Drake & Scull International becomes member in 'Build Safe Dubai'

BSD is a not-for-profit organisation consisting of major international and local companies in the construction industry that share a common cause: worker welfare and safety. BSD aims to promote an agreed minimum of health and safety standards for the benefit of all workers in the construction industry in Dubai and the UAE as a whole. The organisation also seeks to communicate best practice and the importance of construction safety to all project stakeholders.

Mr Khaldoun Rachid Tabari, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSI, said during the signing ceremony held last week:

"Since the inception of DSI in the UAE in 1966, implementing the highest standards of health, safety and welfare has always been an important management responsibility that is on a par with production and profitability. This commitment enabled us to complete more than 27 million man-hours on our on-going projects without one serious injury or fatality."

DSI has a dedicated quality, health & safety, and environment (QHSE) department which reviews, maintains and implements QHSE policies across all divisions in line with strict international standards and regulations, while promoting a positive health and safety culture.

Mr Tabari continued: "We are honoured to be part of BSD and look forward to sharing our experience with the other members and promoting the right of every worker to have an injury free work place."

Earlier this month, DSI also joined the Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC), a not-for-profit organisation formed in July 2006 with the goal of advancing green building principles for protecting the environment and ensuring sustainability in the UAE.

On joining Emirates GBC, Mr Tabari commented: "In 2006, our commitment to improving environmental controls was translated by investing in new and innovative technologies and resulted in establishing the Industrial, Water & Power (IWP) division. Through this division, we provide, among other services, District Cooling Technology which is an energy efficient solution that on the long term reduces the overall demand on the electrical grid and controls toxic emissions."

Mr. Tabari added: "DSI continuously searches for new enhanced technologies to introduce to the regional market. There is always room for improvement and we must be cognisant of the responsibility placed upon us to safeguard the environment and provide commercially viable solutions."

To date, DSI has designed, constructed and maintains the district cooling plant and network at Jumeirah Beach Residence, the largest of its kind at the time of construction, Dubai Festival City, Saudi Iron & Steel Company (Hadeed),as well as many more around the GCC.

DSI is expected to list on the Dubai Financial Market before the end of this year upon the completion of the remaining incorporation procedures.

DSI has experienced strong growth in recent years. In 2007, revenues increased by 16.7% from the previous year and the Company saw an increase of 38.1% in gross profits compared to the previous year. Year on year growth in net profits excluding the minority share is 37.6%. These results indicate that, despite rising material costs, the Company continues to reduce overall operating costs and achieve further efficiencies in its business.