Hamdan Bin Mohammed Endorses Unified Fare Of Mass Transport In Dubai

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, endorsed Order No. 3/2009 governing the Unified Fare of Mass Transport in the Emirate of Dubai by means of a Unified Electronic Fare Card known as “NOL CARD”; an electronic Pay-As-You-Go system introduced by Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) as a means of easing the mobility of all public transport users.

While breaking the news in a press conference held yesterday in the Conference Room of RTA HQ, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of RTA, said: “The Unified Nol Card, which will be unleashed with the start of passenger service of Dubai Metro, offers smooth & comfortable service to users of Dubai Metro, Public Buses, Water Bus and Paid Parking Zones. The name “Nol” was branded to the card as it is an authentic Arabic word meaning “Fare” or “Cost of using transport”. The logo of the Unified Nol Card was designed to replicate the unified identity of transport systems, with a symbolic reference to the seamless flow of various transport modes in Dubai. It illustrates the continuous mobility of commuters between various transport modes without stopovers; where the flowing lines depict the smooth mobility of transport, and the thin lines enrich the card, providing added value and protection to the card against counterfeiting”.

Al Tayer went further to say: “While assessing the fare of mass transit systems, RTA was keen to have in place fares affordable to all, as we were seeking to encourage citizens, residents and visitors to use to use mass transit modes in an effort to make public transport the ideal choice of population. Under the Project, it was decided to divide the emirate of Dubai into five mobility zones, and offer Metro Park-and-Ride facilities free of charge to public transport users, while for non-public transport users a fee of 10 dirham per hour or 50AED per day will be charged.

“Nol Cards comprise four types: Nol Silver Card, Nol Blue Card, Nol Gold Card, and Nol Red Ticket. RTA was keen to have Nol Cards offered at diverse sale outlets such that they can be purchased and topped-up at Ticket Booths and Ticketing Vending Machines in all Dubai Metro stations, different bus stations, RTA Customer Service Centers, and at RTA authorized sales agents. Nol Cards are easily obtained and used as the user has just got to top-up the card in order to use it for boarding various transport modes. The fare will automatically be deducted depending on the use. The Card, which is modeled after international standards, is manufactured by more than one supplier, rendering it safe and difficult to counterfeit. Moreover, the Card has been designed with a view to addressing future requirements of e-payment systems i.e. to allow for the possibility of adding several and diverse uses.

“There are two categories of Nol Cards: Unified Paper Ticket issued at a two-dirham cost, and Unified E-Card issued at a 6-dirham cost. The fare of a single short journey not exceeding 3 km using the paper ticket is 2 dirham. The fare of travel within a single zone is 2.50AED, whereas it is 4.50AED in two neighboring zones and 6.50AED in 3 zones or more. The fare in the Gold Class for a short distance journey not exceeding 3 km is 4AED; whereas it is 5AED for a single zone, 9AED for 2 zones and 13AED for 3 zones or more. The cost of 10 journeys for short distances not exceeding 3 km is 20AED, whereas it 25AED in a single zone, 45AED in two zones and 65AED in three zones or more. A one-day travel pass is 14AED.

“The fare of travel using Unified e-Card in a short journey not exceeding 3 km is 1.80 dirham, whereas it is 2.30AED for a journey in a single zone, 4.10AED for a journey in two neighboring zones, and 5.80AED for a journey in three or more zones. The fare of travel in a single journey using Gold Card is 3.60AED for a short journey not exceeding 3km, whereas it is 4.60AED for a journey in a single zone, 8.20AED for a journey in two neighboring zones, and 11.60AED for a journey in 3 or more zones. The travel fare using a 30-day pass in short journeys within a single zone is 100AED, whereas it is 180AED in two zones and 270AED in three zones or more” continued Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director further added: “RTA was keen on fixing discounted fares for elderly as well as schools and college students. Here it was decided to fix the fare of travel using the Unified e-Card as 90 fils in short trips not exceeding 3 km, whereas it will be 1.15AED in a single zone, 2.05AED in two zones and 2.90AED in three zones or more. As for elderly, a 30-day pass is 200AED; whereas it will be 170AED for students”.

For his part Ramadan Abdullah, Director of the Unified Card Department elaborated on the types of various cards and said: “Nol Silver Card has an e-purse rechargeable up to 500AED, and the journey fare is calculated automatically based on the fare table. This card can be purchased from any ticket booth and some ticket vending machines at a price of 6 dirham for the card and an initial balance of 14 dirham rechargeable. This Card can be used immediately upon purchase, rechargeable at any ticket booth and valid for five years.

Nol Blue Card is a personalized card (with user photo inserted on the card) and no other user can use it should it be lost or stolen, therefore the credit is secure, so it will be stopped and now alternative card will be issued after reporting of losing the card and it can hold up to 500AED worth of credit. This card has an e-purse and the journey fare is calculated automatically based on the fare table. It enables the user to obtain secure online services such as balance recharging, inquiry about transactions, lodging complaints and receiving SMS & email notifications to verify or identify the required instructions. In future a discounted package will be made available for kids, students, elderly and special needs, and the Card valid for five years.

Nol Gold Card is rechargeable and can hold up to 500AED worth of credit. This card has an e-purse and the journey fare is calculated automatically based on the fare table. This card can be purchased from any ticket booth and some ticket vending machines at a price not exceeding 20AED – some of 6 AED for the card and 14AED as credit in the card and can be used immediately upon purchase. This card enables the user the privilege of using the Gold Class in Dubai Metro, and in case this card is used on other modes of transport with no Gold Class cabins, the user will be charged the normal fare, and the Card is valid for 5 years.

Nol Red Tickets is a 2-dirham paper ticket rechargeable that can be recharged for one or two journeys and up to 10 journeys maximum, or a travel pass for one day up to 5 days. This ticket can only be used for one mode of transport at a time (e.g. on Dubai Metro only or on Dubai Bus only), and is considered ideal for occasional or casual users of public transport. This ticket doesn’t have an e-purse account, and has to be pre-paid with the correct journey type. This ticket is valid for 90 days only and can be purchased from any ticket booth and ticket vending machines.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Signs MoU With Lebanon’s FFA Private Bank

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with FFA Private Bank SAL, Lebanon’s leading bank in capital markets and money management, for the benefit of young entrepreneurs in the region.The MoU comes as part of the Philips Innovation Programme initiative, and is designed to reaffirm the Foundation’s commitment to facilitate access to capital for young entrepreneurs in the region while encouraging them to start their own business ventures.The Philips Innovation Programme was launched earlier this year by the Foundation in partnership with Royal Philips Electronics NV and Berytech Technological Pole of Lebanon to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship through offering access to sophisticated technology and facilities to cultivate innovative concepts from the Arab world.Adel Al Shared, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: “One of the key factors stopping the youth in the region from taking up entrepreneurship is the lack of venture capital funding, apart from lack of mentoring. The MoU with FFA Private Bank is geared to address these concerns and facilitate the youth to launch new business ventures on their own.“We believe the MoU will encourage the youth to take advantage of the venture capital offered for startup businesses and become successful entrepreneurs.”According to a recent research by the Middle East Youth Initiative, launched by the Wolfensohn Center for Development at Brookings, US, and the Dubai School of Government (DSG), the unemployment rate in the Arab world currently stands at around 25 per cent, a very high rate considering the region’s demographics is largely tilted towards the youth.The report added the trend needs to be reversed within an appropriate time span for the region to stay on the path of progress.Sultan Lootah, Vice President-Entrepreneurship and Employment Sector, said: “The important initiative will positively impact a generation of youth and encourage them to remain self-reliant. This MoU will act as a catalyst for change and significantly transform the mindset of young entrepreneurs for setting up new ventures.“The Foundation’s core priority is to support the youth in their knowledge and entrepreneurial pursuits. We aim to inspire youngsters to conceptualise solid business models in partnership with leading regional organisations.”Georges Bou Jaoude, FFA Private Bank General Manager Said: “We are very proud to be part of Philips Innovation program initiative. Our Bank views its contribution in financing the program finalist as part of its social responsibility towards young entrepreneurs in the region as well as of its mission which is to identify promising investment opportunities for itself and for its clients.”The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation has entered into alliances with several organisations to help the region achieve knowledge capabilities and social progress. The MoU with FFA Private Bank is a step in this direction that offers a platform for the youth to not only create opportunities for themselves, but help the wider community in general.

Dubai’s First Low Cost Airline Takes Off

DUBAI, June 16/PRNewswire/ — flydubai Begins Commercial Operations With Flights to Four Destinations
in Nine Days

flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, became a reality on Monday, June 1, 2009, when its first commercial flight took off.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/flydubai/38830/

The first flight, which was to the Lebanese capital, Beirut, was closely followed by flights to Amman, Jordan, on June 2, Damascus, Syria, on June 8 and Alexandria, Egypt, on June 9, giving the new airline a total of four
destinations in just nine days.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai said: "This region is very dependant on air transport. It is a great credit to the vision and leadership of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that this airline has now taken off, thereby ensuring residents and visitors alike will be able to travel to more places more often."

The flydubai model is simple, with customers only paying for the services they want. The ticket price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10kg, per passenger.

Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just 40AED for the first piece and 100AED for the second, weighing up to 32kgs, subject to availability. Checked baggage is strictly subject to
availability and passengers are advised to book early to secure the space, as only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed.

A nominal payment of 5AED allows customers to select their seat and just 50AED secures the extra legroom positions. Tickets are changeable for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased on board.

"flydubai aims to make travel a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive," explained flydubai’s CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith. "Our passengers have the option to customise their travel experience
depending on what services they want and how much they want to pay.

"We plan to stimulate the markets in which we operate and encourage people to travel to more places more often. flydubai’s aim is not to drive traffic away from the other carriers but to help grow these markets. When you
consider that low cost travel in this region could be as little as 2% of all air travel, as opposed to more than 20% in Europe and America, it is clear that there is a lot of untapped potential in these markets.

"In addition, flydubai will fly to airports that are currently underserved by the traditional carriers. In a region which is so dependant on air transport, we are looking forward to providing the reality of accessible, low cost, uncomplicated travel."

flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport. Customers can book their flights via the website, http://www.flydubai.com, the call centre, +9714 3010800, through
travel agents and branches of Emirates Post and Emirates NBD.

RTA Receives the Flag of Hosting 59th UITP World Congress & Exhibition 2011

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 16/PRNewswire/ — More Than 1000 Personalities Attend the Event Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:
Dubai received the flag of hosting the 59th World Congress and Exhibition of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011, at the closing session of the 58th UITP World Congress held in the Austrian capital Vienna.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090616/350639 )

The event was attended by more than 1000 personalities headed by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador
to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E.Roberto Cavalieri, UITP President, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, senior Austrian government officials, executives of transport sector from all
over the world, and representatives of companies specialized in the field of transport.

Al Tayer received the flag of hosting The 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition from H.E. Roberto Cavalieri and H.E. Hans Rat amid a huge applause from the attendants.

In a speech delivered after taking over of the flag, Al Tayer said: "The United Arab Emirates made massive economic, social and cultural development and grew into a key commercial center, thanks to the wise
leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his brother HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Accordingly, the UAE has had a vibrant and diverse economy and succeeded in attracting considerable number
of investors, businessmen; thanks to its superb infrastructure, international outlook, free economic policy and emphasis on delivering top-notch services at the least possible costs".

Al Tayer lauded the efforts of the Austrian Government and the UITP in bringing success to the 58th UITP World Congress and delivering it in a fine format. He also praised the work papers discussed during the Congress
and the latest transport technologies displayed by the participating companies. Meanwhile, Al Tayer welcomed all attendants to Dubai during the 59th UITP Congress; which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011.

"When you visit Dubai, you will notice the eye-catching infrastructure, smooth flow of business cycle and world-class service delivery. We view Dubai as a regional hub of integrated transport systems.

The 59th UITP World Congress 2011 will be a milestone in our drive to achieve transport excellence, marking the completion of transport modes spanning the metro, tram, public transport, and marine transport in the emirate such that Dubai will set the example to follow in the region," said Al Tayer.

He added: "I’m proud of the huge success made by the emirate of Dubai in upgrading mass transit system; which has become crucial for the daily mobility of Dubai residents. RTA was established in 2005 to assume
responsibility for transport in Dubai and from inception it set sight on provision of an integrated mass transit network that includes buses, marine modes, metro, and tram; all of which are characterized by top quality,
affordable rates and wide geographical coverage. Additionally, RTA is assigning much attention to safety in all public transport means; including trains and buses.

"This year will witness the operation of the initial phase of Dubai Metro Project; the longest driverless metro project constructed as one project worldwide. It extends 75 km and connects 48 stations; including the biggest metro station in the world i.e. the 25,000 square meter area Union Square Station; a key interchange station between the Red and Green Lines.

Dubai Metro is modeled at the highest global standards and based on state-of-the-art rail technologies to meet the requirements of various community segments. With its air-conditioned stations, and e-ticketing system, the system sets the benchmark of total quality standards. It has a capacity to handle 23,000 passengers per hour per direction, and the metro is set to attract 17% of total person trips in the city by 2020."

During the closing ceremony a film was played to showcase the massive economic process in the emirate of Dubai, the traditions of the UAE society as well as the tourist, cultural and commercial landmarks of the emirate. Al Mazyoodi Band made Yawla dance which was well received by the attendants. Events also included sand drawing of several Dubai tourist attraction landmarks, RTA logo and the logo of the 59th UITP World Congress &
Exhibition "Dubai 2011".

Afterwards, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, together with H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria, accompanied chief guests of the closing ceremony to RTA stand at the Exhibition; where they were served with
popular UAE cuisine and Arabian coffee. The guests attended a video presentation about the experiment of the RTA in developing mass transit systems covering metro, tram, marine transport and public buses as well as
road projects and modern traffic technologies.

At the end of the event, Al Tayer presented trophies to H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E. Roberto Cavalieri, the outgoing UITP
President whose term has ended with the current term, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, H.E Elain Flausch the new President of UITP and the representative of Vienna Government.

Peyman Parham, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Roads and Transport Authority, Tel: +971-42065005, Mobile:+971-50-8889689, peyman.parham@rta.ae; Fiona D’Cunha, Marketing and
Corporate Communications, Roads and Transport Authority, Telephone: +971-4-2065098, Mobile-+971-50-2821969, website: http://www.rta.ae

’O’ Boutique Organizes First In-Store Fashion Show

‘O’ Boutique in Jumeirah, Dubai, which featured outfits, accessories and unique furniture organized last week its first in-store fashion show which was attended by fashion enthusiasts in Dubai.

‘O’ Boutique is the brainchild of Omar Bin Khediya, an Emirati national, and was launched earlier this year. The store is supported by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Leaders, an organization established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to encourage projects for young Emiratis.

Omar Bin Khediya said: “Our first fashion show was a grand success and it brought together glamorous designer names from England, France, Portugal, Scandinavia, Australia as well as the UAE. We featured award winning designers and brands such as Gil Carvahlo, Ruth Erotokritou and TMLS Studio.”

“I would like to thank ‘Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders’ for their support to ‘O’ Boutique.”

Designers and brands that participated in the show also included Lazy Tees, a brand based in London; Westergaard, a Scandinavian furniture designer; RNT Jeans – a new label; the local brand 9714; Art Kids Rebels (AKR); a m James Bond Deck chair; superficial teeshirts; Deri Meya; Bogosse; Nadine Lopes; 90210; Camecira by Razan Massri; Sartori Sartori by Debi Simcox; Marvel; Before I made it Big; Nora and Noel Dugan.

The featured clothes and accessories are available at the boutique and will appeal to men, women and children, aged 7 to 70 years old, and are sold at prices ranging from AED 25 to AED 50,000.

The event was sponsored by Infiniti, Al Rostamani Arabian Automobiles, Purelosophy, the wellness drink from Switzerland which is 100% natural and low calories offered only in 5 stars hotels, spas and now in ‘O’ Boutique. Linda Khalifa, the famous make up artist and hairdresser who worked with international brands and well known starts, as well as the international fashion stylist Aleksandra Pop-Damkova, who worked for years in Milan and moved recently to Dubai especially to provide her support and vision for the ‘O’ Boutique where also among the supporters.

The fashion show was also attended by a number of Omar’s fans and friend’s from all over the world including Jean Paul Dos Santos, Manager of ‘O’ Boutique, and Bin Khediya’s family members including his father Mr. Mohamad Bin Khediya who always believed in his son’s talent and work.

The letter O in ‘O’ boutique represents the infinity sign which reflects continuous success and achievement; it is also the first letter of Omar’s name. The boutique was designed by the British – Iranian designer Pam Oushal.

Following the significant success of ‘O’ Boutique, Omar plans to launch the brand internationally, by opening a branch in France. “I encourage all young business leaders to launch innovative projects that will serve their community and manage their initiatives with good will and determination. They should also set clear goals in order to achieve success.”

Community Development Authority, UNDP Sign MoU To Implement Joint Programme To Support Social Initiatives

The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a joint programme to conduct a series of workshops aimed at strengthening social development.

Her Excellency Dr Maryam Matar, Director General of the CDA, and His Excellency Dr. Khaled Alloush, UNDP Resident Representative to the UAE, signed the agreement at a special ceremony held, recently, at CDA’s headquarters.

The workshops will be on human rights; women’s rights and children’s rights, and sustainable development. Other UN organizations will be invited to participate as per the topic of the workshop, if necessary. Representatives from the government, non-governmental institutions and private sector will be invited.

“The agreement signed with UNDP comes in line with CDA’s mandate to enhance the social development in Dubai. CDA works on setting up the necessary policies and standards pertaining to social services providers,” said Dr Maryam Matar.

“Led by the directions of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, CDA seeks to cooperate with local, regional and international corporations in various fields as this will reflect positively on the lives of UAE nationals,” added Dr Matar.

Dr. Khaled Alloush said: “The MoU aims to enhance relations with the Community Development Authority in many fields, especially human rights issues. We recently organized a joint two-day workshop on children’s rights and we hope to focus on more essential issues related to the society.”
 

Dubai Plays Major Role In Addressing Global Water Sustainability Through Technology

TechnoPark, the Science and Technology Park under Economic Zones World, today announced it will host the biannual International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress this November under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The event will be held from 7 – 12 November at the Atlantis Resort – The Palm. Themed ‘Desalination for a Better World’, the conference is expected to gather over 1,800 industry professionals and leaders from the global desalination and water reuse industry.

Seventy companies from over 20 countries have confirmed their participation at the IDA Exhibition covering over 2,000 square meters. The Congress, which has grown exponentially year on year, involves the world’s most prominent industry players, including end-users (utilities), manufacturers and suppliers, government officials, researchers, financiers and members of academia from over 80 countries.

Salma Hareb, Chief Executive Officer – Economic Zones World, said: “As an organization that leads the region in raising awareness and building infrastructure for sustainable initiatives, TechnoPark takes pride in bringing the IDA World Congress to Dubai for the first time. The conference will facilitate the exchange of global innovations and best practice in this highly important sector, and lay a foundation for Dubai to lead the region in research and awareness of sustainable water supplies.

“In the coming years, water sustainability will become as critical an issue as climate change. Only desalination and advanced water reuse offer hope of future supplies for a growing population on our planet. Since the UAE is the second-largest user of desalinated water in the world, provision of adequate water supply is one of the key challenges facing us, and the vision of His Highness in hosting the IDA World Congress highlights the urgency of the issues that need to be tackled in the region.”

Patricia Burke, Secretary General of the International Desalination Association, said: “Water sustainability is a global issue, and can only be addressed through exchange of information on an international level. The spirit of collaboration that Dubai has shown by hosting the 2009 IDA World Congress will significantly drive progress in achieving adequate water availability for future generations.

“We look forward to the exchange of ideas and collaboration on the critical issue of desalination and advanced water reuse. The industry is constantly evolving and innovating, and our mission is to ensure that desalination is implemented in the most responsible way, from the perspective of cost, energy and environmental considerations.”

Salma Hareb concurred, saying: “The gains from a gathering of top minds in the field will be tremendous, particularly for regional specialists. One of our main interests in hosting the IDA World Congress is the amount of research that is shared, making the congress valuable from a knowledge standpoint. The foundation of our activity at TechnoPark is scientific innovation, which evolves continuously. An event like the IDA World Congress allows that evolution to be equalized across all markets. We believe that this sharing of information and findings is key to a sustainable future as the UAE moves into the 21st century with a strong knowledge economy based on international best practice.”

Burke stated in conclusion: “It will be interesting for global specialists to attend the conference in a location that will rely on their future findings to address their most pressing concerns about sustainability. We understand that the Dubai leadership has embraced sustainability as a core element of its future vision, which is vital to maintaining the enormous growth that Dubai has already achieved. We look forward to November and welcome the new ties and collaboration to come out of the Congress.”

Over 350 papers were received for consideration in the technical programme of the IDA World Congress 2009. There will be 23 sessions on topics such as: Alternative Ideas, Innovative Solutions and Nuclear Technologies for Desalination; Chemicals, Scaling and Cleaning and Mineral Recovery; Energy Recovery: A Dramatic Reduction in Energy Consumption for Desalination; and Environmental Sustainability.

TechnoPark was established to lead innovation with a special focus in water and energy efficiency and is managed by Economic Zones World, the global developer and operator of economic, technology, logistics and industrial parks and part of Dubai World.

The International Desalination Association (www.idadesal.org) is a non-profit organization comprising over 2,000 members from 60 countries, including scientists, end-users, engineers, consultants and researchers from governments, corporations and academia. IDA is associated with the United Nations as part of a growing international network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment For Young Business Leaders Highlights Governmental Support For Small And Medium Enterprises

The Government Purchase Programme at Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders organized a debate on the role of the government sector in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The session aimed at clarifying the relation between the government sector and Program’s members and the role of government departments in developing the SME sector.

Mrs Ibtihal Naji, Manager – Government Procurement Programme; Mr Osama Al Muharam, Assistant Manager, Mr Yousef Lootah, Senior Executive, and Mr. Essam Disi, Manager – Policy Formulation attended the session in addition to a number of directors and team members from the purchasing and contracting governmental departments.

Mrs Ibtihal Naji said: “This initiative comes in line with the directions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, focusing on supporting nationals and to enhance their role in the development process through SMEs. This session is the result of several meetings arranged by the institution with government departments. We are looking forward to launch new initiatives aimed at enriching debate about legislations and laws on the relations between government departments and national SMEs.”

The session highlighted the success stories of the national SMEs and also showcased examples and case studies about the relationship between the government and SMEs.

Mr Yousef Lootah said: “Representatives from contracting and purchasing government departments discussed issues on their relations with Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders. The purchasing law to offer 5 % from the government purchases for the welfare of the Establishment’s members formed a major part of the discussions. The session also presented a clear picture on the support provided by government departments to small and medium businesses.”

Mr. Osama Al Muharam also discussed the purchasing plans of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders for the current year. This will further strengthen the relations with the government sector and enhance productivity and performance of the Establishment members.

The growth in the value of procurements from the Government Procurement Program (GPP) in Dubai over the last six years reached more AED 728 million till the end of 2008. The value of procurements made by governmental and semi-governmental sectors from members of the GPP for the year 2008 reached to AED 240 million, while it reached around AED 27 million from the private sector.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development tackles issues affecting Arab human capital

Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) has announced that it held a new session of the Dubai Policy Watch last Thursday (June 11, 2009), where it launched the "Arab Human Capital Challenge – The Voice of CEOs," a report detailing the challenges facing Arab human capital from the perspective of CEOs of both the public and private sectors. The Arab Human Capital Challenge – The Voice of CEOs report has been developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation in cooperation with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC).Adel Al Shared, Executive Chairman of MBRCLD said: "This new session of Dubai Policy Watch gathered representatives from both the public and private sectors who have extensive experience in HR management. We had also prepared very exciting and interesting discussion points, which made this a highly informative and enlightening activity for the participants."The exclusive event was attended by more than 100 participants from the Government Leaders level and Young Leaders level of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development (MBRPLD) as well as alumni of MBRPLD. Sultan Lootah, Vice President, Employment & Entrepreneurship, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, and Anne Simons, Director and Head, Research & Survey Unit, PWC Middle East Intelligence, likewise were present to discuss pertinent details about the newly launched report.Aside from the guests who discussed the report, there was also a panel discussion featuring Eng. Salah Al Afaliq, Managing Director and CEO of National Tri-Generation CHP; Dr. Sulaiman Al Hattlan, CEO of Arab Strategy Forum and Ghaith H. Fariz, Director, Arab Knowledge Report, UNDP and Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. Aside from the presentations and discussions, participants also had a chance to interact more intimately with the speakers during the Q&A session and a networking session.Dubai Policy Watch forum is a periodic activity that facilitates discussions on various challenges and opportunities faced by incumbent and future leaders and proponents of sustainable development.MBRCLD has been established in line with the vision and directions of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; who has underscored the critical importance of a highly competent national professional workforce to ensure the country’s global sustainability.

RTA Receives the Flag of Hosting 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition 2011

Dubai received the flag of hosting the 59th World Congress and Exhibition of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011, at the closing session of the 58th UITP World Congress held in the Austrian capital Vienna.The event was attended by more than 1000 personalities headed by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E. Roberto Cavalieri, UITP President, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, senior Austrian government officials, executives of transport sector from all over the world, and representatives of companies specialized in the field of transport.Al Tayer received the flag of hosting The 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition from H.E. Roberto Cavalieri and H.E. Hans Rat amid a huge applause from the attendants.In a speech delivered after taking over of the flag, Al Tayer said: “The United Arab Emirates made massive economic, social and cultural development and grew into a key commercial center, thanks to the wise leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his brother HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Accordingly, the UAE has had a vibrant and diverse economy and succeeded in attracting considerable number of investors, businessmen; thanks to its superb infrastructure, international outlook, free economic policy and emphasis on delivering top-notch services at the least possible costs”.Al Tayer lauded the efforts of the Austrian Government and the UITP in bringing success to the 58th UITP World Congress and delivering it in a fine format. He also praised the work papers discussed during the Congress and the latest transport technologies displayed by the participating companies. Meanwhile, Al Tayer welcomed all attendants to Dubai during the 59th UITP Congress; which will be hosted by Dubai in 2011.“When you visit Dubai, you will notice the eye-catching infrastructure, smooth flow of business cycle and world-class service delivery. We view Dubai as a regional hub of integrated transport systems. The 59th UITP World Congress 2011 will be a milestone in our drive to achieve transport excellence, marking the completion of transport modes spanning the metro, tram, public transport, and marine transport in the emirate such that Dubai will set the example to follow in the region” said Al Tayer.He added: “I’m proud of the huge success made by the emirate of Dubai in upgrading mass transit system; which has become crucial for the daily mobility of Dubai residents. RTA was established in 2005 to assume responsibility for transport in Dubai and from inception it set sight on provision of an integrated mass transit network that includes buses, marine modes, metro, and tram; all of which are characterized by top quality, affordable rates and wide geographical coverage. Additionally, RTA is assigning much attention to safety in all public transport means; including trains and buses.“This year will witness the operation of the initial phase of Dubai Metro Project; the longest driverless metro project constructed as one project worldwide. It extends 75 km and connects 48 stations; including the biggest metro station in the world i.e. the 25,000 square meter area Union Square Station; a key interchange station between the Red and Green Lines. Dubai Metro is modeled at the highest global standards and based on state-of-the-art rail technologies to meet the requirements of various community segments. With its air-conditioned stations, and e-ticketing system, the system sets the benchmark of total quality standards. It has a capacity to handle 23,000 passengers per hour per direction, and the metro is set to attract 17% of total person trips in the city by 2020”.During the closing ceremony a film was played to showcase the massive economic process in the emirate of Dubai, the traditions of the UAE society as well as the tourist, cultural and commercial landmarks of the emirate. Al Mazyoodi Band made Yawla dance which was well received by the attendants. Events also included sand drawing of several Dubai tourist attraction landmarks, RTA logo and the logo of the 59th UITP World Congress & Exhibition “Dubai 2011”.Afterwards, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, together with H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria, accompanied chief guests of the closing ceremony to RTA stand at the Exhibition; where they were served with popular UAE cuisine and Arabian coffee. The guests attended a video presentation about the experiment of the RTA in developing mass transit systems covering metro, tram, marine transport and public buses as well as road projects and modern traffic technologies.At the end of the event, Al Tayer presented trophies to H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Omran, UAE Ambassador to Austria & Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN at Vienna, H.E. Roberto Cavalieri, the outgoing UITP President whose term has ended with the current term, H.E. Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General, H.E Elain Flausch the new President of UITP and the representative of Vienna Government.