Mercator To Develop Next Generation Safety Data Management System

Mercator, a global provider of commercial IT systems and services to the airline industry, announced today plans to develop a next generation safety data management system. The new Safety Data Management System will unite risk management in an integrated manner across all functional areas of the business.

The integrated approach will assure improvements in how safety is managed and result in heightened levels of performance, reduced costs and elevated reinforcement of a corporate safety culture. The project will ensure that Mercator remains compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for Safety Management System (SMS).

This move reinforces Mercator’s ongoing commitment to ensure its products enable its customers to demonstrate and maintain the highest level of safety in their operations and to the customers they serve.

“Safety is the cornerstone of any business, and in the aviation industry it’s a commitment operators make to the billions of passengers they transport annually,” said Duncan Alexander, Vice President Mercator. “As a global provider of commercial IT systems and services to the airline industry, our goal is to develop solutions that allow our customers to sustain and grow their business." "Safety is clearly an area where everyone places a great deal of importance and Mercator is committed to continually investing in our safety products, iSaturn and Sentinel, to ensure they are the best in the market, he added.”

Emirates Airline will be one of the pilot customers for this new Safety Data System and reinforces Emirates’ ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety in its operations and to the customers it serves.

“Safety is paramount to Emirates’ success and part of the economic stability of our business,” said Capt. Tim Jenkins, Senior Vice President, Emirates Group Safety.

“We continue to heavily invest in this critical area and the Safety Data Management System by Mercator which includes strengthened capabilities in hazard identification and risk management, plus comprehensive capability for auditing, will enable Emirates to further mitigate safety-related risks across all of its operations.”

About Mercator

Mercator, a unit of the Emirates Group, is an independent provider of business technology solutions and services to the global airline industry. Mercator’s teams of IT professionals work at the cutting-edge of technology to deliver its customers across the globe with IT business solutions to help grow their businesses.

Mercator’s offers five business divisions are designed to best serve its customers needs: Passenger Services Solutions, Cargo & Logistics Solutions, Customer Relationship Management & Loyalty Solutions, Financial Management Solutions and Safety Solutions.

For more information or to download an e-brochure, visit www.mercator.com.
 

Region Ripe For The Adoption Of Next Generation IT Infrastructure That Will Boost Profitability, Says Dubai Internet City Chief At IDC Summit

Chief Information Officers from the region taking part in the IDC Middle East CIO Summit 2011, said that the region was ripe for the advent and implementation of new information technology, and that there was an ‘imperative need’ to re-align IT strategies that would position them in the lead to harness new opportunities.

The positive and dominating note was echoed at the two-day ‘Middle East CIO Summit 2011’, themed “Winning Strategies of Empowered CIOs”. The Summit was organized by the International Data Corporation (IDC), a global market intelligence and advisory firm in the IT and telecommunications industries, in partnership with Dubai Internet City.

Held at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, on February 20 and 21, this year’s summit provided a platform for CIOs, CTOs, businesses and IT executives to acquire insights into IT strategies, emerging technologies and best practices that have direct implications for their business landscapes. The Summit allowed enterprises of all sizes to re-evaluate existing workforce productivity and align growth strategies to business units within the organization for effecting change with transparency, efficiency and urgency.

In his keynote address, Malek Al Malek, Managing Director of Dubai Internet City and of Dubai Outsource Zone, observed that the expansions made by IT companies in the region even in difficult economic times was a salutary testament to the capabilities of their CIOs as they strove to grow operations in the region’s emerging markets.

Pointing to the way ahead, Malek said, “As the financial climate improves, companies that are slow to respond to the adoption of new market values will find themselves outpaced by more agile competitors. One of the chief challenges now facing CIOs is how to implement the rapid and dramatic technological advances in the IT sector – such as cloud computing – and integrate them into the enterprise’s advantage, while ensuring a maximum return on investment.”

Referring to the bright outlook for the region’s ICT market, IDC’s vice president and regional managing director for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, Jyoti Lalchandani, said: "We are delighted to have Dubai Internet City, as an ICT partner for the 4th year at the event. The Middle East CIO Summit 2011 is taking place against a backdrop of positive sentiment in the region, with our latest forecasts indicating a 10% year-on-year increase in IT spending in the Middle East during 2011, compared to a global average of 6.8%.

“There remains a strong focus on forging the closer alignment of ICT with the wider business goals of the organization, and we expect virtualization, business intelligence/analytics, and cloud computing to be the major ICT investment areas for the year ahead."

At the forefront of the region’s ICT industry, Dubai Internet City, a part of TECOM Investments ICT Cluster, 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 towards creating a knowledge-based economy.

In 2010, Dubai Internet City registered year-on-year growth with 150 companies setting up base at the ICT cluster. The year also saw 48 of DIC’s business partners expanding their commercial operations and businesses in the region.
 

Gary Rhodes Launches New Generation Of Grill In Dubai

Following on from the success of Rhodes Mezzanine at Grosvenor House Dubai, Michelin-starred celebrity chef Gary Rhodes OBE has unveiled his second venture in the UAE, Rhodes Twenty10, at sister hotel Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort + Spa.

Rhodes Twenty10 is a new generation of culinary grill with a twist, where the emphasis is on sharing, bringing family and friends together in sleek and contemporary surroundings.

Commenting on the opening of Rhodes Twenty10, Gary Rhodes OBE said: “The concept is a culinary grill with a difference. The idea is to give guests the chance to tailor-make their meal depending on their tastes and create a sociable dining experience, by introducing sharing platters and offering a variety of flavours all on one plate.”

Pam Wilby, complex general manager at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort + Spa and Grosvenor House Dubai added: “Since 2007, Rhodes Mezzanine has gone from strength to strength, proving hugely popular amongst our international guests and local residents alike. We are positive Rhodes Twenty10 will replicate its success, whilst at the same time providing a unique dining experience.”

Rhodes Twenty10 offers both classic and more exotic ‘Open European’ dishes with a variety of grills, from lobster to steak. All dressings, sauces and butters are complimentary, as Gary believes they should naturally go together. Signature dishes include the delicious Rhodes Twenty10 burger made with fillet steak and topped with fois gras, which melts in the mouth, followed by Sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and toffee ice cream.

The restaurant’s interior is equally well-considered. It is sleek and chic with a monochrome colour scheme and hints of lilac. The inviting dining area has plush seating, where guests can sit back comfortably and enjoy good food. Add to this sparkling chandeliers, and twinkling candles reflecting in the chrome and mirrors, and you find yourself in a very intimate, relaxing atmosphere.

Rhodes Twenty10 is open from 7pm until midnight Tuesday to Sunday. For restaurant reservations please call: 04 316 5550
 

Dubai Properties Launches Nuzul A New Generation of Skilled Labour Accommodations

Dubai Properties Group, A member of Dubai Holding, today announced the launch of Nuzul, a dedicated community for skilled labour focused on providing an enhanced lifestyle to the emirate’s labour workforce.

The developers behind the iconic Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Executive Towers at Business Bay and Shorooq Mirdif are delivering a new vision for skilled labour accommodations in Dubai. Nuzul is comprised of 2236 residential units across 13 low rise buildings with a build-up area of 92,000 sq ft in Jebel Ali industrial Area 1.

The innovative new community features Mediterranean architecture with wide open spaces designed to provide a healthy living, working and leisure environment for skilled labour. Nuzul features holistic amenities including dedicated recreation and entertainment areas, a food court, supermarket, a clinic, a pharmacy, emergency treatment room, a mosque, game rooms, library, internet room, ATM machine, retail outlets and cricket & basketball field.

A kitchen with LPG (central gas), a dining facility, laundry rooms, bathrooms and elevators can be found on each floor of all 13 buildings, providing a more intimate and personal environment for residents.

The community was meticulous planned to provide an enhanced quality of life for the regions skilled labours and promotes increased productivity among its inhabitants. In addition, Nuzul offers business owners a highly anticipated alternative to better accommodate the needs of their local labour force.

Located in close proximity to the Jebel Ali free zone with easy connectivity to Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Road and other arterial highways, Nuzul is a secure community that boasts on-site, dedicated centralized parking for heavy vehicles and staff buses.

Khalid Al Malik, Group CEO of Dubai Properties group said: “Nuzul is in line with our commitment to deliver a diverse and comprehensive real estate portfolio that features the next generation of labour accommodations. This initiative is a crucial part of our corporate responsibility to deliver a new vision for skilled labour communities in the region.

Nuzul is well-equipped to ensuring that residents are not only provided with good basic provisions but that they can also enjoy the enhanced living conditions that Dubai is known to offer. In addition Nuzul is an important component of our ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive real estate solutions to our clients.”

Nuzul is a “green” community with a MBBR Sewage Treatment Plant (Moving Bed Bio film Reactor). The plant will be designed for approximately 10,000 residents with a capacity of 3000 cubic meters. The treated water will be pumped for re-use in gardening.

The preliminary response to Nuzul has been positive, with significant interest from local business owners. A number of complete buildings have already been leased before the official launch of the project.

Dubai Properties Group is currently leasing residential and commercial units at Jumeirah Beach Residence, Shorooq Mirdif, Layan in DUBAILAND, Cordoba Villas, Al Khail Gate, Al Razi Residence, and Office Park at Dubai Internet City.
 

DEWA Announces 8.91% Increase In The Generation Of Electricity And 4.58% Increase In Supply Of Water

Dubai Government Media Office stated today that the Dubai Electricity and Water (DEWA) has achieved over the past months a series of important strides, which reflected positively on the production of electricity and desalinated water in Dubai. These important record increases in power and water production during the first quarter of this year comes within the framework of DEWA’s efforts to effectively promote and support the business environment in Dubai by providing the necessary resources especially electricity power and desalinated water in order to meet the growing demands of the emirate’s community and to support its projects’ development in various fields.

Dubai Government Media Office reported today the announcement of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority confirming its achievements through an increase of 8.91% in the generation of electricity and 4.58% in the supply of water in Dubai. The Authority commissioned a new power generation unit at station (M) with a capacity of 234 MW, during the first quarter of this year. This is in addition to the commissioning of the last station (L) phase-2 power generation unit of 226 MW capacity and water desalination plant which have been fully commissioned in the last quarter of 2009. Apart from this, DEWA has enhanced the existing power plant capacity by 139 MW.

H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) stated that the Authority’s achievements within the past few months confirm its commitments towards Dubai’s Government in continuing its development at a steady pace and to move forward in the implementation of vital projects, especially the infrastructure, which has long characterized Dubai, as one of the pillars of its comprehensive development system.

“The generation of electricity during the first quarter of this year amounted to 5838 Gigawatt hours and registered a high record of 8.91% compared to generation which amounted to 5360 Gigawatt hours during the same period of 2009,” H.E. Al Tayer said.

"The quantities of water supplied during the first quarter of 2010 reached 21773 million gallons of water compared to the amount supplied in first quarter of last year, which was 20820 million gallons. This amounts to a percentage increase of 4.58 %. The increase in production of electricity and water comes in response to consumers’ needs and the development projects in various economic and social sectors in Dubai,” he added.
The production capacity for the station (L) phase-2 is 1393 MW and 55 million gallons of desalinated water per day, while the production capacity of the station (M) amounts to 2000 MW and 140 million gallons of water.

It is noteworthy that the installed production capacity of the authority in 2009 amounted to 6997 MW, compared with the year 2008, which reached its production capacity to 6676 MW. The authority also increased the productive capacity of water desalination in 2009 to 330 million gallons per day, compared with 275 million gallons per day in the year 2008. The total installed capacity of the current production is 7596 MW for power and 330 million gallons of desalinated water per day.
 

Mercator Acquires Next Generation tikAERO To Serve Hybrid, Regional And Low-Cost Airlines

Mercator, the IT solutions provider of the Emirates Group and a global leader in business technology solutions for the airline and transportation industry, has today acquired the tikAERO passenger services system solution through TIK Systems. With this acquisition Mercator will now offer world-class, fully functional, flexible and cost effective passenger service and distribution solutions to hybrid, regional, low-cost and start-up airlines worldwide.

Unlike other products on the market, the innovative tikAERO system is built on latest technology systems architectures using Microsoft Technologies, thereby enabling easy configuration, fast multi-language user interface changes and simplified end user training and support. The true essence of the product is its ability to evolve with ever-changing business models, markets and passenger demands of any growing airline.

Patrick Naef, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Group IT, stated: “Currently used by 19 airlines around the globe, tikAERO is better, smarter, faster and more efficient than anything on the market. It’s built by staff with airline experience, for airlines. It will help airlines to significantly lower costs by minimising distribution costs, increase their efficiency and lower training efforts. In today’s market where airlines are posting significant losses, this product offers enticing rewards for cutting costs, increasing flexibility and improving long term economic efficiencies and overall net profits.”

Roland Heller, Managing Director of TIK Systems explains: "This acquisition by Mercator will prove a winning formula for airlines seeking a competitive, cost-effective and integrated turn-key solution that includes electronic ticketing and which supports a wide range of distribution channels. tikAERO customers will have an added value through Mercator’s global reach and cutting edge technology and now with the backing of the Emirates Group, our team is really excited that the hard work and the full potential of the system will be realised.”

Patrick Naef added: “This is a really exciting moment for the history of Mercator with our first major acquisition. Our current passenger services portfolio, Jupiter, is rapidly creating a reputation for being one of the most complete and integrated solutions in the market for medium to large network carriers. With the acquisition of tikAERO, we are now able to address a whole new segment of the market. We can manage the needs of an entire airline community covering all shapes, sizes and business models. This strategic move underpins Emirates Group’s commitment to further grow the Mercator business and to strengthen its position as one of the leading IT solution providers for the travel and transportation industry.”

“Unlike legacy system implementations, we can offer a faster and more efficient implementation and customisation process providing cost benefits in terms of lower implementation fees and lower internal project-related costs for the carrier,” said Naef.

With Mercator’s already expansive global reach, wide range of consulting services and the ability to integrate existing products such as SkyChain air cargo management, RAPID revenue accounting and CRIS frequent flyer solution, this acquisition offers a unique choice of solutions and services across the airline industry.

The package includes a modern end-to-end customer-centric airline management solution, including web booking engines for consumers, travel agencies, corporate accounts and mobile devices, as well as connectivity with all major Global Distribution Systems. The system is fully IATA e-ticketing compliant, but can be equally adopted by non-IATA ‘ticketless’ low-cost airlines, therefore combining the best of distribution worlds.

tikAERO integrates key functionality to efficiently manage airline passenger services. This includes applications for inventory management, multi-channel reservation, yield and revenue management, departure control, weight and balance, electronic ticketing, revenue accounting, code-share, interlining, crew management, flight control and real-time reporting to monitor business operations.

It has been specifically designed to suit hybrid environments and can be deployed much easier and faster than legacy passenger service solutions. Hybrid functionality refers to an increasing sector of the airline market that is moving from a pure low-cost model to a model where there is limited distribution through global distribution systems, interline partnership agreements with airlines and the use of industry ticketing standards defined by the airline trade body IATA.

This announcement follows the Emirates Group’s recent posting of record profits for the 2009-10 period, up 248% from the previous year to AED 4.2 billion (US$ 1.1 billion). It is a strategic acquisition in direct response to need for a fully integrated, long-term passenger service solution that can be tailored specifically to any airline’s requirements.

Mercator will establish a new office in Bangkok to which all TIK Systems’ staff will transfer. This office will provide a new base for Mercator’s product development.
 

UAE Land Art Generator Initiative That Combines Aesthetics With Clean Energy Generation Receives Entries From Over 40 Countries

The UAE Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI), a first-of -its-kind inter-disciplinary collaboration in the world that will bring together artists, architects, scientists, landscape architects, and engineers to design and construct a series of land art installations that generate clean energy, has received an overwhelming response to its first International Design Competition with entries pouring in from over 40 countries.

The goal of LAGI is to design and construct a series of land art installations across the UAE that uniquely combine aesthetics with clean energy generation. The LAGI viewing platforms will become tourist destinations that draw people from around the world to experience the beauty of the collaborative art creations in the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, the art itself will continuously distribute clean energy into the electrical grid with each land art sculpture having the potential to provide power to thousands of homes in the UAE.

Robert Ferry, Principal, Land Art Generator Initiative, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the fantastic response to the inaugural edition of the competition. We have received hundreds of entries from top universities, established artists, leading architecture firms, electrical engineers and scientists worldwide. It is gratifying to see that there are so many people who care so deeply about the health of our natural environment and the beauty of our constructed one.
“As a country that has made great strides in renewable energy projects and as patrons of art and culture, the UAE is the ideal location for the first edition of the competition. It is also an opportunity for the UAE to lead the rest of the world in a collaboration between art and energy infrastructure that will create financial and cultural dividends. Since the installations will function as aesthetic power plants, eventually they will provide return on investments made in constructing them and the investors could even be eligible for carbon offset credit financing.”

All the entries will be on public display at Marble Walk (B1 Level), Dubai International Financial Centre until June 30, 2010. Visitors are being encouraged to stop by any time during the week and write down their favourite entries in order for LAGI to arrive at a winner of the popular vote in Dubai.

Between July 1st and August 1st, a select jury panel consisting of18 local and international artists, architects, academicians, industry leaders and writers will review the entries. The eminent panel members include Omran Ali AlOwais, Architect – Musanada, Abu Dhabi; Brett Steele, Director of the Architectural Association School of Architecture and AA Publications, London; Jeanette Ingberman, Co-Founder/Director, Exit Art, NYC; Lukáš Sokol, Architect and Urban Planner at the Urban Planning Council (UPC) of Abu Dhabi; Reuben S. Andrews, M.A., M.Phil., PGDPR, Senior Executive-Information & Media, Consumption Sustainability at DEWA, Dubai; Georgeta Vidican, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi; James Wines, Principal, SITE | Architecture, Art & Design, New York City; and Andrea Polli, Digital Media Artist Director of the Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media (IFDM) Programme at the University of New Mexico.

Elizabeth Monoian, Principal, Land Art Generator Initiative, said: “The jury will be looking for outstanding outdoor public art work that is stimulating and inspiring while at the same time produces real, usable renewable energy- a fusion of perfect art and energy.”

All the designs will be posted on the LAGI blog site (http://www.landartgenerator.org/blagi/)—about three per week during the autumn. So stay tuned beginning this August for some ideas that give a new interdisciplinary relevance to public art and open a window onto the future of sustainable cities everywhere!

About Land Art Generator Initiative

The goal of the Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) is to design and construct Land Art / Environmental Art installations that have the added benefit of large scale clean energy generation. Each sculpture will continuously distribute clean energy into the electrical grid with each land art sculpture having the potential to provide power to thousands of homes.

LAGI was conceived by Elizabeth Monoian and Robert Ferry, a husband and wife team based in the UAE. Elizabeth is an interdisciplinary artist and designer and Robert is an architect.

LAGI is promoted by "Zero Impact Art Gallery" in Dubai.
Please visit www.landartgenerator.org for more information.

 

Groundbreaking 3D Technology, Next Generation Motion Control Experiences, And An Unrivaled Game Line Up At For PlayStation® At E3 2010

PlayStation Division, Sony Gulf FZE announced groundbreaking new products and services that further establish PlayStation’s leadership and cutting edge position in home entertainment. Since last autumn, the PlayStation business has experienced unprecedented growth, fueling huge momentum into the new year. The company is poised once again to deliver consumers unrivaled entertainment options this year with the latest in 3D technology, the introduction of the PlayStation®Move and games, plus blockbuster titles for PlayStation®3 (PS3™) including inFAMOUS™ 2, Twisted Metal™, Gran Turismo®5, LittleBigPlanet™ 2 and Killzone™ 3.

Stereoscopic 3D
It has also been announced that some of the company’s biggest titles will be available to consumers this year in stereoscopic 3D, including MotorStorm®: Apocalypse, Killzone®3, The Sly Raccoon Collection and Gran Turismo®5. Popular franchises from the publishing community will also make their way into consumer homes in stereoscopic 3D on PlayStation 3, such as Crysis 2 from Electronic Arts, Mortal Kombat 9 from Warner Brothers, Ubisoft’s Shaun White Skateboarding and Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, as well as Tron 2: Evolution The Game from Disney. Unlike any other console on the market today, all 35.7 million PS3 units globally are capable of playing stereoscopic 3D games as a result of a recent firmware update. Four PS3 titles offering stereoscopic 3D gaming experiences are currently available for download from the PlayStation Network for USD 29.99, they are PAIN, a single level demo of MotorStorm® Pacific Rift, Super Stardust™ HD and WipEout® HD. The PS3 system will make stereoscopic 3D Blu-ray Disc movie support available later this year.

PlayStation Move
PlayStation Division, Sony Gulf FZE also announced that it will release the PlayStation®Move motion controller for PS3 on September 15th within the Middle East, at AED 169 (RRP) for the Move motion controller. The new PlayStation®Move navigation controller, which can be used alongside the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects, will also be available on the same day for AED129 (RRP). In addition, Sony will release a PlayStation Move Starter Pack for AED 249 (RRP), comprising a PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation®Eye camera and PlayStation Move starter disc, including demos of many of the Move games available at launch and beyond. PlayStation Move titles include:

First Party Move Required Launch Titles:
Kung Fu Rider
Start the Party!
Sports Champions
EyePet Move Edition
Draw
echochrome ii
Tumble

First Party Move Enabled Titles: (Coming Soon)
SOCOM Special Forces
LittleBigPlanet2
Killzone3
Heavy Rain Move Edition
The Sly Collection
SingStar Dance
Hustle Kings
Pain

Third Party Titles:
Time Crisis: Razing Storm
Toy Story 3
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11

PlayStation Network
With more than 50 million registered accounts worldwide, PlayStation Network is today one of the largest network entertainment platforms and continues to evolve with newly added content and services such as Vidzone, the free on-demand streaming music service, the video delivery service and the upcoming MUBI – a movie service that takes you beyond the mainstream and deep in the world of independent, international and classic .Today, the company also unveiled PlayStation®Plus, a new subscription service offering users even more options in how they consume content on PlayStation Network. PlayStation Plus will be available starting June 29 at a yearly fee of USD 64.99 and is designed to offer PlayStation Network’s power users added value, access and convenience, such as special features that include discounts on the PlayStation Store content, free and exclusive access to select games, full game trials, and much more. PlayStation Network will continue to add new exclusive games to its catalogue this year, including PixelJunk™ Shooter 2, Eat Them and Dead Nation.
 

Dubai Electricity And Water Authority Participates In ’Yesterday’s Heritage For Tomorrow’s Generation’

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) today announced its participation in the summer activities organized by the Architectural Heritage department of Dubai Municipality by hosting special activities for children on the importance of protecting the environment through energy conservation.

Held at the ‘Dar Al Nadwa’ in the Bastakiya District, the activities are open to students and the children of DEWA employees for three days a week from 5 – 30 July, 2009.

‘Splashy’ and ‘Sparky’, DEWA’s mascots representing water and electricity, are adding to the edutainment part of the event with their exciting presence. Distributing gifts such as books, clothing apparel and toys, both characters are contributing to raising awareness among children on the need to save energy.

DEWA’s participation comes as part of its emirate-wide endeavour to offer advice on the methods of conserving energy and encouraging consumers to reduce their consumption rates during the peak summer hours.

Amal Koshak, Senior Manager – Demand and Tariff Management, DEWA, said: “There is no doubt that protecting the environment by not depleting our natural resources is an urgent national priority. We urge every segment of society to support us in this noble cause and help us disseminate the message to the largest number of stakeholders.

“Our participation in ‘Yesterday’s Heritage for Tomorrow’s Generation’ stems from our deep conviction in the value of educating the community on various energy conservation methods. Instilling the habit of saving power to reduce environmental damage among children will significantly help shape a healthy environment for the next generation.”

DEWA recently participated for the sixth consecutive year at the annual Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) extravaganza through leveraging its presence at Modhesh World to educate the general public on the importance of energy conservation. In addition, it is aggressively hosting a spectrum of other activities to educate the residents of Dubai on the importance of conserving natural resources, including distributing devices that help reduce water and electricity consumption at home.

All In A Day’s Work For The Next Generation At KHDA

The offices of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority had 27 extra ‘staff’ for the past month as children of employees took part in the Future Managers programme.

The programme gave the youngsters an opportunity to train and work alongside their parents and brothers and sisters at the offices in Academic City. It was designed to give young people a taste of office life, teach them the importance of punctuality, and show them what their family members do ‘at the office’ each day.

They worked in departments across KHDA – Customer Service, Marketing and Communications, Human Resources, IT and the Administrative Support Unit for the Dubai Schools Agency.

Mohammed Khalid Omar, the youngest taking part, studies at Mohammed Al Fateh School in Sharjah. The enthusiastic 10-year-old worked in the Customer Service department.

He said, “Working at KHDA was fun. Initially I thought it would be boring to be at an office but I realised every day is different and it isn’t so dull. I got to meet people from different nationalities, and it gave me a sense of responsibility and learning. Earlier summer time was just for idling but now I am hoping to come back again during my holidays so that I can do my best and enjoy myself, too.”

His mother, Ahlam Rabee Al-Budoor, is a customer relations specialist. She said, “All three of my children have been working at KHDA as part of the Future Managers programme. Over the last three weeks they have developed a deeper understanding of my work place.

“They now understand the value of time and the expectations a team has from individual members. There has definitely been a change for the better. I appreciate this initiative and hope it is developed further in the future.”

Iman Ibrahim, who worked with the Marketing and Communications department, was encouraged to join the programme by her sister, Fatma Belrehif, who is Head of Strategic Projects at KHDA.

Iman was nervous at first but soon blended into her summer work place. The softly spoken grade 11 student from Sukainah High School said, “It was my first experience on a summer programme, I felt I would be out of place without my classmates but everyone was very helpful and kind. I made many new friends and have picked up the essentials of professional life. I now have a better idea of the way work flows in an office.”

Her sister, Fatma who won the Distinguished Administrative Employee award at the Dubai Government Excellence Programme this year, said, “The Future Managers programme is a brilliant idea that gives young people exposure to the real work environment.

“I was keen to enrol Iman in this activity so that she can extend some of her skills and explore others. It gave her a taste of professional realities that are quite interesting. As an individual she is quite resourceful and enthusiastic, I wanted her to be able to develop her skills further.”

Mohammed Badaruddin is a Computer Engineering student at Al Ghurair University; he largely worked with the Customer Service department and occasionally helped the staff of the Dubai Schools Agency. This was not the first summer work experience for Mohammed – he worked night shifts at Modhesh Fun City last year.

He compared the experiences and said, “They are an absolute contrast – while one place is full of rides and fun games, the other is focused and disciplined. Every work opportunity has a level of responsibility and returns I enjoyed at both my summer jobs. At KHDA the approach was organised and I have learned much more. More so because I have my mother and sister working here too and it gives me a wider perspective of the work scene.”

His mother, Mona El Monairy, Sports Specialist at the Princess Haya Initiative for the Development of Health, Physical Education and School Sports with Dubai Schools Agency, said, “The siblings now show a deeper respect for each other, I am proud of the way they care for their responsibilities and punctuality. If it were not for this programme they would probably be wasting time in front of the television or on the Internet. I am grateful for this opportunity.”

During the month-long programme the children undertook various responsibilities. They created presentations to describe their progress and they also visited other government bodies such as Dubai Prosecution Courts and Dubai Municipality for an exchange of ideas with other colleagues and interns.

Taha Al Hamri, Head of the Administrative Services Unit (ASU), assessed the group during their weekly update meetings.

The Future Managers were honoured at an end-of-programme ceremony today (July 9). Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General at KHDA, Fatma Al Marri, CEO, Dubai Schools Agency, and Taha Al Hamri attended the ceremony along with family members and other KHDA staff.

Ms Al Marri said: “We think this is a good opportunity for young people to see what we do. It was really nice to hear that they had enjoyed working with members of their family, and we hope they will have respect for the important work they are doing. Of course, it was very nice for KHDA to have 27 young people in the office for a month as well.”