Unique Image Inc. and ALO Magazine.
A few years ago a team of young economists at Goldman Sacks released the BRIC’s report that reveal the business map of emerging economies. They identified:
Brazil
Russia
India
China

…or BRIC. While the economists were correct in their global economic observations, they missed one of the largest emerging markets in the world; the Middle East.

Despite conflicting information about this region and many countries from within, the Middle East and North Africa are on a growth mission that accelerated over two decades ago. Many countries have been able to advance in technology, healthcare, and B2B activities rose to a record high.  Many have benefited from extensive local resources and major foreign investments.

Unique Image Inc. recognized the need for a cross-cultural bridging to enable international communication and to help businesses and consumers from the US and across the Middle East.  In 2005, Unique Image began publishing ALO Magazine, the premier US publication focused on shedding the light on cultures of the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa. Through its ethnic marketing department Unique Image Inc. has been able to build relationships between US and Middle Eastern businesses and to be recognized by many Middle Eastern governments.

The Middle East has extensive resources and opportunities to capture. Companies from all over the world including the US are trying to enter this market. Needs are increasing to continue building the local infrastructures and companies from IT, green technology agriculture and bio-technology will have great success if they plan and execute right.

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Tony Livoti, President, Monterey Bay International Trade Association (MBITA)
Introductory Remarks

Jim Sandoval, P.E. CH2MHILL.
Masdar City, Abu Dhabi-- Building the World’s First Carbon Neutral/Zero Waste City
Imagine a place where innovation, technology and sustainability meet and create a new kind of city. Imagine a vibrant and beautiful city, powered by renewable energy, innovative building practices and new standards in sustainable living. Welcome to Masdar City - the world's first carbon-neutral, zero-waste city. Currently under construction in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Masdar City will soon become home to 40,000 residents and 50,000 daily commuters and feature all of the modern conveniences, services and benefits of living in one of the great cities of the world, but in a carbon-neutral environment.  Mr. Sandoval will provide an overview of Masdar and discuss his experience working for CH2M HILL—the program manager responsible for developing the world’s most innovative city.

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Ziad Alaywan, President & CEO, ZGlobal Inc.
The ‘Keys’ for Success for Business in the Middle East
The Middle East market for the electricity sector in the early stages of being liberalized, present significant opportunities for U.S. providers of technology, equipment and engineering . These "best prospects" exist in a plethora of sub-sectors, ranging from renewable energy, information technology and infrastructure development. These  markets, within the Middle East, present markedly different opportunities for U.S. firms. In the past, most governments, to varying degrees, have heavily regulated the energy sector, often inhibiting the sector's development and operations. However, as governments in the region seek to attract greater foreign investment, many are opening their markets through privatization and liberalization. Although, The Middle East energy sector is in the early stages of privatization, many power-generation, transmission and distribution assets are in direct need of upgrading to meet significant growth (some up to 14% per year).

These countries, who have traditionally relied on a single source of fuel for their power generation needs, are now trying to diversify their supply in order to optimize the use of their natural resources. They will need to increase the use of renewable energy sources; upgrade existing facilities; and prepare for privatization and liberalization. This will entail the investment of billions of dollars in the energy sector over the coming years. Since many of these countries lack local funding sources, most will require significant amounts of foreign financing and foreign direct investment to achieve these objectives.  Billions of dollars of procurements in oil and gas exploration, production, refining and transportation, backed by blue-chip international oil consortia, are expected to create major opportunities between the years 2010-2015.

The region has many challenges and exceptional financial reward.  Although, business development is intertwined with cultural, political, language and bureaucratic  regimes, relationships and familiarity with local cultures remain the critical element for any foreign company to succeed in the Middle East.

Ziad Alaywan will be describing the recent boom in the energy sector, opportunities, and share with the audience many of his experiences.

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