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] 

Dubai Press Club Announces Results of Media Poll Conducted during Arab Media Forum 2012

60 % Respondents Obtain News from Social Media Platforms

55 % Cent Believe Quality of Arab Journalism has Improved Significantly


Dubai-UAE: Saturday 09June, 2012 - Dubai Press Club (DPC), organisers of the Arab Media Forum (AMF), has announced the results of the survey conducted during the 11th edition of the event. A total of 734 responses were received from a sample size of 3,800 (19.3 per cent).

The survey piloted by Dubai Press Club supplements the research efforts of the organization for the fourth edition of the Arab Media Outlook, a report that tracks the changes, developments and media consumption patterns in 17 Arab countries.

The poll revealed that 53 per cent of the respondents would like the media to focus on key areas such as 'civics and education', 'family issues' and 'health and medicine'. Interestingly, only six per cent felt that the media should spotlight topics such as 'media transparency', 'politics' and 'sports'.

The growing status of social media as a source of news was also highlighted with 60 per cent of the surveyed stating that they obtain over 30 per cent of the news from social media platforms, while 15 per cent gained between 30 and 69 per cent of their news from social media feeds. Additionally, 10 per cent of the respondents said they depend on social media as a news resource for almost 30 per cent of the time.

While 54 per cent of those surveyed confirmed that they followed the recent political situation in the region from online sources, 43 per cent preferred the TV. Print media was used by a meagre three per cent only. The vast disparity towards print media was also evident in the outcomes of the fourth Arab Media Outlook.

On examining the status of the print media's marked decline, 25 per cent of the respondents believed that the industry will fade out. However, a solid 75 per cent affirmed that the end of the print media is still a long way to go.

A whopping 55 per cent of those surveyed agreed that the quality of Arab journalism has evolved for the better over the last two years while 24 per cent feel significant change is yet to take place. Notably, 21 per cent concurred that the situation has worsened.

The Arab Media Forum has garnered year-on-year success through the past 10 editions, validating Dubai and the UAE's ability to host high-profile events that draw a significant international media presence.

Themed 'Arab Media: Exposure and Transition', the 11th Arab Media Forum brought together over 3,800 regional and international journalists, as well as influential decision makers, opinion leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. The highly anticipated Arab Journalism Awards attracted over 1,200 media professionals.

In the run up to AMF 2012, Dubai Press Club released the key findings of the fourth Arab Media Outlook, providing projections for the regional media sector up to 2015. Every attendee to AMF 2012 was handed a copy of the report.
Source [zawya]

Dubai's cultural dreams may need reality check

With ambitious plans to build the world's first undersea hotel and establish itself as a cultural hub with an opera house and museum complex, Dubai is dreaming again

As the Gulf Arab state has made progress on restructuring its debt and an improving economy is boosting its fiscal position, th e government in recent m o nths has revived a host of projects put on hold after the property market collapse and subsequent debt crisis in 2009.

Plans to build a waterway that would enable residents in an upscale residential area of the city to sail to work in the business district by yacht are also back on the agenda. Other projects mooted by the government include the world's largest animal safari park and the biggest amusement park.

Whether all these projects actually come to fruition remains to be seen, however.

The city that boasts man-made islands shaped like palms and an indoor ski slope is never short of ideas, but conditions for building are still far tougher than during the boom years of 2002-08 as a near four-year property glut is hampering growth.

The emirate is still trying to rebuild credibility with investors who fled after state-owned conglomerate Dubai World shook markets in 2009 with a $25 billion debt restructuring plan.

"These Dubai projects that are a bit more adventurous or over the top will probably never get the funding. It's all about funding these days and investors will think before putting their money behind such plans," said a Dubai-based economist, who did not wish to be named.

State-backed entities led by Dubai World have made headway on securing debt deals with creditors and healthy demand in April for the state's first sovereign bond issue in nearly a year suggested investor confidence in Dubai is on an upward trend. But going off on a spending spree again is unlikely to reassure.

"It is true that Dubai should be using its resources to repay its huge debt," said a Dubai-based property analyst, who did not wish to be named.

"However, another way to look at it is that Dubai has to continue building its business ... and its best chance of growth is to build its tourism business."

The underwater hotel will be built by Drydocks World, a shipbuilding unit of Dubai World and which is itself restructuring $2.2 billion in debt, which it hopes will be completed by July.

The project is similar to an undersea project to build a 250-300-suite hotel and resort announced in 2006, known as Hydropolis, which was shelved after the debt crisis.

The latest version will be built in partnership with a Swiss firm, Big Invest Consult AG, which will arrange financing for the project, the companies said in April. The project is at the design stage and will commence only after financing is secured.

"Even if this underwater hotel project never goes ahead (which would not be unusual) in Dubai ... it is still good publicity for brand Dubai," said Filippo Sona, head of hotels and resorts for the Middle East and North Africa at property consultants Colliers International.

"It looks like Dubai is back in business and pumping away."

EXTRAVAGANT VENTURES

Extravagant projects were the hallmark of Dubai during the 2002-2008 boom years when the emirate attracted global attention with man-made islands shaped in a map of the world and constructed the world's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa tower, as well as what it bills as the largest shopping mall in the world, with an Olympic-size ice skating rink.

After the debt crisis hit, spending on infrastructure projects fell sharply. Last year it dropped 20 percent to 7.1 billion UAE dirhams ($1.9 billion), half the level seen in 2008.

But conditions are improving. Dubai house prices may finally stop falling this year after losing nearly two-thirds of their value since 2008, a Reuters poll shows, although oversupply will continue to dog the market for some time.

The emirate's economy grew 3.4 percent last year on strong trade flows and as its safe-haven status during the Arab Spring revolts elsewhere in the Middle East boosted tourism and capital inflows, helping cut the government's budget deficit to 3.7 billion dirhams ($1 billion).

Passenger numbers at Dubai's main airport surged 14 percent in January-April this year from a year earlier and the government targets 4.5 percent economic growth for 2012.

However, revenues are still shaky and the government cannot afford to spend on projects that don't generate a decent return.

"I would imagine that Dubai has learnt its lessons and is now putting more attention on sustainability," said Fabio Scacciavillani, chief economist at Oman Investment Fund in Muscat.

"Projects like the opera house and other public projects are only beneficial if they generate revenue. If they are just extravagant ventures with an uncertain stream of revenue, then the question is how would they pay for it."

The opera house and museum project is a revival of a pre-crisis scheme to build a dune-shaped opera house and cultural centre, designed by British architect Zaha Hadid, on an island in Dubai Creek. That was shelved as its struggling developer, Sama Dubai, slashed projects in 2009.

The government has not said how much the new complex, to be built in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa tower and include an opera house, modern art museum, two hotels and residential housing, w i ll cost, nor how it will be funded or who will design it. The city's designs on becoming a cultural hub could put it in competition with Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates' capital city, which rode to Dubai's rescue at the height of its debt crisis, throwing it a $10 billion lifeline.

The capital is building branches of the Guggenheim and Louvre museums as part of a $27 billion cultural project aimed at making Abu Dhabi a culture capital for the region.

Unlike Dubai, Abu Dhabi has oil wealth to spend on such projects. But progress on this project has not been smooth. Completion is taking far longer than planned and more than 130 artists last year pledged to boycott the complex over what they said was exploitation of foreign workers, according to Human Rights Watch.

Source [alharam]

Standard Chartered launches online rewards programme via Facebook

UAE customers have opportunity to earn points that can be redeemed for attractive rewards

Winner of grand prize gets chance to visit London Olympics


UAE - June 9, 2012 - Standard Chartered has launched an online rewards programme via Facebook, whereby the bank's UAE customers can earn points for their various banking transactions and redeem them for attractive rewards. A highlight of the campaign ending June 30 is the grand prize of a trip for two to London, including flight tickets, hotel accommodation and tickets for pre-selected Olympic events.

To join the promotion, customers only have to follow a two-step process. One, they need to visit www.standardchartered.ae/2012olympics to generate the promotion access code on using either their account number / credit card or debit card number. Two, they have to enter the access code in the "Race to the Olympics" application on Standard Chartered's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/standardchartereduae.

Once customers are registered and their accounts are validated, they will automatically earn points for the products/programmes that are included as part of this promotion, which means that no further action is required from the customer's end.

Mohammed Al Mazemi, General Manager, Distribution - Middle East for Standard Chartered, said:

"We always look for innovative ways to reward our customers, and this 'Race to the Olympics' campaign particularly leverages the power of social networking. The campaign has been designed to allow our UAE customers to earn easy reward points with minimal effort on their part. Several exciting rewards are up for grabs, including the grand prize of a chance to be part of the London Olympics."

The rewards available for redemption include, iPads, Emaar gift card, dining voucher at Atmosphere (Burj Khalifa), movie tickets, and ice rink tickets. Points that are not redeemed by June 30 will be converted into lucky draw entries to enter the Grand Draw at 20 points for one Grand Draw entry.

Standard Chartered - leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East
Standard Chartered PLC is a leading international bank, listed on the London, Hong Kong and Mumbai stock exchanges. It has operated for over 150 years in some of the world's most dynamic markets and earns around 90 per cent of its income and profits in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This geographic focus and commitment to developing deep relationships with clients and customers has driven the Bank's growth in recent years.

With 1,700 offices in 70 markets, Standard Chartered offers exciting and challenging international career opportunities for more than 87,000 staff. It is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity. The Bank's heritage and values are expressed in its brand promise, 'Here for good'.

For more information on Standard Chartered, please visit www.standardchartered.com Follow Standard Chartered UAE at www.facebook.com/standardchartereduae and on Twitter @StanChartUAE.

For further information about Standard Chartered, please contact:
Ramy Lawand
Senior Regional Manager, External Communications
Standard Chartered MENAP
Tel: 009714 508 2564
Mobile: 00971 56 675 9894
E-mail: Ramy.Lawand@sc.com

Or please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
Tel: +971 43988901
Fax: +971 43988941
P.O.Box: 23345, Dubai, UAE
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

Source [Zawya]

New Emirati fashion brand opens in Dubai

Emirati engineer and businesswoman Nazek Al Sabbagh is all set to launch her new fashion brand 'Zari O’ Breesam' that represents an illustrious addition to UAE fashion brands eyeing a global footprint.

'Zari O’ Breesam' aims to attain a market share in the UAE of over 20 per cent within three years, driven by quality, innovative designs and aggressive marketing, remarked Al Sabbagh ahead of the launch next week.

The UAE businesswoman said she was confident that the brand will emerge as a key Emirati player in the Gulf fashion industry which is growing at 15 per cent annually, with Dubai playing a major role.

The exclusive “Zari O’ Breesam” fashion house will be opened in Dubai next week, displaying a stunning, eye-catching fashion range.

“Dubai is distinguished by multi-culturalism and provides a fertile environment for the development of local brands.  Dubai is certainly a gateway to other Arab markets. I am confident that  “Zari O’ Breesam' will establish a strong presence on the fashion scene in no time.'

According to her, a new collection under the name of “Hawa Al Bareh” will to be launched on the launch day.

'Al Bareh is the name given to the northern wind that blows for 40 days in Gulf areas, providing soothing relief from the intense summer heat,' explained Al Sabbagh.

The “Hawa Al Bareh” collection represents a transition into summer fun, as reflected in the vibrant colors and breezy designs celebrating the joy and wonder of summer, while preserving the wearer’s modesty, a hallmark of women’s fashion in the Gulf.

It celebrates transformation and modernity, to reflect international fashion trends, while maintaining the originality, authenticity and heritage of the  Gulf, thus offering UAE and Gulf women contemporary elegant options, she stated.

The collection consists of 51 brilliantly fashioned and unique dresses to fit all occasions, made in vibrant summer colors conveying a pervasive sense of joy. The colors vary between lively yellow, joyous orange and delightful sea blue.

'Our aim is not only to meet the growing demand for stylish contemporary outfits that reflect the Emirati culture but also to attract and nurture young local talent, focused on creating unique designs with an international appeal, blending modernity with heritage, and helping the region’s fashion industry become competitive and quality-driven,” she added
Source [trade arabia]

DED announces June 30 last date to make use of discounted fines on business establishments

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has reminded businesses and companies in Dubai that 30th of June 2012 will be the last date to make use of the reductions on fines, granted under a decree by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. has
According to the decree, fines payable from January 012, until February 29, 2012, are to be reduced by 40%.

A 30% reduction will be applicable to fines payable between March 1, 2012, and April 30, 2012 while fines payable between May 1, 2012, and June 29, 2012 will be reduced by 20%.

The decree underlines Sheikh Mohammed's continuous support to businesses and companies in Dubai, and to finding out the actual number of active establishments, which would help in the preparation of essential data and studies on economic activities and licenses.

"The first months after the decree saw overwhelming response from the owners of commercial licenses and at least 3,050 fines being paid. Businesses are taking advantage of this opportunity as it facilitates fee payment and provides them additional funds. The fines can be paid in a number of outlets including the main building of DED in the Business Village and its branch offices in Dubai, Central Post Office and various local and international banks across the UAE," said Mohammad Al Shehhi, Director of Finance Division at DED.

Al Shehhi added: "We expect a 25% increase in fine payments during the last few days up to June 30. Businessmen and owners of business licenses in Dubai should come forward to pay the fines and make use of the 20% reduction as applicable now."
 Source [ameinfo]

UAE Offset Programme Bureau renamed as Tawazun Economic Council

The UAE Offset Programme Bureau has officially been renamed as Tawazun Economic Council in a move timed to celebrate the organization's 20th anniversary. The word 'Tawazun' - the Arabic word for balance - is specifically included in the new name to reflect the organization's mandate of creating sustainable economic and social benefit for the United Arab Emirates and its people.
Tawazun Economic Council was established in 1992 to oversee implementation of the Tawazun Economic Programme (formerly known as the 'Offset Programme').

With a mandate to facilitate joint ventures between local and international firms, the Tawazun Economic Programme also invests in sustainable economic and social ventures in the country which are aligned to national imperatives and the country's strategic economic master plan. Since its creation, it has helped attract direct foreign investment in the UAE, creating more than 40 joint venture organizations.

Both Tawazun Economic Council and its strategic investment arm, Tawazun Holding, focus on helping to build a specialized manufacturing and engineering industry backbone in the UAE and have recently undergone a refreshing of their brands' 'look and feel'.

His Excellency Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council and Tawazun Holding, said: "As Tawazun expands its horizons internationally, it is critical that our stakeholders understand the partnership opportunities available to them in the UAE. The Tawazun Economic Council's new name aligns the organization with the mandate that is at the core of its being, that of helping to create an economic and social balance in the UAE.

"Even though it has undergone a name change, Tawazun Economic Council's goals remains the same. Our mission is to establish strong links between international contractors and our local private sector. We have an unrelenting focus on contributing towards economic and socially sustainable development which is helping to build a more diversified and knowledge-driven economy. At the very heart of our efforts is investment in people: investment that will add a tremendous value to the country's efforts to build national capacity in the right places strategically but also ensure sustainable employment opportunities for our people both today and for the generations to come," he concluded.
Source [ameinfo]

Blind Emirati lawyer wins Emarat Al Youm prize

Paper says Sharjah lawyer has a full record of achievements

A key UAE newspaper has selected a blind female Emirati lawyer as its “person of the month” for what it described as her full record of achievements.

Dubai-based Emirat Al Youm Arabic language daily said it had awarded Manar Mohammed al Hammadi, the first blind female solicitor in the UAE, the prize for May after it won all the 50 cases she had taken up.

“Manar deserved the prize given her full record of achievements,” the paper’s editor in chief Sami Al Riami said.He said Manar is working at Sharjah judicial department after obtaining a bachelor degree in law from the Sharjah university, adding that she is now seeking a masters degree.

“She is determined to pursue high studies and obtain the doctorate degree in law,” Riyami said.

In May, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAe and Ruler of Dubai, awarded Manar the “Order of the Prime Minister” for distinguished employees, according to the paper.“Manar has won all the nearly 50 civilian cases she had taken up…she says she has chosen to study law because it is the most convenient field for her as it helps her to better know the rights and duties and their significance to man.”

Emarat Al Youm introduced the unique award at the start of 2012 and said its editing board would pick the person at the end of each month.The tabloid-style paper said the prize would be confined to men and women from the UAE and other Arab countries who are residing in the emirates and that it would include a prize, shield and merit certificate.“The award would not be given to any person in a senior government position or to any one in DMI,” it said in January.

Emarat Al Youm, one of the region’s most popular Arabic language dailies, is part of the government-owned Dubai Media Inc, among the largest information groups in the region. DMI also includes Emirates 24/7, the Arabic language Al-Bayan newspapers, Dubai TV and other media

Source [emirates247] 

UAE toppers offered 100% IMT scholarship

India's Institute of Management and Technology, Dubai, is offering high school toppers in UAE a 100 per cent scholarship for Bachelor of Science in Business Management (BSBA) course.

With an aim of encouraging students to perform better, the Indian institute has announced scholarships for various categories. Those scoring above 90 will be given a 35 per cent scholarship, 25 per cent to those who score above 80 and 20 per cent scholarship if the student has scored above 70.

The full scholarship comes in as an incentive for those who have excelled in their performance and continue to give their best in the forthcoming semesters as well.

Dr Kiran, Chairperson of Admissions, said in a statement: “Our BSBA course is one of the most popular courses at the university, and is aimed at preparing students to work in the competitive corporate world. Scholarships are major incentives to motivate the students to work hard and continue performing well every semester and ahead.”

The Institute of Management and Technology, located at Dubai International Academic City, is the first business school that has been recently accredited by International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), USA.

Source [emirates247]

'Digital signage' industry set to grow in UAE

International Expo Consults (IEC) part of Falak Holding, one of UAE's multi-faceted business conglomerates, stated that with the advent of new technology the 'Digital signage' industry is expected to grow exponentially in 2012 and 2013. According to a new report by Global Industry Analysts Inc. the global digital signage systems market is expected to reach $13.8bn by 2017.
Digital signage is a form of electronic display that shows television programming, menus, information, advertising and several other messages. Digital signs such as LCD, LED or projected images can be found in public and private environments, such as retail stores, hotels, restaurants and corporate buildings.

"We strongly believe that the Digital Signage industry is set to grow at a very rapid pace in the UAE and also across the Middle East region. Digital signage will form an integral part of the malls, large institutions and towers in the region. Everything is moving from plain static information to dynamic and interactive information model. This is an industry to watch in the near future. Digital signage will no more be just an option but an important necessity as the industry unveils innovative offerings," said Mr. Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of IEC.

"Sign, Graphics and Imaging Show 2013 (SGI) will have a dedicated Digital Signage pavilion to provide the right platform for the industry. This will enable both the exhibitors and customers to interact and take the industry to greater levels," added Mr.Falaknaz.

SGI is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the region for exhibitors and visitors in the signage, outdoor media, screen and digital printing industries. As per the research carried out by Intel Corporation, the digital signage industry worldwide is growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 26 percent and also predicts the world to have over 22 million digital signs by 2015.

"Though this is an emerging technology, digital signage has rewritten the rules of marketing, enabling enterprises to deliver information to their employees and customers more effectively. Furthermore, digital media technologies have completely transformed the landscape in which enterprise and media companies operate by enabling them to optimize their business processes. New delivery mechanisms have also allowed marketers to use innovative strategies to reach their customer bases effectively," said Mr.Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC.

Companies that were part of the 'Digital Signage' pavilion in SGI 2012 included some of the industry leaders such as - LP Flex (Germany), F.A.R.T S.p.A neon (Italy), LED World, Lumiled, Amzan Neon and Robert Neon from UAE are some of the major companies at the Digital Signage pavilion. The exhibitors from China are also growing and large manufacturers are expected to participate in SGI 2013.

"The market sees digital signage as a more beneficial tool compared to static signage because content that updates frequently and can be digitally updated, saving the cost of printing. Digital signage also has the ability to be interactive with imbedded touch screens, movement detection and image capture devices. Increasing adoption among a wider base of industrial sectors as an effective medium for interactive advertising and decreasing costs of purchasing, installation and maintenance also augurs well for the future of the market," added Mr.Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC.

SGI Middle East is an established 15 year old business forum where exhibitors and visitors can interact with sign makers, print and production manufacturers, architects, media agencies, real-estate developers, brand and image consultants among others. This forum will also include seminars and workshops conducted by industry experts. The 'SGI 2013' show will be held from January 20th to 22nd at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Over 400 exhibitors from across 30 countries were present at the show in 2012.

Source [ameinfo]

Dubai: UAE Padmashali Community to Host Sathyanarayana Puja, Harikatha

Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Jun 9: UAE Padmashali Community with their second year of existence has arranged to organize second Shri Satyanarayana Puja on Friday June 22 at Karama Centre, 5th Floor, Karama, here.

A special 'Harikatha' programme will also be presented by Shri Ambathanaya Mudradi who will arrive from India to make this event more fruitful and give a traditional touch.

The programme will begin with Kalashapratishtapana at 2 pm followed by Bhajan recitation from children.  A one and half hour Harikatha recitation will begin at around 4 pm and Shri Sathyanarayana Katha and Puja will commence from 6 pm onwards until Mahaprasada distribution at 7.30 pm.

Padmashali Sangha UAE came into existence when the enthusiastic members of the community met on June 18, 2010 at the residence of their dynamic leader Ravi Shettigar Karkala with large numbers to form a union. Their main objective was to keep a close knit of the community in this part of the world so as to be meeting, helping and promoting the rich culture of the community, sharing and caring at all times.

UAE Padmashali Community has cordially invited all devotees to attend the programme with their family and friends to seek the blessings of the Lord.

Source [daijiworld]

UAE to get largest atlas copy

Dr Abdulla El Reyes, Director-General of the National Centre for Documentation and Research (NCDR), will receive the first copy of the Earth Platinum Atlas, the largest atlas in the world, on June 12.
Earth Platinum is a comprehensive atlas, featuring a world map for each of the thematic topics — Europe, Canada, the USA, Australia, India and more. It will present the best national geographic map for every country in a world atlas.

Source [khaleejtimes]

UAE ranks top in Mena for financial education

الإمارات العربية المتحدة تحتل المرتبة الأولى في مينا لل
 التعليم المالي

أعلى الرتب الإمارات العربية المتحدة من بين الدول في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا للتعليم المالي، دراسة جديدة تكشف.
وسجل دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ما يقل قليلا عن 10 نقطة عن البرازيل دولة رائدة في عام 2012 البارومتر العالمي لمحو الأمية المالية المقررة والتي تحتل المرتبة مستويات محو الأمية المالية من الناس في 28 دولة.
وأعقب البرازيل من المكسيك واستراليا والولايات المتحدة وكندا على أنها أكثر الناس يعرفون القراءة والكتابة من الناحية المالية.
"وتظهر النتائج أن الآباء والأمهات في الإمارات العربية المتحدة لديها موقفا إيجابيا بشكل خاص لتشجيع محو الأمية المالية بين أطفالهم بالمقارنة مع معظم البلدان الغنية، التي تمتلك 78 في المائة يعتقدون أنه من المهم التحدث إلى أطفالهم حول مستقبلهم المالي على أساس منتظم" وقال منظمو مؤتمر القمة السنوي العالمي السادس لمحو الأمية المالية الذي عقد في شيكاغو. استضاف بنك الاحتياط الفدرالي في شيكاغو، وفيزا هذا الحدث.
ووفقا للمسح، و 25 في المائة من المجيبين مع الدخل المرتفع ويقول انهم لا يملكون ما يكفي من الأموال لتغطية الشخصية سقوط الاقتصادية الطارئة إلى الفئات ذات الدخل المرتفع. واعترف مستوى عال من شملهم الاستطلاع في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة (70 في المائة) أنها لا تملك الأموال اللازمة لبقاء على قيد الحياة في حالات الطوارئ الشخصية الاقتصادية استمرت أكثر من ثلاثة أشهر. المشاركين في أكثر من نصف 28 بلدا شملهم الاستطلاع يعتقدون أن عموما، والمراهقين والشباب لا يفهمون أساسيات إدارة المال، مثل الميزانية، والادخار، والديون، والإنفاق بشكل مسؤول.
في جميع أنحاء العالم، للمواطنين أصغر وأكبر خطر يواجه معظم الشخصية الاقتصادية، بمعنى أن لديهم احتياطات الطوارئ وأصغر هم الأقل احتمالا لمتابعة الميزانية.
"ومقياسا يدل بوضوح على أنه في حين كانت هناك خطوات الكبيرة التي بذلت في دفع عجلة التعليم المالي لا يزال هناك الكثير الذي يتعين القيام به"، وقال اوليفر Jenkyn والتنفيذية مجموعة، وأمريكا الشمالية، وشركة فيزا "وهذا هو السبب فيزا وبنك الاحتياطي الفيدرالي من شيكاغو حصة التزام لمساعدة الناس من جميع الأعمار اكتساب الأدوات المالية اللازمة لتصبح أفضل مديري الأموال. القمة السنوية لمحو الأمية المالية هو جزء مهم من هذا الجهد. "
وكانت قمة في محو الأمية المالية جزء من التزامها المستمر لتعزيز وتسهيل المهارات المال بشكل جيد.
استكشاف هذا الحدث الذي حضره ممثلون كبار من فيزا في جميع أنحاء منطقة الشرق الأوسط، والحلول المحتملة لتحسين محو الأمية المالية في جميع أنحاء العالم كجزء من التزام كل من المنظمة لتحسين معدلات محو الأمية المالية.
وقد أدار هذه القمة من قبل Bodnar جانيت، رئيس تحرير مجلة كيبلينغر والتمويل الشخصي، واحدة من المنشورات المالية الشخصية الأكثر ثقة في الولايات المتحدة.

Source [khaleejtimes] 

Things you never said till you lived in Dubai

A few months ago, a YouTube video called “Sh*t Dubai expats say” scored 54,000 hits. Made by Henrik Friberg from South Africa and Hermann Venter from Sweden – both long-term Dubai expats – it poked fun at the quirks of life in the emirate, offering gems such as “Hi, can I order a delivery please? Yeah, one small bottle of water,” and “No champagne? Pfff!” as well as an amusing attempt to describe a location on Sheikh Zayed Road (which is lined with high-rise buildings) as “by that new tower… no, not that one. Not that one, either. The one that looks like a golden eagle.”

I was reminded of this video this week as a thread developed on popular expat forum ExpatWoman. Started by a poster calling herself Mrs Potato Head, it asked readers to add things that they’d never said before they moved to Dubai. With grateful thanks to the ladies who contributed their ideas to the thread, I’d like to share with you some of the best, along with a few of my own – some of these phrases really do give you an insight into life in Dubai:

“Where’s the ladies-only queue?”

“Does the hospital have valet parking?”

“Is your school for profit or not-for-profit?”

“Sorry, children, it’s too hot to go swimming.”

“Put your shoes on or you’ll burn your feet.”

“Don’t lock the door – it’ll be fine.”

“Where’s the iron kept?”

 “Where does your driver sleep?”

“Can I pre-order a blanket for the cinema?”

“Where can I get ice blocks for the pool?”

“Can you call maintenance to change that light bulb?”

 “Children, look: Clouds!”

 “Give me best price, not tourist price. Do I look like a tourist?”

“That hotel’s so old. It opened at least five years ago.”

Of course, living in a country with a population that’s made up of over 100 different nationalities, it’s understandable that languages adapt as we try to understand each other. In the UAE, common words take on different meanings. A few examples:

Expire: To die. “My uncle expired last night.”

Genuine fake: A really good copy of a branded item.

Issues: Children. “How many issues do you have?”

Mamsir: Compound noun for Madam or Sir. “Good morning mamsir, how can I help you?”

Off: Noun used as verb. “Please can you off the air-conditioning?”

Paining: Hurting. “My tummy’s too much paining.”

Pre-pone: To bring a meeting or event forward.

Rounding: Driving around the block. “I’m rounding – there’s no parking.”

Today itself: Urgently. “Not tomorrow. I need it done today itself.”

Got any more?

Annabel Kantaria is a journalist who moved to Dubai long before most people knew where it was. She doesn’t ride a camel to work; has never seen a gold-plated golf buggy and only rarely has pink champagne for breakfast. Follow her on Twitter: @BellaKay

REF [telegraph]

Dubai school warns parents after taxi driver harassed girl student

Students, who don’t use school buses, are being educated about the need to be extra cautious while hailing a cab home, after stray incidents of harassment were reported in the city last week.

Schools have started circulating e-mails to parents, informing them about the importance of creating awareness among their children on the dangers of taking a cab.

The principal of Jumeriah College issued an e-mail highlighting a shocking incident when a Key Stage 3 student was harassed by a cabbie in broad daylight. “The student took a taxi home after an after-school activity at 4.40pm,” the e-mail read.

It was reported that the taxi driver indecently exposed himself in front of the girl, and hovered around the area after dropping her off, in an attempt to find out if she was alone at home, but left a while later.

Although the girl was not physically harmed, she was shocked and distressed by the incident, but had the presence of mind to take down the number of the cab.

“Please be advised once again on matters relating to safety, asking your child to make a call to you or indeed a dummy phone call when in a taxi and saying the taxi number out loud,” read the e-mail.

Soon after this case was highlighted many schools forwarded this e-mail altering other parents of this danger.

“It’s extremely distressing for any parent to learn that their child has gone through such a traumatic experience. Steps must be taken to ensure their safety while in the cab,” asserted a parent, adding, “The RTA must do something to discipline their cabbies and punish those who indulge in such behaviour.”

REF [Emirates247]

Search grows for Gosport sailor who is still missing in Dubai

PEOPLE have taken to the streets in Dubai to help search for missing sailor Timmy MacColl.

The leading seaman, from Gosport, was reported missing in Dubai 12 days ago after he did not arrive back on board his ship HMS Westminster.

In Gosport, friends and family members have united in a show of strength by holding a vigil and helping raise awareness.

Meanwhile in Dubai, people have taken to the streets to hand out leaflets with Mr MacColl’s picture on.

A group of volunteers are also planning to hand out posters in the area where he went missing.

Others have put up flyers at Dubai International Airport.

Mr MacColl’s mum Sheena travelled from her home in Killin, Scotland, to be with her son’s pregnant wife Rachael and their two children.

She told The News: ‘What everyone is doing over there is wonderful.

‘It gives us some comfort.

‘That’s what needs doing, people handing out flyers and searching and things like that.

‘I would like to say thank you so much to those people.’

More than 100,000 people have now signed up to a Facebook group called ‘Bring Timmy Home’.

Its members have decided to put up yellow ribbons in public places to raise awareness of Mr MacColl’s disappearance.

The 27-year-old, whose wife is expecting their third child in October, was last seen by a shipmate getting into a taxi alone at about 2am on May 27.

He is said to have just left the Rock Bottom Bar at the Regent Hotel in the area of Deira, about a 15-minute drive from Port Rashid, where HMS Westminster was docked.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said the British Embassy in Dubai is working with local authorities there.

An FCO spokesman said: ‘We are aware of reports a British national is currently missing in the United Arab Emirates.

‘The British Embassy in Dubai has been in contact with the local authority and we stand ready to provide consular assistance as necessary.’

REF [portsmouth]

Ancient Indian medicine Ayurveda trending in Dubai

Dubai, June 8 (ANI): Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old Indian health system that is believed to cure all internal and external ailments by a combination of its eight branches, has been approved by the Dubai Ministry of Health and the Dubai Health Authority.

Those who use it believe it to be a complete system of medicine, whether the area for treatment is internal and external.

"The basic principle of Ayurveda is that there are three energies in our body, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which are controlling all of our functions," Gulf News quoted Dr Asha Jones, an Ayurvedic Practitioner at the Dubai Herbal Treatment Centre (DHTC), as saying.

Vata is responsible for all movement in the body and is the most important of the three doshas. Pitta is responsible for all metabolisms in the body. Kapha provides the structures and the lubrication that the body needs.

"If they are balanced, our body will be perfectly healthy.

"When we see a patient, we see what energies have gone up or down with the main purpose of balancing these energies.

"The main aim of treatment is to remove toxins from the body and healing from ourselves.

"It is very popular in India and now it is accepted worldwide. Ayurveda has no side effects if you are diagnosed properly," she said.

More and more patients are beginning to realise the benefits of traditional healing.People are becoming aware of the side effects of medicines they take.

"Ayurveda has no side effects. I think that is the main reason people are getting attracted to Ayurveda," Jones said.

Durga M., a 47-year-old marketing researcher and professor, suffered from severe sciatica for two years. She was limping from pain and could barely walk.. for months, she had used pain pills in an effort to find relief. Then she discovered Ayurveda.

"I wanted something that would help me now and in the future as well," Durga said.

"I was told that pain pills would mess up my sciatica even worse," she said.

She took Ayurvedic medicines and 14 therapy sessions. She will return to DHTC next winter to continue treatment and permanently expel sciatica from her life.

"I did believe in Ayurveda, but the problem was it was expensive-but my friend dragged me there and I could tell immediate results. I was living with knee pains for a couple years. I didn't go for knee pains but this treatment helped in curing my knee pains as well," Durga added. (ANI)

REF[newstrackindia]

Emirates introduces “Do more in Dubai” promotion

Emirates Airlines and Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) Company, are offering families the chance to ‘Do More in Dubai’ this summer with great offers across the city for families with children under 12 years.

The promotion, which coincides with Dubai Summer Surprises, is available until September 30, when Dubai stores have summer sales.

Do More in Dubai covers all a traveller’s needs: flights, transfers, accommodation, shopping, activities and tours – making Dubai a unique destination without breaking the bank.

In a statement released in Accra on Thursday, Mr Richard Vaughan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations worldwide said Dubai had developed into a destination for all seasons.

He said Emirates had chosen its partners, DTCM, Dubai Mall and many participating hotels, to showcase the best the city has to offer.

“Emirates knows that finding a holiday destination to meet the needs of a diverse group, be it families with children or a group of friends, is challenging and has thus created this offer to make travel a little easier,” he stated.

Under the Do more in Dubai offer, up to two children under 12 years, travelling with an accompanying adult in economy class, are eligible to receive complimentary accommodation, minimum three night stay, meals in participating hotels, plus airfare discounted 50 per cent off the adult fare.

Families will have a choice of more than 70 hotels and apartments in Dubai, ranging from two- to five-star, with city or beach locations, to meet every family’s need.

Furthermore, offers at participating hotels can be extended beyond three days and will include free breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets for children, plus room taxes and service charges.

For parents, Emirates will increase its baggage allowance by 10kg per one for up to two traveling with children; making space for shopping purchases and family souvenirs from Dubai.

Emirates’ partner; Dubai Mall will enhance the exclusive Do More in Dubai packages by including free children’s access to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Sega Republic and Dubai Ice Rink at the mall, the world’s largest.

The entrance deals with some major attractions in Dubai such as the Wild Wadi Water Park, Aquaventure & Lost Chambers at Atlantis, iFLYDubai; Soccer Circus & Cite’ des Enfants at Playnation – Mirdif City Centre; and the Dubai Dolphinarium at Creek Golf Club.

The offer also covers Meet & Assist service at the Dubai airport, airport transfers, and a free Dubai City Tour & Dhow Cruise with dinner for up to two children with accompanying paying adults.

For visitors to Dubai travelling without children, the Dubai Mall discount voucher book provides one-of-a-kind experience for those still young at heart such as golfing at the Els Club in Dubailand and Arabian Ranches Golf Club and dinner along the Creek on a Bateau Dubai Dinner Cruise.

Do More in Dubai allows travellers of any age to create unique experiences across Dubai – from beach to malls, from the desert to the pinnacle of the world’s tallest building, Emirates customers will be limited only by their imaginations.

“Emirates is known for its superior service in the air and with Do More in Dubai it brings our spirit of hospitality and adventure to our passengers while on the ground. Emirates invites families with children, as well as those still young at heart, to come and experience everything our hometown has to offer this summer,” said Mr Vaughan.

REF [Spyghana]

SpiceJet to connect Dubai with Delhi, Mumbai

SpiceJet, India’s most preferred low fare airline, is further expanding its wings in international sky and would be launching its service to Dubai, one of the most sought after destinations in Asia. SpiceJet is connecting Dubai with daily services to India’s two biggest metros—Delhi and Mumbai and inaugural flights are set for last week of this month.

The first flight to Dubai will be on June 25 2102 at 11:55 AM from Delhi and the first flight from Mumbai will take-off at 08:30 PM. Tickets for Delhi-Dubai and Mumbai-Dubai flights will be available for booking from today.

SpiceJet will fly its New Generation Boeing 737-800 on these international sectors. SpiceJet will ensure the most competitive fares in the Industry for its passengers with compromising on the service it offers.

SpiceJet already operates on two international routes namely—Delhi-Kathmandu and Chennai-Colombo. Dubai would be SpiceJet’s third international destination. In domestic market, SpiceJet has a wide network and connects 34 destinations.

"The Government of India has taken substantial and positive steps to open the market and allowing private carriers to connect with new international destinations. To leverage the opportunity and offer quality services at affordable price to our guests, we are pleased to announce the launch of flights to Dubai with more exciting destinations coming soon." SpiceJet Chief Executive Officer Neil Mills said.

SpiceJet has received all the required regulatory/government approvals from concerned authorities in India as well as from Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to launch its services and put tickets on sale.

With superb facilities at Dubai International Airport, Dubai offers excellent shopping and a variety of sports and leisure activities. Dubai has something to offer to everyone and is a preferred choice for many Indians for tourism, business and employment. SpiceJet looks forward to welcoming its guests to Dubai.

To celebrate this earlier launch, SpiceJet is offering introductory airfares starting from just Rs.4,477 (plus government taxes) one way, on the two routes connecting Dubai with Delhi and Mumbai, which will be a limited seat offer on our online bookings.

SpiceJet made its debut into the global skies about two years ago with the launch of its first international flight from New Delhi to Nepal's capital Kathmandu on October 7, 2010. This was followed shortly by flight from Chennai to Colombo, Sri Lanka on October 9, 2010.

Tickets can be booked through www.spicejet.com or Toll Free Reservation at 1800 180 3333 / 0987 180 3333 and through Travel Agents. For more details on schedule and fares please log on to www.spicejet.com.

About SpiceJet:
SpiceJet is India’s most preferred airline, with more than 17% of market share, delivering the lowest air fares with the highest consumer value. We operate more than 275 daily flights to 34 Indian cities and 2 international destinations. The city of Agartala, Ahmadabad, Bangalore, Baghdogra, Calicut, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Guwahati, Goa, Hyderabad, Jammu, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Port Blair, Srinagar, Surat, Varanasi and Vishakhapatnam and two international destinations, Kathmandu and Colombo are connected using our new generation fleet of 34 Boeing 737-800/ 900ER aircraft which are  of highest standard in safety and operating efficiency.

Spicejet has acquired 7 new Bombardier Q400 aircraft for enhancing connectivity to Tier II and Tier III cities. On this aircraft SpiceJet now flies to Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Calicut, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Indore, Kochi, Madurai, Mangalore, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Trichy, Trivandrum, Tuticorin, Vijayawada, and Vizag.

SpiceJet is the winner of

• Travel and Hospitality India’s Most Outstanding Airline LCC-Domestic Award (Feb 2012, New Delhi)
• Smart Travel Asia’s Top 5 Best Budget Airlines in Asia (Aug 2010) and in Top 10 list for 2 consecutive years (Aug 2008 & Sept 2009, Hong Kong)· Outlook Traveler’s Best Low Cost Airline (Feb 2008 & Feb 2010)
• Award for Best Website at ‘World Low Cost Airlines Asia Pacific Conference’ (January 2010 & Feb 2012, Singapore)
• India’s best low-fare airline in a survey conducted by MaRs on behalf of Hindustan Times (December 2009)
• World Travel Market Award for multi-channel approach in distribution (November 2009, London)
• National Award (ICWAI) for excellence in Cost Management (March 2009)
• CIO 100 Award for IT efforts for customer satisfaction and business growth (2007, 2008 & 2009)

REF [Business Standards]

Sunland to face ASIC over Dubai criminal probe role

A MELBOURNE court has asked the Australian Investments & Securities Commission to investigate listed property developer Sunland over its disclosures to the Australian Stock Exchange regarding its involvement in a Dubai criminal investigation.

In 2009, Sunland made several announcements to the ASX claiming that none of its staff had been under investigation by the Dubai authorities over a deal with employees of state-owned company Nakheel.

However, judge Clyde Croft yesterday found Sunland Middle East boss David Brown had admitted under oath in the Victorian Supreme Court that he had been questioned by Dubai police over the company's deal with four Australian businessmen in Dubai to secure a prime plot of waterfront land.

Mr Brown was not charged by the Dubai authorities. The four other Australian businessmen involved in the transaction were later charged by the Dubai authorities but each denies any wrongdoing.

The most influential people in Sport
Justice Croft dismissed Sunland's civil case against the two of the four Australian businessmen -- Matthew Joyce and Angus Reed -- involved in the deal.

In that case, Gold Coast-based Sunland sought to recover a $14 million "introductory fee" that it alleged the pair duped from Sunland to help it secure a prime plot of waterfront land.

The judge found Mr Brown and Sunland founder Soheil Abedian were unreliable witnesses and that it was Mr Brown who sought out Mr Reed and Mr Joyce to participate in the deal.

Sunland said it disagreed "in the strongest possible terms" with the judgment and the court's grounds for referring its findings to ASIC.

"A preliminary reading of the judgment indicates that Sunland has very strong grounds for appeal," the company said. Sunland's shares plunged 4.3 per cent to close at 89c yesterday.

An ASIC spokesperson said it would re-examine the judgment.

Supporters of Mr Joyce, who is under house arrest in Dubai, hope the ruling against Sunland will improve his chances of being found not guilty of corruption charges there.

Transcripts of the Melbourne trial have been admitted as evidence in the Dubai criminal proceedings.

Mr Joyce and former colleague Marcus Lee -- both former Nakheel executives -- have been held by Dubai authorities since January 2009 over their participation in the transaction.

Both men are vigorously disputing the charges.

Mr Reed was not an employee of Nakheel but a Geelong Grammar School friend of Mr Joyce.

Boss of Prudentia Investments, Mr Reed acted as middleman in the deal to secure plot D17 on the Dubai Waterfront development.

Mr Reed and another businessman involved in the deal fled Dubai to avoid being arrested.

He has since been declared a fugitive by the Dubai government and has been charged in absentia for his involvement in introducing Mr Brown to Mr Joyce.

Mr Reed said the Melbourne ruling made clear that he along with Mr Joyce and Mr Lee were innocent.

A ruling is expected in the Dubai criminal case on June 17.

REF [theaustralian]

Dubai makes waves on the beach soccer scene

DUBAI // The president of Beach Soccer Worldwide on Thursday described Dubai as the "second home" of the sport.
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Joan Cusco, who is also a member of the Fifa board, stressed the importance of the emirate after signing a deal that will see Dubai host the next five Intercontinental Cup competitions.

"If you talk about beach soccer in the world and you ask people to name one city, they will say Rio de Janeiro," Cusco said. "But now more and more people are getting to know Dubai. If you ask which is the second most important city in this sport, people say Dubai.

"If you talk to the players and ask which tournament you would like to play, they will say Dubai. If you talk to the teams and ask where you want to play, they say Dubai. So Dubai has become the second home of the sport.

"We have a world champion [Humaid Jamal] here and this is another measure of success."

Dubai has been hosting beach soccer events since 2006, including the 2009 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup, and now Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the chairman of Dubai Sports Council, has ordered the construction of a complex for beach sports, with a seating capacity of 5,000 to 7,000.

The UAE also held their first beach soccer league earlier this year, which saw international stars such Madjer and Rui Combra, from Portugal, Stephan Meier, from Switzerland and Hussain Ahmed turn out for the eventual champions Al Ahli.

Last month, Jamal, the UAE national team goalkeeper, helped the Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow beat Flamengo to win the Mundialito de Clubes, the sport's Club World Cup, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Dubai caught the eye of the beach soccer world after hosting the 2009 World Cup, which Cusco described as the best ever. The city hosted the first ever Intercontinental Cup last year and the annual tournament will now stay here until 2017 following yesterday's signing of a formal agreement between Dubai Sports Council and Fifa's beach soccer committee.

"We take pride in the fact that Dubai's name will be linked for the following five years with this important tournament and that our audience will get the chance of seeing international teams competing for the cup, including our national team, which we are seeking to improve in order to be among the best international teams," said Matar Al Tayer, the deputy chairman of Dubai Sports Council.

Cusco, said the Intercontinental Cup was the perfect event for Dubai after the successful World Cup, and added: "In 2010, we did not have any event because after the World Cup, we had kind of a hangover. You can't go back and you have to think what is next. So we thought about it and in 2011 we created the Intercontinental Cup, which has proven to be a great idea and event.

"It brings the champions of all the confederations together and they play for the best possible trophy after the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup."

REF [thenational]

Dubai deports four HIV positive women inmates

Public Prosecution orders deportation of four women serving long sentences

Dubai: Two women inmates at the Punitive and Reformative Establishments who have tested HIV positive have been deported while two more await deportation for the same reason, a police official said.

A decision was received from Public Prosecution last week to deport the four women, who were being kept in a separate ward at the central jail in Aweer, according to First Lieutenant Fatima Shir Mohammad Al Mazemi, Director of the Execution and Follow-up Section.

“The four women were serving sentences of seven to ten years for drug-related charges, but the decision was to deport all HIV-positive inmates even if they were serving a life sentence,” Al Mazemi said.

Two of the women were deported on Tuesday, another woman deported on Thursday, while the fourth awaits her travel documents.

“We have informed her consulate and are waiting to receive her documents,” Al Mazemi said.

“The four women, all African nationals, have been assisted by their churches, which provided them with tickets to go back home. Our Human Affairs Section helps inmates who cannot afford a ticket or those who have financial obligations by paying for their tickets and allowing them to go home, and in some cases paying off their debts.

“The four include a pregnant woman, who jeopardised her health and that of her baby by swallowing capsules containing narcotics in an attempt to smuggle them and was caught in Dubai Airport,” said Al Mazemi.

“A pregnant woman who was smuggling drugs in her guts years ago and was arrested and sentenced gave birth in prison to a baby boy who was born missing some fingers. The boy was given treatment and underwent many surgeries at the expense of Dubai Police and is doing fine now, but he is still in jail with his mother, although he is almost six years old now, as he has no family and no one to take care of him,” Al Mazemi said.

All inmates undergo a full medical before admission to assess their health condition. Those with contagious diseases, such as Aids, are kept in isolated wards.

“In many cases, women who have Aids became easy targets for drug dealers, as they think they have nothing to lose and want to make some extra money for their families before they die,” Al Mazemi added.

REF [gulfnews]

117 Dubai schools apply for fee hikes

The Knowledge and Human Development Auhority (KHDA) said that 117 of the 146 private schools in Dubai had applied for hikes in the 2012-2013 academic year. Of the remaining 29 campuses, 17 were not allowed to apply for increases as they had not been in operation for the required three years, and 12 schools did not want to raise fees.

KHDA is allowing fee increases after a two-year freeze. It says it has approved 83 of the requests for fee hikes and is processing the other 34.

Under a new framework that the authority announced in April, all schools operating for more than three years may apply for increases based on their performance in school inspections and an educational cost index based on inflation.

Schools rated outstanding can apply for a 6 per cent increase, while those rated good can raise fees by 4.5 per cent. Acceptable and unsatisfactory schools are allowed a 3 per cent increase. The educational cost index encompasses for the first three percentage points of each of these figures.

However, schools rated good and outstanding can apply for additional increases if they can show the funds are required to carry out infrastructure or facility upgrades - a clause of which many schools appear to be availing themselves.

Not-for-profit and embassy schools may also ask for additional increases.

Yesterday was the final day schools could apply for any increase.

KHDA officials did not specify how many schools had applied for additionl fee increases but said eight such requests had been approved.

Kings Dubai, a school rated outstanding, told parents it had applied for an 18 per cent increase, citing infrastructure expansion. It was granted an increase of 9 per cent.

Indian High School also received an outstanding grade and was granted a 9 per cent increase. "We are improving IT facilities and built a new campus last year which justifies our increase," said Ashok Kumar, the chief executive of the not-for-profit school.

Dubai Modern High School, which operates on the Indian curriculum, informed parents this week that it had been granted a six per cent increase.

"This 6 per cent fee increase is with effect from April 2012," said the letter from the school's principal. Parents have been asked to pay the April and May fees in June.

"You will be happy to know that come September, our students will enjoy training in a second swimming pool and have three new state-of-the-art science labs in place as well," wrote Darryl Bloud, the principal.

A parent of two children at the school was less enthusiastic.

She said parents were bitter because the hike comes very soon after a 90 per cent increase the school was granted when it moved to a new premises in 2009.

"It was a big increase then and any increase now just makes it worse," she said.

She will be paying a total of Dh82,000 annually for her two children this year.

Jonathan Hughes D'Aeth, headmaster of the Repton school, said it was investing in a library, theatre, additional swimming pool and boarding facilities, which required an increase of more than 6 per cent. He did not reveal what increase the school had requested as it had not yet been approved. The school was ranked good in its latest inspection.

"The other challenge is our school is not yet connected by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and runs on generators. Diesel is expensive," he said.

The fees at the school are up to Dh85,000 for day students, or Dh140,000 for boarders.

"We are conscious that parents are paying high fees and have tried to bring a fair balance in our request," the headmaster said.

REF [thenationals]

Dubai Matchmaking nets Dh117m expected deals

DUBAI — Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development, or DED, in coordination with the Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting, or GOIC, Qatar, held a ‘Dubai Matchmaking Day’ over two consecutive days, concluding 222 bilateral meetings between various large Gulf and UAE companies, including manufacturers and suppliers.

Deals worth Dh117 million for projects with an estimated total value of Dh365 million were discussed in the meetings. The matchmaking was aimed to promote cooperation between main GCC contractors and their potential subcontractors in the UAE, GCC and the rest of the world across various industry sectors.

Mohammed Al Kamali, director of Export Market Development at Dubai Exports, said: “Dubai Exports concluded Dubai Matchmaking with a series of records as 86 per cent of participants expressed full satisfaction in the event and more than 74 per cent praised the way in which it was organised. The meetings resulted in a variety of suggestions and mechanisms to strengthen the role of UAE and Gulf companies in the industrial sector and boost exports among GCC countries through contracts between suppliers and manufacturers of raw materials.”

“The Industrial Subcontracting and Partnership Exchange (SPX), promoted by GOIC, strengthens the capacity of small and medium industries (SMI) to encourage import substitution and exports of manufactured goods. SPX has been specifically designed to boost technical information systems and networking potential to facilitate links between small, medium and large manufacturing firms,” added Al Kamali. The objective of SPX is to reinforce the capacity of local industries to increase their production, upgrade their technological processes and products and to improve their international competitiveness. SPX contributes to finding new investment opportunities through connecting different industries, which will result in value addition and increase in export opportunities, thus keeping pace with international industrial development.

“SPX and Dubai Exports have been working as partners since 2008, providing support to small and medium enterprises and helping industrial sector to upgrade capabilities and activate its economic role. The cooperation brought together major manufacturers in the region and raw material suppliers from the GCC markets and Europe,” said Mohammed Khamis Al Mukhaini, director of Industrial Information Department, GOIC.

He noted that the strong presence of suppliers and vendors have a significant impact on the success of such events and in sustaining the role of small and medium enterprises in the industrial sector.

REF [khaleejtimes]