YAL-UAE Spotlights Dubai in Aftermath of Global Financial Crisis to Students of North Carolina State University

The Dubai experiment has shown the Arab world a new vision of the possible, enabled by a new generation of empowered and educated Arab youth. This demographic segment may set the stage for a better tomorrow with a generational ripple of change that transcends the Dubai laboratory to reach the whole region, according to Shehab Gargash, CEO, Daman Investments and Member of Young Arab Leaders-UAE Chapter (YAL-UAE).

Gargash’s comments were addressed to visiting students from the North Carolina State University (NCSU) in the US. The delegation comprising 40 students from the university’s Middle East Studies Program is on a six-day tour of the UAE, from 18 – 23 June. The visit comes as part of an endeavor to expose the students to the New Middle East that is emerging in the GCC.

In his presentation, Gargash said: "Sound economic decisions have contributed to the resurgence of Dubai as a hub for finance and commerce. We have the modern, expensive and efficient infrastructure here, and the city is built and continues to remain open for business.

"Previous nay-sayers have bet against Dubai’s resilience and lost. The ’Dubai Factor’ will prevail. The global economic table has grown in size, and with it opportunity comes to those who snatch it, enabling ambitions of many places like Dubai to be realized."

Pointing out that there are new doors opening for new ambitious entrants on the world stage, he said the ’freshmen’ need to better assess the responsibilities that accompany the call to international glory.

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Chairman, YAL-UAE, said: "Through our focus on education and entrepreneurship, YAL-UAE aims to serve as a voice for the Arab world on the global landscape for the implementation of pilot projects that serve community needs under its multi-pronged strategy.

"With our regional reach in the GCC, Middle East and North Africa, YAL-UAE continues to prove an effective platform for the re-building of social, economic and business ties with the US. We welcome more such visits from overseas students for enhanced cultural and academic exchange."

Globally recognized for its science, technology, engineering and mathematics leadership, NCSU’s Middle East Studies Program provides interdisciplinary courses on Arabic, Farsi, Middle Eastern history, religion, architecture and politics. It also offers a minor in Middle East Studies, and will commence a bachelor’s program in Middle East Studies in the forthcoming academic year.

The NCSU delegation’s visit included discussions with political, business and cultural leaders as well as meetings with university students. YAL-UAE also organised tours to institutions and landmark cultural sites, sampling of local cuisine, experiences in public spaces, and other activities that collectively contributed to enriching the students’ understanding of this region.

A non-political organisation, Young Arab Leaders (YAL) is keen to share resources and build long term relationships with organizations and ensure the development of communication mechanisms. Under its ’Education’ agenda, YAL aims to drive internship exchanges and business fellowships for enabling the Arab youth take on the challenges of the regional and global markets.

RTA Accomplishes Construction Of All Phases Of Dubai Bypass Road Project

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji: H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced that RTA has completed construction of all phases of the Dubai Bypass Road, stretching from the environs of Sharjah Emirate at Al Sajaa Interchange and terminating at the exit point from Dubai Emirate to Abu Dhabi Emirate, in a 70 km-long sector constructed at a cost in excess of one billion dirham. He stated that the contractor was making the final touches of the final Phase IV, which stretches from the R/A at the intersection with Jebel Ali – Al Hebab Road up to the entry point of Abu Dhabi Emirate. The Dubai Bypass Road is set to link up with Al Faya Road, known as Trucks Road, in Abu Dhabi in the third quarter of this year.

"The Dubai Bypass Road is a key traffic corridor in the structural roads network plan undertaken by the RTA and offers an alternative motorway to Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed Road as it provides an external corridor for motorists inbound from Northern Emirates and outbound to Abu Dhabi Emirate and vice versa without having to go through downtown area. By opening Phase IV, RTA has completed the opening of all phases of the Road which comprises 6 lanes in each direction," said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer continued: "In view of the immense nature of the project and as RTA was keen on accelerating the delivery of the project, it had been divided into four phases. Phase I started from Al Rawiyya R/A at Dubai – Al Ain Rd to Jebel Ali – Al Hebab Rd, with a total length of 24 km. It also included the construction of an express way of six lanes in each direction at a cost of 363 million dirham.

"Phase II started from the outskirts of the Dubai and Sharjah emirates at Al Sajaa Interchange to Al Rawiya Interchange at the Dubai – Al Ain Rd in a sector extending 23 km costing 295 million dirham. This Phase included the widening of the existing road from two to six lanes in each direction and fitting it with internal and external shoulders separated by the existing median. It also included transforming the R/A of the intersecting Al Khawaneej Road into an interchange allowing free movements in all directions as well as the construction of rainwater drainage system, utility lines conduits and camel crossing as well as improving the existing road elements such as the median, metal rail, safety fence and lighting works.

"Phase III included the construction of Al Qudrah Bridge on the Dubai Bypass Road, which comprises three lanes in each direction, in a sector stretching from Umm Suqeim Road in the direction of Al Qudrah (Endurance) area and Bab Al Shams and vice versa, costing 96 million dirham. Al Qudrah Bridge is considered one of the key phases of the six lanes Dubai Bypass Road, a key corridor of Al Qudrah Road and a continuation of the Umm Suqeim Road passing through the Arabian Ranches Interchange across the Emirates Road. Al Qudrah Bridge provides the users of the Dubai Bypass Road and Al Qudrah Road free movement in all directions. Motorists inbound from Umm Suqeim and outbound to Sharjah Emirate, and those coming from Al Qudrah area heading towards Abu Dhabi Emirate, can use the surrounding tunnels underneath the Dubai Bypass Road, which have been opened earlier to enable turning on the Dubai Bypass Road.

"The final Phase IV of the Dubai Bypass Road, which was constructed at a cost of 289 million dirham, comprised the construction of a dual expressway of six lanes in each direction extending from Jebel Ali – Al Hebab Road to the outreaches of Abu Dhabi Emirate in a sector extending 25 km and linking up with Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai Industrial City to accommodate the projected traffic movements in this road. It also included the construction of 3 camel crossings that can also be used as turning points in addition to rainwater drainage canals, utility lines conduits, metal rails, safety fence and lighting works," said Mattar Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director concluded his statement saying: "RTA will continue upgrading several key and arterial projects in the Dubai Emirate as part of an integrated road-widening plans under a strategy aiming to provided advanced services to residents as well as practical & all-inclusive solutions that ensure seamless traffic flow and realization of RTA vision of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All in the Emirate.

Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Draws The Lighter Side Of Life

Three senior executives from Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts abandoned their shoes and socks in a moment of fun during a pre-opening inspection at Dubai’s new hotel on the block, the Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, scheduled to open in August.

Andreas Mattmuller, the group’s Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Asia with Jan Kaiser, General Manager, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel and Michael Nugent, General Manager of the upcoming Mövenpick Hotel Deira were fast to spot an opportunity to paddle in one of the two water pools located in 396-room hotel’s Grand Hall.

Kaiser, said that the Grand Hall, or Al Bahou, is set to be the ’hub of the house’. "Al Bahou is huge yet inviting and has numerous signature photo opportunities for visitors, including 88 mammoth, eastern-style lanterns dangling elegantly into the wonderful lobby area."

He said that in a desire to create an interactive ambiance the lobby provides numerous seating areas geared to meetings and rendezvous. "Al Bahou is a perfect place to ’kick off your shoes’, just as we did.

“You can sit back and watch the world go by, meet friends, or even hold a business meeting – as we have created numerous nooks and crannies." He said that it is also the ’gateway’ to six of eight equally iconic restaurants and bars.

The Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel is part of the multi-faceted ’Ibn Battuta Square’ and sits alongside the famed Ibn Battuta Mall and Cineplex, a double-block, 12-story upscale office and apartment facility.

 

Crowds Throng Dubai Mall For Final Shows Of Hello Kitty’s Jungle Party

Hundreds of families showed up at Dubai Mall, a key sponsor of DSS, for the final two show of Hello Kitty’s Jungle Party on July 22, marking the end to the one of the most successful DSS stage shows held this year. Children and parents evidently enjoyed the last shows as they danced, sang and had fun at the photo opportunity with Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, My Melody, Minna No Tabo and Bad Badtz Maru.

Mohammed and Bader Al Juwaisri from Kuwait said, “We enjoy our travel to Dubai because of such kind of family entertainment. Our children like the fun atmosphere here. It is a truly wonderful experience for our whole family.”

The same sentiment was shared by David Baron, an American national, who attended the show with his kids Jordan and Whitney. He said, “This [Hello Kitty Jungle Party] is awesome. There should be more of such shows in Dubai. The children learn and have fun at the same time. The parents also enjoy their time with their kids. It’s a great celebration of family activities.”

Mine Reith, a British national who was spotted at the event with daughter Sher and friend Kris said, “Being here is a fantastic way of spending quality time with my child. Plus, we need more free shows as amazing as this one. It’s such a terrific activity that adds up to the excitement of our shopping experience.”

Dedicated Shoppers Reap Rewards At Mall Of The Emirates And Deira City Centre

Two self-confessed shopaholics, one in her 40s and the other in her 20s, are the latest winners of Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre’s joint DSS promotion that is giving away prizes worth AED 2 million during the festival.

Nazan Onu, a Turkish tourist and Elena Mavrayeva, a Dubai resident from Uzbekistan have won AED 100,000 each and have already started spending their windfalls by shopping at their two favorite malls!
 

Mercato Launches 10 Days Of “Ice Cream Social” Starting Tomorrow

For many, it’s not summer without ice cream! This coming weekend, bring your family and friends to Mercato for the “Ice Cream Social” event that will start on the 23rd of July. The event spans across 10 days and includes lots of games, activities, contests and live entertainment, all involving ice cream!

The fun will start on the 23rd of July with the Ice Cream Roller Girls Show. Dressed in 1950s costumes, the Ice Cream Roller Girls will entertain mall shoppers and lucky customers will receive free ice cream vouchers to try the delicious ice cream from Marble Slab Creamery, located on the first floor. This sweet activity will take place over the weekends of 23rd, 24th, 25th July, and 30th, 31 July and 1st August, between 6:30pm and 9:30 pm.

The Children’s Interactive Ice Cream Show will offer fun for the little ones from 23rd July to 25th July, and again from 30th July to 1st August between 4:30 pm & 6:30pm. Children of all ages can participate in this exciting activity and enjoy interactive stage activities including singing, dancing, games, competitions and magic shows that will all relate to ice cream!

Then on the weekend of the 30th, 31st July and 1st August, mall visitors can look forward to Ice Cream Demonstrations by Paul which will be held on the ground floor, at the fountain area. Join the talented chefs from Paul and learn easy ice cream dessert recipes to refresh your summer. Live shows will take place on 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm.

The “Ice Cream Social” will ensure further excitement for the whole family with Italian street performers, stilt walkers, jugglers, and favorite characters roaming the mall throughout the festival.

Sales & Prizes:
During the Dubai Summer Surprises festival, Mercato & its sister mall, Town Centre Jumeirah, are jointly running a fabulous Spend-2-Win promotion. For every purchase of Dhs200 in any outlet in either mall, customers stand the chance to enter into a draw to win a total of Dhs 4,500,000 in cash. Furthermore, regular customers can look forward to a grand prize exclusive to the two malls – a luxury Mercedes Benz CLK.

What’s more, the Porto Vecchio Village on the first floor of Mercato is hosting further discount and prizes. Shoppers can request a free discount booklet at the Customer Service Desk and receive extra discounts for stores in the Porto Vecchio Village. Any purchase made in the Porto Vecchio Village entitles shoppers to enter a draw to win even more prizes – win a 5 star family holiday for four to Cyprus, courtesy of the Holiday Lounge by Dnata, jewelry, gift vouchers and much more.

For more information about events and prizes in Mercato & Town Centre Jumeirah, please visit Customer Service Desk and receive the DSS festival flyer, or visit www.MercatoShoppingMall.com.

Mall Of The Emirates & Deira City Centre Confirm Details Of Parking Management System

Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre have announced details of their upcoming parking management system that ensures customers to the malls are given priority parking when the Dubai Metro service begins on September 9 this year.

The plan provides a fair system for all shoppers who drive to the malls giving the first three hours of parking free during the weekdays and the first four hours on weekends i.e. Fridays and Saturdays. For customers who wish to watch a movie at the malls’ CineStar cinemas, free parking will be extended by an additional hour on both weekdays and weekends.

The new system is based on industry research showing an average of 70 per cent of shoppers spend three hours or less in the malls during the week and four hours over the weekend.

Majid Al Futtaim Group, which owns Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre have been strong supporters of the Dubai Metro since its planning stage and it has sponsored the stations outside the mall naming them Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre Stations.

Fareed Abdelrahman, Vice-President, Divisional Asset Management for Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said the main aim is to ensure customer comfort and convenience with the new system. “With the Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre Metro stations so conveniently situated there was the need for a parking management system to ensure parking remains accessible for our customers.”

“Unlike other systems in place in Dubai, it is not dependant on how much you spend or what time of the day you visit, and the free parking actually lasts longer than the average amount of time spent by shoppers in both malls,” he said.

“It was very important for us to strike a balance between giving our customers easy access to free parking while ensuring our car parks at Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre do not become park and ride stops for Metro users,” Abdelrahman concluded.

To introduce the system to the malls’ visitors, a free trial period will begin on August 9, which will include the use of entry and exit barriers, ticket collection points and instructions. Charges will only apply from September 10, a day after the Dubai Metro begins its service.

Parking beyond three hours on weekdays will be charged at the rate of AED 20 for every additional hour for the next three hours. Over the weekend, the first and second extra hours above the four hours will be charged at AED 40 and AED 60 respectively.

Courtesy parking crews will be stationed around the two malls to help customers adapt to the new system, ensuring their continued enjoyment of the best shopping, leisure and entertainment experience in the city.

Visitor Numbers From GCC See 36.5% Increase During First Half Of DSS 2009

Dubai Summer Surprises has played a major role in sustaining the position of Dubai as a leading tourism and commerce destination, said His Excellency Major General Mohammed Ahmad Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department.“Despite the current global circumstances, we are confident that Dubai has the tourism potential and the state-of-the-art infrastructure to keep it among the leading cities in the global tourism arena and it is based on this confidence that this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises was launched,” noted HE.The number of GCC passengers coming to Dubai since the start of the DSS 2009 on June 11 increased by 36.5 per cent compared to the same period between April and May 2009, he added, explaining that most of the visitors came from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.“The tourist influx to Dubai during DSS is an indication that the emirate is doing well despite the financial crisis that has gripped most of the world.”The extensive promotion campaigns accompanying DSS and the colossal efforts made by private sector entities such as shopping malls and hotels have played a major role in attracting GCC visitors to Dubai, he added.“Omani nationals are by far the largest in number, followed by Kuwaitis, Saudis, Bahrainis and Qataris; but by the early days of July the number of Saudis has increased to a large extent,” H.E. Al Marri explained, attributing the increase in the number of Saudi visitors to the end of the academic year in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.“DNRD stands firmly behind DSS 2009 as is the case with other government departments in Dubai, offering the best possible services that reflect the true image of Dubai as a year-round leading tourism and commerce destination. This is in line with the directives by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai,” H.E. stated.As part of its commitment to offer value-added services during DSS, DNRD efficiently processes round-the-clock visa transactions for those visiting the country during the summer event besides offering many other facilities and services, including the Distinguished Guest Service offered to frequent business visitors to Dubai and the Tasaheel Service offered to guests arriving at the Dubai International Airport to facilitate passport control procedures.
 

DMI Hosts Event For Public Relations Managers Of Government Departments

Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), one of the pioneering media organizations and creative services group in the Middle East, today announced it hosted a group of media professionals including public relations managers of government departments in Dubai. The meeting was held upon directive from His Excellency Ahmad Abdulla Al Shaikh, Media Escort to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and Director of the Media Office, Board Member and Managing Director of DMI

The networking event aimed to strengthen DMI’s ties with Dubai Government and came as part of the media entity’s strategy to highlight the activities and services offered by the specialised departments.
Ali Khalifa Al Rumeithi, Head of News Centre, DMI, received the officials and engaged them in an open discussion. After a tour of the state-of-the-art News Centre, the media professionals were briefed on the modern techniques used by DMI for the production of daily newscasts. A number of DMI professionals also attended the networking meet.

The Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), General Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Studio City, and the Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation were among the government departments that participated in the DMI event.

Ducab A Corporate Member Of Emirates Green Building Council

Ducab, the leading manufacturer of high quality power cables in the Middle East, and Winner of Mohammed Bin Rashid Business Excellence Award for their achievements in the manufacturing sector, recently signed an agreement with Emirates Green Building Council to become a corporate member. As per the agreement, Ducab will work together with the Council to promote sustainable environmental development in the UAE.

“By becoming a corporate member of the Emirates GBC (Green Building Council), we will be doing everything we can to help increase awareness about environmental practices and standards whilst supporting the Green vision of the leadership of UAE,’’ said Mr.Graham Cheetham , Manufacturing GM, Ducab.

As avid supporters of environmental preservation Ducab takes its corporate social responsibility very seriously, therefore and through this agreement, Ducab will join forces with Emirates Green Building Council to organize workshops in which it will highlight the importance of sustainable environmental development, as well as promote environmentally friendly approaches.

Since its inception in 1979, Ducab has taken part in many environmental activities such as the “Clean the Earth” and “Clean up the World” campaigns, The company is also a member of the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG). In addition to recycling internal waste as well as scrap, Ducab has also been involved in tree planting in the Emirates for Dubai & Abu Dhabi.

“We remain committed to promoting sustainable development, whilst at the same time taking part in Environmental initiatives to protect and preserve our local environment. We recognize the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and strive to incorporate all of its fundamental principles into our business practices,” concluded Mr. Cheetham.