Dubai School Of Government Signs MoU With King Abdullah II Center For Excellence

The Dubai School of Government (DSG), a research and teaching institution based in Dubai, announced today it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jordan’s King Abdullah II Center for Excellence (KACE).

The King Abdullah II Center for Excellence is the national reference for quality and excellence among the public and private sectors, business associations, educational service providers and non-governmental institutions.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean of DSG, and Yasera Ghosheh, Executive Director of KACE.
The three-year agreement aims to increase knowledge exchange and collaboration between the two countries. It will also witness the implementation of various capacity building projects of mutual benefit.

Dr. Tarik Yousef said: “We are honoured that the King Abdulla II Center for Excellence has chosen us as a partner for this initiative. We believe that the nominated candidates of the Jordanian Government will be of high caliber and will help to ensure the future course of Jordan’s development.

“As torch bearers of this important responsibility, the stakeholders will be in a position to lead with confidence and adopt a clearer vision of what the future holds for them and their country, subsequent to the training and exchanges that are a part of this agreement.”

Yasera Ghosheh said: “Human resource development is one of the most important elements for the success of administrative work, so we must provide people with appropriate ways to achieve sound development. By signing this agreement with the Dubai School of Government, we have put in place a model of competence.

“This reflects a strong and efficient public involvement in fieldwork, and a genuine effort to reward and improve the future of winners by developing their knowledge and skills while providing them with educational qualifications to efficiently serve their country and their institutions.”

Dr. Asma Siddiki, Associate Dean for Development at DSG, said: “The MoU signals a landmark agreement that will take our association with Jordan to the next level. Jordan is one of the most progressive of Arab states, and we are excited about sharing our world class academic offerings with the officials of the Jordanian Government.
“Our association with leading global institutions, such as the Harvard Kennedy School and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, helps us offer a truly global perspective on the issues that are relevant to modern-day governance.

Our relationship with KACE, being formalized through this MOU, in fact predates it. We already have three Jordanian students in our MPA program, and one of them is a recipient of a KACE Award.”

The agreement between the School and the Center comes as one of the initial outcomes of many official visits to both countries, Jordan and the UAE by officials from Jordan and the Dubai School of Government.
In April 2009, the UAE-Jordan Joint Economic Ministerial Commission agreed to forge cooperation in economy, trade, investment, industry, agriculture, energy, geology, tourism and communications. The Commission also signed three MoUs aimed at enhancing cooperation in standardization and measurements.

For more details, visit www.dsg.ae or call 04 329 3290.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Signs MoU With Lebanon’s FFA Private Bank

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with FFA Private Bank SAL, Lebanon’s leading bank in capital markets and money management, for the benefit of young entrepreneurs in the region.The MoU comes as part of the Philips Innovation Programme initiative, and is designed to reaffirm the Foundation’s commitment to facilitate access to capital for young entrepreneurs in the region while encouraging them to start their own business ventures.The Philips Innovation Programme was launched earlier this year by the Foundation in partnership with Royal Philips Electronics NV and Berytech Technological Pole of Lebanon to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship through offering access to sophisticated technology and facilities to cultivate innovative concepts from the Arab world.Adel Al Shared, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: “One of the key factors stopping the youth in the region from taking up entrepreneurship is the lack of venture capital funding, apart from lack of mentoring. The MoU with FFA Private Bank is geared to address these concerns and facilitate the youth to launch new business ventures on their own.“We believe the MoU will encourage the youth to take advantage of the venture capital offered for startup businesses and become successful entrepreneurs.”According to a recent research by the Middle East Youth Initiative, launched by the Wolfensohn Center for Development at Brookings, US, and the Dubai School of Government (DSG), the unemployment rate in the Arab world currently stands at around 25 per cent, a very high rate considering the region’s demographics is largely tilted towards the youth.The report added the trend needs to be reversed within an appropriate time span for the region to stay on the path of progress.Sultan Lootah, Vice President-Entrepreneurship and Employment Sector, said: “The important initiative will positively impact a generation of youth and encourage them to remain self-reliant. This MoU will act as a catalyst for change and significantly transform the mindset of young entrepreneurs for setting up new ventures.“The Foundation’s core priority is to support the youth in their knowledge and entrepreneurial pursuits. We aim to inspire youngsters to conceptualise solid business models in partnership with leading regional organisations.”Georges Bou Jaoude, FFA Private Bank General Manager Said: “We are very proud to be part of Philips Innovation program initiative. Our Bank views its contribution in financing the program finalist as part of its social responsibility towards young entrepreneurs in the region as well as of its mission which is to identify promising investment opportunities for itself and for its clients.”The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation has entered into alliances with several organisations to help the region achieve knowledge capabilities and social progress. The MoU with FFA Private Bank is a step in this direction that offers a platform for the youth to not only create opportunities for themselves, but help the wider community in general.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Signs Mou With Dubai Department Of Tourism And Commerce Marketing

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to provide best of class services and support for companies aspiring to develop hospitality ventures within the DSO.

According to this agreement, DTCM will take the responsibility for licensing and categorizing hotels according to DTCM regulations. It will also ensure the implementation of all other procedures related to tourism events activities.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Chief Executive Officer of DSOA, and Mr. Khalid A. bin Sulayem, Director-General of DTCM, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Chief Executive Officer of DSOA, said: “Since the establishment of Dubai Silicon Oasis we have endeavored to develop the technology park into a fully integrated community that offers enabling services and facilities to all our customers. Consequently, we have been engaged with several governmental departments and signed various agreements and contracts that will serve to achieve the ambitious objectives for our business partners.

“Through this partnership, DTCM will be responsible for licensing companies aspiring to develop hospitality ventures at DSO. In addition, it will also oversee tourism related events and activities that will complement the overall deliverables of the technology hub.”

Khaled A. bin Sulayem, DTCM Director General said: “This agreement falls in line within the framework of cooperation and strategic partnership between the DTCM and public and private sector organizations to enhance the tourism industry standards and services. This will go a long way in enlarging the scope of tourism industry and help regulate the hospitality sector to better the tourism product offering of Dubai.”

“Companies that are interested in hospitality business will benefit from the DTCM’s expertise and efforts to promote and market Dubai across the word. This partnership between DSO and DTCM will help create better synergies for better tourism standards and regulations for the hospitality sector,” he said.

DSO is a free zone technology park for semiconductor, microelectronics and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and North Africa region. DSOA is the regulatory body for DSO, the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries.

Dubai Industrial Academy Provides HSE Training Courses For Construction Projects Within TECOM Investments’ Free Zones

Dubai Industrial Academy, the dedicated vocational training centre of Dubai Industrial City, a member of Tatweer Dubai, today announced it has commenced a series of health, safety and environment (HSE) training courses for site managers and labour supervisors at the Zoning Authority Development Control of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority.

The training courses, specifically designed as part of a safety initiative for companies operating in the construction industry, are a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Dubai Industrial City and the Zoning Authority Development Control in November 2008.

The agreement mandates DIA to deliver a three-tier awareness programme, titled the HSE Passport System, for senior management, site managers and supervisors at the Zoning Authority Development Control. Designed to offer fresh insights and expertise on raising safety measures at the construction sites, the programme also enables companies to ensure their operations conform to global best safety standards. To date, over 200 engineers have been certified after the successful completion of the course.

Rashed Al Ansari, Vice-President of Dubai Industrial City, said: “We are committed to raising the awareness level of health, safety and environment among companies, particularly those operating in the construction sector. Our objective is to significantly minimise injuries at construction sites in areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the Zoning Authority.”

DIA has designed the HSE training courses in partnership with the Zoning Authority to comply with the free zone body’s regulations and focus on issues relevant to the UAE.

Al Ansari added: "Currently, much of the HSE training provision in the UAE is based on non-specialized programmes that are originally designed to cater to other markets. In contrast, the curriculum offered by DIA is completely customized, keeping in mind the requirements of the UAE construction sector and our clients in other industries."

Ali BuRuhaima, Deputy Director General – Zoning Authority Development Control, said:" Reinforcing HSE standards and culture is among the top priorities of the Zoning Authority. The HSE Passport Programme, offered through Dubai Industrial Academy, is designed to promote global best practices, international standards, as well as local expertise. Categorized in three stages, it caters to the needs of various levels of the workforce associated with the construction industry.

“The programme was well received in its first stage, demonstrating the importance we place on raising HSE awareness within our community to help create a safe work environment and prevent accidents.”

The first of its kind academy in the UAE, DIA was set up in partnership with the UK-based Technical Training Group (TTE), recognized as a ‘Centre of Vocational Excellence’ by the UK Government.

Accredited by the UK-based City and Guilds, as well as the Dubai-based Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), DIA’s short academic courses are offered to professionals in the industrial sector. The programme’s curricula are designed to primarily serve the six key elements of food and beverage, base metal, mineral products, chemicals, transport equipment and parts, as well as machinery and mechanical equipment industries that define Dubai Industrial City.

Dubai Industrial Academy aims to offer over 250 courses in Quality, Health, Safety and the Environment (QHSE), Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Power Engineering, Instrumentation and Process Control, Chemical Process and Laboratory Operations, Oil and Gas, Construction, Logistics and Transport, as well as in Technical and Supervisory Development.

Community Development Authority, UNDP Sign MoU To Implement Joint Programme To Support Social Initiatives

The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a joint programme to conduct a series of workshops aimed at strengthening social development.

Her Excellency Dr Maryam Matar, Director General of the CDA, and His Excellency Dr. Khaled Alloush, UNDP Resident Representative to the UAE, signed the agreement at a special ceremony held, recently, at CDA’s headquarters.

The workshops will be on human rights; women’s rights and children’s rights, and sustainable development. Other UN organizations will be invited to participate as per the topic of the workshop, if necessary. Representatives from the government, non-governmental institutions and private sector will be invited.

“The agreement signed with UNDP comes in line with CDA’s mandate to enhance the social development in Dubai. CDA works on setting up the necessary policies and standards pertaining to social services providers,” said Dr Maryam Matar.

“Led by the directions of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, CDA seeks to cooperate with local, regional and international corporations in various fields as this will reflect positively on the lives of UAE nationals,” added Dr Matar.

Dr. Khaled Alloush said: “The MoU aims to enhance relations with the Community Development Authority in many fields, especially human rights issues. We recently organized a joint two-day workshop on children’s rights and we hope to focus on more essential issues related to the society.”
 

TECOM Investments And Dubai World Sign MoU To Facilitate Knowledge Sharing

TECOM Investments, a leading developer of knowledge-based business clusters and a member of Dubai Holding, today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Business Excellence Center of Dubai World, a global holding company that manages and supervises a portfolio of businesses owned by Dubai Government, that will facilitate knowledge-sharing and benchmarking best practices in retail and residential community management.The MoU was signed by Hesham Amiri, Executive Director of Customer Support Services, TECOM Investments, and Samira Shaloh, Head of Business Excellence Center (BEC), Dubai World. Other officials from both organizations including Kannian Shanmugam, Director of Asset Management, TECOM Investments, and Shahid Osmani, Practice Head of Business Excellence Center, Dubai World, were also present.The agreement will result in greater collaboration between TECOM Investments and BEC, and will cover areas such as the sales process, asset management, government services operations, and process management. As part of the MoU, TECOM and BEC will form working groups to oversee the implementation of the MoU.Amiri said: “This represents a significant step for us as we seek to continuously enhance the quality of our services on a par with international standards. Through this collaboration, we are confident we will leverage Dubai World’s expertise while simultaneously providing them with our core strengths and the way TECOM operates.“As key supporters of knowledge-based industries, our scope of activities extends beyond our group companies to include leading Dubai-based entities for the benefit of the community. We believe the partnership between our two organisations will be immensely fruitful in raising service levels to global standards.”Ms Shaloh said: “Creating benchmarks for best practices is what we do best at Dubai World’s Business Excellence Centre. We believe that this strategic alliance will enable the transfer of knowledge and operational excellence to TECOM in a mutually beneficial manner. This cooperation brings together two of Dubai’s foremost business groups in a common drive to achieve new standards of excellence in line with the vision set by the emirate’s leadership.”Sharing of knowledge and best business practices remains the core principle of TECOM Investments. Within its sphere of activities, the developer of business clusters has continuously sought innovative ways to facilitate a culture of knowledge sharing among in its entities and its business partners.Last year, TECOM conduced several benchmarking sessions with the UAE Ministry of Development for Government Sector and the Dubai School of Government, while also sending a high-level delegation to the Netherlands for a benchmarking workshop on excellence.BEC is the counsaltancy arm of Dubai World, whose portfolio of global companies makes possible the creation of an environment that promotes international best-practices, reflecting the shared vision of both organizations as key contributors to setting new benchmarks in business excellence.Dubai World is the only pact member, outside Europe, of EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management).

Dubai Department Of Economic Development And UAE Ministry Of Social Affairs Sign Mou On Licensing Of Social Activities

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further strengthen foreign investment in the Emirate, especially in social services.

The MoU is part of efforts to enhance Dubai’s economic development by facilitating procedures for investors and encouraging investment in social affairs. As per the MoU, the two parties will review the licensing of social activities, and exchange views, information, data, studies and projects related to such activities to develop social services structure.

His Excellency Mr Sami Daen Al Qamzi, Director General, DED, and His Excellency Abdullah Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Ministry of Social Affairs, signed the agreement. Officials from DED and the ministry attended the signing ceremony held at DED headquarters in Deira.

“We are pleased to sign the MoU with the Ministry of Social Affairs, which complements our objective to further strengthen the economic growth of the Emirate. The MoU’s focus on social services will help us to attract more investment and contribute to the social and economic welfare of the society. Together with the Ministry, DED will adopt international quality standards in monitoring social activities and raise the standard of related businesses,” said Mr Al Qamzi.

He added: “As per the MoU, we will organize periodic meetings to exchange expertise and discuss administrative, legal and technical issues related to the licensing of social affairs activities”.

His Excellency Mr Al Suwaidi said: “Partnership and coordination with federal and government departments is one of the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Social Affairs for the years 2008-2010. The MoU completes the ministry’s plan for 2008 and Q1 for 2009, which witnessed the signing of a number of successful partnerships. These agreements were positively reflected in the lives of UAE nationals and the services provided to them”.

“The ministry hopes the MoU with DED will be a model to follow for other local departments, NGOs and private sector as we seek to strengthen the standards of social services, facilitate procedures and further improve the quality of life of UAE nationals,” added Mr Al Suwaidi.

Dubai And Korea Aim To Boost Bilateral Trade

Dubai’s Export Development Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea’s Trade-Investment Promotion Agency aimed at promoting trade and business between the two countries, through joint implementation of pertinent programmes and activities.

Similar to the EDC in Dubai, KOTRA is a Korean government agency, engaged in the facilitation of international trade, promotion of foreign investments, the provision of assistance to domestic companies for overseas investments, and the promotion of foreign investment opportunities in Korea.

Eng, Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, EDC said that investment in technology is on the priority list for UAE government, and Korea is a strategic partner for UAE in the technology sector. “In 2008 the foreign trade between UAE and Korea reached AED 13.9 billion with 50% increase on 2007".

The MOU further stipulates that both sides will seek to assist one another in overcoming trade barriers and cooperating in any government-level efforts to remove or mitigate such barriers.

"The MOU sets out to promote an exchange of information whereby each side will provide the other with relevant information regarding the economic, trade and investment situation within their own countries", said Dr. Hwan-Eik CHO, President and CEO, KOTRA. "The MOU will bring the two countries closer together while improving bilateral economic cooperation", he added

In addition, both will cooperate in identifying areas which have strong potential for promoting trade between the two countries, as well as encouraging private companies to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions, in which the products and services of the other country are featured.

Representatives of both sides will meet on a regular basis in a mutually acceptable location to review progress and to find and improve ways in which the objectives of the MOU can be more effectively implemented. Although initially set for a three year period, it will be automatically renewed on a yearly basis by mutual consent.

Dubai School Of Government Signs MoU With Young Presidents’ Organization

The Dubai School of Government, a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world, today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) for collaboration on strategic knowledge- sharing initiatives.

Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean of the Dubai School of Government, signed the agreement with Waleed Al-Banawi, Incoming Regional Chairman of YPO for Middle East and North Africa.

YPO is a global network of young chief executives that connects 17,000 peers and their families in 100 countries to learn, exchange ideas and address the challenges leaders face today. YPO boasts over 500 members in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Under the agreement, the two entities will work strategically towards sharing mutual resources and networks of contacts, in addition to exploring partnership opportunities for launching joint initiatives and programs in the region.

DSG will specifically contribute to the development and delivery of leadership and public policy programs for YPO members and YPO graduates, who will also gain access to DSG’s faculty for its conferences and seminars in the region. Executive education programs will also be developed by the Dubai School of Government for the members and member organizations of YPO. DSG’s core offerings will be communicated to YPO members and graduates worldwide.

Dr. Tarik Yousef of the Dubai School of Government said: “We are proud to be associated with Young Presidents’ Organization, which is an extremely credible and well-established organization of leaders in the community. Today more than ever, there is a need to network, share resources, knowledge and insights. In challenging times, what we need is perseverance, insights into the complex problems that face us, and networks that help us survive and prosper. We have found YPO to be such a partner, and we look forward to the association that has its foundation in a shared vision of achieving excellence through constant innovation.”

Waleed Al-Banawi, Incoming Regional Chairman of YPO MENA said: “We attach great value to this partnership with DSG for its potential in developing new programs and best practices for our members in MENA. The Dubai School of Government has, within a short period, demonstrated its dedication and pioneering spirit by attracting the brightest minds from across the world. We are a rapidly growing organization with a strong membership base in the region and around the world. With this partnership in place, we are confident of creating more value for our YPO members and graduates in the region, within the organization’s mission of Better Leaders Through Education and Idea ExchangeTM.”

While Rafi Demirjian, YPO MENA Regional Education Chairman said: “It is hard not to notice the great strategic fit in our partnership with DSG given that education is the cornerstone of YPO. Education and idea exchange are the ultimate drivers of progress in any society and we strongly believe that the interaction of our members with the faculty and visiting resources of DSG will have a synergistic effect not only on our respective organizations but on our communities at large."

Established in 2005 in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, the Dubai School of Government is committed to the creation of knowledge, dissemination of global best practices and the training of policy makers in the Arab world. The school is focused on capacity building and conducts various programs that seek to promote good governance through enhancing the region’s capacity for effective public policy. (note: you don’t need this paragraph because you have the DSG boilerplate below)

For more details, visit www.dsg.ae or call 04-329 3290. 

DUBAILAND And Royal Caribbean International Sign Strategic Joint Marketing Partnership

DUBAILAND®, a member of Tatweer, and Royal Caribbean International, the world’s largest global cruise line, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding towards the formation of a strategic marketing partnership, which is expected to provide a substantial boost to the cruise industry and the destination of Dubai.
The agreement’s goal is to promote the development, growth and commercial success of the two brands through joint marketing and promotional activities in key global source markets. Royal Caribbean will feature DUBAILAND’s key live attractions in their shore excursion programs, while DUBAILAND will actively promote Royal Caribbean’s Dubai cruises through their global agency network.

From January to April 2010, Royal Caribbean International will introduce seven-night sailings aboard the Brilliance of the Seas from Dubai to an international mix of guests, in line with its signature style of cruising for active holidaymakers. Guests will have ample time to explore the spectacular city with overnight stays at the beginning and conclusion of the voyage.

DUBAILAND is the world’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment destination. Phase One of DUBAILAND is now open with its five live projects – including Dubai Autodrome in MotorCity, Dubai Outlet Mall in Outlet City, The Global Village, Al Sahra Desert Resort and Dubai Sports City, which contains the Ernie Els Golf Club, the Butch Harmon School of Golf and the Cricket Stadium – operational.

Currently the projects receive up to eight million visits annually, and are designed to add further variety to Dubai’s tourism offering by providing visitors with exciting entertainment options and incredible value for money.
Mohammed Al Habbai, Senior Vice-President of DUBAILAND, said: “As one of the premier global destinations, DUBAILAND is privileged to enter into this partnership with one of the globe’s leading cruise line operators. Our agreement can be recognized as a world-class initiative to add value to the emirate’s economy, increase visitor numbers and enhance the customer experience in Dubai and the region for residents and visitors. We are confident the deal will result in creating synergies that will contribute to the growth of regional and international tourism.

“The objective of the deal between DUBAILAND and Royal Caribbean International is to promote the growth and commercial success of the two brands through promotional activities in key global source markets, while contributing to the growth of the tourism industry worldwide.”

Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said: “The partnership has been entered into at an opportune time as we gear up for the launch of our first Arabian dedicated season, and will help us actively promote our Gulf cruises and land programs while enhancing the Dubai offering for our mutual customers.

“Building on our reputation for introducing revolutionary cruise experiences, we share DUBAILAND’s commitment to delivering an extraordinary guest experience. We strongly believe the deal will bring benefit to both brands on a global scale.”

Michael Bayley, Senior Vice President International for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. added: “Our partnership with DUBAILAND increases our synergies in the region and develops our mutual international brand awareness and business opportunities.

“DUBAILAND shares our mission to innovate our respective industry segments and create the most memorable holiday experiences for our guests. We are delighted to partner with DUBAILAND to provide holidaymakers around the world with the best of land and sea when planning a trip to Dubai.”

Brilliance of the Seas is considered one of the most elegant cruise ships in the world. The ship features an open Centrum with 10-deck high windows and ocean-facing glass elevators, both of which will offer spectacular views of the passing shoreline and sea. On Brilliance of the Seas, the whole family can share in nine holes of mini-golf; scale the iconic rock wall, which Royal Caribbean first introduced to cruising; join a basketball game on the sports court; delight in riding the Adventure Beach waterslide; or challenge each other on one of the self-leveling pool tables in the Bombay Billiards Club. Guests also will enjoy Royal Caribbean’s award-winning musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions, multiple restaurants, lounges and discos throughout the ship, and world-class gaming in the Casino Royale. Throughout their stay, every guest will enjoy Royal Caribbean’s Gold Anchor standard of friendly and engaging service from Brilliance’s staff and crew.