Tathqeef Patrol Enhances Traffic Awareness at the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Monday, April 27th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

The “Tathqeef” traffic patrol at the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police is promoting traffic awareness at the seventh edition of the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival 2015.  The 10-day festival will be held between April 23rd and May 2nd at the Mirfa beach in the Western Region. The patrol’s participation in the festival, held in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club and the support of the Al Gharbia Sports Club, falls in line with the directorate’s community outreach strategy and the commitment to promote traffic safety through taking part in various touristic, sporting, and cultural activities.

Major Suhail Sayah Al Mazroui, Chief of the Western Region Traffic Section, indicated that the participation of the “Tathqeef” patrol in the festival aims to further strengthen the interaction and communication between the Section and the community members, institutions, and events.  The activities and events of the festival are set to include various traditional and touristic programs, exhibitions, and competitions that appeal to children and all members of the family.

Moreover, he indicated that the Western Region Traffic Section is organizing the traffic along the road leading up to the festival site in order to maintain a smooth traffic flow, and to secure and organize parking spaces for visitors and disabled persons. The Section is committed to ensuring traffic safety for every regional and international visitor that wishes to visit the festival.

For his part, Captain Abdul Rahman Al Ali, Public Relations Branch Manager in the Western Region, noted that the “Tathqeef” traffic patrol serves as a mobile awareness unit in order to promote traffic culture regarding the rules and regulations of traffic laws. The patrol is designed to reduce traffic accidents and aims to raise awareness regarding the importance of abiding by the designated speed on the roads, fastening seatbelts, and from refraining to use mobile phones while driving. The mobile “Tathqeef” traffic patrol additionally distributes awareness booklets and gifts, and responds to any inquiries that the public may have. The patrol is additionally equipped with a display screen to show purposeful traffic awareness films.

Captain Al Ali hailed the interaction of the public with the traffic guidance that has been provided throughout the festival. He also praised the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Police for its continued presence in various events that aim to raise awareness and urged the public to abide by traffic laws in order to reduce the causes of traffic accidents that result in deaths and severe injuries.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14413/en

Rimini Street Announces Preliminary Fiscal First Quarter 2015 Financial Results

LAS VEGAS - Thursday, April 30th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Net Revenues of $25.9 Million, Up 40% Year over Year

Deferred Revenues of $86.8 Million, Up 43% Year over Year

Surpassed 1,000 Signed Clients Since Inception, Up 27% Year over Year

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rimini Street, Inc., the leading independent provider of enterprise software support for SAP AG’s (NYSE: SAP) Business Suite and BusinessObjects software and Oracle Corporation’s (NYSE: ORCL) Siebel, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, E-Business Suite, Oracle Database, Oracle Middleware, Hyperion and Oracle Retail software, today announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Rimini Street's first quarter results included record highs in net revenues and deferred revenues. Also, the number of clients electing multi-year, non-cancelable service periods is a record for fiscal first quarters.

    Net revenues for the first fiscal quarter of 2015 increased 40% year over year to $25.9 million
    Deferred revenues as of March 31, 2015 increased 43% year over year to $86.8 million

The above information is preliminary and subject to the completion of quarter-end financial processes and review.

Notable Q1 2015 Achievements:

    Surpassed 1,000 signed clients since inception
    Signed first client headquartered in China, a $40 billion chemical conglomerate
    Signed first client headquartered in South Africa, one of Africa’s largest steel distributors
    Signed 66 new transactions, a record number of new clients in a fiscal first quarter
    Hired 58 new employees worldwide, expanding the global workforce to more than 500 employees
    Resolved thousands of client support cases with an average response time of less than five minutes and average client satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 (where 5 equals “excellent”)
    Delivered over 90,000 global tax, legal, and regulatory updates to date, across more than 100 countries

“We exceeded our fiscal first quarter plan and surpassed the milestone of 1,000 clients signed since inception, a direct result of the success and value Oracle and SAP licensees are achieving with a switch to Rimini Street’s innovative and robust support offering,” said Seth Ravin, CEO, Rimini Street. “Today, we further extend our vision by launching Rimini Street’s next-generation enterprise software support model. We are grateful for and honored by the opportunity to serve each and every client who has made our global growth and success possible, and we remain committed to bringing the most innovative and cost-effective enterprise software support services to our current and future clients.”

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street is the global leader in providing independent enterprise software support services. The company has redefined enterprise support services since 2005 with an innovative, award-winning program that enables Oracle and SAP licensees to save up to 90 percent on total support costs. Clients can remain on their current software release without any required upgrades for at least 15 years. Over 1,000 global, Fortune 500, midmarket, and public sector organizations from a broad range of industries have selected Rimini Street as their trusted, independent support provider. To learn more, please visit www.riministreet.com or call within the USA 888-870-9692 or internationally +1 702-839-9671.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are based on various assumptions. If the risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. Rimini Street assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Rimini Street and the Rimini Street logo are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved.

Contacts

Rimini Street, Inc.

Alma Park, +1 323-229-7282

APark@riministreet.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/14435/en

Major General Al Nuaimi: Keeping Pace with Development and Modernization is a United Process

Brigadier Al Dhaheri Honored for Distinguished Efforts

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, April 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Major General Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, urged the police leaders of the General Secretariat to fully identify with the spirit of excellence, innovation, and modernity that has been laid down by Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. He warned the leaders against performing their professional duties in a view that the position is just a way to earn a living and reminded them that the UAE is an indivisible nation with steadfast moral codes.

The statements of Major General Al Nuaimi were made during a ceremony held on Tuesday to honor Brigadier Mansour Ahmed Ali Al Dhaheri, Director General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at Abu Dhabi Police, in recognition for his efforts and for the culmination of his outstanding work at the General Secretariat of the Office of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

“The work system at the Ministry of Interior largely relies on originality, leadership, and innovation; and rejects any notion of relying on replication,” Major General Al Nuaimi said. “The police leadership must therefore intensify their efforts and strive to consistently improve the police services provided to the public in order to both exceed the expectations of the public and to enhance the stature of the Ministry in regional and international competitiveness indicators.”

The honoring ceremony was held in the Forensic Evidence Hall at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters and was organized by the General Secretariat of the Office of H.H Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. A large number of the personnel from the Secretariat attended the ceremony, which was led by Major General Abdul Aziz Maktoum Al Shareefi, Director General of Protective Security in the Ministry of Interior; Brigadier Pilot Ali Mohammed Al Mazroui, Director of the Air Wing Department at the Abu Dhabi Police; Colonel Abdul Rahman Al Hammadi, Head of the Forensic Evidence Department; and Colonel Mohammed Hamid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Strategy and Performance Development Director General alongside others.

The Secretary General emphasized the importance of harmonizing and aligning the thoughts, aspirations, and performances of the various task forces; so as to serve the noble national and cultural goals entrusted to the police forces by the community and the founding constitution. “The Federal Government is keen to provide staff members with the optimal work environment in order to enable creativity and innovation within the workplace and to motivate personnel to actively contribute towards preserving the gains and modern developments of the UAE,” he said.

“I have every confidence in the ability of the police members to continuously showcase the cultural landscape of the UAE community; and to lead by example for future police forces as role models who are armed with science, efficiency, loyalty, and the esteemed moral values of integrity, honesty, sincerity, and a sense of responsibility.”

He continued by expressing his sincerest thanks and appreciation to all who have contributed to the growth and development of the Secretariat General of the Office of His Highness towards its position as one of the largest and most successful of its kind; a stature that is befitting of the prestige that the UAE Ministry of Interior has achieved both in the region and in the world at large.

Upon conclusion of the ceremony, the Secretary General of the Office of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior emphasized the keenness of the Ministry to honor its distinguished staff members and to provide incentives to support the efforts of personnel - for they are the pride of the higher police leadership and are highly valued.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14423/en

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic Announces New Dental Hygienist

Dubai, United Arab Emirates. - Tuesday, April 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic, the leading and most advanced dental health care provider in the region, is pleased to announce that Alessandro Cerioli Amadei has joined the clinic’s robust team of dental hygienists.

As a dental hygienist, Alessandro will focus on preventing oral diseases and protecting patients’ teeth and gums and overall health. He will assess patients for any signs of gum disease, counsel patients on plaque control and educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques.

“Alessandro is wonderful addition to our Dental Hygiene team,” said Dr. Michael Formenius, CEO& Clinical Director of Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic. “His rich experience, background and training will serve the clinic, our patients and community well.”

Alessandro graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Dental Hygiene from Università degli Studi di Brescia in Italy in 2011. He completed several years of practical dental hygiene training at the Spedali Civili di Brescia where he attended to patients from the periodontics, oral surgery, implants and prosthesis and other dental departments. He has extensively grown his private practice working as a full-time dental hygienist and also served as a part-time specialist in oral hygiene, dental sealing, teeth whitening and periodontal (gum disease) treatments.

“Dr. Michael’s offers the most efficient and across-the-board care patients of all ages,” said Alessandro. “I’m very pleased to join the team and I look forward to providing preventative oral care and oral hygiene education to our patients.”

Alessandro is available from Saturday through Tuesday (9:00am – 7:00pm) and on Thursdays (1:00pm – 7:00pm). To book an appointment, please call 043949433 or 043397700. You can also book an appointment online at www.drmichaels.com.

About Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

Founded in 1997, Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic represents the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art, multispecialty dentistry in Dubai, UAE. It has assembled a team of international dental specialists, hygienists and support staff for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology, orthodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry, serving nearly 40,000 patients in and around Dubai.

Contacts

Maria Cristina Cubacub

Digital Marketing Manager

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

cristina@drmichaels.com

+971564423078









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14420/en

Saif bin Zayed Heads the UAE Delegation in the Consultative Meeting of the GCC Interior Ministers in Qatar

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, April 29th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, headed the UAE delegation to the 16th Consultative Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Interior Ministers that was held today in the sisterly country of Qatar.

Upon arrival to the capital of Qatar, HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed was welcomed by HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and a number of officials. His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, accompanied by his brotherly GCC Interior Ministers, later met and extended their greetings to HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar at the Amiri Diwan.

During the Consultative Meeting, their Highnesses and Excellencies of the GCC Interior Ministers discussed relevant topics of interest for the citizens of the GCC in a bid to enhance cooperation and coordination amongst the GCC member states in various joint security fields. The meeting additionally addressed the latest security developments of interest that pertain to the GCC.

Congratulations

In his speech during the meeting, Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, congratulated his brother, HRH Prince Muhammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for the royal trust he had won in being appointed as the Crown Prince. His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed also congratulated his brother, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for being appointed as the Deputy Crown Prince. His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed prayed to God Almighty to grant both princes, and the Saudi people in general, continued success. His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed also congratulated the leaders of the GCC states for the success of Operation Decisive Storm and of the significant results.

In his statement, HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed praised the efforts of his Qatari counterpart citing the well-structured organization of the meeting alongside the warm and gracious welcome that had been extended to the UAE delegation. He hailed the brotherly endeavors made by the GCC states in the consolidation and development of efforts for further cooperation; of which will achieve advanced results that will benefit the nations and peoples of the region.

The UAE delegation accompanying HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed included: Major General Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalization, Residency and Ports Affairs; Brigadier General Dr. Rashid Sultan Al Khodr, Vice Chairman of the Legal Council at the Ministry of Interior; and Lt. Colonel Dr. Jamal Saif Fares, Director of the Legal Affairs Department in H.H Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Diwan, alongside a number of high ranking officers at the Ministry of Interior.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com



 

AES Energy Storage Announces 260 MW of Interconnected Global Projects in Construction or Late Stage Development

ARLINGTON, Va. - Tuesday, April 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AES Energy Storage today unveiled a portion of its deployment roadmap for AES AdvancionTM Energy Storage Solutions, which includes the addition of battery-based storage resources across the US, South America, and Europe. Projects in construction or late stage development are expected to deliver 260 MW of interconnected battery-based energy storage, equivalent to 520 MW of flexible power resource, 25% of which is expected to be on-line by mid-2016. These projects are in addition to the 86 MW of interconnected energy storage, equivalent to 172 MW of resource, AES currently has in operation.

Today, AES announces the expansion of its existing fleet into new markets, including the Company’s first utility scale project within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) in the United States and the first two projects in Europe. Considerable expansions are underway in existing markets, including California, PJM Interconnection and Chile. AES Energy Storage is also actively developing a pipeline of additional projects in multiple global markets.

“The electricity grid is poised for a major transformation and AES is proud to work with leading utilities and power systems to bring advanced storage to a new scale,” said John Zahurancik, President of AES Energy Storage. “Energy storage is lowering costs and improving critical grid infrastructure for customers around the world.”
                                   

Interconnection
                                 

Date of
Business                 Location                

MW
                Resource MW1                

Deployment
Projects In Operation
Norgener (Los Andes)                 Chile                 12                 24                 2009
Electrica Angamos                 Chile                 20                 40                 2011
Laurel Mountain                 US-West Virginia                 32                 64                 2011
Tait                 US-Ohio                 20                 40                 2013
Advancion™ Applications Center                 US-Pennsylvania                 2                 4                 2013
TOTAL IN OPERATION                                   86                 172                
Projects In Construction
Cochrane                 Chile                 20                 40                 2H 2015
Warrior Run                 US-Maryland                 10                 20                 2H 2015
Northern Ireland Project                 Northern Ireland                 10                 20                 2016
Netherlands Project                 Netherlands                 10                 20                 2016
TOTAL IN CONSTRUCTION                                   50                 100                
Projects in Late Stage Development
Indiana Project                 US-Indiana                 20                 40                 2016
Northern Ireland Project #2                 Northern Ireland                 90                 180                 2017
Alamitos Energy Center                 US-California                 100                 200                 2021
TOTAL IN LATE STAGE DEVELOPMENT                                   210                 420                
TOTAL                                   346                 692                

1 Resource MW are power plant equivalent dispatchable resource, including supply and load capacity.


PJM: AES’ Warrior Run project under construction in Cumberland, Maryland, adds to AES’ installations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio that supply critical grid stability services across the PJM territory. The project is part of a series of expansions under development for this market.

Chile: AES’ third energy storage project in Northern Chile is currently under construction. This project integrates advanced battery-based energy storage with a 532 MW thermal power plant to provide reliability services to Chile’s northern grid.

Western Europe: This spring, AES will begin construction on its first advanced energy storage projects in Europe – in Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. Both will provide fast, accurate power to improve grid efficiency and reliability assisting with grid integration and operations. AES will be the first to deliver advanced energy storage projects of this scale in both countries, providing safe and emissions-free power, supporting regional wind integration and lowering overall cost to consumers.

MISO: AES’ project in Indiana will be the first utility scale storage project in MISO. AES performed its initial storage pilot work in Indiana in 2008. The new project will deliver enhanced reliability and ancillary services, including frequency regulation and peak power.

California: As previously announced, AES is proceeding with the deployment plan for its Alamitos Energy Center storage project in Long Beach, CA. This local capacity resource will supply fast acting power for Southern California Edison customers under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.

“By choosing storage as a smart alternative, progressive utilities, power system operators, and policy makers are improving lives through lower cost, increased use of renewables, and higher reliability,” said Praveen Kathpal, Vice President of AES Energy Storage. “We’re excited to work with our customers and partners to provide resilient, cost-effective power in the US and around the world.”

About AES Energy Storage Solutions

AES is a leader in commercial energy storage, which enables utilities, power markets and renewable developers to manage projects from concept to operation with a market-proven solution. The company’s AdvancionTM energy storage solutions unlock value from existing power infrastructure, improving flexibility and reliability of the power system, and providing customers with a complete alternative to traditional peaking power plants. AES introduced the first grid-scale advanced battery in commercial power market service in 2008 and operates the largest fleet of battery-based storage assets in service today. The company works with utility partners and other customers to deliver the value of advanced storage in the US and around the world. To learn more, please visit www.aesenergystorage.com or @aes_es on Twitter.

About AES

The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) is a Fortune 200 global power company. We provide affordable, sustainable energy to 18 countries through our diverse portfolio of distribution businesses as well as thermal and renewable generation facilities. Our workforce of 18,500 people is committed to operational excellence and meeting the world’s changing power needs. Our 2014 revenues were $17 billion and we own and manage $39 billion in total assets. To learn more, please visit www.aes.com. Follow AES on Twitter @TheAESCorp.

Safe Harbor Disclosure

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those related to future earnings, growth and financial and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are not intended to be a guarantee of future results, but instead constitute AES’ current expectations based on reasonable assumptions. Forecasted financial information is based on certain material assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, our accurate projections of future interest rates, commodity price and foreign currency pricing, continued normal levels of operating performance and electricity volume at our distribution companies and operational performance at our generation businesses consistent with historical levels, as well as achievements of planned productivity improvements and incremental growth investments at normalized investment levels and rates of return consistent with prior experience.

Actual results could differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements due to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Important factors that could affect actual results are discussed in AES’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks discussed under Item 1A “Risk Factors” and Item 7: Management’s Discussion & Analysis in AES’ 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Readers are encouraged to read AES’ filings to learn more about the risk factors associated with AES’ business. AES undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Any Stockholder who desires a copy of the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K dated on or about February 25, 2015 with the SEC may obtain a copy (excluding Exhibits) without charge by addressing a request to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, The AES Corporation, 4300 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Exhibits also may be requested, but a charge equal to the reproduction cost thereof will be made. A copy of the Form 10-K may be obtained by visiting the Company’s website at www.aes.com.    

Contacts

Media:

AES Energy Storage

Amy Ackerman, 703-682-6399    









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/14417/en

Saif Bin Zayed Inspects the EmiratesSkills National Competition events

Expressed Admiration for Students' Innovations

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, April 29th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior was briefed, on Tuesday, on the outstanding skills of the UAE Nationals, both men and women, who are taking part in the Emirates Skills National Competition 2015. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education & Training (ACTVET), the three-day competition held under the slogan “100% Emirati Talent”, will conclude its activities on Thursday at Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Center (ADNEC). As many as 530 Emiratis aged between 20-23 years, are challenging their peers in 40 competitions across several categories, including Mechanical Engineering Design – AutoCAD; Web design; Aircraft Maintenance; Automobile Technology;  CNC Turning; Welding; Fashion Technology; Mobile Robotics; Landscape Gardening, among others. The competition aims at discovering new national talents and providing opportunities for young people to demonstrate their skills to the world by winning one of the competition’s medals. The winning participants will join the “EmiratesSkills” team that will represent the UAE in the WorldSkills International competition, which will be organized by the UAE in 2017.

H.H Sheikh Saif toured the different pavilions, accompanied by His Excellency Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, and His Excellency Mubarak Saeed Al Shamesi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education & Training (ACTVET). During the tour, His Highness was able to attend some of the challenges between male and female Emirati students, which reflects a high level of creativity and innovation, most notably the Electrical Installations competition; the Health and Social Care “nursing” competition; the Fashion Technology competition; the Games Development competition; the Robotics competition; in addition to the Landscape Gardening competition and the Agricultural Production competition, among others.

Furthermore, His Highness reviewed some of the successful experiments carried out by students, which reflect their excellence, creativity and vocational skills. He also talked with students, and urged them to seek further excellence in their educational attainment. He also called upon them to keep abreast of the latest technology methods and tools, which will contribute to promoting their creative capabilities.

Then, Sheikh Seif wrote a thank-you note in the book of honor, praising Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

His Highness was accompanied in his tour by  Major General Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Director General of the Headquarters Affairs at Abu Dhabi Police; Mubarak Saeed Al Shamesi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education & Training (ACTVET); Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli, Secretary-General of Zayed Center for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs; Dr. Arif Al Hammadi, Director of Khalifa University; Ali bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi University; and Ali Al Marzouqi, President of Emirates Skills and Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

 H.E Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, expressed his sincere appreciation for His Highness’s visit, which reflects the keenness of the higher leadership keenness to provide unrelenting moral and financial support to all Emirati Nationals, in particular the youth, who are the backbone of the UAE’s cultural progress.

H.E Mubarak Saeed Al Shamesi, ACTVET Director General, praised his Highness’s unwavering support and his commitment to encouraging national talents to show creativity and leadership. “Such an approach would boost students’ enthusiasm and self-confidence, and prompt them to seek excellence in various fields of work,” he said. Moreover, he underlined the keenness of His Highness to meet with students, talk to them and review their high standards, all of which indicate that the UAE people enjoy the necessary skills to meet the requirements of the UAE labor market competently.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com

 

UAE Participates in the GCC Interior Undersecretaries Meeting in Qatar

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Monday, April 27th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

The United Arab Emirates is participating in the seventh preparatory meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministry of Interior Undersecretaries. The meeting is held this Monday and Tuesday in Qatar in preparation for the 16th Consultative Meeting of the GCC Interior Ministers, which is to be held on April 29 in the sisterly country of Qatar.

The UAE delegation is headed by Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Sha’far, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior and included: Brigadier General Dr. Rashid Sultan Al Khodr, Vice Chairman of the Legal Council at the Ministry of Interior; Lt. Colonel Dr. Jamal Saif Fares, Director of the Legal Affairs Department in H.H Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Diwan; Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Mohammed Al Marar, Director of the Governmental Affairs Department at the Diwan; Lt. Colonel Ahmed Saeed Al Mazroui, Head of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Interior; and Captain Majid Al Suwaidi from the Undersecretary Diwan at the Ministry of Interior.

The participants of the meeting will discuss a myriad of agenda topics in a bid to enhance cooperation and coordination amongst the GCC member states in various joint security fields and in the latest security developments of interest that pertain to the GCC. The agreed upon recommendations garnered from this meeting will be presented during the next meeting of the GCC Interior Ministers. 

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14414/en

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Attends Al Kathiri and Al Muhairbi Wedding in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Monday, April 27th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, attended on Monday evening the ceremony held to celebrate the wedding of Awad Salem Abdoun Al Kathiri to the daughter of Khamis Salem Fadel Al Muhairbi.

The ceremony, which was held at the Armed Forces Officers Club’s lounge in Abu Dhabi, included a variety of traditional shows and performances and was also attended by a number of tribal elders and senior officials.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14418/en

Saif Bin Zayed Inspects the EmiratesSkills National Competition events

Expressed Admiration for Students' Innovations

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, April 29th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior was briefed, on Tuesday, on the outstanding skills of the UAE Nationals, both men and women, who are taking part in the Emirates Skills National Competition 2015. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education & Training (ACTVET), the three-day competition held under the slogan “100% Emirati Talent”, will conclude its activities on Thursday at Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Center (ADNEC). As many as 530 Emiratis aged between 20-23 years, are challenging their peers in 40 competitions across several categories, including Mechanical Engineering Design – AutoCAD; Web design; Aircraft Maintenance; Automobile Technology;  CNC Turning; Welding; Fashion Technology; Mobile Robotics; Landscape Gardening, among others. The competition aims at discovering new national talents and providing opportunities for young people to demonstrate their skills to the world by winning one of the competition’s medals. The winning participants will join the “EmiratesSkills” team that will represent the UAE in the WorldSkills International competition, which will be organized by the UAE in 2017.

H.H Sheikh Saif toured the different pavilions, accompanied by His Excellency Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, and His Excellency Mubarak Saeed Al Shamesi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education & Training (ACTVET). During the tour, His Highness was able to attend some of the challenges between male and female Emirati students, which reflects a high level of creativity and innovation, most notably the Electrical Installations competition; the Health and Social Care “nursing” competition; the Fashion Technology competition; the Games Development competition; the Robotics competition; in addition to the Landscape Gardening competition and the Agricultural Production competition, among others.

Furthermore, His Highness reviewed some of the successful experiments carried out by students, which reflect their excellence, creativity and vocational skills. He also talked with students, and urged them to seek further excellence in their educational attainment. He also called upon them to keep abreast of the latest technology methods and tools, which will contribute to promoting their creative capabilities.

Then, Sheikh Seif wrote a thank-you note in the book of honor, praising Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

His Highness was accompanied in his tour by  Major General Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Director General of the Headquarters Affairs at Abu Dhabi Police; Mubarak Saeed Al Shamesi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education & Training (ACTVET); Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli, Secretary-General of Zayed Center for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs; Dr. Arif Al Hammadi, Director of Khalifa University; Ali bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi University; and Ali Al Marzouqi, President of Emirates Skills and Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

 H.E Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, expressed his sincere appreciation for His Highness’s visit, which reflects the keenness of the higher leadership keenness to provide unrelenting moral and financial support to all Emirati Nationals, in particular the youth, who are the backbone of the UAE’s cultural progress.

H.E Mubarak Saeed Al Shamesi, ACTVET Director General, praised his Highness’s unwavering support and his commitment to encouraging national talents to show creativity and leadership. “Such an approach would boost students’ enthusiasm and self-confidence, and prompt them to seek excellence in various fields of work,” he said. Moreover, he underlined the keenness of His Highness to meet with students, talk to them and review their high standards, all of which indicate that the UAE people enjoy the necessary skills to meet the requirements of the UAE labor market competently.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com

 

Infinidat Announces $150 Million Investment Led by TPG, Eclipses $1B Valuation

New funding to fuel global expansion and enable company to meet customer demand for next-generation enterprise-class storage products

NEEDHAM, Mass. - Wednesday, April 29th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Infinidat, a leading provider of advanced enterprise-class storage solutions, today announced a $150 million investment led by TPG Growth, the growth equity platform of global investment firm TPG. This second round of funding brings the company’s total funding to $230 million, and the Company’s post funding valuation to $1.2 billion. TPG will join Infinidat’s board of directors. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Moshe Yanai, Infinidat CEO, founded the Company in 2011 to create solutions for the most pressing information storage problems facing today’s enterprises. Yanai is a prolific entrepreneur and storage industry pioneer with a track record of developing winning storage architectures, including industry standard storage products that Infinidat challenges.

“Infinidat is on the verge of revolutionizing the enterprise storage market with a dramatically simpler, more cost-effective storage solution offering unparalleled performance, capacity, and reliability,” said Yanai. “The Infinibox storage solution has already been customer-proven and is in production in multiple Fortune 500 companies around the world.”

The explosion of data is dramatically increasing the cost, scale and operational complexity of most storage systems today and is forcing businesses to make trade-offs between what data they keep on line, the level of data protection they employ, and how much they are willing to spend on equipment, data center space, power consumption, and personnel.

Infinidat is addressing these issues by delivering advanced, high performance enterprise-class storage at a disruptive price point. By providing multi-petabyte capacity in a single rack, along with continuous data protection and rich storage automation, Infinidat is changing the paradigm of storage efficiency and productivity while reducing operational overhead, complexity and cost.

“TPG has a long history of investing in enterprise IT, and we think Infinidat is one of the most exciting companies in the industry,” said John Marren from TPG. “Infinidat has already proven the power and resiliency of its technology in numerous customer engagements, and we are confident this Company will become a game-changing force in the enterprise storage market.”

“Enterprise storage is a very exciting area of investment right now,” said Tim Millikin, also of TPG. “There are many fast-growing companies that are providing incremental advancements to existing technologies, and then there is a much more rare set of companies that are developing fundamentally new storage architectures for the next generation data center. Infinidat is one of the true innovators in the space that will change the way data is stored in the future.”

Analyst Validation

“Infinidat delivers the benefits of software-defined storage with provable commodity hardware, and without compromising availability,” said Mark Peters, practice director and senior analyst at the Enterprise Strategy Group. “Combining that with a compelling, sensible and economically-attractive hybrid mix of solid state and hard disk drives, and a panoply of advanced functions should lead to strong user interest for Infinidat.”

“Infinidat boasts a team of data storage industry experts who bring a wealth of enterprise-level experience to the table,” said Arun Taneja, founder and consulting analyst at Taneja Group. “It’s no surprise that the Infinibox storage solution offers such a rich feature set, delivering tremendous capacity, availability and performance.”

About Infinidat

Infinidat provides next generation enterprise class storage at a disruptive price point. Through the use of its patented Infinidat Storage Architecture™, Infinidat employs commodity hardware to deliver highly efficient multi-petabyte capacity in a single rack. The InfiniBox™ solution also delivers mainframe-class reliability with an unprecedented 99.99999% availability, and over 750K IOPS of performance. Automated provisioning, management, and application integration provide a system that is incredibly efficient and easy to use. Infinidat is changing the paradigm of enterprise storage while reducing operational overhead, complexity and cost.

For more information on Infinidat and its next-generation enterprise storage products, visit Infinidat.com.

About TPG

TPG is a leading global private investment firm founded in 1992 with over $67 billion of assets under management and offices in San Francisco, Fort Worth, Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York, Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. TPG Growth is the middle market and growth equity investment platform of TPG with more than $7 billion in assets under management and committed capital. TPG Growth targets investments in a broad range of industries and geographies, with a significant focus on the U.S. and large, emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil and Southeast Asia. With the deep sector knowledge, operational resources and global experience to drive value creation, TPG Growth helps companies reach their full potential. TPG and TPG Growth have invested in many well-known technology and software businesses including Uber, Airbnb, Box, Domo, Lynda.com, Lenovo, MEMC, Seagate Technology, SunGard, Freescale, Aptina, Advent Software, Eze Software Group, SurveyMonkey and SucessFactors, among others. For more information visit www.tpg.com.

Contacts

For Infinidat:

Beth Bryant, 508-786-3013

bbryant@marketrecognition.com



For TPG:

Owen Blicksilver PR, Inc.

Lisa Baker, 914-725-5949

lisa@blicksilverpr.com



Jennifer Hurson, 845-507-0571

jennifer@blicksilverpr.com





Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/14428/en

Panasonic Reports Fiscal 2015 Annual Results

 - Achieved Mid-term Plan Target of 5% Operating Profit Ratio -

OSAKA, Japan - Tuesday, April 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)  Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic [TOKYO:6752]) today reported its consolidated financial results for the year ended March 31, 2015 (fiscal 2015).

Consolidated Results

Consolidated group sales for fiscal 2015 were 7,715.0 billion yen, at the same level as 7,736.5 billion yen in the year ended March 31, 2014 (fiscal 2014). In Japan, although sales in housing-related and consumer electronics businesses decreased due mainly to weakening demand after the consumption tax hike in April 2014, sales of residential solar photovoltaic systems were strong. Overseas sales increased due mainly to strong sales in automotive-related business along with robust demand, and a positive effect from yen depreciation.

During fiscal 2015 under review, the global economy moderately recovered despite slowdown in China, some ASEAN countries and European countries. The U.S. employment and consumer spending were stable and signs of economic improvement from recent weak economy were appeared in Japan.

Under such business circumstances, in fiscal 2015, Panasonic promoted its Business Division-based Management as an initiative in the second year of its mid-term management plan, “Cross-Value Innovation 2015 (CV2015).” Panasonic also promoted initiatives to consolidate a foundation to achieve CV2015 and to set its growth strategy for a ‘new Panasonic’ in fiscal 2019.

Operating profit* significantly increased by 25% to 381.9 billion yen from 305.1 billion yen a year ago due to improvement of challenging businesses including business restructuring benefits, fixed cost reductions and materials cost streamlining. This led that the company achieved its CV2015 financial targets of operating profit and cumulative free cash flow one year ahead of schedule.

*For information about operating profit, see Note 2 of the Notes to consolidated financial statements attached PDF: http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-7.pdf

In other income (deductions), gains from business transfers and proceeds from fixed assets were recorded. The business restructuring expenses including impairment losses on fixed assets as well as expenses related to litigation and the prevention of further accidents with residential water heating systems were also incurred. Accordingly, pre-tax income decreased by 12% to 182.5 billion yen from 206.2 billion yen a year ago. Net income attributable to Panasonic Corporation significantly increased by 49% to 179.5 billion yen from 120.4 billion yen a year ago due mainly to a decrease in provision for income taxes as a result of recording deferred tax assets (DTA), namely decrease in valuation allowances to DTA, of Panasonic Corporation in consolidated financial statements.

Breakdown by Segment

Some businesses were transferred among segments on April 1, 2014 and July 1, 2014. Accordingly, the figures for segment information in fiscal 2014 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for July 1, 2014.

The company’s annual consolidated sales and profits by segment compared with the previous year are summarized as follows:

Appliances

Sales were 1,769.7 billion yen, at the same level as 1,777.4 billion yen a year ago due mainly to favorable overseas sales in home appliances such as air-conditioners, and motors, despite weakening demand after the consumption tax hike and a negative impact from sharp price decline of TVs in Japan. Segment profit increased by 37% to 40.5 billion yen, compared with 29.5 billion yen a year ago. Profit improvement in air- conditioners and profit increase in devices including motors offset worsening profitability in TVs.

Eco Solutions

Sales decreased slightly by 1% to 1,666.0 billion yen from 1,674.4 billion yen a year ago. Overseas sales increased due to newly-consolidated VIKO, a Turkish company. Meantime, housing-related sales in Japan decreased due to weakening demand in housing market after the consumption tax hike. Segment profit increased by 3% to 95.3 billion yen from 92.1 billion yen a year ago due mainly to sales increase in residential solar photovoltaic systems, streamlining initiatives and fixed cost reduction.

AVC Networks

Sales were 1,154.3 billion yen, at the same level as 1,152.5 billion yen a year ago. Sales increase in a stable BtoB business and a positive effect from yen depreciation offset a negative impact from business restructuring in fiscal 2014 and 2015. Segment profit increased by 45% to 51.8 billion yen from 35.7 billion yen a year ago due mainly to profit improvement from sales increase in BtoB business and business restructuring benefits.

Automotive & Industrial Systems

Sales increased by 2% to 2,782.5 billion yen from 2,721.8 billion yen a year ago due mainly to favorable demand in automotive business overseas especially in North Americas and Europe offsetting sales decrease from downsizing unprofitable businesses and transferring businesses. The positive effect from yen depreciation also contributed to sales increase. Segment profit increased by 53% to 105.7 billion yen from 69.2 billion yen a year ago due mainly to business restructuring benefits including LCD panels and semiconductors and streamlining initiatives as well as the positive effect from yen depreciation.

Other

Sales decreased by 14% to 764.5 billion yen from 891.3 billion yen a year ago due mainly to the transfer of healthcare business at the end of fiscal 2014. Sales of PanaHome Corporation were at the same level as last year. Segment profit decreased by 40% to 14.6 billion yen from 24.3 billion yen a year ago due mainly to healthcare business transfer.

Consolidated Financial Position

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2015 decreased by 90.5 billion yen from a year ago to 491.5 billion yen. Net cash used in investing activities amounted to 138.0 billion yen compared with an inflow of 12.1 billion yen a year ago. Accordingly, free cash flow (net cash provided by operating activities plus net cash provided by investing activities) decreased by 240.6 billion yen from a year ago to 353.5 billion yen due mainly to recording net income, an improvement in working capital, business transfers and disposals of investments in equity. Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to 257.6 billion yen compared with an outflow of 532.3 billion yen a year ago due mainly to an increase of long-term debt by the issuance of unsecured straight bonds of 400.0 billion yen in total and a dividend payment. Taking into consideration the exchange rate fluctuations, cash and cash equivalents totaled 1,280.4 billion yen as of March 31, 2015, an increase of 687.9 billion yen compared with a year ago.

The company’s consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2015 increased by 744.0 billion yen to 5,956.9 billion yen from the end of fiscal 2014 due mainly to an increase in cash and cash equivalents by bond issuance and recording DTA as well as yen depreciation. Total liabilities increased by 337.8 billion yen to 3,964.4 billion yen due mainly to the issuance of unsecured straight bonds. Panasonic Corporation shareholders’ equity increased by 275.1 billion yen compared with the end of fiscal 2014 to 1,823.3 billion yen due mainly to recording net income and an improvement in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by yen depreciation, despite a decrease in capital surplus accompanied by the acquisition of additional interests of its subsidiaries. Adding noncontrolling interests to Panasonic Corporation shareholders’ equity, total equity was 1,992.5 billion yen.

Dividend

Total cash dividends for fiscal 2015, ended March 31, 2015, are expected to be 18.0 yen per share, including an interim dividend of 8.0 yen per share paid on December 4, 2014.

Forecast for Fiscal 2016

Consolidated financial forecasts for fiscal 2016 as of April 28, 2015 are: Sales: 8,000.0 billion yen (vs. FY15: +4%) Operating profit: 430.0 billion yen (vs. FY15: +13%) Income before income taxes** : 300.0 billion yen (vs. FY15: +64%) Net income attributable to Panasonic Corporation:180.0 billion yen (vs. FY15:+0%)

Panasonic Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use. Panasonic’s shares are listed on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges.

For more information, please visit the following web sites: Panasonic home page URL: http://www.panasonic.com/global/home.html Panasonic IR web site URL: http://www.panasonic.com/global/corporate/ir.html

** Factors affecting the forecast for other income (deductions) of 130.0 billion yen (the difference between operating profit and income before income taxes) include business restructuring expenses of 40.0 billion yen.

Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements (that include those within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934), as amended about Panasonic and its Group companies (the Panasonic Group). To the extent that statements in this press release do not relate to historical or current facts, they constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current assumptions and beliefs of the Panasonic Group in light of the information currently available to it, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the Panasonic Group's actual results, performance, achievements or financial position to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or financial position expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Panasonic undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release. Investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by Panasonic in its subsequent filings under the Financial Instrument and Exchange Act of Japan (the FIEA) and other publicly disclosed documents.

The risks, uncertainties and other factors referred to above include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, particularly consumer spending and corporate capital expenditures in the Americas, Europe, Japan, China and other Asian countries; volatility in demand for electronic equipment and components from business and industrial customers, as well as consumers in many product and geographical markets; the possibility that excessive currency rate fluctuations of the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Chinese yuan and other currencies against the yen may adversely affect costs and prices of Panasonic’s products and services and certain other transactions that are denominated in these foreign currencies; the possibility of the Panasonic Group incurring additional costs of raising funds, because of changes in the fund raising environment; the possibility of the Panasonic Group not being able to respond to rapid technological changes and changing consumer preferences with timely and cost-effective introductions of new products in markets that are highly competitive in terms of both price and technology; the possibility of not achieving expected results on the alliances or mergers and acquisitions; the possibility of not being able to achieve its business objectives through joint ventures and other collaborative agreements with other companies, including due to the pressure of price reduction exceeding that which can be achieved by its effort and decrease in demand for products from business partners which Panasonic highly depends on in BtoB business areas; the possibility of the Panasonic Group not being able to maintain competitive strength in many product and geographical areas; the possibility of incurring expenses resulting from any defects in products or services of the Panasonic Group; the possibility that the Panasonic Group may face intellectual property infringement claims by third parties; current and potential, direct and indirect restrictions imposed by other countries over trade, manufacturing, labor and operations; fluctuations in market prices of securities and other assets in which the Panasonic Group has holdings or changes in valuation of long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and goodwill, deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions; future changes or revisions to accounting policies or accounting rules; as well as natural disasters including earthquakes, prevalence of infectious diseases throughout the world, disruption of supply chain and other events that may negatively impact business activities of the Panasonic Group. The factors listed above are not all- inclusive and further information is contained in the most recent English translated version of Panasonic’s securities reports under the FIEA and any other documents which are disclosed on its website.

Financial Tables and Additional Information

Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [PDF: 12.0KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-2.pdf

Consolidated Balance Sheets [PDF: 12.0KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-3.pdf

Consolidated Information by Segment [PDF: 10.8KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-4.pdf

Consolidated Statement of Equity [PDF: 14.4KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-5.pdf

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [PDF: 11.8KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-6.pdf

Notes to consolidated financial statements / Basic Accounting Policies [PDF: 13.7KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-7.pdf

Panasonic Group [PDF: 15.1KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-8.pdf

Management Policy / Basic Policy of Adoption of Financial Reporting Standards [PDF: 33.5KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-9.pdf

Supplemental Financial Data [PDF: 64.9KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-10.pdf

Download all [PDF: 142KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2015/04/en150428-4/en150428-4-11.pdf

Related Links:

Panasonic Financial Statements: http://www.panasonic.com/global/corporate/ir/release.html

Panasonic Newsroom Global: http://news.panasonic.com/global/

Contacts

Panasonic Corporation

Global Communication Department

Public Relations Section

+81-3-3574-5729

presscontact@ml.jp.panasonic.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14427/en

Teva Reiterates Commitment to Cash-and-Stock Acquisition of Mylan for $82.00 Per Share

JERUSALEM. - Tuesday, April 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Provides Significant Premium and Immediate Value for Mylan Stockholders and Opportunity to Participate in Upside Potential of Combined Company

Combination More Attractive for Mylan Stockholders Than Any Other Alternative

(BUSINESS WIRE) Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) today reiterated its commitment to its proposed combination with Mylan N.V. (NASDAQ: MYL). As previously announced on April 21, 2015, Teva has proposed to acquire Mylan for $82.00 per share, with the consideration to be comprised of approximately 50 percent cash and 50 percent stock. Teva’s proposal for Mylan implies a total equity value of approximately $43 billion.

Erez Vigodman, President and CEO of Teva, commented, “While we are disappointed that Mylan has formally rejected our proposal, the Teva Board and management team are fully committed to completing the combination of Teva and Mylan, and we stand ready to quickly complete a transaction that is compelling for both Teva and Mylan stockholders. We are eager to work with Mylan and its advisors to complete a transaction that will allow us to deliver the value inherent in the proposed combination to our respective stockholders, employees, patients, customers, communities and other stakeholders.”

Among other things, Teva noted the following:

    The Teva Board and management team are committed to consummating a transaction as soon as possible. Teva is prepared to devote all necessary resources to completing the proposed transaction. Teva stands ready and willing to meet with Mylan and its advisors immediately. Teva continues to believe stockholders of both companies will be best served by Teva and Mylan commencing good faith discussions in order to effect the proposed business combination.
    Teva’s proposal is extremely attractive for Mylan stockholders. Teva is offering a substantial premium, immediate cash value and the opportunity to participate in the significant upside potential of a financially and commercially stronger company. Specifically, Teva’s proposal would provide Mylan stockholders with consideration representing a 48.3% premium to the unaffected stock price of Mylan on March 10, 2015, which is the last day of trading prior to widespread speculation of a transaction between Teva and Mylan.
    A transaction with Teva would deliver more value to Mylan stockholders than any other alternative. Given that Teva and Mylan have complementary assets and capabilities, Teva believes the combined company could realize substantial synergies of approximately $2 billion annually. Teva expects the savings to be largely achieved by the third anniversary of the closing of the transaction, and to come from operational, SG&A, manufacturing and R&D efficiencies, as well as tax savings.
    The proposed combination of Teva and Mylan makes compelling strategic and financial sense. Together, Teva and Mylan would have the financial profile and operational infrastructure to be a more efficient, competitive and profitable company, set new standards for innovation in the industry, and meet the evolving needs of patients and customers around the world.
    Regulatory clearances for the proposed combination are underway. Teva has already filed for premerger notification under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR), has begun the pre-notification process with the European Commissionand believes any regulatory requirements necessary to complete a combination with Mylan will be met in a timely manner. Teva has carefully studied the regulatory aspects of a combination of Teva and Mylan, in conjunction with its advisors. Teva is confident that it would be able to structure a transaction that would not contain material impediments to closing and that it can determine and promptly implement divestitures, as necessary, to gain regulatory clearances. Teva intends to work cooperatively with antitrust authorities and expects that the proposed transaction can be completed by year-end 2015.

As previously announced, the transaction would not be subject to a financing condition or require a Teva stockholder vote. Teva’s proposal is contingent on Mylan not completing its proposed acquisition of Perrigo or any alternative transactions.

Barclays and Greenhill & Co. are serving as financial advisors to Teva. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Tulchinsky Stern Marciano Cohen Levitski & Co are serving as legal counsel to Teva, with De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek and Loyens & Loeff N.V. acting as legal advisors in the Netherlands.

About Teva

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is a leading global pharmaceutical company that delivers high-quality, patient-centric healthcare solutions to millions of patients every day. Headquartered in Israel, Teva is the world’s largest generic medicines producer, leveraging its portfolio of more than 1,000 molecules to produce a wide range of generic products in nearly every therapeutic area. In specialty medicines, Teva has a world-leading position in innovative treatments for disorders of the central nervous system, including pain, as well as a strong portfolio of respiratory products. Teva integrates its generics and specialty capabilities in its global research and development division to create new ways of addressing unmet patient needs by combining drug development capabilities with devices, services and technologies. Teva’s net revenues in 2014 amounted to $20.3 billion. For more information, visit www.tevapharm.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations and involve a number of assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause future results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014 and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and those relating to Mylan’s business, as detailed from time to time in Mylan’s filings with the SEC, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “plans” and similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including statements about the proposed acquisition of Mylan, the financing of the proposed transaction, the expected future performance (including expected results of operations and financial guidance), and the combined company’s future financial condition, operating results, strategy and plans. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this communication include, but are not limited to: the ultimate outcome of any possible transaction between Teva and Mylan, including the possibility that no transaction between Teva and Mylan will be effected or that a transaction will be pursued on different terms and conditions; the effects of the business combination of Teva and Mylan, including the combined company’s future financial condition, operating results, strategy and plans; uncertainties as to the timing of the transaction; the possibility that the expected benefits of the transaction and the integration of our operations with Mylan’s operations (including any expected synergies) will not be fully realized by us or may take longer to realize than expected; adverse effects on the market price of Teva’s or Mylan’s shares, including negative effects of this communication or the consummation of the possible transaction; the ability to obtain regulatory approvals on the terms proposed or expected and satisfy other conditions to the offer, including any necessary stockholder approval, in each case, on a timely basis; our and Mylan’s ability to comply with all covenants in our or its current or future indentures and credit facilities, any violation of which, if not cured in a timely manner, could trigger a default of other obligations under cross default provisions; our and Mylan’s exposure to currency fluctuations and restrictions as well as credit risks; the effects of reforms in healthcare regulation and pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement; uncertainties surrounding the legislative and regulatory pathways for the registration and approval of biotechnology-based medicines; the impact of competition from other market participants; adverse effects of political or economic instability, corruption, major hostilities or acts of terrorism on our or Mylan’s significant worldwide operations; other risks, uncertainties and other factors detailed in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014 and in our other filings with the SEC; and the risks and uncertainties and other factors detailed in Mylan’s reports and documents filed with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. This communication relates to a proposal which Teva has made for a business combination transaction with Mylan. In furtherance of this proposal and subject to future developments, Teva and Mylan may file one or more proxy statements, registration statements or other documents with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, prospectus or other document Teva and/or Mylan have filed or may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT(s), REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Any definitive proxy statement(s) (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of this communication, any proxy statement, registration statement, prospectus and other documents (in each case, if and when available) filed with the SEC by Teva through the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

Contacts

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Investors

United States

Kevin C. Mannix, 215-591-8912

or

Ran Meir, 215-591-3033

or

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

Jordan Kovler / Tom Germinario

212- 269-5550

or

Israel

Tomer Amitai, 972 (3) 926-7656



Media

Teva United States

Denise Bradley, 215-591-8974

or

United States

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

Joele Frank / Tim Lynch / Meaghan Repko

212-355-4449

or

Teva Israel

Iris Beck Codner, 972 (3) 926-7687

or

The Netherlands

Citigate First Financial

Uneke Dekkers / Petra Jager / Suzanne Bakker

+ 31 20 575 40 10







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14421/en

Middle East Based OTA, HolidayMe Launches Flight Search, to Offer a Complete Travel Booking Experience to all its Customers!

Apart from booking holidays, hotels and activities at www.holidayme.com, you can now compare and book flights individually or add them to your holiday package at competitive prices.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Sunday, April 26th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

HolidayMe, the Dubai-based travel start-up, which has made waves in the online travel sphere in the Middle East, has launched flight search services; adding to its growing repertoire of product portfolio earlier this week. Within a few months of its launch in November, 2014 in the region; the company is already among the leading online travel aggregators in the region.

Digvijay Pratap, Managing Director and Co-Founder of HolidayMe said, “This new product launch will enable HolidayMe to become a one-stop shop for all the travel needs of a customer. A customer can now book his complete customised holiday with his choice of flights, hotels, activities and transfers. This is a very important and noteworthy addition to the expanding suite of HolidayMe products.”

With the launch of HolidayMe’s international air product, customers can now choose from a large selection of direct and indirect flights to thousands of destinations worldwide. Geet Bhalla, CEO and co-founder of HolidayMe added, “We are very optimistic about the air ticketing business in Middle East. Middle East has already become an important strategic aviation hub, with the region being one of the fastest growing regions in 2014 as per IATA. Middle East carriers had the strongest annual traffic growth of 13% last year.”

The addition of flights has enabled HolidayMe to diversify its business and position itself as an attractive option for users who are looking for a single online travel platform to take care of all their travel needs. “We are currently growing exponentially, almost doubling our business every month and the addition of flights will add another dimension to the growth of HolidayMe”, added Digvijay.

About HolidayMe - HolidayMe is a Dubai based start-up that has secured seed funding from Saudi-based investors. HolidayMe, through its unique user-experience platform, allows the customer to do on-the-fly customization of holiday packages or choose from curated readymade itineraries from hundreds of destinations worldwide. The start-up intends to provide the control in the hands of the customers by allowing them to pick holiday packages and customise them further based on their personal choices from a wide inventory of over 1,00,000 hotels, 8,000 sightseeing activities and airport pick-up and drop facility across 300 cities globally.

Contacts

HolidayMe

Natasha D’souza

natasha@holidayme.com

+91 9545234925









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14404/en

New York City Police Delegation Praises ADP Security System

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, April 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton praised the advanced level attained by the police and security work at Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, which, he said, ‘has become one of the best police institutions in the world’. Commissioner Bratton also expressed his admiration of the methods used to implement modern technologies within the policing systems at the Abu Dhabi Police’s various departments.

These remarks were made by New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton towards the conclusion of his visit to Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters. Commissioner Braxton’s accompanying delegation also included John J. Miller, deputy commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism of the New York City Police Department.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the achievements made by the Criminal Investigation Department at Abu Dhabi Police. The delegation was also acquainted with the department’s various initiatives and continuous improvement efforts, as well as the department’s commitment to apply the best practices and standards in police work. The visit falls in line with the framework of exchanging visits, information, and experiences between the US Police and Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters.

The delegation was greeted upon arrival by Colonel Dr. Rashid Mohammad Borshid, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department; and Colonel Khaled Saeed Al Shamesi, Head of the Security Support Department.  Both parties tackled a number of topics of common interest and discussed ways to strengthen and enhance cooperation in the fields of police work, in order to boost the exchange of knowledge and expertise, explore the best practices and promote partnerships to achieve the vision and goals of the Ministry of Interior.

Colonel Dr. Borshid provided a detailed explanation to the American delegation regarding the achievements of the CID, the most prominent features of the strategy, and the services provided to the public in order to reflect and support the multi-faceted progression of the UAE.

During the visit, the delegation watched two films. The first film was a documentary regarding the services provided by the CID, alongside the advanced efforts that have been implemented in the fields of technology, science, and human resources. The second film highlighted the proactive efforts of the CID and of other police teams in handling the Reem Island Ghost crime.

The visit additionally included a tour of the sections and facilities of the CID premise. The delegation members were also acquainted with the methods and speed of response in the handling of reports; and were briefed on the tasks of the CID and the standards of developing the competencies of its staff, in order to keep abreast of the developments and applications in the fields of policing and security. The delegation also reviewed the equipment at the forensics e-laboratory; in addition to the electronic shooting range, simulators, and security training scenarios.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.a

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/14394/en

MoI Sends a Search and Rescue Team to Help Nepal

With the Directives of Khalifa and the Orders of Mohammed bin Zayed

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Saturday, April 25th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

With the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and the orders of General HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Ministry of Interior’s search and rescue team leaves tomorrow to Nepal to help with the international relief operation after the earthquake which caused hundreds of casualties.

Lt. Colonel Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Ansari, Head of the UAE Search and Rescue Team, Director General of Civil Defense in Abu Dhabi pointed that Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior gave orders to mobilize right away and fulfill the orders of the higher leadership to relief the people of Nepal, with an Emirati team of 88 professionals, including officers and rescuers, with equipment and tools necessary for the search and rescue operations. The team will be accompanied by the UN assessment and coordination team to participate in the search and rescue operations and provide the international help needed to face the devastating effects of the earthquake.

He added that the team carries out the international coordination and its relief duties with swift actions to help the friendly nations and carry out its humanitarian duties and field work. This exemplifies the keenness of the UAE to help the people affected with natural disasters all around the world, and help the brotherly and friendly nations.

Al Ansari said that the team will use advanced equipment during the search and rescue operations to help and identify the victims, as well as other tasks.

It is worth mentioning that the UAE’s search and rescue team participated in similar missions to help the victims of an earthquake in Pakistan and Indonesia in 2006 and 2007 and in Afghanistan in 2008 and other places. The team also carried out a drill in a virtual building for training to handle the buildings affected by earthquakes, as a part of its preparations before being categorized by  the United Nations’ International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) as a heavy weight team, and the coordination with the neighboring countries about the best ways to respond to disasters.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14405/en

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Provides Presentation from Annual London Investor Meeting

AMSTERDAM - Tuesday, April 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (ticker: PSH:NA) will present an update to investors at its annual European investor meeting in London today. The update is available at http://pershingsquareholdings.com/media/2014/09/2015-European-Investor-Meeting-Presentation.pdf.

About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (PSH:NA) is an investment holding company structured as a closed end fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American companies.

Contacts

MEDIA CONTACT

StockWell Communications

Tim Burt, +44 (0)20 7240 2486

Tim.Burt@stockwellgroup.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/14426/en

Dubai joins the global “Smart City App Hack” challenge

Dubai Internet City named official partner for the initiative

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Sunday, April 26th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Dubai, Barcelona, Helsinki and Ghent are the four cities currently confirmed to participate in the global Smart City App Hack competition. The cities will join forces to create a network of citizens who will collaborate to develop mobile apps designed to help to design and build the Smart Cities of the 21st Century.

Dubai Internet City (DIC), the MENA region’s largest ICT free zone, is the official partner for Dubai’s Smart City App Hack project, which will connect the emirate’s local app and tech ecosystem with developers from around the world. The end objective is to create products and applications that will help improve the lives of citizens.

This follows a series of events and initiatives headlined by Dubai Internet City this year, including Decode Dubai, DIC’s first hackathon, and Drones for Good, an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Government Summit 2015. DIC is at the forefront of the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy and continues to look at ways to encourage innovation and creativity across sectors.

Commenting, Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource Zone said;

“We are delighted to represent Dubai as an official partner for the Smart City App Hack. The competition is an excellent initiative, and will give Dubai the opportunity to showcase its creativity and innovation to a global audience.  As part of the Smart Dubai vision launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this initiative will play a major role in furthering the development of Dubai into a Smart City, connecting app developers from around the world as well as offering a platform to exchange knowledge and access to global mentors.”

Together with Dubai, the following cities are currently confirmed: Barcelona (Spain), founder of the project, and Helsinki (Finland); additionally Ghent (Belgium) is following the process as an associated city. The project is still open for participation and more cities are to be announced in the following weeks.

The Dubai Smart City App Hack will take place from May to September and during these 5 months, developers, entrepreneurs and citizens who want to get involved in the building of a Smart City will participate in the process of creating and developing their apps, and will receive mentorship from a global team of online experts, who will be on hand to guide them through the process and finalise their app.

Apps will be based around the main themes that pose common challenges for cities around the world: urban mobility, energy & emissions, shopping & retail, culture & tourism, and the collaborative city.

Towards the end of the competition, each city will shortlist their winning developer, who will be invited to present and compete in the final awards in Barcelona during the Smart City Expo 2015 in November.

-END-

About Dubai Internet City

Dubai Internet City (DIC), part of TECOM Investments, a member of Dubai Holding, is the Middle East and North Africa’s largest ICT hub. Since the year 2000, DIC has successfully developed a prosperous ecosystem for technology organisations and today is home to Fortune 500 listed companies and multinationals as well as some of the region’s most dynamic and successful technology SMEs and start-ups from all elements of the ICT value chain.

DIC provides a wide range of facilities including state-of-the-art offices, a robust IT infrastructure, 24-hour security, retail services and hotels, spread across the business park’s unique and tranquil landscape; an environment that helps ICT businesses develop, innovate and grow.

For more information, please visit: www.dubaiinternetcity.com.

About the Smart City App Hack

The Smart City App Hack brings together a global network of smart cities that face similar challenges and share one vision: to turn citizens into App Makers, empowering them to build apps and businesses that will make for a better city.

The Smart City App Hack is sponsored by FIWARE and MasterCard both providing invaluable support including mentorship in their respective areas and some great prizes.

The Smart City App Hack has been initiated by the City of Barcelona as an open platform for cities around the world wishing to foster local entrepreneurship and value creation for its citizens.

For further information, you can contact us by email or mobile at maria@dotopen.com or +34 933568677. We are also in Twitter @smartcityhack #SCAH

Contacts

Alexa Hooft Graafland

AHooftGraafland@bell-pottinger.com

+971 5 5559 7404









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/14407/en

Abu Dhabi Records 16% Decrease in Traffic Deaths and 47% Decrease in Injuries in 3 Months

Through the Implementation of a Comprehensive Safety and Awareness Plan

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Sunday, April 26th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

According to Brigadier Eng. Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Director General of Central Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, the number of recorded traffic-related deaths, severe injuries, and accidents have decreased during the first quarter of 2015. During the same period of the previous year, the number of traffic-related deaths has dropped by 16 percent, down from 64 deaths to 54; severe injuries dropped by 47 percent, down from 72 to 38 injuries; and traffic accidents have dropped a total of 11 percent.

Brigadier Eng. Al Harithi said: “The declining numbers are a direct result of the directorate’s continuous efforts in implementing its comprehensive plans in regards to traffic safety and in intensifying its outreach programs to increase awareness. The directorate has applied an integrated speed management strategy, deployed additional automated traffic control devices, and developed a system to identify motorists who run red lights.”

Describing the breakdown of offenses, Brigadier Eng. Al Harithi said 13 percent of recorded accidents were due to motorists who swerved suddenly, were speeding, or who failed to properly adjust their speed due to the road conditions. Failure to maintain a safe distance between vehicles was the main cause of 11 percent of the accidents; failure to drive within the designated road lanes resulted in nine percent of the accidents; negligence and failure to pay attention caused eight percent; running red lights resulted in five percent; and merging onto a major road before ensuring there is adequate space caused nearly four percent of traffic accidents.

Brigadier Eng. Al Harithi called upon motorists to be mindful and to avoid the causes of traffic accidents and to prevent tragedies that result in injuries or death. “Statistically speaking, young adults aged 18 to 30 are most likely to cause a traffic accident,” he said. “This societal segment was responsible for 48 percent of all traffic-related accidents, followed by the segment of adults aged 31 to 45 who were responsible for about 36 percent.”  Regarding the nationality of those responsible for traffic accidents: 35 percent of those responsible were UAE nationals; 34 percent were of Asian nationality; and 20 percent were caused by other Arab nationalities.

Brigadier Eng. Al Harithi called upon all motorists to commit to the designated speed limits in order to maintain their safety and the safety of other road users. He also warned motorists against exceeding the speed limits: “The time required to stop the vehicle increases when you increase your driving speed. This makes it more difficult to stop or to avoid accidents. It is essential to adhere to the designated speed limits on the internal and external roads in order to avoid traffic accidents and the subsequent deaths and injuries.”

He added that traffic safety plays a significant role in the strategic objectives of the Abu Dhabi Police. As one of its most important objectives, the Abu Dhabi Police have utilized their prominent role in society to correspondingly adopt traffic safety into their various programs and activities in an effort to influence the reduction of human and financial loss caused by traffic-related accidents. “The responsibility of traffic safety is not limited to the Abu Dhabi Police alone, rather, it is a societal responsibility that requires every segment of society to work together in order to make the roads a safer place for everyone,” he said.

The Abu Dhabi Police have adopted a comprehensive traffic safety plan to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries over the coming years. The objective is to reduce the death rate to three deaths per every 100,000 persons. In a bid to achieve the objective, the police have launched the second phase of its long-term strategic plan 2015 – 2021 based on six main themes. The strategic plan comes as an embodiment of the vision of the Ministry of Interior.

“Throughout 2015, the Abu Dhabi Police aspire to achieve a quantum leap in the field of traffic safety and in the level of services provided to the public. As always, the police will be upgrading all fields in accordance with the best practices and standards of quality,” he said. “The Traffic and Patrols Directorate is committed to distributing a culture of quality and excellence amongst its personnel in order to enable all members to conduct their required duties to the fullest extent.”

The Director General of Central Operations at Abu Dhabi Police emphasized the keenness of the police to enhance communication with strategic partners and to continuously develop the supporting systems needed to implement the best international practices; which is exemplified through the utilization of artificial intelligence systems and the implementation of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In a bid to provide continuous traffic safety, the police have implemented smart applications and programs to monitor traffic flow on bridges, traffic control systems, and 3D traffic simulators.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14408/en