Knowledge Services Nichole Banks Leo Burnett
Paul Kelly Mortgage Force Kelly Smith MCS Action
Larissa McLaughlin Dubai Autism Center

36 SEPTEMBER,07
 C OMMI TT E E ME MB E RS 2006- 20 07

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

SEPTEMBER,07 37
 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.
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.
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.
38 SEPTEMBER,07
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.
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.
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.
 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.
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.
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’.
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.
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!
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!
SEPTEMBER,07 39
 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.
40 SEPTEMBER,07
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.