Climate change and occupational safety and health.
IBG Newsletter 2013 2014
1. ibgitalian business group jeddah
NEWSLETTERSeptember 2013 - June 2014
“IBG was founded in July 2013 with the purpose of promoting the growth of
trade and investment between Italy and Saudi Arabia. In these past few months,
we were able to show great vitality and spark interest around IBG.
I would like to thank all our corporate members and entities that with their help
and inspiration made the founding of IBG possible and the realization of our
first events. In particular, I thank Dr. Simone Petroni, the Consul General in
believing in this organization from the outset.”
Bashar Jabban, President of IBG
IBG NEWS
IBG and JCCI signed
in July 2013 a cooperation
agreement to support
joint actions, networking
and knowledge-sharing
between local and Italian
entrepreneurs
JCCI Vice President Mazen Batterjee and President of IBG Executive Committee
Bashar Jabban signed the deal in the presence of Italian Consul General Simone
Petroni and Responsible of the Italian Consulate’s Commercial Office Renato
Catania.
The agreement falls within the JCCI’s general scope to make the Jeddah Governor-
ate the business gate to the Kingdom and a favorable destination for businessmen
and businesswomen willing to develop their regional and international business.
Petroni said: “I’m sure that with their reputation and knowhow, Italian entrepreneurs
have all the potential to make the difference in Jeddah confirming the city’s
attractiveness for international trade and investment.”
The two parties particularly stressed the importance of joining efforts for creating
trade and investment opportunities, promoting social and cultural relations,
establishing administrative coordination, and incubating and fostering strategic
initiatives related to key areas of cooperation.
USEFUL INFO
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
http://www.esteri.it
Jeddah Economic Gateway
http://www.jeg.org.sa
Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and
Industry:
00966.1265.15111
info@jcci.org.sa
http://www.jcci.org.sa
The Italian Consulate in Jeddah:
00966.12642.1451
consolato.gedda@esteri.it
http://www.consgedda.esteri.it
The Saudi Embassy in Rome:
0039.06.84.48.51
http://www.arabia-saudita.it
Page 1
2. The Italian Consulate, in cooperation with IBG and the
JCCI, organized a 6-day photo exhibition in October
2013 with the aim of raising awareness about the
importance of preserving rural landscapes for economic,
social and cultural evolution.
The photo exhibition displayed the work of more than 74 researchers belonging to 14 Italian
universities and two international institutions. Adnan Husain Mandora, the secretary general
at the JCCI, welcomed businessmen, diplomats and guests on the occasion and expressed the
JCCI’s pleasure to be the host of such an event that facilitates strong ties between internation-
al businessmen.
Mauro Agnoletti, a professor from the University of Florence, shed light on the Italian experi-
ence with regard to maintaining the rural landscape and increasing economic, social develop-
ment and cultural heritage. Agnoletti explained cultural identity, competitiveness and environ-
mental quality of rural territories and the quality of life according to the initiatives taken to
preserve Italian historical rural landscapes.
IBG Participation at the Saudi-European business
networking reception in November 2014
The British Consulate General hosted a Saudi-European business networking recep-
tion, aimed at giving the Saudi and European business communities an opportunity to
strengthen their relationships. It was held for the second time this year and took
place under the patronage of the European Union Delegation to Saudi Arabia.
It was jointly organized by the consulates of Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy,
Switzerland, and the UK, the networking reception is becoming a major occasion for
businesses located in the Kingdom. Apart from these consulates and their business
groups, this year’s reception also saw the participation of Riyadh-based embassies
from Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden to give them the opportu-
nity to meet leading Saudi business families in Jeddah as well as representatives of
Saudi companies.
Page 2
IBG organized a lunch
on the Italian aircraft
carrier, Cavour in
November 2013
The Italian aircraft carrier, Cavour, which
is part of the 30th Italian Naval Group,
visited Saudi Arabia as part of the
celebration of the 80th anniversary of
Saudi-Italian diplomatic relations.
During its five-day stopover in Jeddah,
IBG had a lunch for their members and
guests, followed by a tour of the carrier.
USEFUL INFO
Developing an Employee Handbook
for Companies:
•Company policies have to be in
writing so employees know what's
expected of them.
•Assign your in-house legal counsel to
draft your employee handbook
yourself or your lawyer.
•You can adapt policies to suit the
needs of your business.
•Make sure every employee receives
a copy of the handbook and signs a
statement saying they've read it.
3. The Italian Consulate, in cooperation with IBG, organized a dinner in
March 2014 at Hilton Hotel for an Italian business delegation
A delegation of no less than 67 Italian companies were in the Kingdom to explore business
opportunities in the fields of clean technology, healthcare, and infrastructure. The trip had
been jointly organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economic
Development, the Confederation of Italian Industries (Confindustria), and the Italian Institute
for Foreign Trade (ICE/ITA).
Annalisa Bisson, head of European and International Affairs at Confindustria, said the clean
technology and health care sectors had been chosen, because they are “hot topics” in the
Kingdom. The Italian companies, of which 31 are working in the clean technology and 22 in the
health care sector, were mainly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while the 14 infrastruc-
ture companies were large enterprises.
The Italian Consul General Simone Petroni welcomed the delegation in addition to a selection
of Saudi businesspeople with a dinner organized in cooperation with the Italian Business
Group.
IBG Event of the Year 2014: Fashion and Motor,
in participation with Lamborghini, Maserati,
Antonio Grimaldi, and Toby by Hatem Alakeel.
What better way to promote Italian culture than through fashion, cars and food?
Guests were welcomed in April 2014 with an array of colorful Lamborghini cars at
the entrance. The company, represented in the Kingdom by Al Ghassan Motors,
recently debuted its new, 610-horsepower Lamborghini Huracán at the 2014 Geneva
Auto Show, which at $200,000 will be Lamborghini’s most affordable model once it is
released at the second quarter of this year.
Competitor Maserati, represented here by Fast Auto Technic Co., stood right next to
it with its fleet of luxury cars. The Italian manufacturer began a transformation last
year to become a serious player in the premium sports car segment, while its flagship
Quattroporte was the best-selling model in 2013 and Saudi Arabia as one of the
region’s fastest growing markets.
The fashion part was taken care of by famous Italian designer Antonio Grimaldi, who
had been flown into the Kingdom with his latest collection of evening gowns. His
models, trained on the spot by ex-model Cristina Tamer, were wearing Jewellery
Pieces by Jade Jewellery and accompanied by sleek gentlemen wearing stylish
“Toby” thobes, designed by local star Hatem Alakeel.
The guests were in the Saudi-Italian business sector, Italian nationals, diplomats, and
other selected guests for an evening-long celebration of Italian culture. Porto Cervo
restaurant’s Italian cooks served the most delicious lasagna, gnocchi and pizzas
sprinkled with Parmigiano cheese especially brought in from Italy for the occasion.
Oscar-winning Italian movie screening at Indigo
Beach Resort in March 2014
IBG arranged a movie night for the
screening of The Great Beauty, which won
the Oscars this year for best foreign
language film category. The screening was
held in the Cinema at Indigo Beach
Resort, a luxurious private resort on the
Red Sea.
Newspaper Links
Page 3
Arab News:
http://www.arabnews.com
Saudi Gazette:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa
Il Sole 24 Ore:
http://www.ilsole24ore.com
Italian Insider:
http://www.italianinsider.it
4. Page 4
IBG CORPORATE MEMBERS
IBG MEMBERS NEWS
Manuel
Supermarket:
American Products
Week inaugurated
US Consul General in Jeddah Anne Casper inaugurated in January
2014 the American Products Week at Manuel hypermarket amid a
large gathering of shoppers, well-wishers and the hypermarket’s
management.
Consul General Casper expressed her pleasure at opening an event
that showcases some of the finest products from the United States.
Touring the supermarket’s branch at Stars Avenue mall, the Consul
General was accompanied by Executive Director & Deputy Chairman
of the Board at Manuel hypermarket Khalid Darwish, Commercial
Consul Charles Ranado, Senior Commercial Specialist Wasif Shah,
and Media Affairs Officer Renee Ragin.
Khalid Darwish, Executive Director & Deputy Chairman of the Board
at Manuel hypermarket, pointed out that the range and variety of
food products offered during the festival period showcased the
high-quality of American products.
USEFUL INFO
Tips for Avoiding Legal Problems
•Arm yourself with basic knowledge of
business law so you're alert to your
company's obligations and rights.
•Practice prevention. Have your
lawyers review contracts and agree-
ments before they're signed.
•Get your lawyer’s opinions on
documents you have drafted, you
want to make sure they meet the
requirements of the law.
•Familiarize yourself with trademark
laws so you don't violate them.
•Understand the law as it pertains to
your organizational structure. Your
legal obligations as an Establishment,
for example, will differ from those as
an LLC or Joint Stock Company.
5. Rubaiyat introduces Ralph Lauren
Home brands
Rubaiyat’s branch in Riyadh witnessed a special event celebrating the launch of Ralph Lauren Home. The event
was attended by key persons, including Ian Sears, president of Ralph Lauren Home, William Li, senior VP of
Ralph Lauren Home, Wafaa Abbar, president of Rubaiyat Modern Luxury and Mohsen Bamehriz, VP of
RALF&Dco, in addition to a numerous business men and women, interior designers and journalists.
The new collection of Ralph Lauren Home is a mix of classic furniture inspired by the depth of the Ralph Lauren
philosophy with a blend of originality, quality, and craftsmanship.
Now Rubaiyat Advance Luxury Furniture & Decor is the exclusive distributor of Ralph Lauren Home products in
the Kingdom beside numerous products of other international leading brands such as Frette, Versace, Armani
Casa, Calvin Klein, Flos and many other Europeans brands. Ralph Lauren Home has approximately 300 outlets
all over the world.
Rubaiyat Advance Luxury Furniture & Decor, a fashion retailer for
high-end furniture and home products, has launched for the first time
in the Kingdom a new collection of home accessories and furniture
branded by the world renowned designer Ralph Lauren.
CPC is a Strategic Partner at the
Arabian World Construction Summit
Construction Products Holding Company (CPC), strengthened its commitment for
the Arabian World Construction Summit (AWCS) 2014 by elevating its relation-
ship to strategic partner.
Faysal Alaquil, Chief of Corporate Social Responsibility and Director of Business
Development said during his presentation at the summit: “We believe this is a
significant global platform for exchanging views, ideas and expertise related to construction sector, in the
presence of distinctive select group of international and regional professionals in this field. The event
demonstrates the region’s potential for investment and growth opportunities in the field of construction".
Alaquil added that the construction industry in Saudi Arabia has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent
years, a golden age for construction.
CPC Sponsors the First National Forum for the Employment
of Citizens With Special Needs
Construction Products Holding Company (CPC) participated, as
bronze sponsor, in the First National Forum for the employment of
men and women with special needs and its accompanying exhibition,
which was held under the auspices of Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Bin
Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh region, under the theme "My job is
my security." The Forum took place at Riyadh International Conven-
tion & Exhibition Center on 11-13 May, 2014.
In a statement in this regard, Faysal Alaquil, Chief of Corporate
Social Responsibility and Director of Business Development, stated:
"CPC was very keen to sponsor the Forum in realization of its social
responsibility programs, as well as seeking a greater inclusion and
integration of citizens with disabilities and special needs into the
mainstream society".
Alaquil stressed that CPC is determined in realization of its social
responsibility programs to continue its efforts in sustainability and
corporate social responsibility achievements. He also noted that CPC
senses its role in the development and welfare of the community, and
pays special importance for recruiting people of special needs, who
deserve every assistance and encouragement.
Page5
6. Italian influences for a new Abaya concept
by Alessandra Serafini
When “Italian style” finds inspiration in other traditions originality and beauty are
most likely to enchant the eye. Fashion designer Alessandra Serafini knows it well.
Ex-pharmacist with a natural inclination and talent for design, Serafini transfers to
the Islamic art of “Abaya-making” the legendary Italian care in the study and
combination of materials, colors and cuts recurring also to some motives from
far-eastern traditions. The result is the creation of comfortable, elegant and stylish
robes spiced with a bit of humor that give women a modest look without suffocat-
ing their personality and identity.
Relying on the inimitable Italian capacity to use and blend all sorts of poor and
rich materials, Serafini started designing Abayas looking for an ideal balance
between local customs and contemporary design and manifesting a preference
for materials such as silk, cotton and linen.
“My bestseller and first creation is a comfortable and casual ‘Ethnic Abaya’ in
creased and very light silk that can be kept in a small and stylish sack.
Serafini seems in fact to consider the Abaya just as one element of a woman’s
general appearance that should match her dress and accessories without
covering them completely.
What mostly strikes about this Italian fashion designer is her capacity to develop
throughout all her collections a concept of “total look.”
In line with this philosophy, she designs Abayas that, depending on the context,
can also be left open and tries to guide her customers in the choice of the right
accessories.
TREVI awarded new orders in the
middle east totaling about
100 Million USD
The TREVI division, specialized in ground engineering services, has recently been awarded new contracts in
various countries in the Middle East totaling about 100 million USD. TREVI will perform civil works and special
foundations for infrastructure projects in Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Dubai.
The works, in particular, will involve for the construction of diaphragm walls for infrastructure as well as the
execution of piles involving the use of innovative equipment for special foundations produced by the Soilmec
division.
The CEO of TREVI Group Stefano Trevisani commented: “The Group continues to acquire new orders in the
Middle Eastern area confirming the increased demand for special foundation works relative to infrastructure for
the transport sector with leading international companies among which some of the major Korean ones. The
signals from the infrastructure market are positive and we remain focused on acquiring new added value
contracts for the company.”
USEFUL INFO
Avoid delay in seeking legal advice if you've been wronged and plan to pursue
your rights. Waiting several months could jeopardize your right to seek relief under
the law. Even if you are thinking about legal help merely to avoid problems in the
future, it's never too early to begin your legal search. For example, tax strategies,
corporate and employment law advice, and estate planning shouldn't be put off for
too long. Putting legal matters on the back burner might cost you more in the end.
Page6
Do you really need to hire a lawyer?
7. Jade Jewellery re-opens in Jeddah
Jade Jewellery, one of the finest jewellery and diamonds stores in Jeddah,
located on Arafat Street, reopened its doors recently after a complete
renovation of the store with an adjacent office. The opening party attracted
over 200 people who came to see the new “Maison Jade” as the store has
been renamed, in addition to the new and inspiring collection on display. Jade
Jewellery is currently celebrating its 11th year in the Kingdom and includes
famous Italian, French, Greek, and Lebanese jewelry brands, such as Crivelli,
Paolo Piovan, Staurino, Stephan Webster, Pristine, Djula, Ancora, Yvel, and Bil
Arabi.
Fast Auto Technic launches the
all-new Maserati Ghibli
Fast Auto Technic (Fast), the official importer of
Maserati in Saudi Arabia, launched the all-new
Maserati Ghibli – the brand’s sports executive
sedan in the E-segment. The launch marks a turning
point in Maserati’s history overall and in Saudi
Arabia, giving the Italian marque two concurrent
four-door sedan models for the first time in its
100-year history. The trident brand had recently
celebrated its centennial anniversary in Jeddah in
the presence of a number of prominent personali-
ties of the Saudi society, Maserati customers and
fans as well as the press.
Commenting on the unveiling of the all-new model,
Mohammed Wajih Sharbatly, CEO of Fast Auto
Technic, said “With the Ghibli we are able to reach
new customers not previously addressed by the
Maserati range. The Ghibli is a true Maserati: it
combines performance, handling, luxury, and Italian
design with affordability and usability. And the car
will be offered starting from SR. 290,000.”
He added: "The demand for the Ghibli was
already high before the actual launch and we
expect continuous growth in orders now that it is
available in Maserati showrooms across the
Kingdom. Customers are invited to visit us and
have a closer look at this fantastic new model.”
Maserati 8CTF “Boyle Special”
runs historic lap in
commemoration of Indianapolis
500 two-time victory
Reminiscent of its renowned win at the very same
track, the Maserati 8CTF “Boyle Special” 8CTF
(serial number 3032) relived its final victory lap
around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway exactly
75 years later. On the brink of Maserati’s 100th
anniversary, the 8CTF was honored at the Indy
500 in commemoration of its declared win in 1939.
Behind the wheel of the vintage automobile was
Johnny Rutherford, three-time Indy 500 winner,
much like the celebrated Wilbur Shaw that histori-
cally claimed his two-time victory for Maserati in
1939 and 1940 respectively.
The legendary Maserati 8CTF was immortalized by
the Historical Vehicle Association (HVA) today as
the first foreign manufactured automobile to be
permanently archived into the United States Library
of Congress, a new effort to authenticate historical-
ly significant automobiles. Recorded under the U.S.
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Heritage
Documentation, the documentation will remain part
of the HVA National Historic Vehicle Register and
Historic American Engineering Record (HAER).
Page7
8. Salini-Impregilo was awarded
a $6 billion contract
A consortium led by Salini-Impregilo was awarded a $6 billion contract by the
Riyadh Development Authority.
The project envisages the engineering and execution of Riyadh’s New Under-
ground Line 3 (41.58 km), the longest line of the giant underground project of
the Saudi Arabian capital.
The assigned package is an integral part of the bigger project that concerns
the parallel construction of an underground network that includes 6 lines with
a total length of about 180 km and a total value of $ 23.5 billion.
Page8
Al-Ghassan Motors:
The new Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4
A new era is beginning for Automobili Lamborghini and the luxury super sports
car segment: with the brand new Huracán. Lamborghini is not only presenting
the successor to the iconic Gallardo, but is also redefining the benchmark for
luxury super sports cars in this segment. With its pure and unique design, an
innovative technology package, outstanding dynamics and excellent quality,
the Huracán offers a super sports car experience on a whole new level. The Huracán combines absolute
performance with easy-to drive road behavior and both luxurious and sport-oriented finish. With the
Huracán, Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future, and enhancing the brand’s illustrious history with
the next automotive legend. The Lamborghini Huracán made its world public debut at the Geneva Motor-
show 2014. The Huracán will be launched throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in Ramadan.
Infiniti begins a new era of premium brand experience
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Infiniti has today outlined its commitment to delivering its premium brand
promise to customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Through an expanded
dealer network of state-of-the-art Infiniti Centres, the entire Infiniti perfor-
mance range will be backed by full genuine parts availability and
highly-trained technicians. As a strategic partner to the brand in the Kingdom,
Al Ghassan Motors will play a significant role.
Francois Goupil de Bouillé, Vice President, Europe, Middle East, and Africa
(EMEA) commented: “Today we are announcing our plan to strengthen Infiniti’s
presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Infiniti is entering an exciting and
new phase of its future as it commits to building a global brand. The Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia is instrumental for our plans in the region and therefore
globally. We welcome Al Ghassan Motors onboard to join the Infiniti journey.”
World Premiere of Lamborghini Veneno Roadster
Veneno Roadster made its public debut on board the Italian naval aircraft
carrier Nave Cavour on 1 December 2013. At an exclusive ‘Italian evening’
attended by authorities, clients, VIPs and media, the limited edition super sports
car, of which only nine will be produced, was formally unveiled on the flight
deck of the 240 meter ship while docked in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed port.
“The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is one of the world’s most exclusive cars with
the most extraordinary performance,” said Christian Mastro, Head of Middle
East, Africa and Europe for Lamborghini.
9. Tamer Logistics Signs New Business
Tamer Logistics (3PL) has signed lately two major contracts with Nestle and
Mendelez (Kraft) to handle their operation in Saudi Arabia.
Tamer Logistics can provide the total solution to warehousing / logistics needs.
With RFID and WMS technology as well as Ministry of Health approved
warehouses, Tamer Group is the first 3PL choice for medical, pharmaceutical
and fast moving consumer goods.
Tamer Logistics offers customers advanced value-added services such as
tracking and tracing, cross-docking , specific packaging, and a unique security
system.
Tamer Group provides customers the complete service and essentially takes
over complete control of the customers' logistics activities.
Page9
SAJA Celebrates New Expansion
The Saudi Japanese Pharmaceutical CO.( SAJA ) celebrated the new expan-
sion for its plant in Khumra area in Jeddah.
Mr.Faisal Tamer the managing director of the company mentioned that this
strategic expansion of the factory will help SAJA to continue growing and help
local community more at the same time.
Today; SAJA is a market leader in Saudi Arabia; distributing products to all
GCC countries and north Africa. The Sales of the company grew and in 2013
to reach SR 225m with plan to reach SR 1 billion 2020.
SAJA is producing medicines that cover several medical segments: Urology,
Cardiovascular, Rheumatic Disorders, Antibiotics, GIT Disorders, Osteoporo-
sis, gynaecology and dermatology.
Tamer CSR (SA’AID) Collaborates With Table For Two Organisation
As part of SA’AID activities the CSR arm of Tamer Group , the company started to collaborate with Table For
Two organisation in Japan to help people who live in hunger around the world .
In our world of 7 billion, 1 billion suffer from undernutrition, while another 1 billion suffer from obesity. TABLE FOR
TWO rights this imbalance by simultaneously addressing the two opposing problems through a unique "calorie
transfer" program.
By partnering with over 600 corporations, universities, restaurants, and organizations implementing our program
in their establishments and products, TABLE FOR TWO has served millions of healthy meals to both sides of the
“table." Tamer Group started to introduce the program to different leading companies in Saudi Arabia to support
this cause and to increase awareness and the sense of CSR between local companies.
Dee Studios: A boutique design practice in Jeddah
Dara Al Sayyed started off by setting up her own practice as Dee
Interiors after a decade of professional experience and created ripples
with her very first project; an exclusive private resort. Things are nowhere
near slowing down as in the past six years several more prestigious
clients have joined our family, contributing to the evolution of Dee
Interiors to Dee Studios. In 2014, to commemorate six years of design, our
resolution has been to live what we practice; creative intelligence and
smart choices. To that end, our design team participates in healthy
eating, regular workouts and of course, intelligent design solutions.