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

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

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

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

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

DEWA Presents Its Strategy To Strategic Partners And Developers

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) conducted a Partner meeting, in line with its vision to be a recognized world-class utility to support Dubai’s vision for sustainable development. The meeting, which was conducted by the Business Support Division and presented by the Strategy and Business Development in the presence of HE Saeed Mohamed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, is intended to further strengthen DEWA’s ties with its key Partners.
Employees from the Strategy & Business Development presented DEWA’s Corporate Strategy to the attending partners, followed by a feedback session where the partners praised DEWA’s efforts in this regard. They have also contributed to the meeting with their suggestions to incorporate the best practices and planning.

His Excellency said, “DEWA works hard to support the vision of the Government of Dubai through delivering electricity and water services at world-class of reliability, efficiency, safety and environment with efficient manpower and effective partnerships, while supporting resources sustainability. Our view is that we should treat our business partners with fairness, transparency, and integrity to develop long-lasting relationships. One of the most important aspects of any organization’s operations is the way in which it conducts business. This is not just with customers, but suppliers, government organizations, financial institutions and partners with whom we have mutual interests to ensure the smooth and sustainable development of Dubai.”

“This is especially important when it comes to outlining our strategy and view. Our long-term view needs to be shared with those who do business with us on so many different levels, especially to understand the needs and expectations of our stakeholders. Improving this alignment increases satisfaction and foments continuous improvement on both sides. Sharing our strategic destination with you will help us both to be aligned, which will eventually enable DEWA to become a recognized world-class utility and provide you with the advantages you seek in driving your business goals in turn,” His Excellency added.

His Excellency concluded, “I sincerely hope that our continued partnerships prosper for generations to come.”
Partners attending the event included Dubai Holding’s Tamdeen, Dubai Properties Group and TECOM. Also present were Dubai World Central, Dubai International Financial Centre, Nakheel, Emaar, Meraas, Limitless, Union Properties, Meydan, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority.
 

Visa Partners With Emirates NBD To Support Online Debit Transactions

Visa, one of the world’s leading payment solutions providers, has partnered with Emirates NBD for the launch of a service that allows Emirates NBD Visa debit cardholders to make online transactions. The move sees Emirates NBD, which is the UAE’s largest provider of Visa debit cards with over one million cardholders, become the first bank in the region to offer debit cardholders the opportunity to enjoy the peace of mind offered by Verified by Visa, Visa’s innovative e-commerce security solution.

Emirates NBD’s adoption of Verified by Visa signals a joint commitment towards providing cardholders with yet another level of security and delivering unprecedented online safety and convenience to Emirates NBD Visa cardholders, enabling them to make online purchases directly from their bank accounts rather than on a credit card. The partnership will further help drive the use of online payments over cash on delivery for goods bought online, helping to further ensure transaction security and reflects the increasing importance of e-commerce within the UAE, as highlighted by the Government’s current drive to increase online Government sector payments.

Emirates NBD went live with the globally trusted Verified by Visa programme for its Visa debit cardholders earlier this month, making it the first bank in the region to offer this enhanced security tool to both Visa debit and Visa credit cardholders.

Mr. Kamran Siddiqi, General Manager Visa Middle East, said: “Visa is delighted to have Emirates NBD as the first bank in the GCC to take forward the Verified by Visa programme for both debit and credit cardholders, working with Visa to protect cardholders and instill confidence in the e-commerce environment. Emirates NBD is the first bank in the region to pioneer this enhanced security for all cardholders.

He added: “We have seen a significant growth in debit transactions and payments in the region. Visa debit cards have become the card of choice for many cardholders and now outnumber credit cards by four to one. The online space is also a more sophisticated and accessible commercial landscape now and our research has shown that 83 per cent of UAE residents have purchased something online. It is therefore even more important for consumers to have the choice of using either their debit or credit card online and with Verified by Visa, we are adding an extra layer of protected security for our customers.”

The Verified by Visa service ensures that the person using the Visa debit or Visa credit card online is the genuine cardholder. The easy-to-use function invites registered users to use a personal password to confirm their identity before the transaction is finalised, providing Visa cardholders with greater reassurance and security every time they use their credit or debit card online.

Siavaram R, Head of Cards Business, Emirates NBD, said: “The adoption of the Verified by Visa programme is in line with Emirates NBD’s strategic vision to create a safe e-environment for our customers that will allow them the flexibility and the opportunity to make online transactions with secure and convenient technologies. As pioneers of the UAE banking sector, it is only fitting that Emirates NBD is the first bank in the region to offer this enhanced security service for all its cardholders while helping to promote e-commerce and further consolidate the e-marketplace offering in the region.”
 

du Partners HP To Reduce Technology Waste In The UAE

In-line with its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts to make the environment a better place to live in, du announced an environmental program to partner with HP Middle East today, titled “HP Planet Partners Program”, this initiative, which has been integrated into every du office, is intended to reduce technology waste in the Emirate by recycling toner cartridges, used in printers and photocopy machines.

Hala Badri, Executive Vice President – Brand and Communications, du, said: “Even as we grow as a company, we need to be sensitive to ensure the reduction in our ecological footprint. What makes the initiative with HP special is that it will play a major role in reducing technology waste in the UAE and we believe this campaign will raise awareness about the environmentally sensitive issues and become an example for others to follow.”

The \\\”HP Planet Partners Program\\\” provides a free, easy, state-of-the-art return and recycling service for original HP printer toner cartridges. Recycled plastic from collected cartridges will be used to produce new original HP cartridges as well as other products.

\\\”We are happy to have du on board in our most important environmental initiative aimed at saving the planet from technology waste,\\\” said Amin Mortazavi, General Manager for HP Middle East Imaging and Printing Group.

\\\”HP was the first computer manufacturer to operate its own recycling centre in 1997, and it is estimated that 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions were avoided through HP’s recycling activities in 2008 alone. To date, HP has recycled over 2 billion pounds (lbs) of electronic products and supplies\\\” Amin Mortazavi said.

du will involve its employees to be part of this initiative. du is an advocate of environment related initiatives and recently participated in Earth Hour 2011; it has also won a series of sustainability-related awards. These include recognition for its participation in the Dubai Municipality ‘Clean up the world’ campaign, and being ranked first under two categories of the Emirates Environment Group’s (EEG) recycling campaign held in 2010.

Hamdan Bin Mohammed E-University Partners Up With Flagship Projects To Offer E-Content On Rufoof Store As It Moves Toward The Content Experience

In a step toward “paperless university”, Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, has announced that it has booked an entire store on Rufoof, a revolutionary bookstore application developed by Flagship Projects, a leading Dubai-based hi-tech mobile and web applications provider.

This announcement was made at the HBMeU Annual Congress 2011, being held until February 3, 2011, at Atlantis Hotel under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and President of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University and which was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMeU, said: "We are delighted to partner up with Flagship Projects to have a complete HBMeU store on Rufoof mobile app on iPad. This shelf store will constitute 10 % – 15 % of study at the university and gradually cover all aspects of study, so that students can take part from their iPad or iPhone instead of physically coming to the university. The move is in line with HBMeU commitment to boost personal and professional skills of not only our students but hundreds of professionals from different organisations in the UAE and across the region. “

“HBMeU’s move to use our Rufoof store reflects the university’s unwavering desire to adopt online resources that enhance professionals’ skills in total quality management,” said Shadi Hasan, Managing Director, Flagship Projects. “We launched this world-class mobile application just a few months ago and it is proving to be one of the most sought-after Arabic apps on the app store. It provides an amazing reading experience for Arabic Content.”
Users of HBMeU Rufoof store can go to the application and view a wide range of book titles in different categories including articles and e-journals as well as download a sample to have the content available even when the device is offline.

Hasan added: “Another feature of the application is reading through bookmark pages, search and change the font size as well as change the colour of the shelves. This represents a huge advancement in the world of reading from iPhone, iPad or other smart phone devices.”

Hasan added: “It is time universities starts considering digital versions of their content in a more dynamic way than any conventional digital channel and start thing of how the content can be simpler to interact with and benefit from. Universities need to go paperless, thus providing the students with convenience and efficiency.”

With Rufoof, authors’ and publishers’ books are more piracy-protected, compared to many online libraries, due to the high security features deployed by the Flagship team of software developers.

Hasan added: “We pride ourselves on our smart mobile phone applications and we motivate businesses, governments and end users to embrace this new technology that has not been fully exploited in the Arab world.”
Through Rufoof, Flagship is showcasing its best expertise and the ability to develop creative professional content for the local and regional market. Rufoof provides a user friendly experience adopting the latest platforms at the best cost effective price.

Hasan added: “Hamdan e-University Rufoof store will have large variety of books, articles and e-journals. The Hamdan e-University Rufoof Store is the first Rufoof store where visitors can only view items related to the university store, and the store is designed to fit Hamdan e-university brand and style”.

HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World established with a vision to develop a new learning process through the implementation of learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity to strengthen self-leadership among learners and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration in the job market.

HBMeU’s philosophy is based on vital methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These methods include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing the culture of excellence and innovation. The university seeks to constantly identify knowledge needs, support research and development programs and create an outstanding environment for e-learning.

Hasan added: “Flagship is one of the earliest providers of solutions for this rapidly expanding smart phone market. We provide high-end smart phone platforms and develop applications for organisations seeking to execute products on mobile devices. Our applications target iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile 7and other devices available in the market.”
 

Dubai Healthcare City Partners With Dubai Airports On Olympics Day

Dubai Healthcare City, a leading healthcare provider in the UAE and a member of TECOM Investments’ Sciences Cluster, today announced it is joining hands with Dubai Airports as a participating partner in their annual employee Olympics Day.

The Dubai Airports’ Olympics Day, held for employees and their families, is scheduled to take place on the 5th of March at the company’s football grounds near Dubai International. Dubai Healthcare City’s initiative comes as part of its aim to contribute to events that engage the community at large and raise awareness of the importance of fitness as an integral part of healthy living.

Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, Magrabi Eye Hospital and Boston University Dental Center will provide free checks/tests, advice and tips to the participants during the event.

Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Managing Director of Sciences Cluster, TECOM Investments, said: “We are proud to be the official support sponsors of the Olympics. It is encouraging to see such a major organization prioritizing the well-being of their staff. Our team of health experts will be on hand to offer health and fitness tips and check-ups to the Dubai Airports participants and their families during the Olympics Day. DHCC is keen to support similar organizations in their efforts to improve employee health and we can draw on over 2,000 healthcare experts at DHCC to engage the community on making positive lifestyle choices.”

The Dubai Airports Olympics will include a combination of various games that will challenge the athletic and competitive spirit of the participants.

Jill Nealon, Senior Vice President Human Resources & Development at Dubai Airports, said: “The health and well-being of our employees is our top priority. Hosting events such as the Dubai Airports Olympics with a partner that is renowned for its promotion of health and fitness in the community brings us close to our goal of being the UAE’s employer of choice.”

DHCC will also hold a prize draw for free fitness assessments, dental cleaning and discounts for Lasik and intralasik operations.

Dubai Healthcare City continues to run a series of community engagement initiatives, including breast cancer awareness, anti-smoking campaigns and blood drives, as part of its commitment to enhance the quality of life for individuals and general well-being of the society.
 

DU Partners With ENOC And EPPCO To Provide Special Mobile Offers In The Spirit Of The Shopping Season

Make the most of this shopping season with du. We have partnered with ENOC and EPPCO to bring special mobile offers. The offers include special rates on a range of popular Samsung and Nokia handsets when you purchase a du mobile line.

“In the spirit of the shopping season, we wanted to provide unique packages that would offer fantastic deals on popular mobile handsets. With our special offer, UAE residents can enjoy all the benefits of having a du line, including such features as Pay by the Second billing, our revolutionary WoW recharge cards which offer more than 60 per cent bonus on international calling, the fastest network in the UAE and superb voice clarity. Furthermore, we are offering double rewards through the value du services offer and the winning opportunities available through the ENOC/EPPCO raffle,” commented Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du.

The exclusive offer consists of four popular mobile handsets along with a du Pay as you Go® line (worth AED 55), including the Samsung E 1087 for just AED 99 (a saving of AED 55), the Nokia 1616 for just AED 120 (a saving of AED 30), the Nokia 1800 for just AED 134 (a saving of AED 30) and the Nokia 2700 for just AED 309 (a saving of AED 40).

Your du mobile package gives you the advantage of extensive mobile coverage, the fastest network in the UAE, the most innovative propositions, value-for-money tariffs, easy to access retail network and friendly customer service.
As part of the special offer, customers will also be given two raffle tickets for every AED 20 they spend at ENOC and EPPCO service station, including one for the daily Nissan car draw, and one for the ENOC and EPPCO 32-day giveaway, which offers the opportunity to win AED 320,000 during four different draws of AED 80,000 each on the dates, 31 January and 7, 14 and 20 February.
 

Emirates NBD Partners With Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2011

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced today that it will once again be partnering with Omega Dubai Desert Classic, as the official bank and caddy bib sponsor of the 2011 professional golfing tournament. The star-studded event takes place from February 7-13, 2011 at the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, and will feature some of the world’s top ranking golfing champions.

Celebrity names will include last year’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic winner Miguel Angel Jimenez and world-renowned champions Colin Montgomery and Tiger Woods.

“This is the 22nd consecutive year that Emirates NBD are partnering with Golf in Dubai in what promises to be another thrilling event,” said Vikram Krishna, Head – Group Marketing and Branding, Emirates NBD. “In line with our commitment to support local causes, this year we will also be hosting a charity putt at the event. Golf-lovers can come along and test their putting skills to win prizes, at the same time raising money for a worthy cause,” he added.

Muhammad Juma Buamim, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Golf in Dubai said: “Emirates NBD and Golf in Dubai share a joint vision and enthusiasm for promoting golf in the region. Throughout the years, this tournament has built a strong reputation and attracted visitors and top players from around the world, which has been achieved with the help of our longstanding partners such as Emirates NBD. We are delighted to have them on board once again.”

During the six-day event, Emirates NBD is organising a whole host of activities and attractions for all the family. This includes a ‘Star Golf Clinic’, where lucky fans can receive professional advice and golfing tips from a top 10 world-ranked golfing personality. The Emirates NBD ‘Star Golf Clinic’ will be held on February 11 at 10.00AM.

As an exclusive privilege to Emirates NBD cardholders there will be a special 15% discount on all tickets purchased at the Clubhouse of Emirates Golf Club. There will also be competitions to win Golf season tickets and special guest passes for the luxurious Emirates NBD VIP hospitality chalet, providing unrivalled views over the 8th and 18th greens. To take part visit www.emiratesnbd.com/golf.
 

Mobily In Saudi Arabia Partners With Gemalto For World’s First Commercial Rollout Of Bio-Sourced Subscriber Identification Module

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, announces that Mobily, the leading mobile operator in Saudi Arabia, has started deploying its bio-sourced SIM, made with renewable material and easily recyclable. Mobily is one of the fastest growing wireless service providers in the world with more than 18 million subscribers. This represents the world’s first commercial deployment of its kind.

The Gemalto product is fully compliant with telecommunications standards and its card body is certified 100% compostable*, two features that make it unique in the market. The innovation answers a major challenge: reducing environmental impact while providing high-standard technical properties.

The new card enables Mobily to convey their visual identity by displaying their branding with colors and graphics of the highest quality level, while keeping their logistics and warehouse processes unchanged. This eco-friendly initiative demonstrates that reducing environmental impact can be a springboard for both innovation and business development in the telecom industry.

“Our goal is to contribute to the ecological friendly community, while enjoying the same usage experience,” Samer Aldameri Vice President Products & Services, Mobily. “We also wanted simplicity and convenience in terms of brand exposure and logistics. Gemalto’s bio-sourced SIM perfectly matches all of our needs.”

“Mobily is always at the forefront of innovation and Gemalto is proud to support them in deploying yet another breakthrough new to the world product,” added Philippe Vallée, Executive Vice President, Gemalto. “Going forward, Gemalto will continue to work closely with Mobily to rollout innovations that help them differentiate themselves in the market.”

 

Intelligent Partners Launch Art Of Giving With Cafe Ceramique

Intelligent Partners together with Café Ceramique launch the second ever Art of Giving 2011.

Intelligent Partners will be joining hands with Café Ceramique on Tuesday the 1st of February in an attempt raise a greater awareness about the special needs children in the U.A.E, as well as encourage their integration into normal society. Guests include students from the Al Manzil Special Needs Centre.

This Art of Giving 2011, a program first created by Café Ceramique and is in its fifth year, will involve the students from the Al Manzil Special Needs School coming in to Café Ceramique for a fun session of painting on ceramic pieces, some games and then lunch at the venue. Intelligent Partners staff, along with some local school students would be there to assist and help out.

Intelligent Partners with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar is an Educational consultancy that helps students getting admissions into top colleges in the US, Canada and the UK. Services provided but not limited to career counseling, college selection, applications, essays editing, loans and scholarship help, visa guidance and post arrival help.

“The aim of this venture is to raise awareness while also making this a special day for all the kids. Intelligent Partners, being a business, still strongly believes in giving back to the community. We see the future in today’s children, and as an education consultancy we believe that all students are special and contain the potential to be great,” says Sanjeev Verma, Director of Intelligent Partners.

The ceramic pieces would later be displayed at Café Ceramique in Dubai Festival Centre to be sold, and the money raised would be donated to the special needs school where the students study. Visitors are encouraged to bid for their favorite art piece through a silent auction at the mall.