Training program part of larger aswaaq strategy to ensure highest level of customer care through knowledge-exchange initiatives with DCD

Dubai, August 15, 2010- Building on its reputation for exceptional customer care, aswaaq has recently concluded a fire awareness and prevention workshop in cooperation with Dubai Civil Defense (DCD), marking the second consecutive year that the two organizations have come together in support of greater employee and customer safety.  The partnership follows a MoU signed between aswaaq and DCD earlier this year in which both organizations recognized their mutual interest in promoting public safety campaigns in high population areas throughout Dubai.

Focusing on fire safety, the most recent workshop was led by corporals Mohammed Kalil and Shehab Badawy from the DCD and requested by aswaaq as the company updates it fire safety guidelines. More than 55 employees from various departments at aswaaq attended the day-long course, which included practice drill on responding to emergency situation, different types of fires, evacuation procedures, as well as key information that must be relayed to DCD in case of emergency.

“These courses are very important as we continue to instill a sense of responsibility amongst our staff that we can all play an active role in taking care of our valued customers,” says Yousuf Sharaf, Deputy CEO at aswaaq.  “We have built a great relationship with DCD through these kinds of workshops and look forward to further developing initiatives outlined in the MoU shared earlier this year.”

To maximize safety, Sharaf says that aswaaq will continue knowledge-sharing programs with DCD to provide aswaaq with expertise on a number of security and emergency-response measures.  Part of that includes new employee training initiatives and licensing aswaaq facilities with voluntary building-safety guidelines. Sharaf indicated that aswaaq would even look into extending these programs to local customers and residents in the future.

aswaaq to offer ‘Wafa’ Loyalty Cards to DCD’s employees in appreciation of their efforts

Dubai, February 6, 2010- In a move to increase awareness of community wellbeing and safety issues, aswaaq has signed an MoU with Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) in which the two organizations will work together to develop cooperative public-safety campaigns in high population areas throughout Dubai.  The MoU was signed in aswaaq between Mr. Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of aswaaq, and Colonel Ahmed Al Sayegh, Director Advisor for Fire and Rescue Affairs of behalf of Major General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Head of Dubai Civil Defense.

The signing of the MoU reflects both organizations desire to enhance communication between neighborhood residents and civil security representatives.  . The MoU details a knowledge-sharing program in which DCD will provide aswaaq with expertise on a number of security and emergency-response measures.  Part of that includes new employee-training initiatives and licensing aswaaq facilities with voluntary building-safety guidelines. 

As agreed in the MoU, aswaaq will provide temporary Wafa Cards to DCD’s employees whose names and contacts will be provided by DCD. Once the employees gain over 1000 points on their cards, they will be offered the permanent Wafa Cards. Aswaaq will also supply the main Cafeteria in DCD’s headquarters with all the needed food and dairy products. Aswaaq will prioritize the leasing of rental spaces in its centers to DCD’s employees as well as free spaces for public events and campaigns organized by DCD.

Representing the interests of DCD, Major General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi believes that the MoU is an important step in the organization’s long-term strategy of developing partnerships with the business sector.  “Working in the public interest means connecting with the public at every opportunity possible,” comments Major General Al Matrooshi.   “This MoU is the first step, and we are confident that aswaaq and DCD will be able to benefit from each other’s experiences. We are looking forward to the support that aswaaq will provide us to ensure the success of our campaigns and events and we will make sure that our professionals transfer the needed knowledge and expertise in safety and security issues to aswaaq’s employees through extensive training.”

“We look forward to working with DCD on implementing new building standards and increasing our employee’s knowledge of security-related issues,” says Mr. Al Janahi. “These kinds of partnerships ultimately create a better environment for our customers and the neighbourhoods in which we operate. Offering DCD’s employees Wafa cards that will include special promotions and discounts is a small appreciation towards those whom we consider heroes and soldiers who are there to serve and protect our community and families.”

DCD will offer aswaaq additional resources during community CSR campaigns including seasonal promotions and holiday events.  DCD professionals will train aswaaq’s employees to handle emergencies and fires and will provide them with the needed knowledge and techniques that should be used for immediate evacuation. Also, DCD will help improve aswaaq’s buildings so that they are eligible to gain the building completion and readiness certificate. Moreover, DCD will participate in various campaign and event that aswaaq will host during national celebrations and occasions.