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.
 

Atlantis, The Palm Launches Iftari Recipe Online Competition

To celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan, the master chefs at Atlantis, The Palm, the leading entertainment resort destination in the Middle East, has decided to reward household chefs through the “Iftari Recipe Competition”. This competition asks people to send in their recipe to win Iftar at the Asateer tent with 4 friends, as well as a private cooking session at Atlantis, The Palm.

Participants only need to send their recipe to: iftari@atlantisthepalm.com with the full details of the creator of the recipe and attach a photo of the dish. A selection of entries will be posted on the Atlantis Facebook page, and each week, a committee of leading chefs at Atlantis will choose f the best dish.

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and The Palm, Asateer evokes sensations of nostalgia for the golden era of Arabia. Meaning ’myths’, Asateer provides an ambience filled with traditional activities, including card games, chess and backgammon. For a contemporary twist, each Majlis has a playstation and a large television. Throughout the stunning design and contemporary folkloric atmosphere of the tent, guests will be entertained by Oud and Tableh players playing timeless Arabic favourites.

Atlantis guests can enjoy Iftar at Asateer at AED 165 per person, inclusive of water and Ramadan juices. Children below the age of three years are admitted complimentary, while those children between three and 12 years of age are invited to enjoy Iftar at Asateer for AED 80 per person.

For those who are looking for a great Suhour experience, Suhour will be offered nightly at Asateer from 9pm with an extensive a la carte menu offering classic favourites and new surprises, as well as fresh Ramadan juices.

Guests can also enjoy Iftar and Suhour at Levantine which offers a true taste of Arabia and a variety of cuisines from the region. The set menu can be enjoyed for AED 165 per person inclusive of Ramadan juices and soft beverages. The panoramic show kitchen and elegant atmosphere provides a perfect setting to break the fast.

Kaleidoscope, which features a primarily Mediterranean menu with North African and Indian speciality dishes, will also be offering traditional favourites alongside a range of international dishes. The interactive, open kitchens feature live cooking stations and an impressive Iftar buffet for just AED 185 per person. The restaurant offers an inviting environment that is perfect for families looking to spend Ramadan together.
 

Community Development Authority In Dubai Launches Friendly Touch Awareness Campaign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UAE Launches Investment Map Highlighting Strategic Opportunities In The Country For Global Investors

His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, today, announced the launch of the UAE Investment Map, at a special ceremony in Dubai in the presence of the Ministry’s strategic partners from both public and private sectors.

Mr Al Shehhi said the initiative will promote the sustainable and balanced development of the UAE, and contribute to the GDP growth by stimulating the investment environment and attracting investment and technology that drive the knowledge economy in addition to reducing the dependence on oil by diversifying revenue streams.

Mr Al Shehhi said the UAE Investment Map comes in line with the strategic directions of the Ministry for 2011-2013 to enhance the investment environment and the competitiveness of the national economy by targeting international markets and attracting large investment projects to the UAE.

He said the initiative will serve as an indicator to guide global investors and introduce them to the various investment opportunities across all sectors of the UAE economy through a systematic and scientific approach.

The initiative is also part of the UAE Vision ‬ 2021 to drive the development of a knowledge-based economy. To achieve the Vision, the Federal Government Strategy ‬ 2011 – ‬ 2013 has set strategic directions, including the participation of UAE nationals and developing their capabilities; increasing efficiency, flexibility and productivity in the labor market; supporting small and medium enterprises; developing and promoting entrepreneurship; strengthening the regulatory framework of key sectors; encouraging and supporting existing and new sectors; promoting export development and promotion of the country’s position in international trade; and encouraging innovation and R&D.

Mr Al Shehhi said the UAE Investment Map will provide an overview of the investment opportunities in each Emirate in health, agriculture, real estate, alternative energy, SMEs, services, industry, education, and finance, among others sectors. In the first phase, the initiative aims to target markets such as Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, Germany, India, China and South Korea.

The areas that fall within the investment map also include: aluminum industry, automotive, aviation, information technology, telecommunications, financial services, electronics, engineering and industrial technology, healthcare, petrochemical industry, education and knowledge industry, and the pharmaceutical industry.

"In November, the UAE Investment Map will be officially launched during the UAE’s Investment Map conference, alongside a specialised exhibition to introduce government services to key international investors," Al Shehhi concluded.
 

Emirates Grand Hotel Launches Special Ramadan Offers

Emirates Grand Hotel, the 50-storey tall tower conveniently located in the heart of Dubai’s business and commercial district, will play host to a sumptuous Iftar and Sohour cuisines and guests can expect a wholesome Arabic hospitality.

Start your day with a special sohour set menu in the privacy of your room or in La Veranda Shisha Place which will start from 3:00am to 5:00 am. Break your fast with specially selected Arabic cuisine each evening while enjoying the magnificent view of the city at the hotel’s Panorama Restaurant located at 43rd Floor. The iftar buffet will cost AED95 per person with entertainment from an oud player. Ten guests who will visit for iftar will pay for only eight persons.

Traditional coffee and dates will be provided for breaking the fast. Guests can enjoy a flavourful selection of hot and cold Arabic mezzeh including dips, olives, pickles and breads as appetisers. The culinary team will serve up special traditional Arabic charcoal grilled meat selections including Shish Taouk, Shawarma, Kofta and mixed-grilled meat in various marinades as well as chefs’ lamb roast marinated with secret recipes available daily. To complete the feast, guests must not miss out on the traditional Arabic sweets and Ramadan beverages such as Katayef, Kunaffa, Umm Ali and much more.

Mr. Eyad Hamed, Resident Manager, Emirates Grand Hotel, said: “Families and friends usually gather to break the fast together preferably at a convenient venue. Our location is perfect for families to come and enjoy Iftar and Sohour during Ramadan. With our specially selected cuisine for the occasion, we guarantee a truly enjoyable and memorable Ramadan for our valued guests.”

Special Ramadan packages are on offer for corporate clients and large groups. For details and reservations, please contact +971 4 323 0000 or send an email to info@emiratesgrandhotel.com.
 

Etisalat Launches The UAEs First Personalised Mobile Advertising Service

Etisalat and Alcatel-Lucent today launched the UAE’s first permission and preference-based mobile advertising services in the UAE. The opt-in mobile advertising service provides a very smart and unique advertising model that will allow advertisers and brands to have an engaging dialogue with their target audience via Rich SMS/MMS Dialogue Ads. Moreover, it gives mobile customers access to a wide range of exclusive and relevant offers from leading brands in the UAE that is tailored to their personal interests and lifestyles.

The service will match customer’s voluntary preferences and deliver exclusive promotions and discounts accordingly. As such customers interested in sports, will get the latest on offers and promotions from sporting brands. The mobile advertising platform from Alcatel-Lucent Optism is also a monitoring tool for customers’ behaviors against the ads and promotions that they receive in a way that detects their registered interests and their interaction levels with the received offers. This type of intelligence, behavior monitoring and updating will get advertisers and brands to customize their offers to best suit their targeted audience and for customers to receive the best defined promotions that fit their likings.

The new service will give the entire mobile advertising ecosystem in the UAE exactly what they need; targeted ads, personalized ads, engaging ads and most of all very well defined tailored ads that will increase their sales, enhance their ROI, enable them for more intelligent campaign planning and provide them with real time reporting. At the same time it will increase targeted audience satisfaction as customers will receive offers that are tightly linked to their lifestyles and tastes.

Matthew Willsher, Chief Marketing Officer of Etisalat commented: “There is a new wave of demand for deals, discounts and offers in the UAE. As part of our mobile strategy, we are constantly innovating to delight our customers. The UAE’s first mobile advertising service ensures that customers who choose to receive targeted messages get better value as well as a richer mobile experience.”

Amr El-Leithy, Head of Alcatel-Lucent business in the Middle East & Africa. “We are very enthusiastic about working with Etisalat to bring a more personalized and compelling experience to their customers.”

All mobile advertising with Etisalat is "opt-in" for customers, giving subscribers the freedom to choose. It ensures privacy of customer’s information and contact details through Etisalat’s ‘Personal Information Identifiers’ system. Maha Muraish, Director of Online Channel and Portal at Etisalat added, “It’s not about spamming our customers with numerous ads; it’s about providing preference-based content. You will only receive offers from Etisalat that is relevant to you, at the time of day that suits you best and not more than 5 ads a week”.

To sign up for this service, customers need only send an SMS – ‘JOIN’ to short code ‘1551’ and respond to an invitation message from Etisalat with their age, gender and interests. They can also choose to pause and resume or completely stop the service by using appropriate commands. The service is for free and customers who register for the service do not pay for any advertising messages that they receive or respond to.

Ads received from Etisalat will use short codes 1551, 1552, 1553, 1554 or 1555. From time to time, customers will receive Etisalat’s ‘housekeeping’ messages to keep updated on profile and preferences, in order to understand and send tailor-made offers as per their interests.

For more information on the service, customers can visit www.ads.etisalat.ae or call 101.
 

Emirates Launches Mobile Boarding Pass Service

Making travel even more efficient, Emirates now offers customers the option of receiving a mobile boarding pass on their internet-enabled mobile device – providing customers with a stress-free, paperless travel experience.

The service is available to all passengers who utilise Emirates’ convenient online check-in facility out of Dubai up to 24 hours in advance. Passengers can log on to www.emirates.com, and can choose to receive a web-link to their mobile boarding pass by email or SMS, that displays a barcoded boarding pass on their internet-enabled phone.

“The launch of Emirates’ mobile boarding pass not only supports paperless travel and the reduction of paper waste, but also meets the demands of a new era of travellers, who seek a more sophisticated and efficient means of managing their business and leisure travel,” said Mohammed H Mattar – Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services, Emirates. “The mobile boarding pass puts flexibility and control completely in the hands of our customers, while making a small step towards reducing our environmental impact.”

The mobile boarding pass can be scanned and read directly at all check-in counters, airport security check points, Dubai immigration, Emirates First Class and Business Class lounges, and boarding gates. The service allows customers to keep all their travel information in one place, while also safe guarding the environment through paperless travel. In the first year of implementation, it is estimated that the use of mobile boarding passes alone will save a minimum of 550 kilograms of paper. Across the Emirates Group, over 3.6 million kilograms of paper and cardboard have been recycled in the financial year 2010 – 11. Following the launch in Dubai, over 30 other mobile boarding pass compliant airports, have been identified for implementation across the Emirates network.

Convenient, straight-forward and secure, customers may also use their internet-enabled mobile devices to perform a multitude of tasks including; booking and managing a flight, mobile check-in, searching flight schedules and status and even checking the in-flight amenities available on a specific flight. Once they log on to www.emirates.com they will be automatically redirected to the mobile optimised version of the website.
 

Atlantis, The Palm Launches Online Competition That Will Make You A Celebrity

Dannii and Kylie Minogue have interviewed X-Factor finalists at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, legendary artist Usher has partied there and Denise Van Outen has holidayed at the iconic resort. Now it’s your turn to be spotted in Atlantis with an exciting new online contest launching today. ‘Spotted in Atlantis’ gives you the chance to cast yourselves and three friends into a video as celebrities who are spotted at different locations around Atlantis, The Palm – the Middle East’s leading entertainment resort destination.

The competition could win you one of hundreds of weekly gift certificates in addition to the chance to follow in the stars’ footsteps and win the grand prize of an utterly glamorous five-night stay for four people at Atlantis, The Palm including flights from anywhere in the world. The grand prize winners will also enjoy an Atlantis dolphin encounter at Dolphin Bay, dine like celebrities with a complimentary meal for four at uber stylish Nobu and Ronda Locatelli, enjoy unlimited access to Aquaventure – the Middle East’s largest waterpark and discover 65,000 marine animals in the underwater world of The Lost Chambers.

Other celebrities that have been spotted at Atlantis, The Palm include Justin Timberlake, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas, Lily Allen, Naomi Campbell, Agyness Deyn, Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson, Charlize Theron, and Gary Linekar and Danielle Bux.

To feel you’re a similar celebrity at Atlantis, The Palm, simply upload a picture of yourself and three friends at www.spottedinatlantis.com, click on “create your own video” and sit back and enjoy. It is quick, easy and takes less than a minute. The video will show the impact you and your friends have as you take an exciting adventure throughout the resort from the heart-stopping Leap of Faith at Aquaventure to the iconic Bridge Suite, soaring 22-storeys over The Palm. The video shows you and your friends having the same impact as a celebrity leaving the staff and guests in awe of you. The 65,000 marine animals are mesmerised by your presence, the Aquaventure lifeguard is stupefied by the way you brave the Leap of Faith slide and the spa therapist is enthralled by your aura.

To increase the fun and your chances of winning, you can enter as many times as you like*, include different groups of friends and share it with your friends through www.spottedinatlantis.com, or through links on the Atlantis website: www.atlantisthepalm.com, www.Facebook.com/atlantisthepalm or www.youtube.com/atlantisthepalmtv The competition closes on 30th September 2011.
 

Dubai Launches World Discovery Festival To Offer A One-Of-A-Kind Exposition Of The Worlds Best Consumer Offerings

The World Discovery Fest, a unique spectacle of travel, leisure and holiday destinations, culture and cuisines, top-end lifestyle displays and an entertainment fiesta, has been announced today (Tuesday, May 31, 2011).

World Discovery Fest is unique in that it offers its audience lifestyle choices with a fusion of cultures, styles, tastes and entertainment and is intended to draw a large number of nationals and expatriates from around the region.

Organised by the International Conferences & Exhibitions (IC & E) and supported by the Government of Dubai and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, World Discovery Fest will be held at The Meydan Grandstand, Dubai’s newest hospitality and tourism venue, and will run from November 3 to 5, 2011, coinciding with the Eid holiday period.

A series of activities, attractions and live demonstrations at World Discovery Fest are spread out across the four dedicated show segments: Travel & Leisure Zone, Entertainment Zone, Food & Beverage Zone, and Retail Therapy Zone.

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), said: "World Discovery Fest takes inspiration from the many cultures and nationalities that wonderfully co-exist in the UAE, while reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a haven for luxury, entertainment, tourism, shopping and culinary excellence. The Festival will offer a fresh outlook of various products, services and value-added offerings in a truly multicultural, relaxing and uniquely engaging atmosphere. World Discovery Festival is quite simply an exclusive exposition of all the good things in life, which is a true reflection of Dubai. The extravaganza is expected to attract a large number of visitors from across the region who regularly travel to Dubai during the Eid holidays."

A major attraction at the World Discovery Festival will be the widely anticipated Coffee & Tea Show, Dubai’s first-ever event devoted to people who are passionate, enthusiastic and eager to learn more about coffee and tea. The show will be part of the Food & Beverage Zone and will be open to the public, providing an ideal networking and marketing platform for all key players in the coffee and tea trade. The show will host the 3rd UAE Barista Championship, where the best professional baristas in the UAE will vie for the coveted title and the right to represent UAE at the 2012 World Barista Championship in Vienna, Austria. The Food & Beverage Zone will also showcase presentations and exciting offerings from various specialty restaurants and cafes.

The Travel & Leisure Zone will feature competing airlines, cruise operators, tour operators, travel agencies, hotels & resorts, spas and national tourist promotion organisations, all showcasing a choice of hospitality offerings and leisure destinations across the world.

The Entertainment Zone is a chilled-out environment of non-stop live music from some of the hottest regional and international talent and DJ fillers. An amalgamation of sound, lights and visuals, the Entertainment Zone promises to be vibrant, spontaneous and extremely entertaining for all visitors of the Festival.

The Retail Therapy Zone will be a shopping spectacle with a diverse collection of exclusive fashion, jewellery, beauty and other high-end lifestyle products. Exhibitors range from regular retail booths to private retail suites for more exclusive products, providing a wide array of choices for shopping aficionados.
 

Microsoft Launches Right 2 Learn Initiative With Besix Foundation

Microsoft Gulf signed a MoU with Besix Foundation for launching the “Right 2 Learn” initiative at an event to reaffirm support for civil society organisations(Non Government organisations) in the UAE. This partnership is aimed at training blue collar workers in construction shelters in UAE to develop basic computer skills that are essential in everyday life to develop new social and economic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. Besix Foundation operates within the Besix Group which is the largest Belgian construction group comprising of a conglomerate of companies active in the construction, engineering, environmental, real estate and concession sectors in the UAE.

At the event, Microsoft also recognized UAE civil society organizations for raising public awareness on the use of technology. Microsoft actively partners with Civil Society organizations for helping people realize their full potential by leveraging technology innovation to address national social and economic priorities.

Mr. Samer Abu-Ltaif, Regional General Manager, Microsoft Gulf, expressed Microsoft’s commitment in helping civil society organizations by stating “Our strategy is built around ensuring our support to non-profit organizations to help advancing their operations and outreach through the innovative and appropriate use of technology. This approach enables us to offer a comprehensive set of services, products, and tools that are relevant to the communities NGOs serve.”

According to Dr. Zaki Khoury, Business Manager – Gulf, “We are delighted to partner with Besix Foundation and sign a memorandum of understanding to train their blue collar workers on Microsoft Digital Literacy Curriculum. The event is also an opportunity for us to renew and support our partnership with various civil society organizations in UAE.”

Mr Philippe Dessoy, General Manager, Besix, stated that “Technology can be a powerful tool for advancing social and economic development, enabling people to get a better education and learn new skills to earn a living. We welcome Microsoft’s involvement and commend their strong commitment to supporting our Foundations’ attempts to give our workers a brighter future.”

Microsoft is helping to enhancing the role of civil society in UAE by providing them with access to stable and secure IT, services, solutions, and training on courses such as Microsoft digital literacy curriculum. To drive transformational change, Microsoft also forms strategic alliances with leading organizations and consortiums to explore how technology can create social and economic opportunity in new, effective, and potentially scalable ways.