Changing Face of Filling Stations

Changing Face of Filling Stations khaleej times

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ENOC TRANSFORMS RETAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES IN LINE WITH SMART CITY GOALS What do you need when you drive onto one of the 116 ENOC service stations in Dubai? Fuel, food, beverages, a quick tyre check-up, or a last-minute oil change? Therein lies ENOC’s unique value – customers can tick all these points off their ‘to do’ list and many more, thanks to the Group’s one-stop shop for fuel and retail offerings.

A significant volume of work behind the scenes ensures that ENOC’s reputation for seamless logistics, a talented workforce and innovative ethos goes from strength to strength. ENOC is committed to providing efficient energy and consumer services that are integral to the success of Dubai’s 2021 goals to become a smart and sustainable city.

How the pieces of the logistics puzzle fit together is integral to keeping Dubai’s residents and businesses moving, especially as domestic demand grows. The Group reports 25 million litres of fuel per service station every year; surpassing the global average of 15 million litres per year.

ENOC’s highest selling product is Special ULG 95, with each site receiving up to four deliveries of 10,000 gallons to avoid the risk of interrupting supplies. ENOC also fitted automatic tank gaging mechanisms at all service stations, which means site managers can tell how much product is left and when a refill will be required.

Taking retail to the next level The success of ENOC’s inaugural solarpowered service station at the entrance of Dubai Internet City (DIC) means that zero-carbon technology has now led the Group to move forward with phase two of its plans; to include solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels in all future service stations leading up to 2020. Having built six stations this year, with 48 more expected by 2020, service stations equipped with solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate a total of 6.5 megawatts of power per hour – the equivalent of powering 1,700 homes in Dubai and saving 16,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in one year.

Back in the late 1980s, when we invested in building a retail network, it was part of a joint venture with Caltex. We wanted to bring in a new concept in the gas station retail industry. Embarking on this mammoth project was by no means easy. We knew that success wouldn’t come from building a couple of gas stations, but saw a need in the market to develop a wide network. We formulated an aggressive build programme to build 40 stations annually, and soon realised that standalone gas stations will not give us an edge over other operators – but offering customers with a variety of services was going to be the key differentiating factor.”

— Zaid Alqufaidi Managing Director, ENOC Retail

“ENOC’s ongoing transformation of existing infrastructure into independently-powered energy pods brings a myriad of benefits and illustrates the value of rapidly-evolving green technologies. Creating solar-powered service stations supports DEWA’s capacity growth at a time of rising demand; 25 million visitors will be in Dubai for Expo 2020 and the emirate’s residential population is expected to double to five million by 2030,” said Zaid Alqufaidi, Managing Director, ENOC Retail.

A Green Ethos ENOC has long focused on integrating a low carbon culture into daily operations and the fruits of their efforts are integral to supporting the UAE’s bid to have low

Stat i s t i c s Fuel sold:

3050

million litres

Number of sites:

117

Evolution of ENOC

1988 First EPPCO station set up with two dispensers and a mini-mart selling lubricant

1995 EPPCO station rebranded

1997 Introduced first convenience store market, Star Mart

2000 carbon energy account for 50 per cent of the country’s energy mix by 2050.

Vapour Recovery System (VRS) is one of the other energy-saving technologies being deployed at ENOC’s service stations.

VRS captures vapour released from the petrol dispensers and storage tanks, and condenses it back into fuel form. The technology is expected to convert up to 50,000 litres of fuel per year, which is equivalent to one day sales volume of petrol in ENOC’s retail networks. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditionings units, which use at least 36 per cent less energy than conventional methods, have also been integrated into the station’s operations, and motion sensor lighting ensures power is only used when required.

The evolution of non-fuel offerings ENOC’s non-fuel retail offering also continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing customers’ experience, such as upgrading the service counters at each of the Group’s service stations. Customers can pay their

bills – credit card, phone and DEWA, for example – as well as buy airline and event tickets. Each counter currently offers 15 services, with another 25 under development. ENOC also offers customers a ‘pop in’ sense of convenience through their 200 ZOOM stores in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.

“We are evolving as a true convenience store player and taking ZOOM beyond its original concept as a service station convenience store. We are redefining customer expectations and experience by changing our merchandise mix and exploring newer options of the look-and-feel format,” Alqufaidi added.

Customers today can avail of all their automotive needs as well with its automotive services brand, AutoPro. With over 32 locations, it has the largest network of automotive services in the UAE providing a range of services including tyre and battery change, mechanical repair, oil change and various detailing services, including car wash.

First branded ENOC station set up along with Aqua Mart on Sheikh Zayed Road

2003 First multi-service station set up to offer car wash, oil change and vacuum bay

2007 ENOC launches first eco-friendly (green) station and unveils on-site bakery and café, Pronto

2009 ENOC Launches convenience store brand, ZOOM in entire network

2010 Autopro established for vehicle services and car care

2017 First solar-powered service station set up in the UAE; aimed to reduce carbon footprint by 195 equivalent tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. In the same year, ENOC opens a rebranded smart station.

Payment MOdEs Through Mobile Wallet khaleej times

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» Samsung Pay

Manage finances in a digital era

The

wallet miracle

An inevitable medium in the world of digital finance that addresses issues ranging from marketing to cost-effectiveness ■■ Ishtiaq Ali Mehkri

I

t won’t be an exaggeration to say that wallet and money are now on fingertips. Gone are the days of lockers and coffers. In this digital age, everything is just a click away. One doesn’t need to be in a queue to make a payment. Now, it is all about having the proper smart medium, better known as apps, at your disposal and getting it done online, instantly.

The concept and necessity of digital wallet is an outcome of this modernisation era. It is a one-window operation process on your palm, which helps you make electronic transactions concerning numerous services, including health, banking, traffic fines, managing credit and debit cards, overseas transfers and last but not the least purchases and sales.

It is estimated that the number of people making use of digital wallet worldwide will double in the next few years, and online transactions would account for more

than three trillion dollars. The beauty and vibrancy of digital wallet is its authenticity, credibility and acceptability across the globe. It’s hassle free, paper free and has no backup worries. This is why all customer services from banking to trading, and from production to shipments, are increasingly going digital and prefer their clients to make use of digital wallet.

Likewise, Samsung prides in introducing its mobile wallet, Samsung Pay, also in the UAE as a cashless facility. It coincides with the UAE’s Smart City initiatives, and is a welcome treat. The firms and businesses that opt for this hi-tech route are in great demand, and will have to prove their mark. It is an inevitable process, coupled with trust and accomplishment, in the world of digital finance that addresses issues ranging from offerings to bookings, and from marketing to cost-effectiveness.

The intention is all about marketing ecommerce in a more refined and adaptable manner. It is a medium that bolsters merchandisers to expand their reach and profits, and at the same time brings hassle free e-commerce services to customers.

People now universally prefer a onewindow operation and are addicted to electronic transactions concerning numerous services in all walks of life.

The success of the concept is in its acceptability.

— mehkri@khaleehtimes.com

Driven by innovation, mobile wallets are set to improve the UAE’s payment sector, with Samsung Pay adding to convenience Considering the way technology has transformed the UAE, there is one thing that remains consistent — cash is king in the region where one in every four transactions is in cash. However, the growing availability and use of mobile wallets in the region could spell a potential disruption in the country’s financial sector. Today, the word ‘wallet’ is no longer just an accessory to store all your cash and credit cards, it can now refer to an app that gives you much more than your traditional wallet ever could, including digital receipts, added security, and even more control over your dirhams and fils.

According to this year’s World Payments Report by Capgemini and BNP Paribas, between 2014 and 2015, the volume of global non-cash transactions increased by 11.2 per cent to reach 433 billion — the highest growth rate of the past decade. In this region, we are already embracing the digital era through one of the world’s highest mobile penetrations. As such, we are on a direct route towards achieving the vision of a smart city that embraces a cashless society – and making this global trend a regional reality. Payment systems are currently adopting cash-free technologies for numerous services such as money transfers, grocery shopping, online payments and other cash-related transactions. In order to stay ahead of digitalisation trends around the world, the UAE is embracing the transition from traditional payment methods to cashless ones.

Samsung introduced its mobile wallet, Samsung Pay, to the UAE earlier this year, and now the benefits of the mobile wallet system have become recognised as a tool for a society that, for all intents and purposes, does not need cash. At the forefront of innovation, the UAE is moving increasingly closer to implementing its Smart City initiatives — and expanding them through various sectors and industries. In line with creating more convenience for citizens and residents, and driving the happiness quotient up, the country is now converting to digital payments as a top priority for the country’s government, banks, and businesses alike.

In line with this, the UAE Banks Federation (UBF) has formally launched the Mobile Wallet project, a comprehensive digital payment solution that offers an effective and convenient way to receive, store and transfer money. Given that this trend has been fuelled by developing economies, with Asia and CEMEA (Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa) emerging as the top two regions driving the growth of cashless payment transactions, widespread efforts like the Mobile Wallet project will help position the UAE as a global leader throughout the worldwide Smart transformation.

Further bolstering the Mobile Wallet project and cashless initiatives at large are services like Samsung Pay, a mobile wal-

let service that lets you carry your credit, debit, gift, and membership cards on your devices so all you have to do is tap to check out. Accepted almost everywhere and supported by more than a thousand banks and credit unions around the world, Samsung Pay enables the cashless future that will characterise the Smart City transformation. It maximises convenience and financial security in a digital world, making cashless transactions easier and more appealing than ever before.

Samsung recognises this effort and understands the vital role of cashless transactions in bringing the Smart City agenda to fruition — which is why services like Samsung Pay are particularly advantageous in the UAE. Samsung Pay is a mobile wallet service that lets you carry your credit, debit, gift, and membership cards on your devices so all you have to do is tap to check out. It encourages the residents and citizens of a smart city to take full advantage of the digital ecosystem designed to improve their lives in every way by experiencing the benefits of going cash-free and maximising convenience and financial security in a digital world.

Beyond the convenience and security that individuals gain, mobile wallets are also improving both government and corporate financial transformation by ensuring a comprehensive method of managing finances in the digital era.

Smarter way to fuel up ADNOC Wallet efficiently manages financial transactions through an array of payment methods ■■ Deepa Narwani

T

he growing use of smart devices is driving the adoption of cashless payments in petrol pumps. The options today include paying with debit/credit cards, digital wallets, as well as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that deduct the amount from a registered account. These smart payment solutions are enabling people to manage their accounts from anywhere and anytime using smartphones or tablets. Enabling such payments demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to the Smart City initiative, and drives innovation and enhances customer experience.

Petrol stations across the country are witnessing increasing demand and high congestion levels.

To combat the situation, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) recently introduced ADNOC SMART, an innovative self-service fuelling experience where customers can drive in and out without any hassle. Fully integrated with state-of-the-art technologies, these stations endeavour to be eco-friendly.

Motorists opting for SMART can take advantage of easier and safer fuelling within the ADNOC network. The initiative aims to reduce waiting time and ensures an overall enhanced level of service. Furthermore, it offers seamless secure payment processes and the freedom for customers to choose according to their convenience.

To be a part of the programme, customers can register online or visit dedicated SMART card centres. Once registered, they will be able to manage their transaction online, via the innovative ADNOC Wallet. This digital wallet offers faster services and can efficiently manage financial transactions through an array of payment methods available online.

The service seeks to reduce

Customers opting for ADNOC Wallet can make payments through a SMART tag (a RFID based authorisation method), their Emirates ID or through the ADNOC Plus card, which can also be used for non-fuelling services. queues and waiting time at petrol stations. A digital wallet is based on encryption software that substitutes your cards and cash during monetary transactions. Customers benefit from the protection and convenience, and it reduces transaction time.

Customers opting for ADNOC Wallet can make payments through a SMART tag (a RFID based authorisation method), their Emirates ID or through the ADNOC Plus card, which can also be used for non-fuelling services. The wallet is topped-up online, through a secure payment gateway. When activated, customers have to top up the account with a minimum balance of Dh200.

RFID is a breakthrough wireless method that is used to automatically track people, cars or other assets and people, using radio signals to transmit and capture data in a short amount of time, and in a localised area. It of-

fers a standardised way for customers to establish a wireless link to their account of choice for automated payment. This method is popular as it is fast, easy and extremely accurate.

In order to offer more convenience to motorists, ADNOC Distribution has also launched ADNOC Xpress, a petrol station that offers simple and convenient fuelling-only experience.

Over the years, Abu Dhabi has witnessed a rapid expansion, and in a statement, ADNOC highlights that these new stations were developed in order to reduce traffic and offer flexibility to motorists. Currently, there are 10 ADNOC Xpress stations across the capital.

ADNOC’s petrol pumps have been designed as a tribute to the heritage of the UAE and take inspiration from Arabian architecture. The service stations also offer a wide number of products and services ranging from petroleum products to the Oasis convenience store, automatic car washing, and oil change services.

The stations have been equipped with a range of facilities for people on the go such as food courts, mosques and cash machines.

ADNOC owns and operates a network of 360 fuel service stations, including car washes and other car inspection services, as well as 235 convenience stores, across the UAE. Plus, motorists can keep up-to-date with all the latest news and offers through ADNOC distribution’s easy-touse mobile app that sends information directly to your phone.

— deepa@khaleejtimes.com