Dubai Travel » Talent

Dubais Got Talent! Director Wants More Local Performers In The Cast Of Legendary Musical West Side Story

Editor — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 09:11:33 +0000

If you’re looking for a real musical theatre experience this summer, why not audition to be part of the cast of Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s production of West Side Story? DUCTAC has just announced that it has opened up more places in Spotlight Academy’s intensive theatre workshop and production of this legendary show. Auditions will take place on Saturday 11th June at DUCTAC’s Centrepoint Theatre.

Director Joseph Fowler said that he and the creative team were extremely impressed by the performers they saw when they travelled to Dubai for the auditions in May: ‘We were blown away by the standard of talent in Dubai and we already have an amazingly talented local cast but we want to give as many performers as possible the chance to be a part of the show. West Side Story is famous for its innovative choreography so we’re looking for strong dancers – even if you have never had a dance lesson in your life, if you like to boogie in your bedroom and think you have what it takes to be on stage then you should come along to the auditions on 11th June.’

Hot on the heels of last year’s hit production of Hairspray – West Side Story will give local performers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work, rehearse and perform alongside some of the UK’s leading theatrical stars. Auditions are free and open to anyone aged 11 and above. The successful auditionees will go on to take part 18 days of intensive theatre workshops and rehearsals with some of the UK and USA’s top creative talent. As well as award winning director Joseph Fowler (Hello Dolly, Singing in The Rain, Hairspray), the cast will also have the opportunity to work with the Broadway choreographer Sarah Miles (Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Sound of Music, Saturday Night Fever) and the Musical Director, established South African songwriter, composer and performer Machiel Roets. The workshop will culminate in seven performances of the multi Tony and Olivier award winning musical West Side Story in DUCTAC’s magnificent Centrepoint Theatre from 19th – 23rd July.

West Side Story is the thrilling musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that changed musical theatre forever. This classic show explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs in New York City. Carefree young dreamer Tony, one of the Jets, falls in love with the beautiful, wide eyed and open hearted Maria – the sister of the Sharks’ leader. But the deadly rivalry between the Sharks and Jets means that their love is ill-fated from the start…

From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. The score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim —featuring well known classics including “Tonight,” “America,” “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere” — are widely regarded as among the best ever written.

For more information on the auditions check out www.westsidestorydubai.com or call DUCTAC on 04 341 4777.

Metin Mitchell Company, Ltd., a MENA-based Executive Search Firm, Launches to Address Upcoming GCC Executive Talent Shortage, Nationalization of Executive Roles

Editor — Sun, 29 May 2011 15:47:18 +0000

DUBAI, UAE, May 2, 2011/PRNewswire/ — One of the world’s most successful executive recruiters, Metin Mitchell, and UAE-based GCC strategic advisor, Dominique Liana Russo, have teamed up to launch Metin Mitchell & Company, an executive search and advisory firm based in the Dubai International Financial Center supported by a network that stretches across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Commenting on today’s launch and receiving the DIFC license to operate,Metin Mitchell, co-founder and Managing Partner, said, "Metin Mitchell & Company will not only be well-positioned to provide our clients with the best and most relevant talent, as I have been committed to doing in the region for 16 years, we fully intend to support the drive toward Nationalization of senior level positions across the GCC."

On this occasion, Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Holding has offered a statement of support for the launch of Metin Mitchell & Company: "Kingdom Holding Company’s experience with Metin Mitchell through a strong relationship network and successful track record in the GCC Region, was instrumental in supporting KHC’s goals and objectives by attracting and retaining many of its executive talent pool and assisting in the Company’s Saudization Plan."

Metin Mitchell, previously Regional Managing Director of MENA for multinational executive search firm giant Korn/Ferry, has been active in the region since 1995, launched Korn/Ferry’s Middle East Practice in 1998, and led its physical expansion in the region, starting in 2004.

Company co-founder and Senior Partner, Dominique Liana Russo also maintains an affinity for the MENA region, having worked with it since her Wall Street tenure at Merrill Lynch 15 years ago and more recently with the GCC during her time at the M.I.T. Entrepreneurship Center.

Having initially relocated to the region from New York City with consulting firm Booz & Company to provide strategic advisory to GCC banks, investment companies, family conglomerates, and governments, Ms. Russo has fully committed herself to the region and is excited about the prospects of Metin Mitchell & Company from a strategic point of view:

"The transformational power of bringing dedicated, world-class executives to the region and teaming them with GCC Nationals to support the eventual Nationalization of senior level positions in the region is immense. As a strategic advisor to entities across the GCC, I understand the importance of this strategic initiative, upon which GDP diversification and the region’s future prosperity depend, and I am honored that our firm will be actively contributing to it on a daily basis."

Kevin Birkett, Head of Financial Services of the DIFC Authority, commented on the Metin Mitchell & Company launch, "DIFC has focused on developing a secure, transparent and efficient platform for business and financial institutions to tap into the region’s vast opportunities. A critical part of this platform is the accessibility to a network of world-class professional services providers, such as Metin Mitchell & Company, whom we welcome to our growing community."

To learn more about Metin Mitchell & Company or seek press commentary, please feel free to visit our website at http://www.metin-mitchell.com or contact us directly at +971-4-454-2130.

du Supports M-Media Innovation And Talent As Sponsor At World Summit Awards Mobile 2010

Editor — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:36:50 +0000

In line with its commitment to support technological innovations and creative talent within the telecom industry, du was the official sponsor for the award category ‘m-media and news’ at the recently-held World Summit Awards Mobile Winners’ Conference Gala and Expo. Hala Badri, EVP, Brand and Communications, du, officially congratulated the five winners of the prestigious award, and delivered a keynote speech about the importance of the burgeoning m-media world.

“Media is no longer about the traditional forms that we have come to know such as print and broadcast. In the past few years, electronic media has been making its mark and is evolving at an astonishing rate. As a company that always strives to be at the forefront of technological advancements, we are pleased to support the ‘m-media & news’ award category, which we believe will serve to recognise the pioneering work done in this field and also encourage others to get involved in shaping the future of this booming new industry,” commented Hala Badri, EVP Brand and Communications, du.

The five winners of the ‘m-media and news’ award included the ABC iPhone/iPad application from Australia, Apontador Traffic from Brazil, m.guardian.co.uk & Guardian iPhone app from UK, Newelo Need4Feed from Finland and You are the Reporter from Russia. The criteria for the category included reporting the news using the mobile phone, crowd sourcing, citizen journalism, covering natural disasters, public campaigning, multimedia news, mobile media aggregation and search services, new forms of mobile video and m-TV, movies and current affairs.

The WSA-mobile Winners’ Gala Conference & Expo – the first world conference on m-content – took place recently in Abu Dhabi. The event was held under the auspices of the Government of Abu Dhabi in cooperation with the United Nations and its Global Alliance for ICT and Development, and Government and Business Partners from around the World.

Children Across The UAE Showcase Their Swimming Talent At FINA World Championships 2010

Editor — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 23:41:38 +0000

The FINA World Championships (25m) provided the perfect setting for youngsters across the emirate to showcase their swimming talent to thousands of spectators at the new Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex.

Supported by Speedo, the children’s races attracted close to 100 enthusiastic and talented young swimmers from 28 schools in the region. After each morning heat, the children were invited to take part in their swim races in the same waters as the brightest international Speedo swim stars such as Ryan Lochte and Natalie Coughlin had competed in moments before.

On the first day of the championships a staggering 64 children from 15 schools participated in the fun event, with schools as far afield as Al Ain joining the extravaganza in both the fun day and swim school races. The absence of the scoreboard or competitive element allowed for children from the ages of 6 to 17, and across all abilities, to swim together and gain the invaluable experience of swimming at an internationally acclaimed venue.

Talking about the children’s races, James Hickman, Sports Marketing and PR Manager for Speedo International and 5 times World Champion in the 200m butterfly commented; "It’s great to see the World Championships in Dubai has inspired the next generation of children to swim. You can see that they have all enjoyed swimming in the pool where World Records are being broken. I hope this iconic venue, a swimming pool in the desert, will continue to do so for many years to come.”

Although there were no timings to the children’s races, on Friday 17th the competitive stakes were raised when the main pool saw children from local swim schools, including the Speedo Swim School, Australian Swim School and Al Ain School take to the water.

Speaking on behalf of Jebel Ali Primary School, Jason Palmer-Myers, Head of PE at the school commented; “l would like to thank Speedo for organising and supplying the swim kits for our swimmers that swam in the demonstration children’s race. The swimmers thoroughly enjoyed the experience of swimming in the World Championships swim venue. What also made it good for the children was they got to see a former pupil of the school swim for Malta in the Championships.”

Speedo has been supporting talent in UAE since 2006 and supplied all the swim kits, caps and goggles for the participating schools in the children’s races. The Speedo Swim School is made up of the most promising and talented young swimmers in the UAE and is seen as a platform for the next generation of UAE National Team swimmers.

For more information about Speedo visit www.speedo.com

The film about the race is now on Speedo’s youtube channel, please visit wwwyoutube.com/speedointernational to view it.

Dubai Knowledge Village Highlights Talent Management Strategies At Middle East HR Summit 2010

Editor — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 22:23:37 +0000

Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV), the region’s premier destination for human resources management and a member of TECOM Investments Education Cluster, highlighted the strategies in talent management at the seventh annual Middle East HR Summit in Dubai.

Dubai Knowledge Village is the supporting partner for the Middle East HR Summit, the premier annual conference and exhibition for human resource professionals that opened on 24 October at The Movenpick Hotel, Dubai. The five-day event is organised by IIR Middle East.

Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, TECOM Investments Education Cluster, delivered the opening address on the second day of the event.

Dr Kazim said: “TECOM Business Parks restructured its operations to form five industry cluster groups including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Media, Education, Sciences, as well as Manufacturing and Logistics. These clusters have brought immense benefits to the organisation. In addition to helping reduce operational expenses and optimising efficiency, it has created greater synergy between the entities.

“Moreover, succession planning and change management programmes have also been initiated among the clusters, in addition to identifying key talent among the employees to help the organisation successfully achieve its long term goals.”

The 7th Annual Middle East HR Summit is showcasing successful case studies from the region and addressing region-specific employment law issues. Post-event master-classes will also be conducted.

The summit is a leading event that underlines the major role HR plays in accelerating the growth of the economy in the Middle East. The summit has gathered renowned HR leaders and business professionals from across the world to provide effective strategies for improving the organisation’s performance and achieving continuous growth.

The Middle East HR Summit 2010 focuses on the rising trends in compensation and benefits and influences the recent technologies and solutions that offer organisational flexibility. The event serves as an effective platform to gain in-depth knowledge on HR-related issues, network with industry peers and establish links for business and career enhancement.

Dubai Festival For Youth Theatre Honours Finest Emirati Talent At Closing Ceremony

Editor — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:31:05 +0000

The best of youth theatre talent in the UAE was honoured at the closing ceremony of the fourth edition of the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, a pioneering initiative by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage.

The Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre also honoured Emirati actress, Moza AlMazroei with the ‘Personality of the Year’ award for her outstanding contribution to theatre. The first female actress to brace theatre in the UAE, AlMazroei opened the doors for theatre actresses to follow.

Eight theatre groups from across the UAE showcased their talent at the festival held at the Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association. An eminent jury of professionals evaluated their performances and announced awards in several categories.

The winners are:
• Best Play: ‘The Storm’ by the Youth Theatre for Arts Group
• Best Director: Hassan Yousef for ‘The Storm’ by the Youth Theatre for Arts Group
• Best Script: Humeid Fares for ‘The Storm’ by the Youth Theatre for Arts Group
• Best male actor: Ibrahim Istazy for his role in ‘The salt is gone’ by the Dubai National Theatre Group
• Best female supporting role: Alia Al Mana’aii for her role in ‘Door’ by the Modern Theatre Group
• Best male supporting role: Nawaf Al Matrooshi for his role in ‘The salt is gone’ by Dubai National Theatre Group and Salah Mohammad for ‘The slip of a lifetime’ by Umm Al Quwein National Theatre group
• Best role for a non-Emirati: Raed Dalati for his role in ‘The salt is gone’ by Dubai National Theatre Group
• Best use of Lighting: Ibrahim Haidar for ‘The slip of a lifetime’ by Umm Al Quwein National Theatre Group
• Best music and sound effects: Jasem Ismail for ‘The slip of a lifetime’ by Umm Al Quwein National Theatre Group
• Best Stage Design: Mohammad Saleh for ‘The Door’ by the Modern Theatre Group
• Best costumes: Hassan Yousef for ‘The Storm’ by the Youth Theatre for Arts Group

Salem Belyouha, Projects & Events Manager of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “We congratulate the winners and all the participants who took part in making this year’s event a success. This year, our audience doubled, which reflects the increasing popularity of the festival amongst the youth. The plays also were bolder and more mature in content, which is a testament to the potential of our youth; we are honoured to have provided them a platform to showcase their talent.”

He added: “The festival also hosted workshops that were led by experts, to broaden the knowledge on all aspects of theatre production. The opportunity to interact with renowned theatre personalities taught participants to further enhance their skills, which was reflected in the significant improvement of quality of productions.”

The seminars highlighted the role of women in theatre, the use and development of technology in theatre, and the importance of scriptwriting to compose the perfect production.

The Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre is one of pioneering initiatives of Dubai Culture aimed at strengthening, promoting, and driving support for the cultural scene of the Emirate.

DIFF And Spains San Sebastian International Film Festival Join Hands To Promote Arab Talent In Europe

Editor — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:20:31 +0000

The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has joined hands with Spain’s San Sebastian International Film Festival to promote Arab filmmakers in Europe by supporting post-production and creating networking opportunities with global film professionals.

Dubai Film Connection, the co-production market of DIFF, has partnered with Cinema in Motion, its counterpart in the San Sebastian festival. The Spanish festival, currently in its sixth edition, ends on September 25, 2010.

Cinema in Motion supports feature films in the last leg of filming or in the post-production stage, submitted by filmmakers from the Maghreb, Portuguese-speaking African countries and developing Arab countries including Angola, Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Guinea, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, Palestine, Santo Tomé y Príncipe, Syria, and Tunisia.

DIFF will help San Sebastian reach out to Arab filmmakers and recommend film projects for consideration in Cinema in Motion. The Festival will also select a film from the Spanish showcase to receive €5,000 towards post-production and an invitation to the Dubai Film Connection for additional networking with the international film community.

The San Sebastian Festival, in turn, will promote the Dubai Film Connection to the Spanish and European film industry, particularly companies interested in Arab films and filmmakers. DIFF will also lend its expertise to the selection process for Cinema In Motion.

Shivani Pandya, Managing Director of the Dubai International Film Festival, said: “DIFF is committed to expand the reach of Arab films and filmmakers globally, and our collaboration with the San Sebastian International Film Festival will further establish our imprint in Europe and enable us to promote Arab talent to a wider audience. The reciprocal relationship is also an indicator of growing global Arab interest in Arab cinema.”

Mikel Olaciregui, Director of the San Sebastian International Film Festival, said: “The Arab world has immense cinematic talent, and our Cinema in Motion initiative aims to celebrate the excellence and creativity found in the region. It is an honour to partner with a platform as prestigious as DIFF that is committed to promoting Arab films and filmmakers.”

Cinema in Motion has selected four films from Iraq, Jordan and Morocco to screen this year, including one co-directed by Mohamed Al-Daradji, whose widely acclaimed film ‘Son of Babylon’ was a DFC project.

In addition to the DIFF financial support, projects at Cinema in Motion can win €15,000 in sound mixing services from Mac’Tari Mixing Studio, €10,000 towards the cost of post-production in France from Centre National du Cinema et de l’image Animee (CNC), €2,500 towards subtitling and other prizes.

This year, the DIFF award and other Cinema In Motion prizes went to On the Plank by Leila Kilani of Morocco. Mohamed and Atia Al-Daradji’s House For Sale also won sound-mixing services, subtitling and a 35mm print.

The seventh edition of Dubai International Film Festival 2010 will be held from December 12 to 19. DIFF 2010 is held in association with Dubai Studio City and supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah are the principal sponsors of DIFF.

Meat & Livestock Australia Black Box Culinary Challenge 2010 Honours Culinary Talent In Dubai

Editor — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:59:28 +0000

Culinary excellence in Dubai was honoured recently during the prestigious and exciting Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner of the MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge 2010 which brought together 60 chefs from 15 top hotels and resorts as well as the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, who toiled in their kitchens for honors in one of the world’s top culinary competitions.

Organized under the auspices of Dubai Tourism and Commercial Marketing Department, by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), representing the Australian Meat industry, the main supplier of quality halal beef and lamb products to the local and regional catering markets, the MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge 2010 was held at Madinat Jumeirah and was overseen by no less than nine international culinary judges, representatives from the World’s Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), the Emirates Culinary Guild, Dubai hospitality industry and journalists from local and international F&B, social and lifestyle media.

Lachlan Bowtell, Regional Manager of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) Middle East and North Africa, said: “Obviously, the Black Box Culinary Challenge has become an ideal platform for the hospitality industry in Dubai to challenge its gastronomic creativity and boost the already high standards in Dubai’s culinary sector, as one of the world’s most prestigious and sophisticated dining destinations. Contesting chefs showcased their talents in handling the best quality Australian beef and lamb products, which have become essential ingredients on menus in the UAE. On this occasion, we’d like to congratulate all winners of the Black Box Culinary Challenge 2010 and particularly, overall winner, The Address Downtown Dubai, as well as the first runner up, the Emirates Academy and second runner up, The Address Marina.

The list of participating hotels featured the emirate’s hospitality heavy-weights Madinat Jumeirah, Atlantis – The Palm, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Coral Deira Hotel, Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort (RAK), Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek, The Address Dubai Marina, Media Rotana Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Raffles Dubai The Address Downtown Dubai and Park Hyatt Dubai Hotel. The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management has also participated in the competition.

According to the Black Box Challenge’s procedures, Chefs have to gather one day before in the Black Box unveiling ceremony. Every team is assigned an identical black box that contains a wide variety of ingredients including Australian beef and lamb, from which chefs are able to unleash their creativity and creativity. Once teams’ ingredients are registered by the Challenge Coordinator, they have one hour to extricate their innovative nerve and produce four courses: appetizer, soup, main course and dessert. The judges mark every entry and the team obtaining the highest total mark is announced the Overall Winner.

After detailed deliberations between the Challenge’s judges, The Address Downtown Hotel was announced overall Winner of the MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge 2010, followed by The Address Marina and Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, consecutively. For the Best Table Display Award, however, Grand Habtoor & Spa distinguished its table with a fine blend of creative design and simplicity to snatch the Award. Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s table came second and Atlantis – Palm Jumeirah’s third.

The Best Main Course Award went to Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management whereas The Address Downtown received the Best Appetizer Award and the Best Dessert Award. Atlantis – Palm Jumeirah was also honoured with the Best Soup Award.

Rejoicing in winning the 2010 edition of the Black Box Culinary Challenge, the Address Downtown Chef, Daniel……., said: “We’re extremely happy with the MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge 2010 title, and I’d like to thank my team for their creative edge and also to thank Meat & Livestock Australia for providing the Dubai culinary industry with this unique opportunity that contributes to culinary best practice and encourage gastronomic innovation and excellence among prestigious caterers in Dubai.”

Olivier Award Winning Actress Leanne Jones To Work With Young Dubai Talent In Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s Production Of Hairspray

Editor — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:37:08 +0000

Olivier award winning actress LEANNE JONES has joined Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s forthcoming production of Hairspray and will reprise her critically acclaimed role of Tracy Turnblad in the Tony and Olivier Award winning show.

Leanne, who won the prestigious Olivier Award in 2008 for Best Actress in a Musical for Hairspray, also received the Critics’ Circle Award for Best Newcomer and Theatregoers’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Musical as a member of the show’s Original London Cast at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End.

As part of the Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC team, she will work each day to help local Dubai students learn, prepare, rehearse and perform in Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC’s first production.

She is joined by fellow Hairspray Original London Cast member TEREL NUGENT who will reprise his role of Seaweed J Stubbs, STEPHEN McGLYNN (Burt in Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!) who will play Wilbur Turnblad and ANTONY STUART-HICKS (Wizard of Oz) who will play Edna Turnblad.

Hairspray is the first production from SPOTLIGHT ACADEMY @ DUCTAC, which gives the very best local talent the chance to work, rehearse and perform alongside some of the UK’s leading theatrical stars. Auditions took place in May with the successful performers taking part in two weeks of intensive theatre workshops and rehearsals with some of the UK’s top creative talent, culminating in SEVEN performances of Hairspray in DUCTAC’s magnificent Centrepoint Theatre.

The show is produced on behalf of DUCTAC by JC Theatre Productions and The Shakespeare 4 Kidz Theatre Company. Producer and Director Julian Chenery, who has brought his acclaimed Shakespeare 4 Kidz shows to Dubai for the past 4 years, is delighted that Leanne has found time to squeeze the Spotlight Academy @ DUCTAC into her busy schedule.

“Leanne was a sensation when she burst onto the West End stage as Tracy Turnblad. She is one of the most talented musical theatre stars in the world and tremendous fun. I know that everyone who is lucky enough to be part of this exciting production will love her and learn so much from working with her.”

Leanne arrives in Dubai directly from the London production of Jonathan Larsson’s Tick, Tick, Boom! and prior to a UK tour of Dave Simpson’s play The Naked Truth.

Packed with great songs, amazing dance routines and bags of humour, Hairspray is a fun, feel good night out for all the family. So don’t miss your chance to see Leanne performing live on stage in Dubai alongside the stars of the future – book your tickets now at the DUCTAC box office (04 341 4777) or through www.timeouttickets.com or www.boxofficeme.com

Performances run from Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 July at the Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates.

See www.hairspraydubai.com or www.ductac.org for further details

Dubai Talent Signs Up At Wafi

Editor — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:50:55 +0000

Hundreds of aspiring models, actors, promoters and entertainers attended the Babel Event and Model Management Open Day for a day of beauty and fashion fun at Wafi Mall.

Beauty, hair and photography professionals gave tips and advice to members of the public and performed mini-makeovers throughout the day while model bookers signed up new talent from all cultures and age groups to the Babel talent books.

Professionals from Cleopatra’s Spa and make-up artists from Make Up Forever gave free treatments, mini makeovers and advice on summer trends. Photo Solutions Middle East was also onsite with its mobile studio performing portfolio shots for aspiring talent. All who visited the stand were given an insight into how models should look, pose and succeed in the industry.

Candice Little, Babel event manager and model booker, says: “The day’s been a huge success and we’ve seen hundreds of people who will certainly get some great jobs with our clients. We’re particularly pleased to have signed up a large number of Arab women and men during this event as there is a shortage of supply and huge demand, particularly in the commercial industry. It was great to meet so many enthusiastic people that did not necessarily realise this was a path open to them and they in fact have loads of talent to offer the industry. It was also fantastic to spot fresh, fashionable and unique faces, who will be perfect for editorial shoots.”

Ladies and gentlemen from all nationalities and cultures came dressed to impress for the day of fun and enquired about roles ranging from cast, editorial and catwalk models, hostesses and promoters through to professional singers and dancers.

Aser Al Baseer, Wafi’s PR adds: “The mall is buzzing with the launch of the Dubai Summer Surprises sales so, with the extra turnout at the Babel area, it’s been an amazing day. Wafi Mall is particularly popular with Emirati and Arab shoppers, so the agency has certainly benefited with much sought-after talent from these nationalities. Today’s open day was a success for all involved and we’re certainly open to any similar events, where we can strengthen the association between our retail offerings and our customers.”

Having launched in early 2010, Babel Event and Model Management’s books already include some of the cream of the UAE’s talent pool, from top catwalk and editorial models through to DJs and television personalities.