Dubai Gears Up To Gather 70 Hosted Buyers At Airport Show 2011

Dubai is gearing up to gather more than 70 Hosted Buyers from 20 different countries during the Airport Show 2011, announced REED Exhibitions Middle East, a leading organiser of trade and consumer exhibitions.

The participation records a higher percentage than last year when 56 buyers from 17 airports participated in the Hosted Buyers programme, while the 2009 edition attracted 41 buyers from 16 airports.

Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, the 11th edition of Airport Show will be held from 31 May-2 June at Airport Expo in Dubai.

Dedicated exclusively to airport construction, operations, technology and services, the highlight of the event will be the Hosted Buyers’ programme that will draw representations from airports, airport authorities and contractors nominated by exhibitors.

Airport Show 2011 will gather suppliers of equipment and services covering all areas of airport development and operations with the Hosted Buyers under one roof in Dubai. The event offers a one-stop platform catering to the needs of existing and new airports in the region in which development and expansion projects are estimated to cost US$90 billion over the next few years.

Mohamad Bader-Eddin, Show Director, REED Exhibitions Middle East, said: “As a leading event organiser, REED’s objective is to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the event. Through our Hosted Buyer Programme at one of Dubai’s leading industry events, we aim to provide an opportunity for exhibitors to be associated with prospective investments and open new avenues to enter business deals.”

The outlook for 2011 remains positive with expenditure budgets at 78 per cent of the world’s airports either remaining at higher levels or indicating further increase, according to the findings of the seventh Airline IT Trends Survey. Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa are projected to be the strongest growth sectors. According to the Middle East Airport Security Market Assessment Report, safety and security remain an important focus area in which spending is expected to reach AED212 million (US$57.7million) by 2015.

Bader-Eddin added: “Hosted Buyers last year were interested in IT, security and operations equipment and machines such as control tower equipment, talking systems, runway repairs, CCTV access control, airport fire training equipment and bird control equipment. We expect this year to be as resourceful for vendors and buyers, especially with the encouraging and positive sector forecasts and industry reports.”

Exhibitors at the event will have the opportunity to understand the region’s demand through their participation in project presentations delivered by the Hosted Buyers. In addition to networking and exploring future business ties with Hosted Buyers, pre-arranged schedules will help exhibitors meet with potential customers to identify project leads.

On their part, the Hosted Buyers will receive access to all exhibitors who will be showcasing solutions in security, ground support equipment, supply, airport revenue management, design and build, technology, air traffic management, as well as operations, training and recruitment.

The Airport Show is supported by leading aviation authorities and trade bodies including Dubai Airports, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), UAE Contractors Association, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services & Equipment Association (BASEA), Danish Airport Group, UBIFRANCE (the French Agency for international business development), and the Netherlands Airport Technology Group.
 

DemoCamp Dubai Series Gears Up To Host First Event For 2011

The region is in dire need of a larger base of venture capitalists with banks increasingly less inclined to lend financial assistance to SMEs and start-ups, according to Gulf-based emerging entrepreneurs.

Against this scenario, DemoCamp Dubai, an annual initiative spearheaded by Dubai Internet City (DIC), offers a crucial platform for tech entrepreneurs, students, professionals and engineers to demonstrate their innovative concepts to an audience of investors and venture capitalists.

The first event of the four part series for 2011 will witness nine Gulf-based emerging entrepreneurs demonstrating their technology-driven models and business plans on 27 April from 5.00pm-8.00pm at the American University of Dubai (AUD).

Dubai Internet City has received 40 submissions to date for evaluation. Applicants will be screened by a panel of industry experts, including the organisers and business partners of DIC. During the event, shortlisted applicants will be required to demonstrate their product and highlight its market opportunity, stage of corporate development, and identify the competitors. Demonstrations will also need to convey working software, hardware, network services and other features.

The day-long session will witness the presentation of ZiadMatar, Director, Business Development, Qualcomm. The jury panel will include Tariq Al-Asiri, General Manager at Argaam Business Info, Ronnie Mouchawar, Founder of Souq.com, and ImadChoucair, CIO TECOM Investments have shortlisted the nine demonstrations.

Majed Al Suwaidi, Director-Business Development at Dubai Internet City, said: “The increasing number of submissions is testimony to the abundance of talent and the new breed of entrepreneurs in the region. This has attracted a significant number of investors and venture capitalists to facilitate these ideas. Emerging entrepreneursonly need direction and support to grow their ideas into a successful business proposition.The informal forum provided by DemoCamp Dubai will give participants an opportunity to obtain valuable feedback from a like-minded audience comprising venture capitalists and angel investors.”

Presenters from previous DemoCamps have benefitted in terms of exposure and access to investorsthatmay not been possible otherwise. Modelled on the DEMO conference that is being organised in the US for more than a decade,the DemoCampDubai events conducted by DIC have evolved intoone of the most successful meeting points for young entrepreneurs.

James Oliver, Sales and Marketing Manager at ‘The Question Company’, and a participant from the last DemoCamp held in Dubai, said: “The eventoffers a forumto present ideas to venture capitalists as well asthe local media in order to obtain finance and gainvital exposure. Events such as DemoCamphelp make young entrepreneurs realize the availability of financial support, should they need to launch a newbusiness in the region.”

At the forefront of the region’s ICT industry, Dubai Internet City remains committed to supporting emerging technology trends in the region and continues to play an instrumental role in developing the industry while contributing to Dubai’s drive for creating a knowledge-based economy.
 

RTA Gears To Reduce Power Consumption

Roads & Transport Authority – Manal Khalid: Power Saving Team at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), in cooperation with the Human Resources & Development Department, has recently held the inaugural workshop as part of a series of events intended to translate the Dubai Government Strategy 2011 aimed at achieving sustainable development & optimal consumption of resources. The move is bound to tally with the global drive of ensuring a better future for the environment, sustainability and optimal utilization of resources.

A statement to this effect was made in the gathering held at RTA Main Office attended by employees of several RTA agencies & sectors as well as the Power Consumption Saving Team at Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), and a number of suppliers of materials that contribute to power consumption reduction.

The Director of RTA Buildings & Facilities Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali delivered a speech in which he expressed RTA’s attention to achieve sustainable development in the Emirate; which could only be achieved through concerted efforts of all community segments.

During the workshop, a movie entitled “The Environmental Print of the UAE” was played; which revealed the gravity of the massive power consumption and highlighted its impact on elevating carbon dioxide emissions; the prime underlying factor of global warming.

A video presentation was also made by Sultan Al Zaabi and Ibrahim Al Qassab from DEWA examining electricity & water consumption reduction models in which they dwelled on the definition and importance of reducing consumption, and offered a host of solutions aimed at reducing power consumption through adopting a series of actions covering the purchase of various electrical appliances such as air-conditioners, ventilation, lighting, fridges and screens among others. The presentation was interceded by a statement about the importance of thermal insulation of buildings; which in turn helps reduce power consumption.

The presentation also called upon all community members to refrain from operating non-essential home electrical appliances during peak hours (from 12.00 pm to 05.00 pm during summer) in a bid to improve the efficiency & reliability of the electrical system, make savings in the power consumption bill or the fuel used for generating electricity, conserve natural resources, and reduce carbon emissions.

At the end of the gathering RTA Power Saving Team thanked DEWA and the associated companies for their effective involvement in the gathering and fruitful cooperation with the RTA. The also commended the contribution of the event to diffusing the awareness among all community members.
 

Bonhams Gears For Its Sixth Auction In Dubai

Bonhams, one of the oldest auction houses in the world, will lead the way by offering classic collectors’ cars for the first time in the Middle East at their upcoming sale which will take place on 11th October at One&Only Royal Mirage. Bonhams sixth auction in Dubai will also include vintage and limited edition watches as well as Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern, Iranian & South East Asian Art.

Matthew Girling, Bonhams Chief Executive Europe & Middle East, commented: “Following the phenomenal success of our earlier auctions in the Middle East, it has become apparent that the region is ready for greater exposure to world-class art and collectables, and the addition of motorcars and watches demonstrates our commitment to the region and our belief in the long term prospects for a thriving art market in Dubai.”

BMW has consigned two cars from its museum reserve collection for the sale. This is the first time that cars have ever become available from the official factory collection representing a truly unique opportunity for collectors. The first of the lots is a white BMW 3.0 CSL with motorsport stripes and concours factory restoration. With its aerodynamic spoilers for racing, the car became known as the ‘Batmobile’. It is estimated to fetch $ 160,000-220,000. Also consigned is a 1979 white BMW M1 estimated to fetch $160,000-220,000.

Other cars also consigned for the sale include a 1993 Italdesign Aztec Barchetta ($100,000-160,000) and the extraordinary one of a kind 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Shooting Break ($250,000-390,000)

“The appetite for Collectors Motor Cars is certainly growing in the area,” says James Knight, Group Head of Bonhams’ Motoring Department. “With the emergence of events such as the Dubai Classic Car Show and other motoring events now going from strength to strength, it’s a natural progression for us to explore this idea and offer a motor car auction in the region.”

Watches are a natural partner for motorcars and the auction in October will include around 50 Vintage and Limited Edition Watches, with a fantastic selection of chronographs and timepieces from a Breitling Bentley in steel at $ 3500- 4500, a Richard Mille, Felipe Massa edition titanium chronograph at $20,000-40,000 and a rare Patek Philippe chronograph Ref: 3970 at £45,000-60,000. For the collector with a desire for complications, there is a rare Minute repeater wristwatch with retrograde hours, minutes and moon phase indication by Pierre Kunz for an estimate of $100,000-140,000.

Among the exciting art highlights offered at the auction, is a masterpiece titled, ‘Mother & Child’ by Iraqi artist Jewad Selim, one of the great Masters of Arab art. His sculpture constructed in fruitwood and mixed media is estimated to sell for $60,000-80,000.

The sale also features a painting by leading Egyptian artist, Ahmed Moustafa, ”Man in a rocking chair”, which is estimated to sell for $180,000 -$240,000 and a painting by the famous M.F. Husain, “ The Falcon & the horse estimated to sell for & $250,000- 350,000.

Mehreen Rizvi, Head of Middle East & South Asian Art at Bonhams comments: “We are very pleased with the offering of works from the region’s leading artist at the upcoming sale. It gives Bonhams great satisfaction to promote the art of the Middle East and South Asia, bringing it to the wider world’s attention via sales in Dubai, London and New York as well”.

Among the Iranian artists represented at the auction, leading the way will be a painting by popular Iranian artist, Farhad Moshiri, “Map of Iran” that is estimated to sell for $120,000-180,000 and a bronze sculpture, Untitled by Bahman Mohasses estimated to sell for $ 150,000- 180,000.

Marjan Solimani, Middle East representative for Bonhams, “ Bonhams is thrilled to offer art collectors for the first time a unique masterpiece sculpture by recently deceased Iranian artist, Bahman Mohasses alongside other Iranian popular artists.”

The other highlights is a museum quality work by Pakistani artist, Ustad Allah Bux (1895-1978), of a scene from Punjabi folklore, oil on canvas, signed and dated 1960, estimated at $100,000-150,000.

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of art and antiques. It currently operates in 27 countries and regularly features a sales calendar that runs simultaneously over five continents.

Bonhams auction will be staged in Dubai on Monday, 11th October 2010 at One&Only Royal Mirage.

www.bonhams.com/dubai

Jacky’s Electronics Gears Up For Eid Retail Giant Partners With HP To Sizzle Up Shoppers

Jacky’s Electronics, the UAE’s number one multi-brand consumer electronics retailer, has rolled up an exciting promotion for customers looking for the best deals this Eid.

As more families are looking forward to Eid celebrations, Jacky’s is giving away Black & Decker kitchen appliances for every purchase of notebooks, mobile phones, digital cameras and LCD TVs. These special offers will be available to shoppers at all Jacky’s retail outlets until 30th September.

To make Eid extraordinary this year, Jacky’s also teamed up with HP to offer a range of great deals for its loyal customers. Cash back of AED150 to AED500 awaits anyone who purchases any HP notebooks and desktops until 30th September in all Jacky’s outlets.

“Eid is a time for joy and pleasure for all, elders and children alike. During the Eid days, families and friends exchange gifts to express well wishes, and we in Jacky’s would like to celebrate this joy with our loyal customers by giving them valuable gifts such as Black & Decker products,” said Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer, Jacky’s Electronics.

“Jacky’s and HP have provided the biggest promotions to our customers and with school starting shortly after Eid, we want to give the students latest gadget accessories courtesy of HP,” he added.

In addition, owners of HP laptops, either old or new, can avail of the free cover engravings being offered at HP Store-in-store in Jacky’s Dubai Mall outlet, on level 2, until end of this month. Furthermore, customers can redeem 30% discount on HP accessories, if they print vouchers from Jacky’s Facebook fan page and present them at this outlet.

At the same outlet, first 200 customers will get free giveaways from HP. As an exciting countdown to Eid, there will be a daily raffle draw to win seven HP Mini Netbooks.
 

RTA Gears Up Preparation For Hosting UITP Congress 2011

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is gearing up preparation for holding the 59th International Association of Public Transport (UITP) Congress & Exhibition in Dubai in April 2011 despite the credit crunch currently engulfing the whole world, thanks to the consistent economy of the United Arab Emirates, according to Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the 59th UITP Congress.

Al Mulla confirmed that preparations for holding this premier world event are up and running including coordination with all public departments in Dubai Emirate through their representatives with the RTA towards offering the required facilities in their respective fields. The Organizing Committee is also holding scheduled meetings regularly and coordination is in hand with the UITP officials to brief them on all matters related to the organizational plans along with the procedures & arrangements for receiving the participating delegations according to the plans made, he stated.

“Hosting this global event in Dubai culminates the worldwide repute and high profile of the Emirate in holding exhibitions & conventions in a variety of economic, business and service fields. It also manifests the huge confidence pinned by the international organizations in the UAE as a whole and Dubai in particular,” said Al Mulla.

“Through holding this global event, RTA is seeking to reassert the standing of Dubai in public transport industry worldwide by showcasing the strategic projects & initiatives achieved in a record time compared to advanced countries with experience spanning more than a century such as the European countries as well as the USA, Canada and Australia. RTA achievements are true manifestation of the dedicated efforts made by the Dubai Government to boost the profile of Dubai as a global economic & business hub and a point of attraction for investors and business leaders from all over the world, considering the huge significance of infrastructure in all fields, including public transport means, in supporting the business sector,” he continued.

“The 59th UITP Congress & Showcase is a splendid opportunity for participants from all over the globe to showcase their products, services and solutions in this field to visitors comprising business leaders, investors and decision makers in ministries and authorities responsible for regulating public transport sector particularly in Middle Eastern and North African countries. Furthermore, the Congress will be a milestone in RTA drive to showcase its achievements in integrated public transport, particularly with the launch of the Dubai Metro last year and its substantial contribution to attract new passengers to use public transport means, including buses and marine transit modes,” said the Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the 59th UITP Congress in a final remark.

Worth-mentioning that a senior delegation from the RTA will take part in the celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the UITP to be held in Brussels in September this year.
 

Nasimi Beach At Atlantis, The Palm Gears Up For FIFA World Cup

To celebrate the world’s biggest football tournament this summer, Nasimi Beach at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai will be transformed in to the Pure Football Lounge complete with large screen TVs broadcasting live all games of the FIFA World Cup.

As well as being the perfect spot for fans to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the FIFA World Cup, there will be something for everyone at the Pure Football Lounge. Special music-themed evenings with everything from classic ‘cheese’ to the very best in house music will be played by resident and guest DJs. A special menu will also be on offer during the FIFA World Cup celebrations and will include nachos, chicken wings, spring rolls, calamari, salads and the World Cup Platter. Guests can also enjoy classics like fish & chips, boerewors with mashed potatoes and the Atlantis Burger.

All World Cup matches at Nasimi Beach will be scheduled to be shown until the quarters, semis and final where games will be selected based on popularity. The Pure Football FIFA Lounge launches on 11 June and will continue through the World Cup and through mid-September. Nasimi Beach will be open daily from 4pm – 2am with daily happy hour from 4pm-6pm and a happy hour after each FIFA World Cup match. To avoid disappointment, reservations should be made in advance. For VIP table reservations please call +971 4 426 2626 or email: dxb-nasimi@atlantisthepalm.com. Must be over 21 after 9pm.

About Nasimi Beach
Nasimi Beach has brought a whole new concept in beach entertainment to Dubai as the ultimate beach experience; a fusion of entertainment and fashion, casual beach chic dining, as well as glamorous events hosted by world renowned artists. As day turns into night, with the back drop of the impressive Dubai skyline lighting up, this luxurious shoreline retreat transforms into an intimate haven with the atmospheric sounds of resident and international DJs spinning the decks at this incomparable beachfront location.

For restaurant reservations please call + 971 4 426 2626. For further information about Atlantis please call +971 4 426 1000, or visit atlantisthepalm.com
 

AUD Gears Up For Game Design And Development

The American University in Dubai (AUD) signed an educational licensee agreement with GmbH Crytek GmbH (Crytek) which will allow AUD to use their CryENGINE®3 technology in its game design and development courses within the Bachelor of Information Technology Program (B.I.T.).

According to Dr. Jihad Nader, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at AUD, this agreement falls under AUD’s mission to achieve excellence in teaching and learning, and is a big step towards more fully integrating its IT students’ educational experience and professional preparation with the rapidly evolving societal needs and changing lifestyles. Dr. Nader explains:

“Gaming has become a major factor in rebalancing people’s work-vs.-leisure tradeoff around the world. More importantly, the educational potential of gaming technologies in various fields is now being exploited at an accelerating pace. We are proud to provide our students access to these technologies”.

Commenting on the new agreement, Dr. Khalid Khawaja, AUD Chair of the Information Technology Department, says:

“Teaching computing principles through the design and development of games is one of the latest advancement in education and we are committed to it. Taking this the next step by graduating software engineering professionals that are versed in the gaming industry technologies is facilitated by this new relationship.”

The B.I.T. Program at AUD prepares students for professional careers in the identification, design, and creation of computer technology solutions in support of government, business, and societal needs particularly within the UAE and the region. On how AUD is focused on preparing students to be innovators in their fields of study and the importance of using technologies such as CryENGINE®3, Dr. Basel Dayyani, Associate Professor of Information Technology at AUD, explains:

“One of the BIT Program’s educational strategies is to teach students the art of innovation in the game industry and to take them through the process of game design from concept to final game product. Offering them first class industry products such as CryENGINE®3 from Crytek as the learning platform of choice for game design and development is crucial.”

Crytek’s Director of Global Business Development CryENGINE®, Carl Jones, looks forward to the collaboration with the American University in Dubai, and acknowledges:

“It is a great honor for us to license our CryENGINE®3 technology to one of the most modern and most international universities of the world. Working with our all-in-one game development solution gives all students the very unique possibility to experience every single feature of the engine and thus learn how to build an AAA game from scratch. The use of CryENGINE®3 completes the world-class career-oriented education that the American University in Dubai is offering to their students perfectly.”

AUD decided to partner with Crytek because they are leaders in the game design and development industry solutions. The sheer power of Crytek tools is remarkable as it will allow students to design a game from concept to final product in about 14 weeks. Dr. Dayyani also remarked that one of the most powerful features of the third-generation CryENGINE® is the CryENGINE®3 LiveCreate™ feature, as it allows students to design their games while working with a single editor – The CryENGINE®3 Sandbox, but see and play the results in real-time on the PC, PlayStation® 3 and Xbox 360™ which is considered a revolutionary step in the world of Integrated Development Environments (IDE).