DM holds Bio-diversity exhibition

Eng. Salem Mesmar, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Health, Safety and Environment Monitoring Sector on Sunday organized an exhibition to mark the World Biodiversity Day at the Municipality headquarters.

The event was held in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreational Facilities in the municipality of the western region - Liwa and the Natural History Museum, Sharjah on the occasion of the 22nd National Environment Day 2009.

Mr. Mesmar stressed on the importance of concerted efforts and cooperation among the national institutions in raising awareness on various environmental and health matters, pointing out that unity and cooperation is in itself a success for the event.

He said the municipality has made it a practice to observe this occasion each year due to its keenness to participate in national events in the area the preservation of the environment, but the participation this year was distinguished by the cooperation between different bodies.
He added that the exhibition aimed to familiarize staff and visitors to the marine environment, traditional ways of fishing, role of old generation in the preservation of the marine environment, increase public awareness on issues involved in the protection of coastal environment undertaken by the municipality, introducing and encouraging public to participate in environmental events.

"From this standpoint, the Municipality, on the National Environment Day, calls to respect the national environmental issues and to think with a sense of responsibility in all actions undertaken by each of us, for the shared values of preserving the land, and that too with a firm resolve and strong confidence," said Mesmar.
He pointed out that the Municipality is working to coordinate with all concerned on environmental issues in and outside the emirate and to succeed in the efforts to protect the environment and also development on a sound basis to ensure maintenance of a sound environment free of pollution.
The activities and events included an exhibition of organic products by the Department of Parks and Recreational Facilities in the municipality of the western region – Liwa. The highlight of the event was a presentation of products from the model garden, organic crops, samples of the palm weevil insect with a detailed explanation of the gravity of the crops and agricultural products, an electronic presentation on the implementation stages of the project Liwa Model Farm, and distribution of pamphlets and brochures on agricultural pests and the services of the departments of the municipality in the western region.
The exhibition also included activities of the Natural History Museum, Sharjah, which shed light on the domestic ecological system through a presentation of scientific information on certain organisms such as lice, worms, wood dust, flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches and other insects in both Arabic and English, in addition to a display of many types of preserved insects.

There was also an exhibition of harmful insects by the Pest Control Section of the Public Health Services Department of Dubai Municipality, which included presentation of the types of pests that may pose a risk to human health such as mosquitoes that transmit diseases like malaria, in addition to a presentation on the types of pests that are harmful to human health such as ants, Red Spider, rodents and cockroaches. The event also witnessed distribution of educational leaflets on the public health and pest control methods.

Lootah urges DM leadership to have transparency in work

Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, met with the senior leadership team in the municipality to address a number of issues and initiatives of the sectors of the civic body. He also reviewed the work proceedings and discussed some matters pertaining to the overall performance of the Municipality.
Eng. Lootah stressed the importance of transparency in the work and dealing with customers and simplifying of procedures which will lead to increased productivity and reduced time to complete transactions.
He also urged the leaders to review the productivity of their departments during the previous period of the year and work to avoid the shortcomings and implement rotation of employees, which would lead to the creation of new ideas, stressing the importance of creativity in work and applying scientific approach and new ideas that help speed up delivery.
Lootah also stressed the importance of communication and cooperation between departments and sectors in the municipality to ensure the quality of work and achieve the goals and strategies pursued by the civic body and focus on the vision set by it.
He also called upon the municipality leadership team to strengthen the relations between them in a way it reflects in the work and keeps pace with developments and future goals of the city.
During the meeting, the Director General was briefed on the human resources strategy for 2009 by the Human Resources Department, which also presented a summary report on the results of the implementation of the Individual Performance System. The Finance Department presented the results of the first quarter of the budget for 2009. The Corporate Excellence Department presented the sub-criteria on the personal involvement of leaders in the development, application and modernization of the systems of work for the implementation of the shortcomings of the departments that cooperate with them.

DM launches Plantation Campaign in Hatta

Dubai Municipality has recently launched a campaign aimed at planting around 40,000 different trees in Hatta region. The move is part of a plan for greening 30% Hatta's land. The campaign includes allocation of 4 hectors for a nursery of local plants.

This was stated by Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, who noted that the first phase of the plantation project includes cultivation of 10,000 trees in Hatta.

The campaign is being implemented as part of the execution of the directives of the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum regarding intensive plantation programme in different parts of the Emirate. The project shall be completed in four phases planting 10,000 trees in each phase.

According to Mr. Lootah, DM shall pay high attention for the above project abiding by its duties in accordance with the best practices fulfilling the targets, aspirations and hops of the people and visitors.

"Hatta has been selected for this project considering its attractive nature and related conveniences. The plantation sites include Hatta Fort roundabout, internal streets, the main road to Hatta roundabout, road to State of Oman …etc.," he said.

"The project targets to convert Hatta to a green land in line with the mountainous nature of the region as well as to increase the opportunities for domestic and external tourism by converting 30% of its land to green plots and preparing them as locations for travelling, games and related entertainments," said Lootah.

Apart from naturally growing plants, the treated drainage water from Hatta Water Treatment Plant also shall be utilized for the project. This water is expected to be doubled from 250 to 500 gallon per day in the immediate future.

The plants are selected considering its capacity to grow in the area overcoming the hard environmental aspects and the possibility to get its own water and nourishment. These plants are distinguished by its immunity against the botanical diseases and capacity to prevent soil erosion, fight desertification and prevent the sand encroachment in addition to its significant role in producing oxygen and purifying atmosphere.

Mr. Ahmad Abdul Kareem, Director, Public Parks and Horticulture Department said that the department will provide the areas allocated for the project with a drip irrigation system enabling the roots of plants to grow in depth and reach into the natural ground water. This system shall be stopped after five years leaving the plants to depend on themselves and shall be diverted to the new areas of plantation.

As part of the campaign the Municipality has allocated four hectares to establish a special nursery for fruitful plants of local environment so as to extend its services to the people of the region similar to the services provided by the central nursery in Dubai city.

Mr. Abdul Kareem praised the people of Hatta for their constant support and cooperation which encouraged the Municipality to take a decision for the launching of this campaign and extend its agricultural services to the people of the region, adding that the civic body will start planting the surrounding areas of the residences of the citizens based on applications to the Municipality.

The plantation campaign has been launched with the participation of the local people in the presence of a number of officials from the government and federal departments.

Sheikh Hamdan presents Dubai International Award to 12 winners

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality on Monday night presented 12 winners from across the globe with the Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment (DIABP), in recognition of the significant impact they made on people's lives.
The winning practices that fall in the category of best practices this time came from countries including Burundi, Senegal, South Africa, China, Indonesia, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, the United States of America and Congo. In addition, there were two winners in the best practices transfer category from Palestine and Pakistan respectively. Each of the twelve winning practices will get a cash prize worth US$ 30,000, in addition to the "Barjeel" trophy and a certificate of appreciation.
Addressing the gathering at the Cultural and Scientific Association at Al Mamzar, Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality and Chairman of Board of Trustees of the award, said the award seeks to encourage and recognize outstanding human achievements and experiences, to raise awareness on best practices that can improve lives of the marginalized people, and transfer them to other societies.
He noted that the DIABP provided an opportunity to all government organizations, the private sector, local authorities and civil society organizations to take part and present pioneering works and projects in this field.
"Celebrating the 7th cycle of the award, it gives us the pleasure to declare that this award had attracted in its seven cycles since 1995 more than 4,000 practices from over 140 countries, and the number of laureates reached 65 from all over the world. The number of submissions this cycle was 500 from 68 countries, of which 112 were selected by the Technical Advisory Council (TAC). An independent International Jury selected the best twelve practices to win this cycle's Dubai International Award," he said.
Lootah said the visions and strategies of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai has been a constant support in promoting the award as it has positively impacted in stimulating an enduring partnership of all societies from across the globe in the award.
He added that the persistent follow up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Municipality has earned a prominent international status for the award, which is underscored by the impressive global participation.
The award, he noted, attracted during the current cycle participations from different continents of the world.
Delivering the UN speech on behalf of Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director, UNCHS, Ambassador Inga Björk-Klevby, Assistant-Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, said the awards were valuable means of recognizing excellence, promoting learning and sharing best practices.
"This year, the award ceremony is held at a time the world is going through the worst economic crisis in living memory. If we do not manage it better while we still can, especially the urban part of it in which most of us live, we will lose the battle against climate disruption as well," she said, adding that the winners show how participatory approaches are bridging the knowledge gap between experts and ordinary people.
"As we grapple with the global impacts of the economic crisis and climate change, we need innovative ideas, informed communities and municipalities and government support. I am delighted the winners include new ideas on dealing with climate change and all address environmental sustainability in one way or another, and that all respond to various targets of the Millennium Development Goals," said Björk-Klevby, adding that cities need to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Vanessa Ramirez Cabra, who gave the speech on behalf of the winners, said gives thanked Dubai Municipality and commented on its commitment to sustainable development and the protection of the environment.
"Global recognition has created visibility for our work and this recognition goes a long way in helping us expand the scope of our interventions. Our problems may be global, but a good network of local solutions has proved useful to tackle those problems," she said.
Cabra said the award money will be invested in various ways including the expansion of our work, awarding outstanding contributions, research and development to ensure the sustainability of the interventions, purchasing technical materials, and tools and training beneficiaries and capacity building of partners and beneficiaries.

DIABP Winners Best Practices - 7th cycle:

1. APROCOBU (Association for the Promotion of Cooperative Stores for
Production, Selling and Supplying in Burundi), Burundi



The “integrated village” managed by APROCOBU is an experimental site for integrated development, which seeks to address the challenges of repatriation of refugees, reconciliation, integration and demobilization in post-war Burundi. The goals and strategies of the initiative are aimed at improving the lifestyle of rural populations through access to water, electricity, and income-generating activities.

2. Involving Indigenous People in Forest Management in Decision Making, Democratic Republic of the Congo



1.3 million hectares of forest in the Republic of Congo, which are home to around 9,000 indigenous forest people, are managed for sustainable timber production by Congolaise Industrielle des Bois (CIB). This practice's objectives are to move CIB’s operations towards sustainability and respect and include indigenous people in CIB’s forest management plans. The initiative is an example of how indigenous peoples, the State, local NGOs, academics and private enterprise have worked together to formalize the recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights and at the same time establish a meaningful consultative process with regards to forest management.

3. Micro-Gardens in Dakar, Senegal



The Micro-Gardens Project in Dakar was initiated in 1999 within the framework of a Technical Cooperation Programme between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Senegalese Government. The micro-garden project introduced new technologies for out-of-land horticultural production on yards, roofs and vacant places; its main objective being to participate in poverty reduction by providing fresh vegetables to poor families, thereby improving their food supply and nutrition. The project also promotes income generation through the sale of production surplus.


4. Marianhill Landfill Conservancy, South Africa



The Marianhill Landfill Conservancy is an initiative by the e’Thekwini Municipal Area (EMA) designed to address the issues of land uses for waste disposal sites. The main priorities of the initiative were to ensure that no pollution of the environment occurred and to save on costs and to address negative associations with landfills, including fouls smells and environmental pollution.

5. The New Qingpu Practice - Sustainable Construction of Ecology and Humanity, China



Qingpu, a land of rivers and lakes in the outer suburbs of Shanghai was ignored for a long time, resulting in the city's development lagging behind. After entering the 21st century, the local government gathered insights on various fields, and proposed the city’s vision as “Qingpu, a green watertown, one of the best habitable city”, working out the meticulous plan incorporating local characteristics, respecting nature and history.

6. Integrated People-Driven Reconstruction in Post-Tsunami Aceh, Indonesia



Urban Poor Linkage (UPLINK) Indonesia, initiated in July 2002, is a coalition of grassroots/community based organizations and NGOs focusing on urban poverty and impoverishment issues. Uplink envisions a city where social, economic and cultural diversities are positive resources and strength for a socially just and democratic city, as well as where the urban poor are strongly organized and independent, and are able to develop a pro-poor counter system.

7. Spanish Network of Cities for the Climate, Spain



The Spanish Network of Cities for the Climate, with over 60 Spanish cities, created a stable framework of relationships for setting up an initiative to prevent pollution and mitigate climate change. This was aimed at encouraging policies of sustainable development at the municipal level from which the Spanish Network of Cities for the Climate emerged as a tool for working and management.

8. “Heartfelt Houses” The pilot Project: Housing Consolidation and Environmental Recovery of the “Juan Bobo” stream basin area, Colombia



This initiatives target people who have settled along the banks of Juan Bobo stream in Medellin. They implemented an alternative model for onsite resettlement, housing consolidation, environment recovery and improving the living standards of the three hundred families that live in this neighbourhood.



9. Collective Action: A social movement to protect Balandra bay, an ecological resource in Northwest Mexico, Mexico



Balandra is a wetland area situated in Mexico and was the last undeveloped beach in La Paz, Baja California Sur. A citizens’ movement (Collective Balandra) was created with the participation of 18, 000 citizens of all ages and social groups in movement. The overall goal was to secure the long-term protection of Balandra. This mobilization, technical and political work led to legislation, three policy tools, and an intergovernmental treaty.

10. Partnership in Opportunities for Empowerment through technology in the Americas -POETA, The Americas



The Partnerships in Opportunities for Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA) program was created to address the needs and create opportunities to people with disabilities in the America. POETA provides persons with disabilities with the necessary skills and the opportunity to apply for and hold a job, earn a living and become more independent.

DIABP Winners Best Practices Transfers – 7th cycle:

1. The Palestinian Housing Council, Palestine



The Palestinian Housing Council (PHC) was established in Jerusalem in 1992 as a non-profit national institution dedicated to alleviating the housing problem. PHC’s main objective is to explore practical ways that enable it to resolve the housing problem in the Palestinian Territories. Through its various programs, PHC has positively impacted on the living standards and conditions, as well as created a suitable environment for numerous Palestinian families.

2. Water and Sanitation Extension Program (WASEP), Pakistan



The Water and Sanitation Extension Program (WASEP), initiated in 1997 by the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, Pakistan (AKPBSP), aims at providing infrastructure services. Specific program objectives focus on improving environmental health of local communities through provision of safe water and sanitation facilities to local communities in Northern Pakistan and Sindh.

DM Public Health Services Deptholds Open Day for customers

The Customer Relations Department in the Dubai Municipality organized an open day between the Public Health Services Department and its customers from various companies and institutions.

Zuhoor Al Sabbagh, Director of Public Health Services Department gave a brief presentation on the nature of the work at the department and the services it provides through each section such as medical check ups, controlling diseases that threaten public health, veterinary services. She also briefed on the completed and future projects of the department.

Al Sabbagh also talked about the results of customer satisfaction survey on the services provided by various sections in the past.

She also emphasized the importance of organizing such events in improving health services and changing the customer impression on the standard of service and in achieving the desired objectives.

Khalid Abdulrahim Abdullah, Director of Customer Relations Department said the open day was a project that allows the concerned departments to understand and meet the needs of the most important customers of these departments and to address their complaints.

Dubai Municipality organizes 19th blood donation drive

The blood donation drive organized by the Corporate Marketing and Relations Department of Dubai Municipality on Sunday in co-ordination with Al Wasl Hospital of the Department of Health and Medical Services received tremendous response from the employees of the civic body.
Khalid Mohammed Badri, Corporate Marketing and Relations Department, said the drive, under the slogan, "Join Us Today In Donating Blood," was the first in the current year and 19th since 1996, was aimed at assisting efforts of the country’s blood banks to provide blood in emergency and for saving lives.
"Ever since we organized our first blood donation drive for two days in 1996 we have been receiving huge response from our employees. A three-day blood donation camp was organized in 1999 and from 2000 to 2004 we organized a camp each year. However, due to huge response from employees we have been organizing three blood donation camps annually for the last few years," he said.
Badri said email circulars were sent to all employees in different departments to encourage them to participate in the blood donation drive.
He said a list of donors with their blood group was being compiled during the blood donation drive to enhance the efficiency of the blood banks for emergency purposes.
Tests for blood pressure, haemoglobin as well as weight and pulse were also conducted during the drive, said Badri.
He noted that the blood donation drive was also aimed at helping the Thalassaemia affected children, who need regular blood transfusion every three to four weeks.
A special team of doctors and para-medical staff with necessary equipment were available at the reception area of the City Hall at the Municipality for the drive.

2,000 DM employees to be screened during Your Health Matters campaign

Eng. Salah Amiri, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for General Support Services on Monday inaugurated a two day health screening program that will examine approximately 2,000 employees and visitors at the Municipality.

This year's screening program was set up to commemorate Dubai Municipality's involvement in the "Your Health Matters" campaign, launched by Sanofi-aventis pharmaceuticals, for the second consecutive year.

Employees were tested for high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose body mass index (BMI) and increased waist circumference. They were also educated on the relationship between cardio-metabolic risk factors and cardio-vascular diseases and/or type II diabetes.

"We are very glad to be part of this national campaign for the second year running and we hope to keep raising awareness of health issues among our employees," Amiri said.

"Dubai Municipality, one of the main government entities and trendsetter for the development and growth of the country, will set a health example and regime for the public to follow," he said.

"Your Health Matters" was launched in April 2007 by Sanofi-aventis pharmaceuticals in association with the World Health Organization, the Gulf Heart Association and the Emirates Cardiac Society. It offers free medical check-ups to the public aimed at raising awareness and educating residents in the Gulf about the dangers of increased waist circumference and associated cardio metabolic risk factors and their link to cardiovascular disease.

"With the high prevalence rates of obesity and diabetes in the UAE, this type of frontline public health campaign is a step in the right direction. Instead of waiting for people to come into clinics and hospitals at late stages, we should do more to promote prevention and early diagnosis of these diseases," said Amiri.

Phase I, II and III of the "Your Health Matters" campaign have been finalized from 2007 to 2009. Results of the campaign were extremely beneficial to provide a snapshot of a wide cross-section of the UAE population. Overall, individuals from more than 46 nationalities participated in the free check-ups, including respondents from the UAE, the United Kingdom, India, Egypt, Australia and Germany.

Early detection and rehabilitation is necessary to combat drug addiction, says CDA Director General

Dubai, May 2, 2009: A delegation from the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai headed by Director General Dr Maryam Matar, visited Abu Dhabi National Rehabilitation Center (NRC). The visit was aimed at strengthening joint relations and communication channels on social issues related to drug abuse and addiction. Dr. Hamad Abdallah Al Ghaferi, Director General, NRC, received the visiting delegation.

“Addiction is a global issue that all societies face and we must combat it by integrating efforts in the fields of legislation, health, society, security and media. We must also exchange expertise in the fields locally, regionally and internationally,” said Dr Maryam Matar.

“Youngsters are mostly the victims of addiction. Although the number of addicts in Dubai is relatively low, the consequences of addiction on individuals, families and societies could be catastrophic. Early intervention to combat addiction will reflect positively on society and also contribute to strengthen socio-economic growth,” added Dr Matar.

“National Rehabilitation Centre’s mission is to provide the best available treatment for drug addiction disorders and extend specialised rehabilitation services to UAE nationals. NRC was launched in May 2002 to ensure the provision of world-class services for UAE nationals who suffer from alcohol and drug addiction disorders,” said Dr Al Ghaferi

“NRC’s strategy includes a package of programmes for psychological and social support for the patients and their families. We seek to build a major database to serve as a source for specialised studies and research in the field of treatment, rehabilitation, nursing, social and psychological counselling, preventive therapy and education,” added Dr Al Ghaferi.

The percentage of drug users worldwide is 5%, according to the UN world report on addiction in 2007. Alcohol is not included in the statistics.

DM, Civil Defence discuss simplifying building permits

Dubai Municipality held a meeting with Dubai Civil Defence Department recently on improving and simplifying the procedures between the two in order to provide excellent advanced services and facilitate the work procedures under one roof.

During the discussion both the sides addressed the issue of improving the procedures regarding building permits and ways to develop procedures and opportunities for improvement in this area.

The Municipality was represented in the meeting by Mariam Al Hammadi, Director of Corporate Excellence Department and Yusuf Abdullah, Head of the Licensing Section in the Buildings Department and a number of officials from the department, while the Civil Defence was represented by Major Jamal Ahmad, Director of Preventive Safety Department and a number of other officials.

Al Hammadi, said the meeting was organized following a directive of the Council of Ministers and the Dubai Executive Council to work towards giving more care in the development of work and procedures among government establishments and departments in a way that achieves the ideal environment for investment and customer service so as to provide services simply and clearly to the customers.

She added that the meeting also comes in parallel with the directives of the government based on the report of the World Bank to improve the procedures and raising the status of the UAE and the city of Dubai with other countries in the world.

Al Hammadi pointed out that all departments and establishments in the country are trying to coordinate with others in developing procedures and this meeting will help in the efforts to streamline the building licensing procedures.

"Everybody would like to join the group of bodies that offer these services and the Civil Defence is one among them. During the meeting the importance of providing services through one place was emphasized so that it becomes easier for the investor or the customer to obtain the service without any trouble saving his time and effort, In addition to that the meeting also discussed distribution of tasks as per their importance between the two bodies so that the customer does not feel the existence of multiplicity of bodies that interact and deal with him," she said.

The two sides emphasized the importance of facilitating services to the customers, need to encourage them to support the investment environment, achieving excellence in providing building permit services, importance of providing all the necessary support from both sides and concerted efforts towards the development of such procedures in a way, which would be worthy of the reputation that suits the city of Dubai.

DM organizes recreational day for orphans

The Finance Department of Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with Human Appeal International organized a Recreational Day for orphans from various emirates recently in the Children's City.

The event included many activities and programmes which were specially designed for the orphans and allow them to enjoy the various recreational facilities in the city.

The programmes were attended by many of the orphans together with their supervisors, members of Human Appeal International, and a number of officials of Dubai Municipality.

The organization of the event was in line with the directives of the Municipality towards the adoption of initiatives that can contribute to enhance the level of strategic partnership with various groups in the society and increase the role of the municipality in the relevant areas of work.

The programmes included a number of recreational activities, where the children participated in art workshop on drawing in which they expressed their creativity and skills in painting and drawing. Competitions and recreational games were also organized for them.

Public libraries hold glass painting course

As part of its cultural activities, the Public Libraries Department in Dubai Municipality organized a glass painting course in the Social Development Centre recently in order to provide programs designed to fill the leisure time, which will enrich the potential of youth and push them towards achievement and innovation through the acquisition of new skills that would have vital impact in their future life. The course, which lasted three days, witnessed tremendous interaction by the 23 participants.

The participants said they benefited maximum from the course and praised the way it was conducted by the Dubai Public Libraries Department giving them a special atmosphere of an educational session. They also praised the method of lecture by the Public Libraries staff member, Asma Abdullah by facilitating easy access of information to participants. Gifts and certificates were also distributed to the participants at the end of the session.

Schools urged to make prior booking for visiting public parks in Dubai

The Public Parks and Horticulture Department of Dubai Municipality called upon all the schools in the country on the necessity for prior coordination with the Department in the event of their school visits to the major parks in Dubai.

Ahmed AbdulKarim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department said advance request for access to the public parks will help in reducing the problem of overcrowding of schools in the park as well as in organizing the visits by separating the schools for girls and boys, in addition to organizing the services provided by the parks such as restaurants, booking some games and providing security and safety of children along with those who accompany them.

He called upon the schools to apply in advance when they want to visit the public parks. For more information they can call the Municipality Contact Centre on the toll-free number 800900.

DM launches partnership manual

The Partnership Department at Dubai Municipality has issued a partnership manual. The move is part of the Municipality's keenness to lay foundations and methods for the partnership systems it follow with various types of partners.
Ahmed Al Shehhi, Director of the Partnership Department in the Municipality said that the civic body is one of the leading establishments in its work and activities at the local, regional and global level. "Due to its keenness to strengthen its internal and external relations, the Municipality has adopted a partnership and twinning approach on the basis of fruitful and constructive cooperation with the Internal and external bodies to enhance development with the government and the private sector through the signing of strategic, operational, service and logistic partnership agreements and working to participate in the resources to reach common objectives," he said.
He explained that the issuance of this manual was aimed at determining and organizing partnerships to serve all sectors and organizational units in the Municipality through the development of standards for the identification and classification of partners and identify priorities for the partnership, with a lot of points that will contribute to raise the thinking power and brainstorming with officials and staff in the selection and identification of their partners.
Al Shehhi pointed out that the manual is designed to identify levels, types, steps and stages of the partnership, and develop a general framework and a road map for the establishment of the partnership as well as identifying the success factors of partnership.
He said the achievement of successful partnership depends on a combination of factors, most notably good planning, mutual trust, anticipating oppositions, harmony of cultures and values, balancing, integration, flexibility as well as evaluating the effectiveness of the partnership.
The manual contains a set of chapters, including the definition of partnership, their standards and types, stages of planning for the partnership and the process of gathering information, negotiation, signing the partnership, the factors and causes for its success.

DM renovates heritage buildings in Hatta

Dubai Municipality recently renovated the traditional Al Sharia Musalla and Bait Al Waly in the Hatta area.
Eng. Rashad Bukhash, Director of Architectural Heritage Department said the renovation work was part of the Municipality's plan for renovation of mosques in the Emirate of Dubai.
He said the renovation work also comes as part of the efforts to preserve the architectural heritage and to highlight the reality of this heritage, and an emphasis on a deep sense of historical and cultural features.
"The restoration and reconstruction work, based on scientific and international standards, forms an important point in the strategy of the Architectural Heritage Department, which is keen on the restoration and reconstruction of existing buildings in historic areas in the Emirate of Dubai. The work is done in a successful way with the level of quality and excellence these places deserve and this is reflected by the case of work done and the work still continues," said Bukhash.
"The restoration work was done according to international specifications by workers who have high skill and efficiency. With the help of Fujairah Municipality, we had undertaken the renovation of the historical Bidya mosque and some architectural conservation projects in Ras Al Khaimah, in addition to providing expertise and support in the restoration projects in Syria, Morocco and Yemen to preserve the urban and architectural heritage landmarks in the Arab states as a highlight of the features of culture and tradition," he said.
"The historic buildings are tourist attractions in Dubai but to make the area vital historic buildings are used for commercial and awareness purposes. Some restored buildings have been leased to a number of hotels, restaurants and cafes and for the purpose of art displays and some buildings that are to be restored are rented for accommodation purposes," said Bukhash.

DM gets more ISO certificates

Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality said the Municipality is one of the leading departments in Dubai Government, which has always sought to achieve the best results and highest standards in all fields as it pursues a policy of taking well studied steps and work as a team to reach the best practices.

He was speaking when the Municipality and six of its organizational units were receiving certificates for quality systems in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 international standard.

The certificates were distributed in the presence of Mr. Trogger, Regional Director, Middle East of the Norway-based Det Norske Veritas (DNV), the international ISO certification body.

The certificates were received by Khaled Bin Zayed, Director of Municipality Centres Department, Abdullah Abdul Rahman, Director of Human Resources Department, Ahmed Abdul Karim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department, Eng. Mohamed AbdulAziz Nujm, Director of Sewage Water Treatment Plant Department, Mohammed Al Zaffin, Director of GIS Department, Maryam Al Hammadi, Director of Corporate Excellence Department. Members of the working groups of all departments were also present on the occasion.

Lootah thanked the departments for their efforts and called them strive to obtain such certificates, which enhance the quality of services provided, and emphasize the systems corresponding to international standards for these certificates.

Lootah congratulated all employees on this achievement and encouraged them to continue the efforts towards more achievements in work, which contributes to the realization of the Municipality's vision creating an excellent city that provides the essence of success and comfort of living.

The Municipality's winning of these certificates comes on the basis of a clear plan of action by the Corporate Excellence Department for getting certificates of quality and excellence awards for all departments of the Municipality.

The Municipality is considered one of the pioneering Dubai government departments that keep pace with meeting the requirements of the new versions of ISO 9001:2008 certificates.
This is the second time Dubai Municipality is getting these awards. During the month of November 2008 seven departments obtained ISO 9001-2000 certificates in the presence of Henrik Madsen, CEO of DNV. They were the departments of Legal Affairs, Internal Audit, General Projects, Transportation, Planning, Corporate Marketing and Relations and Children's City.

DM Accreditation Dept holds Open Forum with customers

The Customer Relations Department of Dubai Municipality organized an open forum between the Accreditation Department of the Municipality and its customers, who included the laboratories, accredited to the Municipality and registered private laboratories.

The forum was attended by more than 100 people representing laboratory managers, technical staff and some members of the technical committee for the accreditation of laboratories, in addition to David J Stanger, member of the Governing Board of International Union of Independent Laboratories (UILI). The customers' forum was organized by the department in order to achieve customer satisfaction on the services it provides.

Khalid AbdulRahim Abdullah, Director of Customer Relations Department said the Customers' Forum is a project that allows the concerned departments to understand the needs of major clients of these departments and to satisfy their needs and listening to the grievances to reach out to increase customer satisfaction and improve the development and diversification of services and clients.

The Department chose the most important customers from among the company owners who deal with the concerned departments (in terms of number of transactions). Dubai Municipality invited them to attend an open forum with the Director of Department and Heads of Sections and concerned officials from other departments. An overview of the services of the Department was presented in the forum, in addition to conducting a panel discussion for the exchange of ideas and suggestions and to identify the needs of the customers.

He pointed out that the project aims to interact with the public to achieve their satisfaction, give them the opportunity to put forth their enquiries and suggestions, to identify their needs, develop new services to meet the needs and expectations of customers, improve and develop existing services, and develop human resources.

The customers of the Accreditation Department among the companies and establishments, who attended the forum, expressed their comments and passed on their impressions about the level of satisfaction with the services provided by the Department, the most prominent of them were presented in the forum. In addition to that discussions were held about some of the services that need to be developed as per the nature of the work that are linked with the Municipality.

Amina Ahmad, Director of Accreditation Department gave a brief presentation on the nature of the work of the Department and its activities such as the accreditation of laboratories working in the field of building materials, environmental testing, and medical laboratory accreditation. She also touched upon the accreditation of the inspection bodies working in the areas of safety, such as cranes, escalators and elevators and accreditation of certification bodies, especially those working in the fields of food testing and HACCP certification.

She also pointed out the training activities undertaken by the Department for the customers in order to improve their performance consistent with international specifications and standards and best practices in the world, in addition to the future plans and expansion in the areas of work of the Department.

Ahmed emphasized the need to hold such forums that contribute to the improvement of services and the transfer of customer feedback on the level of services and how to achieve the desired goals.

Dr. Mohammed Saad talked about the latest international specifications and requirements and the importance of accreditation in the improvement and development of the work of accredited laboratories. He also introduced a method of continuing education the Department plans to present on its website in order to measure and develop the performance of technicians working in the laboratories.

Dr. Yasser Saleh presented the registration requirements of laboratories and inspection bodies as per the Local Order No. 52 of 1990. He stressed that the process of registration with Dubai Municipality include more than 86 testing laboratories and inspection bodies. It also deals with skill test programme, organized by the Department among the accredited and registered laboratories to measure and track their performance and to ensure the credibility of the results produced by them. He also pointed out that the Department has organized more than 174 programmes.

It is worth mention that these forums were involved by the departments that have a large segment of customers such as Food Control Department, Dubai Central Laboratory Department, Building Department, Finance Department, and Waste Management Department.

Dubai Libraries participate Family Forum Village activities

As part of its participation in the Family Forum Village organized by the Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein Islamic Cultural Centres and Dubai Public Libraries continued various activities to meet the large turnout, which exceeded 240 participants during the period from 19 to 21 March.

A series of workshops were conducted that included a workshop called Al Arayis for the development of professional skills of participants as well as a workshop designed to train attendees on how to maintain the books. Other activities included free painting to mark the Mother's Day and cultural contests. The Dubai Public Libraries has not limited its activities in providing events for the members of the libraries but it organizes many social functions to disseminate its cultural knowledge mission.

DCL holds talent exhibition of employees

Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) organized its first talent exhibition recently. A number of employees from the Department participated in the two-day exhibition with various products that they made artistically. They included a variety of products of food, decoration, perfumes, accessories and clothing.

Eng. Hawa Bastaki, Director of Dubai Central Laboratory Department, who expressed her happiness on finding a number of talented staff with creative abilities in various fields, encouraged them for nurturing their talents and organizing the exhibition for showing them to others.

She said that such exhibitions of talented people are a vital means to promote bilateral friendship and direct communication among the employees.

"It is also a way to strengthen social relationships and it will pave way for strengthening the working relationships between officials and the employees," said Bastaki.

She also pointed out that the exhibition will be included in the Calendar of Events of the Department as a semi-annual programme as desired by the rest of the staff due to the tremendous response the exhibition witnessed.

Bastaki said the activity also has another aspect of achieving a positive financial gain from the sale of products and displays that have attracted high demand from all.

UAE delegation returns from 21st Ship for World Youth programme

An eight-member UAE team that included two employees of Dubai Municipality recently participated in the 21st Ship for World Youth programme organized by the Japanese government in cooperation with the General Authority for Youth Welfare and Sports in the UAE. The voyage that started on 14th January and ended on 3rd March was joined by 264 participants from 15 countries.

The youngsters were sent by the General Authority for Youth Welfare and Sports in the UAE, after selecting them through its department of youth and cultural activities.

The Authority was keen to support the youth, qualifying them and providing them opportunities for becoming young leaders. The trip was also an opportunity for networking and making contacts with the youth of the world in order to build a personality for the youth of the UAE and transfer the civilized image of the youth of the country in all international forums.

The main objective of the Ship for World Youth journey was to engage young people and motivate them for leadership work in an excellent international environment promoting co-existence, interaction, widening mutual understanding and friendship between the youth of the world, in addition to the development of the spirit of cooperation through the establishment of many programmes that promote cultural and social exchange among young people in Japan and the rest of the world. The delegates were selected as per special criteria; the most important among them were general culture, leadership personality and the ability to highlight the positive image of the country.

During the trip to Japan, the UAE youths met with the Japanese Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Japan. After that they left for the Ship for World Youth trip that started its journey from Japan to the Pacific states such as the Kingdom of Tonga and New Zealand, during which a number of visits were made to tourist sites such as schools, museums, television stations and other places.

It is worth mention that a number of countries around the world including Egypt, Tonga, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Yemen, Norway, Peru, Venezuela, Fiji Islands, Canada and Japan participated in this programme, in addition to the youths from the UAE.

The 8-member UAE delegation, headed by Rashid Abdullah Al Maftool, included Khalid Zainal Al Zarouni, Ahmad Abdullah Al Emadi, Salim Omar Salim Bajbeer, Mohammed Abdul Hamid Al Askar, Taleb Ali Hassan Al Dhohoori, Omar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Hamad Jassem Al Raisi and Sultan Hassan Al Obaidali.

Street Naming Committee discusses system application mechanism

The Dubai Streets Naming Committee held its fourth meeting chaired by Eng. Hussein Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality continuing its discussions to develop a mechanism for the application and implementation of the street naming system in Dubai.

During the meeting, which discussed the general classification plan of areas in Jumeirah sector, Mr. Lootah stressed on the need to determine the identity of each region to have implications to ensure clarity and accessibility of the location, so as to ensure establishing the locations and the names in these areas.

The meeting also reviewed the proposals of the team for the Industrial Area, Dubai Financial Centre, Sufooh-1, Sufooh-2 and Dubai Marina, and the identity of each area was determined.

The committee was keen to put simple and easy names appropriate to each area taking into account the historic nature of the emirate and the events associated with the areas as well as the names inherited from the old generations. It also took into consideration the names agreed upon by the people of a single area for their streets, in addition to coordinating the names of the streets and linking them with other streets connected with them.

The first phase of the project includes selection of appropriate names for all the streets of Dubai, taking into account the standards adopted by the committee, which emphasizes on traditional and old names that have been circulated for generations, and also the logical sequence of the names of the streets connected to the sea, land, types of fish, fishing gear, names of ships and names connected to different fields.

In the final phase, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry and Chairman of Dubai Municipality Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum will be briefed on the list of names proposed for adoption based on the divisions of areas prepared for the streets of the emirate. The areas are divided into 12 such as the heritage and old Souq area, the coastal zone, mixed housing areas, areas parallel to Dubai Creek, the industrial areas, residential areas of nationals, special financial zones, palace and private housing areas, academic and cultural areas, rural areas, International Cities area and the free zones.

The committee members, who attended the meeting, include AbdulRahman Saif Al Ghurair, Butti Saeed Al Kindi, Bilal Al Budoor, Jamal Khalfan Bin Howairib, Saleh Saeed Lootah, Ibrahim Belselah, Abdullah Ghobash, Juma Khalifa Bin Thalith, Jamal Majid Al Ghurair and Eng. Dawood Al Hajiri, Director of Planning Department in the Municipality, who is the coordinator of the committee.