Dubai Silicon Oasis Signs MoU With Dubai Airport Free Zone

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) to assess the respective results of performance indicators aimed at improving operations and customer satisfaction at both organisations.

The MoU is in line with the efforts of Dubai government’s policy to streamline its departments under one umbrella to achieve performance excellence. Benchmarking results of performance indicators and sharing practical experiences of institutions to maximize the learning curve are some of the measures taken by the government to support the emirate’s economy.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Executive Vice-President – Corporate Excellence and Support at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, and Yousuf Behzad, Director of HR and Strategy at DAFZA, signed the MOU during a ceremony at the Dubai Airport Free Zone attended by senior officials from both organisations.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi said: “Through this MoU, we aim to strengthen our ties with every government department in Dubai. This will help increase institutional performance as the standards will be based on the comparative competitiveness. By doing so, we contribute to Dubai’s vision of being one of the leading cities in the world in applying good governance standards and achieving full transparency and credibility in government and semi-government transactions.”

Yousuf Behzad said: “There is a real need for various economic institutions in Dubai, especially those which seek to attract foreign investment, to align their standards in order to develop the quality of services offered. A joint effort will ensure high customer service standards, one of the most important elements that appeals to international investors.

“Given its experience of 15 years in performance results indicators, Dubai Airport Free Zone will contribute and enrich the development of the best practices.”

The MoU defines the areas of cooperation to include a series of activities such as benchmarking the results of pre-set indicators for key performance areas and operational performance. Preserving the intellectual property rights of both parties, it also mandates sharing practical experiences, information, and best practices. This move is a joint effort to achieve Dubai’s vision by comparing results of both organizations, within a framework of set principles.

A wholly-owned entity of Dubai Government, Dubai Silicon Oasis operates as a free zone technology park for the semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.

The Dubai Airport Free Zone is one of the most developed free zones in the world and has been designed to provide the best and most important investment opportunities. Over the years, DAFZA has offered important incentives deals in addition to unique support services to multinational corporations from all continents helping them set up their regional headquarters in Dubai, seizing thus many unique business opportunities in all the neighbouring markets.
 

Dubai Airport Freezone Becomes One Of Three Dubai Organizations To Receive Prestigious ISO 20000:2005

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In a confirmation of its focus on improving customer service and maintaining international standards, the Dubai Airport Freezone became one of three organizations in Dubai to receive the coveted ISO 20000:2005 certification.

This certification, that was adopted by the Information Technology Service Management Department in the free zone, will set mechanisms in place enabling the Dubai Airport Freezone to deliver quality technology services to its customers, further meet customer requirements, set up streamlined procedural structures and monitor overall service quality. Through implementation of this prestigious international standard, the free zone will gain further credibility and visibility, helping it attract new foreign investments into Dubai.

On receiving the ISO 20000:2005 certificate, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed, President of Dubai Airport Freezone commented: “By bolstering electronic services and technology in all business sectors, Dubai Airport Freezone is working in line with the directives of the Dubai Government. The free zone is focused on implementing the latest international standards, which will help us offer enhanced facilities to our customers and attract more foreign investment to the Emirates.”

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, the Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone, said: “Dubai Airport Freezone is reinforcing its relations with foreign investors by identifying, developing and meeting all their technology needs, which help them save time and effort. Technology is, after all, one of the most important standards in the global business market and we are working hard to keep up with state-of-the-art international standards. One of our main priorities is to attract more international companies in different fields and help them establish and expand their business in the Middle East.”

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed also lauded the two Dubai Airport Freezone employees, Mohamed Ali Suilam and Amna Loutha, who were awarded certificates from the Dubai Young Leaders Program from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoom, for their achievements within the Dubai Airport Freezone.

He said: “Investing in local youth leaders is a government priority, as these people will help build the Emirates future.”
 

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Opens Airport Show 2011

The 11th edition of the Airport Show, was opened today by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group. The show features over 160 exhibitors and a 63 member strong contingent of hosted buyers who will be sourcing products to the tune of AED 106 billion.

The opening was attended by a number of industry professionals, visitors, contractors and senior representatives from airport authorities and airlines. His Highness Ahmed Bin Saeed took a tour of the exhibition and was briefed on the latest developments and technologies available to the airports industry.

Organised by REED Exhibitions Middle East, one of the leading organisers of trade and consumer exhibitions, the event caters to the needs of existing and new airports in the region where development and expansion projects are estimated to cost US$90 billion over the next few years.

Dr. Khaled Al Mazrouei, General Manager of Fujairah International Airport and the Chairman of the Airport Leaders Summit 2011 said: “As per the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), the UAE is expected to be the world’s second fastest growing aviation market in the world with 10.2% growth by 2013, second to China with a 10.8% growth. Over the last decade, Middle Eastern carriers went from 5% of global passenger traffic to 11%.
Industry analysts also believe that the private air charter business will pick up in the late 2011 and on into 2012.
This is evident from the forecasted growth for the region in which aircraft movement is predicted to touch 160,000 by 2018 at a compounded annual growth rate of 6.21% per year for the Middle East region.”

GCC countries have allocated an estimated $90 Billion for airport development over the next few years, which include eight new runways in the Gulf region, development of 1200 airports and military bases worldwide in addition to the new ones coming up.

Amongst the leading investors in airport development activity in the Gulf are cities such as Dubai which has allocated $10 Billion, Abu Dhabi which has allocated $6.8 Billion, Qatar with $11 Billion, Jeddah with $1.5 Billion, Muscat with $1.2 Billion,approximately $2.1 Billion in Kuwait and $335 Million in Bahrain. Statistics from the Airports Council International (ACI) and IATA support the numbers as the global aviation bodies predict airports in the Middle East to handle over 400 Million passengers by 2020.

For several years now, airports and airlines have been benefiting from the robust demand for air travel in line with healthy global economic growth.

A leading project that will take the center-stage during the show is King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) that will aim to source state-of-the-art technology and construction materials for its estimated spending of US$11.3 billion towards its expansion.

Mohamad Bader-Eddin, Show Director, REED Exhibitions Middle East, said: “Airport development and expansion is projected to exponentially grow over the coming years in the Middle East and Asia. As we near the exhibition date, we are looking forward to gather the sector’s veterans, who will exchange valuable industry insights, highlight opportunities and explore a roadmap to overcome challenges.”

The Airport Expo has organised the ‘Airport Leaders Summit’ which runs from 31 May – 1 June on the sidelines of the exhibition and focus on security, sustainable expansion and current economic concerns. The summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to interact with an elite group of decision-makers from governments and businesses worldwide. It also aims to find long-term solutions to strategic issues the industry faces in the wake of the global economic uncertainty, rigid credit markets, high fuel prices and changing regulatory norms.

Additionally, the event seeks to deliver a combination of high quality networking and business development opportunities through a series of roundtable discussions and seminars. Innovation seminars cover topics such as ‘Cavotec Innovative Gate Systems’ ‘Environmental Capacity: Managing the Impact of Airport Noise’ and ‘The World’s First Mobile Passenger Terminal’. In addition to spotlighting the King Abdulaziz International Airport, project seminars also features the new design and development of the Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The Airport Show 2011 is sponsored by King Abdulaziz International Airport, Thales and Tiger Profiles. It is also supported by leading aviation authorities and trade bodies including Dubai Airports, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), UAE Contractors Association, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services & Equipment Association (BASEA), Danish Airport Group, UBIFRANCE (the French Agency for international business development), and the Netherlands Airport Technology Group.

Airport Show 2011 Concludes With Announcement Of New Deals To Develop Airports In The Region

The 11th edition of the Airport Show 2011, organized by REED Exhibitions Middle East, one of the leading organizers of trade and consumer exhibitions, concluded today with additional announcements about huge investments towards developing airports with the latest technology and advanced solutions.

The Dubai Airports has announced plans to invest AED 22 billion towards expansion of Dubai and Al Maktoum Airport by 2020. Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai World Central had mentioned on the sidelines of the exhibition that the new expansion plans will increase the capacity of the Dubai Airport to 90 million passengers annually. The number will increase from the current 60 million upon the completion of all expansion designs that comprise the construction of the Concourse 4, the expansion of Terminal 2 at Dubai airport, and the improvement of services at Dubai Airport. Zaffin had also mentioned that AED 4 billion will be invested in the development of the aviation city and the residential city at Al Maktoum Airport at the Dubai World Central.

Engineer Mohamed Ahmed Abed, Director General of King Abdulaziz International Airport, and General Supervisor of the new airport project, with a total investment cost of approximately AED 27 billion said: "Our participation at the Airport Show 2011 as a sponsor provided great business opportunities. This year’s Airport Show witnessed participants from across the world and this indicates the establishment of this exhibition as an international event.
The event brings together large number of veterans in the airport industry around the world and undoubtedly, this platform provides great opportunity for all participants to exchange ideas and keep abreast to latest developments in modern airports."

“His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Dubai Airports Company and Chairman of Emirates Group, had visited our stand on the first day of the show and had expressed interest in knowing the latest updates on new developments at King Abdulaziz New Airport in Jeddah. His Highness has also mentioned Dubai Airports’ willingness to exchange information and efforts to help this new project succeed.”

Commenting about the Airport Show 2011, Vikram Sodha, Project Director at the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan said, "This is our fourth consecutive participation at the Airport Show. This year, the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan utilized this platform to meet with suppliers who offer energy efficient, environment and user friendly equipment. On-going discussions have been taken place with other exhibitors such as Siemens, Cavotec, DBA and ADPi on possibilities for expanding cooperation in projects to develop the Benazir Bhutto Airport in Pakistan."

Jacob Avis, Electronic Engineer and IT Manager at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport said: “We have already announced a 10 year development plan at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport worth AED 2.5 billion. We have benefited from our participation at the Airport Show 2011 greatly by conducting numerous discussions and conversations with the exhibitors participating in the exhibition and especially suppliers of baggage handling material, automated weather observation systems, and general IT solutions for Airport Operations.”

The Fujairah International Airport allocated AED 50 million towards the expansion and development of the airport this year. It is expected that an additional AED 100 million would be allocated for further expansion in 2012. The announcement was made by Dr. Khalid Al-Mazrui, Director General, Fujairah International Airport, at a press conference that was organized on the sidelines of Airport Show 2011.

Fujairah International Airport also announced the selection of ALES for the supply of Air Traffic Control System and ERA for the Wide Area Multilateration radar. The AED 10 million deal will include a full automation of the Air Control Center and an advanced surveillance solution based on the proven Multilateration and ADS-B technology.

The Airport Show in its 11th edition, organised by Reed Exhibitions Middle East, continued to generate interest amongst several experts and stakeholders from the aviation industry. Participants include 160 exhibitors as well as 63 members of the Hosted Buyers Programme, reinforcing the significance of the exhibition as a global platform which engages senior experts specializing in aviation, technology, security and airport equipment and services, all under one umbrella. Highlighting the importance of opportunities available at the Airport Show, all exhibitors and buyers have confirmed their participation in the 12th edition of Airport Show next year.

The ‘Airport Leaders Summit’ was also held on the sidelines of the exhibition and focused on security, sustainable expansion and current economic concerns. It was also a platform to discuss solutions to strategic issues the industry faces in the wake of the global economic uncertainty, rigid credit markets, high fuel prices and changing regulatory norms.

Airport Show 2011 focuses on the huge investments involved in the building of new airports and the expansion of existing airports in the region, which is expected to be worth $ 90 billion (AED 331 billion) in the next few years. The exhibition has succeeded in attracting projects which are still in the process of study and research worth $ 29.16 billion (AED 106 billion).

The Airport Show 2011 is sponsored by King Abdulaziz International Airport, Thales and Tiger Profiles. It is also supported by leading aviation authorities and trade bodies including Dubai Airports, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), UAE Contractors Association, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services & Equipment Association (BASEA), Danish Airport Group, UBIFRANCE (the French Agency for international business development), and the Netherlands Airport Technology Group.
 

Dubai Airport Freezone Ties Up With Al Wasl Hospital For Successful Blood Donation Campaign

More than 100 employees of companies working at Dubai Airport Freezone, participated in this year’s blood donation campaign led by the Freezone’s ‘Tawasul’ team for humanitarian and social services.

The campaign was held in cooperation with Al Wasl Hospital. Yousuf Behzad, Executive Director of Human Capital & Strategy at Dubai Airport Freezone said, "this blood donation campaign by the "Tawasul" team, links DAFZ, Al Wasl Hospital and members of the community who suffer in hospitals of the country due to lack of adequate blood supplies required for their treatment."

"The Tawasul Team is tasked by DAFZ to carry out activities and events that benefit society as a whole and raise hope and optimism in the community. The team works in line with a strategy to implement the corporate social responsibility policy of the Freezone," he added.

Since its inception, Tawasul has organised several activities such as visiting the homes of the elderly and health centers for people with special needs. Tawasul has also helped them to raise funds by organising auctions to sell the handicrafts and artwork made by people with special needs, to encourage them to interact more with society.

Behzad added that the campaign aims to provide the health authorities across the country, like clinics and hospitals, with the sufficient supplies of blood to meet the needs of their patients.

"Successful cooperation between Al Wasl Hospital and DAFZ has led to great results over the years. A specialised team of four doctors, a nurse and two assistants from Al Wasl Hospital screened the donors for suitability and supervised the donation," Behzad concluded.
 

Dubai International bags best Airport in Middle East Award

Dubai International has been named the Best Airport in the Middle East at the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards 2011 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This is Dubai International’s third trophy from two major award events this year, the first being Airports Council International’s Airport Service Quality Awards in February where Dubai picked up the Best Airport in the Middle East, and the Best Improvement (ME).

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, "Dubai International’s latest win is a testament to the commitment we have made to our customers. We are constantly working to take that commitment to another level and be recognised globally both for our airport facility as well as our service quality." "We have risen to number four on the world’s busiest airports for international traffic with 47.2 million passengers in 2010, and it’s heartening to see that we have managed to enhance our customer service even as the airport continues to grow." The World Airport Awards are based on 11.38 million survey questionnaires completed by over 100 different nationalities of airline passengers in 2010/2011, covering more than 240 airports worldwide. The survey evaluates traveller experiences across 39 different airport service and product factors – from check-in, arrivals, and transfers through to departure at the gates.

The World Airport Survey was established in 1999, and is held in high esteem for clarity of process and rigorously applied rules of total independence. The results are based on unsolicited customer survey responses, with no subscription or membership required for an airport to be included.

 

Dubai to Have the Busiest Airport by 2015

According to new findings released by Dubai Airports as part of their ten year traffic forecast for Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum, passenger numbers will rise by 7.2% and 6.7% respectively from next year, which outperforms the global average of 5% which is good news for travellers as well as travel providers, say Beat the Brochure.

Daniel Ox of Beat The Brochure says: "The news from Dubai Airports makes for very positive reading for travellers heading to Dubai as it shows that more and more people are choosing to travel to Dubai – in fact Dubai Airports predict that 75 million passengers will have passed through the airport by 2015. It follows previously positive passenger growth numbers in 2009, when the amount of international passengers grew by 9.1% on the previous year. This new announcement reveals that more and more holidaymakers are opting to book holidays in Dubai, which is just fantastic news."

Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International is currently being used as a cargo hub, and is set to begin receiving passengers from 2012, but while Dubai Airports have predicted that 75 million passengers will pass through both of these airports, they have even bigger predictions for the years ahead.

Ox continues: "Dubai Airports’ predictions for airport growth are really quite astounding, and while they are expecting a huge number of travellers to pass through both airports in the next four years, they have also projected that the number of passengers will reach 98.5 million by 2020. Obviously this is a rather large growth that’s expected in Dubai over the coming years, but other destinations are predicted to do well too, as travellers gear up for the summer season by booking other breaks, such as holidays in Turkey and Paris."

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Dubai Gears Up To Gather 70 Hosted Buyers At Airport Show 2011

Dubai is gearing up to gather more than 70 Hosted Buyers from 20 different countries during the Airport Show 2011, announced REED Exhibitions Middle East, a leading organiser of trade and consumer exhibitions.

The participation records a higher percentage than last year when 56 buyers from 17 airports participated in the Hosted Buyers programme, while the 2009 edition attracted 41 buyers from 16 airports.

Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, the 11th edition of Airport Show will be held from 31 May-2 June at Airport Expo in Dubai.

Dedicated exclusively to airport construction, operations, technology and services, the highlight of the event will be the Hosted Buyers’ programme that will draw representations from airports, airport authorities and contractors nominated by exhibitors.

Airport Show 2011 will gather suppliers of equipment and services covering all areas of airport development and operations with the Hosted Buyers under one roof in Dubai. The event offers a one-stop platform catering to the needs of existing and new airports in the region in which development and expansion projects are estimated to cost US$90 billion over the next few years.

Mohamad Bader-Eddin, Show Director, REED Exhibitions Middle East, said: “As a leading event organiser, REED’s objective is to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the event. Through our Hosted Buyer Programme at one of Dubai’s leading industry events, we aim to provide an opportunity for exhibitors to be associated with prospective investments and open new avenues to enter business deals.”

The outlook for 2011 remains positive with expenditure budgets at 78 per cent of the world’s airports either remaining at higher levels or indicating further increase, according to the findings of the seventh Airline IT Trends Survey. Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa are projected to be the strongest growth sectors. According to the Middle East Airport Security Market Assessment Report, safety and security remain an important focus area in which spending is expected to reach AED212 million (US$57.7million) by 2015.

Bader-Eddin added: “Hosted Buyers last year were interested in IT, security and operations equipment and machines such as control tower equipment, talking systems, runway repairs, CCTV access control, airport fire training equipment and bird control equipment. We expect this year to be as resourceful for vendors and buyers, especially with the encouraging and positive sector forecasts and industry reports.”

Exhibitors at the event will have the opportunity to understand the region’s demand through their participation in project presentations delivered by the Hosted Buyers. In addition to networking and exploring future business ties with Hosted Buyers, pre-arranged schedules will help exhibitors meet with potential customers to identify project leads.

On their part, the Hosted Buyers will receive access to all exhibitors who will be showcasing solutions in security, ground support equipment, supply, airport revenue management, design and build, technology, air traffic management, as well as operations, training and recruitment.

The Airport Show is supported by leading aviation authorities and trade bodies including Dubai Airports, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), UAE Contractors Association, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services & Equipment Association (BASEA), Danish Airport Group, UBIFRANCE (the French Agency for international business development), and the Netherlands Airport Technology Group.
 

Over six million travelers pass through Dubai International Airport in Q1 2011

Around six million nine hundred forty one thousand six hundred twenty six travelers passed over Dubai International Airport during the first quarter of 2011 registering an increase of 197,416 Departures and Arrivals compared to the same period in 2010.

Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director of the Department of Naturalization and Residency in Dubai (DNRD) said that increase in the number of travelers testify the special place UAE retains in all fields under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

He added that this increase in flow of travelers also reflects the strategic location of the UAE on the world map.

 

Dubai Airport Freezone Celebrates 14 Years Of Success By Honoring Its Outstanding Employees

A large crowd of employees and their families gathered to celebrate the 14 Anniversary of the Dubai Airport Freezone, where 15 of its outstanding employees, who contributed positively to total growth of the Freezone were honoured.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of the Freezone hosted a dinner to celebrate the 14 years of success and to thank them for a job well done.

He said, “First of all, I would like to thank our Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, for his continuous support, invaluable guidance and inputs over the years, that have helped us reach where we are today.”

“Fourteen years have passed by and it seems like we only started yesterday. The beginning is still fresh in my memory. Today, 1450 companies employing more than 12.000 workers use the Freezone as a base,” said Dr. Zarooni in his speech.

“On this special occasion, I wish to express my sincere congratulations and thanks to my team at Dubai Airport Freezone, some of whom have been with us since the very beginning and others who have joined us later to contribute to the success of this venture.”

He added the Dubai Airport Freezone success story has few parallels, and the excellent results achieved in attracting foreign inward investments could not be understated.

Further, he said that the vibrant activities and operations taking place within the Freezone and their contribution to the national economy were immeasurable and invaluable achievements that deserved to be celebrated.“I think our team deserves full credit for all the good work achieved from our inception to date,” he added.

“The global economic crisis has brought along with it fresh challenges for us to face. We should all redouble our efforts to ensure that we offer the best possible services to our investors. Rather than getting into a price war, we should concentrate on providing a superior quality of services and value to our partners.

“Over the coming year we should aim to further simplify process& procedures and systems in order to provide our investors seamless service of the highest international standards,” Dr. Zarooni said.

He said, “With your support and dedicated output , we shall continue to expand and produce our best to attract more investors to operate in Dubai and in the Freezone in particular.
Dr. Zarooni noted that the Freezone generates 2.2 per cent of the UAE’s GDP. Dubai Airport Freezone has recorded a robust increase of 63 per cent in its sales in the first six months of 2010, compared to the first half of the previous year.

It has also witnessed a remarkable 80 per cent increase in the number of companies who have doubled their investments in the same period, with a 64% jump in office space leased. The operating profits recorded 11 per cent above target.

Dubai Airport Freezone was named the Best Freezone in the Middle East and No. 2 in the world by the Foreign Direct Investment magazine of the Financial Times. The Freezone competed with more than 200 Free Zones around the world.