Diverse Multinational, Regional And Local Brands Renew Support As Partners Of Dubai International Film Festival

The Dubai International Film Festival, the leading festival of its kind in the region, is a mammoth infrastructure and logistical undertaking that benefits from the support of a wide variety of partners, the Festival said today.

Drawing more than 50,000 local admissions, more than 1,600 global industry delegates and 1,500 members of the regional and international media to its week-long film banquet in 2009, in addition to celebrities and filmmakers, the Festival continues to provide an unforgettable experience for its guests and grow from strength to strength assisted by a host of specialist partners culled from diverse industries.

For its upcoming seventh edition, these official partners include a cross-section of leading consumer brands and service providers: Dubai-based fashion brand DINZ Clothing; haute beauty house Carita; diversified petroleum company EPPCO/ENOC; lifestyle brand MMI Patron; award-winning advertising agency Leo Burnett; glamour house MAC Cosmetics; Middle East business leader Crystal Gallery; world-leading airport services provider Dubai Airports; leading outdoor agency JC Decaux; entertainment hub Virgin Megastores;; multimedia company Dynamic Motions; and education and book specialists Magrudy’s Enterprises.

Additionally, KENZO, in collaboration with Emirati design entity House of GlaMo have joined forces to create a limited edition t-shirt in honour of the seventh edition of DIFF.

Mahsa Motamedi, DIFF’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, said the Festival’s official partners represent the very best in service, lifestyle and amenities.

“The trust and affinity between DIFF and its partners helps ensure a quality experience for all our guests and the UAE community, and strengthens the Festival’s ability to deliver on its key goals,” she said. “With their help, DIFF continues to grow and evolve as a true community event.”

The seventh edition of Dubai International Film Festival 2010 will be held from December 12 to 19. DIFF 2010 is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Accreditation for DIFF 2010 is now open at www.dubaifilmfest.com.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com.

Dnata Appoints Brash Brands As Global Branding Partner

Dnata (www.dnata.com), the leading supplier of ground handling, cargo and travel services in the Middle East, announced today that it has selected Brash Brands as its new global branding partner.

Brash Brands, one of Dubai’s leading home-grown strategic branding agencies, will be responsible for developing and rolling out a new platform for Dnata’s brand that builds upon the considerable growth and diversification of the company to date. The brand will play a key role in preparations for the company’s global expansion plans.

“Building on Dnata’s success to date and ensuring that our long-standing brand truly reflects our core values and global aspirations will be the central focus of our partnership with Brash, as we continue to evolve and enter an exciting new growth phase,” said Gary Chapman, President of Dnata and Group Services, The Emirates Group. “As our lead brand partner, we look forward to working with Brash to define, create and build a platform for growth."

"Like Dnata, Brash is expanding globally from its roots in the UAE. I am immensely proud of my team’s efforts in winning this account and the chance to partner with one of Dubai’s truly great companies, “said John Brash, Founder and Chief Executive of Brash. "We love working with organisations and brands with big ambitions and this will be an inside-out approach involving us working very closely with the Dnata team."

"Dnata’s global aspirations present us with a truly exciting opportunity and we look forward to partnering with them and helping them achieve their future ambitions,” he added.

The relationship which begins immediately will be managed out of Brash Brands Dubai office.

About Dnata;
Dnata (www.dnata.com) is the Middle East’s most successful and experienced provider of airport and travel services, both across the GCC and worldwide.
Established in 1959, Dnata comprises four divisions – airport operations, cargo, international airport operations and travel services – each with an outstanding reputation for providing a comprehensive range of high quality services. Dnata’s reach extends to 20 airports in nine countries, having added two further airports – Manchester and London Heathrow in the United Kingdom in 2009 and Erbil in Iraq this year.

About Brash Brands;
Brash Brands is a strategic and creative consultancy that helps clients create and build stronger brands. Founded by John Brash in Dubai in May 2007, Brash today has a world-class team with a genuine passion for branding. John wanted to offer clients a fresh approach; more personal, more agile and more bespoke. Working with Brash is different. Brash is relaxed yet curious, entrepreneurial and dedicated. It’s a combination of strategic insight and creative imagination that helps Brash invent and re-interpret brands that move people. Brash’s client roster includes the UAE Federal Govts Union Railway, Mubadala, ADACH, Logica, Burj Khalifa, TDIC, and Emaar. The consultancy, based in Dubai, also has satellite offices in London, Singapore and Shanghai. More information is available at www.brashbrands.com(http://www.brashbrands.com),www.talk.brashbrands.com , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brash_Brands, twitter.com/brashbrands
 

Superbrands To Honour UAE’s Top Brands At Tribute Event

Superbrands, the independent authority and arbiter of branding, today announced that they will be hosting their annual tribute event to honour UAE’s strongest brands on July 20th, 2010 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City. Superbrands will also announce the much awaited ‘Brand of the Year’ and unveil the 6th Edition of the Superbrands book at a glittering ceremony attended by the who’s who of the corporate world in UAE.

“We are pleased to announce the UAE’s strongest brands and honour them at our annual tribute event. The local brands that made it to the Superbrands list this year include some of the most recognised brands in the world as well as some new entrants on the list. These Superbrands were not only voted for by our distinguished brand council members but also by 2,500 marketing professionals voting for the preferred brands through an online poll. The brand with the highest score will be awarded ‘Brand of the Year’ at the tribute event,” says Mike English, Director, Superbrands Middle East.

After a stringent selection criteria set by the Superbrands Council, over 2,500 professionals were invited to vote along with the Council. More than 1,415 leading UAE brands were scored by the Superbrands Council and the invitees and the highest scoring brands were then designated as Superbrands. Only brands that achieve the level of recognition set by the independent Superbrands Council are eligible for inclusion in the Superbrands UAE book, which traces the history and achievements of each of the brands

The Superbrands Council comprises individuals who have shown exceptional aptitude in business and who have a thorough knowledge of the market and methods of business. To be voted as a Superbrand by the Council is a powerful endorsement and evidence for existing customers, potential customers, the media, suppliers, investors and employees of each brand’s exceptional status.

The Superbrands Organisation will also unveil the much coveted coffee-table style Superbrands book, which includes a two-page profile of each of the Superbrands, at the Tribute event. “The brands featured in the book range from corporate giants to FMCG brands. We are happy to see so many of the UAE’s local brands included in the book alongside key international brands. Participation in the Superbrands book is by invitation only and acknowledges the intrinsic strength of the organisation and its brand value,” Mr. English adds.

The Superbrands tribute event is set to be a true celebration of many of the country’s highest profile brands, and promises to live up to its global reputation as the "Oscars of Branding".
 

International Design Industry Places Spotlight On Dubai: Top Global Brands Set To Attend INDEX 2010

INDEX 2010, the definitive design event in the Middle East, is bringing top international designers and brands to Dubai from 8-11 November. Exhibitors from across the globe are already confirmed and will showcase a wide array of high-end and innovative design products.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, INDEX has firmly established itself as a leading player in the global design show calendar. Last year, more than 1,000 exhibitors participated from over 50 countries, showcasing the best the world has to offer in design.

The Middle East is still a buoyant market with great export potential for overseas businesses whose markets have been heavily impacted by the economic downturn. The total estimated value of interior design contracting projects from 2009 to 2010 in the GCC was US$22 billion, and the demand for interior design services in the UAE alone is expected to be worth some US$14.6 billion this year.

INDEX 2010 has already confirmed many high profile brands from within the GCC, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the US.

Exciting new exhibitors this year include Toshiro Alloy from Japan, who will showcase ‘Moonlight’ – hand cast, bespoke, pure tin surface panels. This very unique metal design concept creates a finished product resembling a natural material such as stone, wood, cloth, leather and antique. No two projects are the same with each piece being individually designed and hand-made.

HD Interiors from Russia are launching in the Middle East at INDEX 2010. HD specialise in unique and inspiring works using Swarovski crystals. Projects include stunning interior installations, a crystal embossed Rolls Royce and a crystal decorated helicopter.

From the USA, Robert Allen will showcase the finest fabrics including cottons, silks and outdoor fabrics. With the trends for 2010 being bold colour and varieties of textures, Robert Allen will showcase a wide range of fabrics to meet both these contemporary and the more classic requirements.

This year there will be a strong Spanish presence at INDEX. Spanish exhibitors include award winning Andreu World who is synonymous with modern form and functional design along with a range of contemporary finishes with strong character and great presence. Unique furniture designer Jordi Mila will be showcasing a collection of stunning furnishing designs including the Four Seasons lamp and the Hot Rider carbon fiber stool reminiscent of an English saddle. Other Spanish exhibitors include Muebles Canella, Grassoler, Lámparas Schuller, Vicente Zaragoza and Mariner.

Italy has always played a significant part at INDEX and this year is no exception. Exhibitors include world renowned glassmaker ‘Arte di Murano’ who will exhibit ornate and innovative uses of glass in lighting and decoration. Other Italian exhibitors include Casa Shamuzzi, Futura Leathers, Ceramicarte Deruta and IHBA Italian Home Building Automatic.

Participants from the GCC include Rivoli Silks, Baitek Palace representing Informit Italia, Beautiful House, Beacon Decor and Light and Brasslight International.

In addition to the thousands of exhibitors, there will be exciting, educational and inspirational features throughout the show. These will include informal seminars and panel debates, the second designer Contemporary Majlis competition, eclectic design pieces celebrating 20 years of design, the Al Habtoor ISG Student Challenge competition, eco sustainable design at its best and unparalleled industry networking events throughout the 4 days of the show.

Lu Buchanan, INDEX Event Director, said, “We are very excited about the 20th anniversary of INDEX. This year’s show will be truly a celebration of the best the world has to offer in design. We are incorporating many design features not just in the interior furnishing arena, but also looking at all aspects of design from stunning and useable eco sustainability solutions through to our new kitchens and bathrooms area. A first for this year will be the high end dedicated hall with the most beautiful and exclusive furnishings, art, sculpture and design from the top end leading Italian brands”.

INDEX 2010 will take place from 8-11 November, at Dubai World Trade Centre. For further information, visit www.indexexhibition.com. To book exhibition space, contact muhammedkazi@dmgevents.com or call +971 (0)4 438 0355.

easyHotel Dubai, Jebel Ali opens for booking to mark the brands first venture outside Europe

easyHotel Dubai, Jebel Ali, the budget hotel chain’s first venture outside Europe, is now taking reservations through the brand website www.easyhotel.com ahead of opening its doors on August 1, 2010.

Conveniently located inside Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel, operated by Istithmar Budget Hotels FZE, an Istithmar World company, is celebrating its launch with double rooms on sale from just AED 99 per night.

easyHotel Dubai, Jebel Ali is part of the highly popular budget hotel brand owned by Chairman and Serial Entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

It is positioned to fit in perfectly at the less expensive end of one of the world’s fastest- growing travel sectors – budget hotels.

Announcing the upcoming opening of the easyHotel Dubai, Jebel Ali, Andrew Jordan, Executive Director – Development, Istithmar World, said:

“This is easyHotel’s first venture outside Europe and as such represents a strategic step forward in their expansion plans. easyHotel Dubai, Jebel Ali targets a clientele that demands exceptional value for money. We offer purpose-built hotel rooms at affordable rates and leave the decision on additional services solely in the hands of our guests, who are the best judges of what they need.”

In its brand new six-storey building easyHotel Dubai, Jebel Ali offers 216 air-conditioned bedrooms, which in line with the brand ethos are priced on the basis of “the earlier you book, the less you pay”. Prices during high demand periods are more expensive than low seasons.

easyHotel Dubai, Jebel Ali also remains true to the brand’s “no frills” approach and is completely transparent on its services and pricing structure. Services such as, luggage storage, early check in, late check out, vended snacks and drinks and wi-fi internet access will be available at small additional charges to guests.

Just a five-minute walk from the Jebel Ali Metro Station No 42, easyHotel Dubai, Jebel Ali is perfectly located for all Jafza-based companies, and is easily accessible by bus, taxi or train from anywhere in Dubai. In addition to the Jebel Ali Industrial Area, Downtown Jebel Ali and Jafza South expansion zones are all within easy reach.

 

Häcker, One Of The Worlds Most Acclaimed And Outstanding Brands In The Kitchen Industry Opens Its Middle East Flagship Showroom In The UAE

Häcker, the German kitchen manufacturer will launch its flagship showroom in Dubai on 1st June 2010. The 3000sq ft kitchen showroom, located on Sheikh Zayed Road will boast the most innovative collection of designs and exclusive materials from Germany.

Häcker Kitchens has, for the last 40 years built a global enterprise and brand that has become synonymous with quality and excellence. Its success story boasts an annual turnover of €290 Million, 45% of that being export trade in 2009. One of the leading European suppliers of high quality bespoke fitted kitchens; Häcker provides the highest standards of functionality, design and state-of-the-art technology patented exclusively to Häcker Kitchens.

At the helm of this kitchen lifestyle concept are two vibrant entrepreneurs from London, already established as one of the most successful Häcker dealers in the United Kingdom. Directors Steven Pardoe and Samir Ranavaya are ready to shake up the Dubai kitchen industry and set to raise the benchmark with their revolutionary designs, unmatchable service and experience.

“With its status as a key hub for the region’s industry, we predict the UAE to be of particular importance for the Häcker brand”, said Steven Pardoe. “Häcker’s reputation exemplifies German quality build with uncompromised, innovative designs and patented technologies. Häcker’s 40 years success is built on specialized designs that combine advanced technology with comfort and elegance”.

The dedicated showroom will feature €1 Million worth of kitchen designs that offer customers inspirational ideas at the same time highlighting the uniqueness and exceptional quality of craftsmanship.

Pardoe continued, “Häcker customers will be able to visualize and design their space, with the help of our Award winning Häcker kitchen designers, the very latest CAD software and our unique Virtual 3d walk through’s of clients actual homes. Häcker Kitchens are phenomenally designed and crafted to ensure that any kitchen space not only looks state of the art, but is functional and specific to our customers’ needs”.

The Häcker name is well known in the sector as a guarantee of sound design, reliability, commitment and success, with each employee handpicked from Europe, trained to always work in the customer’s interest, working in partnership in order to ensure the customers desires are always met; the end goal being to always have satisfied customers.

Pardoe concluded, “At Häcker we understand the importance of listening to our customers needs; that the home environment is a centre for personal expression and enjoyment. Our products, together with a wide range of services, enable us to offer value-added turn key solutions and services going far beyond the customer’s expectations. Added to this our fully trained kitchen fitters and installation managers are specifically trained, the Häcker way! We leave no stone unturned when it comes to fitting our customers’ kitchens.”
For more information please visit www.hacker.ae
 

Mall of the Emirates & Deira City Centre Among Top UAE Brands

Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre have emerged as the only shopping malls to be listed in a top 10 UAE brands survey. The online study involving 750 consumers judged more than 200 brands, rating general impression, quality, corporate reputation, likeliness to recommend, value for money and satisfaction.

The survey, conducted by BrandIndex and produced by the leading market research company YouGov, showed that the shopping centres were two out of only three UAE homegrown brands in the Top 10 category. The other was Emirates Airline. Most of the top ten were made up of international giants from the automobile, telecom and consumer electronics sectors.

Fareed Abdelrahman, Vice-President, Divisional Asset Management for Majid Al Futtaim Properties said the recent survey results were yet another sign of the success and popularity of the malls. “At our malls, we always strive to ensure that our efforts are in line with the consumer’s preference, convenience and comfort. Surveys such as these recognise our efforts and we are extremely proud of the results.”

BrandIndex has been gathering the views of consumers online each fortnight in eight sectors since March this year. Mall of the Emirates is the only mall in the UAE that has remained in the Top 10 UAE brands since the survey began.

Vivek Wagle, Research Director at YouGov revealed, “Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre have a strong customer orientation and both display high levels of service. Mall of the Emirates is the up-market quality brand in the portfolio while Deira City Centre is perceived to be value based. They also perform well on each other’s strengths i.e. Mall of the Emirates gets second place on value with a score of 43 and Deira City Centre gets the same rank on quality with a similar score. Both the malls are also supported by their unique offerings – Magic
Planet for both and Ski Dubai for Mall of the Emirates that are also strong brands on their own. Then, there is Carrefour as well which helps raise the customer base.”