DEWA Launches ’Al Eid Joy’ Campaign

In support of its community activities and to promote the spirit of solidarity among society members , and in a first initiative of its kind at Governmental level, the Corporate Communications Department at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched its "Al Eid Joy" campaign under the slogan "Wipe a tear, Put a smile" with the participation of a number of Government Departments and local organizations, including the Road and Transport Authority and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (DNRD), the Public Prosecution, and in cooperation with Dar Al Ber Society.

Serving the community is the cornerstone of DEWA’s strategy, which aims to contribute to the development and improvement of social conditions and to raise the quality of life in the community through all available means, whether cash, in-kind o contributions or moral support. These activities fall within DEWA’s mainstream public services and social responsibility to ensure the welfare of the state and play an exemplary role to other Government Departments and non-governmental organizations.

DEWA aims to spread the spirit of solidarity and compassion among the society during the month of Ramadan, and to raise the public awareness on the community needs.

The campaign requested all the participating Departments to donate "Eid Kiswa" (Eid Clothing) in order to be presented to the needy families and persons. The campaign will run for a week, from 17 to 26 during the month of August. The campaign was accompanied by the distribution of containers to preserve the donated materials, including clothes, bags, shoes and toys.

Dar Al Ber Society provided a special representative at the offices of the participating Departments to collect the funds raised and to help in the transfer of the donations. At the same time, the participating Departments launched a media campaign through posters, publications and e-mails to familiarize the staff with the campaign and to encourage them to donate. These activities received a welcoming participation from the all the staff of the Departments involved.
 

Al Ansari Exchange To Give Away Over AED 1 Million Worth Of Prizes In ’Al Ansari Rewards 2010’

Al Ansari Exchange, a leading provider of worldwide remittance and foreign exchange services, is set to give away more than 1 million dirhams worth of prizes to its valued UAE customers in its ’Al Ansari Rewards 2010’ promotion. The event, which will run from June 10 to August 10, 2010, is being held in line with the company’s 44th year anniversary. During the promo period, Al Ansari customers will have a chance to win back the value of their transaction in gift vouchers in four separate electronic raffles. Eleven lucky winners will be announced after each draw. Winners will also be eligible to win again in upcoming draws.

"This exciting initiative is our way of showing our appreciation to our loyal customers’ continued patronage. The trust and confidence that they have given us has allowed Al Ansari Exchange to consolidate its position as the UAE’s leading remittance and foreign exchange services provider in the UAE," said Mohammad Al Ansari, Managing Director, Al Ansari Exchange. "Moreover, this promotion complements the company’s continued commitment to provide excellent customer service and satisfaction. Amidst the current financial downturn, Al Ansari Exchange managed to perform well last year and this promotion is our way of saying thank you to the customers who have enjoyed our products and services for the past 44 years."

Since its establishment in 1966, Al Ansari Exchange has carved a niche in the market by offering reliable, customer-oriented products and services, including worldwide money transfer, foreign exchange, Payplus (WPS), transfers through Western Union & Cash Express, and door-to-door delivery of remittance. The company is present in most of shopping malls in the UAE, which enables it to provide easily accessible service to customers. It also provides ancillary services, such as cash advance and encashment against credit cards, credit card bill payment, and issuance of National Bonds certificates, and e-exchange, among others.
 

Dubai Taxi Kicks Off “Safe Driving” Initiative In Coop With Al Dobowi Tires Co.

The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), in cooperation with Al Dobowi Tires Company, has recently launched “Safe Driving Road Safety Campaign” initiative targeting all DTC cabdrivers. The initiative, which was unleashed at the Drivers & Training & Qualification Center, aims at highlighting the importance of vehicle safety through maintaining tries safety as a measure to safeguard against road risks and surprises.

“In coordination with Al Dobowi Tires Co., DTC is rolling on this initiative through a series of educative lectures on safety in general and vehicle & tire safety in particular. Al Dobowi is a key supplier of tires to the DTC as per the contract concluded last month for the supply of Korean made Hankook tires compatible with the GCC specifications to the DTC for a period of two years,” said Ammar bin Tamim, Director of DTC’s Fleet Drivers Affairs.

“This initiative aims at introducing the concept of safety on roads, raising the awareness of drivers towards safe maintenance of their vehicle tires all times through regular checks and inspection of air pressure. Tires have a considerable impact on reducing accidents and curbing frequent operational problems to cabs of the DTC fleet which comprise 3504 vehicles operated by more than 7500 drivers 24 hours a day through shifts system,” he continued.

Ammar highlighted the crucial role played by tires in maintaining the vehicle’s safety in general and the driver & passengers’ safety in particular, and stressed the need to select proper tires and attend to their regular maintenance. “The DTC seeks to apply all safety & security features to its services and vehicles so as to achieve the best results and contribute to the realization of the vision of the RTA and DTC of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All,” he continued.

“During these courses live demonstrations were made for sound and defective tires where drivers have been shown physical models of these tires such that they will closely see and grasp how to apply their acquired knowledge during their daily works as cabdrivers. Such campaigns & training courses need to be continued as the DTC is keen on qualifying and grooming drivers fully for their jobs considering them as ambassadors of the RTA and a true image depicting clearly the approach of the DTC and RTA as well,” added bin Tamim.

The Director of DTC’s Fleet Drivers Affairs said: “All new and old drivers have been subjected to various, intensive and specialized training courses based on top class global standards with a view to improving their performance and the level of services rendered to passengers and customers spanning all spectrums of the community. DTC will hold a number of educative programs and practical demonstration sessions about the best traffic safety practices during driving so as to enhance the safety of drivers, passengers and road users at large. The courses, which will be run in three languages (Arabic, English & Urdu) are held in conjunction with several specialized bodies including Dubai Police, Traffic Department of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, and Franchise & Enforcement Department of RTA public Transport Agency,” said bin Tamim in a closing remark.
 

Al Fajer Properties Announces Positive Response To Discount Offer

Al Fajer Properties (AFP) is pleased to announce the successful uptake of its recent discount offer which has given customers the option to reduce their outstanding liabilities through early settlement based on purchase price and outstanding balance.

This offer was taken up by customers holding a total of over AED 600 million in contract value equating to approximately 317,000 square feet in its Jumeirah Business Centre development.

The unprecedented offer was issued upon the direction of the President of AFP, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum, who initiated a multifaceted solution in order to assist AFP’s customers given the current market conditions. Sheikh Maktoum was quoted as saying: “In these difficult times I am happy to say that AFP has been working very closely with its customers, who now have properties in line with current market valuations.”

This latest decisive action is yet another feather in the cap of AFP showing its continued commitment to working with its customers to help them navigate through tough economic conditions.

Through this offer AFP has also been able to further communicate with its customers, helping separate end users and long-term investors from speculative ones. It has also given the company the ability to preplan for expected defaults by speculative buyers.

Al Fajer Properties also expressed its pride in having a strong banking partner such as Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) to help finance its customers. The company is currently anticipating handover on phase 1 of its flagship project within the JLT beginning August 31st, 2009.

AFP is the premier developer in the Dubai World DMCC Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) community and is the only developer to include a 5-floor atrium within the lobbies of its towers. Its towers, situated within a free- zone, once completed will offer high-end commercial properties attracting both large local companies and multi-national organizations from around the world. The unique state-of-the-art facilities of the JBC Towers cumulatively offer exclusive freehold offices totaling a leaseable area of 3.6 million square feet and an additional 150,000 square feet dedicated to retail across phase 1 and phase 2 of its flagship project.

DSS Brings Another International Stage Show This Summer With ’Bob The Builder – The Sunflower Sailor’ Show In Al Ghurair City

Bob the Builder, the renowned children’s television character, will thrill children in an exciting show titled ‘The Sunflower Sailor’ at Al Ghurair City, a DSS 2009 key sponsor, on Thursday, July 23, 2009. The show is one among the many international children’s stage shows being organised during this edition of Dubai Summer Surprises.

As the building contractor specialising in masonry, Bob will appear with his colleague and business partner Wendy, and Spud, the mischievous scarecrow. The ‘Sunflower Sailor’ is based on a story where Wendy clears her garage and Bob helps her use some of the old materials to build a boat, an idea suggested by Spud. The three then set off on a sailing adventure.

Bob the Builder shows how a positive attitude, problem-solving, teamwork and follow-through are the necessary tools to complete every job and he has become a role model for children to build on. The ‘Sunflower Sailor’ will be a twenty-minute musical show with spectacular stage settings.

Show timings are 6:00pm and 8:00pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 5:30pm, 7:30pm, and 9:30pm (Thursday and Friday). There will be no shows on Tuesday.
 

Al Bustan Centre And Residence Unveils Breathtaking Acrobatics For DSS Shoppers!

Al Bustan Centre and Residence – the deluxe property which offers world-class hospitality services and facilities in the city, has prepared to entertain shoppers with a range of activities along with fascinating discounts as part of the Dubai Summer Surprises 2009 celebrations. Designed to be the top entertainment destination for summer season, the property is hosting a variety of gigs and live performances to captivate audiences right through the nine weeks period of the twelfth edition of DSS starting from June 11 to August 14 2009.

One of the most popular and well received performances at the Al Bustan Centre is the acrobatic Hand Balancing Act by the world famous German gymnast Natalie Reckert. The 20 minutes-long performance involving breathtaking stunts and tricks performed live has got thrilled audiences who keep returning to watch more performances. Once the crowd settles in, Natalie starts with simple yet popular circus tricks and builds up the momentum and the intensity of her acts with more stunning hand balancing acrobatics. With the help of a few tables and stands Natalie displays mesmerizing body movements reminding us of the good old circus days. Progressing into her performance, Natalie exhibits a set of exercises and acrobatics using a long silk cloth tied onto her hands and legs.

Speaking about the event Moussa El Hayek, Chief Operating Officer Al Bustan Centre & Residence, said: “Despite the credit crunch and economic recession, travellers from overseas still consider Dubai as one of the major shopping and entertainment destinations and the Dubai Summer Surprises as an attractive retail extravaganza offering fabulous discounts and offers. To lighten up the mall this DSS and spread the festivities we at Al Bustan Residence have brought in world recognized professionals to turn this summer into a truly memorable one for the entire family.”

Trained in sportsacrobatics and classical dance, Natalie Reckert has been performing since the tender age of five and has studied at the Circus Space in London and. Combining her training with her unique ability and understanding of hand balancing she decided to express the beauty of hand stands and make it her career, amazing audiences across the world.

Her visit to Dubai and performances at the Al Bustan Center has involved months of hard work, dedication and strict regime to ensure the logistics of the event would fall into place like the costumes, music, and incredible theme and tempo of the show. However dangerous and dramatic the acts at the show would appear, Natalie confesses that the stage is safe and secure after the training from professionals and years of balancing practices.

So if you wish to see a live spectacular performance along with attractive shopping promotions and discounts this DSS 2009 visit the Al Bustan Center or call Toll Free: 800-4648 for the show timing.

DQG Signs Strategic Partnership Agreement With Al Ain Municipality

Dr. Wafi Dawood, Chairman of Dubai Quality Group, stated that the group has made persistent efforts to establish a new corporate strategy with local organizations in UAE. This is in line with its future plans, which aims to raise the level of quality and system upgrading work in the organizations of private and public sectors in the country. He added that the group’s work is not confined to local organizations, and partnership agreements of the group are targeting all the different areas of the organizations, both within the UAE and abroad.

Dr. Dawood made this statement today after the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Dubai Quality Group, and Al Ain Municipality, at the Municipality’s office.

Dr. Dawood said, "The group, since its inception in 1994, seeks to provide multiple and specialized services in the field of quality and organizational excellence, where it has a leading role in the development of performance and services of many companies and organizations in the business sector."

Dr. Dawood also praised the active role of the Al Ain Municipality in the infrastructure sector, strategic planning, and performance management. He said, "Al Ain Municipality is one of the leading organizations in the country, which is dealing with the implementation of concepts and standards of quality in services provided to its audience. In our part, we affirm our full support to Al Ain Municipality in its efforts to develop its services, and we will work together to promote this positive message."

H.E. Awad Khalifa Al Darmaki, General Manager of Al Ain Municipality, has received the investor partner certificate of membership from Mr. Khalid Al Kassim, Deputy General of planning and Development in the Department of Economic Development. He received the certificate during the "Best Practices Conference" held by DQG late last month in Dubai in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development, which is considered as one of the key investors in the group since its inception.

Mr. Kassim handed the certificate on behalf of Dr. Dawood, firm in his belief of leading and effective role for Dubai Quality Group in the development of the business sector. He also urged the organizations of the public and private sectors, to enter into strategic partnerships with the group which would promote the concepts of organizational excellence in the business environment.

From his side, H.E. Awad Al Darmaki expressed his approval with this strategic partnership. He stated, "We in Al Ain Municipality, management and staff, are proud to sign this agreement with the most important organization dealing with the concepts of quality, and excellence in the country. We look forward to develop mechanisms for joint action to give a positive image for the level of services provided to our customers and our strategic partners in the Municipality. "

His Excellency also said, "We act in accordance with the highest levels of quality, where we adopt the standards of excellence as a basis for success and innovation. This partnership comes within the framework of upgrading the performance of staff which is consistent with our future vision and strategic plans, as well as providing all modern and innovative services for our customers. "

Al Ain Municipality is considered as one of the leading development organizations in the UAE, due to its numerous services and programs aimed at improving and developing the infrastructure of Al Ain.

The municipality has managed itself as one of the most important service provider organizations to implement the highest scientific and professional standards of quality and excellence. It executes this through the development of work systems, and ongoing updates to ensure the highest levels of satisfaction amongst its workers and customers in Al Ain, and its surrounding areas.

Considered as the most leading quality-driven organization, Dubai Quality Group aims to spread quality concepts among organizations through its regular quality programs and consultancy services. These programs and services contribute in improving the performance levels of local business sectors.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Launches Initiative To Help Translators Gain Master’s Degree In Translation

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation today announced it will expand opportunities to professional Arab translators for gaining a Master’s degree in translation from top-tier regional universities.

Launched under the Culture sector of the Foundation, the new initiative is part of the ‘Turjuman’ programme which aims to boost the translation industry across the Arab World through honing the professional skills of translators and equipping them with up-to-date tools and techniques for enhancing the quality and volume of translated works.

In line with the initiative, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation has sealed a cooperation agreement with the American University in Sharjah to offer scholarships for Master’s degrees in translation to deserving Arab translators.

The Foundation has also signed similar cooperation agreements under the programme with the Algiers-based High Institute for Translation and the Jordanian University in Amman. Other leading regional institutes and universities are expected to join the programme soon.

Ali Al Shaali, Director of Publishing – Culture Sector at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation said: “The Foundation is keen to work closely with its strategic partners including leading regional universities to achieve our overarching goal of boosting the knowledge capabilities across the Arab world.

“Translation is not like other professions that involve team work. It is a unique industry that solely depends on the translator’s professional skills and intellectual capabilities. While seeking to accelerate knowledge transfer processes, the Foundation’s Master’s programme will help translators sharpen their skills, resulting in enhanced quality within shorter timelines.”

The scholarship programme is designed to help the Foundation open new avenues for highlighting the Arab region’s rich cultural heritage, and its classical as well as contemporary thought trends on the global landscape.

Applicants to the Foundation’s Master’s programme are required to be professional translators of Arab nationality with substaintial years of experience in the field. Interested translators may also be asked to provide proof of financial need.

In an earlier initiative under the ‘Turjuman’ programme, a group of 20 emerging translators completed a 6-week intensive course from the American University of Sharjah. As an incentive to promoting their skills, the Foundation helped them publish their works in collaboration with leading publishing houses.

Following a multi-pronged strategy to reverse the falling number of creative works in the Arab world, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation has launched several programmes, including ‘Tarjem’ that aims to translate 1,000 bestsellers in three years.

Du Celebrates Al Isra Wal Miraj With Special Rates On 19th July

To mark the occasion of Al Isra Wal Miraj, du is offering its mobile and fixed customers off-peak rates for international calls, as well as special rates for text messages, on Sunday, 19th July 2009.

Customers will enjoy off-peak calling rates to international destinations for the entire day. In addition, du is offering subscribers a special rate of 15 fils for national SMS and 45 fils for international SMS anytime on 19th July 2009.

“At du, we are always striving to ‘add life to life.’ Offering preferred rates on Al Isra Wal Miraj is the perfect way to help our customers celebrate with family and friends,” said Farid Faraidooni, EVP Commercial, du. “Connecting with loved ones is so important on special holidays and we are delighted that we can contribute, in a modest way, to the joy of this occasion.”

For more information on du’s products and services, customers can visit any of the 32 du shops or kiosks, 3000+ authorized du dealers, or the du e-shop at www.du.ae.

RTA Dubai: No Parking Fees during Al Isra’a Wal Mi’aaj Holiday on Sunday

It was announced by Roads & Transport Authority (Traffic & Roads Agency) that parking spaces in all paid parking zones in the emirate of Dubai will be free on Sunday 19 July 2009 to mark the celebrations of Al Isra’a Wal Mi’raaj Holiday.Adel Mohamed Al Marzouqi Director of Right of Way Dept, Acting Director of Parking Dept at RTA’s Traffic & Roads Agency, confirmed that parking of vehicles in the parking spaces of the RTA will be free of charge only on Sunday 19 July 2009; which is an official holiday to all government, semi-government organizations and private companies across the nation.“This step comes as part of RTA’s efforts to provide every means of comfort & smooth mobility to inhabitants and visitors of Dubai during holidays and events. It demonstrates the ongoing care of the RTA for various social cross-sections and the sense of responsibility towards residents & visitors of the emirate. No doubt it is a practical gesture reflecting the vision of the RTA to provide safe & smooth transport for all through providing convenient and smooth mobility to motorists during holidays and religious events” said Al Marzouqi.In the meantime, RTA calls upon the public, particularly motorists in the emirate of Dubai, to ensure optimum utilization of these parking spaces; as they are part of the infrastructure that have been provided to serve citizens, residents, visitors and tourists in the first place. Motorists are also requested not to park their vehicles on pavements, nor at the back of other vehicles; as such a practice will be subject to fines, as provided for in the applicable rules.On this occasion; which is celebrated by Arabs & Moslems alike all over the world, RTA would wish to extend best greetings and wishes to Arab & Moslem worlds, and pray to God Almighty to bring them prosperity & success.