30 October 2005
First group of DED ICDL graduates receive certificates of honour

Dubai - The first group of trainees for the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) course at the Department of Economic Development (DED) have graduated from the programme with 16 people receiving Certificates of Honour according to an announcement from the DED.

The Department has also been accredited by the ICDL GCC Foundation as an approved ICDL Training Center, as a result of its successful implementation of the ICDL certification among its staff members.

The initiative was started in response to a call from HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister to provide computer related training to all national cadres at Dubai government departments.

"As the Government of Dubai makes significant moves toward e-government procedures, computer and IT competency among the employees becomes extremely important," said Mr. Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Director General for Executive Affairs, DED. "The Department aims to provide ICDL certification to all its employees, not just to develop and raise their IT skills, but also to enhance the quality of their performance as a whole by using a leading computer proficiency certification recognized around the world," he added.

A total of 19 DED staff attended the 36-day training course for the ICDL certification. Sixteen employees, who completed the program successfully, received certificates of honour. The program included training courses and practical demonstrations and exercises aimed at developing IT capabilities among the staff.

"The program will help our employees to achieve better job satisfaction and will also provide motivation for our staff. It will further contribute in the personal development of the employees in addition to enhancing the competitiveness of the Department, " he added.

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's IT Education Project (ITEP), based in Dubai Knowledge Village, at the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, is responsible for implementing the training process and supervising the training programs. The project, which aims to enhance the IT capabilities of national cadres, includes programs such as Windows XP, Word XP, Excel XP, PowerPoint XP, Internet and e-mails.

The International Computer Driving License (ICDL) is an internationally acknowledged certificate, which recognizes the efficiency of its holder in dealing with computers. It is also an international assessment tool in the use of computer in more than 136 countries. This certificate is also known to be held by more than a million person all over the world.

-Ends-

Department of Economic Development (DED)
The Department of Economic Development (DED) was established in March 1992, with the objective to organise, regulate and boost trade and industry within the Emirate of Dubai. The DED has moulded its mission of building a futuristic establishment, in accordance with the vision of the Government of Dubai and in the light of globalisation and the requirements of a digital economy. One of its key functions is to encourage local and foreign investments in commercial and industrial projects, and create the appropriate environment for investors.

The DED's other functions comprise a wide range of regulatory activities including the preparation and maintenance of a commercial register and the supervision of all organisations. The DED is responsible for regulating the affairs of commercial agents and brokers and commercial advertising offices, in addition to overseeing and controlling the insurance industry in the Emirate. Examining the participation of the government in the private sector and representing the government in companies where it has a stake, also comes under the remit of the DED.

For further information please contact:
Sameh Hamtini
Sudha Chandran
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East and North Africa
P O Box 28063, Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971 4 3344550
Fax: 971 4 3344556
E-mail: info@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2005