DEWAs Customer Care Centre Receives Over 263,000 Phone Calls During The First Quarter Of Year 2011

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, (DEWA) has confirmed receiving 263,524 phone calls during the first quarter of this year. DEWA emphasized the importance of the Customer Relations Department as a vital and effective cornerstone to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction in Dubai.

HE Saeed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA said: “In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DEWA is successfully working to achieve the Government of Dubai’s strategy so as to promote sustainable development in the Emirate of Dubai and to strengthen Dubai’s leading position as a world hub for finance, business and tourism.”

DEWA Customer Care Center is primarily looking forward to speed up the response on all customers’ needs and requirements, adding that as one of the core values of the DEWA strategy, quality and excellence are the main aspects in responding to all customers,” HE Saeed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA further added.

On her part, Amal Al Suwaidi, VP – DEWA Customer Relations, said: “DEWA Customer Care Center received almost 462,000 phone calls through the Emergency Line during the Year 2010, an approximate of 1268 calls per day. The Centre also received around 684,000 calls related to Billing Services, which is an average of 1875 calls per day. Figures released for March 2011 indicate a Service Quality Level (SQL) of 91.75% was achieved exceeding target requirements. The total number of calls for the month of March 2011 was 86,329.

"The Customer Care Centre employs 97 qualified employees and supervisors from the best trained local calibers, in addition to other nationalities speaking different languages like Arabic, English, Hindi, French, Urdu, Farsi, and recently Chinese, to meet all the needs and requirements of customers in line with the international quality standards and best practices in the Customer Service perspective,” Amal Al Suwaidi further added.

The Customer Care Center’s role does not only include communicating with customers through calls but it is also a multi-communication interactive tool with all customers receiving their requirements, needs and consultations via Fax number (04-6019995) and email (customercare@dewa.gov.ae). The Centre also helps customers in the registration process for e-Pay through DEWA’s Website and offers guidance on how to avail DEWA services through the simplest processes. Other services customers can inquire about are the various bill payment channels offered by the Authority, including Customer Service Centre locations, as well as a variety of other services.

DEWA’s Customer Care Centre at Umm Ramool, which operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week including holidays, receives phone calls on 991 for Emergency Calls and Billing and other services query on 046019999.
 

Macquarie Bank Receives Category 4 Branch License To Operate From DIFC

Macquarie Bank Limited (Macquarie), the international financial services group, announced that it has received a Category 4 Branch License from Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The license allows Macquarie to operate as an authorised entity from within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) where it will market financial products suitable for clients based in the Middle East.

Macquarie will develop the local product offering from its Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (FICC) business focusing on the provision of interest rate derivatives, foreign exchange derivatives, commodities (both physical and derivatives), investor products and structured finance. Macquarie will seek to service clients in the Gulf Cooperation Council states with particular focus on the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.

Marwan Ahmad Lutfi, Deputy CEO and head of Business Development at DIFC Authority said, "Macquarie is an outstanding global financial institution and its presence will add diversity to DIFC’s growing number of distinguished partners. We welcome them on board and look forward to supporting their business in the region."

Head of FICC for Macquarie in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Paul Plewman, said, "The Dubai International Financial Centre provides a strategic gateway to reach a wider base of clients and investors as well as tap into the region’s growth prospects." "Macquarie’s international operations include offices in the world’s major financial centres and this new initiative is in line with our approach of identifying opportunities where we believe our expertise can help meet demand," said Mr Plewman.

 

DECDC Receives Delegation From Scott Autism Centre In The US

 Dubai Early Childhood Development Centre (DECDC), a key initiative of the Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA), recently welcomed a delegation from Scott Autism Centre at Florida Institute of Technology, USA and discussed areas of cooperation, partnership and exchange of experience in the field of disability and autism.

Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director of DECDC and her team of specialists received the delegation and briefed them on the services provided by the Centre to children with disabilities and their families. The delegation also heard about the Centre’s role in enhancing community awareness on children with disability and ways to integrate them into the society.

During the week-long visit the US delegation learned about the state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and advanced technologies available at DECDC in addition to global best practice adopted at the Centre and its future plans. Both parties also discussed possible exchange of knowledge and experience in many fields relevant to autism and disability.

The Scott Autism Centre has extensive facilities and a distinguished track record in the treatment of children with disability, autism and in early intervention techniques. The delegation was impressed with the services available in DECDC, particularly in the field of early intervention and rehabilitation and said they would be happy to visit Dubai again and help in developing and elevating the existing services at DECDC.

"We welcome our partners from Scott Autism Centre, which is a world-leading centre of its kind, and look forward to working with them sharing knowledge and best practices in providing support for children with disability," said Dr. Bushra.

The Dubai Early Childhood Development Centre (DECDC) is a unique early intervention programme, to provide state-of-the-art, comprehensive, family-focused, community-based, trans-disciplinary services to children (from birth to six years) with disability or are at risk for developmental delays and their families. DECDC was established after a long and extensive benchmarking exercise in disability training, including review and research of best practices in early intervention across the world.

DIFC Receives The City Of Londons Lord Mayor

The Governor of DIFC, HE Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, today received the City of London’s Lord Mayor, Michael Bear, at DIFC. The Lord Mayor was accompanied by a financial services delegation from the City. The Lord Mayor and City of London delegation also met with the senior management team of DIFC Authority led by Abdulla Al Awar, CEO, as well as representatives of DIFC-based international and regional insurance and re-insurance firms.

During the meeting, the group discussed the importance of having a presence in the region, the opportunities for the insurance sector and the wider benefits of being based in DIFC.Topics of discussion also included the importance of the insurance sector with its global benchmark and ways to work closer together, stimulating the growth of the industry as a whole.

HE Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of DIFC, said;
“We were pleased to have received the Lord Mayor of London who represents one of the most prestigious financial centres in the world. There are significant opportunities for our two jurisdictions to work together and there is a lot that we can learn from each other. We had an extremely productive discussion and I look forward to further strengthening ties with British insurance companies.”

The Right Honourable Lord Mayor, Michael Bear, Chancellor of City University London, said;

“From the City’s perspective, we believe that sharing the skills and experiences necessary to grow both financial centres is the heart of our relationship with the UAE. In our meeting with the Governor of DIFC, we considered ways to improve the already excellent cooperation between DIFC and the City of London, including on insurance and re-insurance.

“The provision of world class education, training and qualifications has been a major factor in the UK’s reputation for developing and attracting the talent needed by firms operating in the global financial services industry.

“CASS Business School and the London Business School already operate from DIFC and I look forward to building a closer collaboration between the UK and UAE in this area.”
 

RTA Receives Chairman, International Business Networking Forum

Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim Younes, Executive Director of Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and H.E. Javed Malik, Chairman, international business and Networking Forum, have recently explored means of boosting mutual cooperation and bilateral relations between the two parties.

Abdul Mohsin stressed RTA’s keen interest in boosting the joint cooperation with various government and private agencies and entities in the field of roads and transport inside or outside the UAE with the aim of furthering RTA’s principles of providing all forms of support to these entities, and helping them implement their plans and achieve their objectives in this vital aspect.

"RTA is seeking to broaden and develop its relations with various parties, not only in the field of roads and transport, but also in other areas including communal, cultural and cognitive fields in addition to supporting humanitarian activities and every effort capable of enhancing RTA’s standing at the local, regional and global levels," added Younes.

For his part, Malik praised the achievements of the Dubai Government & RTA in laying the foundation of infrastructure of a modern and sophisticated public transport system. He expressed his interest in benefiting from RTA’s expertise in addressing the public needs of public transportation in major cities.

At the end of the meeting, both parties stressed the importance of exchanging future visits to foster bilateral relations and open new cooperative channels in the field of mass transport.
 

du Receives HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Patrons Of The Arts Award For A Second Year In A Row

Demonstrating its support and commitment to innovation and creativity in Dubai, du was honoured for a second year in a row with the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards that recognises individuals, businesses, organisations and government entities that have demonstrated financial and in-kind contributions towards the arts in Dubai through sustained support and promotion of artistic activity. His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated presented the ’Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Award’ to Osman Sultan, CEO, du, in the presence of Hala Badri, EVP Brand and Communications, du.

du was honoured for its support of ‘Shelter’ in Dubai – a business incubation facility aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship within small businesses, and a centre that promotes arts and culture in the UAE.

“There is no denying that Dubai has a rich and unique creative infrastructure and architecture inspired by some of the best professionals worldwide. As such, we are dedicated to developing the UAE’s various arts sectors and enterprises contributing to making the Emirate a creative hub in the region. Combining initiatives that foster both the Arabic character and international flavour of the city, we continuously support the ambitions of a variety of organisations and individuals who demonstrate creative flair and enthusiasm; our support to Shelter is an effort in this direction.” commented Osman Sultan, CEO, du.

Proud to be a national company, du is dedicated to cultivating and nurturing innovative ideas from creative minds particularly related to the UAE, a philosophy which is premised on the belief that innovation is key to promoting sustainable economic growth in the UAE. As such, du has supported numerous initiatives that encourage the creative talent of UAE nationals, such as its partnership with ’Shelter’, a unique incubation centre which offers young UAE entrepreneurs a platform to further their career by setting up their own entrepreneurial venture, and a centre that promotes the cause of arts and culture in the UAE. Moreover, du also recently signed a partnership agreement supporting the Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah, helping to nurture creativity and promote awareness of art and creative ingenuity in the UAE.
 

Mohammed Bin Rashid Receives Hillary Clinton

Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received at his Zabeel Palace today, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the delegation accompanying her.

Crown Prince of Dubai HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and UAE Foreign Minister HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan were present at the meeting.

Sheikh Mohammed and Mrs. Clinton reviewed ties of friendship and cooperation between the UAE and the USA and ways to enhance them.

They also discussed the role played by the UAE women in the country’s development process.

The U.S. Secretary of State praised the status attained by the UAE women in both official and societal levels. She described UAE women as the "role model for the region’s women".

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed and Mrs. Clinton touched on regional developments and issues related to security, stability and peace.

Mrs. Clinton underlined UAE’s key role in perpetuating peace in the region, referring to its active participation, under the directives of its wise leadership, in furthering stability in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A number of other Sheikhs, senior officials, Yousef Bin Mana Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US and Richard Olson, the U.S. ambassador to the UAE also attended the meeting.

 

“Dubai Customs” Receives Azerbaijani Customs Delegation

Dubai Customs has recently received a delegation from the republic of Azerbaijan that included a number of Azerbaijani Customs officials. The delegation, which was headed by Mr. Shahin Bagirov, Head of Azerbaijani Customs Control Dept., aimed at viewing the best practices in the department and discussing means of administrative co-operation due to be signed between the two parties soon.

Mr. Ahmed Mahboub Musabih, Executive Director of the Clients Management division welcomed the visiting delegation said: “the visit indicates the mutual aspiration of the two parties to foster co-operation and co-ordination especially regarding administrative co-operation with the Azerbaijani customs which is in its final stages”.

During the meeting with Dubai Customs officials, the Azerbaijani delegation viewed a visual presentation of “Mersal2” system and was briefed about protection of intellectual rights management, advancement and upgrading strategic plans, and HR programs at Dubai Customs. After that, the delegation was taken into a tour to see the mechanism of e-clearance in the department.

At the end of the visit, the delegation praised the advanced level of Dubai Customs and thanked them for their hospitality and fruitful co-operation. The delegation was gifted memorial shields in the occasion.

Non-oil trade exchange between Dubai and Azerbaijan witnessed an increase during the period between January and September this year. It has been doubled more than 12 folds totaling Dhs 260 million with the end of the first nine months of 2010 compared to Dhs 19 million for the same period last year.

Statistics, released by Dubai Customs, show a 900% increase in Dubai’s Exports to Azerbaijan, during the period between January and September 2010 totaling Dhs 34 million compared to Dhs 3.2 million of imports.

Re-export activity took the lead in total trade exchange between Dubai and Azerbaijan with a value of Dhs 224 million. Meanwhile, Dubai’s imports from Azerbaijan has dropped 50% with a value of Dhs 3 million by the end of the third quarter of this year compared to Dhs 6 million for the same period last year.

Multi-dimensional glass insulator units headed Dubai exported products to Azerbaijan at 65%, followed by some types of chemicals at 17%, then all types of paints at 5%.

In re-export, electrical appliances used for mobile networking topped the list at 29%, followed by woven fabrics at 8%, and then car spare parts at 4%.

The list of Dubai imports from Azerbaijan was topped by jewelry items and metals at 53%, followed by vegetable and fruit juices at 13%, and then spare parts at 12%
 

HBMeU Chancellor Receives 8th Middle East CEO Of The Year Award

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, has received the “Middle East CEO of the Year Award” in the ICT and Knowledge CEO Excellence category. The awards ceremony was held in Dubai recently in conjunction with the 8th Leading CEO Summit conference, and was attended by a host of prominent government officials and CEOs from the private and public sectors, in addition to regional and international media representatives.

Al Awar dedicated the award to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMeU, whose vision and wise guidance has transformed the University into a premier hub for e-Learning and distance education in the UAE and the Middle East. Al Awar also expressed his gratitude for the unlimited support that His Highness offered for establishing the University as a model of leadership in all scientific and academic fields, and in the areas of excellence and quality.

“Receiving the Middle East CEO of the Year Award is testimony to the stature of HBMeU as a leading institution in the realm of e-Learning and in spreading the culture of knowledge in the UAE and the Arab World in general. The award also reflects the commendable position that the University has reached in developing its educational and specialized programs according to the highest standards of quality and innovation. Undoubtedly, we would not have come this far without the generous patronage and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. We have continuously focused on the reinforcement of a culture of excellence and innovation by providing everyone with education according to the highest levels of proficiency and credibility, and by adopting the latest learning methodologies in the area of distance education and e-Learning. Of course, I am honoured to receive this award, which I dedicate to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed to whom we commit to continue our journey towards excellence in line with the framework he provided us, which aims to transform education and establish Dubai and the UAE as an international hub for knowledge and education. I would also like to extend my gratitude to H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Chairman of the University’s Board of Governors, for his constant support that is enabling us to realise the vision and mission of HBMeU. I also would like to convey my deepest appreciation to the members of the University’s faculty and management and all employees, who have performed outstandingly to spread knowledge and promote innovation in the education sector,” said Dr. Al Awar.

The “Middle East CEO of the Year Awards” is conferred annually on leading executives who have played a major role in developing a culture of leadership and excellence in governmental and business institutions according to the standards of international competition. The award aims to honour leaders and decision makers in all key sectors who have significant achievements in improving the regional and international economy and who have contributed, through their vision for success, towards realising the strategic objectives of their organisations in light of all the economic variables and challenges.
 

Defending Champion Receives Unique Support Ahead Of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Defending champion Novak Djokovic received an extraordinary display of support ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships as he visited Dolphin Bay at Atlantis, The Palm today.

The two-time Dubai champion can now add Blade, Cathy, Sol, Alice and Abby to his fan-base after swimming with the amicable pod as part of the Atlantis Dolphin Encounter, which allows guests to wade into waist-high crystal clear waters and enter the intriguing and playful world of dolphins, swimming and showing off some of their favourite skills.

Joining Djokovic in the lagoon with the dolphins was his girlfriend, Jelena Ristic and his 19-year-old brother Marko (with whom he will contest the doubles in Dubai).

“This has been an amazing experience. The dolphins are such friendly creatures and it’s fantastic to be able to get this close and swim with them,” said Djokovic, who will face Michael Llodra of France in his opening match of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. He and his brother will face the experienced pair of Mahesh Bupathi and Leander Paes of India in their first round doubles encounter.

“I love playing here in Dubai and I am really looking forward to defending my title here again,” added the sensational Serbian.

“It’s a great pleasure to have Novak back in Dubai – he has shown us in the last two years just what he is capable of and has displayed impressive form in winning the Australian Open last month,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “We’re looking forward to seeing him in action again here at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.”

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Play began on February 14th with the WTA Tour event and continues with the ATP tournament from February 21st that includes and four-time Dubai winner and 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer.

Tickets to most of the matches are still available from both the Stadium’s Box Office and online at www.timeouttickets.com. For further information about the tournament, visit www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com or phone the call centre on +971 4 358 9797.