
OUR PAST
EVENTS
EVENTS 2020:
Some impressions

Nov 23, 2020 6:00 PM
Webinar by NSSO
You are working outside the EEA, but you want to be able to count on reliable social protection comparable to that of the Belgian social insurance?
It is possible with the Overseas Social Security - a directorate of the National Social Security Office (NSSO)- that offers social insurance (pension, insurance for work incapacity and disability, medical care, accidents etc.) to expats who are affiliated with the OSS and work in a country outside the European Economic Area.
Join us for this webinar session on Monday Nov 23rd 2020 @ 6.00 PM, exclusively organized for our Belgian Business Council and Belgian Club Dubai members.
During this webinar Bert Strobbe - adviser general at OSS- will give an overview of the different services they offer and how OSS can make sure you are protected.
The session will be ended with a Q&A.
We invite you to share with us your personal questions upfront in order to guarantee these will be answered during the conference.
MEMBERS ONLY
Open to members of the Belgian Business Council AND Belgian Club Dubai.
The Presentation given , can be viewed on these members only accessible pages.

Nov 15 & 16, 2020
Woman Digital Festival
The Women Digital Festival will launch to inspire individuals and shed light on some of the most important topics that will stir creativity and innovation giving the right platform for individuals anywhere around the world to be part of this conversation and engage in something that will help them start businesses and lead in their field.
The summit will focus on forging digital conversations with inspiring leaders, authors, business women, artists and freelancers to uplift the local, regional and global communities to PIVOT through this virtual event.
The event will highlight virtual speaker sessions, "Pivot" Hour, Distance Networking, Women Power Digital Pitch and The disrupted Classroom.
MORE INFO ON TOPICS and SPEAKERS
Registration Fees are complimentary for BBC members
with access to all Women Digital Festival workshops and sessions worth $50 per delegate

Nov 4, 2020 7:00 PM
Webinar : Expo2020: BeNeLux Pavilions Update
Expo 2020 Dubai is gearing up to help shape a post-pandemic world and create a better future for all after its postponement by one year. With the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 Dubai will offer the world a unique platform to share the lessons, solutions and ideas for a better tomorrow.
Join the Benelux Business Council and the Belgian Business Council in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dubai and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Abu Dhabi, and the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for an update on the plans and programming of the BeNeLux pavilions.
Expo2020 offers a unique platform to grow your business in the UAE and around the world. Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourgish companies interested in taking advantage of the opportunities Expo2020 provides should join!
Speakers for this webinar are Ms. Myriam Cops (General Director Belgian Pavilion Expo2020), Mr. Hans Sandee (Consul General for the Netherlands in the UAE and Commissioner General of the Netherlands at Dubai EXPO 2020) and Mr. Loïc Bertoli (Director of Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office and Deputy Commissioner General of Luxembourg at Expo 2020).

Oct 22, 2020 1:00 PM
Webinar “Retire in Dubai”
The Retire in Dubai program provides foreigners above the age of 55 years with the opportunity to obtain a 5 year (renewable) Retirement Visa to retire in Dubai. Retirees must demonstrate their ability to meet certain financial criteria to be eligible for the visa
PROGRAM:
1:00 PM - 1:10 PM Opening Remarks by Hassan Al Hashemi
Vice President - International Relations @ Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry
1:10 PM - 1:40 PM Retirement Visa by Yousef Ahmad Lootah
Executive Director - Development and Investments @ Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
1:40 PM - 2:00 PM Q&A
Organized by Dubai Chamber & DTCM

Oct 21, 2020 11:00 AM
Webinar “Transformational Strategies WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILY FIRMS”
2020 has presented business owners with unique challenges – starting with the emergency responses needed to fight the global health crisis to dealing with the new economic realities.
Family businesses across the region are now looking ahead and are tackling the challenges as well as taking opportunities for diversification and transformation.
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Tharawat Family Business Forum are delighted to invite you to join this interactive panel session to discuss the transformational strategies of family firms, their outlook for the future and the lessons we can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic.
KEY TOPICS
• How have family firms addressed the economic challenges caused by the pandemic?
• What is the new risk landscape we are facing?
• What are the advantages and strong points of multi-generational family firms and facing disruption?
• How are family enterprises transforming to adjust to the “new normal” and rephrasing their long-term strategies?
Family Business Webinar
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
* Hassan Al Hashemi
Vice President of International Relations @ Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry | UAE
* Anees Sultan
Director @ Towell Engineering | Oman
* Mohammad Al Madani
Chairman & CEO @ Al Madani Group | UAE
* Nasser Al Zuhour
Chairman @ Zuhour Group | UAE
* Farida F. El Agamy (Moderator)
General Manager @Tharawat Family Business Forum
BBC MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE !

Oct 15, 2020 2:30 PM
Webinar “The Future of Global Mobility”
The Future of Global Mobility
Short-term assignments | Trends & challenges
Short-term assignments are gaining popularity. The traditional three-year, family-and-all assignment is no longer the obvious choice. Contemporary global assignments are more likely to be relatively short-term, and often on a project basis.
This naturally influences topics like labour law, tax, social security, immigration, relocation, compliance and IT solutions. But also pandemics, like Covid-19 force us to rethink, re-evaluate and adapt global mobility solutions.
To know what the future brings, we asked Vlerick Business School to conduct a study about the future of global mobility. The results of this study will be presented during our seminar on the 15th of October. Trends and challenges will be discussed with several experts. All participants will get the opportunity to discuss certain topics with experts in breakout-groups.
Organised by Vlamingen in de Wereld, with cooperation of Voka, Union Francophone des Belges a L’Etranger and ING.
PROGRAM:
12:30 - Welcome
12:40 - Presentation of the short-term assignments study (Vlerick Business School)
13:15 - Testimonials of two participants of the short-term assignments study
13:30 - Q&A
13:50 - Panel discussions (parallel sessions - please choose one)
-
Tax and labour law
-
Social security and healthcare
-
IT-solutions and digitalization
Including the following experts: Stefan Nerinckx (Fieldfisher), Sophie Blieck (EY), Greet Joos (SD Worx), Filip Declercq (Expat&Co), Lode Van Steenkiste (International Social Security), Pieter Moeremans (Plannr.eu), a.o.
14:30 - End of conference
TARGET GROUP:
This seminar is aimed at HR and Global Mobility Managers, as well as CEO profiles.

Sep 29, 2020 12:00 PM
A Conversation with Luai Kurdi from BESIX on 3D Concrete Printing in Construction
Join the us on Tuesday 29 September at 12.00 for a conversation with Luai Kurdi, Technical Lead at BESIX 3D, on 3D Concrete Printing in Construction.
In December 2019 BESIX opened it’s first 3D Concrete Printing studio in Dubai with the aim of exploring the possibilities of 3D Printing in construction. At the same time in 2019 Dubai launched its “3D Printing strategy” with the vision of having 25% of all buildings 3D printing by the year 2030.
3D concrete printing has a lot of potential from material and labour savings to speed and precision in fabrication. BESIX 3D has been able to explore various application of this new technology and is hoping to be able to demonstrate more in future and upcoming projects.
DATE & TIME:
Sep 29, 2020 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Sep 22, 2020 9:00 AM
Webinar: 360° Dialogue Series “Disruptive Game-Changers ”
Join the inaugural 360° Dialogue Webinar ‘Disruptive Game-Changers’ to shed light on how the pandemic has been a turning point for businesses in some of the key sectors.
The panelists represent some of the region's most prominent startups in the e-commerce space:
- InstaShop
- Hotel Data Cloud
- Cloud Restaurants
View the full biographies of the panelists here.
DATE & TIME:
Sep 22, 2020 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Sep 22, 2020 4:00 PM
UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program: The Journey
On the occasion of the start-up of the first unit of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE, the virtual side event will provide the latest updates on the UAE’s nuclear energy programme development and its close partnership with the IAEA .
The virtual event will feature an opening remakes from HE Rafael Grossi , Director General of the Intentional Atomic Energy Agency and remarks from the main nuclear energy stakeholders in the UAE.
More info on speakers
DATE & TIME:
Sep 22, 2020 4:00 PM (GST)

Sep 16, 2020 2:00 PM
Interview with HE Helal Saeed Al Marri
Interview with H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri (biography) - Director General Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, who is leading DTCM into strengthening Dubai's position as a world-leading, safe travel destination and business hub.
The session will focus on the department's outlook and efforts to sustain Tourism in Dubai and to shed light on on the industry's takeaways during the pandemic.

Sep 9, 2020 11:00 AM
Webinar “COVID-19: Practical and Legal Considerations for Businesses”
In this turbulent time, it is essential for businesses to understand the commercial and legal implications of COVID-19, act decisively to mitigate and manage the risks associated with commercial transactions and meet the changing needs of the business.
This webinar will explore key issues facing businesses today including:
1. The use of electronic signatures and the process of attesting documents to ensure continuity of business and commercial relationships;
2. Management of company affairs on a remote basis and the required changes to corporate policies;
3. Reviewing existing contracts to see if they provide sufficient provisions for unforeseen circumstances;
4. Force majeure and its impact on businesses and commercial relationships;
5. Key considerations when terminating contracts and managing disputes.

29th July 2020->6.00PM
WEBINAR: The Future of Global Trade Beyond COVID-19
Social distancing, physical safety measures and regulations have had an unprecedented impact on global trade, in a world that continues to find a way to stay connected against the odds. Increased concerns regarding the survival of trade relations, supply chains and safety of shipments present an additional challenge to the trade systems in place today.
We are honored to welcome H.E. Roberto Azevedo, Director General of the World Trade Organization, to highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped global trade, the consequences it may pose in the following period, and what long term changes may occur as a result.
DATE & TIME:
Jul 29, 2020 06:00 PM in Dubai

27 July 2020-> 4.00PM
WEBINAR: Resolving Disputes Between Investors and States
organized by Dubai Chamber and ICSID in Collaboration with the Ministry of Finance:
WEBINAR: Resolving Disputes Between Investors and States
The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) is one of five organizations under the umbrella of the World Bank Group, established in 1966 by the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States. Aside from being a dispute resolution center providing facilities for conciliation and arbitration of international investment disputes, one of the main objectives of ICSID is to promote international investments and share awareness on international law for foreign investments.
This Webinar will offer an introduction to ICSID disputes resolution services and explain the relevance of ICSID to the UAE business community and its investments abroad.
SPEAKERS:
HE Younis Al Khoori -> Undersecretary @Minsitry of Finance
HE Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh -> Chairman @Dubai International Arbitration Center
Mr. Paul-Jean LE CANNU -> Senior Counsel and Team Leader @ICSID
DATE & TIME:
Jul 27, 2020
04:00 PM -> 5.00PM

21 July 2020-> 8.00PM
Belgian National Day
Let's celebrate our Belgian National Day ..
WHERE
Belgian Beer Café, Crown Plaza, Festival City
DATE & TIME:
Tuesday, July 21 at 08.00 PM
PRICE
125 AED for a 3 course dinner (drinks on consumption basis)
Don't forget your BCD/BBC membership card to get discounts on drinks.
Payment at Belgian Beer Café.
SAFETY RULES
Please maintain the social distance and Covid 19
regulations as stipulated by the government

14 July 2020->11.00AM
Webinar: Reconnecting with Stakeholders during Covid-19
The Dubai Chamber's Centre for Responsible Business is pleased to announce a series of public webinars, where we will be discussing a range of issues related to the sustainability practices of companies during Covid-19 pandemic.
The first webinar in this series will focus on
how to re-engage effectively with your stakeholders in the time of Covid-19.
The webinar will support thought leaders, decision makers, executives and operational heads in private, public and non-for profit organizations to re-engage meaningfully with key stakeholders.
Spaces are limited so to reserve your place please register before Thursday, July 9.
Please refer to the attached agenda for list of speakers and timings.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Topic: Reconnecting with Stakeholders during Covid-19: Why it matters and how to get it right
When: Tuesday 14th July 2020
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

7 July 2020->10.00AM
Webinar: Public Private Connect Virtual Webinar on Business Incentives During COVID19
Webinar: Public Private Connect Virtual Webinar on Business Incentives During COVID19
organised by Dubai Investment Development Agency - Dubai FDI
Tuesday 7th July, 2020
10.00->12.00PM

24 June 2020->10.00AM
Webinar: Payments & Remittances
DIFC recently introduced a new Payments & Remittances regime which is expected to open-up the sector for a lot of FinTech & Financial Services companies.
We intend to share information about this change in Dubai as well as showcase the digital payments & remittances landscape in India.
We have confirmation from senior level speaker at National Payments Corporation of India, Paytm and Denarii Cash.
DIFC will also be speaking at the event and the panel will be moderated by Dubai Startup Hub.
DATE & TIME:
24th June, Wednesday, 10.00 – 11.30hrs Dubai time.

17 June 2020->11.00AM
Webinar: Use of New Technology to Sustain your business during COVID-19 and Beyond
On behalf of the Ministry of Economy- Dubai
As part of Ministry’s efforts to help businessmen:
- to understand the transformation of business from physical to digital
- to find out more about using of new technology to sustain the business during Covid-19 and beyond
- to explain how SMEs can have virtual business connections during a global health crisis.
Based on the above, we are pleased to invite you and the senior members of your organization to join a Webinar about “Use of New Technology to Sustain your business during COVID-19 and Beyond”, which is organized by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Join the panel of experts from UAE & Hong Kong on the 17th of June, 2020 at 11:00am (UAE time)
Speakers:
* HE Abdulla Al Saleh - Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economy, the United Arab Emirates
* Mr Daniel Lam - Regional Director, Middle East & Africa,-Hong Kong Trade Development Council

17 June 2020->11.00AM
Webinar: Public Private Connect Virtual Webinar on Business Incentives During COVID19

17 June 2020->5.00PM
Webinar: Dubai’s wereldexpo als motor voor ontwikkelingen in de Emiraten
Liefst 69,7 miljard USD van de Centrale Bank voor economische herstelmaatregelen, uitgebreide ondersteuning van de vrijhandelszones en bovenal de organisatie van de Wereldexpo in 2021: de Verenigde Arabische Emiraten sparen duidelijk kosten noch moeite om sterker uit de coronapandemie te komen. Met strikte maatregelen lijkt het land de crisis onder controle te krijgen, waardoor het ook verder werk kan maken van de uitgestelde wereldexpo in Dubai. Van 1 oktober 2021 tot 31 maart 2022 wordt dat het eerste evenement dat de wereld opnieuw samenbrengt.
Dubai heeft al miljarden uitgegeven voor de voorbereidingen van Dubai Expo 2021, waarmee het ongeveer 25 miljoen toeristen hoopt te lokken. Voor de Emiraten is de wereldexpo ronduit een opportuniteit, die nu ook moet fungeren als motor voor het economisch herstel in de Golfregio. Ook voor Vlaamse bedrijven zijn er heel wat argumenten om de Verenigde Arabische Emiraten en de wereldexpo onder de loep te nemen.
Tijdens dit webinar zal Kris Put als Vlaams economisch vertegenwoordiger (Vlev) ter plekke van Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT) niet alleen ingaan op de impact van de corona-uitbraak in de Emiraten, maar u ook alles meegeven over de verwachtingen en opportuniteiten in de Emiraten.
Daarnaast krijgt u van Myriam Cops, directeur van het Belgische paviljoen, in primeur de laatste informatie over Dubai Expo 2021 mee. Uiteraard biedt dit webinar ook de gelegenheid bij uitstek om al uw vragen over zakendoen in de Emiraten voor te leggen.

11 June 2020->10.00AM
Webinar: Financial Implications & The Road to Economic Recovery
Beyond being a global health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a massive economic fallout which governments and businesses worldwide are called to manage. In combination with slipping oil prices, the resulting situation requires swift reaction, scenario planning and practical solutions.
Our session on June 11th will focus on the financial implications for businesses and the road to economic recovery by looking through a macro- and a microeconomic lens.
What is the latest economic update? What is the impact on individual sectors and what are key measures to bring the economy back on its feet?
On an individual business level, how can businesses assess their financial position and what are the keys to effective cash flow forecasting? What do financial reporting implications look like, which are direct and indirect considerations for businesses, and what is the right course of action?

20 May 2020
WEBINAR: Navigating the Post Corona Business Environment
A unique and unrivalled panel of experts will help you navigate the future after COVID-19 from the macro, strategic, operational, organisational and individual level offering key takeaways on what you need to do now to prepare for the future.
Join professors from Hult International Business School to discuss:
- Business impact of the corona virus
- Understanding and responding to the 'new normal'
- Long term strategies for success
Businesses face a number of significant issues as they recover from the disruption caused by the Covid-19 outbreak. Whilst for some businesses the outbreak has led to significant increases in demand, many have seen demand drop off a cliff. This has been a particularly challenging time in the oil and gas industry where negatives prices were seen for the first time in history as supply far exceeded demand. The tourism industry has also been heavily hit as the ability of people to travel has been curtailed.
In this session we consider the impact of the pandemic and explore the key issues that are faced when planning for the future. This subject is explored from a number of perspectives that reflect the expertise of the panel. The strategic, economic, organizational and operational impacts are presented before time is dedicated to providing insights into how to move the organisation forward to face the “new normal”.
This webinar will be presented as a panel discussion delivered by a team of highly regarded academics from Hult International Business School and moderated by a Hult Alumna.
DATE & TIME
20rd May 2020
11.00 AM
FREE

18 May 2020
WEBINAR: COVID19 and Force Majeure in the UAE
WEBINAR: COVID19 and Force Majeure in the UAE
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, many businesses and their contractual obligations have been affected which has caused significant impact on business transactions both on domestic and international level.
This webinar will examine the concept of Force Majeure, analyze whether COVID-19 is considered a force majeure event and its impact on contractual obligations and key industries.
Organised by Dubai Chamber
DATE & TIME
18 th May 2020
11.00 AM ->12.30 PM
FREE

13 May 2020
WEBINAR: How to leverage LinkedIn for your Business activities
Would you like to know how to create meaningful business relationships on LinkedIn?
Are you frustrated by posting on LinkedIn but not getting any good results?
Would you like to finally know how to generate leads and business from LinkedIn?
This webinar is going to answer all your questions about LinkedIn and how you should be using it in your business.
Vit Kodousek - Founder of Square Motion and Certified LinkedIn Trainer- will share his proven strategies on how to be successful on LinkedIn from a business perspective.
DATE & TIME
WEDNESDAY 13th May 2020
03.00 PM

3 May 2020
Expo 2020 - Belgian Pavilion : UPDATE
The Executive Committee of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) has unanimously agreed to propose the postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai to 1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022.
As changing the dates of an Expo requires the support of a two-thirds majority of Member States of the BIE (Article 28 of the Paris Convention of 1928), the General Assembly will now be called upon to vote on the Executive Committee’s recommendation. Voting will be carried out remotely between Friday 24 April and Friday 29 May.
May 3rd, our Belgian Pavilion Director Ms Myriam Cops will share with us an update on Expo 2020 - Belgian Pavilion.
Questions posted by our members will be answered on that day.
Pre registration to this update is mandatory.
DATE & TIME:
3rd May 2020
3.00PM
FREE

23 Apr 2020
Legal Impact of Covid-19 on Employment in the UAE- WEBINAR
The unprecedented workplace challenges caused by Coronavirus can take their toll on businesses and cause disruption, if not dealt with swiftly and strategically.
To help employers and employees better manage the challenges, it is important to keep them informed of the latest
developments and provide guidance that can assist them during this crucial time.
OBJECTIVES
To gain an understanding of:
• Current UAE Ministerial Resolutions and guidelines affecting employers and employees
• Practical issues to consider when workforce works from home
• How to implement paid and unpaid leave and reduced salary arrangements
DATE & TIME
23rd April 2020
10:00 am - 11:00 am
FREE for members & guests

March. 3, 2020 > 7.00PM
Corruption of foreign public agents in international commercial transactions & GDPR Obligations
In 1999, Belgium adhered to the OECD Convention against Corruption of foreign public agents in international commercial transactions.
Every year on the occasion of the Day against Corruption (December 9th), Belgian diplomatic posts are reminded of their duty to inform Belgian companies active in their jurisdiction of the scope of the Convention and their obligations in this regard.
The event aims at informing the business community in the UAE about the Convention itself, the Anti-corruption guide for Belgian enterprises overseas, the Belgian Law relative to the repression of corruption of 1999 and its review law of 2006 and finally the relevant United Nations Conventions against corruption.
During the event, Ambassador Peter Claes and First Secretary Frederic Van Peteghem will clarify the above and engage in a dialogue with the business community on this important topic.
This session will be followed by a seminar, focussing on the different aspects of GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an EU Regulation which affects companies in the EU as well as companies outside the EU territory due to its extra-territorial scope. Privacy and personal data protection have become hot topics worldwide, with the introduction of the GDPR and the increasing number of fines and data breach cases making the headlines daily.
Given the importance of privacy and data protection, we have decided to organise a Privacy and Data Protection Awareness Session to discuss the impact of privacy legislations such as the GDPR and what they concretely mean for Belgian companies operating in the UAE.
The Session will be held by Dessi Vitcheva, Head of Regulatory Compliance of the Belgian Branch of Transcendent Group Consulting Firm.
Agenda:
6.30 PM: Registration
7.00 PM: OECD - By HE Peter Claes & Frederic Van Peteghem
7.30 PM: GDPR - by Dessi Vitcheva
8.00 PM: Open discussion & Drink
Location: Media One Hotel
This is a FREE event for Belgian Business Council Members & Members of the Belgian Cub Dubai

Feb. 26, 2020> 7.00 PM
Belgian Tax Issues for Expats
Join us for an informative seminar on Belgian Tax Issues for Expats.
During the session expert Daan Buylaert -from Tiberghien lawyers- will discuss the following topics:
- Working in UAE: Belgian tax consequences
o Do I remain Belgian tax resident?
o Do I still need to file a Belgian tax return?
- Investing in Belgian real estate: what is tax regime?
- End-of-career planning: where is my pension taxed?
- Estate planning: recent developments
Agenda:
19.00: registration
19.30: Seminar
20.30: Q&A and drinks
Location:
Intersect By Lexus (DIFC, Gate Village 7 - Dubai)
This is a FREE event for Members
Belgian Club Dubai Members @ AED 50 pp
Day Pass Membership @ AED 100 pp
