CSS Abu Dhabi Celebrates New Beginnings And A Farewell

Having recently opened its new office in Abu Dhabi, CSS conducted its annual staff party on September 27th, 2013 at The Club, Abu Dhabi. A Royal connection; situated on land kindly donated by the late H.H. The President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, The Club was founded by a group of pioneering expatriates in 1962. In 2012, The Club proudly celebrated its 50th Anniversary, a highly significant occasion.

“The CSS Abu Dhabi staff party was held to commemorate the opening of the new office premises located in the heart of the city. The new office is located close to the airport and seaport, therefore providing better access to our partners and customers alike. In addition, the party was in honor of our colleague, Gillian Alexander, who had been a part of the CSS family for over 11 years and has now decided to move to the beaches of Goa. On behalf of CSS Abu Dhabi, I wish her all the best in her endeavours,” said Arjun Bose, Director, CSS Abu Dhabi.

As Manager-Operations & Customer Service, Gillian Alexander, was renowned for her commitment to service excellence by constantly ensuring that customers’ expectations were not only met but exceeded. CSS Group, would like to thank her for her loyalty and commitment to the group and wish her all the best in her new life.

NEW BEGINNINGS

In addition to a farewell to Gillian Alexander, the celebration served also as a welcome to three new members to the CSS Abu Dhabi Team.

Renjith Pillai, who has been a part of CSS Group for over 10 years, will join the team of CSS Abu Dhabi as Branch Manager, Midhun George as Sales Manager and Amal Hareendran as Asst. Manager-Operations & Customer Service.

“The new additions to the team are part of our core strategy to strengthen CSS Abu Dhabi and provide better service to our growing customer base. The level of expertise that the new members will bring to the Abu Dhabi market will further establish our expanding footprint within the shipping and logistics industry of Abu Dhabi, and we wish them all the best in this new endeavour,” added Arjun Bose, Director, CSS Abu Dhabi

For further information, please log onto: www.cssabudhabi.com

CSS Abu Dhabi Wins Onam Pookkalam Contest

Onam is reminiscent of Kerala’s agrarian past; the harvest festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug – Sep) and marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali who Malayalees consider as their King.

As part of its celebration, CSS Group organized an interoffice “Pookkalam” competition.  The floral carpet, known as ‘Pookkalam’, is made out of the gathered blossoms with several varieties of flowers of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to create an intricate design. It is considered a work of art as it requires a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending.

The event was organized by Chandrakala (CK), Manager Operations – Ocean Freight, CSS, and was considered a tremendous success as members of CSS Group offices worldwide started preparing weeks before the celebration of Onam, by gathering supplies and finalising designs. “The competitive team spirit of the offices globally was truly showcased during the course of the competition and the artistic talents of the staff highlighted, as the designs that were sent across to the group of selected judges were truly outstanding. Unfortunately there could only be one winner, which was the CSS Abu Dhabi office,” added Chandrakala.

The Mahabali’s Crystal Award trophy was presented to the CSS Abu Dhabi office at a recently held gathering at The Club in Abu Dhabi on September 27th, 2013.

CSS Group-Title Sponsors of “HEXA Onam 2013” Celebrations

Sponsored by CSS Group, the “HEXA Onam” celebration 2013, held at Family Palace Restaurant in Sharjah, UAE was a great success as they organized various cultural programs in honour of the Onam festival. HEXA, (Haripad Expatriates Association) had arranged performances that included, Thiruvathira, classical dances, cinematic dances, film songs, the Pookkalam and Maveli. The Maveli of HEXA Onam 2013 was none other than Swan Chacko, Operations Supervisor, CSS Projects, Oil & Energy division.  Also in attendance was Shelly V. John, Manager Admin, CSS.

“All programs were outstanding and congratulations to all the artists who participated and made this celebration a grand one.  The event was an outstanding success and received praises from the South Indian community that attended the event,” added Shelly V. John.

Token Of Appreciation

CSS RECEIVES PERFORMANCE AWARD FROM SAFMARINE

CSS was recently recognized with a performance award by Safmarine, at their annual dinner held at the Shangri La Hotel in Dubai, UAE.  In attendance to receive this award for CSS was Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight, Raufa Shaikh, Pricing Manager, Chandrakala, Asst. Manager NVOCC Operations and Arjun Bose, Director, CSS Abu Dhabi.

“Our strategy to focus our volumes with core carriers from Quarter 3 of 2012 has shown positive results. This recognition by Safmarine is a testament to the success of our program,” added Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight, CSS.

The recognition of this award was for the growth and consistent performance for the fiscal year 2012 and this was a first for CSS with Safmarine. With this award, CSS joins an elite tier within Safmarine in the United Arab Emirates.

“Safmarine is by far the friendliest carrier around, operationally and from a process point of view and we look forward to growing our business with them further in the years ahead,” commented Chandrakala, Asst. Manager NVOCC Operations, CSS.

ABOUT SAF MARINE:

Safmarine is an international shipping business offering container and break-bulk shipping services worldwide. Formed in 1946 by South African industrialists and American ship owners, Safmarine is now widely known as a north/south trade and African specialist. The line is represented in more than 130 countries throughout the world, with more than 1200 sailors selling their services.

For further information, please logo onto:
www.cssgroupsite.com & www.safmarine.com

CSS Onam

CSS Group Wishes you a wonderful Onam

Onam is the largest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. It falls during the first month of the Malayalam calendar which is Chingam (August–September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King Maveli. The festival lasts for ten days and is linked to many elements of Kerala’s culture and tradition.

Intricate flower carpets, elaborate banquet lunch, snake boat races, Puli Kali, and the Kaikottikkali dance all play a part in the festival. It can be undoubtedly said that these elements constitute the diversity, richness and colorfulness that no other festival can claim in the world.

The most important things about Onam are the onakkodi, the new clothes worn on this day and onam sadya, a feast which is quite elaborate. This is usually a feast served on banana leaves and serves rice along with an array of 18 to 32 dishes. Traditional pickles and papadam are also served. Dessert is usually ‘payasam’, a sweet dish made of milk, sugar and other traditional Indian savories.

Arabian Travel Market

A TRADE VISIT BY CSS

ATM 2013 is the Middle East’s biggest travel and tourism event celebrates 20 years of industry milestones.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2013, the region’s leading travel industry showcase, celebrated its 20th edition which took place at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from May 6th-9th, 2013, welcomed over 3,000 exhibitors from 87 countries with exhibition floor space covering more than 22,000 square metres.

HRH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2013, in the presence of senior government officials, leaders of the regional and international travel industry as well as high-profile participants.Cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the 20th anniversary edition of the show, His Royal Highness then toured the exhibition with Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market, and various dignitaries as the four-day industry showcase got underway.

Addressing the inaugural session of the seminar programme at Arabian Travel Market 2013, which opened on Monday 6 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Chairman and President of Dubai Civil Aviation, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said “Arabian Travel Market has played a significant role in the development of Dubai, underscoring its position as a highly attractive centre for exhibitions and events,” he said.  “Dubai has achieved so much at a pace that many other cities can only dream of … Dubai’s Strategic Plan builds on those achievements and highlights a number of areas, such as the economy, infrastructure and the environment.”

“Tourism has always been a vital growth factor for the UAE and events such as ATM help strengthen Dubai position as the no.1 destination for not only tourism but also for trade in the region. It is this strategic location that helps CSS Group develop new opportunities and trading partners while providing a high level of service to its clients. The location of CSS Group in the UAE has been the key driving force to the growth of the organization since its inception in 1995. We thank the vision of the nation’s leaders that has led the country to achieve such great heights in all its endeavours,’ said Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Group. This year CSS participated as a trade visitor at ATM.

With all indicators flashing green for growth, panelists listed some of Dubai’s recent achievements, including a number one position for international passenger traffic achieved by Dubai International Airport in the first quarter 2013; a growth of 54 per cent in Russian visitors and 28 per cent from China in 2012; an additional 30 aircraft and 15 new destinations for Emirates in the past year with a target of 180 by 2020, and, double digit growth in visitor numbers to Dubai to reach 10 million for the first time last year.

Al Noor-Samsung Family Fun Fair 2013

Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs opened its doors to the annual Al Noor- Samsung Family Fun Fair, one of the most anticipated charitable events on the Dubai Calendar on Friday 8th of March.

 “I am delighted that we are once again volunteering with Al Noor for their Family Fun Fair 2013,” said, Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Group.

Families and children enjoyed a dedicated fun zone area featuring bouncy castles, rides, game stalls, along with magic shows, painting competitions, quizzes, great bargains, and the interesting Samsung raffle/prizes.

In addition to this year’s event was the selling of leading luxury brands clothes with over 90% discount.

“All the proceeds from Al Noor – Samsung Family Fun Fair contributes in the Centre’s running costs, which has taken a vital role in the fund raising initiatives,” said Isphana Al-Khatib, Director of Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs.

ABOUT AL NOOR

Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs is a non-profit organization which falls under the Ministry of Social Affairs.  For the past 31 years, Al Noor has been providing high quality professional training to the special needs community in Dubai.  In 1981, The Centre started with 8 children and have since grown to a recognized  establishment with over 270 students. In 2007, it moved to its own premises in Al Barsha. The purpose-built facility has been donated to us by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai and through the benefaction of HRH Princess HayaBint Al Hussein.

The Centre can accommodate up to 300 special children. The current roster comprises of 277 children from 35 nationalities with various physical and cognitive challenges such as Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Autism.  Al Noor uses a trans disciplinary approach to implement its training programme and in addition to teaching, offers Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Psychological services, Sports and Music. Al Noor also has its own Work Placement Unit which trains students with a capability for open employment.

Smiles n’ Stuff is Al Noor’s very own vocational training gift and coffee shop. It is the only one of its kind in the GCC, where all the products are handcrafted by children with special needs. The goal of Al Noor’s Vocational Training Unit is to make children skilled and productive members of the community and training is offered in the Carpentry, Screen Printing, Sewing, and Bakery Units. This initiative also helps raise awareness and funds for Al Noor Training Centre.

CSR @ CSS Alpha Pain Clinic

DANCE AND MUSICAL JOURNEY IN SUPPORT OF ALPHA PAIN CLINIC AT SHEIKH RASHID AUDITORIUM, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guest/dignitaries on the dais were Rajesh Rajaram (President, SKVCOSA), Mr. George Neriaparambil (Chairman, Geo Group), Mr. K.M. Noordee (Chairman, Alpha Pain Clinic), Mr. Sanu Mathew (President, AKCAF), Mr. Harshavardhan (CEO, Al Reyami Steel Cons.), Mr. Amith Horra (Marketing Manager, CSS), Col. Gopalakrishnan (Rtd.) Founder President of SKVC OSA along with Mr. Sudheesh Bhaskaran (Secretary, SKVCOSA) and Mr. Vinod Menon (Convenor, SNEHAM).

CSS Group recently participated in the 15th Anniversary Celebration “SNEHAM” a dance and musical journey in support of ALPHA Pain Clinic which took place on January 11th, 2013 at The Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Since their inception in the UAE, over 15 years ago, SKVCOSA has continually embraced the spirit of living and letting live. As alumni they have always believed in supporting charitable initiatives aimed at thebetterment of the less deprived.

“CSS Group was proud to sponsor this event as part of its CSR initiative as it applauds the charitable work that is consistently carried out by SKVCOSA,” added Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Group.

This year, the proceeds from the dance & musical show held on January 11th, 2013 were donated to Alpha Pain Clinic, a community-based organization dedicated to palliativecare since 2005. One of the largest providers of palliative care in India. Over the years Alpha Pain Clinic has provided care to 6484 patients from four centers. Palliative care is the total active care of patients with life limiting diseases, which needs a multidisciplinary team with shared goals and vision.

Successfully Completing 1 Year

CaroTrans and Middle East NVO, The CSS Group, Mark One Year Anniversary with 40% Volume Growth

CaroTrans, a leading global NVOCC (Non vessel operating common carrier) and ocean freight consolidator, and alliance partner The CSS Group, (Consolidated Shipping Services Group), today announced a successful first year marked by significant volume growth of 40%.  The CSS Group is a full service logistics company and NVOCC headquartered in Dubai, UAE.

CaroTrans and CSS Group’s scope of services include: comprehensive FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than container load) services, breakbulk, out of gauge and ro-ro cargo handling to and from North America, Middle East, and Africa.

This partnership has expanded and strengthened CaroTrans’ footprint in the Middle East to now include trade with Iraq, Pakistan, and Jordan.  CaroTrans offers weekly, direct consolidation services from multiple CFS (consolidation freight systems), 24 in total, offering secure, efficient transits throughout the U.S.  Cargo moves to the Middle East and Africa from the primary gateways of Los Angeles, Houston, Charleston, New York and Chicago.

Now and looking forward, emerging markets are the long term drivers behind global trade growth.  Developed countries, such as the U.S., will see import growth slow and export trade increase.  Saudi Arabia is projected to have import growth globally, over the next five years, at 6.4% and the UAE at 5.5% based on the 2012 HSBC Global Connections Report.

“We are pleased our first year teaming up with The CSS Group delivered strong growth and market expansion.  CaroTrans strategically partners with premiere, neutral NVOs, regional leaders with strong brand recognition to ensure our global freight forwarder customers receive exceptional service and support throughout the world,” said Greg Howard, CaroTrans, Global CEO.

The Chairman of CSS, Mr. T.S. Kaladharan, commented, “By joining forces with CaroTrans, we have created a winning team of like-minded professionals committed to industry-leading service, resources and support. We are gratified that this alliance brings together an experienced group of ocean freight professionals that provide superior service and logistics support for our customers.”

In 2012, CaroTrans opened new offices in Seattle, Washington and Le Havre, France.  CaroTrans will continue to expand its global network of direct LCL and FCL import and export services to provide simple, efficient and high value services to the global freight forwarding community.

About CaroTrans

Established in 1979, Carotrans International is one of the world’s leading NVOCCs providing global LCL, less than container load, and FCL, full container load services.  Through our network of offices in Asia, South America, Oceania, and the United States, along with our strong local partners, we offer a global reach that is truly unique.

Carotrans is a people driven company with dedicated, experienced and knowledgeable team members who engage customers with passion and experience on a local level.

For additional information, visit www.carotrans.com

About The CSS Group

Consolidated Shipping Group is one of the fastest growing NVOCC in the region it operates. Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  With a team consisting of over 750 experienced and dedicated professionals, across 20 offices, CSS has what it takes to meet your freight forwarding requirements, be it by sea, land or air. CSS has always adapted itself to the latest trends in the industry to offer efficient and most feasible solutions to its clients’ and associates.

For additional information, visit www.cssgroupsite.com

Contact:

CaroTrans, Greg Howard,         732-540-8121, gregh@carotrans.com
CSS Group, Ken Dinnadge,        97 150 456 4390, ken@cssdubai.com
CKL Communications, Carol Lerner,     973.635.6923, ckl.communications@gmail.com
CSS Group Marketing, Amith Horra,     97 150 456 7536, amith@cssdubai.com

Celebrating 40 Years of Port Development

This year – 2012, marks an important milestone. The journey that began at Port Rashid in the early days of the UAE has seen Dubai emerge as a major maritime, logistics and trade hub. The far – sighted vision of His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum drove the development of Port Rashid. When the Port commenced operations in 1972, it was the largest Sea Port in the Middle East – the region’s first modern container terminal with 2 gantry cranes.

A mere 7 years later, Jebel Ali Port opened as the largest man – made harbour in the world visible to the naked eye from space.  Competitors initially, the two ports merged in 1991 to form Dubai Ports Authority (DPA), their throughput crossed 1 million TEU. DP World was formed in 2005 with the integration of DPA and Dubai Ports International (DPI). Today, DP World is the third largest marine terminal operator in the world, operating more than 60 terminals. Jebel Ali remains their flagship and the inspiration for their operations around the world.

Jebel Ali Port is an important growth engine and catalyst to the economic diversification plans of the nation. With world class infrastructure, modern technology and a customer centric approach our operations at Jebel Ali Port are geared to add value to your business and increase efficiencies to your supply chain. We pride in our roots and our terminals in the Port of Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Hamriya Fujairah act as the region’s premier gateways for container, general cargo, cruise and ferry traffic, handling passengers and cargo with the utmost care.

It is from these humble beginnings, strong foundations and a culture of excellence which has skilled them to be able to handle more than 125 million TEU till date within the UAE.

Port Rashid is today the regional cruise hub. DP World is committed to expand the cruise terminal to be able to handle more passengers and vessels. It has also been recently confirmed that Port Rashid will become the permanent home of the Queen Elizabeth II cruise liner and a maritime museum will be developed. Their history is coming around a full circle – in the beginning they contributed to the development and economic diversification of Dubai and in enhancing the quality of life of the residents.

Al Noor-Family Fun Fair 2012

Keeping in line with its continuous commitment to corporate social responsibility and giving back to society, CSS Group has lent support to the Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs by volunteering for the Al Noor-Samsung Family Fun Fair 2012, which took place at the Al Noor campus in Al Barsha, Dubai on Friday March 2nd, 2012 from 10am-10pm.

The Al Noor – Samsung Family Fun Fair was honored to have the Royal Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmook Bin Juma Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Bin Juma Al Maktoum.

Isphana Al Khatib, Director of Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs said, “as we do each year, we have carefully planned and organized the activities for the event with care to ensure the element of fun and entertainment for all ages prevails. With close to 1000 volunteers registering to help in the logistics, we look forward to another exciting and highly successful event.”

Over 50 CSS employees, family members and friends participated for this worthy cause by volunteering their time to help setup and facilitate for various booths, gaming areas, food counters and raffle stations throughout the event.

“The support and team work displayed by the CSS staff, family and friends was outstanding, their positives attitudes and excellent enthusiasm was highly appreciated and I would like to personally thank everyone involved and as well as Al Noor for organizing the Al Noor-Samsung Family Fun Fair 2012, and for allowing CSS to participate.  We look forward to other events throughout the social calendar,” added Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS.

The Al Noor Annual Fun Fair is the second fundraising event of the year that aims to raise a substantial amount of funds to cover a part of the running cost of the Centre and address the Centre’s budget deficit. Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs has for the past 30 years been providing quality professional training to the special needs community of Dubai. They are a nonprofit organization and currently provide training to 270 children from 31 different nationalities with special needs.

Raag Malhar Friends Association

Friends association celebrated its 7th anniversary on November 18th 2011 at Dubai Women’s College Auditorium. As the main sponsor, CSS has been continuously supporting Friends Association over the years as part of the CSR activities and its always a proud moment to be part of the auspicious event.

The event named Raag Malhar – The Musical fusion was inaugurated by the Indian Counselor with the other dignitaries and also the souvenir named SMRITHI was released by The South Indian film director Blessy. The evening comprised of musical fusion and also dance forms from various artists from South India.

Utsavam 2011

THIRANOTTAM, a fraternity of art-lovers of the traditional art forms of Kerala, is a not-for-profit organization formed and functioning for the promotion of these art forms and the artistes. Thiranottam’s purpose and activities are to increase awareness and comprehension of classical performing arts of Kerala by conducting appreciation sessions, organizing stage shows of renowned professional artistes and providing a platform for the young and promising talents.

The curtain has been lifted on the 4-day cultural festival Utsavam’11, the fifth in its series, which has been showcasing the traditional and rich, classical arts of Kerala in UAE from 2007 onwards.  The Indian Consul General, His Excellency Sanjay Verma, and Padma Shree Kalamandalam Gopi, the eminent Kathakali artiste, and Padma Shree Mattannoor Shankarankutty Maraar, the virtuoso chenda player, inaugurated the event on 4th November 2011. It showcased more and more classical art forms from the realms of Natya Sastra (Science of Acting) to the UAE audience. With Koodiyaattom and Kathakali being the flag bearers of this Indian Science, Thiranottam thought it appropriate to coin the term International Koodiyaattam and Kathakali Festival (IKKF). Utsavam ’11 was grander than its predecessors, with greater emphasis on Taalam and Layam. World-renowned Chenda celebrity Padma Shri Mattannoor Sankaran Kutty has kindly consented to set the right tempo for this year’s festival. Apart from Thayampaka, the four-day event showcased various art forms like Koodiyaattam, Keli, Purappadu, Melappadam and Kathakali.

CSS Group was one of the main sponsors for the event.

40th UAE National Day Celebration

CSS Head Office and CSS Jebel Ali offices celebrated the 40th UAE National Day by decorating the offices with balloons, flags, and various memorabilia’s, which represent the UAE (United Arab Emirates) colors and its 40th National Day.

Onam@CSS

Onam, known as the harvest festival in Kerala, which is celebrated in the month of Chingam, where Malayalees across the world celebrate with their family making ‘Sadya’ and engaging in different plays as part of the festival. As always CSS Group celebrated Onam in the traditional way in various network offices where most of the staff wore traditional attire.

Onam

Onam is the largest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. It falls during the first month of the Malayalam calendar which is Chingam (August–September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King Maveli. The festival lasts for ten days and is linked to many elements of Kerala’s culture and tradition. Intricate flower carpets, elaborate banquet lunch, snake boat races, Puli Kali, and the Kaikottikkali dance all play a part in the festival. It can be undoubtedly said that these elements constitute the diversity, richness and colorfulness that no other festival can claim in the world.


Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in the modern times. Kerala’s rice harvest festival and the festival of rain flowers which fell on the Malayalam month of Chingam celebrated the annual visit from the under world (Pathalam) of the very noble Demon King Maveli (Mahabali). Onam is unique since King Maveli is revered by people of Kerala from prehistory.


According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its golden era during the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and the king was highly regarded by his subjects. He was that much highly regarded among the subjects that even the Gods under Indra became jealous of Mahabali, they approached Mahavishnu claiming that Mahabali is now equivalent to an Indra. Since a world with two Indras represents imbalance, Mahavishnu assumed the form of a dwarf, the Vamana avatara and tricked him to Pathalam, the Underworld. However, as Mahabali is equal to an Indra, he is to wait until the next Yuga where he would be the Indra. In the meantime, with the grace of Mahavishnu, Mahabali visits his people on an annual basis. Mahavishnu serves Mahabali as a gatekeeper in the world of Pathalam as the Lord himself serves his greatest devotees.


The most important things about Onam are the onakkodi, the new clothes worn on this day and onam sadya, a feast which is quite elaborate. This is usually a feast served on banana leaves and serves rice along with an array of 18 to 32 dishes. Traditional pickles and papadam are also served. Dessert is usually ‘payasam’, a sweet dish made of milk, sugar and other traditional Indian savories.


One can assume this way too as this could be the only day that around 40 million people around the globe eat the same food with Joy and Happiness.


CSS Group Wishes you a wonderful Onam.

CSS – GO KARTING 2011

As part of the employee engagement activities on 30th April, CSS organized a Go Karting Tournament at Dubai Autodrome, which is located in Motor City, Dubai, UAE. The employees were given the freedom to bring their friends, family members or customers for participating in this event. The race started at 10:00 PM and 18 participants competed for the best lap time. Winner, Mr. Sai Prakash from Emirates Sky Cargo who started the race on a low note got his best lap time in the 4th lap even though Mr. Suku Sudhakaran AGM, CSS Abu Dhabi and Mr. Ken Dinnadge, VP Business Development gave a tough battle to the winner. Ms. Sulaiya, Executive, Thai Embassy won the title in the ladies section. “Thanks to CSS for inviting us to this event it was fun filled sporting event and an opportunity to interact with the employees and their families” one of the participants commented.

Dubai International Boat Show 2011

Leisure marine companies from all over the world have announced their best sales in recent times at the 18th Dubai International Boat Show. Multi Million dollar sales were recorded at this year’s show, with a number of super yachts, including the Dhs72m Sunseeker 38 metre Special Edition, being purchased on-site as consumer confidence increased in the market. Among the 700 companies at this year’s show, CSS & Peters and May joined hands for this year’s Boat show. David Holley and Robert Blades from Peters and May joined by T.S. Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group, Ken Dinnadge, VP Business Development, Suku Sudhakaran, AGM CSS Abu Dhabi, Edward Morgan, Manager, Yacht & Marine Logistics, CSS Group, Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Group and Chandra Kala, Management Trainee, Projects, Oil & Energy Division, CSS Group all attended this years exhibition. As per Chandra Kala “There were an enormous number of customers who visited our booth, we were able to generate a large number of enquiries which are currently being handled by the enthusiastic staff at Peters & May and CSS Group.”

The Dubai International Boat Show, which was visited by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, took place at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) from 9 – 13 March 2010.

As per Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, “The outstanding business that was done at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show is a clear indication that the leisure marine market in the Middle East is on the road to recovery. Consumer confidence is back and the Dubai International Boat Show has played an important role in stimulating demand and reinvigorating the leisure marine industry as highlighted by the impressive number of deals conducted at this year’s show”. Riding high on the remarkable sales transacted at this year’s show, which once again looks set to become the biggest highlight of 2011 in the region.

CSS Annual Staff Party

CSS Group celebrated its 16th anniversary staff party at The British Club in Abu Dhabi on Friday 1st April, 2011.The annual party began at 8.30 pm with the employees and their family members arriving at the venue. The evening commenced with the opening remarks from the CSS Group Chairman, T.S. Kaladharan. On this auspicious occasion the employees who had completed 10 years of service, Ambili Don, Vasudevan Nambiar, Vinod Kumar Rajendran and Nelson David were honored for their valuable service. The senior management felicitated the highly anticipated employee of the year was announced, Ajo Andrews for year 2009 and Sujith Valavath for year 2010. This was followed by the performances by the employees and their family members, which included dance, songs and skits. With the dance floor packed throughout the evening and the DJ playing the latest hits the night turned out be one of a kind.

On behalf of CSS Group Chairman and the senior management we are thankful to our title sponsor of the event Emirates Airlines and all our valued associates who had sponsored the prizes for the CSS 16th Anniversary Annual Staff Party. A special thanks goes to the Organizing committee, Amith Horra Marketing Manager CSS, Deepu S. Dev, Marketing coordinator, Chandrakala, Management trainee and to all of the CSS Staff who assisted with the overall operations for the event. Thank you.

KESEFolsavam 2011

On January 21st 2011 at the Indian association hall, Kasaragod Expatriates’ Socio-Economic Forum celebrated their annual family function.  KESEF is a secular organization of expatriates of Kasaragod district residing in the UAE. Established in the year 2002 they have been continuously endeavoring in the various Social, Educational and Humanitarians activities. They have been continuously striving to serve for noble causes such as educational scholarships, financial support for medical treatment, facilitating opportunities in social, cultural and sports avenues especially for children.

The cultural event had drawn a great attention where there were Music and Dance performances from the members of the associations as well as a few guests from the South Indian Television industry. N.A Haris, MLA, Karnataka, Sudhir Kumar Shetty, CEO – UAE Exchange were the renowned guests for the evening. Since its inception CSS Group has been encouraging various Corporate Social Responsibility activities and is proud to be a sponsor for the Kasaragod Expatriates’ Socio-Economic Forum.