Table of Content Invitation 2 Welcome to Qatar 3 Logo Rationale 4 Programme Schedule 5-6 Meeting Venue / Accommodation 7 Venue Map 7 Accommodation Room Rates 8 Airport Transfer 9 Social Events 10-16 General Information 17-18 Delegate Information 19 1
Invitation Dear AMAN UNION Members and Guests; AMAN UNION and Qatar Development Bank have the pleasure to welcome you in its 4th Annual Meeting to be hosted by Qatar Development Bank through its business unit Qatar Export Development Agency TASDEER in Doha, Qatar between the 9th till the 11th of December 2013. The Meeting that will be held at the RENAISSANCE Doha City Centre Hotel will include speeches promoting and developing the commercial and non commercial risks insurance industry in Member Countries and strengthening the mutual relationships. It will bring together in addition to the members of the Union, experts from different industries, including credit and political risk insurance, reinsurance, banking and credit information, to share their knowledge, ideas and experience. Kindly confirm your attendance by registering online at www.aman4thmeeting.qa where you will find all the needed details pertaining to agenda, speeches, and discussions as well as recommended hotels with special rates. We are looking forward to your attendance and having successful meetings and an enjoyable stay in Doha, Qatar. Yours Sincerely, Dr. Abdel-Rahman Taha The Secretary General For any inquires please contact us at aman-union@qdb.qa 2
Welcome to Qatar The State of Qatar is an independent sovereign country located along the western edge of the Arabian Gulf. It has maritime borders with Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Iran, while sharing a land border with Saudi Arabia. Qatar has a dry desert climate and is comprised of a peninsula that stretches approximately 200 kilometres in length and 100 kilometres in width. The total land area of the state is 11,850 square kilometres, including a number of islands and coral reefs. There is much to do and see in Qatar from designer brand shopping at The Pearl and various malls such as Villagio, Lagoona Mall and The Gate Mall. Cultural places to visit such as Museum of Islamic Art, Katara Cultural Village and Souq Waqif which offer fine dining cuisine and an introduction to culture and traditions here in Qatar. 3
Logo Rationale Being inspired by the shape of the Aman Union mother logo and the QDB logo, we wanted to give the logo a bit of a Qatari essence feel to it having the fact that this conference will be taking place in Doha. We also wanted to emphasize on the motion and trajectory from one point to another while being close to one another at the same time thus showing unity. The crescent represents AMAN Union Member Countries of Islamic Cooperation. The five wavy lines in the middle represent the five major objectives of AMAN Union. 4
Programme Schedule Sunday, December 8 th, 2013 14:00-18:00 Hospitality Desk in Service : Registration Foyer Area Monday, December 9 th, 2013 08:30-18:00 Hospitality Desk in Service 10:00-12:30 Database Subscribers Meeting (only for Subscribers) 18:00-19:30 7 th Executive Council Meeting (only for Executive Council Members) 20:30-21:30 Welcome reception (for all members) Al Majida Tuesday, December 10 th, 2013 08:30-18:00 Hospitality Desk in Service Foyer 09:00-10:30 10:30-11:00 11:00-12:30 - Recitation from the Holy Qur an Opening session Welcome address by H.E Ali Al Emadi, Minister of finance-idb Governor Welcome address by Mr. Hassan Khalifa Al Mansouri, Executive Director Tasdeer (TBC) Welcome address by Dr. Abdel-Rhaman Taha, the Secretary General of AMAN UNION Keynote speech about the Qatari economic model: challenges and opportunities ( Dr. Ibrahim Ibrahim) - Open discussion - Coffee break - Press conference First session: Developments in ECAs activities. Chairman: Dr. Abdel-Rhaman Taha, The Secretary General of AMAN UNION 1. Tour de table: Developments in products, systems or organization since the last meeting in Malaysia and business expectations for 2014. 2. Performance of Member ECAs: - Presentation by the Secretariat General (Mr. Mourad Mizouri, AMAN UNION Coordinator) - Comments on business trends from key members 3. Open discussion Al Areen Al Majida Al Areen 12:30-14:00 Lunch Crossroads 5
Programme Schedule Tuesday, December 10 th, 2013 14:00-15:30 Second session : Chairman: (TBD) 1- The importance of trade finance and impact of Basel III on the ECAs (Presented by Mr. Andreas Klasen, Partner, Head of Economics & Policy - PWC)- 45 min 2- AMAN UNION members Claims experience : Panel discussion - 45 min Al Areen 15:30-16:00 Coffee break Foyer 16:00-17:30 Third session : Chairman by : (TBD) 1- Country focus on the MENA region (Presenter - Terry Alexander, Global Head of Research and Edward Coughlan, Head of Middle East and North Africa Research From Business Monitor International BMI )- 30min - Comments from key members 2- Africa as new destination for Trade Finance and Investment (Mr. Ali Ben Ahmed, Director Trade Finance, Attijari Wafa Bank,Morocco)- 30min Open discussion Wednesday, December 11 th, 2013 Al Areen 08:30-18:00 Hospitality Desk in Service Foyer 09:00-10:00 Fourth session : Chairman: (TBD) 1-Credit Information Industry (Presented by Mr. Daniel Francis Morin, Federation of Business Information Service)- 20 min 2-AMAN UNION Data Base (presentation by Mr. Hani Al Dhabet, DHAMAN)-15min Open discussion Al Areen 10:00-10:30 Coffee break Foyer 10:30-13:00 General Assembly of AMAN UNION Open discussion Group Photos Al Areen 13:00-15:00 Lunch Crossroads 16:00 Social Program 6
Meeting Venue/ Accommodation RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER HOTEL (OFFICIAL VENUE) Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel located in the new business district of West Bay which blends business with pleasure. Only 15 minutes from Doha International Airport, this elegant, hip and contemporary hotel offers breathtaking views of the skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Top among hotels in Doha and connected to the City Centre Mall, the central location provides plenty to do. All rooms are expressive, yet functionally designed, with complete amenities to pamper both the well-traveled business executive and the fun-seeking leisure traveler. Unique among other Doha hotels, well-appointed features include state-of-the-art meeting facilities, an outdoor pool, Vitality Zone fitness center, Saray Spa and an exciting array of upscale restaurants and bars. Renaissance HOTEL RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER HOTEL (OFFICIAL VENUE) 7
Accommodation Room Rates Hotel Name Room Type Price (QR) Location Extra Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel* Sheraton Hotel* Dunes Hotel W.L.L* Ezdan Hotel and Suites* Grand Hyatt SwissbelHotel k108hotel Al Retaj Hotel Deluxe Rooms 700 Deluxe Single Room 895 One Junior Bedroom 950 Two Junior Bedroom 1050 Two bedroom Executive Suite 1150 Extra Bed 150 Single Double Standard Room 450 550 Deluxe Room 550 650 Executive Studio 750 850 Executive 1-Bed Room 1000 1200 Imperial 2 -Bed Room 1400 Single Double Grand Room King /Twin 1100 1200 Grand Club King / Twin 1400 1500 2 Bedroom Villa 2800 3000 2 Bedroom Villa Ground Floor 3300 3500 Single Hotel Room 450 Twin Hotel Room 482 Deluxe Suite Single 600 Deluxe Suite Twin 650 K-Single 348 K-Double 394 K-Suite 686 Single Deluxe 525 Double Deluxe 525 West Bay, Al Dafna West Bay, Al Dafna West Bay, Al Dafna West Bay, Al Dafna Al Ghanem Al Dafna Breakfast and internet included in Price Breakfast and internet included in Price Continental Breakfast : QR55 per person Breakfast, Internet Included Breakfast, Internet Included Dry and nonsmoking Hotel Breakfast, Internet Included Notes: *Transportation available to and from the hotel. To book these special prices please visit our website at www.aman4thmeeting.qa and follow the hotel links. 8
Airport Transfer Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel is located only 15 minutes from Doha International Airport. Qatar Development Bank and Tasdeer will provide transportation from Doha International Airport to selected Hotels. However attendees will need to provide their own transportation during their stay in Qatar. Limosine/Taxi: Al Million 800 5500 Karwa 4458 8888 Fox Transport 4462 2777 Cabz 4441 8144 Rental: Hertz 4415 3072 Budget 4415 3048 Avis 4462 2180 Sixt 4462 6780 9
Social Activities THE PEARL FREE & EASY EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES The Pearl-Qatar is a unique and innovative urban development in Doha, Qatar. A masterpiece of private and modern living on an Island spanning over four million square-meters of land, The Pearl-Qatar offers a tailored range of residential solutions to meet the highest of standards available in the Gulf. Furthermore, The Pearl-Qatar s largest precinct Porto Arabia plays host to the latest retail and hospitality offerings from the world s leading brands and restaurants. The Pearl-Qatar s first phase and gateway to the Island houses the world s longest waterfront luxury retail walkway, the 3.5 kilometer marina-front pedestrian boardwalk La Croisette, which is home to international hospitality brands and high-end boutiques. 2009 was a year of firsts, with Porto Arabia seeing new residents and visitors flock to the Island s burgeoning activities. Coffee shops Luxury Shopping outlets Fine Dining 10
Social Activities KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE FREE & EASY EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES Keeping pace with the emerging global culture that emphasises the importance of diversity in human development, Katara Cultural Village is the largest and the most multidimensional cultural project of Qatar. It is a place where people come together to experience the cultures of the world. With beautiful theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries and cutting-edge facilities, Katara aims to become a world leader for multicultural activities. 11
Social Activities MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART FREE & EASY EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES The Museum houses masterpieces of Islamic art, including metalwork, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, textiles, coins and glass. The collection reflects the vitality, the complexity, and the diversity of the arts of the Islamic world. Opening Times Sunday Monday Tuesday 10:30am - 5:30pm 10:30am - 5:30pm Closed Wednesday 10:30am - 5:30 pm Thursday Friday Saturday 12pm - 8pm 2pm - 8pm 12pm - 8pm Last admission ½ hour before closing Museum of Islamic Art also has a park where you can hire bikes, eat at the cafe, children s playground and more.. For more information on prices please visit http://www.mia.org. qa/en/mia-park 12
Social Activities CORNICHE FREE & EASY EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES The Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade extending for several kilometers along the Doha Bay. Open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Walk under the skyline of Qatar s tallest buildings Try traditional drinks such as Karak, coffee and light snacks which are available along the Corniche. Public bathrooms are located at the half way mark of the Corniche. (where the Oryx stands) Small and large parks for family fun and quite areas to sit as the sun sets You can even book a Dhow trip, visit and explore Safliya Island and jet skis 13
Social Activities SOUQ WAQIF FREE & EASY EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES The only traditional souq to remain in the Gulf, it s now a charming labyrinth of narrow streets where visitors can bargain and purchase an amazingly diverse range of products including spices, dried fruit, nuts, perfumes, local honey, clothing, oud, incense, pots, tools and garden equipment, as well as Bedouin weaving, gypsum handicrafts, model dhows, wooden brassstudded bridal chests, pictures of old Doha, and paintings by Qatari artists. Souq Waqif is one of the liveliest places in Doha, boasting an increasing number of restaurants, where you can taste traditional Qatari food and various specialties from the Middle-East. There are several traditional cafés and restaurants which open until late (some 24 hours). Sample local delicacies or try the traditional Shisha or water pipe, often referred to as hubbly-bubbly because of the noise it makes. There are regular displays of folk dance and music, particularly on festive occasions, and opportunities to photograph donkeys with traditional patterned saddles. Opening Times: 10:00 12:00 16:00 22:00 14
Social Activities SHOPPING IN QATAR Qatar is one of the best places in the world to go to when you want to shop. Villaggio, according Forbes one of the best malls in the world, is situated in Doha. All malls have a playground for children whilst you do your shopping. You can dine to your hearts content from a vast choice of eateries. Choose from your favourite global and regional fast food brands housed in the food court, or take a more leisurely approach with range of fine culinary experiences peppered throughout the food court. Villagio and Landmark offer a mixture of different activities such as theme park rides and cinema s, Villagio offers 10 pin bowling, go-karting, Ice skating and much more. Most malls in Qatar are open from 10.00h to 22.00h, Saturday to Thursday. Most will be closed on Friday mornings but will open up during the evening. FREE & EASY EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES Villaggio Al Waab Street, Al Aziziyah, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4442 1766 www.villaggioqatar.com The Gate West Bay, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4493 2524 Fax: +974 44932526 www.thegate-qatar.com Ezdan Mall Al shamal Road, Gharaffa, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4483 3639 www.ezdanqatar.com Royal Plaza Doha Al Sadd Street, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4413 0000 Fax: +974 4413 1111 www.royalplazadoha.com Hyatt Plaza Al waab Street, Al Aziziyah, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4469 4848 www.hyattplaza.com The Landmark Mall Al shamal Road, Gharaffa, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4487 5222 Fax: +974 4487 5333 www.landmarkdoha.com 15
Social Activities OVER THE SAND DUNES HALF DAY SAFARI FREE & EASY EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES The adventure will start by heading towards the South of Qatar with one stop at Sealine Beach Resort. The 4 x 4 professional drivers will take you dune bashing across the desert. The drive will take you to the marvels Inland Sea which are near the Qatar/Saudi Arabian boarders and back. During the journey there will be opportunities for unforgettable picture taking. The trip will take place from 14:00 18:00 Rate per person : QR 125 Includes: 4x4 WD cars (Capacity of 6 persons) Professional and experienced drivers Soft drink and water Fire extinguishers First aid box Off-road individual insurance 16
General Information COUNTRY Qatar is a peninsula located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf. Its territory comprises a number of islands including Halul, Sheraouh, Al-Ashat and others. NATIONAL FLAG AREA POPULATION CAPITAL CITY PEOPLE LANGUAGE RELIGION GOVERNMENT CLIMATE 11,571 km² 1.87 million Doha Arabs who make up 40% of the population. Indian, Pakistani, Iranian and other ethnic groups make up the rest Arabic is the official language, and English is widely spoken. In Qatar, the Constitution, as well as certain laws, provide for freedom of association, public assembly, and worship in accordance with the requirements of public order and morality. Notwithstanding this, the law prohibits proselytizing by non- Muslims and places some restrictions on public worship. Islam is the state religion. Qatar is a constitutional monarchy and rule is hereditary within the Al-Thani family. The Emir is the head of the constitutional authorities, holding both legislative and executive powers. He appoints the prime minister and ministers. The Council of Ministers (Cabinet) is the country s supreme executive authority and assists in implementing the general policies of the state Qatar has a typical desert climate characterised by hot, humid summers and cooler winters. The strong northwest wind, which often brings dust storms, is known as the shamal. Summer 27 45 degrees Celsius; winter 9 27 degrees Celsius. There is occasional rain between October and March, averaging at around 60mm a year. In December, the temperature ranges from 14 27 degrees Celsius. 17
General Information TIME ZONE CURRENCY CREDIT CARDS & ATMs BANKING HOURS ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE UTC (GMT) +3 hours throughout the year; Qatar does not have daylight saving summer and winter times. Qatari riyal (QAR). Each Qatari riyal is divided into 100 dirham s. Notes in circulation: QAR1, QAR5, QAR10, QAR50, QAR100 and QAR500. QAR0.50 (fifty dirham s) and QAR0.25. Smaller coins are also legal tender but are rarely seen. Fixed at USD1 = QAR3.65 Major credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted throughout Qatar. American Express and Diners Club cards are also accepted, but are largely limited to major hotels and retail outlets. ATMs are widely available in Qatar, and typically accept both national and international debit and credit cards. Banks are open from 7.30 to 13.00 noon Sunday to Thursday Voltage is 240 volts (± 6%) with a frequency of 50 hertz. Wall sockets are either round with two pins or square with three pins. Hotels and serviced apartments generally supply adaptors, but they can also be found in most supermarkets, corner stores and electrical shops 18
Delegate Information WHEN 9 11 December 2013 WHERE Doha, Qatar VENUE West Bay City Center, Al Wahda Street, West Bay, PO Box 25500,, Doha, Qatar Telephone: (+974) 4419 5000 You may collect you name tag and meeting kit as follows: REGISTRATION Pre-meeting: 8th December 2013 14:00 18:00 Venue: Renaissance Hotel Lobby Meeting: 9th 11th December 2013 8:30 18:00 Venue: Renaissance Hotel Lobby For enquiries, kindly contact: CONTACT PERSON Ms. Anna Denise Event Management Team Ms. Lauren Bolton Event Management Team Mr. Moussa Deeba Event Management Team Mr. Mohammed AL Mansoori Relationship Manager QDB Mr. Mourad Ali Mizouri Division Head, Customer Service ICIEC Ms Alaa Etirji Assistant to AMAN Union Coordinator +974 5540 4059 +974 5542 6405 +974 6662 5144 +974 7711 7992 +966 2644 3447 +966 2644 5666, Ext. 3413 19