AskDubai Contact Centre Becoming More Popular As A Unified Platform For eServices Of Government Entities

Dubai eGovernment has recently revealed that a monthly average of 20,000 inquiries about online services of Dubai government entities have been received in the first half of this year by its unified contact centre AskDubai on phone number 700040000. This indicates the success of the call centre as an effective unified point of contact providing information services through multiple channels.

H.E. Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director General of Dubai eGovernment Department, said: “AskDubai embodies eGovernment’s core vision based on easing the lives of citizens, residents, visitors and businesses as it plays a significant role in enhancing the quality and efficiency of the government services provided to various sections of society in the emirate, in both Arabic and English. The centre’s mechanism of work is based on enhancing the communication of customers with the participating government entities and replying to all their inquiries through a group of highly experienced and skilful specialists. We are happy about the growing interest of Dubai government departments and entities to adopt this shared service, which is expected to achieve a remarkable growth over the few coming years as a source of information for the public about the services provided by government entities”.

“These results clearly show the rising pace of eTransformation in Dubai and the growing response of customers to the adoption of online services for completing their government transactions on one hand and increasing their trust in the efficiency and security of these services on the other”, Bin Humaidan added.

AskDubai is a 24/7 open line that allows the public to communicate with any participating government department or inquire about any online service or information related to its scope of work in Arabic and English. The centre is unique for providing a comprehensive spectrum of channels that enables the public to submit complaints or suggestions or inquire about online services. These channels include telephone on 700040000, e-mail to help@dubai.ae and fax on 04-3303399.

It is noteworthy that AskDubai is managed and supervised by Dubai eGovernment as one of the shared services provided to government entities to be able to provide their services to the public through innovative channels. It replies to the callers’ inquiries about the online services provided by the participating government entities, these being Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Department of Economic Development, Land Department, Dubai Chamber, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), Dubai Civil Defence, Awqaf & Minors Affairs Foundation, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, Dubai Customs, Dubai Public Prosecution, Dubai Courts, Dubai Autism Center and Dubai eGovernment itself.
 

National Centre For Meteorology Warns Against Reduced Visibility, Rough Sea

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Visibility has been largely reduced in the Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Western areas thanks to a thick blanket of fog and dust funneled to the country from Southern Iraq, according to the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) NCMS, in a statement, warned beachgoers and sailors not to venture out to sea as strong North-Western wind patterns are whipping up 6 to 8-foot high waves.

 

Motorists also were urged by the center to be cautious as dust and fog reduced visibility to 400 meters in some areas.

A largely dusty conditions are expected to linger over the country, the forecaster noted.

Mirdif City Centre Celebrates Hag Eleela

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Mirdif City Centre, in collaboration with the Dubai Social Development Centre, Ministry of Social affaire, is reviving the age old tradition of Hag Eleela in the mall’s Central Galleria this 13 July, 2011. Hag Eleela is an exciting event where children dressed in national costume visit neighborhoods in search of candy and treats while accompanied by decidedly traditional Emirati music.

In what is time honored tradition, the Hag Eleela brings together ancient customs and local Emirati talent to entice all visitors to the mall to learn and engage with the traditions of the UAE.

From 6pm in the Central Galleria the festivities begin with distribution of Arabic coffee, a selection of national songs, free giveaways along with souvenir photo opportunities with the falconer.

From 6.30pm onwards the local Emirati band will be in full swing with some of the most cherished compositions which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Participation is free. For more information please contact our call center 800 6422 or visit www.mirdifcitycentre.com
 

Fostering Collaboration Between Dubai Carbon Centre Of Excellence And United Nations Development Programme

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Within the framework of mutual collaboration between Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (DCCE) and the United Nations Development Programme( UNDP) in the UAE, Engineer Waleed Ali Salman, Chairman of DCCE received Gordon Johnson, deputy of resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP)  in the UAE, recently appointed  to handle carbon activities.

The two sides discussed the latest developments and updates regarding   the common projects between DCCE and UNDP. Also, they tackled ways of developing and expanding the correlative fields of cooperation between the two sides.

On this occasion, His Excellency Saeed Mohamed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy stated: "Being the first of its kind in the Middle East in terms of specialty in carbon emissions’ reduction, DCCE provides cutting-edge expertise aiming to develop eco-friendly initiatives and assuming an effective role for a cleaner and purer environment."

"DCCE works correlatively to strengthen Dubai’s capabilities in the field of reducing carbon emissions through the mechanism of clean development. Reducing carbon emissions has become one of the most serious issues which the world faces nowadays, as it negatively influences the environment, economy and quality of life," His Excellency further added.

Engineer Waleed Ali Salman, Chairman of DCCE, pointed out: "During the meeting, we tackled the progress of the current projects as well as future strategies of the centre. Nowadays, the most effective ways to minimize carbon emissions lie within economic sectors themselves. DCCE is aspiring to be a drive for carbon trading among organizations in Dubai, and to support governmental initiatives aiming to improve their environmental efficiency in the Emirate.

 All these endeavors intend to facilitate and streamline Dubai’s drive towards an economy with low carbon emissions from environmental, economical and social aspects in a responsible way. Moreover, the Centre aims to unprecedentedly respond to the Emirate’s world responsibilities to address climate change in a way that leads to environmental sustainability and economic profits."

DCCE was launched in 2011 as per the directives from His Highness Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Council of Energy, through an agreement executed between Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the United Nations Development Programme."

DCCE was set up as a mutual project between public sector and private sector. This centre encompasses Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubal, ENOC and Estidama. This Centre aims to push forward the wheel of projects during the last years of KYOTO Protocol. DCCE is regarded as the first of its kind in the region, and it aims to make the best use of carbon in the Emirate of Dubai through the mechanism of clean development implementing the best practices in the field of reducing carbon emissions.

Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence is a key component of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, which spares no effort to develop an economy based on sustainable energy.

Freej Comes Alive At Al Ghurair Centre This DSS

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Al Ghurair Centre, the pioneer shopping centre in the Middle East, is set to reinforce Dubai’s role as the shopping capital of the Middle East, through its participation as a Strategic Partner of the 14th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), one of the region’s most celebrated summer entertainment and shopping events.

From June 22nd to August 31st 2011 visitors to Al Ghurair Centre can take advantage of special offers and unbeatable bargains, watch acclaimed international shows and participate in weekly raffle draws for the chance to win 10 brand new BMWs. To further enhance its’ DSS offering, Al Ghurair Centre is bringing the characters of the popular 3-D cartoon series, ‘Freej’ alive through a range of events that include: workshops, an interactive game and a weekly meet and greet with the characters.

Joe Abi-Khalil, Marketing Manager, Al Ghurair Centre, said, “This summer Al Ghurair Centre is set to transform our shoppers DSS experience with a well-rounded selection of special offers, exciting prizes and world-class entertainment that will feature iconic characters from the emirates’ most popular cartoon series ‘Freej’.”

“Al Ghurair Centre is always looking for innovative and creative ways to reward our visitors and this DSS is no exception. Through a series of unique ‘Freej’ events that have been designed to engage and entertain visitors, we have the opportunity to both celebrate and showcase Emirati culture and hospitality to tourists and residents alike,” Joe Abi-Khalil concluded.

Created by Mohammed Saeed Harib, ‘Freej’, is the region’s first and biggest 3-D cartoon series to date. Portraying the lives of four Emirati women living in the expanding metropolis of Dubai, the series has won several awards, spawned successful merchandise lines and a theatrical production and was watched by a record 680,000 viewers in its second season.

Over the five weeks of DSS, Al Ghurair Centre will play host to a life- size, interactive, ‘Freej’ board game, located on the ground level of the mall- the game has been designed to encourage charitable donations from players with all proceeds going to the UAE Red Crescent. In addition there will be a daily ‘Freej’ themed children’s workshop, located at the first level food court and ‘Meet and Greet’ opportunities with ‘Freej’ characters every weekend from June 22nd to July 31st 2011.

Al Ghurair Centre will also host a series of other exciting events such as the Modhesh Meet & Greet from June 23rd to June 25th; Iberclasico Quintet from June 29th to July 4th; and the Pink Garden from July 25th to 26th and July 28th to 31st.

Al Ghurair Centre is also a key participant in Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) ‘Unforgettable Summer in Dubai’ promotion which offers shoppers the chance to win 10 BMW’s over a 10 week period upon purchase of AED 200 worth of shopping at Al Ghurair Centre. Weekly raffle draws will be held across the city every Thursday with Al Ghurair Centre set to host one of the weekly raffle draws on August 31st 2011.

At Al Ghurair Centre, shoppers can take their pick of superior international, regional and local brands. Visitors can also experience a variety of well known gourmet brands, a multitude of cuisines and dining options available at the centre. Unbeatable bargains, exciting entertainment and a vibrant ambience makes Al Ghurair Centre the place to be this summer.
 

DEWAs Customer Care Centre Receives Over 263,000 Phone Calls During The First Quarter Of Year 2011

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, (DEWA) has confirmed receiving 263,524 phone calls during the first quarter of this year. DEWA emphasized the importance of the Customer Relations Department as a vital and effective cornerstone to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction in Dubai.

HE Saeed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA said: “In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DEWA is successfully working to achieve the Government of Dubai’s strategy so as to promote sustainable development in the Emirate of Dubai and to strengthen Dubai’s leading position as a world hub for finance, business and tourism.”

DEWA Customer Care Center is primarily looking forward to speed up the response on all customers’ needs and requirements, adding that as one of the core values of the DEWA strategy, quality and excellence are the main aspects in responding to all customers,” HE Saeed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA further added.

On her part, Amal Al Suwaidi, VP – DEWA Customer Relations, said: “DEWA Customer Care Center received almost 462,000 phone calls through the Emergency Line during the Year 2010, an approximate of 1268 calls per day. The Centre also received around 684,000 calls related to Billing Services, which is an average of 1875 calls per day. Figures released for March 2011 indicate a Service Quality Level (SQL) of 91.75% was achieved exceeding target requirements. The total number of calls for the month of March 2011 was 86,329.

"The Customer Care Centre employs 97 qualified employees and supervisors from the best trained local calibers, in addition to other nationalities speaking different languages like Arabic, English, Hindi, French, Urdu, Farsi, and recently Chinese, to meet all the needs and requirements of customers in line with the international quality standards and best practices in the Customer Service perspective,” Amal Al Suwaidi further added.

The Customer Care Center’s role does not only include communicating with customers through calls but it is also a multi-communication interactive tool with all customers receiving their requirements, needs and consultations via Fax number (04-6019995) and email (customercare@dewa.gov.ae). The Centre also helps customers in the registration process for e-Pay through DEWA’s Website and offers guidance on how to avail DEWA services through the simplest processes. Other services customers can inquire about are the various bill payment channels offered by the Authority, including Customer Service Centre locations, as well as a variety of other services.

DEWA’s Customer Care Centre at Umm Ramool, which operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week including holidays, receives phone calls on 991 for Emergency Calls and Billing and other services query on 046019999.
 

Fitness First Opens Its Middle Easts 18th Club At Mirdif City Centre In Dubai

Fitness First, the world’s number one health and fitness club chain and a part of the Landmark Group in MENA, yesterday announced the largest Platinum Club in the UAE that marked its official opening at the prestigious Mirdif City Centre in Dubai,gave away exciting gifts to the first 200 guests who registered and attended the event.

MickyJagtiani, Chairman of the Landmark Group, officially inaugurated the launch of Fitness First’s 18th club in the Middle East on 15 January.

An exclusive fashion show by award winning UK-based brand REISS wasfeatured as the highlight of the opening ceremony whichalso includes the presentation of awards to winners of previous promotions. Exciting membership options were additionally on offer to visitors at the event.

The sprawling club will host 150 pieces of world class equipment, a cardio theatre, extensive categories of free weights and an exclusive member’s lounge. An indoor swimming pool is also set to open later this year. The Platinum Club will offer free group exercise classes and personal training by world class instructors. In addition to complimentary towelsand refreshments, members will also be entitled to the Fitness First Passport programme that offers access to more than 500 Fitness First facilities worldwide at no extra cost.

MickyJagtiani said: “The largest Platinum Club further strengthens our commitment to provide premium health and fitness facilities in the UAE. At Fitness First, theendeavouris to offer best in class products & servicesand set a new benchmark in fitness clubs and lifestyle offerings in the region.”

RenukaJagtiani, Vice Chairperson, Landmark Group, said: “The new addition to our network of clubs in the region demonstrates our commitment to ‘create exceptional value for all lives we touch’. Fitness First provides the right environment for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle. The state-of-the-art equipment and expert trainers at our clubs ensuresthe facilities are easily accessible. This reinforcesthe brand’s mission of ‘making the world a fitter place’.

Our expertise in providing an integrated healthy lifestyle with our region-wide network of clubs makes us distinctly different in the industry. We are confident that more fitness enthusiasts will sign up to make use of the facilities available at the Mirdif City Centre Club.”

New members to the Mirdif City Centre Platinum Club will be eligible for the ‘New Year, New You, New York!’ promotion that was launched on 10 January and runs until 28 February. The promotion has already evinced keen interest from existing members who aim to sign up for personal trainers.

The Time Out Competition winner will be awarded a comprehensive one-year membership to a Fitness First Club of choice. In addition, visitors to the event had also availed the opportunity to get their images clicked at a photo booth and mailed to their personal email address.

For registration and further information, call 04-2362288 or email mcc@fitnessfirst-me.com.
 

The Legend Of Shaolin From China Brings Body- And Mind-Bending Stunts To Mirdif City Centre As Part Of DSF 2011

As part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), The Legend of Shaolin comes exclusively to Mirdif City Centre’s Central Galleria from February 2 to 8, 2011. Hailing from an ancient temple in China, the authentic Shaolin martial artists are renowned for their mastery of kung fu and death-defying feats. Watch them tell an age-old legend with performances displaying strength of the body and discipline of the mind which is set to have spectators on the edge of their seats.

This worldwide phenomenon directly from China comes to Mirdif City Centre and is part of the mall’s first-ever participation in the Dubai Shopping Festival 2011. The Legend of Shaolin runs from Feb 2 till 8 with daily shows in the Central Galleria at 6:30 pm, 8:00 pm & 9:00 pm.

Mall timing from 10am to midnight daily during DSF.
 

Hawkamah And The International Centre For Financial Regulation Join Hands To Advance On Corporate Governance And Financial Regulation In The Middle East And North Africa Region

Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance (Hawkamah) today, at the sides of the GCC Regulators’ Summit, announced a partnership agreement with the International Centre for Financial Regulation (ICFR), a not-for-profit organization focused on best practice in all aspects of financial regulation internationally.

ICFR joins a growing number of reputable institutions showing their support for an independent, private sector initiative that is improving the understanding and practice of corporate governance in the Middle East and North Africa—and backed by major international and regional organizations. ICFR’s support to Hawkamah is an investment in building sustainable and credible institutions for the region.

Hawkamah and ICFR will work together on important initiatives such as the development and implementation of national legal and regulatory frameworks affecting corporate governance, in cooperation with both the public and private sectors. The joint partnership will aim to increase the training capacity of regional institutions, helping them to inform and train regulators, investors, directors, managers, and other stakeholders on good corporate governance.

Dr. Nasser Saidi, Executive Director of Hawkamah, outlined the significance of this partnership: "The financial crisis has shown us that a strong regulatory environment—with regulators willing to question overly-risky behavior among corporate actors—could have played a role in mitigating the crisis. This partnership between Hawkamah and ICFR is a very encouraging development. Both institutions understand the need to develop the capacity of regional regulators to play a critical role in bringing trust to the region’s markets, ensuring greater transparency, disclosure and accountability within our region and assisting in the further development of the region’s capital markets.”

Charles Taylor, the Chief Operating Officer of the ICFR, commented:
“We are delighted to announce this exciting new partnership which will help to consolidate the work that we do in terms of events, research and training on corporate governance. It is undeniable thatgood governance is an essential component of good regulation.

One of the immediate priorities for the new partnership will be to promote best practice and training for both private and public sector bodies across the region.”

Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE, Dominic Jermey CVO, OBE commented: "I am really pleased that this MOU between the ICFR and Hawkamah has been signed today at the 5th GCC Regulators and Compliance Meeting here in Abu Dhabi. It is a positive outcome of the financial crisis that our nations are working increasingly more closely on regulation and we are pleased that the ICFR is able to play its part in the development of financial services professionals here in the UAE".

 

Residents And Tourists Alike Soak Up Festival Atmosphere At Deira City Centre During DSF 2011

 Visitors to Deira City Centre, one of Dubai’s most popular malls, embrace the spectacular shopping and entertainment options this Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2011. Residents and tourists alike are soaking in the festival atmosphere at Deira City Centre with its retailers’ special offers and promotions, including its own weekly prize draws for AED 300,000 and solid gold bars for shoppers who spend AED 300 or more. Add to this, arts and crafts workshops for kids, roaming entertainment and live cultural dance shows on Centre Stage.

So far, 4 shopping sprees and 4 solid gold bar winners have been awarded, with further winners to be announced up to 20 February when DSF officially ends.

“Each year we try to create something unique that also excites visitors far and wide for the Dubai Shopping Festival, and 2011 is no exception. This year we combine cultural dance acts from around the globe, ultimate shopping promotions from retailers and kids activities so that we cater for the entire family. Our ultimate aim is to show the international appeal of the Dubai Shopping Festival not only through our international retailers but through the entertainment & cultural shows on offer,” said Deira City Centre VP Fuad Al Najjar.

(Record crowds flock Centre Stage at Deira City Centre during DSF 2011) Kid’s activities run from 10am until 4pm daily on Centre Stage before live performances take over from 5pm until 9.30pm. In partnership with the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), the mall also offers roaming entertainment featuring parades, percussion groups, carnival acts, dancers and street performers. All these activities really bring home the Dubai Shopping Festival spirit that is in its 16th year, which Deira City Centre, as part of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, has supported since its inception.

With over 115,000 square meters of retail space and over 370 diverse retailers, Deira City Centre is known by residents and tourists as a the place you love to shop most. Shoppers can expect the perfect balance of international brands and local favorites, ensuring that everyone’s taste and budgets are met. To this end, our retailers are going the extra mile this DSF preparing special promotions and gifts for shoppers to further increase their shopping value and experience.