Azad news edition 48

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Azad News UAE 1-7 June 2014, 3-Shaban 1435

DUBAI SILICON OASIS AUTHORITY LAUNCHES ‘HAPPIEST PEOPLE’ INITIATIVE Initiative Inspired by Dubai Ruler’s Vision to Make Employees Top Priority By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

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0 young Emirati scientists were today awarded for their innovations and ideas in the field of Science and Technology at the Think Science Competition Awards ceremony.Honoring the winning students at the event was HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of Emirates Foundation. Other

empowerment.Commenting on this initiative, Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, said: “Making our employees happy is our top priority, and we are keen to build a culture of unity and positivity in our organisation. The Happiest People initiative aims to work continually towards optimising comfort, satisfaction, stability and happiness of our employees through a series of strategically introduced measures and activities. We are confident our latest initiative will lead to continued development and growth within the organization.Dubai Silicon Oasis is a wholly-owned entity of the Government of Dubai and operates as a free zone for semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and research and development (R&D) facilities in the Middle East and North Africa region.

AL TAYYAR TRAVEL GROUP EXPANDS OPERATIONS WITH NEW JEDDAH OFFICES

By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

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l Tayyar Travel Group, MENA’s largest travel and tourism company, has continued to expand its Saudi Arabian operations by unveiling two new offices. The global agency this week opened a new branch in Jeddah and also launched a centre for Nile Air in the city in the Western Region. The facilities, part of the Saudi group’s overall growth strategy, were inaugurated in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Sheikh, Board Member of the Group; Mr. Saeed AL-Furaih, Vice President of North, South and West Regions, Al Tayyar Travel Group; and Mr. Taher Abu Zaid, Regional Director of Nile Air.Speaking of the developments, Dr. Nasser Al Tayyar, Deputy Chairman & President of Al Tayyar Travel Group said, Al Tayyar Travel Group is excited to be the travel servicing partner of Nile Air and many leading travel and tourism companies in the western region. These relationships further showcase our extensive capabilities in delivering the highest level of services to the global market.Al Tayyar Travel Group is the authorized travel agent for Nile Air and will service passengers travelling in Saudi’s western region.

SUMMER SHOW 2014 June 4 – July 23, 2014 By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

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he Third Line will be closing the season with Summer Show 2014, presenting a selection of artworks by artists represented by the gallery and those who have shown at the gallery in the past.With a series of media ranging across photography, painting, sculpture and installations, Summer Show 2014 will be showcasing the works of Arwa Abouon, Ala Ebtekar, Ebtisam Abdulaziz, Golnaz Fathi, Hassan Hajjaj, Huda Lutfi, Laleh Khorramian, Pouran Jinchi, Rana Begum, Rhea Karam, Sara Naim and others.The exhibition will include new works, as well as those that have never been shown in Dubai, bringing home works such as Laleh Khorramian’s special project from Art Basel 2013; photographs by Sara Naim, one of the youngest and newest artists on the gallery roster; Ala Ebtekar’s lightboxes from Frieze London 2013; and earlier works by Pouran Jinchi from the 90s, amongst others.

ARTWORKS BY ARTISSIMA ART GALLERY ARTISTS’ EXHIBITION REACHES UMM AL QUWAIN Exhibition held under the Patronage of the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Community Development By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

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he Artissima Art Gallery has outreached their various artists’ works to the Center of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development in Umm Al Quwain with the aim to outreach and bring art to all the Emirates from the 27th to the 29th of May, 2014.Aurela Cuku, Managing Partner, Artissima Gallery said, “We are delighted to host our artists’ works in Umm Al Quwain which

TOP YOUNG EMIRATI SCIENTISTS AWARDED FOR THEIR INNOVATIVE IDEAS AT THE THINK SCIENCE COMPETITION AWARDS CEREMONY Over 60 Emirati youth celebrated for their achievements in the field of science and technology

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ubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis, the integrated free zone technology park, today announced the launch of its ‘Happiest People’ initiative to underline the priority it places on its employees.Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority aims to maximise the capacity of its employees to deliver higher performance and service excellence through spreading a positive culture. The scheme will also seek to develop desired competencies in employees to help them achieve their optimal performance at the workplace.This initiative articulates the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, when he said:A happy employee is more productive, more energetic and more creative hence the importance of creating a happy environment within every institution.In February 2014, during the conclusion of the Second Government Summit in Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also said: “I am happy that our country is gifted with the quality of teamwork, which is the best, since its employees are leaders, our aim is creating hope, life and future in addition to making people happy.DSO is looking to stepup satisfaction levels and enhancing employee engagement across sectors including events, policy-making, services, tools, and taskforces that in turn increase their sense of ownership and loyalty towards the organisation.The implementation of the initiative is expected to achieve greater synergy and outcomes such as bonding, open communication, gratitude, healthy competition, m o t i v a t i o n , a n d

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himself from various pigments; both Bolivian traditional and new techniques of color.The exhibition also includes pieces from ‘Andean Dreams’, a collection by Peru’s Master weaver, Eddie Sulca, whose artistic imagination is one of the best exponents of the Peruvian contemporary weaves.Born and raised in the remote Andean city of Ayacucho, Perú, Eddie began his weaving career at the age of eight with a commitment to continue the

of evaluating the projects involved.Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programmes Officer at the Emirates Foundation, which organised the event said: “We're pleased to see an increasing number of young men and women participating in the competition this year, and the improvement in the quality of project entries in terms of ideas and creativity and scientific knowledge and

By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

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onesCorp has an on-going programme to ensure that the highest standards of workers’ rights, set out in the laws and in the regulations of the Ministry of Labor

that they are being properly compensated by employers following an accident, for example. ZonesCorp also carries out regular visits to ensure that these standards are being maintained on an on-going basis.HE

Mohamed Hasan Al Qemzi, Chief Executive Officer at ZonesCorp commented:We maintain high ethical and legal standards at ZonesCorp and we aim to lead by example. In line with the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 we want to help build a sustainable and globally integrated industrial manufacturing sector in Abu Dhabi and therefore need to stamp out all abuses in this area.

BIG MAGGIE, AN EXPLOSIVE AND HILARIOUS DARK COMEDY FROM ONE OF IRELAND’S GREAT WRITERS By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

A dignitaries present at the function were HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, the Managing Director of the Emirates Foundation, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, H.E. Dr. Amal Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council, and a member of the Executive Council, Mr. Marwan Ahmad Al-Sawaleh, Undersecretary of Support Services at the Ministry of Education, and students and mentors from renowned schools and universities in the UAE.His Highness expressed his pleasure in being able to honor the winners of the competition, and said:I am delighted to see another generation of young scientists being created who will help establish strong foundations for our country’s future efforts.He also said “The creativity and intelligence of these young scientists is a testament of the accomplishments of UAE as a nation. We are proud of the milestones the country has achieved in encouraging and empowering our young talent in the fields of science and technology.His Highness praised the program’s achievements, saying: “Since its launch in September 2012 the "Think Science" program has managed to discover the abilities and talents of many distinctive young and creative Emiratis, of whom many will have a promising future in promoting the nation’s drive for progress and development. The program has been also successful in encouraging young people to study science, especially in disciplines that will help the country meet the needs of scientists and specialists, and to contribute to the knowledge-based economy.His Highness addressed the winners: "You are the bright future, and we see in you the ability to embody the vision of Sheikh Zayed (May the Almighty rest his soul) in being knowledgable citizens who are able to contribute effectively to the nation’s progress and development.His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed expressed his thanks to all those in charge of this program, and in particular the Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council. His Highness also thanked the private sector organizations and government bodies that have cooperated with the Emirates Foundation in the implementation of the program, which has contributed to bringing it to this outstanding level of organization and creativity, and make it a reality, and an important platform to invest in the potential of young Emiratis.The award has nine categories for schools, ranged from electrical engineering to non-conventional energy, industrial and mechanical systems. As for the university, the award has three categories included applied sciences and engineering, energy and environment, and smart and safety systems.The youth of UAE were provided with a platform designed specifically for them to showcase their intelligence and skills in science and technology. School and university students teamed up to create and design projects that put them in the foreground of science in the UAE during Think Science Fair and Competition. Academic experts in the fields of science and technology from the private sector, examined the projects of the students and evaluated them basis criteria of a high caliber.The ceremony also honoured the program partners, who cooperated with the organization in the launch of the program, and the provision of technical support or technical support through the different stages of the program. Among those who have been honoured are, the Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Al Hosn Gas Co. as well as jury members in charge

By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

traditions of his family and culture. His grandfather Ambrosio Sulca learned the techniques from the old weavers and has handed them down to his sons and grandson Eddie.However, Eddie Sulca is the originator of unusual effects with unique colors where he employs motifs and patterns drawn from the ancient cultures like the Inca and the Wari and combines their essence with other designs that comes directly from his dreams.On display are artworks (acrylic and mixed media on Japan paper) of the Italian artist, Daniela Carletti, whose works show the beauty of nature in its most harmonious state. She has a nostalgia for a time when human beings lived in direct communication with nature and has a compulsive need to represent this state, resulting on beautiful art pieces that are currently exhibited in the UAE

ZONESCORP PROGRAMME TO PROTECT WORKERS’ RIGHTS

are being met by its investors. As part of this programme ZonesCorp holds regular workshop[s] to ensure awareness and proper application of those laws and regulations. The current workshop covered key areas such as the provision of sick and accident pay as well as overtime pay.ZonesCorp in coordination with the ministry of Labor has always had zero tolerance policy towards abuses of these rights and will work to ensure

innovation. This batch of young scientists have once again proved that the youth of this country will bring the UAE towards a bright and sustainable future distinguished by innovation and creativity – becoming the first Arab country to achieve second place in the world in the biggest international competition for Science and Engineering (Intel) for this year, confirms the compatibility of our methodology with the highest international standards in this area.She added,The second edition of the "Think Science" exhibition held last month attracted the participation of more than 20 government institutions, and more than 550 students from public and private schools and universities from across the UAE, in addition to the 150 teachers and supervisors and staff in educational institutions and many representatives from the private sector.A notable winner in this year’s competition was in environmental sciences and management, won by high school students Shamma Al Bastaki and Hayaat Alhassan. Their project ‘Grains of Gold’ also landed them in second place at Intel ISEF in Los Angeles, USA.The students found their inspiration to create this project upon visiting the Middle East’s first soil museum. They came across hydrophobic sand as a way to minimize water waste in soils. Hydrophobic sand as they discovered is regular sand that is chemically manipulated to resist water.Protection Vest’, a project created by Shamsa Al Dhaheri, Ghubaisha Al Ameri, and Maryam Al Jabri, students of United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, took first place in the category of smart and safety systems.The project is an endeavor to increase child safety in the UAE. It particularly targets toddlers up to the age of two. The vest is creatively designed to sense whenever a child is on the verge of falling or drowning. It also includes a locator for the parents to have the ability to detect the location of their child.The creative project also took the title of ‘The Best Project’ amongst the university category.A member of the team, said “Our objective is to add to the safety of the children. As they make up more than 2.7% of our population, it is important to devote our efforts into protecting them and keeping them as safe as possible from any harm.High school students Abhishek Patankar, Mohammed Ishaq Khan, and Daksh Varyani from GEMS Modern Academy took the title of ‘The Best Project’ among the school category with their project ‘Solar-Plastic Fuel’. The project also landed the trio in first place in the category of sustainable energy.A member of the project, said Our aim is to reduce the amount of plastic wastes in a productive manner. We feel it is time to step in and do something about the damage that plastic wastes has done to our environment.The young winners’ project revolves around using only air, water and sunlight to convert plastic waste effectively and produce oil out of it. They have discovered that one kilogram of plastic can generate one liter of oil with minimum damage to the environment.The Think Science Competition one of the biggest events of its kind in the region is one of three projects under the Emirates Foundation’s Think Science Program, which is held under the Patronage of H.H Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development. Every year the fair attracts thousands of school and university students, parents, academics, investors and private sector representatives to a platform where the youth showcase their brain power and innovations in the field of science and technology. The program also includes Think Science Connect and the Think Science Ambassadors Project.

DEUTSCHE BANK AWARDED INVESTMENT BANK OF THE YEAR BY EMEA FINANCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

adds color and beauty to inspiring venues. We have selected the best artworks from all our artists to be showcased in the different emirates as we bring art to the masses.Celebrated Bolivian artist, Roberto Mamani Mamani’s works are part of the display. A self-taught artist, Mamani Mamani develops his art from original visions and feelings of his people, using vibrant, and multiple colors to express character, textures and emotions.Roberto’s original figurative work is like a multicolor party in which appears the A n d e a n g e o g r a p h y, f u l l o f characters, plants, animals, rituals and dances taking shape reflecting the Bolivian identity and legacy.Roberto Mamani Mamani is the author of more than 3000 pictures in about 70 series, most of which have been painted on watercolor paper with resins that he prepares

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eutsche Bank announced today that is has been named Investment Bank of the Year by EMEA Finance Achievement Awards 2013, an award which highlights an institution that has delivered on some of the year's biggest and best deals across markets and geographies. Furthermore, the bank won several house awards for Best equity house in the Middle East, Best bond house in EMEA and Best depository receipt house in EMEA all testament to industry-leading performance in the market. In addition, Deutsche Bank was recognized for its role in Emirates Airline's US$750mn issuance with Best corporate bond in the Middle East award. Furthermore, the bank received the awards for Best IPO in the Middle East for Al Noor Hospital, Best Islamic borrower for Ooredoo and Best corporate sukuk for Saudi Electricity Company's US$2bn issuance. We are honored to receive

these recognitions from EMEA Finance which demonstrate our expertise and capabilities in the industry. Deutsche Bank continues to play a crucial role in contributing towards the establishment of a strong capital markets ecosystem and we are eager to consistently set precedents to demonstrate our commitment to provide best-in-class financial solutions for regional clients” said Ashok Aram, Chief Executive Officer Deutsche Bank MENA.Ahmed Beydoun, Deutsche Bank’s Head of Equities for the Middle East and North Africa region said: “It is very gratifying to receive the recognition for Best equity house in the Middle East from EMEA Finance. The award recognizes the significant investments that Deutsche Bank has consistently made in its equity franchise in the region throughout the years. Deutsche Bank is strongly committed to the local markets which offer huge potential and great opportunities.

fter their massively acclaimed sold out production of Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel, which one Dubai critic referred to as one of the “finest pieces of theatre ever to grace a Dubai stage,Da n ú Theatre, by special permissio n of the Keane Family, is delighted to present the award winning BIG MAGGIE by John B. Keane (writer of Sive, Moll and The Field which was made into a Hollywood movie starring Richard Harris) from 4-7 June at the Kilachand Studio, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates (7:30 PM nightly with additional matinee performances June 6 & 7 at 2:30PM).BIG MAGGIE is an explosive play, which challenges traditional parochial norms in Ireland

as well as turning the idea of the warm and loving Irish matriarch on its head. Machiavellian Maggie, the epitome of the “ice queen”, proves herself to be a sociopath as she views her husband's death as a liberation meaning all pieties, social conventions and sentimentality are severed. As Maggie seizes her opportunity to take absolute control of the family farm and business, she denies her four children their share, and drives each one, in turn away with devastating consequences. All the while, she seems to take pleasure in manipulating each and every one of them or does she do it for their own good? Is she in fact saving them from a life devoid of happiness similar to the life she has led? One thing is for certain; nothing ever stands in her way. Keane’s play was always about exploding comfortable notions of the nurturing matriarch. The Irish mother has long been associated with either a warm tolerance for all her children’s failings or with politicized martyrdom, neither of which Keane gave room to gestate in his creation of Maggie Polpin. She’s a dab hand at breaking spirits” and that sadly enough, is very much true of Mother Ireland herself in the past and with the economic downturn of the past few years. BIG MAGGIE is one of the best characters written for women and in many ways is Ireland’s modern answer to the great Henrik Ibsen’s HEDDA GABLER. It is easily one of the best and most overlooked plays of the last fifty years and arguably John B. Keane’s masterpiece. Set in 1960's rural Ireland, Big Maggie is a compelling portrait of a woman who is determined to take control of her own life at al costs. The dialogue crackles with hilarious, caustic putdowns as the indomitable Maggie deals with her feckless family and unwanted suitors. Everyone wants a part of Big Maggie and her property but she has other ideas.Danú is producing BIG MAGGIE in association with Padraig Downey, the Dubai Irish Society and La Clinique, JLT with special permission from the

Keane family. The group is keen to continue bringing entertaining and thought-provoking productions to discerning Dubai audiences.Danú’s founder, producer and director

Padraig Downey says the play has a universal theme that connects with people:BIG MAGGIE is a beautifully written play whose themes are universal and will resonate among Dubai’s many cultural traditions - the importance of family ties, adherence to cultural norms in changing times, arranged marriage, free will, respect to religion, women’s rights and the strife which can occur within a nuclear family unit when the head of the household dies.Downey worked in theatre for many years in N e w Yo r k , California, Paris, Rome, London and Dublin. Before becoming Drama Director and instructor in Dubai he worked in media on Fifth Avenue, New York as well as acting with the prestigious Blueroom Theatre Company in the US. He also worked as linguistic and cultural coordinator in The Irish Cultural Centre Paris meeting many of the Irish writers whose work he now produces. He is assisted by Georgiana Jennings.Taking on the titular role of Maggie Polpin is Kathryn Pepper who appeared on the DUCTAC stage before in The Mouse that Roared. It is a change for Kathryn who normally spends her days working in an Abu Dhabi government agency. Lean Ban Breathnach, daughter of Sean Ban Breathnach, the legendary Irish radio and television presenter proves that talent indeed runs in the family as she takes on the role of Katie Polpin- a daughter who will not let her mother have everything her own way. Lean has acted on Irish television before. Sean Quigley, who has appeared on the Watergate Stage in Kilkenny City plays Maurice Polpin whose only desire is to work on the family farm and marry whom he chooses while Ciara O’ Donoghue appears as the innocent Gert Polpin. Mehan “AB” Lategan takes on the role of Mick, the eldest son who naturally feels the farm should pass to him under Irish land tradition. Taking on the role of Teddy Heelin is Ciaran Mulhearn, no stranger to the Dubai stage having recently co-directed and starred in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead for Dubai Drama Group. Aimee Hedley, who also recently co-directed Metamorphosis for Dubai Drama Group plays the role of Mary Madden while Celia Cookson who starred in A Midsummer Night’s Dream last year plays Mrs. Madden. Asad Raza Khan who is a well-known actor on the local stage plays the Old Man while Sinead Hickie; star of Sive by John B. Keane for Backstage in 2012 plays Old Wo m a n . R o u n d i n g o f f t h i s accomplished cast is David Daly who plays Byrne. Perhaps he is actually a match for Maggie? Daly directed Sive, the aforementioned production produced for Backstage in 2012.

For the First Time in History, Ooredoo Supports the Communication Needs of More than Three Million Business and Consumer Customers in Qatar

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oredoo today announced that it has reached the historic milestone of more than three million customers in Qatar – the highest number ever recorded by the company. The total customer base includes mobile, fixed line, broadband, entertainment and business solution customers, and the company has seen surging growth across all areas in 2014, driven by Ooredoo’s expanding portfolio of services and the on-going dynamism of Qatar’s economy. Mobile service growth has been particularly strong, with Ooredoo now supporting more than 2.5 million mobile customers in Qatar. Ooredoo has successfully grown its base of post-paid customers over the past year, as Shahry has emerged as the fastest-growing mobile service in Qatar. One of the most important factors driving the growth of Ooredoo’s customer base has been the rising use of data across business and customers throughout Qatar. Ooredoo is the data market leader in the leader, with 26 percent year-on-year data revenue growth and 80 percent mobile broadband penetration at the end of 2013. Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Today, we pass another important stage on our journey of development and

By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

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DNOC Distribution today inaugurated the Al Marfaa service station located on the main road connecting Al Silaa to Abu Dhabi. The newest addition to A D N O C D i s t r i b u t i o n ’s network of service stations across the emirate of Abu D h a b i w a s inaugurated by His E x c e l l e n c y Mohamed Hamad bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, Acting Undersecretary of the Ruler's Representative Court in the Western Region and His Excellency Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, in the presence of the company’s senior officials and representatives. Al Marfaa service station will leverage ADNOC Distribution’s experience and capabilities to provide best-inclass facilities and services to customers through four fueling islands and six dispensers of which two are dedicated to diesel supply. As part of ADNOC Distribution’s network of service stations, Al Marfaa station will provide petroleum and allied services roundthe-clock, in addition to retail services through the ADNOC Oasis store. Oil change services and the distribution of a wide range of lubricants and LPG cylinders will also be offered at the new service station.His Excellency Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri said:The inauguration of Al Marfaa service station is in line with our strategic vision to expand and leverage our growing network of service stations to cope with the progressive

economic and urban development the UAE is witnessing. It also follows the increased demand for ADNOC Distribution’s products and services. ADNOC Distribution is keen to enhance its operational

and administrative capabilities and to establish many more such worldclass facilities as part of our development objectives.ADNOC Distribution is currently working to complete the fit-out of 20 new service stations in designated areas across the emirates of Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi City, Western Region and Al Ain), Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah by end-2014. The company is also awaiting approvals to proceed with the launch of four additional service stations in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Umm Al Quwain by the end of this year. ADNOC Distribution is studying the design and implementation of a number of additional service stations as well. Currently, the company has around 300 service stations. The opening of new stations and refurbishment of several acquired stations is projected to take the total number of service stations to 400 by 2016, nearly twofold increase in comparison with 180 ADNOC Distribution service stations in 2010.

YINGLI SOLAR EYES MAJOR SHARE OF MEA SOLAR BUSINESS

OOREDOO REACHESTHREE MILLION CUSTOMER MILESTONE IN QATAR

By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

ADNOC DISTRIBUTION OPENS AL MARFAA SERVICE STATION ON AL SILAA - ABU DHABI MAIN ROAD

growth. We now serve three million customers and we pledge to provide the best possible services to each and every one, from people using our Hala service, through to companies deploying the pioneering business solutions.We are striving to make Qatar the best-connected country not just in the region, but in the world. Our focus on the customer experience and the cutting-edge of new technology is ensuring that we build upon our leadership position, and deliver more and better for our customers,” he added. Since launching the Ooredoo brand in March 2013, the company has seen the highest brand equity scores in its history, reflecting its deepening bond with its customers. The launch of a range of new services including simplified data offers, Qatar’s first and only 4G network, and its nationwide Ooredoo Fibre network has also struck a chord with Qatar’s progressive customers. Ooredoo passed the milestone of more than 100,000 Fibre customers at the end of 2013. Ooredoo’s investment in Fibre will continue throughout 2014. In addition to expanding the network across Qatar, Ooredoo is planning a sizeable infrastructure investment and capacity-building programme in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2022.

•World’s largest photovoltaic solar panel maker confident of expanding its worldwide footprint in Middle East and Africa as region rushes to deploy solar projects •Yingli Solar provides with over 9 GW installed capacity provides clean green energy to millions of households worldwide By Qadeer Ahmad Siddiqui Dubai UAE:

ingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE), the world’s largest manufacturer of photovoltaic solar panels, today announced its plans to enter the

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indicate that over US$50 billion will be invested by 2020 in renewable energy production from solar, wind and hydro-electric power in the MENA region. Out of this, 7500 MW is expected to be from solar

Middle East and African markets with a focus on providing clean green energy to millions of homes and businesses in the region.Yingli Green Energy, which manufactures its products under the brand name Yingli Solar, says that its decision to streghten its presence in the MEA region has been driven by the increasing move among governments to deploy environmentally sustainable solutions to run businesses and households in their countries. Currently, Yingli commands more than 9% of the global market share in solar panel sales, making it the world’s largest solar panel maker for the second consecutive year.Yingli is now aggressively targeting sales of close to 4.5 GW for 2014 and its officials are confident that Middle East and Africa could account for a major share of that target through large-scale installations. Last year, Yingli Solar reported over 3.2 GW of PV panel sales and is accounting for more than 9 GW of total installed capacity in over 40 countries.Worldwide, the focus shifted towards deploying clean energy in as many applications as possible,” said Dimitirios

power.Abu Dhabi has set a goal of generating 7% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 while Dubai’s target is 5%. Across the GCC, Saudi Arabia hopes to double its installed electricity capacity by building 54GW of renewable energy by 2032, of which 41GW will be obtained from the sun. Egypt is planning to invest over US$1billion into renewable energy production. Algeria is targeting 22GW by 2030.In Dubai, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is tendering a 100MW IPP project after successful completion of its first 13MW project last year. Masdar is expected to tender projects very soon too. Jordan already is in the process to install its first utility scale 200MW of solar energy and initiated the next steps of another 400MW.Yingli is currently in talks with governments and Independent Power Producers (IPP) in the MEA region to deploy large-scale installations. Across the world, Yingli is partnering with local construction companies and is providing turnkey solutions to clients for their solar farms; from the farm design and engineering, panel supply and installation,

Bachadakis, Managing Director, Yingli Green Energy SEE GmbH, at a press conference in Dubai today. “We see that countries are targeting 5%, 10% or even over to 30% of their energy needs to come from renewable energy solutions and, especially solar photovoltaic sources. Solar solutions particularly have been found to be extremely cost-effective in reducing utilization of expensive fossil fuels for electricity production and water desalination.Most of Yingli’s manufacturing facilities are located in China, with over 30 branches and 20 warehouses worldwide, and the company will be focussing strongly on growing markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Pakistan, Nigeria and other Middle-East and African markets; aiming to widen its footprint and support network.Many governments in the Middle East and Africa are decreasing their reliance on traditional power sources in favour of renewable energy solutions. New legislations have also made it possible for many home-owners and businesses to install solar solutions and have greater access to clean energy. We are confident that in the coming years, the MEA will emerge as a hub for solar power” said Mr. Evangelos Lianos, Executive Director Middle East for Yingli Green Energy SEE GmbH.With our positioning in the Middle East markets, we will be serving the needs of our clients, which are utilites, independent power producers connected to the electricity grid, commerical producers of electricity for selfconsumption and home owners who wish to utilise clean energy for their p o w e r r e q u i r e m e n t s , ” M r. E v a n g e l o s a d d e d . Yi n g l i ’s confidence in the MEA markets stems from a string of recent developments where GCC states have set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions. Latest reports

commissioning and operation & maintenance services.With solar panel prices reaching very affordable price levels and people’s environmental awareness increasing, we are confident that more and more customers in the region will turn to solar energy as the best regional power alternative,” explained Ms. Yao Wen, Managing Director of Yingli Green Energy SEE GmbH. “While Yingli has been supplying its solutions to the Middle East for some time now, our permanent presence through our offices in the region will ensure a quicker response time to our customers.This month, Yingli signed a major deal to supply 30MW of solar panels to Tekno Ray Solar Turkey, with total deployment to be completed by the first quarter of 2015. The high quality YGE Series modules will be installed in several large-scale solar projects in southern Turkey. Some months earlier, Yingli signed a deal to supply over 230MW of panels to Algeria.Some of Yingli’s leading solutions will be displayed at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2014 which kicks off in Brazil next month. Besides being a main sponsor of the tournament, the company has deployed its solar panels to power all the stadiums where the World Cup matches will be played. The move is part of YINGLI SOLAR ongoing passion for the sport of football and support to local communities.The campaign makes Yingli Solar the first Chinese company and the first clean energy company to sponsor such a prestigious international tournament. The support is part of its Football For Hope commitment, using the power of sports for positive social change.Since 2011, Yingli Solar is sponsoring FC Bayern Munchen, Europe’s premier football club and Bundesliga league champion, in addition to sponsoring the US Soccer league.


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