Following the massive success of du’s Mawaed Al Rahman Iftar meal distribution efforts this Ramadan, the UAE’s community-conscious telecommunications provider honoured 21 out 90 volunteers who gave their time to help the less fortunate throughout the month of August. The honouring ceremony took place at du’s headquarters in Dubai Media City.

During the ceremony, Luma Jasim Bourisly, Vice President Corporate Communications, du, distributed certifications of appreciation to each of the volunteers. Among those honoured were members of the UAE community, du employees and management and, Emirati graduate trainees, each of who had given their time and effort to supply healthy meals throughout Ramadan.

“We would like to thank our volunteers for dedicating their time and energy to assist us in aiding the less fortunate. Throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan, volunteers from du and from amongst our customers made a difference to 90,000 people,” said Bourisly. “It is very heartening to see how our community can pull together in order to help those who are less privileged. Next year, we hope to touch even more lives with an even bigger campaign, and we look forward to igniting such a strong sense of charity once again.”

du’s distribution of Iftar meals embodies the charitable spirit of the Holy Month. This is the fourth consecutive year that the telecom has organized such an initiative, with more than 90,000 nutritious, ready-to-go meals being distributed to the less fortunate this year - a huge increase on the 74,500 meals distributed in 2010. Meal boxes were supplied from the first night of Ramadan until the last and were distributed from three Mawaed Al Rahman (Iftar distribution points); next to Sheikh Khalifa Masjid in Abu Dhabi, Nad Al Qusais Masjid in Dubai and Al Fisht Masjid in Sharjah.

The initiative comes in line with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts to give back to the UAE’s community, demonstrating the true spirit of giving that Ramadan is all about.

Funding for the meals is provided primarily by du, however 10,000 meals came from donations made by employees and, for the first time, customers, who were able to pledge money from their du mobile via SMS. Volunteers were also accepted from both within the organisation and amongst its customers.

For further details on du’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, please visit www.du.ae/en/about/our commitment.

About du
du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du's nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 3rd quarter of 2010, over 4 million people in the UAE had chosen to become du mobile customers.

Among du’s many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind ‘WoW’ recharge card (which offers customers the choice between ‘more credit’, ‘more time’ and now the ‘more international’ recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.
For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world-class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.

du products and services for consumers and business are available through du’s retail network, currently numbering 37 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, including the recently opened flagship store located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. In addition, customers can access du products and services at more than 3000 authorised dealers or through the du e-shop, accessible at http://shop.du.ae du shops are a one-stop-shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of service bills.

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