Ministry of Economy & Planning appoints Bates PanGulf to run 2005 UAE census campaign

A regular feature in many developed countries, usually at a period of every ten years, the last Tedad in the UAE was conducted in 1995. Due to the phenomenal growth the UAE has seen over the last decade, Tedad 2005 is looking to use the latest technological and analytical techniques to conduct the most comprehensive study of the social and economic make-up of the UAE. For the first time the private sector will support the efforts with key sponsors in Etisalat, ALDAR and First Gulf Bank.

"The aim of Tedad 2005 is to collect and collate details such as property usage, types of businesses and the demographics of individuals - nationals and residents alike - so as to build a clear social and economic picture of the UAE. As with other censuses in other countries, the main reason for this is so that the government is better able to plan for the growth and development of their societies and economies, for the benefit of all their resident communities. This ultimately leads to a better understanding of different community needs and, for example, the right number of educational, medical and even recreational facilities needed per location", said Mrs. Hafsa Abdullah Alulama, Assistant Under-Secretary for Planning and Director of the Census 2005 program.

"Tedad 2005 should not be confused with or seen narrowly as relating to tracking immigration and will not require any documents from the people during the enumeration or counting phase. It will be for completely separate analyses and the information collected will absolutely confidential - conducted with the highest international census practices in mind", added Alulama.

"We are delighted to be involved in such a dynamic, nationwide project and one that clearly demonstrates the continuing efforts of the UAE Government to provide the greatest benefits of a modern, mature society to its nationals and expatriate residents", said Mr. Abdulla Majid Al Ghurair, Chairman of Bates PanGulf Group.

The government education and awareness campaign will be in two phases - the first phase will commence later this month.

Approximately 1,500 Enumarators (Door-to-Door Researchers), each with their localised support teams, will visit companies and buildings by specifically designated urban and rural zones to discern issues such as the types of businesses conducted down to how many floors and rooms there are per building. The first phase will commence in September 2005 and the second phase concentrating on individuals and families will commence in December with the final reports scheduled to be ready sometime in the first quarter of 2006.