Dubai Ladies Club, In Collaboration With Louis Vuitton, Hosts Gala Dinner And Charity Auction For Al Murjan Coral Reef Project On 9th January, 2011

Dubai Ladies Club, a member of the Dubai Women Establishment, in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, will host a Gala Dinner on Sunday, 9th January, 2011; to auction the works of art by eminent photographer Nadine Kanso, generously donated by Louis Vuitton to support the Al Murjan Coral Reef Project.

Kanso’s photographic series, ‘Al Madi Al Hader’, comprises of nine photographic creations and was commissioned by Louis Vuitton for a recent photo exhibition alongside the Louis Vuitton boutique in BurJuman Centre, in November 2010.

Muna Bin Kalli, Executive Director of Dubai Ladies Club commented, “Dubai Ladies Club has a longstanding relationship with Louis Vuttion, collaborating on various charitable initiatives and we are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with them once again in support of such an admirable cause. The Al Murjan Coral Reef Project was inspired by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and her keenness to promote the concept of sustainable development of marine life in the United Arab Emirates. The proceeds from this auction will play a crucial part in continuous operation of this program including local training, education and research.”

During the Gala Dinner, Kanso’s nine photographic creations will be displayed in specially designed cases made of the Dhow’s wood, illuminated by a soft light and purposely placed on the floor to allow a fluid movement. During the event, guests will be able to walk among the cases and look vertically onto the pictures as they would do from a Dhow, onto the water.

Mr. Damien Vernet, General Manager Louis Vuitton Middle East and India added, “Louis Vuitton is very happy to be supporting the ‘Al Madi Al Hader’ initiative by Dubai-based artist Nadine Kanso, in partnership with the Dubai Ladies Club. The nine unique photographic creations by Nadine Kanso are a tribute to the maritime tradition of Dubai, and a testimony to the dynamic art scene of the Emirate. We are also very proud to be donating these works of art to the Dubai Ladies Club, in support of the Al Murjan Coral Reef project, with the Royal patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. At a time when Louis Vuitton is organising the last leg of the Louis Vuitton Trophy in the waters of Dubai, there could not be a more appropriate way of showcasing values that are close to the brands: respect of tradition and heritage, creativity, support for the Arts, and social responsibility.”

Nadine Kanso’s ‘Al Madi Al Hader’ series was inspired by the local and traditional – the Emirati dhow. The Arabian wooden racing boat posed the perfect juxtaposition vis a vis the modern yachting world that LV is associated with. The series of photographs provide detailed close up shots to document the hand-crafted quality of these dhows while also creating an artistic space that is open to manipulation. In that sense, Nadine has chosen to add layers to the photographs; instead of lapping waves, Nadine has employed the help of her signature Arabic calligraphy by crafting silver patterns, letters and numbers relating to life at sea. Nadine’s use of silver, known for its ability to lose its shine and change color over time, was a deliberate one; yet another technique to illustrate the constant evolution of the relationship between time and heritage.

Inspired by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, UAE, who is also the Honorary President of the Emirates Marine Environmental Group, Dubai Ladies Club launched the Al Murjan Coral Reef Project in association with Shangri-La Hotel Dubai and Traders Hotel Dubai in October 2010. Al Murjan – which means “coral” in Arabic – is an ambitious environmental project to develop an artificial reef in Dubai in a designated area of Dubai Ladies Club’s beach. The project will be executed by the Emirates Marine Environmental Group.

Al Murjan will be the first community-based coral reef development project within the UAE. The project will seek to build capacity at the community level through necessary trainings to community groups in coral reef education and awareness; management planning; and long-term financing and sustainability. Through Ladies Dive at Dubai Ladies Cub – which is the first and only Diving Centre dedicated for women from the local community will have the opportunity to get involved through a variety of volunteer programs and special diving camps organized by Dubai Ladies Club in collaboration with Emirates Marine Environmental Group. The project is also supported by Barakat Trading and Regaltech.
 

Eton Institute Supports Reed Smith In Hosting A Charity Breakfast In Aid Of The Iraq Health Aid Organization

Eton Institute, U.A.E’s leading language and professional development institute, will be supporting Reed Smith, an internationally renowned law firm, in hosting a charity breakfast and bazaar for women, in aid of the Iraq Health Aid Organization (IHAO) to raise funds for the Iraqi Widows Empowerment project.

The Abu Dhabi based event will commence with a presentation about IHAO and their community initiatives, followed by a breakfast and a talk by a guest speaker. Attendees will also have the chance to win exciting raffle prizes ranging from designer clothing and authentic jewelry, sponsored by leading fashion boutiques to pampering packages and language software sets. Invitees can also browse the bazaar featuring clothing, handmade jewelry, and unique paintings by UAE women. There will also be a charity auction in which guests will be able to place their bids on amazing experiences such as a hot-air balloon adventure. All ticket and auction sale proceeds will go to the IHAO in support of women in conflict zones.

The breakfast has been organized specifically in aid of the IHAO’s Iraqi Women’s Empowerment Project aimed at educating and training Iraqi widows to enable them to return to the job market. The project concept is to facilitate self-sufficiency for women whose husbands, the sole bread winners in their families, are killed due to various religious and political conflicts. Diligently planned over four phases of mitigation, conflict resolution, facilitation, and reconciliation, the project will take one year to complete from identification of the women in need to a final evaluation of the program.

This beneficial ladies charity breakfast and bazaar will take place on 5th March from 11am – 2pm at the Diwan Ballroom, Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Tickets can be purchased on the door – ticket price is Dhs 150 which is all donated to the Charity.
 

Emirates NBD Hosts Charity Putt At Omega Dubai Ladies Masters 2010 To Support Dubai Cares

Emirates NBD, the leading bank in the region, hosted a Charity Putt at the recently held Omega Dubai Ladies Masters 2010, to raise AED10,000 for the local philanthropic organisation, Dubai Cares. This is in line with Emirates NBD’s commitment to support social and charitable causes, while at the same time encouraging sporting activities in the Emirate.

“As a neighbourhood bank committed to meeting the needs of the local community, Emirates NBD aims to support all deserving social causes, especially Dubai Cares, which helps provide quality primary education to children in developing countries,” said Rick Pudner, Group CEO, Emirates NBD, who presented the cheque to Ms Yasemin Saib, a representative of Dubai Cares. “We are pleased that this has coincided with the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters 2010, giving us an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to sports in the UAE.”

“The Dubai Ladies’ Masters is a prestigious annual event on the Ladies’ European Tour and we are grateful to Emirates NBD Bank for choosing Dubai Cares as its charity partner for the event. This gesture by the country’s leading bank is evidence of the growing emphasis that is being laid on corporate social responsibility in the UAE. Such support will help us reach out to many more children in developing countries that have limited or no access to primary education and help achieve the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum of providing primary-age children globally with quality education,” said Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Cares.

Emirates NBD also served as the Official Bank and Caddie bib sponsor for the tournament, which was held at the Emirates Golf Club from Dec 6 – 11, 2010 as part of its continuing partnership with the Omega Dubai Ladies Master and Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
 

Charity Motorcycle Rally Sees Public Hit The Streets In Support Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Bikers across the UAE got strapped in for a one-of-a-kind charity motorcycle rally this past weekend, aimed at raising funds and local awareness about the work being done to combat breast cancer across the country.

aswaaq—the UAE’s leading local retail chain—served as the finishing post for the event in its community centre in Umm Suqeim, which was followed by a public gala event and garage sale of which profits were donated to the cause.

Clad in t-shirts bearing the world famous pink ribbon logo, the squad of bikers started from Dubai Hospital on Saturday afternoon and drove on Jumeirah road before reaching the finish post at aswaaq, marked by pink arches and a with a number of festivities organized for individuals as well as families.

Local businesses, aswaaq employees and neighboring schools were all invited to join in the gala, bringing items that they wished to sell in support of the “Pink Ribbon” campaign. Dubai Health Authority also had stand at the event, and doctors from Dubai Hospital were on site to advise members of the public on issues related to the cancer.

Among the key messages of the event was emphasizing the need for all women to undertake regular screening tests and encourage donors to contribute to research done at local healthcare centers.

“aswaaq is proud to have partnered with the Dubai Health Authority and the community at large in aid of this
crucial cause,” said Jassim Sajwani, Executive Director –Corporate Services at aswaaq. “The money raised will be used in a variety of ways to support those who have been affected by this disease, as well as encourage individuals to learn more about screening procedures offered at their local healthcare centers.”

Serving the needs of local residents, aswaaq community centers—which feature shops, laundries, cafes and supermarkets—have become regular hosts of non-profit events for people of all ages from throughout Dubai.
 

Dubai Outlet Malls Charity Campaign Reached Out To Hundreds Of Families

In line with the mall’s ongoing strategic focus to support the community and to reiterate the Ramadan spirit of giving and sharing, Dubai Outlet Mall put together a comprehensive charity campaign for Ramadan to help women and children who suffer from domestic violence, less fortunate members of the community, victims of the Pakistan floods and help to feed a hungry mind by partnering with non-profit charitable organisations in the UAE.

In collaboration with the Dubai Land Department, Outlet Mall delivered hundreds of gift bags containing new clothes, shoes, toys, learning products, accessories and much more, donated by the mall and retailers to the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children for Eid Al Fitr.

In the annual charitable program, with the support of the UAE Red Crescent Society, Outlet Mall successfully gathered tonnes of donations of clothes, personal hygiene products, non perishable food, blankets and tents for the devastated victims of the Pakistan floods.

Dubai Outlet Mall is also partnering with Dubai Cares ’School Feeding Campaign’ by displaying donation boxes at different locations in the mall to raise funds and some stores are also participating in fundraising in support of the campaign and other ongoing programs of Dubai Cares.

Vishal Mahajan, Director of Dubai Outlet Mall said: “Outlet Mall has a very strong commitment to CSR initiatives and the response to this year’s charity campaign has been overwhelming from Outlet Mall staff, stores and customers as well as from individuals and companies in the UAE. We would like to thank everyone for their support and we are looking forward to continued partnerships with Dubai Red Crescent, Dubai Land Department and Dubai Cares in the future.”

The ‘School Feeding Campaign’ is ongoing for one year at Dubai Outlet Mall and all donations will be very much appreciated to raise funds for this initiative.

Donate Your Bag And Accessories Charity Sale To Be Held On 28 August At Dubai Ladies Club

The countdown to the annual ‘Donate Your Bag and Accessories Charity Sale’ on 28th August, 2010 is well under way. Just weeks now remain for the big Charity Sale where fashion-lovers will be able to purchase their favourite designer bags and accessories at only a fraction of their original prices – all this for a good cause. The charity sale will be held in Al Mahara Ballroom, Dubai Ladies Club from 8pm to midnight – for one day only.

Earlier this year, Dubai Ladies Club, a member of Dubai Women Establishment, launched it’s annual ‘Donate You Bag’ charity campaign that invited ladies to donate their gently used designer bags and accessories – such as sunglasses, jewellery and belts for a special Charity Sale where all donations and funds raised would be dedicated to Mohammed bin Rashid Charitable Humanitarian Foundation.

Muna Bin Kalli, Executive Director of Dubai Ladies Club, said, “We are happy with the success of this initiative, which confirms once again that women in the United Arab Emirates are keen to contribute to charitable endeavours to spread the spirit of solidarity among society. We are committed to continue our efforts by launching further initiatives to give women the opportunity to contribute to helping the needy.”

Dubai Ladies Club has collected over 300 bags and accessories over the course of the campaign from which 100 have been selected to be displayed during the exhibition from a variety of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Dior, Chanel and many others.

All donated were thoroughly checked for authenticity through a series of stringent tests courtesy of Toujours Chic, a UAE based boutique & website selling authentic gently-used designer handbags and accessories. A certificate guaranteeing 100% authenticity will be placed with every bag and accessory to assure all buyers that they are not knock offs.

The exhibition on 28th August, 2010 will also include several distinctive limited edition pieces such as an Alexander McQueen bag, Gucci’s Indy Bag & Horsebit evening clutches as well as a large selection of Chanel & Dior bags and accessories.

In the build to the big Charity Sale event, Arabian Centre will hosting a special showcasing of the most unique and distinctive items from the ‘Donate Your Bag & Accessories’ Charity Collection from Monday, 16 August until Thursday, 26 August, 2010. This special exhibition will offer Fashionistas the opportunity to preview the collection prior to the sale.

Launched in 2009 – by Dubai Ladies Club in collaboration with Reem and Hind Beljafla of DAS Collection – ‘Donate your Bag’ is an annual charity campaign where ladies are invited to donate their gently used designer bags and accessories – such as sunglasses, jewellery and belts – for the upcoming Charity Sale. All donations and funds raised will be dedicated to Mohammed bin Rashid Charitable Humanitarian Foundation. Dubai Ladies Club is still accepting donations up until Ramadan.

Donating Is Easy:

• Drop off your donation directly at Dubai Ladies Club on Jumeirah Beach Road
OR
• Drop off your donation directly at Arabian Centre in Mirdif
OR
• Call Dubai Ladies Club on +971 4 349 9922 and speak to one of the Customer Service Representative to arrange a complementary pick-up by Aramex directly from the comfort of your home.
 

Shopping Malls Under Majid Al Futtaim Properties Mark Ramadan With Annual Charity Drive

Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ eight shopping malls in the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain have joined hands to support the month-long charity campaign ‘Make a Difference this Ramadan’.

Through this annual charity initiative, Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, Sharjah City Centre, Ajman City Centre, Maadi City Centre, Alexandria City Centre and Bahrain City Centre, will once again reiterate their commitment to help the underprivileged across the region.

The initiative encourages customers to donate a number of specific used items such as spectacles, clothing, mobile phones and books, at special collection points placed strategically throughout the malls. All items collected are then distributed to relevant charity organisations in the area and ultimately will be gifted to those who are in need.

Fuad Al Najjar, Vice President, Deira City Centre, said: “Ramadan is a time to reflect on the lives of those who are less fortunate, and our annual Ramadan charity campaign is extremely important to our whole team.”

“By partnering with these local charity organisations we make it easy for people to participate. Last year our malls together successfully collected around 62,000 items, all of which found a new home with those who are most in need. We hope to build on this success this year and to continue to spread the message of giving this Ramadan,” added Fuad.

Red Crescent Society will receive all the donations from the malls in the UAE. In Egypt, donations collected from Maadi City Centre will be gifted to a number of charity organisations such as the Egyptian Society for Integrated Development. Donations collected from Alexandria City Centre in Egypt will be given to Future Protectors, Daawa Lel Haya, Resala and Sahabet El Khair charity organisation.

Visitors to the malls who choose to donate to the initiative will also receive a special offer coupon that provides deals and discounts from participating retailers, as a small gesture of appreciation for their generosity.
 

Dubai Properties Group Employees Host Charity Iftar For Skilled Labour At Nuzul

Dubai Properties Group (DPG), a member of Dubai Holding, today announced its employees came together to host a charity Iftar for over 2,500 residents of Nuzul, a dedicated community for skilled labour.

In keeping with the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan, DPG employees and leadership contributed generously to the event which was hosted at the newly built community mosque at Nuzul. The evening also included a talk on Ramadan by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).

Khalid Al Malik, Group CEO, Dubai Properties Group, said: “The selfless contribution of our employees helped us organise a special Iftar for the residents of Nuzul that has made this Ramadan a memorable experience. The initiative confirms our commitment to DPG’s core values of respect and integrity and demonstrates our dedication to giving back to our community.”

The recently launched Nuzul community is a dedicated residential development for skilled labour. Providing an enhanced lifestyle with well-appointed amenities, the community comprises 2,236 residential units across 13 low-rise buildings with a built-up area of 92,000 sq ft in the Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1.
 

The Dubai Mall Greets Visitors This Ramadan With Traditional Art Events And Charity Initiatives

An array of traditional art events that celebrate the Arabian heritage will welcome visitors to The Dubai Mall during the Holy Month of Ramadan from mid-August to mid-September, 2010. The mall will also provide visitors with daily Iftar packs and Ramadan calendars apart from supporting charity initiatives that highlight the spirit of the Holy Month.

The world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination in the heart of Dubai will wear a festive look with Arabian style festoons and lights all through the month. Musicians will set the tone for the Holy Month with live oud and qanoon.

Mr Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “The Holy Month of Ramadan celebrates the spirit of togetherness and charity. In addition to supporting charitable ventures, The Dubai Mall is also hosting a range of activities that will engage visitors on the various facets of Arab culture. We want our visitors to appreciate the true significance of Ramadan and also enjoy the joy of togetherness with family and friends.”

One of the key events is providing school children with nutritional meals by Dubai Cares, an initiative led by the philanthropic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to improve children’s access to nutritional meals in developing countries. Visitors to The Dubai Mall can support this campaign with a donation of AED 60 by simply sending an SMS to ‘9060’ for Etisalat customers and ‘9460’ for du customers. They can also donate by purchasing stars from the Star Atrium at the mall.

‘Masajid’ Photography Exhibition, to be held on the first two weeks of the Holy Month of Ramadan, will appeal to lovers of photography and Islamic architecture. Organised in collaboration with Dar Ibn Al Haytham, the event features photographs of mosques by UAE national photographers.

The Waterfall Atrium on the ground floor of the mall will host an exhibition in association with Alserkal Foundation, showcasing the art collection of Mr Ahmed Bin Eisa Alserkal. The collection features works by artists from across the Gulf region and include calligraphy and ceramic displays.

To highlight the message of Ramadan, Islamic Affairs will host a special stand. Experts will give insights into the Holy Month and Islam. The stand is located at the Gold Souk Atrium.

The mall will continue the tradition of offering Iftar packs featuring The Dubai Mall branded mineral water, dates and a Ramadan calendar. Last year, Iftar packs were distributed in addition to thousands of calendars, which will be distributed free this year too. The packs and calendars will be distributed at all Guest Service Desks.

In addition to indulging in Ramadan shopping from the nearly 1,200 stores in the mall and treating to the finest delicacies from over 160 F&B outlets, visitors can also entertain with family at the various entertainment components including: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, SEGA Republic, KidZania® and Reel Cinemas. They can also enjoy the spectacular sights of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain from the Waterfront Promenade. The mall has over 14,000 car parking spaces that will add to the convenience of visitors.
 

Tasjeel Rolls Out Second ’Dirham wa’Bas’ Charity Drive Campaign

In light of the success of the first cycle, Tasjeel, an ENOC and Roads Transport Authority (RTA) joint venture for speedy and hassle-free vehicle testing and registration services, has launched its annual ’Dirham wa’Bas,’ a charitable initiative aimed at raising funds for people in need this Ramadan.

Under ‘Dirham wa’Bas,’ Tasjeel will donate one dirham from every car registration fee towards the local charity organisation Beit Al Khair Society, which provides financial support to orphans and underprivileged people in the UAE. The initiative follows the success of last year’s campaign which raised AED 100,000.

Ayas Bin Hendi, General Manager of ENOC Tasjeel, said that the ‘Dirham wa’Bas,’ initiative complements the various efforts undertaken by the ENOC Group in Ramadan to support and assist the underprivileged in the UAE. “ENOC Tasjeel is committed to supporting disadvantaged people by working closely with local and international charity organisations.”

“Last year’s campaign brought hope to many orphans and people in need. This year we aim to raise further funds to support more individuals and make a bigger difference,” he added.

In a bid to offer motorists more convenience and flexibility during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Tasjeel has adjusted its working hours at all service centres except for the JAFZA, Hatta, and Khorfakkan sites, which will be operational everyday from 8am to 2pm. The remaining centres are now open from 8am to 3pm and from 9pm until midnight, Saturday to Thursday.