Dubais Aviation Sector Expected To Rise To US$44.5 Billion By 2020: Dubai Airports

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, has warned that traffic capacity constraints pose the single largest threat to aviation growth and the billions of dollars of additional economic activity its expansion is expected to generate in the Middle East and globally over the next decade, according to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths.

"By 2020, aviation will support 373,000 jobs – or 22% of the total employment in Dubai – and $45.4 billion in economic activity – or 32 percent of GDP." Griffith said in a speech delivered to air traffic management executives attending the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization’s (CANSO) annual general meeting being held in Bangkok Griffith also said "by 2020 aircraft movements will surpass 560,000 and passenger numbers will climb to 98.5 million. Unfortunately, the airspace is currently not configured to support the growth and capacity bottlenecks are looming on the horizon. We have an outdated route structure, fragmented airspace and there is a lack of effective coordination on a regional scale." Global research firm Oxford Economics said in its recent report that the economic contribution of the aviation sector is expected to rise to $44.5 billion (Dh163.4 billion) or 32 per cent of Dubai’s GDP by 2020, up from the current $22 billion, or 28 per cent of GDP.

By this time, Dubai will also see the aviation sector accounting for 372,900 jobs or about 22 per cent of the emirate’s employment.

According to the research firm’s estimates, Dubai’s aviation sector currently supports 250,000 jobs or about 19 per cent of Dubai’s employment.

Commissioned by Emirates airline and Dubai Airports, the study titled Explaining Dubai’s Aviation Model highlights Dubai as "consensus-based, highly competitive and consumer-centric", generating significant economic benefits for the emirate and the countries it connects.

 

Dubais First Sustainable Living Expo Concludes On High Note

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EPIC Dubai, the region’s first sustainable living expo, concluded on Friday June 24 at The Dubai Mall by inspiring thousands of visitors to make eco-wise and informed choices. More than 70 local and global brands, such as Nokia, Philips, Masdar, Puma, Korres, De Dietrich, @Home, Miri Creation, Naturalizer, Dubai Garden Center, Marks and Spencer and many more, showcased sustainable products and features to educate and entertain attendees of all ages.

Mr. Abdulla saeed Lootah, CEO, SS Lootah International, extended his appreciation to all EPIC supporters especially the 150 Emirati volunteers whose commitment and dedication made EPIC a great success.
Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted initiative advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy as well as clean technologies and solutions, and National Geographic Al Arabiya played key roles as EPIC Dubai’s Sustainable Knowledge Partners.

Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Associate Director- Corporate Sustainability Masdar, said: "We are delighted to be part in the EPIC Sustainable Living Expo as a knowledge partner. Masdar has taken leadership in Sustainability and renewable energy technologies regionally and globally. Through activities such as this event, we are able to communicate the importance of sustainability to a broader audience. Sustainability forms one of Masdar’s core values and we ensure all business practices are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Our holistic approach to sustainability operates on an internal and external level, incorporating water, waste, energy and transport. Masdar’s new internal sustainability program START, launched in 2010, resulted in a 300% increase in paper recycling effectiveness and a 400% increase in plastic recycling effectiveness. The results show that individuals will start and continue to make decisions based on the sustainability if the right culture is instilled in the organisation."

Mohammed Al Hammadi, Editor of National Geographic Al Arabiya, commented on the magazine’s involvement at EPIC Dubai: "National Geographic Al Arabiya is committed to educating the UAE on the importance of environmental awareness, therefore participating at the EPIC Dubai exhibition was a perfect fit for us. Between us we share the same environmental principles and goals, and just like our "Colours of the World" photo display, the whole EPIC Dubai exhibition aims to encourage people to think about the world around them and to protect their natural environment by living sustainably."The environment and eco-living took centre stage at the expo. As part of their commitment to the event, Dubai Garden Center contributed to greening the EPIC Expo while De Dietrich showcased their latest energy efficient home appliances.

Mr. Nasser Talib, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Garden Center, commented: "We, at the Desert Group, are especially proud of our social achievements by making a concerted effort to improve the environment around us in conjunction with recognized bodies such as the Ministry of Environment & the Ministry of Social Affairs & by participating in community efforts to create healthy living spaces. Increasingly striving to be a "green employer" in the business arena, we have introduced the processing of "Green Waste" discarded from major projects into a reusable product which is the "Wood Mulch ". This Product is used to preserve land integrity. We have also introduced our manufacturing unit for the organic production of Potting Soil, and the reuse of waste tree logs.

Desert Group is proud to be part of EPIC, which proves that we are reaching some of our "green" aspirations in terms of saving our environment and still will always be striving to green excellence. EPIC is a door that will allow us to be part in educating society on how we can behave, live and work green."

With 95 per cent of their appliances given top grading for energy consumption, De Dietrich products are designed to use little raw material, little energy and are as recyclable as possible.

Mr. Patrice Charbon, Global Brand Director of De Dietrich, said: "Our motto and the brand’s philosophy is to reduce the impact on the environment. De Dietrich works in partnership with Eco-Systems to recycle its end-of-life products. That’s why; De Dietrich is a proud sponsor of the EPIC Dubai Sustainable Living Expo as it fits perfectly with our vision and engineering for our brand in developing appliances to achieve sustainable living as we look into the future."

EPIC Dubai was part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2011 and was supported by the Ministry of Environment & Water, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Bee’ah, Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai, Dubai Events & Promotions Establishment, Dubai SME, Dubai FDI, Dubai TV and The Dubai Mall.

The expo included a variety of showcases to satisfy all tastes and interests. It covered Fashion & Accessories, Food & Beverage, Leisure & Travel, Home & Garden, Health & Beauty, Business & Technology, Transportation, and Government.

The EPIC Dubai features included EPIC Talks delivered by inspiring leaders, EPIC Sights offered visually enticing experiences of human ingenuity in tackling climate change, EPIC Sounds brought local and international musical acts to an ecologically aware platform and EPIC Eco-Fashion Shows put a sustainable and fashionable foot forward down the Dubai Mall catwalk. Renowned chefs from EMAAR Hospitality Group created dishes from organic and free-range produce at EPIC Cooking Stations, while the EPIC Kids corner featured eco-arts and crafts, interactive games and toys.

Dubais First Sustainable Living Expo Kicks Off In Style At The Dubai Mall

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Dubai’s first EPIC sustainable living expo kicked off today to a staggering number of eco-wise and savvy consumers who got a firsthand look at environment-friendly products and sustainable initiatives from over 70 local and international companies. The EPIC expo, taking place at The Dubai Mall till June 24, marked the first day of Dubai Summer Surprises 2011.

EPIC Dubai opened on a positive note where a Green Cars Caravan of solar, electric, hybrid and biodiesel powered cars, organized by Dubai Police and S.S. Lootah Group, took off from Burj Al Arab with a pit stop at Dubai Police Academy before it continued its journey to Burj Khalifa boulevard and The Dubai Mall, where the expo is being held.

UAE’s first solar powered car, designed and manufactured at the Lootah Technical Centre and unveiled by UNEP Champion of the Earth, Louis Palmer, during World Environment Day Dubai celebration earlier this month, cruised down Sheikh Zayed Road as part of the Green Cars Caravan.

“The Green Cars Caravan journey comes as part of our commitment to raising sustainability awareness and reducing carbon footprint to support Dubai’s economic and social development, in line with the vision and guidance of UAE leadership,” said Yousif Saeed Lootah, Board Member of S.S. Lootah Group and CEO of Lootah Biofuels. “This initiative further reinforces UAE’s efforts in overcoming environmental challenges by introducing practical and effective solutions.”

He added: “Green Cars Caravan has received tremendous support from Dubai Police where their biodiesel and electric vehicles took part in this initiative. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief, for his continuous support to our youth and his commitment to direct their energy towards innovation for sustainable development.”

Under the ‘sustainability meets style’ theme, the first day of the expo was packed with variety of showcases, features and inspiring talks to satisfy all tastes and interests.

EPIC Dubai First Day Highlights

EPIC Talks
Colonel Nasser Abdulwahed Al-Awar, Director of Community Relations at Dubai Police, kicked off EPIC Talks highlighting Dubai Police’s efforts in the field of saving energy while Jeremy Byatt, vice president, environment at Bee’ah focused on how to live better by using fewer resources.

EPIC Talks continued throughout the day with an informative presentation from Daniel Atkins of Murdoch University on what people can do to help the environment; Organic Foods & Café CEO, Nils El Accad, underlined the benefits of organic food; Dr. Bassem Daghestani, head of conservation at Juma Al Majid, explained how historic books and documents are conserved organically for future generations. EPIC Talks concluded with Mr. Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi, Head of Sustainable Development and CSR for the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai Government, the Official Ambassador for the Honourable Al Gore Climate Project Initiative. 

EPIC Features
Local fashion house, DAS Collection, modeled their latest summer line at the EPIC Fashion catwalk while Brooklyn Melodies, TMI Musical and DSS Traditional Emirati Musical groups entertained the crowd with superb performances throughout the day.

EPIC Live Cooking
Top Emaar Hospitality Group’s hotel chefs prepared some of the finest organic dishes, live at the Waterfront Promenade, where health and quality-conscious consumers watched and learned from their favourite chefs, including; Daniel Edward, Specialty Sous Chef at The Address Downtown Dubai; Norberto A. Valdez Palacios, Asado Head Chef at The Palace – The Old Town; Francesco Bonato, Sous Chef at the Armani Hotel Dubai.

EPIC Workshops
As part of a DEWA workshop at EPIC, comedians Splashy and Sparky entertained and educated visitors on water and energy conservation while Dr. Bassem Daghestani hosted a workshop on the organic conservation of historic documents.

EPIC Kids
EPIC is designed to get the whole family involved, featuring eco-arts and crafts, sustainable toys, interactive games and educational ’learn-and do’ activities to help engage and entertain the next generation about sustainable living. That’s why, Hamleys, the world’s most famous toy retailer, organized an all-day eco-play area during the three days of the expo while Bee’ah and Dubai Garden Center held special workshops for the kids on recycling and planting. 

“Today was a true celebration of earth-friendly living and sustainability in the UAE,” commented Tracy Fast, EPIC Dubai Show Manager. “After checking out what our exhibitors and partners had to offer, visitors expressed genuine interest in changing their lifestyles to become more sustainable and eco-friendly. This is what being EPIC is all about; making informed choices and buying products and services to support responsible businesses that are making an effort. We would like to thank our exhibitors and partners for being EPIC, for inspiring our visitors and for making the first day of the expo a tremendous success.”
 

Dubais Got Talent! Director Wants More Local Performers In The Cast Of Legendary Musical West Side Story

If you’re looking for a real musical theatre experience this summer, why not audition to be part of the cast of Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s production of West Side Story? DUCTAC has just announced that it has opened up more places in Spotlight Academy’s intensive theatre workshop and production of this legendary show. Auditions will take place on Saturday 11th June at DUCTAC’s Centrepoint Theatre.

Director Joseph Fowler said that he and the creative team were extremely impressed by the performers they saw when they travelled to Dubai for the auditions in May: ‘We were blown away by the standard of talent in Dubai and we already have an amazingly talented local cast but we want to give as many performers as possible the chance to be a part of the show. West Side Story is famous for its innovative choreography so we’re looking for strong dancers – even if you have never had a dance lesson in your life, if you like to boogie in your bedroom and think you have what it takes to be on stage then you should come along to the auditions on 11th June.’

Hot on the heels of last year’s hit production of Hairspray – West Side Story will give local performers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work, rehearse and perform alongside some of the UK’s leading theatrical stars. Auditions are free and open to anyone aged 11 and above. The successful auditionees will go on to take part 18 days of intensive theatre workshops and rehearsals with some of the UK and USA’s top creative talent. As well as award winning director Joseph Fowler (Hello Dolly, Singing in The Rain, Hairspray), the cast will also have the opportunity to work with the Broadway choreographer Sarah Miles (Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Sound of Music, Saturday Night Fever) and the Musical Director, established South African songwriter, composer and performer Machiel Roets. The workshop will culminate in seven performances of the multi Tony and Olivier award winning musical West Side Story in DUCTAC’s magnificent Centrepoint Theatre from 19th – 23rd July.

West Side Story is the thrilling musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that changed musical theatre forever. This classic show explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs in New York City. Carefree young dreamer Tony, one of the Jets, falls in love with the beautiful, wide eyed and open hearted Maria – the sister of the Sharks’ leader. But the deadly rivalry between the Sharks and Jets means that their love is ill-fated from the start…

From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. The score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim —featuring well known classics including “Tonight,” “America,” “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere” — are widely regarded as among the best ever written.

For more information on the auditions check out www.westsidestorydubai.com or call DUCTAC on 04 341 4777.
 

Dubais Most Popular Gaming Event Returns To Dubai Festival City

Middle East Gamers, the leading regional gaming website, announced the return of GamesFest, UAE’s hottest gaming event series which aims to bring together gamers to participate in tournaments, win prizes and discover the latest releases from the video games industry, on 24th June at The Living Rooms Café, Dubai Festival City.

Organized by Middle East Gamers, GamesFest will give gamers the opportunity to play the latest games, participate in tournaments both on consoles and PC, as well as try out the latest gaming gear. Highlights of the event include:

1. Exclusive Deus Ex: Human Revolution video game preview at GamesFest – Deus Ex: Human Revolution is the sequel to the cult classic Deus Ex and it will be showcased for the first time in the Middle East at GamesFest.
2. Golden System’s PC Tournaments – Tournaments will be held for Call of Duty: Black Ops and StarCraft II where gamers have the chance to win a gaming PC courtesy of Golden Systems.
3. WWE All Stars Tournament – Compete in the WWE Tournament and win an Xbox 360, autographed John Cena posters and a WWE title belt.
4. FIFA 11 Tournament – By popular demand, UAE’s most popular game is back at GamesFest with an Xbox 360 as top prize.
5. ASUS 3D Benchmark Competition – Tweak an ASUS PC to achieve the best 3D Benchmark scores to win great prizes from ASUS.
6. Product Showcases – Check out the latest gaming products from ASUS, Gigabyte, Golden Systems, Linksys, Memorex, Nvidia, Roccat, Prince Computers and Thrustmaster.
7. The Ultimate Gaming PC – Check out Tbreak’s Ultimate Gaming PC, built with some of the best components available in the UAE. The Ultimate Gaming PC is valued over AED 15,000.

“Hundreds of gamers have already registered for the event and we’re excited to offer a great day of gaming and activities at The Living Rooms Café, Dubai Festival City,” said Abbas Jaffar Ali, publisher of Middle East Gamers.
Presented by Nahel.com, GamesFest will be held at The Living Rooms Cafe at Dubai Festival City on Friday, 24th June 2011 from 12pm to 10pm.

GamesFest is sponsored by Nahel.com, ASUS, Eidos, Gigabyte, Golden Systems, Linksys, Memorex, Nvidia, Roccat, Prince Computers, Thrustmaster, THQ and Viva Entertainement.

Gamers can register for the event at www.megamers.com/gamesfest.

About Middle East Gamers
Middle East Gamers is the largest English-language gaming website in the Middle East. The website is updated daily by a team of seasoned video game enthusiasts with over 50 games journalists contributing to the site over the past four years. Middle East Gamers is part of the t-break Network which includes Tbreak.com, MEGamers.com and ME-Movies.com.

Event details:
Date and Time: 12pm to 10pm, Friday, 24th June 2011
Venue: The Living Rooms Cafe, Dubai Festival City
Entrance: Free entry for all. Space is limited and priority will be given to those who register.
GamesFest is organized by Middle East Gamers, the UAE’s largest gaming website. For more information on Middle East Gamers, please visit www.megamers.com.
 

Dubais Bearing Imports Double Over Ten Years Reaching Over 1 Billion Dhs

The leading manufacturers of bearing products, NSK, and its master distribution partner, the Rolman Group announce significant growth in the industry reporting that over the past 10 years the bearing industry has more than doubled. Reaching over 1 billion dhs, the values provided by the Statistics Department of Dubai Customs reveal this significant growth. An essential part of mechanics for several different industries, NSK and the Rolman Group exhibit its bearing products to visiting clientele during Automechanika Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference held on the opening day of Automechanika Middle East, General Manager for the Rolman Group, Mr. Akram Muazzen stated: “This industry has not only shown exponential growth in the region, figures for the bearing imports into Dubai also reveal that this industry experiences stability. The past five years show import figures over the 1 billion dhs mark with only a slight dip in 2009. As a Middle Eastern company we are proud that our success in the region has this positive effect on regional industry.”

NSK, European Aftermarket Director, Mr. Tim Green stated: “As a leading world-wide manufacturer, Dubai has been a hub for distributing our products. NSK and the Rolman Group have been in business together for over 30 years, the last ten of which the Rolman Group has been our master distributor. Exhibiting together at Automechanika Middle East is one of several positive steps that we take together as partners to build our businesses for our clients, as well as to continue making our positive impact on the industry. Recent years have not impeded our business, and we look forward to seeing what the future has in store for our companies as well as our clients.”

Originally a Syrian company, the Rolman Group has its state-of-the-art logistics operations center in Jebel Ali, UAE. As one of the largest and most established distributors of bearings in the Middle East and Africa, the Rolman Group is able to deliver the widest range of NSK bearing products to a myriad of different markets, and a full spectrum of industries.

With nearly 100 years of experience, NSK, a truly global brand, employs 24,000 people world-wide, and has 12 research and development centers. Manufacturing rolling bearings, linear technology components, and steering systems, NSK is constantly innovating enabling the company to remain on the cutting edge in its industry offering the top-of-the-line products to its clientele.

As a staple product to mechanical applications across a wide range of industries, Automechanika Middle East has proven to be a successful outlet to display bearing products. Automechanika Middle East has been lauded as one of the fastest growing trade show exhibitions for the region and is known as the largest international after-trade market exhibition.

In its 9th edition, Automechanika Middle East 2011 is currently underway at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.
 

International Culture And Art Showcased At Canadian University Of Dubais Global Day

The Canadian University of Dubai, a leading university in research and teaching recently celebrated their fourth annual Global Day event held on April 23, 2011. The event served as a platform for students to showcase the essence of their respective cultures through a series of entertaining dance performances and fashion shows, in addition to stalls that featured various food items and cultural artefacts.

“The Canadian University of Dubai prides itself for catering to students from 80 plus nationalities, which reaffirms our continuing focus to provide students with an international academic experience, guided by the highest educational and corporate ethics. “The annual Global Day event that we organise is a manifestation of the university’s cultural vibrancy and international appeal,” said Dr. Mohammed Kabir, Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Canadian University of Dubai.
 

Dubais Most Loved Malls Showcase Readiness For Summer 2011

Taking part in their first ever Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Dubai’s most loved malls from Majid Al Futtaim Properties is showcasing their readiness for the summer 2011 period. With a range of activities, targeted to tour operators and visitors to the UAE alike, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre and Deira City Centre are highlighting their immense offering.

Together, they boast more than 1300 retail stores, 217 restaurants and cafés, and endless entertainment options from Magic Planet, iFly, Bowling City, Playnation, Soccer Circus and the famed Ski Dubai to draw in crowds.

University Of Dubais Center For Management Professional Development Offering Groundbreaking Programs

The Center for Management & Professional Development (CMPD) at the University of Dubai (UD) has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment, (CISI) UK as a training provider for its range of CISI qualifications.

Formed as a not-for-profit membership body out of the London Stock Exchange in 1992, CISI is a leading global professional organization for individuals working in the securities and investment industry. International Certificate in Investment Management, International Certificate in Wealth Management, Islamic Finance Qualifications, International Introduction to Investment, UAE Financial Rules and regulations and Risk in Financial Services are the few CISI qualifications that CMPD is launching in February this year.

These qualifications are not only suitable for investment bankers, fund managers, portfolio wealth and relationship managers, financial advisers, stock brokers, but also for administration, operations, sales and customer service staff working in banks and financial institutions. These qualifications are delivered in the evenings or during weekends providing a convenient option for working professionals to enhance skills and advance their career.

Dr Omar Hefni, UD President, said: “The CISI qualifications are becoming increasingly popular throughout the Middle East as regulators are seeking to raise the skills of financial services industry practitioners by developing mandatory, qualification led licensing regimes and regulatory examinations. The Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA) which regulates the securities and investment market in UAE have partnered with CISI to develop the UAE financial rules and regulations and require candidates to pass defined set of CISI exams to be able to work in certain job functions.

Both SCA and Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) which regulates firms operating in the Dubai International Financial Center recognize that increased competence amongst market practitioners inspires investor confidence and appropriate qualifications and membership of a professional body are tangible ways of demonstrating proven ability.”

Thus the university has provided local students a dynamic forum to study under top professionals helping them develop and advance their careers by acquiring skills that drive business performance. As benchmark qualifications, these courses will raise the skills of UAE workforce to global standards and promote best business practices thus enhancing UAE’s stature as the hub of international financial services.

Focusing on ‘real world’ and ‘applied learning’ the professional programs taught at the centre have transformed the lives of over 2,500 individuals in the UAE, many of whom have moved on and are now holding senior positions in their organizations and making significant contributions in the realms of business.

Dr Hefni concluded: “Our highly professional faculty aims to foster a learning environment which is both challenging and rewarding, designed to develop skills and capabilities through the powerful combination of expert class instruction and peer interaction. In addition to using faculty members from the university, practitioners who have experience in establishing and executing best practices in the business world are invited to provide input to our programs, which allows participants to put theory into context.”
 

Dubais First Gold ATM Unveiled At Galeries Lafayette

Gold seekers need look no further than Galeries Lafayette in Dubai, where nuggets of the precious metal can now be exchanged for cash at the emirate’s first Gold to go ATM. Shoppers will receive a personalized Galeries Lafayette piece of gold that corresponds in value to the amount of money they put in.

The first nugget was dispensed during a launch party on February 11, 2011 at Galeries Lafayette – Dubai Mall, the nation’s largest luxury department store. Guests gathered round the machine, which is situated on the ground floor of Galeries Lafayette to watch as the ribbon was cut on Dubai’s first gold ATM.

The Gold to go machine offers tourists and locals the ideal souvenir from Dubai, which is widely known for its abundance of the precious, yellow metal. Customers can purchase 24 carat gold bars or coins at current market prices and get their hands on as much of the shiny metal as they desire within a matter of seconds.

“Gold to go machines have proved extremely popular around the world and it is high time that Dubai had one too,” said Mr. Simon Khoury, Chief Operating Officer of Galeries Lafayette. “The new gold ATM has made one of the world’s most luxury items available to Galeries Lafayette shoppers in its original form.”