Economic Zones World Celebrates Dubai Quality Award Win

Economic Zones World recently hosted a dinner to recognize the contributions of its employees and celebrate Jafza’s Dubai Quality Award (DQA) win for excellence in the service sector.

Jafza was one of only 3 companies in the Emirates to be awarded the prestigious Dubai Quality Award (DQA) for excellence in the service sector. Jafza was previously also the recipient of the DQA award in 2003 and has since undertaken an extensive business process re-engineering exercise to optimize operations and processes. The free zone has introduced numerous innovative products and services in the last five years and adopted advanced technology to make services more efficient.

Encouraging employees to continuously adopt a culture of excellence, the appreciation ceremony cited the efforts of employees and teams that made tremendous differences in the quality and efficiency of services and programs in the free zone.

Salma Hareb, CEO of Economic Zones World thanked all employees involved in the process for their support and involvement honoured specific individuals and departments for their vital contributions.

Mr. Ibrahim Al Janahi, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer said: “Winning the DQA award was a result of collaboration and brilliant teamwork. A strong focus on quality and business excellence has always been central to our overall strategy and values and EZW has a quality control and management infrastructure already in place to ensure this. We have a remarkable team of individuals and we are extremely grateful for their efforts and they way they have worked hard together to help make this organization better.”

Appreciation awards and certificates were distributed to the leaders of the orgnisation, the DQA Program Manager who oversaw the entire process, team leaders, trainers and department teams. One of the key elements of the DQA site visit was the focus group session with Jafza employees. The teams of trainers were responsible for conducting educational sessions for employees across the organization and informing them about the key aspects of DQA, as well as refreshing knowledge about the organization in general.

The company’s outstanding service standards, consistent growth over the years, innovative products, CSR initiatives and increased dialogue with customers and employees alike, were amongst the several deciding factors that won over the panel at this year’s Dubai Quality Awards. The annual Dubai Quality Award is aimed at improving quality in government departments as well as private companies based in the UAE for best practice, service and integration. It is a process for recognizing local role model organizations as well as a strong marker of national commitment to excellence and quality.
 

DP World Delivers Throughput Growth Of 11% Handling 26.2 Million TEU In The First Six Months Of The Year

DP World’s global portfolio of container terminals has continued to build on the excellent start to 2011 with the momentum continuing into the second quarter. Gross volumes for the first six months of the year were 26.2 million TEU or 11% ahead of the prior year.

This performance was driven by strong growth in the Asia Pacific, UAE, Africa and Americas regions, as well as new volumes from recently opened capacity in Callao, Peru and Qingdao, China. Like for like gross volume growth was 10% .

Our portfolio of consolidated terminals handled 13.5 million TEU in the first six months of the year. Had our five terminals in Australia not been deconsolidated from 12 March 2011, the consolidated terminals would have delivered 10% growth ahead of the same six month period in 2010. Like for like consolidated volume growth in the first half was 8% .

The UAE handled 6.1 million TEU in the first six months of the year, with a record 3.1 million TEU handled during April, May and June. Whilst the first six months delivered growth 11% ahead of the same period last year, as we reported in the first quarter, this continues to reflect a relatively weak comparable period in the first half of 2010.
We have continued to invest in new capacity and our development in Vallarpadam, India and Karachi, Pakistan both opened in the first quarter of the year and are making good progress.

Mohamed Sharaf, Chief Executive Officer, DP World commented:
“DP World has delivered a very strong performance in the second quarter of the year, resulting in over 26 million containers handled for the first six months of the year, delivering a performance ahead of the industry, reflecting our positioning in the faster growing emerging markets.

“We are particularly pleased to see the UAE achieving another milestone in container handing volumes with a record 6.1 million TEU handled in six months.

“The strong container volumes seen in the first half of the year will result in a significant improvement in first half profit after tax against the same period last year.

“As we go into the second half of the year, there is some uncertainty around the global economy making it difficult to forecast how global trade will develop. Whist this uncertainty is not, as yet, reflected across our portfolio, and with our focus on the more resilient emerging markets we still expect to deliver full year results in line with expectations.”

Update From Dubai World Board Of Directors

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The Board of Directors of Dubai World (the “Company”) today announced it had appointed two new senior managers to the team that oversees the day to day running of the Company.

Dubai World’s Board, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has appointed Andy Watson as the Company’s Managing Director, and Junaid Rahimullah as Chief Financial Officer. Mr Watson is also the CEO of the Company’s investment company Istithmar World, while Mr Rahimullah was formerly Director of Group Corporate Finance for Dubai World.

Dubai World’s Board of Directors also said that agreements setting out the terms for the separation of real estate development companies Nakheel and Limitless operationally and financially from the Company had been signed. Legal ownership will transfer to the Government of Dubai upon completion of Nakheel and Limitless’s financial restructuring.

The appointments and the final documentation of the financial restructuring arrangements, which was completed 29 June 2011, conclude the restructuring process begun early in 2010.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said:
"With the appointment of two senior and experienced managers to the Management Committee, and with the restructuring process behind it, Dubai World and its portfolio of companies are well positioned to build on the very real value of its businesses and continue to grow to the benefit of the Company, Dubai and the UAE.”

Board member and Chairman of the Management Committee, His Excellency Ahmed Humaid Al-Tayer, commented:

“The Company is now on a solid financial footing and is focused on strengthening and increasing the value of its assets, which have seen steady overall improvement this year. The formal completion of financial restructuring is a great achievement for Dubai World and UAE and we continue to be grateful for the support of the various stakeholders throughout the process.”

Week-Long ’Summer Fun at Dubai Ice Rink’ From June 24 Opens A World Of Cheer And Games For Little Ones

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 Children in Dubai above the age of five years will be treated to a world of cheer, games and prizes galore at ‘Summer Fun at Dubai Ice Rink,’ to be held from June 24 to 30, 2011, the Olympic-sized venue at The Dubai Mall.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, ‘Summer Fun at Dubai Ice Rink’ will feature free basic ice-skating lessons, and feature Penguin Races and Shoot the Puck competitions with the winners to take home attractive prizes.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail LLC said: “We are honoured to host ‘Summer Fun at Dubai Ice Rink,’ held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the aim of promoting sporting skills in Dubai’s youngsters and encouraging them to take part in competitive sports activities that foster team spirit. In addition to inculcating new skills in the young participants, the competitive event will add to the fun choices available for children this summer. The Dubai Ice Rink has evolved as one of the must-visit leisure destinations in Dubai, offering a perfect venue for a range of events that capture the attention of visitors.”

‘Summer Fun at Dubai Ice Rink,’ open for all children in the age group 5 to 14 years, will be held from Sunday to Wednesday from 12.15pm to 2.15pm and 7.30pm to 8.30pm, and on Thursday to Saturday from 11.15am to 1.15pm and 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

The students between the age of 5 and 14 years will compete in sessions and three winners will be selected for gold, silver and bronze awards. The first prize winner will also be offered the opportunity to take part in a 4-day Learn-to-Skate camp; the second prize winner will be offered the first level of the Learn-to-Skate camp; and third prize winner will win five complimentary public skate sessions.

The basic skating lessons for the participants will be offered by professional instructors at Dubai Ice Rink with five coaches assigned for ten children each. The students will be given hands-on training on skating posture, position, penguin steps, gliding and getting to grips. They will then proceed to take part in the Penguin Race lasting 35 minutes, using the newly introduced safe Penguin Skating Aids. The participants will also take part in the ‘Shoot the Puck’ competition, for which the ice rink will be specially carpeted.

In addition to Dubai Ice Rink, Emaar Retail LLC manages Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals; SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor theme park in the region; KidZania®, a unique children’s edutainment centre; and the 22-screen Reel Cinemas – all in The Dubai Mall; and the six-screen premier boutique Reel Cinemas Cineplex in Dubai Marina Mall.

Emaar Retail is taking part in ‘Summer in Dubai’ with a range of colourful activities across all its leisure assets. It is also running a special five-day summer camp that integrates fun with learning at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania®, SEGA Republic and the newly introduced addition to the camp, At the Top, Burj Khalifa.

DP World Callao Achieves ISO 28000 Supply Chain Security Certification

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DP World Callao, the largest and most modern container terminal on the west coast of South America, announced today (July 10) that it has achieved the independently audited ISO 28000:2007 supply chain security management system certification.

The first terminal operator on the South American west coast and only the second company in Peru to earn the ISO 28000 security standard, DP World Callao’s certification has been achieved less than a year after its inauguration. The certification audit was conducted by RINA, the operative organisation of Registro Italiano Navale in the sector of ship classification, certification and control and services for industry, training, assistance and research.

DP World is implementing the international standard across its entire portfolio of 49 terminals with DP World Callao the 36th facility to achieve ISO 28000 security certification.

The ISO 28000 standard sets in place mechanisms and processes to address security vulnerabilities at strategic and operational levels, as well as establishing preventive action plans. The certification was granted after a stringent series of audits focused principally on container security, physical access controls, personnel security, procedural security, security training and threat awareness, business partner requirements and IT security. The standard complements all international and national security legislative codes to which DP World already conforms at its terminals.

Mohammed Sharaf, Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said:
“This is a great achievement for DP World Callao. DP World regards security as a core service to its customers and the ISO 28000 certification at DP World Callao adds further strength to our world class container handling services for the world’s most important shipping lines. We commend DP World Callao for having attained this goal so quickly – a result of its strong focus and committed team work.”

DP World’s investment in the ISO security management system has been recognised by the US Customs Border Protection agency, which in 2008 invited DP World to join their Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) programme. DP World is the only global marine terminal operator to have achieved ISO 28000 certification and simultaneous membership of C-TPAT.

DP World Callao has an operating annual capacity of around 850,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units), positioning Callao Port as the premier facility for South America’s West Coast. Its two berths, each 350 metres with a 16 metre draft, are capable of handling two post-Panamax vessels of around 8,000 TEU at the same time.
 

DP World Nhava Sheva Wins Important Environmental Award In India

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DP World Nava Sheva at Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, today won the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Environment Management at an awards ceremony held at the Leela Kempinski, New Delhi.

The marine terminal was recognised for its many initiatives in environment management, some of which include optimising natural resources such as rain water, introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the staff of DP World Nhava Sheva, changing the equipment and administration building lights to low energy using LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) to reduce electricity consumption, and organising an oil spill cleanup drive with employees to protect the mangroves and the marine environment around the terminal.

India’s Home Minister, the Honourable Shri P Chidambaram was the guest of honour at the ceremony, held during the 13th World Congress on Environment Management (WCEM).

Receiving the award, Anil Singh, Senior Vice President & Managing Director DP World Subcontinent Region highlighted that DP World is a signatory of the Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change and said:

“We are delighted that our environmental efforts in Mumbai have been recognised with this important award. We have initiated a wide range of environmental best practices across the region to make a very real difference to the environment, in line with DP World’s overall commitment to preserving the environment in all communities in which we operate.”

Captain Alpesh Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of DP World Nhava Sheva, said:

“Conserving our energy resources and developing the future of the country are the cornerstones of the responsible business practices we at DP World Nhava Sheva undertake, and this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of the team.”

The Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT), today operated as DP World Nhava Sheva, was set up in 1997 and was India’s first private-public partnership in the ports sector. DP World operates five container terminals in India, in Mumbai (JNPT), Chennai, Cochin, Mundra and Visakapatnam and supports a significant portion of India’s international containerised trade.

The Golden Peacock Environment Management Award was instituted by the World Environment Foundation (WEF) in 1998.
 

DP World Upgrading Al Hamriya Port

In a direct response to the growing needs of its customers, DP World, UAE Region today (June 21) announced that it has commenced upgrading Al Hamriya Port in Dubai.

Work has already started on the first phase of modernising the small and busy general cargo facility that has served the regional sea trade for generations. Al Hamriya plays a key role in facilitating non-containerised cargo movements between Dubai and countries in the Gulf, South Asia and East Africa. It also serves the local fishing industry.

Al Hamriya modernisation plans include extending the wharves to take larger feeder vessels, expanding the yard used for maintaining the traditional wooden dhows, upgrading the fishermen’s wharf and building a centre for them, including a workers’ hostel.

The changes will strengthen Al Hamriya Port’s traditional capability and leverage the strategic location of the port in the centre of Dubai. It is expected that the work will extend over a period of 18 to 24 months, depending on market demand.

Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said:
“Al Hamriya Port is an integral part of Dubai’s maritime tradition and we are upgrading it to bring it into the 21st century and provide value-added services to our customers there. Our customers are looking to grow their business in the region and we are responding to that demand by enhancing operational efficiencies at the port. The current upgrade plans are aimed at delivering sustainable value to our customers through operational innovation.”

With the huge container and bulk cargo facility at Jebel Ali, the cruise terminal at Port Rashid, and the re-export centre at Al Hamriya, DP World offers a complete business hub and commercial gateway to its many customers.
 

DP World, UAE Region Rolls Out Beat The Heat Campaign To Ensure Workforce Safety

With the summer temperatures soaring, DP World, UAE Region this week rolled out a “Beat the Heat” campaign at all its facilities, detailing practical ways to safeguard against the dangers of prolonged heat and sun exposure.

Formally launched by Rashid Ali Al Qahtani, COO, DP World, UAE Region, along with teams from the Operations, HR and Safety departments, “Beat the Heat” consists of two “Fitness to Work” programmes within Jebel Ali Port. The first safety drive lasts four months, between now and the end of September, and the second part of the programme is linked to the World Heart Day in November.

The summer initiative predominantly focuses on outdoor workers in Jebel Ali, Hamriya and Fujairah ports.

A total of 5,000 special kits will be given to employees deployed in the operation areas such as the terminals, container freight stations, and in the technical, marine and general cargo departments. Each pack consists of hand towels, hydration solutions, safety glasses and educational literature such as pocket cards and posters with information on protection against extreme hot weather.

Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said:
“The safety and health of our employees is an absolute priority, especially during the hot summer months. We commend the efforts taken by our management teams to launch this timely campaign for the benefit of our hard-working employees.”

Mohammed Ali Ahmed, Director for Strategic Planning, Human Resources & Business Support, DP World UAE Region, said:
“The programme has been designed by our health, safety and environment experts to deliver essential support to our operation workforce and bring them some relief during the hot summer months. Our supervisors will closely monitor the well-being of our workers throughout these months to ensure they benefit from the campaign.”

“Beat the Heat” is also a message the campaign is delivering to the rest of the port community by distributing awareness booklets among all DP World staff and to third party contractors. The information includes suggestions on how to deal with the searing summer heat at work, as well as at home.
 

Dubai Marks World Environment Day In Style

Under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, and in commemoration of World Environment Day (WED), EPIC Dubai Sustainable Living Expo, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), will host a celebration to honour public and private organizations for their impactful contribution to the EPIC initiative and to a greener, more sustainable UAE.

John D. Wiebe, President and CEO of GLOBE Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding practical business-oriented solutions to the world’s environmental problems, will deliver the keynote address and will welcome H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad and guests of honour at the event, which will take place June 5, 2011 at The Address Dubai Mall.

“We are celebrating World Environment Day, the most notable global day for positive environmental action, in Dubai, to inspire eco-change and acknowledge the initiatives undertaken by public and private organizations that play a pivotal role in shaping the sustainable future of the UAE,” said John Weibe.

Weibe added, “We applaud the United Arab Emirates for its continuous commitment to sustainability, driven by the guidance of its leaders, and on behalf of the Globe Foundation, we express our utmost gratitude to our supporters and partners for their contribution to the EPIC Dubai Sustainable Living Expo.”

The evening will feature speeches by some of the most influential figures in the UAE as well as screenings of inspirational documentary films to celebrate the occasion.

“Our participation in the EPIC initiative reflects the commitment of Dubai’s government towards environmental sustainability. UAE was among the first countries in the world to adopt and integrate environmental initiatives in communities and hence our support for EPIC,” said Laila Suhai, CEO, Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment.

“As a family event, Dubai Summer surprises will feature events with relevant environmental messages for all, especially children,” she added.

UNEP Champion of the Earth, Louis Palmer, a global environmental adventurer and the first man to circumnavigate the planet on solar power, will be guest of honour at the event

"This announcement of a sustainable living expo on World Environment Day is a step forward for sustainability in the region. Creating environmentally alert and conscious consumers who will use the planet’s resources wisely and more efficiently helps us all build a low carbon global green economy," said Satinder Bindra, Director Communications UNEP.

EPIC Dubai Sustainable Living Expo is an initiative by Sustainable Media Group (SMG), a joint venture of GLOBE Events, a subsidiary of Globe Foundation and S.S. Lootah International, the global business and investment arm of S.S. Lootah Group. EPIC Dubai is supported by Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) through Summer Surprises 2011.
 

Dubai Launches World Discovery Festival To Offer A One-Of-A-Kind Exposition Of The Worlds Best Consumer Offerings

The World Discovery Fest, a unique spectacle of travel, leisure and holiday destinations, culture and cuisines, top-end lifestyle displays and an entertainment fiesta, has been announced today (Tuesday, May 31, 2011).

World Discovery Fest is unique in that it offers its audience lifestyle choices with a fusion of cultures, styles, tastes and entertainment and is intended to draw a large number of nationals and expatriates from around the region.

Organised by the International Conferences & Exhibitions (IC & E) and supported by the Government of Dubai and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, World Discovery Fest will be held at The Meydan Grandstand, Dubai’s newest hospitality and tourism venue, and will run from November 3 to 5, 2011, coinciding with the Eid holiday period.

A series of activities, attractions and live demonstrations at World Discovery Fest are spread out across the four dedicated show segments: Travel & Leisure Zone, Entertainment Zone, Food & Beverage Zone, and Retail Therapy Zone.

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), said: "World Discovery Fest takes inspiration from the many cultures and nationalities that wonderfully co-exist in the UAE, while reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a haven for luxury, entertainment, tourism, shopping and culinary excellence. The Festival will offer a fresh outlook of various products, services and value-added offerings in a truly multicultural, relaxing and uniquely engaging atmosphere. World Discovery Festival is quite simply an exclusive exposition of all the good things in life, which is a true reflection of Dubai. The extravaganza is expected to attract a large number of visitors from across the region who regularly travel to Dubai during the Eid holidays."

A major attraction at the World Discovery Festival will be the widely anticipated Coffee & Tea Show, Dubai’s first-ever event devoted to people who are passionate, enthusiastic and eager to learn more about coffee and tea. The show will be part of the Food & Beverage Zone and will be open to the public, providing an ideal networking and marketing platform for all key players in the coffee and tea trade. The show will host the 3rd UAE Barista Championship, where the best professional baristas in the UAE will vie for the coveted title and the right to represent UAE at the 2012 World Barista Championship in Vienna, Austria. The Food & Beverage Zone will also showcase presentations and exciting offerings from various specialty restaurants and cafes.

The Travel & Leisure Zone will feature competing airlines, cruise operators, tour operators, travel agencies, hotels & resorts, spas and national tourist promotion organisations, all showcasing a choice of hospitality offerings and leisure destinations across the world.

The Entertainment Zone is a chilled-out environment of non-stop live music from some of the hottest regional and international talent and DJ fillers. An amalgamation of sound, lights and visuals, the Entertainment Zone promises to be vibrant, spontaneous and extremely entertaining for all visitors of the Festival.

The Retail Therapy Zone will be a shopping spectacle with a diverse collection of exclusive fashion, jewellery, beauty and other high-end lifestyle products. Exhibitors range from regular retail booths to private retail suites for more exclusive products, providing a wide array of choices for shopping aficionados.