Kalimat And du Hosts Engaging And Interactive Summer Reading Sessions

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As part of its drive to help children discover the joy of books, Kalimat- the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated to publishing and distributing quality Arabic children’s books, is hosting a series of engaging and interactive public summer reading sessions at libraries across Dubai in partnership with du, as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities.

The award-winning publishing house kicked off its summer reading campaign, in cooperation with du at the Al Rashidiya Public Library in Dubai on 26th June, with author Noura Noman treating children to readings from her books, Qutta and Kiwi.

Kalimat’s campaign will continue with two readings by author Maitha Al Khayat from her book Tareeqati Al Khassa on 6 July at Al Safa, and on 13th July at Umm Suqeim in Dubai, respectively.

Speaking of the summer reading campaign, Kalimat Founder and CEO Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: “What better way is there to help children discover the joy of books than to read aloud to them? Our summer reading sessions are aimed at developing a taste for books among children and through exposure to these engaging, interactive reading experiences, we believe that they will fall in love with reading and the Arabic language.”

On behalf of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Mrs. Iman Ismail Al Balooshi said: “We are delighted to be supporting Kalimat’s summer reading campaign, which not only promotes reading, but also helps children develop a true understanding of our wonderful language from an early age. It is a noble objective, and one that the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is happy to endorse.”

“Promoting the use of Arabic language amongst our children is a vital step to preserving our culture,” commented Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du. “We’re proud to support Kalimat in this all-important venture, which falls in-line with our own Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. It is important to instil a love and understanding of Arabic literature in children who will make up tomorrow’s Emirati community, into whose hands will fall the responsibility of upholding our rich, vibrant and unique culture.”

The titles chosen for the readings form part of Kalimat’s extensive collection of quality children’s books and are geared towards teaching children about their world in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

In Noman’s Al Qutta Qutna, a little girl describes her cat and the special times they spend together while Al Qunfuth Kiwi tells the story of a group of children who come across a hedgehog during their adventures.

Al Khayat’s Tareeqati Al Khassa tells the story of Hamda, who longs to wear a hijab and has fun trying out different ways to tie a sheila with her four sisters. While this book draws from a Muslim and Middle Eastern background, it is highly appealing to readers of both Arab and non-Arab origin. In fact, the book’s rights have been sold to Orion for translation into all languages except Arabic.

As part of its summer campaign, Kalimat is offering a 10% discount on Kalimat Book Club membership fees for those who join before 31st July. Book Club members receive a carefully chosen age-appropriate book every month, and can benefit from other services, including a quarterly newsletter, a dedicated Facebook page, exclusive invitations to events, as well as discounts on Kalimat books too.

Kalimat is the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated solely to publishing and distributing high-quality Arabic books for children aged 0 to 16 years. With a portfolio of internationally acclaimed authors and illustrators, Kalimat’s extensive range of books highlights traditional Arabic culture alongside the modern challenges faced by today’s children.

du’s partnership with Kalimat began in 2010 and is inspired by a passion to further develop the reading habits of young readers by engaging them with invigorating Arabic literature. Together, du and Kalimat have participated in several events, including book signings and launches for titles such as Abir Ballan’s Fie Al Ittihad Al Quwa, activities for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, National Day and International Children’s Book Day, as well as taking part in the Sharjah and Abu Dhabi Book Fairs.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, du is actively involved in promoting initiatives which promote the culture and heritage of the UAE, and developing children’s love of literature in their native tongue is an important aspect of preserving the Arabic language for generations to come.

 

DED Hosts First Seminar On Investing In People

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), in association with International Performance Excellence (IPE), a UAE-based research and training consultancy, recently organised the first joint seminar to create awareness among enterprises and organisational leaders on the “Investing in People (IIP)” standard of excellence.

The one-day seminar, held at the Business Village, followed a partnership agreement signed between DED and IPE to encourage enterprises to achieve organisational excellence and improve business performance by investing in people. DED and IPE have agreed to conduct a series of knowledge-sharing programmes aimed to enable organisations to qualify as a model investor in people.

Over 25 senior employees from various organisations attended the seminar, led by Dr Alaa Garad, CEO of International Performance Excellence and an expert in Organisational Excellence and Total Quality Management. Dr. Garad explained how organisations can integrate IIP standard in their human resources approach and eventually get accredited by UK-based IIP International. International Performance Excellence is the exclusive partner of IIP International in the UAE.

Developed in the UK two decades ago, IIP has since then proved to be of great value in helping organisations cope with change and economic uncertainties. It has also become an international benchmark and practical tool for organisational excellence and human resource development.

DED and IPE have also agreed to institute an “Investors in People” award for exemplary IIP leadership. The new award will complement the Dubai Quality Award, Dubai Human Development Award, and the Dubai Service Excellence Scheme of DED and will be distributed at the prestigious annual Business Excellence Award ceremony. Only IIP-accredited organisations will be considered for the new award.

“DED and IPE have taken a major step towards improving standards in people development and capacity building across organisations in the UAE with our first joint seminar. Our partnership is unique since it inspires organisations to invest in people, educates them on investment practices that bring better business returns, qualifies them for international accreditation and rewards them for their success with a prestigious award,” said Mohammed Juma Bushnain Al Amri, Executive Director of Corporate Quality and Management Excellence at DED.

"This seminar will be followed by series of events including tutorials, forums, workshops and roundtable discussions to raise awareness on the international IIP standard, which is the only proven and validated standard worldwide. As of today, more than 35,000 organisations have been accredited including six organisations in the UAE. Over the last two years IIP licenses have been granted in 20 countries," said Dr Alaa.

He added: "What differentiates the IIP from other standards and frameworks is that it was established as a non-profit government organisation and has been built around the best practices in Human Resource Investment. It helps companies understand what it means to invest in people and provide a structured approach towards organisational excellence and achieving strategic objectives through people."

Dr Alaa noted that the application of the IIP standard does not require submission documents or specific documentation as the assessment is based on face-to-face interviews. The new award aims to leverage and compliment many strategic initiatives that have been established by the UAE and Dubai Government.

The IIP standard also fits perfectly with international standards such as EFQM Business Excellence and ISO 9001:2008 as well as other quality and excellence awards in the UAE such as: Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Programme (SKGEP); Dubai Government Excellence Programme (DGEP); Dubai Quality award (DQA); Sheikh Saqr Programme for Government Excellence (SSPGE); Ajman Excellence Programme (AJEP); Sharjah Economic Excellence Award (SEEA) and the Dubai Human Development Award (DHDA).

For further details on the new award, please contact: bec@dubaided.gov.ae, and more details on IIP United Arab Emirates can be found at: www.iipuae.org
 

RTA Hosts An Expert In Nutrition And Physical Effort

Roads & Transport Authority – Nashwan Attaa’ee: More than 90 per cent of global populations suffer psychological pressures due to the accelerating tempo of today’s lifestyles; which impact the daily movement of the entire populace of the universe in view of the scientific & technological advancements spanning all walks of life. People have become addict to modern technological gadgets such as computers & mobile phones and the use of vehicles, even for short-distance travels; which has in turn impacted their physical activities and exacerbated the problems of obesity and sag due to weight gain; which is a natural result of inadequate or lack of movement and exercise.

These conclusions have been reiterated by Dr. Osama Allala, Exercise Physiology & Health Consultant in the Ministry of Education and Physical Activity & Obesity Advisor to the World Health Organization in the Middle East who was recently hosted by the Administrative Services Department, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to give a lecture entitled "Physical Activity: a preventive lifestyle".

“Among the underlying causes that made people poring over the lack of movement is irregular mealtimes and bedtimes besides that most people have become accustomed to eating three meals a day starting with a light breakfast, followed by plump lunch a heavy & fat dinner in most cases. This regime is however coupled with slim or no movement, and a tendency to sleep immediately after eating; which has caused a glut & obesity rendering it difficult to get rid of unless the daily lifestyle is being reset and specific times are allocated for movement and physical exercise that can bring back multiple psychological & health benefits," said Dr. Osama.

"The proper way to streamline the digestion process is to take a light breakfast followed by a snack before lunch, with a reasonable lunch and a light dinner. It will be fine if a person takes a snack before dinner so as not to feel hungry at the dinner time. It is recommended to make physical exercises; preferably early in the morning due to the presence of large amounts of oxygen in the air at that time. However, since most people have to go to work early in the morning, such exercise can be done after Asr prayer.

“People need not be hasty to get instant results due to the different nature of bodies, amount & places of fat to be reduced, and other factors related to age in addition to the variation in the physical configuration between men & women as woman’s ability to store fat is greater than man’s, especially if the woman is the mother of one or more children, and a host of other factors influencing the results of weight loss to be obtained.

“Everyone is urged to sleep away from mobile phones and other electronic devices because of radiation emanating from them which adversely affects the vital functions of our bodies, cause laziness and a tendency to sleep and lack of movement,” said Dr. Osama in a final remark.

For his part the Director of Administrative Services Nabeel Al Ali stated that RTA was keen to see its employees healthy & active as this would have a direct bearing on their daily performance, motivate them to carry out their duties, and raise their productivity.

“In this regard RTA constructed two health clubs for male & female employees and held football and table tennis tournaments among various agencies. RTA sports committees are currently considering to expand this aspect to cover several other games and also stage chess championship as a mental sport,” said Al Ali.

RTA Hosts CEO Of Ittihad Rail Project

Roads & Transport Authority – Nashwan Atta’ee: “Leadership is based on eight principles that have to be reflected in the behaviours of the leader towards his or her subordinates in business, service & financial sectors among other vital sectors forming together the pillars of the economy and growth in all fields. These eight principles which have to be found in every successful & effective team leader are summarized in that the leader must be: visible & accessible to all members of the work team, supportive of the work team’s efforts, able to forecast the future, inherently aware of all matters around, fair & transparent, a role model to be emulated, concerned with developing the work team, and able to send simple, understandable and effective messages to the work team members or various segments of the community.”

The above statement was made by Richard Bowker, CEO of Ittihad Rail Project in a gathering held by Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) at the Head Office of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in the presence of Yousef Al Rida, CEO of RTA Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, in cooperation with RTA Human Resources & Development Dep’t as part of Qiyadi program series. During the event, Bowker spoke about his long experience and challenges he encountered in various projects in the UK as well as those currently he faces in his capacity as one of the top leaders of Ittihad Rail Project in the UAE.

“Leadership has hundreds of definitions depending on the vision of leaders themselves, moreover, leadership as a concept & practice varies from one environment to another with the variation in cultures and social structure. From my own point of view, I think the leader must be patient and not rush to achieve results as laying the basis of any project, be it small or large, requires a sufficient amount of time to bring about concrete results,” added Bowker.

The CEO of RTA Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector Yousef Al Rida reiterated RTA’s continuous endeavours to upgrade its leaders in keeping with the achievements made by various affiliated agencies & sectors based on its vision of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All in the course of delivering advanced services to all spectrums of the community.

The Director of RTA Human Resources & Development Kawther Kazim said, “Qiyadi program has made huge achievements since it was launched in the RTA in coordination with the MBRCLD. We are always seeking to host personalities with sound practical expertise in various business sectors in order to benefit from their experience in upgrading our business conduct as well as the decision-making process at RTA senior leadership level.

It is note-worthy that Richard Bowker has more than 2 decades of experience in the rail industry and was the incumbent of senior positions in London Metro and Virgin Trains in the UK among other leading entities he served in this field.

Emirates GBC Hosts Networking Event On Green Supply Chain On Feb. 23 In Dubai

Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC), an organisation aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, will host a networking event on ‘How Masdar is Greening its Supply Chain – The Future Build Portal’ on Feb. 23, from 7 to 8.30pm at The Address Dubai Mall hotel.

Richard Reynolds, Manager – Supply Chain, Masdar City, will address the session, which is open for Emirates GBC members and non-members. A key initiative of Emirates GBC, the networking sessions aim to foster industry dialogue and multiple stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainable building development.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman, Emirates GBC, said: “The critical challenge in managing green building development today is enhancing the efficiency of the entire supply chain and ensuring that all partners are aligned towards achieving the UAE’s green vision. The Emirates GBC networking session on Masdar City’s example will not only offer new insights on green building development but also inspire industry stakeholders to adopt world best practices.”

Richard Reynolds will highlight the shifting trends in green building development and provide an overview of green products that help Masdar Supply Chain to build one of the world’s most sustainable cities in Abu Dhabi. He will share insights on selecting, evaluating and finding green building products, which is an important aspect of green design and construction. He will also introduce The Future Build, an online portal of environmentally preferable products, news and services.

To attend the networking session please email office@emiratesgbc.org. Admission fees are AED 50 for Emirates GBC members and AED 150 for non-members.

Aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, Emirates GBC has been hosting and participating in multinational events, conferences and forums since its inception in 2006.

The Emirates GBC has also developed a suite of activities, inclusive of networking events, technical workshops, focus days and facilitated training based around specific issues related to the built-environment that meet the needs of its members, of the UAE community, and the wider Middle East. The Council members can also benefit from the extensive use of the Emirates GBC office and library to enhance their knowledge of green building practices in the UAE.
 

The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai Hosts Month-Long ‘Electronics Promotion’ Offering An Array Of Prizes

The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, will host a month-long promotion dedicated to electronics. All electronic retailers are participating in the promotion to be held through May offering an array of prizes for lucky winners.

Shoppers who spend AED 200 at any of the electronics retailers will receive a raffle coupon from the Guest Services to enter the draw. Weekly prizes at the draws to be held on May 8, 15 and 22 include an LED 38”, Blu Ray Player and Home Theatre System. The grand prize, to be drawn on June 1, 2011 is an AED 50,000 gift voucher from Panasonic.

Drawing on its huge popularity in the social media circle, The Dubai Mall will also run exclusive online competitions for its Twitter (www.twitter.com/TheDubaiMall) followers and Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheDubaiMall) fans.

A highlight of the social media campaign is a ‘Tag’ competition, whereby fans and followers are requested to visit the participating retailer to identify the tagged product and write about it on the social media network. Every week one lucky winner will be awarded a gift voucher worth AED 5,000 from Panasonic.

Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer at Emaar Malls Group said: “The Dubai Mall has established its credentials as the most popular shopping and entertainment destination having hosted over 13.5 million visitors in the first quarter of this year, and over 47 million visitors in 2010. The mall has a strong portfolio of electronic retailers, and this dedicated promotion on electronics items will further add value to the customer experience of our mall visitors. As a leader in social media in the region amongst malls, we are also leveraging our presence by offering our Twitter followers and Facebook fans a unique opportunity to be part of the promotion.”

The electronics retailers at the mall offer the entire spectrum of electronics – from the most modern gadgets to the essentials, representing all leading global brands. Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, described as ‘The Centre of Now,’ The Dubai Mall has 1,200 retail outlets, several of them flagship stores or Middle East debuts of global brands, and 160 F&B outlets.

Visitors at the mall can also enjoy the leisure assets including Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with over 33,000 aquatic animals and the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; the Middle East’s first of its kind SEGA Republic theme park; the region’s first KidZania® children’s edutainment centre and Dubai’s largest megaplex, the 22-screen Reel Cinemas.

The Dubai Mall also offers exclusive access to At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest observatory deck with an outdoor terrace in the world’s tallest building. The Dubai Mall’s waterfront promenade opens to spectacular views of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.
 

KidZaniareg; Hosts Over Half A Million Visitors In Its First Year Of Operation; Marks First Anniversary With Month-Long Festivities

• Edutainment experience gains popularity of schools following UAE Ministry of Education approval with over 70,000 student visitors in one year
• Children’s edutainment centre is one of the most popular leisure destinations for GCC visitors
• To add new fun-learning experiences this year through partnerships with leading business houses
• Wins Superbrands 2011 laurel in just 11 months of operation

KidZania®, the unique children’s city in The Dubai Mall managed by Emaar Retail LLC, has hosted more than half a million visitors in its first year of operation, offering them an unparalleled learning and leisure experience.

One of the most popular leisure destinations in the region, particularly popular among GCC tourists, the leading children’s edutainment centre is celebrating its first anniversary with a month-long calendar of festivities tailored for the little ones. The festivities include jugglers, mime artists, magicians, balloon sculpting artists, living statues, clowns, face painters, which will add to the colourful ambience of KidZania®.

Within its first year of successful operations, KidZania® has also brought a clear differential to the educational environment of the UAE by winning the approval of the UAE Ministry of Education, along with Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, for field trips as part of the academic curriculum. More than 70,000 students have visited KidZania® to date highlighting the increasing popularity of the centre among schools for furthering the skills of students.

KidZania® has also entered into partnerships with over 40 leading businesses, including many Top 500 global brands. Several new tie-ups are being planned, providing the organisations a unique marketing opportunity to be part of the children’s edutainment experience. Last year, KidZania® won the Superbrands 2011 laurel, highlighting its exceptional aptitude in business and for offering the highest standards in service excellence.

Vincent Pijnenburg, Governor of KidZania® Dubai said: “Our approach of creating a city that children can call as their own has clearly appealed to our young visitors, as is proven by the high number of visitors in the very first year of operation. The airport-style check-in counters with all visitors being given a boarding pass and city map, among others, are all tailored to instill in the visitors the impression that they are entering a new world, where they can have fun while also adding to their knowledge level.”

An award-winning edutainment concept that promotes the physical and intellectual growth of children through professional role-plays, KidZania® sprawls over 80,000 sq ft of the mall in two levels. KidZania® has an assortment of establishments covering the entire fabric of a working economy – including a bank, hospital, university salon, television station, music lounge, and supermarket and fire station, amongst others.

A petrol station, race track and roads, fountains, restaurants, boulevard-like fun events including magic shows and a theatre with outdoor and indoor performances, offer children a world that they can claim as their own. Children are also encouraged to learn the intricacies of basic money management with every visitor being provided a cheque for 50 KidZos, KidZania’s official currency.

The KidZos can be used to buy goods and services; or even save them at the bank, which will provide them with an ATM card too. Although children function independently, they are guided in each activity by ‘Zupervisors,’ the trained KidZania® staff.

Emaar Retail also manages Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which opens a new window of learning by showcasing some 33,000 aquatic animals; the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink; the Middle East’s largest and first of its kind indoor theme park – SEGA Republic; and the region’s largest megaplex, the 22-screen Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall, and the 6-screen Reel Cinemas at Dubai Marina Mall
 

UAE Hosts Second Clean Energy Ministerial, A Global Forum To Accelerate Clean Energy Adoption

The second Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM2), a high-level global forum promoting policies and programs to advance clean energy, will be held in Abu Dhabi 6-7 April, bringing together ministers from the world’s major economies. In cooperation with the United States, the United Arab Emirates will lead the dialogue amongst 21 governments – including ministers, business leaders and nongovernmental organizations – to progress initiatives that will accelerate the world’s transition to clean energy.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change, and Chief Executive of Masdar, said: “We are honoured that the UAE is acting as a global meeting ground to develop and help shape the policies and programs that will facilitate a future based on clean energy solutions.”

“This week is a natural progression in the vision of our wise leadership – it is a testament to the UAE’s ongoing commitment to developing and deploying renewable energy,” Dr. Al Jaber said. “We look to further build upon our leadership in innovating and employing clean energy technologies, for the benefit of our nation and the entire world.”

David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, said: “We are pleased that the second Clean Energy Ministerial will be held in Abu Dhabi, which is showing considerable leadership in promoting clean energy solutions. The Clean Energy Ministerial provides an important forum for major economies to accelerate the transition to clean energy technologies.”

Ministers at CEM2 will build upon 11 specific initiatives, with a focus on energy efficiency, clean energy supply and mobilizing smart public finance. The government officials will also collaborate with the private sector and other stakeholders from around the world in roundtables to engage in dialogue on clean energy issues including: regulatory strategies for utility-scale energy efficiency; innovative technologies for energy efficiency; renewable energy and energy access; and sustainable cities.

The UAE is actively participating in four initiatives, which include the Clean Energy Education and Empowerment Women’s Initiative (C3E), the Clean Energy Solutions Center, the Carbon Capture Use and Storage Action Group, and the Multilateral Working Group on Wind and Solar Technologies.

As part of the C3E Initiative, distinguished female leaders from around the world will discuss “The Role of Women in the Clean Energy Revolution” in an event hosted by the Masdar Institute.

“The UAE’s contributions to initiatives like C3E – which will inspire and empower young women to become clean energy leaders – are creating tangible, real-life tools to support the nation’s long-term transition to a knowledge-based economy centered around sustainable energy solutions,” added Dr. Al Jaber.

CEM2 comes to Abu Dhabi during an important week when the emirate is also hosting the historic First Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). IRENA is mandated by its members to promote the adoption of renewable energy worldwide.

The United Arab Emirates has placed renewable energy and climate change high on its agenda, demonstrated through a variety of actions including the inception of the Masdar initiative, the Abu Dhabi green building code (Estidama), the World Future Energy Summit and the Zayed Future Energy Prize.

“The UAE recognizes the unprecedented challenge the world faces in securing a sustainable future and it is because of this the nation’s leadership has made a long-term commitment to innovations, investments and collaboration to facilitate the worldwide transition to a clean energy-based future,” said Dr. Al Jaber.

Governments participating in Clean Energy Ministerial initiatives include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.
 

DJI Hosts First-Of-Its-Kind Introduction To Law Legal Workshop For Non-Arabs In Dubai

Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI), the leading centre of law studies and judicial training in Dubai, recently hosted a first-of-its-kind legal workshop in the English language in the emirate. Titled ‘An Introduction to Law,’ the event was held in cooperation with prominent international law firm Musthafa & Almana. The initiative is in line with the Institute’s advocacy of enhancing legal and judicial knowledge throughout the community by undertaking studies and research and organizing special seminars, meetings, and workshops in coordination with various government authorities, private firms, academic institutions, and other bodies involved in the legal and judicial system.

Running for two days, the collaborative event is the first in a series of legal workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns to be co-organized this year by DJI and Musthafa & Almana. It gathered top legal experts from the UK and India as well as representatives from Musthafa & Almana who discussed current legal requirements in Dubai. Talks covered legal contracts under UAE law, the UAE offense law, inheritance, custody, and family laws in the UK, India and the UAE, among others.

“This pioneering program for non-Arabs is being undertaken by the Institute in light of its strategic plan to enhance legal awareness within the community. It is particularly important due to its focus on providing participants with an overall view of UAE and foreign laws applicable in the country, including personal status law and family laws such as marriage, divorce, child custody, inheritance, and guardianship. We intend to continue cooperating with Musthafa & Almana and other leading firms in organizing customized seminars and workshops to improve the level of public awareness on key legal issues,” said Dr. Jamal Al Sumaiti, Director General of Dubai Judicial Institute.

Former judge Fatima Beevi visited the Institute as a representative of Musthafa & Almana to discuss opportunities for cooperation between the UAE and India, specifically in the exchange of legal knowledge and expertise as well as strategies to enhance public awareness on the judicial process. Beevi also shared her personal experience as a practitioner of law and as the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India as well as the first-ever Muslim woman to be appointed to a higher judicial authority.

Musthafa & Almana was established in 1992 in India and handles multi-specialization law cases. Through its offices in the UAE, UK and India the firm offers a wide range of integrated legal services specially designed to meet the growing needs of the business community; the real estate, IT, commerce, media, entertainment and insurance sectors; intellectual property; mergers and takeovers; employment; and family issues such as custody.

The Dubai Judicial Institute was established in 1996 to help educate and train aspiring judges, prosecutors and their assistants, legal experts and lawyers. DJI also offers habilitation programs for public prosecutors to enhance their efficiency. The Institute provides training and consultancy services to various public and private sector agencies and institutions and conducts local, regional and global research and studies on all areas of law and jurisdiction.
 

Dubai Ladies Club, In Collaboration With Louis Vuitton, Hosts Gala Dinner And Charity Auction For Al Murjan Coral Reef Project On 9th January, 2011

Dubai Ladies Club, a member of the Dubai Women Establishment, in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, will host a Gala Dinner on Sunday, 9th January, 2011; to auction the works of art by eminent photographer Nadine Kanso, generously donated by Louis Vuitton to support the Al Murjan Coral Reef Project.

Kanso’s photographic series, ‘Al Madi Al Hader’, comprises of nine photographic creations and was commissioned by Louis Vuitton for a recent photo exhibition alongside the Louis Vuitton boutique in BurJuman Centre, in November 2010.

Muna Bin Kalli, Executive Director of Dubai Ladies Club commented, “Dubai Ladies Club has a longstanding relationship with Louis Vuttion, collaborating on various charitable initiatives and we are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with them once again in support of such an admirable cause. The Al Murjan Coral Reef Project was inspired by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and her keenness to promote the concept of sustainable development of marine life in the United Arab Emirates. The proceeds from this auction will play a crucial part in continuous operation of this program including local training, education and research.”

During the Gala Dinner, Kanso’s nine photographic creations will be displayed in specially designed cases made of the Dhow’s wood, illuminated by a soft light and purposely placed on the floor to allow a fluid movement. During the event, guests will be able to walk among the cases and look vertically onto the pictures as they would do from a Dhow, onto the water.

Mr. Damien Vernet, General Manager Louis Vuitton Middle East and India added, “Louis Vuitton is very happy to be supporting the ‘Al Madi Al Hader’ initiative by Dubai-based artist Nadine Kanso, in partnership with the Dubai Ladies Club. The nine unique photographic creations by Nadine Kanso are a tribute to the maritime tradition of Dubai, and a testimony to the dynamic art scene of the Emirate. We are also very proud to be donating these works of art to the Dubai Ladies Club, in support of the Al Murjan Coral Reef project, with the Royal patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. At a time when Louis Vuitton is organising the last leg of the Louis Vuitton Trophy in the waters of Dubai, there could not be a more appropriate way of showcasing values that are close to the brands: respect of tradition and heritage, creativity, support for the Arts, and social responsibility.”

Nadine Kanso’s ‘Al Madi Al Hader’ series was inspired by the local and traditional – the Emirati dhow. The Arabian wooden racing boat posed the perfect juxtaposition vis a vis the modern yachting world that LV is associated with. The series of photographs provide detailed close up shots to document the hand-crafted quality of these dhows while also creating an artistic space that is open to manipulation. In that sense, Nadine has chosen to add layers to the photographs; instead of lapping waves, Nadine has employed the help of her signature Arabic calligraphy by crafting silver patterns, letters and numbers relating to life at sea. Nadine’s use of silver, known for its ability to lose its shine and change color over time, was a deliberate one; yet another technique to illustrate the constant evolution of the relationship between time and heritage.

Inspired by the vision of 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, who is also the Honorary President of the Emirates Marine Environmental Group, Dubai Ladies Club launched the Al Murjan Coral Reef Project in association with Shangri-La Hotel Dubai and Traders Hotel Dubai in October 2010. Al Murjan – which means “coral” in Arabic – is an ambitious environmental project to develop an artificial reef in Dubai in a designated area of Dubai Ladies Club’s beach. The project will be executed by the Emirates Marine Environmental Group.

Al Murjan will be the first community-based coral reef development project within the UAE. The project will seek to build capacity at the community level through necessary trainings to community groups in coral reef education and awareness; management planning; and long-term financing and sustainability. Through Ladies Dive at Dubai Ladies Cub – which is the first and only Diving Centre dedicated for women from the local community will have the opportunity to get involved through a variety of volunteer programs and special diving camps organized by Dubai Ladies Club in collaboration with Emirates Marine Environmental Group. The project is also supported by Barakat Trading and Regaltech.