Emaar Middle Easts Al Khobar Lakes wins Saudi BuildInfra Awards for Best Retail Project honour at the Building Infrastructure Summit

Al Khobar Lakes, the premier waterfront development by Emaar Middle East, the subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has won the ‘Best Retail Project’ honour at the Saudi BuildInfra Awards 2011, organised as part of the Saudi Arabian Building and Infrastructure Summit held in Riyadh recently.

Emaar Middle East, received the award from Sheikh Abdulrahman Ali Al-Jeraisy, Chairman of the Board, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the award ceremony.

Al Khobar Lakes is a picturesque development set amidst serene water bodies, and is the largest of its kind integrated community in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom. The first two residential villages in Al Khobar Lakes – Al Nada and Al Ghadeer – were launched to overwhelming home buyer and investor response. Work on the first phase of homes is nearing completion and will be handed over shortly.

Mr Ahmad Al Kulli, General Manager, Emaar Middle East said: “The Saudi BuildInfra Award for Al Khobar Lakes is a reiteration of the world-class build quality that Emaar Middle East brings to its master-planned communities in the Kingdom. All aspects of the development, designed by international architects, have been planned and executed to the highest global standards and will assure a new lifestyle for residents.”

Evaluated by a panel of industry experts the Saudi BuildInfra Awards 2011 recognise the best in class developments in the Kingdom. The Awards highlight the excellence and strategic initiatives in the field of infrastructure creation and development in Saudi Arabia.

Al Khobar Lakes offers the superior location advantage of being near to three key cities in the Eastern Province, only 30 minutes away from the airport and close proximity to Bahrain. The community provides a safe and secure lifestyle environment with abundant greenery and lifestyle amenities such as community centres, a health club and a large retail centre.

Emaar Middle East is also developing Jeddah Gate, a mixed-use project featuring residential units; commercial units; and 75,000 sq m of gross leasable area for retailers, in the Kingdom. The sale of Abraj Al Hilal, a cluster of three high-rise residential towers within Jeddah Gate, gained strong home buyer and investor response.

Another key development of Emaar Middle East in the Kingdom is the Emaar Residences at the Fairmont Makkah, located directly on the Haram Plaza. The serviced residences are offered on a leasehold basis and range in size from 40 sq m for a thoughtfully designed studio to 160 sq m for a comfortable three-bedroom residence.

Montblanc Writers Exhibition To Honour The 183rd Birthday Of Science-Fiction Writer Jules Verne

Commemorating the 183rd birthday of Jules Verne, the French pioneer of the science fiction genre, Montblanc, the world-renowned creators of bespoke writing instruments and luxury goods are organising a dedicated display of the author’s greatest works, at the Montblanc Writers’ Exhibition, currently underway at the Dubai Mall.

The exclusive display of some of Jules Verne’s outstanding works – including Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea – will be juxtaposed with a specially-designed Limited Edition writing instrument, created in honour of the iconic writer.

The Jules Verne Limited Edition, seeks to convey the spirit of the author’s works, with its bright blue lacquered barrel and platinum-plated mountings surrounded by a design of even-sized waves. Jules Verne’s signature decorates the cap of the writing instrument, and a delicate engraving of an antique diver’s helmet on the rhodium-plated 18- karat gold nib of the fountain pen recalls one of his most famous novels, “Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea”.

Designed as a tribute to iconic writers who have made epochal contributions to the world of literature, the Montblanc Writers’ Exhibition features a series of iconic authors, whose writings have made a lasting impact on society. Apart from Jules Verne, other authors being honoured are: Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christie, Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Franz Kafka, Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe

The Writers’ Exhibition provides insights into the life, work and inspirations of these influential award-winning writers. There are also interactive live events led by local literary figures and academics during which visitors of all ages will have the chance to discuss the novels, enjoy live readings and discover more about each of the authors and their context. In addition, everyone will be able to enjoy browsing selected works, see the specially designed writing instruments inspired by each of the authors and purchase special gift editions.

Montblanc, the world-renowned creators of bespoke writing instruments and luxury goods, is a truly international brand with operations in more than 70 countries. Montblanc sells its products exclusively through its international network of authorized retailers, jewellers and over 360 Montblanc boutiques worldwide.
 

DEWA KHDA Honour Winners Outstanding Saving Rates

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority in partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced today that participation in the coveted ‘Conservation Award – For a Better Tomorrow, 2010-2011’ achieved outstanding energy-saving performance in all categories of the campaign aimed at educational institutions. The ceremony was attended by HE Saeed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General, KHDA and accompanied by senior officials from the education field, DEWA and representatives from the winnings schools, students and parents.

Speaking at the awards HE Al Saeed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA explained; “The DEWA conservation strategy is aligned with the vision and strategy of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to sustain Dubai as a centre of business and finance and support the growth of sustainability. DEWA has succeeded to consolidate the environmental sustainability concept which reflects on the reduction in consumption of electricity and water in different sectors in Dubai which have supported DEWA in adopting and implementing more than 35 environmental initiatives in commitment to saving the natural resources and building a sustainable future for Planet Earth.”

HE Al Tayer continued: “All initiatives done by DEWA are effective tools to spread the conservation culture. Targeting the education sector is a tool to create a positive effect between students and everyone within the educational community by building a young generation that is aware of the importance of saving natural resources and the rational consumption to save Dubai’s future.” HE Al Tayer also added: “The success of the ‘Conservation Award – For a Better Tomorrow’ since 2005-2006 is proof of the success and productive partnership between DEWA and the KHDA. We all have to work together today to fight one of the greatest threats facing Planet Earth, climate change and to secure a safe environment for the future of the country. We are looking forward to instilling the conservation attitude through engaging all social sectors in initiatives and to see mature generations dealing with utilities and believing in the environment issue.”

Millions of gallons of water and kilowatts of electricity have been saved as a result of the extraordinary measures adopted by the children, students, teaching staff, faculty members and parents participating in the 2010-2011 awards. Combined efforts reached a record saving-rate of 10,774,239 kWh of electricity and 229,260,970 gallons (IG) of water, the equivalent to 6,465 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, 7,305 trees to offset or 295,185 CFL bulbs.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General at KHDA, said: “In the world today we face a lot of challenges because of the shortage of resources. These challenges provide a very big role for educational institutions, to encourage awareness about the importance of how we use our resources. “This award, which is the result of co-operation between DEWA and KHDA, reflects the measurement of the use of electricity and water in schools. These measurements are the findings which have shown us who our winners are. This shows how this award uses a scientific approach as well as supporting accountability and transparency. “Building a culture within a student that the use of precious resources is an important factor in his or her life is the same as teaching any value. This is one of life’s big values; we are not talking about a small thing. Our children will be our ambassadors in the future and it is important that we nurture this value with care.”

Speaking on the Conservation Award, Amal Koshak, Senior Manager Demand & Tariff Management, and founder of the Conservation Award said: “Winning this award is not easy especially as regulations and standards are reviewed every year.” Amal Koshak spoke about the increase in the awareness level by everyone in the education sector towards the importance of conservation and environmental sustainability. Amal continued: “What we witness now from the achievements of an increasing number of educational institutions reflects the great influence on society. We have succeeded in communicating the awards in the minds of the Dubai community and convey its messages to the target categories of students, teachers and officials in the education sector”.

This year the Conservation Award – For a Better Tomorrow was further increased in scope by broadening the categories to include Special Needs Centres, Nurseries and Adult Centres. In total the Award attracted: 84 public schools, 111 private schools, 46 universities and faculties, 91 nurseries, 5 special needs centres and 6 adult centres in the 2010-2011 programme. The Conservation Award – For A Better Tomorrow is one of the most coveted conservation initiatives in the Emirate, receiving the Dubai Government Excellence Award 2009 in recognition for outstanding savings achieved and the increased number of participants.

Since commencing in 2005-2006 the ‘Conservation Award – For a Better Tomorrow’ has achieved a combined energy saving rate of 41,187,631 kWh of electricity and 526,423,047 gallons (IG) of water, the equivalent to 24,713 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, 27,925 trees to offset, 1,128,428 CFL bulbs and 957 filled-up Olympic swimming pools.

For information on how to enter the Conservation Award – For a Better Tomorrow 2011-1212 visit www.dewa.gov.ae
 

H.H. Sheikha Manal Receives Honour At The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons Of The Arts Awards 2011 For Second Consecutive Year

For a second consecutive year, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, UAE; was honoured as a “Supporter of the Arts” at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards 2011 for her unwavering commitment to supporting the development of artistic and cultural talents, particularly among the youth.

The award was accepted by H.H. Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, on her behalf at a Gala Awarding Ceremony held yesterday at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. The awards were also graced by the presence of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler as well as dignitaries, esteemed guests and prominent figures from the cultural scene.

On the occasion, Sheikha Manal said: “It is with deep emotion that I accept this honoured distinction for a second year. It is my personal belief that the arts enrich our lives and gives us a sense of worth and dignity. And as patrons of the arts, it is our responsibility to recognise those who have demonstrated immense talent and achievements in the field of arts. It is my intention to continue my deep commitment to the arts in the future as well.

As an accomplished artist in her own right and truly visionary in her support of the arts, Her Highness Sheikha Manal has consistently sponsored youth-focused cultural and artistic endeavours in the UAE, through her patronage and the establishment of art projects such as ‘The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award’, ‘The Sheikha Manal Art Exchange Program’; plus international art exhibitions such as the ‘Pieces for Peace’ CITYarts project and ‘The Reflective Mirror’ art exhibition under the theme of ‘Expression of Womanhood’ at the United Nations Head Quarters, New York. She recently extended her patronage to The Nomads Box Project, a moving art space located within a transformed shipping container. In 2009, she was also honoured from CITYArts New York with the ‘Making a Difference through the Arts’ Award. She was also awarded for her contributions to the arts at the inaugural Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Patrons of the Arts awards ceremony in 2010.

Organised by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards honour and recognize individuals, business, organisations and government entities that have demonstrated financial and in-kind contributions towards the arts in UAE, with sustained support and promotion of artistic activity. Contributions are recognised in the visual arts, film, literature and performing arts.

Sheikha Manal added, “Guided by our wise leadership, the UAE has always been in the forefront of support for art and culture, motivated by the firm belief that sustainable economic growth goes hand in hand with social and cultural development. This award stands as a testimony to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen Dubai’s position as a vibrant global city for culture and the arts.”

The designing of the award hold special meaning as well. The trophy’s shape – a seed with its leaf – salutes the idea of patrons nurturing and supporting artists. The graceful lines of the award also evoke the tools of the artist: the quill of a calligraphy pen, an exclamation mark, a drop of paint, a musical note.

 

DIFF 2010 To Honour Arab Icon Sabah With Lifetime Achievement Award

Pan-Arab icon Jeanette Gergi Fighali, better known as Sabah, will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival 2010.

One of the Arab world’s most prolific and popular actresses and singers, Sabah has starred in more than 98 movies, including several timeless comedies and musicals and lighthearted fare; released 50 albums and amassed more than 3,500 songs in her repertoire; and acted in 20 stage plays.

Renowned for her endearing performances, soaring voice and sparkling personality, Sabah – or ‘Al Shahroura’ (The Singing Bird) as she is known to her fans – continues to act and sing today, including a recent appearance in the pan-Arab talent show Star Academy.

Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman, Dubai International Film Festival, said: “For more than six decades, Sabah has inspired generations to aim high and break new ground. She is one of the hardest-working entertainers of our time, and continues to give of herself even today. She is an icon for the Arab world, a trailblazing and enduring achiever who carved a niche in a challenging industry. By honouring her, we celebrate women in Arab film and music everywhere.”

He added: “Sabah is a symbol of Arab optimism, and her charisma, talent and staying power brought hope and good humour to many during difficult times. Her commitment to the film and music industry and to her numerous fans boosted our confidence and our spirit many times throughout the years.”

Sabah’s work, Juma added, was a bridge between two important centres in the Arab world: Egypt and Lebanon. Although a Lebanese national, the majority of her films were co-produced with or focused on Egypt. At the age of 15, her career launched with a debut in the Egyptian film Bint Al-Charq (Daughter of the East, 1946).

Some of her most well-received films include 1956’s How Can I Forget You? (Izhay Ansak), 1959’s The Street of Love (Sharia el Hub) (1959), 1962’s Al Layaly Al Dafiaa and 1980’s Layla Baka Fiha El Kamar. Over the years, she has shared the screen with some of the biggest names in Arab cinema, including Abdulhalim Hafiz, Fareed Al Atrash, Emad Hamdi, and Hussain Riyad.

The singer-actress has also worked in international markets, including appearances on French television and a duet with French star Enrico Macias.

During an interview in Lebanon, Sabah said: “I have won plenty of awards, but this one means the most to me. I am very honored to be part of the Dubai International Film Festival, and I know that audiences all over the Arab world support DIFF. DIFF has boosted my confidence, especially for an artist of my age to be honoured at such a prestigious festival.”

“I am so grateful that my movies are being showcased in the classy ‘City of the Sun,’ Dubai, which I am very fond of and its people,” she added. “Hope to see you soon, Dubai.”

In previous years, DIFF has honoured Arab icons including Faten Hamama, Rachid Bouchareb, Youssef Chahine, Daoud Abdul Sayed and Adel Imam with its Lifetime Achievement award. The Festival awards its annual accolades to renowned talent from the Arab world, Asia-Africa, and the global west.

The seventh edition of Dubai International Film Festival 2010 will be held from December 12 to 19. DIFF 2010 is held in association with Dubai Studio City and supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah are the principal sponsors of DIFF. Accreditation for DIFF 2010 is now open at www.dubaifilmfest.com.

 

ENOC Wins Superbrands Honour For Fifth Consecutive Year

For the fifth year running, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) has been selected as a Superbrand for 2010 by the United Arab Emirates Superbrands Council.

ENOC is the only national oil company to receive this honour for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting its standing as one of the most trusted and high-profile brands in the UAE. The recognition reiterates ENOC’s outstanding track record in delivering world-class products and ensuring the highest standards in customer service in line with global best practices.

Khalid Hadi, ENOC Group Brand and Marketing Manager, received the Superbrands award from Mike English, Director of Superbrands Middle East & North Africa, at the Superbrands tribute event, where 62 successful brands were recognized from 1,415 pre-qualified brands covering various industries.

Commenting on the award, Khalid Hadi said: “We are honoured to have been awarded the Superbrands status for the fifth consecutive year. This reflects on our achievements over the years in building a distinguished brand in the oil and gas industry. Since our establishment in 1993 we have strived to meet and exceed customer expectations in terms of quality and service, and maintain the highest industry standards relating to environment, health and safety in all our operations and facilities across the world.”

The Superbrands Council in each country comprises individuals with exceptional aptitude in business and a thorough knowledge of the country’s market and methods of business.
 

Superbrands To Honour UAE’s Top Brands At Tribute Event

Superbrands, the independent authority and arbiter of branding, today announced that they will be hosting their annual tribute event to honour UAE’s strongest brands on July 20th, 2010 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City. Superbrands will also announce the much awaited ‘Brand of the Year’ and unveil the 6th Edition of the Superbrands book at a glittering ceremony attended by the who’s who of the corporate world in UAE.

“We are pleased to announce the UAE’s strongest brands and honour them at our annual tribute event. The local brands that made it to the Superbrands list this year include some of the most recognised brands in the world as well as some new entrants on the list. These Superbrands were not only voted for by our distinguished brand council members but also by 2,500 marketing professionals voting for the preferred brands through an online poll. The brand with the highest score will be awarded ‘Brand of the Year’ at the tribute event,” says Mike English, Director, Superbrands Middle East.

After a stringent selection criteria set by the Superbrands Council, over 2,500 professionals were invited to vote along with the Council. More than 1,415 leading UAE brands were scored by the Superbrands Council and the invitees and the highest scoring brands were then designated as Superbrands. Only brands that achieve the level of recognition set by the independent Superbrands Council are eligible for inclusion in the Superbrands UAE book, which traces the history and achievements of each of the brands

The Superbrands Council comprises individuals who have shown exceptional aptitude in business and who have a thorough knowledge of the market and methods of business. To be voted as a Superbrand by the Council is a powerful endorsement and evidence for existing customers, potential customers, the media, suppliers, investors and employees of each brand’s exceptional status.

The Superbrands Organisation will also unveil the much coveted coffee-table style Superbrands book, which includes a two-page profile of each of the Superbrands, at the Tribute event. “The brands featured in the book range from corporate giants to FMCG brands. We are happy to see so many of the UAE’s local brands included in the book alongside key international brands. Participation in the Superbrands book is by invitation only and acknowledges the intrinsic strength of the organisation and its brand value,” Mr. English adds.

The Superbrands tribute event is set to be a true celebration of many of the country’s highest profile brands, and promises to live up to its global reputation as the "Oscars of Branding".
 

Dubai Culture And Bidoun Projects Honour Participants Of ’Writing About Art’ Workshops

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated authority for culture, heritage and the arts, and Bidoun Projects, an arts organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting contemporary artists from the Middle East, successfully concluded the first of its kind ‘Writing About Art’ workshops offering unique insights into art critique to professionals and aspiring writers.

More than 50 writers with a keen interest in the arts took part in the workshops held over the past five months. Experts from around the world engaged the participants in various aspects of writing about the arts, including art criticism, analysis against global benchmarks and a wider perspective of the evolution of the arts across the world.

Alia Al Hashimi, Senior Specialist at the Projects Department in the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority said: “The response to the ‘Writing About Art’ workshops, held for the first time ever in the region, has been overwhelming. The event offered a unique platform for artists, art professionals and art writers to come together, brainstorm and promote the standards of art writing. A genuine appreciation of the arts, followed by insightful writing, will help in shaping a stronger arts community.”

She added: “As the first group of art critics graduating from this initiative, the participants will help to engage the community in understanding and appreciating the arts. These art critics will in turn educate the general public about art, thereby facilitating greater interaction between the arts and its audience. They will also play a key role in further reiterating Dubai Culture’s goal to strengthen the cultural scene in the region by promoting original content creation from Dubai. ”

Dubai Culture and Bidoun Projects will explore opportunities in networking with regional publications, gallery directors, and publishing houses to promote the writings done by the workshop participants, to further strengthen art appreciation and awareness, thus creating a vibrant cultural scene in the Emirate.
 

du’s Ramadan Tent 2008 concept wins at Middle East Awards 2009

du today announced that the concept of du Ramadan tent in 2008 has won an award for the most ‘Outstanding use of a temporary venue/structure or space’ at Middle East Awards 2009. du’s event partner Action Impact , which conceptualized and executed the brief won this award amidst stiff competition from over 30 entries in the region.

The award recognized the du Ramadan tent’s distinctive design and the rich cultural and social experience that it offered to people in the UAE.

Hala Badri, EVP Brand and Communications, du, said: “It is an honour to have been recognized alongside Action Impact for our work during Ramadan through the du Ramadan Tent, which blended the traditional look of Ramadan with the innovative vision of the du brand through, creative design and stunning aesthetics. As a UAE national company, we are proud of our heritage; and as such it is our pleasure each year to provide a setting where all residents and visitors from across the country can join together and have a truly unique experience with du.”

The du Ramadan Tent – ‘Al Majlis’ – was designed to provide a glimpse of traditional UAE environment for visitors to immerse themselves in and welcomed up to 1000 guests per night.

Modhesh World – Celebrating 10 Years Of Achievements And Success

Join Modhesh at Modhesh World tomorrow (Thursday 25th June, 2009) to celebrate 10 outstanding years of Modhesh and the region’s largest indoor theme-park entertainment centre.

Tomorrow, Modhesh and his friends will be at Modhesh World from 10am to take part in the biggest summer party of 2009. Celebrating 10 years of success as the region’s Number one summer attraction, Modhesh World presents a celebration unlike any other, in honour of its namesake, Modhesh.

Destined to be the greatest party in town, children can meet with Modhesh and their favourite cartoon characters. Modhesh will receive a massive birthday cake as a tribute to his 10 years of fun and amusement.

Everyone is welcome to come down to Modhesh World tomorrow and enjoy the many attractions and activities that this astounding indoor theme-park has to offer, with over 40 zones of thrilling amusements and entertainment.

As a special homage to its 10th year, guests can enjoy a step back in time with the Modhesh Wall of Fame – showcasing images of years gone by at Modhesh World, plus children celebrating their 10th birthday will receive free entry to Modhesh World for themselves and their entire family. All that children need to do is call Ahlan Dubai on +971 600 54 5555 and register.

There are also opportunities to win fabulous prizes just for being at Modhesh World tomorrow. All children that arrive at Modhesh World will automatically go in the draw to win exciting prizes and surprises giveaways.

It is an event not to be missed, filled with joy and fun for the whole family – we’ll see you there at Modhesh World!

Modhesh World doors open at 10.00am – 10:00pm on weekdays and from 10:00am – 12midnight on weekends, 3:00pm – 12midnight on Fridays. Tickets to the venue are priced at AED 10 – adults and 15 for kids with numerous free games and rides, including free entry to the Arts and Crafts Zone.