Founder Of Maria Cristina Foundation Delivers 2011 Dubai American Academy Graduation Address

Maria Conceicao, Founder of the Maria Cristina Foundation, delivered the main address at Dubai American Academy’s 2011 graduation ceremony.

Speaking at the event, held at the Dubai American Academy on 2 June, Conceicao congratulated the 125 new graduates of the institute and encouraged them through an inspiring speech to explore how one person’s positive action can make a world of difference.

The Dubai American Academy invited Conceicao to address the students, appreciating her strong belief that education is not just the key to success, but an important tool to enhance and enrich the lives of millions of underprivileged people across the world.

Anthony Mock, Principal, Dubai American Academy, said: “We are proud to have had Maria Conceicao speak to our graduating class of 2011. She is such an inspiring individual and displays remarkable leadership qualities. Having her speak to our students on the importance of education, encouraging them to use the education to further and improve the lives of others was truly a privilege for us. Her selfless nature and desire to help those in need made her the ideal candidate to speak to the new graduates of Dubai American Academy. We would like to wish our graduating students and Maria all the success in their future endeavors.”

Conceicao encountered several challenges in establishing her foundation. However, her fierce will and determination drove her to battle all challenges and succeed. She recently finished her Last Degree Expedition to the North Pole to raise awareness and funds for the foundation, a challenge that placed a lot of physical and mental stress on her.

After the graduating ceremony, several students from the class of 2011 greeted Conceicao and spoke to her about their dreams and aspirations upon graduating.

Maria Conceicao, Founder, Maria Cristina Foundation, said: “I was honored to speak to the graduating class of 2011 of the Dubai American Academy. I had the pleasure to meet several outstanding students, who told me about what they want to accomplish in life for themselves, their families and the less fortunate. I was truly inspired. Dubai American Academy has done an impeccable job of providing an excellent education for the leaders of tomorrow.”

Founded in 1997, the Dubai American Academy is one of the most prestigious schools in Dubai and is part of the GEMS network of schools. It provides students with an exceptional education and remarkable life skills, preparing each one of them for the challenges to come.

Meanwhile, the Maria Cristina Foundation’s next endeavor is to generate funds through a photo exhibition at MORE Café, which displays the life of Bangladeshi children and adults, and also to publish a book on the topic.

The Foundation is on a quest to unlock and maximize human potential in developing countries. It is involved in several current and planned projects, including the MC Foundation Recruitment Institute, MC Foundation Community Project, MC Foundation School to School Projects and MC Foundation Community Health Program. To support the foundation you can visit www.mariacristinafoundation.org.
 

Legendary Musical Comes To Dubai! Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC Returns This Summer With Smash Hit West Side Story

Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC is returning this summer with one of the most acclaimed musicals in Broadway history: West Side Story – the unforgettable musical adaptation of the greatest love story of all time. Hot on the heels of last year’s hit production of Hairspray – West Side Story will give the very best local performers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work, rehearse and perform alongside some of the UK’s leading theatrical stars. So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be a Shark or a Jet in this legendary musical, why not come along to the auditions at DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates on 6th and 7th May 2011.

Auditions are free and open to anyone aged 11 and above. The successful auditionees will go on to take part in three weeks of intensive theatre workshops and rehearsals with some of the UK and USA’s top creative talent, including award winning director Joseph Fowler (Hello Dolly, Singing in The Rain, Hairspray) and the Broadway choreographer Sarah Miles (Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Sound of Music, Saturday Night Fever). The workshops will culminate in seven performances of the multi Tony and Olivier award winning musical West Side Story in DUCTAC’s magnificent Centrepoint Theatre from 19th – 23rd July. Preparations for West Side Story are designed to run in exactly the same way as the preparation period for a professional West End production, giving Dubai’s aspiring musical theatre stars the chance to see exactly what it takes to be a professional performer.

West Side Story is the thrilling musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that changed musical theatre forever. This classic show explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs in New York City. Carefree young dreamer Tony, one of the Jets, falls in love with the beautiful, wide eyed and open hearted Maria – the sister of the Sharks’ leader. But the deadly rivalry between the Sharks and Jets means that their love is ill-fated from the start…

From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. The score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim —featuring well known classics including “Tonight,” “America,” “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere” — are widely regarded as among the best ever written.

So why not give it a shot? The auditions are designed to be fun and friendly and are open to everyone – no previous experience is necessary, all we ask is that you have a passion for performing! For more information on the auditions check out www.ductac.org or call 04 341 4777.
 

Cadbury Academy Of Joy Gives Unsuspecting UAE Movie Goers A Real Treat!

Cadbury Dairy Milk, the iconic global chocolate brand, has launched the Academy of Joy comedy tour in the GCC. Organized in collaboration with Dubomedy Arts, the tour aims to spread joy and laughter among people while tapping into the growing demand for stand-up comedy performances in the region.

Movie goers at Cinestar Cinemas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were unexpectedly surprised when their movie experience was ‘pleasantly interrupted’ by a duo of stand up comedians who burst into an impromptu comedy act during the movie trailers.

The Cadbury Academy of Joy is an excellent way to communicate the brand’s joyful personality. And nothing captures this better than laughter. With live stand-up comedy fast gaining popularity amongst young-adult audiences in this region, the fit and the timing to introduce this initiative could not have been better,” said Mr. Khurram Siddiqi, Director Marketing – Chocolates & Snacks, Kraft Foods MEA.

Starring stand-up comedians Mina Liccione and Ali Al Sayed of Dubomedy Arts, the duo had the crowd in splits with their hilarious live comedy. Seated amongst the unsuspecting audiences, they would suddenly rise from their seats and perform a three-minute skit, tackling a variety of current issues and clichés in all its forms. Moviegoers, though initially taken by surprise, soon caught on to the stunts sending ripples of laughter across theaters. The stunts ended with a cinema screen message from Cadbury Dairy Milk that read “Smiles are on the house” and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate bars for everyone.

“The Cadbury Academy of Joy initiative was a great way for Dubomedy to reach out to moviegoers giving them a truly unique enjoyable experience they will never forget. Seeing the happiness on their faces was well worth our performers’ efforts! We just can’t wait to see people’s reactions to the Academy’s future activities which aim to also foster local talent in the region,” Ali Al Sayed, Dubomedy Arts producer and performer.
 

The Etisalat Academy Invites Children To Join Its 10th Annual Summer Sports And Leisure Camp

The Etisalat Academy today invited children from across the UAE to join its exciting annual “Summer Sports and Leisure Camp’, which will remain open until the 26th August. The Etisalat Academy is welcoming children at its state-of-the-art sports facilities from Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:30pm.

Children aged between 5 and 12 years can enjoy a sports programme which is designed to suit their interests including swimming, badminton, tennis, kinball, football, fitness circuit, dodgeball and arts. In addition, field trips are organised every Wednesday and special tournaments every Thursday.

The General Manager of the Etisalat Academy, David Brennan, said: “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Summer Sports and Leisure Camp and we are proud to again offer young people a fun and healthy series of events. This year we have planned more activities, more fun and more learning than ever. The Etisalat Academy has one of the best sporting facilities in Dubai within its learning campus and we are very happy to share these facilities with children in the UAE.”

Parents who are traveling during summer can benefit from the possibility of registering their children at the camp for 2, 4 or 6 weeks. Transportation is also insured for the children those who live in Dubai and Sharjah at special rates.

The Etisalat Academy has a large indoor sports hall, in addition to gyms, aerobics and karate studios, a swimming pool and a library. All these facilities are available to participants. The children will be accompanied by professional coaches and trainers who ensure that all children take part in all the activities.

There are also field trips such as to the Fun Corner for kids from 5 – 6 year olds, bowling, ice skating, Discovery Center – Sharjah, and to the Children City in Dubai.

The Etisalat Academy’s Summer Sports and Leisure Camp is taking place at its modern campus amongst the palm trees in Al Muhaisnah, Dubai near Mirdiff. Admissions are open every day during the camp from 9:00 am till 5pm and parents can register their children for only AED 1,100 for 2 weeks, AED 2,000 for 4 weeks, and AED 2,800 for 6 weeks.

For information on the Etisalat Academy Summer Sports and Leisure Camp please call 04-2543070 or 04-2043326 or visit www.etac.ae/summercamp
 

Young Dubai Talents To Star In Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s Production Of Hairspray During Dubai Summer Surprises

Young talents from across Dubai are set to star in Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s production of the acclaimed London West End musical Hairspray when it begins on July 13. The show will go on till July 17 at the Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates. Show timings are 7:30pm with additional shows on July 16th and 17th at 2:30pm.

Olivier award winning actress Leanne Jones, who was part of the show’s Original London Cast and took on the critically acclaimed role of Tracy Turnblad, worked for weeks to help local Dubai students learn, prepare, rehearse and perform in the local production.

She was joined by fellow Hairspray Original London Cast member Terel Nugent who will reprise his role of Seaweed J Stubbs, Stephen Mcglynn (Burt in Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!) who will play Wilbur Turnblad and Antony Stuart-Hicks (Wizard of Oz) who will play Edna Turnblad.

Auditions for the show took place in May with the successful performers taking part in two weeks of intensive theatre workshops and rehearsals with some of the UK’s top creative talent.

Packed with great songs, amazing dance routines and bags of humour, Hairspray is a fun, feel good night out for all the family. Tickets are now available at the DUCTAC box office (04 341 4777) or through www.timeouttickets.com or www.boxofficeme.com

Performances run from Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 July at the Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates. See www.hairspraydubai.com or www.ductac.org for further details
 

Al Mizhar American Academy For Girls, Class Of 2010, Celebrates Their Hard Earned Graduation

The graduation ceremony for Al-Mizhar American Academy for Girls, a Taaleem School, took place at the Zayed University auditorium earlier this month, a stunning location to celebrate the graduation of Year 11 students.

A wonderful day was had by all with lots of joy and also tears as students said their farewells to friends and staff.

Delice Scotto, Principal AAG said ’It has been an absolute pleasure to celebrate the end of high school life with our students, I am extremely proud of them and they should be equally proud of themselves. They are all a credit to the education system here in Dubai with some of them excelling enough to be accepted to Ivy League schools in the States.

The graduation not only marks the end of High School life for the girls but the beginning of their higher education with a lot of hard work and dedication still ahead of them in order to succeed.

Present at the event was Ms Najla Al-Awadhi, Member of the UAE Federal National Council, Deputy CEO, Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), General Manager, Dubai One TV and on the Regional Board of Directors for Young Arab Leaders. Ms Al-Awadhi was there as guest speaker to talk to and inspire the girls in their future endeavours. If the girls take onboard her advice and continue their diligent approach to expanding knowledge their future
certainly looks bright.

 

University Of Oxford And Gartner Announce Second Annual CIO Academy In UAE

The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School and Gartner today announced that for the second consecutive year they are to present their renowned CIO Academy in UAE.

CIO Academy is a prestigious and unique management development programme for the most senior person with ultimate responsibility for an organization’s IT. The programme has become established over several years at the University of Oxford, helping many IT leaders to maximize the contribution of technology. With the success of the first CIO Academy in the region, concluded in September, 2009, University of Oxford and Gartner are looking forward to returning the programme to the region 26 – 29 September, 2010.

“Delivering this programme in the Gulf in 2009 was an exciting yet natural step for the University. Last year’s session was well received, and our contacts at many prominent organizations in the region encouraged us to bring the programme back for a second year” said Professor Michael Earl, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, (Development and External Affairs), University of Oxford.

The Abu Dhabi programme will again have a particular focus on business and technology leadership. “The CIOs who joined us last year said the three things that stood out about their experience at CIO Academy were the quality of the speakers, the chance to meet fellow CIOs from within the region, and the relevance of the curriculum to their careers” said Roger Kemp, group vice president, Executive Programs, Gartner.

Removed from the tactical concerns of the workplace, participants develop broader perspectives on strategic management, and how to deliver value to their organization. They return with a renewed perspective and a tailored action plan for leadership success. Close interaction with outstanding faculty, and an exclusive group of senior level IT executives results in highly personal, pragmatic learning for all attendees.

“CIO Academy is an excellent experience with relevance to real-world matters. The wide range of participants adds value to the program, and will benefit all participants for some time to come” said Dr. Sabri Hamed Al Azazi, Abu Dhabi Municipality and past participant in CIO Academy.

“CIO Academy supports the UAE Vision 2021 to develop a knowledge-based, highly productive and competitive economy, driven by entrepreneurs in a business-friendly environment. CIO Academy is open to Nationals and Expatriates providing a platform for their development through executive education and personal on-site tuition. We are delighted to see CIO Academy back again in 2010”, said Myles Bird, Regional Manager, Gartner.

CIOs interested in taking part should call +971 4 391 3200, visit gartner.com/cioacademy or contact zuzana.blackburn@gartner.com.

To talk to a Gartner expert about CIO issues, please contact Myles Bird at +971 4 391 3200 or myles.bird@gartner.com. To explore the University of Oxford’s partnership in this program, email steve.brewster@sbs.ox.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1865 422727.

The ’1st Seminar On The Future Vision Of The Government’ Kicks Off Today At The Etisalat Academy In Collaboration With The Ministry Of Environment And Water

Under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Etisalat Academy today organised the ‘1st Seminar on the Future Vision of the Government’ in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water. His Excellency Dr. Rashed Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, delivered the keynote speech at the seminar, which kicked off under the theme of ‘Reinforcing the Concept of Competitiveness across the UAE Public Sector’.

During the first day speakers discussed the modern concept of competitiveness and how it is linked to the ability of the nation to raise the productivity of available human or material resources and how the competitive advantage of a country is now measured by its ability to achieve a high rate and constant standard of living for its citizens. The discussion panels also demonstrated some of the best practices and lessons learned from the international experiences in promoting the competitiveness of organisations and how it deals with the consequences of the global financial climate and participates in developing schedules to ensure the improvement and development of the business.

Speakers also discussed today the organisations ability to achieve organisational excellence while they continue working hard to reach the highest levels of achievement. Finally the speakers discussed the importance of choosing the best activities and maximizing the investment rather than simply competing on price or low wages.

During the second day, the seminar will host six workshops which will discuss the development of business leadership in a way that ensures the organisations’ benefit, the importance of outstanding business practices to achieve business excellence, strategic planning as a way to define the organisation strategy or direction in order to meet certain objectives, the active role of the human resource development managements in achieving organisational objectives, the importance of the customer-centric approach, and at last the innovation in business sector which could improve performance and growth in terms of efficiency, productivity, quality, competitive positioning or market share.

David Brennan, General Manager of the Etisalat Academy, said: “The Etisalat Academy realizes the importance of the UAE government’s vision in the area of developing and supporting the public sector through setting an ambitious growth outlook for the nation, supported by clearly laid out action plans. We are fully aware that maximizing the quality of services provided within the nation cannot be achieved without a real and continuous collaboration between different organisations across the UAE. This step comes as a part of our responsibility as the leading professional training and development centre in the region and through our commitment to play a key role in achieving the government’s strategies.”

Mariam Mohammed, Acting Director of Business Development at the Etisalat Academy and the General Coordinator for the Seminar, explained: “This Seminar is considered an excellent opportunity for business leaders and departments’ managers in the public organisations to network with thought leaders in competitiveness and organisational excellence and benefit from the discussions on the world best practices and models. This seminar comes within a proactive step in which we aim to play a central role in reinforcing the concept of competitiveness in the governmental sector to help these organisations increase their excellence and provide best quality services to their clients. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisations and departments that supported us in this mission. I am confident that their participation will create an added value to this series of events we are organising.”

This seminar comes within an initiative of three Seminars that are taking place this year. Each of the three seminars is designed to discuss a different theme. The first seminar which is taking place this week discusses strengthening the concept of competitiveness across the UAE public sector. The second seminar will talk about knowledge economy – the theory and the application, while the third seminar will discuss the strategic leadership development best practice.

For further information please visit the website www.ea.ae.
 

Olivier Award Winning Actress Leanne Jones To Work With Young Dubai Talent In Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s Production Of Hairspray

Olivier award winning actress LEANNE JONES has joined Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s forthcoming production of Hairspray and will reprise her critically acclaimed role of Tracy Turnblad in the Tony and Olivier Award winning show.

Leanne, who won the prestigious Olivier Award in 2008 for Best Actress in a Musical for Hairspray, also received the Critics’ Circle Award for Best Newcomer and Theatregoers’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Musical as a member of the show’s Original London Cast at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End.

As part of the Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC team, she will work each day to help local Dubai students learn, prepare, rehearse and perform in Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s first production.

She is joined by fellow Hairspray Original London Cast member TEREL NUGENT who will reprise his role of Seaweed J Stubbs, STEPHEN McGLYNN (Burt in Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!) who will play Wilbur Turnblad and ANTONY STUART-HICKS (Wizard of Oz) who will play Edna Turnblad.

Hairspray is the first production from SPOTLIGHT ACADEMY @ DUCTAC, which gives the very best local talent the chance to work, rehearse and perform alongside some of the UK’s leading theatrical stars. Auditions took place in May with the successful performers taking part in two weeks of intensive theatre workshops and rehearsals with some of the UK’s top creative talent, culminating in SEVEN performances of Hairspray in DUCTAC’s magnificent Centrepoint Theatre.

The show is produced on behalf of DUCTAC by JC Theatre Productions and The Shakespeare 4 Kidz Theatre Company. Producer and Director Julian Chenery, who has brought his acclaimed Shakespeare 4 Kidz shows to Dubai for the past 4 years, is delighted that Leanne has found time to squeeze the Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC into her busy schedule.

“Leanne was a sensation when she burst onto the West End stage as Tracy Turnblad. She is one of the most talented musical theatre stars in the world and tremendous fun. I know that everyone who is lucky enough to be part of this exciting production will love her and learn so much from working with her.”

Leanne arrives in Dubai directly from the London production of Jonathan Larsson’s Tick, Tick, Boom! and prior to a UK tour of Dave Simpson’s play The Naked Truth.

Packed with great songs, amazing dance routines and bags of humour, Hairspray is a fun, feel good night out for all the family. So don’t miss your chance to see Leanne performing live on stage in Dubai alongside the stars of the future – book your tickets now at the DUCTAC box office (04 341 4777) or through www.timeouttickets.com or www.boxofficeme.com

Performances run from Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 July at the Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates.

See www.hairspraydubai.com or www.ductac.org for further details
 

Etisalat Academy Welcomes Over 100 Children To Its 9th Annual Summer Sports Camp

Over 100 excited children were greeted today by the Chief Executive of Etisalat Services Holding LLC at the official welcoming ceremony for the Etisalat Academy’s 9th Summer Sports Camp.

CEO, Etisalat Services Holding LLC, Ali Al Sharid kicked off the ceremony, which was also attended by the Etisalat Academy General Manager, David Brennan and Humaid Rashid Sahoo, CEO of E-Vision Etisalat subsidiary E-Vision, and co-organisers Semmar Sports services.

“The sporting facilities at the Etisalat Academy’s Sports & Leisure Club are amongst the best in the UAE. We are delighted that we can share our vast grounds with children from the local community,” said Ali Al Sharid, Chief Executive Officer at Etisalat Services Holding LLC. “This is the ninth successful Etisalat Academy summer sports camp and it gives me great pleasure to support these young people with a fun and healthy series of events.”

Etisalat Academy’s Summer Sports Camp is taking place at its modern campus amongst the palm trees in Al Muhaisnah, Dubai near Mirdiff. It will continue until the 20th of August. Admissions are still open and parents can register their children for four more weeks for only Dhs 500 per week.

David Brennan, General Manager for the Etisalat Academy explained the concept of the Summer Sports Camp: “Children in the UAE spend a lot of their time in-doors and inactive during the summer heat. It is well documented that a healthy lifestyle includes moving your body regularly. Etisalat Academy can boast a large indoor sports hall, mixed and ladies only gyms, aerobics and karate studios and a library, all available for the young people to build healthy habits which will last them a lifetime. This year’s summer camp focuses upon learning a wide variety of sporting activities. We are also helping to develop their social skills by encouraging teamwork with team games. We aim to help the children to feel great whilst having fun and making new friends.”

Currently over 100 children between the ages of 5-13 can play football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, squash, circuit training, badminton and swim in the Etisalat Academy’s refreshing swimming pool. Younger children can participate in arts and crafts activities in addition to the games on offer.

There are also educational field trips such as to the Fire Station where the Department of Civil Defense educates the youngsters about health, safety and emergency procedures.

Sponsors McDonalds are also hosting a Ronald McDonald Roadshow which includes an interactive music and dance show and other activities. These are inspirational and educational shows which encourage the children to keep active to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

The Etisalat Academy is offering a special discount of 5% against the registration fee if a family is registering multiple siblings. The Etisalat Academy is providing transportation for children who stay in Jumeirah, Mirdiff and Deira. For further information please visit: www.ea.ae