DP World Appoints A New Managing Director For Africa Region

Global marine terminal operator DP World today announced the appointment of Joost Kruijning to the position of Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the company’s Africa Region, effective 1st September 2009.

Mr. Kruijning had been Chief Operating Officer of DP World’s UAE Region. Prior to joining DP World in 2001, he spent thirteen years at Sea -Land, working on various assignments in Russia and the Sultanate of Oman.

Mr. Kruijning takes over from Anil Singh, who in turn will assume the position of Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DP World Subcontinent Region.

Joost Kruijning said: “I am very proud to have been part of a team that realised the completion of additional capacity at T2 of Jebel Ali Terminal and oversaw volume growth of approximately 11% last year. I am looking forward greatly to my new role as SVP and Managing Director for Africa Region. DP World believes in Africa’s potential, and is fully committed to developing local markets over time, as demonstrated by recent additions to our global portfolio in Algeria and Djibouti.”
 

European Commission Commends Emirates’ Websites

The European Commission’s Director General for ‘Health and Consumers’ (DG SANCO), has confirmed that Emirates airline’s websites are fully compliant with all the requirements laid down in EU consumer legislation, and it further commended the airline for its commitment to consumer transparency.

In a statement, Commissioner Meglena Kuneva said: "I am delighted to confirm that contrary to some earlier reported indications, Emirates airline is fully in compliance with all the requirements laid down in EU consumer legislation that were monitored in the recent ’health check’ in relation to air ticket selling websites and therefore belongs to those companies that can serve as an example to be followed by others. I commend Emirates airline as a non-EU carrier for the observance of Community law and for the commitment to maintain these standards and to consumer protection in general demonstrated at a meeting held in Brussels on 17 June".

DG SANCO’s ‘health check’ investigation and report on airline websites published in May listed Emirates as being non-compliant. Subsequent discussions between the airline and DG SANCO confirmed that this was inaccurate.

Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide, said: “We have had a number of open and productive conversations with DG SANCO over the past weeks. Although we were disappointed with how the original investigations were conducted, we are pleased that this is now resolved, and that consumers can be absolutely satisfied that Emirates’ websites not only fully comply with EU regulations, but also demonstrate leadership in terms of transparency and inclusive pricing.

“As a responsible global airline, our commercial operations are guided by fair business practices and transparency for our customers. All Emirates’ fares include taxes and surcharges and no service fees apply when bookings are made and paid for online. We also provide a breakdown of the fare components both online and with Global Distribution Systems (GDS).”

Mr Vaughan added: "Emirates wants to see high, universal standards across our industry to ensure a level playing field for those airlines, like Emirates, who adhere to transparency and the highest possible standards versus some who continue to practice more opaque pricing and other less consumer-friendly techniques".

Dubai Trade adds Mashreq to its centralised e-payment gateway Rosoom

Dubai Trade, the innovative online platform of Dubai World, has signed an agreement with Mashreq, a premier bank in the UAE, to offer the bank’s Direct Debit Services to clients using Dubai Trade’s e-payment services.The partnership, the first of its kind to offer dual sign-in facility, enables customers of Dubai Trade’s centralized e-payment gateway ROSOOM to use Mashreqbusinessonline, Mashreq bank’s online Direct Debit Services platform, to settle their monetary transactions with global marine terminal operator DP World and Jebel Ali Free Zone, Jafza.The agreement was signed on June 3 by Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, in his capacity as Member of Board of Dubai Trade, and Yasmeen Javaid, Divisional Manager – Transaction Banking Services, Corporate & Investment Banking Group, Mashreq in the presence of Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade.The online payment service enables real-time transfer of funds from the customer’s Mashreq account to the accounts of DP World and Jafza.It is the first model of its kind that facilitates dual sign-in, enabling customers to access both services at the same time and make payments by simply using internet banking credentials.ROSOOM offers customers multiple transaction methods to settle their bills. This secure, single-window electronic facility helps them save on time and cost.Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, and Member of Board of Dubai Trade, said:"The partnership with Mashreq bank brings added value to all stakeholders. Our strategy has always been customer centric and we believe our association with Mashreq will further enhance this approach."Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade, said: "Dubai Trade is pleased to be associated with Mashreq on its Direct Debit Services. Our central e-payment gateway has by now become one of the most preferred online platforms for customers in their dealings with Jebel Ali Port and the Free Zone, and Dubai Customs. The agreement with Mashreq on the new dual sign-in model is another major step that brings these companies and their customers closer. At Dubai Trade, our primary aim is to serve our customers better by utilising technology, and ultimately benefiring trade in the emirate."Omar Bouhadiba, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Mashreq said: "We are proud to partner with Dubai World group, which includes some of the biggest companies in the country, to serve our customers better. Mashreq’s online payment platform ensures efficiency at the highest level. This agreement enables our customers to use Dubai Trade’s excellent e-payment services that have won wide acclaim for their user-friendliness and high technical standards."

New Payment Methods Make Booking On Emirates.com Even Easier

Making on-line bookings and payments is now even easier thanks to the latest innovations featured on Emirates’ website at www.emirates.com

Payment options in many of the airline’s markets have now been widened, taking into account recent research on which payment methods are likely to most appeal to customers. Partnering with GlobalCollect, the world’s premier payment service provider of local e-payments, Emirates.com can now offer alternative payment methods in no fewer than 34 countries served by the site.

“In selecting these additional payment methods for customers using emirates.com we took a very local approach. Each country has its own unique preferred payment methods and we very much wanted to give options which catered for the needs of our customers in each market” said Richard Vaughan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide. “Germany is an excellent example – Giropay is a very popular payment system there and we have now added this as an additional payment method for passengers purchasing tickets from the four cities in Germany from which we fly”, he continued.

Existing credit and charge card options like VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and Diner’s Club are expected to remain a popular choice with customers. Additional options now offered include real-time bank transfers, on-line banking and offline bank transfers, allowing passengers to make direct fund transfers. Passengers will also now be able to send payment for their tickets at selected Western Union Agent locations, using the Western Union Quick Pay service or via their PayPal accounts. There are also some market-specific options like Solo and Maestro cards in the UK.

One of the new benefits the airline believes will be most useful to customers, is the opening up of the option for a third party to make a payment on behalf of another passenger. So far this facility has not been offered, in order to prevent any possibility of fraud in an on-line transaction. However, with the addition of alternative payment methods like Western Union Quick Pay and bank transfers, this concern is reduced because the transactions are done via cash at an agent location or a cash transfer directly from a bank account, allowing, for example, someone to pay for a ticket booked for another family member.

In response to customer demand Emirates also now offers the option for passengers who purchase their tickets via emirates.com using selected payment methods, to do so in the particular currency in which they are charged. This provides the customer with greater transparency as the final charge will appear on their statement in their chosen currency. Payment can now be made in one of 14 different major currencies.

Emirates Launches Unbeatable Family Friendly Holiday Offer in Time for Dubai Summer Surprises

Coinciding with their participation in Dubai Summer Surprises as a key sponsor for the twelfth edition of the summer extravaganza this year, Emirates has recently launched the ‘Kids Go Free’ promotion offering families from across the globe an incredible saving when they visit Dubai with Emirates. The promotion will run up to 20th September, 2009. The promotion, which has been developed to further attract international visitors to Dubai across DSS, will see one child under the age of 16 years fly free and up to a maximum of two children stay, eat and play in Dubai for free when travelling with two paying adults; once again proving that Dubai is the ultimate family friendly holiday destination.
 
Collaborating with some of the emirate’s most impressive attractions this one-of-a-kind offer will provide families with the opportunity to take an exciting break, in a unique destination, without breaking the bank.
 
“Dubai Summer Surprises is an important event in Dubai’s calendar. Each year the festival attracts thousands of international visitors into Dubai to shop, explore and be entertained in the emirate. This year, Emirates has launched an innovative and competitive promotion called Kids Go Free, that we believe will further push travel to Dubai, said Ahmed Khoory, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran Emirates.
 
“The Kids Go Free offer allows families from across the globe to take a well deserved break, in an exciting destination, without the financial strain an international holiday can bring. Knowing that their child will travel, stay, eat and play for free takes a huge degree of financial pressure off the family budget. We hope that this enticing offer from Emirates will enable more families to experience Dubai Summer Surprises and have their annual holiday in this exciting destination.”
 
The Kids Go Free promotion is applicable for passengers travelling with Emirates to Dubai from select destinations around the world and includes Meet and Assist at Dubai International Airport.
 
A total of 33 hotels in Dubai are participating in the promotion with a hotel to suit every family’s budget and preference, from a six star luxury hotel to serviced apartments. In addition to free flights, accommodation and meals children will also have free entry to a wide range of Dubai’s most interesting children’s attractions, ensuring an action packed family vacation. Some of these exciting and complimentary activities include;
 
• Wild Wadi Water Park, including a medium meal
• The Lost Chambers at Atlantis The Palm Dubai
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall
• Dubai Ice Rink in Dubai Mall
• Sega Republic Indoor Theme Park in Dubai Mall (opening June 2009)
• Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates
• Bowling at Magic Planet in the Mall of the Emirates
• Round of golf and access to the driving range at The Montgomerie Dubai
 
The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest, will also provide each family with some incredible discounts to be utilised within the mall, helping families save even more money and make good use of the recently announced increase to Emirates’ free baggage allowance.
 
For further details and full terms and conditions please contact your local Emirates office.

Dubai Healthcare City Signs on 500 Smokers To Begin Quit & Win Program on World No Tobacco Day

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), a member of Tatweer, today announced that 500 smokers have  committed to starting the 30-day Quit and Win program to give up smoking  beginning on World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2009DHCC launched the smoking cessation recruitment drive two weeks ago through health information stands in shopping malls and workshops within major organizations including s DBAL, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Noor Dubai and Dubai Ladies Club.Dr Ayesha Abdullah, Senior Vice President of DHCC said: "Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of premature death and disease. As a healthcare city committed to excellence, with over 1,400 physicians, DHCC has a responsibility to increasing health awareness and supporting disease prevention through initiatives such as Quit and Win. It is never too late to stop smoking and I hope the efforts of people taking part in this program will encourage more smokers to make the life-saving decision to end their addiction."Dr Ayesha Al Mutawa, Vice President for the Centre for Healthcare Planning and Quality, the regulatory body for DHCC said: "Over the past two weeks I have heard many moving stories from the community about both their own battles and those of loved ones to give up smoking. It is heartening that so many people are committing to quit smoking and win back their health.I have also seen the devotion of DHCC medical professionals who have donated their time and expertise to the program along with major companies committed to improving employee health and quality of life through in-house workshops.  This encourages more companies to offer smoking cessation programs in the workplace."Khider Mustafa, an employee of DHCC who signed up to Quit and Win said: "I have been smoking for 15 years. I have thought about trying to give it up in the past but never made a firm commitment. What I like about Quit and Win is that it is focused on behavior and having the right support network, rather than any alternative ’smoking’ products. I know the next 30 days are not going to be easy but neither is the future if I continue smoking, so I am entering this program with both apprehension and hope."After the 30-day program, participants of Quit and Win who have successfully abstained (which will be verified through a simple test), will be entered into a draw to win a range of prizes made possible by sponsors Dubai Chamber of commerce &Industry, Burjuman, Noor Dubai- Dubai Media Group, Prism, Johnson& Johnson, Dubai Ladies Club, Grand Cinemas,  Wild Wadi Waterpark, Jumeirah Group, AMG, DMI, Dubai Polo Club and Equestrian Club and the fitness group Hayya!Quit and Win has been coordinated as part of a nationwide No Tobacco Campaign sponsored by Green Crescent and organized by ExHealth.

Fashion and Golf Meet on the Fairways of the Dubai World Championship

Leisurecorp, a division of Nakheel Leisure, has announced a global partnership with Polo Ralph Lauren joining together a world-renowned luxury lifestyle brand and one of the most innovative new tournaments in golf.

Polo Ralph Lauren has become the official outfitter for the Dubai World Championship, the anticipated season-ending event to the inaugural Race to Dubai, and will dress officials, marshals and PRO-AM players. The two-year partnership fully extends to this week’s European Open in addition to the 2010 tournament, and is in line with Leisurecorp’s efforts to bring new audiences to golf by lending the sport a modern, stylish image.

In the coming months, Polo Ralph Lauren will unveil a collection of Dubai World Championship golf wear for men and women that will be sold internationally at select Ralph Lauren retail locations and at the tournament itself. They will also design a new shirt to be worn exclusively by the leading European Tour player caddies at the Dubai World Championship, replacing the traditional caddie bib.

Polo Ralph Lauren already partners with European Tour members Luke Donald and Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño; outside of golf, Polo Ralph Lauren is official sponsor of the U.S. Open (Tennis) and an official outfitter of the Wimbledon Championships.

David Lauren, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Corporate Communications for Polo Ralph Lauren, said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Leisurecorp for the Dubai World Championship and The European Open. This new partnership is very much in line with our support of high-profile sporting events, and builds on our existing relationships with leading European Tour golfers Luke Donald and Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño.”

The Race to Dubai season-long competition includes 49 golf tournaments at 26 destinations around the world. The contest will conclude in November, when the leading 60 players will qualify for the Dubai World Championship, thereby ensuring that only the world’s best players will have the chance to compete. The Dubai World Championship will be a celebration of golf for spectators and players alike. Tickets for all four days are available free of charge.

Hamza Mustafa, Managing Director of Nakheel Leisure, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Polo Ralph Lauren into a partnership with the Dubai World Championship. We look forward to working with what is undoubtedly one of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands as they continue to build their brand presence in leading global sports events.

“The Dubai World Championship will provide a thrilling crescendo to The Race to Dubai, and the opportunity to introduce such a modern and luxurious brand as Polo Ralph Lauren is entirely fitting with our vision to truly differentiate this event within the golfing world."

The Dubai World Championship will be held on the Greg Norman-designed Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, from 19 to 22 November. The event recently received patronage from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the Executive Council.

The 32nd European Open will be the first of the two events, and will take place at the London Golf Club in Kent from 28 to 31 May. This year, golf fans will be able to see a world-class field free of charge on any day of The European Open, following the success of the tournament’s ”Free Ticket Thursday” promotion last year, which attracted nearly 24,000 spectators.

For more information on the tournaments, please visit:

European Open Championship: EuropeanTour.com

Dubai World Championship: DubaiWorldChampionship.com

For information on sponsorship, please contact:

David Collins
Director of Sponsorship, Leisurecorp
David.Collins@leisurecorp.com
PH (04) 3662910
Corporate Hospitality
Kerry Bannerman
Hospitality@dubaiworldchampionship.com
PH (04) 365 8678

Dubailand Completes QHSE Governance Framework

DUBAILAND®, the world’s landmark tourism, leisure and entertainment destination and a member of Tatweer, today announced it has successfully completed an extensive Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) governance framework on par with international best practices and in partnership with IRCA Middle East, the globally recognized pioneer in the field.

With the completion of the QHSE governance framework, DUBAILAND® has reached a key milestone in its ambition to become a landmark tourism, leisure and entertainment destination. The framework provides a comprehensive strategy for establishing and implementing effective QHSE management principles and is designed to address these requirements throughout the entire life-cycle of each project at the destination.

The governance framework also recognizes the importance of investors in establishing and implementing high QHSE standards. DUBAILAND framework will serve as a critical guideline to investors and owner/operators to ensure the protection of employees, visitors, communities and the environment.

The QHSE governance outlines specific Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental requirements through every stage of design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance and aims to maintain customer relations management, indentify and reduce hazards, manage risk and limit bureaucracy.

Mohammed Al Habbai, Senior Vice-President of DUBAILAND, said: “The completion of the QHSE governance framework marks a new phase at DUBAILAND, confirming our commitment to self regulation and compliance with rigorous global best practices. The framework is also an essential part of Tatweer’s core objective that each of its projects meets stringent requirement and operate according to the standards of excellence endorsed in the framework.

“In order to effectively maintain the DUBAILAND® brand, and that of its investors and operators, we have developed QHSE guidelines as a key benchmark for excellence and will now begin implementing and monitoring its progress to the benefit of our stakeholders.”

QHSE principles are practiced worldwide and mandate corporate processes, encourage continuous improvement and streamline all processes within an organization.

IRCA Middle East operates in various sectors including construction, oil and gas, petrochemical, general industry, healthcare and consulting services across the region. It offers specialized consultancy services to organizations to ensure compliance with global standard QHSE guidelines.

Phase one of DUBAILAND is open and features cultural entertainment at Global Village, racing action at MotorCity, world-class sporting events at Dubai Sports City, shopping at The Dubai Outlet Mall and breath-taking shows at Al Sahra Desert Resort.

Emirates Couches Itself As The Seat Of Comfort In Germany

Emirates is already part of the travel and tourism furniture in Germany, but that status took on a new meaning yesterday when the renowned international carrier officially opened its third and largest lounge in the country.

The latest dedicated lounge, measuring 700 square metres, sits in Dusseldorf International Airport and follows similar, luxury travel sanctuaries in Frankfurt and Munich.

The facilities are of part of a multi-million US dollar push by the airline to offer the ultimate in pre-departure comfort and convenience at key airports world-wide.

Premium Class travellers can surf the internet using complimentary broadband access, catch up on work at the lounge’s Business Centre, or watch widescreen TV after sinking into leather armchairs, whilst sampling the gourmet cuisine.

Passengers can also take a shower – with Timeless Spa accessories on hand, or have a therapeutic session in a scientifically-designed massage chair, as they enjoy complimentary drinks.

Mohammed H. Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Services, who attended the official opening in Dusseldorf, said: "These lounges are an integral part of the Emirates’ experience, putting passengers in the best possible frame of mind for their journeys. We have invested heavily in these world-class travel sanctuaries and continue to do so, which is particularly significant during these troubled economic times."

Germany is a major market for Emirates with 49 passenger flights a week going into Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg.

Christoph Blume, CEO, Dusseldorf International Airport, said: “With two daily flights from Dusseldorf, local travellers have been familiar with Emirates for years. The new lounge is a great enrichment for the airport and a clear commitment to the destination of Dusseldorf. It emphasizes not only the airline’s absolute service philosophy, but also the importance of Germany’s third largest airport within the airline’s global route network.”

The airline currently offers 20 dedicated lounges around its six-continent network. Besides Germany, Emirates provides lounges in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Auckland, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, New York JFK, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Singapore. More lounges are on the way later this year, including one in Hamburg.

Emirates Lounge facilities are available to its First and Business Class passengers and Gold members of Skywards, the airline’s frequent flyer programme.

The airline’s renowned support on the ground also includes complimentary chauffeur-drive services, exclusive First and Business Class check-in desks and priority baggage handling.

First Class Holiday Competition To Celebrate Al Maha’s 10th Anniversary

Emirates Hotels & Resorts has today announced a major, first class holiday competition in celebration of Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa’s 10th Anniversary, and the opening of Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa later this year.

This unique opportunity will be open to all Emirates Hotels & Resorts guests who stay for a minimum of three nights at either Al Maha in Dubai or Wolgan Valley in Australia between 1st October and 31st December 2009.

The winner will receive a five day stay for two people on a full board basis at the sister resort. The prize also includes two First Class return tickets with Emirates airline from anywhere in the world within its global network, private airport transfers, two treatments at the Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ Timeless Spa and two leisure activities per day. The prize is worth an estimated US$30,000 and is valid until 1st October 2010. The winner will also have the option to extend the dream trip to explore more of the United Arab Emirates or Australia.

Tony Williams, Senior Vice President, Resorts & Projects, Emirates Hotels & Resorts, said: “The success of Al Maha would not have been achieved without the continued support of all our guests, and so this competition is not only an exceptional prize, but it gives us the opportunity to say thank you to them.

“The competition will enable the winner to experience a different world class conservation-based resort, with all the trappings of a luxury holiday. It’s a unique opportunity to see the diverse conservation work that the Emirates team is doing across two continents, as both Al Maha and Wolgan Valley have a focus on the protection of endangered species, and the conservation of very different environments.”

Opened in 1999, Al Maha provides a secluded haven just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport where travellers are assured privacy within the tranquillity of the stunning Arabian Desert. Its ongoing success and popularity have showcased Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ conservation-based philosophy and its commitment to supporting, managing and protecting the local environment and the preservation of species within its habitat.

The resort has received a host of international accolades, including awards that highlight the world’s finest hospitality venues, leading environmental designs, contributions to conservation and the protection of biodiversity. Al Maha’s success includes being the only leisure hotel in Dubai within the Top 20 of Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards for the Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean regions in 2008. National Geographic also named it as one of the world’s Top 50 Ecolodges and presented it with The World Legacy Award in 2004.

Building on Al Maha’s success and scheduled for ‘soft opening’ in October, Wolgan Valley is located within the heart of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Occupying just two per cent of a 4,000-acre conservancy reserve, the resort will be Australia’s first luxury conservation-based property. Less than three hours drive from Sydney International Airport, Wolgan Valley forms the centrepiece for unique experiences and insights into Australia’s wildlife, history and cultural heritage, and offers the ultimate in seclusion, comfort and guest-focused services. Whilst awaiting completion it has already received its first accolade, the Certificate of Recognition at the 2005 New South Wales Tourism Awards.

Terms and conditions for the competition will apply. For further information, please contact Emirates Hotels & Resorts on +971 04 303 4221.