Dubai, UAE, 28 May 2011 - His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum today honored du for its continued support of the Young Entrepreneur Competition 2011 (YEC) during the ceremony announcing the final winners, held in the Sheikh Rashid Hall in Dubai World Trade Centre.

Osman Sultan, CEO, du was presented with an honorary trophy in recognition of the company's contribution as a main sponsor of the competition for two consecutive years, in the presence of Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du and Ahmad Aburahima, Vice President,  Government Relations, du.

"On behalf of du, I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for this tremendous honor and congratulate Dubai SME for their astounding success of the competition. We are pleased to be directly involved in the Young Entrepreneurs Competition as a main sponsor for the second year, as we believe this exceptional initiative is one to be celebrated as it continues to empower young people to become tomorrow's leaders. We take great pride in contributing to the development of the UAE youth and investing in their future success by giving them the opportunity to experience the telecom business first hand by selling du products and services and exercising the franchise model.," commented Osman Sultan, CEO, du.

Dubai SME, the entrepreneurship development agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED), launched the "Young Entrepreneur Competition 2011" exhibition in Dubai Mall under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. More than 2,500 young entrepreneurs showcased their projects in the exhibition, supported by du and Dubai Mall. The exhibition is aimed at reinforcing entrepreneurial skills and aptitude among students in high schools, colleges and universities across the UAE. The competition focused on providing insights into the comprehensive business environment of Dubai in order to encourage students to start their own businesses and drive innovations within a competitive environment.

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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