University Of Dubai Launches A Unique MBA Program

The University of Dubai (UD), a prestigious university in the UAE established by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is launching a unique MBA programme accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research.

The program is highly integrated and will tackle three challenging areas - Managing the Organization, Making Choices, and Making a Difference, keeping in view the unique characteristics of UAE in particular and the region in general. The UDMBA will offer double majors in four disciplines - Leadership and Human Resources Management, Operations and Logistics Management, Finance and Accounting, and International Business and Marketing.

This highly integrated international curriculum puts emphasis on applied learning and provides a holistic learning experience, drawing from a variety of organizational disciplines and theoretical perspectives. The course will help UD students establish and sustain a successful managerial or professional business careers while developing those skills that are required to think logically and plan strategically.

Dr M. Omar Hefni, President of UD said: “We are pleased to introduce this Master’s degree program that is built on substantial experience of staff who combine the Gulf-specific industry experience with a strong ability to teach and research. In addition to an immediate job placement, UD students also get the chance to be connected with the University’s Alumni Association that provides excellent networking opportunities amongst current and former students.”

The small size classes with 20-25 students offer students a great deal of individual attention and a rolling admission facility which provides students a greater flexibility to plan their studies at their own convenience. The 15-month UDMBA encourages innovation, achievement and excellence that is relevant to the needs of both regional public and private sector companies. It also gives individuals the chance to develop their full potential as business leaders of the 21st century.

Registration for the new session starts on September 12.
 

Empower Launches World-Class Customer Service Center Offering Integrated Services

Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower) has launched a world class customer service center that provides customers with integrated services to cater to the demands of customers growing at the rate of 60 percent annually.

Designed to provide quality and efficient services, the new center reflects the company’s commitment to enhance customer support.

Empower’s customer base included individual customers as well as large businesses, including projects in Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Business Bay.

Ahmed Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “Customers are the backbone of our operations as we believe customer satisfaction is the key to business success. As dedicated providers of district cooling services not only in the UAE but also in the region, we aspire to deliver satisfaction through a group of professionals backed with the knowledge and technical expertise. We offer our clients an experience rather than a service.”

The customer service center reflects the core values of Empower and it reinforces its position on the global front as an organization that delivers efficient service. The system is designed to manage customers’ queries through increased efficiency and productivity.

A dedicated team of Empower will be on hand at all times to serve customers in registration, bill payment, final bill and general enquiries.

Bin Shafar added: “Our customer base rose by 60 % in 2010. This is why we launched this center as the number of customers has increased dramatically. Customers of Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Business Bay can avail of this service.”

This is the third customer service center for Empower, after Business Bay and Jumeirah Beach Residence, which are only dedicated to bill payments. The customer servicing center timings will be from 9 am to 2 pm in Ramadan and from 7:30 am to 3:30 am thereafter.

The Dubai based company believes that district cooling technology achieves optimal results not only to customers but also to the society at a socio-economic level through diminishing the electricity and water consumption thus conserving the environmental resources of the Emirate of Dubai.

Empower’s district cooling systems (DCS) provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings. Empower which is a joint venture between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and TECOM Investments has world class work stations being built on various locations in the Emirate of Dubai.
 

DEWA Launches ’Al Eid Joy’ Campaign

In support of its community activities and to promote the spirit of solidarity among society members , and in a first initiative of its kind at Governmental level, the Corporate Communications Department at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched its "Al Eid Joy" campaign under the slogan "Wipe a tear, Put a smile" with the participation of a number of Government Departments and local organizations, including the Road and Transport Authority and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (DNRD), the Public Prosecution, and in cooperation with Dar Al Ber Society.

Serving the community is the cornerstone of DEWA’s strategy, which aims to contribute to the development and improvement of social conditions and to raise the quality of life in the community through all available means, whether cash, in-kind o contributions or moral support. These activities fall within DEWA’s mainstream public services and social responsibility to ensure the welfare of the state and play an exemplary role to other Government Departments and non-governmental organizations.

DEWA aims to spread the spirit of solidarity and compassion among the society during the month of Ramadan, and to raise the public awareness on the community needs.

The campaign requested all the participating Departments to donate "Eid Kiswa" (Eid Clothing) in order to be presented to the needy families and persons. The campaign will run for a week, from 17 to 26 during the month of August. The campaign was accompanied by the distribution of containers to preserve the donated materials, including clothes, bags, shoes and toys.

Dar Al Ber Society provided a special representative at the offices of the participating Departments to collect the funds raised and to help in the transfer of the donations. At the same time, the participating Departments launched a media campaign through posters, publications and e-mails to familiarize the staff with the campaign and to encourage them to donate. These activities received a welcoming participation from the all the staff of the Departments involved.
 

TAMDEEN Launches New Division To Handle Fit-Out Management Solutions

TAMDEEN, a leading project management firm and a member of TECOM Investments, today announced it has launched a new service to deliver high quality and timely fit-out management solutions.

Manned by experts from TAMDEEN, the new division aims to guide customers with simplified procedures to save time and enhance cost-efficiency in fit-out solutions.

Khalid Basaeed, Director of Design Development in TAMDEEN, said: “We have a long-standing commitment to constantly enhance our service levels, while prioritising customer welfare as part of our effort to set new industry benchmarks.

“Our team of experts works with the clients in defining customer needs and developing a comprehensive design brief with tailor-made solutions. As a company, we have maintained strong links with government entities and utility service providers which allows us timely execution of projects.”

TAMDEEN is a project management firm that was founded in 2007 as a subsidiary of TECOM Investments. It offers a wide range of technical project management solutions including master planning, infrastructure management, building project management, design development, MEP, and information technology. To date, TAMDEEN has been delivering top quality project management services for a portfolio of projects with a value of more than AED7 billion.
 

Sony Gulf Launches Complete Range Of 3D Compatible Products In Middle East

Sony Gulf FZE, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, today marked the dawn of a new era in the Middle East with the launch of its complete range of 3D-enabled products, offering consumers an immersive experience in 3D movies, music, sport and PlayStation® games.

Sony’s 3D product range includes the BRAVIA LX900 and BRAVIA HX800, the new Full HD 3D TVs that build on the BRAVIA reputation for legendary picture quality, and the new 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player BDP-S470, as well as the 3D compatible Home Theatre Systems and channel sound bars including BDV-IZ1000, BDV-E970, HT-CT350 and HT-CT150 that have been specially designed to align with the 3D BRAVIA LED HDTVs.

To complement this extensive 3D portfolio, Sony Gulf will also be rolling out a free firmware update for PlayStation 3 consoles, making the hardware 3D compatible to enable 3D gaming.

In addition, the company already offers the Alpha NEX-3 and NEX-5 digital cameras that can take stunning 3D panoramic shots.

With the new range, Sony now offers consumers the most diverse line of 3D compatible home entertainment products including BRAVIA LED HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and home theatre systems, the PlayStation 3 and Alpha digital still cameras with interchangeable lenses.

Osamu Miura, Managing Director, Sony Gulf, said: “3D technology in home entertainment is an immersive phenomenon. Unlike the 3D entertainment experiences of the past, which were characterised by objects coming towards the viewer, the emphasis has now shifted to adding an element of depth. Sony’s 3D world is about subtlety and detail, to totally engage the viewer.

With its expertise in 3D from lens to the living room, Sony has assumed a leadership role in the research and development of the technology to drive its growth at every level – from supporting creators of content by providing them with custom-made professional equipment to influencing cable network operators into adopting systems that facilitate the relay of 3D content.

“Due to our involvement in the development of original content and our efforts over the years to create ‘Good 3D’ content captured on Sony’s professional equipment, we believe this will translate into a superior and seamless visual experience on Sony’s entire range of 3D compatible products,” added Mr. Miura.

A Monolithic design theme has been extended by Sony across its entire suite of home entertainment products launched in 2010. Apart from the new BRAVIA TVs, Sony’s Blu-ray Disc™ players and Home Cinema systems are all designed to create one seamless home entertainment experience, even in terms of design.

Sony’s entire array of 3D products is currently available at all Jumbo Electronics showrooms in the UAE and other major retail electronics outlets across the region.
 

UOWD Launches PhD Program To Promote A Culture Of Research Innovation

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) will offer a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program from Autumn 2010, following approval by the Commission for Academic Accreditation, UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Along with the recent accreditation of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), this positions UOWD as a leading research and teaching University in the UAE. It also makes UOWD the first nationally accredited private university in the UAE to offer PhD and DBA programs.

"The UOWD is proud of reaching this important milestone in our development," said Professor Rob Whelan, President of UOWD. "This outcome is an acknowledgement of the quality of our academic staff, whose qualifications, skills and research output were critical to the success of the PhD proposal. It also reflects very well on our administrative staff and processes."

The goal of the PhD is to provide a combination of research skills training, exposure to the latest business research and conducting an original research project, which will contribute to the development of theory in the field. This program will see students grow as ‘professional researchers’, leading to careers in research organisations and Universities.

In contrast, the Doctor of Business Administration degree focuses on research which will lead to improved business practice, and is aimed at professionals who are already working in business – helping them to become ‘researching professionals’.

"Both private and public sector organisations in the UAE are increasingly seeking professionals differentiated by their capacity to undertake original, theoretical research to deal with organisational challenges. The UAE’s rapidly expanding higher education sector is also creating demand for research-active academics with doctoral qualifications for teaching in advanced subjects and to conduct research," said Prof. Whelan. "UOWD aims to cater to this important need for research degrees by offering the PhD."

Candidates wishing to undertake the UOWD PhD should hold a Masters degree in a business related discipline. Applicants must have completed their studies from a recognised tertiary institution and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 (or equivalent). A candidate requires an (Academic) IELTS (or equivalent) with an overall score of at least 6.0. Their English language skills will then be assessed based on a number of additional criteria, including writing skills as demonstrated in a written research proposal and the results of a ‘WritePlacer’ test and language skills as demonstrated at an interview.

Relevant industry-related experience will be taken into consideration when assessing applications. However; candidates without work experience may be considered based on previous strong academic performance in a relevant business discipline and demonstrated ability to complete a research degree.

The first part of the PhD program comprises coursework focussed on the acquisition of research skills. Progression from this coursework to the research component of the program will require passing both the written and oral components of a comprehensive exam.
 

RTA Launches “Accepted Fasting, Safe Road” Campaign

Starting early August 2010, the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) rolled out Accepted Fasting & Safe Road Campaign to educate drivers on the appropriate methods of averting traffic accidents; which tend to increase in numbers during the holy month of Ramadan.

Engineer Hussain Al Banna, Director of Traffic, RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, congratulated the public on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, and stated that the main focus of Accepted Fasting & Safe Road Campaign was to address the changes accompanying Ramadan such as the sleepless nights and fatigue impacting the attitudes of motorists, and reiterated RTA’s commitment to ensure the safety of road users and educate them during public events throughout the year.

Al Banna reflected on last Ramadan (2009); which had seen 239 traffic accidents that resulted in 16 fatalities; a 12% drop in fatality rate and 20% drop in traffic accidents compared to the previous Ramadan; which witnessed 298 traffic accidents resulting in 18 mortalities. “We hope not to have any traffic mortality this Ramadan, particularly noting that Ramadan this year coincides with the summer where many families are still having their annual vacations abroad,” commented Al Banna.

He continued: “The afternoon period, which witnesses the end of the working hours in many public & private institutions, accounts for the biggest share of traffic accidents & fatalities compared to other hours of Ramadan day. Statistics reveal that the afternoon (between 01:00 pm and 03.00 pm) accounts for 18% of the accidents recorded during other times of the day as it witnessed 44 traffic accidents resulting in 3 fatalities out of 16 death cases, and 52 injuries out of a total of 206 injuries”.

“The change in the sleeping and working habits impairs the focusing ability of fasting motorists; which is clearly manifested in the time of returning home where concentration drops to the minimum, thus impacting the ability of drivers to take appropriate decisions in time. Hence motorists need to exercise more caution when travelling from and to their homes to avoid traffic accidents,” noted Al Banna.

“The Campaign, which targets all motorists, is run in cooperation with Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) where Ramadan awareness leaflets are distributed in all ENOC stations as well as other locations in cooperation with RTA’s strategic partners, driving institutes and some auto dealers & tire companies. The Campaign uses all available media channels to deliver awareness messages to the public such as RTA’s Variable Message Signs, releases & awareness flashes in radios and local papers, and the distribution of the campaign’s printed leaflet in RTA’s customer service centers, vehicles testing & registration centers and some public transport stations in Dubai,” added Al Banna.

RTA’s Director of Traffic urged motorists to take sufficient rest before driving and advised them to stop to take a break if they feel exhausted, drowsy or yawning frequently, pointing out that a brief break might help the driver complete his journey.

He also called on drivers who hear Maghreb Azan while driving to stop at the nearest petrol station or grocery to take a light Iftar – even if it simply consists of water and few dates – before resuming travelling.

Al Banna noticed that most traffic accidents that usually take place during Ramadan were attributed to the lack of leaving safe distance between vehicles. Therefore he called on every motorist to leave a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead and to turn on the vehicle’s air conditioner as the hot weather gives a feeling of fatigue & exhaustion. He concluded his remarks asking drivers to ensure that the seat-back is in an upright position and have their heads up to ensure correct posture while driving.

United Arab Bank Launches Islamic Credit Card

United Arab Bank (UAB) announces the launch of its first global Islamic Credit Card with a distinctive vertical design that makes it unique to the Islamic Credit Card arena in the UAE.

UAB had launched its Islamic Banking Services in March this year with three products initially covering Current Accounts, Investment, and Goods Murabaha. Soon after, the bank introduced two more products before the launch of its Islamic card, namely Vehicle Murabaha and Savings accounts. The new Credit Card comes to complement and strengthen the Bank’s Islamic product offering in line with its strategy to build a progressive portfolio of reliable banking products that can meet the growing needs and requirements of its Islamic banking customers.

Announcing the new product, Paul Trowbridge, UAB’s CEO, commented: “Recognizing and respecting the desires of a growing number of our valued clients to conduct their banking and financial transactions in accordance with Shari’ah principles, UAB has launched Islamic Banking. Focusing on client needs coupled with building long-lasting relationships with them will continue to be the drivers of UAB’s future growth and success. Our new Shari’ah compliant products and services, including the newly launched Credit Card, will cater to the needs of a wide segment of our customers and will confirm our position amongst the leading banks in the region offering a comprehensive range of Islamic banking services.”

Tom Smith, EVP, Group Head - Retail Banking, said: “I am very proud today to be launching the first vertically designed Islamic Credit Card in the UAE. Our Clients are looking for a bank that makes their lives easier by offering Sharia’ah compliant products and services that meet their needs and complement their way of living. Based on a heritage of 35 years of international banking standards, UAB’s Islamic Credit Card is tailored to meet our customers’ needs for an interest-free card that has been developed in strict adherence to the values of the Islamic Sharia’ah. Combining modern-day safety and convenience with highest standards of security thanks to its chip technology which adopts the highest security levels, our new Islamic Credit Card offers both convenience and peace of mind on all levels.”

Rami Joudah, the Bank’s Head of Islamic Banking, stated: “The card operates on a fixed-fee structure basis, providing customers the flexibility to carry an interest free card.” He also added: “Our Islamic Banking centers are presently located at the Main Branch in Sharjah and Sheikh Zayed Branch in Dubai and will soon expand to cover the entire UAB branch network.”

UAB became part of a GCC regional banking alliance in December 2007 upon the acquisition of a 40% interest in UAB by The Commercial Bank of Qatar (Cb), Qatar’s largest private sector bank. With the Commercial Bank of Qatar concluding a similar alliance with National Bank of Oman (NBO) two years previously, all three banks are more strongly positioned for future growth and to leverage their individual skills and knowledge together.

In a challenging financial environment, United Arab Bank maintained earnings momentum recording net profit growth of 5.3% for the first half of 2010 compared to the same period ended 30 June 2009.
 

Dubai Department Of Tourism And Commerce Marketing Launches 9th Ramadan Forum

The 9th Ramadan forum under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, will begin under the title "gathering to succeed" for 16 days starting from the 2nd of Ramadan.

This was announced during the press conference that was held in Al Bustan Rotana today morning and organized by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing "DTCM". The forum includes a number of programs and diverse activities of which 19 lectures for Arab and Islamic world, 6 English lectures, one tagalog lecture for non-Muslim communities.

Khalifa Al Falasi, Chair of the 9th Ramadan Forum held includes a number of programs such as the charity caravan, preacher of the nation and iftar gathering for more than 2500 people during the holy month of Ramadan sponsored by Saeed and Mohammed Al Nabooda Group, children tent under the auspices of the General Administration for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, the blood bank of the Dubai Health Authority, awareness campaigns for Dubai Police in addition to 6 daily awards as well as 4 other awards presented by the gold sponsors.

Al Falasi indicated that "gathering to succeed" expresses the goals of the forum and aims for enlightening the spiritual feelings among Muslims according to Islamic tolerance teachings. The forum has been launched earlier this year because of the density of religious and awareness programs for non-Arab communities. The forum presents 7 lectures in the main tent for more than 7000 people.

He also explained that the English lectures will begin from 11-17 Ramadan noting that the forum also provides the iftar gathering sponsored by Al Nabooda Group, preacher of the nation with a new shape, and the charity caravan that will provide the audience with awareness activities during the holy month.

Al Falasi emphasized that the children tent sponsored by the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs attracts children who will enjoy the entertainment and cultural activities allowing their parents to benefit from the religious lectures.

"We would to thank all the public and private sector for sponsoring the forum reassuring that their numbers increased to 10 sponsors: Saeed and Mohammed Al Nabooda Group, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority "DEWA", General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Islamic Bank, Bait Al Khair Association, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Customs, Tamani Hotel, Maydan Group, 3 NIX.

Ahmed Mohammed Al Suwaidi, HR Executive Director of Saeed and Mohammed Al Nabooda Group, expressed his gratitude to participate in the 9th Ramadan Forum which has become one of the most important religious events every year. He also lauded the efforts of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing ?DTCM’ in the success of the previous forum reassuring its diverse activities and attraction to all different nationalities.

He also referred to the efforts of the private sector in providing services and supporting the activities and events during the holy month.

Aref Julfar, Director of Media and Marketing at DEWA, said "DEWA participation in the 9th Ramadan forum came as part of its strategy to raise awareness campaigns to the members of the community for the purpose of encouraging consumers to decrease their consumption rate of water and energy in implementation to the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the follow up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of DEWA.

Major Fatma Al Sawaya and Head of Hawa Committee at the General Administration for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, assured the administration’s participation in societal activities reassuring the importance of such events to locals, residents and visitors.

The children tent will include plastic games, entertainment spaces including sand coloring and face painting in addition to educating children handicrafts. The forum also includes a stage for different religious and cultural competitions, plasma screen, bazaar souq that display the products of the residency employees and traditional food.

Youssef Ali Bahzaad, HR Executive Director at Dubai Airport Free zone, said: "Sponsoring the forum is one of the main partnership with societies as its goals and objectives educate and promote members of the community as part of its responsibility towards the nation and the emirate of Dubai. Dubai Airport Free Zone attracts foreign investments and supports national economy since 1996.

Ahmed Butti, Executive Director for Ports and Authority, Director General of Dubai Customs, said "Our participation in the 9th Ramadan forum comes as part of our partnership of government departments. Dubai Customs believes in the integration with the audience and sponsorship of national identity and strong Islamic rituals. Throughout the years, the forum gathered a strong reputation and gained a lot of attraction from all the members of the society". He also lauded the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, as well as the organization of the forum, selection of scholars and preachers.
 

KIA UAE Launches 2011 Sportage In New Deira Showroom

Al Majid Motors Co. – the sole distributor of KIA cars in the UAE – has launched the 2011 KIA Sportage SUV in KIA UAE’s all new state-of-the-art showroom in Deira, Dubai.

KIA’s latest showroom — which also acts as KIA UAE’s new Dubai headquarters — officially opened yesterday and is the company’s third showroom in Dubai.

According to General Manager of Al Majid Motors Co., Mohammad Khader: “It’s not often a car dealership gets to launch a brand new car and showroom at the same time, so we’re very happy with the timing.”

He added: “KIA’s new Deira showroom is the second in the area and is located right in the hub of the area’s automobile market. With this latest addition we now have ten showrooms throughout the UAE, all of which offer sales, after-sales and spare parts services. With this new showroom under our belt, we look forward to increasing KIA’s sales by at least 20%.”

The 2011 KIA Sportage features a totally new body shell and engine, distinctive styling and a range of luxury elements.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage is instantly recognisable by its ‘tiger’ face which incorporates Peter Schreyer’s modern signature grille design that now links all new KIA models.
KIA’s new-and-improved 2.4-litre or 2.0-litre Theta II engine is fitted with the latest electronics and low-friction components and features a build that’s substantially lighter than the previous models. Boasting increased power, boosted durability, enhanced refinement and lower fuel consumption and emissions, the four-cylinder, 2,359 cc power unit features weight-saving all-aluminium construction with a cast aluminium block, cylinder head and sump. Maximum rpm can be raised by 200 to 6,000 with maximum power output being 177 ps (166 for the 2.0-litre version), with 227 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

The car’s standard CDP audio system includes a CD player with MP3, USB and iPod connectivity and six top-of-the-range speakers; one in each door and a tweeter at each end of the dashboard. The optional upgraded CDC system includes a woofer and external amplifier that can generate amazing surround sound.

KIA is serious about investing in R&D programmes directed at enhancing active and passive vehicle safety to deliver the highest levels of occupant protection. The sturdy new 2011 Sportage is no exception and comes fitted with six airbags strategically placed on both front and back seats.

Additional active safety technologies can be fitted to the new Sportage. These include: ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and two new systems; HAC (Hill Start Assist Control) and DBC (Downhill Brake Control). HAC prevents slip-back during stop-start driving-up inclines, while DBC ensures safer travel down steep slopes by maintaining a steady 8 kph (5 mph) speed.

The performance of the Sportage’s all-disc braking system is boosted by three systems: a regular ABS (anti-lock system); EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) to adjust the front/rear brake pressure; and BAS (brake assist system) which recognises an emergency stop and delivers maximum braking power. Two active systems are available to assist drivers with reversing manoeuvres. The first is a back-warning sensor that helps the driver avoid contact with pedestrians by triggering an audible warning whenever the vehicle approaches an obstruction.

The second is the new rear-view camera mounted on the tailgate. This camera is fitted with a 130-degree, wide-angle lens which transmits images to an LCD display set within the interior rear-view mirror, or to the navigation display, if fitted. It allows the driver to simultaneously check the rear-view and blind spot below the rear window.

The second-generation Sportage was introduced in 2004 and indicated a massive step forward for KIA. Over the next six years, the second-generation model attracted thousands of customers, achieving global sales of more than 860,000 units, including more than 172,000 units in 2009.
 

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