ProArt Gallery Opens It’s Doors To Dubai & GCC Collectors

At a time where Art, Culture and Heritage has become more and more vibrant in Dubai and the GCC region; ProArt Gallery had decided to open its doors in Palmstrip Mall on Jumerirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 1.

Arts collectors Mrs. Tatiana Faure & Art expert Mr. Rashesh Shah of Rifca, together with Mr. Dinsha and Munchi Shroff owners of Ancestry specializing in Osler and Baccarat chandeliers, Oriental and European crystal artifacts; have joined hands to launch ProArt Gallery in Dubai giving collectors a unique experience.

The gallery will be the first place in the Middle East where a connoisseur will be able to acquire some masters, lithographs prints and serigraphics of 50 artists from 15 different countries that will be on display permanently onsite with art pieces exclusively from the U.A.E. Additionally the place will also showcase a selection of artistic works by artists such as Carlos Nadal, Pablo Picasso, Suzanne Valadon, Marc Chagall, Tyeb Mehta, S.H. Raza, M.F. Husain and many more.

ProArt Gallery will be a location to offer its clients an extra ordinary opportunity to acquire some of the most carefully curated art in the contemporary global art market.

Riding on the success of the “Royal Treasures” exhibitions held in Dubai over the past two years, the partners Dinsha and Munchi Shroff and Mr. Rashesh Shah have been encouraged to come to Dubai and launch this venture. The antiques and chandeliers division will showcase some of the finest and most rare crystals chandeliers and furniture as well as other European Artifacts.

Mr. Munchi Shroff says: “It is a feeling of satisfaction to be partners with ProArt Gallery in Dubai. The overwhelming response from our shows and our clientele in Dubai and the Middle East has greatly encouraged us to move forward. This initiative will provide exclusive crystal chandeliers and furniture by F&C Osler, the finest crystal manufacturer in the world; to fulfill the requirements of a discerning clientele who understands and lives the life of luxury”.

ProArt Gallery will also have a unique framing department with one of the best framers in the business with a team of experts offering the best experience in town.
 

ProArt Gallery Opens It’s Doors To Dubai & GCC Collectors

At a time where Art, Culture and Heritage has become more and more vibrant in Dubai and the GCC region; ProArt Gallery had decided to open its doors in Palmstrip Mall on Jumerirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 1.

Arts collectors Mrs. Tatiana Faure & Art expert Mr. Rashesh Shah of Rifca, together with Mr. Dinsha and Munchi Shroff owners of Ancestry specializing in Osler and Baccarat chandeliers, Oriental and European crystal artifacts; have joined hands to launch ProArt Gallery in Dubai giving collectors a unique experience.

The gallery will be the first place in the Middle East where a connoisseur will be able to acquire some masters, lithographs prints and serigraphics of 50 artists from 15 different countries that will be on display permanently onsite with art pieces exclusively from the U.A.E. Additionally the place will also showcase a selection of artistic works by artists such as Carlos Nadal, Pablo Picasso, Suzanne Valadon, Marc Chagall, Tyeb Mehta, S.H. Raza, M.F. Husain and many more.

ProArt Gallery will be a location to offer its clients an extra ordinary opportunity to acquire some of the most carefully curated art in the contemporary global art market.

Riding on the success of the “Royal Treasures” exhibitions held in Dubai over the past two years, the partners Dinsha and Munchi Shroff and Mr. Rashesh Shah have been encouraged to come to Dubai and launch this venture. The antiques and chandeliers division will showcase some of the finest and most rare crystals chandeliers and furniture as well as other European Artifacts.

Mr. Munchi Shroff says: “It is a feeling of satisfaction to be partners with ProArt Gallery in Dubai. The overwhelming response from our shows and our clientele in Dubai and the Middle East has greatly encouraged us to move forward. This initiative will provide exclusive crystal chandeliers and furniture by F&C Osler, the finest crystal manufacturer in the world; to fulfill the requirements of a discerning clientele who understands and lives the life of luxury”.

ProArt Gallery will also have a unique framing department with one of the best framers in the business with a team of experts offering the best experience in town.
 

Emirates NBD Promotes Its Products In Arabian Centre

Emirates NBD, the largest bank in the region in terms of assets offers its personal and auto financing products, and Skywards credit card to visitors and neighboring residents of the Arabian Centre. Emirates NBD’s stand caters to the mall shoppers & visitors.

The Emirates NBD representatives are available on the stand through-out the mall working hours to educate the shoppers on the Bank’s latest promotions on personal finance, auto finance and skywards card, and respond to all their queries on the spot. The exclusive offer provides a bundle of benefits and features when applying for a loan during the promotion period.

Personal loans applicants are granted a free session with a banking advisor to help the customer opt for the right loan amount that suit their individual payment capability. Auto loans applicants will be provided every thing they might need for the road such as free Salik card, preferred motor insurance rate, online Salik recharge & RTA fine payment, round the clock roadside assistance, free credit card for the first year, and many other enticing benefits.

On this occasion, Saif Al Mansoori, Head of Marketing Consumer Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD commented, “As part of our continuous efforts we make to get closer to our customers by letting them know more about our products and services that we are offering to provide them the maximum comfort and ease; and following the opening of our branch in the Arabian Centre, we are delighted in our collaboration with the mall management again to reach to our customers in Mizhir and Mirdif surrounding areas. With this in mind,, Emirates NBD representatives therefore will sincerely provide information, promote products and respond to shopper’s queries & requests; hoping that they would become more familiar with our services, and therefore enjoy the convenience & benefits that it offers.”

The Emirates Bank Skywards Infinite Credit card offers unsurpassed value – 75,000 Introductory Bonus Miles, ability to earn up to 3 Skywards Miles for every USD 1 spent on the card behind a first of its kind Express Miles program, complimentary Skywards Silver Membership bringing with it a host of privileges like priority check in, additional baggage allowances & higher tier miles and a complimentary 2 Nights/3 Days holiday in partnership with Marriott Properties.

Other value added services include automatic and free SMS alerts to provide enhanced security, airport lounge access, concierge service, complimentary rounds of golf, emergency road assistance, travel insurance etc. More details on the exclusive offer and other products are featured through brochures, leaflets and other collaterals, which are distributed to the mall shoppers.

African Children’s Choir To Bring The Voice Of Africa To Dubai This DSS In Its First Show In The Middle East

The African Children’s Choir, an ambassador for Africa’s neediest, most vulnerable children, will perform in Dubai for the first time in the Middle East this DSS from July 21 to August 3. The Choir shows the world that its members, like the millions of abandoned and traumatized children in Africa, have beauty, dignity and unlimited potential. The first show will be held in Dubai Festival City, a key sponsor of DSS 2009, on July 21 and July 22 at 6pm, 7:30pm, and 9pm.

In 1984, in the midst of Uganda’s civil war, human rights activist Ray Barnett was called on to help the many thousands of orphaned and starving children, abandoned and helpless to feed and protect themselves. Realizing the enormity of the task Ray and his team came up with a unique approach. The only way to make a meaningful difference was to impact the lives of these children, one child at a time.

"Inspired by the singing of one small boy, we formed the first African Children’s Choir to show the world that Africa’s most vulnerable children have beauty, dignity and unlimited ability,” said Ray.

Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of DSF Office said, “We are delighted to bring the African Children’s Choir to Dubai Summer Surprises as the values that the group espouses are those that Dubai Summer Surprises supports and encourages. This unique choir will not only entertain visitors this DSS but put forth a clear message to audiences.”

To date over seven hundred vulnerable children have been through the Choir program and the funds they have generated have provided the opportunity of education and hope for many thousands like them in some of the most desperate and needy areas of Africa.

Choir Training
Children selected to tour spend approximately five months at the Choir Training Academy in Kampala, Uganda. Here the children learn the songs and dances, attend school, play and attend Sunday School at a local church.

It is at the Choir Training Academy where the real life-changing work of the African Children’s Choir™ can be seen. The children’s personalities and talents emerge like never before as they settle into their new routine with the knowledge that they are loved and cared for.

As they come from some of the most needy families, the African Children’s Choir™ is committed to helping Choir children physically, spiritually, emotionally and academically, giving each child an opportunity to reach their potential. After returning to Africa, the African Children’s Choir™ provides care and education that builds on the unique international exposure the children experienced abroad. The children receive a quality education, leadership training and spiritual ministry at the Music for Life Primary School in Kampala, or at other well-equipped schools in their respective countries.

The African Children’s Choir™ will perform in Arabian Centre on July 23 and 24, at Modhesh World on July 25 and 26, Deira City Centre on July 27 and 28, The Dubai Mall on July 29 and 30, Dubai Marina Mall on July 31 and Aug 1, and Mercato on Aug 2 and Aug 3.

Show timings are 6:00pm / 07:30pm / 09:00pm from Saturdays to Wednesday, and 06:30pm / 08:00pm / 09:30pm on Thursday and Fridays.

Etisalat Academy Welcomes Over 100 Children To Its 9th Annual Summer Sports Camp

Over 100 excited children were greeted today by the Chief Executive of Etisalat Services Holding LLC at the official welcoming ceremony for the Etisalat Academy’s 9th Summer Sports Camp.

CEO, Etisalat Services Holding LLC, Ali Al Sharid kicked off the ceremony, which was also attended by the Etisalat Academy General Manager, David Brennan and Humaid Rashid Sahoo, CEO of E-Vision Etisalat subsidiary E-Vision, and co-organisers Semmar Sports services.

“The sporting facilities at the Etisalat Academy’s Sports & Leisure Club are amongst the best in the UAE. We are delighted that we can share our vast grounds with children from the local community,” said Ali Al Sharid, Chief Executive Officer at Etisalat Services Holding LLC. “This is the ninth successful Etisalat Academy summer sports camp and it gives me great pleasure to support these young people with a fun and healthy series of events.”

Etisalat Academy’s Summer Sports Camp is taking place at its modern campus amongst the palm trees in Al Muhaisnah, Dubai near Mirdiff. It will continue until the 20th of August. Admissions are still open and parents can register their children for four more weeks for only Dhs 500 per week.

David Brennan, General Manager for the Etisalat Academy explained the concept of the Summer Sports Camp: “Children in the UAE spend a lot of their time in-doors and inactive during the summer heat. It is well documented that a healthy lifestyle includes moving your body regularly. Etisalat Academy can boast a large indoor sports hall, mixed and ladies only gyms, aerobics and karate studios and a library, all available for the young people to build healthy habits which will last them a lifetime. This year’s summer camp focuses upon learning a wide variety of sporting activities. We are also helping to develop their social skills by encouraging teamwork with team games. We aim to help the children to feel great whilst having fun and making new friends.”

Currently over 100 children between the ages of 5-13 can play football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, squash, circuit training, badminton and swim in the Etisalat Academy’s refreshing swimming pool. Younger children can participate in arts and crafts activities in addition to the games on offer.

There are also educational field trips such as to the Fire Station where the Department of Civil Defense educates the youngsters about health, safety and emergency procedures.

Sponsors McDonalds are also hosting a Ronald McDonald Roadshow which includes an interactive music and dance show and other activities. These are inspirational and educational shows which encourage the children to keep active to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

The Etisalat Academy is offering a special discount of 5% against the registration fee if a family is registering multiple siblings. The Etisalat Academy is providing transportation for children who stay in Jumeirah, Mirdiff and Deira. For further information please visit: www.ea.ae

The Mohammed Bin Rashid School For Communication At AUD Perfects Its Curriculum

The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) at the American University in Dubai (AUD) has built on its existing curricula to refine its Bachelor of Communication and Information Studies (B.C.I.S.), which now entails two concentrations in both Arabic and English: Journalism, and Digital Production and Storytelling.

The MBRSC prepares its students to work in the fast-paced world of the media and to provide the public with content that meets international standards, by enriching the students’ knowledge and training them in areas ranging from ethics, media policy and reporting, to writing, production and language skills.

Mr. Ali M. Jaber, Dean of the Mohammed bin Rashid School for Communication comments:
“We believe that all those who work in the field of communication are story tellers and that we are in the story-telling business. We believe in the need to train our students in how to be able to tell their own stories in the best way possible using the techniques of journalism and television, radio, cinema, online, games, and mobile media. We also believe that writing rests at the heart of story-telling. It is through the proper use of simple, yet rich diction that students will be able to translate their original thoughts, ideas, their trials and tribulations into stories”.

Loyal to its ongoing efforts to form the best and brightest journalists and media professionals, and well aware of the financial, geographical and logistic challenges that applicants might be facing in today’s difficult times, the MBRSC has reiterated that H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, is offering full financial aid (including tuition, board, books…) to eligible applicants in need from all over the Arab World, and who have opted for the Arabic track. The scholarship application deadline is set for July 30.

In order to fulfill the degree requirements, students have to take the 7 General Foundation Courses and 8 Concentration Courses (according to their chosen concentration). In addition, they have to opt for 2 out of the 6 proposed Arabic, French and Spanish courses, and to choose 12 Arts and Sciences Core Courses, 8 Arts and Sciences Electives and 5-6 General Electives from the wide array of courses offered by the School.
When applying to the B.C.I.S. program, applicants must, in addition to satisfying AUD’s general admissions requirements, submit an essay written either in Arabic or in English depending on the chosen track, and a portfolio consisting of samples of their literary/artistic work. Applicants to the Arabic track must sit for an Examination of Proficiency in Arabic.

Those who wish to apply may do so by filling the application (www.aud.edu) and returning it either by fax to: + 971 4 399 55 85 or by mail to the following address:
Admissions Department
American University in Dubai
P. O. Box 28282
Dubai – UAE

For further information please contact the American University in Dubai: +971 4 399 9000.

E-Vision Brings The Future Of Television To The UAE With The Launch Of Its High Definition & PVR Services

E-Vision which is part of Etisalat and the leading cable TV provider in the region, announced today the commercial launch of High Definition (HD) programming for UAE viewers. With this, E-Vision has become the first Pay TV provider in the Middle East to launch a commercial HD service. For UAE TV viewers, this move represents a transformational experience as they will now be able to watch programmes in greater detail with more vibrant colour and superb quality sound to really bring their HD ready TV to life.

To start with, E-Vision’s HD service will offer content from Abu Dhabi TV HD, Luxe HD, Fashion TV HD , Showtime HD and Al Jazeera Sports HD. E-Vision customers can now enjoy an unparalleled HD experience with four times better picture quality than standard definition with increased colour vibrancy.

E-Vision’s HD service will be available to customers through the new HD set top box which also offers PVR (Personal Video Recorder) features. Customers will need to pay a monthly fee of 30 AED with the HD set top box costing AED 999 to access 3 complementary HD channels. Showtime Cable Premier customers may also upgrade to the Showtime Cable Premier + HD package for an additional AED 45 per month. The new Set top box being introduced has a built in PVR with 250 GB hard disk. E-Vision customers will now be able to pause and rewind live TV, schedule recordings of their favorite TV shows and as a matter of fact – create their own TV channel and view it at their own convenience. This PVR feature will also allow customers to watch one particular channel while recording upto two different ones at the same time.

Etisalat has always lead the way in transforming the lives of its customers with exciting new services over the years and its huge investment in a state of the art Fiber Network has made it possible for E-Vision to become the pioneers to launch HD TV services.

“The launch of E-Vision’s HD service represents a significant landmark in the UAE Pay TV market”, said Humaid Rashid Sahoo, CEO ,E-Vision,. “This milestone is a clear indication of our vision to be a pioneer in offering the most innovative services to our customers. With HD Television sales now surpassing Standard Definition TV sales according to global indicators, this move is clearly in line with what our customers are asking for with their savvy outlook and sophistication in settling for nothing but the very best in TV programming.”

Mr. Sahoo added, “The commercial launch of E-Vision’s HD service will create a compelling user experience for our valued customers and represents our unwavering commitment to respond to our customer’s increasing need for high-quality programming with the intensity and attractiveness of HD. With an already large installed base of HD ready TV sets in the UAE, the service will redefine the television experience for an increasing number of customers going forward.“

E-Vision is also in talks with various content providers to add to its HD programming package and will unveil additional channels during the year as and when they become available. In terms of being ready to offer HD programming, E-Vision had already completed the necessary overhaul of its infrastructure two and a half years ago, and now with the availability of content is ready to offer these services to its valued customers.

E-Vision is the leading regional source to offer over 280 TV channels, in 21 different languages, ranging from sports to movies, from documentaries to music and kid’s channels. E-Vision’s product line-up includes 15 premium packages from all the major TV providers like Showtime, Orbit, ART, Pehla, Firstnet, TFC, Pinoy Plus and many more, in addition to the E-Vision Basic package.

For further details on E-Vision’s HD service, customers can call 101 or 800-101 or visit the E-Vision website at www.evision.ae.

NASDAQ Dubai Exchange Selects Sungard To Support Its Equity Derivatives Trading Solution

SunGard has extended the capabilities of its GMI system to facilitate processing of equity derivatives traded on NASDAQ Dubai, the Middle East’s international stock exchange. GMI is a clearing and accounting solution for exchange traded derivatives, futures and options.

SunGard’s GMI helps NASDAQ Dubai customers and exchange members to readily trade and process business on the new exchange. GMI has been customized to support futures, futures options, stock futures, equity options, Contracts for Differences (CFDs), foreign exchange and dividends listed instruments in the Middle East. It provides the automation firms require to help trade and process transactions from contract to settlement, providing post-trade processing, margin calculation and quick valuation of derivative transactions for brokers and their clients.

Jeff Singer, chief executive of NASDAQ Dubai, said, “SunGard’s GMI offers an efficient, fast and cost-effective processing service for our international and regional members. GMI’s support will help encourage further growth in our derivatives market, which has expanded substantially since it launched in November 2008.”

Gerry Murphy, president of SunGard’s brokerage and clearance business, said, “SunGard’s customers already have the ability to use GMI on more than 100 exchanges globally, and we are pleased to add NASDAQ Dubai as the first exchange with equity derivatives to offer GMI processing in the Middle East. GMI provides an intuitive platform that will help customers manage their trading activity on the exchange. GMI remains at the forefront of expanding support of new exchanges around the world, having added 22 over the last two years. SunGard’s Middle East regional headquarters in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Knowledge Village further expands our regional implementation, support and business development within the region.”

NASDAQ Dubai is the only United Arab Emirates exchange that trades equity derivatives. It launched the market in November 2008 by listing futures on the FTSE NASDAQ Dubai UAE 20 index and on 20 individual stocks listed on NASDAQ Dubai, the Dubai Financial Market and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. In April 2009 NASDAQ Dubai added an equity options service.