Mohammed Bin Rashid Visits Boat Show, Launches Ferry Dubai

Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum today visited the Dubai International Boat Show 2011 at the Jumeirah Beach in Dubai.

Accompanied by Dubai Crown Prince H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mohammed toured the Show’s main tent in which, all boat, yacht and marine sport equipment and items are on display.

Sheikh Mohammed officially launched ’Ferry Dubai’, the latest water transport services offered by the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA). He was briefed by RTA Chairman Matar Mohammed Al Tayer about the ferry which will serve in the first stage Dubai creek and the coastal line stretching along Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina and the water front developments.

The 32-meter long ferry can travel at a maximum speed of 24 knots/hour. It can carry 100 passengers and is fitted with modern entertainment facilities.

Al Tayer said the first stage will see two ferries serving a number of lines. They will be increased in later stages to 10 ferries.

Sheikh Mohammed said he was pleased with the achievements of RTA and its efforts to provide quality services and infrastructure to the citizens, residents and visitors of Dubai.

He also praised the success of the Boat Show and the growing interest among local, regional and international players to take part in such an important event.

Present were H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and President of the Emirates Airlines, Sheikhs and senior officials.

 

Dubai International Boat Show: Worldwide Sales Expected To Reach AED 1 Billion

Dubai International Boat Show rounded off a week of records with exhibitors’ sales expected to reach AED 1 billion as a direct result of the show. Exhibitors and visitors from across five contents hailed the event as one of the most successful and impressive shows in recent years.

With more than 750 international companies and brands taking part, Dubai International Boat Show attracted more than 26,000 visitors and recorded around AED 500 million worth of onsite sales, with exhibitors expecting around the same value to come, making the show the most effective springboard for many companies looking to expand into the region and beyond.

ART Marine, one of the boat show’s largest exhibitors reported record-breaking sales totaling AED 240 million during the show, with more to come as a result of their participation. “The Dubai International Boat Show has been a leading networking platform and a premier showcase event for the leisure marine industry in the Middle East,” said Constantinos Constantinou, CEO, ART Marine. “These are strong results and the quality products represented by ART Marine, along with our reputation for providing the ultimate in customer service, have once again shown our unrivalled commitment to our clients.”

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event said: “This event not only confirms that the leisure marine industry has a strong and a healthy future in the Middle East, it also illustrates the show’s fundamental importance as a business channel to the rest of the world. For nearly two decades the Dubai International Boat Show has driven the industry to push new boundaries, both financially and geographically and this year’s edition has reinforced its position as one of the five top boat shows in the world as a sales and business platform.”

Gulf Craft, who have been participating in Dubai International Boat Show since its first edition in 1992 introduced four world launches and recorded sales at this year’s show of AED 70 million. Mohammed Hussain Alshaali, Chairman, Gulf Craft commented: \\\”The Dubai International Boat Show has cemented its position as a prominent show in the international boating calendar. Gulf Craft continues to consider the event as one of its most important marketing platforms of the year, launching four new designs to the world in 2011. It is the ideal opportunity for prospective owners to gain first-hand experience of the quality, craftsmanship, and value for money that have made Gulf Craft a major player in the international market for luxury yachts and leisure craft.\\\”

One of the show’s many spectacular highlights was the record sale of a 40 metre Sunseeker superyacht, which was bought for AED 100 million. Arif Oomer, Director, Sunseeker Middle East said: “This show is indisputably the Middle East’s flagship event for the marine industry, and for exhibitors there is no better business platform. The calibre and quality of the visitors to this event is consistently exceptionally high and the international contingent this year is more impressive than ever.”

The show set off at a lightning pace, when a AED 1.4 million fishing cruiser on display at Al Dhaen’s stand was sold less than an hour after the show’s opening ceremony. Abdulla Alfahal, Director Administration of Al Dhaen Group from Bahrain, said: “This has been a wonderful show for us and the sales results are fantastic. The Dubai Boat Show is known not just through the Middle East, but internationally and it is the ultimate event to conduct business. I leave this show with five out of seven boats sold onsite and I expect many more orders to follow. We are the proof that this show is essential for all marine businesses in the global as well as regional market.” One of the deals to be signed after attending the show includes an order from the Government of Sudan for 45 boats worth AED 18.5 million.

Many new international exhibitors at the show confirmed it as one of the most impressive events on the international marine calendar. “I would without question put this event on a par with Monaco and it could certainly teach Fort Lauderdale a few lessons about putting on a truly international boat show,” said Howard Rogers, Director of Marketing at UMT Marine, a marine technology and innovation company based in Florida, which was making its debut this year. “We have visited boats shows all over the world for the last 15 years and Dubai has been an exceptional experience, particularly in spending time with some of the largest superyacht companies and the business that leads to. It is a superb trade generator for worldwide marine businesses.”

More than 425 breathtaking yachts and boats on water and dry land, and dedicated supplies and luxury services areas attracted a host of leading international exhibitors. Bangladesh, Belgium, Czech Republic, Monaco, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the Ukraine all joined the show’s growing list of global participants.

Mary-Anne Edwards, CEO, Australian International Marine Export Group, the globally recognised brand for the Australian marine industry, said: “Interest in the Australian Pavilion was high with all exhibitors either making sales or some excellent leads and contacts. In fact, it was felt the business done at the show was for some at least double previous years. The Dubai International Boat Show is a vital platform for the Australian exhibitors, it attracts businesses from all over the world, including those from key growth markets such as India and Russia, and the response they have received from this event is excellent on all business levels.”

The event attracted visitors and boating professionals from across the world, from enthusiasts to fanatics. “I have visited boat shows in Europe and the US, and Dubai is certainly one of the best for browsing as well as buying. The international brands ensure that everything is here from the huge superyachts to diving kits, and the whole ambience makes for an outstanding event,” said Sean Bayliss from the United States.

The prestige of the show was again highlighted with a record number of global premieres and regional launches. Eleven boats and other marine products were unveiled for the first time anywhere in the world and thirty were put on sale for the first time in the Middle East.

Chris Tanner, Director of Wave Craft, a marine performance company from Hampshire in the UK, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic show for us. We took part in the Southampton boat show last year and the Florida Boat Show just before we came to Dubai and sold around a third of our stock at each event. At the Dubai International Boat Show, we completely sold out and are still taking orders for more. To sell three times as many products as we did at two of the other most famous shows in the world is a testament to the success of the show and the target audience it attracts.”

The 19th edition of Dubai International Boat Show welcomed more members of the world’s most prestigious superyacht builders association (SYBAss) than ever before in its history. Eleven of the most illustrious names gathered together for the first time in Dubai. “The Dubai International Boat Show is a vital platform for some of the most impressive and best known superyacht builders and a natural choice for the highest calibre companies,” said Michael Breman, Sales Director, Lürssen Yachts, and President of SYBAss. “And this event is by far the best in the Middle East to both illustrate and increase Lürssen’s international success.”

MoneyExpo Dubai Announces The Support Of The Ministry Of Higher Education And Scientific Research For The Regions Largest Personal Finance And Investment Show, Due To Take Place At The Dubai World Trade Centre From 21-23 April 2011

"The United Arab Emirates is recognized as an important international financial services centre: the number of banks and financial services companies are growing at a fast pace, stock markets are thriving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; all levels of society show a strong commitment to providing world class financial services. MoneyExpo Dubai 2011 is a very important initiative that will help ensure that members of the general public acquire the information, knowledge and skills necessary for making sound investment decisions and for utilizing the financial services available to them."
– Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan

The event will be the first opportunity for the public to meet with their service providers in a neutral setting, benchmark products and services and gather market information for themselves. Covering a range of asset classes from insurance, mortgages and savings plans to trading and commodities – this event is designed to meet the public’s need for medium to long term investment opportunities. As Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan continued to explain "Information given to investors must be provided in ways that are easily understood by the general public. It is also important to strengthen investors’ abilities to use that information wisely. MoneyExpo Dubai 2011 will empower investors by providing access to accurate, reliable and easy to understand information, as well as the tools to use this information to make and monitor their own investments."

The educational emphasis on the exhibition is central. As marketing director Ranna Mokhtarzadeh has said, "I know that I always felt that passing through the UK school and university system there was nothing that I ever learnt about how to deal with money in the real world. Our aim for the 3 day event is to empower people with the tools to make the best decisions for their finances. There is a lot of misinformation out there and certainly a lot of fear given the state of the world economy. It is for this reason that we are bringing together some of the world’s leading wealth creation experts to share their strategies for creating wealth in these challenging times."

The speaker faculty will include Sharon Lechter, one of President Obama’s advisors on financial literacy and education and co-author of the international best-seller – Rich Dad Poor Dad which has sold over 27 million copies and been translated into over 50 languages. Other luminaries include Robert Allen, one of the best known financial advisors also from the US and author of two of the best-selling financial books in history and the world’s number one affiliate marketer – Ewen Chia, who is from Singapore.

The event also represents a unique marketing opportunity for the personal finance industry in the region. "The success of other such money shows elsewhere in Asia and the US is remarkable and we found an overwhelming need for something similar in this region." says Simon Eder. As he explains, "In our research with the public, they expressed a real reticence for some of the leading providers in the region. Over 30% of the people that we spoke to said that they were dissatisfied with the customer service of their bank for example. People also felt harassed by the continual bombardment with cold-calls in this region. Many expressed to us the need for an unbiased platform where people could sit down and learn about what had worked for others."

For more information, contact:

Ranna Mokhtarzadeh
Tel: +97150-1030560
Email: Rannasm@moneyexpodubai.com
Website: http://www.moneyexpodubai.com

SITL Dubai 2011 and Airport Show 2011 to Share Same Grounds

Reed Exhibitions Middle East, one of the leading organisers of trade and consumer exhibitions, today announced SITL Dubai 2011 and Airport Show 2011 will be held concurrently from 31 May – 2 June 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group, both exhibitions will complement each other and gather suppliers of equipment and services covering all areas of airport development and operations. It will also draw shippers, transport and logistics services providers at the same arena, offering a more comprehensive networking platform for the region’s industry.

The year 2011 will mark the 11th edition of the Airport Show, the only event in the region dedicated to airport construction, operations, technology and services. It will also witness the second edition of SITL Dubai, a unique business to business event that offers a complete access to all aspects supply chain management.

Mohamad Bader-Eddin, Show Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said: "The synergy between The Airport Show and SITL Dubai is the underlying factor that made us link the two shows to offer a highly integrated and complete logistics experience to the region.

"With the co-location of both events, we now aim to cover the internationally recognised means of transportation – sea, land and now air. The successful previous editions of Airport Show and SITL Dubai in addition to our continuous efforts to provide stakeholders with ample opportunities for business growth are in line with Reed Exhibitions’ strategic direction to cater to market requirements and uphold its reputation as a leading international exhibition and conference organiser."

Participants will also have the chance to meet with a greater number of decision-makers in the transport and logistics industry, airline, aviation and airport sectors, as well as regulatory bodies and government entities, and gain exposure to a larger and more diverse network of visitors and interested stakeholders.

Moreover, the co-location of the shows will allow the delivery of a broader conference and seminar programmes that will headline the two events. In particular, the Hosted Buyer programme will offer exhibitors an increased opportunity to meet with potential buyers.

The Airport Show is supported by leading aviation authorities and trade bodies including Dubai Airports, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Dubai Civil Aviation, German Airport Technology & Equipment (GATE), British Aviation Group, British Airport Services & Equipment Association, Danish Airport Group, UBIFRANCE (the French Agency for international business development), and Netherlands Airport Technology Group.

SITL Dubai enjoys similar endorsements by participants such as Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), DP World, National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL), International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Logistics City.

DSS Brings Another International Stage Show This Summer With ’Bob The Builder – The Sunflower Sailor’ Show In Al Ghurair City

Bob the Builder, the renowned children’s television character, will thrill children in an exciting show titled ‘The Sunflower Sailor’ at Al Ghurair City, a DSS 2009 key sponsor, on Thursday, July 23, 2009. The show is one among the many international children’s stage shows being organised during this edition of Dubai Summer Surprises.

As the building contractor specialising in masonry, Bob will appear with his colleague and business partner Wendy, and Spud, the mischievous scarecrow. The ‘Sunflower Sailor’ is based on a story where Wendy clears her garage and Bob helps her use some of the old materials to build a boat, an idea suggested by Spud. The three then set off on a sailing adventure.

Bob the Builder shows how a positive attitude, problem-solving, teamwork and follow-through are the necessary tools to complete every job and he has become a role model for children to build on. The ‘Sunflower Sailor’ will be a twenty-minute musical show with spectacular stage settings.

Show timings are 6:00pm and 8:00pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 5:30pm, 7:30pm, and 9:30pm (Thursday and Friday). There will be no shows on Tuesday.
 

Sesame Street Back In Dubai With The ’1-2-3- Imagine With Elmo’ Show

Sesame Street fans in Dubai can look forward to an exciting show featuring characters from the all-time children’s favourite television series when the ‘1-2-3-Imagine with Elmo’ show takes to the stage at BurJuman, a key sponsor of DSS 2009, on Tuesday, July 22. With shows six days a week, children and families can head to BurJuman till August 4th to catch a glimpse of their favorite Sesame Street characters as part of events organized by Dubai Summer Surprises.

‘1-2-3-Imagine with Elmo’ features Elmo, everybody’s favorite furry red monster, along with Cookie Monster who is emotionally, physically, and spiritually attached to cookies; Bert – analytical, responsible, and the best friend of Ernie; the always helpful Grover; Ernie – the free spirited trickster; and Zoe – Elmo’s younger, jewellery-loving best friend.

“Sesame Street has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world and the mall is delighted to be playing host to this group of colorful, lovable characters and this world-class show. Complemented by unrivalled shopping offers and designer discounts, ‘1-2-3 Imagine with Elmo’ makes the BurJuman experience that much more special as it transports audiences into a wonderful world of fun, laughter and adventure,” said Sabina Khandwani, head of PR and marketing, BurJuman.

‘1-2-3-Imagine with Elmo’ is a dynamic 30-minute show full of entertaining music and exciting choreography. The content is educational as well as fun and features sing-alongs, dancing and many elements of audience participation. Apart from an exciting stage show, children also have the opportunity to meet and greet the characters and take photographs with them.

‘1-2-3-Imagine with Elmo’ is free for all and show timings are 6:30pm and 08:00pm (Mondays), 5:00pm, 6:30pm, and 8:00pm (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), 6:30pm, 8:00pm, and 9:30pm (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays). There will be no shows on Sundays.

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.

Emirates NBD Organises A Staff Art Show

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and its commitment to promoting art, culture and heritage, Emirates NBD, the largest banking group in the Middle East in terms of assets has recently started the first Staff Art Show. The works of art will be on display at the main Emirates NBD branch until the 22nd of July, before being moved to various other branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A select few will also be displayed in the Pearl Museum, which could be an aspiring artist’s gateway into the world of art.

The opening of the art show, comprising 43 paintings and photographs submitted entirely by the bank staff, was attended by members of the Senior Management of the Bank, as well as the artists, well-wishers, family and friends.

The Art Show received an overwhelming response from the bank employees, with over 180 submissions. The experts taking a call on the best entries were from the prestigious American University of Sharjah, with the design professor Philip Sheil as the painting curator for the event and Tarek Al Ghossein, the photography professor, judging the photography entries.
 

Children Throng Dubai Mall To Catch A Glimpse Of Hello Kitty’s Jungle Party Show

Hello Kitty, the character loved by children all over the world, and her adorable friends are entertaining hundreds of children everyday in Dubai Mall as part of events during the ongoing DSS. Dubai Mall, a key sponsor of DSS 2009, will host the show till July 22nd.

With three shows on Thursdays and Fridays (5:30pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm) and two shows from Saturday to Wednesday (6:15pm and 8:10pm), the exciting show is open to all Dubai Mall visitors for free. There are no shows on Tuesdays.

Staged for the first time in the Middle East during DSS 2007, fans can watch Hello kitty and her friends put on a magical musical show again this year with a spectacular combination of stage settings, light effects, and music to go with. The show cast includes Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, My Melody, Minna No Tabo, and Bad Badtz Maru.

The Hello Kitty’s Jungle Party features Hello Kitty and her friends through a 25-minute performance composed of dances and stories. Trees and greenery add to a spectacular backdrop with characters wearing safari costumes to fit the whole idea of being in forests.