Takes Preliminary Steps for Achieving Latest HSE Certifications

Dubai: 24 May, 2009 - TECOM Investments, a leading developer of knowledge-based business clusters and a member of Dubai Holding, today announced it has successfully completed a health, safety and environment audit  to acquire OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001 certifications.

Dubai office of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), an independent global organization headquartered in Oslo, Norway, performed the preliminary audit on TECOM Investments, which already possesses the ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:1999 certificates. With the latest audit DNV recommended TECOM Investments for OHSAS 18001:2007 version and continuation of ISO 14001:2004

The OHSAS 18001 certificate focuses on occupational health and safety with the aim of enhancing the highest standards already in place including minimizing risks to employees at the workplace, improving the existing occupational health and safety management systems, and demonstrating diligence. The standard was revised in 2007 giving more emphasis to occupational health.

The ISO 14001 certificate addresses various aspects of environmental management including identifying and controlling the environmental impact of its activities, improving its environmental performance continually, and implementing a systematic approach to setting environmental objectives and targets.

Abdullatif Almulla, Group Chief Executive Officer of TECOM Investments, said: "At TECOM Investments, we have consistently made a conscious effort to instill a great sense of responsibility and accountability in everything we do.  In pursuing the most up-to-date ISO and OHSAS certifications, we are reaffirming our commitment to implementing and complying with international best practices.

"Our employees & Business Partners, their safety and well-being, are of paramount importance to us.  We are aware that the foundation for any successful organization is its stakeholders and in seeking to earn this international certification, we have validated our commitment to them."

Hussain Dawood Ali, Executive Director of Quality and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Department, TECOM Investments, said: "Today's global and highly competitive environment requires that organizations are always looking inward to determine ways for improving and consequently staying ahead of the competition. Upgrading the certifications that we already possess and ensuring that only the best international practices are implemented at TECOM will give us a competitive advantage in the market."

Recently, TECOM Investments achieved outstanding results in an internal organizational assessment exercise based on the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model and scoring methodology. Also scored 92% in the Dubai Holding annual HSE assessment.

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About TECOM Investments
TECOM Investments, based in Dubai, is a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, a global company dedicated to knowledge and life-improving industries. A creator of vibrant knowledge industry clusters, TECOM Investments is currently active in buoyant cutting-edge sectors like ICT, Media, Education, Biotechnology and Energy.

A recognized leader in the global knowledge industry, TECOM Investments manages entities like Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai International Academic City, eHosting DataFort, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubai Studio City, DuBiotech and Enpark.  

TECOM Investments' phenomenal growth also encompasses local and international joint venture interests like Empower, a district cooling service provider established as a joint venture with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Emirates International Telecommunications Limited, a joint venture with Dubai Investment Group and SmartCity, a joint venture formed with SAMA Dubai to develop and manage knowledge industry townships worldwide.

Emirates International Telecommunications Limited holds stakes in Tunisie Telecom and Maltacom, telecommunication carriers in Tunisia and Malta respectively. SmartCity has already laid the foundations of a global network of knowledge driven clusters through agreements to develop SmartCity Malta and SmartCity Kochi.

TECOM Investments also has interests in Axiom, the largest mobile distributor in the Middle East, and Interoute, the operator of Europe's most densely connected voice and data network.

For more information, please contact:
Salam Kitmitto
Associate Account Manager
JIWIN Public Relations
Tel: +971 4 433 2547
Mob: +971 50 276 9286
Email: Salam.Kitmitto@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2009