by Kathryn SemcowApril 15th, 2009 — Issue 17 April 2009
When we hear about war-torn countries in the news, we hear about the ‘heroes’ – those establishing security and legitimate governments, bringing in drinking water, education and healthcare, and building up infrastructure so citizens can go on with their lives. But most of us likely never think about what it takes to keep those ‘heroes’going. Someone, after all, has to provide the less glamorous basics the supplies and infrastructure that allow them do their job.
In steps RA International, a company which helps military and humanitarian organisations work in locations most companies will not dare go. “We allow our end customers to operate in difficult operating environments,” said CEO Yaser Moustafa in an interview in January.
Soraya Narfeldt, Founder and Chairwoman
Continue reading →
by Kathryn SemcowApril 15th, 2009 — Issue 17 April 2009
How much should your public relations company know about your business plan? More than you think, Brett Bowes says.
At first, I’m confused as to why I am sitting across from Brett Bowes, Chief Executive Officer, TerraNova Strategic PR. I have shown up at the Rolla Residence in Bur Dubai, after all, for an interview with a representative from Hala Supply Chain Services to discuss the logistics industry in Saudi Arabia.
Continue reading →
by Kathryn SemcowApril 15th, 2009 — Issue 17 April 2009
The art world is selective about who it lets handle its goods. The organisers of Art Dubai expect no less than the best, reports Kathryn Semcow
Chris Chackal looks exhausted. The Fair Manager for Art Dubai only has three and a half days left to set up one of the region’s largest displays of international art. While he barely has enough time to finish his sentences, he is certainly having fun. “This is the part I love,” he says of the final preparations. “With all the meetings and discussions and debates, you are finally making it happen. These are the days that are crucial to giving the final delivery of what we’ve promised to everyone.”
Continue reading →
by Kathryn SemcowApril 14th, 2009 — Issue 17 April 2009
National Food Products Company ensures the movement of its water, milk and juice flows like-well-water, milk and juice.
Judging from his office, it is hard to believe that Ian Buckingham manages the supply chain of one of the UAE’s most popular beverage companies. You would expect stacks of papers on his desk waiting for approval, reminders and schedules pinned to his walls and frantic employees’ running back and forth through his door.
But rather, his space at the National Food Products Company (NFPC) headquarters in Jebel Ali is sparse, quiet and calm.
Continue reading →
by Kathryn SemcowFebruary 10th, 2009 — News
A liquified natural gas tanker and a container ship collided eight kilometres from Jebel Ali Port today, reported Gulf News. While no one died, two people are said to be injured. Officials also say they expect no gas leaks and no major material loss.
The crash occured at 12:25 pm, and by 2:30 pm the fire was under control and traffic in the channel was back to normal.
The Singaporean container ship, Sima Samin, was moving from Jebel Ali to Sharjah’s Hamriyah port, and the oil tanker was arriving in Jebel Ali from Iran, say sources.
by Kathryn SemcowJanuary 1st, 2009 — Interview, Issue 14 January 2009
The region’s biggest cargo fleet is here to stay, Jassim Al Bastaki tells Kathryn Semcow
You could say all-cargo carrier Midex Airlines entered the market at one of the worst times in aviation history. When it launched its first flight from the Al Ain Airport in June 2008, fuel prices were high as ever and airlines around the world were wondering if they could survive.
Continue reading →
by Kathryn SemcowJanuary 1st, 2009 — Analysis, Issue 14 January 2009
Good luck trying to move goods in and out of Palestine
At JoTrans at the Dead Sea in Jordan last month, Palestinian Minister of Transport Dr. Mashhour Abudaka began his speech insisting that he would avoid discussing politics. But he couldn’t help it. How could he sidestep the fact, after all, that Israel took Qalandia Airport (renamed Atarot Airport) in 1967, that there is a “total siege in Gaza Strip” and that Palestinians are not allowed to transfer goods from one truck to another?
Continue reading →
by Kathryn SemcowJanuary 1st, 2009 — Analysis, Issue 14 January 2009
Jordan is moving ahead with its railway development plans … as soon as it can get the cash
“Time is very limited for us,” says Laith Dababneh, Director, Multi Transport Department for Jordan’s Ministry of Transport, on finding investors for Jordan’s rail projects. By mid-2012, Aqaba Development Corporation will have moved Aqaba Port’s phosphate terminal 18 kilometres from its current place, which means the railway which transfers phosphate from the El Abiad, Hassa and Shediah mines to the port (a distance between 140 and 290 kilometres) will also have to move.
Continue reading →
by Kathryn SemcowJanuary 1st, 2009 — Editorial, Issue 14 January 2009
Watch your back
Are you feeling paranoid these days? I am. I was in the Taj, Oberoi in Mumbai only a month before it was attacked, and my boss was there when the gunmen entered the main doors. Thankfully, he made it out, but we here at DVV were all left a little shaky.
Continue reading →
by Kathryn SemcowDecember 1st, 2008 — Analysis, Issue 13 December 2008
With the global economic downturn slowly making its way to the Middle East
region, the air freight industry is making cautious decisions for the future
If anyone knows air cargo, it is Daniel Fernandez, Secretary General of the International Air Cargo Association. And, although he remains positive, he seems to know tough times are ahead.
Continue reading →
