Dubai, UAE; December 21, 2011: Emirates National Oil Company has launched the first of its kind retail site-in-charge training programme.

The initiative is part of Tatweer, ENOC’s National Development Programme, aimed at encouraging young nationals to undertake retail management career roles as well as advance in their career.

The site-in-charge training will cover the full spectrum of operational aspects involved in managing a retail site, including hands-on job training. Ten Emirati Nationals, mostly high school graduates, have enrolled for the programme.

The 138-day intensive training programme will prepare the young Nationals to undertake all the roles that are traditionally expected of retail sites-in-charge including administrative, supervisory, leadership and safety aspects, among others.

Mr Saeed Abdullah Khoory, Chief Executive Officer of ENOC, said: “The launch of a dedicated site-in-charge training programme, as part of Tatweer, underlines our commitment to develop managerial and supervisory capacity skills in young Emiratis, and nurture them to take up business leadership positions.

“The training programme has been carefully structured to cover all aspects of the site-in-charge responsibility, and will be a valuable knowledge asset for the participants. We will continue to introduce training programmes that help shape a fresh and continued cadre of young Nationals ready to take up varied roles across our organisation.”

Among the various courses in the training programme are an induction and orientation course, followed by tailored courses on customer service, computer skills, supervisory leadership, assertiveness skills, 7 Habits Signature, fire fighting training, problem solving and decision making, first aid, financial fundamentals, and stock taking, among others. The programme will be led by experts from ENOC, and include practical sessions at the retail sites that will prepare the nationals to take up the site-in-charge role seamlessly.

ENOC regularly undertakes regular training for its staff members, enabling them to keep up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry.

Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, will showcase its varied cultural initiatives that have contributed significantly to enhancing Dubai’s cultural scene at the first Dubai Government Excellence Programme exhibition to be held until December 20, 2011, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Dubai Government Excellence Program’s first-ever exhibition is a national initiative held to underscore the excellence, drive, and accomplishments of the various government entities in the Emirate, and how they have contributed collectively to strengthening the social and economic fabric.

Dubai Culture will highlight its impressive series of initiatives and projects including the prestigious Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of Arts Awards, SIKKA Art Fair, Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, Heritage Centers and Dubai Public Library.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “One of the central goals of the Dubai Strategic Plan, envisaged by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is to promote the city’s cultural identity and establish Dubai as a regional hub for culture and the arts.

“Over the past years, we have introduced several path-breaking initiatives with the objective of promoting national talent, drive original content creation, promote intercultural dialogue and highlight Dubai’s status as a thriving cultural destination. With initiatives such as the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of Arts Awards we also continue to encourage individuals and organisations to become part of the vibrant cultural movement of Dubai.”

Reiterating Dubai Culture’s role in spearheading the growth of the culture and arts scene of the city, the Authority has commissioned ‘Tinkah,’ a young group of UAE national artists to conceptualise and design of the Authority’s stand at the exhibition.

The artists, Reem Al Ghaith, Abeer Tahlak, and Kholoud Sharafi, are sharing their individual strengths and design expertise for ‘Tinkah.’

The Dubai Government Excellence Program exhibition will host some 33 government departments and expects to host over 1,500 visitors. For more details, also contact Dubai Culture on 8004003 or visit www.dubaiculture.ae  

Doha - Qatar: Qatargas, five years on, has been given the green light to continue the protection of coral colonies in Qatar’s waters working in partnership with the Ministry of Environment.

In October 2006, Qatargas, with the Ministry of Environment, started implementing a unique environmental programme to save more than 4,500 coral colonies in Qatar’s waters close to where the underwater pipeline laying activities related to Qatargas’ expansion projects – Qatargas 2, Qatargas 3 and Qatargas 4 have taken place.

The programme involved moving the corals from their existing location to a more suitable area south east of Al Khor.  In an operation that lasted over five months, scientists carefully detached the coral colonies from the seafloor, transported them safely to the new location and re-attached them to the seafloor.  The corals were then numbered and tagged for future monitoring.

Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatargas Chief Executive Officer said:
“At Qatargas we uphold the highest standard of energy use, responsible energy management and energy conservation.  As a responsible promoter of energy, we are committed to the care and protection of the environment for generations to come.  We believe that minimising the environmental footprint of our industries is critical to achieving the environmental development outcomes of the Qatar National Vision 2030, this coral relocation project is one such fine example”

Toufik Benmosbah, Qatargas Chief Safety, Environment and Quality Officer adds:
“Qatargas is proud to be associated with this innovative environmental mitigation initiative.  In addition to protecting the marine environment, it also contributes towards gaining scientific knowledge of coral reef habitats and how they react to the harsh marine environment of the Arabian Gulf.”

Qatargas has been conducting regular environmental monitoring surveys to determine the success of the relocation programme and establish a baseline for the monitoring of the reef health and viability.  The corals are currently monitored every six months.  Two successive recent surveys have highlighted that the transplanted corals are beginning to reproduce successfully.

In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Qatargas has voluntarily extended this monitoring period for a further three years (starting in 2012) as new and valuable scientific information is gathered at each monitoring session.

This extension will provide an ongoing assessment of one of the only permanently marked and routinely monitored coral community in Qatar.  Through this important conservation work we are able to ascertain the value of coral relocation as a mitigation option for pipeline and other impacts on the near-shore environment, and further build local capacity on this important environmental project in collaboration with the MoE.

Qatargas’ coral relocation project has received recognition both locally and regionally, winning the Qatar Today Green Award’s Excellence in the Energy Industry in 2008 and the Regional Clean Seas Organisation’s Excellence in Environment Projects in 2009.  Qatargas looks forward to continuing to proactively participate with industrial partners and regulators to support similar environmental initiatives and challenges shared by society.

Dubai : Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) announced today that participants in the bank’s ongoing Qiyadee leadership programme have successfully completed the first phase of this 36-month course. The programme has targeted talented UAE nationals who seek to pursue a long-term management career at the bank.

This group of aspiring UAE nationals successfully completed an intensive theoretical programme at Zayed University, and will now commence practical applications at DIB, working alongside the bank’s managers in a range of key areas.

In line with its long-term Emiratisation strategy, the Qiyadee programme was introduced in 2006 by DIB, and consists of theoretical and practical courses in the fields of Islamic banking, finance and management.

Students in this second Qiyadee programme are trained in a range of core business and support functions, thus evolving their skills and knowledge to fulfil managerial positions in fields such as retail banking, corporate banking, wealth management, central operations, information technology and risk management.

“Dubai Islamic Bank is committed to supporting the educational attainment of UAE nationals, and to promoting their professional growth through the Qiyadee programme,” said Abdulla Al Hamli, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Islamic Bank. “We are very proud of this group of aspiring young professionals for completing their theoretical training at Zayed University, and look forward to welcoming them to Dubai Islamic Bank for the next phase of their training.”

Obaid Al Shamsi, Chief of Human Resources, Dubai Islamic Bank, said: “As part of our strategy of investing in human capital, the second Qiyadee programme offers talented young UAE nationals the opportunity to participate in a personalised leadership training programme. Graduates of this three-year programme are uniquely positioned to thrive in their future careers at Dubai Islamic Bank, becoming leaders in the financial services sector and in the community as a whole.”

The Qiyadee programme is a key component of DIB’s long-term strategy to meet its ambitious Emiratisation objectives. Currently, 46 per cent of the bank’s employees are UAE nationals, an increase of five per cent from 2010. At the branch manager level, DIB has already achieved 100 per cent Emiratisation.

Berlin, 22 November 2011:  The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) launched a new International Placement Programme (IPP) for young Bahraini graduates and professionals this week during its business development roadshow to France and Germany.  The new programme, to be overseen by Tamkeen, will provide young Bahrainis with the opportunity to become immersed in a new language and culture while providing practical, long-term work experience in one of Bahrain’s key trading partners.

The IPP seeks to create a cluster of young Bahraini professionals with international experience working in the home markets of key international companies worldwide including French and German companies.   During the first five months of the programme, the candidates will learn the local language before taking on a work placement with one of the corporate partners to this initiative.   The objective of the programme will be for candidates to gain the necessary expertise and skills to take on challenging positions within the companies’ Bahrain operations on their return to the Kingdom.

Speaking at Gala dinners in Paris and Berlin where the IPP was launched, Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa al-Khalifa, EDB Chief Executive said:  “Bahrain prides itself on the investment already undertaken in education and skills training.  Already, we are recognised for the highly skilled workforce we offer to international companies looking to base operations in the GCC.  However, improvements can still be made.  The IPP will provide a fast track for talented Bahrainis and enable our international business partners based in Bahrain to draw on an ever wider talent pool.”

Tamkeen CEO, Mahmood Al Kooheji said:  “The IPP provides opportunities to young Bahrainis to gain international work experience, skills and professional knowledge which they can use to great effect on their return to Bahrain.  It will enable them to gain a cross-cultural understanding on business demands and help develop a global perspective ever necessary in the competitive and interdependent international marketplace.  Tamkeen will provide funds and oversee this programme in conjunction with local educational establishments and international private sector partners.”

To date GSE, Groupe-6, Unanime and Technal of France, and Hochtief, RMA and BASF of Germany have all signed up to the programme.  Further companies are due to confirm over the coming days.  Placements are expected to incorporate a range of professional disciplines, including banking, finance, accounting, ICT, architecture and engineering.

For more information, please visit www.bahrainedb.com

Dubai: Mohammad Al Mutawa, one of the winners of the UAE Motorsport Star programme, has been invited to the selection stage for a place in the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy — the world’s most prestigious driver training programme.

Al Mutawa, a competitor in the Formula Gulf racing series, will attend a selection event in Melk, Austria, from November 15-18, where he will aim to earn a place in the academy.

Most promising

He was nominated to the FIA Institute by the Automobile Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), which used the UAE Motorsport Star programme to identify him as the UAE’s most promising young driver.

He will be one of 30 drivers at the selection event competing for 18 spaces in the academy, three of which are guaranteed for drivers from the Middle East and Africa.

Al Mutawa, along with UAE Karting champion Mohammad Al Daheri, was selected as a UAE Motorsport Star from a shortlist of five candidates identified by the ATCUAE, due to his excellent performance across a range of physiological, psychological and media tests.

Al Shamsi urges voters to vote enthusiastically on September 24

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 14th September, 2011: Aisha Al Shamsi, a candidate for the Federal National Council elections for Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (Candidacy Number 644) has launched her election programme under the slogan “Not just for four years”.

This programme focuses on many topics considered by Al Shamsi as very crucial for accelerating the socio-economic development of the UAE in diverse sectors.

Al Shamsi, Business Development Manager of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority, said her main objective in contesting the elections is her philosophy that it a national duty to serve one’s country. She added: “I will continue serving my country selflessly in the appreciation for the country that emerged as an oasis of peace by providing high quality of life to its citizens and residents.

Al Shamsi urged voters to vote in large numbers on 24th September. She added: “Your vote would make the difference to develop solutions to all challenges and problems we are facing in the society.”

Al Shamsi said that if she won, she will work on developing the whole UAE in general and Northern Emirates in particular, and focus on developing infrastructure that include utilities and roads and to advance the quality of life of its citizens on the socio economic perspective.

Al Shamsi added: “My election programme includes raising the standard of living of citizens, boosting individual incomes, attracting industrial, touristic and agricultural investments, helping needy UAE nationals as well as amending retirement rules for Emirati working women. I will also focus on developing the capabilities of the UAE nationals and securing leading roles for them in the public and private sector.”

Al Shamsi will also work on raising healthcare services in the UAE and promoting interaction between old timers and recently retired employees. Moreover, she will focus on enhancing Emiratisation policies and giving job opportunities to old people. Moreover, she will emphasize on combating price rise in basic products and lowering unemployment and enhancing national identity amongst UAE youth.

Al Shamsi has a Higher Diploma in Business Administration and she is now Business Development Manager in Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority. She has represented the country in many events all over the world.

Al Shamsi said that she is committed to provide government support to fishermen by motivating and facilitating the lives of these people who are working in this profession that is linked to the legacy of the UAE.

Al Shamsi will also work on reserving the cultural legacy of the UAE by conserving old buildings and transforming them into museums that will generate income for government or UAE nationals who own them.

Al Shamsi will also work on catering to the needs of people with special needs and enhancing the agriculture industry as a strategic industry and supporting farmers and focusing on fruits and vegetables, including dates, and tackling the problem of water scarcity.

DIB concludes Iktaseb summer training programme

Dubai, August 20, 2011: Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) concluded its annual summer training programme, Iktaseb, which offers professional development opportunities to young UAE nationals aspiring to a career in Islamic banking and finance.

In total, 105 participants from colleges and universities across the UAE were honoured at DIB’s Learning and Development Centre during a graduation ceremony attended by senior DIB executives including Mohammed Al Nahdi, Deputy CEO-Chief Operating Officer and Obaid Al Shamsi, Chief of Human Resources.

Iktaseb is a month long summer training programme which aims to identify, refine and educate young UAE nationals about the fundamentals of Sharia compliant banking. In addition to hands-on practical training in the bank’s day-to-day operations, the programme focuses on communication skills, project management, presentation and other soft skills.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Obaid Al Shamsi said: “As the UAE’s foremost Sharia compliant financial institution, DIB has a longstanding commitment to develop the next generation of Islamic banking professionals. Over its eleven years, Iktaseb has proved to be a key stepping stone into the Islamic banking industry with many of DIB’s current leadership being graduates of the programme. Iktaseb remains an important part of DIB’s extensive corporate social responsibility efforts and ongoing contribution to the betterment of people’s lives in the UAE
 

Commercial Bank International (CBI), one of the leading banks in the UAE, has launched its Al Ajial Emiritisation training programme, with more than 25 Emirati students enrolling in the programme.

CBI Al Ajial (new generation) programme has been developed by the Bank to provide trainees with fundamental principles of banking, and aims to give UAE nationals working knowledge and practices in the banking sector.

Twenty five Emirati graduates were selected for the programme and will be rotated through various departments for six months, during which time they will receive continuous on-the-job training supplemented by formal training in the Training Centre. Each graduate is assigned to a mentor to support and prepare them for various positions across the bank.

Speaking on this occasion Mr. Kris Babicci, Chief Executive Officer, CBI, emphasized, “Training helps optimise human potential in achieving both individual and organizational goals. It is important to give employees adequate tools to work better for their companies and also for their own sense of achievement. In the long run training has a very positive impact on retention, increasing staff morale and enhancing overall job satisfaction, as well as improving productivity and performance.”

“Al Ajial is one of our most successful approaches to developing local talent and illustrates our commitment to the Emiritisation drive. Our trainees are exposed to the best practices the industry has to offer and they can look forward to excellent growth and development prospects in the bank,” he added.

CBI has a strong presence at the career fairs across the UAE and is focused on becoming the Employer of Choice.

Madinat Jumeirah Al Qasr compost garden sm

Dubai, 16 August 2011: In line with its extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) plans, Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, is the first hotel in the UAE to implement a Bokashi Compost Programme to improve environmental stability.

“Bokashi” is a Japanese word meaning ‘fermented organic matter’ and it offers a simple, yet effective composting system whereby all raw food waste is recycled using an anaerobic process. In autumn 2010, Madinat Jumeirah implemented this programme, producing organic compost which is now used in the resort’s gardens to enrich the soil and improve its water-holding qualities.

The project is currently the only one of its kind in the UAE and was initiated when Bokashi Dubai joined forces with Madinat Jumeirah to create a pilot project in the gardens of Al Qasr hotel. On average 2.1 tonnes of raw food waste is recycled each month in Al Qasr and this compost is also used to fertilise the hotel’s own organic herb garden.

Originally implemented as a pilot programme, Bokashi is beginning to show positive results as it enables organisations to utilise food waste to produce a soil conditioner with slow release nutrients which is organic in origin. It is proving to be a pioneering initiative enabling Madinat Jumeirah to contribute to a more sustainable environment.