Magazine issued by ADNOC Distribution, 12th issue (October - December) 2016.
A New Work Philosophy for a More Sustainable Future
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Opening letter FROM the CEO Over the last few years, the UAE has enhanced its leading position in business and corporate innovation, and evolved into a global destination for the launch of new businesses in all sectors. As an integral part of the nation’s economy, ADNOC Distribution is keen to conceptualise and implement future strategic and operational plans in order to further consolidate its lead in the relevant business sectors and make a significant contribution to our country’s economic growth. The launch of our new Vision. Mission, Values and Culture reiterates our commitment to building the business sectors of the future and enhancing our people’s capabilities to accomplish the best possible added value; this will enable us to seize all available opportunities and overcome potential challenges in a systematic and effective manner. In harmony with ADNOC’s future strategy, our new work philosophy is built on four pillars: enhancing efficiency, strengthening performance, increasing economic return and profitability, and investing in human resources. To mark this year’s Emirati Women’s Day on 28 August, ADNOC Group companies including ADNOC Distribution demonstrated their endorsement of the group’s future strategy by announcing three solutions for strengthening women’s participation in the oil and gas industry by 2020. These include appointing a female UAE national as CEO of one of the Group’s companies, increasing women’s representation in senior management from 7% to 15%, and increasing the percentage of Emirati women among new UAE employees from 20% to 30%. All of us at ADNOC Distribution are fully committed to these goals and will do our best to contribute to their achievement. Our operations in the third quarter of 2016 had diverse focus and goals. In an effort to provide the public with better access to the services of ADNOC Distribution vehicle inspection centres, we decided to extend the opening hours of four centres in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region to also cover Fridays and Saturdays.
Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi Acting Chief Executive Officer
Highlighting our commitment to providing quality products and services based on our customer focused strategy, we have been honoured with the ‘Brand of the Year’ distinction at the World Branding Awards 2016 in the National Award category for service stations sector for the second consecutive year. Such distinctions inspire us to continue retaining the trust of our loyal customers, while keeping our competitive edge in the industry. In line with our commitment towards the communities where we operate, we launched a campaign to educate the public about the correct ways to handle, move, and use LPG cylinders and their regulators under the tagline ‘Safety: It’s in Your Hands’. Focused on the Northern Emirates, the initiative aims to raise awareness about the correct methods of storing and installing LPG cylinders, as well as the importance of regular checking of cylinders and their regulators. I invite you to explore the 12th issue of our AFAQ magazine for a comprehensive insight into the company’s activities, as well as our internal and external developments. I am confident you will find it a great reference source and an effective communication tool. As always, we look forward to receiving your feedback, contributions and comments on the magazine’s content. Thank you. 12th issue, 2016
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Contents 6
ADNOC Distribution News • • • • • • •
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Products and Services •
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ADNOC Distribution Receives ‘Brand of the Year’ Distinction for Second Year in a Row His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber Visits ADNOC Distribution ADNOC Distribution Commences Technical Inspection of Vehicles on Weekends ADNOC Distribution Continues to Rebrand Transferred ENOC and Emarat Service Stations in Northern Emirates ADNOC Distribution Honours Employees for Exemplary Service ADNOC Distribution Celebrates Emirati Women’s Day ADNOC Distribution’s Fruitful Visit to Wärtsilä Offices in Finland
ADNOC Distribution Re-opens Three Service Stations in Abu Dhabi Following Routine Maintenance
Under Spotlight •
Medical Services Unit: Supporting ADNOC’s Strategic Directions
20 Expansion Projects • • • •
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Abdulla Hilal A Marboui, Technician – Vehicle Inspection
Information Technology •
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ADNOC Distribution Conducts Public Awareness Campaign to Promote Safe Use of LPG Cylinders and Regulators
National Talents •
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Saber Mohammed Al Ammari, Lube & Grease Plant Department Manager
Health, Safety, Security and Environment •
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A Day in an Employee Life •
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ADNOC Distribution Opens Madinat Shakhbout Service Station in Abu Dhabi Al Bahya Service Station Now Open in Abu Dhabi 16 Service Stations to Open in Various Parts of the UAE by End of 2016 Two New Service Stations to Open in Al Falah Area of Abu Dhabi
Digital Communication
Employee’s Contribution •
Common Rating Errors in Performance Appraisals
•
Human Dream
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cover
Acting VP - Marketing & Corporate Communications Division & Editor-In-Chief
Nawal Abdul Kareem Al Menhali Editorial Board Lubna Mohamed Al Muhairi Luciana Blackwell Eman Abdel-Wahab Fatima Al Zaabi Atif Badruddin Osama Al Dagamseh Design & Art Direction
A New Work Philosophy for a More Sustainable Future ADNOC Distribution has a vital responsibility to the country we all serve. We are a catalyst that keeps the country always on the move.
Amin Abdel Rahman Nour El Dein The Editorial Board are Team Members of Marketing & Corporate Communications Division of ADNOC Distribution AFAQ Magazine is issued by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution «ADNOC Distribution» Copyright © 2016
This responsibility falls on all of us. It’s our responsibility towards our customers, our stakeholders, and the wider public. We live our values and spread our culture in everything we do, as the organization is only as strong as its people.
‘AFAQ’ magazine is an official publication of ADNOC Distribution However, articles can be used with full acknowledgement to ‘AFAQ’ Magazine, ADNOC Distribution official publication For contributions and more details: P.O. Box 4188, Abu Dhabi - UAE Tel.: 02 6959621, Fax: 02 6722322 afaq.edit@adnocdistribution.ae
ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution Receives ‘Brand of the Year’ Distinction for Second Year in a Row Honour Recognises Exemplary Services Delivered by ADNOC Distribution’s Service Station Network
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ADNOC Distribution has been honoured for the second consecutive year with the ‘Brand of the Year’ distinction at the World Branding Awards 2016 in the National Award category for service stations sector. The title validates the brand’s excellence in the distribution and marketing of petroleum products and allied services within the UAE. Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, received the award at a special ceremony hosted at the Kensington Palace in London. The event was also attended by Khalid Hadi, Vice President of Allied Services Division at ADNOC Distribution. Commenting on the win, Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi said: “Today, we are glad to achieve this honour from the World Branding Forum for the second year in a row. We work relentlessly to ensure employee well-being, preservation of the environment and conformance to the highest standards of health and safety in our day-to-day operations. Such distinctions inspire us to continue retaining the trust of our loyal customers, while keeping our competitive edge in the industry.”
The World Branding Awards are presented by the World Branding Forum, a registered nonprofit organisation. The awards, which recognise the achievements of some of the world’s best brands, includes three major tiers – the Global Awards, Regional Awards and the National Awards. The Global Awards honour international brands, the Regional Awards are given to brands that score highly in a region, while the National Awards are conferred to brands that are household names in their countries of origin. ADNOC Distribution bagged in June 2016 Best Contactless Solution and Best Payment Innovation of the Year awards at the annual Middle East Smart Cards & Payments Awards ceremony held in Dubai. The company won both awards following stiff competition from major financial institution and government entities in the UAE, Middle East & North Africa (MENA), India, Sri Lanka and Turkey. The company also won in May 2016 the ‘UAE Superbrand 2016’ status for the third consecutive year for its excellence in the distribution and marketing of petroleum products and services within the UAE and overseas.
ADNOC Distribution News
“As a leading national enterprise, ADNOC Distribution is committed to providing quality products and services based on our customer focused strategy. In line with this priority, ADNOC Distribution seeks to meet the dynamic needs of our customers on par with the highest standards. This approach has helped ADNOC Distribution maintain its leading status in the local market through adopting innovative solutions that achieve greater productivity and significant efficiency in our operations.� Saeed Al Rashdi, Acting CEO
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ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution Commences Technical Inspection of Vehicles on Weekends Starting August 2016, ADNOC Distribution has commenced operating several of its Vehicle Inspection Centres (VICs) on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm in a bid to better meet the dynamic requirements of its customers. Kick-starting the initiative, VICs located at Abu Dhabi (main), Mahawi, Al Samha and Al Ain (main centre) started functioning on weekends to manage the growing demand
His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber Visits ADNOC Distribution During a visit at ADNOC Distribution, His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) attended a senior management meeting, along with Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting CEO of ADNOC Distribution. During his visit, His Excellency Dr Al Jaber made an impromptu stop-over at ADNOC Distribution’s customer service call centre and pleasantly surprised customers by fielding their phone calls and offering them solutions to their issues, in addition to lending a patient ear to their feedback.
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for ADNOC Distribution’s light vehicle inspection services. The new operating hours, from 9am to 5pm, will enable customers at the Vehicle Inspection Centres to benefit from streamlined services, quick inspection procedures and reduced waiting time. Vehicle inspection fees can now be directly paid at the inspection bays. A pilot test of the new system will be carried out at Abu Dhabi’s main vehicle inspection centre before it is extended to the remaining VICs within the ADNOC Distribution network.
Khalid Hadi, former Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications and current Vice President Allied Services at ADNOC Distribution, said: “This announcement articulates our efforts to streamline the procedures of vehicles inspection services in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. At ADNOC Distribution, we are committed to meeting the high demand for our best-in-class products and services from our customers in line with the directives of our wise leadership.”
Average daily vehicle inspections across centres
3,000 vehicles
Total number of vehicles inspected during 2016
More than 240,000 vehicles Number of centres
20 centres
(7 in Abu Dhabi, 6 in Al Ain and 7 in the Western Region)
Abu Dhabi
Western Region
United Arab Emirates
Al Ain
Average inspection time
8 minutes per vehicle
ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution Continues to Rebrand Transferred ENOC and Emarat Service Stations in Northern Emirates
ADNOC Distribution is continuing to expand its network of service stations in the domestic market to meet the diverse needs of its customers across the UAE. Within the emirate of Sharjah, the total number of refurbished service stations operated under the ADNOC Distribution umbrella has risen to 65, with 14 service stations currently being rebranded ahead of integration into the pipeline. The newly branded ADNOC Distribution service stations are a result of an agreement signed between ADNOC Distribution and Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) to integrate 25 ENOC service stations in Sharjah within the ADNOC Distribution fold. So far, 20 ENOC service stations have been handed-over completely, of which seven currently provide services within the ADNOC Distribution network. Work is underway to rebrand the existing stations and make them fully functional at the earliest. Similarly, as per an agreement signed between ADNOC Distribution and Emarat, 75 Emarat service stations as well as the oil terminal at Port Khalid belonging to Emarat are set to be acquired by ADNOC Distribution. Till date, 66 service stations have been fully converted to operate under the ADNOC Distribution banner.
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ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution Honours Employees for Exemplary Service The Human Resources and Marketing & Corporate Communications Divisions collaboratively organised a farewell event for the exemplary service of several ADNOC Distribution long-term employees, who had served the company for more than 20 years. The farewell took place on 25 July, 2016. Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting CEO of ADNOC Distribution, senior management and company staff were present at the event.
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ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution Celebrates Emirati Women’s Day
As part of the UAE’s annual celebration of Emirati Women’s Day on the 28th of August, ADNOC Distribution held its own special event to mark the day at the company’s Abu Dhabi headquarters. Organised by ADNOC Distribution’s ladies committee the event was attended by Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting CEO of ADNOC Distribution, senior management, and a large number of female employees. In his opening speech, Al Rashdi said “Over the past few decades, women in the UAE have - through their achievements across all walks of life - reinforced their status as integral and productive members of society. Accounting for almost half of the country’s population, Emirati women have - through their own relentless efforts and with the support of the country’s leadership - broken glass ceilings in almost every kind of discipline – both within an office environment and outdoors”. He added, “In the UAE, we have never accorded Emirati women special treatment or considered them as one half of society. In keeping with the philosophy of the founding father of the UAE late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan we have always viewed society as one composite unit. Sheikh Zayed urged the sons and daughters of this country to work together as one team to achieve progress and prosperity for future generations. We commend his noble vision that offered the country a solid foundation for progress”. Then he mentioned, “ADNOC Distribution employs nearly 900 female staff members across various administration, engineering, marketing and customer services, and finance domains, as well as at service stations across the country”. The event was attended by the Emirati psychologist, writer and TV presenter Dr. Nadia Buhannad, who gave a talk on the stages of Emirati women’s empowerment throughout the history of the UAE. She explained the leading role played by notable Emirati women in serving their country, highlighting the outstanding example of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Mother of the Nation.
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Al Rashdi concluded the event by honouring the long service provided by the first five ladies to join the company. These Emirati women received recognition for their hard work and their valuable contribution to the company’s growth and progress
ADNOC Distribution News
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ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution’s Fruitful Visit to Wärtsilä Offices in Finland ADNOC Distribution has launched brisk efforts to expand its reach and expertise worldwide, kicking off with an initiative to develop relations with Wärtsilä. The Finnish corporation with widespread international presence is a global leader in advanced technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. With its new venture, ADNOC Distribution seeks to impart superior technical know-how to Wärtsilä and seize the opportunity to become one of the main lubricant providers for its engines.
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ADNOC Distribution News
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Various divisions within ADNOC Distribution contributed to facilitating the trip. As field tests of ADNOC marine lubricants were a prerequisite for the visit, the Production Plants Division in conjunction with Corporate Sales launched a search for a ship utilising Wärtsilä engines that would agree to perform the tests. A suitable candidate was found in ADAMAS, a cement carrier vessel in Greece. The ship is currently conducting field tests, intended to run for a year, on two engines. Each of the engines has a different function and uses a different type of fuel. The first services marine vessels and requires fuel oil with high levels of sulphur, which prompted the utilisation of ADNOC Voyager Marine 440. The second, mainly intended for power generation, runs on Diesel with a comparably low sulphur rate, which is why our experts selected ADNOC Voyager Marine 412 diesel oil as the best match.
In July 2016, after several field tests, our delegation headed by Eng. Salem Ahmed Darwish visited Wärtsilä’s offices and plant in Finland with the aim to cultivate a long-term partnership with the engine manufacturer. The trip offered an ideal opportunity to display ADNOC Distribution’s advanced technical skills while discussing the technical components of vessels and lubricants with our potential new partner. Our delegates also showcased ADNOC Distribution’s marine lubricants and marine oils, highlighting the latest strategies for production, marketing and distribution within the UAE and abroad. Last but not least, the visit served as an introductory meeting, emphasising ADNOC Group’s strategic imperatives and its significant role in the UAE’s nation building process.
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Products and services
ADNOC Distribution Re-opens Three Service Stations Following Routine Maintenance ADNOC Distribution announced the reopening of three of service stations in Abu Dhabi following their routine maintenance. These stations include Al Saada service station on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Al Maha service station, located on Mina Street in the direction of Zayed street (previously Salam Street), and Al Manaseer service station on Khaleej Al Arabi street in Al Manaseer area. These service stations had been temporarily closed to complete the replacement of ground fuel tanks, undergo routine maintenance work, and install the new ADNOC SMART technologies.
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Prior to the re-opening, specialists from ADNOC Distribution inspected the updated service stations and reviewed the development and maintenance operations carried out in order to ensure their readiness to resume operations. Khalid Hadi, former Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Communications Division and current Vice President of Allied Services at ADNOC Distribution, said: “ADNOC Distribution carries out routine maintenance work across our wide network of service stations in order to upgrade their facilities and ensure maximum convenience for our customers at each station. These efforts reinforce our commitment to maintaining best-in-class quality standards in the products and services we deliver to motorists and road users across the UAE.” Hadi added: “We have put in place a clear maintenance plan that aims to refurbish and expand our network of service stations to meet the dynamic needs of our customers for our high quality products and services.” Similar to other service stations within the ADNOC Distribution network, the three service stations that underwent maintenance retail a range of petroleum products including E-plus 91 and Special 95 octane fuels and green diesel. In addition, they offer allied services such as refuelling, oil change and automatic car wash.
UNDER SPOTLIGHT
Medical Services Unit:
Supporting ADNOC’s Strategic Directions Our main goal is to create a healthy and secure environment that leverages capacities of all employees and enables them to be innovative
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ADNOC Distribution’s Medical Services Division provides many vital services to the company to assist achieving its longterm strategic vision. Services include monitoring the health of the company’s employees and conducting medical tests for potential employees before their appointment to make sure they are medically fit to assume their roles in the company. According to Dr. Salma Al Hosani, Medical Advisor at the Medical Services Unit, the unit issues medical fitness certificates to ADNOC Oasis stores employees within ADNOC’s service stations across the UAE. These certificates prove that employees are free of any communicable diseases. The unit also coordinates with other HR departments to continue procedures on medical cases that need evaluation or follow-ups. Dr. Al Hosani says that the unit is also committed to issue health insurance cards to the company’s employees and their family members. In addition, it conducts regular medical check-ups for employees, follows up on their sick leaves and certifies them, and monitors their cases if they have to travel abroad for medical treatment. Other responsibilities of the unit include following up on any work
UNDER SPOTLIGHT
related injuries that may happen to employees through coordinating with ADNOC’s Medical Committee and ADNOC Distribution’s HSSE Division, to report incidents and collaborate with them to take precautions in the future. In addition, the unit offers support and consultation to employees who have health problems that may affect their performance. It refers them to ADNOC’s Medical Committee to evaluate their medical status and assess their fitness to work. It also conducts the end of service medical evaluation. Great Efforts for Following up on Employees’ Health Dr. Al Hosani says that the Medical Services Unit receives many sick leave notes on a daily basis for employees working at the company’s sites in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Western Region, Dubai, and northern emirates. The Medical Services team classifies the sick leaves and refers leaves that exceed 14 days to ADNOC’s Medical Committee to approve them. Furthermore, the unit refers about 5 – 10 cases weekly to the Medical Committee. These cases include sick leaves inside the UAE and abroad, medical fitness evaluation for work, requests for reducing work hours, and industrial injuries with disabilities. It then
coordinates with the Employee Relations Department and the related departments to take action based on the Medical Committee’s decisions. Future Opportunities for Development and Innovation Dr. Al Hosani says: “Having a Medical Services Unit within the HR Department reflects ADNOC Group’s and ADNOC Distribution’s keen interest in providing a safe work environment and caring for employees’ health. Our main goal is to create a healthy and secure environment that leverages capacities of all employees and enables them to be innovative, which will positively reflect on their performance and the quality of services offered to the public.” Al Hosani stresses that opportunities for development at the Medical Services Unit are plenty. The HR Department continues to work with other departments to improve workflow and create new ideas and plans that ensure utmost care of employees since they are the company’s most significant resource. AFAQ Magazine Supports the Unit Al Hosani points out that ADNOC Distribution’s AFAQ Magazine can be an effective communication tool and
a medical reference for all employees. Al Hosani will publish a medical column in upcoming editions of the magazine. This column will address subjects that can raise awareness on good health habits, promote healthy practices in work environments, share knowledge on common diseases, and correct some wrong medical concepts. She also stresses the important role that ADNOC Distribution plays to drive economic growth in the UAE and promote a civilized image of the country locally and globally. “I thank all employees who have contributed to creating this wonderful image of our company. They are all dedicated and working behind the scenes to boost the company’s excellence in its field,” Al Hosani says. Dr. Salma Al Hosani is a mother of three. She has a Bachelor degree of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences in the United Arab Emirates University. Currently she is finishing her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Zayed University. Prior to joining ADNOC Distribution, Al Hosani worked at Health Authority – Abu Dhabi for five years. She joined ADNOC Distribution in July 2016 as a Medical Advisor at the HR Department.
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Expansion projects
ADNOC Distribution Opens Madinat Shakhbout Service Station in Abu Dhabi ADNOC Distribution opened the Madinat Shakhbout service station in Abu Dhabi’s Shakhbout City, in line with its sustained strategy of meeting the growing demand for its value-focused products and services to cater to the UAE’s rapid urbanisation and development. Located behind the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence building, the new service station was inaugurated by Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting CEO of ADNOC Distribution, in the presence of senior company officials and invited special guests. 20
The new station is fitted out with five islands comprising 10 dispensers - of which four islands are allocated for fuel and green diesel and one island for natural gas - to supply a growing number of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in the emirate. Madinat Shakhbout service station is the latest addition to the ADNOC Distribution network of service stations across Abu Dhabi. Similar to other ADNOC Distribution service stations, the Madinat Shakhbout service station provides a range of petroleum products and is open round-the-clock. The service station offers retail services via its ADNOC Oasis store that also includes a bakery. The new service station provides oil change services and retails a wide range of lubricants. In addition, it also boasts an LPG cylinders depot and a fast food restaurant, among other conveniences.
“ The launch of Madinat Shakhbout service station reflects our sustained commitment to providing world class services to our valued customers. As part of our expansion plans, ADNOC Distribution is also building 12 new service stations along arterial roads that will exclusively cater to refuelling. This initiative aims to reduce queues and ensure maximum convenience and flexibility towards meeting the everincreasing number of motorists in Abu Dhabi. The new stations will be located at Abu Dhabi Island, Shakhbout City, Khalifa City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.�
Saeed Al Rashdi, Acting CEO
Expansion projects
Al Bahya Service Station Now Open in Abu Dhabi
Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, opened Al Bahya Service Station in Abu Dhabi at an event attended by senior ADNOC Distribution officials and key stakeholders. The opening of the new services station articulates ADNOC Distribution’s strategic plan to expand its services station network to meet the growing customer demand for its services and products, while keeping up with the continued population growth and urbanisation in the UAE.
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Expansion projects
Fitted out with the latest equipment, the new service station comprises seven islands with 12 fuel dispensers offering E-Plus 91, Special 95, Super 98, Green Diesel and Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV). Following the opening ceremony, Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting CEO of ADNOC Distribution, said: “The opening of Al Bahya Service Station is a key step towards improving the operational efficiency of ADNOC Distribution service station network and expanding our geographical presence across the UAE to provide the best-in-class services to our customers. ADNOC Distribution will leverage its expertise to provide outstanding facilities and services to the residents of Al Bahya.” The newly opened services station offers a range of petroleum products and services round the clock including vehicle refuelling, LPG cylinders depot, a car care services, a mosque and ADNOC Oasis store that includes a bakery. Apart from that, an ATM machine and a fast food restaurant that will open soon. The service station also provides automatic car wash and oil change services every day from 7 am to 11 pm.
16 Service Stations to Open in Various Parts of the UAE by End of 2016 In line with the directives of our visionary leadership to step-up the delivery of enhanced services to all customers, ADNOC Distribution plans to open 16 new service stations by end-2016. Of these, six service stations will be operational in Abu Dhabi city, seven in the Western Region, two in the Northern Emirates, and one new service station in Al Ain. The company currently follows an expansion strategy that seeks to increase the total number of service stations within its network to more than 450 throughout the UAE by 2017.
Two New Service Stations to Open in Abu Dhabi’s Al Falah Area ADNOC Distribution also announced the opening of two new service stations in Al Falah area of Abu Dhabi. The company confirmed the near completion of Al Falah South, projected to become operational in mid-2017. Various specialised departments are currently working to finalise the design for Al Falah West service station. 12th issue, 2016
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A day in an employee life
Saber Mohammed Al Ammari Lube & Grease Plant Department Manager I’m working at ADNOC Distribution’s Production Plants Division as Lube & Grease Plant Department Manager in Sas Al Nakhl Island. I am married and father to four kids - Maitha, Mohammed, Khalifa and Sultan. After completing my high school, I opted to join an engineering college and enrolled at the UAE University in Al Ain that is well known for its reputation and standards. Engineering has always been my dream. I achieved my goal and graduated with a BE in Chemical Engineering in 2005.
What was your first job before becoming a Lube & Grease Plant Department Manager? I started my career journey at GASCO in 2005 as a Shift Supervisor in Habshan Plant, where I was responsible for overseeing the gas processing units across the plant. Owing to some personal reasons, I left GASCO in 2008 and joined ENOC in Dubai - this time in the
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HSE Division as HSE Compliance Officer. I spent two years there and in 2010 got the chance to join ADNOC Distribution in the HSE Division as Technical HSE Engineer. I enjoyed a rewarding stint in the division and contributed to many projects like IRP-2 and Al Humriya Free Zones. I have conducted many HSE Audits and also led several major accident investigations. In 2012, I received a chance to
climb the career ladder when I applied for a vacancy in the Lube & Grease Department and actually got the job. What are the responsibilities assigned to you as a Lube & Grease Plant Department Manager? As Lube & Grease Plant Manager, I am tasked with planning, directing and managing the production activities of the Lube & Grease Plant and ensuring that production levels meet customer demands and also that production processes are cost efficient and generate maximum profits. What are the tasks you have on your daily to do list? My daily roster includes several activities such as planning, ordering, receiving, handling and storage of raw materials from which lubricants and greases are manufactured. These include base oils, additives and packaging materials, including cans and drums. Apart from that I am required to review various enquiries from the Corporate Sales Department for local and export requirements from agents in the domestic and overseas markets, such as the delivery timing and the product specifications. I also arrange daily meetings with the plant operations and store teams in order to plan production activities and ensure
A day in an employee life
that all products are available in order to meet the customers’ expectations. What are the challenges you face on daily basis? As a Lube & Grease Plant Manager, my biggest challenge is interacting with the many suppliers and contractors of raw materials to ensure the required materials are received in time for the production. It is also essential to continually coordinate with various business units to understand their requirements and try our best to accommodate them. We produce more than 100 different varieties of lubricants and greases, and also in different packaging types - drums, cans in different sizes and also in bulk. We receive more than 20 types of raw material for the plant in regular basis. We also coordinate with overseas suppliers for the delivery of additives and base oils. At the end, our key target is to produce quality ADNOC lubricants to the highest standards and deliver them on time to our valued customers. Many initiatives are in place to continuously improve the quality of the products and packaging for the benefit of our customers. Some of them are implemented while others are in the pipeline. The most important part in our job
is the planning and coordination. If the raw materials are delayed for any reason, this will delay the production and the customers will not receive their products on time. Given this scenario, we carry out daily operation meetings, weekly coordination meetings and continuous follow-ups with all suppliers. One of our future projects is to build the new lube and grease plant in KIZAD. The basic design review will start soon. The new plant will offer the latest technologies of lubricants blending and also grease manufacturing. The plant will be fully automated and boast high speed filling machines that can handle possible increases in demand in the future. We ensure harmony at work through routine site visits to the Plant to meet the operators, and through regularly conducting meetings with team leaders and the supervisors. We have a very positive system of rewarding the best employees every month. We also celebrate the UAE National Day every year with the employees in a bid to step up feelings of patriotism and solidarity. At ADNOC Distribution, we firmly believe that our employees are our great assets. I’m really glad to be part of a leading organisation like ADNOC Distribution. Over the last six
years I have spent here, I have participated in many projects and activities - both at the HSE Department and in the Production Plants Division PPD I have been really fortunate to work with line managers such as the Vice Present - Production Plants Division (VP-PPD) and the Senior Vice Present - Operations Group (SVP-OG) (who always guide, support and help me in advancing my career. My colleagues in PPD and especially in the Lube & Grease Plant are dedicated employees and demonstrate the spirit of the teamwork in thought and deed. The interest of the company is their top priority. What are your future plans and ambitions? My dream is to see ADNOC Distribution achieve leading status as one of the largest lubricants manufacturers and distributors not only in the local market but globally as well. I do believe we can do it. Is there any hobby that you like to practice? My favourite things to do when I have some free time in this busy life are watching movies and football matches, traveling, and also gaming. My skills at the Play Station games, especially FIFA, are well known! I challenge anyone in the company to beat me at a game!
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Health, Safety, Security and Environment
ADNOC Distribution Conducts Public Awareness Campaign to Promote Safe Use of LPG Cylinders and Regulators ADNOC Distribution organised a special safety campaign titled ‘Safety: It’s in Your Hands’ to raise public awareness on the correct ways of transporting, handling, and using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and their regulators. Running from 8 August 2016 until 29 August 2016, the campaign primarily targeted communities across the Northern Emirates, where LPG cylinders are one of the main sources of cooking fuel at home.
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As part of our commitment towards corporate social responsibility and health, safety and environment principles, we organised and managed several awareness campaigns aiming to educate our customers of possible risks that might occur as a result of handling petroleum products
Highly publicised via ADNOC Distribution’s social media channels and across select radio stations in the UAE, the awareness campaign provided the public practical and easyto-remember tips on the proper procurement, transportation, storage, usage and disposal of gas cylinders. The drive also leveraged billboards at service stations across the Northern Emirates, to publicise guidelines and steps to be taken in contingencies. Moreover, magnetic sticker giveaways were also distributed for use as friendly reminders at home. In a bid to avoid unfortunate accidents at home, the campaign aimed to inform end-users about the accurate safety method of transporting and handling LPG cylinders. In addition, customers were informed of the correct way to install cylinders, the importance of storing cylinders in an upright position and of conducting regular inspections at home. Speaking on the relevance of the campaign, Khalid Hadi, former
Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications and current Vice President of Allied Services at ADNOC Distribution, said: “When handled correctly, LPG gas cylinders are a safe and wonderful amenity. Our campaign; ‘Safety! It’s in Your Hands!’ – was designed to remind people, particularly housewives, maids and workers about important do’s and don’ts associated with gas cylinders in their possession.” Hadi added: “As part of our commitment towards corporate social responsibility and health, safety and environment principles, we organised and managed several awareness campaigns aiming to educate our customers of possible risks that might occur as a result of handling petroleum products.” The educative campaign served to build on the ongoing efforts of ADNOC Distribution in promoting gas safety across the Northern Emirates, which retail 25 lb and 50 lb LPG cylinders at subsidised rates for those holding Rahal E-gas cards.
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National talents
Abdulla Hilal A Marboui Technician – Vehicle Inspection My career journey commenced when I joined ADNOC Distribution. I can honestly say today that it was the beginning of a positive new chapter in my life.
What does working for ADNOC Distribution mean to you? For me, my workplace is my second home! I spend more than seven hours a day with my colleagues who I consider my second family. As a team we work collaboratively to ensure that we deliver a high level of service that is efficient, quality-focused and innovative and meets the high standards, image and the reputation of the company. What are your daily tasks? As a technician inspecting
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vehicles, my daily tasks include assessment of customer vehicles to ensure the quality, durability and safety of auto parts. As part of this function, I am also tasked with checking for damages or malfunctions that if undetected can have dire consequences. In your day-to-day life, either personally or career wise, what stands out as a special day? There are many such days that come to mind! However, I will relate one that was rather
interesting. One day a man came along with a friend of his to the Al Ain Vehicle Inspection Centre for a re-inspection of his vehicle that had previously not passed safety standards due to various faults. He tried to hoodwink us by switching the license plate of his car with that of his friend’s vehicle. As part of the inspection when I examined his vehicle inspection papers, I realised that the information was for a car of the same model, colour and similar specs, barring the license plate. We then reported this fraud to the
National talents
concerned authorities. This clearly highlights how watchful we need to be at all times. What are your favourite hobbies? I enjoy travelling and take the time to see new places of interest whenever I can. Like a lot of my countrymen, my most favourite activity in my spare time is to play football! This would definitely rate as favourite hobby and passion! As an Emirati national, do you feel that your current scope of work meets your career ambitions? Of course! I have chosen to work in the field that I love and one in which I can apply the skills I’ve learned. Furthermore, over the eight years I have worked at ADNOC Distribution, I have found myself growing and developing continuously – from my daily interactions with my colleagues and customers across nationalities and age groups. What are the daily challenges you face? Working in the customer services function means you encounter
challenges on a regular basis. Specifically with our nature of work, some customers don’t take things well when you do not pass their vehicles in the technical inspection tests. There are others though, who thank us and appreciate the work we do to because of the endurance and physical exertion it takes to carry out inspections in our hot climate. What message would you give to Emiratis who are in the early stages of their careers or recent graduates? My message would be this working in any industry regardless of your designation, does not affect your status or importance. Our wise leadership in the UAE has provided us with plenty, and it’s our duty to give back tenfold to our country to ensure its development and progress.
job. These will enable me to gain new skills and experiences and help enhance my performance in the work place. On a personal level, I always remind myself, that the success I have garnered so far is thanks to God. I also deeply appreciate the visionary direction of Ahmed Rashid Al Dhaheri, Manager of ADNOC Distribution’s Vehicle Inspection Centres, and the guidance of my supervisors and colleagues. I will aim to continue achieving my goals and reach new levels of success.
What are your future plans, goals and aspirations to further develop yourself at ADNOC Distribution? In the area of learning and training, I aim to complete my learning process and attend training courses relevant to my
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Digital Communication
Technology Oasis by:
Ali Abdul Aziz Al Ali
Vice President, Information Technology Division Over the last decades, in spite of the fact that documents are written using word processing programs, messages are sent via email, and inventories and purchases are tracked using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, one of the biggest challenges of IT in many organisations has been moving to a paperless work environment. Not to mention the need for paper-based data authentication (signing the authenticity of the data). IT Division and in coordination with other divisions in the company, decided to move to a more viable electronic digital communication and data authentication system, to become one step closer to a paperless work environment where better and more competitive service can be provided. 30
Information Technology
Challenges of the Traditional Memo System: 1. Delay: since all memos have to be manually signed, printed and sent to destination. 2. Archiving: efficient archiving, and the retrieval of material from the archive when needed, presents many challenges. 3. Cost: the cost is not only calculated in terms of consumed paper and printer supplies, but also in the delay caused by the poor manual handling and number of personnel (messengers) recruited only for this purpose. 4. No backup: should an ‘original memo� be lost for any reason, there will be no way to recover it. 5. Tracking difficulties. 6. Poor security: The current system allows memos to be seen by many parties including the messenger. In addition, there is a risk that hand signatures could be forged, especially in non-original memos (copies). Digital Communication Solution Attachment: Digitally Signed MEMO Sender Mailbox
‍ عﺳﺎďť&#x;ďş” ŘŻŘ§ďş§ďť ďť´ďş” ďťŁďťŽďť—ďťŒďş” ŘĽďť&#x;ďťœďş˜ďşŽŮˆďť§ďť´â€Ź:‍اďť&#x;ďť¤ďşŽďť“ďť˜ďşŽŘŞâ€Ź
Receiver Mailbox 1 1 â€Ťďşťďť¨ďşŞŮˆŮ‚ اďť&#x;ﺒﺎﺪ اďť&#x;ďť¤ďş´ďş˜ďť ďť˘â€Ź
â€Ťďşťďť¨ďşŞŮˆŮ‚ اďť&#x;ﺒﺎﺪ ďť&#x;ďť ďť¤ďşŽďşłďťžâ€Ź
TO
Office Admin
Office Admin
‍اďť&#x;ﺴـﺎﺪ ا داعي‏
‍اďť&#x;ﺴـﺎﺪ ا داعي‏
Receiver Mailbox 2 2 â€Ťďşťďť¨ďşŞŮˆŮ‚ اďť&#x;ﺒﺎﺪ اďť&#x;ďť¤ďş´ďş˜ďť ďť˘â€Ź
CC
Office Admin
‍اďť&#x;ﺴـﺎﺪ ا داعي‏
In brief: • The solution is based on our existing electronic mail system (email). • A mailbox is created for each division, department or any other entity, to keep all communication. • Office admins will be responsible to send and receive incoming and outgoing communication. • Memos will be created using company templates and will be digitally signed using enterprise digital signature solution.
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The technical implementation was completed in Q2 2015, then ITD and in coordination with other divisions in the company, started the roll out exercise that included the workflow design and training sessions to all concerned divisions and departments.
Added Value 1. Faster communication: memos will be signed at a click of a computer mouse and then sent to destination as an email attachment. 2. Archiving: since all memos will be stored in email attachment, email archiving system will be a great and easy tool to search and extract old communications in a seconds. 3. Reduce the cost: the solution will decrease the need of printing on paper tremendously, no more bulky paper attachments, messengers will no longer be needed, and divisions/ departments will communicate more efficiently. 4. Backup: all memos will be stored in backup systems as well, which will protect all internal communication form accidental loss. 5. Tracking: memo senders can easily track their communication thread back and forth for a more efficient work progress. 6. Security: only intendant recipients will be able to read memo content, recipients will also be able to easily verify the sender’s signature. 7. Mobility: Managers will be able to sign/ view memos from their mobiles and tablets anywhere in the world.
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Common Rating Errors in Performance Appraisals Many line managers tend to avoid evaluating their employees’ performance since this requires a face-to-face conversation that can lead to criticism and heated debates. The following points will highlight the importance of performance appraisals and the common challenges that need to be avoided to ensure a fair appraisal.
It is important to remember that as is the case with all human beings, line managers can also make mistakes in carrying out these employee evaluations. 32
By: Khalid Al Hosani
Senior Events & Sponsorship Executive
Employee’s contribution
Evaluating the performance of employees is a necessary process that has the following benefits: • Enable line managers and employees to discuss challenges throughout the year and define mechanisms to effectively deal with them in the future • Identify weaknesses in the employee’s performance in order to help him/her improve in the specific areas and increase productivity • Encourage employees to do their best in the future • Enhance the capability of managers to make sound decisions about professional development, promotions, and increments • Provide legal evidence in case there is a need for punitive measures against employees demonstrating poor work performance It is important to remember that as is the case with all human beings, line managers can also make mistakes in carrying out these employee evaluations. Line managers must remain conscious of these challenges to ensure they carry out their assessments objectively and professionally. Common errors in carrying out performance appraisals can be summarised as follows: • Biased rating: A line manager bases his/her evaluation on a positive or a negative attitude towards the employee in a way that is irrelevant to his/her actual performance. This bias is often rooted in an employee’s appearance, age, religion, gender, and ethnicity, among others. • Stereotyping: Line managers tend to stereotype or pre-judge certain colleagues without evidence. • Central tendency: Line managers tend to give an ‘average’ rating to their subordinates instead of a ‘excellent’ or ‘poor’ rating. This usually occurs when line managers try to avoid a direct confrontation with these employees regarding their final evaluation. • Recent performance bias effect: In some instances, an employee
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delivers a great performance throughout the year, but tends to lag behind in the final month before evaluation. A line manager then gives a ‘poor’ rating because of his/ her recent perspective regarding the employee. The opposite situation can also take place. Past performance: In some situations, a line manager gives an employee the same evaluation rating as in his/her previous appraisal without discussing the employee’s performance for the current year or evaluating him/her fairly and professionally. Contrast effect: Comparing an employee’s performance to another employee is a very common error. Evaluation should always be based on what an employee actually achieves. Similar-to-me effect: In other instances, an employee and line manager may share common interests and convictions. The manager might easily proceed to give the employee a high rating without taking individual differences into consideration. Leniency: A line manager can be lenient and give uniformly high ratings to his/her good and ordinary performing employees alike. Strictness: Opposite to the above situation, a line manager can give poor and average ratings to his/her employees without considering their actual performance. Halo effect: Sometimes an employee is competent at a certain skill and the line manager considers that this strength overrides all his/her other weaknesses. Such impressions often result in a higher rating. Horn effect: Contrary to the above, in this instance, an employee is not competent at a certain skill, but the line manager generalises this incompetence and gives the employee a poor final rating for his overall performance. Favouritism: A line manager may favour certain employees over
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others for personal reasons only and without basing his/her judgment on their performance. Seniority: This is a very common error. Older or senior employees are given higher ratings even if they show ordinary or poor performance. This oversight can lead to the frustration of younger employees. Popularity: An employee may be very popular and may have influence over his/her colleagues, leading the line manager to give him/her higher ratings. Attractiveness: Some managers may fall into this trap and grant higher ratings to an employee because the latter has some attractive traits and may be popular either socially, politically, or even on social media. Appraisal rotation: A line manager gives his/her employees periodic appraisals, and at the end of one year, he/she gives an ‘excellent’ rating to some employees, and in another year he/she gives the same rating to other employees to appease everyone. Promotion eligibility: A line manager gives final evaluation ratings (excellent, very good, etc.) to employees based on the date by which they deserved to be promoted or granted increments - not on their actual performance. Even though this looks like a nice thing to do, it may cause frustration for other team members, which adversely affects their performance in the future.
It is the duty of every line manager to carry out performance appraisals fairly and professionally. It is equally important that we facilitate a workplace environment that encourages us to learn from our mistakes and avoid them – this will help create a challenging and competitive culture for employees to succeed and achieve their personal objectives as well as the company’s strategic goals.
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Employee’s contribution
Human Dream By: Hareeb Al Dhaheri International Aviation Sales Department Manager
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Human dreams and accomplishments have continued to unfold throughout the ages. As an inherent human characteristic, people are not afraid of the unpredictable nature of life, and tend to confront all life adversities and difficulties with determination and resilience. Driven by their innate potential and positive outlook towards life, most people tend to see rays of light at the end of the tunnel that inspire their inner creativity and imagination despite the setbacks they face in the pursuit of wisdom, security and peace. Through scientific research and experiments, people look for ways that achieve perfection and lofty ideals in life, while charting the way towards a better tomorrow for next generations. Among these achievements was Solar Impulse, the solar-powered aircraft that returned to Abu Dhabi in July, after completing its epic journey around the globe. Its objective was not to circumnavigate the globe, but to prove to the entire world that it is possible to fly across the world without burning a drop of oil. In using only the power of the sun throughout its expedition, the aircraft demonstrated our determination to find sustainable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions that pollute our environment. What is amazing about this project is that it was launched and adopted by a city that is one of the top producers of oil. As the oil is set to deplete someday, it is necessary to develop a new strategy that promotes a behavioral change among the current and upcoming generations. While our vision for the oil industry is built around promoting innovation and high quality products given the significance of oil to the world, the UAE is also preparing for a future that will see a major shift in the energy market affecting our future generations. Towards this priority, it has undertaken some highly ambitious renewable energy projects that show to the world its determination to lead the way in sustainable energy development through the setting up of leading research foundations such as Masdar and the UAE Space Agency. The unprecedented achievements made by the UAE articulate its vision to promote sustainable development across intellectual, cultural and scientific spheres. This will enable our future generations to embrace various aspects of cultural and economic diversity, while adapting to the modern world realities and addressing future challenges.
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