HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Opens Airport Show 2011

The 11th edition of the Airport Show, was opened today by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group. The show features over 160 exhibitors and a 63 member strong contingent of hosted buyers who will be sourcing products to the tune of AED 106 billion.

The opening was attended by a number of industry professionals, visitors, contractors and senior representatives from airport authorities and airlines. His Highness Ahmed Bin Saeed took a tour of the exhibition and was briefed on the latest developments and technologies available to the airports industry.

Organised by REED Exhibitions Middle East, one of the leading organisers of trade and consumer exhibitions, the event caters to the needs of existing and new airports in the region where development and expansion projects are estimated to cost US$90 billion over the next few years.

Dr. Khaled Al Mazrouei, General Manager of Fujairah International Airport and the Chairman of the Airport Leaders Summit 2011 said: “As per the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), the UAE is expected to be the world’s second fastest growing aviation market in the world with 10.2% growth by 2013, second to China with a 10.8% growth. Over the last decade, Middle Eastern carriers went from 5% of global passenger traffic to 11%.
Industry analysts also believe that the private air charter business will pick up in the late 2011 and on into 2012.
This is evident from the forecasted growth for the region in which aircraft movement is predicted to touch 160,000 by 2018 at a compounded annual growth rate of 6.21% per year for the Middle East region.”

GCC countries have allocated an estimated $90 Billion for airport development over the next few years, which include eight new runways in the Gulf region, development of 1200 airports and military bases worldwide in addition to the new ones coming up.

Amongst the leading investors in airport development activity in the Gulf are cities such as Dubai which has allocated $10 Billion, Abu Dhabi which has allocated $6.8 Billion, Qatar with $11 Billion, Jeddah with $1.5 Billion, Muscat with $1.2 Billion,approximately $2.1 Billion in Kuwait and $335 Million in Bahrain. Statistics from the Airports Council International (ACI) and IATA support the numbers as the global aviation bodies predict airports in the Middle East to handle over 400 Million passengers by 2020.

For several years now, airports and airlines have been benefiting from the robust demand for air travel in line with healthy global economic growth.

A leading project that will take the center-stage during the show is King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) that will aim to source state-of-the-art technology and construction materials for its estimated spending of US$11.3 billion towards its expansion.

Mohamad Bader-Eddin, Show Director, REED Exhibitions Middle East, said: “Airport development and expansion is projected to exponentially grow over the coming years in the Middle East and Asia. As we near the exhibition date, we are looking forward to gather the sector’s veterans, who will exchange valuable industry insights, highlight opportunities and explore a roadmap to overcome challenges.”

The Airport Expo has organised the ‘Airport Leaders Summit’ which runs from 31 May – 1 June on the sidelines of the exhibition and focus on security, sustainable expansion and current economic concerns. The summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to interact with an elite group of decision-makers from governments and businesses worldwide. It also aims to find long-term solutions to strategic issues the industry faces in the wake of the global economic uncertainty, rigid credit markets, high fuel prices and changing regulatory norms.

Additionally, the event seeks to deliver a combination of high quality networking and business development opportunities through a series of roundtable discussions and seminars. Innovation seminars cover topics such as ‘Cavotec Innovative Gate Systems’ ‘Environmental Capacity: Managing the Impact of Airport Noise’ and ‘The World’s First Mobile Passenger Terminal’. In addition to spotlighting the King Abdulaziz International Airport, project seminars also features the new design and development of the Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The Airport Show 2011 is sponsored by King Abdulaziz International Airport, Thales and Tiger Profiles. It is also supported by leading aviation authorities and trade bodies including Dubai Airports, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), UAE Contractors Association, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services & Equipment Association (BASEA), Danish Airport Group, UBIFRANCE (the French Agency for international business development), and the Netherlands Airport Technology Group.

HH Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Confirms Attendance Of Leading Energy Experts To Discuss Comprehensive Agenda At DGEF 2011

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, announced today that leading experts in the field of energy will attend to discuss a comprehensive agenda during the forthcoming Dubai Global Energy Forum 2011, which will be hosted for the time in the city.

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Global Energy Forum will host a series of discussions on energy-related issues under the theme of “Energy Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future.”

HH Sheikh Ahmed said, “We are pleased to announce today the participation of leading experts in the energy field at DGEF 2011. Of note is the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was the architect of India’s nuclear energy infrastructure. Another is Mohamed ElBaradei, the former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 2005.”

“The presence of these experts will enrich the forum’s agenda as we discuss collective efforts in developing energy-related sustainable solutions to help us overcome the challenges resulting from the depletion of natural resources and focus on environmental protection and preservation,” said His Highness.

His Highness added that Dubai Global Energy Forum 2011 will further serve as a platform to initiate discussions on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to drive economic prosperity and increase investments in the energy sector, in line with the strategy of the Dubai government.

“The forum complements the policy of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy to focus on issues related to the development and growth of the energy sector in Dubai, the search for alternative and renewable sources and examining the contribution of nuclear energy to economic sustainability.”

The forum will also support the nation’s efforts to achieve UAE Vision 2021, which features seven principles, seven priorities and seven enablers to be used as guideline by planners and policymakers in line with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy’s Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030.

The Dubai Global Energy Forum 2011 will provide a platform for energy experts to share ideas and debate key issues affecting the energy sector as a whole and sustainable development around the world. The Forum will tackle best practices in the field of energy security, supply and energy management, alternative energy resources, peaceful use of nuclear power in addition to debating the current and future policies, programs, technologies, investment opportunities and energy market indicators.

The Forum will consist of nine major tracks of plenary and parallel sessions addressed by keynote speakers and panellists. Sessions will address specific topics in each track through in-depth analyses and will provide the audience with focused presentations and opportunities for discussions. Energy leaders, officials, planners and energy experts from government and private sectors, international organisations and academia from around the world are participating in the event.
 

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Inaugurates Noor Takaful Headquarters

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Noor Investment Group, today inaugurated the new headquarters of Noor Takaful, located adjacent to the Noor Islamic Bank station on the Dubai Metro Red Line, on Sheikh Zayed Road, in the presence of a number of high-ranking officials and senior banking and finance industry representatives were also present.

The inauguration was part of the celebrations hosted by Noor Investment Group (NIG), the Dubai-based Shari’a compliant financial services group, to commemorate the third anniversary of Noor Islamic Bank and the second anniversary of its insurance arm Noor Takaful.

HH Sheikh Ahmed accompanied by Hussain AlQemzi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Noor Investment Group and Noor Islamic Bank, today went on a tour of the new Noor Takaful headquarters, and visited the Noor Islamic Bank Metro station in Al Quoz.

An anniversary celebration was held for the employees of Noor Investment Group in the afternoon.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “Over the last three years, the Noor brand has successfully made its mark in the Shari’a-compliant financial services industry, a sector that is still in its infancy. We believe the brand will contribute to the growth of this industry and remain in the forefront as a pioneer, offering unrivalled finance and insurance solutions.”

AlQemzi said: “We are excited to achieve another key milestone in our operations as a group. Individually, Noor Islamic Bank and Noor Takaful have made significant progress in their respective industries. The opening of the new state-of-the-art headquarters for Noor Takaful reflects our commitment to consolidate our status in the insurance industry. We will continue to provide services that match global standards to our clients in the region.”

Since the launch of the Noor brand in January 2008 with Noor Islamic Bank, the brand has been a pioneer in offering new Islamic finance solutions that have been well-received by the market. The group enhanced its leadership position with the launch of Noor Takaful in January 2009.
 

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority Receives ISO Award For Quality Management Systems

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), recently received the ISO 9001:2008 certification for Quality Management Systems (QMS), an internationally recognized standard for quality in products and services, on behalf of DSOA for its renewed commitment towards enhancing services, products and operations through a structured and efficient system.

The ISO certification was presented by R. S. Mani, Area Technical Manager – Middle East & Africa of Lloyds Registered Quality Assurance (LRQA) Ltd to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed in the presence of Dr. Mohamed Al Zarooni, Vice-Chairman and CEO of DSOA, and Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Excellence & Support at DSOA.

DSOA’s latest recognition quickly follows the ISO 9001:2000 for Quality Management Systems that was awarded to DSOA in 2007 for providing customers with industry-leading products and services.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said: “Since we first received the ISO 9001:2000 certification in 2007, Dubai Silicon Oasis has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the culture of performance excellence in its, while developing the right structure and policies to achieve this. The latest ISO certification that we have received is proof of our consistent efforts to achieve the highest standards as an organisation. Through this certification, the concept of quality becomes an incentive for continuous development.”

Dr. Al Zarooni said: “Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) continues to remain focused on developing a Quality Management System to enhance all services, products and operations through a focused and streamlined system. Receiving the new ISO 9001:2008 certification proves that, in relation to global standards, DSOA has consistently excelled.

“As an organisation, we are proud to have excelled in such a rigorous evaluation and believe that such regular assessments can be of great benefit to us. Our achievement is the outcome of a thorough internal evaluation of all the necessary processes to meet the regulatory, mandatory and customer requirements. At DSOA, we are committed to raise the bar of excellence even further.”

The ISO 9000:2008 standards give organisations an opportunity to add value to their activities and continually improve performance by focusing on their major processes. The standards place great emphasis on developing quality management systems that are close linked to the organisation’s processes and their continual improvement. As a result, they direct users to the achievement of business results, such as customer satisfaction.

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a wholly-owned entity of the government of Dubai and operates as a free zone technology park for semiconductor, microelectronics and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.
 

Top Richemont Officials Call On Hh Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone recently received four top officials of the Swiss luxury goods group Richemont, who have their regional office at the Freezone.

The four officials included Richard Lepeu, Richemont Deputy CEO, Hans-Peter Bichelmeter, Richemont Group Operations Director, Matthias A. Schuler, CEO Richemont Group Europe and Dr. Christoph F. Thomet, Chief Operating Officer Richemont Dubai, were accompanied by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of the Dubai Airport Freezone during the courtesy meeting.

Welcoming the delegates, Sheikh Ahmed said, "Being one of the most important partners of Dubai Airport Freezone, I would like to assure Richemont of our full support to ensure that you continue to do business in a conducive and pro-business environment."

HH Sheikh Ahmed said that the presence of prestigious international brands of the Richemont group in the Freezone sends a positive signal to the business community, particularly on the advantages of opening up a regional office in Dubai.

"Our future plans include the construction of new buildings, enhancement of facilities and improvement of our services to cater to the demands of companies at the Freezone for their current operation needs and for possible future expansion within the Freezone," he added.

Dr. Thomet, said: "We find the facilities, services and support provided to the tenants at the Dubai Airport Freezone of a very high standard.

"We have a long standing relationship and close collaboration with the Freezone spanning a decade, having been a tenant from the very inception".

He added: "Dubai Airport Freezone offers several benefits to multinational corporations such as Richemont including tax free incentives and one-stop-shop accessibility to logistical and administrative support that is essential to carrying out our business in a smooth and systematic way," he added.

Dr. Thomet further stressed on the long-term potential of doing business in and through Dubai, and underlined the fact that Richemont uses Dubai as its regional business hub to do business throughout the neighboring GCC region, Levant, Indian subcontinent and Turkey.

During the visit, the officials apprised Sheikh Ahmed on developments at the company and its plans for the region. Sheikh Ahmed also briefed the Swiss officials on the resurgent Dubai economy and numerous opportunities offered by the Gulf and Middle East countries.

Richemont owns several of the world’s leading companies in the field of luxury goods, with particular strengths in jewellery, luxury watches and writing instruments.

The Group’s luxury interests encompass several of the most prestigious names in the luxury industry including A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Chloe, Dunhill, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Dubai Airport Freezone has introduced key services this year by way of offering a variety of facilities to investors. In this regard, among its key achievements were the inauguration of Noor Islamic Bank and launching of Medical Fitness Centre in collaboration with Dubai Health Authority, which has significantly contributed to improving and expediting the medical fitness procedures.

Dubai Airport Freezone has also acquired an ISO certification for its high quality customer service centre with a strong reputation for promptly responding to the complaints of customers. An awards ceremony was also held for investors who demonstrated responsibility and took initiatives in environmental and safety issues.

The Freezone’s new office complex project is well underway. The complex will feature new facilities including a business centre and a food outlet, which will offer a more convenient service to its tenants.

Established in 1996 as a part of the Dubai Government’s strategic plan to be an investment driven economy, Dubai Airport Freezone is one of the fastest growing premium free zones in the region. The free zone is currently home to over 1450 companies from various industry sectors, including aviation, freight and logistics, IT and telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food & beverage, jewelry and cosmetics.
 

Ahmed Bin Saeed Receives Senior Board Director Of Bosch, Germany

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone, received a senior board member from the German company Robert Bosch.

Dr. Rudolf Colm, a senior Board Member, Bosch Group informed HH Sheikh Ahmed of his company’s plans to expand its operations at the Dubai Airport Freezone to cope with demand from its customers in the Gulf, the Middle East and Africa.

The German multinational company operating in Dubai Airport Freezone, registered a turnover of AED 200 billion last year.

Dr. Colm was accompanied during his visit by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone and Mr. Volker Bischoff, General Manager of Robert Bosch ME- FZE, the Middle East subsidiary of Bosch Group.

“The history of partnership with German companies goes back to 1960s with large trade volumes between the two countries in all trade, services and industrial sectors. Bosch has always been a strategic partner with a major contribution to the local economy in the Gulf and entire Middle East region,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed.

“We shall spare no effort to maintain the distinguished trade relationship with Bosch and shall make sure that we facilitate their operation in Dubai Airport Freezone,” added Shiekh Ahmed.

“We have clearly instructed the foreign investments incubation entities such as Dubai Airport Freezone in Dubai to avail every possible resources that enable the multinational firms to perform their commercial activities smoothly.

Dr. Colm, said, “During the last nine years of operation in Dubai Airport Freezone, we found that the Freezone has been a true partner who worked hand in hand with us to achieve our business objectives.”

“The Freezone management is very supportive and with a very sophisticated infrastructure and unmatched services, and did indeed help our business to grow over the years. Due to this, we decided to expand and boost the number of our staff to meet the consistent increase in demand for our services.”

He added, “Bosch has seen an immense business opportunity in the Middle East and Africa with an increasing demand for products with the latest technology including automotive aftermarket parts, power tools, security systems and photovoltaics.”

According to Dr. Colm, the Middle East and Africa regions are promising with good business potential. “The Middle East has seen over the past few years double digit growth, while countries in Africa had an average of five percent GDP increase on an annual basis.”

“In support of the UAE’s green policy we consider to add a photovoltaics Sales division to our Dubai operation. In fact photovoltaic is gaining insignificance in the whole Middle East region. By expanding our photovoltaic business in the Middle East we aim to make a considerable contribution to saving energy and Carbon footprint,” Dr. Colm said.

According to Mr. Volker Bischoff, General Manager, Robert Bosch Middle East FZE, the company had grown over the years from a small office in Dubai Airport Freezone with only a couple of staff to a fully fledged subsidiary with 65 employees in 2008.

Robert Bosch Middle East is responsible for sales, marketing and technical support of its automotives aftermarket systems and spare parts, power tools, security system and thermo technology.”

He continued,” We are also engaged in hydraulics and pneumatic business with our Rexroth division. A major project was the construction of the ship lifting facilities in Dubai Drydocks few years ago.”

Robert Bosch Group, the biggest technology leader in the world, has bounced back from the deep worldwide recession and posted a 28 percent increase in revenue as of July, 2010 compared to a year ago.
 

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Inaugurates Dubai Logistics Corridor

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, the Dubai Logistics Corridor was officially inaugurated today.

The Dubai Logistics Corridor, which links sea, land and air, is spread out over an area of approximately 200 square kilometres. The corridor bridges Jebel Ali Port, the sixth-largest container port in the world; Jebel Ali Free Zone, host to more than 6,500 companies; and Dubai World Central, home to Al Maktoum International Airport, which, upon completion, will be the world’s largest airport in both size and volume.

Bringing together for the first time in the Middle East all of the components needed to create a true multimodal logistics platform, today’s event underscores the city’s long-term commitment to facilitating the growth and development of regional and global commerce.

This corridor will facilitate increased and more efficient trade flows in the emirate, significantly enhancing the economic competitiveness of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as a whole.

“The opening of the Dubai Logistics Corridor is a milestone event,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “Building upon our existing world-class infrastructure, the Dubai Logistics Corridor’s further increase Dubai competitiveness as a global logistics hub.”

“The launch of the Dubai Logistics Corridor demonstrates our focus on creating synergies that enhance the flow of goods and services within the emirate and, indeed, across the world,” added Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation “This is another important step in fulfilling Dubai’s vision to assume a leading position in the network of global logistics hubs.”

“The corridor bridges and leverages the strengths of Dubai’s major logistics enablers. What makes this initiative truly ambitious is that it aligns various organisations, people, processes, services, standards and systems to create the region’s largest and finest logistics hub,” said Salma Hareb, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Zones World, and Chairman of the Board, Dubai Logistics Corridor.

“One of the important outcomes of the launch of the corridor is the improvement in the flow of sea-to-air cargo by eliminating the processes of exit and entry from one zone to another. Additionally, there will be a potential elimination of double customs inspection. This is just one step forward, and our plan remains to further integrate, ultimately resulting in the greatest possible efficiency,” said Ms. Hareb

Addressing a gathering of more than 60 key public and private-sector decision-makers, Rashed Buqara’a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, noted that the Dubai Logistics Corridor complements perfectly Dubai World Central’s drive to deliver speed and connectivity.

“Cities with greater logistics capabilities attract more foreign direct investment,” he noted. “With the launch of the Dubai Logistics Corridor, and as a consequence of creating a unique multimodal platform, Dubai will attract even higher levels of foreign investment.

“The Dubai Logistics Corridor board structure and framework allow for sustainability, project development and engagement with stakeholders such as Dubai Customs, Dubai Airports and DP World. Together, we will provide customers with seamless, fast-cycle logistics solutions,” said Buqara’a.

Among those who attended today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony were heads of organisations such as Dubai Airports, DNATA, Dubai Customs, DP World, Dubai Department of Economic Development, Foreign Direct Investment Dubai, Dubai Export Development, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Department of Finance and the Executive Council.

The streamlining of logistics processes will play a key role in achieving further economic development within the corridor, which already collectively represents more than 25 per cent of Dubai’s GDP.
 

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Announces 131% Higher Profits for DSO

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), today announced the high-tech park recorded 131 percent growth in profits for the first half of this year, compared with the same period last year.

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) registered a 148 percent increase in revenue while the number of companies operating at the high-tech park for the microelectronics and the semiconductor industry rose by 25 percent to 318 for the same period.

HH Sheikh Ahmed noted that the results achieved for the first quarter of 2010 confirms Dubai Silicon Oasis’s strong investment fundamentals and its growth opportunities. He also commended the Dubai Circuit Design Centre, headquartered at Dubai Silicon Oasis, for winning six new projects in collaboration with leading technology companies to design circuits for semi-conductor chips of TSMC 40 nanometers.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said: “Since the global financial crisis unfolded, Dubai Silicon Oasis has devised a flexible strategy to tackle future challenges and enable smooth operations while maintaining its annual growth rate. The excellent first quarter performance bears testimony to the effectiveness of our meticulous policy.

“In addition, Dubai Silicon Oasis has attracted global technology firms by providing additional services and facilities and creating an ideal environment for start-up businesses. Our client portfolio currently comprises 66 percent technology companies, ranging from IT and electronics to telecommunications, semiconductor and energy companies. Engineering and the retail sector represent 4 percent each of the total number of companies at Dubai Silicon Oasis, while 26 percent encompass diverse businesses.”

A break down of companies at DSO indicates 45 percent are European, 11 percent American, and 18 percent Asian. Companies from the Middle East and North Africa region constitute 26 percent of the entities operating at the high-tech park.

In addition to an impressive performance for the first half of the year, DSO also welcomed renowned global and regional brands to its premises, including the US-based Invensense Inc., leading providers of micro electromechanical system-based (MEMS) motion processing products for consumer electronics. It will also host a team of software engineers to develop product applications as well as a dedicated group of professionals to work on the design and development of new MEMS products.

During the same period, Ketab Technologies, specialized leaders in developing interactive software educational solutions, joined Dubai Silicon Oasis. Additionally, Keross, a world leader in smart business services that provides tailor-made software and technological solutions, has also set up its offices at DSO.

Wacker Chemie AG of Germany, a leading global supplier to the chemical, semi-conductor and solar industries, recently opened its regional headquarters for the near and Middle East region as well as a new international training centre for construction chemicals at DSO.

The Wacker Chemie training centre will focus on construction chemicals and promote the transfer of expertise to local customers and business partners, thereby helping to further tap into the region’s fast-growing market for modern construction chemicals. At the same time, it will serve as an ideal platform for sector-specific networking between customers, distribution partners and Wacker specialists.

3W Networks, one of the region’s premier systems integrator specializing in providing turnkey communication, safety and security solutions to the oil and gas, power utilities, telecom operators, transport and fibre optic infrastructure sectors, also announced it will establish its regional engineering centre of excellence within the integrated free zone technology park.

3W Networks’ operations at DSO will combine high value systems design and engineering, 24/7 technical assistance and product assembly. The 1,350-sq meter office premises will host product specialists, engineers and technicians to provide solutions that meet the highest international standards.

Additionally, Sensehere Technology, a new generation wireless technology producer and fabless chip developer, has joined the companies operating at the integrated free zone technology park. The announcement coincides with Sensehere’s introduction of patented low-power consuming ‘mixed signal processors’ for wireless signal networks (WSN) in the region.

Dubai Silicon Oasis already hosts several major companies such as Porsche Middle East; Schneider Electric, a multinational specialized in management software for energy companies; Maven, an integrated service provider for the telecommunications industry, as well as other leading firms such as Western Digital, Fujitsu, and Wavetec.

In real estate investments, Dubai Silicon Oasis has successfully completed the leasing and sales of all 368 units at Phase-I of its AED1.55 billion Cedre Villas project. Serviced by many amenities and other facilities, Phase-I was launched for lease in October 2009.

The construction of Phase-II of this project was delivered in June 2010, where almost 40 percent of the units have already been leased and sold, reiterating the attractive propositions of the development.

Moreover, nearly 126 plots are currently being developed at Dubai Silicon Oasis out of which the construction of 44 fitted-out buildings has been completed during the first half of this year. Additionally, the hi-tech park will house three mosques, the first of which was delivered in June 2010 with a 300-person capacity. The 1,000-capacity second mosque will be delivered within 18 months while construction of the third mosque will commence by the end of Q3 2010.

Dubai Silicon Oasis also hosts the GEMS School and the International Indian High School in addition to a health clinic located near the Cedre Villas development that is expected to be operational in October 2010. DSO has also initiated the AED30-million modernisation of the first phase of the water treatment plant in collaboration with Metito Overseas.

The opening of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) – Dubai in 2008 marked another milestone for DSO. The campus currently meets the scientific needs of more than 400 students and graduates. Upon the completion of the first phase of its new headquarters in September 2010, this international teaching facility will pursue major developments and accommodate an increased number of students who wish to major in technology, business and electronic engineering.

A wholly-owned entity of the Government of Dubai, the Dubai Silicon Oasis operates as a free zone technology park for the semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.

-Ends-

About Dubai Silicon Oasis:
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), a 100% owned entity by the Government of Dubai is a free zone, strategically placed on the Emirates road. DSOA’s urban master-planned community spans 7.2 square kilometers of state of the art office towers, R&D and industrial zones, educational institutions, luxury apartments, villas, hotels, healthcare and a full range of lifestyle facilities which translate into a dynamic commercial and social environment. Businesses can flourish under the unrivalled package of incentives, including 100% ownership, and high end IT infrastructure that allows companies to begin operating immediately.
 

For more information:
Mazen El Dirany
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority
Associate Manager – Corporate Communications
Tel:(+971 4) 5015102
Mobile:(+971 50) 2266956
Fax:(+971 4) 5015200
or
Mathilda Saad JiWin
Tel: +9714 361 3879 (direct)
+97150 699 9890
Fax: +9714 388 8001

Statement From Hh Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman Of The Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee

Statement from His Highness Sheikh Ahmad bin Saeed al-Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee:

“Dubai World has today announced that headline economic terms for its restructuring have been agreed in principle with the Coordinating Committee, accounting for a majority of the Company’s financial creditors, and the Government of Dubai. A final proposal reflecting these terms will now be submitted by the Coordinating Committee to all of Dubai World’s lending banks.

The Government of Dubai welcomes this important milestone, which is the result of considerable efforts from a large number of stakeholders who all share a common interest in Dubai’s future.”
 

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum Honors EWA Winners

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Supreme Chairman of Emirates Airline Group and the honorary patron of Dubai Quality Group \\\”DQG\\\”, attended the closing ceremony organized by DQG on the occasion of closing the events of the seventh session of Emirates Women Award \\\”EWA\\\” at the Address Hotel in Dubai.

The ceremony started with a documentary about the social achievements of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Zayed bin Saqr Al Nahyan, the wife of H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, UAE Supreme Council member and the Ruler of Ajman. The ceremony viewed the tremendous achievements fulfilled by the EWA throughout this year, in the presence of a large number of businesswomen and professional ladies.

Dr. Wafi Dawood, chairman of Dubai Quality Group said, Emirates Women Award has achieved an unparallel success throughout the past six years. We are committed to go on with this success in the seventh edition of the Award by making a central change in its criteria. The award this year is entitled as \\\”Emirates Women Award\\\” instead of \\\”Emirates Businesswomen Award\\\”, to include larger sections of women, businesswomen and professional women.

\\\”When DQG launched the first session of the award in 2003, it believes strongly in the importance of honoring and recognizing of the achievements delivered by woman in the UAE in various fields, which effectively contributed to advancing and accelerating the development in our great nation. In line with this belief, the ladies participating in the award received great support and encouragement from EWA officials, in order to deliver the desired results of the EWA and employ such results for the benefit of your society.\\\”, he added.

On the other hand, H.E. Ms. Rajaa Al Gurg, chairman of Dubai Businesswomen Council and head of EWA Judging Committee, stressed that businesswomen investments in the UAE has surpassed 12 billion United Arab Dirhams.

Al Gurg pointed out that there are 11 thousand businesswomen in the UAE, including 4300 in the Emirate of Dubai, 3200 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, while the rest is distributed to other Emirates.

EWA aims at encouraging women to participate in the UAE economic growth as well as focusing on the contributions of leading women with a view to motivating women to best use their capabilities and experience.

EWA receives high appreciation and tremendous recognition for its role as a tool contributing to accelerating economic growth since it helps to create a platform to support commercial activities and professional development of women whose capabilities don’t receive the due attention in the economic field. Throughout the past years, EWA honored the achievements of businesswomen and professional women. It also created a group of leading women to become ideal examples for other women and to carry them forward to achieve success and excellence in various fields.\\\”

Citizens and residents are allowed to participate in this Award within two primary categories, businesswomen and professionals. The award requires the participating businesswomen to have a private business in the UAE for less than three years which is directly managed by them. As for professional women, the award required them to be employees in one of the professional sectors in the UAE for three years as well.

During the closing ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum honored H.H. Sheikha Fatima bin Zayed bin Saqr Al Nahyan in recognition of her social contributions. Sheikha Azza bin Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi received the honor instead Sheikha Fatima who did not attend the ceremony. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed also honored Rajaa A Gurg, Mr. Shawki Sejwani – head of the EWA Evaluation Committee, H.E. Amira Abdul Rahim bin Karam, head of the Executive Committee of Sharjah Businesswomen Council and EWA committee member, and Fatima Abdul Quader, EWA Project Manager.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed honored the EWA Judging Committee, Evaluation Committee, EWA supporter \\\”Emirates Businesswomen Council\\\” and \\\”Dubai Businesswomen Council\\\”, and EWA official sponsors \\\”Ajman Businesswomen Council\\\”, \\\”Damac Holding\\\” and \\\”Philips Corporation\\\”, and silver sponsor \\\”Geoscience Testing Laboratory\\\” as well as media sponsor \\\”Hia Magazine\\\” and \\\”Dubai Media Incorporated\\\”.

At the end of the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed honored EWA winners. Shabana Karim was the over all winner of businesswomen award while Mona Essa Al Gurg occupied the second place. Maryam Al Afreedi won the professional women award while Rawda Mohamed Al Mehrazi occupied the second the place.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed honored the winners of EWA five criteria. In this context, Haifaa Bousamara won the award of Leadership, Laila Mohamed Taher won the award of Financial Planning and Performance, Asmaa Mousa Abdul Rahman won the award of Career Achievements, Salwa Mohamed Hadi won the award of Social Contribution and Dr. Aisha Al Bousmeet won the award of Innovation.