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.”
 

The Canadian University Of Dubai Becomes The First Foreign University In The UAE To Offer A Bachelor Of Science Program In English And Arabic

Canadian University of Dubai (CUD), recently announced that it’s planning to launch a four-year program in communications leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Communications for students who want to specialise in either journalism (print and electronic), advertising or public relations. The new program stands out as students have the option to choose either English or Arabic as the medium of instruction, making Canadian University of Dubai the UAE’s first foreign university to offer this program in both languages. This complements the university’s goal of offering courses that are responsive to the needs and requirements of potential students.

CUD has designed the new course to serve as a springboard into a wide variety of public relations, journalism and multimedia careers, while preparing students to work on all media platforms and familiarising them with the latest IT and multimedia tools. Students will be offered core courses and electives, including: Principles of Writing for the Media, Communication Theories, News Reporting, Designing Media Messages, Public Opinion, and so on. Students will also be given a chance to do a practicum.

"The introduction of advanced communication technologies has significantly changed the way people communicate with each other. This in turn has altered the interrelations of societies in the social, cultural, economic and educational spheres. In light of these changes, Canadian University of Dubai wishes to introduce the new undergraduate program in Communication, which will serve as a tool in developing a new generation of well-qualified communicators who are capable of understanding and customising the ideas and tools of the information age to serve the interests of the community," said Dr. Muhammed Kabir, Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Canadian University of Dubai.

“By offering the course in Arabic and English we are reaching out to a wider student community and giving them an opportunity to become experts in the communications domain,” he added.

Upon completion of all degree requirements, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. Graduates will be equipped with skills and knowledge to enter professional fields such as publishing, editing, production, planning and research, while they may also find jobs in any communication capacity in areas as varied as diplomacy, business, government, non-profit agencies, professional associations, healthcare companies and international organisations.

The Canadian University of Dubai is also planning to launch a four-year Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Translation degree program. This course is designed to equip individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in translation and interpreting in such environments such as television and radio, government offices, foreign embassies, courts, colleges, universities and other organisations that demand translation skills and services.

Established in 2006, the Canadian University of Dubai consists of the School of Business Administration, School of Architecture and Interior Design, School of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology, and School of Environment and Health, and School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The university currently offers 17 programs accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research with six more programs currently under development. At present, CUD serves more than 1,755 students from more than 86 nationalities. CUD is strategically located in the heart of Dubai’s financial, business and tourist district, behind the Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road.
 

The Movie-Going Experience Is Redefined As Majid Al Futtaims Cinestar Cinemas Becomes VOX Cinemas

From today, Middle East movie-goers are set for their most dynamic cinema experience to date as newly rebranded VOX Cinemas sets about delivering exciting new seating, ticketing, dining and big screen cinema options directly based on customer feedback and research.

VOX Cinemas, formally CineStar Cinemas, is now wholly owned by Majid Al Futtaim Ventures, the growth engine division behind Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas, and the incubator responsible for developing new opportunities that complement and reinforce the Group’s leadership across in its core businesses.

The VOX Cinemas brand, derived from the Latin word for ‘voice,’ has been extended to Majid Al Futtaim’s 50 screens in five locations across the UAE, including Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall and Ajman City Centre. VOX Cinemas has significant growth plans across the region and will open the first of many planned VOX Cinemas outside the UAE, when Beirut City Centre opens in 2012.

“Majid Al Futtaim Ventures has seen an incredibly keen appetite for cinema-going over the last decade, and by researching the preferences of our customers across all backgrounds and nationalities, we have created the new VOX Cinemas brand to deliver the most engaging viewing experience as well as more choice in ticketing, seating and dining to further establish movie-going as one of the Middle East’s most popular forms of entertainment,” said Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Ventures.

“With VOX Cinemas, we have refined every aspect of the cinema-going experience in the region to make it more engaging, fun and hassle-free, from the ease of ticket purchase to innovative seating alternatives, and more delicious food and beverage options. Our customers have said that they see the cinema as an affordable way to unwind, escape and spend time with family and friends, and VOX Cinemas have anticipated these needs to offer an experience that is more stimulating, rewarding and enjoyable by offering the latest cinema technologies, not available elsewhere across the region,” said VOX Cinemas CEO Cameron Mitchell.

Delivering the United Arab Emirates’ only 4K digital projection systems for superior viewing of this summer’s major 3D blockbusters, VOX Cinemas’ 4K digital projection systems have four times the number of pixels and resolution than any other digital cinema in the region, creating a more immersive and compelling cinema experience. This enhanced resolution, will boost the popularity of the eagerly anticipated summer releases such as The Green Lantern, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Cars 2 and Transformers – Dark of the Moon, all of which will be screened on massive new VOX MAX mega screens.

Majid Al Futtaim were the first company in the region to introduce premium cinemas, which will be further enhanced through the new VOX GOLD brand, offering fully-reclining arm chairs, a comprehensive cafe style menu, and table service within these luxurious cinemas. Another first for the region, VOX Cinemas is also the first cinema company to offer 3D movies in this premium cinema environment, ensuring that VOX Cinema guests can see every film, including explosive new 3D content, in their preferred cinema environment.

Addressing customer feedback, VOX Cinemas is also dramatically improving customer choice by offering additional ticketing options including online ticketing through their website (www.voxcinemas.com), an iPhone ticketing application, a mobile website, and kiosk and onsite sales.

The new loyalty programme, VOX Rewards, will reward loyal cinema goers through providing complimentary tickets, food and beverages as well as a range of special offers and movie updates. The VOX Cafes and candybars, have similarly been upgraded to offer guests a large variety of traditional cinema favourites, coupled with more contemporary food and beverage favourites such as home made gelati, crepes, fresh juices, salads, sandwiches, French fries, coffees, muffins and gourmet popcorns.

“VOX Cinemas has strong aspirations to roll out its innovative and customized cinema experience to key markets and malls across the Middle East & Levant regions, and we’re currently in discussion with numerous entities across new and existing malls throughout the region,” concluded Ismail.

VOX Cinemas intends to further enhance the entertainment experience by offering alternative content options including major sporting events (World Cups, UEFA Champions League matches, Wimbledon & much more), coupled with forthcoming concerts and children’s events, ensuring that UAE residents are given a variety of entertainment alternatives through their local VOX Cinema.
 

GEMS Education Becomes First Education Company To Partner With UNESCO

GEMS Education, the world’s largest kindergarten to grade 12 education provider, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), have entered into a teacher training partnership agreement to raise the standards of teaching in the developing world.

In signing the agreement today, GEMS Education, which is based in Dubai, has become the first education company in the world to partner with UNESCO to improve teacher training.

Irina Bokova, the Director General of UNESCO said: “The shortage of quality teachers globally is one the biggest challenges we face in achieving the goal of Education for All. Without quality teachers for all, there is no education for all. Under this new partnership with GEMS Education, which has over 50 years of experience, we will be aiming to take a giant leap towards closing the gap in the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom.”

The Founder and Chairman of GEMS Education, Sunny Varkey said, “Teachers create the leaders of tomorrow and I firmly believe that they are the real nation builders. This agreement is an example of GEMS offering the experience and expertise of our world-class educationists to influence how teachers are trained globally. GEMS is also establishing teacher training colleges in India and the UAE.”

The agreement falls under the auspices of the Varkey GEMS Foundation, a not for profit education foundation launched in December, 2010 with the goal of reaching 10 million underprivileged children globally.

The agreement reached between the two global leaders in education will give an impetus in lifting teacher effectiveness in classrooms, which will in turn raise the standards of education being delivered to students.

Through the agreement, both parties will also seek to co-fund interventions in specific countries to improve teacher effectiveness by designing teacher training programmes that promote – especially – the advancement of girls in math, science and technology.

Top educationists from the GEMS team will also provide strategic insight and exchange of expertise on teacher training and leadership development through a regular and structured dialogue with UNESCO.

Vikas Pota, CEO of the Varkey GEMS Foundation said, “In the presence of President Bill Clinton at the launch our Foundation, we committed to work strategically to tackle the twin challenges of promoting universal access to education, and also to raise the standard of classroom learning. With respect to the latter, we believe that by focusing on teacher education and effectiveness, we raise the bar and promote better teaching standards. We look forward to working with UNESCO to improve the lives of future generations by investing in the most critical resource and support to ensure global prosperity – our teachers."
 

du Becomes The First Telecommunications Company In The Middle East To Receive An Award For Excellence In Procurement Practice

In recognition of excellence in procurement and supply chain practices, du – the UAE’s integrated telecom service provider has been awarded a coveted certification by the UK-based Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply.2 This global accreditation is awarded to businesses and organisations for achieving the highest international standards in their procurement and supply chain policies and procedures. The certification is awarded after a series of rigorous comprehensive and systemic reviews carried out by an independent auditor.

Osman Sultan, CEO, du, said: “I’m delighted that we are the first telecom operator in the region to be given the award. To have a third party come into our organisation and look at our procurement process and highlight any gaps and improvements has been really useful. We have gained significant comfort knowing that our processes meet international standards. I congratulate the entire Supply Chain team for their efforts and wish them greater success.”

Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Human Resources & Shared Services Officer, du, said: “ We are proud to receive such an accreditation as it demonstrates our strict adherence to corporate governance and best procurement practices across all the Supply Chain despite being a relatively young company.”

David Noble, CEO, Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, said: “We are pleased to present this certification to du. They have demonstrated that they have robust procurement policies, processes and procedures in place which will bring tangible business benefits and increase their credibility amongst partners, stakeholders and customers throughout the world. This is not an easy accreditation process. It requires hard work dedication, and excellent people, so I congratulate them on their achievement.”

CIPS certification is valid for four years with interim audits every 12 months. The benefits of accreditation are increased reputation amongst peers, customers and the market; embracing continuous improvement, establishing robust ethical practices and the assurance of value-add in procurement transactions.

 

ADFS Becomes Member Of NASDAQ Dubai

The UAE- based broker Abu Dhabi Financial Services (ADFS), the financial brokerage arm of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), has joined NASDAQ Dubai.

Membership in NASDAQ Dubai allows ADFS clients to trade securities on the region’s international exchange. ADFS is a leading brokerage company in the UAE with over a decade of experience in the local and regional markets.

"We are delighted to be able to link our retail and institutional clients to the opportunities provided by NASDAQ Dubai’s market. Our clients are now able to trade NASDAQ Dubai securities in exactly the same way that they already trade on the Dubai Financial Market,” said Aymen Samawi, the Managing Director of ADFS. “As the financial outlook continues to improve in the UAE and across the region, we aim to work with the exchange in the interests of investors and the expansion of the region’s financial sector.”

Jeff Singer, Chief Executive of NASDAQ Dubai, said: "We look forward to working with ADFS as it links new investors to the exchange, adding to the momentum we have achieved since our consolidation with DFM in July 2010. The arrival of ADFS on our market supports our plans for growth in 2011.”

NASDAQ Dubai outsourced its trading, settlement, clearing and custody functions for equities to DFM in July 2010, as part of a strategy to merge DFM’s individual investors into one liquidity pool with NASDAQ Dubai’s institutional investors.
 

Emirates NBD Becomes First Overseas Bank To Introduce Electronic Payment For Government Services

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, has today joined the ranks of major Saudi banks, by becoming the first overseas bank to offer customers the electronic bill payment system or SADAD. The payment facility, managed by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), offers customers the convenience of making direct payments for a host of services such as utility bills and, now, government services. In addition, customers are able to have any payments returned to them via the same system, where refunds may be applicable.

Although SADAD utility bill payment facility is mandatory for all banks operating in the Kingdom, the inclusion of government services has only been adopted by the major ones. Now, Emirates NBD KSA customers are also able to take advantage of the system, which facilitates payment for services such as Saudi passport fees, company or family visa fees and civil registration fees for births, deaths, marriages and divorce. The facility also covers driving license fees, motor vehicle fees and traffic fines.

“Today’s announcement underscores the comprehensive nature of our service offering in Saudi Arabia, which is an important market for our corporate, retail and Islamic banking brand,” said Mohammed Al Hegelan, Country Manager – KSA, Emirates NBD. “We our newly unified brand identity, more and more customers recognise the quality and breadth of our services, which are on par with major local banks in the Kingdom. Our customers can be confident that, with Emirates NBD, the full extent of their banking needs are being met.”

“Emirates NBD is pleased to be able to offer customers this efficient transaction system that simplifies a range of necessary payments,” said Abdulrahman Abughaniyah, Head of Retail Banking – KSA, Emirates NBD. “With the inclusion of government services, individuals and corporate clients can now save time by streamlining all their payments through one channel, which is available around the clock. The new system complements our range of innovative products and services which are the hall marks of a leading financial services provider.”

The new SADAD payment facility is available both in-branch and through Emirates NBD Internet Banking. The service is available to Personal, Corporate and Priority Banking customers, as well as those who do not currently bank with Emirates NBD.

World-Renowned Al Munshed Ahmed Bukhatir Becomes Brand Ambassador For du

In order to further enhance the Ramadan experience for people in the UAE, du has signed on the highly respected and world-renowned UAE National Al Munshed, Ahmed Bukhatir as du’s brand ambassador. The collaboration, will provide du mobile customers exclusive access to Ahmed Bukhatir’s Islamic content, including downloads from the talented artist’s latest 2010 album that will be released to the market during Ramadan – in which he delivers the message of Islam to the world through the power of his voice – exclusively available for du customers during the holy month.

“We are very excited to announce our partnership with this well-loved, home-grown artist, and to welcome him onboard as a brand ambassador for du. This collaboration will provide our customers with access to Nasheeds from Ahmed Bukhatir’s spiritual works – which we believe will help people get the most out of their spiritual journey and bring them closer to their loved ones during this important religious time,” commented Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communication, du.

Ahmed Bukhatir has been one of the pioneers of Nasheed, an Islamic art in which an artist sings without any musical instrument. The content on offer will include music downloads of all 10 Nasheeds from Ahmed’s seventh album, ‘Moments with Allah’, including the popular new Nasheed ‘Moth Arafto Allah Rabbi’, meaning ‘Since I came to know my God’. The new album is set to be released to an international audience, in recognition of Ahmed’s Nasheed writing and vocal talents, along with the increasing appeal that Nasheed is experiencing around the world. It will include Nasheeds in different Arabic dialects, as well as in French and English. Islamic art lovers will also have access to a variety of caller tunes, ringtones, wallpapers, Arabic and English Dua’as, Anasheed. For the first time, du mobile content will also include Quran recitals with the voice of celebrated spiritual artist.

“I am honoured to be collaborating with du, a highly reputable UAE company that conducts a number of activities to support the local community, as well as others around the world. This exciting new venture will help us together spread the true meaning of Ramadan to du customers during this truly special month, providing them with a source of inspiration for their prayers and giving them strength during the fasting hours. And most importantly, Nasheed is something that can be shared between family and friends so that they can experience the spiritual feeling of Ramadan together,” said Ahmed Bukhatir.

du’s Ramadan activities to date:
• du’s online section, ‘Perfect Time’, helps people plan and organise their activities during the holy month, assisting them in observing their religious duties and reminding them to stay in touch with family and friends, as well as providing special Ramadan-specific offers, services and general information.
• du’s revolutionary” Bonus on Incoming Offer” will provide customers 0.1 fils of bonus credit for every second of every call received (6 fils/min)from the UAE. All individual du Pay as you Go® and Elite Plan customers can avail of the offer by simply calling 135 and choosing option 4 to activate the promotion, for a one-time fee of just AED 5.
• du’s latest Homephone 24/7 offering provides Homephone postpaid customers with an even more economical way to use their existing landline, with international calls to 190 destinations from as little as 1 fils per second at any time of the day or week – a saving of 45 per cent on du’s current Homephone postpaid plan.
 

Etisalat Becomes Official Sponsor For Shaabiyat Al Cartoon

Etisalat today announced its official sponsorship of Shaabiyat Al Cartoon, an animated Arabic cartoon series which will premiere its fifth season on Sama Dubai TV in the Holy month of Ramadan. The announcement was made at a signing ceremony between Etisalat and Fanar Production, the company responsible for producing the series. The announcement marks Etisalat’s one-year strategic partnership with Shaabiyat Al Cartoon.

A new season of Shaabiyat Al Cartoon is launched on Sama Dubai TV each Ramadan, with a new 15-minute episode aired every day after iftar. ““Etisalat has always supported initiatives that highlight the best of Emirati culture and continues to encourage such creative platforms reaching out to the youth of this nation. Shaabiyat Al Cartoon is a wonderful showcase of our social lives and cultural values ; and we hope audiences enjoy the opportunity to connect with their favourite characters in a new season once again this year, starting in the Holy month of Ramadan,” said Khalifa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Etisalat.

Through this sponsorship, we are also delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and help spread awareness about Emirati culture, traditions and lifestyle across the multi-cultural population living in the UAE,” he added.

According to Haidar Mohamed, Co-Founder and General Manager, Fanar Production, “We are very happy to announce this partnership with Etisalat. Etisalat has been supporting us over the years and this relationship has now become stronger with the sponsorship of Shaabiyat Al Cartoon for the entire year. We look forward to reaching a bigger audience and satisfying our loyal fans with the active support of Etisalat.”

Etisalat adds to the excitement by giving fans the chance to download Shaabiyat Al Cartoon anytime, now available on Etisalat’s Greetune service at www.etisalat.ae/portal/Greetune. Customers can subscribe to receive Shaabiyat Al Cartoon videos, ringtones and wallpapers by sending SMS ‘SHA3BIA’ to 1110, subscription charged at AED 5 per week.

In addition, Etisalat will introduce a specially developed micro-site under ‘Etisalat Mobile Portal’ that is dedicated to Shaabiyat Al Cartoon. The portal will allow customers to enjoy various ringtones and wallpapers of the cartoon. Customers can simply visit http://mobile.weyak.ae from their mobile devices to download any content.

Shaabiyat Al Cartoon is based on a group of Middle Eastern families and individuals living in Dubai and portrays their lives and traditions in a very humorous and engaging way. Comprising of 24 unique characters from local and Middle Eastern origin, each with their own unique accent and habits, the cartoon has attracted an increasingly loyal fan following across the Middle East.

The most popular characters are Shambee, Afari, Atooga and Bo Mhayeer who can be seen in each episode. Conceived by Haider Mohammed, the series has also gained international recognition and there are plans to put the animation in English subtitles for a global audience to enjoy Middle Eastern and Emirati culture while gaining a better understanding of the same.
 

UAE Becomes 1st Country To Protect PayChannels Rights On The Internet

The United Arab Emirates has taken the initiative to protect Intellectual Property Rights by applying successful procedures to prevent illegal decryption of PayChannels on the Internet. The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) launched the initiative in collaboration of the telecom operators where they have successfully blocked illegal Internet traffic used to unscramble the encrypted PayChannels for the first time worldwide.

H.E. Mohammed Al Ghanim, Director General of the TRA said: “The UAE gives utmost importance to Intellectual Property to ensure the most advantageous economic environment through supporting owners of property rights. This step will protect consumers against this type of fraud and it will limit infringement of Intellectual Property Rights and violation of federal laws.”

In the same context, the TRA warns of the unlawful use of telecom services which harm consumers and the national economy. The TRA also urges the consumers to take caution while purchasing satellite receivers or PayChannel services by ensuring its legitimacy.

The PayChannels were illegally decrypted and distributed over the internet using “Card Sharing,” a method through which a satellite receiver obtains decryption data continuously from an active card, while being connected to the internet. This illegal action infringes Intellectual Property Rights of others and violates federal laws, many consumers fall victims for such illegal activity.