Taking on a new attitude, Giordano launches its latest summer collection, City Energy, inspired by performance clothing and made with functional fabrics. The season’s casual wear combines light weight and UV protected fabrics with bold colours and ergonomic shapes to create trendy summer casual wear. Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director of Giordano, said: “During summer, the high temperatures of the UAE dictate what people wear. Why should a person have to compromise fashion for function? This collection strikes a balance between the two and fashions a fresh new line of performance driven casual apparel so that our customers can wear the latest trends and continue to enjoy an active lifestyle.”




Giordano’s City Energy collection draws inspiration from luxury sports and translates the same essence into casual wear. The focus is on technology driven fabrics that protect, keep dry, do not stain or wrinkle ensuring the customer comfort even in the heat. The use of bold colours such as eclipse blue, ruby red, royal blue and banana yellow bring the collection to life.




Women can select from a wide variety of shapes in women’s tops that include trendy slim long tees with delicate feminine prints. As for the men, the collection has a range of vibrant sporty striped and cut-and-sew tees with artistic graphics inspired by word art and sports that voice bold messages.




City Energy sports a collection of pants and shorts of all styles, shapes and lengths with special attention to functional detail. Men and women can also select from the season’s jackets that comprise of sporty fitted zipped jackets with cut and sew colour block details, available in a multitude of lengths.




“Technology has allowed us to take apparel to the next level. We have paid careful attention to detail and fabric to produce some of the most exciting pieces in the Giordano range. We believe that the City Energy collection is perfect for the urban-trendy individual who is bursting with energy,” concluded Chugani.

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), a member of Tatweer, has announced that the Center for Healthcare Planning and Quality (CPQ), in collaboration with DHCC ophthalmologists, has commenced a number of initiatives to improve the quality of healthcare services in line with international best practices, and to engage the medical community in a discussion on disease management, clinical indicators and outcome improvement.

Emaar, The Economic City (Emaar.E.C), the Tadawul-listed company developing King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), celebrated the achievement of SR1 billion from sales of residential units within the first phase of the mega-project. The robust performance was backed by the launch of several new projects worth SR130 billion by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin AbdulAziz AlSaud during his visit to KAEC in June.

GE (NYSE: GE) and Mubadala Development Company, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, today announced a framework agreement on a global partnership encompassing a broad range of initiatives including commercial finance, clean energy research and development, aviation, industry and corporate learning. Building on an already strong relationship and a common view of high growth opportunities in the Middle East and globally, the agreement provides for shared capital commitments to new joint ventures and investment funds.




In addition, Mubadala also plans over time to become a long-term GE shareholder. The expectation is that Mubadala will become one of GE’s top ten institutional investors through the open market, as conditions allow.




The multi-faceted partnership will include initiatives in the following areas:




• Commercial finance: Over the next 12 months, the two companies will establish a jointly owned global commercial financial services business headquartered in Abu Dhabi with best-in-class origination, funding and risk management capabilities. The two companies will each allocate $4 billion in equity for the venture over a three-year period. The venture will expand GE’s opportunity pipeline globally, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, while providing Mubadala with access to GE’s best-in-class commercial finance capabilities. The new business initially will focus exclusively on investment opportunities generated through GE Capital’s existing origination and servicing capacity, with targeted assets in excess of $40 billion.




• Clean energy and water R&D: GE and Mubadala will establish a clean energy technology center located in Masdar City, the new carbon neutral, zero-waste city in Abu Dhabi. Masdar is Mubadala’s world-leading alternative energy initiative. The center will be an extension of GE’s global research network and will house up to 100 technologists developing new sustainable energy, water and other environmental technologies. GE will now have five research centers around the globe. GE also will establish an ecomagination® center in the Masdar facility to market and showcase its ecomagination products. Ecomagination® is GE’s successful business initiative that develops more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products and services.




• Investment funds: GE also intends to commit up to $50 million to Masdar’s second Clean-Tech Fund, focused on multi-geography investments in the clean technology sector and companies that simultaneously reduce dependency on traditional energy sources and the environmental burden of energy production. In addition, Mubadala intends to invest up to $200 million to GE Industrial Investment Partners, a new partnership of select global investors that will focus on providing growth capital to companies in the healthcare, energy, and transportation industries.




• Aviation and oil & gas: GE and Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT), Mubadala’s leading Middle Eastern aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company, will explore expansion of their MRO capabilities to support the large and growing number of GE aircraft engines in service in the region. GE will widen the scope of its joint venture with ADAT, called Gulf Turbine Services, to include field service and repair capability for the oil & gas industry in the UAE.




• Corporate learning: Also housed in the Masdar facility will be a new corporate learning program. GE will manage the curriculum, courses and instructors, which will come from its world-renowned “Crotonville” executive education program. This center will host the region’s business leaders and GE executives for training. It is expected to launch by the first quarter of 2009.




Implementation of the framework agreement is subject to negotiation of definitive documents and receipt of required regulatory approvals.




GE Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Immelt said, “This partnership brings together two world-class organizations with complementary resources and a shared commitment to excellence. Mubadala has deep experience, a diversified portfolio of businesses, access to regional infrastructure opportunities and an exciting vision for growth. We are delighted to be partnering with them to capitalize on what we believe are significant opportunities in today’s global financial marketplace.”




“This partnership is consistent with our global growth initiatives and builds on our long-term relationships in a high-growth region like the Middle East,” Immelt said. “We can use our unique financial and industrial capabilities to establish profitable relationships across a number of businesses and we welcome them as a long-term shareholder.”




Mubadala Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Mubadala’s approach is to work with the world’s very best partners to develop and operate businesses that generate outstanding financial returns. Our long-term partnership with GE draws on a joint commitment to, and core expertise in, high-growth businesses like clean energy, project finance and aviation. Most importantly, both our companies regard knowledge and the development of executive and scientific talent as a competitive advantage.




“GE constantly sets global benchmarks and is well positioned for continued success,” said Mr. Al Mubarak. “When we partner, we seek to create value for both parties in multiple ways. This partnership does exactly that.”




GE and Mubadala have been working together for more than four years. Mubadala and GE currently jointly manage an infrastructure fund (The Mubadala Infrastructure Partners) that invests in major projects in the region. GE also is an anchor partner in the Masdar initiative, helping create solutions in clean energy. GE has also hosted Mubadala senior executives at its Crotonville leadership center in New York. This in turn led to the Mubadala & GE Management Program that was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2006 - a leadership program run in Abu Dhabi and across the Arabian Gulf.




GE has been growing significantly in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi. GE’s 2007 revenues in the region were over $5 billion, an increase of 50% over 2006. Abu Dhabi companies and institutions represent a large customer base for GE’s aircraft engines, healthcare and energy products and services. GE has established Abu Dhabi as an important GE service center hub in the region, with facilities dedicated to its Energy and Sensing businesses.

Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it has flown more than 10 million passengers since its launch in October 2003. The carrier passed the mark at the end of June 2008. In the first half of 2008, Air Arabia carried more than 1.6 million passengers, an increase of 33 per cent compared to 1.2 million passengers in the corresponding period last year. Passenger average load factor – passengers carried as a proportion of available seats – for the first half of 2008 stood at 86 per cent, a three per cent increase compared to same period last year.




The company purchased three aircraft during the first half of this year and increased frequencies to its existing destinations, providing customers with the region’s best flight connectivity. The Sharjah-based carrier also introduced four new destinations in the first six months of this year, including Kozhikode, India; New Delhi, India; Shiraz, Iran; and Dhaka, Bangladesh. This increased Air Arabia’s total network to 41 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Central Asia.




“We are truly honoured by the ever-increasing number of people who have made Air Arabia their airline of choice for travel across this wide and vibrant region,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia. “From day one, we remained focused on our initial promise to offer highly affordable air travel solutions, while never compromising safety, reliability and the very highest standards of service.




“As we continue to expand our list of destinations and grow our fleet, we hope to introduce even greater numbers of people to our award-winning service and competitively priced fares. We look forward to passing another 10 million passenger mark in a very short time.”

Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it will introduce service to Kiev, Ukraine, in October 2008. The launch of this new destination reflects Air Arabia’s growing expansion into the Eastern European market. AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia said: “Ukraine is one of the fastest growing economies in Eastern Europe, and there is considerable passenger traffic between the country and the Middle East, particularly for tourism and business. We look forward to introducing non-stop service between Kiev and Sharjah in the coming months, and to offering our value-for-money services to everyone seeking friendly and efficient travel between these two dynamic regions.”

Emaar Hospitality Group LLC, the hospitality & leisure business subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has appointed Mr Christoph Mares as Chief Operating Officer of the company. Reporting to Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mares will drive the day-to-day business and management operations of every business unit within Emaar Hospitality Group’s diversified portfolio.

Young Arab Leaders - UAE Chapter (YAL), the foremost development platform for business, public sector and civil society leaders in the Middle East, today announced it has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with three governmental bodies in South Korea, aiming to strengthen trade, as well as cultural and social understanding between the UAE and the Republic of Korea.

SATA, Sharjah’s leading travel agency, announced today the opening of its fourth fully-dedicated sales shop in the emirate of Sharjah. SATA, equally owned by Air Arabia and Sharjah International Airport, offers tickets sales for many local and international airlines, and provides retail and business travel, newly created government travel, holidays, umra service and visa assistance services.

The first “Etisalat Cinema Premiere Night” to be held on July 15 at Grand Cinemas across the UAE will feature the latest Hollywood thriller ‘Wanted’ featuring Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman. The exclusive red-carpet event , the first in a monthly series that will serve up all the latest Hollywood hits is by special invitation. To win an invitation all you have to do is send ‘Fun’ as an SMS to 1110, before July 14.




The winners will be selected through a lucky draw and will receive their tickets to attend the Premiere in Grand Cinema theaters across the UAE – in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.




Etisalat has also been a key sponsor of many entertainment related activities – like the Friday Mega Movie nights on the MBC2 channel as well as events like the Dubai Summer Surprises and the Abu Dhabi Summer Festival.

In a major initiative aimed at improving the quality of service experience for its residential (Broadband Al Shamil ADSL) Internet service customers, Etisalat announced the launch of a new software called eSupport to enable them to solve basic Internet connectivity issues and problems on their own without having to call a help desk for support.

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a member of TECOM Investments, showcased its international higher education offerings at a workshop organised by the Times Higher Education (THE) - Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings in Seoul, Korea. Held on 8 July, the workshop served as a curtain raiser for the fourth QS Asia Pacific Professional Leaders in Education Conference and Exhibition (APPLE), which opened today (9 July) and will run until 11 July.

The Dubai campus of the SAE Institute, the world’s largest audio and creative media educator, today announced that admissions for the autumn 2008 semester had reached two-thirds capacity three months ahead of the admissions deadline, due to a growing interest in media-related careers among youth in the region. The record number of applications represents a significant increase over last year, which saw the institute add a December intake in addition to the autumn entries to accommodate demand.




Alexander Gehrig, SAE Institute Associate Regional Director for Asia and Middle East, said: “People have started to realize that they can pursue something they love and make it a career. The sizeable investments that have been made in the UAE recently by massive entertainment companies like Universal Studios and Time Warner mean that the film industry is here to stay, and that there are a number of interesting and viable career paths in that sector.




Moreover, our training method is very appealing, since it is hands-on and practical from the beginning. Students can train on world-standard equipment and make their own projects even in the first year. In the next few years, we expect even more interest from students—we’re anticipating a tidal wave.”




Markus Rosentreter, Head of the Film Department at SAE, added that the school’s focus on training students using industry-grade equipment and software was a major factor in the growth of enrollment.




He said: “We invest heavily in providing our students with the latest technological equipment, and perform frequent updates to ensure our students are trained on the best tools available. We recently upgraded all the iMac computers in our labs, which utilize up-to-date LCD screens in addition to the latest software for 3-D animation, video and sound editing, plus music production.”




The SAE Institute frequently invites renowned industry leaders to share their expertise with students at the Knowledge Village campus. It recently hosted renowned Oscar-winning film director Eugenio Cappuccio in an exclusive session on feature films highlighting the potential impact of new technologies and production techniques on the cinema industry.




Cappuccio is scheduled to lead a series of master classes in SAE’s autumn academic session this year.




SAE Institute, based in Dubai Knowledge Village, is one of the world’s largest creative media and communications technology education and training providers in the fields of film making, 3D animation, multimedia and web designing, as well as audio engineering.

Fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld has signed an exclusive deal with Dubai Infinity Holdings (DIH); an intelligent innovative investments enterprise that will focus on first of its kind projects in non conventional growth sectors, in line with their mandate to fulfill unmet market needs. Karl Lagerfeld is to design limited edition homes on Isla Moda, the world’s first dedicated fashion island, set in the iconic development, The World. This will be an exclusive collaboration between Dubai Infinity Holdings and Karl Lagerfeld across the GCC and India.




“Dubai Infinity Holdings is excited to bring Karl Lagerfeld to the UAE region for the first time as he embarks on laying his footprint on Isla Moda. He is the first of five iconic designers who will shape Isla Moda into an international destination. This is a very important phase in the development and begins a new chapter for fashion in Dubai,” said Samira Abdulrazzak, CEO of Dubai Infinity Holdings. “Karl




Lagerfeld’s exquisite work transcends demographics and is idolized by fashionistas in Dubai,” she added.




Legendary fashion pioneer, Karl Lagerfeld is a designer of a multitude of talents. His collaborations with avant-garde fashion labels such as Chanel, Fendi and eponymous brand Karl Lagerfeld has propelled him to Fashion Icon status. However, his versatility and interests in history, architecture, music, literature and photography has made Karl Lagerfeld one of the most influential designers of today.




Karl Lagerfeld has ventured into several expressive forms of art and beauty. His passion for photography took him behind the lens, creating his own campaigns and artistic photography, which are shown in the most famous galleries and museum all over the world. This obsession for photography and books naturally lead him to open his own bookshop on the leftbank of Paris and start a new venture as a publisher of art books with his publication house, 7L. He has implemented his passion for interior design by creating several different designs for his own properties, which reflects his artistic vision.




Karl Lagerfeld’s flair of combining avant-garde and haute couture will blueprint the isle of inspiration. “The metamorphosis of art and beauty is my passion. The discovery of contemporary mediums of expression has allowed me to pursue my interest in art, beauty, architecture and progressive cultural exchange,” said Karl Lagerfeld. “Dubai is a fashion bud on the verge of blossoming into the next fashion hub of the world. The city is alive with culture and rich in personality, making it a perfect place for aesthetic, fashion and design to flourish. Isla Moda has tremendous potential to be the style icon of the future and I intend on driving the island to high style stardom,” he added.




Today, Karl Lagerfeld has recognized the tremendous potential for international fashion in Dubai. Renowned for his innovative approach to fashion, photography art and beauty, Karl Lagerfeld has continuously reinvented his career though the exploration of different channels of expression. Isla Moda, his latest venture, will provide the legendary designer with the canvas for his next masterpiece.




Isla Moda is set to deliver an exquisite lifestyle created and curated by the world’s foremost designers offering a unique experience. The island will incorporate unparalleled architecture, lifestyle services, brand partnerships and design. Karl Lagerfeld is the first of five designers who will contribute to this iconic property.




Ms Abdulrazzak who is behind the pioneering project believes that the Fashion Icon’s legendary finesse and unprecedented style will set Isla Moda as the ultimate private paradise of high style: “We believe that the synergy of cultures will propel Isla Moda into international status making it an iconic landmark on the fashion world map. The most important aspect of this collaboration is the fact that we share a common vision”.




Dubai Infinity Holdings recently made headlines by signing a joint venture with India’s largest entertainment house, Yash Raj Films as well as launching the regions first UAE national female leadership initiative Style 7.

Boots, the UK’s number one pharmacy-led health and beauty store announced the launch of an exciting new promotion offering customers the chance to pamper themselves with their favourite No7 products. As part of the promotion, which runs from 25th June to 22nd July, customers who purchase No7 products worth AED 150 are entitled to a gift hamper worth AED 350. The gift hamper, which comes in a stunning pink decorative box, can also be used to store jewellery.

2007 Nobel Laureate Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri and Masdar CEO, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber today announced the official call for nominations and submissions for the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP), an international awards program to recognize individuals, companies, organizations, and NGO’s who are leading the global search for future energy solutions.




Named after the UAE’s Founding Father late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed Future Energy Prize was launched in January this year at the inaugural World Future Energy Summit by HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to encourage innovations in the field of clean energy and sustainable development. The prize is a Masdar initiative, which is Abu Dhabi’s landmark program to develop sustainable solutions to meet the world’s future energy demand.




The winner and finalists of the first Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) will be announced at the World Future Energy Summit on January, 19th 2009. The winner will receive US$1.5 million and two finalists will receive US$350,000 each to take their ideas and ambitions forward.




The jury, who will be responsible for selecting the winners, was also announced today and includes some of the world’s leading experts in future energy and climate change. The full jury includes:
Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Chairman of the Jury for ZFE; HE Olafur Grimsson, President of Iceland; HE Khaled Irani, Environment Minister of Jordan; HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar); Lord John Browne, Managing Director, Riverstone Holdings; Lord Norman Foster, Founder and Chairman, Foster + Partners and Jeremy Rifkin, President of the Foundation on Economic Trends.




"Climate change is one of the most significant challenges we face today. Over the past two decades we have seen some incredible advancements in the development of alternate sources of energy, but there is still a long road ahead. The Zayed Future Energy Prize will be an important symbol for creating future energy choices, as it will be honoring the contributions of energy pioneers and inspiring others to seek and create innovative solutions for a sustainable future,” said Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Chairman of the Jury for ZFEP.




“In establishing the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP), Abu Dhabi honors and continues HH Sheikh Zayed’s environmental legacy and advocacy for sustainable development. This vision is for a new energy future, whereby the world has access to energy that is sustainable, accessible, and affordable. This can be achieved by driving the best minds to explore science and technology, and develop evolutionary solutions,” added Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar and Director General of ZFEP.




A dual language, Arabic and English website was designed specifically for the prize and is now live. The website, http://www.zayedfutureenergyprize.com/, will be a focal point for information and updates on The Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) and will be a portal for entering nominations and submissions.




Nominations and Submissions for the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) will be open until July 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively.




The Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) is the preeminent award in field of clean energy supported by the Government of Abu Dhabi and announced at the World Future Energy Summit in 2008. It recognizes and aspires individuals, organizations and companies--making contributions in clean energy research, engineering, theoretical advancement, and/or in the areas public policy and public awareness.




Projects and innovations in one or more of the following fields are eligible for nomination:




· Renewable and sustainable energy
· Efficient use of traditional sources of energy
· Conservation
· Sustainable energy policy
· Communication and public awareness.




The selection process for the Prize is modeled on the Nobel Prize. The finalists will be selected by global experts in clean energy. The winner will be awarded a prize of $1.5 million and the two finalists will be awarded a $350,000 each.

Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, today introduced a new early check-in procedure for all of its passengers. The procedure allows passengers to check-in up to 24 hours before their flight, and make use of dedicated counters specifically set up for them, which also offer early seat assignment.



“Convenience for our passengers is one of our strengths,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia. “With the introduction of these new early check-in procedures, we give passengers the option to have their boarding expedited immediately if they register early. All of our passengers will benefit from having this option, as it will make the boarding of our flights more efficient than ever.”




The dedicated counters and early check-in procedure are available from flights taking off from Air Arabia’s primary hub at Sharjah International Airport only. Standard timings for early check-in will commence from 10:00-19:00 daily. Dedicated counters for early check-in passengers will be at counters #41 and #42.




Passengers who make use of this check-in procedure must be sure to arrive at the check-in counter at least 60 minutes before flight time. There is no additional charge for making use early check-in.

The UAE National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking concluded its 10th meeting today in Dubai with a draft plan for the next phase of its counter trafficking strategy. Amongst other key topics, discussions focused on a draft plan to launch a nation- wide media campaign in the UAE on the nature of human trafficking and the tough penalties, according to UAE Federal Law 51 against any perpetrators of this crime.



Dr. Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chair of the UAE National Committee to Combat Trafficking, said: "Although the UAE has achieved a number of important objectives over the past year in combating this crime on several fronts, we will continue to push forward with new initiatives. Through the commitment of our leadership, the work of an active national committee as well as our four-pillared action plan, we aim to accelerate and improve on the progress achieved so far over the past year."




A media campaign has been planned to raise awareness of the issue locally, foster public-private partnership on trafficking issues and familiarize residents with the unjust and unacceptable aspects of this crime. The campaign also aims to act as a deterrent to criminals in demonstrating the UAE's firm stand and tough punishment imposed on traffickers.




"Human trafficking is a crime that is totally unacceptable, and it is our responsibility as a member of the global community to do everything in our power to combat human trafficking and we will launch a nation-wide awareness campaign soon as part of our efforts,” said Gargash.




National Committee members also discussed the next phase of the UAE's counter- trafficking strategy including a renewed focus on ensuring protection in UAE law for domestic workers as per the recent Cabinet decision, and to ensure prosecution of violations under the UAE’s tough human trafficking law.




The Committee's strategy will include a focus on ensuring the continued prosecution of human trafficking crimes in the UAE, through further training public prosecutors and law enforcement officers, raising awareness and encouraging use of Law 51 in human trafficking cases. The Committee also vowed to continue building ties with others in the fight through cooperation agreements on the bilateral level as well as between organizations and civil society groups.




The National Committee aims to capitalize on the positive feedback from both the public and the international community on the work carried out by the UAE through the international alliance created by UN.GIFT (United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Trafficking) and the $15 million donation of Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to this global cause.

American Express Middle East, leader in premium payment solutions, announced today that it has initiated a special offer with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. This offer, exclusive to American Express Cardmembers in the Middle East, enables them to enjoy a complimentary night at any Ritz-Carlton hotel around the world, with every booking made for three consecutive nights. When staying eight consecutive nights, Cardmembers can enjoy two complimentary nights.




This special offer is available only for online bookings made on The Ritz- Carlton website and is valid until September 30, 2008. To mark this partnership, three short films have been produced, featuring the tailor-made offer as one-of-a-kind experiences. The films, available for viewing on The Ritz-Carlton website, are set to have a high appeal to a new, younger audience, in addition to today’s luxury consumers.




Peter Fawn, Director - Establishment Services Group, American Express Middle East & North Africa, said: “Travel and hospitality are among the largest areas of spend by our Cardmembers, growing well over 30 per cent year to date. We are happy to be able to now offer our Cardmembers an additional incentive to enjoy their summer leisure travel with such an illustrious luxury hotel brand as The Ritz-Carlton.”




Fawn also added that Cardmember hotel transactions were up by 17 per cent in the year to date.




Adel Al-Emadi, Regional Client Manager, Hotel & Restaurant Industries at American Express Middle East, said: “Our Cardmembers enjoy the finest things in life and are thus frequent guests at The Ritz-Carlton hotels throughout the world. On average, our Cardmembers spend about three to four times more than on other cards. We are confident that the new summer offer will mutually benefit both brands and our respective customer base.”




Dany Nakad, Regional Director of Sales – Middle East, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. said: “The Ritz-Carlton naturally appeals to a premium audience such as American Express Cardmembers. This is a partnership between two elite brands, and we look forward to creating many more lifestyle-enhancing opportunities together.”

Kids attending Dubai Summer Surprises 2008 are in for a special treat when world-famous Nickelodeon characters SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Patrick Starfish appear at Nickelodeon Arabia’s stand in Modhesh Fun City at Dubai Airport Expo from today until August 22. Kids will be able to have a photograph taken with their favorite Nickelodeon characters and download them from the Nickelodeon website (http://www.nickarabia.net/). They can also record a personalized message that will be posted on the Nickelodeon website and see sneak previews of the brand new Nickelodeon channel at a special viewing station.




Nickelodeon Arabia, an Arabic language regional version of the most widely distributed multi-media children’s channel in the world, launches on July 23rd 2008 on NileSat and ArabSat satellites, reaching over 36 million homes and a potential 190 million viewers across the Middle East.




The channel, which is aimed exclusively at Arab children aged 2-14 years old, will showcase a mix of international content from Nickelodeon’s unrivalled animation portfolio such as pre-school hit Dora The Explorer as well as SpongeBob SquarePants and Jimmy Neutron for older kids, tween live-action favourites Drake and Josh and Unfabulous and the famous Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Nickelodeon Arabia will also air original local productions to ensure a wholly relevant experience for Arab audiences.




Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of Arab Media Group, said: “Nickelodeon is the world’s most widely distributed, kid-focused multi-media brand and is home to some of the world’s most recognized and loved kids’ brands and characters. In introducing the brand to the Middle East, we aim to raise the standard of children’s entertainment in the region.




Accordingly, we felt that it was due time that children in this region get a chance to meet the characters up close at the Dubai Summer Surprises 2008.”




SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the world’s most popular animated programmes. SpongeBob is a sea sponge who lives in the ocean with animal pet snail Gary in a fully furnished pineapple under the seabed. During his adventures with Patrick the Starfish, SpongeBob is relentlessly optimistic despite being constantly besieged by problems.




Beloved Dora the Explorer is a 7-year-old adventure champion full of activity and vitality. In each episode Dora and her favorite friend Boots the monkey request assistance from viewers in resolving problems and puzzles.

Dubai Media Incorporated, one of the Middle East’s pioneering media organizations and creative services group, was rewarded with two wins at the annual Promax/BDA –Design – North America 2008. DMI performed outstandingly at the ceremony, held recently at the Hilton, in New York, USA. DMI, which received eight awards earlier this year at the annual Promax/BDA Arabia Awards 2008, topped its wins this month with one Gold Award and one Bronze Award in creative execution, promotion and programming categories.




Ahmad Abdullah Al Shaikh, DMI Managing Director said: "We are proud of this remarkable success and prestigious achievement, which is added to the series of successive achievements by DMI, not only at the local or regional level, but also at the international level. This success crowns the great efforts made by all DMI employees generally and the creative team particularly, with the spirit of innovation, creativity and diversity of ideas by virtue of the diversity of cultural backgrounds representing various countries of the world.




“The confidence and acceptance of DMI channel managers of the creative ideas motivate our team for continuous creativity and innovation. We are sure we will achieve greater success and excellence in the coming years."




Al Shaikh added: "There is no doubt that this global achievement reflects the prestigious status DMI has achieved in production and television broadcasting, added to other major accomplishments attained by DMI, to encourage us to put extra efforts towards more success that contributes to the dissemination of the image of Dubai and its feats regionally and globally."




In the same context, DMI received 16 awards last year at Promax/BDA Arabia Awards 2007 in creative execution, promotion and programming categories. DMI also won three gold awards at the 10th Radio & TV production festival, held in Bahrain earlier this year. DMI's outstanding performance and excellent achievement at Promax BDA - Design - North America 2008 typified a night of global excellence ranked DMI at the top among other television channels in the region in terms of number of awards, is a clear affirmation that DMI is a pioneering organization in design, broadcasting as well as meaningful media industry services.

Tamweel PJSC, the largest provider of real estate finance in the UAE, announced today the appointment of Abdulla Nasser Abdulla as Deputy Group CEO of the company. Abdulla, who was recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of Tamweel Properties & Investments LLC, a fully owned subsidiary focused on real estate investment and brokerage services, will continue to serve in that role, while also overseeing Tamweel’s Escrow Management Services.

du, the UAE’s integrated telecom service provider has announced that visitors travelling from the GCC to the UAE during the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) festival can access a host of roaming services by choosing du (UAE03) as the network provider. In addition, travelers will be able to stay in touch with family and friends back home during the festival, from 18 June to 1 September, and access services they normally enjoy at home.




Farid Faradoni, EVP Commercial Division, du, said: ‘Dubai Summer Surprises is the biggest shopping and entertainment event in the region, figuring prominently on the holiday calendar of a huge number of regional visitors and we are delighted to be part of this exciting event. By roaming with du, visitors from GCC countries with postpaid and prepaid lines from their home country can make and receive calls and SMS, use video calling, mobile internet browsing and email to enable them to feel at home whilst traveling within the UAE."




“With du’s roaming services, visitors will enjoy a roaming experience that combines convenience and flexibility, because we realize the importance of communications in our daily life and the need to stay connected to family and business acquaintances, from anywhere in the world," he added.




du has signed over 550 international roaming agreements with world-class operators in a record span of 18 months from service launch. Moreover, visitors from several operators can enjoy easy access to their voice mail service, home operator customer care and other services using the same numbers that they use back home.




To roam with du, visitors must open the network operator settings menu on the mobile phone; choose manual operator selection method and then select ‘du” or “UAE03” Visitors can then access the du directory enquiry service by dialing 199 from their mobile phone to receive local numbers for shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and other destinations. For more information, visitors may log on to http://www.du.ae/ and go to the ‘Visiting UAE’ section.

Etisalat today announced a bonanza for its loyal customers with the launch of a new initiative aimed at giving its customers the opportunity to win free tickets to monthly premieres of the latest Hollywood blockbuster- movies. The first in the series of Etisalat Cinema Premiere’s is on July 15, featuring the latest Angelina Jolie - Morgan Freeman – James McAvoy starrer, “Wanted”. The Etisalat Premier Night will be held at Grand Cinema theaters across the UAE – in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.