Monday, 7 November 2011
Hints on Starting a Business in Dublin
| No. | Procedure | Time to Complete | Associated Costs |
| 1 | The founder swears before a Commissioner for Oaths | 1 day | EUR 10 |
| 2 | File necessary materials with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) | 10 days | EUR 50 with pre-approved memorandum and articles, EUR 100 for standard registration |
| 3 | Get a company seal | 1 day (few hours) | EUR 20 |
| 4 | Register for corporation tax, social insurance (PAYE/PRSI) and VAT with the Revenue Commissioners | 1 day | no charge |
Source: http://www.doingbusiness.org
Hints on Starting a Business in Kuwait
No. | Procedure | Time to Complete | Associated Costs |
1 | File with the Department of Partnerships (DOP) at the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) an application to set up the company, obtain background clearance | 2 days | no charge |
2 | Pick a name for the company and file an application with the Commercial Register | 1 day | no charge |
3 | Retrieve from the Department of Partnerships the notes addressed to the bank and to the municipality. | 1 day | no charge |
4 | Deposit the legally required initial capital in a bank and obtain deposit evidence | 1 day | no charge |
5 | The Municipality Inspects the company’s premises and issues a certificate. | 5 days | no charge |
6 | Obtain a memorandum of association form from the Department of Partnership | 1 day | no charge |
7 | Sign and notarize the memorandum of association before a public notary | 1 day | KWD 15 for a 10 page Memorandum (KWD1.5 per page) |
8 | Obtain from the Department of Partnerships a license to start activity | 2 days | KWD 37 |
9 | Register with the Commercial Registry | 1 day | no charge |
10 | Register with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry | 1 day | KWD 65 initial registration, then yearly KD55 for renewal of membership |
11 | Register with the Civil Data Department | 15 days | KWD 5 |
12 | Open a company’s labor file at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs | 15 days | no charge |
Source: http://www.doingbusiness.org
Hints on Starting a Business in Lebanon
· Legal Form: Socièté a Responsabilité Limitée (SARL)
· City: Beirut
Procedure | Time to Complete | Associated Costs | |
1. Designate a Lebanese lawyer Each newly formed company must retain and pay an attorney on an annual basis. The Beirut Bar Association sets the minimum annual retainer at LBP 6 million. | 1 day | LBP 7,500,000 (annual retainer) + LBP 100,000 (legalization of thePower of Attorney before the Bar Association) | |
2. Deposit capital in a bank and obtain the certificate of deposit This procedure can be carried out on the basis of a signed (or notarized) copy of the articles of association. | 2 days | no charge | |
3. Register the company with the company registry The applicant submits to the company registrar at the Ministry of Justice a set of standardized documents, properly prepared and signed by the founders of the new business entity, along with the total amount of required fees. These documents are: - Articles of association. - Commercial circulars. - Minutes of the first general meeting of the partners. - Registration application and a draft of the registration certificate to be issued. - Document attesting the capital deposit. - Partners’ identity cards or passports (copy). - Documents evidencing that the company is entitled to occupy the premises where it exercises its activities. Fee schedule for company registration: - Tax for the magistrates’ mutual fund: LBP 375,000 lump tax + 0.15% of the capital+ 1,000 flat registration fee +500 application fee+1,000 certified copy + 500 commercial publication fee. - Stamp duty: equal to 0.3% of capital + LBP 750,000 lump sum tax+ 2,000 flat registration fee +1,000 application fee+2,000 certified copy + enrollment fee ( Qaydeyia) 250+ 1,000 commercial publication fee. If the Bylaws are not signed before the Commercial Registry, additional fees are livied: - Notorization of the articles of association: LBP 8,500 for each page. - Notorization fee: LBP 100,000 lump sum. -Notary public tax: 0,1% of capital. | 3 days | LBP 1,914,380 | |
4. Notify Ministry of Finance of commencement of operations The Company should submit to the Ministry of Finance, within 2 months as of its incorporation, a declaration in order to be subject to the income tax. | 2 days | no charge | |
5. Register at the National Social Security fund This procedure has two functions: “Registration” of a new employee and “Confirmation” by the system. The “Registration” function entails submitting a file for each new employee at the NSSF regional office near the business location and obtaining a file reference number (or a receipt acknowledging the registration) immediately upon submission of the file. Once this “Registration” function is completed, the business is considered to have fulfilled its legal obligations with the NSSF. The benefits to the newly registered employees, under NSSF rules, will also become immediately available. The Time to complete this procedure is 1 day at no cost to the employer or the employee. | 1 day | no charge |
Ireland's Hofstede's cultural dimensions
Power Distance Index (PDI) that is the extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions (like the family) accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. This represents inequality (more versus less), but defined from below, not from above. It suggests that a society's level of inequality is endorsed by the followers as much as by the leaders. Power and inequality, of course, are extremely fundamental facts of any society and anybody with some international experience will be aware that 'all societies are unequal, but some are more unequal than others'.
Individualism (IDV) on the one side versus its opposite, collectivism, that is the degree to which individuals are inte-grated into groups. On the individualist side we find societies in which the ties between individuals are loose: everyone is expected to look after him/herself and his/her immediate family. On the collectivist side, we find societies in which people from birth onwards are integrated into strong, cohesive in-groups, often extended families (with uncles, aunts and grandparents) which continue protecting them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty. The word 'collectivism' in this sense has no political meaning: it refers to the group, not to the state. Again, the issue addressed by this dimension is an extremely fundamental one, regarding all societies in the world.
Masculinity (MAS) versus its opposite, femininity, refers to the distribution of roles between the genders which is another fundamental issue for any society to which a range of solutions are found. The IBM studies revealed that (a) women's values differ less among societies than men's values; (b) men's values from one country to another contain a dimension from very assertive and competitive and maximally different from women's values on the one side, to modest and caring and similar to women's values on the other. The assertive pole has been called 'masculine' and the modest, caring pole 'feminine'. The women in feminine countries have the same modest, caring values as the men; in the masculine countries they are somewhat assertive and competitive, but not as much as the men, so that these countries show a gap between men's values and women's values.
Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) deals with a society's tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity; it ultimately refers to man's search for Truth. It indicates to what extent a culture programs its members to feel either uncomfortable or comfortable in unstructured situations. Unstructured situations are novel, unknown, surprising, different from usual. Uncertainty avoiding cultures try to minimize the possibility of such situations by strict laws and rules, safety and security measures, and on the philosophical and religious level by a belief in absolute Truth; 'there can only be one Truth and we have it'. People in uncertainty avoiding countries are also more emotional, and motivated by inner nervous energy. The opposite type, uncertainty accepting cultures, are more tolerant of opinions different from what they are used to; they try to have as few rules as possible, and on the philosophical and religious level they are relativist and allow many currents to flow side by side. People within these cultures are more phlegmatic and contemplative, and not expected by their environment to express emotions.
Long-Term Orientation (LTO) versus short-term orientation: this fifth dimension was found in a study among students in 23 countries around the world, using a questionnaire designed by Chinese scholars It can be said to deal with Virtue regardless of Truth. Values associated with Long Term Orientation are thrift and perseverance; values associated with Short Term Orientation are respect for tradition, fulfilling social obligations, and protecting one's 'face'. Both the positively and the negatively rated values of this dimension are found in the teachings of Confucius, the most influential Chinese philosopher who lived around 500 B.C.; however, the dimension also applies to countries without a Confucian heritage.
The Arab World's Hofstede's cultural dimensions
Geert Hofstede's research gives us insights into other cultures so that we can be more effective when interacting with people in other countries. If understood and applied properly, this information should reduce your level of frustration, anxiety, and concern. But most important, Geert Hofstede will give you the 'edge of understanding' which translates to more successful results.
The Geert Hofstede analysis for the Arab World, that includes the countries of Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, demonstrates the Muslim faith plays a significant role in the people’s lives.
Large Power Distance (PDI) (80) and Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) (68) are predominant Hofstede Dimension characteristics for the countries in this region. These societies are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens. They are also highly rule-oriented with laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty, while inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society.
When these two Dimensions are combined, it creates a situation where leaders have virtually ultimate power and authority, and the rules, laws and regulations developed by those in power reinforce their own leadership and control. It is not unusual for new leadership to arise from armed insurrection – the ultimate power, rather than from diplomatic or democratic change.
The high Power Distance (PDI) ranking is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. These populations have an expectation and acceptance that leaders will separate themselves from the group and this condition is not necessarily subverted upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as their cultural heritage.
The high Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) ranking of 68, indicates the society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort to minimize or reduce this level of uncertainty, strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and implemented. The ultimate goal of these populations is to control everything in order to eliminate or avoid the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty Avoidance characteristic, the society does not readily accept change and is very risk adverse.
The Masculinity index (MAS), the third highest Hofstede Dimension is 52, only slightly higher than the 50.2 average for all the countries included in the Hofstede MAS Dimension. This would indicate that while women in the Arab World are limited in their rights, it may be due more to Muslim religion rather than a cultural paradigm.
The lowest Hofstede Dimension for the Arab World is the Individualism (IDV) ranking at 38, compared to a world average ranking of 64. This translates into a Collectivist society as compared to Individualist culture and is manifested in a close long-term commitment to the member 'group', that being a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules.
The predominant religion for these countries is Islam, the practice of the Muslim faith.
Source: www.geert-hofstede.com
Places to visit & Things to Do in Dublin
The Abbey Theater
The Abbey Theatre is Ireland’s National Theatre. It was founded by Nobel Laureate William Butler Yeats and Lady Augusta Gregory in 1904 and has played a vital and often controversial role in the literary, social and cultural life of Ireland. Renowned as a writer’s theatre it has contributed some of the world’s greatest theatrical works from such writers as J M Synge and Sean O’Casey through to modern day classics from Brian Friel, Tom Murphy, Frank McGuinness, Hugh Leonard, Tom Mac Intyre and Sebastian Barry. In the Abbey's 2010 season you can enjoy classic drama by Sam Shepard, Tom Mac Intyre, Marina Carr and William Shakespeare. As an icon of world theatre, the Abbey Theatre welcomes many overseas visitors every year.
Photo: The School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Opening Times:
Abbey Performances: Monday-Saturday: 7.30pm
Saturday Matinees: 2pm
Peacock Performances: Monday-Saturday: 8pm
Saturday Matinees: 2.30pm
Admission Prices:
Abbey Theatre tickets: €17-€38
Peacock Theatre tickets: €15-€25
Concession tickets are available to fulltime students, equity members, seniors (over 65) and the unemployed for performances Monday – Friday evening and Saturday matinee only. Please ensure you have your proof of eligibility when you purchase your ticket and attend the performance.
The Abbey Theatre can accommodate special arrangements and offer discounted ticket prices for groups of 10 people or more. Please contact the Abbey Theatre for more information
Facilities:
Full Bar. Backstage tours, subject to availability. For details contact +353 1 887 2223.
How to Get There:
Located off O'Connell Street.
By bus: Main bus routes to city centre.
By train: DART to Tara Street or Connolly Stations.
By Luas: Red line to Abbey Street.
Photo: The School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Opening Times:
Abbey Performances: Monday-Saturday: 7.30pm
Saturday Matinees: 2pm
Peacock Performances: Monday-Saturday: 8pm
Saturday Matinees: 2.30pm
Admission Prices:
Abbey Theatre tickets: €17-€38
Peacock Theatre tickets: €15-€25
Concession tickets are available to fulltime students, equity members, seniors (over 65) and the unemployed for performances Monday – Friday evening and Saturday matinee only. Please ensure you have your proof of eligibility when you purchase your ticket and attend the performance.
The Abbey Theatre can accommodate special arrangements and offer discounted ticket prices for groups of 10 people or more. Please contact the Abbey Theatre for more information
Facilities:
Full Bar. Backstage tours, subject to availability. For details contact +353 1 887 2223.
How to Get There:
Located off O'Connell Street.
By bus: Main bus routes to city centre.
By train: DART to Tara Street or Connolly Stations.
By Luas: Red line to Abbey Street.
Walk into the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street and you are magically transported back in time. A stroll through time will take you all the way back to 7,000BC.
The Museum first opened its doors in 1890 and since then it has been filling in the blanks for us through its extensive archeological collections.
Take time at The Treasury which features outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art, such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard.
Gaze in wonder at the finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe, which is to be found in Or - Ireland's Gold. Ramble through prehistoric Ireland and experience life at the same time of the Vikings in Viking Age Ireland.
Medieval Ireland 1150 - 1550, documents life in Ireland in the age of cathedrals, monasteries and castles.
The new and fascinating Kingship & Sacrifice exhibition centres on a number of recently found bog bodies dating back to the Iron Age. Displayed along with other bog finds from the Museums collections, it offers you an opportunity to come 'face to face' with your ancient ancestors.
The Museum first opened its doors in 1890 and since then it has been filling in the blanks for us through its extensive archeological collections.
Take time at The Treasury which features outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art, such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard.
Gaze in wonder at the finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe, which is to be found in Or - Ireland's Gold. Ramble through prehistoric Ireland and experience life at the same time of the Vikings in Viking Age Ireland.
Medieval Ireland 1150 - 1550, documents life in Ireland in the age of cathedrals, monasteries and castles.
The new and fascinating Kingship & Sacrifice exhibition centres on a number of recently found bog bodies dating back to the Iron Age. Displayed along with other bog finds from the Museums collections, it offers you an opportunity to come 'face to face' with your ancient ancestors.
Opening Times:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10.00am-5.00pm
Sunday: 2.00pm-5.00pm
Closed Monday including Bank Holidays.
Tuesday-Saturday: 10.00am-5.00pm
Sunday: 2.00pm-5.00pm
Closed Monday including Bank Holidays.
Admission Prices:
Free Admission to Museum
Free Admission to Museum
Additional Private Group Tours-Groups that are charged €2 per person for a tour are: Language Schools, Retirement Groups, Interest Groups, Tour Operator Groups.
Groups that are free are: all primary, secondary, and third level colleges, national and international, special needs groups, community groups, diplomats/delegates, tourism delegates.
Groups that are free are: all primary, secondary, and third level colleges, national and international, special needs groups, community groups, diplomats/delegates, tourism delegates.
Facilities:
Museum café, museum gift shop, education resource room, audio-visual presentation. Calendar of events available – call or email us for details.
How to Get There:
Buses: 7, 7A, 8 (Burgh Quay), 10, 11, 13 (O’Connell Street).
DART to Pearse Station (Westland Row).
Buses: 7, 7A, 8 (Burgh Quay), 10, 11, 13 (O’Connell Street).
DART to Pearse Station (Westland Row).
With over 8 million items in its collection, the National Library is home to the most comprehensive compilation of Irish documentary material in the world. From music, periodicals and photographs to maps, manuscripts and genealogical material, the Library offers and provides free access to an invaluable representation of Irish heritage.
Explore the poetry and legacy of Ireland’s greatest poet in the award-winning exhibition Yeats: The Life and Works of William Butler Yeats. The Discover Your National Library exhibition showcases some of the wonderful items from its collection, including rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and ephemeral items. Kids of all ages will love the new exhibition Tall Tales and Deadly Drawings featuring Irish children’s books and amazing illustrations from the Library’s collection of drawings.
Free public tours of the Yeats exhibition take place on Wednesdays at 1pm and Saturdays at 11am and 3pm. Tours of the Discover exhibition take place on Tuesdays at 2.30pm. A guided tour celebrating the history and heritage of the Library takes place each Saturday at 2.30pm. No booking is required.
Facilities:
Exhibitions, genealogy advisory service, reading rooms, café, wheelchair accessible. Group bookings for tours available.
Facilities:
Exhibitions, genealogy advisory service, reading rooms, café, wheelchair accessible. Group bookings for tours available.
Opening Time:
Monday – Wednesday: 9.30am – 7.45pm
Thursday – Friday: 9.30am – 4.45pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 4.30pm (reading rooms close at 12.45pm)
Sunday: 1pm – 5pm (exhibitions only)
Thursday – Friday: 9.30am – 4.45pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 4.30pm (reading rooms close at 12.45pm)
Sunday: 1pm – 5pm (exhibitions only)
Prices:
Free admission and free tours
How To Get There:
BUS: all routes to City Centre
DART: Pearse Station
LUAS: Green Line to St. Stephen’s Green
DART: Pearse Station
LUAS: Green Line to St. Stephen’s Green
The Residence of the President of Ireland
Áras an Uachtaráin is open Saturdays only. Free admission tickets are issued at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on the day. Group and/or advance booking is not permitted.
Opening times:
Summer (Sat only) 10.15am-4pm
Winter (Sat only) 10.30am-3.30pm
Closed 24th-27th December
Guided Tours Meeting Point:
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre,
Phoenix Park,
Dublin 8
The Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo, located in the Phoenix Park in the heart of Dublin city, is Ireland’s No.1 visitor attraction and welcomed almost one million visitors last year.
As one of the world’s oldest and most popular zoos, the 70-acre park in the heart of Dublin is home to some 600 animals in an environment where education and conservation combine for an exciting and unforgettable experience.
See many rare and exotic animals living and roaming a wide variety of natural habitats. Wander through the African Savanna and gaze at the giraffes, zebras, scimitar oryx and ostrich, then head to the Kaziranga Forest to see the magnificent herd of Asian elephants that call this beautiful place home. Experience the heat of the South American House before heading to Family farm and don’t forget to visit the soon to be opened Gorilla Rainforest!
There are plenty of amazing animals to discover including tigers, hippos, bats, rare monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, red pandas and reptiles to name but a few!
Conservation is an important part of Dublin Zoo’s work, and as a registered charity the zoo relies on the generosity of friends and visitors to help fund the internationally acclaimed education, conservation and breeding programmes.
Dublin Zoo is easily accessible by car or public transport and open all year round from 9.30am daily so be sure to get there early and pack everything into one fun filled family day!
For more information and news on events log onto www.dublinzoo.ie
Facilities:
Shop, Restaurant, Kiosks, Disabled access to 90% of Zoo, visitor centre and wheelchair available.
Shop, Restaurant, Kiosks, Disabled access to 90% of Zoo, visitor centre and wheelchair available.
Opening Time:
-January
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-4.30pm
Sunday: 9.30am-4.30pm
-February
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-5.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am-5.00pm
-March to September
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-6.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am-6.00pm
-October
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-5.30pm
Sunday: 9.30am-5.30pm
-November
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-4.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am-4.00pm
-December
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-4.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am-4.00pm
Last admission one hour before closing.
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-4.30pm
Sunday: 9.30am-4.30pm
-February
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-5.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am-5.00pm
-March to September
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-6.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am-6.00pm
-October
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-5.30pm
Sunday: 9.30am-5.30pm
-November
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-4.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am-4.00pm
-December
Monday-Saturday: 9.30am-4.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am-4.00pm
Last admission one hour before closing.
Prices:
Admission Prices:
Adults: €15.00
Children: €10.50
Students: €12.50
OAPs: €12.00
Group Admission Prices:
Adult €12.50
Child €8.00
min group no.10
Adults: €15.00
Children: €10.50
Students: €12.50
OAPs: €12.00
Group Admission Prices:
Adult €12.50
Child €8.00
min group no.10
Family tickets
2 Adults + 2 Children €43..50
2 Adults + 3 Children €49.00
2 Adults + 4 Children €52.00
How To Get There:
Located in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 it is easy to get to Dublin Zoo. There are a range of easily accessible options to choose from: bus, train, bicycle or car.
From Dublin city centre:
Buses:? Nos. 25 / 25A, 26, 46A, 66 / 66A / 66B, 67 / 67A, 68, 69
LUAS Red Line:? Dublin Zoo is a 15 minute walk from the Heuston Station stop.
LUAS Red Line:? Dublin Zoo is a 15 minute walk from the Heuston Station stop.
From all over Ireland
Dublin Zoo is easily accessible by train and bus services.
Probably Ireland's best known Victorian public park.Re-opened by Lord Ardilaun in 1880 for the citizens of Dublin. This 9 hectare / 22 acre park has been maintained in the original Victorian layout with extensive perimeter tree and shrub planting, spectacular spring and summer Victorian bedding. The herbaceous border also provides colour from early spring to late autumn. Sanctuary from inclement weather can be obtained in the Victorian lakeside shelter or in the Victorian Swiss shelters in the center of the park.
Over 3.5 km of pathways are accessible for all users. The waterfall and Pulham rock work on the western side of the green are worth of a visit likewise the ornamental lake which provides a home for waterfowl and a garden for the visually impaired. A number of sculptures are located throughout the green. A children's playground is a popular attraction of the park. Lunchtime concerts are performed during the summer months.
This 9 hectare park is a sanctuary from the bustle of the city streets with tree lined walks, shrubberies, colourful flowerbeds, herbaceous borders and an ornamental lake.
There are lunchtime concerts in the summer months.
Opening Times:
-Monday-Saturday: 7.30am 'til dusk.
-Sunday and Holidays: 9.30am 'til dusk.
-Christmas Day: 10.00am-1.00pm
Over 3.5 km of pathways are accessible for all users. The waterfall and Pulham rock work on the western side of the green are worth of a visit likewise the ornamental lake which provides a home for waterfowl and a garden for the visually impaired. A number of sculptures are located throughout the green. A children's playground is a popular attraction of the park. Lunchtime concerts are performed during the summer months.
This 9 hectare park is a sanctuary from the bustle of the city streets with tree lined walks, shrubberies, colourful flowerbeds, herbaceous borders and an ornamental lake.
There are lunchtime concerts in the summer months.
Opening Times:
-Monday-Saturday: 7.30am 'til dusk.
-Sunday and Holidays: 9.30am 'til dusk.
-Christmas Day: 10.00am-1.00pm
The award winning Dundrum Town Centre is situated 5km South of Dublin City Centre. Dundrum has been rejuvenated from a village to a major town centre offering over 120 shops, more than 30 dining venues, from coffee shops to fine dining, 3 bars, a night-club, a 12 screen cinema and a 200 seat state of the art Mill Theatre. Dundrum has won over 20 international and national awards including the RLI Global Award, ISCS European Shopping Centre 2007 and a number of awards in recognition of its customer service ethos. Dundrum also boasts a number of exclusive retail and restaurant venues including Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, River Island, Next as well as Ireland's first Hugo Boss, Gant and Bose stores. This is a destination not to be missed for the finest retail and leisure experience.
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