Director General of Dubai Municipality opens PALME 2010

Director General of Dubai Municipality opens PALME 2010

Spotlight turns to the region’s largest trade show taking place in Dubai this week

Closed airports have not stood in the way of attending this year’s PALME exhibition, highlighting its importance among the international AV and entertainment industry.

The 8th annual PALME Middle East 2010, the region’s only trade event dedicated to professional lighting, audio, music, entertainment, audio visual and systems integration industry, was officially opened this morning at the Dubai World Trade Centre by Engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

“PALME has always been an important show at which to do business and this year is no exception. The exhibition has grown 10 per cent compared to 2009, proving the importance of the date on the international entertainment calendar,” said Alex Heuff, Exhibition Director of PALME Middle East.

The team from A.C. Entertainment Technologies drove through the night to Nice, France, from London to board a flight to Dubai, arriving at 1am this morning to make the show.

“We said we would be at the show and when we say something we mean it but this is also an important trade show in the Middle East and the only one we exhibit at,” said Cally Bacchus, International Sales Director for A.C. Entertainment Technologies.

During his tour, Mr Lootah saw many of the new technologies on offer at the show, including the home automation system devised by Circuit Gulf.
“He liked that he could control everything in the house from one device and said he would be able to use it to turn down the volume on his children’s TVs,” said Nathan Williams, Circuit Gulf General Manager, which is also exhibiting its CosyHome iPhone application.

Elsewhere, Mr Lootah took a seat to watch a laser show by Laserworld (Switzerland) before heading to the NEC stand where he viewed the latest mapping and 3D technologies.

Ian Gobey, Sales Director, NEC Display Solutions, said: “He asked about our products and what market segment we sell them to. He also asked if we had 3D projectors that don’t require glasses, but we, like everyone else in the market, are not quite there yet.”

The exhibition, which runs until Tuesday, in Halls 2-4 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, features more than 200 from 30 countries showcasing 800 brands.

The annual PALME Middle East Awards 2010 will take place tomorrow night in the Al Multaqua Ballroom at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, recognising the leading industry players in such categories as Best Entertainment Venue in the Middle East and Most Innovative New AV Product of the Year.

Meanwhile, more than 30 speakers from leading companies across all areas of the industry are participating in conferences and seminars during the event focusing on systems integration and lighting. In addition, there will be a comprehensive education programme by leading industry professionals including certified courses on the latest technologies and techniques from education providers.

Platinum sponsors of PALME Middle East are ATEIS Middle East and AVI Presentation Products; gold sponsors are Circuit and Christie; silver sponsor is Protec; conference sponsors are Almoe and BARCO. The event is supported by Dubai Studio City. For more information, visit www.palme-middleeast.com

Photo caption: Engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, opens PALME 2010.

Leo Sterling-Yellow Hat classic car auction generates more than AED 340,000

Leo Sterling-Yellow Hat classic car auction generates more than AED 340,000

1968 model Mercedes Benz 280SL fetches 150,000; part of auction proceeds being donated to Dubai Autism Center


April 18, 2010

The "2010 Dubai Classic Car Auction" organised recently by Leo Sterling, UAE’s premier select property portfolio managers, in collaboration with auto accessory superstore Yellow Hat, generated a total of AED 343,000 through the sale of four cars and a motorcycle. The organisers revealed that a percentage of the proceeds is being donated to Dubai Autism Center, in line with efforts to raise awareness about Autism. The auction was organised under the patronage of Mohammed Bin Sulayem, FIA Vice President and President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE).

Held at Times Square Center (TSC), the "2010 Dubai Classic Car Auction", featured everything from antique, vintage and classic cars, to trucks and motorcycles, 4x4s, historically significant vehicles, military vehicles, and all other unique and/or custom vehicles. The cars that were auctioned off included a 1968 model Camaro SS, a 1990 Bentley, a custom-made Porsche and a 1968 model Mercedes Benz 280SL convertible which fetched AED 150,000. The motorcycle that was auctioned off was an 883CC Sportster engine Old School.

Anthony J O’Donnell, General Manager, Times Square Center, said: “The overwhelming response generated by this auction goes to show that there exists a relatively untapped market for classic cars in Dubai. Given the favourable outcome of this auction we are seriously considering making this an annual affair, especially since it also benefits a charitable organisation.”

Bruno Martorano, Managing Director of Leo Sterling, said: “The 2010 Dubai Classic Car Auction was, more than anything, a celebration of UAE’s reputation of being a car lover’s paradise. The success of this auction, in terms of the range of cars that were part of the auction and the sales that took place on the day, was truly inspiring. We are also pleased to donate part of the proceeds from the auction to Dubai Autism Center, which we believe will help the Center in its efforts to create greater awareness about Autism among children.”

The "2010 Dubai Classic Car Auction" was supported by Desert Warriors Dubai, a leading motorcycle club in the UAE that is committed to driving awareness for social causes, while Russian Radio was the media sponsor for the event.

A selection of the cars that were part of the auction was showcased at TSC three days prior to the auction day. The auction concluded with a large group of bikers representing Desert Warriors Dubai proceeding on a parade from Times Square Center along Sheikh Zayed road.

Dubai Marina tallest block photos , 16/April/2010

Gulf for Good to partner with top educational institutions in UAE

Gulf for Good to partner with top educational institutions in UAE

Dubai-based charity group aims to expand reach over the Gulf and boost regional participation

April 14, 2010

Gulf for Good (G4G), a Dubai-based charity that organises adventure challenges to raise funds to be donated to handpicked causes, is planning to partner with educational institutions across the UAE, to further promote its fund-raising adventure activities. The initiative is also part of the charity’s vision to expand its reach over the Gulf region and boost the number of regional participants in its adventure activities.

G4G has previously worked with UAE-based institutions such as The English College and Dubai Men’s College and is aiming to involve other schools, colleges and universities in adventure challenges to raise funds for charity. The charity’s plan to collaborate with educational institutions can also assist programs such as the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Awards’ and the International Baccalaureate, both of which are dedicated to the personal development of young people from all backgrounds and the promotion of peace through intercultural understanding. Some of G4G’s previous projects include the construction of a community hospital in Nepal, classrooms in Tanzania, purchasing children’s physiotherapy equipment in Sharjah, computer software for blind students in Oman and medical equipment in Palestine.

“We believe that students can learn important lessons not only inside the classroom, but also by interacting with and playing an active role in the community, which can hone a host of practical skills to complement their theoretical knowledge,” said Brian Wilkie, Chairman and Founder of Gulf for Good. “With the growing interest of students in the UAE in acquiring a holistic education, we are confident that our challenges will help students to get fitter, develop their skills, learn to respect and understand other cultures and become well-rounded individuals with a culture of serving the community.”

Gulf for Good is set to be honoured at the first ever ‘Noble Humanitarian Awards Middle East’, a prestigious annual gathering that recognises the achievements of philanthropic organisations, which is being staged at the Emirates Palace on April 24, 2010. The gala event, which aims to drive awareness on the work of regional charity organisations and the impact of their work in the lives of people across the globe, is being organised by The Celebrity Charity Awards Corporation, a U.S non-profit organisation working to unify the efforts of charities with celebrities, influencers, media and citizens to create an effective forum for change.

“We are proud to honour G4G for spearheading unique activities that encourage people from all across the Gulf to become involved in exciting events while raising funds for the needy across the world. The innovative approach being developed by this organisation and the sizeable amounts of money they have managed to raise for charity, have played a significant part for their selection at the first ‘Noble Humanitarian Awards Middle East’,” concluded Janeen Mansour, Founder, The Noble Humanitarian Awards.

Founded in 2001, Gulf for Good (www.gulf4good.org) is operating under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai's Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman & CEO, Emirates Group. To date, G4G has organised a total of 28 challenges in 17 countries involving over 550 participants aged from 15 to 72, and has raised over AED 5 million in total funds, which have been donated to tangible and deserving community projects in the adventure challenge host countries. The challenges previously organised by the group include trekking to Machu Piccu in Peru and Everest Base Camp, cycling in Cambodia, kayaking in Madagascar, Oman and Borneo and even camel trekking in Jordan! This year, they are offering climbing Kilimanjaro, hiking in Lebanon, cycling in Cuba and cycling, trekking and kayaking in northern Thailand.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak inaugurates GETEX Dubai 2010

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak inaugurates GETEX Dubai 2010

Free-to-attend counselling forum introduced as GETEX continues to address new challenges in region's education and training sector

April 14, 2010
H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has today (Wednesday, April 14, 2010) inaugurated GETEX Dubai 2010, the Middle East's leading education fair, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will run until April 17 showcasing a comprehensive range of educational tools and solutions distributed in the two distinct segments of Student Recruitment and Education Equipment & Technology. More than 400 international universities from 40 countries are taking part in the four-day event, which will also feature over 2,500 academic options.

The Global Forum on Technology & Innovation in Teaching and Leading, a specialised exhibition and conference for teachers that is dedicated to enhancing the learning process through the use of technology in the classroom, is expected to be a major attraction at GETEX Dubai 2010. The Forum – which will be held from April 14 to 17 - will offer in-depth discussions about emerging technologies and strategies for integration, communication and collaboration tools, and digital age teaching tools and resources, including online learning, Web 2.0 tools and multimedia.

A new inclusion to this edition of GETEX Dubai is the Excellence in Business & Finance Forum, a free-to-attend career-counselling, mentoring and networking event for senior students and young professionals in the field of business and finance. The Forum, which will also be held on April 15, will provide participants an opportunity to interact with potential employees and discuss case studies and challenges in the banking and finance sectors. It will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas, while providing a networking platform for senior students and graduates to establish interpersonal connections with key industry figures.

"We are delighted to see such a large number of the most prominent international universities from around the world on a single platform. GETEX is a global hub that allows access to the latest innovations, training programs and educational methodologies adopted by leading academic institutions and being optimally used to develop the students' capabilities and skills in line with the requirements of the labour market. The event also facilitates communication and exchange of experiences and best practices among industry peers, helping further develop the education sector in the UAE," said H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan.

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences & Exhibitions (IC&E), organisers of the event, commented: "Making the right academic or career choice is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions that students have to take, and getting the right advice is invaluable. This is where GETEX Dubai, through its various segments and the student counselling sessions, has been playing a significant role over the years, offering options that enable students and parents to make informed decisions.”

“GETEX Dubai 2010 will also serve as an ideal platform to gather detailed information on various scholarship and internship opportunities. Also, students who are keen on studying abroad can get an in-depth understanding of the requirements of various international universities and even the enrolment process,” added Godinho.

GETEX Dubai 2010 is hosting leading local and international universities including Abu Dhabi University, Al Ghurair University, ALHOSN University, American University of Sharjah, Canadian University and Ecole Hoteliere Lavasa, among others. Similar to the previous editions of GETEX Dubai, China, Malaysia and South Korea have the largest presence at the show this year.

GETEX Dubai 2010 show timings:
April 14th and 15th, 2010 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; April 16th and 17th, 2010 – 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Dubai Marina and JLT photos

Dubai Superyacht photos, Dubai Marina

Dubai Taxi launches “Salamtak” tire initiative in coop with Al Dobowi Group

Dubai Taxi launches “Salamtak” tire initiative in coop with Al Dobowi Group

Dubai (United Arab Emirates): The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has teamed up with Al Dobowi Group to launch a week-long Salamtak tire initiative with the aim of stressing the importance of tires to the safety of the vehicle, and the need to consider tires as crucial component of vehicles, and how to maintain them to guard against road risks and surprises.

According to Yousef Al Ali, Director of DTC Fleet Processes and & Operation Dep’t the DTC had coordinated this initiative with Al Dobowi Group in the light of the Agreement made last year for the supply of Korean Hankook Tire brand to the DTC conforming to the GCC standards for a two-year period. The initiative also came in the context of building and boosting relationships between the DTC and private businesses & vendors with whom the DTC is interacting in various fields.
“Drivers have well been briefed on this initiative along with the accompanying rewards announced and budgeted for the distinguished drivers in the form of purchase vouchers of 100 dirham to encourage other drivers maintain and continuously check tires condition and air pressure regularly” said Yousef.

He added: “This initiative aims at heightening the awareness of cabdrivers of the importance of tires and carrying out regular checks considering their significant impact on curbing accidents and frequent problems encountered by taxicabs of the DTC fleet which currently comprises 3504 vehicles operated by more than 7200 drivers on shift basis 24 hours a day”.

Al Ali highlighted the key & vital role of tires in maintaining the safety of vehicle and accordingly the safety of both the driver and passengers. Therefore, it is imperative to select the proper tires and carry out regular checks, as provided for in the contract made with Al Dobowi Group. DTC seeks to provide all elements of tire security & safety in order to achieve the best results and materialize the vision of the RTA and DTC of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All.

“The DTC workshop has been fitted with all the required services, equipment and technicians who carry out regular checks & maintenance of all taxicabs. The technical capacity of the workshop has been upped with the deployment of more personnel to commensurate with the volume of the required jobs to be done on daily or monthly basis including repair, service and cleaning of taxicabs” said the Director of DTC Fleet Processes and & Operation Dep’t.

“The workshop is currently operating at 90% operational efficiency with 145 specialized administrative & technical staff working on shift basis at the workshop; which has 54 bays for servicing vehicles fitted with the latest tools & equipment used for vehicle repairs.

“Coordination is in hand between the workshop and the car washing station, which carries out body washing for about 1500 vehicles and interior washing for 30 vehicles per day. June & July are the busiest months of the year in the workshop” said Al Ali in a final comment.

Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT, Dubai

La Martina welcomes 14 renowned polo players participating in Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2010

La Martina welcomes 14 renowned polo players participating in Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2010

Dubai, UAE, 28th March, 2010: La Martina, the renowned Argentinean brand behind a wide array of world class polo fashion products, welcomed 14 international polo players at its signature store at The Dubai Mall.

Ayman Hanbali, Marketing Manager, La Martina, said: "It was a pleasure and privilege to welcome polo players of world class caliber. The players shopped to their heart's content at our store and we were pleased to see that they were impressed by the ambience and polo spirit prevailing in the store".

"La Martina first established a name for itself as a designer of leather gods and uniforms for polo players, and over the years, the brand has diversified to add general fashion products for ladies, men and kids.
The La Martina products, though made with polo as the inspiration, are perfect for day-to-day use as well," Hanbali added.

The Dubai Mall store of La Martina is among the top La Martina outlets in the world and the only one of its kind in the region. Each La Martina product is meticulously designed, produced and tested to ensure highest quality standards to cater to the requirements of general customers as well as professional and amateur polo players.

La Martina is the official supplier for the Cartier Dubai international Polo Cup for the 5th year in a row.

La Martina has come closer to its region’s customers through the its outlet at The Dubai Mall which is spread over an area of 400 square meters and designed to reflect La Martina international standards with an Arabian touch.

La Martina’s retail store in Dubai’s biggest shopping mall is a beautiful and richly decorated venue where customers can browse and shop in an ideal living-room environment. The classic La Martina style has been tailored specifically to the Middle East market, to create a store with black and white marbled floor tiles, vintage chandeliers contemporized through the use of black lampshades and antique furniture shipped from Argentina.


Photo Caption: Left to right: Sunjay Kapur (Cartier team), Clive Reid (Desert Palm), Pete Webb (Desert Palm), Chris Hyde (Cartier), Simran Shergill (Cartier) and Richard Le Poer (Julius Baer).