Catch The Glamour At The Coca-Cola Light Very Important Apartment – V.I.A.

Dubai witnessed the exciting unveiling of the luxurious Coca-Cola Light Very Important Apartment (V.I.A.) today at UPTOWN MotorCity®. In line with the recently launched Coca-Cola 2009 “Open Happiness” campaign, Coca-Cola Light introduces one lucky winner from the region to experience the glamorous side on the Coke Side of Life. Tune into MBC’s hit show Style & Stars to catch a glimpse of the most tastefully done, hip, exquisite and modern three-bedroom, fully-furnished apartment and enter the regional SMS draw for the Coca-Cola Light V.I.A.

Coca-Cola Light V.I.A. has taken a lifestyle route to highlight the modern well-being and contemporary living aspects of the brand through partnership with Union Properties (UP), one of the UAE’s leading property developers. In cooperation with the ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the campaign makes its debut during the region’s most famous, annually-awaited festival, bringing limitless opportunities with elements of fashion, glamour and style.

Antoine Tayyar, Public Affairs and Communications Director for Coca-Cola Middle East said, “Coca-Cola Light V.I.A hinges on the celebration of the inner sparkle, the true essence of the brand that incorporates a positive association with a modern-day lifestyle. Coca-Cola has always strived to engage its fans with perfect opportunities such as Coca-Cola Light V.I.A that will help them pave their own path to happiness.”

“Union Properties is thrilled to be part of this unique promotion. Our partnership with Coca-Cola in the Coca-Cola Light V.I.A. promotion is based on a synergy of quality values between our brands. We believe that the apartment in UPTOWN MotorCity® reflects everything that the fortunate winner needs to experience a superior, vibrant lifestyle,” Said Michael Jackson, Chief Marketing Officer, UP.

Mohammad Al Kamali, Sponsorship Manager at the Dubai Shopping Festival Office, organisers of Dubai Summer surprises said: “Coca-Cola Light V.I.A is one of the most exciting promotions that we have witnessed recently and we are very pleased to have it happening during our 12th edition of DSS. We consider Coca-Cola ME not only as one of our DSS 2009 key sponsors, but as partners in our endeavour to spread and enhance the elements of joy and happy living through our diversified fun filled calendar of events”.

MBC’s Style & Stars TV programme, aired every Thursday at 7pm KSA time (8pm UAE time, will take viewers through the Coca-Cola Light V.I.A. The programme will include exclusive features from each celebrity visit to the V.I.A from June 18 onwards, with the winner revealed on the final show airing August 20, 2009.

Aline Watfa, Lebanese supermodel and popular host of MBC’s Style & Stars will guide fans through the Coca-Cola Light V.I.A. each week and will welcome much sought-after celebrities, designers and personalities to the V.I.A. The contemporary-chic Coca-Cola Light V.I.A, decorated by popular interior designer Bara Zaher, will also become a home to one-of-a-kind celebrity signed souvenirs and mementos.

With a home address at the luxurious UPTOWN MotorCity®, one of Dubai’s most promising up-and-coming developments, the Coca-Cola Light V.I.A will be nestled amongst the thrill and excitement of this Union Properties development, featuring exceptional entertainment, dining, leisure, retail and residential options ideal for both individual and family living.

Entrants must be 21 years or above and a resident of the UAE, KSA, Syria, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain or Kuwait. The competition will run from June 18 through August 9, 2009. Regional SMS codes will be broadcasted every week on the Style & Stars show and are also available on www.cokelightvia.com.

For further information please contact Mehr Amin on +971-4-3050326 or at Mehr.Amin@Ogilvy.com or Antoine Tayyar at Antayyar@Mena.ko.com

Dubai International’s Terminal 2 Undergoes Major Refurbishment

Terminal 2 at Dubai International has undergone a major refurbishment, extending check-in and boarding facilities, revitalising the interior and exterior décor, plus offering more dining choices, to give customers an enhanced travelling experience.

Currently serving more than 25 scheduled airlines, the extended facility will increase capacity from three to some five million passengers a year.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, commented: “Terminal 2 has seen tremendous growth over the past decade of its operation, due to its popularity as a convenient and flexible gateway for customers travelling into and out of Dubai.

“This make-over has given a fantastic boost to the facility, a new lease of life and a freshness that’s sure to give us a thumbs-up in terms of customer satisfaction and comfort.”

The terminal building now boasts a bold red façade, with clearly defined entrances for Arrivals and Departures and a wide drop-off area running between the terminal and the extensive covered car parking beyond.

Queuing time has speeded up for departing passengers with the extension of the Check-in area where counters have increased from 22 to 36.

The Boarding section has been transformed into a spacious and comfortable seating area, lit by natural light, with a Marhaba Lounge and children’s play area opening shortly. The new open boarding gates allow several flights to board simultaneously, considerably improving both passenger and aircraft movement.

Passengers can choose from a range of dining options, including the Hatam Iranian Restaurant, McDonald’s, Costa Coffee, Baskin Robbins Ice-cream and Tropicana Juice bar. The Dubai Duty Free shopping area covers 1,400 square metres in Departures and 50 square metres in Arrivals and carries a wide range of international brands.

The 3, 437 square metre extension includes a larger Arrivals hall where the finishing touches are being put to new counters for car rental and currency exchange outlets.

For transiting passengers, a shuttle service runs between the terminals, with a journey time of 20 minutes approximately to Terminal 1 and 30 minutes to Terminal 3.

“Terminal 2’s location at the north side of the airfield at Dubai International helps to give the impression of an ‘airport within an airport’, with its main road access, generous covered car parking and user-friendly terminal,” added Mr Griffiths. “I am confident that the revitalised décor and comfortable surroundings, along with the extended facilities will encourage more airlines to use Terminal 2.”

Dubai Best Events & Seasons

• Best Season in Dubai:
Dubai Shopping Festival. As long as you don’t mind crowds, Dubai Shopping Festival is a thrilling time to visit the city, with people from around the world and special events taking place day and night.

• Best Sports Event:
Dubai World Cup. The world’s richest horse race, at the end of March, is the culmination of a 9-week horse-racing festival and brings in celebrities and jet-setters from around the globe.

• Best Time to Come to Dubai:
November to March. Most people prefer the temperate days of “winter,” and this is when the bulk of outdoor activities and special events take place.

• Best Thing to Do in Summer:
Stay Inside. With extreme humidity and temperatures routinely more than 100°F (38°C), summer is too hot to be outside. This is the perfect time to visit the malls, and Dubai Summer Surprises is a 10-week festival offering deeply discounted hotel, restaurant, and store prices, as well as children’s entertainment and educational activities.