Dubai, UAE: ENOC employees from various subsidiaries and departments took part in the ‘Clean up the UAE’ campaign, organised by Emirates Environmental Group. Their participation was part of the company’s ‘TarabuT’ programme, which aims at engaging and encouraging the employees to volunteer in community initiatives.

Saeed Abdullah Khoory, ENOC’s Chief Executive Officer, said:  “ENOC is committed to participating in initiatives that are key to conserving our environment. We are honoured to give back to the society and take part in this campaign, which is in line with our continuous efforts to create a better environment that benefits our future generation too.”

Initially conceived in December 2002 as a collective grassroots initiative to sweep the nation clean, the Clean up UAE campaign has successfully evolved into a nationwide event that battles environmental degradation through volunteer participation. The campaign aims to enhance and protect the landscape through community efforts and also serve as a platform to raise awareness and strengthen the UAE’s commitment towards environmental protection and sustainable living.

ENOC has always been at the forefront of supporting and promoting awareness campaigns on health, safety and the environment. With more than 6000 employees across all subsidiaries, the group aims to involve more than 15 percent of the workforce in volunteer activities.

The UAE could see more fuel shortages next year if no federal action is taken to help petrol retailers carry the cost of subsidising soaring oil prices, analysts have said.

The Gulf state has dragged its heels over increasing the cost of petrol in the wake of the Arab Spring, despite $100 oil spurring more than six days of fuel shortages in June across stations.

Dubai-owned Emirates National Oil Co (Enoc) broke ranks in June to criticise the government-set petrol cap and to lobby for a change in the system. But analysts say negotiations on the issue have ground to a halt.

“The situation is at a complete standstill,” said a Dubai-based energy expert. “If international oil prices continue to rise in the next six months and no agreement is reached, there are likely to be [more] shortages.”

It was speculated Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) would take over Enoc petrol stations in the north after the summer’s fuel shortages, but this has not been confirmed.

“Enoc has continued to raise alarm bells by declaring its willingness to cut supplies to Dubai customers as it continues to burn through cash. The [only] change on the ground in the northern emirates is that Adnoc is enlarging its downstream presence,” the analyst said.

“All discussions are behind the scenes. Abu Dhabi has not issued any public proclamations as of yet. The status quo continues with petrol prices dictated by the federal government and retailers carrying the financial burden.”

Three of the UAE’s four fuel retailers – Enoc, its subsidiary Eppco and federally-owned Emarat - have made losses for many years. Adnoc has been largely unaffected because its upstream operations and vertically integrated supply system allow it to absorb any potential losses.

Enoc said in June it could not continue to bear the shortfall between fuel prices and the heavily subsidised cost at the pump, arguing it was “not sustainable or viable for the company.”

The retailer expects an AED2.7bn ($735m) loss this year.

The UAE has long subsidised fuel prices in an effort to cut living costs for residents, at a cost of millions of dollars a year. The Gulf state increased prices twice at the pump between April 2010 and January 2011, but scrapped a third planned rise in the wake of regional political upheaval.

Dubai, which is recovering from its 2009 debt crisis, spent just over AED5.7bn on various subsidies including energy and other transfers in 2010, according to International Monetary Fund data. Abu Dhabi spent AED22.2bn - but its budget is more than four times the size of Dubai’s.

The government has made efforts to offer short-term solutions to its retailers, including raising the capital of indebted fuel retailer Emarat by 50 percent to AED9bn ($2.45bn) in June.

But analysts warn cash injections or other short-term support will not be sufficient for retailers to maintain reliable fuel supplies over the next 12 months, particularly if oil prices increase.

“Unless oil prices fall sharply, this will definitely be a continuing issue as the financial burden on the petrol retailers is too great,” said UAE-based energy analyst Robin Mills.

“These retailers need some kind of government intervention - whether that is direct subsidy payments, price rises, ADNOC taking off some of their operations, or some other arrangement.”

Dubai : Underlining its commitment to raise awareness on various social concerns that affect children and adults, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) supported the UAE Down Syndrome Charity Golf Day and Auction as Gold Sponsor.

Held at the Dubai Creek & Yacht Club, the event was organized by UAE Down Syndrome Association (UAEDSA), a non-profit organization that empowers people with Down Syndrome in the UAE, by helping them achieve their full potential and maximize their skills, to participate effectively and productively in the society. 

Saif Alfalasi, Executive Director of EHSQ & Corporate Affairs, said: “We take concerted initiatives to support disadvantaged youngsters to realize their fullest potential through awareness campaigns and special training programmes. Our support to the charity golf and auction event was aimed at highlighting Down Syndrome in the UAE, and to encourage more people to take up initiatives that will help in empowering people with the condition.”

From supporting disadvantaged families and special needs people to promoting global charity initiatives, ENOC has been at the forefront of several CSR campaigns. Among its various initiatives that make a valuable difference to the society include the annual ENOC Challenge and Masiraty programmes aimed at enhancing the professional and social skills of the participants.

This year, ENOC raised funds for Beit Al Khair Society, The Red Crescent Authority, and Dar Al Ber Society during the Holy Month of Ramadan, while Emirates Gas, as subsidiary of the company joined hands with Dar Al Ber Society to provide 300 disadvantaged families in the UAE with free LPG refill. ENOC has also been a key partner of the ‘Care by Giving’ campaign aimed at increasing awareness about autism and raising funds for the Dubai Autism Centre.

ENOC has set up a dedicated committee to help establish the ENOC Wellness & Social Programme, to promote the health and well-being of employees, and also to strengthen solidarity through community networking in an informal and fun-based environment.

Coffee Planet, already renowned for its fresh coffee ‘on-the-go’ in convenience stores throughout the UAE, has now launched its retail coffee range fresh from its own state-of-the-art roastery in Dubai.

The range which comes in funky branded coffee bags can now be seen on the shelves in ADNOC and Enoc/EPPCO petrol station convenience stores and aswaaq supermarkets. The range includes whole beans and ground coffee and comes with striking names such as, “The Awakening Original House Blend”, “Velvet Infinity” and “Desert Rise” with a choice of medium and dark roast options.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly discerning about the coffee they are drinking today, meaning that the market for fresh premium coffee at home is experiencing exponential growth. While cheaper, instant coffee remains the dominant force in at-home coffee drinking, more and more people are prepared to grind their own beans and use a French press/ plunger or small coffee machine to make their favourite coffee in the mornings,” said Richard Jones, Managing Director, Coffee Planet.

Coffee Planet serves over 10,000 cups of gourmet fresh coffee each and every day, through its expanding network. Its ‘Express’ model of bean to cup, fresh milk coffee machines dispenses premium Arabica coffee. The automatic, computer- controlled machines can make a premium cappuccino coffee in less than 40 seconds, cutting down on waiting time and living-up to the expression, ‘on-the-go’.

Explaining how Coffee Planet has managed to differentiate its premium coffee taste from others in the market, Jones commented: “We source our 100% Arabica green beans direct from farms all over the world, blend them and roast them in our own roastery here in Dubai, controlling quality and delivering to stores straight away.”

For more information on where you can now buy Coffee Planet coffee for your home, go to the website: www.mycoffeeplanet.com

Dubai, UAE: Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) is underlining the importance of sustainable development especially to meet urban challenges through its support to ‘Future Cities 2011,’ a premier forum focused on urban planning and development held until September 29, 2011 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

ENOC is the Silver Sponsor of the event organised jointly by Dubai Municipality, the Environment Centre for Arab Towns and Arab Towns Organisation. Future Cities 2011 serves as a platform for sourcing solutions and outlining long-term strategies for ensuring the sustained social, economic and environmental development of tomorrow’s global cities.

Khalid Hadi, Brand and Corporate Communications Director of ENOC said: “The cities of the future are projected to face unprecedented challenges led by the rising population and the pressure on the infrastructure. One of the effective strategies to address these challenges is an emphasis on sustainable development. ENOC is underscoring its commitment to promoting initiatives that help manage and implement sustainable urban growth through our support to the Future Cities 2011 forum.”

Leading professionals from the public and private sectors are participating in active discussion on the various challenges faced by urban cities. The various discussions analyse the impact of growing urban population – with nearly 6 billion people or nearly two-third of the world’s population expected to live in cities in the next three decades.

Environmental protection, preservation and the need to promote innovative solutions to address the urban challenges are at the centrestage at the forum, co-located with Cityscape Global, the premier real estate exhibition that is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the world.

In line with the modern challenges, ENOC has undertaken several concerted steps to drive environmental efficiency and promote sustainable growth. This includes the launch of the first ‘green service station’ in the Middle East at The Meadows neighbourhood in Emirates Hills, Dubai.

Among the innovative green initiatives at the station are advanced technological devices to contain petrol fumes released at the pump, and a variety of other state-of-the-art systems, including solar-powered lighting, a ‘waterless’ car-washing system, new waste segregation systems, and design upgrades to reduce noise pollution.

Dubai, December 29, 2010: The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced that ENOC will be the main sponsor of the International Human Resources Conference and Exhibition (IHRC 2011), to be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, during 19 -20 January 2011.  

His Excellency Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Awar, Head of IHRC 2011 Steering Committee and Director-General of FAHR said the support extended by ENOC shows how keen it is on supporting national initiatives aimed to enhance the country’s position in global competitiveness. The support also indicates the importance of partnerships in the federal and local levels, especially among national institutions such as ENOC, which highly value the objectives of the conference, said Al-Awar.

Al-Awar added: “IHRC has already attracted top speakers and world class organisations, emphasising the event as an ideal platform to share experiences and evolve solutions to key HR challenges in the region and worldwide. We aim to make this event a brainstorming on regional and international HR issues that are critical in our long-term strategy for comprehensive economic development.”

Khalid Hadi, Group Brand and Marketing Manager of ENOC commented: “We are delighted to support IHRC as it will contribute to enhancing the image of the UAE internationally and create a platform for the global exchange of knowledge and expertise in the field of human resources. Supporting the event is part of ENOC’s strategy to connect with other economic sectors at the local and international levels. It is also a perfect fit with our commitment to invest in developing human resources as directed by our leadership and the UAE vision 2021”.

IHRC 2011 will bring together experts and thought leaders worldwide to discuss effective mobilisation and management of knowledge, skills and manpower across sectors and disciplines under the theme “Human Resources: the Sustainable Capital for the New Era.” The conference will highlight the most relevant human capital development issues in the present global economic context, to provide governments and professionals with insights into designing sustainable HR strategies and policies.

The conference and exhibition follow the directives of the UAE leadership to focus on human capital as the most productive investment in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.

IHRC 2011 also aims to position the UAE as a strategic hub for HR development across the region and worldwide, through creating an annual platform for the leadership and experts to debate sustainable HR development. It is also designed to facilitate transfer and exchange of valuable HR knowledge in the region and create a networking opportunity for HR practitioners.

Dubai, UAE; October 31, 2010: More than 65 ENOC employees participated in the global “Clean Up the World” campaign, organised in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program and Dubai Municipality. ENOC volunteers took part in cleaning the open beach located in Jumeirah 1.

ENOC’s strong turnout of employees complements its recently launched program TarabuT, which aims at engaging and encouraging employees to volunteer in community development activities. The clean-up drive follows the successful ‘Save Pakistan’ campaign in partnership with Aramex, wherein several ENOC employees took part.

Khalid Hadi, ENOC’s Group Brand and Marketing Manager, said:  “ENOC is committed to partnering in initiatives that have a transformational impact on the community. We partner in social causes as well as events that help conserve our environment. The launch of our TarabuT programme has lent further momentum to the participation of our employees who realize the importance of being socially-responsible individuals.”

Clean Up the World is a global campaign that inspires and empowers communities to clean up, fix up and conserve their environment. Held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, it mobilises an estimated 35 million people across 120 countries.

ENOC has always been at the forefront of support and awareness campaigns on health, safety and the environment. With more than 6000 employees across all subsidiaries, the group aims to involve more than 15 percent of the workforce in volunteer activities

ENOC receives first US patent

Dubai, August 8, 2010: ENOC was granted a United States Patent No. 7,691,258 for preserving the quality of jet fuel during transit. The patent is also the first-ever for ENOC. As a new process in petroleum processing, ENOC’s approach ensures that the quality of “merox treated” jet fuel is not allowed to deteriorate while it is transferred from one tank to another until it reaches the aircraft’s fuel tanks.

Transferring of “meroxed” jet fuel from refinery to terminals through tank transfers has been a cause of quality concerns in the supply chain logistics of petroleum industry. The new process which took more than four years to develop, included installing special clean up filters at the EIL Terminal at Jebel Ali which helped main the quality of jet fuel when it was moved from the refinery to Dubai airport.

Tayyeb Al Mulla, Chief Executive, International Refining and Marketing, ENOC, said, “ Our first patent represents a major advance and is a contribution of ENOC to the industry.  It also marks the group’s commitment to further developing industry standards through continuous innovation.  Our new process addresses a concern that is being faced by the global petroleum industry for several years. I thank everyone who was involved in developing the process; this achievement would not have been possible without their invaluable help, encouragement and support, especially Dr. M. S. Venkateshan, who was the man behind the whole idea. We are confident this is the first of many more patents to come.”

ENOC is also looking to utilize the benefits of this patent to generate additional revenue and profits in the long run. Tayyeb Al Mulla added: “Through these patents we can license our methods to others in the industry and gain additional revenues which will benefit ENOC over a period of time.”

ENOC once again awarded Superbrands status

Dubai, July 21, 2010: For the fifth year running, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) has been selected as a Superbrand for 2010 by the United Arab Emirates Superbrands Council.

ENOC is the only national oil company to receive this honour for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting its standing as one of the most trusted and high-profile brands in the UAE. The recognition reiterates ENOC’s outstanding track record in delivering world-class products and ensuring the highest standards in customer service in line with global best practices.

Khalid Hadi, ENOC Group Brand and Marketing Manager, received the Superbrands award from Mike English, Director of Superbrands Middle East & North Africa, at the Superbrands tribute event, where 62 successful brands were recognized from 1,415 pre-qualified brands covering various industries.

Commenting on the award, Khalid Hadi said: “We are honoured to have been awarded the Superbrands status for the fifth consecutive year. This reflects on our achievements over the years in building a distinguished brand in the oil and gas industry. Since our establishment in 1993 we have strived to meet and exceed customer expectations in terms of quality and service, and maintain the highest industry standards relating to environment, health and safety in all our operations and facilities across the world.”

The Superbrands Council in each country comprises individuals with exceptional aptitude in business and a thorough knowledge of the country’s market and methods of business.

- Four government officials honoured at a special ceremony held at Emirates Gas headquarters

EMGAS Honoures Exceptional Government Officials

Dubai, July 19, 2010: Emirates Gas (EMGAS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ENOC, honoured four government officials for their valuable contributions to the LPG sector and consumer safety in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, at a special recognition ceremony held recently. The individuals were recognized for displaying exemplary roles in enforcement of rules, good communication and timely response, efficient coordination, transparency, and professionalism.

Nader Al Fardan, Marketing and Government Relations Manager of Emirates Gas, presented the certificates to the honourees, namely: Mr. Essa Mosabeh Al Fardh, General Manager - Economic Department, Umm Al Quwain, for his efforts in ensuring the safety of consumers and in reducing the number of violations in Umm Al Quwain; Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Tikawi, Strategy Performance Development Manager - Civil Defence Head Quarters, for organizing the Emergency Response Vehicle training workshop for the various Civil Defence departments across the UAE; Mohammad Abdul Rahman Abdulla, Head of Hazard Materials Section - Civil Defence, Dubai, for implementing and enforcing the safety standards on truck drivers to ensure the safety of the community; and Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Permission Department Manager - Municipality and Planning Department, Ajman, for his key role in reducing the number of violations in Ajman.

Hesham Ali Mustafa General Manager of Emirates Gas said that, thanks to the dedication, loyalty and passion of these employees, the LPG industry is in good hands: “I am delighted to congratulate the four outstanding individuals for their instrumental roles in enforcing safety measures – their contributions will go a long way in sustaining the industry. At Emirates Gas we take pride in recognizing and celebrating our valuable partners’ contributions.”

Emirates Gas is the largest supplier of LPG in the UAE and the market leader, supplying a variety of LPG products and propane used in industrial, commercial establishments and residential areas.  Its range of eco-friendly products, Cutting Edge Gas, Pro-Power and EGAP, are supplementing efforts in curbing pollution and environmental degradation.