tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12542047371451936302024-02-07T08:28:20.953+04:00Dubai ChronicleThe latest news, information and comprehensive coverage of major stories and events from across Dubai and the world.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2921125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-33489898834953908312008-06-18T23:33:00.000+04:002008-06-18T23:34:12.119+04:00<script src="http://app.feed.informer.com/digest3/QJNLXGTW2O.js" type="text/javascript"><!--<br /><noscript><a href="http://app.feed.informer.com/digest3/QJNLXGTW2O.html" mce_href="http://app.feed.informer.com/digest3/QJNLXGTW2O.html">Click for "Dubai News".</a> Powered by <a href="http://feed.informer.com/" mce_href="http://feed.informer.com/">RSS Feed Informer</a><br />// --></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-1978128188376037202008-06-15T16:38:00.001+04:002008-06-15T16:39:38.825+04:00Deutsche Bank builds up the largest research facility in the Middle East<div align="justify">Deutsche Bank announced today that it is moving ahead with the establishment of a Middle East research platform, expected to be the largest facility of its kind in the region.<br /><br />Spearheading Deutsche Bank's efforts will be Pascal Moura, Head of Research for Emerging Markets, who will be relocating to Dubai to oversee the two-year long establishment process.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The research facility will focus on 80 leading blue-chip regional stocks across all sectors as well as supporting Deutsche Bank Global Research.<br /><br />Ricardo Honegger, Chief Country Officer for Deutsche Bank in the UAE, said Deutsche Bank's commitment to the region is unequivocal. "We are constructing the MENA Research platform to ensure the induction of the broadest base of analyst experience, across both mature and emerging markets, in an effort to ensure real value addition not only to our clients but also to the regional markets," he added.<br /><br />Deutsche Bank's commitment to establish the research unit was made during a recent visit to the region by Dr. Josef Ackermann, Chairman of Deutsche Bank AG's Management Board and the Group's Executive Committee.<br /><br />Pascal Moura said Deutsche Bank forecasts GDP growth in the region of 7-8 percent per annum for the foreseeable future and we expect a growing interest from asset managers across the globe. "We want to make sure that we offer to investors the quality and depth of coverage that we have in other regions in order to support them in their quest to generate Alpha," he added.<br /><br />Moura joined Deutsche Bank in 2002. Prior to heading Deutsche Bank's research into emerging markets, Moura was Head of European Mid-Cap Research, and before that he was Head of Swiss Research for the Bank.<br />WAM<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-76631177813741501922008-06-12T18:31:00.001+04:002008-06-12T18:33:14.065+04:00Indian Property Show (IPS) at the Airport Expo<div align="justify">Indian Property Show (IPS), the world's largest Indian real estate and property exhibition, opens today at Airport Expo in Dubai will run thru June 12-14, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Featuring a stronger and bigger line-up of India's realty developers and projects, IPS will offer an exhaustive end to end resource platform that will cover every potential and seasoned property investor's needs.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Sunil Jaiswal, CEO, Sumansa Events and Organiser of IPS, said, "Our core focus is to continue to build on what we started, i.e., to fortify and strengthen the resources that every NRI in the UAE needs to make an informed decision on how to make his or her investment count. In that sense, 2008 is bigger and better and we are looking forward to presenting a stronger line-up of developers and real estate experts to our visitors".<br /><br />There are over 250 real estate developments currently underway in India. IPS is set to showcase property worth $ billion in Dubai, making it the largest and most diverse event in its class in the world. IPS will feature a series of free seminars that will cover legal and financial advice, Vaastu, home financing and investment strategy.<br />/AME Info/<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-51155990540924153332008-06-12T14:39:00.001+04:002008-06-12T14:42:04.500+04:00Programme for Sports Leadership Development launched<div align="justify">Dubai Sports Council in partnership with Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development (MBRPLD), an innovative leadership programme designed to develop future national leaders capable of promoting the sustainable development of Dubai, today announced at a press conference, the launch of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Sports Leadership Development (HBMPSLD).<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />At the press conference - held at Raffles Dubai Hotel - MBRPLD also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Sports Council to design and manage the new programme.<br /><br />The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Programme for Sports Leadership Development, initiated by H.H. Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, is a unique leadership program designed to develop future national leaders by integrating sports' values and ethics.<br /><br />The programme has been developed based on an approach that aims to achieve all-round development of an individual so as to aid in the formation of visionary leaders who can play a major role in the process of comprehensive sports development. The launch of this program is considered as a milestone for Dubai Sports Council, which, since its establishment in 2005, has made significant strides in the field of regulating and developing the administrative work at sports clubs.<br /><br />Speaking at the press conference, Eng. Mattar Al Tayer, Vice President of Dubai Sports Council and Chairman of the Executive Office of Dubai Sports Council, said, "The launch of this innovative sports leadership programme in Dubai is a reflection of the emirate's progressive approach to excellence. Building a productive sport society is vital for the all-round development of Dubai, leveraging the emirate's position as one of the prime business, tourism and leisure destinations of the world." The key objectives of the HBMPSLD include ensuring a long-term systematised leadership development in sports; initiating changes for a progressive and productive sport society under the 'Change Agents Programme'; convening an elite group of sports leaders to help participants in the program benefit from their experiences; sharing insights about individual leadership styles and values; and helping Dubai Government to successfully implement the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.<br /><br />During the press conference, Adel Al Shared, Director of Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development, provided an overview of the HBMPSLD, highlighting the modules, structure and strategies of the program.<br /><br />"The HBMPSLD is a comprehensive sports leadership development programme that is designed to create sports leaders of international repute. The programme incorporates various elements of management, leadership, sports and communication that are required to provide a well-rounded perspective to future leaders." "The programme is a golden opportunity for members to achieve personal development and hone their skills through comprehensive and innovative means in the field of sports training. The programme addresses topics such as effective communication, community building, sports in Dubai and the UAE, Dubai Sports Strategy, project finance, cross sector support, master planning, role of the government, leading change management, international sport structure, strategic management of sport and organisational design," he added.<br /><br />Dr. Ahmed Alshareef, General Secretariat of Dubai Sports Council, said, "This programme will help realize the first goal according to the strategic plan of Dubai Sports Council, which states the launch of an initiative for developing and qualifying administrative and technical staff in sports clubs.<br /><br />Dubai Sports Council has launched many pioneering initiatives including the Dubai International Sports Conference which successfully completed its third year. Regarding the organizational aspects, the Council has introduced the strategic plan, the unified organisational structure and the unified financial system for all clubs.<br /><br />This programme affirms the scientific methodology adopted by the Council for developing the abilities of nationals, in order to be able to effectively handle responsibilities as they assume various roles." The HBMPSLD will adopt a combination of strategies that include sharing of international best practices and experiences, in addition to studies and projects related to local sports and culture in the UAE, in accordance with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.<br />/WAM/<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-14124035441597918672008-06-12T12:31:00.006+04:002008-06-12T13:07:34.082+04:00In support of the “Make a Wish” Charity Foundation<div align="justify">Alpha Events Co. in coordination with The Red Crescent hosted a charity dinner in support of the “Make a Wish” Charity Foundation at the ballroom of Al Murooj Rotana Hotel.<br /><br />Today “Make a Wish” has established its' presence in 33 countries world wide, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The aim of the organization is to grant the one off <strong>‘life’s dream wish’</strong> to children with incurable diseases.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Alpha Events Co. themed the event: “Adults and children together, we can make this world a better place”. Indeed, it was the evening, when young talents and their parents & teachers joined together in order to place a smile on the faces of children with life threatening conditions.<br /><br />In UAE, the organization works closely with the medical centre for children suffering from talessimia and all the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the cetre. </span></div><span class="fullpost"><div align="justify"><br />In this regard, Alpha Events would like to thank all sponsors and patrons alike for their generosity. <strong><br /></div></strong><div align="justify"><br /><strong>List of Sponsors</strong></div><div align="justify"><br />STORM Associates<br />Damani<br />La Coquette<br />Seewings International<br />EMDI<br />Powerhouse<br />Emirates NBD<br />Arabian Falcon Holiday<br />ABOP<br />Al Shaali & Co (Advocates & Legal Consultants)<br /><br /><strong>List of Patrons</strong></div><div align="justify"><br />Mr. Mufid Abukishek<br />Mrs. Mohammed Al Habbai<br />Mr. Imad Qaddumi<br />Mrs. S. Qaddumi<br />Mr. Saeed Sadek<br />Ms. Safa Sadek<br />Mr. Abu Nabil<br />Mrs. Salwa Qaddimi<br />Miss Assia Djaammaeva<br />Mr. Antouan<br />Miss Elena Makacheva<br />Miss Madina Bachutseva<br />Mrs. Fatima Khinchagova<br />Mrs. Nazmiyat Gadjieva<br />Miss Beatha Wooding<br />Mr. Ghazi Gashut<br />Mr. Ablahat<br />Mrs. Mili Abdul Aziz<br />Miss Liz Kirwan<br />Ms. Sue Pengalli<br />Mr. Waqas E (Jav Int’l)<br />Mr. Bharat Harpalani<br />Mr. Graham<br />Mr. & Mrs. Elalachi<br />Mr. Ray<br />Mrs. Sofia<br />Mr. Greg Pogonowsli<br />Mr. & Mrs. Nowshir Engineer<br />Mrs. Bernadette<br />Mr. Don John<br />Mrs. Gergana Mineva </div><div align="justify">All parents of children from dance group “Bravo”<br /><br />Alpha Events would also like to thank everybody, who made the evening possible and addresses it's special appreciations to Mr. Rashid Khamis & Mr. Mohammed from the Red Crescent Dubai, Miss Khadija Warsaw from “Make a Wish” in Dubai, Mrs. Anna Gorbachova and Mrs. Margarita Kuzmina of Dance Group “Bravo”, Mr. George Abi Habib, Miss. Marouchka, Mrs. Denise Armstrong, Miss Amira, Mr. Adnan Iziter, Miss Daria Fedoseeva, Mrs. Viktoria Belasho, Mr. Guzal’, Vycheslav Kolinko.<br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-58799851929355434502008-06-12T12:18:00.000+04:002008-06-12T12:20:04.416+04:00Customer service standards decline<div align="justify">Dubai’s fast-paced growth in key industries has set off an “alarming” lag in customer service standards, new research has revealed.<br /><br />The retail sector was singled out as performing lowest in customer service standards, according to rankings released yesterday by industry experts Joshua Group.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />A survey by the United Kingdom-based customer service specialists has found that many firms in Dubai need to raise standards of customer service if the emirate is to sustain its position of regional leadership.<br /><br />Ruth Field, Joshua Group’s vice-president for the Middle East, told Emirates Business that over the past seven years customer service levels in Dubai have fallen, with companies losing out financially as a result.<br /><br />“This is something that is genuinely felt within the region – customer service levels are falling below the standard… and Dubai companies have to be losing money,” said Field.<br /><br />She said companies are spending unnecessary time and money because of inefficient structures to tackle customer complaints.<br /><br />“There’s such phenomenal growth taking place – the growth plan is huge. The challenge is that companies now need to – before they grow too far forward – put a stake in the ground and start looking at what they’re trying to achieve from a global perspective of people coming in and looking at the sustainability of it,” she said.<br /><br />“It’s making sure they can sustain what they’ve got – and it will only be sustainable if they get the service standards right.”<br /><br />The company said in a statement: “At best Dubai only achieves an average rating and in some areas, for example taking ownership of an issue and anticipating future needs, it falls well below the standards expected.”<br /><br />The survey focused on indicators such as consistency of service, anticipation of customer needs, staff behaviour, and the timely delivery of orders in key sectors of automotive, hotels, restaurants, banking and retail.<br /><br />The results show a delivery gap that is well below the international standards required for the majority of companies and organisations within Dubai to maintain their leadership position.<br /><br />On consistency of service, Field said the gap that organisations need to make up is a “staggering” 53 per cent.<br /><br />She said the area of staff behaviour indicated a 44 per cent gap, while anticipating customers’ needs showed that companies have a 56 per cent gap to compensate, and timely delivery of orders indicated a 62 per cent gap.<br /><br />“These are areas we think Dubai needs to start addressing. It’s a fantastic showcase here and the world is looking at it. But all organisations, whether government or private, need to put customers at the heart of everything they do. They can’t build their businesses around what they think their customers needs are,” Field said.<br /><br />She added that failing to deliver products or services on time performed the worst among the customer service areas surveyed.<br /><br />The survey, Professional Opinion on Customer Service, is Joshua Group’s first to target Dubai and forms part of plans to conduct a repeat census of the emirate every six months. “We need to give it a six-month window to see if there’s any improvement. The idea is, over the course of several years, to build up a score-card of how Dubai is developing in this area.”<br /><br />The group, an independent business development and training consultancy with offices in Dubai and the UK, works with government and private sectors clients around the world. Its clients in the region include the British Council, Visit Britain, the British Embassy and Internet City in Dubai, as well as the British Council in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, and said it has several other UAE partnerships in the pipeline. Field said the company works extensively with the government and several police forces in the UK and this is an area it is looking to work with in Dubai.<br /><br />In Dubai to launch the firm’s World Class Customer Service model, Field said the key to the “tool box” model is that it is a complete framework to develop and sustain successful customer service by going beyond telling organisations where the problems lie, to provide the tools and “how to” steps needed to put it right.<br /><br />/Business 24/7/<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-3950458850049495372008-06-12T12:14:00.000+04:002008-06-12T12:15:43.602+04:00Mashreq named best bank in UAE<div align="justify">Leading UAE bank Mashreq was named "Best Bank in the UAE" and GulfMerger, a financial and investment advisory firm, was named the "Best Merger & Acquisition House in Kuwait" at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence Middle East.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Mashreq won the award for the fourth time in the last 16 years.<br /><br />Mashreq CEO Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair was given the "QFC Euromoney Award for Outstanding Contribution to Financial Services in the Middle East" for his work in promoting the UAE banking industry.<br /><br />Simon Brady, Euromoney magazine CEO, said: "Euromoney was impressed by the growth evident in all aspects of Mashreq's business – it has one of the strongest consumer franchises in the UAE. Mashreq was selected as this year's best UAE bank, based on key criteria such as transaction volume, market share, customer service, competitive pricing and innovative technologies."<br /><br />Al Ghurair said: "The award for Best Bank in the UAE is a tremendous achievement."<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="fullpost">/Business 24/7/<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-8973345374454575452008-06-12T12:11:00.001+04:002008-06-12T12:12:42.547+04:00UAE Government launches the First Media Communications Manual<div align="justify">The UAE Government today launched its first-ever Media Communications Manual, outlining communications policies and procedures and defining roles and responsibilities of communications' teams across the UAE federal government.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Developed in line with the UAE Government Communications Strategy, the manual comes as part of a broader plan to enable the UAE ministries and federal authorities to enhance their internal and external communications capabilities.<br /><br />The Government Media Communications Manual has been developed by a team of prominent experts. It includes detailed guidelines on all media related activities such as media inquiries, key messages, media briefings, press releases and newsletters, among others.<br /><br />Mohammad AlGergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs said: "The manual is an integral element of the Government Communications Strategy endorsed recently by the Cabinet. Designed to match best international practices, the government media communications manual will ensure optimum transparency and accuracy of information on government initiatives, policies, and services" Issued for the first time in the UAE, the manual will include clear definitions of roles and responsibilities of communication departments across the UAE ministries and federal authorities. It will be an important reference for all government day-to-day media communications activities, leading to enhanced interaction between the government entities, the media and the public.<br /><br />Her Excellency Naglaa Al Awar, Secretary General of the Cabinet, as well as other senior officials representing all UAE ministries and federal authorities, witnessed the launch of the Government Media Communications Manual at a workshop organised by the Cabinet Secretariat General in Raffles Hotel, Dubai.<br /><br />H.E. AlGergawi added: "The UAE Government Communications Strategy also includes a series of guidelines, workshops and training programmes that will be carried out according to the agreed timelines. The strategy aims to fulfill the leadership's vision towards enhancing the government's communications competencies and positioning the UAE among the leading nations in government communications." During the workshop, the role of the Government Communications Office has been reviewed, along with the key media responsibilities of communications teams across the federal government. In additions, the contents of the communications manual has been briefly explained with special attention to the standard media operating procedures, development of media messages, press releases, press conferences, newsletters among other media tools, all of which guaranteeing smooth and effective communication between government entities and their audiences.<br /><br />Representatives of all federal authorities will come together for a second workshop, organized by the Cabinet Secretariat General on 12 June in Dubai, to review the key components of the Government Media Communications Manual for ensuring the timely and accurate implementation of the guidelines.<br />/WAM/<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-77519378376655588172008-06-11T10:32:00.000+04:002008-06-11T19:57:59.384+04:00'Iran Today' by Elham Moadina<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6P-nS2nLbmvuPMj9hWq4naAGrF7lQUHwFdOm4YsDKL6adikViY3OcLTHjKhX0F-0UDIdorYZGg9PHBHfSgHujoav86n21QRQdiOaKXVwEEraq3Sgo20vOj1lyEx0OzXVvz6D5QD6ft3h/s1600-h/pp1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210653655501662834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6P-nS2nLbmvuPMj9hWq4naAGrF7lQUHwFdOm4YsDKL6adikViY3OcLTHjKhX0F-0UDIdorYZGg9PHBHfSgHujoav86n21QRQdiOaKXVwEEraq3Sgo20vOj1lyEx0OzXVvz6D5QD6ft3h/s200/pp1.jpg" border="0" /></a>For the first time in Dubai, Iranian artist Elham Moaidnia will be exhibiting her latest collection entitled Iran Today, a stunning collection of paintings that offers a fresh and retrospective look at the plight of women within the Iranian culture.<br /><br />The ‘Iran Today’ exhibition will be held at the Showcase Art Gallery on Jumeirah Beach Road from today till July 15. Sharon Harvey, owner of the Showcase Art Gallery said, “This is Elham’s first exhibition in Dubai and we are honoured to have the opportunity of displaying her work and bringing Dubai art lovers a phenomenal talent.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />This exhibition is truly special and a ‘must-see’ for anyone with an interest in art.” Elham Moaidnia says she started scribbling with a pencil and paper from the age of nine. She was fascinated by drawing the real world around her, and soon developed a deep love for art, which has not left her and has grown by the day.<br /><br />She began her work by copying the classics, graphic work, and national and traditional motifs. She was born in Esfahan, the cradle of art and culture in post-Islamic times.<br /><br />Gradually Iranian motifs faded away from her works and they were replaced with expressionism, and today she considers her work post-expressionist.<br /><br />Among the masters she is most inspired by Marc Chagall.<br /><br />The principal essence and message of Elham’s works is a social commentary. She is inspired by man’s struggle in today’s world and the fate of women in Iran. The essence of her work is descriptive, where she narrates the events or realities she observes. In proportion to the strength or placidity of her emotion versus the subject of work, her sentimental passion is also an influence, and shows itself on the canvas.<br /><br />Colours play the central role in reflecting her message, along with the lines and curves.<br /><br />She uses various media: water colour, oil painting, gouache, dilapidated paper from old books and newspapers and calligraphy, and even ceramic and wood at times. The second feature of Elham’s work is offering a positive message for activity. Hence, her work is not merely narrative describing a tragic reality, rather at times, offers small windows of hope and light.<br /><br />Elham says: “I am an optimist and I am hopeful. I know that eventually someone will come, someone who is like no one, someone who pulls out his knife solely for cutting bread and dividing it between the needy!” This optimism, accompanied with passion and enthusiasm for the plight of the modern woman is what drives Elham. She asserts herself and her work with strength and a high profile.<br /><br />Elham is still at the beginning of her career. Art has a very difficult and uneven path, full of ups and downs; yet Elham is very hardworking, industrious and serious and does not easily give up on her beliefs and work. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-13144535882817072912008-06-11T09:41:00.002+04:002008-06-11T09:48:00.927+04:00In support of “UAE Free of Thalassemia by 2012”<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaE0nCQJHgytEzF4nGFsdreNv8ry3_bTv5kkodNndCSMk7HpZ22y_IC7SjRI_DOkX66ISsWmddeSdn1pddShmEULHdtr8OhEBKk3mdgme6sGemFgrmivkYVo-3dLNYpgdMPAcTAZk3xcL/s1600-h/GDA+4345_low+res.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210496503460512690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaE0nCQJHgytEzF4nGFsdreNv8ry3_bTv5kkodNndCSMk7HpZ22y_IC7SjRI_DOkX66ISsWmddeSdn1pddShmEULHdtr8OhEBKk3mdgme6sGemFgrmivkYVo-3dLNYpgdMPAcTAZk3xcL/s200/GDA+4345_low+res.JPG" border="0" /></a>du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, held a voluntary blood screening drive for its employees to check against Beta Thalassemia and Sickle Cell diseases. This comes in support of the National Health campaign “UAE Free of Thalassemia by 2012”, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research and launched by Dr. Maryam Matar, Executive Director of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association.<br /><span class="fullpost">The two-day drive was scheduled for 9-10 June to check for genetic blood disorders such as Beta Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia and is intended to increase employee’s awareness on the health risks posed by these blood disorders.<br /><br />Hala Badri, EVP, Corporate Communications said: “Our commitment to support the government’s effort in the areas of prevention and control of life threatening diseases is one of the key pillars in du’s CSR strategy. We organized the blood screening drive to educate our employees internally about the risks of genetic blood disorders, because we believe that the first step towards achieving this is to start with ourselves. We also want to endorse the enormous efforts the UAE Genetic Diseases Association has put to fight against Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia in the country. We are confident that our employees will enthusiastically support this initiative and make it a resounding success.”<br /><br />Dr. Maryam Matar, Executive Director, Genetic Diseases Association, UAE said: “The UAE Genetic Diseases Association has been able to considerably reduce the impact of common genetic disorders prevalent in the country through its community outreach programs, health education, counseling and free screening tests. We thank the government in supporting and increasing awareness among people, UAEGDA now has a free genetic clinic equipped with a state-of-the-art screening facility supervised by internationally renowned experts”.<br /><br />“The first program of UAE Genetic Diseases Association is UAE Free of Thalassemia 2012 and as part of this, UAEGDA has introduced new mobile units to facilitate blood collection. We start with this service utilizing these blood screening vans with an exclusive blood screening program being conducted for the employees of du and hope to organize similar programs for the employees of other corporate houses in the UAE to ensure that our future generations are born healthy,” Dr. Matar concluded.<br /><br />du had issued an internal communication to invite all employees to participate in the screening. The GDA van was stationed in front of Dubai Media City (DMC) Building 14 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for the two consecutive days.<br /><br />du employees pre-registered on the association’s website www.uaegda.ae to obtain a confidential user name and password, to be used late to retrieve the tests results once available.<br /><br /><strong>About du<br /></strong><br />du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services on 11 February 2007 across the UAE in addition to internet and pay TV services in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, the first of du's nationwide Fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007.<br /><br />Among du’s many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind ‘WoW’ recharge card (which offers customers the choice between more credit and more time) and Self Care. du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations.<br /><br />du’s retail network, currently numbering 16 du shops located in strategic locations across all emirates, was launched on 25 February 2007, supporting the delivery of du services to customers.<br /><br />du is 40 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 20 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 20 percent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and 20 percent by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.<br /><br />du was recognised as the ‘Best Brand’ for its innovative branding and outstanding success at the Telecom World Awards Middle East 2007.<br /><br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-58049310122222282322008-06-11T09:31:00.000+04:002008-06-11T09:33:18.821+04:00Midday working ban announced<div align="justify">The UAE Ministry of Labour announced the summer midday work ban on Tuesday, warning companies that flout the law would face heavy fines.<br /><br />The ministry said the ban would be from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm from July 1 until Aug. 31.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The ban on labourers working during the day’s hottest hours was introduced in 2004, but its start date has varied.<br /><br />The ministry also said that an intensive inspection campaign would be start on the first day of the ban coming into force.<br /><br />The ministry said companies must also provide covered rest areas for the workers during the breaks.<br /><br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-63551604247970541802008-06-10T13:12:00.004+04:002008-06-10T15:03:20.166+04:00New stylish Hotel from Starwood Hotels opens in Dubai<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DTsjGoRS5o0AEWfMyFRDjnVdvWAvQc6f90FtbOtkCDFFXEQj_ReDSzpMWuU51ErXkAxMCoV1pjZewr101KkO-HES3wGf0agIX4dsU2o-BRJyCWjolWZqeUEiBoEBUCm8fgubTg_t7BVS/s1600-h/Westin_Dubai_Mina_Seyahi_Beach_Resort_and_Marina%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210180123668786626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DTsjGoRS5o0AEWfMyFRDjnVdvWAvQc6f90FtbOtkCDFFXEQj_ReDSzpMWuU51ErXkAxMCoV1pjZewr101KkO-HES3wGf0agIX4dsU2o-BRJyCWjolWZqeUEiBoEBUCm8fgubTg_t7BVS/s200/Westin_Dubai_Mina_Seyahi_Beach_Resort_and_Marina%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, Starwood Hotels’ newly-built 294-room relaxation spot, is set to lure tourists and visitors with its interior neoclassical style and tranquil setting facing the Arabian Gulf. A complete converged network from Nortel was deployed by Alpha Data, the UAE’s leading systems integrator.<br /><br />Located at the Jumeirah Beach, the new five-star resort offers a rejuvenating experience for the whole family to enjoy following its opening last month. Alpha Data deployed the telephony, data networking and wireless solutions; the installations were completed in April ahead for the resort’s official opening.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBYRia2vxmiBMm8-aYTqWpZ4R6tqGJNyONYTr-2z8AtJY83AF0YFXvJmUEC_98U5wGO-cYX3fSICVtS6yVFwQ0bXsZeCVWtqqT5m2E9fRVlJqJKfU1-5FBFpCi6wYPgb8CBybydGbdZ6J/s1600-h/westin.guest_room%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210180613155799634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBYRia2vxmiBMm8-aYTqWpZ4R6tqGJNyONYTr-2z8AtJY83AF0YFXvJmUEC_98U5wGO-cYX3fSICVtS6yVFwQ0bXsZeCVWtqqT5m2E9fRVlJqJKfU1-5FBFpCi6wYPgb8CBybydGbdZ6J/s200/westin.guest_room%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a>“The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina is another product of Starwood Hotels’ continuous goal of building top-of-the-line hotels for people and tourists,” said Allam Shalabi, Complex Director of Engineering of Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina. “The Westin Beach Resort is the new place to go to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty in a cosmopolitan city.”<br /><br />A common network was also made with both The Westin and its neighboring hotel, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, which is also managed by Starwood Hotels. Operating under the same administration department; telephony and data networking are now connected for the two hotels.<br /><br />Commenting on the project with Alpha Data, Shalabi added, “Alpha Data’s track record with the hospitality sector and their level of expertise is why we selected them and the results so far are excellent.”<br /><br />“We are extremely proud that Starwood selected Alpha Data to install the network for their newest resort in Dubai. Alpha Data has worked as a systems integrator for the vast majority of the key landmark hotels across UAE over the past ten years. Our engineers worked closely with the team at the resort to integrate all the systems based on the instructions and policies required by Starwood Hotels,” said Sandeep Nair, Account Manager at Alpha Data Dubai.<br /><br /></div><strong></strong></span><div align="justify"><span class="fullpost"><strong>About Alpha Data</strong></span><br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Founded in 1981, Alpha Data is one of the largest IT and Telecom Solutions companies in the Emirates with revenues in excess of $120 Million and offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Alpha Data strives to build long term client relationships based on mutual trust and respect. With a team of over 650 qualified personnel, Alpha Data provides complete end-to-end solutions in the following areas of expertise: Telecommunications & Radio, Networking & Security Solutions, Infrastructure Cabling, Enterprise Computing, Audio Visual Systems and Applications. Each of our specialist areas are backed up by highly qualified presales and post sales support teams who handle both project implementation and post-sales support. Beyond our offering, what counts most to our clients is the technical skills of our staff. Alpha Data's people have both high level industry certification & in depth experience in their respective fields. </div></span><p align="justify"><br /> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-63927734574557009822008-06-10T11:22:00.003+04:002008-06-10T11:26:55.534+04:00Dubai gets new health care plan<div align="justify">From January 10, 2009, all residents of Dubai will compulsorily have to be part of a Health Funding System which will entitle them to affordable basic healthcare within the emirate.<br />In a major announcement made by the Dubai Health Authority yesterday, Director-General of DHA Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid said the new system will be compulsory for everyone.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />As per the new system, employers will contribute the majority of the funding provided through a flat rate to the Health Benefits Contribution (HBC) pool, paid on behalf of their employees. Outpatient Care Practices (OCP) will be at the core of the system and will manage patient care while only authorised insurance companies will distribute health insurance schemes incorporating the new funding system.<br /><br />Starting January, 2009, everyone residing in the emirate or holding a Dubai residence visa will be required to register himself/herself with public or private outpatient (OP) clinics of their choice (subject to availability). They will then be issued a health card which will give them access to essential healthcare within Dubai only.<br /><br />Those requiring healthcare facilities in any other emirate, once the system is in place, will have to bear the cost until the Federal Insurance System is in place. Currently, the draft Federal UAE health insurance proposal is under consideration.<br /><br />The registration process will be carried out by employers after paying an expected contribution of between Dh500 and Dh800 per person towards the HBC pool. This figure will be reviewed annually.<br /><br />In cases where there is no direct employer, the individual resident of Dubai will be responsible for the payment to HBC for dependants and those they sponsor.<br /><br />The UAE nationals will continue to receive existing levels of cover and service which means the government will bear all their healthcare expenses./ The entire registration process for Dubai has to be completed within a year. However, the current insurance schemes being held by companies will continue until as and when all Dubai employees/residents are registered.<br /><br />The Dubai government, during the pilot phase, will provide financial support. It will also pay the contribution to the HBC for its own employees and set aside additional funds in respect of long-term health planning and significant risks.<br /><br />Basic healthcare services that everyone will be entitled to will include: primary outpatient care, prescription drugs, long-term community care, childhood immunisation, children's dental care, mental health, ambulatory specialist care, non-emergency inpatient care and acute and emergency care.<br /><br />However, individuals using either own resources or through their employer will be able to buy private "top-up" health insurance. This will not exempt anyone from the obligation to contribute in full to the basic system which will be compulsory.<br /><br />"The DHADHA transition programme will be introduced over the next four years, completing in 2012, with the DHADHA health funding process fully being implemented by 2015," according to the director general.<br /><br />The DHADHA, over the past 12 months, has extensively consulted and engaged 700 public and private medical establishments, over 50 insurance companies, liaised with over six Dubai's largest hospitals and visited 10 countries.<br /><br />Al Murooshid said, "Dubai's population has grown to nearly 1.5 million and continues to expand. Alongside this growth, the rapidly rising cost of healthcare facilities, services and medicines are all driving the demand for more healthcare expenditure."<br /><br />At present, the DHADHA transition team is working closely with The Executive Council (TEC) on all future financing arrangements. Full details of the new funding system are available on the DHADHA web site (www.dha.gov.ae/healthfunding)<br /><br />The new Dubai Health Funding system is similar to the Health Insurance Law that Abu Dhabi introduced in 2006. However, unlike the Abu Dhabi system that ensures that all employers and sponsors are responsible for health insurance coverage at all times for their employees and their families, the Dubai system is more employer-friendly. The employer has a choice of offering cover to the employee only.<br /><br />However, the Dubai funding system has been 'custom-designed' after studying success of similar systems in Australia, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, the Netherlands, Singapore and the UK.<br /><br />According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the UAE is ranked 44th in the world in terms of healthcare. While this is comparable to other AGCC countries, the DHADHA aims at developing the system at par with the world's best.<br /><br />Bahrain has a national public health system that offers free or low-cost healthcare services and treatments to all residents. Saudi Arabia has a national healthcare system in which the government provides healthcare services through a number of government agencies. The quality of healthcare in Kuwait and Oman is considered high and equal to that in western Europe and the USA, except for highly specialised treatment.<br /><br />/Khaleej Times/<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-33317387205160448692008-06-10T09:44:00.002+04:002008-06-10T09:48:38.944+04:00UAE Integrated Telco Ready to commission first project at Al Warqa’a<div align="justify">du – the UAE’s integrated telecom service provider announced that it has been chosen by the Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Housing Establishment as the lead telecom provider to provide Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) based triple-play telecom services across all its prestigious housing projects. Al Warqa’a, the first housing project to benefit under the plan, is ready to be commissioned across all of its 544 villas.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />It has been also agreed that du will also roll out Triple-play services for villas at Oud Al Mateena and Al Barsha. The residents of all three prestigious housing projects which are reserved for Emirati nationals – Al Warqa’a, Oud Al Mateena and Al Barsha - will be able to enjoy high speed internet, IPTV, fixed line telephone services and IP telephony.<br /><br />To ensure maximum convenience for the UAE nationals who will be benefiting from the Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Housing Establishment projects, du will dedicate a customer service agent in the establishment keys handover site office of Al Warqa’a (phase 1) project to assist UAE nationals with subscribing to du triple-play services easily and conveniently.<br /><br />Farid Faraidooni, EVP Commercial division, du, said: “This announcement underscores du’s commitment to becoming the partner of choice across all industries in the UAE, verticals as well as telecom. As an integrated telecom company we offer a host of triple-play services through our resilient FTTH network across all the three housing projects to bring a world of convenience and superior connectivity to the residents.”<br /><br />On his part, Eng. Abdul Rahman Seifaei, CEO's Assistant for Projects Issues, noted: "In the MRHE, we aspire to extend the best and highest level of services to the UAE Nationals and to present them with fully-serviced houses. This is why we have joined hands with Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company, du, to use the latest technologies and cutting-edge innovations to equip these houses with the best telephone services."<br /><br />He also added that Mohammad bin Rashid Housing Establishment translates the directives of the prudent leadership in regard with the importance of providing all needed services and comforts in the houses that are offered to the Nationals.<br /><br />du landline customers will enjoy benefits such as Pay by the Second billing on all calls, simplified tariffs, 24 hour off-peaks, reduction of monthly subscription charges and a permanent waiver of monthly subscription charges for Value Added Services such as conference calls and Caller ID.<br /><br />du Broadband customers will enjoy enhanced broadband packages with the addition of five email addresses and augmented mail box sizes.<br /><br />Broadband 512 kbps – 250MB per mailbox<br /><br />Broadband 1 Mbps - 500MB per mailbox<br /><br />Broadband 2 Mbps - 1GB per mailbox<br /><br />du customers opting for the basic TV package do not need to pay any monthly charges while they pay a lower price for the decoder. They also get a new TV package and a reduction in minimum subscription period.<br /><br /><strong>About du</strong><br /><br />du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services on 11 February 2007 across the UAE in addition to internet and pay TV services in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, the first of du's nationwide Fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007.<br /><br />Among du’s many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind ‘WoW’ recharge card (which offers customers the choice between more credit and more time) and Self Care. du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations.<br /><br />du’s retail network, currently numbering 16 du shops located in strategic locations across all emirates, was launched on 25 February 2007, supporting the delivery of du services to customers.<br /><br />du is 40 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 20 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 20 percent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and 20 percent by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.<br /><br />du was recognised as the ‘Best Brand’ for its innovative branding and outstanding success at the Telecom World Awards Middle East 2007.<br /><br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-55914816493469470612008-06-09T22:04:00.001+04:002008-06-09T22:05:58.395+04:00Lebanese fashion guru to design signature hotel<div align="justify">The Paris-based Lebanese designer, Elie Saab, and a Dubai government-owned company, Tatweer, launched Monday a 163- million dollar project to build a boutique hotel overlooking the Tiger Woods golf course.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The 360,000-square feet boutique hotel would be designed by Saab, bear his name and reflect his style, a statement released by Tatweer said.<br /><br />The company is a member of Dubai Holding, which was set up by the government to manage its assets and investments.<br /><br />The hotel, which will overlook the world's first golf course designed by US professional golfer Tiger Woods, will have 89 suites and 14 bungalows in different sizes to cater for the top-tier clientele.<br /><br />'It is indeed no coincidence that the world's first golf course designed by the world's number one golfer Tiger Woods in Dubailand will host the first hotel to be designed by the world's top designer Elie Saab,' said Saeed al-Muntafiq, Tatweer chairman.<br /><br />Tatweer has mega projects in the leisure and entertainment business, including the Universal Studios Dubai.<br /><br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-13285992963356526662008-06-09T19:37:00.001+04:002008-06-09T19:39:10.578+04:00Dubai is becoming less attractive for skilled employees<div align="justify">A survey in the UAE has revealed that Dubai is becoming less attractive for skilled employees due to the rising inflation.<br />The survey conducted by Bayt.com, a leading recruitment portal in the Gulf, and YouGov Siraj, an online research company, with over 50 employers and nearly 400 employees — expatriates and nationals — disclosed that 66 per cent of the employers feel that Dubai is becoming less attractive due to the rising inflation which is adversely affecting their chances of attracting the right talent.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The results, which were disclosed yesterday at the Dubai Economic Council (DEC) forum on The Future of Talent in Dubai, also noted that the residents' challenges included "the high cost of living, high inflation fuelled by obnoxious rents, falling dollar peg, compromising lifestyle to tackle inflation, traffic and parking woes".<br /><br />Nevertheless, residents liked the emirate for its unprecedented growth, tax-free and crime-free environment.<br /><br />On the employment front, however, the survey found that an overwhelming 90 per cent of human resources managers in private and public companies think recruiting employees is getting increasingly tougher than it was three years ago.<br /><br />Some issues in finding the right talent include difficulty in hiring the right people and not being able to afford current salary levels. The biggest problem they face is finding people with leadership skills and passion for work. However, 68 per cent of organisations are ready or getting ready to address talent shortages.<br /><br />The survey found that UAE nationals produce by far the highest turnover and are the toughest to retain, while Asian expats are the most loyal. They are also the second most likely to switch jobs. Well-qualified and good leadership skills is what employers expect, noted the survey.<br /><br />Experts, on the other hand, observed at the forum that unless wage discrepancies between the private and public sector are not quickly tackled, companies in the private sector would continue to find it hard to lure young locals to work with them.<br /><br />Dr Samer Kherfi, Assistant Professor of Economics at the American University of Sharjah, who gave a presentation on the wage structure in Dubai, said, "There is a large gap between the public and the private sector wages, where the private sector pays lesser. For equity purposes, Emiratis are paid more in the public sector. Besides, the pay structure is not linked to productivity."<br /><br />He noted these are the reasons why the private sector finds it difficult to get Emiratis. "A lot of well-educated Emirati women are not part of the labour force and if they are, it could help deal with issues of labour shortage," he noted.<br /><br />Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Executive Committee, DEC, said that if the skewed balance has to be corrected, incentives in the private sector have to be restructured and balanced. He noted that pay scales should match productivity, which needs to be assessed.<br /><br />Dr John McHale, Associate Professor of Economics and Toller Family Research Fellow at the Queen's School of Business, Ireland, said, "The competition for talent is increasing in Dubai. The strength of the emirate is that it is employer driven. Highly skilled professionals are coming here to work."<br /><br />/Khaleej Times/<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-61094938943538332242008-06-09T18:09:00.000+04:002008-06-09T18:10:54.628+04:00New Salik toll gate ready on Al Maktoum Bridge<div align="justify">The new Salik toll gate has been installed on Al Maktoum Bridge.<br />From September motorists using the bridge will have to pay a toll for using the crossing.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Roads and Transport Authority has planned another toll gate on Shaikh Zayed Road.<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-8099694076618502542008-06-09T17:18:00.002+04:002008-06-09T17:23:15.758+04:00Burj Dubai may not be completed until "August or September 2009"<div align="justify">The <a href="http://www.dubaichronicle.com/search/label/Burj%20Dubai"><strong><em>Burj Dubai</em></strong> </a>is facing up to a nine month delay and is unlikely to be finished until August or September next year, <a href="http://www.dubaichronicle.com/search/label/Emaar"><strong><em>Emaar</em></strong></a> Chairman Mohammed Alabbar revealed on Monday.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Alabbar told reporters in Dubai that the world's tallest building may not be completed until "August or September 2009".<br /><br />"With a project like this you have to get it absolutely right," he said.<br /><br />The mega-project was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.<br /><br />The remarks are the second time Alabbar has warned construction of the Burj Dubai has fallen behind schedule.<br /><br />In March the chairman said the tower would likely be delayed by four months, which Emaar said in a subsequent statement was related to the interior design of the tower.<br /><br />Work on the Burj Dubai was delayed in November when around 40,000 labourers employed by Arabtec, one of the construction companies working on the project, went on strike for a week over pay and conditions.<br /><br />Arabtec Executive Director Tom Berry said at the time the strikes could cause the company miss completion dates for some of its key projects in Dubai, without being more specific.<br /><br />The Burj Dubai currently stands at over 630 metres and its final height is rumoured to be between 700 and 1,000 metres, although Emaar remains tight-lipped on the subject.<br /><br />Local media reports last year said the final height would be 818 metres, citing architects drawings posted on the internet.<br /><br />In April the tower, already the world’s tallest building and tallest free-standing structure, became the world’s tallest manmade structure, surpassed the 628.8-metre high KVLY-TV mast in North Dakota, US.<br /><br />The Burj Dubai is to be the centrepiece of a city within a city, Downtown Burj Dubai. The $20 billion development as a whole will include 30,000 homes, nine hotels, 6.2 acres of parkland, 19 residential towers, the Dubai Mall, and a 30-acre manmade lake.<br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-43521910713151518432008-06-09T16:40:00.000+04:002008-06-09T16:41:20.234+04:00Education sector workers get additional housing allowance<div align="justify">The Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has approved a financial increase in the additional housing allowance allocated for all UAE nationals and expat staff working in the sector of education in the Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain and Western Education Zones.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Sources at the ministry told this reporter that the Minister of Education Dr Hanif Hassan Ali is currently studying the report provided by the committee that was tasked with evaluating the practices adopted by private schools to increase the fees.<br /><br />"The committee affirmed that the increase percentages were not fixed and there were different levels of increases in the emirates. For instance, in Dubai the Knowledge and Human Development Authority has fixed the increase at 16 per cent every three years. However, in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Education Zone (ADEZ) abides by the law to implement an increase of 20 per cent every three years," the sources said.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the sources added that the new law to streamline private education in the country would see the light of the day next week after Cabinet's endorsement.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="fullpost">/WAM/<br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-64331953260073523402008-06-09T15:33:00.002+04:002008-06-09T15:37:22.763+04:00Pearl Dubai breaks ground for US$4-billion Dubai Pearl Project<div align="justify">Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, a consortium of investors led by Al Fahim Group, today broke ground for Dubai Pearl, the world class US$4-billion mixed-use development, located in the heart of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM Investments).<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Senior officials from Dubai Pearl and TECOM Investments were present at the ground breaking ceremony, including Mr. Abdullatif Al Mulla (Group CEO, TECOM) Mr. Ali BuRuhaima (Chief Officer Asset Development Zoning Authority, TECOM) and ( Mr. Abdul Majeed Al Fahim, Pearl Dubai).<br /><br />Pearl Dubai FZ LLC recently received the mobilization and excavation permits for the works. Dubai Pearl's 1.7 million square feet of plot size will have a built up area of 17 million square feet. The anticipated concrete quantity is 1.2 cubic meters with an aluminum façade spanning 200,000 square meters.<br /><br />The preliminary piling test has already begun in mid May, while the main contract is in the tendering stage, with bids expected to be submitted in July, 2008.<br /><br />Dubai Pearl will combine an active business district with quality urban lifestyle, offering easy access to premium commercial and residential areas such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, as well as Jumeirah. </span><span class="fullpost"><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><span class="fullpost"><strong>Dubai Pearl </strong></span></div><span class="fullpost"><strong><div align="justify"><br /></strong>Dubai Pearl is a US$4 billion world class, mixed-use development by Pearl Dubai FZ LLC. Located opposite the Palm Jumeirah in the heart of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, a state-of-the-art business cluster operated by TECOM and home to global IT and media companies.<br /><br />Dubai Pearl is a landmark destination offering spectacular views of the Dubai coast. The development will redefine the pulse of new Dubai providing a 24-hour living city with commercial, retail, residential and leisure facilities. Designed with people in mind to create an all year round walkable environment, the Dubai Pearl will service the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone and its communities.<br /><br />Set for completion at the end of 2010, Dubai Pearl's prime location will offer an unparalleled combination of free-hold in the convenience of a freezone with luxury, energy efficient sustainability and state-of-the-art technology.<br /><br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-1324956053422301152008-06-09T15:32:00.000+04:002008-06-09T15:33:12.808+04:00Four new types of visit visas<div align="justify">The Director-General of Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department (FNRD) in the Ministry of Interior, Lieutenant-General Mohammed Salim Al Khaili, yesterday introduced four new types of visit visas and announced the new fees structure for various types of visit visas that would be implemented from August 1. <span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Addressing media at the FNRD Directorate-General in the capital, Lt-Gen. Al Khaili said visa fees have been revised as per the Cabinet's decision No.16 of 2008.<br /><br />Colonel Darwish Eid Ebaid Al Meheri, Manager of Entry and Residency Department, pointed out that all visas would be issued after the sponsor or the company paid for and provided health insurance because the visitors who come to the country should have health insurance cover.<br /><br />About the new types of visas, Lt-Gen. Al Khaili said, "This is to meet the developments that the UAE is witnessing as part of the economic boom and the huge contracting and tourism projects across the country."<br /><br />The new fees approved for the six-month multiple entry visa is Dh2,000. However, under this category visitors would not be allowed to stay for more than 14 days in the country on each visit. The visa can be renewed for another six months on payment of Dh2,000.<br /><br />The new visit visas will be of two types: the long stay (three months) that would cost Dh1,000, and the short (one month) costing Dh500. Both are not renewable.<br /><br />Lt-Gen. Al Khaili told Khaleej Times that the Ministry of Interior is keen on protecting the workers' rights and stressed that the companies must abide by the laws when bringing workers to the UAE. The visit visas should be sought only for visitors, not workers, he clarified.<br /><br />"We work in cooperation with the authorities concerned to protect the rights of workers such as wages, air tickets and health insurance that would not be available to them if they entered the country on visit visas,", he pointed out, noting that<br /><br />the firms can apply for three-month mission visas to bring in workers.<br /><br />The non-renewable mission visa would allow a stay of three months and cost Dh200 and the non-renewable transit visa would allow a stay of 14 days and cost Dh100.<br /><br />Visit visas for GCC residents would allow a stay of one month and cost Dh100, and could be renewed for another month for a fee of Dh500.<br /><br />Visit visas for those accompanying GCC nationals would allow a stay of one month and cost Dh100 and could be renewed for another month at a fee of Dh200.<br /><br />The duration of the new education visas would be fixed depending on the universities' courses and programmes taken by the students and each authorised academic institute must apply to issue visas for that particular course. The education visa would cost Dh1,000 and could be renewed for a fee of Dh500.<br /><br />For the medical treatment visas, Col. Al Meheri said they would be issued to expatriates who want to come to the country for medical treatment and would cost Dh1,000 for three months and could be renewed at a cost of Dh500 for another three months.<br /><br />He added that the tourism visas would cost Dh100, and allow one-month stay and could be renewed for another month at a cost of Dh500.<br /><br />Lt-Gen. Al Khaili said the travel and tourism agencies would have to pay a refundable guarantee of Dh1,000 per visa at the time of issuance.<br /><br />Visit visas issued for conferences and exhibitions would cost Dh100 for a stay of one month and would be non-renewable.<br /><br />/Khaleej Times/<br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-70843364941770569082008-06-09T15:29:00.001+04:002008-06-09T15:31:10.925+04:00Victorian Govt Business office temp staff<div align="justify">The Victorian Government Business Office in Dubai has a requirement for one or two temporary staff for 3 - 4 months, starting from June, to work updating a major Directory we compile.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Experience in research, attention to detail and good computer and telephone communication skills are required. In the first instance please send your resume to Alyssha Allan at <a href="mailto:alyssha.allan@invest.vic.gov.au">alyssha.allan@invest.vic.gov.au</a><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-2313156147945973952008-06-09T15:27:00.000+04:002008-06-09T15:29:25.026+04:00Financial Accountant - Dubai<div align="justify">epi International, an investment organisation with an entrepreneurial business culture is seeking an outstanding individual for the position of Financial Accountant, based in Dubai.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />This highly principled organisation has provided unique syndicated investment opportunities since 2003, in which time it has enjoyed exceptional success. As a private investment organisation managing proprietary capital, we have the freedom to adopt investment strategies that maximise absolute performance. We build our success through our culture of partnership and innovation.<br /><br />The successful candidate will be responsible for administering all accounting functions maintaining accounting systems to properly record financial transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and with adequate internal controls. This position is responsible for maintenance of financial systems and report preparation and will report to the Senior Financial Officer (SFO). Given the scope and development of epi International, the potential for professional growth is available. This is a very practical, hands-on role for which you will be provided support and resources. Solutions and execution must be provided by you.<br /><br />In order to be considered for this challenging position, you will need to have the following:<br /><br />• A recognised professional accounting qualification;<br />• Experience in all areas of financial accounting, reporting and working capital management;<br />• Fully competent with accounting software e.g. Quickbooks<br />• A proven record to work within a results-orientated environment demonstrating the ability to plan, organise and re-prioritise tasks;<br />• A ‘take ownership’ and customer-service approach with external and internal customers;<br />• The ability to perform well under pressure whilst managing a demanding workload;<br />• Possession of a disciplined and self-motivated work style, enabling proactivity; and<br />• A team orientated attitude.<br /><br />The ideal candidate will have an established record of achievements (minimum 5 years experience) in business, finance, and accounting; although applicants with less experience may be considered. Outstanding attitude is the most essential criteria; you must have a commitment to excellence and a “can do” mindset.<br /><br />A competitive salary tied to performance will be offered commensurate with experience. Coupled with encouragement to assume responsibility in a creative and fast-paced environment, we believe this role offers unique and exciting opportunities for the right person.<br /><br />To be considered for this position, please email your curriculum vitae (maximum 4 pages) with covering letter to: <a href="mailto:tom@epi-world.com">tom@epi-world.com</a>.<br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-44857562985261575132008-06-09T15:16:00.002+04:002008-06-09T15:20:18.985+04:00Alpha Data signs a partnership agreement with Optimiza<div align="justify">Alpha Data, the UAE’s leading systems integrator, has signed a partnership with Optimiza with a specific focus on Optimiza’s kiosks solutions.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Today, Optimiza is the first and only company to provide total enterprise turnkey Arabic-English kiosk solutions for the MENA region. Optimiza’s Kiosk Division offers software and system solutions for self-service and customer information relevant to a variety of sectors using touch screen kiosks. These touch screen kiosks are suitable for retail, real estate, hotels, banking, telecom, large-scale leisure environments, trade fairs, events and conventions for applications such as digital signage, bill payment and information.<br />Alpha Data’s partnership with Optimiza will focus on the UAE, making Alpha the preferred reseller of their kiosk solutions in Abu Dhabi.<br /><br />Commenting on the partnership, Fayez Ibbini, Managing Director of Alpha Data said, “Alpha Data is consistently seeking strategic partnerships with organisations that complement our offerings to our clients. Our partnership with Optimiza brings a new product line to our offerings, with particular benefit to our hospitality and retail sector clients.”<br /><br />On this occasion, Issam Jallad, Managing Director of Optimiza UAE said “Alpha Data’s long-standing presence in the UAE, their extensive reach in terms of customer base and the technical expertise of their staff make them an ideal partner for Optimiza and we forecast a great deal of growth in Abu Dhabi through working with them.”<br /><br /><strong>About Optimiza (Al-Faris National Company)</strong><br /><br />A publicly-listed IT company (ASE:CEBC) with a paid up capital of US $35 million, Optimiza has established a comprehensive Middle East network that ensures reliable business solutions and services with local support in the areas of management consulting, IT solutions and services, training and outsourcing.<br /><br />With 27 years’ experience and hundreds of projects delivered, Optimiza’s intellectual capital spans diverse industries, enabling more than 450 professionals to integrate and deliver successful, innovative consulting and technology solutions, with a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.<br /><br />Optimiza serves clients from the telecom, banking, insurance, manufacturing and distribution, healthcare and government sectors, through its network of offices in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, and a region-wide reseller base.<br /><a href="http://www.optimizasolutions.com/">www.optimizasolutions.com</a><br /><br /><strong>About Alpha Data</strong><br /><br />Founded in 1981, Alpha Data is one of the largest IT and Telecom Solutions companies in the Emirates with revenues in excess of $120 Million and offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Alpha Data strives to build long term client relationships based on mutual trust and respect. With a team of over 650 qualified personnel, Alpha Data provides complete end-to-end solutions in the following areas of expertise: Telecommunications & Radio, Networking & Security Solutions, Infrastructure Cabling, Enterprise Computing, Audio Visual Systems and Applications. Each of our specialist areas are backed up by highly qualified presales and post sales support teams who handle both project implementation and post-sales support. Beyond our offering, what counts most to our clients is the technical skills of our staff. Alpha Data's people have both high level industry certification & in depth experience in their respective fields.<br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1254204737145193630.post-81546875734210920322008-06-09T00:38:00.001+04:002008-06-09T00:41:14.725+04:00The Cultural Observer<div align="justify">• Dubai Libraries have launched the summer activities program under the theme (Today’s Reader is Tomorrow’s Leader). The courses program will extend from June 22 to July 31, 2008. For further information, please visit: <a href="http://www.dm.gov.ae/">www.dm.gov.ae</a><span class="fullpost"> </span></div><span class="fullpost"><div align="justify"><br />• The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, in cooperation with Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage, hosts poet Karim Al Iraqi for a poetry recitation evening today at the foundation’s premises on Rigga Street. An art exhibition of Saudi artist Sara Al Sahli will also be opened today at the foundation.<br /><br />• The Scene Club holds an awards ceremony for winners in the short film competition at the Conference Hall of the Knowledge Village, today at 07:00pm. For further information, please visit: <a href="http://www.thesceneclub.com/">www.thesceneclub.com</a>.<br /><br />• An art exhibition of artist Mehdi Fallah is held at the Knowledge Village, Block 13, until June 20, 2008.<br /><br />• The Moda Gallery at the Mall of the Emirates hosts an art exhibition titled “Solo” by Suhail Al Budour until June 20, 2008.<br /><br />• The Grosvenor House Hotel hosts an exhibition of artist Niamh Cunningham from June 07-15, 2008. For further information, please contact 0505385374.<br /><br />• Dubai Press Club organizes a symposium on “Arabic Language in the UAE – Realities and Challenges” on Wednesday, June 04, 2008. At 04:30pm.<br /><br />• B_ASEMENT hosts an exhibition showcasing the works of Aisling Haghshenas, Farbod Morshedzadeh, Hossein Edalatkhah, Rayka Milanian, and Shahpari Behzadi. The exhibition runs from June 16 to July 07, 2008.<br /><br />• The Emirates Scientific Club announced its program of summer courses on photography, calligraphy and other subjects. For further information, please contact 0427222252.<br /><br />• Rouq Ousha announced their cultural activities which will be starting from 25/5/2008 and will continue to the 10/6/2008. For information contact the following number 042611200.<br /><br />• A press conference will be held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on June 10, 2008 to announce the launch of The inaugural Emirates Airline International Festival of Literature (EAIFL), where some of the world’s literary talents will be participating. The event will take place in Dubai from February 25 to March 01, 2009.<br /><br />• The first Documentary Films Initiative in the UAE will be held from 4 – 7 July 2008, at the Dubai Community Theater and Art Center of the Emirates Mall.<br /><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0