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.

DUBAILAND Attractions Offer Sizzling Summer Deals

DUBAILAND, a Dubai Properties Group (DPG) destination, today announced a host of entertainment activities and summer deals at a number of its attractions.

To beat the heat this summer, Dubailand has put together an exciting array of activities for families comprising an exclusively Thai shopping experience at Dubai Outlet Mall, indoor sports activities including cricket camps for children at Dubai Sports City, laser tag and karting at the Dubai Autodrome, and children’s summer workshops at the Desert Ranch in Al Sahra Desert Resort.

The popular Dubai Outlet Mall is hosting a festival, ‘Amazing Thailand’, as part of the 2011 Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) theme from 1 – 31 July. The mall is decorated with ‘Thai’ elements to lend a festive ambience, while visitors are being offered the opportunity to experience Thai culture, entertainment and cuisine. Handicrafts and traditional merchandise that make for decorative knick knacks and memorabilia are also available at the mall.

Shopping at the Dubai Outlet Mall during DSS gives customers the opportunity to win daily shopping vouchers worth thousands of dirhams, in addition to exciting deals, discounts and offers, shoppers also stand a chance to win a trip for four to Bangkok every weekend on a minimum purchase of AED250.

Sports enthusiasts can expect to be busy this summer with a plethora of events lined up at Dubai Sports City which launched its first season of indoor cricket tournaments recently, and which is being played on a league basis. Winners of the tournament will take home a cash prize of AED4,000.

Additionally, a training camp in July will provide children between the ages of five to 14 years an opportunity to hone their skills in cricket. The summer camp initiative has been designed to introduce boys and girls to the game by using interactive programmes. .

Dubai Autodrome at Dubai Motor City has a thrilling line-up of activities for indoor family adventure. Adjacent to its outdoor karting track, is a state-of-the-art indoor complex features a challenging “under the roof” 500m track for indoor go-karting and also includes the Laserdrome – a “shoot ‘em up” laser tag game area built like a medieval castle starting from AED 90 per person.

The Desert Ranch is hosting a summer camp for the months of July and August for children between the ages of five to nine. The camp will offer a series of activities, including workshops on befriending and caring for animals, problem solving, creative tasks and team games. Held on Tuesdays from 7.00am – 12 noon, each session will be charged at AED250 per child.

Offering an array of stimulating activities throughout the season, Dubailand features among the leading destinations on every individual’s summer outing calendar.
 

The Canadian University Of Dubai Becomes The First Foreign University In The UAE To Offer A Bachelor Of Science Program In English And Arabic

Canadian University of Dubai (CUD), recently announced that it’s planning to launch a four-year program in communications leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Communications for students who want to specialise in either journalism (print and electronic), advertising or public relations. The new program stands out as students have the option to choose either English or Arabic as the medium of instruction, making Canadian University of Dubai the UAE’s first foreign university to offer this program in both languages. This complements the university’s goal of offering courses that are responsive to the needs and requirements of potential students.

CUD has designed the new course to serve as a springboard into a wide variety of public relations, journalism and multimedia careers, while preparing students to work on all media platforms and familiarising them with the latest IT and multimedia tools. Students will be offered core courses and electives, including: Principles of Writing for the Media, Communication Theories, News Reporting, Designing Media Messages, Public Opinion, and so on. Students will also be given a chance to do a practicum.

"The introduction of advanced communication technologies has significantly changed the way people communicate with each other. This in turn has altered the interrelations of societies in the social, cultural, economic and educational spheres. In light of these changes, Canadian University of Dubai wishes to introduce the new undergraduate program in Communication, which will serve as a tool in developing a new generation of well-qualified communicators who are capable of understanding and customising the ideas and tools of the information age to serve the interests of the community," said Dr. Muhammed Kabir, Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Canadian University of Dubai.

“By offering the course in Arabic and English we are reaching out to a wider student community and giving them an opportunity to become experts in the communications domain,” he added.

Upon completion of all degree requirements, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. Graduates will be equipped with skills and knowledge to enter professional fields such as publishing, editing, production, planning and research, while they may also find jobs in any communication capacity in areas as varied as diplomacy, business, government, non-profit agencies, professional associations, healthcare companies and international organisations.

The Canadian University of Dubai is also planning to launch a four-year Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Translation degree program. This course is designed to equip individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in translation and interpreting in such environments such as television and radio, government offices, foreign embassies, courts, colleges, universities and other organisations that demand translation skills and services.

Established in 2006, the Canadian University of Dubai consists of the School of Business Administration, School of Architecture and Interior Design, School of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology, and School of Environment and Health, and School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The university currently offers 17 programs accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research with six more programs currently under development. At present, CUD serves more than 1,755 students from more than 86 nationalities. CUD is strategically located in the heart of Dubai’s financial, business and tourist district, behind the Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road.
 

Dubai Launches World Discovery Festival To Offer A One-Of-A-Kind Exposition Of The Worlds Best Consumer Offerings

The World Discovery Fest, a unique spectacle of travel, leisure and holiday destinations, culture and cuisines, top-end lifestyle displays and an entertainment fiesta, has been announced today (Tuesday, May 31, 2011).

World Discovery Fest is unique in that it offers its audience lifestyle choices with a fusion of cultures, styles, tastes and entertainment and is intended to draw a large number of nationals and expatriates from around the region.

Organised by the International Conferences & Exhibitions (IC & E) and supported by the Government of Dubai and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, World Discovery Fest will be held at The Meydan Grandstand, Dubai’s newest hospitality and tourism venue, and will run from November 3 to 5, 2011, coinciding with the Eid holiday period.

A series of activities, attractions and live demonstrations at World Discovery Fest are spread out across the four dedicated show segments: Travel & Leisure Zone, Entertainment Zone, Food & Beverage Zone, and Retail Therapy Zone.

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), said: "World Discovery Fest takes inspiration from the many cultures and nationalities that wonderfully co-exist in the UAE, while reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a haven for luxury, entertainment, tourism, shopping and culinary excellence. The Festival will offer a fresh outlook of various products, services and value-added offerings in a truly multicultural, relaxing and uniquely engaging atmosphere. World Discovery Festival is quite simply an exclusive exposition of all the good things in life, which is a true reflection of Dubai. The extravaganza is expected to attract a large number of visitors from across the region who regularly travel to Dubai during the Eid holidays."

A major attraction at the World Discovery Festival will be the widely anticipated Coffee & Tea Show, Dubai’s first-ever event devoted to people who are passionate, enthusiastic and eager to learn more about coffee and tea. The show will be part of the Food & Beverage Zone and will be open to the public, providing an ideal networking and marketing platform for all key players in the coffee and tea trade. The show will host the 3rd UAE Barista Championship, where the best professional baristas in the UAE will vie for the coveted title and the right to represent UAE at the 2012 World Barista Championship in Vienna, Austria. The Food & Beverage Zone will also showcase presentations and exciting offerings from various specialty restaurants and cafes.

The Travel & Leisure Zone will feature competing airlines, cruise operators, tour operators, travel agencies, hotels & resorts, spas and national tourist promotion organisations, all showcasing a choice of hospitality offerings and leisure destinations across the world.

The Entertainment Zone is a chilled-out environment of non-stop live music from some of the hottest regional and international talent and DJ fillers. An amalgamation of sound, lights and visuals, the Entertainment Zone promises to be vibrant, spontaneous and extremely entertaining for all visitors of the Festival.

The Retail Therapy Zone will be a shopping spectacle with a diverse collection of exclusive fashion, jewellery, beauty and other high-end lifestyle products. Exhibitors range from regular retail booths to private retail suites for more exclusive products, providing a wide array of choices for shopping aficionados.
 

Emirates To Offer Triple Daily Non-Stop Flights To Manchester

Emirates Airline is boosting its route to Manchester with the introduction of a third daily non-stop flight to cater for a continued growth in demand. With the introduction of the additional flight, Emirates will become the first carrier to operate three daily flights to Manchester from the same long haul destination.

The new service, which commences on 1st May, 2011, will increase Emirates’ capacity by 25%.

“Manchester is a real success story. To be adding a third flight just months after introducing our 517-seat A380 superjumbo to the route reflects surging demand for our flights in and out of the north west of England," said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation.

The additional flight will depart daily from Manchester at 9.40am, giving North West travellers a broader choice of flights to Dubai and beyond, with enhanced connections to Thailand, and cities in the Indian sub-continent and Middle East, as well as other points across Emirates’ global network.

The introduction of the new service comes less than a year after Emirates introduced the double-decker Airbus A380 on its lunchtime service from Manchester – the first time any airline had operated the ‘superjumbo’ on services from a regional airport. The A380’s arrival heralded greater traveller choice with the introduction of First Class cabins, alongside Business and Economy, on Emirates’ flights from Manchester, and also added much needed extra capacity.

"Since bringing the A380 to Manchester last September the route to Dubai has been one of Emirates’ strongest performers and we saw a full compliment of 517 in November so we know the traffic is there and the third daily service underlines the strength of this route and the importance of the Middle East to our longer term ambitions as an airport,” said Andrew Harrison, Managing Director of Manchester Airport. “Emirates’ operation in the North West has grown rapidly since it launched a twice-weekly service from Manchester in 1990."

The new service will be operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a three-class configuration seating 12 First Class, 42 Business Class and 183 Economy Class passengers. Once on board, passengers will be able to experience Emirates’ award-winning service and multi course meals prepared by leading international chefs.
Emirates offers a complimentary* chauffeur drive service to whisk First and Business Class passengers to the airport from their home or office. After check in, they can relax in the Emirates Lounge at Manchester – the most luxurious at the airport, which was opened in October 2009.

The new flight EK022 will depart Manchester (Terminal 1) at 9.40am daily, arriving into Dubai at 8.00pm. The return flight from Dubai EK021 departs at 3am arriving in Manchester at 7.55am (all times local).
 

 

Better Homes And Dubai Properties Group Partner To Offer An Apartment At Shorooq Mirdif Rent-Free For One Year

Better Homes, the region’s largest property consultancy, and Dubai Properties Group (DPG), a member of Dubai Holding, today announced the launch of a joint promotion which will offer one lucky UAE resident the chance to win a rent-free apartment at Shorooq Mirdif for one full year.

The competition, which will run from 10 Feb – 5 March, will invite UAE residents to submit a 250 word response to the question ‘What would you do if you did not have to pay rent for a year?’ Entries will be evaluated by a panel of experts on the criteria of creativity and innovation. Responses can be accompanied by photographs, video or other visual aids.

The winner will be presented with the keys to their new one bedroom apartment in the popular Shorooq Mirdif community at an award handover on 10 March.

James Gauduchon, Head of Marketing for Better Homes, said: “Better Homes and DPG both share a strong partnership and a history of professional commitment to the growth and development of the UAE property market as a whole. This joint promotion will inject something unique and exciting into the market. It’s time for agencies and developers alike to engage with customers at a personal level.”

A thriving and dynamic development in the heart of Mirdif, Shorooq delivers a variety of studio, one and two bedroom apartments that offer the antidote to high-rise living by provide residents with all the advantages of community life including wide open spaces in a serene an secure environment.

A DPG spokesperson said: “DPG is pleased to partner with the highly respected property consultancy Better Homes to launch this innovative promotion that will showcase one of the most popular communities in our portfolio in one of the most sought after neighbourhoods in Dubai. We are thrilled to be able to offer one local resident the opportunity to experience the unparalleled lifestyle at Shorooq Mirdif.”

A survey conducted by a specialist real-estate publication last year ranked Shorooq Mirdif one of ‘the hippest places to let in Dubai’ and an ideal family-focused neighbourhood among a select list of Dubai-based properties.
Conveniently located adjacent to the Rashidiya Metro Station and the Dubai International Airport, Shorooq Mirdif is easily accessible from arterial highways including the Emirates Road and Al Awir Road. The community also offers convenient access to schools and shopping centres, including the popular Uptown Mirdif and the new Mirdif City Centre malls.

For more information on the Free Rent Competition, please call 600 52 2212 or visit www.bhomes.com/competitions to submit your entry.
 

Last Chance To Take Advantage Of Visas Exclusive Cardholder Offer With Atlantis

Visa cardholders looking to get away for some rest and relaxation can take advantage of an exciting promotion in partnership with the Atlantis Hotel, Palm.

Up until February 20th, all Visa cardholders can take advantage of up to 40 percent discount on a dream experience at the Atlantis hotel, as long as the booking is made by January 15th. The offer includes a deluxe room for two for one night at the Atlantis hotel, a dinner voucher for AED 800; breakfast for two; mocktails for two; free entry to Sanctuary for two; free access to The Lost Chambers and Aquaventure; a two-for-one spa treatment, as well as preferential rates at Dolphin Bay.Priced at only AED 1,995, the Atlantis dream package is a great option for people looking to relax and unwind.

To make a booking, please visit: www.atlantisthepalm.com/dream or call 800 8971 455 and quote ‘Atlantis Visa package’.
 

Hamdan Bin Mohammed E-University Partners Up With Flagship Projects To Offer E-Content On Rufoof Store As It Moves Toward The Content Experience

In a step toward “paperless university”, Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), a leader in the field of e-Learning and quality management in the Arab World, has announced that it has booked an entire store on Rufoof, a revolutionary bookstore application developed by Flagship Projects, a leading Dubai-based hi-tech mobile and web applications provider.

This announcement was made at the HBMeU Annual Congress 2011, being held until February 3, 2011, at Atlantis Hotel under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and President of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University and which was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMeU, said: "We are delighted to partner up with Flagship Projects to have a complete HBMeU store on Rufoof mobile app on iPad. This shelf store will constitute 10 % – 15 % of study at the university and gradually cover all aspects of study, so that students can take part from their iPad or iPhone instead of physically coming to the university. The move is in line with HBMeU commitment to boost personal and professional skills of not only our students but hundreds of professionals from different organisations in the UAE and across the region. “

“HBMeU’s move to use our Rufoof store reflects the university’s unwavering desire to adopt online resources that enhance professionals’ skills in total quality management,” said Shadi Hasan, Managing Director, Flagship Projects. “We launched this world-class mobile application just a few months ago and it is proving to be one of the most sought-after Arabic apps on the app store. It provides an amazing reading experience for Arabic Content.”
Users of HBMeU Rufoof store can go to the application and view a wide range of book titles in different categories including articles and e-journals as well as download a sample to have the content available even when the device is offline.

Hasan added: “Another feature of the application is reading through bookmark pages, search and change the font size as well as change the colour of the shelves. This represents a huge advancement in the world of reading from iPhone, iPad or other smart phone devices.”

Hasan added: “It is time universities starts considering digital versions of their content in a more dynamic way than any conventional digital channel and start thing of how the content can be simpler to interact with and benefit from. Universities need to go paperless, thus providing the students with convenience and efficiency.”

With Rufoof, authors’ and publishers’ books are more piracy-protected, compared to many online libraries, due to the high security features deployed by the Flagship team of software developers.

Hasan added: “We pride ourselves on our smart mobile phone applications and we motivate businesses, governments and end users to embrace this new technology that has not been fully exploited in the Arab world.”
Through Rufoof, Flagship is showcasing its best expertise and the ability to develop creative professional content for the local and regional market. Rufoof provides a user friendly experience adopting the latest platforms at the best cost effective price.

Hasan added: “Hamdan e-University Rufoof store will have large variety of books, articles and e-journals. The Hamdan e-University Rufoof Store is the first Rufoof store where visitors can only view items related to the university store, and the store is designed to fit Hamdan e-university brand and style”.

HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World established with a vision to develop a new learning process through the implementation of learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity to strengthen self-leadership among learners and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration in the job market.

HBMeU’s philosophy is based on vital methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These methods include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing the culture of excellence and innovation. The university seeks to constantly identify knowledge needs, support research and development programs and create an outstanding environment for e-learning.

Hasan added: “Flagship is one of the earliest providers of solutions for this rapidly expanding smart phone market. We provide high-end smart phone platforms and develop applications for organisations seeking to execute products on mobile devices. Our applications target iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile 7and other devices available in the market.”
 

University Of Wollongong In Dubai Launches UOWD PI (Professional Institute) To Offer Short Certificate Courses

University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) has launched UOWD Pi (Professional Institute) which offers short certificate courses aimed at enhancing the continuous learning opportunities for individuals in the UAE. Specific emphasis is being placed on professionals wishing to accelerate their career growth.

The move, which represents the 18-year-old university’s foray into short, non-degree courses, is in response to the growing demand for high quality short courses from prestigious educational institutions.

The short courses are being offered in a number of disciplines, ranging from Islamic Banking to Forensic Accounting. The latest addition will be a course on “Corporate Communications: Public Relations for Tomorrow’s Managers” which will begin from March 6, followed by another one on “Islamic banking” to start in the first week of May.

Each course will have duration of about five weeks, with classes held in the evenings once a week and each session lasting for three hours.

“UOWD identified a distinct need for short courses, prompted by the tight and challenging job market that exists today. Professionals have realised that additional qualifications can provide a passport for a promotion or a job switch,” said Raymi van der Spek, Executive Director of Administration & Strategic Development, UOWD.

“With the launch of UOWD Pi, the UAE’s oldest private university is unveiling its plans to become a more comprehensive tertiary education provider. There are not many institutions of the calibre of UOWD that offer short courses. We wish to bring to short courses the same professionalism and standards that distinguish our full degree programs,” said van der Spek.

“UOWD Pi programs are targeted at professionals who are chasing career growth, those people looking to develop new skills, or anyone wishing to acquire a quick grasp of a particular new discipline, before taking up a job. Our goal is to make UOWD Pi the ultimate place for market-driven short courses,” added van der Spek.
Dr. Alma Kadragic, a journalist and public relations professional who will be conducting the Corporate Communications course, said: “The program aims to provide junior and mid-level employees with a basic understanding of how public relations works and how it can be used as a tool for effective management.”

Short courses in Banking Risk Management and Forensic Accounting are among the programs that are already running successfully at UOWD.

“While we expect that the short courses will benefit professionals by way of career mobility, we also anticipate that it will whet the appetite of some to pursue full-fledged degree programs at the university,” said van der Spek. “As the name Pi suggests, we see infinite possibilities in this area.”

van der Spek also said that UOWD Pi is talking to companies to offer customized short courses to their employees in different areas of business. UOWD Pi is already talking to Panasonic Middle East to provide a program in sales and marketing for its employees.
 

Dont Miss The Biggest Event In Cricket: Upgrade For The ICC World Cup TV Offer From Du And Get Up To 4 Months For Free

As sports fans the world over gear up for biggest Cricket event every four years, we are adding to the excitement of the moment with a not-to-be-missed ICC World Cup offer: Get up to four months for free when you take up a new du TV package or upgrade to Firstnet Premium or Pehla Silver.

“Providing quality entertainment – from music to film to first-class sporting events – is a top priority for us, and we always strive to add a little excitement to our customers’ lives by bringing the the best possible events at the most competitive prices. The World Cup is eagerly anticipated by our du TV customers in the UAE – whether they are from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, UK or Zimbabwe. With our new offer they can enjoy this event to the fullest.” commented Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du.

Customers can upgrade or subscribe to the Firstnet Premium or Pehla Silver TV packages till 15 March 2011 to catch the 2011 ICC World Cup matches up until the final on 2 April on channel 560 (“CricOne”). As part of the special offer, they will receive free credit for the 5th and 6th month of the subscription on 15 September 2011 and credit for the 11th and 12th month on 15 March 2012. Those customers who already have a subscription to Firstnet Premium or Pehla Silver or Gold will automatically have access to the live broadcast of the event.

To subscribe or upgrade to Firstnet Premium or Pehla Silver, customers need simply visit a du shop or call Customer Care on 04-3905555.