More Than AED23m Fetched From 62nd Number Plates Auction

Vehicle number plate (G 60) topped the sales and fetched 1,390,000 dirham in the 62nd Distinguished Number Plates Auction recently held by Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) at Jumeirah Beach Hotel; which raised total proceeds of 23,775,000 dirham.

“The aggregate amount raised in the 62nd Auction is testament to the success of Distinguished Number Plates Auction in Dubai” said the CEO of RTA Licensing Agency Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan. “The Auction made a good progress towards meeting the demand of a wide segment of the public wishing to own distinguished numbers. This is reflected in the attendance of about 300 bidders who participated effectively in the bidding process and hailed the improved procedure of organizing & displaying distinguished numbers. During the Auction 105 numbers were offered comprising 2, 3, 4, and 5-digit numbers of categories F, G, H & I” he added.

“Out of the total 105 numbers offered, 4 were 2-digit plates, 43 were 3-digit plates, 32 were 4-digit plates, and 26 were 5-digit plates. In the sales ring, 2-digit number plates topped the list of proceeds with the number (G 60) clocking the highest sales price of 1.39 million dirham, next came (G 27) which fetched 1.3 million dirham, followed by (H 90) selling for 1.25 million dirham, and (G 45) which was sold for 1.18 million dirham.

“3-digit numbers, which included 43 numbers, was topped by (H 100) which was sold for one million dirham, and the 4-digit numbers, which included 32 numbers, was topped by (G 4444) selling for 610,000 dirham, whereas 5-digit numbers, which included 26 numbers, was topped by (G 88888) selling for 670,000 dirham.

“The Distinguished Number Plate Auctions, which are held almost on monthly basis, are making continued successes in attracting a wide spectrum of community segments hailing from various emirates who are making serious bids to own distinguished numbers in offer. RTA is therefore seeking to continue with upgrading the Auction in terms of procedures and diversity of issuing new numbers to meet aspirations of these individuals to own distinguished licensing numbers” added Bahrozyan.

The CEO of Licensing Agency elaborated on the factors underlying the success of the 62nd Auction and said: “We can single out two-fold success factors; operational and logistical. These include mobilizing all resources to promote the Auction and licensing numbers, systematic marketing planning adopting various tools to reach the targeted audience, official media support, and forming a work team to oversee the Auction program & requirements. Other factors include the official announcement of the Auction 15 days in advance, and prior arrangements made for the venue and the Auction company, culminating in a smooth flow of associated operations.

HE Dr. Anwar Gargash Launches Dubai School of Government Alumni Association

His Excellency Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the DSG Board of Trustees, today inaugurated the Dubai School of Government Alumni Association.

High-ranking government officials, various heads of private and public sector organizations and business leaders from throughout the region attended the event, which was held at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

The Dubai School of Government (DSG) also announced the appointment of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, as the first Honorary President of the DSG Alumni Association. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan is an alumnus of a specialized training program from the School, which is the first in the region to offer curricula in public policy and administration through partnerships with globally renowned institutions.

Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean of the Dubai School of Government, said: “The launch of the DSG Alumni Association is a significant milestone for the School. It celebrates the accomplishments of our alumni and ensures that every past student of the institution remains connected. The new body is also an effective platform to keep these professionals informed of the latest developments in public policy, while providing them with continued access to DSG’s community of policy experts.

“It is an honor for the association to be chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, who is one of our distinguished graduates. We are proud of our academic growth, and look forward to strengthening our bonds with former students who have benefited from our academic and executive education programs. We believe the establishment of the DSG Alumni Association will help to promote ongoing interaction among our past students who now hold high-ranking positions as top professionals in the region.”

During the inauguration ceremony, the School also honored the contributions of HE Mr. Nabil Alyousuf. As Executive President, Mr. Alyousuf has guided the development of the School since its inception in 2005. Mr. Alyousuf is also Vice Chair of the Dubai School of Government’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2005 in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, the Dubai School of Government is actively engaged in the creation of knowledge, dissemination of global best practices, and training of policy makers in the Arab world. The School is focused on capacity building and conducts various programs that seek to promote good governance through enhancing the region’s capacity for effective public policy.

For more details, visit www.dsg.ae or call 04-3293290.

Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Draw Series 93; Finest Surprise Car Series 1379; Harley Davidson Series 142

Ms. Susanne Scheitzeneder has joined the list of Dubai Duty Free’s Millennium Millionaires as the second German national to win the prize of USD 1 million. Her ticket no. 4900 in Series no. 93 was drawn this morning (Tuesday) at the Sheikh Rashid Terminal. Ms. Scheitzeneder who is based in Taufkirchen, Germany has bought her lucky ticket on-line on 09 December 2008. She couldn’t be contacted for comments but would definitely be delighted to hear such a great news from Dubai Duty Free.

Two more winners were also announced today at the draw to win a luxury car and a motorbike. Ms. Nafea M. Bozo, a Dubai-based Syrian national and holder of ticket no. 0611 in Series no. 1379 won a Mercedes Benz S500. Ms. Bozo bought her lucky ticket at the Dubai Duty Free counter at Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Mr. Riaan Trollip, a South African based in Walvis Bay, Namibia is soon to become the King-of-the-road after winning a Harley Davidson FLHT – Electra Glide Standard in Series 142. Mr. Trollip, who travels a lot all over the world being a commercial diver, purchased his winning ticket no. 0729 on 17 February. He is currently in Yemen on a business trip. Dubai Duty Free contacted his wife Mrs. Manja Trollip for comments, who was overwhelmed by the great news: “Needless to say how happy I am! We are regular participants of the Finest Surprise Promotion and this is the first time to win the prize!”

The draw was conducted by Dubai Duty Free officials, namely Mr. George Horan, Deputy Managing Director, Salah Tahlak, Director Corporate Communications and Sinead El Sibai, Manager-Events, Advertising and Media relations.

Best Beach Resorts

• Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
Jumeirah Beach. An excellent choice for families, the stylish Hilton features one of Dubai’s most enticing beach clubs, spas, and selections of kids’ activities. The city’s trendiest restaurant, Bice, is located here. (Phone: 4/399- 1111; www.hilton.com)

• Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach. Once you check in you’ll want to stay put, as this outstanding resort features Jumeirah’s most extensive beach club, health club, and kids’ club, as well as an unbeatable selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes. (Phone: 4/348- 0000; www.jumeirahbeachhotel.com)

• Le Méridien Mina Seyahi
Jumeirah Beach. Kids and adults alike will love this sprawling beach resort, which offers fun-filled water- and land sports, sparkling pools, landscaped gardens, and a casual selection of restaurants and bars. (Phone: 4/ 399-3333; www.lemeridien.com/ minaseyahi)

• One&Only Royal Mirage
Jumeirah Beach. This exquisite resort extends along 1km (3⁄4 mile) of beautiful beachfront and sits amid 60 acres of flowering gardens and fountain-filled waterways. If you’re looking for an ultra-refined beach vacation, stay at the Royal Mirage. (Phone: 4/ 399-9999; www.oneandonlyroyalmirage.com)

• Ritz-Carlton
Jumeirah Beach. The elegant Ritz-Carlton enjoys a privileged view of the Arabian Gulf and features luxurious guest rooms that blend classic European and Arabic design. Service is outstanding. (Phone: 4/399-4000; www.ritzcarlton.com)