Dubai, 31 May 2011: In-line with its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts to make the environment a better place to live in, du announced an environmental program to partner with HP Middle East today, titled "HP Planet Partners Program", this initiative, which has been integrated into every du office, is intended to reduce technology waste in the Emirate by recycling toner cartridges, used in printers and photocopy machines.

Hala Badri, Executive Vice President - Brand and Communications, du, said: "Even as we grow as a company, we need to be sensitive to ensure the reduction in our ecological footprint. What makes the initiative with HP special is that it will play a major role in reducing technology waste in the UAE and we believe this campaign will raise awareness about the environmentally sensitive issues and become an example for others to follow."

The "HP Planet Partners Program" provides a free, easy, state-of-the-art return and recycling service for original HP printer toner cartridges. Recycled plastic from collected cartridges will be used to produce new original HP cartridges as well as other products.

"We are happy to have du on board in our most important environmental initiative aimed at saving the planet from technology waste," said Amin Mortazavi, General Manager for HP Middle East Imaging and Printing Group.

"HP was the first computer manufacturer to operate its own recycling centre in 1997, and it is estimated that 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions were avoided through HP's recycling activities in 2008 alone. To date, HP has recycled over 2 billion pounds (lbs) of electronic products and supplies" Amin Mortazavi said.

du will involve  its employees to be part of this initiative. du is an advocate of environment related initiatives and recently participated in Earth Hour 2011; it has also won a series of sustainability-related awards. These include recognition for its participation in the Dubai Municipality 'Clean up the world' campaign, and being ranked first under two categories of the Emirates Environment Group's (EEG) recycling campaign held in 2010.

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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 3rd quarter of 2010, over 4 million people in the UAE had chosen to become du mobile 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 the '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 37 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, including the recently opened flagship store located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. In addition, customers can access du products and services at more than 3000 authorised dealers or through the du e-shop, accessible at http://shop.du.ae du shops are a one-stop-shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of service bills.

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

For further information, please contact:
Saugat Chatterjee
Public Relations Manager
Brand & Communications
du
Mobile: +971 55 9367045
Email: saugat.chatterjee@du.ae

Reka Sepsy
Manning, Selvage & Lee
Tel: +971 4 367 6154
Mobile: +971 55 220 68 20
Fax: +971 4 367 2615
Email: reka.sepsy@dubai.mslpr.com

© Press Release 2011