Emirati Artists Reflect On The UAEs Culture With Their Unique Designs For Artbus

This year Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, in association with ArtintheCity, has commissioned three Emirati
artists to create artworks for the ArtBus in a new initiative to showcase local talent during Art Dubai, Sharjah
Biennial 10 and Sikka Art Fair, a new contemporary platform for emerging Emirati and local artists. Sheikha
Bin Dhaher, Saeed Al-Madani and Zeinab Alhashemi have been selected to design artworks which will be
featured on the ArtBus exteriors.

The three commissioned artists have created artworks that critically engage with the local culture and
contemporary arts scene, which will be viewed in an exciting mobile experience of visual art. This innovative
way for both local and international audiences around Dubai and Sharjah to view artwork is in keeping with
the wide range of experimental projects at this year’s various cultural events.

Sheikha Bin Dhaher’s design features a series of Emirati female dresses – thowbs – and burqas, which form
a larger pattern inspired by the Moorish tiles used in Al-Andalus during and after the reign of the Muslims.
Circling the top of the bus is repeated Arabic Kufic script which alternately reads, halifat-ul-fann (the art bus)
or al-fannu-hafila (art is a bus), creating a humourous play on words. Bin Dhaher is a graduate from the
American University of Sharjah, and also holds an MA degree in Communication Design from London’s
Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design. She has recently co-founded the graphic design studio, Abjad
Design.

For her design, Zeinab Al Hasemi has taken the UAE’s traditional roots of fishing and trading pearls and
spices as her source of inspiration in a piece entitled ‘Pearl Tale’. She blends history with the mythical to
create a story of the UAE’s past using dirham notes to create a collage-like artwork. Al Hashemi holds a BA
in Arts & Science, specialised in Multi-Media design. She has already been extensively involved in the UAE’s
art scene, participating in multiple exhibitions and receiving sponsorship for her art work from HSBC’s
‘Culture Exchange’ programme.

Saeed Al-Madani is an artist who has embraced the UAE and the world’s advancements in technology and its
influence on art and design, using it to enhance his own creative skills. For ArtBus, he has transformed the
traditional Islamic art form of calligraphy into a dynamic abstract representation of Arabic typography. AlMadani
has participated in multiple exhibitions and was also exhibited in the prestigious 2010 Sharjah
Calligraphy Biennial.

Audiences will be able to view the three designs from these artists on the buses, as they travel around
Sharjah and Dubai’s arts scenes.

The ArtBus routes for March 2011 are as follows:

Al Bastakiya/Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Route, DUBAI: March 17 – 19, 2011
The heritage site of Al Bastakiya is Dubai’s original arts and culture area, housing several of Dubai’s long
established art galleries as well as the newly opened Tashkeel artist studios. This year, this historic area will
also play host to Sikka Art Fair, the first ever locally focused art fair running parallel to Art Dubai, organised by
the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Passengers will have the chance to visit the fair and discover some of the
UAE’s most promising emerging young artists.

From there the ArtBus will move onto the slick financial district of DIFC Gate Village, which houses some of
the city’s leading art spaces, including Ayyam Gallery, who will show new work by artist Samia Halaby from
March 13th to April 30th. There will also be a focus on contemporary art from Saudi Arabia in the exhibition
TERMINAL, presented by Edge of Arabia.

Galleries & art exhibitions included in the route are Art Chowk, Al Serkal Cultural Foundation Heritage House,
Art Space, Ayyam Gallery, Cuadro Fine Art Gallery, House 44 (The Dubai Culture joins hands with The
Delfina Foundation for global artists-in-residence programme at Al Bastakiya), TERMINAL; Edge of Arabia,
The Empty Quarter, The Farjam Collection, Hunar Gallery, The Majlis Gallery, Marsam Mattar, Opera Gallery,
Pro Art Gallery, Sikka Art Fair, Showcase Gallery, Tashkeel studio space and XVA Gallery. The Al
Bastakiya/DIFC ArtBus will depart from the first roundabout at Souk Madinat Jumeirah at 10am from March
17-19, 2011. A lunch stop is scheduled at Al Bastakiya Arts Quarter.

Al Quoz Route, DUBAI: March 17 – 19, 2011

The industrial area of Al Quoz is now known as one of Dubai’s art hubs and continues to attract increasing
numbers of innovative galleries and alternative venues. Al Serkal Avenue, in particular, has become a
favourite and has developed into something of an art hotspot, featuring a number of Dubai’s top art spaces,
including Carbon 12, Green Art Gallery and Lawrie Shabibi, which will open on March 13th with a debut show
of acclaimed Lebanese artist Nabil Nahas.

Galleries included in the route are Art Sawa, Ayyam Art Centre, Carbon 12, 1×1 Contemporary, DUCTAC,
Etemad Gallery, Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde, Green Art Gallery, thejamjar, Lawrie Shabibi Gallery, Mojo
Gallery, The Pavilion, Tashkeel, The Third Line, Total Arts at the Courtyard, Traffic and Vindemia. The Al
Quoz ArtBus will depart from the first roundabout at Souk Madinat Jumeirah at 10am from March 17-19,
2011. There is a scheduled lunch stop at the new Lime Tree Café & Kitchen in Al Quoz.

Sharjah Route: March 16 – 19, 2011

For the first year ever, ArtBus will be visiting the Sharjah Biennial, with a bus journeying to the city of Sharjah
from March 16-19, 2011. The bus will depart from the first roundabout at Souk Madinat Jumeirah at 10am
each day and will first travel to Al Qasba, where passengers can visit Maraya Art Centre and the Barjeel Art
Foundation before heading to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. After re-fueling with a lunch stop,
the ArtBus will head to Sharjah Biennial 10, leaving passengers plenty of time to explore the vast range of
commissioned artist projects that extend from the Sharjah Art Museum to Sharjah’s historic Heritage Area.
There will be two return buses to Dubai to allow for visitors who wish to stay for the evening performances,
with the first departing at 5pm and the second departing 15 minutes after the last performance.
Galleries included in the route are Maraya Art Centre, Barjeel Art Foundation. Sharjah Museum of Islamic
Civilization and Sharjah Biennial 10.

Tickets for the ArtBus can be purchased online from www.timeouttickets.com or from thejamjar in Al Quoz
04-3417303 or via email info@artinthecity.com. Tickets are priced at AED 50 per person. Lunch is not
included in the ticketprice.

Dubai Strengthens Status As Middle East Fashion Hotbed, Drawing Inspiration From The Emirates Unique Cultural Mix

Dubai has become a breeding ground of eclectic fashion designs and concepts in light of the dozens of nationalities and cultures that live and co-exist in the emirate. Dubai’s status as a premier fashion destination has been further bolstered when it was named as one of the world’s top fashion cities in 2010, while maintaining its stronghold as the fashion capital of the Middle East.

Aspiring fashion designers from different countries have been coming to Dubai in search of the latest fashion trends and to take up various fashion courses being offered in the emirate. The extensive collection of fashion labels in Dubai, on the other hand, continues to attract a growing number of tourists looking for the latest designs from the most prominent global fashion brands.

Esmod Dubai, the leading French fashion school in the region fully dedicated to fashion, strongly reflects the growing reputation of Dubai as a key destination of the region’s fashion trend-setters and aspiring fashion designers. Esmod, the French fashion school Dubai, has many students who are foreigners that brings an extraordinary & eclectic combination of culture when it comes to fashion design inspiration.

“Dubai is home to the widest collection of fashion labels in the Middle East, making it a very popular destination for fashionistas from across the region. Esmod, the French fashion school, Dubai itself is predominantly foreign nationalities which reaffirms the reputation of Dubai as the perfect breeding ground of international fashion talents and cross-cultural fashion designs and concepts. The UAE’s fashion industry will definitely continue to grow and expand as several other leading fashion brands enter the local market. Esmod, the French fashion school, Dubai will likewise move forward with its plans to further expand its academic programs and complement the status of Dubai as the undisputed centre of fashion in the Middle East," said Tamara Hostal, Director and Founder of Esmod, the French fashion school, Dubai.

Esmod Dubai, has further revealed that it will organise more fashion oriented events in Dubai in collaboration with international fashion designers as part of its strategic plan to provide dedicated avenues for promising designers in the emirate to showcase their latest creations.

Esmod Dubai has also recently launched two new fashion courses to further strengthen its academic offerings. "Jewelry Design" presents a complete overview of the art of jewellery making that enables students to create their own contemporary jewels or accessories, while "Fashion Photography" is a 12-week course that teaches student to plan and execute creative fashion photo-shoots.

The fashion school has also revealed that the next session of its highly popular three-year program will commence on September 25, 2011, and the closing date for registration is May 15, 2011. This comprehensive course covers a wide range of fashion-related subjects such as fashion design techniques, pattern making, textile science, costume creation, haute couture, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, among others. Candidates who are at least 17 years of age and hold a high school certificate or equivalent are eligible to apply for this program.
 

Noor Islamic Bank Launches Unique FIT FOR LIFE Credit Cards

A unique series of credit cards that focus on the well-being of their holders, as well as offering thousands of dirhams of savings on a range of products, has been launched by Noor Islamic Bank.

The ‘FIT FOR LIFE’ credit cards are designed to meet the needs of individuals who not only wish to improve the health of their finances in 2011, but also want to live a healthier lifestyle.

Among the range of unusual benefits available to card holders is a complimentary access to selected golf clubs and fitness centres across the country, as well as a free bonus offer with every approved Gold / Platinum / Infinity credit card. Valet parking services, discounts at fine dining restaurants and on Health Factory home or office delivered meals, loyalty points with cash back options and access to Noor’s private travel-desk services are also included.

John Chang, Head of Retail Banking at the bank said, “Our FIT for Life credit cards will help our clients adopt a healthier way of life, alongside a more responsible view to managing their finances.

“Our customers are telling us that they, now more than ever, have a desire to better understand and manage their financial situation. Our FIT for Life credit cards are a response to that wish. Although there is an annual fee, the value and savings offered far outweigh the cost and will help customers reduce their annual spending.”
 

Seven New Shark Species Now At Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo To Flag Off Unique Shark Fest

Sharks are taking the spotlight at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

One of the most popular leisure destinations in Dubai managed by Emaar Retail LLC within The Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is celebrating an unprecedented ‘Shark Fest,’ until May 15, 2011.

The highlights of the Shark Fest include the introduction of seven new and exotic species of sharks at the Underwater Zoo and the world’s largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the aquarium. With such a diversity of species in one leisure attraction, visitors will have an unprecedented insight into the world of sharks.

The additions will give visitors to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo an unrivalled opportunity to watch the marvels of the ‘shark world,’ with the seven new species differentiated by their remarkable adaptations and a variety of striking appearances.

The new shark species include Black Tip Shark, White Tip Shark, Spotted Bamboo Shark, Coral Cat Shark, Zebra Horned Shark, Wobbegong Shark and Leopard Shark. With the addition of the seven new species, the total species of aquatic animals in the 33,000-strong family of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is now over 260.

Visitors can look forward to much more than shark spotting at the aquarium, as Shark Fest offers a unique opportunity to further understand the shark community, watch feedings of different species of shark and gain an overview of the operations of the aquarium through several interactive events. The festival also features informative talks on environmental conservation that will give fresh insights on natural diversity and how individuals can contribute to the global efforts at sustainability.

The Shark Fest offers the full spectrum of activities from shark dives and shark talks to feeding presentations, shark story time, giveaways for children, and a scavenger hunt for young ones where they stand to win the chance to meet Underwater Zoo animals up close and personal.

The Shark Talks open a wealth of information for the participants marked by a lighthearted presentation while the Dubai Aquarium Tunnel presentation discusses the sustainability of the aquatic world.

The Scavenger Hunt, essentially, features a range of questions that the children have to find answers through fun-driven exploration with a chance to win a shark tooth. The hunt introduces new ways for fun learning, mixing educational content with interactive activities. The winners get the chance to win a Shark Tooth.

An array of children’s fiction on sharks will be showcased giving the little ones more reason to be thrilled. They can also enjoy collecting shark stickers.

Gordon White, General Manager, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, said: “Shark Fest is the first of its kind initiative, perhaps, in the entire Middle East region, whereby we are showcasing the myriad aspects of sharks – helping visitors understand these often much misunderstood species. There is so much for everyone – from adults to children – at the Shark Fest, which is aimed at instilling curiosity among the public as well as offering them proof-based insights on the aquatic world.”

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world, featuring the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. New species are regularly added to the aquatic animal community with recent additions being the exquisite Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks and Silver Tip Sharks.

A 270-degree walk-through tunnel experience, Glass Bottom Boat Rides, Cage Snorkeling Experience, The Ocean School Programme, feeding presentations and the Aquarist Programme are some of the activities that add to the interactive experience for visitors.

Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 above the main Aquarium tank, presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Apart from Humboldt Penguins and Caiman Crocodiles, the animals featured here include Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Water Rats, Sea Jellies and Clown fish.

In addition to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Emaar Retail LLC manages a strong portfolio of exclusive leisure and retail concepts including the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; Reel Cinemas, the UAE largest megaplex with 22-screens; KidZania®, the first of its kind edutainment concept in the entire region; and SEGA Republic, the region’s first and largest SEGA indoor theme park – all in The Dubai Mall. Reel Cinemas has also introduced the first ‘premier’ boutique 6-screen Cineplex at Dubai Marina Mall.
 

Defending Champion Receives Unique Support Ahead Of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Defending champion Novak Djokovic received an extraordinary display of support ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships as he visited Dolphin Bay at Atlantis, The Palm today.

The two-time Dubai champion can now add Blade, Cathy, Sol, Alice and Abby to his fan-base after swimming with the amicable pod as part of the Atlantis Dolphin Encounter, which allows guests to wade into waist-high crystal clear waters and enter the intriguing and playful world of dolphins, swimming and showing off some of their favourite skills.

Joining Djokovic in the lagoon with the dolphins was his girlfriend, Jelena Ristic and his 19-year-old brother Marko (with whom he will contest the doubles in Dubai).

“This has been an amazing experience. The dolphins are such friendly creatures and it’s fantastic to be able to get this close and swim with them,” said Djokovic, who will face Michael Llodra of France in his opening match of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. He and his brother will face the experienced pair of Mahesh Bupathi and Leander Paes of India in their first round doubles encounter.

“I love playing here in Dubai and I am really looking forward to defending my title here again,” added the sensational Serbian.

“It’s a great pleasure to have Novak back in Dubai – he has shown us in the last two years just what he is capable of and has displayed impressive form in winning the Australian Open last month,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “We’re looking forward to seeing him in action again here at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.”

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Play began on February 14th with the WTA Tour event and continues with the ATP tournament from February 21st that includes and four-time Dubai winner and 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer.

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

 

A Unique Art Exhibition At Orient Guest House Highlights The Journey Of Two Female Artists Through Their Souls

Orient Guest House, nestled in the most cultural hub of Dubai – the Bastakiya, has opened its doors for an art exhibition of two inspirational Dubai-based female artists. The show will run till December 20 from 11am in the morning to 8pm in the evening. Orient Guest House is part of Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa in Dubai. The uncanny paintings of Marketa Halamek, hailing from Chez Republic, and Zareen Khan, a Pakistani artist, highlight great depth and breadth in their work.

Habib Khan, General Manager of the hotel and CEO Hospitality Division of Planet Group, said: “Both the artists are worlds apart in their styles but bond together strongly on their passion and love for the arts. This is a rare exhibition where you will not only see the two artists connecting and sharing their artworks with the public but also offer free seminars to art lover and students. The seminars will be held at the Majlis in Orient Guest House. The diverse select of paintings of both the artists provide an amazing insight into the canvas of life dominated by fierce colours. So be there and get inspired.”

Marketa’s paintings reflect the sensitivities of a woman, who has lived, loved, lost, and rediscovered herself through her art! Her strokes are gentle and harmonious, and her colours are vibrant and alive. When asked about her work, she simply says: “I want to touch people’s heart with my art. I want them to say, ‘she feels deeply, she feels tenderly’.”

Meanhwile, Zareen Khan’s use of colour is bold and her characters are strong. Her paintings, as described by her, are a record of all her secrets draped in colour. Her paintings provide a poetic relief to soar eyes. In her own words: “I enjoy painting pieces that have multiple meanings or which evoke a multitude of responses from different viewers. My work highlights a journey through my soul allowing me to transcend boundaries.”

As one walks across their paintings one realises that each unique piece is an analogy for an individual human life and are the result of their lifelong engagement with art. Though both have varied tastes, they document and explore through their art new subjects with captivating details that compel the viewer to travel across their masterpieces.

For further information call 04-3519111 / 050 5515979 or e-mail at: info@woman2woman.biz
 

Galeries Lafayette Opens Ýts Doors To Lafayette Gourmet A Unique Food Concept In Dubai

Galeries Lafayette – the nation’s largest department store – is gearing up towards hosting two very special events in Dubai at its premises on October 5th and 6th 2010.

On October 5th, “Lafayette Gourmet”, a unique Gourmet Store, will open its doors to showcase an amazing collection of gastronomic high end foods and delicacies, offering a fresh perspective on quality food in a vibrant and highly entertaining ambience.

Jean-Christophe Novelli, one of the iconic chefs in the world’s culinary dome, will fly to Dubai as a celebrity guest joining a series of events dedicated to the food aficionados on the occasion of the launch.

Andrew Joyce, culinary director of Food & Beverage, Galeries Lafayette Dubai, explains: “Lafayette Gourmet will become a haven for the food lover in the entire region, inviting him to embark on a never experienced before culinary journey. We will offer the best of the best, what we simply like to call “yummy food”. Our chefs from all around the globe aspire to prepare healthy, vibrant and colourful food, haute cuisine at its finest!”

This food extravaganza affair has another surprise in store. Lafayette Gourmet will feature a Catering and Home Delivery service, promising to bring the same experience at your doorstep. “Whether it’s a Christmas Turkey or an Iftar gathering, Lafayette Gourmet pledges to deliver any type of ethnic, international or local food so that you can enjoy the exact same colourful and humble food in the comfort of your own house. Hampers, wedding cakes, Christmas lunch, they’re all occasions that we can help you with. Orders can be tailored in such way to appeal to all walks of life” added Mr. Joyce.

“We are delighted to welcome Lafayette Gourmet, a testament to Galeries Lafayette’s commitment to constant evolution and innovation in lifestyle shopping experience.

Our French spirit of fashion can now manifest itself through Lafayette Gourmet’s food philosophy. We strive to impress the world-class, savvy consumer out of Dubai and in line with our store’s mission, anyone in pursuit of quality and high end lifestyle, will discover something fitting to his pocket in this spectacular food setting.” says Pascal Abchee, General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Dubai.

On October 6th, the Lafayette celebrations will continue with a much anticipated Fashion Show, showcasing the latest fashion collections of French and International brands. The theme is called “Twisted Buttons” and will unveil the hottest in trends and styles for Autumn/Winter 2011 season.

One of the most celebrated new designers in the fashion arena, Alessandra Gucci, will be launching her superb collection of AG handbags exclusively at the Show.

Mr. Abchee explained: “We are proud to be associated with the world’s leading fashion brands and we take every opportunity to being pioneers in trend-setting. Dubai draws the ideal landscape for exclusive fashion launches, being such dynamic hub between the East and the West. This fashion show is yet another demonstration of our loyalty to preserve a world class fashion scene devoted to the city’s sophisticated shoppers.”

With a total of 215,000 square feet, Galeries Lafayette’s impressive; three storey outlet at the Dubai Mall has set a new standard with its unique contemporary and chic design, offering a myriad of fashionable labels under one roof.

The store has already established itself as playing a leading role in Dubai’s lifestyle shopping scene, in the world’s biggest mall, Dubai Mall.

The two events are expected to be attended extensively by large numbers of prominent guests and celebrities.
 

Ahmed Seddiqi Sons Launches Issey Miyakes Unique Present Time Concept Watch, In The UAE

Leading timepiece retailer, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons has launched the distinctive range of VUE watches from iconic fashion brand and watch retailer, Issey Miyake. VUE is the eight series to be showcased by Issey Miyake and is the creation of internationally acclaimed Industrial designer Yves Behar, who has been honored by over 150 awards for his innovative concepts.

Designed to offer a new perspective on time, the VUE range has been inspired by a notion of ‘viewing time’ (as VUE is the French equivalent to VEIW in English) where the dial of the watch is analogue, but has been expertly crafted to show only the numbers signifying the current time, and no unnecessary digits. Each number appears and slowly disappears as time ticks away, essentially representing a viewing of time in the present and the arrival of the future. The watch has been inspired by the mystery of time and offers a new VUE of the past, present and future.

“Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons prides itself on offering one of the widest range of modern, stylish and cutting edge timepieces in the Middle East, and the VUE range is the latest addition to our portfolio of top-quality watches. Issey Miyake has emerged at the forefront of innovative designs and their latest offering is a prime example of this, tackling the concept of time from a unique perspective, which is both aesthetically par excellence and creatively distinct. The uniqueness of the watch lies in the excellent craftsmanship and the seamless emerging and disappearing of numbers as time passes”, said Mr. Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, VP of Sales & Retail, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.

The VUE collection is available exclusively at select Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons outlets across the UAE.
 

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Offer Unique Getaways This Eid

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has created a series of diverse, delightful packages for visitors old and new across the region in honor of this uniquely treasured time of celebration. Whether it’s escaping to the far reaches of a mountain resort overlooking the rich forests of South Africa in the newly launched Fairmont Zimbali Resort, discovering the rich, ancient culture of Cairo at Fairmont Nile City or driving down the road to the sparkling waters of Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in the capital, families don’t have to spend a fortune to find a special place to share this short holiday with their loved ones in unsurpassed comfort and style.

It’s not too late to create those summer memories – as we slip into the cooler months, take advantage of the Everyone’s an Original package with The Fairmont Dubai. Starting at an exclusive summer rate of only AED 799, this special offer is available only until October 15th, welcoming guests to sample this revered urban property at the heart of the magnificent Sheikh Zayed road skyline. Famed for an exceptional variety of ten sophisticated dining and entertainment outlets including the renowned international delicacies of Spectrum on One and its home in the financial hub of the city, this hotel is the ultimate destination for any discerning business travelers seeking the best in city breaks.

With a special Eid Al Fitr package at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, stay three nights and only pay for two – giving you more time to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Relax by the private sandy beach, or by the pool and enjoy spectacular views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Indulge your palate with a host of dining experiences from authentic Italian at Frankie’s Restaurant & Bar to indulgent chocolate fondue at The Chocolate Gallery, all with a 20% discount and check in early and leave late so that you can make the most of your time.

Find no better way to experience Cairo’s culture and history than through the luxury of Fairmont Nile City, a property that exudes the modernity befitting of such a metropolitan destination as well as the blissful natural beauty that characterizes Egypt’s capital. Take away a memorable and magnificent experience with exclusive Eid rates from AED880 per night for two persons inclusive of a lavish breakfast at the chic, contemporary Napa Grill overlooking the waters of the Nile.

For those looking further afield, discover South Africa’s coastal paradise, nestled between a vast forest reserve and the shimmering sea, the Fairmont Zimbali Resort is the perfect destination to uncover somewhere different over the days of Eid Al Fitr. Take in awe-inspiring views across the sumptuous greenery to the breadths of the Indian Ocean while basking in the intimacy of the resort’s exquisite beach club and cascading swimming pools, starting from AED 500 a night with the Celebration package for two. Book before September 15th to enjoy stays anytime before December 20th and explore first-hand the vibrant natural surroundings and long-standing heritage of the Zulu Kingdom’s North Coast.

Further information on each of the hotels and individual packages can be found at the following websites:

www.fairmont.com/dubai
www.fairmont.com/babalbahr
www.fairmont.com/nilecity
www.fairmont.com/zimbaliresort
 

University Of Dubai Launches A Unique MBA Program

The University of Dubai (UD), a prestigious university in the UAE established by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is launching a unique MBA programme accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research.

The program is highly integrated and will tackle three challenging areas – Managing the Organization, Making Choices, and Making a Difference, keeping in view the unique characteristics of UAE in particular and the region in general. The UDMBA will offer double majors in four disciplines – Leadership and Human Resources Management, Operations and Logistics Management, Finance and Accounting, and International Business and Marketing.

This highly integrated international curriculum puts emphasis on applied learning and provides a holistic learning experience, drawing from a variety of organizational disciplines and theoretical perspectives. The course will help UD students establish and sustain a successful managerial or professional business careers while developing those skills that are required to think logically and plan strategically.

Dr M. Omar Hefni, President of UD said: “We are pleased to introduce this Master’s degree program that is built on substantial experience of staff who combine the Gulf-specific industry experience with a strong ability to teach and research. In addition to an immediate job placement, UD students also get the chance to be connected with the University’s Alumni Association that provides excellent networking opportunities amongst current and former students.”

The small size classes with 20-25 students offer students a great deal of individual attention and a rolling admission facility which provides students a greater flexibility to plan their studies at their own convenience. The 15-month UDMBA encourages innovation, achievement and excellence that is relevant to the needs of both regional public and private sector companies. It also gives individuals the chance to develop their full potential as business leaders of the 21st century.

Registration for the new session starts on September 12.