Ministry Of Economy Launches First Stage Of Electronic Registration For Commercial Agencies

The Ministry of Economy launched the first phase of registering the commercial agencies electronically in line with its strategies and programmes aimed at enhancing services, facilitating processes and enhancing the customer experience by saving time and effort.

His Excellency Sultan Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy said: “This initiative is part of the Ministry’s efforts to further strengthen the business environment of the country, and enhance its competitiveness on a global scale. The electronic registration of the commercial agencies will also enhance the competitiveness of the various sectors, and create a more robust environment for foreign investments by drawing on the efficiencies ensured through the incorporation of modern technology.”

He said that Ministry is working hard under the directives of UAE leadership and government, to enhance and improve the services provided to the public. The number of registered commercial agencies in the UAE has increased from 4,378 in 2010 compared with 4,198 in 2009, highlighting the growth of the economy. Of these 2,668 were in Abu Dhabi, 1,516 in Dubai and 194 in Sharjah and other Northern Emirates. The number of commercial agencies registered in 2010 was "462" (324 in Abu Dhabi, 111 in Dubai and 27 in Sharjah and other Northern Emirates).

"Many international companies have established operations in the UAE leveraging the attractive investment environment the country offers. Customers prefer to interact with the commercial agency directly, especially for the advantage of swifter and efficient after sales services," said Al Mansoori.

He added that the Ministry is committed to enhancing public awareness on the excellence culture among all the departments, and is using the latest technologies to drive this objective.

His Excellency Humaid Bin Butti Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Commercial Affairs in the Ministry said: “The Ministry strives to implement its strategies effectively and efficiently for the benefit of the public. The commercial Affairs Department plays an active role in proposing policies, and in designing, implementing and monitoring procedures related to commercial issues including the registration of commercial agencies".

He added: "The first phase of registration includes a new monthly consignment that aims at assisting customers in providing them with better services. This service also enables the Ministry to archive as much data as possible electronically in line with our efforts to shift completely to being an e-services provider.”

Al Muhairi said that the second phase will include all services such as renewals and modification.
 

Pioneering British Council Gulf Stage Project Creates First Global Online Audience for Arabic Theatre

DUBAI, UAE, January 31, 2011/PRNewswire/ — An innovative collaboration spearheaded by the British Council breaks new ground today by bringing Arabic performances to a global audience online and for free with the launch of http://www.digitaltheatre.com/gulfstage

Gulf Stage provides young people who might never have attended a live performance, but regularly use digital media, the opportunity to experience the magic of theatre – taking theatre to them online. It provides Arabic theatre groups the opportunity to present productions before an international audience and to preserve their work, for the first time, for future generations.

The project is a pioneering collaboration between the British Council, the UK’s leading cultural relations organisation; Youth Department – Qatar Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage (MOCAH); Cultural Development Centre member of Qatar Foundation; and Digital Theatre. Digital Theatre is a new UK company which specialises in capturing quality performances authentically onscreen.

Digital Theatre worked with the British Council and its local partners to film and digitise theatre productions by companies from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE during the Gulf Co-operation Countries (GCC) Youth Theatre Festival in October 2010. The six productions, which are subtitled into English, are now available for viewing online free of charge though Digital Theatre’s website. By using cutting-edge techniques in digital film-making Gulf Stage overcomes geographical barriers and provides strong cultural learning opportunities for theatre producers in both parts of the world.

Brendan Griggs, Head of Drama and Dance at the British Council commented:

’This exciting project highlights how the British Council is responding to the changing landscape of the performing arts. Projects like Gulf Stage illustrate the innovative lead which the UK has taken in the digital arts field. Cultural content generated by Gulf Stage can now be shared, developed and distributed between partners, artists and audiences on different social media platforms, opening up rich cultural conversations on a global level.’

Gulf Stage reflects a rising trend amongst theatre companies and venues to embrace the digital revolution. This is the first time that Digital Theatre – who work with the UK’s leading theatre companies – has worked outside of the UK to record theatrical productions.

Robert Delamere and Tom Shaw of Digital Theatre said:

’Gulf Stage was an incredible opportunity for us to bring theatre from different cultures to an international audience via digitaltheatre.com. Being able to showcase the best of British theatre online was the starting principle behind Digital Theatre. Now, working with the British Council on this project is a very exciting addition to our work and a significant step towards making Digital Theatre a truly global website.’

Mr Khalid al Mulla, Head of Youth Department at the Qatar Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage said:

’Gulf Stage captures the emotion and spirit of live contemporary theatre for the first time in the Middle East, in a way that draws the audience into its performances.’

Hafiz Ali Abdulla, Arts Programme Manager at the Cultural Development Centre, Qatar Foundation added:

’The presence of Gulf Stage for the first time in Qatar and the Gulf Co-operation Council are very beneficial and helpful to the youth, as it brings them closer through using the latest technology in the field of arts. Such innovation support and develop the cultural movement.’

Gulf Stage started with a study visit to the UK organised by the British Council for its Qatari partners in May 2010 to meet UK theatre companies. Seventeen aspiring Qatari film and theatre professionals were then trained by Digital Theatre in digital film techniques during a British Council workshop that accompanied the GCC Youth Theatre Festival. Recordings of some of the Gulf Stage productions received a gala screening in Doha last December, during the final month of the prestigious Doha, Arab Capital of Culture programme 2010. They were showcased alongside an existing film of a high profile UK theatre production recorded by Digital Theatre. Further public performances together with workshops are planned to be held in other GCC countries over the coming year.

Gulf Stage has been brought to the Middle East under the British Council’s New Work New Audiences global arts programme. This year in the Middle East New Work New Audiences activities cover music, dance, theatre, the visual arts, architecture and literature. For more information visit http://www.britishcouncil.org/me

 

Stunning Hairdos Take Center Stage With Franck Provost During Dubai Fashion Week 2010

Franck Provost, the leading global chain of salons in luxury hair styling, will up the oomph on the ramp during Dubai Fashion Week 2010. As the official hair styling sponsors of the most eminent fashion event of the year, Franck Provost is styling to enhance the look of every model strutting the ramp.

Franck Provost is exclusively represented in the region by the Time Machine Group, one of the leading retail Groups in the region.

Speaking on the association with DFW 2010, Mr. Prakash J. Bhojovani, President, Time Machine Group, said: “The fashion week has grown to become an essential part of the glamorous fashion industry in Dubai. The city has an intense fashion fervor and love for elegance, drawing this vibe into the fashion week. We are happy to be associated with an event of this caliber and add our touch of French perfection to it.”

“Some of the most celebrated names in fashion are being seen here at Dubai Fashion Week. Each collection being presented is extremely trendy and different. Every designer has his own distinguished style which should reflect in the overall look. The aim is to enhance the look of the models and boost the glamour factor on the ramp, while blending perfectly with the look the designer has in mind,” he added.

Franck Provost will style and shape the hair of the models for all the fashion shows taking place this year at the fashion week. As the most modern brand in luxury styling, Franck Provost promises to fuse into the designer’s collections, creating various looks that are teeming sex appeal.
About Franck Provost

Franck Provost – A fashionable luxury salon designed to offer brilliance in hairstyling and beauty solutions. With 600 Salons all over the world, Frank Provost has branches and franchises in Paris, the Parisian region and major cities in France and abroad. The modern and elegant setting has been adapted to the technical and aesthetic needs of today’s women, making the salons truly welcoming. In the UAE, Frank Provost is located at the Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates, Park Hyatt Dubai, Palm Strip Mall and Dubai Mall.

About Time Machine Group
Devoted to the world of luxury life style Time Machine Group stands for optimum performance and enduring quality. As a holding company, the Group is involved in various sectors of trade and commerce. It identifies potential business opportunities and nurtures them into successful and recognized business entities.

Armed with a thorough knowledge of its local region, Time Machine Group has maintained a remarkable reputation in the corporate world. This has allowed the Group to give birth to numerous independent businesses, operating successfully in the region.
 

Stage Set For Arab And Iranian Pop Stars To Perform During ’Eid In Dubai’

The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment is bringing some of the best known Arab and Iranian singers in a three-day spectacular concert as part of Eid in Dubai . A total of eight Arab singers and six Iranian pop stars will take the stage to thrill music lovers during Eid.

In a two-day concert at the Madinat Arena on September 10 and September 11, Eid in Dubai brings six Arab pop sensations to the stage. Fadel Shaker, Elissa, Abadi Johar, Hussein Al Jasmi, Mona Amrsha, and Ruwaida Attiya are lined-up to entertain audiences in a spectacular performance this Eid. While Abadi Johar, Mona Amrsha, and Hussein Al Jasmi perform on September 10, Fadel Shaker, Elissa, and Ruwaida Attiya will take the stage on September 11. Saudi singer Abadi Johar is performing in UAE after a gap of almost 14 years.

Ticket prices are AED 1200 (VIP), AED 1000 (Platinum), AED 700 (Gold), AED 500 (Silver), all including dinner, and AED 300 (Balcony). Tickets are available at Virgin MEGASTORE, Spinneys, TimeOut Tickets, and Box Office Middle East on 04-3676520.

Additionally, renowned Arab singers Fares Karam and Shaza Hasson will perform in a mega concert from 9:30pm onwards on September 12th at Al Bustan Rotana. Tickets are priced at AED 600, AED 800, and AED 1200. Tickets are available at Al Bustan Rotana and through Box Office Middle East on 04-3676520.

The Dubai World Trade Centre is the venue for a scintillating Iranian concert on September 10th featuring Iranian pop-stars Andy, Afshin, Sepideh, and Erfan. VIP tickets are priced at AED 500 and regular seats at AED 365. The following day on September 11, Iranian artists Benyamin and Ali Ashabi take the stage for yet another concert. Tickets are priced at AED 499 for VIP and AED 299 for regular seats. Tickets are available at Virgin MEGASTORE and at the venue.
 

Kids Olympic Games Begins July 25 As Stage Set For Battle Of Toddlers

Toddlers, children, and their parents are all set to star in a week of fun contests as the Kids Olympic Games begins on Sunday, July 25 at Mirdif City Centre ­ a member of MAF Properties that is a key sponsor of Dubai Summer Surprises 2010. Featuring toddlers as young as eight months and children up to twelve years, the competition is a signature event of Dubai Summer Surprises.

Into its eight consecutive year, Kids Olympic Games is the only such event for children to participate in exciting games and win spectacular prizes. Spread across two locations of Mirdif City Centre, the event features three arenas in the Central Galleria and four additional zones at Playnation.

Contests at zone 1 and zone 2 feature Baby Crawling, Basketball Race, Tricycle Race, One-Legged Race, Baby Walker, Baby Marathon, Toy Retrieving Race, Balloon Race, Bulls Eye, Spoon Race, Stacking Race, Birdie Feather Race, Frog Race, Flipper Race, Sack Race, and Bounce Ball Race. On-site registrations are still open for contests such as Baby Crawling, Baby Walker, Baby Marathon, and Toy Retrieving Race.

Additionally, zone 3 at the Central Galleria will host a table tennis contest. Open to children between the ages of eight and twelve, participants have to compete against themselves to achieve the maximum number of wall bounces in a minute.

Zone 4 at the Cite’ des Enfant, Playnation, will host a cube puzzle contest for children between three and seven years. Zone 5 at the Yalla! Bowling sees a bowling competition for children between seven and twelve years while zone 6 at the Soccer Circus Dubai will host a contest at the Training Academy. Zone 7 will host a contest for dance enthusiasts at Magic Planet for children between seven and twelve years. All these contests will take place daily throughout the week.

For more information on contest details, rules, and timings, log on to www.mydsf.ae or call Ahlan Dubai on +971 600 54 5555.

Chinese Cuisine Takes Centre Stage At This Year’s Singapore Food Festival

Chinese cuisine will be the focus of this year’s Singapore Food Festival – a 10 day gastronomic journey into the culinary delights of Singapore’s varied cuisine, taking place between July 16 and 25.

The original Chinese flavours that have pervaded Singapore for over a century were coloured largely by the early Chinese immigrants. They came, mingled and adapted the multi-culinary concepts of other migrants from India, South East Asia, the Middle East and even the West. This combined with the comfort food flavour from home and gave rise to a distinct and iconic Singapore taste, which came from a sophisticated blend of heady flavours through the years.

The distinctive flavours Singapore’s Chinese dialect groups will take centre stage at the 16th Singapore Food Festival, where signature dishes will be showcased at a raft of food venues across the island nation, from simple street stalls to high-end restaurants.

Underscoring Singapore’s reputation as a gourmand’s paradise, two restaurants located in the island nation were recognised in S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2010 list. Furthermore, new restaurants by Michelin starred chefs have recently opened in Singapore’s two new multi-billion dollar Integrated Resorts.

“Each year the Singapore Food Festival celebrates a cuisine from one of Singapore’s diverse ethnic groups – this year’s festival will focus on the flavours of five Chinese dialects. This is the first time that the Singapore Food Festival will focus on specialty dishes of Singapore’s main Chinese dialect groups. Far from being a homogenous cuisine, Chinese food is very varied and can differ greatly from region to region in China. With the evolution of the Chinese diaspora in Singapore, Chinese food in Singapore has also evolved in tandem to reflect our distinct culture and heritage,” said Jason Ong, Area Director for Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), who elaborated that the local version of Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the best examples of a dish that has taken on a distinctly local flavour.

“Showcasing these dishes at Singapore Food Festival 2010, and allowing locals and visitors to experience these dishes, is our way of honouring Singapore’s culture and heritage through food. In addition, ethnic Malay and Indian dishes will be featured by participating establishments island-wide, allowing everyone to enjoy the ethnic cuisines of Singapore,” Ong added.

STB is anticipating a record breaking number of visitors will attend this year’s food festival, which drew 350,000 tourists from across the word in 2009.

Dubai-based Singaporean Chef, Mohammad Kunhi, who is Executive Chef at the Capital Club, and a proud ambassador of Singaporean cuisine added: “With its rich flavours and multi-ethnic heritage, Singaporean food has gained interest amongst our cosmopolitan Middle Eastern guests. Singaporean cuisine reflects the ethnic diversity of our garden city, blending Malaysian, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Western flavours to create a unique cuisine.”

The Singapore Food Festival 2010 runs from July 16 – 25. For more information on this year’s line-up of events, please visit www.singaporefoodfestival.com
 

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.
 

National Archery Team Showcases Archery Skills At The Play And Compete Interactive Stage In Modhesh World

A traditional sport is back in the limelight at the Play and Compete Interactive Stage in Modhesh World. Archery, a sport that has been part of Arabic tradition for centuries, was showcased recently by none other than the National Archery Team that has won numerous medals.

With the continuous efforts of the Dubai Sports Council and Coach Ahmed Al Ghanem over a period of six years, the National Team has finally made its foothold in the international competing scene.

Working towards their aim of making sports a way of life in every individual’s life, Dubai Sports Council hosted the National Archery Team. This sport also met another important goal that Dubai Sports Council is promoting – UAE’s place in individual games at the international level.

Saleem Al Saidi, School Sports Coordinator for Dubai Sports Council said, “Archery, though a favorite traditional sport of the nation, has been forgotten in recent times. However, the last six years have witnessed a return of the sport due to the efforts of our coach Ahmed Al Ghanem and the hard working individuals who make up the team. I am glad it has grabbed the international limelight it deserves.”

“The involvement of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority reflects the need to imbibe sports as a way of life from childhood. It is essential that different government departments come together for the overall improvement of the community. Modhesh World is a commendable effort as it provides a platform for synergized efforts from various departments. We look forward to collaborate closely with KHDA and Modhesh World in the years to come,” he continued.

“A healthy mind is the result of a healthy body. Sports help to de-stress and makes the mind more focused and alert. For the overall development of a child, physical fitness is also important along with scholastic education. As an authority governing schools, we will work closely with Dubai Sports Council to make sports more approachable to children,” said Noora Al Matawa, Manager Extra Curricular and Special Needs, KHDA.

Rasheed Mohammed Saeed, Salem Saeed Mohammed, and Mohammed Khamis Ahmed performed at the stage. They constitute the team that brought home the silver team medal in the Arabian Competition in Saudi Arabia this February. Each of them has won at least two medals to contribute towards the team’s silver.

Modhesh World doors open at 10.00am – 10:00pm from Saturdays to Wednesdays, from 10:00am – 12midnight on Thursdays, 3:00pm – 12midnight on Fridays. Tickets to the venue are priced at AED 10 – adults and 15 for kids with numerous free games and rides.

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.