ABU DHABI // Candidates in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry board election will return in two weeks for a chance of having a say in developing the emirate’s business landscape.
Thursday night’s ballot was postponed until June 26 because of insufficient voter numbers but that has not dampened the enthusiasm of those seeking a seat on the board.
Amer Al Mansouri, chairman of Al Mansouri 3B Group, one of the companies registered with ADCCI, said he was confident of a win.
“This is pride, to be part of a policymaking government where we can get good opportunities to better serve the nation, expanding business avenues nationally and internationally,” Mr Al Mansouri said.
“There is lack of coordination among public and private firms. If I am going to win, I would work on these lines to cement public-private partnership and expand business. I contested individually last time, too, but that was only for gaining experience. This time I am serious.”
Bin Fadhil Group owner Ali Al Mamari has also tried for a spot in past years: “I lost twice but am now confident to win.”
Ahmed Al Yafei, chairman of Abu Dhabi Art Hub, a platform for international and local artists, is taking part in elections for the first time.
The Emirati said being on the board would allow him to promote the local arts scene to the world.
“I am contesting this not for financial gains, but to broaden businesses in the field of art and culture – not only in the country but over the world,” Mr Al Yafei said.
ADCCI rules state that at least a quarter of general assembly members must vote. If the numbers are not reached a second election is held, in which results are valid regardless of the number voting.
Thirteen UAE nationals are elected by Emirati members, two expatriates by foreign members, and six are nominated by the Government.
There are 80,700 companies registered with the chamber.
anwar@thenational.ae
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Sukuk explained
Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Friday's schedule at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
GP3 qualifying, 10:15am
Formula 2, practice 11:30am
Formula 1, first practice, 1pm
GP3 qualifying session, 3.10pm
Formula 1 second practice, 5pm
Formula 2 qualifying, 7pm
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
