du’s Real Broadband For All

Demonstrating its commitment to The United Arab Emirates and its customers, du today announced the dawn of a new era in the national broadband services landscape. du’s “Real Broadband Services” will provide upto 16 times faster speed at current customer spend levels, and will be available within its current fixed services footprint from August 1 , 2010 for Enterprise customers and August 15 for all its Home service customers.

Speaking on this occasion, Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du, said, “Broadband is a key enabler today for businesses and the common man alike. We have today announced a broadband proposition that will not only provide an edge to our customers and our business partners, but has also set a regional benchmark in terms of broadband prices and value provided.

du’s Real broadband services will offer better value than similar broadband services offered in the ME region. It will be even more competitive than similar services provided in some developed markets such as Ireland and Canada.

du’s Real Broadband can be availed of by subscribing to Surf & Talk, or Surf, Talk and Watch packages.

Surf& Talk will offer Real Broadband and Landline services with bandwidths starting from 8Mbps for which a du customer will pay AED 199/-, per month, 16Mbps at AED 259 p.m. and 24Mbps at AED 349/- pm.

“Over the last three years, du’s endeavour has been to provide – tailor made solutions to its customers. We believe that with this announcement not only are we providing attractive pricing but providing a stimuli to the UAE’s economy. Our business broadband packages, broadband unlimited professional and broadband unlimited premium will lower the business’s total cost of ownership, by offering upto 16times faster speeds at existing prices bundled with the best international calling rates to the world which will enable higher productivity and contribute to the efficiency of businesses in the UAE. “We believe, that this major move by du, will reinforce the competitiveness of businesses in the UAE by increasing business productivity and will further enhance the image of the UAE as an incubator for business growth and development here,” added Mr. Faraidooni.

du is also offering new triple play package “Surf, Talk and Watch” that includes Landline, Real Broadband and its award wining du TV plus service at a single price. du TV plus offers a wide array of TV channels with features such as pause, rewind and record live TV, Movies-on-Demand, Unlimited Videos on Demand, HD and 3D services. The 3play packages will be available at AED 249 per month for 8Mbps, AED 309 per month for 16Mbps and AED 399 per month for 24Mbps.
 

RTA Accomplishes Construction Of All Phases Of Dubai Bypass Road Project

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji: H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced that RTA has completed construction of all phases of the Dubai Bypass Road, stretching from the environs of Sharjah Emirate at Al Sajaa Interchange and terminating at the exit point from Dubai Emirate to Abu Dhabi Emirate, in a 70 km-long sector constructed at a cost in excess of one billion dirham. He stated that the contractor was making the final touches of the final Phase IV, which stretches from the R/A at the intersection with Jebel Ali – Al Hebab Road up to the entry point of Abu Dhabi Emirate. The Dubai Bypass Road is set to link up with Al Faya Road, known as Trucks Road, in Abu Dhabi in the third quarter of this year.

"The Dubai Bypass Road is a key traffic corridor in the structural roads network plan undertaken by the RTA and offers an alternative motorway to Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed Road as it provides an external corridor for motorists inbound from Northern Emirates and outbound to Abu Dhabi Emirate and vice versa without having to go through downtown area. By opening Phase IV, RTA has completed the opening of all phases of the Road which comprises 6 lanes in each direction," said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer continued: "In view of the immense nature of the project and as RTA was keen on accelerating the delivery of the project, it had been divided into four phases. Phase I started from Al Rawiyya R/A at Dubai – Al Ain Rd to Jebel Ali – Al Hebab Rd, with a total length of 24 km. It also included the construction of an express way of six lanes in each direction at a cost of 363 million dirham.

"Phase II started from the outskirts of the Dubai and Sharjah emirates at Al Sajaa Interchange to Al Rawiya Interchange at the Dubai – Al Ain Rd in a sector extending 23 km costing 295 million dirham. This Phase included the widening of the existing road from two to six lanes in each direction and fitting it with internal and external shoulders separated by the existing median. It also included transforming the R/A of the intersecting Al Khawaneej Road into an interchange allowing free movements in all directions as well as the construction of rainwater drainage system, utility lines conduits and camel crossing as well as improving the existing road elements such as the median, metal rail, safety fence and lighting works.

"Phase III included the construction of Al Qudrah Bridge on the Dubai Bypass Road, which comprises three lanes in each direction, in a sector stretching from Umm Suqeim Road in the direction of Al Qudrah (Endurance) area and Bab Al Shams and vice versa, costing 96 million dirham. Al Qudrah Bridge is considered one of the key phases of the six lanes Dubai Bypass Road, a key corridor of Al Qudrah Road and a continuation of the Umm Suqeim Road passing through the Arabian Ranches Interchange across the Emirates Road. Al Qudrah Bridge provides the users of the Dubai Bypass Road and Al Qudrah Road free movement in all directions. Motorists inbound from Umm Suqeim and outbound to Sharjah Emirate, and those coming from Al Qudrah area heading towards Abu Dhabi Emirate, can use the surrounding tunnels underneath the Dubai Bypass Road, which have been opened earlier to enable turning on the Dubai Bypass Road.

"The final Phase IV of the Dubai Bypass Road, which was constructed at a cost of 289 million dirham, comprised the construction of a dual expressway of six lanes in each direction extending from Jebel Ali – Al Hebab Road to the outreaches of Abu Dhabi Emirate in a sector extending 25 km and linking up with Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai Industrial City to accommodate the projected traffic movements in this road. It also included the construction of 3 camel crossings that can also be used as turning points in addition to rainwater drainage canals, utility lines conduits, metal rails, safety fence and lighting works," said Mattar Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director concluded his statement saying: "RTA will continue upgrading several key and arterial projects in the Dubai Emirate as part of an integrated road-widening plans under a strategy aiming to provided advanced services to residents as well as practical & all-inclusive solutions that ensure seamless traffic flow and realization of RTA vision of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All in the Emirate.

Modhesh World Invites All to Celebrate Israa Wal Me’eraj

Modhesh World the region’s biggest edutainment venue is all set to mark “Isra’a Wal Me’eraj. An Islamic festival, it marks the journey of Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H) to the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and his subsequent journey to the seven heavens. The festivities will begin on Sunday, July 19 from 5 pm. The tradition of the festival will be carried forward with a recital of the event at the Play and Interactive Stage in Arabic. A special question and answer session has been designed in English besides the sessions in Arabic. Generally meant for children, a special session is being organized for adults with lots of goodie bags waiting to be won by parents.   “Education in not limited to studies at school. Knowledge of one’s religion and faith are very important for children to grow into strong and just individuals. Modhesh was created to fill the lives of children with fun and happiness and also teach them values. We hope families will come and celebrate this momentous event at Modhesh World,” said Ahmad Ali, Supervisor of Modhesh World.  Modhesh World will abstain from staging all shows unrelated to the event in addition to no music from Sunday 7:30 pm to Monday 7:30 pm to commemorate this day.Modhesh World doors open at 10.00am – 10:00pm from Saturdays to Wednesdays, from 10:00am – 12midnight on Thursdays, 3:00pm – 12midnight on Fridays. Tickets to the venue are priced at AED 10 – adults and 15 for kids with numerous free games and rides. For more information, please call Ahlan Dubai on 600 54 5555.

Fun For All The Family At Dubai Marina Mall This DSS

Dubai Marina Mall is showcasing a wide range of activities for all the family during this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). Exciting activities include Kids Shows, Kids Olympics and a showcase of Fashion Workshops.

As part of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group raffle a total of AED 5 million is up for grabs during DSS and Dubai Marina Mall is one of the participants in the promotion. To enter the draw, visitors only have to spend AED 200 at any store in the mall.

Mr Ian Ferguson, General Manager, Dubai Marina Mall, said: “Dubai Marina Mall is a relaxed and convenient shopping destination for residents of Dubai Marina and surrounding areas. The mall provides an ideal leisure destination and is the perfect place to unwind and meet friends, while enjoying a relaxed shopping environment.”

He added: “We are delighted to participate in DSS this year and are hosting several events that appeal to all members of the family. This is our first year for DSS and we are honoured that the organisers have chosen Dubai Marina Mall to host some of their signature events, including the Kids Olympics.”

Some of the events at Dubai Marina Mall throughout DSS include a two week kid’s show which will be held in the Dome Atrium; the Kids Olympics, another signature event of DSS, and Fashion Workshops, which will take place in August. As part of the Olympics, children visiting the mall are encouraged to participate in various fun and sometimes challenging activities ranging from baby crawling competitions to remote control car racing. Many prizes will be awarded throughout the Olympics. Another highlight is the Fashion Workshops to be held from August 4 to 8, where a fashion stylist will explain the new haute couture trends and assist visitors to keep in tune with the trends.

The Dubai Marina Mall is a modern shopping and lifestyle destination in the heart of one of Dubai’s most dynamic lifestyle communities, the Dubai Marina. The mall features 160 stores tailored to the lifestyle and entertainment needs of the marina residences. Al fresco waterfront dining, a large Waitrose supermarket and Favourite Things, a children’s edu-tainment concept are already open. Reel Cinemas will open in Dubai Marina Mall later this year.

Disco Whirlwind – The All New Tumultuous And Exciting Joyride At Modhesh World

True to its name, this is one whirlwind of a ride in the Central Hall of Modhesh World. An instant appeal to the young, it also attracts the more adventurous of the adults.

Barring a minimum height limit of 1.3metres, the ride is open to all who are looking for a thrilling, turbulent ride. It moves like a pendulum reaching a maximum height of 10 metres off the ground and rotates at the same time with sharp twists and turns. As it moves at a “whirlwind” speed, exciting screams of those who are aboard it resonates around the hall.

Despite the seemingly dangerous angles and twists and turns, the ride is tried and tested with complete surety of the safety of all aboard it.

Modhesh World doors open at 10.00am – 10:00pm from Saturdays to Wednesdays, from 10:00am – 12midnight on Thursdays, 3:00pm – 12midnight on Fridays. Tickets to the venue are priced at AED 10 – adults and 15 for kids with numerous free games and rides.

All In A Day’s Work For The Next Generation At KHDA

The offices of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority had 27 extra ‘staff’ for the past month as children of employees took part in the Future Managers programme.

The programme gave the youngsters an opportunity to train and work alongside their parents and brothers and sisters at the offices in Academic City. It was designed to give young people a taste of office life, teach them the importance of punctuality, and show them what their family members do ‘at the office’ each day.

They worked in departments across KHDA – Customer Service, Marketing and Communications, Human Resources, IT and the Administrative Support Unit for the Dubai Schools Agency.

Mohammed Khalid Omar, the youngest taking part, studies at Mohammed Al Fateh School in Sharjah. The enthusiastic 10-year-old worked in the Customer Service department.

He said, “Working at KHDA was fun. Initially I thought it would be boring to be at an office but I realised every day is different and it isn’t so dull. I got to meet people from different nationalities, and it gave me a sense of responsibility and learning. Earlier summer time was just for idling but now I am hoping to come back again during my holidays so that I can do my best and enjoy myself, too.”

His mother, Ahlam Rabee Al-Budoor, is a customer relations specialist. She said, “All three of my children have been working at KHDA as part of the Future Managers programme. Over the last three weeks they have developed a deeper understanding of my work place.

“They now understand the value of time and the expectations a team has from individual members. There has definitely been a change for the better. I appreciate this initiative and hope it is developed further in the future.”

Iman Ibrahim, who worked with the Marketing and Communications department, was encouraged to join the programme by her sister, Fatma Belrehif, who is Head of Strategic Projects at KHDA.

Iman was nervous at first but soon blended into her summer work place. The softly spoken grade 11 student from Sukainah High School said, “It was my first experience on a summer programme, I felt I would be out of place without my classmates but everyone was very helpful and kind. I made many new friends and have picked up the essentials of professional life. I now have a better idea of the way work flows in an office.”

Her sister, Fatma who won the Distinguished Administrative Employee award at the Dubai Government Excellence Programme this year, said, “The Future Managers programme is a brilliant idea that gives young people exposure to the real work environment.

“I was keen to enrol Iman in this activity so that she can extend some of her skills and explore others. It gave her a taste of professional realities that are quite interesting. As an individual she is quite resourceful and enthusiastic, I wanted her to be able to develop her skills further.”

Mohammed Badaruddin is a Computer Engineering student at Al Ghurair University; he largely worked with the Customer Service department and occasionally helped the staff of the Dubai Schools Agency. This was not the first summer work experience for Mohammed – he worked night shifts at Modhesh Fun City last year.

He compared the experiences and said, “They are an absolute contrast – while one place is full of rides and fun games, the other is focused and disciplined. Every work opportunity has a level of responsibility and returns I enjoyed at both my summer jobs. At KHDA the approach was organised and I have learned much more. More so because I have my mother and sister working here too and it gives me a wider perspective of the work scene.”

His mother, Mona El Monairy, Sports Specialist at the Princess Haya Initiative for the Development of Health, Physical Education and School Sports with Dubai Schools Agency, said, “The siblings now show a deeper respect for each other, I am proud of the way they care for their responsibilities and punctuality. If it were not for this programme they would probably be wasting time in front of the television or on the Internet. I am grateful for this opportunity.”

During the month-long programme the children undertook various responsibilities. They created presentations to describe their progress and they also visited other government bodies such as Dubai Prosecution Courts and Dubai Municipality for an exchange of ideas with other colleagues and interns.

Taha Al Hamri, Head of the Administrative Services Unit (ASU), assessed the group during their weekly update meetings.

The Future Managers were honoured at an end-of-programme ceremony today (July 9). Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General at KHDA, Fatma Al Marri, CEO, Dubai Schools Agency, and Taha Al Hamri attended the ceremony along with family members and other KHDA staff.

Ms Al Marri said: “We think this is a good opportunity for young people to see what we do. It was really nice to hear that they had enjoyed working with members of their family, and we hope they will have respect for the important work they are doing. Of course, it was very nice for KHDA to have 27 young people in the office for a month as well.”