UAE Qualifiers Begin For Hyundai World Golf Championship

Juma Al Majid Est. the sole distributor of Hyundai Motors in United Arab Emirates will start The UAE’s qualifying round for the Hyundai World Golf Championship on the 30th of April 2009 at the Jebel Ali Golf & Resort, where 16 players will compete for two places at the Hyundai World Final in Korea next month.The Hyundai World Golf Championship brings players from across the world to compete in one of the largest events of its type, playing for the world title in one of Korea’s top country clubs – the prestigious Haevichi Golf Club on Jeju Island, Korea.This is the first time the event has been held and preparations are underway to continue it on an annual basis, attracting an increasing number of participants each year.“The one day qualifying event is the perfect opportunity for the UAE’s amateur golfers to take part in a unique competition with the prospect of some great rewards,” says Isam Abu Nabah, President of Hyundai -Juma Al Majid Est.“The championship brings together golfing enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate the prestige of the sport, cultural diversity and dynamism, and even more significantly, to foster an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie,”Countries around the globe are taking part in this competition, were each country will be sending their top qualifiers to compete for the world title.Hyundai’s showpiece for the tournament is the new Genesis Luxury sedan, which will also be available for test drive on the day of the UAE qualifiers.“Until now, Hyundai had been focusing on international football sponsorship as its main sports marketing tool. Now, with our grand entry into the new market sector of luxury automobiles, the Hyundai World Golf Championship is an opportunity to further lift the brand image, by targeting our new luxury brand customers and appealing to their particular tastes and needs.” says Omar Baddar Marketing Manager of Hyundai -Juma Al Majid Est.
 

A Showcase Of Dubai’s Cultural Diversity

Emaar Boulevard in Downtown Burj Dubai wears a colourful and lively look with the hosting of the International Village, a festival that showcases Dubai’s cultural diversity. With participants from nearly 20 countries featuring a diverse array of products in separate pavilions, the overall experience is that of a melting pot of cultures.The two-week festival, features crafts, artifacts, modern gadgets, traditional clothes and jewellery from Africa, Europe, India, China, Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tunisia, Vietnam, UAE and several countries in the Middle East.International Village at Emaar Boulevard showcases folk dances and traditional music, thus providing a total lifestyle experience for visitors, who can also treat to a variety of food and beverages. The festival is, indeed, a true tribute to the cultural diversity of the city.
 

Khalifa Tours Dubai’s Signature Landmarks

Sheikh Mohammed said he was pleased with the care shown by the President for following up development projects in the country.

Sheikh Khalifa started his tour with stop at the marina and Jumierah Beach Residence where he acquainted himself with residential and recreational facilities including towers, offices, shopping centres, marinas, and world class hotels and resorts.

Jumierah Palm was the second stop in the President’s tour and from there the presidential motorcade proceeded to the Union House which saw the signing of the document for establishment of the UAE Federation. He also saw the UAE flag fluttering at the world’s tallest post.

At the final leg of the tour, the President moved to Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest tower. From the tallest free-standing structure, the President saw the surrounding developments which feature residential and commercial buildings, retail spaces, hotels and entertainment elements, reflecting the social and cultural diversity in the country.

Sheikh Khalifa expressed his admiration at the integrated civilisational facet of the country and blessed the qualitative development plans being carried out by Dubai.
These developments, the President affirmed, provide direct support to the national economy and the country’s sustainable development.

He also commended the wise vision of Sheikh Mohammed which he said is complementing the strategy of the leadership and government of the UAE.

“Sheikh Mohammed’s vision is part and parcel of the government comprehensive strategy which as a leadership is striving to maximise its elements to improve living conditions of the citizen, education standards and provide all factors of stability and strength to our citizens,” the President said.

“Any civilisational, economic, scientific or sports achievement scored by any emirate or a citizen is a national honour to our country and people.

All should be proud of this success as well as all other gains of our great nation and its authentic Arab heritage, culture and values,” the President added.

At the end of the tour, the presidential motorcade drove to the Zabeel Palace where the two leaders held fraternal talks focusing on a host of issues related to the national development.

Sheikh Khalifa was briefed by Sheikh Mohammed on plans and programmes Dubai is planning to implement in future. For his part, the President welcomed every move that will deliver promising future to our beloved nation and people.

“Development projects being executed by each emirate in the country are complementing each others and boosting national economy and standing of the country regionally and internationally, they also serve interests of sons and daughters in any corner of the beloved UAE land,” he stressed.

Sheikh Khalifa was accompanied by H.H. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Emaar Celebrates Dubai’s Cultural Diversity With International Village At Emaar Boulevard

Celebrating the cultural diversity of the city, Emaar Properties has announced the International Village, a two-week cultural and retail festival that will take place at Emaar Boulevard in Downtown Burj Dubai. Featuring 41 pavilions, the festival will showcase a diverse array of products from close to 20 countries and will be held from April 17 to May 2, 2009 from 4pm to 11pm on weekdays and from 4pm to midnight on weekends and holidays.

Billed to offer a taste of varied cultures right in the heart of the city, the festival will have on display products, artifacts and general paraphernalia from countries panning Africa, Europe, India, China, Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tunisia, Vietnam, UAE and several countries in the Middle East. Each participating country will represent its cultural ethos through its retailed products, which will be further complemented by country-specific cultural programmes and entertainment.

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar Properties, said: “With over 180 nationalities living and working together, Dubai is the cultural hub of the region and Emaar is highlighting that cultural plurality with the International Village at Emaar Boulevard. The event is not only our tribute to the city’s cosmopolitan ethos but also aims to strengthen its tourist appeal while establishing Downtown Burj Dubai as a must-visit destination.”

He added: “International Village mirrors Emaar Boulevard’s promise to be the region’s lifestyle centre that further complements the other attractions in Downtown Burj Dubai including The Dubai Fountain, water-music-light-spectacle and Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest tower. Visitors to the family festival will be treated to a rich diversity of shopping choices from various parts of the world and cultural performances.”

The International Village will have pavilions set up along the Emaar Boulevard and will showcase a collection of jewellery, handicrafts and artifacts, clothing and traditional dresses, home accessories, crystals and silverware, perfumes, food items, among others.

Indigenously hand-crafted or imported exclusively for the festival, most products are unique in design, adding to their exclusivity. While there will be plenty of products to choose from, the boulevard will also be dotted with a mix of food & beverage tents and will be further enlivened with music and dance performances, all designed to create a family fun and carnival atmosphere.

International Village is envisioned to be a periodic event that will be held at Emaar Boulevard as part of Downtown Burj Dubai’s plans to enliven the boulevard. Emaar Boulevard has been designed to be the city’s nerve-centre of activity and entertainment and a celebration of downtown culture with cafés, high-fashion shops, hotels and walkways.

International Village follows the success of the first Burj Dubai Classic Car Show and the recent Renault F1 Roadshow both of which attracted thousands of visitors to Downtown Burj Dubai. This two-week festival is set in close proximity to The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations, and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain that is currently being tested.

Described as the new heart of the city, Downtown Burj Dubai is a definitive lifestyle destination in the city and features four hotels – The Address Downtown Burj Dubai; The Palace – The Old Town; Al Manzil and Qamardeen. Apart from The Dubai Mall, the community also features Souk Al Bahar offering several al fresco and indoor dining out options and retail outlets.

Downtown Burj Dubai is an established residential and business community, and is set in 500 acres in the heart of the city, offering easy access to financial and business nerve-centres.

AUD Celebrates Its Rich Cultural Diversity

A massive crowd of students, faculty and staff, and The American University in Dubai’s community at large, assembled to enjoy the twelfth edition of International Night, a myriad of events celebrating the rich cultural diversity of AUD.

This year’s compelling folkloric dance, music and fashion performances were carried out by 17 different AUD cultural and special interest student clubs, where each club portrayed its country’s own customs whether in terms of the booth installed, the shows performed on-stage or the traditional cuisine served, along with elaborate costumes.

AUD’s campus was transformed into a miniature map of the world with cultural depictions lingering in every section. This Inter-AUD Cultural Competition organized by the Student Government Association (SGA) at AUD, featured activities highlighting diversified traditional themes and ranging from poem recitals to live music and folkloric dance performances. The cultural booths displayed the heritage and traditional cuisine of the countries represented by the AUD student body.

Ms. Veronique Lemieux, Student Activities Coordinator at AUD, commented on the success of the event stating:
“One of the wonderful aspects of AUD is its rich cultural diversity. International Night is a display of that diversity in action, as the clubs work together to create a brilliant evening of entertainment for AUD and the community at large. This event truly symbolizes the dialogue between cultures that we promote at AUD.”

This year’s jury members consisted of the following AUD faculty members: Dr. Merwyn Strate, Associate Professor of Management, Dr. Nina Hein, Assistant Professor of Communication and Information Studies, Ms. Jessica Russle, Assistant Professor of English, and Mr. James Henry, Assistant Professor of English.

Moreover, the AUD International Aid Club (AIA) hosted Manzil, the Center for Challenged Individuals in Dubai, as the club raised funds for the Center via showcasing and selling students’ art crafts. This is but one of the many humanitarian initiatives organized by AIA as part of its mission that serves as an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to be challenged in tackling global problems while providing practical and creative solutions.

As for winning the best performance, it came as no surprise that the incredible cultural dance performance put on by the Indian Cultural Club won them first place. The second and third places were bagged by the Pakistani and Kazakhstani clubs. Furthermore, in regards to winning the best cultural booth, the Persian, Indian and Pakistani clubs came in the first, second and third places, respectively.

The event was sponsored by Sony Ericsson, Great Properties and Commercial Bank of Dubai.