Dubai Holding pursues excellence through benchmarking studies

DUBAI, 12 May 2007: Dubai Holding, recently organised a seven-day benchmarking visit for 15 senior representatives to award-winning companies in the UK, to gain insight into international best practices and corporate excellence.

The visit to three companies - TNT Express ICS, Grundfos Pumps Ltd and CAPITA DSGI call centre - was organised in association with the Centre for Integral Excellence at Sheffield Hallam University, one of the UK's most progressive institutions. Executives from Jumeirah, TECOM Investments, Tatweer, Sama Dubai, Dubai Properties and Dubai Holding participated in this initiative.

Shawqi Sajwani, Group Director, Business Excellence of Dubai Holding, said: "Dubai Holding's benchmarking initiative seeks to introduce its members to international corporations renowned for distinctive best practices and management excellence."

Focusing on two areas - People and Customers Relation - the delegates learnt how the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model is used as a benchmarking framework. Participants explored areas that impact the performance of Dubai Holding entities in their journey towards excellence.

He added: "By actively enriching Dubai Holding's existing systems with best practices, we aim to develop greater competitive advantages as we move closer to our goal of becoming a major player in the MENA region.

"Dubai Holding's, slogan 'For the Good of Tomorrow' constantly endeavours to satisfy its stakeholders. This requires total leadership commitment and acceptance of the fundamental concepts of excellence."

Earlier in April 2006, a delegation of eight senior executives visited three leading companies in the UK as part of Dubai Holding's ongoing benchmarking initiatives to promote excellence on Leadership, and Policy and Strategy. In November 2006, a benchmarking visit was also organised with two Dubai-based companies - Kanoo Travel and Dnata.