du announces lucky winner of Andrea Bocelli AED 10,000 raffle

du, the UAE’s integrated telecom services provider, announced today the lucky winner of the grand AED 10,000 raffle prize, from the entries made to the draw during the Andrea Bocelli concert in Abu Dhabi.

Australian national Ranjith Powell was selected as the winner after entering the draw at Italian operatic pop tenor and classical singer Andrea Bocelli’s concert, held live at Emirates Palace on 27 March.

People were entered into the draw via an on-the-spot activity at the Emirates Palace venue, which asked people at random if they wished to participate in the du ‘Smart People’ activity. Those that agreed were photographed, and their image uploaded to the www.smartpeople.ae website. All those that were photographed were entered into the raffle, with an equal chance to win the AED 10,000 grand prize.

Powell, who has lived in Dubai for two years and subscribes to du services including TV, landline, internet and mobile, explained how he came to enter the competition. He said; “My friends had invited me to the concert and even though we were running late, I noticed the du raffle promotion and decided to enter, despite my friends telling me there was no point! When I found out I had won, they couldn’t believe it and said that it was meant to be! I am absolutely thrilled to have won this fantastic prize thanks to du, especially after having such a great evening at the concert. With the money I’m going to buy gold and jewellery for my mother. Thank you du!”

Farid Faraidooni, EVP Commercial, du, said: “The Smart People activity was a fun and experiential way to connect with customers and present to them our new Elite and Premiere Plans in a unique way and part of a teaser campaign towards the launch of those products. We then added the element of excitement by offering all participants the chance of winning a cash prize. We congratulate Ranjith on his good luck and are happy that the activity was such an astounding success, enjoyed by all of those that took part.”

The Andrea Bocelli event, sponsored by du, formed part of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival, in conjunction with Flash and LiveNation. du remains committed to bringing the best in entertainment to the UAE by sponsoring a number of diverse music concerts, and to bringing du to life for customers through competitions and other experiences.

du participates at MECOM 2009 as a Platinum sponsor

du, the UAE’s integrated telecom service provider announced today that it is participating at the MECOM 2009 trade show and conference being held in Abu Dhabi during 25-27 May as a Platinum sponsor. During the event, du has set up ‘du Majlis’, an area designed as a relaxation zone for the delegates.

Senior du executives will be presenting strategic and insightful information about specialized solutions for different verticals such as Manufacturing and logistics, Oil and Gas, healthcare, digital media and government sector, finance and banking and travel during the course of the event.

Speaking about du’s Platinum sponsorship and participation in the event, Faraidooni, said: “Our participation at MECOM 2009 is a reiteration of our commitment to this forum: to bring together business leaders and engage in meaningful discussions to promote the strategic growth of the telecom sector in the region. We are confident of an encouraging response this year.”

“du is committed to adding value to customers and empowering them to become more productive, by providing specific communication solutions for different industry verticals,” he added.

MECOM provides participants with a dedicated forum to source and discuss next generation communications technology and solutions in the Government, Healthcare, Hospitality, Banking and Finance, Public Sector, Oil and Gas, Real Estate, Retail, Manufacturing, Logistics and Media industries.

Lifestyle Presents The ’Unleash The Designer In You!’ Contest

The tween to teen years being a time of fun and fantasy will always be something special. This Summer Lifestyle the veritable retail haven gives the youth an opportunity to unleash their creative flair and design their own school essentials.

Get ready and head towards a Lifestyle store armed with super cool creativity from the 23rd June – 18th July where surprises await you! On an A3 sized paper, design your own school bag, lunch box and pencil case, attach your contact details and RUSH to a select Lifestyle store in your Emirate. That’s not all; if your design happens to be one of the best, then you win yourself a school bag, lunch box and pencil case with your design on it to flaunt!

General Manager, Lifestyle- Mark Bowland said, “With schools closing for summer holidays, children are enthusiastic. We see this as the best time to let them have fun. Children bustle with creative energy which is never tapped in its entirety, so we came up with this innovative concept to give them an opportunity to own their piece of art and flaunt it with pride.”

Submission of entries can be given at the following outlets:
Oasis Centre, Dubai
Breakwaters, Abu Dhabi
Bawadi Mall, Al Ain
Sharjah City Centre, Sharjah
Ajman City Centre, Ajman
Dana Plaza – Fujeirah
Bin Daher Center, Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai Customs Receives A Governmental Delegation From Abu Dhabi Customs And Vital Installations And Facilities Protection Agency

A delegation from Abu Dhabi Customs and Vital Installations and Facilities Protection Agency in Abu Dhabi praised the goods and boats inspection methods implemented at Dubai Customs as well as the highly qualified inspectors who work there.

On a recent field visit to Al Humariyah Inspection Port the delegation got the chance to observe the inspection procedures and the different technical support units at Dubai Customs including the Mobile Lab, the Customs dogs squad (Customs K9 Unit), the boats and the X-ray detector.

During a meeting at Al Humariyah Inspection Center, Mr. Rashid Saif Al Dhabbah, Senior Manager of Cargo Operations Sea & Jebel Ali at Dubai Customs gave a presentation on the different types of inspection methods implemented at Al Humariyah Port. He explained the nature of this port as it deals with creek dhows and small-sized iron ships as well as the procedures adopted to guarantee the legitimacy of the goods at the port. He stated:" Al Humariyah Port monthly handles 600 departing creek dhows and 600 arriving, while Al Khour Inspection Center deals with 1000 arriving creek dhows and almost the same amount departing. These two ports have maintained their traditional character while greatly influencing and serving the trade movement with the nearby countries. Therefore, inspection procedures implemented there are by no means less significant than those taken at any other inspection port in Dubai".

During the visit, Mr. Rashid Al Dhabbah and Mr. Saeed Al Sayegh, Director of Al Humariyah Inspection Center accompanied the delegation on a tour where they were given a demonstration of the regular procedures applied by Dubai Customs inspectors to check the creek dhows and goods. They also saw some of the support units that are used at all customs ports and crossings in Dubai; for example, the Mobile Lab which was internally developed at the Department and has several devices used to detect drugs, explosives, chemicals and radioactive materials. The Lab is very useful when inspecting suspected luggage or shipments, and it proved to be quite effective during many missions in different customs points. They were also able to see the X-ray detector that checks waste containers. Inspection techniques and the vital role the Customs Dogs Unit plays during the execution of inspection operations were also demonstrated to the delegation.

Mr. Rashid Al Dhabbah said:" This visit comes as part of the mutual cooperation and coordination between the governmental departments in UAE. Exchanging expertise, enhancing cooperation, sharing knowledge and information about customs matters are some of the issues agreed upon during the visit.”

Confirming the visit’s great benefit, Mr. Ahmed Rashid Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi said:" The visit was a very fruitful one as it introduced the inspection methods implemented at Dubai Customs which are not only renowned locally, but also regionally and internationally. It was agreed that a delegation of inspectors from Abu Dhabi Customs would visit Dubai Customs and conduct a joint training program. We also intend to maintain and strengthen our cooperation with Dubai Customs and the Vital Installations and Facilities Protection Agency in Abu Dhabi in terms of exchanging expertise, sharing knowledge, and the means by which the cooperation between Customs Departments and other Government Departments can be enhanced. "

“We are looking forward to making the best of what has been discussed and shown today in order to stay in line with the comprehensive modus operandi adopted by all governmental departments in the UAE," Mr. Ahmed Rashid Al Suwaidi added.

At the end of the visit, Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Customs and the Vital Installations and Facilities Protection Agency exchanged memorial gifts and souvenirs.

Second Hand Boom In Dubai

With more than 4500 visitors and 250 exhibitors, the Dubai Flea Market ended its outdoor season in Safa Park in May with a huge success. The start of the indoor season presents the first Dubai Flea Market in Al Safa Hall on June 12, 2009.

More than 100 exhibitors are expected to sell their goods at great prices. The rising enquiries for exhibiting and the fast sell out of exhibitor tickets at the Flea Market in June prompted the organizer, Melanie Beese, to set up additional markets in June and July 2009: "My phone is ringing non-stop". People are desperate to sell their used items at the Flea Market but I am fully booked for the 12th June already. This is why I am organizing an additional Flea Market on the 19th June and two markets in July, on the 3rd and 17th, to give more room for trading used goods. Surprisingly, I do not only receive bookings from Dubai, but also from other cities like Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah. The Flea Market is booming and I am looking forward to organize a great event for exhibitors and visitors. This is truly the best time for everyone to make good deals.

Everyone can be an exhibitor, selling used items from their households by simply register online at www.dubai-fleamarket.com at an exhibition fee of 220 AED per table. All equipment is arranged and parking is free. Whilst strolling around the variety of stands, visitors enjoy the atmosphere of a typical European Flea market with kids entertainment (face painting, games, Mickey Mouse) in a fully air-conditioned sports hall. The Al Safa Hall is located close to Safa Park, behind Al Maktoum school. A detailed location map is available on the homepage.

Opening hours for visitors are from 8am to 3pm, entering from the main entrance at an entrance fee of 3 AED. Since the exhibiting space in the hall is limited, registration is on first-come-first-serve basis. Registered sellers must unload their items between 6.30am and 8.00am, entering from the site entrance. The registration fee of 220 AED includes a registration badge, a fully set up table and two chairs. All further information are available on www.dubai-fleamarket.com.

Nine Year Old UAE National Girl Wins AED 10,000 At Festival@The Dubai Mall

Nine year old UAE National girl Bashayer Mohammed who attends Emirates National School, Abu Dhabi, couldn’t believe her luck yesterday when her coupon was pulled out of the ‘Win Millions’ raffle draw during the second day of Festival@The Dubai Mall.From Abu Dhabi and accompanied by her father, this was Bashayer’s first ever visit to The Dubai Mall. After purchasing a swimming costume at the Stadium store, Bashayer decided to try her luck by filling out the coupon and entering into the ‘Win Millions’ raffle.When asked what she would do with the money, an honest and caring Bashayer replied: “I will give it to my Dad and maybe he can buy some electronics products. This is my very first time in The Dubai Mall and it is so big and so impressive. My favourite thing here is the Dubai Aquarium.”Ghala Mualla Rashid and Hamad Mohd Saeed both UAE Nationals, Nabeel Abbas from Saudi Arabia, and Dmitri Dmntpo from the Ukraine were the other four lucky winners of AED 10,000 each yesterday as well as an additional five winners on Thursday, bringing the total amount given away in the first two days of the 30-day long festival to over AED 100,000.Festival@The Dubai Mall will continue through to May 29, 2009, and features several innovative events including a Bid 2 Win auction, Grand Bentley raffle draw and live entertainment.
 

Mall Of The Emirates Reaches Out To Its Neighbours

Mall of the Emirates, Dubai’s most popular retail and leisure destination, is extending a welcoming hand to new visitors from Abu Dhabi.The Mall’s position at the southern end of the Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road is the perfect location for a full day out in the world-famous shopping centre, with great entertainment inside and the added bonus of Ski Dubai and some of the city’s other major attractions on their doorstep.“The Mall of the Emirates is the perfect shopping and entertainment centre for Abu Dhabi’s residents,” said Fuad Sharaf, Vice President of Mall of the Emirates. “It takes just over an hour to drive here and like all our shoppers, after their first visit, they will want to come again and again.” he added. “We have a great experience to offer and we want the people of Abu Dhabi to enjoy that too,” he added.As a welcoming gift to those visitors from the nation’s capital, from April 30 to May 9, Abu Dhabi residents will be offered exclusive deals in the form of a ‘Neighbour to Neighbour Voucher Book.’The promotion, called ‘Welcome, Abu Dhabi Neighbours’, will ask residents to provide Abu Dhabi ID to receive the free booklet, which contains around 30 offers and discounts from many of the mall’s stores valid for three months.“This offer has been designed to extend the hand of friendship to our neighbours,” said Sharaf. “We are extremely proud of our achievements here at the Mall of the Emirates and we want to share our success not just with the people of Dubai, but with our brothers and sisters in Abu Dhabi,” he added.
 

RTA & Ministry Of Interior Discuss E-Link Of The Federal Traffic System, Recovering Salik Offence Charges

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) met with H.E. General Saif Al Shaafar, Undersecretary of Ministry of Interior to discuss the Unified e-Link of the Federal Traffic System and recovering the toll gate (Salik) offence charges from vehicles registered at Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates.At the outset of the meeting, Al Tayer hailed the solid cooperation between the Ministry of Interior (MoI) in all matters related to traffic, vehicle licensing and launching awareness campaigns. He stressed RTA support to the Ministry to bring success to the Unified e-Link of the Federal Traffic System and hailed the cooperation of the Ministry in implementing the provisions of the Agreement signed by the RTA with the Ministry. The Agreement provides for collection of offence charges of the toll gate system (Salik) and the paid parking zones used by vehicles of the Ministry, out of the approved service outlets of the Ministry.For his part, H.E. General Saif Al Shaafar, Undersecretary of Ministry of Interior stressed the importance of the Unified e-Link of the Federal Traffic System; a strategic project spanning all segments of the community. “The project, which provides a unified structure of all key folders across the database, aims at sharing the database (main folders), unifying the procedures across the UAE, and processing transactions throughout the UAE, while maintaining the stand-alone feature of the computer systems. The Ministry is seeking to finalize this vital project as early as possible, without impacting the daily work routines” he added.The meeting was attended by Major General Ahmed Nasir Al Rayes, Director General of the Central Operations at the MoI, Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, Ahmed Hashem Bahrouzian, CEO of RTA Licensing Agency, and a number of departmental directors from both parties. The meeting discussed several options and suggestions to complete the e-link between RTA e-Traffic System with the Federal Traffic System. The two parties agreed to assign a consultant to review the suggested options and submit a report on the best solutions to achieve the e-link.The meeting also reviewed the collection of offence tickets made under the toll gate system (Salik) and the paid parking zones used by the vehicles of the Ministry. RTA will enter and send offences reported as e-files or through the direct e-link with the MoI, while the MoI will recover the charges of offences made, and submit a periodical report on the collection status.Al Tayer commented: “The toll gate system (Salik) is part of an integrated solution systems meant to ease traffic congestion. This system spans road & bridge projects, rail & tram projects, public transport systems, marine transport systems and traffic legislations & policies; which aim at minimizing the use of private vehicles and promoting the use of public transport”.RTA has provided a multiple outlets for subscriptions to the system of the toll gate system, covering all emirates. These outlets include petrol refueling stations (Emarat, EPCO, ENOC and ADNOC) in addition to several banks such as Dubai Islamic Bank and Emirates Bank. RTA also provided an integrated pack of interactive services to subscribers to Salik system on line through the portal (www.salik.ae); which was met with a huge response from users, thanks to the flexibility of the service offered by the website. Such features include enabling subscribers to top-up their account balances through various options such as the credit card, e-dirham or direct debit from the bank account, in collaboration with the Dubai e-Government. The package of services offered also include a voice response through the IVR system; enabling subscribers to check their account balances, and details of crossing the toll gates. They can even request the account details to be forwarded through SMS through contacting Salik Call Center (800-72545) and following the voice guidelines accordingly.
 

Australian Cricketers Join The Turkish And Australian Ambassador To Commemorate The ANZACs

Members of the Australian cricket team made a surprise visit to Aussies Abroad’s ANZAC Sunset Service. They joined the Turkish Ambassador, HE Haki Aqil, and the Australian Ambassador, HE Jeremy Bruer, and Aussie Abroad members and friends commemorate ANZAC Day. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as ANZACs.The Remembrance Day service is held annually on the 25th April to mark the anniversary of those Australian, New Zealand and Turkish men and women who fought and died in war and to reflect on the many different meanings of war. The service included the playing of the Last Post, a moving piece to signify those that were remembered. Wreaths were laid by both Ambassadors as well as members of the Australian and New Zealander community to honour all who served and died for their nation in the ANZAC tradition.Over 300 people, including the members of the Australian cricket team, attended the service held at The Club, Meena Sadiyat. It followed a special dawn service held by the Australian Embassy, where over 500 were in attendance at the residence of the Australian Ambassador, HE Jeremy Bruer.President of Aussies Abroad, Mohanned Hourani, said “Commemorating the ANZACs is an important annual event for all Australian, New Zealand and Turkish nationals. We were particularly delighted to have members and officials of the Australian cricket team who enquired about our service in Abu Dhabi, and came along and joined us in this special event. It was truly inspiring that they took time out of their schedule to honour and acknowledge those who fought for and died for their country.”“Having the Turkish and Australian Ambassadors, the cricket team and their officials attend the service to pay their respects and acknowledge the importance of the day, I think, really moved us all. It seems no matter in which country Australian, New Zealand and Turkish nationals live, the importance of ANZAC and paying our respects is not lost.”Both the Australian and Turkish Ambassadors reflected on the special significance and meaning ANZAC has to all Australian, New Zealander and Turkish peoples. The New Zealand Ambassador was unable to attend the Abu Dhabi service but was represented by members of the New Zealand community.The service and wreath laying concluded with the playing of respective national anthems.
 

Dubai First Holds ’Little Steps For Safety’ Workshop At Dubai Scholars Private School

Dubai First, the consumer finance company from Dubai Group and a member of Dubai Holding, today announced over 400 students of Dubai Scholars School at Al Ghusais in the age group of 6–8 years received instructions on elements of road safety at the ‘Little Steps for Safety’ workshop.Students of the first, second, and third grades assembled to participate in the workshop that featured quizzes, interactive exercises and six animated cartoon characters, each symbolising road safety issues such as traffic lights and zebra (pedestrian) crossings.Interacting with the children, the Little Steps characters demonstrated the need to follow simple guidelines such as wearing seat-belts, holding an adult’s hand while crossing the road, or to ‘Stop, Look, and Listen’ at every instance.Since the launch of Little Steps in April 2008, Dubai First has visited nearly 60 schools in Dubai and reached out to over 3,600 children across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The programme has enlisted the support of several public and private sector entities, including the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, Sharjah Police, Emirates Driving Institute, and the UAE Touring Club.