Working in the GCC: Addressing the Legacy of the Credit Crunch

Programme highlights

Day one - 18 October 2009

9.20-9.30
ACE IBG Chairman’s introduction
Speaker: Gavin English, IBG Chairman, ACE

9.30-9.45
Role of ACE
Speaker: Nelson Ogunshakin, CEO, ACE

9.45-10.25
Overview of Business Opportunities Across the GCC
Work experiences, case studies and industry practice
Speaker: Phil Dowrick, UKTI and Rod MacDonald, Buro Happold
• Saudi Arabia   
• Qatar    
• Bahrain
• Kuwait            
• Oman

10.35-11.15
The Elephant in the Room: Developing and Understanding Business in Saudi Arabia - Opportunities, Pitfalls and Challenges
Speaker: Phil Dowrick, UKTI and Rod MacDonald, Buro Happold
• Project opportunities
• Entry strategy
• Survival kit

11.40-12.20
Insurance Requirements in the GCC
Speaker: Michael Earp, Willis and representative from
Al Futtaim Willis Co LLC
• Types of insurance - commercial, statutory, etc
• Who you can insure with
• Policy coverage
• Policy periods
• Premium levels

1.30-2.00
Contractual Issues - Protecting Yourself in a Difficult Market
Speaker: Roger Button, Shadbolt    
• Use of common standard forms of consultancy appointments
• Examples of standard forms and amendments
• Recognising threats to your business
• New forms for alternative procurement

2.10-2.40
The Path Towards Amicable Resolutions with Clients in the GCC
Speaker: Raid Abu-Manneh, Mayer Brown
• Local law implications
• Arbitration-does it suit?
• Dispute avoidance-can it be achieved?

2.50-3.20
Risk Management of Construction Project Delays and Cancellations
Speaker: Daniel Abramson, Zurich
• Historical perspectives and lessons learnt
• Standstill covers  
• Project recommissioning

3.45-4.15
Insurance Risk Management
Speaker: Michael Earp, Willis
• The real cost of wrong insurance policy
• What happens if wrong insurance carrier is selected
• Claims handling
• Cover for sub-consultants

4.20-5.00
Insurance and Contract Frustration Workshop
Moderators: Roger Button and Michael Earp


Day two – 19 October 2009

9.30-10.00
Corporate Compliance in a Difficult Market
Speaker: Neil Broadhead, PWC
• What is corporate compliance and why do you need it?
• Corporate compliance post credit crunch: A GCC perspective

10.10-10.40
Health and Safety Issues
Speaker: Mark Warrington, Bovis Lend Lease
• Health and safety compliance in the GCC
• Build safe UAE
• Tackling health and safety understanding amongst staff
• Health and safety obligations beyond contract termination

10.50-11.20
Regional Commercial Issues
Speaker: Andrew Greaves, Trowers & Hamlins LLP
• Payment
• Responsibility for approvals
• Suspension/termination entitlement
• Overheads and materials increases
• Inflation and currency issues
• Relationships with supply team

11.45-12.10
Alternate Dispute Resolutions in the GCC
Speaker: Peter Shaw, Denton Wilde Sapte & Co
• Alternate Dispute clauses in FIDIC and other contracts
• Practical implications of the current climate
• Pro-active management of a dispute
• Mediation and conciliation

1.30-2.00
Political Risk Management and Mitigation
Speaker: Jolyon Kimble, Sovereign Strategy
• The inevitability of political interference in projects, and how you can make it work for your company
• Understanding the inflexible culture of hierarchy in the Gulf
• Explaining the process to key staff

2.00-2.30
Political and Media Panel Discussion
Moderator: Jolyon Kimble, Sovereign Strategy

2.30-3.00
Working in the GCC - A Client’s Perspective
Speaker: Gurjit Singh, Sorough Real Estate


View the full brochure for ACE's 2009 GCC conference here.

For more information on Working in the GCC: Addressing the Legacy of the Credit Crunch contact ACE senior international business executive Naomi Bari at nbari@acenet.co.uk