Dubai Travel

UAE Precor Team Touches Down In Gothenburg For Gothia

Editor — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:12:16 +0000

UAE Precor, the star under-16 football team landed in Gothenburg, Sweden, to prove their mettle in the World Cup for youth football, the Gothia Cup.

The 22 players, all UAE residents hailing from over 15 different countries, are in Group 30 in the Under-16 division. Their competitors in this group include last year’s finalist Floro SK from Norway.

In preparation for their first game, the team spent an intensive five days in a training camp in London. They also competed in a friendly tournament organized by Pro Touch Soccer Academy in London, a non-for-profit organization run by London-based football professionals to provide a nurturing environment for youth football. UAE Precor competed against three teams, some of whom featured players from English clubs. UAE Precor won every match and emerged victorious in the tournament.

“Last year at the Gothia, we finished among the top five teams and the year before that we were in the quarterfinals. This year, we have made great strides in our level of skill and have a stronger team than ever, as seen by our excellent performance in the Acad-emy tournament. While you can never predict the outcome of football tournaments, I believe we have a good chance of bringing the Cup home,” said Derek Burke, the team’s coach.

Earlier this year, the 22-player-strong UAE Precor secured third place in the Dubai Amateur Football League against adult teams. The team is coached and managed by Burke and assistant coach Tarek Khalifa, who see talent and passion in these players and support them in all their achievements.

DED Unveils Two New eServices To Enhance Ease Of Transactions For Business Owners And Investors

Editor — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:55:34 +0000

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) has unveiled two new eServices on its website, www.dubaided.gov.ae for online issuance of initial approvals and for renewing business licences. The services will be a great value addition for business owners and investors enabling them to complete their business registration swiftly and at their convenience on-line.

Mr Mohammed Shael Al Saadi, CEO, Business Registration and Licensing Division, DED, said: “The strong demand for the use of eServices highlights our success in achieving DED’s goal of promoting eGovernment initiatives in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to drive the evolution of a knowledge-based economy. DED has been utilising on-line platforms to offer an advanced, flexible, convenient and diverse suite of services to customers, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as one of the best and competitive business destinations.”

He said that to issue, renew or transfer the location of business licences, owners must present a sealed lease contract authenticated by Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). This is to ensure the validity of commercial contracts, as well as strengthen the relationship between investors and tenants.

“DED believes in continuous improvement and is implementing the eStrategy to enhance and expand its online services according to world best practices and customer feedback. This complements our strategic objective of creating an investor-friendly environment and encouraging investors to regard Dubai as their investment destination of choice.”

Mr Shael said that the Business Registration and Licensing Division will continue to provide more tech-driven and value-added services to cope with the growth of businesses, and to position DED as the best government department offering services leveraging the latest technologies.

The Business Registration and Licensing Division has accredited three centers and law firms to provide business registration and licensing services during non-working hours. These include On Time Centre, Tas’heel Center, Emirates Secretarial Services, in addition to Al Tamimi & Company.

The range of eServices offered by DED include reserving and renewal of trade name, renewal of licenses, initial approval of licenses permits for most activities, and updating trade license data.

The eServices also include Transaction Status whereby customers can check the status of the transaction by using a transaction number, license number or initial approval number. Search Trade Names enables users to reserve trade names or find out if the desired name is already taken. Company Lookup helps to search for existing companies operating in Dubai and gain information on their contact details and business activities. Number of Licenses per Person Report is also available whereby the number of licenses registered under one person’s name can be known.

Through Business Set up Simulator, potential investors can get a rough estimate on setting up a new business in Dubai. License Renewal Cost Estimator allows existing companies to find out the cost of renewing their licenses. Activity Search procedure helps users to understand more about the activities that are classified by DED.

Informative and easy-to-use, the web services feature descriptive help text, Arabic/English support and a friendly layout and design. Internet users can instantly access the information without having to go through any registration process.

Mr Shael said that the Business Registration and Licensing Division in Business Village features an innovative Welcome Hub concept and e-kiosks where trained customer service representatives offer friendly counsel and cutting edge technology makes processes faster and more reliable. It is a marked improvement over traditional office cubicles. Customers can choose from a range of online, self-service and value-added options, thereby saving time and effort.

He added: “Investors dealing with Business Registration and Licensing can experience upgraded and expanded services to ensure faster and more efficient service delivery. It enables our customers to focus more on their business while we enhance efficiencies through automated and user-friendly services."

Business Registration and Licensing is a key function within DED and a strategic contributor to private sector participation in Dubai’s economic development. It is also the most important point of contact with the local government for investors and entrepreneurs.

Dubai Traffic Police On Path To Deliver Target

Editor — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:40:21 +0000

Road fatalities in Dubai dropped to 70 per 100,000 people in the first half of the year from 89 in the corresponding half last year, Dubai Police chief disclosed today.

Dubai Police Commander-in-Chief Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim said the Dubai traffic police are on path to deliver projected target of its strategy to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities to zero per 100,000 people in the next nine years. General Tamim lauded the excellent results achieved while he chaired a meeting for assessing performance of the Directorate of Traffic for the January-June period. He appealed to motorists to slow down when nearing traffic signals to avoid life-threatening and fatal crashes. Lt Colonel Saif Al Mazrouie, acting director general of Dubai Directorate of Traffic, gave a presentation during the meeting on the traffic scene in the first half of the year, noting that 21 people were killed when cars ran over them in the first half 2010 compared to 16 in the same half of 2011. Deaths caused by suden swerve dipped from 11 to 9, over speeding from 14 to 5, not maintaining safe distance between vehicles from 10 to 5, collisions from 45 to 36. Road-wise, he noted the traffic death toll reported on the Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed Road decreased from 15 and 11 to 3 each respectively for the period under review.

African Tradition Comes Alive With Circus Africa Show In Residence At Mirdif City Centre

Editor — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:25:05 +0000

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The entertaining and educational, Circus Africa show is a performance oriented show demonstrating the African continent and its people. An experiential feast for the senses the Circus Africa show will be in residence in the mall’s Central Galleria until 16th July.

The show’s combination of skillful acrobats, African dancers, unique Unicycle, Adagio and Diabolo acts will ensure that Circus Africa is a not to be missed show this Dubai Summer Surprises.

Located in the mall’s Central Galleria, performances are underway until 16th July– three times a day – at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

For more information about this and other events please contact 800 6422.

Kalimat And du Hosts Engaging And Interactive Summer Reading Sessions

Editor — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:09:52 +0000

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As part of its drive to help children discover the joy of books, Kalimat- the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated to publishing and distributing quality Arabic children’s books, is hosting a series of engaging and interactive public summer reading sessions at libraries across Dubai in partnership with du, as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities.

The award-winning publishing house kicked off its summer reading campaign, in cooperation with du at the Al Rashidiya Public Library in Dubai on 26th June, with author Noura Noman treating children to readings from her books, Qutta and Kiwi.

Kalimat’s campaign will continue with two readings by author Maitha Al Khayat from her book Tareeqati Al Khassa on 6 July at Al Safa, and on 13th July at Umm Suqeim in Dubai, respectively.

Speaking of the summer reading campaign, Kalimat Founder and CEO Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: “What better way is there to help children discover the joy of books than to read aloud to them? Our summer reading sessions are aimed at developing a taste for books among children and through exposure to these engaging, interactive reading experiences, we believe that they will fall in love with reading and the Arabic language.”

On behalf of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Mrs. Iman Ismail Al Balooshi said: “We are delighted to be supporting Kalimat’s summer reading campaign, which not only promotes reading, but also helps children develop a true understanding of our wonderful language from an early age. It is a noble objective, and one that the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is happy to endorse.”

“Promoting the use of Arabic language amongst our children is a vital step to preserving our culture,” commented Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du. “We’re proud to support Kalimat in this all-important venture, which falls in-line with our own Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. It is important to instil a love and understanding of Arabic literature in children who will make up tomorrow’s Emirati community, into whose hands will fall the responsibility of upholding our rich, vibrant and unique culture.”

The titles chosen for the readings form part of Kalimat’s extensive collection of quality children’s books and are geared towards teaching children about their world in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

In Noman’s Al Qutta Qutna, a little girl describes her cat and the special times they spend together while Al Qunfuth Kiwi tells the story of a group of children who come across a hedgehog during their adventures.

Al Khayat’s Tareeqati Al Khassa tells the story of Hamda, who longs to wear a hijab and has fun trying out different ways to tie a sheila with her four sisters. While this book draws from a Muslim and Middle Eastern background, it is highly appealing to readers of both Arab and non-Arab origin. In fact, the book’s rights have been sold to Orion for translation into all languages except Arabic.

As part of its summer campaign, Kalimat is offering a 10% discount on Kalimat Book Club membership fees for those who join before 31st July. Book Club members receive a carefully chosen age-appropriate book every month, and can benefit from other services, including a quarterly newsletter, a dedicated Facebook page, exclusive invitations to events, as well as discounts on Kalimat books too.

Kalimat is the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated solely to publishing and distributing high-quality Arabic books for children aged 0 to 16 years. With a portfolio of internationally acclaimed authors and illustrators, Kalimat’s extensive range of books highlights traditional Arabic culture alongside the modern challenges faced by today’s children.

du’s partnership with Kalimat began in 2010 and is inspired by a passion to further develop the reading habits of young readers by engaging them with invigorating Arabic literature. Together, du and Kalimat have participated in several events, including book signings and launches for titles such as Abir Ballan’s Fie Al Ittihad Al Quwa, activities for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, National Day and International Children’s Book Day, as well as taking part in the Sharjah and Abu Dhabi Book Fairs.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, du is actively involved in promoting initiatives which promote the culture and heritage of the UAE, and developing children’s love of literature in their native tongue is an important aspect of preserving the Arabic language for generations to come.

Etisalat And Telefoacute;nica On A Broad-Based Cooperation

Editor — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:54:29 +0000

Etisalat and Telefónica, two leading telecom operators worldwide, today jointly announced that they have signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement to enter into a broad-based cooperation. The partnership will allow both Groups to collaborate on a range of strategic areas given their capabilities and expertise. As a result, the companies will strengthen their capabilities to address global industry trends and compete in each of their markets, capturing efficiencies and advancing initiatives aimed at better serving their customers needs across their respective footprints.

Under the terms of this Agreement, the two parties will establish mechanisms to enable them draw on each other’s experience in various strategic areas, including collaboration on technological standardization, new global technology initiatives, R&D, and new emerging products and services designed to capture the digital growth opportunities such as M2M, financial services or cloud-based services.

Both companies have also agreed to jointly work on procurement, international capacity and wholesale services as well as offering enhanced support for multinational customers of each operator taking advantage of the benefits of the Telefónica Partners Program.

The Partnership Agreement is of immediate effect and will enable both companies to improve efficiency, drive innovation and generate savings. The agreement is expected to reinforce each company’s leadership in their markets, and provide a stronger basis to compete globally in the changing telecommunications industry.

Furthermore, the two Groups do not compete in any of their operational markets and these benefits will be offered to most of their subsidiaries and associates over the course of the agreement. Etisalat Group today is represented in 18 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, whilst Telefónica’s footprint has been established in 25 markets in Europe and Latin America.

About Etisalat
An uncompromising commitment to excellence and innovation has seen Etisalat become one of the world’s fastest-growing telecom groups, rapidly expanding across Asia and Africa. ts UAE operations, strategically located at the crossroads of East and West enables Etisalat to be the major hub in the Middle East for Internet, voice, broadcast, roaming and corporate data services. Its stellar performance has won Etisalat recognition as ‘Best Operator’ ten times since 2006 and ‘Best Wholesale Provider’ four times in the last three years. Servicing over 135 million customers in 18 countries Etisalat continues to reach out to new customers and markets.

About Telefónica
Telefónica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world in terms of market capitalisation. Its activities are centered mainly on the fixed and mobile telephony businesses with broadband as the key tool for the development of both.

The company has a significant presence in 25 countries and a customer base that amounts to 290.5 million accesses around the world. Telefónica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth strategy. Telefónica is a 100% listed company, with more than 1.5 million direct shareholders. Its share capital currently comprises 4.563.996.485 ordinary shares traded on the Spanish Stock Market (Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia) and on those in London, Tokyo, New York, Lima, Buenos Aires and São Paulo.

For more information on the Etisalat Group, please contact
Ms. Nahid M. Hassan
Etisalat Group Senior Manager Media Relations
E: nahelsayed@etisalat.ae
T: 0097126172187
M.0506006556

Network International Operated ATMs Provides Access To Union Pay Cards

Editor — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:39:06 +0000

Network International (NI), the largest acquirer and leading card processor in the region, has signed an agreement with Union Pay where Union Pay cards could be accepted on all NI operated ATMs. Currently Network International operates approximately 1500 ATMs in the region. The agreement enables NI to enrol its existing client banks into this service.

This agreement was signed by Network International Chairman Mr. Abdulla Qassem and UnionPay Executive Vice President Mr. Cai Jianbo at Shanghai last week. Network International is the principle member that facilitates this sponsorship and processing of Union Pay cards in more than 20 countries in the Middle East and Africa. This is in addition to the existing Point of Sale (POS) agreement which Network International has with UnionPay.

UnionPay, a bankcard association in China, operates interbank transactions in China and beyond.

Mr. Abdulla Qassem, Chairman of Network International said”. “NI is committed to developing liaisons with international banking institutions and ensuring the broadest possible coverage for various transaction methods. Integrating UnionPay card payments into the NI operated ATMs will benefit the UAE economy and also provide additional convenience to tourists and business visitors from China”

“The number of Chinese individuals, living, visiting, and conducting business in the UAE has reached near the one million mark. It is only natural that banking systems in the two countries start communicating and cooperating with one another to facilitate commerce and tourism. UnionPay’s agreement with NI is an excellent step in ensuring that visitors from China can continue to enjoy the benefits of their UnionPay card even when they are away from home. We are expecting a sharp rise in transaction values due to our agreement with NI,” said Mr. Cai Jianbo, Executive Vice President, UnionPay.

Google And Dubai Internet City To Host Workshops On Leveraging Web Opportunities

Editor — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:23:50 +0000

Dubai Internet City, a member of TECOM Investments, in conjunction with technology major Google, will host two workshops aimed at enabling NGOs and women entrepreneurs in the technology sector to strengthen online presence, increase exposure and enhance their business.

Themed ‘Google Serve for Not-for-Profits’ and ‘Google Serve for Women in Technology’, the workshops are scheduled to be held on 23 June at the Dubai Knowledge Village Conference Centre.

During the first workshop, professionals working for not-for-profits in the UAE will have the opportunity to participate in discussions on topics such as ‘Online advertising’ and ‘Making use of the web for your NGO’. The second workshop will be directed at women engineers, students, entrepreneurs and business-owners interested in building a successful online business in the field of technology.

Majed Al Suwaidi, Director Business Development, Dubai Internet City, said: “DIC is particularly delighted to support Google’s initiative to host these workshops. These are commendable initiatives by technology leaders who are committed to knowledge sharing. In the current scenario, the digital age has reached its zenith, making web communications and strategies a driving force in the success of a business. Given the essential role and the array of available opportunities it offers, it is important to be equipped with the appropriate skills.”

Google will also host an array of ‘breakout pods’ where participants will have the chance to interact with Google executives and experts. During these one-on-one sessions, they can obtain crucial advice about online strategy, available tools and the opportunities offered by the web.

A special focus will be made on demonstrating and assisting participants with Google’s suite of products that are driving innovation in technology and business across the globe and in the Middle East region.

Mohammad Mourad, Gulf Regional Manager for Google, said: “In a region with such vast and dynamic approaches to business, it is imperative that people are educated on opportunities that the web has to offer. The workshops aim at addressing the needs and growth potential of NGOs and women in the field of technology who immensely contribute to the development of the diverse sectors of the Middle East.”

According to statistics released by worldwide internet market research firm Miniwatts Marketing Group, while internet usage in the Middle East has grown more than 10-fold since 2000, most markets are still in the early stages of adoption. There is much to be achieved in the region with only 29.8 per cent of the population now internet friendly, the report says.

At the forefront of the region’s ICT industry, Dubai Internet City remains committed to supporting emerging technology trends in the region and continues to play an instrumental role in developing the industry while contributing to Dubai’s drive for creating a knowledge-based economy.

Emiritisation At Dubai Customs Achieved By 82%

Editor — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:08:32 +0000

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Dubai Customs, within the framework of mutual cooperation and exchange of experience with all Dubai government departments, received a visiting delegation from Knowledge and Human Development Authority at Dubai overviewed HRD’s operating systems at Dubai Customs and the mechanism of each organizational unit as per designed within the organizational structure. the delegation was also shared an idea about the employees performance management system, recruitment & training plan, requirements & criteria for grades promotion & approval of applications and SRS system mechanism which adopted in the Depart through "Tanafus" program which designed with aim of motivating performance improvement of employees.

Nadia kamali, (acting) Executive Director of HR Division at Dubai Customs stressed on the importance of enhancing such communications with the government departments across the country to exchange experience in areas of seeking best business practices, especially, in the field of human resources, outlined that Dubai Customs always endeavors to develop, train and qualify skills and employees and also adheres to improve rate of emiritisationthrough recruiting best national efficiencies, this practically, by the end of the first quarter of this current year has reached to record 82%.

The delegation was also during the visit was briefed about the Training and Development Program of the Section by introducing the Career Path and Succession Planning (selection of future leaders). The Training and Development Program is to outline the requirements and process need to follow for maintaining continued career process and move from one grade and level to another better one. The delegation was introduced the background of Employees Relations Section which is mainly responsible for facilitating and carrying out services for the employees, including, rolls, medical and government services such as issuance of salary certificates, health insurance cards, services related to Pension Authority, transference of residence visas for the new recruited employees and procedures for sick leave & absence permits. The delegation was also overviewed with the efforts of the Section on the implementation of the Human Resources Law of Dubai Government in relation to violation regulations with intention of maintaining and uplift with excellent work process at the level of Dubai Customs

During the meeting, The female employees at Human Resources briefly introduced the program of development and improvement of employees performance, namely, employees performance management recycle, SRS & its objectives, measurement of employees productivity, in addition to Dubai Customs’ emiritisation compliance in respect of administrative, managerial and specialized functions, the Dept planning in areas of emiritisation and coordination with the Authority, educational institutions and electronic recruitment sites with aim of attracting Emirati Nationals and participation in the employment exhibitions. the visiting delegation was also acquainted with Corporate Suggestions System (Bader) and mechanism of receiving suggestions from employees, suggestions categories and rewards for the participants.

The meeting was attended by HR (acting) Executive Director Nadia Kamali along with managers from Human Resources, namely, ImanSaleh, Senior Manager of Organizational Structure, Amna AL Suaidi, Senior Manager of Talent Management, Mariam ALGaisi, Senior (acting) Manager of Employees Relations. From the Knowledge and Human Development Authority at Dubai, the delegation was led by Ali Bin Ghalaita, Head of Government Relations along with Mariam Gaed, Coordinator of HR Recruitment and Planning, Alia ALNahwai, HR Administrative
at the end of the meeting, Nadia Kamalihonored the delegation by granting Dubai Customs’ memorial shield to Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai.

DEWA Launches The First Governmental Application For Blackberry PlayBook

Editor — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:53:18 +0000

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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched the first Governmental application for “BlackBerry PlayBook” subsequent to its applications available for the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows 7. This comes within the framework of promoting, streamlining and simplifying DEWA’s e-services delivered to customers.

While doing this, DEWA has paid great attention to time, speed and accuracy, especially at the launch phase leading to the fact that customers can now perform many tasks without resort to logging on to DEWA’s website.
On this occasion, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA said: “In line with the directives of his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aiming to consolidate Dubai’s leading position as a world hub for business and finance, DEWA brings in and applies best technologies and solutions as well as implementing them into its various e-operations with the purpose of to integrating them with Dubai Strategic Plan.”

“DEWA adopts a vision aiming to combine excellence and leadership into its services, as well as working relentlessly to apply best practices and pioneering systems to provide government services in compliance with the highest criteria of quality and excellence in line with Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, which aims at building knowledge-based economy,” His Excellency further added.

“DEWA has developed this application via its own manpower, namely its IT Team. Thanks to this application, customers can now read DEWA’s news, get to know about its events, get access to video gallery, use bill-inquiry service, epay & mpay service, send feedback to customer service centres as well as knowing their timing, specify the nearest centre for bill payment via Google maps, etc.,” His Excellency pointed out.

Eng. Marwan bin Haidre – VP & Head of IT Division at DEWA said: “DEWA’s strategy is based on delivering its service to a wide range of customers, as its ultimate objective is to make everything easy for customers so as to save their time, efforts and money. This application is part of a variety of e-services available on DEWA’s website or via smart phones applications. This application will be available within coming days in Application World.”

DEWA takes pride in its achievements which secure e-services to its customers, as the percentage of transactions performed in 2010 through the internet reached around 546,489. Besides, all DEWA’s relentless efforts to streamline its services have led to its winning several awards and certifications including “The Award of The Best IT Division in the Middle East 2010”, Middle East 16th Excellence Award for Government & e-Services” being the best authority to deliver e-services in 2011, and finally the Award of the Year’s Application in Social Communication 2011 due to its development of smart phones and devices.

Dubai Travel

UAE Precor Team Touches Down In Gothenburg For Gothia

DED Unveils Two New eServices To Enhance Ease Of Transactions For Business Owners And Investors

Dubai Traffic Police On Path To Deliver Target

African Tradition Comes Alive With Circus Africa Show In Residence At Mirdif City Centre

Kalimat And du Hosts Engaging And Interactive Summer Reading Sessions

Etisalat And Telefoacute;nica On A Broad-Based Cooperation

Network International Operated ATMs Provides Access To Union Pay Cards

Google And Dubai Internet City To Host Workshops On Leveraging Web Opportunities

Emiritisation At Dubai Customs Achieved By 82%

DEWA Launches The First Governmental Application For Blackberry PlayBook

Etisalat And Telefoacute;nica On A Broad-Based Cooperation

DEWA Launches The First Governmental Application For Blackberry PlayBook