UAE Wooden Powerboat Championships  Final Heat

The Majid Bin Mohammed Watersports Championships brought success for the Extreme Marine team in the UAE Wooden Powerboat Championships on Saturday. The final heat in the five round Powerboat Championships saw Extreme Marine take first and second place with Toll Global coming in third.

Finishing the 10 lap course with an average of 86 kph the first boat driven by Salem Fadhel Al Hamli and Ahmed Mohamed Al Suwaidi, finished in 41m:52s, 16 seconds ahead of Extreme Marine 2 with Khamis Al Qubaisi and Khalfan Suhail Al Muhairi in charge and 37 seconds in front of Toll Global driven by Saeed Obeid Khalifa Al Muhairi and Rashid Awadh Al Hamli.

‘This is a great end to a great season for Extreme Marine,’ said owner Rashid Al Marri. ‘A lot of hard work and development has paid off.’

As the new Dubai International Marine Club Sports Committee introduces additional rules and regulations by putting all the boats through post race scrutinizing various issues have come to light and penalties have been added to nine out of the competing sixteen boats after the last race. ‘We are establishing and enforcing the rules and regulations and spending more time post race with the teams to discuss issues which may arise,’ said Mohammed Hareb from the DIMC Sports Committee. ‘It’s time consuming but we are already seeing the benefits, the infringements were small things relating to boat measurements and easily resolved.’ The result of the recent penalties meant the changes to some of the top positions in the last race, which will impact the overall positions but Extreme Marine performance and four our of five wins has ensured their place at the top of the overall scoreboard.

‘We are really excited by today’s race, we managed to increase our lead from the start and it’s a good way to end the season,’ said Salem Fadhel Al Hamli.

The Majid Bin Mohammed Watersports Championships continues next weekend with the final heats of the Traditional 22ft Dhow Sailing on Friday and Saturday in Mina Seyahi.

 

Final Strides To The Dubai International Horse Fair 2011

As Dubai prepares to become the centre of the equine world this month, leading international companies are looking ahead to the Dubai International Horse Fair taking place from 17 – 19 March 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. More than 200 exhibitors from 35 countries will showcase the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East.

The Dubai International Horse Fair which is now in its seventh year is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and has become a key date for the Middle East’s equine industry. The event is expected to attract over 8,000 visitors and combines equine equipment, product and service supplier exhibitions with live demonstrations, falconry displays, riding classes, fine art exhibitions, and an equestrian fashion show for horse and rider.

Abdulla Qassem, Board Member – Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Horse Fair and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship said: “The Dubai International Horse Fair encourages truly international participation with 80 per cent of exhibitors coming from overseas. This year we have strong representation from Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, Luxembourg and the United States, and running alongside the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, the exhibition highlights this region’s position at the centre of the equine world.”

Key exhibitors this year include Himalayan Horse, a company that will be showcasing its specialist MicroSteed software designed to accurately assess a horse’s diet and ensure its health. Also participating is Pulsed Energy Technology LLC, creators of a pulsed electromagnetic field technology that penetrates the muscle tissue of race horses to ensure they maintain full condition post race.

Horse trainers in the region will be interested in the HAYGAIN Hay Steamers which will now be available in the Gulf. This specialist equipment, which is the result of more than 15 years of research and development, has proven to drastically increase the hygiene quality of hay while retaining its nutritional value. HAYGAIN is used, recommended and prescribed by leading vets internationally.

Ireland’s top contemporary equine artist, Paddy Lennon, whose works are in both public and private collections of the world’s top race horse owners, will be exhibiting for the first time at the Dubai International Horse Fair 2011, and will also be present at the show to discuss commissions.

The Dubai International Horse Fair 2011 will be located between Halls 5 & 6 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Opening hours are 11am – 8pm on 17 and 19 March 2011 and from 2pm – 8pm on 18 March 2011. Admission is free of charge and open to trade and consumers. Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pre-registration is now open.
 

Mourjan Marinas IGY Announces Final Nautical Flea Market For The 2010/2011 Boat Season At Festival Marina

Mourjan Marinas IGY, the developer and manager of luxury marinas and yachting lifestyle destinations, has announced its final Nautical Flea Market for the 2010/2011 boating season will be held on 11th February 2011.

The popular event, which is supported by Boat Trader Magazine, Yachts Emirates, Boat Owner Middle East and the Emirates Diving Association, will be held from 3pm – 9pm at Dubai’s Festival Marina.

Mourjan Marinas IGY’s Nautical Flea Market has proved to be a tremendous success so far, creating a place where nautical lovers can meet and exchange stories and experiences and a place where they can find all their nautical needs. It is also an opportunity for lovers of the maritime world to directly sell and buy any pre-owned nautical item. Professionals and amateurs alike can find everything they need, from water sports equipment such as fishing, diving, wakeboarding; boat equipments such as anchors, radars, ropes and outboards as well as yachts up to 40 metres.

Organizers are encouraging people to bring all their nautical equipment that is for sale no matter how big or small. This is the place for bargains in all types of maritime items! Buy that hard to find nautical treasure for pennies … so to all you “sea enthusiasts” do not pass on the last chance this season to participate in this unique event and share your know-how and interest.

The market will be taking place in three different sections: on water, on land and on the boardwalk. The boats on water can moor in the Festival Marina basin; for the trailers carrying boats and jet-skis there will be a designated area on the marina promenade close to the marina office, and the boardwalk will be dedicated for small items and equipment.

All boats and trailers need to pre register and pay a small fee of 100 dirhams for boats on water and 50 dirhams for trailer boats.

For further information about the Nautical Flea Market and Mourjan Marinas IGY’s activities, you can visit the newly designed website www.mourjanmarinas.com. The website provides user friendly access for those looking to learn more about one of the world’s leading luxury marina companies.
 

Hurley Looks Forward To Final Farewell At Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens

The first weekend in December will be a hugely memorable one for Arabian Gulf captain Sean Hurley. Not only will mark his 11th straight year of participation in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, but also the final appearance of the Arabian Gulf team in international rugby.

With the International Rugby Board’s restructuring of rugby in the region, this will be the final time the players representing the six nations in the region will play together, and Hurley is determined to go out on a high.

“It will be very emotional after we finish our last game. I know the guys will leave nothing on the pitch and there will be no regrets when we finish,” explained Hurley, who has been part of the Arabian Gulf set-up for the past six years.

“The amount of support we receive leading up to the tournament and during the tournament is humbling: friends, relatives and the wider rugby community from around the GCC all wishing us the best and getting behind us 100 per cent. I think everyone loves an underdog and I can tell you from my experience when we are out there and the crowd really does get behind us – it unquestionably lifts all the guys. It helps you to dig just that little bit deeper, gives you that extra little spring in your step and pushes you harder too,” added the captain.

The Arabian Gulf side recently returned from Australia where they competed in the Gold Coast International Sevens as part of the preparation for the Dubai tournament.

“Preparations have been going well. This year we have about five or six new guys coming into the squad which is great opportunity for them. Everyone has been working extremely hard on their strength and fitness over the last five months, because each year the competition keeps getting tougher and tougher. The squad started training a month earlier this year and the commitment that’s been shown by the guys has been impressive.”

The Arabian Gulf side has been drawn in the same pool as reigning HSBC Sevens World Series champions, Samoa, Wales and Kenya – a tough start to the tournament, but a challenge that Hurley and the team are relishing.

“As an athlete, no matter what sport you play or what level you play, you always have aspirations of competing against the best. I get goose bumps thinking about it and I can’t wait,” he said.

As for the event as a whole, Hurley is looking forward to once again being a part of what is hailed as the region’s top sports and social event of the year.

“The organisers have created something very special in Dubai and every year it keeps improving. I think one of the major differences between Dubai and other IRB tournaments is that this is a true rugby festival. You have thousands of people playing rugby on six fields, fancy dress, concerts and more, and then you have the IRB tournament to top it off. This year will be no different, except bigger – if it’s possible!

“This will be my sixth Dubai Sevens playing for the Arabian Gulf. Over the years I’ve been part of Arabian Gulf teams that have travelled to many tournaments and training camps, including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand and South Africa, but it will be special and fitting to end with our home crowd on our home ground – Dubai!”

Tickets to the December 2-4 tournament are still available online through www.dubairugby7s.com and by calling Ticketline on 800 4669 (international clients can call +971 4 4443459).

Other outlets where tickets are available are:
· Costa outlets: Mall of the Emirates, JBR, Dubai Mall (Galleria & Ice Rink), Mirdif City Centre, Arabian Ranches, Festival City (Atrium & Square), Al Wahda Mall (Abu Dhabi)
· MMI outlets*: Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Al Wasl Rd, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Motor City, Al Hamra Cellar (RAK)
· Virgin Megastore: Abu Dhabi Mall, Mercato Mall, Burjuman, Deira City Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Jumeirah Beach Residence.
· Spinneys: Umm Suqeim
· Emirates headquarters
· Dnata Travel Centre on Sheikh Zayed Rd
· The Sevens
· ITP Publishing Group Building (Building Number 14), Dubai Media City
· Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club
· Palm Sports Resort Al Ain

*Remember you must have an alcohol licence to enter any MMI outlet

Children under 12 gain free admission to the general public area and there is a special family stand available, with plenty of exciting activities to keep children entertained in the Rugby Village.

A free bus service will be transporting fans from 7he Sevens back to several convenient locations across Dubai. Starting from 5pm on Thursday, 2 December and 7pm on Friday, 3 December and Saturday, 4 December, the drop-off points are: Dubai Festival City, Dubai Media City (family drop-off points), Barzar (Madinat Jumeirah), Double Decker, Irish Village, Chi @ The Lodge, Barasti
 

RTA Puts Final Touches On Green Line Stations Of Dubai Metro

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji: H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced that RTA had completed the construction works in most stations on the Green Line of the Dubai Metro, following the full completion of the 23-km long track extending along the Green Line. Completion rates in stations currently range from 55 to 100 percent in the finishing works, 65 to 85 percent in electromechanical works, and as high as 85% in the Park-and-Ride facilities at Al Qusais. He reiterated that work in the project is moving ahead on schedule and the project is set for opening in August 2010.

Al Tayer made these statements during an inspection tour of the work progress in the Green Line project of the Dubai Metro that took him to the Dubai Healthcare City, Al Ittihad, Al Ghubaiba, Al Ras, Al Qiyada, and Etisalat stations in addition to the multi-story car-parking building. Al Tayer was accompanied in the tour by the CEO of Rail Agency Adnan Al Hamadi, the Head of Follow-up Team of RTA Hosting UITP Congress 2011 in Dubai Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, and a number of directors and engineers supervising the project.

Al Tayer set off his tour by inspecting the Dubai Healthcare City station where construction works have reached an advanced stage as the internal finishing works have almost reached 55 per cent and electromechanical works are as high as 65 per cent. Al Tayer then inspected the work progress in Al Ras and Al Ghubaiba stations where construction and civil works have been fully completed and so are the metal structures and platform doors. Completion of the finishing works in the two stations ranges from 55 to 70 per cent, whereas the completion of electromechanical works ranges from 65 to 75 per cent.

The two stations feature heritage designs depicting the history and legacy of the UAE. The design concept revolves around employing the architectural traditional elements used in antique buildings, such as wind towers (Brajeel), oriels (Mashrabia), alleyways (Sukaik), internal arches and others through replicating them in an enhanced manner, while addressing the aesthetic and technical dimensions of those elements such that the heritage-inspired stations would match the traditional Souks in the locality, look like a natural extension of the Heritage & Diving Village, and fit well with the antique control towers currently seen in the area.

Al Tayer then inspected the work progress in Al Ittihad Station; one of the stations in which the Red & Green Lines intersect and considered the world’s biggest metro station spanning an area of 25,000 square meters with a capacity to handle about 22,000 passengers per hour. The Station, which consists of two levels, extends 230 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and 18 meters in depth. It houses commercial & service outlets for serving metro users, and has two entry points equipped with lifts & escalators. Four tunnels branch out of the Station bound to Khalid bin Al Waleed & Al Rigga Stations on the Red Line, and Bani Yas & Salah Uddin Stations on the Green Line. Al Tayer attended to a briefing about the work progress in the station, where the contractor has completed all concrete works, and metal structures of platform screen doors and the completion rate has reached 70 per cent in the internal finishing works, and 85 per cent in the electromechanical works.

Al Tayer went about his tour to visit Al Qiyadah Station along Al Ittihad Road near the Dubai Police General HQ; one of the elevated stations of the Green Line that has a capacity to handle 11,000 passengers per hour in each direction with dimensions measuring about 130 m in length and 30 m in width. It has two ingress points fitted with escalators and lifts and the completion rate has reached 90 per cent in the construction works, 70 per cent in the finishing works and 75 per cent in the electromechanical works.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director concluded his tour by visiting Etisalat Station; the starting point of the Green Line where the Contractor has finalized all concrete works, metal structures of the station and the platform doors. Completion rate has reached 70 per cent in the finishing works, and 75% in the electromechanical works. He also inspected the multi-level Park-and-Ride facility where the completion rate in the parking lot, surrounding roads, bus station and footbridges is nearing 88 per cent. Al Tayer toured the building which has a capacity to house 2350 vehicles and meant to encourage the public to use the metro in their mobility across Dubai Emirate. The building has been designed to provide ample space for feeder buses of the station, ensure smooth traffic flow and accommodate huge number of buses at a time. It is also fitted with footbridges linking up with the opposite side of the road to ensure easy and safe access to the metro station, while providing the standard safety measures for passenger movement in the building.

At the end of the tour Al Tayer expressed his delight with the work progress in various locations of the project, and commended the efforts of all personnel working tirelessly to accomplish the project. However, he called on the contracting company to commit more efforts to ensure the opening of all stations on time.

Red Bull BreaKing Regional Final In The UAE

Dubai is getting ready to host the final round of the regional Red Bull BreaKing competition, which will be held at Madinat Jumeirah’s Amphitheatre on October 22nd. The event will feature the region’s best 16 break dancers, commonly known as B-Boys, who will compete head to head to clinch the championship’s title.

The final round will come to crown a series of national qualifiers held in the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and Jordan. Each country will be represented by 2 B-Boys, the national qualifier’s winner and the first runner-up.

The winner of the Regional Championship will be flying to Tokyo in November to attend the upcoming Red Bull BC One, considered as the most sought after Breaking Championship over the world.

BACK IN THE DAY
B-Boying which is often referred to as “break dancing” or “breaking,” started in the late 1970s in the Bronx, NY and is a foundational element of the Hip Hop culture along with DJing, MCing and Graffiti art. The term "B-Boy” or "B-Boying" which refers to the dance, moves and lifestyle, originated in New York and was coined by Kool Herc who was one of the pioneering Hip Hop DJs throwing jams in the Bronx. Today, an evolving and well connected B-Boy and B-Girl scene thrives around the world. South Korea, France and the USA boast some of the most vibrant and talented dancers on the planet.

Over the last 5 years, the B-Boy scene in the Middle East is growing fast;Many workshops are taking place every year featuring some of the best bboys in the world. Now it is time for the talented B-Boys to shine and represent their countries in Red Bull BreaKing
 

Government Of Dubai Gives Dubai Islamic Bank The Final Nod On Tamweel

With the full support of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Government of Dubai has given the final nod to Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) to increase its shareholding in Tamweel to 57.33 percent, allowing the bank to become the largest shareholder in one of the region’s largest mortgage providers.

This strategic move is the culmination of intensive efforts over the past few months to resolve the stalemate at Tamweel that will allow the company to resume its core activity of providing mortgages and real estate financing. The move will give new momentum to the local mortgage market which has entered a recovery phase after a series of decisive measures taken by the government in the wake of the recent global financial crisis.

Dubai Islamic Bank’s move to increase its stake in Tamweel is another step in the realization of Dubai Government’s vision to activate all stimulants to economic growth, and its ongoing support of development efforts across various sectors towards achieving strategic economic and social objectives for the United Arab Emirates.

Earlier, a resolution was passed by the Cabinet headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to form a committee chaired by His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy to examine and assess a number of Public Joint Stock Companies including Tamweel. Following from that immediately, an executive committee was put together to oversee work and monitor progress at Tamweel. The executive committee also worked closely with all parties concerned to develop best possible solutions for Tamweel, and to finalize an agreement that would preserve investor interests while creating fresh growth incentives for the company.

This key agreement is the result of the combined efforts of all parties that participated in the preparation and conclusion of this agreement not the least of whom are the members of the executive committee overseeing the restructuring process of Tamweel, as well as the invaluable cooperation of all related bodies spearheaded by the Ministries of Economy and Finance, and the Central Bank of the UAE, the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority, and the Dubai Financial Market who all played important roles in bringing along this resolution.

The deal effectively renders Tamweel a subsidiary of Dubai Islamic Bank which is now its biggest shareholder at 57.33%. Founded in 1975, DIB is the oldest Islamic bank in the world, and the first to provide comprehensive Islamic banking services.

The endorsement of this transaction by Dubai Government is another testimonial to Dubai Government’s continued commitment to finding incentives for further development of all economic sectors across the UAE.
 

Final Call For Entries To Design Competition At Dubai International Jewellery Week

Calling all designers! Dubai International Jewellery Week, the largest and most prestigious event of its kind in the Middle East, is making the final call to aspiring and professional designers, giving them the platform to explore their creativity in a jewellery design competition. Aimed at identifying and fostering talent in the region, submissions will be accepted for the next 6 days until 14 September (Tuesday). Winning designs will be displayed at Dubai International Jewellery Week from 7-10 October 2010.

The competition is open to anyone in the Middle East over the age of 17 and is divided into amateur and professional categories. Entrants can submit a maximum of three designs from a choice of six jewellery types (ring, necklace, pendant, brooch, bracelet, earrings) within the themed categories of Middle Eastern, Asian, or Western jewellery.

“While Dubai International Jewellery Week brings together some of the most well known and prestigious jewellery brands and industry expertise in the world, it aims to search out budding and aspiring talents in UAE and the region to continually promote an exuberant culture of creativity and design,” said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of Dubai International Jewellery Week.

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of leading industry professionals: Dr Naji Al Mahdi, Executive Director, The National Institute of Vocational Education; Judith Anand, Manager, Gemological Institute of America, Middle East; Swapna Nair, General Manager, Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group; Ms Umaima Tinwala, Supervising Editor, Arabian Woman & Arabian Man; Faye James, Editor-in-Chief, WHITE.

The judges will assess entries based on relevance to the design theme and the originality, creativity and innovation that the design expresses, as well as its wear-ability.

The designs of the top three finalists in each themed category will be displayed at Dubai International Jewellery Week and the overall winner of each category will see their design come to life. The winning designs will be crafted by the National Institute for Vocational Education and displayed throughout the exhibition. In addition, the top three in each category will win an online jewellery design course relevant to their level, run by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Dubai International Jewellery Week will run from 7 – 10 October 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s event will feature over 300 exhibitors from 27 countries, resulting in a truly global collection of jewellery pieces and industry expertise.

For more information, and to enter the competition, please visit www.jewelleryshow.com.
 

Modhesh World Enters Final Week This DSS

With only days left for another edition of Dubai Summer Surprises to conclude, Modhesh World, a star attraction of the summer extravaganza, enters its final week as the curtains come down on August 7, 2010.

The venue is witnessing an unprecedented rush as parents and children try to make the most of the entertainment on offer. Modhesh World attracted more than 262,000 visitors in the month of June alone and during the recent celebration of Hag-e-laila, over 11,000 visitors thronged the venue in a single day. As the biggest indoor edutainment venue in the region, Modhesh World has witnessed more than four and a half million visitors in the past decade with a majority of them coming from the GCC.

In the final week, Modhesh World has prepared an entertainment fiesta for visitors. The Modhesh School of Surprises show, which has captivated audiences through its surprising song and dance sequences, takes the main stage at Modhesh World while the Four Seasons show brings alive the seasons of the world.

The Modhesh Magical Forest has a plethora of activities to keep audiences entertained for hours on end including the African Drumming Workshop and a maze for children. All these are in addition to activities across the forty zones and gaming options for children.

Beside the entertainment, a lucky draw gives visitors the opportunity to win a car from Chevrolet. Adults entering Modhesh World are eligible to participate in the draw by filling a coupon. The winner will be announced on the last day of Modhesh World and Dubai Summer Surprises.

The Facebook competition is now in its last week too. Modhesh fans can answer a few simple questions and stand a chance to win a free visit, and vouchers to use at Modhesh World and Modhesh Store. Winners will also get an opportunity to meet Modhesh and take pictures with him.

H. B. Leisure, DWTC, Coco-Cola, Magic Planet, Emirates, Masafi and Union Co-operative are the sponsors of Modhesh World. Modhesh World doors are open from 10.00am to 10:00pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 10:00am to midnight (Thursdays), and 3:00pm to midnight on Fridays. Tickets to the venue are priced at AED 10 for adults and AED 15 for children with numerous free zones and exciting activities.
 

Guest DJ From Paris Rock The Season’s Final Favela Chic Party; Tamanya Terrace, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City On Friday June 4

Paris based DJ Denize Rei accompanied by saxophonist Ghislaine will be rocking the final Favela Chic Party of this season at Tamanya Terrace, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City this Friday ( June 4).

DJ Denize Rei has over 20 years of experience in Jazz, Soul, Disco, Latin, Afro, Brasil, Rock, Hip Hop and House Records across countries and will be in Dubai for especially for this party.

“Denize has a unique personal style, fused with his solid musical background and he offers a thrilling combination of good tunes. His melody is a fine blend of floor fillers, club classics and dance shakers that bring the people on the dance-floor in no time,” said Adil Souate, the hotel’s F&B Manager.

He added that Denize’s band made up of musicians, vocalist and percussionist always deliver an astounding show.

The season’s closing Favela Chic Party happens on Friday June 4, 2010, at Tamanya Terrace. Doors open at 6pm, DJ starts at 9pm.

The open-air venue, Tamanya Terrace, has carved itself as a stylish hotspot offering some of the finest views across Dubai Marina, The Palm and the Arabian Gulf. Combined the views with rhythm and blues and it’s no wonder that Tamanya Terrace is known as the ‘party’ hot spot.