Dubai First and du launch Region’s First Pilot Programme for NFC-based Mobile Payments

Dubai First, a Dubai Group company and du, the UAE’s integrated telecom services provider, today announced a joint partnership for the launch of the first Near Field Communication (NFC)-based pilot programme for mobile payments in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Near Field Communication is a next-generation wireless technology that allows transmission of small packets of data via radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders such as mobile phones for contact-less payment transactions.

NFC technology holds potential use in mobile phone devices whereby du customers can conveniently use their mobile phones to make purchases instead of using cash and traditional plastic payment cards. This technology has a variety of applications including transportation, person-to-person payments, identity documentation and mobile commerce.

The pilot programme will be introduced in the UAE to around 250 customers selected from Dubai First’s recently launched Platinum MasterCard with Dubai Properties Group. The Platinum MasterCard is currently available to residents of Jumeirah Beach Residence and surrounding localities (Dubai Internet City; Dubai Media City; Knowledge Village and other places)

Selected Dubai First Platinum MasterCard customers will be able to securely download their credit card functionality to specially equipped mobile handsets over du’s mobile network. Once the handset has been personalized, customers will be able to make purchases using their du mobile lines at multiple MasterCard PayPass™ enabled merchant locations in the UAE.

Ibrahim Al Ansari, CEO, Dubai First, said: “The launch of the NFC payment programme is a landmark in our efforts to bring innovation to credit card customers in the UAE. The programme will help us evaluate how customers use this new technology. ”

“We believe that mobile payments will play a major role in the future of credit cards. Jumeirah Beach Residence is the ideal ecosystem for launching this programme. We look forward to working with du and our partners on bringing mobile commerce to customers in the UAE.”

Farid Faraidooni, EVP Commercial, du, commented: “The growing sophistication of mobility – in terms of devices and technology – has led to it playing an increasingly important role in people’s lives; rather than exclusively as a means for communication. The NFC pilot programme along with our partner Dubai First signifies the pinnacle of this sophistication; which will now bring users the most innovative and contemporary method for payment in Dubai. du is proud to be the connectivity partner for this project, and we eagerly look forward to the inroads and benefits such a service will make for the region’s consumers, in the future.”

Dubai First and du will run the pilot for a period of six months at ‘The Walk’ at Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai. During this time, selected customers can take advantage of special offers at retailers and a range of promotions presented on the interactive NFC platform.

The NFC initiative will be launched commercially later in the year and will be expanded to include several speciality applications.

Dubai Retail Lines Up Calendar Of ’Beat The Heat’ Events At The Walk @ JBR To Mark Dubai Summer Surprises

The Walk, a pioneering beachfront shopping avenue managed and developed by Dubai Retail, a subsidiary of Dubai Properties Group (DPG), today announced it has lined up a calendar of family-oriented activities and events at the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) to mark Dubai Summer Surprise (DSS), the annual retail and entertainment extravaganza that attracts visitors from around the world to the emirate.

Scheduled to be held until 14 August, the ‘Beat the Heat’ events will bring Dubai Summer Surprises to the beaches of Dubai for the first time.

The beachfront retail avenue stretching over 1.7km at Jumeirah Beach Residence will host a multitude of entertaining events including water sports, football, volleyball fields, a floating island, inflatable slides, inflatable games and spa area. The area between the Hilton and Sheraton Hotel, opposite the main JBR parking lot at the heart of the beachside development will serve as the venue for the activities during the DSS extravaganza.

Haiyan Mujarkech, CEO of Dubai Retail said: “The Walk at JBR is an ideal venue to host family-oriented beachfront activities to mark DSS following the significant turnout earlier for Dubai Shopping Festival, the spectacular annual retail extravaganza. Offering attractive views of the Arabian Gulf, a great selection of shopping and dining options, The Walk will deliver an enhancing leisure experience.

“As a key industry player, Dubai Retail is keen to bring popular events such as Covent Garden Dubai, DSF, DSS, to The Walk, complementing its role as a destination that serves tourists and residents with its multitude of options.”

In addition to the entertainment, The Walk will also offer onsite refreshments, restaurants, and a relaxation zone with beach recliners, sun beds, beach tents, umbrellas, and other amenities for beach lovers.

Launched in August 2008, The Walk, boasts a total of 200 fashion, furniture and lifestyle stores, serving JBR residents as well as the entire marina district. It is set to unveil a series of spas and beach clubs, accentuating the development’s round the year beach resort offering, making Jumeirah Beach Residence one of the most luxurious developments in the region.

In its profound commitment to delivering innovative and pioneering concepts in the retail sector, Dubai Retail continues to bring renowned brands to its properties within the emirate. With over five million square feet currently under development, Dubai Retail is set to become one of the largest and the most prominent retail solutions provider in the Middle East in the near future.

Dubai Properties LLC Announces Key Infrastructure Milestones At Business Bay

Dubai Properties LLC, a subsidiary of Dubai Properties Group, today announced key infrastructure work including sewage, water network, district cooling, and power connectivity is steadily progressing at the AED110 billion Business Bay master development.

The master developer is also gearing up for the forthcoming delivery of the Executive Towers.
Business Bay is Dubai Properties’ 80 million sq. feet master development, located along the extension of the Dubai Creek. A ‘city within a city’, it is being developed along the lines of Manhattan of New York or the Ginza of Tokyo, for providing the best possible commercial environment to world-class companies, investors and businesses.

As one of the key milestones at the development, Business Bay was energized by a 132/11 kV power substation in February 2009 to feed the first and second phase, on the west side of the project. A second substation that will power the east side is set for completion in September 2009 while a third substation is set for construction in close proximity to the north end of the development.

Mohamed Binbrek, Group CEO of Dubai Properties Group, said: “Business Bay is our most acclaimed and ambitious project up to date. The unprecedented logistics and scale of construction that encompasses the development is closely supervised by Dubai Properties and relevant business partners and stakeholders, and we are determined to deliver all foundational function in a timely manner. In line with the progression of key infrastructural networks, Dubai Properties is continuously implementing improvements to the development, ensuring that all areas receive adequate attention and enhancement wherever needed.

“As part of our commitment to shaping quality master developments, Dubai Properties complements the Dubai skyline with the delivery of several major projects. In line with our promise to our stakeholders, our status is backed by projects such as Executive Towers and the Creek extension at Business Bay, amongst other spectacular developments around Dubai. Client needs stand as our topmost priority and we will continue to bring on stream projects that serve as a benchmark for generations to come.”

In line with the handover of many spectacular towers at the development, a comprehensive road network has been laid out throughout the first and second phase of project to serve the residential and commercial premises. Additionally, two parallel roads that are being constructed to the east and west of the development by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) are anticipated to further benefit the Business Bay community.

Complementing this accessibility, a major portion of a thorough water network has also been completed last year and is scheduled to open soon. In parallel, an internal sewage network at Business Bay has been completed and will soon be connected to the Dubai Municipality sewage network.

Dubai Properties’ first project in Business Bay, the AED3 billion Executive Towers, markedly visible from the arterial Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, is a vibrant residential and commercial environment.
While 10 of the residential buildings at Executive Towers feature studio-to four-bedroom apartments, others include one office tower (with 187 office suites), 60 villas located at the plaza level, eight boutique office villas and a three-level podium that offers parking bays for 4,500 vehicles.

The Executive Towers is serviced by an off-site district cooling systems, which are an effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Allowing central plants to cool water and distribute it through a network of piping systems to individual buildings, this system results in a 35 per cent reduction in energy consumption.

Offering district cooling connectivity to Executive Towers along with numerous other developments, the primary EMPOWER district cooling plant (DCP) located across Business Bay SC was activated in May 2009, offering chilled water to the development. At the same time, additional district cooling plant is planned for completion along the Al Khail Road side.

The AED1.2-billion Vision Tower at the Business Bay will release more than 500,000 sq. ft of commercial office space when all the 67 floors are completed. As the gateway to Business Bay, the bent glass facade of the tower with its high-tech transparent glazing is set to become a signature element of the entire development. Internally lit to create a luminous beacon at the night-time, Vision Tower will be seamlessly connected to the Executive Towers via a pedestrian bridge, linking the offices to Bay Avenue and the residential and hotel towers.

Business Bay offers waterfront high-rise towers, both commercial and residential, along the extension of the creek. It aims to provide world-class environment and infrastructure for global businesses, as well as a self-sustaining magnificent lifestyle for residents.

Dubai Properties Group Fosters Culture of Collaborative Learning

Dubai Properties Group (DPG), a member of Dubai Holding, today announced its latest initiative ’Knowledge Transfer’ is successfully tapping into existing employee talent and encouraging collaboration on information transfer through specialized in-house training programmes.Since the initiative’s launch in February 2009, over 70 percent Dubai Properties Group employees have completed the in-house training to date.Bringing together personnel across all entities within the Dubai Properties Group to deliver workshops in diverse areas of expertise, the new programme aims to foster a culture of collaborative learning by linking intellectual strength with technology. It is also designed to attract highly-skilled employees to innovate and transform the innovation into commercial opportunities through the exchange of knowledge.Fareda Abdullah, Executive Director of Human Capital at Dubai Properties Group, said: "When markets shift, technologies proliferate, competitors multiply and products become obsolete overnight, it becomes vital for companies to tap into its knowledge resource and disseminate it widely throughout the organization."Our employees are our greatest assets. The outcomes of the ’Knowledge Transfer’ initiative will have a profound impact on Dubai Properties Group’s business competitiveness and productivity through better leveraging the knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the group. The programme will help us identify innovative solutions to help our businesses grow, increase our competitive advantage, empower recently qualified employees to spearhead new projects and leverage the expertise of professionals within Dubai Properties Group to drive the business forward."Apart from the transfer of information, the programme also brings into sharp focus the willingness of experienced colleagues to part with the tacit knowledge acquired over years of experience in their fields of expertise. Based on the concept of intrinsic motivation, the initiative highlights the value that seasoned professionals bring to an organisation for capacity building, even while underlining the essential need for employees to identify gaps in their learning and attend trainings accordingly.The ’Knowledge Transfer’ programme includes workshops and training sessions on a wide range of topics including finance, marketing, strategic planning, security, organizational behaviour and business communication, health safety and environment (HSE), information technology (IT)  as well as soft skills such as  professional etiquette, business writing and navigating through change.Fareda Abdullah added: "We are delighted with the interest demonstrated by the employees to participate in the training sessions. We are confident the programme will lead to enhanced cross-functional exchange of information for raising overall performance levels across various tiers of the organisation."Participants are awarded certificates upon completion and plans have been put in place for the application of newly learnt skills to optimize organizational excellence.In addition to knowledge transfer, DPG has also internally implemented the Maximo asset management system to effectively handle customer complaints, manage incidents and enhance services.  The programme additionally aims to offer staff enriching communication and knowledge transfer systems and provide optimal services to business partners, while undertaking corrective and preventive maintenance activities on the property assets.As a property-oriented business operation and a complete solutions provider, Dubai Properties Group places considerable emphasis on delivering top-notch services to clients. Through partnerships with various management and business excellence organisations, DPG continuously endeavours to support activities that foster the professional growth of its employees while supporting the overall development of the real estate sector in the region.

Dubai Properties Group Releases Corporate Responsibility Report Endorsed by Global Reporting Initiative

Dubai Properties Group, a member of Dubai Holding, today announced the release of its inaugural Corporate Responsibility Report, the first by a real estate company in the Middle East to be endorsed by the Amsterdam-based Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the world’s leading multi-stakeholder organisation.The report describes in detail Dubai Properties Group’s philosophy, programmes and achievements in the areas of environment, people, market and community.The Report is based on Dubai Properties Group’s definition of Corporate Responsibility. The company considers it not only a matter of philanthropy, but an ethical obligation to reduce the negative impact the company’s operations might potentially have on the Environment and increase the positive influence on the Market, the Communities and the People.Mohammed Binbrek, Group CEO of Dubai Properties Group, said: "The current global economic crisis has highlighted once again that stability and long term viability are the core factors that should be closely considered while charting the annual growth and financial achievements of an organisation. Viability cannot be achieved in the absence of responsibility, and this is why we decided to proceed with the release of our first Corporate Responsibility Report, even in these turbulent times.""The determination of our staff members has ensured the release of this report, which has listed our accomplishments, was achieved in a responsible manner. Now, we are even more committed to be ranked among the best in the world in Corporate Responsibility in our sector and aim to continue as a pioneer among UAE’s business community. We are confident many more regional corporations will work towards collectively increasing the level of transparency and accountability on topics related to Corporate Responsibility."The Dubai Properties Group Corporate Responsibility has detailed the achievements of the group in four core areas during the last year.Under the Society segment, nearly 150 Dubai Properties Group employees volunteered to donate blood while the group itself spent over AED7 million in employee medical insurance during the year.Under Environment, employees successfully recycled over 28 tonnes of office waste, while DPG deployed environmental friendly substances (such as Inergen) for fire extinguishing systems and utilised Green Building programme in three major sites, one of which will comprise 73 per cent green space.Under the Marketplace category, DPG established ’Accountability’ as one of its Brand Values, trained over 22 percent of its  employees on brokerage laws and conducted 36 inspections and audits to suppliers.In the People segment, DPG achieved zero fatal accidents for employees, conducted an appraisal process for 100 per cent of its staff, trained over 834 of them and received 495 suggestions from employees, of which nearly 10 per cent dealt with CR issues.In order to successfully bring out a report on par with global standards, DPG particularly focused on the balanced representation of all areas of Corporate Responsibility and presented over 76 quantitative indicators, utilised the reference of 61 GRI indicators and set 26 targets for 2009 to increase transparency. DPG also applied international guidelines on Corporate Responsibility, such as the GRI Guidelines and the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model.Amsterdam-based Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) offers a quick fix to companies for vexing corporate responsibility issues. According to GRI, an effective CR strategy requires a pairing of meaningful stakeholder engagement and an effective internal management system backed up by an effective feedback loop. In addition, sustainability reporting forms an integral component of any CR management system.
 

An Out-Of-The-Box Dining Experience In Cosmic Company At The Walk

Dubai’s latest culinary craze offers a bird’s-eye view. And, it’s not from one of the sky-reaching towers that have come to increasingly define the emirate.

Head, instead, to The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), a unique beachfront shopping promenade, where Dinner in the Sky Dubai is enthralling adventure lovers with its large measure of cutting edge excitement, and of course, some delectable dining options.

So what if the excitement comes in the form of a free-floating unconventional 9×5 meter sky box that’s suspended at a height of 50 metres? And, so what if you need to be hoisted by a 100 tonne crane as one of the privileged 22 guests, leather strapped to an elegant dining table with your legs dangling free? If that’s not enough, the adrenalin is guaranteed to soar while the table gently swivels 180 degrees, allowing you to admire the breathtaking vistas canvassed by the Arabian Gulf.

Since 17 April, Dinner in the Sky Dubai has added one more exhilarating facet to Dubai’s entertainment calendar and will continue to offer aerial feasts until 1 June, 2009.

Offered by Dubai Retail, the retail services arm of Dubai Properties Group (DPG), the concept that first took off in Belgium already boasts a waiting list of professionals looking to literally host an out-of-the-box business meeting or brave-hearted party lovers geared to take in that rare celestial encounter.

Open between 3.00pm to 12.00 midnight daily, the exotic culinary experience has the reassuring presence of three staff members including the chef, waiter and entertainer, who remain relatively mobile on a central platform that is ensconced by the diners. Ensuring a choice supply of food and beverages, the staff are ever eager to lend a helping hand for either taking pictures or film an event, conduct a product launch presentation or assist an entertainment fare.

During conventional operations, the Dinner in the Sky experience is set to last for approximately two hours per session. It offers 22 aloft feasters an international selection of culinary options ranging from coffee evenings to three-course meals per session, albeit in cosmic company.

Haiyan Mujarkech, CEO of Dubai Retail, said: “Dubai Retail strives to launch pioneering concepts at The Walk. Brought to Dubai in collaboration with Mindset Media and Event Horizon, Dinner in the Sky is the most original, breathtaking fine dining adventure that allows residents and tourists alike to experience one of Dubai Retail’s many unique offerings.”

In the words of David Ghysels, the Belgian who conceived the concept, Dinner in the Sky is “an experience to dream about” that has mesmerized audiences around the world including Johannesburg, Las Vegas, Paris, London, Turkey, Italy, Singapore, South Africa and Dubai.

“We are extremely pleased to introduce this elite, high-flying dining concept to Dubai Retail’s beachfront promenade, The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence. Dinner in the Sky is a promising and memorable adventure ideal for meetings, birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate retreats and other fun-filled events – an experience like no other," said Haluk Yalinkaya, Partner in Event Horizon LLC.

Dinner in the Sky has been ranked among the world’s top 10 most unusual restaurants by Forbes magazine in the US, while PR07, the largest TV station in Germany, has named it one of the top 10 extraordinary restaurants in the world. Recently, Dinner in the Sky was awarded the SMB Advisor of the Middle East for boasting the most innovative approach.

The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence hosts approximately 230 retailers and is anticipated to host over 305 outlets. Offering over 770,000 sq ft of retail space, the 1.7km retail promenade incorporates lifestyle shopping experiences through combining a unique selection of boutiques, retail stores, bistros and cafes.

Organized in alliance with Dubai-based Event Horizon and Mindset Media Dubai, Dinner in the Sky is bound to sweep you off your feet with its spectacular offerings and breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline.

Dubai Properties Group And Dubai First Partner To Launch Platinum Credit Card For Residential Communities

Dubai Properties Group (DPG), a member of Dubai Holding, and Dubai First, a Dubai Group company, have partnered to launch the first co-branded Platinum credit card in the Middle East and North Africa region for a residential community

Launched in association with MasterCard Worldwide, a leader in advancing global commerce, the credit card is aimed at residents in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and neighboring communities. It combines the benefits of community living with the advantages of an innovative financial services product.

The Platinum Credit Card offers a range of community privileges including attractive retail discounts and offers at shops located in The Walk at JBR. Card holders will have access to an exclusive loyalty program that features instant redemption of points for use within The Walk.The card also provides comprehensive concierge services, reduced rates on the facility management services by IDAMA and easy payment options on annual property maintenance fees.

Mohamed Binbrek, Group CEO of Dubai Properties Group, said: “Our partnership with Dubai First reiterates our commitment to delivering value added offers and innovative services. The new co-branded Platinum credit card will bring immense benefits such as exclusive offers and concierge services to JBR residents and the neighbouring communities. Effectively, the card will accentuate the ‘lifestyle of a lifetime’ advantage that JBR and The Walk have to offer.”

Ibrahim Al Ansari, CEO, Dubai First, said: “We are delighted to have forged this unique relationship with master developers Dubai Properties Group. Together, we have developed an exclusive credit card for an exclusive customer segment. This Platinum Credit Card will help JBR residents get more out of life in their community”.

Equipped with the PayPass™ contactless payment feature from MasterCard, the Platinum card holder can simply Tap & Go™ when making purchases under AED100 at accepted locations in the UAE. The programme offers a fast and convenient payment method for quick and small purchases.

Widely accepted around the world, the new credit card also offers value-added lifestyle benefits. These include special travel deals, concierge services, a discounted E-Gate pass, flexi pay plans, and phone banking.

The Platinum card will initially be available to residents of Jumeirah Beach Residence. It will later be rolled out in phases across surrounding communities. Card holders will be supported by a dedicated Dubai First branch located at Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Dubai Properties Invites Select Financial Institutions to Offer Attractive Funding Options

Dubai Properties LLC, a subsidiary of Dubai Properties Group (DPG), today announced several leading financial institutions will offer exclusive funding options to prospective buyers and investors of residential or commercial units in Dubai Properties’ projects. Although potential financing will be available for all projects, there will be a special focus on projects that are due for handover, The Executive Towers, Al Waha Villas and The Villa Phase 1 & 2.Representatives from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank and National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK Bank) will meet customers at the Dubai Properties Headquarters – Sales Centre in Dubai Internet City.An Official Spokesperson for Dubai Properties, said: "In our commitment to offer our clients top scale properties and services, we have invited leading financial institutions to the sales centre at the Dubai Properties’ headquarters to meet and explain the modalities of financing. The banks will seek to streamline the financing options for our current and potential clients. This is also part of our endeavour to ensure our buyers and investors receive customized, timely and accurate propositions.""Our developments have generated substantial interest from regional and international investors as well as Dubai residents. At the same time, our exclusive freehold projects cater to residents looking for an inspirational lifestyle at convenient localities. We are very pleased to offer these properties to our investors and look forward to developing other enchanting residential communities around Dubai."The prestigious AED3 billion Executive Towers master development comprises 11 towers offering 2,211 residential units, including studios, loft apartments, 4-bedroom terrace apartments, garden apartments, and 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments. The development also includes 60 villas located at the plaza level, eight boutique office villas and a three-level podium that provides parking bays for 4,500 vehicles.Al Waha Villas is a AED745 million freehold Mediterranean style residential community located in Dubailand.  Properties for sale at the Al Waha Villas will range from 3,944 sq. feet for a four-bedroom villa to 3,621 sq. feet for a three-bedroom villa and 1,785 sq. feet for a two-bedroom villa. All properties will include one or two parking spaces, balconies, and terraces. The project consists of a total of 260 Mediterranean style townhouses within a luxurious enclave and lush landscape.As part of the special offer, select units from phase1 and 2 of The Villa development will be offered to buyers. An AED 8 billion freehold development located in Dubailand. The Villa is an enchanting residential retreat, inspired by generous spaces for outdoor living and the tranquility of Spanish style courtyard housing.Dubai Properties’ projects represent a diverse spectrum of residential, commercial and mixed-use developments including Business Bay, The Villa, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Al Waha Villas, The Villa and Culture Village.

The Walk At JBR Hosts Motorcycle Drive-By To Raise Awareness On Genetic Blood Disorder

The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), a pioneering beachfront shopping avenue managed and developed by Dubai Retail, a subsidiary of Dubai Properties Group (DPG), today hosted a 100 motorcycle cruise as part of an initiative to raise awareness on Thalassemia, ahead of the International Thalassemia Day on 8 May.
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Organised in association with the Emirates Thalassemia Society as part of a five day campaign, the drive-by served as a kick off initiative and drew the heightened interest of JBR residents and visitors to The Walk.Fareda Abdullah, Executive Director of Human Capital at Dubai Properties Group, said: “As leading master developers, we prioritise the welfare of our communities. Hosting the event at The Walk highlights the origin of the name Thalassemia that takes its root from the Greek word ’THALASSA‘, meaning the sea. The disease first got its name after being recognized among the Greek people living around the Mediterranean Sea.“We would like to commend the noble efforts of Emirates Thalassemia Society in raising public awareness and promoting a better understanding of the genetic disorder and its prevalence among residents in the UAE.”The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence currently hosts nearly 230 retailers and is soon anticipated to host over 305 outlets. It has a captive customer base of 20,000 residents from JBR and the neighbouring communities, with a significant daily footfall.Abdullah added: “The branded motor bike drive successfully attracted a cross-section of people, including bike lovers. We believe the presence of such huge crowds will help us reach out to a larger number of people with our message on the implications of Thalassemia.”Common genetic blood disorders prevalent in the community such as Thalassemia are characterized by defective productions of haemoglobin, leading to the over-destruction of red blood cells. Its clinical severity depends on the exact nature of the genes that a person inherits. Highly prevalent in the UAE, the disease can be easily prevented with a simple and inexpensive pre-marital blood test.Offering over 770,000 sq ft of retail space, The Walk at JBR stretches across 1.7km as a unique retail promenade incorporating lifestyle shopping experiences through combining a unique selection of boutiques, retail stores, bistros and cafes.
 

Dubai Properties Group Celebrates Success Of DHDA And Dubai Quality Awards

Dubai Properties Group (DPG), a member of Dubai Holding, today hosted a gala event honouring employees for contributing to the organisation’s performance excellence that has received industry wide recognitions from the Dubai Economic Department-led Dubai Quality Award and Dubai Human Development Award (DHDA).

The celebration took place at the Business Bay Sales Centre in the presence of top DPG management, including Hashim Al Dabal, Executive Chairman of Dubai Properties Group.

Mohamed Binbrek, Group CEO of DPG said: “As an innovative provider of end-to-end solutions in the real estate sector, Dubai Properties Group aims to create value and achieve performance excellence through the implementation of strong organizational policies and global best practises. Winning the coveted industry recognitions has given us the impetus to raise the corporate benchmarks that we have set for ourselves.”
In addition to acknowledging the group’s recent win at the Dubai Quality Awards, which took place on 22 April at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai, Hashim Al Dabal also honoured the group’s Employees with Best Employee Award for 2008, as part of the company’s employee reward programme Ijada.

Fareda Abdullah, Executive Director of Human Capital at Dubai Properties Group, said: “We recognize our employees as our greatest assets. The Ijada programme has been designed to recognize employees who have excelled in their contribution to the group’s success. Employees are mandated to exhibit strong professional ethics, exceed expectations and promote a positive workplace culture. We are confident all those who have been recognised today will inspire others to deliver their best.”

Dubai Properties’ Group’s Ijada initiative aims to reward and benchmark employees against the organisation’s six guiding principles of excellence, innovation, commitment, integrity, hard work and speed.