Dubai, 18 June 2007 - The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the UAE (TRA) held a Press Conference at the Dubai Press Club this morning to announce the launching of «The UAE National Telecom Recycling Campaign» in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, EnviroFone, «Etisalat», «du» and Gulf for Good. H.E. Mohamed Al Ghanim, TRA Board Member & Director General, headed the Press Conference with the presence of Osman Sultan, «du» CEO, H.E. Nasser Bin Abood Al-Falasi, «Etisalat» Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Stuart Fleming, EnviroFone Managing Director, and Mr. Brian Wilkie, Gulf for Good Chairman. Mr. Al Ghanim delivered the Opening Presentation announcing the TRA campaign as an environmental initiative related to the telecom sector in accordance with the UAE National Environmental Strategy set by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Mr. Al Ghanim stated that out of the TRA belief, "that environmental awareness is one of the most important requirements for the nations' socioeconomic development, that a good environment is a factual basis to preserve public health, and that a safe environment is a reflection to the progress of the society; the TRA is endorsing and supporting this campaign that is related to a telecom device, which is the mobile phone." He went through examples of environmental awareness and practices in the developed countries and the fact that there are scarce spaces on Earth for industrial waste, he emphasized that, "research and experiments proved that the leakage of the industrial waste leftovers is causing damage to the soil that is resulting in spreading diseases." Mr. Al Ghanim then asked everyone in the UAE, "to support us in the collection and recycling of old or damaged mobile phones that contain material considered harmful to the environment if thrown as ordinary waste." He announced that for every mobile phone collected to be recycled, a 5 Dirham is paid to charity; in addition to instant awards for every mobile phone collected and automatic entering to the monthly draws for a chance of winning trips to London, expensive jewelry and thousands of air miles. Mr. Al Ghanim continued saying: "Our initiative is within the framework of our contribution in making the UAE government environmental strategy viable, and within our continuous policy regarding the adoption of the Social Corporate Responsibilities on which the TRA build its executive decisions." Mr. Al Ghanim also thanked the TRA partners in the campaign, saying: "I would like to extend our appreciation to the support of the TRA partners in this national environmental campaign that is considered the first of its kind in the region with respect to telecom devices: EnviroFone, UAE Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Gulf for Good, «Etisalat» and «du»." He then thanked the media, stressing that "the media also have a responsibility to spread environmental awareness in the UAE due to their effective role in serving the society." Mr. Al Ghanim concluded his presentation by quoting the campaign slogan: «Don't let your old or broken mobile phone damage the natural beauty of the UAE». Further, Osman Sultan, outlined «du» participation in this venture: "«du» is proud to be a part of this ground breaking venture, since our concern for the growth and welfare of the UAE extends to its environment and how it can be safe guarded. This, not surprisingly also happens to be in line with «du» vision of adding life to life. We want technology to be an enabling tool for communication and not contribute to the destruction of the land we live in. We look forward to working together with the TRA and «Etisalat» in ensuring a safer world for our children." In his turn, H.E. Nasser Bin Abood Al-Falasi expressed Eisalat pride in its participation "in this worthy initiative that supports the National Strategy of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum." He also announced, "We will also sponsor awareness building advertising and public relations campaigns to educate people on the safe disposal of mobile phones." Mr. Al-Falasi continued saying: "We have always abided by international standards in the placement of our mobile base stations as well as offering consumers a variety of environmentally friendly payment solutions to remove the need for scratch cards. Just this year we introduced new Mobile Payment and Balance Transfer services to bring electronic credit transfer to the UAE."