Emirates Post opens new post offices at Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Barsha

Emirates Post has opened two new post offices in Dubai: Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) and Al Barsha.
The new post offices were inaugurated by Mr. Abdullah Al Daboos, President of Emirates Post Holding, accompanied by Mr. Ibrahim Bin Karam, CEO of Emirates Post, and other senior officials.

The Dubai Silicon Oasis Post Office will be open from 8 am to 3 pm. Apart from offering all regular services, it will have 500 P.O. Boxes. The Al Barsha Post Office will be open from 8 am to 10 pm. It will house 700 P.O. Boxes.

“The post offices are being opened in two of the fastest developing areas in Dubai. Dubai Silicon Oasis is attracting global companies specializing in technology-related areas. With residential complexes and offices, Dubai Silicon Oasis is set to become a vibrant business and residential hub,” said Mr. Abdulla Al Daboos.

Commenting on the inauguration of Emirates Post post-office at DSO, Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Sr. Chief Corporate Services Officer, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), said: “In our goal to develop an integrated community dedicated to technology, it is quite important for us to ensure that engineers and their families living in Dubai Silicon Oasis have access to day to day utilities. The launch of postal services by Emirates Post at DSO represents a vital component of DSO’s integrated city concept.”

Commenting on Al Barsha Area office, Al Daboos said: “Al Barsha area is already humming with a lot of activity and has witnessed huge population growth over the past years. We are pleased to bring postal and related services to the residents of this booming area.”

Emirates Post, one of the most dynamic postal organizations in the region, is part of the Emirates Post Holding, a diversified group involved in postal, courier, financial services, direct marketing, mail fulfillment, card personalization, etc.

About Emirates Post

Emirates Post is a commercially vibrant organization providing high quality services to the public and the corporate sector. Emirates Post has developed innovative new services, diversified its offering and established alliances with global postal corporations. Emirates Post’s diversified offering includes mail fulfillment, utility bill payment services, government services, direct mail, banking, retail services and money exchange & remittances.

About Dubai Silicon Oasis

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

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Emirates Post presents Innovation Award to Post Denmark at World Mail Awards 2008

Emirates Post presented the Innovation award to Denmark Post at the prestigious World Mail Awards 2008 which were announced at a gala dinner in Budapest, Hungary, in the presence of over 300 senior postal industry executives.
Mr. Ibrahim Bin Karam, CEO of Emirates Post, presented the award to Post Denmark for its “No More” solution that allows packing and distribution of unaddressed mail based on individual mail recipient, rather than mass distribution based on bulk recipients.

“Emirates Post has been sponsoring the Innovation category at the World Mail Awards as it believes innovation is a key driver of any business,” said Bin Karam. “It was indeed a privilege for Emirates Post to stand among major global postal operators and sponsor one of the most coveted categories of the World Mail Awards, the mail industry's premier global honours.”

In its 9th year, the Awards continue to grow in both prestige and breadth of coverage. This is the third year Emirates Post has sponsored the Innovation category. The twelve winners competed against a broad geographical diversity of applicants and a wide variety of products and services submitted by operators and suppliers of the mail industry.

The Awards were part of the World Mail and Express Europe Conference which took place on 20th and 21st May, offering delegates a prime opportunity to network and celebrate best practices in the industry. With over 100 entries received this year, judges had a tough job on their hands. The independent panel of judges met in Budapest hours before the ceremony to determine the 2008 winners with Hungarian celebrity and television presenter Zsuzsanna Demcsلk, presenting the awards in the different categories.

The other winners were Royal Mail (Corporate Social Responsibility), Canada Post (Customer Service), Post Denmark (e-Commerce), Australia Post (Growth), Ulrich Gygi, CEO of Swiss Post (Industry Leadership), Correos (People Management), Post Denmark (Quality), PayShop Portugal (Retail Project), Magyar Posta (Security), 21 Grams (Technology) and New Zealand Post (Transformation).

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Emirates Post’s ‘Express Money Order’ offers instant money transfer

Simultaneous launch ceremonies in Dubai and Chennai herald a new partnership between Emirates Post and India Post

Express Money Order (EMO), a new remittance service to India was officially launched with simultaneous functions

held in UAE and India to herald a low-cost instant money transfer service for just Dh. 11 per transaction, following a new partnership between Emirates Post and India Post.

At Emirates Post’s Deira Main Post Office, Mr. Ibrahim Bin Karam, CEO of Emirates Post, and senior officials joined the first UAE customer, Mr. Lakshmi Narasimhan, as he transferred money to Chennai Post Office. Lakshmi was given a secret code which he SMS-ed to his wife.

Mr. Lakshmi’s wife then collected the amount instantly, after quoting the code, in the presence of top Indian officials led by Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mr. A. Raja and Mr. I.M.G. Khan, Director General of India Post.

“Our Express Money Order provides a safe low-cost option for people sending regular remittances to India through the postal network,” said Mr. Bin Karam. “We have tied up with India Post because it has the world’s largest network of post offices, penetrating every corner of the country. More importantly, the system is powered by UPU’s secure International Financial System (IFS), ensuring global standards. Our customers can expect real value for money.”

Customers can do instant transfer from any Emirates Post post-office and the money will be delivered to any of the 97 head post-offices and 2,400 sub-post offices currently linked to the EMO service. This network will be increased gradually to cover most areas of India.

Customers sending money to India through Emirates Post offices will have two options. They can either ask the addressee to collect the money from the selected post office in India or have the money delivered to the addressee’s residence (for an extra fee of Dh. 4). On the other hand, Money Orders sent from India through India Post will be payable at post offices in the UAE.

Under the system, a single Money Order issued by Emirates Post for payment in India shall not exceed US$ 2,500 (Dh 9,100) or its equivalent. A maximum of 12 Money Orders addressed to one beneficiary will be allowed in a calendar year. Amounts of less than 50,000 Indian Rupees will be paid in cash, and those exceeding 50,000 Indian Rupees will be payable by cheque.

“The new facility represents a boon to Indians in the UAE, as India Post will guarantee quick delivery of the money to every remote corner of India,” said Mr. Karam. “We have fixed affordable charges to enable thousands of UAE residents to avail of the secure International Express Money Order endorsed by the UPU.”

The International Express Money Orders will be transmitted between the two parties using the IFS/STEFI secure network of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), through a server in Berne, Switzerland.

In India, the electronic Money Orders payable at post office counters will be delivered instantly at post offices. In the case of Money Orders payable at addressee’s destination, the delivery will be within two days through the IFS network. Outside the IFS network, the delivery will take place within five days. If the money is sent from India to the UAE, the amount can be payable instantly at Emirates Post offices.

The IFS-based International Express Money Order is a reliable, adaptable and easy-to-use tool and can be installed in the remotest areas of the world. The UPU anticipates that financial services could generate up to 50 per cent of a country’s postal revenue, and by promoting IFS, the dominance of big players could be reduced, thus offering customers, especially migrant workers, a cost-effective system of electronic money transfer.

India has a network of 155,333 post offices, the largest in the world, covering the remotest corners of the country.

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Saudi Post and Emirates Post discuss plans for cooperation

A high-level delegation from Saud Post, led by Dr. Mohammed Saleh Benten, Chairman of Saudi Post, visited Emirates Post and discussed areas of increased cooperation.
The delegation held talks with Emirates Post officials, including Mr. Abdulla Al Daboos,
President of Emirates Post Group, and covered various topics, including a proposal to open a Saudi unit of Electronic Document Centre (EDC) to handle mail fulfillment jobs and card personalization. The two sides discussed machinery and other equipment required for the implementation of the project.

The delegation signed an agreement with Empost to launch new project for cargo movement by road between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The also discussed the marketing plan to implement new plans and increase cooperation in financial services, including money transfer and remittances through Wall Street Exchange. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the plan for enhanced financial services. They also discussed a plan to offer the expertise of Emirates Marketing & Promotions (EMP) to Saudi Post.

Fahad Al Hosani, Vice President, Emirates Post Group, Mr. Ibrahim Karam, CEO of Emirates Post, and Mr. Abdullah Al Fan, CEO of Strategy & Planning Affairs, EPG, and CEO of EPG subsidiaries attended the meeting.

Emirates Post felicitated Dr. Mohammed Saleh Benten at a special function on being named Best Chief Executive in the Middle East by the Middle East Institute for Excellence in Dubai on March 19, 2008.

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Wall Street Exchange opens new branch at Deira Main Post Office

Wall Street Exchange, the financial services arm of the Emirates Post Group, opened its 23rd branch at the Deira Main Post Office in Hor Al Anz area recently.
The state of the art branch, offering a whole range of financial and money transfer facilities, was inaugurated by Mr. Abdulla Al Daboos, President of Emirates Post Holding Group and Chairman of Wall Street, in the presence of Mr. Abdullah Bin Ghaleb, Group Managing Director, Wall Street, Mr. Ibrahim Bin Karam, CEO of Emirates Post, and directors of the Board.

“The expansion of Wall Street Exchange forms a critical aspect of Emirates Post Group’s plans for gaining a larger share of the financial services market,” said Mr. Al Daboos. “As the branch is located inside the post office, it gives customers a chance to avail of multiple services under one roof. It takes us closer to our concept of making post offices one-stop shops.”

“Expanding our network countrywide is one of our top priorities,” said Bin Ghaleb. “We foresee a growing demand for our services and we would like to go close to our customers and provide them convenience and technology-backed services. We have identified a number of new locations for more branches and we will announce them in the months to come.”

The new branch offers all regular services, including remittances, bank account transfers, cash transfers (Western Union and Instant Cash) money exchange, National Bonds, Air Arabia ticketing, and other financial services, supported by state of the art systems.

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Empost to handle Indian passport, visa work

Indian missions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have outsourced collection of application forms for passports and visas to Empost, the UAE's leading courier, cargo and logistics organisation. The arrangements will be in place within two months.

An agreement was signed on Sunday by Talmiz Ahmed, India's Ambassador to the UAE, and Sultan A. Al Midfa, Chief Executive Officer, Empost, under which 12 dedicated centres will be set up to receive passport and visa applications.

XPRESS first published the news about Indian mission's move to outsource collection of passport and visa forms, on March 13. Details were unveiled today.

Service fee

A service fee of Dh12 for each passport service and Dh50 for each visa service will charged by the Empost. The higher charge for visa processing will mostly impact foreigners, not Indian nationals.

Historic step

"Its a historic step. There are 1.5 million Indians in the UAE. Several thousands of Indians and foreigners visit our missions daily and it has been a matter of concern that our premises have numbers that we can't cope with and quality of services have been affected. The service centres will be open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm and not just on weekdays for limited times," Ambassador Ahmed said at a press conference.

Emphasising what he called "a fundamental change in the manner of providing services", the ambassador said the service centres will receive the applications and transfer them to the missions and the documents after processing would be returned by courier or personally to the applicants. These centres will also assist schedule appointments with Embassy/Consulate officials for interviews.

"But till all the arrangments are in place, the Indian missions will continue to receive applications," he clarified. Attestation of documents will, however, be excluded from this process in the light of the legal implications entailed.

Al Midfa, the Empost CEO, said a website would provide information on the various services offered and enable online submission of applications besides checking on status of applications. "This new venture will further foster the close and friendly ties between the UAE and India," he said.

Replying to a query, Al Midfa told XPRESS that of these 12 centres in the UAE, three would be set up in Dubai at Deira, Bur Dubai and Jebel Ali.

Abdullah Al Daboos, the Empost Chairman and President of Emirates Post Holding Group, diclosed that depending on the success of Empost providing these services to the Indian mission, it was planned to approach other embassies and consulates.

"The Indian community needs a large number of services and it is time for the government to go down and reach them. The UAE is not an easy place to get around with the traffic situation what it is and these service centres will be valued by the people," he told XPRESS.

Indian Consul General Venu Rajamony, said the time taken for receiving the applications and delivering the documents would remain five days in Dubai notwithstanding the new arrangements. The difference is in the facilities available for the people beyond the normal timings.

"It's the first time anywhere in the world that Indian missions have outsourced collection of passport applications," he noted.

Workload on Indian missions

Indian Embassy and Consulate together annually provide around 200,000 passport services and 63,000 visas in the UAE. Over 4,000 people visit the missions daily to seek these services.

Changed timings

Indian Consulate in Dubai at present receives applications between 8am and 11am. Under the new system, applications can be submitted from 7.30am till 10.30pm at the service centres.

Call centre

A call centre will be established to respond to queries and inform applicants regarding status of their applications. The call centre as well as the service centres will be manned by persons familiar with different Indian languages and trained staff will also guide people fill up applications. The applicants will be photographed digitally at the collection centres and need not attach their photos with their applications. Source

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Empost plans $272m IPO

UAE's state-owned Emirates Post (Empost) plans to raise about 1 billion dirhams ($272.3 million) selling shares to the public within two months, Chief Executive Abdalla al-Daboos said in remarks published on Thursday.

Empost, the sole provider of postal services in the UAE, expects to sell a 49% stake in an initial public offering and would offer about 5 to 8 percent of that to non-UAE nationals, al-Khaleej quoted Daboos said as saying.

The firm, which started cargo unit Empost Air last year, was in talks to spend up to 1.5 billion dirhams on Asian acquisitions and would start a banking joint venture with Noor Islamic Bank, Daboos said in January.

Lebanon's Makhzoumi family said this week it would sell shares in Dubai-based Future Pipe Industries in an IPO, while Dubai-based interiors contractor Depa Ltd is also planning a public share sale. (Reuters)

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Pre-registration facilities for Population Register and ID Card at Emirates Post

Emirates Marketing and Promotions (EMP), a subsidiary of Emirates Post, and Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) announced Monday a partnership to offer pre-registration facilities for Population Register and ID Card at Emirates Post offices and partner outlets.

Under the agreement, EMP has been appointed as the exclusive agent for supporting the Authority with pre-registration and collection facilities. EMP will provide EIDA with filling pre-registration form services, and call centre facilities, as well as support it with marketing and promotions.

"The agreement marks a significant step in enhancing the partnership between EIDA and Emirates Post Group, as the group is already associated with the delivery of ID cards," said Ahmad Tahlak, CEO of EMP.

"As the exclusive agency for handling the Population Register and ID Card Pre-registration, EMP will scrutinize the forms. If there is any error in the data, the customer will be informed by SMS or by our call centre.

''We will also arrange to send bulk forms to companies to be filled and submitted in one lot. We will then give a serial number and enter the data within two days," he added.

"The UAE prides itself on deploying advanced technology for the Population Register and ID Card system," said H.E. Darwish Al Zarouni, Director General, Emirates Identity Authority. "The Population Register and ID card System is a real example of the Government's efforts to implement e-Government and full automation." "Through this partnership with EMP, we will be using the technology and expertise of EMP to maintain accurate record of all entries as well as ensure that every card holder's latest information is entered into the system throughout the process EMP is going to apply during the pre-registration service.

''We are positive the widespread network of Emirates Post will enable us to offer convenience to all residents to register and submit their applications," Al Zarouni added. (WAM)

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High-level delegation holds talks with senior Emirates Post officials

A high-level delegation from China Post Group, led by Mr. Zhang Yafei, President of the Group, explored the potential for stronger business ties with Emirates Post, at the end of an official visit.

The Chinese officials held talks with Mr. Ibrahim Karam, CEO of Emirates Post, Mr. Salem Al Shaya, Assistant Director General, Operations, Emirates Post and Mr. Saif Ali Al Shehhi, Director of Operations, Emirates Post.

The two sides agreed to pursue new business partnerships and agreed there was potential for stronger cooperation. Mr. Karam briefed the visitors on the establishment of the Emirates Holding Group and outlined the responsibilities of subsidiaries, including Emirates Post.

Mr. Zhang Yafei showed great interest in the business activities of Emirates Post and said the visit had laid the foundation for strong business partnerships. He hailed the achievements of the UAE as a whole and Emirates Post in particular.

Mr. Al Shehhi referred to the existing cordial relations between China and UAE, as exemplified by the large number of Chinese doing business in the UAE. In postal areas, he invited the Chinese officials to explore stronger relations with Emirates Post through use of the airport transit hub, Express Money Order and Express Mail Service.

The delegation toured the Deira Main Post Office. They were also taken around Ramoul Sorting Centre where they were briefed by Munther Bin Shaker, Director, Ramoul Sorting Centre.

The other members of the delegation were Mr. Zhang Xuewen, Deputy Director General Economic Construction Department, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Li Xiong, General Manager Hunan Provincial Post Cooperation, China Post Group, Mr. Zhao Yongxiang, Deputy Managing Director Finance Department, China Post Group and Ms. Li Yan, Project Manager, International Cooperation Department, China Post Group. (PR)

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Emirates Post outlets begin disbursing workers' salaries

Emirates Post outlets have started disbursing private company workers' salaries on designated days, as stipulated in separate agreements with the participating companies.

The workers of Bently Security and Safety Consultancy became the first group of employees to receive their salaries at Emirates Post counters. They collected their salary from the Ajman Central Post Office, as per the agreement signed between Emirates Post and Bently Security.

'Over 100 employees collected their salaries from the Ajman Post Office this week, and another 100 will be registered this month,' said Arif Al Rahma, General Manager of Bently Security. 'We are pleased that the procedure was smooth and our workers are very happy with the arrangements at the post office counters.' More than 60 small and medium-size companies, having employees ranging from 3 to 6,500, have already signed up with Emirates Post. The companies are from different fields, including engineering, contracting, construction, trading, restaurants, electronics, security and building maintenance, according to a press release.

'Emirates Post and Wall Street Exchange have put together the most efficient and value-packed package to enable companies to pay their workers' salaries from an approved agent,' said Ibrahim Bin Karam, CEO, Emirates Post. 'Our huge network and mobile units run by Wall Street give us a strong USP, and we are committed to providing the most streamlined service.

Companies signing with Emirates Post have two options for salary payouts. Their employees can either collect the salaries from designated post offices or at labour camps through mobile units of Wall Street Exchange.

Each employee entitled to receive his salary from Emirates Post outlet is issued a smart card containing his photo, staff number and personal details. The employee can collect his salary on dates specified by the company in coordination with Emirates Post.

Apart from collecting salaries, the employees are allowed remit money to their families overseas from the same counter. They can also instruct the post office to send a certain amount to their families and it will be automatically transferred on a chosen date. The counters also offer money exchange facilities.

Companies interested in joining the services have to sign separate arrangements with Emirates Post. An account is then opened to enable easy transfer of money from the company to Emirates Post. (WAM)

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Emirates Post records net profit of Dhs. 190 million for 2007

Emirates Post has declared record net profit of Dhs. 190 million for the year 2007, an increase of 20 per cent over the previous year, according to preliminary financial results announced today.
Announcing the financial results, H.E. Sultan Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister for Public Sector Development and Chairman of Emirates Post Holding Group, said the net profit of Dhs. 190,258,653 reflected Emirates Post Holding Group’s continuing pursuit of business diversification and excellence in delivery of services.

“The year 2007 saw increased mail volumes and introduction of new postal and non-postal services at post offices. Emirates Post Holding Group continued to show dynamism and innovation in a highly competitive environment, serving as a model for other public sector companies. The group has entered a new era and the years ahead will see it reaping the fruits of a carefully planned business strategy,” H.E. Al Mansouri added.
Mr. Abdulla Al Daboos, President of Emirates Post Holding Group, said the establishment of the holding company under Federal Law No. 14, 2007 issued by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed approved, has set the foundation for evolving into a major business entity under the Ministry of Public Sector Development. Emirates Post, the postal corporation, has thus become one of the subsidiaries of the holding group.
He said the highest ever net profit of over Dhs. 190 million was the result of a strategic plan that was driven by diversification, new alliances and acquisitions.
Mr. Al Daboos revealed that the postal network continued to expand during 2007, and a large number of new services were added to the Emirates Post portfolio. Overall, mail and parcel volumes rose by 10 per cent. Overall mail volumes in 2007 stood at 258,808,231, against 233,767,518 in 2006, with a daily average of 715,545 pieces per day.

Commenting on expansion plans, Mr. Al Daboos said over Dhs. 277 million has been allocated for construction projects in 2008. Among the projects already nearing completion is a new purpose-built postal operations hub at Ramoul.

Among the highlights of 2007 was the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Noor Islamic Bank to launch banking services for the low-income segment. Also, Emirates Post and its subsidiary Wall Street began disbursing workers salaries through post offices and mobile units.

The Board of Directors under the chairmanship of H.E. Sultan Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister Public Sector Development, approved the financial budget for 2008 and discussed the projected revenues and profits for Emirates Post and its subsidiaries. The board gave the green signal for a number of key projects. It approved the new stamps to be issued during 2008. It also discussed the issue of Emiratisation, which has reached 100 per cent in higher management and rose by 7 per cent in other categories.

The Board also approved Emirates Post Holding Group plan to launch postal business centres across the UAE and GCC in the next phase, in partnership with leading business groups.

A new addressing systems being developed in association with other departments was also approved. The Board also reviewed plans for the IPO. It also approved new employee rules for holding group.

For further information, please contact:
Anthony Francis (Public Relations Department)
Tel: 2031420
Fax: 2031372
Mobile: 4571624.
Email: anthonyfr@emiratespost.ae

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EMP3D unveils first two products: ‘The 7 Secrets of the Emirates’ and ‘3DVeeDee’ collection of photo images

EMP3D, the newly established division of Emirates Marketing & Promotions (EMP), has launched two 3D consumer products featuring a collection of images offering the sharpest clarity and depth, using technology developed in Canada, with a built-in 3D viewer.

Consumers in the UAE will be able to purchase the first two products in the series very soon, and the entire range will be extended to the GCC and the Arab world later in the year, according to Mr. Ahmad Tahlak, CEO of EMP.
The first product called ‘The 7 Secrets of the Emirates’ is a postcard-size set of seven stunning images of the UAE, aimed at promoting the history and culture of the country. EMP has created an archive of hundreds of images to release more sets under the series. The 3D viewer required to view the images comes as a pop-up when the package is opened.

The first product called ‘The 7 Secrets of the Emirates’ is a postcard-size set of seven stunning images of the UAE, aimed at promoting the history and culture of the country. EMP has created an archive of hundreds of images to release more sets under the series. The 3D viewer required to view the images comes as a pop-up when the package is opened.

The second product, named 3DVeeDee, is a set of 18 high-quality 3D photographs covering a broad range of topics, ranging from education to physics, tourism to sports. Designed like a book with a glossy cover and a sleeve, this high quality product also comes with a built-in 3D viewer.

”The amazing thing about the advanced 3D technology is the sharpness and clarity,” said Mr. Tahlak. “Each image brings the topic alive, creating a powerful impact. This is 3D with a new modern face, using cutting edge technology to take 3D to the next level. This technology opens the doors for unique consumer products targeted at entertainment, education, tourism, and corporate promotions.”

As part of the launch of the ‘7 Secrets of UAE’, EMP has announced an attractive promotion. Each set has a unique serial number, which can be used to register by SMS, phone or website to qualify to win daily prizes worth up to AED 500,000. The total value of annual prizes is nearly AED 48 Million. Winners will be chosen when the mascot ‘Katkoot’ (which is Arabic for “cute”) travels all over the country and randomly plants a UAE flag in each of seven locations at midnight, every night. The campaign also ensures that every customer wins a prize.

The second product, 3DVeeDee (which means “I see in 3D” in Latin), contains 18 3D images covering a broad range of topics, including education (the human body, solar system, alphabet, mathematics, physics, chemistry, medicine), tourism (Dubai, Egypt, Europe, USA, Canada, Japan), sports (soccer, football, skiing, car racing, basketball, baseball, rugby, horse racing, falconry, athletics, Olympics), religion (stories from the Holy Quran, Hajj, Prayer), Nature (animals, plants, flowers, life under the sea), Fairy Tales (Aladdin, Ali Baba, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland); and many other categories. At the back of each photograph is detailed explanation in Arabic and English.

EMP3D plans to release at least 200 new titles under the 3DVeeDee series within the next two years. Target sectors include tourists, students and the general public. Mr. Tahlak said this product will be extremely popular among tourists visiting the Arab World and particularly among teachers, educators, parents and students for its high educational value.

EMP3D is now geared to provide corporate promotions through products that deliver messages more powerfully than a leaflet or brochure. The technology is particularly suited for property developers, car agencies, jewellery, consumer items, restaurants, hotels, resorts, pharmaceuticals, and a wide range of products and services. In a region where the potential of direct marketing is still in its infancy, the 3D approach to marketing offers brand managers the perfect medium to connect their brands directly with their customers.

“Unlike mass media channels, the customer is entranced by the 3D images presented. With only a few centimetres between him and the brand, that’s total command of mindshare,” said Mr. Tahlak.

The ‘3DVeeDee’ and ‘the 7 Secrets of The Emirates’ titles will be available at leading retail outlets and at all Emirates Post Offices soon. In order to address all customer enquiries, EMP3D has established a comprehensive customer service team with a dedicated telephone number (600 54 5554) and website (www.emp3D.ae).

About EMP
Emirates Marketing & Promotions (EMP), a subsidiary Emirates Post Holding group, was launched in 2005 to provide state-of-the-art providing turnkey solutions for all direct marketing needs. It offers integrated solutions in Direct Mail Marketing, Call Centre and Promotional services. EMP has a reliable database with over 2.8 million records offering data mining, warehousing and segmentation facilities, with an ability to reach over 350,000 post office boxes UAE wide and through its parent company access to a distribution network of over 90 post offices all over the UAE.

For further information, please contact:
Anthony Francis,
Corporate Communications, Emirates Post
Tel: 2031420, Fax: 2031 372. Mobile: 4571624.
Email: anthonyfr@emiratespost.ae

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Wall Street Exchange opens 3 new branches

Wall Street Exchange, the financial services arm of the Emirates Post Group, has opened three new branches – two in Dubai and one in Sharjah -- as part of its expansion program.
The three branches were opened Al Hamriya, Dubai, opposite BurJuman in Dubai and near National Paints Roundabout in Sharjah.

The new branches will offer all regular services, including remittances, money exchange, National Bonds, Air Arabia ticketing and other financial services, backed by state of the art IT systems.

“Expanding our network countrywide is one of our top priorities,” said Abdullah Bin Ghaleb, Group Managing Director, Wall Street. “We foresee a growing demand for our services and we would like to go close to our customers and provide them convenience and technology-backed services. We have identified a number of new locations for more branches and we will announced them in the months to come”

For further information, please contact:
Anthony Francis,
Corporate Communications, Emirates Post
Tel: 2031420, Fax: 2031 372. Mobile: 4571624.
Email: anthonyfr@emiratespost.ae

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Arab countries firm up preparations for Nairobi UPU Congress

Postal administrations from Arab countries discussed the Arab stand on postal issues at the 15th meeting of the Arab Permanent Postal Council at the General Secretariat of Arab League, Cairo, recently. Emirates Post was appointed head of a special committee to prepare the Arab approach for the UPU Congress which will be held in Nairobi from August 13 to September 3, 2008.
A high-level delegation from Emirates Post headed by Mr. Salem Al Shaya, Assistant Director General, Operations, took part in the deliberations. The participants included senior officials from Arab postal corporations, the Arab League and the UPU.

The council discussed a number of key issues, including modernization of mail operations in Arab countries. It was decided to issue a stamp on Arab Postal Day on September 3, 2008. The meeting also urged all Arab postal corporations to participate in the Stamp Exhibition in Doha from January 30 to February 3, 2008.

The council reiterated its support to Palestine Post and called for steps to help the state modernize its mail and parcel services. It was also agreed to issue special stamps on Palestine Land Day and donate the proceeds to Palestinian Authority.

Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, Mr. Abdulla Al Daboos, President of Emirates Post Group, said: “Emirates Post shares a commitment to raise postal standards across the Arab world under the leadership of the UPU. Sharing ideas with representatives of Arab postal organizations gave us new insights that will help us draft a more effective common strategy.”

“The meeting served to create greater solidarity between Arab postal organizations and share ideas on growth strategies through stronger cooperation,” said Mr. Al Shaya. “Emirates Post expressed its resolve to prepare a strategy designed to upgrade all-round standards in postal services in all Arab countries. The meeting also urged for bridging the digital divide in postal services and highlighted the goal of automating all post offices by 2015.”

The Emirates Post delegation made presentations on International Financial Services (IFS) as head of the Arab management committee, the Arab postal strategy for Nairobi Congress 2008 and UPU clearing.

Other members of the Emirates Post delegation included Mr. Saif Al Shehhi, Director, Operations, and Mr. Nasser Qadoumi, Postal Operations Consultant.

For further information, please contact:
Anthony Francis. Tel: 2031420, Fax: 2031 372.
Mobile: 4571624. Email: anthonyfr@emiratespost.ae

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EMP International appointed Expericard AB’s exclusive

Emirates Marketing and Promotion (EMP), a subsidiary of Emirates Post Holding, specializing in direct marketing, call centers, sales and promotions, has signed up with Expericard AB of Sweden to bring to the UAE and the MENA region a new direct marketing and retail product called “Expericard”.
Expericard®, a patented product being manufactured in sophisticated plants in Europe and the United States, provides high quality logistical and value-driven options to customers by putting the power of CD-Roms and DVDs into their hands. It comes in an ultra light weight postcard format and is a perfect platform for direct marketing, product presentations, press packs, magazine inserts, games, greeting cards and a host of other value added services.

Mr. Ahmad Tahlak, CEO of EMP, said, “Expericard® is a powerful marketing and distribution tool which fits in perfectly in our product offering as a unique package solution for optical media, SIM and Smart cards. It is well aligned with our objective to be the most complete, versatile and dependable turnkey marketing solution provider. We are excited about offering Expericard® to the direct marketing industry and the retail market, in addition to creating brand new concepts.”

“We are delighted to welcome EMP as a partner in our global network,” said Peter Gustafsson CEO, Expericard AB. “In association with our partner AGI Media, we are enabling direct marketing campaigns with global execution. The Middle East and Dubai are among the fastest growing regions in the world. We could not have found a better partner in the region and we are looking forward to be a part of the massive growth in the entire region.”

Through this partnership, customers in Dubai and the Middle East region will now have the opportunity to access integrated distribution, direct marketing and logistical capabilities of EMP, Expericard AB and their partner AGI Media providing global coverage.

About EMP
Emirates Marketing & Promotions (EMP), a subsidiary Emirates Post Holding group, was launched in 2005 to provide state-of-the-art providing turnkey solutions for all direct marketing needs. It offers integrated solutions in Direct Mail Marketing, Call Centre and Promotional services. EMP has a reliable database with over 2.8 million records offering data mining, warehousing and segmentation facilities, with an ability to reach over 350,000 post office boxes UAE wide and through its parent company access to a distribution network of over 90 post offices all over the UAE.

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India Post and Emirates Post launch ‘International Express Money Order’ through postal network

People in the UAE and India will be able to send ‘International Express Money Orders’ through the postal network, powered by UPU’s secure International Financial System (IFS) from February 2008, following an agreement between Emirates Post and India Post.

Mr. I.M.G. Khan, Director General of India Post and Mr. Ibrahim Karam Ali Bin Karam, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Post, recently signed an agreement in Dubai, putting in place a system that will allow UAE residents to transfer money speedily to any part of India through India’s postal network, the largest in the world.

Customers sending money to India through Emirates Post offices will have two options. They can either have the money delivered to the addressee’s residence, or ask the addressee to collect the money from any authorized post office in India. On the other hand, Money Orders sent from India through India Post will be payable at post offices in the UAE.

The agreement stipulates that a single Money Order issued by Emirates Post for payment in India shall not exceed US$ 2,500 or its equivalent. It also lays down that only 12 Money Orders addressed to one beneficiary will be allowed in a calendar year. Amounts of less than 50,000 Indian Rupees will be paid in cash, and those exceeding 50,000 Indian Rupees will be payable by cheque.

“The new facility represents a boon to Indians in the UAE, as India Post will guarantee quick delivery of the money to every remote corner of India,” said Mr. Karam. “We have fixed affordable charges to enable thousands of UAE residents to avail of the secure International Express Money Order endorsed by the UPU. We are positive our customers will find this service highly beneficial and convenient.”

“The new agreement reflects the strong social and commercial bonds between the UAE and India,” said I.M.G. Khan, Director General of India Post. “Through this system, the long-felt need of UAE Indians for a cost-effective electronic Money Order facility will be fulfilled. As our network encompasses the length and breadth of the country, we are in a position to provide a service that is unmatched by private operators.”

The bilateral agreement was signed during an official visit by a delegation of India Post. Besides Mr. Khan, the other members of the delegation were Mr. Faiz-ur-Rehman, Deputy Director General (International Relations) and Mr. P.T.S. Kumar, Deputy Director General (Global Business). During the visit, the team visited Al Ramoul Sorting Centre and Training Centre as well as Emirates Post Group subsidiaries: EMP, EDC and Wall Street Exchange.

The International Express Money Orders will be transmitted between the two parties using the IFS/STEFI secure network of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), through a server in Berne, Switzerland.

In India, the electronic Money Orders payable at post office counters will be delivered the same day at main post offices. In the case of Money Orders payable at addresses destination, the delivery will be within two days through the IFS network. Outside the IS network, the delivery will take place within five days.

If the money is sent from India to the UAE, the amount can be collected the same day at Emirates Post offices.

The IFS-based International Express Money Order is a reliable, adaptable and easy-to-use tool and can be installed in the remotest areas of the world. The UPU anticipates that financial services could generate up to 50 per cent of a country’s postal revenue, and by promoting IFS, the dominance of big players could be reduced, thus offering customers, especially migrant workers, a cost-effective system of money transfer.

India has a network of 155,333 post offices, the largest in the world, covering the remotest corners of the country.

For further information, please contact: Anthony Francis, Corporate Communications, Emirates Post. Tel:2031420, Fax: 2031 372. Mobile: 4571624. Email: anthonyfr@emiratespost.ae

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Empost in talks over $817mn IPO

State-owned Emirates Post (Empost) plans to start discussions with financial advisers next month on the sale of 49% of its shares to the public, the company's director general said in remarks published on Sunday.
The postal company would choose three lead managers and complete a valuation before starting the initial public offering (IPO), Abdulla Al-Daboos was quoted in UAE daily Emirates Business 24/7 as saying.

"The valuation cannot be less than 3 billion dirhams ($817 million)," Daboos said.
Empost planned to sell existing shares to Gulf Arab investors and foreign residents of the UAE, Daboos said last year.
It would use IPO proceeds to acquire logistics companies, financial services firm specialised in remittances, and express mail companies in Asia, he had said. (Reuters)

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Companies finalize salary payment arrangements through Emirates Post outlets

Private establishments sign agreements with Emirates Post to distribute workers’ salaries from January 1, 2008
Dubai, December 11, 2007: As the deadline for the UAE Ministry of Labour’s requirement of paying salaries of private companies through approved agencies draws near, several private companies have signed agreements with Emirates Post to have their employees’ salaries distributed through post offices. The new rule is effective from January 1, 2008.

Emirates Post has been appointed an approved agent for paying out private sector workers’ salaries as part of the Ministry’s efforts to curb malpractices, such as late payment or non-payment of salaries.
Companies signing with Emirates Post have two options for salary payouts. Their employees can either collect the salaries from designated post offices or at labour camps through mobile units of Wall Street Exchange.
Abdullah Al Daboos, Director General of Emirates Post, commented, “Emirates Post is pleased to join hands with the Ministry of Labour in meeting the needs of the labour force more effectively. We will charge no fees from the employees. The participating companies will benefit by way of reduced costs as they will be able to outsource the laborious task of salary payment month after month.”
Among the companies that have already signed agreements with Emirates Post for the salary pay-out scheme are Darwish Engineering Emirates, Dubai, (6,500 employees), United International Group, Abu Dhabi (4,800 employees), Al Sawaed, Abu Dhabi (4,500 employees), Al Sarah, Dubai (850 employees) and Al Hudaibia, Dubai (750 employees) and many other private companies.
“We expect more companies to sign with Emirates Post. On our part, we have ensured that employees of the participating companies get efficient service. Also, our state of the art IT systems offer full security,” added Mr. Al Daboos.
Each employee entitled to receive his salary from Emirates Post outlet will be issued a smart card containing his photo, staff number and personal details. The employee will collect his salary on dates specified by the company.
Apart from collecting salaries, the employees can remit money to their families overseas from the same counter. They can also instruct the post office to send a certain amount to their families and it will be automatically transferred on a chosen date. The counters will also offer money exchange facilities. In future, Emirates Post also plans Mobi-Post, a series of mobile post offices that will be positioned around labour camps.
Companies interested in joining the services have to enter into separate arrangements with Emirates Post. An account will be opened to enable easy transfer of money from the company to Emirates Post. Companies that join the system will benefit by way of reduced burden on staff and full security.

For further information, please contact:
Anthony Francis, Corporate Communications, Emirates Post.
Tel: 2031420, Fax: 2031 372.
Mobile: 4571624. Email: anthonyfr@emiratespost.ae

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Emirates Post showcases postal IT solutions at Post Tech 2007

Emirates Post showcased its advanced POS system and other IT solutions at Post Tech, a major international event on postal technology, held in Jeddah recently. Over 400 exhibitors and delegates took part in the event that had participants from 140 countries, under the banner of Universal Postal Union (UPU).
The two-day conference cum exhibition was opened by HH Prince Khalid Al Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, Chief of Mecca region. Speakers highlighted the need for automating postal services through modern systems and IT solutions, and presented case histories of success projects from all over the world.
Emirates Post highlighted its indigenously developed POS system which automates counters and back office workflow. The system enables counter staff to deliver multiple services, both postal and non-postal, including payment of utility bills, Ministry of Labour Transactions and traffic fines.
Developed by IT Department of Emirates Post, the POS system enables it to add new services, and have a real-time link with new partners. The system has seen been adopted by neighbouring countries, and Emirates Post is talking to some other regional countries to transfer the technology to their postal networks.
“Technology is playing a major role in the reform process of postal services,” said Abdullah Al Daboos, Director General, Emirates Post. “Technology gives us tools to introduce greater efficiency, speed and security in all our operations. At Emirates Post, the POS solution has enabled us to take a quantum leap in customer satisfaction. At the same time, technology has enabled us to turn our post offices into one-stop shops for multiple services.”

For further information, please contact: Anthony Francis at anthonyfr@emiratespost.ae

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