Kalimat And du Hosts Engaging And Interactive Summer Reading Sessions

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As part of its drive to help children discover the joy of books, Kalimat- the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated to publishing and distributing quality Arabic children’s books, is hosting a series of engaging and interactive public summer reading sessions at libraries across Dubai in partnership with du, as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities.

The award-winning publishing house kicked off its summer reading campaign, in cooperation with du at the Al Rashidiya Public Library in Dubai on 26th June, with author Noura Noman treating children to readings from her books, Qutta and Kiwi.

Kalimat’s campaign will continue with two readings by author Maitha Al Khayat from her book Tareeqati Al Khassa on 6 July at Al Safa, and on 13th July at Umm Suqeim in Dubai, respectively.

Speaking of the summer reading campaign, Kalimat Founder and CEO Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: “What better way is there to help children discover the joy of books than to read aloud to them? Our summer reading sessions are aimed at developing a taste for books among children and through exposure to these engaging, interactive reading experiences, we believe that they will fall in love with reading and the Arabic language.”

On behalf of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Mrs. Iman Ismail Al Balooshi said: “We are delighted to be supporting Kalimat’s summer reading campaign, which not only promotes reading, but also helps children develop a true understanding of our wonderful language from an early age. It is a noble objective, and one that the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is happy to endorse.”

“Promoting the use of Arabic language amongst our children is a vital step to preserving our culture,” commented Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du. “We’re proud to support Kalimat in this all-important venture, which falls in-line with our own Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. It is important to instil a love and understanding of Arabic literature in children who will make up tomorrow’s Emirati community, into whose hands will fall the responsibility of upholding our rich, vibrant and unique culture.”

The titles chosen for the readings form part of Kalimat’s extensive collection of quality children’s books and are geared towards teaching children about their world in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

In Noman’s Al Qutta Qutna, a little girl describes her cat and the special times they spend together while Al Qunfuth Kiwi tells the story of a group of children who come across a hedgehog during their adventures.

Al Khayat’s Tareeqati Al Khassa tells the story of Hamda, who longs to wear a hijab and has fun trying out different ways to tie a sheila with her four sisters. While this book draws from a Muslim and Middle Eastern background, it is highly appealing to readers of both Arab and non-Arab origin. In fact, the book’s rights have been sold to Orion for translation into all languages except Arabic.

As part of its summer campaign, Kalimat is offering a 10% discount on Kalimat Book Club membership fees for those who join before 31st July. Book Club members receive a carefully chosen age-appropriate book every month, and can benefit from other services, including a quarterly newsletter, a dedicated Facebook page, exclusive invitations to events, as well as discounts on Kalimat books too.

Kalimat is the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated solely to publishing and distributing high-quality Arabic books for children aged 0 to 16 years. With a portfolio of internationally acclaimed authors and illustrators, Kalimat’s extensive range of books highlights traditional Arabic culture alongside the modern challenges faced by today’s children.

du’s partnership with Kalimat began in 2010 and is inspired by a passion to further develop the reading habits of young readers by engaging them with invigorating Arabic literature. Together, du and Kalimat have participated in several events, including book signings and launches for titles such as Abir Ballan’s Fie Al Ittihad Al Quwa, activities for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, National Day and International Children’s Book Day, as well as taking part in the Sharjah and Abu Dhabi Book Fairs.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, du is actively involved in promoting initiatives which promote the culture and heritage of the UAE, and developing children’s love of literature in their native tongue is an important aspect of preserving the Arabic language for generations to come.

 

Travelling Near Or Far This Summer? The Answer Is Fast Rent A Car

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Fast Rent A Car is raising the bar in the UAE car rental market this summer by offering great half-price deals on all bookings in the Emirates, while also making international bookings for residents travelling overseas easy courtesy of a special tie-up with the world’s largest car rental broker, Holiday Autos.

Customers of the UAE’s leading locally owned vehicle rental company can take advantage of the half-price summer promotion, which applies to all daily and weekly car hire in the UAE, until August 29th. The flexible deal means that customers get two days for the price of one, or pay for half a day and keep the car for a full day. As a result, a Toyota Yaris or Mitsubishi Lancer can be driven away for as little as Dh 90 per day.

There are special rates on monthly rentals while, for a special bonus, double Air Miles are applicable on daily rentals. Accumulated Air Miles (www.uae.airmilesme.com) can be used instead of cash and traded in for gifts, flights, hotels and many other useful products and services. So renting at home this summer will make it even easier to head overseas next summer!

Fast Rent A Car is making life easier for holiday jet-setters this year thanks to a special link-up with Holiday Autos. This partnership offers holidaymakers based in the UAE the choice of hundreds of different car models in over 80 countries and 4,000 locations worldwide.

Removing the need to trawl through endless websites, and making the whole experience hassle-free and convenient, this exclusive service is available to customers who visit all 15 of Fast Rent A Car’s branches. Bookings can equally be made over the phone (800 FAST (3278)) or by e-mail at assist@fastuae.com.

With over 7,000 vehicles across 20 categories, Fast Rent A Car is one of the largest vehicle rental companies in the Emirates – clients can choose from an extensive range of models to suit all transportation needs and budgets, from saloons to luxury cars and 4x4s to buses. The company has 15 branches across the UAE. For more information, customers can visit www.fastuae.com or call 800 FAST.
 

Healthy New Summer Menu At Uber Cool Dim Sum Emporium

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Ping Pong – the utterly cool dim sum emporium at The Dubai Mall – has launched its new summer dim sum and mocktail menu, which is guaranteed to lower your temperature and complement your waistline to keep you cool and looking cool this summer.

The new menu which features eleven new dishes and four new set menus including steamed lobster dumpling, crab spring rolls, prawn and lotus roots, right down to the comeback classic, the spicy basil dumpling.

The set menus offer a great variety of dishes including a dessert and a refreshing mocktail to keep your glow under cover this summer, featuring not only old classics, but also new dim sum dishes providing you with the perfect Ping Pong combination.

“We often hear no pain, no gain, when talking about food and our waistline. But with our healthy summer menu, there is certainly no pain and the gain is in the taste and not on the hips” said Angelo Domenico Rosato, General Manager of Ping Pong at Dubai Mall.

Ping Pong also features four great new mocktails, such as the watermelon and passion fruit iced tea, strawberry and passion fruit, chilled cranberry, aniseed and goji berry infusion. The emporium also has its very own house speciality signature drink called the Ping Pong Dubai, so-called because you keep coming back for more. This refreshing mocktail is a combination of fresh cardamom, lemon wedges, softened basil seeds topped of with a tangy twist of lychee and passion fruit juice…same again?

To finish in style, why not indulge in a chocolate brownie served with mandarin sorbet giving you that perfect yin yang twist? All of Ping Pong’s dim sum is hand crafted by specialist chefs and the menu also features a large selection of Chinese teas.

Ping Pong Dubai is located on the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall, overlooking the Dubai Fountains. For more details, please visit www.pingpongdimsum.ae
 

Chuck E. Cheeses Dubai Rolls Out Summer Offers!

Chuck E. Cheese’s, a fun-filled entertainment centre located at Dubai Outlet Mall, is the ideal place to hang out this summer! With games, rides, prizes and entertainment that children of all ages will love including great food for the whole family, Chuck E. Cheese’s promises a safe and wholesome environment in which kids can laugh, play and simply enjoy.

This summer, the entertainment centre has rolled out a line-up of promotions especially created for individuals, families and groups. The student’s offer, valid for students with university ID, costs AED49/ and includes one medium-sized pizza or one chicken breast including garlic bread, soft drink with free refills and AED20/ token card. The AED99/ meal offer includes a large pizza with a side dish of either mozzarella sticks or chicken breast with garlic bread, three soft drinks with free refills and AED25/ token card. The group meal offer of AED299/ includes one large pizza of any topping, six soft drinks with free refills and a plate of French fries. With this offer, you can book the private room which can accommodate a maximum of 25 persons for two hours.

Mazen Sinjab, Deputy CEO Chuck E. Cheese’s Dubai, said: “Chuck E. Cheese’s is the right place to enjoy summer in Dubai. Our mission is simple – to bring families together in a wholesome environment for fun, games and kids. At Chuck E. Cheese’s, kids of any age are free to run, jump, climb and play on the games, rides and attractions that we offer, from the coolest video games and high tech simulator rides, to kiddie rides for the little ones. This is the place to visit for everyday fun and with our summer promotions, they will get more entertainment for the value of their money. We invite all to visit Chuck E. Cheese’s because we provide a safe and wholesome environment for everyone!”

The concept of this entertainment centre is a sit-down pizza restaurant, complemented by arcade games, amusement rides, an animatronics show, and other diversions, such as climbing equipment, tubes, and slides. The facility has been established with the prime objective of providing a place where ‘kids can be kids’. Its endearing brand ambassador is an anthropomorphic mouse named Chuck E. Cheese. The venue is packed with people on weekends eager to indulge in magic with a bit of educational fare. So go ahead and enjoy yourself as the fun is unleashed at Chuck E. Cheese’s!
 

Celebrate Dubai Summer Surprise With Rasasi Perfumes!

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Rasasi Perfumes, one of the leading names in the regional perfumery landscape, participates at Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), and announces its “summer promotions” on a wide range of their Oriental, Occidental and Western fragrances. This promotion is available at all Rasasi outlets across Dubai.

Rasasi Perfumes presents an incredible offer on its Oriental & French range of perfumery products. Rasasi “Summer Promotions” begins in conjunction with DSS 2011 until 31 July at all our Rasasi stores conveniently located around Dubai, which include prime shopping destinations such as Mall of the Emirates, Arabian Centre, Deira City Centre and Mirdiff City Centre, Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai Festival City etc

Commenting on the exciting summer promotion, Mr. Salim Kalsekar, Managing Director of Rasasi Perfumes, said: “Our special promotion during DSS is part of Rasasi’s strategy to support the Government of Dubai’s initiatives to promote the Emirate. Through this participation, we reinforce the UAE’s strong perfumery traditions to visitors of Dubai from around the globe.”

Mr. Kalsekar adds: “Rasasi’s diverse range of Oriental and French fragrances cater to the varied tastes and preferences of customers in the Middle East, as well as to visitors in Dubai who usually have perfumes on their shopping list. We are positive that the new summer promotion will allow customers from different backgrounds to find their unique fragrance, as well as for their loved ones, while availing a great discount.” added Mr. Kalsekar.

What makes promotions from Rasasi unique is that there exists a different perfume for every state of mind, for every occasion, for every reason and for every season. There are certain notes in a fragrance that communicate a particular mood/ personality trait and with the right blend of notes; and Rasasi offers fragrances for all needs.
So give yourself reason to celebrate this summer with Rasasi Perfumes!
 

dus Sizzling Hot Summer Traveller Rewards Promotion Offers 30% Discount On All Calls To Any UAE Number While Travelling Abroad

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In view of the travelling season when all UAE residents travel to exotic destinations or back to their home country du has come up with a fantastic promotion for its customers for using their phone while travelling abroad.

du’s impressive new offer reduces call rates for calling any UAE number while travelling in numerous countries including UK, USA, Canada, Australia, as well as many European countries such as France and Germany. The ‘Summer Traveller Rewards’ promotion is valid till 26th August 2011 and enables all UAE residents using du mobile line to get a hefty 30% discount on all calls made to UAE numbers. This new offer, which is available to all du customers, can be activated for free by texting the word ‘summer’ to 9831. du Mobile customers will be able to subscribe to the brand new offer either before travelling or upon reaching the destination.

“du is committed to providing top-quality, affordable, roaming services in order to cater to the needs of its customers. Calling the UAE from abroad is now more affordable than ever before thanks to the very generous discount of 30% provided by the ‘Summer Traveller Rewards’ promotion. It’s an innovative offer that will boost a person’s holiday or benefit someone on a business trip, because at the end of the day, du believes in ensuring their customers are satisfied and happy,” said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du.

The reduced call rates to any UAE number, during the promotional period, covers major summer travelling destinations and allows customers to enjoy amazing freedom and flexibility. Customers can now enjoy more value and convenience than ever before.

“du gifts its customers with a valuable reward, which will strengthen du’s status of being known as the best operator that offers unmatched International Roaming services,” added Faraidooni.

 

DUBAILAND Attractions Offer Sizzling Summer Deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ministry Of Economy Organises Workshop On Consumer Protection For Watani Summer Camp Kids

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The UAE Ministry of Economy hosted a field trip by young participants of the Watani summer camp at the Department of Consumer Protection. Dr. Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of Consumer Protection Department, briefed the children on consumer rights and the role of the Ministry in promoting customer protection and ensuring market stability.

Dr Al Nuaimi presented the mandate of the Department of Consumer Protection and the mechanisms adopted by the Ministry to monitor the markets and retail outlets in the UAE. Dr Al Nuaimi explained in simple terms the Federal Law No. 24 of 2006 on the consumer protection whereby the Ministry takes measures and procedures to oversee consumer protection, and control price movement to assure market stability.

Tamiam Al Naisar, Head of Events at Watani, explained the importance of cooperation with various government agencies and the private sector to support the strategy and objectives of Watani. She said the summer camps are an ideal platform to strengthen the awareness of children about various aspects of the UAE, including the nature of work of government agencies in driving economic growth.

The Ministry’s officials also accompanied the children on a tour to Carrefour Deira City Centre, where they were briefed on the nature of the work of the Ministry, especially in relation to the campaign launched recently to manage the prices of 700 items in more than 70 retail outlets. The children took active part in the training activities.

RTA Educates Road Travelers As Summer Awareness Programs Are Kicked Off

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has started from June 1st, its dedicated summer awareness programs targeting road travelers as well as students at public libraries and summer camps.

“The traffic awareness programs for this summer will be busy with hectic activities & events lasting 3 months and focusing on raising the awareness of land travelers as well as students in public libraries and summer camps. Such programs and events are timed with the plans set by the Ministry of Interior for the second quarter of this year launched under the theme: Don’t Terminate Your Life in and Accident,” said Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency.

She stated that the summer programs were part of the awareness activities to be undertaken by the Agency over the next few months besides other programs & campaigns currently underway such as the campaign about the risks of over-speeding held under the theme: Speed Cuts Short Your Life, Rather Than Your Time.

The CEO of Traffic & Roads Agency called on travelers by road to conduct comprehensive check-ups of their vehicles to ensure their soundness for long-distance travels before starting off to the intended destination.
“Over the past years, we have accumulated wide experience in terms of preparations needed by the driver for and during the travel. This expertise helped us update the annual booklet of the campaign “Road Travelers Guide” and a modern edition has been published for this year; which will be distributed to passengers.

“This Road Travelers Guide offers replies to the most frequent questions asked by road travelers, and the booklet will be distributed in most areas covered by the campaign such as the Saudi Consulate in Dubai, Travel Offices which grant visas to road travelers, Jebel Ali Police Station, Automobile & Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates, and Al Silaa’ Boarder Crossing.

“The booklet comprises full information about vehicle test before starting off, official transactions associated with traveling, personal & practical steps that need to be taken by passengers, important information about the customs traffic book, international Emergency and First Aid numbers, basic driver’s knowledge about roads & tires, driving during changing weather conditions, and how to detect and possibly repair some vehicle faults.

“RTA was keen to set this booklet as a practical guide to drivers during their travels as it comprises maps of the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Egypt and Sudan in addition to a table showing the distances between rest points on the international routes linking these countries.

“During the campaign, which runs through August 2011, we will see to it that one booklet is delivered to each traveller, and in the meantime travellers are provided with the required travel instructions and tips through the ongoing traffic awareness programs delivered at summer centers, hospitals and other government departments,” said Maitha. She stressed the importance of carrying out vehicle test, ensuring vehicle’s safety as well as the highly operational condition of all auto parts; which have to be considered as a key traffic safety requirements.

Events will include a free tire test, courtesy of Michelin, at some locations in Dubai and highlight the importance of periodical checks in order to ensure the safety and soundness of various indicators which alert the driver to any defect or malfunction in the vehicle. She cautioned road travelers against ignoring any electrical or mechanical failures in the vehicle and the need to avoid committing any offence, however small it might be, particularly those related to over-speeding and dangerous overtaking. She alerted motorists that the driver’s concentration tended to drop gradually with driving for extended hours,” added Maitha.

She called on drivers to take some rest (preferably every 200 – 250 km of driving), cease driving if the driver feels exhausted, avoid driving at night without switching on the vehicle lights (particularly during sunrise & sunset), continually keep an eye on the vehicle’s indicators & tire pressure, avoid vehicle overloading, and prevent children from sitting near the doors or in the front seat beside the driver.

She also called on road travelers to ensure a healthy posture during driving in order to minimize fatigue & pains which cause lack of concentration and inattentiveness. She reminded motorists to use the safety belt before starting the journey, not allow children to board or drop off from the left side of the vehicle behind the driver, comply with the traffic directions & signs on the road, use light signal indicators upon overtaking or parking near the public road, ensure that signal indicators are functioning properly, use the inside and side mirrors upon overtaking, exercise care & caution when passing through a curve or unpaved road, and comply with the specified speed limits.

Maradona Decides To Set Up Al Wasl Summer Training Camp In UAE

Al Wasl Football Company has announced today that the summer training camp for Al Wasl Football Team will be set up in the UAE. This decision follows extensive meetings held between Al Wasl Football team’s new head coach Diego Armando Maradona, Marwan Bin Bayat, Chairman of Al Wasl Football Company, and other members of management, in looking out for the best interest of the team.

The executive decision was made after taking it into consideration that the beginning of next season, which kicks-off in September, will be preceded by the holy month of Ramadan, which could present challenges if the training camp were to be held in abroad.

Training is scheduled to start on the 1st of August, here in the UAE, which will also see the first team take part in friendly matches that will be decided at a later stage. All players will also undergo their medical examinations on the 15th of July in preparation for next season.

Al Wasl Football Club had been looking into various training camp options in Europe, as has been usual practice, and had been considering different countries. Humaid Yusuf, Al Wasl Football Team’s Managing Director recently visited Germany and returned with many offers, but after lengthy discussions held between Diego Maradona and members of Al Wasl Football Company, the new coach decided to set-up camp at home. This decision was made after looking at all considerations, and in keeping with the best interest of members of the team. There will, however, be the possibility of conducting a short 10 day training camp abroad, if it is seen as beneficial for the players.

It is worth mentioning that Al Wasl Football Company had received many offers from different European countries donating the use of free training camp facilities for the summer, stemming from an increased interest in Al Wasl since the appointment of Diego Maradona. After looking at various pros and cons, the ultimate decision taken is the best possible course for the team.