DED is an accredited IT training centre

Dubai, November 5, 2006: The Department of Economic Development (DED) has successfully implemented the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum IT Education Project (ITEP) surpassing the targets set for providing the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) training programme to its staff members by 145 per cent.

Of the 210 DED staff members, 162 people completed the training in seven groups, 50 more than the target of 112. All of them were presented their International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), an internationally acknowledged certificate that recognizes the ability of its holder in using computers.  More than 136 countries use it as an assesment tool for computer usage efficiencey.

Among the 48 remaining staff members, 14 are from DED's IT department and are only required to take the ICDL test. The rest of the staff is currently undergoing training. The ICDL programme includes training courses, practical demonstrations and exercises aimed at developing the IT capabilities of the staff.

"The ICDL training programme is a vital tool for enhancing the productivity of employees," said Mr Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Director General for Executive Affairs, DED. "By raising individual productivity, the training also helps to boost the customer service standards of the entire department."

Launched in October 2005, the ICDL programme is organized under a strategic partnership between the DED and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum IT Education Project, in response to a call from UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to provide IT-related training to all nationals in Dubai government departments by 2007.

"The DED regards its human resources as its greatest asset and the ICDL programme is perfectly suited to develop their competencies and expertise," said Mr Ibrahim. "The programme helps our staff to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical work setting and upgrade their performance."

The employee satisfaction index about the training programme was 80 to100 per cent as recorded in a DED survey conducted on the objectives, contents, training materials, lecturers and facilities used during the training course.

Following the successful implementation of ICDL certification among its staff members, DED was accredited by the ICDL GCC Foundation as an approved ICDL Training Center, last year. DED has also trained employees from other government departments including the Dubai Municipality, Dubai Land Department, Dubai Department of Islamic Affairs, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Development Board.

The 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 covers programs such as Windows XP, Word XP, Excel XP, PowerPoint XP, Internet and e-mail.

-Ends-

About 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 purview of the DED.

For further information, please contact:
Hicham Amrani/ Nafisa Marzouki
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
Email: h.amrani@asdaa.com, n.marzouki@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2006