Dubai TV Continues Trend of Showcasing Spectacular Line up of Arab Theatre Stars During the Holy Month of Ramadan

Dubai TV, part of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), one of the pioneering media organizations and creative services group in the Middle East, makes a strategic endeavor to present significant programming during the Holy Month of Ramadan that caters to a highly diversified audience across the region.

Complementing this mission, the Arabic drama series that are showcased on the channel, are typically characterized by rich content that is set in a repertoire of social backgrounds.

Dubai TV also ensures that it brings to the fore works featuring leading protagonists of Arabic theatre, particularly during the Holy Month of Ramadan

In the past years, the channel has set a precedent to highlight a galaxy of stars through social and reality stories, ranging from comedy to drama, including historical and even Bedouin.

With mega productions that match DMI’s ambition of presenting programming to suit the tastes of viewers all across the Arab world, the series rise to the level of distinguished international works with the talent and stature of the Arab actors matching their counterparts in some of the most advanced theatres around the world.

This year, the Egyptian star Yousra will lead the parade of Arabic theatre stars during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Her earlier appearance during Ramadan 2007 through ‘Qadeyet Ra’y A’am’ (A Case of Public Opinion) was considered one of the most important and bold drama works that mirrored numerous social issues that are overlooked in the Arab societies. In Ramadan 2008, Yousra appeared again with her series ‘Fi Ayden Amina’ (In Safe Hands), which scored high level of viewership and public success. In her 2009 appearance, the Egyptian star will showcase unforgettable drama characters in her new series ‘Khas Jeddan’ (Very Private), where she presents a new angle of her artistic character, in addition to social and humanitarian models that are bound to amaze every viewer.

The picture does not vary much with the Syrian drama stars, who excelled in the masterpiece of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. In his historical epic ‘Sera’a Ala El Remal’ (Struggle on the Sands), the characters were embodied by several Syrian drama stars such as Khalid Taja, Muna Wasif, and Tayyem Hassan. This Ramadan season, the same stars will return for a new social series ‘Zaman Al A’ar’ (The Era of Shame) that touches on significant social and humanitarian issues. The series will also feature Syrian star Bassam Kousa, who shone in the series ‘Al Hout’ (The Whale) that was aired on Dubai TV last Ramadan.

The Jordanian star Saba Mubarak, who starred in ‘Sera’a Ala El Remal’, will emerge through the new historical series ‘Balqees’ this year, which tells the story of the queen of Saba’a with all the struggles and conspiracies. The series also takes us into the roots of will power and democracy that she established in Yemen.

The Kuwaiti star ‘Hayat Al Fahad’ is a guest of Dubai TV every Ramadan season, presenting the series ‘Al Akh Salha’ (Brother Salha) as an actress and author. She was also featured in the series ‘Al Kharraz’ with a group of Khaleeji drama stars in Ramadan 2007. Last year, she presented the series ‘Abla Noora’ (Mrs. Noora), which was produced by Dubai TV. Al Fahad comes to us this Ramadan with a new series ‘Omr Al Shaqa’ (Lifetime of Burdens), which is characterized by its simple dialogue in the Khaleeji accent devoid of strange and invasive expressions. The series focuses on pure norms, habits and manners that people of the GCC inherited from their ancestors. Are we mentioning this for sure about her series?

The Saudi star Fahad Al Hayyan has a special place in the hearts of his audiences. His light comedy ‘Ghashamsham’, which he presented during the second and third seasons of Ramadan on Dubai TV, achieved phenomenal acclaim among viewers. Al Hayyan is preparing to present the fourth season of this series, which returns with more humorous situations that occur in the lives of the kind, spontaneous and naïve people of his town, but impart a valuable lesson. The ever-popular characters ‘Rasheed’ and his wife ‘Sheikha’ remain the constant factor of every series, the latest of which was filmed in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey, and Bahrain.

Speaking of Arab and Khaleeji drama stars, we cannot help but mention the local drama stars who have successfully presented a body of social and comedy works that have even received an honorary award from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid last year. The home-grown stars include Jaber Naghmoosh who earlier presented the series ‘Al Maqareed’ along with Abdul Aziz Al Jasim, as well as the galaxy of Emirati drama stars who featured in ‘Hayer Tayer’ is there any better translation that we can out here? It doesn’t sound good at all. Last Ramadan. In addition, the star Ahmed Al Jasmi was also honoured for his portfolio of important drama works such as ‘Reeh Al Shamal’ (North Wind) with Hayat Al Fahad. He comes back this Ramadan through his series ‘Qawm Al Ghesh’ (People of Cheating) with the Emirati star Sameera Ahmed, who presented last Ramadan the series ‘Nos Darzen’ (Half a Dozen).

Within the glamorous names comes the young star Marwan Abdulla Saleh, who drew attention to his talent and ability to play a variety of challenging roles and characters in the genre of drama and comedy. His appeal in the programme ‘Sawalefna Helwa’ on Dubai TV epitomizes the successful Emirati youth who are conscious and committed to highlighting the development of the UAE.

And, as with every year, Chef Osama Al Sayyed prepares to present his new and special dishes that befit the Holy Month of Ramadan. Ever popular among niche audiences, the chef will initially display a choice of main courses and supplementary dishes that are appropriate for the season. In the run up to the festivities of Eid Al Fitr, he will dedicate his programme to showcasing different types of desserts, cookies, and biscuits. He will also allocate a segment of his programme to nutrition, explaining the benefits of fasting for the different body organs. A special segment titled ‘Ghetha Al Rouh’ (Nutrition for the Soul) will see the chef drawing out special advice on fasting from a well-known religious personality.

Dubai TV’s special fare during the Holy Month of Ramadan promises a fulfilling programming that will allow audiences to experience some delightful moments of indigenous theatre even while absorbing the rich nuances of Arabic culture.

Mohammed bin Rashid Creates Dubai Media Affairs Office ‘Brand Dubai’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has established the Dubai Media Affairs Office ‘Brand Dubai’ to coordinate Dubai’s strategic media affairs regionally and internationally.Sheikh Mohammed also appointed Mona Ghanem Al Marri as the new entity’s Chief Executive Officer.The new office will work on preserving and enhancing Dubai’s image as an Arab city of international spirit and sensibility. The Dubai Media Affairs Office (DMAO) will encourage maximum exposure for Dubai’s continuing achievements on economic, cultural and social matters.Under the mandate given by Sheikh Mohammed, the new entity will work closely with Dubai government departments and authorities as well as non-government stakeholders. The DMAO will facilitate greater communication coordination among different organisations that are directly or non-directly responsible for Dubai’s image.Among DMAO’s other objectives are enhancing the media’s accessibility to accurate information on various subjects related to Dubai, and facilitating greater interaction with Dubai government officials. The office will work closely with regional and international media outlets to disseminate Dubai’s key messages of sustainable economic growth and social progress.
 

UAE Nationals dominate The Dubai Mall raffle winners

The ‘Win Millions’ raffle at Festival @ The Dubai Mall has a clear domination by UAE Nationals, who have won 40 daily raffles for AED 10,000 each and one weekly draw for AED 100,000 with only two days remaining for the shopping and entertainment extravaganza to conclude.Three expatriates – an Iranian, South African and Pakistani each – also won AED 100,000 each at the weekly draws. The Iranian expatriate, Mr Kaveh Oyar Hosseini also got AED 50,000 as bonus prize money for being present in the mall during the draw. The grand draw for AED 1 million will be held on the closing day of the Festival on Friday (May 29, 2009). Mr Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “The winner profile of Festival @ The Dubai Mall highlights the cosmopolitan character of Dubai. Apart from the UAE nationals, the daily winners of over 100 customers at the mall include nationals from the Middle East, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, CIS countries and USA.” He added: “The multi-cultural profile of winners also highlights the appeal of The Dubai Mall to people of all nationalities, several of them tourists. The chief draw of the mall as a shopping destination is the diversity of choices it offers, with over 900 outlets including several flagship and Middle East debuts of the world’s leading brands.” To participate in the Win Millions raffles, customers only have to spend AED 500 at any of the retail and/or F&B outlets. They also get bargain deals from participating outlets. The month-long Festival @ The Dubai Mall, also featuring a Grand Bentley raffle and mall-wide entertainment, will conclude on May 29. It is supported by Dubai Media Inc, Arab Media Group and The Address Hotels + Resorts, a part of Emaar Hospitality Group.

Bid2Win At Festival@The Dubai Mall Receives Strong Customer Response

The Bid 2 Win auction, held as part of the Festival@The Dubai Mall is attracting hundreds of participants every week. The auction has enabled winners to take home premium products at rates of about 15 to 30 per cent lower than the showroom price.

This weekend’s live SMS Bid 2 Win auction is for a Nikon D90 DSLR KIT + a Canon Legria Hfs10 Camcorder on Friday and a Panasonic 50” Plasma TV (TH50PY850M) + Home Theatre System (SC-PT 865) on Saturday.

The mall’s visitors can participate in a fierce biding war with a Nikon D90 DSLR KIT + a Canon Legria Hfs10 Camcorder up for grabs on May 22, priced at AED 10,998 and courtesy of Sharaf DG. The auction on Saturday is for a Panasonic 50” Plasma TV (TH50PY850M) + a Home Theatre System (SC-PT 865), priced at AED 11,898, courtesy of Plug-ins.

The SMS bidding starts at 10am and will continue until 9pm. The start price of the bid is AED 1. The highest bidder at 9pm can claim the product on paying the bid price.

To participate in Bid 2 Win, visitors to the mall only have to SMS the product code of the item on display at the mall to Etisalat 4643. They must first register to participate in the auction at the same number. Participants are informed of the status of their bid in real-time, and live updates of the auction are displayed on the multimedia screens.

Previous products on auction during the Festival@The Dubai Mall included an Apple Combo, Bose Lifestyle Home Entertainment System, Panasonic 58" Full HD Plasma TV, Infinity Cascade & Home Theatre Package, Jumbo Mobility Unwired Package and Philips LCD TV & Home Theatre Package.

In addition to Bid 2 Win, the mall also offers a ‘Win Millions’ raffle, a Grand Bentley raffle with only 5,000 tickets priced at AED 200 each going into the draw and mall-wide entertainment.

Festival@The Dubai Mall is supported by Dubai Media Inc, Arab Media Group and The Address Hotels + Resorts, Emaar Hospitality Group’s five star hotel brand.

Dubai Pearl Diamond Sponsor Of The 2008 Arab Media Forum

Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, a consortium of investors led by Al Fahim Group, today announced their US$4 billion world class, mixed-use development Dubai Pearl has become a diamond sponsor of the Arab Media Forum, a convention of top tier regional and international media professionals and intellectuals to hold in-depth
discussions on how the transformation of technology has impacted the local, regional and international media. The event will to be held on April 23-24, 2008 at Hotel Monarch in Dubai.

Diamond Sponsor, Pearl Dubai LLC Chairman, Abdul Majeed Ismail Al Fahim said, “We are really pleased with our association with the Arab Media Forum, and through it with the Dubai Press Club. The forum will provide us an opportunity to interact with distinguished leaders, decision-makers and experts from the world of media. The theme of the forum, Media and Technology, itself is of great relevance in today’s time, just as real estate practitioners in the region are trying to integrate the most advanced technology into real estate practices.”

Dubai Pearl is a US$4 billion development located within the Dubai Media and Technology Free Zone (TECOM) overlooking Palm Jumeirah, with a built up area of more than 15 million square feet. The project, which will become an integrated city amongst the most technologically advanced projects in Dubai’s real estate market today, features many of the world’s firsts in engineering design. The project’s new masterplan emphasizes energy efficiency and the optimum use of space to deliver the region’s first integrated walk-able city centre. The development also envisages many components that will offer unique advantages to the media and technology community.

Its location within the most mature free zone of Dubai also means that media and technology companies can own an elite business address with 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of capital, no minimum capital investment, no currency restriction and no corporate taxes.

Dubai Pearl Awards AED305 Million Enabling Works Contract to Al Habtoor STFA Soil Group

Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, a consortium of investors led by Al Fahim Group, announced today that a contract worth AED 305 million has been awarded to Al Habtoor STFA Soil Group (HSSG), to carry out enabling works on the Dubai Pearl project overlooking the Palm Jumeriah located in the heart of Dubai Media & Technology Freezone (TECOM).
Selected out of 15 bidders, HSSG will handle all aspects related to site grading, mobilization shoring, earthwork, excavation, dewatering, piling work and testing.

Mr. Abdul Majeed Al Fahim, Chairman of Pearl Dubai FZLLC, said: “Pearl Dubai is looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with HSSG on the ambitious venture, which is taking shape as a landmark development within
the free zone cluster. HSSG has the necessary expertise and a successful track record in handling prestigious projects of such magnitude. “The awarding of the contract takes the project to its crucial stage, marking the onset of laying foundation works. The project will stand testimony to our commitment to building a ‘living city’ with open spaces that optimize sustainability.”

To date, Al Habtoor STFA Soil Group has executed major projects related to piled and sheet-piled jetties, piled bridges, aqueducts, ferry terminals, soil improvement, retaining systems, and soil investigation in 16 countries across the world.

Mr.Ercan Karadede, Managing Director of HSSG, said: “Adopting the highest quality standards, HSSG will ensure the enabling works at Dubai Pearl reflect our project excellence. In addition, we will carry out the works within the stipulated timeframe, illustrating once again our emphasis on delivery schedules.

Highlighting the project’s remarkable features, Ali BuRuhaima, Chief Officer Asset Development Zoning Authority, (TECOM) said : “ Dubai Pearl is a prime location and will be one of the most ground breaking developments in the
region, catering to corporate entities as well as residential and hospitality sectors and will complement the TECOM free-zone.”

Expected to be completed by December 2011, Dubai Pearl will have a built up area of more than 15 million square feet combining an active business district with a quality urban lifestyle, offering easy access to premium
commercial and residential areas such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, as well as the Palm Jumeirah.

The residential component of the project will include sky palaces with private pools and gardens, sky penthouses, luxury branded apartments and condominiums. It will also feature tower and boutique offices and renowned
hotel brands. Contributing to the growing cultural calendar within the emirate, Dubai Pearl will boast a 2000 seat state-of-the-art theatre, a luxury fashion precinct within a premier shopping mall, as well as cinemas and
gourmet restaurants.

The climate conditioned pedestrian walkways, which will recreate a street cafe ambience with international restaurants, boutiques and urban landscaping, will serve as one of the most unique facets of the development.

Bidding For Two Hours To Win A Bargain Deal

Bidding feverishly for two hours, the winner of the Bid 2 Win auction for a Bose Lifestyle 48 Series IV DVD Home Entertainment System at The Dubai Mall got a bargain deal, saving about 30 per cent on the price of the product.Mrs Colleen Birla, an Indian expatriate, was the winner of the second Bid 2 Win, a unique event being organised as part of the Festival@The Dubai Mall. She had wanted to buy a home entertainment system and visited the mall hearing about the Bid 2 Win event.She and her husband bid for close to two hours over SMS, and eventually Mrs Birla made the biggest bid for AED 11,550 as the event drew to a close at 9pm. The original price of the home entertainment system, courtesy of Plug-Ins, is AED 15,999.Mrs Birla said she liked the concept of bidding by SMS, adding that it was very professionally organised. She said she will return to the mall this weekend to see the products that go up for bidding.Bid 2 Win is held on Fridays and Saturdays. It is an innovative retail event, wherein visitors to the mall only have to SMS the product code of the items on display at the mall to Etisalat 4643. Bidders first register to participate in the auction at the same number.Bids open at 10am and continue until 9pm. Particpiants are informed of the status of their bid in real-time, and live updates of the auction are displayed on the multimedia screens.In addition to Bid 2 Win, the mall also offers a ‘Win Millions’ raffle, a Grand Bentley raffle with only 5,000 tickets priced at AED 200 each going into the draw and roaming entertainment throughout the mall.Festival@The Dubai Mall is supported by Dubai Media Inc, Arab Media Group and The Address Hotels + Resorts, Emaar Hospitality Group’s five star hotel brand.
 

Keen Bidding Fetches Bargain Deals At Bid 2 Win Event During Festival@The Dubai Mall

The Bid 2 Win auctions held as part of the Festival@The Dubai Mall witnessed keen bidding by hundreds of visitors to the mall. The two SMS auctions were held over the weekend offering an Apple Combo and Bose Lifestyle Home Entertainment System.The Apple Combo, priced AED 14,498, was courtesy of Sharaf DG. Starting at a bid of AED 1, the combo comprising an Apple Mac Book, iPhone and iPod Touch was clinched by Mr Faiyaz for a price of AED 9,786.The second Bid 2 Win event, held on Saturday, was for a Bose Lifestyle 48 Series IV DVD Home Entertainment System, courtesy of Plug-Ins, priced at AED 15,999. The winning bid by Mrs Colleen was for AED 11,550.The Bid 2 Win is an innovative retail event where visitors to the mall only have to SMS the product code of the items on display at the mall to Etisalat 4643. Bidders first register to participate in the auction at the same number. Bids open at 10am and continue until 9pm. Bidders are informed of the status of their bid in real-time, and live updates of the auction are displayed on the multimedia screens.The Bid 2 Win event will be held every weekend and items that go on auction will be announced in advance.In addition to Bid 2 Win, the mall also offers a ‘Win Millions’ raffle, a Grand Bentley raffle with only 5,000 tickets priced at AED 200 each going into the draw and roaming entertainment throughout the mall.Festival@The Dubai Mall is supported by Dubai Media Inc, Arab Media Group and The Address Hotels + Resorts, Emaar Hospitality Group’s five star hotel brand.
 

Dubai One – Out & About This Week

Want to be kept up-to-date on what’s happening in Dubai? Well what better place to get your weekly rundown of what’s in store for the week ahead than with Out & About This Week on Dubai One, the 24-hour free-to-air English language entertainment channel part of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI).Last week (Aired 29 April) we learnt some new steps in time for World Dance Day. Layne showed us his moves on the dance floor as he found out about the Columbian dance sensation which hit The First Group Madinat Theatre, whilst Punam learnt a move or two at the latest hip hop dance troupe to takeover Dubai, The Nike Rockstar Workout. We also took rock to a new level at the kids’ rock challenge event running from 30 April to the 4 May. Then from jewellery and antiques to Art, we had an exclusive sneak peak behind the scenes of the famous Christies auction that was in town on the 28 and 29 April and met some kids with some zany ideas at the Car Art Festival at Festival City.This week (Airing 6 May) the sky is the limit as Layne takes part in a Vertical Marathon at The Emirates Towers to raise money for Medecins Sans Frontiers with support of the Red Crescent to coincide with Red Cross Day on 8 May, before joining Punam on the latest dining experience taking Dubai to new heights, the Sky Dinner. Punam and Layne enjoy a meal on a 50 foot high platform overlooking The Walk. Once Layne finds his feet he gets a new suit tailored just for him at the newly opened Logsdale where he is dressed like a gentleman just in time to visit the stage of the Would Be Gentlemen, a play running at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre on the 8 and 9 May. We will also have an exclusive interview with the musical group The Charlatans and Arab Superstar Ragheb Alama.Next Week (Airing 13 May) we are reading through our dictionaries in preparation for the Dubai Scrabble Tournament. Layne is in the spotlight as he has a photo session at the famous Stewart Williamson studios, meanwhile Punam visits Dubai in 1962, a new exhibition at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre which shows us how Dubai has changed in the last 50 years through photos. Punam also reminds us of the importance of recycling as she takes on the Emirates Environmental Group’s challenge to collect as many cans as she can by May 28 whilst Layne faces his own challenge with White Collar Boxing.For all this and more, join us on Out & About This Week on Dubai One, Wednesdays at 9.00pm.
 

Dubai One Offers Timely Consultancy To Viewers Through ’Bonds For Life’ Monthly Programme

Do you want to learn how to save? Are you unsure about the implications of the current economic crisis on your investments? Do you need an A-Z guide on finance?

‘Bonds for Life’, a monthly programme on Dubai One, the 24-hour free-to-air English language entertainment channel part of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), answers all your questions and more.

Last episode (Aired 4 April), the programme offered top saving tips to mark the third anniversary of National Bonds, the UAE’s premium national savings scheme.

Featuring Nigel Watson, Sales and Marketing Director of the insurance company Nexus, the programme analysed issues including the perfect age to start teaching kids about finance, whether children need to earn their pocket money, the percentage of pocket money children must be encouraged to save, and the need for children to learn money management skills from their parents.

‘Bonds for Life’ also explored the changing dynamics of today’s economy and hosted officials of some companies who have successfully recorded optimistic growth despite the challenges faced during the downturn. Online entrepreneur Anders Lovbrand, CEO of Crestofdubai.com, explained opportunities open to companies and the possibilities of online networking and how one can make the most of our contacts.

The programme also hosted forensic psychologist Dr. Raymond Hamden who outlined the psychological implications of retrenchment and its consequences on the morale of the country. Dr. Hamden has established an Employee Awareness Programme to help people get through these trying times.

In ‘Bonds Investigates’, the programme tackled an important subject that people often neglect – writing a will. Tim Searle, the resident financial expert, offered advice on how to deal with this vital question and understand the processes involved in drafting both Shari’ah and non-Shari’ah wills.

Breaking new ground, the programme featured Farnek, a company that has established an Energy Saving Module, a bamboo laptop, an environmentally conscious way to do business, and the world’s first-ever touch-screen dual SIM card phone from Samsung.

And of course, the programme also analysed how Roshni Kalati, National Bonds holder and the March winner of a million dirhams, is using her cash to convert her dreams into reality.

Next month (airing 2 May), the programme will look at ‘Spending vs Saving’ and ways to enhance a portfolio, the methods that can be adopted to ensure savings rather than spending, as well as strategies that can be useful in daily life to make those decisions easier.

‘Bonds Investigates’ will, meanwhile, tackle the common query – ‘To be located within a free-zone or outside? That is the question’. Assessing the pros and cons to help investors make an informed decision, the programme will draw out information about the experience from individuals who have gone through the process themselves.

With the current economic downtrend, retrenchment is on everyone’s mind. ‘Bonds for Life’ turns the spotlight on Sunil Jaiswal, an entrepreneur and an expert who will offer tips on staying positive while at job. Jaiswal will talk about the power of positivity and how his course titled ‘Achieve the Impossible’ continues to ensure people walk away with the right attitude and are better prepared to face today’s challenges.

Are you an entrepreneur in the making? Tim Searle provides some advice on how to be prepared when starting a new business venture. The show will look at some inspiring case studies in Dubai, right from a group of local Emirati entrepreneurs who have successfully opened Wild Peeta, their own chain of restaurants, to the expat who turned his experience in graphic design into a branding consultancy company, Spike Creative.

The programme will also highlight some of the top business stories of the month, leading corporate news and the latest gadgets that are breaking new ground in the business world including the ‘micro riser’ – a natural fungus only found in the UAE that retains water within the soil resulting in huge savings.

And of course, one lucky National Bonds holder will become a millionaire, who will be announced after the live monthly raffle draw during the show.

For all this and more, join us on ‘Bonds for Life’ on Dubai One, first Saturday of every month at 9.00pm UAE.