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.
 

DEWA Partners With Dubai Properties Group To Raise Awareness On Energy And Environment Conservation

Dubai Properties Group, a member of Dubai Holding, has partnered with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) as part of its ‘Responsible Living’ campaign to raise awareness on the importance of energy, water and environment conservation.

The initiative features a road show with a specially designed DEWA bus travelling through select DPG communities to share ideas on responsible living. The road show visited the Layan community on 14 July and the Al Khail Gate on 21 July.

During the stop overs, residents of the two communities were invited on-board the DEWA bus for a series of presentations on energy saving. DEWA staff also interacted and shared important conservation tips with children to help them contribute to the well-being of the community. Souvenirs were given away to the participants at the conclusion of the three-hour road show.

An invitation to participate in the annual DEWA ‘Best Consumer Award’ was extended to tenants at both the Layan and Al Khail Gate developments.
 

Emirates Post Group Supports Campaign On Banning Outdoor Work For Labourers During Summer

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Emirates Post Group participated in the 7th campaign of the Ministry of Labour on banning outdoor work for labourers between 12:30 and 3:00 pm in summer.

As part of the campaign, Emirates Post Group teams visited workers at their work sites in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, as part of an initiative to appreciate the contribution of labourers and their role in society as well as to raise awareness of their rights to rest in the shade during the ban period, as per the directive of the Ministry of Labour.

Volunteers from Emirates Post Group distributed water, soft drinks, snacks and gifts to workers during the outdoor trips to various companies and sites.

The Emirates Post Group’s campaign, which was organized under the slogan ‘My Break from the Sun’, was aimed at encouraging community service among employees, under the direction of Strategic Planning and Excellence Department.

Fahad Al Hosni, Acting President of Emirates Post Group, said the participation was in line with the strategy of the United Arab Emirates to serve the community and encourage involvement in social issues.

"Our volunteers were delighted to join the representatives of the Ministry of Labour and all other partners and supporters in this successful campaign that promotes a spirit of brotherhood in the community,” Al Hosani said.

Emirates Post Group has been supporting various campaigns and humanitarian initiatives by issuing special stamps and cancellation postmarks on different topics, as a means of spreading important messages.
 

Dubai Gold And Jewellery Group Holds It 14th Annual General Meeting

Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) has recently (Saturday, May 28, 2011) held its 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Almas Tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. The AGM was hosted by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCC) and sponsored by Emirates NBD.

During the event, the Group’s annual financial statement was presented and approved. This was followed by the presentation of a detailed report on the last year’s activities. An announcement was also made regarding the appointment of auditors, NR Doshi & Co., which was presented and approved by the members of DGJG.

Speaking on the sidelines of the AGM, Anan Fakhreddin – Chairman of the DGJG and Member of the Board of Directors, said: “Over the past year, the DGJG has been a driver of growth and innovation in the jewellery sector, which has helped to strengthen Dubai’s jewellery trade and promote Dubai as ‘The City of Gold’ and one of the world’s top jewellery destinations. The results outlined during the AGM today show that the Group has overcome the challenges of the global economic downturn to become stronger and more valuable to the sustained growth of this industry. We look forward to organising many more events and initiatives in the coming year.”

Following the closure of the AGM, Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC Authority and Gerhard Schubert, Head of Precious Metals at Emirates NBD, held a strategy meeting with representatives of the DGJG to discuss new growth channels for Dubai’s jewellery industry.

“DMCC is a strategic initiative of the Dubai Government that continues to enhance the flow of trade through the emirate while maintaining and capitalizing on the dynamic commodities market place in the region. Since its inception, DMCC has worked closely with organisations such as the DGJG to create competitive business clusters that maximise opportunities and results,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC Authority. “Dubai still has a lot of unexplored potential in terms of jewellery trade and we look forward to supporting the further development within the gold and jewellery industry.”

Gerhard Schubert, Head of Precious Metals, Emirates NBD, also spoke about the different gold products and services that are boosting investments in gold. “Following the launch of our comprehensive range of specialized gold products and services in late 2010, we are noticing an increased interest in gold as an investment from many different community segments. We will continue to offer attractive options for all people keen to invest in gold, as the demand for gold is continuing to increase on a regular basis.”

The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group was formed in 1996, with the support of the Dubai Department of Economic Development. The Group is a trade group for the Dubai jewellery industry with around 600 members, which has evolved into a prestigious trade body committed to developing and sustaining Dubai’s status as the ’City of Gold’ and ’The Jewellery Destination of the World’.
 

Better Homes And Dubai Properties Group Partner To Offer An Apartment At Shorooq Mirdif Rent-Free For One Year

Better Homes, the region’s largest property consultancy, and Dubai Properties Group (DPG), a member of Dubai Holding, today announced the launch of a joint promotion which will offer one lucky UAE resident the chance to win a rent-free apartment at Shorooq Mirdif for one full year.

The competition, which will run from 10 Feb – 5 March, will invite UAE residents to submit a 250 word response to the question ‘What would you do if you did not have to pay rent for a year?’ Entries will be evaluated by a panel of experts on the criteria of creativity and innovation. Responses can be accompanied by photographs, video or other visual aids.

The winner will be presented with the keys to their new one bedroom apartment in the popular Shorooq Mirdif community at an award handover on 10 March.

James Gauduchon, Head of Marketing for Better Homes, said: “Better Homes and DPG both share a strong partnership and a history of professional commitment to the growth and development of the UAE property market as a whole. This joint promotion will inject something unique and exciting into the market. It’s time for agencies and developers alike to engage with customers at a personal level.”

A thriving and dynamic development in the heart of Mirdif, Shorooq delivers a variety of studio, one and two bedroom apartments that offer the antidote to high-rise living by provide residents with all the advantages of community life including wide open spaces in a serene an secure environment.

A DPG spokesperson said: “DPG is pleased to partner with the highly respected property consultancy Better Homes to launch this innovative promotion that will showcase one of the most popular communities in our portfolio in one of the most sought after neighbourhoods in Dubai. We are thrilled to be able to offer one local resident the opportunity to experience the unparalleled lifestyle at Shorooq Mirdif.”

A survey conducted by a specialist real-estate publication last year ranked Shorooq Mirdif one of ‘the hippest places to let in Dubai’ and an ideal family-focused neighbourhood among a select list of Dubai-based properties.
Conveniently located adjacent to the Rashidiya Metro Station and the Dubai International Airport, Shorooq Mirdif is easily accessible from arterial highways including the Emirates Road and Al Awir Road. The community also offers convenient access to schools and shopping centres, including the popular Uptown Mirdif and the new Mirdif City Centre malls.

For more information on the Free Rent Competition, please call 600 52 2212 or visit www.bhomes.com/competitions to submit your entry.
 

Jumeirah Group Takes Social Media To The Next Level

Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, has launched a restaurant reservations booking tool on Facebook.

Following the successful launch of Jumeirah Group’s Facebook room reservations tool and recognising the channel shift in communications, the Group has taken their service offering to the next level by rolling out a similar booking tool for their restaurants.

Guests and diners can now search for Jumeirah restaurants in Dubai, London and New York by location or cuisine, view all details of the restaurant and reserve a table, all from their own Facebook page.

Both the restaurant and the room reservations tabs are now live on all Jumeirah Facebook pages, from the individual hotels to the Group’s main page, and all are fully mobile phone compatible.

Jumeirah Group is fully committed to innovation and will continue to develop these tools in the coming months in order to provide guests with the very best customer service and journey.
 

Emirates Group Employees Receive Chairmans Award For Excellence

A total of 15 Emirates Group employees were recognized for their commitment to excellence today by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, the Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group, during an award ceremony held at the Emirates Group Headquarters.

The annual Najm Chairman’s Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of Emirates staff. Hundreds of Emirates Group employees were nominated for the coveted award and after a comprehensive selection process Sheikh Ahmed selected and named the winning candidates.

“I am honoured by the level of commitment and dedication all Emirates Group employees have for their jobs, selecting only a few people to receive this award is always a difficult task,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “While we saw hundreds of examples of outstanding work this year, I felt the achievements of these individuals deserved the highest form of recognition,” he added.

In total six individual and team achievements were acknowledged with three of these stemming from outstanding levels of teamwork, an attribute highly regarded within the Emirates Group.

Najm is the Emirates Group’s reward and recognition programme for outstanding individual and team performance. The programme is designed around the three pillars of commitment, excellence and innovation.

The achievements of the winners covered a number of diverse areas; from the development and implementation of a new system to monitor the emissions from Emirates aircraft, delivering a baby onboard an Emirates flight to Doha and the stringent implementation of Emirates safety procedures.

Sheikh Ahmed congratulated the winners at a ceremony watched by hundreds of the winners’ families, friends and colleagues. Each of the winners was rewarded with a crystal trophy, a certificate signed by Sheikh Ahmed and a AED 15,000 cash award.

“These winners’ have shown great aptitude and resourcefulness, the very attributes that have driven the growth of the Emirates Group. As we expand I am confident that our burgeoning team will continue to deliver the outstanding levels of excellence that the Emirates Group is renowned for,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

The Emirates Group currently has 50,000 employees around the globe.
 

Dubai Properties Group And Royal Caribbean Internationalreg; Continue Alliance To Enhance Tourism For UAE Visitors

Visitors to Dubai, sailing with Royal Caribbean International, will be able to visit The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence and key attractions at DUBAILAND® under an agreement between Dubai Properties Group (DPG) and the world’s largest cruise line.

It is the second season that DPG and Royal Caribbean International are working together to make many well-known tourist destinations in Dubai available in Royal Caribbean’s 7 and 12 night cruise itineraries through the gulf and India.

The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a lifestyle, shopping and leisure destination known for its stunning beach-side setting. The diversity of food, beverage, entertainment and cultural offerings has made The Walk at JBR a must-see for tourists.

Other key destinations in DUBAILAND® will also be promoted in Royal Caribbean’s pre and post cruise tour land packages, as well as on-shore excursion programmes. These attractions include Dubai Autodrome in MotorCity, Dubai Outlet Mall in Outlet City, The Global Village, and Dubai Sports City which features the Els Club, the Butch Harmon School of Golf and the Cricket Stadium. These projects currently receive millions of visitors annually, and add further variety to Dubai’s tourism offering by providing visitors with exciting entertainment options and value for money.

Starting January 24 through April 9, Royal Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the Seas will offer guests seven-night sailings around the Arabian Gulf, as well as a new 12-nights Gulf and India itineraries in line with its signature style of cruising for active holidaymakers. The seven-night cruise starts and ends in Dubai every Monday, with calls at Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and Oman’s capital Muscat.

The two 12-night sailings also start and conclude in Dubai. Ports of call include Muscat and the coast of western India, where the cruise will stop at Cochin, Goa and Mumbai, before returning to Dubai.

“We are delighted to resume the extremely successful marketing alliance between these two strong brands which has allowed thousands of visitors to experience our popular DPG designations last season,” said Khalid Al Malik, CEO, Dubai Properties Group.

“Our partnership increased visitors to the region and allowed our investors and retailers to tap into a very lucrative new market segment of cruise tourists to boost their revenues. We are confident this partnership will continue to grow in strength and contribute to the growth of regional and international tourism.”

Rama Rebbapragada, Regional Vice President of Royal Caribbean International, said: “We hope to replicate the success of our full capacity 2010 sailings, and are thrilled that our new 12-night itinerary has received a huge amount of interest from key global source markets including the UK, North America and Germany.”

More than 34,000 guests from 79 countries have sailed on Brilliance of the Seas since her maiden call in Dubai in January 2010 – marking Royal Caribbean International’s official entry into the Middle East market.

Brilliance of the Seas has an open Centrum with 10-deck high windows and ocean facing glass elevators, offering spectacular views of the passing shoreline and sea. The whole family can scale the cruise line’s iconic rock wall, delight in riding the Adventure Beach waterslide, or challenge each other on one of the self-leveling pool tables in the Bombay Billiards Club.
 

Emirates Group Achieves Record Profit In 2010-11

The Emirates Group has marked its 23rd consecutive year of profit with a record performance of AED 5.9 billion (US$ 1.6 billion) net profit, despite a challenging business climate. The 2010-11 Annual Report of the Emirates Group – comprising Emirates Airline, dnata and their subsidiary companies – was released in Dubai today at a news conference hosted by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. “This year’s record results represent our drive to push the boundaries of aviation, questioning the norms and advocating for open and fair competition. Despite unforeseen challenges in the form of political instability and shocking natural disasters we have managed, through sheer determination, nimbleness and quick thinking, to produce our best ever result,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

In the face of many challenges, both political and environmental, the Group’s revenue increased by 26.4 percent reaching a remarkable new level at AED 57.4 billion (US$ 15.6 billion). Strong revenue has been the main driver for the Group’s record financial performance. The Group’s cash balance rose substantially to hit a record high at AED 16 billion (US$ 4.4 billion). The Group’s exceptional performance this year owes much to its dexterity and ability to adapt to changing market conditions quickly. In the first six months Emirates was able to capitalise on strong market demand thanks to its superior network and world-class product. With political instability across parts of the world coming to the fore in the second half of the year, Emirates was able to swiftly adjust flight schedules, redeploying aircraft to balance the network and optimise revenue. The airline’s notable ability to drive revenue, in the midst of an unstable business environment enabled it to partially shield itself against a dramatic increase in fuel prices in the second half of the year. During the year dnata forged forward with its international expansion through its proven strategy of acquisition, taking ownership of Alpha Flight Group Ltd, a leading caterer with operations in 61 airports globally. By being open to new business opportunities and continually seeking growth dnata has now become the world’s fourth largest air services provider.

“A clear indication of our strength, this year’s financial result represents the tireless work of our 57,000 strong workforce. Operating without subsidy and through a well thought out business model we have, as a team, been able to confront adversity on many levels,” added Sheikh Ahmed. Customers’ continued preference for Emirates’ products has helped achieve sharp sales growth, record return for the financial year and the airline’s highest ever passenger numbers. “Emirates continues to dismiss the perceived limitations of the aviation industry, advocating for an open skies environment that stimulates competition, an undeniable positive for the customer. The customer is at the heart of our operations, evident in the 31.4 million passengers that flew with us throughout the financial year, an increase of 14.5 percent or 4 million passengers on last year.” On course with its financial commitments a net amount of AED 1.8 billion (US$ 500 million) was used to repay a bond that matured on 24th March 2011. The bond, listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, was originally issued in 2004 with a seven year term.

Focusing on the theme of ‘open’ the 2010-11 Emirates Group Annual Report reflects on many of the Group’s successes that have ensured its continued profitability. “Being open to competition, new ideas and most importantly the future, ensures that we stay ahead of the game. Knowing that we continue to delight our customers and motivate our employees is a true measure of our success,” continued Sheikh Ahmed. “Looking ahead we have no plans to deviate from our proven strategy of investing in our business and focusing on core customer service. As we continue to grow, we are ambitious enough to believe that we can stimulate change in the aero political arena, for the benefit of the industry and the customers that it serves.”

Emirates Airline’s revenues grew by an outstanding 25 percent from last year to reach AED 54.4 billion (US$ 14.8 billion). Airline profits of AED 5.4 billion (US$ 1.5 billion) marked an increase of 51.9 percent over 2009-10’s profits of AED 3.5 billion (US$ 964 million). Passenger Seat Factor, at 80.0 percent, indicates the airline’s highest ever, a remarkable achievement given a substantial increase in seat capacity (Available Seat Kilometres – ASKMs) of 13 percent. Overall capacity, measured in ATKM (Available Tonne Kilometres), rose 12.4 percent to 32,057 million tonne-kilometres. Operating costs, at AED 48.9 billion (US$ 13.3 billion), were 22.7 percent higher than the 2009-10 financial year. This increase correlates with the rise in fuel prices and increased activity levels in addition to an overall growth in staff numbers and a rise in direct operating costs such as handling, in-flight costs and aircraft maintenance. A sharp increase of 41.2 percent in the cost of fuel during 2010-11 at AED 16.8 billion (US$ 4.6 billion), accounted for a sizeable 34.4 percent of the airline’s total operating costs, close to the record highs witnessed in 2008-09. This increase is a direct result of the 26.5 percent hike in average fuel costs per US gallon, as well as higher overall consumption due to increased capacity.

Passenger yield increased by 8.5 percent to 28.3 fils per RPKM (Revenue Passenger Kilometre), up from 26.1 fils (7 US cents) in 2009-10. During the year, in line with the airlines strategic growth plan, Emirates significantly increased its order for new aircraft, adding 32 additional Airbus A380s and 30 Boeing 777-300ERs. The combined value of these orders is US$ 13.4 billion and brings the airline’s total number of aircraft on order at the end of the financial year to 193, worth over US$ 66 billion. Emirates took delivery of eight new aircraft during the year including one Boeing 777-300ER and seven of the airline’s flagship A380s expanding the airline’s fleet size to a robust 148 aircraft. Emirates remains the world’s largest A380 and Boeing 777 operator with 15 A380s and 86 Boeing 777s. Expanding its global footprint the airline launched passenger services to six new destinations – Amsterdam, Prague, Al Medinah al Munawarah, Madrid, Dakar and Basra – as well as increasing frequency and capacity to a number of high-demand cities across multiple markets, most notably the US, Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Emirates continues to benefit from a diverse revenue base, with no single region contributing more than 30 percent of revenues. East Asia and Australasia led the way in 2010-11 with revenue growth of 30.9 percent at AED 3.7 billion (US$ 1.0 billion), Europe followed closely with an increase of 24.3 percent at AED 2.8 billion (US$ 769 million) due primarily to three new passengers destinations commencing in the region and increased capacity through larger aircraft. The Emirates A380 network was further developed during the year with three new destinations; Beijing, Hong Kong and Manchester as well as the highly anticipated re-introduction of the A380 service to New York. Emirates continued to invest in its product with two new airport lounges, Shanghai and New Delhi, taking the total number of Emirates dedicated lounges to 28. In total Emirates has invested AED 288 million (US$ 78 million) in its global lounge network.

Dubai-Based Jupiter Group Pioneers New Consumer Electronics Retail Concept  DOT- At Lamcy Plaza

The Dubai-based consumer electronics major, Jupiter Group, today unveiled a pioneering retailing concept – DOT – offering customers a stunning choice of an array of multi-branded product range under one canopy.

DOT is located on the second level of Lamcy Plaza, the popular and family destination shopping mall, and will feature the largest stretch of LCD TV display in the UAE – the `Great Wall of LCDs’ – featuring 212 LCD screens in one continuous row.

Elaborating on DOT as a milestone in consumer electronics retailing in the UAE, Jupiter Group spokesperson said the concept was a trailblazer in terms of finding new paradigms in brand partner relationships and customer engagement.

Addressing the media at the opening of DOT, Mr. Sajan Joseph, CEO, Jupiter Group, said: “DOT is entirely different and is based on a new strategy in consumer electronics retailing, It has been evolved with a view to bring in new comfort levels in relationships – with partners as well as customers.”

He said DOT has a two-pronged focus – one looking at giving unprecedented benefits to brand partners and second, to engage and sustain customer interest in an interactive and knowledge sharing format.

“For customers, DOT will be perhaps offering a first-of-its-kind visual display never attempted by a consumer electronics retailer at this scale. Apart from the `Great Wall of DOT,’ it also has other engaging interactive USPs, that would help customers make an informed choice in finding the right kind of product.” Mr. Joseph said.

These interactive channels include `Ask Me Kiosks’ – a one-point touch screen facility to access products details in terms of technology, price etc… DOT will also have a special zone for hourly live product demo.

“We will also soon have live streaming of the store activity on our web portal. DOT will also have a technology counter which will provide information on latest products in electronics. The outlet will also feature Pink Tag products which will bevalue for money products to customers at special price,” Mr. Joseph added.