Dubai, 11 February 2009: du, the integrated telecom operator in the UAE and the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs have jointly launched Musahama, a comprehensive web portal for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the UAE. The web portal will act as an indispensable interface among UAE-based NGOs, the people in the UAE and further encourage voluntary participation.

In the presence of H.E. Mariam Khalfan Al Roomi, Minister of Social Affairs, UAE, the web portal was jointly launched today by Osman Sultan, CEO, and H.E Naji Al Haj, Executive Manager of the social development at the Ministry offices. It follows the signing of a MoU between du and the Ministry in 2008. The web portal will be accessible at www.musahama.com

Besides acting as a comprehensive source of factual information on all the non-governmental organisations in the UAE, Musahama will showcase the work of each organisation. It will also facilitate volunteering in the UAE by presenting all the available opportunities on one platform.

Outlining du's use of technology and business expertise in its CSR projects, Osman Sultan, CEO, du, said: "du's corporate responsibility programme focuses on creating sustainable and economically empowering initiatives throughout the UAE. Musahama is one such novel online initiative achieved as a result of the strong partnership between du and the Ministry of Social Affairs."

Ministry of Social Affairs spokesperson (please insert name) Naji Al Hai said: "Musahama will be the one reference point for all active non-governmental organisations. We expect this initiative to further the cause of social development in the UAE and enable closer coordination between various organisations. We sincerely thank du for taking the lead in ensuring the success of the initiative."

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About du
du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, was awarded the second license to operate fixed and mobile telecommunications services in February 2006. The company launched its 'du' brand in the same month and listed 20% of its shares on the Dubai Financial Market in April 2006.  du launched mobile telecommunication services on 11 February 2007 across the UAE in addition to internet and pay TV services in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, the first of du's nationwide Fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007.                         

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 and more time) and Self Care. du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations.

du's retail network, currently numbering 27 du shops located in strategic locations across all emirates, was launched on 25 February 2007, supporting the delivery of du services to customers. 

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

Awards to date

• du declared 'Best Brand' at Telecoms World Awards Middle East 2007 for innovative branding and outstanding brand success.

• Second place in the New Brand Launch category at the GMR Effectiveness in Marketing Awards 2007.

• Silver Award for the best website in the ICT category at the UAE Web Awards 2007

• du WoW TV Commercial awarded amongst the best 50 TV commercials in mobile telecom category in the world for 2007.

• du corporate brand launch campaign awarded a Cristal MENA award in 2008

• du won two prestigious awards at UAE Web Awards 2008. du e-shop portal won the best strategic online portal award in the e-commerce category and du's du media club website won the bronze award in the media and press category. 

For further information, please call:
Luma Jasim
Senior Director, PR & Media Relations
Corporate Communications
du
Tel: +971 4 362 2134
Mobile: +971 55 552 6759
Email: luma.jasim@du.ae

© Press Release 2009