du forms strategic partnership with Dubai Festival City
du, the UAE's innovative telecom provider, today announced it had signed a strategic partnership with Al-Futtaim Technologies (AFTECH) which will lead to the roll-out of WiFi services in Dubai Festival City, the family-owned group's flagship mixed-use waterfront development.
- United Arab Emirates: Monday, February 11 - 2008 at 12:09
- PRESS RELEASE
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The three-year agreement will see du pilot WiFi and develop a series of high tech applications with AFTECH focused initially on the Festival Centre, the shopping, dining and entertainment hub at the heart of Dubai Festival City. The pilot project, scheduled to last for three months, marks the first major expansion of WiFi in the emirates outside the free zones.
Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of du, said:
'du's partnership with Al-Futtaim Technologies highlights our constant focus to provide customers with round-the-clock access to our services. We encourage people to try out du WiFi at Dubai Festival City and experience the power of true mobility at their leisure.'
For the three-month test phase free WiFi access will be provided at the Festival Centre and Festival Marina areas in Dubai Festival City. During this stage, du and AFTECH will test the new network and assess customer response.
Vishesh Bhatia, Al-Futtaim's Group Director for Technology, Engineering and Electronics, said: 'We have signed an agreement with one of the most technologically advanced telecoms provider in the world to create high-tech solutions for a modern city and 'tech savvy' visitors. The technologies we are developing with du in Dubai Festival City will redefine customer experience and expectations.'
Following the pilot stage, the service will be available for a nominal fee. Users will be able to access it through their du mobile, du self care username and password, credit card or any du recharge card. Later this year, roaming users will be able to access the du WiFi service with their home login details for a usage based fee.
Tom Miles, Senior General Manager at Dubai Festival City said: 'This is yet another innovation which will ensure Dubai Festival City leads the industry in terms of delivering a unique guest experience. The partnership between du and AFTECH will provide high tech services that are good for our guests, retailers and visitors to the Festival Centre, and Dubai Festival City.'
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Notes and media contacts
What is WiFi?
WiFi is a term for certain types of wireless local area network (WLAN). The term WiFi was created by an organization called the WiFi Alliance, which oversees tests that certify product interoperability.
WiFi has gained acceptance in many businesses, agencies, schools, and homes as an alternative to a wired LAN. Many airports, hotels, and fast-food facilities offer public access to WiFi networks. These locations are known as 'Hot Spots'.
About du
du, the new telecommunications company in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services on 11 February 2007 across the UAE in addition to internet and pay TV services in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, the first of du's nationwide Fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007.
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 and more time) and Self Care. du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations.
du's retail network, currently numbering 16 du shops located in strategic locations across all emirates, was launched on 25 February 2007, supporting the delivery of du services to customers.
du is 40% owned by the UAE Federal Government, 20% by Mubadala Development Company, 20% by TECOM Investments and 20% by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.
du was recognised as the 'Best Brand' for its innovative branding and outstanding success at the Telecom World Awards Middle East 2007.
About Al-Futtaim Technologies
Al-Futtaim Technologies, a leading regional systems integrator and a member of the Al-Futtaim Group, provides complete business solutions to large, medium and small customers. These include information communication and related technologies including telephony, contact center solutions, next-generation networks equipment and business applications.
About Dubai Festival City
Dubai Festival City is an Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate development project. Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is part of Al-Futtaim Group, one of the region's most progressive businesses with more than 80 years operating experience in Asia, Africa and Europe. Dubai Festival City is a world-class waterfront mixed-use urban community encompassing the finest, easily accessible shopping, dining, entertainment, homes, schools, hotels, offices and leisure in one place.
Dubai Festival City covers 1300 acres and stretches 3 kilometres along the historic Dubai Creek. It epitomises the thriving and visionary spirit of Dubai. This self-contained metropolis will be the centrepiece of the new Dubai - a progressive urban community offering a lifestyle unmatched in terms of luxury, comfort, exclusivity, convenience, and value.
Festival Centre, a landmark 2.8 million square foot urban retail resort forms the epicentre of Dubai Festival City and promises to be one of the UAE's most exciting retail, dining and leisure attractions. Festival Centre offers an unsurpassed selection of international and local retail brands, an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafés, including the largest al fresco dining experience in the UAE, as well as a rich variety of entertainment options all within an
architectural masterpiece. The shopping centre is connected via the Marina Promenade to three international hotels, an Event Centre and the luxury Festival Marina which will dramatically transform the retail and tourism landscape of Dubai.
In addition Dubai Festival City comprises 8 international hotels, residential communities, two international schools, business parks, automotive showrooms, an 18-hole championship golf course and Four Seasons Golf Club.
For further information on du, please call:
Luma Jasim
Director, PR and media relations
du
Tel: +971 4 362 2134
Fax: +971 4 360 4440
Mobile: +971 55 552 6759
For more information, please contact:
Irina Ionascu
PR & Media Relations Executive
Dubai Festival City LLC
P O Box 49776
Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 2136409
Fax: +971 4 2325667
Visit us at www.dubaifestivalcity.com
http://www.alfuttaimtechnologies.com
Posted by Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News EditorMonday, February 11 - 2008 at 12:09 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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