MoI Introduces the Traffic Black Points Reduction Program in Al Ain

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, March 24th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

The Ministry of Interior, represented by the Police Follow-up Department at the General Secretariat of the Office of H.H Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, launched an introductory campaign to acquaint members of the public with the Traffic Points Reduction Program. The opening ceremony held in coordination with the Al Ain Police Directorate took place at the Al Ain Municipality building, in the presence of Lieutenant Colonel Saif Obaid Al Khaili, Head of the Police Follow-up Department and Dr. Matar Mohammed Saif Al Nuaimi, General Manager of Al Ain Municipality.

Lieutenant Colonel Al Khaili explained that the campaign is part of the framework of a timetable that aims to spread and promote traffic awareness regarding the reduction of black points. “This program also provides an opportunity for all drivers with traffic points to benefit from the Ministry of Interior’s program to reduce traffic points. The program is for those who have not yet exceeded the cumulative limit of 23 black points, and for those who wish not to reach the cumulative limit,” said Al Khaili.

Adding further, Al Khaili indicated that when a driver exceeds the limit of 23 points, his license will be revoked. “The program includes awareness training courses and lectures about the risks of committing traffic violations and indiscretions. It is held in coordination with the strategic partners of the Police Follow-up Department, in a bid to improve the behavior of drivers on the road in order to preserve the lives of road users,” he said.

Moreover, the Head of the Police Follow-up Department stressed the keenness of the department to continue to receive registration applications submitted by drivers who have exceeded the limit of black points, and to answer any queries regarding fulfilling the requirements to redeem their revoked driving licenses. Al Khaili urged all drivers to abide by traffic laws in order to reach a safe society free of accidents.

For his part, Major Ahmed Juma’a Al Khaili, Head of the Traffic Points Reduction Section, reiterated the keenness of the Police Follow-up Department to promote awareness among violating drivers about traffic awareness. “To this end, the Department has endeavored to disseminate the traffic points reduction culture amongst its staff members and customers, in pursuance with the initiative aimed at retraining and re-qualifying violators of traffic rules, in cooperation with the Emirates Driving School.”

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14102/en

ADP Civil Defense Urges for Fire Prevention near Explosive Gas Cylinders

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Thursday, March 26th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defense General Directorate called upon the public to abide by the prevention and safety requirements, and to secure the gas cylinders in their home kitchens away from areas where fires occur or may be caused.

Captain Majid Abdullah Al Tamimi, Chief of the Media and Public Relations Section in Abu Dhabi Civil Defense General Directorate, provided the necessary guidance so as to prevent fires from igniting due to the explosion of cylinders in homes. He stressed the importance of making sure not to turn on any electrical switches connected to air ventilators that may either fan or vacuum air,  and not to light anything if a gas leak is suspected. He noted that in the event that an electric switch had been turned on, any spark near leaking gas could lead to an explosion.

He urged families to ensure that gas cylinders are placed in secure locations inside the kitchen, far from the antics of children and in an area that is not exposed to sunlight. Captain Al Tamimi advised families to ascertain that the safety requirements of gas stoves and electric cookers in their homes are met. Adding further, he advised restaurants and hotels to ensure the safety of their gas pipes, electrical wiring, the cleanliness of the stove and the absence of an oil buildup, and to be mindful in overseeing the work conducted in the kitchen. In both domestic and industrial kitchens, he recommended that no children are allowed to enter or to be near flames and hot cooking equipment unless supervised.

Noting that the air ventilators in kitchens are one of the main causes of fires in homes and restaurants, Captain Al Tamimi emphasized the importance of cleaning the air ventilators so they do not become saturated with oils, as they tend to burst if they get too hot.  He discussed the importance of having good kitchen lighting in order to be able to properly see and manage everything. Reiterating the importance of supervising children around dangerous areas, he urged families to pay attention to their child’s safety and to not ignore them due to the myriad of dangers that lurk both within and outside of homes – especially if the children get their hands on lighters, matches, or pesticides.

The educational guidance comes as per the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense General Directorate’s keenness to educate the public regarding the necessary conditions for prevention and enhancing safety.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/14132/en

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar to be the face of Aster Pharmacy; launches 150th outlet

Master Blaster to promote and support a variety of initiatives of the largest retail pharmacy network in the region

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, March 24th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Aster DM Healthcare, a healthcare provider with presence in the Middle East and India, announced legendary cricketer and recipient of the Bharat Ratna Mr. Sachin Tendulkar, as the global face and brand ambassador of the Aster Pharmacy vertical. 

Mr. Tendulkar inaugurated the 150th outlet of Aster Pharmacy later in the day which is located at Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi.

Mr. Tendulkar was ceremonially initiated into the Group by Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, in the presence of senior management officials of the Group. In his role as the brand ambassador, Mr. Tendulkar will also support a variety of community initiatives being undertaken by the Group. Mr. Tendulkar and the Aster DM Healthcare have committed to offer AED 1 Million on various initiatives to support the needy and the downtrodden in India.

Mr. Tendulkar, the most prolific run machine of all times, is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers and the most complete batsman in the world. He is arguably the greatest cricket icon the game has ever produced.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Azad Moopen - Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “We are extremely proud to announce our partnership with the legendary cricketer Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar. This will help Aster Pharmacy to showcase many unique products and services to the customers. It will also aid the task of educating the masses about the importance of healthy living and safe medication. Sachin will also be a part of our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives helping to spread the message and reach out to the public with socially relevant causes.”

Commenting on his new assignment, Mr. Tendulkar said, “I am delighted to be appointed as the brand ambassador of Aster Pharmacy. It has been a pleasure to know Dr. Azad Moopen and understand the journey of Aster DM Healthcare. In fact, I debuted for India in 1989 which happens to be the same year that Aster Pharmacy opened its first outlet and both of us did well from there on! I am particularly impressed about responsible and responsive manner, in which Aster DM Healthcare touches the lives of thousands of people around the region. I look forward to working with the entire team at Aster making a positive impact on the lives of all stakeholders.”

Mr. Jobilal, CEO and Assistant Vice President of Aster Pharmacy vertical, said, “For us, there cannot be a better brand ambassador than Mr. Sachin Tendulkar. The celebrated cricketer, in accordance with his health-conscious and sporty personality, will symbolize Aster Pharmacy in various initiatives of social education programmes and customer awareness. These programmes would be aimed at educating people about the basic routines to be adopted for a healthier life, which is a promise that Aster Pharmacy outlets offer along with its ‘much more than medicines’ philosophy.”

Mr. Anoop Moopen, Director - Aster DM Healthcare, said, “Our partnership with Mr. Sachin Tendulkar marks a very important milestone in the journey of Aster. Mr. Tendulkar’s presence and support will help us to reach out to the society better and more efficiently on our various community initiatives.”

The first outlet of Aster Pharmacy opened in 1989, and there has been no looking back ever since. Aster Pharmacy is a one-stop-shop for healthcare products, offering quality medical and allied products. Aster Pharmacies stock a wide variety of curative, nutritional and baby care products systematically displayed for allowing over the counter service.

Aster DM Healthcare, with nearly three decades of reputation in the healthcare sector, has grown immensely operating a network of over 239 health facilities across the Middle East and India. Aster Pharmacy network is one of the largest employers in the retail pharmacy sector of the region.

-Ends-

About Aster DM Healthcare

Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen- a doctor turned entrepreneur, Aster DM Healthcare is a private sector healthcare provider in the Middle East. The Dubai-headquartered healthcare conglomerate covers an array of healthcare verticals - from Hospitals, Clinics, Pharmacies (in GCC region), and an advanced Medical City.

Having operations across the GCC countries and several locations across India, Aster DM Healthcare has its footprint across boundaries of regions and nations, offering a diverse and comprehensive set of healthcare services. The multitude of health facilities are consolidated under the brands ACCESS, ASTER, MEDCARE, ASTER Medcity and MIMS; offering primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary care.

High Res Video & Photo

Facebook           : www.facebook.com/asterhealthcare

Youtube              :  http://youtu.be/sgNbewOMVPI

Website             : www.asterdmhealthcare.com

Photo Caption:

Image1: From L to R: Mr. T.J. Wilson - Group Director, Ms. Alisha Moopen - Director, Mr. Sachin Tendulkar, Dr. Azad Moopen -  Chairman & Managing Director, Engr. Anoop Moopen -  Director, of Aster DM Healthcare, Mr. Jobilal V. CEO and AVP of Aster Pharmacy.

Contacts

Mohamed Sohel                                                                                         

Aster DM Healthcare                                                                     

Dir: +971 4 4546044                                                                 

Email: sohel@dmhealthcare.com                                      



Rasheed Palliyalil

Watermelon PR

Tel: +971 04 2833655 

Email: rasheed@watermelonme.com







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/14110/en

OPIS Acquires NAVX

 Creates global platform for aggregating and delivering critical real-time content into the connected car

GAITHERSBURG, Md. - Saturday, March 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), a global provider of oil industry pricing, news, analysis and software, has acquired NAVX, the leading European and South American provider of retail fuel pricing, parking and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging location information.

The deal combines OPIS’ extensive North American database of real-time retail fuel prices with NAVX’s comparable database for 30 countries in Europe and South America.

“Together, we have a powerful brand and a unified platform to provide automakers worldwide with the critical information they need to develop technologies for the future of the connected car,” said Jean Cherbonnier, CEO – Co-Founder of NAVX.

The deal enables OPIS to further expand its pricing and software services into Europe and South America, said OPIS CEO Brian Crotty.

“We are extremely excited to bring NAVX onto the OPIS team. Both companies share a passion for delivering the absolute best content to customers,” Crotty said.

Both Cherbonnier and NAVX COO – Co-Founder Florent Boutellier will stay with OPIS to manage and grow the newly created OPIS-NAVX brand.

About OPIS

OPIS, a subsidiary of UCG, is a leading source for worldwide petroleum pricing and news information and has offices in Gaithersburg, MD; Wall, NJ; St. Paul, MN; Houston, TX; Gothenburg, Sweden and Singapore. Every day, OPIS publishes spot prices for all refined products, more than 30,000 wholesale gasoline and diesel rack prices and more than 130,000 retail fuel prices (www.opisnet.com). Through its subsidiary, Axxis Software, OPIS also provides leading-edge software solutions for petroleum marketers looking to automate price collection, data storage and repricing of dealer and commercial accounts. OPIS also owns PointLogic Energy, a leading provider of oil and gas supply, transportation and demand data and analysis with a special emphasis from the wellhead to end-use.

About NAVX

NAVX is an independent, privately held company with its HQ in Paris (France), and its Content Factory in Bucharest (Romania). Founded in 2006, NAVX became one of the first providers of content for navigation devices (PND and smartphones) and a pioneer in Europe.

About UCG

Founded in 1977, UCG is one of America’s leading, privately held providers of specialized business-to-business information. UCG’s portfolio is composed of companies serving the information and software needs of decision makers in health care, oil and energy, technology, telecommunications, banking and finance, and the mortgage industry. The company has received many awards for journalistic excellence and was voted one of D.C.’s 50 Best Places to Work by Washingtonian Magazine. (www.ucg.com)    

Contacts

OPIS

Brian Crotty

CEO

+ 1 301 287 2488

bcrotty@opisnet.com



or

NAVX

Jean Cherbonnier

CEO

+ 33 661 31 44 67

jcherbonnier@navx.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14140/en

Dubai Media City Honours Regional Choir of the Year at Choirfest 2015

Dubai, United Arab Emirates. - Tuesday, March 24th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

ChoirFest Middle East’s ‘Regional Choir of the Year’ celebrate their award on stage at this year’s festival. The prize was presented by Mr. Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai Media City, a key sponsor for the event, as part of the media hub’s ongoing efforts towards nurturing talent.

ChoirFest is a five-day festival celebrating musical talent in the Middle East, with an ambition of uniting communities from across the world, welcoming over 3,000 attendees. 

END

About Dubai Media City

Strategically located at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Dubai Media City, a member of TECOM Investments, is rapidly emerging as the region's media hub.  The City provides an advanced infrastructure for media-related businesses to operate globally out of Dubai.  Dubai Media City is the place where activities Publishing, Music, Film, New Media, Leisure & Entertainment, Broadcasting, Media & Marketing Services, and Information Agencies will thrive. The facility offers an environment that allows companies and individuals to operate with collective synergy and freedom.

Companies based in Dubai Media City have the unique edge of commercial benefits derived from our free zone status including 100 % business ownership and exemption from personal income and corporate taxes. Since its official opening in January 2001, Dubai Media City has grown to become a thriving media community of over 1400 companies and hundreds of freelance media professionals. Several global media giants and promising entrepreneurial ventures have joined this unique community. 

Contacts

Alexa Hooft Graafland

AHooftGraafland@bellpottinger.com

+971555597404









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14099/en

Arabia CSR Network hosts Awards Clinic on April 7, 2015

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, March 24th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

In the run up to the 8th Annual CSR Awards, the Arabia CSR Network (ACSRN) will be holding an Awards Clinic on 7th April 2015 at Villa Rotana Hotel, Dubai. The Awards Clinic is designed to provide the applicants with a complete outline of the application procedure, along with useful hints on submitting a successful application.

According to Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, President and CEO of the Arabia CSR Network, “The Arabia CSR Awards underlines the importance of corporate social responsibility by bringing together the most successful and innovative CSR pioneers in the Arab world. The Awards Clinic is an important first step in the awards process as it helps prospective applicants learn from the winners of the 2014 Awards and distinguished members of the Jury.”

Some of the winners of the past cycle of the Arabia CSR Awards including: Tristar, Al Jazeera International Catering, P&G and Dubai Customs will be present at the Clinic to share their journey on how the Awards have positively impacted their sustainable business practices. The members of Awards Jury will be on hand to share the evaluation methodology and judging criteria for the Awards.

The 8th Annual Arabia CSR Awards ceremony will take place under the Auspices of the League of Arab States for the second consecutive year and in collaboration with UNEP on 28th of October, 2015 in Dubai. This year the Arabia CSR Awards is sponsored by Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) and the National Petrochemical Industrial Co. (Natpet).

It is highly recommended for the applicants and those interested in applying for the awards to participate in the clinic as it will aid them considerably to understand the important aspects of the Application process well in time before the submission deadline on June 30th 2015. The Arabia CSR Awards has received more than 50 applications since its launch in mid-February and registration is now open with additional three new categories: Financial, Social Enterprise and Energy to ensure benchmark for organizations that fall in the same categories.

More information on ACSRN can be found at: www.arabiacsrnetwork.com

About the Arabia CSR Network: The Arabia CSR Network is a professional multi stakeholder organization established in the UAE in 2004. It is devoted to advancing the principles and practices of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Arab region. It facilitates networking, learning and sharing experiences and knowledge in matters of CSR. The Arabia CSR Network was the first GRI certified training partner for the Arabic speaking Middle East countries. The Arabia CSR Network promotes, encourages and recognises responsible business practices through a bunch of services and offerings, including trainings, research and best practice, advisory services, third party assurance and a Pan-Arab acclaimed award initiative known as the Arabia CSR Awards. For more information, please visit www.arabiacsrnetwork.com. For further enquiries please email us at admin@arabiacsrnetwork.

Contacts

Arabia CSR Network Secretariat

+9714-344-8120; +9714-344-48622

admin@arabiacsrnetwork.com / www.arabiacsrnetwork.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/14092/en

Election Leaders Discuss Electoral Transparency and Technology Solutions

The International Elections Advisory Council holds its annual meeting in London

LONDON - Thursday, March 26th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The International Elections Advisory Council (IEAC) held its annual meeting in London on 18-19 March. The Council, established by Smartmatic and comprised of leaders in the field of election administration from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, gathered to discuss a wide array of election-related topics and focused on new technologies and innovative systems, designed to modernise elections and guarantee maximum efficiency, credibility and transparency.

Richard Soudriette, IEAC Chairman said, “During our meetings, we discussed the great responsibility shouldered by those who administer elections. The impact of election outcomes goes far beyond just determining the winners. Our council members agreed that when properly implemented, electoral technology can be a vital tool to enhance transparency and trust in elections. Increased credibility of elections in turn contributes to social, economic and political stability of democracies.”

From 1988 to 2007, Soudriette served as founding president of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in Washington, D.C. Other IEAC members participating in the London meeting were Mr. Charles Lasham, UK, Dr. Brigalia Bam, South Africa, Mr. Torquato L. Jardim, Brazil, Mr. Paul DeGregorio, USA, and Dr. S.Y. Quraishi. India.

“Making elections more trustworthy is integral to our business and is more important than ever,” said Antonio Mugica, Smartmatic’s CEO. “Professional election administration and innovative technologies are essential to ensuring the credibility of elections. By seeking input and guidance from the world’s leading election professionals, Smartmatic is committed to establishing the Council as a driving force behind better governance world-wide,” added Mugica.

“It was a privilege for us to meet with such a distinguished group of professionals; each one with a specific geographic area of expertise. Exchanging ideas with them represented a golden opportunity for us to better understand and address the needs of the different markets we serve,” stated Mugica.

About Smartmatic

By helping governments conduct more transparent and efficient elections, we have processed over 2.3 billion auditable, secret and secure votes in more than 3,500 fraud-free elections. Our innovative practices to improve electoral management have made us the leader of the electronic voting industry worldwide in terms of product offering, geographical presence and technological advancement.

Contacts

Smartmatic

PR Contact:

Samira Saba,

+1 561-862-0747

ssaba@smartmatic.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14128/en