Dubai Traffic Police On Path To Deliver Target

Road fatalities in Dubai dropped to 70 per 100,000 people in the first half of the year from 89 in the corresponding half last year, Dubai Police chief disclosed today.

  Dubai Police Commander-in-Chief Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim said the Dubai traffic police are on path to deliver projected target of its strategy to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities to zero per 100,000 people in the next nine years.   General Tamim lauded the excellent results achieved while he chaired a meeting for assessing performance of the Directorate of Traffic for the January-June period.   He appealed to motorists to slow down when nearing traffic signals to avoid life-threatening and fatal crashes.   Lt Colonel Saif Al Mazrouie, acting director general of Dubai Directorate of Traffic, gave a presentation during the meeting on the traffic scene in the first half of the year, noting that 21 people were killed when cars ran over them in the first half 2010 compared to 16 in the same half of 2011.   Deaths caused by suden swerve dipped from 11 to 9, over speeding from 14 to 5, not maintaining safe distance between vehicles from 10 to 5, collisions from 45 to 36.   Road-wise, he noted the traffic death toll reported on the Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed Road decreased from 15 and 11 to 3 each respectively for the period under review.

Google And Dubai Internet City To Host Workshops On Leveraging Web Opportunities

Dubai Internet City, a member of TECOM Investments, in conjunction with technology major Google, will host two workshops aimed at enabling NGOs and women entrepreneurs in the technology sector to strengthen online presence, increase exposure and enhance their business.

Themed ‘Google Serve for Not-for-Profits’ and ‘Google Serve for Women in Technology’, the workshops are scheduled to be held on 23 June at the Dubai Knowledge Village Conference Centre.

During the first workshop, professionals working for not-for-profits in the UAE will have the opportunity to participate in discussions on topics such as ‘Online advertising’ and ‘Making use of the web for your NGO’. The second workshop will be directed at women engineers, students, entrepreneurs and business-owners interested in building a successful online business in the field of technology.

Majed Al Suwaidi, Director Business Development, Dubai Internet City, said: “DIC is particularly delighted to support Google’s initiative to host these workshops. These are commendable initiatives by technology leaders who are committed to knowledge sharing. In the current scenario, the digital age has reached its zenith, making web communications and strategies a driving force in the success of a business. Given the essential role and the array of available opportunities it offers, it is important to be equipped with the appropriate skills.”

Google will also host an array of ‘breakout pods’ where participants will have the chance to interact with Google executives and experts. During these one-on-one sessions, they can obtain crucial advice about online strategy, available tools and the opportunities offered by the web.

A special focus will be made on demonstrating and assisting participants with Google’s suite of products that are driving innovation in technology and business across the globe and in the Middle East region.

Mohammad Mourad, Gulf Regional Manager for Google, said: “In a region with such vast and dynamic approaches to business, it is imperative that people are educated on opportunities that the web has to offer. The workshops aim at addressing the needs and growth potential of NGOs and women in the field of technology who immensely contribute to the development of the diverse sectors of the Middle East.”

According to statistics released by worldwide internet market research firm Miniwatts Marketing Group, while internet usage in the Middle East has grown more than 10-fold since 2000, most markets are still in the early stages of adoption. There is much to be achieved in the region with only 29.8 per cent of the population now internet friendly, the report says.

At the forefront of the region’s ICT industry, Dubai Internet City remains committed to supporting emerging technology trends in the region and continues to play an instrumental role in developing the industry while contributing to Dubai’s drive for creating a knowledge-based economy.
 

Emiritisation At Dubai Customs Achieved By 82%

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Dubai Customs, within the framework of mutual cooperation and exchange of experience with all Dubai government departments, received a visiting delegation from Knowledge and Human Development Authority at Dubai overviewed HRD’s operating systems at Dubai Customs and the mechanism of each organizational unit as per designed within the organizational structure. the delegation was also shared an idea about the employees performance management system, recruitment & training plan, requirements & criteria for grades promotion & approval of applications and SRS system mechanism which adopted in the Depart through "Tanafus" program which designed with aim of motivating performance improvement of employees.

Nadia kamali, (acting) Executive Director of HR Division at Dubai Customs stressed on the importance of enhancing such communications with the government departments across the country to exchange experience in areas of seeking best business practices, especially, in the field of human resources, outlined that Dubai Customs always endeavors to develop, train and qualify skills and employees and also adheres to improve rate of emiritisationthrough recruiting best national efficiencies, this practically, by the end of the first quarter of this current year has reached to record 82%.

The delegation was also during the visit was briefed about the Training and Development Program of the Section by introducing the Career Path and Succession Planning (selection of future leaders). The Training and Development Program is to outline the requirements and process need to follow for maintaining continued career process and move from one grade and level to another better one. The delegation was introduced the background of Employees Relations Section which is mainly responsible for facilitating and carrying out services for the employees, including, rolls, medical and government services such as issuance of salary certificates, health insurance cards, services related to Pension Authority, transference of residence visas for the new recruited employees and procedures for sick leave & absence permits. The delegation was also overviewed with the efforts of the Section on the implementation of the Human Resources Law of Dubai Government in relation to violation regulations with intention of maintaining and uplift with excellent work process at the level of Dubai Customs

During the meeting, The female employees at Human Resources briefly introduced the program of development and improvement of employees performance, namely, employees performance management recycle, SRS & its objectives, measurement of employees productivity, in addition to Dubai Customs’ emiritisation compliance in respect of administrative, managerial and specialized functions, the Dept planning in areas of emiritisation and coordination with the Authority, educational institutions and electronic recruitment sites with aim of attracting Emirati Nationals and participation in the employment exhibitions. the visiting delegation was also acquainted with Corporate Suggestions System (Bader) and mechanism of receiving suggestions from employees, suggestions categories and rewards for the participants.

The meeting was attended by HR (acting) Executive Director Nadia Kamali along with managers from Human Resources, namely, ImanSaleh, Senior Manager of Organizational Structure, Amna AL Suaidi, Senior Manager of Talent Management, Mariam ALGaisi, Senior (acting) Manager of Employees Relations. From the Knowledge and Human Development Authority at Dubai, the delegation was led by Ali Bin Ghalaita, Head of Government Relations along with Mariam Gaed, Coordinator of HR Recruitment and Planning, Alia ALNahwai, HR Administrative
at the end of the meeting, Nadia Kamalihonored the delegation by granting Dubai Customs’ memorial shield to Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai.
 

Shoppiesta To Feature As Main Event In The Upcoming Eid In Dubai Celebrations

Citron Communications announced today that Shoppiesta, the first ever consumer lifestyle fair in the region, will be an Official Event of the upcoming ‘Eid in Dubai’ celebrations. Now on its fourth year, the ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid al Fitr’ festivities is organised by the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), an agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED), and is becoming an increasingly popular social festivity that includes several mega events set to enthral Dubai residents and visitors this year around.

The event, organised by Citron, a Dubai-based Events, Marketing & Communication company, is slated to feature five days of shopping, entertainment, adventure sports, daily concerts and dining for the entire family. Shoppiesta will be held during the five-day Eid Al-Fitr holidays in September at Meydan, one of the most happening destination venues in Dubai. This unique event will see leading retailers, brands and service providers bring an array of offerings for both visitors and tourists alike.

Speaking about this association, Mr Radhesh Menon – Director, Shoppiesta, said: “Our association with Eid in Dubai will indeed go a long way in establishing this annual event as the must-visit attraction during the Eid Al-Fitr holidays. As Shoppiesta is planned to be a ‘Consumer Fair’ where there is something for the entire family, it is ideal for the festive atmosphere that ‘Eid in Dubai’ creates. Furthermore, DEPE’s support will pave the way to promote the exhibition and its daily concerts to a much wider audience.”

During each of the five feature-filled days, Shoppiesta will have concerts from 9pm onwards, based on the below schedule:

Day One: Arabic Night – Nancy Ajram (multi-platinum female pop star) and Melhem Zein (renowned Pan-Arab male singer)
Day Two: Filipino Night – South Border (leading Filipino Pop and R&B band) and Mocha Girls (the most popular girl group from the Philippines)
Day Three: Persian Night – Googoosh, legendary Iranian singer and actress
Day Four: Indian Night – Hariharan (pioneering playback singer of Indian classical, film and fusion music) and Shankar Mahadevan (multiple National Film Award-winning music composer and singer) performing Kings in Concert for the first time in the region
Day Five: International Night – Featuring high-profile, world-renowned artists (to be revealed soon)

Besides the amazing bargains and discounts in over 14 consumer lifestyle categories, Shoppiesta will offer unique adventure sports including concerts that will be experienced for the first time in the UAE, plus 32 cuisine choices and four hours of daily entertainment in the evening. The event, with an expected visitor count of 1 million, will also offer visitors a rare opportunity to be part of Citron’s attempt to enter Guinness Book of World Records: creating the world’s largest photographic collage of human faces on a single mosaic.

Shoppiesta’s entry ticket is priced at just AED 5, which will also make visitors eligible for a free raffle draw entry offering fabulous prizes.

For more details on Shoppiesta and participation enquiries, please contact Rizza Tan at:
rizza@citroncommunications.com / rizza@shoppiesta.com or +971 4 3588 911.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Signs MoU With Dubai Airport Free Zone

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) to assess the respective results of performance indicators aimed at improving operations and customer satisfaction at both organisations.

The MoU is in line with the efforts of Dubai government’s policy to streamline its departments under one umbrella to achieve performance excellence. Benchmarking results of performance indicators and sharing practical experiences of institutions to maximize the learning curve are some of the measures taken by the government to support the emirate’s economy.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Executive Vice-President – Corporate Excellence and Support at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, and Yousuf Behzad, Director of HR and Strategy at DAFZA, signed the MOU during a ceremony at the Dubai Airport Free Zone attended by senior officials from both organisations.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi said: “Through this MoU, we aim to strengthen our ties with every government department in Dubai. This will help increase institutional performance as the standards will be based on the comparative competitiveness. By doing so, we contribute to Dubai’s vision of being one of the leading cities in the world in applying good governance standards and achieving full transparency and credibility in government and semi-government transactions.”

Yousuf Behzad said: “There is a real need for various economic institutions in Dubai, especially those which seek to attract foreign investment, to align their standards in order to develop the quality of services offered. A joint effort will ensure high customer service standards, one of the most important elements that appeals to international investors.

“Given its experience of 15 years in performance results indicators, Dubai Airport Free Zone will contribute and enrich the development of the best practices.”

The MoU defines the areas of cooperation to include a series of activities such as benchmarking the results of pre-set indicators for key performance areas and operational performance. Preserving the intellectual property rights of both parties, it also mandates sharing practical experiences, information, and best practices. This move is a joint effort to achieve Dubai’s vision by comparing results of both organizations, within a framework of set principles.

A wholly-owned entity of Dubai Government, Dubai Silicon Oasis operates as a free zone technology park for the semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.

The Dubai Airport Free Zone is one of the most developed free zones in the world and has been designed to provide the best and most important investment opportunities. Over the years, DAFZA has offered important incentives deals in addition to unique support services to multinational corporations from all continents helping them set up their regional headquarters in Dubai, seizing thus many unique business opportunities in all the neighbouring markets.
 

Dubai Properties Group CEO Graduates From Government Leaders Programme

Dubai Properties Group (DPG), a member of Dubai Holding, today announced its Group Chief Executive OfficerKhalid Al Malikhas successfully graduated from the Government Leaders’ Programme, a component of the Mohammed bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development.

Khalid Al Malik received his certificate of completion from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at a ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai.

In line with the strategic plans and long-term aspirations of Dubai, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development offers programmes that build and develop individuals with the aim to further enhance the leadership of the public and private sectors in the UAE. In the long-term, the initiative aspires to mould an assembly of talented individuals with the relevant knowledge, skill and experience.
 

Dubai Trade Expands Customer Options As Habib Bank AG Zurich Integrates Its Services With Rosoom Platform

Dubai Trade, the premier trade facilitator under Dubai World, has added new strength to the e-services it provides to the supply chain sector on its portal www.dubaitrade.ae by adding a 7th bank to the e-payment gateway, Rosoom.

This was announced today (June 21) following the signing of a partnership agreement by Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Group CEO, Port & Free Zone World, and Chairman, Dubai Trade, and Arif Lakhani, Chief Executive Vice President, Habib Bank AG Zurich, in the presence of Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director, Dubai Trade, and other officials.

The agreement will allow Habib Bank AG Zurich account holders to make secure payments for all their trade transactions executed on www.dubaitrade.ae by using the bank’s direct debit facilities. Other key features available to customers on the Rosoom platform include dual sign-in, multiple payment methods and real-time tracking of their accounts.

Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Group CEO, Port & Free Zone World, and Chairman, Dubai Trade, said:
“Taking on the responsibility of facilitating the supply chain operations in Dubai is no small challenge. Since its inception, Dubai Trade has played this role admirably and in the process has promoted trade, the most consistent frontline driver of the local economy. We welcome Habib Bank AG Zurich to the growing family of this trade facilitator and hope Dubai Trade’s customers will benefit from this partnership.”

Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director, Dubai Trade, said:
“It is a unique honour for Dubai Trade to have Habib Bank AG Zurich as a partner as we seek to seamlessly integrate our online services, which are inspired by the goals and objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015. With the addition of a seventh major bank to our Rosoom e-payment gateway, we are confident that our vast community of customers will find their Dubai Trade experience enhanced to new levels.”

Arif Lakhani, Chief Executive Vice President, Habib Bank AG Zurich, said:
“Habib Bank AG Zurich has a long track record of serving Dubai and its trading sector. We have grown with this great nation and are proud of our presence here. Dubai Trade’s e-transaction services are a boon to local traders and we are privileged to play our role in its efforts through this partnership.”

By integrating the online services of DP World, Jafza and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Trade provides importers, exporters, freight forwarders, clearing agents and hauliers a single window for all trade related transactions.

 

First Ever Reading Challenge In Dubai Government Schools Boosts 830 Emirati Children’s Literacy Skills

The British Council’s 2010-2011 ‘Space Hop’ Reading Challenge, aimed at encouraging youngsters in the Emirates to read for pleasure, has come to a close this month after being successfully completed in 10 government schools across the Emirate.

For the first time ever in Dubai, schoolchildren in grades five and eight participated in the British Council’s now 12 year old reading challenge. Children were encouraged to borrow and read up to six books from a collection of over 100 storybooks and non-fiction books and could then select from a variety of activity sheets to engage their creativity and record their thoughts and feelings on the books they read. Schools also engaged the children in activities and events such as storytelling sessions, arts and crafts projects, and drama to boost their passion for reading and develop other skills in English. The programme, which ran across 24 countries from October to July, was themed ‘Space Hop’ and focused on tapping into children’s fascination with space travel and fun alien worlds.

“The British Council is dedicated to supporting educational development in conjunction with local schools, and the ‘Space Hop’ Reading Challenge aimed to promote a love of reading amongst schoolchildren. With the support of the Dubai Government Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) this new initiative saw 830 Emirati schoolchildren across Dubai take part in the challenge and cultivate their passion and enjoyment for reading,” said Karen Ryan, English Projects Manager, British Council UAE.

The reading challenge presented children with a hologram membership card, a fold-out poster with collectable stickers and a number of other rewards. In the three different challenge stages, students from grade five and eight in each school chose to read either two, four or six books in a month, with nearly half of all students reading four books or more.

“Teachers and children were really enthusiastic about this project, and one of the great outcomes is that so many of the students have developed a passion for reading for pleasure, and have built on their literacy and vocabulary skills outside of regular schooling hours,” said Fatma Al Marri of KHDA.

All students that participated were presented with certificates at special awards ceremonies at their schools to celebrate their achievements, while those who were able to finish reading six books received a gold medal as a mark of their accomplishment. Additionally, participating schools entered into a competition to win a set of 50, 30 or 20 books in recognition of their creativity and extent of student involvement in implementing the challenge. First prizes were awarded to Salma Al Ansareya Girls’ School and Al Wasel Girls’ School for grade five and eight respectively.

“Many of the students look forward to repeating the challenge next year and were very sad when it finished. It was a great way to keep them entertained, but more importantly, I believe that students who took part read more books and read more widely than those who didn’t, with potentially life-changing results,” concluded the grade eight teacher from Al Wasel Girls’ School, Dubai.
 

Dubai Airport Freezone Becomes One Of Three Dubai Organizations To Receive Prestigious ISO 20000:2005

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In a confirmation of its focus on improving customer service and maintaining international standards, the Dubai Airport Freezone became one of three organizations in Dubai to receive the coveted ISO 20000:2005 certification.

This certification, that was adopted by the Information Technology Service Management Department in the free zone, will set mechanisms in place enabling the Dubai Airport Freezone to deliver quality technology services to its customers, further meet customer requirements, set up streamlined procedural structures and monitor overall service quality. Through implementation of this prestigious international standard, the free zone will gain further credibility and visibility, helping it attract new foreign investments into Dubai.

On receiving the ISO 20000:2005 certificate, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed, President of Dubai Airport Freezone commented: “By bolstering electronic services and technology in all business sectors, Dubai Airport Freezone is working in line with the directives of the Dubai Government. The free zone is focused on implementing the latest international standards, which will help us offer enhanced facilities to our customers and attract more foreign investment to the Emirates.”

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, the Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone, said: “Dubai Airport Freezone is reinforcing its relations with foreign investors by identifying, developing and meeting all their technology needs, which help them save time and effort. Technology is, after all, one of the most important standards in the global business market and we are working hard to keep up with state-of-the-art international standards. One of our main priorities is to attract more international companies in different fields and help them establish and expand their business in the Middle East.”

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed also lauded the two Dubai Airport Freezone employees, Mohamed Ali Suilam and Amna Loutha, who were awarded certificates from the Dubai Young Leaders Program from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoom, for their achievements within the Dubai Airport Freezone.

He said: “Investing in local youth leaders is a government priority, as these people will help build the Emirates future.”
 

Community Development Authority In Dubai Launches Friendly Touch Awareness Campaign

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The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has launched the "Friendly Touch" campaign to raise awareness on various forms of physical, moral and sexual harassment faced by children with disabilities. Organised with the support of the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy, the initiative is part of CDA’s efforts to enhance the standard of social protection in Dubai and provide support to people with disabilities and support their integration within the community.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum, CEO of Social Care in the Community Development Authority, said: "The Friendly Touch campaign aims at educating the community about the negative aspects of harassment and their ill effects on both the family of the child and the society. CDA is committed to launching community-based initiatives that will contribute to social development and enhance the services for children with disabilities to activate their role in the community.”

"Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy plays a vital role in supporting people with disabilities and we are pleased to co-operate with them for the campaign. We aspire to strengthen cooperation and partnership with government departments and institutions to ensure the protection of all segments of society,” added Sheikh Maktoum.

Dr Sabha Al Shamsi, Senior Executive Advisor to the Education Programme at the Emirates Foundation, said: "Our support to this campaign is in line with Emirates Foundation’s commitment to protect children with disabilities from abuse, and its consequent negative social and psychological impact. We thank CDA for its efforts in educating families about protecting their children and building a healthier society".

Since its launch, the campaign held two discussion sessions led by Dr Eman Gaad, Consultant at CDA. Dr Gaad gave a comprehensive presentation on child harassment, its psychological and social consequences, and how the family can prevent this from happening through dialogue and appropriate advice that would help children enhance their self-confidence.

"Friendly Touch" highlights the types of harassment, signs and symptoms demonstrated by harassed children including recurring bad dreams, refusal to eat,  sudden changes in mood, writings and drawings with sexual overtones, and various other features and unusual behavior.

The campaign also addresses best practices in dealing with these cases, the importance of early intervention, the role of educational and judicial entities in deterring perpetrators, the key role of the media in spreading awareness about the issue, and the impact of harassment on society and ways of prevention, treatment in addition to some recommendations. The response to the campaign has been strong with all segments of the society reacting positively to the message that is being highlighted through ‘Friendly Touch.’

The "Friendly Touch" campaign, which will continue till January 2012, will include 18 awareness sessions.