In recognition of excellence in procurement and supply chain practices, du - the UAE’s integrated telecom service provider has been awarded a coveted certification by the UK-based Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply. This global accreditation is awarded to businesses and organisations for achieving the highest international standards in their procurement and supply chain policies and procedures. The certification is awarded after a series of rigorous comprehensive and systemic reviews carried out by an independent auditor.

Osman Sultan, CEO, du, said: “I’m delighted that we are the first telecom operator in the region to be given the award. To have a third party come into our organisation and look at our procurement process and highlight any gaps and improvements has been really useful. We have gained significant comfort knowing that our processes meet international standards. I congratulate the entire Supply Chain team for their efforts and wish them greater success.” Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Human Resources & Shared Services Officer, du, said: “ We are proud to receive such an accreditation as it demonstrates our strict adherence to corporate governance and best procurement practices across all the Supply Chain despite being a relatively young company.”

David Noble, CEO, Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, said: “We are pleased to present this certification to du. They have demonstrated that they have robust procurement policies, processes and procedures in place which will bring tangible business benefits and increase their credibility amongst partners, stakeholders and customers throughout the world. This is not an easy accreditation process. It requires hard work dedication, and excellent people, so I congratulate them on their achievement.”

CIPS certification is valid for four years with interim audits every 12 months. The benefits of accreditation are increased reputation amongst peers, customers and the market; embracing continuous improvement, establishing robust ethical practices and the assurance of value-add in procurement transactions.

About The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) is the leading international body representing purchasing and supply management professionals. It is the worldwide centre of excellence on purchasing and supply management issues and offers business solutions. CIPS has 65,000 members in 150 different countries, including senior business people, high-ranking civil servants and leading academics. The activities of purchasing and supply chain professionals can have a major impact on the profitability and efficiency of all types of organisation.
http://www.cips.org

About du

du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du’s nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 2008, over 3 million people in the UAE chose to become du customers.

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, more time and now ‘more international’ recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.

For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.

du products and services for consumers and business are available through du’s retail network, currently numbering 33 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, more than 3000 authorized dealers Or through du e-shop, accessible at http://www.du.ae/en/where-to-buy/eshop.html. du shops are a one stop shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of the service bills.

du is 39.5 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 percent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.

Awards to date

• du presented with an award for Best Middle Eastern Local Currency Deal 2008 by UK’s EuroWeek
• du won two prestigious awards at UAE Web Awards 2008. du e-shop portal won the best strategic online portal award in the e-commerce category and du media club website won the bronze award in the media and press category.
• du corporate brand launch campaign awarded a Cristal MENA award in 2008
• du declared ‘Best Brand’ at Telecoms World Awards Middle East 2007 for innovative branding and outstanding brand success
• Second place in the New Brand Launch category at the GMR Effectiveness in Marketing Awards 2007
• Silver Award for the best website in the ICT category at the UAE Web Awards 2007
• du WoW TV Commercial awarded amongst the best 50 TV commercials in mobile telecom category in the world for 2007

For further information, please contact:

Saugat Chatterjee
Public Relations Manager, Channels Communications
Brand & Communications
du
Mobile: +971 55 9367045
Email: saugat.chatterjee@du.ae

Press contacts:

Rebecca Fox, Regional Manager
rebecca.fox@cips.org
+971 506283649

Trudy Salandiak, Public Relations, CIPS
trudy.salandiak@cips.org
01780 761575
07917 64856