Dubai: 21 November 2007 - du, the UAE's new telecom operator, was voted the 'Best Brand' for its innovative branding and outstanding success at the Telecom World Awards Middle East 2007, Dubai on 19 November.

du also received top honours as a finalist in the Best New Service, Best Customer Experience and Best Operator categories, while CEO Osman Sultan placed among the finalists for the Special Merit Award.

The Telecoms World Awards Middle East has been instituted to recognize and celebrate leaders, innovators and pioneers in the industry. The ceremony was held on the sidelines of The Telecoms World Middle East 2007, the region's leading forum for CEOs of regional as well as international telecom operators and key enterprises. The summit runs until 21 November.

du was recognised in the 'Best Brand' category, which was open to all fixed and mobile operators. The category recognizes the most effective carrier or service provider for successfully creating a compelling brand. Single and multiple campaigns rolled out since June 2006, across all avenues of the media, were eligible for the award.

Pitted against telecom heavyweights such as Saudi Telecom, Zain, etisalat and 2 Connect, du won the award for its highly creative and path breaking branding initiatives. Its phenomenal success in breaking the one million subscriber mark within nine months of its launch, representing a market share of over 22 per cent, also scored points in its favour.

Sultan said: "We are honoured to receive the 'Best Brand' award, especially as we were in competition with the region's biggest and more established operators. This milestone enhances our unprecedented success since the launch of our operations in February 2007. The recognition underscores our commitment and motivates us to continue introducing new innovations that cater to the needs of our customers, while exceeding their expectations."

The award was presented to du at a ceremony designed to reward companies and individuals that have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to succeed, continually set standards of excellence and have the potential to be the telecom industry's future stars. 

The region's leading telecom summit Telecoms World Middle East 2007, has attracted over 400 participants from more than 55 key regional carriers, operators and ISPs worldwide. It offers networking opportunities for industry entities, leading investors, financiers and telecom authorities from around the world.

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About du
du, the new telecommunications company in the UAE, was launched on 11 February 2007 throughout the UAE. Among du's many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments and Self Care. du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations.  

du shops were launched on 25 February 2007, supporting the delivery of du products and services to customers.   

du is 40 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 20 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 20 percent by TECOM Investments and 20 percent by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.

www.du.ae

For further information, please call:
Bina Mathews
PR Manager
du
Mobile: +971 55 4577984
Tel: +9714 3693828
Fax: +9714 3604440
e-mail: bina.mathews@du.ae
www.du.ae

© Press Release 2007