Dubai Customs Passes External Unanticipated Audit Of The Social Accountability System

Dubai Customs recently passed the external audit of its Social Accountability system (SA 8000) which was conducted without prior notice last July. This success reflects on the Department’s endeavors to adopt the best business practices and its keenness to prove its excellence in earning quality standards at the different business domains.

This achievement is inline with Dubai Customs strategic aspect with regards to adopting the best practices of the business procedures and systems and providing the best human and technical resources as well as anchoring its excellence in every business area.

TUV international company, which is specialized in auditing the international administrative systems, conducted the unscheduled audit phase without notifying Dubai Customs about the date or the details of the audit process. This comes as part of preserving the social accountability certificate in order to check the compliance and efficiency of the documented procedures in achieving the planned objectives. This is done by reviewing the documents and records and interviewing the employees’ representative as well as a number of the Passenger Operation Department employees at Airport Terminal 1, in addition to reviewing the system’s records at the Community Affairs and Government Partnership Division, the Human Resources Department and Strategy and Corporate Excellence Department at Dubai Customs.

The Social Accountability system includes a set of internationally adopted standards stemmed from the principles and conventions of the World Labor Organization and the United Nations as well as other international organizations concerned with human rights. Obtaining the standard means the availability of a fair and safe workplace for all the employees working at the organization which received the certificate.

Basically, the system aims to enhance the work conditions at the government and private organizations in the world. It was also designed while taking into consideration the local laws and legislations in every country. SA system was developed by Social Accountability International (SAI), a non-profit international organization which seeks to develop efforts to provide standards for social accountability and encouraging their implementation.

In view of the attention Dubai Customs gives to its human resources, a team was created to ensure raising awareness about social accountability principles at every customs location regardless of the employee’s job grade. Furthermore, Mr. Khamis Al Mehairi was elected for the second consecutive year as the Employees Representative at Dubai Customs.

Dubai Customs is considered the first government department in Dubai to earn the Social Accountability certificate in July 2009 in a bid to implement the most up-to-date quality standards and continuous performance enhancement and increasing employees’ satisfaction.
 

Memon Investments Passes Halfway Mark On ’Champions Tower II’ And ’Champions Tower III’

Memon Investments, a leading Dubai-based property developer and part of the international business conglomerate, Shaikhani Group, announced that it has passed the halfway mark on the construction of two of its prime residential developments in ‘Dubai Sports City’ – ‘Champions Tower II’ (CT II) and ‘Champions Tower III’ (CT III). Construction has reached the 9th floor in CT II, with the developer preparing for the next slab and block work on the 4th floor; while the 10th floor in CT III has already been cast. Amidst the progress, Memon Investments aims to underline its commitment to push on with construction despite the challenges of the global economic downturn.

The awarding of various contracts to some of the UAE’s top contractors has contributed to the fast-paced construction of both towers, with Stromek Emirates Foundation having completed the initial excavation and foundation work and Al Sarh Contracting placed in charge of construction. Leading MEP contractor Anwar Al Aqsa is managing the electrical, fire alarm, plumbing and fire fighting instalments, while ETA MELCO has been commissioned to install six high-speed, state-of-the-art Mitsubishi elevator units for ‘CT II’ and ‘CT III’. As construction progresses rapidly, the developer is currently looking to award contracts related to the finishing and facility management to credible partners in the UAE.

“Our unwavering commitment to deliver these two unique towers and to do so with a guarantee of excellent quality is paying off with the exceptional speed and standards by which ‘Champions Tower II’ and ‘Champions Tower III’ are being constructed,” said Ahmed Shaikhani, Managing Director, Memon Investments. “We are very excited to approach the construction of the last levels of these projects, and eventually the handover of units to our investors, which is a major milestone in our operations as a developer of high value projects.”

With a total built-up area of 231,454 square feet, ‘Champions Tower II’ is a 14-storey tower, which will include 172 apartments comprising 72 studios, 72 one-bedroom and 28 two-bedroom apartments, each with its own view of Dubai Sports City’s lush greenery. The tower will provide easy access to an 18-hole golf course, a cricket stadium and various sport-oriented academies, rugby and football pitches and a track and field stadium. The tower will also offer modern facilities including a communal swimming pool, spa and sauna, Jacuzzi, a fully equipped gymnasium and an indoor games room.

‘Champions Tower III’ is a B+G+15+HC tower with a total built-up area of 283,672 square feet, and will offer a total of 254 units comprising of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Its features include a spacious fine marble lobby, three high-speed elevators, basement parking, ground floor covered parking, concierge and valet parking services, 24-hour manned security and an in-house maintenance team. World-class stadiums and academies, educational, religious and healthcare facilities, as well as high-class restaurants and cafés and a sports-themed shopping mall in the gated community are all within walking distance from the luxurious residential property.

“These projects are in line with our vision and strategy to provide the ultimate luxury lifestyle to discerning investors. With the inclusion of the most sophisticated amenities and conveniences in these towers, we are confident that all our clients’ expectations will be met, if not surpassed,” concluded Shaikhani.
 

The Address Hotels + Resorts Offers Complimentary Passes To Attractions In Downtown Dubai This Summer

This summer, The Address Hotels + Resorts, Dubai’s 5-star hotel brand, is offering guests the opportunity to experience some of the most premier iconic attractions in the city. Guests staying at The Address Downtown Dubai, The Palace – The Old Town, The Address Dubai Mall, The Address Dubai Marina and The Address Montgomerie Dubai can enjoy complimentary priority access to The Dubai Mall’s famous attractions such as Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, SEGA Republic, KidZania®, Dubai Ice Rink and At the Top, Burj Khalifa. The special offer is valid until September 9, 2010 and includes attractive summer rates.

Guests staying at any property of the The Address Hotels + Resorts for a 3-night visit receive access to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo or the Dubai Ice Rink. The longer guests stay the more complimentary passes they receive. A 4-night stay includes tickets to SEGA Republic while for 5 nights they obtain further passes to access KidZania® in addition to the above. If guests stay for a week or more they can gain entrance to all these exciting attractions in addition to At the Top, Burj Khalifa.

Mr. Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group said: “All our 5 properties in The Address Hotels + Resort’s portfolio bring new and exciting packages every summer. This year we have introduced offers for guests which give them access to Downtown Dubai’s famous attractions. From visiting The Dubai Mall to the awe inspiring At the Top, Burj Khalifa we have arranged for each visitor to have a pleasurable experience. We have organized special room rates for families and those looking for conferences and event venues will be provided added services and attractive benefits.”

The Address Hotels + Resorts offer unique lifestyle experiences. The Address Downtown Dubai sports an elegant façade with a post-modern architectural splendour. Its award-winning interior design is inspired by regional landscapes while reflecting a sense of grandeur. Classical themes and Arabian tradition meet at The Palace – The Old Town. The Address Dubai Mall is set amidst the chic and energetic Downtown Dubai area and linked to The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. The Address Dubai Mall is a premium haven for leisure guests and shopping enthusiasts. Located in one of Dubai’s most popular lifestyle districts The Address Dubai Marina is a modern business and leisure destination with access to the entertainment and other exciting components of Dubai Marina.

The Address Montgomerie Dubai is an idyllic golf retreat. The hotel combines premium golf in sublime surroundings with that of an exclusive retreat. The Address Montgomerie Dubai offers one of the most luxurious golf experiences in the Middle East.

The attractions guests can enjoy include Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. This is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and features the largest acrylic viewing panel. A glass walkthrough tunnel provides an incredible close encounter with over 33,000 diverse species of marine life including sharks, stingrays and giant groupers. Dubai Ice Rink is the coolest spot in the city with the Olympic-size ice rink offering live entertainment such as frequent figure skating events and ice hockey games. Guests also have the convenience of shopping at over 1,200 retail outlets in The Dubai Mall and can enjoy the unparalleled visual experience of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain. At the Top is the globe’s highest observation deck located on Level 124 of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Special summer offers at conference and events venues at The Address Hotels + Resorts, include three refreshment breaks, lunch, LCD projector, meeting amenities; free WiFi, free valet parking and discounts on Business Centre services among others.

The Address Hotels + Resorts brand defines itself on a ‘one size fits one’ approach where benefits to guests and service excellence are a priority. For the convenience of guests check-ins can be processed in the guestrooms upon arrival. In addition, complimentary wireless internet is available throughout the hotel which also offers a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour business lounge. Guests opting to stay in selected suites or club rooms can enjoy the innovative and convenient privilege of a complete 24-hour stay.

For more information on the offer or to make a booking, please contact your local travel agent, call +971 4 423 8888, TOLL FREE (UAE ) 800 ADDRESS, E: stay@theaddress.com or visit www.theaddress.com.