du engages with UAE-based NGOs, organizing workshops on the Musahama web portal

Musahama offers the ideal online interface for UAE's non-governmental organizations, potential partners, and prospective volunteers

Dubai, 11^th August 2009 - Through a series of interactive workshops, du is bringing UAE non-governmental organizations together to show them how they can make the most of Musahama, a one-of-a-kind web portal launched by du and the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs in February 2009. The first Musahama workshop was held recently, giving NGOs an inside look at the features and benefits of the innovative website and providing du with an opportunity to gather feedback and suggestions on one of its key corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Musahama, accessible online at www.musahama.ae, contains a wealth of information about all non-governmental organizations in the UAE and their activities. It facilitates voluntary work in the UAE by presenting all available opportunities on one user-friendly platform.

Hala Badri, EVP Brand and Communications, du, said: "Through the workshop series, we are familiarising UAE-based NGOs with the many features of the Musahama site, one of our recent CSR initiatives, and building on the encouraging response we have received to date. By collaborating closely with various NGOs, du can help them derive the maximum benefits from the Musahama website."

His Excellency Abdullah Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director General, UAE Ministry of Social Affairs, noted: "Six months after its launch, Musahama has already succeeded in helping NGOs collaborate with one another and respond to emerging community needs with greater speed and efficiency. It has also encouraged volunteering in the UAE by giving the general public easy access to information and upcoming opportunities. du is setting an excellent example in its efforts to support Musahama, demonstrating the positive impact that corporate social responsibility initiatives can make on the UAE as a whole. Together with du, we are confident that the new workshop series will enable NGOs to make full use of Musahama's innovative platform and yield valuable feedback to enhance the website going forward."

du's CSR programme focuses on developing and implementing initiatives that benefit the local community. In the case of Musahama, du partnered with the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs to create a seamless interface for UAE NGOs to interact with each other and with the public.

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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 2008, over 3 million people in the UAE chose to become du 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 '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 34 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, more than 3000 authorized dealers Or through du e-shop, accessible at http://www.du.ae/en/where-to-buy/eshop.html. du shops are a one stop shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of the service bills.

du is 39.5 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 percent 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.

Awards to date

• du presented with an award for Best Middle Eastern Local Currency Deal 2008 by UK's EuroWeek

• 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 media club website won the bronze award in the media and press category.

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

• 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

For further information, please contact:
Jacky Freer
MS&L
Contact: +971 367 6152
Mobile: +971 55 495 6486
E-mail: Jacky.Freer@dubai.mslpr.com