Issued by the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs-Dubai
Zajel honours strategic partners
GDRFA’s customers can complete all transactions at service offices by 2016
Automatic advance security checks now being run on all passengers exiting Australia Hitachi customer service ‘robot’ with brain to assist shoppers
www.manafezdubai.com
Issue 24 May
2016
Al Marri visits UAEOman border at Hatta EU can manage skilled migration better taking cue from Canadian Express Entry system Easy ways to enjoy flying with children
GDRFA Dubai employees bag 5 excellence awards
Smart choice for a smart living
New user interface that enables individuals: • Renew passports (citizens). • Issue new and renew residency for wife & children. • New and renew sponsored visas (citizens). • Extend on arrival visa. • Generate barcode to enter smart gate at Dubai Airports. • Legal consultation. • Attach required documents. And more sevices for individuals and companies
Available on all app stores. Search for: GDRFA Dubai or scan the QR code
• Toll free: 8005111
Excellence is a way of life, we strive to achieve it
Welcome Message
I
n September 1997, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the establishment of Dubai Governmental Excellence Programme, which was officially launched in 1998, as a first of a kind integrated governmental excellence programme worldwide. The programme became the driving force for the development of Dubai’s governmental sector as a provider of distinguished services for all clients. His Highness has always stressed that excellence is a way of life, governmental culture and a national advantage that enables substantial achievements. However, the realisation of Vision 2021 becomes closer only if we consolidate the concept of excellence in all government authorities, while taking into consideration that all government efforts target the comfort and happiness of all citizens. At GDRFA-D, we always strive to improve our standards and programs to match the aspirations of our visionary leadership, and we work hand in hand with all other government partners to move forward in terms of excellence and enhancement of governmental performance. His Highness said that the concerted efforts of government agencies and the integration of excellence programmes would achieve significant leaps in government performance in general, and is bound to create a general national culture that encourages excellence in all services provided to the public. All government authorities, including GDRFA-D, are relentlessly seeking to follow the boundless views of His Highness by taking quick measures to implement programmes aimed at global achievements through determination and persistence. His Highness has now declared the intended application of the fourth generation of the governmental excellence system with a view to achieving a substantial leap in government authorities’ performance. To excel in doing something is part of our Islamic religion and culture, and it reflects the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) who said that God shall like you to master anything you do. His Highness has taught us that ambition is boundless and that its dictionary is devoid of the word ‘impossible’. In addition, objectives and aspirations can only be realised by teamwork, and His Highness has clear plans and determination to achieve excellence for our beloved nation, as he believes that key strategic challenges during
the next two decades are focused on who can go further in the quest for excellence. We work in line with the vision of His Highness, which is a beacon that guides us in our efforts to provide the highest quality services to citizens, residents and visitors. In GDRFA-D, we seek to achieve the highest levels of satisfaction and happiness for people by making use of creativity and excellence in our daily activities. Excellence has become a fundamental approach for all government employees in order to achieve the aspirations of our visionary leadership. Staff adoption of excellence culture would contribute to achieving the national vision and would strengthen the country’s position as one of the best countries in the world. It is important to recognise the efforts of institutions to better their performance and value the creative initiatives made by individuals, who are regarded as wealth for our beloved nation. To this end, the recognition of distinguished staff by His Highness serves to merit them and encourage others to seek this victory. I am pleased with the fact that GDRFA-D staff have won five awards in the 19th edition of Dubai Governmental Excellence Awards, and this shall motivate all other employees to follow suit in developing themselves and doing the best they can. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for launching, supporting and sponsoring this award. I look forward to more achievements by my colleagues in GDRFA-D and all other government authorities, because all of them are working to serve the interests, glory and progress of their homeland.
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 1
GDRFA Message
GDRFA
in History
t
October 1971 Pursuant to an order promulgated by the then Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, two departments were established: Central Immigration Department and Ports and Borders Department
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October 1972 The two departments were merged with the UAE’s Ministry of Interior and Federal Law No. 17 concerning the naturalization and passports was promulgated.
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1973 Federal Law No. (6) concerning Immigration and Residency was promulgated as the first law regulating the entry and residency of expatriates in United Arab Emirates.
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1977 The two departments were merged and the new Department shifted to a building in the ministries complex
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1982 The Administration shifted to the present building during the tenure of Colonel Mohammad Al-Ghaith
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2003 The building was completely refurbished during the tenure of Brigadier General Saeed Bin Belaila
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1999 Naturalization and Residency Administration, Dubai, established a branch at Hatta Fort
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1995 Jebel Ali Port branch was inaugurated
2 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
Our Vision: To have the UAE as one of the most secure and safest countries in the world.
Our Mission (MOI):
To work efficiently and effectively towards enhancing the quality of life in the UAE community by providing security, traffic, reform, residency services and ensuring safety of lives and properties.
Our Mission (GDRFA):
For the happiness of the people, we offer excellent and fast naturalization, residence and ports services.
Our Values:
Justice Team-Work Excellence courtesy Integrity Loyalty Social responsibility
Strategic objectives: Promote safety and security. Promote public confidence in the effectiveness of services provided. Optimal use of intelligence. Ensure all administrative services are provided based on quality, efficiency and transparency standards.
To communicate with GDRFA: Location: Aljaffilya - Bur Dubai PO Box : UAE – Dubai 4333 Email: amer@dnrd.ae Toll Free Number: 04 3139999 - 8005111 Working Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM GDRFA-Dubai http:// www.dnrd.ae Dubai Airport Freezone http://www.dafz.ae Dubai Public Prosecution http://www.dxbpp.gov.ae Dubai Municipality https://www.dm.gov.ae
Department of Economic Development http://www.dubaided.gov.ae Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing http://www.dubaitourism.ae Land and Property Department http://www.dubailand.gov.ae
Contents
GDRFA News GDRFA Photographs by: Abdulrahman Abdullah Sanjeev Kochan
Al Marri: UAE one of the most important tourist destinations worldwide
UAE News
Monthly newsletter issued by GDRFA-Dubai
P6 DHA to complete implementation of Dubai’s mandatory Health Insurance Scheme by June 2016
P 10
Automatic advance security checks now being run on all passengers exiting Australia
P 44
Hitachi customer service ‘robot’ with brain to assist shoppers
Honorary President Major General Mohammed Ahmed Almarri Director General
General Supervision Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Suroor Deputy Director General
General Coordinator Major Khalid Al Rahma Editorial Consultant Ghassan Suleiman Creative Manager Mohammed Al Jarouf Executive Editor Shveta Pathak
Strategic Technology Partner of GDRFA-Dubai
Official Courier
Advertise with us Content, Production, Marketing & Advertising Nadd Al Shiba PR and Event Management Phone: + 9714 2566707 Fax: + 9714 2566704 Website www.naddalshiba.com Email info@naddalshiba.com
P 56 | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 3
GDRFA News
Al Marri visits UAE-Oman border at Hatta
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ajor General Mohammed Ahmad Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, recently conducted an inspection of the UAEOman border at Hatta. Al Marri inspected different services being provided and directed the employees to treat travellers with courtesy and maintain a high standard of service. He also inspected how use of smart technology is contributing to enhancing the services and ensuring smooth and fast movement of the travellers through the border.
4 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
GDRFA
News
Al Marri appreciated the efforts of the staff to achieving the strategic objectives of the GDRFA. Al Marri also checked the services being provided for customers with disabilities and the elderly.
Al Marri: GDRFA’s customers can complete all transactions at service offices by 2016
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ajor General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, GDRFA Dubai, said the GDRFA’s smart services have reduced the number of visits by customers to the department by 50 per cent. By the end of 2016 customers will no longer have to visit GDRFA to complete their transactions and they will be able to complete all procedures at the approved service centres of the Directorate, said Al Marri.
This is a part of the GDRFA’s efforts to make best use of technology and simplify procedures for the customers. Al Marri said the staff at the approved service centres has been duly trained to handle all kinds of customer transactions and said the department is strongly focused on introducing and using smart technology for the benefit of its customers in the present day era with rapidly evolving technology.
He said the system being used by the department ensures accurate information right from the stage of filing application till completion of the transaction. The department also has a dedicated hotline that can provide information about a customer’s transaction so that if there is a need to change or submit additional documents or fulfill additional requirements, the customer can get the information and reply online, thereby making the process fast, accurate and smooth. | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 5
GDRFA News
Al Marri: UAE one of the most important tourist destinations worldwide
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ajor General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, said the UAE has become one of the important tourist destinations in the world, pointing to the rapidly growing number of tourists coming through the sea ports of the state by the emirate of Dubai, which confirms the UAE site on the tourist map international.
He said this during inspections tour of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal and Port of Deira new entry and exit. Al Marri thanked His Highness Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for his support to the tourism sector and to the GDRFA. He also thanked HH Lt.
General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, for his strong support and guidance. During the visit, Al Marri checked the services and facilities at the two ports and also listened to the briefing on the functioning at the ports. He also met with some of the tourists who entered the UAE and enquired about the quality of services provided to them.
Robot measures happiness levels of GDRFA customers
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he General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai showcased its range of services and smart applications, including a Robot to measure the happiness index of its customers, at the recently held Dubai Government Excellence Programme (DGEP) Awards. The robot asks three questions to the customer and takes an image and measures the extent of customer’s happiness based on their facial expressions. Ensuring high level of customer satisfaction and happiness is in line with the UAE government’s vision to ensure happiness for all and high quality of services by government departments. Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, GDRFA Dubai
6 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
said the GDRFA is eager to measure the happiness indicators and customer satisfaction and continuously enhance its services for high satisfaction of the customers.
Our
Message
‘Zero Direct Customers’ by end of 2016
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he achievements of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA-D) continue as part of its strategy and belief that the happiness of customers is a top priority that comes in line with the directions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the happiness of customers amongst the main features of UAE and a symbol adopted by the state. On this level, our Directorate has already recorded several achievements, the most important being the Dubai Vision system, which allows completion of customers’ transactions via service offices, and constitutes an additional step in the process of reaching our objective of ‘zero direct customers’ by end of this year. These achievements are positively received by the different segments of customers, as it enables them to complete their transactions smoothly and easily. This success was made possible by the use of smart solutions by all the staff of the Directorate’s branches, which has become part of the work culture adopted by our Directorate. The Dubai Vision system forms an additional step in our path to reach our goal of ‘zero direct customers’ during this year, thanks to using smart applications in virtually all our procedures and to having national talents capable of putting modern technologies to the service of customers. The system was launched during the “Making Customers Happy” forum, which was attended by representatives of GDRFA-D accredited service offices, who have received adequate training to use the new system, which is characterised by its accuracy right from submission of application, scrutiny of information provided and provision of services via emails or SMS, and ending with receipt by customers of completed transactions via SMS notifications. Up to 600 GDRFA-D accredited service offices will use the Dubai Vision system. Customers can visit
any of these offices to submit their transactions without having to visit GDRFA-D head office or any of its centres. Hence, a customer’s journey shall start and end at the service office without having to visit the Directorate or any of its centres. We have already started to reap the fruits of our efforts. The number of customers visiting GDRFA-D head office and centres has currently dropped by 50 percent, and this clearly indicates the validity of our strategy, which aspires to innovate and excel in a quest to enhance the global reputation and leadership of UAE ports industry. Speaking of excellence, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my fellow GDRFA-D officers, who have managed to reap five Dubai Governmental Excellence Programme awards, and had the honour to shake hands with and be congratulated by the leader of excellence, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. I take this opportunity to call upon them to continue their efforts in the path of excellence, and I urge the rest of my colleagues to aspire for this great honour in future editions of this programme. Leadership is a stairway to glory, and we move forward with confidence in our national talents and guided by the vision of our wise government, which accepts nothing but first rank.
Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor Deputy Director General GDRFA-Dubai
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 7
UAE News
UAE non-oil total foreign trade volume recorded AED 1.56 trillion in 2015: Federal Customs Authority
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he UAE non-oil total foreign trade volume of 2015 reached approximately AED 1.56 trillion, with the direct trade data representing 68 per cent of the UAE total trade volume with the value of AED 1.06 trillion and the Free Zone Trade data, representing 32 per cent of the UAE total trade volume with the value of AED 497 billion. Commissioner Ali Al Kaabi, Head of the Federal Customs Authority, FCA, said in a press statement that the total non-oil trade of the state in the past year has seen a remarkable stability due to the economic diversification and declining oil sector’s contribution to GDP in favor of the productive and service sectors. He also confirmed that the statistics of the foreign non-oil trade of the state reflects the confidence of traders in the global markets and trading partners in the economic climate. 8 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
This reaffirms the strength of the UAE economy and its ability to meet the challenges and implications of various financial and economic crises that are impacting the economies of other trading partners, such as China, which is experiencing a marked slowdown in growth rates. He pointed that the statistical data for the non-oil trade of the state revealed a significant increase in terms of exports to the outside world. Reaching an increase of 17 per cent over the past year which reflects the quality
of the industry and its local products. Consequently, changing the preference of many traders and investors to local products instead of import products (in terms of products), in addition to, increasing international confidence in UAE local products and proving it to have high competitive advantage in many global markets. The FCA data indicated that the share of imports of the UAE total foreign trade amounted to AED 952.3 billion during 2015.
UAE News
port came on top at a value of AED 55.4 billion, representing 30 per cent of the UAE total non-oil exports, followed by ornaments and jewelry with a value of AED 19 billion, i.e. 10 per cent, the raw aluminum with a value of AED 17 billion with 9 per cent, then Cigarettes with a value of AED 7 billion forming 4 per cent, and finally ethylene polymers in primary forms with a value of AED 6.4 billion representing 3 per cent of the UAE total exports during 2015. The UAE total non-oil trade volume reaches in terms of weight during 2015 approximately 213 million tons, 93.7 million tons of which were imports, and 101.8 million tons of exports, and 17.6 million tons of reexports.
The native gold and semi-processed gold come on top of the imported goods during the previous year, recording AED 96 billion with a share value of 10 per cent of the total imports. Mobile phones came in the second place on the list of imports with a value of AED 94 billion at 9.8 per cent, Vehicles with a value of AED 58 billion, i.e. 6 per cent, followed by non-composite diamond recording AED 45.5 billion with 5 per cent then ornaments, jewelry and precious metals with a value of AED 32 billion with 3 per cent, of the total non-oil imports during 2015. The FCA stated that the UAE export reached AED 185.4; billion Gold ex-
With regard to the UAE trading partners map in the field of non-oil trade, the FCA pointed out, in its statement, that the regional structure of the UAE trading partners in the field of non-oil trade was stable in terms of regions shares during 2015, as Asia, Australia and the Pacific region maintained the first rank on top of the non-oil trade partners with a share of AED 646 billion equivalent to 44 per cent of the UAE total non-oil trade. The European region came second in the list of the UAE trading partners with a share of AED 328 billion representing 22 per cent of the total, followed by the Middle East and North Africa Region with AED 289 billion with 19 per cent, and the American and Caribbean Region with AED 134 billion with 9 per cent of the total, and Eastern and Southern Africa with AED 43.5 billion at 2.9 per cent, and finally the West and Central Africa with AED 42.5 billion, representing 2.8 per cent of the UAE total non-oil trade during the said period.
With regard to the UAE non-oil trade with the GCC countries, the FCA stated that the share of the UAE nonoil trade with the GCC countries during 2015 reached 11 per cent of the total non-oil trade with the world, amounting to AED 179 billion. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came on top of the Gulf countries in terms of the value of the UAE non-oil trade with a value of AED 84 billion with 47 per cent of the total non-oil trade with the GCC countries, followed by Sultanate of Oman with a value of AED 30 billion with 17 per cent, Kuwait with AED 26 billion at 15 per cent, Qatar with AED 23 billion with 13 per cent, and finally the Kingdom of Bahrain with a value of AED 16 billion representing 9 per cent of the total non-oil trade with the GCC countries. According to the FCA, the total imports to the UAE from the Arab countries amounted to AED 64.3 billion during 2015, i.e. 7 per cent of the total of imports. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came on top of five Arab countries exporting to UAE with a value of AED 19.5 billion with 30 per cent of the UAE total Import trade with the Arab countries, followed by Sultanate of Oman, with AED 7 billion with 10 per cent, Sudan the with AED 5.2 billion i.e. 8 per cent, Kuwait with AED 5.1 billion, i.e. 8 per cent, then Libya with AED 5 billion with 7.8 per cent of the UAE total Import trade with the Arab countries. The UAE non-oil exports to the Arab markets during 2015 amounted to 38 per cent of the UAE total exports recording approximately AED 70.5 billion. ď‚… (Source: WAM)
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 9
UAE News
DHA to complete implementation of Dubai’s mandatory Health Insurance Scheme by June 2016 Al Yousuf: Linking health insurance scheme to visa issuance in partnership with (GDRFA) contributed to success
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ubai Health Authority (DHA) will complete the implementation of Dubai’s mandatory Health Insurance Scheme ISAHD (Bringing Happiness), by the end of June, 2016. DHA is currently in the third and final phase of implementing the scheme on companies with less than 100 employees, including all spouses, dependents and domestic workers Dr. Haidar Al Yousuf, Director of Public Health Funding at DHA said that 75 per cent of Dubai expatriates are now covered by the insurance,
thanks to the mandatory health insurance. “This means we have 25 per cent left to cover by June, we hope to have close to 100 per cent of Dubai expatriates covered by the insurance by the end of next month,” he said. He added that the implementation of the scheme, to have all Dubai residents
covered by health insurance is going according to the adopted timeframe. Dr. Al Yousuf called on all companies to hurry in insuring their employers before the end of June 2016, to avoid penalties imposed by Executive Council Resolution No.7 of 2016. DHA has completed the first phase that included companies with more than 1000 in 2014 and the second phase, which included companies with 999 to 100 employees in 2015. Dr. Al Yousuf said that linking the health insurance scheme to visa issuance and renewal in partnership with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) contributed to the success of the implementation process. Companies can get the health insurance packages that are in line with the scheme from the 46 health insurance companies permitted by DHA, that includes nine companies that provide the essential benefits package, Dr. Alyousuf added, many of these companies now provide competitive and affordable packages to employers, sponsors and individuals.
10 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
UAE News
Ahmed bin Saeed receives award for Dubai International Airport as Best Airport in the Middle East 2016
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is Highness. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, has received an award for Dubai International Airport as the Best Airport in the Middle East for 2016. This came when H.H. Sheikh Ahmad visited the pavilion of Dubai International Airport during its participation in the Arabian Travel Market, ATM, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, DWTC, from 25th to 28th April, in the presence of Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports and a number of senior officials.
Sheikh Ahmed commended the efforts of the team at Dubai International Airports and their strategic partners, pointing out that the award underlines the keen interest of Dubai Airports to promote the services provided to travellers by providing them with a fantastic travel experience.
National Productivity Forum discusses enhancing productivity in UAE labour market
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he National Productivity Forum has discussed priorities, actions and policies required to enhance productivity on the macroeconomic and economic levels, as well as facilities and employment activities in the UAE labour market. The platform aimed to establish a new norm in the business sector to consolidate innovation and employ new technologies so as to contribute to consolidating the UAE’s position on the global economy map. It also reviewed the best international practices in the field of productivity. The forum was organised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and in partnership with the Dubai Economic Council recently under the patronage of Saqr Ghobash,
Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Ghobash said, “Convening the National Productivity Forum coincides with the launch of a new phase of a national action in pursuit of the UAE 2021 vision, and to approach the future government initiative, which is based on the foundations of developing human resources and create high-level educational systems, which supports our vision of reaching a competitive knowledge-based economy, whose core is the UAE citizen.” He pointed out during his opening speech the clear vision of the UAE leadership to implement the future government initiative, which leads the UAE towards the post-oil era, through the
development of the economic sectors characterised with high added service value and a high level of productivity to ensure and sustain stable economic growth pace, diversify sources of income and enhance social welfare. “Restructuring the Ministry of Labour to become the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation came to focus on workforce development in the labour market and qualify them to achieve our competitive knowledgebased economy vision on the one hand, and enable citizens to actively participate in the private sector and lead the transition towards an economy that had been diversified and sustainable, on the other hand,” Ghobash said. | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 11
UAE News
84 per cent UAE residents feel financially stable
National Bonds Corporation announces 2015 Savings Index for the UAE
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ational Bonds Corporation, the leading UAE company specialised in a unique and investment Sharia compliant programme, has released its 2015 Savings Index findings based on a survey conducted among 2,000 respondents in the GCC region. Compiled by Sondos Market Research, the survey aimed to gain feedback on three key areas: financial stability, potential of saving and existence of an enabling saving environment in their respective countries. Out of the total sample size, nearly 700 comprised UAE residents of Emirati, Arab, Western and Asian nationalities. In key outcomes, the UAE results indicate a significant increase in potential for saving and an overall positive outlook on financial stability in the nation. More specifically, 84 per cent of the respondents in the UAE admitted to being financially stable. Of the 63 per cent that expressed intent to increase their savings, 53 per cent comprised UAE nationals, 60 per cent Arab expatriates, 86 per cent Asian expatriates and 52 per cent were Western expatriates. Only 6 per cent of the respondents said they do not have any saving plan yet, while 50 per cent of UAE nationals and 65 per cent of Asian expatriates said they plan to start saving, and 21 per cent of Arab expatriates indicated no interest in starting a savings plan. 12 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
In the context of regular saving, the index has revealed that Western expatriates are the most committed to regular saving. Leading with 48 per cent, Western expatriates are closely followed by Asians at 44 per cent, while UAE and Arab nationals scored 28 per cent and 27 per cent respectively. An increased 30 per cent of the respondents in the UAE regarded 2015 as suitable for saving, compared to 26 per cent in 2014.
Among those that save regularly, 87 per cent said they save on a monthly basis.
While 36 per cent of UAE nationals and 34 per cent of Asian respondents thought 2015 was suitable for saving, 35 per cent of Arab expatriates thought 2015 was unsuitable for saving, and 61 per cent of Western expats preferred not to answer.
On whether savings occurred in line with their 2015 plans, 69 per cent of those surveyed replied in the negative, while 74 per cent of Arab expatriates admitted to saving less than planned compared to 70 per cent for Westerners, 65 per cent for Asians and 63 per cent for UAE nationals.
Responding to questions on why 2015 was a good year for saving, 44 per cent of the respondents cited better available investment opportunities in the UAE.
The index also showed that 84 per cent of the respondents in the UAE thought their savings are not enough for the future, compared to 77 per cent in 2014.
On the flip side, 45 per cent said that high living expenses and inflation were the main reasons that 2015 was not suitable for saving. Interestingly, 44 per cent of the respondents expected their income to increase in 2016.
Of those that thought they were not saving enough, 74 per cent were UAE nationals, 78 per cent Western expatriates, 86 per cent Arab expatriates and 86 per cent comprised Asian expatriates. ď‚…
UAE News
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 13
UAE News
Obaid: Taqdeer Award to have a long-term positive impact on employer-worker relations
More than $ 390.8 billion worth of projects under construction or in pipeline in Dubai
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is Excellency Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, and chairman, Taqdeer Award, said the Taqdeer Award will have a long-term positive impact on the labor market in Dubai, and the award criteria will contribute to consolidating a culture of work that promotes the rights and duties of both employers as well as workers.
The Award has received a tremendous response from construction companies in Dubai with 50 companies already confirming their participation, he said. “The turnout of major companies participating in the award, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, indicates how local and international companies are keen on the reputation of this economically vital sector, building good business relationships with its workers, providing them with 14 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
the best services and preserving their rights in addition to the necessity of having the workers keen on doing their job with dedication and sincerity for the interests of all parties. Pointing out that in the future cycles the Award will establish unsurpassed positive business relationships between all parties concerned, companies, labors and the representatives of countries that supply labored to the UAE,� he said. More than 50 companies have confirmed their participation so far and these include major national and foreign companies operating in the
building and construction sector in Dubai. It is targeted to reach a number which is higher than 100 companies participating in the Award’s first cycle, where the winners will be announced in a special ceremony. The Taqdeer Award management held a series of awareness training workshops for the companies at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai premises, as a part of its efforts to generate awareness about criterion for participation in the Award. Executives from the companies, who attended the Awareness Training
UAE News
Workshop for the construction sector conducted by Taqdeer Award, said not only will the winning companies benefit in terms of priority in government projects developing a strong image of their organisation in labour welfare practices, the award benefits all the participating companies by giving them a strong guideline in labour practices to follow. The Taqdeer Award, launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, is the world’s first points-based award programme for recognising excellence in labour welfare practices and seeks to promote international best practices in labour welfare and enhance relationship between companies and workers. The Award is targeted at Construction Sector in its first cycle. According to the latest Deloitte and MEED Projects report, over $ 390.8 billion worth of projects are under construction or in the pipeline in Dubai and the construction sector has a significant contribution in Dubai’s GDP (nearly 8 per cent) and employs 500,000 workers. J. Poornima Rai, Senior Human Capital Manager, Laing O’Rourke, said the Taqdeer Award is a fantastic initiative which will enhance employer and worker relationship and is rightly focused on construction sector in the first cycle. “We have about 3,000 workers and are highly active when it comes to taking labour welfare initiatives. The Award inspires companies to do their best in this direction. As the construction sector has a high concentration of workers, the award rightly focuses
on this industry in its first cycle. I believe this initiative will have a highly positive impact on labour welfare practices across the region,” she said. The Award will benefit both workers and employers in Dubai as it keeps interests of both parties, said the participants. Nilanjan Basu, Group HR Manager, Khansaheb Civil Engineering: “The Taqdeer Award has standards and criteria that the participating companies need to fulfill. This is very important for the industry and we are very happy about the initiative. The enthusiasm surrounding the participation in the award is very high among the companies. The Award will also enhance the image of the sector in labor welfare practices.”
hope that eventually, all companies participate in the award. It is in line with the vision of the UAE’s leadership, which has implemented numerous effective measures toward labour welfare in past too.” Companies in the construction sector in Dubai involved in civil, electrical and mechanical work that have been operating for at least two years and have executed a minimum of two projects in the last two years are eligible for applying to the Taqdeer Award.
The Award will inspire all companies to achieve the highest ranking and excel and will benefit both workers as well as companies, said the participants.
In the first year of the Award, only companies involved in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels, plumbing installation and power generation plants are eligible for applying. The companies can participate in the Award by submitting a comprehensive submission document, which will be thoroughly evaluated by a Judging Committee. The companies will be awarded the ratings from one star to five stars.
Ahmed M. Al Akayleh, Human Resources Manager, Gulf Precast Concrete Company, said: “We have over 3,500 workers and have implemented most of the criteria already. The Award gives a direction to companies and it will help in the long term. We
Winners of 5 and 4-star ratings will receive a certificate, enjoy priority in government projects, and will be honoured at an award ceremony. These top ratings will give companies a competitive advantage in bidding for international contracts. | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 15
Cover Story
Mohammed bin Rashid honours winners of Dubai Government Excellence Programme Awards
GDRFA Dubai employees bag 5 awards
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is Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, honoured the winners of the 19th edition of Dubai Government Excellence Programme (DGEP) Awards, at a special ceremony which took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Five employees from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai bagged Excellence awards for excellent services. 16 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
Congratulating the winners, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said the Dubai government departments have made great strides during their 19-year journey towards
excellence and creativity, which is also in line with the vision of all UAE governments. They are going the same way at their steady pace to accomplish the high na-
Cover Story
tional goals, namely bringing happiness to the people as well as providing services at the highest standards across the local and federal government entities. Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners AffairsDubai (GDRFA), stressed that the awards are another milestone in excellence for the GDRFA. Major General Al Marri said: “This achievement is the result of absolute faith in the importance of excellence to institutions and the endeavour to make excellence a lifestyle for government and private institutions’ employees. "This is our belief in GDRFA-D since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has initiated the quest for excellence, with the launch of Dubai Governmental Excellence Programme, to which all were
urged to follow in order to globally strengthen the UAE and turn it into a model to be followed in terms of the provision of services and happiness for all people living on its blessed soil or dealing with its institutions.” “This achievement comes as a result of the efforts made by the awarded officers toward excellence and achieving the objectives of our visionary leadership that aims to make UAE the best in world in the field of border industry, as part of the vision and strategy of the Ministry of Interior and the aspirations and top-notch performance of GDRFA-D to reach this vision” he added. Commenting on this achievement, Major General Al Marri appreciated the efforts of GDRFA-D officers Colonel Talal Shanqeeti, Captain Salem Mohammed Ali Bin Ali, First Lieutenant Mohammed Youssef Al Marri, First Lieutenant Faisal Yacoub Al Blushi
and Lieutenant Kalthoum Mohammed Abdulla, and said that they have set excellent examples of the organisational excellence enjoyed by the Directorate, and asked them to continue their efforts and excellent performance and not stop with what they have already achieved, thus providing an example for others to follow. H.E. also extended his thanks to the work team providing oversight to the Dubai Governmental Excellence Programme for its good efforts to disseminate a culture of excellence within the institutions of the Government of Dubai and for making excellence one of these institutions’ main traits. Major General Al Marri called upon fellow GDRFA_D officers, to continue their efforts, as persistence and faith in the personal capabilities of individuals for the key medium for success and attainment of goals. He expressed that this is only a matter of time | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 17
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and that those who travel through the spaces of excellence are bound to arrive at their desired destinations at the end of their journeys. The Dubai Government Excellence programme is a comprehensive and integrated scheme affiliated with the Dubai Executive
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Council, which focuses on working to improve the quality of government services in Dubai. Colonel Talal Ahmad Al Shanqity, from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, was named ‘distinguished government employee’ for being positive, tactful
and always keen on creating an attractive work environment. Al Shanqeeti that the GDRFA for the achievement and said it was the positive work environment and inspiration from the leaders that helped him give his best. He shared how an encouraging work environment helped him progress
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in his career which he started 14 years ago. Captain Salem Mohammed Ali Bin Ali, Manager of AMER Customer Care Section – GDRFA_D, who won an award for creative employee, said he was greatly honoured to receive the award and thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his great inspiration and visionary leadership. Faisal Yaqoub Rahma Al Beloushi, who is also from the GDRFA, won ‘distinguished employee in the administrative and financial field’.
tinguished Administrative Initiative, Distinguished Technical Project, and Distinguished Government Employee. In an earlier report, WAM quoted the Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of DGEP, Abdulla Al Shaibani, as saying that the performance of government has shown improvements. "Average improvement jumped 11 percent in the category of Distinguished Government Entity compared to last year.
Mohammad Yousuf Mohammad Al Murri from the GDRFA -D was the ‘distinguished new employee’. Lieutenant Kalthoum Mohammed Abdulla won the award for excellence.
We firmly believe in His Highness's statement, 'You should make your employees happy so they can ensure the happiness of society', which was reflected in the exceptional performance of government entities in Dubai," Al Shaibani said.
The key categories of the DGEP Awards include Best in Customer Satisfaction, Best in Employee Satisfaction, Distinguished Financial Performance, Distinguished Electronic Performance, Distinguished Team Performance, Dis-
"Under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, we have a clear strategy to enhance government excellence and per-
formance, so that we can further enhance Dubai's competitiveness at a global level," he continued. The General Coordinator of the Dubai Government Excellence programme, Ahmed Al Nusairat, said that the DGEP Awards provide an opportunity for individuals, teams and government departments to improve their services, according to the report. Al Nusairat also said that H.H. Sheikh Hamdan is following up on the progress of the DGEP to ensure that it remains consistent, along with the government's strategic plan to achieve its objectives for both the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) won 6 awards, while Dubai Customs net 5 DGEP trophies to Dubai Customs. Other winners included Dubai Police, Road and Transport Authority among many others. In terms of initiatives, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing won the award for ‘distinguished administrative initiative’ for its e-Permit portal. | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 19
Transactions increased by 18% year-on-year
Zajel honours strategic partners
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hawla Kabanji, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zajel Courier Company, expressed strong appreciation and gratitude for the support and trust provided by Zajel strategic partners, which has reflected positively on the company’s performance last year. During a ceremony held in Ballazzo Versace Dubai to honour Zajel’s strategic partners, Kabanji revealed the results achieved in 2015 and the company’s objectives for this year. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Chairman of the Board and the Board Members of the company, in addition to a number of honorary guests including representatives of the Dubai Police, Ministry of Community Development, Dubai Legal Affairs Department, the Supreme Legislation Committee, Dubai Public Prosecution, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, JAFZA, GDRFA-D, and Dubai Financial Control Department.
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Kabanji highlighted key achievements of 2015, including the completion of Customers Label System, diversification of income sources through opening international channels by activating logistics and shipping services, in addition to upgrading company’s fleet management and ISO 9001-2008 Management Quality Systems Certification. Zajel managed an 18 per cent increase in transactions compared to 2014, and Kabanji said this is due to “partners trust in our performance, which has greatly motivated us to
move forward and consolidate our position as one of the most prominent courier services companies and the best in terms of accuracy and reliability”. “Last year successes are not only the result of our partners’ confidence, it also comes due to the relentless efforts of our staff, who are one of the key pillars for enhancing the level of services we provide,” Kabanji added. In an initiative that reflects Zajel’s commitment to achieve the happiness index and the satisfaction of its
customers and employees, in line with the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Kabanji revealed the results of evaluating the different opinions of Zajel multinational customers with respect to a variety of different services. She said that over 90 per cent of company’s customers were satisfied with the speed, accuracy and performance of Zajel last year, while 92 per cent of employees were satisfied with their jobs. Zajel’s Call Centre managed a record of 1.5 million successfully answered calls during 2015.
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 21
The company announced its targets for 2016 coinciding with the launch of its smart application that is compatible with all smart phones and tablets and downloadable via Android and APP stores. In addition, the company has launched e-commerce, which allows customers to buy products via websites, and is currently targeting Health, Safety & Environment Management System based on ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001. The company has also set its own policy for staff skills and efficiency develop-
22 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
ment and for rehabilitating them to fill senior positions. A subsidiary of emaratech, Zajel is one of the fastest growing courier companies in the UAE. The company provides document and parcel shipments, logistics and shipping services in and out of UAE in record time; all of which has had a positive impact on authorities, government departments, enterprises and individuals, and helped save customers’ time and efforts, achieved zero queue and waiting index and enhanced productivity and transaction processing.
As part of its strategy aimed at smart transformation of its delivery services, Zajel follows the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with regard to the smart transformation of its services and realisation of customers’ happiness. Zajel services include tracking transactions from receipt to delivery and faster processing thanks to checking documents prior to receipt, in addition to servicing customers round the clock through its toll-free and customers service centre. 
YOUR HAPPINES IS OUR FOCUS © 2012 ZAJEL COURIER
||Manafez 13 ManafezDubai Dubai||April May 2016 | 23
Middle East News
Japan’s Kyoto City surges in popularity among G.C.C. nationals
G.C.C. Nationals overnighting in Kyoto increases by 37 per cent in 2015
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yoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital for over 1,000 years and home to Japan’s many cultural traditions, arts and crafts, has struck a chord with the hearts and minds of an increasing number of nationals from the Gulf States of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, with the total number of visitors from the region choosing to overnight in Kyoto increasing by 37per cent in 2015 compared to 2014 figures. According to the latest figures available, 2016 results from the months of January and February are even more incredible with a further increase of 153per cent of G.C.C. nationals staying in Kyoto when compared to the same period in 2015. Says Shuhei Akahoshi, Managing Director Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau: “Since the opening of our promotional office in Dubai in April 2014 we have seen the number of Gulf State nationals visiting our city continuing to increase year on year. Kyoto has been named World’s Best City to visit by the readers of the United States based Travel+Leisure magazine for 2 years in a row in 2014 and 2015, and we are thrilled to see our city also delighting more and more visitors from the Middle East.” In 2015, nationals from Saudi Arabia increased by 74per cent, followed nationals from the UAE at 28per cent and Qataris at 23per cent. 24 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
Says Mr. Akahoshi: “In order to make Muslim and Middle Eastern guests as welcome and comfortable as possible, many of our hotel, hospitality and restaurant partners throughout the city have
made extensive efforts to learn the cultural and religious needs of Muslim guests, including making available various services and offerings that are Halal or Muslimfriendly.
Middle East News
All this information can be easily accessed through the Muslim Friendly Kyoto website at: http:// kyoto.travel/muslim/ “ Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Japanese kaiseki cuisine and even Kyoto’s famous geiko and maiko (apprentice geiko), Kyoto offers visitors unique experiences, landscapes, tastes, shopping opportunities, and memories that last a lifetime. To further promote Kyoto among the region’s travel agencies, the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau is participating at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) at the Dubai International Convention Centre from 25 – 28 April, 2016, in what is now its third consecutive year to participate in the show.
Expanding the Japanese presence at the show, Kyoto has been joined this year for the first time by the Hokkaido Ski Promotion Board and JETRO Japan. Adding to the excitement, the Kyoto Convention Bureau is also bringing a maiko (apprentice geiko) to entertain visitors to the stand with traditional Japanese dance and tea ceremony. Geiko, often mistakenly referred to as “geisha”, are artisans that commit their life to the preservation and perfection of Japanese traditional arts including, tea ceremony, dance, song, and music among others. Also present at the Japan stand at ATM, is the Kyoto Convention Bureau member and Japan Tour Operator Ayabex, which, in con-
Kyoto plans further promotional activities within the Middle East
junction with Cathay Pacific, has launched a best of Tokyo & Kyoto five day package with exceptional value, starting from AED 8,400. The package includes return flights from Dubai with Cathay Pacific, a one way Bullet Train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto, two night accommodation at each of the Sunroute Shinagawa Seaside and Hearton Hotel Kyoto, city tours in both Tokyo and Kyoto and airport transfers by English-speaking drivers. The package is available through local G.C.C. travel agents and is valid until the end of December 2016. “It is said among the Japanese that one hasn’t truly visited Kyoto unless one has been there at least four times and experienced it in each of the four seasons,” said Akahoshi. He added: “With the cherry blossom season just over, we now look forward to the new green foliage of spring known as aomomiji which makes it a beautiful time to explore Japan’s traditional gardens and surrounding forests. Following that is the excitement and fun of Kyoto’s many unique festivals that are held throughout the summer, so we hope that visitors, both new and those that have already visited us from the Middle East, will visit us again in the coming months to deepen their appreciation of our very special, and beloved city.” | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 25
Middle East News
SITA kiosks bring more selfservice options to Bahrain Airport
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n a drive to improve the passenger experience and deliver increased flexibility to its airlines, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) will this year introduce SITA’s self-service check-in kiosks across Bahrain International Airport. SITA will install and manage six new AirportConnect® S4 Kiosks at the airport, with four kiosks to be introduced in the economy check-in area and two in the first and business class check-in area. The new S4 kiosks provide a vastly improved passenger experience with large 19-inch multi-touch screens. Along with the new kiosks, SITA will provide its AirportHub™ shared connectivity
platform, enabling airlines to migrate their back offices from legacy or direct connections systems to a cloud-based communication link. Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Chief Executive Officer of BAC commented: “This project is the first step towards the company’s vision of implementing IATA Fast Travel Initiative which will significantly enhance the passenger
experience at Bahrain International Airport. This initiative will offer benefits of self-service check-in to passengers to facilitate the passenger journey.” Hani El-Assaad, SITA President, Middle East, India and Africa said: “Kiosks have proven to be an extremely versatile interface for a wide range of airport functions and services.
Low, flat fee for money transfer for Filipino expats in KSA
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oneyGram, a global transfer and payment services company has introduced a low fee of just 15 Saudi Arabian Riyals (approx. $4 USD), on any money transfers sent from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Philippines. The fee is flat regardless of the amount being sent and the promotion is valid until July 6(th), 2016. According to a company press release, this new flat fee is designed to support Fili-
26 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
pinos in Saudi sending money back home to support their families and friends for their daily needs and life’s essentials. They can now transfer money at a minimal fee to any of 11,000 agent locations where receiving customers may enjoy the excellent service of MoneyGram. The cash might be picked-up in just 10 minutes, subject to the agent operating hours
and compliance with the regulatory requirements. “We have dramatically lowered fees to appreciate hard working Filipino migrants” - said Maher Haddad, Senior Regional Director of MoneyGram for Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan. “At the same time we guarantee that at the other end the receiving customer in Philippines will not be surprised by any backend fees” - he added.
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 27
International News
Curaçao International Airport inaugurates eGates
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uraçao International Airport has officially inaugurated its state-ofthe-art integrated Automated Border Control system, referred to as “eGates”, which are now fully operational and available to passengers at both arrivals and departures passing the International Airport. Whether arriving or departing, locals and tourists (staying up to 3 months) over 18 years of age, and holding a European, Canadian or American ePassport are now able to use the eGates and control their own clearance process, authenticating their passport and claiming their identity through facial biometric verification. Tourists and visitors staying max 3 months also have to fill in the Online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card 24 hours before arrival in Curaçao (via www. Curaçao Curaçao.com) to be able to use the eGates. The eGates will make the Curaçao International Airport even more welcoming to the eyes of all visitors.
An innovative step for Curaçao: “Today is a milestone for Curaçao as it officially becomes the second country in the Caribbean region to offer its passengers this innovative form of automated border control,” said Minister Rhuggenaath, Minister of Economic Development, at the official launch at the arrivals hall of the Curaçao International Airport. Minister Rhuggenaath stressed the importance of continuous quality optimization and innovation of our airport, after all the tourism sector is one of the most important economic pillars of our country, and believes improving the overall airport experience is key to making a good first impression on all our visitors.
Minister van der Horst, Minister of Government Policy, Planning and Service, spoke on behalf of Minister Navarro, about the need to increase border control security worldwide, and the introduction of eGates as a tool to aid Immigration officers in improving border protection at Curaçao International Airport. He emphasized that this tool will enable the borders to be safer, and give the officers a chance to focus on the important aspects of their function. The Director of Curaçao Airport Holding and CEO of Curaçao Airport Partners, Ignacio, spoke next about future plans for Curaçao’s airport. “This is only the first step towards bettering the airport experience for our guests,” said Ignacio, “Let us continue working together to demonstrate that unity makes the impossible, possible”. He indicated that projects are already in place to tackle the baggage claim process and customs. Mr. Ralph Blanchard, CEO of Curaçao Airport Partners commended Curaçao Airport Holding on initiating such an innovative
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International News
process and commended their visionary approach towards the betterment of the airport experience. Sambo, Head of the General Police Department noted that “Passengers will now see that the arrivals and departure halls have received a “face lift”, but this face lift will also be present in the new image of immigrations. This is just the beginning of the improvements for immigration, we will continue to improve and collaborate with airport stakeholders to reach the next level.” Overall all speakers spoke of the collaboration among stakeholders in realizing such a complex project in 4 short months. The shortest and most integral implementation time that the eGates vendors, Vision-box, have experienced. Smooth cooperation between all stakeholders
Jason Nisbet, Director of KPMG in the Dutch Caribbean commended on the unique collaboration between all stakeholders and local businesses, successfully bridging the gap between private and public sector. He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of each stakeholders, and commended their ability to focus on the higher purpose: improving the first impression of our island. KPMG in the Dutch Caribbean has been appointed since December 2015 to coordinate the entire implementation phase. Curaçao Airport Holding (CAH) as main sponsor and promoter, along with the Ministry of Justice, Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), Curaçao’s Police Force (KPC), Vision-box (as technical supplier), Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), and Curaçao Hotel and Tourism As-
sociation (CHATA), worked hard alongside one another to ensure the smoothest possible introduction and operation of the e-Gates, with the ultimate goal of providing a better service and improving border protection at Curaçao International Airport. A multimedia communications plan is in place where all stakeholders have a role in informing all involved stakeholders such as the airlines, hotels, tour operators, passengers and the public of Curaçao. Ready-to-use eGates: The e-Gates, two in the departure hall and six in the arrivals hall, will be available for all passengers (for visitors for a period of max. 3 months), over 18 years of age, and who are in possession of an American, European or Canadian passport with chip. | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 29
International News
ACI and Green Light to offer new course on behavioural analysis for passenger screening and insider threat management
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irports Council International (ACI) and Green Light Limited, a London-based security training and consulting company, signed an agreement on 17 March to collaborate on a new behavioural analysis course for passenger screening and insider threat management. The aim of the course is to enhance the effectiveness of airport security programmes through a robust curriculum taught by experts in the field of airport security. For nearly two decades, Green Light has been an advocate of logical passenger risk assessment and has taught non-discriminatory profiling techniques to airport screeners, aircrew and management personnel around the globe. The Green Light solution, grounded in baselining, has been embraced by regulatory authorities
and industry as a methodology which aims to identify all manner of threats. Through practical exercises and real-life scenarios, the Behavioural Analysis for Passenger Screening and Insider Threat Management course from ACI and Green Light Limited aims to teach airport security professionals not only how to effectively identify threats, but also how to resolve their concerns through questioning techniques. The course, taught over 5 days (40 hours) in a classroom setting, will
be available beginning in the third quarter of this year. “Airports can no longer rely on traditional airport screening checkpoints as the sole safeguard against those with criminal intent,” said Philip Baum, Managing Director, Green Light. “We welcome the opportunity to work with the ACI to increase the effectiveness of behavioural analysis techniques within the arsenal of procedures and technologies designed to safeguard the industry.” “Security is a high priority for ACI and its members,” said Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World. “Behavioural detection and questioning techniques can help airports, airlines and security staff identify potential threats, and provide an important addition to the security measures available. Training is a critical element for all airport staff, especially those involved in security. Through the addition of this course to the ACI portfolio, we hope to be able to offer many more airports the ability to benefit from behaviour detection techniques.”
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LIFE NEEDS EXCITEMENT.
INTRODUCING THE NEW NISSAN PATROL NISMO. CONCENTRATED POWER.
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 31 nissan-dubai.com
International News
European Commission proposes visa-free travel for citizens of Ukraine
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he European Commission has proposed to the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament to lift visa requirements for the citizens of Ukraine by transferring Ukraine to the list of countries whose citizens can travel without a visa to the Schengen area. Once the proposal is adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports will no longer require visas when travelling for short stays of up to 90 days to the Schengen area.
and Switzerland). The exemption concerns only short-stay visas valid for up to 90 days of travel in any 180-day period for business, tourist or family purposes. The visa exemption does not provide for the right to work in the EU. The proposal came after the Commission gave a positive assessment last December, confirming that Ukraine successfully met all benchmarks under the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP). Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos said: “Today we follow up on our commitment to propose short-stay visafree travel to the EU for Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports – facilitating people-to-people contacts and strengthening business, social and cultural ties between the EU and Ukraine. 32 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
This is the result of the success of the Ukrainian government in achieving far-reaching and difficult reforms in the Justice and Home Affairs area and beyond, impacting on areas such as the rule of law and justice reform. I am very satisfied with the progress achieved, it is an important achievement for the citizens of Ukraine, and I hope that the European Parliament and the Council will adopt our proposal very soon.” The visa-free travel will apply to all EU Member States except for Ireland and the UK, as well as the four Schengen associated countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
Other entry conditions for accessing the Schengen area will continue to apply, including the need to be able to prove sufficient financial means and the purpose of the travel.
Background The enhanced mobility of citizens in a secure and well-managed environment is one of the core objectives of the Eastern Partnership. To this end, the EU carries out Visa Liberalisation Dialogues with interested partner countries. The EU-Ukraine Visa Liberalisation Dialogue was launched in October 2008.
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 33
Special Report
Dubai International among top 3
ACI releases preliminary world airport traffic rankings
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ased on reports from 1,144 airports worldwide, ACI’s preliminary passenger traffic results for the most-travelled airports in 2015 reveal that the top spot continues to belong to Atlanta-Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL). Growing by 5.5 per cent year over year in passenger traffic to the record-breaking total of over 100 million passengers in 2015, Atlanta has benefitted tremendously from its strategic location as a major connecting hub and port of entry into
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North America. The airport is within a two-hour flight of 80 per cent of the United States population. Atlanta also owes its strides in throughput to its major operator, Delta Air Lines. Coupled with ef-
ficiency gains in the deployment of its aircraft fleet, the airline has continued to make inroads into the American domestic market. While Beijing (PEK) was poised to close the gap on ATL by 2015, it
Special Report
no longer benefits from the doubledigit growth it enjoyed in previous years, and as such remains in second position. PEK grew by 4.4 per cent in total passenger traffic. At the same time, Shanghai (PVG), the second-largest airport for throughput in China, grew by 16.3 per cent in 2015. With an added runway and increased slot capacity, PVG was the fastest growing airport among the world’s top 20. Moving from the sixth busiest airport in 2014 to the third position in 2015 is Dubai (DXB). Total passenger traffic at the airport grew by 10.7 per cent in 2015. The airport is also the world’s busiest in terms of international passengers ahead of London-Heathrow (LHR). Dubai has become the fulcrum that connects long-haul inter-
national flights from east and west, north and south. Chicago O’Hare (ORD) moved up to become the fourth-ranked airport in 2015 from seventh position in 2014, with growth last year of 9.8 per cent. After years of congestion, the airport is reaping the benefits of runway expansions and other capacity developments. “It’s impressive to witness the dynamic character of the aviation industry and its evolution over time,” said Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World. “In certain markets, we see both airlines and airport operators expanding and optimizing their capacity in order to accommodate the growing demand for air transport. Thus, even in the most mature markets such as the United States and
Summary: Preliminary year-overyear growth for 2015, compared to 2014 Total passengers: +6.1 per cent Total international passengers: +6.3 per cent Total cargo (includes mail): +2.4 per cent Total international freight: +2.2 per cent Total aircraft movements: +1.8 per cent parts of Western Europe, several of the major hubs experienced yearover-year growth rates in passenger traffic that were well above the historical growth levels for these regions. On the other hand, we continue to observe double-digit growth rates at major Middle Eastern and Asian hubs serving long haul routes in emerging markets. With the continued rise in percapita income and liberalization of air transport across these markets, the propensity to travel by air will rise accordingly. However, airport capacity considerations on the supply side within major city markets will remain paramount to the issue of accommodating the surge in demand for air travel.” | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 35
Helping you understand.
Yes, we’re different. And yet, we’re the same. Autism Trust Foundation provides the best therapists, the latest methods and the most up-to-date technologies for Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD]. We at ATF continue to provide a caring environment for those with Autism and create a society that wholeheartedly accepts and welcomes them. To know more, visit www.autismtrustfoundation.com Assessment & Diagnostics | Speech & Language Training | Occupational Therapy | Applied Behaviour Analysis & Therapy
36 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 37
Interview
Mohammad Jaradat, Managing Director, TNI:
‘We are expanding our services’
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ohammad Jaradat, Managing Director, TNI, spoke to Manafez Dubai about tourism industry prospects and how Mafraq Hotel is planning to cater to growing demand for hospitality services. How is the enhanced portfolio of tourist attractions helping Abu Dhabi hotels? It creates strong benefits to sectors like hotels and resorts and also deepens the socio-cultural developments, thereby enhancing the growth of regional and international visitors. The anticipated growth
of visitors expected a demand for new products, services and accommodation facilities like hotels and resorts. How are tourism industry regulators raising standards and excellence in hospitality industry? The tourism regulators are contin-
uously enriching the standards of hospitality in Abu Dhabi. In hotels sector, the focus is to cultivate the quality of service through talents development and quality- focused training. The regulators also guarantee that all the hotels’ facilities maintained and up to the classifications requirements. How do you think the focus on tourism is helping the economy in the UAE. The tourism sector has been recognised as one of the top development priorities in Abu Dhabi. It promotes the country’s image. It helps to maintain the cultural heritage and can be powerful economic growth engine. It produces huge foreign exchange investments and creates direct and indirect opportunities.
38 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
Interview
How do you stay ahead of market competition? We continuously find ways to create the needs and demands in our target market. Flexibility and creativity are the two essential elements to maintain our position in the industry. In fact we are expanding our services through capitalising on the growing needs in the recreation segments. Soon, we will be in full operation of the newly improved Health Zone.
Do you have any special offers lined up for your customers in
the coming months especially for Ramadan? Mafraq Hotel & Resort invites you to enjoy in our refreshing pools in Oasis Courtyard, with amazing rates starting form AED245* per room per night, experience an ideal getaway with revitalizing spa treatments in our Fitness Zone & Spa, daily activities for a kids and delicious dining options. Ramadan Iftar & Suhoor : Make this Ramadan a special one with family and friends. Break your fast by savouring a delightful Iftar buffet at very attractive prices. Our offers are valid for all GCC nationals and residents .  | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 39
New Technology
The future of in-flight entertainment – embedded, wireless, BYOD, immersive or a selection of all?
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ne thing that was abundantly clear at Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg was that airlines are now facing more choice than ever before when it comes to in-flight entertainment options, with embedded, wireless and BYOD solutions showcased alongside inventive immersive cinema and virtual reality solutions. FTE takes a close-up look at the different sectors of this dynamic market, from high-end seatback solutions through to portable, BYOD-focused alternatives. Panasonic makes waves with Waterfront concept Matthias Walther, Senior Manager, Integrated Marketing Communication, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, gives FTE a demo of the Waterfront seat.
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On the Panasonic Avionics booth, FTE was given a guided tour of the Waterfront Seat, the premium seat concept developed in collaboration with B/E Aerospace and Teague. Behind the sliding door we found a truly next-generation business class experience. A 24-inch touchscreen
4K monitor, heated seat, inductive charging and smartphone synchronisation – which allows for the user to control anything from the IFE system to the lighting and temperature with their own device – are among the numerous eye-catching features.
New Technology
As Matthias Walther, Senior Manager, Integrated Marketing Communication, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, explained, personalisation and contextualisation are two key themes that run throughout the Waterfront concept. On this front, the Waterfront system can remember what movies you have watched and what drinks you have ordered on previous flights in order to provide a bespoke experience each time you fly. In additional, passengers can create customised settings – such as “sleep” or “wind down” – so at the touch of a button the seat and the surroundings can be transformed to suit their mood and preferences. Waterfront is an impressive example of what can be achieved through close collaboration and a pioneering spirit. Thales pushes IFE boundaries with ‘Digital Sky’ concept Thales has worked with B/E Aerospace and Tangerine to create the Digital Sky concept. Also highlighting what is possible when you push the boundaries – and embrace collaboration – Thales was showcasing its Digital Sky concept, which boasts either a 21.3-inch or 26.5-inch portrait-orientation touchscreen display for watching movies, playing games, ordering F&B and exploring location-based activities, for instance. When FTE was on the Thales booth, airline interest in the concept was clearly high, with the Digital Sky viewing room in high demand. If anything, Digital Sky – developed by Thales in partnership with B/E Aerospace and Tangerine
– highlights what can be achieved when a collaborative approach is taken. Sky-high cinema FTE Editor Ryan Ghee tries out the Skylights Theater immersive cinema headset, which offers content in both 2D and 3D. Among the inventive solutions was the Skylights Theater, an immersive headset that offers a fixed-screen theatre/cinema-style viewing experience in both 2D and 3D. As reported by FTE, XL Airways France recently became the first carrier to trial the Skylights Theater, and we caught up with David Dicko, Skylights’ CEO, to find out what other airlines think of the product. “We’re seeing two types of airlines,” he said. “The first sees this as an opportunity to improve the passenger experience and also make more revenue, and the second sees this as an opportunity to offer something different to their first and business class passengers for free.” Dicko explained that XL Airways France has been “more than enthusiastic” about Skylights Theater since it was introduced earlier this year.
Following the initial trial, the predeployment phase will now test passengers’ willingness to pay to rent the device in-flight, and an A330 aircraft equipped with Skylight Theater devices will be followed closely for a one-month period to assess not just uptake, but also how the devices cope with frequent use. Following the testing period, the product will, in theory, be rolled out widely by the airline. Having tried out the Skylights Theater in person, we can vouch for the fact that it offers an impressive viewing experience and genuinely helps you forget about the environment you are in (which is especially useful when you’re flying in economy), and the agreements with 20th Century Fox and Dreamworks ensure passengers have access to decent content. Dicko explained that a number of other airlines have already expressed a solid interest in the Skylights Theater (we can’t name them just yet), and he is now hopeful of gaining more customers in the coming months. “By the end of the year, our objective is to have at least two or three airline contracts that are permanent implementations, including at least one major carrier,” he stated. | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 41
New Technology
‘Embedded IFE is here to stay’ Lumexis’ Fiber-To-The-Screen (FTTS) Gen-4 seatback system will be flying with flydubai later this year. Lumexis’ unwavering faith in the future of embedded IFE was laid bare in Hamburg, with both the Fiber-To-The-Screen (FTTS) Gen-4 and iPAX seatback systems on display. The fourth generation of the AVOD FTTS system is powered by the latest Android Lollipop 5.1.1 operating system, which as Jon Norris, Vice President of Sales, demonstrated enables the IFE screen to respond like a tablet, while enabling the inclusion of highly interactive features such as the Flightpath 3D moving map, which allows the user to zoom into detailed street level maps. Meanwhile, the iPAX system, launched last year as an alternative to overhead IFE monitors, now de42 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
livers entertainment, retail and advertising on a 6.8-inch screen. In Norris’ words, choosing between overhead monitors and the iPAX system should be a “no-brainer” for airlines. Amidst claims elsewhere in the exhibition that high-speed in-flight connectivity could threaten the future of embedded IFE systems, FTE sought Norris’ thoughts on this subject. “We were told five years ago that connectivity was going to kill embedded. It hasn’t,” he said. “Connectivity can augment embedded IFE, but it will not replace it.” Air France “raves” about seatback IFE Embedded IFE was also in focus on the Zodiac Inflight Innovations booth in Hamburg, where the company announced that Air France has selected its RAVE Centric IFE and
Zodiac Seats for the upcoming retrofit of the Airbus A330 fleet. The deal covers a total of 15 aircraft. Larry Girard, Executive Vice President at Zodiac Inflight Innovations, explained that RAVE Centric IFE’s reliability, cost savings and easy installation and maintenance appeal to airlines. This deal with Air France highlights the fact that there is still a strong appetite for seatback IFE. BAE boosted by Vistara rollout FTE Editor Ryan Ghee was given a tour of BAE Systems’ IntelliCabin IFE system by Paul Childs, Head of Business Development – Europe/ Africa, and Shelby Cohen, Communications Manager. With one airline customer – Vistara – already flying with its IntelliCabin in-flight entertainment solution, BAE Systems is now seeking its next partner, and Paul Childs, Head
New Technology
of Business Development – Europe/ Africa, highlighted some of the key features of the system to FTE. IntelliCabin has now achieved allimportant Supplemental Type Certification and the solution will now be rolled out across the rest of the Vistara fleet. The first installation, he said, was completed in three overnight shifts with no interruption to service. While IntelliCabin enables airlines to stream content to “an incredible number of different devices”, a partnership with Samsung also allows carriers to offer IFE content, including Early Window Content, on customised Samsung tablets, which can be distributed to passengers for the duration of the flight. Echoing the thoughts of other providers in this space, Childs told FTE: “Airline interest is really high. " He added: “Our top-end relationship with Samsung is paramount for us and it’s also really important that we can stream to every type of device."
Agnostic approach After recently landing a contract to introduce its wireless IFE solution on Tigerair Australia’s Boeing 737-800-operated services from Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth to Bali, the Arconics team welcomed FTE on to their booth in Hamburg. Michael Reilly, the company’s VP e-Enablement & Entertainment, explained that the company’s “hardware agnostic” stance to IFE stands it in good stead. An increasing number of airlines are now willing to “test the water” he said, with a vast array of solutions, from full blown wireless IFE systems to portable products, providing a great deal of choice to all airline types. The associated ancillary revenue benefits – the ability to market and sell products and services via wireless and portable IFE systems – are an important element of the offer to airlines, he said. This point, he suggested, will contribute to a “real shift to wireless IFE in the next two, three or four years”, although he accepted that embedded
IFE systems will “always have a place in premium classes on widebodies”. ‘Exciting times for wireless IFE’ In the wireless IFE space competition is fierce and another of the many players in this space is Bluebox Avionics. Speaking to FTE, Kevin Clark, Chief Operating Officer at Bluebox, explained that the company offers a solution for all needs, ranging from standalone portable IFE and connected portable IFE, to fitted wireless IFE and a scalable wireless IFE product. Each of the Bluebox solutions has its own unique merits, he explained, from the Early Window Content available on the iPad-based Bluebox Ai solution, to the swappable battery and 800GB data capacity on the Bluebox Wow portable product. “We’re in a really exciting phase and there’s a lot of interest in wireless IFE and portable IFE,” Clark stated. (Source: http://www.futuretravelexperience.com/ By Ryan Ghee)
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 43
New Technology
Automatic advance security checks now being run on all passengers exiting Australia
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ustralia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection (the Department) is now running automated checks on all passengers departing the country. The Outward Advance Passenger Processing (APP) program uses iBorders from SITA, f border security and IT solutions provider.
Outward APP, which provides interactive advanced passenger information (i-API),was put in place following legislation enacted by the Australian Government to help improve Australia’s border integrity and national security. As part 44 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
of these measures, airlines are required to provide data for all travelers departing Australia in advance of their flight. The airline transmits each passenger’s data to the department during check-in, receiving in response a ‘board’/’no board’
message in real-time. Passengers who are pre-cleared for departure through this process are allowed to quickly self-process through passport control by using the SmartGate in Australia’s international airports.
New Technology
John Gibbon, Assistant Secretary Traveller Branch at the Department, said: “Outward APP delivers a faster and more seamless experience for travelers, while meeting our business needs to manage threats and ensure the integrity of Australia’s border.” SITA’s work with the Department started as a trial with a limited number of airlines. Full implementation coincided with the commencement of the Foreign Fighters legislation amendments and today the Outward APP program includes all airlines and all flights out of Australia. In total, 47 airlines are now fully certified and running around two million transactions a month through the Australian Outward APP program powered by iBorders. Ilya Gutlin, SITA President, Asia Pacific, said: “Australia has long been recognized as a leader and innovator in the area of border management.
In addition to providing a more streamlined departure process using automated e-gates, the process also facilitates the identification of passengers who may be a security concern ahead of departure. SITA’s iBorders system, which provides real-time, integration between the airlines’ systems and the Department’s border management systems, enables the Department to receive passenger data from the airlines with enough time to pre-process travelers before they arrive at the border.
This sophisticated Outward APP program builds on the existing solutions that SITA has been providing to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection since 2000, when the country geared up for the influx of arrivals for the Olympic Games. Working in sync with the airlines, Australia now runs advance, automatic checks on every passenger arriving or departing the country, making the journey smoother for authorized travelers while addressing issues with persons of interest.” Around 30 governments globally use SITA’s iBorders® systems and capabilities to keep their borders secure and transform their border security operations.
Commencement of missing outward Advance Passenger Processing reports Under sections 245L and 245LA of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act) airlines must provide Advance Passenger Processing (APP) reports on all passenger and crew (travellers) arriving into and departing from Australia, including all transit travellers. Failure to report on each passenger and crew member as required under section 245L and section 245LA of the Act constitutes an offence under section 245N and might result in an infringement notice being issued to an airline. Australia has started advising airlines of their missed APP reports for departing travellers. Missed APP reports will be sent on a daily basis to airlines that we believe have failed to provide APP reports for any of its passengers and crew. This ‘Missing APP’ report will be an opportunity for your airline to: examine records to determine if any travellers listed were in fact APP reported (and to gather evidence of this) investigate the cause of any missing APP report review processes for potential improvements to APP reporting. The report will include information on the date of the traveller’s movement, flight number, family and given name, date of birth, gender, whether the traveller was a passenger or crew member, passport/travel document number and a departmental reference number. Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection We will use these reports to facilitate calculating airlines’ compliance performance and to inform infringement processing, it stated on its official website.
| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 45
Health
8 Ways to train your brain to hate junk food
If unhealthy, processed food, is sabotaging your weight loss efforts, outsmart junk food cravings with these clever tricks
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s explained in the recent New York Times Magazine piece, “The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food,” there’s no denying that junk food cravings are powerful, physiological reactions—and, apparently, carefully and strategically developed by food manufacturers.
Many of our favorite supermarket snacks are made with the “perfect” amounts of added sugar, salt, fat, and other chemicals designed to make us want more. But you can steer clear of processed food by eating as many healthy, whole foods as possible, and the
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less junk food you eat, the less you want. Try the following tips and see if they work for you.
for food processing—don’t buy it. (Or if you do, consider it a treat instead of an everyday purchase).
1. Practice the five-ingredient rule If there are more than five ingredients on a food label—a red flag
This is an easy way to avoid impulse buys like flavor-blasted chips or pre-made cookies when food shopping.
Health
2. Three colour rule Research shows that people prefer three food items and three different colors on their plates, compared with more or less of either category. So instead of reaching for a candy bar, snack on nuts (loaded with healthy fats), fruit slices, and a small square of dark chocolate to get a healthy variety of colors, textures, and nutrients. 3. It only takes a few weeks to form a habit. So if you always associate 3 p.m. with a trip to the vending machine, start a tradition to walk around the block for five minutes instead. This may kick your craving altogether. 4. Make healthy food your treat One of the best, easiest desserts? Stash red grapes in the freezer, and cap off dinner with something sweet without kick-starting sugar cravings
5. Keep healthy stuff ready Store healthy foods you want to eat more front and center in your fridge and out on your countertops. Snack foods are so easy to dig into—you just rip open a bag. If you had, say, red peppers all sliced and ready to go, they’re all the more tempting to dip into hummus. 6. Know your triggers Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth for chocolate and red velvet anything or love salty treats like pretzels, know the foods that send you down the spiral of junk food binging. You’ve already accomplished half of the battle by identifying them. Keep them out of the house. 7. Gross yourself out One surefire way to consume less processed food is to learn more about what you’re really eating. Here are a few that make us cringe: Those frozen “grilled
chicken” breasts get their marks from a machine infused with vegetable oil. The preservative BHA is added to processed food like Tang, Kool Aid, and breakfast sausage even though Health and Human Services consider it a likely carcinogen. The vitamin D3 added to many yogurt brands is manufactured from sheeps’s grease. And the “natural flavor” in BBQ Baked Lays is made with milk and chicken powder. Yuck! 8. Chew more than you need Adam Melonas, renowned chef and founder of UNREAL candy (along with Nicky Bronner, a 15-year-old determined to “unjunk candy”) shared this smart tip: “If you can make people chew more, they’ll eat less.” Next time you sneak in a treat, chew slowly and consciously. Wait until you finish one bite to take the next. (Source: Readers Digest) | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 47
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| Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 49
Special Study
EU can manage skilled migration better taking cue from Canadian Express Entry system
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olicymakers in Europe are increasingly focussing on ways to attract better global talent and improve upon earlier policies as the European aims to achieve its goal of boosting growth and competitiveness across the European Union. EOI
The Expression of Interest (EOI) system is the most recent innovation in the management of highly skilled immigration to catch the attention of European policymakers, says the report. In January 2015, after more than a decade of research and evaluation, Canada implemented its version of the expression of interest (EOI) system, which is designed to fast-track skilled immigrants deemed most likely to achieve economic success and positive integration outcomes while balancing short- and long-term policy goals. While countries outside of Europe, such as Australia, Canada and the United States, remain the top international destinations for highly skilled workers, European countries have not attracted highly qualified labour immigrants in large numbers, either through national systems or the Blue Card. A new report by Migration Policy Institute Europe says the EOI system of Canada could be a model for the EU to improve the man50 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
agement of highly skilled migration. The report, ‘The Canadian Expression of Interest System: A Model to Manage Skilled Migration to the European Union?’, examines Canada’s implementation of Express Entry, as well as how elements of the programme could perhaps offer the European Union mechanisms to improve the management of highly skilled migration alongside the national systems operated by EU Member States.
By December 2015, more than 28,000 Express Entry candidates had received invitations to apply. The EOI system, variants which were adopted earlier Australia and New Zealand, volves a two-step process for lecting skilled immigrants.
of by inse-
In the first stage, candidates file an electronic expression of interest in permanent immigration and are pre-screened for minimum
Special
eligibility criteria (including language and education). Those who meet the eligibility requirements then enter a pool where they are ranked according to their human capital and in-demand skills. In the second stage, the pre-screened applicants with the highest rankings are selected in regular draws from the pool, in a dynamic process where candidates can gain points by, for example, securing the sponsorship of an employer or a territory. The EOI system replaces the first-come, first-served method of processing applications traditionally used by major destination countries. “By creating a pre-screened pool of high-skilled candidates, the European Commission would offer significant support to Member States, and, critically, employers, and provide additional value to national systems for skilled migration,” write authors Maria Vincenza Desiderio and Kate Hooper. “This would in turn foster trust in the European Union’s role in setting skilled migration policy, and lay the ground for progress toward a common regulatory framework for legal migration in the longer term.” The EOI system represents a major overhaul of how applications for permanent skilled immigration are managed in Canada and in other traditional settlement countries. For these countries, the traditional first-come, first-served method of processing applications resulted in endless backlogs, hampering the system’s capacity to efficiently
cater to local needs, making the process highly unpredictable for both prospective employers and migration candidates. The adoption of an EOI system in Canada and other destinations is the latest development in these countries’ continuous process of review—and reform—of skilled labour immigration systems. The goal is to improve how these systems respond to local demand and contribute to the successful socioeconomic integration of new resi-dents. Progress is measured by monitoring the labour market outcomes of selected immigrants and the discernible impact of relevant policies. Reforms over the past 15 years have taken two main directions: (1) prioritising those human-capital selection criteria that facilitate adaptability to the domestic labour market such as local language proficiency and qualifications by requiring premigration assessments; and (2) increasing the importance of demand-driven criteria by prioritizing candidates with a job offer, expanding territorial sponsorship schemes, and temporary immigration schemes for employer-sponsored migrants. The reforms have gradually transformed what was originally
Study
a supply-driven model for selecting skilled immigrants into a hybrid model, best suited to addressing both short- and longerterm socioeconomic needs. The introduction of the EOI system fully realises the potential of this transformation while at the same time ensuring that the permanent immigration model is preserved. Skilled migration in Europe In Europe, skilled immigration has traditionally been driven by demand and predicated on (renewable) temporary permit schemes. There are no endless queues of talented individuals awaiting admission. In fact, most Member States, and the European Union overall, have struggled to attract highly skilled migrants, says the report. Despite their very different starting points, both Canada and the European Union face several common challenges in managing highly skilled migration—notably in (1) efficiently matching candidates with job vacancies, (2) managing the very resourceintensive process of screening and hiring foreign candidates, and (3) addressing the multifaceted risk perceived by employers in recruiting such candidates given the limited information | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 51
Special Study
avail-able on their skills, work experience, and qualifications. By creating a pool of qualified, skilled immigration candidates who have been pre-screened for key human-capital characteristics and immigration requirements, the EOI system can greatly improve access to labour market information among both prospective employers and migrants. The availability of such a pre-screened pool also promises to save time and money in the process of matching candidates to jobs, a benefit of particular value to small and medium enterprises. What value would elements of an EOI system have for Europe? There are several reasons why adapting elements of an EOI system to Europe’s political and administrative realities might be valuable. First, pre-screening applicants’ language skills and qualifications, and establishing a 52 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
job-matching mechanism, may be a good policy target for European policymakers who have been grappling for years with the need to improve access to information for both potential labour migrants and employers.75 In demand-driven labour migration systems, a job offer from a local employer is the critical trigger for the immigration process. Yet, in Europe, even in labour migration systems with liberal rules for foreign recruitment, such as Sweden and, to some extent, Germany—employers, and particularly SMEs, have not taken full advantage of the opportunities afforded them to fill unmet vacancies through the immigration of third-country nationals. A key explanation for this is the limited information available to employers on the skills and qualifications of immigration candidates, and the risks, real or perceived, associated with hir-
ing foreign workers directly from abroad without being able to test their competences or receive references from acquaintances or business networks. Add to these risks the unpredictability and length of immigration procedures, and the direct hiring of skilled workers from abroad becomes an unaffordable option for many European businesses. SMEs in particular tend to lack the human and financial re-sources needed to overcome information barriers and, unlike bigger firms, cannot rely on the international reach and the economies of scale that would partly offset the costs of establishing a targeted information strategy for migrant recruitment. There are information bottlenecks on the supply side, too, as migrants face limited access to information on available job opportunities abroad and the steps needed to apply.
Special
In light of the above, the primary value of an EOI-type system for EU Member States would lie in giving employers access to a qualified pool of pre-screened migration candidates. By pre-screening foreign workers for key human-capital characteristics such as language skills and qualifications, while also offering a mechanism for pairing these workers with local employers, the system would greatly reduce the information hurdles involved in foreign recruitment. This would in turn contribute to reducing the resource gap between small and larger firms seeking to hire migrants from abroad. The introduction of elements of an EOI at the EU level could help move forward a common EU policy on legal migration—via a more concrete strategy than the harmonisation of minimum requirements. Looking at the supply side, such a system would also improve the ability of migration candidates to ply their skills and migration credentials to prospective employers.
This would in turn facilitate the effective matching of migrants to jobs, and lessen the incidence of underemployment and over qualification among those who manage to secure a job.80 All this would help Member States attract highly skilled migrants. Moreover, the introduction of elements of an EOI at the EU level could help move forward a common EU policy on legal migration—via a more concrete strategy than the harmonisation of minimum requirements. The first step of this strategy would be for the European Union to fully leverage its capacity to offer Member State governments, administrations, and employers key mechanisms to support the management of skilled migration. Member States would share these mechanisms to ease their work identifying skilled migration candidates appropriately qualified to meet European vacancies and integrate in Europe’s labour markets, and matching these qualified candidates with local employers. This endeavour would not require any harmonisation of migration rules among Member States.
Study
For such mechanisms to be successful, however, the European Union would have to obtain buyin from all relevant stakeholders, including central and local governments and administrations and, crucially, employers. This would be particularly beneficial to those countries that have so far lacked capacity to effectively govern processes related to labour migration, and may at the same time facilitate greater convergence among Member States. Furthermore, by providing concrete support, the European Union is likely to gain greater trust from Member States. Proving a positive EU role in support of efficient migration policymaking can in turn be expected to create more favourable foundations on which to negotiate common selection criteria and further harmonise admission rules. As the European Commission considers how best to establish a coherent, common framework for legal migration—one that could be easily utilised by prospective migrants and employers and thus attract skilled workers from abroad—the approach discussed above might be considered as an alternative to the harmonisation paradigm that has been pursued so far. Indeed, given Member State prerogatives on legal migration, the fragmentation of their schemes can be reduced only somewhat by top-down efforts to harmonise binding rules. The relative failure of the EU Blue Card is a case in point. | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 53
Comfortable flying
Easy ways to enjoy flying with children
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ith the summer holidays approaching and families starting to think about flying home or to a new destination, it is worth remembering some basic steps to make flying more pleasant for you, your children and your fellow flyers. Paolo De Renzis, Head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia Sales for British Airways, who has been flying with his three children since they were very young, says being in a confined space with a noisy youngster can be awkward for parents and disturbing to fellow flyers. Often you can avoid this with just a bit of planning and taking a few
simple steps to ensure your child is as relaxed, occupied and comfortable as possible. To add to the experience, British Airways is offering discounted fares across all cabins from the UAE to London, Europe and North America until 10 April 2016 with travel valid until 30 November 2016.
“Most children are naturally quite excited about flying. The trick is to harness that interest, without them getting over-excited, while ensuring they don’t become fretful in an unfamiliar environment,” says Paolo and suggests the following ways to ease your journey: A happy flight starts online before you leave for the airport. Sites like www.britishairways. com have comprehensive details of paperwork required for traveling with minors, so you can plan ahead. You can also order children’s meals online, better still get them to help you. You can also reserve equipment such as bassinets for infants. Take advantage of all the concessions offered to families, such as being allowed to take strollers to the door of the aircraft when boarding. Families
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Comfortable
also get priority when boarding and you can wait until other passengers have disembarked before doing so with your family. Understand air-pressure: the pressurisation in passenger aircraft is likely to be your child’s main source of discomfort. During ascent and descent, giving the child food or drink will trigger their swallowing reflex, which will help their ears equalise.
many families ration children’s use of tablets, a long-haul flight might justify a little leeway. Headphones are useful tools for movies, music, apps and games, but crayons and paper are always favourites. Generally, it’s better to not seat kids on the aisle, as they may bump passing trolleys, which have hard edges and hot water.
flying
Don’t over-pack. You have to carry it all. You’ll need the basics – wipes, nappies, sanitisers and so on – but if you child is small you’ll need to carry him or her as well. Finally, says Paolo, remember that the aircrew are your allies and it’s in their interests to ensure that you and your family have an enjoyable flight, so don’t be reluctant to ask for help.
Most parents have a good idea of which foods make their kids overactive and tetchy, but in general, avoid sweet treats of ones that have artificial colourants when travelling. Chewy snacks like dried fruit will help with pressurising their ears while limiting the spikes in blood-sugar that can result in tantrums. While it’s good to keep the child hydrated, don’t overdo it as this can result in nappychanges and trips to the toilet Pack favourite, familiar snacks for the kids, to supplement to meals served on board. Keeping the child occupied is obviously crucial if he or she is awake. One tried-and-tested trick is to gift-wrap treasured toys and present them when the child gets bored. It may also be good time to buy some new toys and ration them out during the flight. This is probably one time to avoid toys like Lego blocks as they can fall in hard-to-reach places. Mobile devices can be a benefit for parents and although | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 55
Customer Service
Hitachi customer service ‘robot’ with brain to assist shoppers
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aking customer service in retail to an altogether new level, Hitachi has come up with a humanoid customer service robot that can identify and assist customers who look like they need help.
“EMIEW3,” a humanoid robot, and its “remote brain” is capable of autonomously approaching customers requiring assistance, was developed to provide necessary services and guidance in stores and public facilities. Once they have approached and engaged with the customer, Hitachi’s robots use a clever voice and language processing technology, us56 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
ing horizontal and vertical direction analysis to efficiently focus on where voice is coming from. This allows voices to be recognized and translated in environments with lots of background chatter. The robot is enhanced by the “remote brain” consisting of a robotics IT platform connected to cloud-based intelligent processing systems and a remote
operation system to monitor and control multiple robots at various locations, EMIEW3 is able to provide high quality services. Using the EMIEW3, robotics IT platform, and ‘developers/operators’ package, Hitachi together with customers, will commence proof-of-concept (PoC) on new robot services for various situations and environments. Since the announcement of “EMIEW”
Customer
in 2005, Hitachi has continued to develop human symbiotic robots that can safely co-exist with humans, providing robot-based services with advanced communication capabilities. Using EMIEW2, first announced in 2007, Hitachi developed functions necessary for customer and guidance services, and demonstrated capabilities which include autonomous mobility at a brisk human walking pace, isolation of human voice from background noise, accessing information from the Web to identify objects and using indoor network cameras as “eyes” to locate objects. More recently, artificial intelligence technology was applied for functions requiring advanced intelligent processing such as for dialogue with appropriate response to questions posed in different forms and predictive function to avoid collision with moving objects which may suddenly appear from blind angles. Equipped with the various functions developed to date for EMIEW2, the newly developed EMIEW3 is further enhanced with functions to efficiently provide customer and guidance services such as the ability to identify a person requiring assistance, autonomously approach a person and initiate customer services, share information with other EMIEW3 units to ensure smooth service continuation, and if knocked over, to resume a standing position.
1. High activeness based on intelligent processing by the remote brain A remote brain configuration was used to conduct intelligent processing such as on voice, image and language outside of the robot to enable high quality customer and guidance services. For example, by linking human movement and network cameras for environmental recognition, the robot can identify customers requiring support and autonomously initiate customer services. Further, the voice and language processing technology allows voice to be recognized and translated even with background street noise, thus supporting business in communities with a large number of tourists. 2. High operation availability of robot services The remote operation system which monitors and controls multiple robots at different locations allows information to be shared between multiple robots and enables smooth transfer of services. Further, in the event of robot failure, restoration instructions can be sent from a remote location to quickly resume
Service
services, thus improving the operation availability of robot services. 3. High mobility robot body capable of various services The practical features previously developed with EMIEW2 for indoor services are kept in EMIEW3 such as its compact height of 90cm, portable weight of 15kg, ability to keep pace with humans adjusting speeds up to a max. of 6km/h and overcome differences in floor levels up to 15mm. In addition, a new ability to resume a standing position if knocked over, has been embedded in EMIEW3. Using the EMIEW3 and robotics IT platform, Hitachi together with customers will commence demonstration experiments in robot services. To realize practical robot services that will contribute to the advancement of society and business, Hitachi will employ processes such as Hitachi’s original collaborative creation method, NEXPERIENCE,*2 sharing customer challenges and creating solutions together with customers, and open innovation with partners worldwide.
Hitachi, in a press release, explained the functions achieved with EMIEW3 and the robotics IT platform: | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 57
Tourism
Top things to do in Budapest
Hungarian capital has been ranked as most economical travel destination
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new survey has identified the Hungarian capital Budapest as the world’s cheapest travel destination.
Travel website Hoppa.com examined the prices of costs most typical of tourists – such as a cup of coffee, dinner for two, a 3-kilometre taxi ride or a night in a hotel – in 46 countries with the aim of showing would-be travellers the best budget destinations. It revealed that, with regard to overall costs, Budapest is the cheapest destination, with an average daily budget in the Hungarian capital amounting to 40.34 British pounds. Here are the top things to do it Budapest Royal Palace and Castle District You can’t miss the World Heritagelisted Royal Palace and Castle Hill. The palace is one of the city skyline’s most distinct features, with its huge green dome towering over the city; this majestic building is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and theBudapest History Museum, and nearby landmarks include the Sándor Palace (the Magyar president›s residence) and the National Dance Theater. Spend a few hours exploring the Castle District: check out the view from the famous Fishermen’s 58 |Manafez Dubai | May 2016 |
Bastion, admire the tiled roof of the Matthias Church, perhaps try a delicious cake at the Ruszwurm café, or simply soak up the atmosphere while walking the cobbled streets. You can take a leisurely walk up to the Castle Hill plateau, but a popular alternative is the funicular that leaves from Clark Ádám Square at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge. Thermal bath Budapest’s abundant underground thermal waters mean that there are dozens of thermal baths dotted throughout the city. Surrounded by the stunning architecture of the Széchenyi Bath feels like swimming in a beautiful palace (although it can get very crowded with fellow visitors). The hot thermal waters allow the outdoor pools to remain open in the winter months – swimming outside amid falling snow is a surreal experience. The Gellért Bath has an old-world charm and is particularly popular with older people soaking their bones. The Király Bath dates back to the 1500s, during the time of Ottoman rule; here visitors can pamper their senses amid a relaxed atmosphere, while submerging
in a traditional Turkish bath. For something that›s less about relaxing and more about partying in your bathing suit, Széchenyi Bath is the location for frequent Saturdaynight pool parties. Walk in District V: St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Parliament House There is so much to see in District V – just around every corner there’s a beautiful building or a historic sight. The newly renovated Parliament House and the redeveloped Kossuth Square are near the Margaret Bridge end of the district on the banks of the Danube. There’s a 45-minute tour inside the Parliament that you can book in advance, although walking around the building itself is also something special. Closer to Deák Square lies St. Stephen’s Basilica – for a small fee, ascend to the balcony surrounding the Basilica›s dome to get some of the best views of the city. Other places to look out for in District V are Váci Utca (a
Tourism
historic pedestrianized shopping street), Vörösmarty Square (site of the venerable Gerbeaud House and Christmas markets), and the Sziget Eye during summertime. If exploring the city on foot is your preferred option, then here are some walking tours to consider. Explore the Danube and its bridges by boat While you can walk along both banks of the Danube, taking a boat ride is a great way to enjoy the beautiful panorama of Budapest by day – and also at night, when the city lights are simply magical. Another way to experience this view is by walking across any one of the central bridges; the views from Margaret Bridge, the Chain Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, and Liberty Bridge are especially breathtaking. See Heroes’ Square and the City Park At the end of Andrássy Avenue lies Heroes’ Square, which is one of Budapest’s postcard superstar landmarks.
The historic complex showcases statues of revered Hungarian leaders alongside the seven chieftains, while the square itself is flanked on both sides by museums. Behind it is City Park, where you can enjoy a picnic, walk through open fields, or relax by the lake (and even ice skate in winter). Vajdahunyad Castle is also located at City Park, and this architectural marvel is definitely worth exploring. The glorious Széchenyi Bath and the family-friendly Budapest Zoo are within City Park also. If you need a break – and are looking for a treat – head to theGundel restaurant for an elegant meal, or visit the eternally romantic Robinson restaurant. Traditional Hungarian food Hungary is famous for its cuisine, which is heavy on its use of paprika, meat, and cabbage. Traditional dishes include gulyás (meat soup), paprikás csirke (paprika
chicken), lecsó (tomato and pepper stew), töltött káposzta (meat stuffed in cabbage), and kolbász (sausage), among many others. For dessert, favorites includesomlói galuska (chocolate and cream sponge cake), gundel palacsinta (pancakes with chocolate and nuts), and dobos torta (layered sponge cake with a hard caramel top). For a snack, try lángos or kürtős kalács at the famous Central Market Hall. Some popular traditionalHungarian restaurants include Pozsonyi Kisvendéglő, Tüköry Étterem, and Mátyás Pince. For a modern twist on Hungarian cuisine, try theserestaurants with panoramic views of the city. We’ve mentioned some other confectioneries throughout this list (Ruszwurm, Gerbeaud, Lotz Cafe), but without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to have cake and coffee is the New York Cafe. (Source: www.welovebudapest.com) | Manafez Dubai | May 2016 | 59