Du Celebrates Al Isra Wal Miraj With Special Rates On 19th July

To mark the occasion of Al Isra Wal Miraj, du is offering its mobile and fixed customers off-peak rates for international calls, as well as special rates for text messages, on Sunday, 19th July 2009.

Customers will enjoy off-peak calling rates to international destinations for the entire day. In addition, du is offering subscribers a special rate of 15 fils for national SMS and 45 fils for international SMS anytime on 19th July 2009.

“At du, we are always striving to ‘add life to life.’ Offering preferred rates on Al Isra Wal Miraj is the perfect way to help our customers celebrate with family and friends,” said Farid Faraidooni, EVP Commercial, du. “Connecting with loved ones is so important on special holidays and we are delighted that we can contribute, in a modest way, to the joy of this occasion.”

For more information on du’s products and services, customers can visit any of the 32 du shops or kiosks, 3000+ authorized du dealers, or the du e-shop at www.du.ae.

Arts Oasis Extended Till July 21 As Wafi Sees Popular Demand For DSS Signature Event

Arts Oasis, the DSS 2009 Signature Event that was supposed to conclude on July 15, will culminate on July 21 owing to popular demand. Over 30 Dubai-based artists are showcasing works of art including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and even a video. The event has gained prominence this year with the theme ‘Green Vision’ that aims to highlight the importance of environment conservation.

Initiated in the summer of 2006, Arts Oasis has enjoyed overwhelming popularity since its inception and is today regarded as a platform for artists locally and regionally to reach out to a wider audience.

Arts Oasis took on a different perspective this year with around 10 multi-national artists going in for an intensive artist residency programme where participants had the opportunity to explore questions on sustainability through their own media and practices.

The artists were in regular discussions with well-known curators Beth Carruthers and Elizabeth Monoion to come up with works aligned with the Green Vision theme. These works are currently being displayed in Arts Oasis. The works of three artists, Zain Mustafa, Robert Ferry, Haseena Sakhri, were chosen and awarded for their ability to incorporate the ‘Green Vision’ theme successfully.

The presence of multi-national participants aims to add to the diversity of the event with artists from UAE, India, Philippines, UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan. Arts Oasis will go on till July 15th at the Eye of Horus in Wafi from 10am to 10pm.

Young Athletes to Compete For Glory as DSS 2009 Kids Olympic Games Begins July 16

Dubai Marina Mall, a member of Dubai Shopping Malls Group, will host the 2009 edition of the DSS Signature Event – Kids Olympic Games. The week-long event, held in cooperation with Dubai Marina Mall, will begin on July 16 and go on till July 22 featuring a host of competitions for toddlers and children.The Games this year will feature 20 contests and different age categories to cater to all age groups of children. Tshering Idnani, Senior Events Coordinator of DSF Office said, “Kids Olympic Games is into its seventh consecutive edition and over the years, the popularity of the event as a sporting and entertainment activity has only increased. This year sees more competitions, new additions, and certainly more fun.”Parents who wish to register their children can do so at the venue from 4pm to 5pm. The contests will begin at 5pm and will be held across three zones with five contests being held every day. Competitions for this year’s Olympics include Baby Crawling, Tricycle Race, Frog Race, Sack Race, Remote Control Car race, and One-legged Race to name a few. Apart from medals, winners will take home gift vouchers.Contestants as young as 8 months can participate in this year’s Olympics with the Remote Control Car race open to teenagers as old as 18. Information on the registration process, the contests, and age categories can be had from Ahlan Dubai on 600 54 5555.
 

Arts Oasis Begins on July 9 In Wafi

Arts Oasis, a DSS 2009 Signature Event that exhibits works of multi-national resident artists, will make its much awaited opening at Wafi, a key sponsor of the summer event, on Thursday, July 9, 2009. The theme for this year, ‘Green Vision’, aims to provide a platform for artists to explore their relationship to place, environment, and sustainability. Arts Oasis will go on till July 15th at the Eye of Horus in Wafi from 10am to 10pm.

Initiated in the summer of 2006, Arts Oasis has enjoyed overwhelming popularity since its inception and is today regarded as a platform for artists locally and regionally to reach out to a wider audience.

Arts Oasis takes on a different perspective this year with around 10 multi-national artists going in for an intensive artist residency programme where participants will have an opportunity to explore questions on sustainability through their own media and practices.

The artists have been in regular discussions with well-known curators Beth Carruthers and Elizabeth Monoion to come up with works aligned with the Green Vision theme. The subsequent works are being displayed in Arts Oasis. Three of these works will be chosen for their ability to incorporate the ‘Green Vision’ theme and will be awarded on the opening day.

Additionally, works of other artists are also being showcased during the event. The presence of multi-national participants aims to add to the diversity of the event with artists from UAE, India, Philippines, UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan. In all, Arts Oasis will showcase the works of more than 30 artists.

’Green Vision’ Initiative Takes Prominence As DSS 2009 Arts Oasis Begins July 9 In Wafi

Arts Oasis, a DSS 2009 Signature Event that exhibits works of multi-national resident artists, will make its much awaited opening at Wafi, a key sponsor of the summer event, on Thursday, July 9, 2009. The theme for this year, ‘Green Vision’, aims to provide a platform for artists to explore their relationship to place, environment, and sustainability. Arts Oasis will go on till July 15th at the Eye of Horus in Wafi from 10am to 10pm.

Initiated in the summer of 2006, Arts Oasis has enjoyed overwhelming popularity since its inception and is today regarded as a platform for artists locally and regionally to reach out to a wider audience.

Rania Al Mughraby said, “As a Signature Event in DSS 2009, Arts Oasis has come a long way in terms of being able to attract some of the finest artists in the country. The multi-national character of the participants is an attraction as much as their works of art and the event is an inclusion that demonstrates the diverse nature of events we organise for visitors during DSS.”

“This year’s ‘Green Vision’ initiative is part of DSF Office’s efforts in highlighting the need for environment conservation and is part of the Office’s continuing commitment in this direction as reflected in various such events organised previously,” he added.

Arts Oasis takes on a different perspective this year with around 10 multi-national artists going in for an intensive artist residency programme where participants will have an opportunity to explore questions on sustainability through their own media and practices. The artists will be in regular discussions with well-known curators Beth Carruthers and Elizabeth Monoion to come up with works aligned with the Green Vision theme. The subsequent works will be displayed in Arts Oasis. Three of these works will be chosen for their ability to incorporate the ‘Green Vision’ theme and will be awarded on the opening day of the event.

Additionally, works of other artists will also be showcased during the event. The presence of multi-national participants aims to add to the diversity of the event with artists from UAE, India, Philippines, UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan. In all, Arts Oasis will showcase the works of around 25 artists.

Registration For DSS 2009 The Collectors Exhibition To Conclude July 12

Dubai Summer Surprises 2009 has announced that registration to participate in the The Collectors, a Signature event of DSS, will conclude on July 12. The Collectors is a unique exhibition of artifacts and collectibles that will be held this year at Wafi from July 27 to August 7, 2009. Featuring rare and distinct collections from contributors across the region, the event is an opportunity for collectors in the UAE to exhibit valued and distinct collectibles.

Organised since 2005, ’The Collectors’ is an ideal forum that aims to bring together collectors of various objects under one roof. The exhibition is bound to appeal to all memorabilia lovers and even shoppers who would like to have a glimpse of collections that last year included coins, photographs, sports and classic cars, ancient Islamic manuscripts, watches, medals, cameras, paintings, stamps and many other collectibles.

Those interested in taking part in The Collectors can fill in the forms now available at the Dubai Shopping Festival Office on the First Floor of Department of Economic Development, Deira.

A CD with a list of items to be displayed, along with high resolution images and a brief profile of the collection will have to be submitted by participants.

Prospective participants are also requested to abide by all terms and conditions set by the ad hoc committee in charge of the exhibition, besides showing up at the exhibition premises during the opening and on any other day set by the Dubai Shopping Festival Office. One among the conditions set for this exhibition is the DSF Office’s right to photograph all items showcased and use them in any promotion. More information on The Collectors can be had by calling Ahlan Dubai on +971 600 54 5555.

Art Fiesta to begin in Mercato on 5 July

Mercato is set to host an inspiring fortnight of “Art Fiesta” as part of activities during the ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises. Starting from 5th July until the 18th July, the mall will host an array of art exhibitions, imaginative art workshops and shows. Art Fiesta will be officially inaugurated by Khulood Al Thani, Marketing Director of DSF Office.The art focus kicks off with a painting exhibition entitled “Harmony” by the talented artist Rupali Rao. The exhibition starts on 5th July and runs daily until 18th July at the fountain area in Mercato. This Dubai-based artist will bring colour and excitement into the mall with her beautiful multi-coloured pieces inspired by Dubai’s distinctive locations. The exhibition will be open to the public free of charge during mall hours.“The DSF Office lays significant emphasis on organizing, hosting, and supporting events related to art and Art Fiesta is one of the numerous art highlights that DSS visitors can experience this summer. Such events not only add an element of entertainment to the DSS itinerary but provide a platform for artists to showcase their works. This is very much part of the DSF Office’s efforts in promoting and supporting art initiatives,” said Khulood Al Thani.Daily art work shops will also be held on the first floor near the food court. From 11am to 1pm children can participate in all kinds of very interesting creative activities assisted by the artist Rupali Roa – from pastel sketching and air painting to clay modeling, group painting and painting to the beat of music, called “Dancing Fingers”. Then between 2pm & 4pm the Susan Walpole drawing & colouring competitions will be held for all children, with wonderful prizes to be won! Prize winners will be given the chance to name the newly designed Susan Walpole camel and what’s more – if you hand in your competition entry at the Susan Walpole store, you will receive a discount on camel soft toys.Throughout the “Art Fiesta” in Mercato, the family fun will continue even more shows and of course the chance to win a Mercedes Benz CLK, a luxury holiday for four to Cyprus or cash prizes up to Dhs5 million when spending in any outlet in the mall.
 

Emarati Traditions Come To The Fore As DSS 2009 Min Bladi Al Emarat Begins July 1

Min Bladi Al Emarat, a DSS 2009 Signature Event and a folkloric festivity showcasing the tradition and culture of UAE, kicks off on Wednesday, July 1, at Dubai Marina Mall, a member of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group. The event is a much-awaited festivity of local traditions and customs and will go on till July 10.

This year’s Min Bladi sees the inclusion of numerous activities in addition to the popular competitions that have been a characteristic of the event since its start. A Heritage Oasis, Traditional Craftsmen, a Hospitality Tent, and Traditional Shows are part of the attractions this year. While these activities will begin on July 1, the competitions will start off on July 6.

Maitha Gobash, Events Services Manager at DSF Office said, "Min Bladi aims at raising awareness amongst visitors, residents, and UAE nationals about the heritage, customs, and traditions of UAE. Our goal through this event is to revive UAE heritage and in the process also create a platform for the exchange of cultures and instill a sense of identity among the young generations. We want to convey to them a clear-cut, all-embracing image of the deeply-rooted traditions of our forefathers."

Competitions within Min Bladi have been categorized as follows:
The competitions for this year are mainly focused on local food and tradition. Contests for the Best Perfume and the Best Harees (local food), will be held on July 6. The following day, contestants will compete in the Best Incense and Best Aseeda (local food) categories.

The Best Balaleeth (local food) contest will be the highlight for July 8 followed by the Best Legyumat (local food) on July 9. The last day of the competition will witness contests in the Best Henna Design and the Best Khabees (local food).

Al Mazaya To Deliver Stage One Of The Villa In July

Al Mazaya Holding has finished the major stages of development and construction on its prestigious project “The Villa”, a project located in Dubailand. The Villa comprises of 700 residential villas with state-of-the-art designs that cater to the needs of residents and investors alike.

Al Mazaya has finished 75% of development work for 400 villas, while the remaining 300 villas are currently 50% complete. The units will be delivered to owners in three stages; stage one plots (104 villas) will be delivered in July, stage two plots (150 villas) in October this year, while stage three plots (446 villas) will be handed over in March 2010.

In line with Al Mazaya’s commitment to its clients, who were invited for a closer look at the project site where three sample villas were prepared, the company has revved up the pace of development in order to deliver the project as soon as possible.

Said Mr. Fathi Al Dhameri, SVP of Construction at Al Mazaya in Dubai: “When we first came to Dubailand, we had a vision that this location would become a prosperous city boasting numerous impressive projects. The Villa is such a project, and it plays a great role in realizing our vision through its Santa Victoria architecture, and the requirements instated by Dubai Real Estate Co., the main developer of the project. The units of The Villa range in size, and was designed to cater for both investment and residency purposes.”

Added Al Dhameri: “The Villa is a unique project and has attracted the attention of many individuals looking for a charming residential environment surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. Creativity and variety are fundamental parts of the project’s design, and adds an aesthetic value.”

The Villa is located in Dubailand, at Al Ein road, exit 18. The AED 1 billion residential project is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, and boasts various entertainment areas, mosques, healthcare centers, and more. In addition, world-renowned décor designer, Perla Lichi, has provided the project with innovative interior designs, and each villa has been outfitted with elegant, state-of-the-art interiors and furniture.