-The telco brings first CAB to MENA region
-The event draws C-list executives from across industry verticals

In its quest to better serve its valued enterprise customers, du is introducing its new Customer Advisory Board (CAB) during the first edition of the innovative programme at Armani Hotel on Monday 14 June. The concept, under the umbrella of the du Leadership Series, aims to bring together a select group of industry captains from leading enterprises across diverse industry verticals, on a quarterly basis. At these meetings, du will spur discussion on industry trends, business priorities and strategic direction, as well as listen directly to the voice of the customer in a bid to work in conjunction and cohesively across all industries.

“By introducing this concept to the region for the first time, du is fostering innovation - and thought leadership through a process of dialogue and participation - which will contribute to shaping the telecom industry for the future; not just in the UAE but across the region as a whole. With this initiative, we intend to connect and engage with our customers in an entirely revolutionary and proactive way. It is with a sense of pride, that I am excited to present our very first Customer Advisory Board event, to which we have invited distinguished industry experts to share global and local market and industry insights, as well as sharing of best practices that can be adapted and adopted for mutual benefit,” commented Osman Sultan, CEO, du.

The distinguished and eminent panel of du’s CAB will comprise members drawn from top companies across diverse industries in the UAE, and include the largest and most established names from the region and beyond.

The Customer Advisory Board (CAB) will engage a group of existing and potential major customers, CEOs and CXOs to discuss industry trends, business priorities and strategic direction for the benefit of all. These meetings will discuss topics such as translating strategies into actionable initiatives, brand experience, market research, innovation, thought leadership and insights on customer loyalty, revolutionising sales effectiveness and efficiency to drive revenues, competitive intelligence and early warning signs of potential disintermediation in industry value chains.

The Customer Advisory Board follows the first event in du’s leadership series, at which the company welcomed more than 100 CEOs and key business leaders from different companies in the UAE to discuss disruptive innovation and growth opportunities in the local and regional markets. The series aims to regularly host a number of forums and round-table discussions, which will bring in some of the world’s foremost thought leaders to speak on a variety of subjects including capital management, strategy, customer experience, human capital and technology, among others.

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

Mayssam Hamadeh
Manning, Selvage & Lee
Tel: +971 4 3676 324
Mobile: +971 55 495 6484
Fax: +971 4 367 2615
Email: mayssam.hamadeh@dubai.mslpr.com