Abu Dhabi 10 March 2013: The Organisational Excellence Department in the Department of Finance - Abu Dhabi (DoF) recently held a workshop titled "The Department's responsibilities towards the application of environmental, health, and safety management standards". The workshop took place at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi in the presence of HE Abdulla Musleh Al Ahbabi, Acting Undersecretary of DoF, HE Mohammed Sultan Al Hameli, General Manager of Finance, and HE Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Customs, along with the participation of a number of Executive Directors in the Department of Finance and Abu Dhabi Customs.

This workshop comes within the framework of the Department's commitment to implement all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards in the work environment; in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 to provide safe and healthy workplaces to all citizens and residents of the Emirate.

The workshop commenced with an opening speech by HE Al Ahbabi who stressed on the commitment of DoF to activate EHS standards among all the operations and services provided by various sectors and directorates, which is an integral part of the administrative procedures in the Department and especially in the General Administration of Customs and Customs checks.

The workshop also included a presentation addressing the EHS system in Abu Dhabi and its legislative framework, where requirements for government entities in this regards were reviewed, particularly the management of the EHS effects.

The workshop witnessed an in-depth debate on the stages of the establishment of the EHS Management System section in DoF and the role of the senior management in ensuring the development and implementation of all phases of the project. In addition, it included a discussion on educating and training DoF's staff on EHS matters. The participants were also briefed on the risks of security, health and safety in customs operations at the different customs centres. Additionally, the workshop worked towards establishing solid solutions for EHS related matters.

Commenting on the workshop, HE Al Ahbabi said: "Through organising this workshop, we aim to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the senior management of the Department of Finance in the implementation of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Management System in Abu Dhabi. It also aims to discuss some of the issues and challenges related to the application of procedures and to ensure updates on all related issues are communicated in partnership with the concerned authorities in the Government of Abu Dhabi."

"The strategic objectives of the Department of Finance in the area of ​​health, safety and environment is to ensure that our department's different sections meet the highest standards of health and safety for workers, contractors and customers; whilst avoiding any activities that have adverse consequences on the environment; especially within the customs centres," HE added.

It should be noted that the EHS Management System at the Department of Finance was developed and delivered in October 2011. The system was approved as it met all the requirements of the environment, health and safety management system in Abu Dhabi and it is scheduled to be completed within one year from the date of approval.

About Department of Finance:
The Department of Finance (DoF) was established in 1962, and plays a vital role in providing all local government entities with the best of breed of financial services. DoF aims at enhancing the prosperity of the Abu Dhabi community by contributing to economic growth, promoting private sector participation, and supporting the efforts of Abu Dhabi government to be one of the top 5 governments in the world. DoF includes 5 main directorates and they are: Government Budgeting, Government Accounting, Information Technology, Customs and General Support Services.

DoF is adopting the latest processes and technology to further strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of its services. In this context, DOF has developed a strategic plan for 2009-2013 that aims to identify efficient ways to finance all Abu Dhabi Government projects. Some strategies outlined in the plan include public-private partnerships, a common and standardized financial framework to ensure financial stability of Abu Dhabi Government, a gradual transition towards a defined decentralized financial-management model, protection of borders and citizens, facilitation of trade, and revenue collection through effective customs.

For more information:
Ghaleb Zeidan / Wissam Al Saadi / Osama Dagamseh
Weber Shandwick              
Phone: + 971 50 778 2286 / +971 50 2527265 / +971 50 3319337
Fax: + 971 2 449 4833                                      
Email: walsaadi@webershandwick.com; gzeidan@webershandwick.com; odagamseh@webershandwick.com        

© Press Release 2013