Women Receive AED 86 Million Dirham Worth Of Prizes From National Bonds

National Bonds has announced the winner of its December million dirham prize as well as the latest person to walk away with AED 100,000 from the hugely successful ‘Live a Debt Free Life’ weekly draw. Pakistani Shabana Taj and British National Ann Marie Cook have become the latest female bondholders to join the National Bonds prize winning family.

Already one of the biggest draws in the region, National Bonds is the leading Sharia’a compliant saving scheme in the UAE and rewards 22,250 prizes to its bondholders every month including a monthly draw of one million dirhams in addition to special promotions. Taj and Clark are two of the huge number of female bondholders to be rewarded for saving with National Bonds since its inception in 2006, with total prizes presented to women amounting to more than 86 million dirhams.

According to the data released by the innovative savings scheme, the number of female bondholders increased by 8 per cent between 2009 and 2010, a clear demonstration of the market segment’s potential and the increasing number of women who are taking the control of their finances. Women have also revealed a winning streak, representing a third of all National Bonds prize winners since 2006 and to date, 36 per cent of National Bonds’ millionaires have been women.

“Our data prove that women are becoming increasingly aware of the role they play in contributing to the financial health of their families, via responsible spending and well planned monthly savings habits. We believe in making saving a rewarding experience and want to contribute to the future success and development of our female bondholders. We hope that these data which represent positive behaviors will reach to all women and consequently all the families in UAE and across the region, to showcase the benefits of saving for a better future,” commented Mr. Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, CEO of National Bonds Corporation PJSC.

December millionaire Mrs. Shabana Taj has been a bondholder with National Bonds since inception and through her dedication to savings has been able to instill the habit in her five girls who all joined the scheme in 2009 and now are proud bondholders. “We never thought this could happen to us,” exclaimed one of her daughters. “All five of us collect our income together and invest in National Bonds regularly as it’s such an easy and rewarding saving scheme as you can see.”

The 14th winner of its ‘Live a Debt-Free Life’ weekly AED 100,000 draw was overjoyed when she heard the news. Having been a bondholder since 2006, Mrs. Cook initially saved AED 500/month later increasing it to AED 1000/month, automatically making her eligible for the draw. When asked about her plans for the money “reinvest the whole amount back into National Bonds in the hope for winning the million! I can’t believe that only a week after treating my 80 year old mother to a first class flight from the UK to Dubai, I won, she has always been the reason of all my blessings “

Following the 2010 launch of the company’s first ever Savings Index that revealed that 27% of women in the UAE save regularly post the recent financial crisis, National Bonds has pledged to play a pioneering role in developing a savings culture amongst women in the UAE.

“We believe there is nothing more important than helping women to secure their future and that of their families. Consequently we are committed to providing the tools and knowledge that will allow them to achieve their financial goals, whether its buying their own home, being able to afford good education for their children or even start their own business,” added Al Ali.

National Bonds certificates are available for purchase in nearly 560 outlets nationwide including, National bonds website, Emirates Post offices, exchange houses and banks. For more information, visit www.nationalbonds.ae or call 600 522 279.

AGMC Celebrates 35 Years Of Excellence And Announces Completion Date Of Multimillion Dirham Investment In Business

AGMC, the importer for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, has reaffirmed its commitment to the UAE with a multimillion dirham expansion to its flagship showroom on Dubai’s
Sheikh Zayed Road, extensive training for staff and all new diagnostic equipment.

Representing an additional investment of over 50 million dirhams, the new facilities are a culmination of an impressive first 35 years in business and will mark an exciting new era for the BMW Group brands in the emirates.
Latest results from the importer reveal sustained growth in the first two months of 2011 following a 19% sales growth last year. Compared to January to February period in 2010, AGMC sales increased 34% for BMW, 170% for MINI and 113% for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Located off Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, the original showroom was inaugurated in 1996 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The redeveloped flagship facility which will officially open at the end of April, covers a total area of 33,000 square meters and features state-of-the-art sales and after-sales facilities, 24 hour Fast Lane Service, a dedicated workshop for BMW 7 Series, X5 and X6 customers and a new car delivery area.

AGMC has also increased its workforce by an additional 150 employees to staff the new facility and workshop. In addition, the importer has invested heavily in training for all sales and after sales teams to ensure the best products and the best service. The new showroom also boasts all new diagnostic equipment and has new systems and processes in place to ensure more efficient customer service turn-around times

Commenting on the company’s substantial investment, Stathis I Stathis, newly appointed Managing Director of Al Batha Automotive Group, AGMC’s parent company said: “With the expansion of our flagship showroom, investment in staff training and the most technologically advanced repair and diagnosis equipment in the automotive industry, we are able to support the company’s sustained growth whilst ensuring outstanding product and customer service to our clientele who expect the very best. Over the years, the model portfolio of the three BMW Group brands has expanded and grown in popularity and we fully expect this growth to continue throughout 2011.”

Stathis I Stathis will now hand over day to day operations to Kevin Hughes, AGMC’s new General Manager. The Scottish national will utilize his vast experience to drive AGMC’s expansion as the company looks to build on their success to date.

AGMC also unveiled the all new BMW 6 Series Convertible earlier this week. The second BMW model to be launched this year, the third generation 6 Series is a very different car from its predecessor in terms of design, comfort and engineering. With its new sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the highest standard in efficiency in its class, the new 6 Series is expected to set trends in the premium car segment and will add to the model’s already impressive thirty five year success story.
 

Tasjeel Rolls Out Second ’Dirham wa’Bas’ Charity Drive Campaign

In light of the success of the first cycle, Tasjeel, an ENOC and Roads Transport Authority (RTA) joint venture for speedy and hassle-free vehicle testing and registration services, has launched its annual ’Dirham wa’Bas,’ a charitable initiative aimed at raising funds for people in need this Ramadan.

Under ‘Dirham wa’Bas,’ Tasjeel will donate one dirham from every car registration fee towards the local charity organisation Beit Al Khair Society, which provides financial support to orphans and underprivileged people in the UAE. The initiative follows the success of last year’s campaign which raised AED 100,000.

Ayas Bin Hendi, General Manager of ENOC Tasjeel, said that the ‘Dirham wa’Bas,’ initiative complements the various efforts undertaken by the ENOC Group in Ramadan to support and assist the underprivileged in the UAE. “ENOC Tasjeel is committed to supporting disadvantaged people by working closely with local and international charity organisations.”

“Last year’s campaign brought hope to many orphans and people in need. This year we aim to raise further funds to support more individuals and make a bigger difference,” he added.

In a bid to offer motorists more convenience and flexibility during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Tasjeel has adjusted its working hours at all service centres except for the JAFZA, Hatta, and Khorfakkan sites, which will be operational everyday from 8am to 2pm. The remaining centres are now open from 8am to 3pm and from 9pm until midnight, Saturday to Thursday.

Dubai Bank Customers Win Million Dirham Cash Prize

Dubai Bank today announced the results of its Kunooz monthly cash prize draw for the month of July, naming Abdulla Ali and Dana Mohamed, joint account holders at the bank’s Jumeirah Beach Residence branch as the lucky winners. The winners received the cheque of AED 1,000,000 from Saeed Bin Mejren, Zone Manager – Dubai at Dubai Bank.

“We are pleased to announce the latest winners of the Kunooz monthly cash prize promotion,” said Bin Mejren. “Since the launch of this programme early last year, we have seen increasing interest from our customers in the Kunooz Value Plus account. As a unique savings product, Kunooz not only offers optimal value for your savings and investments but also delivers a range of benefits. The Shari’a-compliant nature of the account along with the benefits of channeling savings in a simple and prudent manner will continue to be richly rewarding for our customers.”

Under the Kunooz monthly cash prize promotion, each multiple of AED 1,000 deposited in the Kunooz Account qualifies the customer for multiple entries into the draw for daily cash prizes of AED 30,000. For every multiple of AED 5,000 deposited, account holders become eligible for entry into the monthly grand prize draw of AED 1 million. The programme also offers participants the possibility to win more than once.
 

Million Dirham Summer Surprise For Dubai Bank Customer

When Dhabya Al Shehhi, a UAE national homemaker, based in Dubai, was considering closing her Dubai Bank Kunooz Value Plus account so she could assist friends in need of financial assistance, little did she know that the next day she would win a million dirhams in the Kunooz monthly cash prize draw.

“I believe this prize is a gift from Allah for my friends, who were seeking help from me,” says Al Shehhi. “I now plan to use the money to help my friends, and divide the rest between charity and my four children.”

Al Shehhi is a long-standing customer of Dubai Bank, and was introduced to the multiple benefits of Kunooz Value Plus account by the bank’s financial advisors.

“As a homemaker, I invest all my savings for my children’s future,” she said. “With the Dubai Bank Kunooz prize, I am now assured of meeting my children’s needs for many years to come. I have saved with several products, but the Kunooz account has been truly rewarding. I have been banking with Dubai Bank for a long time and I have been thoroughly satisfied with the service experience.”

Tariq Al Farsi, Head of Branches at Dubai Bank, who presented the winning cheque to a delighted Al Shehhi, said: “Our Kunooz Value Plus account has helped our customers in more ways than one. In the last year, including Mrs. Al Shehhi, 13 customers have realised their varied dreams through Dubai Bank’s Kunooz Value Plus account. Kunooz continues to prove extremely attractive to a wide cross-section of the UAE population, including all of those who seek a secure, Shari’a-compliant savings scheme with opportunities to take home a range of fabulous prizes.”

Under the Kunooz monthly cash prize promotion, each multiple of AED 1,000 deposited in the Kunooz Account qualifies the customer for multiple entries into the draw for daily cash prizes of AED 30,000. For every multiple of AED 5,000 deposited, account holders become eligible for entry into the monthly grand prize draw of AED 1 million. The programme also offers participants the possibility to win more than once.

About Dubai Bank:

Since its launch in September 2002, Dubai Bank has placed service, transparency and convenience at the forefront of its operations, introducing a wide range of unique products and services to the market.

On January 1, 2007, Dubai Bank was converted into a Shari’a-compliant financial institution. Today, Dubai Bank offers a comprehensive range of Shari’a-compliant products and services that cater to the needs of its retail, corporate and investment banking clients, including transaction and deposit accounts, personal finance, trade finance, corporate finance and capital market services, as well as a host of other unique banking services. In addition, all of the bank’s activities are carried out in full compliance with the highest global standards of ethical banking. For more information, please visit www.dubaibank.ae
 

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Mall Of The Emirates Launches Kids Walking Programme This DSS

After the hugely popular Mall of the Emirates mall walking programme that started in 2006, the first indoor mall walking programme specifically designed for kids is being launched for Dubai Summer Surprises from June 11 until August 14.

In partnership with Stride for Life, the mall walks will be a mix of fun and fitness and are open to children of six years and above. Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when registering, and they receive free t-shirts once they become a member.

The supervised programme starts at 8:30am on weekdays, in the sanctity of the cool Mall of the Emirates with a walk leader to motivate, train and educate the children with useful tips and information on how to stay healthy.
In a bid to encourage the mini-marchers, Mall of the Emirates will also reward them with gift vouchers when they reach certain targets.

Fuad Sharaf, Vice President, Mall of the Emirates said, “The Mall of the Emirates is the perfect place for the walkers to meet and get their exercise. It’s cool, it’s clean and there’s a lot of ground to cover. Besides that, they can also have a look at what the retailers have to offer.

“We first thought of a kids’ walking club when some children turned up with their parents, and a committed group of 16 junior members developed,” he added.

“With statistics in the UAE showing that around 12 per cent of children are overweight and of those, 22 per cent are susceptible to obesity, the kids’ mall walking programme is an easy way for parents to ensure their children stay active and healthy during the long summer vacation, and you don’t have to spend a dirham.”

The Mall Walkers programme was launched in September 2006, with 50 registrations in the first few months. Now over 400 Dubai residents are enthusiastic members, having walked a cumulative distance of over 19,000 kilometres.

To register or know more about the mall walkers or kids’ mall walkers programme, e-mail Deborah@strideforlife.com or visit any of the customer service desks at Mall of the Emirates.

Five new Mega Jafza Projects set for completion by mid-2009

Jafza, flagship operation of Economic Zones World, announced plans to open its new multi-billion dirham world class business facilities for customers in the coming months. The key developments have entered the final phase of completion, well in line with the targeted time plan.The facilities nearing completion include the innovative Light Industrial Unit-15 (LIU-15), the South Zone Warehouses/ Showrooms, a seven-storey Staff Accommodation complex, Jafza Mall comprising a top-class Food Court and shopping centre and the high-end Office Buildings of TechnoPark.The new benchmark-setting AED 2.5 billion Convention Centre Complex, which is the core element in the expansion of the free zone, as well as the infrastructure developments, including new roads, bridges and flyovers are also fast progressing towards completion.Commenting on the progress of the expansion, Salma Hareb, Chief Executive Officer of Economic Zones World, said that Jafza’s growth orientation is linked with the needs of the customer. "Jafza’s strength has always been its value proposition. We offer nothing short of the best to our customers. The new facilities are a key part of our efforts to optimise value. Our commitment to our customers has helped us maintain momentum and today we are proud to see the developments getting completed in good time," she said.The ultra modern office buildings of TechnoPark, the Research and Development as well as technological solutions provider under Economic Zones World, and the Warehouse and Showrooms in the South Zone will be ready by August 2009. The new Jafza Mall in the South Zone is set to open this month. A seven storey staff accommodation complex in Jafza South is complete and ready for lease. The complex comprises 17 blocks and can accommodate 18,000 persons.Jafza also plans to throw open to customers LIU-15 (Light Industrial Units cum Warehouse) in the North Zone by September 2009. LIU-15 is the first of its kind facility in the Free Zone to offer a 10-metre height allowance for maximum storage. The new warehouses are remarkably innovative concepts in terms of space, convenience and modernity. LIU 15’s strategic location in the North Zone near roundabout 7, hardly 350 metres away from the port, suits customers’ logistics convenience perfectly. The six-block facility includes 43 warehouse units altogether.The touch of excellence is also in the design. 126 sq. m of dedicated front-office space is available on the ground and mezzanine floors, while the light industrial and warehouse facilities occupy 513 sq. m of space across the facility.Talal Al Hashemi, Managing Director, EZW UAE Region, said: "We have invested considerable time and effort on our facilities which are designed keeping our customers varied needs in mind. The idea is to not only create the finest and most convenient business environment possible but also to facilitate enhanced operations and optimise supply chain management.The Jafza master-plan has adopted similar innovative elements in the design of the new Warehouse Showrooms in the South Zone. Combining the facilities of a modern showroom and a functional warehouse, the 68 units are ideal for product display, as well as storage and distribution.The TechnoPark Office Buildings efficiently complement the functional profile of the R & D and technology facilitator. Only 300 metres away from Emirates Road with easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road, the two buildings are examples of design and utility excellence. Each building offers 14,000 square metres of ready-to-use space. The design and the floor plans are user-friendly and flexible for future expansions. Additional amenities include food courts, ATM machines, a bank, a pharmacy, a money exchange office, courier services, a mini-mart, retail outlets, 24-hour security and Wi-Fi internet facility.The new South Zone Food Court in Jafza Mall can cater to 20,000 persons across the free zone. Strategically located near the staff accommodation, the Food Court is also accessible to the North Zone community once the new interchange near Gate 4 is completed.The Convention Centre’s integrated solutions range from exhibition halls, meeting rooms, to hotel, offices, food courts and everything a business could possibly want in a single location.The project covers an area of 72,700 square meters adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road. The 34 storey complex includes a 4100-space car park, a 4-star hotel, a modular 600 seater capacity auditorium, a banqueting hall, 22 meeting rooms, conference halls, a business centre, 22-outlet food court, two terrace restaurants, a fitness centre, a recreational area, retail outlets and a VIP Majlis. The project is fast progressing, in line with the scheduled plan for completion by the end of 2011.

DIFC Real Estate Fund Invests Dhs3bn in Dubai Pearl

DIFC Investments, the investment arm of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), announced today that it has invested over Dhs3bn in the Dubai Pearl project.

The investment was made through DIFC Investments’ real estate fund, which was launched recently to tap into the booming property sector in Dubai and the UAE. The multi-billion Dirham fund seeks to create a portfolio of quality real estate acquisitions that will yield positive return on equity as the property sector continues to grow.

Dubai Pearl is an Dhs15bn mixed-use luxury project located adjacent to TECOM Investments’ knowledge clusters. It is being developed by Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, a consortium of investors led by Al Fahim Group. The deal takes the total sales at the luxury Dubai Pearl development to more than Dhs10bn.

H.E. Dr. Omar bin Suleiman, the Governor of DIFC and Chairman of DIFC Investments, said: ’This acquisition marks our first major investment into Dubai’s real estate sector, which continues to demonstrate tremendous potential for investors and homeowners.’ Abdul Majeed Al Fahim, Chairman of Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, said: ’We are delighted to announce DIFC Investments has acquired a significant portion of the prestigious Dubai Pearl development.

The purchase validates the status of the 15 million sq ft Dubai Pearl development as a unique destination.’
’The interest shown by the recently launched fund of DIFC Investments also justifies our commitment to creating world class developments as the region’s leading master developers of elite projects,’ he added.

Dubai Pearl is a premier business and lifestyle destination that aims to create climate-conditioned pedestrian walkways, conveying a street café ambience with international restaurants, boutiques and urban landscaping, it is the only development overlooking Palm Jumeirah. Expected to be completed by December 2011, Dubai Pearl will combine an active business district with quality urban lifestyle, offering easy access to premium commercial and residential areas such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, as well as Jumeirah. It will be linked to
Dubai Metro and other modes of public transport.

In October 2008, DIFC Investments, through its real estate arm, launched a fund that will focus on Dubai and the UAE’s real estate sector. The fund aims to tap into the sector’s potential growth over the next few years as more developments are launched to meet the demands of the region’s population boom.

Water Bus Ferries More Than 191k Passengers In 4 Months-RTA

The Water Bus ferried over 191, 000 passengers in 42,720 trips during the period from the first of January 2009 till the end of February of the same year, revealed Marine Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).

“These statistics covers passengers served during the first four months of 2009. Water Bus tickets are offered either in cash or through a prepaid card including a 10% discount. The Agency has recently introduced the e-fare collection system to the Water Bus at a cost of 11 million dirham, and allocated gates for special needs” said Hussain Ali Al Saffar, Director of Operation and Maintenance Dep’t at RTA Marine Agency.

“The number of passengers ferried on board the Water Bus in January clocked 49696 passengers served in 11036 trips, and the number was 49498 passengers in February ferried in 9968 trips, whereas in March it was 45865 passengers ferried in 11036 trips, and in April the number hit 44007 passengers ferried in 10680 trips. The service is offered through four operational lines: B1 from Sabkha Station to Bur Dubai Station (since 16 August 2007), B3 from Seef Station – Bani Yas Station – Sabkha Station, B2 from Bani Yas Station to Dubai Old Souk Station (since 4 October 2007), and the Tourist Line; which was operated on 14 December 2007 providing shuttle service between Shindagha Station and Seef Station.

“RTA Board of Directors, chaired by the Chairman of the Board & Executive Director H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, recently set the new fare for the Water Bus as 4 dirham per round trip (back and forth) during a single day. The Board also endorsed the launch of the new Line B4 (Creek Park – Seef – Bur Dubai).

“The Water Bus project is one of the key projects undertaken by Marine Agency with the aim of upgrading safe marine transit modes integrated with other transit modes such as rail, taxi and buses. As such it adds to the portfolio of public transport modes and contributes to minimizing traffic congestion in the city of Dubai in particular and the neighbouring emirates in general.

“The Agency is focusing on upgrading all marine transit systems through three main points, namely: the first is conducting detailed studies & applied practices necessary for designing, applying, managing, operating and maintaining marine transit systems. This includes establishing lines, services, station locations, maintenance workshops & technological systems, boat types, system management & operation, and supervision of maintenance processes. The second one is licensing of marine transport lines & all types of boats and drivers.

The third point is drafting legislations as regards the business of the Agency and submitting them to the Board of Directors, covering aspects such as passenger fares and fees of utilizing all facilities & related installations.

More Than AED23m Fetched From 62nd Number Plates Auction

Vehicle number plate (G 60) topped the sales and fetched 1,390,000 dirham in the 62nd Distinguished Number Plates Auction recently held by Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) at Jumeirah Beach Hotel; which raised total proceeds of 23,775,000 dirham.

“The aggregate amount raised in the 62nd Auction is testament to the success of Distinguished Number Plates Auction in Dubai” said the CEO of RTA Licensing Agency Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan. “The Auction made a good progress towards meeting the demand of a wide segment of the public wishing to own distinguished numbers. This is reflected in the attendance of about 300 bidders who participated effectively in the bidding process and hailed the improved procedure of organizing & displaying distinguished numbers. During the Auction 105 numbers were offered comprising 2, 3, 4, and 5-digit numbers of categories F, G, H & I” he added.

“Out of the total 105 numbers offered, 4 were 2-digit plates, 43 were 3-digit plates, 32 were 4-digit plates, and 26 were 5-digit plates. In the sales ring, 2-digit number plates topped the list of proceeds with the number (G 60) clocking the highest sales price of 1.39 million dirham, next came (G 27) which fetched 1.3 million dirham, followed by (H 90) selling for 1.25 million dirham, and (G 45) which was sold for 1.18 million dirham.

“3-digit numbers, which included 43 numbers, was topped by (H 100) which was sold for one million dirham, and the 4-digit numbers, which included 32 numbers, was topped by (G 4444) selling for 610,000 dirham, whereas 5-digit numbers, which included 26 numbers, was topped by (G 88888) selling for 670,000 dirham.

“The Distinguished Number Plate Auctions, which are held almost on monthly basis, are making continued successes in attracting a wide spectrum of community segments hailing from various emirates who are making serious bids to own distinguished numbers in offer. RTA is therefore seeking to continue with upgrading the Auction in terms of procedures and diversity of issuing new numbers to meet aspirations of these individuals to own distinguished licensing numbers” added Bahrozyan.

The CEO of Licensing Agency elaborated on the factors underlying the success of the 62nd Auction and said: “We can single out two-fold success factors; operational and logistical. These include mobilizing all resources to promote the Auction and licensing numbers, systematic marketing planning adopting various tools to reach the targeted audience, official media support, and forming a work team to oversee the Auction program & requirements. Other factors include the official announcement of the Auction 15 days in advance, and prior arrangements made for the venue and the Auction company, culminating in a smooth flow of associated operations.