Nofel Izz - Blog

Jobs In Dubai go social !

2009-11-04T03:13:42Z

Jobs In Dubai Goes Social

It has been a very exciting and crazy few months we are just blazing in on, with the launch of our social networking service CONNECT going live this week. I am excited and very proud to bring you this brand new innovative system that allows you access to a large scope of job opportunities, ability to communicate and get feedback from employers, as well as detailed industry information you otherwise would be out of the loop on while other people are benefiting and getting ahead. Don't be the one left behind!

My team and I have been in the process of making this system for 12 months, wanting to make sure it is the most unique and intensive tool that will aid candidates with connecting to their dream job. We are thrilled to be launching CONNECT finally at this time while so many people are looking to broaden their horizons and gain international experience by stretching their careers overseas. The economic climate has we all know is unstable in many places in the world, by using CONNECT you can come across opportunity you may otherwise never have known about and create a career and life you only dreamed of. CONNECT gives you the ability to associate with a workforce population of over 500,000. Building a vast network is even easier than on Facebook or Linkedin. By registering with this service you can build a rapport with professionals as if you were meeting them in person, communicating with possible future job prospects and building an amazing network, all without leaving the comfort of your desk chair! Everyone knows of someone out there that is hiring, it's just a matter of connecting with the right people to get the information you need to link you to the job you have the best qualifications for. Now you can communicate with the employers that are hiring via registered job seekers!

This was not a feat that came to fruition without its share of challenges. Knowing that this system is going to be a vessel for close to a million transactional emails per day we had to be ready and ensure our system was flawless and I am happy to announce that we are! We will be making a migration over to a new server in mid November which will force us to be offline for 48 hours, however with the excellently trained and skilled team we have working on the project I am completely confident that this change will happen seamlessly. That doesn't however mean I will be sleeping sound those 48 hours, CONNECT is my baby and I will be there overseeing each step to ensure it runs as smooth as possible.

I will personally have a profile on CONNECT and am looking forward to having as many professionals connect to me as possible so that I can act as a network myself to bring various professionals together and be a guide in assisting them with employment. I will also be sharing a link that gives professionals direct access to my profile so that I may be added or rather CONNECTed to them. I am so confident and excited about this project I can't wait to throw myself into the mix and see what evolves.

So without further hesitation I present to you CONNECT. Log on and create your profile and within minutes be possibly connected to your dream job and dream life! I can't wait to meet you, and maybe help you find that dream job. Let the networking party begin!!

Ocean View Tuesdays, City View Saturdays... Rotating Condo!

2009-04-15T14:51:29Z

Just when you thought Dubai could not be home to any more record breaking moments (counting all the architectural feats) there's another record being set about another skyscraper that is out of this world, and no, this is not a story about the British and French pair who jumped off the Burj Dubai, although that in itself is a video worth watching.

Among the man made palm shaped islands, island formations in the shape of the world map, hotels shaped like sails and waves, and the world's tallest free standing structure, there will now stand an 80 story building which changes shape. This is straight out of a futuristic Spielberg film. The Time Residences, as the building has been called, will be made of individual apartments which rotate independently around the core of the building.

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Standing an impressive 420 meters, the building's 80 apartments will rotate at voice command propelled by the means of 79 giant turbines. If this impossible idea could not sound any more amazing, the architects and engineers behind the project have designed the tower to be fully self sufficient and one of the greenest buildings in the world. The turbines, which will be powered by the plentiful Arabian sunlight and wind, will actually generate enough power through the rotating motion to power the whole building and still have some left over to be cycled through the grid.

The building is also unique in how it will be put together. Over 90% of building components will be pre-fabricated, which means each of the units will be come ready-built with electrical, plumbing and air conditioning systems ready to use and will simply be 'installed' in the building's core.

Designers assure that living in the building will not require seat belts or cause motion sickness as the units will be moving slow enough to complete one full rotation in a period of one week. It is being marketed as a 'fair building' because it promises every one of its tenants the best view, but the price tag for a spot in this coveted project might be a better deciding factor of how fair it can be. Apartments are expected to cost between $3.7 million to $36 million.

The completed building will also feature a 6-star hotel, offices and retail space. There will also be luxury villas that will have designated parking spots on their own floors with special elevators installed to move the vehicles up from street level. There are also plans to include a separate swimming pool and garden in the penthouse.

The building is the first of its kind among a series of rotational designs now up for bidding around the world. At an estimated cost of $700 million to build, the project is planned to be completed in the next year and a half. It is to be the centerpiece of the eagerly awaited DubaiLand amusement park, and is sure to make many a head turn to notice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IRyZ2sY83A
http://www.dubai-architecture.info/DUB-GAL1.htm
http://www.5min.com/Video/Dubai-Skyscraper-with-Rotating-Floors-4272393
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7472722.stm
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/05/25/futuristic-rotating-tower-skyscraper-in-dubai/
http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2006-11-29-skyscraper_x.htm
http://www.ameinfo.com/170819.html
http://www.dubailand.ae
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Fisher_(architect)

Dubai Knowledge Village

2009-04-08T19:32:41Z

As Internet technology universalized over the last decade, the value of not just information but more specialized knowledge increased exponentially. Basically, at present there isn't a single commercial or non-commercial venture that could continue functioning without having access to trained individuals and qualified professionals. If time is money, then having workers with the most up to date expertise will both save operational costs and boost revenues. This is why among the numerous free zones which have made Dubai the hottest commercial location in the world, the Dubai Knowledge Village has made it its top business to gather together the world's best educational institutions.
]]> Formed in 2003, the Dubai Knowledge Village is a kilometer long scenic multi-site campus based on Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed's vision of transforming the emirate into a knowledge based economy. As a member of Dubai Holding subsidiary TECOM investments, DKV offers facilities for academic and professional training, accreditation, and learning support activities. Since it's a free zone, it has managed to coax partnerships with the world's most prestigious institutions by offering them 100% foreign ownership, 100% exemption from taxes, 100% repatriation of assets and profits and many other day to day perks.

It is actually the world's only such free zone committed to professional training and learning support services. You can think of it as a super HR department that supports both individual training and corporate staffing solutions. In fact, DKV's institutions have secured placements for companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Sony Ericsson, Panasonic, WS Atkins, MAERSK, IRCA, Infosys and many more.

Even though it has no other match, the idea behind Dubai Knowledge Village was another sure bet that Sheikh Mohammed placed at the right time and, of course, at the right place. Nestled in between Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City the Knowledge Village is home to over 460 clients which include professional institutions for higher learning, training centers, education support services, management consultancies and research and development centers. The free zone fulfils a fundamental need for the region. Traditionally, people seeking higher or specialized education in Middle East and surrounding regions had to travel to Europe or North America for proper accreditation. Dubai Knowledge Village has thus brought the world's best to easily an accessible and centralized location.

Since Dubai is already attracting the biggest names in IT, media, finance, real estate, energy and development, it has a growing need for qualified professionals to staff the growing ventures, which is where some very impressive and world renowned institutions come into play by providing prospective employees the chance to be educated and trained in real time proximity to key industrial sectors.

There's the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, which is renowned for providing the most advanced programs in engineering sciences. BITS Pilani also offers joint internships with 274 companies (think of the biggest multinationals in the world), as well as Masters and Ph.D opportunities with institutions like Stanford University, Cornell University, University of Michigan, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University of Toronto and many more.

The American Academy of Financial Management is the only institution designed as a professional financial organization specifically for MBAs, CPAs, lawyers and PhDs. It's the crème brulée of higher education and its graduates are the sociopolitical and economics experts who issue white papers, publish books and reports that industry and political leaders around the world base their decisions on. Added to these two impressive names there's European University College Brussels, Middlesex University, Saint-Petersburg State University of Engineering and Economics and many more.

Since 2006, Dubai Knowledge Village has recorded a 40% growth, with student population nearly doubling every year. It has offered an environment of learning and human resource development in a bustling emirate where finding the right people is essential to the success of enterprises revolutionizing traditional business models.

References:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allaleh/3016258491/

http://www.ameinfo.com/188440.html

http://www.kv.ae/

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/10/obama.education/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai_Knowledge_Village

http://dubaiholding.com/en/media-centre/news/2008/November/dubai-knowledge-village-highlights-catalyst-role-of-emotional-intelligence-eq-for-organizational-growth/

http://www.dkvevents.ae/

http://www.britishcouncil.org/goingglobal2-sponsors-dubai-knowledge-village.htm

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/dubai-knowledge-village-has-over-400-companies-now_10080722.html

Recession Rebound

2009-04-01T12:19:18Z

The last couple of months have shown one of the ugliest sides of the global recession. Property foreclosures have left over a million people without homes in the United States alone. A photo collection featured on The Boston Globe shows desperate scenes from the recession in the United States and around the world. Property values have plummeted all across the world, and the growing number of people who have lost their jobs even in powerful economies like China means that breaking out of the recession cycle needs a long term vision.
]]> Take Dubai's example. Analysts predict that because of huge construction projects like the Dubai Metro and Burj Dubai, the emirate along with the UAE has the momentum to swing through the global financial crises.

It's exactly the sort of 'out-there' construction schemes (like building the biggest mall in the world right next to the world's tallest building) that Dubai has often been targeted for that are giving the emirate a running start at beating the recession. Analysts credit Dubai's government for dynamic planning that would ensure continued economic growth. And the way Dubai's markets encourage competition, the recession would even prove to provide a beneficial house cleaning because it will force poorly equipped businesses to either change ways or drop out. So in the long run, Dubai's future actually looks brighter than ever.

Added to that is the short term chance of hedging a good bet against the recession tide by capitalizing on lost opportunities. There are a small but growing number of people who are actually spending more money, especially on buying property with the hope of securing long term ROI.

According to a recent poll by Reuters, real estate prices in Dubai have slumped 38% in certain areas. This means that now is probably the best time to grab hot properties at nearly half their market value and watch your investments grow exponentially as the market turns around and credit starts flowing at normal rates again. If this isn't enough to convince someone to look at the glass as half full during this financial crisis, consider the outlook that UAE's inflation rate, which has been growing for the last 20 years to peak at 13.6% will ease down to around 4.8% as the prices for commodities and services decrease to incite consumers.

Those who are quick to be critical of falling numbers in property values miss out on the long term opportunities recession periods offer. This is why the sharpest investors and those with the big bucks plan on snatching up as much of Dubai's residential and commercial real estate as they can get their hands on. Consider also that the recession scare has challenged a repatriation of emerging markets, which will make Dubai adopt policies and incentives to further motivate people to establish themselves in its growing market. While even having the most desirable properties in the world has not prevented Dubai from being affected by the recession, the emirate has all the tools necessary to confront and beat the tide by doing what it does best: adapting and dreaming even bigger than before.

Videos References:

Dubai Metro:

Burj Dubai:

Publications:

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/550391-dubai-house-prices-fall-19-in-q4---report
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/550314-saudi-and-uae-will-narrowly-avoid-contraction---analysts
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/550202-dubai-construction-sector-fundementally-stable---experts-
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/scenes_from_the_recession.html
http://dubaimetro.eu/
www.burjdubai.com
www.reuters.com/

Dubai Internet City

2009-01-22T01:07:27Z

What's the one social group of people that combines virtually every race, gender and age across countries and continents? It's all of us internet users, of course. We represent the fastest growing consumer base planet wide, and this is just the beginning.

That's the reason why Internet Marketing is the most promising field to link service providers with consumers. It doesn't matter what you're selling, whether it's shoes or plain information, IM tactics like search engine marketing, social media, linking and brand building among thousands of other strategies can guarantee global reach and exposure. Those who saw the possibilities of the World Wide Web early on are now leading the profit game even in troubling economic times. The government of Dubai certainly picked up on the clues early on when in 1999, it called for plans to build the Dubai Internet City, a free zone equipped with the latest technological infrastructure that would make it the biggest Internet and Communications Technology centre in the Middle East.]]> Dubai Internet City opened in 2000 over an area of more than 1.5 million square feet of prime commercial office space. With over $700 million invested in the technology park so far, a second phase of development will add luxury villas and world class hotels and shopping ventures (check out Dubai Pearl). DIC is located about 25 km south of downtown Dubai, on Sheikh Zayed Road, the one road that connects all the major spots in Dubai. It is tucked neatly between the Jumeirah Beach Residence and the Palm Jumeirah-the ritziest residential areas in Dubai. But it's not the glamour that makes DIC standout; it's the boundless networking opportunities that have caught the attention of IT giants from around the world.

As a member of the Dubai Holding subsidiary TECOM Investments, DIC has had the guaranteed investment of both the government and Dubai's largest companies. Such a backing has equipped every inch of the free zone with metro Ethernet infrastructure, complete IP telephony facilities and the flexibility of private branch exchange functionality. What all of that basically means is that IT multinationals like Microsoft, Cisco Systems, HP, IBM, Siemens, Canon and many more now have access to the largest untapped ICT market in the world. Extending out of the Middle East to the Asian subcontinent, Central Asia, East Africa to South Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and Russia-DIC has enabled companies to reach emerging markets in an area covering 2 billion people with an annual GDP of $6.7 trillion.

Since all of Dubai's million dollar ventures are the first of their kind, the emirate has an unparalleled advantage at setting the standard in every industry for the region's growing markets. Dubai's government, which also sponsors a number of private corporations, combined DIC's technological prowess with a package of unbeatable business advantages. DIC offers foreign companies 100% tax-free ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, zero currency restrictions, fast registration and licensing, and a stringent framework for cyber regulations and protection of intellectual property. Add the benefits of operating free from corporate or income taxes, foreign exchange controls and trade barriers and it's easy to see why DIC is a bustling centre of activity even while other industries are struggling to cope with the recession.

DIC representatives are also smart about scouting the best possible partnerships around the world. Working with the Dubai Export Development Corporation, DIC has worked out plans to bring in international names like Sweden's Ericsson and Dovado as well as export opportunities to India (the fastest growing IT industry with an end-user spend of $110 billion by 2012). DIC has also partnered with TelecomFinance, a leading monthly print and online publication operated by UK's Press Association, to host the TelecomFinance Middle East & Africa 2009. The forum will bring together representatives from international telecoms, IT and media companies for unique perspectives and networking opportunities.

With over 1200 companies already calling it home, Dubai Internet City reached its break-even point in less than 2.5 years. With rent still at below market value the possibilities are endless in what kind of talent Dubai will continue attracting in the future.

References:

http://www.dubaiinternetcity.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai_Internet_City
http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/UAE/242046
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns341/ns396/ns223/ns227/networking_solutions_customer_profile09186a00801e35ca.html
http://www.ameinfo.com/178447.html http://dubaiholding.com/en/media-centre/news/2009/March/dubai-internet-city-industry-partner-of-telecomfinance-middle-east-and-africa-conference-2009/
http://www.ameinfo.com/188873.html
http://www.dic-communityguide.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/companies/dubai-internet-city
http://dubaiholding.com/en/media-centre/news/2009/Febuary/dubai-internet-city-and-dubai-export-development-corporation-encourage-companies-to-seek-opportunities-in-india/

Nasdaq Dubai, Ding Ding

2009-01-14T19:11:20Z

The world is coming to Dubai. Bolstered and astounding as this may sound, it's an accurate claim on how the emirate's progressive economics is stealing the global spotlight and getting some of the most powerful commercial entities to fight for a stake in Dubai's future. Consider the recent announcement of Nasdaq Dubai, formerly known as the Dubai International Foreign Exchange. It's more than a clever scheme of rebranding. The new name involves an unprecedented gateway of multilateral exchange opportunities that could make the traditional merger methods of market economy the stock of economic history. ]]> Dubai based Borse's DIFX, will quite literally be bringing the world's markets to Dubai.

While the Nasdaq name will certainly add credibility to this recreated exchange platform, it's really the regional investors' appetites that affirm the new brand's potential for turning Dubai into an international financial centre. By combining local interests with international investment opportunities this move has exponentially increased Dubai's reach in the global market.

The most interesting and innovative part of the deal rests in the fact that stakeholders on either exchanges need not worry about a total take-over. Borse Dubai, the majority owner of DIFX traded one third ownership of Nasdaq Dubai for a 20 per cent stake in New York based Nasdaq, making it the largest shareholder. The agreement will consolidate markets across the United States, Europe, Middle East and Asia.

International Herald Tribune reported that Nasdaq's vested confidence in this move is "complete and total," according to the words of its CEO Bob Greifeld . Never before has this exchange operator lent its name to an enterprise it did not own completely. There are already a total of 18 equities listed on Nasdaq Dubai, including UAE based DP World, the Middle East's largest IPO that raked a whopping $4.96 billion last year.

This year's financial troubles have proven the interdependence of markets across the world. The credit squeeze has also made evident the systematic faults of established economies regarding poor lending practices and fickle investments that have reduced share values across industry sectors. Yet Dubai's market has continued showing positive growth with a robust volume of active liquidity available. Perhaps this is the greatest selling point for Nasdaq Dubai; it will combine the established security and diversity of traditional economies with the rapid pace of emerging economies like Dubai.

For an individual company, having a presence on this exchange would mean the kind of world wide exposure that would otherwise prove impossible in the competitive market play that has seen the collapse of financial giants like Lehman Brothers.

What could this mean to you as a job seeker? Off the bat, Dubai will continue having an increasing demand for professionals involved in finance and commerce. If the employment opportunities listed on Jobs In Dubai are any precursor, it also means that the flux of more investments will lead to more companies and more jobs across all industries. Browse through what's available on JID's job board and see why coming to Dubai has never been so exciting.

For your viewing pleasure, Dubai Financial Center:

Embedded References:

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/pda/article.php?538914.0.1
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/darticlen.asp?xfile=data/business/2008/November/business_November924.xml§ion=business
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/18/business/ML-Dubai-Nasdaq.php
http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSL2078501520070920?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSN2042491420070921?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
http://www.gulfnews.com/business/markets/10260803.html

Tinseltown's Movers Consider Moving Hollywood Abroad

2009-01-07T18:50:43Z

Hollywood has always been synonymous with California's glitziest and most glamorous hot spots. From its earliest days the industry has been at home in the many cities and exclusive celebrity communities that dot around Sunset Boulevard. But the current financial crisis has left some of the biggest studios scrambling for funds. It seems that Tinseltown's biggest movers may be considering moving Hollywood abroad, and Dubai happens to be one of the most promising locations bidding to play a part in this change. ]]> American Film Market in Santa Monica, representatives from Dubai's Studio City met with over 8,000 representatives from 70 different countries to showcase what the emirate has to offer the film production industries around the world. As part of Dubai's Media City, this new addition features complete sound stages, both indoor and outdoor pre-built studios, backlots, stages, broadcast centres, post-production studios and much more. More importantly, it offers the kind of long-term investment returns that have become extremely difficult to secure in established industries in places like the U.S.

Time Magazine has reported that the financial crashes involving Wall Street's biggest money makers have left big name studios like Spielberg's Dream Works SKG desperately short of raising millions of dollars in debt financing. Since Hollywood had come to rely on Wall Street and banks to invest these millions, the sharp about-turn of the financial industry has forced studios to seek different partners after the likes of Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, Deutsche Bank and Dresdner Kleinwort pulled out. Dubai Studio City's representatives see this as an opportunity to secure the emirate as a vital player in international commercial, television and cinema production.

Spread over 22 million square feet, with 14 world-class sound stages and an additional 3.5 million square feet dedicated to outdoor shooting, studios, business centre, hotel and residential space, Studio City's greatest appeal is its one-stop convenience. There are even plans to house film and television academies. What's more, Studio City's modern versatility is designed to appeal to everyone, which means aside from big film houses it's also going to give independent broadcast and film studios, freelancers, post-production and industry support-services providers a competitive advantage they cannot find in traditional markets.

Combine this ease of access to space and resources with the power and proximity of Dubai Media City and you'll begin to see why the emirate has come to play such a vital role in the international market. While countries like the United States, Britain and Germany are struggling to cure deficits in the billions, Dubai is spending billions creating new opportunities in virtually every commercial sector.

Scroll through the many jobs posted on Jobs In Dubai and you'll see the diverse positions in demand across the emirate. The breakneck speed of Dubai's economic growth, evident in multibillion dollar projects like Studio City, means job seekers from around the world can capitalize on a strategic, diverse and competitive job market. Use JID job hunting tools to see what you need for a career in Dubai.

Embedded References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai_Studio_City
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/537276-hollywood-urged-to-choose-dubai-for-movies
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1842122,00.html
http://www.dubaistudiocity.ae/
http://www.ifta-online.org/afm/home.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Boulevard

Optimism: The New Contract

2008-12-31T18:48:06Z

There's a singular word that is being coveted across the world. From politicians to workers, news agencies to international organizations-this word is shaping business deals and national policies. It is uttered in cautious reverence and is being treated as the most crucial need in a time of economic crises. The word is Optimism, and it seems that some unlikely countries have a much better hold on it than the world's biggest and most powerful.

]]> President Elect Barack Obama's success. His campaign for change brought a new message of hope to everyone who has had enough of negative growth, job cuts and rising costs of living. But where big-movers and players like the United States are struggling to restore market confidence, people in Middle Eastern countries like the UAE are happily looking toward the future.

According to a survey conducted by ASDA'A, only 34 per cent of Westerners believe their country's outlook is positive, while more than half of Emiratis are optimistic in continuing economic and social growth. This is a curious inversion of public sentiments. Countries that have long established their economies and world wide prowess seem to have the most skeptical citizens. While emerging economies like Dubai are prospering on public confidence.

The New York Times reported that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development forecasts shrinking economic activity and further job losses for the leading economies of the world. Apparently this will be the second recession for Germany in six years. England's future is not looking any brighter no matter how much money its government pools in. Even with all the highly publicized moves by U.S authorities, it's the growing number of lay-offs, emergency mergers and real estate closures in the millions that are driving American banks to lend less and consumer confidence to decline.

Yet the Nielsen Confidence Consumer Index has boosted UAE to third place in a list of the most optimistic nations in the world. This is because economies in the UAE, like Dubai, are influenced by strong domestic growth. Especially in economic sectors that play a big part in daily availability of credit and liquidity like the retail sector. Dubai's five star hotels, malls, resorts and infrastructure are an essential part of an economy that shows no signs of slowing down. While the increasing demand for professional and skilled individuals has pushed the emirate to seek the best talent from around the world.

Take a look at the Hot Job Links on Jobs in Dubai's home page and you will recognize that Dubai is calling on exactly the kind of job seekers that are at risk in North American and European job markets. With booming financial, retail and development/construction industries, job opportunities like those posted on JID's job board are the most confident signs of this emirate's potential, and a great reason for you to be optimistic about investing in a career in Dubai.

Embedded Links:

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/538040-uae-up-to-third-in-world-consumer-confidence-list
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/537923-arabs-more-positive-about-future-than-westerners
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/14/business/worldbusiness/14euro.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
http://www.asdaa.com/about_asdaa.php?head=about_asdaa
http://www.barackobama.com
http://us.nielsen.com/site/index.shtml

Struggle in North America, Reap in the Middle East: The Big Three Car Makers

2008-12-24T18:19:25Z

Long before this current bout of global recession introduced people to the realities of a new economic order, it was the woebegone automotive sector that made the daily news. For over a decade now there has been an alarming slump in car sales in markets traditionally expected to have the highest grossing economies, like the US and Europe.

]]> This protracted nosedive has also had a ripple effect throughout the industry so that loss of revenues and job cuts in hundreds of thousands are no longer limited to car manufacturers, but now involve retailers, servicers, part makers and suppliers. The demise of this sector was the real precursor to the current economic predicament.

And we're not talking about small- to middle-sized companies going under: The latest word on the news circuit says that the Big 3 car makers have less than a year to find quick funds to survive the credit squeeze. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have been reported to have too much stock and negative liquidity to continue operations of all their models.

These companies are facing further scrutiny at home for closing down manufacturing plants, laying off workers and scaling back on their traditional brands. Rumour has it that brands like Jeep, Saab, Hummer and Mazda are at risk. Between the North American and the European market, sales have gone down 19-25 per cent compared to last year. It seems like just another addition to a long list of multibillion-dollar corporations waiting for a bail out that even Obama would not favour.

But the most interesting part about this sad story lies under the bold headlines of fresh merger talks that never end. The future of the automotive industry does not lie in cutbacks or tie-ups but a change in perspective.

Since these mature markets are facing severe corrections, it has been the emerging markets like Dubai in UAE that have caught the attention of sales strategists worldwide. Not only have car sales in the Middle East and the GCC escaped the global financial crises unscathed, they are beating growth records set by countries like China and India, which were largely expected to be the biggest markets.

In the UAE alone, sales are up a whopping 34 per cent this year, and analysts report that there are no signs of this pace slowing down.

The best part of this new perspective is the region's commitment to a diverse and competitive market. Take a walk down any street in Dubai and you'll come across all kinds of cars. From the budget friendly to the high end icons of luxury, virtually every car market that is facing extinction in the Americas or Europe is actually thriving here.

So if hot names like Renault and Honda are planning to invest more in places like Dubai, perhaps this perspective is worth your consideration as well. Market trends in this global age function on perpetual growth. A thriving automotive sector brings in billions of dollars in revenue, and this automatically leads to more jobs. Click through some of the many job categories available on Jobs In Dubai's job board and you'll realize that this prosperous sector will need all sorts of positions. Create a JID Profile to match current opportunities in sales, marketing, accounting, manufacturing, IT, engineering, retail and management and set yourself apart as a global jobseeker.

Embedded References:

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/526105-edit-uae-car-sales?ln=en

http://www.gulfnews.com/articles/08/10/02/10249165.html

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/Industry-News/UK-car-market-slumps-to-worst-since-1966/?content-block=0

http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/10/17/business/OUKBS-UK-AUTOS.php

http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2008/10/20/what-if-the-us-auto-makers-dont-survive/?mod=googlenews_wsj

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Three_automobile_manufacturers

Want a Better Job? Play Hard To Get

2008-12-17T18:06:11Z

Ever wonder why there has been a sudden proliferation of head hunters and recruiting agencies? Today's job search is a far cry from only scanning the classifieds of your daily paper. Job seekers now have to stay on top of their game and deal with a multitude of recruiting processes to be eligible for employment at most top companies. Along with the daily classifieds there are local employment agencies, specialized recruiting firms, job fairs, online job boards, internal and external networking and the dressed-to-impress head hunters searching for these companies. No wonder most people don't seriously consider job shopping until they're unemployed. This is actually a popular recruiting 'secret.' Generally, a job seeker's psychology is categorized as either active or passive.

Active job seekers are usually unemployed or unhappy with their current position and are thus more inclined to rigorously pursue leads and stay connected to all the listed sources for job openings.

Passive job seekers are a stark contrast: They could be employed, but in broad terms, they are job seekers who feel no compelling reason to invest their time and energy into looking for new opportunities. Here's the most interesting part - since most active job seekers have a short shelf life (meaning they are more likely to settle for the first available opportunity) companies pay out the big bucks to recruiting agencies to follow passive job seekers.

This is especially true for positions requiring unique skills and qualifications. So, if you're currently employed and feel you have no reason to go through the trouble of job hunting, you may actually fit into this highly coveted category.

It's more than playing hard to get, though. Even as a passive job seeker you need to get your name around. Most people occasionally browse through job boards to see what's on the menu. Some are personally approached by professional recruiters. In either case, any potential job lead can only materialize if the job seeker's information is available to whet the hiring personnel's appetite. So how can you reap the benefits of being a passive job seeker?

The answer is simple: e-Socialize. Using a customized profile on Jobs In Dubai, you can passively or actively showcase your talents and interests to companies who are looking for your kind of talent. Jobs In Dubai works for you while you're working for yourself. Imagine the networking power of a site like Facebook, but geared specifically to recruiting candidates for one of the fastest growing job markets in the world, Dubai - that's the potential of Jobs in Dubai.

With the information you share with JID about your aspirations, our team keeps you in the loop with newsletters, alerts, and market trends that are relevant to your career. It's like creating a whole new kind of job seeker; one that has the confidence and lure of a passive job seeker combined with the tools, approachability and know-how of an active job seeker. And JID's job board has plenty of opportunities listed daily to keep you posted about Dubai's exciting and internationally geared market.

So, take a couple of minutes to window shop the portal. See the diverse range of positions in demand (virtually everything), and see if competitive wages, tax-free income and world class lifestyle of the biggest city in the UAE sound like an interesting option for your career growth.

Embedded References:

http://www.jobsindubai.ca
http://www.cvtips.com/the_psychology_of_job_hunting.html
http://www.careerpsychologycentre.com/jobhunt.htm

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As Dubai Grows Vertically So Does Consumer Confidence

2008-12-10T16:20:46Z

If this recent global lending crisis has proven anything throughout the chaos, it's that markets worldwide have never been as integrated and interdependent as they are now. When leaders of the most powerful countries are under constant duress to issue assuring statements of caution, and pledges to put tax payers' money to good use under growing deficits, it's obvious that this ominous atmosphere has everyone's guard up. Governments in the United States and the European Union are making daily decisions on which faltering companies should be saved and which should be left to go under. So, if it has come to a matter of staying afloat on emergency loans or sinking, does it make sense to drive against the economic tide by showcasing multibillion-dollar real estate projects? Dubai's International Exhibition Centre, there was a flurry of regional and international investors, developers, architects and visitors left in awe. With mock displays towering up to three stories, like Nakheel's $38 billion tower - planned to be the tallest building in the world standing over a kilometer high - Cityscape's message seemed to be the exact opposite of the fear and reluctance apparent everywhere else. The mind-boggling designs on display would all cost an enormous amount. Then why would the emirate, which is slotted for a property prices correction of 10-20 per cent, sponsor such costly projects?

The answer is the only word with the potential to avert a global depression, and that word is 'confidence.' With US Treasury secretary Henry Paulson making it an economic imperative, 'restoring confidence' is really the only way out. So, it's interesting to note that long before politicians and economists were able to articulate a solution, Dubai remained confident in its commitment to hosting this exciting event. Cityscape is the largest business-to-business real estate exhibition in the world. It features residential, commercial, leisure, retail and industrial projects backed by comprehensive teams of visionaries, builders and investors. It also attracts an international celebrity crowd, featuring big names such as Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones and even Sharukh Khan. It seems that Dubai is not only going against the tide of the real estate slump, but it's doing it in style and packing a big punch at the same time.

With plans to build a new Sports City and superstructures like the Dubai Pearl, the emirate has consistently proven another point clear, and that is its expanding job market. Jobs In Dubai has daily postings for positions in architecture, engineering, hospitality, construction, sales and virtually anything else you can imagine. If you want to be part of the movement challenging this recent trend of market fear, join the portal and make your mark in Dubai.

Embedded References:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svSiKCOIDpg
http://www.nakheel.com/
http://business.maktoob.com/NewsDetails-20070423188482-Nakheel_pulls_off_Cityscape_coup.htm
http://www.cityscape.ae/
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/533126-cityscape?ln=en
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7668704.stm
http://www.dubaipearl.com/
http://www.jobsindubai.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Paulson
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000140/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001876/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahrukh_Khan
http://www.dicec.ae/
http://www.dubaisportscity.ae/

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50 Billion Dirham Bottle of Confidence. Insecurity Stems From The Land of Foreclosed Homes

2008-12-03T16:16:32Z

This week has seen news reports take a more precise spin on the question of the economy. By now, it would seem everyone has had quite enough of the phrase 'on the verge of a recession.' Even its a slightly modified and more alarming version of 'global recession' has been played out. In fact, newscasters for the BBC World News began their headlines by admitting they had run out of clichés after a whole barrage titles such as 'Manic Monday,' 'Frantic Friday,' and the like. Yet the story itself is nowhere close to finding a conclusion, and its scope seems to only grow bigger day by day. With the head of IMF, Dominique Straus-Kahn predicting zero growth in advanced economies and about an average 3 per cent growth globally next year, played out or not, the fear of that looming recession is now being acknowledged around the world.

]]> Out of the inadequacies that the present crisis has brought to surface, namely reckless loaning practices and detrimentally huge payouts for executives, the 'credit-squeeze' has also shown how countries are reacting and responding to the pressure differently. There's the American bail-out model, an overly simplified reference to the allocation of 700 billion dollars being borrowed against trillions of dollars of debt. Then there's the British answer of guaranteeing deposits by using tax payers' money to buy stakes in troubled financial institutions. Added to this mix is the international effort of cutting the interest rate by one half of a per cent. Yet advisors and policy makers behind all these decisions are still stressing a hard road ahead, and emphasising that no single approach would prove sufficient. This is because the economic market is influenced by plain old speculation as much as it is by solid numbers

In a recent interview on HARDtalk, New York mayor and future favourite for US treasury secretary Michael Bloomberg warned that bail-out schemes will not go far enough to turn the economic tide. Bloomberg's advice was simple: in order for the world to avoid falling into an economic depression like that of the 1930s or worse, people need to be assured that the situation can be controlled. This is the forgotten lesson of globalisation. These economies are so closely linked together that even a rumour across the Pacific Ocean about oil prices jumping sends the local stock markets on a buying spree. And it works the same way when it comes to talk about financial powerhouses on the brink of bankruptcy. This is why it's surprising to note that even with a senior figure like Bloomberg advocating economic reform that goes beyond emergency loans, countries are still slow to grasp the importance of injecting 'liquid confidence.'

The term is the amalgamation of the economic crises' two greatest needs: immediate liquidity and consumer confidence in the market. This is where the government of UAE appears to be ahead of the game. Since emirates like Dubai are built on the foundation of free markets, they are uniquely set up to attract more foreign investment for a rapidly growing consumer base. Not only does Dubai enjoy aggressive credit growth normally found in emerging economies, its government's focus on further capitalizing on this surge through multibillion dollar hotels, resorts, shopping malls, commercial and residential real estate projects all work together to sustain and satisfy its consumer base and provide jobs.

Although Dubai's economic growth is on a scale impressive enough to offset the catastrophic financial losses of countries like the United States, the emirate's leaders are well aware of the fact that in today's global market, no regional economy functions in a vacuum. This is why the UAE government decided to create a 50 billion dirham funding facility for ready access to liquidity.

Since the crises worsened two fold with the lack of moveable funds due to hesitant lenders and, with the sharp fall in market confidence because of panicking spenders, this latest injection of liquid confidence will go a long way primarily as a gesture of good standing. Years of prosperity and strategic investments have guaranteed the emirates more than enough in liquidity reserves.

Dubai's liberal market practices incorporate simultaneous job growth. So, at the moment it appears to be the stark opposite of the US and some afflicted European countries where economic growth has stalled and is being followed by massive job cuts. Strange as it may sound, this economic drama has made it more obvious than ever before that paying attention beyond our own borders might be a solution worth considering.

In a place like Dubai, which already has comprehensive ties to the UAE Central Bank, investments and lending transactions are continuing especially progressively. A sure sign of this is the continuing demand for qualified professionals. Compare the jobs available on Jobs In Dubai's job board to the list of positions at risk in countries affected by the recession and you'll see why an economic crises could also provide new opportunities. So, stake your place with confidence and put up a profile. JID has the tools you need to find your own solution.

Embedded References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_Strauss-Kahn
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bloomberg
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7662762.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7656023.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/hardtalk/default.stm
http://archive.gulfnews.com/indepth/markets/more_stories/10246928.html
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/532163-banks-left-guessing-over-emergency-fund?ln=en
http://www.jobsindubai.com

The Medium is the Message

2008-11-26T16:11:56Z

Media communications is the voice of the millennium. There's no room for doubt when you see its proliferation informing every part of our lives. No longer limited to print, radio and television, today's technology media can quite literally be morphed into any shape and play virtually any role. Combined with the limitless possibilities of the internet, every good idea can benefit from open access. A couple of years ago, following its annual tradition of naming a 'person of the year,' Time magazine selected 'You.' The writers believed that with the growing power of individual expression and the media available to voice it, anyone making even the smallest use of this technology was helping to write the future (we're talking about all the bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, and other such Internet users). It was in anticipation of such a global shift in communications that Dubaians decided to build their own Media City.

True to its name, it's an all inclusive free zone supporting every conceivable facet of media communications. From creation to hosting, broadcasting, streaming, production, publishing, support and networking, Dubai Media City has been designed to fulfill every need of the media industry. Its cutting-edge infrastructure holds a strategically planned network of fiber optics that reduces business set up to simply plug n' play. The government of Dubai has also passed specific legislation to cater licensing and copyright concerns specific to media entities of all sizes. That means easier access to visas, full control of foreign ownership and quite literally, a whole city of networking sources.

Since media is the business of information, imagine working in a community that companies like Associated Press, CNBC, BBC, CNN and Reuters call home. That is the greatest advantage of Dubai's Media City. It's a neighbourhood of multinational agencies and freelancers, equipped with the kind of technology and expertise that synchronize and promote creative freedom.

Because its main focus is media, Dubai's Media City is also ideal for independent enterprises that may have a hard time finding a competitive advantage in traditional markets. Take music as an example: It is a multibillion dollar industry, but it's amazing how much good talent can slip through the cracks of rigid record company giants. The same can be said about independent film makers who have to battle it out with big-time production studios. A place like Dubai Media City has both the technical and service resources necessary for an impactful start. The mere fact that it also attracts big names in the industry proves that it's also an essential location for expansion.

Search Jobs In Dubai's job board and you will also notice that companies in Media City are looking to fill all sorts of positions. From initial design to marketing and even management, every business model relies on specialized professionals, so you're not at a disadvantage for lacking years and years of field experience. The difference is in knowing where to look, and Jobs In Dubai's focused resources give you essential information to take advantage of the many opportunities available now. Our profile feature is also a great way to showcase talents that may otherwise go unnoticed in a regular résumé format. Be sure to peruse our jobs section to see what opportunities are available for you.

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9 Million Square Feet of Shopping Mall is Contagious Confidence

2008-11-19T16:07:37Z

Remember when shopping was that well-deserved break from the daily stresses of work, both in and out of the house? Nowadays, it has been reduced to a routine: Just another stressful leg of your day spent surveying the same stores, especially when you travel to a shopping mall that is out of your way. Back when consumer confidence was up, the retail sector was still reporting a yearly loss. So the problem isn't as simple as people looking to spend less and less money. In fact, looking at places like Dubai it would seem that people are more willing than ever before to make the shopping experience a valued part of their lives. But then again, no one does shopping quite like Dubai.

With declining oil revenues and a world-class ports system needing to reach capacity, Dubai invested heavily into transforming its livable space into a modern paradise of every amenity available. Dubai is home to some of the largest and most unique shopping malls that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Start with the amazing Deira City Centre, right next to the Dubai International Airport. It packs a whopping 1.2 million square feet of retail selling space over many levels. It houses well over 300 shops, including favourites like the Virgin Mega Store, JC Penny and Forever 21. And the variety is not limited to fashion and electronics: With over 40 restaurants, including a Carrefour hypermarket, Deira City Centre is a guaranteed treat to a new experience every time.

Jump on to Jumeirah Road and you'll come across another seven one-of-a-kind shopping wonders like Mercato Mall. Like its name in Italian, the whole mall is designed as a 'market' straight out of the Renaissance. The easy blend of French, Italian and Spanish architecture houses specialty stores like Tehran Persian Carpets and Antiques, Spinney's Book Shop, Geneviève Lethu, Armani, Hugo Boss and many, many more. Be sure to check out the Paul Café: It features breads, pastries, cakes, desserts and sandwiches from over 250 shops in France.

But to see why Dubai is the capital of shopping you would have to see the new Dubai Mall. Getting there is quite easy. Just look for the tallest tower in the world, The Burj Dubai, and follow Sheikh Zayed Road straight to it. Set to open at the end of October, this mall is planned to all but destroy the shopping experience as we know it. With over 9 million square feet of retail space, it is set to hold multiple shopping centers within it. It will include the world's largest gold souk with over 200 retailers, a Fashion Island consisting of haute couture boutiques, a SEGA theme park and one of the world's biggest aquariums. It's already racking in awards from MAPIC and Cannes.

These are just three of well over 50 different shopping and market places in Dubai. Each unique in its own way plays a vital part in the emirate's flourishing economy, and each relies on the energy and excitement of the people who live and work here. If you have the passion to excel in this sector, Dubai is the place to take your career to new levels. Whether it's generic brands, specialty shops or the biggest names in fashion-it's all here.

Since Dubai continues to invest in its retail market, there's a growing demand for talented sales and marketing professionals. Many of the retailers you'll come across in Dubai's malls are already advertising positions on job boards like Jobs In Dubai. Lots of higher-end companies use recruitment agencies to fill these positions so be sure to keep an eye out on our web site for great opportunities.

http://dubaimalls.blogspot.com/2006/10/city-center.html
http://www.dubaiairport.com/dia/english/home/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Megastores
http://www.mercatoshoppingmall.com/
http://www.jobsindubai.com
http://www.burjdubai.com/
http://www.dpa.co.ae/
http://www.gulfnews.com/BUSINESS/Economy/10239860.html

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Does True Freedom Stem from Trade Freedom?

2008-11-12T16:00:39Z

Are stricter regulations and more direct involvement by government really the solution to a healthy economy? At a time when security concerns trump free market values, some people may argue it's better to sideline a struggling economy for the sake of 'homeland security.'
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Dubai's secret is its commitment to doing everything possible to maintain and surpass its economic growth, last averaged to be around 16 per cent, which is double that of China's. It isn't the success story of the millennium because the emirate's actual size (just over 4+ million people) might make even an average growth of 4 per cent look tremendous. But it's noteworthy because Dubai's policies have actually made it possible for this tiny emirate to compete with some of the world's biggest economies (like the U.S., Britain and China) and consistently come out on top.

Free market policies and a liberal government have made it possible for this region of just over 4,000 square kilometers to attract more tourists than all of India. With one of the greatest concentrations of free zones in the world, Dubai is the commercial world's ideal place of business, and its world renowned duty-free malls make it a consumer's paradise.

What started out as merely a vision for a future without oil revenues has, in three short decades, turned into an example studied and coveted by countries around the world. The emirate's policies on zero trade barriers and quotas, competitive import duties averaging around 4 per cent, a global labour pool and no tax on personal income or corporate profit (with the exception of oil companies and foreign banks) make it a perfect fit for any kind of enterprise and any scale of investment.

Although these policies have helped shape Dubai's global market, Dubai has also changed its own demographic to reflect international trends. Take a look at the variety of companies that post job offers on Jobs In Dubai's job board. These are companies doing business within and beyond the U.A.E. With dedicated free zones like Media City, Internet City and Dubai Ports, any type of venture has a niche and an international pool of potential employees.

The Virtual Placement Index available on Jobs In Dubai shows that just as it can be the perfect market for any kind of business, Dubai is also the perfect place for all kinds of job seekers. In September alone, the Jobs In Dubai portal helped the selection of more than 1,700 candidates. The number reflects the demand for all sectors and industries. Look at the pattern over the course of the year and you'll realize that this demand is growing, reaching a peak this past summer.

But as a jobseeker, there's a more important reason to consider your place in Dubai: A prosperous economy has as much to do with sound financial standing as it has to do with the society involving it. A stark contrast to its Middle Eastern neighbours, this part of the United Arab Emirates continues to invest in its world-class commercial and civil infrastructure. From internationally recognized schools and hospitals to an unparalleled transportation network, Dubai is one of the safest places to live. Click through some of the candidates' profiles on Jobs In Dubai to see what they have to say about living and working here.

Embedded References:

http://www.dubaimediacity.com/
http://www.dubaiinternetcity.com/
http://www.dpa.co.ae/
http://www.government.ae/
http://archive.gulfnews.com/gnfocus/uae_freezones_2008/index.html