The campaign aims to involve community members in protecting parks & recreational facilities

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has wrapped up 'My Park is More Beautiful' campaign as part of its endeavours to rejuvenate the interaction with the community as regards the protection of parks & recreational facilities in a closing event held at the Airport Park featuring high public turnout.

Dr. Badirya Al Dhahri, Director of Community Services at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, stated that the Municipality launched this community-oriented initiative to promote the cultural, sports, recreational and environmental aspects of various segments of the community under the theme: My Park is More Beautiful, in cooperation with the Environment Authority – Abu Dhabi.

"The campaign comes in continuation of the Community Services Division's plan to engage the largest possible community spectrums in the Municipality's efforts to protect service & recreational installations & facilities, particularly public parks, and diffuse the culture of public visits to parks as such a practice will have a great impact on shaping the civilized, advanced and modernized image of our city.

The awareness and environmental education drive adopted by the Municipality, in conjunction with its strategic partners, is complemented by such efforts aimed at raising the environmental awareness, fostering positive attitudes & practices of maintaining the cleanliness of parks along with their natural components, urging visitors not to tamper with plantations & trees and exhorting them to adopt optimal methods of disposing waste and remnants of barbeques in parks," said Badriya.

"The Campaign aimed to educate community members on the importance of maintaining the recreational facilities, enhancing the social interaction with park visitors, instilling the social responsibility towards up-keeing public utilities, and raising the awareness of visitors of the importance of maintaining the greens, and avoiding damage generated by disposing of BBQ leftovers in non designated areas.

"The campaign has primarily targeted children and teenagers along with families with the aim of nurturing the values & principles of positive and sound attitudes that contribute to maintaining our parks clean & tidy. In the meantime, it offers family hikers an educative exposure in order to engage them effectively in achieving these objectives.

'My Park is More Beautiful' campaign is an environmental, educational, aesthetic and comprehensive campaign that included the distribution of booklets, brochures and educative movies with the aim of acquainting the public and park visitors in particular on the environmental standards and the proper conduct to be observed when visiting public parks as they are a national wealth and a natural avenue that everyone is entitled to have it cleaned and well turned out.

"The campaign has succeeded in capturing the attention of considerable numbers of kids and families; which is one of the campaign's objectives as it seeks to get its message across to various community members. The campaign also included a special environmental footage about the disposing of waste, distribution of pamphlets to visitors and holding of edutainment games.

"All inspectors were deployed at the targeted parks while visitors were kept well informed. Ideal families were honoured for fulfilling the conditions of leaving the BBQ place free from waste or damage as per the assessments carried out by inspectors, and were accordingly presented with certificates of thanks & appreciation. Survey forms were distributed to visitors soliciting their views & feedbacks on the campaign, and hundreds of mementos & promotional gifts were offered to kids taking part in environmental & general-knowledge quizzes.

'My Park is More Beautiful' campaign is keen on imparting and fostering sound & constructive communal attitudes, and involving the largest possible chunk of community members in assuming their environmental, aesthetic and urban responsibilities towards parks as well as recreational & service facilities.

The closing of 'My Park is More Beautiful' campaign has seen several key topics that stressed the importance of instilling the principles of health, safety & environment, and sticking to civilized attitudes that contribute to raising the caliber of service facilities and natural avenues," said Badriya.

The ceremony also included a special video presentation touching on the importance of involving all segments & categories of the community in protecting the environment.

A number of kids were selected to run educative activities involving asking questions about frequent attitudes in parks and offering rich information and elaboration in response to children's participation. The municipal team distributed educative brochures to visitors detailing the rules & regulations on offences along with the applicable fines.

Visitors were received and every attention was made to responding to their queries and taking note of their suggestions. A number of volunteers were selected and named as (Park Friends) to interact with the municipal employees and discuss visitors suggestions & feedbacks.

"The Municipality is always keen on sampling the opinion of the public about service offering and identifying their needs & expectations in this regard. The Community Services Division therefore distributed questionnaire to visitors to gauge the extent of their satisfaction with the campaigns rolled out by the Municipality along with their suggestions and views of future programs," said Badriya in a final comment.

To add more fun and appeal to the event, gifts & memorabilia were distributed to children, and a cast of diverse child-oriented quizzes were interceded by several spots such as colouring, musical chairs, and 'My Park is More Beautiful' contest where children are divided into two teams vying for removing the largest possible amount of waste thrown on the park greens in a bid to boost their communal responsibility and foster the sound social & environmental conducts.

10,000 booklets and 14 Suggestions & Complaints Boxes have been prepared

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has recently launched an initiative to profile the public view on the services provided by the Municipality to beachgoers with the aim of identifying key demands that contribute to upgrading the service level and figure out common problems encountered by beach visitors in order to sort out them and establish a system in line with the international standing that Abu Dhabi beaches enjoy. It is worth-mentioning that Abu Beaches have recently been the Blue Flag status; which culminates the Municipality's efforts to embed the standards of health, safety, environment and security as well as introducing the latest services and facilities in these beaches.

Commenting on the above, Dr. Badriya Al Dhahri, Director of Community Services at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, stated that this initiative reflected the Municipality's keenness to communicate with beachgoers, identify visitors' overriding complaints and have their feedback on the services rendered at tourist pointgs such as Abu Dhabi Corniche. "As part of the Suggestions & Complaints project supervised by the Beaches Section at Community Services Division, the Section has recently distributed Suggestions & Complaints boxes at various spots on Abu Dhabi Corniche in a bid to establish a direct and transparent mechanism to identify customers’ feedback highlighting their needs and expectations," she added.

"The initiative involves multiple objectives considering that beach visitors’ satisfaction with the services rendered features high on the strategic objectives of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City. Therefore it seeks to identify the main problems and suggestions posted by the public in complaints boxes distributed all over Abu Dhabi Corniche, and accordingly gain access to the largest possible community segment spanning a diverse cast of nationalities and interests in order to screen a wide spectrum of opinions. It will also seek to implement at least two to three of beachgoers suggestions or wishes as part of its strategic objective to improve and maintain the quality of facilities in response to visitors' feedback and contribution through pointing to defect, and curbing as well as monitoring any negative phenomena or attitudes," continued Al Dhahri.

Dr. Al Dhahri detailed the work mechanism of suggestion and complaints boxes, saying, "At the end of January, 25 brochures per each box were distributed on a weekly or daily basis depending on the box capacity. The work team collects these customer responses brochures on daily basis following which data is sorted, and entered in the customer response template by 25th of each month.

“In the last five days of each month, the project manager analyzes and calculates the percentages of all information entered, and then immediately communicates other concerned government departments, and private businesses in order to sign off visitors’ problems as quickly as possible. A quarterly report is issued highlighting the key problems and suggestions together with necessary recommendations.

"The Community Services Division has deployed 14 boxes to all gates starting from Gate 1 to Gate 6 and inside restaurants located within the Circular Court of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, making the number of total brochures distributed 10,000 brochures."

"The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City welcomes all suggestions capable of improving municipal services and achieving absolute community satisfaction with the services offered by Municipality in Abu Dhabi beaches. This is a strategic objective pursued by the Municipality, stemming from its belief in the importance of cooperating with community members in pursuit of excellence and quality of services. Complaints and suggestions boxes are a transparent & genuine means for customers to communicate with the Municipality and furnish the Municipality with customers aspirations and needs, besides other communication portals via the Municipality's official website or the toll free number (80022220),” she added.

The initiative seeks to enhance the role of gardens in hosting community events

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has launched a social, cultural, educative and sports initiative entitled (Basma Caravan) with the aim of boosting the role of parks and recreational facilities situated outside Abu Dhabi Island in social, cultural, educative, sport and entertainment fields. The first event of this initiative was kicked off from Al Khatam Park this January and the overall events of Basma Caravan will continue to roll on till the end of December 2012 to span all parks outside Abu Dhabi Island.

Commenting on the nature and components of this initiative, the Director of Community Services at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City Dr. Badriyah Al Dhahiri said: "It comprises a host of diverse activities spanning several sports, cultural, educative and health events besides electrical & mechanical games, theatre shows, heritage spots, inflatable bouncers, equestrian sports and others. The scope of the initiative covers parks situated outside Abu Dhabi Island such as Al Khatam, Al Wathba, Bani Yas, Al Shahama and Al Rahba. Events will run 20 days in each park throughout this year 2012.

"The Basma Caravan aims to achieve a myriad of objectives such as enhancing the role parks outside Abu Dhabi Island, engaging with all categories of the community, enlightening all those working in the field of education about the importance of adhering to the rules of health, safety & environment, nurturing an atmosphere encouraging people to visit parks, impart a constructive competition spirit between youth, disseminating the culture of utilizing parks in holding community events rendering them an ideal choice as a natural avenue enhanced with all security, safety and fun aspects for all family members.

"Through this initiative, we aim to promote the role of the Municipality in caring for resident foreign communities, prompting them to utilize their leisure time in useful activities, integrating all nationalities in one environment, and encouraging the sports practice. The Caravan targets all community members and is set to span all parks of Abu Dhabi Mainland," continued Badriyah.

About the Mission, Badriyah stated: "It seeks to educate all community members on the importance of adopting the correct principles of health, safety and environment, utilizing the municipal service facilities in a proper way & promoting their use within the community, involving all family members in various activities that include free drawing & colouring, and carrying out medical checkups, theatre shows, and quizzes. It also offers fitness exercises before practicing sports activities such as football, basketball, jogging, and hiking. Participation in the events is not restricted to anyone but open to the public as well as the strategic partners of the Municipality."

The International Road Federation (Design Category for 2011), based in the U.S. capital, held a luncheon at the "May flower" Hotel in Washington celebrating the winning of the Sheikh Zayed Bridge of the Roads International Achievement Award, organized by the Federation.

The Award was received by the Municipality's delegation, headed by engineer Abdullah Saeed Sultan Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure and Municipal Assets Sector, along with members from Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Transport.

The ceremony was attended by the representative of the UAE's Embassy in Washington, Plenipotentiary Minister, and Deputy Head of the Delegation, His Excellency Omar Obaid Al Shamsi.

HE congratulated the delegation on receiving this international award, saying "It reflects the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City's keen attention to the outstanding development projects undertaken to the highest international standards, which are real value-added to the country's impressive record achievements."

The project's name holder and the founder of the UAE late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was also honored during the ceremony.

It is noteworthy that Sheikh Zayed Bridge was undertaken by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City and inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE in November 2010. The bridge is considered a towering national achievement and has since become a landmark of Abu Dhabi city, thanks to its magnificent design and unique architectural model.

Engineer Abdullah Al Shamsi lauded the work team at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City for their efforts made in constructing this world's urban showpiece.

This award epitomizes the outstanding quality of projects implemented in the UAE, especially in infrastructure field.

The UAE's delegation presented this achievement to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Executive Council.

Strict actions to be taken against offenders

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has kicked off an educative campaign to highlight the health risks associated with the use of black Henna as some companies as well as ladies beauty parlours tend to add chemicals in processing the Henna paste to make it darker, dry more quickly and last longer on skin.

In a brochure distributed to ladies salons, the Municipality called on ladies visiting beauty salons to ensure that Henna used in these outlets is both natural and free from harmful additives. Moreover, the Municipality urged them to report any violations spotted or noticed for their own health and safety.

In this brochure, the Municipality narrated the benefits of natural Henna which is prepared as a product of grinding the dry leaves of Henna tree; which has multiple health & medical benefits. But the black Henna is sometimes blended with toxic materials that pose risks to the health of users.

The Municipality called on ladies beauty salons as well as Henna design centers not to add any petroleum products or materials hazardous to the human health to the Henna mixtures. It also cautioned them against buying henna from hawkers as it is difficult to verify the composition and source of Henna, in order to avoid subsequent health complications as a result of using these materials.

The Municipality will not hesitate in taking necessary actions against violators of these health conditions; which might be harmful to the health and safety of the community. In case it is established that a certain entity adds harmful additives to materials in use, these materials will be seized on the spot and necessary actions will be taken against the entity which might be as severe as closing the establishment altogether, abolishing the commercial license, banning the practicing of the activity, imposing hefty fines, and seizing any materials should the lab tests prove they contained petrol, chemical or material detrimental to health.

Khalifa Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Acting Director of Public Health at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, stressed the vitality of cooperation on the part of beauty salons and centers with the efforts of the Municipality towards maintaining the community health. "The Municipality is continuously attending to the improvement of health monitoring mechanisms in all facilities through developing stringent health stipulations to be applied on installations, materials, and personnel besides subjecting the equipment in use to exacting inspections to ensure compatibility with the health conditions and approved safety stipulations.

"The Municipality is making regular as well as surprise visits to facilities to ensure their compliance with the health conditions, soundness of materials & tracking their sources, and ensuring compatibility with the highest standards in keeping with the Municipality endeavours to nurture a healthy & sound environment.

In cooperation with the Community Police

The Community Services Division at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, in cooperation with the Community Police, has recently held a running race around Al Mushrif Park featuring participation of more than 400 girl students from Bashaier, Manhal and Worood schools under the supervision of several lady specialists, supervisors, and paramedics who escorted the contestants throughout the race with the support of the Community Police.

"These sport events are integral part of the Municipality's efforts to effectively engage with various community segments with the aim of encouraging & motivating female students to practice sport, diffusing the sports culture among them, and enhancing the cooperation with the educational institutions to motivate students to participate in all community events since they are the nucleus of the community," said Dr. Badriyah Al Dhahiri, Director of Community Service at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City.

She reiterated the Municipality's keenness on contributing to supporting the community events through effective participation in making these events a success, and lending support towards realizing the objectives of the Municipality in spreading the culture of meaningful collective efforts.

"The Municipality has strategic relationships linking it with several public & private agencies aimed at coordinating events & participation in embedding the attitudes of diffusing the culture of reading among all, and building up sports values through holding sports contests & events targeting school students. In this context the running contest around Mushrif Park has been organized in conjunction with Bashaier, Manhal and Worood schools with the support of the Community Police; whose contribution underscore the successes of all community events held by the Municipality.

"These events familiarize female students with the importance of sport and the need of practicing it for striking a physical and psychological balance, showcase the role of sport in improving the psychological & social life of woman, and focus on sport as a unique practice & peculiar culture practiced by women in their life," added Badiryah in a final remark.

Following the end of the contest, gifts and trophies were presented to the winners, and mementos were presented to the girl students, while the sponsors of the event were honoured as well.

August records the highest mortgage transactions worth AED 9.8 billions

The Real estate transactions processed by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City have shown signs of remarkable activities in 2011, with obvious contrasts between the size of mortgage and selling transactions. Selling and mortgage transactions carried out during the period from 1 January up to 30 December posted AED 42,901,462,451 (forty two billion nine hundred one million three hundred eighty two thousand and four hundred fifty one), of which land sales constituted AED 3,773,582,451 (three billion seven hundred seventy three million and five hundred eighty two thousand and four hundred fifty one) and mortgage transactions valued AED 39,127,880,000 (thirty nine billion one hundred twenty seven million and eight hundred thousand).

Selling and mortgage transactions fluctuated from January through the end of December last year. Selling transactions in January clocked AED 195.614 million, picked up in February to more than AED 206 million and rocketed in March to more than AED 871 million, but experienced a decline in April to AED 349.027 million and dropped further in May to hit AED 184 million and continued the downward trend in June dropping to AED 188.585 million and plummeted further in July to AED 91 million, but gathered pace in August to hit AED 135.745 million, and went further up in September to record AED 171.334 million and continued the surge in October to clock AED 282.273 million. Though dropping in November to AED 139.13 million it soon picked up drastically in December to touch an all-time high figure in the whole year of AED 917.238 million.

Mortgage transactions dominated the real estate market in 2011, peaking in August recording transactions worth of AED 9.827 billion followed by June (AED 8 billion), and October (AED 4.386 billion); including a transaction for registering a mortgage contract of a privately-owned investment entity amounting to $100 million (AED 367,301,000) which was the biggest single real estate mortgage contract ever registered by the Municipality last year.

Mortgage turnover in January generated AED 2,645,812,000 and in February it posted AED 1.356 billion jumping in March to over AED 2 billion and in April it rocketed to AED 3.296 billion but fell sharply to AED 1.503 billion in May and AED 1.466 billion in June before starting to rise again to AED 2.707 billion in September and dropping again to AED 1,142,799,000 in December.

Uwaidha Al Qubaisi, Acting Executive Director of Municipal Services at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, attributed the soaring business within the Lands and Properties Division during the past year to the confidence the investors have pinned in Abu Dhabi’s economy and the package of enhanced procedures adopted by the Municipality, particularly in simplifying processes, introducing e-services and enhancing performance mechanisms to bring it in line with the Mission of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City to provide superior quality & effective municipal services and attain the highest rates of satisfaction of customers and community members in general.

"The Municipality’s efforts in this respect have contributed to developing the customer service strategy, meeting customers’ requirements, expanding communication channels and streamlining procedures for speedy processing and effective offering of e-services. This has reflected positively on the execution of customer service transactions, including selling & mortgage transactions and various other customers’ transactions in a hassle-free and time-saving process; which demonstrates the national and societal responsibility of the Municipality, and raises its leading role and corporate identity in the context a comprehensive strategy to build an integrated business model that brings about a genuine addition to all services delivered to the community.