Network International Operated ATMs Provides Access To Union Pay Cards

Network International (NI), the largest acquirer and leading card processor in the region, has signed an agreement with Union Pay where Union Pay cards could be accepted on all NI operated ATMs. Currently Network International operates approximately 1500 ATMs in the region. The agreement enables NI to enrol its existing client banks into this service.

This agreement was signed by Network International Chairman Mr. Abdulla Qassem and UnionPay Executive Vice President Mr. Cai Jianbo at Shanghai last week. Network International is the principle member that facilitates this sponsorship and processing of Union Pay cards in more than 20 countries in the Middle East and Africa. This is in addition to the existing Point of Sale (POS) agreement which Network International has with UnionPay.

UnionPay, a bankcard association in China, operates interbank transactions in China and beyond.

Mr. Abdulla Qassem, Chairman of Network International said”. “NI is committed to developing liaisons with international banking institutions and ensuring the broadest possible coverage for various transaction methods. Integrating UnionPay card payments into the NI operated ATMs will benefit the UAE economy and also provide additional convenience to tourists and business visitors from China”

“The number of Chinese individuals, living, visiting, and conducting business in the UAE has reached near the one million mark. It is only natural that banking systems in the two countries start communicating and cooperating with one another to facilitate commerce and tourism. UnionPay’s agreement with NI is an excellent step in ensuring that visitors from China can continue to enjoy the benefits of their UnionPay card even when they are away from home. We are expecting a sharp rise in transaction values due to our agreement with NI,” said Mr. Cai Jianbo, Executive Vice President, UnionPay.
 

Booming Aftermarket Attracts Leading International Players To Automechanika ME

The booming automotive aftermarket in the wider Middle East region continues to grab the at-tention of major manufacturers and suppliers of parts and accessories around the globe. Those seeking to tap into an increasingly lucrative market are flocking to Automechanika Middle East 2011, the region’s largest trade fair for the automotive aftermarket, which takes place next week at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from Tuesday, June 7th to Thurs-day, June 9th.

Organiser, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, expects the 2011 edition to be larger and more representa-tive than ever before, with 1,102 exhibitors from 52 countries. The trade fair will also feature 21 country pavilions with Germany, Turkey and Italy being some of the largest amongst them. There is also strong representation from the local aftermarket sector, with 113 exhibitors and a robust presence from the US.

“We are extremely grateful of the support of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum to Au-tomechanika Middle East. This support plays a large part in the success of our exhibition,” said Mr. Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer, Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

He added: “With market trends indicating that the automotive aftermarket industry is very much on the upswing, we are seeing a surge in interest from parts, accessories, tyres and workshop machinery manufacturers – in short the entire gamut of the automotive aftermarket. This time around, Automechanika Middle East will also feature additional special features such as a range of product launches and demos from our exhibitors and a seminar programme covering industry statistics, sessions on tyres, detailing and tuning,” he added.

Automotive majors wishing to deal in the region see Automechanika Middle East as a vital part of their promotional programme here. Julian Blackwell, European Sales & Marketing Director, Firestone Industrial Products Europe BV, said: "Automechanika Middle East is an international trade fair receiving global attention for its popularity and rapid growth. The location of the trade fair provides a platform to share product offerings and build relationships with prospective dis-tributors in the Middle East. By exhibiting, we reinforce our dedicated efforts to serve the world-wide needs of the heavy-duty industry. Automechanika Middle East provides Firestone Indus-trial Products with the opportunity to share the latest information on our new line of truck cab springs. We are also actively seeking new direct distributors for the Middle Eastern countries."

Chief Information Officer – Mr. Mohit Khanna of Fleetminder, said: “Automechanika is the most important aftermarket trade fair in the wider Middle East and we intend to make a splash in the spectacular event. It’s a great opportunity for us to make contact with old and new industry friends who visit the event without fail. We would like to showcase some very interesting GPS and Satellite telecom enabled solutions which cover environmental management systems, asset management systems and flood monitoring systems with our world class vehicle tracking sys-tems.”

First time exhibitor ZAFCO, a leading distributor throughout the UAE and GCC region in the fields of tyres, batteries and lubricants will feature their own brand ZEETEX. Mr. Gopiraj KV, Chief Executive Officer of ZAFCO, said: “Our debut at Automechanika Middle East indicates our incomparable clout as an industry leader with unwavering global reach and strong customer base. This will certainly help in understanding the customers’ tastes and dynamics which will allow us to plan the future with innovative new products for the market.” Zafco boasts the larg-est tyre distribution centre in the Middle East region and has one of the world’s largest ware-housing networks with a combined average inventory of more than one million tyres.

Tiss Ltd, world leaders in fuel theft safety devices for trucks, will be rolling out their expansion plans for the region. Tiss Commercial Di-rector, Matthew Rose, commented: ”With recent rock-eting global oil
price rises, there has been a huge increase in the number of enquiries we have received from the Gulf Region. Therefore, the Auto-mechanika Middle East is the perfect opportunity to launch ourselves in the area”. TISS’ products focus on the TankSafe range of devices.

It’s not just the big names who will make an impact at Automechanika Middle East – every spec-trum of the industry is represented. ATH Heinl, for example, will showcase their range of high-quality garage equipment for those on a more limited budget.

Automechanika is the leading international meeting place for the automobile sector. As the world’s biggest trade fair for the automotive aftermarket it spotlights innovations and solutions in the fields of parts, systems, tuning, workshop equipment, bodywork & paintwork, car wash, IT & management and the latest automobile services. Automechanika Middle East is one of 13 glob-al Automechanika fairs held in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa.
 

Dubai International Registers Record Passenger Traffic

Dubai Airports today released mid-year traffic results which confirm Dubai International recorded the busiest six months in its 50 year history as 24.6 million passengers passed through the world’s fourth busiest airport for international passenger traffic during the first half of 2011, compared to 22.6 million in the corresponding period in 2010, an increase of 8.9 per cent.

In June, Dubai International handled a total of 4.07 million passengers up 10.4 per cent from the 3.68 million who passed through the airport in June 2010. The average monthly passenger traffic recorded in the first half of 2011 stands at 4.09 million as compared to 3.76 million during the corresponding period in 2010. The year to date daily average passenger throughput at Dubai International reached 135,700 compared to 124,600 recorded during the first six months of 2010.

Aircraft movements in June totalled 26,101 up 5 per cent from 24,847 registered during the corresponding period in 2010. Year to date aircraft movements reached 159,372, an increase of 6.2 per cent compared to 150,095 recorded during the first half of 2010.

In terms of top destinations served by Dubai International, the five countries with the greatest passenger volumes year to date are India, U.K., Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran. The fastest growing regions for passenger traffic during the first half of the year include Eastern Europe (+302.4%), AGCC (+28.2%), Russia ’&’ CIS (+20.8%), North America (+16.8%), Asia Pacific (+13.2%), and the Indian Subcontinent (+8.3%).

During the first half of 2011, air cargo volumes remained steady with 1.058 million tonnes of freight being processed through the facility compared to 1.055 million tonnes during the same period in 2010, an increase of 0.3 per cent. In June, Dubai International handled a total of 183,365 tonnes of cargo an increase of 3.4 per cent compared to 177,285 tonnes in June 2010.

"As the numbers clearly suggest, robust passenger traffic growth continues despite high fuel prices and growing economic uncertainty in Europe and the U.S.," said Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports. "This is being driven by the addition of new routes and frequencies, more wide-bodied aircraft as well as by the attractiveness of Dubai as a business and tourist destination and an efficient transit point. Our planned US$7.8 billion expansion of Dubai International is well-timed to accommodate the expected average annual growth of 7.2 per cent over the next ten years." Griffiths said that in the first half of 2011 over 200 new weekly flights were launched to 19 new destinations across Asia, Europe and Africa by different passenger carriers, including Emirates and flydubai. Dubai International currently serves 150 airlines flying to over 220 destinations across six continents.

 

Dubai International Academic City To Offer Enhanced Support To AIESEC UAE Chapter

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Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, TECOM Investments’ Education Cluster, recently met with the incoming President of AIESEC in the UAE, Miss Yana Makaveeva, to enhance existing relationships and extend Dubai International Academic City’s (DIAC) support to the organisation.

Makaveeva will take over as President from Hamad Taher as of 1 July and be fully responsible for driving the aims of AIESEC UAE.

AIESEC is the world’s largest organisation that is managed by the youth for the youth. It provides the perfect platform with which students from diverse regions can come together to realise their goals and career objectives. The UAE became the 85th member country of AIESEC in 2001 and is headquartered in DIAC.

DIAC actively supports AIESEC in the UAE by providing them with access to their facilities. Additionally, academic leaders from universities that are a part of DIAC mentor and guide the management team on a regular basis.
In addition to DIAC, AIESEC in the UAE has local chapters in the American University of Sharjah, Zayed University in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE University in Al Ain and the Abu Dhabi University.

Dubai International Passenger Traffic Rises 8.8 Percent In May

Dubai Airports today released May traffic figures for Dubai International which show passenger numbers increased by 8.8 per cent year on year.

May passenger numbers topped 3.97 million, up 325,000 or 8.8 per cent compared to 3.65 million passengers who passed through the airport during the same month in 2010. The year to date traffic stands at 20.5 million, an increase of 8.6 per cent over the corresponding period in 2010. Aircraft movements for the month totalled 26,969 up 4.6 per cent from 25,790 recorded during the same period last year.

The AGCC recorded the largest increase in total passenger numbers in May up 28.3 per cent (+139,717 passengers), followed by the Indian subcontinent (+72,394 up 8 per cent), Western Europe (+24,561 up 3.4 per cent) and Asia Pacific (+24,461 up 13.3 per cent). In terms of percentage growth, Eastern Europe again led the way in May rising 381 per cent, albeit from a low base. Russia and CIS benefited from flydubai’s ongoing expansion into that region with traffic increasing 20.6 per cent on the back of traffic growth to Moscow, Kiev, Yekaterinburg and Samara. Middle East passenger traffic, still suffering from political instability in the region, fell 5.6 per cent in May. Traffic volumes to North America showed a strong increase of 17.7 per cent due to Emirates’ doubling its frequencies to Houston and Los Angeles from once to twice daily.

In terms of cargo volumes Dubai International handled 187,905 tonnes of international air freight in May, down 0.5 per cent from the 188,837 tonnes recorded during the same period in 2010. The year to date freight volume has reached 874,584 tonnes, a contraction of 0.3 per cent compared to 877,375 tonnes for the corresponding period last year.

"Passenger volumes are on course to top 51 million by year end which should put us hot on the trail of Hong Kong International as the world’s third busiest airport for international passenger traffic," said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. "By 2015 we expect to overtake London Heathrow for the number one spot when passenger numbers surpass 75 million."

 

8th Dubai International Film Festival Opens For Entries: Global Profile, Funds, Growth Opportunities On Offer

The Dubai International Film Festival, the leading film festival of the Middle East, Africa and near Asia, has opened its doors to films and filmmakers for its eighth edition, to be held from December 7 to 14, 2011.

Entries are invited for the Festival’s 2011 official screening selection, including the prestigious Muhr Arab, Muhr Asia Africa and Muhr Emirati competitions, and its out-of-competition section. The Muhr Awards, presented for shorts, documentaries and feature films, offer a US$600,000 purse and are open to directors of Arab origin from around the world, their counterparts from Asia and Africa and UAE nationals respectively.

The Festival’s out-of-competition section includes the popular Arabian Nights, Cinema for Children, Cinema of AsiaAfrica, Cinema of the World and In Focus segments. Entry for both sections, expected to number in the thousands, is free and will be accepted until August 31, 2011. The final shortlist will be announced in November 2011.

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director, Dubai International Film Festival, said the Festival is a proven springboard for films and filmmakers into the global and regional limelight.

“Our Festival is an established destination for discovery of Arab, Asian and African cinema; our track record in catapulting films to the international domain is unmatched in the region,” Al Ali said. “Major international festivals, studios, film business leaders, media and audiences take a keen interest in our selection because of the strength of our team and the quality of our offering. We are thrilled to once more bring deserving films to the world’s attention, and look forward to some challenging months of whittling down our final selection.”

Reflecting its work in both showcasing and developing talent, the Dubai International Film Festival is also inviting filmmakers to participate in its initiatives spanning the filmmaking cycle.

Filmmakers of Arab origin, for example, are welcome to apply for the Festival’s successful co-production and post-production initiatives, as well as its myriad international collaborations.

The Dubai Film Connection, DIFF’s co-production market, will shortlist 15 director-producer teams to receive more than US$100,000 in funding, invaluable industry networking and access to specialists who help realize their documentary and feature film works in progress. Submissions for the fifth Dubai Film Connection, scheduled for December 8 to 11, will close August 1, 2011.

The Festival’s post-production support programme, Enjaaz, is also accepting applications until August 1. Enjaaz offers 15 filmmakers up to US$100,000 each to help their projects move through the final stage of filmmaking.

More details on all submission categories are available on www.dubaifilmfest.com. All films seeking entry must be produced after September 1, 2010, and must not have been screened in the Gulf region for any audiences prior to DIFF, with the exception of the Gulf Film Festival; and must not have been broadcast or made available on television or other public viewing platforms.

DIFF is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com

Jafza Wins Best International Logistics Project Award At Leading Industry Event In Spain

Jafza reaffirmed its all-round operational excellence by winning the Best International Logistics Project Award at the 7th Logistics Awards held recently in Spain as part of the International Logistics and Material Handling Exhibition (SIL) 2011. The award reflects Jafza’s huge impact in global logistics industry in general and in Europe in particular.

The high-profile event dedicated to Europe’s logistics industry and held for the 13th consecutive year at Barcelona’s Gran Via de Fira, saw thousands of the region’s leading industry professionals gathered for the Exhibition.

Mansoor Al Bastaki, Regional Manager – Europe at Economic Zones World, who accepted the award on behalf of Jafza said:

“Winning this award reconfirms the leading position Jafza has achieved in the global logistics industry. We have consistently demonstrated our role as a vital commercial and business hub in the Middle East providing an excellent environment with best-in-class suite of offerings. Over the past 26 years, Jafza has continually expanded its world-class infrastructure, value-added services and incentives to support the growth of global companies.”

A large number of international companies visited the Jafza stand at the event showing their keen interest to set-up their regional hub at the free zone. Spanish Minister of Development José Blanco, also attended the exhibition and visited the Jafza stand. He was briefed on the facilities and infrastructure developments at Jafza, the Dubai Logistics Corridor and the benefits of integrated operations and how well Dubai’s free trade business model has supported sustainable development.

Today, Jafza is home to numerous well-known global companies. 1500 European companies have based their operations in Jafza including 16 Spanish companies. Jafza considers Spain a promising trade partner, and the overall trade between Jafza and Spain in 2010 was valued at USD 241 million, according to the Dubai World’s Statistics Department,

The SIL 2011 Exhibition which showcases new products and services for logistics companies, has areas dedicated to new technologies and logistical transport centres. This year saw 50,000 visitors and various sectors related to logistics management represented at the event, including Transport and Logistics Systems, Infrastructures and Real Estate, Storage, Equipment and Materials Handling and e-Business, Telecommunications, IT Solutions.
 

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

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

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

Dubai Womens College Launches Its 7th Insight Dubai International Conference

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Dubai Women’s College (DWC) today opened its 7th Annual Insight Dubai Conference, focusing on women and empowerment in the Arab world.

Insight Dubai 2011 will bring 60 female students from universities and colleges around the world representing almost 30 countries together with 60 Emirati students from DWC to spend an exciting, interactive 5-days discussing issues on women’s empowerment and women’s roles in governance and leadership. This conference is exceptional as it enables each participant to take an active role in simulations, debates, role plays and discussions to share their views and learn from one another.

Dr. Howard Reed, Director of Dubai Women’s College, said that the Insight Dubai International Student Leadership Conference at Dubai Women’s College is a unique, life changing opportunity for 60 young ladies from around the world and 60 DWC students. “During this week long experience, the students will learn about and discuss topics of international importance, learn about Dubai’s culture, make life-long friends and dispel negative stereotypes. Participants and facilitators come from almost 30 countries,” he added.

The five-day conference began with the theme of intercultural awareness, starting with a small group session where participants got to know their ‘buddies’: each international student is “buddied” with a DWC student for the duration of the conference, allowing a deep mutual cultural exchange that often grows into a lifelong friendship. After this, international participants were introduced to contemporary Emirati culture by watching a number of short films directed and produced by DWC Applied Communications students, notably the widely acclaimed “Finding Mr and Mrs Right Dubai Style”. The day concluded with a lively cultural quiz where participants worked in international teams to answer questions on the geography, history and culture of the countries represented at the conference.
 

ART Marine Announces Record Sales Of AED 240 Million At The Dubai International Boat Show

ART Marine LLC, an Abraaj Capital portfolio company and the Middle East’s largest importer and distributor of luxury motoryachts, has announced AED 240 million worth of sales at the Dubai International Boat Show, a record by a single exhibitor at this year’s event.

Contracted sales include a 54 metre Benetti, the largest superyacht sold at the show, and a 28 metre Azimut 95, plus six other boats and various other leisure marine products. The Dubai International Boat Show is the largest international boat show in the Middle East, and one of the top five in the world.

Constantinos Constantinou, ART Marine President and CEO said: "These are strong results. The quality products represented by ART Marine, along with our reputation for providing the ultimate in customer service, have once again shown our unrivalled commitment to our clients. Azimut and Benetti are widely recognised as leading names in luxury in the yachting world, and our customers appreciate the level of innovation and sophistication they represent. Product launches from our other world-class brands of Grady White, Riviera and Four Winns, were received with equal enthusiasm. Last but not least, our Marine Products Division and our Marina Division celebrated their first participation at the show and attracting the keen interest of many show visitors.”

Trixee Loh, SVP, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event, said the record-breaking sales are an excellent reflection of the highly positive attitude of both the buyers and exhibitors in the leisure marine industry. “We have seen a renewed energy and vigour among all participants at the show and the volume of business is indicative of the market’s strength and depth in the Middle East. The world’s leading leisure marine companies and brands from across five continents come to the Dubai International Boat Show, safe in the knowledge that the event is the ultimate sales channel where they will meet the serious, discerning buyers they are targeting. The venue is stunning, the boats are spectacular and the business opportunities are unrivalled.”

ART Marine, the largest exhibitor at the Dubai International Boat show, and the region’s exclusive dealer for Benetti, Azimut, Atlantis and Riviera yachts, unveiled nine regional launches at the event from Azimut, Atlantis, Four Winns, Grady White. The Dubai Boat Show also marked the official launch of the company’s Marine Products Division.