Nokia announces local availability of Nokia 808 PureView

Nokia has announced the local availability of the award-winning Nokia 808 PureView, the first smartphone in the world with a 41 megapixel camera.
The smartphone which is set to revolutionize high-end mobile imaging is now available across all Nokia Stores and all leading electronic retail outlets.

Since its global launch in February, the Nokia 808 PureView has received multiple awards, including Best Mobile Device at Mobile World Congress 2012, as well as an award for Best Imaging Innovation for 2012 from the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).

"Nokia 808 PureView has completely revolutionised imaging performance for the whole smartphone industry - and Nokia is not stopping here," said Vithesh Reddy, General Manager, Nokia Lower Gulf. "We are delighted to launch Nokia 808 PureView in UAE, which is a testament to Nokia's commitment to delivering innovative mobile phone products for consumers and to imaging enthusiasts in the region."

The Nokia 808 PureView uses a new technology originating from satellite imaging called Pixel Oversampling and combines Carl Zeiss' exclusive optics and Nokia's advanced algorithms, which combined will offer an unprecedented high-end imaging experience in a smartphone.

The smartphone features a large, high-resolution 41 megapixel sensor with high-performance Carl Zeiss optics and new pixel oversampling technology. At standard resolutions (2/3, 5 and 8 megapixels), this means the ability to zoom without loss of clarity and capture seven pixels of information, condensing into one pixel for the sharpest images imaginable.

At full resolution, it means the ability to capture an image, then zoom, reframe, crop and resize afterwards to expose previously unseen levels of details. The camera offers unprecedented performance in low-light shots, thanks to the pixel oversampling technology and amazing sensor that captures five times the amount of light. With superior low-light performance and the ability to save in compact file sizes for sharing in social networks, email and MMS, the Nokia 808 PureView smartphone makes it possible for anyone to capture professional looking images in any condition, and view it on any device.

The Nokia 808 PureView also includes full HD 1080p video recording and playback with 4X lossless zoom and the world's first use of Nokia Rich Recording. Rich Recording enables audio recording at CD-like levels of quality, previously only possible with external microphones. The Nokia 808 PureView also features exclusive Dolby Headphone technology, transforming stereo content into a personal surround sound experience over any headphones and Dolby Digital Plus for 5.1 channel surround sound playback.

In addition to the revolutionary experience offered by the Nokia 808 PureView, a variety of imaging mobile applications are available on Nokia store (store.nokia.com) to enhance the overall user experience, including:

GetMeRated: An app where instant feedback about pictures posted can be received. By using this app, users can ask questions through photos, comment, rate, vote and share photos and at the same time register with Facebook and twitter accounts.

Vimeo: A community of creative people who are passionate about sharing the videos they make. This app offers users a platform where they can upload, manage, and watch videos from anywhere. They can also browse great videos that match their interests and get inspired by them. The app also gives users stats on plays, likes, and comments related to their videos.

Pikchur: In two simple steps, this app allows users to easily upload their photos and videos to their social networks. By using this app, users can quickly upload their photos, view photo streams and comments of their friends and search for photos and videos using keywords.
Source [ameinfo]

39 couples marry at UAE mass wedding

Abu Dhabi: As many as 39 couples Friday got married at a mass wedding ceremony in Abu Dhabi.

The wedding in the Western Region was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The fifth mass wedding was organised by the Diwan of the Ruler's Representative in association with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

The organisation of the mass wedding "stems from our faith in the need to support the national youth to enter a brighter future in their life and to give them every possible care as we look upon them as the pillars of the welfare of our country", said Sheikh Hamdan.

"Caring for the family is a national duty. It plays a key role in nurturing capable and responsible generations, under principles that are drawn from our traditions and from the tolerant teachings of Islam," he said.

Source [twocircle]

Omanexpo signs 7th MEALF agreement

Omanexpo LLC and MEALF have signed in Dubai, UAE the agreement to organize and manage the 7th Middle East Artificial Lift Forum (MEALF). Omanexpo, the exhibition and conferences organizer has already commenced intense planning and preparations for the strategic three-day event scheduled for March 2013.
Despite aggressive competitor biddings, Omanexpo was able to demonstrate its ability to effectively execute business-to-business strategic events in a professional and ethical manner. Eihab A. Abutaha, CEO of Communications, SABCO Group commented, "We are especially delighted to have signed the agreement with MEALF, Middle East, considering that we were faced with unethical competitor cloning tactics. We are committed to being a clear strategic player and partner within the Oil and Gas Industry, and we are excited to manage the much-anticipated MEALF in Abu Dhabi, UAE."

MEALF is a major bi-annual exhibition and forum that centers on the increasing use of artificial lift technologies in oil production operations throughout the Middle East region. Since its inaugural edition in 2002, it has served as the launch pad for new players into the region and a platform for knowledge sharing and discourse about industry developments.

MEALF will feature a one-day pre-forum training workshop, a two-day forum highlighting emerging technologies in oil recovery methods, and an exhibition of oil-related equipment, technologies and services. Over 25 technical specialists from the oil and gas sector will deliver presentations on heavy oil, surveillance and optimization as well as alternative deployments for electrical submersible pumps in oil field.

"Since 2005, Omanexpo has been managing this highly significant event, and together, we have been successful in helping advance the growth and development of the oil and gas industry in Oman and in the wider Middle East region," said Saeed Al-Shaheen, the new chairman of the MEALF Technical Committee.

"As we know, the global requirement for oil is steadily increasing and the need to develop new applications and methods and discover modern artificial lift equipment technologies to boost oil production is crucial. This need has created a greater interest in MEALF," he added. Saeed Al-Shaheen recently took over the chairmanship reins of MEALF. Al-Shaheen is also the Manager of Well Surveillance at Kuwait Oil Company.

MEALF 2013 foresees greater numbers in terms of delegate attendance, exhibitor participation and representative countries than the previous event.

The MEALF Technical Committee is composed of high-ranking industry professionals and experts from Kuwait Oil Company, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), Qatar Petroleum, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Saudi Aramco, Al Khorayef Petroleum Company, Baker Hughes Centrilift, Daleel Petroleum, , Kuwait Gulf Oil Company, Lufkin Egypt, Occidental of Oman, Inc., Schlumberger, Tatweer Petroleum, Weatherford Oil Tool Middle East Ltd., and Wood Group ESP, Inc.
source [ameinfo]

UAE wins Gulf Cup

The Emirati players accept the Gulf Cup trophy after edging Kuwait in the gold medal game. Photo: United Arab Emirates Ice Hockey Association

ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates proved once again that they’re the best team in Gulf Region, defeating Kuwait 3-1 to defend the Gulf Cup title, an invitational tournament for national teams from the Middle East.

The tournament was staged for the second time after the 2010 edition in Kuwait and also involved selections from Bahrain and Oman.

Juma Al Daheri was the hero for the host nation at the Zayed Sports City ice rink in Abu Dhabi with a pair of goals.

“It was a sweet victory because it was achieved against a good team,” Al Daheri told the Gulf News. “Anything could have happened in the match because Kuwait has improved greatly in the past two months. I am happy to say that they will have a glorious future in the region and the continent.”

Already in the preliminary round it was a tight and heated clash between the teams as the Emirates needed a shootout to defeat Kuwait 3-2.

The Kuwaiti improved their program with the recommendations from the IIHF in a similar way the UAE did before by founding a national league and youth development programs for about 100 boys and 50 girls.

The United Arab Emirates had easier wins against Oman, 8-1, and Bahrain, 15-0. But Al Daheri also praises these teams.

“I am happy to see the determination and keenness of the youngsters in other teams, especially in Oman and Bahrain, trying to do their best despite the big differences between them and those of the UAE and Kuwait,” he said. “I believe they will learn fast and progress.”

For the UAE it’s the second tournament win this season after succeeding in the 2012 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia in India.

Oman won its first-ever international game in a 3-1 victory over Bahrain for third place in the tournament. The country has two teams with Omani players and an expat team with players from Canada and Europe.

“We are happy and excited. It was only our second participation in a tournament outside of Oman and we will return with a medal,” said Jehad Al Shaikh, the head of Oman’s delegation. “This will surely help us in our quest to establish an official body for the sport in our country upon return.”

For the winning Emiratis, the season is over now and their Belarusian coach Yuri Faikov will start the preparation for next season after Ramadan in September. It will be the season the men’s national team returns to the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship program by hosting the Division III Qualification in Abu Dhabi. And for the first time ever, an Emirati U20 national team will compete.
Source [iihf]

First Environmental Policy for the local Aviation Sector

Dubai, UAE: HE Engineer Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority ( GCAA ) has approved the Environmental Policy of the civil aviation sector in the UAE with the consent of all local authorities of civil aviation sector. The approval of the policy represents UAE's determination to meet its environmental objectives within the sustained growth of the civil aviation sector and to support initiatives to reduce environmental impacts.

The Environmental Policy for the civil aviation sector in the UAE, which is one of the first environmental policies on a state level, affirms the role of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to reduce the impact of emissions of civil aviation and climate change. It calls for the application of environmental laws and regulations for United Arab Emirates, and puts the emphasis on encouraging strategic partners to provide reports on the environmental performance on regular basis. It also aims to encourage the formulation and adoption of environmental policies and plans by all strategic partners in the domestic aviation sector, as well as the application of best practices based on cost-effective and positive economic impact.

HE Engineer Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the GCAA said: "The adoption of Environmental Policy for the civil aviation sector in the UAE is a major step taken by the aviation sector to reaffirm its role vis-a-vis the environmental matters within the fast paced growth it is witnessing." Al Mansoori added: "The Environment Policy complements the Green Economy strategy that was announced in January with the ultimate aim of achieving sustainable transport."

For his part, HE Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA explained: "Enhancing the environmental role of the GCAA in cooperation with local departments of civil aviation is part of our strategic plans to emphasize our role as civil aviation sector in environmental question." He added: "the aviation sector gives high priority to environmental issues in an aim to have the UAE among the leading and pioneering states in this area internationally, we have succeeded in setting a regional example in taking positive and effective steps for the development of new environmental policies and encouraging innovation to preserve the natural and environmental resources"

Eng. Maryam Ali AlBalooshi, Manager of Environmental Studies at the GCAA , who oversaw the writing process and the delivery of the policy, explained that coming up with the final policy started with the formation of the Civil Aviation Environment working group which approved the idea of ​​developing an environmental policy back in 2011 to be an umbrella for all the plans and future projects. The working group had the conviction that the environment issue is crucial in today's world to ensure a healthy and sustainable development, and that it is an important criterion for measuring the development of states. The work on the policy necessitated extensive comparative studies with a number of countries to explore the best environmental practices and policies and to know the difficulties and obstacles faced at the stage of the application. The working group formed a smaller technical specialized team to work exclusively on the new policy. The technical group worked closely with the strategic partners in the civil aviation sector, local departments for civil aviation, airports, airlines, and Dubai World.

The approval of the Environmental Policy comes after a year and a half of extensive work to enhance the aviation sector's involvement in the environmental matters and to lead the UAE towards a sustainable greener transport.
Source [Zawya]

Abu Dhabi celebrates $100m Marigold movie sales

Abu Dhabi based production company Image Nation is celebrating after its latest co-production, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, passed the $100m mark in worldwide box office sales.

The film was financed and presented by the Participant Media/Imagenation Fund in association with Fox Searchlight, which is distributing the film worldwide.

It premiered in London in February this year, and has since travelled the world, including the UAE.

The milestone marks the third film in a row to pass $100m worldwide for the Participant/Image Nation partnership, following the success of Contagion and The Help, which grossed over $200m worldwide.

In addition, Ghost Rider - Spirit of Vengeance, produced by Image Nation and Hyde Park also recently grossed more than $130m.

The achievement has seen The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel secure its place in the top-ten grossing films for the past four weeks in the US, despite platforming with a limited screen count in comparison to other summer blockbusters.

Mohammed Al Mubarak, chairman of Image Nation, said: "The Image Nation team is thrilled to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel pass the $100m mark, and with the film expanding into more theatres this week the best is still to come.

"Through our international partnerships, Image Nation aims to make films that transcend borders and resonate with people regardless of age or culture," added Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of British retirees who decide to "outsource" their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India.
Source [Arabian Business]

Dubai retailer Jashanmal plans Saudi launch

Dubai-based retailer Jashanmal Group plans to expand its business into Saudi Arabia within the next year, its group executive director has told Arabian Business.

The firm, which counts Burberry and Calvin Klein in its portfolio, said it plans to focus on growing its retail business in the kingdom before expanding into retail distribution.

 “We have presence [in] all of the countries in the GCC except for Saudi Arabia. We are also going to start in Saudi Arabia soon - we are going to be involved in something very soon,” said Tony Jashanmal.

“In Saudi Arabia if you have to do business today you have to cover at least three main areas so… we’ll be starting in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam all at the same time. It will be both [retail and distribution] but retail is easier to start with,” he added.

The privately-owned firm, which develops its own stores as well as buying the franchise rights of international firms, opened its first branch of the US fashion retailer Kate Spade in Dubai on Wednesday.

The GCC is fast becoming an attractive region for retailers due to its rising wealth, strong tourism industry and a growing urbanised population.

Dubai, which has long been the Gulf’s leading shopping hub, has added more than 1m sq m of shopping space since 2006, and is now home to about 40 shopping malls.

Retail accounts for around 30 percent of gross domestic product in the emirate.

A 2011 report by consultants Business Monitor International said the UAE’s retail sales would grow from an estimated AED79.35bn (US$21.06bn) in 2011 to AED105.47bn by 2015.

Jashanmal forecast double digit growth for 2012. “Last [year] we recuperated from the downturn and this year we’re enjoying the resurgence. I see a good near-term future for the business. We would hope certainly for double digit… and the signs are already good,” he said.

“Oil prices are still high. We’re also in India and the Indian economy is also growing. In the areas in which we operate there is a lot of activity going on,” he added.

Source [Arabian Business]