Dubai Sports Meets Bundesliga Stars Live From Munich And Dortmund

In the framework of its keenness to keep up with the most important international sporting events and its exclusive coverage of the Bundesliga, Dubai Sports, one of DMI Channels, announced delegating a team of TV crew to the German cities of Munich and Dortmund, for a number of exclusive interviews with the famous stars of the German league, in an unprecedented initiative on Arab channels.

Referring to the establishment of own dedicated studios for the Bundesliga, Rashid Amiri, Director of Dubai Sports channel said: “Dubai Sports channel is always keen on keeping up with all international and local sporting events, with a permanent commitment to present more games and major sporting events, where Dubai Sports Channel is a pioneer in this field after winning the exclusive rights to live-broadcast of the Bundesliga matches, weekly summaries, highlights and results. There are over 100 million viewers in more than 23 countries across the Arab world that Dubai Sports provides them with detailed information about the Bundesliga through various programs.” Amiri added.

The Director of Dubai Sports Channel, pointed that on Wednesday, March 9, the channel will broadcast a special one-hour show under the title (A Day with Prussia in Dortmund) casting the story of the famous German team that made a strong presence this season at both German and European matches, as well as interviews with coach Clobe and Argentinean top scorer Barrios, in addition to a sightseeing tour around the city of Dortmund to attend the team’s training in the presence of masses and thousands of fans under a temperature below 0◦. Our camera also goes exclusively behind the scenes within the corridors of the club that currently tops the Bundesliga At: 20:00 UAE, 16:00 GMT Dubai Sports fans will follow a special episode with an exclusive interview with the (Caesar) Franz Beckenbauer, who reveals the secrets of the domination of Dortmund over the league.

Dubai Sports’ will also present a special TV-hour titled (A day with Zidane in Dortmund), as part of the series (Arabs in Bundesliga) where Mohamed Zidan opens heart to answer a number of questions about the injury that kept him out of Dortmund and the Egyptian national team, his professionalism in German fields since 2005 and the highly expected championship title for Prussia Dortmund which will make him the first Arab player in history to clinch the Bundesliga. The program will also present some exclusive and rare photos broadcast for the first time of Adam Mohamed Zidan, the first born baby for the Egyptian football star, as well as exclusive pictures of Zidane outside the stadiums and his strong passion for driving Formula 1 Cars.

The exclusive episodes are anchored and presented by Hosni Al Zaghdudi and cameraman Nabil Mahmoud.
 

AC Milan Stars Arrive In Dubai

AC Milan fever has officially hit town after some of the world’s greatest football players arrived in Dubai for the AC Milan Winter Tour, which will culminate in the Emirates Challenge Cup on January 2.

Brazilians Ronaldinho, Robinho and Pato stepped off an Emirates’ flight from Sao Paulo last night, while other players such as Massimo Ambrosini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Clarence Seedorf came in on flights from Europe, as well as North America and Africa.

The hottest news in the squad is the recently signed Antonio Cassano, who will play his first match for the Fly Emirates AC Milan team against Al Ahli on January 2 at the Rashid Stadium. Tickets for the Emirates Challenge Cup match, kicking off at 8pm, are on sale from Virgin Megastores and the Timeout/ITP Ticketline http://www.itp.net/tickets/

Over the next 6 days, the seven-time UEFA Champions League winners will be demonstrating their dazzling skills in the sun, a far cry from the bitter Milan weather.

"You can feel the buzz when these guys arrive in town – they are idols to so many people around the world and it is a real pleasure to have them performing again in Dubai," said Mohammed Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Services. "Local fans will also be the first to see the new signing Cassano play a match when he appears against Al Ahli Club on Sunday," he added.

AC Milan’s pre-match training sessions are taking place at Al Ahli Football Club and are open to the public. Training takes place between 9-11 am and 3-5 pm each day, giving fans a rare opportunity to see their favourite stars honing their breathtaking skills.

Tomorrow, representatives of AC Milan and Al Ahli Club will appear at a press conference at Emirates’ Headquarters in Dubai, speaking about their latest visit to the UAE and their thoughts going into the Emirates Cup Challenge.

Regular ticket prices are: AED 100 – 150 for adults and AED 50 – 75 for children under 12. Premier tickets for AED 200 are available by calling (04) 321 0008.
 

Neapolitan Opera Stars Set To Perform In Italian Opera Gala At DUCTAC

DUCTAC has a treat in store for opera fans on 20th January as two acclaimed International Opera stars perform at the Centrepoint Theatre. Italian Opera Gala will feature established International Tenor, Francesco Malapena, who will be arriving in Dubai from his native Naples especially for this show, fresh from his recent acclaimed performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Joining him will be fellow Neapolitan, Soprano Monica De Rosa McKay, who studied with the maestro Luciano Pavarotti and currently resides in Dubai. They will be accompanied on the piano by the well known performer and composer David Lesser.

The Italian Opera Gala is a wonderful opportunity to hear a wide selection of music from the great Italian operatic masterpieces – music of great beauty, drama and romance. The Arias, songs and duets performed will include pieces from the operas of Bellini, Donizetti, Puccini, Verdi, Catalini, Leoncavallo and Tosti.

Italian Opera Gala
Date: Thursday 20th January
Time: 8pm
Venue: Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Level 2, Mall of the Emirates
Tickets: AED120 regular, AED100 friends of DUCTAC members

Available from DUCTAC Box Office 04 341 4777 or online at www.timeouttickets.com
 

Bopanna And Qureshi Delight Budding Tennis Emirates Stars At Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

The UAE’s budding tennis stars were given the opportunity of a lifetime today, rubbing shoulders with the star doubles pairing of Rohan Bopanna of India and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Around 30 young Tennis Emirates players of all ages were thrilled to interact with the stars, getting tips on their serves and backhand stokes (before being given tickets to actually watch the pros in action on centre court) while Bopanna and Qureshi were impressed with the talent on display.

Tournament mascot Ace was on hand as usual, keeping an eye of proceedings and to get in on the action.

“It’s great fun being able to interact with some of the future champions and fantastic to be able to give something back to the game,” said Bopanna.

“There is some real talent here and the youngsters gave us a run for our money,” added Qureshi.

“The young players at Tennis Emirates get so much out of spending time with some of the stars of the game and our sincere thanks go to Rohan and Aisam for offering their time and sharing their knowledge and skills with the children,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free.

Bopanna and Qureshi will play their first match of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships against Jarkko Nieminen of Finland and Viktor Troicki of Serbia.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Play began on February 14th with the WTA Tour event, which was won by Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, and continues with the ATP tournament this week, that includes Australian Open and reigning Dubai champion Novak Djokovic and four-time Dubai winner Roger Federer.

Tickets to most of the matches are still available from both the Stadium’s Box Office and online at www.timeouttickets.com. For further information about the tournament, visit www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com or phone the call centre on +971 4 358 9797.
 

Stars Set For Return To Middle Easts Top Tennis Tournament

Swiss sensation Roger Federer will be looking to continue his scintillating season-opening form when he heads to Dubai in search of a fifth title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships next month.

The 16-time Grand Slam winner is just one of an array of stars, including three of the world’s top five players, who will be making a return to Dubai for the region’s only ATP 500 tour event, from February 21st to 26th at the Dubai Tennis Stadium.

Joining Federer in the men’s tournament from February 21st to 26th will be another of the city’s favourite stars, Andy Murray. The plucky Scot who famously defeated Federer in the first round of the 2008 tournament will be looking to get his hands on the Dubai trophy for the first time, while likely to be standing in his way will be a man who is no stranger to silverware in Dubai – defending champion Novak Djokovic.

The 2008 Australian Open champion from Serbia has in fact claimed top honours in Dubai for the last two years and will be going all out to take a third consecutive title, so equaling the record currently held by Federer.

Also making things interesting in the men’s lineup will be another top 10-ranked player – Tomas Berdych from the Czech Republic who reached the final of Wimbledon last year where he finished runner-up to world number one Rafael Nadal. Berdych last played in Dubai in 2008 when he lost out in the second round to Spain’s Feliciano Lopez, who eventually went on to reach the final.

Another top 10 player making a return to Dubai is Mikhail Youzhny of Russia who reached last year’s final where he narrowly lost out to Djokovic.

Other top names that are likely to draw the crowds are Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko (one of very few players in the world who boasts a winning record against Nadal) and Croatia’s Ivan Ljubicic – a quarterfinalist in last year’s tournament.

“Once again we are thrilled to announce such an incredible lineup of stars who will be gracing the courts at the Dubai Tennis Stadium next month,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director Dubai Duty Free.

“Dubai is annually treated to a fascinating fortnight of action when the best in the world vie for top honours at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which we are proud to say comprises the region’s only WTA Premier 5 and ATP 500 tour event.

“I have no doubt this year’s tournament will once again serve up a feast of excitement,” added McLoughlin.

Tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships went on sale on Monday, January 10th from the Box Office at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud which opens from 10am until 9pm daily, as well as from Time Out Tickets online at www.timeouttickets.com. For further information about tickets, prices and the tournament, visit www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com or phone the call centre on +971 4 358 9797.

Grandstand tickets for both the WTA and ATP events are priced at Dhs 50 for the opening rounds rising to Dhs 250 for the finals.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held at the Dubai Tennis Stadium under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Play begins on February 14th with the WTA Tour event, and continues with the ATP tournament from February 21st.
 

Emirates Gives Amateurs Chance To Shoot With Stars At Omega Dubai Desert

Emirates – the Official Airline of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic – gave golf fans the chance to test themselves against some stars of the game in the tournament’s Pro-Am.

The nine amateurs in the three Emirates teams lined up with New Zealand’s Michael Campbell, the 2005 US Open champion; India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, a three-time winner on the European Tour; and South Korea’s emerging star Seung-yul Noh.

Ron Barker, Madhu Gopinath and Lorne Rutherford, members of Skywards – the airline’s frequent flyer programme – won a qualifying tournament for a place in the event at Emirates Golf Club.

“It was great privilege to play in a field including the three best players in the world. The course has been set up to test them and playing under those conditions was an amazing experience,” said Barker, 61, from Australia, who played with Milkha Singh.

“The pros make it look so easy, but – believe me – it is far from it. It was incredible to be walking down the 18th fairway alongside Jeev and a tremendous learning experience to study his game up close. He was very friendly and shared handy tips throughout the round,” added the 19 handicapper.

In addition to Campbell, several other players will be flying the flag for Emirates at the $2.5 million event which gets under way at the Majlis course tomorrow, including Colin Montgomerie, a Ryder Cup great and Emirates ambassador; Ben Curtis, the 2003 Open Championship winner who has Arizona Cardinals quarterback Derek Anderson caddying for him; and British rookie Chris Cannon.

 

Kleybanova Coaches Aspiring Stars During Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

A group of around 30 aspiring tennis stars got to rub shoulders with one of the best by taking part in the Tennis Emirates coaching clinic as part of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Russia’s Alisa Kleybanova was on hand to give the kids a few tips, coaching the youngsters on their grips and then enjoying a few challenging rallies with them.

“Wow, there are some great players here,” said Kleybanova who yesterday won her first round match against compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. “I’m sure the UAE will soon have some great home-grown stars competing here at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” she added.

“Once again I am so impressed with how these champion players are so very gracious with their time – giving back to the sport and sharing their wealth of experience with Dubai’s aspiring stars,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free.

“Alisa has already shown she is in winning form here at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and we wish her all the best in her remaining matches,” he added.

Also getting in on the action at the coaching clinic was popular presenter SJ from Radio 1 who certainly learned she has a long way if she has any hope of reaching the top but enjoyed interacting with the kids.

“It’s been an awesome morning playing with the kids from Tennis Emirates,” she said afterwards. “But I think they’d definitely beat me if we went head to head in a match! The atmosphere here at the Dubai Duty Free Championships is just so great – it’s really such a wonderful day out, with top stars in action and plenty of other entertainment on offer too.”

Tournament mascot Ace also hit a few balls with the promising players and took on a few coaching tips.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Play begins on February 14th with the WTA Tour event and continues with the ATP tournament from February 21st that includes Australian Open and reigning Dubai champion Novak Djokovic, four-time Dubai winner Roger Federer and Australian Open finalist Andy Murray.

Tickets to the action are still available from both the Stadium’s Box Office and online at www.timeouttickets.com. For further information about the tournament, visit www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com or phone the call centre on +971 4 358 9797.

 

Red Carpet Gala Of The Way Back To Host Bevy Of Stars Tonight (Dec. 15) At The Dubai International Film Festival

The red carpet gala of ‘The Way Back,’ the first film in seven years from master director Peter Weir, tonight (Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010), will host a bevy of stars from Hollywood.

Among the celebrities to walk the red carpet prior to the Middle East premiere of the film at DIFF are: Colin Farrell (In Bruges, Phone Booth, Minority Report), Ed Harris (Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Appaloosa), Jim Sturgess (Heartless, 21, The Other Boleyn Girl), Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, City of Ember, The Lovely Bones), Mark Strong, Dragoº Bucur, and Gustaf Skarsgård. A dedicated fan enclosure has been set up for members of the public to meet and interact with the stars.

The film is an Exclusive Media Group, National Geographic Entertainment and Imagenation Abu Dhabi presentation and an Exclusive Films presentation. The gripping film tells the story of a multicultural group of prisoners who escape from a Stalinist gulag during World War II but then have to survive walking more than 5,000 miles of treacherous trails across five countries to gain their freedom. Inspired by Stawomir Rawicz’s memoir, The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom, the film is a compelling account of humanity’s struggle to triumph against all odds.

The film marks Weir’s first venture since the Russell Crowe hit Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World. Weir, who has been nominated for six Oscars for writing, directing and producing, also helmed a number of acclaimed films including Gallipoli, The Year of Living Dangerously, The Truman Show, Witness, Dead Poets Society, and The Mosquito Coast.

DIFF 2010 box office locations are: CineStar Mall of the Emirates, the Madinat Souk, The Walk at JBR, and at the CNN Building in Dubai Media City. Tickets can also be purchased through DIFF’s Dial-a-Ticket service at (04) 391 3378 and from the website, www.dubaifilmfest.com.

DIFF 2010 is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The event is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com

Golf Stars Light Up Emirates Tee Party At Dubai Ladies Masters

Lucky golf fans who won competitions in publications in Dubai were today toasting the star players who helped get the Emirates Airline Tee Party swinging. For the second year, the Tee Party took place in the Emirates Chalet at the Omega Dubai Ladies’ Masters, running from 6th to 12th December at the Emirates Golf Club.

Major winner Laura Davies conducted a golf clinic for Emirates’ guests, shared technical tips and fielded questions on her life as one of the most accomplished players of her generation. Davies, who has been instrumental in the growth of women’s golf over the past quarter century, was delighted to get involved. She said: "It is great to meet ladies who are keen to develop their skills and I am always happy to share my enthusiasm for the game. The Omega Dubai Ladies’ Masters is a fantastic event and the Emirates Tee Party sounds like a lot of fun.”

The 30 ladies got a close-up look at Laura Davies’ skills, and had a day to remember at the Emirates Golf Club, starting in style with a chauffeur drive to the course. They were treated to a welcome beverage on arrival before heading to the driving range to watch Davies warm up for her first round of the Dhs 2.75million (500,000 Euros) tournament, which also features last year’s winner In-Kyung Kim (from South Korea), American sensation Michelle Wie and Australian pro Nikki Garrett, who is flying the flag for Emirates.

One of the participants in the Emirates Tee Party, Lisa Mackenzie said, “This morning’s golf clinic was a wonderful opportunity to pick up some useful tips from an experienced lady golfer.” Each winner got a chance to hit a few golf balls, and get some personal instruction from Laura Davies. After strolling around the magnificent Majlis course to see the players in action – the ladies were treated to a Timeless Spa treatment. And to round off the day, one lucky guest won Emirates hospitality passes to 2011 sports events, including Dubai Desert Classic (golf), Dubai World Cup (horse racing), Dubai World Championship (golf) and Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens (rugby).
 

Five Stars For Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel

Dubai’s newest hotel, the Ibn Battuta Gate has secured a five-star ranking from the emirate’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). The 396-room property stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the iconic Ibn Battuta Gate, opposite the Ibn Battuta Mall and Cineplex.