Dubai Quality Group (DQG) elects Marwan Al Sawaleh as new Chairman

Mr. Farid Ahmad, The Board's Adviser & head of the nomination committee at the DQG Annual General Meeting that took place on December 17, at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai, announced Mr. Al Sawaleh's appointment as Chairman. He will take over his responsibility with effect from January 2007.

"It is an honour to be elected to the position of Chairman," said Mr. Al Sawaleh. 'I feel privileged that the members have given me an opportunity to serve the organization and the business community of Dubai."

Mr. Al Sawaleh has been a member of several leading recognized institutions, including the Switzerland-based IMD (International Institute of Management Development) and has also been a previous recipient of the Dubai Human Resources Development Award. He brings more than 11 years of experience in management and leadership to DQG and was quick to acknowledge the collegiate approach of the board of directors who endorsed his nomination.

"The board strives together for the Dubai Quality Group's common objectives and our approach is very much a team effort. I am committed to staying on the path of success set forth by my predecessors at DQG and will endeavour to enhance both the Group and the members' interests with new initiatives. The DQG will continue to place an emphasis on promoting quality across the entire region," he said.

The election results were announced after a successful AGM that highlighted the Group's achievements over the last 12 months. These have included; strategic alliances with many international buddies like Global Benchmarking Network (GBN), Ideas.uk, Shell Markets International, University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), Middle East Quality Association (MEQA), e-TQM College in Dubai & Dubai Institute for Human Resources Development (DIHRD).

Each Board of Directors at the Dubai Quality Group serves a two-year tenure before a new board is elected by the directors and by the Group's active members. The new board members as follows: Dr. Wafi Dawood, Vice Chairman - Director of Corporate Performance & Quality, Dubai World Trade Center, Mr. James Mathew, Secrety General - Managing Director/ AGN Mak International Consulting, Mr. Osama AL Rahma, Finance Director - Director / AL Fardan Dr. Aysha Abdullah, Member at Large - Director of Center for Planning & Quality / Dubai Health Care City, Mr. Khalid AL Jawoder, Member at Large - Manager of Quality Planning / DNATA, Mr. Razi Ansari, Member at Large - CEO AL Ghurair Foods.

"The quality of the candidates for positions on the board of directors this year was exemplary," remarked Mr. Abdulqader Obaid Ali, the outgoing Chairman of DQG. "We are very pleased to have such a high caliber of business people serving the DQG and industries across the region."

Ms. Samia Al Yousif, DQG's Manager, said, "Reflecting the trend that Dubai has set in the international corporate arena, it is only appropriate that the DQG's board of directors contains highly qualified members of the local business community. The nominees this year possess a wealth of experience and business acumen and we are sure that Mr. Al Sawaleh and his team will meet the challenges over the next two years and take DQG to new levels of accomplishment."