DSOA awards certificates to three firms for highest safety standards

DUBAI, UAE: The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for DSO, the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries, today announced it awarded certificates of distinction to three contractors for their zero-incidence record and providing a safe working environment.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority’s initiative comes as an outcome of its partnership with Build Safe UAE (BSU) that mandates it to share information on risk assessments, safe working methods, safety issues and advice, best practice case studies and any related information that may contribute to the overall development of the industry.

While Larsen & Toubro has completed two million man-hours without any incident, Dutco Balfour & Beatty has been recognized by a third-party and received high ratings on its safety environment. Al Futtaim Carillion received top honors for implementing safety procedures and creating a raised level of awareness about safety measures among its workers.

The three organizations, Larsen & Toubro, Dutco Balfour & Beaty, and Al Futtaim-Carillion, were presented the certificates of distinction by Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, Chief Officer of Engineering Management Department at DSOA.Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, Chief Officer of Engineering Management Department at DSOA presenting the certificates of distinction.

Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri said: “Dubai Silicon Oasis places enormous emphasis on workers’ safety and prioritizes the stringent implementation of all codes of conduct, especially in the construction industry. As responsible organizations, the three companies have set a precedent for others and we commend their efforts to put in place the industry framework required for businesses to flourish.”

As a member of BSU, Dubai Silicon Oasis also commits itself to 10 key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and measure the participation levels of each signatory member organization. Compliance with KPIs are reviewed on a semi-annual basis and failure to do so will result in cancellation of the membership.

The BSU membership also mandates Dubai Silicon Oasis to actively communicate best industry practices, collaborate and help raise the safety standards of all construction stakeholders in the UAE, while supporting the cause of workers’ welfare.

Philips sets up regional office at Dubai Silicon Oasis

DUBAI, UAE: Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands, world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, has set up its Consumer Lifestyle regional headquarters at the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the region's premier integrated innovation hub for high-tech industries.

Philips has also established the global headquarters for the International Cluster sales organization of Philips Consumer Lifestyle sector at DSO. This office acts as a coordination hub for commercial activities within the International Cluster, an organization employing over 800 employees in 39 locations.

The announcement marks the entry of another technology giant to the rapidly expanding Integrated Technology Park, which is already a host to several global majors including Wacker Chemie AG, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, and Porsche; one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, amongst many others.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said: “Philips has been a major driver of technological change in several markets, and has impacted the lives of communities all over the world. We are delighted to welcome Philips to DSO and will extend our support to ensure they are able to achieve their business objectives in the region, through our fine technology park.”

A. Yenal Gokyildirim, Senior Vice President Philips Consumer Lifestyle, International Cluster said: “We are primarily looking at marketing Philips Consumer Lifestyle technologies from our DSO operations. Lifestyle addresses consumer health and wellbeing through products and related activities that help consumers live healthier lives. The Consumer Lifestyle sector was formed on January 1, 2008 through the integration of Philips’ former Consumer Electronics and Domestic Appliances & Personal Care divisions.”

“The sector is focused on making a difference to consumer's lifestyles, in particular, addressing their health and well-being through strong leadership positions in categories such as oral healthcare, mother and child care, small domestic appliances, portable electronic entertainment and flat-screen television” Gokyildirim added.

DSO highlights Dubai’s dynamic business environment during Japan visit

DUBAI, UAE: The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for the region’s leading high-technology park, today announced a high-ranking delegation held a five-day visit to Japan to meet with top officials and highlight the business potential of Dubai, particularly the investor-friendly environment of Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Led by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, the delegation officials met with the Tsunehiro Ogawa, Director General-International Trade Policy from the Ministry of External Trade and Industry (METI), and the Yasuhiro Yamada, Executive Vice-President of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), as well as CEOs of leading Japanese corporations operating in the field of Semiconductor and Microelectronics industry. Discussions focused on the possibility of establishing business ties as well as exchanging views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest.Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni with H.E Tsunehiro Ogawa-Director General, International Trade Policy from the Ministry of External Trade & Industry (METI).

Commenting on this visit, Dr. Al Zarouni said: "Dubai is already seen as a gateway to the Middle East and North Africa region. This is why we are keen to engage major Japanese firms in a dialogue that will lead to partnerships with DSO. Our talks specifically highlighted the advantages that DSO offers as a destination for Japanese firms to set up their regional base.

“The UAE is already one of the most IT enabled societies with a high degree of technology adaptation in the region. We believe the visit will further consolidate the existing synergy between technology companies in Japan and DSO and take our business ties to the next growth phase.”

Dr. Al Zarouni and the delegation also met with CEOs of leading Japanese corporations operating in the field of advanced technology, and briefed them on the investment opportunities that DSO offers.

The state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities in Dubai in general and DSO in particular, which are specifically tailored to host technology companies, were also highlighted. The DSOA delegation additionally held discussions with senior officials of reputed banks and financial institutions that could support companies seeking to operate out of DSO.

The delegation later called on His Excellency Saeed Ali Al-Nowais, the UAE Ambassador in Japan. The diplomat expressed his willingness to facilitate all communication channels between the UAE and the Japanese companies planning to commence their operations in DSO and promote the investment opportunities in DSO especially for companies operating in the Semiconductor and Microelectronics industry. Dr. Al Zarouni also commended the role the UAE Ambassador is playing in strengthening the
bilateral trade between both countries.

DSO is a free zone technology park for semiconductors, microelectronics and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and North Africa region. DSOA is the regulatory body for DSO, the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries.

DSOA signs MoU with Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

DUBAI, UAE: Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to provide best of class services and support for companies aspiring to develop hospitality ventures within the DSO.

According to this agreement, DTCM will take the responsibility for licensing and categorizing hotels according to DTCM regulations. It will also ensure the implementation of all other procedures related to tourism events activities.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Chief Executive Officer of DSOA, and Khalid A. bin Sulayem, Director-General of DTCM, (see picture) in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, CEO of DSOA, said: “Since the establishment of Dubai Silicon Oasis we have endeavored to develop the technology park into a fully integrated community that offers enabling services and facilities to all our customers. Consequently, we have been engaged with several governmental departments and signed various agreements and contracts that will serve to achieve the ambitious objectives for our business partners.

“Through this partnership, DTCM will be responsible for licensing companies aspiring to develop hospitality ventures at DSO. In addition, it will also oversee tourism related events and activities that will complement the overall deliverables of the technology hub.”

Khaled A. bin Sulayem, DTCM Director General said: “This agreement falls in line within the framework of cooperation and strategic partnership between the DTCM and public and private sector organizations to enhance the tourism industry standards and services. This will go a long way in enlarging the scope of tourism industry and help regulate the hospitality sector to better the tourism product offering of Dubai.”

“Companies that are interested in hospitality business will benefit from the DTCM’s expertise and efforts to promote and market Dubai across the word. This partnership between DSO and DTCM will help create better synergies for better tourism standards and regulations for the hospitality sector,” he said.

DSO is a free zone technology park for semiconductor, microelectronics and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and North Africa region. DSOA is the regulatory body for DSO, the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries.

DSO organizes Green campaign to mark World Environment Day!

DUBAI, UAE: Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high tech industry, organized today a green campaign at its premises to mark the World Environment Day on 5 June.

Assigned by the United Nations as a worldwide pledge to renew commitments for protecting and developing the environment, the World Environment Day has “Climate Change and Implications” as the central theme for the year 2009. Over 100 countries are anticipated to join this crusade on spreading awareness for combating climate change and preserving the ecosystems.

As part of the day’s agenda, employees of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority volunteered to clean and plant trees at the property, demonstrating a strong sense of commitment towards the corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda outlined by the management.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Senior Chief Officer – Corporate Excellence & Support at DSOA from DSOA said: “Preserving our environment is a global priority nowadays, which needs to be highlighted in order to be understood by all our employees and partners. Our involvement in the world environment will reinforce the message.”

DSOA has been actively involved in global environment related initiatives, including the Earth Day 2009 that saw a network of more than 17,000 partners and organizations in over 174 countries drawing attention to the importance of resource conservation and environmental protection.