DEWA Launches The First Governmental Application For Blackberry PlayBook

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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched the first Governmental application for “BlackBerry PlayBook” subsequent to its applications available for the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows 7. This comes within the framework of promoting, streamlining and simplifying DEWA’s e-services delivered to customers.

While doing this, DEWA has paid great attention to time, speed and accuracy, especially at the launch phase leading to the fact that customers can now perform many tasks without resort to logging on to DEWA’s website.
On this occasion, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA said: “In line with the directives of his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aiming to consolidate Dubai’s leading position as a world hub for business and finance, DEWA brings in and applies best technologies and solutions as well as implementing them into its various e-operations with the purpose of to integrating them with Dubai Strategic Plan.”

“DEWA adopts a vision aiming to combine excellence and leadership into its services, as well as working relentlessly to apply best practices and pioneering systems to provide government services in compliance with the highest criteria of quality and excellence in line with Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, which aims at building knowledge-based economy,” His Excellency further added.

“DEWA has developed this application via its own manpower, namely its IT Team. Thanks to this application, customers can now read DEWA’s news, get to know about its events, get access to video gallery, use bill-inquiry service, epay & mpay service, send feedback to customer service centres as well as knowing their timing, specify the nearest centre for bill payment via Google maps, etc.,” His Excellency pointed out.

Eng. Marwan bin Haidre – VP & Head of IT Division at DEWA said: “DEWA’s strategy is based on delivering its service to a wide range of customers, as its ultimate objective is to make everything easy for customers so as to save their time, efforts and money. This application is part of a variety of e-services available on DEWA’s website or via smart phones applications. This application will be available within coming days in Application World.”

DEWA takes pride in its achievements which secure e-services to its customers, as the percentage of transactions performed in 2010 through the internet reached around 546,489. Besides, all DEWA’s relentless efforts to streamline its services have led to its winning several awards and certifications including “The Award of The Best IT Division in the Middle East 2010”, Middle East 16th Excellence Award for Government & e-Services” being the best authority to deliver e-services in 2011, and finally the Award of the Year’s Application in Social Communication 2011 due to its development of smart phones and devices.
 

DED Hosts First Seminar On Investing In People

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), in association with International Performance Excellence (IPE), a UAE-based research and training consultancy, recently organised the first joint seminar to create awareness among enterprises and organisational leaders on the “Investing in People (IIP)” standard of excellence.

The one-day seminar, held at the Business Village, followed a partnership agreement signed between DED and IPE to encourage enterprises to achieve organisational excellence and improve business performance by investing in people. DED and IPE have agreed to conduct a series of knowledge-sharing programmes aimed to enable organisations to qualify as a model investor in people.

Over 25 senior employees from various organisations attended the seminar, led by Dr Alaa Garad, CEO of International Performance Excellence and an expert in Organisational Excellence and Total Quality Management. Dr. Garad explained how organisations can integrate IIP standard in their human resources approach and eventually get accredited by UK-based IIP International. International Performance Excellence is the exclusive partner of IIP International in the UAE.

Developed in the UK two decades ago, IIP has since then proved to be of great value in helping organisations cope with change and economic uncertainties. It has also become an international benchmark and practical tool for organisational excellence and human resource development.

DED and IPE have also agreed to institute an “Investors in People” award for exemplary IIP leadership. The new award will complement the Dubai Quality Award, Dubai Human Development Award, and the Dubai Service Excellence Scheme of DED and will be distributed at the prestigious annual Business Excellence Award ceremony. Only IIP-accredited organisations will be considered for the new award.

“DED and IPE have taken a major step towards improving standards in people development and capacity building across organisations in the UAE with our first joint seminar. Our partnership is unique since it inspires organisations to invest in people, educates them on investment practices that bring better business returns, qualifies them for international accreditation and rewards them for their success with a prestigious award,” said Mohammed Juma Bushnain Al Amri, Executive Director of Corporate Quality and Management Excellence at DED.

"This seminar will be followed by series of events including tutorials, forums, workshops and roundtable discussions to raise awareness on the international IIP standard, which is the only proven and validated standard worldwide. As of today, more than 35,000 organisations have been accredited including six organisations in the UAE. Over the last two years IIP licenses have been granted in 20 countries," said Dr Alaa.

He added: "What differentiates the IIP from other standards and frameworks is that it was established as a non-profit government organisation and has been built around the best practices in Human Resource Investment. It helps companies understand what it means to invest in people and provide a structured approach towards organisational excellence and achieving strategic objectives through people."

Dr Alaa noted that the application of the IIP standard does not require submission documents or specific documentation as the assessment is based on face-to-face interviews. The new award aims to leverage and compliment many strategic initiatives that have been established by the UAE and Dubai Government.

The IIP standard also fits perfectly with international standards such as EFQM Business Excellence and ISO 9001:2008 as well as other quality and excellence awards in the UAE such as: Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Programme (SKGEP); Dubai Government Excellence Programme (DGEP); Dubai Quality award (DQA); Sheikh Saqr Programme for Government Excellence (SSPGE); Ajman Excellence Programme (AJEP); Sharjah Economic Excellence Award (SEEA) and the Dubai Human Development Award (DHDA).

For further details on the new award, please contact: bec@dubaided.gov.ae, and more details on IIP United Arab Emirates can be found at: www.iipuae.org
 

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.
 

First Capital of Switzerland Investment Bank (FCS) Uniquely Positions Itself in the DIFC

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, welcomed the launch of FCS in Dubai, saying it has become one of the finest investment banks in the region, building sustained value for its customers and investors.

\\\”May it always be an organization of unquestioned integrity, a shining model of success, with a special focus on contributing to the prosperity of the region and its people,\\\” He said.

Adding that the current economic climate in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, the region, and indeed the world, requires the services of an investment bank that provides and implements investment strategies and solutions that are tailored to help customers deal successfully with these challenging economic times.

He continued: \\\”I am pleased that FCS’s business strategy in the UAE and the region is based on a long-term investment in the communities it will serve and on providing sound advice to individuals and companies that will support the region’s overall plans for economic growth and prosperity.\\\”

Abdulrahman Murtaza Al Ansari, Chief Executive Officer of (FCS), described the opening of FCS as a hugely exciting new business venture within the region, saying, \\\”We are bold and ambitious and while others are still reeling from the \\\”fall-out\\\” produced by the financial crisis. FCS will go where others still fear to go.\\\”

FCS offers complete Investment Banking Services covering all products in all market sectors He added: \\\”FCS offers debt and restructuring advice using our extensive network to raise money for our clients, help form strategic partnerships and conduct research and analysis on behalf of clients. Dubai and the UAE lies at the very heart of the region predicted to produce the most rapid revenue growth globally over the next 3 years.\\\”

Dubai-based boutique firm, FCS has established its new offices in the DIFC, offering a unique range of financial products and advisory services across the region, as well as developing ongoing strategic ties within MENA, GCC, SE Asia, China, India and LATAM regions.

Anthony D’Aniello, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Wealth Mangement for FCS stated:

\\\”FCS offers a wide range of Wealth Management strategies for high net worth individuals, Financial Institutions and Corporates; including Asset Management, Trust and Family Office services. FCS’s key focus is to provide the region’s HNWI’s with tailor made services specific to their financial and succession planning requirements.\\\”

With a firmly held belief in the abilities of the region to rise above and recover from the effects of the global recession, recently licensed by the DIFC and regulated by the DFSA, FCS will provide a world-renowned base from which to supply Investment Banking, Asset and Wealth Management and Trust services.

First Capital of Switzerland Investment Bank
802, Level 8, The Gate Building, West Wing, DIFC, P.O Box 482040, Dubai, UAE
Office: +971-4-358-5773
Fax: +971-4-358-5774

DP World Delivers Throughput Growth Of 11% Handling 26.2 Million TEU In The First Six Months Of The Year

DP World’s global portfolio of container terminals has continued to build on the excellent start to 2011 with the momentum continuing into the second quarter. Gross volumes for the first six months of the year were 26.2 million TEU or 11% ahead of the prior year.

This performance was driven by strong growth in the Asia Pacific, UAE, Africa and Americas regions, as well as new volumes from recently opened capacity in Callao, Peru and Qingdao, China. Like for like gross volume growth was 10% .

Our portfolio of consolidated terminals handled 13.5 million TEU in the first six months of the year. Had our five terminals in Australia not been deconsolidated from 12 March 2011, the consolidated terminals would have delivered 10% growth ahead of the same six month period in 2010. Like for like consolidated volume growth in the first half was 8% .

The UAE handled 6.1 million TEU in the first six months of the year, with a record 3.1 million TEU handled during April, May and June. Whilst the first six months delivered growth 11% ahead of the same period last year, as we reported in the first quarter, this continues to reflect a relatively weak comparable period in the first half of 2010.
We have continued to invest in new capacity and our development in Vallarpadam, India and Karachi, Pakistan both opened in the first quarter of the year and are making good progress.

Mohamed Sharaf, Chief Executive Officer, DP World commented:
“DP World has delivered a very strong performance in the second quarter of the year, resulting in over 26 million containers handled for the first six months of the year, delivering a performance ahead of the industry, reflecting our positioning in the faster growing emerging markets.

“We are particularly pleased to see the UAE achieving another milestone in container handing volumes with a record 6.1 million TEU handled in six months.

“The strong container volumes seen in the first half of the year will result in a significant improvement in first half profit after tax against the same period last year.

“As we go into the second half of the year, there is some uncertainty around the global economy making it difficult to forecast how global trade will develop. Whist this uncertainty is not, as yet, reflected across our portfolio, and with our focus on the more resilient emerging markets we still expect to deliver full year results in line with expectations.”

Dubai Scores Record Growth In Direct Trade In First Quarter Of AED 183 Billion

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Dubai Customs announced a new record growth rate in Dubai direct trade exchange with the world by the end of the first annual quarter of 2011 to 34%. This year, it exceeded AED 183 billion as compared to AED 136 billion for the same period last year.

H.E. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Dubai Customs Director General stated that the statistics issued by the end of the first three months of this year demonstrated a rise in the weight of the exchanged goods in Dubai direct trade with the world reaching 11.92 million tons as opposed to 10.25 million tons in the same period last year which means an increase by 16%.

H.E. Ahmed Butti confirmed that the achieved increase in the value and weight of Dubai direct trade with the world reflects a growing improvement in the economic movement in Dubai and promising investment opportunities in the trade activities especially when Dubai exports value from the goods and products in the same aforementioned period jumped to around AED 22 billion as compared to AED 15 billion with an increase rate of 47%. He pointed out as well that the growth was largely manifested in the weight of the goods and products issued by Dubai to the international markets which exceeded 23% that is over 2 million tons by the end of the first three months of the current year as opposed to 1.7 million ton for the same period last year.

H.E. Ahmed Butti said:" The achieved growth indicators highlight an economic sustainable growth in Dubai and a clear emphasis on the productive value added sectors in boosting the GDP per capita, luxury and diversify income resources. “The growth accompanied all walks related to the direct trade exchange which besides exporting included re-exporting and importing” he noted.

He further noted:" The recorded growth rate in the re-exporting processes during the first three months of 2011 was close to the growth rates of the exports which amounted to 44% with a value exceeding AED 49 billion as compared to AED 34 billion” he believes that this is, in the first place, an outcome of Dubai’s high capabilities through the highly developed infrastructure and the advanced set of legislations that meet top international standards which in their turn contributed to adding up to the efficiency of Dubai’s strategic location on the map as a major crossing for trade movement connecting east and west and granting further operational competency to the business community.

H.E. Ahmed Butti explained that the imports value which exceeded 61% of Dubai external trade with other countries worldwide, during the same period reached AED 112 billion against AED 87 billion with an increase rate of 28%. He highlighted as well that the volume of imports was over 8 billion tons only during the first three months of this year against 6.8 billion tons for the same period of the current year. Evidently, this ensures the growth of the purchasing power, increase of local demand on the goods and products and recovery of trade activities in the local markets. This positive indication reflects positively on the other business sectors in Dubai.

H.E. Ahmed Butti assured that the declared statistical figures indicate tangible improvement in the trade activities at the free zones. During the first quarter of this year, the free zones trade activities increased to record more than AED 95 billion compared to AED 78 billion by 23% increase in the first quarter of 2010. This same improvement is also witnessed in the trade activities of the customs warehouses which proved to record one billion dirhams during the first three months of this current year, compared to AED 633 billion for the same period of last year with a growth rate of 68%.

India continued to top Dubai’s largest direct trade partner list in the first quarter of this year, with bilateral transactions between the two countries amounting to over AED 63 billion during the first three months of the year, a percentage of 34 of the total direct trade with the world. As for Dubai’s imports from India, they also amounted to AED 30 billion whereas values of re-exports from Dubai to India were estimated at AED 22.68 billion and value of goods and products exported to India stood at over AED10 billion.

China and USA came second and third place in the list of countries exporting to Dubai with value of AED 10.68 billion and AED 7.52 billion respectively. In terms of the top export destination for Dubai, Switzerland was at second place with value of AED1 billion followed by Saudi Arabia valued at AED919 billion.

H.E. Ahmed Butti anticipates that the Emirate of Dubai, during the upcoming period of this current year will continue to play its role in achieving similar growth with aspect to its trade activities with all countries worldwide, especially if we take into consideration the available current indications which embody the competitiveness of Dubai position as a renowned strategic hub for business sectors which provides support to maintaining productivity and quality standards as well as fulfilling facilities of economic systems in compliance with the international standards.
 

Dubais First Sustainable Living Expo Concludes On High Note

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EPIC Dubai, the region’s first sustainable living expo, concluded on Friday June 24 at The Dubai Mall by inspiring thousands of visitors to make eco-wise and informed choices. More than 70 local and global brands, such as Nokia, Philips, Masdar, Puma, Korres, De Dietrich, @Home, Miri Creation, Naturalizer, Dubai Garden Center, Marks and Spencer and many more, showcased sustainable products and features to educate and entertain attendees of all ages.

Mr. Abdulla saeed Lootah, CEO, SS Lootah International, extended his appreciation to all EPIC supporters especially the 150 Emirati volunteers whose commitment and dedication made EPIC a great success.
Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted initiative advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy as well as clean technologies and solutions, and National Geographic Al Arabiya played key roles as EPIC Dubai’s Sustainable Knowledge Partners.

Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Associate Director- Corporate Sustainability Masdar, said: "We are delighted to be part in the EPIC Sustainable Living Expo as a knowledge partner. Masdar has taken leadership in Sustainability and renewable energy technologies regionally and globally. Through activities such as this event, we are able to communicate the importance of sustainability to a broader audience. Sustainability forms one of Masdar’s core values and we ensure all business practices are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Our holistic approach to sustainability operates on an internal and external level, incorporating water, waste, energy and transport. Masdar’s new internal sustainability program START, launched in 2010, resulted in a 300% increase in paper recycling effectiveness and a 400% increase in plastic recycling effectiveness. The results show that individuals will start and continue to make decisions based on the sustainability if the right culture is instilled in the organisation."

Mohammed Al Hammadi, Editor of National Geographic Al Arabiya, commented on the magazine’s involvement at EPIC Dubai: "National Geographic Al Arabiya is committed to educating the UAE on the importance of environmental awareness, therefore participating at the EPIC Dubai exhibition was a perfect fit for us. Between us we share the same environmental principles and goals, and just like our "Colours of the World" photo display, the whole EPIC Dubai exhibition aims to encourage people to think about the world around them and to protect their natural environment by living sustainably."The environment and eco-living took centre stage at the expo. As part of their commitment to the event, Dubai Garden Center contributed to greening the EPIC Expo while De Dietrich showcased their latest energy efficient home appliances.

Mr. Nasser Talib, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Garden Center, commented: "We, at the Desert Group, are especially proud of our social achievements by making a concerted effort to improve the environment around us in conjunction with recognized bodies such as the Ministry of Environment & the Ministry of Social Affairs & by participating in community efforts to create healthy living spaces. Increasingly striving to be a "green employer" in the business arena, we have introduced the processing of "Green Waste" discarded from major projects into a reusable product which is the "Wood Mulch ". This Product is used to preserve land integrity. We have also introduced our manufacturing unit for the organic production of Potting Soil, and the reuse of waste tree logs.

Desert Group is proud to be part of EPIC, which proves that we are reaching some of our "green" aspirations in terms of saving our environment and still will always be striving to green excellence. EPIC is a door that will allow us to be part in educating society on how we can behave, live and work green."

With 95 per cent of their appliances given top grading for energy consumption, De Dietrich products are designed to use little raw material, little energy and are as recyclable as possible.

Mr. Patrice Charbon, Global Brand Director of De Dietrich, said: "Our motto and the brand’s philosophy is to reduce the impact on the environment. De Dietrich works in partnership with Eco-Systems to recycle its end-of-life products. That’s why; De Dietrich is a proud sponsor of the EPIC Dubai Sustainable Living Expo as it fits perfectly with our vision and engineering for our brand in developing appliances to achieve sustainable living as we look into the future."

EPIC Dubai was part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2011 and was supported by the Ministry of Environment & Water, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Bee’ah, Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai, Dubai Events & Promotions Establishment, Dubai SME, Dubai FDI, Dubai TV and The Dubai Mall.

The expo included a variety of showcases to satisfy all tastes and interests. It covered Fashion & Accessories, Food & Beverage, Leisure & Travel, Home & Garden, Health & Beauty, Business & Technology, Transportation, and Government.

The EPIC Dubai features included EPIC Talks delivered by inspiring leaders, EPIC Sights offered visually enticing experiences of human ingenuity in tackling climate change, EPIC Sounds brought local and international musical acts to an ecologically aware platform and EPIC Eco-Fashion Shows put a sustainable and fashionable foot forward down the Dubai Mall catwalk. Renowned chefs from EMAAR Hospitality Group created dishes from organic and free-range produce at EPIC Cooking Stations, while the EPIC Kids corner featured eco-arts and crafts, interactive games and toys.

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.
 

The Canadian University Of Dubai Becomes The First Foreign University In The UAE To Offer A Bachelor Of Science Program In English And Arabic

Canadian University of Dubai (CUD), recently announced that it’s planning to launch a four-year program in communications leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Communications for students who want to specialise in either journalism (print and electronic), advertising or public relations. The new program stands out as students have the option to choose either English or Arabic as the medium of instruction, making Canadian University of Dubai the UAE’s first foreign university to offer this program in both languages. This complements the university’s goal of offering courses that are responsive to the needs and requirements of potential students.

CUD has designed the new course to serve as a springboard into a wide variety of public relations, journalism and multimedia careers, while preparing students to work on all media platforms and familiarising them with the latest IT and multimedia tools. Students will be offered core courses and electives, including: Principles of Writing for the Media, Communication Theories, News Reporting, Designing Media Messages, Public Opinion, and so on. Students will also be given a chance to do a practicum.

"The introduction of advanced communication technologies has significantly changed the way people communicate with each other. This in turn has altered the interrelations of societies in the social, cultural, economic and educational spheres. In light of these changes, Canadian University of Dubai wishes to introduce the new undergraduate program in Communication, which will serve as a tool in developing a new generation of well-qualified communicators who are capable of understanding and customising the ideas and tools of the information age to serve the interests of the community," said Dr. Muhammed Kabir, Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Canadian University of Dubai.

“By offering the course in Arabic and English we are reaching out to a wider student community and giving them an opportunity to become experts in the communications domain,” he added.

Upon completion of all degree requirements, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. Graduates will be equipped with skills and knowledge to enter professional fields such as publishing, editing, production, planning and research, while they may also find jobs in any communication capacity in areas as varied as diplomacy, business, government, non-profit agencies, professional associations, healthcare companies and international organisations.

The Canadian University of Dubai is also planning to launch a four-year Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Translation degree program. This course is designed to equip individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in translation and interpreting in such environments such as television and radio, government offices, foreign embassies, courts, colleges, universities and other organisations that demand translation skills and services.

Established in 2006, the Canadian University of Dubai consists of the School of Business Administration, School of Architecture and Interior Design, School of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology, and School of Environment and Health, and School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The university currently offers 17 programs accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research with six more programs currently under development. At present, CUD serves more than 1,755 students from more than 86 nationalities. CUD is strategically located in the heart of Dubai’s financial, business and tourist district, behind the Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road.
 

Apollo Opens First Regional Office In Dubai To Triple Sales To About $300m In The Next 3 To 5 Years And Grab 10% Of Market Share

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India’s leading tyre manufacturer, the US$ 2 billion Apollo Tyres Ltd, announced recently its plans for the Middle East market at a media gathering in Dubai. The region will be catered to by exports out of India, with Dubai as the hub of operations.

The region has traditionally been one of Apollo’s strongest export markets, out of India, accounting for about 30% of export revenues. The company already has a distribution network in the Middle East, spanning 14 countries and 23 Business Partners. The Middle East also has infrastructure and tyre usage very similar to India’s, which is why Apollo’s products have always enjoyed high acceptance in the region.

Dubai, as the world’s largest free trade zone with strong financial systems and legislation, is the perfect business destination. Dubai is also strategically located with easy access to the 1.5 billion strong consumer market in the GCC, West Asia, Africa and East Europe. Dubai itself is the largest tyre distribution hub in the region, and provides a booming domestic market with 1 car to every 1.8 individual.

“As a company we are currently in our 2nd phase of global expansion. The Middle East region has always been a natural extension of our markets in India. Our tyres have enjoyed a very high demand in the region, for years now. However, due to capacity constraints at our end, we have not been able to fulfill the local demand. I am happy that we have crossed that. With an active sales and service team based here, we will now be able to provide our customers in the Middle East the service and operational excellence they deserve.” Said Satish Sharma, Chief, India Operations, Apollo Tyres Ltd.

“We plan to triple sales to roughly $250-$300 million in the next three to five years. The Middle East is our biggest export market, representing about 30-40 per cent of our export earnings. The equity of our brand is much ahead of its availability in the market”. He added.

To this end, Apollo recently opened its first and largest office outside its operations in India, Southern Africa and The Netherlands. This 2,000 square feet office located in the JAFZA Free Economic Zone will be the company’s base in Dubai, and the reporting base for employees in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Apart from an office, the company has also taken up an expandable 10,000 square feet of warehousing space in Dubai, to stock its tyres locally for speedy demand fulfillment in the region. This also enables Business Partners to have low inventories, cutting down on stocking costs; the ability to pay in local currency with no bank charges, and of course faster demand fulfillment to the end customer.

“The office, network of employees and local warehousing facility will allow us to address customer demands effectively; while our entire range of tyres tuned to this market, along with our service proposition, will allow us product leadership over time,” mentioned Satish Sharma, Chief, India Operations, Apollo Tyres Ltd. He added: “This is a high potential market, where the Dubai tyre distribution and re-export trade is valued at US$ 1.5 billion, and expected to grow by 30% in the next 5 years. In that time frame I am looking at Apollo garnering a high single digit, if not 10%, of this market’s share.”

Apollo Tyres has already invested around US$ 2,50,000 in creating appropriate permanent infrastructure for its business needs in Dubai; and is projecting investments and expenses of around US$ 1.5 million on an annual level, starting this year.