DUBAL wins 'Overall Idea of the Year Trophy' in suggestion scheme competition in the U.S.

Mr. Abdullah Kalban, Chief Executive Officer, DUBAL, said: "This international acknowledgement from a prestigious US-based organization was possible only because of the technical expertise and the commitment of our employees. We are proud that our employees are furthering their role in DUBAL's success story."

The suggestion - 'Tumbler at dig-out area for soaked butts' - submitted by Mr. Satpal Singh, Process Control, Cell Relining, Dubal, won among the entries from global corporations including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems Dubai Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation and General Motors.

DUBAL's CEO has also been awarded a certificate of commendation for his continuous support to the employee involvement programmes. This is a testament on the importance Mr. Kalban places on employees contribution towards the suggestion scheme to such an extent that we keep winning international accolades.

The suggestion from DUBAL was selected for its contribution towards Environmental Protection, Health & Safety of the employees at the workplace and for the ingenuity of the idea itself. In addition, the suggestion has already been implemented at DUBAL and has helped the company improve on its process and significantly reduce environmental impact on the surroundings.

"This is a tremendous achievement for us at DUBAL and demonstrates that through various employee involvement programmes we are able to tap the creative potential of our most valuable asset - our people,"

said Mr. Kalban.

In 2005, two suggestions submitted by DUBAL employees won awards - The Environmental Award and the Safety Award - from EIA-US in the 'Idea of the Year' competition. In 2004 DUBAL won two Statistical Awards - the 2004 Performance Excellence Award and SEER 2004 (Saving per Employee Eligible Ratio) - based on the statistical information submitted to EIA-US.

For the year 2005 DUBAL achieved 100% employee participation and increased the average number of suggestions per employee to four from 2.8. The employees also exceeded an ambitious target of 9,000 set for awarded suggestions.