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du and Jumeirah Group to Launch the Region's First Global Immersive Telepresence Service

du 's OmniPresenceTM to power the cutting-edge Immersive Telepresence Public Rooms in Jumeirah Hotels

Launch in five countries planned by end of 2011
Dubai, UAE, 18 July 2011: The UAE's integrated telecom service provider, du recently signed an agreement with Dubai-based luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, Jumeirah Group , in order to provide global Immersive Telepresence Public Rooms in selected Jumeirah hotels.

The cutting-edge service, which is the region's first, delivers real-time, face-to-face interactions around a virtual table through a combination of life-sized projections, fluid motion, spatial audio, high definition cameras and optimised networks. The result is a revolutionary visual conferencing environment that offers Jumeirah hotels' business customers a unique opportunity to conduct effective international meetings, save time and boost productivity.

Jumeirah's business customers can use this high-tech facility to connect their teams - across the country or around the world - for highly effective and effortless meeting experiences in a world class environment. The service is delivered using next-generation Immersive Telepresence technology that is easy, affordable and fully managed through du 's Video Network Operations Centre (VNOC). The commercial launch of the Immersive Telepresence Public Rooms service is expected by the end of 2011 and spans across five countries.

Saeed al Dashti, Chief Information Officer for Jumeirah Group , said, "The introduction of Telepresence rooms into our hotels is designed to meet our customers' needs for international meeting solutions. We believe it will encourage business users to come together in our hotels in major commercial hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, New York, Frankfurt and Shanghai for their meetings. We are very proud that two Dubai-based companies are rolling out a high-end and sophisticated service that boosts productivity for our customers, while allowing them to experience the very best of the Jumeirah's luxury hospitality."

The backbone of the service is provided by du 's Video Network Operation Centre (VNOC) that delivers round-the-clock seamless experience. This includes a directory service to maximise reach to thousands of immersive and traditional video conferencing systems globally; assisted conferences for a hassle free controlled experience through a video concierge; and value plus service options that allows you to store or stream sessions for future playback, regulatory or training purposes.

"Our Immersive Telepresence Public Room initiative is a clear evidence of our drive in creating avant-garde solutions and innovations within the visual communications space in the UAE and beyond. We're delighted to partner with Jumeirah Group , a company that embraces innovation and has a reputation for high standards. The Immersive Telepresence Public Room service offers next-generation open video collaboration technology with flexible commercial models - enabling businesses to compete globally, as well as locally, more effectively and economically", said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer of du .

These dedicated global Telepresence Public Rooms - powered by du 's OmniPresence^TM service, will be available around-the-clock, and will provide Jumeirah's corporate clients with a variety of tools including presentation and content sharing; life-sized images; surround sound audio; "as good as being there" impression; recording capabilities; concierge attended calls; and the ability to connect to a wide choice of public and private rooms around the world on demand.

-Ends-

About Jumeirah Group:
Jumeirah Group , the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and resorts. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts includes Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai; Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London; Jumeirah Essex House in New York; Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in Shanghai and Jumeirah Dhevanafushi in the Maldives. Jumeirah Group also runs the luxury serviced residences brand Jumeirah Living; the spa brand Talise; Jumeirah Restaurants; Wild Wadi Waterpark; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management; and Sirius, its global loyalty programme.

www.jumeirah.com

About du
du , the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du 's nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 3rd quarter of 2010, over 4 million people in the UAE had chosen to become du mobile customers.

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, first of its kind 'WoW' recharge card (which offers customers the choice between 'more credit', 'more time' and now the 'more international' recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.

For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world-class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.

du products and services for consumers and business are available through du 's retail network, currently numbering 37 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, including the recently opened flagship store located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. In addition, customers can access du products and services at more than 3000 authorised dealers or through the du e-shop, accessible at http://shop. du .ae du shops are a one-stop-shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of service bills.

du is 39.5 per cent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 per cent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 per cent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du .

For further information, please contact:
Saugat Chatterjee
Public Relations Manager
Brand & Communications
du
Mobile: +971 55 9367045
Email: saugat.chatterjee@ du .ae

Reka Sepsy
Manning, Selvage & Lee
Tel: +971 4 367 6154
Mobile: +971 55 220 68 20
Fax: +971 4 367 2615
Email: reka.sepsy@dubai.mslpr.com

© Press Release 2011