Foreign Investment Office says strong partnerships and positive sentiment driving FDI inflow to Dubai

The Foreign Investment Office (FDI Dubai), the investment promotion agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), has reported positive outcomes from its association with The Links Group (TLG), a leading company formation specialists in the GCC.

The innovative public-private partnership model formed in October 2010, along with increasing investor confidence has seen more than 40 new entities being established in Dubai to date, said Khalid Al Boom, Executive Director, Investment Support and Promotions, Foreign Investment Office.

The Links Group, established in Dubai in 2002, works to enable companies to complete all legal and commercial processes required to set up a business in the UAE. working together with The Links Group and the Foreign Investment Office collaborate to identify companies and businesses looking to set up in Dubai and work with them through the transition process.

“By offering a streamlined “fast-track” route to the market, The Links Group and the Foreign Investment office are gaining traction and driving companies onshore in the Emirate of Dubai. The partnership has also contributed to the growth of positive investor sentiment and consequently brought more foreign direct investment (FDI) into Dubai”.

"Our partnership with the private sector is in line with our role in assisting the government to bring foreign investment into Dubai and shows DED’s confidence in the private sector and its competitiveness" added Al Boom.

A.T.Kearney recently ranked Dubai among the top 25 global destinations, which attract 75 per cent of global FDI flows. The report also showed a strong confidence in the prevailing business environment and growth prospects in Dubai with 28 per cent of the executives surveyed choosing Dubai as their top investment destination for the next three years and 81 per cent of existing investors revealing that they planned to maintain or grow their investments over the same period.

Citing Dubai’s economic fundamentals, strategic location and reach to fast-growing markets the investors also said the Emirate is a catalyst for the region and the first in line to exit the global economic downturn. With easy access to 1.7 billion consumers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and South Asia, Dubai has become the regional hub for global enterprises, they said.

Stuart Curtis, Managing Director of The Links Group, emphasised the importance of specialised knowledge and cross-market expertise in helping investors optimise their opportunities in Dubai.

“Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and multinational companies need to recognise that to provide products and services onshore in Dubai they have to be appropriately licensed. The business benefits are clear and companies want to do business with other companies that are registered with the Department of Economic Development Department and the Chamber of Commerce in Dubai in a manner that is mutually beneficial and devoid of any risks,” said Curtis.

The Links Group provides consultative services to prospective companies on the benefits of setting up in Dubai, which include but are not limited to financing, SME support, quality networking and introductions with a best-in-class support infrastructure. Specific feedback from The Links Group also enables the Foreign Investment Office to move as fast as possible on applications from companies.
 

Visa Launches Groceries Campaign Aimed At Driving Debit Usage In The UAE

Visa, one of the world’s leading electronic payments networks, continues to drive debit card usage in the UAE with the launch of an exciting and innovative new promotion aimed at rewarding people using their debit cards for everyday use.

Customers using their Visa debit or Visa Electron cards at any grocery store or supermarket in the UAE will now have the chance to win AED 12,000 of their grocery shopping back. With a winner being selected every month until September, this is the perfect opportunity to finally put your grocery shopping skills to good use.

The promotion, which will run from March through to the end of September, is aimed at encouraging people to use their debit cards for all of their grocery shopping needs without the hassle of carrying cash.

Debit cards are becoming increasingly popular in the region, with more banks introducing debit facilities to their product offering. In Q1 2010, Visa reported a growth of 25.6% in debit payment transactions across the GCC, attributed to the increasingly availability of debit cards in the region.

“We have seen a marked increase in the demand for debit products in the region, which allow cardholders to keep their spending within a budget while still providing them with easy and convenient access to their funds“, said Maysara Ghadban, Head of Marketing Communications Middle East for Visa Inc.

“Visa is continuously looking at new and innovative ways to enhance our customer experiences, and the Visa ‘Groceries’ campaign is a perfect example of our commitment to rewarding customers using their Visa debit cards. It is our hope that people take advantage of this exciting new campaign, and don’t miss out on their chance to win big with Visa when doing something as ordinary as their weekly grocery shop,” she added.

There has been an increased awareness drive amongst consumers on the benefits of using debit cards as more than just an ATM card. Debit cards are more convenient than carrying cash or cheques, and as a ’buy-now, pay-now’ tool where transactions are automatically deducted from the cardholders account, debit cards enable you to easily track your spending. People are also now more than ever paying closer attention to their spending habits, and debit cards offer a convenient way for people to monitor their expenses and ensure that they only spend what they have.

Over the years, Visa has worked together with leading financial institutions to drive awareness and encourage use of debit in the region, announcing a number of new partnership agreements in 2010. Visa works with banks to develop their debit portfolios and enhance customer experiences by increasing usage capabilities and offering increased flexibility, convenience and security for their customers.

To enter the draw, simply SMS “Visa” to Etisalat 4848 or Du 2883 (rates are 30 fils per minute), or register online at www.visamiddleeast.com/debit between March and September 30th.

RTA Introduces Knowledge Test To Applicants Of Online Driving Licenses

Road & Transport Authority – Manal Khalid: From the start of 2011, the Licensing Agency of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a new technological service billed as ‘Knowledge Test’ intended to test the theoretical knowledge of applicants for driving licenses online. The new system, which will substitute the current regime, illustrates the vision of the Agency of a Safe Driver, Safe Vehicle and World-Class Services.

Commenting on the new service, the CEO of RTA Licensing Agency Ahmed Bahrozyan said: “We are constantly seeking to keep abreast of the best electronic technologies that reflect our efforts to keep pace with the newest developments in place. In the meantime, it has been our aspiration to upgrade the metrics that help better explore and assess the knowledge of driving license applicants about traffic regulations and road safety. The previous theoretical test comprised 10 questions all of which are related to road signals only. Therefore we have opted to add more questions raising the number of total questions to 35; some of which are related to traffic signals in order to explore the skills & traffic awareness of the applicant and how would he or she behave with the vehicle and cope with other road users in a way that reflects the applicant’s eligibility and worthiness of obtaining a driving license, therefore we named this test the Knowledge Test.

Bahrozyan elaborated on the composition of the Test’s questions saying: “The Test comprises 17 general questions about driving, and 18 other questions related to the type of the required license. To succeed, the applicant must get at least 11 correct answers in the general questions and at least 12 correct answers in the specific questions. This test is run over a touch screen in order to ensure the smooth movement or toggling between questions.

“The new service; which has been launched from the start of the current new year, is comprehensive as it is delivered in three main languages; Arabic, English and Urdu. We have also given consideration to those unable to read through providing them with audio-visual aids explaining to them the requirements of the theoretical test.

“The driving centers will prepare and deliver theoretical optional (not compulsory) lectures to interested driving license applicants before the scheduled time of the theoretical test; provided that the source of the training topic will be the training manuals approved by the Licensing Agency.
 

RTA Introduces Touch-Screens To Test The Theoretical Knowledge Of Driving License Applicants

The CEO of Licensing Agency, Traffic & Roads Agency of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) Ahmed Bahrozyan unveiled the technology introduced by the Agency which is set to launched in Gitex 2010; which includse eye-sight testing of driving license applicants in a way befitting the vision of the Agency: “Safe transport, safe vehicle, and world-class services” through an “electronic-touch” instead of the current system.

“As we are constantly seeking to introduce the latest electronic technologies that reflect the extent of keeping pace with the latest developments, we have therefore aspired to measure the extent of knowledge about traffic rules and road safety gained by driving license applicants accordingly. The current theoretical test, which is still applicable, includes ten questions all of which are related to road signs only. Therefore, through this new technology we have opted to add other questions raising the total number of questions to 35 questions relating to signals, skills of the applicant, measuring the traffic awareness of the applicant and how he or she copes with the vehicle and other road users in a way that proves the applicant’s aptitude for obtaining the driving license. The test comprises 17 general questions about driving, and 18 questions relating to the type of the required driving license. To pass the test, the applicant has to get at least 11 correct answers in the general questions, and at least 12 correct answers in the special questions category.

In keeping with the modern electronic technological drive, advanced technologies have been introduced to run the test using an electronic touch-screen to ease the movement between questions.

The CEO of Licensing Agency stated that the new service, which would be physically launched in the forthcoming period, would be comprehensive and would therefore be delivered in three main languages; Arabic, English and Urdu. “We have also taken into consideration those individuals who cannot read through providing them with audio-visual systems to show them the requirements of the theoretical test,” said Bahrozyan.

“Driving institutes and centers will prepare and deliver theoretical lectures to applicants seeking to obtain driving licenses before taking the theoretical test, provided that the source of the training material has to be from the training manuals approved by the Licensing Agency,” said the CEO of the Licensing Agency.
 

RTA Develops Advanced Training Program For Obtaining Motorbike Driving License

Represented in the Licensing Agency, the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has developed a new policy for those intending to obtain motorbike driving licenses, whereby the trainee has to complete five key stages during the training, qualification and testing process, in keeping with RTA strategy to provide safety to all road users in the Dubai Emirate.

Commenting on the new system, the Director of Drivers Licensing Sultan Al Marzooki said: “The new system for training & testing motorbike drivers, which is currently being run in coordination with all driving institutes in the Emirate, is superior to the previous system as more attention is being paid towards ensuring the availability of all safety & security items during training & testing operation such that driving license applicants are now obliged to put on helmets, gloves, shoes and long-sleeve shirts during driving. The previous internal test, comprising a test on the shape of the figure (8), has been changed in the new system to two internal tests”.

“Licensing Agency is always seeking to provide customers applying for training or driving tests with the best services at world-class standards as the Agency fully appreciates the need to provide the best means of protecting motorbike drivers, as they are among the category of the most risk-prone drivers on roads,” said Al Marzooki.

“The underlying objective of these new training policies is to assist motorbike drivers in gaining high driving skills and ensuring advanced training & testing standards with a view to ensuring safety for themselves as well as road users” added Al Marzooki.

This new policy of training & testing those interested in obtaining motorbike driving licenses has been developed to include five stages. The first stage is to provide Motorbike Booklet; a manual for safe driving written in three languages; Arabic, English and Urdu.

The second stage of training includes the basics of motorbike driving skills which grow in the applicant the potentials of controlling & moving the motorbike and how to use the gear. The third stage focuses on developing applicant’s driving skills such that the trainee can clear the first internal test.

Stage four of the training focuses on learning advanced driving skills to assist in avoiding accidents. This stage helps the trainee pass the second internal test. The fifth and last stage helps the trainee apply skills gained in previous internal stages on road driving, which will help the trainee in passing the external road test.
 

Dubai Taxi Kicks Off “Safe Driving” Initiative In Coop With Al Dobowi Tires Co.

The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), in cooperation with Al Dobowi Tires Company, has recently launched “Safe Driving Road Safety Campaign” initiative targeting all DTC cabdrivers. The initiative, which was unleashed at the Drivers & Training & Qualification Center, aims at highlighting the importance of vehicle safety through maintaining tries safety as a measure to safeguard against road risks and surprises.

“In coordination with Al Dobowi Tires Co., DTC is rolling on this initiative through a series of educative lectures on safety in general and vehicle & tire safety in particular. Al Dobowi is a key supplier of tires to the DTC as per the contract concluded last month for the supply of Korean made Hankook tires compatible with the GCC specifications to the DTC for a period of two years,” said Ammar bin Tamim, Director of DTC’s Fleet Drivers Affairs.

“This initiative aims at introducing the concept of safety on roads, raising the awareness of drivers towards safe maintenance of their vehicle tires all times through regular checks and inspection of air pressure. Tires have a considerable impact on reducing accidents and curbing frequent operational problems to cabs of the DTC fleet which comprise 3504 vehicles operated by more than 7500 drivers 24 hours a day through shifts system,” he continued.

Ammar highlighted the crucial role played by tires in maintaining the vehicle’s safety in general and the driver & passengers’ safety in particular, and stressed the need to select proper tires and attend to their regular maintenance. “The DTC seeks to apply all safety & security features to its services and vehicles so as to achieve the best results and contribute to the realization of the vision of the RTA and DTC of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All,” he continued.

“During these courses live demonstrations were made for sound and defective tires where drivers have been shown physical models of these tires such that they will closely see and grasp how to apply their acquired knowledge during their daily works as cabdrivers. Such campaigns & training courses need to be continued as the DTC is keen on qualifying and grooming drivers fully for their jobs considering them as ambassadors of the RTA and a true image depicting clearly the approach of the DTC and RTA as well,” added bin Tamim.

The Director of DTC’s Fleet Drivers Affairs said: “All new and old drivers have been subjected to various, intensive and specialized training courses based on top class global standards with a view to improving their performance and the level of services rendered to passengers and customers spanning all spectrums of the community. DTC will hold a number of educative programs and practical demonstration sessions about the best traffic safety practices during driving so as to enhance the safety of drivers, passengers and road users at large. The courses, which will be run in three languages (Arabic, English & Urdu) are held in conjunction with several specialized bodies including Dubai Police, Traffic Department of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, and Franchise & Enforcement Department of RTA public Transport Agency,” said bin Tamim in a closing remark.
 

RTA Sets Global Standards Of Medical Tests For Obtaining Driving Licenses

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), represented by Licensing Agency, stressed the need of maintaining drivers’ health safety in keeping with RTA vision of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All, and minimizing the number of road crashes & victims through developing approved global standards for obtaining driving licenses.

Licensing Agency is teaming up with Dubai Health Authority to ensure the medical fitness of drivers as it has a considerable bearing on the abilities of drivers and traffic safety.

According to Sultan Al Marzooki, Director of Drivers Licensing, RTA Public Transport Agency, the new procedure, which is still under study, is being coordinated with the Dubai Health Authority and the Ministry of Interior to ensure health safety of drivers. “The Agency is keen on upgrading the health safety of drivers through adopting world-class standards applicable in this regard in conjunction with the medical bodies, to realize the vision of the Licensing Agency: Safe Driver, Safe Vehicle through adopting measures that oblige drivers to avoid crashes inflicting heavy losses attributed to poor driver’s health.

“The Agency has identified the required health standards applicable to drivers and communicated them to the Ministry of the Interior for review as regards the medical examination of drivers. The Agency proposed the introduction of an intensive monitoring regime over the health condition of drivers through assessing their physical health, identifying the medical entities to be entrusted with carrying out such medical check-ups for drivers, and directing these bodies, while conducting the medical examinations for drivers, to endorse the medical report with a view to reducing traffic accidents triggered by drivers suffering from ailments compromising their driving ability,” said the Director of Drivers Licensing.

“The proposed standards include several points including that all drivers have to disclose whether they suffer from diseases that prevent them from safe driving, and submit medical reports on their health condition as an initial precautionary measure before the renewal of driving licenses. Elderly drivers have also got to disclose their health condition, and in the event of detecting certain diseases, a medical report on the health condition of the driver has to be submitted. All drivers suffering from chronic diseases have to present health certificates proving their ability to drive prior to the renewal of the driving licenses. Additionally, professional drivers have to submit periodical medical reports evidencing their health fitness over the validity of the license.
 

Top Tips For Safe Driving This Summer

Each summer many of motorists will suffer a car breakdown in the sweltering temperatures across the Middle East. Even though it’s an unfortunate thing to happen, there is still the unpleasant experience of having to find help, call the police or a tow truck to assist, all while battling the extreme heat. To help prevent a dreaded summer breakdown this year we have asked the experts at BMW Group Middle East to provide some easy to follow tips for safe summer driving:

Servicing
The high temperatures put excessive strain on mechanical components like cooling systems, batteries and tyre pressure; so it follows that the older your car, the more susceptible it is to such problems.

“While we always recommend regular servicing and maintenance of your vehicle, getting it checked over the summer period is particularly important. It’s imperative to make sure everything is in working condition; it could save you a pretty penny in the long run and will also provide you with piece of mind. We would also advise drivers to take your car to an authorised service centre to ensure you are getting qualified servicing and that the parts that are used on your car are genuine,” said Rudy Spann, Director of Aftersales at BMW Group Middle East.

If you have not had time to book your car in for a service this summer, here are a few self-check tips you can do at home to at least make sure it is ready for a long, hot trip. Before you pull out of the driveway check that your vehicle has:
• Enough engine coolant
• Oil and water filters are at the correct levels
• The air conditioning filter works efficiently
• A full tank of fuel. Never leave it untill you reach your reserve!
• The correct tyre pressures for summer months
• A tread depth of at least 1.6mm, the recommended depth

Your local garage should be able to assist you with all the above points. Another tip to bear in mind is that even though you may be cool at the wheel your engine may not – so keep an eye on your temperature gauge. Overheating can potentially lead to engine failure.

Insurance and Road Side Assistance
If you are planning road trips across the region this summer, make sure that you have adequate motor insurance to cover you on the road or if you are involved in a collision. Also check with your insurance company what your road side assistance entitles you to. BMW has many packages for customers that include free road side assistance and warranties to ensure peace of mind motoring, high levels of quality, reliability and of course sheer driving pleasure.

“It goes without saying that when you are travelling on long journeys, ensure you have enough fuel but also remember to bring sufficient water with you in case of an emergency. We wish all of our customers the best this summer but would also like to point out that speeding is the number one cause of crashes on our roads so please slow down,” concluded Spann.
 

RTA To Upgrade Driving Training Of The Disabled In Coordination With Al Ahli Driving Center

The Roads & Transport Authority, in cooperation with Al Ahli Driving Center, has recently carried out a driving training program targeting some categories of special needs persons, particularly the deaf & dumb, who intend to obtain driving licenses.

Mansour Al Hashimi, Director of RTA Drivers Training & Qualification, revealed that Al Ahil Driving Institute has deployed six of its staff, representing all sections of the Center i.e. Accounts, Customer Service, Schedules, Registration and Management Sections to the course, in addition to five instructors of light vehicles & motorbikes for men and women. The course lasted 12 days with sessions held for 4 hours every day (working day) bringing the total number of training hours to 48 hours, 5 of which were dedicated to offering practical training to some deaf and dumb.

Al Hashimi added: “RTA is seeking to upgrade the work mechanism in place for training and qualifying instructors with the aim of delivering the best services in line with high quality and world-class standards to ensure success and sustained excellence & innovation. Under these criteria, RTA is seeking to train some instructors and employees to learn the language of the deaf and dumb to ensure optimal interaction and communication with these categories, and delivering effective training through this language in coordination with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services”.

For his part Mohammed Mahmoud Mustafa, Financial & Administrative Director of the Center said: “Al Ahli Driving Center patronizes several programs and suggestions and seeks to utilize these diverse programs to uplift the productivity of both instructors and employees of the Center. A suggestion scheme dedicated to employees has been established entitled (Because we care), and the Center established an incentive and rewards scheme; which was selected as the best suggestion in January 2010; recommended by the Supervisor of Schedules and Instructors and selected by the senior management of the Center.