chairman's message

Welcome to the website of the Australian Business Council - Dubai (ABCD)
 
2009 was an interesting year in the life of Dubai, however we must look forward to 2010 and the changing dynamics of Dubai, with this in mind I believe its also time for a wind of change to blow through the ABCD. We have been good at some things, great at others, but we can still improve on many aspects of the ABCD and what we provide to our members.
 
We are one of the leading business groups in the Middle East and we need to improve on becoming a connector and promoter of Australian businesses in Dubai, so some of our 2010 goals will be:
 
(i)      Increasing our membership base.
(ii)     Develop membership benefits packages
(iii)    Getting the website up and running
(iv)    Consistent, regular and relevant updated communication to members
(v)     Events calendar
(vi)    Development of the Young Professional membership group
(vii)   Value to our Sponsors
(viii)  Quality of speakers: Business Leaders (Local and Australian)
 
As a committee elected by you (our members) we encourage feedback and suggestions from all of you, so we may continually improve and develop the ABC into something that our members find great value and service in, so please take time to provide constructive criticism..........and of course tell us what you have liked and enjoyed!
 
My heartfelt thanks to the committee who all give up their free time to help fellow Australians, to our office manager (Jacqui) who works tirelessly to support the council, to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce who's support is invaluable and to our year round sponsors: Allied Pickfords, Al Habtoor Leighton's, Emirates Airline and UOWD, without who's support we would not be able to provide the many varied events we will be organising in 2010.
 
I would like to take this opportunity to also thank the Australian Consulate-General in Dubai, the Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Austrade (the Australian Government’s trade representation arm in the UAE) and the various State Government offices in the UAE who continue to support the ABCD and ensure that Australian businesses in the region continue to succeed.
 
Lastly, I ask each one of you to encourage any fellow Australians (individuals or companies) that you know are not members to become members, as its not only a great networking platform but a rich and rewarding social environment.
 
I wish all of you a healthy and successful year ahead


Derek Garlick
Chairman
January 2010