Across the Globe - Africa/Middle East
United Arab Emirates
BNI Launches in Dubai

The queue to register started early

September 14, 2005, was a historic day for BNI in the Middle East—launching its first chapter in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The National Directors for the Middle East, Bijay and Anna Shah, with the presence and support of Niri Patel (Executive Director for BNI in Yorkshire, UK, and also Joint National Director for BNI in India) held a very successful kick-off for the first Dubai chapter—aptly named the BNI Falcon Chapter. The Falcon is the national symbol of the UAE.

One hundred and twenty five visitors attended the launch. Over 30 new applications were received that very day. Some of the visitors even rushed home to get their checkbooks!

"Niri and his Co-National Director of India, Niraj Shah, were both very instrumental in the launch of this chapter right from the very beginning. They have shown that the true spirit of 'Givers Gain' starts at home," said Bijay and Anna Shah.

As a result of the overwhelming response we now have two more chapters in the pre-launch phase.

See BNI.com coverage at www.bni.com

Go to the link below to see a video interview with Bijay Shah featured in AME Info—the ultimate Middle East business resource.
http://www.ameinfo.com/67389

Israel
Highlights from My Visit to Israel

Kick-off of Israel's 19th chapter

The two weeks I spent in Israel this September were activity packed. I visited chapters everyday providing workshops and training sessions to them. During this visit I noticed that BNI Israel had blossomed in the areas of support, help, and growth.

If I were to choose the highlights of my trip the first would be the kick-off of our 19th chapter. The opening session had over 150 people in attendance.

Business is a common language

Another highlight was a historic evening in the Arabic city of Suchnin. Over 200 Jews and Arabs came together from many cities to participate in the BNI event. This evening demonstrated the need, willingness, and desire of its participants to have professional collaboration. As our slogan says, "Business is a common language."

The driving force of my BNI activities and my life is to make a difference. I hope that this event will pave the way for future business collaboration between Jewish and Arab business professionals in Israel.

We could have not achieved this without the support and help of the Executive Team, members, and my Co-National Director Yarden Noy.

Submitted by Sam Schwartz, National Director BNI-Israel and Executive Director BNI-Northern Virginia.