Under The Auspices Of Mohammed Bin Rashid Dubai Metro Green Line To Open Next September: RTA

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji: Next September, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will launch the official operation of the Dubai Metro Green Line, which spans 23 km and comprises 16 stations in addition to the transfer stations; Union and Khalid bin Al Waleed Stations, shared with the Red Line. All stations will be up and running except Al Jadaf and Creek Stations, due to the non-completion of the property projects ought to be served by these two stations although both stations are ready for operation.

An announcement to this effect was made by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), who stated that the completion of the vital Dubai Metro project culminated the continual support and attention of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to uplift the infrastructure of Dubai Emirate, and epitomize RTA Strategic Plan, which was aligned with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 (Infrastructure Sector), aimed at providing integrated roads & transit systems ensuring smooth mobility and highest safety levels to all network users.”

16 stations will be opened on the Green Line; namely Etisalat Station, situated at Al Qusais near Emirates Road; which is the starting point of the Green Line. The station is linked with a multi-level Park-and-Ride terminal with a capacity to house 2350 vehicles as well as a bus station in order to encourage the public to use the Metro in travelling within Dubai Emirate. The design of the station provides sufficient space for public buses to feed the station and ensures a smooth flow of a large number of buses at a time. The parking lot is also fitted with air-conditioned footbridges linking with the other side of the Road, and all essential safety standards are in place to ensure smooth passenger movement within the facility.

Next comes Al Qusais Station, situated near the building of the Ministry of Education and the General Department of Dubai Civil Defence as well as Al Tawar Center; which is a hub for several Government services. Next comes the Airport Free Zone Station; which serves Terminal 2 of Dubai Airport and Dubai Airport Free Zone. The fourth is Al Nahda Station; which is adjacent to the building of the Ministry of Public Works and the Union Cooperative Society. The fifth is the Stadium Station near Al Ahli Club, and the sixth is Al Qiyadah Station on Al Ittihad Road near the Dubai Police General HQ. The seventh is Abu Hail station which serves a host of public schools, commercial centers and businesses, and the eighth is Abu Baker Al Siddique Station which is situated near Al Muraqqabat Police Station and serves several commercial centers, hotels and business outlets.

The Metro line moves through an underground passage extending 8 km, starting with Salah Uddin Station; which is the ninth on the Green Line, following which the Green and Red Lines intersect at the Union station; which is considered the largest underground metro station in the world spanning an area of 25,000 square meters with a capacity to handle about 22,000 passengers per hour. The station comprises two levels and measures 230 meters in length, 50 meters in width and 18 meters in depth. It accommodates business & service outlets for the metro riders and has two entry points fitted with elevators and escalators. Four tunnels branch out of the Union Square Station linking up with Baniyas Square & Salah Al Din Stations on the Green Line as well as Khalid bin Al Waleed and Al Rigga Stations on the Red Line.

The tenth station on the Green Line is Baniyas Square Station; which serves a densely populated and high business traffic area incorporating Nayef Souk and a large number of hotels and business outlets. The eleventh is Palm Deira Station, followed by Al Ras and Al Ghubaiba Stations; which feature a typical UAE traditional architectural design. The gist of the design concept revolves around employing the architectural traditional elements used in antique buildings, such as wind towers (Brajeel), oriels (Mashrabia), alleyways (Sukaik), internal arches and others through replicating them in an enhanced manner, while addressing the aesthetic and technical dimensions of those elements such that the heritage-inspired stations would look like a natural expansion of the traditional Souks in the locality, the Heritage & Diving Village, and the antique control towers dotting the locality. The entrances of the station at the ground level have been designed to match the traditional architectural setting of the area and integrate with the design of the Dubai Creek Shores Development Project; which has the same theme. The two stations serve heavily populated areas, trading outlets and banks visited by plenty of visitors.

The fourteenth is Al Fahidi Station; which serves an area of high-density commercial enterprises comprising shops, hotels and banks and the two lines then converge at Khalid bin Al Waleed Station; which is one of the most beautiful metro stations worldwide. The metro route then moves above the ground in an elevated track with the next stop being the fifteenth station of Oud Metha, nearby Al Nasr Club. The Station serves a variety of government entities such as Rashid Hospital, Dubai Media Inc, schools and resident communities clubs. The sixteenth station is Dubai Healthcare City; which will be the terminus station under the initial operational stage, and the station will mainly serve the hospitals of the Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Wafi Center and hotels in the vicinity.

Al Tayer further added that RTA opted to hold the opening of Al Jadaf and Creek Stations, though ready for operation, due to the non-completion of property projects to be served by these two stations and the lack of passengers to use these two stations for the time being, adding that RTA would consider opening them in the next stage.

He emphasized that the number of the metro riders will pick up considerably following the operation of the Green Line as it serves dynamic and high-density commercial, government and residential areas.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director added that the operational timing of the Green Line would be
the same timing of the Red Line, adding that RTA would operate 13 trains during the morning and evening peak hours and 10 trains in the off-peak hours.
 

UAE- Precor U16  Only Team Playing Under The UAE Name At The 2011 Gothia Youth Football World Cup In Sweden

The Precor Football Team for Under 16 (U16) age group will be the only team playing under the United Arab Emirates (UAE) name at the forthcoming 37th Gothia Youth Football World Cup, to be held in Gothenburg Sweden from July 17th – 23rd, 2011. The Gothia Cup, which was held for the first time in 1975, is meant to be a meeting place for youth from all over the world, with football being the common denominator. The annual event is not only the biggest, but also the most well known youth football tournament in the world.

The Precor U16 is a team of 22 Players of under 16 years age, of 10 different nationalities. Coached and managed by Derek Burke, the man who saw talent and passion in these boys, supports the team in all their achievements. The most recent victory for the Precor U16 group is winning the ‘(U16) TTD International Super Cup’, in a five-day tournament conducted at the ‘Dubai Sevens Stadium’ football pitches.

Elaborating on the team, Tarek Khalifa, Assistant Coach said: “The team possesses an average of 10 years of dedication for the game. They have won every available junior league in the UAE and Gulf over the past five years – The 2011 Inter Gulf Academy league for U16 age groups; The 2011 Inter Gulf Academy league for U18 age groups and the 2011 Dubai Sevens U16 Tournament are among others. The team has also competed in the Dubai Adult league, which is the first time in the history of this competition to have an U16 team competing with adult teams professionally, and Precor is currently in the third position.”

The Gothia Cup has over 70 countries participating and will witness over 55,000 spectators at the opening ceremony and the finals attract close to 26,000 spectators. In 2009, the Precor U16 group entered the Gothenburg Cup, Sweden and was the first team from Dubai. The team came fifth competing against 186 very strong international teams in the same age group.
 

University Of Dubai Holds Fourth Annual Alumni Homecoming Under The Patronage Of Shaikh Mohammed Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, President of the Board of Directors of the University of Dubai’s Alumni Association (UDAA), the University of Dubai in collaboration with its Alumni Association celebrated its 4th Annual Alumni Homecoming at the Inter Continental Hotel recently.

The Alumni Homecoming, which aims to reconnect, build a stronger relationship and network with its graduates, had an astounding 400+ attendees of UD alumni and their families, faculty, staff and members of the business community. The most anticipated event of the year culminated in various fun-filled activities such as poetry, cultural dancing, recognition awards and raffle draws. Abdulla Bel Khair, UAE’s renowned star graciously sang traditional songs, which was greatly appreciated and applauded by the attendees.

Praising the role of the UDAA, Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, outlined the various successful activities the association has embarked in such as the Alumni Student Mentoring Program, the UDAA and Friends Scholarship Fund and the Alumni Guest Lecture Series. Sheikh Maktoum said: “All of these programs were developed as a means of serving and assisting UD students in their educational journey, and contributing to the development and advancement of our university.” He added: “It is through the active involvement and participation in the UDAA organized events that UD alumni are able to contribute in the achievements of the association’s goals and objectives.”

Following the success of the Alumni Homecoming, the UDAA strives to continuously embark on new activities and implement ongoing projects which aim to assist and serve UD community.
 

Under The Patronage Of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The First Ever Dubai Global Energy Forum Opens Tonight

Dubai Global Energy Forum 2011, organized by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, will kick off tonight (Sunday April 17th) at hall 8 in Dubai world Trade Center under the theme “Energy Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future”.

The event will provide a platform for internationally-recognised experts to speak about the opportunities and challenges facing the energy sector, in line with the strategy of the Dubai government 2015 to enhance sustainable economic development in the emirate.

Amongst those already confirmed to speak at DGEF 2011 are Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and one of its most distinguished scientists, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, and other specialists from 20 countries around the globe.

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, pointed out that energy is a main engine of sustainable development and is an important factor within the economic and social plans adopted by all countries. This requires us all to examine the issue of energy and discuss it from various angles and views to gain multiple access to the best ways to save energy that is generated from various sources, be it oil, gas, renewable energy or peaceful nuclear energy, taking into account the environmental aspects that must be dealt with as top priority in this regard.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed also noted that the forum, held for the first time in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has the full support of the government as it works with the rest of the world in securing energy resources to meet the globe’s urban development plans from various alternative sources in addition to modern and traditional ones.

His Highness further explained that this forum will discuss major issues related to energy, environment and sustainability, which are the most dynamic sectors in the world.

“The forum will address best practice issues in the field of oil and gas, renewable energy and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and discuss current policies and explore the outlook for this important sector, as well as programs, technologies and investment opportunities,” His Highness added.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed added that the speakers list of the forum include Professor APJ Abdul Kalam – the former President of the Republic of India, Dr Mohamed ElBaradei – the former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 2005, Mr. Adnan Amin – Director-General of the International Agency for Renewable Energy "Irina", and Mr. Simon Cooper – CEO of HSBC Bank Middle East and North Africa.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the forum noted that the Council is the body entrusted with managing all energy-related activities in the emirate of Dubai since its establishment under law No. 19 of 2009 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The law enabled the Council to oversee all energy-related activities in the emirate, secure and ensure the sustainability of energy in Dubai, grouping under its umbrella a number of companies and institutions involved in the energy field in the emirate.

The setting up of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy was preceded by many leading initiatives in the environmental that were initiated by His Highness Skeikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, including the establishment of the Zayed International Prize for the Environment, followed by the implementation of Green Buildings initiative, which opened the door before a new era of constructing environmentally friendly buildings in Dubai.

The establishment of the Dubai Carbon Centre for Excellence in cooperation with the UN Development Program followed, and Dubai’s efforts were crowned by hosting its first Dubai Global Energy Forum 2011.

The Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy stated that Dubai is on the right track to provide and secure energy needs while devising solutions to all energy challenges for the benefit of mankind.

His Excellency noted that the forum is expected to be attended by 2000 energy experts and decision makers, heads and officials of power, oil and gas companies and institutions working in the field of energy, such as electricity generation, water desalination, safe use of nuclear energy and renewable energies.
 

The Carlyle Group Is First To Establish And Manage An Investment Vehicle Under The DIFCs New Funds Regime

The Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) and The Carlyle Group (“Carlyle”), a global alternative asset manager, today announced that Carlyle will be the first company to establish and manage investment funds for sophisticated investors in the DIFC under a new legal and regulatory process.

The new Collective Investment Funds Regime (“Funds Regime”), enacted in the DIFC in July 2010, established a new, stream-lined regulatory process similar to regulatory regimes in the U.S. and elsewhere that exempt certain investment funds from government registration if they cater exclusively to sophisticated investors and are subject to certain disclosure and marketing restrictions.

Marwan Ahmad Lutfi, Deputy CEO and Head of Business Development of the DIFC Authority, said, “Carlyle utilizing the new Funds Regime, underlines the DIFC’s position as the region’s most competitive financial centre for Fund Managers in the region. By using the DIFC as the platform from which to base its funds, Carlyle is demonstrating that the DIFC is a prime location for both foreign and domestic fund managers.

“The DIFC introduced the new Funds Regime following recommendations made by a panel of market practitioners. We wanted to gauge what the funds community really wanted in order to create an environment which would stimulate further growth of the industry. The regulatory changes bring the DIFC in line with other leading financial hubs around the world.”

With this new regime (Category 3 License), Carlyle’s investment team in Dubai, outside of the DIFC, will be able to establish and advise investment funds domiciled in the Centre. As a result, Carlyle has established Carlyle MENA Investment Advisors Limited, an investment vehicle that will partner with its existing regional fund Carlyle MENA Partners, LP. This new vehicle will not raise additional investment capital.

Under its former regulatory structure (Category 4 License), Carlyle’s investment team in Dubai was only authorized to provide advisory services to an investment fund domiciled outside of Dubai.

Walid Musallam, Managing Director and Head of Carlyle’s MENA team, said, “The new Funds Regime is a testament to the DIFC being a domicile of choice for private equity firms, and we are pleased to be the first such firm to benefit from the law. The DIFC’s stature and importance as a financial hub is growing. We see great investment promise throughout the MENA region and look forward to building upon the many valued relationships we have developed.”
 

Lufthansa German Airlines, SWISS And bmi Move Under One Roof At The World Trade Centre

On the 18th floor of the Dubai’s iconic World Trade Center tower, situated on Sheikh Zayed Road, Lufthansa celebrated the opening of its new office premises. It was not only an evening of joy and celebration for Lufthansa itself, but also for bmi and SWISS, as they moved in with their parent company – bringing together the Lufthansa family under one roof.

At the inauguration ceremony, guests and staff spontaneously applauded as Mr. Joachim Steinbach, Lufthansa’s Vice President Sales & Services Southeast Europe, Africa, Middle East and Pakistan, Mr. Thierry Antinori, Member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board, and Max Hunt, General Manager Middle East and Africa for bmi, together with Martin Massüger, SWISS’s Director, Head of Sales Middle East, Africa, Pakistan & Iran, officially opened the new office.

Emphasizing the key benefits of the new office in his short address, Mr. Steinbach said: "Moving together under one roof allows for a more direct and more open communication between the management and staff of Lufthansa, SWISS and bmi. The new premises lay the foundation for a further enhanced customer service – a crucial factor for successful business.”

Lufthansa and SWISS took the alliance a step further by not only uniting their regional sales & marketing departments in the same office, but also merging their Dubai city offices. Thanks to its convenient location in the World Trade Center tower, SWISS and Lufthansa customers benefit from the superb accessibility of the new joint ticket office. With the recent opening of Lufthansa’s new check-in facilities in Terminal 1, travelers now also enjoy a further enhancement of the airline’s ground and customer services at Dubai International Airport.

Passengers travelling on Lufthansa and SWISS continue to enjoy a host of benefits resulting from the airlines’ close cooperation. These include more flight options to choose from, outbound via Frankfurt and inbound via Zurich or vice versa for example, better connections to more destinations worldwide, a shared frequent flyer program and enhanced international lounge access, to name a few.

For further information as well as bookings, please visit our website, www.lufthansa.com, or contact the Lufthansa city office or your travel agent.

Lufthansa Dubai City Office
Tel: 00971 4-373 9100
Fax: 00971 4-373 9155
www.lufthansa.com

SWISS Dubai City Office
Tel: 00971 4-381 6100
Fax: 00971 4-381 6171
www.swiss.com

bmi Dubai City Office
Tel: 00971 800 5822
Fax: 00971 4-393 0197

www.flybmi.com
 

Nuqul Groups FINE Plants Trees In Production Facility Under Emirates Environmental Groups One Million Tree Campaign

FINE, the market leader in the Middle East’s hygienic paper industry and part of the Nuqul Group, recently planted several trees at its factory in Dubai in support of Emirates Environmental Group’s (EEG) ‘Million Tree’ campaign launched in 2007 under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) ‘The Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign’. The activity is part of a series of initiatives under FINE’s comprehensive corporate social responsibility program (CSR) and reflects the company’s commitment to improving living conditions within the communities it operates in.

Environmental awareness is an integral part of FINE’s corporate values. The company uses only virgin pulp acquired from well-managed forests that implement effective re-forestation programs. It also packs tissues in cardboard boxes made from recycled material. FINE’s tree planting was held to support the environmental vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed launched the One Million Tree Campaign in Dubai in 2010 and planted the first tree under the program at the main square of the Dubai Police Academy.

“The welfare of the environment ranks among FINE’s key priorities, and so we are actively involved in programs such as EEG’s ‘One Million Tree Campaign’ that ensure sustainable growth. We believe that now is the right time to act; planting even a single indigenous tree would go a long way towards sparing the atmosphere from harmful gases and countering the effects of modern living. We share in H.H. Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of a healthy, safe and secure environment for Dubai and the rest of the Emirates and will continue to support initiatives that support this end,” said Peter Janho, Chief Area Officer – API Region, FINE Hygienic Paper, FZE.

Since the launch of the campaign four years ago, Emirates Environmental Group has planted more than two million trees all over the UAE. Individuals, corporate organizations and educational institutes have been supporting the EEG initiative as a platform to advance the UN Environment Programme’s global ‘The Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign.’

The collaboration with EEG extends FINE’s long history of support for vital social causes. The company has assisted organizations such as Al Noor Hospital and Rashid Paediatric Centre and just recently signed a strategic partnership with the UAE Red Crescent Society, which is a regular recipient of donations from FINE.

Dubai-based FINE Hygienic Paper FZE is a major manufacturer of facial tissues, toilet paper, baby diapers, wet wipes, refreshing towels, adult briefs, jumbo rolls, kitchen towels and sanitary pads. It has a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit at the Jebel Ali Free employing around 300 highly skilled staff. FINE’s Middle Eastern presence includes operations in Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the UAE. It was the first company in its industry in the region to obtain simultaneous ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. It was also the first company in the UAE to receive Emirates Quality Mark certification from the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology.
 

Under The Patronage Of H.H The Vice President The Ministry Of Education Launches The 4th Edition Of GESS And GEF In Dubai

The Ministry of Education, in partnership with F&E Ltd, have launched the 2011 and 4th edition of the Gulf Educational Supplies & Solution (GESS) and the Global Education Forum (GEF), the region’s leading education exhibition and conference, set to take place from 3-5 May 2011 at the Airport Expo, Dubai. The event, which is one of the most important education events on the regional events calendar, will be 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.

‘Education in a knowledge society’ has been chosen as the central theme for the 4th version of GEF forum, and will cover topics such as: ‘The Learner and the Teacher in the Knowledge Society’; ‘Community Values as Motivators to the Teaching Learning Process’; and ‘The School Cognitive Environment’. A full line of regional and international speakers will be revealed over the next few weeks.

Hamid al-Qatami, Minister of Education, showed his deep appreciation for the unlimited support provided by H.H. the Vice President to the educational process and development, saying: “Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s ongoing patronage of the GEF reflects the belief of our leadership in investing in education as one of the main foundation for growth and global competitiveness in all the fields.” With GEF being a major event held in all of the Middle East and a remarkable educational phenomenon, al-Qatami assured that the Ministry was keen on choosing leading Arab and international teachers in the school education sector to deliver key speeches.

He added that GEF aimed at establishing dialogue between education experts on one hand and education decision makers and educational field on the other, in order the be familiar with the latest education solutions and technologies that can be best used to develop education systems through a number of specialized seminars and workshops. GESS displays the latest innovative products and technologies, as well as the means to benefit from them in educational institutions.

According to Dr. Abdullah al Amiri, Chair of the forum, the Global Education Forum (GEF) provides a platform for dialogue and communication between the local and regional academic community and their counterparts in the global education arena. Teachers, educational consultants and ICT specialists will have the opportunity to attend over 140 seminars, workshops and roundtables presented by local and global experts in education.

Al-Amiri indicated that this leading educational event was made possible through an agreement signed at the beginning of the year between the Ministry of Education and F&E Ltd. The latter would exclusively organize GEF and GESS in Dubai for five years. Al-Amiri assured that the Ministry intended to keep this event as a platform for educationalists and education professionals where they could share knowledge and best practices.

Matt Thompson, Project Director, F&E Ltd. commented: “In recent years, governments across the GCC have invested heavily in education, and continue to drive excellence in this sector. GESS forms a vital part of the educational landscape in the region, as it provides a platform for the regional and international education sector to share ideas and learn more about innovations and advancements in the industry. The event has gone a long way in helping to establish the UAE as an educational ‘hub’.

“In the four years since it was launched, GESS has become the only event that caters to the full spectrum of educational needs. This year, the organizers F&E Ltd are gearing up to welcome over 250 exhibitors from more than 27 countries around the world. Visitors to the event can take advantage of a varied range of products on exhibit, including ICT hardware and software, books and magazines, training courses, online/e-learning resources, educational toys and games, SEN solutions, lab equipment and school management systems,” he added.

This year will also see the launch of a presentation theatre located in the heart of the exhibition floor which will be dedicated to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The programme, which is being delivered by Dragon Fly Training for this edition of GEF, will provide teachers with practical and inspirational ideas, lesson plans, time saving information and tested strategies for improving the quality of learning.

Online registration is open now, and for further information on GESS and GEF 2011 including a full conference schedule for all speakers and information on how to book sessions in advance please visit: www.gesseducation.com
 

Materials Handling Middle East 2011 To Be Held Under The Patronage Of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman Dubai Airports, President, Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO, Emirates has once again pledged his support for Materials Handling Middle East. The bi-annual trade exhibition covering the logistics, supply chain, freight and cargo industries will be held this year from September 25th to 27th at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Materials Handling Middle East reflects the latest trends and developments within the logistics and materials handling industries and receives strong interest from manufacturers, suppliers, agencies and government institutions from across the region.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said: “With the ongoing development of Dubai International, Dubai World Central and our new airport Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International as well as the continued expansion of the various Free Zones, Dubai is confidently asserting itself as an emerging global trade and logistics hub. Trade fairs such as Materials Handling Middle East are important platforms for supporting this continued development as they shine light on the city’s prospects within this industry and encourage further trade development.”

Mr Ahmed Pauwels, CEO, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Materials Handling Middle East, commented: “The support of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed is invaluable to us. We are working hard to ensure the delivery of a high quality, focused event in September and with this support we will build further on the show’s momentum. The transportation and logistics market in this region is a dynamic one with bountiful opportunities for business development.”

The exhibition provides the ideal opportunity for manufacturers and service providers from across the globe to penetrate the Middle East market. As a result, it also ensures that the region has access to the latest trends and technology available, with a host of product launches for the region taking place at the trade event.

Materials Handling Middle East is pleased to confirm the participation of market leaders Carl Stahl, Span Group with their range of Jungheinrich products, SSI Schaeffer, Interroll, Euroroll and Schoeller to name a few. This year’s exhibition will welcome over 250 exhibitors presenting a wide range of products from warehouse equipment and transportation solutions to inventory management and logistics services. For more information, please visit www.materials-handling-dubai.com.

 

Under The Auspices And In Presence Of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Gulf Engineering Conference To Be Launched Saturday In Dubai

Under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) will organize the Sixth Gulf Engineering Conference “GEC”, entitled "Towards Comprehensive and Sustainable Technology" and "Woman in Engineering, Science and Technology Forum” stemming from the GEC under the banner of “For a Better Planet” from 19th to 22nd February, 2011.

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will inaugurate the first day of the GEC on Sunday, 20th February, 2011 at Grand Hayatt Dubai Hotel, while Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade, will inaugurate the "Woman in Engineering, Science and Technology Forum” on Saturday 19 February, 2011 at Raffles Dubai Hotel.

Dr. Essa Bastaki, Chair of IEEE Emirate branch said: “This event has a highly reputable position at the global level. It was held for the first time in the UAE because of the high capabilities and elements in science, technology, communications and engineering. We spare no effort now to host similar great events in the coming years".

“The event will last for four consecutive days and will discuss more than 174 work papers submitted by researches from forty three countries around the world.” Bastaki added.

UAE researchers are 131, which the greatest level of participation in the event as they will submit around one third of the work papers. Iranian researchers are 47, Indian researchers are 30, Egyptian researchers are 25, Saudi Arabian researchers are 23, Omani researchers are 17, Pakistani researchers are 15, USA researchers are 14, UK researchers are 10, Kuwaiti researchers are 9, Malaysian researchers are 9 and five researchers from other GCC states and the rest of the world including France, Canada and other European countries.

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi will deliver a speech at the event. She will talk about woman contributions in science and technology career and its leading role in achieving sustainable development. Key women figures, specialists and researchers from GCC sates as well as experts from various parts of the world representing world renowned universities, global companies and a great number of civil society organizations will attend the event.

 The event will tackle primary areas including energy, electrical power, industrial and technological applications, communications science, information technology, electronics sector, electronic control systems, digital signals processing and machine learning.

The event is sponsored by (Etisalat) as the corporate sponsor, Dubai Aluminum Company Ltd. (Dubal) as the premier sponsor, Huawei Company Ltd as the platinum sponsor, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Cable Company Pvt. (DUCAB) and Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research share the golden sponsorship. Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO) and AMD Company share the golden sponsorship. Megger Co. and Projacs are participating sponsors. United Arab Emirates University, Petroleum Institute – Abu Dhabi, American University in Dubai, Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research participate as supporting universities. Dubai Quality Group (DQG) and IEEE participate as supporting organizations. Woman Forum is sponsored by the American University in Dubai, ADCO and Areej Al Amira Co.

Through sponsoring this event, Etisalat aspires to express its continued support for the efforts made at the sustainable development level. Etisalat focuses attention on implementing technologies and support modern innovations and services that may enhance efforts of sustainable development in the country in addition to the awareness campaigns in which Etisalat takes part.

Etisalat is one of the largest national organizations supporting women in engineering, science and technology. The number of female employees in Etisalat is estimated at 1500 occupying different positions, of which UAE national female employees form 70% which reflects the great attention paid by the organization to the woman and its leading and vital role in various fields.

It’s worth mentioning that Etisalat is the official sponsor of IEEE events as it sponsored the first conference for processing signals and communications held by the IEEE.