Emaar Retail Renews Partnership With Standard Chartered Bank To Strengthen Customer Engagement

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Drawing on the success of attracting over 47 million eyeballs – equivalent to the number of visitors to The Dubai Mall in 2010 – Emaar Retail LLC, the provider of premium leisure and retail experiences in the region, has renewed its strategic partnership with Standard Chartered Bank to continue offering the benefit of value-added branding platforms and strategic customer engagement opportunities.

Standard Chartered will benefit from several brand building and marketing opportunities across Emaar Retail’s popular leisure attractions in Dubai as well as the leading leisure assets of Emaar in Dubai – the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and The Address Montgomerie Dubai.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail LLC, said: “A successful marketing partnership is marked by the sustained benefits that it brings to the stakeholders. Emaar Retail offers creative, unprecedented and highly effective marketing platforms that have benefited our partners, several of them global brand leaders such as Standard Chartered Bank. We are raising the bar in marketing and customer outreach by offering a diverse breadth of choices – all guaranteed to connect with the desired target group.”

Pramod Veturi, Acting Head of Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered Bank UAE, said: “We are pleased to renew our association with Emaar Retail, which in the past year has been successful in achieving our marketing goals. Standard Chartered is focused on becoming a truly customer-centric Bank, and Emaar Retail’s leisure assets complement our strategic marketing activities.”

With this partnership, Standard Chartered, which is the exclusive Bank partner at the Dubai Ice Rink, will offer several customer initiatives at Dubai Ice Rink and Reel Cinemas, both popular attractions managed by Emaar Retail in The Dubai Mall. The bank’s brand promise, ‘Here for Good’ is also being displayed on the Middle East’s largest indoor advertising board, measuring 64 m x 20 m on the wall at Dubai Ice Rink.

From Fridays to Tuesdays, 10am to 12pm, the Bank’s customers can benefit from a special ‘Happy Hours’ at Dubai Ice Rink. For every skating session, they will get one session free. They also get discounts of up to 25% for the Learn to Skate programme that offers five tutorial sessions and five skating classes.

Standard Chartered Premium cardholders will receive 50% discount on Ice Rink tickets while regular cardholders get 25% off. Priority Banking members will also have privileged access to polo matches by invitation at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and value added benefits at The Address Montgomerie Dubai. In addition, the Bank will have an exclusive Platinum Suite Hall Adoption at Reel Cinemas.

Emaar Retail LLC manages a strong portfolio of exclusive leisure and retail concepts including Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo featuring the Guinness World Record for the largest acrylic viewing panel and featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals; the Olympic sized Dubai Ice Rink; the unique children’s’ edutainment centre KidZania®; Reel Cinemas, the UAE largest megaplex with 22-screens; and SEGA Republic, the region’s first and largest SEGA indoor theme park – all in The Dubai Mall. Reel Cinemas has also introduced the first ‘premier’ boutique 6-screen Cineplex at Dubai Marina Mall.

Standard Chartered Offers More Value On Home Loans

Standard Chartered announced today the launch of its latest value-added promotion on Home Loans, offering loan amounts of up to AED 18 million at a loan-to-value ratio of as much as 80 per cent, up to 30 years loan repayment tenure and a special interest rate of 4.99 per cent per annum fixed for the first 12 months. The Standard Chartered Base Lending Rate (SCBLR) plus the Prescribed Rate will be applied thereafter. The promotion will be offered under Standard Chartered Bank’s Home Suite Bundle Account and will be available until the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan 2011. The offer is also applicable for standard Mortgage and is available under Shariah-compliant terms through Saadiq, Standard Chartered’s Islamic Banking arm.

Aside from the competitive rate and flexible tenures, the package also comes with a free credit card that holders can use to earn flight tickets on any airline. Home Suite customers may also avail of personal loans of up to AED 250,000. In addition, customers may be provided with a priority banking account with no required minimum balance, a dedicated relationship manager, special fee discounts on routine banking transactions, and free high-cash withdrawal limits with the Standard Chartered Platinum Debit Card.

Commenting on the new Promotion, Syed Hammad Haidar, General Manager – Retail Products and New Business, Standard Chartered UAE, said:

“This offer coincides with the Holy month of Ramadan, which is an ideal period for us to fulfill the desire of those planning to own their dream home. Our offer is one of the most competitive and value-added housing loan offerings in the UAE and reflects our customer focus strategy that aims to offer our customers products and promotions designed to meet their specific needs.”

The Ramadan 2011 Home Suite offer continues a series of value-added deals that Standard Chartered Bank has been introducing to further strengthen its presence in the UAE. The bank recently offered a similarly competitive package for residents of Arabian Ranches.

Standard Chartered Offers Value Added Benefits To Arabian Ranches Residents

Standard Chartered Bank has recently announced its latest value deal which offers dining vouchers ranging from AED 500 to AED 3,000 depending on their total relationship amount, to residents of Arabian Ranches who open a Priority Banking account or an SME Banking account. The vouchers are redeemable at premium dining establishments across Dubai. The offer is valid till July 20, 2011. This offer comes in addition to the recently launched low-interest home loans offered through its Home Suite Bundle Account.

Standard Chartered’s Home Suite Bundle Account is ideal for customers who are seeking to transfer their existing home finance or purchase a new home. The special Home Suite Bundle Account promotion for Arabian Ranches residents is valid until June 30, 2011. Home loan package offers a minimal interest rate of 5.49 per cent per annum for loan amounts of up to AED 18 million and tenor of up to 30 years.

Also, in line with its ongoing efforts to build stronger relations with customers, Standard Chartered recently sponsored a Dinner for residents of Arabian Ranches at the Golf Academy Lawns of the Arabian Ranches Golf Club. The get-together featured several fun-filled activities and exciting giveaways for each participating family.

Visually Impaired Goodwill Ambassador To Compete At The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

Standard Chartered announced today the participation of visually impaired Henry Wanyoike, world record holder of the 5,000 and 10,000 meters events at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympics, in the 10K road race with his long-time running partner Joseph Kibunja this Friday (21st of January) at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2011. The duo are also participating as Goodwill Ambassadors for for ‘Seeing is Believing’ – Standard Chartered Bank’s global community programme aimed at helping 20 million people around 20 global cities to avoid preventable blindness.

Running while connected to Joseph by a tether on the wrist, Henry is completely dependent on Joseph to help him identify possible obstacles and challenges along the route without breaking stride.

Commenting on the participation of inspirational figures, Jeremy Parrish, CEO Standard Chartered UAE said:

“Henry and Joseph’s participation at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is a celebration of partnership that demonstrates courage and trust. Their efforts truly embody the Bank’s values and support our aim to combat preventable blindness across developing markets. I would like to take this opportunity to wish them good luck at the race and hope their participation and visits will inspire UAE youth.”

In addition, as part of their inspirational tour, Henry and Joseph will be visiting schools in Dubai, and share running tips with their students. The duo will be accompanied by 62 year old Stuart Horsewood, a Standard Chartered Director who will be running his 103rd marathon and will hold motivational sessions where Henry will share his story of overcoming adversities while Joseph highlights how partnership is key to achieving the impossible dream.

Henry Wanyoike said, “Armed with courage and determination, we have been participating at most of the Standard Chartered Marathons globally since 2003 and we are really excited about the upcoming Dubai Marathon. We will continue our efforts to raise awareness about avoidable blindness and the ‘Seeing is Believing’ programme and are committed to share our story to inspire generations around the world.”

This year the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is expecting registrations to surpass 14,000 participants. In addition to the full Marathon which is 42.195 meters long, there will be two additional categories which are the 3Km Fun Run and the 10 Km Road Race.
 

Runners From Around The World Make Tracks For Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

With just days to go until the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, runners from around the world are making tracks for the Middle East’s biggest mass participation running event with more than 100 nationalities set to hit the start line on Friday (Jan 21).

Last year, more than 11,000 runners representing 121 nationalities took part in the three races – the marathon, the 10km and the 3km Fun Run. And with some 14,000 competitors expected in 2011, record numbers are expected when the marathon gets underway outside the American University at 7am.

As well as runners from the UAE’s cosmopolitan community and the elite field of athletes from the traditional hotbeds of Kenya and Ethiopia, dedicated tour parties of runners from as far afield as Japan and Germany are packing their running shoes for the $1 million event.

“Marathon tourism is a growing business with many people planning their holiday time around the world’s biggest running events,” said event director Peter Connerton. “We are delighted that the Dubai Marathon is now a key date on the international running calendar – having runners sign up from all corners of the world is positive promotion for the city as well as for the marathon.”

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and with the support of the Dubai Sports Council, the 2011 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon’s prize money is the richest in the world.

But while there will be record pay days of $250,000 for the winners of both the men and women’s marathons, there are also big prizes to be won in the other categories. In the 10km event, the winners of both the men and women’s race will collect a cheque for AED4,000, while the winners in the Marathon Wheelchair category will take home AED10,000.

In addition, Dubai Holding is supporting the efforts of UAE nationals by providing first prizes of AED10,000 for the leading UAE nationals (men and women) in the marathon as well as in the Marathon Wheelchair category.

Leading the 50-strong group of Japanese athletes will be former world championship bronze medalist Masako Chiba, the Dubai Marathon Japanese Ambassador, who will compete in the 10km.

The 34 year-old from Uji, Kyoto won the 10,000m bronze medal at the 1997 World Championships in Athens (31m:41.93s) and also took third place on the podium in the marathon at the 2003 World Championships in Paris.

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is also supported by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, \\\”Official Outfitter\\\” adidas, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Khaleej Times, TNT, Gatorade, Aquafina, Fitness First, Men’s Fitness, Plan B and by government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the Dubai Ambulance Services.
 

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Applauds Role Of Inspirational Dubai Sports Council

With the largest field of competitors in the Middle East, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon may be the biggest running event in the region but none of it would be possible without the support of the Dubai Sports Council, according to race officials.

More than 12,000 runners will take to the streets of the emirate for the 2011 staging of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on January 21. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the event is staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council.

“The support we receive from the Dubai Sports Council is crucial to the success of the Dubai Marathon,” said event director Peter Connerton.

“Under the guidance of the president HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and the vice president HE Mattar Al Tayer, the Dubai Sports Council has supported the work of the Dubai Marathon and helped take us to even greater heights.

“They have been inspirational in helping us make the race the richest marathon in the world and one that has attracted racing legends such as Haile Gebrselassie and the stars of tomorrow in the shape of Eliud Kiptanui and Chicago Marathon winner Evans Cheruiyot.”

With $250,000 on offer to the winners of both the men and women’s marathon, the event remains the richest in the world with a $1 million total prize fund that is still greater than those offered by the marathon majors in London, Boston, New York and Berlin.

Yet despite the big rewards on offer to the winners, the event is one of the few world-class sporting occasions in the region where hardy amateurs of all ages, nationalities and levels can compete shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest names in world distance running.

“The runners who come along and aim for a personal best in the 10km or who simply jog along in the 3km Fun Run are just as important to us and the Dubai Sports Council as the elites from around the world,” said event general co-ordinator Ahmed Al Kamali.

“The Dubai Sports Council is committed to developing and improving sports in Dubai, creating a comprehensive sports environment that meets the requirements of the society and paving the way for youth to cultivate their sporting and cultural talents and aptitudes in a way that leads them to achieving national, regional, and international tangible results. We are proud that they believe the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon meets their high standards.”

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is also supported by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, "Official Outfitter" adidas, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Khaleej Times, TNT, Gatorade, Aquafina, Fitness First, Men’s Fitness, Plan B and by government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the Dubai Ambulance Services.
 

Government Bodies Come Together For Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

While thousands are running through the streets of the emirate at this weekend’s Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, behind the scenes a number of Dubai Government departments will be working side-by-side to make sure the $1 million race goes without incident for the people of the city.

Around 300 policemen and women from Dubai Police’s Protection and Security, CID and Traffic departments will be on the streets to give the event protective cover when more than 14,000 men, women and children compete in the marathon, the 10km and the 3km Fun Run on Friday (January 21).

Joining Dubai Police will be representatives of Dubai Ambulance Service, the RTA, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Health Authority who will work hand-in-hand for what is the biggest mass participation sporting event in the Middle East.

“The support we receive from the Government of Dubai is vital to the success of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon,” said event director Peter Connerton.

“Before the event, they give a great deal of their time to check out the route with the race officials to ensure that everyone taking part will have a safe and memorable day, while on the day itself they are a key part of our logistics. We thank every department for their magnificent support in making the event one of the key sporting and social occasions in Dubai.”

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council and is one of the city’s first major sporting occasions of 2011.

From the initial measuring of the route right through to the closure of the roads and providing on-course support for the runners, the Dubai Government departments maintain a close relationship with the event, while ensuring as little disruption as possible for the residents living along the route.

“The police do a great job but they are also helped by the people of Dubai who are very co-operative from start to finish,” said event co-ordinator Ahmed Al Kamali. “Once again we ask that they come out on the course on Friday and give the runners the support they deserve.”

While UAE-based runners are putting in their final days of training in preparation for the big event, elite runners from around the world have arrived in the city and checked into the official hotel The Address Dubai Marina. The world’s best distance runners will have their sights set on the biggest first prizes in world marathon running with $250,000 on offer to the winner of both the men and women’s marathon.

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is also supported by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, \\\”Official Outfitter\\\” adidas, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Khaleej Times, TNT, Gatorade, Aquafina, Fitness First, Men’s Fitness, Plan B and by government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the Dubai Ambulance Services.
 

London 2012 Prospect Targets Wheelchair Title At Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

London 2012 Paralympic Games hopeful Rob Smith will be looking to add another international crown to an impressive list of titles that includes wins in both London and Berlin when he makes his debut in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon next week.

The current British 5,000m and 10,000m record holder, Smith will fly in to the emirate for the wheelchair category of the event on January 21 hoping for the biggest payday of his career and a timely boost as he sets his sights on the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

“My target for 2011 is to break at least three more British records and to defend my titles at both the London and Berlin Marathons,” said Smith from his home in Leamington Spa in England. “My marathon best is 2h:18m in the T52 Class in Berlin in 2009. I won the same class again in Berlin last year but was slower – 2h:31m – because of rain.

“Due to the flat course in Dubai and the prospect of good weather, I am hopeful of a personal best, providing the heat doesn’t take too much out of me as I will be coming from the cold weather conditions in the UK.”

The flat course and benign conditions should suit Smith who trains 5-6 days a week with often double sessions including push then weights or a gym session and a swim. “I have training sessions with UK Athletics invite-only camps in Leeds and on the track at Warwick University with Great Britain Athletics Coach Peter Erickson,” he added. “I’m working hard and determined to make it to London 2012 where I believe I will be a real prospect.”

Unlike better-known wheelchair athletes such as David Weir and Tanni Grey-Thompson for racers with a more severe injury that affects arms and hands as well as lower body. In the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, however, there is only one wheelchair category and Smith will have his eye on the Dh10,000 first prize.

“I currently manage to pay for my racing from my own money with help from my wife who is a primary school teacher and from small donations from friends and family,” said Smith.

“There’s normally not much prize money for these events – I think last year my total prize money winnings were about £700 (Dh4,000) and some vouchers for, Smith competes in London and Berlin in the T52 Class, a category sport clothing. Winning in Dubai would be my biggest payday – I have a pressing expense to buy a new custom-built track chair and wheels, which totals £4,120 (Dh 23,500), as I need to get some good times to have the chance of being selected for London 2012.”

Smith will join over 12,000 athletes for the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, whish is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council.

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is also supported by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, \\\”Official Outfitter\\\” adidas, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Khaleej Times, TNT, Gatorade, Aquafina, Fitness First, Men’s Fitness, Plan B and by government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the Dubai Ambulance Services.
 

Barmasai Wins Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

Despite a mid-race burst by pre-race favourite Eliud Kiptanui, it was Kenyan David Baramasai who stunned a red-hot field to win the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.

The 23 year-old remains undefeated at the classic distance having crossed the line in 2h:07m:18s to land a cheque for $250,000 – the biggest in distance running – by just under a minute from runner-up and fellow Kenyan Evans Cheruiyot (2:08:17). Third home for the second year running in 2:08:54 was Ethiopian Eshetu Wendimu with Kiptanui pulling out in the latter stages.

In the women’s marathon, Ethiopian Asselefech Medessa gave herself an early birthday present of a cool $250,000 by winning in a time of 2h:22m:45s, just three seconds outside of the course record. Medessa, who turns 26 tomorrow (Sunday), won by 16 seconds from Lydia Cheromei of Kenya (2:23:01) with Sweden’s Isabella Anderson in third (2:23:41).

“It was a big surprise for me as I was really just trying to finish in the top ten,” said Baramsai, who collected his trophy from HH Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. “Once the last pacemaker had gone it was tough and I had the wind in my face but I just kept pushing on from the 35km point.”

The first Kenyan to win the world’s richest race since 2007, Baramasai won his first marathon in Kass in 2009 and followed that up with a second victory in Nairobi a year later. His Dubai win, however, sliced a huge three minutes of his personal best and seems set to take him to the next level.

Medessa, who finished third in last year’s London Marathon, may have run just outside her personal best but she insists she is on course for even greater things, including breaking into the exclusive sub 2:20 club.

“I’ve had pains in my legs for a while and it’s thanks to my manager that I have been able to get over the injury,” she said. “”I’m still not 100 per cent and I think when I am completely free of injury I can be faster than 2:20 on this course.”

Asked when she thought she knew she would win, Medessa said she was never sure of victory until the last minute. “Probably at the 41km mark,” she smiled. “I was fighting all the way with Lydia (Cheromei) and I was only confident once she was behind me and out of the way.”

While the marathon was the big box office event on a morning when dark skies and intermittent rain greeted the athletes, for the UAE it was an historic day in the women’s 10km with two national team athletes completing a memorable 1-2 finish.

Betihem Belayneh Deslagn was first home in 33m:07s with Alia Saeed Mohammed in second place some 14 seconds adrift. Third home was Ethiopia’s Belainesh Yami Gurmu in 35:04. In the men’s 10km, it was a Moroccan double with Ihya Bem Youssef (30:38) in first ahead of compatriot Othmane Chaibi (31:14) with Ethiopian Yassin Kedr Ebba in third (31:43).

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the 2011 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon saw over 14,000 take to the streets for the biggest mass participation event in the Middle East with runners in the marathon, the 10km and the 3km Fun Run.

As well as the able bodied athletes, a number of wheelchair bound competitors took to the streets with Britain’s Rob Smith keeping himself on course for London 2012 with a hard-earned win on his Dubai debut.

“I’m the first wheelchair competitor and close to my personal best in near perfect conditions so I can’t complain,” he said. “The prize money is the biggest of my racing career which is a real bonus. Now I need to get more funding, get a new chair and push on to get better personal bests.”

On hand to present the trophies and medals alongside HH Sheikh Mansour were HE Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the RTA and Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, General Obaid Al Ketbi, Deputy Commander of Abu Dhabi Police and V Shankar, Standard Chartered CEO Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
 

A Man In Ten Million  Historic Steps For British Runner In Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

Aiming to complete a remarkable distance of ten million metres by 2014, British runner Alex Flynn will be one million metres closer to his ultimate goal when he completes the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on January 21.

A lawyer by profession, 37 year-old Flynn was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease just two years ago. Since then, the sports-mad father of two from Henley has embarked on a global mission to raise £1 million in sponsorship for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust by walking, running or, should his condition deteriorate, crawling a combined distance of ten million metres (more than 6,000 miles) by 2014.

At present, he has covered more than 950,000m and will cross the magic million metre mark and be more than 10% towards his target when he takes part in the world’s richest marathon through the streets of Dubai in less than a month’s time.

“I had wanted to go to Dubai and run the marathon there as I’d been told it’s a good run,” said Flynn, whose challenge will take him across continents, countries, counties and cities as well as roads, deserts, mountains and even open water.

“What sold me the decision to incorporate the Dubai Marathon in my schedule is the fact that my good friend Bryan Garrett lives in Dubai and the chance of meeting up with an old friend and running with him as I cross the one million metre mark was one I couldn’t pass up.”

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon will see many runners out to raise funds for good causes.

Few, however, will be on a mission as gruelling as that being undertaken by a man determined to raise funds and awareness, while at the same time fighting against the progression of the disease in his own body.

“I am keen to arrive in Dubai on January 18 and get some miles in on the course,” he added. “After Dubai I have a host of plans that include a 1,521-mile run across Europe and a further 3,000-mile run across the USA – I hope to reach the 10 million metres by 2014.”

Asked if he had a message for the people of Dubai who might be inspired to join him for either the marathon, the 10km or the 3km Fun Run, Flynn said: “There is no local support group for people in Dubai with Parkinson’s so I’d like to be able to discuss how help and support can be made available. People with the disease are not alone – come and help me to help them and come cheer me on.”

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is also supported by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, "Official Outfitter" adidas, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Khaleej Times, TNT, Gatorade, Aquafina, Fitness First, Men’s Fitness, Plan B and by government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the Dubai Ambulance Services. Runners can still register at any Dubai branch of Fitness First or online at www.dubaimarathon.org