DP World Appoints A New Managing Director For Africa Region

Global marine terminal operator DP World today announced the appointment of Joost Kruijning to the position of Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the company’s Africa Region, effective 1st September 2009.

Mr. Kruijning had been Chief Operating Officer of DP World’s UAE Region. Prior to joining DP World in 2001, he spent thirteen years at Sea -Land, working on various assignments in Russia and the Sultanate of Oman.

Mr. Kruijning takes over from Anil Singh, who in turn will assume the position of Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DP World Subcontinent Region.

Joost Kruijning said: “I am very proud to have been part of a team that realised the completion of additional capacity at T2 of Jebel Ali Terminal and oversaw volume growth of approximately 11% last year. I am looking forward greatly to my new role as SVP and Managing Director for Africa Region. DP World believes in Africa’s potential, and is fully committed to developing local markets over time, as demonstrated by recent additions to our global portfolio in Algeria and Djibouti.”
 

Dubai Customs Receives A Governmental Delegation From Abu Dhabi Customs And Vital Installations And Facilities Protection Agency

A delegation from Abu Dhabi Customs and Vital Installations and Facilities Protection Agency in Abu Dhabi praised the goods and boats inspection methods implemented at Dubai Customs as well as the highly qualified inspectors who work there.

On a recent field visit to Al Humariyah Inspection Port the delegation got the chance to observe the inspection procedures and the different technical support units at Dubai Customs including the Mobile Lab, the Customs dogs squad (Customs K9 Unit), the boats and the X-ray detector.

During a meeting at Al Humariyah Inspection Center, Mr. Rashid Saif Al Dhabbah, Senior Manager of Cargo Operations Sea & Jebel Ali at Dubai Customs gave a presentation on the different types of inspection methods implemented at Al Humariyah Port. He explained the nature of this port as it deals with creek dhows and small-sized iron ships as well as the procedures adopted to guarantee the legitimacy of the goods at the port. He stated:" Al Humariyah Port monthly handles 600 departing creek dhows and 600 arriving, while Al Khour Inspection Center deals with 1000 arriving creek dhows and almost the same amount departing. These two ports have maintained their traditional character while greatly influencing and serving the trade movement with the nearby countries. Therefore, inspection procedures implemented there are by no means less significant than those taken at any other inspection port in Dubai".

During the visit, Mr. Rashid Al Dhabbah and Mr. Saeed Al Sayegh, Director of Al Humariyah Inspection Center accompanied the delegation on a tour where they were given a demonstration of the regular procedures applied by Dubai Customs inspectors to check the creek dhows and goods. They also saw some of the support units that are used at all customs ports and crossings in Dubai; for example, the Mobile Lab which was internally developed at the Department and has several devices used to detect drugs, explosives, chemicals and radioactive materials. The Lab is very useful when inspecting suspected luggage or shipments, and it proved to be quite effective during many missions in different customs points. They were also able to see the X-ray detector that checks waste containers. Inspection techniques and the vital role the Customs Dogs Unit plays during the execution of inspection operations were also demonstrated to the delegation.

Mr. Rashid Al Dhabbah said:" This visit comes as part of the mutual cooperation and coordination between the governmental departments in UAE. Exchanging expertise, enhancing cooperation, sharing knowledge and information about customs matters are some of the issues agreed upon during the visit.”

Confirming the visit’s great benefit, Mr. Ahmed Rashid Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi said:" The visit was a very fruitful one as it introduced the inspection methods implemented at Dubai Customs which are not only renowned locally, but also regionally and internationally. It was agreed that a delegation of inspectors from Abu Dhabi Customs would visit Dubai Customs and conduct a joint training program. We also intend to maintain and strengthen our cooperation with Dubai Customs and the Vital Installations and Facilities Protection Agency in Abu Dhabi in terms of exchanging expertise, sharing knowledge, and the means by which the cooperation between Customs Departments and other Government Departments can be enhanced. "

“We are looking forward to making the best of what has been discussed and shown today in order to stay in line with the comprehensive modus operandi adopted by all governmental departments in the UAE," Mr. Ahmed Rashid Al Suwaidi added.

At the end of the visit, Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Customs and the Vital Installations and Facilities Protection Agency exchanged memorial gifts and souvenirs.

Municipality Praises DP World, UAE Region for Contributions to Dubai’s Development Goals

The Dubai Municipality recently commended DP World, UAE region for its significant and long-term contribution to Dubai’s development goals:  “Through the active alignment of its growth trajectory with Dubai’s growth requirements, DP World has been a model for all Dubai companies,” said Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director of the Dubai Municipality.Eng. Lootah spoke at Jebel Ali terminal during a meeting between Municipality officials and DP World executives, headed by Mr. Mohammed Al Muallem, SVP and Managing Director, UAE Region.  The goal of the talks was to investigate additional avenues for policy coordination.Mohammed Al Muallem, SVP and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said: “DP World is always ready to cooperate with Dubai Municipality. We are jointly responsible to the community and seek ways to contribute to the qualitative development of Dubai.  Such meetings are an excellent opportunity to share information and deepen coordination.  As always, we appreciate Dubai Municipality’s strong support.”Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General, Dubai Municipality, said: “DP World is doing a commendable job in integrating its development projects with the needs of this emirate.  Dubai Municipality is committed to the welfare of the people and we deeply value our close relations with DP World, UAE Region and the common interests that bind us.”

RTA: 40% Of Ferry Dubai Completed

The Marine Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 40% of Ferry Dubai boats manufacturing process under Phase I of the Project which comprises manufacturing of 10 boats; each with a capacity to accommodate 100 passengers.

“Completion rate has topped 82% in manufacturing the hulls of the 10 boats and this rate is compatible with the approved timetable of the Project” said Khalid Al Zahid, Director of Marine Projects at RTA Marine Agency.

“Manufacturing process is progressing according to the approved schedule of the Project which envisages the deployment of these boats on Dubai Creek as an additional mass transit mode built on the best global practices applicable in water transport. Water transport started to play an increasingly important role in the composition of Dubai public transport as it provides a link with urban developments with waterfronts at Dubai Creek, Nakheel Palm islands (Deira, Jumeirah and Jebel Ali), Lagoons and Canals.

“Manufacturing of Ferry Dubai is progressing at the facilities of the Dutch manufacturer Damen in China in conformity with the approved schedule, with a slight progress reported ahead of the plan, under the supervision of the international classification authority (BV).

“The Project ranks high in the portfolio of marine mass transit projects undertaken by Marine Agency and is the third project under the Strategic Plan of Marine Transport. These boats will provide shuttle service between four purpose-built stations; Gold Souk Station, Ghubaiba Station, City Center Station, and Union Square Station.

“The overall cost of Ferry Dubai Project – Phase I - exceeds 500 million dirham covering the cost of boats, infrastructure, and operational systems. With the planned operation at the end of 2010 God willing, the project is set to ease the traffic jam in the emirate of Dubai and enhance the integration of marine transport modes with other mass transit modes; making a further addition to the vision of RTA to provide Safe & Smooth Transport for All” said Al Zahid.

He elaborated on the technical specifications of Ferry Dubai saying: “The boat has a dual base aluminum hull, and measures 32.0 m in length, 7.6 m in width and 8.37 m in height. It has a maximum speed of 24 knots per hour, and has 84 seats in the Economy Class and 14 seats in the Business Class in addition to 2 seats for special needs. Each ferry has twin turbines (Caterpillar C 18 ACERT) of 1400 hp each. Each boat has one kiosk for selling gift items & snacks plus 3 toilets (for men, women and special needs)”.

Commenting on the significance of the Project Al Zahid said: “Ferry Dubai is the gateway to marine mass transit industry as the emirate of Dubai is embracing for massive maritime projects which require the services of various types of marine mass transit modes. This promoted RTA to prepare and plan for the deployment of different size marine transport modes to fit with the needs of each location, prospective number of users and population density. Planning also extends to cover journey schedules and headways so as to pave the way for integrating Ferry Dubai with other mass transit modes such as metro and buses.

Dubai Trade, Insure Direct Partner On Online Payment Services

Dubai Trade, the innovative online service provider of Dubai World, and Insure direct (Brokers), Dubai, Dubai World’s captive insurance broker, signed last week an agreement enabling the insurance broker’s customers to make use of the trade facilitator’s ROSOOM online payment gateway.The ROSOOM platform offers electronic payment services for customers to make online transactions with leading Dubai World entities such as DP World, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Economic Zones World, as well as Dubai Customs.The agreement was signed by Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade, and Kenneth George Maw, President and Chief Executive of Insure direct at Dubai Trade’s premises in Jebel Ali.Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade, said: “The agreement with Insure direct opens our online payment platform to the insurance brokerage firm’s vast clientele, providing them with easy access to interact with some of the key commercial entities in Dubai, such as the port and the free zone. Dubai Trade has ensured the highest level of efficiency and user-friendliness for the portal to serve the trade community here. ROSOOM’s increasing popularity is proof of its success in bringing the customers and these companies closer together, and thus facilitating easier and faster trade flow.”Kenneth George Maw, President and Chief Executive of Insure direct, said: “We are pleased to associate with Dubai Trade, which has set a new benchmark in electronic payment methods. Insure Direct’s customer base is widening across the region and, as the company expands, we ensure that we serve them in the best possible way. The agreement with Dubai Trade will make it easy for a large number of our clients to liaise with some of the key entities that are part of their daily operations.”ROSOOM has become one of the most effective and popular online payment platforms accessed by the trading community in Dubai. It offers customers multiple transaction methods that enable real-time transfer of funds to settle their bills. This secure single-window electronic facility has helped them save time and cost.Since its inception in March 2008, through March 2009, ROSOOM facilitated 96,000 transactions totaling Dhs108,000,000, clearly reflecting Dubai Trade portal’s rapid increase in service access and trade flow value.Dubai Trade’s innovative online payment concepts have played a key role in boosting Dubai’s trade. Constant system upgrades keep ROSOOM current with changes in technology and user demand. The services cover the entire supply chain and bring together into a single community all the companies that interact with Dubai’s ports, customs and the free zone for the purpose of trade.Insure direct has taken a leading position in the UAE’s insurance brokerage sector with a wide range of products covering trading industry and construction, shipping and aviation, professional and specialist, financial institutions as well as personal protection. The company’s expansion strategy focuses on the need for new niche-specific schemes as well as the forging of strong local and global alliances.
 

An Official Saudi Delegation Visits Dubai Customs And Ports

Received by the Director of Ports Security Management at DP World, Mr.Mahmoud Amin, a delegation from Saudi Arabia had recently visited Dubai Customs and Ports. The delegation included officials from the Saudi Ministry of Interior, Saudi Customs and King Fahd University headed by General Abdel Ghani Bin Ibrahim AlKhoudair with the purpose of getting informed about Dubai Customs and Ports experience in security systems, customs systems and weapon diffusion combat.Mr.Mahmoud Amin welcomed the Saudi delegation stating: "this visit expresses both parties’ mutual desire to enhance coordination and exchange of expertise and to boost the distinguished relationship level between both parties, wishing the Saudi delegation a fruitful visit".During its meeting with Dubai Customs and DP World officials, the delegation learned more about the security and safety measures at Customs and Ports and got the opportunity to attend a presentation on Ports security and the programs for combating the massive destruction weapons’ diffusion as well as the adopted customs systems used for preventing the smuggling of dangerous products.After that, the Saudi delegation had a field visit at Dubai Ports to be acquainted with the dangerous products storage locations, the containers’ yards and facilities as well as the security, safety, transportation and storage systems adopted physically in those facilities.The Saudi delegation Head, General Abdel Ghani Bin Ibrahim AlKhoudair praised the development level reached by Dubai Customs and Ports, the modern techniques adopted in their facilities, their beneficial expertise as well as the future cooperation and coordination regarding information and expertise’ transfer and exchange between both parties.The meeting was attended on the part of Dubai Customs and DP World by Abdullah Al Khaja, Director of Customs Intelligence Department at Dubai Customs, Said Al Tayer, Jebel Ali Customs Center Director, Ibrahim AlSaadi, Director of the Special Tasks Department at Dubai Customs and Mohammad Foulaz, Expert and Consultant- massive destruction weapons’ diffusion combat as well as other officials.
 

DUBAL Takes Gold Sponsorship Of Arabian Horse Championships For Third Year

Demonstrating a corporate commitment to actively support community-based initiatives and the broader goals of the Dubai Government, Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”) will sponsor the 2009 Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, which takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19 to 21 March this year. This is the third consecutive year that DUBAL will be the Gold sponsor of the competition, a development which reflects the company’s belief in the role played by major sporting events in placing Dubai squarely on the world stage.Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of DUBAL), the Championship event aims to showcase the beauty, agility and heritage of Purebred Arabian horses. The event is strongly aligned with DUBAL’s own corporate culture of excellence, typified by absolute quality in every aspect of its business.Since its inception in 1979, DUBAL expanded and evolved into the world’s largest modern aluminium smelter complex with a captive power station. The company produced almost 892,000 tonnes of hot metal in 2008 and, having completed the six expansion project at its Jebel Ali site, is targeting 945,000 tonnes in 2009. This will strengthen DUBAL’s global rankings and put the company firmly on track to produce more than one million tonnes of hot metal by 2011. Already, DUBAL’s high quality, value-added products are distributed to more than 300 valued clients in 48 countries worldwide, particularly in the Far East, Europe, the ASEAN region, the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, and North America.“As Dubai’s industrial flagship, DUBAL is a significant contributor to the local economy, both directly and indirectly,” says Khalid E Buhumaid (Vice President: Corporate Relations & International Affairs and official spokesperson). “We also invest in the socio-economic development of Dubai by sponsoring high profile, world-class events – such as the annual Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship – that highlight Dubai’s superb tourism and business infrastructure to international audiences. We also give of our company’s time, financial resources and expertise to support a broad range of community-orientated events and activities, especially in the areas of sport and education.”Among its other sporting sponsorships, DUBAL has been the main sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament for the past 18 years; the Dubai Ladies Masters since its inception in 2006; and Jet Ski Racing since 2005.
 

DUBAL Achieves AED 13 Million Savings Through Employee Suggestion Scheme In 2008

The Employee Suggestion Scheme operated by state-owned Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”), the world’s largest modern aluminium smelter with a captive power station, continued to perform strongly in 2008. Not only were a commendable 18,883 suggestions submitted to the scheme, of which a record 10,725 were implemented and awarded, but the overall employee participation rate also reached the 100 per cent mark for the third consecutive year (i.e. each employee had at least one suggestion implemented and awarded suggestion during 2008) and the number of awarded suggestions per employee rose to 4.27. Moreover, the audited savings potential of the suggestions implemented in 2008 amounted to AED13.17 million, bringing the total savings achieved through the scheme to AED86 million since its inception in May 1981.These milestones were celebrated at DUBAL’s Jebel Ali site on Thursday 19 March 2009. All employees were invited to attend the ceremony, along with executive management. Held primarily in honour of those employees whose suggestions won the six different Suggestion Scheme Award categories – namely Innovation & Technology, Environmental, Energy Saving, Plant Operational Security, Health & Safety and Best Suggestion – the event was also used to present the CEO’s Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement, which went to 40 individuals for their efforts in 2008. A further 33 people received CEO’s Appreciation Award Certificates, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the DUBAL Suggestion Scheme last year.Speaking at the celebration, Abdulla J M Kalban (DUBAL’s President and CEO), said, “The Employee Suggestion Scheme has become synonymous with DUBAL’s corporate positioning as a leader in every aspect of our business and our commitment to excellence without compromise. The continuing success of the Scheme is due to our talented employees, whose knowledge, skills, passion and dedication DUBAL truly values.”He added that when people ask why the Employee Suggestion Scheme is so successful, his answer is simple: “It’s because of our people … we believe in them and value their knowledge across the spectrum, from suggestors and supervisors to area representatives and area management. It’s also because the Scheme has become an integral part of DUBAL; and I am proud to say that a complementary component of the Scheme known as ‘Think and Profit’, which enables supervisory level employees to participate as suggestors, is performing well in its current pilot phase.”The Gold winner in the 2008 Best Suggestion category was “Optimization of RAM units”, submitted by S M Ali of Casting Services. In the Energy Saving category the Gold winner was – Altaf Hussain of Desalination Operations, for his entry titled “Arrest heat reject section tube leak”.There were two Gold winners in the Environmental category: “Save filter bags and equipment to avoid pollution”, submitted by N Sekhar and V P Paloma of Carbon Operations; and “Use rubber gaskets to seal anode rod to reduce roof emission”, from P S Thiyagarajan of Potroom General. Three entries from Casthouse Maintenance 2 took the Gold awards in their respective categories: H G P D Dalipe and G S Marinas won the Health & Safety category with their suggestion titled “Saw blade breakage due to falling end crop”; S K Acharya, V S Kuvalekar and D Kumar topped the Innovation & Technology category with “Reduce rejections by increasing reliability of conveyors”; and D Kumar and S M Hugos triumphed in the Plant Operational Security category with “Elimination of ingot getting stuck-up at kick out area”.DUBAL has pioneered employee involvement in the UAE (and further a field) since the company’s inception in 1979. As a result, the DUBAL Employee Suggestion Scheme has been used as a model by a large number of organizations, both locally and internationally. In support of efforts to increase employee involvement in other local industrial and commercial organizations, DUBAL also took a lead role in establishing and supporting Ideas.Arabia under the auspices of Dubai Quality Group; and has been the main sponsor of annual Ideas.Arabia conference since its inception – including the 2008 event which took place from 20 to 22 April 2008.Importantly, winning ideas from the DUBAL Employee Suggestion Scheme have also won accolades and awards in international and local competitions in the past year, notably:Ideas.UK:
2008 Idea of the Year (International Category)EIA-USA:
2008 Idea of the Year
2008 Overall Idea of the Year
2008 Best Program AdministratorIdeas.Arabia:
2008 Idea of the Year Award
2008 Productivity Award
 

UAE Qualifiers Begin For Hyundai World Golf Championship

Juma Al Majid Est. the sole distributor of Hyundai Motors in United Arab Emirates will start The UAE’s qualifying round for the Hyundai World Golf Championship on the 30th of April 2009 at the Jebel Ali Golf & Resort, where 16 players will compete for two places at the Hyundai World Final in Korea next month.The Hyundai World Golf Championship brings players from across the world to compete in one of the largest events of its type, playing for the world title in one of Korea’s top country clubs – the prestigious Haevichi Golf Club on Jeju Island, Korea.This is the first time the event has been held and preparations are underway to continue it on an annual basis, attracting an increasing number of participants each year.“The one day qualifying event is the perfect opportunity for the UAE’s amateur golfers to take part in a unique competition with the prospect of some great rewards,” says Isam Abu Nabah, President of Hyundai -Juma Al Majid Est.“The championship brings together golfing enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate the prestige of the sport, cultural diversity and dynamism, and even more significantly, to foster an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie,”Countries around the globe are taking part in this competition, were each country will be sending their top qualifiers to compete for the world title.Hyundai’s showpiece for the tournament is the new Genesis Luxury sedan, which will also be available for test drive on the day of the UAE qualifiers.“Until now, Hyundai had been focusing on international football sponsorship as its main sports marketing tool. Now, with our grand entry into the new market sector of luxury automobiles, the Hyundai World Golf Championship is an opportunity to further lift the brand image, by targeting our new luxury brand customers and appealing to their particular tastes and needs.” says Omar Baddar Marketing Manager of Hyundai -Juma Al Majid Est.
 

Dubal Hosts IAT Open Day

As part of a structured programme to attract, recruit and retain greater numbers of UAE Nationals, Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”) hosted 80 students from the Institute of Applied Technology (“IAT”) at its Jebel Ali site in groups over a two consecutive Open Days at the beginning of March 2009. The visit, which was organised and co-ordinated by the company’s dedicated National Programmes & Development department, entailed the students and their educators viewing the DUBAL corporate film, going on a plant tour, and learning about the DUBAL Pre-Employment Course: Craft Programme.Essentially an accredited apprenticeship training initiative, the PEC Craft Programme prepares UAE National school-leavers for employment as Maintenance Craftsmen in DUBAL’s different maintenance areas. Access to the four-year course is open to individuals, aged between 18- and 24-years-old, holding a high school certificate in science or technical subjects; or with relevant work experience.The course content combines theoretical study with practical on-the-job experience in electrical, mechanical or instrumentation maintenance. Throughout the training period, trainees are expected to demonstrate, through written and practical tests, their ability to achieve pre-set percentage pass marks to remain on the course. On successful completion of the programme, course graduates are offered employment as full-time Junior Maintenance Technicians in their respective disciplines.The March 2009 Open Days formed part of a one-year Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) signed between DUBAL and IAT in June 2008 with the aim of establishing the framework form a training partnership between the two organisations. DUBAL’s Marwan Al Sawaleh (General Manager – Human resources) explains that the partnership approach between DUBAL and IAT is designed to give further training services to IAT students so as to improve their given educational possibilities, while enhancing their employability. “In essence, DUBAL has undertaken to provide opportunities for IAT students to undertake worksite visits; employment for IAT students who meet DUBAL’s workforce requirements; and information about the skills our company requires from the labour force. In exchange, IAT will allow students to undertake supervised worksite visits to DUBAL; and to participate in work placement programmes within our company.”
 

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